Role of plant extracts in protection of photosystem II electron transport chain from negative factors

Summary

The studies have shown that oxidative stress caused by reactive oxygen species generated in the leaves of 7-day-old wheat seedlings (Triticum aestivum) exposed to toxic concentrations of ZnCl2 and NaCl salts causes serious harm to the plant organism. To alleviate this stress, the protective effects of a number of herbal extracts, such as licorice root (Radix glycyrrhizae), leaves of sage (Salvia officinalis), Danae racemosa, artichoke (Cynara), and hawthorn (Grataegus), were studied. It was found that, depending on the impact of stressors, the studied extracts stimulate the adaptive capabilities of phytochemical reactions occurring in PS II ETC. Thus, the best inhibitors of oxidative stress caused by Zn ions were extracts from licorice root, relict plant Danae racemosa and leaves of sage, while extracts from licorice, artichoke and hawthorn were effective against NaCl stress. It was shown that the protective effect of plant extracts against stressors is due to their rich phytochemical properties, which lead to the suppression of free radicals, directly superoxide anion radicals, and neutralization of the formation of proliferating reactive oxygen species (ROS) in PS II. Since phenolic compounds in the extracts are strong antioxidants, they restore the redox balance of the donor and acceptor sides of the PS II electron transfer chain.

Keywords

References