1
|
Bohórquez-Moreno CD, Öksüz KE, Dinçer E, Hepokur C, Şen İ. Plant-inspired adhesive and injectable natural hydrogels: in vitro and in vivo studies. Biotechnol Lett 2023; 45:1209-1222. [PMID: 37308681 DOI: 10.1007/s10529-023-03400-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The development of alternative therapeutic treatments based on the use of medicinal and aromatic plants, such as Juniper communis L., has aroused interest in the medical field to find new alternatives to conventional therapeutic treatments, which have shown problems related to bacterial resistance, high costs, or sustainability in their production. The present work describes the use of hydrogels based on sodium alginate and carboxymethyl cellulose, with combinations of juniperus leaves and berry extracts, in order to characterize their chemical characteristics, antibacterial activity, tissue adhesion test, cytotoxicity in the L929 cell line, and their effects on an in vivo model in mice to maximize the use of these materials in the healthcare field. Overall, an adequate antibacterial potential against S. aureus, E. coli and P. vulgaris was obtained with doses above 100 mg.mL-1 of hydrogels. Likewise, low cytotoxicity in hydrogels combined with extracts has been identified according to the IC50 value at 17.32 µg.mL-1, compared to the higher cytotoxic activity expressed by the use of control hydrogels with a value at 11.05 µg.mL-1. Moreover, in general, the observed adhesion was high to different tissues, showing its adequate capacity to be used in different tissue typologies. Furthermore, the invivo results have not shown erythema, edema, or other complications related to the use of the proposed hydrogels. These results suggest the feasibility of using these hydrogels in biomedical applications given the observed safety.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Kerim Emre Öksüz
- Department of Metallurgical & Materials Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Sivas Cumhuriyet University, 58140, Sivas, Turkey.
| | - Emine Dinçer
- Department of Nutrition & Dietetics, Faculty of Health Science, Sivas Cumhuriyet University, 58140, Sivas, Turkey
| | - Ceylan Hepokur
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Sivas Cumhuriyet University, 58140, Sivas, Turkey
| | - İlker Şen
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Sivas Cumhuriyet University, 58140, Sivas, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Chae HS, Dale O, Mir TM, Ashfaq MK, Avula B, Walker LA, Khan IA, Khan SI. Juniper Berries Regulate Diabetes and Obesity Markers Through Modulating PPAR α, PPAR γ, and LXR: In Vitro and In Vivo Effects. J Med Food 2023; 26:307-318. [PMID: 37186895 DOI: 10.1089/jmf.2022.0146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The berries of Juniperus communis have been traditionally used for therapeutic purposes. They have been reported to possess various pharmacological effects such as anti-inflammatory, hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic activities. In this study, a methanolic extract of J. communis berries (JB) was evaluated for its effects on peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors alpha and gamma (PPARα and PPARγ), liver X receptor (LXR), glucose uptake and lipid accumulation using various cellular systems. At a concentration of 25 μg/mL, JB caused 3.77-fold activation of PPARα, 10.90-fold activation of PPARγ, and 4.43-fold activation of LXR in hepatic cells. JB inhibited (11%) the adipogenic effect induced by rosiglitazone in adipocytes and increased glucose uptake (90%) in muscle cells. In high-fat diet (HFD) fed mice, JB at a dose of 25 mg/kg body weight exhibited a 21% decrease in body weight. Fasting glucose levels in mice treated with 12.5 mg/kg of JB were significantly decreased (39%) indicating its efficacy in regulating hyperglycemia and obesity induced by HFD thus ameliorating the symptoms of type 2 diabetes. A series of energy metabolic genes, including Sirt1 (2.00-fold) and RAF1 (2.04-fold), were upregulated by JB, while rosiglitazone regulated the hepatic PPARγ only. Phytochemical analysis of JB indicated presence of a number of flavonoids and biflavonoids which seem to be responsible for the observed activity. It was concluded that JB acted as a multiple agonist of PPARα, PPARγ and LXR without the undesired effect of adipogenesis and exhibited the property of enhancing glucose uptake. The regulation of PPARα, PPARγ and LXR seems to be through Sirt1 and RAF1. In vivo results confirmed the antidiabetic and antiobesity potential of JB and indicated its utility in metabolic disorder and type 2 diabetes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hee-Sung Chae
- National Center for Natural Products Research, School of Pharmacy, The University of Mississippi, University, Mississippi, USA
| | - Olivia Dale
- National Center for Natural Products Research, School of Pharmacy, The University of Mississippi, University, Mississippi, USA
| | - Tahir M Mir
- National Center for Natural Products Research, School of Pharmacy, The University of Mississippi, University, Mississippi, USA
| | - Mohammad K Ashfaq
- National Center for Natural Products Research, School of Pharmacy, The University of Mississippi, University, Mississippi, USA
| | - Bharathi Avula
- National Center for Natural Products Research, School of Pharmacy, The University of Mississippi, University, Mississippi, USA
| | - Larry A Walker
- National Center for Natural Products Research, School of Pharmacy, The University of Mississippi, University, Mississippi, USA
| | - Ikhlas A Khan
- National Center for Natural Products Research, School of Pharmacy, The University of Mississippi, University, Mississippi, USA
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, School of Pharmacy, The University of Mississippi, University, Mississippi, USA
| | - Shabana I Khan
- National Center for Natural Products Research, School of Pharmacy, The University of Mississippi, University, Mississippi, USA
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, School of Pharmacy, The University of Mississippi, University, Mississippi, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Unterholzner L, Prendin AL, Dibona R, Menardi R, Casolo V, Gargiulo S, Boscutti F, Carrer M. Transient Effects of Snow Cover Duration on Primary Growth and Leaf Traits in a Tundra Shrub. Front Plant Sci 2022; 13:822901. [PMID: 35481143 PMCID: PMC9037292 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.822901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
With the recent climate warming, tundra ecotones are facing a progressive acceleration of spring snowpack melting and extension of the growing season, with evident consequences to vegetation. Along with summer temperature, winter precipitation has been recently recognised as a crucial factor for tundra shrub growth and physiology. However, gaps of knowledge still exist on long-living plant responses to different snowpack duration, especially on how intra-specific and year-to-year variability together with multiple functional trait adjustments could influence the long-term responses. To fill this gap, we conducted a 3 years snow manipulation experiment above the Alpine treeline on the typical tundra species Juniperus communis, the conifer with the widest distributional range in the north emisphere. We tested shoot elongation, leaf area, stomatal density, leaf dry weight and leaf non-structural carbohydrate content of plants subjected to anticipated, natural and postponed snowpack duration. Anticipated snowpack melting enhanced new shoot elongation and increased stomatal density. However, plants under prolonged snow cover seemed to compensate for the shorter growing period, likely increasing carbon allocation to growth. In fact, these latter showed larger needles and low starch content at the beginning of the growing season. Variability between treatments slightly decreased over time, suggesting a progressive acclimation of juniper to new conditions. In the context of future warming scenarios, our results support the hypothesis of shrub biomass increase within the tundra biome. Yet, the picture is still far from being complete and further research should focus on transient and fading effects of changing conditions in the long term.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lucrezia Unterholzner
- Department of Land Environment Agriculture and Forestry, University of Padova, Legnaro, Italy
| | - Angela Luisa Prendin
- Department of Land Environment Agriculture and Forestry, University of Padova, Legnaro, Italy
- Department of Biology, Ecoinformatics and Biodiversity, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Raffaella Dibona
- Department of Land Environment Agriculture and Forestry, University of Padova, Legnaro, Italy
| | - Roberto Menardi
- Department of Land Environment Agriculture and Forestry, University of Padova, Legnaro, Italy
| | - Valentino Casolo
- Department of Agricultural Food Environmental Animal Sciences, University of Udine, Udine, Italy
| | - Sara Gargiulo
- Department of Agricultural Food Environmental Animal Sciences, University of Udine, Udine, Italy
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Francesco Boscutti
- Department of Agricultural Food Environmental Animal Sciences, University of Udine, Udine, Italy
| | - Marco Carrer
- Department of Land Environment Agriculture and Forestry, University of Padova, Legnaro, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Log T, Gjedrem AM. A Fire Revealing Coastal Norway's Wildland-Urban Interface Challenges and Possible Low-Cost Sustainable Solutions. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2022; 19:3038. [PMID: 35270730 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19053038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2022] [Revised: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The Calluna vulgaris L. that dominated coastal heathlands of Western Europe were for millennia managed by regular burning cycles for improved grazing. Most places in Norway this practice has, however, been neglected over the last 5–7 decades, resulting in accumulation of above ground biomass including degenerated Calluna and successional fire-prone species, e.g., native juniper (Juniperus communis) and exotic blacklisted Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis). Today, in dry periods, the heathland represents a fire threat to the increasing number of homes in the wildland–urban interface (WUI), as exemplified by the June 2021 Sotra Island WUI fire. The fire burned 700 ha of encroached heathlands, destroyed three buildings, and threatened settlements. In the present study, the Sotra fire was investigated to understand the fire development and analyse possible risk reducing measures. Photographic material obtained during the fire, weather conditions prior to and during the fire, involved fire fuel, fire spread mechanisms, firefighting response, and possible consequences under slightly changed circumstances were analysed. Compared to previous fires in coastal Norway, the Sotra fire represents a step change in fire development including, e.g., pyrocumulus-like clouds, fire whirls, and fire spread 270 m across a fjord. Preventive measures based on the local context are analysed, including engaging voluntary communities to remove fire-prone fuel, e.g., juniper and Sitka, to create defensible space. Moreover, strategic fire breaks in the terrain, e.g., well-managed heathland strengthening existing fuel breaks, e.g., lakes, cultivated fields, naked rock, and roads, are recommended. Mechanical cutting is suggested as a short-term measure while fenceless grazing may represent a long-term solution to prevent regrowth. During a period of record high energy prices, this may provide free of charge firewood and make way for future local food production, in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, while reducing the fire risk.
