Search

Reduced defense against large herbivores has been suggested to be part of the island syndrome in plants. However, empirical evidence for this pattern is mixed. In this paper, we present two studies that compare putative physical and chemical defense traits from plants on the California Channel Islands and nearby mainland based on sampling of both field and common garden plants. In the first study, we focus on five pairs of woody shrubs from three island and three mainland locations and find evidence for increased leaf area, decreased marginal leaf spines, and decreased concentrations of cyanogenic glycosides in island plants. We observed similar increases in leaf area and decreases in defense traits when comparing island and mainland genotypes grown together in botanic gardens, suggesting that trait differences are not solely driven by abiotic differences between island and mainland sites. In the second study, we conducted a common garden experiment with a perennial herb-Stachys bullata (Lamiaceae)-collected from two island and four mainland locations. Compared to their mainland relatives, island genotypes show highly reduced glandular trichomes and a nearly 100-fold reduction in mono- and sesquiterpene compounds from leaf surfaces. Island genotypes also had significantly higher specific leaf area, somewhat lower rates of gas exchange, and greater aboveground biomass than mainland genotypes across two years of study, potentially reflecting a broader shift in growth habit. Together, our results provide evidence for reduced expression of putative defense traits in island plants, though these results may reflect adaptation to both biotic (i.e., the historical absence of large herbivores) and climatic conditions on islands.

Two new cyclic peptides, named as cyclogeobomptides A (1) and B (2) were isolated from the roots of Stachys geobombycis C. Y. Wu. Compounds 1 and 2 are both made up of eight amino acids. The structures of them were established on the basis of the spectral data, including mass spectrometry, 2D NMR, and X-ray crystallography. Cyclogeobomptides A and B were proved to have obvious inhibitory activities against α-glucosidase with the IC50 values of 26.00 and 19.16 μM, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stachys affinis Bunge, known as Chinese artichoke, is a perennial plant originating from China, which has uprising scientific interest due to its complex and beneficial content. Chinese artichoke is rich in bioactive compounds useful for human health, including antioxidants, polyphenols, and prebiotics, and its edible tubers are high in essential nutrients and dietary fiber. Studies show its potential as a functional food ingredient in various products like rice bars, bread, and chocolate, enhancing their nutritional and sensory properties. Additionally, Chinese artichoke exhibits significant anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and antibacterial activities, warranting further research and utilization in the food industry. This review aims to summarize the existing knowledge of the S. affinis Bunge plant, focusing on its health-promoting aspects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The habitat of the endemic, endangered, and medically important plant, Stachys cretica subsp. kutahyensis belongs to the family Lamiaceae, is threatened by human influence. This study used a shoot tip explant to standardize a simple and proper micropropagation system for relict endemic plant species. Murashige Skoog medium with different concentrations of gibberellic acid and juglone was used for in vitro germination. Seedlings from in vitro germinated plantlets were used as explant sources in tissue culture studies. The highest shoot average per explant (4.60 shoots) and shoot length (2.70 cm) was determined in MS medium with 2.0 mg/L 6-benzyl amino purine with 100% response in all treatments. This study used different rooting mediums: Murashige Skoog and modified Murashige Skoog media. The effects of Murashige Skoog and different concentrations of indole butyric acid, naphthaleneacetic acid, juglone, and modified MS, and different concentrations of juglone were investigated on rooting development. Elongated shoots were successfully rooted in the Mod MS medium with 10–7 M juglone. Rooted plantlets were gradually transferred to the soil by adapted external conditions. The transfer of S. cretica subsp. kutahyensis plants, adapted to the soil and field conditions (Tavşanlı/Nusretler), successfully carried out. This protocol can be used for conservation studies of endemic, endangered, and medicinally important plant species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Stachys L. genus has been widely used in traditional medicine in many countries throughout the world. The study aimed to investigate the chemical composition and bioactivity of the hydroethanolic extract (50% v/v) obtained by ultrasonication from the aerial flowering parts of Stachys sylvatica L. (SSE) collected in Almaty region (Southern Kazakhstan). According to RP-HPLC/PDA analysis the leading metabolites of the SSE belonged to polyphenols: chlorogenic acid and its isomers (2.34 mg/g dry extract) and luteolin derivatives (1.49 mg/g dry extract), while HPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS-based qualitative fingerprinting revealed the presence of 17 metabolites, mainly chlorogenic acid and its isomers, flavonoid glycosides, and verbascoside with its derivatives. GC-MS analysis of the volatile metabolites showed mainly the presence of diterpenoids and fatty acid esters. A reduction in the viability of nematodes Rhabditis sp. was obtained for the SSE concentration of 3.3 mg/mL, while 11.1 mg/mL showed activity comparable to albendazole. The SSE exhibited higher activity against Gram-positive (MIC = 0.5-2 mg/mL) than Gram-negative bacteria and yeast (MIC = 8 mg/mL), exerting bactericidal and fungicidal effects but with no sporicidal activity. The SSE showed some antiviral activity against HCoV-229E replicating in MRC-5 and good protection against the cytopathic effect induced by HHV-1 in VERO. The SSE was moderately cytotoxic towards human cervical adenocarcinoma (H1HeLa) cells (CC50 of 0.127 mg/mL after 72 h). This study provides novel information on the SSE extract composition and its biological activity, especially in the context of the SSE as a promising candidate for further antiparasitic studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasing prevalence of diabetes mellitus, together with the limited access of many patients to conventional antidiabetic drugs and the side effects resulting from their use, are the reason for the ever-increasing need for new agents. One of the most important strategies used in the therapy of this disease is to reduce the postprandial blood glucose level by inhibiting the carbohydrate-degrading enzymes α-amylase and α-glucosidase. The purpose of the present study was to provide in vitro evidence for the potential hypoglycemic effect of leaf and inflorescence aqueous extracts of Bulgarian endemic species Betonica bulgarica Degen and Neič. