Achillea Nobilis Research Articles

DNA BARCODING ANALYSIS OF THE ASTERACEAE SPECIES FROM KAZAKHSTAN

Asteraceae is the largest family of flowering plants in the world, containing more than 1.900 genera and more than 32.000 individual species. Many members of the Asteraceae family are important for medicinal, ornamental, and economic purposes. In Kazakhstan, the family is represented by 146 genera and 883 species. Many species of Asteraceae are currently being used for medicinal purposes in Kazakhstan. The species of this family including Artemisia dracunculus, Pentanema caspicum, Achillea nobilis, Leuzea altaica, Klasea cardunculus, and their derivatives are effective in the treatment of diseases, possess anti-fatigue, and anti-inflammatory properties. They also have immunomodulatory properties that can to reduce inflammation, speed up wound healing, and boost the immune system in response to bacterial or viral infection. Commercially important plants of the Asteraceae family include food crops, aside from consumption, the seeds, roots, etc. can be used to produce cooking oil and spices. Other commercially important species of the Asteraceae family are members of the Tanacetum genera, which have insecticidal properties. Given the many valuable members of the Asteraceae described above, a method to authenticate an Asteraceae species is essential to ensure drug and food safety. DNA barcoding is a method that uses a short piece of DNA sequence from a standard locus as a tool for species identification. In our study DNA was extracted from plant material using the CTAB method, followed by the selection of universal barcode primers (ITS, matK, rbcL) based on established literature. The result of PCR products were purified and subjected to Sanger sequencing. The assembled sequences were compared with existing DNA sequences using BLAST function of the National Center for Biotechnology (NCBI), with outgroup sequences (Acicarpha tribuloides, Alseuosmia macrophylla) and were analyzed in MEGA 11. Maximum Likelihood analysis was conducted using 24 different nucleotide substitution models including ITS (K2+G), matK (GTR+G), rbcL (K2+G). Basic indicators of genetic diversity were evaluated, including nucleotide divergence (Pi), the proportion of conservative (C), polymorphic, and segregating (S) regions. The ITS regions showed the highest divergence (Pi = 0.127), with conservative regions accounting for 68.7% and polymorphic regions varying within 29.6%. The rbcL regions showed higher conservatism (Pi = 0.02), with 94.6% conservative regions and only 5.4% variable regions. The matK regions exhibited intermediate values (Pi = 0.052), with 87.5% conservative and 12.5% variable regions. The G+C content of the aligned sequences ranged from 34.9% to 55.0%. The effectiveness of the BLAST tool in identifying identical sequences in the NCBI database was limited at the species level for the chloroplast DNA markers rbcL and matK. However, using the ITS DNA marker, the search within the NCBI database successfully identified only the species Achillea millefolium and Achillea nobilis with 100% accuracy. Intra-specific discrepancies were observed for other species such as Psephellus sibiricus (99.37%), Scorzonera parviflora (99.37%), Klasea cardunculus (99.79%). All investigated DNA barcodes were tested successfully identified species at the genus level with 100% accuracy.

A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF THE COMPONENT COMPOSITION OF THE HERBS OF SOME SPECIES OF THE GENUS ACHILLEA L.

