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St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) is a medicinal plant known for its bioactive compounds, including tocopherols and tocotrienols, which possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These compounds play vital roles in the plant's metabolism and have potential applications in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. However, the content of these compounds in different anatomical parts of the plant, as well as the influence of environmental factors, such as the year of collection, remain underexplored. This study examined the content of tocochromanols in H. perforatum leaves, flowers, and flower buds, collected in Poland during the years 2022–2024. The results revealed that tocopherols predominantly accumulated in the leaves, while tocotrienols were more abundant in the flowers and flower buds. The year of collection had a significant effect on tocopherol levels, while tocotrienol content showed lower sensitivity to environmental fluctuations, indicating their higher stability. St. John's wort can be considered a valuable source of biologically active compounds, especially tocotrienols, which exhibit higher stability and less susceptibility to environmental variability. The results underline the importance of considering both the plant's anatomical parts and the year of collection when aiming to maximize the production of bioactive compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Brazil due to the establishment of new orchards, olive seedling production is growing strongly, while the use of biostimulants in agriculture has been gaining attention due to their benefits in root formation and nutrient absorption. This study evaluated the use of biostimulants for promoting the growth of 3-month-old rooted olive seedlings in pots and to assess the nursery quality of the seedlings. Rooted cuttings of Arbequina, Maria da Fé, and Ascolano 315 cultivars were treated with Azospirillum brasilense (Az) and humic substances (HS), alone and in combination. Growth parameters, such as height and stem diameter, were measured every month and after 150 days, seedlings per treatment were also analysed for aerial and root fresh and dry biomasses. Arbequina exhibited the highest growth rate with Az and best absolute growth rate with Az + HS treatment. The total dry matter of the olive seedlings, comprising both the aerial and root part, was influenced by both Azospirillum brasilense and humic substances, enhancing nitrogen availability. The three treatments showed their positive effects on aboveground growth and overall plant vigour. Despite increased biomass, treated olive seedlings showed no significant height advantage over controls, suggesting that the effects may appear in later developmental stages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alcohol extracts from the herb of Glycyrrhiza glabra L. were studied by HPLC on a Supelco Analytical C18 chromatographic column (4.6 mm × 15 cm, particle size 5 μm) eluted with a mobile phase of 0.1% formic acid and MeCN (50:50, v/v), column temperature 30°C, and extinction at 205 nm. The rutin peak, the retention time of which coincided with that of its reference standard used in the study, clearly dominated the chromatograms. The content of biologically active rutin in the aerial part of the medicinal plant ranged from 2.59 to 2.79%. The error of a single determination of rutin in licorice herb was ±3.08% with 95% confidence probability. The obtained data substantiated the choice of rutin reference standard for use in the quantitative determination of flavonoids in the aerial part of Glycyrrhiza glabra by differential spectrophotometry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The extract obtained from the aerial part of Datura stramonium by treatment with EtOH (90%) was fractionated with various organic solvents. Use of extraction naphtha produced 0.28% (in percentage of the raw material mass) of the extracted substances; CHCl3, 2.24%; EtOAc, 1.19%; and n-BuOH, 12.43%. Six withanolides such as daturalactone (I), (22R)-7b,27-hydroxy-1-oxowitha-2,5,24-trienolide (II), daturataturin A (III), withastramonolide (IV), (22R)-27-hydroxy-7b-methoxy-1-oxovita-3,5,24-trienolide (V), and daturametelin H (VI) were isolated from the aerial parts of D. stramonium collected in the Fergana Region of Uzbekistan. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of vast data of IR, UV, and NMR spectroscopic studies. The presence of compounds II, III, and V in the aerial parts of D. stramonium growing in Uzbekistan was proven, while compound VI was isolated for the first time from aerial parts of D. stramonium. The cytotoxicity of chemically pure daturametelin H was studied on cancer cell lines such as cervical epithelial carcinoma HeLa, mammary adenocarcinoma HBL-100 (ATCC NTV 124), adenocarcinoma of the larynx HEp-2 (ATCC:CCL-23), and T-lymphoblastic leukemia CCRF-CEM (ATCC:CCL-19). Daturametelin H was found to exhibit pronounced cytotoxicity at a concentration of 100 mM only against T-lymphoblastic leukemia cells in vitro. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To study the variability of the gathering locality and componen t composition of essential oil from the aerial part of a little‐studied species – Artemisia salsoloides Willd. depending on abiotic environmental factors, such as height above the level of the place of growth. Aerial parts of A. salsoloides were collected during the flowering phase in four Dagestan natural populations to obtain essential oil using the Clevenger method. To determine the component composition of the samples obtained of essential oils of A. salsoloides, chromatography‐mass spectrometric analysis was used. The components were identified using the NIST08 and FFNSC mass spectral libraries. In total, 55 compounds were identified in the essential oil samples, where monoterpenoids account for 59.92 % – 75.98 % and sesquiterpenoids – for 23.24 % to 37.81 %. At the same time, 15 major compounds were identified. Thus, it should be noted that there was found to be a wide range of values for monoterpenoids: β‐pinene, trans‐β‐ocimene, cis‐alloocimene, benzene, 2,4‐pentadinyl, and among sesquiterpenoids – α‐copaene, β‐sesquiphilandrene, spathulenol. The quantitative yield of essential oil in the studied samples varied from 0.68 % to 1.36 % of airdried raw materials, depending on the growth location of the species. Four separate populations of A. salsoloides were identified by means of cluster analysis based on the component composition of the studied essential oils. For the first time, the composition of the essential oil of the aerial part of wild Dagestan samples of A. salsoloides was studied as depending on an abiotic factor (height above sea level) of the environment. The results obtained of the component composition of the essential oil of A. salsoloides samples showed the presence of a number of valuable compounds, which allow the use of essential oils as their sources.

