This study was carried out to evaluate the changes in silk activity of two corn cultivars Xundan 518 and Yongyou 618 after silk emergence. Artificial pollination was conducted at different days after silk emergence, a...This study was carried out to evaluate the changes in silk activity of two corn cultivars Xundan 518 and Yongyou 618 after silk emergence. Artificial pollination was conducted at different days after silk emergence, and the ear length, ear diameter,barren tip length, 100-grain weight, grain number per ear and grain weight per ear were measured at harvest. The results showed that with the delay of pollination, the number and weight of grains per ear increased at first, peaked at D2 to D4, and decreased subsequently; ear diameter and 100-grain weight showed a downward trend. Correlation analysis revealed that grain number per ear and grain weight per ear were most closely correlated. Rapid silk extrusion and long-lasting silk activity proved that the two corn cultivars Xundan 518 and Yongyou 618 are tolerant to high temperature.展开更多
Background:Green tea,mulberry leaf and corn silk are traditional herbs used in the prevention and treatment of diabetes in China for a long time,but their synergistic hypoglycemic effects and mechanisms remain unclear...Background:Green tea,mulberry leaf and corn silk are traditional herbs used in the prevention and treatment of diabetes in China for a long time,but their synergistic hypoglycemic effects and mechanisms remain unclear.Methods:The effective components of green tea,mulberry leaf and corn silk were extracted and enriched.Mixture design of experiments was used to study the influences of different combinations on the cell viability and glucose uptake level of L6 myoblasts,so as to determine the optimal synergistic hypoglycemic combination.The possible hypoglycemic mechanism of the optimal synergistic combination was explored by cytotoxicity assay,glucose uptake assay,and western blot.Results:Three polyphenol enrichment fractions of the herbs,30%ethanol elution fraction of green tea(GT),50%ethanol elution fraction of mulberry leaf(ML)and 60%ethanol elution fraction of corn silk(CS)were obtained.The antioxidant activities of GT-30%,ML-50%and CS-60%were superior to those of crude extracts,and showed strong potential inα-amylase andα-glucosidase inhibition activities.The optimal synergistic combination of crude extracts G7(crude extract of green tea:crude extract of mulberry leaf:crude extract of corn silk=1:5:3),polyphenol enrichment fractions R3(GT-30%:ML-50%:CS-60%=1:7:1)and monomers X2(epigallocatechin gallate:morusin:formononetin=3:1:2)were selected,respectively.G7,R3,and X2 showed promoting effects on the cell viability and glucose uptake of L6 myoblasts within the detected concentration range.In addition,G7,R3,and X2 could increase the expression levels of p-PI3K/PI3K and p-Akt/Akt in L6 myoblasts,and promote the translocation of Glut4,but G7 and R3 showed more significant effects.Conclusion:The synergistic hypoglycemic effects of green tea,mulberry leaf and corn silk had the characteristics of multiple-components and multiple-targets with p-PI3K/PI3K,p-Akt/Akt and the translocation of Glut4 signal pathways involved.The three traditional herbs might have the potential to be combined used for the prevention and treatment of diabetes based on the synergistic hypoglycemic effects.展开更多
As the two most principal active substances in the corn silk,polysaccharides and flavonoids,the mechanism of interaction between them has been a topic of intense research.This study provides an in-depth investigation ...As the two most principal active substances in the corn silk,polysaccharides and flavonoids,the mechanism of interaction between them has been a topic of intense research.This study provides an in-depth investigation of the interaction mechanism between corn silk glycans and luteoloside(LUT)and the synergistic role that result from this interaction.The interaction mechanism was evaluated by isothermal titration calorimetry(ITC)and circular dichroism(CD),and the synergistic role was evaluated by the expression of glucose transporters(GLUT-1),insulin secretion and surface plasmon resonance(SPR).CD and ITC results indicated that the interaction between CSGs and LUT mainly driven by the Cotton effects,enthalpy and entropy-driven.This interaction precipitated the formation of complexes(CSGs/LUT complexes)between corn silk glycans(CSGs)with four different molecular weights and luteoloside(LUT).Furthermore,the CSGs and LUT play a synergistic role in glucose regulation through GLUT-1 expression and insulin secretion experiments,compared to single luteoloside group.展开更多
