Cnicus Research Articles

Cnicus Benedictus roots as a low-cost adsorbent for methylene blue dye removal from aqueous solution: kinetic and equilibrium studies

In this research, Cnicus Benedictus roots powder (CBRP) was utilized as a low-cost adsorbent for removing methylene blue (MB) as a cationic dye from aqueous solution. Characterization of CBRP by Boehm titration method, Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) and environmental scanning electron microscope (ESEM) indicates the presence of different types of functional groups and a very rough surface filled with cavities, suitable for MB adsorption. The effect of various parameters such as CBRP dose (0.2–2 g/1L), contact time (0–180 min), initial pH (1–10), coexisting anions/cations and the initial MB concentration (100–500 mg L−1) on MB adsorption were examined, the results showed that MB uptake depends on the pH of solution, the electrostatic attraction forces, the formation of H-bonds and π–π interactions are the possible CBRP–MB interaction mechanisms. Adsorption kinetic of MB on CBRP was best represented by linear and non-linear form of the pseudo-second order model. The experimental equilibrium data were best described by linear and non-linear forms of Langmuir and Redlich–Peterson isotherm models (R 2> 0.98) with a maximum MB adsorption capacity of 85.47 mg g−1 at 25 °C, the adsorption efficiency R (%) was greater than 90 (%). MB adsorption-desorption experiments showed the reusability of CBRP for five consecutive cycles. According to the obtained results, CBRP can be used as a natural adsorbent material for cationic dyes removal from aqueous solution.

In Vitro Evaluate the Antiproliferative Impact of Cnicus Benedictus L. Leaves Methanolic Extract on Cervical Cancer.

The present study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of the Cnicus benedictus leaf methanolic extract (CBHE) in reducing the growth of cervical cancer cells (Hela cancer cell line). The extraction was achieved using the Soxhlet apparatus. The study utilized a human cervical cancer cell line for antiproliferative evaluation and a human fibroblast cell line for toxicity assessment on normal cells. The incubation periods were 24 and 72 hours, and the concentration of the extract varied between 0.1 and 1,000 µg/ml. The study exhibits that the methanolic extract of Cnicus Benedictus leaves can lessen the growth of human cervical cancer cells. The growth inhibition of the extract was dependent on the concentration and time, with the highest inhibition rate seen at 1,000 µg/ml after 72 hours of incubation. The study also revealed that the extract had minimal impact on the growth of normal cells. The study shows that Cnicus Benedictus leaves methanolic extract has ability to inhibit the growth of human cervical cancer cells in vitro. The extract cytotoxic behavior was (cell cycle and cell non-cycle) specific. The research also found that the extract selectively kills cancer cells rather than normal cells, indicating its safety in their effectivity.

Cnicus benedictus: Folk Medicinal Uses, Biological Activities, and In Silico Screening of Main Phytochemical Constituents.

Traditional medicine has long recognized the therapeutic potential of Cnicus benedictus, and recent scientific research has shed light on the pharmacological properties of this plant. The bioactive compounds that can be extracted from it, such as the sesquiterpene lactones arctigenin, arctiin, and cnicin, are very interesting to researchers.In this article, based on available data from pre-clinical in vitro and in vivo studies, we delve into the pharmacology of the active constituents of this plant to explore its potential therapeutic applications and underlying mechanisms of action. In addition, we present a computer analysis designed to reveal the pharmacokinetic and toxicological properties of the main phytochemicals that are active in C. benedictus through new in silico techniques and predictive tools such as SwissADME and PubChem.The data from the in silico study presented here support the traditional use of C. benedictus, as well as its promise as a source of new therapeutic chemical compounds.

