Verbascum Research Articles

The essential oil chemical composition of a rare ethnopharmacoligical plant: Verbascum creticum (L.) Cav

The genus Verbascum L, belonging to the Scrophulariaceae family, is native to Europe, Africa and Asia. The use of plants of this genus in the popular medicine has been largely reported. In the present study the chemical composition of the essential oil from aerial parts of Verbascum creticum (L.) Cav., a rare plant, never previously investigated, known for its anti-inflammatory properties of the intestinal mucosa and in the treatment of acute and chronic catarrhs, growing in Algeria, Baleares, Calabria, Sardinia, Sicily, Spain and Tunisia, was evaluated by GC-MS. The main components of its essential oil (Vc) were 1-octen-3-ol (23.9%), cis-3-hexen-1-ol (9.4%), phenylethanal (4.6%), and 2-methyl-benzofurane (4.6%). The comparison with all the other studied essential oils of genus Verbascum is discussed. Furthermore, a review of the use of the Verbascum species in the popular medicine has been carried out.

Optimization of induction and hairy root culture establishment in two mullein species, Verbascum erianthum and Verbascum stachydiforme

The genus Verbascum, belonging to the family Scrophulariaceae, has a significant center of diversity in Iran. Two of its species, V. erianthum and V. stachydiforme, originate in the Iranian-Turanian region, but no studies have been conducted on the induction of their hairy roots. This genus is a valuable source of biologically active compounds such as iridoid glycosides and flavonoids. Hairy root culture is a suitable technique for the production and accumulation of secondary metabolites. Three different studies were conducted to optimize the induction and establishment of hairy roots. In the first experiment, the influence of explant type (leaf and hypocotyl), six infection methods, and co-culture time (48 and 72 h) on the efficiency of hairy root induction was investigated. The results showed that the highest hairy root induction (68.18%) was observed in the leaf explants inoculated by direct infection with three wounds within 72 h co-culture time. In the second experiment, the effect of four Agrobacterium rhizogenes strains (ATCC 15834, A4, A7, and A13) and leaf age (14, 21, and 28 days) on transformation efficiency and some morphological traits examined in both species were studied. The high transformation efficiency of hairy root (80.55%) was detected in the 21-day-old leaf explant of V. erianthum species that was inoculated with the A13 strain. The transformed hairy root colons were confirmed by PCR using rolB gene-specific primers. To optimize hairy root growth and avoid tissue browning, hairy roots were cultured in various media containing different antioxidants and improver agents (including ascorbic acid, citric acid, and NAA). The results showed that the highest fresh growth index (20.42) and the lowest tissue browning (9%) as well as total phenol (8.51 mg GA/g DW), and total flavonoid content (4.42 mg QUE/g DW) were obtained in medium B5 with 1.5 mg/l NAA.

Особенности развития видов Verbascum в Центральной Якутии

The possibility of cultivating mullein species in Central Yakutia, which are relatively undemanding plants in terms of moisture, is of scientific and practical interest in order to determine their biological potential and the possibility of using them as ornamental and medicinal plants. The aim of the work is to identify the peculiarities of the developmental rhythms of some species of the genus Verbascum in the permafrost conditions of Central Yakutia. The objects of the study were 11 samples of the species V. chaixii subsp. austriacum, V. densiflorum, V. nigrum, V. nigrum subsp. abietinum, V. phoeniceum and V. thapsus. The material was obtained in the form of seeds in 2018–2021 from institutions in Russia, Denmark, Romania and Poland. The seeds of the first V. phoeniceum sample were sown in a greenhouse and the resulting seedlings were transplanted into the field collection. The remaining seeds were sown outdoors in the second half of September. The plants overwintered under the snow without any additional protection. Phenological phases in the conditions of Central Yakutia were 3–4 weeks later in the calendar than in Central Russia; the end of the growing season was limited by the onset of autumn frosts. The results of the introduction in Central Yakutia showed high resistance in culture of the species V. phoeniceum, V. nigrum, V. nigrum subsp. abietinum, V. chaixii subsp. austriacum and V. thapsus. When sown in the fall, plants of these species flower profusely in the second year and produce mature seeds, except for V. chaixii subsp. austriacum, which flowers profusely in the first year. These species are very decorative and can be recommended for inclusion in the range of ornamental herbaceous plants for Central Yakutia. V. thapsus is also promising as a medicinal plant. V. densiflorum plants developed as annuals without having time to form mature seeds. To use V. densiflorum as an ornamental or medicinal plant, a seedling period is required.

