Fumaria Officinalis Research Articles

Regularities of weeding in crop rotation fields against the background of different tillage systems

It was found that during the research in winter wheat crops, 40 species of weeds of different biological groups and classes were registered. The most common weeds in the research are: spring (Polygonum aviculare, Fumaria officinalis); winter (Descurainiasophia, Capsella bursa-patoris, Veronica hederifolia, Thlaspiarvense), perennial (Cirsium arvense, Convolvulus arvensis). All of these weeds are non-parasitic weeds. They have roots, stems and green leaves, resulting in an independent diet. It is shown that on average for 5 years of research the least number of weeds was recorded after black fallow (53,7 pcs / m²). Weeds were 22,0 % higher after winter weeds, 55,9 % more after a mixture of peas and mustard, and 95,3 % higher after peas for grain. In the experiments, almost identical results on weediness of winter wheat crops were obtained with two tillage schemes, namely tillage and chisel tillage. However, there is a slight tendency to reduce the number of weeds (0,8 %) during chisel tillage. There was an increase in the number of weeds on the 2nd (83,5 pcs / m2) and on the 4th (76,6 pcs / m2) crops compared to the 1st (64,3 pcs / m2). The highest tweediness (83,5 units / m2) of winter wheat crops was observed in the 2nd crop. This indicates a large potential contamination of the arable soil layer. Key words: crop rotation, tillage, black fallow, green fallow, weeds, winter wheat, oats.

Fluorometric quantification of alkaloids in the homeopathic mother tinctures of Vinca minor L. and Fumaria officinalis L.

To assess the toxic potential of the alkaloids, a quantification method is necessary. An ion pair extraction method was used for quantitative fluorometric determination of vincamine, protopine and all contained alkaloids in the mother tinctures of Vinca minor and Fumaria officinalis. The non-fluorescent alkaloids were transformed into an ion pair with sodium-9,10-dimethoxy-anthracene-sulfonate and then fluorometrically determined and quantified in this study. The applicable ion pair was extracted in a suitable organic solvent, where dichloromethane has proven to be beneficial. Conditions for the ion pairing and fluorometric quantification are given. The recovery rate was used to investigate the quality of determinability and the influence of the mother tincture matrix. The method was applied to determine the concentration of protopine in the range 0.1 - 15 μg/ml and of vincamine in the range of 0.5 - 20 μg/ml. The limit of detection was < 0.3 μg/ml, and the limit of quantification < 0.9 μg/ml for both alkaloids.

Effect of herbal cream containing Fumaria officinalis and silymarin for treatment of eczema: A randomized double-blind controlled clinical trial.

Objective:Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common skin disorder with symptoms including severe pruritus and eczematous lesions. AD affects between 5 and 20% of people in their life. Silymarin (SM) is a polyphenolic flavonoid from Silybum marianum L. and has several therapeutic characteristics including antiallergic, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory properties. Fumaria officinalis is a small plant that has a high antioxidant power and modulating effects on the immune system. Therefore, the current study intended to examine the influence of these two herbs extract on severity and symptoms of AD in patients.Materials and Methods:40 patients with mild to moderate eczema randomly received mometasone 0.1% or the herbal cream. Treatment course was 2 weeks and patients were examined before and after 2 weeks of treatment using the SCORAD system.Results:The reduction of SCORAD score was significant in both groups (p=0.04 in the herbal group and p=0.03 in the mometasone group) but no significant difference was observed between the groups. Mean SCORAD score was 27.66±5.9 before therapy and 4.77±1.6 after therapy in the mometasone group and mean SCORAD score was 26.05±7.1 before therapy and 6.944±2.6 after therapy in the herbal group. Conclusion:The current study indicated the impact of these two herbs extract on severity and symptoms of AD in patients; these plants may be a new treatment in reducing eczema symptoms and its problems.

