The genus Laggera (Asteraceae) – Ethnobotanical and Ethnopharmacological Information, Chemical Composition as well as Biological Activities of Its Essential Oils and Extracts: A Review

Icacinaceae Plant Family: A Recapitulation of the Ethnobotanical, Phytochemical, Pharmacological, and Biotechnological Aspects

Icacinaceae, an Angiospermic family comprising 35 genera and 212 accepted species, including trees, shrubs, and lianas with pantropical distribution, is one of the most outshining yet least explored plant families, which despite its vital role as a source of pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals has received a meagre amount of attraction from the scientific community. Interestingly, Icacinaceae is considered a potential alternative resource for camptothecin and its derivatives, which are used in treating ovarian and metastatic colorectal cancer. However, the concept of this family has been revised many times, but further recognition is still needed. The prime objective of this review is to compile the available information on this family in order to popularize it in the scientific community and the general population and promote extensive exploration of these taxa. The phytochemical preparations or isolated compounds from the Icacinaceae family have been centrally amalgamated to draw diverse future prospects from this inclusive plant species. The ethnopharmacological activities and the associated endophytes and cell culture techniques are also depicted. Nevertheless, the methodical evaluation of the Icacinaceae family is the only means to preserve and corroborate the folkloristic remedial effects and provide scientific recognition of its potencies before they are lost under the blanket of modernization.

Nanotechnology: A promising strategy for the control of parasitic infections

Annually 3.5 billion people are affected by the parasitic infections that results around 200,000 deaths per annum. Major diseases occur due to the neglected tropical parasites. Variety of methods have been used to treat the parasitic infections but now these methods have become ineffective due to the development of resistance in the parasites and some other side effects of traditional treatment methods. Previous methods include use of chemotherapeutic agents and ethnobotanicals for the treatment of parasites. Parasites have developed resistance against the chemotherapeutic agents. A major problem related to Ethnobotanicals is the unequal availability of drug at the target site which is responsible for the low efficacy of drug. Nanotechnology technology involves the manipulation of matter on a nanoscale level and has the potential to enhance the efficacy and safety of existing drugs, develop new treatments, and improve diagnostic methods for parasitic infections. Nanoparticles can be designed to selectively target parasites while minimizing toxicity to the host, and they can also be used to improve drug delivery and increase drug stability. Some important nanotechnology-based tools for parasitic control include nanoparticle-based drug delivery, nanoparticle diagnostics, nanoparticle vaccines, nanoparticle insecticides. Nanotechnology has the potential to revolutionize the field of parasitic control by providing new methods for detection, prevention and treatment of parasitic infections. This review discusses the current state of nanotechnology-based approaches for controlling parasitic infections and highlights their potential to revolutionize the field of parasitology.

Ethnobotanical study of endemic and non-endemic medicinal plants used by indigenous people in environs of Gullele botanical garden Addis Ababa, central Ethiopia: A major focus on Asteraceae family

Gullele Botanical Garden (GBG) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia is a joint venture of Addis Ababa government and the university. The garden has been built mainly to conserve the endemic plants and to advance the research on the endemic and non-endemic plants collected from different part of Ethiopia. Many traditional healers from the environs of GBG and different subcities of Addis Ababa depend on the garden for their practice of traditional medicine but there is no systematic documentation of the traditional medicinal knowledge of these healers. The main objective of the present study is to comprehensively document the ethnobotanical and ethnomedicinal information from the traditional healers of different ethnic and cultural groups depending on GBG and to create a database of the endemic plants used by these healers. The ethnobotanical and ethnomedicinal data obtained from 60 traditional healers have been analyzed both qualitatively and quantitatively. A total of 81 medicinal plants belonging to 47 families have been identified. Majority of the plants used belonged to Asteraceae (12) family. The most frequently used plant form and plant parts are herbs and leaves. The major method adopted by the healers for preparation and administration of traditional medicine is crushing and topical, respectively. Skin and general diseases are the most important ailments treated by the healers. The three most cited plants used to treat diseases are Echinops kebericho Mesfin (60), Hagenia abyssinica (Bruce) J.F.Gmel (60) and Laggera tomentosa (A.Rich.) Sch.Bip. ex Oliv. & Hiern (58). The present study is the first systematic, qualitative, and quantitative ethnobotanical analysis and documentation done on the use of the medicinal plants from GBG for traditional medicine. In addition, our study reveals that E. kebericho is endemic and endangered plant and is highly used in traditional medicine. Therefore, GBG authorities should take steps for the propagation and restoration of this plant. Further it is suggested that the pharmacological properties of the roots and leaves of E. kebericho should be compared to find the possibility of use of leaves in place of roots for the preparation of traditional medicine which would help in conserving this endemic plant of Ethiopia.

