Evergreen Oak Research Articles

Ancient parasites from a peat bog: New insights into animal presence and husbandry in Crete over the past 2000 years

This paper presents an original palaeoparasitological study performed on samples from a sedimentary core in a peat bog (Asi Gonia, White Mountains, Crete, Greece). The aim of the study is to test the preservation and concentration of parasitic remains in peat sediments, to discuss animal presence around the site throughout the record, and to compare the results with other biomarkers of environmental history. In this aim, 22 sediment samples distributed between the Roman period and the present were processed and the residues were observed under light microscopy in search of parasitic markers (microscopic eggs or oocysts). The majority of the samples (86.4%) tested positive for the presence of helminth eggs. Several taxa were observed throughout the studied period, including Trichuris sp., Ascaris sp., Capillaria sp., Fasciola sp., Paramphistomum sp. and Macracanthorhynchus sp. The assemblage of parasite markers changes throughout the record and the variations show close correlations with previously published grazing indicators (fungal spores) and vegetation changes (pollen grains). This study sheds lights on animal associations and changing environments in the watershed over the past 2000 years. Indeed, we detected three main phases consisting of: Roman animal herding with pigs in an evergreen oak forest, then a more irregular but almost constant presence of ruminants during a second Byzantine and modern phase in a heather maquis landscape and, finally, present-day grazing in a phrygana/steppe landscape. These results highlight how palaeoparasitology can contribute to multi-proxy approaches in peat bog sedimentary sequences.

The complete chloroplast genome sequence of Quercus stewardiana (Fagaceae)

Quercus stewardiana A.Camus is an East Asian evergreen oak tree species belonging to Quercus section Cyclobalanopsis. In this study, we assembled and annotated the complete chloroplast (cp) genome of the species. The circular genome is 160,842 bp in size, presenting a typical quadripartite structure including two copies of inverted repeat (IR) regions (25,823 bp), one large single-copy (LSC) region (90,294 bp), and one small single-copy (SSC) region (18,902 bp). It encodes a total of 114 unique genes, including 80 protein-coding genes, 30 tRNA genes, and four rRNA genes. Phylogenetic analysis based on cp genome sequences of 35 Fagaceae species indicated that Q. stewardiana was more closely related to Q. myrsinifolia.

Structure and Dynamics of Deadwood in Pine and Oak Stands and their Role in CO2 Sequestration in Lowland Forests of Central Italy

There are many data values describing deadwood in primary forests, however, there is much less information concerning managed forests, particularly in the Mediterranean area. Whole non-living woody biomass (deadwood) is the main component of forest types that plays a vital role in improving and maintaining biodiversity. The dynamics of deadwood and CO2 sequestration by deadwood were examined in three Mediterranean lowland forests: pine forest Pinus pinea L.), evergreen oak forest (Quercus ilex and Quercus suber L.), and deciduous oak forest (Quercus cerris L.). The aim of this study was to carry out a quantitative and qualitative evaluation of the deadwood to gather useful information for the Mediterranean forest management, and to provide some useful data that can be integrated into the methods of estimation for carbon stored in dead components of Mediterranean forest types. The investigations focused on the characterization of the deadwood, to determine which traits are dominant and their potentially functionality within the forest type. Results indicated the deciduous oak type had the highest amount of stand volume (379 m3/ha), deadwood volume (161.8 m3/ha), and C storage (31.43 t/ha). The major component of dead wood was the standing dead trees or snags. There was a higher volume of deadwood in the deciduous oak forest than in the pine and evergreen oak forests. In addition, the deciduous oak forest had a higher snag creation index, a higher fallen log creation index, and a higher past management index compared to pine and evergreen oak forest types. Deadwood volume increased as the decay class in the deciduous oak forest increased, while this trend decreased in the evergreen oak and pine forests. The amount of deadwood was affected by the forest type and forest management regime. Dynamic and past management of deadwood indices indicated that their structure was still in the initial phase of creation and decay in the pine and evergreen oak forests. A comparison with other studies on similar forest types brought out that the variation range of the main parameters for the management of deadwood fell within the variation of the parameters studied. However, the values of these parameters cover a broad range. The population of each forest type is extremely sensitive to the different evolutionary periods of the forest dynamics.