К синтаксономии сегетальной растительности Северо-Запада Российской Федерации

The tendency to gradual reduction of crop is observed now in the North-West of the Russian Federation. From 2010 for 2021 the total area under crops in four regions (Leningrad, Novgorod, Pskov, Vologda) has decreased from 1150.7 to 907.5 thousand hectares. Studies of specific structure of weed communities of the North-West of the Russian Federation started in the first decade of the XX century with inspections of crops by A. I. Maltsev in the St. Petersburg region (Maltsev, 1908, 1909). Since the beginning of the XXI the study of weed plants were focused at the All-Russian Institute of Plant Protectionwhere monitoring of crops of the North-West of the Russian Federation (Mysnik, 2012; Luneva, Mysnik, 2016, 2017, Luneva et al., 2009) has became the priority direction. In spite of previous wide floristic researches, the diversity of weed communities of this region is still not established. The first results of the floristic classification of weed vegetation in the North-East of the Russian Federation are presented. The dataset is based on 278 relevés made by N. N. Luneva, I. N. Nadtochiy, E. V. Filippova, T. D. Sokolova, Yu. V. Eroshina for field seasons in 1999–2916. The research area covered Leningrad, Novgorod, Pskov and Vologda regions. Data processing was carried out according floristic classification approach (Westhoff, Maarel, 1978), using TWINSPAN algoritm in JUICE software packages (Tichy, 2002). The new syntaxa are named in accordance with the rules of the International Code of Phytosociological Nomenclature (Theurillat et al., 2021). DCA-ordination using the CANOCO 4.5 software package (Ter Braak, Smilauer, 2002) was produced to identify patterns of environmental differentiation. The habitat moisture and soil richness-salinity scales status of communities (Ramenskiy et al., 1956) was calculated and basic agroclimatic parameters were identified to characterize the ecological variability of habitats. The communities were classified within the order of Aperetalia spica-venti J. Tx. et Tx. in Malato-Beliz et al. 1960 of the class Papaveretea rhoeadis S. Brulo et al. 2001 and were assigned to the alliance Scleranthion annui (Kruseman et Vlieger 1939) Sissingh in Westhoff et al. 1946), which unites the most mesophytic weed communities distributed mainly on gray forest, sod-podzolic, podzolic and other types of soils of the forest zone. The alliance diagnostic species are Stellaria media, Tripleurospermum inodorum, Capsella bursa-pastoris, Lepidotheca suaveolens, Thlaspi arvense, Centaurea cyanus. Three species from the diagnostic groups of ruderal vegetation classes are also active in their cenoflora — Elytrigia repens, Viola arvensis, Taraxacum officinale. From the diagnostic group of the Papaveretea rhoeadis class and the order Aperetalia spica-venti with high constancy, species are found Cirsium setosum, Chenopodium album, Sonchus arvensis, less often are Fallopia convolvulus. The group of species of the alliance Scleranthion annui includes Stellaria media, Tripleurospermum inodorum, Capsella bursa-pastoris, Lepidotheca suaveolens, Thlaspi arvense, Centaurea cyanus. Unlike the weed communities of other regions of the Russian Federation (Khasanova et al., 2021 Yamalov et al., 2021a, b), apophytes are not significantly presented in cenophlora, but such ruderal species as Elytrigia repens, Viola arvensis, Taraxacum officinale are active. The identified associations and communities are different geographically, in terms of crop affinity and the system of agricultural machinery, the type of soils and heat conditions. The most widespread are the communities of the ass. Tussilagi farfarae–Centauretum cyani, which occur in the Leningrad, Novgorod, Pskov and Vologda regions. The associations Galeopsetum bifidae (Novgorod, Pskov and Vologda regions) and Lamio purpurei–Persicarietum lapathifolii (Leningrad, Novgorod and Pskov regions) are of slightly smaller range. Syntaxa are differentiated according to the level of habitat heat conditions from the higher (ass. Echinochloo crusgalli–Galietum aparinis, ass. Lamio purpurei–Persicarietum lapathifolii) to the lower (community Fumaria officinalis) ones. Communities of the associations Echinochloo crusgalli–Galietum aparinis and Lamio purpurei-Persicarietum lapathifolii are formed on swamp, peat and podzolic-swamp soils. The community Polygonum aviculare and the ass. Mentho arvensi–Sonchetum arvensis are formed on weakly and medium-podzolic, as well as sod-podzolic soils. The other syntaxa are confined to sod-carbonate soils. According to the spectrum of crop, syntaxa were distributed as follows: associations Echinochloo crusgalli–Galietum aparinis, Mentho arvensis–Sonchetum arvensis, Lamio purpurei–Persicarietum lapathifolii and the community Polygonum aviculare occur mainly on fields with vegetable crops (potatoes, carrots, cabbage, beets, etc.); Tussilagi farfarae–Centauretum cyani, Galeopsetum bifidae, the communities of Fumaria officinalis and Achillea millefolium — on grain crops (barley, oats, rye, triticale and wheat). The main factors of differentiation of the studied communities are the type of soil, cultivated crop and humidification.

