Portulaca Oleracea Research Articles

Survey of Portulacaceae family flora in Taif, Saudi Arabia.

The presence of weeds in areas of agricultural activities is a hinderance to the development of these activities. It is important to take advantage of the vast open spaces suitable for agriculture and provide food security for humans, and also it is an important indicator for determining the feasibility of growing crops, benefiting from yield and determining the percentage of loss, clearing fields through agricultural practices, that protect crops from weed attack and agricultural practice method must be followed that will reduce weed presence. This study was conducted during the years 2018 to 2020 to evaluate Portulacaceae of Flora in the Taif area in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia at different altitudes (Area 1 =1700 m, Area 2 =1500 m, Area 3 =1500 m, Area 4 =500 m ِ Area 5 = 2200 m, and Area 6 = 2200 m). The results show that there were 2,816 individuals of Portulaca oleracea weed, with the highest density found in A 1, followed by A 2, while in A 5 and A 6, no weeds were recorded. The highest density of weeds were in the Pomegranate fields, followed by Grape fields. The lowest density was found in A man field. The results of this study will help to take the necessary measures to combat weeds and its management in areas of agricultural activity, while more studies are needed to survey the ecology of weeds of Taif in The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Properties of Coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.), Dill (Anethum graveolens L.) and Purslane (Portulaca oleracea L.) Extracts Prepared with Different Types of Solvent

In the study, the antimicrobial effect of ethanol: water (1:1 v/v), methanol: water (1:1 v/v) and water extracts of coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.), dill (Anethum graveolens L.) and purslane (Portulaca oleracea L.) plants were determined by well diffusion method and antioxidant activity by DPPH• radical removal method. As test microorganisms, Aspergillus niger mold and Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Typhimurium ATCC 14028, Escherichia coli O157:H7, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923 bacteria were used and the inhibition zone was measured only in S. aureus ATCC 25923. In DPPH• radical scavenging analysis, the antioxidant capacity of the samples was lower than the controls, and the IC50 values of Trolox, BHA, dill, coriander and purslane were 41.63 µg/mL, 154.15 µg/mL, 683.45 µg/mL, 903.33 µg/mL, 525.99 µg/mL respectively. Among the plants studied, purslane had the highest antioxidant activity, while coriander had the lowest antioxidant activity. As a result, it was determined that the highest antioxidant and antimicrobial activity values belonged to the purslane plant.

Therapeutic Effect of Portulaca oleracea‎‎‎ Against Diarrhea ‎Induced by Escherichia coli in Male Rats

This study aimed to investigate the in vivo antidiarrheal efficacy of methanolic extract ‎of Portulaca ‎oleracea against diarrhea induced by Escherichia coli in male rats. The initial ‎phase involved the ‎extraction of P. oleracea‎ using 99.8% absolute methanol through ‎a Soxhlet extraction apparatus. ‎Phytochemical analyses of the extract unveiled the presence ‎of alkaloids, flavonoids, steroids, ‎carbohydrates, tannins, and proteins. In the experimental ‎phase, 20 Wistar albino male rats (Rattus norvegicus) were divided into four ‎groups: the Negative Control ‎‎(uninfected and untreated); the Positive Control (infected but untreated); ‎POE group consisted of rats infected with E. coli‎‎ (1×109 CFU/mL) and subsequently treated ‎with 200 mg/kg BW of P. oleracea‎ methanolic extract orally ‎twice daily for seven ‎days; and CIP group included rats infected and treated with 7.14 mg/kg BW ‎of ‎ciprofloxacin orally twice daily for seven days. Outcome measures encompassed clinical ‎signs, ‎frequency of watery stools, rectal bacterial count, and changes in BW. ‎Remarkably, both POE and CIP groups demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in the ‎frequency of watery stools ‎‎(P<0.05) and a significant increase in BW (P<0.05) ‎compared to Positive Control group. Notably, there was ‎no significant difference in these parameters ‎between POE and CIP groups, suggesting that P. oleracea‎ ‎methanolic extract performs ‎comparably to ciprofloxacin in treating E. coli‎‎-induced diarrhea. The ‎findings illuminate ‎the potential of herbal medications such as P. oleracea‎ as effective alternatives to ‎antibiotics, ‎thereby mitigating the overuse of antibiotics and the associated risk of bacterial resistance.

