Lamiaceae Research Articles

Ajuga reptans L. Herb Extracts: Phytochemical Composition and Pharmacological Activity Screening

The genus Ajuga (Lamiaceae family) comprises approximately 300 species, which are widely used in traditional medicine for their diaphoretic, antiseptic, hemostatic, and anti-inflammatory properties, but scarcely in official ones. Therefore, the study of Ajuga reptans holds promise for developing new medicinal products. In aqueous and aqueous-alcoholic soft extracts of the A. reptans herb, 16 amino acids, 20 phenolics, and 10 volatile substances were identified by HPLC and GC/MS. The assays of the main substances’ groups were also determined by spectrophotometry (vitamin K1, polyphenols, tannins, flavonoids, and hydroxycinnamic acids) and titrometry (ascorbic and organic acids). A. reptans herb extracts are practically non-toxic, exhibit hepatoprotective activity (dose 25 mg/kg) in experimental carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatitis, moderate anti-inflammatory activity (dose 100 mg/kg) in carrageenan-induced edema models, and possess significant local hemostatic (reducing bleeding time by 40.6%) and wound-healing properties (complete wound healing after 9 days). The aqueous-ethanolic soft A. reptans extract (extractant 50% ethanol) demonstrated the most pronounced hepatoprotective and anti-inflammatory effects. A. reptans extracts are capable of inhibiting the growth of microorganisms and showing higher activity against Gram-positive bacteria. A. reptans herb extracts are promising agents for implementation in official medicine as wound healing and hepatoprotective remedies after further preclinical and clinical studies.

Exploration of Secondary Metabolites in Platostoma menthoides (L.) Using Ethyl Acetate Extract and Its Antibacterial, Antioxidant, and Larvicidal Activities

Recently, there has been a growing demand for plant-based products to treat a range of health conditions. Platostoma menthoides (L.), a member of the Lamiaceae family, is widely known for its versatile therapeutic properties. The primary aim of this study is to analyze and identify the secondary metabolites found in the extract of P. menthoides obtained using ethyl acetate and to assess its antioxidant, antimicrobial, and mosquito larvicidal properties for the first time. For the chemical profiling, a GC–MS analysis of the extract was conducted, and it showed the presence of various phytoconstituents, and the FT-IR spectrum revealed the functional groups associated with them. The quantitative phytochemical estimations revealed values of 34.87 ± 0.53 mg of GAE equivalents/g and 22.19 ± 1.11 mg of QUE equivalents/g, respectively, for total phenolic and flavonoid content. The biological studies of P. menthoides extract showed potent mosquito larvicidal activity against fourth instar larvae of Aedes aegypti at a 100 µg/mL concentration with LC50 and LC90 values of 81.328 and 161.471 µg/mL, respectively. Moreover, the DPPH and FRAP radical scavenging potentials were evaluated, and the results revealed their ability to scavenge the free radicals. The extract also showed higher antibacterial effects against gram-negative bacteria when compared to gram-positive bacteria. All these findings suggest that P. menthoides is a rich source of phytoconstituents with various medicinal applications and can be used as an antioxidant, antibacterial, and mosquito-larvicidal agent.

Antidiabetic phytochemicals: an overview of medicinal plants and their bioactive compounds in diabetes mellitus treatment.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a group of metabolic disorders characterized by hyperglycemia due to insufficient insulin secretion or action. Contributing factors include genetic predisposition, obesity, family history, inactivity, and environmental risks. Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), the most common form, involves impaired insulin secretion by pancreatic β-cells, leading to insulin resistance. By 2045, it is projected that India and China will have approximately 134.3 and 110.8 million diabetic individuals, respectively. Although synthetic drugs are effective in managing DM, they often come with side effects. Consequently, plant-based phytochemicals with antidiabetic properties are gaining attention. Research indicates that around 115 medicinal plants (MPs) have antidiabetic effects, particularly those from the Fabaceae, Liliaceae, and Lamiaceae families. Bioactive compounds like alkaloids, triterpenoids, flavonoids, and phenolics are known to combat DM. Traditional medicinal systems, particularly in developing countries, offer effective DM management. This review highlights the importance of MPs and their bioactive compounds in treating diabetes and underscores the need for further research to commercialize plant-based antidiabetic drugs.

