Asteraceae Research Articles

Anti-inflammatory Actions of Praxelis Clematidea

Praxelis clematidea is a plant species that belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is native to South America and has been traditionally used in folk medicine for its medicinal properties. Researchers have investigated the chemical constituents of Praxelis clematidea and identified several anti-inflammatory phenolics and phenylpropanoids. Here is some information about these compounds: The anti-inflammatory properties of Praxelis clematidea phenolics and phenylpropanoids make them of interest for potential therapeutic applications. Studies have identified various phenolics and phenylpropanoids in Praxelis clematidea, including flavonoids, caffeic acid derivatives, coumarins, and lignans. Some of the specific compounds reported include clematidin, clematomandshurin, clematoside-I, clematoside-II, and praxelin. Liang and his colleagues have demonstrated the anti-inflammatory activity of these compounds. They have been shown to inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory molecules, such as nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), and pro-inflammatory cytokines like interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). They can inhibit the activation of transcription factors like nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and activator protein-1 (AP-1), which are key regulators of inflammatory responses. The authors concluded that given their anti-inflammatory properties, the phenolics and phenylpropanoids from Praxelis clematidea have the potential for use in the development of natural anti-inflammatory agents or as leads for drug discovery targeting inflammation-related conditions. Fitoterapia. 2023 Jun;167:105476. doi: 10.1016/j.fitote.2023.105476.

Investigation of physico-chemical properties and evaluation of the biological potential of essential oil extracted from Artemisia pallens

Artemisia pallens, an aromatic and medicinal plant occasionally referred to as Davana is a member of the Asteraceae family. Understanding the physiochemical and therapeutic properties of Davana essential oil (DEO) is the major aim of this study. Essential oil from plant material was extracted using the hydro-distillation method. Examination of the phytochemical components and several plant constituents from the whole oil were detected using GC–MS analysis and some components were Isobutyl propionate, 4,5-Dimethyl-Thiazole, Ligustrazin, Endo-2-Norborneol, Tetradecanoic acid, and Octadecanoic acid. The thermal stability of the oil was tested using thermoanalytical studies such as TG–DTA and DSC. Moreover, to comprehend the biological potential of the oil antimicrobial, antituberculosis, antimalarial, antioxidant, anticancer, and antibiofilm activities were investigated essential oil was tested for antimicrobial activity against 10 bacterial and 7 fungal strains. The antimalarial potential was evaluated against Plasmodium falciparum. Cytotoxicity of the DEO was determined against MCF-7, HeLa, and CHO cell lines employing MTT assay. Meanwhile, the DPPH assay was adopted to assess antioxidant potential, and the ability to suppress biofilm formation was also assessed. The study’s findings reveal that Artemisia pallens is a reservoir of natural compounds and can be used against numerous ailments.

Anthocyanin Content and Antioxidant Activity of Red Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat.) at Different Flower Ages

Chrysanthemum sp. is a floricultural plant of the Asteraceae family with high economic value. The anthocyanin pigment in red chrysanthemum acts as an antioxidant, the content of which can be influenced by genetic factors such as the physiological age of the flower. This study aimed to determine the effect of flower age on anthocyanin content and antioxidant activity in red chrysanthemum plants. The age of red chrysanthemum used was 115 Days After Planting (DAP) (early bloom stage), 120 DAP (half-bloom stage), 125 DAP (blooming stage), and 134 DAP (wilted flower). The anthocyanin content was analysed using spectrophotometric methods. Antioxidant activity was determined by the DPPH method and then the absorbance was measured using a UV-Vis spectrophotometer. The results showed that the highest anthocyanin content was obtained at the age of 134 DAP at 3.56 mg/g, followed by the age of 115 DAP at 2.40 mg/g, then at 125 DAP at 1.95 mg/g and the lowest at 120 DAP at 1, 69 mg/g. The highest antioxidant activity was shown in chrysanthemum flowers aged 115 DAP which had an IC50 value of 288.85 g/ml. The research shows that wilted chrysanthemum flowers still contain anthocyanins so it can be used in various industrial fields such as chrysanthemum tea and additives for soap.