The article presents the results of a comparative study of the component composition of herbs of some species of the genus Achillea L. growing in the Samara region - common yarrow (Achillea millefolium L.), cartilaginous yarrow (Achillea cartilaginea (Ledeb. ex Rchb.) and noble yarrow (Achillea nobilis (L.). Spectrophotometry and high performance liquid chromatography were used as methods of investigation.
 As a result of comparative spectrophotometric analysis of water-alcoholic extracts of common yarrow herbs, yarrow cartilaginous herbs and noble yarrow herbs revealed that the absorption curve of their UV spectra is due mainly to hydroxycinnamic alcohols, in particular chlorogenic and caffeic acids (290 sh. and 330 nm). When aluminum (III) chloride solution was added to the water-alcoholic extracts of yarrow herb from the studied species, a bathochromic shift of the long-wave band at 400 nm was observed due to the flavonoids.
 The content of total flavonoids in the plant raw material is: common yarrow - 0.68±0.01%, cartilaginous yarrow - 0.65±0.02%, noble yarrow - 0.69±0.02%.
 Chlorogenic acid, cynaroside, cosmosiin, apigenin and luteolin were identified in water-alcoholic extracts from the above described species using HPLC method. In addition, the presence of caffeic acid was detected in the water-alcoholic extracts of noble yarrow herbs.
 The content of cosmosiin in the plant raw material is: common yarrow - 0.61±0.01%, cartilaginous yarrow - 0.56±0.02%, noble yarrow - 0.62±0.02%.
 The results of the study can be used in the development of regulatory documentation for medicinal plant material "Yarrow herb" for inclusion in the State Pharmacopoeia of the Russian Federation.

Screening of Antimicrobial, Antibiofilm, and Cytotoxic Activities of Some Medicinal Plants from Balıkesir Province, Türkiye: Potential Effects of Allium paniculatum Flower.

Plant extracts are important natural resources that may have antimicrobial and antibiofilm effects against pathogens. This study was conducted to investigate the in vitro antimicrobial activities of methanol extracts of some medicinal plants (Achillea nobilis subspecies neilreichii (A. Kern.) Velen., Aetheorhiza bulbosa (L.) Cass, Allium paniculatum L, Asphodelus aestivus Brot., Ballota nigra L., Cistus laurifolius L., Cistus salviifolius L., Dioscorea communis (L.) Caddick and Wilkin, Galium verum L., Hypericum triquetrifolium Turra, Paliurus spina-christi Mill., Primula vulgaris Huds. subspecies rubra (Sm.) Arcang., Ranunculus arvensis L. and Teucrium polium L.) from Balıkesir province in Türkiye. Preliminary antimicrobial activity screening was conducted for all extracts. Antibiofilm activity studies were conducted on mature Candida albicans biofilms. Moreover, the cytotoxicities of A. paniculatum flower extract on A549 and Vero cell lines were determined using a colorimetric tetrazolium-based assay. A. paniculatum flower, P. vulgaris root, C. laurifolius, C. salviifolius, and A. nobilis displayed good activity [minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC): 9.75, 156, 312, 312 and 312 μg/mL, respectively] against C. albicans American Type Culture Collection 10231. Biofilm studies were conducted on these plant extracts. The methanol extract of A. paniculatum flower decreased the number of C. albicans [colony-forming unit (CFU)/mL] in mature biofilm statistically at 32 x MIC and higher concentrations (p < 0.01). A. paniculatum flower extract had a cytotoxic effect (killing more than 50% of cells) at high concentrations, and its effect on Vero cells was similar to that on A549 cells. This study demonstrated the importance of the methanol extract of A. paniculatum flower as a natural alternative against C. albicans infections, including biofilms.

The SYNTHESIS OF METAL NANOPARTICLES USING PLANTS TO ENHANCE THE GROWTH AND GERMINATION OF AGRICULTURAL CROPS

Nanoparticles of several metals obtained through biosynthesis have interesting pharmacological properties due to extract components' sorption on their surface, which broadens their application possibilities. For these reasons, the issue of metal nanoparticles synthesis biological ways optimization is highly important nowadays. Purpose of the work is to present experimental data on the synthesis of metal nanodispersions using plant extracts of Artemisia (wormwood), Psylliostachys (plantain), Achillea nobilis (yarrow) and use in growing crops. Methodology. A feature of this method is the use of a more environmentally friendly approach to the synthesis of nanoparticles by preparing extracts from plant materials. Plant raw materials for synthesis, synthesis conditions (temperature, pH value, ratio of metal salts: extract) were experimentally selected. It was found that in presence of extract from bitter wormwood nanoparticles formation occurs faster than in case of using Psylliostachys (plantain) or Achillea nóbilis (yarrow). Sythesized silver nanoparticles were studied using microscopy and spectroscopy. Results. Obtained particle sizes are between 70 and 100 µm, which proves nanostructured nickel and cobalt particles formed in synthesis. Average particle size is 80 µm. New growth stimulator М-Nitro-Ni,Co was used to increase annual grasses and vegetables growth and germination; as a result, they had stronger roots, thicker stems, dark-green leaves and larger size comparing to the test ones.

