In vitro antibacterial and free radical scavenging activity of green hull of Juglans regia

Current View on Major Natural Compounds Endowed with Antibacterial and Antiviral Effects

Nowadays, infectious diseases of bacterial and viral origins represent a serious medical problem worldwide. In fact, the development of antibiotic resistance is responsible for the emergence of bacterial strains that are refractory even to new classes of antibiotics. Furthermore, the recent COVID-19 pandemic suggests that new viruses can emerge and spread all over the world. The increase in infectious diseases depends on multiple factors, including malnutrition, massive migration of population from developing to industrialized areas, and alteration of the human microbiota. Alternative treatments to conventional antibiotics and antiviral drugs have intensively been explored. In this regard, plants and marine organisms represent an immense source of products, such as polyphenols, alkaloids, lanthipeptides, and terpenoids, which possess antibacterial and antiviral activities. Their main mechanisms of action involve modifications of bacterial cell membranes, with the formation of pores, the release of cellular content, and the inhibition of bacterial adherence to host cells, as well as of the efflux pump. Natural antivirals can interfere with viral replication and spreading, protecting the host with the enhanced production of interferon. Of note, these antivirals are not free of side effects, and their administration to humans needs more research in terms of safety. Preclinical research with natural antibacterial and antiviral compounds confirms their effects against bacteria and viruses, but there are still only a few clinical trials. Therefore, their full exploitation and more intensive clinical studies represent the next steps to be pursued in this area of medicine.

Walnut By-Products and Elderberry Extracts-Sustainable Alternatives for Human and Plant Health

A current alternative for sustainable development through green chemistry is the replacement of synthetic compounds with natural ones through the superior capitalization of natural resources, with numerous applications in different fields. The benefits of walnuts (Juglans regia L.) and elderberries (Sambucus nigra L.) have been known since ancient times, due to the presence of phytochemicals such as flavonoids, polyphenols, carotenoids, alkaloids, nitrogen-containing compounds, tannins, steroids, anthocyanins, etc. These active compounds have multiple biological activities for human health, including benefits that are antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, hepatoprotective, antihypertensive, neuroprotective, etc. Like other medicinal plants, the walnut and the elderberry possess important phytosanitary properties (antibacterial, antifungal, and insecticidal) and their extracts can also be used as environmentally safe biopesticides, with the result that they constitute a viable and cheap alternative to environmentally harmful synthetic products. During recent years, walnut by-products and elderberries have attracted the attention of researchers, and investigations have focused on the species' valuable constituents and active properties. Comparing the information from the literature regarding the phytochemical profile and biological activities, it is highlighted that, apart from the predominant specific compounds, the walnut and the elderberry have common bioactive compounds, which come from six classes (phenols and derivatives, flavonoids, hydroxycinnamic acids, tannins, triterpenoids, and phytosteroids), and act on the same microorganisms. From this perspective, the aim of this review is to provide an overview of the bioactive compounds present in the different constitutive parts of walnut by-products and elderberries, which present a specific or common activity related to human health and the protection of agricultural crops in the context of sustainable development.

Exploring the phenolic profile, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties of walnut leaves (Juglans regia L.)

The aim of this study was to identify phenolic compounds in walnut leaves from northern Iraq and evaluate their ability to act as antibacterial and antioxidant agents. Phenolic compounds were determined by reversed-phase HPLC. Antibacterial activity was tested against various bacteria. Antioxidant properties were evaluated by various assays, including reducing power and DPPH radical scavenging activity. The HPLC profiles of walnut leaf fractions revealed quercetin, hydroquinone, 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, and caffeic acid in three fractions. The inhibitory activity of DPPH was determined as 47.66, 32.41, and 51.90 μg/mL for fractions I, II, and III, respectively. For ferric reducing power activity, fraction II > fraction III > fraction I and the FRAP activity was observed as 64.43, 73.19, and 68.18 μg/mL for fractions I, II, and III, respectively. All extracted fractions had antibacterial properties against all bacterial strains tested. Observations showed that fraction I was able to produce similar zones of inhibition as streptomycin in most cases. These results suggest that the fractions of this plant extract are plausible natural antioxidants that could be used as prime candidates for the synthesis of antioxidant drugs that can be used for the treatment of many oxidative stress-related diseases.

