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This study investigated the anti‐inflammatory properties of Ajuga integrifolia, an herbal preparation. Qualitative and quantitative phytochemical analyses were conducted to identify active compounds in the preparation. The researchers also assessed its ability to inhibit the production of pro‐inflammatory enzymes, cyclooxygenases (COX‐1, COX‐2), and lipoxygenase (5‐LOX) in vitro. The extracts demonstrated dose‐dependent inhibition of these enzymes, with some extracts showing IC50 values comparable to standard anti‐inflammatory drugs. The ethanol extract exhibited significant inhibition of 5‐LOX (52.99 μg/mL), compared to the standard drug zileuton (32.41 μg/mL), while the inhibition of COX‐1 (66.00 μg/mL) and COX‐2 (71.62 μg/mL) was comparable to the standard drug indomethacin (40.57 and 54.39 μg/mL, respectively). These findings suggest that A. integrifolia has the potential to be used as a herbal remedy for treating inflammatory conditions. By inhibiting pro‐inflammatory enzymes, the extracts may effectively reduce inflammation and promote tissue healing or repair. The inhibition potential of extract of this plant can be taken as a good candidate of anti‐inflammatory agent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and objectives: Ajuga genus is used as wound healing in traditional Persian medicine. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of Ajuga chamaecistus ssp. tomentella ointment on healing pressure ulcers in patients admitted to the intensive care unit. Methods: In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, 131 patients with grade 1 or 2 pressure ulcers were randomly assigned into one of two groups through simple randomization. The study group received 3% Ajuga ointment, containing 17.26 µg/mL of 20-hydroxyecdysone (ecdysterone) as the main compound, while the control group received placebo twice a day for 14 days in addition to the standard care for pressure ulcers Changes in the degree and size of wounds were considered as the primary outcomes of the study based on the 2-digit Stirling scale. Results: Forty patients in each group completed the research. Mean (95% confidence interval) difference values, for wound degree, between two groups on day 7 vs. day 0 was -0.88 (-1.01 to -0.76, p

Ajuga bracteosa (family: Lamiaceae), commonly known as kauri booti, is an important ethnomedicinal plant. The current research was conducted to appraise and compare the in vitro antioxidant and antibacterial profiles as well as in vivo wound healing potentials of Ajugarin I and A. bracteosa extract. Ajugarin I and polyphenols in A. bracteosa were enumerated by reversed-phase high- performance liquid chromatography analysis that confirmed significant amounts of Ajugarin I (2.2 ± 0.02 Mg/mg DW) and other phenolic compounds (14 out of 17 standards). A. bracteosa (374.4 ± 0.20 Mg AAE/mg of DW, 201.9 ± 0.20 Mg AAE/mg of DW, 87 ± 0.30%) showed a higher antioxidant profile compared to Ajugarin I (221.8 ± 0.50 Mg AAE/mg of DW, 51.8 ± 0.40 Mg AAE/mg of DW, 27.65 ± 0.80%) with 1.86-, 3.89-, and 3.15-fold greater activity in ferric reducing antioxidant power, total antioxidant capacity, and free radical scavenging assays, respectively. Likewise, A. bracteosa showed antibacterial activity against 3/5 strains (MIC 25-200 Mg/ml) than Ajugarin I (2/5 strains; MIC 50-200 Mg/ml). Hemolytic (<2% hemolysis) and dermal toxicity tests rendered both samples non-toxic. Additionally, A. bracteosa (100 ± 2.34% at day 12; 9.33 ± 0.47 days) demonstrated 1.11- and 1.24-fold higher percent wound contraction and epithelization time, respectively, than Ajugarin I (95.6 ± 1.52% at day 12; 11.6 ± 0.47 days) as assessed by an excision wound model in mice. Histopathological examination further reinforced the better wound healing potential of A. bracteosa with good epithelization, collagen synthesis, fibroblast proliferation, and revascularization. Briefly, we endorse the significant comparative antioxidant, antibacterial, and wound healing activities of A. bracteosa and Ajugarin I and present these as prospective candidates for wound healing drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fungal infections are a serious health concern that poses a danger to global healthcare systems. The innate resistance of fungi to chemical agents has made researchers investigate natural sources with bioactive contents against a wide spectrum of pathogenic microbes. The present study aimed to explore the variability of the mineral profile, as well as the antifungal effect of different extracts of Ajuga iva L. collected from different geographical locations in Morocco. Different extracts (aqueous, ethanol, and methanol) were prepared from Ajuga iva samples using the maceration technique. The mineral profile of the extracts was determined using inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES). Eight pathogenic fungi were used to determine the antifungal effect of different extracts of Ajuga iva using agar disc diffusion method. The results showed high variability in the mineral profile according to geographical origin with the abundance of Na (between 160.52 and 192.40 mg/L), K (between 10.52 and 41.41 mg/mL), Ca (between 32.07 and 58.76 mg/L), Mg (between 4.16 and 8.42 mg/L), and P (between 1.69 and 10.54 mg/L). All the test extracts exhibited considerable antifungal effects against all fungi except Cryptococcus. The findings of the present study confirmed that Ajuga iva is a valuable source of essential minerals and is effective in inhibiting the growth of pathogenic fungi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to evaluate phytochemical composition of Ajuga reptans L. (Lamiaceae) aerial parts (separately flower and leaf) methanol, aqueous-methanolic extracts, and their cytotoxic activities. The phytochemical analysis was performed high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Caffeic acid, p-coumaric, gallic, chlorogenic, ferulic acids, kaempferol, rutin, quercetin, quercetin-3-O-galactoside, and quercitrin were used as reference substances by HPLC in all samples. The major compounds in the extract were found as ferulic acid, caffeic acid, rutin, and