GALACTAGOGUE HERBS: A QUALITATIVE STUDY AND REVIEW

Women often face challenges in their efforts to breast-feed their infants. One of these challenges may be a real or perceived insufficient milk supply. Presented here are some results from a qualitative study of self-care in pregnancy, birth and lactation among a purposeful sample of childbearing women in British Columbia. Twenty-three women were interviewed at one to four months postpartum, and were asked to share their experiences with childbirth and postpartum self-care. Interviews were tape recorded and transcribed. All 23 women were breast-feeding. Four women reported insufficient milk supply, whereas 14 women used galactagogue substances including herbal remedies, food items and pharmaceutical drugs to enhance their milk supply. Eleven women (48% of the sample) were using any of five galactagogue herbs, in many cases prophylactically. Each herb is reviewed and discussed here: blessed thistle (Cnicus benedictus), fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), fenugreek (Trigonella foenicum-graecum) raspberry leaf (Rubus idaeus), and stinging nettle (Urtica dioica). This study reveals that galactagogue herb use is an element of postpartum self-care for some women, and it also identifies a need for clinical testing of the herbs. A larger-scale survey of galactagogue herb use would be beneficial to the state of knowledge, as would clinical trials and case reports on the more popular herbs.

Cnicin promotes functional nerve regeneration

BackgroundThe limited regenerative capacity of injured axons hinders functional recovery after nerve injury. Although no drugs are currently available in the clinic to accelerate axon regeneration, recent studies show the potential of vasohibin inhibition by parthenolide, produced in Tanacetum parthenium, to accelerate axon regeneration. However, due to its poor oral bioavailability, parthenolide is limited to parenteral administration. PurposeThis study investigates another sesquiterpene lactone, cnicin, produced in Cnicus benedictus for promoting axon regeneration. ResultsCnicin is equally potent and effective in facilitating nerve regeneration as parthenolide. In culture, cnicin promotes axon growth of sensory and CNS neurons from various species, including humans. Neuronal overexpression of vasohibin increases the effective concentrations comparable to parthenolide, suggesting an interaction between cnicin and vasohibin. Remarkably, intravenous administration of cnicin significantly accelerates functional recovery after severe nerve injury in various species, including the anastomosis of severed nerves. Pharmacokinetic analysis of intravenously applied cnicin shows a blood half-life of 12.7 min and an oral bioavailability of 84.7 % in rats. Oral drug administration promotes axon regeneration and recovery after nerve injury in mice. ConclusionThese results highlight the potential of cnicin as a promising drug to treat axonal insults and improve recovery.

Assessment of phytoremediation potential of native plant species naturally growing in a heavy metal-polluted industrial soils.

The present study was carried out in Hayat Abad Industrial Estate located in Peshawar to assess the levels of cadmium (Cd) that were present in the soil as well as the plant parts (Roots and shoots). To evaluate the phytoremediation potential of the plants different factors i.e. Bioconcentration Factor (BCF), Translocation Factor (TF), and Bioaccumulation Coefficient were determined. These plants were grown in their native habitats (BAC). We have analysed, cadmium concentration from soil which are collected from 50 different locations ranged from 11.54 mg/Kg (the lowest) to 89.80 mg/Kg (highest). The maximum concentration (89.80 mg/Kg) of cadmium was found in HIE-ST-16L Marble City and HIE-ST-7 Bryon Pharma (88.51 mg/Kg) while its minimum concentration (12.47 mg/Kg) were detected in the soil of Site (HIE-ST-14L Royal PVC Pipe) and (11.54 mg/Kg) at the site (HIE-ST-11 Aries Pharma). Most plant species showed huge potential for plant based approaches like phyto-extraction and phytoremediation. They also showed the potential for phyto-stabilization as well. Based on the concentration of cadmium the most efficient plants for phytoextraction were Cnicus benedictus, Parthenium hysterophorus, Verbesina encelioides, Conyza canadensis, Xanthium strumarium, Chenopodium album, Amaranthus viridis, Chenopodiastrum murale, Prosopis juliflora, Convolvulus arvensis, Stellaria media, Arenaria serpyllifolia, Cerastium dichotomum, Chrozophora tinctoria, Mirabilis jalapa, Medicago polymorpha, Lathyrus aphaca, Dalbergia sissoo, Melilotus indicus and Anagallis arvensis. The cadmium heavy metals in the examined soil were effectively removed by these plant species. Cerastium dichotomum, and Chenopodium murale were reported to be effective in phyto-stabilizing Cd based on concentrations of selected metals in roots and BCFs, TFs, and BACs values.

