Imperata Cylindrica Research Articles

Vegetation analysis and ethnobotanical study of rubber agroforests in South Sumatra, Indonesia

Abstract. Eddy S, Rizal S, Kartika T, Sari KJ. 2023. Vegetation analysis and ethnobotanical study of rubber agroforests in South Sumatra, Indonesia 24: 2276-2283. Rubber agroforests (RA) play essential roles in conserving plant biodiversity and delivering ecosystem services while providing socio-economic benefits to local communities. This study aims to examine the composition and structure of vegetation and to explore the ethnobotanical uses of plants in rubber agroforests located in Southern Tempirai Village, North Penukal Sub-district, Penukal Abab Lematang Ilir (PALI) District, South Sumatra, Indonesia. Vegetation data were collected using the purposive sampling method in three different rubber agroforests by establishing transect lines and observation plots according to the plant life form (seedling, sapling, and tree) at each sampling point. Ethnobotanical data were collected through interviews with plant-using communities through a purposive sampling method. The results showed that there were 17 plant species belonging to 13 families documented in the studied area. The most dominant species at seedling stage (including understorey) was senduduk (Melastoma malabathricum) with an IVI (Important Value Index) of 38.79, while the most dominant species at sapling and tree layers was rubber (Hevea brasiliensis) with IVI of 185.48 and 300.00, respectively. In the rubber agroforests studied, the species diversity was classified as very low with a diversity index (H') value of 0.85. There are various ethnobotanical uses plants found in the rubber agroforest with the most common use by the community was for traditional medicines (Mimosa pudica, Melastoma malabathricum, Gleichenia linearis, Ageratum conyzoides, Piper betle, Stenochlaena palustris, Coffea sp., Salacca zalacca, Syzygium polyanthum, Sauropus androgynus, Imperata cylindrica, Areca catechu). Other uses were for food ingredients (Calamus sp., Coffea sp., Bambusa sp, Salacca zalacca, Syzygium polyanthum, Sauropus androgynus), building materials (Hevea brasiliensis, Areca catechu), and household furniture (Calamus sp., Bambusa sp.). This study enriches the understanding regarding the importance of rubber agroforest in conserving germplasm diversity and maintaining the ethnobotanical knowledge of local communities.

Cylindrin from Imperata cylindrica inhibits M2 macrophage formation and attenuates renal fibrosis by downregulating the LXR-α/PI3K/AKT pathway

Imperata cylindrica, a medicinal plant used in Traditional Chinese Medicine, has been used to treat chronic kidney disease. Extracts of I. cylindrica display anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and anti-fibrotic properties. However, the active components of the extracts and their protective mechanisms have not been fully elucidated. In this study, we explored the ability of cylindrin, the main active compound extracted from I. cylindrica, to protect against renal fibrosis and to investigate the potential mechanisms involved. At high doses, cylindrin exerted protective effects against folic acid-induced kidney fibrosis in mice. Bioinformatic analysis predicted the LXR-α/PI3K/AKT pathway as a target of regulation by cylindrin. This was supported by our in vitro and in vivo results showing that cylindrin significantly downregulated the expression of LXR-α and phosphorylated PI3K/AKT in M2 macrophages and mouse renal tissues. Furthermore, high-dose cylindrin inhibited M2 polarization of IL-4-stimulated macrophages in vitro. Our results suggest that cylindrin alleviates renal fibrosis by attenuating M2 macrophage polarization through inhibition of the PI3K/AKT pathway via downregulation of LXR-α.

