Flourensia Cernua Research Articles

The Optimization of Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction for Bioactive Compounds from Flourensia cernua and Jatropha dioica and the Evaluation of Their Functional Properties

The Optimization of Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction for Bioactive Compounds from Flourensia cernua and Jatropha dioica and the Evaluation of Their Functional Properties

Plants from Arid and Semi-Arid Zones of Mexico Used to Treat Respiratory Diseases: A Review.

Medicinal plants have been a traditional remedy for numerous ailments for centuries. However, their usage is limited due to a lack of evidence-based studies elucidating their mechanisms of action. In some countries, they are still considered the first treatment due to their low cost, accessibility, and minor adverse effects. Mexico is in second place, after China, in inventoried plants for medicinal use. It has around 4000 species of medicinal plants; however, pharmacological studies have only been carried out in 5% of its entirety. The species of the Mexican arid zones, particularly in semi-desert areas, exhibit outstanding characteristics, as their adverse growing conditions (e.g., low rainfall and high temperatures) prompt these plants to produce interesting metabolites with diverse biological activities. This review explores medicinal plants belonging to the arid and semi-arid zones of Mexico, focusing on those that have stood out for their bioactive potential, such as Jatropha dioica, Turnera diffusa, Larrea tridentata, Opuntia ficus-indica, Flourensia cernua, Fouquieria splendes, and Prosopis glandulosa. Their extraction conditions, bioactive compounds, mechanisms of action, and biological efficacy are presented, with emphasis on their role in the treatment of respiratory diseases. Additionally, current research, novel applications, and perspectives concerning medicinal plants from these zones are also discussed.

Evaluation of the hepatoprotective effect of Flourensia cernua against the damage induced ischemia-reperfusion in Wistar rats.

Evaluation of the hepatoprotective effect of Flourensia cernua against the damage induced ischemia-reperfusion in Wistar rats.

Toxicity Evaluation of a Polyphenolic Extract from Flourensia cernua DC through Artemia Lethality Assay, Hemolytic Activity, and Acute Oral Test.

Flourensia cernua DC, commonly known as hojasen or tarbush, is a medicinal plant used in arid regions due to its therapeutic properties, especially in the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders. This study aimed to assess the toxicity of a polyphenolic extract obtained from F. cernua. This research involved both in vitro (hemolytic and brine shrimp assay) and in vivo tests (acute oral toxicity) to determine the safety profile of this extract. The extract was obtained through a novel ultrasound-microwave extraction and purified by ion-exchange chromatography. Analysis of the polyphenolic extract revealed a rich composition of flavonoids and hydroxycinnamic acids, mainly apigenin glycosides. In toxicity tests, the polyphenols did not exhibit toxicity towards Artemia salina at a concentration of 1 mg/ml. Furthermore, incubation at 500 μg/ml for 4 hours showed a slight toxic effect on erythrocytes. In the acute oral toxicity test in mice, doses of 300 mg/kg and 2000 mg/kg did not result in animal mortality, indicating that the LD50 exceeds 2000 mg/kg. However, the higher dose induced signs of toxicity, including lethargy, drowsiness, piloerection, and a significant decrease in weight during the initial two days postadministration of the polyphenolic extract. In addition, histological analysis suggested potential kidney damage at the 2000 mg/kg dose. According to OECD guidelines, while the extract can be classified as category 5 (low acute toxicity) due to the absence of mortality at 2000 mg/kg, the observed signs of toxicity should be considered in the overall risk assessment. These findings highlight the potential of F. cernua in pharmaceutical and nutraceutical applications due to its high polyphenolic content. However, further investigations are necessary to explore the specific effects of the compounds present in the extract. In addition, continuous evaluation of its long-term toxicity is essential to fully understand the extract's safety profile and efficacy.