Chemical Compositions of Essential Oil from Aerial Parts of Cyclospermum leptophyllum and Its Application as Antibacterial Activity against Some Food Spoilage Bacteria

Cyclospermum leptophyllum is plant species known for its medicinal value and pleasant aroma. The aerial part and plant seeds are traditionally used as food additives as a spice. This study aims to isolate the chemical constituents of essential oil of the aerial part of the plant and study their potential antibacterial activities against some food contaminating bacteria. The essential oil of C. leptophyllum (CSEO) was isolated from aerial parts of the plant species and studied using GC-MS and FTIR techniques. The first four major chemical constituents determined from GC-MS analysis of CSEO (for peak area % ≥ 1.15%) were 2,5-dimethoxy-p-cymene (87.09%), 2-methoxy-1-methyl-4-(1-methylethyl) benzene (3.09%), 2-methoxy-4-methyl-1-(1-methylethyl) benzene (1.71%), and humulene (1.15%). 60%, 30%, 15%, 7.5%, and 3.75% of CSEO solutions were prepared and evaluated for their potential antibacterial activities against six food spoilage pathogenic bacterial strains. Three Gram-positive strains: Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923), Staphylococcus epidermidis (ATCC 12228), Streptococcus agalactiae (ATCC 12386) and three Gram-negative strains: Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922), Proteus mirabilis (ATCC 35659), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 27853) were used as test microorganisms. Compared to ciprofloxacin, a positive control, the promising antibacterial activity was observed for CSEO against S. aureus at minimum and maximum test solutions as the values of the zone of inhibition diameter (ZID, mm) were recorded as 14.33 ± 0.58 for 3.75% CSEO solution and 30.67 ± 0.58 for 60% CSEO solution. Tests of CSEO solutions generally showed stronger antibacterial activities against Gram-positive than Gram-negative strains. Therefore, CSEO contains potent chemical constituents that might be applicable in treating pathogenic bacterial species.

Phytochemical Composition and Biological Activities of Angelica sylvestris L. var. stenoptera Avé-Lall ex Boiss.: An Endangered Medicinal Plant of Northeast Turkey

Angelica sylvestris L. var. stenoptera Avé-Lall ex Boiss. (ASS) is an endangered endemic plant to Turkey. The objective of the study was to determine antioxidant activities, total phenolics, and phytochemical properties of methanolic extracts (MEs) and essential oil (EO) from ASS for the first time with the methods of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH⋅) radical scavenging activities, 2,2-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS⋅+ ), ferric reducing/antioxidant power (FRAP), the Folin-Ciocalteu, liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), respectively. The leaf extract of ASS was found to be the richest in phenolic content (543.91±6.33 GAE, μg/mL) and showed the highest DPPH⋅ and FRAP activities (IC50 : 0.1140±0.0011 mg/mL, 675.62±15.01 μM TEAC). EO of ASS root showed DPPH⋅ and FRAP activities (IC50 : 1.3248±0.0572 mg/mL, 346.67±12.75 μM TEAC). 19 phenolics were detected in MEs of different parts of ASS by LC/MS/MS. In the chemical composition of ASS root EO by GC/MS, globulol (70.70 %) was found to be the major compound. Our results indicate that ASS can be used a source of phytochemicals and antioxidants for conservation and sustainability of endangered plants.