quercetin-3-O-galactoside. Cytotoxicity was investigated using methyl thiazole tetrazolium (MTT) assay. Cytotoxic evaluation of the extracts against cancer (MCF7, PC3, and A549) and healthy human embryonic kidney cell line (HEK293) cell lines by MTT. Compared to other cells, the methanol extract of A. reptans demonstrated high selectivity against PC3 cells (IC50: 95 ± 0.99 µg/mL) and selectivity index was four times higher than reference drug colchicine. (IC50: 95 ± 0.99 µg/mL, SI: 6.10). A. reptans demonstrated antiproliferative potential against prostate and lung cancer cells. Therefore, additional investigations are needed to study the mechanism of the cytotoxicity for A. reptans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and objectives: Nowadays, the use of medicinal plants is on the rise mainly due to the fewer side effects and lower costs. Despite the traditional reports about the healing properties of Ajuga species, no clinical studies have been conducted. In this study, the effect of hydroalcoholic extract cream (3%) of Ajuga chamaecistus ssp. tomentella, one of the exclusive species of Ajuga in Iran, was compared with nitrofurazone cream (0.2%) on the second-degree burn wound healing. Methods: This clinical trial was performed at Motahhari Burns Hospital in Tehran. Fifty-two cases of second-degree burn patients were randomly assigned to two groups of 26 members, including nitrofurazone and Ajuga. We evaluated the wounds based on the onset of epithelialization, healing time, post-drug irritation, primary irritation, decreased irritation, post-drug pain, primary pain, decreased pain, allergy, infection parameters, and the Bates-Jensen Wound Assessment Tool. Results: Ajuga cream was more effective than nitrofurazone in terms of the mean day of epithelialization onset (p = 0.007), healing time (p = 0.001), post-drug irritation (p = 0.007), decreased irritation (p

Copyright of Journal of Faculty of Pharmacy of Ankara University / Ankara Üniversitesi Eczacilik Fakültesi Dergisi is the property of Ankara University and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Objectives: Study of antimicrobial effects of aqueous and methanolic extracts of vegetative and reproductive structures of A. Chamaecistus and A. austro-iranica on several fungi and bacteria Materials and Methods: Aquatic and methanolic extracts prepared from Ajuga Chamaecistus, A. austro-iranica were tested for antibacterial activity against gram positive (Satphyloccocus aureous and Streptococus pyogenes) and gram negative (Pseudomonas aeroginosa and Proteus vulgaris) bacteria and Aspergillus niger and fusarium solani. The vegetative and generative shoots of plants were powdered, sterilized, and extracted at 4°C with methanol and water. The concentrations of 50, 100 and 200 mgml-1 of methanolic and aquatic extracts were used to detect the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). All experiments were tested three times. The antibacterial effects were evaluated using the cup-plate and antifugal activity using cup-plate and pour plate Results: The antibacterial effect of aqueous extracts showed that only the leaf extract (vegetative extract) of A. chamaecistus is effective on S. aureus showing that in gram-negative bacteria, the presence of a lipopolysaccharide wall causes greater resistance. Methanolic extracts of both species were more active than aqueous extracts and had antimicrobial effects on all tested bacteria as well as A. niger. In both species, the extracts of the generative parts showed a stronger antifungal effect. In different species of this genus, the presence of phenolic compounds, tannins and terpenoids that have antimicrobial properties confirms the antimicrobial properties of this species. However, the amount of their effect depends on plant and microbe species, the tested parts (plant organs), the extracts concentration, the sampling season, the sample age and soil type.

Cancer is a significant public health concern both globally and in Jordan. Modern cancer therapies are associated with multidrug resistance, severe side effects, and high costs. There has recently been a lot of interest in screening for plants that can be used in cancer prevention and treatment. The current study is intended to assess the cytotoxic activity of methanolic extract of aerial parts of Ajuga orientalis L. on a human breast cancer cell line (MCF-7). The cytotoxic activity of the extract against human breast cancer cells (MCF-7) and normal fibroblast (MRC-5) was assessed using the (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl) - 2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The cells were treated with different concentrations of methanol extract of Ajuga orientalis (3.125-200 µg/mL) for 24, 48, and 72 hrs. The extract demonstrated inhibition in the proliferation of the MCF-7 cell line in a dose-dependent manner, without any toxic impact on normal fibroblast cells. Furthermore, the extract showed significant cytotoxic activity after 72 hrs of incubation (IC50 30.5±0.05 µg/mL). In conclusion, the methanol extract of A. orientalis showed a potent reduction in the proliferation of MCF-7 cells and could be considered a potential source of the anticancer compound. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to determine the morphological, anatomical and ecological characteristics of Ajuga salicifolia (L.) Schreber plant belonging to Lamiaceae family. The plant was collected between April and June 2019 from the open fields of Bağbaşı location in Kırşehir province. The collected samples were placed in 70% alcohol and fixed. Transverse sections were taken from the root, stem and leaf of the plant for anatomical research. In addition, superficial sections were taken from both the lower and upper parts of the leaf. According to the morphological examination, the stem of the plant is upright and occasionally accumbent. The stem is red from the basal to the middle and has hispid hairs on it. Leaves are usually oblong-lanceolate. The corolla is yellow and 1-2 very prominent red spots are seen at the far end. In the root cross section of the plant, the periderm is 1-2 layers, rectangular. Phloem is 7- 8 rows and xylem are evident. Pith region is