Above-mentioned Plants Research Articles

Wastewater purification and recycling using plants in an arid environment for agricultural purposes: case of the Algerian Sahara

The aim of this study is to apply a water treatment technique (phyto-purification) in the Algerian Sahara, an arid region, to resolve the scarcity of irrigation, recycled wastewater and preserve Saharian ecosystems composed of sand and two species of aquatic plants: Typha latifolia and Imperata cylindrica. The choice of these plants was determined based on the natural vegetation, soil and climatic characteristics of the study area. To this end, we developed an experimental pilot composed of three tanks measuring 30 cm × 35 cm × 45 cm, arranged with a filter bed of sand and gravel. Two of these tanks are sown with the above-mentioned plants, while the third tank, serving as a control, is not. The values of the main wastewater pollution parameters, namely total nitrogen compounds, ammonium (NH4+), chemical oxygen demand (COD) and suspended solids measured at the outlet of the device, substantiate the performance of this treatment system. Indeed, the nitrogen reduction rate increased from 63% in the unplanted control filters to around 80% in the planted filters, and from 81 to 88% for NO3−. Regarding chemical oxygen demand (COD), the reduction rate exceeds 88.37% for the three tanks. The study of the analytical approach to modeling the purification kinetics reveals that the kinetics of COD and NH4+ are well correlated with the first-order model, with an explained variance varying between 68.1 and 81.6% for COD and 83.5 and 92.3% for ammonium. The Riverside diagram highlights that all treated water samples fall into the low sodium risk and high salinity risk class. Build on the Na% values; all purified waters have characteristics suitable for water use for irrigation.

Toxicity and Phytochemical Analysis of Five Medicinal Plants

Recent studies have shown that long-term uses of herbs have been associated with a rise in morbidity and mortality rates. While most researches are focused on bioactivity investigations, the toxicity of many plants has not been reported. There is a paucity of data on the potential toxicity of the following plants: Harungana madagascariensis (HM), Pterocarpus osun (PO), Phoenix dactylifera (PD), Annona muricata (AM), and Rutidea parviflora (RP). To evaluate the toxicity of the above-mentioned plants; two tests were employed namely: The Brine shrimp lethality test (BSLT) and the Allium cepa test. A correlation between the oral acute toxicity assay in mice and the LC50 obtained from BSLT has been established. Allium cepa test measures the potential genotoxic effects of plant extracts exerted on the root meristem of A. cepa (onions). Plant extracts were administered in concentrations ranging from 100 to 2500 µg/ml to the A. cepa for 72 h to obtain their Mitotic Indices (MI) and EC50. Results of the MI at 2500 µg/ml for HM, PO, PD, AM, and RP were 3.75, 4.96, 5.96, 6.10, and 6.71 while 281.81, 398.11, 501.19, 630.96, and 707.9 µg/ml were obtained as the respective EC50 values. Furthermore, 10-1000 mcg/ml concentrations were administered in the BSLT and the obtained LC50 values were 116.3, 250, 581.5, 581.5, and 750 µg/ml. The toxicity result demonstrated that the five plants were moderately toxic, with RP exhibiting minimal toxicity values and thus potentially having a good safety profile. The phytochemical screening of these plants revealed the presence of some pharmacologically important classes of compounds that are abundant. Several bioactive and toxic compounds were identified in the GC-MS analysis for some of the plants.

Alpha-amylase and Alpha-glucosidase Inhibitory Activities of Philippine Indigenous Medicinal Plants

In the Philippines, medicinal plants still provide the first line of therapeutic remedies and their reported efficacy in traditional treatments provides an opportunity for drug discovery and development. The study aimed to evaluate in vitro commonly used Philippine medicinal plants for their alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase inhibitory activities as potential sources of antidiabetic agents. The study emphasised the inhibitory activities of 54 medicinal plants against α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes. The findings revealed 7 medicinal plants with the highest alpha-glucosidase inhibitory activity of ≥ 50% and 3 with alpha-amylase inhibitory activity of ≥ 20%. Ethyl acetate extract of Cycas sp. exhibited the highest α-glucosidase inhibitory activity with 83.87% ± 1.52 followed by the aqueous extract of cf. Calyptranthera sp. With 82.07% ± 0.14 with Acarbose as the reference standard (99.71% ± 0.63) at 10µg/mL (w/v) concentration. For the alpha-amylase inhibitory assay, the highest bioactivity was observed in ethyl acetate extract of Curcuma longa L. (39.44% ± 1.56) with Acarbose as the reference standard (51.59% ± 0.98) at 10µg/mL (w/v) concentration. These findings suggest the potential of the above-mentioned plants as sources of alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase inhibitors that may be used as antidiabetic agents.