Ecological impact of alien plant invasion in national parks of an Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot in India

The present study aims to evaluate the ecological impact of invasion in two protected areas and provides the first authentic inventory of alien plants with their invasion status. Random sampling technique was followed along with nested quadrats to investigate the phytosociological status of invasion by the alien plants. The ecological studies revealed the occurrence of 207 alien plant species 193 genera under 59 families. The family Asteraceae exhibited the highest species diversity with 38 plant species followed by families like Fabaceae (20 species), Euphorbiaceae (8 species), Convolvulaceae (8 species) and Amaranthaceae (7 species). Most of the alien plants (31%) belonged to American origin followed by 9.18 % from Mexican, 9.17 % from African and 5.31% from European origin. Out of the total species recorded, it was observed that 60.38% herbs, 12.56% trees and 11.11% were shrubs. Phytosociological investigation showed that the lowest reading of Shannon diversity index (H’=1.897) was found in the herb layer of disturbed habitats in the middle altitude of Murlen national park in comparison to the disturbed habitats in the middle altitude of Phawngpui national park (H’=2.198). Ageratina adenophora, Mikania micrantha, Ageratina riparia and Chromolaena odorata were observed as the most noxious invasive alien plants. This database may be utilized to prepare the area's conservation or forest management plans.

Analisis Vegetasi Tumbuhan Bawah di Kawasan Geopark Silokek Kabupaten Sijunjung

Research on the analysis of undergrowth vegetation in the Silokek Geopark Area, Sijunjung Regency. This study aims to determine the composition and structure of the undergrowth in the Silokek Geopark Area, Sijunjung Regency. Vegetation analysis was carried out by using the transect method and purposive sampling by placing plots on the right and left of the transect, with a plot size of 2x2 m. There are 10 plots were created and species identification was carried out at the Andalas University Herbarium. Based on the results of the study, 12 families, 15 genera, 15 species, and 103 individuals were found with the dominant family being Poaceae and the co-dominant families Asteraceae, Schizaeceae, and Selaginellaceae. The highest important value index of Lygodium circinnatum is 30.79%. Understorey diversity index of 2.57. Based on the research, it can be concluded that the Poaceae family is able to reproduce well in this location and the diversity of understoreys is classified as moderate. It is recommended that local governments and local communities protect the biodiversity in this area.

Economically important species of Asteraceae: An overview of leaf epidermal micro-morphology with respect to water availability

This paper reports the result of a study undertaken with a view to documenting responses of leaf epidermal parameters of three economically important species of the family Asteraceae: Aspilia africana, Chromolaena odorata and Vernonia amygdalina from Nigeria to seasonal water stress. Obtained quantitative data showed a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in stomata density and index on the abaxial surface in Chromolaena odorata in dry conditions. The increased stomata densities and indices on the adaxial surfaces in Aspilia africana and Vernonia amygdalina in the wet season suggest that CO2 was more taken up. The reduction in stomata size (on both leaf surfaces in the three taxa) in the dry season indicated species' adaptations to dry conditions and reduction in stomatal conductance. Turgescent guard cell in the three species in the wet season indicated stomatal opening, which could, though, be a hormonal response to water availability since transpiration needed to be activated. The ability of Aspilia africana to reduce water loss and defend against herbivores greatly increased in plants that developed in dry conditions by possessing more multicellular trichomes in comparison to wet conditions, while in Vernonia amygdalina, the number increased during the wet season. Water stress had little or no effect on the micro-morphology of anticlinal walls and the shapes and arrangements of the epidermal cells in the three species. This study revealed that investigations into leaf epidermal micro-morphology might be a useful tool to elucidate the multiple mechanisms underlying leaf epidermal structure function in response to water availability.

