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This study provides in-depth observations into the microanatomical structure of leaves and stem of eight selected Oleaceae species revealing comprehensive tissue organization using microtome sectioning and peeling leaf epidermis techniques. The phytochemicals profile overview of selected olive species extracted from leaf and stem of Oleaceae species contributes to identifying bioactive compounds with potential therapeutic and medicinal applications. An overview of histochemistry of bioactive metabolites revealed in Oleacee species shows the presence of phenolic compounds (oleuropein and hydroxytyrosol), localized in the leaves and stems, contributing to their antioxidant properties. The present study represent foliar anatomical traits; epidermal cells (ECs) polygonal shape and straight anticlinal walls, paracytic stomata and simple unicellular trichomes. The maximum ECs length (30 μm) was noted in Olea europaea and minimum (20 μm) in Jasminum fluminense was measured. Oleaceae species microtome stem sectioning examined revealed cortex type (parenchyma and collenchyma), vascular bundles (VBs) arrangements (radial, scattered and bundled), xylem vessels (scalariform, annular, spiral and reticulate), phloem fiber arrangements (banded and scattered), and uniseriate, biseriat and multiseriate medullary rays. Stem transverse section with maximum length (1300 μm) was observed in Olea europaea and the lowest (1100 μm) in Jasminum grandiflorum L. subsp. floribundum. This taxonomic histological method links the relationship between anatomy and chemistry, lead to identification of bioactive chemical compounds diversity among Oleaceae species. This anatomical methods used to enhance and consider the plant micromorphological structure-function relationships adapted to diverse environmental conditions. [Display omitted] • Comprehensive stem and leaf anatomical profiling of Oleaceae species reveals microanatomical structural adaptations. • Phytochemicals present in Oleaceae species revealed diverse bioactive metabolites. • Histochemical sectioning with phytochemicals visions into the medicinal and ecological significance of Oleaceae species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Featured Application: The research on the protective properties of oleaster oil against oxidative stress and cytotoxicity induced by silica nanoparticles (SiNPs) in albino Wistar rats has substantial practical implications in the fields of toxicology and therapeutic interventions. This work has a specific application in the development of natural antioxidant therapies to mitigate the adverse effects of nanoparticle exposure in humans and animals. The potential for inadvertent or chronic exposure is high due to the increasing use of nanoparticles in a variety of industries. This research indicates that oleaster oil, which is abundant in bioactive compounds with antioxidant properties, has the potential to be used as a therapeutic agent or dietary supplement to protect against oxidative damage and organ toxicity resulting from nanoparticle exposure. In occupational health, where workers are at a higher risk of nanoparticle exposure, or in clinical contexts to treat patients experiencing nanoparticle-induced toxicity, such applications could be particularly valuable. Nanoparticles have found widespread application in a variety of fields, despite growing worry about their possible hazardous effects on both the environment and human health. In recent years, research efforts have focused on plants and vegetable oils, which have been identified as abundant sources of many bioactive compounds. Many of these substances are known to participate in antioxidant processes. As a result, the current study was designed to investigate the antioxidant and protective properties of oleaster oil against cytotoxicity and oxidative stress induced by silica nanoparticles (SiNPs) in albino Wistar rats. Forty male rats were randomly assigned to four equally sized cohorts: a control group, SiNP-treated group (at a dose of 50 mg/kg), SiNP-treated group supplemented with oleaster oil (at a dose of 2 mL/kg), and those receiving only 2 mL/kg of oleaster oil. The findings demonstrated that SiNPs initiated an oxidative stress environment, as evidenced by higher lipid peroxidation levels and changes in antioxidant defense mechanisms. Antioxidant enzymes were significantly reduced, including glutathione levels between the control and SiNP-exposure treatments (36.01%, 36.59%, 60%), glutathione-S-transferase (29.74%, 29.90%, 13.49%), catalase (24.14%, 28.19%, 30.85%), and tissue superoxide dismutase (11.90%, 37.78%, 37.79%) in the liver, kidney, and heart, respectively. Furthermore, histological investigations revealed significant liver, kidney, and heart damage, as indicated by pathological alterations such as vascular dilatation and congestion, inflammatory cellular infiltration, and hepatocellular dysfunction. Encouragingly, the administration of oleaster oil significantly ameliorated a majority of these detrimental effects. These data suggest a potential protective effect of oleaster oil against the adverse histological effects induced by SiNP injection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims Progress in the systematic studies of the olive family (Oleaceae) during the last two decades provides the opportunity to update its backbone phylogeny and to investigate its historical biogeography. We also aimed to understand the factors underlying the disjunct distribution pattern between East Asia and both West Asia and Europe that is found more commonly in this family than in any other woody plant family. Methods Using a sampling of 298 species out of ~750, the largest in a phylogenetic study of Oleaceae thus far, with a set of 36 plastid and nuclear markers, we reconstructed and dated a new phylogenetic tree based on maximum likelihood and Bayesian methods and checked for any reticulation events. We also assessed the relative support of four competing hypotheses [Qinghai–Tibet Plateau uplift (QTP-only hypothesis); climatic fluctuations (climate-only hypothesis); combined effects of QTP uplift and climate (QTP–climate hypothesis); and no effects (null hypothesis)] in explaining these disjunct distributions. Key Results We recovered all tribes and subtribes within Oleaceae as monophyletic, but uncertainty in the position of tribe Forsythieae remains. Based on this dataset, no reticulation event was detected. Our biogeographical analyses support the QTP–climate hypothesis as the likely main explanation for the East–West Eurasian disjunctions in Oleaceae. Our results also show an earlier origin of Oleaceae at ~86 Mya and the role of Tropical Asia as a main source of species dispersals. Conclusion Our new family-wide and extensive phylogenetic tree highlights both the stable relationships within Oleaceae, including the polyphyly of the genus Chionanthus , and the need for further systematic studies within the largest and most undersampled genera of the family (Chionanthus and Jasminum). Increased sampling will also help to fine-tune biogeographical analyses across spatial scales and geological times. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: A splinter of charred wood was recovered from late Early Eocene volcanoclastic deposits underlying the lacustrine succession of the Messel-pit near Darmstadt (Hesse, Germany). Well-preserved anatomical details due to charring allow for an attribution of the splinter to the Oleaceae family. Within Oleaceae, the wood shows good agreement with the anatomical structure of recent members of the genera Olea , Chionanthus and Noronhia. However, due to the high variability of structural features within this group of genera, a reliable taxonomic placement is restricted to the monophyletic drupaceous subtribe Oleinae. The Splinter was cut loose from a tree of the local vegetation and charred by effects of the respective phreatomagmatic eruption, even under a low-fire regime. The specimen represents a rare example of a Pre-Quarternary wood that can be related directly to a radiometric age of 48.27–48.11 Ma (±0.22 Ma). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abeliophyllum distichum (Oleaceae), endemic to the Korean Peninsula and the sole member of its genus and species, possesses high scarcity value, escalating its importance under the Nagoya Protocol. Despite its significance, their metabolites and activities of A. distichum flowers remain unexplored. This study employs an integrated metabolomic approach utilizing NMR, LC/MS, GC/MS, and FTIR techniques to comprehensively analyze the metabolite profile of A. distichum flowers. By combining these methods, we identified 35 metabolites, 43 secondary metabolites, and 108 hydrophobic primary metabolites. Notably, distinct concentration patterns of these compounds were observed across five variants, classified based on morphological characteristics. Correlation analyses of primary and secondary metabolites unveiled varietal metabolic flux, providing insights into A. distichum flower metabolism. Additionally, the reconstruction of metabolic pathways based on dissimilarities in morphological traits elucidates variant‐specific metabolic signatures. These findings not only enhance our understanding of chemical differences between varieties but also underscore the importance of considering varietal differences in future research and conservation efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trees are sensitive to environmental conditions. Dendrochronology is the scientific discipline dedicated to studying and considering trees as bioindicators of environmental change. Although there are many tropical species with growth rings, there are few studies using urban trees as a reliable source of environmental information. This study aims to analyze the dendrochronological potential of Urapán / Fresno (Fraxinus uhdei - Oleaceae) as an indicator of environmental change related to precipitation and temperature in an urban area, specifically the city of Medellín, Colombia. We sampled 12 adult and healthy trees growing at an university campus in the city, applying standard dendrochronological techniques. A good synchronization of the tree-ring series (crossdating) was found, both visually and statistically (r = 0.49, p value < 0.05). We obtained a 37-year ring chronology (1986-2023). Our findings revealed a positive and significant correlation between the chronology and the average precipitation during the period November-March (r = 0.47, p < 0.05), and a negative relationship with the average temperature during the period October-May (r = - 0.54, p value < 0.05). Both precipitation and temperature affect the growth of the species, which constitutes evidence of its dendroclimatic potential. It does not exist a previous report of the species F. uhdei to evaluate the potential bioindicator of climatic conditions in Medellín. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Olea dioica Roxb, 1820 is a very important ethnomedicinal tree because of its medicinal properties and it belongs to the Oleaceae family. It is mainly distributed in evergreen and semi-evergreen forests. However, the chloroplast genome of O. dioica has not yet been reported. In this study, the chloroplast genome sequence of O. dioica was sequenced using next-generation sequencing technologies. The complete chloroplast genome of O. dioica was 155,138 bp in length (GenBank accession no. PP048999), comprising a large single-copy (LSC) region of 86,048 bp, a small single-copy (SSC) region of 17,816 bp, and two inverted repeat (IR) regions 25,637 bp each. The overall GC content was 37.8%. The complete chloroplast genome of O. dioica contains 131 complete genes, which are 88 protein-coding genes, 35 transfer RNA genes, and eight ribosomal RNA genes. A maximum-likelihood (ML) tree of O. dioica and 14 other species in the family Oleaceae suggested that O. dioica showed a close relationship with Olea brachiata.

Agroclimatic variables may affect insect and plant phenology, with unpredictable effects on pest populations and crop losses. Bactrocera oleae Rossi (Diptera: Tephritidae) is a specific pest of Olea europaea plants that can cause annual economic losses of more than one billion US dollars in the Mediterranean region. In this study, we aimed at understanding the effect of olive tree phenology and other agroclimatic variables on B. oleae infestation dynamics in the Umbria region (Central Italy). Analyses were carried out on B. oleae infestation data collected in 79 olive groves during a 7-year period (from 2015 to 2021). In July-August, B. oleae infestation (1% attack) was negatively affected by altitude and spring mean daily temperatures and positively by higher wintermean daily temperatures and olive tree cumulative degree days. In September-October, infestation was negatively affected by a positive soil water balance and high spring temperatures. High altitude and cumulative plant degree days were related to delayed attacks. In contrast, high winter and spring temperatures accelerated them. Our results could be helpful for the development of predictive models and for increasing the reliability of decision support systems currently used in olive orchards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oleaceae, a eudicot family with great species diversity, has attracted much attention from botanists because it contains many plants with important economic, medicinal, and ornamental values. However, the history of polyploidization and ancestral genome reshuffling of Oleaceae remains unclear. Here, we clarified an Oleaceae‐common hexaploidization (OCH) event occurring at ~53–61 million years ago (Ma) common in all Oleaceae plants and an Oleaceae‐recent tetraploidization (ORT) event occurring at ~18–21 Ma shared by the lineages of Syringa, Olea, Osmanthus, and Fraxinus. We found that high‐frequency polyploidization events drove the frequency of gene loss in Oleaceae genomes and extended the size of regions containing adjacent gene loss, thereby promoting the degree of genome fragmentation. We revealed that biased fractionation between the OCH‐ and ORT‐produced subgenomes is likely attributed to the origin of allopolyploidization in the OCH and ORT events. Significantly, through paleochromosome rearrangement comparisons, we proposed a "two‐step" genome duplication model for OCH and determined the duplicated orders of OCH tripled genome. We reconstructed 11 protochromosomes of the most recent ancestral Oleaceae karyotype (AOK) and elucidated the trajectories of immense paleochromosome reorganization of Oleaceae species from ancestral eudicot karyotype. Notably, we tracked the diversification history of secondary metabolite synthesis genes in the Oleaceae and explored the effects of paleogenome evolution on specialized metabolite synthesis. Our findings provide new insights into the polyploidization and paleogenomic evolution of Oleaceae and have important scientific significance for understanding the genetic basis of species and secondary metabolic diversity in Oleaceae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Olea dioica Roxb, 1820 is a very important ethnomedicinal tree because of its medicinal properties and it belongs to the Oleaceae family. It is mainly distributed in evergreen and semi-evergreen forests. However, the chloroplast genome of O. dioica has not yet been reported. In this study, the chloroplast genome sequence of O. dioica was sequenced using next-generation sequencing technologies. The complete chloroplast genome of O. dioica was 155,138 bp in length (GenBank accession no. PP048999), comprising a large single-copy (LSC) region of 86,048 bp, a small single-copy (SSC) region of 17,816 bp, and two inverted repeat (IR) regions 25,637 bp each. The overall GC content was 37.8%. The complete chloroplast genome of O. dioica contains 131 complete genes, which are 88 protein-coding genes, 35 transfer RNA genes, and eight ribosomal RNA genes. A maximum-likelihood (ML) tree of O. dioica and 14 other species in the family Oleaceae suggested that O. dioica showed a close relationship with Olea brachiata. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Northern Hemisphere temperate forests exhibit a disjunct distributional pattern in Europe, North America, and East Asia. Here, to reveal the promoter of intercontinental disjunct distribution, Fraxinus was used as a model organism to integrate abundant fossil evidence with high-resolution phylogenies in a phytogeographic analysis. We constructed a robust phylogenetic tree using genomic data, reconstructed the geographic ancestral areas, and evaluated the effect of incorporating fossil information on the reconstructed biogeographic history. The phylogenetic relationships of Fraxinus were highly resolved and divided into seven clades. Fraxinus originated in western North America during Eocene, and six intercontinental dispersal events and five intercontinental vicariance events were occured. Results suggest that climate change and vicariance contributed to the intercontinental disjunct distribution pattern of Fraxinus. Moreover, results highlight the necessity of integrating phylogenetic relationship and fossil to improve the reliability of inferred biogeographic events and our understanding of the processes underlying disjunct distributions. A phylogenetic genomics study combining fossil data reveals that climate change led to the intercontinental disjunct distribution pattern of Fraxinus [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Privets (Ligustrum spp.) are popular hedge shrubs that escape from gardens and cause negative impacts by invading forests in the United States. The narrow host specificity of the seed-feeding weevil, Ochyromera ligustri, suggests that this weevil could be considered a fortuitous biological control agent of privets. To find out the host range of this weevil, time-consuming experiments involving rearing and dissections are often conducted. Herein, we developed PCR primers to rapidly and accurately detect the presence of the weevil in privet fruits. We confirmed that the novel PCR primers specifically work for O. ligustri even with a small quantity of DNA, which was 0.01 ng. Using the newly developed PCR-based detection saves time and labor in research related to the detection and impact of this weevil. Ligustrum spp. (Oleaceae) have become invasive species in the US and negatively affect native plant diversity and richness in forests. Ochyromera ligustri (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) is considered a potential biological control agent in the US because adults feed on the foliage and larvae are seed-feeders of Ligustrum spp. To discover the relationships between O. ligustri and Ligustrum spp., fruit dissections or rearing and field observations are required. In the current research project, novel PCR primers were developed to rapidly detect the DNA of O. ligustri in molecular analyses without rearing and observation. The developed PCR primers worked even with 0.01 ng of DNA and did not amplify the DNA of the other five curculionid species tested. When the novel primers were tested with three Ligustrum spp. species common in the southeastern US, the DNA of O. ligustri was detected from all three species. We expect that the novel primers will be utilized to find out the presence and impact of O. ligustri on Ligustrum spp rapidly and accurately. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanoparticles have found widespread application in a variety of fields, despite growing worry about their possible hazardous effects on both the environment and human health. In recent years, research efforts have focused on plants and vegetable oils, which have been identified as abundant sources of many bioactive compounds. Many of these substances are known to participate in antioxidant processes. As a result, the current study was designed to investigate the antioxidant and protective properties of oleaster oil against cytotoxicity and oxidative stress induced by silica nanoparticles (SiNPs) in albino Wistar rats. Forty male rats were randomly assigned to four equally sized cohorts: a control group, SiNP-treated group (at a dose of 50 mg/kg), SiNP-treated group supplemented with oleaster oil (at a dose of 2 mL/kg), and those receiving only 2 mL/kg of oleaster oil. The findings demonstrated that SiNPs initiated an oxidative stress environment, as evidenced by higher lipid peroxidation levels and changes in antioxidant defense mechanisms. Antioxidant enzymes were significantly reduced, including glutathione levels between the control and SiNP-exposure treatments (36.01%, 36.59%, 60%), glutathione-S-transferase (29.74%, 29.90%, 13.49%), catalase (24.14%, 28.19%, 30.85%), and tissue superoxide dismutase (11.90%, 37.78%, 37.79%) in the liver, kidney, and heart, respectively. Furthermore, histological investigations revealed significant liver, kidney, and heart damage, as indicated by pathological alterations such as vascular dilatation and congestion, inflammatory cellular infiltration, and hepatocellular dysfunction. Encouragingly, the administration of oleaster oil significantly ameliorated a majority of these detrimental effects. These data suggest a potential protective effect of oleaster oil against the adverse histological effects induced by SiNP injection.

Background: Jasmine (Jasminum), renowned for its ornamental value and captivating fragrance, has given rise to numerous species and accessions. However, limited knowledge exists regarding the evolutionary relationships among various Jasminum species. Results: In the present study, we sequenced seven distinct Jasminum species, resulting in the assembly of twelve high-quality complete chloroplast (cp) genomes. Our findings revealed that the size of the 12 cp genomes ranged from 159 to 165 kb and encoded 134–135 genes, including 86–88 protein-coding genes, 38–40 tRNA genes, and 8 rRNA genes. J. nudiflorum exhibited a larger genome size compared to other species, mainly attributed to the elevated number of forward repeats (FRs). Despite the typically conservative nature of chloroplasts, variations in the presence or absence of accD have been observed within J. sambac. The calculation of nucleotide diversity (Pi) values for 19 cp genomes indicated that potential mutation hotspots were more likely to be located in LSC regions than in other regions, particularly in genes ycf2, rbcL, atpE, ndhK, and ndhC (Pi > 0.2). Ka/Ks values revealed strong selection pressure on the genes rps2, atpA, rpoA, rpoC1, and rpl33 when comparing J. sambac with the three most closely related species (J. auriculatum, J. multiflorum, and J. dichotomum). Additionally, SNP identification, along with the results of Structure, PCA, and phylogenetic tree analyses, divided the Jasminum cp genomes into six groups. Notably, J. polyanthum showed gene flow signals from both the G5 group (J. nudiflorum) and the G3 group (J. tortuosum and J. fluminense). Phylogenetic tree analysis reflected that most species from the same genus clustered together with robust support in Oleaceae, strongly supporting the monophyletic nature of cp genomes within the genus Jasminum. Conclusion: Overall, this study provides comprehensive insights into the genomic composition, variation, and phylogenetic relationships among various Jasminum species. These findings enhance our understanding of the genetic diversity and evolutionary history of Jasminum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agroclimatic variables may affect insect and plant phenology, with unpredictable effects on pest populations and crop losses. Bactrocera oleae Rossi (Diptera: Tephritidae) is a specific pest of Olea europaea plants that can cause annual economic losses of more than one billion US dollars in the Mediterranean region. In this study, we aimed at understanding the effect of olive tree phenology and other agroclimatic variables on B. oleae infestation dynamics in the Umbria region (Central Italy). Analyses were carried out on B. oleae infestation data collected in 79 olive groves during a 7-year period (from 2015 to 2021). In July–August, B. oleae infestation (1% attack) was negatively affected by altitude and spring mean daily temperatures and positively by higher winter mean daily temperatures and olive tree cumulative degree days. In September–October, infestation was negatively affected by a positive soil water balance and high spring temperatures. High altitude and cumulative plant degree days were related to delayed attacks. In contrast, high winter and spring temperatures accelerated them. Our results could be helpful for the development of predictive models and for increasing the reliability of decision support systems currently used in olive orchards.

