Floristic Diversity Research Articles

Partially hydrolyzed guar gum attenuates broad-spectrum antibiotic-induced gut microbiota disruption associated with intestinal inflammation and barrier damage in mice

As a prebiotic fiber produced through partial enzymatic hydrolysis of guar gum seeds, partially hydrolyzed guar gum (PHGG) alters gut microbiota and metabolites, offering health advantages to the individual. Studies on the modulatory effect of PHGG on antibiotic-induced intestinal flora disorders are scarce. We investigated the protective effects of PHGG against intestinal inflammation and intestinal barrier damage induced by broad-spectrum antibiotics, as well as its role in promoting the recovery of antibiotic-induced gut microbiota dysbiosis. C57BL/6J mice were administered PHGG for one or two weeks together with the oral administration of antibiotics to create a model of intestinal dysbiosis. After one week of PHGG treatment, improvement in inflammation and the intestinal barrier was not evident despite changes in the intestinal flora. However, after a fortnight of therapy, the diversity of the intestinal flora increased significantly and was closer to normal flora, the relative abundance of helpful bacteria surged, the production of excessive proinflammatory cytokines was inhibited, the generation of anti-inflammatory cytokines was promoted, the intestinal secretory barrier and epithelial cell barrier were significantly restored, and the antibiotic-induced symptoms, such as weight loss and diarrhea, were corrected. The findings showed that PHGG attenuates antibiotic-induced intestinal barrier damage and inflammation and induces potentially beneficial changes in the intestinal microbiota. The results help elucidate PHGG's beneficial effects on host-microbial interactions and offer the possibility of clinical application of PHGG as a nutrient to attenuate the adverse effects of antibiotics on the intestinal tract.

Phyto-ecological studies and distribution patterns of subfamily Polygonoideae in relation to edaphic factors across diverse ecological zones

The species of the subfamily Polygonoideae is an essential component of temperate forests as well as the flora of the western Himalayan region. The aim of this research was to explore the taxonomic diversity, distribution patterns, and associated flora of Polygonoideae in relation to edaphic factors in various ecological zones in the Muzaffarabad division of the Kashmir Western Himalayan Region. We applied a random sampling approach for data collection from 10 different sites with a cumulative 780 quadrats to record the diversity of wild Polygonoideae species across the Muzaffarabad division between 2021 and 2022. This study revealed 279 plant species from 192 genera and 75 families associated with Polygonoideae, with the dominant families being Asteraceae, Poaceae, Lamiaceae, and Rosaceae. Herbs were predominant in the investigated area, with a proportion of 72.40 %, followed by shrubs (9.68 %) and pteridophytes (8.24 %). The flora was dominated by therophytes (37.35 %), whereas nanophylls (37.28 %) were the most dominant leaf form. Persicaria, Rumex, and Polygonum genera were observed and collected from various ecological zones, while Bistorta, Fagopyrum, Oxyria, and Rheum were only collected from a single zone, representing a restricted niche. A total of 28 taxa from 8 genera were studied in the investigative subfamily Polygonoideae, with the majority being therophytes (57.14 %), followed by hemicryptophytes (28.57 %), and leaf form dominated by microphylls (50 %) and nanophylls (17.85 %). The average values for Shannon and Simpson's diversity for the reported plant communities were 0.96 and 3.53, respectively, whereas species richness averaged 2.43 and species evenness 0.92. The vegetation exhibited a relatively lower (<50) maturity, averaging 32.08. Deforestation, overexploitation for medicinal purposes, soil erosion, overgrazing, forest fires, and the expansion of agricultural fields were identified as major threats to floral diversity. A significant correlation was observed between elevation and soil nutrient parameters, where moisture content, SOC, SOM, TK, and TN ratios showed a positive correlation, while pH and TP showed a negative correlation. Polygonum paronychioides and Rumex alpinus were the least observed of Polygonoideae taxa, whereas 39 species were found to be threatened, having low (<0.2) IVI values and seeking immediate conservation efforts. Climate change and anthropogenic pressure may lead to a change in the composition patterns and threaten the Polygonoidae species. We suggest community-based initiatives and sustainable conservation measures to safeguard the floral wealth of the Western Himalaya.

