Cistus Ladanifer Research Articles

Study of the Analgesic Potential of the Ethanolic Extract of Moroccan Cistus ladanifer L.

The study aimed to analyze the analgesic activity of Cistus ladanifer L. Cistus ladanifer L. is a fragrant shrub of the Cistaceae family widespread in the Mediterranean basin, it has various biological activities, including antidiabetic and antihypertensive effects. The objective of this work was to study the phytochemical profile, the acute toxicity and the analgesic power of the ethanolic extract of the species Cistus ladanifer L. (C. ladanifer) collected in Northern Morocco. The evaluation of antinociceptive activity in mice was performed using two validated models, the formalin-induced paw-licking model and the acetic acid-provoked writhing test. According to the results, five phenolic compounds were identified in the ethanolic extract by HPLC-MS/MS. As regards the acute toxicity study, the results showed no mortality or clinical symptoms in mice treated to compare the control group at doses up to 5,000 mg/kg BW. Regarding the analgesic effect, the ethanolic extract at the doses of 400 and 800 mg/kg, BW showed a statistically significant (p <0.05) and dose-dependent analgesic effect in two nociceptive tests. On the other hand, in the syrup of ethanolic extract at the dose of 800 mg/kg, BW expressed the most superior pain-inhibiting effect in both tests, producing an analgesic effect equivalent to that of the reference drug (indomethacin). These findings provide pharmacological justification that might aid in the development of a natural anti-nociceptive medication as an alternative to chemical analgesic drugs.

Using and Creating Microclimates for Cork Oak Adaptation to Climate Change

In Mediterranean climate regions, climate change is increasing aridity and contributing to the mortality rate of Quercus suber, reducing the success of reforestation efforts. Using and creating microclimates is a recommended climate adaptation strategy that needs research. Our hypothesis is that planting Q. suber in north-facing slopes and water lines results in a higher survival rate than those that are planted in ridges and south-facing slopes. Secondly, our hypothesis is that existing shrubs (in this case, Cistus ladanifer) can be used to create microclimatic sheltering and increase the survival of Q. suber plantations. In experiment 1, we tested the survival of Q. suber plantations in four different topographic conditions. For that, 80 Q. suber plants were planted over four different topographic conditions, where soil probes were installed to monitor soil moisture and temperature. Two years after, the results show an increased survival rate in the north-facing slope and water line when compared to the ridge area (p = 0.032). In experiment 2, we tested if planting in the shade of rows of C. ladanifer increases the survival rate of Q. suber plantations. For that, 1200 Q. suber plants were planted; 600 in a Montado open area with no shade and 600 under the shade of rows of C. ladanifer shrubs. A total of 17 months after plantation, there was a significantly higher survival rate of the shaded plants (p = 0.027). We conclude that microclimates created by topography and shrubs can have a significant impact on the survival of Q. suber plantations and discuss the situations in which these can apply.

Comparison of the Allelopathic Potential of Non-Native and Native Species of Mediterranean Ecosystems.

Allelopathy is a frequent interaction between species in Mediterranean ecosystems and it is also one of the proposed strategies to explain the colonisation of invasive species. To confirm the importance of allelopathic potential as a mechanism of invasion of non-native species in Mediterranean ecosystems, it would be advisable to compare the allelopathic effects of non-native plants with native plants on the same target species and thus avoid overestimating the role of phytotoxicity in the invasion process. The main objective of this work was to compare the allelopathic activity of native species typical of Mediterranean ecosystems, classified as allelopathic, with the allelopathic activity of non-native species that may have an invasive character in these ecosystems. To this end, we selected three native species (Cistus ladanifer, Pistacia lentiscus, and Pistacia terebithus) and three non-native species (Acacia dealbata, Acer negundo, and Salix babylonica), and we analysed their effect on the species Lactuca sativa and the native species Lavandula stoechas and Echium plantagineum. The tests on L. sativa showed that all species have allelopathic activity. The tests on L. stoechas and E. plantagineum revealed that P. terebinthus exerted the greatest effect, being the only species that maintained an inhibitory effect at extract concentrations of 50% and 25% in all the analysed parameters, except in germination and cotyledon emergence for E. plantagineum. There were no significant differences in the effect on germination between non-native and native species, although significant differences were found in the effect on root size in the three analysed concentrations, with the native species producing greater inhibition. In conclusion, these species exert a negative effect on the selected native target species, but the negative effect of the native species is greater than that of the non-native species. These results indicate that it is important to compare the allelopathic effects of invasive and native species to correctly estimate the phytotoxic effect of invasive species on their invasiveness.

