Crataegus Azarolus Research Articles

Effect of Green Synthesized Magnesium Oxide Nanoparticles Using Crataegus aronia L. on Human Colon Cancer – CaCo-2 Cell Line

Effect of Green Synthesized Magnesium Oxide Nanoparticles Using Crataegus aronia L. on Human Colon Cancer – CaCo-2 Cell Line

Heavy metal contents in water extracts of selected medicinal plants used in the folk medicine of Jordan

BackgroundContamination of medicinal plants with heavy metals from environmental sources may severely impact the quality and safety of botanical products. The consumption of botanicals that are contaminated with heavy metals represents a severe health-threatening danger. Study designThe present toxicological study was conducted to determine the heavy metal concentrations of Cd, Pb, Ni, Cr, Hg, As, and Cu in selected medicinal plants and their water extracts (infusions) of Achillea santolina L., Amygdalus communis L., Artemisia herba-alba Asso., Crataegus aronia L., Viscum cruciatum Sieb., and Nepeta involucrata (Bunge) Bornm. collected from different regions in the south of Jordan, including Birkhdad (site 1), Al-Rashadihya (site 2), and Ain-Lahda (sites 3 and 4). MethodsHeavy metal concentrations in the medicinal herbs and their infusions were determined by Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometric Analysis (ICP-OES). The correlation between the content of heavy metals in the studied plants, their water extracts, and the surrounding soil environment was also studied. ResultsHigh concentrations of Ni, Cr, and Cu were detected at all investigated sites of soil. They were in the ranges of 8.46 ± 0.02 to 18.36 ± 0.02 ppm (for Ni), 9.47 ± 0.02 to 24.97 ± 0.06 ppm (for Cr), and 9.53 ± 0.01 to 17.05 ± 1.32 ppm (for Cu), respectively. The high levels of Ni, Cr, and Cu are mainly due to the presence of a highway road that is nearby site 3 and the location of a cement factory that is nearby site 2. The potentially toxic elements of Cd, Pb, and As were non-detectable, and very low concentrations of Hg were observed in the range of 0.17 ± 0.01 to 1.82 ± 0.25 ppm in Artemisia herba-alba collected from all studied locations. High Cu concentrations (20.53 to 23.80 ppm) were detected in A. herba-alba collected from sites 1, 2, and 3 and were higher than the reported normal range of (4 to 15 ppm). On the other hand, the raw materials of all studied plants had low Ni, and Cr concentrations within the range of 0.38 (± 0.01) to 4.05 (± 0.16) ppm and 0.35 (± 0.01) to 2.82 (± 0.01) ppm, respectively. Cd and As were non-detectable in all water extracts of all studied plants. The highest Cu contents were observed in the water extracts of A. herba-alba collected from sites 2 and 3 at concentrations of 64.54 ± 6.41 ppm and 62.43 ± 1.85 ppm, respectively. ConclusionsThe heavy metal contamination in a panel of herbal samples was below the legal limit values, except for those plants harvested close to a highway with heavy traffic or a cement factory. This points to the necessity to selecting suitable locations to culture medicinal plants for therapeutic purposes. We recommend monitoring the herbal quality concerning heavy metal contamination on a routine basis to assure the safety of herbal products for the sake of patients in Jordan and elsewhere.

Phytochemical Properties of Crataegus azarolus Berries Decoction Extract and Evaluation of its Protective Activity Against Acetic Acid-Induced Ulcerative Colitis in Rats.

