Alhagi Maurorum Research Articles

A new sand mite of Schoengastia (Acari: Trombiculidae) from the soil under camel’s thorn in Iran

A new species of the sand-mite or chigger Schoengastia Oudemans, 1910 collected from the soil under camel’s thorn ( Alhagi maurorum Medik) in Iran is described. The diagnosis of the new species is in conformity with the subgenus Priomesochela Vercammen-Grandjean et Langston, 1976, the specific characters are drip-dropping shaped sensilla, shortest scutal setae and least number in idiosomal setae in the subgenus.

English

    Traditional medicine has a key role in health care worldwide. Obtaining scientific information about the efficacy and safety of the wild plants grown in western Mediterranean coast of Egypt is one of our research goals. In this study, 10 wild plants namely Mesembryanthemum crystallinum, Blackiella aellen, Arthrocnemon glaucum, Atriplex halimus, Thymelaea hirsute, Carduus getulus, Nicotiana glauca,Alhagi maurorum, Atractylis carduus and Echinops spinosissimus were collected from El-Hammam, Burg El Arab and Bahig regions located along the Western Mediterranean coast of Egypt. Hexane and methanol extracts of fresh aerial parts ofthe plants were screened in vitro for antimicrobial activity against 15 Gram positive and negative pathogenic bacteria. Both methanol and hexane plant extracts showed strong antibacterial activity against at least two pathogenic microorganisms tested. However, hexane extracts generally showed lower activity against microorganisms compared to methanol extracts. The microorganisms’ susceptibility to different extracts did not correlate with the susceptibility or resistance to a particular antibiotic. The results of this study thus support the medical usage of the studied plants and suggest that some of these plants possess antimicrobial properties that can be used to cure infectious diseases.     Key words: Egyptian wild plants, antagonism, biological control, phytochemicals, multi-drug resistant.

E145 Comparative evaluation of mini-perc versus conventional percutaneous nephrolithotomy in pediatrie renal calculi

decrease of urine volume during hot seasons. Increase of DS contributes to decrease of urinary stone risk factors (USRF). But the increase in fluid consumption alone to achieve the increase of DS is not sufficient. That’s why there is a necessity of its additional stimulation. The major available means in most cases are diuretic medicinal plants (MPs). Material and Methods: It has been investigated the ability of the influence of MPs’ infusions to DS and activity of lithogenesis, what has been estimated on the base of crystalluria (CU) degree. During long period in our clinic it has been investigated such MPs as Herniaria glabra (HG), Glycyrrhiza glabra (GG), Hypericum perforatum (HP), Mentha piperita (MPP), Alhagi pseudalhagi (AP), Aerva lanata (AL), Maydis stigmatum (MS), Achillea millefolium (AM), Zizyphus Jujuba (ZJ), Bidens tripartite (BT), Origanum L. (OL), Helichrysum archarium Samarkand (HAS) and Aqua disstillate (AD) as control. Results: It has been revealed that the infusions of MPs have different degree of diuretic effect (DE). Also it has been noticed, that the most significant changes of USRF readings were observed after 30 days of phytotherapy and it was not depend from the degree of DS’ increase. In particularly, MPs with strong DE: AP increased DS for 68.5% and decreased the level of CU for 13.4%, AL for 52.4% and 3.7%, HG for 51.2% and 9.45%, suitably. The infusions with moderate DE: MS increased DS for 42.4% and decreased CU for 7.68%, GG for 40.9% and 5.4%, AM for 34.3% and 6.0%, HP for 31.3% and 1.0%, suitably. And MPs with mild DE: ZJ increased DS for 23.1% and decreased CU for 6.83%, MPP for 19.2% and 0.53%, HAS for 12.9% and 4.65%, BT for 12.4% and 3.15%, OL for 6.6% and 3.13%, and control – AD for 15.4% and 4%, suitably. The results of investigations showed that the infusions of MPs besides DE have the ability to change of crystal formation activity (CFA) in most cases. The different degree of DE depends on the chemical composition of the MPs, i.e. from the contents of biological active substances and their combinations. Perhaps, the observed changes are the result of the effect of chemical contents’ complex of MPs’. Conclusions: So the ability of MPs to change the level of DS and CFA indicates to the necessity of additional investigation of MPs’ effect to other USRF for the effective usage in metaphylaxys of idiopathic calcium UL.

