Search

The aerial parts essential oils of six Nepeta species (N. prostrata, N. saturejoides, N. sessilifolia, N. fissa, N. betonicifolia and N. ucranica) were analyzed by GC-FID and GC/MS. In the oils of two populations of N. prostrata, 1,8-cineole (49.8%–51.1%) was main constituent. Epoxy-alloaromadendrene (42.5%) was major compound in the oil of one population of N. saturejoides and α-humulene (25.4%), and caryophyllene oxide (19.7) were major components of the second population. In the oils of two populations of N. sessilifolia, n-octadecanol (17%–19%) and caryophyllene oxide (5.8%–16%) were main constituents, while α-pinene (32.5%) and spathulenol were major components of the third population. In the essential oils of three populations of N. fissa, caryophyllene oxide (16.1%–33.5%) was major compound, but each population had particular compound such as carvacrol, (E)-caryophyllene or spathulenol with remarkable amount. Tetradecanal (55.5%) and trans-muurola-4(14),5-diene (46.2%.) were main components in the oils of N. betonicifolia and N. ucranica, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research encompasses a comprehensive study of Nepeta phyllochlamys, an endemic species around the Antalya province of Turkey. Morphological investigations revealed decumbent stems with dense tomentose or villous hairs, triangular-ovate or deltoid leaves covered in velutinous and tomentose hairs, and pinkish-yellow corollas. Micromorphological examinations using scanning electron microscopy unveiled intricate surface characteristics. Molecular analysis demonstrated 96% similarity with Nepeta cataria and established phylogenetic relationships. Biological activity investigations focused on antioxidant properties. The 70% ethyl alcohol extract exhibited notable antioxidant activity (IC50: 0.32 ± 0.025 mg/mL), albeit weaker than gallic acid. The total phenolic content assessment showed the highest in ethyl alcohol extract (88.8 ± 0.04 mg GAE/g extract) and the lowest in ethyl acetate extract (29.4 ± 0.02 mg GAE/g extract). These findings highlighted N. phyllochlamys' morphological, micromorphological, molecular, and biological aspects, contributing to a comprehensive understanding of this species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Daucosterol (DAU) was isolated from the methanol-chloroform crude extract of six Nepeta species (N. aristata , N. baytopii, N. italica, N. nuda albiflora, N. stenantha and N. trachonitica) using sephadex and silica-gel columns via bioactivity-guided isolation. Spectroscopic methods and comparisons with similar data in the literature determined its structure. DAU was evaluated for enzyme inhibitions, kinetics, DNA protection, and molecular interactions. The inhibition activities of AChE, tyrosinase, BChE, and urease were found to be 21.32±1.24, 3.17±0.45, 16.73±0.10 and 12.95±0.21 μM, respectively. The K i values of the inhibition kinetics of the same enzymes were observed as 0.11, 0.05, 0.12, and 0.12 mM, respectively. DAU exhibited effective protection activity against DNA damage induced by H 2 O 2 and ultraviolet radiation in DNA protection tests. DFT analysis showed low hardness and high softness values. The best binding affinity of DAU was achieved by the enzymes AChE and BChE (for both: −9.90 kcal/mol). As a result of the interaction of standards and DAU with enzymes, it was observed that DAU bound with a higher potential than the standards. Molecular dynamics simulations of these enzymes were examined for 100 ns, and the energy results of the simulation were determined by MM/PBSA calculation in the last 10 ns. Additionally, its pharmacokinetic properties were investigated with SwissADMET, and it was noted that it had low toxic effects and gastrointestinal absorption. Thus, in vitro and in silico analysis determined that the DAU molecule could protect against DNA oxidative damage and an active metabolic enzyme inhibitor. [Display omitted] • Daucosterol was isolated from six different Nepeta species by activity-guided isolation • Daucosterol had potent enzyme inhibition and DNA protection activities • Urease inhibition kinetics and molecular interactions of daucosterol were studied for the first time • Daucosterol exhibited favorable binding constants and affinities with BChE and tyrosinase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: This study aimed to investigate the phenolic composition, antioxidant capacity, and toxicity of aqueous extracts of Calamintha nepeta L. leaves and their potential vasorelaxant effects. Methods: Aqueous extracts of Calamintha nepeta L. were prepared by three extraction methods: decoction, infusion, and maceration. The total phenolic contents of the extracts and their antioxidant properties were investigated. The toxicity was evaluated by Artemia salina lethality bioassay. The decoction extract was analyzed by HPLC for its chemical profile and was also used to evaluate the vasorelaxant effect on thoracic aortic rings isolated from healthy Sprague Dawley rats. Pre-contraction was induced by phenylephrine, followed by cumulative doses of the extract (0.001 up to 250 μg/ml). Results: Aqueous extracts of Calamintha nepeta L. showed noticeable radical scavenging and chelating activities. However, the decoction extract exhibited the most powerful antioxidant capacity. No toxicity was recorded for the extracts obtained by decoction and infusion. Caffeic acid, quercetin, and rosmarinic acid were the main identified compounds. Notably, the aqueous extract obtained by decoction induced significant relaxation in endothelium-intact aortic rings at lower concentrations, and at higher concentrations in denuded aortic rings. Conclusion: This study reveals that Calamintha nepeta L. extracted with a decoction method possesses potent antioxidant capacity and has an endothelium-dependent vasorelaxant effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antibiotic resistance is a global health crisis caused by the overuse and misuse of antibiotics. Accordingly, bacteria have developed mechanisms to resist antibiotics. This crisis endangers public health systems and medical procedures, underscoring the urgent need for novel antimicrobial agents. This study focuses on the green synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) using aqueous extracts from Nepeta nepetella subps. amethystine leaves and stems, employing different zinc sulfate concentrations (0.5, 1, and 2 M). NP characterization included transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD), along with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of ZnO NPs, prepared at varying concentrations of zinc sulfate, for their capacity to inhibit both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, as well as their antioxidant potential using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) method. SEM and TEM results showed predominantly spherical NPs. The smallest size (18.5 ± 1.3 nm for leaves and 18.1 ± 1.3 nm for stems) occurred with the 0.5 M precursor concentration. These NPs also exhibited remarkable antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria at 10 µg/mL, as well as the highest antioxidant activity, with an IC50 (the concentration of NPs that scavenge 50% of the initial DPPH radicals) of 62 ± 0.8 (µg/mL) for the leaves and 35 ± 0.6 (µg/mL) for the stems. NPs and precursor concentrations were modeled to assess their impact on bacteria using a 2D polynomial equation. Response surface plots identified optimal concentration conditions for antibacterial effectiveness against each species, promising in combating antibiotic resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ixoroside, an iridoid glycoside, was isolated from two endemic plants, Nepeta aristata and Nepeta baytopii and its structure was elucidated by comprehensive analysis with NMR and mass spectrophotometers. It was observed that the compound exhibited strong antioxidant activity in phosphomolybdenum-reducing power (55.65±0.02 μg/mL), H2O2 (2.97±0.50 μg/mL), and superoxide anion scavenging (11.31±0.19 μg/mL) activities. It has also been noted that the ixoroside molecule has enzyme inhibitor (7.01±0.001 μg/mL for urease, 19.06±0.51 μg/mL for AChE, 9.90±0.5 μg/mL for BChE, 16.87±0.08 μg/mL for α-amylase, 4.11±0.36 μg/mL for α-glucosidase and 2.23±0.001 μg/mL for tyrosinase) and DNA protective effect (55.14% for Form I) and antibacterial (10 mm against K. pneumoniae, 9.00 mm against E. faecalis and 11.00 mm against S. aureus, 128 μg/mL against E. coli