Portulaca oleracea L. extract relieve mice liver fibrosis by inhibiting TLR-4/NF-κB, Bcl-2/Bax and TGF-β1/Smad2 signalling transduction

Portulaca oleracea L. are annual herb, which has various pharmacological effects including hepatoprotective property. However, the effect of Portulaca oleracea L. (POL-1) in mice with carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver fibrosis and its mechanism of action have not been clarified. POL-1 ameliorated the CCl4-induced liver fibrosis in mice, as shown by decreased collagen deposition and the decreased expression of liver fibrosis marker collagen I and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) mRNA. In addition, treatment with POL-1 suppressed the proliferation of activated human hepatic stellate cell line (LX-2). POL-1 inhibited the oxidative stress and inflammation in fibrotic livers of mice. Mechanistically, POL-1 inhibited the CCl4-induced expression of toll-like receptor-4 (TLR4), myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88), nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κBp65) p65, Bcl2-associated X (Bax), transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) and drosophila mothers against decapentaplegic 2 (Smad2) proteins, upregulated B-cell lymphoma −2 (Bcl-2) proteins in livers of mice. These findings suggested that POL-1 attenuated liver fibrosis.

Floristic findings in the flora of the Upper Yenisei basin (Krasnoyarsk Territory, Republic of Khakassia, Republic of Tuva)

In the course of field research, analysis of previously published works and review of materials stored in well-known collection funds of Siberia (LE, NS, HGU), information on the distribution of rare adventitious and native plant species in the Upper Yenisei basin was clarified. For the first time, Chenopodiastrum badachschanicum, Galinsoga quadriradiata, Knautia arvensis, and Polygonum rectum were noted for the flora of the Republic of Tuva. Amaranthus albus, Festuca gigantea turned out to be new for the flora of the Sayano-Shushensky Reserve. In 11 rare species, new locations were noted and range boundaries were specified: Aconogonon diffusum, Amaranthus albus, Astragalus suffruticosus, Ciminalis squarrosa, Fagopyrum esculentum, Heteropappus biennis, Lappula tuvinica, Linaria melampyroides, Platanthera fuscescens, Portulaca oleracea, Potentilla virgata, and Rosa majalis. 
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Portulaca Oleracea L. (Purslane) Extract Protects Endothelial Function by Reducing Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress and Oxidative Stress through AMPK Activation in Diabetic Obese Mice.

Portulaca oleracea L. (purslane) is a food and a traditional drug worldwide. It exhibits anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, anti-tumor, and anti-diabetic bioactivities; but its activity on diabetic-associated endothelial dysfunction is unknown. This study aimed to investigate the effect of purslane on endothelial function and the underlying mechanisms. Male C57BL/6 mice had 14-week ad libitum access to a high-fat rodent diet containing 60% kcal% fat to induce obesity and diabetes whereas purslane extract (200 mg/kg/day) was administered during the last 4 weeks via intragastric gavage. Primary rat aortic endothelial cells and isolated mouse aortas were cultured with a risk factor, high glucose or tunicamycin, together with purslane extract. By ESI-QTOF-MS/MS, flavonoids and their glycoside products were identified in the purslane extract. Exposure to high glucose or tunicamycin impaired acetylcholine-induced endothelium-dependent relaxations in aortas and induced endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and oxidative stress with the downregulation of 5' AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/ endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) signaling. Co-incubation with purslane significantly ameliorated these impairments. The effects of purslane were abolished by Compound C (AMPK inhibitor). Four-week purslane treatment ameliorated aortic relaxations, ER stress, and oxidative stress in diabetic obese mice. This study supported that purslane protected endothelial function, and inhibited ER stress and oxidative stress in vasculature through AMPK/eNOS activation, revealing its therapeutic potential against vascular complications in diabetes.

Water Extract of Portulaca Oleracea Inhibits PEDV Infection-Induced Pyrolysis by Caspase-1/GSDMD.

Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) belongs to the coronavirus family and the coronavirus genus, causing contact enteric infection in pigs. It is one of the most serious diseases that threatens the pig industry. However, there is currently no specific drug to prevent and treat the disease, indicating that we need to be vigilant about the spread of the disease and the development of anti-PEDV drugs. The dried aerial parts of the plant Portulaca oleracea in the family Portulacaceous, whose decoction can be used to treat acute enteritis, dysentery, diarrhea, and other diseases. This study explored the potential mechanism of water extract of Portulaca oleracea (WEPO) in PEDV-induced pyroptosis in Vero cells. PEDV decreased the viability of Vero cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner, causing cell damage, upregulating the level of intracellular Nlrp3, and inhibiting the level of Gasdermin D (GSDMD) and the activation of Caspase-1. WEPO can inhibit PEDV-induced pyroptosis, reduce the elevation of inflammatory factors caused by infection, and exhibit a dose-dependent effect. Knockdown of Caspase-1 and GSDMD separately can induce the production of the inflammatory factor IL-1β to significantly decrease and increase, respectively. These results suggest that WEPO can inhibit cell pyroptosis caused by PEDV and that the Caspase-1 and GSDMD pathways play an important role in this process.

UHPLC-Orbitrap screening of oleraindoles in hydromethanolic extracts of Portulaca oleracea

Purslane (Portulaca oleracea L., Portulacaceae) is a widespread edible plant with significant ethnobotanical and ethnopharmacological importance. The plant is characteristic for the presence of a class of indoline amide glucoside alkaloids, called cyclo-dopa amides, or oleraceins. Additionally, a new, structurally similar to oleraceins, class of indole amides have been discovered recently, called oleraindoles. These compounds have been evaluated to possess antiinflammatory and anticholinesterase activities. Herein, utilizing UHPLC-Orbitrap-MS with MS2 filtering by diagnostic ion filtering (DIF), and diagnostic difference filtering (DDF) using different data analysis tools, eight compounds with oleraindole structure were tentatively identified.

Phytochemical screening and antibacterial activity of Portulaca oleracea L. extracts against antibiotic-resistant bacteria

Phytochemical screening and antibacterial activity of Portulaca oleracea L. extracts against antibiotic-resistant bacteria

Amelioration of experimental hyperlipidemia in rats by Portulaca oleracea Linn from Kashmir Himalaya

BackgroundTraditionally, Portulaca oleracea Linn. treats abscesses and dysentery as well as liver disease. Additionally, recent studies have reported its effectiveness as a neuroprotective, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, bronchodilator, anti-cancer, antioxidant, and curative, in addition to its pharmacological effects. Aim and ObjectiveTo assess the phytochemical constituents quantitatively & qualitatively and lipid-lowering potential of different extracts of Portulaca oleracea L. from Kashmir Himalaya. Methods: Portulaca oleracea L. was extracted with chloroform, methanol, and aqueous solvents. Qualitative and quantitative phytochemical screening was carried and antihyperlipidemic activity was evaluated in experimental hyperlipidemic rats fed with cholesterol in coconut oil for 14 days. ResultsChloroform, methanol, and aqueous extracts showed the presence of alkaloids, sapon ins, tannins, cardiac glycosides, terpenes, flavonoids, phenolic compounds, proteins, and carbohydrates. Quantitatively the dried plant powder contains alkaloids 0.72 g%, saponins 1.0 g%, phenolics 1.09 g%, tannins 0.91 g%, carbohydrates 0.53 g%, proteins 0.25 g% and lipids 0.87 g%. The aqueous extract was found to decrease the plasma total cholesterol, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, very lowdensity lipoprotein-cholesterol levels, LDL-C/HDL-C ratio and significantly elevated the high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol levels as compared to methanol and chloroform extracts against cholesterol-induced hyperlipidemic rats. ConclusionsThe results reveal that the Portulaca oleracea L. from the Kashmir region possesses alkaloids, saponins, phenolics, tannins, carbohydrates, proteins and lipids and aqueous extract of Portulaca oleracea L. at a dose of 200 mg/kg body weight possess highly significant antihyperlipidemic action than methanolic and chloroform extracts at similar doses.