Collapse
|
5
|
Peruč D, Tićac B, Broznić D, Maglica Ž, Šarolić M, Gobin I. Juniperus communis essential oil limit the biofilm formation of Mycobacterium avium and Mycobacterium intracellulare on polystyrene in a temperature-dependent manner. Int J Environ Health Res 2022; 32:141-154. [PMID: 32196364 DOI: 10.1080/09603123.2020.1741519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2020] [Accepted: 03/09/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Formation of biofilms allows bacterial cells to survive in adverse environments. Nontuberculous mycobacteria are ubiquitous in aqueous environments, where they adhere to surfaces and create a biofilm. This has led to the emergence of healthcare-associated infections and the use of biomaterials in medicine. Essential oils (EO) are substances of natural origin whose effect on microorganisms has been the subject of numerous studies. Here, we investigated the effect of Juniperus communis EO on nontuberculous mycobacteria and their early and mature biofilm formation in sterilised tap water. The combination of Juniperus communis EO and increasing ambient temperature showed a synergistic effect on the reduction of biofilm formation of Mycobacterium avium and Mycobacterium intracellulare on a polystyrene surface. A significant antibiofilm effect of Juniperus communis EO was also found at subinhibitory concentrations, suggesting a potential role for it as an alternative disinfectant of natural water.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dolores Peruč
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Brigita Tićac
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Dalibor Broznić
- Department of Medical Chemistry, Biochemistry and Clinical Chemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Željka Maglica
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Mladenka Šarolić
- Department of Food Technology, "Marko Marulić" Polytechnic of Knin, Knin, Croatia
| | - Ivana Gobin
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Salamone S, Appendino G, Khalili A, Pollastro F, Munoz E, Unciti-Broceta JD. Agathadiol, a labdane diterpenoid from juniper berries, is a positive allosteric modulator of CB 1R. Fitoterapia 2021; 155:105059. [PMID: 34637886 DOI: 10.1016/j.fitote.2021.105059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Revised: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The neutral fraction of a juniper (Juniperus communis L.) berries acetone extract could positively modulate the activity of type 1 - cannabinoid receptor (CB1R). Bioactivity-directed fractionation identified the labdane diterpenoid agathadiol (4) as a positive allosteric modulator of CB1R, while closely related analogues were inactive. Agathadiol (4) is a minor constituent of juniper, but could be more conveniently obtained by semisynthesis from agathic acid (8), a major constituent of Manila copal.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Salamone
- Dipartimento di Scienze del Farmaco, Largo Donegani 2, 28100 Novara, Italy
| | - Giovanni Appendino
- Dipartimento di Scienze del Farmaco, Largo Donegani 2, 28100 Novara, Italy
| | - Adil Khalili
- Dipartimento di Scienze del Farmaco, Largo Donegani 2, 28100 Novara, Italy
| | - Federica Pollastro
- Dipartimento di Scienze del Farmaco, Largo Donegani 2, 28100 Novara, Italy; PlantaChem Srls, via Amico Canobio 4/6, 28100 Novara, Italy.
| | - Eduardo Munoz
- Instituto Maimónides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba, av. de Menéndez Pidal, 14004 Córdoba, Spain; Departamento de Biología Celular, Fisiología e Inmunología, Campus de Menéndez Pidal, Universidad de Córdoba, 14071 Spain Córdoba, Spain; Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía, av. de Menéndez Pidal, s/n, 14004 Córdoba, Spain.
| | - Juan D Unciti-Broceta
- Emerald Health Biotechnology, Parque Científico Tecnológico Rabanales 21, Calle Cecilia Payne, 14014 Córdoba, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Huang NC, Huang RL, Huang XF, Chang KF, Lee CJ, Hsiao CY, Lee SC, Tsai NM. Evaluation of anticancer effects of Juniperus communis extract on hepatocellular carcinoma cells in vitro and in vivo. Biosci Rep 2021; 41:BSR20211143. [PMID: 34151367 PMCID: PMC8276093 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20211143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Revised: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of primary liver cancer and accounts for the fourth leading cause of all cancer deaths. Scientific evidence has found that plant extracts seem to be a reliable choice due to their multitarget effects against HCC. Juniperus communis has been used for centuries in traditional medicine and its anticancer properties have been reported. As a result, the purpose of the study was to investigate the anticancer effect and mechanism of J. communis extract (JCo extract) on HCC in vitro and in vivo. In the present study, we found that JCo extract inhibited the growth of human HCC cells by inducing cell cycle arrest at the G0/G1 phase, extensive apoptosis and suppressing metastatic protein expressions in HCC cells. Moreover, the combinational treatment of JCo and VP-16 was found to enhance the anticancer effect, revealing that JCo extract might have the potential to be utilized as an adjuvant to promote HCC treatment. Furthermore, in vivo study, JCo extract significantly suppressed HCC tumor growth and extended the lifespan with no or low systemic and pathological toxicity. JCo extract significantly up-regulated the expression of pro-apoptotic proteins and tumor suppressor p53, suppressed VEGF/VEGFR autocrine signaling, down-regulated cell cycle regulatory proteins and MMP2/MMP9 proteins. Overall, our results provide a basis for exploiting JCo extract as a potential anticancer agent against HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nan-Chieh Huang
- Department of Information Engineering, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung 84001, Taiwan, R.O.C
- Division of Family Medicine, Zuoying Branch of Kaohsiung Armed Forces General Hospital, Kaohsiung 81342, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Ru-Lai Huang
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Ditmanson Medical Foundation Chia-Yi Christian Hospital, Chia-Yi 60002, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Xiao-Fan Huang
- Department of Medical Laboratory and Biotechnology, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung 40201, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Kai-Fu Chang
- Department of Medical Laboratory and Biotechnology, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung 40201, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Chien-Ju Lee
- Department of Medical Laboratory and Biotechnology, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung 40201, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Chih-Yen Hsiao
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Ditmanson Medical Foundation Chia-Yi Christian Hospital, Chia-Yi 60002, Taiwan, R.O.C
- Department of Hospital and Health Care Administration, Chia Nan University of Pharmacy and Science, Tainan 71710, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Shan-Chih Lee
- Department of Medical Imaging and Radiological Sciences, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung 40201, Taiwan, R.O.C
- Department of Medical Imaging, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung 40201, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Nu-Man Tsai
- Department of Medical Laboratory and Biotechnology, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung 40201, Taiwan, R.O.C
- Clinical Laboratory, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung 40201, Taiwan, R.O.C
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Najar B, Nardi V, Stincarelli MA, Patrissi S, Pistelli L, Giannecchini S. Screening of the essential oil effects on human H1N1 influenza virus infection: an in vitro study in MDCK cells. Nat Prod Res 2021; 36:3149-3152. [PMID: 34176386 DOI: 10.1080/14786419.2021.1944137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Nineteen essential oils (EOs) obtained from different plants have been evaluated for their potential in vitro anti-H1N1 influenza virus efficacy. Both multivariate analyses and bivariate correlation were performed to better understand how the composition influences the activity. The results evidenced that for the laboratory distilled EOs both rosemary hybrids (S. x lavandulaceus and S. x mendizabalii) showed a good antiviral activity with low cytotoxic effect. Concerning the commercial ones: Eucalyptus globulus and Juniperus communis EOs exhibited virtuous effects on influenza virus. These results were confirmed by the multivariate analyses and only eucalyptol showed a positive correlation with cell viability. On the contrary, o-cymene and terpinolene correlated to the inhibitory effect. Rosemary hybrids, E. globulus and J. communis could be considered as promising candidate to develop new alternative anti-H1N1 natural agent.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Basma Najar
