International Parasitic Plant Society

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Horizontal gene transfer of the Pytheas sequence from Cuscuta to Orobanche via a host-mediated pathway Magdalena Denysenko-Bennett, Dagmara Kwolek, Grzegorz Góralski, Marek Szklarczyk, Renata Piwowarczyk, Saša Stefanović, Adam C. Schneider, Andrzej J. Joachimiak Scientific Reports, volume 16 Sunday 15 February 2026 Horizontal Gene Transfer (HGT) is a phenomenon of DNA transfer between organisms that does not involve a parent-offspring relationship. HGT is believed to play an important role in all groups of organisms, including plants, and especially in parasites. Here we describe a chain of transfers from Cuscuta (Convolvulaceae) to Orobanche rigens (Orobanch... Horizontal Gene Transfer (HGT) is a phenomenon of DNA transfer between organisms that does not involve a parent-offspring relationship. HGT is believed to play an important role in all groups of organisms, including plants, and especially in parasites. Here we describe a chain of transfers from Cuscuta (Convolvulaceae) to Orobanche rigens (Orobanchaceae)—both parasitic plants—via a host belonging to tribe Genisteae (Fabaceae). During its “journey” between genomes, the transferred sequence, which we named Pytheas, was altered by deletions, additions of new segments from the current genome, substitutions, and rearrangements. This is the first robustly documented case of a multi-step transfer pathway—involving one IGT and two HGTs—connecting three plant species. Specifically, this system involves a host plant mediated gene flow between two distinct parasites without involvement of transposable elements, the cox1 intron, or other vectors. This case also demonstrates how host-parasite interactions can facilitate the spread of genetic material between evolutionarily distant lineages.

Assisting species differentiation and taxonomic classification by hyperspectral imaging: an example from the parasitic plant realm Vasili A. Balios, Samuel Ortega, Karsten Heia, Anna Avetisyan, Kirsten Krause Plant Methods, volume 22 Sunday 15 February 2026 Background: Cuscuta, a genus of parasitic plants, poses a threat to global agriculture by infesting a wide variety of economically important crops and facilitating the transmission of plant viruses. Accurate species identification is crucial for management but is traditionally based on morphological traits that require expert knowledge, limiting ac... Background: Cuscuta, a genus of parasitic plants, poses a threat to global agriculture by infesting a wide variety of economically important crops and facilitating the transmission of plant viruses. Accurate species identification is crucial for management but is traditionally based on morphological traits that require expert knowledge, limiting accessibility and early detection. Hyperspectral imaging, a technique that captures detailed reflectance information across hundreds of narrow and contiguous wavelength bands, offers the potential to non-invasively monitor plant health with high precision. This study aimed to explore whether hyperspectral imaging, combined with machine learning algorithms, can accurately differentiate between host plant tissue and parasitic Cuscuta species and further distinguish among different species within the genus. Results: Hyperspectral images were collected in both the visible-near infrared and short-wave infrared ranges, followed by preprocessing and segmentation of plant material from the background. The Normalized Difference Vegetation Index method yielded the most consistent segmentation performance. Random Forest and Neural Network models trained on segmented pixels achieved high classification accuracy and balanced F1 scores of approximately 0.97 in both binary (host versus parasite) and multiclass (species-level) classification. Feature selection using a genetic algorithm and an iterative elbow method successfully reduced the number of spectral bands needed for accurate predictions, identifying key wavelengths associated with chlorophyll content and other biochemical markers. Conclusions: This study demonstrates the effectiveness of hyperspectral imaging combined with machine learning for identifying and classifying parasitic Cuscuta species. The findings highlight the potential of this approach for rapid, non-destructive field diagnostics and precision agriculture applications. As imaging hardware continues to improve and become more affordable, such integrated systems could be deployed in real-world crop monitoring and management to mitigate the impact of parasitic plants on global food production.