Isolation, Identification and Determination of Effective Substances of Three plants, Yarrow, False Chamomile and Fennel

This research was conducted in order to determine the amount of effective substances of yarrow, false chamomile and fennel in Hamadan region. First, the alcoholic extract of the three above-mentioned plants was obtained by maceration method. In this way, the body of the desired plant is dried and crushed and immersed in 70% alcohol and left in the same state for 14 days, and then the mixture is filtered and the dried extract was weighed and the ratio of the weight of the liquid extract to the weight of the dry plant was obtained. Also, the numerical amount of total ash and ash insoluble in acid was determined to determine the amount of solutes. Also, the amount of protein, calcium and phosphorus was obtained in three plants. By performing TLC chromatography (paper method), the type of active substances in three plants was determined and the pH of each of the manufactured products was also determined, and the results are as follows: The amount of insoluble ash in fennel acid was 1.6%, yarrow 2.8% and false chamomile 6.8%, and the amount of total ash was 12.9%, 13.7% and 7.4%, respectively. The percentage of calcium and phosphorus in fennel is 0.4% and 0.13%, in yarrow 0.98% and 0.5%, and in false chamomile is 0.74% and 0.39%. The amount of protein in fennel was 4.8%, in yarrow 24.5% and in false chamomile 19.2%. The pH of the products was as follows: the product prepared from fennel is 85/6, yarrow 80/4 and false chamomile 80/5. The results of paper chromatography of three plant samples are as follows: In fennel, in the vicinity of solvent 1 (Rf = 0.6 and 0.51), which is related to antole, and in the vicinity of solvent 2 (Rf = 0.84 and 0.76), which is related to fanchon. In yarrow plant, Rf = 0.86 is related to betapinene, Rf = 0.72 is related to sineon, and finally Rf = 0.1 is related to Borneon's special substance. In the false chamomile plant, Rf = 0.21 is related to gamma element, Rf = 0.30 to beta element, and Rf = 0.39 to the effective substance transmatricaria ester. By performing these steps and comparing the results obtained from previous researches on these plants, a step was taken towards the realization of the aforementioned goals, which is to determine the amount and type of effective substances of these three plants in Hamadan region.

Isoprenoids from Rhaponticum carthamoides (Willd.) Iljinand Rhaponticum serratuloides (Georgi.) Bobr

The article presents the results of a chemical study of Rhaponticum carthamoides (Willd.) Iljin. and Rhaponticum serratuloides (Georgi.) Bobr., which are of interest as sources of new adaptogenic, anabolic, and antiparasitic drugs; a method for complex chemical processing of the raw materials of the above-mentioned plants has been proposed. The structure of new sesquiterpene lactones raposerine, raserolide, 15-deacetylraposerine, and raserine has been isolated and established. The content of pharmacologically active ecdysterone in various organs of the studied Rhaponticum species is discussed according to the phenological phases of plant development. The antiparasitic, antiviral activity and cytotoxicity of the isolated compounds were determined.

Documentation of some of the major medicinal plants used by the irula people in Palamalai hills of Coimbatore district, Tamil nadu, India

Our traditional health practices rely heavily on medicinal herbs. Protecting biological diversity requires understanding living things and being aware of how to protect them. A preliminary study on the diversity of medicinal plants was carried out at Palamalai Hills, Nikenpalayam, Coimbatore District, Tamil Nadu. This study examined his 36 most useful medicinal herbs with high healing potential. Herbal medicines are used by the Irula people to treat red rash, diabetes, jaundice, asthma, fertility, infertility, hay fever, and other illnesses. Scientific knowledge is required to cultivate the above-mentioned medicinal plants to prevent most diseases and both to develop and protect natural resources.