and E. faecalis). In silico studies, density functional theory (DFT) and molecular docking were performed to elucidate ixoroside interaction with enzymes. In enzyme inhibition kinetics, ixoroside exhibited strong interaction with urease (Ki, 0.11 mM, mixed-uncompetitive), α-glucosidase (Ki, 0.10 mM, noncompetitive) and tyrosinase (Ki, 0.10 mM, noncompetitive). Additionally, BChE was observed to interact strongly with α-glucosidase and tyrosinase with binding constants of 0.49, 1.19 and 3.15 μM in molecular docking. Moreover, the pharmacological properties of ixoroside examined by adsorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion and toxicity (ADMET) showed that the molecule has drug-like properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nepeta nuda L., a notable medicinal species in the tradition of the Balkan region, is a rich source of bioactive iridoids and phenolics previously described as high-resolution taxonomical classifiers for the genus Nepeta. However, their potential in investigating intra-species differentiation is here described for the first time. The aim was to recognize the sources of natural chemical diversity and their association with the genetic variability both within and among N. nuda populations in the Central Balkans. Chemical diversity was assessed from methanol extracts and essential oils through untargeted and targeted metabolomics using state-of-the-art analytical tools, covering a broad spectrum of compounds that represent the N. nuda metabolome. We found that chemodiversity primarily resides within populations of N. nuda, and similar results were obtained at the DNA level using microsatellite markers. The low genetic and chemical differentiation of the studied N. nuda populations implies that their metabolomic profiles may be less influenced by geographic distance and variable environmental conditions within the Central Balkans, as they are under the pivotal control of their genetic backgrounds. Screening the distribution of the major bioactive compounds belonging to phenolics (phenolic acids and flavonoids) and iridoids (both aglycones and glycosylated forms), within and among N. nuda populations, is able to guarantee mass spectrometry-based tools for the selection of elite representative genotypes with practical importance. The knowledge acquired will allow us to delve deeper into the molecular background of N. nuda chemical diversity, which is the course of our further work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several Nepeta species, used in traditional uses, represent sources of valuable phytochemical composition, as well as in vitro biological and in silico clinical activities. In the present study, the antioxidant and DNA protective properties of methanol: chloroform (1 : 1) extracts of six Nepeta species were evaluated by comparison with standards. In HPLC‐MS/MS analysis, the main components of the extracts were identified as rosmarinic acid, caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid, shikimic acid, and scutellarin. In the GC‐FID analysis, the highest components were palmitate and cis‐11‐eicosenoic acid. N. aristata has the greatest total phenol and flavonoid contents. N. baytopii, N. aristata, N. italica, N. stenantha, and N. nuda exhibited the highest antioxidant activities. The N. nuda, N. aristata, N. italica, and N. trachonitica extracts were shown to have the most potent DNA protection activity. According to the result of the GC‐FID and HPLC‐MS/MS analysis of Nepeta extracts, ADMET studies of the main components of the extracts were performed. It was evaluated that palmitic acid had BBB permeability, but oleic acid was toxic. The in vitro and in silico results confirmed that Nepeta L. extracts are potential natural products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nepeta taxa are popular plants and sources of traditional Turkish medicine. Chemical constituents in the essential oils (EOs) hydrodistilled from above‐ground parts of Nepeta aristata (NA), N. baytopii (NB), N. italica (NI), N. nuda (NN), and N. stenantha (NS) were determined using GC‐MS. The pharmacological activities of EOs, such as biological activities, were evaluated in vitro. DNA protection activities of NS‐EO were found to be the most effective. The NA‐EO, NI‐EO, and NS‐EO were more potent urease inhibitors, while the NS‐EO exhibited potent AChE inhibitors. Their molecular docking, molecular dynamics and enzyme inhibition results were compatible with the major components. Furthermore, MolDock and binding affinity results were found to be high. Moreover, AChE‐tau‐cadinol, BChE‐tau‐cadinol and tyrosinase‐Caryophyllene oxide complexes showed stability when simulated for 100 ns, with high MM‐PBSA energy values. In addition, the main components′ pharmacokinetic properties were observed to be effective. The present study showed that EOs may be valuable natural products for future pharmacological research, food, and the cosmetic industry according to in vitro and in silico values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Nepeta L. is a member of the family Lamiaceae, commonly known as catmints or catnips. Nepeta L. has been used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of diseases. Additionally, it is sometimes used in herbal tea for its calming effects. Chemical fingerprinting of Nepeta species can help in determining the specific chemical constituents present in different species or varieties, and it can be useful for authentication, quality control, and phytochemical studies. This study provides comprehensive insights into the chemical composition of four Nepeta species including Nepeta erecta (Royle ex Benth.) Benth., Nepeta laevigata (D. Don) Hand.-Mazz., Nepeta nervosa Royle ex Benth. and Nepeta praetervisa Rech. f. using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). The quantitative examination of phytochemicals such as phenols, flavonoids, alkaloids, and carbohydrates was done using different methods. The antioxidant activity of Nepeta species (methanolic extracts) was evaluated using free radical scavenging (FRSC) assay, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay and ferric reducing the ability of plasma (FRAP) assay. A total of 42 compounds belonging to different classes of natural products were identified in all species. All species exhibit high antioxidant activity. These findings contribute to understanding Nepeta species as a valuable source of natural products with potential therapeutic applications. Further investigations are warranted to explore their full pharmacological potential and develop novel drug candidates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the phytochemical profile, pharmacological and antibacterial activity of essential oil (EO) obtained from whole plant of Nepeta nervosa were investigated. The phytochemical analysis was carried out by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and about thirty-two chemical constituents were detected, accounting about 94.13% of total oil composition. From GC-MS chromatogram, the compounds like 2-Octanol (62.60%): Eucalyptol (14.68%) Nepetalactone (3.28%) and Neral (2.88%) were found in abundance. Furthermore, in-silico molecular docking of major constituents demonstrates the best structural features, which were used to elucidate the cytotoxic and antibacterial activity of the essential oils extracted from the plant. The essential oil showed good cytotoxic activity against breast cancer cell lines, MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 with IC50 of 0.52v/v (5.0 μL/mL) and 0.87v/v (9.0 μL/mL): respectively. Moreover, the essential oils showed commendable antibacterial activity with characteristic zone of inhibition and the bacterial growth was inhibited upto minimal concentration of 4.31-7.25 μL/mL (minimum inhibitory concentration). It is noteworthy to mention that the present study revealed new bioactivities and pharmacological importance of Nepeta nervosa plant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Iridoids, a class of atypical monoterpenes, exhibit exceptional diversity within the Nepeta genus (subfam. Nepetoidae, fam. Lamiaceae).The majority of these plants produce iridoids of the unique stereochemistry, with nepetalactones (NLs) predominating; however, a few Nepeta species lack these compounds. By comparatively analyzing metabolomics, transcriptomics, gene co-expression, and phylogenetic data of the iridoid-producing N. rtanjensis Diklić & Milojević and