Inula Viscosa Research Articles

MICROMORPHOLOGICAL STUDIES (ACHENE / CYPSELA) ON SELECTED ASTERACEAE TAXA NATIVE TO TURKIYE

With this study fruit width-length measurements, weights and surface morphologies of some taxa belonging to Asteraceae family distributed in Türkiye were studied. The aim of the study was to reveal the fruit morphological characteristics and differences between the taxa of Tragopogon buphthalmoides, Dittrichia viscosa, Dittrichia graveolens, Tripleurospermum caucasicum, Kemulariella caucasica, Leontodon hispidus subsp. hispidus, Jurinea consanguinea and Jurinea moschus. Widths and lengths of the fruits were measured with Leica EZ4 microscope and digital caliper. Fruit weights were weighted out with Dikomsan precision scales. The stereomicroscope to determine the morphological characteristics of the fruits was also used. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) in USKIM (Center for University and Industry Collaboration) was used to determine the surface morphology of the fruits. The smallest fruits were determined in Dittrichia graveolens (0.40 mm wide and 1.23 mm long), while the largest fruits were determined in Tragopogon buphthalmoides (25.88 mm long and 1.62 mm wide). The heaviest fruits were measured in Jurinea consanguinea (0.0065 gr) and the slightest fruits in Dittrichia graveolens (0.000062 gr) taxa.

α-costic acid, the main sesquiterpenoid isolated from Dittrichia viscosa (L) Greuter, induces oxidative stress and autophagy in tomato.

Dittrichia viscosa (L.) Greuter, a perennial plant in the Asteraceae, has strong allelopathic activity due to the high content of various secondary metabolites. The bicyclic sesquiterpenoid α-costic acid is the most abundant secondary metabolite of D. viscosa. Its remarkable insecticidal, antiparasitic, and phytotoxic activities point to its potential use as a natural herbicide, but information on its mode of action is lacking. To shed light on the mechanism of action of α-costic acid in plant cells, we investigated the phytotoxicity of α-costic acid in tomato plants (Solanum lycopersicum L.) through in vivo assays, the underlying cellular effects using biochemical assays, and the effect on subcellular organelles using confocal microscopy on tomato protoplasts incubated with organelle-specific fluorescent probes. In vivo tests showed that α-costic acid inhibited the growth of tomato seedlings and induced chlorosis and spot lesions in leaves. Biochemical assays demonstrated that α-costic acid caused ion leakage, chlorophyll depletion, H2O2 overproduction, callose deposition, and membrane lipid peroxidation. Confocal microscopy demonstrated that α-costic acid determined ROS overproduction and network disruption in mitochondria, singlet oxygen overproduction in chloroplasts, vacuole disintegration, and autophagosome formation. Overall, our data are consistent with a model according to which α-costic acid phytotoxicity is related to oxidative stress in mitochondria and chloroplasts that induces extensive membrane damage, ultimately resulting in cell death associated with autophagy.

Assessment of ethanolic extract of Dittrichia viscosa from Kardoussa Douar region of Taza in Morocco as antioxidant and green inhibitor for carbon steel corrosion in acidic medium

This study targeted evaluating the anticorrosive and antioxidative characteristics of Dittrichia viscosa (ZS-OH) extract. ZS-OH was first extracted by deploying a soxhlet and characterized by chromatographic analysis (GC/MS). In addition, a quantitative assessment of the total phenolic (TPC) and flavonoids (FC) content of the ZS-OH extract, as well as phytochemical analyses, were carried out. Antioxidant testing was conducted using the bioassay: 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH). The ability of ZS-OH extract to stymie the corrosion of carbon steel in 1.0 M HCl was considered through potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). ZS-OH extract yield was 4.73 %, and GC-MS revealed 32 distinct chemicals. Neryl isovalerate (29.8 %), 1,10-di-epi-Cubenol (25.4 %), and 2,5-dimethoxy-p-cymene (11.6 %) made up the majority of the ZS-OH extract. The electrochemical results reveal that the ZS-OH extract acts as a mixed-type with an inhibition efficiency of up to 96.8 % at 500 ppm under 303 K. Surface analyses using SEM/EDS confirmed the formation of the protective layer of ZS-OH extract molecules on the C-S surface. The three major components are fully optimized in the DFT through the B3LYP functional and 6–311++G(d,p) basis sets. Molecular dynamics simulation data show the molecules of ZS-OH extract oriented beneficially on metal surfaces, providing a high surface coverage, and thus, a high inhibition performance.