Inventarisasi Dan Identifikasi Jenis Tumbuhan Famili Asteraceae Di Kawasan Jawa Barat

The introduction of the Asteraceae family is actually known for its many types. There is a family of Asteraceae which has spread widely to reach 125 to 300 genera and has around 20,000 to 25,000 species that have spread all over the world. This research was conducted in May-June 2023. The purpose of conducting this research was to determine the inventory and identification of plant species in the Asteraceae family in the Province of West Java. As well as to determine the morphology, characteristics, and habitus of the Asteraceae family in the Province of West Java. The method used in this study was a direct survey, and a review of literature studies to obtain other data sources. Based on the results of the research conducted, there are seven plant species in the Asteraceae family in the Province of West Java. The seven species are Asterai, Tithonia diversifolia, Sphagneticola trilobata, Chrysanthemum indicum, Chrysanthemum grandiflorum, Chrysanthemum himbeerrot, Chrysanthemum. These existing species describe distinct morphologies. Each type of plant has different benefits. The conclusion obtained from this study is that the Asteraceae family has many existing species, so it is expected to be able to find various species that are also able to conduct an inventory and identify plant species of the Asteraceae family in the West Java Province area in an objective and relevant manner.

Dandelion (Taraxacum Genus): A Review of Chemical Constituents and Pharmacological Effects.

Dandelion (Taraxacum genus) is a perennial herb belonging to the Asteraceae family. As a well-known and extensively studied genus, dandelion comprises numerous species. Some species have been widely used in both complementary and alternative medicine to clear heat, detoxify, activate blood circulation, dispel stasis, and discharge urine. Multiple pharmacological studies have highlighted its therapeutic potential, including anti-bacterial, anti-oxidant, anti-cancer, and anti-rheumatic activities. Furthermore, bioactive compounds associated with these effects include sesquiterpenoids, phenolic compounds, essential oils, saccharides, flavonoids, sphingolipids, triterpenoids, sterols, coumarins, etc. Based on recent studies about the Taraxacum genus, the present review critically evaluates the current state of dandelion utilization and summarizes the significant roles of dandelion and its constituents in different diseases. We also focus on the reported phytology, chemical composition, pharmacology, and toxicity of dandelion, along with the main possible action mechanisms behind their therapeutic activities. Meanwhile, the challenges and future directions of the Taraxacum genus are also prospected in this review, thus highlighting its pharmaceutical research and practical clinical applications.

Phytochemical Diversity, Classification and Antibacterial Activity of Some Medicinal Plant Species from Tabuk (Saudi Arabia).

The main objectives of this study were to investigate the intra-specific and inter-specific phytochemical diversity and classification of nine important medicinal plant species from Tabuk region (KSA), namely (Pulicaria undulata L., Pulicaria incisa Lam., Artemisia herba-alba Asso., Artemisia monosperma Delile, Artemisia judaica L. and Achillea fragrantissima Forssk. from Asteraceae family, Ducrosia flabellifolia Boiss. from Apiaceae family, Thymus vulgaris L. and Lavandula coronopifolia Poir. from Lamiaceae family); to evaluate the antibacterial potentials of the plant extracts, and to inspect the possible associations between phytochemical diversity and contents of different phytochemical classes with the antibacterial activities of plant extracts. GC/MS technique was used to identify phytochemicals in the plant extracts. The standard disk diffusion technique was used to conduct the antibiotic susceptibility against four pathogenic bacterial species (two Gram positive: Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis and two Gram negative species: Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli. A total of 160 different phytochemicals belonging to 30 compound classes were separated and identified. A. fragrantissima had the highest phytochemical diversity and P. incisa had the lowest one. Phytochemical beta diversity was 6.2362. Ethanol outperformed other extraction solvents in terms of antibacterial activity, while Pulicaria undulata and T. vulgaris ranked highest among plants in this regard. Gram positive bacterial species were more sensitive to plant extracts compared to Gram negative species. Phytochemical diversity and antibacterial activity of plant extracts against E. coli and P. aeruginosa were positively correlative, terpenoid and benzene & substituted derivative contents exhibited significant (p<0.05) positive correlations with the antibacterial activity against E. coli, terpenoid contents also showed positive correlation with activity against P. aeruginosa; benzene & derivative showed positive correlation with activity against the rest of bacterial species.

P75 Are ‘hypoallergenic’ personal care products truly safe?