Antioxidant activity and bioactive compounds in Alhagi maurorum

drugs, we considered the response of guinea pig's ileum or rabbit's jejunum to 1 μg/ml of acetylcholine as 100% response. Results: Statistical analysis was performed using one way ANOVA and Tukey's Post Hoc test (SPSS 17), with p<0.05 considered to be significant. Aqueous fractions of Rosa damascena caused increase on the basal contraction of rabbit's jejunum and guinea pig's ileum contractions, dose dependently (p<0.001). The response of ileum and jejunum to aqueous fraction was decreased after antagonizing the cholinergic receptors.

Determination of free phenolic acids and antioxidant capacity of methanolic extracts obtained from leaves and flowers of camel thorn (Alhagi maurorum)

The present study comprises the determination of some phenolic acids from the leaves and flowers of Alhagi maurorum by HPLC-DAD, confirmed by LC-MS-APCI. The antioxidant properties and measurements of the total phenolic contents of the extracts were assessed by 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging and Folin–Ciocalteu methods, respectively. It was found that the leaf extract had higher antioxidant potential (83.5%) than the flower extract (72.3%). The antioxidant properties and total phenolic contents of the leaves were higher than those of the flowers.

Anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive and antipyretic effects of some desert plants

Alhagi maurorum Medic., Conyza dioscoridis (L.) Desf., Convolvulus fatmensis G. Kunze., Diplotaxis acris (Forssk) Boiss and Origanum syriacum L. were evaluated for their phytochemical contents. Moreover, their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive and antipyretic activities were evaluated in lab animals at doses of 250, 500 and 1000mg/kg. The antioxidant activity was estimated using DPPH free radical scavenging activity method for the alcoholic extracts of the investigated plants at different concentrations (2, 4, 6, 8 and 10mg/ml). The anti-inflammatory activity was estimated using carrageenan-induced rat paw edema method and the activities were compared to that of diclofenac sodium (30mg/kg). The antinociceptive activity was estimated peripherally and centrally using the writhing and the hot plate tests, respectively. The antipyretic activity was estimated using Brewer's yeast-induced hyperpyrexia in rats and the activities were compared to that of diclofenac sodium. All plants possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities in a dose dependent manner. No antipyretic activity was detected for all the investigated plants at the used doses. The activity of the investigated plants could be explained, at least by their antioxidant properties, due to their high flavonoid contents.

Nutritive value of some herbage for dromedary camels in the central arid zone of Iran

The purpose of this study is to prepare standard tables of the chemical composition of feedstuff and to determine the digestibility and palatability of different plant species in the dromedary camel, this research was conducted considering the consumed herbages by camels in the central arid zone of Iran. The following plant species were included: Alhagi camelorum, Artemisia sieberi, Atriplex lentiformis, Haloxylon persicum, Hammada salicornica, Salsola tomentosa, Salsola rigida, Seidlitzia rosmarinus, Suaeda fruticosa, Tamarix tree, and Tamarix kotschi. Thirty samples of the browsing parts were collected from three sites in the rangelands of Qom and Yazd province. The chemical composition of the samples, including dry matter, crude protein (CP), crude fiber, neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), ether extract, total ash, macroelements (Ca, P, Mg, K), microelements, and gross energy were measured. The in vitro digestibility of the plants was measured by camel liquor using the Tilley and Terry method. The palatability of the plants was measured by four mature camels in cafeteria trials. Data were analyzed by general linear model method using the SAS software. The highest CP (17.5%) related to Haloxylon persicum and the lowest NDF (26.2%) and ADF (12.6%) were related to Salsola rigida. The lowest CP (5.5%) and the highest NDF (72.8%) and ADF (59.6%) were related to Artemisia sieberi. The results also indicate that Atriplex lentiformis, Alhagi camelorum, Seidlitzia rosmarinus, Suaeda fruticosa, Haloxylon persicum, Salsola tomentosa, Hammada salicornica, T. kotschi, Salsola rigida, Tamarix tree, and Artemisia seiberi were more pleasurable feeds, respectively. There was no consistent relationship between the palatability of herbages with the percentage of digestible organic matter in the dry matter or chemical composition.