Introduction: The root of Bupleurum scorzonerifolium Willd. (BS) is officially recognized in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia. In contrast, the aerial part of BS (ABS), accounting for 80% of BS, is typically discarded, causing potential waste of medicinal resources. ABS has shown benefits in the treatment of inflammation‐related diseases in China and Spain, and the material basis underlying its anti‐inflammatory effects must be systematically elucidated for the rational use of ABS. Objective: We aimed to screen and validate the anti‐inflammatory quality markers (Q‐markers) of ABS and to confirm the ideal time for ABS harvesting. Methods: The chemical components and anti‐inflammatory effects of ABS from 10 extracted parts were analyzed by UPLC‐Q‐TOF‐MS/MS and in a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced cell model. Anti‐inflammatory substances were screened by Pearson bivariate analysis and gray correlation analysis, and the anti‐inflammatory effects were verified in a zebrafish tail‐cutting inflammation model. HPLC was applied to measure the Q‐marker contents of ABS in different harvesting periods. Results: Ten ABS extracts effectively alleviated the increase in LPS‐induced proinflammatory cytokines in RAW 264.7 cells. Forty components were identified from them, among which 27 were common components. Eight components were correlated with anti‐inflammatory effects, which were confirmed to reverse the expression of proinflammatory and anti‐inflammatory factors in a zebrafish model. Chlorogenic acid, hypericin, rutin, quercetin, and isorhamnetin can be detected by HPLC, and the maximum contents of these five Q‐markers were obtained in the sample harvested in August. Conclusion: The anti‐inflammatory Q‐markers of ABS were elucidated by chromatographic‐pharmacodynamic‐stoichiometric analysis, which served as a crucial basis for ABS quality control. We systematically analyzed the chemical composition of ABS and identified a total of 40 components. Through correlation analysis, five components were determined as the anti‐inflammatory Q‐markers of ABS and a quantitative method was established to measure the content of these Q‐markers, aiming to determine the optimal harvesting time for ABS. These findings demonstrate that ABS is one of the finest medicinal plant resources with anti‐inflammatory properties, laying a solid foundation for further development and utilization of ABS resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Apigenin-7-O-(4′′-feruloyl)-β-D-glucopyranoside (1) were isolated from the methanol extract of aerial part of Echinops gracilis, together with apigenin-7-O-(4′′-trans-p-hydroxycinnamoyl)-β-D-glucopyranoside (2) and apigenin-7-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (3). Compound (1) previously displayed antioxidant and antibacterial activity. The present study aims at evaluating the antiproliferative potential of flavonoids, isolated from the aerial part of E. gracilis O. Hoffm. The effect of compounds (1), (2) and (3) on the viability of HeLa cells was determined by the method of 3-(4,5-dimethythiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay at different concentrations. The ability of compounds to induce the cell death was evaluated by using acridine orange/ethidium bromide (AO/EtBr) staining. Compound (1) induced an effective change in the cell viability of HeLa cells with IC50 concentration value of 27.36 µgmL-1. Induction of cell death alteration in cell morphology and cancer cell population was observed in cells treated with compound (1), which makes it behave as a potent synergistic antiproliferative agent against HeLa cells.

Polysaccharide fractions were isolated from the aerial part of Serratula centauroides. The monosaccharide compositions of the polysaccharide fractions were determined by HPLC-UV. The quantitative contents of free sugars in the aerial part and subterranean organs of S. centauroides growing in the Republic of Buryatia were determined by capillary electrophoresis. The effect of mechanically activated milling of the aerial part of S. centauroides on the sugar yield was studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experiment aims to analyze the flavonoids in the aerial part of Atractylodes lancea qualitatively and quantitatively by ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography orbital trap high-resolution mass spectrometry (UPLCMS/MS). The results showed that a total of 19 flavonoid compounds (10 flavonoids, 5 isoflavones, 2 anthocyanins, 1 flavanol, and 1 dihydroflavonoid component) were detected in the positive ion mode. The order of the identified components in different parts was: Flowers (18) > stems (16) > leaves (8). And 23 flavonoids (13 flavonoids, 5 isoflavones, 3 flavanols, 1 anthocyanin, and 1 dihydroflavonoid) were detected in the negative ion mode. There was no significant difference in the number of identified components among different parts, namely flowers (12), stems (10), and leaves (15). In addition, flavanols were almost only detected in the leaves and were the main flavonoids in leaves of Atractylodes lancea. Especially, the proportions of (+) - catechins and epicatechin gallate esters were as high as 16.68% and 3.65%, respectively. Research has shown that there are many types and rich contents of flavonoids in the aerial part of Atractylodes lancea, which has great potential for development. The target components can be extracted and further studied for bioactivities, with the aim of developing them into animal feed additive, thereby achieving efficient utilization of the aerial part of Atractylodes lancea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research is devoted to the optimization of the method of adaptation of Reine Sammut microplants of roses using silicon oxide (SiO2) by spraying and watering. For the experiment, there have been used standard microplants obtained by the method of clonal micropropagation, corresponding to GOST 29105.1-91-29105.3-91. Before planting for adaptation, the microplants were cleared from the lower leaves, the roots were washed from the agar nutrient medium in a decimolar solution of potassium permanganate and trimmed to 15-20 mm. Adaptation was carried out in micro-greenhouses on a peat nutrient substrate, made in accordance with TU 20.12.80 001 41790563 2020, in a light room (humidity 36 %, temperature 23...25 ° C, light period duration 16 hours, illumination 8000 Lx). In order to disinfect the substrate, the biofungicide "Trichoderma veride" (1.5 ml/l) was used. Microplants after planting for adaptation were shed and sprinkled in accordance with the experiment options: 1) distilled water (control); 2) 0.01% SiO2 solution; 3) 0.005% SiO2 solution; 4) 0.0025% SiO2 solution. With prolonged ventilation of micro-greenhouses, 28 % of plants in the control variant showed drying of the leaves, which did not occur when using silicon oxide solutions. According to visual diagnostics, the most attractive plant species was when watered and sprayed with 0.01% silica. This concentration of silicon oxide during plant adaptation compared to the control contributed to a significant increase in plant height and shoot length by 50.0 mm and 42.6 mm, respectively (LSD05 = 36.1 and 28.3), and a tendency to increase the number of leaves by 1. 6 pcs., shoot weight 2.0 and roots 1.8 times.

