Plant Seeds as Sources of Potential Industrial Chemicals, Pharmaceuticals, and Pest Control Agents

Abstract

Investigations of natural products isolated from seeds have resulted in a remarkable variety of compounds having unusual structures. Seeds of many plant species contain uncommon fatty acids and lipids, some of which have found uses in the cosmetic industry or as renewable (non-petroleum based) industrial raw materials. In addition to proteins and energy storage substances such as carbohydrates and lipids, seeds generally contain, or have the ability to produce, protective compounds that are active as plant growth regulators, fungicides, insecticides, and repellents of herbivores; seeds occasionally contain compounds that are toxic to most other organisms. These compounds may also be present in other plant parts, but often are found at higher concentrations in seeds. Other compounds of interest have been associated with plant-endophyte interactions that are of mutual benefit to both organisms. Tests of seed extracts for cytotoxic and antitumor activity, toxicity to insects, and relationships to several animal disease syndromes have been revealing. Examples of compounds isolated from plant seeds that have served as lead compounds for additional research, or that continue to be of interest to researchers in multiple areas, are reviewed.

Assessment of larvicidal activity of nanoemulsion from Citrus sinensis essential oil on Culex pipiens L. (Diptera: Culicidae)

“…The higher efficiency of the nanofomulation than the bulk emulsion may be due to the smaller size of the nanoemulsion droplets, which increases the surface area and facilitates the penetration of nanoemulsion into the larvae according to Anjali et al (2010).The botanical molecules are able to interact with body hormones, enzymes and bind to membranes and cellular components and thus interfere with biochemical pathways of the mosquito. (Powell, 2009 andFallatah, 2010). Nanoemulsions based on EO have various advantages including stability, long shelf life (Mishra et al, 2017).…”

Beneficial endophytic microorganisms of Brassica – A review

“…Again, reports lacking evidence of an endophytic lifestyle of the microorganism in question were also not included in this review. Endophytes and/or their metabolites have been documented in their ability to improve and promote plant growth; increase yield; reduce disease symptoms caused by plant pathogens; reduce herbivory from insects and mammals; remove soil contaminants including heavy metals; improve plant performance under extreme conditions of temperature and water availability; solubilise phosphate and contribute assimilable nitrogen to plants (Guo et al, 2008;Powell, 2009;Raps and Vidal, 1997;Rosenblueth and Martínez-Romero, 2006;Shahollari et al, 2007). In recent times, many novel antibiotics, anti-mycotics, immunosuppressants and anticancer compounds have also been isolated and purified from endophytic microorganisms (Guo et al, 2008;Strobel and Daisy, 2003).…”

Camptothecin‐induced expression of programmed cell death gene 11 in Spodoptera litura

“…Plants have developed a variety of defence mechanisms to reduce insect and microbe attack . Therefore, some plant extracts possess toxic activity against insects and are involved in multitrophic interaction . Botanical insecticides used for insect pest management have obvious advantages, including rapid biodegradability in the environment and low toxicity to humans and animals .…”