Ethnobotanical study on medicinal plants in villages of Çatak (Van-Turkey)

Cultural Use and the Knowledge of Ethnomedicinal Plants in the Pülümür (Dersim-Tunceli) Region

Pülümür has been a refuge place for internal and external exiles several times throughout history, and today it is a district of the province of Tunceli (known as Dersim in the region), which differs significantly from many settlements around it in terms of biodiversity and social aspects. The aim of this study is to identify, catalog, and report the traditional medicinal uses of plants in this province, where every living thing and many natural objects around it are regarded as sacred, with a scientific ethnobotanical approach. The field study was completed between May 2016 and July 2023. The collection of plant excursion and plant usage information was implemented in two stages; in the first stage, a survey about the collection and the uses of medicinal plants was conducted. At this stage, plant samples were collected by visiting 49 villages of the district and performing face-to-face interviews with 112 participants (51 female and 61 male). In the second stage, the usage statistics related to the data obtained from the field studies were determined. For this reason, every informant was interviewed at least twice, people who were previously interviewed were included too. In the course of this study, interviews from 211 participants (95 female and 116 male) were analyzed. As a result of analysis, the traditional medicinal uses of 120 plants belonging to 48 families were identified. The most taxa are identified from the Asteraceae (15), Rosaceae (13), Fabaceae (8), Lamiaceae (8), and Apiaceae (6) families. In Pülümür, these medicinal plants are mostly used for the treatment of wounds, abdominal pain, constipation, and diabetes.

Multivariate analysis of the phytochemical composition and antioxidant properties in twenty-five accessions across three Achillea species

This study explored the chemical composition, antioxidant activity, and total phenol content of aerial parts from 25 accessions of three Achillea species (Achillea wilhelmsii C. Koch, Achillea vermicularis Trin., and Achillea tenuifolia Lam.). The plants were collected from various natural habitats across Iran, encompassing regions such as Central, Western, Southern, Northern, Western, and Northwestern parts of the country. Subsequently, they were grown together under field conditions. The study revealed significant variation in essential oil yields among accessions of A. wilhelmsii, ranging from 0.01 to 0.107%, A. vermicularis with a range of 0.075 to 1.5%, and A. tenuifolia showing a variation of 0.1 to 2%. The study utilized Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis, revealing 75, 49, and 75 compounds in the essential oils of A. wilhelmsii, A. tenuifolia, and A. vermicularis, respectively. Major components included camphor, 1,8-cineole, anethole, α-pinene, and phytol in A. wilhelmsii, 1,8-cineole, camphor, levo-carvone, and δ-terpinene in A. vermicularis, and β-cubebene, elixene, β-sesquiphellandrene, 1,8-cineole, camphor, and δ-terpinene in A. tenuifolia. The essential oil compositions of A. wilhelmsii and A. vermicularis were predominantly characterized by oxygenated monoterpenes, whereas that of A. tenuifolia was characterized by sesquiterpenes. Cluster analysis grouped accessions into three clusters, with A. tenuifolia forming a distinct group. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) triplot (62.21% of total variance) confirmed these results and provided insights into compound contributions. Furthermore, total phenolic content and antioxidant activity of the accessions of three species were assessed over 2 years. A. tenuifolia exhibited the highest levels in both categories, with statistically significant linear regression between antioxidant activity and total phenol content for A. tenuifolia and A. wilhelmsii. These findings emphasize significant phytochemical diversity within Achillea species, positioning them as promising natural sources of antioxidants. Further exploration and selection of specific accessions within each species are crucial for unlocking their medicinal potential and supporting cultivation and conservation efforts.

In vitro Evaluation of Skin Related Enzyme Inhibitory Effect and Emulgel Formulation Development Studies of Onobrychis Argyrea subsp. Argyrea with Phytochemical Analysis

Species of Onobrychis have been used to treat skin disorders such as wounds and cuts in folk medicine and Onobrychis argyrea subsp. argyrea (OA) commonly known as 'silvery sainfoin', is a member of this genus. In this study, it was aimed to investigate the skin-related biological activities and phytochemical characterization of OA. Moreover, an emulgel formulation was developed from the main methanolic extract of the plant (OAM). Initially, to identifiy of the active fractions, aerial parts of the plant material was extracted with methanol and fractionated by n-hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate and n-butanol, respectively. Antioxidant activity was determined by CUPRAC, TOAC, FRAP and DPPH assays. Thereafter, the inhibition potential of OAM, novel formulation and all fractions was measured against elastase, collagenase, tyrosinase and hyaluronidase enzymes. OAM was analyzed and characterized by LC/MS-MS. The major bioactive flavonoids which are rutin and isoquercetin were measured and compared as qualitative and quantitative via high performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) analysis in OAM and fractions. The results showed that extracts of OA can be a potential cosmeceutical agent for skin related problems.

A broad assessment of Eremurus spectabilis M. Bieb: chemical and elemental composition, total phenolic and antimicrobial activity analysis, and quantum chemical calculations of radical scavenging potential

Eremurus spectabilis M. Bieb was extensively investigated experimentally and theoretically, including the antioxidant properties of compounds such as flavonoids, hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives, hydroxybenzoic acid derivatives, and organic acids. Antioxidant activity was investigated using the Density Functional Theory (DFT) method based on three known mechanisms: hydrogen atom transfer (HAT), single electron transfer followed by proton transfer (SET-PT), and sequential proton loss electron transfer (SPLET). Subcritical water extraction (SWE), soxhlet extraction (SE), and solvent extraction (SOE) techniques were applied in the extraction process. Malic acid was the major compound with an extract concentration of 38,532.84 ± 1849.58 µg analyte/kg, total phenolics, and free radical scavenging activity were 10.67 mg gallic acid/mL extract and 73.89% per mg/mL extract, respectively. P, Fe, Na, Mg, K, and Ca were the main elements. The antibacterial activity of E. spectabilis against seven bacteria was evaluated, and it was found to be higher than the commercial antibiotics P10 and AMC30.

Chemical Composition and In Vitro Evaluation of Antioxidant and Antiproliferative Effects of Volatile Oils Hydrodistilled from Onobrychis carduchorum C.C. Towns., a Kurdish Traditional Plant

The volatile oils hydrodistilled from the aerial parts and roots of O. carduchorum C.C Towns. (Fabaceae) have been chemically characterized for the first time. A total of 43 constituents with an abundance >0.03% were identified and quantified in the two oils by GC/MS and GC/FID analyses. They comprise 38 components (98.58%) of the oil isolated from the aerial parts (OCA) and 34 components (93.33%) of the oil from the roots (OCR). Six constituents, α-pinene (23.11 ± 0.1%), β-elemene (17.33 ± 0.1%), 1,8-cineole (12.15 ± 0.2%), furfural (7.91 ± 0.1%), terpineol-4-ol (6.32 ± 0.2%), and limonene (4.13 ± 0.1%), accounted for about 75% of the total OCA oil. On the other hand, 1,8-cineole (15.79 ± 0.1%), furfural (10.44 ± 0.1%), β-elemene (10.14 ± 0.2%), α-terpineol (7.74 ± 0.1%), linalool (7.45 ± 0.1%), and α-pinene (4.76 ± 0.1%) made up about 60% of the OCR oil. The IC50 values of the scavenging activities of the OCA and OCR oils towards the DPPH radical and H2O2 were 79.8 ± 0.5 and 153.3 ± 0.6 μg/mL and 394.09 ± 0.2 and 311.67 ± 0.4 μg/mL, respectively. In addition, in the MTS assay, the OCA and OCR oils showed significant antiproliferative effects against T47D, MDA-MB-453, BG-1, and A549 human cancer cells that were more powerful than those against two normal human cell lines, HEK-293 and HFF-1. The abundant presence of β-elemene as an antiproliferative component of the two oils suggested the existence of a new chemotype of O. carduchorum.