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università di Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Valeria Nardi
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università di Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Samuele Patrissi
- Dipartimento Medicina Sperimentale e Clinica, Università di Firenze, Firenze, Italy
| | - Luisa Pistelli
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università di Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Simone Giannecchini
- Dipartimento Medicina Sperimentale e Clinica, Università di Firenze, Firenze, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Lee CC, Hsiao CY, Lee SC, Huang XF, Chang KF, Lee MS, Hsieh MC, Tsai NM. Suppression of oral cancer by induction of cell cycle arrest and apoptosis using Juniperus communis extract. Biosci Rep 2020; 40:BSR20202083. [PMID: 32856711 DOI: 10.1042/BSR20202083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Revised: 08/26/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The oral cancer incidence rate is slowly increasing and is now the fifth leading cause of cancer-related death due to its high metastasis and recurrence rate. Juniperus communis is used as a traditional Chinese medicine and has been proven to have anti-cancer activity against neuroblastomas. In the present study, we further investigated the anti-cancer mechanisms of J. communis extract (JCo) on oral cancer and evaluated the synergistic effects of JCo combined with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). We found that JCo inhibited oral cancer cell growth, and that JCo might be less cytotoxic to normal cells than to cancer cells. After JCo treatment, cell cycle arrest was observed at the G0/G1 phase through modulation of p53/p21 and Rb signaling. JCo also caused an increase in the sub-G1 phase and cell apoptosis via the intrinsic and extrinsic apoptosis pathways. JCo combined with 5-FU presented a synergistic effect to reduce cell viability. In conclusion, JCo inhibited oral cancer cell growth by inducing cell cycle arrest and activating cell apoptosis, and JCo significantly synergized with 5-FU. JCo might have the potential to be an adjuvant and a new therapeutic drug for oral cancer treatment.
Collapse
|
10
|
Li C, Lee S, Lai W, Chang K, Huang X, Hung P, Lee C, Hsieh M, Tsai N. Cell cycle arrest and apoptosis induction by Juniperus communis extract in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma through activation of p53-induced apoptosis pathway. Food Sci Nutr 2021; 9:1088-1098. [PMID: 33598192 PMCID: PMC7866587 DOI: 10.1002/fsn3.2084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2020] [Revised: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 12/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is one of the most common cancers. It has a high mortality rate and requires novel effective drugs and therapeutic approaches. Juniperus communis (JCo), used to flavor gin and food, has been documented to have anti-tumor activity. The aim of this study was to investigate the antitumor activity of JCo extract against ESCC and its possible mechanisms. JCo extract suppressed cell growth in ESCC and showed higher selection for ESCC cells than normal cells compared to the clinical drug 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). JCo extract induced cell cycle arrest at the G0/G1 phase by regulating the expression of p53/p21 and CDKs/cyclins, triggering cell apoptosis by activating both the extrinsic (Fas/FasL/Caspase 8) and intrinsic (Bcl-2/Bax/Caspase 9) apoptosis pathways. Moreover, a combination treatment of JCo and 5-FU synergistically inhibited proliferation of ESCC cells. These results suggest that JCo extract is a potential natural therapeutic agent for esophageal cancer, as it could induce cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in ESCC cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chia‐Yu Li
- Department of Life‐and‐Death StudiesNanhua UniversityChiayiTaiwan
| | - Shan‐Chih Lee
- Department of Medical Imaging and Radiological SciencesChung Shan Medical UniversityTaichungTaiwan
- Department of Medical ImagingChung Shan Medical University HospitalTaichungTaiwan
| | - Wen‐Lin Lai
- Department of Medical Laboratory and BiotechnologyChung Shan Medical UniversityTaichungTaiwan
- Clinical LaboratoryChung Shan Medical University HospitalTaichungTaiwan
| | - Kai‐Fu Chang
- Department of Medical Laboratory and BiotechnologyChung Shan Medical UniversityTaichungTaiwan
- Institute of MedicineChung Shan Medical UniversityTaichungTaiwan
| | - Xiao‐Fan Huang
- Department of Medical Laboratory and BiotechnologyChung Shan Medical UniversityTaichungTaiwan
- Institute of MedicineChung Shan Medical UniversityTaichungTaiwan
| | - Peng‐Yun Hung
- Department of Medical Laboratory and BiotechnologyChung Shan Medical UniversityTaichungTaiwan
| | - Chi‐Pin Lee
- Division of CardiologyDepartment of Internal MedicineDistmanson Medical Foundation Chia‐Yi Christian HospitalChia‐YiTaiwan
| | - Ming‐Chang Hsieh
- Department of Medical Laboratory and BiotechnologyChung Shan Medical UniversityTaichungTaiwan
- Clinical LaboratoryChung Shan Medical University HospitalTaichungTaiwan
| | - Nu‐Man Tsai
- Department of Medical Laboratory and BiotechnologyChung Shan Medical UniversityTaichungTaiwan
- Clinical LaboratoryChung Shan Medical University HospitalTaichungTaiwan
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Darwish RS, Hammoda HM, Ghareeb DA, Abdelhamid ASA, Bellah El Naggar EM, Harraz FM, Shawky E. Efficacy-directed discrimination of the essential oils of three Juniperus species based on their in-vitro antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities. J Ethnopharmacol 2020; 259:112971. [PMID: 32439404 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2020.112971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2020] [Revised: 05/09/2020] [Accepted: 05/09/2020] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Juniperus plants are considered important sources of cedar-wood oil which is used widely in folk medicine as antiseptic and in treatment of inflammatory disorders such as, rheumatoid arthritis but there is not enough scientific evidence to support the claimed uses and there is no specification of a certain Juniperus species as the most active. AIM OF THE STUDY The aim of this study is volatiles profiling of three Juniperus species; J. communis, J. horizontalis and J. chinensis in addition to efficacy-directed discrimination of the three studied essential oils based on their antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory activities in LPS (lipopolysaccharide)-stimulated WBCs (White blood cells) to investigate the inter-specific variability effect on the biological activities of each oil. MATERIALS AND METHODS Volatile components profiling of the three studied plants volatile oils was achieved using GC-FID (Gas chromatography - flame ionization detector) and GC-MS (Gas chromatography - mass spectrometry). The antimicrobial activity of the studied essential oils was investigated and the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined for oils. The production of the pro-inflammatory cytokines was evaluated by ELISA (Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay). Identification of the biomarkers responsible for each activity was attempted through construction of orthogonal projection to latent structures model using multivariate statistical analysis. RESULTS Forty five components were identified in the volatile oils of the three studied plants. J. horizontalis oil displayed the highest activity against E. coli while J. communis showed the highest activity against S. aureus. OPLS model biplot showed the in-between class discrimination of J. chinensis oil sample from J. communis and J. horizontalis. The three oils were found to significantly decrease the production of the pro-inflammatory cytokines tumour necrosis factor (TNF)- α, interleukin (IL)-1β, and gamma interferon (INF- γ) in lipopolysaccharide-activated white blood cells. All studied oils were similar in reduction of TNF-α, and INF-γ, while J. chinensis oil possessed the highest potency against IL-1β. The coefficient plots of TNF-α and INF-γ pro-inflammatory mediators showed that 1-terpineol, 4-terpineol, bornyl acetate, dl-limonene and α-pinene positive contributors to both activities while β-thujone, 3-carene and γ-muurolene were the positive contributors to IL-1β inhibitory activity. CONCLUSION The differences observed in the volatile profiles among the three studied oils demonstrate the effect of inter-specific variability on the biological activities of the tested oils. It was shown that the tested oils possessed good antibacterial activities against E.coli and S. aureus justifying its folk use as an a topical antiseptic while the observed anti-inflammatory effects in human WBCs is due at least in part to their inhibitory effect on the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Reham S Darwish
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Alexandria University, Egypt
| | - Hala M Hammoda
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Alexandria University, Egypt
| | - Doaa A Ghareeb