Verbascoside-Rich Plant Extracts in Animal Nutrition.

In recent years, the search for dietary intervention with natural products able to sustain animal health and decrease environmental impact, has raised the number of studies pertaining to the use of plants' secondary metabolites. In fact, in livestock, there is a clear relationship between the animals' antioxidant status and the onset of some diseases that negatively affect animal welfare, health, and productive performance. An interesting compound that belongs to the secondary metabolites family of plants, named phenylpropanoids, is verbascoside. The genus Verbascum, which includes more than 233 plant species, is the genus in which this compound was first identified, but it has also been found in other plant extracts. Verbascoside exhibits several properties such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, chemopreventive, and neuroprotective properties, that have been evaluated mainly in in vitro studies for human health. The present work reviews the literature on the dietary integration of plant extracts containing verbascoside in livestock. The effects of dietary plant extracts containing verbascoside on the productive performance, antioxidant status, blood parameters, and meat quality in several animal species were evaluated. The present data point out that dietary plant extracts containing verbascoside appear to be a favorable dietary intervention to enhance health, antioxidant status, and product quality in livestock.

Türkiye nadir Verbascum racemiferum Boiss. & Hausskkn Ex Boiss. (Scrophulariaceae) anatomisi, palinolojisi ve tohum mikromorfolojisi

Verbascum racemiferum Boiss. & Hausskkn ex Boiss. is a member of the Verbascum L. (Scrophulariaceae) genus known as "Sığırkuyruğu". It is an rare species that grows in Turkey which is a center of endemism for Verbascum species. In this study, the anatomical, palynological and seed micromorphological features of V. racemiferum, which is known to grow only in Mardin in the Southeastern Anatolia region, were investigated for the first time. In the root cross-section, the xylem elements occupy a considerable area. In the stem cross-section, the upper part of the epidermis cells is surrounded by a separate cuticle layer and the pith region covers a large area. The main vein of the leaf is shapped as collateral bundle. Idioblasts were observed in the leaves of V. racemiferum. Pollen grains of V. racemiferum are tricolporate-tricolpate, spheroidal; P/E ratio is 0.96 and exine ornamentation is reticulate. Seeds of V. racemiferum are brown and oblong-ovate to prismatic and alveolate. The apex is acute beak. The seed coat ornamentation is irregular polygonal cells, with densely and distinct vesicles. In addition, this study will be a reference to studies on the genus Verbascum.

Typification of seven names in the genus Verbascum (Scrophulariaceae) from Iran

AbstractAs part of the nomenclatural revision of the genus Verbascum (Scrophulariaceae) in Iran, we noted that seven names are still untypified. Thus, we have carried out a nomenclatural investigation which led to the designation of seven lectotypes for V. cheiranthifolium var. asperulum, V. flavidum, V. macrocarpum, V. sinuatum var. adenosepalum, V. straussii, V. suwarowianum var. pseudopersicum and V. szovitsianum.