Investigating the link between gut microbiome and bone mineral density: The role of genetic factors

Osteoporosis is a complex metabolic bone disease that severely undermines the quality of life and overall health of the elderly. While previous studies have established a close relationship between gut microbiome and host bone metabolism, the role of genetic factors has received less scrutiny. This research aims to identify potential taxa associated with various bone mineral density states, incorporating assessments of genetic factors. Fecal microbiome profiles from 605 individuals (334 females and 271 males) aged 55–65 from the Taizhou Imaging Study with osteopenia (n = 270, 170 women) or osteoporosis (n = 94, 85 women) or normal (n = 241, 79 women) were determined using shotgun metagenomic sequencing. The linear discriminant analysis was employed to identify differentially enriched taxa. Utilizing the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes for annotation, functional pathway analysis was conducted to identify differentially metabolic pathways. Polygenic risk score for osteoporosis was estimated to represent genetic susceptibility to osteoporosis, followed by stratification and interaction analyses. Gut flora diversity did not show significant differences among various bone mineral groups. After multivariable adjustment, certain species, such as Clostridium leptum, Fusicatenibacter saccharivorans and Roseburia hominis, were enriched in osteoporosis patients. Statistically significant interactions between the polygenic risk score and taxa Roseburia faecis, Megasphaera elsdenii were observed (P for interaction = 0.005, 0.018, respectively). Stratified analyses revealed a significantly negative association between Roseburia faecis and bone mineral density in the low-genetic-risk group (β = −0.045, P < 0.05), while Turicimonas muris was positively associated with bone mineral density in the high-genetic-risk group (β = 4.177, P < 0.05) after multivariable adjustments. Functional predictions of the gut microbiome indicated an increase in pathways related to structural proteins in high-genetic-risk patients, while low-genetic-risk patients exhibited enrichment in enzyme-related pathways. This study emphasizes the association between gut microbes and bone mass, offering new insights into the interaction between genetic background and gut microbiome.

Plants associated with water towers in the Saharan environment: Floristic diversity and therapeutic virtues

Water in arid regions plays a vital role in the existence and development of living beings. The main aim of this work is to study the diversity and therapeutic properties of plant species that grow in the vicinity of water towers (constructions used to store and distribute drinking water) in the Saharan environment (south-western Algeria). Twenty-two floristic surveys were carried out in five representative sites to study the floristic diversity. The biological and phytogeographical spectra were established, and the therapeutic properties were determined for each plant species inventoried. The results show that the floristic richness is of the order of 41 species belonging to 39 genera and 16 botanical families, the most represented of which are the Asteraceae (19.51%) and Poaceae (17.07%). The biological spectrum showed the existence of 20 species of therophytes, and the phytogeographic spectrum indicated that most of the inventoried plant species belonged to the Saharo-Arabian biogeographic element (31.7%). The leaves (51.22%) are the most used for therapeutic aspects, while decoction is the most commonly used preparation method (60.98%). The plants with the highest importance values are Calotropis procera (27.78%), Phoenix dactylifera (16.67%), Cynodon dactylon and Tamarix gallica (15.56% each). This study shows that the various plant species inventoried offer important therapeutic properties for treating various pathologies.

Regionwide and Nationwide Floristic Richness Reveal Vascular Plant Diversity in Central Asia.

Central Asia (CA) is located in the interior of the Eurasian continent and consists of five countries-Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. It contains the largest concentration of temperate deserts and mountains of CA biodiversity hotspots. However, regionwide floristic diversity is sorely lacking, and nationwide floristic diversity is seriously outdated in this region. Using the data collected by the Mapping Asia Plants (MAP) project, we describe and analyze the diverse floristic characteristics of plant diversity in CA at both the regional and national levels, including the dominant families and genera, endemic taxa, and floristic similarity. The results allow the compilation of a new checklist of vascular plants in CA, including 9643 taxa (1198 genera within 139 families) and 3409 endemic taxa (414 genera in 66 families). We confirm that there are 5695, 4036, 4542, 3005, and 4222 species of vascular plants within the CA countries, of which 532, 326, 505, 175, and 301 species are endemic taxa in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, respectively. The region's biodiversity is notable for its high degree of endemism-up to 35.35%-which contributes to the floristic uniqueness and the irreplaceability of CA. Tajikistan, encompassing the most dominant area of the CA mountains, has the highest species density (3.19/100 km2) and endemism (11.12%) among the five countries. Neighboring countries such as Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan share more species in common, while Turkmenistan has less species overlap with the other four countries. Trends in endemic and total taxa are consistent. This comprehensive inventory is novel, revealing CA's plant diversity in two dimensions and providing a solid foundation for subsequent research that will be beneficial to the transboundary conservation and sustainable use of plant resources in CA.

