Dracocephalum Research Articles

Motion Path Study Based on Isometric Solenoids and Discrete Simulation

This paper focuses on the position, speed change and collision detection problems during the traveling process of the bench dragon from both physical and mathematical perspectives. Firstly, based on the equidistance solenoid equation and the mechanical arm model, this paper iteratively recursively starts from the dragon head and sequentially solves the position of each section of the bench in the traveling process. Secondly, this paper combines the velocity analysis of the rigid rod and the nature of isometric solenoid, and also solves the position of each section of the bench in the traveling process sequentially in the form of iterative recursion. Finally, this paper discretizes the disk-in trajectory and carries out collision detection, so as to obtain the time, position, velocity and other information at the termination moment. The study shows that the model can effectively solve the complex optimization problem in the marching process of the dragon dance team.

Optimal Design Problem of Dragon Dance Team Path Based on Rotation Matrix

In this paper, an accurate collision detection method is proposed for the collision problem during the traveling of the traditional event - Bench Dragon Dance Team. It needs to consider the collision problem when the Bench Dragons are traveling, but the existing literature has not provided an effective detection means for this specific model. Through geometric analysis, this paper reveals the mechanism of collision occurrence, models the dragon body approximately as a rectangle, and utilizes the rotation matrix transformation for collision detection. In order to further improve the detection accuracy, this paper adopts an iterative search algorithm to optimize and calibrate the model. This paper analyzes the critical termination moment, at this moment, the Dragon Dance Team cannot continue coiling along the isometric spiral. With this model, collisions among the benches can be accurately predicted and avoided. Eventually, when the time t = 566.2 s, the Dragon Dance Team's coiling-in maneuver is completed, and no collision occurs between the benches, at which time the coordinates of the dragon's head position are (0.01, -3.42). The model proposed in this paper effectively solves the collision problem during the traveling process of the bench dragon, and provides a scientific collision detection method for similar scenarios.

Foliar blight, leaf spot, and stem blackening diseases caused by Stemphylium beticola, Alternaria alternata, and Alternaria atra on dragon's head (Lallemantia iberica) in Iran

Dragon's head, Lallemantia iberica, is an oilseed crop adapted to be grown in cold-dry areas. In the growing season of 2022–23 a severe foliar blight, leaf spot, and stem blacking symptoms were observed in commercial fields in northern and northwestern Iran, leading to more than 50 % yield loss. Infected samples were collected and transferred to the laboratory. Following the isolation of fungal agents, five representative isolates were selected for further studies. Morphological studies, based on conidial shape, conidiation, and other mycological characteristics, were carried out on a pure culture established from a single spore. Furthermore, multigene phylogenetic analyses were performed using sequences of translation elongation factor 1-α (TEF1), glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), RNA polymerase II second largest subunit (RPB2), and Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) rDNA genes for Alternaria isolates, along with calmodulin (cmdA) for the Stemphylium isolate. The morphological and molecular studies identified the fungal isolates as Alternaria atra, Alternaria alternata, and Stemphyliium beticola. Pathogenicity tests on the commercial cultivar ‘Sara’ indicated that all isolates were pathogenic to dragon's head, but they differed significantly in aggressiveness. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of the association of these fungal species with an important foliar disease on this crop in Iran and worldwide.

Geographical and genetic clines in Dracocephalum kotschyi X Dracocephalum oligadenium hybrids: landscape genetics and genocline analyses

Conservation and management of medicinally important plants are among the necessary tasks all over the world. The genus Dracocephalum (Lamiaceae) contains about 186 perennials, or annual herb species that have been used for their medicinal values in different parts of the world as an antihyperlipidemic, analgesic, antimicrobial, antioxidant, as well as anticancer medicine. Producing detailed data on the genetic structure of these species and their response against climate change and human landscape manipulation can be very important for conservation purposes. Therefore, the present study was performed on six geographical populations of two species in the Dracocephalum genus, namely, Dracocephalum kotschyi, and Dracocephalum oligadenium, as well as their inter-specific hybrid population. We carried out, population genetic study, landscape genetics, species modeling, and genetic cline analyses on these plants. We present here, new findings on the genetic structure of these populations, and provide data on both geographical and genetic clines, as well as morphological clines. We also identified genetic loci that are potentially adaptive to the geographical spatial features and genocide conditions. Different species distribution modeling (SDM) methods, used in this work revealed that bioclimatic variables related to the temperature and moisture, play an important role in Dracocephalum population’s geographical distribution within IRAN and that due to the presence of some potentially adaptive genetic loci in the studied plants, they can survive well enough by the year 2050 and under climate change. The findings can be used for the protection of these medicinally important plant.

