Cupressus Sempervirens Research Articles

Biomedicinal and Chemical Profile of Cupressus sempervirens: A Mini Review

Medicinal plants have been an important source of plant-based medicines, health products, phytochemicals, food supplements, cosmetics etc. In traditional systems of medicine, plant parts such as stem, stem bark, root, root bark, leaves, fruits and exudates are used in the treatment and prevention of various diseases and disorders. Cupressus sempervirens, also known as the Mediterranean cypress or Italian cypress, is native to the eastern Mediterranean region, North America and subtropical Asia at higher altitudes. Literature survey regarding its pharmacology revealed that Cupressus sempervirens has antiseptic, aromatherapeutic, astringent, balsamic or anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, astringent, antiseptic, deodorant and diuretic activities. Literature survey regarding chemistry showed that monoterpenes, diterpenes, flavonoid glycoside and biflavonoid compounds are found in this species. The present review aims to highlight the chemistry, traditional uses and biological activities of the Cupressus sempervirens plant.

Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles using Mediterranean Cypress (<i>Cupressus sempervirens</i>) Leaf Extract

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) retained vast applications in science and technology. Due to the vast application of these particles in various disciplines, there is an interest for synthesis of AgNPs in an environmentally friendly and economic manner. For the first time we were used Mediterranean cypress (Cupressus sempervirens) leaf aqueous extract for biosynthesis of AgNPs. Prepared particles were in various shapes and their diameters were ranging from 10 to 80 nm. TEM micrographs were shown that AgNPs are capped with a biologic matrix. FTIR analysis indicates hydrophilic functional groups in the capping matrix which can improve the stability of AgNPs.

Linkage and QTL mapping in Cupressus sempervirens L. provides the first detailed genetic map of the species and identifies a QTLassociated with crown form

Cupressus sempervirens L. is a keystone species for Mediterranean ecosystems. It appears in two varieties according to its crown form, C. sempervirens var. horizontalis and C. sempervirens var. pyramidalis. A progeny of 382 F1 individuals was screened using Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism (AFLP) and simple sequence repeats (SSR) markers for constructing genetic maps of the horizontalis and pyramidalis varieties used as parents, as well as a consensus map covering all chromosomes of the cypress genome. Out of the 1340 AFLP and SSR loci generated, 1271 variable loci segregated in 1:1, 3:1, 1:1:1:1, and 1:2:1 ratios and were used for linkage mapping. Segregation distortion was relatively high, but comparable to that reported in other Cupressaceae. The consensus C. sempervirens map (LOD = 6, θ = 0.30) consisted of 11 linkage groups and covered 2.105.65 cM. The consensus map was used for QTL detection regarding crown form, resistance to the fungus Seiridium cardinale, height, and diameter. A QTL for crown form architecture was found in linkage group 11 (LOD = 3.30). The long-term mapping population employed permits future map enrichment with more molecular markers, as well as more detailed records of quantitative traits at future ontogenetic stages. This is the first report of a consensus linkage map in a cypress species.

Evaluation of climate change in northern Iran during the last four centuries by using dendroclimatology

Climate change is currently one of the most important environmental issues. Dendrochronology is frequently used to identify the climatic changes most closely associated with changes in tree-ring extent. We applied dendroclimatology to determine the climate changes in the Roodbar region of Iran during the last four centuries. The climatic index of De Martonne (aridity index), annual precipitation, and annual mean temperature were simulated by using dendroclimatology (tree-rings) and an artificial neural network (ANN). Dendroclimatology studies were carried out with the use of the Cupressus sempervirens species. A multilayer perceptron network was adopted for the ANN. Tree-ring width was the input variable for the simulation, whereas annual precipitation, annual mean temperature, and the aridity index were the outputs. After the training process, the network was validated. The validated network and tree-rings were used to simulate changes in climatic factors during the last four centuries. The climatic factors simulated by using dendroclimatology can be used in drought studies and climate change evaluation. The results showed that in the last four centuries, the climate of the study area changed from semiarid to arid, and its annual precipitation decreased significantly. The significant changes in climate were found to occur in the mid-twentieth century.