For the value-added utilization of discarded agricultural wastes,corn silk( CS) obtained abundantly in the farming field has been tested as a new source of cellulosic materials. Cellulose microfibril( CMF) and cellulo...For the value-added utilization of discarded agricultural wastes,corn silk( CS) obtained abundantly in the farming field has been tested as a new source of cellulosic materials. Cellulose microfibril( CMF) and cellulose nanocrystal( CNC) were isolated from CS by ethanol and alkali pretreatments,and acid hydrolysis.The characterization was performed by scanning electron microscopy( SEM),Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy( FT-IR),X-ray diffraction( XRD), thermogravimetric analysis( TGA) and transmission electron microscopy( TEM). After chemical pretreatments,the lignin,hemicelluloses and other non-structural components were removed. The degree of crystallinity and thermal stability of CMF and CNC were increased compared to raw CS. The crystallinity indexes of CS,CMF and CNC were 45. 90%,65. 77%,and 73. 75% respectively. The CNC was flat and rod like shape with diameter and aspect ratio range of 13. 96-33. 69 nm and 34. 34-23. 02 nm respectively. The nanocrystals had an alternative potential to be used as reinforcing filler for bio-nanocomposites preparation.展开更多
Hypertension as a“silent killer”is the major cause of mortality among other non-communicable diseases.The increased demand for treating hypertension via natural resources other than drug therapy is due to the presen...Hypertension as a“silent killer”is the major cause of mortality among other non-communicable diseases.The increased demand for treating hypertension via natural resources other than drug therapy is due to the presence of antihypertensive properties shown by plant derivatives and their minimal side effects.Corn silk possesses several therapeutic properties like curing hypertension,enuresis,kidney stones,skin pigmentation,and obesity.The current aim of this review is to focus on the mechanism of action of corn silk in reducing hypertension with the presence of biological components namely,potassium,bioactive peptides like CSBp5(corn silk bioactive peptide),and flavonoids like maysin and quercetin.The main mechanism involved in the antihypertensive property of corn silk is the inhibition of the angiotensin-converting enzyme(ACE)present in the body.展开更多
Enzymatic browning,primarily driven by polyphenol oxidase(PPO),poses a significant challenge in maintaining food quality and consumer acceptance across various sectors.This review critically examines available data on...Enzymatic browning,primarily driven by polyphenol oxidase(PPO),poses a significant challenge in maintaining food quality and consumer acceptance across various sectors.This review critically examines available data on corn silk(Stigma maydis),an agro-industrial byproduct rich in antioxidant flavonoids(such as luteolin,apigenin,and formononetin),phenolic acids,and active carbohydrates.The gathered evidence indicates that corn silk compounds could effectively reduce PPO activity in both plant-derived and bacterial systems,suggesting they can mitigate browning through mechanisms that include direct enzyme inhibition and structural modulation of PPO’s biophysical properties.In vitro studies further reveal that corn silk extracts enhance radical-scavenging activity and may offer antimicrobial benefits,thus contributing to improved food stability.Although promising applications range from fresh-cut produce treatments to incorporation into edible coatings and functional beverages,further research is required to optimize extraction methods,achieve formulation stability,and comprehensively assess sensory impacts and consumer acceptance.Overall,the reviewed research positions corn silk as a promising candidate for developing effective,safe,and environmentally friendly preservation strategies,while also highlighting the need for a multidisciplinary approach to fully integrate this natural resource into modern food systems.展开更多
