Tansy Research Articles

Natural product HTP screening for antibacterial (E.coli 0157:H7) and anti-inflammatory agents in (LPS from E. coli O111:B4) activated macrophages and microglial cells; focus on sepsis.

BackgroundAcute systemic inflammatory response syndrome arising from infection can lead to multiple organ failure and death, with greater susceptibility occurring in immunocompromised individuals. Moreover, sub-acute chronic inflammation is a contributor to the pathology of diverse degenerative diseases (Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease and arthritis). Given the known limitations in Western medicine to treat a broad range of inflammatory related illness as well as the emergence of antibiotic resistance, there is a renewed interest in complementary and alternative medicines (CAMs) to achieve these means.MethodsA high throughput (HTP) screening of >1400 commonly sold natural products (bulk herbs, cooking spices, teas, leaves, supplement components, nutraceutical food components, fruit and vegetables, rinds, seeds, polyphenolics etc.) was conducted to elucidate anti-inflammatory substances in lipopolysaccharide (LPS) (E. coli serotype O111:B4) monocytes: RAW 264.7 macrophages [peripheral], BV-2 microglia [brain]) relative to hydrocortisone, dexamethasone and L-N6-(1Iminoethyl)lysine (L-NIL). HTP evaluation was also carried out for lethal kill curves against E.coli 0157:H7 1x106 CFU/mL relative to penicillin. Validation studies were performed to assess cytokine profiling using antibody arrays. Findings were corroborated by independent ELISAs and NO2–/iNOS expression quantified using the Griess Reagent and immunocytochemistry, respectively. For robust screening, we developed an in-vitro efficacy paradigm to ensure anti-inflammatory parameters were observed independent of cytotoxicity. This caution was taken given that many plants exert tumoricidal and anti-inflammatory effects at close range through similar signaling pathways, which could lead to false positives.ResultsThe data show that activated BV-2 microglia cells (+ LPS 1μg/ml) release >10-fold greater IL-6, MIP1/2, RANTES and nitric oxide (NO2–), where RAW 264.7 macrophages (+ LPS 1μg/ml) produced > 10-fold rise in sTNFR2, MCP-1, IL-6, GCSF, RANTES and NO2–. Data validation studies establish hydrocortisone and dexamethasone as suppressing multiple pro-inflammatory processes, where L-NIL suppressed NO2–, but had no effect on iNOS expression or IL-6. The screening results demonstrate relative few valid hits with anti-inflammatory effects at < 250μg/ml for the following: Bay Leaf (Laurus nobilis), Elecampagne Root (Inula helenium), Tansy (Tanacetum vulgare),Yerba (Eriodictyon californicum) and Centipeda (Centipeda minima), Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium), Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), Turmeric Root (Curcuma Longa), Osha Root (Ligusticum porteri), Green Tea (Camellia sinensis) and constituents: cardamonin, apigenin, quercetin, biochanin A, eupatorin, (-)-epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) and butein. Natural products lethal against [E. coli 0157:H7] where the LC50 < 100 μg/ml included bioactive silver hydrosol-Argentyn 23, green tea (its constituents EGCG > Polyphenon 60 > (-)-Gallocatechin > Epicatechin > (+)-Catechin), Grapeseed Extract (Vitis vinifera), Chinese Gallnut (its constituents gallic acid > caffeic acid) and gallic acid containing plants such as Babul Chall Bark (Acacia Arabica), Arjun (Terminalia Arjuna) and Bayberry Root Bark (Morella Cerifera). ConclusionsThese findings emphasize and validate the previous work of others and identify the most effective CAM anti-inflammatory, antibacterial compounds using these models. Future work will be required to evaluate potential combination strategies for long-term use to prevent chronic inflammation and possibly lower the risk of sepsis in immunocompromised at risk populations.

Impact of drought on plant populations of native and invasive origins.