Water and nutrient relations of mistletoes at the drought limit of their hosting evergreen oaks in the semiarid upper Yangtze region, SW China

Water and nutrient relations of mistletoes at the drought limit of their hosting evergreen oaks in the semiarid upper Yangtze region, SW China

The complete chloroplast genome sequence of Quercus phillyraeoides (Fagaceae)

Quercus phillyraeoides A. Gray is an evergreen oak species native to East Asia, and it plays a vital role in mountain ecosystems. In this study, we assembled the complete chloroplast genome of Q. phillyraeoides based on sequencing data. The genome was circular and 161,384 bp in length, consisting of a large single-copy region (90,617 bp), small single-copy region (19,035 bp), and two short inverted repeat regions (25,866 bp). We found that the cp genome encodes for 131 genes, including 85 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 8 rRNA genes, and 37 tRNA genes. The results of the phylogenetic analysis of the complete cp genome sequence illustrated that Q. phillyraeoides is a member of the section Quercus and it is most closely related to Q. tarokoensis.

923. QUERCUS LAMELLOSA

SummaryThe evergreen oak, Quercus lamellosa, is illustrated. Its discovery by Francis Buchanan‐Hamilton and its ecology are described. Suggestions for its cultivation are given.

Seed germination schedule and environmental context shaped the population genetic structure of subtropical evergreen oaks on the Yun-Gui Plateau, Southwest China.

The evergreen broadleaved forests (EBLFs) of Southwest China have a long-term stable environment and support a diverse flora, thus forming a global biodiversity hotspot. However, the key drivers that have shaped the genetic diversity patterns of species in these EBLFs are not well understood. Quercus delavayi, Q. schottkyana, and Q. kerrii are sympatric oak species with different seed biological traits that are typical for these EBLFs. This study combined multilocus phylogeography and ecological niche modeling to screen 33 Q. delavayi populations. Their population genetic structure was inferred in comparison with previous studies on Q. schottkyana and Q. kerrii. The seed germination traits of all three species were also investigated. cpDNAs showed a significant phylogeographic structure in Q. delavayi, which was not detected in Q. schottkyana or Q. kerrii. Quercus delavayi, Q. kerrii, and Q. schottkyana exhibited different pollen-to-seed migration ratios (r = 219, 117, and 22, respectively), which are linked to the germination schedules of acorns. The distributions of Q. delavayi and Q. schottkyana remained long-term stable since the last glacial maximum (LGM) with a similar nSSR genetic gradient change along latitude. Instead, Q. kerrii experienced a prominent range expansion since the LGM with genetic diversification between the East and the West of the Tanaka line due to environmental heterogeneity. These results identify seed traits and environmental heterogeneity as two key drivers that shape the population genetic structure of EBLF trees in Southwest China. These should be considered in regional forestry conservation and management.

Long‐term dynamics of shrub facilitation shape the mixing of evergreen and deciduous oaks in Mediterranean abandoned fields

Abstract Recovery of Mediterranean forests after field abandonment is a slow process, even without propagule limitations. This is mainly due to stressful conditions for seedling establishment. In this context, shrubs play a critical role in facilitating tree recruitment, but how this process unfolds after field abandonment is not entirely known. We evaluated the long‐term dynamics of facilitation by the nurse shrub Retama sphaerocarpa in the recruitment of two ecologically contrasting oaks, the evergreen Quercus ilex and the deciduous Quercus faginea. Thirty years after field abandonment, we dated shrubs and oaks established in an old field to estimate the annual recruitment rates and investigate temporal recruitment patterns. For oaks, we differentiated recruitment at two microsites: open areas or under shrub. To assess how nurse shrubs modulated environmental stressors, we modelled oak recruitment as a function of climatic variables. For the evergreen oak, we assessed these effects within each microsite. Finally, we estimated the annual interaction index between shrubs and evergreen oak juveniles as a function of climatic conditions. Each species showed different recruitment pulses during colonization. Recruitment rate was the highest for the shrub, followed by the evergreen oak. Oak colonization under shrubs was appreciable 20 years after field abandonment, when shrub cover reached 2.2%, and concentrated under medium and large shrubs older than 7 years. Shrubs not only accelerated evergreen oak colonization but also attenuated the fluctuations of recruitment pulses. For the evergreen oak, the interaction index indicated facilitation dominance in years with more arid summers (precipitation < 47 mm and heat waves longer than 8 days) and competition in wetter summers. Synthesis. Oak colonization in Mediterranean abandoned fields progressed slowly, and only two decades after abandonment pioneer shrub population grew to a level in size and number that could effectively trigger facilitation and accelerate tree recruitment. The shrub nurse effect was unbalanced between oak species, only benefiting the evergreen oak, and it was more prevalent in arid years. Our study illustrates the build‐up of shrub facilitation during forest recolonization and the varying nature of this process among climatically different years and ecologically distinct species. This information provides insights for assessing and managing Mediterranean forest recovery.