Investigation of Anticholinesterase and Anticancer Effects of Verbascum insulare Boiss. Et Heldr. Extracts Growing in Mus Region

Since the existence of humanity, plants have been used in many treatment methods. Members of the genus Verbascum, also known as mullein, a member of the Scrophulariaceae family, have been evaluated for their traditional use against various ailments. In this study, the anticholinesterase and anticancer activities of Verbascum member Verbascum insulare Boiss. Et Heldr. collected from Muş region were investigated. V. insulare leaf ethanol (L-EtOH), leaf purified water (L-PW), root ethanol (R-EtOH), and root purified water (R-PW) extracts were obtained. The anticancer activity of the extracts against HT-29, MCF-7, and L-929 cell lines was examined using the 3-(4,5-dimethyl-thiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) test and the anticholinesterase activity was determined. It was found that the ethanol extract showed higher anticancer activity against cancer cell lines than the pure water extract and had more effective anticholinergic influences. No study has been found in the literature on the anticancer and anticholinesterase activity of this plant. Therefore, the results obtained from this study will contribute significantly to the development of herbal medicine in the future.

ON VERBASCUM (SCROPHULARIACEAE) IN ADVENTIVE FLORA OF THE RUSSIAN FAR EAST

Two new species of the genus Verbascum, V. densiflorum Bertol. and V. phlomoides L., are reported for the adventive flora of the Russian Far East. The differences of these species from V. thapsus L. are discussed. Information of the locations of the species Verbascum L. known in the Russian Far East is presented.

An insight into Verbascum bombyciferum extracts: Different extraction methodologies, biological abilities and chemical profiles

The genus Verbascum, commonly known as "mullein", bears several species traditionally used to treat various infections, inflammations and wounds. In this study, extracts from V. bombyciferum, an endemic Verbascum species from Turkey, obtained by different solvents and extraction techniques, were investigated for their bioactive contents using spectrophotometry and high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) and evaluated for their antioxidant, as well as enzyme inhibitory potentials. While spectrophotometric determination revealed the homogenizer assisted extraction/methanolic extract to yield the highest total phenolic and flavonoid contents (41.80 ± 0.70 mg GAE/g and 39.44 ± 0.30 mg RE/g, respectively), the most significant total bioactive compounds (polyphenols) in the amount of 272.862 mg kg−1, established by HPLC-MS/MS analysis, was noted for the maceration/methanolic extract. Overall, the extracts showed varied antioxidant potency, displaying free radical scavenging ability (DPPH assay: 1.04–51.33 mg TE/g; ABTS assay: 80.04–85.60 mg TE/g), reducing power (CUPRAC: 51.48–183.26 mg TE/g; FRAP: 36.33–90.04 mg TE/g; metal chelating activity (18.48–19.80 mg EDTAE/g) and total antioxidant capacity (phosphomolybdenum assay: 0.78–1.92 mmol TE/g). However, extract of homogenizer assisted extraction/methanol exhibited the highest antioxidant activity in most assays. Only the maceration/methanolic extract inhibited all the studied enzymes (acetylcholinetserase: 2.02 ± 0.20 mg GALAE/g; butyrylcholinesterase: 4.57 ± 0.09 mg GALAE/g; tyrosinase 21.44 ± 3.41 mg KAE/g and amylase: 0.46 ± 0.01 mmol ACAE/g). This study is the first attempt to highlight the potential industrial applications of the endemic plant V. bombyciferum, as a natural source of bioactive compounds that could be considered for future development of phytopharmaceuticals, targeting specific oxidative stress-linked diseases including diabetes, skin hyperpigmentation, and neurological disorders.

A new species of Verbascum (Scrophulariacae) from western Turkey

ABSTRACT A new species of the genus Verbascum (sect. Bothrospermae) is described and illustrated from Turkey. This species has been collected from Orhaneli region (Bursa Province) in West Anatolia. Verbascum ekicii sp. nov. is morphologically similar to V. latisepalum and V. alyssifolium from which it differs mainly in basal leaves, corolla, filaments and capsule features. In this study, comprehensive descriptions, ecology, conservation status, a distribution map, detailed illustrations, photographs of habitus, pollen morphology and comparison of the new species and the closely related species are given.