Plant extracts as an eco-friendly approach to remove paraquat from aqueous solution

Nowadays, water pollution by herbicides is known as a global concern. Paraquat (PQ) (1-1-methyl-4,4-bi-pyridinium-dichloride) is a chip with high performance, which is being widely used herbicide to remove weeds from agricultural and natural ecosystems. PQ can contaminate water sources due to its high solubility in water. Human death by poisoning effects of PQ has been reported in several countries. Therefore, the side effects of PQ are a global challenge. This study aimed to investigate the bioremediation of PQ by plant extracts, as a low-cost, nontoxic, and natural absorbent to remove PQ from aqueous solutions in different conditions. In this regard, the extracts of common purslane (portulaca oleracea), florist kalanchoe (kalanchoe blossfeldiana), and jade plant (crassula portulaca) were used as adsorbents. For this purpose, the effect of various parameters such as contact time, initial concentration of PQ solution, temperature, pH, and amount of extract was investigated. The results of present study showed that P. oleracea extract and C. portulaca extracts have higher adsorption efficiency than k. blossfeldiana extract. The highest PQ removal was obtained by P. oleracea extract (79.04%) and C. portulaca extract (78.72%) at pH = 11, the adsorbent content of 0.2 mg L−1, and the lowest absorption of PQ (50.6%) was obtained by K. blossfeldiana extract. The highest PQ removal by plant extract was observed at 30 min for P. oleracea and C. portulaca, and at 15 min for k. blossfeldiana extract. Moreover, surface absorption capacity increased with increasing plant extract concentration, decreasing PQ concentration and decreased with increasing temperature. Finally, it can be concluded that plant extract can help to remove PQ from the aqueous solution.

The Bio-herbicidal potential of some wild plants with allelopathic effects from Tabuk Region on selected local weed species.

Weeds are considered one of the most serious problems limiting global agricultural production. As a result, chemical herbicides have been extensively used for weed control. However, overuse of synthetic herbicides, has resulted in public concerns over the effect of herbicides on the health of the ecosystems and humans. In the food system, innovative approaches are needed to foster sustainable practices that preserve biodiversity, conserve habitats, and mitigate climate change factors. Thus, alternatives are required to control the weeds. This study aimed to determine the impact of some wild plants' (Citrullus colocynthis, Euphorbia retusa, Retama raetam, Artemisia monosperma, Tamarix gallica, and Artemisia judaica) allelopathic potentials (at rates of 0, 15, 25, 35, and 50 g/L) on seed germination of selected local weeds (Portulaca oleracea, Amaranthus retroflexus, and Chloris barbata) collected from different locations in Tabuk region, Saudi Arabia. GC-MS analysis was used to evaluated the main compounds in the wild plants under study. The experimental design was completely randomized block design (CRBD) with three replicates. According to the results, phytochemical screening of the wild plants using GC-MS analysis showed a wide range of phytochemicals. Amaranthus retroflexus exhibited the highest germination rate in the control group. In addition, applying 5 g/L and 20 g/L of Citrullus colocynthis extracts had no discernible effect on the rate of germination of A. retroflexus seed; however, they were able to reduce the germination rate as compared to the control. As the extract concentration of Artemisia monosperma rose to 20 g/L, the germination rate of A. retroflexus dropped. Neither 35 g L-1 nor 50 g L-1 of A. monosperma extract inhibited the germinate of A. retroflexus. The germination rate of Portulaca oleracea decreased with increasing extract concentration of C. colocynthis. The extract of C. colocynthis at 50 g/L had the lowest rate. The germination rate of Chloris barbata decreased with increasing extract concentration of C. colocynthis. The highest germination rate of C. barbata was observed in control, followed by 5g/L, while no germination was observed at 20, 35, and 50 g/L of C. colocynthis extracts. A. retroflexus's root length shrank when the extract concentration of C. colocynthis rose. A. retroflexus's control sample had the most extended root length, followed by 5 and 20 g/L, respectively. C. colocynthis at 35 and 50 g/L showed no root elongation as this treatment inhibited radicle protrusion. High concentration of d-Glycero-d-galacto-heptose and pentane in C. colocynthis aqueous extract may be the cause of C. colocynthis' ability to inhibit Chloris barbata germination. The entire C. barbata plant length decreased when treated with 5 g/L of C. colocynthis extract. No growth was seen at any of the higher C. colocynthis concentrations (20, 35, and 50 g/L). The present work revealed that cultivating allelopathic crops like the selected studied wild plants from the Tabuk region has a promising future as an antagonistic species in a biological weed control program or combined with integrated weed management in agricultural food production.

