Cistus Creticus Research Articles

Rediscovery of the neotrichous species Tauriobia insueta Livshitz and Mitrofanov (Acari: Trombidiformes: Tetranychidae)

The present study deals with the rediscovery of Tauriobia insueta Livshitz and Mitrofanov, 1967 a rare neotrichous spider mite species. It was originally described from pink rock-rose (Cistus creticus L., Cistaceae) in Ukraine. In the present work, the species is recorded for the first time from Greece and redescribed based on material collected from the same host plant. The immature stages are also described and the ontogenetic development of chaetotaxy is discussed. Additionally, a key to genera and subgenera of the tribe Hystrichonychini Pritchard and Baker, 1955 is provided.

Analysis of landscape structure changes in Marmara Lake and its surrounding area using remote sensing data

This study investigates temporal changes in the landscape structure of Lake Marmara (Gölmarmara, Manisa, Türkiye), a designated bird sanctuary and registered wetland, over 10 years period using remote sensing techniques. The analysis employed the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) on satellite imagery from 2015 and 2024, processed through the ArcGIS/ArcMap software, to assess landscape metrics within the study area. The Normalized Difference Water Index (NDWI) was also utilized to evaluate the interactions between the water body, wetlands, and their surroundings. The findings were further supported by surface temperature analysis (STA) and comparative data. NDVI analysis revealed a 39.38% reduction in the Lake Marmara water body, an 11.09% decrease in forested areas, and an 8.28% decline in tree/shrub areas over 10 years. The dominant tree species in the forest vegetation was Pinus brutia, while other prevalent species included Quercus coccifera, Cistus creticus, Pistacia terebinthus, Pistacia lentiscus, Arbutus andrachne, Arbutus unedo, Olea europaea, Erica arborea, Phillyrea latifolia, and Sarcopoterium spinosum. Conversely, residential areas expanded by 21.21%, and agricultural areas increased by 4.11%. NDWI analysis indicated a 14.46% reduction in moderately dry areas and a 41.92% increase in dry areas. Furthermore, surface temperature data showed an increase over the 10 years. This study is expected to contribute significantly to the field by providing insights into sustainable land use and planning strategies. It offers a comprehensive perspective on wetland management and conservation of biological diversity by elucidating the temporal and spatial relationships between wetlands and their environment, considering both ecological and anthropogenic factors.

Effect of Pinus halepensis Mill. Reforestation on the Above-Ground Biomass and Internode Elongation and Leaf Size of Native Species in Morroco

This study aims to determine the effect of the reforestation of Pinus halepensis Mill. on the above-ground biomass and morphological characteristics of native species (internode elongation and leaf size) in the Beni Sohane forest. Plant biomass of the herbaceous layer was harvested on randomly selected 2 m2 quadrats in reforested plots of ± 12, ± 25, and ± 45-year-old, and native forest controls. The internode length and leaf size (length and width) were measured on plants randomly selected belonging to four native species Quercus ilex L., Pistacia lentiscus L., Phillyrea angustifolia L., and Cistus creticus L.. The results showed that P. halepensis reforestation had no significant effect on the above-ground biomass and the leaves and internodes dimensions in the young plantations ± 12-year-old. However, as the pine trees mature, the average dry matter weight decreases, especially in stands 45 years old, where this weight was significantly lower than that of natural forests. This fact has led to herders abandoning important pastures previously used by their cattle. In addition, the fast growth of P. halepensis trees formed a canopy above all indigenous species resulting in changes in the dimensions of internodes and leaves. For the two oldest plantations, the internode length, leaf width, and length of the 4 species have been significantly increased. However, the leaf length-to-width ratio decreased significantly, with leaves in reforested plots being larger rather than longer compared to control samples in native forests. Planting P. halepensis can negatively impact the long-term growth of native plants, so we recommend periodically removing some of the pines (thinning) to restore the balance of these ecosystems. Thus, species selection for reforestation should consider maximizing rather than destroying ecological and socioeconomic services.

