<div style="text-align: justify;">Legumes, in general, are rich in glycosidic isoflavone conjugates, whereby specific b-glucosidases act to release the free aglycones that could serve in plant-microbe interactions and defense. Prosopis cineraria is an important legume tree, bearing medicinally useful and edible pods, generally growing in extreme arid/semi-arid zones of Rajasthan. However, specific phytochemical-cum-metabolic profiles are lacking for the same. Therefore, the present investigation undertook phytochemical and metabolic screening of the pods/seeds of P. cineraria for the presence of putative isoflavonoids viz. &nbsp;genistein and daidzein, their glycosides and b-glucosidase(s) capable of catalyzing the glycoside hydrolysis. &nbsp;Extraction and identification of &nbsp;these &nbsp;two &nbsp;aglycone forms of &nbsp;the above &nbsp;isoflavonoids &nbsp;were &nbsp;performed &nbsp;with &nbsp;solvent &nbsp;partition chromatography &nbsp;and &nbsp;Fluorescent/High &nbsp;Performance Thin Layer Chromatography, respectively. Furthermore, optimization of the isoflavone conjugate-specific b-glucosidase activity with respect to pH optima, temperature and time were carried out. The partially purified enzyme showed a temperature optima of 50&deg;C and pH optima of 4.5. The enzyme also demonstrated activity towards natural substrates daidzin and genistin which are glycosides of isoflavonoids daidzein and genistein respectively. The methanolic extracts of the seeds of P. cineraria indicated the presence of related isoflavonoids which needs to be further validated.</div>

Identification of an isoflavone glycoside hydrolyzing b-glucosidase in the seeds of the desert legume Prosopis cineraria

Background: Feed additives are used for different purposes and include different substances. Recently, the feed additive potential of aromatic plants has been frequently investigated. &beta;-glucosidases are used as feed additive enzymes to increase nutritional value. This study was carried out to determine the biochemical properties of Oregano onites L. &beta;-glucosidase in terms of expected biochemical properties from feed additive enzymes.

Methods: Oregano &beta;-glucosidase was purified by hydrophobic interaction chromatography. The purified enzyme was checked the purity on SDS-PAGE. The biochemical properties (optimal pH and temperature, thermal stability, glucose and alcohol tolerance) of the purified enzyme were determined using para-Nitrophenyl-&beta;-D-glucopyranoside as a substrate.

Results: Oregano &beta;-glucosidase was purified 23.15-fold with a yield of 8.2%. The purified enzyme was visualised as a single band at 65.7 kDa on SDS-PAGE. The enzyme had maximum activity at pH 4.0 and 45&deg;C and retained over 50% activity at pH 4-7. The enzyme maintained up to 50% of its activity after 60 minutes of incubation at 40&deg;C, 50&deg;C, and 60&deg;C. The effect of glucose on the purified enzyme was determined by finding the relative activity at different glucose concentrations. When the glucose concentration in the reaction medium was 0.6 M, the relative activity was 52%, and the enzyme showed a high tolerance to glucose. The enzyme was also found to be tolerant to alcohol. The enzyme&#39;s high activity at acidic pH, its ability to maintain its activity for a long time, and its tolerance to glucose and alcohol make the enzyme valuable. &beta;-glucosidase of Origanum onites L. used as a feed additive was purified for the first time and some biochemical properties were determined. It showed it&rsquo;s biochemical properties similar to exogenous enzymes recommended as feed additives. Therefore, the results of this study provide information supporting the use of oregano as a feed additive.

Biochemical Properties of Oregano &beta;-Glucosidase Supports Origanum Onites L. as a Feed Additive

Background: Duckweed (Wolffia globosa) is a valuable source of protein, essential amino acids, dietary fiber, vitamin B12 and bioactive compounds, including antioxidants. It has potential as a functional food for managing metabolic syndrome, particularly by helping to control glycemic levels in individuals with diabetes through dietary interventions. This study aimed to determine the antioxidant properties and evaluate enzyme inhibitory activities of W. globosa extract (WE) against key enzymes involved in lipid and glucose metabolism. 
 
