Euphrasia Officinalis Research Articles

Succession of Bacterial and Fungal Communities during Fermentation of Medicinal Plants

The fermentation of medicinal plants has been studied very little, as compared to the fermentation of food and beverages. One approach applies fermentation by single bacterial or fungal strains and targets the production of specific compounds or preservation of the fermented material. Spontaneous fermentation by an autochthonous starter community may lead to a more diverse blend of fermentation products because co-occurring microbes may activate the biosynthetic potentials and formation of compounds not produced in single strain approaches. We applied the community approach and studied the fermentation of four medicinal plants (Achillea millefolium, Taraxacum officinale, Mercurialis perennis, and Euphrasia officinalis), according to a standardized pharmaceutical fermentation method. It is based on the spontaneous fermentation by plant-specific bacterial and fungal communities under a distinct temperature regime, with a recurrent cooling during the first week and further fermentation for at least six months. The results revealed both general and plant-specific patterns in the composition and succession of microbial communities during fermentation. Lactic acid bacteria increasingly dominated in all preparations, whereas the fungal communities retained more plant-specific features. Three distinct fermentation phases with characteristic bacterial communities were identified, i.e., early, middle, and late phases. Co-occurrence network analyses revealed the plant-specific features of the microbial communities.

Green synthesis of gold nanoparticles using Euphrasia officinalisleaf extract to inhibit lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation through NF-κB and JAK/STAT pathways in RAW 264.7 macrophages.

BackgroundGold nanoparticles (AuNPs) have potential applications in the treatment and diagnosis process, which are attributed to their biocompatibility and high efficiency of drug delivery. In the current study, we utilized an extract of Euphrasia officinalis, a traditional folk medicine, to synthesize gold nanoparticles (EO-AuNPs), and investigated their anti-inflammatory effects on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages.Materials and methodsThe AuNPs were synthesized from an ethanol extract of E. officinalis leaves and characterized using several analytical techniques. Anti-inflammatory activities of EO-AuNPs were detected by a model of LPS-induced upregulation of inflammatory mediators and cytokines including nitric oxide (NO), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), IL-1β, and IL-6 in RAW 264.7 cells. The activation of nuclear factor (NF)-κB and Janus kinase/signal transducer and activators of transcription (JAK/STAT) signaling pathways was investigated by Western blot.ResultsThe results confirmed the successful synthesis of AuNPs by E. officinalis. Transmission electron microscopy images showed obvious uptake of EO-AuNPs and internalization into intracellular membrane–bound compartments, resembling endosomes and lysosomes by RAW 264.7 cells. Cell viability assays showed that EO-AuNPs exhibited little cytotoxicity in RAW 264.7 cells at 100 µg/mL concentration after 24 hours. EO-AuNPs significantly suppressed the LPS-induced release of NO, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 as well as the expression of the iNOS gene and protein in RAW 264.7 cells. Further experiments demonstrated that pretreatment with EO-AuNPs significantly reduced the phosphorylation and degradation of inhibitor kappa B-alpha and inhibited the nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65. In addition, EO-AuNPs suppressed LPS-stimulated inflammation by blocking the activation of JAK/STAT pathway.ConclusionThe synthesized EO-AuNPs showed anti-inflammatory activity in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells, suggesting they may be potential candidates for treating inflammatory-mediated diseases.

Protective Effects of Euphrasia officinalis Extract against Ultraviolet B-Induced Photoaging in Normal Human Dermal Fibroblasts

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation induces skin photoaging, which is associated with the elevation of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and the impairment of collagen. The Euphrasia species play a well-known role in the treatment of certain eye disorders through their anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory activities. However, their protective activity toward UVB-induced damage remains unclear. In the present study, we investigated the protective effect of Euphrasia officinalis (95% ethanol extract) on UVB-irradiated photoaging in normal human dermal fibroblasts (NHDFs). Our results show that Euphrasia officinalis extract exhibited obvious reactive oxygen species (ROS) and 2,2′-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radical scavenging activity, enhanced NHDF cell migration, and reduced UVB-induced apoptosis. The UVB-induced increases in MMP-1 and MMP-3 and decrease in type I procollagen were ameliorated by Euphrasia officinalis treatment, which worked by suppressing the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and nuclear transcription factor activator protein 1 (AP-1) signaling pathways. Taken together, our data strongly suggest that Euphrasia officinalis ethanol extract could reduce UVB-induced photoaging by alleviating oxidative stress, proinflammatory activity, and cell apoptosis.