Determination of the phytochemical profile and anti-oxidant capacity of the roots of Beta vulgaris (Chenopodiaceae)

Introduction: Chronic inflammation due to oxidative stress plays an essential role in the pathogenesis of chronic diseases like cardiovascular diseases. Regular consumption of fruits/vegetables known as medicinal plants are considered as fundamental approach in treating non communicable diseases like hypertension. These is achieved through secondary metabolites contained in the above-mentioned plants.
 Objective: To determine the phytochemical profile and anti-oxidant capacity of the roots of Beta vulgaris (Chenopodiaceae).
 Methodology: Qualitative phytochemical analysis was carried out according to Harbone and Evans principles. Total polyphenol content was assessed according to Li et al, total flavonoid content was assessed according to Zhishen et al and total tannins content was measured according to Julkumen-Titto. Antioxidant capacity were performed in vitro using the DPPH tests (radical scavenging) according to Blois and Ferric Reducing Ability of Plasma (FRAP) according to Benzie and strain. All tests were performed in triplicates at 1500μg/mL. The type of antioxidant ability (primary or secondary) was assessed.
 Results: The phytochemical analysis of the raw root of Beta vulgaris revealed the presence of polyphenols, flavonoids, alkaloids and terpenes. Total polyphenol, flavonoids and tannins content was 18,56±1,0, 31,19±3,12 572,84±54 mg of catechin, quercetin and tannic acid equivalent/gram dry matter respectively. Antioxidant tests revealed radical scavenging activity with DPPH whose SC50 was 108.2
 μg/mL against 302.5 μg/mL for gallic acid and FRAP (chelating antioxidant) activity at 1089.14±99.23 mg catechin equivalent per gram of dry matter. The antioxidant ability was secondary (preventive).
 Conclusion: Beta vulgaris possess the three main group of secondary metabolites and secondary antioxidant activity.

New Insights into Bioactive Compounds of Wild-Growing Medicinal Plants

Plants contain bioactive substances and secondary metabolites that have a variety of functions, including antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer activities. In this study, the content of bioactive compounds in five medicinal plants was determined, i.e., Plantago major L., Armoracia rusticana, Hypericum perforatum L., Rumex acetosa L., and Urtica dioica L., from 38 locations. Additionally, the antimicrobial effect of extracts of bioactive compounds from the above-mentioned plants was checked. The experiment used an original method of extracting bioactive compounds. Purpose of the research: the assessment of antimicrobial activity and chemical characterization of extracts obtained using our own method of isolating bioactive compounds from green parts of medical plants in Poland. Based on the research, the presence of bioactive compounds, i.e., phenolic acids and flavonoids, was found in the tested plant extracts. The results of this study suggest that the geographic parameters of the locations where these plants grow have different effects on their biochemical composition and biological activity. The results showed that all tested plants had significant antibacterial activities. Rumex acetose L. showed the highest antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli and Salmonella enteritidis. These studies supplement the existing literature on the subject with information about the antimicrobial properties of the tested plant extracts that can be used in herbal medicine. The results have significant implications for the pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and cosmetic sectors, establishing a foundation for future research in this area.

A Comparative Study on the Characteristics of Seeds and Phytomass of New High-Potential Fodder and Energy Crops

The purpose of this research is to capitalise on the potential of non-traditional plant species in the Republic of Moldova from the families Asteraceae (cup plant Silphium perfoliatum; cardoon Cynara cardunculus), Fabaceae (fodder galega Galega orientalis, sand sainfoin Onobrychis arenaria), Hydrophylaceae (phacelia Phacelia tanacetifolia), Malvaceae (curly mallow Malva crispa; Virginia mallow Sida hermaphrodita) and Poaceae (perennial sorghum Sorghum almum, pearl millet Pennisetum glaucum). The study presents the research results on the seed properties (dimensional parameters, structure, friability, apparent specific mass, mass of 1000 seeds) and on the phytomass quality of the above-mentioned plants. The obtained results demonstrate that the criterion of dimensional proportionality Kdp, proposed in this paper, effectively reflects the structure of the seeds; the seeds of new crops (except phacelia) have high friability (angle of repose α ≤ 33° and angle of static friction on steel α1 ≤ 27.8°, on wood α1 = 34.7°, on enamelled surface α1 = 30°). The natural fodder from the researched species is characterised by a crude protein content of 9.0–23.4%, dry matter digestibility of 56.0–66.5%, digestible energy load of 11.16–12.95 MJ kg−1, metabolizable energy of 9.16–10.63 MJ kg−1, net energy for lactation of 5.18–6.76 MJ kg−1, and relative feed value RFV = 74–129. The biochemical biomethane potential from studied vegetal substrates is 297–353 l kg−1 VS.