Ethnobotanical survey of five wild medicinal plants used by local population in Taza province (Northeastern Morocco)

Since ancient times, Moroccan people have used medicinal and aromatic plants as traditional medicine to treat various ailments. However, few studies have been made to document and promote traditional knowledge. The present study aims to collect information about folk knowledge on the medicinal use of five plants, namely Globularia alypum, Inula viscosa, Chenopodium ambrosioides, Ajuga iva, and Urtica dioca in Taza province (northeastern Morocco). We used semi-structured and unstructured interviews with herbalists, traditional healers, and the local population in Taza province. Indeed, 240 questionnaires were collected to gather information about each plant (parts used, methods of preparation and administration, treatable diseases, etc.). The collected data were analyzed using quantitative indices such as the use value (UV), fidelity level (FL), and informant agreement ratio factor (IAR). Most of the interviewees were 60 years old (58.33%), and 70% of them were women. Nearly 60 % of the interviewees were illiterate, and heritage related to traditional medicine, was the main source of knowledge (50%). Ten indications were reported for the studied species in traditional medicine where dermatological and gastrointestinal disorders had the highest use reports, and two species had the highest FL (100%). The highest UV was found for C. ambrosioides (0.44) and A. iva (0.31). The main preparation forms were infusion (40%) and decoction (22%). The most frequently used plant parts were leaves (55.83%). The wide traditional uses of the studied species are largely supported. Future experimental research should be focused on their pharmacological properties and mechanisms of action.

Chemical Composition, Antioxidant Capacity, and Anticancerous Effects against Human Lung Cancer Cells of a Terpenoid-Rich Fraction of Inula viscosa.

Inula viscosa is a widely used plant in traditional Mediterranean and Middle Eastern medicine for various illnesses. I. viscosa has been shown to have anticancer effects against various cancers, but its effects against lung cancer have been under limited investigation. At the same time, I. viscosa is rich in terpenoids whose anti-lung cancer effects have been poorly investigated. This study aimed to examine the potential anticancer properties of methanolic and aqueous extracts of stems and leaves of I. viscosa and its terpenoid-rich fraction against human lung cancer A549 cells. Results showed that the methanolic extracts of I. viscosa had significantly higher polyphenol and flavonoid content and radical scavenging capacity than the aqueous extracts. In addition, leaves methanolic extracts (IVLM) caused the highest reduction in viability of A549 cells among all the extracts. IVLM also reduced the viability of human ovarian SK-OV-3, breast MCF-7, liver HepG2, and colorectal HCT116 cancer cells. A terpenoid-rich I. viscosa fraction (IVL DCM), prepared by liquid-liquid separation of IVLM in dichloromethane (DCM), displayed a substantial reduction in the viability of A549 cells (IC50 = 27.8 ± 1.5 µg/mL at 48 h) and the panel of tested cancerous cell lines but was not cytotoxic to normal human embryonic fibroblasts (HDFn). The assessment of IVL DCM phytochemical constituents using GC-MS analysis revealed 21 metabolites, highlighting an enrichment in terpenoids, such as lupeol and its derivatives, caryophyllene oxide, betulin, and isopulegol, known to exhibit proapoptotic and antimetastatic functions. IVL DCM also showed robust antioxidant capacity and decent polyphenol and flavonoid contents. Furthermore, Western blotting analysis indicated that IVL DCM reduced proliferation (reduction of proliferation marker Ki67 and induction of proliferation inhibitor proteins P21 and P27), contaminant with P38 MAP kinase activation, and induced the intrinsic apoptotic pathway (P53/BCL2/BAX/Caspase3/PARP) in A549 cells. IVL DCM also reduced the migration of A549 cells, potentially by reducing FAK activation. Future identification of anticancer metabolites of IVL DCM, especially terpenoids, is recommended. These data place I. viscosa as a new resource of herbal anticancer agents.