A new methodology to evaluate natural regeneration: A case study of Quercus ilex in the montado in Portugal

Regeneration and recruitment are primordial for stand sustainability. However, natural regeneration is usually only evaluated by density and height, so no details are provided regarding the individual traits of the saplings/seedlings. Hence, the findings of these regeneration studies are of limited selection power in future management. The main goal of this study was to develop a new methodology that enables the evaluation of individual quality traits of regeneration in the early stages of stand development so that their future potential development can be assessed. Natural regeneration (NR) was evaluated in each field plot using the conjugation of two new methods: first using the natural regeneration density (NRD) method and second using the new natural regeneration tree classification (NRTC). NRTC is composed of a set of criteria with categorical variables that allow the evaluation of traits of individuals and their potential for future recruitment. In this classification system, five criteria were used, namely, upper story influence to evaluate the competition of the trees of the upper story cast on the regeneration individuals, crown isolation to characterize the competition between saplings, height as a surrogate of sapling development, diameter as a proxy of growth, and tree habit as a proxy of the habit of saplings. To test both methods, we applied them in a case study of Quercus ilex in the montado agroforestry system in Portugal, where different degrees of crown cover coexist. Our results indicated that in 85% of the plots with a crown cover higher than 30%, we could find good-quality natural regeneration oak saplings suited to be recruited and located outside of the upper story crown projection. Only 15% of the plots with a crown cover higher than 30% were dominated by Cistus ladanifer and had almost no oak saplings. In future, we suggest that the NRTC be used in all NR individuals in the forest inventory when the NR density is less than 200 NR individuals ha−1.

Proposal of a Gas Sensor-Based Device for Detecting Adulteration in Essential Oil of Cistus ladanifer

Essential oils are a valuable raw material for several industries. Low-cost methods cannot detect its adulteration; specialised equipment is required. In this paper, we proposed the use of gas sensors to detect the adulteration process in the essential oil of Cistus ladanifer. Gas sensors are used in a measuring chamber to measure pure and adulterated oils. We compare the suitability of the tested sensors for detecting adulterated oil and the required measuring time. A total of five samples are determined, with a measuring time of 12 h. Each gas sensor is configured to be sensitive to different compounds. Even though sensors are not specific to detect the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) present in the essential oil, our objective is to evaluate if these VOCs might interact with the sensors as an interferent. Results indicate that various gas sensors sensitive to the same chemical compound offered different values. It might indicate that the interaction of VOCs is different among the tested sensors or that the location of the sensors and the heterogeneous distribution of VOCs along the measurement chamber impact the data. Regarding the performed analyses, we can affirm that identifying the adulterated essential oil is possible using the generated data. Moreover, the results suggest that most of the data, even for different compounds and sensors, are highly correlated, allowing a reduction in the studied variables. According to the high correlation, data are reduced, and 100% of correct classification can be obtained even when only the MQ3 and MQ8 are used.

Cistus ladanifer metal uptake and physiological performance in biochar amended mine soils

Cistus ladanifer metal uptake and physiological performance in biochar amended mine soils

Antimicrobial Properties of Essential Oils Obtained from Autochthonous Aromatic Plants.

