Bacterial diversity in high Andean grassland soils disturbed with Lepidium meyenii crops evaluated by metagenomics / Diversidade bacteriana em solos de prados andinos elevados perturbados por culturas de Lepidium meyenii avaliadas por metagenômica

Soil quality is usually determined by its physical-chemical characteristics without taking into account the bacterial communities that play a fundamental role in the chemical decomposition of plant nutrients. In this context, the objective of the study was to evaluate bacterial diversity in high Andean grassland soils disturbed with Lepidium meyenii cultivation under different gradients of use (first, second and third use) and crop development (pre-sowing, hypocotyl development and post-harvest). The sampling was carried out in the Bombón plateau in the central Andes of Peru, during the rainy and low water seasons, by the systematic method based on a specific pattern assigned in a geometric rectangular shape at a depth of 0 - 20 cm. The characterization of the bacterial communities was carried out through the metagenomic sequencing of the 16S rRNA. 376 families of bacteria were reported, of which it was determined that there was a significant change in bacterial composition and distribution in relation to use pressure. There were no major changes due to the development of Lepidium meyenii. The families most sensitive to use pressure and soil poverty indicators were Verrucomicrobiaceae, Acidobacteraceae and Aakkermansiaceae.

A qualidade do solo é normalmente determinada pelas suas características físico-químicas sem ter em conta as comunidades bacterianas que desempenham um papel fundamental na decomposição química dos nutrientes das plantas. Neste contexto, o objetivo do estudo foi avaliar a diversidade bacteriana em solos de prados andinos elevados perturbados pelo cultivo de Lepidium meyenii sob diferentes gradientes de utilização (primeira, segunda e terceira utilizações) e desenvolvimento das culturas (pré-semeadura, desenvolvimento do hipocótilo e pós colheita). A amostragem foi realizada no planalto de Bombón, nos Andes centrais do Peru, durante as estações das chuvas e das águas baixas, pelo método sistemático baseado num padrão específico atribuído em forma geométrica retangular a uma profundidade de 0 - 20 cm. A caracterização das comunidades bacterianas foi realizada através da sequenciação metagenômica do rRNA 16S. Foram relatadas 376 famílias de bactérias, das quais se verificou uma alteração significativa na composição e distribuição bacteriana em relação à pressão de utilização. Não se registaram grandes alterações devido ao desenvolvimento do Lepidium meyenii. As famílias mais sensíveis à utilização de indicadores de pressão e pobreza do solo foram as Verrucomicrobiaceae, Acidobacteraceae e Aakkermansiaceae.

Bacterial diversity in high Andean grassland soils disturbed with Lepidium meyenii crops evaluated by metagenomics

Abstract Soil quality is usually determined by its physical-chemical characteristics without taking into account the bacterial communities that play a fundamental role in the chemical decomposition of plant nutrients. In this context, the objective of the study was to evaluate bacterial diversity in high Andean grassland soils disturbed with Lepidium meyenii cultivation under different gradients of use (first, second and third use) and crop development (pre-sowing, hypocotyl development and post-harvest). The sampling was carried out in the Bombón plateau in the central Andes of Peru, during the rainy and low water seasons, by the systematic method based on a specific pattern assigned in a geometric rectangular shape at a depth of 0 - 20 cm. The characterization of the bacterial communities was carried out through the metagenomic sequencing of the 16S rRNA. 376 families of bacteria were reported, of which it was determined that there was a significant change in bacterial composition and distribution in relation to use pressure. There were no major changes due to the development of Lepidium meyenii. The families most sensitive to use pressure and soil poverty indicators were Verrucomicrobiaceae, Acidobacteraceae and Aakkermansiaceae.

Resumo A qualidade do solo é normalmente determinada pelas suas características físico-químicas sem ter em conta as comunidades bacterianas que desempenham um papel fundamental na decomposição química dos nutrientes das plantas. Neste contexto, o objetivo do estudo foi avaliar a diversidade bacteriana em solos de prados andinos elevados perturbados pelo cultivo de Lepidium meyenii sob diferentes gradientes de utilização (primeira, segunda e terceira utilizações) e desenvolvimento das culturas (pré-semeadura, desenvolvimento do hipocótilo e pós-colheita). A amostragem foi realizada no planalto de Bombón, nos Andes centrais do Peru, durante as estações das chuvas e das águas baixas, pelo método sistemático baseado num padrão específico atribuído em forma geométrica retangular a uma profundidade de 0 - 20 cm. A caracterização das comunidades bacterianas foi realizada através da sequenciação metagenômica do rRNA 16S. Foram relatadas 376 famílias de bactérias, das quais se verificou uma alteração significativa na composição e distribuição bacteriana em relação à pressão de utilização. Não se registaram grandes alterações devido ao desenvolvimento do Lepidium meyenii. As famílias mais sensíveis à utilização de indicadores de pressão e pobreza do solo foram as Verrucomicrobiaceae, Acidobacteraceae e Aakkermansiaceae.