LC-TOFMS analysis, in vitro and in silico antioxidant activity on NADPH oxidase, and toxicity assessment of an extract mixture based on Marrubium vulgare L. and Dittrichia viscosa L.

Plants and their derived compounds constitute a strong basis as potential drug and as novel therapeutic approach for the management of many diseases and illnesses. In this study we explored the chemical composition of the hydro-ethanolic extracts of M. vulgare and D. viscosa and their mixture. The antioxidant activity of these extracts was evaluated using the ABTS assay. Next, we examined the acute toxicity and sub-acute toxicity of the mixture. The molecular docking was conducted to discover the potential of compounds detected on NADPH oxidase. In the extract of D. viscosa the results revealed the presence of 4 compounds P-coumaric acid, caffeic acid, palmitic acid and stearic acid. In M. vulgare, only 3 compounds were identified: caffeic acid, stearic acid and palmitic acid which give the lowest ppm error (-5.67). The mixture of the two plants showed the presence of 2 fatty acids (palmitic acid and stearic acid), caffeic acid and daidzein. Concerning the antioxidant activity, the mixture (IC50=0.13±0.04 mg/mL) has the highest effect in the inhibition of ABTS followed by M. vulgare (IC50=0.143±0.03 mg/mL) and D. viscosa (IC50=0.162±0.05 mg/mL). The results of the acute toxicity showed that for 14 days and even a few hours after the administration of the mixture to the rats did not show any sign of toxicity, for the 2 doses administered (1000 and 2000 mg/kg). During 28 days of the test, no sign of toxicity was observed in the rats treated with the two doses (500 and 800 mg/kg). No significant difference was observed between the control group and the groups treated with the two doses in ALP, UREA, and CREA and a slight elevation of AST was observed in the group treated with the 500 mg/kg dose. Daidzein, myricetin, and vanillic acid were the molecules most active against NADPH oxidase with a glide gscore of -7.13, -6.597, and -6.12 kcal/mol,a glide emodel of -60.845, -67.752, and -45.821 kcal/mol, and a glide energy -40.807, -47.249, and -27.679 kcal/mol. In conclusion, both plants are effective as antioxidant agents and their mixture showed no sign of toxicity as herbal preparation.

Investigation into the impact of certain leaf extracts derived from Inula viscosa L. on various strains of pathogenic bacteria in poultry

The study was designed to investigate the efficacy of acetone, ethanol, hexane, diethyl ether, and aqueous extracts from clay plants against four pathogenic bacteria commonly found in poultry: Escherichia coli, Streptococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Clostridium perfringens. The research took place in the microbiology and drug laboratories of the Faculty of Pharmacy at the University of Tartous, as well as the microbiology laboratory at the Faculty of Agricultural Engineering at Tishreen University. Tayon plant leaves were harvested in October and November of 2021 from the Safita region, dried, and stored for future use. The susceptibility tests were carried out on the four bacteria under investigation using the five different extracts. The findings revealed that Escherichia coli, Streptococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Clostridium perfringens were all impacted by the extracts, except for Escherichia coli which displayed resistance to acetone, ethanol, hexane, and diethyl ether extracts, but not to the aqueous extract. Pseudomonas aeruginosa also exhibited resistance to the diethyl ether extract at concentrations of 20 and 40 μl, with no inhibition zone observed. At a concentration of 80 μl, the largest average diameter of the bacterial growth inhibition zone was observed for the acetone extract (4.82, 24.95, 15.41, and 22.14 mm), ethanol (9.32, 28.11, 22.98, and 29.24 mm), hexane (6.42, 18.91, 13.23, and 17.47 mm), diethyl ether (9.33, 21.22, 9.56, and 18.75 mm), and aqueous extract (23.45, 26.22, 15.71, and 24.12 mm), respectively, in comparison to concentrations of 20 and 40 microliters and the control. These results suggest that the plant leaf extracts possess antimicrobial properties against the pathogenic bacterial strains tested, indicating their potential as natural sources of antibiotics in the future.