The aim of this work was to determine the antimicrobial activity of the essential oils of six plants widely distributed in the Dehesa of Extremadura, such as Calendula officinalis, Cistus ladanifer, Cistus salviifolius, Cistus multiflorus, Lavandula stoechas, and Rosmarinus officinalis. The content of total phenolic compounds (TPC) and the antimicrobial activity of the essential oils against pathogenic and spoilage bacteria and yeasts as well as aflatoxin-producing molds were determined. A great variability was observed in the composition of the essential oils obtained from the six aromatic plants. The Cistus ladanifer essential oil had the highest content of total phenols (287.32 ppm), followed by the Cistus salviifolius essential oil; and the Rosmarinus officinalis essential oil showed the lowest amount of these compounds. The essential oils showed inhibitory effects on the tested bacteria and also yeasts, showing a maximum inhibition diameter of 11.50 mm for Salmonella choleraesuis and Kregervanrija fluxuum in the case of Cistus ladanifer and a maximum diameter of 9 mm for Bacillus cereus and 9.50 mm for Priceomyces carsonii in the case of Cistus salviifolius. The results stated that antibacterial and antiyeast activity is influenced by the concentration and the plant material used for essential oil preparation. In molds, aflatoxin production was inhibited by all the essential oils, especially the essential oils of Cistus ladanifer and Cistus salviifolius. Therefore, it can be concluded that the essential oils of native plants have significant antimicrobial properties against pathogenic and spoilage microorganisms, so they could be studied for their use in the industry as they are cheap, available, and non-toxic plants that favor the sustainability of the environment of the Dehesa of Extremeña.

Triterpenoid and Steroid Content of Lipophilic Extracts of Selected Medicinal Plants of the Mediterranean Region.

The available phytochemical characteristics of the medicinal plants and derived herbal material often lack data concerning the content of steroids (including phytosterols) and triterpenoids, that can be responsible for various beneficial properties and therapeutic effects, either directly, or as a result of synergistic action with other bioactive constituents. The aim of the present work was the analysis of the content of these compounds in herbal material (leaves, aerial parts) derived from selected medicinal plants (Cistus ladanifer, Cistus monspeliensis, Erica arborea, Globularia alypum, Pistacia lentiscus, Rhamnus alaternus), widely used in folk medicine in the Mediterranean region. Results obtained by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS)-targeted profiling revealed the diversity in the profiles and contents of steroids and triterpenoids in the analyzed plant material, ranging from 5.7% d.w. in E. arborea to 0.1% in G. alypum. The obtained results supplement the existing phytochemical data of the investigated medicinal plants, pointing to the E. arborea aerial parts and P. lentiscus leaves as valuable resources of phytosterols and bioactive triterpenoids.

Incense from Sheba for the Jerusalem Temple

In Eilat Mazar’s excavations in the Ophel in Jerusalem, a partially preserved inscription engraved on the shoulder of a pithos was found in 2012 in a context dated to the 10th century BCE. Although close to a dozen interpretations of the inscription have been offered over time, its reading remains highly disputed. All of these interpretations consider the script to be Canaanite. In this study, it is argued that the inscription was engraved in the Ancient South Arabian script and that its language is Sabaean. The inscription reads “ ]šy ladanum 5.” The aromatic ladanum (Cistus ladaniferus), rendered as lḏn in the inscription, is most probably שׁ ְ חֵ לֶ ת (šǝḥēlet), the second component of incense according to Exod 30:34. The inscription was engraved before the locally made vessel was fired, leading to the conclusion that a Sabaean functionary entrusted with aromatic components of incense was active in Jerusalem by the time of King Solomon.

Cistus ladanifer as a Potential Feedstock for Biorefineries: A Review

Cistus ladanifer (rockrose) is a widespread shrub species in the Mediterranean region well known due to its production of labdanum gum, especially in the hot season. Its leaves and branches can be subjected to different extraction and distillation processes to produce various types of extracts. The natural extracts of C. ladanifer have several applications, especially in the perfumery and cosmetics sector. C. ladanifer extracts, in addition to presenting interesting odoriferous properties, are also known for their bioactive properties, such as antioxidant and antimicrobial. Use of this species in animal feed or phytostabilisation of mining areas has also been successfully applied. On the other hand, the lignin and polysaccharides that are the major fractions from Cistus residues can be relevant sources of high-value products in a biorefinery framework. Recently, it has been reported that the residues obtained from the essential oil industry can sustain production of significant amounts of other marketable products, namely phenolic compounds, oligomeric and monomeric sugars, lignin, and lactic acid. All these applications show the potential of C. ladanifer as a raw material to be fully valued in a biorefinery context, contributing to important revenues and generating an associated marketable biobased product portfolio.

