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Background The family Hypoxidaceae (order Asparagales) is a predominantly Southern Hemisphere lineage comprising approximately 11 genera and 200 species, many of which possess significant medicinal and ornamental value. Despite their economic importance, Hypoxidaceae has received limited research attention, leading to problematic identification of species and misuse of wild resources in traditional medicine markets. Taxonomically, the phylogenetic position of Hypoxidaceae and the intergeneric relationships within this family remain controversial and unresolved, particularly concerning the delimitation of Curculigo and Molineria . Previous studies based on morphological traits and molecular markers have yielded inconsistent results, highlighting the need for more robust genomic evidence. In angiosperms, complete chloroplast genomes have proven highly effective in resolving systematic uncertainties considering their conserved structure and high informational content. However, such genomic data remain scarce for Hypoxidaceae, limiting phylogenetic clarity. In this research, the complete chloroplast genomes of six species representing three key genera ( Curculigo , Molineria , and Hypoxis ) were sequenced and characterized for a comparative and phylogenetic analysis. Results The chloroplast genomes of six species exhibited conserved quadripartite structures, measured 157,472 bp to 158,550 bp in length. The overall GC content of these genomes ranged between 37.3 and 37.5%. Gene annotations identified 132 genes, 19 duplicated in the inverted repeat regions, and had complete ndh gene. Comparative analysis of six complete chloroplast genomes revealed highly similarity, but they were varied in repeats sequence, codon usage bias, contractions and expansions in the IR region. Five molecular markers showed the highest degree of variability between the six cp genomes. Phylgenetic analysis based on cp genomic data confirmed that Hypoxidaceae was a monophyly, being a sister to Asteliaceae with higher supports than the previous research. Three main clades were recognized in Hypoxidaceae, including Curculigo clade, Hypoxis clade, and Pauridia – Empodium clade. And what’s more, Curculigo clade could be divided into three subclades, containing Molineria subclade, Curculigo subclade, and Seychellean subclade, indicating significantly phylogenetic insights. Conclusions The complete cp genomes of six species of three representative genera from Hypoxidaceae were sequenced and analyzed in detail, including the general data on the genome length, repeat sequence, codon usage, IR expansion and contraction, structural comparison and divergence hotspot identification analyses, and phylogenetic analysis. A comparative analysis revealed that the cp genome was highly consistent of four Molineria species, but varied greatly at the generic level between Hypoxis , Curculigo , and Molineria , which could be used for generic delimitation. Five DNA barcodes ( psbK–psbI , rpoB–trnC, ndhF–rpl32, ycf1, and trnE–trnT ) were selected for authentication of Hypoxidaceae medicinal materials. Hypoxidaceae was a monophyletic lineage, containing three major clades, being a sister to Asteliaceae with stronger supports than before. The three main clades in Hypboxidaceae were re-confirmed as the three stable lineages for this family. In the Curculigo Clade, three subclades were identified with significant phylogenetic insights. The phylogenetic evidence presented here, combined with distinct chloroplast genome features, supports Molineria Subclade separated from Curuculigo Subclade, being a monophyletic group by transferring Sinocurculigo taishanica and two Borneo Curculigo species into Molineria . Further research should provide a better understanding of the intergeneric relationships among Hypoxidaceae, adding more genomic data with extensive samplings across the center distribution of Southern Hemisphere.

Molineria recurvata (MR) has been traditionally used to manage diabetes mellitus in India. However, the molecular mechanism of MR on the diabetic-induced nephropathy has not been clearly investigated. Thus, this study investigates the protective effects of the MR extract on nephropathy in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Diabetes was instigated by a single intraperitoneal injection of STZ (45 mg/kg) in male Sprague-Dawley rats. Once the diabetes was successfully induced, the MR extract (200 mg/kg/day) or metformin (200 mg/kg/day) was orally administered for 14 days. Renal function, morphology changes and levels of inflammatory cytokines were measured. Blood glucose concentrations were considerably reduced in STZ-induced diabetic rats following treatment with the MR extract. The administration of the MR extract substantially restored the abnormal quantity of the oxidative DNA damage marker 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxy-guanosine (8-OHdG), malondialdehyde, glutathione, oxidized glutathione, superoxide dismutase, catalase, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-10, and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β). The urinary excretion of kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1), neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), selenium binding protein 1 (SBP1), and pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2) was significantly reduced in diabetes rats after administration of the MR extracts. In the kidneys of STZ-induced diabetic rats, the MR extracts markedly downregulated the expression of fibronectin, collagen-1, and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA). In particular, the MR extracts markedly increased the level of SIRT1 and SIRT3 and reduced claudin-1 in the kidney. These results suggest that the MR extracts exhibits therapeutic activity in contrast to renal injury in STZ-induced diabetic rats through repressing inflammation and oxidative stress.