The present study aims to evaluate the protective effect of Crataegus azarolus berries decoction extract (CAB-DE) against acetic acid-induced ulcerative colitis as well as the mechanisms implicated in such protection. Adult male Wistar rats were separated into seven groups: Control (H2O), acetic acid (AA), AA + various doses of CAB-DE (100, 200, and 400mg/kg, b.w.,p.o.), and AA + sulfasalazine (100mg/kg, b.w.,p.o.) or gallic acid (50mg/kg, b.w.,p.o.) during 10days. All rats were kept fasting overnight and ulcerative colitis was induced by rectal infusion of AA (300mg kg-1, b.w.) (3%, v/v, 5mL kg-1 b.w), for 30s. The colon was rapidly excised and macroscopically examined to measure ulcerated surfaces and the ulcer index. In vitro, we found that CAB-DE exhibited a high antioxidant activity against DPPH radical (IC50 = 164.17 ± 4.78μg/mL). In vivo, pretreatment with CAB-DE significantly protected the colonic mucosa against AA-induced damage by stimulating mucus secretion, reducing ulcer index as well as histopathological changes. Also, CAB-DE limited the oxidative status induced by AA in the colonic mucosa, as assessed by MDA and H2O2 increased levels and the depletion of both enzymatic activities and non-enzymatic levels. In addition, AA intoxication increased iron and calcium levels in colonic mucosa and plasma, while CAB-DE pretreatment regulated all intracellular mediators deregulation and significantly reduced inflammatory markers such as CRP (1.175 ± .04 ─ .734 ± .06μg/dl) and ALP (161.53 ± 5.02 ─ 98.60 ± 4.21 UI/L) levels. We suggest that CAB-DE protected against AA-induced ulcerative colitis due in part to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Climatic differentiation: Variability in leaf functional and stoichiometry traits among different woody species in semi-arid forests

Structural and nutrient traits of foliage are important for understanding plant ecological strategies. Understanding structural variations of trees in different environmental conditions helps to reveal adaptation mechanisms. We investigated morphological, chemical and stoichiometric traits in the foliage of four dominant woody species in sub-humid vs. semi-arid of the Zagros forests, west of Iran. Dry matter content, specific leaf area (SLA), stomatal length (SL), stomatal width (SW), density (SD) and stomatal pore index (SPI) traits were higher in the trees growing in a sub-humid climate. In Pistacia atlantica (PA) growing in the semi-arid climate, leaf length, SLA, SD and SPI traits were higher than the sub-humid climate. Leaf phosphorus content of Crataegus aronia (CA) was higher in the sub-humid, whereas PA was higher in the semi-arid climate. In PA and CA, the highest leaf C: P and N: P were in the sub-humid and the semi-arid climate. The relationship between SLA and leaf carbon content was significantly negative in PA. Among the different species, carbon content, nitrogen and phosphorus and their stoichiometry had strong positive and negative relationships in two climates. These results show the response of leaf functional traits to climate changes and how trees function under these changes. Furthermore, the leaf traits showing greater variability due to changes in the environmental can be determined. This improved understanding will assist in determining the most important adaptive parameters of trees to climate changes, to provide inputs to global environmental models.

Uterodilation effect of unripe fruit extract of Crataegus azarolus var. aronia L. on rat uterine smooth muscles

Crataegus azarolus var. aronia L. (C. aronia) is one of the most important medicinal plants used widely in folk medicine for the prevention of several diseases due to its content of several bioactive compounds like phenolic acid, aromatic amines, proanthocyanidins and flavonoids. This study investigated the uterodilation effect of methanol extract (ME) of C. aronia unripe fruit on the uterine smooth muscle in rats. The mechanism of action underlying the plant's extract was also screened. The unripe fruits were cleaned and extracted in methanol. The extract (1.9–4 mg/ml) was tested on rat uterine relaxation in calcium-free Kreb's solution and potassium chloride-induced uterine contraction. The plant extract was also studied in the presence of antagonists in separate experiments to determine the role of various ion channels and hyperpolarizing agents. The plant extract showed an uterodilation effect on the uterus, in which the ME produced a considerable relaxant effect. The results confirmed that the induced dilation was mediated mainly by the nitric oxide pathway and the activation of potassium channels with a limited role of the prostaglandin pathway and calcium channel activation. This in-vitro study provides the first scientific evidence of the claimed effect of C. aronia on uterine relaxation.