Characterization of Delonix regia Flowers’ Pigment and Polysaccharides: Evaluating Their Antibacterial, Anticancer, and Antioxidant Activities and Their Application as a Natural Colorant and Sweetener in Beverages

In the present study, an attempt was made to investigate the in vitro antioxidant, anticancer, and antibacterial activities of Delonix regia, then in vivo evaluate its safety as a natural colorant and sweetener in beverages compared to synthetic colorant and sweetener in rats, then serve the beverages for sensory evaluation. Delonix regia flowers had high protein, polysaccharide, Ca, Na, Mg, K, and Fe contents. The Delonix regia pigment extract (DRPE) polysaccharides were separated and purified by gel permeation chromatography on Sephacryl S-200, characterized by rich polysaccharides (13.6 g/L). The HPLC sugar profile detected the monosaccharides in the extracted polysaccharides, composed of mannose, galactose, glucose, arabinose, and gluconic acid, and the structure of saccharides was confirmed by FTIR, which showed three active groups: carbonyl, hydrocarbon, and hydroxyl. On the other hand, the red pigment constituents of DRPE were detected by HPLC; the main compounds were delphinidin and cyanidin at 15 µg/mL. The DRPE contained a considerable amount (26.33 mg/g) of anthocyanins, phenolic compounds (64.7 mg/g), and flavonoids (10.30 mg/g), thus influencing the antioxidant activity of the DRPE, which scavenged 92% of DPPH free radicals. Additionally, it inhibited the population of pathogenic bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria monocyogenes, Salmonella typhimurum, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, in the range of 30–90 μg/mL, in addition to inhibiting 85% of pancreatic cancer cell lines. On the in vivo level, the rats that were delivered a diet containing DRPE showed regular liver markers (AST, ALP, and ALT); kidney markers (urea and creatinine); high TP, TA, and GSH; and low MDA, while rats treated with synthetic dye and aspartame showed higher liver and kidney markers; lowered TP, TA, and GSH; and high MDA. After proving the safety of DRPE, it can be safely added to strawberry beverages. Significant sensorial traits, enhanced red color, and taste characterize the strawberry beverages supplemented with DRPE. The lightness and redness of strawberries were enhanced, and the color change ΔE values in DRPE-supplemented beverages ranged from 1.1 to 1.35 compared to 1.69 in controls, indicating the preservative role of DRPE on color. So, including DRPE in food formulation as a natural colorant and sweetener is recommended for preserving health and the environment.

The influence of in vitro gastrointestinal digestion and fecal fermentation on the flowers of Juglans regia: Changes in the active compounds and bioactivities

The objective of the research was to investigate the digestion and fecal fermentation characteristics of the flowers of Juglans regia (FJR), by using in vitro simulated digestion model (oral, gastric, and intestine) as well as colonic fermentation. As a result, the contents of most active substances and functional activities of FJR were decreased as the digestion proceeded, and showed a trend of first increasing and then decreasing in the fecal fermentation phase. In the oral digestion phase, the total phenolic and total flavonoid contents were released most with the values of 11.43 and 9.41 μg/mg, respectively. While in the gastric digestion phase, the antioxidant abilities, α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibitory abilities were the weakest. By using high-performance liquid chromatography, 13 phenolic acids and 3 flavonoids were detected. Of these, the highest number of identified compounds were found in the undigested and the oral digestion stages, which were mainly salicylic acid, epicatechin, 3,5-dihydroxybenoic acid, vanillic acid, and protocatechuic acid. However, great losses were observed during the gastric and intestinal digestion stages, only epicatechin, salicylic acid, and protocatechuic acid were found. Surprisingly, fecal fermentation released more abundant phenolic substances compared to gastric and intestinal digestion. Additionally, FJR reduced the pH values in the colonic fermentation system, significantly promoted the production of short-chain fatty acids, and regulated the microbe community structure by improving the community richness of beneficial microbiota. This indicated that FJR had the benefit to improve the microorganismal environment in the intestine. Further Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis revealed that FJR could suppress the metabolic pathways related to diseases, such as infectious diseases, metabolic diseases and neurodegenerative diseases. In conclusion, although the bioactivities of FJR decreased significantly after in vitro gastrointestinal digestion and fecal fermentation, it still maintained certain antioxidant and hypoglycemic ability in vitro. This study described the detailed changes in the active compounds and bioactivities of FJR during in vitro gastrointestinal digestion and fecal fermentation, and its effects on microbiota composition and SCFAs levels in feces. Our results revealed the potential health benefits of FJR, and could provide a reference for its further research and development.