Corn silk,an agricultural by-product rich in bioactive compounds,has long remained underutilized.In this study,we systematically examined how probiotic co-fermentation influences the bioactivity,flavor profile,and met...Corn silk,an agricultural by-product rich in bioactive compounds,has long remained underutilized.In this study,we systematically examined how probiotic co-fermentation influences the bioactivity,flavor profile,and metabolic landscape of corn silk.The results demonstrated that fermentation significantly enhanced the total phenolic content by 73.31%and flavonoid content by 80.20%,along with a substantial improvement in antioxidant capacity.Volatile compound analysis identified 36 key aroma-related substances.Notably,4-methylguaiacol and 4-ethylguaiacol contributed to both improved flavor and antioxidant function,highlighting a synergistic relationship between sensory quality and bioactivity during fermentation.Non-targeted metabolomics further revealed substantial changes in the metabolic profile post-fermentation,with 110 differential metabolites identified—75 upregulated and 35 downregulated.These metabolites were primarily enriched in the TCA cycle,phenylpropanoid biosynthesis,and amino acid metabolism pathways.Together,these findings uncover the molecular mechanisms by which probiotic fermentation remodels metabolic networks to enhance both the functional and sensory attributes of corn silk.This work offers a theoretical foundation and technical guidance for the high-value utilization of agricultural by-products and the development of functional foods.展开更多
The production of metal nanoparticles(NPs)has risen in importance in recent decades.The green synthesis of silver NPs(AgNPs)occupies a prime position in this development,and AgNPs have been widely used in various biom...The production of metal nanoparticles(NPs)has risen in importance in recent decades.The green synthesis of silver NPs(AgNPs)occupies a prime position in this development,and AgNPs have been widely used in various biomedical,industrial,and therapeutic applications.In this study,research was performed using corn silk(CS)for the synthesis of AgNPs.The green-synthesized CS-AgNPs were analyzed using various spectroscopy methods.The metal NPs exhibited intense surface plasmon resonance peaks at different wavelengths with a specific peak at 461 nm,which confirmed the synthesis of AgNPs.Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy was performed to confirm the participation of phytoactive biocomponents of CS extract in the reduction and stabilization of CSAgNPs.Scanning electron microscopy of CS-AgNPs revealed that the NPs had an irregular,roughly spherical shape.The size of CS-AgNPs was evaluated via dynamic light scattering,which showed that the CS-AgNPs were polydisperse in nature with an average size of 3.6–58.6 nm and an average mean size of 53 nm.The zeta potential of CS-AgNPs was–27.5 mV,indicating that CS-AgNPs are highly stable in colloidal form with a high negative potential.CS-AgNPs exhibited excellent and moderate antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.CS-AgNPs had excellent antioxidant activity using the DPPH method compared with the nitric oxide assay and also could perform photocatalytic degradation of cotton blue dye.Furthermore,CS-AgNPs protected plasmid DNA at 95℃from heat-based denaturation.Thus,green-synthesized CS-AgNPs had potential for prolific biomedical,industrial,and molecular biology applications of economic importance.展开更多
