Effect of temperature regulation on microbial community, volatile flavours, amino acid profiles, and iridoid glycosides during noni (Morinda citrifolia L.) fruit fermentation.

Noni fruit has an unpleasant flavour but is highly bioactive. Therefore, it is necessary to clarify the effect of temperature regulation on quality of fermented noni fruit. In the present study, the formation of flavours, amino acid profiles, and iridoid glycosides during noni fruit fermentation at different temperatures were investigated. We initially found that different temperatures affected core microbial communities. The general evolutionary trends of Acetobacter and Gluconobacter were influenced by different temperatures. Furthermore, high temperature helped maintain low octanoic and hexanoic acids. Subsequently, we found that high temperature improved total amino acids and iridoid glycosides. The correlation network analysis revealed that bacterial communities impacted the quality (volatile flavours, amino acid profiles, and iridoid glycosides) of fermented noni fruit. Overall, altering the temperature induced variations in microbial communities and quality during the noni fruit fermentation process. These results are instrumental in the pursuit of quality control in natural fermentation processes.

Divine noni's protective impact on Swiss albino mice's short-term memory impairment caused by cyclophosphamide: A behavioral and biochemical approach.

Cyclophosphamide (CYL) is a first-line cancer chemotherapeutic agent widely used for the treatment of cancer that has severe toxic effects. The primary mechanism by which CYL induces toxicity through free radical generation. Morinda citrifolia (Noni) fruit juice is an herbal remedy documented to have antioxidant properties. The aim of the current study was to investigate the protective effect of noni against CYL-induced memory impairment in Swiss albino mice. Treatment schedule: Group 1: Normal: Received vehicle; Group 2: CYL treatment: Received CYL (40.0 mg/kg b.w. i.p.) on day one; Group 3: NJ treatment: Received NJ (360 mg/b.w. p.o.) once daily for 14 days. Group 4: DNG treatment: DNG (360 mg/b.w. p.o.) once daily for 14 days, Group 5: NJ + CYL treatment: Received CYL (40.0 mg/kg b.w. i.p.) on day one and after half an hour of received NJ (360 mg/b.w. p.o.) once daily for 14 days. Group 6: DNG + CYL treatment: Received CYL (40.0 mg/kg b.w. i.p.) on day one and after half an hour received DNG (360 mg/b.w. p.o.) once daily for 14 days. Mice were subjected to the Morris water maze (MWM) challenge for two weeks as part of a behavioral study. Short-term memory impairment was observed in the behavioral activity of CYL-treated mice in the MWM test in the 1st week trial, and this effect was reversed in the 2nd week trial in the combination treatment group. The behavioral analysis proved that noni supplementation reduced the risk of memory impairment caused by CYL. Biochemical analysis revealed that CYL markedly increased the levels of AChE and MDA in brain tissue. Similarly, decreases in the levels of antioxidants, i.e., GSH, CAT, SOD and GST, were detected in the brain tissue of the mice exposed to CYL. Qualitative and quantitative examinations of histopathological examination of the mouse hippocampus supported the above findings. The results demonstrated that noni supplement therapy reversed the changes in the MDA, AChE, and antioxidant enzyme levels while improving the behavioral and histological alterations caused by CYL. Long-term hippocampal growth and memory are unaffected, suggesting that CYL is less harmful. According to our research, supplementing with noni in conjunction with CYL may be a helpful treatment strategy for treating memory impairment caused by CYL.

Insight into the changes in active metabolite profiles of noni (Morinda citrifolia L.) fruit subjected to different drying treatments.

Noni fruit is renowned for its abundance of bioactive compounds. Drying is an important method for processing functional products derived from noni. However, limited information exists on how drying methods affect the active metabolite profiles of noni fruit. This study investigated the impact of four common drying methods, including hot-air drying (HAD), vacuum freeze drying (VFD), microwave drying (MWD), and far infrared drying (FID), on the physicochemical indexes, bioactive components, and functional properties of dried noni fruit slices using targeted and untargeted metabonomics analysis. The results showed significant variations in appearance, water migration, and microstructure of dried noni fruit slices subjected to the four drying methods. VFD treatment yielded better dried noni fruit products when compared to other drying methods. The superiority of VFD treatment was due to its uniform stratification, reduced collapse, better retention of bioactive components and antioxidants, and higher enzyme inhibitory rates. These findings suggest that VFD method is ideal for obtaining premium bioactive profiles and maintaining the biological activity of noni fruit.