Unlocking the power of Inula Viscosa essential oil: A green solution for corrosion inhibition in XC48 steel within acidic environments

A sustainable corrosion inhibitor for XC48 steel in a 1 M HCl environment was effectively formulated using the essential oil of Inula viscosa (IVEO), as corroborated by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) results. This novel application was assessed via multiple techniques: mass loss, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), potentiodynamic polarization (PDP), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy with an attenuated total reflectance accessory (FT-IR/ATR), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy/energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDS) and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) for surface examination. The plant extract’s inhibitory capacity raised in proportion to its concentration, as confirmed by both mass loss and electrochemical investigations. This trend reached a high point at a 97% inhibitory efficiency at a concentration of 400 ppm at 298 K. FTIR, XRD, SEM/EDS, and AFM analyses further validated the binding of this eco-friendly inhibitor onto the steel surface, which exhibited mixed-type characteristics, thus elucidating its exceptional inhibitory performance. The Langmuir isotherm model aptly fitted the adsorption analysis, indicating the development of an organic protective layer. Advances computational calculations of various quantum chemical parameters for the key ingredients of the essential oil added to the understanding of the link between adsorption and corrosion inhibition.

Phytochemical Composition, Antioxidant and Antifungal Activity of Essential Oils and Crude Extracts of <em>Dittrichia viscosa maritime</em> (L.), an Aromatic and Medicinal Plant from Northern Morocco

Dittrichia viscosa, a perennial herb belonging to the Asteraceae family, was collected in a coastal site located in northern Morocco. This study focused on exploring the phytochemical composition and biological activities of essential oils (EOs) and solvents (methanol and acetone) extract of leaves, stems, and flowers. Total phenolic (TPC) and total flavonoid (TFC) contents were determined, and the result showed a high level of TPC and TFC in leaves with the values of 127.61 mg GAEs/g and 117.82 mg CEs/g, respectively. HPLC-MS analysis highlighted 18 phenolic acids and flavonoids, with notable quantities of apigenin 7-glucoside (2233 μg/g) and chlorogenic acid (1429 μg/g). GC‒MS analysis of EOs allowed the identification of 27 biologically active compounds, dominated by decanoic acid (20.98%) and toluene (19.66%). Regarding the biological activities, antioxidant activity was evaluated through the DPPH test, while antifungal activity was tested using the microdilution method. The most potent antioxidant effect was observed in the methanol extract of leaves, with a value of 0.18 mg/mL, while the weakest effect was noted in the acetone extract of flowers, registering a value of 1.63 mg/mL. Similarly, the antioxidant activity of methanolic extracts surpassed that of acetonic extracts in each part of D. viscosa. Concerning antifungal activity, the findings reveal that all extracts demonstrated important capacity against the tested pathogens. The methanolic extract displayed high efficacy compared to the acetonic one, with MFC values ranging between 1.94-3.38 mg/mL and 2.88-4.75 for Candida albicans, Aspergillus niger and Trichophyton rubrum, respectively. However, for Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. albedinis, the MFCs were higher (7.5-8.5 mg/mL). Regarding EOs, the MFCs were more favorable for the three human pathogenic fungi, ranging between 1.88 and 3.35 µL/mL, compared to F. oxysporum, which has an MFCs of 3.5 µL/mL. In summary, the findings demonstrated that D. viscosa could be considered a useful alternative and reliable source of bioactive compounds for the pharmaceutical and agricultural industries.