Bioactive Compounds and Pharmacological Potential of Hojasen (Flourensia cernua): A Mini review

Flourensia cernua, commonly known as hojasen, is a shrub that is widely distributed in northern Mexico and the southern United States. The presence of this shrub indicates the characteristic flora of the Chihuahuan desert and southern Arizona, and it is an endemic plant of the Coahuila region in Mexico. The leaves and flowers of F. cernua are commercially available in Mexican markets for preparing infusions and are used as traditional medicine, mainly for gastrointestinal disorders such as indigestion, diarrhea, stomach pain, and dysentery, among others. Several studies have shown that F. cernua extracts contain bioactive compounds that can act as antioxidants in vitro by stopping free radicals from doing damage. In addition, F. cernua extracts have antifungal activity against phytopathogenic fungi. Additionally, F. cernua extracts have demonstrated antibacterial effects against Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Also, the anti-inflammatory effect of leaf extract at different doses has been studied to see how it affects the production of inflammatory cytokines and nitric oxide (NO) in macrophage cultures. Therefore, identifying its components and pharmacological properties can promote its use as an adjunct or therapeutic candidate in controlling various diseases. With its potential to alleviate gastrointestinal issues, provide antioxidant protection, and inhibit fungi and bacteria, hojasen extract may prove to be a valuable addition to the treatment of many diseases. This minireview aims to expand the existing knowledge about hojasen, a semi-desert shrub that possesses different bioactive compounds belonging to families of interest such as flavonoids, sesquiterpenoids, and coumarins, hoping to arouse the interest of other researchers to further investigate the activities, properties and uses attributed to Flourensia cernua.

Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiproliferative activities of Flourensia spp.

Lung cancer originates from inflammatory processes mediated by pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) or molecular markers, such as nitric oxide (NO). Flourensia cernua, F. retinophylla, and F. microphylla have been studied and shown to possess remarkable antioxidant and biological activities. Therefore, the present study aimed to determine the total phenolic content (TPC), antioxidant capacity, and chemical composition of F. cernua, F. retinophylla, and F. microphylla extracts, as well as its anti-inflammatory activities in vitro on RAW 264.7 macrophages cells. Further, the cytotoxic and antiproliferative activities in vitro were assessed using A549 lung cancer cells and ARPE-19 cells. The TPC were assessed by the Folin-Ciocalteu method; antioxidant activity was assessed using the ABTS, DPPH, and FRAP techniques, and the chemical composition was determined by ESI-IT-MSn. The cytotoxic and antiproliferative properties were measured using the MTT assay. The anti-inflammatory activity was determined by evaluating the inhibition of NO and TNF-α production. The results showed that F. microphylla presented the highest TPC value of 284.83 mg GAE/g DW, and antioxidant activity with values of 20.4 μg TE/mL, 6.7 μg TE/mL, 3122.9 μM Fe(II)/g DW for DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays, respectively. A total of nine, five, and nine chemical compounds were identified in F. cernua, F. retinophylla, and F. microphylla, respectively. Moreover, the three extracts evaluated presented antiproliferative effect on A549 cells, and F. cernua demonstrated the best anti-inflammatory activity. Therefore, these extracts could be used as natural anti-inflammatory agents to control lung cancer.

Medicinal plants used by rural communities in the arid zone of Viesca and Parras Coahuila in northeast Mexico

This study is the first record of medicinal plants in the southwest of the Coahuila state, an arid zone where extreme dry conditions prevail. One hundred twenty-two residents (in sixteen communities) were interviewed. The residents were questioned with a questionnaire-guided ethnomedical survey protocol about the various plants used. Seventy-seven species of medicinal plants belonging to 36 botanical families were cited. The highest use-value (UV) was calculated for Lippia graveolens Kunth (0.30); Aloe vera (L.) Burm.f. (0.20); Eucalyptus abdita Brooker & Hopper, Chamaemelum nobile (L.) All. (0.16); Mentha spicata L. (0.15) and Salvia officinalis L. (0.10). Informant consensus factor (ICF) about usages of medicinal plants ranges from 0.41 to 0.80; the highest level of agreement was determined between the informants and Respiratory System Diseases (0.80). The highest fidelity level (FL) values (100%) were identified in Flourensia cernua DC., Artisia ludoviciana Nutt., and Parthenium incanum Kunth to Gastro-intestinal System Diseases; Eucalyptus abdita Brooker & Hopper, Bougainvillea berberidifolia Heimerl, and Lippia graveolens Kunth to Respiratory System Diseases (RSD) and Cyclolepis genistoides D.Don and Ephedra antisyphilitica Berland. ex C.A.Mey. to Obstetrics, Gynecology and Urinary tract Diseases. These last two medicinal plant species (“palo azul” and “pitoreal”) used by the rural communities in Viesca in the treatment of urinary tract infections and kidney stones have not been reported previously. These findings can provide new research directions for further phytochemical studies. The present study revealed that the residents are rich in ethno-medicinal knowledge and actively use medicinal plants to treat various diseases. New phytochemical and pharmacological research are needed to confirm the therapeutic potential and safety of the identified plants.