Green synthesis of zinc oxide and copper oxide nanoparticles using Achillea Nobilis extract and evaluating their antioxidant and antibacterial properties

Recently nanotechnology, as an important area of scientific research, has a considerable growth in numerous fields. Biosynthesis of nanoparticles by using plants and microorganisms has received significant attention due to the growing need to develop environmental technologies in nanoparticle synthesis. The green synthesis of nanoparticles is safe for humans and the environment due to lack of pollution. Plants can act as both stabilizing and reducing agents for the synthesis of metal oxide nanoparticles (MO NPs). The research aim is an illustration of a novel method for the synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) and copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) using Achillea Nobilis extract. The crystalline structure and morphology of nanoparticles were studied using characterization techniques such as Fourier transform infrared analysis, ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy studies, X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscope, and transmission electron microscope methods. The antioxidant activities of ZnO NPs and CuO NPs were evaluated using DPPH assays. Antibacterial activities of nanoparticles were tested against Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria using the microdilution method. The results of this study showed that there was a significant relationship between MO NPs resistance and against bacteria.

Carici supinae–Betuletea pendulae — новый класс лесной растительности в степной зоне Западно-Сибирской равнины и Зауралья

Carici supinae–Betuletea pendulae — новый класс лесной растительности в степной зоне Западно-Сибирской равнины и Зауралья

Biologically active substances from Achillea nobilis L.

The review summarizes data on biologically active compounds of Achillea nobilis L. and methods of their isolation. From Achillea nobilis L., collected in different places of growth, the following have been isolated: essential oil, the main components of which are monoterpene compounds; sesquiterpene lactones estafiatin, hanphyllin, anobin, chrysartemine A, canin, anolide and tanapartin-β-peroxide; the steroid acetyleucanbin; flavonoids: 3,5-dihydroxy-6,7,8-trimethoxyflavone, 5-hydroxy-3,6,7,4’-tetramethoxyflavone and 5,3’-di-hydroxy-3,6,7,4’-tetramethoxyflavone. It has been determined that the component composition of the essen-tial oil of Achillea nobilis L. largely depends on the soil and climatic factors in the places of its growth, the phase of the growing season and the method of its extraction from plant raw materials, and the extractant used (chloroform, ethanol, hot water, diethyl ether). Antibacterial, antimicrobial, antioxidant, antiparasitic activi-ties are characteristic both for the sums of extractive substances from Achillea nobilis L. and for individual compounds isolated from them. Methods for the isolation of biologically active substances from Achillea nobilis L. for the development of new drug substances are described. The main aim of this work was a com-parative analysis of the available research results on the phytochemical study of Achillea nobilis L.

ФИТОТЕСТИРОВАНИЕ ЗАГРЯЗНЕНИЯ ТЯЖЁЛЫМИ МЕТАЛЛАМИ ПОЧВ ДОНБАССА

The article presents the results of phytotesting of soil solutions with high concentrations of heavy metal ions. The sensitivity of Donbass species plant to soil pollution was established by specific transformations in the structures of the embryonic root Achillea nobilis L., Artemisia vulgaris L., Centaurea diffusa Lam., Galinsoga parviflora Cav., Senecio vulgaris L., Tripleurospermum inodorum (L.) Sch. Bip. Model experiments on plant germination were carried out in laboratory conditions with fixed concentrations of individual metals and with joint pollution, as well as when testing soil samples taken in the zones of influence of industrial facilities of Don-bass.

