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Weeds interfere with lima bean production by reducing crop yield, hindering harvest, and contributing contaminants to harvested beans, yet there are very few trials documenting the impact of weeds on lima bean. This research was designed to evaluate weeds on lima bean yield, quality, as well as Rhizoctonia solani and pod-feeding insects in order to assist in implementing a more integrated approach to pest management. Field studies at four sites evaluated the impact of common cocklebur (Xanthium strumarium L.), jimsonweed (Datura stramonium L.), and ivyleaf morningglory [Ipomoea hederacea (L.) Jacq.] at densities of 0, 7, 10, or 20 plants 10 m-1 row in the presence and absence of Rhizoctonia solani on lima bean (Phaseolus lunatus L.). The planting dates of late June to mid-July represented a typical planting period for the mid-Atlantic region of USA, while one site represented an early planting date in this region (28 May). Differences in response to weed competition for total lima bean yield, marketable yield, yield components, and R. solani discoloration on lima bean occurred at one or more sites. Weed competition from 7 plants 10 m-1 of row or higher, reduced number lima bean pods by as much as 40%. However, weed density had little impact on percentage of flat, plump, or dry pods. Marketable yield was reduced at two sites in response to 7 plants 10-1 row (19% yield loss) and higher weed densities resulted in 29 to 33% yield loss. The presence of lima bean resulted in 40 to 60% reduction of common cocklebur and jimsonweed biomass and burs or seeds compared to weeds grown without crop competition. Weed competition in lima bean was influenced by many factors including weed species and planting date. Weed management is important to not only preserve yield but limit weed seed return to the soil seedbank and maintain harvest efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

【Objective】The present paper aimed to explore the pathogen fungi of stem rot of Xanthium strumarium and investigate the inhibitory effects of seven fungicides in carbendazim, imazalil, procymidon, thiabendazole, topsin-methyl, fludioxonil and prochloraz on it in vivo.【Method】The pathogenic fungi were isolated from the stem base of X. strumarium by hyphal tip cutting method, and the pathogen of stem rot on X. strumarium was confirmed by Koch’s rule verification. To identify the pathogen species, morphological characteristics of the pathogenic colonies, mycelium and sclerotium were noted, internal transcribed spacer（ITS) and translation elongation factor 1-α（TEF1-α) sequences were amplified by molecular biological PCR, cloned and sequenced to further analyze and identify the pathogen species.【Result】The six pathogens were isolated, and their morphological characteristics were consistent with Athellia rolfsii. About 1 week after the mycelium and sclerotium of the pathogen were respectively inoculated on the base of healthy X. strumarium stems, the symptoms of the most experimental group were the same as those of diseased plants in the field. The sequence of NCXS-1 clone was 100% consistent with the corresponding sequences of A. rolfsii strains in the database. Among the seven screened pesticide fungicides, NCXS-1 was not sensitive to carbendazim, imazalil, procymidone, thiabendazole and topsin-methyl, and both fludioxonil and prochloraz had certain inhibitory effect on the colony growth of A. rolfsii, where fludioxonil had the strongest inhibitory effect with EC50 as 0.12 mg/L.【Conclusion】The pathogen causing stem rot of X. strumarium was identified as A. rolfsii, and fludioxonil was the most effective fungicide for inhibiting the growth of stem rot of X. strumarium in 7 kinds of pesticides. The results can provide useful guidance for the effective control of X. strumarium stem rot. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Weeds interfere with lima bean production by reducing crop yield, hindering harvest, and contributing contaminants to harvested beans, yet there are very few trials documenting the impact of weeds on lima bean. This research was designed to evaluate weeds on lima bean yield, quality, as well as Rhizoctonia solani and pod-feeding insects in order to assist in implementing a more integrated approach to pest management. Field studies at four sites evaluated the impact of common cocklebur (Xanthium strumarium L.), jimsonweed (Datura stramonium L.), and ivyleaf morningglory [Ipomoea hederacea (L.) Jacq.] at densities of 0, 7, 10, or 20 plants 10 m-1 row in the presence and absence of Rhizoctonia solani on lima bean (Phaseolus lunatus L.). The planting dates of late June to mid-July represented a typical planting period for the mid-Atlantic region of USA, while one site represented an early planting date in this region (28 May). Differences in response to weed competition for total lima bean yield, marketable yield, yield components, and R. solani discoloration on lima bean occurred at one or more sites. Weed competition from 7 plants 10 m-1 of row or higher, reduced number lima bean pods by as much as 40%. However, weed density had little impact on percentage of flat, plump, or dry pods. Marketable yield was reduced at two sites in response to 7 plants 10-1 row (19% yield loss) and higher weed densities resulted in 29 to 33% yield loss. The presence of lima bean resulted in 40 to 60% reduction of common cocklebur and jimsonweed biomass and burs or seeds compared to weeds grown without crop competition. Weed competition in lima bean was influenced by many factors including weed species and planting date. Weed management is important to not only preserve yield but limit weed seed return to the soil seedbank and maintain harvest efficiency.