- Biological Screening and Preclinical Trial Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt; Pharmaceutical and Fermentation Industries Development Centre, City of Scientific Research and Technological Applications (SRTA-City), Borg Al-Arab, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Ali S A Abdelhamid
- Pharmaceutical and Fermentation Industries Development Centre, City of Scientific Research and Technological Applications (SRTA-City), Borg Al-Arab, Alexandria, Egypt
| | | | - Fathallah M Harraz
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Alexandria University, Egypt
| | - Eman Shawky
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Alexandria University, Egypt.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Peruč D, Tićac B, Broznić D, Gobin I. Juniper and immortelle essential oils synergistically inhibit adhesion of nontuberculous mycobacteria to Acanthamoeba castellanii. Arh Hig Rada Toksikol 2020; 71:223-30. [PMID: 33074171 DOI: 10.2478/aiht-2020-71-3442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2020] [Accepted: 09/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Acanthamoeba is an opportunistic protozoon, widespread in the aquatic environment, where it can be in endosymbiosis with over 30 pathogenic bacteria, including nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM). Protozoa play a crucial role in mycobacterial pathogenesis and serve as a reservoir of infection. Since the first step in bacteria making contact with amoebae is adhesion, we were interested in investigating whether essential oils (EOs) can affect it. To that end we investigated the effects of juniper (Juniperus communis) and immortelle (Helichrysum italicum) EOs against Mycobacterium avium, M. intracellulare, and M. gordonae in tap water and against their adhesion to Acanthamoeba castellanii by combining them in synergistic EO concentrations. M. avium and M. intracellulare adhered to A. castellanii to a greater extent than M. gordonae. The adhesion of all NTMs was prevented by the subinhibitory concentrations of EOs. When comparing the effect of synergistic combinations of EOs and the effect of a single concentration from a combination, a higher percentage of adhesion inhibition in all synergistic combinations observed, except against M. gordonae. Neither oil was cytotoxic to A. castellanii. Our findings suggest that the EOs or their components weaken the contact of environmental NTMs and free-living amoebae and indirectly diminish their pathogenic potential, which could be of value in developing strategies for maintenance of water supply systems.
Collapse
|
13
|
Tammaro A, Adebanjo GAR, Chello C, Magri F, Sernicola A, Gagliostro N, Parisella FR, Tarquini F, Wappner G. Bullous dermatitis caused by common juniper. Contact Dermatitis 2020; 83:529-531. [PMID: 32712995 DOI: 10.1111/cod.13674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2020] [Revised: 07/22/2020] [Accepted: 07/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Tammaro
- NESMOS Department, Dermatology Unit, Sant'Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Ganiyat A R Adebanjo
- NESMOS Department, Dermatology Unit, Sant'Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Camilla Chello
- NESMOS Department, Dermatology Unit, Sant'Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Magri
- NESMOS Department, Dermatology Unit, Sant'Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Alvise Sernicola
- NESMOS Department, Dermatology Unit, Sant'Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Nazareno Gagliostro
- NESMOS Department, Dermatology Unit, Sant'Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca R Parisella
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Queensland University, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Flavio Tarquini
- Environmental Biology and Botany Department, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Bogolitsyn K, Krasikova A, Gusakova M, Ivakhnov A, Gravitis J. Selective extraction of terpenoid compounds of Juniperus communis L. wood in the medium of a binary solvent (supercritical CO 2 with modifier). Phytochem Anal 2019; 30:609-616. [PMID: 31020743 DOI: 10.1002/pca.2833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2019] [Revised: 03/12/2019] [Accepted: 03/12/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Juniperus communis L. is a wood species used in folk medicine since it has a variety of wood extractives with a wide range of pharmacological properties. The morphological features of juniper wood structure leads to the necessity for the application of activation, which facilitates extraction of wood extractives. The methods of thermochemical activation can be used to improve the existing schemes of extraction. OBJECTIVE This work aims to develop methods that increase the selectivity and efficiency of the extraction of pharmacological biologically active substances from the Juniperus communis wood. METHODOLOGY The thermochemical activation of the juniper wood matrix involves treatment by steam explosion and the use of supercritical fluid extraction methods. Gas chromatography mass spectrometry analysis was used to identify the components of the obtained extracts. RESULTS It is shown that the supercritical fluid extraction by a binary solvent facilitates the extraction of the maximum amount of sesquiterpene and diterpene alcohols, terpene oxides and ketones. Extracts obtained during the two-stage process with the traditional extraction in a Soxhlet apparatus at the first stage and the supercritical fluid extraction at the second, contain squalene as the main component. The two-stage treatment with steam explosion at the first stage facilitates the extraction of the maximum amount of diterpene alcohols having the widest range of biological activity. CONCLUSION The research demonstrates the prospects of application of the methods of thermochemical activation of plant raw materials for the extraction of the wide spectrum of terpene components.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Konstantin Bogolitsyn
- Laboratory of Chemistry of Plant Biopolymers, Federal Centre for Integrated Arctic Research, Arkhangelsk, Russia
- Department of Theoretical and Applied Chemistry, Northern (Arctic) Federal University, Arkhangelsk, Russia
| | - Anna Krasikova
- Laboratory of Chemistry of Plant Biopolymers, Federal Centre for Integrated Arctic Research, Arkhangelsk, Russia
| | - Mariya Gusakova
- Laboratory of Chemistry of Plant Biopolymers, Federal Centre for Integrated Arctic Research, Arkhangelsk, Russia
| | - Artyom Ivakhnov
- Laboratory of Chemistry of Plant Biopolymers, Federal Centre for Integrated Arctic Research, Arkhangelsk, Russia
- Department of Theoretical and Applied Chemistry, Northern (Arctic) Federal University, Arkhangelsk, Russia
| | - Janis Gravitis
- Laboratory of Biomass Eco-Efficient Conversion, Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry, Riga, Latvia
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Carrer M, Pellizzari E, Prendin AL, Pividori M, Brunetti M. Winter precipitation - not summer temperature - is still the main driver for Alpine shrub growth. Sci Total Environ 2019; 682:171-179. [PMID: 31112818 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.05.152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2019] [Revised: 05/10/2019] [Accepted: 05/11/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
High latitude and altitude environments are universally recognized as particularly sensitive to environmental changes and the current climate warming is inducing remarkable transformations on vegetation assemblage in these temperature-limited regions. However, next to the wealth of studies describing the effect of rising growing season temperature on trees, much less is known about the concurrent effects of precipitation and snowpack dynamics on the other key component of alpine vegetation represented by prostrate life forms. Selecting the most widespread shrub species in the North Hemisphere, we assembled a monospecific (Juniperus communis L.) network of 7 sites overarching the European Alps, measured the annual growth on >330 individuals and assessed the climate-growth associations for the last century (1910-2010) adopting a new model estimating the solid fraction of precipitation from unique highly-resolved daily climate records. Despite the high space-time variability of the yearly precipitation amount and distribution across the region, our analysis found a prominent, consistent and negative role of winter precipitation for shrub growth. Moreover, this crucial role of snow is maintained even in recent years, despite the persistent and significant warming trend. The presence of this underrated key factor for Alpine long-lived vegetation will require a thorough consideration. For the prostrate life form, not only temperature but also the solid fraction of winter precipitation should be considered to improve the projections of future growth trajectories.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marco Carrer
- TeSAF Department, Università degli Studi di Padova, Padova, Italy.