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents and antioxidant activities were determined by spectrophotometric methods. Qualitative and quantitative determinations of principal phenolic acids and flavonoids were performed using HPLC with a dual absorbance detector. The plant extracts were able to retard the enzymatic breakdown of starch to glucose with 50% inhibiting concentrations of 1.86 mg/mL and 1.54 mg/mL respectively for leaf and flower extract. Some of the plant constituents are proven inhibitors of α-amylase and/or α-glucosidase, but their adsorption on starch seems to be one additional mechanism for the inhibition of glucose release. Combination index analysis carried out with binary mixtures of acarbose and plant extracts showed a tendency toward synergism with an increase in concentrations and level of inhibition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The methanolic extracts of selected Stachys and Betonica species were analyzed by high performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) method using cyano bonded stationary phase and mobile phase consisted of methanol and water 45:55 (v/v) with Natural product reagent derivatization. The HPTLC method was validated (linearity, precision, accuracy, robustness, LOD, LOQ) and the validation results confirm the usefulness of the method used. The obtained images of fingerprint chromatograms presented as numerical data (using the TLC analyzer program) were next processed using Excel and SpecAlign softwares. The phytochemical similarity between analyzed plant extracts was evaluated using the similarity index (Pearson correlation coefficient) and the results were presented as hierarchical cluster analysis dendrograms and as graph for principal component analysis (PCA). The total phenolic content (TPC) by Folin-Ciocalteu method and the antioxidant activity with Ferric Ion Reducing Antioxidant Potential (FRAP) technique were determined for studied extracts using gallic acid as standards in both methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon quantum dots (CQDs) are a new type of carbon nanomaterial that has recently attracted great attention as a potential competitor to standard semiconductor quantum dots. There are various ways to synthesis CQDs, and one of harmless way is undoubtedly green synthesis. In this study, hydrothermal synthesis based on the green way was employed to synthesize CQDs. The CQDs were obtained using the green leaves of the Stachys euadenia plant extract, an endemic species located in Turkey. The CQDs were characterized by fluorescent and UV‐Visible spectroscopy, and results confirmed blue emission (430–480 nm) and absorption around 280 nm. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis revealed C=C, C–N and C–O interactions. X‐ray diffractometer (XRD) patterns confirmed structure of carbon with a broad peak of (002) plane. High resolution tunneling electron microscopy (HRTEM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS) analysis was used to determine the shape and size of CQDs. The CQDs obtained from Stachys euadenia were employed as electrode materials for capacitor application, and they were tested in Swagelok‐type cell by cyclic voltammetry (CV) measurements. CQD capacitors exhibited 2.12 F/g charge and 1.24 F/g discharge capacitances were obtained with ~58% coulombic efficiency rate for the first cycle. Results highlights that CQDs are synthesized successfully by green synthesis method and can be used for capacitor applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herb genomics, at the forefront of traditional Chinese medicine research, combines genomics with traditional practices, facilitating the scientific validation of ancient remedies. This integration enhances public understanding of traditional Chinese medicine's efficacy and broadens its scope in modern healthcare. Stachys species encompass annual or perennial herbs or small shrubs, exhibiting simple petiolate or sessile leaves. Despite their wide-ranging applications across various fields, molecular data have been lacking, hindering the precise identification and taxonomic elucidation of Stachys species. To address this gap, we assembled the complete chloroplast (CP) genome of Stachys geobombycis and conducted reannotation and comparative analysis of seven additional species within the Stachys genus. The findings demonstrate that the CP genomes of these species exhibit quadripartite structures, with lengths ranging from 14,523 to 150,599 bp. Overall, the genome structure remains relatively conserved, hosting 131 annotated genes, including 87 protein coding genes, 36 tRNA genes, and 8 rRNA genes. Additionally, 78 to 98 SSRs and long repeat sequences were detected , and notably, 6 highly variable regions were identified as potential molecular markers in the CP genome through sequence alignment. Phylogenetic analysis based on Bayesian inference and maximum likelihood methods strongly supported the phylogenetic position of the genus Stachys as a member of Stachydeae tribe. Overall, this comprehensive bioinformatics study of Stachys CP genomes lays the groundwork for phylogenetic classification, plant identification, genetic engineering, evolutionary studies, and breeding research concerning medicinal plants within the Stachys genus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This is the seventeenth of a series of miscellaneous contributions, by various authors, where hitherto unpublished data relevant to both the Med-Checklist and the Euro+Med (or Sisyphus) projects are presented. This instalment deals with the families Aizoaceae, Anacardiaceae, Asparagaceae, Bignoniaceae, Boraginaceae, Cannabaceae, Caryophyllaceae, Casuarinaceae, Chenopodiaceae, Compositae, Crassulaceae, Cyperaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Gentianaceae, Gramineae, Iridaceae, Labiatae, Leguminosae, Malvaceae, Myrtaceae, Oleaceae, Onagraceae, Orobanchaceae, Oxalidaceae, Papaveraceae, Portulacaceae, Ranunculaceae, Rosaceae, Rubiaceae, Sapindaceae, Sapotaceae, Solanaceae, Typhaceae, Violaceae and Vitaceae. It includes new country and area records and taxonomic and distributional considerations for taxa in Acer, Ampelopsis, Argania, Blackstonia, Buglossoides, Carduus, Carex, Casuarina, Celtis, Chenopodium, Clematis, Eleusine, Elytrigia, Eucalyptus, Euphorbia, Euphrasia, Fraxinus, Galium, Hibiscus, Hieracium, Iris, Koelreuteria, Lathyrus, Loeflingia, Ludwigia, Malus, Melampyrum, Mesembryanthemum, Muscari, Orobanche, Oxalis, Papaver, Physalis, Podranea, Portulaca, Pseudodictamnus, Pulmonaria, Ranunculus, Schinus, Sedum, Stachys, Typha, Viola and Vitis, and a new combination in Pseudodictamnus. Citation For the whole article: Raab-Straube E. von & Raus Th. (ed.) 2024: Euro+Med-Checklist Notulae, 17. – Willdenowia 54: 5–45. https://doi.org/10.3372/wi.54.54101 For a single contribution (example): Fos S., Laguna E., Smith G. F. & Verloove F. 2024: Mesembryanthemum haeckelianum A. Berger. – Pp. 7–8 in: Raab-Straube E. von & Raus Th. (ed.), Euro+Med-Checklist Notulae, 17. – Willdenowia 54: 5–45. https://doi.org/10.3372/wi.54.54101 Version of record first published online on 19 February 2024 ahead of inclusion in April 2024 issue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stachys scardica Griseb. is a Balkan endemic species listed in The Red Data Book of Bulgaria with the conservation status "endangered". Successful micropropagation was achieved on MS medium supplemented with 1.5 mg/L benzyladenine (BA), followed by a subsequent ex vitro adaptation in an experimental field resulting in 92% regenerated plants. Using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), phenylethanoid glycosides (verbascoside, leucosceptoside A), phenolic acids (chlorogenic acid), iridoids (allobetonicoside and 8-OAc-harpagide), and alkaloids (trigonelline) were identified, characteristic of plants belonging to the genus Stachys. High antioxidant and radical scavenging activities were observed in both in situ and ex vitro acclimated S. scardica plants, correlating with the reported high concentrations of total phenols and flavonoids in these variants. Ex vitro adapted plants also exhibited a well-defined anti-inflammatory potential, demonstrating high inhibitory activity against the complement system. Employing a disk diffusion method, a 100% inhibition effect was achieved compared to positive antibiotic controls against Staphylococcus epidermidis and Propionibacterium acnes, with moderate activity against Bacillus cereus. The induced in vitro and ex vitro model systems can enable the conservation of S. scardica in nature and offer future opportunities for the targeted biosynthesis of valuable secondary metabolites, with potential applications in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Agriculture & Nature / Kahramanmaraş Sütçü İmam Üniversitesi Tarım & Doğa Dergisi is the property of Kahramanmaras Sutcu Imam Universitesi 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.)

