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In the woodlands of Sardinia, as in many other areas of the Mediterranean region, grazing of domestic animals is still very common, though often in the absence of any sustainable management logic or technique. The present work analyzes the effects of excessive grazing pressure on a wooded pasture in the municipality of Orgosolo (Nuoro province), emphasizing the effects on the natural regeneration of the oak species (Quercus ilex and Quercus pubescens). This study has revealed the positive effects of the interaction between shrubs and seedlings of tree species. Crataegus monogyna proved to be the most efficient shrub species in favouring the establishment and growth of saplings; Rubus ulmifolius is efficient in the establishing phase but somewhat less so in the following stages. The other shrub species (Prunus spinosa, Genista pichi-sermolliana, Stachys glutinosa) play a lesser facilitating role. Despite the fact that seedlings are found in more than half (56%) of the shrub patches, the average age of the seedlings (14±0.6 yrs) and their small average size (height 24±1.4cm) lead to think that the present grazing pressure is incompatible with any concrete chance of success for their natural regeneration.

Rubus spp. (Rosaceae) provide extracts used in traditional medicine as antimicrobial, anticonvulsant, muscle relaxant and radical scavenging agents. Resistance to antibiotics used to treat Helicobacter pylori infection as well as their poor availability in developing countries prompted us to test the antimicrobial activity of Rubus ulmifolius leaves and isolated polyphenols against two H. pylori strains with different virulence (CagA+ strain 10K and CagA(-) strain G21). The antioxidant activity (TEAC values) of the tested compounds ranged from 4.88 (gallic acid) to 1.60 (kaempferol), whilst the leaf extract gave a value of 0.12. All the isolated polyphenols as well as the leaf extract showed antibacterial activity against both of the H. pylori strains. The minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBCs) of the extract for H. pylori strains G21 and 10K, respectively, were 1200 microg/mL and 1500 microg/mL after 24h of exposure and 134 microg/mL and 270 microg/mL after 48 h exposure. Ellagic acid showed very low MBC values towards both of the H. pylori strains after 48 h (2 microg/mL and 10 microg/mL for strains G21 and 10K, respectively) and kaempferol toward G21 strain (MBC=6 microg/mL). A relationship between antimicrobial activity and antioxidant capacity was found only for H. pylori strain G21 CagA(-) strain.

Lead mining in the Sierra Madrona mountains and the valley of Alcudia in Southern Spain began in the 1st millennium B.C., and the area was intermittently exploited up until the end of the 20th century. The degree of contamination by Pb, Zn, Cd, Cu, As and Se of soil, water and sediment, and the transfer to 13 species of plants, and then to red deer (Cervus elaphus) have been studied. Mined areas had higher concentrations in stream sediments than control areas. The highest concentrations were observed for Pb (1481 µg g− 1 d.w.) and As (1880 µg g− 1) in the sediment of a stream flowing beside the spoil dump at Mina de Horcajo. Plants from mining sites contained consistently higher levels of Pb and As, and their concentrations in plants were correlated. The highest concentrations of Pb were in Gramineae (Pb: 97.5, As: 2.4 µg g− 1 d.w.), and the lowest in elmleaf blackberry (Rubus ulmifolius). The highest mean liver concentrations were found in red deer from the mining sites for Pb (0.805 µg g− 1 d. w.), Cd (0.554 µg g− 1), Se (0.327 µg g− 1), and As (0.061 µg g− 1), although these were well below the levels associated with clinical poisoning., This project was funded by a grant from the Department of Education and Science of the Autonomous Government of Castilla-La Mancha (PCC-05-004-2) and a grant from the University of Castilla-La Mancha.

Heterogeneous pollen load frequency from a beehive located in the Morcon (Pontevedra, north‐west Spain) was recorded. Samples of pollen loads were obtained weekly between May and July using pollen traps, and the accumulated pollen was removed at different times. Of the total analysed pollen loads an average heterogeneity percentage of approximately 5% was recorded. The pollen load heterogeneity consisted of mixed pellets with pollen of several species, but usually with one species (Erica umbellata L., Lythrum salicaria L., Lotus corniculatus L., Cytisus scoparius‐type, Castanea sativa Miller, Echium plantagineum L., Reseda media Lag., Erica cinerea L., Trifolium arvense L., Lonicera peryclimenum L., Scandix pecten‐veneris L., Calystegia sepium (L.) Br., Crepis capillaris (L.) Wallr., Eucalyptus globulus Labill., Plantago lanceolata L., ‐Raphanus raphanistrum L., Rubus ulmifolius‐ type or Poaceae) having higher values than others. It appears that mixed loads are not the result of flower deception but relat...

The levels of zinc accumulated by roots, stems, and leaves of two plant species, Rubus ulmifolius and Phragmites australis, indigenous to the banks of a stream in a Portuguese contaminated site were investigated in field conditions. R. ulmifolius, a plant for which studies on phytoremediation potential are scarce, dominated on the right side of the stream, while P. australis proliferated on the other bank. Heterogeneous Zn concentrations were found along the banks of the stream. Zn accumulation in both species occurred mainly in the roots, with poor translocation to the aboveground sections. R. ulmifolius presented Zn levels in the roots ranging from 142 to 563 mg kg-1, in the stems from 35 to 110 mg kg-1, and in the leaves from 45 to 91 mg kg-1, vs. average soil total Zn concentrations varying from 526 to 957 mg kg-1. P. australis showed Zn concentrations in the roots from 39 to 130 mg kg-1, in the stems from 31 to 63 mg kg-1, and in the leaves from 37 to 83 mg kg-1, for the lower average soil total Zn levels of 138 to 452 mg kg-1 found on the banks where they proliferated. Positive correlations were found between the soil total, available and extractable Zn fractions, and metal accumulation in the roots and leaves of R. ulmifolius and in the roots and stems of P. australis. The use of R. ulmifolius and P. australis for phytoextraction purposes does not appear as an effective method of metal removing, but these native metal tolerant plant species may be used to reduce the effects of soil contamination, avoiding further Zn transfer to other environmental compartments.

Introduction AGuIX® nanoparticles are small platforms of polysiloxane recently developed for various applications of medical imaging. These nanoparticles contain on their surface several amine functions used for the fixation of DOTA ligands. Approximately 70 percents of these ligands are complexed with Gd3+ ions [1]. These paramagnetic platforms have a diameter less than 5 nm and a low transmetalation [2]. Different studies have been achieved in the biomedical domain, showing that they allow to combine multimodal and theranostic properties. A passive tumoral targeting has already been observed by EPR effect (Enhanced Permeation Effect). Otherwise, their small size allows a quick elimination by the kidney [3]. Previous phage display studies showed that TLVSSL peptide has a high affinity for phosphatidylserine, a phospholipid overexpressed on the membrane of apoptotic cells. Apoptosis is a natural process of cell death [4]. The targeting of apoptotic cells is interesting to follow the efficiency of an antitumoral therapy and for diagnosis of diseases related to this process. In this work, AGuIX nanoparticles have thus been grafted with this peptide and characterized. Methods The TLVSSL peptide has been grafted on nanoparticles AGuIX® by activation with EDC of carboxylic functions available on nanoparticle surface. Furthermore, previous addition of an optical dye allows their applications in optical imaging. Different techniques such as PCS, fluorescence spectroscopy, HPLC and proton relaxometry were used to characterize this platform. Results Relaxometric studies by NMRD profiles confirm the increase of the rotational correlation time after linking of the peptide and allow to study the time stability of the platform. The biological efficiency of this novel bimodal agent to target apoptotic cells was evaluated by fluorescence microscopy on lymphablastic human T cell line. In vitro cell apoptosis was chemically induced by incubation with campthothecin. Biological experiments has been checked by fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry on incubated cells with labelled and grafted-AGuIX nanoparticles. RITC fluorescence intensity detection allowed to confirm the probe efficiency to target apoptosis. Conclusion These characterizations and biological tests confirm the binding of the peptide and the efficient targeting of apoptotic cells. Further in vivo tests will be achieved to confirm the efficiency of grafted-nanoparticles on apoptotic mouse model. References [1] F. Lux et Al., Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2011, 50, 1-6. [2] A. Mignot et Al., Chem. Eur. J., 2013, 19, 6122-6136. [3] G. Le Duc et Al., ACS Nano, 2011, 5, 9566-9574. [4] C. Laumonier, thesis, 2005, Universite de Mons-Hainaut, « Imagerie moleculaire : recherche de vecteurs peptidiques specifiques de l'apoptose par la methode du phage display ».