Origanum vulgare and hemorrhagic risk, about a case

The use of medicinal plants in Algeria is an ancestral practice that remains relevant today. The population relies on plants to treat various diseases and everyday ailments, which can be dangerous, especially when taking medication [1,2]. The interaction between plants and medication can lead to a modification of the plasma concentrations of the latter, which can impact its therapeutic effectiveness and be responsible for toxicity or therapeutic failure [1,2]. The interaction can also be pharmacodynamic, resulting in the potentiation of the effect or its antagonism. The risk is even higher when the medication has a narrow therapeutic range or presents high inter- or intra-individual variability, such as with vitamin K antagonist anticoagulants. We report the case of patient B.Z., aged 77, who is suffering from complete atrial fibrillation (ACFA). The patient has been under antivitamin K (AVK) treatment with acenocoumarol for 8 years and has been followed at the central laboratory of Didouche Mourad Hospital since August 2019. The patient has been stable with an INR within the therapeutic target range of 2-3 for 4 years. She is compliant and adheres to the dietary regimen. The dosage of acenocoumarol is alternated between 1/2 tablet and 1/4 tablet. On September 6, 2023, during a routine check-up, the patient's INR was 6.42, and the PT was 17.9%. The recommendation was to stop AVK and perform a control the following day. The interview revealed that the patient had started taking an infusion of oregano (Origanum vulgare), and occasionally verbena, at a rate of one 200 ml cup per day for a week. On September 7, 2023, the INR decreased to 3.80 and the PT to 26.9%, so the recommendation was to resume AVK at a dosage of 1/4 tablet to 1/2 tablet, with discontinuation of the herbal tea intake and an INR check after 72 hours. On the fourth day after resuming the anticoagulant, the INR was 2.5. Despite being informed of the risk of interaction, the patient resumed taking the freshly picked oregano herbal tea from her garden. Given the patient's determination to continue her infusion, the recommendation was made to limit her intake, to prepare much more diluted infusions, and to reduce the dose of acenocoumarol to 1/4 tablet; this allowed the stabilization of the patient's INR. The last check-up was performed on April 7, 2024, with an INR value of 2.3. Oregano, a plant from the Lamiaceae family, is used in herbal tea to treat a wide range of diseases, including joint pain, respiratory conditions, and digestive disorders. Similarly, verbena is also used to combat sleep disorders [2-4]. Origanum and verbena are both plants rich in polyphenols, as well as tannins and flavonoids. These substances are inhibitors of CYP 450, particularly CYP 2C9 and CYP 3A4, which are responsible for the metabolism of many drugs, including painkillers, antihypertensives, central nervous system drugs, and anticoagulants such as acenocoumarol. Origanum also exhibits anticoagulant activity due to its high content of carvacrol and thymol [4-6]. These two modes of interaction lead to an increase in the pharmacodynamic effect of acenocoumarol and, therefore, an increased risk of bleeding. This was the case for our patient, who saw her INR increase to more than twice the normal level, coinciding with the intake of oregano and verbena infusions, which normalized after their discontinuation. Oregano is an endemic plant widely used in Algeria, whose anti-inflammatory properties are well established. However, its side effects, toxicity, and risk of interaction when combined with medications are less known. The interaction between oregano and AVK (acenocoumarol) exists and deserves to be recognized and monitored, especially in a population with a traditional culture where the use of plants is common. This practice should be accompanied by national phytovigilance.

MORPHOLOGY AND ANATOMY OF THE STEM AND LEAF FROM THE LOPHANTHUS ANISATUS SPECIES (NUTT.) BENTH.