Green synthesis of nickel nanoparticles using Fumaria officinalis as a novel chemotherapeutic drug for the treatment of ovarian cancer

In the present study, nickel nanoparticles were green-synthesized using the aqueous extract of Fumaria officinalis. The synthesized NiNPs@F. officinalis were characterized by analytical techniques including EDX, FE-SEM, XRD, UV-Vis., and FT-IR. The antioxidant and anti-ovarian cancer activity of NiNPs@F. officinalis was evaluated. The nanoparticles were formed in a spherical shape in the range of 16.85 to 49.04 nm for the particle size. In the antioxidant test, the IC50 of F. officinalis, NiNPs@F. officinalis, and BHT against DPPH free radicals were 253, 145, and 107 µg/mL, respectively. In the cellular and molecular part of the recent study, the treated cells with NiNPs@F. officinalis were assessed by MTT assay for 48 h about the cytotoxicity and anti-human ovarian cancer properties on normal (HUVEC) and ovarian cancer cell lines i.e. PA-1, Caov-3, SW-626, and SK-OV-3. The viability of malignant ovarian cell line reduced dose-dependently in the presence of NiNPs@F. officinalis. The IC50 of NiNPs@F. officinalis were 375, 225, 246, and 279 µg/mL against PA-1, Caov-3, SW-626, and SK-OV-3 cell lines, respectively. After the clinical study, nickel nanoparticles containing F. officinalis leaf aqueous extract may be used to formulate a new chemotherapeutic drug or supplement to treat several types of human ovarian cancer.

Fumaria officinalis-assisted synthesis of Manganese nanoparticles as an anti-human gastric cancer agent

Regarding applicative, facile, green chemical research, a bio-inspired approach is being reported for the synthesis of Mn nanoparticles by Fumaria officinalis as a natural reducing/stabilizing and solid support agent without using any toxic and harmful reagent. The MnNPs were synthesized using an aqueous extract of Fumaria officinalis. The formation and morphology of the nanoparticles were evaluated using different techniques including fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), UV–Visible spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX) analysis. The properties of Fumaria officinalis leaf aqueous extract and MnNPs against common human gastric cancer cell lines i.e. KATOIII, NCI-N87, and SNU-16 were studied. The results show the successful formation of MnNPs with a spherical morphology with an average size of 50.05 nm. The viability of malignant human gastric cell line reduced dose-dependently in the presence of Fumaria officinalis leaf aqueous extract and MnNPs. After the clinical study, MnNPs can be utilized as an efficient drug in the treatment of human gastric cancer in humans.

Effects of band steaming on weed control, weed community diversity and composition and yield in organic carrot at three Mediterranean sites

AbstractBand steaming is a non‐chemical weed control method of increasing interest for highly remunerative, low competitive crops. This study aimed to test the field application of a new prototype of band‐steaming machine in three organic fields under contrasting Mediterranean environmental conditions. Trials were conducted in carrot under real‐field conditions to investigate the effects of three steaming doses and one control (no steaming) on weed vegetation and crop yield. Soil temperature at steaming application, weed density at species level during carrot crop growth, and weed and carrot biomass at harvest were sampled at each site. Band steaming significantly affected total weed density: when comparing the untreated control with the highest steam dose, weed density reduction ranged from 62% (−492 plants m−2) at site II to 94% (−146 plants m−2) at site III. Generally, diversity of weed communities decreased with increasing steaming dose, indicating a progressive species filtering effect: Fumaria officinalis L. and Sonchus oleraceus L. were filtered by steaming application at site I, while Polygonum lapathifolium L. and Portulaca oleracea L. were filtered at sites II and III. Weed community composition was affected by steaming dose at two sites out of three. Small seeded species (seed mass &lt;1.5 mg) were less tolerant of steaming than species with large seeds. Through reduction in weed density, steam application gave carrot a competitive advantage, increasing fresh yield from 47% at site III (+3,646 g m‐2) to 92% at site II (+1,866 g m‐2), compared with yields at non‐steamed plots.