Jasmine (Jasminum sambac Aiton) is a well-known cultivated plant species for its fragrant flowers used in the perfume industry and cosmetics. However, the genetic basis of its floral scent is largely unknown. In this study, using PacBio, Illumina, 10× Genomics and high-throughput chromosome conformation capture (Hi-C) sequencing technologies, a high-quality chromosome-level reference genome for J. sambac was obtained, exploiting a double-petal phenotype cultivar ‘Shuangbanmoli’ (JSSB). The results showed that the final assembled genome of JSSB is 580.33 Mb in size (contig N50 = 1.05 Mb; scaffold N50 = 45.07 Mb) with a total of 39 618 predicted protein-coding genes. Our analyses revealed that the JSSB genome has undergone an ancient whole-genome duplication (WGD) event at 91.68 million years ago (Mya). It was estimated that J. sambac diverged from the lineage leading to Olea europaea and Osmanthus fragrans about 28.8 Mya. On the basis of a combination of genomic, transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses, a range of floral scent volatiles and genes were identified involved in the benzenoid/phenylpropanoid and terpenoid biosynthesis pathways. The results provide new insights into the molecular mechanism of its fragrance biosynthesis in jasmine.

Aerobiological studies constitute a relevant tool to predict the most influential parameters over the pollen seasons with significant clinical relevance in the allergic populations. The aim of this study was to describe the aerobiological behaviour of the most relevant allergenic sources in the semi-arid area of southeast of Spain (Almería) and to investigate the correlation with meteorological factors and clinical symptoms of allergic patients. Daily pollen count and meteorological parameters of Almería, Spain, were compiled for ten years. The clinical symptoms of 248 allergic patients were also recorded. Descriptive statistics and correlations between variables were assessed. Multivariate analyses were performed to predict the influence of meteorological factors on pollen concentration and the risk of suffer respiratory symptoms. Eight pollen families were identified as the most relevant allergenic sources. Temperature correlated with main pollen season evolution of all taxa whereas rainfall and relative humidity only correlated in Oleaceae, Pinaceae, Amaranthaceae, Asteraceae and Urticaceae. Rainfall and relative humidity were the most influential predictors of pollen concentration, except in Amaranthaceaea and Poaceae families, while temperature only influenced on Cupressaceae and Urticaceae pollen concentrations. A significant positive influence was observed between maximum temperature and rainfall with the appearance of allergic symptoms in patients sensitized to grasses, Parietaria sp. and Olea sp. This study, highlight the main aerobiological features in the region and establish a suitable tool for clinical follow-up and management of allergic patients. Further studies are needed to establish an accurate measurement aimed to control and prevent pollinosis in sensitized patients.

With populations of threatened and endangered species declining worldwide, efforts are being made to generate high quality genomic records of these species before they are lost forever. Here, we demonstrate that data from single Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT) MinION flow cells can, even in the absence of highly accurate short DNA-read polishing, produce high quality de novo plant genome assemblies adequate for downstream analyses, such as synteny and ploidy evaluations, paleodemographic analyses, and phylogenomics. This study focuses on three North American ash tree species in the genus Fraxinus (Oleaceae) that were recently added to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List as critically endangered. Our results support a hexaploidy event at the base of the Oleaceae as well as a subsequent whole genome duplication shared by Syringa, Osmanthus, Olea, and Fraxinus. Finally, we demonstrate the use of ONT long-read sequencing data to reveal patterns in demographic history. High-quality genome assemblies, each generated using a single MinION flow cell, are reported for three critically endangered ash tree species, Fraxinus americana (white ash), F. nigra (black ash), and F. pennsylvanica (green ash). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The common yellow jasmine (Chrysojasminum fruticans , Oleaceae) is a distylous shrub occurring in the wild in south-western Europe and the Mediterranean Basin. Little is known about the genetics of its populations and such information would be necessary to investigate its spread and mating strategies. Here, the organization of its genetic diversity was investigated among and between 13 populations from southern France, including a 35-year-old experimental plot ('CEFE', CNRS Montpellier). Markers (microsatellites and indels) were developed to screen polymorphisms in nuclear, chloroplast, and mitochondrial genomes. Low linkage disequilibrium was observed between chloroplast and mitochondrial haplotypes probably resulting from paternal leaks in their inheritance as reported in other species of tribe Jasmineae. Yet, analyses of 36 progenies issued from parents with distinct chloroplast and/or mitochondrial DNA haplotypes only revealed a maternal contribution. Natural populations of C. fruticans are moderately to highly differentiated at the regional scale with a strong isolation-by-distance pattern detected on nuclear data, indicating limited gene flow. An isolated site ('Moulis'), located on the marginal distribution area, was remarkably genetically depauperate and highly differentiated from other populations. Further studies on the variation of mating strategies in C. fruticans should consider populations with contrasting patterns of genetic diversity. The artificial 'CEFE' population also offers opportunities for experiments in a closed system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SUMMARY: When interspecific gene flow is common, species relationships are more accurately represented by a phylogenetic network than by a bifurcating tree. This study aimed to uncover the role of introgression in the evolution of Osmanthus, the only genus of the subtribe Oleinae (Oleaceae) with its distribution center in East Asia. We built species trees, detected introgression, and constructed networks using multiple kinds of sequencing data (whole genome resequencing, transcriptome sequencing, and Sanger sequencing of nrDNA) combined with concatenation and coalescence approaches. Then, based on well‐understood species relationships, historical biogeographic analyses and diversification rate estimates were employed to reveal the history of Osmanthus. Osmanthus originated in mid‐Miocene Europe and dispersed to the eastern Tibetan Plateau in the late Miocene. Thereafter, it continued to spread eastwards. Phylogenetic conflict is common within the 'Core Osmanthus' clade and is seen at both early and late stages of diversification, leading to hypotheses of net‐like species relationships. Incomplete lineage sorting proved ineffective in explaining phylogenetic conflicts and thus supported introgression as the main cause of conflicts. This study elucidates the diversification history of a relict genus in the subtropical regions of eastern Asia and reveals that introgression had profound effects on its evolutionary history. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The aim of the project was the isolation, structure elucidation, and anti-inflammatory evaluation of compounds from the leaves of Ligustrum sinense Lour. Methods: Chromatographic techniques were used to isolate anti-inflammatory compounds from the methanol extract of L sinense leaves. The structures of compounds were elucidated by analyses of mass spectra, nuclear magnetic resonance data, and Circular dichroism spectra. Compounds were evaluated using anti-inflammatory assays. Results: One new neolignane glucoside, neoligustrume A (1), along with eleven known compounds, ligujaponoside A (2), ligujaponoside B (3), ligustroside (4), oleuropein (5), ligustaloside A dimethyl acetal (6), ligustaloside B dimethyl acetal (7), olivil (8), (+)-cycloolivil (9), kaempferol 3-O- β-D-glucopyranoside-7-O-α-L-rhamnopyranoside (10), oleanoic acid (11), and hydroxytyrosol (12) were isolated from the methanol extract of L sinense leaves. Compounds 2, 3, and 12 showed significant inhibitory NO production with IC50 values of 16.3 ±0.5, 18.2 ±1.1, and 15.7 ±1.9 μM, respectively. Compounds 4-7 and 11 showed moderate inhibitory NO production with IC50 values ranging from 21.4 to 45.0 µM. Moreover, compound 12 showed the most TNF-α inhibition with 58.1 ±5.7% at a concentration of 50 μM. Conclusions: One new and 11 known compounds were isolated from L sinense. This is the first report of compounds 2-9 from L sinense. Compounds 2, 3, and 12 showed significant inhibitory NO production with IC50 values of 16.3 ±0.5, 18.2 ±1.1, and 15.7 ± 1.9 μM, respectively. Compound 12 could be the anti-inflammatory source. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The food products derived from Olea europaea are a fundamental part of the Mediterranean diet, and their health-promoting effects are well known. In this study, we analyzed the phytochemical characteristics, the redox state modulatory activity, and the cytotoxic effect of an olive leaf aqueous extract enriched by macroporous resin on different tumor and normal cell lines (LNCaP, PC3, HFF-1). HPLC-DAD analysis, the Folin–Ciocalteu and aluminum chloride methods confirmed the qualitatively and quantitatively high content of phenolic compounds (130.02 ± 2.3 mg GAE/g extract), and a DPPH assay (IC50 = 100.00 ± 1.8 μg/mL), the related antioxidant activity. The biological investigation showed a significant cytotoxic effect, highlighted by an MTT test and the evident cellular morphological changes, on two prostate cancer cell lines. Remarkably, the extract was practically non-toxic on HFF-1 at the concentrations (100, 150, 300 µg/mL) and exposure times tested. Hence, the results are selective for tumor cells. The underlying cytotoxicity was associated with the decrease in ROS production (55% PC3, 42% LNCaP) and the increase in RSH levels (>50% PC3) and an LDH release assay (50% PC3, 40% LNCaP, established necrosis as the main cell death mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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New chorological data are presented for 164 species and subspecies from Bulgaria (1, 2, 76, 127-139, 142, 158-162), Greece (32-62, 77-126, 140-141, 143-157, 163, 164), Republic of North Macedonia (63-75), and Turkey-in-Europe (3-31). The taxa belong to the following families: Alliaceae (61, 77-81, 137), Amaryllidaceae (2, 82), Anacardiaceae (4, 32), Apiaceae (5-16, 129, 143, 144), Araceae (85), Arecaceae (85), Asclepiadaceae (33), Asparagaceae (138), Asphodelaceae (125, 162), Aspleniaceae (127), Asteraceae (17-26, 44-48, 63, 118, 145, 159-161), Berberidaceae (140), Betulaceae (163), Boraginaceae (64, 65, 146), Brassicaceae (49, 147), Campanulaceae (66, 67), Capparaceae (34), Caryophyllaceae (142, 150), Casuarinaceae (35), Chenopodiaceae (50), Colchicaceae (86), Convallariaceae (155, 156), Convolvulaceae (51), Cyperaceae (87-89), Equisetaceae (3), Ericaceae (52), Euphorbiaceae (27, 53, 54), Fabaceae (68, 69, 119), Grossulariaceae (130), Hyacinthaceae (90-93), Iridaceae (94-98, 126, 139, 141, 158), Juncaceae (99, 100), Lamiaceae (55, 56, 120, 131, 151), Liliaceae (101), Lythraceae (28, 132), Moraceae (121), Oleaceae (36), Onagraceae (37, 70), Ophioglossaceae (1), Orchidaceae (75, 76), Orobanchaceae (29), Pinaceae (128), Plantaginaceae (152), Plumbaginaceae (38), Poaceae (30, 31, 43, 102-117, 157), Portulacaceae (57), Primulaceae (71, 122), Ranunculaceae (123, 133, 148), Rosaceae (72, 134, 135), Rutaceae (153), Santalaceae (58, 154), Scrophulariaceae s.l. (73, 124), Simaroubaceae (39), Solanaceae (40-42, 59, 164), Thymelaeaceae (60), Typhaceae (62), Ulmaceae (136), and Violaceae (74, 149). A new taxon for a country is: Greece - Berberis aquifolium (140). The publication includes contributions by: A. Asenov (1), A. Asenov & P. Avreyska (2), M. Aybeke (3-31), B. Biel & Kit Tan (32-43), C. Cattaneo & M. Grano (44-62), D. Dimitrov (63-75), I. Gavalas, R. Jahn & Kit Tan (77-117), V. Ioannidis, D. Doulkeridou, K. Marianthi & A. Strid (118-126), T. Karakiev (127-139), D. Mermygkas & M. Dimaki (140, 141), S. Stoyanov & Y. Marinov (142), Kit Tan & G. Kofinas (143-149), Kit Tan & Sister Pachomia (150-157), V. Trifonov (158), V. Vladimirov (159-162), and G. Zarkos & Kit Tan (163, 164). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species viz. Molothrognathus manisaensissp. nov., collected from litter and soil under Verbascum sp. (Scrophulariaceae), Inula viscosa (Asteraceae), Quercus coccifera and Q. infectoria (Fagaceae), and the unknown male of Neognathus ozkaniAkyol & Koç, 2012, collected from litter and soil under Olea europaea (Oleaceae) in Manisa province, Türkiye, are described and illustrated. A key to the species of Molothrognathus from Türkiye is updated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We determined the complete chloroplast genome sequence of Ligustrum foliosum Nakai, an endemic species of Korea. The plastome was 165,731 bp long, with a large single copy (90,009 bp), a small single copy (11,448 bp), and a pair of inverted repeats (32,137 bp). Moreover, 113 genes were encoded, including 79 protein-coding genes, 30 tRNA genes, and 4 rRNA genes. Phylogenetic analysis of 18 species using concatenated 78 protein-coding genes (excluding one pseudogene) revealed that L. foliosum is most closely related to L. quihoui, having strong bootstrap values. This study is the first report of the chloroplast genome of L. foliosum and provides important information for future phylogenetic studies on Ligustrum and distinguishing closely related species of Ligustrum.