Screening of Antiglaucoma, Antidiabetic, Anti-Alzheimer, and Antioxidant Activities of Astragalus alopecurus Pall-Analysis of Phenolics Profiles by LC-MS/MS

Astragalus species are traditionally used for diabetes, ulcers, leukemia, wounds, stomachaches, sore throats, abdominal pain, and toothaches. Although the preventive effects of Astragalus species against diseases are known, there is no record of the therapeutic effects of Astragalus alopecurus. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the in vitro antiglaucoma, antidiabetic, anti-Alzheimer's disease, and antioxidant activities of the methanolic (MEAA) and water (WEAA) extracts of the aerial part of A. alopecurus. Additionally, its phenolic compound profiles were analyzed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). MEAA and WEAA were evaluated for their inhibition ability on α-glycosidase, α-amylase, acetylcholinesterase (AChE), and human carbonic anhydrase II (hCA II) enzymes. The phenolic compounds of MEAA were analyzed by LC-MS/MS. Furthermore, total phenolic and flavonoid contents were determined. In this context, the antioxidant activity was evaluated by 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), N,N-dimethyl-p-phenylene diamine (DMPD), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), cupric ions (Cu²⁺) reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC), ferric ions (Fe³⁺) reducing, and ferrous ions (Fe²⁺) chelating methods. MEAA and WEAA had IC₅₀ values of 9.07 and 2.24 μg/mL for α-glycosidase, 693.15 and 346.58 μg/mL for α-amylase, 1.99 and 2.45 μg/mL for AChE, and 147.7 and 171.7 μg/mL for hCA II. While the total phenolic amounts in MEAA and WEAA were 16.00 and 18.50 μg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/mg extract, the total flavonoid contents in both extracts were calculated as 66.23 and 33.115 μg quercetin equivalent (QE)/mg, respectively. MEAA and WEAA showed, respectively, variable activities on DPPH radical scavenging (IC₅₀: 99.02 and 115.53 μg/mL), ABTS radical scavenging (IC₅₀: 32.21 and 30.22 µg/mL), DMPD radical scavenging (IC₅₀: 231.05 and 65.22 μg/mL), and Fe²⁺ chelating (IC₅₀: 46.21 and 33.01 μg/mL). MEAA and WEAA reducing abilities were, respectively, Fe³⁺ reducing (λ₇₀₀: 0.308 and 0.284), FRAP (λ₅₉₃: 0.284 and 0.284), and CUPRAC (λ₄₅₀: 0.163 and 0.137). A total of 35 phenolics were scanned, and 10 phenolic compounds were determined by LC-MS/MS analysis. LC-MS/MS revealed that MEAA mainly contained isorhamnetin, fumaric acid, and rosmarinic acid derivatives. This is the first report indicating that MEAA and WEAA have α-glycosidase, α-amylase, AChE, hCA II inhibition abilities, and antioxidant activities. These results demonstrate the potential of Astragalus species through antioxidant properties and enzyme inhibitor ability traditionally used in medicine. This work provides the foundation for further research into the establishment of novel therapeutics for diabetes, glaucoma, and Alzheimer's disease.

Analysis of phytochemical composition and biological activities of Helichrysum pallasii (Sprengel) ledeb leaves

This study aimed at the investigation of in vitro biological activities (antioxidant and enzyme inhibition) and phytochemical composition of various extracts (ethanol maceration, aqueous infusion, and aqueous decoction) obtained from leaf organs of Helichrysum pallasii, which has been traditionally used as herbal tea and medicine in Eastern Anatolia. Experimental analysis showed that ethanol-based extract had higher total phenolic content (TPC: 103 mg GAE/gE) and showed superior antioxidant potentials (FRAP: 2205 μmol Fe2+/gE; ORAC: 2540 μmol Trolox Eq./gE; DPPH: IC50=0.58 mg/ml; CUPRAC: IC50=0.37 mg/ml; Phosphomolybdenum: IC50=1.34 mg/ml ve metal chelation: IC50=1.42 mg/ml) and enzyme inhibition (Acetylcholinesterase: IC50=1.49 mg/ml; Butyrylcholinesterase: IC50=1.98 mg/ml; Tyrosinase: IC50=0.68 mg/ml; Alpha-amylase: IC50=2.09 mg/ml; Alpha-glucosidase: IC50=0.51 mg/ml; and Pancreatic lipase: IC50=42.5 μg/ml) and contained higher amounts of phenolic (chlorogenic acid isomers and rutin) and fatty acid (palmitic, linoleic, and linolenic acids) compounds than traditional preparations (infusion and decoction). The current study's findings indicate that the leaves of the Helichrysum pallasii are a source of phytochemicals with strong antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory properties, implying that it could be a candidate for biotherapeutic agent research and development.

Tanacetum species: Bridging empirical knowledge, phytochemistry, nutritional value, health benefits and clinical evidence

Introduction: The Tanacetum genus consists of 160 accepted flowering species thriving throughout temperate regions, mainly in the Mediterranean Basin, Northern America, and southwestern and eastern Asia. Tanacetum species bear a long-standing record of use in the folk medicine of indigenous tribes and communities worldwide, along with multitudinous applications in traditional cuisines, cosmeceuticals, and agricultural fields. Methods: Up-to-date data related to traditional uses, phytochemistry, biological activities, toxicity and clinical trials of the genus Tanacetum were systematically reviewed from several online scientific engines, including PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, SciFinder, Wiley Online, Science Direct, and Cochrane library. Results and discussion: Over the past three decades, 241 metabolites have been isolated from nearly twenty species, including phenolic acids, flavonoids, coumarins, fatty acids and alkanes, aldehydes, volatile compounds, and naphthoquinones. Some unique metabolites have also been identified, such as the ceramides tanacetamide (A-D) from T. artemisioides, pyrethrins from T. cinerariifolium, and sesquiterpene lactones from several species. However, these secondary metabolites are still poorly studied despite in vitro clues highlighting their colossal pharmacological properties, especially as hypotensive, neuroprotective, anticancer, and antimicrobial agents. Scientific studies have validated some traditional claims of the plant, such as antidiabetic, anticancer, anthelmintic, insecticide, antioxidant, and hepatoprotective activities, as well as against festering wounds, skin ulcers, urinary tract infections, and sexually transmitted diseases. Other ethnomedicinal uses for arthritis, gout, rheumatism, anemia, and as a litholytic, antivenom and diaphoretic have not yet been supported and would constitute the subject of further research.