Two-spotted Spider Mite, Tetranychus urticae Control on Okra by Portulaca oleracea Extract and Cyperus rotundus Oil

The study determined the effect of alcoholic extract of common purslane, Portulaca oleracea, Java grass, and Cyperus rotundus oil in controlling the two-spotted spider mite on okra plants. The results of laboratory experiments showed the efficiency of purslane alcoholic extract was highly toxic to adult mites, but its effect was limited on eggs. In contrast, Cyperus oil was highly effective against mite eggs and adults. Cyperus oil gave the highest mortality of 86.94%, with significant differences from the purslane extract, where 68.61% mortality was observed and differed significantly from the control treatment. An increase in mortality increased with concentration, and the highest mortality of 95.83% was achieved at 5%, compared to the mortality of 59.58% at 1% treatment. The ovicidal activity was significant after the C. rotundus oil treatment compared to the purslane extract application. Cyperus oil reduced egg hatching by 42.50%. However, purslane extract did not affect the hatching significantly (91.70% hatching) and was not significantly different from the control. In general, the hatching rate decreased with increasing concentration of Cyperus oil and was only 40% at the 5% treatment compared to 60 and 96.70% at 1% treatment and controls, respectively.. KEYWORDS :Biological control, Cyperus rotundus, Insecticidal, Ovicidal, Portulaca oleracea, Tetranychus urticae

Identification of Novel Alkaloids from Portulaca oleracea L. and Characterization of Their Pharmacokinetics and GLP-1 Secretion-Promoting Activity in STC-1 Cells.

Six new alkaloids (compounds 1-6) were isolated from Portulaca oleracea L. The compounds were triple pair (1 and 2, 3 and 4, and 5 and 6) enantiomers, with 1, 3, and 5 in the R-configuration and 2, 4, and 6 in the S-configuration, and all could bind to SUR1 according to molecular docking analysis. Treatment of STC-1 cells with each compound led to an influx of intracellular Ca2+, eventually leading to the secretion of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), with compound 3 giving the highest secretion, resulting in 24.3 ± 7.03% more GLP-1 than nateglinide-treated cells, suggesting that these alkaloids may be able to reduce blood glucose based on their ability to stimulate the release of GLP-1. Furthermore, compound 3 also exhibited slightly faster absorption than nateglinide, as shown by pharmacokinetic analysis conducted in rats. Therefore, the results showed that some purslane alkaloids (such as compound 3) had good pharmacological activity in vivo and may have preventive and therapeutic effects on diabetes.

Identification of some Phenolic Compounds of Purslane Extracts (Portulaca Oleraceae L.) and Evaluation its Content from vit.E and vit.C and its Antioxidant Activity in Iraq