Introduction: The present research aimed to fractionate Xanthium strumarium L. (XSL) foliage phenolics into a set of solvents and evaluate their antioxidant potential and in-vivo anti-diabetic activity against Alloxan monohydrate-induced diabetic mice. Methodology: For this purpose, XSL foliage was fractionated into petroleum ether, ethyl acetate, ethanol, and water via orbital type shaking and tested for the presence of phenolics, and their antioxidant and antidiabetic potential. Results and discussion: The results revealed that the ethyl acetate fraction of XSL foliage contained the highest amount of total phenolics 95.25 mg GAE/g of extract, followed by ethanol (65.14 mg GAE/g), petroleum ether (25.12 mg GAE/g), water (12.20 mg GAE/g), and XSL powder (69.13 mg GAE/g). At the end of treatment time (day 18 of oral administration of 400 mg/kg body weight of mice), the ethyl acetate fraction significantly (p < 0.05) lowered blood glucose level (353 ± 10.6 to 220 ± 25.5 mg/dL) which might due to the elevated level of phenolic compounds in this fraction. Conclusion: Overall, it can be speculated that ethyl acetate and ethanol may work efficiently for the enrichment of XSL phenolic without compromising their antidiabetic potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Xanthium strumarium L. finds therapeutic applications in traditional medicines. The objective of the current study was to evaluate the antioxidant activity and to determine the total phenolic contents (TPCs) and total flavonoid contents (TFCs) of hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, acetone, methanol, and water extracts obtained from the leaves and stem bark of X. strumarium. Maceration and hot solvent extraction techniques were used to obtain various solvent extracts. 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging and ferric-reducing power assays were used to evaluate the antioxidant activity. Folin-Ciocalteu colorimetric and aluminum chloride colorimetric methods were used to determine the TPCs and TFCs, respectively. The extracts from the leaves and stem bark exhibited radical scavenging activity in the ranges of 18.06 ± 0.3-185.67 ± 11.54% and 9.13 ± 0.54-84.18 ± 0.92%, respectively at a concentration range of 200-3000 µg/ml. The positive control, ascorbic acid, exhibited radical scavenging activity in a range of 56.64 ± 1.26-88.98 ± 0.31% at a concentration range of 200-3000 µg/ml. Additionally, the IC50 values of all these extracts were determined. The hexane and chloroform extracts from both leaves and stem bark and methanol leaf extract were found to be the most potent extracts with an IC50 value of < 200 µg/ml for each extract. The IC50 value of positive control, ascorbic acid was determined to be < 200 µg/ml. Furthermore, in the ferric-reducing power assay, ethyl acetate extract from both leaves and stem bark exhibited the highest ferric-reducing power of 0.996 ± 0.101 and 0.947 ± 0.018 at a concentration of 100 µg/ml. Moreover, the methanol extract from the leaves showed the highest TPCs of 133.41 ± 3.23 mg GAE/g of DW of extract followed by the methanol extract from stem bark and the acetone extract from the leaves with TPCs of 121.21 ± 3.14 and 118.01 ± 1.85 mg GAE/g of DW of extract, respectively. Similarly, the methanol extract from the leaves also showed the highest TFCs of 20.61 ± 1.81 mg QE/g of DW of extract followed by the methanol extract from stem bark with TFCs of 14.90 ± 1.18 mg QE/g of DW of extract. From this study, we concluded that various extracts obtained from the leaves and stem bark of X. strumarium exhibited a moderate-to-strong radical scavenging activity and ferric-reducing power and possessed a significant amount of TPCs and TFCs.

Introduction: The present research aimed to fractionate Xanthium strumarium L. (XSL) foliage phenolics into a set of solvents and evaluate their antioxidant potential and in-vivo anti-diabetic activity against Alloxan monohydrate-induced diabetic mice.Methodology: For this purpose, XSL foliage was fractionated into petroleum ether, ethyl acetate, ethanol, and water via orbital type shaking and tested for the presence of phenolics, and their antioxidant and antidiabetic potential.Results and discussion: The results revealed that the ethyl acetate fraction of XSL foliage contained the highest amount of total phenolics 95.25 mg GAE/g of extract, followed by ethanol (65.14 mg GAE/g), petroleum ether (25.12 mg GAE/g), water (12.20 mg GAE/g), and XSL powder (69.13 mg GAE/g). At the end of treatment time (day 18 of oral administration of 400 mg/kg body weight of mice), the ethyl acetate fraction significantly (p ≤ 0.05) lowered blood glucose level (353 ± 10.6 to 220 ± 25.5 mg/dL) which might due to the elevated level of phenolic compounds in this fraction.Conclusion: Overall, it can be speculated that ethyl acetate and ethanol may work efficiently for the enrichment of XSL phenolic without compromising their antidiabetic potential.

Plants have unique chemical and physical traits that can reduce infections in animals ranging from primates to caterpillars. Sunflowers (Helianthus annuus; Asteraceae) are one striking example, with pollen that suppresses infections by the trypanosomatid gut pathogen Crithidia bombi in the common eastern bumble bee (Bombus impatiens). However, the mechanism underlying this effect has remained elusive, and we do not know whether pollens from other Asteraceae species have similar effects.We evaluated whether mechanisms mediating sunflower pollen's antipathogenic effects are physical (due to its spiny exine), chemical (due to metabolites) or both. We also evaluated the degree to which pollen from seven other Asteraceae species reduced C. bombi infection relative to pollen from sunflower and two non‐Asteraceae species, and whether pollen spine length predicted pathogen suppression.We found that sunflower exines alone reduced infection as effectively as whole sunflower pollen, while sunflower pollen metabolites did not. Furthermore, bees fed pollen from four of seven other Asteraceae had 62%–92% lower C. bombi infections than those fed non‐Asteraceae pollen. Spine length, however, did not explain variation in bumble bee infection.Our study indicates that sunflower pollen's capacity to suppress C. bombi is driven by its spiny exine, and that this phenomenon extends to several other Asteraceae species. Our results indicate that sunflower pollen exines are as effective as whole pollen in reducing infection, suggesting that future studies should expand to assess the effects of other species with spiny pollen on pollinator–pathogen dynamics. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Xanthium strumarium L. finds therapeutic applications in traditional medicines. The objective of the current study was to evaluate the antioxidant activity and to determine the total phenolic contents (TPCs) and total flavonoid contents (TFCs) of hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, acetone, methanol, and water extracts obtained from the leaves and stem bark of X. strumarium. Maceration and hot solvent extraction techniques were used to obtain various solvent extracts. 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging and ferric-reducing power assays were used to evaluate the antioxidant activity. Folin-Ciocalteu colorimetric and aluminum chloride colorimetric methods were used to determine the TPCs and TFCs, respectively. The extracts from the leaves and stem bark exhibited radical scavenging activity in the ranges of 18.06 ± 0.3-185.67 ± 11.54% and 9.13 ± 0.54-84.18 ± 0.92%, respectively at a concentration range of 200-3000 µg/ml. The positive control, ascorbic acid, exhibited radical scavenging activity in a range of 56.64 ± 1.26-88.98 ± 0.31% at a concentration range of 200-3000 µg/ml. Additionally, the IC50 values of all these extracts were determined. The hexane and chloroform extracts from both leaves and stem bark and methanol leaf extract were found to be the most potent extracts with an IC50 value of < 200 µg/ml for each extract. The IC50 value of positive control, ascorbic acid was determined to be < 200 µg/ml. Furthermore, in the ferric-reducing power assay, ethyl acetate extract from both leaves and stem bark exhibited the highest ferric-reducing power of 0.996 ± 0.101 and 0.947 ± 0.018 at a concentration of 100 µg/ml. Moreover, the methanol extract from the leaves showed the highest TPCs of 133.41 ± 3.23 mg GAE/g of DW of extract followed by the methanol extract from stem bark and the acetone extract from the leaves with TPCs of 121.21 ± 3.14 and 118.01 ± 1.85 mg GAE/g of DW of extract, respectively. Similarly, the methanol extract from the leaves also showed the highest TFCs of 20.61 ± 1.81 mg QE/g of DW of extract followed by the methanol extract from stem bark with TFCs of 14.90 ± 