Methods: Fresh W. globosa plants were dried, pulverized and extracted using ethanol by maceration. The total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) of the extract were assessed using the Folin-Ciocalteu and aluminum chloride methods, respectively. Antioxidant activities were evaluated through several assays: DPPH radical scavenging, nitric oxide (NO) radical scavenging, ferrous iron-ferrozine complex and ferric iron-thiocyanate complex assays. In vitro enzyme inhibitory activities of WE were tested against pancreatic lipase, &alpha;-amylase and &alpha;-glucosidase. 
 
Result: The extract contained phenolic compounds (TPC = 28.19&plusmn;0.79 mg GAE/g) but lacked detectable flavonoids. WE exhibited antioxidant activity in the DPPH and NO radical scavenging assays and inhibited lipid peroxidation (IC50 = 0.34&plusmn;0.05, 0.23&plusmn;0.06 and 80.51&plusmn;16.02 mg/ml, respectively). However, the extract showed no metal ion chelation activity. WE strongly inhibited pancreatic lipase (IC50&nbsp;= 1.55&plusmn;0.20 mg/ml) and &alpha;-amylase (IC50&nbsp;= 0.02&plusmn;0.01 mg/ml), while it showed poor inhibition of &alpha;-glucosidase (IC50&gt;1,000 mg/ml). These findings support the potential of WE as a functional food ingredient for managing metabolic conditions such as diabetes and hyperlipidemia.

In vitro &alpha;-amylase, &alpha;-glucosidase and Lipase Inhibiting Activities of Duckweed (Wolffia globosa), the Possibility as Functional Food

The increase and prevalence of chronic degenerative pathologies (chronic cellular oxidation) associated with changes in dietary habits has resulted in a demand for pharmacological alternatives that can be incorporated into the food to reduce the incidence of these diseases; where the use of plant peptides (especially those derived from legumes) offer promising results. Enzymatic hydrolysis of legume native protein fraction constitutes a useful technological tool to release bioactive peptides encrypted in long polypeptide structures. The legume native protein fraction was isolated by solid/liquid extraction by a isoelectric point methodology. The protein hydrolysates were digested with Alcalase, Flavourzyme and Neutrase proteases and subsequently fractionated by ultrafiltration cartridges. The antioxidant activity was evaluated by the DPPH* and ABTS+* methodologies and the antidiabetic was evaluated by the inhibition of the &alpha;-glucosidase and &alpha;-amylase. Flavourzyme non fractionated hydrolysates exhibited the higher antioxidant activity (49.74% DPPH* and 96.47% ABTS*+). Neutrase and Flavourzyme fractionated hydrolysates exhibited the higher antioxidant activity (74.95% DPPH* and 74.95% ABTS*+ respectively).&nbsp; Alcalase hydrolysates exhibited higher antidiabetic activity (47.07% for amylase and 10.95% for glucosidase). The objective of this study was to evaluate antioxidant and antidiabetic activities of protein hydrolysates fractions isolated from Leucaena esculenta ripe seeds.

Antidiabetic and Antioxidant Potential of Protein Hydrolysates and Peptide Fractions from Leucaena esculenta

<div>Background: Presently, our understanding of the rumen of Gayals is still very shallow, which is recognized as the most effective and developed fiber degradation system in nature, with abundant microorganisms. Molecular biology technology is an effective means to study the microbial resources in the rumen.&nbsp; 
 
Methods: Rumen contents of 3 Gayals (Gayals, Bos frontalis; G) and 3 Yellow Cattle (Yunnan Yellow Cattle, Bos taurus; Y) were collected in this study. Rumen microbial proteins were extracted by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), then to analyze the bioinformatics of protein abundance was performed through the bovine rumen transcriptome database (gene.uniGeneset.fasta).&nbsp; 
 
Result: The results were as follows: the differences in protein abundance of Gayals rumen bacteria in Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, Ruminococcus and Olsenella were significantly higher than Yellow cattle (P&lt;0.05) and the difference in protein abundance of Chytridiomycota and Batrachochytrium in rumen fungus of Gayals was significantly less than that of Yellow cattle. Enrichment analysis by KEGG metabolism pathway of differentially expressed proteins in rumen microorganisms was performed, Gayals have higher abundance of &beta;-glucosidase and 6-phosphate-&beta;-glucosidase than Yellow Cattle.</div>

Analysis of Rumen Microbial Protein Abundance of Gayals based on Metaproteomics

Background: Prunus napaulensis, a wildly growing fruit of northeast India remains underutilized although widely consumed for health benefits. The present study attempted at development of bio-functional yoghurt with Prunus napaulensis fruit pulp. 
 
