Asphodelus Tenuifolius Research Articles

Optimization of Conventional Extraction for Luteolin Dye from Asphodelus tenuifolius Cav Applied to Wool Fabrics

Optimization of Conventional Extraction for Luteolin Dye from Asphodelus tenuifolius Cav Applied to Wool Fabrics

Mechanistic insights into the corrosion inhibition of mild steel by eco-benign Asphodelus Tenuifolius aerial extract in acidic environment: Electrochemical and computational analysis

This study explores the novel application of Asphodelus Tenuifolius aerial extract (ATAE) as a corrosion inhibitor for mild steel in a 0.5 M HCl acidic environment. By utilizing techniques such as electrochemical measurements, gravimetric analysis, SEM, and CA assessments, the inhibitory potential of ATAE has been comprehensively evaluated. The results revealed a concentration-dependent enhancement in corrosion resistance, classifying ATAE as a mixed-type inhibitor by measuring the anodic (βa) and cathodic (βc) polarization slope values of 108.89 and −129.33 mV/dec. The peak inhibition efficiency was observed at 250 ppm, reaching an impressive IE% of 94.40 % at 298 K (Kelvin). The electrochemical analysis demonstrated a significant increase in charge transfer resistance (Rct) and polarization resistance (Rp) values, coupled with a decrease in Constant Phase Element (CPE.Yo) value to 162.94 μF, indicating heightened corrosion inhibition potential. Additionally, Theoretical calculations emphasized a strong interaction between ATAE and mild steel surface, characterized by a low energy gap (ΔE), indicating excellent anti-corrosion abilities at the micro-level. This study positions ATAE as a promising corrosion inhibitor, offering insights for further research in corrosion prevention strategies using a sustainable corrosion inhibitor.

Efficacy of Various Herbal Preparations Against Oral Candida: A Lab-Based Study

ABSTRACT Aim: This research was done to analyze the effectiveness related to herbal chemicals in tackling candidiasis. Materials and Methods: Grounded and ethanol-extracted residues of plants like Avicennia marina, Fagonia indica, Portulaca oleracea, Lawsania inermis, Ziziphus spina, Asphodelus tenuifolius, and Salvadora persica were used in the study. The extract was used against candida species, after which the antibacterial as well as cytotoxicity toward the former were evaluated. Results: L. inermis and P. oleracea with minimal inhibitory concentration of approx. 10 cenmL had an increased activity against candida species. The preparations of these plants acted against Candida albicans during its stages related to pathogenesis during biofilm production. Superadded infections like in case of bacterial infections along with candida can be difficult to cure. On human RBCs, these plant preparations had no toxicity at their minimum inhibitory concentration level. Conclusion: We concluded that, as far as being anti-candida and acting against MDR bacterial infections, preparations of plants were effective as an alternative to allopathic drugs.

Estimation of anti-oxidant activity and quantification of specific phenols and flavonoids in Asphodelus tenuifolius Cavan. (Onion weed) using HPLC

Estimation of anti-oxidant activity and quantification of specific phenols and flavonoids in Asphodelus tenuifolius Cavan. (Onion weed) using HPLC

Evaluation of the Antidiabetic Activity of Asphodelus Tenuifolius in Normal and Alloxan-induced Diabetic Rats

Asphodelus tenuifolius is traditionally used for the treatment of diabetes mellitus (DM). The current study aims to investigate the antidiabetic activity of Asphodelus tenuifolius in normal and alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Ethanolic and aqueous extracts of whole Asphodelus tenuifolius plant were prepared by using the maceration process. DM was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of alloxan monohydrate (140 mg/kg b.w) in rats. Glibenclamide was used as the reference drug. In an acute study, ethanolic extract of Asphodelus tenuifolius (ATEE) and aqueous extract of Asphodelus tenuifolius (ATAqE) were administered in 200 and 400 mg/kg doses to normal and alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Both extracts (ATEE and ATAqE) significantly lowered the blood glucose level of both normal and diabetic treated rats in a concentration dependent fashion. However, ATEE produced prominent results at the dose of 400 mg/kg. In a fourteen-day study, ATEE considerably decreased the blood glucose level of alloxanized rats. The results were similar to the reference drug, that is, glibenclamide. In the prolonged study, the effects of ATEE on liver enzymes and hematological parameters of diabetic rats were also studied. Hb level and platelet count was increased in ATEE-treated diabetic rats as compared to diabetic control. However, it did not affect other hematological parameters. ATEE significantly decreased the ALP level as compared to diabetic control. Although, the test extract did not significantly alter the SGOT and SGPT levels. Further, the phytochemical testing of ATEE revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, and terpenoids. It was concluded that Asphodeleus tenifolius possesses antidiabetic activity. More comprehensive studies are needed in the future to explicate the mechanism of action and to characterize the phyto-components of this plant.

