Juniperus Excelsa Bieb Research Articles

Ligustrum witches broom phytoplasma caused witches’ broom disease for Juniperus excelsa Bieb. in Turkey

Ligustrum witches broom phytoplasma caused witches’ broom disease for Juniperus excelsa Bieb. in Turkey

Штам актиноміцетів Streptomyces sp. Je 1-93, продуцент антифунгальних антибіотиків

Screening new naturally occurring biologically active compounds is an effective strategy for creating a portfolio of platforms for developing new chemical agents against multidrug-resistant microbial strains. Actinomycetes are an extremely prolific source of structurally diverse secondary metabolites, most of which have pharmaceutical or biotechnological significance. Among them, the genus Streptomyces stands out, producing about 55 % of all known naturally occurring antibiotics. However, due to the significant redisco­very of already known compounds, especially among actinomycetes, the rate of discovery of new antibiotics has slowed considerably. Today, there is growing interest in screening biologically active compounds from poorly studied and extreme habitats. In this study, we demonstrated the phylogeny, bioactivity and dereplication of secondary metabolites of the Je 1-93 strain isolated from the rhizosphere soil of juniper (Juniperus excelsa Bieb.). Phylogenetic analysis of the Je 1-93 strain based on the nucleotide sequence of the 16S rRNA gene allowed its identification in the Streptomyces genus and showed the greatest similarity with the S. hydrogenans CA04 strain (100 % identity). Analysis of the antimicrobial activity of this strain showed its strong antifungal activity against the reference Candida albicans ATCC 885-653 strain as well as the multi-resistant C. albicans №12 strain, which is resistant to nystatin, amphotericin B, clotrimazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole and fluconazole. To identify compounds that probably provide antifungal activity, we analysed secondary metabolites produced by Streptomyces sp. Je 1-93. To facilitate dereplication, the obtained extracts of secondary metabolites were separated by size-exclusion chromatography on a column filled with Sephadex LH-20. Methanol was used as the mobile phase. As a result of the dereplication analysis in the database of natural compounds (Dictionary of Natural Products), antibiotic antimycins were found among the secondary metabolites in the extract of the Je 1-93 strain, and they have a high probability of providing the antifungal activity of this strain.

Genetic Identification and Antimicrobial Activity of Streptomyces sp. Strain Je 1–6 Isolated from Rhizosphere Soil of Juniperus excelsa Bieb

Genetic Identification and Antimicrobial Activity of Streptomyces sp. Strain Je 1–6 Isolated from Rhizosphere Soil of Juniperus excelsa Bieb

Actinomycetes strain Streptomyces sp. Je 1-42: phylogenetic analysis, biological activity and secondary metabolite profile

Aim. Screening of new natural bioactive molecules is one of the effective approach in combating multidrug-resistant pathogens and tumor cells. The aim of this work was to study the taxonomic characteristic, biological activity and secondary metabolites production of isolate Je 1-42 from the rhizosphere of Juniperus excelsa Bieb. Methods. Microbiological, molecular genetic, high performance liquid chromatography mass spectrometry and scanning electron microscopy methods were used in this work. Results. Based on a phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA and gyrB gene sequences, microbiological and physiological characterization the isolate Je 1-42 has been affiliated to the genus Streptomyces. The isolate Je 1-42 showed a wide range of antibacterial activity. The antibiotics desertomycin A, kanchanamycin A, butylcycloheptylprodigiosine and spectinabilin were annotated in the Je 1-42 extract using dereplication analysis in the database DNP. Conclusions. Actinomycetes strain Streptomyces sp. Je 1-42 is an antagonist of gram-positive, gram-negative bacteria, fungi and produces antibiotics desertomycin A, canchanamycin A, butylcycloheptylprodigiozin, spectinabilin, which has a broad spectrum of antimicrobial activity. The production of these compounds obviously determines the ability of Je 1-42 to inhibit the growth of a wide range of bacteria and fungi. The strain of Streptomyces sp. Je 1-42 was deposited in the Microbial Culture Collection of Antibiotics Producers at Ivan Franko National University of Lviv (collection number Lv 1-042).
 Keywords: Streptomyces, secondary metabolites, antibacterial activity, phylogenetic analysis.