Occurrence of common mistletoe (Viscum album subsp. album) on alien tree species in the urban green areas of Wrocław (Poland) Robert Krzysztof Sobolewski, Elżbieta Małgorzata Szopińska, Justyna Jaworek-Jakubska, Piotr Łakomy Urban Ecosystems, volume 29 Saturday 14 February 2026 Common mistletoe (Viscum album) is an evergreen hemiparasitic plant that parasitizes around 200 taxa of trees and shrubs in Poland, including both native and alien species. Most reports from Poland regarding alien host species of mistletoe consist of historical records, mainly from arboreta. The aim of this study was to assess the occurrence and de... Common mistletoe (Viscum album) is an evergreen hemiparasitic plant that parasitizes around 200 taxa of trees and shrubs in Poland, including both native and alien species. Most reports from Poland regarding alien host species of mistletoe consist of historical records, mainly from arboreta. The aim of this study was to assess the occurrence and degree of infestation by common mistletoe of alien tree species considered rare in the historic urban green areas of Wrocław. The research encompassed all green areas where the occurrence of these rare species was recorded, noting the number of sites in which infested specimens were found. The study also included an analysis of the frequency of infestation for each tree species. The presence of common mistletoe was found on 19 out of 57 examined taxa. The infested species belonged to 8 genera and 7 families. The results indicate that Quercus palustris, Celtis occidentalis, Carya ovata, Juglans nigra, Aesculus glabra, and Acer tataricum were the species most frequently colonised by Viscum album under urban conditions in Wrocław. In contrast, unlike on other taxa of the Tilia L. genus, no mistletoe was found on Tilia ×euchlora nor on species in the Fabaceae family, even though a member of that family – Robinia pseudoacacia – is a common host in Poland. This work can serve as valuable baseline data on the dynamics of mistletoe spread on selected alien tree species not only in Wrocław and western Poland, but also in Central and Eastern Europe.

Cytogenetic insights of C. argentinana and C. parodiana, two species from section Subulatae (Cuscuta L.– Convolvulaceae) Amalia Ibiapino, Andrea Pedrosa-Harand, Juan Urdampilleta Plant Biosystems, volume 160 Saturday 14 February 2026 Cuscuta exhibits cytogenetic diversity, strongly influenced by heterochromatin dynamics. The genus is divided into four subgenera, Grammica is almost exclusively found in the Americas, and South America is the first major diversification center. Section Subulatae consists of species primarily found in Argentina. To cytogenetically characterize the ... Cuscuta exhibits cytogenetic diversity, strongly influenced by heterochromatin dynamics. The genus is divided into four subgenera, Grammica is almost exclusively found in the Americas, and South America is the first major diversification center. Section Subulatae consists of species primarily found in Argentina. To cytogenetically characterize the section Subulatae and investigate the chromosomal evolution of the subgenus Grammica, CMA/DAPI banding, FISH with 5S and 35S rDNA, and flow cytometry were performed on C. argentinana and C. parodiana. Both species exhibited 2n = 30 with differences in chromosome size and, heterochromatic banding patterns. Cuscuta argentinana has smaller chromosomes and genome (1C = 1.49 Gbp) and a higher number of metacentric chromosomes and CMA⁺/DAPI⁻ bands, whereas C. parodiana (1C = 2.79 Gbp) exhibits heterochromatin accumulation and higher number of submetacentric chromosomes and heterochromatin accumulation. While the rDNA 5S sites number were the same (six sites), C. parodiana presented one more pair of 35S rDNA. The results suggest that Subulatae is mainly represented by diploid species, with variation in genome size observed in C. argentinana, which may be associated with the dynamics of heterochromatin. These findings contribute to understanding of Grammica diversification and the role of heterochromatin in the chromosomal evolution of the genus.

