Kangwon National University

About: Kangwon National University is a education organization based out in Chuncheon, South Korea. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Catalysis. The organization has 9836 authors who have published 20002 publications receiving 393562 citations. The organization is also known as: KNU.

Use of Maize (Zea mays L.) for phytomanagement of Cd-contaminated soils: a critical review

Abstract: Maize (Zea mays L.) has been widely adopted for phytomanagement of cadmium (Cd)-contaminated soils due to its high biomass production and Cd accumulation capacity. This paper reviewed the toxic effects of Cd and its management by maize plants. Maize could tolerate a certain level of Cd in soil while higher Cd stress can decrease seed germination, mineral nutrition, photosynthesis and growth/yields. Toxicity response of maize to Cd varies with cultivar/varieties, growth medium and stress duration/extent. Exogenous application of organic and inorganic amendments has been used for enhancing Cd tolerance of maize. The selection of Cd-tolerant maize cultivar, crop rotation, soil type, and exogenous application of microbes is a representative agronomic practice to enhance Cd tolerance in maize. Proper selection of cultivar and agronomic practices combined with amendments might be successful for the remediation of Cd-contaminated soils with maize. However, there might be the risk of food chain contamination by maize grains obtained from the Cd-contaminated soils. Thus, maize cultivation could be an option for the management of low- and medium-grade Cd-contaminated soils if grain yield is required. On the other hand, maize can be grown on Cd-polluted soils only if biomass is required for energy production purposes. Long-term field trials are required, including risks and benefit analysis for various management strategies aiming Cd phytomanagement with maize.

Biochemical pharmacology of biflavonoids: implications for anti-inflammatory action.

Abstract: Biflavonoids belong to a subclass of the plant flavonoid family. Distribution of biflavonoids in the plant kingdom is limited to several species. Previously, some pharmacological activities of biflavonoids were described such as inhibition of histamine release from mast cells and inhibition of lymphocyte proliferation, suggesting the anti-inflammatory/antiallergic potential of the biflavonoids. Furthermore, several natural biflavonoids including ochnaflavone and ginkgetin inhibit phospholipase A2. Most importantly, certain biflavonoids exhibit anti-inflammatory activity through the regulation of proinflammatory gene expression in vitro and in vivo. Recently, several synthetic approaches yielded new biflavonoid molecules with anti-inflammatory potential. These molecules also exhibit phospholipase A2 and cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitory activity. Although the bioavailability needs be improved, certain biflavonoids may have potential as new anti-inflammatory agents. This is the first review of biflavonoid pharmacology to date.