Medicinal plants of the family Caryophyllaceae: a review of ethno-medicinal uses and pharmacological properties

Recognising the role of ruderal species in restoration of degraded lands

Ruderal plants are an important component of plant communities that develop on the range of anthropogenically degraded lands. Yet they were highly neglected and not recognised as desirable for restoration purposes. The aim of this study was to analyse the potential for using ruderal species in restoration processes and to identify preliminary criteria for species selection that could be included in ecological restoration of degraded man-made habitats under future conditions of increased human disturbance and climate changes. The desirable characteristics of the species depend primarily on the type of habitat to be restored, with plant height, specific leaf area, rooting depth and seed characteristics being the most important traits. The recognised ecosystem services of the species analysed show that the provisioning and regulating services are well represented, particularly erosion control, pollination, phytoremediation and other soil quality improvements. Most of the dominant and diagnostic ruderal species from the man-made habitats of the north-western Balkan Peninsula are sensitive to climate change and their potential distribution range is expected to decrease at the European scale. Higher certain ecological indicator values, as well as values for disturbance severity, frequency and soil disturbance indices were found for species that are expected to increase their range. Ruderal species are becoming increasingly important for restoration purposes, as the focus shifts to the significance of early successional species. The inclusion of ruderal species in the restoration of degraded sites should be based on criteria such as: non-invasiveness, plant traits favourable for colonisation (height, SLA, seed traits, rooting depth), values of ecological and disturbance indices, provision of ecosystem services, and change of distribution range under changing climate conditions.

Standard medical ethnobotany of Kohistan, North Pakistan

BACKGROUND

This study was exclusively focused on the documentation and cross-cultural evaluation of ethnomedicinal knowledge (EMK) within the diverse linguistic groups of Kohistan situated between the Himalayan and Hindukush Mountain ranges in the north Pakistan.

METHODS

Data were gathered during the field survey (May 2022 to July 2023) through group conversations, semi-structured interviews, and on-site observation. Venn diagrams were employed to illustrate the comparative assessment of EMK, and different ethnobotanical indices were utilized to examine the data.

RESULTS

A total of 96 wild medicinal plant species (MPs) belonging to 74 genera and 52 botanical families were documented. The most reported MPs belong to the family Polygonaceae (11 species), followed by Asteraceae (9 species) and Lamiaceae (8 species). The ethnomedicinal uses of Leontopodium himalayanum, Pedicularis oederi, Plocama brevifolia, Polypodium sibiricum, Pteridium esculentum, Sambucus wightiana, Solanum cinereum, Teucrium royleanum, Rhodiola integrifolia, Aconitum chasmanthum were reported for the first time in this region. Among the reported taxa herbaceous species were dominated (72%), followed by trees and shrubs (17% and 10%, respectively). Digestive problems (40 taxa and 114 use reports) and skin disorders (19 taxa and 549 use reports) were the most cited disease categories, whereas M. communis, M. longifolia, Ajuga integrifolia, Ziziphus jujuba, and Clematis grata exhibited the highest percentage fidelity levels. Out of 109 documented medicinal uses, a mere 12 were shared across all linguistic groups, and Bateri emerges as a notable outlier with the highest number of medicinal uses. In addition, a significant homogeneity was noted in the reported botanical taxa (61 species) among different linguistic groups. However, since the last decade biocultural heritage of Kohistan is facing multifaceted risks that need urgent attention.

CONCLUSION

Our findings could be valuable addition to the existing stock of ethnomedicinal knowledge and may provide ethnopharmacological basis to novel drug discovery for preexisting and emerging diseases prioritizing detailed phytochemical profiling and the evaluation of bioactive potential.

Saponaria officinalis saponins as a factor increasing permeability of Candida yeasts' biomembrane

Saponins are a large group of compounds, produced mostly by plants as a side product of their metabolic activity. These compounds have attracted much attention over the years mostly because of their surface activity and antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties. On the other hand, most of the hitherto research has concerned the action of saponins against microbial cells as a whole. Therefore, knowing the possible interaction of saponins with biomembrane, we decided to check in-vitro the influence of saponin-rich extract of Saponaria officinalis on spheroplasts of two Candida sp. The obtained results show that 10 mg L- 1 of extract increased the permeability of spheroplasts up to 21.76% relative to that of the control sample. Moreover, the evaluation of surface potential has revealed a decrease by almost 10 mV relative to that of the untreated samples. Such results suggest its direct correlation to integration of saponins into the biomembrane structure. The obtained results have proved the antifungal potential of saponins and their ability of permeabilization of cells. This proves the high potential of saponins use as additives to antifungal pharmaceutics, which is expected to lead to improvement of their action or reduction of required dosage.

Overview of Ethnobotanical-Pharmacological Studies Carried Out on Medicinal Plants from the Serra da Estrela Natural Park: Focus on Their Antidiabetic Potential

The Serra da Estrela Natural Park (NPSE) in Portugal stands out as a well-preserved region abundant in medicinal plants, particularly known for their pharmaceutical applications in diabetes prevention and treatment. This comprehensive review explores these plants' botanical diversity, traditional uses, pharmacological applications, and chemical composition. The NPSE boast a rich diversity with 138 medicinal plants across 55 families identified as traditionally and pharmacologically used against diabetes globally. Notably, the Asteraceae and Lamiaceae families are prevalent in antidiabetic applications. In vitro studies have revealed their significant inhibition of carbohydrate-metabolizing enzymes, and certain plant co-products regulate genes involved in carbohydrate metabolism and insulin secretion. In vivo trials have demonstrated antidiabetic effects, including glycaemia regulation, insulin secretion, antioxidant activity, and lipid profile modulation. Medicinal plants in NPSE exhibit various activities beyond antidiabetic, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, anti-cancer, and more. Chemical analyses have identified over fifty compounds like phenolic acids, flavonoids, terpenoids, and polysaccharides responsible for their efficacy against diabetes. These findings underscore the potential of NPSE medicinal plants as antidiabetic candidates, urging further research to develop effective plant-based antidiabetic drugs, beverages, and supplements.

Mangifera indica L. kernel ethanol extract inhibits cell viability and proliferation with induction of cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in lung cancer cells

In this study, we investigated the effects of an ethanolic extract of Mangifera indica L. kernel on the viability and proliferation of human lung cancer cells. We utilized MTT and BrdU cell proliferation assays, morphological assessments, cell cycle analyses, and apoptosis assays to investigate the extract's effects on lung cancer (A549 and NCI-H292) and normal lung (MRC-5) cells. The extract demonstrated a toxicity toward cancer cells compared to normal cells with dose-dependent anti-proliferative effect on lung cancer cells. The extract also caused differential effects on the cell cycle, inducing G0/G1 arrest and increasing the Sub-G1 population in both lung cancer and normal lung cells. Notably, the extract induced loss of membrane integrity, shrinkage, membrane blebbing, and apoptosis in lung cancer cells, while normal cells exhibited only early apoptosis. Furthermore, the extract exhibited higher toxicity towards NCI-H292 cells, followed by A549 and normal MRC-5 cells in decreasing order of potency. Our results suggest that the ethanolic extract of M. indica L. kernel has significant potential as a novel therapeutic agent for treating lung cancer cells, given its ability to induce apoptosis in cancer cell lines while causing minimal harm to normal cells.