Spatial determinants of mistletoe dispersal in Scots pine dominated forests: Are more complex forest stands less prone to invasion? Leszek Bolibok, Wojciech Kędziora, Michał Brach, Roman Wójcik Forest Ecology and Management, volume 603 Wednesday 04 February 2026 Mistletoe (Viscum album ssp. austriacum) is an increasingly prevalent parasitic plant in European pine forests. It raises concerns among forest managers due to its negative impacts on tree health and timber production. This study investigates the spatial and structural determinants of mistletoe infestation in Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) stands wi... Mistletoe (Viscum album ssp. austriacum) is an increasingly prevalent parasitic plant in European pine forests. It raises concerns among forest managers due to its negative impacts on tree health and timber production. This study investigates the spatial and structural determinants of mistletoe infestation in Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) stands within the Kozienicka Forest in Central Poland, using a combination of intensive spatial sampling in field surveys, LiDAR data, and satellite imagery. We analyzed 423 plots using generalized additive models to identify key variables influencing mistletoe presence. Our results show that older and larger trees were most likely to be infested, and these were associated with increased defoliation, while dense, young, even-aged pine stands offer some resistance. Increased shrub cover in the understory and proximity to the forest complex edge significantly elevated infestation likelihood, suggesting bird-mediated seed dispersal is critical. The presence of old-style orchards in the forest's complex surroundings and the proximity to the Vistula River, an important bird migration corridor, may also enhance mistletoe spread. These findings highlight the complex interactions between forest structure, birds' behavior, and mistletoe dynamics, offering valuable insights for forest management strategies to mitigate mistletoe invasion.

Efficacy of the herbal product of Cuscuta campestris Yunck. and Polypodium vulgare L. in patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder: A triple-blind clinical trial Behnaz Bakhshinejad, Abdolreza Sabahi, Tania Dehesh, Zarrin Sarhadynejad, Mehrnaz Mehrabani, Mahdiyeh Khazaneha, Mehrzad Mehrbani, Mitra Mehrabani Journal of Ethnopharmacology, volume 354 Tuesday 03 February 2026 Ethnopharmacological relevance: Cuscuta campestris Yunck. and Polypodium vulgare L. are medicinal plants widely used in traditional Persian medicine to treat various mental health conditions, such as Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Aim of the study: OCD is among the top ten disorders that cause disability and decrease quality of life. Consider... Ethnopharmacological relevance: Cuscuta campestris Yunck. and Polypodium vulgare L. are medicinal plants widely used in traditional Persian medicine to treat various mental health conditions, such as Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Aim of the study: OCD is among the top ten disorders that cause disability and decrease quality of life. Considering the lack of a definitive treatment method and the side effects of the existing drugs, the application of complementary medicine in treating this disorder seems reasonable. The current study aimed to investigate the therapeutic impact of a dodder and polypody herbal product (DPHP) in OCD patients. Materials and methods: In this triple-blind clinical trial, 84 individuals with OCD were assigned to two groups of DPHP and placebo receivers at random. While taking fluvoxamine tablets (100 mg twice daily), the first group was prescribed DPHP tablets, and the second group was prescribed placebo tablets twice daily. The intensity of manifestations and the participant's quality of life were evaluated at the beginning of the trial and after four and eight weeks of intervention using the Yale-Brown and WHOQOL-BREF questionnaires, respectively. Results: The severity of OCD symptoms in both groups decreased significantly after four and eight weeks (P-value <0.001). The DPHP group's reduction rate was significantly higher than the placebo group (P-value = 0.043). The quality of life improved significantly in both groups (P-value <0.001). However, the increase in the quality of life in the DPHP group was significantly higher compared to the placebo group (P-value = 0.042). Conclusions: DPHP, taken alongside fluvoxamine, can effectively alleviate the symptoms of OCD and increase the quality of life. Therefore, it could be regarded as a complementary therapeutic alternative to OCD.