Ecofriendly synthesis of silver and gold nanoparticles by Euphrasia officinalis leaf extract and its biomedical applications

Biogenic synthesis of silver (AgNPs) and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) using aqueous extract of Euphrasia officinalis has been reported. Stable AgNPs and AuNPs were formed on adding aqueous solutions of silver nitrate and chloroauric acid with E. officinalis leaf extract, in 19 min and 2 min, respectively. The synthesis method used in present study was simple, reliable, rapid, cost effective and ecofriendly. The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized with field emission transmission electron microscopy (FE-TEM), elemental mapping, selected area diffraction pattern (SAED), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray diffractometer (XRD), particle size distribution, zeta potential and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The UV–Vis spectrum confirmed the synthesis of nanoparticles as the absorption band was observed at 450 nm for AgNPs and at 558 nm for AuNPs. The TEM images revealed quasi-spherical shape of AgNPs and AuNPs. The size of nanoparticles was determined to be 40.37 ± 1.8 nm for AgNPs and 49.72 ± 1.2 nm for AuNPs. The zeta potential value demonstrated the negative surface charge and stable nature of nanoparticles. Crystalline nature of the nanoparticles in the face-centred cubic (fcc) structure was confirmed by the peaks in the XRD pattern and SAED pattern. FTIR results showed the functional groups involved in reduction of silver and gold ions to metal nanoparticles. For biomedical application, the nanoparticles have been explored for anticancer, antibacterial and biofilm inhibition activities. It was observed that AgNPs exert anticancer activity against human lung cancer (A549) and human cervical cancer (HeLa) cell lines. On the other hand, AuNPs were able to inhibit only human cervical cancer cells. Furthermore, the AgNPs were active against clinically isolated human pathogens like Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Vibrio parahaemolyticus. Additionally, AgNPs also showed biofilm inhibition activity against S. aureus and P. aeruginosa.

Pharmacological activities of an eye drop containing Matricaria chamomilla and Euphrasia officinalis extracts in UVB-induced oxidative stress and inflammation of human corneal cells

Ultraviolet B (UVB) exposure is a risk factor for corneal damage resulting in oxidative stress, inflammation and cell death. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential protective effects of a commercial eye drop (Dacriovis™) containing Matricaria chamomilla and Euphrasia officinalis extracts on human corneal epithelial cells (HCEC-12) against UVB radiation-induced oxidative stress and inflammation as well as the underlying mechanisms. The antioxidant potential of the eye drops was evaluated by measuring the ferric reducing antioxidant power and the total phenolic content by Folin-Ciocalteu reagent. HCEC-12 cells were exposed to UVB radiation and treated with the eye drops at various concentrations. Cell viability, wound healing assay, reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, protein and lipid oxidative damage and COX-2, IL-1β, iNOS, SOD-2, HO-1 and GSS gene expression, were assessed. Eye drops were able to protect corneal epithelial cells from UVB-induced cell death and ameliorated the wound healing; the eye drops exhibited a strong antioxidant activity, decreasing ROS levels and protein and lipid oxidative damage. Eye drops also exerted anti-inflammatory activities by decreasing COX-2, IL-1β, iNOS expression, counteracted UVB-induced GSS and SOD-2 expression and restored HO-1 expression to control levels. These findings suggest that an eye drop containing Matricaria chamomilla and Euphrasia officinalis extracts exerts positive effects against UVB induced oxidative stress and inflammation and may be useful in protecting corneal epithelial cells from UVB exposure.