Cistus ladanifer L. Tissue Culture from Leaf and Stem Explants

Cistus ladanifer L. Tissue Culture from Leaf and Stem Explants

Effects of Essential Oil Fumigation on Potato Sprouting at Room-Temperature Storage.

As a global staple, potato plays an important role in meeting human dietary needs and alleviating malnutrition. Potato sprouting during storage is a major issue that threatens food security by increasing food waste and must therefore be controlled. Biopesticides, including essential oils (EOs), have a history of use as potato sprout suppressants, and interest in their use has been renewed in response to stricter regulations on CIPC, the dominant chemical sprout suppressant over the last half-century. We evaluated twenty-one EOs as potential sprout suppressants in cv. Ranger Russet potatoes at room-temperature storage. Treatment with Artemisia herba-alba EO was the most effective at suppressing both sprout length and sprout number over a 90-day storage period. GC-MS-FID analysis of A. herba-alba EO revealed the presence of α-thujone, hexadecenoic acid, β-thujone, camphor, sabinene, and camphene at amounts &gt;1%. Cistus ladanifer, Ocimum basilicum, Ormenis mixta, and Salvia sclarea EOs significantly reduced sprout length for shorter storage periods, whereas Cinnamomum zeylanicum (bark) and Laurus nobilis EOs also significantly reduced sprout number. Syzygium aromaticum (clove) EO did not significantly suppress sprouting at room temperature. These results indicate the potential of certain EOs to be used as sprout suppressants for room-temperature potato storage, providing needed alternatives for both organic and conventional potato industries.

Thymus mastichina (L.) L. and Cistus ladanifer L. for skin application: chemical characterization and in vitro bioactivity assessment

Ethnopharmacological relevanceThymus mastichina (L.) L. (TM) and Cistus ladanifer L. (CL) are two Portuguese autochthonous species with traditional skin application in folk medicine. TM is majorly known for its antiseptic and wound healing properties, as an external anti-inflammatory agent and for its application in folk cosmetics and hygiene products. Its use in acne vulgaris has also been reported. CL is traditionally used in remedies for wounds, ulcers and other skin ailments such as psoriasis and eczema. Its application has been found useful due to its anti-inflammatory, astringent, wound healing and antiseptic properties. Aim of the studyWith this work, we aimed to investigate relevant bioactivities related with the traditional application of TM and CL essential oils (EOs) and hydrolates (by-products of EO production) in skin ailments. Specifically their in vitro antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, cytotoxic, wound healing and antimicrobial properties were evaluated. The chemical composition of both EOs and respective hydrolates was also characterized. Materials and methodsChemical characterization of EOs and hydrolates was performed by GC-FID and GC-MS. Cellular biocompatibility was evaluated using the MTT assay in macrophages (RAW 264.7) and fibroblasts (L929) cell lines. Anti-inflammatory activity was investigated by studying nitric oxide (NO) production by macrophages with Griess reagent. Wound healing potential was evaluated with the scratch-wound assay. The antioxidant potential was studied by the DPPH scavenging method. Antimicrobial activity was evaluated by broth microdilution assay against relevant microbial strains and skin pathogens, namely Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Cutibacterium acnes, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Candida albicans and Aspergillus brasiliensis. ResultsThe major compounds present in TM and CL EOs were 1,8-cineole and α-pinene, respectively. 1,8-cineole and E-pinocarveol were the major compounds in the correspondent hydrolates. CL EO presented the highest anti-inflammatory potential [EC50 = 0.002% (v/v)], still with significant cytotoxicity [IC50 = 0.012% (v/v)]. TM preparations presented anti-inflammatory potential, also presenting higher biocompatibility. The same profile was present on fibroblasts regarding biocompatibility of the tested preparations. CL EO and hydrolate increased fibroblasts’ migration by 155.7% and 148.4%, respectively. TM hydrolate presented a milder activity than CL hydrolate, but wound healing potential was still present, increasing cell migration by 125.1%. All preparations presented poor antioxidant capacity. CL EO presented higher antimicrobial activity, with MICs ranging from 0.06% (v/v) to 2% (v/v), against different microorganisms. ConclusionsAnti-inflammatory and skin repairing potential were present for CL preparations. TM hydrolate presented an interesting biocompatible profile on both cell lines, also presenting anti-inflammatory potential. Furthermore, EOs from both species presented antimicrobial activity against a panel of different microorganisms. These in vitro bioactivities support some of their traditional skin applications, specifically regarding their antiseptic, wound healing and anti-inflammatory uses.