1.18 mg QE/g of DW of extract. From this study, we concluded that various extracts obtained from the leaves and stem bark of X. strumarium exhibited a moderate-to-strong radical scavenging activity and ferric-reducing power and possessed a significant amount of TPCs and TFCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study is aimed to determine the toxicity of Xanthium strumarium L. (cocklebur) or its seeds to human or an animal. Cocklebur, potentially toxic plants is found abundantly in meadows and pastures. One of the most significant ingredients that causes toxicity is atractyloside (ATR). In this study, the concentration of ATR in cocklebur seeds was determined as 4 mg/g seed. The study involved 54 rats which were divided into a total of 9 groups including one control group. A single dose of cocklebur seed extract was provided by gavage after being concentrated by 2 ml for each animal (80 mg ATR/kg) except for those in the control group, and time-dependent hepatotoxic, nephrotoxic, hematological and biochemical effects were analyzed. No histopathological change was detected in the liver and kidney tissues of the rats in the experimental groups. Both hematological and serum biochemical values (Ca, P, TBIL, ALT, AST, ALP, Urea, and Creatinine) were within the physiological limits in all groups. Consequently, in light of the obtained data, it was observed that the rats were not exposed to any toxic effect even when they consumed a stomach full of cocklebur fruit at once. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Few studies explore the effects of nitrogen forms on exotic plant invasions, and all of them are conducted from the perspective of nitrogen form utilization without considering the effects of ammonium toxicity. The invasive plant Xanthium strumarium prefers to use nitrate, while its native congener X. sibiricum prefers to use ammonium, and the invader is more sensitive to high ammonium based on our preliminary observations. To further reveal the effects of nitrogen forms on invasiveness of X. strumarium, we studied the difference and related physiological mechanisms in sensitivity to ammonium between these species. With increasing ammonium, total biomass, root to shoot ratio and leaf chlorophyll content of X. strumarium decreased, showing ammonium toxicity. For X. sibiricum, however, ammonium toxicity did not occurr. With increasing ammonium, ammonium concentration increased in leaves and roots of X. strumarium, which is associated with the decreased activities of glutamine synthetase and glutamate synthase and the increased ammonium uptake; and consequently the contents of hydrogen peroxide and malondialdehyde also increased, which is associated with the decreased contents of reduced glutathione and ascorbic acid. By contrast, the abilities of ammonium assimilation and antioxidation of X. sibiricum were less affected by the increase of ammonium, and the contents of ammonium nitrogen, hydrogen peroxide and malondialdehyde in leaves and roots were significantly lower than those in X. strumarium. Our results indicate that ammonium accumulation and oxidative damage may be the physiological mechanisms for the ammonium toxicity of X. strumarium, providing a possible explanation that it generally invades nitrate-dominated and disturbed habitats and a theoretical basis for future studies on the control of invasive plants by regulating soil nitrogen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exotic plants could play an essential role in the restoration of heavy metal-contaminated soil. This study evaluated the tolerance of and extraction of cadmium (Cd) by ZCR (CR♀ × LT♂), hybrids of Xanthium strumarium (LT, exotic species) and X. sibiricum (CR, indigenous congener), and their parental species under different Cd treatments (0, 10, 40, and 80 mg·kg−1). The results showed that the hybrids had significantly improved tolerance to Cd. Under Cd stress, the biomass of ZCR increased by more than 50% on average compared with that of CR. Moreover, the hybrids showed a more remarkable ability to transport Cd from the root to the shoot. The Cd content of the shoots of ZCR increased by 128.33, 147.22, and 252.63% when treated with 10, 40, and 80 mg·kg−1 Cd, respectively. ZCR stored more than 70% of Cd in litter leaves, thereby reducing the toxic effects of Cd on photosynthesis and growth. The results showed that ZCR showed excellent Cd tolerance and enrichment in the presence of Cd. The hybrids of Xanthium strumarium and its native congener X. sibiricum may remediate soil Cd pollution. Novelty statement With the changing world economy and increasing human activities, exotic plants have become a global issue of common concern to the international community. This study describes new findings on using hybrids of the exotic plant of Xanthium strumarium and its native congener Xanthium sibiricum for the restoration of cadmium-contaminated soils. Under Cd stress, the hybrids' biomass, tolerance, and ability to accumulate Cd were significantly higher than that of X. sibiricum, indicating that hybrids gained useful heavy metal extraction traits from X. strumarium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seed dormancy ensures plant survival but many mechanisms remain unclear. A high-throughput RNA-seq analysis investigated the mechanisms involved in the establishment of dormancy in dimorphic seeds of Xanthium strumarium (L.) developing in one single burr. Results showed that DOG1, the main dormancy gene in Arabidopsis thaliana L., was over-represented in the dormant seed leading to the formation of two seeds with different cell wall properties. Less expression of DME/EMB1649, UBP26, EMF2, MOM, SNL2, and AGO4 in the non-dormant seed was observed, which function in the chromatin remodelling of dormancy-associated genes through DNA methylation. However, higher levels of ATXR7/SDG25, ELF6, and JMJ16/PKDM7D in the nondormant seed that act at the level of histone demethylation and activate germination were found. Dramatically lower expression in the splicing factors SUA, PWI, and FY in non-dormant seed may indicate that variation in RNA splicing for ABA sensitivity and transcriptional elongation control of DOG1 is of importance for inducing seed dormancy. Seed size and germination may be influenced by respiratory factors, and alterations in ABA content and auxin distribution and responses. TOR (a serine/threonine-protein kinase) is likely at the centre of a regulatory hub controlling seed metabolism, maturation, and germination. Over-representation of the respirationassociated genes (ACO3, PEPC3, and D2HGDH) was detected in non-dormant seed, suggesting differential energy supplies in the two seeds. Degradation of ABA biosynthesis and/or proper auxin signalling in the large seed may control germinability, and suppression of endoreduplication in the small seed may be a mechanism for cell differentiation and cell size determination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The common cocklebur (Xanthium strumarium L.) is an invasive weed species in the Asteraceae family that probably originated in Central or South America but has now spread worldwide, where it infests numerous crop fields, including sorghum. It is also a significant invasive weed in various parts of Ethiopia, including the eastern region. In this study field experiments were conducted to investigate the effect of various densities of sorghum and X. strumarium on their growth and reproductive output at Haramaya and Babile Research Stations of Haramaya University in Eastern Ethiopia during the 2022/2023 growing seasons., Results: Sorghum yield loss was greatly affected by X. strumarium density, reaching maximum yield losses of 79.2% and 93.1% at the maximum weed density at Haramaya and Babile, respectively. The presence of X. strumarium in sorghum resulted in reduced aboveground dry matter and leaf area index (LAI). The extent of this reduction depended on the density of X. strumarium. As crop density increased, X. strumarium dry matter, LAI, and bur production m -2 decreased. The highest bur production per unit area for X. strumarium was observed at its highest density (16 plants m -2 ) with 1097 and 869 burs per unit area at Haramaya and Babile, respectively., Conclusion: These results indicated that higher densities of sorghum were effective in suppressing the bur production of this weed, leading to reduced yield loss. Therefore, sorghum competitiveness against X. strumarium can be improved using higher crop densities. This could play a key role in weed management by reducing the use of herbicides and mechanical controls, thereby forming an important part of integrated weed management. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry., (© 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.)

