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Nogues I, Passatore L, Bustamante MÁ, Pallozzi E, Luz J, Traquete F, Ferreira AEN, Sousa Silva M, Cordeiro C. Cultivation of Melilotus officinalis as a source of bioactive compounds in association with soil recovery practices. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2023; 14:1218594. [PMID: 37771488 PMCID: PMC10523325 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1218594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023]
Abstract
Introduction Melilotus officinalis is a Leguminosae with relevant applications in medicine and soil recovery. This study reports the application of Melilotus officinalis plants in soil recovery and as a source of bioactive compounds. Methods Plants were cultivated in semiarid soil under four different fertilizer treatments, urban waste compost at 10 t/ha and 20 t/ha, inorganic fertilizer and a control (no fertilizer). Agronomic properties of soil (pH, EC, soil respiration, C content, macro- and microelements) were analyzed before and after treatment. Also, germination, biomass, element contents, and physiological response were evaluated. Metabolite composition of plants was analyzed through Fourier-transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FT-ICR MS). Results and discussion Results showed a significant enhancement of the soil microbial activity in planted soils amended with compost, though there were no other clear effects on the soil physicochemical and chemical characteristics during the short experimental period. An improvement in M. officinalis germination and growth was observed in soils with compost amendment. Metabolite composition of plants was analyzed through Fourier-transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FT-ICR MS). Principal Component and Agglomerative Hierarchical Clustering models suggest that there is a clear separation of the metabolome of four groups of plants grown under different soil treatments. The five most important discriminative metabolites (annotated) were oleamide, palmitic acid, stearic acid, 3-hydroxy-cis-5-octenoylcarnitine, and 6-hydroxynon-7- enoylcarnitine. This study provides information on how the metabolome of Melilotus might be altered by fertilizer application in poor soil regions. These metabolome changes might have repercussions for the application of this plant in medicine and pharmacology. The results support the profitability of Melilotus officinalis cultivation for bioactive compounds production in association with soil recovery practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Nogues
- Research Institute on Terrestrial Ecosystems, National Research Council (IRET-CNR), Monterotondo Scalo, Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Passatore
- Research Institute on Terrestrial Ecosystems, National Research Council (IRET-CNR), Monterotondo Scalo, Rome, Italy
| | - María Ángeles Bustamante
- Centro de Investigación e Innovación Agroalimentaria y Agroambiental (CIAGRO-UMH), Miguel Hernández University, Orihuela, Alicante, Spain
| | - Emanuele Pallozzi
- Research Institute on Terrestrial Ecosystems, National Research Council (IRET-CNR), Monterotondo Scalo, Rome, Italy
- NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, Palermo, Italy
| | - João Luz
- Laboratório de FTICR e Espectrometria de Massa Estrutural, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
- Biosystems and Integrative Sciences Institute (BioISI), Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Francisco Traquete
- Laboratório de FTICR e Espectrometria de Massa Estrutural, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
- Biosystems and Integrative Sciences Institute (BioISI), Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - António E. N. Ferreira
- Laboratório de FTICR e Espectrometria de Massa Estrutural, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
- Biosystems and Integrative Sciences Institute (BioISI), Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Marta Sousa Silva
- Laboratório de FTICR e Espectrometria de Massa Estrutural, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
- Biosystems and Integrative Sciences Institute (BioISI), Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Carlos Cordeiro
- Laboratório de FTICR e Espectrometria de Massa Estrutural, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
- Biosystems and Integrative Sciences Institute (BioISI), Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