Host-dependent variations in antioxidant activity, metabolic profile, and phenolic content of the parasitic plant Phoradendron nervosum Oliv. Raluca A. Mihai, Ramiro F. Vivanco Gonzaga, Fabián A. Silva Ayo, Romina A. López Mendoza, Mishell A. Nicolalde Padilla, Jeimy E. Calahorrano Cabrera, Alvarez R. Chuma, Rodica D. Catana Scientific Reports, volume 16 Monday 02 February 2026 Phoradendron nervosum (hemiparasitic plant) exhibits remarkable metabolic plasticity, with significant variations in bioactive compound content, metabolite profiles, and antioxidant capacity depending on the host species (Laurus nobilis L., Hibiscus rosa-sinensis L., Populus alba L.) and organ type (leaves vs. fruits). A multi-method approach combi... Phoradendron nervosum (hemiparasitic plant) exhibits remarkable metabolic plasticity, with significant variations in bioactive compound content, metabolite profiles, and antioxidant capacity depending on the host species (Laurus nobilis L., Hibiscus rosa-sinensis L., Populus alba L.) and organ type (leaves vs. fruits). A multi-method approach combining spectrophotometry, complementary antioxidant assays (ABTS, DPPH, FRAP), and complete metabolomic profiling by LC–MS was used to elucidate the biochemical interactions between P. nervosum and its hosts. The results obtained showed a differential distribution of total phenolic and flavonoid compounds, with leaves characterized by higher flavonoid concentrations (e.g., up to 0.286 mg QE/g DW). At the same time, fruits exhibited host-mediated modulations, especially in the species L. nobilis (e.g., the highest TPC at 2.723 mg GAE/g DW). Antioxidant activity was consistently higher in leaves (e.g., up to 41.26 µmol Trolox/g DW in DPPH assay), correlating with their enriched presence of phenolic acids and glycosylated flavonoids. The host species played a determining role in antioxidant capacity, as H. rosa-sinensis-associated plants exhibited the highest levels (e.g., 14.53 µmol Trolox/g DW in ABTS, 24.06 µmol Fe<sup>2+</sup>/g DW in FRAP). Correlation analysis suggested complex biochemical trade-offs influencing metabolic allocations. A diversity of bioactive compounds was identified by LC–MS, highlighting the synergistic interaction between metabolites in defining the physiological response of P. nervosum. Our results highlight its adaptive versatility and ecological significance, but also potential pharmacological applications, given that related mistletoe species from Europe are already used in antitumor treatments.

Discovery of ent-kaurane diterpenoid glucosides from Cuscuta japonica seeds and their α-glucosidase inhibitory activity Bo Yi Fan, Cui Su, Xin Lan, Su Peng Guo, Tian Zi Qi, Jin Ping Gu, Xin Yu Wang, Bin Lin, Min Yang, Guang Tong Chen, Jia Lie Luo, Jian Zhong Yu, Wen Li Wang Journal of Molecular Structure, volume 1358 Sunday 01 February 2026 To explore the potential active components from the seeds of Cuscuta japonica, a well-known herb in traditional Chinese medicine, two novel 6,7-seco‑ent-kaurane-type diterpenoid glucosides bearing a rare 6,19-lactone framework, designated cusjaponoids A (1) and B (2), along with four previously reported fatty acids (3–6), were characterized. St... To explore the potential active components from the seeds of Cuscuta japonica, a well-known herb in traditional Chinese medicine, two novel 6,7-seco‑ent-kaurane-type diterpenoid glucosides bearing a rare 6,19-lactone framework, designated cusjaponoids A (1) and B (2), along with four previously reported fatty acids (3–6), were characterized. Structural elucidation of all isolates was accomplished through an integrated analysis of spectroscopic and chemical data, including HRESIMS, NMR, ECD, single-crystal X-ray diffraction, and alkaline hydrolysis. Compounds 1 and 2 exhibited moderate inhibitory potency against α-glucosidase, with IC<inf>50</inf> values of 48.09 and 33.36 μM, respectively. Kinetic assays revealed that compound 1 acted as a mixed-type inhibitor with K<inf>i</inf> and K<inf>is</inf> values of 56.26 and 6.26 μM, respectively, indicating higher affinity for the enzyme-substrate complex, whereas compound 2 functioned as an uncompetitive inhibitor, binding exclusively with the enzyme-substrate complex and showing a K<inf>is</inf> value of 3.41 μM. Given the structural similarity and preferential binding to the enzyme-substrate complex of both compounds, compound 2 with stronger activity was selected for the molecular docking analysis and molecular dynamics simulations, which formed a stable complex with α-glucosidase–pNPG through strong binding affinity and favorable conformational stability. In silico ADMET prediction suggested promising pharmacokinetic and safety profiles, indicating potential drug-like properties of compounds 1 and 2. Overall, this study advanced the chemical and pharmacological understanding of the bioactive constituents in C. japonica seeds, providing valuable insights for the future exploitation of this traditional medicinal resource.