Objectives: Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) is frequently affected by fungal infections during the pre-and post-harvesting periods, resulting in severe losses to the farming economy. The common pre-and post-harvest pomegranate pathogens affecting the final yield and quality of the fruits are Botrytis cinerea, Alternaria alternata, Penicillium implicatum, and Aspergillus niger. This study aimed to isolate and identify the pathogens causing pomegranate rot diseases. Also, the values of Xanthium strumarium extracts as eco-friendly control agents and three Trichoderma strains as biological control agents against the pomegranate fungal pathogen were determined. Methods: The plate dilution method was used to isolate fungi populations from pomegranate plants. The pathogens fungi were identified by the morphological and molecular method by sequenced of internal transcript spacer (ITS) region. The antifungal activities of X. strumarium extracted either by both ethanol or methanol and Trichoderma were investigated. Results and conclusions: The isolated and identified pathogens were P. implicatum, A. alternata, A. niger, Fusarium oxysporum, and F. chlamydosporum. The obtained sequences of these fungi were deposited in NCBI gene bank with accession numbers OK562113–OK562125. The efficiency of X. strumarium extract against pomegranate fungal pathogens ranged from 40.32 to 69.53% for ethanol extract and from 44.40 to 70.28% for methanol extract compared to 44.43%–85.71% for the antifungal Nystatin. Moreover, the efficiency of Trichoderma was 42.22%–72.50%, 42.30%–70.21%, and 44.54%–72.50% for strains ABSA-16, TSA-17, and ABSA-18, respectively. It could be concluded that the isolated pomegranate's pathogenic fungi in Taif were P. implicatum, A. alternata, A. niger, F. oxysporum, and F. chlamydosporum. The extract of X. strumarium obtained from the Taif region and Trichoderma can successfully assist control the pomegranate's pathogenic fungi at pre-and post-harvest, and hence can be successfully included in the IPM programs.

In this study, the therapeutic effects of puerarin on Xanthium strumarium toxicity, which can develop in many species and does not have a specific antidote, were investigated. A single dose of 100 g/kg X. strumarium seeds was administered by gavage to female Sprague-Dawley rats, 6 h following which 200 mg/kg puerarin was administered by the same route, with puerarin administration being repeated daily at the same time. After completing the application, the blood, liver and kidney tissues of the rats were examined. Further, the biochemical parameters, glucose, MDA, GSH, SOD, mitochondrial Ca2+ and mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) opening levels, apoptotic factors (TUNEL, Bax and Bcl-2), ATP synthase and histopathological changes of the experimental rats were examined. The results revealed that while the administration of X. strumarium resulted in increased blood AST, ALT, ALP, LDH, CK, BUN and creatinine levels, it decreased glucose levels. In addition, it increased the MDA levels in the tissues and significantly increased the oxidative stress levels by decreasing the GSH levels and SOD activity. X. strumarium caused an increase in the mitochondrial Ca2+ and mPTP opening levels. Moreover, it increased the immunohistochemically determined ATP synthase expression and histopathologically identified necrotic liver cell death rates. Owing to its antioxidant properties and inhibitory effects on mPTP opening, puerarin administered for therapeutic purposes decreased the oxidative damage caused by X. strumarium toxicity, blood biochemical parameter levels, mitochondrial Ca2+ levels, mPTP opening, ATP synthase expression and the percentage of necrotic cells. Hence, the reduction in the liver and kidney damage in X. strumarium toxicity by puerarin indicates its potential use as an antidote for X. strumarium poisoning. [Display omitted] • X. strumarium is a poisonous plant that causes mitochondrial dysfunction. • Organ failure due to mitochondrial dysfunction has the potential to result in death. • The positive effect of puerarin on mitochondria can treat X. strumarium poisoning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Xanthium strumarium L. is native to North America and rapidly spreading in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Pakistan as an alien invasive plant species (AIPs) and possess a severe threat to crops. Hence this study was conducted to assess socioeconomic impacts on agriculture, livestock, and biodiversity along with the mode of invasion, spread, and willingness to pay for its eradication in selected areas of KP Pakistan. Methods: Three divisions of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, i.e. Malakand, Peshawar, and Hazara, were selected for the study. The respondents were divided into two categories, i.e., agricultural and non-agricultural. The respondent's information was collected using a closed-ended questionnaire and semi-structured interview. The data were analyzed and interpreted by tabulation in excel 2010, and variation was tested using online chi-square tests. Results: Most respondents believed that the plant preferred to grow on the roadside and wasteland, affecting crops, especially maize, and infesting the areas for more than 20 years with regular and timely increased infestation. Livestock animals are affected severely in health and products. The chi-square test results indicated that the agricultural communities were affected more than non-agricultural communities. The invasion of the species has affected people's livelihood to the extent that they would spend money on its eradication/control. Biodiversity effects were severe in all the areas, as revealed by decreased species richness index in invaded sites. Conclusions: We concluded that cash crops and communities' economic value suffered severely from the invasion of X. strumarium, and therefore integrated management is needed for its control and eradication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We studied the main phenolic components of velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrasti), common ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia) and common cocklebur (Xanthium strumarium) aqueous extracts and evaluated their phytotoxicity to germinating seeds and seedling growth of lettuce and tomato. A total of 13 phenolic compounds were identified in aqueous extracts. The highest total phenolic content was found in velvetleaf leaves, followed by common ragweed leaves and common cocklebur stems. Caffeoyl quinic acids were the most abundant phenolics in these three weeds, while common ragweed and velvetleaf leaves were also rich in p-coumaric acid and rutin, respectively. Other phenolic compounds were present in moderate quantities in the stems and leaves of the tested weeds. The weed extracts at 50 % concentration or higher significantly inhibited the seed germination and early seedling growth of lettuce and tomato. The leaf aqueous extracts were more phytotoxic to lettuce and tomato than stem aqueous extracts. The leaf aqueous extract of common ragweed had the strongest inhibitory effects on lettuce, while the leaf aqueous extract of velvetleaf was most inhibitory to tomato. The aqueous extracts of common cocklebur were less inhibitory to lettuce and tomato. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