Exploring urban forests in Minas Gerais, Brazil: floristic diversity and biome-driven insights to green infrastructure planning

Exploring urban forests in Minas Gerais, Brazil: floristic diversity and biome-driven insights to green infrastructure planning

Effect of umbilical moxibustion on intestinal flora in patients with subthreshold depression

To observe the clinical efficacy of umbilical moxibustion for subthreshold depression (SD) and its effect on intestinal flora, and to explore its mechanism. Thirty-six SD patients were recruited as the SD group (1 case dropped out, 2 cases excluded), and 36 healthy subjects were recruited as the healthy control group (1 case excluded). The SD group was treated with umbilical moxibustion, once a week, a total of 8 times were required. The healthy control group did not receive any intervention. Hamilton depression scale 17-item (HAMD-17) and Center for Epidemiologic Studies depression scale (CES-D) scores were observed in the SD group before and after treatment, and the clinical efficacy was evaluated. Fecal samples were collected in the SD group before and after treatment and in the healthy control group when enrolled, the intestinal flora was analyzed by 16S rRNA sequencing technology. The HAMD-17 and CES-D scores after treatment in the SD group were reduced compared with those before treatment (P<0.05), and the total effective rate was 90.9% (30/33). Compared with the healthy control group, Sobs index, Shannon index and Ace index were reduced in the SD group before treatment (P<0.05), Simpson index was increased (P<0.05), the relative abundance of Escherichia-Shigella was increased (P<0.01), the relative abundance of Eubacterium_hallii_group, Ruminococcus, Christensenellaceae_R-7_ group, Paraprevotella was decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared before treatment, the relative abundance of Escherichia- Shigella after treatment in the SD group was decreased (P<0.01), the relative abundance of Ruminococcus, Christensenaceae_R-7_group, Paraprevotella was increased (P<0.01, P<0.05). Christensenellaceae_R-7_group and Paraprevotella were negatively correlated with the CES-D score (P<0.01, P<0.05). Escherichia-Shigella was positively correlated with the HAMD-17 score (P<0.05). Christensenellaceae_R-7_group was negatively correlated with the HAMD-17 score (P<0.01). Patients with subthreshold depression have dysbiosis of intestinal flora, and umbilical moxibustion may exert therapeutic effect by regulating the abundance and diversity of intestinal flora, increasing beneficial bacteria, and reducing harmful bacteria.

Development of Non-Text Book on Flora and Fauna Diversity in the Mangrove Ecotourism Area, Karang Gading Wildlife Reserve, North Sumatra

Development of Non-Text Book on Flora and Fauna Diversity in the Mangrove Ecotourism Area, Karang Gading Wildlife Reserve, North Sumatra

Argyreia pilosa Wight &amp; Arn.: An addition to the flora of Nashik district, Maharashtra, India

Within the northern Western Ghats of Maharashtra, Nashik district stands out as the most ecologically diverse region. It is situated within the latitudes of 19° 59' 50.8344'' N and 73° 47' 23.2908'' E. Locally, several plant taxa remain unexplored. This study aims to investigate the floristic diversity and various taxonomic groups of angiosperms present in unreported taxonomic groups within the examined region. During the botanical study in the northern Western Ghats of Nashik locations, we examined the critically endangered morning glory (Argyreia pilosa Wight &amp; Arn.) flowering plant species, which was found in the concentrated region. This botanical investigation involved the collection of plant taxa from diverse regions and ecosystems, marking the first instance of similar collection. The scientific study conducted by the author uncovers novel data about Argyreia pilosa Wight &amp; Arn. in the Nashik district of the northern Western Ghats of Maharashtra.

