Genus Galium Research Articles

Review on phytochemical constituents and pharmacological activities of genus Galium

Medicinal plants are a rich source of phytochemical constituents of diverse structures that are behind their various pharmacological effects. Plants of genus Galium named Bedstraws, family Rubiaceae, are distributed throughout North and South America, Europe, the northern U.S., southern Canada, and tropical Asia. More than 600 species have been used in traditional medicine for treating different ailments. Owing to the valuable published uses of these plant species, and the versatility of their bioactive metabolites such as Galium verum, Galium aparine, Galium mollugo, and G. odoratum, it was deemed interesting to summarize the previous studies done on this genus to discuss the pharmacological profile of all isolated classes of metabolites. The search was adopted using some essential keywords such as Galium, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and biological activity from journals and books in databases such as Scopus, Elton B. Stephens CO, ScienceDirect, Embase, security identifier, and Medline from 1995 to 2024. The results showed that species belonging to Galium have various pharmacological activities including antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-cancer, immunomodulatory, and anti-inflammatory effects because they are rich in phenolic compounds, iridoid glycosides, anthraquinones, phytosterols, saponins, and essential oils. Accordingly, this review will stimulate the scientific community for further research and boost the discovery of novel bioactive compounds from various species belonging to this genus distributed worldwide.

Taxonomic position of the species Galium pseudorivale in the genus Galium (Rubiaceae)

The ambiguity of the taxonomic position of Galium pseudorivale Tzvel. necessitated the identification of its status in the genus Galium. A comparative study of the morphological features of vegetative and generative organs of the species G. pseudorivale and representatives of the sections Trachygalium K. Schum. and Asperuloides Pobed. was carried out. For the first time, using a scanning electron microscope, the surface type of the sculpture of the pericarp of fruits of the species G. pseudorivale was established and described. It has been proven that G. pseudorivale is close to the species of the section Trachygalium, and not to the species of the section Asperuloides, where it was assigned earlier.

Ethnobotanical use of plants from the genus Galium in the Pirot District

Ethnobotanical use of plants from the genus Galium in the Pirot District

<strong>Claiming a Boissierian species of <em>Asperula</em> (Rubiaceae), but under a new name: <em>Galium pierredmondii</em></strong>

The identity of Asperula asperrima Boiss., a species usually misidentified, is discussed, and when transferred to the genus Galium it requires a new name, here proposed as G. pierredmondii. This species is described, illustrated and compared with its closest relatives in the genus Galium, namely G. boissierianum and G. moralesianum. While G. boissierianum lives exclusively on peridotites and G. moralesianum on limestones and dolomites, the ecological behaviour of G. pierredmondii is much broader, inhabiting peridotites, schists, limestones and dolomites; furthermore, G. pierredmondii is partially sympatric with the former, from which it may derive the confusion involving both species. Synonymy is revised for the concerned names, and an updated identification key is reported for the Iberian taxa of G. sect. Galium.

Trichomes of mericarpian species of the genus Galium (Rubiaceae) in Asian Russia

The surface structure of mericarp of 16 species from 9 sections of the genus Galium, growing in Asian Russia, has been studied by scanning electron microscopy. Clothing trichomes were found on the surface of the fruit. It was noted that the clothing trichomes are distributed over the mericarp or concentrated in separate parts of it. Based on the results obtained, two morphological types and six subtypes of clothing trichomes were identified, which have taxonomic significance.

Analysis of the ranges of the type section representatives of the genus Galium L. (Rubiaceae Juss.) in Asian Russia

The article presents the geographical analysis of representatives of a type section of the genus GaliumL. in Asian Russia. The article shows the distribution of species of the typical section in the floristic regions of AsianRussia, and the distribution by type of range. It was revealed that species of a typical section of the genus Galium in AsianRussia are found in 12 provinces, 7 subregions, 3 regions. The species ranges are represented by two types – eurasian andmanchurian.