8,12-sesquiterpene lactones (STLs) are an important class of natural products with unique pharmaceutical activities. For years the pathway leading to 8,12-STLs remains an enigma. Xanthium strumarium accumulates abundant 8,12-STLs, and xanthatin is a characteristic 8,12-STL in it. Xanthatin has been previously postulated to be derived from germacrene A, but the steps from germacrene A to xanthatin are unknown. As part of an effort to understand the xanthatin biosynthetic pathway. This study reports the characterization of a unique germacrene A oxidase (XsGAO) from X. strumarium. Unlike a classical GAO enzyme, which is known to catalyze a three-step oxidation of germarene A to yield germacrene A acid (GAA), surprisingly, XsGAO catalyzed only one-step conversion of germacrene A to germacrene A alcohol. We discussed that GAO may be pressured to acquire a novel activity during the evolutionary path for the biosynthesis of 8,12-STLs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The chemical investigation of the fruits of Xanthium strumarium (Asteraceae) led to the isolation of two new ent-kauranoid glucosides named 2-O-(6-O-isocaleryl-β-D-glucopyranosyl) atractyligenin (1) and 2-O-(2-O-isovaleryl-β-D-glucopyranosyl) atractyligenin (2), together with one known compound. Their structures were established by comprehensive spectroscopic analysis coupled with single-crystal X-ray diffraction and electronic circular dichroism data. All compounds and their aglycone were evaluated for their anti-proliferative activities in vitro against three human cancer cell lines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eight pentacyclic triterpenoids including two new ones (1, 2) were isolated from the fruits of Xanthium strumarium. Their structures were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic analysis. All isolates were evaluated for in vitro cytotoxic activity on HepG2, A549, HCT116 and SW480 cancer cells. Among them, the new compound 2 was found to exhibit significant cytotoxic activity on A549, HCT116 and SW480 cancer cells with IC50 values of 9.68, 4.27 and 7.58 μM, respectively. Further, 2 was selected for cell cycle analysis and results revealed that 2 could cause HCT116 cell cycle arrest in G1 phase. In addition, Annexin V-FITC/PI staining assay showed that 2 could induce the death of HCT116 cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new flavonoid glycosides named 6-hydroxy-3-methoxy-apigenin 7-O-α-ʟ-rhamnopyranoside (1) and 3-hydroxyl-apigenin 8-C-β-ᴅ-xylopyranoside (2), along with five known compounds (3-7), were isolated from Xanthium strumarium. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic and physicochemical analyses. All compounds were evaluated for in vitro inhibitory activity against PTP1B. Among them, compounds 1 and 5 showed significant inhibitory activity on PTP1B with IC50 values of 11.3 ± 1.7 and 8.9 ± 0.7 μM, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kidney and urinary stone disease (Nephrolithiasis and urolithiasis) are the condition where urinary stones or calculi are formed in the urinary tract. The problem of urinary stones is very ancient; these stones are found in all parts of the urinary tract, kidney, ureters, and the urinary bladder and may vary considerably in size. It is a common disease estimated to occur in approximately 12% of the population, with a recurrence rate of 70-81% in males and 47-60% in females. The treatment of kidney and urinary stone diseases such as a western (allopathy) medicine and surgery is now in trends. However, most people preferred plant-based (herbal) therapy because of the overuse of allopathic drugs, which results in a higher incidence rate of adverse or severe side effects. Therefore, people every year turn to herbal therapy because they believe plant-based medicine is free from undesirable side effects, although herbal medicines are generally considered to be safe and effective. In the present article, an attempt has been made to emphasize an herbal therapy is better than allopathic therapy for the management of the kidney and urinary stone disease.

In this paper, we describe poisoning outbreaks of Xanthium strumarium in cattle on the borders of the Araguari River, Southeastern Brazil. In this region, several hydroelectric plants promote transient flooding, which creates a favorable environment for the invasion of X. strumarium in extensive areas, often as the predominant species in those areas. The outbreaks occurred between July and September (dry season). Bovines of all ages were affected, including suckling animals. Mortality varied from 2% to 5.5%. The animals exhibited ataxia, weakness, loss of balance, recumbency, and the majority were found dead. Laboratory results showed a marked increase in the serum activities of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and gamma-glutamyltransferase. Histological and ultrastructural changes in the liver consisted of centrilobular necrosis and hemorrhage. On toxicological evaluation, the dicotyledons contained 0.30 μg/mg of atractyloside and 0.37 μg/mg of carboxyatractyloside. Considerable economic loss has occurred in this region due to the lack of knowledge regarding X. strumarium as a toxic plant and its adaptation to the environmental and climatic conditions of the region, which have made the condition endemic. • Xanthium strumarium , which contains carboxyatractyloside, is a cause of hepatic liver necrosis in ruminants and horses. • The poisoning has been reported sporadically in temperate areas due to the ingestion of the seedling or the burs of the plant. • The poisoning became very important after the introduction of the plant where hydroelectric plants promote transient flooding. • The seedlings sprout after flooding, during the dry period, when the water returns to its normal level. • To prevent severe losses, it is important to reduce the infestation of X. strumarium in such areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hybridization is one of the important factors influencing the adaptive evolution of invasive plants. According to previous studies, hybridization with an invasive plant reduces the adaptability of its native congener to environment. However, in this study, the hybridization with an invasive plant of Xanthium strumarium (LT) improves the tolerance and accumulation of its native congener Xanthium sibiricum (CR) to cadmium (Cd). Under Cd stress, X. sibiricum♀ × X. strumarium♂ (ZCR) showed higher biomass and Cd accumulation. Compared with CR, ZCR has longer vegetative and reproductive growth time. Moreover, ZCR adopted more reasonable biomass allocation strategy. ZCR increased the proportion of reproductive allocation and ensured its own survival with the increase of Cd stress. Furthermore, ZCR increased the translocation of Cd to aboveground parts and changed the distribution of Cd. A large amount of Cd is stored in senescent leaves and eliminated from the plant when the leaves fall off, which not only reduces the Cd content in the plant, but also reduces the toxicity of Cd in the normal leaves. Transcriptome analysis shows a total of 2055 (1060 up and 995 down) differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were detected in the leaves of Cd-stressed ZCR compared with CR, while only 792 (521 up and 271 down) were detected in X. strumarium♀ × X. sibiricum♂ (ZLT) compared with LT. A large number of DGEs in ZCR and ZLT are involved in abscisic acid (ABA) synthesis and signal transduction. The genes induced by ABA in ZCR, including CNGC5/20, CPK1/28, CML, PTI1-like tyrosine-protein kinase 3, respiratory burst oxidase homolog protein C, and WRKY transcription factor 33 were found differentially expressed compared CR. carotenoid cleavage dioxygenase 4, NCED1/2, phytoene synthase 2, and CYP707A involved in ABA synthesis and decomposition in ZLT were found differentially expressed compared LT. We speculated that ABA played an important role in Cd transportation of hybrids and Cd distribution in senescent and normal leaves. The results demonstrate that hybridization with an invasive plant improves the adaptability of the hybrid to Cd stress and may enhance the extinction risk of native congener in pollution environment.