Effect of Pinus halepensis Mill. Reforestation on the Above-Ground Biomass and Internode Elongation and Leaf Size of Native Species in Morroco

This study aims to determine the effect of the reforestation of Pinus halepensis Mill. on the above-ground biomass and morphological characteristics of native species (internode elongation and leaf size) in the Beni Sohane forest. Plant biomass of the herbaceous layer was harvested on randomly selected 2 m2 quadrats in reforested plots of ± 12, ± 25, and ± 45-year-old, and native forest controls. The internode length and leaf size (length and width) were measured on plants randomly selected belonging to four native species Quercus ilex L., Pistacia lentiscus L., Phillyrea angustifolia L., and Cistus creticus L.. The results showed that P. halepensis reforestation had no significant effect on the above-ground biomass and the leaves and internodes dimensions in the young plantations ± 12-year-old. However, as the pine trees mature, the average dry matter weight decreases, especially in stands 45 years old, where this weight was significantly lower than that of natural forests. This fact has led to herders abandoning important pastures previously used by their cattle. In addition, the fast growth of P. halepensis trees formed a canopy above all indigenous species resulting in changes in the dimensions of internodes and leaves. For the two oldest plantations, the internode length, leaf width, and length of the 4 species have been significantly increased. However, the leaf length-to-width ratio decreased significantly, with leaves in reforested plots being larger rather than longer compared to control samples in native forests. Planting P. halepensis can negatively impact the long-term growth of native plants, so we recommend periodically removing some of the pines (thinning) to restore the balance of these ecosystems. Thus, species selection for reforestation should consider maximizing rather than destroying ecological and socioeconomic services.

Engineering Sclareol Production on the Leaf Surface of Nicotiana tabacum.

Sclareol, a diterpene alcohol, is the most common starting material for the synthesis of ambrox, which serves as a sustainable substitute for ambergris, a valuable fragrance secreted by sperm whales. Sclareol has also been proposed to possess antibacterial, antifungal, and anticancer activities. However, in nature, sclareol is only produced by a few plant species, including Cistus creticus, Cleome spinosa, Nicotiana glutinosa, and Salvia sclarea, which limits its commercial application. In this study, we cloned the two genes responsible for sclareol biosynthesis in S. sclarea, labda-13-en-8-ol diphosphate synthase (LPPS) and sclareol synthase (SS), and overexpressed them in tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.). The best transgenic tobacco lines accumulated 4.1 μg/cm2 of sclareol, which is comparable to the sclareol production of N. glutinosa, a natural sclareol producer. Thus, sclareol synthesis in tobacco represents a potential alternative means for the production of this high-value compound.

Harnessing the power of artificial neural networks methodology and multi-objective optimization for enhanced yield and bioactivity of plants polyphenolic compounds

The extraction of polyphenolic compounds from plants is crucial in the industrial production of functional nutraceuticals, but traditional methods often yield low and variable results. In this research, an innovative strategy for optimizing polyphenol extraction from two plants Cistus creticus L. and Ephedra alata subsp. alenda (Stapf) Trab., known for their rich composition in polyphenols and their bioactivities, using Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction in conjunction with artificial neural networks (ANNs) and multi-objective optimization is presented. ANNs were trained to model the intricate relationships among UAE parameters, including solvent concentration, temperature, and time, and the outcomes, encompassing polyphenol yield and bioactivity. Multi-objective optimization techniques were subsequently applied to identify extraction conditions that maximize both yield and bioactivity simultaneously. Results validate the accuracy of the ANNs model in predicting polyphenol yields and the significant enhancement in extraction efficiency and bioactivity achieved through multi-objective optimization. The extracts prepared in the optimal conditions have demonstrated superior antioxidant activities, compared to the non-optimized extracts, with the smallest values of IC50 of 242,378 µg/mL, and 146,736 µg/mL for the plants Ephedra alata subsp alenda (Stapf) Trab. and Cistus creticus L. respectively. This study introduces a promising approach for elevating the extraction of plant-derived polyphenols, augmenting their bioactivity with ANNs and multi-objective optimization. In light of the obtained results, it is recommended that further research explore the scalability and applicability of the presented innovative strategy in larger-scale industrial settings. Considering the demonstrated success in optimizing polyphenol extraction from Cistus creticus L. and Ephedra alata subsp. alenda (Stapf) Trab., extending the application of Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction, coupled with artificial neural networks (ANNs) and multi-objective optimization, to other plant species could offer valuable insights. Additionally, investigating the economic feasibility and environmental impact of implementing this strategy on an industrial scale would contribute to its practical viability.