Effect of chemical, organic fertilization and storage time on the yield and quality of the dragon head (Dracocephalum moldavica L.) plant

Effect of chemical, organic fertilization and storage time on the yield and quality of the dragon head (Dracocephalum moldavica L.) plant

The effect of Dracocephalum subcapitatum hydroalcoholic extract on dexamethasone-induced hyperlipidemic rats.

Recent data show the antihyperlipidemic activities of some plants belonging to the genus Dracocephalum. In this study, the effects of hydroalcoholic extract of D. subcapitatum (O. Kuntze) Lipsky aerial parts were evaluated in a model of hyperlipidemia induced by dexamethasone. The extract was prepared by maceration method and its total phenolic content was determined. Seven groups of 6 Wistar rats were used as follows: group 1 (normal control) received vehicle; group 2 (extract control) treated only with 200 mg/kg D. subcapitatum; group 3 (hyperlipidemia control) received dexamethasone (10 mg/kg/day, subcutaneously); group 4 (reference) received dexamethasone and atorvastatin (40 mg/kg, orally), and groups 5-7 (test groups) received dexamethasone and simultaneously treated orally with 50, 100, or 200 mg/kg D. subcapitatum. All treatments were done for 1 week. Serum lipid profile, fasting blood glucose, malondialdehyde concentration, and liver histopathology were examined. Total phenolic content was 77.34 ± 4.9 mg/g as gallic acid equivalent. Treatment with D. subcapitatum (200 mg/kg) meaningfully declined triglycerides, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, very low-density lipoprotein, blood glucose, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and malondialdehyde levels, and alleviated hepatic steatosis in dexamethasone-induced dyslipidemic rats. Findings of the current study suggest that D. subcapitatum may be effective in the management of hyperlipidemia. Further studies are necessary to determine the clinical efficacy of this treatment and to understand the underlying mechanisms responsible for its ability to lower lipid levels.

Ready to Wear Semi Couture Style Dragon Kamasan Puppet Design for Adult Women's Evening Party Clothing

Bali has a basic philosophy whose inspiration comes from the comos-theos-antropos aging by integrating the teachings of Balinese Hinduism-Balinese nature and Balinese people as the basic orientation in all ideas and cultural artworks, resulting in a special attraction in each of its artworks. The data collection method was carried out by observation, interviews, and documentation, as well as design design using the Corel Draw 2020 design program. The research resulted in six ready-to-wear semi-couture fashion designs for adult women's evening parties. This fashion collection is named Reminiscence which means lifting the roots of local Balinese culture, namely the Kamasan Wayang dragon. These six designs are designed using shimmer silk, Balinese woven, and tulle. Kamasan puppet designs are applied to different positions in each design. The first group design in the first design, the Kamasan puppet dragon design position was applied to the front position of the chest circling back to the front pelvis. The second design position of the Kamasan puppet dragon design on woven cloth is tucked around the waist like a Balinese dancer's fashion shawl. The third design positions the dragon head design on the front chest fit. The second group of designs in the first design positions the Kamasan puppet dragon design on the elongated woven fabric. The second design scraped the position of the elongated design. Design the third design position on the chest fit. Fashion design is the dress for all six designs. The design character of the first group is feminine sexy and the design character of the second group is feminine elegant. Dress variations are bolero, obi, and blazer.