Conversion of Imperata cylindrica, plastic face mask and mango peels to solid fuel briquette

The demand for briquette is rising with the increasing of urbanization. Briquettes is mainly used as fuel and heating component. In addition, briquette is used in various industries for over the years. In this study, Imperata cylindrica and mango peels along with face mask were anticipated to boost the properties of the solid fuel briquette. Proximate analysis (moisture content, ash content, volatile matter and fixed carbon) and ultimate analysis (CHNS and calorific value) conducted for the briquette samples before and after the carbonisation process. The characteristics and properties of face mask, mango peels, and Imperata cylindrica are significant for the contribution of the optimal ratio of solid fuel briquettes made from these combination materials. Based on the findings, it can be concluded that briquettes made from Imperata cylindrica: mango peel produce the best results. The findings indicate that the briquette has low moisture content, 3.0%, high volatile matter, 37%, low ash content, 5.7%, and high fixed carbon, 54.8%. The analysis of carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, and sulphur (CHNS) found that carbon content is 68.8%. The contents of hydrogen, sulphur, and nitrogen were 4.5%, 0.3%, and 0.96%, respectively. The calorific value obtained was 24.2 MJ kg-1.

Herbicidal effects of n-hexane, ethyl acetate and methanol extracts of cogon grass (Imperata cylindica l.) and their phytotoxicity on spiny amaranth (Amaranthus spinosus l.) growth

This research has the purpose of examining the activities of herbicidal effect of n-hexane, ethyl acetate and methanol extracts of cogon grass (Imperata cylindica L.) on spiny amaranth (Amaranthus spinosus L.) The rhizomes of I. cylindrica were extracted with n-hexane, ethyl acetate, and methanol, in that order. The extracts were tested on A. spinosus at concentrations of 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%. We applied a synthetic herbicide at a concentration of 0.686 kg (2,4-D at 0.686 kg a.i. ha−1) for positive control, and for negative control, we used water without any chemicals (distilled water). The I. cylindrica extracts affects weed control, leaf area, root length, and shoot and root dry weight of A. spinosus. The application of 20 percent of n-hexane extract was the best treatment in terms of controlling A. spinosus (40.83%), but it was not different from other organic solvent treatments at various concentrations, in contrast to aquades (0.00%) and synthetic herbicides (100%). The n-hexane extract of I. cylindrica showed the strongest herbicide effect on A. spinosus after 28 DAA, while ethyl acetate and methanol showed only minimal herbicide effect. Gas Chromatography-mass spethroscopy (GC-MS) analysis showed that rhizome extracts of I. cylindrica contained 3 key compounds each as under : n-hexane extracts : [phthalic acid (43.30%), dibuthyl phthalate (29.75%), linoelaidic acid (5,93%)]; ethyl acetate extracts : [propanetriol acetate (31.73%), phthalic acid (5.69%), n-hexadecanoic acid (5.39%)]; methanol extracts : [acetic acid (52.95%), acetamide (21.86%), octaethylene glycol monododecyl (11.34%). The n-hexane extract proved promising to control A. spinosus

In-Situ Digestibility of Selected Fibrous Feedstuffs at Varying Levels of Concentrate Supplementation in Rumen-fistulated Brahman Bull

A series of experiments were done to determine the effects of 20% and 40% levels of concentrate supplementation on the in-situ degradability of dry matter (DMD), organic matter (OMD), and neutral detergent fibre (NDFD) in a rumen-fistulated Brahman bull. Treatment diets included: T1—untreated rice straw, T2 – urea-treated rice straw, T3 – Napier soilage, T4 – Napier silage, T5 – sugarcane tops, and T6 – dried cogon grass. The nylon bags containing the treatment diets were incubated in the rumen at two periods: first at a 20% concentrate (20% of total diet D.M.) level, and second at a 40% concentrate (40% of total diet D.M.) level in a bull-fed Napier grass as basal diet. There were significant differencesin DMD and OMD among feedstuffs tested at a 20% level of concentrate supplementation; the highest was with Napier silage. Neutral detergent fibre (NDF) digestibility was highest with urea-treated rice straw (UTRS) and lowest in Napier silage and sugarcane tops. At a 40% level, in situ DMD, OMD, and NDFD decreased significantly with Napier silage, UTRS, and Cogon, respectively, which were associated with a drop in rumen pH. Most significant drop in NDF digestibility was with rice straw, Napier soilage, and Cogon. Hence, further study is recommended on evaluating fibre degradability and incubation.