Mineral Composition, Antioxidant, Anti-Urease, and Antibiofilm Potential of Juglans Regia Leaves and Unripe Fruits

The leaves and unripe fruits from 5 walnut clones were tested in terms of mineral composition, antioxidant activity, and the inhibitory effect on model urease. It has been shown that the leaves are richer in minerals and also have higher antioxidant potential than unripe fruits. HPTLC polyphenolic profiles of leaves extract were found more abundant in flavonoids regardless of the sample origin. Only green walnut extracts showed an effect as urease inhibitors. Higher antibacterial activity was observed against Staphylococcus aureus in comparison with Staphylococcus epidermidis. Both leaf and fruit extracts showed antibiofilm activity, up to 95% of biofilm inhibition. It was shown that all tested Juglans regia extracts can serve as a valuable antibacterial agent against staphylococci infections.

The Effect of Adding Spices to Green Walnut Tinctures on Their Polyphenolic Profile, Antioxidant Capacity and Action on Renal Cells

Green walnuts—unripe fruits of Juglans regia L. are known for their many biological activities and therapeutic potential. Tinctures based on unripe walnuts (samples 1 and 2) and tinctures with the addition of spices (ginger, cloves, bay leaves, juniper fruit: samples 3–6) were tested for polyphenol profile and antioxidant capacity. The effect on a normal monkey kidney epithelial cell line (VERO) was evaluated. For monitoring the changes in cell proliferation, real-time cell analysis (xCELLigence system) was employed and cell viability was measured by the MTS test. All tinctures showed the presence of polyphenols, mainly phenolic acids, flavonoids, and naphthoquinones, and in the sample with cloves, eugenol was found. Addition of spices increased the antioxidant capacity. Tinctures show a dose-dependent cytotoxic effect. The lowest concentrations (125 µg mL−1) of both tinctures without additives (1 and 2) and with bay leaves (4) did not adversely affect (p > 0.05) and even supported cell proliferation (p < 0.05) in comparison to the control cells without treatment. Viability was lower in all cells except for the cells treated with tincture with cloves addition (p > 0.05). It indicates the beneficial effect of cloves enrichment and supports the assumption that the appropriate dosage of tinctures is necessary to be safe for the consumers.

Antibacterial, antibiofilm and anti-quorum sensing activities of Muntingia calabura L. leaf extract against Pseudomonas aeruginosa

The aim of this study was to evaluate the phytochemicals, antioxidant, antibacterial and anti-quorum sensing (QS) properties of methanol extract of Muntingia calabura L. leaves against biofilm-forming strain Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The antioxidant potential of M. calabura methanol leaf extract was evaluated using a radical scavenging assay. Since the findings were so promising, the study aims to screen the phytochemical profiles using qualitative and quantitative approaches and to expand the investigation to anti-QS activity. The antibacterial activity was assessed by determining the minimum inhibitory concentration against pathogenic Gram-negative and Gram-positive biofilm-forming bacterial strains using an agar well diffusion plate method. Muntingia calabura methanol leaf extract was most potent against P. aeruginosa. The QS controlled virulence factors in P. aeruginosa is significantly inhibited by M. calabura leaf extract. The microscopy images revealed a major reduction in P. aeruginosa biofilm formation. Interestingly, M. calabura leaf extract was not toxic to Vero cell line. These findings make M. calabura a strong candidate for new antimicrobial and anti-QS herbal agents.