Evaluation of Trace Element and Heavy Metal Levels of Some Ethnobotanically Important Medicinal Plants Used as Remedies in Southern Turkey in Terms of Human Health Risk

Heavy metal accumulation in medicinal plants has increased dramatically in recent years due to agricultural and industrial activities leading to pollution of natural sources. This study is focused on the concentration of trace elements and heavy metals in aboveground parts of 33 medicinal plants from the Eastern Mediterranean of Turkey. Results showed that the Al concentrations varied between 4.368 and 1104.627, the B level varied between 47.850 and 271.479, Ca values ranged between 1971.213 and 22,642.895, Cd concentrations ranged between 0.011 and 0.651, Cr contents varied between 1.371 and 41.692, Cu values varied between 13.278 and 42.586, Fe concentrations varied between 20.705 and 1276.783, K levels ranged between 652.143 and 14,440.946, Mg concentrations varied from 336.871 to 1869.486, Mn contents varied between 46.383 and 849.492, Na concentrations varied between 167.144 and 3401.252, Ni values varied between 0.065 and 9.968, Pb levels ranged between 1.311 and 16.238, and Zn concentrations ranged between 67.250 and 281.954 mg kg-1, respectively. Furthermore, Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) values for trace elements and estimated daily intake (EDI), target hazard quotient (THQ), and hazard index (HI) for heavy metals were calculated. The concentrations of heavy metals in some studied plants distributed in industrial and mining regions were found as slightly higher than the acceptable limits determined by WHO. Consequently, in order to prevent this heavy metal accumulation, when collecting medicinal aromatic plants, rural areas, close to clean rivers, or mountainous areas should be preferred, away from highway, mining, and industrial areas.

Sium sisarum

Traditionally consumed food and spices are significant sources in the daily life diet and constitute a large portion of the cuisine in Eastern Anatolia in Turkey. However, limited data available necessitate further analysis of their chemical composition and health attributing properties. This study aims to present phytochemical composition and biological activities of Sium sisarum var. lancifolium, a commonly consumed spice and food species in the region. Analytical studies to date have revealed the presence of high levels of phenolics (chlorogenic acid and isoquercetin) and volatiles (α-terpinene, camphene, cyclohexene, carene and p-cymene), which exhibits significant potential of digestive enzyme suppressive and antioxidant abilities. Data collected in this study suggest the use of Sium sisarum plant to obtain nutraceuticals and/or biotherapeutic agents that are able to regulate oxidative stress and enzyme activities.

Diterpenes of Scutellaria spp.: Phytochemistry and pharmacology

Scutellaria genus, a member of the Lamiaceae family, distributed worldwide and known as skullcaps, contains a wide range of pharmacologically active constituents including flavonoids and diterpenes. There are different classes of diterpenes in the plant kingdom, of which many have medicinal applications. Scutellaria spp. contain neo-clerodane diterpenes, a large group of naturally occurring specialized metabolites found in both plant species and in organisms from other taxonomic groups, such as fungi, bacteria, and marine sponges. Although many phytochemical studies have been established reporting interesting specialized diterpene structures from Scutellaria spp., there has not been a comprehensive study reviewing these compounds. Hence, the present review reports on natural diterpenoids from the Scutellaria genus and their pharmacological activities. For this purpose, the scientific databases including Scopus, PubMed, and Google Scholar were searched using the keywords "Scutellaria" and "Diterpenes" or "Diterpenoids". The literature review showed that up to now, more than 300 diterpenes have been isolated and reported from the Scutellaria genus, belonging to neo-clerodane scaffolds. Anticancer, antifeedant, phytotoxic, antimicrobial, and nitric oxide production inhibitory activities are the most reported properties for the diterpenoids from the Scutellaria genus. Diterpenes of Scutellaria spp. have therapeutic potentials to be used for the treatment of different diseases. Further phytochemical, pharmacological, and clinical studies are required in this regard.

Anticancer Secondary Metabolites: From Ethnopharmacology and Identification in Native Complexes to Biotechnological Studies in Species of Genus Astragalus L. and Gloriosa L

Some of the most effective anticancer compounds are still derived from plants since the chemical synthesis of chiral molecules is not economically efficient. Rapid discovery of lead compounds with pronounced biological activity is essential for the successful development of novel drug candidates. This work aims to present the chemical diversity of antitumor bioactive compounds and biotechnological approaches as alternative production and sustainable plant biodiversity conservation. Astragalus spp., (Fabaceae) and Gloriosa spp. (Liliaceae) are selected as research objects within this review because they are known for their anticancer activity, because they represent two of the largest families respectively in dicots and monocots, and also because many of the medicinally important plants are rare and endangered. We summarized the ethnobotanical data concerning their anticancer application, highlighted the diversity of their secondary metabolites possessing anticancer properties such as saponins, flavonoids, and alkaloids, and revealed the potential of the in vitro cultures as an alternative way of their production. Since the natural supply is limited, it is important to explore the possibility of employing plant cell or organ in vitro cultures for the biotechnological production of these compounds as an alternative.

Medicinal Plants Used Traditionally for Skin Related Problems in the South Balkan and East Mediterranean Region—A Review

A review research was conducted to provide an overview of the ethnobotanical knowledge of medicinal plants and traditional medical practices for the treatment of skin disorders in Albania, Cyprus, Greece, and Turkey. The geographical and ecological characteristics of the Balkan Peninsula and Mediterranean Sea, along with the historical connection among those countries, gave rise to the development of a distinct flora and to the uses of common medicinal plants against various skin ailments, respectively. The review focuses on the detailed study of 128 ethnobotanical surveys conducted in these areas and the species used for skin ailments were singled out. The analysis showed that 967 taxa belonging to 418 different genera and 111 different families are used in the treatment of skin related problems. The majority of the plants belong to the families of Asteraceae (11.7%), Lamiaceae (7.4%), Rosaceae (6.7%), Plantaginaceae (5.4%), and Malvaceae (3.8%). Their usage is internal or external to treat ailments such as wounds and burns (22.1%), hemorrhoids (14.7%), boils, abscesses, and furuncles (8.2%). Beside specific skin disorders, numerous species appeared to be used for their antifungal, antimicrobial, and antiseptic activity (9.1%). Literature evaluation highlighted that, the most commonly used species are Plantago major L. (Albania, Turkey), Hypericum perforatum L. (Greece, Turkey), Sambucus nigra L. (Cyprus, Greece), Ficus carica L. (Cyprus, Turkey), Matricaria chamomilla L. (Cyprus, Greece), and Urtica dioica L. (Albania, Turkey), while many medicinal plants reported by interviewees were common in all four countries. Finally, to relate this ethnopharmacological knowledge and trace its expansion and diversification through centuries, a comparison of findings was made with the use of the species mentioned in Dioscorides’ “De Materia Medica” for skin disorders. This work constitutes the first comparative study performed with ethnobotanical data for skin ailments gathered in the South Balkan and East Mediterranean areas. Results confirm the primary hypothesis that people in Albania, Cyprus, Greece, and Turkey are closely related in terms of traditionally using folk medicinal practices. Nevertheless, more field studies conducted, especially in remote places of these regions, can help preserve the traditional medical knowledge, aiming at the discovery of new phytotherapeutics against dermatological diseases.