DETERMINATION OF SEASONAL CHANGES OF FEED VALUE OF COMMON GRAZABLE SPECIES AŞAĞI GÖKDERE MACQUIS SHRUBLANDS

This study was conducted in the years of 2018-2020 to determine the feed value of common shrub species that can be grazed in the maquis area around Aşağı Gökdere village of Isparta. Ten species (Quercus coccifera, Quercus infectoria, Quercus cerris, Phillyrea latifolia, Spartium junceum, Crataegus monogyna, Paliurus spina-christi, Juniperus oxycedrus, Cistus creticus and Arbutus andrachne) were used in the study. Leaf samples were collected from these species in each season. Dry matter content, crude protein content, NDF, ADF, total digestible nutrients, relative feed value and tannin content were determined. According to the analysis of variance, the differences between seasons and shrub species were found to be statistically significant in all traits analyzed. According to the two-year averages, when the seasons were compared, the highest crude protein content, total digestible nutrients and relative feed value were obtained in spring, decreased as the seasons progressed, and the lowest values were obtained in winter. The lowest dry matter ratios, ADF and NDF values were obtained in spring and they increased in parallel with the progression of the seasons. The lowest condensed tannin ratios were obtained in spring and summer, while the highest values were determined in autumn. When the species were compared, the lowest dry matter and condensed tannins contents were found in Spartium junceum, while NDF and ADF ratios were found in P. spina-christi. The highest crude protein content was determined in Quercus infectoria, while total digestible nutrients and relative feed value were determined in P. spina-christi species. As a result, it was observed that shrubs, shrub-formed trees and shrubs in the maquis have an important potential as high quality feed for ruminants during the critical period in semi-arid and arid regions.

Typification of the name <i>Cistus</i> × <i>skanbergii</i> Lojac., a rare rockrose extinct in its type locality

In 1885 Lojacono-Pojero described Cistus skanbergi, also known as the dwarf pink rockrose, from the Island of Lampedusa (Sicily, Italy). Despite becoming extinct in its type locality and being very rare in the Mediterranean Basin, during the last decades the plant corresponding to this name, a natural hybrid between C. parviflorus Lam. and C. monspeliensis L., has been successfully cultivated and introduced worldwide for ornamental purposes. The search carried out in several European herbaria allowed to select as lectotype a specimen collected by Lojacono-Pojero and kept at the herbarium of Kew, to detect other isolectotypes, kept in the herbaria of Geneva and Palermo, and to detect another syntype corresponding to a specimen collected by Gussone and currently kept at the herbarium of Palermo.

Chemical and transcriptomic analyses of leaf trichomes from Cistus creticus subsp. creticus reveal the biosynthetic pathways of certain labdane-type diterpenoids and their acetylated forms.