Managing Weed-Crop Interactions Enhances Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) Chemical Components.

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is a major pulse crop worldwide, renowned for its nutritional richness and adaptability. Weeds are the main biotic factor deteriorating chickpea yield and nutritional quality, especially Asphodelus tenuifolius Cav. The present study concerns a two-year (2018-19 and 2019-20) field trial aiming at evaluating the effect of weed management on chickpea grain quality. Several weed management practices have been here implemented under a factorial randomized complete block design, including the application of four herbicides [bromoxynil (C7H3Br2NO) + MCPA (Methyl-chlorophenoxyacetic acid) (C9H9ClO3), fluroxypyr + MCPA, fenoxaprop-p-ethyl (C18H16ClNO5), pendimethalin (C13H19N3O4)], the extracts from two allelopathic weeds (Sorghum halepense and Cyperus rotundus), two mulches (wheat straw and eucalyptus leaves), a combination of A. tenuifolius extract and pendimethalin, and an untreated check (control). Chickpea grain quality was measured in terms of nitrogen, crude protein, crude fat, ash, and oil content. The herbicides pendimethalin (Stomp 330 EC (emulsifiable concentrate) in pre-emergence at a rate of 2.5 L ha-1) and fenoxaprop-p-ethyl (Puma Super 7.5 EW (emulsion in water) in post-emergence at a rate of 1.0 L ha-1), thanks to A. tenuifolius control, showed outstanding performance, providing the highest dietary quality of chickpea grain. The herbicides Stomp 330 EC, Buctril Super 40 EC, Starane-M 50 EC, and Puma Super 7.5 EW provided the highest levels of nitrogen. Outstanding increases in crude protein content were observed with all management strategies, particularly with Stomp 330 EC and Puma Super 7.5 EW (+18% on average). Ash content was highly elevated by Stomp 330 EC and Puma Super 7.5 EW, along with wheat straw mulching, reaching levels of 2.96% and 2.94%. Crude fat content experienced consistent elevations across all treatments, with the highest improvements achieved by Stomp 330 EC, Puma Super 7.5 EW, and wheat straw mulching applications. While 2018-19 displayed no significant oil content variations, 2019-20 revealed the highest oil content (5.97% and 5.96%) with herbicides Stomp 330 EC and Puma Super 7.5 EW, respectively, followed by eucalyptus leaves mulching (5.82%). The results here obtained are of key importance in the agricultural and food sector for the sustainable enhancement of chickpea grain's nutritional quality without impacting the environment.

Predicting the potential habitat suitability and distribution of “Weed-Onion” (Asphodelus tenuifolius Cavan.) in India under predicted climate change scenarios

Recent shifts in the spectrum of weeds documented throughout the globe in various agroecosystems were purportedly associated with climate change. Consequently, it called for a more thorough investigation of weed vulnerabilities and management in the changing climate scenarios. In the present investigation, we compile geographic occurrence data of an agricultural weed Asphodelus tenuifolius Cavan. using ecospat R package and BIOMOD ensemble forecasting to analyze the existing distribution and anticipate its possible distribution in the future under future climate change scenarios. Nine different algorithms were used and implemented in biomod2 package for modelling the current potential habitat distribution of the selected species across the study region and climatic data was downloaded from WorldClim database. Ensemble modeling showed high habitat suitability of the majority of central, northern, and western Indian regions under current climatic conditions. In addition, by gaining suitable habitats in the future the target species will undergo significant increase in range change. The potential range of habitat suitability for A. tenuifolius is likely to increase from 138.73% to 190.29% in terms of Committee Averaging and 721.42%–1508% in terms of Weighted Mean under Representative Concentration Pathways (RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5). This ensemble modelling technique will help us to locate the places where its potential range could expand while simultaneously analysing the spatial distributions of field weeds, which may be important for the creation of cutting-edge weed control methods.