Anti-inflammatory and anti-ulcer activity of the extract from Alhagi maurorum (camelthorn)

Gastric hyperacidity, gastro inflammation and ulcer are very common diseases causing human suffering these days. Gastric irritation mechanism is still very poorly understood as mentioned in many scientific articles. Alhagi maurorum (camelthorn) is considered a medicinal plant with its prospective potent flavonoids. GC–MS spectrum has found three flavone structures (2-phenyl-1,4-benzopyrone derivatives) with rate more than 50% in the ethanolic plant extract. In rat experiment, ethanolic A. maurorum extract (oral daily 100mg/kg body weight) and ranitidine the standard ulcer drug (oral daily 100mg/kg body weight) were treated rats to protect against administration of aspirin ASP (oral 200mg/kg body weight) for two times through the 10days. Some rats were sacrificed after first and second aspirin administrations and the rest were sacrificed in the end of the experiment. Gastro fluid volume has been decreased in ASP group, and acid output was decreased for plant extract followed by ranitidine. Ranitidine and plant extract protect liver enzymes, oxidation status (MDA and GSH), fucosidase tumor marker and risk lipid ratio. No ulcer patterns have been shown in the histopathological study, but some inflammation in the gastric wall and vascular change dilatation of blood vessels were detected. More studies should be demonstrated potent natural plant extracts and their active components against gastro inflammation and ulcers.

New isoflavonolignan with quinone reductase inducing activity from Alhagi pseudalhagi (M.B.)

Bioassay-directed separation of the chloroform extracts from the air-dried aerial part of Alhagi pseudalhagi (M.B.) led to the isolation of a new isoflavonolignan ( 1), together with five known isoflavones ( 2– 6) (Fig. 1). Their structures were identified on the basis of spectral analysis of NMR, MS, IR, UV and CD spectral evidences. The quinone reductase (QR) inducing activities of the extracts and compound 1 were evaluated and the new isoflavonolignan ( 1) exhibited moderate quinone reductase (QR) inducing activity for hepa lclc7 cells.

Antioxidant flavonoids from Alhagi maurorum

A new flavonoid, isorhamnetin-3-O-[-α-l-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 3)]-β-d-glucopyranoside (1), along with two known flavonoids 3′-O-methylorobol (2) and quercetin 3-O-β-d-glucopyranoside (3), was isolated from Alhagi maurorum. Their structures were established with the help of mass spectrometry, 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy, and in comparison with the literature data. Compounds 1 and 2 exhibited moderate antioxidant activity in the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl free radical scavenging assay.

Fluoride pollutants as causative agents for nitrotoxins generated in some legume plants

Leaflets of six collected legume species including Alhagi camelorum Fisch., Cercis siliquastrum L., Glycyrrhiza glabra L., Medicago sativa L., Robinia peseudoacacia L., and Sophora alopecuroides L. from an aluminum reduction plant area in Iran were analyzed for presence of toxic aliphatic nitro compounds. In addition, studies were conducted to determine fluoride (Fl) levels in these plants. Controls were from 10 km distance of the factory. Results showed high Fl concentration in all polluted samples. Phytochemical changes in all polluted leaves, with the exception of C. siliquastrum and G. glabra, were observed with presence of nitrotoxins.

A new flavanenol with urease-inhibition activity isolated from roots of manna plant camelthorn (Alhagi maurorum)

A new flavanenol (1) was isolated from ethyl acetate fraction of roots of Alhagi maurorum (Fabaceae). Its structure was elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic evidence using elemental analysis, IR, MS, and NMR techniques. It was determined to be 5,6,7,8,2′,3′,5′,6′-octamethoxyflavan-3-en-4′-ol. Experiments were carried out to evaluate its urease-inhibition activity. From the observations it has been noticed that flavanenol possesses remarkable urease-inhibitory effect.