AN EVALUATION ON THE TURKISH NAMES OF THE EVERGREEN OAKS IN TURKEY

Türkiye’de üç herdem yeşil meşe türü [pırnal meşesi (Quercus ilex L.), kermes meşesi (Quercus coccifera L.) ve boz pırnal (Quercus aucheri Jaub. & Spach)] doğal yetişmektedir. Bu türlerin adları bilimsel kaynaklar ve geleneksel kullanımda yer yer önemli farklılıklar içermektedir. Makalenin amacı, Türkiye’deki herdem yeşil meşelerin bilimsel kaynaklar ve halk arasındaki adlarının bir değerlendirmesini yapmak ve bu türlerin Türkçe adlarının kullanımına yönelik ortak bir dil geliştirme adına öneriler sunmaktır. Bu kapsamda yapılan değerlendirmelerde, Quercus ilex için “çakpelit ve kaba pırnal/kaba piynar”, Quercus coccifera için “dikenli pırnal/piynar” ya da “kara pırnal/piynar” ve Quercus aucheri için de “boz pırnal/ piynar” adlarının, türlerin Türkçe adları olarak kullanılmasının uygun olacağı sonucuna varılmıştır.

Site-specific distribution of oak rhizosphere-associated oomycetes revealed by cytochrome c oxidase subunit II metabarcoding.

The phylum Oomycota comprises important tree pathogens like Phytophthora quercina, involved in central European oak decline, and Phytophthora cinnamomi shown to affect holm oaks among many other hosts. Despite the importance to study the distribution, dispersal and niche partitioning of this phylum, metabarcoding surveys, and studies considering environmental factors that could explain oomycete community patterns are still rare. We investigated oomycetes in the rhizosphere of evergreen oaks in a Spanish oak woodland using metabarcoding based on Illumina sequencing of the taxonomic marker cytochrome c oxidase subunit II (cox2). We developed an approach amplifying a 333 bp long fragment using the forward primer Hud‐F (Mycologia, 2000) and a reverse primer found using DegePrime (Applied and Environmental Microbiology, 2014). Factors reflecting topo‐edaphic conditions and tree health were linked to oomycete community patterns. The majority of detected OTUs belonged to the Peronosporales. Most taxa were relatives of the Pythiaceae, but relatives of the Peronosporaceae and members of the Saprolegniales were also found. The most abundant OTUs were related to Globisporangium irregulare and P. cinnamomi, both displaying strong site‐specific patterns. Oomycete communities were strongly correlated with the environmental factors: altitude, crown foliation, slope and soil skeleton and soil nitrogen. Our findings illustrate the significance of small scale variation in habitat conditions for the distribution of oomycetes and highlight the importance to study oomycete communities in relation to such ecological patterns.

Production of winter eggs in Schizotetranychus brevisetosus (Acari: Tetranychidae) inhabiting evergreen Japanese blue oak.

The overwintering pattern of parasitic herbivorous arthropods is closely related to host phenology, because defoliation imposes strong selection pressures on various developmental stages. This relationship has been well studied in populations of spider mites (Acari: Tetranychidae) on deciduous hosts, but is little studied in populations on evergreen hosts, probably because their leaves are always available. However, spring defoliation may also influence the life cycle. We studied the overwintering pattern of Schizotetranychus brevisetosus (Acari: Tetranychidae), a specialist on evergreen oak, Quercus glauca, in Kochi, Japan. Only adult females and their eggs (winter eggs) survived the coldest months. We also observed a conspicuous seasonal change in egg colour and size: December winter eggs were 1.7× larger than September summer eggs, suggesting the winter eggs are diapausing. Adult females produced summer eggs until November and winter eggs from late November until they disappeared in March. The winter eggs hatched in early March. The immature stages developed in mid- to late March, when 39% of old leaves fell, some of which carried hundreds of immature individuals. Therefore, even in evergreen hosts, defoliation places potentially strong selection pressure on the immature stages. Despite this, S. brevisetosus appears not to change its egg hatching season to avoid the defoliation season, so it may have evolved a behavioural adaptation to escape falling leaves. The existence of several species with similar lifestyles suggests the importance of host phenology and predation pressure for evolution of the overwintering pattern.