Ethnopedological knowledge of upland Karbi Community: A case study from Dima Hasao District of Assam, North-Eastern Himalaya, India

This paper describes the ethnopedological knowledge of indigenous upland Karbi farmers inhabiting a hilly area of Assam, India. Semi-directive interviews, focused group discussion and joint field visit methods were used for eliciting information on soil from key knowledge holders identified through chain referrals. Soil was classified into eight folk types based on fertility which were determined via its physical properties viz., colour, texture, water retention capacity and compactness. This classification helped them in land-use and crop-selection related decisions and some other uses. Plant species viz., Albizia spp., Imperata cylindrica, Lantana camara and Schima wallichii indicating soil fertility were valued for identification of most suitable jhum sites. To minimize soil erosion, indigenous techniques like inverted ‘U’ shaped channels, maintaining standing trees and cut stumps, and placing horizontal wooden logs across shifting agricultural fields on steep slopes were employed. The laboratory analysis of physico-chemical parameters viz., bulk density, colour, texture, water holding capacity, pH, soil organic carbon and total nitrogen support the ethnopedological knowledge of the farmers. Study may help in preservation and protection of local knowledge on soil which is eroding fast under the influence of modernity.

Keanekaragaman Vegetasi Pada Habitat Yang Terinvasi Tumbuhan Invasif Di Hutan Kota Bukit Langkisau Painan, Sumatra Barat

The presence of invasive plants in a habitat will cause significant disturbances, especially in decreasing the abundance of biodiversity. The high competitiveness of invasive species causes native species to lose in competition. Invasive species have spread in many places, one of which is in the Bukit Langkisau City Forest. However, data on the types of weeds and vegetation types in the habitats invaded by weeds in the Bukit Langkisau City Forest are not yet available. Vegetation analysis was carried out in the Bukit Langkisau Painan City Forest, West Sumatra. The study used a survey method by laying out plots by purposive sampling, which made 15 plots at each level of vegetation. The plot is 10 x 10 m for observation of tree-level vegetation, the plot is 5 x 5 m for sapling vegetation and for understorey vegetation the plot is 2 x 2 m. The results of the vegetation analysis recorded 87 species of which there were 32 invasive species. The dominant families were found such as Fabaceae family, Meliaceae for tree level, Piperaceae for sapling level and Poaceae for understorey level. The highest Importance Value Index for tree vegetation, sapling and understorey was found in the invasive species Swietenia macrophylla (IVI = 44.69%), Piper aduncum (IVI = 85.08%), and Imperata cylindrica (IVI = 33.67%). The Vegetation Diversity Index in the Bukit Langkisau City Forest is the tree level (1.90), sapling (1.26) and understorey (1.78) which are all classified as moderate. KEYWORDSPlant invasive, urban forest, composition, structure, diversity index

Cogon grass (Imperata cylindrica L.) mulch effect on microclimate, weed management and yield of upland rice

One of the problems of upland rice cultivation in dry land is the availability of water needed to maintain humidity and temperature around plant roots. Cogon grass (Imperata cylindrica L.) mulch which has a long decomposed duration, can be an alternative to maintain the microclimate humidity and control weeds. This study aimed to obtain the best dose of cogon grass mulch on microclimate, weed management and upland rice yield on ameliorated ultisol soils. The research was carried out using a randomized complete block design with five doses of cogon grass mulch, i.e. 0, 10, 15, 20, and 25 tons/ha and three replications. Data were analyzed statistically by the F test at a 5% significance level and mean comparison using Tukey’s test. Results showed that applying cogon grass mulch could reduce temperature and increase the soil’s moisture. Biomass and species of weeds decreased with increasing doses of cogon grass mulch. Applied 10 tons/ha of cogon grass mulch effectively suppresses weed growth by 42.8%. Cogon grass mulch application did not affect upland rice growth variables, but 20 t/ha mulch significantly increased the yield by 21.7%.