Two new compounds geobomlin A (1) and geobomlin B (2) were isolated from the roots of Stachys geobombycis C. Y. Wu. Structural determinations were established principally by two-dimensional NMR and MS data analyses. Geobomlin B showed moderate inhibitory activity against α-glucosidase with IC50 = 248.77 μM. We have also determined the mechanism by which geobomlin B elicit its inhibitory effect on α-glucosidase, for which we have established a competitive inhibition mode. Docking studies confirmed our results on geobomlin B α-glucosidase inhibitory properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stachys brachyclada de Noé ex Coss. (Lamiaceae) is a quite rare medicinal plant endemic to the Mediterranean basin. In this study, seven secondary metabolites from a methanol extract of its leaves have been isolated and identified by a combination of chromatographic and spectroscopic methods (1D and 2D NMR experiments and ESIMS analysis). They include one ethyl 4-hydroxybenzoate (1), three acylated flavone glycosides (2-4), one diapigenin derivative (5) and two flavone aglycones (6-7). Stachysetin (5) was found the major compound of the extract (74.0 mg/g of dry matter). Moreover, the produced extract showed the ability in inhibiting the α-glucosidase enzyme (IC50 = 13.7 µg/mL), in quenching the radical 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (EC50 = 74.6 µg/mL), and in reducing the intracellular oxidative stress level in Human Dermal Fibroblast (64% inhibition at 50 µg/mL). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are numerous species in genus Stachys which are known for valuable and bioactive essential oils. For this study, essential oils of Stachys buttleri (SBE) and S. pinardii (SPE) were obtained by hydrodistillation method and the chemical composition of essential oils were determined by GC-MS analysis. Anticancer, antidiabetic, and antioxidant activities of essential oils were tested by MTT assay, α-glucosidase inhibitory, and ABTS radical scavenging methods, respectively. Forty-one compounds were determined in SBE (83.5%) which kolavelool (34.9%) was the main compound and diterpenoids (61.2%) were the dominant group of SBE. Thirty-three constituents were identified in SPE (90.6%) and trans-nerolidol (35.7%) and geranyl-α-terpinene (17.2%) were the most abundant compounds. SPE was characterized by its high proportion of oxygenated sesquiterpenes (39.1%), diterpenoids (21.4%), aromatics (14.8%), and sesquiterpenes (10.8%). Both essential oils showed strong anticancer activity against A549, U87MG, Ishikawa, and MCF-7 cell lines. These results indicated that SBE and SPE had potent anticancer activity. The IC50 values of essential oils were between 21.33-98.3 μg/mL. Both essential oils showed moderate antioxidant and antidiabetic activities. This study is the first report on the chemical composition and biological activities of the essential oils of S. buttleri and S. pinardii. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to investigate the polyphenolic composition and antioxidant and antimicrobial potential of six Romanian Stachys species: S. officinalis, S. germanica, S. byzantina, S. sylvatica, S. palustris, and S. recta. The LC-MS/MS method was used to analyze the polyphenolic profile, while the phenolic contents were spectrophotometrically determined. The antioxidant activity was evaluated using the following methods: DPPH, FRAP, nitrite-induced autooxidation of hemoglobin, inhibition of cytochrome c-catalyzed lipid peroxidation, and electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy. The in vitro antimicrobial properties were assessed using agar-well diffusion, broth microdilution, and antibiofilm assays. Fifteen polyphenols were identified using LC-MS and chlorogenic acid was the major component in all the samples (1131.8–6761.4 μg/g). S. germanica, S. palustris, and S. byzantina extracts each displayed an intense antiradical action in relation to high contents of TPC (6.40 mg GAE/mL), flavonoids (3.90 mg RE/mL), and caffeic acid derivatives (0.89 mg CAE/mL). In vitro antimicrobial and antibiofilm properties were exhibited towards Candida albicans, Gram-positive and Gram-negative strains, with the most intense efficacy recorded for S. germanica and S. byzantina when tested against S. aureus. These results highlighted Stachys extracts as rich sources of bioactive compounds with promising antioxidant and antimicrobial efficacies and important perspectives for developing phytopharmaceuticals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stachys germanica L. (Lamiaceae) is a plant associated with a rich history in the traditional medicine of Iran, Turkey, and Serbia. However, researchers have not fully investigated the pharmacological potential of the herb, and scientific data on this plant species are limited. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the chemical composition of the essential oil (EO) obtained from the aerial parts of S. germanica L. growing wild in Bulgaria and to perform a comparative analysis of the chemical composition of EOs obtained from the same plant species from other geographical regions. For the evaluation of the chemical profile of the isolated EO, gas chromatographic analysis with mass spectrometry was performed. The most abundant terpene class was oxygenated monoterpenes, which accounted for 59.30% of the total EO composition. The bicyclic monoterpene camphor, as a compound of this class, was identified as the major constituent in the EO, accounting for 52.96% of the total oil composition. The chemical profile of Bulgarian EO is quite different compared to that of EOs from other regions. It is the only one to contain more than 50% camphor. In addition, EO contains significant amounts of the diterpene geranyl p-cymene (10.49%). This is the first study describing the chemical composition of EO from Bulgarian Stachys germanica L., and our results reveal some future perspectives for the evaluation of the biological activity of EO from the studied plant species as a new therapeutic agent or natural remedy targeting different medical conditions. The EO has a promising potential to be used as a biopesticide and repellent as well, an environmentally friendly and safer alternative to standard pesticides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stachys yingzuijieensis, a new species from western Hunan, China, is described and illustrated. Molecular phylogenetic analyses based on three nuclear ribosomal DNA loci (ETS, ITS and 5S-NTS) recovered S. yingzuijieensis within the Stachys clade and as a sister group of S. arrecta. The two species can be easily distinguished by the morphology of lamina, corolla and nutlet. A key to all species of Stachydeae from China is also provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several members of Stachys L. (among the largest Lamiaceae genera) have been traditionally used as medicinal plants. With 54 Stachys taxa (species and subspecies) occurring in mainland and/or insular Greece, the present study aimed to investigate the metabolic profiling of four range-restricted local Stachys members: Stachys candida and S. chrysantha (protected and endangered local Greek endemics), S. leucoglossa subsp. leucoglossa (local Balkan endemic), and