Splitting Asperula (Rubiaceae): a proposal for consistency purposes within sections Cynanchicae, Thliphthisa and Hexaphylla

Authors report 139 new nomenclatural combinations in the sections Cynanchicae, Thliphthisa and Hexaphylla of the genus Asperula L. (Rubiaceae). These changes were deemed necessary as a consequence of numerous molecular phylogenetic studies which have provided abundant evidence on the polyphyletic nature of the genus. As the complete species-level phylogeny of the tribe Rubieae, and especially, of the genus Galium L. is not available as yet, the authors preferred to instigate changes only in the sections of Asperula whose phylogenetic position is deemed stable.

Galium setaceum Lam. and Sisyrinchium rosulatum E. P. Bicknell, Two New Species for the Albanian Flora, Distribution and Ecology

The Albanian flora includes 31 taxa in the genus Galium and one taxon in Sisyrinchium, the non-native S. angustifolium Mill. Here we present two new species for the Albanian flora, found at Krasta Park, Elbasan, May 2019. Galium setaceum Lam. was found on the southwestern side of Krasta Hill, in dry disturbed clearings of Pinus halepensis Mill. forest, on calcareous rocky substrate. Populations were small (<1m2) with a variable number of individuals. Sisyrinchium rosulatum E. P. Bicknell, which is native to southeastern North America, is the second new taxon for the Albanian flora. Two populations of were found in moist open disturbed grassy areas in P. halepensis forest. The first population detected was located in the northeastern side of Krasta Hill, while the second was located at the top of the Hill. For both taxa, specimens were collected and identified using multiple keys in the literature and specimens at the Albanian National Herbarium. Voucher specimens were deposited in the Albanian National Herbarium. In this paper we also present data on the distribution, ecology and habitat of these species, which enlarge the Albanian flora and the species’ distribution range, and illustrate the floristic diversity of Krasta Park.

Chemical constituents of the aerial parts of Algerian Galium brunneum: Isolation of new hydroperoxy sterol glucosyl derivatives

Abstract The liposoluble extract of Galium brunneum aerial parts from North-eastern Algeria was chemically investigated. The EtOAc soluble portion contained a series of glycosyl cucurbitacins and sterols including three new glucosyl hydroperoxy sterols 1–3 among other phenolic components whereas the BuOH soluble fraction was dominated by glycosyl derivatives of flavonoids, iridoids and lignans, according to the chemistry reported in the literature for the genus Galium. The structure of new oxidized sterols 1–3 was determined by spectroscopic methods as well as by comparison with related known metabolites. Selected main compounds from both extracts, which revealed moderate antibacterial activities, were tested for their growth inhibitory properties against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. This is the first report of cucurbitacins in plants of genus Galium.

Sculpture surface of fruits on representatives from the section Aparinoides of genus Galium (Rubiaceae).

Sculpture surface of fruits on representatives from the section Aparinoides of genus Galium (Rubiaceae).

&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Effective typification of &lt;em&gt;Galium verum&lt;/em&gt; var. &lt;em&gt;hallaensis&lt;/em&gt;, a replacement name for the Korean &lt;em&gt;G. pusillum &lt;/em&gt;(Rubiaceae)&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

The genus Galium Linnaeus (1753: 105), a well-known member of the madder family, consists of around 650 perennial and annual herbaceous species widely distributed in temperate, subtropical, and tropical regions worldwide (Ehrendorfer et al. 2005, Chen &amp; Ehrendorfer 2011). This genus is distinguished from other genera belonging to Rubiaceae by several morphological characteristics including the leaves in whorls of 2–8, 3 or 4-lobed corollas, rudimentary corolla tubes, and dry mericarps (Yamazaki 1993, Ehrendorfer et al. 2014, Elkordy &amp; Schanzer 2015).