Dynamics of the Rate of Photosynthesis in Juniperus excelsa M. Bieb and Environmental Factors during Growing Seasons in the Conditions of the Southern Coast of Crimea

Abstract—The objectives of the work are to study the relationship between the rate of photosynthesis and transpiration, as well as temperature, in Juniperus excelsa M. Bieb and the main external environmental factors and determine the optimal and limiting growth conditions for this species in the conditions of the Southern Coast of Crimea (May–September). Similar studies have not yet been carried out in these conditions; therefore, this will allow the results to be extrapolated for introduction of the species to other regions. Finding the function of photosynthesis response to environmental factors in Juniperus excelsa M. Bieb allowed for estimating the numerical coefficients of nonlinear regression equations of these parameters. Juniperus excelsa Bieb M. has a high photosynthesis potential to acclimate to elevated temperatures. An increase in needle-leaf temperature above the optimum resulted in a dramatic reduction in the rate of photosynthesis; the critical temperature is 38°C. During the studied period of plant vegetation, external environmental factors and ecological–physiological characteristics of the species varied: rate of net photosynthesis decreased by 28.58%, while transpiration and needle-leaves temperature dropped by 50 and 6.67%, respectively. The temperature and light optimums similarly decreased, that is, temperature and humidity deficit by 10.72 and 60%, respectively, and illumination by 15.4%. The findings will serve to compare the obtained ecological–physiological characteristics with climate conditions in a specific region and assess the possibilities of introducing Juniperus excelsa M. Bieb into other regions.

Comparative Characteristics of the Greek Juniper (Juniperus excelsa Beieb.) Populations in the Southeastern Crimea

Population studies of a relic Mediterranean species Juniperus excelsa Bieb. in the southeastern Crimea were conducted. We laid out test plots in such sites of the region: Semidvorje (a natural landmark of local significance); Kanaka (a botanical reserve of national significance); Novy Svet (a botanical reserve of national significance); Kiziltash (a natural landmark having no any conservation status); Karadag (a state nature reserve). The density of Greek juniper populations is approximately similar, varying within 400–500 plants/ha. We have estimated age structure, age index and regeneration index of studied populations. They are dominated by normal left-sided age spectra. It has been established that the current level of recreational load does not pose a threat to the existence of juniper communities: the intensity of natural regeneration is rather high. However, the threats for juniper forests may be a reduction their area due to the construction of new resort facilities and their infrastructure, as well as illegal tree cutting.

In vitro effect of ethyl acetate, butanol and water extracts of Juniperus excelsa Bieb. on angiotensin-converting enzyme purified from human plasma

Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) was purified from human plasma by affinity chromatography. Effect of ethyl acetate, butanol and water extracts of Juniperus excelsa Bieb. (J. excelsa) fruits on purified ACE activity was investigated. ACE was purified 3659-fold with a specific activity of 1350 EU/mg protein from human plasma. The purity and molecular weight of ACE were determined by SDS-PAGE, and two bands 60 kDa and 70 kDa are seen on the gel. Ethyl acetate extract of J. excelsa fruits showed an activation effect on human plasma ACE activity. Butanol and water extracts of J. excelsa fruits showed an inhibition effect on ACE activity. IC50 values for butanol and water extracts of J. excelsa fruits were calculated to be 2.858 mg/mL and 5.790 mg/mL, respectively. Lisinopril was used to be reference inhibitor. Type of inhibition for all inhibitors was designated as non-competitive. IC50 value and Ki constant for lisinopril were determined to be 0.781 nM and 0.662 nM, respectively. These results show that butanol and water extracts of J. excelsa plant may have an ACE inhibitor potency.