Characterization and anti-acute myeloid leukemia and anti-acute T cell leukemia properties of zinc nanoparticles synthesized by a green approach for bioremediation applications

IntroductionEvery year, many people die due to cancer in all of the world. So, the preparation and formulation of new chemotherapeutic supplements and drugs with remarkable effects to treat cancer are a priority of both developing and developed countries. Recently, zinc nanoparticles have been used as modern chemotherapeutic drugs to treat several cancers such as leukemia, lung cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer, etc. In this study, zinc nanoparticles (ZnNPs) were synthesized in an aqueous medium using Fumaria officinalis leaf as stabilizing and reducing agents.Material and methodsThe green synthesized ZnNPs@Fumaria officinalis were characterized using different techniques including UV-visible and FT-IR spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDS). The anticancer activity of ZnNPs@Fumaria officinalis was evaluated against acute myeloid leukemia and acute T cell leukemia. According to the XRD analysis, 20.44 nm was measured for the crystal size of ZnNPs@Fumaria officinalis.ResultsSEM images showed a uniform spherical morphology with an average size of 27.96 nm for ZnNPs@Fumaria officinalis. In the cellular and molecular part of the recent study, the cells treated with ZnNPs@Fumaria officinalis were assessed by MTT assay for 48 h regarding the cytotoxicity and anti-human acute leukemia properties on normal (HUVEC), acute myeloid leukemia (32D-FLT3-ITD and Human HL-60/vcr), and acute T cell leukemia (Jurkat, Clone E6-1 and J.RT3-T3.5) cell lines. In the antioxidant test, the IC50 values of ZnNPs@Fumaria officinalis and BHT against DPPH free radicals were 187 and 197 µg/ml, respectively. The IC50 values of ZnNPs@Fumaria officinalis were 227, 200, 250, and 336 µg/ml against 32D-FLT3-ITD, Human HL-60/vcr, Jurkat, Clone E6-1, and J.RT3-T3.5 cell lines, respectively. The viability of the malignant leukemia cell line decreased dose-dependently in the presence of ZnNPs@Fumaria officinalis.ConclusionsIt appears that the anti-human acute leukemia effect of ZnNPs@Fumaria officinalis is due to their antioxidant effects.

Optimization of phenolic compound recovery and antioxidant activity from Fumaria officinalis L. using response surface methodology

The purpose of this study was to optimize the extraction of antioxidant phenolic compounds from Fumaria officinalis by two approaches, single-factor experiment and response surface methodology (RSM). After extraction optimization, the content of polyphenols, flavonoids, and tannins was performed. Antioxidant activities of optimal extract were evaluated by DPPH, ABTS, and iron chelating activities. Single-factor experiments showed that all extraction parameters had significant effects (p &lt; 0.05) on total phenolic content and free radical scavenging activity. From the optimization process using response surface methodology through Box-Behnken design regarding the three selected significant parameters (solvent concentration, extraction time, and temperature), it was established that the best extraction conditions were 47% methanol, 54.40°C, and 168.02 min, respectively. Under these optimal conditions, the recorded values for TPC and DPPH scavenging activity were successively 1510.10 mg GAE/100g DW and 69.85%. These results were in accordance with model predictions indicating that the model was suitable for the extraction process. Furthermore, higher flavonoids and tannins contents and strong iron-chelating and ABTS scavenging activities were obtained.

The Spectrum of Weed Species and Fungal Pathogens in Stands of Alternative Fodder Crop Lolium Multiflorum Var. Westerwoldicum Growing up in a Drought-Prone Area in the Czech Republic

Annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum var. westerwoldicum) is cultivated in various areas of the world as a feed for live stock. Efforts to improve the production of high-quality feed in the face of deepening climate change have increased the demand for growing non-traditional types of crops, including ryegrass. The aims of the research were to determine the spectrum of weed and fungal pathogen species and to assess dangerous species of weeds and pathogens which negatively affect forage crops of annual ryegrass grown in dry conditions. In 2018-2019 the occurrence of weeds and fungal pathogens of ryegrass was evaluated in field conditions. The assessed lands were located in dry climatic conditions of South Moravia (Czech Republic). The vegetation recording was done on phytosociological plots of 12 m2. A total of 57 weed species were identified in the plots, where 12 species were toxic and 16 species were undesirable. The most problematic weeds and poisonous species were: Aethusa cynapium, Datura stramonium, Equisetum palustre, Euphorbia helioscopia, Fumaria officinalis and Solanum nigrum, which can cause health problems if present in cattle feed. A pathogenic infection caused by Blumeria graminis, Puccinia graminis var. graminicola and P. coronata var. coronata, Gaeumannomyces graminis and Drechslera sp. was identified on the ryegrass plants in the experimental plots during the vegetation. Blumeria graminis was the most abundant, but it did not endanger the final feed. The data was processed by CCA analysis.