Mineral Analysis, In Vitro Evaluation of Alpha-Amylase, Alpha-Glucosidase, and Beta-Galactosidase Inhibition, and Antibacterial Activities of Juglans regia L. Bark Extracts

In traditional medicine, various parts of the plant Juglans regia L. are used to treat several pathological conditions including diabetes and infectious and periodontal diseases. This includes the bark of Juglans regia. The present study is aimed at evaluating for the first time the mineral composition, investigating the antidiabetic and antibacterial properties of Moroccan J. regia bark, and finally determining the correlations between the chemical composition of the tested extracts and their biological activities. The mineral composition was determined using inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy. Then, nine extracts were prepared by different methods and modalities of extractions and investigated for their antidiabetic activities, via tests of inhibition of alpha-amylase, alpha-glucosidase, and beta-galactosidase enzymes, and for their antibacterial activities against six strains involved in infectious diseases and periodontology. Finally, the correlation between the chemical compositions of the different extracts prepared and their antidiabetic and antibacterial potencies was determined by Principal Component Analysis (PCA). J. regia is an important source of mineral elements, mainly Fe (19849.8), K (3487.8), Mg (2631.03), and P (691.02) mg/kg plant material. All the extracts of J. regia possess antidiabetic activity, and in particular, the macerated acetone extract gave the highest inhibitory activity against alpha-amylase (IC₅₀ value of 5445.33 ± 82.58 μg/mL), alpha-glucosidase (IC₅₀ value of 323.7 ± 1.71 μg/mL), and beta-galactosidase (IC₅₀ value of 811.2 ± 8.32 μg/mL). For the results of antibacterial activity, the macerated acetone extract at the concentration of 80 mg/mL was found to be the most active by inducing inhibition diameters of 12, 17, 18, 11, 14.5, and 16 mm against Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, and Listeria innocua, respectively. PCA allowed us to deduce that the extracts richer in polyphenols, in particular, the two acetone and ethanol macerates, have a better antidiabetic activity against alpha-glucosidase as well as a better antibacterial activity. The results of the present study revealed that the aqueous and organic macerate extracts showed a better antidiabetic activity and justified the use of J. regia bark as an antibacterial and antiseptic agent in traditional Moroccan medicine in the treatment of dental affections.

Flower Development of Heterodichogamous Juglans mandshurica (Juglandaceae)

Juglans mandshurica is a monoecious heterodichogamous species with protogynous and protandrous mating strategies that occur at a 1:1 ratio and are randomly distributed in the population. The inconsistent male and female flowering periods of the same mating type result in an imbalance of the ratio of male and female flowers, contributing to the low yield of this species. However, little more is known about its floral development. Following three consecutive years of observations, histological analysis, and scanning electron microscopy, we found that the morphological and anatomical development of the male and female flowers were synchronous. The male floral morphological development of J. mandshurica was divided into seven phases, while that of the female flower was nine. Four stages were shared between the male and female flower's anatomical development. Our findings indicate that there was minimal overlap between sexual functions within the same mating type, guaranteeing synchronization, mutual non-interference, outcrossing, and avoidance of self-fertilization. These results provide a theoretical basis for the improvement of fruit yield and quality through the reasonable allocation of protogynous and protandrous individuals in a population, and for artificial pollination control. Further, these findings lay a foundation for further research on the genetic mechanisms and environmental effects on flower development of heterodichogamous J. mandshurica.

Investigation of the nutritional value and antioxidant activities of common Bangladeshi edible mushrooms

Background

Mushrooms have been recognized both as medicine and nutritional food in many countries for thousands of years, owing to the presence of significant amounts of carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, fibers, and antioxidants. This study aims at evaluating the nutritional contents and antioxidant potentials of seven types of mushrooms cultivated in Bangladesh.

Methods

Proximate composition analysis of the collected mushrooms was performed to determine moisture content, pH, lipid, crude fibre, total ash, protein, carbohydrate content, and calorific value. Antioxidant potential of collected mushrooms were evaluated by mean of eight different methods including total flavonoid content, phenolic content, tannin content, total antioxidant activity, hydroxyl radical scavenging activity, DPPH assay and reducing power capacity.

Results

The results demonstrated that investigated mushrooms were found rich in proteins (20–45 g/100 g), carbohydrate (11–61 g/100 g in dry sample) and fibre (5–40 g/100 g). The ash content was found 6–10 g/100 g and glucose content 54–160 mg/100 g. However, all the mushrooms showed a lower content of lipid (1–4%). Results also revealed that the total antioxidant capacity of the extracts were found in the concentration range of 0.08–0.21 mg/mL, whereas the hydroxyl radical and DPPH radical scavenging activity were 0.88–1.40 and 0.05–0.63 mg/mL.