Chemical composition, antifungal and phytotoxic activities of Cistus ladanifer L. essential oil and hydrolate

The use of synthetic chemical fungicides commonly applied in crop protection has been associated with environmental and human health risks. However, essential oils (EOs) and other bioproducts, such as hydrolates, are gaining more attention as eco-friendly alternative biofungicides. We analysed the chemical composition of essential oil (EO) and hydrolate obtained from hydrodistillation of air-dried plants of Cistus ladanifer L. by GC-MS. To assess their potential application as biofungicides, we evaluated the antifungal activity and phytotoxicity of EO and hydrolate. The oxygenated sesquiterpenes was the dominant group in the EO (28.36%), and the oxygenated monoterpenes in the hydrolate (43.62%). We tested the effect of EO and hydrolate on the mycelial growth of three phytopathogenic fungi (Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. radicis-lycopersici, Rhizoctonia solani and Cryphonectria parasitica) and one oomycete species (Phytophthora cinnamomi). The EO and hydrolate inhibited the mycelial growth of all four fungal species. The potential antifungal effect of the hydrolate was subsequently evaluated in situ with the experimental pathosystem P. cinnamomi - Lupinus luteus. The results showed that the hydrolate application significantly reduced seedling mortality in all three strains of P. cinnamomi tested (MYC-18, CA-9 and CA-4) (ED50 = 165.5 μl/ml, ED50 = 238.1 μl/ml and ED50 = 234.1 μl/ml, respectively). In phytotoxicity tests with Raphanus sativus and L. luteus seeds, the EO and hydrolate showed dose-dependent and species-dependent phytotoxic effects. These results show the high potential the C. ladanifer hydrolate to be used in the production of biofungicides to control phytopathogenic fungi.

Subindividual variation accounts for most of the variability in two reproductive traits in Cistusladanifer

There is increasing evidence of within species flower trait variability. In Cistus ladanifer, there is a great variation in the number of locules of the ovary (6–12). In this study, we assessed the variation in the number of ovary locules and ovule production at population, individual and intraindividual levels in 5 localities in the Madrid Region (Central Spain). We have answered the following questions: What level present larger variation? Is there a relationship between the number of ovary locules and ovule production? And if yes, does it hold across all levels? We sampled almost 500 flowers from 50 individuals for five localities. We counted the number of locules of the ovary and estimate the number of ovules per flower. The partitioning of total variation among populations, individuals and within-individuals was estimated for both variables. To analyze differences among locations, we performed general linear models. We found that within-individual variation was the main source of variation for all measured variables. Inter-individual variation was relevant only for the number of locules, and inter-population variation was almost negligible for all variables. Despite the positive correlation between the number of locules per flower and ovule production, populations with more locules did not present more ovules per flower. In summary, we found that variation in the number of locules and its relationship with ovule production is scale dependent.