Nanoparticles: Synthesis and Their Role as Potential Drug Candidates for the Treatment of Parasitic Diseases

Protozoa, helminths and ectoparasites are the major groups of parasites distributed worldwide. Currently, these parasites are treated with chemotherapeutic antiprotozoal drugs, anti-helminthic and anti-ectoparasitic agents, but, with the passage of time, resistance to these drugs has developed due to overuse. In this scenario, nanoparticles are proving to be a major breakthrough in the treatment and control of parasitic diseases. In the last decade, there has been enormous development in the field of nanomedicine for parasitic control. Gold and silver nanoparticles have shown promising results in the treatments of various types of parasitic infections. These nanoparticles are synthesized through the use of various conventional and molecular technologies and have shown great efficacy. They work in different ways, that include damaging the parasite membrane, DNA (Deoxyribonucleic acid) disruption, protein synthesis inhibition and free-radical formation. These agents are effective against intracellular parasites as well. Other nanoparticles, such as iron, nickel, zinc and platinum, have also shown good results in the treatment and control of parasitic infections. It is hoped that this research subject will become the future of modern drug development. This review summarizes the methods that are used to synthesize nanoparticles and their possible mechanisms of action against parasites.

Biological investigations on macro-morphological characteristics, polyphenolic acids, antioxidant activity of Perilla frutescens (L) Britt. grown under open field

Perilla frutescens, perilla is a functional food, spice and medicinal herb and ornamental plant in the family of Lamiaceae. Thus, macro-morphological characteristics, phenolic acids, antioxidants of twelve accessions of P. frutescens grown under open field were studied. High polymorphism was found among the perilla accessions and macroscopic features of perilla genotypes showed variable results. Perilla can be classified into two clearly phenotypes green and purple, within these two other colours were appeared. A good level of biomass production was recorded for JTD3, 203P, PS2, 203P respectively. Principal component analysis was performed to cluster phenolic acids. GB phenotype exhibited the major content of polyphenols, followed by JTD3 then J1. Regarding antioxidant capacity, JTD3 showed the highest value followed by 203P and GB respectively. The HPLC analysis showed that the most abundant phenolic acids were ellagic acid which is accumulated in a higher percentage in NP606, 588P and JTD3 cultivars respectively, followed by salicylic acid and gallic acid. This is the first report of cultivation of various Perilla varieties under open field environmental conditions, not only to increase productivity but also to improve the quality. Therefore, the present study results confirm the importance of the Perilla species for human consumption, therapeutic and ornamental purposes.

Engineering conversion of Asteraceae plants into biochars for exploring potential applications: A review

Asteraceae presents one of the most globally prevalent, cultivated, and fundamental plant families. However, a large amount of agricultural wastes has been yearly released from Asteraceae crops, causing adverse impacts on the environment. The objective of this work is to have insights into their biomass potentials and technical possibility of conversion into biochars. Physicochemical properties are systematically articulated to orientate environmental application, soil amendment, and other utilizations. Utilizations of Asteraceae biochars in wastewater treatment can be categorized by heavy metal ions, organic dyes, antibiotics, persistent organic pollutants (POPs), and explosive compounds. Some efforts were made to analyze the production cost, as well as the challenges and prospects of Asteraceae-based biochars.