Jinhong decoction ameliorates injury in septic mice without disrupting the equilibrium of gut microbiota

Sepsis is a life-threatening condition and usually be treated with antibiotics, which however often has severe side effects. This work proposed a novel Chinese traditional medicine JINHONG (JH) decoction for therapy of sepsis. We first identified the chemical constituents of JH decoction by using high-performance liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS). Then, we constructed a model mouse for sepsis by using cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). Metagenomic sequencing method was used to compare the diversity and abundance of the gut microbiota between normal, disease model, JH decoction-treatment and antibiotic-treatment mice. Many indices including the number of platelets, CD62p and CD63 content, AQP2 and AQP8 level, as well as the expression level of protein C confirmed that the sepsis resulted in serious pathological damage, while all of these indices could be reversed by JH decoction and antibiotics. The diversity and abundance of intestinal flora decreased in CLP mice, and the decrements aggravated after antibiotic treatment while can be recovered by JH decoction treatment. The abundance of anti-inflammatory Ruminococcaceae increased after JH decoction treatment, indicating that JH decoction could ameliorate pathology associated with sepsis in CLP model via modulating the intestinal flora. This study demonstrates that JH decoction could treat sepsis clinically without obvious adverse effects on gut microbiota.

A study on the effects of metacinnabar (β-HgS) on weight and appetite recovery in stressed mice

Ethnopharmacological relevanceDepression is a prevalent stress disorder, yet the underlying physiological mechanisms linking stress to appetite and weight loss remain elusive. While most antidepressants are associated with excessive weight and appetite gain, sertraline (SER) exhibits a lower risk of these side effects. Metacinnabar (β-HgS), the primary component of Tibetan medicine Zuotai, has been shown to enhance mice's resilience against external stress without causing excessive increases in weight or appetite. However, the precise physiological pathway through which β-HgS restores appetite and weight in stressed mice remains unclear. Aim of the studyThe objective of this study is to assess the efficacy of β-HgS in ameliorating weight loss and appetite suppression induced by pressure stimulation in mice, as well as elucidate its potential mechanisms of action. MethodsThe present study employed chronic restraint stress (CRS) and chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) as experimental models to simulate environmental stress encountered in daily life. Subsequently, a series of experiments were conducted, including behavior tests, HE staining of rectal and hippocampal pathological sections, detection of depression-related biological indicators, analysis of intestinal flora diversity, as well as metabolomics analysis of hippocampal and intestinal contents. ResultDysregulation of glycerophospholipid metabolism may represent the principal pathway underlying reduced appetite, body weight, neurotransmitter and appetite hormone levels, heightened inflammatory response, hippocampal and rectal tissue damage, as well as altered composition of intestinal microbiota in stressed mice. Following intervention with SER and β-HgS in stressed mice, the deleterious effects induced by stress can be ameliorated, in which the medium-dose β-HgS exhibited superior performance. ConclusionThe aforementioned research findings suggest that the stress-induced decrease in appetite and body weight in mice may be associated with dysregulation in glycerophospholipid metabolism connecting the gut-brain axis. β-HgS exhibits potential in ameliorating depressive-like symptoms in mice subjected to stress, while concurrently restoring their body weight and appetite without inducing excessive augmentation. Its therapeutic effect may also be attributed to its ability to modulate glycerophospholipid metabolism status and exert influence on the gut-brain axis.