Methods: Fruit yoghurt was formulated with optimized level of Prunus napaulensis pulp (% w/v) and culture of Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp.bulgaricus (NCDC004) and Streptococcus thermophilus (NCDC075) (% w/v).&nbsp; The fruit yoghurt was determined for its phytochemical content and analyzed for its antioxidant activity (DPPH and FRAP assays), antidiabetic activity (&alpha;-amylase and &alpha;-glucosidase inhibition), anti-inflammatory activity (protein denaturation and protease inhibition) and antimicrobial activity against Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli. 
 
Result: The incorporation of Prunus napaulensis in fruit yoghurt, as compared to control yoghurt, exhibited significant increase in the phytochemical content as well as its bioactivity properties. Fruit yoghurt exhibited significantly higher (p&lt;0.05) antioxidant activity for DPPH and FRAP assay compared to those of control yoghurt. Antidiabetic activity in fruit yoghurt was demonstrated a significantly higher inhibition (p&lt;0.05) of &alpha;-amylase and &alpha;-glucosidase enzymes. Anti-inflammatory activity was higher as observed from a significantly higher per cent (p&lt;0.05) of protein denaturation in fruit yoghurt than control yoghurt. Antimicrobial activity was significantly higher against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus in fruit yoghurt than control yoghurt (p&lt;0.05).&nbsp; These findings proved that the incorporation of Prunus napaulensis, an indigenous fruit of northeast India could be exploited in the development of biofunctional yoghurt with health benefits targeted on chronic diseases of public health threat.&nbsp;

Biofunctional Characterization of Fruit Yoghurt with Prunus napaulensis from North Eastern Region of India

<div>Background: Effective in-situ decomposition of rice straw is urgent need for enhancing soil health, supporting nutrient cycling and mitigating the widespread practice of residue burning. This study aim to screen and characterizes potential lignocellulolytic producing microbial isolates and evaluate their efficiency in accelerating rice straw decomposition under pot condition and their subsequent impact on soil biochemical properties and microbial activity under field condition. 
 
Methods: A wide range of bacterial and fungal isolates were screened for lignocellulolytic enzyme production. Eighteen promising crop residue decomposers (CRDs) were applied on rice straw with three replications under complete randomized design (CRD). Their effects on key enzymes (&beta;-glucosidase, protease, xylanase and chitinase), microbial populations, biomass carbon and nitrogen, basal respiration and overall soil properties were evaluated under controlled conditions. 
 
Result: The inoculation CRDs on rice straw recorded significantly greater microbial counts, microbial biomass C and N, basal soil respiration, soil enzymes and soil properties over the control. Microbial counts (bacterial, actinomycetes and fungal), microbial biomass C, N and basal respiration were recorded highest in the T4-CRDB48, closely followed by T12-CRDB24, T5-CRDB52, T17-CRDF32 and T15-CRDF8. CRD inoculation also enhanced enzymatic activities (&beta;-glucosidase: 7.77-32.0 &mu;g PNP/ g soil/h, xylanase: 32.3-132.8 &mu;g GE/g soil/h), microbial counts and soil quality parameters significantly over the control. Inoculation of T15-CRDB48 recorded the highest SOC (0.54%), followed by T5-CRDB52 (0.52%) and T17-CRDF32 (0.50%) over control (0.38%) after decomposition of rice straw, respectively. The CRDB24, CRDB48 and CRDB52 bacteria isolates were identified by using 16S rRNA gene sequencing as Bacillus haynesii, Bacillus altitudinis and Bacillus stratosphericus, while CRDF8 and CRDF32 fungal isolates were identified by ITS region sequencing as Fusarium oxysporum and Aspergillus fumigates, respectively. The selected microbial inoculants effectively accelerated rice straw decomposition and improved soil biological and chemical properties. These findings exhibited their potential that can be used in sustainable residue management strategies liable to enhance soil health and reduce the environmental impact of straw burning.</div>