Abstract It is estimated that one-fifth of the general population may have allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) to common environmental allergens. Skincare companies are increasingly advertising their products as ‘hypoallergenic’, targeting consumers who seek personal care products (PCPs) that are less likely to cause an allergic reaction. However, there are no Food and Drug Administration standards to regulate the use of the term hypoallergenic, allowing manufacturers to use the term freely. We evaluated PCPs marketed as hypoallergenic from two health and beauty retailers in the UK for the presence of allergens in the British Society of Cutaneous Allergy (BSCA) baseline series. Product and ingredient lists were obtained from www.boots.com and www.superdrug.com in November 2022 using the term hypoallergenic in the search box. PCPs without the term hypoallergenic in the product description, unrelated products (plasters, jewellery, sanitary towels, tampons, clothing, facial brushes) and duplicates (same products in different sizes) were excluded. In total, 208 PCPs met the inclusion criteria: 47 (22.6%) were rinse-off and 161 (77.4%) were leave-on products. At least one substance from the BSCA baseline series was an ingredient in 79 (38.0%) PCPs. Of these, 54 (26.0%) had 1 potential allergen, 21 (10.2%) had 2, and 4 (1.9%) had 3 potential allergens from the series. The frequently encountered allergens were cetearyl alcohol and paraben mix, found in 42 (20.4%) and 37 (18.0%) of products, respectively. Other BSCA baseline series allergens identified in PCPs included 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol, lanolin, decyl glucoside, diazolidinyl urea, methylisothiazolinone, limonene and linalool. In addition, PCPs had chemicals that were related to and may cross-react with allergens in the BSCA baseline series. Parfum/fragrance, which can cross-react with fragrance mix I and II, was found in 85 (41.3%) PCPs. Sodium benzoate and/or benzoic acid, often used as preservatives in PCPs, were found in 66 (32.0%) products. Forty (19.4%) PCPs had ingredients that belong to the Asteraceae family and therefore may trigger an ACD in those with positive reaction to Compositae and/or sesquiterpene lactone mix. Twenty-three (11.2%) PCPs contained cetyl alcohol and/or stearyl alcohol, the two major components of cetearyl alcohol. Overall, 153 (74.3%) of 206 PCPs marketed as hypoallergenic contained BSCA baseline series allergens or ingredients that may cross-react with them. This highlights the need to increase public awareness and education about the potential dangers of purchasing ‘hypoallergenic’ PCPs.

CD10 (P75) Are ‘hypoallergenic’ personal care products truly safe?

Abstract It is estimated that one-fifth of the general population may have allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) to common environmental allergens. Skincare companies are increasingly advertising their products as ‘hypoallergenic’, targeting consumers who seek personal care products (PCPs) that are less likely to cause an allergic reaction. However, there are no Food and Drug Administration standards to regulate the use of the term hypoallergenic, allowing manufacturers to use the term freely. We evaluated PCPs marketed as hypoallergenic from two health and beauty retailers in the UK for the presence of allergens in the British Society of Cutaneous Allergy (BSCA) baseline series. Product and ingredient lists were obtained from www.boots.com and www.superdrug.com in November 2022 using the term hypoallergenic in the search box. PCPs without the term hypoallergenic in the product description, unrelated products (plasters, jewellery, sanitary towels, tampons, clothing and facial brushes) and duplicates (same products in different sizes) were excluded. In total, 208 PCPs met the inclusion criteria: 47 (22.6%) were rinse-off and 161 (77.4%) were leave-on products. At least one substance from the BSCA baseline series was an ingredient in 79 (38.0%) PCPs. Of these, 54 (26.0%) had one potential allergen, 21 (10.2%) had two, and four (1.9%) had three potential allergens from the series. The frequently encountered allergens were cetearyl alcohol and paraben mix, found in 42 (20.4%) and 37 (18.0%) of products, respectively. Other BSCA baseline series allergens identified in PCPs included 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol, lanolin, decyl glucoside, diazolidinyl urea, methylisothiazolinone, limonene and linalool. In addition, PCPs had chemicals that were related to and may cross-react with allergens in the BSCA baseline series. Parfum/fragrance, which can crossreact with fragrance mix I and II, was found in 85 (41.3%) PCPs. Sodium benzoate and/or benzoic acid, often used as preservatives in PCPs, were found in 66 (32.0%) products. Forty (19.4%) PCPs had ingredients that belong to the Asteraceae family and therefore may trigger an ACD in those with positive reaction to Compositae and/or sesquiterpene lactone mix. Twenty-three (11.2%) PCPs contained cetyl alcohol and/or stearyl alcohol, the two major components of cetearyl alcohol. Overall, 153 (74.3%) of 206 PCPs marketed as hypoallergenic contained BSCA baseline series allergens or ingredients that may cross-react with them. This highlights the need to increase public awareness and education about the potential dangers of purchasing ‘hypoallergenic’ PCPs.