S. spinulosa (local Balkan subendemic). In this investigation, the infusions of their above-ground parts were characterized using NMR and HPLC-PDA-MS techniques. Thus, 1D- and 2D-NMR spectra were obtained to compare the chemical fingerprints of these plants. Furthermore, previously isolated compounds from Stachys spp. were used to identify specific constituents. NMR screening revealed the presence of: (i) phenylethanoid glycosides, mainly acteoside in S. candida and S. chrysantha (section Candida, Swainsoniana phyloclade), and (ii) flavone 7-O-allosylglucoside (isoscutellarein 7-O-[6‴-O-acetyl-β-D-allopyranosyl]-(1→2)-β-D-glucopyranoside) and iridoids (monomelittoside or/and melittoside) in S. leucoglossa subsp. leucoglossa (section Olisia, Swainsoniana/Olisia phyloclade, Swainsoniana phyloclade) and caffeoylquinic acid (chlorogenic acid) in S. spinulosa (section Campanistrum, Stachys phyloclade). In total, 26 compounds were detected by HPLC-PDA-MS belonging to flavonoids, phenylethanoid glycosides, and phenolic acids. Among them, chlorogenic acid was identified in all samples as one of their main metabolites. The present study complements previous studies with first reports of constituents detected in the studied taxa, reports for the first time on the metabolic characterization of S. spinulosa, and discusses the chemotaxonomic significance of such findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Stachys affinis Bunge (S. affinis) tubers are rich in carbohydrate with a large amount of stachyose which had been proven to have antidiabetic potential. OBJECTIVE: The present study aims to evaluate hypoglycemic effects of tuber extract of Stachys affinis in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice. METHODS: The stachyose content of the extract was determined by UPLC. Diabetes was induced by the administration of single dose of streptozotocin (170 mg/kg). The hypoglycemic effects of the extract were evaluated by comparing fasting blood glucose level, glucose tolerance, insulin sensitivity between groups treated with the S. affinis tuber extract (at doses of 750 mg/kg and 1500 mg/kg) and diabetic control group over 28 days of treatment. RESULTS: The daily treatment with the extract at doses of 750 mg/kg and 1500 mg/kg significantly reduced fasting blood glucose level from 278.12 mg/dL to 127.50 mg/dL, and 238.97 mg/dL to 177.12 mg/dL (p < 0.01), respectively. Besides, the treatment also improved the sensitivity of diabetic treated mice to insulin (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The study revealed that the S. affinis tuber extract demonstrated significant hypoglycemic effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Stachys, (Lamiaceae family) has several spicy and aromatic species. In order to investigate the diversity of aerial biomass, morphological traits, and essential oil yield, 47 populations out of five species including S. lavandulifolia, S. laxa, S. inflata, S. germanica and S. byzantina were evaluated during two years, at a research farm in Khorramabad, Iran. The traits such as plant height, leaf length, leaf width, stem number, stem diameter, vegetation cover, 1,000 seed weight, and aerial dry (DM) yield in all 47 populations were measured. The essential oil was extracted using the hydrodistillation method with a Clevenger-type apparatus. The essential oil compounds were detected using GC and GC/MS. Data were analyzed using nested ANOVA with Minitab16 software. The results showed that both S. germanica and S. byzantina had higher aerial biomass than the other species. The Saveh and Tehran populations of S. inflata, the populations of Qazvin and Qorveh in S. lavandulifolia, and the populations of Ardebil and Semirom in S. Byzantine were superior to the others for the measured traits. For essential oil yields (w/w), the highest and lowest values were 2.0 and 0.8%, obtained in S. byzantina and S. lavandulifolia, respectively. Phytochemical analyses of S. lavandulifolia identified 43 compounds. The main compounds were β-eudesmol (3.48%), germacrene-D (4.59%), δ-cadinol (4.69%), bicyclogermacrene (6.85%), δ-cadinene (9.69%), spathulenol (10.08%) and α-cadinol (12.86%). S. lavandulifolia, with early maturity and higher essential oil, was recommended for domestication and breeding of improved varieties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The hemicellulose was extracted from the Stachys floridana Shuttlew. ex Benth by ultrasonic-assisted, fractional alcohol precipitation method, mixed with chitosan solution, and coated on the surface of the paper with three layers, to explore the effect of its morphology, thermal stability, barrier, mechanical properties of coated paper. The results showed that the gas barrier property of the paper coated with hemicellulose – chitosan mixed solution decreased from 180 mL/min to 0.265 mL/min, the water barrier property increased from 0 to 84.8°, and the oil barrier property increased from 0 to Kit nº11. The tearing degree of paper increased by 9.2 %, the folding resistance increased by 1296.6 %, dry and wet tensile strength and dry and wet rupture resistance were also significantly improved. The thermal stability mixed solution coated paper is slightly lower than the base paper, but higher than the pure chitosan coated paper. The prepared S. floridana Shuttlew. ex Benth hemicellulose – chitosan blend coating has good barrier property and mechanical properties, and has a wide application prospect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reduced defense against large herbivores has been suggested to be part of the “island syndrome” in plants. However, empirical evidence for this pattern is mixed. In this paper, we present two studies that compare putative physical and chemical defense traits from plants on the California Channel Islands and nearby mainland based on sampling of both field and common garden plants. In the first study, we focus on five pairs of woody shrubs from three island and three mainland locations and find evidence for increased leaf area, decreased marginal leaf spines, and decreased concentrations of cyanogenic glycosides in island plants. We observed similar increases in leaf area and decreases in defense traits when comparing island and mainland genotypes grown together in botanic gardens, suggesting that trait differences are not solely driven by abiotic differences between island and mainland sites. In the second study, we conducted a common garden experiment with a perennial herb—Stachys bullata (Lamiaceae)—collected from two island and four mainland locations. Compared to their mainland relatives, island genotypes show highly reduced glandular trichomes and a nearly 100-fold reduction in mono- and sesquiterpene compounds from leaf surfaces. Island genotypes also had significantly higher specific leaf area, somewhat lower rates of gas exchange, and greater aboveground biomass than mainland genotypes across two years of study, potentially reflecting a broader shift in growth habit. Together, our results provide evidence for reduced expression of putative defense traits in island plants, though these results may reflect adaptation to both biotic (i.e., the historical absence of large herbivores) and climatic conditions on islands.