The therapeutic potential of “Crataegus azarolus” on zinc, lipid profile, and antioxidant status in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats with zinc-deficient diet

The therapeutic potential of “Crataegus azarolus” on zinc, lipid profile, and antioxidant status in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats with zinc-deficient diet

Enrichment of Fermented Milk Drinks with Mespilus germanica and Crataegus azarolus Fruit Extracts

The aim of the present study was to select the optimal extraction conditions for two underutilized wild fruits of the Rosaceae family (Mespilus germanica and Crataegus azarolus) in order to investigate the possibility of utilizing their potential bioactive properties by developing novel fermented milk drinks enriched with fruit extracts, with functional properties. The total phenolic and flavonoid contents of the extracts, as well as their antioxidant and antidiabetic activities, were evaluated, and based on the results, the optimal extraction conditions were selected. The technological characteristics (i.e., fermentation conditions) and microbiological and bioactive properties of the final products were evaluated over refrigerated storage for 28 days. The findings of the study showed that the incorporation of Mespilus germanica or Crataegus azarolus extracts had a positive influence on the bioactive properties of the end-products, decreased fermentation times and maintained high viable populations of lactic acid bacteria. Hence, it can be concluded that Mespilus germanica or Crataegus azarolus extracts can be exploited in the enrichment of an added-value fermented milk drink.

Phytochemical Screening and Diuretic Activity of selected Palestinian Medicinal plants in Mice using an Aqueous Extract Division of Physiology, Pharmacology and Toxicology

Purpose: Man used various natural materials as a remedy for the treatment of various diseases and recently witnessed a vastly growing and renewed interest in herbal medicine globally. In Palestinian folk medicine, Crataegus aronia, Rosmarinus officinalis known as rosemary and Nigella sativa is used as a diuretic and for treatment of hypertension. This study aimed to assess the preliminary phytochemical properties and the diuretic effect of the aqueous extracts of these plants in mice after its intraperitonial administration.
 Methods: It is an experimental trial applied on mice (n=8, Male, CD-1, weight range: [25-30 gram]), which are divided into two groups (4 in each). The first group administered with the plant extract (500 mg/kg), and the second with normal saline as negative control group. Then urine output and electrolyte contents were quantified up to 6 hours for the three groups and then compared to the control one.
 Results: Preliminary phytochemical screening reveals the presence of tannins, alkaloids and flavoniods as major phytoconstituents in aqueous extract. Significant diuresis was noted in those received the aqueous extract of Crataegus aronia (p < 0.05) compared to controls. Moreover, aqueous extract had an acidic pH and a mild increase in the electrolyte excretion (Na, K).On the contrary, the aqueous extracts from the Rosemary and Nigella sativa showed no diuretic activity.
 Conclusions: Our results revealed that Crataegus aronia aqueous extract has a significant potential diuretic effect. Further studies are needed to evaluate this diuretic effect in the relief of diseases characterized by volume overload.

THERAPEUTIC EFFECTS OF Cratargus azarolus VAR. aronia IN UROLITHIATIC MALE ALBINO RATS

The study was designed to investigates the therapeutic roles of Crataegus azarolus Var. aronia L. (C. aronia) in kidney stone treatment male albino rats’ model induced by ethylene glycol (EG). Twenty animals weighing 220–270 g were divided into control group which set as group A, while the rats in B and C groups, received 1% EG for 28 days, but group C also received C. aronia (7.5g of plant/100ml water and 10g of plant/ 90 g diet) from day 15 to 28. Kidney function tests, liver function tests, serum electrolytes, serum lipid profiles, and glucose were measured. The obtain body weight, kidneys' weight and kidneys' weight/ body weight were measured, in addition microscopic analysis of formed crystals from urine was studied. Crataegus aronia administration showed a marked declination in serum creatinine, urea, cholesterol, triglyceride (TG), very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), and non-high density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL cholesterol) inverse to rats received EG. Also, the obtain body weight, kidneys' weight and kidneys' weight/ body weight markedly decreased in C group when compared to group B. In conclusion: C. aronia has clear therapeutic actions on formed kidney stone might be used employee as natural antiurolithiasis drug.

Examining the Characteristics of Anatomy and Biometry of Crataegus azarolus,

This report discusses the biometry and microscopic features of Crataegus azarolus wood fibers. A Crataegus azarolus tree was selected and cut from the gardens of Neka city (Mazandaran province). At a breast height, 2.5 m and 3.5 m height, three 5 cm thick disks were prepared and in the transverse direction, the test samples were cut and evaluated sequentially 2 x 2 cm long by 3 cm long from the pith to the bark. The anatomical properties of C. azarolus wood were studied using a light microscope. Wood anatomical features of C. azarolus are as follows: diffuse-porous with multiple vessel grouping in the radial direction (in most cases), homogenous rays, simple perforation plates, alternate intervessel pits, and the average length of vessel elements shorter than 350 microns. There was a significant difference in the fiber length, fiber diameter, fiber lumen diameter, and fiber wall thickness, both in the transverse direction and in the longitudinal direction of the Crataegus azarolus tree stem. The biometric properties of the fibers increased from the pith to the bark. The average fiber length, fiber diameter, fiber lumen diameter, and cell wall thickness of the fibers were 0.78 mm, 22.53 µm, 18.6 µm, and 4.5 µm, respectively.