MAKNA SIMBOLIS ORNAMEN PINTU BLEDEG MASJID AGUNG DEMAK

The current study aims to describe the symbolical meaning in the ornaments of “Bledeg” Doorof Demak Great Mosque viewed from three aspects, namely contour, content, and context. Theresults of the study demonstrate that analysed from the aspect of contour, ornaments of“Bledeg” Door consist of several parts, namely the crown, dragon head, and vase. There areseveral motifs originating from Majapahit, namely the “tumpal” motif and the use of SuryaMajapahit symbol stylized as dragon's eyes. The colors used are red, green, and white. Interms of content, the tumpal motif is a symbol of relationship of human beings with God, thecrown motif is a symbol of virtue, the dragon head motif is a symbol of strength in spreadinggoodness, the vase motif is a symbol of religion, and the floral plant motif is a symbol offertility, while the red, blue, and white colors symbolize safety. Viewed from the context, themyth of Ki Ageng Selo when catching lightning comes to light which is visualized into asymbolic ornament. The ornaments of “Bledeg” Door of Demak Great Mosque symbolizes therelationship between human beings and God signifying their privilege to spread God'steachings.

Enhancing cotton sustainability: Multi-factorial intercropping, irrigation, and weed effects on productivity, quality and physiology

Drought stress and weed infestation are significant factors that significantly decrease cotton yield. Increasing the variety of plants within a cotton field ecosystem can strengthen its stability and protect it from susceptibility to both biotic and abiotic pressures. In this two-year experiment (2021 and 2022), the effects of intercropping systems (four growth conditions including mono- and inter-cropped cotton varieties Golestan and Hekmat with Nepeta crispa and dragon's head (Lallemantia iberica)), irrigation (three intervals of 3, 6, and 9 days), and weed competition (weed-free and weedy plots) on the agronomic performance, physiological characteristics, and seed quality of cotton in a semi-arid region of Iran were studied. In 2021, the volume of irrigation water applied was 9873, 6100, and 4650 m3 ha−1 for irrigation intervals of 3, 6, and 9 days, respectively. In 2022, the volumes were 9071, 5605, and 4272 m3 ha−1 for the corresponding irrigation intervals. Over two years, Xanthium strumarium, Amaranthus retroflexus, and Portulaca oleracea were the dominant weed species. Weeds had the most significant impact on total dry weight; weed control increased plant vigor and growth, ranging from 1.4 to 2.3 times, while weed impact on cottonseed yield ranged from 18% to 96% reduction. Increasing irrigation intervals resulted in reductions in various parameters, with decreases of 39%–80% in total dry weight, 34%–57% in cottonseed yield, and 48%–72% in lint yield. The harvest indices for seed cotton, cottonseed, and lint ranged from 35.3% to 56.5%, 18.3%–35.0%, and 15.4%–20.5%, respectively. Weeds were responsible for a 17% decrease in the 1000-seed weight. As the irrigation intervals increased from 3 days to 6 days and 9 days, the number of bolls per plant decreased by 19%–85%. Extending the irrigation interval from 3 days to 6 days and 9 days resulted in a substantial decrease in the photosynthetic rate, ranging from 42% to 92%. Mono-cropped Golestan performed well under unstressed conditions such as 3-day interval irrigation and weed-free conditions. On the other hand, intercropped Hekmat demonstrated better resilience to both moisture and weed stresses. The LER (Land equivalent ratio) indices of both intercropping systems were generally favorable, indicating higher productivity compared to sole cropping. The intercropping systems consistently showed the highest LER indices under weedy conditions, highlighting the significance of intercropping as a valuable method in integrated weed management.

On the identity of Dracocephalum breviflorum (Lamiaceae, Nepetoideae)