Chemical compounds isolated from aerial parts of Bolanthus aziz-sancarii, a new species from Türkiye

Bolanthus aziz-sancarii identified in 2019 for the first time is an endemic species of Bolanthus genus belonging to Caryophyllaceae family. Ten compounds were isolated from aerial parts of the plant. The potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of all four phases (hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, and water) from the methanol extract of the plant were investigated. After considering the findings regarding both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capacities, it was decided to investigate the phytochemical profile of the EtOAc layer of B. aziz-sancarii. An abscisic acid-type sesquiterpene glucoside and nine flavonoid derivatives were isolated from the ethyl acetate fraction of the B. aziz-sancarii methanol extract through the use of column chromatography with silica gel.

The complete chloroplast genome of Spergularia marina (Caryophyllaceae) and its phylogenetic analysis

Spergularia marina (L.) Griseb, 1843 (Caryophyllaceae) is a halophytic plant widely distributed along the southwestern coast of the Korean Peninsula. In this study, the complete chloroplast genome sequence of S. marina was determined using next-generation sequencing (NGS). The chloroplast genome of S. marina is 152,460 bp in length with 36.7% GC content. It comprises a large single-copy (LSC; 83,321), a small single copy (SSC; 17,205 bp), and a pair of inverted repeats (IRs; 25,967 bp) with a typical quadripartite structure. It consists of 131 genes, including 86 protein-coding genes, 8 ribosomal RNAs, and 37 transfer RNAs. Phylogenetic analysis using complete chloroplast genomes showed that among the 17 Caryophyllaceae species, S. marina is most closely related to Spergula arvensis. Since no complete chloroplast genome of the genus Spergularia has been reported to date, our study provides useful genetic information for determining phylogenetic relationships within the Caryophyllaceae.

Distinguish Dianthus species or varieties based on chloroplast genomes

Most plants belonging to the widely distributed genus Dianthus are used for gardening. Interspecific hybridization of different Dianthus species leads to blurred genetic backgrounds. To obtain more genomic resources and understand the phylogenetic relationships among Dianthus species, the chloroplast genomes of 12 Dianthus species, including nine Dianthus gratianopolitanus varieties, were analyzed. The chloroplast genomes of these 12 species exhibited similar sizes (149,474-149,735 bp), with Dianthus caryophyllus having a chloroplast genome size of 149,604 bp marked by a significant contraction in inverted repeats. In the chloroplast genome of Dianthus, we identified 124-126 annotated genes, including 83-84 protein-coding genes. Notably, D. caryophyllus had 83 protein-coding genes but lacked rpl2. The repeat sequences of the chloroplast genome were consistent among species, and variations in the sequence were limited and not prominent. However, notable gene replacements were observed in the boundary region. Phylogenetic analysis of Dianthus indicated that D. caryophyllus and D. gratianopolitanus were most closely related, suggesting that the degree of variation within nine Dianthus varieties was no less than the variation observed between species. These differences provide a theoretical foundation for a more comprehensive understanding of the diversity within Dianthus species.

Natural products of pentacyclic triterpenoids: from discovery to heterologous biosynthesis

Covering: up to 2022Pentacyclic triterpenoids are important natural bioactive substances that are widely present in plants and fungi. They have significant medicinal efficacy, play an important role in reducing blood glucose and protecting the liver, and have anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidation, anti-fatigue, anti-viral, and anti-cancer activities. Pentacyclic triterpenoids are derived from the isoprenoid biosynthetic pathway, which generates common precursors of triterpenes and steroids, followed by cyclization with oxidosqualene cyclases (OSCs) and decoration via cytochrome P450 monooxygenases (CYP450s) and glycosyltransferases (GTs). Many biosynthetic pathways of triterpenoid saponins have been elucidated by studying their metabolic regulation network through the use of multiomics and identifying their functional genes. Unfortunately, natural resources of pentacyclic triterpenoids are limited due to their low content in plant tissues and the long growth cycle of plants. Based on the understanding of their biosynthetic pathway and transcriptional regulation, plant bioreactors and microbial cell factories are emerging as alternative means for the synthesis of desired triterpenoid saponins. The rapid development of synthetic biology, metabolic engineering, and fermentation technology has broadened channels for the accumulation of pentacyclic triterpenoid saponins. In this review, we summarize the classification, distribution, structural characteristics, and bioactivity of pentacyclic triterpenoids. We further discuss the biosynthetic pathways of pentacyclic triterpenoids and involved transcriptional regulation. Moreover, the recent progress and characteristics of heterologous biosynthesis in plants and microbial cell factories are discussed comparatively. Finally, we propose potential strategies to improve the accumulation of triterpenoid saponins, thereby providing a guide for their future biomanufacturing.

Gypsogenin Battling for a Front Position in the Pentacyclic Triterpenes Game of Thrones on Anti-Cancer Therapy: A Critical Review-Dedicated to the Memory of Professor Hanaa M. Rady

In the last decade, gypsogenin has attracted widespread attention from medicinal chemists by virtue of its prominent anti-cancer potential. Despite its late identification, gypsogenin has proved itself as a new anti-proliferative player battling for a frontline position among other classic pentacyclic triterpenes such as oleanolic acid, glycyrrhetinic acid, ursolic acid, betulinic acid, and celastrol. Herein, we present the most important reactions of gypsogenin via modification of its four functional groups. Furthermore, we demonstrate insights into the anti-cancer activity of gypsogenin and its semisynthetic derivatives and go further by introducing our perspective to judiciously guide the prospective rational design. The present article opens a new venue for a better exploitation of gypsogenin chemical entity as a lead compound in cancer chemotherapy. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first review article exploring the anti-cancer activity of gypsogenin derivatives.

New cyclic glycolipids from Silene succulenta promote in vitro MCF-7 breast carcinoma cell apoptosis by cell cycle arrest and in silico mitotic Mps1/TTK inhibition

In vitro anticancer screening of Silene succulenta Forssk. aerial parts (Caryophyllaceae) showed that the n-hexane fraction was a highly effective fraction against breast carcinoma cell lines (MCF-7) with IC50 = 15.5 μg mL-1. The bioactive-guided approach led to the isolation of two new cyclic glucolipids from the n-hexane fraction, identified as a 1,2'-cyclic ester of 11-oxy-(6'-O-acetyl-β-d-glucopyranosyl) behenic acid (1) as a C-11 epimeric mixture and 11(R)-oxy-(β-d-glucopyranosyl)-1,2'-cyclic ester of behenic acid (2). An in vitro cytotoxicity study showed the potential suppression of MCF-7 cells with IC50 values of 11.7 ± 0.04 and 6.6 ± 0.01 μg mL-1 for compounds 1 and 2, respectively, compared to doxorubicin (IC50 = 3.83 ± 0.01 μg mL-1). Accordingly, only cell cycle tracking for the most active compound (2) was assessed. The cell cycle investigation showed that compound 2 altered the cell cycle at G0/G1, S, and G2/M phases in MCF-7 treated cells. In addition, its powerful apoptotic ability resulted in a significant increase in the early and late stages of apoptosis. Moreover, molecular docking analysis, which was performed against the anticancer mitotic (or spindle assembly) checkpoint target Mps1 kinase, showed that the two new cyclic glycolipids (1 and 2) possess high binding affinity of -7.7 and - 7.6 kcal mol-1, respectively, compared to its ATP ligand. Overall, this report emphasizes that natural cyclic glycolipids can be used as potential antitumour breast cancer agents.