Bacterial diversity in high Andean grassland soils disturbed with Lepidium meyenii crops evaluated by metagenomics / Diversidade bacteriana em solos de prados andinos elevados perturbados por culturas de Lepidium meyenii avaliadas por metagenômica

Soil quality is usually determined by its physical-chemical characteristics without taking into account the bacterial communities that play a fundamental role in the chemical decomposition of plant nutrients. In this context, the objective of the study was to evaluate bacterial diversity in high Andean grassland soils disturbed with Lepidium meyenii cultivation under different gradients of use (first, second and third use) and crop development (pre-sowing, hypocotyl development and post-harvest). The sampling was carried out in the Bombón plateau in the central Andes of Peru, during the rainy and low water seasons, by the systematic method based on a specific pattern assigned in a geometric rectangular shape at a depth of 0 - 20 cm. The characterization of the bacterial communities was carried out through the metagenomic sequencing of the 16S rRNA. 376 families of bacteria were reported, of which it was determined that there was a significant change in bacterial composition and distribution in relation to use pressure. There were no major changes due to the development of Lepidium meyenii. The families most sensitive to use pressure and soil poverty indicators were Verrucomicrobiaceae, Acidobacteraceae and Aakkermansiaceae.

A qualidade do solo é normalmente determinada pelas suas características físico-químicas sem ter em conta as comunidades bacterianas que desempenham um papel fundamental na decomposição química dos nutrientes das plantas. Neste contexto, o objetivo do estudo foi avaliar a diversidade bacteriana em solos de prados andinos elevados perturbados pelo cultivo de Lepidium meyenii sob diferentes gradientes de utilização (primeira, segunda e terceira utilizações) e desenvolvimento das culturas (pré-semeadura, desenvolvimento do hipocótilo e póscolheita). A amostragem foi realizada no planalto de Bombón, nos Andes centrais do Peru, durante as estações das chuvas e das águas baixas, pelo método sistemático baseado num padrão específico atribuído em forma geométrica retangular a uma profundidade de 0 - 20 cm. A caracterização das comunidades bacterianas foi realizada através da sequenciação metagenômica do rRNA 16S. Foram relatadas 376 famílias de bactérias, das quais se verificou uma alteração significativa na composição e distribuição bacteriana em relação à pressão de utilização. Não se registaram grandes alterações devido ao desenvolvimento do Lepidium meyenii. As famílias mais sensíveis à utilização de indicadores de pressão e pobreza do solo foram as Verrucomicrobiaceae, Acidobacteraceae e Aakkermansiaceae.

Producción de Pseudomonas sp. LMTK32 en medio modificado para peletizar semillas de maca (Lepidium meyenii Walp.) / Pseudomonas sp. LMTK32 production in modified media for pelleting seeds of maca (Lepidium meyenii Walp.)

Se produjo biomasa de Pseudomonas sp. LMTK32 a partir de la modificación del medio de cultivo Caldo Extracto de Levadura Manitol (LMC) con el objetivo de incrementar el número de células viables con capacidad de promover la germinación de semillas de maca peletizadas y reducir los costos de producción. En el proceso de optimización, los componentes extracto de levadura y manitol del medio de cultivo LMC fueron reemplazados por fuentes comerciales de sacarosa y glutamato, cuyas concentraciones fueron determinadas en matraces mediante el diseño estadístico de Box-Behnken; además, se determinó el efecto del porcentaje de inóculo en el tiempo de producción de biomasa. Posteriormente se determinó a nivel de biorreactor que 28.57 h-1 fue el valor adecuado del coeficiente volumétrico de transferencia de oxigeno (kLa) a 600 rpm, produciendo 1.28x1011 UFC/mL. En el medio modificado M1, empleando 12.06 g/L-1 de sacarosa, 11.50 g/L-1 de glutamato de sodio y 10.9% de inoculante se obtuvo 15x108 UFC/mL, superando en 52% más el número de células viables con respecto al tratamiento control LMC (7.8x108 UFC/mL). A nivel in vitro, la peletización de semillas de maca con Pseudomonas sp. LMTK32 producidas en biorreactor y en el medio modificado M1 favoreció su germinación. A partir de sustratos orgánicos comerciales se puede producir inoculantes bacterianos eficientes en el desarrollo de cultivos de maca, sin alterar su capacidad de promover el crecimiento vegetal