Microbial Inoculation Enhances Rice Straw Decomposition and Improves Soil Health

Background: Coccidiosis is a serious parasitic disease caused by protozoan parasites of the genus Eimeria, presents an important risk to rabbits&rsquo; health and production. 
 
Methods: Potential bioactive compounds in the extract were identified by FT-IR analysis and the total content of phenolics, tannins and flavonoids was calculated. In addition, enzyme inhibitory and antioxidant effects were investigated. 
 
Result: The phytochemical results of methanolic extract of the leaves of R. nervosus showed the presence of 14 compounds of active chemical constituents. In addition, the results showed that the methanolic extract had the amount of TPC (54.33&plusmn;0.198 mg/g DW), TFC (21.51&plusmn;0.155 mg/g DW) and TTC (29.37&plusmn;1.43 mg/g DW). The sporulation inhibition rate between 72- and 96-hour exposures, as the rate rose significantly with an increasing incubation period (p&lt;0.05). The extract has inhibitory abilities on tested enzymes &aacute;-amylase and-glucosidase.

Effect of Rumex nervosus Leaf Extract on Eimeria exigua

<div>Background: Long term fertilizer experiment was initiated during 1972 under All India Coordinated Research project with soybean - wheat cropping system at the Research Farm of Department of Soil Science, JNKVV, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, India. The present study was taken during 2017 and 2018 in soybean crop. 
 
Methods: The present investigation was conducted with eight treatments i.e. 50% NPK, 100% NPK, 150% NPK, 100% N alone, 100% NP, 100% NPK + farmyard manure (FYM) @ 5 t ha-1 yr-1, 100% NPK (-S) and unfertilized plot (control), replicated four times in a randomized block design 
 
Result: A significant increase in soil organic carbon was recorded with 100% NPK + FYM @ 5 t ha-1 over control plot. The availability of N, P, K, S, soil microbial biomass carbon (SMBC) and soil (SMBN) increased significantly with the integrated application of fertilizers and FYM over imbalance application fertilizer or control. Further, the conjoint use of fertilizers and FYM was also significantly superior to other treatments in terms of activities of soil enzymes like dehydrogenase, acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase and &beta;-glucosidase.</div>

Soil Properties and Soybean Yield as Influenced by Long Term Fertilizer and Organic Manure Application in a Vertisol under Soybean-Wheat Cropping Sequence

<div>Background: Vermicomposting is the agricultural technique of conversion of organic wastes to a fertile product, which can result in better crop growth and production. However, even though earthworms are the main organisms participating in the process, the microbes associated with it also have an important role to play. These microbes degrade the waste products biochemically and are responsible of the conversion processes. Few studies are carried out on microbial diversity and related enzymes activities in the vermicompost prepared from different organic waste materials. &nbsp; 
 
Methods: In this paper, we isolated both bacteria and fungi from seven different types of vermicompost, using different selective media. We also studied the activity of hydrolytic enzymes that are associated with the isolated microbes. 
 
Result: It was observed that bacteria like Bacillus sp., Pseudomonas sp., Klebsiella sp., Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus, Micrococcus, Actinomycetes, Pigment producing Actinomycetes, Streptomyces, Azotobactor and fungi like Penicillium purpurogenum, Aspergillus sp., Alternaria alternata, Fusarium solani, Rhizopus sp., Mucor hiemalis, Myrothecium verrucaria etc. were present in our vermicompost preparations. The presence of nitrogen fixing bacteria, phosphate solubilizing microorganisms and PGPR indicated the good fertilizer value of the vermicompost samples. It was also observed that the diversity of microbes present supported significant levels of CMCase Exoglucanase, Xylanase, &beta;-Glucosidase, Phosphatase and Urease activities.</div>