Hybridization is one of the important factors influencing the adaptive evolution of invasive plants. According to previous studies, hybridization with an invasive plant reduces the adaptability of its native congener to environment. However, in this study, the hybridization with an invasive plant of Xanthium strumarium (LT) improves the tolerance and accumulation of its native congener Xanthium sibiricum (CR) to cadmium (Cd). Under Cd stress, X. sibiricum ♀ × X. strumarium ♂ (ZCR) showed higher biomass and Cd accumulation. Compared with CR, ZCR has longer vegetative and reproductive growth time. Moreover, ZCR adopted more reasonable biomass allocation strategy. ZCR increased the proportion of reproductive allocation and ensured its own survival with the increase of Cd stress. Furthermore, ZCR increased the translocation of Cd to aboveground parts and changed the distribution of Cd. A large amount of Cd is stored in senescent leaves and eliminated from the plant when the leaves fall off, which not only reduces the Cd content in the plant, but also reduces the toxicity of Cd in the normal leaves. Transcriptome analysis shows a total of 2055 (1060 up and 995 down) differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were detected in the leaves of Cd-stressed ZCR compared with CR, while only 792 (521 up and 271 down) were detected in X. strumarium ♀ × X. sibiricum ♂ (ZLT) compared with LT. A large number of DGEs in ZCR and ZLT are involved in abscisic acid (ABA) synthesis and signal transduction. The genes induced by ABA in ZCR, including CNGC5/20, CPK1/28, CML, PTI1-like tyrosine-protein kinase 3, respiratory burst oxidase homolog protein C, and WRKY transcription factor 33 were found differentially expressed compared CR. carotenoid cleavage dioxygenase 4, NCED1/2, phytoene synthase 2, and CYP707A involved in ABA synthesis and decomposition in ZLT were found differentially expressed compared LT. We speculated that ABA played an important role in Cd transportation of hybrids and Cd distribution in senescent and normal leaves. The results demonstrate that hybridization with an invasive plant improves the adaptability of the hybrid to Cd stress and may enhance the extinction risk of native congener in pollution environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A total of 4 thiazinedione derivatives including 1 new thiazinedione glycoside (1) and 3 known compounds (2-4) were isolated from the fruits of Xanthium strumarium L. Their chemical structures were determined as 7-hydroxymethyl-8,8-dimethyl-4,8-dihydrobenzo[ 1,4]-thiazine-3,5-dione-11-O-[ß-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-6)-O-ß-D-glucopyranoside] (1), 7-hydroxymethyl-8,8-dimethyl-4,8-dihydrobenzo[1,4]-thiazine-3,5-dione-11-O-[ß-D-apiofuranosyl-(1-6)-O-ß-D-glucopyranoside] (2), xanthiside (3), and xanthiazone (4) by extensive nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopic and high-resolution electron spray ionization mass spectrum analysis and by comparison of the spectral data with those reported in the literature. Compounds 3 and 4 exhibited cytotoxic activity against lung carcinoma (SK-LU-1), human breast carcinoma (MCF-7), hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2), and skin melanoma (SK-Mel-2) cell lines with half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values ranging from 27.0±1.1 to 43.2 ±1.8 µM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated the mycoherbicidal potential of Alternaria alternata (Fries.) Kiessler on cocklebur (Xanthium strumarium L.), a noxious weed in Algeria. Conidial suspension, a rapeseed-oil-based liquid formulation and a sodium-alginate-based solid formulation, all with 106 conidia/ml, as well as the herbicide (Mustang®) at a reduced dose (0.45 L/ha) were compared. Inoculum was applied on detached leaves of cocklebur under laboratory conditions and on 4–5 leaf stage cocklebur seedlings in pots in a greenhouse and in the field. Disease severity was highest following application of the liquid formulation in the detached leaf assay (95.5%) as well as in the pot (80%) and field (43%) experiments. Similarly, the oil-based liquid formulation reduced cocklebur height, root length and dry weight by up to 50%, 27% and 58%, respectively in pot trial and 40%, 51% and 45%, respectively in the field experiment. The conidial suspension ranked second in efficacy, followed by the solid formulation. Mustang® showed the highest herbicidal effect. None of the crops tested for host specificity including tomato, wheat, faba bean and zucchini was susceptible to the fungus. Our findings suggest that A. alternata has potential as biocontrol agent of cocklebur especially when applied in an oil-emulsion-based formulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epithelial Ovarian cancer is the leading cause of cancer mortality among women all over the world. As chemotherapeutics has many side effects, researchers have focused on the potential use of medicinal plants as natural antitumor agents. Xanthium strumarium studied in this work as an herbal anticancer agent. This study aimed to evaluate the antitumor effect and metabolic alterations caused by the root extract of X. strumarium on human ovarian cancer cell line (A2780cp), using NMR-based metabolomics approaches. Cells were cultured and treated with different concentrations of the ethanolic plant extract. Antitumor activity determined by MTT assay and cell metabolites extracted for NMR spectroscopy. ¹H NMR spectroscopy was applied, and outliers were analyzed using multivariate statistical analysis techniques. The extract exhibited antitumor activity against ovarian cancer cells with an IC50 of 6 μg/ml after 48 hours of treatment. The most affected metabolic pathways in the experimental groups were limited to tyrosine metabolism, nucleotide metabolism, fatty acid biosynthesis, and glycerolipid metabolism. Our data showed that the ethanolic root extract of X. strumarium has antitumor activity on the ovarian cancer cells and can affect vital metabolic pathways. However, further studies required to validate this activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Turkish Journal of Weed Science is the property of Gaziosmanpasa Universitesi Matbaasi, Department of Plant Protection, Faculty of Agriculture and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The cross-compliance mechanism of the European Union (EU)'s common agricultural policy (CAP) makes the approval of the direct payments to the European farmers subject to compliance with the requirement to maintain the land in good agricultural and environmental condition. One of the obligations of the Romanian land owners and farmers is to avoid the installation of unwanted vegetation on their land plots. This vegetation is represented by some species of herbaceous or woody plants, annual or perennial, that spontaneously invade the agricultural lands, diminishing the production capacity of the cultivated plants. Included in this category are 10 meadow weeds, without fodder value or even toxic to animals: Arctium lappa L., Carduus nutan s L., Conium maculatum L., Eryngium campestre L., Euphorbia cyparissias L., Pteridium aquilinum (L.) Kuhn, Rumex acetosella L., Veratrum album L., Xanthium spinosum L., and Xanthium strumarium L. Various and multiple uses in traditional medicine of these meadow weed species have been reported for Romania and other nine neighboring East European countries, i.e. Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Estonia, Kosovo, Russia, Turkey, Serbia, and Ukraine. For A. lappa were recorded the highest number of ethnomedicinal uses, in the largest number of East European countries, including Romania. C. maculatum and V. album are not recommended for human consumption but can be further investigated as potential sources of pharmaceutically active compounds. Once removed by landowners and farmers from their land, the raw plant material of these 10 species become readily and easily available to the Romanian local communities and the industry of herbal food supplements, while the biodiversity of the agro-ecosystems is maintained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the effects of diesel fuel contamination on common cocklebur (Xanthium strumarium L.) seeds have been investigated. Five levels of contamination were used (0 g, 2.5 g, 5 g, 7.5 g, and 10 g diesel per 100 g of substrate). Germination was significantly reduced only at 7.5 g and 10 g diesel and the highest percentage germination (97%) was recorded at 5 g diesel. Diesel contamination caused a significant reduction in shoot length, but the decline began to be important at 7.5 g diesel. The root length was positively influenced by diesel fuel contamination, the shortest root (12.89 cm) was observed in the control and the longest (19.92 cm) at 5 g diesel. Xanthium strumarium seeds germinated successfully at different levels of contamination, its root length seemed to take advantage of the diesel fuel contamination and its shoot length was mostly affected by the high contamination levels. Therefore, we can propose this plant species as a potential candidate for the phytoremediation of sites contaminated with diesel. Furthermore, the results could help improve our understanding of the behavior of X. strumarium, and its ability to germinate and grow in different soil conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many plant diaspores dispersing by epizoochory bear special structures, such as burrs with hooks, which are responsible for the mechanical interlocking with animal fur or feathers. The number, dimensions and distribution of the interlocking structures on the diaspore can strongly vary depending on the plant species. In this study, to evaluate the interlocking ability of distantly related plants having different diaspore morphologies, the contact separation force (CSF) of single burrs was measured in Arctium lappa, Bidens tripartita, Desmodium sp., Uncinia uncinata and Xanthium strumarium. This force is required to separate the single burr from interlocking with the loop. Usually in the experiment, the burr was broken after separation. The CSFs differed significantly, ranging from 7.07 to 820.94 mN, among the five taxa studied. Six morphometrical variables were measured from each burr and the correlations between the CSFs and these morphometrical variables were analyzed. We have shown that (1) the burr length, (2) the diameter of the distal part and (3) the hook span had significant influences on the CSF. The comparison between the CSF and the fruit weight indicated that single burrs of all taxa studied could bear at least 100-fold weight of the diaspore. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Allelopathic effects of plant parts of two invasive weeds on seed germination and seedling growth of open pollinated maize varieties was investigated at the Agriculture Graduate Laboratory of the Bacha Khan University Charsadda Pakistan during summer, 2018. The experiment was carried out in CRD design with factorial arrangements repeated thrice. Five maize varieties viz., 'Azam', 'Babar',s Pahari', 'Iqbal', and 'Jalal' comprised factor A while, Factor B consisted of water extracts from root, stem and leaf of invasive weeds; Parthenium hysterophorus and Xanthium strumarium. Distilled water was used as control for comparison. Data were recorded for germination (%), seedlings length (cm), shoot weight (g) and root weight (g). It was evident from the results that maximum germination (100%), Seedling length (7.6 cm), shoot weight (164.88 g) and root weight (163.8 g) was recorded for control (water) treatments. However, among the tested extracts the minimum germination (85.0%) of maize varieties were achieved under P. hysterophorus stem extract. Maize variety "Pharri" revealed highest sensitivity towards allelopathic potential of different extract, giving minimum (87.5%) germination. On the other hand, the maize variety Babar showed strong resistance against all applied extracts (treatments) and showed 100% seed germination. In the light of the current results it is recommended that the farmer should discourage the growth of P. hysterophorus weed in their filed as it has strong allelopathic effects on maize crop. Moreover, the farmers should grow maize variety Babar instead of others as this variety showed strong resistant towards the allelopathic effects of both the tested invasive weeds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Shenyang Agricultural University is the property of Journal of Shenyang Agricultural University Editorial Department 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: Xanthium strumarium L. is extensively used as a traditional herb to treat many diseases and is also known as a source of phytochemicals. It has been used traditionally to treat trypanosomiasis, malaria fever, eczema, cancer, ulcer, fever, herpes headache, and skin lesion such as leishmaniasis. In this preliminary study, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)-metabolomics approaches was used to evaluate the inhibitory effects and metabolic alterations caused by leaf extract of X. strumarium on the stationary phases of promastigotes in Leishmania major. Methods: The promastigotes were cultured in Biochemistry Laboratory at Pasteur Institute of Iran in 2017, stationary phases were obtained from 5 to 6 day-old cultures and treated with different concentrations of the plant’s extract. Antileishmanial activity was assayed by MTT method and cell metabolites were extracted. 1H NMR spectroscopy was applied, and outliers were separated using multivariate statistical analysis. Results: The most affected metabolic pathways in the experimental groups were limited to amino sugar and nucleotide sugar metabolism, cyanoamino acid metabolism, starch and sucrose metabolism, butanoate metabolism, and galactose metabolism. Conclusion: The ethanolic leaf extract of X. strumarium is a potent growth inhibitor of Leishmania major and can affect vital metabolic pathways of Leishmania promastigotes. The assay provided new perspectives on the development of novel treatment strategies for leishmanial activity derived from natural products.

Background Green synthesis of nanoparticles is a growing trend. The annual plant Xanthium strumarium L. ( X. strumarium ) belongs to the Asteraceae family. The herb has traditionally been used to treat a variety of ailments, including leucoderma, dangerous insect bites, epilepsy, salivation, allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, etc. Inorganic, biocompatible, and non-toxic titanium is a substance employed in the pharmaceutical and biomedical industries as well as in fields like bone tissue engineering. The aim of the study is to characterize titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO₂NPs), which were synthesized from X.strumarium . Also, this study aims to assess the cytotoxic properties of the synthesized leaf extract and the TiO₂NPs. Materials and methods In this study, the biosynthesis of TiO₂NPs was made from X. strumarium leaf extract. The characterization of the green-synthesized TiO₂NPs was done using the spectral analysis of an ultraviolet (UV)-visible spectrophotometer, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). The advantage of using TiO₂NPs is that they possess antimicrobial, antibacterial, chemical stability, and catalytic properties. The leaf extract and the biosynthesized nanoparticles were tested against human fibroblast cell lines for biocompatibility using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay.  Results SEM investigation showed that TiO₂NPs were crystalline in nature. FTIR confirms the presence of alkyne and amine functional groups, and the pointed vertices in the X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern show the crystalline nature of TiO2NPs. The study found that the cell viability of TiO₂NPs was 110%. Conclusion TiO₂NPs were synthesized from X. strumarium leaf extract and characterized using SEM, FTIR, and XRD. The TiO₂NPs were found to be crystalline in nature with various functional groups. MTT assay shows that the synthesized nanoparticles are promising biocompatible agents that can be used in future research in the medical field., Competing Interests: The patent of a formulation is being planned based on the present study., (Copyright © 2023, P et al.)