Effect of extraction process on quality of oil from Asphodelus tenuifolius seeds

In this study, Asphodelus tenuifolius (ATO) seeds oils were extracted by three different extraction methods, namely Soxhlet extraction (SE), microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) and ultrasonic-assisted extraction (UAE). The physicochemical properties, fatty acids, sterols, tocols, total phenol content and antioxidant activity of ATO seed were examined and compared. The best extraction yield was from SE (21.97 ± 0.01%), followed by MAE (19.28 ± 0.13%) while that of UAE was the lowest (16.5 ± 0.1%). Analysis of the chemical composition of these oils showed that linoleic acid and β-sitosterol were the main fatty acid and sterol compounds, respectively. A large amount of fatty acids and sterols were not significantly affected by the three extraction methods. Nevertheless, the tocols, the total phenols contents and the antioxidant power showed a variation between these three extracted oils. Based on these results, it was found that this specie has great potential for industrial use.

Pharmacological Investigation of Asphodelus tenuifolius Cav. for its Potential Against Thrombosis in Experimental Models.

BackgroundThrombosis is a major disorder which is an outcome of an imbalance in the hemostatic system that develop undesirable blood clot and hinder blood circulation.PurposeThe current study was designed to verify the potential of aqueous methanolic crude extract of Asphodelus tenuifolius Cav. (At.Cr), used traditionally as remedy in circulatory problems.Research DesignAntioxidant activity, FTIR, and HPLC analysis were performed. In-vitro clot lysis assay was performed on human blood samples, and in-vivo acute pulmonary thromboembolism model was developed by administering the mixture of collagen and epinephrine in tail vein of mice. Carrageenan-induced thrombosis and FeCl3-induced carotid arterial thrombosis models were developed in rats.ResultsAt.Cr demonstrated significant increase in lysis of human blood clot. Bleeding and clotting times were increased dose-dependently. Lungs histology showed clear alveolar spaces with decreased red blood cells congestion. Reduction in infarcted tail length, augmentation in prothrombin time, and activated partial thromboplastin time with decrease in platelet count were observed. At.Cr also prolonged the arterial occlusion time and reduced the weight of thrombus and TXB2 levels dose-dependently.ConclusionsThe results demonstrated the antithrombotic and thrombolytic potential of At.Cr due to activation of coagulation factors through extrinsic and intrinsic pathways.

Terpenes and phenolics in alcoholic extracts of pine needles exhibit biocontrol of weeds (Melilotus albus and Asphodelus tenuifolius) and insect-pest (Plutella xylostella)

Massive use of synthetic chemicals exerts deleterious effects on human and environmental health, which calls for the development of novel alternatives to manage agricultural pests. Botanical pesticides have drawn great interest due to their non-toxic and eco-friendly nature. Therefore, under this study, leaf-needles of chir pine (Pinus roxburghii) were extracted by different solvents to obtain effective biochemical. These extracts were evaluated for biocontrol of two weed and an insect-pest species. Pine needles were soaked separately in methanol, ethanol, hot and cold water in the volume to weight ratio of 5:1 (solvent:pine needles) for 7 days. Extraction yield, and contents of organic acids, siloxanes and amides were higher with hot and cold water, while alcohols, ketones, terpenes and phenolic compounds were greater in methanolic and ethanolic extracts. These biochemicals with respective extractants increased quantitatively and progressively but not beyond 7 days. Raw extracts (with variable dilution) were employed topically against two weed species (Melilotus albus and Asphodelus tenuifolius) and an insect-pest (Plutella xylostella L.). Greater weed biocontrol efficacy through soaking of M. albus and A. tenuifolius weed seeds was exhibited by methanolic extract (100% concentration) with the highest germination inhibition (74% and 65%) followed by ethanolic extract (68% and 64%), respectively. The highest mortality (92%) of P. xylostella insects was achieved through methanolic extract bath (20% concentration) after 120 h. These results conclude that alcoholic extracts of pine needle contain more effective biochemicals (e.g., phenols and terpenes) with bio-pesticidal characteristics as compared to that from aqueous extracts. Therefore, the alcoholic extracts bear great potential to develop the bio-pesticides as novel and safe alternatives for weeds as well as insect-pest management.