A new species of the genus Neophyllobius Berlese (Acari: Camerobiidae) from Denizli province, Turkey

A new species viz. Neophyllobius denizliensis sp. nov., collected from soil and litter under Verbascum sp., is described and illustrated based on adult female, protonymph and larva. An updated key to all known species of genus Neophyllobius of Turkey is provided.

Verbascum sinaiticum: A Rich Source of Antioxidant Phenylethanoid Glycosides

Background: The genus Verbascum is well documented for its antioxidant potential but Verbascum sinaiticum is comparatively less studied plant. The current study was carried out to search for antioxidant nutraceuticals from this species. Objective: To explore the antioxidant potential of Verbascum sinaiticum and to identify its active constituents. Methods: The methanolic extract of air-dried aerial part of the Verbascum sinaiticum was partitioned with hexane, chloroform and ethyl acetate. The water-soluble part of ethyl acetate afforded six phenylethanoid glycosides by repeated chromatography over Sephadex LH-20, silica gel and ODS columns. Antioxidant activity of solvent extracts and isolated constituents were evaluated by DPPH, ABTS and FRAP assays. Results: Six phenylethanoid glycosides was isolated and characterized as Verbascoside, Eukovoside, Martynoside, Jionoside D, Campneoside I and Campneoside II, from the most active fraction. Conclusion: Verbascum sinaiticum demonstrated prospective antioxidant activity. The watersoluble part of EtOAc (WSEAE) was found the most active extract whereas Verbascoside was identified as the most potent constituent. All isolated compounds exhibited significant antioxidant activity whereas their synergistic effect was found prominent in the parent fraction.

Morphology, Anatomy, Palynology and Seed Micromorphology of Turkish Endemic Verbascum exuberans Hub.-Mor. (Scrophulariaceae)

ABSTRACT: Verbascum L. is the largest genus of the family Scrophulariceae and includes several species are of medicinal importance. The high morphological diversity among the species of the genus Verbascum causes problems in the delimitation of the species. In this study, morphological, anatomical, palynological and seed properties of Verbascum exuberans were investigated. It is a local endemic restricted to the provinces of Manisa and Izmir in West Anatolia. In the root cross-section, the xylem elements occupy a considerable area. The upper part of the epidermis cells in the stem cross-section is covered a distinct cuticle layer. The main vein of the leaf is shapped as bicollateral bundle. Idioblasts were not observed in the epidermis of the leaves of V. exuberans. Seeds of V. exuberans are dark brown and oblong to prismatic and alveolate. Hilum is short and orbicular. The seed coat ornamentation is reticulate-rugose. Pollen grains usually radially symmetrical, isopolar, prolate, tricolpate. Tectum is reticulate.

The tribe Scrophularieae (Scrophulariaceae): A Review of Phylogenetic Studies

Abstract Molecular data have been increasingly used to study the phylogenetic relationships among many taxa, including scrophs. Sometimes they have provided phylogenetic reconstructions that are in conflict with morphological data leading to a re-evaluation of long-standing evolutionary hypotheses. In this paper, we review reports of the recent knowledge of the phylogenetic relationships within Scrophularieae (2011–2017). The results of these analyses led to the following conclusions. (1) Species of Scrophularia have undergone one or more Miocene migration events occurred from eastern Asia to the North America with subsequent long dispersal and diversification in three main directions. (2) Allopolyploid and aneuploid hybrid speciation between Scrophularia species can occur, so hybridization and polyploidy have an important role for history of diversification. (3) The ancestral staminode type for the genus Scrophularia seems to be a large staminode. (4) Monophyly of the genus Verbascum with respect to the genus Scrophularia is strongly supported. (5) Oreosolen, is not monophyletic, because all accessions of Oreosolen were nested within Scrophularia. We discuss methods of data collection and analysis, and we describe the areas of conflict and agreement between molecular phylogenies.