Currently, opportunistic fungal infections are considered a serious problem regarding public health. Despite the advances towards the synthesis of new antifungal agents, an increasing incidence of drug-resistant microorganisms has been observed. In this sense, other alternatives are necessary. In the present work, the antifungal activity of extracts from ten different plants, commonly used in folk medicine, were evaluated against nineteen Candida strains, including C. albicans, C. glabrata, C. parapsilosis and C. tropicalis species. Although the majority of the extracts had no antimicrobial effect, Juglans regia extract was very effective, exerting an inhibitory effect against all the tested Candida strains, while Eucalyptus globulus was effective against seventeen of them. Pterospartum tridentatum and Rubus ulmifolius presented similar antifungal effects, being effective against six Candida strains. The diameter of halo ranged, respectively, between 9-14 mm and 9-21 mm to the mentioned plant extracts, and the MIC50 values evidenced mainly a fungistatic activity. Both extracts showed similar MIC50 values for C. albicans strains, while C. parapsilosis and C. glabrata were more sensible to E. globulus. Otherwise, all the C. tropicalis strains were more sensible to J. regia. Overall, hydromethanolic plant extracts could constitute promissory alternatives to the traditional antifungal agents., The authors are grateful to Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT, Portugal) for N. Martins grant (SFRH/BD/87658/2012), L. Barros researcher contract under "Programa Compromisso com Ciencia - 2008" and financial support to the research centre CIMO (strategic project PEst-OE/AGR/UI0690/2011). This work was also supported by the Programa Operacional, Fatores de competitividade - COMPETE and by national funds through FCT - Fundacao para a Ciencia e a Tecnologia on the scope of the projects FCT PTDC/SAU-MIC/119069/2010, RECI/EBB-EBI/0179/2012 and PEst-OE/EQB/LA0023/2013. The authors thank the Project "BioHealth - Biotechnology and Bioengineering approaches to improve health quality", Ref. NORTE-07-0124-FEDER-000027, co-funded by the Programa Operacional Regional do Norte (ON.2 - O Novo Norte), QREN, FEDER. The authors are also grateful to "MaisErvas - Aromaticas e Medicinais" and "Americo Duarte Paixao Lda." for the supplying of some plant species.

A Solid-Phase Microextraction method for the Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry analysis of blackberry (Rubus sp.) volatiles has been fully optimized by means of a Box-Behnken experimental design. The optimized operating conditions (Carboxen/Polydimethylsiloxane fiber coating, 66 °C, 20 min equilibrium time and 16 min extraction time) have been applied to the characterization for the first time of the volatile composition of Rubus ulmifolius Schott blackberries collected in Italy and Spain. A total of 74 volatiles of different functionality were identified; esters and aliphatic alcohols were the predominant classes in both sample types. Methylbutanal (2.02-25.70%), ethanol (9.84-68.21%), 2,3-butanedione (2.31-14.71%), trans-2-hexenal (0.49-17.49%), 3-hydroxy-2-butanone (0.08-7.39%), 1-hexanol (0.56-16.39%), 1-octanol (0.49-10.86%) and methylbutanoic acid (0.53-21.48%) were the major compounds in most blackberries analyzed. Stepwise multiple regression analysis of semiquantitative data showed that only two variables (ethyl decanoate and ethyl acetate) were necessary for a successful differentiation of blackberries according to their harvest location.

This paper compiles and evaluates the ethnobotanical data currently available on wild plants traditionally used for human consumption in Spain. Forty-six ethnobotanical and ethnographical sources from Spain were reviewed, together with some original unpublished field data from several Spanish provinces. A total of 419 plant species belonging to 67 families was recorded. A list of species, plant parts used, localization and method of consumption, and harvesting time is presented. Of the seven different food categories considered, green vegetables were the largest group, followed by plants used to prepare beverages, wild fruits, and plants used for seasoning, sweets, preservatives, and other uses. Important species according to the number of reports include: Foeniculum vulgare, Rorippa nasturtium-aquaticum, Origanum vulgare, Rubus ulmifolius, Silene vulgaris, Asparagus acutifolius, and Scolymus hispanicus. We studied data on the botanical families to which the plants in the different categories belonged, overlapping between groups and distribution of uses of the different species. Many wild food plants have also been used for medicinal purposes and some are considered to be poisonous. This review highlights the rich traditional knowledge on edible plants that has remained in rural Spain. Until recently, many wild plants were used as dietary supplements. However, most of this knowledge survives only in the memory of the elderly, and will probably disappear in a few decades. © 2006 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, 2006, 152, 27–71.

Quantitative pollen analyses of Moroccan honey samples provided by amateur beekeepers from the Central Rif region demonstrates that nectar is generally the main honey source, and that most honeys have a medium‐low presence of botanical elements. However, two samples reached values as high as 1.08–1.83 qualifying as honeydew honeys. Qualitative results yielded 60 pollen types belonging to 33 families. Ammi visnaga L., Mentha pulegium L., M. rotundifolia (L.) Hudson, Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehnh. and Rubus ulmifolius Schott. were the main nectar sources, and Cistaceae, Poaceae, Cannabis sativa L. and grasses were exploited as a pollen source. When compared to the parent vegetation honeydew and mint sources are widely exploited, but other sources such as eucalyptus and heather are underutilised.

The Juan Fernandez Archipelago, a Chilean national park and biosphere reserve, is 700 km west of continental Chile. Invasive plant species pose major threats to the native, highly endemic vegetation, especially on Robinson Crusoe Island (Mas a Tierra), where there is a permanent settlement. We used historical and recent vegetation map data as well as recent vegetational point data to reconstruct vegetational changes on the island since the early twentieth century. In addition, we used logistic regression models with environmental variables or their surrogates (elevation, solar radiation, topographic similarity index, slope position) to estimate the potential distributions of the worst invaders. Native vegetation has been affected most severely by Acaena argentea, Aristotelia chilensis, Rubus ulmifolius, and Ugni molinae, leading to a significant decrease of endemic plants in the montane forests and native shrublands. The native forest has decreased by approximately one-third. The area affected by Aristotelia chilensis increased from 6.5% to 14% of the total island area. Ugni molinae, once rare, is now abundant (4.6%), as is Acaena (11.9%). Rubus ulmifolius, not present 80 years ago, now covers about 7% of the island's surface. The distributions of all studied species except Rubus ulmifolius are significantly (p 60%) by these plants. Based on the invasion speed of the past 80 years, this would take another 80 years if conservation measures do not succeed. Resumen: El Archipielago Juan Fernandez, un parque nacional y reserva de la biosfera chileno, esta 700 km al oeste de Chile continental. Plantas invasoras son la mayor amenaza para la vegetacion nativa, altamente endemica, especialmente en la Isla Robinson Crusoe (Mas a Tierra), donde hay un asentamiento permanente. Utilizamos datos historicos y recientes de mapas de vegetacion asi como datos puntuales recientes de vegetacion para reconstruir los cambios de vegetacion en la isla desde el inicio del siglo veinte. Adicionalmente, utilizamos modelos de regresion logistica con variables ambientales o sus sustitutos (elevacion, radiacion solar, indice de similitud topografica, pendiente) para estimar las distribuciones potenciales de los peores invasores. La vegetacion nativa ha sido afectada mas severamente por Acaena argentea, Aristotelia chilensis, Rubus ulmifolius y Ugni molinae, lo que traido una disminucion significativa de plantas endemicas en los bosques montanos y matorrales nativos. El bosque nativo ha disminuido aproximadamente en un tercio. El area afectada por Aristotelia chilensis aumento de 6.5% a 14% del total de la superficie de la isla. Ugni molinae, antes rara, ahora es abundante (4.6%), como lo es Acaena (11.9%). Rubus ulmifolius, ausente hace 80 anos, ahora cubre aproximadamente 7% de la superficie de la isla. Las distribuciones de todas las especies estudiadas excepto Rubus ulmifolius estan significativamente (p 60%) por estas plantas. En base a la velocidad de invasion en los ultimos 80 anos, esto llevaria otros 80 anos si las medidas de conservacion no son exitosas.