RESEARCH CONCERNING FLORISTIC COMPOSITION AND DEGREEE OF WEED INFESTATION OF CEREAL CROPS IN CONSTANTA COUNTY

"Weeds mapping aims to know the segetal floristic spectrum from the point of view of the degree of weed infestation and the frequency of weeds in each crop. Cereals crops are yearly infested by dicotyledonous and monocotyledonous weeds species, annual and perennial, some of them being very harmful, difficult to control and known as dominant weeds or problem weeds. Research carried out in Constanța county, Agigea and Runcu villages, during 2020-2021 years, was concerned with segetal flora assessment. The main purposes considered were: the study of the issues related to the floristic composition, the dynamics of the degree of weed infestation, the identification of the dominant species, the establishment of the most effective herbicide treatments and of the optimal times of application. The analysis of the obtained data reveals that the problem weeds with a density &gt;10 plants/m2 identified in the wheat and barley crops in Agigea were: Veronica species, Papaver rhoeas, Chenopodium album, Polygonum convolvulus and Fumaria officinalis. The dominant weed species in wheat and barley crops of Runcu were: C. album, Convolvulus arvensis, Stellaria media, Equisetum arvense and Cannabis ruderalis. Although the dicotyledonous species prevail in both studied places, the weed control strategy is different because the target species against which control measures must be applied are different and consequently the range of herbicides will also be different. The results obtained fully justify the weed mapping action because it is a tool that offers the farmer the exact perception regarding the degree of weed infestation in the studied areas. Mapping thus becomes a very useful work for weed control practice."

The effect of natural inhibitor concentration of Fumaria officinalis and temperature on corrosion protection mechanism in API X80 pipeline steel in 1 M H2SO4 solution

In this investigation, the effect of Fumaria officinalis concentration, as a natural inhibitor, and the medium temperature on the corrosion prevention mechanism of an API X80 pipeline steel alloy in the solution of 1 M H2SO4 is studied. For this purpose, corrosion behavior of the pipeline steel in the solution of 1 M H2SO4 at the presence of 0, 2, 4 and 6 g/L Fumaria officinalis inhibitor at medium temperatures of 20 °C, 40 °C and 60 °C was assessed. To assess the corrosion protection mechanism of the API X80 pipeline steel under these conditions, Open Circuit Potential (OCP), Potentiodynamic Polarization and Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) tests were conducted. As well, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) equipped with Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS) detector was used to analyze the corrosion products formed on the surface of the pipeline specimens. Results of OCP and potentiodynamic polarization tests showed that Fumaria officinalis reduces the speed of both anodic and cathodic reactions. Also, ΔGads0calculation showed that Fumaria officinalis led to the reduction of anodic and cathodic reactions through its physical-chemical adsorption on the surface and blocking of corrosion active locations. The results of EIS tests indicated that with increasing the Fumaria officinalis inhibitor, the corrosion resistance of the API X80 pipeline steel increased. As well, corrosion products analysis showed that Iron sulfide compounds were formed on the surface of the specimens. In terms of the medium temperature, results showed that increasing the temperature of the solution from 20 °C to 60 °C has led to an increased corrosion rate and efficiency reduction of Fumaria officinalis. Moreover, it was defined that the adsorption process of Fumaria officinalis on the surface of the API X80 pipeline steel at the temperature of 40°Cin the 1 M H2SO4 solution followed adsorption isotherm of Langmuir.

Cytotoxicity and apoptosis induction by Fumaria officinalis extracts in leukemia and multiple myeloma cell lines

Ethnopharmacological relevanceFumaria officinalis (Fumariaceae) is recorded in the Kurdish ethnobotany for various health problems. Aim of the study: In this study, the cytotoxic activity of F. officinalis extracts on two leukemia and nine multiple myeloma (MM) cell lines was investigated. Materials and methods: The cytotoxic and ferroptotic activity were examined by resazurin reduction assay. Flow cytometry, immunoblotting assay and fluorescence microscopy were used to measure cell cycle distribution, apoptosis, induction of reactive oxygen species (ROS), loss integrity of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and autophagy. LC-ESI/MS was used to identify chemical constituents present in F. officinalis. Results: Chloroform (CF) and ethyl acetate (EF) fractions showed drastic cytotoxic effect on CCRF-CEM and CEM/ADR 5000 cells. NCI–H929 cell line exhibited higher sensitivity against CF, while EF demonstrated its higher cytotoxicity on OPM-2 cells with IC50 value 14.80 ± 1.70 and 28.13 ± 1.38 μg/mL respectively. Flow cytometric and morphological studies confirmed that CF and EF induced apoptosis in NCI–H929 cells by loss of MMP, generation of ROS and obvious morphological variations. In DNA histograms, up to 50% of the cells were accumulated by CF and 44% by EF in the sub-G0/G1 phase following 72 h treatment. EF induced autophagic cell death, while CF stimulated iron-dependent cell death. Moreover, two isoquinoline alkaloids and four flavonoids were identified in the active fractions. Conclusion: To our knowledge, this is the first report demonstrating the cytotoxicity of F. officinalis extracts in MM cell lines. CF and EF fractions inhibited MM cell proliferation through various modes of actions.

