1. Impact of the invasive South African ragwort on germination and growth of radishKatarina Šoln, 2026, original scientific article Abstract: The South African ragwort Senecio inaequidens is among the most invasive plant species in Europe, especially in mountainous and Mediterranean regions, and is suspected to exert allelopathic effects (release of chemical inhibitors) on native vegetation. This study investigated the allelopathic potential of South African ragwort using radish Raphanus sativus as a model species. In laboratory experiments, I treated radish seeds with ragwort leaf extracts at varying concentrations. After three days, the extract reduced radish seed germination by up to 40% in a concentration-dependent manner. High extract concentrations significantly inhibited radish seedling root length, whereas lower concentrations rather stimulated root growth. Measurements of oxidative stress-related parameters, including lipid peroxidation and total antioxidative ca- pacity, showed no changes in treated roots. In a complementary pot experiment, I exposed radish seeds for 36 days to pul- verised ragwort leaves mixed with vermiculite. This treatment delayed, but did not suppress seed germination. Subsequent plant growth and physiological status remained unaffected. The results suggest that South African ragwort exerts moder- ate allelopathic effects, primarily influencing seedlings, whereas mature plants appear less sensitive to its allelochemicals.
Keywords: allelopathy, oxidative stress, phytotoxicity, Raphanus sativus, South African ragwort, Senecio inaequidens
Published in RUP: 04.06.2026; Views: 138; Downloads: 8
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2. Redox state is similar in subjects following omnivorous, vegan, vegetarian, and low-carbohydrate high-fat dietNives Bogataj Jontez, Karin Šik Novak, Zala Jenko Pražnikar, Ana Petelin, Nina Mohorko, Saša Kenig, 2025, original scientific article Abstract: Age-related noncommunicable diseases are a major health burden in developed countries, with oxidative stress being a key contributing factor. This cross-sectional study aimed to test the hypothesis that redox status among 88 participants with a particular interest in nutrition and habitually following 4 popular dietary patterns (vegan, vegetarian, low-carbohydrate high-fat, and omnivorous), is similar, but correlates with diet quality. Dietary intake was assessed using food diaries, and venous blood samples were collected to measure serum total antioxidative capacity (TAC), bilirubin, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD⁺)/reduced form of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) ratio, and sirtuin 1 concentration, and the expression of antioxidative enzymes in leukocytes. TAC and the NAD⁺/NADH ratio were higher in the vegan group compared with the vegetarian group, whereas bilirubin concentration was higher in the omnivorous compared with the low-carbohydrate high-fat group. Other differences between the dietary groups were not significant. NAD+/NADH ratio and sirtuin 1 were positively correlated with diet quality, assessed with the Healthy Eating Index. Correlation analysis between dietary variables and redox markers revealed only a few weak to moderate associations. However, a hierarchical regression model including age, gender, and dietary variables explained 19.8% of the variance in TAC, 21.2% of the variance in the NAD⁺/NADH ratio, and 44.3% of the variance in sirtuin 1 concentration. Therefore, in healthy, relatively young participants with appropriate energy intakes, endogenous mechanisms are able to compensate for oxidative stress to a similar extent, regardless of dietary pattern. Nonetheless, overall diet quality and food selection appear to play a meaningful role in redox balance.
Keywords: oxidative stress, total antioxidative capacity, sirtuin 1, diet quality
Published in RUP: 02.12.2025; Views: 743; Downloads: 5
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5. Roasting intensity of naturally low-caffeine Laurina coffee modulates glucose metabolism and redox balance in humansFilippo Giorgio Di Girolamo, Sara Mazzucco, Roberta Situlin, Nina Mohorko, Zala Jenko Pražnikar, Ana Petelin, Marcello Tence, Rado Pišot, Luciano Navarini, Gianni Biolo, 2016, original scientific article Keywords: coffee, oxidative stress, roasting intensity, Type-2 diabetes mellitus, insulin resistance, omega-3 fatty acids
Published in RUP: 08.08.2016; Views: 6073; Downloads: 152
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