НА ДОПОМОГУ СІМЕЙНОМУ ЛІКАРЮ: ДІАГНОСТИКА ТА ЛІКУВАННЯ КОН’ЮНКТИВІТІВ У ДІТЕЙ І ДОРОСЛИХ В УМОВАХ ПОЛІКЛІНІКИ

<p>РЕЗЮМЕ. У статті наведено результати досліджень ефективності лікування синдрому сухого ока, вірусних,<br />алергічних і бактерійних кон’юнктивітів очними краплями Окуфлеш у 716 пацієнтів різних вікових категорій,<br />серед яких були 24 вагітні жінки і 187 дітей (0–14 років). Препарат застосовували як у вигляді монотерапії, так і в<br />складі комплексного лікування. Окуфлеш закрапували 5 разів на день по 1–2 краплі до кон’юнктивального мішка<br />протягом 2 днів і більше до моменту одужання (в середньому 5–9 днів). Отримані результати підтвердили, що<br />Окуфлеш не викликає місцевого і системного побічних ефектів у дорослих, вагітних жінок, дітей, у тому числі від<br />0 до 1 року, а також у пацієнтів з обтяженим алергічним анамнезом. Очні краплі Окуфлеш сприяють швидшому<br />зникненню симптомів і скороченню термінів лікування всіх кон’юнктивітів, знімають симптоми втоми очей і<br />відчуття дискомфорту, можуть застосовуватися тривало для профілактики та гігієни кон’юнктивального мішка.<br />Пацієнти, особливо вагітні жінки і матері хворих дітей, охочіше і без остраху застосовують очні краплі рослинного<br />походження, ніж краплі з антибіотиками.</p><p><br />КЛЮЧОВІ СЛОВА: кон’юнктивіт, антисептик рослинного походження, Euphrasia officinalis, Окуфлеш,<br />бактерійний кон’юнктивіт, вірусний кон’юнктивіт, алергічний кон’юнктивіт, синдром сухого ока, лікування.</p>

Enduring influence of elizabethan ophthalmic texts of the 1580s: bailey, grassus, and guillemeau.

Three English ophthalmic texts of the 1580s were frequently republished: 1) Walter Bailey’s A Briefe Treatise Touching the Preseruation of the Eie Sight, 2) The Method of Phisicke, an adaptation of the medieval treatise of Benevenutus Grassus, and 3) A Worthy Treatise of the Eyes, a translation of Jacques Guillemeau’s treatise. Their history is intertwined through composite publications, some of which lacked clear attribution. At least 21 editions incorporated these texts. Although not previously realized, major elements of all 3 works are found in Two Treatises Concerning the Preseruation of Eie-sight, first published in 1616. To preserve eyesight, Bailey recommended eyebright (Euphrasia officinalis), fennel (Fæniculum vulgare), and a moderate lifestyle incorporating wine. In the works of Grassus and Guillemeau, cataracts were believed to lie anterior to the ‘crystalline humor,’ and were treated by the ‘art of the needle,’ or couching. Links are found between Grassus, Guillemeau, and eighteenth century glaucoma concepts. Although one of his students has traditionally received credit, it was English oculist John Thomas Woolhouse who first combined the early concepts and used the term glaucoma to describe the palpably hard eye in the early eighteenth century. The three primary ophthalmic texts of 1580s England influenced ophthalmic thought for over a century.

Assessment of eyebright (euphrasia officinalis L.) extract activity in relation to human corneal cells using in vitro tests.

Euphrasia officinalis L. is an herb traditionally used in folk medicine, mainly in the treatment of eye disorders. The present study analyzed the activity of three extracts of E. officinalis L. (ethanol, ethyl acetate and heptane) on cultured human corneal epithelial cells (10.014 pRSV-T). In vitro study. Toxicity, free radical scavenging activity and the immunomodulatory effects of the extracts were tested using the thiazolyl blue tetrazolium bromide (MTT) or Neutral Red, 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and ELISA tests, respectively. Moreover, nitric oxide levels and cytoskeleton architecture were analyzed after corneal cell incubation with the plant extracts. We show that the biological effect depended on both the concentration and the extraction solvent used. Heptane extracts, distinct from those in ethanol and ethyl acetate, were toxic to 10.014 pRSV-T cells at low concentrations (25 μg/mL) and did not demonstrate free radical scavenging effects. All tested extracts decreased pro-inflammatory cytokine expression (IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α) and also anti-inflammatory IL-10 expression by human corneal cells when the extracts were added to the cell culture medium for 24 h. In conclusion, we show that the promising effects of the application of E. officinalis L. preparations as a supplementary therapy for eye disorders are associated with the ethanol and ethyl acetate extracts, not the heptane extract.

Augentrost -Euphrasia officinalisL.