The Tanacetum vulgare L. (Tansy) has several ethnobotanical uses, mostly related to the essential oil and sesquiterpene lactones, whereas information regarding other compounds is scarce. This research is designed to characterize the phenolic compounds (flavonoids, phenolic acids, and tannins) to analyze the thujone (which is toxic in high concentrations) content and to detect the antioxidant activity (DPPH assay) of extracts. The main highlights of our work provide a chemical profile of phenolic compounds of T. vulgare harvested from different regions of Latvia, as well as simultaneously support the ethnomedicinal uses for wild T. vulgare through the integration of phenolic compounds as one of the value constituents of leaves and flowers. The extraction yield was 18 to 20% for leaves and 8 to 16% for flowers. The total phenol content in the extracts of T. vulgare as well as their antioxidant activity was different between collection regions and the aerial parts ranging from 134 to 218 mg GAE/g and 32 to 182 mg L−1, respectively. A remarkable variation in the thujone (α + β) content (0.4% up to 6%) was detected in the extracts. T. vulgare leaf extracts were rich in tannins (up to 19%). According to the parameters detected, the extracts of T. vulgare could be considered promising for the development of new herbal products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Platycodon grandiflorus (balloon flower), used as a food reserve as well as in traditional herbal medicine, is known for its multiple beneficial effects. In particular, this plant is widely used as a vegetable in Republic of Korea. We examined the ameliorative effects of P. grandiflorus on alloxan-induced pancreatic islet damage in zebrafish. The aerial part treatment led to a significant recovery in pancreatic islet size and glucose uptake. The efficacy of the aerial part was more potent than that of the root. Eight flavonoids (1–8) were isolated from the aerial part. Structures of two new flavone glycosides, designated dorajiside I (1) and II (2), were elucidated to be luteolin 7-O-α-L-rhamno-pyranosyl (1 → 2)-(6-O-acetyl)-β-D-glucopyranoside and apigenin 7-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl (1 → 2)-(6-O-acetyl)-β-D-glucopyranoside, respectively, by spectroscopic analysis. Compounds 1, 3, 4 and 6–8 yielded the recovery of injured pancreatic islets in zebrafish. Among them, compound 7 blocked KATP channels in pancreatic β-cells. Furthermore, compounds 3, 4, 6 and 7 showed significant changes with respect to the mRNA expression of GCK, GCKR, GLIS3 and CDKN2B compared to alloxan-induced zebrafish. In conclusion, the aerial part of P. grandiflorus and its constituents conferred a regenerative effect on injured pancreatic islets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pentacyclic triterpenoids (PTs) of plant origin are reputed to restrain prostate cancer (PCa) cell proliferation. This study aims to assess 3-epifriedelinol (EFD) isolated from aerial part of Ipomoea batatas against PCa and its potential mechanism, in vitro and in vivo. Molecular docking affirms good binding affinity of the compound with target proteins exhibiting binding energy of −7.9 Kcal/mol with BAX, −8.1 Kcal/mol (BCL-2), −1.9 Kcal/mol (NF-κB) and −8.5 Kcal/mol with P53. In the MTT assay, EFD treatment (3–50 µM) showed a significant (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01) dose and time dependent drop in the proliferative graph of DU145 and PC3, and an upsurge in apoptotic cell population. EFD displayed substantial IC50 against DU145 (32.32 ± 3.72 µM) and PC3 (35.22 ± 3.47 µM). According to Western blots, EFD administration significantly enhanced the cleavage of caspases and PARP, elevated BAX and P53 and decreased BCL-2 and NF-κB expression, thereby triggering apoptosis in PCa cells. When male Sprague Dawley rats were intoxicated with Bisphenol A (BPA), an apparent increase in prostate mass (0.478 ± 0.08 g) in comparison to control (0.385 ± 0.03 g) indicates prostatitis. Multidose treatment of EFD (10 mg/kg) significantly reduced prostate size (0.404 ± 0.05 g). EFD exhibited substantial curative potential in vivo, as hematological, hormonal and histopathological parameters have been significantly improved. Reduced peroxidation (TBARS), and suppression of inflammatory markers i.e., NO, IL-6 and TNF-α, signposts substantial antiinflammatory potential of the compound. Overall, EFD has shown better binding affinity with target molecules, acceptable ADMET profile, potent antiproliferative and apoptotic nature and significant reduction in inflamed prostate mass of rats. The present study demonstrates acceptable physicochemical and pharmacokinetic properties of the compound with excellent drugable nature, hence EFD in the form of standardized formulation can be developed as primary or adjuvant therapy against PCa and toxins-induced gonadotoxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purwoceng (Pimpinella pruatjan Molkenb) is a medicinal plant native to Indonesia known as Indonesian Viagra from Java. The decline and scarcity of Purwoceng is an important obstacle in meeting the demands of harvesting from the original habitat without conservation and the extreme climatic conditions in the Dieng plateau. Therefore, it is necessary to apply controlled cultivation technology, namely hydroponic technology with drip irrigation in the greenhouse, to increase the yield and quality of Purwoceng. This study aimed to obtain the effect of hydroponic methods and hydroponic nutrition (EC) on the yield and quality of Purwoceng. The study was conducted from December 2020 to March 2021 at a greenhouse of ± 1500 m above sea level. The experiment used a randomized block design with three replications. Each replication consisted of 15 plants. Hydroponic type, which was recirculating drip, non-circulating drip, and nutrient concentration which were 1000 ppm, 1500 ppm, and 2000 ppm. The harvest weight (aerial part and root), moisture, ash, crude fat, crude fiber, water extractive, and ethanol extractive content, and the contaminant (microbial and heavy metal) content, were analyzed. In conclusion, to produce high-quality Purwoceng, a hydroponic system could be used using recirculating drip and 1000 ppm nutrient dose. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Individual species of cultivated plants differ in the content of microelements in the shoots. The aim of our research was to test the hypothesis that the variability of the micronutrient content between cultivars of the same species may be similar or even greater than the differences between species. The research material consisted of shoot samples of 12 wheat, 10 maize and 12 rape varieties collected from production fields in Poland. The smallest number of samples (replicates) within one cultivar was 10. A total of 481 wheat samples, 141 maize samples and 328 rapeseed samples were taken. Wheat samples were taken at the beginning of the stem elongation stage (BBCH 30/31); maize, when the plants reached a height of 25–30 cm (BBCH 14–15); and rape, in the period from the beginning of the main stem elongation stage to the appearance of the first internode (BBCH 30/31). All varieties of the tested crop species were grown in similar soil conditions in terms of pH, texture and TOC content. B, Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn were determined in all plant samples. Wheat showed a significantly lower average concentration of all micronutrients compared to rape and maize (e.g., 10 times less B than rape). On the other hand, among the species tested, rape had the highest concentration of B, Cu and Zn, and maize had the highest concentration of Fe and Mn. In all three tested crops, the differences in the content of B and Zn were greater between species than between cultivars. In the case of Cu, Mn and Fe concentration, the cultivar differences exceeded the species differences. The results suggest that there is no need to take cultivars into account when fertilizing with B and Zn. In contrast, fertilization with Cu, Mn and Fe needs to take into account different requirements of the cultivars for these micronutrients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mint (Mentha × piperita L.) is a medicinal and aromatic plant known for its high-water requirement. However, water stress is an important factor limiting vegetative development of this plant. Studying the growth, productivity, and nutrient uptake of this plant under various water stress levels is necessary to optimize its fertilization programs. In this study, the effects of different water stress levels and cutting times on the fresh biomass yields and the amounts of nutrient uptake of peppermint by different aerial parts were examined in two consecutive years. The field experiment was arranged as five irrigation treatments (125, 100, 75, 50 and 25% of full irrigation), during the season of maximum water demand (June-September), applied by drip irrigation. Results showed that at all cutting times in both years, the amounts of nutrient elements taken up by the different parts generally increased in parallel with increasing water stress, while fresh biomass yields decreased. However, this increase observed in nutrient element uptake was an increase relative to the dramatic decrease in the number of plants in severe stress conditions. The effect of long-term water stress on the nutrients taken up by different parts of the plant was mostly observed in Ca, Mg, N, Fe and Cu. As a result, in mint growing under Mediterranean conditions, despite the non-significant differences, in terms of the amounts of nutrient elements taken up by aerial parts, T75 treatment which provided 25% water saving compared to T100 could be recommended for one cut and one year cultivation in practice. Severe stress levels are not appropriate in mint growing was concluded. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. Understanding the mechanisms of accumulation of individual groups of biologically active substances in promising types of plant raw materials and the possibility of predicting them is important for solving fundamental and applied problems of pharmaceuticals. To date, differences have been revealed in the qualitative and quantitative composition of secondary metabolites in the aboveground and underground of Comarum palustre L., however, the issue remains unstudied.Aim. Comparative metabolomic study of the composition of the primary metabolites of the aboveground and underground parts of Comarum palustre L.Materials and methods. The object of the study was the aboveground and underground parts of Comarum palustre L., harvested in the vicinity of the nursery of medicinal plants of the St. Petersburg State Chemical and Pharmaceutical University (Leningrad Region, Vsevolozhsky District, Priozerskoe Highway, 38 km) in 2019 and dried. Metabolomic studies based on GC-MS method was perfomed. A statistical analysis based on the MetaboAnalyst 5.0 platform was used.Results and discussion. Analysis of the chromatograms obtained using the GC-MS method revealed the content of 933 primary metabolites in the aboveground and underground parts of Comarum palustre L., 120 of which were identified. Using a number of statistical methods, 10 metabolites from monosaccharides, acids and alcohols, making the greatest contribution to the manifestation of differences between the studied samples, were identified.Conclusion. The study revealed the relationship between the composition of primary and secondary metabolites in medicinal plant raw materials.