Antifungal Activity of Morinda citrifolia Methanolic Extract against Candida albicans: An In Vitro Study.

Aim: Natural medicine used as an alternative and/or complementary treatment to counteract diseases is of great importance in public health. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to assess the in vitro antifungal activity of Morinda citrifolia methanolic extract of peel, pulp, and seed against Candida albicans. Materials and Methods: The present study was experimental in vitro and cross-sectional. Eight replicates were prepared in Sabouraud dextrose agar with five wells each, where 0.12% chlorhexidine, distilled water, and methanolic extract of seed, peel, and pulp of Morinda citrifolia fruit were placed at concentrations of 10,690, 8,270, and 6,430 mg/mL, respectively, to evaluate sensitivity according to Duraffourd's scale. In addition, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) were determined by dilution and agar seeding method. Statistical analysis was performed by analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey's post hoc test, considering a significance level of P < 0.05. Results: The inhibition halos of Morinda citrifolia methanolic extract of seed, peel, and pulp against Candida albicans measured on average 15.94, 11.94, and 11.56 mm, respectively. The MIC of seed, peel, and pulp extract were 1366.25, 2067.5, and 1607.5 mg/mL respectively, whereas the MFC for seed, peel, and pulp extract were 2672.50, 2067.5, and 3215 mg/mL, respectively. Moreover, seed extract presented significantly higher antifungal activity than peel and pulp (P < 0.001). Conclusions: Morinda citrifolia methanolic extract of peel, pulp, and seed showed fungistatic and fungicidal effect against Candida albicans, being this very sensitive to seed extract with a MIC of 1366.25 mg/mL and a MFC of 2672.5 mg/mL, which allows recommending the development of effective pharmacological formulations for the control of candidiasis.

Microencapsulation of noni fruit extract using gum arabic and maltodextrin - Optimization, stability and efficiency.

Noni fruit (Morinda citrifolia L.) has many health-supporting compounds, but its biological extracts need protection against environmental impacts for stability and efficiency. To address this, microencapsulation is an advanced technology in food applications that require optimization of coating component and temperature regime. Gum arabic (GA) and maltodextrin (MD) were suitably combined at 2:1 ratio, which showed good and stable structure as well as successful microencapsulation efficiency of the enzymatic-ultrasonic assisted noni extract. A coating density of 20 % for the GA:MD formula was with highest performance. The heat setting of spray drying was optimized at 175 and 82 °C for inlet and outlet, respectively using response surface methodology with experimental validation of maximized TFC and TSC at 88.3 and 90.3 %, respectively. Noni microencapsulated powder was assessed via a series of reliably advanced techniques such as microscopy, spectrophotometry, diffraction, and calorimetry for structural properties. Noni powder was additionally tested for storage stability, heat exposure stability, and release efficiency in pH condition and in vitro digestive tract. Promising results were obtained with at least one year storage stability, better microcapsule stability at 60 and 100 °C, quite good release at pH 7.4, and suitable release efficiency in digestive tract simulation. These properties of microencapsulated noni powder open further scalability potential and various industrial applications.

Morinda citrifolia protective effects on paclitaxel-induced testis parenchyma toxicity: An experimental study.

The current study aimed to investigate the sensitivity of male testis parenchyma cells to chemotherapy agents and the protective effects and mechanisms of Morinda citrifolia (Noni) administration against structural and functional changes before and after chemotherapy (Paclitaxel (PTX)). For this purpose, rats were randomly assigned into four groups (Control = G1, PTX 5 mg/kg = G2; PTX + Noni 10 mg/kg = G3, PTX + Noni 20 mg/kg = G4). PTX was injected intraperitoneally for 4 consecutive weeks, at a dose of 5 mg/kg to all groups except the control group. Then noni was administrated in 10 (G3) and 20 (G4) mg/kg groups orally (gavage) for 14 days. Biochemical analyses, Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), and immunohistochemical analyses were performed. According to our results, Total Oxidative Stress (TOS) and Malondialdehyde (MDA) were significantly increased in the PTX group (P < 0.01). Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) enzyme activity and Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC) levels were decreased (P < 0.01). The changes in the rats treated with PTX + Noni 20 mg/kg were noteworthy. The increased levels of IL1-ß (Interleukin 1 beta) and TNFα (tumor necrosis factor-alpha) with PTX were down-regulated after treatment with PTX + Noni 20 mg/kg (P < 0.01) (9 % and 5 % respectively). In addition, Noni restored the testicular histopathological structure by reducing caspase-3 expression and significantly (61 %) suppressed oxidative DNA damage and apoptosis (by regulating the Bax (bcl-2-like protein 4)/Bcl-2 (B-cell lymphoma gene-2) ratio). In conclusion, Noni reduced cellular apoptosis and drastically changed Caspase 8 and Bax/Bcl-2 levels. Furthermore, it considerably decreases oxidative damage and can be used in testicular degeneration.