Die Krautdroge von Euphrasia officinalis (Orobanchaceae) wird seit dem Mittelalter zur Behandlung von Augenentzündungen sowie Magenbeschwerden, Gelbsucht, Diabetes und Erkrankungen der oberen Luftwege verwendet. Zu den wichtigen Inhaltsstoffen gehören Iridoidglykoside, Gerbstoffe und Phenolcarbonsäuren, die entzündungshemmende, adstringierende, antioxidative, antiapoptotische und schwach antibakterielle Wirkungen aufweisen. Jedoch fehlen bisher aussagekräftige pharmakologische und klinische Untersuchungen. Eingesetzt werden gegenwärtig Extraktpräparate bei leichten Augenentzündungen, deren Anwendung nur auf Überlieferungen der Volksmedizin beruht. Weitere Studien sind notwendig, um die klinische Wirksamkeit der Euphrasia-Extrakte bei Augenerkrankungen und möglichen zusätzlichen Indikationen zu überprüfen.

Exploration of cytomorphological diversity in the Scrophulariaceae from Kashmir Himalaya, India

Cytomorphological exploration has been undertaken in 14 species of the Scrophulariaceae from Kashmir, Himalaya. The varied gametophtyic chromosome counts of n=23 for Veronica cana and diploid chromosome number i.e. n=7 for V. persica are reported here for the first time on global basis. Besides this 0 to 2 B-chromosomes have been observed in Verbascum thapsus for the first time. Likewise Digitalis grandiflora (n=28) and Scrophularia scopolii (n=13) are first chromosome reports from India. The meiotic course observed in these scrophs is normal except some irregularities like bridge formation in Mazus japonicus and Pedicularis rhinanthoides, interbivalent connections in P. pectinata and precocious disjunction in Euphrasia officinalis. Morphologically the different accessions within a species showed no conspicuous differences except Digitalis purpurea that has been seen to exist as three morphotypes on flower colour basis.

Ethnoveterinary medicines used for ruminants in British Columbia, Canada

BackgroundThe use of medicinal plants is an option for livestock farmers who are not allowed to use allopathic drugs under certified organic programs or cannot afford to use allopathic drugs for minor health problems of livestock.MethodsIn 2003 we conducted semi-structured interviews with 60 participants obtained using a purposive sample. Medicinal plants are used to treat a range of conditions. A draft manual prepared from the data was then evaluated by participants at a participatory workshop.ResultsThere are 128 plants used for ruminant health and diets, representing several plant families. The following plants are used for abscesses: Berberis aquifolium/Mahonia aquifolium Echinacea purpurea, Symphytum officinale, Bovista pila, Bovista plumbea, Achillea millefolium and Usnea longissima. Curcuma longa L., Salix scouleriana and Salix lucida are used for caprine arthritis and caprine arthritis encephalitis.Euphrasia officinalis and Matricaria chamomilla are used for eye problems.Wounds and injuries are treated with Bovista spp., Usnea longissima, Calendula officinalis, Arnica sp., Malva sp., Prunella vulgaris, Echinacea purpurea, Berberis aquifolium/Mahonia aquifolium, Achillea millefolium, Capsella bursa-pastoris, Hypericum perforatum, Lavandula officinalis, Symphytum officinale and Curcuma longa.Syzygium aromaticum and Pseudotsuga menziesii are used for coccidiosis. The following plants are used for diarrhea and scours: Plantago major, Calendula officinalis, Urtica dioica, Symphytum officinale, Pinus ponderosa, Potentilla pacifica, Althaea officinalis, Anethum graveolens, Salix alba and Ulmus fulva.Mastitis is treated with Achillea millefolium, Arctium lappa, Salix alba, Teucrium scorodonia and Galium aparine. Anethum graveolens and Rubus sp., are given for increased milk production.Taraxacum officinale, Zea mays, and Symphytum officinale are used for udder edema. Ketosis is treated with Gaultheria shallon, Vaccinium sp., and Symphytum officinale. Hedera helix and Alchemilla vulgaris are fed for retained placenta.ConclusionSome of the plants showing high levels of validity were Hedera helix for retained placenta and Euphrasia officinalis for eye problems. Plants with high validity for wounds and injuries included Hypericum perforatum, Malva parviflora and Prunella vulgaris. Treatments with high validity against endoparasites included those with Juniperus communis and Pinus ponderosa. Anxiety and pain are well treated with Melissa officinalis and Nepeta caesarea.