Biomass of Pseudomonas sp. LMTK32 was produced from modification of culture media Yeast Extract Mannitol Broth (YEMB) with the aim of increasing the number of viable cells with the ability to promote the germination of maca seeds pelleted with the bacteria and reduce production costs. In the optimization process, the yeast extract and mannitol components of the LMC culture media were replaced by commercial sources of sucrose and glutamate, whose concentrations were determined in flasks by statistical design from Box-Behnken; in addition, the effect of the inoculum percentage on the time of biomass production was determined. Subsequently, it was determined at the bioreactor level that 28.57 h-1 was the adequate value of the volumetric oxygen transfer coefficient (kLa) at 600 rpm, producing 1.28 x 10 11 CFU / mL. In the LMC M1 modified media, using 12.06 g / L-1 of sucrose, 11.50 g / L-1 of sodium glutamate and 10.9% of inoculant obtained 15x108 CFU / mL, increasing in 48% the number of viable cells with respect to the YEMB control treatment (7.8x10 8 CFU / mL). At the in vitro level, the pelleting of maca seeds with Pseudomonas sp. LMTK32 produced in bioreactor and in the modified media M1 favored its germination. From commercial organic substrates, efficient bacterial inoculants can be produced in the development of maca crops, without altering their ability to promote plant growth

Research and application progress of Lepidium meyenii（maca） / 中国中药杂志

Lepidium meyenii（maca）was a herbaceous plant of the family Cruciferae. It is native to the andes region of South America where the local people had been growing and consuming maca for centuries. The unique chemical composition and physiological function of maca were widely concerned worldwide. It was introduced to China in 2002, and were cultivated successfully in Yunnan, Tibet, Sichuan, Jilin and other places with a certain size. Maca contained not only rich nutrition such as protein, vitamin and mineral matter, but also lots of secondary metabolites as maca alkaloids, glucosinolates, volatile oils, sterols polyphenols and macaenes. Numerous studies suggested that maca may serve effects in resisting oxidation, fatigue resistance, raising fertility, regulating endocrine, enhancing immunity, tumour suppression, treating osteoporosis, regulate blood sugar and protection of nervous system. Maca was approved by the Ministry of Health as a new resource food in 2011, and its related products include food, health foods, cosmetics, etc. Certain exploratory researches were carried to take better advantage of maca's medicinal value. This paper briefly reviewed the research and application progress of maca in recent years from the aspects of botany, chemical composition, function, resources situation and related products development, which was supposed to provide reference for scientific research and utilization of maca.

A new macamide from Lepidium meyenii cultivated in Lijiang / 中草药

Objective To study the chemical constituents of the dried roots of Lepidium meyenii cultivated in Lijiang. Methods The samples were extracted by 90% alcohol, and then isolated by silica column, MCI, and HPLC. The structures of the isolated compounds were elucidated by NMR techniques including 2D NMR such as HSQC, HMBC, and COSY. The cytotoxic activity of the new compound against five cell lines (NB4, A549, PC3, SHSY5Y, and MCF7) was evaluated by MTT methods. Results Three macamides were isolated and identified as N-(3,4-dimethoxybenzyl) hexadec-9Z-enamide (1), N-benzyl-13-oxo-9E,11E-octadecadienamide (2) and N-(3,4-dimethoxybenzyl)-hexadecanamide (3) from this plant. Conclusion Compound 1 is a new compound named macalepidiumide A and shows no significant cytotoxic activity.

Ethanol extracts of Lepidium meyenii Walp (maca) from two different areas in Xinjiang promote the maturation of mouse macrophages and dendritic cells / 中华微生物学和免疫学杂志

Objective To investigate the effects of ethanol extracts of Lepidium meyenii Walp (LMEE) from two different areas in Xinjiang on the maturation of mouse macrophages (RAW264. 7 cells) and dendritic cells (DCs). Methods Ethanol extracts of LMEE from Tashikuergan County (Ta xian) and A La gou of Xinjiang were prepared and named as LMEE-T and LMEE-A, respectively. RAW264. 7 cells and bone marrow-derived DCs from C57BL/6 mice were treated with different concentrations of LMEE-T/A. The viability of RAW264. 7 cells was analyzed by MTT assay. Expression of costimulatory molecules and MHCⅠ on the surface of RAW264. 7 cells and DCs was detected by flow cytometry. Secretion of cytokines and the release of nitrogen oxide (NO) were measured by ELISA and Griess method, respectively. Results LMEE-T/A had no significant influence on the viability of RAW264. 7 cells when the concentration was lower than 1 mg/ml. Treating RAW264. 7 cells with LMEE-T/A promoted surface molecule expression, cytokine secretion and NO release through TLR4 signaling pathway in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, LMEE-T was more potent than LMEE-A. LMEE-T/A at the concentration of 0. 4 mg/ml promoted the expression of DC surface molecules and the secretion of cytokines. Infrared and ultraviolet spectra showed that LMEE-A and LMEE-T contained polysaccharides, macaenes, macamides and flavanols. Compared with LMEE-A, LMEE-T contained more benzene ring compounds but less polysaccharides. Conclusion Both LMEE-T and LMEE-A could activate RAW264. 7 cells and promote the maturation of DCs. The differences between their effects might be related to the differences in their contents.