Accumulating capacity of herbaceous plants of the Asteraceae and Poaceae families under technogenic soil pollution with zinc and cadmium

In this study, the environmental monitoring of the long-term technogenic pollution zone of Novocherkassk, a region containing numerous heavy metal contaminations, was carried out. In the plants growing in the 5 km zone around Novocherkasskaya power station, contamination with the studied elements was revealed. The dependence of the content of Zn and Cd in herbaceous plants of the families Asteraceae and Poaceae on the distance to the source of the anthropogenic load was established. The selectivity of accumulation of metals by studied species of herbaceous plants at different levels of technogenic pollution is revealed. Achillea nobilis has the least pollutants resistant from the soil. Poa pratensis has the highest resistance to Zn and Cd pollution in terms of the set of assessment indicators. The granulometric composition of the soil has a significant impact on the availability of metals to plants.

Zinc and cadmium accumulation in different parts of wild plants of the Asteraceae family and Triticum aestivum

The regularities of the accumulation and distribution of metals (Zn and Cd) in various parts of wild herbaceous plants and the agricultural crop of the impact zone in Rostov region (Russia) was considered. A large accumulation of elements in wild herbaceous plants of the Asteraceae family was noted compared with Triticum aestivum. The pollution of Triticum aestivum by Cd was observed. Wild herbaceous plants of the Asteraceae family were contaminated mostly with Zn. It was found that Artemisia austriaca and Ambrosia artemisiifolia accumulated Zn and Cd in the aboveground part. Achillea nobilis accumulated Cd mainly in the root system. Closer location monitoring plots to the source of anthropogenic load and the location of the northwest winds prevailing in the region were main influencing factors leading to higher pollution.

Potential areas of cultivation of Achillea nobilis in the conditions of the Orenburg region

Achillea nobilis L. is a promising medicinal plant in the world. Ecological factors influence the metabolism of plants and their chemical composition. Researches were conducted in 5 districts of the Orenburg region (Perevolotsky, Aleksandrovsky, Pervomaysky, Svetlinsky and Buzuluksky). The spatial and demographic structure of cenopopulations on the ability of accumulation of biologically active substances (BAS) during the procurement of medicinal raw materials A. nobilis was analyzed. As a result of the experiments, it was found that soil fertility (humus content) directly affects the accumulation of pharmacologically active substances in A. nobilis. It has been established that the southeastern part of the Orenburg region is most suitable for growing medicinal raw materials of A. nobilis.

Determination of antioxidant enzyme activity and phenolic contents of some species of the Asteraceae family from medicanal plants