Therapeutic Effect of Asphodelus Tenuifolius Against Streptozotocin Induced Diabetic Rats

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a long-lasting metabolic disorder that hinders the capability of the body to utilize food properly and is affected day by day through our diet, exercise, infection and stress. Presently, the trend is more towards natural plant-based products containing potential bio-active components than towards conventional medicines. For the purpose, out of numerous herbs used in common medicines, the subfamily of Asphodelus tenuifolius, used for several ailments, anti-inflmmation, anti-hypertension and antidiuretics etc. Objective: The objective of the present study was to evaluate the therapeutic effect of Asphodelus tenuifolius against streptozotocin induced diabetic rats. Method: The current study was based on the in vitro and in vivo properties of Asphodelus tenuifolius. The in vivo study was conducted that includes the TPC, TFC & DPPH. The in vitro study was also administered that includes the body weight and glucose levels of the rats. The thirty rats were divided into six groups; normal control, disease control, drug control, extracts treatment at 250, 500 and 750 mg/kg respectively. Results: The results depicted that the maximum decline in blood glucose levels of the streptozotocin induced diabetic rats were observed in T5. However, the body weights of the diabetic rats were maintained. Conclusion: Conclusively, Asphodelus tenuifolius plants contain a bio-active component that help to reduce hyperglycemia, maintains body weights in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats.

Efficacy of Herbicides in Controlling Wild Onion (Asphodelus tenuifolius L.) in Cumin Grown under Arid Climatic Conditions

A field experiment was conducted to investigate the effectiveness of different herbicides for controlling wild onion (Asphodelus tenuifolius) in cumin (Cuminum cyminum L.) during the rabi seasons (2018–2019 and 2019–2020) at Agricultural Research Station, Agriculture University, Jodhpur, Rajasthan. The experiment comprised eight herbicidal weed management treatments for wild onion applied to cumin in a three-replication randomized block design. Among the herbicidal weed management treatments, early post-emergence (8 DAS) application of oxyfluorfen 200 g/ha resulted in the lowest weed density and dry matter of Asphodilus tenuifolius, with maximum weed (Asphodilus tenuifolius) control efficiency at 40 days after sowing (DAS) during both experimental years. Likewise, the highest total efficiency of weed control was recorded with the application of oxyfluorfen 200 g/ha at 8 DAS. Oxyflourfen 200 g/ha used early post emergence (8 DAS) reduced the weed index more effectively than the other herbicides. It also recorded the highest number of branches/plant, plant height, umbels/plant, umbellates/umbel, seeds/umbellates, and seed yield. However, application of oxyflourfen @ 200 g/ha 8 DAS–early POE and pendimethalin 38.7 CS 500 g/ha + oxyfluorfen @ 150 g/ha 8 DAS–early POE were statistically similar in terms of plant growth, yield, and yield attributes. The net returns (366.49 USD/ha in 2018–2019 and 175.72 USD/ha in 2019–2020) and B:C ratio (1.70 and 1.33 in 2018–2019 and 2019–2020, respectively) were also superior, with oxyfluorfen 200 g/ha applied early post emergence.