Effects of water extracts of Lepidium meyenii walp (maca) growing in two different places in Xin-jiang on the maturation and function of dendritic cells / 中华微生物学和免疫学杂志

Objective To investigate the effects of water extracts of Lepidium meyenii walp (LMWE) collected from two different places in Xinjiang on the maturation and function of dendritic cells (DCs) and to evaluate their roles in immunoregulation. Methods Water extracts of LMWE growing in Tashikuergan County (Ta xian) and A La gou of Xinjiang were prepared and named as LMWE-T and LMWE-A,respectively. Bone marrow-derived DCs and splenocytes isolated from C57BL/6 mice were treated with different concentrations of polysaccharide extracts from LMWE-T/A. Effects of LMWE-T/A on the per-centage and apoptosis of DC,expression of co-stimulatory molecules and secretion of cytokines were detected by flow cytometry and ELISA. MTT assay was used to analyze the proliferation of splenocytes. Changes in the functions of DC were evaluated by mixed lymphocyte reaction(MLR). Results LMWE-T/A had no in-fluence on the percentage and viability of DC. Expression of CD40 and CD86,and secretion of TNF-α,IL-12p40 and IFN-γ were significantly increased by LMWE-T/A treatment in a dose-dependent manner. LMWE-T/A treatment enhanced the functions of DCs and also dose-dependently promoted the proliferation of splenocytes. LMWE-A was more effective than LMWE-T in promoting CD86 expression,IFN-γ secretion and splenocyte proliferation. Pretreatment with TAK-242,an inhibitor of Toll-like receptor 4(TLR4),could sig-nificantly inhibit the regulatory effects of LMWE-T/A on CD40 expression and the secretion of TNF-α and IL-12p40. Conclusion This study shows that LMWE could promote the maturation of DC through TLR4 signaling pathway,enhance the functions of DC without side effects on DC survival,and increase the prolif-eration of splenocytes,indicating that LMWE has a potential immunopotentiating effect. LMWE-A has better effects than LMWE-T on immune enhancement.

Studies on the chemical constituents of the anti-osteoporotic part of Lepidium meyenii Walp. produced in Heqing / 药学学报

This study was designed to investigate the chemical constituents of the anti-osteoporotic part of Lepidium meyenii Walp. (maca) produced in Heqing, Yunnan. Seven compounds were isolated from the n-BuOH extract of maca using combination of column chromatographies on MCI resin, silica gel, C18 bonded silica gel, and Sephadex LH-20, followed by semi-preparative HPLC and recrystallization. The purified compounds were identified on the basis of their physicochemical properties and spectral data as macaolidine (1), tryptophan (2), daucosterol (3), (3S)-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-β-carboline-3-carboxylicacid (4), chlorogenic acid (5), luteolin (6), and hyperoside (7). Compound 1 is a new phenylacetamide alkaloid, and compounds 4-7 were isolated from Lepidium meyenii for the first time.

GC-MS Analysis on Essential Oil and Liposoluble Constituents of Lepidium Meyenii Walp / 世界科学技术-中医药现代化

In order to provide scientific basis for quality evaluation of Lepidium meyenii Walp.in Sichuan province,the extracted constituents of essential oil and petroleum ether were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS),respectively.The volatile oil and fat soluble components were extracted by the steam distillation and petroleum ether ultrasonic.They were isolated and identified by GC-MS.The structures were identified in combination with database search system of MS.The relative content of every compound was determined by normalization method.The results showed that a total of 22 compounds were identified in volatile oil (98.85％) and 40 compounds were identified in liposoluble constituents (73.99％).There were significant differences of components and relative percentage contents of volatile oil and fat-soluble components.Dodecane,quinoline,3-methoxybenzaldehyde,palmitic acid methyl ester and ethyl linoleate were the same compositions.Comparative analysis was conducted on volatile oil and liposoluble constituents by GC-MS for the first time.The results provided references for herbal resource investigation and quality standard evaluation of Maca.