Amerosporium concinnum . [Descriptions of Fungi and Bacteria

Abstract A description is provided for Amerosporium concinnum , which is found on dead remains of various plants, but it has also been isolated from grassland soil in Spain. Some information on its dispersal and transmission and conservation status is given, along with details of its geographical distribution (Mexico, USA (Texas), China (Shaanxi), Iran, Turkey, Georgia, Greece, Portugal, Spain, and Ukraine) and hosts ( Ceratocladium purpureogriseum , Phomopsis brunaudiana , Torula herbarum f. quaternella , Acer oliverianum , Alhagi pseudalhagi , Arundo phragmitis , Bambusa sp., Cichorium intybus , Citrus sp., Echinops sp., Ephedra distachya , Foeniculum vulgare , Stenotaphrum secundatum , Vitis vinifera , and Ziziphora serpyllaceae ).

Parasitic weeds of the Orobanchaceae family and their natural hosts in Jordan

A field survey of the Orobanchaceae family members and their hosts in Jordan was carried out from 2003 to 2007. The intensity of parasite infection on different hosts and the severity of the infestation were evaluated. The results showed the presence of seven species of Orobanche and three species of Cistanche. The Orobanche species were found parasitizing 86 plant species belonging to 24 botanical families. Most of the species attacked by Orobanche were from the Compositae (20 species), Solanaceae (11 species), Leguminosae (nine species), Umbelliferae (seven species), Cruciferae (seven species), Cucurbitaceae (four species), Labiatae (four species), and Rosaceae (four species) families. Other families were represented by one‐to‐three species. Cistanche attacked 20 species of forage wild shrubs, fruit trees, and forest trees of seven families, mostly belonging to the Chenopodiaceae (seven species) and Leguminosae (three species) families. Previously unreported hosts for both genera include: Amygdalus communis, Olea europaea, and Quercus coccifera, which were parasitized by Orobanche palaestina; A. communis, O. europaea, Prunus armeniaca, and Prunus persica, which were parasitzed by Orobanche cernua; O. europaea and A. communis, which were parasitzed by Orobanche schultzii; Haloxylon persicum, which was parasitzed by Cistanche lutea; Punica granatum, Alhagi maurorum, Casuarina equisetifolia, Centaurea postii, and Prosopis farcta, which were parasitzed by Cistanche tubulosa; and Achillea spp., Anabasis syriaca, H. persicum, Haloxylon salicornicum, Suaeda spp., and Zilla spinosa, which were parasitzed by Cistanche salsa. Certain Orobanche species were completely destructive to the cultivated crops. The results indicated the high potential of both parasitic genera to spread and to attack new hosts, while the threat they impose to agriculture in Jordan will probably result from poor management and deficiences in farmers' training.

Determination of fluoride and its effects on flavonoids in some legumes

The effects of fluoride (Fl) emission, from an aluminum (Al) reduction plant in Iran, on the concentration of Fl in six legume species were studied. In addition, the influence of Fl on leaf flavonoids was investigated. Determination of Fl in collected plants (Alhagi camelorum Fisch., Cercis siliquastrum L., Glycyrrhiza glabra L. Medicago sativa L., Robinia peseudoacacia L., and Sophora alopecuroides L.) from the factory area was performed using a Fl ion-selective electrode. Identification of flavonoids in the samples was obtained by two-dimensional paper chromatography (2-D PC) and thin layer chromatography (TLC). Controls were obtained from plants located 10 km distance from the factory. Results showed high Fl concentration in all polluted samples. Phytochemical changes in polluted leaves were observed with appearance or disappearance of some flavonoids.

