aqueous extract impairsegg embryonation and infectivity via disruption of metabolic and detoxification pathways.

Abstract

is a globally invasive perennial herb that poses a significant threat to biodiversity. However, recent studies highlight its potential for ecological utilization, demonstrating antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and insecticidal properties. Research on its effect oneggs and the underlying molecular mechanisms remains limited. This study investigated the impact ofaqueous extract onegg development and explored key responsive pathways and genes via RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq).eggs were treatedwith various concentrations (0.10%, 0.25%, 0.50%, 1.00%, 2.50%, 5.00%) of the extract. Embryonation rates decreased dose-dependently, with the 5.00% treatment showing the strongest inhibition (34.24%). Eggs treated with 2.50% and 5.00% extract caused significantly less severe pulmonary lesions and lower larval counts in infected mice, indicating reduced infectivity. Transcriptome analysis of control (WH), 0.10% (EH), and 0.50% (MH) treated eggs identified 281 and 1,083 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) for EH vs. WH and MH vs. WH, respectively. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses revealed that DEGs were primarily involved in transmembrane transport, catalytic activity, carbohydrate metabolic processes, the drug metabolism-cytochrome P450 pathway, and glycolysis/gluconeogenesis. Key genes, including CYP44A1, CYP4V2, CYP4C3, and GST-4, were significantly downregulated. qRT-PCR validated the RNA-Seq results. These findings suggest thatextract inhibitsegg development, potentially by disrupting energy metabolism and xenobiotic detoxification pathways. This study provides a theoretical basis for developing-based agents targeting the egg stage of.