Conclusion

The findings of the current investigation proved that the studied Bangladeshi mushrooms are good source of nutritional and antioxidant components. Therefore, this study can help spreading awareness among Bangladeshi people regarding consumption of mushrooms as functional foods.

Neuroprotective Potential of Verbascoside Isolated from Acanthus mollis L. Leaves through Its Enzymatic Inhibition and Free Radical Scavenging Ability

The phenomenon of today’s ageing population has increased interest in the search for new active substances that delay the onset and development of neurodegenerative diseases. In this respect, the search for natural compounds, mainly phenolic compounds, with neuroprotective activity has become the focus of growing interest. Verbascoside is a phenylethanoid that has already presented several pharmacological activities. The purpose of this study is to isolate and identify verbascoside from Acanthus mollis leaves. Consequently, its neuroprotective ability through enzymatic inhibition and free radical scavenging ability has been analyzed both in vitro and in cell culture assays. The antioxidant capacity of verbascoside was evaluated in vitro through total antioxidant capacity, DPPH^•, ^•OH, and O₂^•—scavenging activity assays. The effect of verbascoside on intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels of HepG2 and SH-SY5Y cell lines was studied in normal culture and under induced oxidative stress. The inhibitory ability of the phenylethanoid against several enzymes implied in neurodegenerative diseases (tyrosinase, MAO-A, and AChE) was analyzed in vitro. Verbascoside neuroprotective activity is at least in part related to its free radical scavenging ability. The effect of verbascoside on ROS production suggests its potential in the prevention of harmful cell redox changes and in boosting neuroprotection.

Hydroethanolic extract of Juglans regia L. green husks: A source of bioactive phytochemicals

Juglans regia L. (walnut) green husks are an important fraction of waste resulting from the walnut production, thus representing an interesting natural matrix to explore as a source of bioactive compounds. In this work, the hydroethanolic extract of walnut green husks was studied considering the phytochemical composition and the biological activity using different cell model assays, most of them evaluated for the first time for this matrix. From the HPLC-DAD-ESI/MSⁿ analysis, sixteen compounds were identified, being the extract mostly composed of naphthalene derivatives (including tetralone derivatives) and less abundant in phenolic compounds (hydroxycinnamic acids and flavonols). The cytotoxic potential of the extract was assessed against tumour (MCF-7, NCI-H460, HeLa and HepG2) and non-tumour (PLP2) cell lines. Moreover, the antioxidant activity of the extract was evaluated by inhibition of the oxidative haemolysis (OxHLIA) and the formation of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), and the anti-inflammatory potential by the inhibition of the NO production by the RAW264.7 cell culture. The antibacterial effects of the extract were also evaluated against Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. The results obtained represent a stepping stone for the development of future applications using walnut green husks as a source of added value compounds with bioactive potential.

Radical scavenging activity of plant extracts from improved processing

Radical scavenging activity of extracts obtained from 16 plants harvested in South Hungary was assessed and compared to the activity of ascorbic acid standard. During extraction, a novel technique involving an ethanolic treatment at ambient temperature was used for advanced active component release. Although the procedure is time consuming, it serves as an efficient and harmless route to extract valuable antioxidant compounds from their natural sources. The as-prepared extracts consist of two phases (except Allium sativum), a clear solution and a thick suspension containing solid plant parts that separates in about 2 h. The samples were analysed by the antioxidant assay based on the scavenging of 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radicals. For most of the species, the solid phase retained considerable amount of available antioxidant agents, while the solution parts showed significant radical scavenging activity. The main exceptions were Nigella sativa, Hippophae rhamnoides and Linum usitatissimum, where the solid parts were less active. Overall, the extracts possessed remarkable antioxidant activity that were compared to published literature data and were found to be superior.