Diuretic effect of Alhagi maurorum in Goat

Nowadays, the medicinal plants, as endangered components of biodiversity, received special attention. They are important health and economic components of the flora in developed as well as in the developing countries. Alhagi maurorum (Syn. Alhagi camelorum and Alhagi pseudoalhagi) is a spiny plant with strong, stiff, abundant spines, belonging to Fabaceae family which locally known as Aqual. Traditionally, this plant is used for some disorders; the whole plant is diaphoretic, diuretic, expectorant and laxative. Oil from the leaves is used in the treatment of rheumatism. The flowers are used in the treatment of piles. Phytochemical studies on this plant have revealed the presence of unsaturated sterols, triterpenes, tannins, carbohydrates, flavonoids, flavanone glycosides such as alhagitin and alhagidin and proanthocyanidins. To validate the medicinal properties of Alhagi maurorum, we investigated the diuretic effects of a distilled product of Alhagi maurorum in goat. Five female cross-bred goats were selected and clinical and paraclinical examinations were performed to assure good health status. Control samples of urine and serum were obtained after administration of distilled water at different doses (4, 8, 16 ml/kg) orally. Samples were obtained at 0, 60,120,180 minutes following distilled water administration. Distilled product of Alhagi was used at the same doses and samples of urine and serum were taken as before described for control samples. Results of oral distilled product of Alhagi showed that the level of urine specific gravity decreased. Also, It was shown that the level of pH have been decreased insignificantly. Concentration of Na and Cl is increased in urine following consumption of distilled product of Alhagi at doses (8, 16 ml/kg) (P < .05). These effects were marked at 180 and 120 minutes. Concentration of urine k and Ca is decreased in urine following oral consumption of distilled product of Alhagi at doses 8, 16 ml/kg (P < .05). Concentration of urine creatinine is decreased significantly (P < .05). Differences of biochemical indices were not significant in serum samples. According to the results, distilled product of Alhagi can be used as a diuretic drug at doses 8, 16 ml/kg in the goat.

Vegetation as an Indicator of Soil Properties and Water Quality in the Akarçay Stream (Turkey)

In this study, the relationship among water quality, soil properties, and plant coverage in the region of the Akarçay stream was examined. Correlation analyses were carried out between soil samples taken from each of four plant communities in the Akarçay basin and water in the Akarçay stream. The four plant communities in the study area are as follows: Limonium lilacinum (Boiss. et Bal.) Wag., Alhagi pseudalhagi (M. Bieb.) Desv. Peganum harmala L., and Hordeum marinum Huds. subsp. marinum. B, Cl, EC, K, Mg, Na, pH, and SO4 data from both soil and water samples were subjected to statistical analysis, and significant correlations were obtained (p < 0.05). These correlations indicated that the chemical features of the soil had a major effect on water quality. The important parameters were B, Cl, EC, K, Mg, Na, pH, and SO4 for Limonium lilacinum communities; Ca, K, and pV for Peganum harmala; and B, Cl, Mg, pH, and pV for Alhagi pseudalhagi. There were also statistically significant relationships (p < 0.05) among the parameters examined. These findings strongly suggested that these plant communities can be used as indicators for soil chemistry and water quality.

Reservoir weed host for Zucchini yellow mosaic virus in Iran

Corresponding author: M. Safaeizadeh Fax: +98 811 4227012 E-mail: safaeezadehmehdi@gmail.com During the summer of 2006, samples of the weed Alhagi camelorum were collected from cucurbit fi elds in the Markazi province of Iran. Using the double-antibody sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (DAS-ELISA) with specifi c polyclonal antibodies, the samples were tested for Zucchini yellow mosaic virus (ZYMV), Watermelon mosaic virus (WMV), Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV), Melon necrotic spot virus (MNSV), and Zucchini yellow fl eck virus (ZYFV) (Loewe Biochemica GMBH, Sauerlach, Germany). Leaf extracts were inoculated mechanically and they produced chlorotic local lesions on Chenopodium amaranticolor; systemic vein netting, yellowing, mosaic, and leaf deformation on Cucurbita pepo; and chlorotic local lesions, systemic vein clearing, yellowing, mosaic and leaf deformation on Cucumis melo. These symptoms were similar to those described previously for ZYMV (Desbiez and Lecoq, 1997). The ELISA results showed that the original leaf samples and inoculated indicator plants reacted positively with ZYMV antibodies, but not with antibodies from any of the other viruses listed above. Also, the reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction of total RNA extracted from the leaf samples using specifi c primers for ZYMV (Lecoq et al., 2004) resulted in amplifi cation of one fragment of the expected size, approximately 600 bp. ZYMV, a member of the genus Potyvirus in the family Potyviridae, is transmitted by aphids in a nonpersistent manner (Desbiez and Lecoq, 1997). The virus is geographically widespread with a wide host range comprising 11 plant families including Amarantaceae, Papilionaceae, Ranunculaceae, Scrophulariaceae, Asteraceae, Cucurbitaceae, Solanaceae and Umbelliferae (Desbiez and Lecoq, 1997). A. camelorum, a perennial plant in the Papilionaceae family, was common and widely distributed in the fi elds surveyed. The occurrence of ZYMV-infected weed hosts in cucurbit fi elds may impact disease management strategies. ZYMV was fi rst observed on Cucumis melo in Iran (Ghorbani, 1988). This is the fi rst report of its natural occurrence on weed hosts in Iran.