iridoid-lacking N. nervosa Royle & Bentham, we presumed that one of the factors responsible for the absence of these compounds in N. nervosa is iridoid synthase (ISY). Two orthologues of ISY were mined from leaves transcriptome of N. rtanjensis (NrPRISE1 and NrPRISE2), while in N. nervosa only one (NnPRISE) was identified, and it was phylogenetically closer to the representatives of the Family 1 isoforms, designated as P5bRs. Organ-specific and MeJA-elicited profiling of iridoid content and co-expression analysis of IBG candidates, highlighted NrPRISE2 and NnPRISE as promising candidates for ISY orthologues, and their function was confirmed using in vitro assays with recombinant proteins, after heterologous expression of recombinant proteins in E. coli and their His-tag affinity purification. NrPRISE2 demonstrated ISY activity both in vitro and likely in planta, which was supported by the 3D modeling and molecular docking analysis, thus reclassification of NrPRISE2 to NrISY is accordingly recommended. NnPRISE also displays in vitro ISY-like activity, while its role under in vivo conditions was not here unambiguously confirmed. Most probably under in vivo conditions the NnPRISE lacks substrates to act upon, as a result of the loss of function of some of the upstream enzymes of the iridoid pathway. Our ongoing work is conducted towards re-establishing the biosynthesis of iridoids in N. nervosa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant protection with natural products is a new trend in environmentally friendly agriculture. Nepeta rtanjensis Diklić et Milojević is an endemic and critically endangered plant species in Serbia. We explored the phytotoxic potential of a water emulsion of Nepeta rtanjensis essential oil (NrEO) with high amounts of trans,cis-nepetalactone on five weeds. The most sensitive was Stellaria media (L.) Vill., as NrEO (from 0.013% to 0.1%) completely inhibited germination. Germination of Amaranthus retroflexus L. and Artemisia vulgaris L. was completely inhibited at the highest applied concentrations of NrEO (0.1%), while Ambrosia artemisiifolia L. germination was reduced to 48% at the same concentration of NrEO. The most tolerant species was Cephalaria transsylvanica (L.) Schrad. ex Roem. & Schult. as the final germination rate at the highest applied concentration of NrEO (0.1%) was 81%, like the control (82%). To our knowledge, this is the first time the interaction of essential oils on the germination and growth of A. vulgaris and C. transsylvanica is reported. The germination dynamics of S. media in pots with soil were significantly inhibited when the soil was initially treated with the highest applied concentration of the NrEO water emulsion (1%). Spraying S. media seedlings with NrEO significantly inhibited growth parameters (shoot height, shoot fresh weight, and the number of nodes) at the higher applied concentrations of NrEO (0.5% and 1%). Therefore, the water emulsion of the essential oil of N. rtanjensis could be potentially developed for use in the control of invasive and allergenic weeds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Essential oils (EOs) have been shown to possess several pharmacological properties, among which we can mention antibacterial, antiviral and acaricidal effects. The latter activity is particularly interesting in beekeeping for the control of Varroa destructor parasitosis. This research aimed to verify the acaricidal potential of four botanical species belonging to the Lamiaceae family. Specifically, the species tested were Calamintha sylvatica, Calamintha nepeta, Lavandula austroapennina and Mentha piperita. The evaluation was conducted by means of residual contact toxicity tests by diluting the EOs in Acetone to achieve concentrations of 2, 1 and 0.5 mg/mL. At the highest concentration, the tests returned a neutralization percentage of 52% for Calamintha nepeta, 60% for Calamintha sylvatica, 80% for Lavandula austroapennina and 68% for Mentha piperita. Varroa destructor is currently considered the parasite that causes the greatest damage and economic losses to honeybee farms. Its presence is often associated with that of viral and bacterial pathogens, which ultimately leads to colony collapse. Careful control of the parasitic load is therefore necessary to avoid the onset of these events. Although chemical treatments are often in easily and quickly administered formulations, in recent years, there have been increasingly frequent reports of the onset of drug resistance phenomena, which must lead to reconsidering their use. Furthermore, chemical compounds can easily accumulate in the food matrices of the hive, with possible risks for the final consumer. In such a condition, it is imperative to find alternative treatment solutions. Essential oils (EOs) prove to be promising candidates due to their good efficacy and good environmental biodegradability. In this study, the acaricidal efficacy of the EOs of Calamintha sylvatica Bromf., Calamintha nepeta Savi, Lavandula austroapennina N.G. Passal. Tundis & Upson and Mentha piperita L., extracted from botanical species belonging to the Lamiaceae family, was evaluated. The test chosen for the evaluation was residual toxicity by contact. The examined EOs were diluted in Acetone to a concentration of 2, 1 and 0.5 mg/mL. At the highest concentration, the EOs demonstrated an acaricidal activity equal to 52% for C. nepeta, 60% for C. sylvatica, 80% for L. austroapennina and 68% for M. piperita. Of the EOs tested, therefore, Lavender proves to be a good candidate for subsequent evaluations in semi-field and field studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The negative impacts of global climate change are accelerating the decline of pollinators and nectar-producing plant populations and threatening local and global food security. Iran is ranked as the fourth largest honey producer in the world due to the high diversity of taxa of nectar plants, but little attention has been paid to the conservation assessment of Iranian nectar plant species in the face of climate change. Therefore, predicting the potential distribution of these species is fundamentally important for the development of conservation strategies. In this study, we established the MaxEnt model to assess the consequences of climate change on five Nepeta species as representative of Iranian nectar plants. All species distribution models developed in this study were reliable following the AUC values (≥ 80). Our results show that the temperature and humidity factors such as the mean temperature of the coldest quarter (Bio11), precipitation seasonality (Bio15), precipitation of the wettest quarter (Bio16), and mean temperature of the driest quarter (Bio9), and geological and pedological factors such as elevation, soil organic carbon content, sand content, slope, solar radiation, PH, and silt content are important environmental variables affecting the distribution patterns of the target taxa. The MaxEnt model predicts that the area of the suitable habitats of Nepeta cataria, Nepeta meyeri, Nepeta pungens, and Nepeta saccharata will be reduced under two optimistic and pessimistic scenarios in the 2050s and 2070s. Under RCP 2.6, suitable habitats for Nepeta fissa are projected to decrease by 22.57% by 2050 and by 25.06% by 2070. It decreases by 14.63% under RCP 8.5 and increases by 16.66% in the 2070s and 2050s. Regardless, regular monitoring and in situ as well as ex situ conservation is the main management action for the conservation of target taxa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents a study on four species of aromatic plants: a native species from the spontaneous flora of the Republic of Moldova (Nepeta cataria L.), a species to be introduced (Nepeta racemosa Lam.) and two non-native species (Nepeta melissifolia Lam., Nepeta grandiflora M. Bieb.); little research has been conducted on these species, but they are therapeutically valuable. The genus Nepeta L. is one of the largest and most important genera in the family Lamiaceae, subfamily Nepetoideae. The studies aimed at their evaluation and characterization from a bio-ecological and phytochemical aspect, in order to highlight the biomorphological peculiarities, the essential oil content and the possibility of using them in aromatherapy, perfumery, phytotherapy and gastronomy. The research highlighted the high adaptive potential and the prospects of cultivation of these species under the pedoclimatic conditions of the Republic of Moldova.