The distribution of roots of an Erica (Erica scoparia and Erica lusitanica) dominated Mediterranean maquis was studied using three different approaches: root counts on trench walls (down to 120 cm), estimation of the maximum rooting depth using an allometric relationship and estimation of fine root biomass and fine root length using soil cores (down to 100 cm). Roots were classified according to diameter (fine, ≤1.0 mm; small, 1.1–5.0 mm; medium, 5.1–10.0 mm; coarse, >10.0 mm) and species (Erica sp., Pteridium aquilinum, Rubus ulmifolius and Ulex jussiaei). The depth corresponding to 50% of all roots (D 50) was determined by fitting a new model to the cumulative root distribution. Fine roots represented 96% of root counts. Root counts of Erica represented 59%, Ulex 34%, Rubus 6% and Pteridium 1%. Overall root counts showed a D 50 of 26 cm. D 50 was higher for Ulex (40 cm) and Erica (22 cm), than for Pteridium (9 cm) and Rubus (3 cm). D 50 for fine roots was 27 cm, for small roots 11 cm, for medium roots 6 cm and for coarse roots 4 cm. The estimated average maximum rooting depth of the 28 deepest Erica roots was 222 cm. The deepest Erica root was estimated to reach 329 cm. A total of 82% of roots growing deeper than 125 cm were not reaching more than 175 cm. The overall fine root length density ranged from 4.6 cm/cm3 at 10 cm to 0.8 cm/cm3 at 80 cm. The overall fine root biomass ranged from 7.7 mg/cm3 at 10 cm to 0.6 mg/cm3 at 40 cm. D 50 for root biomass was 12 cm and D 50 for root length was 14 cm. Fine root biomass was estimated as 1.6 kg/m2 and the respective root length as 18.7 km/m2.

The role of the self-sown shrubsDittrichia viscosa (L.) W. Greuter andRubus ulmifolius Schott as reservoirs of aphid parasitoids was investigated. In the field studies conducted,D. viscosa grew adjacent to crops of durum wheat and barley andR. ulmifolius grew adjacent to cotton. The relative abundance of the parasitoids of(a) Capitophorus inulae (Passerini) onD. viscosa, (b) Rhopalosiphum padi (Linnaeus) on durum wheat and barley,(c) Aphis ruborum (Borner) onR. ulmifolius, and(d) Aphis gossypii Glover on cotton in various parts of Greece, was assessed during the years 1996–2000. In 2000, the fluctuation of parasitization of the above four aphid species was recorded and the action of the aphidophagous predators of the family Coccinellidae was studied. It was observed thatAphidius matricariae Haliday predominated onC. inulae andR. padi in all sampling cases. In contrast,Lysiphlebus fabarum (Marshall) was the dominant species parasitizingA. ruborum onR. ulmifolius andA. gossypii on cotton in Thessaly (central Greece) and Macedonia (northern Greece), whereasLysiphlebus confusus Tremblay et Eady andBinodoxys acalephae (Marshall) were the dominant parasitoid species in Thrace (northern Greece).Coccinella septempunctata Linnaeus was the most abundant coccinellid species on durum wheat, whereasAdonia variegata (Goeze) predominated on cotton. However, coccinellid individuals were scarce on bothD. viscosa andR. ulmifolius. The present study indicated that these two shrubs can be regarded as useful reservoirs of aphid parasitoids.

We investigated the invertebrate assemblages that colonised two types of leaf litter bags, which differed considerably in quality: (1) Mixed-species bags made of leaves from indigenous tree and shrub species (Populus nigra L., Rubus ulmifolius SCHOTT, and Salix atrocinerea BROT.); (2) and bags made of the recalcitrant leaves from the exotic species Platanus orientalis L. The study was conducted at two sites differing in riparian canopy located in the Mediterranean stream Rio Vicario, characterised by massive travertine precipitation. The overall density and biomass of invertebrates that colonised the mixed-species bags did not differ significantly from those that colonised the Platanus leaf bags. The same was observed, in general, for the density and biomass of functional feeding groups. The gut content of Leuctra franzi AUB., the most abundant and frequent shredder, showed that only a few individuals (ca. 10 %) had recently consumed leaf litter and only in limited amounts (

The antimicrobial activity on bacteria and fungi of increasing polarity extracts of Rubus ulmifolius and that of some isolated constituents, quercetin-3-O-beta-D-glucuronide; kaempferol-3-O-beta-D-glucuronide, gallic acid, ferulic acid and tiliroside was evaluated. The phenolic and tannins fractions showed an high antimicrobial activity.

Robinson Crusoe Island of the Juan Fernandez Archipelago, as is the case with many oceanic islands, has experienced strong human disturbances through exploitation of resources and introduction of alien biota. To understand these impacts and for purposes of diversity and resource management, an accu­ rate assessment of the composition and structure of plant communities was made. We analyzed the vegetation with 106 releves (vegetation records) and subsequent Twinspan ordination and produced a detailed colored map at 1: 30,000. The resultant map units are (1) endemic upper montane forest, (2) endemic lower montane forest, (3) Ugni molinae shrubland, (4) Rubus ulmifolius­ Aristotelia chilensis shrubland, (5) fern assemblages, (6) Libertia chilensis assem­ blage, (7) Acaena argentea assemblage, (8) native grassland, (9) weed assemblages, (10) tall ruderals, and (11) cultivated Eucalyptus, Cupressus, and Pinus. Mosaic patterns consisting of several communities are recognized as mixed units: (12) combined upper and lower montane endemic forest with aliens, (13) scattered native vegetation among rocks at higher elevations, (14) scattered grassland and weeds among rocks at lower elevations, and (15) grassland with Acaena argentea. Two categories are included that are not vegetation units: (16) rocks and eroded areas, and (17) settlement and airfield. Endemic forests at lower elevations and in drier zones of the island are under strong pressure from three woody species, Aristotelia chilensis, Rubus ulmifolius, and Ugni molinae. The latter invades native forests by ascending dry slopes and ridges. It successfully outcompetes endemic taxa, including its congener Ugni selkirkii. The aggressive herb Acaena argentea severely threatens to overtake native grassland.