Essential Oil and Polyphenolic Compounds of Flourensia cernua Leaves: Chemical Profiling and Functional Properties

Flourensia cernua is a bush that grows in the semi-desert regions of Mexico. It has been used in traditional medicine due to its healing properties and currently represents an alternative source of bioactive molecules for different areas of the agri-food and health industries. The objective of this study was to extract and characterize the purified polyphenolic compounds (PPCs) and essential oils (EOs) of F. cernua leaves, determine the total flavonoid content, evaluate the antioxidant activity by three different assays, and determine, for the first time, its inhibitory effect against enzymes involved in the degradation of carbohydrates (α-amylase and α-glucosidase). In addition, the analysis of functional groups (by FTIR-ATR assay) and the identification of the chemical constituents present in both essential oils and phenolic compounds were carried out by GC/MS and UPLC-QToF/MS2, respectively. The results indicate that PPCs and EOs are rich in flavonoid-type compounds. In addition, they showed potential for free-radical scavenging and the inhibition of the lipid oxidation process. The analyzed EOs and PPCs had potential against α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes, which are related to high blood sugar levels. FTIR-ATR analysis allowed for the identification of functional groups characteristic of polyphenolic compounds and the chemical constituents of EOs. Finally, compounds such as caryophyllene, caryophyllene oxide, and germacrene-D were identified by GC/MS assay and luteolin 7-O-rutinoside and apigenin-6-C-glucosyl-8-C-arabinoside by UPLC/QToF-MS2. The results indicate that the PPCs and EOs of F. cernua have the potential to be used as antioxidant and enzyme inhibitor agents.

Effect of encapsulation and natural polyphenolic compounds on bacteriophage stability and activity on Escherichia coli in Lactuca sativa L. var. longifolia

AbstractThe goals of the present study were to characterize the phages isolated by magnetic nanocomplex, to determine the effect of natural polyphenols on phage activity against E. coli and the stability of free and encapsulated bacteriophages under UV irradiation, and their efficacy against E. coli on romaine lettuce (Lactuca sativa L. var. longifolia) as a fresh food model. The morphology of the two magnetically isolated phages were characterized using the transmission electron microscope (TEM). All isolated phages were classified in a morphological family of tailed phages of the order Caudovirales, Myoviridae family. The PCR results showed that the stx1 and cI genes were not on any phage. Assays were carried out to determine the effect of four polyphenolic natural extracts on phages under UV radiation. The highest activity and stability of phages expressed in phage titer (PFU/ml) were observed in the presence of polyphenols from tarbush leaves (Flourensia cernua DC). Coliphages were encapsulated in alginate/chitosan and alginate/PVA carriers with and without polyphenols from tarbush leaves. Encapsulation led to a higher phage stability under UV radiation. All encapsulated formulations and free coliphages were applied on the surfaces of romaine lettuce containing E. coli cells. An effective reduction of 2 log of E. coli titers from lettuce was observed. Encapsulated phage formulations with and without polyphenols from tarbush leaves could be considered for future application in fresh food preservation.

Interactions between facilitator species and Lophophora williamsii (Lem. ex Salm-Dyck) J.M.Coult. (Cactaceae) in a rosetophyllus desert scrub in México

Lophophora williamsii (peyote) is a spineless cactus that stands out for its psychoactive alkaloid content and considered vulnerable due to the destruction of its habitat and illegal extraction. The objective of this study is to describe the spatial distribution and interactions between facilitator species and L. williamsii that are important for this species conservation and reintroduction programs. The spatial distribution pattern was determined by Ripley's K-function. To know whether L. williamsii requires facilitator species, 10 plots of 100 m2 each were considered to perform dasometric measurements of the perennial species. Frequency of peyotes under the canopy of perennial species and open spaces was determined. The cardinal directions in which peyote individuals were found under the facilitator species were recorded, as well as soil surface temperature and solar radiation at soil level under the foliage and open spaces. L. williamsii showed an aggregated spatial distribution; 97.7% of peyotes were found under the foliage of facilitator species, where temperature and solar radiation were significantly lower than in the open spaces. Among the facilitator species, those that stand out are Flourensia cernua, Agave lechuguilla, Larrea tridentata, and Prosopis glandulosa. Significantly greater frequencies of peyotes were observed positioned on the northern quadrant of the facilitator crown. The results obtained show that L. williamsii needs the protection of perennial species for its establishment. Thus, the disappearance of these species could put at risk the persistence of peyote in these communities. These findings point out that the conservation and restoration of wild peyote populations require maintenance from the facilitator species.