Ecology of the Arboreal Vegetation of the Cerrado in Urban Area, Palmas – Tocantins

Objective: To investigate the floristic diversity in three remaining urban forest fragments in Palmas, Tocantins, aiming to understand the structure and floristic composition and their importance for urban biodiversity conservation. Theoretical Framework: Based on concepts of phytosociology and biodiversity conservation, highlighting the importance of urban fragments for the preservation of native flora and the challenges posed by increasing urbanization. Method: Setup of 10 plots, each measuring 20x50 meters in the three studied fragments. All individuals with a circumference at breast height (CBH) equal to or greater than 10 cm were sampled. The phytosociological data were collected and analyzed using FITOPAC software. Results and Discussion: A total of 1,346 individuals belonging to 67 species and 44 families were found. The observed phytophysiognomies were cerrado sensu stricto and cerradão. The species Connarus suberosus, Caryocar brasiliense, and Qualea parviflora showed higher occurrence and wider distribution. These results reflect the richness and diversity that can be found in remaining fragments of the Cerrado. Research Implications: The practical and theoretical implications of this research are discussed, providing results that influence conservation practices and sustainable management in urban areas. Originality: Universidade Federal do Tocantins, Palmas, Tocantins, Brasil. Value: This study contributes to the literature by providing a detailed analysis of the floristic composition of urban fragments of the Cerrado, highlighting their importance for biodiversity conservation in urban areas. The relevance of this research is evidenced by the proposed strategies for the preservation of native species in Palmas' urbanization plan.

Traditional taboos: informal and invisible protection of remaining patches of forest in Vhembe District in Limpopo, South Africa

IntroductionSince 1990, there has been a global decline in forest areas. Between 2010 and 2020, the greatest annual net loss of forests was on the African continent. Despite South African indigenous forests and trees being protected under the National Forests Act of 1998 (Act No. 84 of 1998), the country has also shown an increased annual net loss of forests. Although the Vhembe District Municipality in South Africa has lost forest owing to human-induced deforestation and other land use activities, sacred forests have not been affected. According to traditional beliefs, exploitation of such indigenous patches of sacred forests is taboo. This study aims to explore the role of taboos in the protection of the remaining patches of sacred forest.MethodsThe study relies on data collected between December 2022 and December 2023. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with key informants (n = 61) and local communities in Tshidzivhe and Duthuni villages (n = 60). Observations were used as a further data collection tool. The interview questions were prepared to assess the role of taboos in the protection and management of sacred forests. Data collected through interviews were analysed using thematic content analysis, while field observations helped to corroborate the results from the interviews. Results and discussionThe study identified two main taboos – one that restricts entry into the sacred forests (i.e. preventing entry into the sacred forests, and harvesting, hunting and hiking in these areas), and another that prohibits noise or activities that disrespect sacred forests. The study found that believers and non-believers alike, for fear of retribution by the spirits, still obey these taboos and their related myths. This has allowed these areas to develop dense stands of closed-canopy evergreen forest that support more diverse flora and fauna than found in surrounding areas. Although sacred forests are not meant for biodiversity conservation, they offer opportunities to be integrated into global conservation targets of “30x30” and “Half-Earth” by 2030. They also offer the opportunity of serving as carbon sinks which is key to climate change mitigation. Recommendations for protecting sacred forests and associated taboos are drawn up based on these results.

Эколого-биологическая характеристика медоносных растений Удмуртской Республики

Abstract. The purpose is to analyze honey–bearing resources, biological forms and species diversity of natural, cultural and adventitious honey-bearing flora in the territory of the Udmurt Republic to create a scheme-map of the honey conveyor. Methods. In the study of this issue “Methods of conducting research in beekeeping” (2003), “Plant determinant of Udmurtia” were used. Results. As of January 1, 2023, the area of agricultural land in all land categories amounted to 1838.3 thousand ha, or 43.7 %, non-gricultural land – 2367.8 thousand hectares, or 56.3 % of the total land fund of the Udmurt Republic. The area of coniferous plants has increased by an average of 38 % since 1966, and hardwood by 35 %. The dynamics of the increase in areas for many species is positive – pine, spruce, ash, elm, alder, linden, willows. The life forms of honey plants of the republic have a different ratio: the largest number of 73 species are grasses (65.2 %), 29 are trees (25.8 %) and 10 are shrubs (9 %). When analyzing data on the flowering of honey plants in Udmurtia, most plants bloom in the off-season – 72.5 %, 25.8 % – in summer, spring. There are plants of prolonged flowering, and honey plants that bloom only in September are absent. The main honey-bearing crop is small-leaved linden. It has a large honey reserve; its specific weight of honey reserve is 90.92 %. To develop the honey reserve of the Udmurt Republic, it is necessary to have a number of bee colonies 4.5 times higher than the current level, which is 224.75 thousand bee colonies. Scientific novelty. Beekeeping in the Udmurt Republic is a promising area of agriculture in the development of forest and agricultural lands, the possibility of improving it and using the export of bees to the honey harvest, taking into account the flowering time of honeybees of natural and agricultural honeybees and active nomads.