| | - Elena Pellizzari
- TeSAF Department, Università degli Studi di Padova, Padova, Italy
| | | | - Mario Pividori
- TeSAF Department, Università degli Studi di Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Michele Brunetti
- Institute of Atmospheric Sciences and Climate, National Research Council, Bologna, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Raina R, Verma PK, Peshin R, Kour H. Potential of Juniperus communis L as a nutraceutical in human and veterinary medicine. Heliyon 2019; 5:e02376. [PMID: 31508527 PMCID: PMC6726717 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2019.e02376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2019] [Revised: 06/27/2019] [Accepted: 08/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Plants have been used for thousands of years as medicine for treating variety of diseases and medical complaints by most of the civilizations. Juniperus communis L. is an evergreen aromatic shrub with high therapeutic potential for the treatment of diseases in human and animals. The plant is rich in aromatic oils, invert sugars, resins, catechin, organic acid, terpenic acids, leucoanthocyanidin, alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, gums, lignins, wax, etc. Juniper berries or extract of the plant has traditionally been used as diuretic, anti-arthritis, anti-diabetes, antiseptic as well as for the treatment of gastrointestinal and autoimmune disorders. The essential oil and extracts of juniper have been experimentally documented to have antioxidant, antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal activities. Recent studies have also found anti-inflammatory, cytotoxic, hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects of berries in experimental models. Further, the essential oil incorporation retarded lipid peroxidation in preserved meat due to its high antioxidant effect which not only improved meat product quality but also improved shelf life of the product. Thus natural antioxidant such as juniper can be used in place synthetic antioxidant for the preservation and improving self-life of meat products. New well designed clinical trials in human and animals using well-characterized J. communis extract or oil need to be conducted so that additional information is generated which can support the use of this natural product as a nutraceutical.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rajinder Raina
- Division of Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, R S Pura, Jammu, 181102, Jammu & Kashmir, India
| | - Pawan K. Verma
- Division of Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, R S Pura, Jammu, 181102, Jammu & Kashmir, India
- Corresponding author.
| | - Rajinder Peshin
- Division of Agricultural Extension Education, Faculty of Agriculture, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Jammu Chatha, Jammu, 180009, India
| | - Harpreet Kour
- Division of Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, R S Pura, Jammu, 181102, Jammu & Kashmir, India
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Lagha R, Ben Abdallah F, Al-Sarhan BO, Al-Sodany Y. Antibacterial and Biofilm Inhibitory Activity of Medicinal Plant Essential Oils Against Escherichia coli Isolated from UTI Patients. Molecules 2019; 24:molecules24061161. [PMID: 30909573 PMCID: PMC6471185 DOI: 10.3390/molecules24061161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2019] [Revised: 03/12/2019] [Accepted: 03/18/2019] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Urinary tract infections (UTIs), caused by Escherichia coli 80% to 85% of the time, are one of the most important causes of morbidity and health care spending affecting persons of all ages. These infections lead to many difficult problems, especially increasing resistance to antibiotic drugs. Bacterial biofilms play an important role in UTIs, responsible for persistent infections leading to recurrences and relapses. In this study, we have investigated the antibacterial activity of five medicinal plant essential oils against UTIs caused by E. coli using disc diffusion and minimal inhibition concentration (MIC) methods. In addition, biofilm inhibitory action of oils was realized by crystal violet. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis showed a variability between oils in terms of compound numbers as well as their percentages. Antibacterial activity was observed only in cases of Origanum majorana, Thymus zygis and Rosmarinus officinalis, while Juniperus communis and Zingiber officinale did not showed any effect towards E. coli isolates. T. zygis essential oil demonstrated the highest antibacterial activity against E. coli isolates, followed by O. majorana and R. officinalis. Further, oils showed high biofilm inhibitory action with a percentage of inhibition that ranged from 14.94% to 94.75%. R. officinalis oil had the highest antibiofilm activity followed by T. zygis and O. majorana. Accordingly, tested oils showed very effective antibacterial and antibiofilm activities against E. coli UTIs and can be considered as good alternative for antibiotics substitution.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rihab Lagha
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Taif University, Taif 11099, Saudi Arabia.
- Unité de Recherche: Virologie & stratégies antivirales, Institut Supérieur de Biotechnologie, Monastir University, Monastir 5000, Tunisia.
| | - Fethi Ben Abdallah
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Taif University, Taif 11099, Saudi Arabia.
- Unité de Recherche: Virologie & stratégies antivirales, Institut Supérieur de Biotechnologie, Monastir University, Monastir 5000, Tunisia.
| | | | - Yassin Al-Sodany
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Taif University, Taif 11099, Saudi Arabia.
- Botany Department, Faculty of Science, Kafr El-Sheikh University, Kafr El-Sheikh 33516, Egypt.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Stark S, Martz F. Gender Dimorphism Does Not Affect Secondary Compound Composition in Juniperus communis After Shoot Cutting in Northern Boreal Forests. Front Plant Sci 2018; 9:1910. [PMID: 30622553 PMCID: PMC6308805 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2018.01910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2018] [Accepted: 12/10/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Due to a difference in plant resource allocation to reproduction, the males of dioecious plants may be more growth-orientated, whereas females may allocate more resources for synthesizing secondary compounds. This mechanism is considered to cause gender-specific differences in the plant responses to the loss of plant biomass. Here, we tested gender dimorphism in the responses of common juniper (Juniperus communis) to shoot cutting in four juniper populations located in northern boreal forests in Finland. We collected shoots from uncut junipers and from junipers subjected to shoot cutting in the previous year, and analyzed them for their shoot growth as well as phenolic and terpenoid concentrations. There were no differences in foliar phenolic or terpenoid concentrations between the males and the females. Shoot cutting increased phenolic but not terpenoid concentrations, similarly, in both males and females. Our study reveals that the nature of gender dimorphism may differ among species and locations, which should be considered in theories on plant gender dimorphism. Given the similar phenolic and terpene concentrations in both genders, the different sexes in the northern juniper populations might experience equal levels of herbivory. This lack of gender dimorphism in biotic interactions could result from the high need of plant secondary metabolites (PSM) against abiotic stresses, which is typical for juniper at high latitudes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sari Stark
- Arctic Centre, University of Lapland, Rovaniemi, Finland
- Production System Unit, Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke), Rovaniemi, Finland
| | - Françoise Martz
- Production System Unit, Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke), Rovaniemi, Finland
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Peruč D, Gobin I, Abram M, Broznić D, Svalina T, Štifter S, Staver MM, Tićac B. Antimycobacterial potential of the juniper berry essential oil in tap water. Arh Hig Rada Toksikol 2018; 69:46-54. [PMID: 29604199 DOI: 10.2478/aiht-2018-69-3085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2017] [Accepted: 03/01/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Mycobacterium avium complex-related diseases are often associated with poorly maintained hot water systems. This calls for the development of new control strategies. The aim of this study was to investigate the activity of essential oils (EOs) from the Mediterranean plants, common juniper, immortelle, sage, lavandin, laurel, and white cedar against Mycobacterium avium ssp. avium, Mycobacterium intracellulare, and Mycobacterium gordonae in culturing broth and freshwater as their most common habitat. To do that, we developed a new method of water microdilution to determine their minimal effective concentrations (MEC). The most active EO was the one from the common juniper with the MEC of 1.6 mg mL-1. Gas chromatography / mass spectrometry the juniper EO identified monoterpenes (70.54 %) and sesquiterpenes (25.9 %) as dominant component groups. The main monoterpene hydrocarbons were α-pinene, sabinene, and β-pinene. The juniper EO significantly reduced the cell viability of M. intracellulare and M. gordonae at MEC, and of M. avium at 2xMEC. Microscopic analysis confirmed its inhibitory effect by revealing significant morphological changes in the cell membrane and cytoplasm of all three bacteria. The mode of action of the juniper EO on the cell membrane was confirmed by a marked leakage of intracellular material. Juniper EO has a great practical potential as a complementary or alternative water disinfectant in hot water systems such as baths, swimming pools, spa pools, hot tubs, or even foot baths/whirlpools.