observed in the root. According to the stem cross section, the epidermis cells are circular and square shaped and covered with capitate glandular hairs and 1-3 cell eglandular hairs. The vascular bundles are in a continuous ring. Sclerenchyma also continues around the vascular bundles. Collenchyma cells are seen in the corners of the stem. The leaf of the A. salicifolia plant is bifacial. Stomata are anomocytic. The soils in which it grows of A. salicifolia are clayey, slightly alkaline, salt-free, poor in phosphorus, and rich in potassium and organic matter. As a result, the examination of the species in terms of morphology and anatomical aspects provides important benefits in the systematic of plants. For this reason, it is expected that our study will benefit the studies to be carried out on the Ajuga genus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Ajuga is widely distributed in temperate to subtropical regions, and four species are currently recognized in Korea (A. decumbens, A. multiflora, A. nipponensis, and A. spectabilis), but epidermal anatomical differences across these species have never been described. A comparative study of the leaf micromorphological characteristics of Korean Ajuga species was performed using light microscopy (LM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to elucidate their taxonomic usefulness and to assess leaf micromorphological diversity. Considerable diversity in epidermal and stomatal anatomy was observed across Korean Ajuga species. Species had both hypostomatic or amphistomatic leaves, with anomocytic, anisocytic, diactyic, or actinocytic stomatal complexes. Guard cell length across species ranged from 17.66 ± 0.57 μm to 32.50 ± 2.38 μm and correlated with genome size. Abnormal stomata were frequently observed in three species (A. decumbens, A. multiflora, and A. nipponensis) but not in A. spectabilis. Three types of glandular trichomes were found: peltate in all species, short-stalked in all species, and long-stalked glandular trichomes in A. multiflora. Among the investigated leaf micromophological characters, trichome type, epidermal cell shape, and stomatal morphology were all taxonomically informative traits at a species level. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: A comprehensive micromorphological description of the leaf surface is provided for Korean Ajuga species using scanning electron microscopic (SEM) and light microscopic (LM) analyses. The diverse range of stomatal development and the occurrence of polymorphic stomatal types are documented for the first time in Korean Ajuga species. The great diversity in stomatal and trichome morphology in Korean Ajuga species are taxonomically useful traits for species identification., (© 2023 Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Copyright of Farmacia is the property of Societatea de Stiinte Farmaceutice Romania and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Abstract Ajuga bracteosa an important medicinal herb, is getting endangered worldwide due to destructive harvesting by pharmaceutical industries in its different habitats. It is in dire need for protection and demands conservation and sustainable utilization. In the present study, effects of α-naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) under different spectral lights were estimated on the growth, secondary metabolism and biosynthesis of phenolic acids in adventitious roots (AR) cultures of A. bracteosa. Among the different spectral lights, highest AR induction frequency (88%) and formation of biomass (72 g/L FW and 22 g/L DW) were recorded in explants incubated in the presence of 1.5 mg/L NAA under yellow light. Maximum production of poly phenols (TPC;44.2 mg) and flavonoids (TFC;2.51 mg) were recorded in the AR cultures grown in the presence of blue light. Further, highest total protein content of (401.6 μg) was detected in the AR in response to normal white light. Blue spectral light induced maximum superoxide dismutase (SOD; 2.5 nM) and peroxidase activity (POD;0.85 nM) respectively, in AR cultures. Compared with other monochromatic lights, red light significantly enhanced the antioxidant potential of the AR cultures. Analysis through High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC-DAD) revealed significant variations in the levels of important phenolic acids such as gallic acid, catechin, rutin, caffeic acid, myricetin and apigenin in the AR samples treated with the lights of different spectra. Highlights • Adventitious roots '"AR" of Ajuga bracteosa were established under different colored lights. • α-naphthalene acetic acid '"NAA" under yellow light produced highest AR biomass. • The different monochromatic lights boosted the antioxidant enzyme and protein systems during AR growth. • Red color enhanced higher production of catechin and rutin in AR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Ajuga bracteosa (A. bracteosa) is one of the critically endangered and high-valued medicinal plants worldwide. Light is one of the major factor or stimulus involved in the morphogenic responses and bioactive compounds production in various medicinal plants. In this study, unique properties of colored lights have been observed on induction of somatic embryos from non-embryonic calli cultures of A. bracteosa. The maximum callogenic response (92.32%) from leaf explants was observed on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium augmented with benzyl adenine (BA; 2.0 l−1) and 2, 4-Dichlorophenoxy acetic acid (2.4-D; 1.0 mg l−1). Calli cultures with same hormonal concentrations were placed under different spectral lights for somatic embryogenesis and photochemical variations. Red lights were found effective for maximum somatic embryos induction (92.75%) with optimum biomass accumulation (152.64 g l−1) on day 40. Similarly, among all the spectral lights, red light exhibited the highest DPPH-radical scavenging activity (DRSA; 92.86%). In contrast, blue lights induced maximum biosynthesis of chemically important total phenolics content and total flavonoids content (TPC; 0.264 and TFC; 0.06 mg/g-DW), respectively. Furthermore, blue, green and red lights also enhanced phenolics and production, polyphenolics