Zhuang medicine Shandougen, the dry radix and rhizome of the plant Sophora tonkinensis from the Leguminosae family, is one of the most important and famous traditional Chinese medicine in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region and also distributed in Yunnan and Guizhou provinces. According to the “Chinese Pharmacopoeia 2020”, Shandougen is used for clearing heat, removing toxicity, relieving sore throat and detumescence. In order to develop and utilize the aerial parts of S. tonkinensis more reasonably and scientifically, the studies for chemical constituents and their tyrosinase inhibitory activities of the aerial parts of S. tonkinensis were performed. Some modern chromatographic methods for the separation of chemical constituents were carried out, such as high-performance liquid chromatography, Sephadex LH-20 column chromatography, MCI gel CHP 20 P column chromatography, silica gel column chromatography, and thin layer chromatography. The structures of the pure compounds were established on the basis of their spectroscopic data, including the spectra of HR-ESI-MS, ~1H NMR and 13C NMR. In addition, the isolated compounds were evaluated for their tyrosinase inhibitory activities through modern pharmacological methods. The results were as follows:(1) Ten compounds were separated from the aerial parts of S. tonkinensis and their structures were identified as salicylic acid(1), 4-hydroxybenzoic acid(2), luteolin(3), 8-prenylkeamferol(4), quercetin(5), daidzein(6), formononetin-7-O-β-D-glucoside(7), formononetin(8), tectorigenin(9), and genistein(10). All these compounds were isolated from the aerial parts of S. tonkinensis for the first time;(2) Compounds 4, 7 and 9 showed strong inhibitory effects toward tyrosinase after the evaluation for their biological activity. Particularly, Compound 4 showed the strongest inhibitory activity with the IC50 value of(1.58 ± 0.31) × 10-5 mol·L-1. Compounds 4, 7 and 9 could be a potential tyrosinase inhibitor after the analysis of bioactivity results. The above results enrich the previous studies on the chemical constituents and biological activities of the aerial parts of S. tonkinensis, further providing the scientific basis for the development and utilization of the non-medicinal parts of this herb. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Total alkaloids (0.6%) were isolated from the aerial part of Physalis angulata. The known alkaloids cuscohygrine and tropine were identified for the first time in it. Neutral and polar lipids from seeds and fatty acids from leaves of P. angulata were characterized. Neutral (12.35%) and polar lipids (2.18%) were isolated from seeds. Their fatty-acid compositions (16–17 constituents) were determined. Leaves contained 3.6% total lipids with a fatty-acid composition like that of the plant seeds. Seeds and leaves of P. angulata were studied for carbohydrate contents. Leaves were shown to contain water-soluble polysaccharides and pectinic substances (PS). Their monosaccharide compositions were given. A polysaccharide containing mannan was found in seed WSPS. PS of leaves were highly esterified pectins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new pyran-4-one, smipyrane (2,3-methylenedioxy-6-methyl-4H-pyran-4-one) (1) was isolated from the aerial part of Smilax nantoensis (Liliaceae). The structure of the new constituent was essentially elucidated by spectral evidence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Tanacetum vulgare L. (Tansy) has several ethnobotanical uses, mostly related to the essential oil and sesquiterpene lactones, whereas information regarding other compounds is scarce. This research is designed to characterize the phenolic compounds (flavonoids, phenolic acids, and tannins) to analyze the thujone (which is toxic in high concentrations) content and to detect the antioxidant activity (DPPH assay) of extracts. The main highlights of our work provide a chemical profile of phenolic compounds of T. vulgare harvested from different regions of Latvia, as well as simultaneously support the ethnomedicinal uses for wild T. vulgare through the integration of phenolic compounds as one of the value constituents of leaves and flowers. The extraction yield was 18 to 20% for leaves and 8 to 16% for flowers. The total phenol content in the extracts of T. vulgare as well as their antioxidant activity was different between collection regions and the aerial parts ranging from 134 to 218 mg GAE/g and 32 to 182 mg L−1, respectively. A remarkable variation in the thujone (α + β) content (0.4% up to 6%) was detected in the extracts. T. vulgare leaf extracts were rich in tannins (up to 19%). According to the parameters detected, the extracts of T. vulgare could be considered promising for the development of new herbal products.