Wax Composition of Serbian Dianthus spp. (Caryophyllaceae): Identification of New Metabolites and Chemotaxonomic Implications

Although ethnopharmacologically renowned, wax constituents of Dianthus species were sporadically studied. A combination of GC-MS analysis, synthesis, and chemical transformations enabled the identification of 275 constituents of diethyl-ether washings of aerial parts and/or flowers of six Dianthus taxa (Dianthus carthusianorum, D. deltoides, D. giganteus subsp. banaticus, D. integer subsp. minutiflorus, D. petraeus, and D. superbus) and one Petrorhagia taxon (P. prolifera) from Serbia. Seventeen of these constituents (nonacosyl benzoate, additional 12 benzoates with anteiso-branched 1-alkanols, eicosyl tiglate, triacontane-14,16-dione, dotriacontane-14,16-dione, and tetratriacontane-16,18-dione) and two additional synthesized eicosyl esters (angelate and senecioate) represent completely new compounds. The structures of the tentatively identified β-ketones were confirmed by analysis of the mass fragmentation of the corresponding pyrazoles and silyl enol ethers obtained by transformations of crude extracts and extract fractions. Silylation allowed the identification of 114 additional constituents, including a completely new natural product (30-methylhentriacontan-1-ol). The results obtained by multivariate statistical analyses showed that the chemical profile of Dianthus taxa's surface waxes is subject to both genetic and ecological factors, whereas the latter seemingly takes a more important role for the studied Dianthus samples.

Identification of the Plant Family Caryophyllaceae in Korea Using DNA Barcoding

Caryophyllaceae is a large angiosperm family, with many species being utilized as ornamental or medicinal plants in Korea, in addition to several endangered species that are managed by the government. In this study, we used DNA barcoding for the accurate identification of Korean Caryophyllaceae. A total of 78 taxa (n = 215) were sequenced based on three chloroplast regions (rbcL, matK, and psbA-trnH) and nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacers (ITS). In the neighbor-joining tree, a higher accuracy of identification was generally observed when using ITS (>73%) rather than chloroplast regions (<62%). The highest resolution was found for rbcL + ITS (77.6%), although resolution varied according to the genus. Among the genera that included two and more species, five genera (Eremogone, Minuartia, Pseudostellaria, Sagina, and Stellaria) were successfully identified. However, the species of five other genera (Cerastium, Gypsophila, Dianthus, Silene, and Spergularia) showed relatively low resolutions (0-61.1%). In the cases of Cerastium, Dianthus, and Silene, ambiguous taxonomic relationships among unidentified species may have been a factor contributing to such low resolutions. However, in contrast to these results, Gypsophila and Spergularia have been identified well in previous studies. Our findings indicate the need of taxonomic reconsideration in Korea.

Investigation of the inhibitory activity of extracts, fractions and secondary metabolites of <i>Silene</i> spp. (<i>Caryophyllaceae</i>) and <i>Serratula cupuliformis</i> (<i>Asteraceae</i>) on the replication of SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus

Aim. In vitro analysis of the inhibitory activity of extracts, fractions and secondary metabolites of plants of the genus Silene [Caryophylaceae] and Serratula cupuliformis [Asteraceae) on the replication of SARS-CoV-2.

Material and Methods. Silene spp. and Serratula cupuliformis of the Siberian Botanical Garden of National Research Tomsk State University were used. Ethanol extracts and butanol fractions of Silene spp. were prepared. The flavonoid shaftoside and the ecdysteroid 20-hydroxyecdysone from Lychnis chalcedonica were isolated. Analysis of BAS was carried out by the HPLC method. In vitro analysis of the inhibitory activity of extracts on SARS-CoV-2 replication was performed in Vero cell culture by direct inactivation [neutralization) of virions. Comparison samples were dry ethanol extracts of chaga [Inonotus obliquus, Basidiomycota), spices of cloves [Syzygium aromaticum, Myrtaceae) and root of licorice [Glycyrrhiza glabra L., Fabaceae).

Results. The inhibitory activity of ethanol extracts and butanol fractions of Silene spp., as well as individual compounds [shaftozide and 20-E) was revealed in the range of 50% effective concentrations [EC50) when dissolved in water from 339.85±83.92 pg/ml to 1.59±0.39 pg/ml and when dissolved in DMSO from 119.34±26.34 pg/ml to 2.22±0.57 pg/ml, respectively. The butanol fraction of Serratula cupuliformis was active with EC50=21.74±4.80 and 27.42±6.05 pg/mL. These results for some samples of Silene spp. and Serratula cupuliformis are comparable to the EC50 values of the comparators.

Conclusion. The results obtained suggest the presence of biologically active substances in the herbal preparations studied that act destructively on virions of SARS-CoV-2 and affect one of the main stages of its "life" cycle - on the attachment to receptors of sensitive cells.

Polyphenolic Profile of Herniaria hemistemon Aerial Parts Extract and Assessment of Its Anti-Cryptosporidiosis in a Murine Model: In Silico Supported In Vivo Study

Herniaria hemistemon J.Gay is widely used in folk medicine to treat hernia. The present study aimed to annotate the phytoconstituents of H. hemistemon aerial-part extract and investigate its in vivo anticryptosporidial activity. The chemical characterization was achieved via the LC-ESI-MS/MS technique resulting in the annotation of 37 phytocompounds comprising flavonoids and phenolic acids. Regarding the anticryptosporidial activity, fifty dexamethasone-immunosuppressed mice were separated into five groups: GI, un-infected (normal control); GII, infected but not treated (model); GIII, infected and received NTZ, the reference drug; GIV, infected and received H. hemistemon extract (100 mg/kg); and GV, infected and received H. hemistemon extract (200 mg/kg). When GIII, GIV, and GV were compared to GII, parasitological analyses displayed highly significant differences in the mean numbers of Cryptosporidium parvum oocysts in the stool between the different groups. GV demonstrated the highest efficacy of 79%. Histopathological analyses displayed improvement in the small intestine and liver pathology in the treated groups (GIII, IV, and V) related to the model (GII), with GV showing the highest efficacy. Moreover, the docking-based study tentatively highlighted the potential of benzoic acid derivatives as lactate dehydrogenase inhibitors. The docked compounds showed the same binding interactions as oxamic acid, where they established H-bond interactions with ARG-109, ASN-140, ASP-168, ARG-171, and HIS-195. To sum up, H. hemistemon is a promising natural therapeutic agent for cryptosporidiosis.

Effects of neferine on retinal tissue in experimental diabetic rat model

PURPOSE

To investigate vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) immunoreactivities, as well as apoptosis and oxidative stress levels in Streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats, and determine how neferine affected these parameters.

METHODS

Thirty-five male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into five groups of seven. Fasting blood glucose was measured 72 h after diabetes mellitus (DM) induction in 21 rats using 60 mg/kg STZ dissolved in 0.4 ml (0.1 M) sodium-citrate buffer (pH:4.5), with values > 250 mg/dl considered diabetic. Group 1 received no treatment. Group 3 (healthy rats) received daily intraperitoneal (IP) 4 mg/kg neferine. Following DM induction: Group 2 (sham) received daily IP 0.25 ml/kg 0.9% normal saline; Group 4 received single IP 0.01 mL (2.5 mg/kg) bevacizumab, followed by daily IP 0.25 mL/kg 0.9% normal saline; and Group 5 received daily IP 4 mg/kg neferine. Total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and total oxidative stress (TOS) levels in serum and ocular tissue homogenates were evaluated using ELISA. TUNEL method was used for determining apoptosis and immuno-histochemical staining for PCNA and VEGF immunoreactivities.