People’s Perceptions of Human Elephant Conflict (HEC) and The Existence of Sumatran Elephants at CRU Sampoiniet Aceh Jaya, Indonesia

The increase in the human population has an impact on the expansion of the agricultural and plantation sectors. This causes a decrease in the amount of forest area which results in conflicts between humans and elephants. The purpose of the study was to determine the people's perception of the Sumatran elephant conflict and to determine the existence of male Sumatran elephants. The research was conducted in August 2022 at CRU Sampoiniet, Ie Jeureungeh village, Aceh Jaya district, Aceh province. The research method is descriptive qualitative and focal animal sampling. Data was collected by means of interviews, observation, and documentation. The results of the study revealed that the conflict between wild elephants had decreased since the existence of the CRU Sampoiniet who helped overcome the wild elephant conflict in the village area of ​​Ie Jeureungeh, however, currently there are still some minor disturbances and have an impact on the surrounding community. Some people want the environment around their plantations to be bordered by elephants through electric fences. Based on the results of observations, there are two types of feed provided by the manager and consumed by the tame elephants, namely sensitive plant (Mimosa pudica), cogon grass (Imperata cylindrica).

Oil Palm Plantation and Plant Species Diversity in Kolaka District, Indonesia

Knowledge of the types of plant species in the world continues to progress even though there are still many plant species whose types and benefits are not yet known. These plant species concentrate in an area both in residential areas, pastures, agricultural land, and plantation land. The research aims to identify plant species in mature oil palm plantation areas in Kolaka Regency by selecting Watubangga and Tanggetada subdistricts as survey locations and has been carried out from January to August 2022 by dividing the mature oil palm area into 3 villages in each subdistrict as research samples. The results of the survey and identification were analyzed using the summed dominance ratio formula to determine the level of dominance of plant species in controlling growth facilities. The findings of plant species in mature oil palm plantation areas in Watubangga Subdistrict, Polenga Village (highest-Cyperus rotundus L. 3.0738%, lowest-Solanum torvum Sw. 1.8637%), Kastura Village (highest-Brachiaria miliformis 4.1470%, lowest-Euphorbia hirta L 1.5057%), Kukutio Village (highest-Pennisetum purpureum Schumach 3.8447%, lowest-Chromolaena odorata (L.) King. 1.6317%). Tanggetada Subdistrict, Pundaipa Village (highest-Asystasia coromandeliana Ness 3.8541%, lowest-Cyrtococcum acrescens 1.4968%), Tinggo Village (highest-Imperata cylindrica (L.) P. Beauv. 4.9256%, lowest-Chromolaena odorata (L.) King 1.6079%), Oneeha Village (highest-Pennisetum purpureum Schumach, 3.8447%, lowest-Chromolaena odorata (L.) King. 1.6317%). This finding can be concluded that each area of mature oil palm plantations has several different and varied plant species and there are invasive plants that can eliminate native plants such as Chromolaena odorata (L.) King. and Imperata cylindrica (L.) P. Beauv.

Electron microscopy of the uredinial and telial stages of the rust fungus, Puccinia imperatae

The purpose of this work was to assess the morphology and ontogeny of Puccinia imperatae urediniospores and teliospores growing on its host, Imperata cylindrica, for the first time using scanning (SEM) and transmission (TEM) electron microscopy. The first evidence of uredinial development is the aggregation of hyphae in host intercellular spaces under the epidermis to form an uredinial initial. Uredinial primordia become evident as compact masses of fungal hyphae. The mycelia are dikaryotic and originated from dikaryotic urediniospores, which infect a new host. Dikaryotic sporogenous cells begin to form from dikaryotic mycelium as the uredinium develops further. The fundamental cell in the urediniospore and teliospore formation is the sporogenous cell. The teliospores with their persistent pedicels arise from dense dikaryotic sporogenous tissue, which later becomes highly vacuolated. The sporogenous cell forms a spore bud, which later divides into a pedicel and teliospore mother cell with two nuclei that produce the mature teliospore. SEM examination revealed that the urediniospores are echinulate bearing conical spines on their surfaces, sometimes curving near their tips, and the echinulate ornaments are distributed over the entire urediniospore surface. SEM examination also indicated that the teliospore surface shows rugose ornamentations. This investigation proved that the morphology of the uredinia of different Puccinia species is not related to the host species, but to the rust species. The possibility of using this fungus as a biological control agent for the noxious weed, Imperata cylindrica, was also discussed.