Cnicus benedictus extract-loaded electrospun gelatin wound dressing for treating diabetic wounds: An in vitro and in vivo study.

In the current study, Cnicus benedictus extract was loaded into electrospun gelatin scaffolds for diabetic wound healing applications. Scaffolds were characterized in vitro by mechanical testing, cell culture assays, electron microscopy, cell migration assay, and antibacterial assay. In vivo wound healing study was performed in a rat model of diabetic wound. In vitro studies revealed fibrous architecture of our developed dressings and their anti-inflammatory properties. In addition, Cnicus benedictus extract-loaded wound dressings prevented bacterial penetration. In vivo study showed that wound size reduction, collagen deposition, and epithelial thickness were significantly greater in Cnicus benedictus extract-loaded scaffolds than other groups. Gene expression studies showed that the produced wound dressings significantly upregulated VEGF and IGF genes expression in diabetic wounds.

HPLC/ESI-MS Characterization of Phenolic Compounds from Cnicus benedictus L. Roots: A Study of Antioxidant, Antibacterial, Anti-Inflammatory, and Anti-Alzheimer's Activity.

The phenolic composition of Cnicus benedictus roots from four Algerian regions was investigated. Extractions were performed in both hydro-methanolic (30 : 70, v/v) and hydro-ethanolic (30 : 70, v/v) solvents. Their efficiency was determined in terms of the qualitative and quantitative composition in phenolic compounds by HPLC-LC/MS of the different extracts isolated from C. Benedictus roots. Cnicus benedictus roots extract have been characterized by high content of phenolic compounds, where the trans chalcone, 2,3-dihydro flavone, 3-hydroxy flavone and cinnamic acid constitute the major components, in addition to fourteen minor acidic compounds and flavonoids as rutin. The hydro-methanolic extract was the richest in phenolic compounds yield from C benedictus. On the other hand, hydro methanolic (30 : 70, v/v) and hydro ethanolic (30 : 70, v/v) extracts exhibited a high anti-inflammatory activity by in vitro 5-lipoxygenase inhibitory activity (IC50 : 6.05±94.16 μg/mL) as well as by in silico docking according two methods. Likewise, anti-Alzheimer activity of extracts was confirmed by this last technique taking into account the major compounds identified. Antibacterial tests revealed interesting results compared to amoxicillin for the different regions studied with a high content in trans chalcone and 3-hydroxy Flavone.

Towards utilizing Asteraceae alternative oilseed species on marginal lands: Agronomic performance, fatty acid composition, oil biocompounds, and oil physicochemical properties of Asteraceae species

Including alternative and drought-resilient oilseeds in marginal lands, where conventional oilseed production is threatened, could be an effective measure to restore marginal lands and improve sustainable seed oil production. Based on this approach, the present study aimed to evaluate the potential of some new and neglected Asteraceae species as alternative oil seed crops in marginal lands. The agronomic performance, fatty acid profile, seed oil biocompounds, and physicochemical properties of blessed thistle (Cnicus benedictus), cardoon (Cynara cardunculus), milk thistle (Silybum marianum), niger seed (Guizotia abyssinica), pot marigold (Calendula officinalis) and safflower (Carthamus tinctorius) were studied under a marginal land condition (semi-dry poor soils) in two growing years. Niger seed possessed the highest oil content (39.45%), while the highest oil yield (470.21 kg ha−1) was noted in safflower. The GC and HLPC analysis indicated that all the species of seed oils were rich linoleic acid sources (51.65–73.45%). However, some species, such as safflower, also contained a high amount of oleic acid (25.41%) proportion. Pot marigold seed oils had high levels of calendic acid (more than 50% of total fatty acids). The tocopherol and phenol biocompounds as essential micronutrients for human health were abundant in the species studied, which the highest tocopherol contents recorded for blessed thistle (670.43 mg/kg) and safflower (655.75 mg/kg) oils, respectively. Accordingly, the antioxidant activity of the oilseeds followed the same trends, being the highest in blessed thistle and safflower oils. The high concentration of oleic acid in safflower oil was associated with decreasing oil density, saponification, peroxidase, and increasing viscosity indicating its high oil oxidative stability. According to agronomic and oilseed quality properties, most species, especially safflower and blessed thistle, can be considered promising alternative oilseed crops in marginal lands.

