Botanical Characteristics Research Articles

Biochemical and physiological properties non-traditional food raw materials

The botanical and commodity characteristics are given, the physiological functions of the calamus root are indicated. The methods used to study its quantitative and qualitative composition of nutrients, including physiologically active substances and antiradical activity, are given. The general chemical composition is investigated, the results of the study of the mineral composition of the calamus root are presented, it is established that the root is rich in potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, as well as trace elements manganese, iron, molybdenum, which perform important physiological functions in the human body. The calculation of the percentage of satisfaction of the daily need for individual minerals was carried out, it was found that the calamus root belongs to functional food ingredients, since it satisfies the SNP by more than 15% for individual minerals. It has been shown that the calamus root contains a significant amount of vitamins C, B2, E, β-carotene. The qualitative composition of organic acids, phenolic compounds and carbohydrates is given, indicating the release time of individual substances and the values of chromatogram profiles. The antioxidant activity of the original calamus root sample ranges from 37.7 to 47.4%, depending on the extractant, heat treatment reduces the activity by 5.8-6.7%. The conducted studies allow us to consider the calamus root as a plant ingredient for a nutrient mixture.

Therapeutic applications and characteristics of Falcaria vulgaris in traditional medicine and experimental studies.

Objective: Falcaria vulgaris is a herb with various applications in traditional medicine, including treatment of skin and gastric ulcers, liver diseases and gastrointestinal problems. It contains many valuable and important compounds with antioxidants and anti-ulcer properties, including carvacrol, spathulenol, limonene, tannins and saponins. In recent years, besides confirming many of its conventional uses, new beneficial properties of this plant have been identified. The purpose of this review is to investigate the therapeutic applications and botanical characteristics of F. vulgaris in traditional medicine and experimental studies.Materials and Methods:This study was a systematic review using the keywords "Falcaria vulgaris," "Therapeutic properties" and "Animal studies", 100 articles were extracted from various databases, including PubMed, SinceDirect, SID (scientific information database) and google search engines without time limit; after several stages of title monitoring and abstracts review, finally, 70 articles were selected for this study.Results: In traditional medicine of different countries, several therapeutic properties have been reported for F. vulgaris, most of which are attributed to its antioxidant content and the presence of tannins and saponins. In recent decades, many studies have been done to identify and confirm the medicinal properties of F. vulgaris, including antioxidant, antimicrobial and anti-diabetic effects, healing properties of skin and stomach ulcers, and protection of the liver and kidney.Conclusion: F. vulgaris has a variety of biological properties and is used as a valuable plant in medical research that helps to improve health and prevent some diseases.

Comparative Analysis of the Complete Chloroplast Genome Sequences of Four Origin Plants of Lonicerae Flos (Lonicera; Caprifoliaceae)

Lonicerae Flos (LF) derived from the dried flower buds or opening flowers of four Lonicera plants (Lonicera macranthoides, L. hypoglauca, L. confusa, and L. fulvotnetosa), is a popular traditional Chinese medicine. Because the four origin plants are very similar in morphology, it is difficult to control the quality of LF in actual production. Over the past decade, many reports have pointed out the differences among them, including the botanical characteristics and active ingredients. However, there is still a lack of rapid methods that can be applied to the identification of the four origins. In this study, comparative analysis of the four chloroplast genomes was performed, and they showed low diversity (Pi = 0.00267), three variation hotspots regions (rbcL-accD, rps12-ndhF and rps12-trnN-trnG) were identified as potentially molecular marker of highly informative. Meanwhile, the most obvious difference in SSR comparative analysis is reverse and complement repeats were only identified in L. confusa and L. hypoglauca, respectively. Lastly, the phylogenetic tree showed that L. confusa is more closely related to L. fulvotnetosa, while L. macranthoides is closer to L. hypoglauca. This study systematically revealed the differences among the four chloroplast genomes, and it provides valuable genetic information for identifying the origin of LF.

Melisopalynological potential of chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.) in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Tame chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.) is a woody plant species from the family Fagaceae. Chestnut belongs to the group of honey-bearing plants with a high production of pollen and nectar, and honey is characterized by specific chemical and organoleptic properties and a high content of minerals. Its biogeographical distribution is limited to only three areas on the territory of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The aim of the work is to determine the distribution and representation of the pollen of this honey plant in honey samples originating from Bosnia and Herzegovina. For research purposes, 100 honey samples were collected directly from the producer. Based on the micromorphological characteristics of the pollen grains, honey plants, and the exact number of their pollen grains were identified. A total of 4520 chestnut pollen grains were identified in 40 analyzed melissopalynological profiles of honey. It was concluded, that the specific geographical and ecological distribution of chestnuts in the territory of Bosnia and Herzegovina directly affects the melissopalynological composition of the samples, as well as the botanical characteristics of the honey.