Inventarisasi Gulma Pada Pertanaman Kacang Tanah (Arachis hypogaea L.) Di Kabupaten Ogan Komering Ilir Sumatera Selatan

Research on the inventory of weeds on peanuts crops (Arachis hypogaea L.) in the village of Tanjung Merindu sub district Tanjung Lubuk Ogan Komering Ilir, has been carried out paper March to April 2019. This study aims to determine what kind of weed found in peanut crop (Arachis hypogaea L.) in the village of Tanjung Merindu sub district Tanjung Lubuk Ogan Komering Ilir. The research used descriptive survey method with exploring technique. Weeds that can be made key determination, identification, and made herbarium. Result of research got 2 Division, 3 Class, 7 Ordo, 7 Familia, 9 Genus, and 9 Species weeds are: Cyperus rotundus L., Axonopus compressus Swartz., Imperata cylindrica L., Brachiaria mutica Forsk., Euphorbia hirta L., Ageratum conyzoides L., Mimosa pudica Duchass., Cleome rutidosperma Backer., dan Neprholepis exaltata Schott. Keywords: Inventory, Weeds, Peanuts.Â

Struktur Stomata Pada Familia Poaceae Di Desa Kota Bumi Kecamatan Tanjung Lubuk Kabupaten OKI

Research on Stomata Structure in the Poaceae Family in Kota Bumi Village, Tanjung Lubuk District, Ogan Komering Ilir Regency, was carried out from April to May 2022. The purpose of the study was to examine the stomata structure on the adaxial (top) and abaxial (bottom) leaves of the Poaceae family. This study uses a descriptive survey method by going directly to the research location exploring the area of ​​Kota Bumi Village, Tanjung Lubuk District, Ogan Komering Ilir Regency. Sampling was done by direct observation observing the stomata structure of the adaxial (top) and abaxial (bottom) leaves of rice plants (Oryza sativa.), corn (Zea mays), reeds (Imperata cylindrica), sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum) and lemongrass ( Cymbopogon citratus). The results of the study found that 5 species had stomata located on the surface of the leaf Adaxia (top) and Abaxial (bottom) leaf. Amphistomatic type of stomatal spread. The shape of each guard cell is in the shape of a dumbbell. The number of neighboring cells is 2 neighboring cells. Both have the type of Stomata Graminae, the shape of the epidermal cells is elongated, grooved, rounded, parallel elongated, and grooved

Ecology of Echinops giganteus A. Rich. in Sub-Saharan Africa: Distribution, Ecoclimatic Niche, and Phytosociology

Echinops giganteus A. Rich. is an aromatic and medicinal plant of the Asteraceae family exploited in Cameroon under the access and benefit sharing (ABS) standard. Despite its importance, little information exists on the ecology of E. giganteus. The aim of the present study was to contribute to a better understanding of its ecology for sustainable management in the Western Highlands of Cameroon. Occurrence data as well as stationary ecological information were collected in the field and from different databases. Bioclimatic data were extracted from the WorldClim database and processed using DIVA-GIS and Maxent software. The Braun-Blanquet quadrat method was used for the phytosociological study. Results showed that the distribution of E. giganteus in its wild state is restricted to sub-Saharan Africa. This distribution is likely conditioned by altitude (1000 m–2600 m), light, temperature, and rainfall. The bioclimatic variables that best explained this distribution were the mean annual temperature (Bio1: 38.8%) and the precipitation of the coldest quarter (Bio19: 24.9%), and their favorable ranges were between 2°C–32°C and 300 mm–1800 mm, respectively. E. giganteus is a heliophilic plant that prefers well-drained substrates and would not have a requirement for organic matter. The floristic analysis of the E. giganteus community identified 68 plant species in 59 genera and 28 botanical families, with the most represented family being the Asteraceae (49%). The average species richness per quadrat was 8 species, dominated by herbs. Species consistent with E. giganteus were Aspilia africana (Pers.) C. D. Adams and Imperata cylindrica (L.) P. Beauv. Chamaephytes and Phanerophytes were dominant among the biological types, while the phytogeographic types were dominated by Pantropical species (38.23%). The most represented diaspore types and modes of dissemination were pogonochores (35.85%) and anemochores (55.38%).