Exploring the multimodal role of Cnicus benedictus extract in the modulation of growth, hematobiochemical, histopathological, antioxidative performance, and immune-related gene expression of Oreochromis niloticus challenged with Aeromonas hydrophila

This study explored the growth efficiency and the intracellular pathways by which Cnicus benedictus extract (CBE) acts. It investigated the antioxidant effects and efficacy of CBE as a fish supplement in attenuation of Aeromonas hydrophila in Oreochromis niloticus fish. Mono-sex Nile tilapia fish (n = 225) were randomly allocated to five groups in triplicate aquaria (n = 3 tanks per group, 15 fish per tank, with 120 L of water per tank) with a daily water exchange rate of 20%. After adaption for 2 weeks and body weight measuring, the experimental groups were fed isonitrogenous and isocaloric diets with different dosages of the ethanolic extract of C. benedictus for 10 weeks. The five groups were identified as the control group (CBE0.0), which was fed on the basal diet, while the second (CBE0.1), the third (CBE0.2), the fourth (CBE0.4), and the fifth (CBE0.6) groups were fed the basal diet supplemented with 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.4%, and 0.6% of C. benedictus extract, respectively. After the 10-week feeding trial was completed, the fish were inoculated with the PCR-identified pathogenic A. hydrophila in a challenge trial which lasted 15 days. A. hydrophila, one of the septicemic bacteria, causes severe economic losses, high mortality rates, and hemorrhages in Nile tilapia and other cultured freshwater fishes worldwide. The CBE was found to significantly increase the body mass, weight gain, and the specific growth rate, as well as the protein efficiency ratio of the fish. Increased survival percentage, accompanied by post challenge lymphocytosis with decreased liver enzyme levels, increased total protein, and improved kidney function markers were also seen. Additionally, CBE supplementation showed significant increases in phagocytic activity, phagocytic index, and lysosomal activity post challenge, accompanied by increases in antioxidant activity and the mRNA expression of cytokines genes hsp70 and tlr7 mRNA. The desirable effects of CBE treatment were confirmed by a histopathological examination of the height of intestinal villi and enterocytes lining the middle intestine and increases in the size of liver cells. We conclude that CBE increases the growth performance and modulates the antioxidant, inflammatory, stress, and immune-related genes in Nile tilapia. Moreover, the dietary inclusion of 0.42–0.47% CBE showed a better protective effect with the A. hydrophila challenge.

Simultaneous determination and characterization of flavonoids, sesquiterpene lactone, and other phenolics from Centaurea benedicta and dietary supplements using UHPLC-PDA-MS and LC-DAD-QToF

Simultaneous identification and quantification of phenolic acid (chlorogenic acid), sesquiterpene lactone (cnicin), lignan (arctiin), and flavonoids (bracteoside, 6-methoxybracteoside, isokaempferide, and viscosine) in mixed parts of Centaurea benedicta (Syn. Cnicus benedictus) were performed for the first time. The liquid chromatography method showed an adequate performance for the separation of seven compounds. The method was validated for linearity (0.5–100 μg/mL), precision, accuracy, limit of detection (LOD), and limit of quantification (LOQ) as well as robustness. Cnicin and arctiin were detected at concentrations as low as 0.25 µg/mL. Remaining flavonoids and chlorogenic acid were detected at 0.025 μg/mL. The method demonstrated good performance in terms of intra- and inter-day precision (0.1–3.4%), accuracy (98.0–105.0%), lower and upper limits of quantification for all compounds. Analysis of various samples showed considerable variation of 0.9–10.3 mg/g for the marker compound, cnicin. Twenty-one dietary supplements, claiming to contain C. benedictus extract, were analyzed for authenticity. Thirteen (62%) of 21 products showed the presence of all analyzed compounds and were confirmed to contain C. benedictus. A liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method coupled with electrospray ionization (ESI) is described for the identification of compounds in plant samples. This method involved the use of protonated, deprotonated, and adduct ions for compounds in positive and negative ion modes with extractive ion chromatogram (EIC). The application of liquid chromatography-quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometry (LC-QToF) provided useful information to characterize sixty-four compounds. The developed methods were also applicable for quality assessment of raw materials and dietary supplements containing C. benedictus.