Multiple metabolite profiles uncover remarkable bioactive compounds and metabolic characteristics of noni fruit (Morinda citrifolia L.) at various stages of ripeness.

This study aimed to investigate the changes in physicochemical properties, bioactive compounds, and metabolic characteristics of noni fruit at different ripeness levels. The results showed that there were significant differences in physicochemical properties. HPLC analysis was conducted, revealing succinic acid, scopoletin, deacetylasperulosidic acid, and asperulosidic acid were key bioactive compounds as the fruit ripened. Additionally, 4 differentbiomarkers (isocitric acid, 4,4-thiodiphenol, lobaric acid, and octocrylene), identified using 1HNMR and LC-IT-TOF-MS, were found to have a VIP value over 1. The results from HS-GC-IMS demonstrated noteworthy that 14 volatile compounds were identified as highly discriminative features during fruit ripening. Furthermore, correlation analysis showed that different ripeness had significant effects on bioactive components and functional activities, e.g., the inhibition rate of enzyme and E. coli of noni fruit with different ripeness exceeded 90% at the last stage. This study contributes new insights into the effective utilization of bioactive ingredients in noni fruit.

Noni enhances the anticancer activity of cyclophosphamide and suppresses myelotoxicity and hepatotoxicity in tumor-bearing mice.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Morinda citrifolia fruit juice (noni) is an herbal remedy documented to have antioxidant properties. It has been suggested that prevention of carcinogen-DNA adduct formation and the antioxidant activity of NJ may contribute to the cancer preventive effect. In the present study, the antitumor activity of noni was investigated in the presence of cyclophosphamide (CYL) in vitro and in vivo. METHODS: In vitro breast cancer cells (MDA-MB-468) were used to measure the percentage of inhibition and the IC50. The in vivo antitumor activity of noni was studied by monitoring the mean survival time (MST), percentage increase in life span (%ILS), viable and non-viable cell count, tumor volume, body weight, and hematological and serum biochemical parameters in mice. Treatment with noni and CYL exhibited dose- and time-dependent cytotoxicity toward breast cancer cells. RESULTS: Individual treatment of noni and CYL exhibited dose- and time-dependent cytotoxicity on breast cancer cell lines, while in combination therapy of noni and CYL, noni enhances cytotoxic effect of CYL at 48 h than that at 24 h. Similar result was found in in vivo studies, the results of which revealed that alone treatment of CYL and noni suppressed tumor growth. However, combination treatment with CYL and noni presented better tumor inhibition than that of alone treatment of CYL and noni. On the contrary, CYL alone drastically attenuated hematological parameters, i.e., RBC, WBC, and Hb compared to normal and control groups, and this change was reversed and normalized by noni when given as combination therapy with CYL. Moreover, the levels of serum biochemical markers, i.e., AST, ALP, and ALT, were significantly increased in the control and CYL-treated groups than those in the normal group. In the combination treatment of noni and CYL, the above biochemical marker levels significantly decreased compared to CYL alone-treated group. CONCLUSIONS: The present study suggested that CYL treatment can cause serious myelotoxicity and hepatic injury in cancer patients. In conclusion, the combined use of noni with CYL potentially enhances the antitumor activity of CYL and suppresses myelotoxicity and hepatotoxicity induced by CYL in tumor-bearing mice.

Morinda citrifolia fruit extract enhances the resistance of Penaeus vannamei to Vibrio parahaemolyticus infection.