The objective of this work was the study of vegetative organs in the species Lophanthus anisatus (Nutt.) Benth., synonymous with Agastache foeniculum (Pursh) Kuntze. The species L. anisatus Nutt, includes herbaceous, perennial plants belonging to the Lamiaceae family, the subfamily Nepetoideae, is native to America, North and East Asia. It was introduced relatively recently in Romania, being used as a medicinal plant, spice, ornamental and melliferous. For medicinal purposes, it is used the aerial part (herba) with multiple uses, for affections of the digestive system, prevents vascular accidents, increases the immunity system. Analysis of the leaves showed that the stem is 4-muchied, according to the Lamiaceae Family, the epidermis shows tectoral and glandular hairs, well-developed colenchymis, with 5-7 rows of cells, the ross with leading beams and pitch. The kambium connects the 4 leading beams of the trunk. The pitch is centrally situated. The epidermis is composed of a single row of cells where peri tectors and glandulars are observed.The knowledge of these elements of anatomy is very important in the field of taxonomy and in the characterization of species, varieties.

Perillaldehyde pretreatment alleviates cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury by improving mitochondrial structure and function via the Nrf2/Keap1/Trx2 axis.

Perilladehyde, an extract of perillae in the Labiatae family, can produce significant anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Although literature evidences the favorable effect of perillaldehyde on ischemic stroke, the exact mechanism remains blurred. This study attempted to explore the impact of perillaldehyde on cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury and the related action mechanism. The rat tMCAO and neuronal OGD/R models were established to simulate cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury. Lentiviruses were used to interfere with the expression of Nrf2 and Trx2 in neurons. The effects and action mechanisms of perillaldehyde were explored by various experimental methods, including chromatin immunoprecipitation assay, Western Blot, flow cytometry, dual-luciferase reporter gene assay, transmission electron microscopy, MRI, RNA-seq, and immunofluorescence staining. Perillaldehyde pretreatment effectively mitigated the tMCAO-induced brain injury in rats by reducing cerebral infarction, improving neuromotor function, and attenuating cell apoptosis in the ischemic penumbra. In vitro, perillaldehyde pretreatment alleviated cell death and excessive oxidative stress, preserved the mitochondrial membrane integrity, enhanced mitochondrial energy metabolism, and facilitated the restoration of mitochondrial ultrastructure after OGD/R. The mechanism probe revealed that perillaldehyde activated the Nrf2/Keap1/Trx2 signaling axis, thus promoting the transcription of Trx2 and improving mitochondrial structure and function. The aforementioned impacts of perillaldehyde were somewhat counteracted by disrupting the expression of Nrf2 and Trx2, suggesting that the neuroprotection of perillaldehyde partially involves the activation of the Nrf2/Keap1/Trx2 axis. This study firstly demonstrates the existence of the Nrf2/Keap1/Trx2 signaling axis in cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury and evidences that perillaldehyde pretreatment can promote the restoration of neuronal mitochondrial structure and function by activating the Nrf2/Keap1/Trx2 axis after cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury. These findings signify that perillaldehyde holds great promises for clinical management of ischemic stroke.

Antimicrobial Efficacy of Teucrium polium L. Extracts for Dental Caries: Green Extraction Techniques and Bioactive Compounds.

Dental caries is a highly prevalent chronic condition globally. In recent years, scientists have turned to natural compounds such as plant extracts as an alternative to address concerns related to biofilm-mediated disease transmission, increasing bacterial resistance, and the adverse impacts of antibiotics. Consequently, this study investigated the antimicrobial properties of ethanolic, hydroethanolic, and aqueous extracts of Teucrium polium L. (T. polium), which belongs to the Lamiaceae family, at different concentrations (0.1, 1, 10, 100, 500, 1000 ppm) against seven bacteria commonly associated with dental decay. The hydroethanolic extract demonstrated the highest efficacy against S. mutans (minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) = 1.24 mg/mL), while the ethanolic extract exhibited the most potent activity against S. sanguinis (MIC = 1.55 mg/mL). For S. sobrinus, the ethanolic extract was the most effective (MIC = 1.52 mg/mL), whereas the hydromethanolic extract displayed the highest efficacy against S. salivarius (MIC = 1.52 mg/mL). S. aureus was most susceptible to the ethanolic extract (MIC = 1.9 mg/mL), whereas the aqueous extract demonstrated the strongest antimicrobial effect against S. epidermidis (MIC = 2.03 mg/mL). Finally, the ethanolic extract exhibited the maximum efficacy against L. fermentum (MIC = 1.36 mg/mL). Overall, the ethanolic extract demonstrated the highest efficacy against all tested bacteria, followed by the hydroethanolic extract, while the aqueous extract showed comparatively lower effectiveness. Therefore, depending on the specific target bacteria, it is suggested to combine the antibacterial extract of T. polium with the most effective solvent to effectively combat the bacteria responsible for dental decay. The study found that mouthwashes containing ethanolic and hydroethanolic extracts, at a concentration of 2.44 mg/L, effectively inhibited the growth of all oral bacteria contributing to dental caries. Future research should explore T. polium extracts' mechanisms of action against oral pathogens, their practical applications, and their efficacy against conventional treatments, paving the way for innovative dental therapies.