93 Microbial Contaminants and Pro-Inflammatory Properties of Organic Dust From Different Occupational Settings

Abstract The study aimed to characterize the microbial contamination of dust samples from various occupational environments and to assess their impact on the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines from cell culture. The research was conducted in six occupational settings, including waste sorting and composting plants, a sewage treatment plant, a cement plant using alternative fuel, a power plant co-firing biomass as well as a poultry farm. In total, 76 organic dust samples were collected at 26 workplaces in the above-mentioned plants to assess the concentrations of: inhalable dust fraction, crystalline silica, aerobic and anaerobic bacteria, fungi as well as peptidoglycans, endotoxins and (1→3)-β-D-glucans. The alveolar epithelial cells (A549) were exposed to dust extracts and the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6 and IL-8) were determined. The highest inhalable dust concentrations were found in the power plant samples – 5.60 mg/m3 (SD=9.13). In poultry houses, the highest concentrations were noted for aerobic and anaerobic bacteria – 201129 cfu/m3 (SD=62795) and 72702 cfu/m3 (SD=13532), respectively. In turn, the waste sorting plant workplaces were the most contaminated with fungi – 36335 cfu/m3 (SD=27270), endotoxins – 23.9 ng/m3 (SD=21.5) and SiO2 – 0.024 mg/m3 (SD=0.026). The highest levels of peptidoglycans – 7930 ng/m3 (SD=6049) and (1→3)-β-D-glucans – 180.5 ng/m3 (SD=46.4) were found at workplaces in composting plant. The release of cytokines was significantly dependent (p<0.05) on dust concentrations for composting and cement plants; however, to a lesser extent, their production were also stimulated by aerobic bacteria, fungi, endotoxins and crystalline silica. The microbial characteristics of organic dusts may trigger the pro-inflammatory reactions in workers.

Uptake, Translocation, and Fate of Carcinogenic Aristolochic Acid in Typical Vegetables in Soil−Plant Systems

When Aristolochia plants wilt and decay, aristolochic acids (AAs) are released into the soil, causing soil contamination. It has been demonstrated that aristolochic acid can be accumulated and enriched in crops through plant uptake. However, there is a lack of systematic studies on the migration and accumulation of AAs in a realistic simulated soil environment. In this study, Aristolochia herbal extracts were mixed with soil for growing three typical vegetables: lettuce, celery, and tomato. The contents of AAs in the above-mentioned plants were determined by an established highly sensitive LC-MS/MS method to study the migration and accumulation of AAs. We found that AAs in the soil can be transferred and accumulated in plants. AAs first entered the roots, which were more likely to accumulate AAs, and partially entered the above-ground parts. This further confirms that AAs can enter the food chain through plants and can have serious effects on human health. It was also shown that plants with vigorous growth and a large size absorbed AAs from the soil at a faster rate. The more AAs present in the soil, the more they accumulated in the plant.