Diversity and functional traits of the flower stigma microbiome in heterotrophic and autotrophic plants: Phelipanche ramosa vs. its host Nicotiana tabacum Karolina Wiśniewska, Sebastian Wojciech Przemieniecki, Krzysztof Krawczyk, Renata Piwowarczyk Scientific Reports, volume 16 Saturday 31 January 2026 Phelipanche ramosa is a widespread parasitic weed of significant economic importance, particularly affecting tomatoes and tobacco. Despite its well-documented impact on agriculture, its microbial associations remain poorly understood. For the first time, we used Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) to determine the composition of microorganisms (bacter... Phelipanche ramosa is a widespread parasitic weed of significant economic importance, particularly affecting tomatoes and tobacco. Despite its well-documented impact on agriculture, its microbial associations remain poorly understood. For the first time, we used Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) to determine the composition of microorganisms (bacteria and fungi) on the flower stigma of P. ramosa and its host, Nicotiana tabacum, as well as to explore their potential functions. The stigma is a nutrient-rich environment that fosters a varied microbial community, encompassing both beneficial and pathogenic organisms affecting plant health and reproductive success. Unique bacterial populations were identified in P. ramosa stigmas, which were absent or less abundant in N. tabacum stigmas. We identified 49 bacterial OTUs in P. ramosa stigmas, primarily Proteobacteria (87.5%) with dominant genera like Pantoea and Pseudomonas. In contrast, N. tabacum stigmas (18 OTUs) were also rich in Proteobacteria (69.6%) but showed higher levels of Leuconostoc and Enterobacteriaceae. Phelipanche ramosa stigmas exhibited a higher abundance of Actinobacteria, while N. tabacum stigmas had a greater proportion of Firmicutes. Fungal communities differed significantly: P. ramosa stigmas (109 OTUs) were dominated by Basidiomycota, while N. tabacum (69 OTUs) was primarily colonised by Ascomycota, with the genus Candida common in the host but absent in the parasite. Specific genera such as Chalastospora, Ustilaginaceae, and Bensingtonia were more abundant or exclusive to P. ramosa stigmas. Nicotiana tabacum stigmas hosted a potentially functionally rich bacterial microbiome, while P. ramosa harbored a more limited one. In contrast, both the structural diversity and functional (metabolic) potential of the fungal communities were higher in P. ramosa compared to N. tabacum. Microbiome network analysis highlighted distinct physiological functions associated with autotrophic and heterotrophic lifestyles. Some identified microorganisms may play key roles in nutrient availability and pathogenicity, including potentially beneficial ones that could provide new opportunities for biological control. This study highlights the significant relationships between microbial diversity and functional traits, underscoring the importance of these dynamics in the structure and functioning of the stigma microbiome.

Integrated Management of Striga hermonthica in Sorghum Using Glomus mosseae, Bacillus megaterium, and Phosphorus Suha Hassan Ahmed Elhag, Migdam Elsheikh Abdelghani, Hanan Ibrahim Mudawi, Abdel Gabar E.Tayeb Babiker Plant Environment Interactions, volume 7 Friday 30 January 2026 The root parasitic weed Striga hermonthica, a member of the Orobanchaceae family, is a major constraint to cereal production in sub-Saharan Africa. Its germination is triggered by host-derived stimulants, which are upregulated under phosphorus (P) and nitrogen deficiencies. This study evaluated the effects of the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus Glomu... The root parasitic weed Striga hermonthica, a member of the Orobanchaceae family, is a major constraint to cereal production in sub-Saharan Africa. Its germination is triggered by host-derived stimulants, which are upregulated under phosphorus (P) and nitrogen deficiencies. This study evaluated the effects of the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus Glomus mosseae, the phosphorus-solubilizing bacterium Bacillus megaterium var. phosphaticum (BMP), and inorganic phosphorus (P<inf>2</inf>O<inf>5</inf>), applied individually and in combination, on S. hermonthica incidence and sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) growth. Uncontrolled S. hermonthica parasitism reduced sorghum height by 48%–54% and shoot biomass by 71%. G. mosseae alone reduced S. hermonthica emergence and biomass by 87%–100% and 93%, respectively, while increasing sorghum height by 89%–115% and shoot biomass by 351%. The combination of G. mosseae with BMP increased sorghum height by 116%–139% and shoot biomass by 314%. BMP alone reduced S. hermonthica emergence and biomass by 57%–65% and 68%, respectively, and phosphorus alone reduced S. hermonthica emergence and biomass by 29%–42% and 51%, respectively. The combinations of G. mosseae with BMP, G. mosseae with phosphorus, and G. mosseae with BMP and phosphorus achieved reductions in S. hermonthica emergence of 93%–100%, 82%–100%, and 87%–100%, and reductions in biomass of 93%, 87%, and 65%, respectively. Phosphorus suppressed arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus colonization, while BMP had no significant effect. These findings highlight the potential of G. mosseae and Bacillus megaterium, individually and in combination, as biocontrol agents for reducing S. hermonthica and improving sorghum growth in low-fertility soils.