Leaf Extracts of Cistus ladanifer Exhibit Potent Antioxidant and Antiproliferative Activities against Liver, Prostate and Breast Cancer Cells

Chemical composition, antioxidant, and antiproliferative properties of C. ladanifer crude extracts, including hexane (Hex), dichloromethane (DCM), ethyl acetate (E.A) and ethanol (EtOH) were investigated. The chemical composition of C. ladanifer crude extracts was determined by use of GC-MS, whereas DPPH and FRAP assays were employed to determine its antioxidant capacity. The obtained results showed that the ethanolic extract exhibited a significant antioxidant effect recording an IC50 value of 266.6 ± 0.828 μg/mL with DPPH assay, and a higher reducing power 0.494 ± 0.035 using the FRAP test. The extracts exhibited significant antiproliferative activity against three cancer cell lines. The DCM extract exhibited the highest total polyphenol content (76.066 ± 9.978 μg AGE/mg) and was revealed to be more effective against HepG2 (31.54 ± 0.242 μg/mL). The Hex extract that presented the highest flavonoid content (50.209 ± 3.805 μg CE/mg) exhibited the highest antiproliferative activity against 22Rv1 and MDA-MB-231 recording IC50 values 11.32 ± 2.126 μg/mL and 82.4 ± 1.124 μg/mL, respectively. All four extracts exhibited minimal toxicity against human skin-derived fibroblast cells indicating the specificity of their observed anticancer activity. GC-MS analysis identified interesting phytochemicals underlying the obtained antioxidant and cytotoxic activities. Taken together, results of the current study highlight the significance of C. ladanifer as a valuable source of antioxidant and anticancer bioactive compounds, thereby warranting further detailed investigation.

Threats of metal mining on ecosystem services. Conservation proposals

We have studied, in a protected area with intense hunting activity, the consequences of the abandonment of facilities and tailings of a metal mine. The area studied has the peculiarity of having a steep slope and containing a water reservoir for irrigation and human consumption.Soil, sludge, vegetation, and water samples were analyzed, in which many metal(loid)s exceeded the generic reference levels (NGR) established for the health of the ecosystem.The concentration of Tl in the soils ranged between 300 and 700 mg kg−1, because of continuous diffuse pollution, produced both by the alteration of sphalerite and the combustion products of a coal-fired power plant near the study area. Soil concentrations of Pb (250–1500 mg kg−1) and Zn (350–700 mg kg−1) from the tailings indicate extreme contamination in the areas adjacent to them and in the reservoir.The contamination affects the water quality of the stream running through the study area, with 64 μg L−1 of Tl and 9.1 μg L−1 of Zn having been detected in the reservoir water.To ensure protection of human and ecosystem health, the following is proposed: (i) soil stabilization for erosion control and reduction of diffuse pollution, (ii) monitoring of soils for agricultural use and water quality, and (iii) study the impact of contamination on wildlife, both hunting and non-game species. Given their capacity to accumulate heavy metals it is proposed to use Cistus ladanifer, Lavandula stoechas and Retama sphaerocarpa as phytoremedial species.The novelty of this research lies in two considerations. First, a proposal for the analysis of environmental compartments as an interconnected and interdependent network in terms of impacts and their repercussions on the ES. Secondly, the application of the model DPSIR, which assumes that anthropogenic activities have an impact on the environment.

Inclusion of the aerial part and condensed tannin extract from Cistus ladanifer L. in lamb diets – Effects on rumen microbial community and fatty acid profile