Substituição parcial de farinha de trigo por farinha de amaranto (Amaranthus cruentus L. ), quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa W. ) e maca (Lepidium meyenii W. ) na elaboração de panetone / Partial substitution of wheat flour by amaranth (Amaranthus cruentus L. ), quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa W.) and maca (Lepidium meyenii W.) flours in the preparation of panettone

O aumento da demanda por alimentos saudáveis está estimulando inovações e o desenvolvimento de novos produtos na indústria de alimentos. O amaranto (Amaranthus cruenthus L.) e a quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa W.) são pseudocereais que apresentam proteínas de elevado valor biológico e ácidos graxos insaturados além de outros compostos que atuam como antioxidantes. A maca (Lepidium meyenii W.), uma raiz anual ou bienal, é usada como ingrediente alimentar devido ao seu valor nutricional e conteúdo de fitoquímicos. Neste trabalho, objetivou-se avaliar o efeito da adição das farinhas destas cullturas em diferentes níveis sobre as propriedades físico-químicas, reológicas e sensoriais de panetone. Farinhas mistas de trigo e amaranto, quinoa ou maca nas porcentagens de 10 %, 20 %, 30 % e 40 % de adição, foram avaliadas durante as diferentes etapas de produção: misturas de farinhas, massa fermentada, massa assada e produto acabado. A adição favoreceu o escurecimento gradual das farinhas e variação no tamanho médio das partículas. Nas massas, foi observada a diminuição gradativa dos valores de estabilidade ao amassamento e tempo de desenvolvimento com diminuição da extensibilidade e aumento da resistência das massas. Nas massas fermentadas, a adição de 10 e 20 % de farinha de amaranto ou quinoa e 30 % de farinha de amaranto, não incrementou significativamente (p > 0,05) a firmeza da massa. No entanto, as formulações contendo farinha de maca mostraram aumento significativo (p < 0,05) no ponto de quebra, firmeza, consistência, coesividade e viscosidade da massa. O aumento da resistência com diminuição gradativa da extensibilidade das massas também foi observado. Nas massas assadas, houve diminuição da área total de células com aumento no número de células de gás de menor tamanho em amostras com adição de farinha de maca e amaranto. As formulações com 10 % de farinha de maca, 10 e 20 % de farinha de amaranto ou quinoa e 30 % de farinha de amaranto, apresentaram os melhores resultados, com valores de volume, altura, cor e firmeza próximos à formulação controle. A análise sensorial mostrou que o produto elaborado com adição de 30 % de farinha de amaranto apresentou a melhor aceitabilidade e intenção de compra. Dentro das condições experimentais, o panetone contendo 30 % de farinha de amaranto foi o mais promissor pela boa aceitabilidade do consumidor, podendo contribuir para incrementar a qualidade do produto. O panetone com 10 % de adição de farinha de maca também apresentou valores interessantes com pouca diferença se comparado com aquele enriquecido com farinha de amaranto. Na amostra contendo farinha de quinoa, a substituição com menos de 20 % de adição melhoraria a aceitabilidade do panetone enriquecido

The increased demand for healthy foods is stimulating innovation and new product development in the food industry. Amaranth (Amaranthus cruenthus L.) and quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa W.) are pseudocereals which have proteins with high biological value and unsaturated fatty acids, as well as other compounds which act as antioxidants. Maca (Lepidium meyenii W.), an annual or biennial root, is used as a food ingredient for human consumption due to its nutritional value and phytochemical content. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of amaranth, quinoa and maca flour addition at different levels on the physical-chemical, rheological and sensory properties of panettone. Composite flours of wheat and amaranth, quinoa or maca flours in percentages of 10 %, 20 %, 30 % and 40 % addition were evaluated during the different stages of production: flour blends, fermented dough, baked dough and finished product. The addition promoted a gradual flour darkening and tendency to yellow and red colors. In the dough, the gradual decrease in stability values to kneading and development time with decreased extensibility and increased dough resistance, were observed. In fermented doughs, the addition of 10 % - 20 % amaranth or quinoa flour and 30 % amaranth flour, did not increased significantly (p > 0.05) the dough firmness. However, formulations containing maca flour showed a significant increase (p < 0.05) of break point, firmness, consistency, cohesiveness and viscosity of the dough. Furthermore, it was also observed an increase in dough resistance with a gradual decrease in extensibility. In baked samples, there was a decrease of the total cell area with increased number of smaller gas cells in samples with maca and amaranth flour addition. Better results were observed in formulations with 10% maca flour, 10 - 20 % amaranth or quinoa flour and 30 % amaranth flour with values of volume, height, color and firmness close to the control. Sensorial analysis showed that sample containing 30 % addition of amaranth flour showed the better acceptability and purchase intention by consumers. Within these experimental conditions, panettone containing 30 % amaranth flour was the most promising for the good acceptability of the consumer and may contribute to improve the quality of the product. Sample with 10 % maca flour addition also showed interesting values with few differences when compared to that enriched with amaranth flour. In sample containing quinoa flour, wheat flour substitution with less than 20 % would improve the acceptability of the enriched panettone