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Shen JM, Chen J, Feng L, Feng C. A scientometrics analysis and visualisation of diabetic foot research from 1955 to 2022. Int Wound J 2023; 20:1072-1087. [PMID: 36164753 PMCID: PMC10031233 DOI: 10.1111/iwj.13964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2022] [Revised: 08/28/2022] [Accepted: 09/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Diabetic foot (DF) has become a serious health problem in modern society, and it has been a hotspot of research for a long time. However, little scientometric analysis has been carried out on DF. In the present study, we analysed 8633 literature reports on DF in the Web of Science Core Collection from database inception until April 23, 2022. VOSviewer (Centre for Science and Technology Studies at Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands) and CiteSpace (College of Computing and Informatics, Drexel University, Philadelphia, United States) were employed to address high-impact countries and institutions, journals, references, research hotspots, and key research fields in DF research. Our analysis findings indicated that publications on DF have increased markedly since 2016 and were primarily published in the United States of America. The recent studies focus on the amniotic membrane, foot ulcers, osteomyelitis, and diabetic wound healing. The five keyword clusters, which included DF ulcer and wound healing therapies, management and guidelines, neuropathy and plantar pressure, amputation and ischemia, and DF infection and osteomyelitis, are helpful for enhancing prevention, standardising treatment, avoiding complications, and improving prognosis. These findings indicated a method for future therapies and research in DF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin-Ming Shen
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medicine University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jie Chen
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medicine University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lei Feng
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medicine University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Chun Feng
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
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Silva VLM, Silva-Reis R, Moreira-Pais A, Ferreira T, Oliveira PA, Ferreira R, Cardoso SM, Sharifi-Rad J, Butnariu M, Costea MA, Grozea I. Dicoumarol: from chemistry to antitumor benefits. Chin Med 2022; 17:145. [PMID: 36575479 PMCID: PMC9793554 DOI: 10.1186/s13020-022-00699-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Dicoumarol, a coumarin-like compound, is known for its anticoagulant properties associated with the ability to inhibit vitamin K, being prescribed as a drug for several decades. The pharmaceutical value of dicoumarol turned it into a focus of chemists' attention, aiming its synthesis and of dicoumarol derivatives, bringing to light new methodologies. In recent years, several other bioactive effects have been claimed for dicoumarol and its derivatives, including anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antifungal, and anticancer, although the mechanisms of action underlying them are mostly not disclosed and additional research is needed to unravel them. This review presents a state of the art on the chemistry of dicoumarols, and their potential anticancer characteristics, highlighting the mechanisms of action elucidated so far. In parallel, we draw attention to the lack of in vivo studies and clinical trials to assess the safety and efficacy as drugs for later application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vera L. M. Silva
- grid.7311.40000000123236065LAQV-REQUIMTE, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Rita Silva-Reis
- grid.7311.40000000123236065LAQV-REQUIMTE, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Alexandra Moreira-Pais
- grid.7311.40000000123236065LAQV-REQUIMTE, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal ,grid.12341.350000000121821287Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences (CITAB), Inov4Agro, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, Vila Real, Portugal ,grid.5808.50000 0001 1503 7226Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health (ITR), Research Center in Physical Activity, Health and Leisure (CIAFEL), Faculty of Sports, University of Porto (FADEUP), 4200-450 Porto, Portugal
| | - Tiago Ferreira
- grid.12341.350000000121821287Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences (CITAB), Inov4Agro, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, Vila Real, Portugal ,grid.12341.350000000121821287Inov4Agro—Institute for Innovation, Capacity Building and Sustainability of Agri-Food Production, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Paula A. Oliveira
- grid.12341.350000000121821287Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences (CITAB), Inov4Agro, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, Vila Real, Portugal ,grid.12341.350000000121821287Inov4Agro—Institute for Innovation, Capacity Building and Sustainability of Agri-Food Production, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal ,grid.12341.350000000121821287Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Rita Ferreira
- grid.7311.40000000123236065LAQV-REQUIMTE, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Susana M. Cardoso
