ISSN : 2663-2187

Bioactive compounds and their activity influenced by enhanced solar UVB (280-320 nm) radiation in Mimosa pudica L

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PilathilJegan,J.P,NatarajanShanthi,VajirveluSivamurugan,Kotteswari Murugesan,S.M.Janetta Nithia
ยป doi: 10.48047/AFJBS.6.7.2024.301-332

Abstract

Mimosa pudica, a medicinal plant in India, has been utilized for thousands of years for its health benefits. When exposed to UV-B radiation, the plant shows improved growth and a 30% rise in pigment content. Quantitative studies have shown that UV-B radiation doubles the concentration of therapeutic bioactive compounds, with phenols and flavonoids being the main compounds showing a doubling in proliferation in treated plants. The concentrations of alkaloids and saponins are more than one-fold higher than those in control plants. As additional validation, in GCMS results, the UV-B-treated plant showed two new peaks at 54.97 and 66.56 minutes, absent in plants not exposed to UV-B radiation. The mass spectrum of the LC peak appearing at 54.97 minutes showed a clear and distinctive peak at m/z 57, 316, 648, and 663. The mass peak observed at m/z 316 may be Rhamnetin, and the dimer of Rhamnetin with one methoxy group appeared at m/z 648. The peak at m/z 663 may be due to dimethoxy derivatives. The structure and activity of the unknown compound induced by UV-B will be explored in the future. Furthermore, the antioxidant activity of the bioactive molecule experiences a significant increase due to stress-induced free radicals, with DPPH and superoxide antioxidant activities markedly elevated. Although the IC50 value of the bioactive compound is higher than that of the control plant, it demonstrates similar antidiabetic activity to acarbose. This groundbreaking research challenges the traditional understanding of UV-B rays' antagonistic effects on plants, showcasing that UV-B rays can, in detail, enhance the medicinal properties of plants. Applying UV-B to medicinal plants proves to be a strategic approach to boost their medicinal properties, increase bioactive compound concentrations, and improve overall plant quality. This contributes to advancing scientific understanding and holds economic significance by elevating the plant's value.

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