Clinopodium nepeta subsp. spruneri is an aromatic herb with a mint-oregano flavor, used in Mediterranean regions in traditional medicine. The aerial parts of the plant are rich in essential oil that has antioxidant, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties as well as insecticidal activity. The aim of our work was to determine the yield and composition of the essential oil of the plant, in relation to the harvest season and cultivation method, i.e., outdoor, greenhouse and in vitro culture, using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) as an analytical tool. Essential oil yield fluctuated similarly in outdoor and greenhouse plants during the year (0.9–2.6%), with higher percentages (2.1–2.6%) in the hottest periods June–October (flowering stage) and April (vegetative stage), and was similar to the yield in in vitro plants (1.7%). More compounds were identified in the oil of outdoor and greenhouse plants (35) compared to that of in vitro plants (21), while the main compounds were the same, i.e., pulegone (13.0–32.0%, highest in February–April, 15.0% in vitro), piperitenone oxide (3.8–31.8%, lowest in February, 34.2% in vitro), piperitone epoxide (4.6–16.4%, highest in February, 15.5% in vitro), D-limonene (2.1–8.8%, lowest in February, 10.0% in vitro), isomenthone (2.3–23.0%, highest in February, 4.6% in vitro), germacrene D (1.9–6.5% highest in December-April, 2.9% in vitro) and dicyclogermacrene (2.1–5.3%, highest in December–April, 5.2% in vitro). Therefore, greenhouse and in vitro cultures were equally efficient in yielding essential oil and its constituents as outdoor cultivation, while in outdoor and greenhouse cultivations, the harvest season, mainly due to the prevailing ambient temperatures, affected the essential oil yield and its percentage composition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A perennial plant Nepeta multifida L. (syn. Schizonepeta multifida (L.) Briq.) is one of the most common species of the Lamiaceae family growing in Eastern Siberia and used in traditional oriental medicine. The chemical composition of N. multifida has not been sufficiently studied. Chromatographic separation of phenolic compounds of N. multifida leaves using column chromatography and preparative HPLC made it possible to isolate 16 compounds, including a new flavonoid identified as luteolin-7-O-(3″,6″-di-O-acetyl)-β-D-glucopyranoside, according to UV, NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. Known compounds were luteolin and apigenin O-glycosides, rosmarinic acid, salvianolic acids A and B, and schizotenuin A. Quantitative analysis of N. multifida leaves in various phases of plant development by HPLC-UV assay showed the high content of rosmarinic acid (8.36–35.71 mg/g), luteolin-7-O-glucuronide (2.03–14.18 mg/g) and schizotenuin A (5.29–9.56 mg/g). The highest level of phenolic compounds was found in the flowering and fruiting phases. Using Ellman's spectrophotometric method, it was found that N. multifida leaf extract and some compounds had antiacetylcholinesterase activity and luteolin glycosides being the most active showed the level of concentration of half-maximal enzyme inhibition (IC50) 29.03– 58.36 μg/mL. Thus, as a result of the present study, it was found that the leaves of N. multifida contain various groups of phenolic compounds capable of inhibiting the activity of acetylcholinesterase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plants have developed a variety of defense mechanisms that allow them to recognize and respond to specific stressors by triggering complex signaling networks that cause appropriate biochemical changes to overcome the stress. In this study, we subjected in vitro grown N. nervosa plants to PEG-induced dehydration stress for 1 day (1DPT), 3 days (3DPT) and 6 days (6DPT). Our study investigated antioxidant enzyme activities, including catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POX) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), unveiling dynamic responses to PEG-induced water stress. CAT levels increased initially (1DPT) but declined with prolonged treatment; while POX activity significantly increased at 3DPT and 6DPT; and SOD, particularly the Mn-SOD3 isoform, demonstrated a substantial increase, emphasizing its role in the enzymatic free-radical scavenging activity. Furthermore, examination of the phenolic acid content revealed that rosmarinic acid (RA) was the predominant phenolic compound, followed by chlorogenic acid (CHLA), while ferulic acid (FA) and caffeic acid (CAFFA) were present in lower concentrations. Notably, PEG-induced dehydration significantly boosted RA content in N. nervosa plants at 3DPT. This increase highlights the plant's response to oxidative stress conditions and its role in non-enzymatic antioxidant defense mechanisms. These findings significantly contribute to our comprehension of N. nervosa's adaptive strategies under PEG-induced dehydration stress, offering valuable insights into plant stress physiology within industrial and agricultural contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The plant extracts have been researched for the last thirty years to improve alternatives to chemical pesticides and to determine their insecticidal effects. It is also known that plant-based biopesticides are generally more specific and innocuous to other organisms. To date, it has been determined that many plant extracts have biocidal properties. However, research on the discovery of new plant extracts with better biocidal properties continues with great excitement. In this study, the biocidal effects of Nepeta meyeri on the larvae of the large cabbage white, Pieris brassicae (Lepidoptera: Pieridae), an important agricultural pest, were investigated. Three several doses (0.75, 1, and 1.25 mg/mL) of N. meyeri extract were given to the third instar larvae using the droplet feeding method. The larvae were taken to the living environment in the climate cabinet (26°C, 65% humidity, 16 : 8 light : dark) and the mortality rates of the larvae were recorded. Mortality rates of larvae at 60 hours for 0.75, 1, and 1.25 mg/mL doses of the plant extract were 72, 77, and 92%, respectively. Also, expression changes in detoxification genes (cytochrome p450 and UDP-Glucuronosyltransferase) of randomly selected live larvae at 0, 12, 24, 36, 48, and 60 hours were detected by qRT-PCR. In this study, as a result of feeding the larvae with the highest dose of 1.25 mg/mL N. meyeri extract, the level of increase in the detoxification genes p450 and udp genes was at the highest level at the 12 hour. The results demonstrate that N. meyeri extract (1.25 mg/mL) was determined to be a promising botanical extract for the control of P. brassicae larvae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work focuses on evaluating the chemical composition, biological potency and in silico computational studies of selected identified molecules in the essential oils obtained from Nepeta deflersiana (Lamiaceae) and Marrubium vulgare (Lamiaceae) plants. The essential oils were extracted using Clevengertype system and analyzed by gas chromatography-based techniques (GC-FID and GC-MS) using a HP-5MS column. Twenty constituents were identified in Nepeta deflersiana essential oil (NDEO) whereas forty-three were identified in Marrubium vulgare essential oil (MVEO) representing 99.55% and 94.75% of the total essential oil composition, respectively. 