- grid.7311.40000000123236065LAQV-REQUIMTE, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Javad Sharifi-Rad
- grid.442126.70000 0001 1945 2902Facultad de Medicina, Universidad del Azuay, Cuenca, Ecuador
| | - Monica Butnariu
- Life Sciences University “King Mihai I” from Timisoara, 300645 Calea Aradului 119, Timis, Romania
| | - Maria Alina Costea
- Life Sciences University “King Mihai I” from Timisoara, 300645 Calea Aradului 119, Timis, Romania
| | - Ioana Grozea
- Life Sciences University “King Mihai I” from Timisoara, 300645 Calea Aradului 119, Timis, Romania
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Horváth G, Csikós E, Andres EV, Bencsik T, Takátsy A, Gulyás-Fekete G, Turcsi E, Deli J, Szőke É, Kemény Á, Payrits M, Szente L, Kocsis M, Molnár P, Helyes Z. Analyzing the Carotenoid Composition of Melilot ( Melilotus officinalis (L.) Pall.) Extracts and the Effects of Isolated (All- E)-lutein-5,6-epoxide on Primary Sensory Neurons and Macrophages. Molecules 2021; 26:503. [PMID: 33477841 PMCID: PMC7832904 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26020503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Revised: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Melilotus officinalis is known to contain several types of secondary metabolites. In contrast, the carotenoid composition of this medicinal plant has not been investigated, although it may also contribute to the biological activities of the drug, such as anti-inflammatory effects. Therefore, this study focuses on the isolation and identification of carotenoids from Meliloti herba and on the effect of isolated (all-E)-lutein 5,6-epoxide on primary sensory neurons and macrophages involved in nociception, as well as neurogenic and non-neurogenic inflammatory processes. The composition of the plant extracts was analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The main carotenoid was isolated by column liquid chromatography (CLC) and identified by MS and NMR. The effect of water-soluble lutein 5,6-epoxide-RAMEB (randomly methylated-β-cyclodextrin) was investigated on Ca2+-influx in rat primary sensory neurons induced by the activation of the transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 receptor agonist to mustard-oil and on endotoxin-induced IL-1β release from isolated mouse peritoneal macrophages. (all-E)-Lutein 5,6-epoxide significantly decreased the percent of responsive primary sensory neurons compared to the vehicle-treated stimulated control. Furthermore, endotoxin-evoked IL-1β release from macrophages was significantly decreased by 100 µM lutein 5,6-epoxide compared to the vehicle-treated control. The water-soluble form of lutein 5,6-epoxide-RAMEB decreases the activation of primary sensory neurons and macrophages, which opens perspectives for its analgesic and anti-inflammatory applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Györgyi Horváth
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary; (E.C.); (E.V.A.); (T.B.); (J.D.); (P.M.)
| | - Eszter Csikós
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary; (E.C.); (E.V.A.); (T.B.); (J.D.); (P.M.)
| | - Eichertné Violetta Andres
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary; (E.C.); (E.V.A.); (T.B.); (J.D.); (P.M.)
| | - Tímea Bencsik
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary; (E.C.); (E.V.A.); (T.B.); (J.D.); (P.M.)
| | - Anikó Takátsy
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Chemistry, Medical School, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary; (A.T.); (G.G.-F.); (E.T.)
| | - Gergely Gulyás-Fekete
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Chemistry, Medical School, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary; (A.T.); (G.G.-F.); (E.T.)
| | - Erika Turcsi
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Chemistry, Medical School, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary; (A.T.); (G.G.-F.); (E.T.)
| | - József Deli
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary; (E.C.); (E.V.A.); (T.B.); (J.D.); (P.M.)
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Chemistry, Medical School, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary; (A.T.); (G.G.-F.); (E.T.)
| | - Éva Szőke
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Medical School, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary; (É.S.); (Á.K.); (M.P.); (Z.H.)
| | - Ágnes Kemény
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Medical School, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary; (É.S.); (Á.K.); (M.P.); (Z.H.)
- Department of Medical Biology and Central Electron Microscope Laboratory, Medical School, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
- Szentágothai Research Centre, Centre for Neuroscience, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Maja Payrits
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Medical School, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary; (É.S.); (Á.K.); (M.P.); (Z.H.)