Total flavonoids from Semen Cuscutae inhibits osteoblast apoptosis in hormone-induced femoral head avascular necrosis Yu Zhao, Yun Xue, Jiajun Huang, Diyou Wu, Bin Yang, Junqing Huang Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research, volume 30, pages 4289-4298 Friday 30 January 2026 BACKGROUND: The PI3K/Akt pathway, as an intracellular signal transduction pathway, plays a crucial role in regulating cell proliferation, growth, and metabolism. Semen Cuscutae, a traditional Chinese medicine used for kidney tonification, possesses potential bone-protective effects due to its total flavonoids; however, the specific molecular mechan... BACKGROUND: The PI3K/Akt pathway, as an intracellular signal transduction pathway, plays a crucial role in regulating cell proliferation, growth, and metabolism. Semen Cuscutae, a traditional Chinese medicine used for kidney tonification, possesses potential bone-protective effects due to its total flavonoids; however, the specific molecular mechanisms remain unclear. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the protective effect of total flavonoids from Semen Cuscutae against dexamethasone-induced osteoblast apoptosis and its potential molecular mechanisms through a combination of network pharmacology and in vitro experiments. METHODS: Network pharmacology was used to predict potential targets and signaling pathways for Semen Cuscutae in the treatment of dexamethasone-induced femoral head avascular necrosis. hFOB1.19 cells were cultured in vitro and treated with different concentrations of total flavonoids from Semen Cuscutae (0, 25, 50, 100, 200, 400, and 600 μg/mL) for 24 hours. Cell viability was assessed using the cell counting kit-8 assay to select the optimal treatment dose for subsequent experiments. hFOB1.19 cells were divided into six groups: control, dexamethasone, total flavonoids from Semen Cuscutae at 100, 200, 400 μg/mL plus 2 μmol/L dexamethasone, and total flavonoids from Semen Cuscutae plus LY294002 groups (400 μg/mL total flavonoids from Semen Cuscutae and 10 μmol/L LY294002, a PI3K inhibitor). Cell viability was determined using the cell counting kit-8 assay, apoptosis rate was measured by flow cytometry, apoptosis-related protein expression was assessed by immunofluorescence, reactive oxygen species levels were quantified using the DCFH-DA probe, and expression of proteins related to the PI3K/Akt pathway was analyzed by western blot assay after treatment,. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) Network pharmacology results indicated that the potential targets of Semen Cuscutae may be related to the regulation of tumor necrosis factor, p53, interleukin-6, serine/threonine protein kinase 1, vascular endothelial growth factor A, caspase-3, interleukin-1β, hypoxia-inducible factor 1α expression, and the PI3K/Akt pathway. (2) CCK-8 results showed that total flavonoids from Semen Cuscutae promoted the proliferation of hFOB1.19 cells within a certain range and alleviated the inhibitory effect of dexamethasone on the proliferation of hFOB1.19 cells. (3) Total flavonoids from Semen Cuscutae inhibited dexamethasone-induced apoptosis and increased reactive oxygen species levels, reduced the expression of cleaved caspase-3 and Bax, and decreased reactive oxygen species levels, while increased the protein expression of Bcl-2. (4) Compared with the dexamethasone group, total flavonoids from Semen Cuscutae enhanced the expression of p-PI3K and p-Akt proteins. (5) The PI3K inhibitor LY294002 reversed the effects of total flavonoids from Semen Cuscutae on apoptosis and reactive oxygen species levels in dexamethasone-treated cells. The results indicate that total flavonoids from Semen Cuscutae can attenuate dexamethasone-mediated apoptosis in hFOB1.19 cells, and the mechanism may be related to the activation of the PI3K/Akt pathway.