Invasive populations often shift phenotypically during introduction. Moreover, they are postulated to show an increased phenotypic plasticity compared with their native counterparts, which could be advantageous. However, less is known about trait selection across populations along the invasion gradient in response to environmental factors, such as increasing drought caused by climate change. In this study, we investigated the impacts of drought on growth, regrowth, and various leaf traits in plants of different origin. Therefore, seeds of 18 populations of the perennial Tanacetum vulgare were collected along the invasion gradient (North America, invasive; West Europe, archaeophyte; East Europe, native) and grown in competition with the grass Poa pratensis under control or dry conditions in a common garden. Above-ground biomass was cut once and the regrowth was measured as an indicator for tolerance over a second growth period. Initially, drought had little effects on growth of T. vulgare, but after cutting, plants grew more vigorously. Against expectations, phenotypic plasticity was not higher in invasive populations, but even reduced in one trait, which may be attributable to ecological constraints imposed by multiple stress conditions. Trait responses reflected the range expansion and invasion gradient and were influenced by the latitudinal origin of populations. Populations of invaded ranges may be subject to faster and more extensive genetic mixing or had less time to undergo and reflect selective processes.

Influence of water infusion of medicinal plants on larvae of Strongyloides papillosus (Nematoda, Strongyloididae)

One of the most common nematodes of ruminants is Strongyloides papillosus (Wedl, 1856). Disease caused by these parasites brings economic losses to livestock operations. Therefore it is necessary to control their numbers. The eggs and three larval stages of S. papillosus live in the environment, while the fourth, fifth and mature individuals live in host organisms. Control of these parasites is necessary at all stages of development, including the free-living stage. An experiment on changes in the number strongiloids under the influence of environmental factors was carried out using aqueous extracts of medicinal plants. In the laboratory experiment we researched the effect on the survival of invasive and noninvasive types of S. papillosus larvae of 24 hours exposure at different doses to Artemisia absinthium Linnaeus, 1753, Artemisia annua Linnaeus, 1753, Echinacea purpurea (Linnaeus, 1753) Moench, 1794, Matricaria chamomilla Linnaeus, 1753, Tanacetum vulgare Linnaeus, 1753, Salvia sclarea Linnaeus, 1753, Levisticum officinale W.D.J. Koch, 1824, Petroselinum crispum (Miller, 1768) Nyman ex A.W. Hill, 1925. The death of 50% of S. papillosus invasive larvae was registered at 464 ± 192 mg/l concentration of aqueous extract of S. sclarea inflorescences. The greatest effect up-on the non-invasive larvae was caused by aqueous extracts of inflorescences of S. sclarea, M. chamomilla and seeds of P. crispum: at concentrations of 327 ± 186, 384 ± 155 and 935 ± 218 mg/l, respectively, 50% of non-invasive larvae died. According to the results of the research, we suggest further study of the nematocidal activity of combinations, contained in the aboveground parts, of clary sage (S. sclarea), camomile (M. chamomilla) and seeds of parsley (P. crispum), and also experimental usage of these species in the fodder compound for cattle, sheep, goats and pigs on experimental farms.

Nectar thieves or invited pollinators? A case study of tansy flowers and common house mosquitoes

Mosquitoes are generally considered nectar thieves that do not contribute to the pollination of the flowers they visit. Here we tested the hypothesis that the common house mosquito, Culex pipiens, contributes to the pollination of tansies, Tanacetum vulgare, and possibly the pollination of other members of the Asteraceae (Achillea millefolium, Leucanthemum vulgare, Solidago canadensis). To test this hypothesis, we (1) field-collected mosquitoes probing inflorescences of T. vulgare, A. millefolium, and L. vulgare, and recorded the number and distribution of pollen grains on their bodies, (2) exposed laboratory-reared Cx. pipiens to inflorescences of T. vulgare, A. millefolium, and S. canadensis, and (3) ran pollination experiments with Cx. pipiens and T. vulgare in a greenhouse. We found (1) that 41 of 164 field-collected Cx. pipiens carried pollen, (2) that 48, 34, and 34 % of Cx. pipiens accumulated pollen from T. vulgare, A. millefolium, and S. canadensis, respectively, during floral visits of greenhouse-grown specimens, and (3) that cross-pollination by Cx. pipiens resulted in significant seed set of T. vulgare in pollination experiments. Based on our observations that Cx. pipiens are frequent floral visitors and are able to carry pollen and to induce seed set in T. vulgare, it is clear that Cx. pipiens plays a role in the pollination of T. vulgare, and possibly other members of the Asteraceae.