Can the foregut nematode Haemonchus contortus and medicinal plants influence the fecal microbial community of the experimentally infected lambs?

The abomasal parasitic nematode Haemonchus contortus can influence the abomasal microbiome of the host. On the other hand, no information occurs on the influence of the parasite on the hindgut microbiome of the host. We evaluated the impact of Haemonchus contortus on the fecal microbial community of the experimentally infected lambs treated with a mixture of medicinal herbs to ameliorate the haemonchosis. Twenty-four female lambs were divided into four groups: infected animals (Inf), infected animals supplemented with a blend of medicinal herbs (Inf+Herb), uninfected control animals (Control), and uninfected animals supplemented with medicinal herbs (C+Herb). Inf and Inf+Herb lambs were infected orally with approximately 5000 L3 larvae of a strain of H. contortus susceptible to anthelmintics (MHco1). Herb blend (Herbmix) consisted of dry medicinal plants of Althaea officinalis, Petasites hybridus, Inula helenium, Malva sylvestris, Chamomilla recutita, Plantago lanceolata, Rosmarinus officinalis, Solidago virgaurea, Fumaria officinalis, Hyssopus officinalis, Melisa officinalis, Foeniculum vulgare, and Artemisia absinthium. Each animal was fed meadow hay and a commercial concentrate (600 + 350 g DM/d). Inf+Herb and C+Herb lambs were fed Herbmix (100 g DM/d and animal). Treatment lasted for 50 days. The fecal microbial fermentation parameters (short-chain fatty acids, ammonia, and pH) were evaluated at intervals of 0, 20, 32, and 50 days. The fecal eubacterial populations were evaluated by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) at day 32 when H. contortus infection was the highest. No substantial effects of the H. contortus infection and the herbal treatment on fecal microbial fermentation parameters and fecal eubacterial populations were observed. Evaluation of DGGE patterns by Principal component analysis pointed to the tendency to branch the C+Herb group from the other experimental groups on Day 32. The results indicate that hindgut microbial activity was not disturbed by H. contortus infection and herbal treatment.

The protective effect of Fumaria officinalis against the testicular toxicity of fluoxetine in rat

Background and objective: Extracts of Fumaria species have been traditionally used for the treatment of some skin diseases, rheumatism, stomach ache, fever, and male infertility mainly because of the presence of isoquinoline alkaloids. On the other side, fluoxetine is used as an antidepressant induce sexual dysfunction and a decrease in sperm concentration, motility, and morphology. The present investigation dealt with the study of the protective role played by the Fumaria officinalis extract against the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) induced testicular toxicity in the rat. Therefore, the purpose of this work was to determine the benefits of Fumaria officinalis extract in animals treated with fluoxetine. Methods: Thirty six male rats were divided into three following groups, control group, fluoxetine (20 mg/kg/day) treated-group, and the same dose of Fluoxetine plus Fumaria officinalis extract (150 mg/kg/day) as a third group. Drugs and extract were administered orally for 30 days. Sections of testes were stained by Haematoxylin and Eosin. Results: Fluoxetine has caused several structural changes in the rat testis such as vacuolation within germinal epithelium of seminiferous tubules, decrease the diameter of these tubules and decrease number of sertoli and germinal cells. Treating the fluoxetine exposed rats with Fumaria officinalis extract has shown to ameliorate the above histological changes. Conclusion: Fumaria officinalis extract can protect testis from histological alterations caused by the toxicity of the fluoxetine.