- Szentágothai Research Centre, Centre for Neuroscience, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
| | | | - Marianna Kocsis
- Department of Plant Biology, Institute of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary;
| | - Péter Molnár
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary; (E.C.); (E.V.A.); (T.B.); (J.D.); (P.M.)
| | - Zsuzsanna Helyes
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Medical School, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary; (É.S.); (Á.K.); (M.P.); (Z.H.)
- Szentágothai Research Centre, Centre for Neuroscience, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
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Separation of New Coumarin Glycosides from Toddalia asiatica Using Offline Two-Dimensional High-Performance Liquid Chromatography. PLANTS 2020; 9:plants9040428. [PMID: 32244561 PMCID: PMC7238425 DOI: 10.3390/plants9040428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2020] [Revised: 03/23/2020] [Accepted: 03/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Coumarins and flavonoids are the major constituents of Toddalia asiatica. The separation and purification of ingredients from T. asiatica is an important procedure to acquire high-purity compounds for subsequent pharmacological investigation to discover leading compounds. In the present work, an offline two-dimensional high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method was successfully established for the separation of high-purity glycosides from T. asiatica. Based on the separation results obtained with two different chromatographic stationary phases, a phenyl-bonded silica-based reversed-phase column was employed as the first HPLC preparation, and three fractions were obtained from the sample. Then, the fractions were isolated and purified on an octadecyl-bonded silica-based reversed-phase column to obtain high-purity compounds in the second HPLC separation. As a result, three coumarin glycosides, including two undescribed and one known, along with one known flavonoid glycoside with more than 98% purity were isolated from the sample. The structures of the isolated compounds were elucidated on the basis of extensive spectroscopic evidence derived from optical rotation, mass spectrometry, and nuclear magnetic resonance experiments. Two-dimensional HPLC with different stationary phases has the potential to be an efficient method for the separation of high-purity compounds from T. asiatica.
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Gulumian M, Yahaya ES, Steenkamp V. African Herbal Remedies with Antioxidant Activity: A Potential Resource Base for Wound Treatment. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE : ECAM 2018; 2018:4089541. [PMID: 30595712 PMCID: PMC6282146 DOI: 10.1155/2018/4089541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2018] [Revised: 10/23/2018] [Accepted: 11/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The use of traditional herbal remedies as alternative medicine plays an important role in Africa since it forms part of primary health care for treatment of various medical conditions, including wounds. Although physiological levels of free radicals are essential to the healing process, they are known to partly contribute to wound chronicity when in excess. Consequently, antioxidant therapy has been shown to facilitate healing of such wounds. Also, a growing body of evidence suggests that, at least, part of the therapeutic value of herbals may be explained by their antioxidant activity. This paper reviews African herbal remedies with antioxidant activity with the aim of indicating potential resources for wound treatment. Firstly, herbals with identified antioxidant compounds and, secondly, herbals with proven antioxidant activity, but where the compound(s) responsible for the activity has not yet been identified, are listed. In the latter case it has been attempted to ascribe the activity to a compound known to be present in the plant family and/or species, where related activity has previously been documented for another genus of the species. Also, the tests employed to assess antioxidant activity and the potential caveats thereof during assessment are briefly commented on.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Gulumian
- National Institute for Occupational Health, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Haematology and Molecular Medicine, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Ewura Seidu Yahaya
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Vanessa Steenkamp
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
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Jasicka-Misiak I, Makowicz E, Stanek N. Polish Yellow Sweet Clover (Melilotus officinalis L.) Honey, Chromatographic Fingerprints, and Chemical Markers. Molecules 2017; 22:E138. [PMID: 28098847 PMCID: PMC6155788 DOI: 10.3390/molecules22010138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2016] [Revised: 01/07/2017] [Accepted: 01/12/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
A case study of Polish Melilotus officinalis honey was presented for the first time. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) (after steam distillation, Soxhlet extraction, ultrasonic solvent extraction, and solid phase extraction (SPE)) and targeted high performance liquid chromatography with a photodiode array detector (HPLC-PAD) were applied to determine the characteristic components of honey. While ubiquitous in most honeys, carbohydrates, terpene derivatives, and phenylacetic acid dominated in the Soxhlet extracts (25.54%) and in the application of SPE (13.04%). In addition, lumichrome (1.85%) was found, and may be considered as a marker of this honey. Due to the presence of these compounds, Polish yellow sweet clover honey is similar to French lavender honeys. The major compounds determined in the methanolic extract were (+)-catechine (39.7%) and gallic acid (up to 30%), which can be regarded as specific chemical markers of the botanical origin of melilot honey. With respect to total phenolic and flavonoid contents, 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assays were determined spectrophotometrically. The honey exhibited a moderate antioxidant activity, typical for light honeys, which correlates well with its phenolic and flavonoid composition.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ewa Makowicz
- Faculty of Chemistry, Opole University, Oleska 48, 45-052 Opole, Poland.