Labdane-related diterpenoids (LRDs), a subgroup of terpenoids, exhibit structural diversity and significant commercial and pharmacological potential. LRDs share the characteristic decalin-labdanic core structure that derives from the cycloisomerization of geranylgeranyl diphosphate (GGPP). Labdanes derive their name from the oleoresin known as 'Labdanum', 'Ladano', or 'Aladano', used since ancient Greek times. Acetylated labdanes, rarely identified in plants, are associated with enhanced biological activities. Chemical analysis of Cistus creticus subsp. creticus revealed labda-7,13(E)-dien-15-yl acetate and labda-7,13(E)-dien-15-ol as major constituents. In addition, novel labdanes such as cis-abienol, neoabienol, ent-copalol, and one as yet unidentified labdane-type diterpenoid were detected for the first time. These compounds exhibit developmental regulation, with higher accumulation observed in young leaves. Using RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) analysis of young leaf trichomes, it was possible to identify, clone, and eventually functionally characterize labdane-type diterpenoid synthase (diTPS) genes, encoding proteins responsible for the production of labda-7,13(E)-dien-15-yl diphosphate (endo-7,13-CPP), labda-7,13(E)-dien-15-yl acetate, and labda-13(E)-ene-8α-ol-15-yl acetate. Moreover, the reconstitution of labda-7,13(E)-dien-15-yl acetate and labda-13(E)-ene-8α-ol-15-yl acetate production in yeast is presented. Finally, the accumulation of LRDs in different plant tissues showed a correlation with the expression profiles of the corresponding genes.

Extraction of Bioactive Compounds from Cistus creticus Leaves and Their Use in the Preparation of Yogurt Desserts

The objective of this study was to determine the optimal conditions for the recovery of bioactive and antioxidant compounds in aqueous solutions of Cistus creticus leaves and then employ the optimal extract for the enrichment of yogurt samples. The optimal conditions were established by a response surface methodology and were determined to be a liquid-to-solid ratio of 48 mL/g at 76 °C for 41 min. The optimum extract yielded TPC 157.17 mg GAE/g dw and TFC 2.38 mg QE/g dw, while FRAP and DPPH values were 1258.52 and 933.67 μmol AAE/g dw, respectively. HPLC-DAD was utilized to identify and quantify specific polyphenols, like myricetin rhamnoside, in the extract. The optimal extract was then added to yogurt desserts during their preparation at three different concentrations to study how the physicochemical characteristics of the yogurt, as well as the antioxidant capacity added during enrichment, were affected. Statistical analysis of the results was carried out in order to obtain more valid data. It seems that the most suitable concentration for yogurt fortification was 0.1% w/v of the extract as, at this concentration, the yogurts exhibited higher antioxidant capacity, and their physicochemical characteristics were improved.

Effects of Different Media and Their Strengths in In Vitro Culture of Three Different Cistus creticus L. Populations and Their Genetic Assessment Using Simple Sequence Repeat Molecular Markers

Cistus creticus L. (rockrose), a species of ecological and medicinal significance, constitutes a valuable component of the Mediterranean ecosystem. The present study investigated the effect of the inorganic salt concentration of Murashige and Skoog medium (MS), woody plant medium (WPM), and Driver and Kuniyaki Walnut medium (DKW) at several strengths (1/8×, 1/4×, 1/2×, 1×, and 2×) on the in vitro growth and organogenesis of rockrose. Significant interactions were observed throughout the experiments between pairs of plant origins, medium types, and strengths, and we also examined the extent to which they affected the studied traits was examined. The types of nutrient medium affected all studied traits except shoot and root percentages. The maximum growth percentage (143.49%) was gained using full-strength WPM. The best performance in shoot percentage was obtained using MS (100%) at several strengths along with 1× WPM (100%). The topmost rooting percentage values (98.61%) were obtained using 1× WPM and 1/2× DKW. The highest number of shoots and roots were observed using full-strength MS (9.39) and half-strength WPM (6.49), respectively. The maximum values for shoot and root length were achieved using 1/2× MS (0.78 cm) and 1/8× WPM (1.55 cm), respectively. The origin of the plant material did not influence any studied trait. Moreover, the genetic relations among the populations used in the in vitro culture were assessed using simple sequence repeats (SSR) markers. Twenty-eight alleles were identified across all five STR loci. The different and effective alleles per locus were 5.60 and 4.72, respectively. The average observed and expected heterozygosity was estimated at 0.52 and 0.72, respectively. Shannon’s information index and the inbreeding coefficient (F) were assessed at 1.48 and 0.30, respectively, revealing a narrow genetic base and high genetic similarity among origins, suggesting that they belong to the same population.