Inhibitory and anti-Cancer Effects of Crataegus azarolus Extracts on Gastric Cancer Cell Line (AGS)

Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most frequent types of cancer around the world and most of the drugs which are used currently as anti-cancer chemotherapy hold adverse side effects on normal cells and tissues, that calls for a strong need to find new agents to prevent and treat GC. Extracts from certain plants contain compounds with health potentials with minimal side effects; one such plant is the Crataegus azarolus commonly called hawthorn. Extracts of hawthorn have been found to exert negative effects on the viability of many types of cancer via a number of pathways both in vivo and in vitro. Herein, we aimed to investigate the possible anti-proliferative effects of methanolic and acetone extracts of C. azarolus leaves on human adenocarcinoma gastric cell line (AGS). Standard phytochemical analysis were used to qualitatively characterize leaf extracts contents. AGS cells were treated for 48 h with different concentrations of both extracts (10, 50, 100, 250, and 500 µg/ml). Our results demonstrated that the methanolic crude extract showed significantly higher anti-proliferative effects than those of acetone, at both 250 and 500 µg/ml concentrations respectively, when estimated by MTT assay at (p< 0.001) with an IC50 values 293.7 µg/ml. On the other hand, acetone extract treatment showed that 500 µg/ml had a high significant effect at (p< 0.001) with an IC50 values 576.6 µg/ml. In conclusion, the results of the present study indicated that leaf extracts of C. azarolus limited the growth of AGS.

Microwave-assisted extraction, optimization, structural characterization, and functional properties of polysaccharides from Crataegus azarolus seeds

Microwave-assisted extraction, optimization, structural characterization, and functional properties of polysaccharides from Crataegus azarolus seeds

Preparation and Evaluation of Capsules containing Standardized Extract of Wild Hawthorn (Crataegus azarolus)

Wild Hawthorn (Crataegus azarolus) is a popular medicinal plant, rich in polyphenols and flavonoids, and has been associated with many beneficial properties including anticancer, cardioprotective, and antidepressant effects. This study aimed to prepare a standardized aqueous-alcoholic extract of the deried ariel parts of C. azarolus using two different extraction methods ((Magnetic mixer (MA), and ultrasonic-assisted extraction (Us)), determine the total phenolic and flavonoid content of the obtained extracts, and compare it with the international product, and prepare capsules containing this extract to investigate the effect of different types and concentrations of disintegrating agents on the release profile of this capsules. The findings showed that the yield obtained by both extraction methods is almost the same (MA: 19.9 %, US: 18.4 %) we obtained the flavonoids of the following components (MA extract: powder of the externally marketed drug: prepared dry drug powder) used at a concentration (10 : 350: 352) mg on (36.95: 4.56: 2.299) as a percentage of flavonoids Four different formulations were filled in the hard gelatin capsules using 120 mg of the prepared extract as an active ingredient. The effect of three types of superdisintigrant (croscarmellose Sodiuom ccNa, Microcrystallin cellouse 101, Sodiuom Strach Glycolate SSG) on the dissolution rate of the active ingredient was then investigated. The study showed that the formulation without superdisintigrant released its content faster than others, but all formulations release their content after 45 min. A comparison dissolution test was performed between the Capsules containing the best formulation and the capsules containing a powder of the local Crataegus plant as well as international marketed capsules containing the powder of the Crataegus plant. The study showed that the capsules filled wih the extract released it’s content better than the other after 45 min.