Functional Characterization of a New Bifunctional Terpene Synthase LpNES1 from a Medicinal Plant Laggera pter odonta

Laggera pterodonta, known in China as 'Choulingdan' for its stimulous odor, has long been used as traditional herbal medicine. The essential oil of L. pterodonta, which exhibits various pharmacological activities, is a rich resource of monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes. To date, however, the terpene synthases responsible for their production remain unknown. In present study, a new terpene synthase gene (LpNES1) was identified from L. pterodonta, transcript level of which was significantly upregulated in response to methyl jasmonate treatment. Recombinant LpNES1 could synthesize (E)-nerolidol and minor β-farnesene from farnesyl diphosphate and linalool from geranyl diphosphate in vitro. Whereas, only sesquiterpenes including (E)-nerolidol and minor β-farnesene were released when LpNES1 was reconstituted in yeast, even coexpressed with a geranyl diphosphate synthase (ERG20^WW). Combined with subcellular localization experiment, the result indicated that the cytosol-targeted LpNES1 was responsible for (E)-nerolidol biosynthesis exclusively in L. pterodonta. Additionally, the expression level of LpNES1 gene was more prominent in floral buds than that in other tissues. LpNES1 characterized in present study not only lays the molecular foundation for sesquiterpene biosynthesis of L. pterodonta, but provides a key element for further biosynthesis of bioactive compound in microbes.

Development of nano-emulsions based on Ayapana triplinervis essential oil for the control of Aedes aegypti larvae

Ayapana triplinervis is a plant species used in traditional medicine and in mystical-religious rituals by traditional communities in the Amazon. The aim of this study are to develop a nano-emulsion containing essential oil from A. triplinervis morphotypes, to evaluate larvicidal activity against Aedes aegypti and acute oral toxicity in Swiss albino mice (Mus musculus). The essential oils were extracted by steam dragging, identified by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry, and nano-emulsions were prepared using the low energy method. Phytochemical analyses indicated the major compounds, expressed as area percentage, β-Caryophyllene (45.93%) and Thymohydroquinone Dimethyl Ether (32.93%) in morphotype A; and Thymohydroquinone Dimethyl Ether (84.53%) was found in morphotype B. Morphotype A essential oil nano-emulsion showed a particle size of 101.400 ± 0.971 nm (polydispersity index = 0.124 ± 0.009 and zeta potential = -19.300 ± 0.787 mV). Morphotype B essential oil nano-emulsion had a particle size of 104.567 ± 0.416 nm (polydispersity index = 0.168 ± 0.016 and zeta potential = -27.700 ± 1.307 mV). Histomorphological analyses showed the presence of inflammatory cells in the liver of animals treated with morphotype A essential oil nano-emulsion (MAEON) and morphotype B essential oil nano-emulsion (MBEON). Congestion and the presence of transudate with leukocyte infiltration in the lung of animals treated with MAEON were observed. The nano-emulsions containing essential oils of A. triplinervis morphotypes showed an effective nanobiotechnological product in the chemical control of A. aegypti larvae with minimal toxicological action for non-target mammals.

Chemical composition, and antibacterial and antioxidant activities of essential oils from Laggera tomentosa Sch. Bip. ex Oliv. et Hiern (Asteraceae)

Laggera tomentosa Sch. Bip. ex Oliv. et Hiern (Asteraceae), an endemic Ethiopian medicinal plant, is traditionally used to treat various ailments. Previously, the chemical constituents of the essential oil (EO) of its leaves and inflorescence were documented. However, no data about the chemical compositions of other parts of the EOs of the plant have been reported to date. Moreover, there are no previous biological activity reports on any parts of the EOs of this plant. Thus, in this study, the EOs were isolated from the stem bark and roots of this plant by hydrodistillation and analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry to identify their components. In addition, antibacterial potentials of the oils were evaluated using the disc diffusion and minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) methods. 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and hydrogen peroxide methods were also employed to assess their antioxidant properties. Oxygenated monoterpenes (71.82% and 77.51%), of which 2,5-dimethoxy- p -cymene (57.28% and 64.76%) and thymol methyl ether (9.51% and 8.93%) were identified as major components in the EOs of stem bark and roots of L. tomentosa and the oils, were the most potent in the DPPH (IC50, 0.33 ± 1.10 and 0.39 ± 0.97 mg/mL) assay, respectively. Moreover, the EOs demonstrated appreciable activity towards the gram+ ( S. aureus and B. cereus ) bacteria. Among these oils, the oil of the stem bark showed the greatest activity to the gram+ (MIC = 0.625 mg/mL) bacteria. Therefore, the overall results suggested that the EOs of L. tomentosa may be a promising prospect for pharmaceutical, food, and other industrial applications.