Skin whitening has recently renewed attention on Chinese herbal medicines with whitening activity for esthetic applications. Stachys sieboldii has been used as herbal medicine since ancient times and has the potential for development as a cosmetic material because of its astringent effect. In this study, with an aim to develop new functional materials with whitening effects, S. sieboldii water extracts were fermented with different mushroom mycelia. Fermented with Hericium erinaceus mycelia showed the strongest tyrosinase inhibition effect and the lowest melanin content. Thus, H. erinaceus mycelia, the most potent inhibitor of melanogenesis, was used for large-scale fermentation and fractionated. The ethyl acetate fraction, which had the strongest whitening activity, was separated and purified using HPLC. Finally, the single compound was isolated and identified as acteoside, which has promising whitening activity. Acteoside inhibited melanin synthesis and intracellular tyrosinase activity in a dose-dependent manner. The effects of acteoside on the expression of TYR, TRP-1, TRP-2, and MITF were analyzed using Western blot analysis, which showed that acteoside reduced the protein in a dose-dependent manner. Our findings reveal the potential applicability of S. sieboldii extract fermented with H. erinaceus mycelia and its useful component, which is an acteosid, for skin lightening and the treatment of pigmentation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stachys is a large genus of economically important plants belonging to Lamiaceae family that includes about 300 species as annual or perennial herbs. Several species of this genus are extensively used in various traditional medicines. In the present study the chemical composition of the essential oil from aerial parts of Stachys spreitzenhoferi Heldr., a very rare plant, belonging to Section Candidae, endemic of South Greece and collected in the island of Kythira, was analysed by GC-MS. No one reports have been previously published on this species. The result showed the presence of large quantity of diterpenoids with manoyl oxide (22.1%), as the most abundant component. Other metabolites present in high quantity were trans-nerolidol (18.5%), β-caryophyllene (11.0%) and germacrene D (8.1%). Chemotaxonomic considerations with respect all the other oils of Stachys taxa, belonging to the same section studied so far, were carried out. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The list of the 184 specimens of the American botanical collection of János Xántus sent to Hungary in 1861 is presented. Altogether 24 syntypes of 23 taxa were recognised in this material: Abutilon xanti A. Gray, Amaranthus torreyi (A. Gray) Bentham ex S. Watson var. suffruticosus Uline et W. L. Bray, Bahia parviflora A. Gray, Blitum californicum S. Watson, Buddleja crotonoides A. Gray, Caesalpinia mexicana A. Gray var. californica A. Gray, Caulanthus coulteri S. Watson, Celosia floribunda A. Gray, Chaenactis xantiana A. Gray, Chorizanthe perfoliata A. Gray, Chorizanthe xanti S. Watson, Clarkia xantiana A. Gray, Coursetia glandulosa A. Gray, Dyssodia speciosa A. Gray, Gomphocarpus tometosus var. xanti A. Gray, Hyptis tephrodes A. Gray, Krynitzkia microstachys Greene ex A. Gray, Macreightia intricata A. Gray, Nicotiana attenuata Torr. ex S. Watson, Penstemon laetus A. Gray, Polygala xanti A. Gray, Solanum xanti A. Gray, Viguiera tomentosa A. Gray; as well as isolectotypes of 2 taxa, i.e. Phaseolus atropurpureus Sessé et Moçiño ex DC. var. sericeus A. Gray, and Stachys albens A. Gray; and isoparatypes of 3 taxa, i.e. Amaranthus watsonii Standley, Froelichia xantusii R. A. McCauley, and Kallstroemia peninsularis D. M. Porter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

According to the WHO, the overall age-standardized cancer rate keeps declining, and the number of cases diagnosed each year increases, remaining among the leading causes of death in 91 out of 172 recorded countries. In this context, novel cancer prediction and therapeutic protocols are compulsory. The effect of a Stachys circinata L'Hér dichloromethane extract (ScDME) on cell redox homeostasis and tumor proliferation was investigated. HepG2 cell feedback mechanisms to oxidative stress exposure were evaluated by determining catalase (CAT) and reduced glutathione (GSH), following the supply with ScDME (0.0–5.7 µg/µL). Cytotoxicity of ScDME against the human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) and two human cancer cell lines (breast: MCF7; liver: HepG2) was evaluated by the MTT assay. H2O2-stressed HepG2 cells supplied with the S. circinata extracts exhibited significantly increased CAT and GSH activity as compared to unsupplied ones. The anti-inflammatory activity of the extracts was evaluated by real time-qPCR on IL-1, IL-6 and TNF-α expression. As a result, this research points out that S. circinata dichloromethane extract owns anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative properties against MCF7 and HepG2 cells and activates CAT and GSH of the HepG2 cells' antioxidant enzyme system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanotechnology has become the focus of scientific research due to its widespread and effective use. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were produced utilizing Stachys spectabilis, and their antioxidant effect and catalytic degradation of methylene blue were investigated. The structure of ss-AgNPs was clarified by spectroscopy. FTIR demonstrated the possible functional group responsible for reducing agents. The absorption at 498 nm in the UV–Vis measurement verified the nanoparticle structure. XRD measurement demonstrated the nanoparticles to be face-centered cubic crystalline structures. TEM image proved the nanoparticles as spherical, and the size was determined as 10.8 nm. The intense signals at 2.8–3.5 keV in EDX confirmed desired product. The observation of zeta potential at −12.8 mV indicated the stability of nanoparticles. The nanoparticles can degrade the methylene blue with 54% at 40 h. The antioxidant effect of extract and nanoparticles was performed by ABTS radical cation, DPPH free radical scavenging, and FRAP assay. Nanoparticles revealed excellent ABTS activity (4.42 ± 0.10) in comparison to the standard BHT (7.12 ± 0.10). ss-AgNPs may be a promising agent for the pharmacy. • Silver nanoparticles were synthesized using Stachys spectabilis leaves. • UV–Vis, FTIR, XRD, TEM, EDX were used for elucidation of nanoparticles. • Nanoparticles displayed the outstanding antioxidant activity. • Nanoparticles synthesized from this plant can