Phytochemical screening and GC-MS chemical profiling of an innovative anti-cancer herbal formula (PHF6)

The present investigation assessed the anticancer potential and chemical profile of the polyherbal formulation (PHF6) against human breast cancer cells. The plants (Alchemilla vulgaris, Cichorium pumilum, Crataegus azarolus, Eruca sativa, Ferula hermonis, and Hypericum triquetrifolium) were combined in equal quantities and extracted using soxhlet apparatus. The total polyphenolic (TPC) of the hexane and chloroform extract of PHF6 were 3.11 ± 0.004 and 7.88 ± 0.004 µg/mL (as gallic acid equivalent), respectively. The radical scavenging activity (RSA) values for the hexane and chloroform extract were 35.1 % ±0.01 and 36.9 % ±0.06, respectively. For hexane extract, the IC50 values were found to be 82.8 and 48.7 µg/mL against MCF-7ER(+)/PR(+) and MDA MB-231ER(−)/PR(−), respectively. Similarly, the IC50 value of chloroform extract was 44.4 µg/mL against both cell lines. The MDA MB-231ER(−)/PR(−) cells stained with DAPI post-treatment with hexane and chloroform extract showed cell shrinkage, nuclear fragmentation, and chromatin condensation. Moreover, GC–MS screening of the PHF6 revealed several compounds with different reported biological activities, such as phytol and octadecanoic acid. PHF6 showed promising anticancer activity against cancer cells tested, thus deserving more clinical studies in the future.

An Integrated Approach to Map the Impact of Climate Change on the Distributions of Crataegus azarolus and Crataegus monogyna in Kurdistan Region, Iraq

The hawthorns Crataegus azarolus L. and Crataegus monogyna Jacq are two ecologically and medicinally important endemic tree species that occur only in forests of oak in the mountain ranges of the Kurdistan region of Iraq (KRI). These species have been degrading across the mountain ranges at an alarming pace due to climate-related factors (e.g., wildfire events and drought) and anthropogenic drivers. Nevertheless, there is a gap in understanding their distributions today and in the future under a changing climate in Iraq. To address the species’ knowledge gap and thus establish a baseline for a future management and conservation strategy, this study used field observation records, species distribution modeling integrated with GIS techniques, and relevant environmental predictors to (i) estimate the species’ potential distributions and map their current known distributions across unsurveyed areas; (ii) model the species’ possible response under several scenarios for a weather change in the future; (iii) map the species’ overlap ranges and the direction of the distributions. Results suggest that under two global climatic models (GCMs), BCC-CSM2-MR and CNRM-CM6-1, the overall habitat expansion magnitude for the two species would be less than the overall habitat reduction magnitude. For C. azarolus, the habitat range would contract by 3714.64 km2 (7.20%) and 3550.47 km2 (6.89%), whereas it would expand by 2415.90 km2 (4.68%) and 1627.76 km2 (3.16%) for the GCMs, respectively. Modeling also demonstrated a similar pattern for C. monogyna. The species overlap by 7626.53 km2 (14.80%) and 7351.45 km2 (14.27%) for the two GCMs. The two species’ habitat ranges would contract significantly due to the changing climate. The direction of the species’ potential distribution would be mostly toward the KRI’s east and southeast mountain forests. Our results, for the first time, provide new data on the species’ present and future distributions and outline the advantages of distribution modeling combined with geospatial techniques in areas where species data are limited, such as Iraq.

Effect of Crataegus aronia on the Biochemical Parameters in Induced Diabetic Rats

Crataegus aronia is widely known for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and hypolipidemic properties, and it has traditionally been used to treat cardiovascular disorders. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of Crataegus aronia extract on the liver enzyme markers, blood glucose levels, lipid profiles, and kidney function biomarkers as well as hematological parameters in induced diabetic rats. Male Wistar rats were divided into seven groups: normal Control; Diabetic; and Diabetic animals treated with two doses of Crataegus aronia extract (5 and 10mg/kg) (DM + extract), Control treated with the extract ( 5 and 10mg/ kg) and induced diabetic treated with insulin. Streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats (50 mg/kg, ip)and normal were orally administrated with Crataegus aronia extract once a day for 4 weeks. At the end of the experiment, the biochemical and hematological parameters were measured in all groups. Also, the phytochemicals and antioxidant activity of the Crataegus aronia extract were evaluated. According to findings, the total phenols, total flavonoid, and flavonol contents were 538.3 mg Galic acid equivalent /g extract, 149.3 mg Rutin equivalent / g extract, and 79.3 mg Rutin equivalent / g extract), respectively. The antioxidant activity according to 2,2-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) IC50 and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays were 28.02 μg/ml and in the range of 0.273 – 0.960 μmol Fe+2/g dw, respectively. Crataegus aronia extract significantly (p <0.05) affects red blood cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit, white blood cells, lymphocytes, and platelets values. Also, Crataegus aronia had a significant (P < 0.05) effect on serum biochemical parameters, including glucose, total proteins, albumins, triglycerides, creatinine, bilirubin, and serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST). However, Crataegus aronia treatment had no significant effects (p < 0.05) on serum alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and cholesterol levels. Crataegus aronia exerts antioxidant activity and significantly improves the biochemical and hematological biomarkers in induced diabetic rats.