Pharmacognostic and Phytochemical Screening of Datura stramonium by TLC and GC-MS: A Forensic Approach

Forensic Botany helps in linking the location, type of crime, revealing modus Operandi, culprit as well as victim by various circumstantial facts. In the study, Datura stramonium was considered as major plant of Bundelkhand region encountered in poisoning cases in criminal Investigations. Datura plant was identified and its fresh leaves were washed to remove dirt, stored at 40C and were subjected to microscopic examination for botanical features, preliminary screening for alkaloids identification and chromatographic techniques such as TLC and GCMS for qualitative analysis of toxins present in the plant. The result showed that all techniques applied are suitable to identify the plant through botanical derived evidences such as leaf traces, resins, or plant extracts during the crime scene investigations. GCMS technique identified the main toxins and resulted that it contains high concentration of hyoscine and very fatal when administered eventually causes death.

Comparative Macroscopic and Microscopic Characterization of Raw Herbal Drugs of Abrus precatorius L. and Glycyrrhiza glabra L.

Pharmacognosy Research,2022,14,1,100-106.DOI:10.5530/pres.14.1.14Published:December 2021Type:Original ArticleAuthors:Pankaj Kumar, Javaid Fayaz Lone, and Sumeet Gairola Author(s) affiliations:Pankaj Kumar1,2, Javaid Fayaz Lone1,2, Sumeet Gairola1,2,* 1Plant Sciences Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Canal Road, Jammu, U.T. of J&K, INDIA. 2Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, INDIA. Abstract:Background: The root of Glycyrrhiza glabra L., also known as ‹Licorice,’ is used as an expectorant in cough and cold preparations, used to treat hepatitis, and have therapeutic benefit against some other viruses. The roots of Abrus precatorius L. belonging to the family Leguminosae are commonly known as ‘Indian wild Licorice.’ The roots of both of these plants are used in Indian systems of medicine (I.S.M.) to treat various health ailments. The root of A. precatorius is used as a substitute or sometimes as an adulterant of G. glabra. Objectives: The present study aimed to develop comparative standards for easy and fast identification of root drug samples of two selected species. Materials and Methods: The present study involved a comparative macroscopic and microscopic characterization of the root drug samples of G. glabra and A. precatorius using compound and stereo microscopes. Results: Comparative study of qualitative and quantitative characters revealed significant differences in surface and microscopic characters. Anatomical characters such as cortex and phloem zone appearance, the appearance of vascular rays, and some powder characters, i.e., color and taste of powder and shape and size of starch grains, clearly differentiated the genuine ‘Liquorice’ drug root samples from other drug species. Conclusion: Botanical characters compiled in the present study can be used as a reference standard for future identification of individual raw root drug samples and the comparative distinction of both species’ root samples. Keywords:Identification characters, Licorice, Macroscopic and microscopic studies, Raw root herbs, Reference standards.View:PDF (1.11 MB) Full Text

PROSPECTS OF THE OBTAINING OF THE MAIN TYPES OF PEAT PRODUCTS FROM THE RAW OF SLAVNOYE AND ESMONOVSKY MOKH PEAT DEPOSITS

An assessment of resources and qualitative composition of raw materials of Slavnoye and Esmonovsky Mokh peat deposits, reserved by the state for bio-thermochemical processing, has been made. On the basis of a complex of studies of organo-mineral, group and botanical compositions, technological characteristics and peat reserves, the possible directions of the complex use of raw materials are substantiated. A nomenclature list of products recommended for production has been developed.
 Based on consideration of such indicators as science intensity and high added value, consumer demand and the quality of the raw materials available at the deposit, types of commercial products that can be obtained from the specified raw materials have been determined, its approximate volumes and volumes of received products, as well as approximate price indicators of these products. It is shown that the more preferable is to obtain different directions of sorbents use, then biohumate preparations for both studied deposits in relation to the fuel direction (peat briquettes, milled peat).