Rayed Thistle Fly Tephritis cometa Loew (Diptera: Tephritidae) a new record to India

Tephritis cometa Loew, 1840, known to infest field thistle or Canada thistle or creeping thistle Cirsium arvense, a medicinal plant used as a tonic and to treat disease such as diarrhea and tuberculosis; it is diuretic. Cirsium arvense is a perennial flowering plant belonging to the family Asteraceae and is native to Europe, northern Africa, and western Asia. We report the first record of Tephritis cometa Loew, 1840 in southern Asia from Kashmir, India. The identified specimen of Tephritis cometa, commonly known as Rayed Thistle Fly was found on Cirsium arvense, a grass (Asteraceae) at the site, SKU2 in district Kulgam. However, the actual host plant is unknown. This paper includes morphological studies, key identification, diagnosis, and its distribution.

THE HEALING POWER OF TRIDAX PROCUMBENS (JAYANTI VEDA) EXPLOR-ING ITS POTENTIAL IN WOUND MANAGEMENT

Triax Procumbens, known by ayurveda Jayanti Veda, also known as Jivanti or Leptadenia reticulata, is a plant highly valued in Ayurveda. Tridax procumbens (Jayanti Veda) belongs to the Asteraceae family and is an Ayurvedic herb of Asia with a history of traditional use. Tridax procumbens have been used since ancient times to treat wounds and skin diseases, and leaf extract promotes blood coagulation. It possesses antileishmanial, antioxidants, anticancer, immunomodulatory agent, insecticidal, anthelmintic cardiovascular, antiseptic, antimicrobial, and insecticidal properties. Purpose of Article: This review article aims to collate past and present updated information on traditional uses, morphology, chemical constituents and pharmacological activities, miscellaneous activities, and relevant patents of this plant, thereby providing useful data for researchers and pharmaceuticals and introducing wound healing properties of the herb.

A Study of the Chemical Composition, Acute and Subacute Toxicity of Bulgarian Tanacetum parthenium Essential Oil.

Tanacetum parthenium (L.) Sch.Bip. (T. parthenium) is an aromatic perennial plant belonging to the Asteraceae family, also known as feverfew. It is widely distributed in various regions of Europe and other parts of the world. The plant has a rich background in the traditional medicine of many nations and has been used as a remedy for fever, pain, inflammation, asthma, rheumatism, menstrual disorders, etc. Methods: GC-MS analysis was conducted to determine the chemical composition of the isolated essential oil (EO). Using the method proposed by Litchfield and Wilcoxon, the average lethal dose (LD50) of the EO on Wistar rats was determined for two routes of administration: oral (p.o.) and intraperitoneal (i.p.). The subacute toxicity of the EO was also tested by oral administration of a daily dose of 1.0 g/kg body weight (BW) for 28 days. The toxicity of the EO was evaluated by observing and evaluating changes in behavior, body weight, basic hematological and serum biochemical parameters, and histopathological changes of the internal organs. Thirty-seven volatile organic compounds representing 94.58% of the total oil composition were tentatively detected in the obtained T. parthenium EO. The dominant compounds were camphor (45.47%), trans-chrisantenyl acetate (21.65%), camphene (9.48%), and cis-isogeraniol (5.42%). The results showed that the EO was not toxic when administered in acute oral doses. The acute mean lethal dose for intraperitoneal administration was LD50 i.p. = 2.13 g/kg BW. In the subacute study involving administration of an oral dose of EO for 28 days, there were a number of changes in the hematological and serum biochemical parameters of the blood compared with the control group of animals. However, no symptoms of toxicity, changes in the body weight of the rats, death, or pathological changes in the histological indicators of the examined organs-brain, heart, stomach, liver, spleen and kidney-were found. Extrapolating the results obtained from the rat experiments, we can state that the EO is safe for use in doses below 1 g/kgBW for a period not exceeding one month.