Magnetic Molecularly Imprinted Polymers with Hydrophilic Shells for the Selective Enrichment and Detection of Rosmarinic Acid in Aqueous Extraction.

Rosmarinic acid (RA) is a natural active compound widely found in many plants belonging to the family of Lamiaceae, Boraginaceae, and so on, which has various important bioactivities, including being anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, etc. Herein, novel hydrophilic magnetic molecularly imprinted polymers (HMMIPs) with a regular core-shell structure were successfully developed using RA as a template molecule, acrylamide (AM) as a functional monomer, N-N 'methylenebisacrylamide (MBA) as a cross-linking agent, and water as the porogen. After a series of characterization and adsorption performance analyses, it was found that HMMIPs are hydrophilic with an adsorption capacity of 8.012 ± 0.54 mg/g, an imprinting factor of 3.64, and a selectivity coefficient of 2.63~2.91. Furthermore, the HMMIPs can be rapidly separated from other components under the influence of external magnetic fields. The HMMIPs were employed for the determination of RA present in the Perilla frutescens and Rosmarinus officinalis aqueous extract with recoveries of 88.2~107.3%. These results indicated that HMMIPs of RA have the benefits of straightforward operation, rapid adsorption, and high selectivity, rendering it an appropriate way for the expedient and selective isolation of RA in an intricate matrix.

Therapeutic Properties and Use for Medicinal Purposes of Agastache Species

Nowadays, it is proven there is an increasing interest in the study of growth and development of different medicinal and aromatic species, due to their therapeutic properties that correlate with the presence of different active compounds. Agastache sp. are known as aromatic plants that belong to the Lamiaceae family, originating from North America and East Asia. The Agastache genus is part of the Lamiaceae family and is native to North America, but one species like Agastache rugosa, is native to East Asia, such as Korea, Taiwan, Japan, and China. Also, the aim of recent studies is to present a summary of the few findings on the phytochemistry and biological effects of several Agastache sp., including both extracts and essential oil properties and characterization. The presented paper has been focused of introduction, description and use of aromatic and medicinal plants, which represent inexhaustible sources of fresh or dry materials for the pharmaceutical industry, cosmetic products and food industries. In the whole process of developing new medicines from herbal raw materials, it is important to study the spectrum of major bioactive compounds and their benefits for human health. Science have proven a significant influence of genetic traits which depends on the subspecies chosen in study, variety, the maturity of the plants, climatic conditions and cultivation features on the accumulation of bioactive compounds in harvested plants material.

LC-MS/MS Analysis and Biological Activities of Different Parts of Ziziphora capitate L.