Traditional Uses, Phytochemistry, and Pharmacology of Elegia Species: A Review

In South Africa, plants belonging to the Restionaceae family possess an ecological dominance. As a result, they have been the subject of numerous morphological, anatomical, and evolutionary studies. However, few studies have focused on their phytochemical profile and their potential pharmacological activities. The genus Elegia L. is the second largest of this family comprising 52 species, which are mainly used as materials for thatching. Limited studies on the chemical constituents of Elegia species and their importance as medicinal plants have been undertaken. This review provides constructive and extensive information about the botanical characterization, distribution, traditional uses, phytochemistry and pharmacology of the genus Elegia. A comprehensive search of previously published literature was performed for studies on this genus, using databases with different key search words. This survey documented 52 Elegia species summarizing their previous taxonomic classification. In addition, 14 species were found to be studied for their phytochemical profile, revealing 14 chemical compounds. Concerning their biological activities, only one species (E. tectorum (L.f.) Moline and H.P.Linder) is reported for its anti-wrinkle activity. Moreover, two species are locally used for thatching and as materials for brooms. The present review highlights the Elegia genus as an important source of bioactive phytochemicals with flavonol glycosides being the main metabolites and reveals the uncharted territory of this genus for new research studies.

Analysis of main botanical characters of 56 Momordica charantia varieties

In order to scientifically evaluate the germplasm resources of Momordica charantia in southern China, the diversity, correlation and cluster analysis were carried out on the main botanical characters of 56 Momordica charantia varieties, such as melon length, melon transverse diameter, single melon weight, internode length, stem diameter, leaf length and leaf width. The results showed that the variation coefficients of 7 agronomic characters of 56 Momordica charantia varieties ranged from 8.81% to 19.44%, the average variation coefficient was 14.21%, the maximum variation coefficient of single melon weight was 19.44%, and the minimum variation coefficient of melon cross diameter was 8.81%. The correlation analysis showed that there were correlations among the agronomic traits. The positive correlation coefficient between leaf length and leaf width was up to 0.978, and the negative correlation coefficient between single melon weight and internode length was up to 0.451. The 56 varieties were divided into 3 groups by cluster analysis, of which 92.86% of the materials were concentrated in the first and second groups, and there were only 4 materials in the third group. The results can provide a reference for the cultivation, utilization and genetic improvement of Momordica charantia resources in southern China.

Особенности морфотипического отбора в популяциях Serratula coronata L. культивируемых в условиях Московского региона

The article presents the results of morphotypic analysis of populations of perennial medicinal and fodder crops cultivated in the Moscow region (Serratula coronata L.). In the introduction, the botanical characteristics of the crowned sickle are given, the prospects and advantages of phytoecdysteroids obtained from raw materials are noted. The aim of the study is a comparative assessment of cultivated populations of S. coronata by morphotypic composition, determination of the age period for the selection of initial forms for breeding. The object of the study was the different geographical origin S. coronata three cultivated populations (Samarskaya, Belgorodskaya, Syktyvkarskaya from Rep. Komi). We have tested the application of methods for assessing varieties by uniformity, distinctness, stability for morphotypic selection in the population when creating improved, initial and breeding material. The article presents the results of the analysis of the morphotypic composition of populations by morphological characteristics and the productivity of raw materials according to long-term data (2013-2017, Moscow region, VILAR), the age period during which morphotypic selection should be carried out is established, morphotypes that are of the greatest value during selection are identified and described. The age period during which morphotypic selection should be carried out is established: 3-5 year, since the morphotype is fully formed by the 3rd year. It is established that plants in cultivated populations of Serratula coronata are represented by 2-3 morphotypes based on the height and leafiness of the generative shoot, the length of the stem leaves and the mass of the shoot. When selecting, the highest value is represented by tall morphotypes with medium-length leaves (~60-70% of them in each population), but morphotypes with medium leafiness should be selected among them (only ~41-51% of them in each population, only in the Syktyvkarskaya population – up to 69 %). The results of the study are relevant in the aspect of creating an improved, initial and breeding material of the Serratula coronata. Keywords: MEDICINAL PLANTS, SERRATULA CORONATA L., PHENOTYPIC VARIABILITY, MORPHOTYPE, POPULATION, PRODUCTIVITY, QUANTITATIVE CHARACTERISTICS, SELECTION

Botanical, Phytochemical, Anti-Microbial and Pharmaceutical Characteristics of Hawthorn (Crataegusmonogyna Jacq.), Rosaceae.

Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna Jacq.) is a wild edible fruit tree of the genus Crataegus, one of the most interesting genera of the Rosaceae family. This review is the first to consider, all together, the pharmaceutical, phytochemical, functional and therapeutic properties of C. monogyna based on numerous valuable secondary metabolites, including flavonoids, vitamin C, glycoside, anthocyanin, saponin, tannin and antioxidants. Previous reviews dealt with the properties of all species of the entire genera. We highlight the multi-therapeutic role that C. monogyna extracts could have in the treatment of different chronic and degenerative diseases, mainly focusing on flavonoids. In the first part of this comprehensive review, we describe the main botanical characteristics and summarize the studies which have been performed on the morphological and genetic characterization of the C. monogyna germplasm. In the second part, the key metabolites and their nutritional and pharmaceutical properties are described. This work could be an essential resource for promoting future therapeutic formulations based on this natural and potent bioactive plant extract.

Current state of populations of Rhodiola rosea L. (Crassulaceae) in East Kazakhstan

BackgroundBased on world experience, first, a modern assessment of the flora is needed to develop strategies for the conservation of ecosystems of rare and endangered plant species. A regional and global biodiversity strategy should focus on assessing the current state of bioresources. To preserve the biodiversity of the species and its habitat, we evaluated botanical features, ontogenetic phases, the ecological and phytocenotic structure of the rare and endangered of Rhodiola rosea L. (golden rose root) populations from the highlands of Eastern Kazakhstan.ResultsR. rosea in the study region lives on damp mossy rocks, rocky slopes, overgrown moraines and along the banks of mountain rivers in the upper limit of cedar-larch forests, subalpine and alpine belts, in the altitude limit of 1700–2400 m. In the studied region, R. rosea begins to vegetate in May–June, blooms in June–July, the fruits ripen in August. The species is encountered in the high mountain ranges of the Kazakh Altai and Saur-Tarabagatai. Unfavorable habitat conditions for the species are overgrown by sedge-grass and birch-moss communities. The most common species at sites with R. rosea are: Schulzia crinita, Achillea ledebourii, Doronicum altaicum, Macropodium nivale, Hylotelephium telephium, Rhodiola algida, Carex capillaris, C. aterrima. Ontogenetic study revealed that all age-related phases were present, with the exception of the senile states. Individual life expectancy shown to be 50–55 years. The analysis of the species composition in the communities with R. rosea showed that the leading families in terms of the number of accompanying species are Poaceae, Ranunculaceae, Asteraceae, Rosaceae and Caryophyllaceae, Apiaceae, Fabaceae; while the most dominant genera are: Carex, Aconitum, Dracocephalum, Festuca, Pedicularis, Poa, Salix; the ecological groups are dominated by psychrophytes, mesophytes mesopsychrophytes; the Asian, Eurasian, and Holarctic groups are the most represented groups. Dominant life forms according to Serebyakov were rod-rooted, brush-rooted, short-rooted and long-rooted grasses, while based on Raunkiaer’s groups the overwhelming majority consisted of Hemincryptophytes (74%).ConclusionsThe R. rosea populations of Kazakhstan represent an important gene stock of the species. Our study provides new insights into the species’ biology thus contributes to the conservation of biodiversity on a wide spatial scale.

A Review on the Diverse Uses, Conservation Measures and Agronomic Aspect of Aloe vera (L.) Burm.f.

Aims: This study aims to review the diverse uses of Aloe vera (true aloe) as well as the conservation measures and conventional cultivation techniques.
 Study Design: Best evidence review.
 Place and Duration of Study: Biomedicinal Research Centre, Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria.
 Methodology: Search inputs such as Aloe vera, Aloe barbadensis in conjunction with the following terms: ‘uses’, ‘overexploitation’, ‘conservation’, ‘policy’, ‘cultivation’, ‘yield’, and ‘agronomic practices’ were queried on several scientific databases. Search engines, were also queried for publications covering exploitation, conservation approaches, and cultivation requirements on Aloe vera. Other databases such as ScienceDirect and SciFinder were accessed for relevant papers and supplement acquired information after articles (outside the defined scope of the review) were excluded.
 Results: Aloe vera (true aloe) has been engaged particularly for medicinal and cosmetic purposes for thousands of years, and its utilization remains popular till date. Aloe vera is popularly valued for its natural products, including nutritional benefits in food, source of nectar for honey bees and nectarivorous birds and horticulture. In this study, several studies demonstrating the botanical characteristics and ecological adaptation of A. vera were discussed; agronomic techniques involving the requirements for land preparation, propagation and harvesting were also considered as well as the growth yield of the plant due to different soil types and nutrient applications.
 Conclusion: For the multifarous uses of Aloe vera, adequate policy should be appropriated to regions where this plant is put to industrial uses, over-exploited and threatened. Calcareous and non-calcareous soil have maximum yield on true aloe. Azotobacter chroococcum of strain 12 has turned out to be a good growth stimulant bacterium when treated with A. vera. Aloe rust and anthracnose disease are known fungal infections, while Aloe vera aphid (Aloephagus myersi) is an identified pest of the plant.