Complete Chloroplast Genome Sequence and Phylogenetic Analysis of Quercus bawanglingensis Huang, Li et Xing, a Vulnerable Oak Tree in China

Quercus bawanglingensis Huang, Li et Xing, an endemic evergreen oak of the genus Quercus (Fagaceae) in China, is currently listed in the Red List of Chinese Plants as a vulnerable (VU) plant. No chloroplast (cp) genome information is currently available for Q. bawanglingensis, which would be essential for the establishment of guidelines for its conservation and breeding. In the present study, the cp genome of Q. bawanglingensis was sequenced and assembled into double-stranded circular DNA with a length of 161,394 bp. Two inverted repeats (IRs) with a total of 51,730 bp were identified, and the rest of the sequence was separated into two single-copy regions, namely, a large single-copy (LSC) region (90,628 bp) and a small single-copy (SSC) region (19,036 bp). The genome of Q. bawanglingensis contains 134 genes (86 protein-coding genes, 40 tRNAs and eight rRNAs). More forward (29) than inverted long repeats (21) are distributed in the cp genome. A simple sequence repeat (SSR) analysis showed that the genome contains 82 SSR loci, involving 84.15% A/T mononucleotides. Sequence comparisons among the nine complete cp genomes, including the genomes of Q. bawanglingensis, Q. tarokoensis Hayata (NC036370), Q. aliena var. acutiserrata Maxim. ex Wenz. (KU240009), Q. baronii Skan (KT963087), Q. aquifolioides Rehd. et Wils. (KX911971), Q. variabilis Bl. (KU240009), Fagus engleriana Seem. (KX852398), Lithocarpus balansae (Drake) A. Camus (KP299291) and Castanea mollissima Bl. (HQ336406), demonstrated that the diversity of SC regions was higher than that of IR regions, which might facilitate identification of the relationships within this extremely complex family. A phylogenetic analysis showed that Fagus engleriana and Trigonobalanus doichangensis form the basis of the produced evolutionary tree. Q. bawanglingensis and Q. tarokoensis, which belong to the group Ilex, share the closest relationship. The analysis of the cp genome of Q. bawanglingensis provides crucial genetic information for further studies of this vulnerable species and the taxonomy, phylogenetics and evolution of Quercus.

Last Glacial Maximum, early Holocene and modern environments of the northern South China Sea region: Insight from SEM analysis of Oak (Quercus) pollen.

Oak (Quercus) pollen was identified at the infra-generic (i.e. sub-genus to species) utilizing Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) images of modern (i.e. 18 species from southern China) and fossil pollen grains from northern South China Sea (SCS) marine and terrestrial sediments. Key morphological characteristics of Quercus exine sculpture were used to separate the pollen into evergreen and deciduous groups, with this distinction applied to the fossil oak pollen from the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) and early Holocene periods. The presence of Quercus pollen from the modern Pearl River and northern SCS suggests long distance transport from inland temperate to tropical regions surrounding the SCS. Fossil oak pollen from terrestrial and marine sediments from the northern SCS region suggests different pollen representation between these two sedimentary environments, with the terrestrial site dominated by evergreen Quercus types and the marine location showing greater representation of deciduous oak species. The presence of both evergreen and deciduous oak pollen in the LGM age marine sediments suggests only moderate cooling during this time period, while the dramatic increase of deciduous Quercus pollen in the marine core, as well as generally higher pollen influx values, reflects greater fluvial discharge, which in turn is linked to increased precipitation in the region during the early Holocene period.

Soil seed bank composition of three forest stands at different developmental stages in a warm-temperate forest in western Japan

ABSTRACTWe investigated the composition of buried viable seeds for woody species in three forest stands in a warm-temperate forest at different developmental stages: a secondary deciduous broad-leaved forest, an evergreen broad-leaved forest where an evergreen oak became dominant recently, and a well-developed evergreen broad-leaved forest. Although no clear relationship was found between total density or species number of buried viable seeds for woody species and the stands, their composition was likely to change from being dominated by wind-dispersed species to frugivore-dispersed species in accordance with their developmental stage. For wind-dispersed species, the distribution of buried viable seed was related to the existence of their reproductive adults, which would significantly decrease as forest development. In the later developmental stage of the stands, buried viable seeds of frugivore-dispersed woody species significantly increased and their distribution tended to be even. It is suggested that the importance of frugivore-dispersed woody species may increase in a soil seed bank as forest stand development progressed in a warm-temperate secondary forest, where evergreen oaks usually become dominant.