Vibrio parahaemolyticus is a gram-negative facultative anaerobic bacterium implicated as the causative agent of several shrimp diseases. As part of the effort to provide biocontrol and cost-effective treatments, this research was designed to elucidate the effect of Morinda citrifolia fruit extract on the immunity of Penaeus vannamei postlarvae (PL) to V. parahaemolyticus. The methanol extract of M. citrifolia was vacuum evaporated, and the bioactive compounds were detected using gas chromatography‒mass spectrometry (GC‒MS). Thereafter, P. vannamei PL diets were supplemented with M. citrifolia at different concentrations (0, 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 mg/g) and administered for 30 days before 24 h of exposure to the bacterium V. parahaemolyticus. A total of 45 bioactive compounds were detected in the methanol extract of M. citrifolia, with cyclononasiloxane and octadecamethyl being the most abundant. The survival of P. vannamei PLs fed the extract supplement was better than that of the control group (7.1-26.7% survival greater than that of the control group) following V. parahaemolyticus infection. Shrimp fed 50 mg/g M. citrifolia had the highest recorded survival. The activities of digestive and antioxidant enzymes as well as hepatopancreatic cells were significantly reduced, except for those of lipase and hepatopancreatic E-cells, which increased following challenge with V. parahaemolyticus. Histological assessment of the hepatopancreas cells revealed reduced cell degeneration following the administration of the plant extracts (expecially those fed 50 mg/g M. citrifolia) compared to that in the control group. Therefore, the enhanced immunity against V. parahaemolyticus infection in P. vannamei could be associated with the improved hepatopancreas health associated with M. citrifolia fruit extract supplementation.

Anticancer and chemopreventive potential of Morinda citrifolia L. bioactive compounds: A comprehensive update.

Morinda citrifolia L., commonly known as Noni, has a longstanding history in traditional medicine for treating various diseases. Recently, there has been an increased focus on exploring Noni extracts and phytoconstituents, particularly for their effectiveness against cancers such as lung, esophageal, liver, and breast cancer, and their potential in cancer chemoprevention. This study aims to provide a comprehensive review of in vitro and in vivo studies assessing Noni's impact on cancer, alongside an exploration of its bioactive compounds. A systematic review was conducted, encompassing a wide range of scientific databases to gather pertinent literature. This review focused on in vitro and in vivo studies, as well as clinical trials that explore the effects of Noni fruit and its phytoconstituents-including anthraquinones, flavonoids, sugar derivatives, and neolignans-on cancer. The search was meticulously structured around specific keywords and criteria to ensure a thorough analysis. The compiled studies highlight Noni's multifaceted role in cancer therapy, showcasing its various bioactive components and their modes of action. This includes mechanisms such as apoptosis induction, cell cycle arrest, antiangiogenesis, and immune system modulation, demonstrating significant anticancer and chemopreventive potential. The findings reinforce Noni's potential as a safe and effective option in cancer prevention and treatment. This review underscores the need for further research into Noni's anticancer properties, with the hope of stimulating additional studies and clinical trials to validate and expand upon these promising findings.

Bioactivity and influence on colonic microbiota of polyphenols from noni (Morinda citrifolia L.) fruit under simulated gastrointestinal digestion.

Noni (Morinda citrifolia L.) is a tropical fruit rich in bioactive compounds. Little is known about its polyphenol composition at different ripeness levels and digestive characteristics. Here, we studied changes in polyphenols and antioxidant activity as noni ripened. Rutin and kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside were found in high amounts in noni, with antioxidant capacity increasing as it ripened. Under simulated digestion, polyphenols were gradually released from the oral to gastrointestinal phases, partially decomposing in the small intestine due to their instability. Conversely, fiber-bound phenols were released during colonic fermentation, leading to high bioaccessible antioxidant activity. Additionally, noni consumption affected the intestinal microbiome by reducing the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio and increasing bacteria with prebiotic properties like Prevotella and Ruminococcus. These findings demonstrate that polyphenols significantly contribute to the health benefits of noni fruit by providing absorbable antioxidants and improving the structure of the intestinal microbiome.

Evaluation of Physical Properties of Denture Base Resins Containing Silver Nanoparticles of Aloe barbadensis Miller, Morinda citrifolia, and Boesenbergia rotunda and Its Anti-microbial Effect: An In Vitro Study.