Uses of weeds as an economical alternative to processed wood biomass and fossil fuels

The use of fossil fuels as a main source of energy is directly linked to global climate change (due to CO2 emission), so there is a necessity to find new, cheap and easily available energy sources for the earth’s inhabitants. Nowadays renewable energy sources are forced also for the mitigation of the effects of climate change as a result of greenhouse gases emission control. Decentralized sources of low-cost renewable fuels that may be used, in particular, in those households where there is no possibility of using gas or heat delivered from other sources should be of special interest. This paper describes the possibility of using untreated plants such as Canadian goldenrod (Solidago canadensis L.), mugwort wormwood (Artemisia absinthium L.) and common tansy (Tanacetum vulgare L.) as a source of biofuels. These plants are considered weeds and have many advantages, enabling a wider use for energy purposes, especially in cases where there is a large acreage of land set aside. Clean, full-biogenic, renewable fuel without transportation energy demand and taxes is an interesting economical alternative to usually expensive processed wood biomass, such as pellets or briquettes. The following parameters of the studied fuels were investigated: the yield per hectare, density of growth, dry matter content during the harvest, bulk density, ash content and calorific value. Results revealed that the investigated species could be considered as great primary energy sources due high calorific value (over 16MJkg−1), low moisture, low costs and availability. Canadian Goldenrod was found to be especially promising since it covers most of uncultivated land and could be burned in large number of rural households without boiler and heating system change.

Development of method for quantitative determination of phenolic compounds in tansy flowers

Large assortment of wild herbs is being used for treatment and manufacturing of herbal remedies, and common tansy is among them. Limited number of remedies containing tansy flowers in the domestic market, as well as the absence of modern national requirements regulating quality of this product, points to the relevance of research devoted to development of the quality control methods of both tansy herbal material, and remedies on its basis.Aim. Development of harmonized with PhEur method for quantitative analysis of flavonoids in tansy flowers by spectroscopy method.Methods. To achieve our aim, a standardized spectroscopy method, described in the State Pharmacopoeia of Ukraine (SPhU) monographs for quantitative determination of the sum of flavonoids in different types of herbal material, was used. Determination of validation characteristics was carried out for the studied type of herbal material.Results. Spectroscopy method for quantitative determination of flavonoids calculated as lutheoline in tansy flowers, considering modern approaches and standardization requirements of the SPhU for herbs, was developed. The developed method was standardized, that is one of requirements for methods for quantitative determination of biologically active substances in herbal material, provided for implementation in the SPhU monographs.Conclusion. Spectroscopy method for quantitative determination of flavonoids calculated as lutheoline in common tansy flowers, harmonized with PhEur, was developed for the first time. The method was suggested for implementation in the draft monograph “Common tansy flowers” in assay section

Draft Genome Sequence of "Rathayibacter tanaceti" Strain VKM Ac-2596 Isolated from Tanacetum vulgare Infested by a Foliar Nematode.

The draft genome of “Rathayibacter tanaceti” VKM Ac-2596 is 3.17 Mb in size with an average G+C content of 70.7% and comprises at least two nonidentical copies of ribosomal small subunit (SSU-rRNA) genes. The semiconductor sequencing platform Ion Torrent was used.