We analyzed pollen from 89 honey samples, collected in León and Palencia provinces (NW Spain). According to their pollen spectra, 46 were considered monofloral. The most abundant monofloral honeys were Erica types followed by Castanea, Centaurea, Reseda and Helianthus. One hundred and forty-two different pollen types were recorded, belonging to 47 families. Fifty-five of them reached percentages over 3% in at least one sample, while the other 87 types never exceeded 3% in any of the 89 samples. The families that were present in the highest number of samples were Fabaceae, Rosaceae, Cistaceae and Asteraceae. Plant families that had the highest percentages were Fabaceae, Ericaceae, Asteraceae, and Rosaceae. The pollen types that appeared in most samples were Rubus ulmifolius (73 samples), Cytisus scoparius (70) and Mentha aquatica (62); the pollen types that had the highest relative abundance were Erica arborea, Lotus corniculatus, Cytisus scoparius. The pollen types of the Ericaceae family, Jasione montana, and Lavandula latifolia types could be used as indicators of the origin of honeys among five zones in the area studied. The use of cluster and correlation statistical analyses proved useful in characterizing honey samples from a geographical and botanical point of view. The honey samples were divided into four classes according to the data matrix of presence/absence, and into seven classes according to absolute frequencies of pollen types in the samples. Key words: Honey, palynology, melissopalynology, botanical origin, characterization

Introdução: A oca (Oxalis tuberosa) é um tubérculo amiláceo proveniente da região andina. É uma planta herbácea anual que é cultivada maioritariamente no Peru e na Bolívia, ocupando o segundo lugar na produção e no consumo, logo a seguir à batata. Existe uma enorme diversidade de ocas que diferem entre si principalmente na forma e na cor do tubérculo, podendo o tubérculo ser oval ou cilíndrico, com pele branca, amarela, laranja, rosa, roxa escura ou praticamente preta. Essas características variam dependendo do local do cultivo (solo e condições climatéricas). As amoras-silvestres são os frutos (pseudo-baga) de arbustos (amoreirasilvestre) do género Rubus, vulgarmente designados como silvas. São conhecidas pelos seus altos teores em antioxidantes naturais. Projecto IMEKOFOODS

Made available in DSpace on 2015-03-18T15:55:52Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2014-08-22Bitstream added on 2015-03-18T16:28:31Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 WOS000341395300001.pdf: 446154 bytes, checksum: f1b80aabfe0c9b51692dd8f875d70152 (MD5) Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq) Background: This study evaluated the effect of the solvent on the extraction of antioxidant compounds from black mulberry (Morus nigra), blackberry (Rubus ulmifolius) and strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa). Different extracts of each berry were evaluated from the determination of total phenolic content, anthocyanin content and antioxidant capacity, and data were applied to the principal component analysis (PCA) to gain an overview of the effect of the solvent in extraction method.Results: For all the berries analyzed, acetone/water (70/30, v/v) solvent mixture was more efficient solvent in the extracting of phenolic compounds, and methanol/water/acetic acid (70/29.5/0.5, v/v/v) showed the best values for anthocyanin content. Mixtures of ethanol/water (50/50, v/v), acetone water/acetic acid (70/29.5/0.5, v/v/v) and acetone/water (50/50, v/v) presented the highest antioxidant capacities for black mulberries, blackberries and strawberries, respectively.Conclusion: Antioxidants extractions are extremely affected by the solvent combination used. In addition, the obtained extracts with the organic solvent-water mixtures were distinguished from the extracts obtained with pure organic solvents, through the PCA analysis. Univ Estadual Maringa, Dept Chem, BR-87020900 Maringa, Parana, Brazil Univ Estadual Paulista, Inst Chem, BR-14800060 Araraquara, SP, Brazil Univ Estadual Paulista, Inst Chem, BR-14800060 Araraquara, SP, Brazil

© 2014 Cirad/EDP Sciences. Introduction. Several studies reveal the important role played by 'lesser-known' wild fruits since they contain nutritional and functional compounds which have biological properties. Materials and methods. Our work studied the presence of bioactive compounds such as vitamin C (ascorbic acid and dehydroascorbic acid), total phenolic content, phenolic acids, flavonols, anthocyanins and the antioxidant capacity (FRAP, ABTS•+ and DPPH• in vitro tests) in wild fruits of Arbutus unedo L. and Rubus ulmifolius Schott of Spanish origin, including samples from different seasons and locations. Results and discussion. A wide variability was found in the composition of fruits of the same species, which substantiates the importance of analyzing several batches of wild fruits, to achieve representative results, taking into account the natural variability. Arbustus unedo fruits showed higher vitamin C, mainly in the ascorbic acid form, and phenolic content than R. ulmifolius [(172-419) mg ascorbic acid×100 g-1 fw vs. (5.99-26.83) mg ascorbic acid×100 g-1 fw, and (773-1621) mg total phenolic compounds×100 g-1 fw vs. (376-1326) mg total phenolic compounds×100 g-1 fw, respectively]; phenolic acids and anthocyanins are the major groups of phenolic compounds found in both species, with gallic acid and cyanidin 3-glucoside as the main compounds. Arbustus unedo fruits showed significantly higher Folin-Ciocalteu values than those of R. ulmifolius. These values are higher than those reported for the majority of berries. The significant correlations found among different antioxidant compounds (r > 0.6300, P < 0.001) may reveal a protective effect between ascorbic acid and phenolic acids or anthocyanins in the fruits. Therefore, Arbutus unedo and R. ulmifolius fruits should be considered as new important sources of safe antioxidants.

Statistical analysis has been used for the first time to evaluate the dispersion of quantitative data in the solid-phase microextraction (SPME) followed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis of blackberry (Rubus ulmifolius Schott) volatiles with the aim of improving their precision. Experimental and randomly simulated data were compared using different statistical parameters (correlation coefficients, Principal Component Analysis loadings and eigenvalues). Non-random factors were shown to significantly contribute to total dispersion; groups of volatile compounds could be associated with these factors. A significant improvement of precision was achieved when considering percent concentration ratios, rather than percent values, among those blackberry volatiles with a similar dispersion behavior. As novelty over previous references, and to complement this main objective, the presence of non-random dispersion trends in data from simple blackberry model systems was evidenced. Although the influence of the type of matrix on data precision was proved, the possibility of a better understanding of the dispersion patterns in real samples was not possible from model systems. The approach here used was validated for the first time through the multicomponent characterization of Italian blackberries from different harvest years. © 2014 Elsevier B.V.

Blackberry (Rubussp.) juice was fermented using four different strains ofSaccharomyces cerevisiae(Vitilevure-CM4457, Enoferm-T306, ICV-K1, and Greroche Rhona-L3574) recognized because of their use in the wine industry. A medium alcoholic graduation spirit (GL°) with potential to be produced at an industrial scale was obtained. Alcoholic fermentations were performed at28C°, 200 rpm, and noncontrolled pH. The synergistic effect on the aromatic compounds production during fermentation in mixed culture was compared with those obtained by monoculture and physic mixture of spirits produced in monoculture. The aromatic composition was determined by HS-SPME-GC. The differences in aromatic profile principally rely on the proportions in aromatic compounds and not on the number of those compounds. The multivariance analysis, principal component analysis (PCA), and factorial discriminant analysis (DFA) permit to demonstrate the synergism between the strains.

Rubus ulmifolius Schott (Rosaceae), known as wild blackberry, is a perennial shrub found in wild and cultivated habitats in Europe, Asia and North Africa. Traditionally, it is used for homemade remedies because of its medicinal properties, including antioxidant activity. In the present work, phenolic extracts of R. ulmifolius flower buds obtained by decoction and hydroalcoholic extraction were chemically and biologically characterized. Several phenolic compounds were identified in both decoction and hydroalcoholic extracts of flowers, ellagitannin derivatives being the most abundant ones, namely the sanguiin H-10 isomer and lambertianin. Additionally, comparing with the decoction form, the hydroalcoholic extract presented both higher phenolic content and antioxidant activity. The hydroalcoholic extract was thereafter microencapsulated in an alginate-based matrix and incorporated into a yogurt to achieve antioxidant benefits. In what concerns the performed incorporation tests, the obtained results pointed out that, among the tested samples, the yoghurt containing the microencapsulated extract presented a slightly higher antioxidant activity, and that both forms (free and microencapsulated extracts) gave rise to products with higher activity than the control. In conclusion, this study demonstrated the antioxidant potential of the R. ulmifolius hydroalcoholic extract and the effectiveness of the microencapsulation technique used for its preservation, thus opening new prospects for the exploitation of these natural phenolic extracts in food applications.