Collapse
|
20
|
Ložienė K, Švedienė J, Paškevičius A, Raudonienė V, Sytar O, Kosyan A. Influence of plant origin natural α-pinene with different enantiomeric composition on bacteria, yeasts and fungi. Fitoterapia 2018; 127:20-24. [PMID: 29689330 DOI: 10.1016/j.fitote.2018.04.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2018] [Revised: 04/14/2018] [Accepted: 04/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Although the nature-identical chemical compounds are cheaper, they not always repeat biological activity of plant origin natural chemical compounds, often react allergies and resistance of microorganisms. The aim of this study was to investigate effects of Juniperus communis origin α-pinene with different enantiomeric composition on bacteria, yeasts and fungi. Results showed that different enantiomeric composition of α-pinene have different activities on microorganisms: essential oil with (1S)-(-) ≈ (1R)-(+) enantiomeric composition of α-pinene influenced on some microorganisms stronger than essential oil with (1S)-(-) < (1R)-(+) enantiomeric composition of α-pinene; the pure natural α-pinene with enantiomeric composition S < R more strongly inhibited growth of investigated bacteria and Candida yeasts, α-pinene with enantiomeric composition S ≈ R - growth of Trichophyton and Aspergillus. (1S)-(-) and (1R)-(+) enantiomeric forms of α-pinene can have also different synergistic effects with other compounds of essential oil. The results of study showed that the same amount of α-pinene with different enantiomeric composition can have diverse antimicrobial potential due different specific interactions with other chemical compounds of essential oil. Therefore, it is very important to determine and present the enantiomeric composition of those plant origin compounds, which are characterized by enantiomerisation, during the course of research of biological activities of natural plant products (essential oils and other) and their isolated compounds.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kristina Ložienė
- Nature Research Centre, Institute of Botany, Vilnius, Lithuania; Department of Pathology, Forensic Medicine and Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania.
| | | | - Algimantas Paškevičius
- Nature Research Centre, Institute of Botany, Vilnius, Lithuania; Laboratory of Microbiology of the Centre of Laboratory Medicine, Vilnius University Hospital Santaros Clinics, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Vita Raudonienė
- Nature Research Centre, Institute of Botany, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Oksana Sytar
- SRL "Physiological bases of plant productivity", Educational and Scientific Center "Institute of Biology and Medicine", Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Anatoliy Kosyan
- SRL "Physiological bases of plant productivity", Educational and Scientific Center "Institute of Biology and Medicine", Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Kyiv, Ukraine
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Jegal J, Chung KW, Chung HY, Jeong EJ, Yang MH. The Standardized Extract of Juniperus communis Alleviates Hyperpigmentation in Vivo HRM-2 Hairless Mice and in Vitro Murine B16 Melanoma Cells. Biol Pharm Bull 2017; 40:1381-1388. [PMID: 28867722 DOI: 10.1248/bpb.b17-00122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
In European folk medicine, the fruits of Juniperus communis are used in the treatment of skin-related disorders such as skin infection, itching, and psoriasis. Previously, we reported that the EtOAc fraction of J. communis (EAJC) contained tyrosinase inhibition properties in vitro non-cellular experiment. The aim of this study was to evaluate anti-melanogenic effect of standardized EAJC on a hyperpigmentation animal model. Therapeutic effects of EAJC toward skin hyperpigmentation were confirmed by both in vivo experiment and in vitro cell-based assay. Skin depigmenting effect was detected by topical treatment of EAJC for 11 d to HRM-2 melanin-possessing hairless mice. Histologic findings including significantly decreased melanin depositions could be observed in dorsal skin samples of EAJC-treated group. In addition, the EAJC (50 µg/mL) attenuated melanin production through down-regulation of tyrosinase activity and protein expression in B16 murine melanoma cells. According to the phytochemical analysis, EAJC was found to contain hypolaetin-7-O-β-D-xylopyranoside and isoscutellarein-7-O-β-D-xylopyranoside as main components. Hypolaetin-7-O-β-D-xylopyranoside was responsible for the skin-lightening effect of EAJC by reducing the number of melanocytes in dorsal skins of HRM-2 mice. The present study provided direct experimental evidence for skin-lightening effect of EAJC in UV-irradiated hairless mouse model. Therapeutic attempts with the J. communis might be useful in the management of skin pigmentation-related diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Eun Ju Jeong
- Department of Agronomy & Medicinal Plant Resources, College of Life Sciences and Natural Resources, Gyeongnam National University of Science and Technology
| | | |
Collapse
|
22
|
Gruwez R, De Frenne P, Vander Mijnsbrugge K, Vangansbeke P, Verheyen K. Increased temperatures negatively affect Juniperus communis seeds: evidence from transplant experiments along a latitudinal gradient. Plant Biol (Stuttg) 2016; 18:417-422. [PMID: 26465806 DOI: 10.1111/plb.12407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2015] [Accepted: 10/09/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
With a distribution range that covers most of the Northern hemisphere, common juniper (Juniperus communis) has one of the largest ranges of all vascular plant species. In several regions in Europe, however, populations are decreasing in size and number due to failing recruitment. One of the main causes for this failure is low seed viability. Observational evidence suggests that this is partly induced by climate warming, but our mechanistic understanding of this effect remains incomplete. Here, we experimentally assess the influence of temperature on two key developmental phases during sexual reproduction, i.e. gametogenesis and fertilisation (seed phase two, SP2) and embryo development (seed phase three, SP3). Along a latitudinal gradient from southern France to central Sweden, we installed a transplant experiment with shrubs originating from Belgium, a region with unusually low juniper seed viability. Seeds of both seed phases were sampled during three consecutive years, and seed viability assessed. Warming temperatures negatively affected the seed viability of both SP2 and SP3 seeds along the latitudinal gradient. Interestingly, the effect on embryo development (SP3) only occurred in the third year, i.e. when the gametogenesis and fertilisation also took place in warmer conditions. We found strong indications that this negative influence mostly acts via disrupting growth of the pollen tube, the development of the female gametophyte and fertilisation (SP2). This, in turn, can lead to failing embryo development, for example, due to nutritional problems. Our results confirm that climate warming can negatively affect seed viability of juniper.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R Gruwez
- Forest & Nature Lab, Ghent University, Melle-Gontrode, Belgium
| | - P De Frenne
- Forest & Nature Lab, Ghent University, Melle-Gontrode, Belgium
| | - K Vander Mijnsbrugge
- Research Institute for Nature and Forest, Geraardsbergen, Belgium
- Agency for Nature and Forest, Brussels, Belgium
| | - P Vangansbeke
- Forest & Nature Lab, Ghent University, Melle-Gontrode, Belgium
- Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), Mol, Belgium
| | - K Verheyen
- Forest & Nature Lab, Ghent University, Melle-Gontrode, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Singh H, Prakash A, Kalia AN, Majeed ABA. Synergistic hepatoprotective potential of ethanolic extract of Solanum xanthocarpum and Juniperus communis against paracetamol and azithromycin induced liver injury in rats. J Tradit Complement Med 2015; 6:370-376. [PMID: 27774421 PMCID: PMC5067840 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtcme.2015.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2015] [Revised: 07/20/2015] [Accepted: 07/28/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Previously explored combination therapies mostly involved the use of bioactive molecules. It is believed that herbal compounds containing multiple plant products have synergistic hepatoprotective effects and could enhance the desired actions. To investigate the combination of ethanolic fruits extract of Solanum xanthocarpum (SX) and Juniperus communis (JC) against Paracetamol (PCM) and Azithromycin (AZM) induced liver toxicity in rats. Liver toxicity was induced by combine oral administration of PCM (250 mg/kg) and AZM (200 mg/kg) for 7 days in Wistar rats. Fruit extract of SX (200 and 400 mg/kg) and JC (200 and 400 mg/kg) were administered daily for 14 days. The hepatoprotective activity was assessed using liver functional test, oxidative parameters and histopathological examination. The results demonstrated that combine administration of AZM and PCM significantly produced liver toxicity by increasing the serum level of hepatic enzymes and oxidative parameters in liver of rats. Histopathological examination also indicated that AZM and PCM produced liver damage in rats. Chronic treatment of SX and JC extract significantly and dose-dependently attenuated the liver toxicity by normalizing the biochemical factors and no gross histopathological changes were observed in liver of rats. Furthermore, combine administration of lower dose of SX and JC significantly potentiated their hepatoprotective effect which was significant as compared to their effect per se. The results clearly indicated that SX and JC extract has hepatoprotective potential against AZM and PCM induced liver toxicity due to their synergistic anti-oxidant properties.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hem Singh