RESULTS

Group 5 had significantly higher TAC and lower TOS in serum and ocular tissue homogenates than Group 4 (p < 0.05). Despite significantly lower VEGF levels and apoptosis (p < 0.05), there was no significant change in PCNA immunoreactivity in Group 5 (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

DM was associated with lower TAC, higher TOS and apoptotic cells, as well as VEGF and PCNA immunoreactivities in the retina. Neferine altered parameters other than PCNA in the opposite direction, demonstrating reductive effects on DM.

Pentacyclic triterpenes modulate farnesoid X receptor expression in colonic epithelial cells: implications for colonic secretory function

The nuclear bile acid receptor, farnesoid X receptor (FXR), is an important regulator of intestinal and metabolic function. Previous studies suggest that pentacyclic triterpenes (PCTs), a class of plant-derived bioactive phytochemical, can modulate FXR activity and may therefore offer therapeutic benefits. Here, we investigated the effects of a prototypical PCT, hederagenin (HG), on FXR expression, activity, and antisecretory actions in colonic epithelial cells. T₈₄ cells and murine enteroid-derived monolayers were employed to assess HG effects on FXR expression and activity in colonic epithelia. We measured mRNA levels by qRT-PCR and protein by ELISA and immunoblotting. Transepithelial Cl⁻ secretion was assessed as changes in short circuit current in Ussing chambers. We determined HG treatment (5–10 μM) alone did not induce FXR activation but significantly increased expression of the receptor, both in T₈₄ cells and murine enteroid-derived monolayers. This effect was accompanied by enhanced FXR activity, as assessed by FGF-15/19 induction in response to the synthetic, GW4064, or natural FXR agonist, chenodeoxycholic acid. Effects of HG on FXR expression and activity were mimicked by another PCT, oleanolic acid. Furthermore, we found FXR-induced downregulation of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator Cl⁻ channels and inhibition of transepithelial Cl⁻ secretion were enhanced in HG-treated cells. These data demonstrate that dietary PCTs have the capacity to modulate FXR expression, activity, and antisecretory actions in colonic epithelial cells. Based on these data, we propose that plants rich in PCTs, or extracts thereof, have excellent potential for development as a new class of “FXR-targeted nutraceuticals”.

Herbal Arsenal against Skin Ailments: A Review Supported by In Silico Molecular Docking Studies

Maintaining healthy skin is important for a healthy body. At present, skin diseases are numerous, representing a major health problem affecting all ages from neonates to the elderly worldwide. Many people may develop diseases that affect the skin, including cancer, herpes, and cellulitis. Long-term conventional treatment creates complicated disorders in vital organs of the body. It also imposes socioeconomic burdens on patients. Natural treatment is cheap and claimed to be safe. The use of plants is as old as mankind. Many medicinal plants and their parts are frequently used to treat these diseases, and they are also suitable raw materials for the production of new synthetic agents. A review of some plant families, viz., Fabaceae, Asteraceae, Lamiaceae, etc., used in the treatment of skin diseases is provided with their most common compounds and in silico studies that summarize the recent data that have been collected in this area.

Ethnopharmacological study of medicinal plants in Kastamonu province (Türkiye)

This study is aimed at determining some of the plants traditionally used in the treatment of diseases by the local people living in Kastamonu province center and surrounding villages. A face-to-face questionnaire was applied and semi-structured interviews were conducted with 52 informants, 34 women and 18 men. Identification of 92 plants belonging to 41 families has been confirmed and their medicinal uses have been recorded. The most used families were Rosaceae (13 taxa), Asteraceae (11), and Lamiaceae (11). The most preferred folk recipes of medicinal plants was decoction (55 taxa) and in preparations and applications, the most used were the leaves (45 taxa). According to the International Classification of Primary Care categories, plants were the most used for digestive disorders (37 taxa), respiratory disorders (27 taxa), and urological disorders (24 taxa). The highest use-value was recorded for Urtica dioica (0.519), and highest relative frequency citation was recorded for Tilia rubra subsp. caucasica (0.231). Male genital diseases had the highest informant consensus factor value (0.83). New areas of use were also determined for Pilosella leucopsilon subsp. pilisquama, Galium palustre, and Astragalus nitens. With this study, new information for folkloric medicines is presented and the usage of herbal drugs in the study area are enhanced.

Stellaria media Linn.: A comprehensive review highlights the nutritional, phytochemistry, and pharmacological activities

Stellaria media Linn., a member of the family Caryophyllaceae, is generally known by the name of Chickweed. This plant is extensively cultivated globally and is inherent to Africa, Asia, China, Europe, and North America. It is a well-known medicinal plant with immense therapeutic uses. Nutritional studies have revealed the presence of protein, especially 16 amino acids, vitamins, and minerals such as calcium, iron, phosphorus, and zinc. Phytochemicals, mainly flavonoids, isoflavonoids, saponins, tannins, alkaloids, phenolic acids, triterpenoids, phenolic compounds, and anthraquinone are present in chickweed. It has multiple therapeutic potentials like anti-obesity, anti-diabetic, anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-leishmanial, anti-anxiety, and toxicity profiles. The crude extracts and their metabolites did not show any toxicity in the experimental animal. This review summarizes the nutritional, phytochemical, pharmacological, and toxicity studies on this plant concerning its future use in pharmacological drugs.

DNA Barcodes for Accurate Identification of Selected Medicinal Plants (Caryophyllales): Toward Barcoding Flowering Plants of the United Arab Emirates

The need for herbal medicinal plants is steadily increasing. Hence, the accurate identification of plant material has become vital for safe usage, avoiding adulteration, and medicinal plant trading. DNA barcoding has shown to be a valuable molecular identification tool for medicinal plants, ensuring the safety and efficacy of plant materials of therapeutic significance. Using morphological characters in genera with closely related species, species delimitation is often difficult. Here, we evaluated the capability of the nuclear barcode ITS2 and plastid DNA barcodes rbcL and matK to identify 20 medicinally important plant species of Caryophyllales. In our analysis, we applied an integrative approach for species discrimination using pairwise distance-based unsupervised operational taxonomic unit “OTU picking” methods, viz., ABGD (Automated Barcode Gap Analysis) and ASAP (Assemble Species by Automatic Partitioning). Along with the unsupervised OTU picking methods, Supervised Machine Learning methods (SML) were also implemented to recognize divergent taxa. Our results indicated that ITS2 was more successful in distinguishing between examined species, implying that it could be used to detect the contamination and adulteration of these medicinally important plants. Moreover, this study suggests that the combination of more than one method could assist in the resolution of morphologically similar or closely related taxa.