Chronic liver disease during a pandemic: preventive support for the combined phytopreparation Fumarta

The spread of SARS‑CoV‑2 virus among humanity has identified a number of new challenges in the field of medical science. In this regard, it is very important to understand the possible involvement of the liver in the infectious process, as well as the effect of this virus on liver function in its chronic pathology. The article provides an overview of available sources of information regarding views on direct viral liver damage COVID‑19, as well as the features of the course and prognosis of this infection in patients with chronic liver disease and cirrhosis. It was emphasized that chronic liver diseases are considered as a high risk factor for COVID‑19 infection, and are also predicted to be at an increased risk for the severe course of this infection with the development of complications.Substantial support to patients with chronic liver diseases during the COVID‑19 pandemic can be provided by the Fumarta combination drug (Farmak), which includes fumarin alkaloid from the extract of dry herb of the fumaria officinalis and silymarin from the extract of dried fruit of milk thistle. This composition of the drug Fumarta allows normalizing the digestive disorders, which constantly accompany chronic liver disease. In the article, digestive disorders are considered from the point of view of biliary insufficiency, which occurs in virtually every chronic liver disease. Normalization of the formation of bile, its composition with the restoration of rheological properties, improves not only general well‑being of a patient, but also positively affects the restoration of the functional capabilities of the liver. The data on the study of each of the active components of the Fumarta drug are presented, which indicates the advisability of its use in this group of diseases.The healing properties of the Fumarta drug are stipulated by the optimal combination of the hepatoprotective effects of silymarin with the normalization of bile secretion and biliary motility by fumarin. The combination of hepatoprotective and choleretic activity complement and enhance the action of each other, which helps to optimize the functioning of the entire digestive system. Patients with liver disease in the context of the COVID‑19 pandemic are recommended to take Fumarta drug, the components of which have a versatile positive effect in chronic liver diseases as preventive support. Approaches to pharmacotherapy of chronic liver diseases among the convalescents of COVID‑19 are also being considered. In this regard, Fumarta may act as one of the optimal drugs for choosing a rehabilitation course for these patients.

Niosomes of active Fumaria officinalis phytochemicals: antidiabetic, antineuropathic, anti-inflammatory, and possible mechanisms of action

BackgroundFumaria officinalis (F. officinalis, FO) has been used in many inflammatory and painful-ailments. The main aim of this work is to perform an in-depth bio-guided phytochemical investigation of F. officinalis by identifying its main-active ingredients. Optimizing pharmacokinetics via niosomal-preparation will also be done to enhance their in vivo antineuropathic and anti-inflammatory potentials, and to explore their possible-mechanism of actions.MethodsBio-guided phytochemical-investigations including fractionation, isolation, chromatographic-standardization, and identification of the most active compound(s) were done. Optimized niosomal formulations of F. officinalis most active compound(s) were prepared and characterized. An in vivo biological-evaluation was done exploring acute, subchronic, and chronic alloxan-induced diabetes and diabetic-neuropathy, and carrageenan-induced acute inflammatory-pain and chronic-inflammatory edema.ResultsIn-vivo bio-guided fractionation and chromatographic phytochemical-analysis showed that the alkaloid-rich fraction (ARF) is the most-active fraction. ARF contained two major alkaloids; Stylopine 48.3%, and Sanguinarine 51.6%. In-vitro optimization, analytical, and in vivo biological-investigations showed that the optimized-niosome, Nio-2, was the most optimized niosomal formulation. Nio-2 had particle size 96.56 ± 1.87 nm and worked by improving the pharmacokinetic-properties of ARF developing adequate entrapment-efficiency, rapid-degradation, and acceptable stability in simulated GI conditions. FO, ARF, and Nio 2 were the most potent antidiabetic and anti-inflammatory compounds. The reduction of the pro-inflammatory tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and Interleukin 6 (IL-6), and elevation the anti-inflammatory factor IL-10 levels and amelioration of the in vivo oxidative-stress might be the main-mechanism responsible for their antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities.ConclusionsFumaria officinalis most-active fraction was identified as ARF. This study offers an efficient and novel practical oral formulation ameliorating various inflammatory conditions and diabetic complications especially neuropathic-pain.