Medicnal and aromatic plants are used in different fields depending on the amount of antioxidant and phenolic substances they have. This study was conducted to determine the antioxidant enzyme activity and phenolic contents of some species of the Asteraceae family (Achillea biebersteinii Afan., Achillea millefolium L., Achillea nobilis L., Artemisia absinthium L., Artemisia alba Turra., Artemisia dracunculus L., Artemisia santanicum L., Artemisia vulgaris L., Carthamus tinctorius L., Centaurea cyanus L., Echinacea pallida Nutt., Echinacea purpurea L. Moench., Grindelia robusta Nutt., Helianthus annuus L., Helichrysum plicatum L., İnula helenium L. and Santolina chamaecyparissus L.) for medicines, additive food supplement and cosmetic sector. In, this study, the antioxidant amount of some medicinal and aromatic plants with different properties belonging to Asteraceae family and hormones, phenolic substance and vitamin C and vitamin E were determined. E. purpurea, A. nobilis, G. robusta and S. chamaecyparissus species have more antioxidant, enzymes, hormones and some phenolic substances such as vitamin C and vitamin E, than other species in Asteracae. According to study result, highest amount of gibberellic acid, salicylic acid, indole acetic acid (IAA), abscisic acid (ABA), catalase (CAT) enzyme activity, peroxidase (POD) enzyme activity, superoksid dismutase (SOD) enzyme activity, ascorbate peroxidase (AxPOD) enzyme activity, malondialdehyte (MDA), hydrogen peroxide, total antioxidant, total phenolic, total carotenoid amount, vitamin E contents, vitamin C contents, chlorogenic acid contents, caffeic acids, chloric acid and proantocyanidin were determined in the A. millefolium (819.46 ng μl−1), A. dracunculus (91.29 ng μl−1), S. cyparissus L. (1985.08 enzyme unit (EU) g leaf−1), S. chamaecyparissus (415.22 EU g leaf−1) E. purpurea (83.78 EU g leaf−1), A. nobilis (41.91 EU g leaf−1), S. chamaecyparissus (140.85 nmol g−1), E. purpurea (10.49 μmol g−1) A. nobilis (1464 μmol Trolox Equivalents (TE) per g−1), E. purpurea (13.34 mg gallic acid (GA) per g−1 fresh weight (FW)), E. purpurea (29.41 g vitamine A 100−1), G. robusta (33.63 g-Alfa tocopherol eg 100 g−1), A. nobilis (20.70 g 100g−1), E. purpurea (13.51 mg g−1 fw), A. nobilis and S. chamaecyparissus (1.83 mg g−1 fw), S. chamaecyparissus (143.84 mg g−1 fw) and A. nobilis (83.63%) species, respectively. According to the results obtained, it is determined that there are significant changes in the contents of the medicinal and aromatic plants depending on the region and climatic conditions.

Potential Effects of Essential Oil Compositions on Antibacterial Activities of Achillea nobilis L. subsp. neilreichii

Achillea nobilis L. subsp. neilreichii (Kerner) Formanek family Asteraceae is an economically important medicinal plant. The study examined the essential oil components of aerial parts of the plant by HS-SPME/GC-MS technique in this study and found 31 constituents representing 91.3 % of the total. The main compounds and chemotypes of studied sample were camphor (13.5 %), germacrene D (12.6 %), 1,8-cineole (10.3 %) and α-thujene (7.4 %). The essential oil was screened against fifteen gram positive and negative bacterial strains to find their antibacterial activity using disc diffusion method. All bacteria strains were affected by A. nobilis essential oil. Inhibition zone diameters ranged 0.6 to 0.13 cm using gram positive and 0.3 to 0.7 cm for gram negative bacterial strains. It is concluded that chemical composition of A. nobilis subsp. neilreichii and its essential oil with effective antibacterial activity display phytomedical potential of the plant. There is need to carry out more studies to determine the practical therapeutic value of its essential oil.

Accumulation of Heavy Metals by Forb Steppe Vegetation According to Long-Term Monitoring Data

The steppes of the northern Azov Region are extremely favorable for agriculture. Thus, the foremost problem is the cultivation of ecologically safe products under conditions of technogenic pollution. We have studied the effect of aerotechnogenic emissions on the accumulation of heavy metals (HMs) in haplic chernozem, haplic chernozem (stagnic), and calcaric fluvic arenosol and steppe plants Poa pratensis L. and Elytrigia repens (L.) Nevski. of the families Poaceae and Achillea nobilis L. and Artemisia austriaca Jacq. of the family Asteraceae) according to the data from 17 years of monitoring. The accumulation of Pb, Zn, Cd, Cu, Mn, Cr, and Ni in soils and plants under the effect of power plant emissions has been established. The proportion of loosely bound compounds of heavy metals in the polluted soils is 28–52% of the total content. In the monitored plots with the highest technogenic load, the content of Pb, Cd, Cr, and Ni in the studied plants exceeds the maximum permissible level for forage. It has been revealed that HM accumulation in the aboveground part of plants and their roots depends on the amount of pollutants and the biological features of each species. The plant species of the family Poaceae accumulate less microelements in their aboveground part than Asteraceae.

ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY OF THE ETHYL ACETATE EXTRACT OF DIFFERENT TYPES OF THE THOUSAND (ACHILLEA L.)