content and total polyphenolics production in somatic embryos. It is concluded that exposure of calli cultures to colored lights provides an effective and promising in vitro technique for conservation of endangered A. bracteosa species and enhancement of its bioactive compounds. Steps should be taken to adopt these strategies/ techniques at a larger scale in order to yield maximum benefits from this highly valued medicinal plant species. Highlights • Ajuga bracteosa is one of the critically endangered medicinal plants. • Red lights induced somatic embryogenesis from calli cultures. • Red lights enhanced the accumulation of biomass. • Blue lights increases the biosynthesis of polyphenolics content. • Red lights exhibited the highest antioxidant activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Ajuga ovalifolia Bur. et Franch. var. calantha (Diels) C. Y. Wu et C. Chen (Labiatae), a traditional Chinese medicine, has been used to treat several inflammatory diseases. Objective: To assess the anti-inflammatory activity of ajudecumin A isolated from Ajuga ovalifolia var. calantha, and its possible mechanisms. Materials and methods: Lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 0.5 μg/mL)-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages were used to assess the anti-inflammatory activity of ajudecumin A (1-40 μM) in vitro. Nitric oxide levels were evaluated by Griess reagent. The mRNA levels of iNOS, COX-2, TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 were determined using qRT-PCR. Phosphorylation of ERK, JNK, p38 MAPK and IκBα were detected by western Blot. To further assess the anti-inflammatory of ajudecumin A in vivo, mice were oral treated with ajudecumin A (10 mg/kg) or dexamethasone (0.25 mg/kg, positive control) for 5 days before administration of carrageenan or xylene. Paw and ear edema were then measured, respectively. Results: Ajudecumin A (10-40 μM) decreased LPS-induced nitric oxide production with an IC50 value of 16.19 μM. Ajudecumin A (20 and 40 μM) also attenuated cell spreading and formation of pseudopodia-like structures, and decreased the mRNA levels of iNOS (55.23-67.04%, p < 0.001), COX-2 (57.58-70.25%, p < 0.001), TNF-α (53.75-58.94%, p < 0.01-0.001), IL-1β (79.41-87.85%, p < 0.001) and IL-6 (54.26-80.52%, p < 0.01-0.001) in LPS-activated RAW264.7 cells. Furthermore, ajudecumin A suppressed LPS-induced phosphorylation of ERK, p38 MAPK, and IκBα, as well as IκBα degradation (p < 0.05-0.001). Finally, ajudecumin A (10 mg/kg) attenuated carrageenan- and xylene-induced inflammation in mice by about 28 and 24%, respectively. Discussion and conclusions: Ajudecumin A exhibited a potent anti-inflammatory activity in vitro and in vivo through inhibition on NF-κB and ERK/p38 MAPK pathways, suggesting that ajudecumin A may be potentially developed as a lead compound in anti-inflammatory drug discovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ajuga orientalis L. is a widespread plant species in many countries, such as Greece, Italy and Turkey, with promising aesthetic value in the field and in landscape design, but nothing is known about its phenology, from a detailed, quantitatively, point of view, in relation to meteorological variables. Thus, under the aforementioned context, the purpose of our work is the elucidation of part of the phenology of this plant, especially concerning its flowering. To achieve this, the phenological stage 'Beginning of flowering', in terms of its start dates (julian days), was investigated in relation to average air temperature (T) of March in two areas, Roudi and Kaboulieri at north-northwest and south-southeast slopes, respectively, of Mount Aenos, Cephalonia, Greece, for three successive years (2014-2016). From the analysis of the T of March, it was confirmed that Kaboulieri area was significantly warmer (P<0.05) than Roudi area by 0.8 0C both in 2014 and 2015, with a significantly earlier appearance (P<0.05) of 'Beginning of flowering' of A. orientalis in Kaboulieri, ranging from 9.1 (2015) to 10.9 (2014) julian days. The findings of our study could be used for the planning of an efficient preservation program process of the aforementioned plant species in a vulnerable mountainous environment, such as the Mount Aenos environment, as well as for its further exploitation as a decorative plant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ajuga bracteosa a highly demanding pharmaceutical plant, is getting endangered in several regions of the world due to ruthless and destructive harvesting. Research efforts need to be done for its sustainable production and utilization. In this study, effects of Thidiazuron (TDZ) in comparison to conventional cytokinins were tested in vitro on shoot morphogenesis, antioxidant system and biosynthesis of volatile organic compounds in A. bracteosa . Thidiazuron alone acted as the best growth regulator for direct shoot morphogenesis in explants by promoting highest induction of shoots (88%) in stem explants cultivated on MS (Murashige and Skoog) medium supplemented with 1.2 ppm (TDZ). At lower doses (0.5 ppm), TDZ resulted in highest multiplication (18 shoots) and elongation (5.8 cm) of shoots. Further, shoot cultures raised in vitro at TDZ (1.2 ppm) displayed higher activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD: 4.2 U/mg protein), peroxidase (POD: 2.8 U/mg protein) and ascorbate peroxidase (APx: 1.8 U/mg protein), respectively. Maximum total phenolic content (TPC; 4.5 mg GAE/g DW) and total flavonoid content (TFC; 3.5 mg QE/g DW), respectively were detected in shoot cultures grown over MS medium combined with 1.2 ppm TDZ plus 2.0 ppm benzylaminopurine (BA). Analysis through gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS) showed, biosynthesis of 34 volatile compounds in the in vitro raised shoots. Wherein, TDZ (1.2 ppm) resulted in production of substantial amounts of bioactive monoterpene hydrocarbons including α-pinene (5.3%), camphene (4.45%), limonene (3.4%), 1,8–cineole (14.3%), α-thujone (9.4%) and oxygenated monoterpenes such as camphor (12.2%), borneol (11.4%) and nerol (9.2%). Thus, besides providing an ex-situ conservation strategy for a high valued medicinal herb, this study has the potential