Eupatilin Alleviates Hyperlipidemia in Mice by Inhibiting HMG-CoA Reductase.

Artemisia princeps (family Asteraceae) is a natural product broadly used as an antioxidative, hepatoprotective, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory agent in East Asia. In the present study, eupatilin, the main constituent of Artemisia princeps, was investigated as an antihyperlipidemic agent. Eupatilin inhibited 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl (HMG)-CoA reductase (HCR), an enzyme that is a therapeutic target for hyperlipidemia, in an ex vivo assay using rat liver. In addition, oral administration of eupatilin significantly lowered the serum levels of total cholesterol (TC) and triglycerides (TG) in corn oil-induced and Triton WR-1339-induced hyperlipidemic mice. These results suggest that eupatilin can alleviate hyperlipidemia by inhibiting HCR.

Pollen Niche from Tetrapedia diversipes Klug (Hymenoptera: Apidae: Tetrapediini) in a Brazilian Semi-deciduous Lowland Forest

Tetrapedia diversipes Klug (Apidae) is a solitary bee with wide geographical distribution. Females of this species usually nest in pre-existing cavities and although their biology is relatively well known, studies on their trophic niche are still scarce. Thus, the present study aimed to identify the plant species used in the diet of immature T. diversipes through the analysis of residual pollen material. The nests used in the study were obtained through the use of trap nests during the period between December 2014 and October 2015, distributed in an area of coastal forest in northeastern Brazil. For the study of the trophic niche, samples of post-emergency residue (feces) from cells of offspring of males (n = 31) and females (n = 66) of T. diversipes were analyzed. In total, 29 pollen types were identified in the feeding of T. diversipes, being of the pollen types identified, only seven were not used by both sexes. Although a significant difference was found in the amplitude in the trophic niche between the sexes, there was a high overlap for Horn-Morisita index (CH = 0.989), with no significant difference being found in the frequency distribution of male and female food items (D = 0.214; p = 0.341). In this study we concluded that the diet of T. diversipes in coastal forest is polyletic, similarly to the pattern found in other studies of pollen resources in different vegetation in Brazil, with a predominance of pollen from the families Euphorbiaceae, Asteraceae and Onagraceae.

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A survey and revised checklist of the species belonging to the family of Compositae for the specimens which are collected and deposited previously at the herbarium of the Iraq Natural History Research Center and Museum, in addition to the current specimens collected for the period 2016-2021. A total of 85 species belonging to 49 genera and 16 tribes are revised with their synonyms, locality, and distributions, flowering and fruiting period.

&lt;i&gt;In vivo&lt;/i&gt; anthelmintic efficacy of some plant species of the family Compositae Cisece

