ABSTRACT
Phaseolus vulgaris L. (common bean) significantly contributes to the human diet due to its protein, vitamin and mineral contents, making it one of the major edible plant species worldwide. Currently, the genetic resources conserved in germplasm banks in Cuba have experienced a loss of viability, which makes their propagation difficult. Magnetically treated water has been used to improve the response of seeds and plants of different species. However, there is little experimental evidence on the cultivation of the common bean irrigated with magnetically treated water or its positive effects on seed germination recovery and its effects on physiological, anatomical and morphological characteristics. This study aims to evaluate the growth and development of common bean with magnetically treated water as an alternative to rejuvenate the seeds for organic agriculture. A two-group experimental design was used: a group of plants irrigated with water without a magnetic field and a group of plants irrigated with water treated with a magnetic field at induction in the range of 100 to 150 mT. There was an increase of 25% in the percentage of germination; the stomatal anatomical structures behaved normally; and the stem length, vigor index, leaf area and seed weight increased by 35, 100, 109 and 16%, respectively. The concentrations of chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b pigments and carbohydrates in the plants grown with magnetically treated water were also stimulated in relation to control plants with increments of 13, 21 and 26%, respectively. The technology employed in this study did not have negative effects on the plant nor did it affect the presence of structures or the net content of the assessed compounds. Its use in the cultivation of Phaseolus vulgaris L. might represent a viable alternative for the improvement of the plant in organic farming production.
ABSTRACT
Plants are phytochemical hubs containing antioxidants, essential for normal plant functioning and adaptation to environmental cues and delivering beneficial properties for human health. Therefore, knowledge on the antioxidant potential of different plant species and their nutraceutical and pharmaceutical properties is of utmost importance. Exploring this scientific research field provides fundamental clues on (1) plant stress responses and their adaptive evolution to harsh environmental conditions and (2) (new) natural antioxidants with a functional versatility to prevent and treat human pathologies. These natural antioxidants can be valorized via plant-derived foods and products. Cuba contains an enormously rich plant biodiversity harboring a great antioxidant potential. Besides opening new avenues for the implementation of sustainable agroecological practices in crop production, it will also contribute to new strategies to preserve plant biodiversity and simultaneously improve nature management policies in Cuba. This review provides an overview on the beneficial properties of antioxidants for plant protection and human health and is directed to the valorization of these plant antioxidants, emphasizing the need for biodiversity conservation.
ABSTRACT
Abstract Phenolic compounds are one of the main groups of secondary metabolites in plants and are known for their antioxidant activity. Rosmarinus officinalis L. (rosemary) contains different phenolic compounds including carnosol, carnosic acid and rosmarinic acid. In Cuba, rosemary cultivation is limited because it is difficult to propagate and has a low yield. As a result, it was removed from the Herbal Medicine National Formulary. However, the National Public Health System has a strong interest in rosemary because of its value as a natural antioxidant medicine. Irrigation with water treated with a static magnetic field (SMF) is a possible strategy to increase rosemary yield. This technology has been applied to accelerate plant growth and increase crop quality. The aim of this study was to evaluate the content of phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity in aqueous leaf extracts from plants irrigated with SMF-treated water in comparison to control plants. Significant differences in phenolic content and antioxidant activity were observed between aqueous extracts of control plants and plants irrigated with SMF-treated water. Therefore, irrigation with SMF-treated water is a promising technology to improve the cultivation of rosemary as a raw material to obtain pharmaceutical products with high antioxidant activities.