Chemistry of plant extracts directs the silver nanostructures’ crystal structure into hexagonally close-packed: a comparative study using elecampane and blueberry extracts

In this study, silver nanostructures (AgNSs) were obtained using aqueous extracts of elecampane ( Inula viscosa) and blueberry ( Vaccinium arctostaphylos L.). The synthesized AgNSs were characterized using UV–visible spectrophotometers, Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray analysis, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The optimization studies revealed that pH and the extract/AgNO3 ratio played significant roles in the morphology and size of the AgNSs, while temperature did not show any significant role. Both the blueberry and elecampane extracts resulted in a mixture of spherical and aspherical silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). In contrast, utilization of a relatively high extract/AgNO3 ratio accompanied by an extended incubation period (i.e., 10 days) caused the formation of larger spherical (e.g., up to micron-sized) and large 1D AgNPs for the blueberry and elecampane extracts, respectively. The major difference related to the crystal structures was obtained, as the blueberry extracts resulted in face-centric cubic crystals, and the elecampane extracts allowed the formation of hexagonally close-packed (hcp) crystalline structures. The AgNPs were tested for their antibacterial activities using gram (−) and gram (+) bacterial species, where the elecampane-synthesized AgNPs possessed higher antibacterial activity that can be attributed to the hcp crystalline structure of the AgNPs.

Chemical composition, biological activities, and molecular mechanism of Inula viscosa (L.) bioactive compounds: a review.

Inula viscosa is an herbaceous plant mainly found in Mediterranean regions, predominantly, used in developing countries as a folk remedy for treating numerous diseases using different traditional methods of preparation that includes infusion, decoction, and external application. Researchers have been interested in studying the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antibacterial, antidiabetic, and antitumor effects of I. viscosa extracts, due to its high countenance of bioactive molecules. The chemical studies of ethanol, methanol, chloroform, aqueous, petroleum ether, dichloromethane, and ethyl acetate extracts from different parts of I. viscosa, growing around the world, and analyzed by different analytical techniques allowed to isolate and identify a great number of secondary metabolites from terpenes, flavonoids, phenylpropanoids, and polyketides, and complementary in vitro and in vivo studies indicated the pharmacological activities of an isolated compound, a mixture, or the crude extract. I. viscosa extracts had a great in vivo potential reducing mice paw, ear, and the severity of pulmonary edema, and the occurrence of skin carcinoma growing; in vitro recent study results showed, in addition, the high antioxidant, α-glucosidase, and α-amylase inhibitory activity, and neuroprotectivity effects; a correlation with the in vivo studies confirming the anti-inflammatory and antitumor proprieties, elucidating some molecular mechanisms: showing that tomentosin reduced pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion (IFNγ, IL-1, IL-2, TNF-α, and IL-6) via the suppression of transcription factor NF-κB and MAP kinase (p38/JNK) activation, and that the two phenolic compounds banaxanthone E and paxanthone inhibited the antiapoptotic protein BCL-2, activating the apoptotic process leading to the antiproliferative effect.

Ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants used in cosmetics in Ketama (North of Morocco)

Medicinal plants serve as a significant source of bioactive molecules, with their utilization in the medical realm dating back to ancient times through herbal preparations. In Morocco, the utilization of plants remains integral to traditional medicine. Despite numerous studies documenting indigenous knowledge regarding plant use, scant attention has been given to northern Morocco, particularly the Rif region. This study seeks to enrich and consolidate our understanding of plant utilization in this area. The ethnobotanical investigation was centred on medicinal plants employed in cosmetics within northern Morocco. A questionnaire was disseminated, gathering data encompassing plant names, utilized plant parts, and preparation methods. The study identified 32 plant species utilized in cosmetics, including Cannabis sativa L., Dittrichia viscosa (L.) Greuter, Juglans regia L., and Rubus fruticosus L. Leaves emerged as the most used plant parts, with decoction and infusion being the predominant preparation methods. This survey facilitated a comprehensive examination of ethnobotanical knowledge, shedding light on the primary plants employed in cosmetics. Prudent management of these resources is imperative to prevent future shortages.