Speciation of metals in indigenous plants growing in post-mining areas: Dihydroxynicotianamine identified as the most abundant Cu and Zn ligand in Hypericum laricifolium

Ag, As, Cu, Pb and Zn were found to be the principal metallic contaminants of a post-mining area of Peru (Hualgayoc, Cajamarca). Study of metal distribution amongst roots, stems, and leaves of four indigenous hypertolerant plant species, Arenaria digyna, Puya sp., Hypericum laricifolium, Nicotiana thyrsiflora indicated significant translocation of Zn (0.6 < TF ≤ 10.0) and Cu (0.4 < TF ≤ 6.5) into aerial plant organs and substantial water-extractable fraction (20-60%) of these metals, except for A. digyna (root and stems). A study of the metal speciation by ultrahigh-performance size-exclusion (fast-SEC) and hydrophilic ion interaction (HILIC) liquid chromatography with dual ICP (inductively coupled plasma) and electrospray (ESI) Orbitrap MS detection revealed the presence of nicotianamine and deoxymugineic acid copper and zinc complexes in roots, stem and leaves of N. thyrsiflora and Puya sp., and nicotianamine alone in A. digyna. A previously unreported compound, dihydroxy-nicotianamine was identified as the most abundant Cu and Zn ligand in H. laricifolium. The presence of arsenobetaine and an arsenosugar was confirmed by ESI MS. Ag and Pb were hardly translocated to leaves and were found as high molecular species; one of the Pb-containing species co-eluted in fast-SEC-ICP MS with rhamnogalacturonan-II-Pb complex commonly found in in the walls of plants.

Evaluation of In Vitro Wound-Healing Potential, Antioxidant Capacity, and Antimicrobial Activity of Stellaria media (L.) Vill

The healing of skin wounds remains an important concern in medicine, especially in chronic wounds caused by various diseases such as diabetes. Using herbs or herbal products to heal skin wounds is a therapeutic challenge for traditional medicine. In this context, the main aim of our work was to highlight the in vitro healing potential of Stellaria media (L.) Vill. (SM) extract using the scratch assay on normal human dermal fibroblasts (NHDF). The ability to stimulate cell migration and proliferation under the influence of different concentrations of SM extract (range between 12.5 and 200 µg/mL) was determined compared to the control (untreated in vitro-simulated wound) and positive control (allantoin 50 µg/mL). Our results showed that the concentration of 100 µg/mL SM extract applied on the simulated wound recorded the strongest and fastest (24 h) migration (with wound closure) and proliferation of NHDF compared with the control. In addition, the SM extract was characterized in terms of bioactive compounds (total phenols and flavonoids content), antioxidant capacity (FRAP (The Ferric-Reducing Antioxidant Power) assay and electrochemical method), and antimicrobial activity. The results show that the SM extract contains a considerable amount of polyphenols (17.19 ± 1.32 mg GAE/g dw and 7.28 ± 1.18 mg QE/g dw for total phenol and flavonoid content, respectively) with antioxidant capacity. Antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive bacteria (S. aureus) is higher than E. coli at a dose of 15 µg/mL. This study showed that Stellaria media is a source of polyphenols compounds with antioxidant capacity, and for the first time, its wound healing potential was emphasized.

Evaluation of Nutritional, Phytochemical, and Mineral Composition of Selected Medicinal Plants for Therapeutic Uses from Cold Desert of Western Himalaya

The aim of this study was to determine the elemental and nutritive values of leaf parts of 10 selected wild medicinal plants, Acer pictum, Acer caecium, Betula utilis, Oxalis corniculata, Euphorbia pilosa, Heracleum lanatum, Urtica dioica, Berberis lycium, Berberis asiaticaand, and Quercus ilex, collected from the high hills of the Chitkul range in district Kinnaur, Western Himalaya. The nutritional characteristics of medicinal plant species were analyzed by using muffle furnace and micro-Kjeldahl methods, and the mineral content in plants was analyzed through atomic absorption spectrometry. The highest percentage of used value was reported in Betula utilis (0.42) and the lowest in Quercus ilex (0.17). In this study, it was found that new generations are not much interested in traditional knowledge of ethnomedicinal plants due to modernization in society. Therefore, there is an urgent need to document ethnomedicinal plants along with their phytochemical and minerals analysis in study sites. It was found that rural people in western Himalaya are dependent on wild medicinal plants, and certain steps must be taken to conserve these plants from extinction in the cold desert of Himalayan region. They are an alternative source of medicine because they contain saponin, alkaloid, and flavonoid etc. as well as minerals. The leaves used for analysis possesses good mineral content, such as Na, N, K, P, Zn, Fe, Cu, Mn, Ca, Mg, and S. Hence, in the current study it was observed that medicinal plants are not only used for therapeutic purposes, but they can also be used as nutritional supplements.

Antidiabetic activities of Bolanthus spergulifolius (Caryophyllaceae) extracts on insulin-resistant 3T3-L1 adipocytes

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disorder with chronic hyperglycemia featured by metabolic outcomes owing to insufficient insulin secretion and/or insulin effect defect. It is critical to investigate new therapeutic approaches for T2DM and alternative, natural agents that target molecules in potential signal pathways. Medicinal plants are significant resources in the research of alternative new drug active ingredients. Bolanthus spergulifolius (B. spergulifolius) is one of the genera of the family Caryophyllaceae. In this study, it was explored the potential anti-diabetic effects in vitro of B. spergulifolius extracts on 3T3-L1 adipocytes. The total phenolic contents (TPC) of methanolic (MeOH), ethyl acettate (EA) and aqueous extracts of B. spergulifolius were evaluated via Folin-Ciocateau. B. spergulifolius extracts showing highly TPC (Aqueous< MeOH< EA) and their different concentrations were carried out on preadipocytes differentiated in to mature 3T3-L1 adipocytes to investigate their half-maximal (50%) inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) value by using Thiazolyl blue tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The IC₅₀ of MeOH, EA and Aqueous extracts were observed as 305.7 ± 5.583 μg/mL, 567.4 ± 3.008 μg/mL, and 418.3 ± 4.390 μg/mL and used for further experiments. A live/dead assay further confirmed the cytotoxic effects of MeOH, EA and Aqueous extracts (respectively, 69.75 ± 1.70%, 61.75 ± 1.70%, 70 ± 4.24%, and for all p< 0.05). Also, effects of extracts on lipid accumulation in mature 3T3-L1 adipocytes were evaluated by Oil-Red O staining assay. The extracts effectively decreased lipid-accumulation compared to untreated adipocytes (for all p< 0.05). Moreover, effect of extracts on apoptosis regulated by the Bax and Bcl-2 was investigated by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The extracts significantly induced apoptosis by up-regulating pro-apoptotic Bax expression but down-regulated anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 gene expression compared to untreated adipocytes (for all p< 0.05). The Glut-4 expression linked with insulin resistance was determined by qRT-PCR, Western-blot analysis, and immunofluorescence staining. In parallel, the expression of Glut-4 in adipocytes treated with extracts was significantly higher compared to untreated adipocytes (for all p< 0.05). Extracts significantly suppressed cell migration after 30 h of wounding in a scratch-assay (for all p< 0.05). Cell morphology and diameter were further evaluated by phase-contrast microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, Immunofluorescence with F-Actin and Giemsa staining. The adipocytes treated with extracts partially lost spherical morphology and showed smaller cell-diameter compared to untreated adipocytes (for all p< 0.05). In conclusion, these results suggest that extracts of B. spergulifolius cause to an induce apoptosis, decrease lipid-accumulation, wound healing, up-regulating Glut-4 level and might contribute to reducing of insulin-resistance in DM.