- Department of Pharmacology, Indo Soviet Friendship (ISF) College of Pharmacy, Moga 142001, Punjab, India; Dr Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College, Tanda Hospital Rd, Kangra, Himachal Pradesh 176001, India
| | - Atish Prakash
- Department of Pharmacology, Indo Soviet Friendship (ISF) College of Pharmacy, Moga 142001, Punjab, India; Faculty of Pharmacy, Campus Puncak Alam, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), 42300 Bandar Puncak Alam, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
| | - A N Kalia
- Department of Pharmacology, Indo Soviet Friendship (ISF) College of Pharmacy, Moga 142001, Punjab, India
| | - Abu Bakar Abdul Majeed
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Campus Puncak Alam, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), 42300 Bandar Puncak Alam, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Rajčević N, Janaćković P, Dodoš T, Tešević V, Marin PD. Biogeographic variation of foliar n-alkanes of Juniperus communis var. saxatilis Pallas from the Balkans. Chem Biodivers 2015; 11:1923-38. [PMID: 25491336 DOI: 10.1002/cbdv.201400048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2014] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
The composition of the epicuticular n-alkanes isolated from the leaves of ten populations of Juniperus communis L. var. saxatilis Pallas from central (continental) and western (coastal) areas of the Balkan Peninsula was characterized by GC-FID and GC/MS analyses. In the leaf waxes, 14 n-alkane homologues with chain-lengths ranging from C22 to C35 were identified. All samples were dominated by n-tritriacontane (C33 ), but differences in two other dominant n-alkanes allowed separating the coastal from the continental populations. Several statistical methods (ANOVA, principal component, discriminant, and cluster analyses as well as the Mantel test) were deployed to analyze the diversity and variability of the epicuticular-leaf-n-alkane patterns of the ten natural populations of J. communis var. saxatilis and their relation to different geographic and bioclimatic parameters. Cluster analysis showed a high correlation of the leaf-n-alkane patterns with the geographical distribution of the investigated samples, differentiating the coastal from the continental populations of this taxon. Several bioclimatic parameters related to aridity were highly correlated with this differentiation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nemanja Rajčević
- University of Belgrade, Faculty of Biology, Institute of Botany and Botanical Garden 'Jevremovac', Studentski trg 16, RS-11000 Belgrade.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
25
|
Matías L, Jump AS. Asymmetric changes of growth and reproductive investment herald altitudinal and latitudinal range shifts of two woody species. Glob Chang Biol 2015; 21:882-96. [PMID: 25044677 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.12683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2014] [Accepted: 07/06/2014] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Ongoing changes in global climate are altering ecological conditions for many species. The consequences of such changes are typically most evident at the edge of the geographical distribution of a species, where range expansions or contractions may occur. Current demographical status at geographical range limits can help us to predict population trends and their implications for the future distribution of the species. Thus, understanding the comparability of demographical patterns occurring along both altitudinal and latitudinal gradients would be highly informative. In this study, we analyse the differences in the demography of two woody species through altitudinal gradients at their southernmost distribution limit and the consistency of demographical patterns at the treeline across a latitudinal gradient covering the complete distribution range. We focus on Pinus sylvestris and Juniperus communis, assessing their demographical structure (density, age and mortality rate), growth, reproduction investment and damage from herbivory on 53 populations covering the upper, central and lower altitudes as well as the treeline at central latitude and northernmost and southernmost latitudinal distribution limits. For both species, populations at the lowermost altitude presented older age structure, higher mortality, decreased growth and lower reproduction when compared to the upper limit, indicating higher fitness at the treeline. This trend at the treeline was generally maintained through the latitudinal gradient, but with a decreased growth at the northern edge for both species and lower reproduction for P. sylvestris. However, altitudinal and latitudinal transects are not directly comparable as factors other than climate, including herbivore pressure or human management, must be taken into account if we are to understand how to infer latitudinal processes from altitudinal data.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luis Matías
- Biological and Environmental Sciences, School of Natural Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling, FK9 4LA, UK
| | | |
Collapse
|
26
|
Tam TW, Liu R, Saleem A, Arnason JT, Krantis A, Haddad PS, Foster BC. The effect of Cree traditional medicinal teas on the activity of human cytochrome P450-mediated metabolism. J Ethnopharmacol 2014; 155:841-846. [PMID: 24971793 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2014.06.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2014] [Revised: 06/16/2014] [Accepted: 06/17/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Rhododendron groenlandicum (Bog Labrador tea), Rhododendron tomentosum (Marsh Labrador tea) and Juniperus communis (Juniper) are used in medicinal teas by Canadian aboriginal cultures alone and in combination with conventional drug products. The safety of this combination had not been previously examined and this study was initiated to examine the potential of medicinal teas to inhibit the major human drug metabolizing enzyme, cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4). MATERIALS AND METHODS The decoctions of Rhododendron groenlandicum and Rhododendron tomentosum leaves and Juniperus communis berries were examined in a microtiter fluorometric assay to examine their potential to inhibit CYP-mediated metabolism. RESULTS The decoctions showed progressive inhibition towards CYP3A4 the longer the leaves or berries were brewed. R. Rhododendron groenlandicum and Juniperus communis may have the potential to inhibit CYP3A4-mediated metabolism. CONCLUSIONS The findings of this study with these traditional medicines are significant in that they provide mechanistic support that these products have the potential to affect the safety and efficacy of other health and medicinal products. As this study only examined CYP3A4, it is possible that these medicinals contain substances that could also affect other metabolic enzymes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Teresa W Tam
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada K1H 8M5; Centre for Research in Biopharmaceuticals and Biotechnology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada K1H 8M5
| | - Rui Liu
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada K1H 8M5; Centre for Research in Biopharmaceuticals and Biotechnology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada K1H 8M5
| | - Ammar Saleem
- Centre for Research in Biopharmaceuticals and Biotechnology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada K1H 8M5
| | - John T Arnason
- Centre for Research in Biopharmaceuticals and Biotechnology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada K1H 8M5
| | - Anthony Krantis
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada K1H 8M5; Centre for Research in Biopharmaceuticals and Biotechnology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada K1H 8M5
| | - Pierre S Haddad
- Department of Pharmacology, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada H3C 3J7
| | - Brian C Foster
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada K1H 8M5; Centre for Research in Biopharmaceuticals and Biotechnology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada K1H 8M5.