Research progress on macamides / 中草药

Maca (Lepidium meyenii Walp.) has been used as both food and traditional medicine for centuries for its high nutritional value and multi-medicinal properties. Macamides, the marker compounds of maca, are a series of nonpolar, long chain fatty acid N-benzylamides. Most of them have neuroprotective and neuroregulation effects. In this paper, we reviewed the structures of macamides, methods of chemical synthesis, and quantitative determination, and their bioactivities to provide a reference for further research and development.

Identification of maca (Lepidium meyenii Walp.) and its adulterants by a DNA-barcoding approach based on the ITS sequence / 中国天然药物

Maca (Lepidium meyenii) is an herbaceous plant that grows in high plateaus and has been used as both food and folk medicine for centuries because of its benefits to human health. In the present study, ITS (internal transcribed spacer) sequences of forty-three maca samples, collected from different regions or vendors, were amplified and analyzed. The ITS sequences of nineteen potential adulterants of maca were also collected and analyzed. The results indicated that the ITS sequence of maca was consistent in all samples and unique when compared with its adulterants. Therefore, this DNA-barcoding approach based on the ITS sequence can be used for the molecular identification of maca and its adulterants.

Chemical constituents in Lepidium meyenii cultivated in Jilin / 中草药

Objective: To study the chemical constituents from the dried rhizome of Lepidium meyenii (Maca) cultivated in Jilin. Methods: The chemical constituents were isolated and purified with macroreticular resin, silica gel, ODS column chromatography, preparation HPLC, etc. The structures of the compounds were identified by physicochemical properties and various spectroscopic methods. Results: Thirteen compounds were isolated as N-methyl-3-hydroxy-benzeneacetamide (1), N-benzyloctadecanamide (2), benzeneacetamide (3), benzylamine (4), 3-methoxyphenylacetic acid (5), phenylacetic acid (6), 4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzoic acid (7), nicotinic acid (8), 3, 4-dihydroxy-benzoic acid methyl ester (9), adenosine (10), L-valine (11), daueosterol (12), and β-sitosterol (13). Conclusion: Compound 1 is identifled as a new natural compound, and compounds 3-6 and 9-12 are obtained from L. meyenii for the first time.

Antiviral activity of maca (Lepidium meyenii) against human influenza virus

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate antiviral activity of maca to reduce viral load in Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells infected with influenza type A and B viruses (Flu-A and Flu-B, respectively).@*METHODS@#Maca were extracted with methanol (1:2, v/v). The cell viability and toxicity of the extracts were evaluated on MDCK cells using method MTT assay. Antiviral activity of compounds against Flu-A and Flu-B viruses was assayed using a test for determining the inhibition of the cytopathic effect on cell culture and multiplex RT-PCR.@*RESULTS@#The methanol extract of maca showed low cytotoxicity and inhibited influenza-induced cytopathic effect significantly, while viral load was reduced via inhibition of viral growth in MDCK infected cells. Maca contains potent inhibitors of Flu-A and Flu-B with a selectivity index [cytotoxic concentration 50%/IC50] of 157.4 and 110.5, respectively.@*CONCLUSIONS@#In vitro assays demonstrated that maca has antiviral activity not only against Flu-A (like most antiviral agents) but also Flu-B viruses, providing remarkable therapeutic benefits.

Antiviral activity of maca (Lepidium meyenii) against human influenza virus

Objective: To investigate antiviral activity of maca to reduce viral load in Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells infected with influenza type A and B viruses (Flu-A and Flu-B, respectively). Methods: Maca were extracted with methanol (1:2, v/v). The cell viability and toxicity of the extracts were evaluated on MDCK cells using method MTT assay. Antiviral activity of compounds against Flu-A and Flu-B viruses was assayed using a test for determining the inhibition of the cytopathic effect on cell culture and multiplex RT-PCR. Results: The methanol extract of maca showed low cytotoxicity and inhibited influenza-induced cytopathic effect significantly, while viral load was reduced via inhibition of viral growth in MDCK infected cells. Maca contains potent inhibitors of Flu-A and Flu-B with a selectivity index [cytotoxic concentration 50%/IC

Adaptógenos: plantas medicinales tradicionales comercializadas como suplementos dietéticos en la conurbación Buenos Aires-La Plata (Argentina) / Adaptogens: traditional medicinal plants marketed as dietary supplements in the conurbation Buenos Aires-La Plata (Argentina)