be used for clean technology. • Nanoparticles could be a promising agent for pharmaceutical industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, the first complete phytochemical study of Stachys sylvatica (Lamiaceae) aerial parts, collected in Tuscan-Emilian Apennine, is reported. Twenty-three known compounds were isolated from the chloroform, chloroform-methanol 9:1 and methanol extracts; they were subsequently characterized by means of one- and two-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1D- and 2D-NMR) and mass spectrometry as six simple phenolic derivatives (chlorogenic acid (1), caffeic acid (2), p-coumaric acid methyl ester (3), niduloic acid (4), hydroxytyrosol (5), tyrosol (6)), one glycosylated aliphatic alcohol (ebracteatoside B (7)), six glycosylated phenylpropanoids (decaffeoyl verbascoside (8), lavandulifolioside (9), betanyoside F (10), verbascoside (11), isoacteoside (12), cystanoside D (13)), four flavonoids (stachyspinoside (14), chrysoeriol 7-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (15), naringenin 7-O-(6"-E + Z-p-coumaroyl)-β-D-glucopyranoside (16), apigenin 7-O-(6"-E + Z-p-coumaroyl)-β-D-glucopyranoside (17)), three lignans (syringaresinol 4'-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (18), pinoresinol 4-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (19), 2-episesaminol 2-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (20)) and three ionones (loliolide (21), vomifoliol (22), (3S,5R,6R,7E,9R)-3,5,6,9-tetrahydroxy-7-megastigmene (23)). In addition, a further phenolic derivative (ethyl caffeate (b)) and four carboxylic acids (azelaic acid (a), trihydroxyoctadecadienoic acid (c), trihydroxyoctadecenoic acid (d) and dihydroxydodecadienoic acid (e)) have been tentatively identified by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled to an electrospray ionization source high-resolution Orbitrap mass spectrometer (UHPLC-ESI-HR-Orbitrap/MS). Chemosystematic relationships between S. sylvatica and other related species were highlighted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stachys inflata Benth. is a perennial shrub plant, with powerful natural antioxidant agents, which is recognized as a famous medicinal plant that is widely applied to treat Infection, Asthma, and Rheumatism. Iran is renowned as a center of diversity for Stachys, however, the ideal habitats of S. inflata in this nation remain unknown. The potential and future distribution of suitable habitats for S. inflata were projected using an ensembles ecological niche model in Isfahan province, Iran. We used occurrence data (using GPS), bioclimatic and topographic variables from the Chelsa and WorldClim databases to model the current and future potential distribution of this valuable species. The results showed that: (i) S. inflata is mainly distributed in the south, southwest, center, and west of the Isfahan province, and the excellent habitats of S. inflata accounted for 14.34% of the 107,000 km2 study area; (ii) mean annual temperature, mean daily temperature of wettest quarter, annual precipitation, and elevation were the four most important variables that affect the distribution of S. inflata, with a cumulative contribution of 56.55%; and (iii) about the half (− 42.36%) of the currently excellent habitats of S. inflata show a tendency to decrease from now to the 2080s, while often the area of other S. inflata habitats increases (the area of unsuitable habitat: 5.83%, the area of low habitat suitability: 24.68%, the area of moderate habitat suitability: 2.66%, and the area of high habitat suitability: 2.88%). The increase in the area of other S. inflata habitats is different and they are less favorable than the excellent habitat. The results help establishing a framework for long-term in-situ and ex-situ conservation and management practices in habitats of S. inflata in rangeland and agricultural ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stachys officinalis L., Stachys palustris L., Stachys sylvatica L. (Lamiaceae) are widely used as herbal remedies. In this study, comparative assessment of the phenolic acids, flavonoids, anthocyanin, and tannins content, together with antioxidant activity of the extracts obtained from flowers, leaves and stems was performed. Phenolic acids determined by the HPLC method reached highest values in flower extract of S. palustris, stem extract of S. officinalis, and leaf extracts of S. sylvatica. Flavonoids were found at values exceeding 100 mg quercetin equivalents (QE)/g dry weights in all three species, based on the spectrophotometric method. Anthocyanins were detectable only in extracts from flowers. S. officinalis stood out for the highest content of anthocyanins and tannins. Antioxidant activity was present in all three species studied, with S. palustris standing out for the most intense ferric reducing antioxidant power. The results obtained lead to the validation of applicability of these plants for curative and food purposes, given their variety and richness in bioactive compounds and antioxidants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, the biological synthesis of silver nanoparticles has captured researchers' attention due to their unique chemical, physical and biological properties. In this study, we report an efficient, nonhazardous, and eco-friendly method for the production of antibacterial silver/silver chloride nanoparticles utilizing the leaf extract of Stachys emodi. The synthesis of se-Ag/AgClNPs was confirmed using UV-visible spectroscopy, DPPH free radical scavenging activity, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). An intense peak absorbance was observed at 437 nm from the UV-visible analysis. The Stachys emodi extract showed the highest DPPH scavenging activity (89.4%). FTIR analysis detected various bands that indicated the presence of important functional groups. The SEM morphological study revealed spherical-shaped nanoparticles having a size ranging from 20 to 70 nm. The XRD pattern showed the formation of a spherical crystal of NPs. The antibacterial activity performed against Erwinia carotovora showed the maximum inhibition by centrifuged silver nanoparticles alone (se-Ag/AgClNPs) and in combination with leaf extract (se-Ag/AgClNPs + LE) and leaf extract (LE) of 98%, 93%, and 62% respectively. These findings suggested that biosynthesized NPs can be used to control plant pathogens effectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Guangxi Normal University - Natural Science Edition is the property of Gai Kan Bian Wei Hui 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.)