for commercial production of important bioactive volatile compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study describes an innovative in-line near-infrared (NIR) process monitoring method for the quantification of the total polyphenolic content (TPC) of Ajuga genevensis dry extracts. The dry extract was obtained in a fluidized bed processor, by spraying and adsorbing a liquid extract onto an inert powder support. NIR spectra were recorded continuously during the extract's spraying process. For the calibration of the in-line TPC quantification method, samples were collected during the entire process. The TPC of each sample was assessed spectroscopically, by applying a UV-Vis reference method. The obtained values were further used in order to develop a quality OPLS prediction model by correlating them with the corresponding NIR spectra. The final dry extract registered good flowability and compressibility properties, a concentration in active principles three times higher than the one of the liquid extract and an overall process yield of 85%. The average TPC's recovery of the NIR in-line prediction method, compared with the reference UV-Vis one, was 98.7%, indicating a reliable monitoring method which provided accurate predictions of the TPC during the process, permitting a good process overview and enabling us to establish the process's end point at the exact moment when the product reaches the desired TPC concentration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Ajuga species are anthelmintic, diuretic, antifungal, and antimycobacterial agents. Lamiaceae members Ajuga postii Briq. and Ajuga relicta P.H.Davis are local endemic species of Turkey. Aim: To give information about the total phenolic contents and antioxidant activities of the species. Methods: The total phenolic contents of the extracts have been quantified with Folin Ciocalteu colorimetric method, and the antioxidant activities of the extracts have been tested with DPPH, ABTS, and ß-carotene / Linoleic acid assays. Results: Deodorized water extracts of the two species have been observed with the highest phenolic contents. 70% methanol extracts of A. relicta have the highest rates for the three antioxidant activity tests. However, different extracts of A. postii have been observed with different activity rates in all three antioxidant assays. Conclusion: The species are in restricted areas and can become extinct over time, therefore important of the study increases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Influence of light quality and sucrose concentration on the adventitious shoot regeneration and bioactive compounds contents in shoot cultures of A. multiflora were investigated. The highest number of shoot buds (34.8) per leaf was obtained in shoot induction medium supplemented with 2% sucrose under white fluorescent light (WFL). The highest mean of 13.7 shoots per explant and shoot length (6.4 cm) were obtained on medium exposed to the red light emitting diodes (LED). Shoots grown on MS medium incorporated with 3% sucrose under WFL had significantly higher all- E -lutein (193.7 μg g −1  F.W.) than those cultured on medium with 1% sucrose under red LED. The maximum content of total carotenoids was achieved in shoots grown on MS medium with 3% sucrose under WFL, while the lowest content of total carotenoids was obtained in shoots cultured on MS medium containing 1% sucrose under blue LED. The highest amount of tocopherol in shoot tissues of A. multiflora was α- tocopherol (87.3 μg g −1  F.W.) followed by γ-tocopherol (66.5 μg g −1  F.W.) and δ- tocopherol (53.2 μg g −1  F.W.). The highest content of total tocopherol was achieved in shoots cultured on MS medium with 3% sucrose under WFL, while the lowest content of total tocopherol was obtained in shoots cultured on MS medium containing 1% sucrose under red LED. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Light is an important physical factor necessary for the growth, morphogenesis and production of bioactive compounds in plants. In this study, effects of different photoperiod regimes and hormonal elicitors were investigated on the accumulation of biomass, antioxidant potential and biosynthesis of secondary volatiles in the cell cultures of Ajuga bracteosa . Maximum accumulation of biomass (13.2 g/L) was recorded in cell cultures established at 1.0 mg/L benzylaminopurine (BA) in exposure to continuous dark. Biochemical assays showed that in the presence of 0.5 methyl jasmonate (Me-J), cell cultures grown under continuous dark had the higher activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD: 4.5 U/mg), peroxidase (POD: 3.1 U/mg), total phenolic content (TPC: 8.1 mg GAE/g of DW) and total flavonoid content (TFC: 5.2 mg QE/g of DW) respectively. Nonetheless, the free radical scavenging activity (FRSA) was found correlated with the phenyl ammonia lyase (PAL) activity in the dark grown cell cultures. Analysis through gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS) showed, biosynthesis of 29 compounds in the in vitro raised cell cultures. The major identified compounds consisted of monoterpene hydrocarbons such as β-pinene (2.1–9.5%), β-ocimene (1.4–8.3%), 1-terpinene-4-ol (5.8–9.6%), caryophyllene (1.3–6.2%), β-farnesene (0.82–7.8), oxygenated monoterpenes including myrtenal (2.2–8.4%), citronellyl acetate (2.1–7.3%) and sesquiterpenes such as caryophyllene oxide (1.5–5.5) and β-elemene (2.2–8.8%). This protocol has the potential for commercial production of important secondary volatiles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The chlorophyll and carotenoid content, and the spectra of low-temperature fluorescence of the leaves, chloroplasts and isolated pigment–protein complexes in the perennial herbaceous wintergreen plant Ajuga reptans L. (bugle) in different seasons of the year were studied. During winter, these plants downregulate photosynthesis and the PSA is reorganised, including the loss of chlorophyll, possible reductions in the number of functional reaction centres of PSII, and changes in aggregation of the thylakoid protein complexes. We also observed a restructuring of the PSI–PSII megacomplex and the PSII–light-harvesting complex II supercomplex in leaves covered by snow. After snowmelt, the monomeric form of the chl a/b pigment–protein complex associated with PSII (LHCII) and the free pigments were also detected. We expect that snow cover provides favourable conditions for keeping photosynthetic machinery ready for photosynthesis in spring just after snowmelt. During winter, the role of the zeaxanthin-dependent protective mechanism, which is responsible for the dissipation of excess absorbed light energy, is likely to increase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The essential oils obtained by hydrodistillation from the stem, leaf and flower of Phlomis aucheri Boiss., which is endemic to Iran, stem, leaf and root of Teucrium polium L. and solvent free microwave extraction oil from leaf of Ajuga chamaecistus Ging. Subsp chamaecistus were analyzed by GC and GC/MS. Germacrene D (11.10%, 28.31% and 21. 