Flower colour is a fascinating trait that has been of interest to biologists for its utility in understanding variation in natural populations and its role in floral evolution. Here, we investigated whether the co-occurring white and pink flowers of individual plants of the Drakensberg near-endemic taxon, Rhodohypoxis baurii (Baker) Nel. var. confecta Hilliard & Burtt (Hypoxidaceae) are an example of phenotypic plasticity or of flower colour polymorphism and what environmental factors may drive observed changes. We used both field and growth chamber studies to test the relationship between environmental variables and the shift in the proportion of the two flower colours over the flowering season. We found that single flowers do not change colour over time, but some individual plants are potentially responding to changes in environmental conditions by producing pigmented flowers later in the flowering season, which suggests that the trait could be plastic rather than a true polymorphism. The field data showed that soil moisture along with an interaction between ultraviolet (UV) radiation and temperature best explained the change in the number of pigmented flowers over the flowering season but none of our treatments in the growth chambers had a significant effect on the change in the number of pigmented flowers. Given the relationship between anthocyanin production and environmental stress, our field findings suggest that soil moisture plays an important role in facilitating stress tolerance and that R. baurii var. confecta may produce anthocyanins to prevent tissue damage from increased temperature and UV later in the flowering season.

Premise of the Study Bilateral symmetry in core eudicot flowers is established by the differential expression of CYCLOIDEA (CYC), DICHOTOMA (DICH), and RADIALIS (RAD), which are restricted to the dorsal portion of the flower, and DIVARICATA (DIV), restricted to the ventral and lateral petals. Little is known regarding the evolution of these gene lineages in non‐core eudicots, and there are no reports on gene expression that can be used to assess whether the network predates the diversification of core eudicots. Methods Homologs of the RAD and DIV lineages were isolated from available genomes and transcriptomes, including those of three selected non‐core eudicot species, the magnoliid Aristolochia fimbriata and the monocots Cattleya trianae and Hypoxis decumbens. Phylogenetic analyses for each gene lineage were performed. RT‐PCR was used to evaluate the expression and putative contribution to floral symmetry in dissected floral organs of the selected species. Key Results RAD‐like genes have undergone at least two duplication events before eudicot diversification, three before monocots and at least four in Orchidaceae. DIV‐like genes also duplicated twice before eudicot diversification and underwent independent duplications specific to Orchidaceae. RAD‐like and DIV‐like genes have differential dorsiventral expression only in C. trianae, which contrasts with the homogeneous expression in the perianth of A. fimbriata. Conclusions Our results point to a common genetic regulatory network for floral symmetry in monocots and core eudicots, while alternative genetic mechanisms are likely driving the bilateral perianth symmetry in the early‐diverging angiosperm Aristolochia.

Premise of research. Flower color polymorphisms provide a type of variability from which floral evolution can occur. Identifying factors that facilitate such variability within populations is a necessary first step to developing floral evolution hypotheses. Here, we test whether environmental variables may be associated with a change in the prevalence of pink morphs relative to white morphs over a single flowering season. Methodology. The number of each morph was monitored at three subpopulations throughout the 2017 flowering season (October–December). In addition, soil moisture, temperature, and precipitation were measured and solar radiation data were obtained to test whether there was an association with any observed shift from one color morph to another. Pivotal results. We found that at one subpopulation there is a clear shift toward a greater number of pink morphs toward the end of the flowering season (November). This subpopulation also experienced an increase in soil moisture that may be associated with this change in the presence of color morphs. Two subpopulations that did not experience an increase in soil moisture did not undergo the same shift from white morphs to pink morphs. Conclusions. The data suggest that soil moisture may be related to an increased emergence of pink morphs relative to white morphs within one subpopulation and highlight other potential catalysts for subsequent floral evolution in this system.

genes are involved in the symmetry gene network, limiting cell proliferation in the dorsal regions of bilateral flowers in core eudicots. and closely related genes (acronym for , and ) have been poorly studied in Asparagales, the largest order of monocots that includes both bilateral flowers in Orchidaceae (ca. 25.000 spp) and radially symmetrical flowers in Hypoxidaceae (ca. 200 spp). With the aim of assessing gene evolution in the Asparagales, we isolated genes from publicly available databases and our own transcriptomes of (Orchidaceae) and (Hypoxidaceae). Our matrix contains 452 sequences representing the three major clades of genes. Besides the previously identified specific core eudicot duplications, our ML phylogenetic analyses recovered an early duplication predating all angiosperms, two Asparagales-specific duplications and a duplication prior to the diversification of Orchidoideae and Epidendroideae. In addition, we provide evidence of at least three duplications of genes in Asparagales. While and genes have multiplied in Asparagales, likely enhancing the genetic network for cell proliferation, genes remain as single, shorter copies with low expression. Homogeneous expression of genes in the labellum as well as the lateral petals suggests little contribution to the bilateral perianth in . and gene expression suggests conserved roles in cell proliferation in leaves, sepals and petals, carpels, ovules and fruits in Asparagales by comparison with previously reported functions in core eudicots and monocots. This is the first large scale analysis of genes in Asparagales that will serve as a platform for in-depth functional studies in emerging model monocots.