Background and Aims: The genus Stachys L., is represented by around 300 species worldwide. More than 120 taxa, almost 60 of which are endemic, are widely distributed in Turkey, particularly in the eastern and southern regions. Stachys species have traditionally been used for many diseases such as asthma, rheumatism, cough, genital tumors, ulcers, diabetes, hemorrhoids, kidney stones, and various mental disorders. Among the species, S. bombycina Boiss., namely "arıçayçesi" in Turkish, is one of the near-threatened endemic perennial herbs. Methods: The antioxidant activity of methanol and water extracts of S. bombycina was examined utilizing in vitro techniques, including radical scavenging, such as DPPH, and ABTS, an iron-chelating assay, and the total phenol (TPC) and flavonoid contents (TFC). The extracts were also investigated on enzyme inhibition effects using in vitro spectrophotometric method. HPLC analysis was also used for the determination of the phytochemical profiles of the extracts. Results: Based on our results, the methanol extract of S. bombycina demonstrated higher DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activity with the IC50 value of 605.7 ± 1.04 and 19.40 ± 0.37 µg/mL, respectively, than the water extract. Otherwise, the water extract was found to have a higher iron chelating activity (IC50= 917.9 ± 3.55 µg/mL) than the methanol extract. The highest TPC of the water extract was determined as 81.07 ± 4.71 µg GAE/mg, although the methanol extract had more TFC at 46.93 ± 1.94 µg QE/mg. In addition, high anti- BChE activity was observed (IC50= 58.09 ± 1.18 µg/mL) in the water extract. In addition, ellagic acid was defined as a major component in the methanol extract, while caffeic acid was detected as the main compound in the water extract. Conclusion: Consequently, the current study is the first to report the antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory properties of S. bombycina. According to our findings on S. bombycina, this work can contribute to the development of bioactive agents from natural sources. Moreover, further investigations still need to be conducted on the discovery of the phytoconstituents of S. bombycina responsible for the bioactivity, as well as its potential various biological activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stachys bhattacharjeei (Lamiaceae), a new species from northeast Iraq, is described and illustrated here. It is endemic to Iraq. Hairiness, leaves, the arrangement of verticillasters, and calyx and corolla length have been used to distinguish Stachys species. The new species, belonging to section Fragilicaulis, is similar to S. graveolens but differs mainly by glabrous flowering stems, more flowered and many verticillasters, very short calyx teeth and white corolla. This paper also presents some taxonomic notes on S. graveolens, information about a suspected hybrid between S. graveolens and S. fragillima, a diagnostic key, and a species list of the genus Stachys in Iraq. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmental factors including climate factors and soil parameters affect growth, physiological processes and production of primary and secondary metabolites in plants. In addition, the responses of plants are widely varied to environmental factors. In the current study the impacts of rainfall, temperature and several soil factors such as soil texture, pH, electrical conductivity, organic matter, organic carbon, calcium carbonate and soil elements on nutrient elements, antioxidative compounds, activity, and isoenzymes patterns of peroxidase and superoxide dismutase in Stachys byzantina were investigated. S. byzantina as a valuable medicinal species was collected from three regions in the north of Iran with different altitudes and ecological conditions. The results showed that the content of nutrient elements (phosphorus, sodium, potassium, calcium), anti-oxidative compounds (phenols, flavonol, flavonoids, and anthocyanin) as well as the activity of peroxidase and superoxide dismutase enzymes along with intensity of their isoenzymes bands were positively correlated with temperature and rainfall, however, almost not correlated with soil parameters. Furthermore, the higher density of S. byzantina in the region with lower temperature and rainfall indicated greater adaptability of the plant in higher altitude areas, which is consistent with a decrease in the antioxidant compounds and activity of oxidative enzymes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to investigate the polyphenolic composition and antioxidant and antimicrobial potential of six Romanian Stachys species: S. officinalis, S. germanica, S. byzantina, S. sylvatica, S. palustris, and S. recta. The LC-MS/MS method was used to analyze the polyphenolic profile, while the phenolic contents were spectrophotometrically determined. The antioxidant activity was evaluated using the following methods: DPPH, FRAP, nitrite-induced autooxidation of hemoglobin, inhibition of cytochrome c-catalyzed lipid peroxidation, and electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy. The in vitro antimicrobial properties were assessed using agar-well diffusion, broth microdilution, and antibiofilm assays. Fifteen polyphenols were identified using LC-MS and chlorogenic acid was the major component in all the samples (1131.8–6761.4 μg/g). S. germanica, S. palustris, and S. byzantina extracts each displayed an intense antiradical action in relation to high contents of TPC (6.40 mg GAE/mL), flavonoids (3.90 mg RE/mL), and caffeic acid derivatives (0.89 mg CAE/mL). In vitro antimicrobial and antibiofilm properties were exhibited towards Candida albicans, Gram-positive and Gram-negative strains, with the most intense efficacy recorded for S. germanica and S. byzantina when tested against S. aureus. These results highlighted Stachys extracts as rich sources of bioactive compounds with promising antioxidant and antimicrobial efficacies and important perspectives for developing phytopharmaceuticals.

Stachys species show high morphological diversity and their main diagnostic characteristics are calyx and corolla length, ratio of tooth to calyx, and verticillaster arrangement. This manuscript describes and provides detailed morphological, micromorphological and molecular information about a new species, Stachys istanbulensis Ö. Güner, and its close relatives. The new species resembles S. recta complex, but is distinguished by its procumbent flowering stems, shorter calyx and teeth, congested verticillasters, creamy yellow corolla and oblong-obovoid nutlets. Moreover, the periclinal surfaces of S. istanbulensis nutlets are usually wrinkled, while those of S. recta are smooth. In addition, nrITS DNA region sequences were used to find the relationships of the new species to its close relatives and determine its correct phylogenetic position within section Olisa. Therefore, the newly described S. istanbulensis and its close relatives S. recta and S. atherocalyx comprise a clade (III). With this addition, the number of Turkish Stachys species has reached 94 (121 taxa), and 65 (53.7%) of these taxa are endemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Agriculture & Nature / Kahramanmaraş Sütçü İmam Üniversitesi Tarım & Doğa Dergisi is the property of Kahramanmaras Sutcu Imam Universitesi 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.)