Fatty acid composition, enzyme inhibitory effect, antioxidant and anticancer activity of extract from Saponaria prostrata WILLD. subsp. anatolica HEDGE

This study attempts to evaluate the antioxidant, enzyme inhibitory, and anticancer properties as well as fatty acid compositions of endemic Saponaria prostrata WILLD. subsp. anatolica HEDGE. The gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was used to determine the fatty acid content of methanol: dichloromethane extract from S. prostrata subsp. anatolica (SPA). Enzymatic activity was measured against acetylcholinesterase, butyrylcholinesterase and α-glucosidase. DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) free radical scavenging activity and Ferric reducing antioxidant power assay (FRAP) were conducted to antioxidant properties. The anticancer effect of SPA on human MCF-7 breast cancer and human HCT116 colorectal cancer cell line was evaluated by WST-1 cell viability assay, colony formation assay and wound healing assay. In addition, human VEGF Elisa method was used to determine the anti-angiogenic effect, and the quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) method on p53, Bax and Bcl-2 mRNA levels were used to evaluate apoptosis. While high amounts of palmitic acid (40.8%), linoleic acid (17.75%) and α-linolenic acid (16.84%) were detected in the SPA, the total amount of unsaturated fatty acid (51.34%) was higher than the total amount of saturated fatty acid (48.66%). SPA displayed the most promising acetylcholinesterase (AChE), butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) and α-glycosidase (AG) inhibitory activities (AChE: IC₅₀: 18.03 µg/mL, BuChE: IC₅₀: 44.24 µg/mL and AG: IC₅₀: 210.85 µg/mL). The half maximum inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) of SPA in MCF-7 and HCT116 cells was determined as 259.79 µg/mL and 97.24 µg/mL, respectively. In addition, it was determined that SPA suppresses colony formation and wound closure, and suppresses angiogenesis as well as triggering apoptosis at a significant level. It is true that endemic S. prostrata subsp. anatolica is a potential source of functional food ingredients, but more analytical and in vivo experiments are needed to explore further secondary metabolite diversity and pharmacological properties.

Influence of Harvesting Time on the Chemical Composition of Wild Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica L.)

This research aimed to determine the effect of different harvesting times on the chemical composition of stinging nettle (Urtica dioica L.). The leaves of nettle were harvested at the same place once a month in the period of April–September 2019. The analysis focused on the contents of dry matter, soluble solids, ascorbic acid, titratable acidity, chlorophyll a and chlorophyll b, total carotenoids, total phenolic compounds, antioxidant activity, ash content, and macro- and microelements. The nettles harvested in April were characterized by the highest levels of soluble solids and some macro-and microelements (P, K, Fe, Zn). The plants harvested in May were distinguished for titratable acidity, chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and carotenoid contents. In this month, the plants were determined to have the highest antioxidant activity during the entire vegetation period. The plants collected in July contained the highest amount of Mn, but the antioxidant activity of these plants was the lowest during the vegetation period. In August, the plants had the highest levels of ascorbic acid, phenolic compounds, and ash, while the plants collected in September were characterized by having the highest amounts of Ca, Mg, and B as compared to those established in other months of vegetation.

Medicinal Plants, Phytochemicals, and Herbs to Combat Viral Pathogens Including SARS-CoV-2

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), is the most important health issue, internationally. With no specific and effective antiviral therapy for COVID-19, new or repurposed antiviral are urgently needed. Phytochemicals pose a ray of hope for human health during this pandemic, and a great deal of research is concentrated on it. Phytochemicals have been used as antiviral agents against several viruses since they could inhibit several viruses via different mechanisms of direct inhibition either at the viral entry point or the replication stages and via immunomodulation potentials. Recent evidence also suggests that some plants and its components have shown promising antiviral properties against SARS-CoV-2. This review summarizes certain phytochemical agents along with their mode of actions and potential antiviral activities against important viral pathogens. A special focus has been given on medicinal plants and their extracts as well as herbs which have shown promising results to combat SARS-CoV-2 infection and can be useful in treating patients with COVID-19 as alternatives for treatment under phytotherapy approaches during this devastating pandemic situation.

Preparation and Characterization of Two Different Liposomal Formulations with Bioactive Natural Extract for Multiple Applications

Liposomes continue to attract great interest due to their increased bioavailability in the body and because the substances encapsulated are protected while maintaining their effectiveness. The aim of this study is to obtain “giant” liposomes by lipid film hydration using a preparation formula with two different phospholipids, phosphatidylcholine (PC) and phosphatidylserine (PS). Firstly, the macro- and microscopic characterization, total phenols content and antioxidant capacity of the plant Stellaria media (L.) Vill. were assessed. Then, Stellaria media (L.) Vill. extract was encapsulated in both formulations (PCE and PSE) and the liposomes were characterized according to their morphology, size distribution and Zeta potential using optical microscopy and dynamic light scattering. The encapsulation efficiency (EE%) was determined using the Folin–Ciocalteu method and the values of both formulations were compared. PC and PCE liposomes with a diameter between 712 and 1000 nm and PS and PSE liposomes with a diameter between 58 and 1000 nm were obtained. The values EE% of Stellaria media (L.) Vill. extract for PCE and PSE were 92.09% and 84.25%, respectively.

Arenarosides A-G, Polyhydroxylated Oleanane-Type Saponins from Polycarpaea arenaria and their Cytotoxic and Antiangiogenic Activities

Seven new polyhydroxylated oleanane-type triterpene saponins, arenarosides A-G (1-7), together with four known compounds, were isolated from an ethanol extract of the aerial parts of the Vietnamese plant Polycarpaea arenaria. The chemical structures of the newly isolated oleanane saponins were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic and spectrometric analysis, especially 2D NMR and HRMS. Biological evaluation revealed that 3, 4, 6, and 7 showed moderate activities against four human cancer cell lines (A549, HTC116, PC3, and RT112) with IC₅₀ values of 6.0-9.9 μM, and 3, 4, 5, and 7 also displayed promising antiangiogenesis effects with IC₅₀ values <5 μM in the test system used. Among the isolates, arenaroside D (4) exhibited the most potent inhibitory effects, not only in cancer cell proliferation but also in angiogenic activities. Preliminary SAR studies revealed that the presence of an acetyl group at C-22 in oleanane-type triterpene saponins increases these bioactivities.

Nutraceutical potential of dietary phytochemicals in edible flowers-A review

Edible flowers have been in traditional cuisine and phytotherapy for centuries. Recently, the consumption of edible flowers has increased significantly as the phytochemicals in them are known to have numerous health benefits. Information on nutraceutical potentials and health benefits of the phytochemicals available in different varieties of edible flowers and their uses are discussed. It is found that the major groups of dietary phytochemicals in edible flowers include flavonoids, phenolic acids, and anthocyanins and they are capable of exerting antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, anticancer, cardioprotective, hepatoprotective gastroprotective, and genoprotective effects. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Edible flowers are good sources of phytochemicals and possessing antioxidant, anti-inflammatory properties, anticancer, anti-diabetic, and cardio-protective properties. However, many edible flowers remain unexplored and underutilized. This review gives eye openings that more in-depth investigations need to be conducted on different edible flowers and they need to be incorporated into commercialized foods and drugs or need to be used for novel nutraceutical development to deliver the potential health benefits to consumers.