Morphology, Anatomy and Secondary Metabolites Investigations of Premna odorata Blanco and Evaluation of Its Anti-Tuberculosis Activity Using In Vitro and In Silico Studies.

In-depth botanical characterization was performed on Premna odorata Blanco (Lamiaceae) different organs for the first time. The leaves are opposite, hairy and green in color. Flowers possess fragrant aromatic odors and exist in inflorescences of 4–15 cm long corymbose cyme-type. In-depth morphological and anatomical characterization revealed the great resemblance to plants of the genus Premna and of the family Lamiaceae, such as the presence of glandular peltate trichomes and diacytic stomata. Additionally, most examined organs are characterized by non-glandular multicellular covering trichomes, acicular, and rhombic calcium oxalate crystals. P. odorata leaves n-hexane fraction revealed substantial anti-tuberculous potential versus Mycobacterium tuberculosis, showing a minimum inhibition concentration (MIC) of 100 μg/mL. Metabolic profiling of the n-hexane fraction using gas-chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC/MS) analysis revealed 10 major compounds accounting for 93.01%, with trans-phytol constituting the major compound (24.06%). The virtual screening revealed that trans-phytol highly inhibited MTB C171Q receptor as M. tuberculosis KasA (β-ketoacyl synthases) with a high fitting score (∆G = −15.57 kcal/mol) approaching that of isoniazid and exceeding that of thiolactomycin, the co-crystallized ligand. Absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion and toxicity predictions (ADME/TOPKAT) revealed that trans-phytol shows lower solubility and absorption levels when compared to thiolactomycin and isoniazid. Still, it is safer, causing no mutagenic or carcinogenic effects with higher lethal dose, which causes the death of 50% (LD50). Thus, it can be concluded that P. odorata can act as a source of lead entities to treat tuberculosis.

Modelling medieval masonry construction: taxa-specific and habitat-contingent Bayesian techniques for the interpretation of radiocarbon data from Mortar-Entrapped Relict Limekiln Fuels

Using data from simulated and actual case studies, this paper assesses the accuracy and precision of Bayesian estimates for the constructional date of medieval masonry buildings, generated from the radiocarbon evidence returned by different assemblages of wood-charcoal mortar-entrapped relict limekiln fuel (MERLF). The results from two theoretical studies demonstrate how Bayesian model specifications can be varied to generate a chronologically continuous spectrum of distributions from radiocarbon datasets subject Inbuilt Age (IA). Further analysis suggests that the potential for these distributions to contain the date of the constructional event depends largely upon the accuracy of the latest radiocarbon determination within each dataset, while precision is predicated on dataset age range, dataset size and model specification. These theoretical studies inform revised approaches to the radiocarbon evidence emerging from six culturally important Scottish medieval masonry buildings, each of which is associated with a wood-charcoal MERLF assemblage of different botanical character. The Bayesian estimates generated from these radiocarbon datasets are remarkably consistent with the historical and archaeological evidence currently associated with these sites, while age range distributions suggest the IA of each MERLF assemblage has been constrained by the taxa-specific and environmentally contingent lifespans and post-mortem durabilities of the limekiln fuel source. These studies provide further evidence that Bayesian techniques can generate consistently accurate chronological estimates for the construction of medieval masonry buildings from MERLF radiocarbon data, whatever the ecological provenance of the limekiln fuel source. Estimate precision is contingent upon source ecology and craft technique but can be increased by a more informed approach to materials analysis and interpretation.