A new acenaphthylene derivative, salviarisanal (1), has been isolated from the aerial part of Salvia arisanensis, together with six known compounds, carnosol (2), 16-hydroxycarnosol (3), ferruginol (4), cryptotanshinone (5), salvileucantholide (6), and dugesin B (7). The structure of the new compound 1 was determined through spectroscopic and MS analyses. Among the isolates, cryptotanshinone (5) exhibited cytotoxicities with IC50 values of 5.38, 7.16, 4.84, and 9.10 μM, respectively, against DLD-1, CCRF-CEM, HL-60, and IMR-32 cell lines. 16-Hydroxycarnosol (3) also exhibited cytotoxicities with IC50 values of 7.42 and 6.73 μM, respectively, against DLD-1 and IMR-32 cell lines. In addition, salviarisanal (1), carnosol (2), 16-hydroxycarnosol (3), and ferruginol (4) showed potent inhibition with IC50 values of 18.45, 30.33, 27.58, and 35.05 μM, respectively, against LPS-induced NO generation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background In the context of searching for potent, safe, natural antimicrobial agents to combate the global antimicrobial resistance (AMR) phenomenon, the current study evaluates for the first time ever, the broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity of essential oil (EO) and extracts from the rare wild plant Centaurea pumilio L.. It has tremendous ethnomedicinal values; its dried root is used as a fattening agent, a treatment for bad breath and diabetes, and screened for schistosomicidal activity. Methods C. pumilio EO was extracted by hydrodistillation using a Clevenger apparatus. Chemical constituents of aerial part were extracted using a sequential solvent/solvent procedure employing four solvents with increasing polarities in the following order: petroleum ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate, and n-butanol. The chemical constituents were identified by GC-MS. Fifty-two microbial strains were used; twenty-six multidrug resistant (MDR), sixteen clinical, and ten reference strains. The identification of the microbial strains was performed by MALDI-TOF-MS. The antimicrobial activity of the EO and the aerial part and the root extracts was assessed through disc diffusion assay. A minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the EO and extracts was determined using the broth micro-dilution method. Results The growth of reference and clinical strains was inhibited by EO, methanol, chloroform, and ethyl acetate aerial part extracts and chloroform root extract. The MDR strains growth, however, was inhibited only by EO and chloroform aerial part extract. GC-MS identified for the first time eighteen constituents from aerial part EO and chloroform extract each. EO showed antimicrobial activity against the reference, clinical, and MDR strains with MIC values of 31.25–125, 31.25–125, and 62.50–250 μg/mL, respectively. Methanol aerial part extract exhibited high antimicrobial activities with MIC values of 62.50–250 μg/mL against reference and clinical strains. Chloroform root extract displayed strong antimicrobial activity against reference and clinical strains recording MIC values of 62.50–250 μg/mL and 62.50–125 μg/mL, respectively. The chloroform aerial part extract demonstrated potent antimicrobial activity against the reference, clinical, and MDR strains with 31.25, 31.25, and 15.62 μg/mL MIC values, respectively. Conclusions Present data unravel the C. pumilio pharmacological magnitude to discover eco-friendly potent antimicrobial agents to fight AMR phenomenon.

Five samples of the dry extract from the aerial part of Scutellaria adenostegia L. were obtained under various extraction conditions. Their antihypoxic activity was studied. Adry extract containing 46.0% polysaccharides and 5.8% flavonoids at a dose of 100 mg/kg showed high antihypoxic activity. A flow chart for obtaining the dry extract with antihypoxic activity from the aerial part of S. adenostegia in a final product yield of 17.0% of the raw-material mass was developed. Total flavonoids recalculated as norwogonin were quantitatively determined using a spectrophotometric method. Double aqueous extraction with forced circulation of the extractant was recommended based on studies of the influence of the extraction method on the yield and chemical composition of the dry extract from the aerial part of S. adenostegia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new benzophenone derivative, hyperinokone (1), has been isolated from the aerial part of Hypericum nokoense, together with six known compounds. The structure of the new compound 1 was determined through spectroscopic and MS analyses. Among the isolates, isojacareubin (4), 5,4′ -dihydroxy-3′ -methoxy-(6:7)-2,2-dimethylpyranoflavone (5), and eleocharin A (6) exhibited cytotoxicities, with IC50 values of 4.16, 6.28, and 5.98 μM, respectively, against the DLD-1 cell line. Compounds 4 and 6 exhibited cytotoxicities, with IC50 values of 5.24 and 4.79 μM, respectively, against the IMR-32 cell line. In addition, 3, 4, and 6 showed potent inhibition with IC50 values of 7.67, 6.03, and 10.52 μM, respectively, against LPS-induced NO generation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The constituent and fatty-acid compositions of neutral lipids (NL), glyco-, and phospholipids and the squalene contents in seeds and the aerial part of Amaranthus retroflexus were studied for the first time. Elaidic acid was observed in all lipid groups. The squalene content was 4.3% of the NL mass in seeds and 3.15% in the aerial part. Preliminary wetting of wheat and cucumber seeds in unsaponified substances, fatty acids, and their methyl esters obtained from A. retroflexus seeds at concentrations 0.001 and 0.0001% was found to reduce the inhibiting action of salt stress. Neutral lipids did not exhibit a protective effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The lipid and polysaccharide compositions of the plant Phragmites communis Trin. (Poaceae, Gramineae, grasses) growing in Uzbekistan were studied. The aerial part of the plant was found to contain more total lipids than inflorescences and roots. Lipids of the studied organs included 17–20 fatty acids with palmitic and total oleic and linoleic acids dominating. Water- and base-soluble polysaccharides were isolated from the aerial and subterranean organs of P. communis and characterized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flavonoids of the aerial part of Chinese mugwort (Artemisia argyi H. Lev. & Vaniot) were extracted and identified using modern physicochemical methods (IR, UV, and NMR spectroscopy and gel chromatography). They belonged to the flavone group and included hispidulin (5,7,4′-trihydroxy-6-methoxyflavone), tricin (5,7,4′-trihydroxy-3′,5′-dimethoxyflavone), ladanein (5,6-dihydroxy-4′,7-dimethoxyflavone), eupatilin (5,7-dihydroxy-3′,4′,6-trimethoxyflavone), kaempferol (3,4′,5,7-tetrahydroxyflavone), quercetin (3,3′,4′,5,7-pentahydroxyflavone), and luteolin (3′,4′,5,7-tetrahydroxyflavone), which were described earlier for this genus. The flavonoids tricin and ladanein were isolated from this plant for the first time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In the context of searching for potent, safe, natural