Phytochemical Screening, Phenolic Compounds and Antioxidant Activity of Biomass from Lychnis flos-cuculi L. In Vitro Cultures and Intact Plants

Lychnis flos-cuculi L., a species with potential medicinal value, contains flavonoids, phenolic acids, triterpenoid saponins and ecdysteroids. In this study, the antioxidant activity of plant material of L. flos-cuculi obtained from in vitro cultures compared to that of intact plants from the natural site has been evaluated for the first time. Phytochemical screening of the in-vitro-derived material by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS) confirmed the presence of the aforementioned metabolite classes. The aqueous methanolic extracts from in-vitro-derived plant material and the organs of intact plants were analyzed using spectrophotometric methods to quantify total phenolics, phenolic acids and flavonoids, and determine the preliminary antioxidant activity by ferric reducing antioxidant potential (FRAP) and DPPH radical scavenging activity assays. The results showed that the inflorescence (Ns-F), and flowering herb of both plants gathered from natural habitat (Ns-H) and in-vitro-derived plants from the experimental plot (ExV-H) are the materials richest in polyphenols (195.4, 113.47, 112.1 mg GAE g-1 d.w., respectively), and demonstrate the highest antioxidant activity (20.14, 11.24, and 11.46 mg AAE g-1 d.w.). The extract from callus exhibited the lowest polyphenol content and antioxidant potential. The contents of total phenolics, flavonoids and phenolic acids correlate with the results of the antioxidant capacity of L. flos-cuculi extracts.

Medicinal plants used in the treatment of tuberculosis - Ethnobotanical and ethnopharmacological approaches

Tuberculosis is a highly infectious disease declared a global health emergency by the World Health Organization, with approximately one third of the world's population being latently infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Tuberculosis treatment consists in an intensive phase and a continuation phase. Unfortunately, the appearance of multi drug-resistant tuberculosis, mainly due to low adherence to prescribed therapies or inefficient healthcare structures, requires at least 20 months of treatment with second-line, more toxic and less efficient drugs, i.e., capreomycin, kanamycin, amikacin and fluoroquinolones. Therefore, there exists an urgent need for discovery and development of new drugs to reduce the global burden of this disease, including the multi-drug-resistant tuberculosis. To this end, many plant species, as well as marine organisms and fungi have been and continue to be used in various traditional healing systems around the world to treat tuberculosis, thus representing a nearly unlimited source of active ingredients. Besides their antimycobacterial activity, natural products can be useful in adjuvant therapy to improve the efficacy of conventional antimycobacterial therapies, to decrease their adverse effects and to reverse mycobacterial multi-drug resistance due to the genetic plasticity and environmental adaptability of Mycobacterium. However, even if some natural products have still been investigated in preclinical and clinical studies, the validation of their efficacy and safety as antituberculosis agents is far from being reached, and, therefore, according to an evidence-based approach, more high-level randomized clinical trials are urgently needed.

A review of medicinal plant of Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region as source in tuberculosis drug discovery

Tuberculosis (TB) is a disease that affects one-third of the world's population. Although currently available TB drugs have many side effects, such as nausea, headache and gastrointestinal discomfort, no new anti-TB drugs have been produced in the past 30 years. Therefore, the discovery of a new anti-TB agent with minimal or no side effects is urgently needed. Many previous works have reported the effects of medicinal plants against Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB). However, none have focused on medicinal plants from the Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) region. This review highlights the effects of medicinal plants from the MENA region on TB. Medicinal plants from the MENA region have been successfully used as traditional medicine and first aid against TB related problems. A total of 184 plants species representing 73 families were studied. Amongst these species, 93 species contained more active compounds with strong anti-MTB activity (crude extracts and/or bioactive compounds with activities of 0-100 µg/ml). The extract of Inula helenium, Khaya senegalensis, Premna odorata and Rosmarinus officinalis presented the strongest anti-MTB activity. In addition, Boswellia papyrifera (Del) Hochst olibanum, Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehnh leaves (river red gum), Nigella sativa (black cumin) seeds and genus Cymbopogon exhibited anti-TB activity. The most potent bioactive compounds included alantolactone, octyl acetate, 1,8-cineole, thymoquinone, piperitone, α- verbenol, citral b and α-pinene. These compounds affect the permeability of microbial plasma membranes, thus kill the mycobacterium spp. As a conclusion, plant species collected from the MENA region are potential sources of novel drugs against TB.

Hydrothermally extraction of saponin from Acanthophyllum glandulosum root - Physico-chemical characteristics and antibacterial activity evaluation

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Saponin extraction was performed hydrothermally (121 °C and 1.5 atm for 15 min).

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Optimum extraction conditions: 10 g of the root powder and pH of 4.

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Optimum results: foam height (4.66 cm), concentration (0.080 ppm) and antioxidant activity (90.6 %).

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Demonstration of appropriateness of resulted models by RSM.

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Extracted saponin from A. glandulosum root had bactericidal effect.

Saponin was extracted from Acanthophyllum glandulosum root under subcritical water conditions, and effects of root powder and pH of the solution were evaluated on the concentration of the saponin as manifested in its foamability and antioxidant activity using RSM. FT-IR analysis indicated that A. glandulosum root extract had 2 main functional groups (hydroxyl and amide I groups). Saponin with the highest foam height (4.66 cm), concentration (0.080 ppm) and antioxidant activity (90.6 %) was extracted using 10 g of the root powder and pH value of 4. Non-significant differences were observed between the predicted and experimental values of the extraction response variables. The study demonstrated good appropriateness of resulted models by Response Surface Methodology. Furthermore, higher values of R² was attained for the foamability (>0.81) and antioxidant activity (>0.97), as well as large p-values (p > 0.05) indication of their lack-of-fit response verified the acceptable fitness of the provided models. The extracted saponin also showed bactericidal effect, which shows potential as a natural antibacterial compound.

Traditional Uses of Medicinal Plants by Ethnic People in the Kavrepalanchok District, Central Nepal

In rural areas of Nepal, where it is difficult to get access to Government health care facilities, people depend on medicinal plants and local healers for health problems. This study concerns an ethnobotanical survey of the Kavrepalanchok District, reporting some unusual uses of medicinal plants and original recipes. A total of 32 informants were interviewed, 24 of them being key informants. Ethnobotanical uses concerned 116 taxa, of which 101 were medicinal plants, with the most representative species belonging to Asteraceae, Fabaceae, Lamiaceae, and Zingiberaceae. Ethnobotanical indexes were used to evaluate the ethnopharmacological importance of each plant species and the degree of agreement among the informants’ knowledge. Informant consensus factor (Fic) showed that the fever category had the greatest agreement. Highest fidelity level (FL) values were found for Calotropis gigantea used for dermatological diseases, Drymaria cordata for fever, Mangifera indica and Wrightia arborea for gastrointestinal disorders. Data document the richness of the local flora and the traditional knowledge on medicinal plant species used by ethnic communities in rural areas. The active involvement of local populations in the conservation and management of medicinal plant species will encourage future projects for the sustainable development of the biological and cultural diversity of these rural areas of Nepal.