The Ziziphora species, classified under the Lamiaceae family, have a strong aromatic property. Ziziphora species have been used in folk medicine as sedative, gastric, aphrodisiac, bloating, and degassing. In the current study, the phenolic and flavanoid content of ethanol extracts of Ziziphora capitata L. species of flower, leaf, branch, mixed, and root parts was determined by the LC-MS/MS device. In addition, the antioxidant and cytotoxic activities of the extracts, as well as their inhibitory effects on enzymes (antihypertensive, AchE (acetylcholinesterase), BchE (butyrylcholinesterase), elastase, tyrosinase, collagenase and urease), were determined. The LC-MS/MS results showed that quinic acid (25578, 5842, 25171, 14055, 10597 µg g-1, respectively) was found in higher amounts in flower, leaf, branch, mixed, and root extracts of Z. capitata species compared to other components. Additionally, rosmarinic acid (17097 µg g-1), cynaroside (8432), and hesperidin (8067) were found to be major components. It was observed that the flower extract of the species exhibited strong antioxidant activity (IC50: 37.18±1.36 µg mL-1, 9.89±0.45, A0.5:16.27±0.02, respectively) in DPPH, ABTS and CUPRAC methods. It was concluded that the leaf extract of Z. capitata species had a strong cytotoxic effect on HT-29 (colon cancer cell line) (viability %: 9.26±0.69). It was observed that the root part of the species exhibited higher activity in butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) enzyme inhibition activity (inhibition %: 40.56±0.88) than other parts. It was determined that Z. capitata extracts did not show acetylcholinesterase, urease, tyrosinase, elastase, collagenase, and antihypertensive enzyme activity or showed low activity. As a result, it is thought that the flower extract of the Z. capitata species has better results in terms of the examined parameters, whereas the leaf extract needs to be subjected to more detailed in vitro and in vivo research conducted to be used in the pharmaceutical industry as a result of its cytotoxic effect against colon cancer cell lines.

Changes in Growth and Metabolic Profile of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi in Response to Sodium Chloride.

Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi is a valuable medicinal plant of the Lamiaceae family. Its roots have been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (under the name Huang-qin) since antiquity and are nowadays included in Chinese and European Pharmacopoeias. It is abundant in bioactive compounds which constitute up to 20% of dried root mass. These substances are lipophilic flavones with unsubstituted B-ring, baicalein, and wogonin and their respective glucuronides-baicalin and wogonoside being the most abundant. The content of these compounds is variable and the environmental factors causing this remain partially unknown. The role of these compounds in stress response is still being investigated and in our efforts to measure the effect of NaCl treatment on S. baicalensis growth and metabolic profile, we hope to contribute to this research. Short-term exposure to salt stress (50, 100, and 150 mM NaCl) resulted in a marked increase of baicalein from 1.55 mg to 2.55 mg/g DM (1.6-fold), baicalin from 8.2 mg to 14.7 mg (1.8-fold), wogonin from 4.9 to 6.8 (1.4-fold), and wogonoside from 3.3 to 6.8 mg/g DM (2-fold) in the roots. Conversely, in the aerial parts, the content of individual major flavonoids: carthamidine-7-O-glucuronide and scutellarein-7-O-glucuronide decreased the most by 10-50% from 18.6 mg to 11.3 mg/g (1.6-fold less) and from 6.5 mg to 3.4 mg/g DM (0.52-fold less), respectively. The amino acid profile was also altered with an increase in root concentrations of the following amino acids: arginine from 0.19 to 0.33 mg/g (1.7-fold), glutamate from 0.09 to 0.16 mg/g DM (1.6-fold), alanine from 0.009 to 0.06 mg/g (6.8-fold), proline from 0.011 to 0.029 (2.4-fold) and lysine from 0.016 to 0.063 mg/g (3.9-fold). Aspartate concentration decreased from 0.01 to 0.002 mg/g (4.8-fold less) at 150 mM NaCl. In the aerial parts, the concentration and variation in levels of specific amino acids differed among groups. For instance, the glutamate content exhibited a significant increase exclusively in the treatment group, rising from 0.031 to 0.034 mg/g, representing a 1.2-fold increase. Proline concentration showed a marked increase across all treated groups with the highest from 0.011 to 0.11 mg/g (10-fold). In conclusion, moderate salt stress was shown to increase S. baicalensis root biomass and flavonoid content which is rarely observed in a glycophyte species and provides a foundation for further studies on the mechanisms of osmotic stress adaptation on the specialized metabolism level.

Harnessing the Antibacterial, Anti-Diabetic and Anti-Carcinogenic Properties of Ocimum sanctum Linn (Tulsi).