Content and distribution of heavy metals in herbaceous plants under the effect of industrial aerosol emissions

The effect of soil properties and distance from the source of technogenic emissions on the input of Pb, Zn, Cd, Cu, Mn, Cr, and Ni into herbaceous plants of the families Poaceae and Asteraceae has been studied. It is found that the high level of anthropogenic load related to the atmospheric emissions from the Novocherkassk Power Station (Russia) aggravates the accumulation of heavy metals in herbaceous plants. Contamination with Pb, Cd, Cr and Ni is revealed in plants growing near the Power Station. Correlation between the accumulation of HMs in different herbaceous plant species and the distance from the emission source is revealed. The main factors of the distribution of heavy metals in the above and underground organs of plants include the individual physiological features of different plants determining their barrier function. Ambrosia artemisiifolia (L.), Artemisia austriaca (Pall. ex. Wild.), Achillea nobilis (L.), and Tanacetum vulgare (L.) are accumulators of heavy metals.

Pollen Wall Substructure and Development inTanacetum vulgare(Compositae: Anthemideae): Revisiting Hypotheses on Pattern Formation in Complex Cell Walls

Premise of research. The pollen wall, arguably the most complex cell wall found in plants, is especially elaborate in the family Compositae. Through a detailed ontogenetic study of Tanacetum vulgare pollen, capturing each stage of development at a high level of resolution, we aim to understand the establishment of complex pollen walls and try to unravel the mechanisms and interactions underlying sporoderm development. Other aims are to compare our observations and interpretation with previous studies designed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of sporoderm development and pattern determination in flowering plants and to clarify whether our earlier self-assembly hypothesis is applicable in Tanacetum.Methodology. TEM, SEM, chemical degradation, and comparative methods were used in this study.Pivotal results. The sequence of events leading to exine emergence from early tetrad stage to maturity is as follows: the appearance of spherical units, small invagination beneath spherical units, columns of spherical units, rodlike units (the future subtectal columellae), and a new layer of spacer matrix between rodlike units; growth of the inner columellae; dispersion of spacer matrix; sporopollenin accumulation on primexine; and deposition of lamellate endexine. Our observations are consistent with the sequence of self-assembling micellar mesophases.Conclusions. The microspore tetrad period is confirmed to be the most important stage, in which the complex organization of the ectexine is established through processes of self-assembly operating in a highly organized glycocalyx. Purely physical processes, including self-assembly and tensegrity, which are not under direct genetic control, play an important role. We demonstrate the complex suite of mechanisms and interactions underlying sporoderm development. It is clear that in pollen wall development, biological processes and purely physical factors are inseparably entwined.

Development of methods for identification of phenolic compounds in tansy flowers

Tanacetum vulgare L. is widespread herb in Ukraine, having a substantial resource base. The absence of national normative documentation for this type of herbal material points to the relevance of research in this area and development of modern methods for identification of phenolic compounds as a main group of biologically active substances.Aim. Development of harmonized with European Pharmacopoeia (PhEur) requirements method for identification of phenolic compounds in Tansy flowers.Methods. For the purpose mentioned above, a standardized TLC-method described in the State Pharmacopoeia of Ukraine (SPhU) monographs for identification of phenolic compounds in different types of herbal material was used. Validation parameters of the method for the studied herb were determined.Results. A TLC method for identification of phenolic compounds in Tansy flowers considering modern PhEur approaches to standardization of herbs was developed. Validation of the identification method was carried out for the following validation parameters: specificity, robustness, and precision. This method was offered for implementation to the SPhU monograph «Tansy flowers».Conclusion. TLC method for identification of phenolic compounds in Tansy flowers was developed for the first time. As a result of validation of the given method for identification of phenolic compounds, by validation parameters (specificity, robustness, and precision), following chromatography conditions were selected: Silica gel coated Aluminum-backed TLC plates, application volume for both test samples and reference samples was 10 μl, mobile phase: formic acid concentrated – water – methyl ethyl ketone – ethyl acetate (10:10:30:50 V/V/V/V), detection – spraying with solutions of aminoethyl diphenylborinate in methanol and macrogol in methanol and view under 365 nm UV. The method for quantitative determination of phenolic compounds in Tansy flowers was offered for implementation in «Tansy flowers» draft monograph