As currently circumscribed, the genus Dracocephalum Linnaeus (1753: 594) includes the traditionally defined Hyssopus Linnaeus (1753: 569) and Lallemantia Fischer & Meyer (1840: 52), making it the second largest genus in subtribe Nepetinae (Nepetoideae, Lamiaceae), consisting of ca. 80 species (Chen et al. 2022). Morphologically, the genus is most similar to Nepeta Linnaeus (1753: 570), but it can be easily distinguished from the latter by its calyces with a thickened sinus-like fold between the bases of adjacent calyx lobes (Li & Hedge 1994; Harley et al. 2004). There are approximately 40 species of Dracocephalum distributed in China, of which 19 are endemic (Li & Hedge 1994; Chen et al. 2021, 2022). Among those endemic species, Dracocephalum breviflorum Turrill (1922: 154) was described on the basis of a specimen collected from Mount Everest area, southern Xizang (Tibet), China (A.F.R. Wollaston 255, K000911317). In the protologue, Turrill (1922) thought D. breviflorum is most similar to D. heterophyllum Bentham (1835: 738) but emphasized that the calyx morphology of the species (i.e., remarkably short and more distinctly 2-lipped than any previously known species of Dracocephalum) is unique in Dracocephalum. During our taxonomic revision of Dracocephalum in the Pan-Himalayan region, we found that D. breviflorum does not have a thickened sinus-like fold between the base of the calyx lobes, indicating it should be a member of the genus Nepeta. Given the importance of types in solving taxonomical issues (Wagensommer et al. 2016; Akhil et al. 2022; Perrino et al. 2023), we carefully compared the type specimens of both D. breviflorum and Nepeta coerulescens Maximowicz (1881: 529) (Fig. 1). In addition, we carried out observations of plants in the field (Fig. 2). The results of our research on herbarium specimens and in the field demonstrated that D. breviflorum and N. coerulescens are conspecific, and here we synonymize Dracocephalum breviflorum under Nepeta coerulescens.

Pharmacophylogenetic relationships of genus Dracocephalum and its related genera based on multifaceted analysis.

The Lamiaceae genus Dracocephalum, with over 30 species, is believed to have considerable medicinal properties and is widely used in Eurasian ethnomedicine. Numerous studies have researched on the geographical distribution, metabolite identification, and bioactivity of Dracocephalum species, especially amidst debates concerning the taxonomy of its closely related genera Hyssopus and Lallemantia. These discussions present an opportunity for pharmacophylogenetic studies of these medicinal plants. In this review, we collated extensive literature and data to present a multifaceted view of the geographical distribution, phylogenetics, phytometabolites and chemodiversity, ethnopharmacological uses, and pharmacological activities of Dracocephalum, Hyssopus, and Lallemantia. We found that these genera were concentrated in Europe, with species adapted to various climatic zones. These genera shared close phylogenetic relationships, with Dracocephalum and Hyssopus displaying intertwined patterns in the phylogenetic tree. Our review assessed more than 900 metabolites from these three genera, with terpenoids and flavonoids being the most abundant. Researchers have recently identified novel metabolites within Dracocephalum, expanding our understanding of its chemical constituents. Ethnopharmacologically, these genera have been traditionally used for treating respiratory, liver and gall bladder diseases. Extracts and metabolites from these genera exhibit a range of pharmacological activities such as hepatoprotective, anti-inflammation, antimicrobial action, anti-hyperlipidaemia, and anti-tumour properties. By integrating phylogenetic analyses with network pharmacology, we explored the intrinsic links between metabolite profiles, traditional efficacy, and modern pharmacology of Dracocephalum and its related genera. This study contributes to the discovery of potential medicinal value from closely related species of Dracocephalum and aids in the development and sustainable use of medicinal plant resources.

Evaluation of the Vegetative Characteristics and Physiological Traits of Different Ecotypes of Dragon's Head (Lallemantia Iberica Fischer & C.A. Meyer) in East Azerbaijan Region

Evaluation of the Vegetative Characteristics and Physiological Traits of Different Ecotypes of Dragon's Head (Lallemantia Iberica Fischer & C.A. Meyer) in East Azerbaijan Region

Phenological Fluctuations of Secondary Metabolites in Dracocephalum charkeviczii

Plants from the genus Dracocephalum are a source of biologically active compounds, including rosmarinic acid and different flavonoids. Their concentration varies during the vegetation period. In order to examine changes in their content in Dracocephalum charkeviczii Prob., an endemic species of Sikhote Alin and South Kuriles, wild and cultivated plants were collected in three phenological stages: vegetation, flowering/start of fructification, and preparation for withering. By means of HPLC with UV and mass selective detection, 15 polyphenol compounds were detected in methanol extracts from the leaves. Several new compounds—coumaric acid glycoside, quercetin glycoside and rutinoside, and acacetin coumaroylglycoside—were identified in D. charkeviczii. Synthesis of most flavonoids was found to be the highest in the beginning of the vegetation period, and gradually decreased by its end. The concentration of caffeic acid derivatives (chlorogenic acid, rosmarinic acid glycoside, and dehydrorhabdosiin) increased, but the total concentration of compounds decreased by the end of vegetation.