Ocimum sanctum Linn (O. sanctum L.), commonly known as Holy Basil or Tulsi, is a fragrant herbaceous plant belonging to the Lamiaceae family. This plant is widely cultivated and found in north-central parts of India, several Arab countries, West Africa and tropical regions of the Eastern World. Tulsi is known to be an adaptogen, aiding the body in adapting to stress by harmonizing various bodily systems. Revered in Ayurveda as the "Elixir of Life", Tulsi is believed to enhance lifespan and foster longevity. Eugenol, the active ingredient present in Tulsi, is a l-hydroxy-2-methoxy-4-allylbenzene compound with diverse therapeutic applications. As concerns over the adverse effects of conventional antibacterial agents continue to grow, alternative therapies have gained prominence. Essential oils (EOs) containing antioxidants have a long history of utilization in traditional medicine and have gained increasing popularity over time. Numerous in vitro, in vivo and clinical studies have provided compelling evidence supporting the safety and efficacy of antioxidant EOs derived from medicinal plants for promoting health. This comprehensive review aims to highlight the scientific knowledge regarding the therapeutic properties of O. sanctum, focusing on its antibacterial, anti-diabetic, anti-carcinogenic, radioprotective, immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, cardioprotective, neurogenesis, anti-depressant and other beneficial characteristics. Also, the extracts of O. sanctum L. have the ability to reduce chronic inflammation linked to neurological disorders such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease. The information presented in this review shed light on the multifaceted potential of Tulsi and its derivatives in maintaining and promoting health. This knowledge may pave the way for the development of novel therapeutic interventions and natural remedies that harness the immense therapeutic potential of Tulsi in combating various health conditions, while also providing valuable insights for further research and exploration in this field.

Continuous Cropping of Patchouli Alleviate Soil Properties, Enzyme Activities, and Bacterial Community Structures.

Pogostemon cablin (Patchouli), an essential medicinal plant in the Lamiaceae family, faces significant challenges under continuous cropping (CC) obstacles. This study examined the rhizospheric soil bacterial communities of patchouli under four different CC years, zero (CK), one (T1), two (T2), and three (T3) years through high-throughput 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. Results showed long-term CC led to significant soil properties and enzyme activity shifts. Key parameters such as soil pH and total potassium (TK) decreased, while ammonium nitrogen (NH4+-N), soil organic carbon (SOC), nitrate nitrogen (NO3--N), available potassium (AK), available phosphorus (AP), total nitrogen (TN), and total phosphorus (TP) increased over the cropping years. Enzyme activities, including ß-glucosidase (ß-GC), polyphenol oxidase (PPO), catalase (CAT), N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase (NAG), and leucine aminopeptidase (LAP), were notably affected. The CC altered the bacterial community structure and composition, reducing the relative abundance of Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, and Planctomycetota over time. These findings highlight the impact of CC on patchouli rhizosphere bacteria, providing insights for improved soil management and fertilization strategies in CC systems.

Baicalin plays a protective role by regulating ferroptosis in multiple diseases.

Ferroptosis is a new kind of cell death discovered in recent years, usually accompanied by a large number of lipid peroxidation and iron accumulation in the process of cell death. Ferroptosis has been proven to play an important role in various diseases, including ischemic reperfusion injury, cancer, and neurodegeneration. Therefore, the regulation of ferroptosis will have a vital impact on the occurrence and development of diseases. Baicalin is a flavonoid compound extracted and isolated from the dried roots of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi, a plant in the family Lamiaceae. It has various biological activities such as antioxidant, anti-proliferative, anti-inflammatory, anti-thrombotic, and regulates apoptosis and ferroptosis. Recently, increasing evidence indicates that baicalin regulation of ferroptosis is involved in multiple diseases. However, the relevant mechanisms are not yet fully understood. Here, we summarized the role of baicalin regulation of ferroptosis in different kinds of diseases, and conducted an in-depth analysis of the relevant mechanisms, hoping to provide the theoretical references for future related researches.