Computational and experimental studies on the corrosion inhibition performance of an aerial extract of Cnicus Benedictus weed on the acidic corrosion of mild steel

The corrosion inhibition investigation of aerial extract of Cnicus Benedictus, a weed referring to the Asteraceae family has been evaluated on the mild steel corrosion in 0.5 M HCl with the employment of the weight-loss method, potentiodynamic polarization measurements (PDP) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) techniques. This investigation demonstrated Cnicus Benedictus extract (CBE) as a green and sustainable mild steel corrosion inhibitor in 0.5 M HCl media exhibiting an inhibition efficacy of 92.45% at 1000 ppm. With the increased concentration of CBE, the value of icorr and corrosion rate (CR) decreased significantly from 7.4114 to 0.97438, revealing the protective effect of CBE on mild steel. The deposition of a highly defensive coating on the mild steel surface was demonstrated by the contact angle measurements. Additionally, the increase in the Kads values indicated a stronger interaction between the inhibitor molecules and metal surface. Furthermore, density functional theory (DFT) and Monte Carlo simulations have been utilized to validate the significant inhibition characteristic attained by the experimental study and to suggest an adsorption mechanism.

Cnicus benedictus Oil as a Raw Material for Biodiesel: Extraction Optimization and Biodiesel Yield

Cnicus benedictus fruits were used as raw material to extract oil, and the resulting oil was converted into biodiesel. Two extraction methods were tested: batch extraction, and ultrasound assisted extraction. Response surface methodology was considered for the optimization of the process efficiency. The selected key independent variables were temperature, extraction time, and solid/liquid ratio for batch extraction and ultrasound intensity, temperature, and extraction time for the ultrasound assisted extraction, respectively. The optimal working conditions are different for the two extraction techniques, with respect to temperature, solid/liquid ratio, and extraction time, respectively, leading to higher extraction efficiency in the case of the ultrasound-assisted extraction. Cnicus benedictus oil obtained under the optimal extraction conditions was further esterified with methanol under acid catalysis to yield biodiesel. The biodiesel was characterized through 1H-NMR and the main fuel properties were determined.

Free Radical Scavenging Activity of Infusions of Different Medicinal Plants for Use in Obstetrics.

An X-band (9.3 GHz) electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy was used to examine the free radical scavenging activity of the following infusions, which were nonirradiated and exposed to UVA: root of Asparagus racemosus and herbs of Mitchella repens, Cnicus benedictus L., Galega officinalis L., and Eupatorium cannabinum L. The plant materials for obstetrics applications were chosen for analysis. The aims of these studies were to compare the free radical scavenging ability of the tested infusions and to determine the influence of UVA irradiation of the plant materials on interactions of these infusions with free radicals. Both the magnitude and kinetics of the interactions of the infusions with the model DPPH free radicals were examined. The ability to quench the free radicals for the examined plant infusions increases in the following order: Asparagus racemosus (root) < Mitchella repens (herb) < Cnicus benedictus L. (herb) < Galega officinalis L. (herb) < Eupatorium cannabinum L. (herb). The analyzed infusions differ in the kinetics of the interactions with free radicals. The fastest interactions with free radicals characterize the infusions of Galega officinalis L. herb and Eupatorium cannabinum L. herb. The infusion of Mitchella repens herb interacts with free radicals in the slowest way. UVA radiation reduces the antioxidant interactions of all tested infusions, especially the infusion of Eupatorium cannabinum L. herb, which should be protected against UVA radiation during storage. The weakest decrease of free radical scavenging activity was observed for the infusion of the root of Asparagus racemosus exposed to UVA radiation. UVA radiation affected the speed of the free radical interactions of the infusions, depending on the type of plant materials. EPR spectroscopy is useful to examine the free radical scavenging activity of plant infusions, which is helpful to find effective antioxidants for applications in obstetrics and their optimal storage conditions.