Cytotoxic Effects of Some Nepeta Species against Breast Cancer Cell Lines and Their Associated Phytochemical Properties

Nepeta is one of the largest genera of the Lamiaceae family. Nepeta species are commonly employed in traditional medicine for a variety of ailments, as well as food additives. In addition, they also come to the fore with their rich phytochemical content. In the present study, the quantitative phytochemical content of methanolic extracts and infusions prepared from the aerial parts of 14 Nepeta taxa collected from Turkey and their cytotoxic effects on two breast cancer cell lines, MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231, were investigated by using the MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl))-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium-bromide) test. According to HPLC-PDA analysis, N. racemosa methanolic extract had the highest ursolic acid content with 165.9 mg/g extract. Total sterol, total iridoid, and total triterpenoid content were determined to be greatest in the methanolic extracts of N. meyeri, N. trichocalyx and N. phyllochlamys. The MTT experiment demonstrated that certain Nepeta species suppressed the growth of MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells in a dose-dependent manner. Statistical analysis revealed a strong correlation between the cytotoxic effects of the extracts and their triterpene content. In conclusion, the data obtained from this study are important in terms of forming a basis for advanced anticancer activity studies on breast cancer with Nepeta sp.

Helichrysum Genus and Compound Activities in the Management of Diabetes Mellitus

The global management of diabetes mellitus (DM) involves the administration of recommended anti-diabetic drugs in addition to a non-sedentary lifestyle upon diagnosis. Despite the success recorded from these synthetic drugs, the traditional method of treatment using medicinal plants is increasingly accepted by the locals due to its low cost and the perceived no side effects. Helichrysum species are used in folk medicine and are documented for the treatment of DM in different regions of the world. This study reviews Helichrysum species and its compounds’ activities in the management of DM. An extensive literature search was carried out, utilizing several scientific databases, ethnobotanical books, theses, and dissertations. About twenty-two Helichrysum species were reported for the treatment of diabetes in different regions of the world. Among these Helichrysum species, only fifteen have been scientifically investigated for their antidiabetic activities, and twelve compounds were identified as bioactive constituents for diabetes. This present review study will be a useful tool for scientists and health professionals working in the field of pharmacology and therapeutics to develop potent antidiabetic drugs that are devoid of side effects.

Evaluation of anti-proliferative activity of Eryngium caucasicum on melanoma cancer cells

Background

The genus Eryngium is a member of the Apiaceae family that has shown different pharmacological effects mainly including anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anti-cancer, hepatoprotective, and anti-oxidant. Previous research on the anti-cancer activity of Eryngium in some cancer cell lines has led us to explore the anti-proliferative activity of E. caucasicum in the B16F10 cell line.

Objective

In this study, the antiproliferative activity of E. caucasicum on melanoma cancer cells (B16F10) and non-cancerous cells (HFFF2) were evaluated in vitro.

Methods

The dried plant sample of E. caucasicum was extracted by Soxhlet apparatus with n-Hexane, dichloromethane, and methanol solvents. The effects of cytotoxicity of the extracts by the MTT method on melanoma cancer cells (B16F10) and noncancerous cells (HFFF2) was investigated for 24 and 48 hours. Then, the cytotoxicity of different fractions of the strong extract against normal and cancer cells was evaluated by this method. Annexin V/PI assay was used to study the induction apoptosis via the fractions in cancer cells.

Findings

According to the results of the MTT test, n-Hexane extract is the most effective extract against the B16F10 cell line and is a candidate for fractionation with VLC. Among the fractions, 40 and 60% VLC fractions of n-Hexan extract inhibited the growth of B16F10 cells at 24 and 48 hours while, these fractions at IC₅₀ concentration had no cytotoxic effects on normal cells. Treatment of cancer cells with effective extract caused apoptosis and necrosis and 40 and 60% more fractions induced apoptosis in these cells.

Conclusion

The n-Hexane extract of E. caucasicum and its 40 and 60% fractions showed the highest cytotoxic effect against the B16F10 cell line compared to other extracts and control groups. This inhibition was made through induction of apoptosis.

Detailed Chemical Characterization and Biological Propensities of Malabaila lasiocarpa Extracts: An Endemic Plant to Turkey

This study focused on the biological evaluation and chemical characterization of Malabaila lasiocarpa Boiss. (M. lasiocarpa) (Family: Apiaceae). The phytochemical profile, antioxidant, enzyme inhibitory of the methanolic, aqueous, dichloromethane, hexane extracts were investigated. Based on UHPLC-HRMS analyses, a total of 101 peaks were annotated or identified for the first time in M. lasiocarpa extracts. They include hydroxybenzoic, hydroxycinnamic, acylquinic acids and their glycosides, C- and O-glycosyl and O-diglycosyl flavonoids. In addition, 10 simple mono- and disubstituted coumarins together with 10 furanocoumarins were tentatively annotated. The methanolic extract possessing the highest phenolic (24.36±0.60 mg gallic acid equivalent/g extract) and flavonoid (69.15±0.37 mg rutin equivalent/g extract) content also exhibited the strongest radical scavenging potential against 2,2-diphenyl-1 picrylhydrazyl (21.73±0.42 mg Trolox equivalent/g extract, respectively), and highest reducing capacity (57.81±0.97 and 28.00±0.40 mg Trolox equivalent/g extract, for cupric reducing antioxidant capacity and ferric reducing antioxidant power, respectively). The dichloromethane extract substantially depressed the tyrosinase (73.92±5.37 mg kojic acid equivalent/g extract), α-amylase (0.63±0.01 mmol acarbose equivalent/g extract) and α-glucosidase (0.69±0.02 mmol acarbose equivalent/g extract) enzymes. This study has produced critical scientific data on M. lasiocarpa which are potential contenders for the development of novel phyto-pharmaceuticals.

Unity in diversity-food plants and fungi of Sakartvelo (Republic of Georgia), Caucasus

BACKGROUND

The Republic of Georgia is part of the Caucasus biodiversity hotspot, and human agricultural plant use dates back at least 6000 years. Over the last years, lots of ethnobotanical research on the area has been published. In this paper, we analyze the use of food plants in the 80% of Georgia not occupied by Russian forces. We hypothesized that (1) given the long tradition of plant use, and the isolation under Soviet rule, plant use both based on home gardens and wild harvesting would be more pronounced in Georgia than in the wider region, (2) food plant use knowledge would be widely and equally spread in most of Georgia, (3) there would still be incidence of knowledge loss despite wide plant use, especially in climatically favored agricultural regions in Western and Eastern Georgia.

METHODS

From 2013 to 2019, we interviewed over 380 participants in all regions of Georgia not occupied by Russian forces and recorded over 19,800 mentions of food plants. All interviews were carried out in the participants' homes and gardens by native speakers of Georgian and its dialects (Imeretian, Rachian, Lechkhumian, Tush, Khevsurian, Psavian, Kakhetian), other Kartvelian languages (Megrelian, Svan) and minority languages (Ossetian, Ude, Azeri, Armenian, Greek).

RESULTS

The regional division was based primarily on historic provinces of Georgia, which often coincides with the current administrative borders. The total number of taxa, mostly identified to species, including their varieties, was 527. Taxonomically, the difference between two food plant groups-garden versus wild-was strongly pronounced even at family level. The richness of plant families was 65 versus 97 families in garden versus wild plants, respectively, and the difference was highly significant. Other diversity indices also unequivocally pointed to considerably more diverse family composition of wild collected versus garden plants as the differences between all the tested diversity indices appeared to be highly significant. The wide use of leaves for herb pies and lactofermented is of particular interest. Some of the ingredients are toxic in larger quantities, and the participants pointed out that careful preparation was needed. The authors explicitly decided to not give any recipes, given that many of the species are widespread, and compound composition-and with it possible toxic effects-might vary across the distribution range, so that a preparation method that sufficiently reduces toxicity in the Caucasus might not necessary be applicable in other areas.