For the treatment of various diseases in the traditional medicine for a long time different types of yarrow are used. Medicines from yarrow have medicinal properties and render styptic, spazmolitic, wound healing, bile-expelling action. They also show antioxidant, antibacterial and antifungal activity. Medicinal properties of these medicines are caused by existence in them of phenolic compounds (flavonoids, tannins, vitamin C). The purpose of this work is a research of antioxidant properties of ethylacetate extracts preparing from different types of yarrows growing in a South-East part of the Republic of Armenia. Experimental data of antioxidant activities (AOA) and effective content of antioxidants (AO) in the ethylacetate extracts of three tipes of yarrows are given in this study on the example of model reaction of cumene oxidation. It is shown that the studied yarrows are distributed in a row by the effective content of antioxidants: Achilleaaurea&gt;Achillea nobilis&gt;Achillea millefolium, and by the antioxidant activitiy: Achillea millefolium&gt;Achillea nobilis&gt;Achillea aurea.On the examples of extracts mixtures from the leaves and flowers of Achillea millefolium and also from the leaves and flowers of Achillea nobilis the synergism effect of cumene’s oxidation inhibition is found, respectively, 30 and 21%.

Phenolic composition and biological properties of Achillea nobilis L. subsp. neilreichii (Kerner) Formanek

Achillea species are widely distributed medicinal plant throughout the world and have been used since ancient time. There are many reports about the traditional use and highly bioactive compounds of these plants. Therefore, it is fundamental to study in detail the chemical composition and biological activities of Achillea species. Thus, the objective of this study was to determine for the first time the effects of methods/solvents on biological activities (antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-urease) of Achillea nobilis L. subsp. neilreichii (Kerner) Formanek 15 extracts obtained from different extraction methods/solvents and then to analysis the phenolic contents of the active extracts. The phenolic contents in ethyl acetate and ethanol extracts, which showed strongest phenolic contents and antioxidant activity were analysed separately by high-performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection and were confirmed by liquid chromatography with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry using targeted mass spectra techniques with accurate mass. The active phenolic compounds were identified as dicaffeoylquinic acid, luteolin-7-O-glucoside, orientin, vitexin, luteolin, quercetin-methyl-ether, isorhamnetin-glucoside in ethyl acetate extract; chlorogenic acid luteolin-7-O-glucoside, quercetin-methyl-ether, luteolin, orientin, vitexin, dicaffeoylquinic acid, apigenin-6,8-di-C-glucoside, luteolin hexoside hexoside in ethanol extract. As a result of this study, dicaffeoylquinic acid, isorhamnetin-glucoside, chlorogenic acid, and apigenin-6,8-di-C-glucoside compounds were analysed for the first time in Achillea nobilis L. subsp. neilreichii (Kerner) Formanek. Therefore, it is thought that ethanol and ethyl acetate extracts can be used as a natural source in the future for food and pharmaceutical industry.

Effect of aerotechnogenic emissions on the content of heavy metals in herbaceous plants of the Lower Don region

The effect of soil properties and distance from the source of technogenic emission on the input of Pb, Zn, Cd, Cu, Mn, Cr, and Ni into daisy family plants (Asteraceae) has been studied. It has been found that the high level of anthropogenic load related to the atmospheric emissions from the Novocherkassk power plant (NPP) favors the accumulation of heavy metals (HMs) in herbaceous plants. Contamination with Pb, Cd, Cr, and Ni is revealed in plants growing near the NPP. The main factors affecting the distribution of HMs in the above- and underground organs of plants include individual physiological features of plant species controlling the barrier functions of different plant organs. Ambrosia artemisiifolia L., Artemisia austriaca Pall. ex. Wild. Jack., and Tanacetum vulgare L. are accumulators of HMs. The resistance of herbaceous plants to pollution has been determined from the acropetal coefficient and actual biogeochemical mobility of HMs. Ambrosia artemisiifolia L. is most resistant to contamination with Mn; Achillea nobilis L. is most resistant to Pb, Ni, and Cd; Cichorium intybus L. is most resistant to Zn and Cu.