Selenium Improves the Nutritional and Antioxidant Properties of Oregano (Origanum vulgare L.) Grown in Hydroponics

Oregano (Origanum vulgare L.) is one of the most commercially popular aromatic spices which has long been used in folk medicine as a medicinal plant due to the presence of a wide group of bioactive secondary metabolites. The experimental data available to date indicate that plants of individual species within the Lamiaceae family implement different strategies for the absorption and distribution of selenium (Se) and differ in their metabolic response to Se treatment. In this regard, the present study investigated the effect of Se application (in the form of sodium selenate) at various concentrations (2.0, 5.0, 10.0, 20.0, and 40.0 μM) on the growth and accumulation of Se in oregano plant shoots and roots, as well as on nutritional components and secondary metabolites in shoots. The addition of Se to the nutrient solution at concentrations of 2–20 μM did not adversely affect the growth and accumulation of biomass in the oregano plants, which were characterized by a significant ability to transfer Se from roots to shoots (the translocation factor was >2). The Se treatment enhanced the nutritional proprieties of the oregano and, particularly, it stimulated the accumulation of carbohydrates and proteins (by 30 and 17%) and minerals (calcium and manganese). The total contents of phenolic compounds, flavonoids, hydroxycinnamic acids, luteolin-7-glucoside and its derivatives, catechin, 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid, rosmarinic acid and oleanolic and ursolic acids, as well as the percentage of essential oil, showed a dose-dependent increase in the oregano under the Se treatment. Changes in the relative content of the four main components of oregano essential oil (sabinene, germacrene D, β-caryophyllene, and (Z)-β-ocimene) under the Se treatment were not significant. The relative proportions of β-caryophyllene oxide and terpinen-4-ol increased with Se concentration augmentation in the nutrient solution. The obtained results indicate the prospect of using Se at 5–20 μM concentrations in nutrient solution in hydroponically grown oregano to produce Se-biofortified plants with higher levels of compounds beneficial to health and antioxidant activity without yield reduction.

Chromosome numbers of some species of the family Lamiaceae from Khakasia

The results of studying the chromosome numbers of 4 species from 3 genera of the family Lamiaceae from the Republic of Khakasia are presented. The material was collected in 2022 in six populations. The species Thymus petraeus (2n = 20) was studied for the first time. The chromosome numbers were determined in Dracocephalum discolor (2n = 12), Nepeta multifida (2n = 12), and Nepeta sibirica (2n = 18) for the first time from the territory of Khakasia. The range of distribution and published data on chromosome numbers are cited for each species. All the studied species are diploids.

Understanding the plant assemblages of Phlomis cashmeriana Royle ex Benth. in the Kashmir Himalaya

A comprehensive understanding of the ecology of vegetation and soil in natural habitats that harbour endangered species is crucial for the development of effective conservation strategies and promotion of ecosystem restoration. This research aimed to investigate the plant composition and physicochemical characteristics of soil in the native environments of Phlomis cashmeriana (P. cashmeriana), an important medicinal plant in the Kashmir Himalaya region. Forty eight random quadrats were laid across four selected sites where P. cashmeriana thrived. Soil samples were collected from all four locations and employing conventional techniques to analyse the soil's physicochemical attributes. Our study revealed a total of 55 plant species across these sites, with dominance observed in the Asteraceae, Fabaceae, and Lamiaceae families. The analysis of the Importance Value Index (IVI) indicated that Trifolium repens (68.84), Cynodon dactylon (56.90), and Urtica dioica (36.18) were the dominant species within the habitats of P. cashmeriana. It was noted that Phlomis cashmeriana exhibit favourable associations with other species in its environment, with 230 instances of positive, 233 instances of negative and 684 instances of random associations. Soil pH levels varied from 5.9 at KUBG to 8.5 at the Jawahar tunnel. There was a noticeable difference in soil organic carbon (OC) and organic matter (OM) values among the study sites, with Jawahar tunnel displaying the lowest (OC = 7.02 and OM = 12.09) and Daksum exhibiting the highest values (OC = 9.94 and OM = 17.13) respectively. This study provides valuable quantitative insights into the vegetation and soil ecology of habitats occupied by P. cashmeriana. These findings can serve as a foundation for the development of conservation strategies, guiding sustainable management practices, and informing habitat restoration efforts for this endangered species.