Abstract Background The yellow jasmine flower (Jasminum humile L.) is a fragrant plant belonging to the Oleaceae family with promising phytoconstituents and interesting medicinal uses. The purpose of this study was to characterize the plant metabolome to identify the potential bioactive agents with cytotoxic effects and the underlying mechanism of cytotoxic activity. Methods First, HPLC–PDA-MS/MS was used to identify the potential bioactive compounds in the flowers. Furthermore, we assessed the cytotoxic activity of the flower extract against breast cancer (MCF-7) cell line using MTT assay followed by the cell cycle, DNA-flow cytometry, and Annexin V-FITC analyses alongside the effect on reactive oxygen species (ROS). Finally, Network pharmacology followed by a molecular docking study was performed to predict the pathways involved in anti-breast cancer activity. Results HPLC–PDA-MS/MS tentatively identified 33 compounds, mainly secoiridoids. J. humile extract showed a cytotoxic effect on MCF-7 breast cancer cell line with IC50 value of 9.3 ± 1.2 µg/mL. Studying the apoptotic effect of J. humile extract revealed that it disrupts G2/M phase in the cell cycle, increases the percentage of early and late apoptosis in Annexin V-FTIC, and affects the oxidative stress markers (CAT, SOD, and GSH-R). Network analysis revealed that out of 33 compounds, 24 displayed interaction with 52 human target genes. Relationship between compounds, target genes, and pathways revealed that J. humile exerts its effect on breast cancer by altering, Estrogen signaling pathway, HER2, and EGFR overexpression. To further verify the results of network pharmacology, molecular docking was performed with the five key compounds and the topmost target, EGFR. The results of molecular docking were consistent with those of network pharmacology. Conclusion Our findings suggest that J. humile suppresses breast cancer proliferation and induces cell cycle arrest and apoptosis partly by EGFR signaling pathway, highlighting J. humile as a potential therapeutic candidate against breast cancer.

Syringa oblata var. alba is a shrub or a small tree from China with high ornamental, medicinal, and edible value. Here, we present its first complete chloroplast genome. The entire circular genome is 155,648 bp in length, with large single-copy (LSC) length of 86,247, small single-copy (SSC) length of 17,937, inverted repeat (IR) length of 25,732, and GC content of 37.9%. One hundred and thirty-two genes, including 88 protein-coding, 36 tRNA, and eight rRNA genes were predicted. A phylogenetic tree of 25 plant species was constructed based on the maximum-likelihood method, indicating that S. oblata var. alba, S. vulgaris, and S. oblata form a sister group. This study will provide valuable basic information for phylogeny, species identification, and varieties breeding of this species.

Objective: Traditionally, Olea ferruginea Royle (Oleaceae) has been used as a painkiller and antidiabetic in various ailments. To provide a scientific background to this folklore the current study was designed to anti-inflammatory and antidiabetic effects of one of the isolated compound from this plant. Methods: Ferruginan A was isolated from the ethyl acetate extract of Olea ferruginea bark. This isolated molecule was subjected to in-vitro anti-inflammatory and antidiabetic effects using HRBCs and glucose uptake tests. The compound was also tested for molecular docking and ADMET study. Results: Regarding the anti-inflammatory effect, the tested compound demonstrated a 69.82 % inhibition at a concentration of 100 µg/mL, while the Ferruginan A (100 µl/mL) increased the uptake of glucose (3.79–71.86 %) in the yeast cell. Similarly, the zone of inhibition values of Ferruginan A (24.98 mm) against Escherichia coli were found to be comparable to standard (Imipenem: 31.09 mm). The mechanism of antidiabetic and anti-inflammatory effects was explored by using docking simulations performed on four molecular targets related to diabetes and inflammation. The results showed that the isolated compound may act as an antidiabetic agent by inhibiting the 5′ Adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK). While it also showed inhibition of anti-inflammatory targets COX-1, COX-2, and Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α). The ADMET prediction study revealed that isolated compound possesses favorable ADMET profile. Conclusion: It was concluded that Ferruginan A might be a significant anti-inflammatory and antidiabetic molecule.

Lilac (Syringa vulgaris L., olive family Oleaceae) is one of the widespread and popular ornamental plants. Species, many varieties and forms of lilacs are always in the center of horticultural and breeding interest. The 21st century was marked by a new stormy interest in this culture. New breeding centers have appeared in different countries, including those specializing in lilacs, and now a large number of new varieties are registered almost every year. There are more and more nurseries, the range of which is expanding every year. The number of lovers of lilacs is increasing, which also contribute to the promotion of private collections, as well as the widespread introduction of a new promising assortment of this crop into the practice of urban landscaping. Lilac is also unique in that it is often and successfully used for winter forcing. And the plants themselves after forcing are kept in cold greenhouses until they are planted in the ground and / or taken out into the open air upon the onset of stable positive temperatures to form shoots, normal growth and development of plants and prepare plants for forcing for the next year. In the period from February to the end of March, it is possible to harvest cuttings from plants in greenhouses for propagating especially valuable varieties, to form a bank of exchange material with botanical institutions. The authors share this experience, when and how to cut the cuttings, how to root them, what preparations turned out to be the most successful and effective, in order to eventually get a new healthy planting material of varietal lilac.