Phytochemical and Pharmacological Properties of Some Species of the Genus Galium L. Galium Verum and Mollugo

Abstract Galium verum L. and Galium mollugo L. are perennial herbaceous plants, belonging to the Rubiaceae family. Several classes of bioactive compounds, such as iridoid glycosides, phenolic compounds, anthraquinones and triterpenes, as well as small amounts of tannins, saponins, essential oils have been isolated from Galium species so far. Plants belonging to this genus have a long history of use in a traditional medicine for the treatment of many diseases and conditions. Th e main application of G. verum is as diuretic, choleretic and as the treatment for gout and epilepsy. On the other hand, G. mollugo has been used to treat hysteria, epilepsy, as vulnerary. Over the past decades, numerous papers have been published referring to the chemical constituents presented in G. verum and G. mollugo extracts. Additionally, chemical composition and pharmacological effects of G. verum have been investigated, however data related to the effects of G. mollugo is limited. In this review, we summarized the current knowledge on the phytochemical and pharmacological properties of G. verum and G. mollugo. Finally, we proposed directions for future research in this field, which can improve our understanding of the potential health benefits of Galium species.

Content of Bioactive Constituents and Antioxidant Potential of Galium L. species

Qualitative phytochemical analyses of eight species from the genus Galium (G. corrudifolium, G. cruciata, G. divaricatum, G. lucidum, G. mollugo, G. palustre, G. parisiense, and G. verum), followed by spectrophotometric evaluation of their total phenolic, flavonoid and iridoid content, as well as antiradical capacity, were conducted. G. cruciata contained the greatest amount of total phenolics (111.00 mg gallic acid equivalents g–1 dry extract), while G. verum had the greatest amount of flavonoids (23.11 mg quercetin equivalents g–1 dry extract) and iridoids (461.30 mg aucubin equivalents g–1 dry extract). The best antioxidant (antiradical) activity was shown by G. cruciata (IC50 (ABTS) = 30.30 µg mL–1; IC50 (DPPH) = 27.62 µg mL–1), followed by G. divaricatum, G. verum and G. palustre. The same species were rich in various bioactive constituents and would be appropriate for inclusion in further investigations considering their biomedical potential. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Antimicrobial Activity of the Genus Galium L.

Introduction: The common use of Galium L. plants (family Rubiaceae Juss.) in Ukrainian folk medicine for treating infectious diseases became the basis for the study of antimicrobial activity of lipophilic complexes obtained from the Galium species. Materials and Methods: The samples of herbs of Galium verum, Galium salicifolium, Galium dasypodum, Galium aparine, Galium carpaticum and Galium pseudomollugo harvested at flow ering stage became the objects of the present research. Lipophilic complexes have been obtained by the exhaustive extraction of herbal drugs with chloroform in the Soxhlet apparatus. The complexes have been used as 2% alcohol solutions in 96% ethyl alcohol. The study was conducted in vitro by the agar diffusion method. Standard strains of micro-organisms were used to assess the antimicrobial activity. Results: Staphylococcus aureus was most sensitive to the studied lipophilic complexes. Escherichia coli and Proteus vulgaris showed low sensitivity. Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Bacillus subtilis have shown moderate sensitivity. The highest activity against Candida albicans has been observed in complexes of Galium aparine, Galium dasypodum, Galium pseudomollugo. Conversly, Galium verum manifested no activity against Candida albicans. The minimum bactericidal and inhibitory concentrations were determined. The correlation between the content of individual groups of biologically active substances and the level of activity of the complexes was established. All complexes were non-toxic. Conclusion: The results obtained provided us the basis for further in-depth studies of antimicrobial and antifungal activity of the lipophilic complexes of the genus Galium L.

Chromosome counts of some species of the genus Galium (Rubiaceae) from Iran

Data on the chromosome counts of ten taxa of the genus Galium are reported from northeastern Iran. Two basic chromosome numbers, i.e. x = 10 and x = 11, as well as three ploidy levels, i.e. 2x, 4x and 6x are reported. Both diploid and polyploidy levels are observed. Aneuploidy was only observed in G. aparine. The chromosome numbers of the following taxa are counted for the first time: G. diploprion, G. humifusum, G. nigricans with 2n = 22 and G. spurium subsp. ibicinum with 2n = 20. The new data are compared with previous karyological information, and are discussed. (© 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)