CONCLUSIONS

Relationships among the regions in the case of wild food plants show a different and clearer pattern. Adjacent regions cluster together (Kvemo Zemo Racha, and Zemo Imereti; Samegrelo, Guria, Adjara, Lechkhumi and Kvemo and Zemo Svaneti; Meskheti, Javakheti, Kvemo Kartli; Mtianeti, Kakheti, Khevsureti, Tusheti. Like in the case of the garden food plants, species diversity of wild food plants mentioned varied strongly. Climate severity and traditions of the use of wild food plants might play role in this variation. Overall food plant knowledge is widely spread all-across Georgia, and broadly maintained.

A microbotanical and microwear perspective to plant processing activities and foodways at Neolithic Çatalhöyük

Çatalhöyük is a renowned archaeological site in central Anatolia, best known for its Neolithic occupation dated from 7100 to 6000 cal BC. The site received worldwide attention early on for its large size, well-preserved mudbrick architecture, and elaborate wall paintings. Excavations at the site over almost three decades have unearthed rich archaeobotanical remains and a diverse ground stone assemblage produced by what once was a vibrant farming community. The study presented here adds to our understanding of crops and plant processing at Çatalhöyük by integrating phytoliths and starch analyses on grinding implements found at three domestic contexts attributed to the Middle (6700-6500 cal BC) and Late (6500-6300 cal BC) period of occupation. Our results reveal a rich microbotanical assemblage that testifies the use of a wide range of geophytes and wild seasonal resources previously unknown at the site. Moreover, by comparing results from the microbotanical proxies and microscopic wear patterns on artefacts, we are also able to discern various plant processing practices the analysed artefacts were employed for. In sum, this work further expands our understanding of plants and crop processing activities performed by the inhabitants of Neolithic Çatalhöyük.

Chemical Profiling and Biological Evaluation of Nepeta baytopii Extracts and Essential Oil: An Endemic Plant from Turkey

Nepeta baytopii is a poorly studied, endemic Nepeta species (Lamiaceae) of Turkey. For the first time, the biological activities (antioxidant, enzyme inhibition, and cytotoxicity properties) of the hexane, ethyl acetate, methanol, water/methanol, and water extracts and essential oil prepared from N. baytopii aerial parts were assessed. Hydro-methanol (41.25 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g) and water extracts (50.30 mg GAE/g), respectively showed the highest radical scavenging (94.40 and 129.22 mg Trolox equivalent (TE)/g, for 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical and 2,2-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid radical scavenging assays) and reducing (229.37 and 129.55 mg TE/g, for ferric-reducing antioxidant power and cupric-reducing antioxidant capacity assays) capacities in vitro. An interestingly high inhibition was observed for ethyl acetate extract against butyrylcholinesterase (10.85 mg galantamine equivalent/g). The methanol extract showed high cytotoxicity (31.7%) against HepG2 cells. Caryophyllene oxide was identified in high concentrations in the essential oil (39.3%). Luteolin and apigenin and their derivatives were identified from the methanol and water extracts. The results obtained from this study highlighted that the abundance of highly bioactive compounds from Nepeta baytopii ensures the multiple biological activities of the tested extracts, and this suggests a potential use in the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical fields, and therefore should be investigated further.

Composition and bioactivity of essential oil from Stachys macrostachya (Wend.) Briq

Stachys species belonging to Lamiaceae family have been used for medicinal purposes since ancient times. The aim of the present study was to investigate the chemical compositions and antibacterial, anti-tyrosinase activities of the essential oil of Stachys macrostachya. The essential oil was prepared by hydrodistillation method using a Clevenger-type apparatus and chemical composition was determined by gas chromatography (GC). The antibacterial activity of essential oil was performed by the disc diffusion and microdilution broth method against five Gram-positive and two Gram-negative bacteria. The tyrosinase inhibitory activity was evaluated by minor modifications of Masuda's method. According to the results of GC analyses, twenty-three compounds were identified representing 91.9% of the total volatile composition. The main compounds were germacrene D (12.2%), globulol (10.9%), α-pinene (9.7%), and valencene (7.6%). The present study showed that the tested essential oil of S. macrostachya exhibited antibacterial activity against Acinetobacter baumannii (MIC 62.50 μg/mL) and tyrosinase inhibition activity (IC50 22.86 ± 0.82 μg/mL). These results suggest that the essential oil could be exploited as a potential source of natural antimicrobial agents of this bacterium as well as tyrosinase inhibitors.

The genus Nepeta: Traditional uses, phytochemicals and pharmacological properties

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Nepeta is a multiregional genus of the "Lamiaceae" (Labiatae or Mint) family. Species of Nepeta are a valuable part of traditional medicine and used extensively, particularly in the Himalayan region of India (Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Leh-Ladakh), Pakistan (Khyber Pakhtunkhwaand Pakistani Kashmir), Nepal (Baglund district), also in China and hilly regions of Turkey and Iran. Nepeta species are extensively used as a remedy against a variety of ailments and conditions like chicken pox, tuberculosis, malaria, pneumonia, influenza, measles, stomach disorders, eye complaints, respiratory disorders, asthma, colds, coughs etc. AIM OF THE REVIEW: The main aim of this review is to present a comprehensive and detailed study on traditional uses, pharmacology, phytochemistry, toxicology of Nepeta species and suggest future direction on the design and conduct of various preparations, either alone or in blends with prevailing conventional remedies. The review also emphasizes encouraging researchers towards the wide range of pharmaceutical applications of the various species of Nepeta for their better use and exploration in the future.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

All the relevant data and information on different species of Nepeta were assembled using different databases, such as Science Direct, Springer, PubMed, Taylor and Francis imprints, Chemspider, Google scholar, review and research articles from peer-reviewed journals and unpublished data. Some select 'grey literature' sources viz. ethnobotanical books, chapters, Wikipedia and webpages were also studied.

RESULTS

A variety of bioactive secondary metabolites and nutraceuticals has been isolated from various species of Nepeta. These bioactive compounds belong to different classes of secondary metabolites, such as phenolic acids and their glycosides (rosmarinic acid, gallic acid, caffeic acid), flavonoids and their glycosides (cirsimaritin, salvigenin, luteolin, apigenin), iridoids (nepetalactones and their derivatives), terpenoids (1,8-cineole, linalool, β-caryophyllene, germacrene D, parnapimaro, β-amyrin, oleanolic acid, ursolic acid), steroids (β-sitosterol, stigmasterol), lignans, amino acids, carbohydrates, volatile oils, etc. The species of the genus Nepeta possess a variety of pharmacological activities namely anti-inflammatory, anti-nociceptive, anti-alzheimer, anticancer and cytotoxic, antioxidant, immunomodulatory, antimicrobial, antifungal, insecticidal and along with other biological activities.