Introduction The denture bases fabricated from polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) have some disadvantages, such as surface prone to microbial growth and biofilm accumulation, which contributes to the onset and dissemination of infections among denture wearers. Therefore, the purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the flexural strength, hardness, and antimicrobial effect of denture base resin incorporated with 0.05% and 0.1% silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) of Aloe barbadensis miller (aloe vera), Morinda citrifolia (noni), and Boesenbergia rotunda (finger root). Materials and methods A total of 84 PMMA samples were used and were divided into three groups. Flexural strength tests were performed on Group 1 PMMA blocks. Group 2 involved hardness testing of PMMA blocks, whereas Group 3 involved antimicrobial activity. Each group was subsequently split into seven subgroups with differing concentrations of AgNPs: Sub Group 1: control (no AgNPs), Sub Group 2: 0.05% aloe vera AgNPs, Sub Group 3: 0.1% aloe vera AgNPs, Sub Group 4: 0.05% noni AgNPs, Sub Group 5: 0.1% of noni AgNPs, Sub Group 6: 0.05% finger root AgNPs, and Sub Group 7: 0.1% finger root AgNPs. The flexural strength was evaluated using a universal testing machine (Instron 8801). Surface hardness was measured using a Vickers tester (Tukon 1102). For the antimicrobial activity analysis, the samples were incubated in a suitable culture broth containing Candida albicans for 24 hours. Microbial colony count (colony-forming unit (CFU)/mL) was estimated to evaluate the microbial adhesion to the surface of the denture base materials. Statistical analysis The flexural strength, hardness, and CFU between the groups were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by multiple comparisons with Tukey's honest significant difference (HSD) test (α=0.05). The level of statistical significance was determined at p<0.05. Results It was observed that the mean flexural strength was maximum in PMMA incorporated with 0.05% of aloe vera AgNPs and least in PMMA incorporated with 0.1% noni AgNPs. It was seen that a steady loss in flexural strength is observed from 0.05% to 0.1%. The mean hardness was maximum in PMMA incorporated with 0.1% of noni AgNPs and least in PMMA incorporated with 0.05% aloe vera AgNPs. It was also found that the hardness was directly proportional to the number of nanoparticles. With an increase in the weight percentage of nanoparticles, a steady increase in hardness was seen in all the test groups. In our study, the results showed that finger root 0.1% showed the least CFU with a significant reduction of C. albicans adherence; therefore, it indicates higher anti-fungal activity. Aloe vera 0.05% showed the lowest inhibition of C. albicans, suggesting the least anti-fungal activity. Conclusion Within the limitations of this study, It can thus be concluded that the addition of AgNPs incorporated with plant extracts of Aloe barbadensis miller (aloe vera), Morinda citrifolia (noni), and Boesenbergia rotunda (finger root) can alter the flexural strength, hardness, and microbial adhesion of PMMA. In our study, it can be concluded that flexural strength increases with the addition of AgNPs of 0.5% concentration after which a steady loss is seen. However, the hardness and antimicrobial activity increased with an increase in the concentration of AgNPs in all three plant extracts.

Constituent analysis, laxative activity, and toxicological evaluation of methanol extract of noni fruit (Morinda citrifolia L., Rubiaceae).

Noni fruits have gained considerable popularity as dietary supplements. However, the major constituents, the laxative activity, and the toxicity of Noni fruit remains still unknown. The purpose of the present study was, therefore, to analyze the constituents of methanol extract of Noni fruit by UPLC-MS, and further evaluate laxative activity and safety aspects of this Noni fruit-derived products in mice. UPLC-MS analysis identified eleven major constituents from this Noni fruit extract. Administration of this extract obviously shortened the time of first fecal excrement, significantly increased the total number and the weight of stools, and remarkably restored the intestinal transit to normal level in the constipated mice, with low toxicity to liver and kidney, and meanwhile, the abundance, composition, and function of gut microbiota remained homeostasis. These results revealed the laxative activity of the methanol extract of Noni fruit with low toxicity and no influence on gut microbiota.

Evolution of fatty acid taste in drosophilids.

Comparative studies of related but ecologically distinct species can reveal how the nervous system evolves to drive behaviors that are particularly suited to certain environments. Drosophila melanogaster is a generalist that feeds and oviposits on most overripe fruits. A sibling species, D. sechellia, is an obligate specialist of Morinda citrifolia (noni) fruit, which is rich in fatty acids (FAs). To understand evolution of noni taste preference, we characterized behavioral and cellular responses to noni-associated FAs in three related drosophilids. We find that mixtures of sugar and noni FAs evoke strong aversion in the generalist species but not in D. sechellia. Surveys of taste sensory responses reveal noni FA- and species-specific differences in at least two mechanisms-bitter neuron activation and sweet neuron inhibition-that correlate with shifts in noni preference. Chemoreceptor mutant analysis in D. melanogaster predicts that multiple genetic changes account for evolution of gustatory preference in D. sechellia.