Mersin, Türkiye'den Bazı Maki Türlerinin Antimikrobiyal ve Antioksidan Aktiviteleri

In this paper, we have investigated antimicrobial and antioxidant activity of some maquis species from Mersin vil., Turkey. Extracts of Cistus creticus L. Erica manipuliflora L., Myrtus communis L., Pistacia terebinthus L. and Rosmarinus officinalis L., species, which are the elements of the scrub vegetation, were obtained by using hexane, methanol and petroleum ether solvents, respectively, and the antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of these extracts were determined. The plant samples showed different antimicrobial and antioxidant activity. Specifically, M. communis extracts has more effective antimicrobial activity against Gram(+) bacteria species. M. communis methanolic extract showed the MIC value of 31.25 µg/mL against S. aureus, S. pneumoniae and E. faecalis. M. communis hexane extract showed that the MIC value of 31.25 µg/mL against E. faecalis. In the current study, the petroleum ether extract of M. communis showed the highest antifungal effect against C. parapsilosis with a MIC value of 31.25 µg/mL. The highest and lowest DPPH radical scavenging activity were calculated as 91.25 % and 63.3 % in the petroleum ether extract of P. terebinthus and in the methanolic extract of C. creticus, respectiley. Furthermore, the highest and lowest hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) scavenging activity were found to be 78.87 % and 45.8 % in the methanolic extract of M. communis and in hexane extract of C. creticus, respectively.

Evaluation of the efficacy of the combination of Citrus aurantium, Cistus creticus and Olea europaea leaf extract on the lipid profiles of individuals with marginally elevated lipid levels

Evaluation of the efficacy of the combination of <i>Citrus aurantium</i>, <i>Cistus creticus</i> and <i>Olea europaea</i> leaf extract on the lipid profiles of individuals with marginally elevated lipid levels

A Pilot Study on the Glucose-Lowering Effects of a Nutritional Supplement in People with Prediabetes

Background and Objectives: Prediabetes is associated with a high risk of developing diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Early treatment with exercise and dietary interventions can reduce the progression of prediabetes to diabetes or even lead to a return of glucose levels to normal. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of a dietary supplement with Portulaca oleracea and titrated Cistus creticus extract on the glycemic profile of people with prediabetes. Materials and Methods: Participants were assigned to a dietary supplement with Portulaca oleracea and titrated Cistus creticus extract, along with vitamins and minerals, received once daily for 90 days. Demographics and medical history were obtained, and a complete clinical examination, measurement of somatometric characteristics, and laboratory parameters were performed at baseline. The measurement of somatometric characteristics and laboratory tests were repeated at the end of the study. Results: A total of 26 people with prediabetes participated, 11 females and 15 males. There was a tendency for a decrease in HbA1c after intervention [baseline: 5.9 (5.7–6.1)%; at the end of the study: 5.7 (5.7–6.0)%, p = 0.062] and a significant decrease in fasting glucose levels (from 110.8 ± 7.0 mg/dL to 103.9 ± 10.3, p = 0.005). Fasting insulin and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) decreased significantly [baseline fasting insulin: 20.7 (9.3–34.20) μU/mL; at the end of the study: 15.1 (8.6–19.0) μU/mL, p = 0.028; baseline HOMA-IR: 3.6 (2.5–8.9); at the end of the study: 3.5 (2.0–4.6), p = 0.035]. Significant reductions were observed in alkaline phosphatase and uric acid levels. No significant change was observed in body weight, body mass index, or waist circumference after the intervention. No treatment-emergent adverse events were observed, and all participants completed the study. Conclusions: The dietary supplement from Portulaca oleracea and titrated Cistus creticus extract, along with vitamins and minerals, may improve the metabolic profile of people with prediabetes.