Antioxidant and Anticorrosive Activities of the Plant Inula Viscosa L. from the Rif Region of Morocco

This work aims to highlight two activities of the abundant plant in the Rif region (northern Morocco), Inula viscosa L., namely, antioxidant and anticorrosive activity. We prepared extracts using the Soxhlet extraction technique using four solvents to increase polaritywich are water, and ethanol, ethyl acetate, and diethyl ethe. . Phytochemical screening is done using the Folin-ciocalteau method and the. AlCl3 The results of this work have shown that our extracts are rich in secondary metabolites such as flavonoids and flavonols, whose plant inspired its antioxidant capacity evaluated in vitro by the DPPH and FRAP techniques. The aqueous extract tested as a corrosion inhibitor showed considerable ability to inhibit the corrosion of mild steel in 1M HCl acidic media.

Exploring the Therapeutic Potential: Antiplatelet and Antioxidant Activities of Some Medicinal Plants in Morocco

Background:: Thrombotic events and oxidative stress are major complications of certain ischemic disorders. The fight against these complications requires very intense research to develop new therapeutic agents of natural origin. Objective:: The general objective of this work is the scientific valorization of five medicinal plants: Rhus pentaphylla, Zizyphus lotus, Ammodaucus leucotrichus, Inula viscosa, and Cinnamomum zeylanicum by exploring their effects on rat platelet aggregation, antioxidant potential and determining their phytochemical composition. Methodology:: The aggregation test was monitored by stimulating isolated washed platelets suspension in the absence and presence of extracts. The antioxidant activity was conducted in vitro according to three methods: DPPH free radical scavenging activity, β-carotene bleaching test, and ferric reducing antioxidant power test. The quantitative determination of total polyphenols and flavonoids are determined respectively according to the Folin-Ciocalteu method and the colorimetric method with aluminum chloride. Results:: The results obtained show that the aqueous extract of the fruits of Rhus pentaphylla and the aerial part of Inula viscosa, as well as the stalk peel of Cinnamomum zeylanicum, significantly (p˂0.001) inhibit thrombin-platelet aggregation, while the other plant extracts have a slightly, but significant effect. These extracts exert a remarkable antioxidant activity with the three methods used. But, their IC50 values are still higher than those of the antioxidant references (ascorbic acid and butyl hydroxyanisole). Qualitative phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of secondary metabolites with varying contents. Additionally, the results of quantitative phytochemical analysis showed that the aqueous extracts of the leaves of Rhus pentaphylla and the aerial part of Inula viscosa contain the highest amount of polyphenols and flavonoids. These secondary metabolites are also present in the other extracts but in smaller quantities. Conclusion:: These results could contribute to the validation of the medical use of these extracts that exert an antiplatelet effect to treat hemostatic and thrombotic disorders.

Bio-Monitoring of Metal(loid)s Pollution in Dry Riverbeds Affected by Mining Activity.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the most abundant native plants that could be used as a bio-monitor of metal(loid) concentration in dry riverbeds affected by mining activities. Three plants species and their respective rhizospheric soils were sampled from the El Beal (Piptatherum miliaceum, 15 samples), La Carrasquilla (Foeniculum vulgare, 10 samples), and Ponce (Dittrichia viscosa, 12 samples) dry riverbeds from the mining district of Cartegena-La Unión (SE Spain). There is scanty bibliography of the capacity of these species to be used as bio-monitors in the dry riverbeds. Plants categorized as a bio-monitor were established according to the bioaccumulation factor (BF), mobility ratio (MR), and linear correlations between metal(loid) concentrations in plants tissues (root or stem)-rhizospheric soils. The rhizospheric soils were highly contaminated for As, Cd, Pb, and Zn (Cf ≥ 6), and moderately contaminated for Mn (1 ≤ Cf < 3). Piptatherum miliaceum presented on Cd similar mean concentrations on rhizospheric soil and root, BF = 1.07, with a strong correlation soil-root (r = 0.61, p = 0.02). Therefore, of the three species with the capacity to grow in the area, Piptatherum miliaceum showed characteristics to be considered as a bio-monitor for Cd, with a BF > 1, and a positive-significant correlation between the rhizospheric soil and roots.