Antioxidant activity of compounds in Euphrasia officinalis L. – revaluation of a traditional medicinal plant

Euphrasia officinalis L. (eyebright) is a valuable plant in traditional medicine as a remarkable remedy for inflamed eye disorders since ancient times. Our knowledge is still lacking exact details in phytochemical composition, and way of mechanism of active compounds of eyebright. Our aim was to contribute to the phytotherapeutical revaluation of Euphrasia officinalis L. by investigating the main chemical groups of the herb and to understand their role in the inflammatory process, in which free radicals are considered to play a significant role via different biochemical pathways. After a successive extraction of Euphrasiae herba with n-hexane, chloroform, ethyl-acetate and methanol, as follows, the main compounds were identified as iridoids and phenolics/flavonoids. The content of Flavonoids, polyphenols, tannins and hydroxycinnamic derivatives were determined, results are: 0.38g/100g, 1.47g/100g, 0.56g/100g, 1.97g/100g, respectively. Then preliminary assays were performed to study the free radical scavenging activity (DPPH, ABTS and TBA assay). The lyophilised decoctum of Euphrasiae herba showed a considerable scavenging activity, so it was reasonable to elucidate the main chemical groups, and find correlation between the active compounds and the free radical scavenging activity. Methanolic extract of eyebright herb was fractionated by polyamid column chromatography using water (7 fractions: iridoids) and methanol (8 fractions: phenolics/flavonoids). For the qualitative analyses of the fractions TLC, HPLC and LC-MS/MS methods were developed and used. We have found that the fraction containing simple caffeoyl-derivatives provided the highest scavenging activity in both DPPH and ABTS assays. Those fractions which were rich in flavonoids were also notable antioxidants. The scavenging effect of Euphrasia officinalis L. is a combination of the iridoids and phenolics/flavonoids, however the phenolic components basically determine the effect.

Review of complementary and alternative medicine in treatment of ocular allergies.

Ocular allergy is a common complaint of allergy sufferers, many of whom may choose to use complementary and alternative medicine in the treatment of these symptoms. In this review major complementary and alternative medicine modalities including herbal therapies, acupuncture, homeopathy, alternative immunotherapy and behavior modification are assessed for evidence of their effectiveness in the treatment of ocular allergy symptoms. Certain herbs including Euphrasia officinalis, Petasites hybridus and Argemone mexicana have been evaluated in control studies in the treatment of ocular allergy. Honey is no more effective than placebo in the treatment of ocular allergy. Acupuncture used regularly has demonstrated some positive trends in ocular allergy sufferers. Homeopathy has shown conflicting results in the treatment of ocular allergy, while alternative forms of immunotherapy have been shown to develop immunologic tolerogenic effects in the control of the condition. Several forms of complementary and alternative medicine have been studied for their effectiveness in treatment of ocular allergy symptoms. Further research is needed to assess mechanisms of action and to establish practice guidelines for the use of these modalities

The effect of homœopathic medicines on yeast growth

A reproducible method for testing the effect of homœopathic medicines on yeast cultures is described. Potencies of Sulphur, Arnica montana, Chamomilla, Bryonia alba, Euphrasia officinalis, and Pulsatilla were tested for theri effect on the rate of growth of Schizosaccharomyces pombe. No significant differences were found between the growth rate of test and control samples.

Effects of Bryophytes on Seedling Emergence and Establishment of Short- Lived Forbs in Chalk Grassland

(1) Spatial and temporal variation in bryophyte cover and its effect on differentiation of the regeneration niche in a Dutch chalk grassland was investigated. (2) Seedling emergence was negatively correlated with bryophyte cover in Carlina vulgaris, Euphrasia officinalis and to a lesser extent in Linum catharticum; no significant correlation could be found for Gentianella germanica or Scabiosa columbaria. (3) Seedling mortality was lower with high bryophyte cover in Carlina vulgaris and Linum cartharticum. (4) Removal of bryophytes in the previous autumn increased emergence and survival in Linum catharticum, but had no effect on the other species. (5) Radiant flux and red/far-red quotient were shown to be reduced below a bryophyte cover.