Direct seeding associated with a mixture of winter cover crops decreases weed abundance while increasing cash-crop yields

In this study, we aim to evaluate the respective and combined effect of soil tillage reduction and winter cover crops (CCs) on both weed species recruitment and sunflower (Helianthus annuus) yields. By controlling the species composition and propagule pressure of weeds, we tested four soil cover rotation treatments with winter CCs (either Camelina sativa or a winter CC-mix of Leguminosae-Brassicaceae) or nothing (control) followed by a sunflower culture or nothing (control) in combination with two soil preparation treatments (reduced tillage vs. direct seeding) in a randomized complete block design with three replicates per treatment. Our experiment thus comprised 24 experimental units (4 m × 1 m). In each experimental unit, seeds of 40 weed species were sown in May 2017 and seedling emergence was subsequently monitored in mid-July, August and September 2017. We used generalized linear models to analyze the effect of soil cover rotation, soil preparation and the two-way interaction term on species richness, abundance (i.e. number of individuals) and sunflower yield. We additionally used generalized linear mixed-effects models to analyze species relative abundance changes throughout the monitoring period and relative to an exhaustive vegetation survey performed at the beginning of the experiment. Our results show that reduced tillage may increase weed species richness under some circumstances, as well as the abundance of two annual species (i.e. Viola arvensis and Fumaria officinalis). Winter CC-mix reduces the abundance of the most dominant weed species (i.e. the grass Echinochloa crus-galli) while increasing the average weight of sunflower seeds per stem. Irrespective of the tillage treatment, we found that C. sativa favors the presence of patrimonial weed species at the expense of noxious species. We conclude that direct seeding associated with winter CC-mix allows controlling weed abundance while increasing cash-crop yields, and thus meets criteria for a sustainable agriculture.

Phytochemical screening, antioxidant, anticoagulant and in vitro toxic and genotoxic properties of aerial parts extracts of Fumaria officinalis L. growing in Tunisia

Fumaria is an important plant species with many applications in herbal medicine. In this paper we report on the investigation of the phytochemical composition, antioxidant, anticoagulant and in vitro genotoxic properties of Fumaria officinalis L. which is amongst others widely used in Tunisia. Petroleum ether, ethyl acetate, chloroform and methanol extracts were made and investigated with respect to their total phenolics and flavonoids contents using standard methods. Antioxidant activity was evaluated by DPPH and ABTS methods. The anticoagulant activity was evaluated by prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) tests. In vitro toxic and genotoxic properties with respectively the Neutral red uptake method and the bacterial Vitotox test and comet assay in human C3A cells. This study showed that methanolic extract had the highest total phenolic and flavonoids contents. The same extract showed surprising anticoagulant and antioxidant activities. The Vitotox test revealed absence of genotoxicity for all extracts in the bacterial Vitotox test. This was confirmed in the comet assay which was conducted on human C3A cells, except for the methanolic extract where DNA damage appeared to be significantly increased at nontoxic concentrations. Thus, showing the potential of the plant as a new source of bioactive molecules for therapeutic purposes, with particular emphasis on the treatment of cardiovascular diseases.

The Potential of Arable Weeds to Reverse Invertebrate Declines and Associated Ecosystem Services in Cereal Crops

There is global concern that invertebrate populations are declining rapidly, particularly in agricultural habitats. Declines have been attributed to the intensification of farming systems, with many studies focussing on a lack of semi-natural habitat in the landscape and the use of insecticides. However, within-field arable weeds are also an important driver of invertebrate abundance and the ecosystem services to which they contribute. This study focuses on the role of arable weeds in supporting invertebrate populations and selected ecosystem services they deliver., using winter wheat as a case study. Weed-invertebrate relationships were investigated across seven studies of winter-sown wheat spanning 18 years. Both phytophagous and predatory invertebrates responded to weed cover but to different degrees. Phytophages showed a stronger positive relationship with weed cover than the predators, because they rely on the resources provided by the weeds whereas predatory species response is likely to be mediated by their prey. Farmland bird chick-food indices were positively related to both broadleaf and grass cover in cropped fields, indicating that increased weed cover can provide increased invertebrate food for birds in winter wheat. Despite this potential, there were insufficient invertebrate food resources for birds in the majority of wheat fields sampled. Weed diversity did not play a significant role in moderating the relationships between weeds and invertebrate abundance, however this may be a function of the low weed diversity in modern winter wheat fields. In this study the weed species most frequently shown to predict the invertebrate community were: Poa annua, Stellaria media, Fumaria officinalis, Sinapis arvensis, Senecio vulgaris, Persicaria lapathifolia, Sonchus spp., Matricaria discoidea, Persicaria maculosa, Agrostis spp., Lamium purpureum, Lamium album, Veronica spp, Atriplex spp., Myosotis spp. and Anagallis arvensis. We conclude that even in an intensively grown cereal, arable weeds can play an important role in maintaining and restoring invertebrate populations, that 10% weed cover is needed to fulfil the potential and that a successful outcome will be driven by the presence of weed species that support invertebrates that provide ecosystem services.