• This is a first report on endemic Stachys rizeensis. • 32 phytochemicals in extracts were identified by LC–MS/MS analysis. • Chlorogenic acid was the predominant component in Stachys rizeensis extracts. • Capitate trichomes were observed at stem corners and on adaxial surface of petiole. • Peltate glandular trichomes were dense on the adaxial surface of the leaf and petiole. In recent years, the popularity of natural products and natural product formulations has increased due to their beneficial effects on health. As a part of this trend, Lamiaceae family members have attracted attention due to their rich bioactive properties. Although the Stachys rizeensis R.Bhattacharjee plant is an endemic plant species in Turkey, no studies focus on its characterization. Hence, the present study aims to demonstrate the anatomical, morphological and phytochemical characterization of S. rizeensis in Turkey. In the first stage of the study, anatomical and trichome morphological characterization was performed to contribute to the taxonomic definition of S. rizeensis was found to be anatomically different from some other previously studied Stachys sp. by showing lacunar collenchyma type, uncertain cambium at the corners, two or three rows of endodermis in certain areas in the stem and two rows of palisade parenchyma, capitate and peltate glandular trichomes in the leaf. In the second stage, the phenolic profile, total phenolic/flavonoid content and antioxidant activity of the plant extracts prepared using solvents with different polarities (ethanol, methanol, water, ethyl acetate and hexane) were tested to determine the phytochemical content of the plant. The phytochemical analysis supported by chemometric analysis (PCA and HCA) revealed that methanol was the most efficient organic solvent for the extraction of the phytochemical compounds of the plant. Additionally, it was observed that chlorogenic acid (1842.40–217,086.19 mg/kg), verbascoside (2591.43–204,429.81 mg/kg), luteolin (3579.56–88,636.14 mg/kg) and kaempferol (9706.30–50,340.93 mg/kg) compounds were present at maximum levels in this plant, in which 31 different phenolic compounds were scanned using LC-MS/MS. In addition, results obtained from the phytochemical analysis revealed that S. rizeensis is a valuable plant that can be used for medical protection/treatment and that it could also have a variety of culinary applications. The present study served as the first original report regarding the chemical profile and anatomical characteristics of S. rizeensis (Lamiaceae) from Turkey. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Stachys L. (Lamiaceae) includes about 300 species located in temperate and tropical regions across the world Mediterranean, Asia, America and southern Africa. Several species of this genus are extensively used in various traditional medicines of special pharmacological interest are considered the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, analgesic, anxiolytic and antidepressant activity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the bioactive compounds, antioxidants and antimicrobial activity of Stachys leaves extract. The antioxidant activity was determined by measuring total phenolic content (TPC) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH). Methanol extracts of Stachys leaves extract and evaluated for its antimicrobial activity. The antibacterial activity was assessed using paper disc method against two bacteria namely Staphylococcus aureus and E. coli. Showed that leaves extracts presented the highest phenolic compounds content for both species. Furthermore, GC-MS analysis allowed the identification of 37 bioactive compounds regardless of Stachys leaves extract. Leaves extract of Stachys possessed the highest total phenol content and antioxidant activity (DPPH). The antimicrobial tests showed that leaves extracts of Stachys exhibited the highest activity against two bacterial strains (Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli). The studied leaves of Stachys is considered an excellent source of natural bioactive molecules that could be an interesting material for medicinal and food purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes germination and cytological variability in two popular ornamental and potentially invasive species, lamb's ear Stachys byzantina and rose campion Lychnis coronaria. Both xerophytic species have the potential to invade natural habitats across Europe and create viable naturalised populations, with subsequent impacts on native vegetation. To assess the species' invasiveness, seeds were collected from naturalised populations and germination was recorded under different temperature regimes. Flow cytometry, used to record cytological variability, indicated that all populations of both species were cytologically homogeneous. Germination success, an important means of distribution factor in both species, was significantly influenced by temperature, with final germination of L. coronaria being extremely high at temperatures > 15/10 °C (98.5%) and extremely low at temperatures < 10/5 °C (2.9%). The final germination in S. byzantina is the highest at 22/15 °C (55.6% germinated seeds), reduced to 40.3% at 15/10 °C and to 0.3% at temperatures lower than 10/5 °C. No significant differences in final germination were observed between escaping and non-escaping populations, although there were some differences between particular populations. Our results indicate germination temperature limits of two species whose non-native areas include Central Europe. The observed germination allows for successful generative reproduction of both species over their non-native ranges, suggesting that these species are likely to become invasive species of European grasslands soon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ethanol extracts obtained from the leaves of Stachys sylvatica L. (Lamiaceae) were evaluated for their antibacterial activity against some human eye pathogens by disc diffusion method against hospital isolates of Bacillus cereus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus capitis, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Moraxella nonliquefaciens and Cutibacterium acnes. Besides, Penicillin, Ampicillin and Tobramycin as antibacterial antibiotics were used as a positive reference standard to determine the sensitivity of the isolates. The extracts showed a potential antibacterial effect against Staphylococcus capitis, Moraxella nonliquefaciens and Cutibacterium acnes, with inhibition zones of 22.4 mm, 21.6 mm and 20.2 mm, respectively. The extracts also exhibited a moderate effect against the other bacterial isolates. The plant may be useful in the treatment of eye infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The genus Stachys L., belonging to the family Lamiaceae, is one of the largest genera with remarkable medicinal properties. Plants of this genus produce a broad range of secondary metabolites. Objectives: Due to the incomplete comprehensive assessment of chemical profiles in Stachys species, we conducted an untargeted metabolomics study and identified potential biomarkers in the six sections of Stachys with chemotaxonomic importance. Material and Methods: Dried leaves of 17 taxa were utilized for analysis of all the constituents using HPLC‐MQ‐API‐MS. The obtained data were processed and analyzed using multivariate statistical methods, including heatmaps, PLS‐DA score plots, functional analysis of metabolic pathways, metabolite set enrichment analysis, and biomarker and network analysis. Results: Among the 129 metabolites, 111 flavonoids and 18 non‐flavonoids were recognized. The most represented flavonoids, including 41 flavones and 20 flavonols, displayed remarkable abundance. In non‐flavonoid compounds, a total of six coumarins and six phenolic acids were present at high levels. In terms of approved markers in six sections, 76 chemical compounds, mainly flavonoids, coumarins, quinic acids, and cinnamic acids, were identified as potential biomarkers or chemotaxonomic indicators. Accordingly, the taxonomic complexities of some Stachys species in sections Fragilicaulis, Aucheriana, and Setifolia were properly resolved. Conclusion: An HPLC‐MS/MS‐based metabolomics approach integrated with multivariate statistical methods was employed to identify (1) valuable markers and analyze metabolic diversity and (2) predict the pharmaceutical properties of Stachys species. The obtained chemical profiles provide a new perspective for investigation of the Stachys genus. A total of 129 metabolites were recognized. In terms of approved markers in six sections, 76 chemical compounds, mainly as flavonoids, coumarins, quinic acids, and cinnmaic acids, were identified as potential biomarkers. As omics approaches, untargeted chemical profiles provided new perceptions in the Stachys genus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanoparticles (NPs) are known as fundamental building blocks of nanotechnology. In this work, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized using Stachys annua L. sabsp. annua var. annua. The structure of AgNPs was elucidated by FTIR, UV-Vis, XRD, SEM analyses. The UV-Vis spectrum revealed the maximum absorption at 469 nm and SEM spectral analysis showed the formation of spherical shape AgNPs with an average size of 75.21 nm. XRD analysis at 2θ degrees of 38.1°, 44.3°, 64.4°, and 77.4° can be assigned to the (111), (200), (220) and (311) face-centered cubic crystalline structure. Antioxidant activity of extract and AgNPs was executed using the DPPH• scavenging, ABTS•+ scavenging, and reducing power assays. AgNPs and extract revealed the higher DPPH• free radical scavenging effect with the values of 10.2 ± 0.34 (lC50, µg/mL) and 9.26 ± 0.37 (lC50, µg/mL) than the standard BHT (11.13 ± 0.10, lC50, µg/mL). ABTS•+ activity of AgNPs (4.11 ± 0.04, lC50, µg/mL) and extract (3.96 ± 0.10) were found higher than that of the standard BHT. In reducing power assay, the activity of AgNPs (2.61 ± 0.02, µmol TE/mg extract) and extract (3.05 ± 0.15, µmol TE/mg extract) was lower than BHT. Hence, extract and AgNPs could be promising materials for antioxidant agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]