Chemical Composition and Phytotoxicity of Cupressus sempervirens Leaves Against Crops

The present study aims to evaluate the Cupressus sempervirens leaves phytotoxicity. Their leachate (100, 200, 300, 400 and 500 g/l), aqueous (10, 20, 30 and 40 g/l) and organic (petroleum ether, chloroform and acetone, at 2000, 4000 and 6000 ppm) extracts were tested on radish, lettuce, barley and tomato. Pot cultures were conducted by incorporation of leaves powder (50 and 100 g/kg) in soil and by irrigation with leaves leachate and aqueous extracts at IC50 and MIC, concentrations causing, respectively 50% and 100% inhibition. Over all, rate germination did not affected, however germination speed was significantly delayed. For growth, aqueous extracts had the most significant toxicity at 40 g/l and leachate at 500 g/l, inducing up to a total inhibition. The strongest toxicity of organic extracts, was recorded at 6000 ppm (30 mg) for the three ones. Radish seedling growth was more sensitive, especially to petroleum ether and acetone fractions whereas tomato showed a great sensitivity especially to petroleum ether fraction. Residues incorporation in soil (at 100 g/kg) significantly decreased root (86–99%) and shoot (65–100%) length of target species. Irrigation with aqueous extracts and leachate was harmful for especially, tomato and lettuce. Quantitative and qualitative analysis of the extracts were carried out by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Results showed that C. sempervirens had a significant allelopathic potential. This plant may be favorably used for incorporating in agricultural systems for sustainable weed management.

Are natural compounds used in personal care products toxic for the aquatic environment?

Natural substances are frequently used ingredients in personal care products. As the discharge of rinse-off products, like shampoos or soap, is mainly via the aquatic environment, the question is, whether these natural substances pose an environmental risk. More than a quarter of the natural substances which are listed in the “Inventory …… of ingredients employed in cosmetic products” (INCI list) are classified as dangerous for the environment with long lasting effects according to the European regulation on classification and labelling, e.g. various Citrus preparations, Cupressus sempervirens extract, Picea excelsa extract or Pinus sylvestris leaf extract. Some of the components responsible for the classification of natural substances as dangerous for the environment are e.g. limonene, pinenes or benzyl benzoate. Classification and labelling is a trigger for the registration requirements for natural substances according to the European regulation on chemicals (REACH), but so far only 5% of natural substances classified are registered. It must be assumed that there are more substances that should undergo the REACH process among the 703 natural substances that do not yet turn up in the data base of substances classified and labelled as hazardous (C&L inventory). Natural substances and personal care products receive special treatments in the European chemical legislation. The compilation of the classifications might question whether this special treatment is justified.

First report of a 16SrII group related phytoplasma associated with witches' broom of Cupressus sempervirens var. horizontalis in Iran

Cupressus sempervirens var. horizontalis (Mediterranean cypress) is highly valued because of its forestry and ornamental use, and its importance for religious purposes (Caudullo & Rigo, 2016). In 2014-2015, cypress trees with witches'…

Lead removal from aqueous solutions by raw sawdust and magnesium pretreated biochar: Experimental investigations and numerical modelling

Lead removal from aqueous solutions by raw cypress (Cupressus sempervirens L.) sawdust (RCS) and its derivative magnesium pretreated biochar (Mg-B) was investigated under static and dynamic conditions through batch and column assays. The Hydrus-1D model was used to estimate the transport parameters of the lead measured breakthrough curves. The batch experiments results showed that Mg-B was very efficient in removing lead compared to RCS and several other previously tested natural and modified materials. The column experiments results indicated that for both RCS and Mg-B, lead breakthrough curves and the related removal efficiencies were mainly dependent on the used initial concentration and the adsorbents bed height. The use of Hydrus-1D showed that the two-site chemical non-equilibrium model describes better the experimental lead breakthrough curves for both RCS and Mg-B as the equilibrium model.