The phenolic compounds present in the four extracts of both stems and leaves of the Portulaca Oleraceae L. were diagnosed using HPLC, and the following observations were made: In the alcoholic extract of the leaves, the highest concentration was found in Gallic acid at 77.89 ppm, followed by other phenolic compounds represented by Quercetin, chlorogenic acid, Ferulic acid, Kemopferol, and p-Coumaric at concentrations of 55.8, 50.22, 40.25, 24.15, and 19.25 ppm, respectively. In the aqueous extract of the leaves, the highest concentration was found in Gallic acid at 62.59 ppm, followed by other phenolic compounds Quercetin, chlorogenic acid, Ferulic acid, p-Coumaric, and Kemopferol at concentrations of 41.25, 40.23, 29.58, 16.25, and 16.22 ppm, respectively. In the alcoholic extract of the stems, it was found to contain four phenolic compounds with Gallic acid having the highest concentration at 40.56 ppm, followed by chlorogenic acid, Quercetin, and Kemopferol at concentrations of 33.65, 30.25, and 14.25 ppm, respectively. In the aqueous extract of the stems, it was found to contain four phenolic compounds with Gallic acid having the highest concentration at 33.69 ppm, followed by Quercetin, chlorogenic acid, and Kemopferol at concentrations of 21.45, 20.58, and 11.48 ppm, respectively. The vitamin C and vitamin E contents were evaluated in the extracts. The highest concentration of vitamin E was found in the aqueous extract of the leaves, followed by the alcoholic extract of the leaves, the aqueous extract of the stems, and the alcoholic extract of the stems, with concentrations of 54.1, 33.5, 31.5, and 25.9 ppm, respectively. As for vitamin C concentration, it was found to be highest in the aqueous extract of the leaves, followed by the aqueous extract of the stems, the alcoholic extract of the leaves, and finally the alcoholic extract of the stems, with concentrations of 85.6, 66.5, 52.8, and 35.6 ppm, respectively. The antioxidant activity of the aqueous and alcoholic extracts of the leaves and stems of Portulaca Oleraceae L. was measured by assessing the removal percentage using the FeCl2 and H2O2 methods. The alcoholic extract of the leaves showed the highest removal percentage of 94.73% at a concentration of 150 mg/ml using the FeCl2 method, and the highest DNA protection percentage of 92.73% at a concentration of 150 mg/ml using the H2O2 method.

Allelopathic Potential of Aqueous Plant Extracts Against Seed Germination and Seedling Growth of Weeds

Allelopathy has been described as a negative or positive effect on a specific species of plant caused by a chemical produced by another species of plant. This research analyzed the allelopathic effect of various plant extracts against seed germination and seedling properties of some weed species in two experiments in the autumn of 2021. The impacts of plant extracts, such as peels of pomegranate (Punica granatum), green husk of walnuts (Juglans regia), leaves of eucalyptus (Eucalyptus camaldulensis), galls of Aleppo oak (Quercus infectoria), rhizomes of cogon grass (Imperata cylindrica), and tubers of nutgrass (Cyperus rotundus) plus control on some weed species, like Vaccaria pyramidata, Cynodon dactylon, Sorghum halepense, Trifolium campestre, Portulaca oleracea, Sinapis arvensis, Avena fatua), Hordeum glaucum and Daucus carota were evaluated. The first experiment was conducted in the lab and designed by a factorial-completely randomized design to investigate germination parameters such as final germination percentage (G), mean germination time (MGT), coefficient of the velocity of germination (CVG), and germination rate index (GRI), and another experiment was in a greenhouse and designed in a split-plot pattern, in which the plant extracts were placed in main plots. At the same time, the weed species were distributed in the sub-plots to evaluate the seedling of weeds’ fresh and dry weight and percent of weed inhibition (PWI). The characters’ means (from three replicates) were compared according to Duncan’s multiple range test at the 5% level. The laboratory trial revealed that the green walnut husk was the most successful in reducing all seed germination parameters compared to the control by 13.5, 5.16, and 8.37% for G, MGT, and GRI, respectively. For the greenhouse experiment, the eucalyptus leaves’ extract and pomegranate peels had a higher impact on reducing weed seedlings’ fresh and dry weight and PWI than the control. The most affected species were broad-leaved weeds, while grasses were the least affected. Our results indicated that green walnut husk has a significant role in decreasing seed germination and inhibiting the dry weight of seedlings. Thus, it can be used as a bioherbicide to prevent some weeds from sprouting and growing seedlings.

The effect of High-intensity interval training with Portulaca oleracea Hydroalcoholic extract on gene expression of Selenoprotein P (SeP) and insulin resistance in rats with nonalcoholic fatty liver

The effect of High-intensity interval training with Portulaca oleracea Hydroalcoholic extract on gene expression of Selenoprotein P (SeP) and insulin resistance in rats with nonalcoholic fatty liver

Increased cover of native and exotic plants on the rims of harvester ant (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) nests under grazing and drought.