Comparative analysis of two Himalayan Aconitum species for their phytopharmaceutical properties

IntroductionBhutanese Sowa Rigpa Medicine (BSM) uses two species of Aconitum in 25 important multi-ingredient formulations. The formulations are used for treating chronic disoders, parasitic and microbial infections, inflammatory diseases, bilious fever, or high fever related to bile disorders, including colds and flu. Some Aconitum species are toxic, and there is a need for stringent quality control measures. Materials and methodsAconitum orochryseum Stapf and Aconitum laciniatum (Bruehl) Stapf, were collected from Lingzhi, which is geographically located under Thimphu district, Bhutan, between the altitudes of 4000–4900 meters above sea level (masl), between July and September. Their comparative pharmacognostic properties were evaluated by: 1) using physicochemical parameters, such as foreign matter and moisture contents, total ash, acid-insoluble ash and alcohol-soluble extracts values and loss on drying of individual crude drugs; 2) developing a comparative High-Performance Thin Layer Chromatography (HPTLC) fingerprint, at Menjong Sorig Pharmaceuticals Corporation Limited (MSCPL), - Bhutan and 3) conducting a literature review to identify the nature and toxicity of alkaloids present in two Aconitum species. ResultsTwo Aconitum species possess distinct macros- and micros-copic characteristic features (including colour, taste, smell, appearance, and shape). The physicochemical analysis and the HPTLC fingerprinting of their methanol extracts yielded adequate data to differentiate and validate these two species’ identities, before adding them to 25 essential traditional medicine drugs (ETMDs) or polyherbal formulations in BSM. A literature review revealed that the two Aconitum species contained two distinct types of alkaloids. ConclusionsTwo Aconitum species could be differentiated based on their botanical features, macros- and micros-copic characteristics, physicochemical values and HPTLC fingerprint profiles. These pharmacognostic properties can be used as quality control parameters to confirm the two species' identity, thereby ensuring the quality and safety of BSM.

Modification of Threonine-825 of SlBRI1 Enlarges Cell Size to Enhance Fruit Yield by Regulating the Cooperation of BR-GA Signaling in Tomato.

Brassinosteroids (BRs) are growth-promoting phytohormones that can efficiently function by exogenous application at micromolar concentrations or by endogenous fine-tuning of BR-related gene expression, thus, precisely controlling BR signal strength is a key factor in exploring the agricultural potential of BRs. BRASSINOSTEROID INSENSITIVE1 (BRI1), a BR receptor, is the rate-limiting enzyme in BR signal transduction, and the phosphorylation of each phosphorylation site of SlBRI1 has a distinct effect on BR signal strength and botanic characteristics. We recently demonstrated that modifying the phosphorylation sites of tomato SlBRI1 could improve the agronomic traits of tomato to different extents; however, the associated agronomic potential of SlBRI1 phosphorylation sites in tomato has not been fully exploited. In this research, the biological functions of the phosphorylation site threonine-825 (Thr-825) of SlBRI1 in tomato were investigated. Phenotypic analysis showed that, compared with a tomato line harboring SlBRI1, transgenic tomato lines expressing SlBRI1 with a nonphosphorylated Thr-825 (T825A) exhibited a larger plant size due to a larger cell size and higher yield, including a greater plant height, thicker stems, longer internodal lengths, greater plant expansion, a heavier fruit weight, and larger fruits. Molecular analyses further indicated that the autophosphorylation level of SlBRI1, BR signaling, and gibberellic acid (GA) signaling were elevated when SlBRI1 was dephosphorylated at Thr-825. Taken together, the results demonstrated that dephosphorylation of Thr-825 can enhance the functions of SlBRI1 in BR signaling, which subsequently activates and cooperates with GA signaling to stimulate cell elongation and then leads to larger plants and higher yields per plant. These results also highlight the agricultural potential of SlBRI1 phosphorylation sites for breeding high-yielding tomato varieties through precise control of BR signaling.