This study was carried out to test the hypothesis that the inclusion of condensed tannins (CT) from Cistus ladanifer aerial part or extract in a diet composed of dehydrated lucerne and supplemented with 60 g/kg of soybean oil can modulate the rumen microbiome and increase the production of healthy biohydrogenation intermediates (BI). Hence, thirty-six lambs were used to evaluate the effect of 3 levels of C. ladanifer CT (0 %, 1.25 % and 2.5 % of CT) and two ways of CT supply (C. ladanifer aerial parts and C. ladanifer CT extract) on rumen fatty acids and volatile fatty acids profile and ciliate protozoa and bacteria community composition. The experiment lasted 35 days, and rumen samples were collected immediately after slaughter. Ciliate protozoa were analyzed by microscopic counting, and high-throughput 16 S rRNA gene sequencing was used to analyse rumen bacterial composition. Condensed tannins diets did not affect ruminal fermentation. The inclusion of C. ladanifer aerial part or extract in lamb diets did not increase the t11–18:1 in the rumen content. On the other hand, the t11–18:1 proportion was lower in the rumen of lambs fed both C. ladanifer diets and the highest level of extract diet when compared with the lowest level of extract diet and the diets without CT inclusion. Regarding the rumen microbiome, the total of ciliates was not influenced by the CT level in diets but decreased with the inclusion of C. ladanifer aerial part in the diet. Entodinium genus was strongly and positively related with both total BI and t11–18:1 and it also was the ciliate genus most negatively related with rumen estimate biohydrogenation (BH) completeness. Independently of the diets, the bacterial community of rumen content was dominated by Firmicutes (49.8 %) and Bacteroidetes (30.8 %) phyla. The Lachnobacterium was the genus most closely related with t11–18:1 and negatively related with 18:0 and BH completeness, which suggests that the Lachnobacterium plays an important role on the BH when diets without CT inclusion and lower dose of C. ladanifer extract was fed to lambs, being responsible for t11–18:1 ruminal production. Cistus ladanifer aerial part and extract influenced the ruminal microbial composition, but at the conditions used, the increase in the ruminal production of healthy BI was not observed, highlighting the inconsistent BH response to dietary CT and underlining the need to develop efforts to increase knowledge about this CT source and its interactions with other feed factors and with the ruminal microbial community.

Phytochemical profile, in vivo anti-inflammatory and wound healing activities of the aqueous extract from aerial parts of Cistus ladanifer L

Cistus ladanifer L. is a Mediterranean shrub, well recognized for its many pharmacological properties. The present study aimed to investigate the phytochemical profile, the in vivo anti-inflammatory and the wound healing activities of the aqueous extract from its aerial parts (AECL). The in vivo anti-inflammatory and the wound healing properties were evaluated by carrageenan-induced paw edema (CAECL) and burn wound in rats, respectively. The results showed that six compounds belonging to flavonoids and tannins were identified in the AECL extract. Moreover, the AECL administrated orally at a dose of 500 mg/kg significantly reduced edema with a percentage of 72 % in terms of inflammation inhibition, using indomethacin as reference drug. On the other hand, when administrated topically, both doses of CAECL cream (5 % and 10 %) manifested a significant anti-inflammatory action using diclofenac as reference drug with a percentage reduction of inflammation that reached 85 % (CAECL-10). As far as wound healing is concerned, the CAECL showed higher effect at a dose of 10 % (CAECL-10) producing a wound contraction of 96 %, similar to that of the reference drug. The findings of the present study indicate that the aqueous extract from aerial parts of Cistus ladanifer L. display strongly anti-inflammatory and wound healing effects to be advantageously used for medical purposes.

Nutritive Value of Cistus ladanifer L. for Ruminants: Seasonal Variation of Chemical Composition, Digestibility, and Antioxidant Activity of Its Morphological Fractions

Cistus ladanifer has been used in ruminants feeding systems, but there is no information about the seasonal variation in chemical composition and nutritional value of each morphological fraction during its growth cycle. This study characterized the morphological fractions of C. ladanifer (leaves, stems, flower buds, flowers, and seed heads) throughout the year in chemical composition, in vitro digestibility, and antioxidant activity. The leaves were the morphological fraction more variable throughout the seasons, being characterized by low protein level (48.5–114 g/kg dry matter (DM)), moderate cell-wall content (240–267 g NDF/kg DM), high levels of condensed tannins (CT) (131–246 g/kg DM), and low in vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD) (29.3–34.3%). The distinctive chemical composition among various morphological fractions allowed the identification of four distinct groups, the first composed by stems, the second by the leaves, the third by the seed heads, and the last one by the flower buds and flowers. All the morphological fractions are sources of bioactive compounds namely phenolic compounds. Leaves are the fraction with higher nutritive value, especially when collected during winter and spring.