El presente trabajo se centra en el estudio del sotobosque en un bosque de Pinus sylvestris L. situado en la localidad de Garde, en el Pirineo navarro. El estudio de la zona comenzó en 1999, cuando se escogió el área de bosque que iba a recibir el tratamiento de clara. Se dividió en 3 bloques aleatorizados con 3 repeticiones de tratamientos de clara: 0%, 20% y 30%, es decir, 9 parcelas. El objetivo del trabajo fue determinar la influencia de la intensidad de la clara 13 años después en la cobertura de las especies vegetales del sotobosque y establecer relaciones matemáticas para determinar la biomasa a partir de datos de cobertura. Para ello, se determinó la cobertura en campo de las especies Rubus ulmifolius, Pteridium aquilinum y el resto de herbáceas de forma agrupada, y a continuación se recogió la biomasa aérea de ellas mediante la realización de transectos en los meses de junio, julio y septiembre. En el laboratorio, se separaron las muestras y se determinó el peso seco de tallos y hojas de Rubus ulmifolius y Pteridium aquilinum, y el peso total del resto de herbáceas. Una vez obtenidos los datos necesarios, se realizaron análisis de varianza para determinar si existían diferencias de cobertura y biomasa entre tratamientos, y análisis de regresión para establecer las relaciones matemáticas. No se encontraron diferencias significativas para la cobertura de ninguna de las especies estudiadas, aunque sí que se encontraron tendencias consistentes con estudios previos a un aumento de cobertura del sotobosque tras las claras. Para la biomasa, las tendencias fueron las mismas, aunque en este caso las diferencias fueron significativas para Rubus ulmifolius y Pteridium aquilinum en las parcelas P20, siendo la biomasa mayor que en P0 y P30, indicando que, probablemente existan condicionantes ambientales que hayan hecho que la expansión de las especies del sotobosque no haya sido lineal con el aumento de la intensidad de clara. La fracción de sotobosque correspondiente a las especies herbáceas agrupadas (“otros”) fue mayor en las parcelas P30, por lo que la luz sí que tuvo gran influencia sobre esta distribución. Las claras forestales, por tanto, ejercen un efecto sobre la vegetación del sotobosque que perdura en el tiempo al menos trece años tras las claras, ya que estas tendencias se han ido observando a lo largo de los últimos años. Por otro lado, se obtuvieron ecuaciones de biomasa a partir de los análisis de regresión con observaciones de cobertura con buenos coeficientes de determinación para todas las especies estudio. Esto indica, por tanto, que la cobertura es un buen predictor de la biomasa de las especies estudiadas en Garde. El tipo de ecuación fue diferente según las especies, debido a sus formas de crecimiento. La mejor ecuación que se ajustó en Rubus ulmifolius y las especies herbáceas fue la ecuación potencial y en el caso de Pteridium aquilinum la ecuación cuadrática. Ingeniería Agronómica Nekazaritza Ingeniaritza

Croatia’s versatile plant use traditions are still not sufficiently documented. The aim of this study was to record local traditions of wild food plant use on the Dubrovnik coast. We interviewed 40 inhabitants of 23 villages, mainly knowledgeable informants. On average 19 species were listed, which in total produced an inventory of 95 food plant species (including species whose leaves or inflorescences are used as recreational teas).The most commonly collected are: Sonchus oleraceus and S. asper, Asparagus acutifolius, Dioscorea communis, Cichorium intybus, Crepis zacintha, Allium ampeloprasum, Picris echioides and Foeniculum vulgare (all of them used as vegetables), the fruits of Rubus ulmifolius (mainly eaten raw), the fruits of roses (Rosa sempervirens and R. canina) and the leaves of Salvia officinalis (both roses and salvia are used for making recreational teas). A particular feature of the local gastronomy is the collection of young Ruscus aculeatus shoots.

This paper we present an energy review of the waste generated by shrub species in soils of low fertility for use as fuel in a power plant. The residues analysed belong to the species: Rhamus alaternus , Ulex europaeus , Prunus spinosa , Smilax aspera , Erica sp., Rubus ulmifolius , and Pteridium aquilinum . Gross calorific value (GCV), net calorific value (NCV), density, elementary chemical analysis, moisture content, percentage of ash, productivity, energy density and FVI (fuel value index) have been measured. These parameters have been determined for three levels of moisture (maximum, medium and minimum). At medium moisture level, the residues of U. europaeus are those that reach the greatest FVI, 20,000. In the other extreme is the P. aquilinum with an FVI of 403. The average productivity of waste, in t ha −1 , of each species has been determined in order to know how much energy is stored per hectare. U. europaeus and P. spinosa are the species which accumulate more energy per hectare, with similar values of around 81 MJ ha −1 yr −1 and installed power of 2.59 W ha −1 . The energy recovery of the waste in a thermal power plant would generate an annual revenue of 14.6 M€, taking into account that 40% of the forest land covered by shrub in Cantabria is used for this purpose.

According to the pollen spectra recorded, most of them were monofloral (23) and 16 were multifloral. Erica honeys were the most abundant monofloral samples (9), Castanea sativa came next with 5; there were 3 samples of Helianthus annuus and 3 others of Lotus corniculatus and 1 of Rubus ulmifolius, Echium and Scrophularia canina pollen type respectively. The monofloral chestnuts honeys presented a minor pollen diversity. 108 pollen types were recorded, which belonged to 41 families. Fabaceae, Rosaceae and Ericaceae were the most represented families in the honeys studied. Cytisus scoparius and Rubus ulmifolius were the pollen types, which appeared in the highest number of samples. Certain pollen types such as Lavandula stoechas and Cistus ladanifer can be used as indicator or key elements in order to recognise the origin zone of honeys in the biogeographical Mediterranean region. As regards organoleptic analyses, most of our honeys (multiflorales, Erica, Rubus ulmifolius, Castanea sativa), samples are brow...

1. Breakdown of four leaf species (Platanus orientalis, Populus nigra, Salix atrocinerea, Rubus ulmifolius) was studied in a Mediterranean second-order stream characterised by abundant travertine precipitation, a history of fire in its catchment, and a recently revegetated alluvial corridor. 2. Compared to breakdown rates reported in the literature for congeneric species, breakdown of the four species was slow (k = 0.0024–0.0069 day−1 for the tree species, and 0.0103 and 0.0111 day−1 for Rubus), in spite of high water temperatures, indicating that the travertine layer that quickly covered submerged leaves impeded decomposer activity and physical fragmentation losses. 3. Breakdown rates nevertheless differed between leaf species in a predictable manner, suggesting that the observed mass loss was largely due to biological processes. 4. The observed tendency towards increasing leaf nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations during breakdown suggests that microorganisms were actively involved in leaf breakdown; however, this interpretation must be viewed with caution because of potentially confounding effects by nutrients contained in the travertine layer. 5. Leaf breakdown of the three indigenous species was faster than that of the exotic species P. orientalis. Due to the recalcitrance of its leaves, the frequent use of Platanus in revegetation schemes following the destruction of indigenous vegetation by fire, exacerbates the negative effect of travertine precipitation on leaf breakdown and, by extension, energy flow in Mediterranean karst streams.