Component Composition and Antimicrobial Activity of Dracocephalum nutans L. Essential Oil

Currently, the arsenal of the pharmaceutical market has significantly expanded with highly effective drugs of plant origin. More than 1000 essential-oil-bearing plants grow in the flora of Kazakhstan. Of great interest are some species from the families Lamiaceae, Apiaceae, Asteraceae, which have not been studied at all before, or for which there is only brief information about the chemical composition and biological properties. In this respect, the Lamiaceae L. family, which is one of the leading in the flora of Kazakhstan, is of interest. So, on the territory of the republic in this family, there are 233 species, united in 45 genera. Among them, the most famous are plants of the genus Dracocephalum, which are a rich and very common source of essential oils. The aim of the study was to investigate volatile compounds from the aerial parts of Dracocephalum nutans L. of the genus Dracocephalum of the family Lamiaceae grown wild in Central Kazakhstan. D. nutans – perennial with a beautiful purple flower. Materials and methods. The aim of the study was to study volatile compounds from the aerial parts of Dracocephalum nutans L. of the genus Dracocephalum, Lamiaceae family grown wild in Central Kazakhstan. The oils were obtained using Clevenger apparatus, their composition was evaluated by means of gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The antibacterial activity of D.nutans essential oil sample was assessed by the diameter of the growth inhibition zones of the test strains (mm). Results and Discussion. The main natural components of D.nutans essential oil were 1.8-cineol (34%), α-pinene (6.7%), β-pinene (5.2%), β-mircene (5.3%), α-thujone (8.0%) and β-thujone (5.3%). The results obtained showed differences in the composition of essential oils obtained from already studied D. nutans. 1.8-cineol was also found in D. nutans as one of the major component. Conclusion. As a result of a study on antimicrobial activity, it was established for the first time that a sample of D. nutans essential oil exhibited pronounced antimicrobial activity against strains of gram-positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis and weak antimicrobial activity against gram-negative bacteria Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Interaction of iron and zinc fortification and late-season water deficit on yield and fatty acid composition of Dragon's Head (Lallemantia iberica L.)

Dragon's head (Lallemantia iberica) is a rich source of alpha-linolenic acid, linoleic acid, essential oil, protein, and mucilage. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of foliar application of three different concentrations of Fe and Zn (control, 4, and 8 g lit−1) at two different developmental stages (vegetative stage (VS) and reproductive stage (RS)) on the quantity and quality of dragon's head seed yield and fatty acid composition in two crop seasons (2018 and 2019) under two environments (normal irrigation as control (NI) and post-anthesis water deficit (WD). In NI, average yields of seed, oil, and protein were 1155, 340, and 183 kg ha−1, respectively, and in the WD, they were 879, 283, and 148 kg ha−1, respectively. By applying Zn and Fe, the mean values of seed, oil, and protein yields in the NI were 1425, 478, and 264 kg ha−1, while in the WD, they were 1011, 354, and 200 kg ha−1, respectively. Furthermore, the application of WD resulted in a significant increase in zinc concentration, protein percentage, and saturated fatty acid percentage in seeds. Unlike WD, iron and zinc treatments decreased the percentage of saturated fatty acids and increased the percentage of unsaturated fatty acids. The number of capsules per plant had the most positive indirect effect on grain yield. The results showed that foliar spraying of Fe and Zn could effectively mitigate the adverse effects of WD on the quality and quantity of seed and oil yield dragon's head.

Dracocephalum jacutense Peschkova from Yakutia: Extraction and Mass Spectrometric Characterization of 128 Chemical Compounds.