Effect of Gibberllic Acid, Thiourea and Potassium Nitrate on Seed Germination and Embryo Growth of Cupressus sempervirens var. pyramidalis and C. sempervirens var. horizontalis

Cupressus sempervirens, the climacteric forest vegetation of El-Jable El-Akhdar (Libya), has two varieties: pyramidalis and horizontalis; both exhibit pronounced seed dormancy which participates in extinction of their natural vegetation. The present study investigates the effect of seed pretreatment with GA3 and thiourea at concentrations of 0, 50, 100, 200 and 400 mg/L, and with KNO3 at concentrations of 0 and 0.2% on seed germination and embryo growth of the two varieties of C. sempervirens. Seed germinability was higher in horizontalis variety than in pyramidalis, but rate of germination as well as embryo extension was comparable in the two varieties. Both seed germinability and embryo growth were higher in GA3 than in thiourea. Rate of germination - in terms of mean germination time - was non-significantly affected by treatments (variety, type of chemical and chemical concentration). By contrast, germinability and embryo extension increased with the increase in concentrations of GA3 and thiourea up to an optimum of 50-100 mg/L, beyond which they progressively declined. The exact optimum concentration, the magnitude of promotion at that optimum and the magnitude of retardation beyond the optimum varied according to variety and the chemical used. KNO3 at a concentration of 0.2% had limited effect on seed germination of the two varieties as well as embryo extension of horizontalis variety compared with that of GA3 and thiourea but increased embryo extension of pyramidalis variety to more than twice the control.

Investigating and comparing short period impact of dust on physiological characteristics of three species of Pinus eldarica, Cupressus sempervirens, and Ligustrum ovalifolium

The purpose of this study is to know about the short period response of three green area plants to deposit of dust on the plants and impact on their physiological characteristics. In recent decade, the number of dusty days increased in some parts of Iran because of drought and erosive wind blowing on erodible lands. In this study, three species of Pinus eldarica, Cupressus sempervirens, and Ligustrum ovalifolium were selected. The amount of cumulative falling dust of 1, 2, and 4 g/cm2 was deposited on samples using a dust simulator in three stages with time interval of 1 week. At the end of each stage, physiological characteristics of the three treatment seedlings and three control seedlings were measured from each species. To further investigate the effect of dust, the position of dust on the leaves of the three plant species was prepared by Scanner Electronic Microscopic (SEM). Measurement results show that dust increase has no significant effect on the physiological parameters of proline, chlorophyll and carotenoids, and soluble sugar of P. eldarica and C. sempervirens species. But two mechanisms have been used by L. ovalifolium plants to compensate for the lack of light absorption. This has increased chlorophyll content and its growth. Increasing dust in L. ovalifolium has significant effect on chlorophyll and morphological structures, such as stem length and number of leaves. The results also showed that the amount of soluble sugars did not change by increasing dust. Since the impact of growth factors in this study showed a significant increase with increase of dust, one can conclude that the soluble sugars from photosynthesis have been used for the structure of the three studied plants. According to the study, short period dusting have no effect on P. eldarica and C. sempervirens species but have significant effect on L. ovalifolium.

Total Phenolic, Total Flavonoid And Antioxidant Activity Of Some Plants Of Gemnosperms: Phytochemical Investigation Of Dioon Edule Lindl. Leaves

Quantification of the phenolic content and evaluation of the antioxidant potential of some plants of gymnosperms were performed. The selected plants were Cycas revoluta male plant (Cycadaceae), Araucaria excelsa (Araucariaceae), Dioon edule Lindl. (Zamiaceae), and Cupressus sempervirens L. (Cupressaceae). The total phenolic content (TPC) was determined using the Folin-Ciocalteu method and the total flavonoids content (TFC) was measured via complexation with aluminum chloride and the antioxidant activity was evaluated with DPPH (2.2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) assay [1]. Among the tested plants, Cupressus sempervirens female cones showed the highest antioxidant activity (11.73 ± 0.06 mg ascorbic acid equivalent/gm dry plant) while Araucaria excelsa leaves showed the highest phenolic and flavonoid content (2.73 ± 0.001 mg gallic acid equivalent and 4.2182 ± 0.15 mg rutin equivalent/gm dry plant, respectively). Phytochemical investigation of Dioon edule leaves afforded the isolation of several biflavones and their methoxylated derivatives.