Rationale of Orthosiphon aristatus for Healing Diabetic Foot Ulcer

Orthosiphon aristatus (Blume) Miq. is traditionally used for wound healing in South East Asia and scientifically proven for its antidiabetic potential. Wounds due to diabetes, especially diabetic foot ulcer (DFU), always involve a complicated healing process. The present work aims to review the information on the rationale of the phytochemicals from O. aristatus in promoting DFU healing. The findings showed that the DFU healing potential of O. aristatus was characterized by a reduction in the blood glucose level, mainly attributed to the significant concentration of constituents such as caffeic acid, rosmarinic acid, and sinensetin in the plant extract. These phytochemicals possibly induce insulin secretion and sensitivity, improve the lipid profile, and stimulate glucose uptake. Furthermore, the healing effect may also be contributed to the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antihyperglycemic properties of the plant. The roles of phytochemicals have been systematically postulated in the 4 phases of the healing process. Moreover, no adverse toxic sign or abnormality has been reported upon oral administration of the plant extract. This suggests that O. aristatus extract could be a potential diabetic wound healing phytomedicine for further preclinical and clinical studies.

Balkans' Asteraceae Species as a Source of Biologically Active Compounds for the Pharmaceutical and Food Industry

Herbal drugs are a useful source of different bioactive compounds. Asteraceae species, as the most widespread vascular plants, can be used both as food and as medicine due to the great diversity of recorded chemical components - different phenolic compounds, terpenes, carotenoids, vitamins, alkaloids, etc. The Balkan Peninsula is characterized by great diversity of plants from Asteraceae family, including presence of rare and endemic species. In this review, results of the survey of chemical composition and biological activity, mainly focusing on antioxidant, antimicrobial and anticancer effects of selected Balkans' Asteraceae species were provided. In addition, information on edible plants from Asteraceae family is presented, due to growing interest for the so-called 'healthy diet' and possible application of Balkans' Asteraceae species as food of high nutritional value or as a source of functional food ingredients.

Composition and Intraspecific Chemical Variability of Leaf Essential Oil of Laggera pterodonta from Côte d'Ivoire

The chemical composition of 44 leaf oil samples of Laggera pterodonta (DC.) Sch.Bip. ex Oliv. (Asteraceae) from Côte d'Ivoire was investigated, using combination of chromatographic (GC-FID) and spectroscopic (GC/MS, ¹³ C-NMR) techniques. Two oil samples chosen according to their chromatographic profiles were submitted to column chromatography and all fractions of CC were analyzed by GC-FID, GC/MS and ¹³ C-NMR. In total, 83 components accounting for 96.5 to 99.4 % of the whole chemical composition were identified. Significant variations were observed within terpene classes: monoterpene hydrocarbons (0.4-22.7 %), oxygenated monoterpenes (32.9-54.9 %), sesquiterpene hydrocarbons (18.6-38.3 %) and oxygenated sesquiterpenes (3.5-38.4 %). Thus, the 44 compositions were subjected to hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) and principal component analysis (PCA). Two groups were differentiated according to their composition. All the samples contained 2,5-dimethoxy-p-cymene, α-humulene and (E)-β-caryophyllene among the main components. Other components were present at appreciable contents and allowed differentiation of two groups: sabinene and germacrene D for Group I; 10-epi-γ-eudesmol and eudesm-7(11)-en-4α-ol for Group II. All the samples collected in Eastern Côte d'Ivoire constituted Group I, while samples collected in the Central area of the country constituted Group II.