06%) was the main constituent in the stem, leaf, and flower oils of P. aucheri, respectively. The other main component in the stem oil of the plant was (E) - anethole (24.58%) and in the flower oil was β- caryophyllene (15.93%). All three oils were rich in regard to sesquiterpenes. The main components in the stem, leaf and root of T. polium were α- muurolol (25.02%, 20.03% and 19.53%), α- cadinol (15.72%, 8.11% and 13.01%) and β-cayophyllene (10.86%, 10.11% and 10.64%) respectively. All three oils were rich in regard to sesquiterpenes. The major components in the leaf oil of A.chamaecistus were (z)-β-ocimene (12.11%) and germacrene D (10.11%). The oil of the plant was rich in regard to both monoterpens and sesquiter penes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study investigated the protective effect of phytoecdysteroids extracted from the Ajuga iva plant on body weight changes, blood glucose, insulin total protein, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, triglycerides (TG), cholesterol, lipid peroxidation, antioxidant enzymes, pancreatic histopathology and hexokinase-I expression in the alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Experimental diabetes was induced following 15 day intraperitoneal administration of alloxan. The rats were divided into four groups. Group I served as a sham group, and group II served as the diabetic control. Group III served as a treatment for phytoecdysteroids (10 mg/kg), and group IV served as a treatment for phytoecdysteroids (20 mg/kg). Phytoecdysteroids restored body weight loss to its antihyperglycemic effect. Blood glucose was reduced 19.2 and 52.9% in group III and IV respectively. Blood insulin (54.9 and 105.88%) and total protein (25 and 72.2%) was increased in group III and IV respectively. BUN, creatinine, TG, cholesterol and lipid peroxidation was significantly reduced following treatment. Catalase, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase activity were significantly increased following treatment. Islet β-cells are lost in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Regeneration of islets and reduced atrophy of acinar cells were noted. The number of insulin-secreting cells was tremendously reduced in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Insulin-secreting cells were increased 48 and 61% in group III and IV respectively. Hexokinase-I mRNA (28.3 & 93.5%) and protein (27.9 and 55.3%) expression were significantly increased following treatment. Taking all these data together, it is suggested that the phytoecdysteroid could be a potential therapeutic agent against experimental diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Whereas low-frequency bellows (below 200 Hz) have been investigated in detail in both male and female domestic cattle (Bos taurus), male high-frequency bugle calls (over 800 Hz) have not been described so far in any large bovid species. In this study, high-frequency bugles and low-frequency bellows were recorded from three crossbred free-ranging domestic cattle bulls and analysed spectrographically. The maximum fundamental frequency of bellows was 113.6 Hz, whereas the maximum fundamental frequency of bugles was 958.4 Hz, ranging from 801 to 1125 Hz in different males. These amazingly high fundamental frequencies of bull bugles are comparable with those reported for Siberian wapitiCervus elaphus sibiricus, but lower than reported values for some subspecies of North American wapitiCervus canadensis. The similarity with both Siberian and North American wapiti was also observed in the production of bull biphonic bugles with two fundamental frequencies: the low and the high one. We suggest that bugles of domestic cattle bulls provide an excellent model for comparative research with cervid bugles concerning the mechanism of vocal production and the underlying anatomical and behavioural adaptations. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Background: Ajuga species are anthelmintic, diuretic, antifungal, and antimycobacterial agents. Lamiaceae members Ajuga postii Briq. and Ajuga relicta P.H.Davis are local endemic species of Turkey. Aim: To give information about the total phenolic contents and antioxidant activities of the species. Methods: The total phenolic contents of the extracts have been quantified with Folin Ciocalteu colorimetric method, and the antioxidant activities of the extracts have been tested with DPPH, ABTS, and β-carotene / Linoleic acid assays. Results: Deodorized water extracts of the two species have been observed with the highest phenolic contents. 