Phytotoxicity of two invasive weed species Parthenium hysterophorus L. and Xanthium strumarium L. collected from three different sites viz., Charsadda, Mardan and Peshawar districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa were tested against five chickpea varieties in completely randomized design having three replications. The weed species extract revealed highly significant inhibitory effect on chickpea varieties. Among the applied extracts; extract prepared from Parthenium weed collected from Charsadda proved to be more toxic as compared to extracts prepared from other areas, by inhibiting the germination of chickpea to the extent of 91.4%. Maximum and minimum average root weight of 0.56 g and 0.15g among different chickpea varieties was recorded for Peshawar Xanthium and Charsadda Parthenium, respectively. Maximum mean shoot length of 0.29 cm was evident for the control treatment (no extract) whereas minimum mean shoot length of 0.09 cm was observed for chickpea varieties treated involving Charsadda Xanthium. Maximum and minimum mean shoot weight of 2.40 g and 0.77 g were manifested by different chickpea varieties treated by Control (no treatment) and Charsadda Parthenium, respectively. Similarly maximum mean seed vigour index (SVI) of (225.13) was evident for control treatment whereas Extracts from Charsadda Parthenium manifested minimum mean seed vigour index (69.63) in different chickpea varieties under test. It is evident from the results of varietal response of chickpea to common cocklebur (Xanthium strumarium) and parthenium (Parthenium hysterphorus) treatment that chickpea varieties showed tolerance against the phytotoxcity of these invasive weeds. Therefore, it could be used as bio herbicide if it is effective in controlling weeds of chickpea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Xanthium strumarium is an annual pseudometallophyte. To reveal the mechanisms of this species to adapt to metallicolous environmental conditions, phenological traits and biomass allocation of metallicolous and non-metallicolous populations of X. strumarium under six Mn2+ concentrations by pot culture experiments were performed. The results showed that both time to bolting and time to fruit setting in the metallicolous population were earlier than those in the non-metallicolous population. The number of flowers, fruits, seeds and 1000-seed weight in the metallicolous population were higher than those in the non-metallicolous population under Mn stress. Reproductive allocation and harvest index in the metallicolous population were higher than those in the non-metallicolous population. Furthermore, all the Mn concentrations in leaves, stems, roots, and fruits of the metallicolous population were higher than the counterparts of non-metallicolous population. These results suggested that metallicolous population had higher tolerance to Mn stress than non-metallicolous population, the earlier flowering and fruiting, and the enhancement in reproductive allocation may contribute to plant tolerance to Mn toxicity for X. strumarium. Highlights • The MP showed earlier flower, fruit setting and higher Mn concentrations than the NMP under Mn stress. • The MP had higher the number of flowers, fruits, seeds and 1000-seed weight than those in the NMP under Mn stress. • The MP had higher reproductive allocation and harvest index than those in the NMP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, the burs of Xanthium strumarium L. were discovered at the Yuergou site (400–200 cal BC) in the Turpan Basin of northwestern China. These burs were hard and medicated with tan or gray color. Compared with previous findings of cockleburs remains in China, the present discoveries of X. strumarium are much larger in terms of the number recovered (138 burs). These represent the most abundant finds of cockleburs (X. strumarium) from archaeological contexts in China directly dating to around 250 cal BC. Moreover, it is interesting that most of these cockleburs were broken with their seeds missing as modern experimental results performed here indicate that they were likely opened by humans with a knife. The cockleburs were likely used as a common medicinal resource and provide us with a glimpse of the wild plant use and daily practices of the ancient inhabitants of the Turpan Basin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The incidence of cancer is increasing worldwide. Xanthium strumarium may possess anticancer activity, the plant extract for in vitro anticancer activity against a panel of three human cell lines (Breast MCF7, Renal TK10 and Melanoma UACC62), exhibit anticancer activity against these three human cell lines screened by National Cancer Institute. Objective To investigate the safety of chloroform extract of Xanthium strumarium leaves, which showed potent cytotoxic activity against tumor cells. Methods The leaves were dried and grounded into fine powder, and extracted with chloroform, that showed potent cytotoxic activity has been tested against two animal species mice and rats for testing its safety. Toxicity was evaluated in Swiss albino mice by feeding with serial doses of extract between 1.0 to 20.0 gm/kg orally and observed continuously for the first 4 hr and hourly for the next 24 hr, then every 6 hr for 48 hr (72 hr, acute toxicity). Rats were also fed with extract single dose of 5 gm/kg, the toxicity was carried out by assessing the effects on biochemical parameters, body weight and relative organ weights for both male and female rats. Results LD50 of chloroform extract was 3.07 gm/kg. The biochemical finding showed no significant differences compared to control. No significant weight changes occur throughout the study. Conclusion Chloroform extract has low LD50 (3.07 gm/kg), but the acute toxicity study showed no mortality or signs of toxicity, with non-significant changes in body weights, relative organ weights, and biochemical tests among treated groups compared to their controls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Xanthium strumarium L. is extensively used as a traditional herb to treat many diseases and is also known as a source of phytochemicals. It has been used traditionally to treat trypanosomiasis, malaria fever, eczema, cancer, ulcer, fever, herpes headache, and skin lesion such as leishmaniasis. In this preliminary study, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)-metabolomics approaches was used to evaluate the inhibitory effects and metabolic alterations caused by leaf extract of X. strumarium on the stationary phases of promastigotes in Leishmania major. Methods: The promastigotes were cultured in Biochemistry Laboratory at Pasteur Institute of Iran in 2017, stationary phases were obtained from 5 to 6 day-old cultures and treated with different concentrations of the plant's extract. Antileishmanial activity was assayed by MTT method and cell metabolites were extracted. 1H NMR spectroscopy was applied, and outliers were separated using multivariate statistical analysis. Results: The most affected metabolic pathways in the experimental groups were limited to amino sugar and nucleotide sugar metabolism, cyanoamino acid metabolism, starch and sucrose metabolism, butanoate metabolism, and galactose metabolism. Conclusion: The ethanolic leaf extract of X. strumarium is a potent growth inhibi tor of Leishmania major and can affect vital metabolic pathways of Leishmania promastigotes. The assay provided new perspectives on the development of novel treatment strategies for leishmanial activity derived from natural products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]