Effects of Noni (Morinda citrifolia L.) Fruit Extract Supplemented in Cashmere Goats with a High-Concentrate Diet on Growth Performance, Ruminal and Colonic Fermentation and SARA.

This experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of noni fruit extract (NFE) on growth performance, ruminal and colonic fermentation, nutrient digestion, and subacute rumen acidosis (SARA) of cashmere goats with the high-concentrate diet. Twenty-four cashmere kids (17.9 ± 1.45 kg of BW ± SD) were randomly assigned to three treatments: low-concentrate diet, high-concentrate (HC) diet, or HC diet supplemented with NFE at 1 g per kg DM (0.1%). The results showed that although the HC diet improved the average daily gain (ADG) and feed conversion rate (FCR), it was accompanied by SARA with a decreased pH and an increased lactic acid of both rumen and colon, and decreased digestibility of neutral detergent fiber (NDF)and acid detergent fiber (ADF). The supplementation of 0.10% NFE in the HC diet could not only effectively alleviate SARA symptoms and colon fermentation disorders, such as reversing the decrease of pH and alleviating the increase of lactic acid in rumen and colon, but also mitigate the decline of fiber digestibility caused by long-term feeding in the HC diet, and increase the digestibility of crude protein(CP) and dry matter (DM), which improved the ADG and FCR of cashmere kids. Thus, NFE provides new strategies for alleviating SARA and promoting cashmere goat growth.

Potential of pharmaceutical formulation based on Morinda citrifolia extract for the treatment of schistosomiasis.

Schistosomiasis is a parasitic disease that can be asymptomatic, but it can progress and cause serious damage, such as hospitalization and death. This work aimed to characterize and carry out the in vivo pharmacological test of the dry extract of Morinda citrifolia and obtain a pharmaceutical dosage form based on this extract for the treatment of schistosomiasis. The aqueous extract was characterized based on the evaluation of pH, dry residue and density. The aqueous extract was dried through the freeze-drying process. The obtained dry extract was characterized through phytochemical screening, rheological analysis, acute toxicity and in vivo pharmacology. Additionally, the pre-formulation development of a pharmaceutical dosage form was pursued with the dry extract. Through the HPLC chromatogram, characteristic rutin peaks were identified. The rheological behavior of the dry extract did not show good characteristics. Acute toxicity, at a dose of 2000 mg/kg, showed excitatory activity in the central and autonomous nervous system. The in vivo pharmacological test of the dry extract showed that, at a dose of 400 mg/kg, it was possible to reduce 67.5% of the total adult worms, 66% of female worms and 60% of the number of eggs. The pharmaceutical dosage form obtained was an oral solution that was clear, transparent, without the presence of lumps and precipitates, having a density of 1.1276 g mL-1 and pH of 5.92. The results obtained will provide parameters for the production of suitable pharmaceutical formulations, as well as for the quality control of products based on M. citrifolia, with promising schistosomicidal activity.

Neuroprotective Effect of Morinda citrifolia on Behavioural and Biochemical Deficits in PTZ-induced Kindled Mice.

INTRODUCTION: Epilepsy is a group of chronic neurological disorders characterized by seizures. Kindling, a chronic epileptic mouse model, was used to explore the epileptogenic mechanism and seek new anti-epileptics. In kindling, sub-convulsive (chemical/ electrical) stimuli were delivered repeatedly and erratically, eventually causing massive convulsions. Moreover, Morinda citrifolia (Noni) extracts are used as a remedy in ayurvedic preparations for many ailments. Noni has recently been shown to protect mice from amyloid beta-induced memory loss. OBJECTIVE: This study was used to investigate the neuroprotective potential of Morinda citrifolia in mice over pentylenetetrazol (PTZ)-induced kindling seizure. METHODS: Kindling was provoked by subsequent (one-day-gap) injections of PTZ (subconvulsive; 35 mg/kg; s.c.) for 29 days in mice. Following PTZ injection, convulsive behaviours were noted for 30 minutes. Open-field-test (locomotor activity), forced swimming test (depressive behaviors), elevated plus-maze, and passive avoidance tests were employed to evaluate cognition. Brain homogenate was used to estimate oxidative stress (glutathione, superoxide-dismutase, lipid-peroxidation) and acetylcholinesterase activity. RESULTS: PTZ-provoked kindled mice displayed depressive behaviors, impaired locomotion, cognitive dysfunctions and various biochemical changes. However, treatment with Morinda citrifolia extract (500 and 1000 mg/kg, p.o) and valproic acid (200 mg/kg, p.o) before 60 min of each PTZ injection diminished kindling scores and restored behavioural, and biochemical changes. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest Morinda citrifolia offered neuroprotective effects against PTZinduced kindling seizures in mice, which were established by behavioural and biochemical paradigms.