70% methanol extracts of A. relicta have the highest rates for the three antioxidant activity tests. However, different extracts of A. postii have been observed with different activity rates in all three antioxidant assays. Conclusion: The species are in restricted areas and can become extinct over time, therefore important of the study increases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Ajuga L., belonging to Lamiaceae family, is widespread. The demand for Ajuga species has risen sharply because of their medicinal, ornamental, and pharmacological properties. These wide-ranging plants are being rapidly depleted due to over-collection for ornamental and medicinal purposes, as well as by habitat destruction and deforestation. Ajuga boninsimae, A. bracteosa, A. ciliate, A. genevensis, A. incisa, A. makinoi, A. multiflora, A. pyramidalis, A. shikotanensis, A. reptans, and A. vestita are categorized and protected as endangered plants. In vitro plant culture has therefore emerged for the conservation and mass clonal propagation of rare plants. This mini-review covers the current in vitro scenario in the propagation of Ajuga species. Adventitious or axillary shoots are initiated on the leaf, petiole and internodes, as well as roots, nodes, and shoot tip explants. Shoot induction is predominantly dependent on plant growth regulators added to the culture medium. Full- or half-strength Murashige and Skoog medium with or without auxin is used for in vitro rooting. Rooted shoots need to be acclimatized in the greenhouse with an estimated 82-100% survival rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Ajuga, a member of the Lamiaceae family, is comprised of more than 300 species of annual and perennial herbaceous flowering plants mainly distributed throughout the temperate regions of Asia, Europe, Australia, North America and Africa. These plants are used as folk medicines effective for rheumatic fevers, dysentery, malaria, hypertension, diabetes and gastrointestinal disorders, as well as anthelmintic, astringent, febrifuge diuretic, antifungal and anti-inflammatory agents. A variety of constituents has been isolated from these plants. This review summarizes the phytochemical progress of the genus Ajuga and lists the compounds isolated up to 2014. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antibacterial activities of essential oils (EO) and different plant extracts obtained from the aerial parts ofAjuga chamaecistusssp.scopriawere investigated underin vitrocondition. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) assay was carried out using two-fold serial dilution method and MTT assay against gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and gram-negative (Escherichia coli) bacteria. Antibacterial activity against both bacteria was observed for the EO, while the hexane extract exhibited antibacterial effect only againstS. aureus. The EO analysis with GC and GC-MS exhibited sixty nine compounds representing 99.72% of the total oil composition. The major constituents were β-pinene (16.08%), α-thujene (10.66%), α-pinene (7.43%), linalool (7.37%), bicyclogermacrene (6.71%), δ-cadinene (6.40%), limonene (4.95%) and spathulenol (3.09%). The antibacterial activity of EO observed in the present study could be due to the major compounds belonging to oxygenated terpenes and aromatic structures, the large monoterpenes group and potential synergistic effects between these compounds and other terpenes. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Ajuga plants have had a long history of ethnopharmacological use worldwide. Based on the papers published so far, it seems that there has been a great interest in isolation, structural elucidation and testing of non-volatile Ajuga phytochemicals. The composition of hydrodistilled aerial part volatiles obtained from six populations of wild-growing A. laxmannii was investigated by means of GC and GC-MS analysis. The oils were screened for in vitro antibacterial and antifungal activity against a panel of laboratory control strains using the broth microdilution assay. The analyses resulted in the identification of one hundred fourteen constituents, accounting for 79.6-97.3% of the total composition of the oils. The main components of the analyzed samples were (E)-phytol (5.3-26.1%), nonacosane (2.3-25.6%), coumarin (tr-22.7%), 1-octen-3-ol (0-21.2%), (Z)-3-hexen-l-ol (0-20.5%), linalool (0-13.7%) and heptacosane (0.6-10.5%), which all together contributing more than two thirds to the compounds detected. Among the microorganisms tested the most susceptible strain was Pseudomonas aeruginosa (minimal inhibitory/bactericidal concentration = 1.25/2.5 mg mL-1) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The leaf essential oil ofAjuga ivagrowing wild in Mascara region situated in the North West of Algeria, has been obtained by hydrodistillation and analyzed by GC and GC-MS. We proposed to determine the physicochemical, organoleptic and chemical identification of these components. Twenty two volatile compounds were identified which included: dienestrol (54.04%), eucalyptol (27%), o-xylene (7.98 %), 1-octadecanol (5.80%); 3-carene (4.46%), (E)-2,3,6- trimethoxypentafulvene-1-carbonitrile (4.34%), (-)-spathulenol (1.77%), nonanal (1.24%). The oil fromAjuga ivashowed activities againstEscherichia coli, Salmonella typhimurium, Staphylococcus aureus,Bacillus subtilis,andPseudomonas aeroginosa. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

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To elucidate how biosynthesis of plant metabolites is affected by temperature, metabolite profiles from in vitro regenerated plants raised under different temperature regimes of 10, 15 °C, 20 °C, 25 °C and 30 °C were obtained using electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS), and principal component analysis (PCA) was carried out to identify key metabolites. Several bin masses were detected by PCA loading scatter plots which separated the samples. In-house bin program selectively manifested the putative known metabolites depending on % total ions count and intensity of selected bins in the plant samples. Total phenolic and flavonoid content were harvested to highest levels (12.9 mg GAE/g DW and 9.3 mg QE/g DW), respectively, at 15 °C. Besides, pinoresinol (lignan), some of the vital amino acids such as serine, methionine, histidine and glutamine were found to be at higher amount in plants raised at 15 °C. Significant phenylpropanoids like cinnamic acid, caffeic acid and quercitol were detected at a higher concentration in plants raised at 15 °C as compared to other treatments. However, phosphoenolpyruvate, and oxalosuccinate (intermediates of the pentose phosphate pathway) were accumulated the most in plants raised at 30 °C and they were detected with lowest values at 10 °C. Glucose and deoxy-xylose 5 phosphate (intermediates of TCA cycle) were found in higher amounts at temperature treatments of 15 and 25 °C, respectively. We conclude that a low-temperature treatment (15 °C) results in a stress-induced accumulation of a variety of pharmacologically important secondary metabolites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ajuga bracteosa Wall ex. Benth. (Lamiaceae) commonly known as Bungle Weed has been in use since ancient times and is mentioned Ayurvedic literature. The upper ground parts of the plant are used for treatment of various diseases. The weed is credited with astringent, febrifugal, stimulant, aperient, tonic, diuretic and depurative properties and is used for the treatment of gout and rheumatism, palsy and amenorrhoea. Two compounds 1) 14, 15-dihydroajugapitin and 2) 8- o -acetylharpagide were isolated from the aerial parts of the plant and tested for antibacterial activity against various pathogenic bacteria by agar well diffusion method. Compound 1 and 2 showed maximum antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli with zone of inhibitions of 25. 0 ± 1.4 mm and 22.6 ± 0.9 mm respectively. The MIC value of compound 1 and 2 ranged between 500 and 1000 μg/ml. It could be concluded that both compounds isolated from the aerial parts of Ajuga bracteosa possess antibacterial activity against pathogens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ajuga bracteosa is a medicinally important plant globally used in the folk medicine against many serious ailments. In the present study, effects of two significant elicitors, methyl jasmonate (Me-J) and phenyl acetic acid (PAA) were studied on growth parameters, secondary metabolites production, and antioxidant potential in adventitious root suspension cultures of A. bracteosa. The results showed a substantial increase in biomass accumulation, exhibiting longer log phases of cultures growth in response to elicitor treatments, in comparison to control. Maximum dry biomass formation (8.88 DW g/L) was recorded on 32nd day in log phase of culture when 0.6 mg/L Me-J was applied; however, PAA at 1.2 mg/L produced maximum biomass (8.24 DW g/L) on day 40 of culture. Furthermore, we observed the elicitors-induced enhancement in phenolic content (total phenolic content), flavonoid content (total flavonoid content) and antioxidant activity (free radical scavenging activity) in root suspension cultures of A. bracteosa. Application of 0.6 mg/L and 1.2 mg/L of Me-J, root cultures accumulated higher TPC levels (3.6 mg GAE/g DW) and (3.7 mg GAE/g DW) in the log phase and stationary phase, respectively, while 2.5 mg/L Me-J produced lower levels (1.4 mg GAE/g DW) in stationary phase of growth stages. Moreover, TFC and FRSA values were found in correspondence to TPC values in the respective growth phases at the similar elicitor treatment. Thus, a feasible protocol for establishment of adventitious roots in A. bracteosa was developed and enhancement in biomass and metabolite content in adventitious root was promoted through elicitation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ajuga multiflora Bunge is a perennial ornamental herb and has been used for the treatment of fever in Korean folk medicine. In the course of searching for protective agents associated with the potential of A. multiflora against dexamethsone (DEX)-induced muscle atrophy, a new phytoecdysteroid, 29-hydroxyprecyasterone ( 1 ), together with four known compounds ( 2 - 5 ), were isolated from A. multiflora . The structures of the compounds were determined by spectroscopic analyses, including 1D-, 2D-NMR and HR-MS interpretation. To elucidate the effects of obtained compounds on DEX-induced muscle atrophy, the myotubes diameter, myosin heavy chain (MyHC) positive area, and fusion index were evaluated by immunofluorescence staining. Overall, each compound treatment effectively prevented the atrophic myotubes through an increase of MyHC-positive myotubes and the number of nuclei. Particularly, the measurement of myotube diameter showed that compounds 1 and 5 treatment significantly alleviated the myotube thickness.

The genus Ajuga is used traditionally as food and medicine. The aim of this study was to investigate the antidiabetic, anti-Alzheimer’s diseases, skin-protective, and antioxidant activities of essential oil and extracts of Ajuga chamaecistus subsp. scoparia (Boiss.) Rech.f., together with the identification of their chemical composition. The 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical and 2,2-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazloine-6-sulfonic acid) radical cation scavenging activity, metal chelating activity, reducing power, content of total bioactive compounds, general toxicity, and enzyme inhibitory potential of essential oil, ethanol extract, and water decoction of the plant were evaluated. Phenolics profile of the extracts was analyzed using the reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography with diode array detector and the chemical composition of the essential oil was determined using the gas chromatography and gas chromatography–mass spectroscopy techniques. The essential oil could significantly inhibit the activity of α-glucosidase (4.3 mmol Acarbose equivalents/g), α-amylase (2.8 mmol Acarbose equivalents/g), acetylcholinesterase (1.96 mg gallic acid equivalents/g), butyrylcholinesterase (2.2 mg gallic acid equivalents/g), and tyrosinase (36 mg kojic acid equivalents/g) while ethanol and water extracts showed moderate enzyme inhibitory activity. Furthermore, essential oil had the strongest antioxidant capacity in the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl scavenging, 2,2-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazloine-6-sulfonic acid) scavenging, cupric reducing antioxidant capacity, ferric reducing antioxidant power, and metal chelating assays. Spathulenol (18.0%), thymol (15.1%), octen-3-ol (14.3%), and linalool oxide (11.2%) were identified as major constituents in the essential oil. Quantitative high-performance liquid chromatography analysis indicated that p -coumaric acid, gallic acid, and ferulic acid are the main phenolic compounds in this plant. The results suggested that Ajuga chamaecistus could be useful for several applications as functional foods, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]