Phytotoxic potential of essential oils from temperate climate plants against the germination of selected weeds and crops

This work aimed to assess the phytotoxic potential of 12 essential oils (EOs) collected from plants growing in natural or cultivated stands in a temperate climate, i.e., Achillea millefolium, Acorus calamus, Carum carvi, Chamomilla recutita, Foeniculum vulgare, Lavandula angustifolia, Melissa officinalis, Mentha × piperita, Salvia officinalis, Solidago canadensis, Tanacetum vulgare and Thymus vulgaris. The germination of four weed species, i.e., Amaranthus retroflexus, Avena fatua, Bromus secalinus and Centaurea cyanus, was tested against all 12 EOs, and the germination of three crops, i.e., Avena sativa, Brassica napus and Zea mays, was tested in the presence of six EOs. The influence of five doses of each EO against the germination of the tested species was assessed in a petri dish experiment. The results were analyzed using dose-response non-linear analysis, the effective dose (ED50) and multivariate analysis. As a result, four groups of EOs of contrasting phytotoxicity were distinguished. The most phytotoxic group consisted of four EOs, namely C. carvi, T. vulgaris, M. × piperita and S. officinalis. These EOs were composed mainly of oxygenated monoterpenes in a range of 64.1–93.3 %. The least phytotoxic group consisted of S. canadensis EO, composed mainly of mono- and sesquiterpene hydrocarbons (92.3 %). In addition, principal component analysis indicated that the phytotoxic effect of the EOs also depended on the sensitivity of the plant species. Crops are more tolerant than weeds to the majority of EOs. Small-seeded species, namely A. retroflexus and C. cyanus, were the most sensitive to the EOs, while the kernels of Z. mays and the seeds of A. fatua were the most tolerant.

Análise farmacobotânica de folha e caule de Tanacetum vulgare (L.)

RESUMO Tanacetum vulgare L., conhecida popularmente como catinga-de-mulata, é utilizada na medicina tradicional como vermífugo, digestivo e emenagogo. Objetivou-se analisar a morfoanatomia de folhas e caules dessa espécie medicinal com vistas ao controle da qualidade. Foram utilizadas técnicas usuais de microscopia de luz e eletrônica de varredura. As folhas são compostas, pinatissectas e anfiestomáticas. Tricomas tectores flageliformes simples e glandulares capitados são observados. A nervura central tem formato biconvexo, o pecíolo é côncavo-convexo, a ráque é plano-convexa e o caule é arredondado. Feixes vasculares colaterais, calotas de fibras perivasculares e colênquima lamelar estão presentes na folha e no caule. Os caracteres morfoanatômicos evidenciados contribuem na identificação do táxon e fornecem subsídios farmacobotânicos para o controle da qualidade de drogas vegetais e fitoterápicos.

Contovir - A New Adjuvant Therapy in Recurrent Respiratory Papillomatosis: A Case Study

Background: Contovir is a mixture of herbal extracts (Tanacetum vulgare, Rossa canina, Urtica dioica) that is supplemented with selenium. Objectives: This study aimed to add Contovir to the classic treatment of recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP) in order to decrease the severity and extent of the disease, elongate the surgical intervals and improve the sense of patient well-being. Furthermore, we had to adjust the prescribed drug dosage, since there were no previous findings available. Patients and Methods: This is a case study of RRP patients treated with Contovir as an adjuvant to the classic treatment, from March 2011 to February 2013, at an academic tertiary hospital (Rasoul-e-Akram hospital). All patients underwent surgical removal of papilloma and then were prescribed Contovir. Disease severity was quantified based on Derkay�s staging system. Results: Eight patients were enrolled in this study. The extent and severity of the disease improved in six cases. One had no response, and the severity of disease increased in one patient. Patients with supraglottic lesions had better responses to Contovir adjuvant therapy. No immediate or long-term side effects were reported. Conclusions: Although Contovir has been found to be an advantageous adjuvant for RRP treatment, further studies are called for to verify these findings. © 2016, Iranian Red Crescent Medical Journal.