The effects of growing density and fertilization on morphological seedling characteristics of crimean juniper (Juniperus excelsa Bieb.)

In this study, the effects of growing density and fertilization on the morphological characteristics of the Crimean Juniper (Juniperus excelsa Bieb.) seedlings were investigated. For this purpose, four different growing densities [150, 250, 350 and 600 (= control) seedlings per square meter] and three different fertilizer doses [0 g N (= control), 10 g N and 20 g N per square meter] were studied. In this context, the effects of the treatments on the height (SH), root collar diameter (RCD), number of sub branches (NSB), the longest lateral root length (LRL) and shoot:root ratio (S:R) of the seedlings, which are among the important morphological characteristics, were examined. The data were evaluated in SPSS software. Results showed that the main factor affecting the root collar diameter of the seedlings was growing density. Similarly, it was found that the main factor working on the seedling height was fertilization dose. As a conclusion; it was suggested that cultivation of barerooted Crimean Juniper seedlings in the Eğirdir Forestry Nursery should be carried out with 150-350 seedlings per square meter and 10 g/m2 N application.

Evaluation of Anticipated Performance Index, biochemical, and physiological parameters of Cupressus arizonica Greene and Juniperus excelsa Bieb for greenbelt development and biomonitoring of air pollution

Plants can be used naturally to mitigate environmental pollution, such as air pollution; however, it is important to evaluate plant susceptibility to air pollution when considering green space creation in urban areas. In this study, we investigated the biochemical and physiological parameters, including pH, and ascorbic acid, relative water, total chlorophyl, proline, soluble sugar, protein, and free amino acid contents of two gymnosperm tree species, Cupressus arizonica Greene and Juniperus excelsa Bieb. Using these data, we computed the Air Pollution Tolerance Index (APTI) and Anticipated Performance Index (API) of the trees at five sites in Isfahan, Iran, to determine their applicability for greenbelt establishment. Our results indicated that these evergreen species are good indicators of air pollution and can be used as an early warning tool for air pollution level that is harmful to human health.

Relationships between essential oil yield and physical properties of cones in juniper species (Juniperus excelsa Bieb. and Juniperus foetidissima Willd.)

Bu calismada Turkiye’de oldukca genis yayilis alanina sahip ardic turlerinden boylu ardic (Juniperus excelsa Bieb.) ve kokulu ardic (Juniperus foetidissima Willd.) turlerinin ucucu yag verimlilikleri ile kozalak fiziksel ozellikleri arasindaki iliskiler arastirilmistir. Bu amacla kokulu ardica ait 12 farkli, boylu ardica ait ise 40 farkli ornek alandan olgun kozalak ornekleri toplanmistir. Laboratuvarda ilk asamada kozalaklara ait fiziksel olcumler (en, boy, 1000 tane agirligi, nem orani) gerceklestirilmistir. Daha sonra Clevenger duzeneginde su destilasyonu ile damitilan orneklerde ucucu yag verimlilikleri tespit edilmistir. Kokulu ardiclarda ortalama %2,43 v/w, boylu ardiclarda ise %3,82 v/w oraninda ucucu yag verimi tespit edilmistir. Daha sonra ornek alanlarin ucucu yag verimlilikleri arasindaki farkin kozalak fiziksel ozellikleri ile iliskilendirilmesi amaciyla temel bilesenler analizi uygulanmistir. Analiz neticesinde ucucu yag veriminin ozellikle, kozalaklarda nem oranlari (%) ile iliskili olabilecegi sonucuna varilmistir. Bu durumun ise bitkide ozellikle neme bagli olarak kuraklik ve su stresinin ucucu yag verimi gibi biyokimyasal parametreler uzerine yansimasi sonucunda ortaya ciktigi yorumu yapilmistir.