Phytochemical composition and bioactivities of Crataegus aronia as antioxidant, antibacterial and antioxidative stress in red blood cells – Is it a window of hope for children with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency

BackgroundCrataegus aronia (C. aronia) extracts have been used medicinally since ancient times and are often utilized in traditional Arab medicine. An extensive study has revealed that Crataegus species have antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and hypotensive properties. ObjectivesThis work was performed to explore the phytochemical contents of C. aronia extract, as well as its antioxidant and antibacterial properties, and to assess the lipid peroxidation level as an oxidative stress biomarker in erythrocytes. MethodsChemical constituents in the methanolic extract of C. aronia were identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and their relative concentrations were determined. The antioxidant activity of C. aronia extract was determined using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays. The effect of C. aronia on the concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA) in the erythrocyte hemolysates was studied. Also, the crude extract was assessed for its antimicrobial activity through agar diffusion and microbroth dilution assays. Key findingsThe DPPH IC50 value of the extract showed that the antioxidants activity was equal to (14.3 μg/mL) and according to FRAP assay, the antioxidant activity was in the range of 33.9 μmol–82.86 μmol Fe+2/g dw. The extract exerts a protective effect against oxidative stress in RBCs and shows a 50% inhibition of malonyldialdehyde (MDA) at 39.48 μg/mL extract. Minimum inhibitory concentrations were found in the range of 800–1000 μg/mL of leave extracts. The phytochemical analysis showed that the total phenols, flavonoids, and flavonols content were 494.071 mg GAE/g extract, 155.251 mg RE/g extract, and 103.2049 mg RE/g extract). C. aronia extract contains alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, and steroids. Crude extract of C. aronia was more potent in inhibiting the growth of B. subtilis, S. aureus and M. luteus with MIC and MBC values of 800,800 and 1000 μg/mL, respectively. According to GC-MS, 20 compounds were identified: dihydro-3-methylene-5-methyl-2-furanone (14.71%), hexanoic acid (6.57%), ethyl 3,5-ditert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzoate (6.4%), N, N-dimethylheptadecan-1-amine (4.91%), methyl 2-oxobutanoate (4.14%), glyceraldehyde (3.98%), and 2-methoxy-1-(2-nitroethenyl)-3-phenylmethoxybenzene (3.16%), were the major constituents. ConclusionThis study may open a window of hope for children with Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase disorder by possible utilization of the active ingredients of C. aronia to minimize both oxidative stress and infection which negatively impact the disease sequelae.According to these in vitro experiments, this plant extract has a significant amount of natural antioxidants, which may aid in the protection of various oxidative stresses. As a result, employing the active components of C. aronia to minimize oxidative stress and infection, both of which have a detrimental impact on disease sequelae, may bring hope to children with Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase disorder.

