Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a non-protein amino acid known for its role in the nervous system of animals. However, research has also revealed its presence and function in plants recently. In plants, GABA is a signal molecule involved in multiple physiological processes, including stress response, growth, and development. This review aims to present a thorough summary of the current knowledge regarding the role of GABA in plants. We begin by discussing the biosynthesis and transport of GABA in plants, followed by a detailed examination of its signaling mechanisms. Additionally, we explore GABA's potential roles in various plant physiological processes, such as abiotic stress response, and its potential application in horticultural plants. Finally, we highlight current challenges and future directions for research in this area. Overall, this review offers a comprehensive understanding of the significance of GABA in plants and its potential implications for plant physiology and crop improvement.
During the processing of maize, Stigma maydis, also known as corn silk, is normally discarded as waste. Phytochemical research was carried out on the S. maydis to use it as a valuable source of bioactive components. This research aimed to maximize the recovery of free and bound phenolic compounds from corn silk under optimal experimental conditions. Response surface design was operated to optimize the alkaline hydrolysis extraction of bound phytochemicals from corn silk based on total phenolic content and DPPH radical scavenging activity. The optimum conditions (i.e., NaOH concentration 2 M, digestion time 135 min, digestion temperature of 37.5°C, the solid‐to‐solvent ratio of 1:17.5, and acetone) were obtained. The optimum parameters were used to extract the corn silk. The structures of two compounds isolated from ethyl acetate extracts were then identified as friedelin (1) and (E)‐4‐(4‐hydroxy‐3‐methoxyphenyl) but‐3‐en‐2‐one (2). The DPPH, H2O2, and ABTS % inhibition of the compounds is as follows: compound (1) 74.81%, 76.8%, 70.33% and compound (2) 70.37%, 56.70% and 57.46%, respectively. The current study has opened previously unexplored perspectives of the composition of bound compounds in corn silk and established the foundations for more effective processing and utilization of corn waste.
Practical Application
Bound phenolic compounds from corn silk under optimal experimental conditions were obtained. Corn silk can be utilized as a type of medicinal herb as well as a source of inexpensive natural antioxidants.
This study was designed to determine the best olive variety for cultivation in Pakistan. The leaves of eight locally grown varieties were analyzed for levels of moisture, total solids, ash, fat, fibre, protein, K, Ca, Mg, Na, Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu levels. Leaves were then subjected to solvent extraction with each of water ratio in, 75% ethanol, 75% methanol, 95% ethanol and 95% methanol. The extract yield was significantly highest for 75% ethanol extract of all varieties. Significantly highest polyphenol and flavonoid contents were examined for Gemlik leaves extracted with 75% ethanol. We recommend cultivation of Gemlik in Pakistan and extraction of bioactive compounds from olive leaves will be the most efficient with a binary solution of 75% ethanol in water. Further studies should be planned to assess antioxidant, antimicrobial and food preservation properties of olive leaf extract from locally grown varieties.
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