The Review of Certain In Vivo Antioxidant Effects on Essential Oils of Origanum Minutiflorum O Schwarz-Ph Davis, Juniperus Excelsa Bieb.subsp. Excelsa and Histopathologic Changes

ABSTRACT Essential oil of plants called Juniperus excelsa Bieb. (JE), Origanum minutiflorum O. Schwarz and P.H. Davis (OM) were used in this study. In order to determine experimental doses, LD50 values of essential oils were determined on mice. Taking into consideration the LD30 range, the experimental toxic doses were calculated for each rat (rat/kg). The toxic dosages thus determined were adapted to rats for active substances (rat/kg). Using commercially available pure virgin olive oil (VOO) as the solvent and diluting agent, OM oil (n=10), JE fruitoil (n=10), carvacrol (CRV) (n=10), VOO (n=10) and normal saline SF (n=8) were administered on the basis of 12 days into intraperitoneal (IP). Enzyme activities of Glucose-6-Phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH), malate dehydrogenase (MDH), Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), Glutathione-S-transferase (GST), Adenosine-deaminase (ADA) and Catalase were studied in isolates of kidney, brain and liver tissues. The data was statistically analyzed through Kruskal Wallis variance analysis. Elevated levels of GST and catalase have been found statistically important, as have both essential oil activities of OM and JE in the kidney tissue (p<0.005). All of the enzymes except the levels of ADA and SOD led to a statistically significant change in the brain and liver. There was sinusoidal hyperemia and capsular adhesion in the liver as histopathological were found to be statistically significant (p<0.005). It did not observe any important changes in the other organs. Findings were scored and analyzed by using x2(chi-square) test and Fisher’s definite variance analysis.

Dyeing Properties of Natural Dyes Extracted from the Junipers Leaves (J. excelsa Bieb. and J. oxycedrus L.)

ABCTRACTIn this paper, two natural dyes were extracted from Junipers leaves (Juniperus oxycedrus L. and Juniperus excelsa Bieb.). Wool yarn (for carpet) was dyed with the extract using ferrous (II) sulfate, potassium dichromate and sodium sulfate as mordant. Then, CIELab (L*, a*, b*, c,* and h) values, color differences (ΔE) and color strength (K/S) values of dyed wool yarns were examined and the fastness properties of dyed wool against dry and wet rubbing were evaluated. According to the experimental results, the use of mordant increased the color strength of dye goods. All mordant increased the rub fastness of dyed samples such as similar scientific studies previously. Compared to two junipers, dyeing samples of J. excelsa are dyed darker than that of J. oxycedrus.

Investigation of Effects of Essential Oil from Berries of Juniperus excelsa Bieb. Subsp excelsa (Cupressaceae) on Angiogenesis in Shell-less Chick Embryo (CAM) Culture

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of essential oil of the berries from Juniperus excelsa Bieb. subsp. excelsa (Cupressaceae) to the vascularization systems of the chick embryos in a chorioallantoic membrane model. The berries of J. excelsa were subjected to hydrodistillation. 50 µl of essential oil were applied to the center of the blastodisc using a precision micropipette prior to the transfer of shell-less cultures to the incubator. Antiangiogenic effect of essential oil of the study plant was determined with the use of the chick chorioallantoic membrane model. Numbers of main, branching and capillary blood vessels were counted. In the statistical analysis, when the groups were compared with regard to the main blood vessel (MBV) and branch blood vessel (BBV) development, no significant difference (p>0.05) was observed. However, when the groups were compared with regard to capillary vessel (CV) development, the difference between the data of the groups was found significant (p<0.05). This study examined the effect of exposure J. excelsa essential oil on extraembryonic vascular development in the chick embryo area vasculosa (AV) in shell-less culture for the first time. Essential oil of the berries from J. excelsa has antiangiogenic effect.