ALLELOPATHIC ACTIVITY OF PLANT SPECIES FROM ASTERACEAE AND POLYGONACEAE FAMILY ON LETTUCE

The allelopathic potential of extracts from nine plants species belonging to Asteraceae and Polygonaceae family was evaluated on germination and early growth of lettuce. Water extracts from dry biomass of different plant parts in concentration of 5% were examined under laboratory bioassay in Petri dishes. Among species of Asteraceae family, the highest germination and seedlings growth inhibition was observed with annual fleabane (Erigeron annuus) leaf extract which reduced all parameters for 100%. Similarly, common sow thistle (Sonchus oleraceus) and common tansy (Tanacetum vulgare) also exhibited considerable negative effect. Germination of lettuce was not greatly affected when extracts from Polygonaceae plant species were applied, however significant inhibition of root and shoot length as well as fresh seedling biomass was recorded, especially in treatments with black bindweed (Fallopia convolvulus).

Antifungal activity of essential oils of lemon balm, manuka and tansy to the causative agents of otomycosis

Introduction: Otomycosis is a superficial fungal infection of the external ear canal. One of the therapeutic approaches that became topical in treatment of otomycosis is the application of essential oils, which is shown to have different biological properties, including the antimicrobial effect. Aim: The objective of the research is to examine antimycotic effects of essential oils of lemon balm (Melissa officinalis), manuka (Leptospermum scoparium) and tansy (Tanacetum vulgare) on the causative agents of otomycosis. Materials and Methods: In this study, we investigated the sensitivity of 20 randomly selected strains of Candida spp. and Aspergillus spp. isolated from swabs taken from the external ear canal of patients with signs and symptoms of otitis externa. Antifungal activity of essential oils of lemon balm, manuka and tansy was tested by using the microdilution method by determining the value of the Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and Minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC). Results: MIC values of lemon balm were in the range of 0.39- 50 μl/ml, manuka of 0.39-50 μL/mL and tansy of 1.56-50 μL/mL. The MFC values were 2-4 times higher than the MIC values, except in the case of a strain of Aspergillus niger, which was tolerant of the lemon balm essential oil. Conclusion: The investigation has shown that essential oil activities of lemon balm, manuka and tansy to the strains of Candida spp. and Aspergillus spp, using the microdilution method, have antifungal effect.

STUDY OF HEPATOPROTECTIVE ACTIVITY OF FLOWERS TANSY POLYSACCHARIDE COMPLEX

Polysaccharide complex extracted from tansy (Tanacetum vulgare L.) flowers is pectines type glucuronolactone. Its hepatoprotective activity was assessed on the model of acute toxic hepatitis caused by introduction of carbon tetrachloride 50% solution. It was found that the polysaccharide reduced the asparte aminotransferase activity, decreases the level of malondialdehyde, increases the amount of free SH-groups and glutathiontransferase activity in lysate of erythrocytes, i.e. polysaccharide complex has a pronounced hepatoprotective and antioxidant properties.

Interactions between alien goldenrods (Solidago and Euthamia species) and comparison with native species in Central Europe

Competitive interactions are among the crucial determinants of plant invasion. Most invasive species are more competitive than native species, with the strongest competition expected between species that share similar niches and/or those that are closely related. Because many habitats can be invaded by several non-native species, the competition between alien plants has an increasing importance. The American-origin goldenrods (Solidago and Euthamia) are exceptionally successful invaders in Europe. A replacement series experiment was performed, to identify the interactions between goldenrods in their invasive range. We determined what type of interferences dominated between the examined taxa by comparing the total yield of plants in mixtures and as a monoculture. Four alien goldenrods [Solidago altissima L., Solidago canadensis L., Solidago gigantea Aiton and Euthamia graminifolia (L.) Nutt] were studied and compared with native species (Solidago virgaurea L. and Tanacetum vulgare L.) that co-occur with them in natural conditions. The results show that the invasive Solidago species had similar competitive abilities. The invasive species that were examined, out-competed the native taxa. These results highlight the high competitiveness of E. graminifolia, which reduced the biomass of the other species. Such competitive abilities were related to underground competition. These results suggest the necessity to monitor this species as a potentially invasive taxon.