Floristic Diversity of Climbing Plants of Ballari District: Its Utility and Conservation

This study embarked on a thorough investigation of climber species in Ballari district, yielding a rich repository of 40 species consisting of 16 families, with Cucurbitaceae 9 species, followed by Apocyanaceae 8 species and Convolvulaceae 7 species, emerged as the dominant 3 families,. Herbaceous climbers were 29 species followed by woody climbers with 11 species, with twining 24 species being the prevalent climbing mechanism, followed by tendrils 13 species and straggling unarmed 1 species. Notably, these climbers exhibited a wide range of uses, including medicinal, ornamental, economic, and other applications

Developing a machine learning prediction model for honey production

Türkiye, with its rich flora diversity, holds a significant share in global honey production. However, honey bee populations, essential for agricultural ecosystems, face multifaceted threats such as climate change, habitat degradation, diseases, parasites, and exposure to pesticides. Alongside the increasing global food demand driven by population growth, there is a pressing need for a substantial increase in honey production. In this context, advances in machine learning algorithms offer tools to predict future food needs and production levels. The objective of this work is to develop a predictive model using machine learning techniques to predict Türkiye's honey output in the next years. To achieve this goal, a range of machine learning algorithms including K-Nearest Neighbor, Random Forest, Linear Regression, and Gaussian Naive Bayes were employed. Following investigations, Linear Regression emerged as the most effective method for predicting honey production levels (R2= 0.97).

Shared use of a mass‐flowering crop drives dietary niche overlap between managed honeybees and bumblebees

Abstract Resource competition between wild pollinators and managed honeybees (Apis mellifera) has the potential to detrimentally impact insect biodiversity as well as wild plant and crop pollination. As honeybees are central place foragers, their competitive impact on wild bees is expected to be structured by hive proximity, in conjunction with foraging decisions related to landscape‐level resource availability. Yet, how these factors structure dietary niche overlap between wild bees and managed honeybees remains unclear. We conducted a field experiment in seminatural grasslands, where honeybee foraging densities and niche overlap with buff‐tailed bumblebees (Bombus terrestris) were measured at four distances (&lt;100, 500, 1000 and 2000 m) from experimentally placed apiaries, during and after the blooming period of mass‐flowering oilseed rape (Brassica napus). We measured honeybee foraging densities using standardized transect surveys, and quantified species diet composition and dietary niche overlap from pollen samples collected from both bee species. Honeybee foraging densities were highest near apiaries and declined sharply beyond 500 m from the apiaries. However, niche overlap was unrelated to hive proximity but positively related to the availability of oilseed rape. Furthermore, there were significant inter‐ and intraspecific differences in pollen diet composition and breadth throughout the season. Synthesis and applications: Niche overlap between honeybees and bumblebees in agricultural environments was due to resource sharing of mass‐flowering oilseed rape. When both honeybees and bumblebees predominantly forage on wild plants, they maintain distinct pollen diets, suggesting there is a low risk of resource competition between these generalist taxa. Conservation actions that promote floral resource availability and diversity in agricultural landscapes are crucial to maintain niche differentiation between managed honeybees and wild bees.