The aim of this study was to use dried corn silk powder variety of VL Baby corn-1 for formulation of flavoured herbal tea with different combination of Thyme(Trachyspermum ammi),Clove(Syzygium aromaticum),Cinnamon pow...The aim of this study was to use dried corn silk powder variety of VL Baby corn-1 for formulation of flavoured herbal tea with different combination of Thyme(Trachyspermum ammi),Clove(Syzygium aromaticum),Cinnamon powder(Cinnamomum verum),Timur(Zanthoxylum alatum),Tulsi(Holy basil)(Ocimum tenuiflorum),Gandraini(Achillea millefolium),Lemon grass(Cymbopogon citratus),Blend(Clove+Timur+Gandraini),and one only corn silk without any other herbs and to know antioxidant properties of developed tea.Result of sensory evaluation experiment showed that all combinations were liked moderately.Lemon grass flavour followed by cinnamon and clove blend obtained highest score.Total phenolic content,total flavonoid content,DPPH free radical scavenging activity and total antioxidant activity for all flavour are analyzed and reported.Results on DPPH free radical scavenging activity indicated that corn silk tea had 81.215±0.75μg/mL whereas blend with Timur had significant highest value and Thyme blend had lowest value 64.20±0.40 among all eight different blends with corn silk.The values for total antioxidant capacity blends with Timur(Zanthoxylum alatu)in corn silk showed significantly(P<0.05)highest value and Clove,Timur,Gandraini blends got lowest value.展开更多
基金Supported by Major Science and Technology Project of Henan Province(161100110500-0104)Special Fund for Meteorologicalscientific Research in the Public Interest(GYHY201406026)
文摘This study was carried out to evaluate the changes in silk activity of two corn cultivars Xundan 518 and Yongyou 618 after silk emergence. Artificial pollination was conducted at different days after silk emergence, and the ear length, ear diameter,barren tip length, 100-grain weight, grain number per ear and grain weight per ear were measured at harvest. The results showed that with the delay of pollination, the number and weight of grains per ear increased at first, peaked at D2 to D4, and decreased subsequently; ear diameter and 100-grain weight showed a downward trend. Correlation analysis revealed that grain number per ear and grain weight per ear were most closely correlated. Rapid silk extrusion and long-lasting silk activity proved that the two corn cultivars Xundan 518 and Yongyou 618 are tolerant to high temperature.
基金the grant from National Key Research and Development Program of China(Grant No.2021YFE0110000)the grant from Tianjin Municipal Science and Technology Foundation(Grant No.22JCYBJC00160).
文摘Background:Green tea,mulberry leaf and corn silk are traditional herbs used in the prevention and treatment of diabetes in China for a long time,but their synergistic hypoglycemic effects and mechanisms remain unclear.Methods:The effective components of green tea,mulberry leaf and corn silk were extracted and enriched.Mixture design of experiments was used to study the influences of different combinations on the cell viability and glucose uptake level of L6 myoblasts,so as to determine the optimal synergistic hypoglycemic combination.The possible hypoglycemic mechanism of the optimal synergistic combination was explored by cytotoxicity assay,glucose uptake assay,and western blot.Results:Three polyphenol enrichment fractions of the herbs,30%ethanol elution fraction of green tea(GT),50%ethanol elution fraction of mulberry leaf(ML)and 60%ethanol elution fraction of corn silk(CS)were obtained.The antioxidant activities of GT-30%,ML-50%and CS-60%were superior to those of crude extracts,and showed strong potential inα-amylase andα-glucosidase inhibition activities.The optimal synergistic combination of crude extracts G7(crude extract of green tea:crude extract of mulberry leaf:crude extract of corn silk=1:5:3),polyphenol enrichment fractions R3(GT-30%:ML-50%:CS-60%=1:7:1)and monomers X2(epigallocatechin gallate:morusin:formononetin=3:1:2)were selected,respectively.G7,R3,and X2 showed promoting effects on the cell viability and glucose uptake of L6 myoblasts within the detected concentration range.In addition,G7,R3,and X2 could increase the expression levels of p-PI3K/PI3K and p-Akt/Akt in L6 myoblasts,and promote the translocation of Glut4,but G7 and R3 showed more significant effects.Conclusion:The synergistic hypoglycemic effects of green tea,mulberry leaf and corn silk had the characteristics of multiple-components and multiple-targets with p-PI3K/PI3K,p-Akt/Akt and the translocation of Glut4 signal pathways involved.The three traditional herbs might have the potential to be combined used for the prevention and treatment of diabetes based on the synergistic hypoglycemic effects.
基金The Chinese Academy of Sciences:KFJ-BRP-007-019,the authors declare no competing interests.