Differential effects of precipitation pulses on two mistletoe species and their associated fauna in a semi-arid environment Valentina Vilches-Gómez, José I. Orellana, Francisco E. Fontúrbel Journal of Arid Environments, volume 232 Thursday 29 January 2026 Semi-arid ecosystems are highly limited by water availability; thus, precipitation pulses can generate significant impacts on plant populations. We evaluated the effects of rainfall pulses on the phenologies of two mistletoe species (Tristerix aphyllus and T. verticillatus) and their associated fauna in Las Chinchillas National Reserve, Chile. Base... Semi-arid ecosystems are highly limited by water availability; thus, precipitation pulses can generate significant impacts on plant populations. We evaluated the effects of rainfall pulses on the phenologies of two mistletoe species (Tristerix aphyllus and T. verticillatus) and their associated fauna in Las Chinchillas National Reserve, Chile. Based on a two-year camera trap survey (2021–2023), we recorded a total of 21,083 visits. Although 2022 began following a 2021 hydric deficit, a large rainfall pulse during the austral winter altered conditions, influencing the patterns observed in 2023. Tristerix aphyllus (a holoparasite specialized on cacti) showed a decrease in flowering after the rainfall pulse, whereas T. verticillatus (a generalist hemiparasite) showed an increase in flowering and fruiting. Associated fauna showed a significant variation between years: both species experienced greater visitor abundance after the pulse, but only T. verticillatus showed increased species richness (from 3.71 to 7.30 species in average). Beta diversity values indicated greater species turnover in T. aphyllus (57.14 %) than in T. verticillatus (17.39 %); small mammals became more dominant than birds after the rainfall pulse. These results show differential effects of rainfall pulses between mistletoe species, shedding light on the complex ecological dynamics underlying Mediterranean semi-arid environments.

Cuscuta chinensis Lam. extracts ameliorate type 2 diabetes by regulating metabolism and gut microbiota Lin Zhou, Rui Liu, Xinyue Wang, Wenjing Song, Xiaoxu Duan, Yu Yang, Guangyan Liu, Ronghua Fan Iscience, volume 29 Thursday 29 January 2026 Cuscuta chinensis Lam. (TSZ), a medicinal and edible plant, contains bioactive constituents including flavonoids, phenolic acids, polysaccharides, and lignans. This study investigated the effects of TSZ extracts in rats with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). We employed UV and UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS for compositional analysis, and integrated metabolomics ... Cuscuta chinensis Lam. (TSZ), a medicinal and edible plant, contains bioactive constituents including flavonoids, phenolic acids, polysaccharides, and lignans. This study investigated the effects of TSZ extracts in rats with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). We employed UV and UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS for compositional analysis, and integrated metabolomics with 16S rDNA sequencing to explore systemic responses. The results showed that TSZ extracts are rich in flavonoids and phenolic acids. Treatment with TSZ significantly regulated blood glucose and body weight, ameliorated metabolic disturbances, and influenced key pathways, including the biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids (e.g., oleic acid and α-linolenic acid). Further, TSZ reversed the gut microbiota dysbiosis in diabetic rats. Finally, Spearman correlation analysis indicated a close relationship between microbiota and metabolites. Collectively, the findings suggest that TSZ alleviates T2DM by modulating endogenous metabolic pathways and gut microbiota, which serve as potential targets for TSZ to enhance its glycemic effects in T2DM.