CONCLUSION

The species of the genus Nepeta contains a rich source of various bioactive compounds, which are well tolerated as traditional medicines. In fact, different species of Nepeta are widely used in a variety of traditional medicinal systems all around the world. Owing to the variety of pharmacological properties of Nepeta species, more comprehensive and inclusive clinical trials are necessary for the utilization of different Nepeta species against the treatment of a wide range of ailments. There are also various other uses such as food, cosmetic and agriculture that can be investigated or explored in future. Some of the major domains that can be explored within this genus are the investigation of different species for their unexplored biological potential, isolation and characterization of new bioactive constituents and finally, investigation of new applications and possible commercialization of these bioactive leads. No doubt, there are various viable research domains outside those discussed above, but presently for the purposes of this review we will only emphasize the activities herein.

Ethnomedicinal Plants of Hasankeyf (Batman-Turkey)

Hasankeyf is an ancient city, dating back to more than 10,000 years, in the Southeast Anatolia Region of Turkey. The area is separated by the Tigris River on both sides and located in the Batman province. However, as a result of a dam project, in February 2020, this ancient city and some of its surrounding villages were totally flooded. The residents were moved to new settlements. This study aimed to prevent the possible loss of ethnomedicinal knowledge of plants due to migration as well as to pass on this knowledge to the future generations. The field studies were conducted between March 2017 and November 2019 in the city center and 22 rural settlements of Hasankeyf. Also, the areas where intensive migration was experienced were visited frequently. Interviews were conducted with a total of 131 participants (76 women and 55 men) while gathering plants with them. Information was collected through interviews and questionnaires. The results were analyzed by quantitative indices of information consensus factor (FIC) and use value (UV). A total of 94 plant taxa belonging to 40 families were identified in the study area. The most common medicinal plant families are Lamiaceae (13), Asteraceae (8), Rosaceae (6), Malvaceae (6), Amaryllidaceae (5), Brassicaceae (4), and Solanaceae (4). The most common preparations were infusion, fresh application, and crushing. The taxa having the highest count of use value (UV) were Teucrium polium, Matricaria aurea, Urtica dioica, Mentha longifolia, and Quercus brantii. Besides, the recorded ailments were grouped into categories based on information provided by the interviewees. The most important use categories among the informants were diabetes, gastrointestinal disorders, respiratory disorders, and dermatological disorders. The present study represents the first medical-ethnobotanical documentation and analysis of the traditional use of medicinal plants in Hasankeyf.

Traditional medicinal knowledge of woody species across climatic zones in Benin (West Africa)

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Plant parts are often used by local people to treat their affections. This study addressed the Traditional Medicinal Knowledge of woody species in Benin and the dependence of medicinal use of woody species on climatic zones.

AIM OF THE STUDY

It reports (i) the main diseases categories treated with medicinal use of woody species in Benin and changes across climatic zones by inferring their epidemiological status, and (ii) the woody species involved and their distribution according to climate conditions.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Ethnobotanical interviews were undertaken using a semi-structured questionnaire. Five hundred and ninety medicinal plant professionals (healers, traders …) were interviewed in the whole country. Frequency of citation and informant consensus factor were calculated to highlight the main human diseases categories and woody species used for their treatment. A principal component analysis was performed to determine the occurrence of diseases categories in different climatic zones.

RESULTS

About 94% of international diseases categories were treated using medicinal woody species in Benin. Nighty-seven ailments in 16 diseases categories were identified. Among them, 5 diseases categories (General and unspecified, Digestive, Skin, Neurological, and Musculoskeletal) were highlighted as important. The Sudano-Guinean zone showed the highest diseases frequencies, whereas the Sudanian zone showed the lowest. The epidemiological status of some phytodistricts was worrisome. In our study, 123 woody species belonging to 93 genera and 35 families were reported, and among them, 16 were the most used as treatments.

CONCLUSIONS

There is a lack of consensus among traditional healers about which woody species to use. Many different species were used to treat a given diseases category. Also, information concerning their organ composition was not available in the literature, for the majority of species. Biological and chemical investigations are thus needed for a better valorization of the most frequently used plants in the future.

Traditional uses, ten-years research progress on phytochemistry and pharmacology, and clinical studies of the genus Scutellaria

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Scutellaria (Lamiaceae), which includes approximately 360-469 accepted species, is widespread in Europe, North America, East Asia, and South America. Several species have a long history being used as traditional medicines to treat respiratory, peptic, neurological, and hepatic and gall diseases. The phytochemistry and pharmacology of the genus Scutellaria have been developed dramatically in the past ten years, and the traditional uses and clinical studies of the genus have not been systematically summarized. Therefore, it is especially valuable to review the current state of knowledge to provide a basis for further exploration of its medicinal potential.

AIM OF THE REVIEW

The review aims to provide updated information on the ethnopharmacology, the ten-year research progress of phytochemistry and pharmacology, and clinical studies of Scutellaria and to explore the potential medicinal values and further studies of Scutellaria.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This review is based on published studies and books from the library and electronic sources, including SciFinder, Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, Baidu Scholar, CNKI, the online ethnobotanical database, and ethnobotanical monographs. This literature is related to ethnopharmacology, the ten-year research progress on the phytochemistry and pharmacology, and clinical studies of Scutellaria.

RESULTS

A total of 50 species, 5 subspecies and 17 varieties of the genus Scutellaria are used as traditional medicine with various biological activities. In the past ten years, 208 chemical constituents have been identified from 16 species and 1 variety of the genus Scutellaria, such as neo-clerodane diterpenoids, sesterterpenoids, terpenoids, flavonoids. Pharmacological research has demonstrated that the extracts and compounds identified from this genus exhibit extensive biological activities, including anticancer, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral and antibacterial activities, effects on cardiovascular, cerebrovascular diseases as well as hepatoprotective and neuroprotective effects. The species S. baicalensis, S. barbata, and S. lateriflora and the main compounds baicalein, baicalin and wogonin are involved in clinical trials, which point the way for us to conduct further studies, such as study on the anticancer, antihypertensive, anti-infective, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective and other effects of Scutellaria.

CONCLUSIONS

The species included in the genus Scutellaria can be used to treat cancer, infection, hepatic disorders, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, and other diseases. Some indications in traditional medicines have been confirmed by modern pharmacological studies, such as anticancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-infective activity, and hepatoprotective and neuroprotective effects. The available literature indicated that most of the bioactivities could be attributed to flavonoids and neo-clerodane diterpenoids. Although there are some uses of Scutellaria in clinical practice, the existing research on this genus is still limited. In order to expand the development of medicinal resources of Scutellaria, the already studied species in this genus are recommended for more comprehensive investigation on their active substances, pharmacological mechanisms, quality control, clinical use and new drug research. Additionally, it is necessary to study species that their chemical composition or pharmacological activity have not yet been investigated, especially those used in folk medicine.

The In Vivo Antinociceptive and Antiinflammatory Effects of Verbascum exuberans Hub.-Mor

Objectives

Safe and effective drugs are still lacking for many pain therapies. In recent years, growing interest has been devoted thus on herbal drugs as an option to identify new pain killers. Based on this, extensive researches are carried out on Verbascum L. genus due to its therapeutic potency on pain and inflammation therapy. In this study, among Verbascum species, the antinociceptive effect of Verbascum exuberans Hub.-Mor., and its contributions to nitrergic, serotonergic, or opioidergic pathways as well as its antiinflammatory acitivity were investigated.