Antimicrobial Effects Of The Ethanolic Extracts And Essential Oils Of Tanacetum Vulgare L From Romania

Abstract This paper investigates the antimicrobial action of the extracts and essential oil of wildgrowing Tanacetum vulgare L on: Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Bacilus subtilis, using the diffusion disc method. The essential oils but also the ethanolic extracts tested exhibited moderate action on Staphilococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis and low action on E. coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The moderate antimicrobial activity is related to the amount of some chemical components of the essential oil of T. vulgare flos. Thus, this paper presents also the quantitative and qualitative analysis of the essential oils of T. vulgare harvested from two different habitats. The essential oils obtained by steam-distillation were analysed by gas-cromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS).

Intraspecific differences in plant chemotype determine the structure of arthropod food webs.

It is becoming increasingly appreciated that the structure and functioning of ecological food webs are controlled by the nature and level of plant chemicals. It is hypothesized that intraspecific variation in plant chemical resistance, in which individuals of a host-plant population exhibit genetic differences in their chemical contents (called 'plant chemotypes'), may be an important determinant of variation in food web structure and functioning. We evaluated this hypothesis using field assessments and plant chemical assays in the tansy plant Tanacetum vulgare L. (Asteraceae). We examined food webs in which chemotypes of tansy plants are the resource for two specialized aphids, their predators and mutualistic ants. The density of the ant-tended aphid Metopeurum fuscoviride was significantly higher on particular chemotypes (borneol) than others. Clear chemotype preferences between predators were also detected. Aphid specialist seven-spotted ladybird beetles (Coccinella septempunctata) were more often found on camphor plants, while significantly higher numbers of the polyphagous nursery web spider (Pisaura mirabilis) were observed on borneol plants. The analysis of plant chemotype effects on the arthropod community clearly demonstrates a range of possible outcomes between plant-aphid-predator networks. The findings help to offer a deeper insight into how one important factor--plant chemical content--influences which species coexist within a food web on a particular host plant and the nature of their trophic linkages.

Tracking and identification of antibacterial components in the essential oil of Tanacetum vulgare L. by the combination of high-performance thin-layer chromatography with direct bioautography and mass spectrometry

Two tansy (Tanacetum vulgare L.) essential oils were obtained by steam distillation of the capitula with subsequent liquid–liquid extraction (oil 1) or with use of an auxiliary phase for the trapping of the steam components (oil 2). These oils were investigated against Bacillus subtilis F1276, B. subtilis spizizenii (DSM 618), Xanthomonas euvesicatoria, Pseudomonas syringae pv. maculicola, Ralstonia solanacearum strain GMI1000 and Aliivibrio fischeri, using the coupling of high-performance thin-layer chromatography to direct bioautography (HPTLC-DB). Using this method with the potato and tomato pathogen R. solanacearum is shown for the first time. Due to the advanced extraction process, oil 2 was richer in components and provided more inhibition zones. The main bioactive components were identified by scanning HPTLC-Direct Analysis in Real Time mass spectrometry (HPTLC-DART-MS) and solid-phase microextraction gas chromatography electron impact MS (SPME-GC-EI-MS) as cis- and trans-chrysanthenol as well as trans-chrysanthenyl acetate. cis-Chrysanthenol exhibited antibacterial effects against all tested bacteria, whereas trans-chrysanthenol inhibited B. subtilis, R. solanacearum and A. fischeri. trans-Chrysanthenyl acetate was an inhibitor for X. euvesicatoria, R. solanacearum and A. fischeri. Although HPTLC-DART-MS resulted in a comparable fragmentation, the ionization characteristics and the recorded mass spectra clearly showed that DART is a softer ionization technique than EI. It is also more affected by ambient conditions and thus prone to additional oxidation products.