Anti-obesity effect of Melandrium firmum Rohrbach extract in 3T3-L1 cells and high-fat diet-induced obese C57BL/6N mice

In this study, we first investigated the influence of Melandrium firmum Rohrbach (MF) on the accumulation of lipid content in 3T3-L1 cells and in vitro results showed that MF extraction suppressed the differentiation of 3T3-L1 pre-adipocytes in a concentration-dependent manner without showing cytotoxicity. Hence, we studied the effects of MF on preventing obesity in C57BL/6N mice. The results showed that MF decreased food efficiency ratio, body weight, epididymal adipose and hepatic tissue weight, hepatic lipid metabolites, and triacylglycerol and cholesterol serum levels, when compared with the high-fat diet group. Moreover, MF significantly inhibited the expression of genes related to adipogenesis, such as PPAR-γ, C/EBP-α, and aP2, and those related to lipogenesis, such as SREBP-1c, FAS, SCD-1, and CD36 in epididymal adipose and liver tissues. These anti-adipogenic and anti-lipogenic effects of MF suggest that it could be used as a food including potential functional ingredient to prevent high-fat diet-induced obesity.

Antimicrobial activity of carboxymethyl cellulose-gelatin film containing Dianthus barbatus essential oil against aflatoxin-producing molds

Edible films, as novel degradable materials in food packaging, play an important role in removing consumers' concerns about environmental pollution and food contaminations. Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC)-gelatin (G) edible films with the ratio 4 to 1 was selected as the optimal film based on physical, mechanical, and physicochemical findings. Then, the effects of 0, 300, 450, and 600 ppm Dianthus barbatus essential oil (DbE) on water vapor permeability, tensile strength, elongation at break, water solubility, glass transition temperature, color, oxygen permeability, and antimicrobial activities on the optimal film were investigated. CMC: G (4:1) containing 600 ppm DbE as the antibacterial-antioxidant film was the best formulae (p < .05) for preventing three types of aflatoxin-producing mold including A. flavus (PTCC-5004), A. parasiticus (PTCC-5286), and A. parasiticus (PTCC-5018) on pistachios for 6 months.

Antimicrobial activity of carboxymethyl cellulose-gelatin film containing Dianthus barbatus essential oil against aflatoxin-producing molds

Edible films, as novel degradable materials in food packaging, play an important role in removing consumers' concerns about environmental pollution and food contaminations. Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC)-gelatin (G) edible films with the ratio 4 to 1 was selected as the optimal film based on physical, mechanical, and physicochemical findings. Then, the effects of 0, 300, 450, and 600 ppm Dianthus barbatus essential oil (DbE) on water vapor permeability, tensile strength, elongation at break, water solubility, glass transition temperature, color, oxygen permeability, and antimicrobial activities on the optimal film were investigated. CMC: G (4:1) containing 600 ppm DbE as the antibacterial-antioxidant film was the best formulae (p < .05) for preventing three types of aflatoxin-producing mold including A. flavus (PTCC-5004), A. parasiticus (PTCC-5286), and A. parasiticus (PTCC-5018) on pistachios for 6 months.

The elemental composition of halophytes correlates with key morphological adaptations and taxonomic groups

Halophytes are crucial in the light of increasing soil salinization, yet our understanding of their chemical composition and its relationship to key morphological traits such as succulence or salt excretion is limited. This study targets this issue by exploring the relationship between the elemental composition of 108 plant species from saline environments in Iran and their eco-morphological traits and taxonomy. Leaves and/or photosynthetic shoots of individual species and soils were sampled and analyzed for 20 elements in plant samples and 5 major elements plus % gypsum content, pH, and EC in soil samples. Eu-halophytes and leaf- and stem-succulent and salt-recreting plants showed high concentrations of Na, S, and Mg and low concentrations of Ca and K. In contrast, pseudo-halophytes, facultative-halophytes and eury-hygro-halophytes, which often lack succulent shoots, showed low Na, S, and Mg and high Ca and K concentrations in their leaves. Clear patterns were identified among taxonomic families, with Chenopodiaceae and Plumbaginaceae having high Na and Mg and low Ca and K concentrations, Caryophyllaceae having high K, Poaceae having low Na, and Asteraceae, Boraginaceae, and Brassicaceae showing high foliar Ca concentrations. We conclude that the elemental composition of halophytes and pseudo-halophytes is related to salt-tolerance categories, eco-morphological types and respective taxonomic groups.

In vitro antiviral activity of fifteen plant extracts against avian infectious bronchitis virus

BACKGROUND

Avian infectious bronchitis (IB) is a disease that can result in huge economic losses in the poultry industry. The high level of mutations of the IB virus (IBV) leads to the emergence of new serotypes and genotypes, and limits the efficacy of routine prevention. Medicinal plants, or substances derived from them, are being tested as options in the prevention of infectious diseases such as IB in many countries. The objective of this study was to investigate extracts of 15 selected medicinal plants for anti-IBV activity.

RESULTS

Extracts of S. montana, O. vulgare, M. piperita, M. officinalis, T. vulgaris, H. officinalis, S. officinalis and D. canadense showed anti-IBV activity prior to and during infection, while S. montana showed activity prior to and after infection. M. piperita, O. vulgare and T. vulgaris extracts had > 60 SI. In further studies no virus plaques (plaque reduction rate 100%) or cytopathogenic effect (decrease of TCID₅₀ from 2.0 to 5.0 log₁₀) were detected after IBV treatment with extracts of M. piperita, D. canadense and T. vulgaris at concentrations of extracts ≥0.25 cytotoxic concentration (CC₅₀) (P < 0.05). Both PFU number and TCID₅₀ increased after the use of M. piperita, D. canadense, T. vulgaris and M. officinalis extracts, the concentrations of which were 0.125 CC₅₀ and 0.25 CC₅₀ (P < 0.05). Real-time PCR detected IBV RNA after treatment with all plant extracts using concentrations of 1:2 CC₅₀, 1:4 CC₅₀ and 1:8 CC₅₀. Delta cycle threshold (Ct) values decreased significantly comparing Ct values of 1:2 CC₅₀ and 1:8 CC₅₀ dilutions (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Many extracts of plants acted against IBV prior to and during infection, but the most effective were those of M. piperita, T. vulgaris and D. canadense .

γ-Pyrone compounds: flavonoids and maltol glucoside derivatives from Herniaria glabra L. collected in the Ternopil region of the Ukraine

The phytochemical investigation of the whole plant extracts of Herniaria glabra L. (Caryophyllaceae) led to the identification and isolation of four known flavonoids, one known and three undescribed maltol derivatives, and benzyl β-gentiobioside. The structures were established by extensive 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopic analyses, as well as HRESIMS data. For the first time in Herniaria genus, as well as in Caryophylaceae family the presence of apiorutin {quercetin 3-O-[(D-apio-β-d-furanosyl-(1 → 2)-O-[-α-l-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 6)]-β-d-glucopyranoside]} and licoagroside B {maltol 3-O-[6-O-(3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaroyl)]-β-d-glucopyranoside} were revealed. Additionally, antioxidant actions of apiorutin, rutin, narcissin (isorhamentin 3-O-β-d-rutinoside) and licoagroside B were assessed in human blood plasma, exposed to the peroxynitrite-induced oxidative stress in vitro. The isolates partly reduced oxidative (oxidation of thiol groups) and nitrative (tyrosine nitration) damage to blood plasma proteins, decreased plasma lipid peroxidation as well as enhanced the non-enzymatic antioxidant capacity of blood plasma. No cytotoxicity of the examined substances towards peripheral blood mononuclear cells was found.