Chemical composition and antimicrobial activity of essential oils of Juniperus excelsa Bieb. (Cupressaceae) grown in R. Macedonia

Background:There are no information of the yield, chemical composition and antimicrobial activity of essential oils of berries (EOB) or leaves (EOL) of Juniperus excelsa Bieb. (Cupressaceae) growing wild in R. Macedonia.Materials and Methods:Plant material was collected from two localities during two seasons. Essential oil composition was analyzed by gas chromatography/flame ionization detector/mass spectrometry (GC/FID/MS) and antimicrobial screening was made by disc diffusion and broth dilution method.Results and Discussion:EOB yield ranged from 1.6-9.4 ml/kg and from 8.9-13.9 ml/kg for EOL. Two chemotypes of essential oil were differentiated, α-pinene-type (with 70.81% α-pinene in EOB and 33.83% in EOL), also containing limonene, β-pinene and β-myrcene while the sabinene-type (with 58.85-62.58% sabinene in EOB and 28.52-29.49% in EOL), was rich in α-pinene, β-myrcene, limonene, cis-thujone, terpinolene and α-thujene. The most sensitive bacteria to the antimicrobial activity of EOB was Haemophilus influenzae (MIC = 31 μl/ml). EOL have showed high activity towards: Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes and Haemophilus influenzae (MIC = 125 μl/ml). The pinene-type of essential oil showed moderate activity against Streptococcus pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus agalactiae, Streptococcus pyogenes, Corynebacterium spp. and Campylobacter jejuni (MIC >50%). The sabinene-type of the oil showed moderate activity to Streptococcus pyogenes, Haemopilus influenzae, Campylobacter jejuni and Escherichia coli (MIC >50%). No activity was observed toward Candida albicans.Conclusion:The analysis of EOB and EOL revealed two chemotypes (α-pinene and sabinene type) clearly depended on the geographical origin of the Macedonian Juniperus excelsa which also affected the antimicrobial activity of these oils.

Genetic variability of tall junipers (Juniperus excelsa Bieb.) on the northern and southern boundaries of their natural distribution

The genetic structure, subdivision, and differentiation of six populations of tall junipers (Juniperus excelsa Bieb.) in the Crimean Mountains and one population in Lebanon were investigated using 18 polymorphic allozyme loci as genetic markers. A high level of genetic variability of J. excelsa was established at the northern and southern boundaries of their natural habitats. The mean values of the main indicators of genetic polymorphism were P99 = 1.000, A = 3.167, HE = 0.370, and HO = 0.405. The subdivision and differentiation of populations were low (FST = 0.032, DN = 0.026), indicating the similarity of their gene pools.

Cardiovascular Effects of Juniperus excelsa Are Mediated Through Multiple Pathways

Juniperus excelsa Bieb. is used in folk medicine for lowering blood pressure (BP). Its BP-lowering effect, endothelium-dependent and endothelium-independent vasodilator effects, and cardio-modulatory effect are reported here. The crude extract of J. excelsa (Je.Cr) which tested positive for the presence of anthraquinone, flavonoids, saponins, sterols, terpenes, and tannins induced a dose-dependent (10–300 mg/kg) fall in the arterial BP of anesthetized rats. In isolated rabbit aorta, Je.Cr (0.01–5.0 mg/mL) inhibited high K+ (80 mM)- and phenylephrine (1 μM)-induced contractions, like that caused by verapamil and papaverine. In endothelium-intact rat aortic preparations, Nω-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester hydrochloride-sensitive vasodilator activity was noted from Je.Cr, which also relaxed the endothelium-denuded aorta tissues. In guinea pig atria, Je.Cr initially caused mild cardiac stimulation, followed by inhibition, like that exhibited by papaverine. Je.Cr prolonged the R–R interval in electrocardiogram of rats under anesthesia. These results reveal that cardiovascular effects of J. excelsa are mediated possibly through a combination of Ca++ antagonism, nitric oxide-modulating mechanism, and phosphodiesterase inhibitory mechanism, which explain its medicinal use in hypertension.