Diversity and bioactivity of bacterial endophyte community of Cupressaceae

SummaryThe plant family Cupressaceae (Coniferales) harbours diverse endophytic fungi with antifungal, antibacterial and antiproliferative activities. Here, endophytic association of a broad bacterial community with the healthy foliar tissues of Cupressus arizonica, Cupressus sempervirens, Juniperus communis and Thuja orientalis (Cupressaceae) is shown. We isolated over 69 endophytic bacterial strains of Proteobacteria, Bacilli and Actinobacteria from Cupressaceae. The initial screening for antifungal activity against Pyricularia oryzae identified eleven superior bacterial strains which were identified as Brevundimonas diminuta CAE24 (G−, Caulobacteraceae, Alphaproteobacteria); Stenotrophomonas maltophilia CAE23, CSE4, CSE12, CSE42, CSE49 and CSE62 (G−, Xanthomonadaceae, Gammaproteobacteria); Bacillus pumilus CSE66 and Bacillus subtilis POE26 (G+, Bacillaceae, Bacilli); and Microbacterium resistens CSE19 (G+, Microbacteriaceae, Actinobacteria). The dominant isolated bacterial species was S. maltophilia. This species represented 63.6% of the superior strains which was ubiquitous and also non‐host specific. In addition, the superior bacterial strains produced bioactive secondary metabolites and volatile compounds (VOCs) with antifungal activity against the fungal pathogens of Cupressaceae, that is Diplodia seriata, Phaeobotryon cupressi and Spencermartinsia viticola. The antagonistic activity of the endophytic bacteria on the target fungi was also confirmed in vitro. To our knowledge, this is the first to document such an endophytic bacterial community in Cupressaceae and its bioactivity. These findings may find application in organic agroforestry for plant disease biocontrol and in biopharmacy for lead molecule discovery.

First report of Siphonatrophia cupressi and its parasitoids in Algeria and a first record for Africa

This paper presents the first finding of Siphonatrophia cupressi (Swain, 1918) (Hemiptera, Aphididae) for Algeria and also for the whole African continent. This aphid pest is reported for the first time from Khenchela Province, North‐Eastern Algeria, on Cupressus sempervirens L. var. horizontalis (Mill.). The first observations were made in a public garden, and other colonies were detected in a nursery producing forest seedlings. Monitoring of these colonies revealed that this aphid is parasitized by Ephedrus persicae Frog and Lysiphlebus testaceipes (Cress.) (Hymenoptera, Braconidae, Aphidiinae).

Screening of selected medicinal plants from Jordan for their protective properties against oxidative DNA damage

Herbal medicinal products represent a major focus for drug development and industry and it holds a significant share in drug-market all over the globe. In here, selected medicinal plant extracts from Jordan with high antioxidative capacity were tested for their protective effect against oxidative DNA damage using in vitro 8-hydroxydeoxyguanisine assay in cultured human lymphocytes. The following plant extracts were tested Cupressus sempervirens L., Psidium guajava (L.) Gaerth., Silybum marianum L., Malva sylvestris L., Varthemia iphionoides Boiss., Eminium spiculatum L. Blume, Pistachia palaestina Boiss., Artemisia herba-alba Asso, Ficus carica L., Morus alba Linn, Cucumis sativus L., Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehnh., Salvia triloba L., Zizyphus spina-christi L. Desf., and Laurus nobilis L. A fractionation scheme for the active plant extracts of the above was followed. Plants extract fractions with best protective properties against DNA damage included hexane fraction of S. marianum L. (aerial parts), chloroform fractions of P. palaestina Boiss. (Fruits), ethanolic fractions of E. camaldulensis Dehnh (leaves), S. triloba L. (leaves), and ethanolic fractions of Z. spina-christi L. Desf. (Fruits/leaves). On the other hand, the ethanolic extracts of V. iphionoides Boiss was found to increase oxidative DNA damage. In conclusion, plant extracts with antioxidative DNA damage properties might have clinical applications in cancer prevention.