Research of Transport Effects of Heavy Metals in Plants of Opuntia Vulgaris Mill and Rosmarinus Offıcinalis L., Grown in the Technogenic Contaminated Soils

In this work, it was carried out the study of transport effect of a number of heavy metals from technogenic contaminated soil to the plants of Opuntia Vulgaris Mill and Rosmarinus officinalis L. For the conducting research it was selected two sites for each plant from the technogenic contaminated zone in the village of Gala, Absheron Peninsula of Azerbaijan. It was used transportable roentgen-fluorescence XRF spectrometer X Omega Roentgen Pluorescence Spectrometer of Innov–X for the measurement of plants of heavy metals in contaminated soil and plants. Seedlings of these plants were moved from ecologically clean areas to contaminated areas. Before planting, the concentration of a number of heavy metals was measured in the soil at depths of (0-5); (10-15); (15-20) cm. Measurement of concentration of heavy metals in the samples were carried out after 6 month of planting. It was revealed that, there is “Transport effect” of a number of heavy metals from technogenic contaminated soil to the above-mentioned plants. The results of experiment are expressed in the following figures (the concentration of specified heavy metals in soil corresponds to the depth of (0-5) cm). For Opuntia Vulgaris Mill – Cd (2,27-1,86): Pb (9,58-5,59); Zn (60,28-46,40); Ni (31,76-22,32); Co (4,60-2,46); Mn (39,76-16,57). For Rosmarinus officinalis L. – CD (2,36-0,92); Pb (9,31-3,38); Zn (58,17-39,90); Ni (29,61-12,75); Co (4,71-1,64); Mn (37,15-16,57) (unit of measuring concentration - mg/kg; in the brackets, in the first place there is concentration in soil, in the second place there is transported concentration in plants taking into account background measurement before planting).

Phytochemistry and Antiviral Activities of Some Fruit Plant Species As Potential Resources For AntiViral Agents

The aim of the present work was to review data on the antiviral activities of some fruit plant species and their macronutrient composition. This was done with the aim of promoting these plants for the management of viral diseases, particularly covid-19. Several fruit plant species are mentioned in the literature for their antiviral properties. These include: Cocos nucifera, Garcinia mangostana, Malus domestica, Mangifera indica, Musa acuminate, Musa balbisiana, Musa paradisiaca, Nephelium lappaceum, Passiflora edulis, Persea americana, Syzygium aromaticum, Syzygium guineense, Syzygium malaccense, Vitis vinifera. Some compounds of the above-mentioned fruit plants can interact with the therapeutic targets of various viruses including SARS-Cov-2 proteases. Others, on the other hand, are known to have immunostimulatory or both antiviral and immunostimulatory activities.

Influence of Flavonoid Dyes on the Color and Pro - Health Benefits of Linen Fabrics

ABSTRACT The paper presents analyses of flavonoid dyestuffs i.e., marigold (Tagetes patula L.), dyer’s broom (Genista tinctoria) and weld (Reseda luteola L.) Color analysis and potential health-promoting properties of linen fabrics dyed with extracts from the above-mentioned plants were also carried out. The study, based on many years of experience, led to carrying out dyeing with extracts of selected plants on an industrial scale and to creating a collection of naturally dyed linen apparels for adults and children. Dyeing was performed only with plant extracts. The experiments included fabric pre-treatment processes with the use of 5 mordants: alum, soda, citric acid, copper sulfate and iron sulfate. The paper discusses optimization of the dyeing process by testing the dyed fabrics spectrophotometrically and determining the colorimetric properties (L *, a *, b *) and the colors according to the Pantone (Color) Matching System (PMS). Laboratory research was implemented into industrial production line and a pilot collection of fabrics was made. These fabrics were used to make 2 collections of clothing with health-promoting properties for children and adults. Linen fabrics, with interesting, subtle colors, with antimicrobial activity showed positive effects on the skin, which was more moisturized and very well protected against UV radiation.,,

Antidiabetic and Hepatoprotective Activity of a Novel Polyherbal preparation against Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetes Rats and its Formulation into a Tablet Dosage Form