The complete chloroplast genome sequence of Quercus myrsinifolia (Fagaceae)

Quercus myrsinifolia Blume is an evergreen oak tree species native to East Asia, and is also one of the dominant trees of subtropical evergreen broad-leaved forests. In this study, we sequenced and analysed the complete chloroplast (cp) genome of the species. The circular genome is 160,803 bp in size, consisting of two copies of inverted repeat (IR) regions of 25,840 bp, one large single-copy (LSC) region of 90,223 bp, and one small single-copy (SSC) region of 18,900 bp. It encodes a total of 114 unique genes, including 80 protein-coding genes, 30 tRNA genes, and four rRNA genes. Phylogenetic analysis based on 30 cp genome sequences indicated that Q. myrsinifolia was among the members of section Cyclobalanopsis, and was most closely related to Q. sichourensis.

Differential larval phenology affects nestling condition of Green-backed Tit (Parus monticolus) in broadleaf and coniferous habitats, subtropical Taiwan

Trophic interactions between birds and their prey often vary among habitat types, but they are poorly studied in low-latitude regions. We assessed the seasonal effect of larval abundance on the breeding performance of the Green-backed Tit (Parus monticolus), a caterpillar specialist, in broadleaf (mixed-oak forest) and coniferous (conifer plantation) habitats in subtropical Taiwan. We measured the biomass of Lepidoptera and Hymenoptera larvae in five tree species: two evergreen oaks and one deciduous alder in broadleaf habitat and two conifers in coniferous habitat. Alder supported a high larval biomass peak in early spring, dominated by noctuid and sawfly larvae, while the two oaks had later, lower peaks. The diversity of trees in the broadleaf habitat supported a broad food peak, spiking in early spring and gradually declining. In contrast, the coniferous habitat had a comparatively lower larval biomass that increased slightly over the season and included a high percentage of hairy lithosiines. Habitat-specific seasonality in larval abundance affected nestling conditions. Early-brood nestlings in the broadleaf habitat were heavier than those in the coniferous habitat. However, the between-habitat difference disappeared in the late broods because the mass of nestlings in the coniferous habitat increased significantly. We found a linear relationship between nestling condition and the total larval biomass available at demand peaks, but there were no differences in annual breeding density, late-brood frequency, laying date, clutch size, or fledging success between the two habitats. Food availability constrained nestling growth but not survival. Habitat-related trophic interactions are present in these subtropical montane forests.

Present status and future of boletoid fungi (Boletaceae) on the island of Cyprus: Cryptic and threatened diversity unravelled by ten-year study

Fungi historically placed in the iconic genera of Boletus, Leccinum and Xerocomus have been the subject of major taxonomic revisions in recent years. Yet, despite all advancements in systematics, boletoid fungi in insular ecosystems remain little explored and our knowledge of their diversity, distribution and abundance in Mediterranean ecoregions is far from complete. To shed light on this blind spot, the findings of a ten-year study from the island of Cyprus were analysed, integrating phylogenetic, ecological, morphological, phenological and chorological data. An unexpected diversity of Boletaceae fungi is unveiled, with twenty-five species phylogenetically confirmed to be present on the island, thirteen of them previously unreported. Sequencing of the ITS rDNA region, reveals crypticism within the Butyriboletus fechtneri, Caloboletus radicans, Rubroboletus lupinus and Rheubarbariboletus armeniacus species-complexes and infrageneric relationships are discussed. A strong link between boletoid fungi and Mediterranean oaks of the ilicoid group (Quercus alnifolia, Quercus coccifera subsp. calliprinos) is illustrated, with nineteen species (76%) overall found to be strictly or broadly associated with evergreen oaks. In stark contrast, the semi-deciduous Quercus infectoria subsp. veneris appears to be an unfavorable host for boletoid fungi, with just a single associated species so far. Phenological and chorological records indicate that most species on the island are rare, highly localized and fruit during very brief spells several years apart, mainly in response to increased annual, late summer or early autumn precipitation. The conservation status of these high-profile fungi is hence discussed, particularly in view of alarming climate changes, forecasted to have a dramatic impact on Mediterranean ecosystems in the years to come.

Carbon-use strategies in stem radial growth of two oak species, one Temperate deciduous and one Mediterranean evergreen: what can be inferred from seasonal variations in the δ13C of the current year ring?