| | - Natalia Stanek
- Faculty of Chemistry, Opole University, Oleska 48, 45-052 Opole, Poland.
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Benarba B, Belabid L, Righi K, Bekkar AA, Elouissi M, Khaldi A, Hamimed A. Ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants used by traditional healers in Mascara (North West of Algeria). JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2015; 175:626-37. [PMID: 26440857 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2015.09.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2015] [Revised: 09/10/2015] [Accepted: 09/25/2015] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Medicinal plants are considered as a rich source of bioactive compounds. The present study aimed to document the local knowledge of medicinal plants' use by traditional healers in Mascara, North-west Algeria. MATERIALS AND METHODS The present study was carried out in Mascara (North West of Algeria). Ethnobotanical data were recorded from 43 traditional healers practicing in Mascara. Data collected was analysed using quantitative indices such as the use value (UV), fidelity level (FL) and Informant Consensus Factor (FIC). RESULTS Traditional healers reported 141 medicinal plant species belonging to 54 families and 125 genera for the treatment of different ailments grouped into 14 ailments categories. Lamiaceae were the most represented family with 19 species (13.57%) followed by Asteracea, Apiaceae and Fabaceae. Thymus vulgaris L. was the most frequently used by local informants, with the highest UV of 0.883 (38 use reports). Our findings revealed that 39 species have not been previously reported as medicinal plants in the region. Furthermore, we report for the first time a total of 100 new therapeutic uses for 37 known plant species. FIC values ranged from 0.125 to 0.658. Gastro-intestinal diseases had the highest FIC (0.658) with 60 species and 261 use reports. CONCLUSION The present study revealed the important local knowledge as showed by the variety of species used to treat several ailments. Recorded species with high UV should be subjects of further pharmacological studies to validate their popular use and to isolate the bioactive compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bachir Benarba
- Laboratory Research on Biological Systems and Geomatics, Faculty of Nature and Life Sciences, University of Mascara, Algeria; Department of Biology, Faculty of Nature and Life Sciences, University of Mascara, Algeria.
| | - Lakhdar Belabid
- Laboratory Research on Biological Systems and Geomatics, Faculty of Nature and Life Sciences, University of Mascara, Algeria
| | - Kada Righi
- Laboratory Research on Biological Systems and Geomatics, Faculty of Nature and Life Sciences, University of Mascara, Algeria
| | - Ahmed Amine Bekkar
- Laboratory Research on Biological Systems and Geomatics, Faculty of Nature and Life Sciences, University of Mascara, Algeria
| | - Mouffok Elouissi
- Laboratory Research on Biological Systems and Geomatics, Faculty of Nature and Life Sciences, University of Mascara, Algeria
| | - Abdelkader Khaldi
- Laboratory Research on Biological Systems and Geomatics, Faculty of Nature and Life Sciences, University of Mascara, Algeria
| | - Abderrahmane Hamimed
- Laboratory Research on Biological Systems and Geomatics, Faculty of Nature and Life Sciences, University of Mascara, Algeria
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