Content and distribution of heavy metals in herbaceous plants under the effect of industrial aerosol emissions

The effect of soil properties and distance from the source of technogenic emissions on the input of Pb, Zn, Cd, Cu, Mn, Cr, and Ni into herbaceous plants of the families Poaceae and Asteraceae has been studied. It is found that the high level of anthropogenic load related to the atmospheric emissions from the Novocherkassk Power Station (Russia) aggravates the accumulation of heavy metals in herbaceous plants. Contamination with Pb, Cd, Cr and Ni is revealed in plants growing near the Power Station. Correlation between the accumulation of HMs in different herbaceous plant species and the distance from the emission source is revealed. The main factors of the distribution of heavy metals in the above and underground organs of plants include the individual physiological features of different plants determining their barrier function. Ambrosia artemisiifolia (L.), Artemisia austriaca (Pall. ex. Wild.), Achillea nobilis (L.), and Tanacetum vulgare (L.) are accumulators of heavy metals.

The potential anticonvulsant activity of the ethanolic extracts of Achillea nobilis and Momordica charantia in rats

Context: Currently available antiepileptic drugs have debilitating adverse effects. Natural products and plants already used in traditional medicine can be a good place to start in the search for safer and more effective options. Aims: To investigate the anticonvulsant potential of Achillea nobilis and Momordica charantia extracts in maximal electroshock (MES), as well as pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)- and strychnine nitrate (STN)- induced seizure models in rats. Methods: For each model, eight groups of 21-day-old male Albino rats were used. The 1st group was kept as control, 2nd as standard (diazepam, 7.5 mg/kg); 3rd - 5th treated with A. nobilis (100, 200 and 300 mg/kg); and 6th - 8th administered M. charantia (100, 200 and 300 mg/kg). After 30 min, rats were exposed to a shock of 150 mA by a convulsiometer, via ear electrodes for 2 s (in MES test) or sc injection of PTZ (85 mg/kg) or STN (2.5 mg/kg). Results: A. nobilis and M. charantia extracts (200 and 300 mg/kg) demonstrated dose-dependent anticonvulsant effect against MES-induced seizures. In the PTZ induced convulsion, A. nobilis and M. charantia (200 and 300 mg/kg) significantly slowed the commencement of convulsions and minimized the duration of seizures. A. nobilis (300 mg/kg) showed 60% protection in rats against STN induced seizures. In contrast, A. nobilis (100 and 200 mg/kg) and M. charantia (100, 200 and 300 mg/kg) showed no significant protection against STN-induced seizures in rats. Conclusions: The results of the present study suggest that both extracts exhibited marked anticonvulsant activities.

Peculiarities of ontogenesis of &lt;i&gt;Bassia laniflora&lt;/i&gt; (S.G. Gmel.) A.J. Scott. (Chenopodiaceae)

Peculiarities of ontogenesis and phytosociology of Bassia laniflora (S.G. Gmel.) A.J. Scott (family Chenopodiaceae) in South of Penza region on sandy soils is studied. Bassia laniflora grows in the composition of sparse forb sandy steppes, together with Achillea nobilis L., Erigeron сanadensis L., Rumex acetosella L., Artemisia pontica L., acting as dominant and codominant. Participation of Bassia laniflora in plant communities115%. Age status and as well as biometric characteristics are described (two age periodvirgin, generative; five age status seedling plants, juvenile, immature, virgin, generative). Polymorphism of virgin and generative plants Bassia laniflora is established. Virgin and generative plants into 3 groups according characteristics of life forms (height of the escape, diameter of stem, especially branching, number of flowers) are divided. Pictures of different life forms of generative plants are there. Causes of polymorphism plants Bassia laniflora and possibilities of adaptation at level of ontogenesis are discussed.