Phytochemistry and pharmacology of Imperata cylindrica: A comprehensive review

Background: Imperata cylindrica is a medicinal spice used in traditional medicine to cure several ailments including cancer, wounds, hypertension, and inflammation. The current study aimed to compile phytochemicals and pharmacological data on Imperata cylindrica. Methods: A bibliographic study was carried out by analyzing conventional textbooks, authentic published studies, and consulting wide-reaching accepted scientific databases. In this review, an attempt is being made to establish an up-to-date chemical profile of I. cylindrica and the classification of its compounds in the main classes of plant secondary metabolites. Moreover, our study highlights the traditional usage of I. cylindrica and the reported investigations regarding the pharmacological properties of this plant. Results: The 43 phytochemicals isolated by various investigators mainly from the roots of I. cylindrica could be classified as bioactive phenolic compounds (coumarins, flavonoids, phenols, lignan glycosides, nor-lignans, phenolic acids, and aurone), few of them also belong to the group of terpenoids (sesquiterpenoids and triterpenoids), steroids and phytosterols. Based on the examined published data, the roots, and leaves of I. cylindrica are outstanding cytotoxic agents against several sensitive and resistant primary cancers through apoptosis induce, G1 cell cycle arrest (roots), and G2/M cell cycle arrest (leaves). Moreover, the root extract prevents metastasis invasion through inhibition of the PI3K/AKT/Snail pathway and the epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) process via modulation of certain key genes. I. cylindrica tackles the growth of sensitive and multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogenic microorganisms from various species and potentiates the antimicrobial activities of certain families of antibiotics towards MDR bacterial strains. The plant also has significant antihypertensive, anti-hyperglycemic, anti-parasitic, antioxidant activity, and several other pharmacological properties. Various studies characterized the Imperata cylindrica root extract as non-toxic to humans by oral route. Conclusion: From the outcome of this review, I. cylindrica is a potent candidate for drug formulation against primary and metastatic cancers, some drug-resistant microbial infections, and hypertension.

Response of Morphogenesis and Cell Proliferation to Allelopatic Compounds on Rice Germplasm

Allelopathic compounds are chemical substances produced by weeds, including Imperata cylindrica, that can inhibit the absorption of nutrients and cell growth of neighboring plants. Tissue culture technique can be used to determine the effect of media composition on morphogenesis and cell proliferation, as indicated by related genes. Through the process of somatic embryogenesis, cells regenerate into whole plants via several phases initiated by gene expression. Genes are the signal that connects environmental cues and plant cells. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of allelopathic compounds from Imperata cylindrica root extract on the morphogenesis and cell proliferation of indigenous Indonesian rice plant. The used callus was derived from the seeds of Bondoyudo, Caok, Ciliwung and Situbagendit rice varieties. The results of callus induction were selected and transferred to regeneration media that had been treated with I. cylindrica roots extract of 2.5 g/L and 5 g/L. The development of callus was monitored weekly for six weeks. As for the molecular analysis, four-week-old callus was utilized. The results demonstrated that the root extract of Imperata cylindrica had a specific effect on the morphogenesis and proliferation of rice cells depending on concentration and target plant. At a molecular level, the expression of the OsBBM, OsLEA, OsLEC1, OsSERK, and OsWOX4 genes was affected differently by the administration of allelopathic compounds at a concentration of 5 g/L on a molecular level.

Attenuation of Seizures, Cognitive Deficits, and Brain Histopathology by Phytochemicals of Imperata cylindrica (L.) P. Beauv (Poaceae) in Acute and Chronic Mutant Drosophila melanogaster Epilepsy Models.