antimicrobial agents to combate the global antimicrobial resistance (AMR) phenomenon, the current study evaluates for the first time ever, the broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity of essential oil (EO) and extracts from the rare wild plant Centaurea pumilio L.. It has tremendous ethnomedicinal values; its dried root is used as a fattening agent, a treatment for bad breath and diabetes, and screened for schistosomicidal activity. Methods: C. pumilio EO was extracted by hydrodistillation using a Clevenger apparatus. Chemical constituents of aerial part were extracted using a sequential solvent/solvent procedure employing four solvents with increasing polarities in the following order: petroleum ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate, and n-butanol. The chemical constituents were identified by GC-MS. Fifty-two microbial strains were used; twenty-six multidrug resistant (MDR), sixteen clinical, and ten reference strains. The identification of the microbial strains was performed by MALDI-TOF-MS. The antimicrobial activity of the EO and the aerial part and the root extracts was assessed through disc diffusion assay. A minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the EO and extracts was determined using the broth micro-dilution method. Results: The growth of reference and clinical strains was inhibited by EO, methanol, chloroform, and ethyl acetate aerial part extracts and chloroform root extract. The MDR strains growth, however, was inhibited only by EO and chloroform aerial part extract. GC-MS identified for the first time eighteen constituents from aerial part EO and chloroform extract each. EO showed antimicrobial activity against the reference, clinical, and MDR strains with MIC values of 31.25–125, 31.25–125, and 62.50–250 μg/mL, respectively. Methanol aerial part extract exhibited high antimicrobial activities with MIC values of 62.50–250 μg/mL against reference and clinical strains. Chloroform root extract displayed strong antimicrobial activity against reference and clinical strains recording MIC values of 62.50–250 μg/mL and 62.50–125 μg/mL, respectively. The chloroform aerial part extract demonstrated potent antimicrobial activity against the reference, clinical, and MDR strains with 31.25, 31.25, and 15.62 μg/mL MIC values, respectively. Conclusions: Present data unravel the C. pumilio pharmacological magnitude to discover eco-friendly potent antimicrobial agents to fight AMR phenomenon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water availability in arid and semi-arid environments is the most limiting environmental factor for the development of plants, which use different mechanisms to capture the water from the soil. The objective of this work was to evaluate if there is differential allocation of resources between root and shoot of woody species of Brazilian dry forest and its relationship with the phenological functional groups of known adult woody: evergreen (EG), deciduous high density woody species (DHDW) and deciduous low density woody species (DLDW). The experiment was carried out in a greenhouse with a duration of six months, with plans submitted to two treatments: controlled irrigation (CI) and abundant irrigation (AI). Results showed that there was no interaction between phenological groups and applied treatments. However, the treatment with AI presented values of total biomass higher than those presented by CI. Fine root biomass was the only variable that did not differ between abundant irrigation and controlled irrigation. DLDW plants had higher root: shoot ratio compared to DHDW and EG. DLDW presented a differentiated strategy, being an indicative factor of these groups high thick root biomass, followed by low fine root biomass, with lower proportion of leaf biomass, and higher total biomass. These results show that CI reduces the development of seedlings in the groups and hence they invest in fine-root biomass. DLDW species presented higher investment in root biomass than in shoot, in addition to higher values of total biomass and specific leaf area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Although sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) is categorized as a medium drought-sensitive crop, in a changing climate scenario and/or with the onset of early droughts, the crop may be affected by water stress. This study characterizes and compares the gene expression profiles between aerial part and roots of two sunflower inbred lines with contrasting response to water stress: B59 (sensitive) and B71 (tolerant) under non-stress and water stress. Microarray analysis revealed that water stress induced significant changes in gene expression of both lines. The B59 line had a higher number of genes differentially expressed in water-stressed seedlings compared with B71 line. In both lines, most of the water stress responding genes was upregulated. In B59, the number of genes specifically upregulated in aerial part was higher than that observed in B71. In roots, B71 had more upregulated genes compared with B59. Genes involved in signaling pathway of hormones, components of redox system, and secondary metabolites were enriched in both organs of two lines. The knowledge generated could be helpful to provide tools, that together with the genetic engineering and molecular breeding, it would contribute for the development of water stress-tolerant varieties in crop plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Three new phenylpropanoids and twenty-two known compounds were isolated and identified. • Thirteen known compounds were isolated from Clematis chinensis Osbeck for the first time. • Structures of new constituents and cytotoxicity activities were elaborated and provided. Three new phenylpropanoids (lanicepsides C–E, 1–3) and twenty-two (4-25) known ones were isolated from the aerial part of Clematis chinensis Osbeck. Structure elucidation was performed by several spectroscopic techniques, including one and two-dimensional NMR spectra and HRESIMS. Compounds 4 , 5 , 8 , 11–17 and 19 - 21 were reported from Clematis chinensis Osbeck for the first time. All compounds were tested for cytotoxic activity against three cancer cell lines (HeLa, MGC-803, Ishikawa) by MTT assay. The results showed that compounds 4–7 (IC 50 values in the range of 10.1±1.1–22.3±1.9 μM) displayed medium cytotoxicity against Ishikawa cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previously, the authors conducted phytochemical investigations of the aerial parts of Larrea tridentata and reported triterpene glycosides and lignan derivatives. In continuation of the preceding studies, 17 lignans and lignan glycosides (1–17) were isolated, including seven new compounds (1–7). Herein, the structure of the new compounds was determined based on spectroscopic analysis and enzymatic hydrolysis. The cytotoxicity of 1–17 against HL-60 human promyelocytic leukemia cells was examined. Compounds 4–11 and 14–16 were cytotoxic to HL-60 cells, with IC50 values in the range of 2.7–17 μM. Compound 6, which was the most cytotoxic among the unprecedented compounds, was shown to induce apoptotic cell death in HL-60 cells.