Effect of Impregnation of Biodegradable Polyesters with Polyphenols from Cistus Linnaeus and Juglans regia Linnaeus Walnut Green Husk

The publication describes a process combining the extraction of plant material and impregnation of biodegradable polymers (polylactide (PLA) and polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA)). As raw plant materials for making extracts, Cistus and green walnut husk were selected due to their high content of active phytochemicals, including antioxidants. The extracts used to impregnate polymers contained valuable polyphenolic compounds, as confirmed by FTIR and UV–Vis spectroscopy. After impregnation, the polymer samples showed greater thermal stability, determined by the differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) method. In addition, despite the presence of natural antibacterial and antifungal substances in the extracts, the polyester samples remained biodegradable. The manuscript also describes the effect of UV aging on the change of surface free energy and the color of polymers. UV aging has been selected for testing due to the high susceptibility of plant compounds to this degrading factor. The combination of the extraction of plant material and polymer impregnation in one process proved to be an effective and functional method, as both the obtained plant extracts and impregnated polymers showed the expected properties.

Medicinal and Aromatic Plants Used in Traditional Treatment of the Oral Pathology: The Ethnobotanical Survey in the Economic Capital Casablanca, Morocco (North Africa)

In order to identify the medicinal and aromatic plants most requested for the treatment of the most common oral pathology, an ethnobotanical survey was carried out in the economic capital Casablanca, Morocco. The data basis was obtained draw selected traditional herbalists based on the semi-structured questionnaire. Quantitative indices such as use value (UV), family UV (FUV), fidelity level and informant consensus factor (ICF) were intended to evaluate the importance of plant species. A total of 46 plants species belonging to 22 families that were used. Juglandaceae family showed the highest significance (FUV = 0.75). We identified 40 species used for gum disease (gingivitis, periodontal abscess), 15 for dental pain (toothache, tooth sensitivity), 14 for halitosis, 12 for oral ulcers (aphtous, mouth ulcers and herpes), 3 for dental stain (teeth cleaning, sparkling and bleaching) and only 2 for tooth decay. The used plants are mainly prepared as decoction (80.4%). Syzygium aromaticum (UV = 0.94) was the specie most commonly prescribed by local herbalists. The higher ICF (0.75) was registered for the use gum disease.

Plant-based remedies for wolf bites and rituals against wolves in the Iberian Peninsula: Therapeutic opportunities and cultural values for the conservation of biocultural diversity

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Combined approaches to local knowledge and folk plant use improve awareness and promote effective strategies for the conservation of significant biocultural patrimony. Moreover, the information reported might be the basis for further appropriate phytochemical and pharmacological research. Therefore we provide an insight into traditional herbal remedies and practices for healing bite injuries in humans and domestic animals caused by the Iberian wolf. Wolf bites are associated with inflammatory processes and rabies is a potential complication AIMS: This paper describes and summarises the medicinal-veterinary empirical and ritual uses of the Iberian flora for wolf injuries and reviews the ethnopharmacological data of specific plants that are already published. The Iberian wolf is a critically endangered subspecies of the grey wolf. Livestock attacks attributed to wolves are increasingly frequent in the Iberian Peninsula, resulting in serious social problems. Interesting strategies for Iberian wolf conservation might be related to traditional grazing practices that are deeply linked with empirical knowledge and local practices passed on by oral tradition, which are also vulnerable now.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Based on documentary sources from the beginning of the twentieth century to the present, we systematically searched old monographs, regional documents, technical papers, project reports, as well as the international and national databases and the available scientific literature, without restrictions regarding the language of the publications consulted.

RESULTS

A total of 39 remedies for healing wolf bite injuries in humans and domestic animals was reported, highlighting the medicinal use of 33 species of vascular plants, mostly wild herbs, belonging to 18 botanical families. The use of wood ashes was also reported. The number of use-reports found represents a very high number considering similar European studies. Leaves were the predominant plant part mentioned. Boiling plant materials in water for topical uses was the most frequent method of preparation found. Some traditional remedies combined two or more plant species in order to potentiate their effects. Moreover, some plant-based traditional practices and rituals to ward off wolves and to prevent wolf attacks were also documented. In these practices eleven other species (belonging to seven more families) were used.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the decline of the Iberian wolf over the last few decades, wolves are still in the imaginary of rural communities that perceive this large carnivore as both a diabolic creature and a mythic and benign animal. Wolf-related cultural heritage is of great interest in terms of conservation strategies. This review emphasises the importance of local knowledge and provides useful information about several potential sources of phytochemicals and their claimed therapeutic effects, aiming at contributing to the conservation and appreciation of the Iberian biocultural heritage.