Context: Diabetes is estimated to affect 79.4 million individuals in India by 2030. Aim: A polyherbal mixture containing hydroalcoholic extracts of Cinnamomum zeylanicum (CZ) bark, Eugenia jambolana (EJ) seed, Vinca rosea (VR) entire plant, and Gymnema sylvestre (GS) leaves was tested for anti-diabetic and hepatoprotective properties in different proportions. Materials and Methods: In normal and diabetic rats, the anti-diabetic and hepatoprotective efficacy was evaluated. Male and female Albino Wistar rats weighing 150–200 g were utilized in the experiment. Streptozotocin (60 mg/kg, i.p.) was used to induce diabetes. Group 1 acts as a normal control, Group 2 as a diabetic control, and Group 3 as a standard control, all animals of Group 3 were given Glibenclamide at a dose of 5 mg/kg p. o. Diabetic rats in groups 4–7 and 8–11 were given polyherbal preparations (PHPs) containing a combination of the above-mentioned plants in different proportions at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight, respectively, for dosage optimization and to determine the most efficacious and safe dose. The treatments were administered for a total of 28 days. Blood was drawn on the 7th, 14th, 21st, and 28th days to determine diabetic and hepatoprotective indicators such as body weight, blood glucose (BGL) levels, liver glycogen, total protein, urea, creatinine, serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase, and serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase. On the 28th day of the research, rats were sacrificed, and the pancreas examined for histological results. Results: BGL levels and serum liver enzymes were significantly reduced when a polyherbal mixture including CZ: EJ: VR: GS: 2: 1: 2: 2 at 400 mg/kg was administered. The optimum PHP ratio was then translated into tablet formulations (F1-F9) and tested for quality control characteristics. The weight, hardness, thickness, friability, and disintegration time of polyherbal tablets were all found to be within acceptable pharmacopeial parameters. Formulation F8, which included 20% sodium starch glycolate, had a disintegration time of 291 s. Formulation F8 was further tested for description, hardness, friability, and disintegration time during a 3-month accelerated stability testing. The results of a short-term stability investigation were likewise positive and comparable to the original formulation. Conclusion: As a result, the produced polyherbal formulation F8 may be utilized as a solid dosage form that is stable, patient-friendly, and cost-effective.

Profile of Semiquinone Radicals, Phytohormones and Sugars in Pistacia vera L. cv. Kirmizi Development

The main aim of this study was to investigate metabolic responses of fruits, leaves, and shoots of pistachio trees (Pistacia vera L. cv. Kirmizi) during their development. Electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy revealed significant increase in generation of semiquinone radicals in fruits and leaves of pistachio, while the flower cluster thinning application was conducted in relation to the control; especially at the second term of the plant material collection. Moreover, flower abscission caused an increase in the level of phytohormones such as indole-3-acetic acid and abscisic acid in fruits at the first term of fruits sampling. In turn, high-performance liquid chromatography analysis revealed differences both in the profile as well as the contents of soluble sugars detected in pistachio organs. The highest total sugar content was found in fruits of pistachio where the flower cluster thinning application was made early. Total sugar levels were higher also in leaves and shoots of the above-mentioned pistachio plants in relation to the control until the third sampling time. The importance of high levels of fructose in the fruits following the flower abscission was observed. Additionally, analyses of mineral elements in organs showed that copper and phosphorus contents in fruits were higher after the flower abscission in relation to the control. To conclude, our findings signal on contribution of semiquinone radicals, paramagnetic manganese ions, phytohormones, nutrients, and sugars in pistachio organs development on the background of the flower cluster thinning which was applied before fructification.

Retrofit design of an industrial natural gas liquids recovery process based on the pinch technology concept

Energy consumption is increasing very rapidly, especially in the high-energy consuming industries such as oil, gas, and Natural Gas Liquids refineries. Pinch analysis as a well-established and successful technique is used to improve the energy efficiency of the above-mentioned plants. However, the limitations on ΔTmin and those related to the technical and economic aspects result in the lack of capability by the pinch analysis in reducing the utility beyond a specific amount. Also, this analysis only uses the existing process streams and cannot identify and develop high potential streams reducing the external utility consumption. Opportunities for saving energy consumption would increase through the self-refrigeration methods, and they further decrease the utility consumption. Moreover, for minimizing the process changes, the Heat Exchanging Network should be optimized by pinch analysis and then, the opportunities for self-refrigeration of the process should also be challenged. Thus, the present study was conducted to consider the opportunities for reducing the energy consumption and the required utility in a real-life case study of a Natural Gas Liquids plant. Finally, the heat exchanging network redesigned by the grass root plant was revamped with side streaming from the demethanizer column by changing the ΔTmin to 3 °C resulting in the provision of an additional refrigeration stream for inlet feed instead of external utility. This scheme resulted in saving 3671 kW of refrigeration compressors shaft work and saving 6100 kW of the needed energy for the reboiler and condenser. As the result, 546 kW (53 %) of the plant's total energy consumption will be saved by the pinch and self-refrigeration scheme. The total savings in the purchased equipment costs and operating costs saving of the NGL plant are equal to 3,891,560 (USD) and 3,757,451 (USD/year), with 378 days' payback period.