En el presente trabajo se presentan los resultados de un estudio sobre tres especies de las cuales se comercializan productos considerados adaptógenos: Lepidium meyenii Walp. (Brassicaceae), "maca", Morinda citrifolia L. (Rubiaceae), "noni", y Petiveria alliacea L. (Phytolaccaceae), "pipi". Los datos provienen de estudios en Etnobotánica urbana realizados en la conurbación Buenos Aires-La Plata, se presentan los usos tradicionales de las especies, sus vías de ingreso, comercialización y difusión como suplementos dietéticos en el contexto pluricultural urbano, los modos actuales de empleo y los saberes relacionados, que forman parte del conocimiento botánico local. De este modo, se evalúan las modificaciones en los usos originalmente asignados, como consecuencia de la expansión de los productos en el marco de la globalización, y los cambios consecuentes en los patrones tradicionales de saberes, creencias y prácticas referidos a estos recursos vegetales.

Micrografía analítica de raíces de Lepidium meyenii (Brassicaceae) / Analytical micrography of root from Lepidium meyenii (Brassicaceae)

“Maca” (Lepidium meyenii Walpers - Brassicaceae-) is used like nutritional and/or medicinal. Its root is consumed as flour and is used in the bread industry. The aim of this work is to determine micrographic characters for botanical quality control of foods derived from vegetables. The roots were analyzed by means of disgregation with Sodium Hydroxide to 5 percent; reduction to dust; histochemistries reactions; observation with polarized light of starch grains and measurement of the observed elements. Small and polymorphic starch grains and elements of conduction were observed. These micrographic characters are useful for the quality control of commercial samples of “maca” that appear like flours.

La “maca” (Lepidium meyenii Walpers –Brassicaceae-) se emplea como alimenticia y/o medicinal. Su raíz se consume como harina y se utiliza en la industria panificadora. El objetivo de este trabajo es determinar caracteres micrográficos para control de calidad botánico de alimentos derivados de vegetales. Se analizaron las raíces mediante disociado leve con Hidróxido de Sodio al 5 por ciento; reducción a polvo; reacciones histoquímicas; observación con luz polarizada de los granos de almidón y medición de los elementos observados. Se observaron gránulos de almidón pequeños y polimórficos y elementos de conducción. Estos caracteres micrográficos son útiles para el control de calidad de muestras comerciales de “maca” que se presentan en forma de harinas.

Propriedades físico-químicas do amido isolado, estudo de parâmetros enzimáticos durante o armazenamento e caracterização de enzimas amilolíticas em raízes de maca (Lepidium meyenii Walp) / Physico-chemical properties of isolated starch, enzymatic parameters during storage, and characterization of amylolytic enzymes of maca (Lepidium meyenii Walp. ) root

A maca (Lepidium meyenii Walpers) é uma planta herbácea bienal da família Brassicae, cultivada principalmente na região dos Andes da América do Sul. A parte subterrânea vem sendo consumida por muito tempo devido a seu valor nutricional e energético, mas é mais conhecida no mercado peruano e internacional por alegadas propriedades terapêuticas. Esta raiz apresenta até 76% de carboidratos, dos quais 30% é amido. Este trabalho teve como objetivos estudar: as propriedades físico-químicas e funcionais do amido isolado; os parâmetros enzimáticos durante o armazenamento e a purificação parcial de enzimas amilolíticas. Em relação às propriedades do amido, este apresentou um teor de amilose de 20% valor semelhante aos encontrados em raízes e tubérculos similares. A turbidez das suspensões de amido apresentou estabilidade durante o armazenamento. A temperatura de gelatinização e a viscosidade da pasta foram a 45,7° e 46°C, respectivamente. Com base nos dados obtidos, o amido de maca seria indicado para alimentos que requeiram temperaturas moderadas no processamento, não sendo apropriado para o emprego em alimentos congelados. Os parâmetros enzimáticos medidos tais como teor de amido total, teor de açúcares solúveis, atividade amilolítica total, atividade de α e β amilases, não mostraram diferenças significativas entre as medidas durante um período de armazenamento de 16 dias. As microscopias eletrônicas de varredura (MEV) dos grânulos de amido mostraram grãos íntegros com superfícies lisas, com algumas depressões ao redor dos grânulos os quais poderiam indicar o inicio de ataque enzimático, ou fraturas na purificação. Em relação à purificação de enzimas amilolíticas, foi possível separar uma fração ativa com a carboximetilcelulose (CMC) seguida de cromatografia liquida de alta resolução (CLAE) que permitiu a separação de duas frações protéicas, analisadas por eletroforese SDS-PAGE e eletroforese bidimensional (2D). Os polipeptídeos identificados no gel 2D apresentaram...