Imperata cylindrica is a globally distributed plant known for its antiepileptic attributes, but there is a scarcity of robust evidence for its efficacy. The study investigated neuroprotective attributes of Imperata cylindrica root extract on neuropathological features of epilepsy in a Drosophila melanogaster mutant model of epilepsy. It was conducted on 10-day-old (at the initiation of study) male post-eclosion bang-senseless paralytic Drosophila (parabss1) involved acute (1-3 h) and chronic (6-18 days) experiments; n = 50 flies per group (convulsions tests); n = 100 flies per group (learning/memory tests and histological examination). Administrations were done in 1 g standard fly food, per os. The mutant flies of study (parabss1) showed marked age-dependent progressive brain neurodegeneration and axonal degeneration, significant (P < 0.05) bang sensitivity and convulsions, and cognitive deficits due to up-regulation of the paralytic gene in our mutants. The neuropathological findings were significantly (P < 0.05) alleviated in dose and duration-dependent fashions to near normal/normal after acute and chronic treatment with extract similar to sodium valproate. Therefore, para is expressed in neurons of brain tissues in our mutant flies to bring about epilepsy phenotypes and behaviors of the current juvenile and old-adult mutant D. melanogaster models of epilepsy. The herb exerts neuroprotection by anticonvulsant and antiepileptogenic mechanisms in mutant D. melanogaster due to plant flavonoids, polyphenols, and chromones (1 and 2) which exert antioxidative and receptor or voltage-gated sodium ion channels' inhibitory properties, and thus causing reduced inflammation and apoptosis, increased tissue repair, and improved cell biology in the brain of mutant flies. The methanol root extract provides anticonvulsant and antiepileptogenic medicinal values which protect epileptic D. melanogaster. Therefore, the herb should be advanced for more experimental and clinical studies to confirm its efficacy in treating epilepsy.

The potential of cogon grass (Imperata cylindrica) ethanol extract in inhibiting nitric oxide secretion in fibroblast

The potential of cogon grass (Imperata cylindrica) ethanol extract in inhibiting nitric oxide secretion in fibroblast

Floristic Diversity of Zygophyllum album Communities Associated with Water Towers in the Algerian Sahara

Abstract Zygophyllum album L. (Zygophyllaceae) is a species of arid and hyperarid zones that has been the subject of many biochemical, pharmaceutical, and medicinal studies, but this species is largely unknown ecologically. This work aims to study the diversity and describe the characteristics of the functional traits of plant species of Zygophyllum album communities associated with water towers in the Algerian Sahara. Based on subjective sampling, 17 phytoecological relevés were carried out at six sites in the Algerian Sahara. Zygophyllum album plant communities were analyzed using diversity parameters (species richness, Shannon-Weaver index, Pielou equitability) and plant functional traits (life forms, dispersal types, morphological and phytogeographic types). The results revealed the presence of 30 plant species belonging to 16 families and 28 genera. Asteraceae, Poaceae, Amaranthaceae and Apocynaceae were the most species-rich families, accounting for 60% of the total species studied. The plant communities studied were characterized by a high presence of hemicryptophytes (58.84%), anemochores (78.53%), perennial species (86.07%) and cosmopolitan species (41.55%) which witness the anthropogenic impact. Based on ordinary species values, three plant communities were individualized according to the hierarchical ascending classification. The species that dominate these communities are Phragmites communis (82.9%), Imperata cylindrica (35.2%) and Calotropis procera (28%) for community 1, Zygophyllum album (15.1%), Cistanche phelypaea (10%) and Launaea glomerata (5.1%) for community 2, Launaea resedifolia (10.2%), Hyoscyamus muticus (5.3%) and Cistanche Phelypaea (5.1%) for community 3. Community 1 is the most diverse (H’= 2.88; E= 0.88), while community 3 is the least diverse (H’=2.32; E= 0.93). This study provides baseline data for managing and conserving Zygophyllum album plant communities in arid areas.

Растительные сообщества песчаного массива Сарыкум (Республика Дагестан)

Растительные сообщества песчаного массива Сарыкум (Республика Дагестан)