Development of a Fuel Model for Cistus spp. and Testing Its Fire Behavior Prediction Performance

This paper presents the development of a fuel model that can describe fuel situations in areas dominated by Cistus spp. (rockrose) in Greece. In order to obtain the necessary fuel data, thirty (30) 1 m2 plots were destructively sampled in phryganic areas dominated by Cistus creticus, Cistus parviflorus, and Cistus salvifolius in western Greece. To develop the fuel model for Cistus spp., field measurements were supplemented with published parameter values for Cistus salvifolius. The resulting fuel model (with a height of 9.44 cm) is suitable for describing Cistus spp.-dominated phryganic areas of relatively low vegetation height in southeastern Europe. Once developed, the fuel model was inputted into the BehavePlus system to produce surface fire rate of spread predictions (ROSpred, m·min−1), which were then compared to 21 surface fire ROS field observations (ROSobs) obtained from wildfires or prescribed burns in areas covered by Cistus spp. It was found that the ROS for the Cistus spp. fuel model significantly underpredicted the actual ROS. A statistically significant linear regression equation was developed to mathematically describe the relationship between the predicted and observed ROS. This equation can be used to adjust BehavePlus predictions to more accurately reflect the real-world fire behavior for this fuel type.

Successive Solvent Extraction of Polyphenols and Flavonoids from Cistus creticus L. Leaves

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of successive extraction (using solvents of increasing polarity, namely hexane, ethyl acetate, acetone, ethanol, and water) of polyphenols from Cistus creticus L. The results were compared with the ones obtained from a single-solvent extraction (ethanol, water, and 50% ethanol: water). According to the results, each solvent used for extraction had a significant effect on the yield of extracted polyphenols and the antioxidant activity of the extracts. The highest extraction yield for successive extraction was achieved with ethanol (95.33 mg GAE/g), whereas a comparable amount could also be extracted with 50% ethanol: water mixture single-solvent extraction (96.51 mg GAE/g). The ethanolic and aqueous extracts had the highest antioxidant activity as indicated by their lowest IC50 values in the DPPH assay, specifically 350.99 μg/mL for ethanolic extract of successive extraction and 341.18 μg/mL for 50% ethanol: water mixture of single-solvent extraction, followed by the extract produced using acetone. However, the acetone extract contained more flavonoids than the other two extracts up to 28.03 mg QE/g. The results obtained were in line with those for the single-solvent extraction. It is concluded that using a range of solvents in succession is a more efficient way of extracting higher amounts of antioxidant compounds with varying antioxidant activity.

Determining indicator plant species of Pinus brutia Ten. Site index classes using interspecific correlation analysis in Antalya (Turkey)

Background: We performed a vegetation study in Antalya, where the Mediterranean climate prevails, in order to determine the indicator plant species of red pine (Pinus brutia Ten.). Red pine can be widely distributed from sea level to 1200 meters. Its main distribution is in the main Mediterranean vegetation zone between 500-1000 meters. However, the variation of the habitat factors may be low in this range. Therefore, the productivity relationships of species such as red pine, whose sustainable use is important, cannot be directly explained by environmental variables. In such cases, it is important to determine the indicator plant species. For this reason, indicator plant species of red pine productivity (site index class I) were determined by using interspecific correlation analysis (ICA) in the study. Then, using principal components analysis, the relationship of indicator plant species with the variables of elevation, slope, aspect and soil depth was revealed. In the principal components analysis, the plant species that were determined as an indicator were also added to the graph as a class variable, and the effects of the variables on the indicator plant species were also investigated. Results: The results of the ICA showed that Dryopteris flix-mas (L.) Schott, Abies cilicica (Antoine & Kotschy) Carrière, Cedrus libani A. RICH and Colutea cilicica Boiss. & Bal. species were negative indicators of red pine productivity. On the other hand, Cistus creticus L. and Smilax aspera L. species were positive indicators of productivity Conclusions: Interspecific correlation analysis is a useful tool to determine the ecological properties of species that have a local distribution or a vertical distribution in a narrow altitude range. It also offers practical and effective results, especially for species with high commercial value such as red pine.