Chemical Composition and Antifungal Activity of the Essential Oil of Galium tricornutum subsp. longipedanculatum from Pakistan

About 24 species of the genus Galium are reported from Pakistan, distributed from plains to mountains. In Flora of Pakistan, Nazimuddin et al. recognized two subspecies of Galium tricornutum, i.e., subsp. tricornutum and subsp. longipedanculatum [1]. Most species of the genus have medicinal properties, and reports showed that cleavers (Galium) have anti-elastase and anti-collagenase activities [2]. In traditional Chinese medicine, Galium verum L. is often used in the treatment of hepatitis and phlebophlogosis [3]. Literature reveals that the medicinal plants of the genus Galium are widely used in the folk medicine of various countries [4] for the treatment of jaundice [5], as an antitumor, antimicrobial, and antiinflammatory [6], and for the treatment of gout and epilepsy [7]. Medicinal plant species of the genus Galium have been used as a source of dye, therapeutics, and food for years. Literature reviews show reports on the essential oil content of members of this genus [8–10]. A thorough review of the literature shows that our report is the first report on the essential oil composition of the Galium tricornutum subspecies longipedanculatum. A voucher specimen (SHPC-024) has been deposited in the Herbarium, Department of Botany, Shaheed Benazir Bhutto University, Sheringal and at the Herbarium of the University of Karachi (No. 7399). GC and GC/MS analysis showed that the oil is composed of eucalyptol (20.8%), L-camphor (13.9%), L-borneol (11.6%), myrtenol (5%), 2-methyl-2-adamantanol (3.0%), and -cubene (2.6%), as shown in Table 1.

Chemical Constituents of the Essential Oil of Galium mite var. roseum ghahramaninejad from Iran

The genus Galium belongs to the family Rubiaceae. Some species of the genus have been reported to possess antispasmodic, diuretic, and vulnerary effects [1]. Plants of this genus are used for fermenting milk to cheese, and, due to this utility, the plant has been named Shir-panir in Iranian culture. The aerial parts of Galium species are also added to different types of food as herb or spice to improve the flavor. Galium mite var. roseum ghahramaninejad is distributed in Turkey, Iraq, Transcaucasus, and Iran. G. mite Boiss. & Hohen. and G. subvelutinum ssp. mite (Boiss. & Hohen.) Ehrend are the other names for the plant [2]. The chemical constituents of the essential oil of G. hercynicum, G. humifusum, G. salicifolium, and G. verum as members of the Galium species have been investigated before [3–5]. In the present work, the chemical composition of the essential oil of G. mite var. roseum ghahramaninejad is reported for the first time. To our knowledge, no previous phytochemical study has been performed on the essential oil of G. mite var. roseum ghahramaninejad. The plant material was collected in August 2012 from the Dena region of Iran and identified at the Department of Phytochemistry, University of Yasouj (Iran). Voucher specimens were deposited at the Herbarium of the Yasouj University, Yasouj, Iran (No. HYU25517). The aerial parts were air-dried at ambient temperature in the shade and hydrodistilled using a Clevenger-type apparatus for 4 h. The essential oil was obtained from the aerial parts of G. mite var. roseum ghahramaninejad as a yellow liquid in 0.1% (w/w) yield. The essential oil was analyzed by GC-MS (60–240 C at 3 C/min rate) in an Agilent Technology 7890A GC coupled to a 5975C-MS instrument using an HP-5MS capillary column (phenyl methyl siloxane, 30 m 0.25 mm; 0.25 m film thickness). The injector temperature was 240 C; injection was in the split mode (1:50). Helium was used as carrier gas at a flow rate of 0.9 mL/min. MS spectra were obtained using electron impact at 70 eV with a scan interval of 0.5 s and mass range from 35 to 550 m/z. The GC/MS analysis of the essential oil resulted in 38 compounds, making up 87.4% of the total composition. The most abundant constituent of the oil was borneol (18.0%), followed by aliphatic aldehydes, including n-nonanal (7.5%), (2E)-undecanal (7.0%), and (2E,4E)-decadienal (6.1%). According to Table 1, the volatile oil contained 12 aldehydes (42.1%), eight oxygenated monoterpenes (26.6%), five ketones (8.6%), three oxygenated sesquiterpenes (3.5%), six alkanes (2.2%), and three sesquiterpenes (1.8%). Unlike other reported species of Galium genus, the essential oil of G. mite var. roseum ghahramaninejad contained significant amounts of aliphatic aldehydes.