Ornamental shrubs are always at the center of horticultural interest. The 21st century was marked by a new stormy interest in the culture of species, varieties and forms of the genus Syringa. New breeding centers have appeared and a significant number of new varieties are registered every year. There are new nurseries, the range of which is expanding every year. The number of amateurs is increasing, which greatly contribute to the promotion and introduction of these beautiful plants into urban floristry. The 21st century was marked by a "boom" in lilac. Currently, in the Peter the Great Botanical Garden of the BIN RAS (St. Petersburg) there are already 17 species and about 160 varieties, including many varieties of modern selection of domestic breeders. Constant observations of the lilac collection in the Peter the Great Botanical Garden revealed a complex of pathogens of fungal and bacterial infections that manifest themselves in different periods of plant vegetation. A tested complex of agronomic measures is presented, which reduces the detection of fungal and bacterial diseases, as well as increases the resistance of plants to pathogens. To protect plants in the garden on collection plants, various immunomodulators are used: immunocytophyte, albite, siliplant, ecofus.

Key message: We have examined thermal control for embryo growth and seed germination in European ash. Using historical data (span of 36 years) of embryo index in matured seeds, we showed that maturation is not influenced by the annual average temperature. Secondary dormancy in ash's seeds is easily induced, and the thermal window for both embryo growth and seed germination was between 10 and 20 °C. Context: Seed germination plays a crucial role in establishing plant communities. Ash seeds are characterized by deep morphophysiological dormancy, usually overcome by 32 weeks of stratification. Observed climate changes might disrupt ash's thermal window for embryo growth and seed germination. Thus, proper examination of seed adaptability can be important for forest management. Aims: We investigated the effect of temperature on the embryo index (ratio between embryo and seed length) as well as embryo growth and germination of European ash (Fraxinus excelsior L.) seeds under different thermal conditions. Methods: We used seeds collected at the same site in Poland between 1985 and 2021 to first analyze the influence of the growing season on the initial embryo index in mature seeds. Subsequently, we examined embryo growth and germination of seeds at constant temperatures of 3°, 10°, 15°, 20°, 25°, and 30 °C from seeds collected in 2021. Using the modeled rate of embryo growth and germination, we predicted the cardinal temperatures for those processes in ash seeds. Results: The embryo index of ash seeds varied; however, there was no relationship between the index and year of seed collection. The base temperature for embryo growth was 1.4 ± 1.1 °C, with a ceiling temperature of 29.9 ± 2.0 °C and an optimal temperature of 15.7 ± 0.3 °C. The base temperature for germination was at − 1.8 ± 0.3 °C. Due to the induction of secondary dormancy, the ceiling temperature of germination was impossible to establish. Conclusions: The initial embryo index of mature ash seeds seems to be an individual trait and was not affected by local average annual temperatures. The most effective temperature ranges for embryo growth and germination were similar, however narrow (between 10 and 15 °C). Temperatures above 20 °C inducted secondary dormancy, hampering embryo growth as well as germination. Such a narrow thermal window for embryo growth can potentially act as a limiting factor for the natural regeneration of ash seeds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Jasminum binhchauense, a new species of the family Oleaceae, is described and illustrated. The species was collected during 2022-2023 from Binh Chau-Phuoc Buu Nature Reserve, Ba Ria-Vung Tau province, southern Vietnam. The new species differs from its congeners in its branchlets, leaf blade, petioles and calyx. A taxonomic description, a table comparing morphological characters of the allied species, and illustrations, a color photo-plate are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species viz. Molothrognathus acussp. nov., collected from litter and soil under Pinus brutia (Pinaceae), Molothrognathus tauricusKhaustov, 2021 is recorded for the first time in Turkey and the unknown male of Prostigmaeus ampliusDoğan et al., 2020, collected from litter and soil under Olea europaea (Oleaceae) in Manisa province, Türkiye, is described and illustrated. A key to the species of Molothrognathus from Türkiye is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clarifying generic circumscriptions in Oleaceae improves its complicated infrafamilial classification. Focusing on the small and disjunctly distributed subtribe Schreberinae, we use phylogenomic data from plastid and nuclear DNA from an extensive sampling to assess its phylogenetic patterns and biogeographic history. Results show paraphyly in the subtribe, with Comoranthus nested in Schrebera , leading us to synonymize these genera. Schrebera s.l. occurs in four major regions of the world, but its centre of origin remains uncertain, with three possible ancestral ranges identified. However, the diversification of this genus is estimated to have started in the Early Oligocene (c. 34 Mya), and its current distribution pattern is best explained by dispersal between landmasses rather than continental vicariance. Madagascar is the centre of diversity of Schrebera s.l. , where ten endemic species, of which five are new, were recovered from analyses of morphological, molecular and ecoclimatic data. Therefore, a taxonomic treatment of the species from Madagascar and the Comoro Islands is presented. As currently circumscribed, Schrebera s.l. , and thus the monogeneric subtribe, includes 16 species (one in South America, two in Southeast Asia, three in Africa, of which one is shared with Madagascar, and 11 in Madagascar and the Comoro Islands). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conservation decision‐making and prioritization of management actions for taxa at high risk of extinction require a clear understanding of systematic relationships and species boundaries. Taxonomic uncertainty surrounds two threatened species of native olive (genus Notelaea) endemic to Australia. Notelaea ipsviciensis is known from only one small population and is listed as critically endangered under Australian and Queensland legislation, while Notelaea lloydii is listed as vulnerable due to its restricted distribution in south‐east Queensland, Australia. Notelaea ipsviciensis occurs in sympatry with N. lloydii, at the only site where it is found, and exhibits intermediate morphology between N. lloydii and Notelaea ovata raising speculation that it is a natural hybrid of the two. To address this uncertainty, we have reconstructed the molecular phylogeny of the genus Notelaea using both single‐gene sequencing and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) data. While the chloroplast DNA markers were not found to be informative, the genome‐wide SNPs used in this study have unequivocally resolved the long‐standing question of the hybrid origin of N. ipsviciensis. Results of the phylogenetics and hybrid analyses of SNP data show that N. ipsviciensis is a natural hybrid of N. lloydii and N. ovata, and the taxon's circumscription needs to be re‐evaluated. Our results also revealed unclear species boundaries among numerous other Notelaea species, including the threatened N. lloydii, indicating that further investigation and taxonomic revision may be necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fraxinus sogdiana Bunge (family Oleaceae) is a rare, relict species, with a disjunctive distribution