The purpose of the researchis to study the anthelmintic efficacy of decoctions of various parts of plants, as well as granules and essential oils of plants of the speciesİnula heleniumL.,Cichorium intybusL.,Arctium lappaL. andHelichrysum araxiniumTaxt ex Kirp of the family Compositae Cisece in the Nakhichevan Autonomous Republic of Azerbaijan.Materials and methods. Herbal preparations were tested on sheep spontaneously infected with gastrointestinal Strongylates. Decoctions of various parts of plants, as well as prepared granules and herbal essential oils were administered to the experimental animals in different doses. Sheep of the control group did not receive the drug. After the administration of the drugs, the condition of the animals was recorded. The drug efficacy was recorded at 5 days based on coproovoscopy results.Results and discussion. The decoctions of the tested plant species were found to have a high anthelmintic effect against nematodes parasitizing in the digestive tract of sheep. The efficacy of the decoctions prepared from roots and aerial parts of plants of the speciesI. heleniumwas 72–78%, the decoction efficacy from roots and aerial parts of the speciesC. Intybuswas 70–76%, the decoction efficacy from roots and aerial parts of the speciesA. lappawas 69–71%, and the decoction efficacy from the aerial parts part of plants of the speciesH. araxiniumwas 74.6%. The anthelmintic effect of essential oils in the experiment was higher and reached 86.7 % fromI. helenium, 85.1% fromC. intybus, 80.8 % fromA. lappa, and 83.5% fromH. araxinium. The anthelmintic efficacy of the decoction fromI. heleniummixed withC. intybusprepared from the aerial parts of plants was 72.4%, the decoction efficacy fromH. araxiniummixed withA. lappawas 65.1, and the efficacy of the flour mixture from the roots ofI. helenium,A. lappaandC. intybuswas 71.9%.

Palynotaxonomical study of honeybees (Apis mellifera var. adansonii) forage and/or preference plants in South-Western Nigeria

The disputed issues of higher plant taxonomy and phylogeny are greatly impacted by pollen morphology because pollen grains have clear distinctive characteristics that are typically labeled. Palynotaxonomical study of Honeybees preference plants in South-Western Nigeria were conducted between the months of May, 2019 and June 2021 using fresh polleniferous materials which were extracted through acetolysis methods. Results showed that ninety-two (92) plant species belonging to thirty-six (36) plant families of apicultural importance most visited by honeybees (Apis mellifera var. adansonii) were documented. At x100 magnification, thorough morphological studies were performed, and the results showed that pollen grains from plant species in the family Asteraceae were spinolous and spherical in shape; those from the Fabaceae sub-families Caesalpinoideae, Mimosoideae, and Papilionoideae, on the other hand, had a great deal of morphological diversity with variations in symmetry, position and distribution. Those of the families Malvaceae was echinate and Myrtaceae were colporate; syncolpate and prolate respectively. However, the variations above were generally reduced within species in the same genera. Tricolpate aperture type was observed in the genus Euphorbia; giving reason for their classification in the same genera. The genus Combretum was all heterocolpate, circular in shape and heteroporate. Sculpturing was psilate or scabrate and pollen shape class were sub-prolate, oblate-spheroidal or prolate spheroidal. Similar form and symmetry observed in all the species studied were reason for their classification into the same family. The study revealed that the flowering period for most of these honeybees’ forage plants were between the months of October to March. Identification, propagation, cultivation, conservation, and sustainable exploitation of these honeybee (Apis mellifera var. adansonii) forage and preference plants would be beneficial in potentially increasing the efficiency of apiculture and commercial cultivation in South-Western Nigeria.

Determination of Caffeoylquinic Acids Content by UHPLC in Scolymus hispanicus Extracts Obtained through Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction.

Scolymus hispanicus L., also known as golden thistle, Spanish oyster thistle or, more commonly, as tagarnina is a plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is collected from the wild for human consumption in Mediterranean countries. It is a relevant ingredient in Andalusian culinary culture, where the midribs of young plants are harvested for consumption. Scolymus hispanicus L. contains a wide variety of phenolic compounds such as caffeoylquinic acids (CQAs), among others. In the present work, the major phenolic compounds present in tagarnina have been identified, with 5-caffeoylquinic acid (5-CQA) and 3,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid (3,5-diCQA) being the main ones. A method based on ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) has been developed for the extraction of these compounds, with the percentage of methanol, sample-to-solvent ratio and the pH being the most influential factors. The developed method has been validated and employed to determine the concentration of 5-CQA and 3,5-diCQA in the midribs of Scolymus hispanicus, collected in six different places in the south of Spain. The antioxidant activity of the samples has also been determined, and a direct correlation with their caffeoylquinic compounds content has been established, showing an antioxidant effect.