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Höferl M, Stoilova I, Schmidt E, Wanner J, Jirovetz L, Trifonova D, Krastev L, Krastanov A. Chemical Composition and Antioxidant Properties of Juniper Berry (Juniperus communis L.) Essential Oil. Action of the Essential Oil on the Antioxidant Protection of Saccharomyces cerevisiae Model Organism. Antioxidants (Basel) 2014; 3:81-98. [PMID: 26784665 PMCID: PMC4665443 DOI: 10.3390/antiox3010081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2013] [Revised: 01/26/2014] [Accepted: 01/28/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The essential oil of juniper berries (Juniperus communis L., Cupressaceae) is traditionally used for medicinal and flavoring purposes. As elucidated by gas chromatography/flame ionization detector (GC/FID) and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS methods), the juniper berry oil from Bulgaria is largely comprised of monoterpene hydrocarbons such as α-pinene (51.4%), myrcene (8.3%), sabinene (5.8%), limonene (5.1%) and β-pinene (5.0%). The antioxidant capacity of the essential oil was evaluated in vitro by 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging, 2,2-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6 sulfonic acid (ABTS) radical cation scavenging, hydroxyl radical (ОН•) scavenging and chelating capacity, superoxide radical (•O2−) scavenging and xanthine oxidase inhibitory effects, hydrogen peroxide scavenging. The antioxidant activity of the oil attributable to electron transfer made juniper berry essential oil a strong antioxidant, whereas the antioxidant activity attributable to hydrogen atom transfer was lower. Lipid peroxidation inhibition by the essential oil in both stages, i.e., hydroperoxide formation and malondialdehyde formation, was less efficient than the inhibition by butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT). In vivo studies confirmed these effects of the oil which created the possibility of blocking the oxidation processes in yeast cells by increasing activity of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Martina Höferl
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Division of Clinical Pharmacy and Diagnostics, University of Vienna, Vienna 1090, Austria.
| | - Ivanka Stoilova
- Department Biotechnology, University of Food Technologies, Plovdiv 4002, Bulgaria.
| | - Erich Schmidt
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Division of Clinical Pharmacy and Diagnostics, University of Vienna, Vienna 1090, Austria.
| | | | - Leopold Jirovetz
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Division of Clinical Pharmacy and Diagnostics, University of Vienna, Vienna 1090, Austria.
| | - Dora Trifonova
- Department Biotechnology, University of Food Technologies, Plovdiv 4002, Bulgaria.
| | - Lutsian Krastev
- University Laboratory for Food Analyses, University of Food Technologies, Plovdiv 4002, Bulgaria.
| | - Albert Krastanov
- Department Biotechnology, University of Food Technologies, Plovdiv 4002, Bulgaria.
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Gruwez R, De Frenne P, De Schrijver A, Leroux O, Vangansbeke P, Verheyen K. Negative effects of temperature and atmospheric depositions on the seed viability of common juniper ( Juniperus communis). Ann Bot 2014; 113:489-500. [PMID: 24284814 PMCID: PMC3906965 DOI: 10.1093/aob/mct272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2013] [Accepted: 10/08/2013] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Environmental change is increasingly impacting ecosystems worldwide. However, our knowledge about the interacting effects of various drivers of global change on sexual reproduction of plants, one of their key mechanisms to cope with change, is limited. This study examines populations of poorly regenerating and threatened common juniper (Juniperus communis) to determine the influence of four drivers of global change (rising temperatures, nitrogen deposition, potentially acidifying deposition and altering precipitation patterns) on two key developmental phases during sexual reproduction, gametogenesis and fertilization (seed phase two, SP2) and embryo development (seed phase three, SP3), and on the ripening time of seeds. METHODS In 42 populations throughout the distribution range of common juniper in Europe, 11,943 seeds of two developmental phases were sampled. Seed viability was determined using seed dissection and related to accumulated temperature (expressed as growing degree-days), nitrogen and potentially acidifying deposition (nitrogen plus sulfur), and precipitation data. KEY RESULTS Precipitation had no influence on the viability of the seeds or on the ripening time. Increasing temperatures had a negative impact on the viability of SP2 and SP3 seeds and decreased the ripening time. Potentially acidifying depositions negatively influenced SP3 seed viability, while enhanced nitrogen deposition led to lower ripening times. CONCLUSIONS Higher temperatures and atmospheric deposition affected SP3 seeds more than SP2 seeds. However, this is possibly a delayed effect as juniper seeds develop practically independently, due to the absence of vascular communication with the parent plant from shortly after fertilization. It is proposed that the failure of natural regeneration in many European juniper populations might be attributed to climate warming as well as enhanced atmospheric deposition of nitrogen and sulfur.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R. Gruwez
- Forest and Nature Lab, Ghent University, Geraardsbergsesteenweg 267, BE-9090 Melle-Gontrode, Belgium
| | - P. De Frenne
- Forest and Nature Lab, Ghent University, Geraardsbergsesteenweg 267, BE-9090 Melle-Gontrode, Belgium
- Forest Ecology and Conservation Group, Department of Plant Sciences, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3EA, UK
| | - A. De Schrijver
- Forest and Nature Lab, Ghent University, Geraardsbergsesteenweg 267, BE-9090 Melle-Gontrode, Belgium
| | - O. Leroux
- Pteridology Lab, Ghent University, K.L. Ledeganckstraat 35, BE-9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - P. Vangansbeke
- Forest and Nature Lab, Ghent University, Geraardsbergsesteenweg 267, BE-9090 Melle-Gontrode, Belgium
- Flemish Instute of Technological Research (VITO), Boeretang 200, BE-2400 Mol, Belgium
| | - K. Verheyen
- Forest and Nature Lab, Ghent University, Geraardsbergsesteenweg 267, BE-9090 Melle-Gontrode, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Sposato B, Scalese M. Prevalence and real clinical impact of Cupressus sempervirens and Juniperus communis sensitisations in Tuscan "Maremma", Italy. Allergol Immunopathol (Madr) 2013; 41:17-24. [PMID: 21982402 DOI: 10.1016/j.aller.2011.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2011] [Revised: 08/01/2011] [Accepted: 08/13/2011] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim was to evaluate the impact of Cupressus sempervirens (Cs) and Juniperus communis (Jc) sensitisations in "Maremma" in southern Tuscany. METHODS 811 consecutive outpatients (357 F - 57.86%; age: 36.9 ± 16.6) with suspected allergic respiratory symptoms underwent skin prick tests (SPT) for common allergens and for Cs and Jc. RESULTS SPT resulted negative in 295 (36.37%) subjects. A Cs/Jc sensitisation was found in 294 (36.25%): 289 (98.3%) were sensitised to Cs whereas 198 (67.34%) to Jc. There was a co-sensitisation between Cs and Jc in 193 (65.6%) subjects. Cs/Jc mono-sensitisation was found in 39 (13.6%) subjects. A higher number (p<0.0001) of Cs/Jc sensitised subjects reported winter (131-44.55%) and spring (124-42.2%) symptoms compared to Cs/Jc non-sensitised and non-allergic subjects. Most Cs/Jc sensitised subjects reported rhinitis and conjunctivitis (p<0.0001), whereas only few reported coughing and asthma (p<0.01). The most frequent co-sensitisation was with grass, olive and other trees in Cs/Jc subjects (p<0.001). Those who reported winter symptoms, likely influenced by Cupressaceae, rhinitis was the main symptom whereas asthma was less frequent. Cs/Jc sensitisation resulted to be a risk factor (OR: 1.73 [CI95% 1.18-2.55]) for rhinitis whereas the probability of being asthmatic was reduced (OR: 0.62 [CI95% 0.44-0.85]). CONCLUSION The prevalence of Cs/Jc sensitisation is about 36% in "Maremma". However, only in 44% of the patients, Cs/Jc seem to cause typical winter symptoms. Rhinitis is the predominant symptom, whereas asthma is less frequent. Testing Cupressaceae sensitisation using Jc pollen extract, rather than Cs, may result to be less sensitive.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Sposato
- Unità di Pneumologia, Ospedale "Misericordia", Grosseto, Italy.
| | | |
Collapse
|