Analysis of the effectiveness of the spa and health resort-based treatment of the patients presenting with broncho-pulmonary pathology at the southern coast of the Crimea depending on the period of flowering of Mediterranean Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens)

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the influence of pollen of Mediterranean Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens) on the effectiveness of the spa and health resort-based treatment (SHRT) of the patients with broncho-pulmonary pathology at the southern coast of the Crimea (SCC). This article presents the results of the analysis of the data on 122 patients presenting with broncho-pulmonary pathology who received SHRT under the conditions of the Southern Coast of the Crimea. Fifty one (41.8%) of these patients suffered from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and 71 (58.2%) ones had bronchial asthma. The whole group was comprised of 44 men (36.1%) and 78 women (63.9%). The average (median) age of the patients was 55.8 years. All the participants of the study underwent the comprehensive examination including the general medical and physical examination, complete blood count, the study of sputum cytology and immunological properties of blood including the standard characteristics, IgE and lysozyme levels), evaluation of the respiratory and locomotor (physical) functions with the use of the 6-minute walking test. The aeropollenological study of the aerial environment of the southern coast of the Crimea in the region of Yalta showed that the «bloom» of the Mediterranean Cypress occurs during the period from February till April inclusive. The highest concentrations of cypress pollen are observed in March and early April. The overall effectiveness of SHRT for the patients with broncho-pulmonary pathology arriving for the treatment at the southern coast of the Crimea from other Crimean localities does not depend on the period of «flowering» (the presence of pollen in the air) of the Mediterranean Cypress. In these patients, the termination of the spa and health resort-based treatment during the «flowering» of the Mediterranean Cypress resulted in nothing more than a strained adaptive response manifested as the altered blood leukocyte count. Such reaction is considered to be a natural consequence of intake of antigenic substances into the human body.

Antimicrobial Activity of Some Species from Pinaceae and Cupressaceae

The aim of this study was to determine the antimicrobial activities of ethereal extracts of some Pinaceae and Cupressaceae species collected from Turkey. The extracts from Pinus nigra Arn., P. brutia Ten., P. halepensis Mill., Abies equi-trojani (Asch. et Sint. ex Boiss.) Coode et Cullen, A. bornmulleriana Mattf., A. cilicica (Ant. et Kotschy) Carr., A. nordmanniana (Steven) Spach., Cedrus libani A. Rich. and Picea orientalis L. belong to Pinaceae family and Juniperus oxycedrus L. subsp. oxycedrus, J. foetidissima Willd., J. excelsa Bieb., J. phoenicea L., Cupressus sempervirens var. pyramidalis Nym. and C. sempervirens var. horizontalis (Mill.) Gord. belong to Cupressaceae family were examined against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, S. aureus ATCC 43300 (MRSA), Bacillus subtilis ATCC 6633, Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853, Klebsiella pneumoniae RSKK 574 and Candida albicans ATCC 10231. The disc diffusion method was used to determine the antimicrobial activities of these extracts. All the tested extracts, except A. bornmulleriana, C. libani and P. halepensis showed weak antibacterial activity against the various tested bacteria comparing with the standards. Nevertheless, no antifungal activity was observed against C. albicans in all extracts. It was concluded that the tested extracts did not show promising antimicrobial activity against tested microorganisms. However, this is the first comprehensive investigation on the evaluation of antimicrobial activities on ethereal extracts of these species.

Chemical Composition, Antioxidant, Anticancer Properties and Toxicity Evaluation of Leaf Essential Oil of <i>Cupressus sempervirens</i>

The essential oil isolated by hydro-distillation from Cupressus sempervirens (Cypress) leaves was analysed by GC-MS and tested for antioxidant and in vitro as well as in vivo anticancer activities. In addition, the toxicity effect of the essential oil was studied using normal Swiss mice. Eighteen components of Cypress essential oil were identified and the main essential oil components were α-pinene (29.21%), δ3-carene (18.92%), α-cedrol (12.25%), α-terpinolene (7.66%) and limonene (5.50%). Cupressus sempervirens essential oil was able to reduce the stable, purple-colored radical DPPH into yellow-colored DPPH reaching 50% of reduction with IC50 value = 290.09 μg mL-1. The in vitro anticancer activity of the essential oil was studied against two human promyelocytic leukemia cell lines (HL-60 and NB4) and experimental animals model cancer cell line (EACC). Cypress essential oil exerted the highest cytotoxic activity with a LC50 of 333.79 µg mL-1 against NB4 followed by HL-60 and EACC cell lines (LC50 of 365.41, and 372.43 µg mL-1, respectively). Regarding in vivo anticancer study, pre-initiation treatment with the essential oil was more effective than initiation and post-initiation treatments respectively on the tumor (EACC) transplanted female mice (increase lifespan (%), decrease total EACC number and increase dead cells). In toxicity study, serum urea, transaminases and lactate dehydrogenase were increased. The results obtained from this study showed that the Cypress essential oil possesses antioxidant and anticancer properties, taking into consideration its mild toxicity.