Harvester ants create habitats along nest rims, which some plants use as refugia. These refugia can enhance ecosystem stability to disturbances like drought and grazing, but their potential role in invasion ecology is not yet tested. Here we examine the effects of drought and grazing on nest-rim refugia of 2 harvester ant species: Pogonomyrmex occidentals and P. rugosus. We selected 4 rangeland sites with high harvester ant nest densities in northern Arizona, USA, with pre-existing grazing exclosures adjacent to heavily grazed habitat. Our objective was to determine whether nest refugia were used by native or exotic plant species for each site and scenario of drought and grazing. We measured vegetation cover on nest surfaces, on nest rims, and at 3 distances (3, 5, and 10 m) from nests. At each site, we sampled 2 treatments (grazed/excluded) during 2 seasons (drought/monsoon). We found that nest rims increased vegetation cover compared with background levels at all sites and in almost all scenarios of treatment and season, indicating that nest rims provide important refugia for plants from drought and cattle grazing. In some cases, plants enhanced on nest rims were native grasses such as blue gramma (Bouteloua gracilis) or forbs such as sunflowers (Helianthus petiolaris). However, nest rims at all sites enhanced exotic species, particularly Russian thistle (Salsola tragus), purslane (Portulaca oleracea), and bull thistle (Cirsium vulgare). These results suggest that harvester ants play important roles in invasion ecology and restoration. We discuss potential mechanisms for why certain plant species use nest-rim refugia and how harvester ant nests contribute to plant community dynamics.

Effect of supplementation of purslane/Portulaca oleracea in hyperglycemic subjects

Background: Portulaca oleracea (Purslane) is an annual succulent medicinal plant grown all over the world containing diverse phytoconstituents. Several studies have reported its pharmacological effects like antihypertensive, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, hypoglycemic, hypocholesterolemic, hypotriglyceridemic, neuro, hepato and nephro protective effects. Methods: Dried Portulaca oleracea leaves were incorporated into common food adjunct popularly known as karampodi/spice powder in south India. This spice powder was used for supplementation studies for 90 days (3months) among hyper glycemic subjects after obtaining a written informed consent. Biochemical parameters such as fasting, post lunch blood glucose levels, glycosylated hemoglobin, lipid profile, i.e., total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, high density lipoprotein cholesterol, very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, kidney function test, liver function test were assessed. Baseline information, their medical history and 24-hour dietary recall was elicited from the subjects through a pretested schedule. Results: The results revealed that fasting, post lunch blood glucose levels, glycosylated hemoglobin, the total cholesterol levels and its fractions along with triglycerides were significantly decreased and HDL-C increased significantly in the test groups from pre-supplementation to during-supplementation and was stable at post-supplementation period. Conclusions: The results indicated that the spice powder which was rich in several polysaccharides, polyunsaturated fatty acids and phytochemicals/phytonutrients when supplemented to hyperglycemic subjects had a strong hypoglycemic, hypocholesterolemic and hypotriglyceridemic effect.

Potential of different common (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench) and Tartary (Fagopyrum tataricum (L.) Gaertn.) buckwheat accessions to sustainably manage surrounding weeds

Twenty-nine accessions of two buckwheat species (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench (common buckwheat) and Fagopyrum tataricum (L.) Gaertn. (Tartary buckwheat) were evaluated for their allelopathic potential against two resistant weeds, the monocot Lolium rigidum Gaud. and the dicot Portulaca oleracea L. The bulking use of synthetic herbicides and their consequent contamination of the environment and resulting increment of herbicide-resistant weeds, imminently requires a solution to achieve sustainable weed management without chemical inputs. The results obtained in this study suggest that buckwheat accessions can sustainably manage weeds through plant interference as competition or allelopathy. This research showed that accessions differ in their potential for sustainably managing both weeds with F. esculentum accessions being more effective against L. rigidum and F. tataricum accessions against both, monocot and dicot weeds. The chemical profile of buckwheat accessions was evaluated to know the content of polyphenols in common and Tartary buckwheat accessions and to know more about their ability to manage weeds sustainably. Differences in the chemical profile between the two buckwheat species were clear. While common buckwheat accessions showed more orientin, vitexin and hyperoside, Tartary buckwheat accessions had higher amounts of rutin, quercetin and kaempferol. We propose that the screening and selection of accessions with strong polyphenol content and vigorous growth can be a step towards organic farming due to its relation to the weed management.