Economic Analysis of Honey Bee Colonies Fed with Different Pollen Diets before Wintering

Nutrition is a requirement for the survival of every living organism. Under normal conditions, honeybees meet their nutritional needs from natural floral sources. In cases where there are insufficient floral resources, additional feeding is required for the colonies. In this study, economic analysis of supplementary feeding models formed by giving different protein diets and carbohydrate (sugar-water mixture) needed until early spring to colonies prepared with equal strength in the autumn period was performed. The feeding experiment was carried out on 6 groups with 8 colonies in each group and a total of 48 colonies. Experimental groups were as follows: Papaver somniforum pollen, Cistus creticus pollen, mixed pollen, bee cake, syrup, and control. In this study, after determining the production costs per hive for the experimental groups, it was analyzed whether the bee frame values per hive cover the production costs. It could be concluded that feeding with P. somniforum pollen is slightly more advantageous than other feeding groups when the results of the pre-winter, winter and early spring periods are evaluated together. The ratio of bee frame value per hive to cover the production cost was calculated as 40.65% before winter, 102.98% in winter and 98.66% in early spring for the feeding with P. somniforum pollen. In terms of relative profitability, the protein diet with the closest performance to P. somniforum pollen is C. creticus pollen. In other feeding groups, the relative profitability was found to be lower.

Effect of Pink Rock Rose Extract with or Without Ascorbic Acid and Sodium Ascorbate for the Preservation of Ready-to-Eat Frankfurter Type Sausages

This study aimed to determine the effect of pink rock rose extract (PRR) with or without ascorbic acid and sodium ascorbate for improving the shelf life of sausages. Analyzed parameters were DPPH radical scavenging capacity of PRR extract; total aerobic count, thiobarbituric acid reactive substance, heme iron, pH, water activity, proximate composition, and color values of MAP packaged sausages for 12 weeks at 4 °C. Treatments: (1) Control (0.02% ascorbic acid and 0.05% sodium ascorbate – AA-SA), (2) electrostatic spray application of PRR extract (2%) – ES-PRR, (3) 0.02% AA and, 0.05% PRR extract, (4) 0.05% SA and 0.02% PRR, (5) 0.07% PRR extract. PRR extract had the half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) value of 13.04 ± 0.133 µg/mL. Sausages formulated with 0.07% PRR had the lowest microbial growth rate, followed by AA-PRR formulation. The AA-PRR treatment had the lowest TBARS values for most of the storage. This study reveals that PRR extract can be added as a natural antioxidant in sausages, and it could be used as a replacement or for the reduction of ascorbic acid and sodium ascorbate in sausage formulations.

In Vitro Anti-Influenza Virus Activity of Non-Polar Primula veris subsp. veris Extract.

Medicinal plants have long been recognized as a tremendous source of candidate compounds for the development of pharmaceuticals, including anti-viral agents. Herein, we report the identification of anti-influenza virus activity in non-polar Primula veris L. subsp. veris extracts. We show that P. veris subsp. veris flower extracts, obtained using supercritical fluid or ultrasound-based extraction, possess virucidal/virus inactivation properties and confer prophylactic and therapeutic effects against influenza virus-induced cytolysis in vitro. By GC-MS and UPLC-HRMS analysis of non-polar P. veris subsp. veris extracts we identified terpenes, flavones, tocopherols, and other classes of phytochemicals with known or putative anti-influenza properties. In silico prediction of cellular functions and molecular pathways affected by these phytochemicals suggests putative effects on signal transduction, inflammasome, and cell death pathways that are relevant to influenza virus pathogenesis. Combining P. veris subsp. veris with extracts of medicinal plants with proven anti-influenza activity such as Echinacea purpurea (L.) Moench and Cistus creticus L. subsp. creticus achieves an impressive protective effect against infection by influenza virus H1N1 in vitro and reduced progeny virus production by infected cells. Collectively, these findings uncover a previously uncharted biological property of non-polar P. veris flower extracts that warrants further studies to assess clinical efficacy.