4aa,7a,7aa Nepetalactone was the major component in both NDEO (77.79%) and MVEO (63.67%) and first time reported in Marrubium genus by our group. The antioxidant activity has been determined using DPPH, TEAC and FRAP methods and expressed as µmol Trolox equivalent/g. All the spectrophotometric assays proved the strong radical scavenging and reducing power of MVEO. The antimicrobial activities revealed moderate to significant antibacterial potential and no inhibitory effect was observed against C. albicans. NDEO showed the highest effectiveness against S. pneumoniae (24 mm zone of inhibition, MIC 25 µg/mL). Cytotoxicity assessment against two breast cancers (MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231) and one prostate cancer cell (PC-3) revealed that MVEO was more cytotoxic than NDEO to the tested breast cell lines (IC50 = 30.11 for MCF-7 and 68.25 µg/mL for MDAMB-231) while moderately inhibited prostate cancer cells (IC50 = 135.60 µg/mL). In silico computation study for selected ingredients suggested that they have drug-likeness properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nepeta nuda L. is a medicinal plant enriched with secondary metabolites serving to attract pollinators and deter herbivores. Phenolics and iridoids of N. nuda have been extensively investigated because of their beneficial impacts on human health. This study explores the chemical profiles of in vitro shoots and wild-grown N. nuda plants (flowers and leaves) through metabolomic analysis utilizing gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (GC–MS). Initially, we examined the differences in the volatiles' composition in in vitro-cultivated shoots comparing them with flowers and leaves from plants growing in natural environment. The characteristic iridoid 4a-α,7-β,7a-α-nepetalactone was highly represented in shoots of in vitro plants and in flowers of plants from nature populations, whereas most of the monoterpenes were abundant in leaves of wild-grown plants. The known in vitro biological activities encompassing antioxidant, antiviral, antibacterial potentials alongside the newly assessed anti-inflammatory effects exhibited consistent associations with the total content of phenolics, reducing sugars, and the identified metabolic profiles in polar (organic acids, amino acids, alcohols, sugars, phenolics) and non-polar (fatty acids, alkanes, sterols) fractions. Phytohormonal levels were also quantified to infer the regulatory pathways governing phytochemical production. The overall dataset highlighted compounds with the potential to contribute to N. nuda bioactivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Investigation of genetic diversity between and within populations is the first step in plant breeding programs. The present study focused on the phytochemical variation of essential oils of half‐sib families within a plant population of Nepeta crassifolia species, collected from north of Tehran province, Iran. Air‐dried aerial parts of several half‐sib progenies were water distilled to extract their essential oils. Quantification and qualification of the essential oils constituents were carried out using gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Dried plant materials, yielded from 0.09% to 0.73% (v/w) of essential oils. In half‐sib families between 9 and 19 compounds were observed. In all of the studied families the extracted oils were predominated by oxygenated monoterpenes, and regarding the main phytochemical components, three chemotypes were recognized in the studied population. In most of the half‐sib families, 4aα,7α,7aβ‐nepetalactone isomer was dominant composition (38.7%–87.6%), while in two families 4aα,7α,7aα‐nepetalactone isomer (41.6%) and 1,8‐cineol (42.1%) were dominant constitutes. Significant correlation was not seen between biomass, essential oil yield and nepetalactone isomers. Comparing the presented results with essential oil components of other Nepeta species, such as N. cataria, revealed that N. crassifolia can be considered as a commercial source of nepetalactone isomers. Thus, promoting domestication and cultivation of N. crassifolia as industrial and medicinal species should be noticed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant and herbal essential oils (EOs) offer a wide range of pharmacological actions that include anticancer effects. Here, we evaluated the cytotoxic activity of EO from Lippia alba (chemotype linalool), L. alba (chemotype dihydrocarvone, LaDEO), Clinopodium nepeta (L.) Kuntze (CnEO), Eucalyptus globulus, Origanum × paniculatum, Mentha × piperita, Mentha arvensis L., and Rosmarinus officinalis L. against human lung (A549) and colon (HCT-116) cancer cells. The cells were treated with increasing EO concentrations (0–500 µL/L) for 24 h, and cytotoxic activity was assessed. LaDEO and CnEO were the most potent EOs evaluated (IC50 range, 145–275 µL/L). The gas chromatography–mass spectrometry method was used to determine their composition. Considering EO limitations as therapeutic agents (poor water solubility, volatilization, and oxidation), we evaluated whether LaDEO and CnEO encapsulation into solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN/EO) enhanced their anticancer activity. Highly stable spherical SLN/LaDEO and SLN/CnEO SLN/EO were obtained, with a mean diameter of 140–150 nm, narrow size dispersion, and Z potential around −5mV. EO encapsulation strongly increased their anticancer activity, particularly in A549 cells exposed to SLN/CnEO (IC50 = 66 µL/L CnEO). The physicochemical characterization, biosafety, and anticancer mechanisms of SLN/CnEO were also evaluated in A549 cells. SLN/CnEO containing 97 ± 1% CnEO was highly stable for up to 6 months. An increased in vitro CnEO release from SLN at an acidic pH (endolysosomal compartment) was observed. SLN/CnEO proved to be safe against blood components and non-toxic for normal WI-38 cells at therapeutic concentrations. SLN/CnEO substantially enhanced A549 cell death and cell migration inhibition compared with free CnEO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plants from the Nepeta genus have been proved to possess different pharmacological properties, among which are antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and cytotoxic effects. Nepeta italica is a medicinal plant traditionally used for its analgesic effects, and in the present study, the phytochemical composition and biological effects of hexane, dichloromethane (DCM), ethyl acetate (EA), ethanol, ethanol-water, and water extracts of the aerial parts were investigated for determining phenolic composition, antioxidant effects, and anti-inflammatory effects in isolated mouse colon specimens exposed to lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Polar extracts were the richest in terms of phenolic compounds, especially rosmarinic acid. In parallel, ethanol, ethanol-water, and water extracts were also the most effective as scavenging/reducing and enzyme inhibition agents, especially towards cholinesterases and α-glucosidase, and in inhibiting the LPS-induced cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) gene expression in mouse colon. This poses the basis for future in vivo investigations for confirming the protective effects of polar extracts of N. italica against inflammatory bowel diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As part of ongoing work on the Flora of the Southeastern United States (Weakley & Southeastern Flora Team 2022a) and related projects, as well as for general floristic, conservation, and scientific work in eastern North America, it is essential to document taxonomic and nomenclatural changes and significant distribution records. Here we describe three new species (in Rhynchospora, Sabulina, and Solidago), describe a new section (in Trichostema), make new combinations to treat taxa at appropriate ranks in appropriate genera and with appropriate nomenclatural application based on types (in Lycopodioides, Moeroris, Morella, Nellica, Tamala, and Trichostema), and propose the lumping of two species, resulting in a change in name and nativity status (in Sisyrinchium). These new combinations (rank changes, or generic transfers to apply newly accepted generic concepts to taxa that do not have corresponding available names at the appropriate rank) are needed to accurately reflect current taxonomic understanding of the regional flora. In the course of doing so, we discuss and address various nomenclatural issues, including typifications, and clarify characters and identification of difficult groups (providing new keys) in the regional flora. We also report significant new distribution and naturalization records in many genera, in New Jersey (taxa in the genera Anthriscus, Calibrachoa, Chaenomeles, Dichanthelium, Diplotaxis, Ditrichia, Dysphania, Erigeron, Eucommia, Eupatorium, Lepidium, Malus, Montia, Nepeta, Persicaria, Picea, Psammophiliella, Pulmonaria, Quercus, Silphium, Verbascum, Verbena, Vicia), in the Coastal Plain of Alabama and Mississippi (taxa in the genera Baptisia, Clematis, Coreopsis, Galium, Matelea, Mirabilis, Poterium, Rhynchospora, Silphium, and Symphyotrichum), in southern Indiana (taxa in the genera Andropogon, Brunnichia, Echinacea, Landoltia, Montia, Persicaria, and Solidago), and in North Carolina, Virginia, and likely other states (Euphorbia). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aerial parts of Nepeta teucriifolia Willd. were extracted with the solvents of different polarities. The antiproliferative activities of the extracts were evaluated against rat brain tumor (C6) and human cervix carcinoma (HeLa) cell lines. The phytochemical screening of the extracts was performed with TOF-LC/MS. The CH2Cl2 and EtOAc extracts showed considerable antiproliferative activities against HeLa cells at higher concentration (250 µg mL−1). The CH2Cl2 extract was found more active than the others on both cells. The phytochemical studies of the active extract led to the isolation of three new iridoids, teucriifolian A-C (1–3). The structure elucidations of the new compounds were performed using HPLC-TOF/MS, 1D and 2D NMR techniques. The compounds 1–3 were evaluated in terms of their antiproliferative activities against HeLa and C6 cells, respectively. The results indicated that only 2 had moderate antiproliferative activity against HeLa cells at 250 µg mL−1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The leaf anatomy and chloroplast ultrastructure of Nepeta nuda L. plantlets regenerated in vitro from cryopreserved shoot apical meristem and in vitro-micropropagated plantlets were studied comparatively to assess whether cryoprocedure affected leaf morphogenesis. Both postcryo and in vitro plantlets failed to develop a distinguishable palisade layer, making the mesophyll appear homogeneous. Significant damage to the chloroplast envelope and substantial thylakoid ruptures were also observed. We assumed that the specific in vitro conditions more likely affected the structures than the cryotreatment itself. Light and transmission electron microscopy observations were also carried out on newly formed leaves of ex vitro-adapted plants. The examined leaf features were similar to those in the in situ plants -- bifacial leaf lamina, double-layered palisade parenchyma, loosely arranged spongy parenchyma cells, and chloroplasts with intact envelope and evenly distributed throughout the stroma internal membrane system. The obtained histological and ultrastructural results revealed the retained morphogenetic potential of N. nuda plants and proved cryopreservation as a suitable method for long-term storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Satureja calamintha nepeta (S. calamintha) has a history of successful use in the treatment of bacterial and fungal diseases. The present study was designed to investigate the chemical composition and antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of essential oils extracted from wild S. calamintha (EOSS) and domesticated S. calamintha (EOSD) for comparison purposes. Hydrodistillation was used to extract the essential oils (EOs), while GC/MS was used for chemical analysis. Antioxidant activity was studied using DPPH and FRAP assays. Antifungal activity was performed against Candida albicans, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, and Fusarium oxysporum), while antibacterial activity was tested against clinically resistant bacteria, namely Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, and Proteus mirabilis. By using ab=n in silico approach, the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of the main compounds of EOSS and EOSD were also investigated. The yields obtained of EOSS and EOSD were 2.80% and 1.95%, respectively, with a dominance of eucalyptol, pulegone and rotundifolone. Concerning the antioxidant power, the IC50 values recorded by the use of the DPPH assay were in the range of 23.03 ± 4.30 and 24.09 ± 4.38 μg/mL for EOSS and EOSD, respectively, while by using the FRAP assay, the EC50 values were in the range of 55.38 ± 2.16 and 60.72 ± 7.71 μg/mL for EOSS and EOSD, respectively. Importantly, both essential oils of EOSS and EOSD exhibited good antibacterial activity against all studied bacteria; notably, the inhibition zone ranged from 14 ± 0.00 to 48.67 ± 1.15 mm and the MICs ranged from 0.37 ± 0.00 to 5.96 ± 0.00 µg/mL. Similarly, the studied EOs showed important antifungal activities compared to all the studied fungi, wherein the inhibition percentage ranged from 47.33 ± 1.15 to 89.18 ± 0.75%, while the MICs ranged from 0.18 ± 0.00 to 2.98 ± 0.00 µg/mL. The molecular docking results showed that piperitenone and pulegone strongly inhibited human acetylcholinesterase, whereas (+)-Isomenthone and piperitenone strongly inhibited S. aureus nucleoside diphosphate kinase, and E. coli beta-ketoacyl-[acyl carrier protein] synthase, respectively. The outcome of this article suggests that EOs of S. calamintha can be developed as alternative agents to manage drug-resistant phenomena and free radical issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Flora Montibérica is the property of Flora Montiberica 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.)

The current study aimed to investigate the antiradical and antibacterial potential of pure and its nanoemulsified (NNE) Nepeta pogonosperma essential oil (PNE). Antimicrobial activity of the essential oil against two Gram‐positive (E. faecalis and B. cereus) and two Gram‐negative (M. catarrhalis and K. pneumonia) food‐related pathogens during 60‐day storage was investigated based on disc diffusion, minimum inhibition concentration (MIC), and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC). The chemical compounds of Nepeta essential oil were estimated by GC/MS. The physical properties of the nanoemulsion including polydispersity index (PDI), mean particle diameter, and viscosity were also determined. 4aα,7α,7aβ‐Nepetalactone (46.31%), 1,8‐cineole (23.13%), and (Z)‐α‐bisabolene (4.01%) were the main compounds of this essential oil. The Nepeta nanoemulsion had a mean droplet diameter of 254.07 nm, PDI of 0.281, and viscosity of 0.887 cP. NNE had stability for up to 60 days. The PNE showed a higher IC50 value than NNE (p <.05). During storage, the antiradical performance of both PNE and NNE was decreased (p <.05). However, emulsification was successful to control this decreasing trend. E. faecalis was the most susceptible bacteria to PNE and NNE, while the lowest inhibition zone was obtained for K. pneumoniae. At the first time, the antibacterial effect of PNE was more than NNE. However, over time nanoemulsion became more successful in maintaining its antibacterial effect. Overall, the incorporation of Nepeta pogonosperma essential oil into a nanoemulsion system can be a promising system to maintain the bioactivity of the essential oil for a longer time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is an increased need for improved and affordable insect repellents to reduce transmission of rapidly spreading diseases with high mortality rates. Natural products are often used when DEET cannot be afforded or accessed and when consumers choose not to use a synthetic repellent. The essential oils from two newly bred Nepeta cataria (catnip) plants representing two different chemotypes and their respective isolated nepetalactone isomers were evaluated as mosquito repellents against Aedes aegypti mosquitoes that transmit the Zika and Dengue virus in a one choice landing rate inhibition assay. A dose response curve was generated for each treatment and a time course analysis of repellency was performed over 24 hours with a N. cataria essential oil sample. The results indicate that all essential oil samples and their respective purified nepetalactone isomers were able to achieve greater than 95% repellency. Between two and four hours, the ability to repel more than 95% of the mosquitoes diminished. At the lowest concentrations tested, the nepetalactones and crude essential oil samples were more effective than DEET at reducing the number of mosquito landings.

A new iridiod, identified as the methyl acetal of nepetalic acid (1), along with other known 11 compounds have been isolated from the aqueous methanol and butanol extracts of Nepeta curviflora growing wild in Jordan. Structural interpretation of all isolated compounds was performed based on spectral data such as HR-ESIMS, UV, IR and NMR spectroscopy.