The hypoglycaemic activity of a 20% dried leaf infusion of Bauhinia candicans Benth. (Leguminosae), Galega officinalis L. (Leguminosae), Morus alba L. (Moraceae) and Rubus ulmifolius Schott. (Rosaceae), used for diabetes in Chilean popular medicine, was evaluated in alloxan and streptozotocin induced hyperglycaemic rats. In normal rats the different infusions did not modify significantly the glycaemia in the period studied, but in diabetic rats different results were observed, depending on the diabetogenic drug used. B. candicans and R. ulmifolius infusions elicited remarkable hypoglycaemic effects in both experimental models. B. candicans presented a greater decrease of glycaemia in alloxan diabetic rats (39%) and R. ulmifolius showed a similar activity in both alloxan and streptozotocin diabetic rats (28% and 29%). Activity-guided fractionation of R. ulmifolius showed that petroleum ether extracts elicited a marked hypoglycaemic effect (35%) in the streptozotocin induced model.

A trial was carried out to evaluate the effect of shading net on the fruit ripening of blackberry, net photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance and chlorophyill content of the leaves. The study has compared plants of Black Satin and Smoothstem cultivars cultivated in full sunlight and under shading net, that reduced the light intensity by 40 %. The coverage with shading net has prolonged the harvesting period of Black Satin by 25 days and that of the Smoothstem by 28 days. The extension of ripening period has determined an increase of cumulated production by 9 % for Black Satin and by 12 % for Smoothstem. The shading has not changed the fruit physical-chemical characteristics. The shading net has reduced thc net assimilation and transpiration rate and increased the chlorophyll content of the leaves.

La Reserva Mundial de la Biósfera, Archipiélago de Juan Fernández (33° S) presenta la flora insular con mayor endemismo m-2 en el mundo. Tres especies de arbustos introducidos invaden y desplazan la vegetación nativa de Juan Fernández, especialmente en la isla Robinson Crusoe. Estas especies, Aristotelia chilensis (maqui, introducido en 1894), Rubus ulmifolius (mora, introducido en 1927) y Ugni molinae (murta, introducido a principios del siglo XX), presentan frutos carnosos que son dispersados principalmente por Turdus falcklandii (zorzal). En este trabajo se plantean y responden cinco preguntas clave, sobre: la capacidad actual de expansión de las plantas invasoras; el efecto del zorzal sobre la dispersión y germinación de estas plantas; y el posible efecto de controlar zorzal tanto sobre la expansión de las plantas invasoras como las nativas. Se concluye que la interacción entre el zorzal y los arbustos invasores ha sido clave para explicar su progresiva expansión, además de los rasgos de historia de vida de las plantas invasoras. Se plantea que el control o erradicación de esta ave podría ser una herramienta adecuada para desacelerar el avance de las plantas invasoras. Se recomienda hacer estudios detallados que permitan tomar decisiones sobre la efectividad de controlar en determinada cantidad y tiempo, o erradicar la población de zorzal de la isla Robinson Crusoe como medida de manejo. Además, se recomienda realizar estudios que permitan planificar el control de las fitoplagas en diferentes etapas del ciclo de vida de estas. De no tomarse prontas y efectivas medidas de control de la expansión de maqui, mora y murta se prevé una pérdida considerable de la biodiversidad terrestre de Robinson Crusoe en un mediano plazo. The Juan Fernandez Archipelago World Biosphere Reserve (33° S) contains the highest density of insular floral endemism in the world. Currently three invasive woody plant species threaten the conservation of the vegetation of Juan Fernández, particularly on Robinson Crusoe Island. The introduced plant species, Aristotelia chilensis (maqui), Rubus ulmifolius (mora) and Ugni molinae (murta), have fleshy fruits that are dispersed primarily by a native bird, the Austral Thrush (Turdus falcklandii). We explore five key scientific questions to guide management decisions, regarding the current expansion capacity of invasive plants, the influence of the Austral Thrush on dispersal and germination of invasive plants in forest gaps, and the possible effects of Austral Thrush control on the expansion of native and invasive plants. We conclude that the interaction between the Austral Thrush and invasive weeds, in addition to the life history characteristics of the invasive species, has been a defining characteristic of the success and speed of the plant invasion, and therefore control or eradication of the Austral Thrush could be a useful tool to slow invasive plant advances. However, we recommend additional detailed studies that would guide decision-making regarding Austral Thrush control and/or eradication effectiveness on Robinson Crusoe Island, in addition to studies of invasive plant control in various life history stages. If immediate and effective control measures are not taken to prevent the expansion of maqui, mora and murta, we foresee a considerable loss of terrestrial biodiversity from Robinson Crusoe Island in the medium term.

La Reserva Mundial de la Biosfera, Archipielago de Juan Fernandez (33° S) presenta la flora insular con mayor endemismo m-2 en el mundo. Tres especies de arbustos introducidos invaden y desplazan la vegetacion nativa de Juan Fernandez, especialmente en la isla Robinson Crusoe. Estas especies, Aristotelia chilensis (maqui, introducido en 1894), Rubus ulmifolius (mora, introducido en 1927) y Ugni molinae (murta, introducido a principios del siglo XX), presentan frutos carnosos que son dispersados principalmente por Turdus falcklandii (zorzal). En este trabajo se plantean y responden cinco preguntas clave, sobre: la capacidad actual de expansion de las plantas invasoras; el efecto del zorzal sobre la dispersion y germinacion de estas plantas; y el posible efecto de controlar zorzal tanto sobre la expansion de las plantas invasoras como las nativas. Se concluye que la interaccion entre el zorzal y los arbustos invasores ha sido clave para explicar su progresiva expansion, ademas de los rasgos de historia de vida de las plantas invasoras. Se plantea que el control o erradicacion de esta ave podria ser una herramienta adecuada para desacelerar el avance de las plantas invasoras. Se recomienda hacer estudios detallados que permitan tomar decisiones sobre la efectividad de controlar en determinada cantidad y tiempo, o erradicar la poblacion de zorzal de la isla Robinson Crusoe como medida de manejo. Ademas, se recomienda realizar estudios que permitan planificar el control de las fitoplagas en diferentes etapas del ciclo de vida de estas. De no tomarse prontas y efectivas medidas de control de la expansion de maqui, mora y murta se preve una perdida considerable de la biodiversidad terrestre de Robinson Crusoe en un mediano plazo.

Rubus ulmifolius Schoot (Rosaceae), conhecida como amora silvestre, é um arbusto perene encontrado em habitats silvestres e cultivados da Europa, Ásia e África do Norte. Tradicionalmente é conhecido pelas suas propriedades medicinais, incluindo atividade antioxidante. Neste trabalho caracterizaram-se quimicamente dois extratos fenólicos obtidos a partir de botões florais de R. ulmifolius, decocção e extrato hidroalcoólico, tendo sido identificados vários compostos fenólicos, maioritariamente derivados de elagitaninos nomeadamente, os isómeros sanguiin H-10 e lambertianina. Comparativamente à decocção, o extrato hidroalcoólico apresentou um conteúdo em compostos fenólicos superior e uma maior atividade antioxidante. A sua forma liofilizada foi a escolhida para microencapsular pela técnica de spray seguida de coagulação tendo-se produzido microesferas de alginato que foram posteriormente incorporadas num iogurte natural. Os resultados obtidos mostraram que o extrato microencapsulado originou produtos com atividade antioxidante superior e com melhor preservação desta ao longo do tempo. Ambas as formas (extrato direto e microencapsulado) mostraram maior atividade que o controlo. Em síntese, os resultados obtidos demonstraram o potencial antioxidante do extrato hidroalcoólico R. ulmifolius e a eficiência da microencapsulação para a sua preservação, abrindo assim possibilidades para a sua exploração em aplicações na indústria alimentar. Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT, Portugal) pelo apoio financeiro ao CIMO (projeto estratégico PEst-OE/AGR/UI0690/2011) e ao LSRE (projeto estratégico PEst- C/EQB/LA0020/2011). L. Barros agradece ao FCT, POPH-QREN e FSE pelo seu contrato de investigação no âmbito do “Programa Compromisso com Ciência-2008”.O GIP-USAL é financeiramente suportado pelo governo espanhol através do Programa Consolider-Ingenio 2010 (FUN-C-FOOD, CSD2007-00063).