MULTIVARIATE MULTIVARIATE ANALYSIS OF WEEDS OF CHICKPEA, MUSTARD AND WHEAT CROP FIELDS OF TEHSIL ISAKHEL, DISTRICT MIANWALI (PUNJAB), PAKISTAN

Multivariate analysis through Two Way Indicator Species Analysis (TWINSPAN) was conducted to study the phytosociological attributes of weeds of some selected crop fields of chickpea, mustard and wheat of Tehsil Isa Khel, District Mianwali, Punjab. Forty one (41) weed species were collected from the study area belonging to twenty one (21) different families. Twenty four weed species found in chickpea, twenty five in mustard and twenty nine in wheat crop fields. Sixteen weed species were common in three crops. Family Poaceae and Astraceae had maximum weed species i.e. 7 and 6 species respectively followed by Euphorbiaceae, Fabaceae, Chenopodiaceae, Papaveraceae, Zygophyllaceae and so on. Asphodelus tenuifolius, Medicago monantha and Carthamus oxycantha are frequently occurring weeds relative to others. Two-Way Indicator Species Analysis (TWINSPAN) was performed on the percentage cover basis which divided the weed species into groups, sub groups, associations and sub associations.

PALYNOMORPHOLOGICAL STUDY OF WEEDY MELLIFEROUS (BEE VISITED) PLANTS USING LIGHT MICROSCOPIC TECHNIQUES FROM SOUTHERN KHYBER PAKHTUNKHWA, PAKISTAN

Pollen morphology of 10 different weedy bee foraged plants belong to 10 various families from Southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa were collected, identified and studied using light microscopy (LM). The plants were Asphodelus tenuifolius, Euphorbia helioscopia, Parthenium hysterophorus, Rhazya stricta, Datura innoxia, Eruca sativa, Convolvulus arvensis, Anagallis arvensis, Galium aparine, and Anethum graveolens. Slides for Light microscopic studies were prepared with the help of acetic acid, glycerin jelly and anthers of flowers. Pollen grain recorded ranged from monocolpate to hexacolporate and from psilate to echinate which were important systematic significance. Pollen size, shape, P/E ratio, exine thickness, number of colpi, number of pores, equatorial diameter, polar diameter, colpus width, colpus length, spines number, length and width of spines were examined with the help of light microscopy and all these values were analyzed statistically using software SPSS. This research provide a data to the optimal utilization of bee foraged weed plants by honeybees and identification of bee flora for the beekeeping business and honey production. Results revealed that weedy melliferous flora of study area is very helpful for botanical origin, geographical origin of bee species and adulterations found in honey.

Phytostabilization of Phosphate Mine Wastes Used as a Store-and-Release Cover to Control Acid Mine Drainage in a Semiarid Climate

The abandoned Kettara pyrrhotite mine, located near Marrakech, Morocco, is an acid mine drainage (AMD) producer site. A store-and-release cover system made of phosphate wastes was built to prevent water infiltration and the formation of AMD. This cover system should be vegetated with appropriate plants to ensure its long-term sustainability and allow its reintegration in the surrounding ecosystem. Several indigenous plant species were studied. The choice of plant species was based mainly on their tolerance to trace elements contained in the phosphate wastes, and their low capacity to translocate these metals to their aboveground parts in order to limit the risk of pollutants transfer along the food chain. The main metals and metalloids (As, Cd, Co, Cu, Pb, Zn, Ni, Cr) are determined in 13 dominant plants naturally colonizing the store-and-release cover and their rhizospheric soils. The results showed that the phosphate cover contained high concentrations of Cr (138.04 mg/kg), Cu (119.86 mg/kg) and Cd (10.67 mg/kg) exceeding the regulatory thresholds values (Cr > 100 mg/kg, Cu > 100 mg/kg, Cd > 3 mg/kg). The studied plants revealed no hyper-accumulation of metals and metalloids, and lower concentrations in shoots than in roots. Six species (Plantago afra, Festuca ovina, Aizoon hispanicum, Herniaria cinerea, Echium plantagineum and Asphodelus tenuifolius) have bioconcentration factors greater than 1, and weak translocation factors, identifying them as appropriate candidates for phytostabilization of the phosphate cover.

LC-ESI/MS-Phytochemical Profiling with Antioxidant, Antibacterial, Antifungal, Antiviral and In Silico Pharmacological Properties of Algerian Asphodelus tenuifolius (Cav.) Organic Extracts.