The genus Nepeta belongs to the largest Lamiaceae family, with 300 species, which are distributed throughout the various regions of Africa, Asia, India, and America. Along with other plant families distinguished by their medicinal and therapeutic values, the Nepeta genus of Lameaceae remains relatively valuable. Hence, the phytochemicals of N. paulsenii Briq. were extracted using different plant parts, i.e., leaves, stem, roots, flowers, and the whole plant by using various solvents (ethanol, water, and ethyl acetate), obtaining 15 fractions. Each extract of dried plant material was analyzed by FT-IR and GC-MS to identify the chemical constituents. The cytotoxicity of each fraction was analyzed by MTT assay and mitochondrial membrane potential and nuclear condensation assays against lung cancer cells. Among the ethyl acetate and ethanolic extracts, the flowers showed the best results, with IC50 values of 51.57 μg/mL and 50.58 μg/mL, respectively. In contrast, among the water extracts of the various plant segments, the stem showed the best results, with an IC50 value of 123.80 μg/mL. 5-flourouracil was used as the standard drug, providing an IC50 value of 83.62 μg/mL. The Hoechst 33342 stain results indicated apoptotic features, i.e., chromatin dissolution and broken down, fragmented, and crescent-shaped nuclei. The ethanolic extracts of the flowers showed more pronounced apoptotic effects on the cells. The mitochondrial membrane potential indicated that rhodamine 123 fluorescence signals suppressed mitochondrial potential due to the treatment with the extracts. Again, the apoptotic index of the ethanolic extract of the flowers remained the highest. Hence it can be concluded that the flower part of N. paulsenii Briq. was found to be the most active against the A459 human lung cancer cell line. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The samples of Clinopodium nepeta (L.) Kuntze (Lamiaceae) aerial parts were collected from four different localities in sub-Mediterranean area of Bosnia and Herzegovina and subjected to phytochemical profiling. Shade-dried and fresh samples were used to determine their headspace volatile organic composition by solid-phase microextraction on two differently coated fibers. Corresponding essential oils were obtained by hydrodistillation. Both headspace and essential oil were analysed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry Among detected compounds, piperitenone oxide and pulegone were dominant in the headspace of shade-dried and fresh C. nepeta samples. The essential oils contained 42 compounds including pulegone (44.8%), piperitenone (48.8%) and piperitenone oxide (60.2%) as the major compounds, followed by limonene, cispiperitone oxide, p-menthone and dihydrocarvyl acetate. In this work, a wide range of volatile compounds present in C. nepeta samples from Bosnia and Herzegovina was determined. The obtained data provides detail phytochemical analysis of the volatiles of C. nepeta and therefore completes earlier researches of this plant from the other geographical areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper revises the genus Nepeta for the family Lamiaceae for the Flora of Iraq project. We describe a new species, Nepeta iraqensis, and four new records Nepeta congesta subsp. cryptantha, N. stricta, N. lamiifolia and N. iodantha for Iraq. Lectotypes for six taxa are selected and comments on complex species are given. In addition, two new synonyms are given here for the first time. In all, we describe with identification keys, 19 taxa, three of which are endemic to Iraq. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Essential oil of Nepeta racemosa Lam. was extracted and characterized to determine its antimicrobial activity and potential use in applications. The essential oil was loaded on polyvinyl alcohol-pullulan films and gels and characterized by optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and UV-Vis spectroscopy before having its antimicrobial capacities assessed. The essential oil extracted from Nepeta racemosa Lam. was characterized using gas chromatography coupled with mass spectroscopy, which indicated that the most abundant component was nepetalic acid (55.5%), followed by eucalyptol (10.7%) and other compounds with concentrations of about 5% or less. The essential oil, as well as the loaded films and gels, exhibited good antibacterial activity on both gram-positive and gram-negative strains, with growth inhibition zones larger in some cases than for gentamicin, indicating excellent premises for using these essential-oil-loaded materials for applications in the food industry or biomedicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ontogeny and structural organization of the rhizome of Nepeta transiliensis individuals in the high-mountain conditions of Zailiiskii Alatau have been studied. Various types of buds (renewal buds and dormant buds) take part in shoot formation, from which various types of elongated shoots are formed. Using the architectural approach to the description of plants, the main structural units—rhizome modules—are identified. Different branching of modules leads to the construction of different rhizome axes. In the rhizome axes, the angles of departure of the lateral modules from the parent one differ, the development of the modules occurs sequentially from the renewal buds or with a delay from the dormant buds. The set of rhizomatous axes forms a branched rhizome complex and leads to the formation of rhizome layers. In general, the rhizome of N. transiliensis is of the "intermediate" type, which combines the features of a geometric and nongeometric rhizome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nepeta leucolaena grows worldwide and is being used in folk medicine system without any scientific evidence. The present study was carried out to unveil the metabolic picture, biological potential and to valid the medicinal uses of N. leucolaena. The flowers and leaves of this plant were separately extracted with n -hexane, chloroform, ethyl, acetate and alcohol to get respective extracts. The total bioactive contents estimation disclosed that the highest value of phenolics (39.50 ± 0.53 mg GAE/g extract) and flavonoid (24.99 ± 0.53 mg GAE/g extract) in ethanolic extract of flowers and leaves, respectively. Further chloroform extract of flowers, and ethyl acetate extract of leaves also contain significant amount of phenolics. In DPPH free radical scavenging assay, only ethanolic extracts of flowers and leaves exhibited antioxidant activity with values of 49.02 ± 0.12 and 46.33 ± 0.10 mg TE/g extract, whereas, in ABTS free radical scavenging activity, in addition to ethanolic extract flowers (113.37 ± 0.07 mg TE/g extract) and ethanolic extract leaves (98.95 ± 0.57 mg TE/g extract), other extracts also showed moderate to weak activity. Highest metal reducing power was also associated with ethanolic extract of flowers and ethanolic extract of leaves (CUPRAC: 167.86 ± 3.57 and 151.76 ± 1.59 mg TE/g extract, respectively and FRAP: 108.30 ± 0.98 and 101.30 ± 0.32 mg TE/g extract, respectively), while other extracts also exhibited moderate activity. Almost equal (1.6 mmol TE/g extract) total antioxidant capacity was measured for ethanolic extract of leaves and flowers and n -hexane extract leaves, however, all fractions showed significant and comparable metal chelating activity with highest value was noticed for n -hexane extract flowers (25.99 ± 0.10 mg EDTA/g extract) and leaves (25.93 ± 0.79 mg EDTA/g extract). Similarly, all extracts showed nearly equal inhibitory activity against AChE (3.06–4.06 mg GALAE/g extract), while against BChE low polar extracts were more active with highest potential in n -hexane extract leaves (3.99 ± 0.20 mg GALAE/g extract) and chloroform extract of leaves (3.67 ± 0.48 mg GALAE/g extract). n -hexane extract of flowers displayed highest inhibitory contents against tyrosinase enzyme followed by ethyl acetate extract flowers and leaves. In anti-diabetic assays, the hexane extracts exhibited highest values against α-glucosidase (1.08 ± 0.006 and 1.05 ± 0.019 mmol ACAE/g extract, respectively) followed by ethyl acetate and chloroform extracts respectively. UHPLC-MS analysis of the ethanolic extract of the whole plant (Flowers and leaves together) helped to identify 139 compounds mostly of phenolic, flavonoid, steroids, terpenoids and glycoside classes of secondary metabolites. Docking studies of some of the major compounds against various enzymes substantiated the biological potential of N. leucolaena , and make it a potential ingredient