ANTIMALARIAL MEDICINAL PLANTS USED BY TRADITIONAL HEALERS IN BENGKULU PROVINCE OF INDONESIA

Article Highlights- This research provides information on the use of medicinal plants for treating malaria among ethnic groups in Bengkulu Province.- This research was part of RISTOJA (Research on Medicinal Plants), national research conducted by the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia.- Several compounds found in medicinal plants used by traditional healers in the Bengkulu Province have been scientifically proven to be effective as antimalarial medication.AbstractMalaria is a disease with a high mortality rate and is still a significant problem in Indonesia and globally. One of the provinces in Indonesia that uses a diversity of medicinal plants to treat malaria is Bengkulu Province. This research aims to inventory and evaluate the use of medicinal plants as malaria drugs in Bengkulu Province. The research methods used were observation, interviews, and the collection of samples. Respondents were traditional healers from seven ethnic groups in Bengkulu. Plant species, use value (UV) parameters, fidelity level (FL), family use value (FUV), relative frequency of citation (RFC), and plant parts value (PPV) were analyzed. This study found 32 specific herbal concoctions and identified the use of 47 plant species in 28 families used by 20 healers in 6 ethnic groups of Bengkulu. The species Carica papaya, Peronema canescens, and Tinospora crispa have the highest use value, fidelity level, and relative frequency of citation. The Lamiaceae and Caricaceae families have the highest family use value (0.15). The leaves (43.9%) and barks (13.6%) were the most frequently utilized parts of medicinal plants to overcome malaria. Decoction was the method most widely used by traditional healers in Bengkulu to prepare conventional medicine formula.

Carotenoid Cleavage Dioxygenase Gene CCD4 Enhances Tanshinone Accumulation and Drought Resistance in Salvia miltiorrhiza.

Danshen (Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge) is a perennial herbaceous plant of the Salvia genus in the family Lamiaceae. Its dry root is one of the important traditional Chinese herbal medicines with a long officinal history. The yield and quality of S. miltiorrhiza are influenced by various factors, among which drought is one of the most significant types of abiotic stress. Based on the transcriptome database of S. miltiorrhiza, our research group discovered a carotenoid cleavage dioxygenase gene, SmCCD4, belonging to the carotenoid cleavage oxygenase (CCO) gene family which is highly responsive to drought stress on the basis of our preceding work. Here, we identified 26 CCO genes according to the whole-genome database of S. miltiorrhiza. The expression pattern of SmCCD4 showed that this gene is strongly overexpressed in the aboveground tissue of S. miltiorrhiza. And by constructing SmCCD4 overexpression strains, it was shown that the overexpression of SmCCD4 not only promotes the synthesis of abscisic acid and increases plant antioxidant activity but also regulates the synthesis of the secondary metabolites tanshinone and phenolic acids in S. miltiorrhiza. In summary, this study is the first in-depth and systematic identification and investigation of the CCO gene family in S. miltiorrhiza. The results provide useful information for further systematic research on the function of CCO genes and provide a theoretical basis for improving the yield and quality of S. miltiorrhiza.

The Role of Light in Enhancing the Nutritional and Antioxidant Qualities of Basil, Mint and Lemon Balm.

Mint (Mentha L.), basil, (Ocimum basilicum) and Melissa (Melissa officinalis L.) are herbaceous plants from the Lamiaceae family. They have a wide range of health benefits and flavour properties which are highly valued around the world. Alternative methods of growing plants to minimise greenhouse gas emissions during autumn and winter are being sought in the face of increasing climate change. One way to achieve this is to switch from HPS to LED lighting. LED lighting has a longer lifespan and higher efficiency while using less energy and better matching the colour of the light to the needs of the herbs. This study tested the hypothesis that the type of illumination (solar, HPS, and LED) significantly impacts the antioxidant and nutritional qualities of herbs. The results indicated that LED lighting enhanced biochemical properties, supporting its adoption for sustainable plant cultivation.