Background The wild population of Hypoxis hemerocallidea continues to decline rapidly because of overharvesting for medicinal use. This has necessitated the development of sustainable cultivation protocols for the species to promote its conservation. Aim The impact of varying concentrations of compost tea extract on the growth, nutrient, antioxidant, and phytochemical contents of slow-growing corms H. hemerocallidea were investigated. Setting Corms of H. hemerocallidea were irrigated with municipal water and graded concentrations (0.25, 0.5, 0.75 and 1) of compost tea. Methods The nutrient content of the treated plant materials was analysed using the atomic absorption spectrophotometer while phytochemical and antioxidant contents were analysed following referenced methods. Results The highest growth parameters were recorded in corms treated with 0.5 of compost tea. The extracted compost tea did not have a significant influence on the phenolic content and antioxidant capacity of the plant; however, significant variability was observed in the flavonols and FRAP (ferric reducing antioxidant power) values at P < 0.05. Similarly, the concentration of certain mineral elements such as N, P, K, Ca and Mg varied significantly in the leaves whereas elemental compositions of the treated roots of H. hemerocallidea. Conclusion The compost tea did not have a significant effect on the phenolic content, oxygen radical absorbance capacity and ABTS (2,2′-azino-bis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic) acid) antioxidant properties and nutrients in the plant although significant differences were observed in the flavonols and FRAP content of leaves, corms and roots. Contribution The study contributes to the development of an organic cultivation protocol to conserve wild relatives of H. hemerocallidea.

Increasing evidence from both experimental and clinical studies depicts the involvement of oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of various diseases. Specifically, disruption of homeostatic redox balance in accumulated body fat mass leads to obesity-associated metabolic syndrome. Strategies for the restoration of redox balance, potentially by exploring potent plant bioactives, have thus become the focus of therapeutic intervention. The present study aimed to bioprospect the potential use of the curculigoside-cinnamic acid-rich fraction from Molineria latifolia rhizome as an antioxidant therapeutic agent. The ethyl acetate fraction (EAF) isolated from M. latifolia rhizome methanolic extract (RME) contained the highest amount of phenolic compounds, particularly curculigoside and cinnamic acid. EAF demonstrated glycation inhibitory activities in both glucose- and fructose-mediated glycation models. In addition, in vitro chemical-based and cellular-based antioxidant assays showed that EAF exhibited high antioxidant activities and a protective effect against oxidative damage in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes. Although the efficacies of individual phenolics differed depending on the structure and concentration, a correlational study revealed strong correlations between total phenolic contents and antioxidant capacities. The results concluded that enriched phenolic contents in EAF (curculigoside-cinnamic acid-rich fraction) contributed to the overall better reactivity. Our data suggest that this bioactive-rich fraction warrants therapeutic potential against oxidative stress-related disorders.

We compared the floral ecology and pollen–pistil interactions in Hypoxis hirsuta (L.) Coville from North America and Hypoxis aurea Loureiro from China. Both species are vernal-flowering herbs, with yellow perianths, providing pollen as their only reward. In H. hirsuta, hand self-pollinated, emasculated and bagged control flowers failed to set fruit. When cross-pollinated, 77% of the pistils produced seed-filled capsules while 72% of open, insect-pollinated flowers set seed. Epifluorescence showed that most germinating grains failed to penetrate the stigmatic surface > 24 h after hand self-pollination suggesting early-acting self-incompatibility (SI). The majority of pollinators of H. hirsuta were female bees representing 21 species distributed in four families. Pollen load analyses indicated that most bees were polylectic and carried grains of H. hirsuta mixed with pollen of co-blooming, nectariferous species. In contrast, capsule production of H. aurea was 60% for open, insect-pollinated flowers. Pollen tubes of H. aurea also entered ovules within 24 h, and SI of this species was partial. Evidence of a late-acting rejection in this species following self-pollination included abnormal growth of pollen tubes in styles with fewer tubes penetrating ovules. In contrast, abnormal tube growth was not observed in styles of H. hirsuta. Hypoxis aurea received fewer insect visitations. Pollen was dispersed primarily by hoverflies (Syrphidae) followed by bees. Floral presentation, generalist pollination and two modes of SI found in these two Hypoxis species contribute to our understanding of floral evolution for congeners isolated on different continents.

Africa has the largest diversity of the genus Hypoxis, accounting for 61% of the current globally accepted taxa within the genus, including some endemic species. Using Hypoxis hemerocallidea as a case study, this review addresses the conservation concerns arising from the unsustainable, wild harvesting of a number of Hypoxis species. Hypoxis hemerocallidea is one of the wild-harvested, economically important, indigenous medicinal plants of southern Africa, with potential in natural product and drug development. There are several products made from the species, including capsules, tinctures, tonics and creams that are available in the market. The use of H. hemerocallidea as a “cure-all” medicine puts an important harvesting pressure on the species. Unsustainable harvesting causes a continuing decline of its populations and it is therefore of high priority for conservation, including a strong case to cultivate the species. Reviewing the current knowledge and gaps on cultivation of H. hemerocallidea, we suggest the creation of a platform for linking all the stakeholders in the industry.