to be used in several health promoting formulations. [Display omitted] • Nepeta leucolaena is a medicinal herb being used to cure various diseases in Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan. • Different extracts of N. leucolaena were found active and excellent source of antioxidant and enzyme inhibitors. • UHPLC-MS analysis showed the presence of steroids, triterpenoids, saponins, alkaloids, phenolics and flavonoids. • Insilico studies substantiated the bioactivities of N. leucolaena. • N. leucolaena can be a promising source in disease-preventing nutraceutical or pharmaceutical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, the effects of salt stress on Nepeta racemosa Lam. were studied to analyze the possibility of using it as a potential culture for salinity-affected soils. A total of nine concentrations of salts—NaCl (18, 39, and 60 mg/100 g soil), Na2SO4 (50, 85, and 120 mg/100 g soil), and a mixture (9 g NaCl + 25 g Na2SO4, 19 g NaCl + 43 g Na2SO4, and 30 g NaCl + 60 g Na2SO4/100 g soil)—simulated real salinity conditions. Environmental electron microscopy offered information about the size and distribution of glandular trichomes, which are very important structures that contain bioactive compounds. The chlorophyll pigments, polyphenols, flavonoids, and antioxidant activity were determined based on spectrophotometric protocols. The results have shown a different impact of salinity depending on the salt type, with an increase in bioactive compound concentrations in some cases. The highest polyphenol concentrations were obtained for Na2SO4 variants (47.05 and 46.48 mg GA/g dw for the highest salt concentration in the first and second year, respectively), while the highest flavonoid content was found for the salt mixtures (42.77 and 39.89 mg QE/g dw for the highest concentrations of salt in the first and, respectively, the second year), approximately 100% higher than control. From the Pearson analysis, strong correlations were found between chlorophyll pigments (up to 0.93), antioxidant activity and yield for the first harvest (up to 0.38), and antioxidant activity and flavonoid content for the second harvest (up to 0.95). The results indicate the possibility of growing the studied plants in salt-stress soils, obtaining higher concentrations of bioactive compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nepeta binaludensis Jamzad is an endemic and rare perennial plant belonging to the Lamiaceae family, which grows in a limited area in Binaloud Mountain in northeast of Iran. In this study to evaluate the diversity of 20 populations (localities) of N. binaludensis and the influence of environmental factors on essential oil (EO) content and composition, the plant aerial parts were collected at the full flowering stage. The plant materials dried in shade and subjected to hydro-distillation for obtaining their EOs. Analysis of the EO was carried out using GC and GC/MS. The oil yields were varied from 1.2 to 4.9%. Classification of populations was made based on EO compounds. The results of mean comparison between populations belong to different habitats showed that the populations of Darood and Friezy with average values of 4.91 and 1.2% had the highest and lowest EO yield, respectively. Twenty-two compounds were identified in the oils with 1,8-cineol (25.4–59.0%), 4aα,7α,7aα-nepetalactone (13.8–55.1%), myrcene (2.3–5.5%) and p-cymene (1.1–5.7%) as the main components. Result of correlation analysis showed that the oil yield was positively correlated with precipitation and negatively with temperature. In addition, 1,8-cineole was positively and nepetalactone was negatively correlated with altitude. Cluster analysis by Ward method categorized the populations into two groups. The major compound of the oils in cluster 1 was nepetalactone (with an average of 37.9%), while the oils in cluster 2, contained higher percentage of 1,8-cineole (52–59%). Most of the populations in cluster 2, were originated from high, cold, rainy, and steep areas. Highlights: By increasing the altitude, changes in growth and essential oil composition of the plant are observed Result of correlation analysis showed that essential oil yield was positively correlated with precipitation, and negatively with temperature. In the present study the populations with high-amount of nepetalactone and 1,8 cineole were identified, The populations of cluster 2 with higher amount of 1,8-cineole, were growing in the high altitude, cold, rainy and sloping areas [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents a study on four species of aromatic plants: a native species from the spontaneous flora of the Republic of Moldova (Nepeta cataria L.), a species to be introduced (Nepeta racemosa Lam.) and two non-native species (Nepeta melissifolia Lam., Nepeta grandiflora M. Bieb.); little research has been conducted on these species, but they are therapeutically valuable. The genus Nepeta L. is one of the largest and most important genera in the family Lamiaceae, subfamily Nepetoideae. The studies aimed at their evaluation and characterization from a bio-ecological and phytochemical aspect, in order to highlight the biomorphological peculiarities, the essential oil content and the possibility of using them in aromatherapy, perfumery, phytotherapy and gastronomy. The research highlighted the high adaptive potential and the prospects of cultivation of these species under the pedoclimatic conditions of the Republic of Moldova. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study is based on the phytochemical isolation and biological activity evaluation of Nepeta adenophyta Hedge. This plant species is traditionally used for abdominal pain, kidney pain, stomach problems, urine problems, and diarrhea and is examined to control bleeding. Five compounds were isolated using column chromatography over normal silica gel from the ethanolic crude extract of Nepeta adenophyta and their structures were characterized with the help of spectroscopic techniques. In addition, the crude extract was evaluated for its antioxidant and antidiabetic potential in a human hepatoma cell line HepG2 cells and the crude extract showed good activities. The phytochemical isolation studies and the biological activities are conducted for the first time on the study sample. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Allelopathy is a physiological process with an ecological concept and application. Allelopathy is the result of the production of biologically active molecules by growing plants or their remains, which may have a direct effect on the growth and development of individuals of the same species or other species after changing their shape and entering the environment. As regards, the use of natural compounds in the control of weeds and pests is a priority. In this research, the allelopathic activity of 123 specimens of medicinal and aromatic plants were investigated individually by the dish-pack method using lettuce seeds as a model. Then, the strongest inhibitory ones were selected and their allelopathic interaction effects were investigated for the first time by interacting them together. Two methods were used to evaluate allelopathic interaction effects: calculating Fractional Inhibitory Concentration (FIC) and drawing Isobologram diagrams. Lettuce hypocotyl length, root length, germination percentage, and germination rate were investigated. Pelargonium graveolens (leaf) had the greatest inhibitory effect on lettuce radicle growth (EC50 = 5.31 mg/well) and Echinophora platyloba (stem) had the greatest effect on hypocotyl growth inhibition (EC50 = 7.91 mg/well). Also, the lowest lettuce germination percentages were observed in the treatments Lavandula officinalis (flower) and Nepeta binaloudensis (leaf), respectively (23.61, 22.85%). The highest inhibitory effect by considering lettuce germination rate was detected in Salvia ceratophylla (leaf), (12.86 seed/day) and the lowest belonged to Nepeta binaloudensis (leaf) and Lavandula officinalis (flower), respectively (3.60, 3.32 seed/day). According to FIC calculations and isobolograms, two types of interaction, including synergist (Nepeta binaloudensis (leaf) with Trachyspermum ammi (fruit) and Nepeta binaloudensis (leaf) with Lavandula officinalis (flower) and antagonist (Pelargonium graveolens (leaf) with Lavandula officinalis (flower)), were observed significantly among the plants tested in this research. These interactions can be used to prepare more effective natural herbicides and decrease the use of herbicides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]