Data on the impact of a population of about 1000 (spring estimate) fallow deer (Dama dama) on eight shrubs and mono- and dicotyledonous plants were collected in a coastal Mediterranean environment from December 1990 to March 1992. Four species of shrubs (Cistus salvifolius, Phillyrea latifolia, Rubus ulmifolius, Quercus ilex) and mixed graminoids were preferentially consumed. In autumn-winter the acorns of several species, Q. cerris and Q. ilex in particular, were also consumed. We determined the chemical composition, in vivo digestibility coefficients and metabolizable energy content of the feed. On average, R. ulmifolius had the lowest fibre content (18% DM) and the highest protein content (12% DM), organic matter digestibility (59%) and metabolizable energy value (2083 kcal ME kg−1 DM). C. salvifolius, P. latifolia and mixed graminoids did not differ significantly in organic matter digestibility (OMD) and nutritive value (1801, 1765 and 1557 kcal ME kg−1 DM, respectively), while Q. ilex had the lowest nutrient estimates with 32% OMD and 1362 kcal ME kg−1 DM. Forage quality traits usually peaked in spring and autumn. Metabolizable energy was positively correlated with protein, neutral detergent fibre and N-free extractives contents, and negatively correlated with the acid detergent fibre content. Acorns were generally highly digestible; in particular, the seed of Q. farnia and Q. ilex showed 80% and 83% OMD, respectively. In a Mediterranean environment the summer seems the most critical season for fallow deer. The results of this work are important for assessing the carrying capacity of wild Mediterranean ecosystems for fallow deer.

Dissertação de mest., Engenharia Biológica, Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Univ. do Algarve, 2012 O presente estudo teve como principal objetivo avaliar o efeito do solvente na atividade antioxidante e no conteúdo em compostos fenólicos de extratos aquosos, etanólicos e metanólicos obtidos a partir de frutos e folhas de plantas de Rubus cultivadas e não cultivadas (coletadas no campo) obtidas no sul do País. Nos extratos obtidos de frutos estudados, o espécime RUN2 apresentou os conteúdos em compostos fenólicos (2,57 mg GAE/g amostra fresca) mais elevados (fenólicos totais, flavonoides totais, antocianinas monoméricas totais e taninos condensados) e a maior atividade antioxidante (4,16 mg TE/g amostra fresca). Os extratos aquosos a 95 C e os metanólicos foram o que apresentaram a maior capacidade em extrair estes compostos. Da análise dos resultados dos extratos de folhas de plantas de Rubus ressalta que o espécime não cultivado do Algarve (RUN2) apresenta o maior conteúdo em compostos bioativos e a maior atividade antioxidante. Quanto aos diferentes solventes usados nas extrações das folhas, o extrato C) mostrou o maior poder de extração de compostos bioativos (15,09 mg GAE/g amostra seca) e de antioxidantes (34,80 mg TE/g amostra seca). Na avaliação da atividade antioxidante destes extratos foram realizados vários ensaios. O método ABTS foi, efetivamente, o que apresentou os melhores resultados, indicando que os compostos possuem elevada capacidade para reduzir o radical ABTS●+. O método DPPH mostrou as concentrações mais baixas, sugerindo que os antioxidantes presentes nestes extratos não possuem capacidade para reduzir o radical livre DPPH como possuem para reduzir o radical ABTS●+ e/ou ferro (III). Quanto à avaliação dos perfis de compostos fenólicos individuais (HPLC-DAD) presentes nos extratos, as antocianinas e os ácidos hidroxibenzóicos foram os que apresentaram os teores mais elevados. Assim, a forte correlação existente entre o conteúdo em compostos fenólicos e a atividade antioxidante encontrada nestes frutos (R2=0,949) e folhas (R2=0,857) pode ser explicada pela presença destes compostos maioritários, sugerindo que os fenólicos são os principais responsáveis pela atividade antioxidante existente nestes extratos. Conclui-se, então, que as folhas e frutos das plantas estudadas constituem fontes ricas em compostos biologicamente ativos, que possuem importantes propriedades antioxidantes, podendo contribuir significativamente para as exigências das dietas nutricionais e devendo ser fontes de nutrientes complementares a outras fontes principais.

Background Biofilms contribute to the pathogenesis of many forms of Staphylococcus aureus infection. Treatment of these infections is complicated by intrinsic resistance to conventional antibiotics, thus creating an urgent need for strategies that can be used for the prevention and treatment of biofilm-associated infections. Methodology/Principal Findings This study demonstrates that a botanical natural product composition (220D-F2) rich in ellagic acid and its derivatives can limit S. aureus biofilm formation to a degree that can be correlated with increased antibiotic susceptibility. The source of this composition is Rubus ulmifolius Schott. (Rosaceae), a plant used in complementary and alternative medicine in southern Italy for the treatment of skin and soft tissue infections. All S. aureus clonal lineages tested exhibited a reduced capacity to form a biofilm at 220D-F2 concentrations ranging from 50–200 µg/mL, which were well below the concentrations required to limit bacterial growth (530–1040 µg/mL). This limitation was therapeutically relevant in that inclusion of 220D-F2 resulted in enhanced susceptibility to the functionally-distinct antibiotics daptomycin, clindamycin and oxacillin. Testing with kidney and liver cell lines also demonstrated a lack of host cell cytotoxicity at concentrations of 220D-F2 required to achieve these effects. Conclusions/Significance These results demonstrate that extract 220D-F2 from the root of Rubus ulmifolius can be used to inhibit S. aureus biofilm formation to a degree that can be correlated with increased antibiotic susceptibility without toxic effects on normal mammalian cells. Hence, 220D-F2 is a strong candidate for development as a botanical drug for use in the prevention and treatment of S. aureus biofilm-associated infections.

Biofilm formation not only contributes to the pathogenesis of many forms of Staphylococcus aureus infection but also compromises antimicrobial therapy to a point that often necessitates surgical intervention. This makes it important to develop therapeutic approaches that can be used to limit biofilm formation to a therapeutically-relevant degree. A root extract from the elmleaf blackberry (Rubus ulmifolius Schott.) was created following bioassay-guided fractionation techniques and investigated for its ability to inhibit S. aureus biofilm formation. Active fractions were characterized by liquid chromatography time of flight mass spectrometry (LC-Q/ToFMS) to obtain a chromatographic fingerprint for batch-to-batch extract standardization. The elmleaf blackberry is a medicinal plant used in traditional medical treatments for skin and soft tissue infection in the Mediterranean [1]. Investigation of this extract revealed that it is effective in preventing biofilm formation in all of the genotypic variants of S. aureus, including the USA300 clonal lineage, at a minimum concentration of 50µg/mL. Moreover, concomitant treatment with the extract and antibiotic revealed that the extract improves the efficacy of functionally-distinct antibiotics in the specific context of treating an established S. aureus biofilm in a catheter model. Our findings provide support for the further characterization and investigation of this extract as a biofilm inhibitor. Acknowledgements: This work was supported by the National Institutes of Health (F32AT005040 to C.L.Q. and R01-AI43356 to M.S.S.). The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily reflect the official views of the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine or the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases at the National Institutes of Health. References: [1] Quave C, Pieroni A, Bennett BC (2008) Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine 4: 5.