Maca (Lepidium meyenii Walpers) is a biennial herbaceous plant from Brassicae family, grown mainly in the Andes of South America. The underground part has been consumed for a long time due to its nutritional value and energy, but is best known in the Peruvian and international market for alleged therapeutic properties. This root has up to 76% carbohydrates, of which 30% is starch. This work aimed to study: the physico-chemical properties of isolated starch, the enzymatic parameters during storage and partial purification of amylases. In relation to the properties of starch, the amylose content showed a 20% value similar to those found in roots and tubers alike. The turbidity of starch suspensions was stable during storage. The gelatinization temperature and viscosity of the paste were 45.7 ° and 46 ° C, respectively. Based on data obtained from the starch of litter would be given to foods that require moderate temperatures in processing and is not suitable for use in frozen foods. The enzymatic parameters measured such as total starch content, soluble sugars, total amylolytic activity, activity of α and β amylases, showed no significant differences between the measures over a storage period of 16 days. Electronic microscopy (SEM) of starch granules showed grains with smooth surfaces, with some depressions around the granules which could indicate the beginning of enzymatic attack, or fractures in the purification. Regarding the purification of amylases was possible to separate an active fraction with carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) followed by high-resolution liquid chromatography (HPLC) which allowed the separation of two protein fractions, analyzed by SDS-PAGE and two-dimensional electrophoresis (2D ). The polypeptides had a molecular mass between 22 and 27 kDa and isoelectric points ranging from 4.8 to 7.3.

Efecto de Lepidium meyenii (maca) sobre la espermatogénesis y la calidad espermática en sujetos diagnosticados con infertilidad: estudio de serie de casos / Effect of Lepidium meyenii (maca) on spermatogenesis and sperm quality in subjects diagnosed with infertility: case series study

La infertilidad asociada a trastornos en la espermatogénesis y en la calidad seminal, es un problema de salud pública cuyo manejo terapéutico actual produce efectos colaterales, carece de eficacia significativa y el paciente habitualmente termina en procedimientos de reproducción asistida. Actualmente una alternativa plausible para enfrentar estos problemas es el uso de plantas medicinales; tal es el caso de Lepidium meyenii (Maca). En el presente trabajo se estudió el efecto de una variedad local de Maca sobre la espermatogénesis y la calidad espermática en diez sujetos diagnosticados de infertilidad y que presentaban alteraciones en uno o más parámetros seminales. El tratamiento con Lepidium meyenii (Maca) duró 3 meses, en una dosis de 3000 mg/día; se evaluaron todos los parámetros seminales, de acuerdo a las guías de la OMS y se determinaron las concentraciones de Testosterona, Hormona Folículo Estimulante (FSH), Estradiol, Sulfato de Dehidroepiandrosterona (DHEA-S), Hormona Estimulante de la Tiroides (TSH) y de Antígeno Prostático Específico (PSA) séricas antes y después del tratamiento. La motilidad espermática Grado III fue significativamente mejorada: en la 1ª hora antes del tratamiento presentó valores de 10 ± 0.06, en relación a 15 ± 0.07 después del tratamiento (P < 0.001), en la 3ª hora los valores de 8 ± 0.06 antes del tratamiento se incrementaron a 11 ± 0.06 (P < 0.001). Los valores de la motilidad progresiva (motilidad espermática grado III y II) a la 1ª hora antes del tratamiento, fueron de 67.2 ± 0.09, con aumento después del tratamiento a 74.3 ± 0.07 (P < 0.01). La vitalidad espermática en la 1ª hora no presentó cambios significativos con el tratamiento, en cambio a la 3ª hora sus valores antes del tratamiento fueron de 75 ± 0.08, y después del tratamiento fueron de 79 ± 0.07 (P < 0.01). La morfología presentó valores de espermatozoides normales antes del tratamiento de 40 ± 0.10 y después del tratamiento 45 ± 0.11 (P < 0.01). El porcentaje de células germinales o inmaduras antes del tratamiento fue de 5.6 ± 0.045 y después del tratamiento 3.7 ± 0.037 (P < 0.01). Las concentraciones hormonales antes y después del tratamiento no variaron significativamente. El Antígeno Prostático Especifico tampoco se modificó después del tratamiento. El efecto más evidente fue el incremento de la proporción de espermatozoides motiles en sujetos cuya deficiencia se expresa en este parámetro; este incremento correlacionó directamente con el hecho de que tales sujetos pudieron embarazar a sus parejas durante el tratamiento. (AU)