Four New Species and Two First Records of Eriophyid Mites from Egypt

Six eriophyoid mites, including four new species and two new records, from Egypt are described and illustrated. They are Stenacis aegyptius sp. nov., on Cupressus sempervirens L. (Cupressaceae); Aceria donacis Mohanasundaram, 1983, rec. n. on Arundo donax L. (Poaceae); Aceria bambusae Channabasavanna, 1966, rec. n. on Bambusa vulgaris Schrad. ex J.C. Wendl; Schizacea aegyptimperata sp. nov. on Imperata cylindrical (L.) (Poaceae); Epitrimerus abousettai sp. nov. on Cupressus sempervirens L. (Cupressaceae) and Abacarus donacis sp. nov. on Arundo donax L. (Poaceae). The genus Schizacea is recorded for the first time for Egyptian fauna. These species are vagrants on leaves without any damage except the forth species (S. aegyptimperata) causes rust on inner surface of leaves of the host plant. A key to the species of Schizacea of the world is provided.

Somatic plant regeneration from selected common cypress (Cupressus sempervirens L.) clones resistant to the bark canker disease

The effectiveness of a protocol for somatic embryogenesis in conifers requires both the proliferation of embryonal masses and their conversion into somatic plants. Despite several successful protocols developed for Pinaceae, species belonging to Cuperessaceae family are often characterized by a problematic and unsatisfactory maturation of somatic embryos. Hence, the main goal of this study was to overcome the problem of embryo maturation and plant regeneration in Cupressus sempervirens, a Mediterranean species widely used for its ornamental value, timber production and interest in reforestation programmes. Embryogenic lines were produced from selected canker-resistant genotypes of common cypress; the effect of polyethylene glycol (PEG), desiccation period, medium composition and culturing period on the somatic embryo maturation and conversion, were evaluated. Despite significant variations observed among genotypes, the PEG based medium was the most effective for somatic embryo maturation. Germination and conversion of mature somatic embryos took place after three months of culture in a low-sucrose LP medium with activated charcoal. A short desiccation period failed to improve the germination rate of the mature somatic embryos. To our knowledge this is the first protocol reporting on somatic plant regeneration from somatic embryos of C. sempervirens.

Waterlogged plant remains from the Roman healing spa of Aquae Flaviae (Chaves, Portugal): Utilitarian objects, timber, fruits and seeds

More than 3500 individual pieces of waterlogged archaeobotanical remains were found in the excavation of the Roman healing spa of Aquae Flaviae (Chaves, Portugal), carried out between 2006 and 2013. Most of these were recovered in stratigraphic units sealed by the brick barrel vault collapse in last decade of the 4th century AD.The waterlogged material studied, included several types of archaeobotanical remains: timber used for construction (beams, poles, boards and wedges), wooden objects (combs, bowls and containers, corks, handles, spindle whorls, etc.) and macro carpological remains (seeds, fruits, pine scales and cones, etc.). The study of the wood assemblage was focused firstly on the identification of the material selected for woodworking and also on providing answers regarding the technical and technological features used in manufacturing these items. Regarding fruits and seeds, the analysis was oriented towards macro remains species identification.A selection of species for specific purposes was clearly identified both in timber pieces and in several types of objects as well as the carving of specific features in these pieces according to its function. Active management of wood resources could also be inferred. Furthermore, relevant information was gathered concerning the presence of Pinus pinea, Castanea sativa, Buxus sempervirens and several species of the Prunus family, which show great importance on a regional or supra regional levels. The first presence of cypress tree (Cupressus sempervirens) during Roman times in western Iberia was also identified.