Morphological and physiological differences between bareroot and container Juniperus excelsa seedlings

The effects of stock type on morphological and physiological characteristics were compared in 1 + 0 Crimean juniper (Juniperus excelsa Bieb.) seedlings. In October 2010, the morphological characteristics of both stock types were determined. The physiological condition of both stock types was evaluated by measuring water relation, root growth potential (RGP), and root electrolyte leakage (REL) parameters in seedlings at periodic intervals from October 2010 to April 2011. Container seedlings had greater root collar diameter, higher height, and greater shoot dry weight than bareroot seedlings, but these differences were not significant. However, the shoot-to-root ratios of the container seedlings were significantly lower than those of the bareroot seedlings, but their root dry weights were higher. In both stock types, osmotic potential at turgor loss point, osmotic potential at full turgor, relative water at turgor loss point, apoplastic water fraction, symplastic water at saturated point per dry weight, dry weight fraction, RGP, and REL showed a seasonal variation. The differences between stock types in terms of the water relation parameters were not generally significant. The RGP values of the bareroot seedlings were higher than those of the container seedlings in January, February, and March, but their REL values were generally lower than those of the container seedlings on most lifting dates. For each type of stock, seedlings lifted in January and February had greater stress resistance than seedlings lifted in the autumn or spring. If the weather conditions are suitable, the safe period for lifting and planting is mid-January to mid-March.

Chemical Composition, Antioxidant, Antimicrobial and Antispasmodic Activities of the Essential Oil of Juniperus excelsa subsp. excelsa

In this study, chemical composition, antioxidant, antimicrobial and antiospasmodic activities of the essential oil of the berries Juniperus excelsa Bieb. subsp. excelsa were evaluated in vitro. GC and GS-MS analysis of the oil resulted in the identification of 25 compounds, representing 97.2 % of the oil; α-pinene (46.1 %) was the main component. Essential oil showed remarkable antimicrobial activity against the test microorganisms. The sample was also subjected to a screening for its possible antioxidant activity by using 2,2-diphenyl-l- picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and β-carotene-linoleic acid assays. It was exhibited moderate antioxidant activity in β-carotene-linoleic acid test system. In rat ileum, J. excelsa essential oil effect was directly investigated on spontaneous contractions. It has been found that amplitude and frequency did not change significantly at all dose concentrations. Amplitude has been inhibited % 25 and frequency has been inhibited % 20 at 1 mg/mL.

Wood Structure and to pochemistry of Juniperus Excelsa

Wood structure and topochemical distribution of lignin and phenolic extractives in Juniperus excelsa Bieb. were investigated using a mature specimen, aproximately 80 years of age, from the Rhodope mountains, Greece. The wood of J. excelsa was found to possess the same qualitative anatomical features as those reported for other Juniperus species of the Western Hemisphere. Quantitative anatomical characteristics recorded for mature wood (heartwood and sapwood) included earlywood and latewood tracheid length, double wall thickness of earlywood and latewood tracheids, lumen diameter of earlywood tracheids and ray height. Scanning UV microspectrophotometry revealed a pronounced lignification of J. excelsa tracheids with detected absorbance values of the secondary cell wall layers being much higher in comparison to all other softwoods studied using this technique. The cell corners and compound middle lamellae were characterised by relative high UV absorbance values as compared to the S2 layers. The phenolic compounds deposited in the axial and ray parenchyma cells possessed higher absorbance values than cell wall associated lignins and had a different spectral behaviour due to the presence of chromophoric groups. According to the obtained UV absorbance spectra, more condensed phenolic compounds were deposited in the heartwood than in the sapwood.

Характеристика популяції Juniperus excelsa Bieb. в урочищі Кизилташ (Південно-Східний Крим): щільність, вікова структура, ценотична і екологічна оцінка

Характеристика популяції Juniperus excelsa Bieb. в урочищі Кизилташ (Південно-Східний Крим): щільність, вікова структура, ценотична і екологічна оцінка