Dracocephalum jacutense Peschkova is a rare and endangered species of the genus Dracocephalum of the Lamiaceae family. The species was first described in 1997 and listed in the Red Data Book of Yakutia. Significant differences in the multicomponent composition of extracts from D. jacutense collected in the natural environment and successfully introduced in the Botanical Garden of Yakutsk were identified by a team of authors earlier in a large study. In this work, we studied the chemical composition of the leaves, stem, and inflorescences of D. jacutense using the tandem mass spectrometry method. Only three cenopopulations of D. jacutense were found by us in the territory of the early habitat-in the vicinity of the village of Sangar, Kobyaysky district of Yakutia. The aboveground phytomass of the plant was collected, processed and dried as separate parts of the plant: inflorescences, stem and leaves. Firstly, a total of 128 compounds, 70% of which are polyphenols, were tentatively identified in extracts of D. jacutense. These polyphenol compounds were classified as 32 flavones, 12 flavonols, 6 flavan-3-ols, 7 flavanones, 17 phenolic acids, 2 lignans, 1 dihydrochalcone, 4 coumarins, and 8 anthocyanidins. Other chemical groups were presented as carotenoids, omega-3-fatty acids, omega-5-fatty acids, amino acids, purines, alkaloids, and sterols. The inflorescences are the richest in polyphenols (73 polyphenolic compounds were identified), while 33 and 22 polyphenols were found in the leaves and stems, respectively. A high level of identity for polyphenolic compounds in different parts of the plant is noted for flavanones (80%), followed by flavonols (25%), phenolic acids (15%), and flavones (13%). Furthermore, 78 compounds were identified for the first time in representatives of the genus Dracocephalum, including 50 polyphenolic compounds and 28 compounds of other chemical groups. The obtained results testify to the unique composition of polyphenolic compounds in different parts of D. jacutense.

Characteristics of the complex of polyphenol compounds of Yakutian endemic <i>Dracocephalum jacutense</i> Peschkova using tandem mass spectrometry

Dracocephalum jacutense Peschkova is a rare and endangered species of the genus Dracocephalum L. of Lamiaceae family. The species was first described in 1997 and listed in the Red Data Book of Yakutia (2017). Until now, due to the rare occurrence of D. jacutense, almost none of its phytochemical studies have been carried out and there is no information on the content of biologically active compounds (secondary metabolites) of the plant. In this work, using the method of tandem mass spectrometry, a complex of polyphenolic compounds was studied in the inflorescences of the Dracocephalum jacutense, collected in the areas of its first discovery - the Kobyaysky district of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia). As a result of the analysis, 48 polyphenolic compounds were found in the alcohol extracts of Dracocephalum jacutense inflorescences, among which 17 flavones, 7 flavonols, 3 flavan-3-ols, 12 phenolic acids, 1 lignan, 2 coumarins, 6 anthocyanidins were identified. It should be noted that more than half (30 compounds) of all the identified polyphenols for representatives of the genus Dracocephalum L. were discovered for the first time. The results obtained state the unique composition of polyphenolic compounds in the inflorescences of D. jacutense Peschkova. In order to preserve this sparse local endemic of Eastern Siberia, work has begun on the development of an effective method for its micropropagation in vitro.

Impact of Different Fertilizer Sources under Supplemental Irrigation and Rainfed Conditions on Eco-Physiological Responses and Yield Characteristics of Dragon's Head (Lallemantia iberica).

The effects of the irrigation regime and different fertilizer sources on the eco-physiological responses and yield characteristics of dragon's head were explored in a factorial experiment based on a randomized complete block design with 12 treatments and 3 replications in the 2019 growing season. The treatments included six different fertilizer sources (animal manure, vermicompost, poultry manure, biofertilizer, chemical fertilizer, and control) and two irrigation regimes (rainfed and supplemental irrigation). The results indicated the positive effects of supplementary irrigation and the application of vermicompost, poultry manure, and animal manure by increasing the absorption of nutrients (phosphorus and potassium) and improving relative water contents, chlorophyll and carotenoid contents, and the fixed oil percentage of dragon's head. The activities of catalase, ascorbate peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase decreased in the rainfed plants, whereas organic fertilizer application increased the antioxidant enzyme activity. The highest grain yield (721 kg ha-1), biological yield (5858 kg ha-1), total flavonoids (1.47 mg g-1 DW), total phenol (27.90 mg g-1 DW), fixed oil yield (200.17 kg ha-1), and essential oil yield (1.18 kg ha-1) were noted in plants that were treated with vermicompost under supplemental irrigation. Therefore, it is recommended that organic fertilizers such as vermicompost and poultry manure be used to substitute chemical fertilizers. These practices can help popularize organic crops using rainfed and supplementary irrigation.