The root of Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz (AMK) is an important crude drug widely used in Chinese folk medicines for treating various diseases. This study was aimed to investigate the anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant activities of the aerial part of AMK (APA) and analyze its active constituents by LC-ESI-MS/MS. Total extracts of APA and different fractions of petroleum ether (PEE), ethyl acetate (ACE), n-butanol (BE) and the residues (WE) were prepared. The contents of total phenolics and flavonoids of APA extracts and the different fractions were determined. Then, anti-inflammatory effects of the extracts/fractions were evaluated in animal models by using dimethylbenzene-induced ear edema and acetic acid-induced vascular permeability in mice. The antioxidant activities were determined in vitro by DPPH radical scavenging and phosphor-molybdenum methods. The constituents in the most active fraction of ACE were analyzed by HPLC-ESI-MS/MS. The results demonstrated that APA extracts and all sub-fractions contain affluent phenolics and flavonoids. The APA extracts and different sub-fractions (especially ACE) showed notable anti-inflammatory effects and antioxidant activity. Furthermore, 10 constituents including protocatechuic acid, p -hydroxybenzoic acid, syringin, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, ferulic acid, ethyl caffeate, ethyl cinnamate, luteolin and apigenin were identified in ACE. In conclusion, APA (especially ACE) can be developed into effective and safe therapeutic agents for treating inflammation and oxidative stress in the future, and HPLC-ESI-MS/MS is an efficient method for analyzing active constituents in APA. • ACE showed notable anti-inflammatory in vivo and antioxidant activity in vitro. • The compounds identified in ACE are mainly phenolics and flavonoids. • LC-ESI-MS/MS is an efficient method for analyzing active constituents in ACE. • APA (especially ACE) can be utilized as therapeutic agents for treating inflammation and oxidative stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The essential oils of plants of the genus Piper have secondary metabolites that have antimicrobial activity related to their chemical composition. The objective of our work was to determine the chemical composition and evaluate the antifungal activity of the aerial part essential oil of P. auritum obtained by hydrodistillation on Fusarium oxysporum and Fusarium equiseti isolated from Capsicum chinense. The antifungal activity was evaluated by direct contact and poisoned food tests, and the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC50) and maximum radial growth inhibition (MGI) were determined. The identification of oil metabolites was carried out by direct analysis in real time mass spectrometry (DART-MS). By direct contact, the essential oil reached an inhibition of over 40% on Fusarium spp. The 8.4 mg/mL concentration showed the highest inhibition on F. oxysporum (40–60%) and F. equiseti (>50%). The MIC50 was 6 mg/mL for F. oxysporum FCHA-T7 and 9 mg/mL for F. oxysporum FCHJ-T6 and F. equiseti FCHE-T8. DART-MS chemical analysis of the essential oil showed [2M-H]− and [M-H]− adducts of high relative intensity that were mainly attributed to eugenol and thymol/p-cimen-8-ol. The findings found in this study show a fungistatic effect of the essential oil of P. auritum on Fusarium spp.

Ruscus aculeatus L. is a subshrub used in traditional medicine in different parts of the world, namely in Europe and the Iberian Peninsula. According to reported folk knowledge, the aerial parts are mainly used as diuretics and the underground organs are used for the treatment of disorders of the urinary system and as a laxative. In this work, the aerial part and the roots and rhizomes of R. aculeatus were chemically characterized with regard to the content of phenolic compounds and bioactive properties. Aqueous (infusions and decoctions) preparations and hydroethanolic extracts from the two mentioned parts of the plant were prepared. Nine phenolic compounds were detected in all the extracts. Apigenin-C-hexoside-C-pentoside isomer II was the major compound in aqueous extracts and, in the hydroethanolic extract was quercetin-O-deoxyhexoside-hexoside followed by apigenin-C-hexoside-C-pentoside isomer II. All extracts revealed antioxidant activity and potential to inhibit some of the assayed bacteria; aqueous extracts of the aerial part and infusions of roots and rhizomes did not show cytotoxic effects on a non-tumor primary cell culture. This preliminary study provides suggestions of the biological potential associated with the empirical uses and knowledge of this species, in particular its bioactivities.

The phytochemical investigation of the aerial parts of Launaea sarmentosa (LS) led to the isolation of two new compounds (2 and 11) along with 14 known compounds (1 , 3 – 10 , and 12 – 16). The structures of these compounds were determined through 1D and 2D-NMR spectroscopic analysis, MS, electron circular dichroism spectra calculations, and comparison with published spectroscopic data. The isolated compounds include methyl pyroglutamate (1), sarmentosin A (2), caffeic acid (3), ferulic acid (4), umbelliferon (5), esculetin (6), α -conidendrin (7), apigenin (8), luteolin (9), quercetin (10), sarmentosin B (11), cynaroside (12), luteolin 7- O -rutinoside (13), rutin (14), lupeol (15), and β -sitosterol (16). Compounds 1 and 7 were isolated from the Launaea genus for the first time, while compounds 3 – 6 , 8 , 10 , and 12 – 16 were reported for the first time in this species. [Display omitted] • Two new compounds (2 and 11) and fourteen compounds (1 , 3 – 10 , and 12 – 16) were isolated from Launaea sarmentosa (Asteraceae). • The structures (1 – 16) were determined by spectroscopic methods and comparison with published spectroscopic data. • Compounds 1 and 7 were obtained from Launaea genus for the first time. • The chemotaxonomic significance of these compounds was described. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]