In vitro and in vivo evaluation of cnicin from blessed thistle (Centaurea benedicta) and its inclusion complexes with cyclodextrins against Schistosoma mansoni.

Schistosomiasis, caused by a blood fluke of the genus Schistosoma, afflicts over 230 million people worldwide. Treatment of the disease relies on just one drug, praziquantel. Cnicin (Cn) is the sesquiterpene lactone found in blessed thistle (Centaurea benedicta) that showed antiparasitic activities but has not been evaluated against Schistosoma. However, cnicin has poor water solubility, which may limit its antiparasitic activities. To overcome these restrictions, inclusion complexes with cyclodextrins may be used. In this work, we evaluated the in vitro and in vivo antischistosomal activities of cnicin and its complexes with β-cyclodextrin (βCD) and 2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HPβCD) against Schistosoma mansoni. Cnicin were isolated from C. benedicta by chromatographic fractionation. Complexes formed by cnicin and βCD (Cn/βCD), as well as by cnicin and HPβCD (Cn/HPβCD), were prepared by coprecipitation and characterized. In vitro schistosomicidal assays were used to evaluate the effects of cnicin and its complexes on adult schistosomes, while the in vivo antischistosomal assays were evaluated by oral and intraperitoneal routes. Results showed that cnicin caused mortality and tegumental alterations in adult schistosomes in vitro, also showing in vivo efficacy after intraperitoneal administration. The oral treatment with cnicin or Cn/βCD showed no significant worm reductions in a mouse model of schistosomiasis. In contrast, Cn/HPβCD complex, when orally or intraperitoneally administered to S. mansoni-infected mice, decreased the total worm load, and markedly reduced the number of eggs, showing high in vivo antischistosomal effectiveness. Permeability studies, using Nile red, indicated that HPβCD complex may reach the tegument of adult schistosomes in vivo. These results demonstrated the antischistosomal potential of cnicin in preparations with HPβCD.

Magnetic Nanoparticles of Fe3O4 Biosynthesized by Cnicus benedictus Extract: Photocatalytic Study of Organic Dye Degradation and Antibacterial Behavior

Currently, the use of sustainable chemistry as an ecological alternative for the generation of products or processes that are free of a polluting substance has assumed a preponderant role. The aim of this work is to propose a bioinspired, facile, low cost, non-toxic, and environmentally friendly alternative to obtaining magnetic nanoparticles with a majority phase of magnetite (Fe3O4). It is important to emphasize that the synthesis was based on the chemical reduction through the Cnicus benedictus extract, whose use as reducing agent has not been reported in the synthesis of iron oxides nanoparticles. In addition, the Cnicus benedictus is an abundant endemic plant in Mexico with several medicinal properties and a large number of natural antioxidants. The obtained nanoparticles exhibited significant magnetic and antibacterial properties and an enhanced photocatalytic activity. The crystallite size of the Fe3O4 nanoparticles (Fe3O4 NP’s) was calculated by the Williamson-Hall method. The photocatalytic properties of the Fe3O4 NP’s were studied by kinetics absorptions models in the Congo red (CR) degradation. Finally, the antibacterial effects of the Fe3O4 NPs were evaluated mediated the Kirby–Bauer method against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. This route offers a green alternative to obtain Fe3O4 NPs with remarkable magnetic, photocatalytic, and antibacterial properties.