文摘As the two most principal active substances in the corn silk,polysaccharides and flavonoids,the mechanism of interaction between them has been a topic of intense research.This study provides an in-depth investigation of the interaction mechanism between corn silk glycans and luteoloside(LUT)and the synergistic role that result from this interaction.The interaction mechanism was evaluated by isothermal titration calorimetry(ITC)and circular dichroism(CD),and the synergistic role was evaluated by the expression of glucose transporters(GLUT-1),insulin secretion and surface plasmon resonance(SPR).CD and ITC results indicated that the interaction between CSGs and LUT mainly driven by the Cotton effects,enthalpy and entropy-driven.This interaction precipitated the formation of complexes(CSGs/LUT complexes)between corn silk glycans(CSGs)with four different molecular weights and luteoloside(LUT).Furthermore,the CSGs and LUT play a synergistic role in glucose regulation through GLUT-1 expression and insulin secretion experiments,compared to single luteoloside group.
基金Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities,China(Nos.16D310102,2232018A3-04)
文摘For the value-added utilization of discarded agricultural wastes,corn silk( CS) obtained abundantly in the farming field has been tested as a new source of cellulosic materials. Cellulose microfibril( CMF) and cellulose nanocrystal( CNC) were isolated from CS by ethanol and alkali pretreatments,and acid hydrolysis.The characterization was performed by scanning electron microscopy( SEM),Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy( FT-IR),X-ray diffraction( XRD), thermogravimetric analysis( TGA) and transmission electron microscopy( TEM). After chemical pretreatments,the lignin,hemicelluloses and other non-structural components were removed. The degree of crystallinity and thermal stability of CMF and CNC were increased compared to raw CS. The crystallinity indexes of CS,CMF and CNC were 45. 90%,65. 77%,and 73. 75% respectively. The CNC was flat and rod like shape with diameter and aspect ratio range of 13. 96-33. 69 nm and 34. 34-23. 02 nm respectively. The nanocrystals had an alternative potential to be used as reinforcing filler for bio-nanocomposites preparation.
文摘Hypertension as a“silent killer”is the major cause of mortality among other non-communicable diseases.The increased demand for treating hypertension via natural resources other than drug therapy is due to the presence of antihypertensive properties shown by plant derivatives and their minimal side effects.Corn silk possesses several therapeutic properties like curing hypertension,enuresis,kidney stones,skin pigmentation,and obesity.The current aim of this review is to focus on the mechanism of action of corn silk in reducing hypertension with the presence of biological components namely,potassium,bioactive peptides like CSBp5(corn silk bioactive peptide),and flavonoids like maysin and quercetin.The main mechanism involved in the antihypertensive property of corn silk is the inhibition of the angiotensin-converting enzyme(ACE)present in the body.
文摘Enzymatic browning,primarily driven by polyphenol oxidase(PPO),poses a significant challenge in maintaining food quality and consumer acceptance across various sectors.This review critically examines available data on corn silk(Stigma maydis),an agro-industrial byproduct rich in antioxidant flavonoids(such as luteolin,apigenin,and formononetin),phenolic acids,and active carbohydrates.The gathered evidence indicates that corn silk compounds could effectively reduce PPO activity in both plant-derived and bacterial systems,suggesting they can mitigate browning through mechanisms that include direct enzyme inhibition and structural modulation of PPO’s biophysical properties.In vitro studies further reveal that corn silk extracts enhance radical-scavenging activity and may offer antimicrobial benefits,thus contributing to improved food stability.Although promising applications range from fresh-cut produce treatments to incorporation into edible coatings and functional beverages,further research is required to optimize extraction methods,achieve formulation stability,and comprehensively assess sensory impacts and consumer acceptance.Overall,the reviewed research positions corn silk as a promising candidate for developing effective,safe,and environmentally friendly preservation strategies,while also highlighting the need for a multidisciplinary approach to fully integrate this natural resource into modern food systems.
基金supported by the Anhui Provincial Science and Technology Innovation Tackling Project[grant number 202423m10050005]the Key Research and Development Project of Anhui Province[grant number 2023n06020049]+1 种基金the Natural Science Foundation of Anhui Province[grant number 2308085MC112]the Major Science and Technology Project of Suzhou[grant number SZKJXM202315].