Early detection of graft-incompatibility in hawthorn (Crataegus azarolus L.) trees on apple, pear, and quince rootstocks

Aim of study: This study was conducted to determine the usability of some clonal rootstocks of apple (MM 106 and MM 111), pear (Fox 11), and quince (Quince A) for hawthorn trees propagation. Area of study: Fruit Research Institute, Isparta and Hatay Mustafa Kemal University, Hatay, Türkiye. Material and methods: ‘Sultan’ hawthorn cultivar was budded on the following clonal rootstocks: pear Fox 11, quince A, and apple MM 106 and MM 111. Plants of hawthorn seedlings (Crataegus azarolus L.) budded with ‘Sultan’ cv. were used as control. External visual diagnosis of the scion-rootstock graft combinations was performed by observing visual symptoms in budded trees growing in nursery conditions, as well as anatomic and histological investigations of the incompatibility in the laboratory. Main results: In this study, healthy scion development and callus tissue in the graft region were formed in the seedling rootstock as well as on Fox11 and Quince A clonal rootstocks. In contrast, MM 106 and MM 111 apple rootstocks showed incompatibility symptoms, with insufficient scion vigor and unstructured callus tissue development. Research highlights: ‘Tanslocated’ and ‘located’ graft incompatibility symptoms were observed in Sultan/MM 106 and Sultan/MM 111 combinations. Further studies are necessary to confirm the early good compatibility found in nursery conditions, testing the effect of those clonal rootstocks from different species (Fox11 and Quince A) on vigor, yield, and fruit quality traits in orchard conditions.

The impact of Procyanidin extracted from Crataegus azarolus on rats with induced heart failure

This study aimed to investigate the possible use of Procyanidin extracted from Crataegus azarolus in the treatment of induced heart failure in rats. Thirty-six male rats were randomly assigned to three groups; the first two groups had six rats each, and the third group included four subgroups (each with six rats). The first group was regarded as the control group, while the second group (normal rats) received oral Procyanidin 30mg/kg/day for 14 days. The rest of the experimental groups were all injected intraperitoneally with 5mg/kg/day for seven days to induce heart failure. The first subgroup (IIIa) served as a positive control, and the other subgroups (IIIb, c, and d) received oral Procyanidin 30mg/kg/day, spironolactone 20mg/kg/day, and digoxin 7Mcg/kg/day, respectively, for 14 days. Heart failure induction in rats significantly increased levels of cardiac biomarkers, including NT-proBNP, BNP, ALP, MMP9, CPK, systolic, and diastolic blood pressure. The normal rats that received only Procyanidin experienced a significant decrease in the ALP level. Moreover, Procyanidin, accompanied by spironolactone and digoxin, significantly decreased NT-proBNP, BNP, ALP, and diastolic BP in rats with heart failure. Procyanidin extracted from C. azarolus significantly decreased cardiac biomarkers in rats with iso-induced HF. The final results demonstrated similar effects with both spironolactone and digoxin in induced heart failure in rats, revealing the possibility of using Procyanidin in the HF treatment.

ИЗУЧЕНИЕ ТЕХНОЛОГИЧЕСКИХ ПАРАМЕТРОВ И ЧИСЛОВЫХ ПОКАЗАТЕЛЕЙ КАЧЕСТВА СЫРЬЯ CRATAEGUS AZAROLUS L. ФЛОРЫ МАРОККО

Abstract. Crataegus azarolus L. is a shrub or small tree of the Rosaceae family. This type of hawthorn is widespread as a fruit in the countries of the western Mediterranean, where it is often found as a wild. In the available literature of foreign authors there is little information about some pharmacological properties of the studied raw materials: antioxidant, antimicrobial, hypotensive, etc. Considering that this plant grows in other climatic conditions and is a poorly studied plant raw material, thus, a detailed study of the chemical composition of this raw material and its possible use for medical purposes can be considered an actual scientific direction. The article presents screening studies of some technological parameters of the raw material quality of Crataegus azarolus L. fruits: bulk mass, bulk mass, specific gravity, porosity, free volume of the raw material layer, extractant absorption coefficients. Numerical indicators of the quality of poorly studied raw materials were also studied: humidity, total ash, ash insoluble in a solution of hydrochloric acid 10%. The results of the study allowed us to establish the following numerical indicators: the average mass loss of the studied raw materials during drying is 7.69%, total ash is 5.04%, ash insoluble in 10% hydrochloric acid solution is 3.09%. The paper also presents the results obtained by the gravimetric method and testifying to the maximum extraction of the amount of extractive substances in the fruits of Crataegus azarolus L., which is achieved by ethyl alcohol 40%. Thus, the experimental data obtained can be used in the future in the preparation of regulatory documentation for medicinal plant raw materials.