Anatomical study of Dracocephalum ruyschiana L. and Dracocephalum nutans L.

Currently, the arsenal of the pharmaceutical market has significantly expanded with highly effective drugs of plant origin. More than 1000 essential-oil-bearing plants grow in the flora of Kazakhstan. Of great interest are some species from the families Lamiaceae, Apiaceae, Asteraceae, which have not been studied at all before, or for which there is only brief information about the chemical composition and biological properties. In this respect, the Lamiaceae L. family, which is one of the leading in the flora of Kazakhstan, is of interest. So, on the territory of the republic in this family, there are 233 species, united in 45 genera. Among them, the most famous are plants of the genus Dracocephalum, which are a rich and very common source of essential oils. The purpose of our study - to analyze the anatomical parameters of Dracocephalum ruyschiana L. and Dracocephalum nutans L. and to reveal the diagnostic features of plants at the microscopic level. Materials And Methods. The object of the study was the aerial parts (leaves, inflorescences and stems) of Dracocephalum ruyschiana L. and Dracocephalum nutans L.In the study of the aerial organs of Dracocephalum ruyschiana L. and Dracocephalum nutans L., dry samples of raw materials were softened in a mixture of glycerin-alcohol-distilled water in a ratio 1:1:1 (Strauss-Fleming mixture). Surface preparations and sections were made manually. The slides were photographed using Altami Studio software; the photographs were processed using Paint 10.0. When describing the anatomical structure, the principles set forth in the works of V.N. Vekhova, L.I. Results and Discussion. Preliminary pharmacognostic investigation of vegetative material was done and diagnostic signs were identified. The detail microscopy revealed the presence of one type of trichrome on leaves’ epidermis; essential oil glandular. Type of mesophyll, structure of trichromes; form and location of epidermal cells, the presence of rare simple trichomes along the edge are discovered. Conclusion. As a results of the anatomical features of the raw material were established, among them the shape and structure of epidermal cells of the leaf and stem, the shape and location of essential oil glands and trichomes, the structure of the leaf and stem on the cross section are diagnostic features of the raw material of Dracocephalum ruyschiana L. and Dracocephalum nutans L.

Iconography of Buddhism: The Tradition of Depicting the Old White Man

The Old White Man is a local deity revered by Buddhists in Russia. His image, based on textual traditions and Buddhist iconography, prompted the name — the Old White Man, now widely accepted. In the written sources he is also known as the “Conqueror and subduer of the [master spirits] of earth and water”. The early images appeared in Mongolia under the influence of the Chinese traditional pictures of Tú Dì, ancient deities associated with localities, while later they were influenced by traditional images of Shòuxing, the deity of longevity. At an early stage of the iconographic tradition, the Old White Man is depicted as a priest or a high official; his functions are rendered via the characters of his companions, the host spirits of mountains (sabdaks) that have the features of man and animal or animals, such as a pair of deer, chained leopard (wolf), as well as ritual objects, including a carved staff or a dragon head staff. At a later stage, there may be symbols associated with the giver of longevity and fertility (bald phallic head, cave, and peach). The text of the “Sutra of the Old White Man” includes the description of his appearance (a white-bearded, bare-headed old man in a white robe), attributes (a dragon head staff) and an allegorical landscape of a mountain and fruit trees. Neither early nor recent Mongolian and Buryat pictures fully correspond to the description. Much closer to it is the Kalmyk iconographic tradition. The Old White Man’s image of the Kalmyk nomads goes back to the ancient mythological idea of the deity as the keeper of domestic animals. Due to transformations in the religious sphere, the keeper of domestic animals becomes the Old White Man, the lord of all living beings and all earthly space. Traditionally, he is presented as a standing old man, bare-headed and his long gray hair gathered in the form of a triratna. He is dressed in a belted robe, with another swinging robe thrown on it. In his right hand, he holds a staff with a dragon’s head and a rosary in his left. There are no companions or animals. The symbolic landscape serves to enhance the grandiose figure of the old man. The details of the attire and the landscape refer to the former Chinese influence.