Ethyl acetate fraction of Striga hermonthica (Delile) Benth. inhibits AGEs-mediated inflammatory markers in THP-1 monocytes Abdoulaye Segda, Priya Tufail, Roland Nâg Tiéro Méda, Aneela Fayaz, Benjamin Kouliga Koama, Georges Anicet Ouédraogo, Humera Jahan, M. Iqbal Choudhary Fitoterapia, volume 189 Wednesday 28 January 2026 The present study investigated the antiglycation activities of extracts and fractions of Phyllanthus amarus , Chrysanthellum americanum , Striga hermonthica and, based on cytotoxicity results, evaluated the anti-inflammatory potential of the ethyl acetate fraction of Striga hermonthica ( EtOAc-Sh ) in AGE-challenged THP-1 monocytes. The in vitro me... The present study investigated the antiglycation activities of extracts and fractions of Phyllanthus amarus , Chrysanthellum americanum , Striga hermonthica and, based on cytotoxicity results, evaluated the anti-inflammatory potential of the ethyl acetate fraction of Striga hermonthica ( EtOAc-Sh ) in AGE-challenged THP-1 monocytes. The in vitro methylglyoxal (MGO)-bovine serum albumin (BSA) assay revealed notable inhibition of AGE formation by EtOAc-Sh (IC<inf>50</inf> = 100.1 ± 0.001 μg/mL; quercetin 1.23 μM, gallic acid 0.131 μM, rutin 0.0021 μM), with rutin used as the standard (IC<inf>50</inf> = 402 ± 0.30 μM). Cell metabolic assay showed EtOAc-Sh was non-cytotoxic to HepG2 hepatocytes (∼ 94 % cell viability at 250 μg/mL), and THP-1 monocytes (≥ 90 % cell viability at 500 μg/mL). Moreover, EtOAc-Sh significantly ( p < 0.001) reduced the AGE-mediated ROS production (83 % at 100 μg/mL), as compared to apocynin (69 % at 100 μM). Furthermore, EtOAc-Sh suppressed the NF-κB (p<sup>65</sup>) (RFU: 9.18 at 100 μg/mL) activation, as compared to PDTC (RFU: 6.97) at 100 μM. EtOAc-Sh also significantly ( p < 0.001) reduced the COX-2 levels (1.52-fold decrease at 100 μg/mL; PDTC, 1.68-fold decrease) in THP-1 monocytes, while significantly ( p < 0.001) reversing the AGE-induced suppression of COX-1 levels (1.89-fold increase at 100 μg/mL; PDTC, 1.88-fold increase) at 100 μM. HPLC-UV analysis identified quercetin, gallic acid, and rutin, as the active constituents of the EtOAc-Sh fraction. These findings suggest that EtOAc-Sh fraction as a potential antiglycation, and anti-inflammatory agent, which supporting the traditional use of Striga hermonthica in diabetes management in Burkina Faso.

Unveiling the absorbed bioactive constituents of Cuscuta seeds: A systematic strategy integrating automated MS annotation, in vivo chemometric screening and bioactivity evaluation Xi yang Tang, Ming jia Ma, Meng le Du, Lv qi Xie, Jia jia Chen, Ze xi Tan, Zhi jian Su, Zi qin Dai, Lei Huang, Yi Dai Food Chemistry X, volume 34 Wednesday 28 January 2026 The strategy integrated MATLAB automated MS annotation, in vivo chemometric screening, and progesterone assessment under oxidative stress was established for the identification of absorbed bioactive constituents of Cuscuta seed (CS). MATLAB platform characterized 203 components (flavonols, alkaloids, phenolic acids, etc) in CS extract, outperformin... The strategy integrated MATLAB automated MS annotation, in vivo chemometric screening, and progesterone assessment under oxidative stress was established for the identification of absorbed bioactive constituents of Cuscuta seed (CS). MATLAB platform characterized 203 components (flavonols, alkaloids, phenolic acids, etc) in CS extract, outperforming commercial software through its combinatorial “parent molecules + group fragments” database and automated neutral loss/diagnostic ion matching. This approach was designed to effectively minimize in-source fragmentation false positives, while its dual-dimension similarity algorithm refined molecular networking. Furthermore, 20 prototypes and 46 metabolites were discovered and identified in plasma and urine after oral administration of CS by OPLS-DA and MATLAB analysis platform. Cuscutamine and p-coumaric acid exhibited high systemic exposure. Based on in vivo metabolic analysis, 9 major absorbed constituents were revealed. Hyperoside, ferulic acid, cuscutamine, kaempferol, and quercetin demonstrated significant bioactivity by attenuating H₂O₂-induced oxidative damage in R2C Leydig cells and restoring progesterone levels.

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