From the aerial parts of Rubus ulmifolius Schott three new anthrones, rubanthrone A, B and C, have been isolated. Their structures were established by spectral procedures including 1D and 2D NMR techniques and chemical derivatization. Rubanthrone A showed antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus at 4.5 mg/ml.

Using field seed sowings, we assessed how four mammal species (Meles meles, Vulpes vulpes, Sus scrofa, and Oryctolagus cuniculus) influenced seed germination in three fleshy-fruited Mediterranean shrubs (Corema album, Pyrus bourgaeana, and Rubus ulmifolius). We predicted that gut passage and removal away from mother plants would enhance the quantity, speed, and asynchrony of seed germination. Results showed that percent germination was altered by gut passage, but that the magnitude and even the direction of such effects varied according to plant and disperser species. Likewise, dispersal away from mother plants affected the percentage and germination speed in some species but not others. Gut passage increased asynchrony of germination in Rubus and Pyrus, and removal from the mother plant increased asynchrony in Rubus, which likely enhances plant fitness in unpredictable environments. Gut passage generally had a stronger effect on germination than removal away from mother plants, but for some species both factors were similarly influential. Therefore, the combined effects of both seed dispersal services varied individually among fruit and frugivore species, leading to unusually high functional diversity in this seed dispersal mutualism.

This work investigates the potential of Rubus ulmifolius, indigenous to a metal contaminated site - Esteiro de Estarreja - for phytoremediation purposes. The site has a long history of metal contamination. The accumulation of lead (Pb), arsenic (As) and nickel (Ni) in different sections - roots, stems and leaves - of the plant was assessed and compared to the levels of those metals in the soil and in the available fraction. The distribution of metals throughout the area was quite heterogeneous, presenting levels of As, Pb and Ni of up to 3078, 1400 and 135 mg kg-1, respectively, and the metal content in the sections of R. ulmifolius collected in the banks of the stream varied among sites of collection. Levels of metals were higher in the plant roots: As levels (mg kg-1) ranged from 277 to 1721 in the roots, 30 to 110 in the stems, and 60 to 265 in the leaves; Pb concentrations (mg kg-1) ranged from 248 to 1178 in the roots, 35 to 133 in the stems, and 25 to 149 in the leaves; and Ni (mg kg-1) ranged from 48 to 151 in the roots. Significant correlations were found between the total levels of Pb and As in the soil and the levels in the roots of the plant; further correlations between total and available levels in the soil and metals in other plant tissues were generally found as non-significant. According to the metal accumulation patterns of R. ulmifolius, this species seems to be valuable for application in phytostabilisation strategies.

Aim of study One-third of botanical remedies from southern Italy are used to treat skin and soft tissue infection (SSTI). Staphylococcus aureus, a common cause of SSTI, has generated increasing concern due to drug resistance. Many plants possess antimicrobial agents and provide effective remedies for SSTI. Our aim was to investigate plants from different ethnobotanical usage groups for inhibition of growth and biofilms in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Materials and methods Three groups were assessed: plant remedies for SSTI, plant remedies not involving the skin, and plants with no ethnomedical application. We screened 168 extracts, representing 104 botanical species, for activity against MRSA (ATCC 33593). We employed broth dilution methods to determine the MIC after 18 h growth using an optical density (OD600nm) reading. Anti-biofilm effects were assessed by growing biofilms for 40 h, then fixing and staining with crystal violet. After washing, 10% Tween 80 was added and OD570nm readings were taken. Results Extracts from 10 plants exhibited an IC50 ≤ 32 μg/ml for biofilm inhibition: Lonicera alpigena, Castanea sativa, Juglans regia, Ballota nigra, Rosmarinus officinalis, Leopoldia comosa, Malva sylvestris, Cyclamen hederifolium, Rosa canina, and Rubus ulmifolius. Limited bacteriostatic activity was evident. Conclusion This study has demonstrated that the anti-biofilm activity of medicinal plants used for SSTI is significantly greater than plants without any ethnomedical applications.

The antioxidant capacities of 11 botanical species used in the tradition of Sardinia as teas beverages or as decoction for medicinal purposes were evaluated using different in vitro methods (BR, TEAC, DPPH and FC). Among the various species, Rubus ulmifolius, resulted the more active with all the used methods. Phytochemical investigation on the extract yields in the isolation of several phenolic compounds namely caffeic acid, ferulic acid, quercetin-3-O-glucuronide, kaempferol-3-O-glucuronide, kaempferol-3-O-(6″-p-coumaroyl)-β-d-glucopyranoside, kaempferol-3-O-(6″-caffeoyl)-β-d-glucopyranoside, chlorogenic acid, 4-caffeoylquinic acid and 5-caffeoylquinic acid. The antioxidant activity of isolated compounds was also evaluated.

Vegetables of Rubus species are known to have antimicrobial properties mainly due to its high content in phenolic compounds. Among the 37 potentially pathogenic fungi screened with crude methanolic extract from micropropagated shoots of Rubus ulmifolius Schott, we show that the 70% of the species resulted variably sensitive to methanolic extract. Of the phenolic fractions obtained from the crude methanolic extract by hydrophobic interaction chromatography, those rich in tannins resulted active against the fungal strains tested, whereas those containing chlorogenic, caftaric acid and caffeoyl derivatives resulted partially effective. Our results suggest a potential utilization of the in vitro plant cultures of R. ulmifolius to provide standardized extracts from plant material grown in uniform conditions and available year round, which could be useful as natural antifungal agents.

In this study, the more significant results of extensive ethnopharmacobotanical research carried out by the author in the years 1977-2000 in 175 localities of three regions of Central Italy (Marche, Abruzzo, and Latium) have been reported and compared. The usages of 80 species belonging to 36 families are described, of which 71 were used in human therapy and 29 in veterinary medicine. Uses are suited with the number of localities in which they have been mentioned. Among the wild plant mainly still used, Malva sylvestris, Urtica dioica, and Sambucus nigra are particularly highly considered, while major uses of plants concern these plants in addition to Allium sativum, Rubus ulmifolius, Parietaria diffusa, Cynodon dactylon, and Ficus carica. Unusual phytotherapic uses concern Brassica oleracea, Taraxacum officinale (warts), Ruscus aculeatus, S. nigra (chilblains), Allium cepa (chilblains; to remove thorns and splinters), Juglans regia, R. ulmifolius (burns), and Euphorbia paralias (bites of weevers). Among new uses with only one quotation, we remember Cirsium arvense (intestinal disturbances), Centaurea bracteata (cough), Lupinus albus (calluses), Melittis melissophyllum (eye inflammations, antispasmodic), and Artemisia absinthium (tendon inflammations), while among plants employed in various regions with interesting less-known properties, there are C. arvense (emergency haemostatic), P. diffusa (insect bites), and Scrophularia canina (antiseptic and cicatrizing agent for wounds in bovines and sheep).

In Italy, the following important blackberries are cultivated: Rubus ulmifolius, R. armeniacus and R. laciniatus. Italy is proposed as a possible place of origin of R. ulmifolius and its spineless race var. anoplothyrsus. The other two species are introduced. All of them show a characteristic differentiation and migration.

From the aerial parts of Rubus ulmifolius Schott three new anthrones, rubanthrone A, B and C, have been isolated. Their structures were established by spectral procedures including 1D and 2D NMR techniques and chemical derivatization. Rubanthrone A showed antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus at 4.5 mg/ml.