ANTISPORULATION ACTION OF TARBUSH PLANT (FLOURENSIA CERNUA) TOWARDS CONIDIOSPORES OF PLANT PATHOGENS

The plant pathogens as Alternaria solani, Monilinia fructigena, Botrytis cinereae and Venturia inaequalis cause significant damages on many plants in the European region (particularly in the region of Republic of Bulgaria), especially on orchard cultures which are very important for agricultural industry in this area. There is many existed commercial plant protection products towards this phytopathogens on the market and there is intensive pesticides treatments in order to be overtake infestations and damaging of the plants from this pathogenic fungus. However such king pesticides in the most cases are toxic and harmful for the humans and environment, so there is a need for development and introduction on the pesticide market of the novel environmentally friendly plant protection products against these diseases. In the present research paper an in vitro trials were conducted with ethanol extracts from tarbush plant (Flourensia cernua) with conidial sporulation of of Alternaria solani, Monilinia fructigena, Botrytis cinereae and Venturia inaequalis. The received results show the strong antisporulation action of tarbush plant ethanol extracts towards tested pathogens. However according to the conidiospores of Alternaria solani, there was full lack of effectiveness and even slightly stimulation action of germination of spores. This results can be a base for development of the new natural fungicides against tested plant pathogens wicth can be apllied as in the commersial agriculture, as in the organic or integrated pest management

Effect of Flourensia cernua Bioactive Compounds on Stability of an Oil-in-Water (O/W) Emulsion

The stability of O / W emulsions cannot be controlled by just the emulsifier additives; antioxidants are needed to improve the stability of the emulsified system and protect against lipid oxidation. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the bioactive compounds of tarbush Flourensia cernua as natural stabilizers of an oil-in-water (O/W) emulsion based on glycerol, gum arabic, jojoba oil, and candelilla wax under refrigeration conditions. The samples were coded as EBCT (emulsion with bioactive compounds of tarbush) and CE (control emulsion). These were characterized in terms of opacity and transparency and evaluated in terms of the system's stability, antioxidant activity, and microbiological analysis during storage. EBCT showed higher transmittance and minor opacity concerning CE. Bioactive compounds of tarbush showed higher antioxidant activity in oil in water emulsion, as measured by ABTS and DPPH. The microbiological analysis results demonstrated that bioactive compounds presented a higher fungistatic effect on yeast growth in the emulsion. EBCT showed higher stability, antioxidant, and fungistatic activity relative to CE, without any significant storage differences during 4 weeks in refrigeration conditions. This research provides the agri-food industry interesting results to formulate a stabilized green emulsion with bioactive compounds of tarbush.

Candelilla Wax Edible Coating with Flourensia cernua Bioactives to Prolong the Quality of Tomato Fruits.

The improvement of the postharvest quality of tomato fruits was evaluated using an edible coating functionalized with an Flourensia cernua extract evaluating the antifungal, structural, barrier, and optical properties. The formulation and evaluation of an edible coating and its application on tomato was evaluated using a response surface methodology to determine the ideal concentrations of candelilla wax, whey protein, and glycerol. Edible films showed good barrier properties, with water vapor permeability varying from 0.435–0.404 g mm/m2 day kPa. The addition o F. cernua extract showed significant improvement in the transparency of films. The edible coating applied to tomato reduced weight and firmness loss. The sensory evaluation proved that the product obtained is acceptable for consumers. The edible coating added with F. cernua extract was the most effective in inhibiting the growth of pathogenic fungi and the visual appearance at the end of storage confirmed the beneficial effect of the edible coating.

Valorization of Flourensia cernua DC as source of antioxidants and antifungal bioactives