Molecular Basis of Hexanoic Acid Taste in Drosophila melanogaster.

Animals generally prefer nutrients and avoid toxic and harmful chemicals. Recent behavioral and physiological studies have identified that sweet-sensing gustatory receptor neurons (GRNs) in Drosophila melanogaster mediate appetitive behaviors toward fatty acids. Sweet-sensing GRN activation requires the function of the ionotropic receptors IR25a, IR56d, and IR76b, as well as the gustatory receptor GR64e. However, we reveal that hexanoic acid (HA) is toxic rather than nutritious to D. melanogaster. HA is one of the major components of the fruit Morinda citrifolia (noni). Thus, we analyzed the gustatory responses to one of major noni fatty acids, HA, via electrophysiology and proboscis extension response (PER) assay. Electrophysiological tests show this is reminiscent of arginine-mediated neuronal responses. Here, we determined that a low concentration of HA induced attraction, which was mediated by sweet-sensing GRNs, and a high concentration of HA induced aversion, which was mediated by bitter-sensing GRNs. We also demonstrated that a low concentration of HA elicits attraction mainly mediated by GR64d and IR56d expressed by sweet-sensing GRNs, but a high concentration of HA activates three gustatory receptors (GR32a, GR33a, and GR66a) expressed by bitter-sensing GRNs. The mechanism of sensing HA is biphasic in a dose dependent manner. Furthermore, HA inhibit sugar-mediated activation like other bitter compounds. Taken together, we discovered a binary HA-sensing mechanism that may be evolutionarily meaningful in the foraging niche of insects.

Production of anthraquinones from cell and organ cultures of Morinda species.

Since ancient times, Morinda species, particularly Morinda citrifolia, have been used for their therapeutic benefits. Iridoids, anthraquinones, coumarins, flavonoids, lignans, phytosterols, and carotenoids are examples of natural substances with bioactivity. Anthraquinone derivatives are the most significant of these chemicals since they are utilized as natural coloring agents and have a wide range of medicinal functions. Utilizing cell and organ cultures of Morinda species, various biotechnological methods have been developed for the bioproduction of anthraquinone derivatives. The generation of anthraquinone derivatives in cell and organ cultures is summarized in this article. The methods used to produce these chemicals in bioreactor cultures have also been examined. KEY POINTS: • This review investigates the potential of cell and organ cultures for anthraquinone synthesis. • The overproduction of anthraquinones has been addressed using a variety of techniques. • The use of bioreactor technologies for anthraquinone manufacturing is highlighted.

Taste adaptations associated with host specialization in the specialist Drosophila sechellia.

Chemosensory-driven host plant specialization is a major force mediating insect ecological adaptation and speciation. Drosophila sechellia, a species endemic to the Seychelles islands, feeds and oviposits on Morinda citrifolia almost exclusively. This fruit is harmless to D. sechellia but toxic to other Drosophilidae, including the closely related generalists D. simulans and D. melanogaster, because of its high content of fatty acids. While several olfactory adaptations mediating D. sechellia's preference for its host have been uncovered, the role of taste has been much less examined. We found that D. sechellia has reduced taste and feeding aversion to bitter compounds and host fatty acids that are aversive to D. melanogaster and D. simulans. The loss of aversion to canavanine, coumarin and fatty acids arose in the D. sechellia lineage, as its sister species D. simulans showed responses akin to those of D. melanogaster. Drosophila sechellia has increased taste and feeding responses towards M. citrifolia. These results are in line with D. sechellia's loss of genes that encode bitter gustatory receptors (GRs) in D. melanogaster. We found that two GR genes which are lost in D. sechellia, GR39a.a and GR28b.a, influence the reduction of aversive responses to some bitter compounds. Also, D. sechellia has increased appetite for a prominent host fatty acid compound that is toxic to its relatives. Our results support the hypothesis that changes in the taste system, specifically a reduction of sensitivity to bitter compounds that deter generalist ancestors, contribute to the specialization of D. sechellia for its host.