Materials and Methods

Tail clip, tail flick, and hot plate tests were used to determine the central (spinal and supraspinal) antinociceptive effect, while an acetic acid-induced writhing test was used to measure the peripheral antinociceptive effect of the extract (250 and 500 mg/kg). The extract (250 mg/kg) was then combined with nω-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester, cyproheptadine, and naloxone to evaluate its involvement in nitrergic, serotonergic, or opioidergic pathways, respectively. Carrageenan-induced hind paw edema model was used to determine the antiinflammatory effect of the extract (250 mg/kg).

Results

The extract shows central spinal but not central supraspinal antinociceptive effect, and presents peripheral antinociceptive effect. The antinociceptive actions of the extract is largely regulated via targeting the nitrergic pathway, while the opioidergic pathway is partly involved. Further, the extract shows antiinflammatory effect due to the significant inhibitions on the time dependent edema progression and the cytokine (tumor necrosis factor-alfa and interleukin-1beta) productions.

Conclusion

V. exuberans could be stated as a new source with a high beneficial potential in alleviating pain and inflammation.

Genus Stachys: A Review of Traditional Uses, Phytochemistry and Bioactivity

The present review highlights that Stachys spp. consist an important source of bioactive phytochemicals and exemplifies the uncharted territory of this genus for new research studies.

Polyphenol Profile and Biological Activity Comparisons of Different Parts of Astragalus macrocephalus subsp. finitimus from Turkey

The members of the genus Astragalus have great interest as traditional drugs in several folk systems including Turkey. In this sense, the present paper was aimed to explore the biological properties and chemical profiles of different parts (aerial parts, leaves, flowers, stems, and roots) of A. macrocephalus subsp. finitimus. Antioxidant (radical quenching, reducing power, and metal chelating) and enzyme inhibitory (α-amylase and tyrosinase) effects were investigated for biological properties. Regarding chemical profiles, individual phenolic compounds were detected by LC-MS, as well as total amounts. The leaves extract exhibited the strongest antioxidant abilities when compared with other parts. However, flowers extract had the best metal chelating ability. Hyperoside, apigenin, p-coumaric, and ferulic acids were identified as main compounds in the tested parts. Regarding enzyme inhibitory properties, tyrosinase inhibitory effects varied from IC₅₀: 1.02 to 1.41 mg/mL. In addition, the best amylase inhibition effect was observed by leaves (3.36 mg/mL), followed by aerial parts, roots, stems, and flowers. As a result, from multivariate analysis, the tested parts were classified in three cluster. Summing up the results, it can be concluded that A. macrocephalus subsp. finitimus could be a precious source of natural bioactive agents in pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and cosmeceutical applications.

Evaluation of the Antidiabetic Activity of Alchemilla persica Rothm. in Mice with Diabetes Induced by Alloxan

OBJECTIVES

Alchemilla species are used in Turkish folk medicine for the treatment of many diseases together with diabetes. Alchemilla persica, belonging to this genus, is widely distributed in Eastern Anatolia as well as in Caucasia, northern and northeastern Iran, and northern Iraq.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Methanolic-water extracts of the aerial parts and roots of A. persica were evaluated for their hypoglycemic activities in mice with alloxan-induced diabetes in order to verify its usage in folk medicine.

RESULTS

None of the tested extracts exhibited a significant lowering effect on blood glucose levels. However, the aerial parts notably increased blood glucose levels at doses of 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg.

CONCLUSION

A. persica usage as an antidiabetic is not confirmed in the present study.

Sesquiterpene Lactones and Flavonoids from Psephellus pyrrhoblepharus with Antiproliferative Activity on Human Gynecological Cancer Cell Lines

Multistep chromatographic separations of the chloroform extract of the Turkish endemic plant Psephellus pyrrhoblepharus (Boiss.) Wagenitz (syn. Centaurea pyrrhoblephara Boiss.) resulted in the isolation of six guaianolid-type sesquiterpenes, chlorojanerin (1), 19-deoxychlorojanerin (2), 15-hydroxyjanerin (3), aguerin B (4), cynaropicrin (5), eleganin (6); three flavonoids, apigenin, 6-methoxyluteolin and jaceosidine; two glycosides, benzyl-1-O-β-d-glucoside and 3(Z)-hexenyl-1-O-β-d-glucoside; and the coumarin scopoletin. The structures were established by the interpretation of their ESI-MS and 1D and 2D NMR data including ¹H-NMR, JMOD, ¹H,¹H-COSY, HSQC, HMBC, and NOESY experiments. All compounds were isolated for the first time from P. pyrrhoblepharus. Compounds 1-6, the isolated flavonoids and scopoletin were evaluated for their antiproliferative activities on human gynecological cancer cell lines (SiHa, HeLa, and MDA-MB-231 cells) using the MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay. Chlorojanerin (1), 19-deoxychlorojanerin (2), aguerin B (4), cynaropicrin (5), eleganin (6) were shown to have noteworthy effects on all of the tested cell lines, while apigenin, jaceosidine, and 6-methoxyluteolin were moderately active on HeLa cells. The highest activities were demonstrated by the chlorine-containing derivatives chlorojanerin (1) and 19-deoxychlorojanerin (2) with IC₅₀ values of 2.21 and 2.88 µM, respectively, against the triple negative breast cancer model MDA-MB-231 cells.

Phytochemical screening and evaluation of the antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of Ferula caspica M. Bieb. extracts

Chloroform, ethyl acetate and methanol extracts from the aerial parts of Ferula caspica M. Bieb. were tested for their antioxidant capacities by CUPRAC, ABTS, FRAP, Folin-Ciocalteu and aluminum chloride methods and for antimicrobial activities by the broth microdilution method. Chloroform and ethyl acetate extracts showed the highest antioxidant capacity and antimicrobial activity. Three known sesquiterpene derivatives; 1-(2',4'-dihydroxyphenyl)-3,7,11-trimethyl-3-vinyl-6(E),10-dodecadien-1-one (1), 2,3-dihydro-7-hydroxy-2,3-dimethyl-2-[4',8'-dimethyl-3',7'-nonadienyl]-furo[3,2,c]coumarin (2), 2,3-dihydro-7-hydroxy-2,3-dimethyl-3-[4',8'-dimethyl-3',7'-nonadienyl]-furo[3,2,c]coumarin(3); phenylpropanoid; laserine/2-epilaserine (4/5) and steroid mixtures; stigmasterol and β-sitosterol (6/7) were isolated from chloroform extract; three known flavonoids; kaempferol-3-O-β-glucopyranoside (8), kaempferol-3-O-α-rhamnopyranoside (9), quercetin-3-O-β-glucopyranoside (10), and one benzoic acid derivative; 2,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid (11) were isolated from the ethyl acetate extract. The structures were elucidated by spectroscopic methods.

Traditional medicinal plants of Ağrı Province, Turkey

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

This study serves as the first investigation of the knowledge of traditional medicinal plants used in Ağrı Province. The mountainous and strongly fragmented area, diversity of local flora, limited access to modern medicines because of the people's seminomadic lifestyle, and harsh climatic conditions have prompted the locals to benefit from natural resources, principally plants.