Tree ring synthesis is a key process in wood production; however, little is known of the origin and fate of the carbon involved. We used natural 13C abundance to investigate the carbon-use process for the ring development in a temperate deciduous (Quercus petraea (Matt.) Liebl.) and a Mediterranean evergreen (Quercus ilex L.) oak. The sapwood carbon reserves, phloem sucrose contents, stem respired CO2 efflux and their respective carbon isotope compositions (δ13C) were recorded over 1 year, in the native area of each species. The seasonal δ13C variation of the current year ring was determined in the total ring throughout the seasons, as well as in slices from the fully mature ring after the growth season (intra-ring pattern). Although the budburst dates of the two oaks were similar, the growth of Quercus ilex began 50days later. Both species exhibited growth cessation during the hot and dry summer but only Q. ilex resumed in the autumn. In the deciduous oak, xylem starch storage showed clear variations during the radial growth. The intra-ring δ13C variations of the two species exhibited similar ranges, but contrasting patterns, with an early increase for Q. petraea. Comparison between δ13C of starch and total ring suggested that Q. petraea (but not Q. ilex) builds its rings using reserves during the first month of growth. Shifts in ring and soluble sugars δ13C suggested an interspecific difference in either the phloem unloading or the use of fresh assimilate inside the ring. A decrease in ring δ13C for both oaks between the end of the radial growth and the winter is attributed to a lignification of ring cell walls after stem increment. This study highlighted the differences in carbon-use during ring growth for evergreen and deciduous oaks, as well as the benefits of exploring the process using natural 13C abundance.

Physicochemical Properties and Pollen Profile of Oak Honeydew and Evergreen Oak Honeydew Honeys from Spain: A Comparative Study.

This work investigates the similarities and differences of oak honeydew (Quercus pyrenaica Willd.) and evergreen honeydew (Quercus ilex L.) honey produced in Spain. For this purpose, the physicochemical characteristics of 17 samples from oak honeydew and 11 samples from evergreen honeydew collected in different geographical regions were analyzed. All the samples accomplished European Union requirements for honey consumption. Both honey types had amber dark color; however, the evergreen oak honey was clearer than oak honey, having higher mean values in a* and b* coordinates of CIELab scale. In general, both honey types exhibited high electrical conductivity, a moderate value of pH, medium to low water content, and high diastase activity. The reducing sugar content was significantly lower and maltose content was significantly higher in evergreen honeydew. In addition, total phenols and total flavonoid contents, the antioxidant activity and the melissopalynological analysis was performed. The oak honeydew honey had a higher abundance of Castanea, Rubus and Erica pollen grains, while the evergreen oak honeydew honey had a higher abundance of Lavandula, Olea europaea or Anthyllis cytisoides. A multivariate analysis using the most representative pollen types and physicochemical components facilitated the differentiation of the honey samples, thus this information can be useful for the honey characterization.

Modulating and opposite actions of two aqueous extracts prepared from Cinnamomum cassia L. bark and Quercus ilex L. on the gastrointestinal tract in rats.

Cinnamon bark and evergreen oak acorns, natural sources of functional ingredients, are effective for those suffering from diarrhea, constipation and irritable bowel syndrome. This study aimed to evaluate the dissimilar phytochemical composition and the opposite potential actions of Cinnamomum cassia bark (ACCE) and Quercus ilex aqueous extracts (GIAE) on gastrointestinal (GI)-physiological activities and disruptions. An HPLC-PDA/ESI-MS assay was used to identify the distinctive qualitative and quantitative profiles of phenolic compounds. The GI-physiological action of both extracts on gastric emptying (GE) and gastrointestinal transit time (GIT) were evaluated using the phenol-red colorimetric method and a test meal containing charcoal/gum arabic in water. Loperamide (LOP)-induced colonic constipation and delayed emptying of the stomach were used to explore the reverse effects of ACCE/GIAE on GI disorders. HPLC-PDA/ESI-MS showed that the main phenolic compounds detected in ACCE are trans-cinnamic acid, quinic acid, protocatechuic acid and rosmarinic acid, while gallic acid, quinic acid and protocatechuic acid are the major chemical constituents found in GIAE. GIAE at two doses (150 and 300 mg kg−1) exerted a reduction of GE (66.40% and 60.87%, respectively) compared to a control group (70.25%). However, ACCE at the same concentrations induced contradictory actions on GE/GIT in comparison to GIAE and antagonistic synthetic pharmacological drugs in rats. The protective effect of CCAE against constipation induced by LOP in rats was accompanied by a strong antioxidant property related to moderation of intracellular-mediator disorders. An absence of toxic actions was revealed in the case of the hematological profile and biochemical parameters. Hence, in-depth investigations of these nutrients of both extracts may help future researchers to derive the underlying mechanisms and potential molecular targets for the development of physiologically functional foods and future therapies.