The indiscriminate use of chemical and/or synthetic compounds to reduce post-harvest diseases has led to the generation of resistance by microorganisms causing food damage, so in the last decade efforts have been focused to find natural alternatives, which can solve this problem. Extracts obtained from Flourensia cernua, have been reported in recent years as a source of natural bioactive compounds that have great potential to be used to control some microorganisms that affect food in post-harvest. The objective of this work was to obtain and characterize the bioactive polyphenolic compounds of Flourensia cernua leaves using as a basis an aqueous extraction to determine the main compounds present and evaluate their potential as an agent natural bioactive. An aqueous extraction of Flourensia cernua leaves, subjected to 60 °C for 2 h with constant agitation, was used. In order to concentrate the polyphenolic compounds, the extract was passed through a column of Amberlite XAD-16, where the ethanolic fraction is collected and then dried to obtain a powder rich in bioactive compounds, which were characterized. The obtained compounds showed high antioxidant power (85.82 ± 1 % of radical inhibition) and antifungal properties. Fifteen phenolic compounds of Flourensia cernua were identified from this extraction and concentration methodology, two peaks with relatively high intensity were chosen to represent the main characteristic compounds. Peaks corresponded to luteolin 7-O-rutinoside (mw: 594) and 6-C-glucosyl-8-C-arabinosyl apigenin (mw: 564). Regarding the inhibition of mycelial growth, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC50) was found at 1362 mg/L, covering all phytoatogens evaluated in this study. Results showed that compounds of aqueous extracts from Flourensia cernua represent a viable alternative to counteract the use of chemical compounds in agriculture.

Application of edible nanolaminate coatings with antimicrobial extract of Flourensia cernua to extend the shelf-life of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) fruit

Edible coatings have potential to reduce postharvest losses of fruit such as tomato. In this study, the effects of nanolaminate coatings incorporated with extracts of Flourensia cernua, an endemic plant of the arid and semi-arid regions of Mexico, has been investigated. Ethanol extracts of F. cernua (FcE) were prepared and incorporated into polyelectrolyte solutions of alginate and chitosan. The nanolaminates were characterized by determining the zeta potential, contact angle and water vapor and oxygen permeabilities. Shelf-life analyses (20 °C for 15 d) were carried out with uncoated fruit (UCF), nanolaminate coating (NL) and nanolaminate coating with FcE (NL + FcE). Physicochemical analyses, gas exchange rates of O2 and CO2 and ethylene production, as well as microbiological analyses of treated fruit were measured. Zeta potential and contact angle measurements confirmed the successful assembly of successive nanolayers of alginate and chitosan, as well as those with F. cernua. The nanolaminate coatings resulted in decreased permeabilities to water and O2. The best treatment of NL + FcE, extended the shelf-life of fruit by reducing weight loss and microbial growth, reducing gas exchange and ethylene production, and maintaining firmness and color. The NL + FcE treatment are an alternative to extend the shelf-life of tomato fruit.

Effect of growth conditions on β-glucosidase production using Flourensia cernua leaves in a solid-state fungal bioprocess.

Flourensia cernua foliage was used in a solid-state fungal bioprocess to identify factors that could affect β-glucosidase production such as growth medium components and partial identification of molecules from the plant material. Under an exploratory experimental design, each variable had their distinctive result on conditions, which affects and could further improve β-glucosidase production. Under the experimental design, 1482U/L of β-glucosidase were detected, which marks an improvement in production compared to levels obtained in a control treatment with an activity of 1092U/L. It was shown that inoculum, water content and pH were the factors with the greater effect on β-glucosidase production. Polyphenolic content and cellulosic fiber in the form of raw fiber were measured to assess compound degradation of the plant material. Although fiber content was apparently unaffected, polyphenolic content decreased; β-glucosidase was produced by A. niger GH1. This behavior could be associated with fiber level and polyphenolic content because molecules of this type can be hydrolyzed by β-glucosidase. According to our results, F. cernua biomass can be used as a carbon source for β-glucosidase production in a short culture time.

Nanocoating with extract of tarbush to retard Fuji apples senescence

This work aims to study the ability of a nanocoating based on candelilla wax and extract of tarbush (Flourensia cernua) as edible coating to retard Fuji apples senescence. The first part of the work consisted in obtaining the nanocoating solution with the suitable values of wettability on Fuji apple surface. The concentration of 0.8% of tween 80 was selected for use in the nanocoating. Subsequently, extract of tarbush was obtained and added in the improved nanocoating. The extract of tarbush significantly decreased the droplet size and increased the magnitude of the z-potential of the nanocoating. The optical profilometry results showed a closed surface and less rough on the nanocoating with extract. The effects of application of the nanocoating with extract of tarbush to Fuji apples were assessed by determining the physicochemical changes, water vapor transferred, morphological studies and microbiological stability of the Fuji apples treated during 56 d of storage. The minimum values of water vapor transferred and physicochemical changes was obtained in Fuji apples coated with nanocoating with extract of tarbush. The application of nanocoating with extract of tarbush on Fuji apples senescence delay of the fruits, wich resulted in a decrease in firmness loss, reducing the physicochemical changes and the microbial growth in fruit when compared to non-coated fruit.