AIM OF THE STUDY

Although the use of medicinal plant is common in the area, documentation and inventory analysis are not available on the plant taxa used in traditional medicine in Ağrı Province. This study focused on the answer of the following question: What are the most medicinally valuable plant taxa in the province? Therefore, this study aimed to (i) document medicinal plant taxa used in Ağrı Province; (ii) determine the endemic plant species and their risk categories; (iii) determine the most widely used plant taxa for specific ailments to further contribute to drug discovery; (iv) determine the local names, plant part(s) used, preparation, and utilization methods of these local plant medicines to assist with pharmaceutical studies; and (v) reveal the origin(s) of traditional medicinal knowledge of Ağrı Province.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Ethnopharmacological field studies were conducted between 2014 and 2016 in 638 locations within Ağrı Province. Plant samples used in folk medicine were determined through face-to-face interviews with 120 local healers. Traditional medicinal plant samples were collected from wild areas with the help of the local healers and transported to Van Pharmaceutical Herbarium (Van, Turkey) for botanical identification. The statistical analyses of data were conducted using the informant consensus factor (ICF) method.

RESULTS

In this study, 118 medicinal taxa belonging to 35 families of plants were determined to be used in Ağrı Province. Ninety-three different local names were recorded, which mainly described the plant's morphological characteristics. Data analysis (ICF) revealed that the traditional medicinal plants used in Ağrı Province might offer promising information for new pharmaceuticals.

CONCLUSIONS

The local population in the study area has a preserved and comprehensive knowledge of traditional medicine because of its limited access to modern medicine, seminomadic lifestyle, isolated geographical position, traditional taste habits, climatic conditions, diversity of local flora, and mountainous and rugged geography. The medicinal plants presented in this study might provide valuable leads for the identification of bioactive compounds for pharmaceutical use and represent a vast and underutilized resource for the development of newer and more efficient pharmacological treatments.

Chemical profile, antioxidant, and enzyme inhibitory properties of two Scutellaria species: S. orientalis L. and S. salviifolia Benth

OBJECTIVES

This study investigates into the biological effects of solvent extracts (ethyl acetate, methanol, and water) of Scutellaria orientalis L. and Scutellaria salviifolia Benth. based on its enzyme inhibitory activity and antioxidant ability together with the screening of bioactive compounds.

METHODS

Total and individual bioactive components were determined using spectrophotometric and HPLC-ESI-MS methods. Six antioxidant assays were conducted and enzyme inhibition was tested against key enzymes linked to the pathology of common chronic disorders.

KEY FINDINGS

Results revealed that the aqueous extracts of both plants exerted better 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline)-6-sulfonic acid scavenging, reducing power, metal chelating, and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities. The methanol extracts showed highest tyrosinase inhibition and antioxidant activity in phosphomolybdenum assay while the less polar ethyl acetate extracts showed better acetylcholinesterase, butyrylcholinesterase, and α-amylase inhibition. Phytochemical evaluation by HPLC-ESI-MS revealed the presence of high amounts of flavones.

CONCLUSIONS

Scutellaria orientalis and S. salviifolia are important sources of bioactive agents that warrants further studies.

A Comparative Study on the in vitro Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Potentials of Three Endemic Ononis L. Species from Turkey

Objectives

In this study, the antioxidant capacity, antimicrobial activity and phenolic contents of aerial parts and roots extracts of three endemic Ononis L. (Leguminosae) species (O. sessilifolia Bornm., O. basiadnata Hub. & Mor., O. macrosperma Hub. & Mor.) were investigated for the first time.

Materials and Methods

The phenolic contents of the extracts [water and ethanol (EtOH)] and fractions [dichloromethane, EtOAc and n-butanol] were determined using Folin-Ciocalteu's phenol reagent. Also, their antioxidant capacities were studied using qualitative DPPH˙ (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhdrazyl radical) and TBA assays. The antimicrobial activity of these extracts and fractions compared with standard antibiotics were studied using disc diffusion assays against various Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and fungi.

Results

The total phenolic contents of the water extracts were found to range between 14.78-80.33 mg/g, and the EtOH extracts ranged from 67.19-145.33 mg/g. EtOAc fractions of the three species were rich in terms of total phenolic contents when compared with other extracts (242.56-620.89 mg/g). The most significant results in the TBA assays were obtained in EtOH extracts of O. macrosperma (IC₅₀=0.13±0.17 µg/mL), O. sessilifolia (IC₅₀=1.41±0.58 µg/mL) and root (IC₅₀=1.96±0.39 µg/mL).

Conclusion

EtOAc fractions rich in phenolic content were also found to be the most effective in antioxidant activity assays. Although all water extracts had no antimicrobial activity, EtOH extracts and n-butanol fractions showed generally moderate activity against bacteria. Some EtOAc fractions except for O. sessilifolia showed less activity against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, MRSA and Candida albicans.

An ethnobotanical study in Midyat (Turkey), a city on the silk road where cultures meet

BACKGROUND

Studies of ethnobotanical usages in south-eastern Turkey are rare. To widen this field of knowledge, we conducted an ethnobotanical study in Midyat (Mardin Province), Turkey.

METHODS

The field study was completed during three years (2007-2010). Our aim was to document the ethnobotanical uses of local plants and to make an ethnobotanical inventory of uncommon plants using qualitative interviews.

RESULTS

During field studies, 368 voucher specimens were collected in the investigated area. Ninety-two traditionally used plant species were reported from Midyat and surrounding vicinities in Turkey. Among the 92 taxa (129 usages), 35% were used for medical purposes, 22% for food, 13% for animal fodder, 7% as ornamental plants and dyes, 6% as brooms, 4% for latex and as fragrance, 4% for herbal tea, molasses and wine preparation, 3% for agricultural purposes, and 6% for other purposes. Comparative assessment showed that Teucrium polium (0.51), Matricaria aurea (0.26), Alcea setosa (0.21), and Malva neglecta (0.21) have the highest recorded UVs, and the following taxa had UVs between 0.10-0.20: Anthemis cotula (0.12), Allium cepa (0.13), Alcea striata subsp. striata (0.14), Crupina crupinastrum (0.12), Papaver rhoeas (0.13), Salvia multicaulis (0.14), Thymbra spicata (0.11), and Vicia pannonica subsp. striata (0.15). We reported the ethnobotanical usages of 21 taxa for the first time, in addition to indicating usages previously recorded in the literature. We also recorded four endemic plant usages in the area: Alkanna trichophila var. mardinensis, Centaurea kurdica, Centaurea stapfiana, and Sideritis libanotica subsp. linearis. They have variable leaf and flower morphology that are used traditionally. They are present as well-developed populations and thus their conservation status is not compromised. Additionally, Thymbra sintenisii is a recorded species that is classified as a rare and extensively used species in the region.

CONCLUSIONS

These results contribute to the fundamental knowledge of ethnobotanical usages in Midyat. To date, ethnobotanical studies have not been carried out in this region. This investigation uncovered usages of endemic medicinal plant species and traditional knowledge of Midyat communities living in a mixed culture. The people of Midyat, Batman, and Şırnak are Turkish citizens from various ethnic backgrounds, such as Kurdish, Arabic, and Syriac. We compared our data with results from other studies conducted in Turkey, particularly in south-eastern and eastern regions, as well as with studies from bordering countries, Iraq, Jordan, Syria, and Iran. Nonetheless, more work needs to be conducted to extend the present knowledge for locals to contribute to and evaluate economic potential in the region.