Bio-fabricated bioactive arisaema triphyllum aqueous extract-loaded nano-ZnO particles improve the nursing care of esophageal cancer

Metal nanoparticles, synthesized using phyto-constituents, are one of the most economical and environmentally friendly materials. Biogenic zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) obtained from Arisaema triphyllum plant extract were synthesized and characterized using UV-visible spectroscopy, XRD, TEM, and EDX. The presence of various plant extracts and the zinc oxide capping of ZnONPs was confirmed using UV-visible spectroscopy, further confirming the existence of ZnO in the 400–430 nm region based on its specific surface plasmon resonance. XRD patterns showed ZnONP-centered cubic crystalline assembly, while electron microscopy showed that the formation of spherical ZnONPs varied from ∼10 nm to 15 nm in diameter. Strong ZnONPs bands were established, as verified by EDX. The anticancer properties of ZnONPs prepared with different extracts were evaluated using esophageal cancer cells. High levels of anticancer activity against the two esophageal cancer cell lines, EC109 and TE8, were observed. The morphological changes of the esophageal cancer cells were evaluated using AO-EB and nuclear staining biochemical methods. Hemolysis assays with human erythrocytes showed excellent bio-compatibility with ZnONPs. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to report the use of A. triphyllum-loaded biogenic ZnONPs against esophageal cancer cells.

Flowering period, thermogenesis, and pattern of visiting insects in Arisaema triphyllum (Araceae) in Quebec

Jack-in-the-Pulpit ( Arisaema triphyllum (L.) Torr.) is a perennial forest herb of southern Canada and the eastern United States. The flowering periods of male and female inflorescences in relation to the temperature of the inflorescence and the activity pattern of visiting insects were studied in one population in western Montreal Island (Quebec, Canada). The flowering period of A. triphyllum was long (20 d in male and female plants), which is unusual in temperate Aroideae. This floral trait could have evolved secondarily as an adaptation to increase pollination efficiency under highly variable weather conditions at high latitude. In male and female plants, no significant temperature increase of the appendix was recorded. The warming effect of sunlight during the day could be sufficient for the emission of the attractive odour. Two Dipteran families, the Mycetophilidae and the Cecidomyiidae, were the most frequent insect visitors of A. triphyllum. Our observations showed that odour production is linked with the pollination activity beginning with insect visits.