Research of the Activity of Chlorophyllase in Plants Growing in the High Radiation Background Zone

The research objects have been Alhagi pseudalhagi, Zygophyllum L. and Argusia sibirica L. Choice of the plants is connected to the fact that they are the most widespread ones in the chosen site, ground of which is dirtied by 238U, 232Th, 226Ra and 40K. The work has been aimed on researching impact of the low-dosed ionizing radiation to photosynthesis of plants. The findings show that between concentrations of photosynthetic pigments in experimental and control plants growing in identical soil-climatic conditions there are certain distinctions being sometimes very considerable ones. Besides, in the concrete natural conditions photosynthetic reaction of different species to irradiation proves to be different and for a plant taken separately the reaction has seasonal character. Analysis of the dynamics of green pigments’ synthesis for Argusia sibirica L. at the first two phases of development has shown that the photosynthesis intensity was practically similar in experimental and control plants. At the same time final phase of the plant’s development was notable for decrease of the photosynthesis intensity, resulting in the inhibition of speed of the pigments’ synthesis. For Alhagi pseudalhagi both at the initial, and the final phase of vegetation period there was observed decrease of the chlorophylls’ synthesis. At the middle phase the ionizing radiation favored increase of pigments’ concentration in this plant at nearly 30%. The fact of increase of chlorophylls’ concentration in leaves of the researched plants under impact of radiation can be accepted as stimulation of pigment biosynthesis. Taking into account that biosynthesis of pigments is also specified by activity of chlorophyllase enzyme, we deemed expedient to research change of the enzyme’s activity. Activity of the enzyme was judged by us from increase of chlorophyllid’s number in the sample within a certain period of the pigment’s incubation with the enzyme preparation. It was revealed that for all the researched plants, where is found out biostimulation of the chlorophyll’s synthesis, activity of the chlorophyllase decreases. We can suppose that decrease of chlorophyllase’s activity under impact of the ionizing radiation is reason for intensification of chlorophylls’ synthesis. In other words, it can supposed that the chlorophyllase isn’t catalyst of the biosynthesis of the chlorophyll a, but on the contrary, performs at this time some hydrolytic function realizing decay of the chlorophyll’s molecules.

The Inhibitory Effect of Some Iranian Plants Extracts on the Alpha Glucosidase

Objective Diabetes mellitus is manifested by hyperglycaemia. Different treatments such as diets and drugs are recommended for diabetes control. For various reasons in recent years traditional plant (herbal) therapies as prescribed by indigenous systems of medicine with different mechanisms have commonly been used. The digestive enzymes such as alpha glucosidase are among these herbal remedies. Materials and Methods One hundred species of plants were collected or purchased from the Medicinal Herbal Markets and botanically identified. Methanolic and aqueous extracts were prepared by the maceration method. The enzymatic activities of alpha glucosidase were determined colorimetrically by monitoring the release of p-nitrophenol from the appropriate p-nitrophenol glycoside substrate, after 30 mins incubation at 37 ◦C in the phosphate buffer (pH= 6.8). Results Among 200 prepared extracts, Verbascum kermanensis, Rosa damascene, Rosmarinus officinalis, Levisticum officinale, Zataria multiflora Sanguisorba minor, Alhagi camelorum, Pistacia vera, Vaccinium arcto-staphylus, Zhumeria majdae, Alpinia officinarum, Salvadora persica, and Thymus serpyllum showed more than 50% inhibitory effect on the alpha glucosidase. Conclusion These active plants have no records in the literature for their anti diabetic effect and might be the new agents for diabetes control. This needs further in vitro and in vivo studies, some of which are under investigation