The Relationship between the Composition of Intestinal Flora and Dementia

With the aging process of society, the incidence of dementia is increasing year by year and has become a common disease among the elderly which is prognosed to affect approximately 131 million individuals by 2050. The gut microbiome, as a diverse community of microorganisms, plays a crucial role in maintaining health and well-being. Recent research suggests that the gut microbiome significantly influences the development and progression of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) and other neurodegenerative dementias in the elderly. Interventions targeting the gut microbiome through diet, probiotics, and lifestyle changes may offer promising avenues for preventing these conditions. Aging is associated with specific changes in the gut microbiome composition, including the loss of certain beneficial bacteria at the expense of other potentially pathological microorganisms like Akkermansia and Butyricimonas, which may lead to dysbiosis, which was implicated in various aging-related diseases, including AD. Despite advancements in identifying pathobionts associated with unhealthy aging and disease progression, more research is needed to delineate changes attributable to aging from those due to independent disease processes, nevertheless, some studies suggest that modulating the gut microbiome through diet and probiotic supplementation may have potential in improving health status and reducing rate of neurodegeneration. Especially maintaining a healthy, diverse gut flora through diet and lifestyle may be an important factor in preventing dementia and delaying the progression of aging. Further research is needed to fully elucidate the causal mechanisms linking the gut and brain in neurodegenerative diseases. Therefore, this paper aims to present the latest knowledge on gut microbiota changes and their contribution to dementia, proposing strategies for prevention and delaying neurodegenerative processes.

Reintroduction strategies for rare arable weeds in agricultural practice and their influence on yield

AbstractAgricultural intensification and changing landscape structure led to decreasing numbers of arable flora and fauna during the last decades. To counteract these declines, arable plant diversity needs to be restored. It is important to promote regional plant communities including endangered species to ensure adaption to agricultural landscapes. Therefore, this study examines the development of arable plant diversity, crop yield and the reintroduction success of rare arable plants (RAPs) under different practical farming strategies in cereals from 2019 to 2021 in southwestern Germany. Farming strategies varied regarding weed control intensity (none, mechanical, herbicide with and without efficiency gap), fertilisation (mineral and none) and row spacing (12.5 cm and 20 cm). Additionally, two different seed mixtures containing RAP and common species were used for reintroduction: one commercially available and another self‐composed. Reintroduction success was quite high with more than 80% establishment rate. Species numbers doubled in all treatments over time, except the one with herbicide application, with on average 8–10 species emerging from the soil seed bank. Reintroduction of RAP increased arable plant species richness further up to 37 species. The site‐adapted mixture showed in the end a site‐typical weed community. Yield was significantly lower in treatments with reintroduction via sown mixtures and no weed control, losing on average 65% yield. The reintroduction of RAP was successful and accompanied by an increasing floral diversity, however, with a simultaneous yield loss. Financial incentives or subsidies are therefore still necessary to compensate yield loss for reintroduction and conservation efforts.

Ocimum Tenuiflorum Linne: A Narrative Review

Indonesia's diverse flora offers significant potential for medicinal plant production, yet reliance on anecdotal experiences prompts a deeper examination. This study focuses on Ruku-ruku (Ocimum Tenuiflorum Linne), traditionally a culinary herb in West Sumatra. Despite its local culinary use, Ruku-ruku remains largely unexplored for medicinal properties, emphasizing the importance of phytochemical screening to uncover its therapeutic potential. Ocimum Sanctum, known as Holy Basil or Tulsi, holds sacred status in India and boasts a rich history documented in ancient medical texts. This study aimed to review the evidence for therapeutic efficacy and botanical and chemical aspects. The research methodology, employing a narrative literature review, assesses 40 studies (2015-2023). Results underscore Tulsi's holistic benefits, covering metabolic disorders, cardiovascular and cognitive health, infections, cancer prevention, oral health, wound healing, and weight management. Diverse formulations, from essential oils to capsules and gels, highlight the extensive applications of Ocimum Tenuiflorum Linne. The study explores botanical and chemical aspects, including shoot induction and essential oil extraction. Ocimum Sanctum's adaptogenic and antimicrobial properties are discussed, showcasing its potential under stress conditions and against various infections. In conclusion, this review stresses the vast therapeutic potential of Ocimum Tenuiflorum Linne, urging further research to unlock its full medicinal benefits. Integrating traditional wisdom with modern science positions these plants as valuable subjects for pharmaceutical and medicinal applications, potentially addressing contemporary health challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic. This research contributes to providing information about Ocimum Tenuiflorum Linne and its benefits for health care as therapeutic properties.