Asphodelus tenuifolius Cav. (A. tenuifolius) is a medicinal plant with a long history of traditional use to treat ailments. In this study, total phenolic and flavonoid content evaluation using LC-ESI/MS analysis and various biological activities (antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral and cytotoxicity) of organic extracts from the aerial parts of A. tenuifolius were analyzed. ADME tools were used to predict the potential of the identified compounds from the most potent extract as specific drugs. As shown, LC-ESI/MS results of chloroformic extract allowed the tentative identification of 12 compounds. Chloroformic extract was rich in polyphenols and flavonoids and exhibited the highest antioxidant activity given by DPPH (IC50 = 25 µg/mL) as compared to the BHT standard (11.5 µg/mL) and β-carotene bleaching assays (IC50 = 95.692 µg/mL). Antibacterial activity results showed that chloroformic extract has a highest activity against Gram-positive and -negative bacteria, especially against Salmonella Typhimurium DT104 (IZ = 19.3 mm, MIC = 18.75 mg/mL, MBC = 37.5 mg/mL). The MBC/MIC ratio was evaluated to interpret the activity that was bacteriostatic rather than bactericidal. Conversely, weaker antifungal activity was registered, and no antiviral activity was observed for all extracts against Herpes Simplex Virus type 2 and Coxsakievirus B-3 viruses. Cytotoxic activity on VERO cell line results revealed that butanol extract was not toxic, with CC50 value of 1430 µg/mL, while chloroformic extract showed moderate cytotoxicity. Additionally, in silico studies performed proved promising pharmacokinetic and drug-likeness properties of the main compounds from the chloroformic extract. Taken together, this work highlights the potent bioactivity and acceptable drug-likeness of this plant, which supports its further preclinical development.

English

Plants are widely used in traditional medicine, but could be detrimental to patients, due to the presence of some harmful substances such as calcium oxalate (CaOx) C2CaO4 crystals. The presence, morphology and distribution of CaOx crystals were investigated in 60 wild, herbal plant species from the Al Qussim Region, Saudi Arabia. This was done via light microscopy of transverse sections of stems and leaves using light microscopy. Different types of CaOx crystals were found in only 24 of the plant species studied, the rest had no CaOx crystals. The stems of 12 plant species under study contained different types of CaOx crystals, with crystal sand being the most common. In the leaves of four plant species, druses and solitary crystals were the most frequently found types. In addition, eight species had different types of crystals in their respective stems and leaves. Rumex vesicarius had the most crystals in both its stems and leaves from all investigated species, followed by Asphodelus tenuifolius. Key words: Ca-oxalate crystals, light microscope, plant leaves, stems, Al Qussim Region.

Involvement of Muscarinic Receptors in Hypotensive and Diuretic Effects of Aqueous Soluble Fraction from Asphodelus tenuifolius Cav.

Background. Asphodelus tenuifolius Cav. (Asphodelaceae) is widely used in Pakistan traditional medicine as a hypotensive and diuretic agent. Despite the cardioprotective effects described for A. tenuifolius, the mechanisms involved in its probable hypotensive and diuretic effects have never been evaluated. Firstly, different extracts from A. tenuifolius seeds were obtained, and their antioxidant profiles and chemical constituents by LC-DAD-were determined, including molecular networking by the GNPS platform. Then, to evaluate changes in blood pressure, different groups of anesthetized normotensive rats were intravenously treated with the crude extract (AT-Cr, 1–50 mg/kg), aqueous (AS-AT, 1–25 mg/kg), n-butanol (BS-AT, 1–50 mg/kg), and dichloromethane fraction (DS-AT, 1–80 mg/kg). The diuretic effects of AT-Cr, AS-AT, BS-AT, and DS-AT at 100, 200, and 300 mg/kg, p.o. doses, were also evaluated in comparison with hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ, 10 mg/kg, p.o). The urinary volume, sodium, potassium, and pH were estimated in the sample collected for 6 h from saline-loaded rats. Using pharmacological antagonists or inhibitors, we determine the involvement of acetylcholine, prostaglandins, and nitric oxide in A. tenuifolius-induced hypotensive and diuresis action. In addition, the activities of angiotensin-converting enzyme, erythrocyte carbonic anhydrase, and renal Na+/K+/ATPase were evaluated in vitro. Acute treatment with crude extract and fractions of A. tenuifolius exhibited significant hypotensive and diuretic potential in normotensive rats. However, AS-AT produced the most potent and significant dose-dependent hypotension and diuretic effects in normotensive rats. Previous treatment with atropine significantly reduced the hypotensive and diuretic action of AS-AT, but pretreatment with indomethacin or L-NAME did not affect these effects. Moreover, the 7-day treatment with AS-AT did not reduce activities of serum angiotensin-converting enzyme, erythrocyte carbonic anhydrase, and renal Na+/K+/ATPase. AS-AT showed four major compound node clusters, which included sugars, alkaloids, nucleoside, amino acid, and glycosylated flavonoids. This research supports and extends the traditional use of A. tenuifolius as a hypotensive and diuretic agent. The results showed that AS-AT from A. tenuifolius could present compounds responsible for hypotensive and diuretic activities through the activation of muscarinic receptors.