Physiological evaluation of drought stress tolerance and recovery in Verbascum sinuatum plants treated with methyl jasmonate, salicylic acid and titanium dioxide nanoparticles

The genus Verbascum L. (Scrophulariaceae) includes medicinal plants, which have several bioactive compounds especially saponins. The possible recovery ability of Verbascum sinuatum from drought stress conditions was assessed by using salicylic acid (SA), methyl jasmonate (MJA) and titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2NPs) as plant growth regulators (PGRs) in liquid culture media. Thirty days-old plants were exposed to different concentrations of polyethylene glycol (PEG-6000) for creating artificial drought conditions (0, −0.3, and −0.6 MPa osmotic potential) and also treated with 200 µM methyl jasmonate (MJA), 100 µM salicylic acid (SA) and 20 ppm TiO2 nanoparticles (TiO2NPs). Results showed that the growth parameters and the content of photosynthetic pigments decreased at higher drought level (−0.6 MPa). However, SA and TiO2NPs alleviated the adverse effects of drought stress by increasing water stress tolerance through promotion of enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidant defense systems. MJA negatively affected the growth parameters and increased the content of malondialdehyde (MDA), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and total saponin and also the activity of peroxidase (POD) and polyphenol oxidase (PPO). Based on the results obtained from this study, the recovery treatments mainly affected the defense-related metabolism in Verbasum sinuatum plants.

Biological activities, isolated compounds and HPLC profile of Verbascum nubicum

Context: Genus Verbascum (Scrophulariaceae) comprises about 360 species of flowering plants. Verbascum has been used in traditional medicine as an astringent, antitussive, analgesic and anti-inflammatory.Objective: Nothing was found in the available literature concerning Verbascum nubicum Murb; therefore, the study evaluates the biological activities, isolated compounds and HPLC profile.Materials and methods: Methanol extract (VME) and butanol fraction (VBF) of air-dried powdered V. nubicum were obtained. Four compounds were isolated from VBE and identified by 1H- and 13C-NMR. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) profile was determined for (VME). LD50, in vitro antioxidant, in vivo antiulcerogenic and anti-inflammatory activities as well as hepatoprotective activity were assessed. Anti-ulcerogenic and hepatoprotective activities were supported by histopathological examinations.Results: HPLC analysis of VME revealed the presence of luteolin 7-glucoside (2215.43 mg/100 g), hesperidin (954.51 mg/100 g) and apigenin (233.15 mg/100 g) as major compounds. Four compounds were isolated and confirmed by NMR data, were identified as gentiopicroside, luteolin, aucubin and gallic acid. The LD50 of VME and VBF extracts were calculated to be 8200 and 4225 mg/kg b.w., respectively. IC50 values of VBE and VMF as measured by DPPH·method were 43.6 and 50 µg/mL, respectively. Also, anti-inflammatory effect of VME (400 mg/kg b.w.) and VBF (200 mg/kg b.w.) induced edema model after 120 min were 61.93 and 56.13%, respectively. Antiulcerogenic activity of VME (400 mg/kg b.w.) and VBF (200 mg/kg b.w.) in albino rats were 65.14 and 84.57%, respectively.Conclusions: The V. nubicum extracts displayed safe and promising antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective properties. It can be also applied in the pharmacy industry, food industry and healthcare.

Anatomic Studies on Verbascum pestalozzae Boiss. and Verbascum pycnostachyum Boiss. & Heldr.