ON THE ECOLOGY OF SHORT‐LIVED FORBS IN CHALK GRASSLANDS: LIFE‐HISTORY CHARACTERISTICS

SummaryThe life‐histories of Carlina vulgaris L., Daucus carota L., Euphrasia officinalis L., Gentianella germanica (Willd). Börner, Linum catharticum L., and Scabiosa columbaria L. in a chalk grassland in the Netherlands are described on the basis of frequent observations during a period of three and a half years. E. officinalis and a small part of the L. catharticum population were found to be annual. G. germanica and the major part of the L. catharticum population were biennial, whereas the other species took several years to reach maturity. All species except the major part of the Scabiosa columbaria population were monocarpic.Vegetation cover influenced the occurrence of short‐lived forbs, but a large variation is found in the data. In D. carota, E. officinalis and Scabiosa columbaria seed production had a marked effect on seedling density in the following year.Shoot growth in Scabiosa columbaria seedlings varied at various vegetation densities. Furthermore, a marked correlation was found between rosette size and the probability of becoming mature in the subsequent year.Within one grassland, life‐history types within the group of short‐lived species are found to vary. On the one hand, there are the small‐seeded annuals with high mortality, but rather constant density of mature plants (Euphrasia), and on the other hand there are the more conservative life histories (Carlina, Daucus and Scabiosa), with larger seeds, lower mortality rates, but higher age of first reproduction and considerable variation in the density' of individuals.

On the ecology of short-lived forbs in chalk grasslands: micro-site tolerances in relation to vegetation structure

Some aspects of vegetation structure in two chalk grasslands were studied throughout the year in relation to the occurrence of some short-lived plant species per life-cycle stage. Whereas the main growth period is in May–June, there is another relatively important growth period in less productive stands in August. When the species are arranged in the order of their tolerance for less to more productive micro-sites during the adult life phase the following sequence emerges considering a generally weak significance in the results. Carlina vulgaris, Euphrasia officinalis, Gentianella germanica, and Scabiosa columbaria, Linum catharticum, Anthyllis vulneraria, and Daucus carota. In some species this preference was found to shift from seedling to vegetative and reproductove phase. Each life phase usually has its special abundance with regard to vegetation density.

The Plant Ecology of Ant-Hills in Calcareous Grasslands: I. Patterns of Species in Relation to Ant-Hills in Southern England

SUMMARY (1) Ant-hills built by Lasius flavus (F.) occur frequently in permanent grasslands in southern Britain and bear a distinctive flora. (2) The vegetation of large ant-hills was compared with that of the surrounding grassland at thirteen chalk grassland and chalk heath sites in southern England. At each site, the percentage cover of each species was estimated on eight mounds and in eight associated pasture quadrats. (3) Most plant species showed consistent patterns in relation to ant-hills. (4) Annuals, particularly Arenaria serpyllifolia, were often confined to ant-hills. The perennial chamaephytes Cerastium holosteoides, Helianthemum chamaecistus and Thymus drucei were also significantly more abundant on the mounds (P < 005). (5) Of the species which were equally abundant on and around the ant-hills, some, like Agrostis stolonifera, Campanula rotundifolia, Festuca rubra and Galium verum, are stoloniferous and able to grow up through soil heaped onto the surface of the mounds by the ants, and others, such as Euphrasia officinalis agg., Gentianella amarella, Linum catharticum and Medicago lupulina, are short-lived and able to flower on the anthills. (6) The perennial herbs Carexflacca, Cirsium acaule, Filipendula vulgaris, Hieracium pilosella, Leontodon hispidus, Plantago lanceolata, P. media, Poterium sanguisorba, Succisa pratensis and Trifolium pratense, together with the tufted perennial grasses Dactylis glomerata, Helictotrichon pratense and Zerna erecta, were among the species which were significantly more abundant in the pasture than on the mounds (P< 0 05). (7) The differences in environment between ant-hills and the surrounding grassland are discussed in detail. Soil analyses showed no large or consistent differences in nutrient content between ant-hill and pasture soils. Compared with the surrounding pasture, the mounds have a shorter vegetation, greater dunging pressure from rabbits, and a drier soil with more bare patches, smaller structural aggregates, a lower bulk density and greater extremes of temperature.

EINIGE MERKWÜRDIGE ANOMALIEN

SUMMARY Description is given of a number of abnormalities. Oenothera biennis L. Short axillary racemes with small flowers instead of the normal axillary flowers. Chrysanthemum coccineum Willd. Heads without a single flower, resembling a small toadstool. Aquilegia vulgaris L. Several cases of petaloid stamens with their spurs enclosed in the spurs of normal petals. Potentilla verna L. A specimen with incised petals. Euphrasia officinalis L. Fasciation of flowers. Rubus fruticosus L. s.l. Prolification of flowers. Myosotis spec. Pleiotaxy of the corolla.