Human gut health relevant antibacterial activity of blessed thistle (Cnicus benedictus)

Human gut health relevant antibacterial activity of blessed thistle (<i>Cnicus benedictus</i>)

Kinetic adsorption models of silver nanoparticles biosynthesized by Cnicus Benedictus: Study of the photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue and antibacterial activity

In this work, a novel and simplified green synthesis route to obtaining silver nanoparticles (AgNṔs) is proposed. This route is based on the chemical reduction of AgNO3 through the Cnicus Benedictus extract as reducing agent. This synthesis process offers a facile, at low cost, non-toxic and environmentally friendly alternative to obtaining functional metallic nanoparticles. Based on the chemical and structural characterization, AgNṔs with spherical morphology and significant photocatalytic and antibacterial properties were obtained. Through the X-Ray diffraction (XRD) technique, the AgNṔs structure formation was confirmed. Complementarily, the crystallite size and strain of the AgNṔs were calculated by a Williamson-Hall analysis, which parameters were calculated by three profile functions, Pseudo-Voigth, Lorentzian. The photocatalytic properties of the biosynthesized AgNṔs were evaluated in the methylene blue (MB) degradation. The degradation mechanism of the MB was described mathematically by four kinetic adsorption models; Pseudo-first order model, Pseudo-second order model, Elovich and intraparticle diffusion model. Finally, the bactericidal effect of the AgNṔs was evaluated by Kirby-Bauer method against Gram-positive Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) and Gram-negative Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) bacteria, which indicate a significant inhibition zone measurements. Statistical and mathematical models were employed to describe the antibacterial effect.

Blessed thistle a promising species on North Dakota, USA marginal lands: Agronomic productivity, oil properties and biodiesel potential

Screening new alternative vegetable oil sources as biodiesel feedstocks has attracted worldwide attention as world oil reserves decline and environmental concerns increase. Blessed thistle (Cnicus benedictus L.) has recently been identified as a multipurpose crop with optimal economic yield in poor soils. Blessed thistle was seeded into three different site soil conditions (site 1: silt clay loam, site 2: sandy loam, site 3: saline sandy loam) in eastern North Dakota, USA to evaluate agronomic performance and seed properties as well as biodiesel potential. The highest biomass and plant heights were obtained from the sandy loam soil, while plants grown in saline sandy loam soil had similar seed and oil yield, and similar oil content as plants grown in other site soil conditions. Biodiesel obtained from blessed thistle oil in the saline site was an excellent substitute for fossil fuels. The saline soil did not influence the blessed thistle oil yield; however, the saline soil did affect the fatty acid composition and biodiesel properties with some improvement in biodiesel quality. Results showed that blessed thistle was a promising species for biodiesel feedstock, especially for marginal soils such as the saline soil conditions in North Dakota.

Blessed Thistle Growth, Essential Oil Content, Yield and Composition as Influenced by Plant Density and Nitrogen Fertilizer

Blessed thistle (Cnicus benedictus L.) is an abundant resource with huge phytochemical and agronomic potentials. Their variation in response to agronomic techniques needs to be explored. Field studies were laid out to assess plant density and nitrogen fertilizer (N) effects on blessed thistle plant height, branches number (m-2), vegetative variables and RGR (relative growth rate), CGR (crop growth rate), LAR (leaf area ratio), NAR (net assimilation rate), as growth variables along with blessed thistle essential oil content, yield and compositions in two growing seasons. A three replicated factorial combination of plant densities (5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 plants m-2) and N levels (0, 50, 100 and 150 kg ha-1) in a randomized complete-block design were conducted. Addition of 100 kg N ha-1with 15-20 plants m-2caused a significant increase in vegetative and growth variables. Although the essential oil content declined by 28 and 39 % as N rate level rose from 0 to 150 kg ha-1, essential oil yield peaked at 40-80 kg N ha-1 in both years. The GC and GC/MS analysis showed that eicosane was the dominant component of the essential oil (31-65 %), followed by isopropyl hexadecanoate (5.7-9.2 %), octadecane (3.5-10.5 %) and cryptomerione (3.1-7.1 %) which presented variations across the treatments. Application of N resulted in a decrease in the eicosane and an increase in the proportion of isopropyl hexadecanoate, octadecane and cryptomerione. It can be concluded that optimizing agronomic management techniques could be an effective approach to improve growth, essential oil content and composition of the plant.