VITAMINS AND ALKALOIDS IN SOME MEDICINAL PLANTS (ACHILLEA MILLEFOLIUM L., CAPPARIS SPINOSA L., HYPERICUM PERFORATUM L.) AND THEIR EFFECTS ON HUMAN HEALTH

This article provides information on the morpho-physiological characteristics, chemical composition, especially the amount of alkaloids and vitamins, and their function in the body, as well as thorn bushes, hole field, yarrow plants, which are considered medicinal plants.The article deals with the botanical and morpho-physiological characteristics of the plant Achillea Millefolium L., one of the medicinal plants used in scientific medicine, systematics, some biologically active substances in the chemical composition, especially vitamins and alkaloids, their function in the body and their role in human health. details are given.The following article describes the role of Capparis spinosa L. in modern taxonomy, its distribution, the structure and properties of the most common alkaloids and vitamins in the plant, and its biochemical functions in the human body.The article concludes with a detailed description of the morpho-physiological characteristics of the plant Hypericum Perforatum L., its chemical composition, especially the amount of alkaloids and vitamins and their function in the body and their role in human health.

A REVIEW ON SOME CULTIVATED AND NATIVE POISONOUS PLANTS IN ADEN GOVERNORATE, YEMEN

Plant poisoning is a health concern in many countries where plants are used either accidently, especially among children, or intentionally for purposes such as assassination, suicide, hunting, fishing and treating various diseases. Presently, despite the implementation of toxicology surveillance systems in many countries, plant poisoning continues to be a preventable cause of morbidity and mortality.
 In the Aden governorate of Yemen, there are no laws or regulations for the prevention of plant poisoning, despite the existence of several poisonous species in gardens, and as roadside trees planted by the local authority, or growing wildly in public areas. In addition, there is a lack of scientific studies on the risks of these poisonous plants. Therefore, we undertook this study, based on scientific review, to document and illustrate the botanical, geographical and toxicological characteristics of fourteen poisonous plants collected from different districts of Aden governorate.
 The documented poisonous species (6 species) belong to Apocynaceae followed by Fabaceae (2 species), whereas Aristolochiaceae, Cucurbitaceae, Dracaenaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Meliaceae, and Verbenaceae are represented by one species each. The toxic parts of the majority of studied poisonous species are the whole plant, latex, seeds, and fruits. Cardiotoxicity, cytotoxicity, gastrointestinal toxicity, and inflammation of skin and mucous membrane are the main clinical manifestations. They are caused by varying amounts of plant toxins such as cardiac glycosides in Calotropis procera, Cryptostegia grandiflora, Nerium oleander and Thevetia peruviana, and cytotoxic toxins such as toxalbumins in Abrus precatorius and Ricinus communis, aristolochic acids in Aristolochia bracteolate, and vinca alkaloids in Catharanthus roseus, as well as gastrointestinal toxins such as cucurbitacins in Citrullus colocynthis, and tannins in Caesalpinia pulcherrima. Inflammation of skin and mucous membrane is caused by calcium oxalate crystals in Calotropis procera latex, and soluble protein in Cryptostegia grandiflora latex. Moreover, Azadirachta indica caused a number of toxicities attributed partially to tetranortriterpenoids, while Sansevieria trifasciata toxicity was reported to be low.
 The significance of this work is to promote the awareness among the local authority to take legal actions against plant poisoning. In addition, it provides the physicians with scientific information for the diagnosis and treatment of poisoning by some plants. It is hoped that this study motivates researchers to conduct further research on poisonous plants throughout Yemen.

Botanical and Genetic Profiling of Three Rosa Varieties Cultivated in Egypt

Genus Rosa belongs to the family Rosaceae, and comprises 100 species with a lot of popular ornamental and medicinal plants. Roses are usually utilized as an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, sleep aid and in skin diseases. This study aimed to explore the macro-and micromorphological botanical features of the stems and leaves of three Rosa varieties; Rosa banksiae var. banksaie Ait. (Bankasian Rose) (RBW); R. polyantha Thunb. ‘orange fairy’ (RPO) and R. polyantha Thunb. ‘white fairy’ (RPW) together with DNA fingerprinting utilizing RAPD-PCR assay and Hierarchal Clustering Analysis (HCA) for the DNA results. The three varieties share the common characters of family Rosaceae viz. compound leaves, colored flowers, and anomocytic stomata while they differ in the color of their flowers, leaflets size, the number of leaflets, and their shapes and types of calcium oxalate. RAPD assay was utilized to differentiate the three varieties genetically where primers OP-P-8, OP-P-10, OP-P-11, OP-P-12, and OP-P-14 showed the highest degree of similarity between RPO and RPW. HCA revealed the closeness of the two polyantha roses forming one cluster in the resulting dendrogram which differentiated them from the Bankasian rose. DNA assay and chemometric analysis were in accordance with the botanical profiling.