INORT: Biofertilizer based on Inula viscosa L. (Dittrichia viscosa L.), algae and micro-organisms for growth, Fusarium oxysporum defence and water stress resistance of Plumeria frangipani

Research objective: In this study, the possibility of using INORT, a biostimulant based on Inula viscosa L. (Dittrichia viscosa L.), algae and microorganisms to improve growth, defence against Fusarium oxysporum and resistance to water stress, on Plumeria frangipani plants grown in open field was evaluated. Materials and Methods: The experiments, started in January 2023, were conducted in the greenhouses of CREA-OF in Pescia (Pt), on Plumeria frangipani plants cvs “California sunset and “Super round”. The plants were grown in open field. The five experimental groups in cultivation were: group without biostimulant (CTRL); group with microrganisms; group with algae; group with Inula viscosa; group with (INORT) (mix Microorganisms + Inula viscosa + Algae).The product INORT was supplied by the Francesco Attanasio farm. On 15 September 2023, plant height, number of leaves, number of branches, total leaf area per plant (mm2), primary root length (mm), aerial and root system biomass were recorded. In addition, plant mortality as a result of Fusarium oxysporum attacks and water stress was assessed in the experiment. Results and Discussion: The experiment showed that the use of the biostimulant based on Inula viscosa, microorganisms and algae (INORT) can indeed significantly improve the vegetative and root growth of Plumeria frangipani plants grown in the open field. Improvements were also found in plant height, number of leaves, number of floral branches, leaf area, vegetative and root biomass and root length at different irrigation frequencies of 3 and 6 days. A very interesting aspect was also the ability of the biostimulant based on Inula viscosa, microorganisms and algae to significantly reduce the incidence of Fusarium oxysporum attacks on leaves. Conclusions: Given the importance of Inula viscosa from a medicinal, pollination and biodiversity point of view, new agricultural experiments are very important as they could allow the development of new biofertiliser products that can be used in organic and sustainable farming systems

Improvement of humic acid (HA) removal using a new inorganic-organic composite coagulant: α-costic acid as a modifier of polyaluminum chloride properties.

In this work, α-costic acid (αCA), a plant sesquiterpenoid from Dittrichia viscosa, was grafted into polyaluminum chloride (PAC), forming a new eco-sustainable composite coagulant PAC-αCA with improved functionality. The α-costic acid fraction grafted into the PAC and the distribution of aluminum forms in the composite coagulant were evaluated for their effectiveness in removing bentonite and humic acid from synthetic water. The interaction mechanism between PAC and α-CA was examined by the Al-Ferron time spectrophotometric method, density functional theory (DFT), and FTIR analysis. By monitoring the aluminum speciation in the composite coagulant PAC-αCA, it was discovered that the introduction of α-CA impacted the distribution of various aluminum forms, including mononuclear Ala, highly polymeric Alb, colloidal, and medium polymeric Alc. The theoretical analysis identified the Alb species as particularly sensitive to reacting with α-CA. Furthermore, coagulation performance tests demonstrated that increasing the percentage of α-CA and promoting the prevalence of Alb and Alc species over Ala species in PAC-αCA led to improved removal of turbidity and UV254. This study provides an attractive and practical option for water treatment plants to remove colloidal suspensions in raw water effectively.