Notes on the Rubiaceae-5: five new records for Bangladesh

Five species of the family Rubiaceae belonging to five genera are reported here as new records for Bangladesh. These species are Catunaregam longispina (Link) Tirveng, Galium pusillosetosum Hara, Ophiorrhiza eriantha Wight, Spermacoce exilis (Williams) Adams ex Burger et Taylor and Tarenna stellulata (Hook.f.) Ridl. In Bangladesh, occurrence of the genus Galium L. is also a new record. Each species is presented with updated nomenclature, commonly known synonyms, taxonomic description, ecology, geographical distribution, places of occurrence in Bangladesh, citation of examined specimens and supplementary notes. Illustrations with field photographs of these new records are also provided. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjb.v42i2.18027 Bangladesh J. Bot. 42(2): 257-264, 2013 (December)

Genetic diversity and relationships among Egyptian Galium (Rubiaceae) and related species using ISSR and RAPD markers

Genetic diversity and phylogenetic analyses of 24 species, representing nine sections of the genus Galium (Rubiaceae), have been made using the Inter Simple Sequence Repeats (ISSR), Randomly Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD), and combined ISSR and RAPD markers. Four ISSR primers and three RAPD primers generated 250 polymorphic amplified fragments. The results of this study showed that the level of genetic variation in Galium is relatively high. RAPD markers revealed a higher level of polymorphism (158 bands) than ISSR (92 bands). Clustering of genotypes within groups was not similar when RAPD and ISSR derived dendrograms were compared. Six clades can be recognized within Galium, which mostly corroborate, but also partly contradict, traditional groupings. UPGMA-based dendrogram showed a close relationship between members of section Leiogalium with G. verum and G. humifusum (sect. Galium), and G. angustifolium (sect. Lophogalium). Principal coordinated analysis, however, showed some minor differences with UPGMA-based dendrograms. The more apomorphic groups of Galium form the section Leiogalium clade including the perennial sections Galium, Lophogalium, Jubogalium, Hylaea and Leptogalium as well as the annual section Kolgyda. The remaining taxa of Galium are monophyletic.

On the correlation of pollen grain size and ploidy levels of genus Galium sect. platygalium

Pollen grain size of some species of Galium section Platygalium (Rubiaceae) have been studied in diploids (2 n = 2× = 22, in G. boreale , G. valantioides , G. broterianum ), tetraploids (2 n = 4× = 44, in G. boreale ), hexaploids (2n = 6× = 66, in G. boreale ) and in dodecaploid (2n = 12× = 132, in G. rubioides ), and many other species and specimens related to section Platygalium. Pollen grain size, for G. boreale diploide (P = 16.68 μm, E=15.76 μm), G. valantioides (P = 15.82 μm, E = 14.69 μm), G. broterianum (P = 15.94 μm, E = 14.97 μm); for G. boreale tetraploids (P = 17.15 μm, E = 17.21 μm); for G. boreale hexaploids (P = 18.83 μm, E = 18.80 μm) and (P = 20.87 μm, E = 21.63 μm) G. rubioides dodecaploid, was positively correlated with ploidy level. The results verify the expected correlation between mean pollen diameters and ploidy levels, and demonstrate that apparent di-, tetra-, hexa- octa-, deca-, dodeca- and possibly higher polyploidy occur among the species of sect. platygalium. Palynomorphological data revealed that in sect. Platygalium, pollen size can be directly associated with chromosome number and can also be used as an additional tool to establish evolutionary trends and taxonomic relationship among species.