The genus Verbascum L. (Scrophulariaceae) known as "sığır kuyruğu" in Anatolia is represented by 248 species, 193 of which are endemic. The flowers contain essential oil, mucilage, and glycosides. Some species of Verbascum have some folkloric uses as expectorants, sedatives, and treatment for dysmenorrhea and rheumatalgia. Its use for healing wounds in animal care has also been reported. In this study, the anatomic structures of root, stem, and leaves of Verbascum pestalozzae Boiss. and Verbascum pycnostachyum Boiss. & Heldr. are given for the first time. According to the results, some of the differences between stem and leaf anatomic features of these species were described and the data were supported by detailed photographs. Specimens were collected from C3 Antalya: Voucher specimens of V. pestalozzae and V. pycnostachyum were deposited in the Herbarium of the Biology Department, Akdeniz University in Antalya, Turkey and Herbarium of the Faculty of Pharmacy, Anadolu University in Eskişehir, Turkey. The materials were identified as V. pestalozzae and V. pycnostachyum using flora of Turkey and the East Aegean islands. For anatomic studies, samples were collected from the natural habitats and kept in 70% alcohol. In the research, root, stem and leaves of mature and flowered plants were used. Investigations were performed on the cross-sections of the root, the flowering stem, and the leaf. The anatomic structures of the species were drawn using a Leitz SM-LUX binocular microscope. All sections were embedded in glycerin gelatin and stained using Sartur reactive, and photographs were taken through a light microscope (Olympus BX51T). The cross sections taken from root, stem, and leaves of V. pestalozzae and V. pycnostachyum were examined and the anatomic features belonging to these plants were determined and compared. The anatomic properties belonging to the two species were generally compatible with findings of Metcalfe and Chalk and others signified in the genus. We believe that our results provide additional evidence for taxonomists to help separate the species. The lack of a taxonomic, morphologic, and anatomic study on the species made it important for the systematic introduction of the research.

Вміст біологічно-активних речовин у різних видів роду Verbascum L.

In the article are described results of exploration`s biologically active substances in species of plant organs of genus Verbascum L, from the family of Scrophulariaceae L: V. thapsiforme Schrad., V. phlomoides L., V. lychnitis L, V. nigrum L., V. blattaria L., V. phoeniceum L. The exploration of biologically active substances in species of plant organs was conducted by N.I. Hrynkevych`s method. Including all explorations, was established that all species of sort accumulated at underground and above-ground organs biologically – active substances such as: alkaloids, coumarin, flavonoids, saponins, tannins, and carbohydrates, ascorbic acid. It was established that some attachment of BAR content depends on systematic position of the species. What concerns alkaloids` rosette leaves of woolly species like V. thapsiforme and V. phlomoides from subsection Heterandrа and V. lychnitis have another subsection Isandra have much more alkaloids than the other species. In less woolly, purple colored species – V. nigrum, V. blattaria and V. phoeniceum only found their traces. A large number of saponins are found in all organs of V. thapsiforme. Slightly lower content in these substances is in close species of V. phlomoides from the subsection Heterandra. Other species, which are not used in medicine, also accumulate saponins. Thus, V. lychnitis from subsection of Isandra in roots and rosette leaves in huge amount. Slightly low amount is in stem leaves and petals, alike all organs of V. nigrum and in large number. A large number of saponins is found in V. blattaria and V. phoeniceum from another section of Singuliflora. In explored species are found tannins, especially in great amount in V. lychnitis V. nigrum and V. phlomoides. Flavonoids accumulate in all organs of explored species, and in V. nigrum, V. blattaria, V. phoeniceum, which have purple colored flower elements – in huge amount in petals. Coumarins in huge variety accumulate in rosette shoot leaves and roots at first year of life than in a stem leaves and flower petals. Their content is less in the aerial part of V. blattaria, petals V. phoeniceum from Singuliflora section. Synthesized in large quantities in all carbohydrates, which is in great amount at its roots. The highest number of ascorbic acid contained in the petals of flowers V. lychnitis and V. nigrum, when in other organs they are in small number. On the contrary, in V. blattaria, V. thapsiforme and V. phlomoides rosette of leaves, carbohydrates is in a very large number, and petals in very little.

Typification of five species names of the genus Verbascum (Scrophulariaceae) from Iran

Lectotypes are proposed for five Iranian endemic species of the genus Verbascum.

Types of Verbascum taxa preserved in the Hungarian Natural History Museum

Types of 31 taxa of the genus Verbascum are reported in the collection of the Hungarian Natural History Museum. Five holotypes, one isotype, 15 lectotypes, four isolectotypes and eight syntypes.