A study on the allelopathic activity and quantitative determination of total phenolicand flavonoid of six plants in the Asteraceae family

This study aims to determine the allelopathic activities of six plants that belong to Asteraceae family such as China wedelia (Wedelia chinensis), sunflower (Helianthus annuus), cosmos (Cosmos bipinnatus), marigolds (Tagetes erecta), Mexico sunflower (Tithonia diversifolia), and zinnia (Zinnia elegans) by applying their methanolic extracts on barnyardgrass (Echinochloa crus-galli L.) and mustard green (Brassica juncea) with different concentrations (0.03, 0.1, 0.3, 1 g/ml). Results conducted from the study showed that the aqueous solutions extracted from the above-mentioned plants inhibited shoot and root length of barnyardgrass, mustard green at different intensity ranges in which cosmos aqueous extract gave the strongest impact, says, 23.01 and 97.54% of shoot length inhibition; 56.45 and 93.52% of root length inhibition at 0.3 and 1.0 g/ml respectively for mustard green. In case of barnyradgrass, the same results were also reported, says, 8.5 and 88.15% of shoot length inhibition; 36.35 and 99.99% of root length inhibition at 0.3 and 1.0 g/ml respectively. Total phenolic contents of the fresh plants of cosmos, China wedelia, sunflower, Mexico sunflower, marigolds and zinia were 4.51, 3.96, 1.05, 1.45, 3.61, and 0.99 mg/g, respectively; their total flavonoid contents were 1.58, 0.76, 0.29, 0.39, 0.65, and 0.45 mg/g, respectively. It is obvious that cosmos aqueous extract can be effectively and safely used for biological control of barnyardgrass.

Cytotoxic Effects of Artemisia Dracunculus L. and Heracleum Persicum Desf. Extracts on Leishmania major and Leishmania infantum Promastigotes Using MTT Assay

Background: Leishmaniasis is a parasitic disease that occurs in subtropical and tropical regions with approximately 350 million people worldwide and 2 million new cases annually. The annual increase in cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is observed, especially in endemic areas such as Iran. Since there is no effective vaccine, the detection of natural anti-leishmanial products is essential. Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the in vitro anti-leishmanial activity of two herbal medicine including Artemisia dracunculus L. and Heracleum persicum Desf. (Golpar). Materials and Methods: The extracts of selected plants were obtained by maceration, and in vitro anti-leishmanial activity was assayed on Leishmania major and Leishmania infantum promastigotes using colorimetric MTT [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5- diphenyltetrazolium bromide] assay in comparison with glucantime as a reference. Results: Based on the results, 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of selected plants and glucantime solutions were determined at 24, 48, and 72 hours incubation. Further, the anti-leishmanial activity of the leaf extract of A. dracunculus with IC50 values of 1.85 and 3.5 µg/mL and the fruit extract of H. persicum with values of 31.32 and 11.7 µg/mL were evaluated against L. major and L. infantum promastigotes, respectively. Conclusion: These results revealed anti-leishmania properties of the above-mentioned plants and the need to study the effects of these extracts on the Leishmania genus in animal models and in vivo assay in the future.

Энергетическая оценка фитодеструкционной деятельности дождевых червей и мокриц

The article provides data related to the participation of earthworms (Lumbricidae, genus Nicodrilus) and woodlice (Isopoda, genus Armadillidium) in the destruction of plant litter (wormwood, alfalfa, licorice, grapes) on meadow-gray soil. Decomposition experiments were carried out both on the natural (virgin) cenosis and on the agrocenoses of the above-mentioned plants. The results obtained showed that woodlice are active destructors of virgin vegetation, while earthworms are of significant importance in agrocenoses. The experimental data were evaluated energetically, as a result of which a selective ratio of invertebrates to various energy (forage) resources was revealed.