Exploring the wound-healing and antimicrobial potential of Dittrichia viscosa L lipidic extract: Chemical composition and in vivo evaluation

Dittrichia viscosa belongs to the Dittrichia genus, it grows abundantly in the east and northeast of Morocco, and traditionally its fresh leaves are crushed and given for topical application after burns, wounds, and infections. In this study, we examine the wound-healing activity of Dittrichia viscosa lipidic extract in vivo, assess its anti-microbial effect, and explore the specific compounds that contribute to these effects. To assess the effectiveness of wound healing, a burn-induced wound model was employed in Wistar rats, and the levels of hydroxyproline as well as histopathological changes in the skin tissues were evaluated. Furthermore, the antimicrobial potential against Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Candida albicans, Candida glabrata, and Malassezia furfur was investigated using the agar disc diffusion method. Gas Chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) techniques were employed to analyze the composition of fatty acids, phytosterols, and tocopherols. Topical application of Dittrichia viscosa lipidic fraction ointment exhibited significant improvements in wound contraction, achieving an impressive rate of 82% within 21 days. Additionally, the lipidic extract of Dittrichia viscosa displayed notable efficacy against various microbial strains, including Candida albicans (25.07 ± 0.2), Candida glabrata (24 ± 0.6), and Malassezia furfur (22 ± 0.7). The primary fatty acids identified in the sample were linolenic acid (58.95% ± 0), oleic acid (16.75% ±0.04), and linoleic acid (11.97% ± 0.1). Notably, the sample contained significant amounts of γ-Tocopherols (732.08 ± 21mg/kg), while the sterol fraction primarily consisted of 7-Campesterol (1937 ± 0 mg/kg), 7-β-Sitosterol (1621 ± 0 mg/kg), and Stigmasterol (1439 ± 26 mg/kg). By its richness in active compound content, Dittrichia viscosa effectively accelerates wound healing while safeguarding against microbial infections.

Green Synthesis and the formation kinetics of silver nanoparticles in aqueous Inula Viscosa extract

In this study, we present the production of silver nanoparticles in aqueous Inula Viscosa extract by the green synthesis approach at room temperature. The structural, and morphological properties as well as formation kinetics of the synthesized silver nanoparticles were characterized by UV–Vis, DLS, STEM, XRD, Raman, and FTIR measurements. Mono-dispersed and very stable silver nanoparticles with a size of 15 ± 5 nm and face-centered cubic crystal structure were synthesized in aqueous Inula Viscosa extract. The kinetic studies of silver nanoparticles formation in Inula Viscosa extract show that silver nanoparticle formation reaction reached an equilibrium within 24 h and fit in the first-order reaction kinetics. The results clearly show that the size of fabricated nanoparticles is independent of the dynamical formation process since the reaction time and initial silver ion concentration are not affected by the size and morphology of the produced particles.

Methanolic Extracts of D. viscosa Specifically Affect the Cytoskeleton and Exert an Antiproliferative Effect on Human Colorectal Cancer Cell Lines, According to Their Proliferation Rate.

Numerous studies have reported the pharmacological effects exhibited by Dittrichia viscosa, (D. viscosa) including antioxidant, cytotoxic, antiproliferative, and anticancer properties. In our research, our primary objective was to validate a prescreening methodology aimed at identifying the fraction that demonstrates the most potent antiproliferative and anticancer effects. Specifically, we investigated the impact of various extract fractions on the cytoskeleton using a screening method involving transgenic plants. Tumors are inherently heterogeneous, and the components of the cytoskeleton, particularly tubulin, are considered a strategic target for antitumor agents. To take heterogeneity into account, we used different lines of colorectal cancer, specifically one of the most common cancers regardless of gender. In patients with metastasis, the effectiveness of chemotherapy has been limited by severe side effects and by the development of resistance. Additional therapies and antiproliferative molecules are therefore needed. In our study, we used colon-like cell lines characterized by the expression of gastrointestinal differentiation markers (such as the HT-29 cell line) and undifferentiated cell lines showing the positive regulation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition and TGFβ signatures (such as the DLD-1, SW480, and SW620 cell lines). We showed that all three of the D. viscosa extract fractions have an antiproliferative effect but the pre-screening on transgenic plants anticipated that the methanolic fraction may be the most promising, targeting the cytoskeleton specifically and possibly resulting in fewer side effects. Here, we show that the preliminary use of screening in transgenic plants expressing subcellular markers can significantly reduce costs and focus the advanced characterization only on the most promising therapeutic molecules.