range. The species is listed in the Red Book of Kazakhstan. The aim of this study was to determine anatomical features and identify the phytochemical composition of F. sogdiana growing in different soils in Kazakhstan. The research objects were vegetative organs collected in the Temirlik River Valley of the Almaty region (the State National Nature Park "Sharyn") and the Boralday River Valley of the Turkestan region (the Syrdarya–Turkestan Regional Nature Park) in 2020–2022. A comparative anatomical analysis of the vegetative organs of F. sogdiana revealed similarities and differences between the specimens studied. The level of significance was taken at 5%. The main feature identified in the anatomical structure of the F. sogdiana leaves was the presence of large special motor cells in the upper and lower epidermis. A study of the phytochemical composition identified the ten most important biologically active substances with antimicrobial, antitumor, diuretic, and antioxidative properties. In the study areas, soils were different in terms of conditions and time of soil formation. The soil profile of the floodplain terrace of the Temirlik River was found to be stratified with alternating interlayers of light loamy and sandy loam granulometric composition with inclusions of pebbles; differentiation of the soil profile into genetic horizons was poorly pronounced. The soil profile of the floodplain terrace of the Boralday River had a clear differentiation into genetic horizons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aims to characterize the floristic diversity and the demographic structure of the woody groups of cork oak (Quercus suber L.) of the forest of Ouled Bechih (Souk Ahras). Floristic and dendrometric data were collected in four plots of 900 m² and regeneration was assessed. The flora inventory has identified 25 species belonging to 25 genera and 18 families. The Asteraceae family is the most common (20%), followed by the Fabaceae, Oleaceae and Rosaceae (8%). The other families include species that are very poorly represented (4%). The diameter and height structures show a concentration of adult individuals in all the stands. In the perspective of rehabilitation and sustainable management of forest ecosystems, this study provides additional information on the current state of cork oak stands in the Ouled Bechih forest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kuhn (1962) proposed an evolutionary model to explain how scientific knowledge is built, based on the concept of paradigm. Even though Kuhn's model is general, it has been applied to only a few topics in evolutionary biology, almost exclusively to broad-based paradigms. We analyze here, through the lens of Kuhn's theory, a small-scale paradigm change that occurred with the resolution of the controversy about the mating system of a Mediterranean shrub Phillyrea angustifolia (Oleaceae). We first summarize the different steps of the paradigm change and replace them in the more general context of sex ratio theory. Second, we show how the different steps of the paradigm change can be interpreted by Kuhnian concepts and tools. Finally, we discuss the actual and future status of the new paradigm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We assembled and characterized the complete chloroplast genome sequence of Chrysojasminum subhumile (W.W.Sm.) Banfi & Galasso 2014, a valuable horticultural and medicinal plant species. The total genome size was 159,918 bp in length and the GC content was 37.4%. It displayed a circular structure and could be divided into a large single-copy region, a small single-copy region, and a pair of inverted repeat regions. The genome encoded a total of 131 unique genes, including 82 protein-coding genes, 41 tRNA genes, and eight rRNA genes. Among these genes, 17 contained a single intron, and two genes had two introns. Phylogenetic analysis results showed that C. subhumile was closely related to Jasminum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reviews of the recent progress in the acarological researches and knowledge on mites occurring in the canopy of ornamental trees and shrubs. The inventory of Acari includes 444 mite species belonging to 33 families which were recorded from 283 hardwood tree and shrub species of 45 plant families. The highest number of mite families and species were reported from the families Rosaceae (21 mite families), Salicaceae (20) and Oleaceae (17), and Salicaceae (99 mite species), Rosaceae (98) and Fagaceae (63), respectively. The most diverse acarine fauna was found on Acer campestre (37 mite species), Prunus spinosa (37), Acer pseudoplatanus (33), Tilia cordata (33) and Salix alba (31). The most frequently occurring mite species were Euseius finlandicus (on 78 host species), Tydeus californicus (64) and Zetzellia mali (60). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The yellow jasmine flower (Jasminum humile L.) is a fragrant plant belonging to the Oleaceae family with promising phytoconstituents and interesting medicinal uses. The purpose of this study was to characterize the plant metabolome to identify the potential bioactive agents with cytotoxic effects and the underlying mechanism of cytotoxic activity. Methods: First, HPLC–PDA-MS/MS was used to identify the potential bioactive compounds in the flowers. Furthermore, we assessed the cytotoxic activity of the flower extract against breast cancer (MCF-7) cell line using MTT assay followed by the cell cycle, DNA-flow cytometry, and Annexin V-FITC analyses alongside the effect on reactive oxygen species (ROS). Finally, Network pharmacology followed by a molecular docking study was performed to predict the pathways involved in anti-breast cancer activity. Results: HPLC–PDA-MS/MS tentatively identified 33 compounds, mainly secoiridoids. J. humile extract showed a cytotoxic effect on MCF-7 breast cancer cell line with IC50 value of 9.3 ± 1.2 µg/mL. Studying the apoptotic effect of J. humile extract revealed that it disrupts G2/M phase in the cell cycle, increases the percentage of early and late apoptosis in Annexin V-FTIC, and affects the oxidative stress markers (CAT, SOD, and GSH-R). Network analysis revealed that out of 33 compounds, 24 displayed interaction with 52 human target genes. Relationship between compounds, target genes, and pathways revealed that J. humile exerts its effect on breast cancer by altering, Estrogen signaling pathway, HER2, and EGFR overexpression. To further verify the results of network pharmacology, molecular docking was performed with the five key compounds and the topmost target, EGFR. The results of molecular docking were consistent with those of network pharmacology. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that J. humile suppresses breast cancer proliferation and induces cell cycle arrest and apoptosis partly by EGFR signaling pathway, highlighting J. humile as a potential therapeutic candidate against breast cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Syringa oblata var. alba is a shrub or a small tree from China with high ornamental, medicinal, and edible value. Here, we present its first complete chloroplast genome. The entire circular genome is 155,648 bp in length, with large single-copy (LSC) length of 86,247, small single-copy (SSC) length of 17,937, inverted repeat (IR) length of 25,732, and GC content of 37.9%. One hundred and thirty-two genes, including 88 protein-coding, 36 tRNA, and eight rRNA genes were predicted. A phylogenetic tree of 25 plant species was constructed based on the maximum-likelihood method, indicating that S. oblata var. alba, S. vulgaris, and S. oblata form a sister group. This study will provide valuable basic information for phylogeny, species identification, and varieties breeding of this species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]