文摘Corn silk,an agricultural by-product rich in bioactive compounds,has long remained underutilized.In this study,we systematically examined how probiotic co-fermentation influences the bioactivity,flavor profile,and metabolic landscape of corn silk.The results demonstrated that fermentation significantly enhanced the total phenolic content by 73.31%and flavonoid content by 80.20%,along with a substantial improvement in antioxidant capacity.Volatile compound analysis identified 36 key aroma-related substances.Notably,4-methylguaiacol and 4-ethylguaiacol contributed to both improved flavor and antioxidant function,highlighting a synergistic relationship between sensory quality and bioactivity during fermentation.Non-targeted metabolomics further revealed substantial changes in the metabolic profile post-fermentation,with 110 differential metabolites identified—75 upregulated and 35 downregulated.These metabolites were primarily enriched in the TCA cycle,phenylpropanoid biosynthesis,and amino acid metabolism pathways.Together,these findings uncover the molecular mechanisms by which probiotic fermentation remodels metabolic networks to enhance both the functional and sensory attributes of corn silk.This work offers a theoretical foundation and technical guidance for the high-value utilization of agricultural by-products and the development of functional foods.
文摘The production of metal nanoparticles(NPs)has risen in importance in recent decades.The green synthesis of silver NPs(AgNPs)occupies a prime position in this development,and AgNPs have been widely used in various biomedical,industrial,and therapeutic applications.In this study,research was performed using corn silk(CS)for the synthesis of AgNPs.The green-synthesized CS-AgNPs were analyzed using various spectroscopy methods.The metal NPs exhibited intense surface plasmon resonance peaks at different wavelengths with a specific peak at 461 nm,which confirmed the synthesis of AgNPs.Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy was performed to confirm the participation of phytoactive biocomponents of CS extract in the reduction and stabilization of CSAgNPs.Scanning electron microscopy of CS-AgNPs revealed that the NPs had an irregular,roughly spherical shape.The size of CS-AgNPs was evaluated via dynamic light scattering,which showed that the CS-AgNPs were polydisperse in nature with an average size of 3.6–58.6 nm and an average mean size of 53 nm.The zeta potential of CS-AgNPs was–27.5 mV,indicating that CS-AgNPs are highly stable in colloidal form with a high negative potential.CS-AgNPs exhibited excellent and moderate antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.CS-AgNPs had excellent antioxidant activity using the DPPH method compared with the nitric oxide assay and also could perform photocatalytic degradation of cotton blue dye.Furthermore,CS-AgNPs protected plasmid DNA at 95℃from heat-based denaturation.Thus,green-synthesized CS-AgNPs had potential for prolific biomedical,industrial,and molecular biology applications of economic importance.
文摘The aim of this study was to use dried corn silk powder variety of VL Baby corn-1 for formulation of flavoured herbal tea with different combination of Thyme(Trachyspermum ammi),Clove(Syzygium aromaticum),Cinnamon powder(Cinnamomum verum),Timur(Zanthoxylum alatum),Tulsi(Holy basil)(Ocimum tenuiflorum),Gandraini(Achillea millefolium),Lemon grass(Cymbopogon citratus),Blend(Clove+Timur+Gandraini),and one only corn silk without any other herbs and to know antioxidant properties of developed tea.Result of sensory evaluation experiment showed that all combinations were liked moderately.Lemon grass flavour followed by cinnamon and clove blend obtained highest score.Total phenolic content,total flavonoid content,DPPH free radical scavenging activity and total antioxidant activity for all flavour are analyzed and reported.Results on DPPH free radical scavenging activity indicated that corn silk tea had 81.215±0.75μg/mL whereas blend with Timur had significant highest value and Thyme blend had lowest value 64.20±0.40 among all eight different blends with corn silk.The values for total antioxidant capacity blends with Timur(Zanthoxylum alatu)in corn silk showed significantly(P<0.05)highest value and Clove,Timur,Gandraini blends got lowest value.