Solid bioprocess of tarbush (Flourensia cernua) leaves for β-glucosidase production by Aspergillus niger: initial approach to fiber-glycoside interaction for enzyme induction.

Commercial cellulase production has increased in recent years and consistent research has been carried out to improve levels of β-glucosidase. Bioprocesses have been successfully adapted to produce this enzyme, with solid-state fermentations as the best-suited technique involving fungi. The aim of this study was to use leaves of tarbush (Flourensia cernua), an abundant shrub of the Chihuahuan Desert, as a carbon source for β-glucosidase production by Aspergillus niger. During the solid bioprocess, this enzyme reached its peak production at 36h of culture with 3876.6U/L. There is a particular interest in the substrate composition because of the possibility of phenolic glycosides having an important role in β-glucosidase production. HPLC-MS analyses showed that glycosides were present with the highest accumulation at 36h of fungal culture. Luteolin and apigenin glycosides [1.8 and 2.4 absorbance units, respectively] were also detected and showed their highest point of detection alongside the highest β-glucosidase activity. No apparent changes in cellulose were observed, while hemicellulose content decreased, which could be related to production and activity of β-glucosidase. This study shows that leaves of F. cernua are an important raw material for β-glucosidase production and give a source of compounds of added value which also may have an important role for β-glucosidase production.

Antifungal activity in vitro of ethanol and aqueous extracts of leaves and branches of Flourensia spp. against postharvest fungi

Fusarium and Rhizopus rots occur in stored fruits and cause high post-harvest losses. The most common fruit affected by these fungi is tomato, which is the principal exportation product of Mexico. Chemical treatment is one of the postharvest techniques that are normally used to prolong shelf life and reduce food spoilage. However, the indiscriminate use of pesticides in horticultural products allows the resistance of plagues and also affects human health. The use of natural products, such as plant extracts for the management of fungal diseases in plants, is considered an alternative method to synthetic fungicides. The objectives of this research were to evaluate the antifungal activity in vitro of ethanol and aqueous extracts of leaves and branches of Flourensia cernua, F. microphylla and F. retinophylla against Fusarium oxysporum and Rhizopus stolonifer, which cause diseases in postharvest fruits and high economic losses in tomato; and to obtain information on the chemical composition of the bioactive components of the extracts. The chemical profile identified in ethanol extracts of leaves and branches of F. cernua, F. microphylla and F. retinophylla, was: 17 and 10 compounds; 7 and 9 compounds and 7 compounds in both tissues, respectively. Flourensia spp. ethanol extracts showed high effectiveness in the inhibition of mycelial growth of F. oxysporum and R. stolonifer. F. cernua inhibited F. oxysporum at MIC90 of 2163mg/L for leaves ethanol extract and 4240mg/L for branches ethanol extract. Also, F. cernua inhibited R. stolonifer at MIC90 of 1692 for both tissues. Flourensia spp. ethanol extracts represent an alternative to be used as a botanical fungicide, which could replace the use of synthetic fungicides.

Defoliation of Flourensia cernua (tarbush) with high-density mixed-species stocking

Interest in shrub use by livestock is increasing along with the rising demands placed on rangelands worldwide. Historically, Flourensia cernua (tarbush) has increased in the Chihuahuan Desert but receives limited use by cattle. Cattle, sheep and goats co-grazed eight 0.6 ha tarbush-dominated paddocks during two periods for up to nine days during two consecutive years. Cumulative tarbush defoliation across periods and years averaged 75.6%, with a mean increase of 9.3%/day (P < 0.0001). Defoliation of individual shrubs varied from 5 to 99% in 1989 and 0–100% in 1990, indicating highly variable palatability among individual plants. Sheep lost 2.3–5.5 kg/hd (P < 0.0001) across periods and years when forced to browse tarbush. In 1989, goats gained (P = 0.0345) 0.6 kg/hd in period 1, but the gain in period 2 was not significant (P = 0.2934). During 1990, goats lost 3.1 kg/hd (P = 0.0001) across periods. High-density mixed-species stocking of small areas for short time periods resulted in extensive tarbush use, primarily due to browsing by sheep and goats. Targeted use of tarbush for short time intervals may increase use of this highly nutritious forage and potentially serve as a form of biocontrol for this shrub.