Endothelium-independent vasorelaxant effect of Asphodelus tenuifolius Cav. via inhibition of myosin light chain kinase activity in the porcine coronary artery

Ethnopharmacological relevanceAsphodelus tenuifolius Cav. (Asphodelaceae), a wild, terrestrial, annual stemless herb, is widely used in traditional medicine for the treatment of hypertension, diabetes, atherosclerosis and circulatory problems. A previous research study from our laboratory revealed that A. tenuifolius has beneficial effects in reducing blood pressure and improves aortic endothelial dysfunction in chronically glucose fed rats. Despite the fact that A. tenuifolius reduces blood pressure and improves endothelial function in vivo, there are no detailed studies about its possible mechanism of action. Aim of the studyThis study was designed to provide pharmacological basis and mechanism of action for the traditional use of A. tenuifolius in hypertension and circulatory problems. We explored the vasorelaxant effect of A. tenuifolius and its underlying vasorelaxation mechanism in porcine coronary artery rings. Materials and methodsAqueous methanolic crude extract of A. tenuifolius was prepared by maceration process and then activity guided fractionation was carried out by using different polarity based solvents. Phytochemical studies were carried out using LC-DAD-MS. Segments of porcine distal coronary artery were set up in a wire myograph for isometric force measurements. Extract/fractions of A. tenuifolius seeds were tested for vasodilator activity by measurement of changes in tone after pre-contraction with the thromboxane mimetic U46619 in the presence or absence of inhibitors of intracellular signaling cascades. ResultsCrude extract/fractions of A. tenuifolius produced dose dependent endothelium independent vasorelaxant response in coronary rings, whereas, the butanol fraction of A. tenuifolius (BS-AT) produced the largest relaxation response with 100% relaxation at 1 mg/ml, therefore the mechanism of relaxation of this fraction was determined. The relaxation to BS-AT was unaffected by removal of the endothelium, pre-contraction with KCl, or the presence of the non-selective potassium channel blocker tetraethylammonium, indicating that the relaxation was endothelium-independent, and does not involve activation of potassium channels. BS-AT (1 mg/ml) inhibited the contractile response to calcium,the L-type calcium channel activator BAY K8664,and ionomycin, indicating that it inhibits calcium-induced contractions. The relaxation response to BS-AT was attenuated in the absence of extracellular calcium. However, relaxations to BS-AT were also reduced after deletion of calcium from intracellular stores with cyclopiazonic acid. Incubation with 1 mg/ml BS-AT also inhibited phosphorylation of myosin light chains in homogenates of coronary artery. ConclusionThe butanol extract of Asphodelus tenuifolius produces a large endothelium-independent relaxation of the porcine coronary artery through inhibition of calcium-induced contractions. The effect appears to be downstream of calcium influx, possibly through inhibition of myosin light chain kinase. This study supports previous studies demonstrating that A. tenuifolius reduces blood pressure. Future studies will aim to determine the active compounds underlying this response.

Corrigendum to Integration of allelopathy and herbicide to control Asphodelus tenuifolius in chickpea crop [Acta Ecologica Sinica Volume 39, Issue 3, June 2019, Pages 257-260

Corrigendum to Integration of allelopathy and herbicide to control Asphodelus tenuifolius in chickpea crop [Acta Ecologica Sinica Volume 39, Issue 3, June 2019, Pages 257-260