Juniperus Oxycedrus Research Articles

Distribution area of Juniperus oxycedrus L. in Central Spain (Madrid)

Les populations ibériques de Juniperus oxycedrus L. subsp. oxycedrus L. ont été étudiées par plusieurs auteurs qui considèrent leur état de conservation comme mauvais. Dans la région de Madrid, la situation actuelle, la dynamique et l’aire de répartition de ces junipéraies sont mal connues, même si celles qui sont arborescentes sont incluses dans le type 5210 (directive Habitat 92/ 43/ CEE). Ces formations sont développées dans des ambiances montagnardes méditerranéennes continentales, où se développent des agro-écosystèmes de grande valeur présentant une dynamique intéressante de recolonisation, liée à la déprise agricole. Cette étude vise à mieux comprendre la répartition du Cade dans la région de Madrid, première étape à la compréhension et à l’évaluation des changements dynamiques intervenus dans les dernières décennies. Pour mettre à jour la cartographie de cette espèce, l’information disponible a été vérifiée et complétée par photo-interprétation et sur le terrain. Sur la base de cette cartographie et les informations relatives aux variables physiques et biotiques, quatre types de junipéraies ont été différenciés par des méthodes multivariées. D’autre part, deux types de dynamiques ont été reconnus et il a été étudié en profondeur la genèse de changements qui se produisent dans ces forêts dans les dernières décennies.

Infection patterns and hosts of Arceuthobium oxycedri (DC.) M. Bieb. in Slovenia

SummaryEleven mixed populations of Juniperus oxycedrus L. and Juniperus communis L. were inventoried for the presence of parasitic woody species Arceuthobium oxycedri (DC.) M. Bieb. infections. Both J. oxycedrus and A. oxycedri are rare and distributed in marginal populations in Slovenia. To our knowledge, this is the first detailed research on the host species as well as on the infection and spreading patterns of A. oxycedri in Europe. Assessment of the infection rate was based on the Hawksworth six‐class dwarf mistletoe rating system (DMR). The dimensions of A. oxycedri specimens were surprisingly large and often exceeded 25 cm in diameter, the largest even measuring up to 40 cm. Six juniper populations of 11 were infected, and the proportion of infected host individuals in these ranged between 29.17 and 82.93%. The proportion of infected J. oxycedrus specimens in infected populations was 76.56%, while this percentage for J. communis was 54.90%, which is surprisingly high for this species. A different pattern of infection was observed for the two hosts. A typical infection on J. communis was more localized. Usually, only a single infection was present and was most common on the trunk in the middle third of the crown and much less common on the branches. In J. oxycedrus, infections were also most common in the middle third, but also frequent in other areas of the trunk as well as on the branches. Mostly, we observed a dotted pattern of infection with uninfected areas in between. We assume that A. oxycedri will continue to slowly spread in Slovenia, primarily in areas where it is already present. However, its control is probably not yet necessary.

Structural characterization and analysis of the regeneration of woodlands dominated by Juniperus oxycedrus L. in west-central Spain

This work addresses the structural characterization of Juniperus oxycedrus-dominated woodlands in west-central Spain, as well as the analysis of the regeneration of this species in the presence of other species (mainly Quercus ilex) as a function of different environmental and land-use factors. The two densest populations of the species were sampled and different physiographic and land-use parameters were obtained. First, a structural characterization, specifically focused on regeneration, was carried out, based on the count of individuals and their classification according to their size (seedlings, saplings, or adults) and position (either beyond or below the canopy). The use of Generalized Linear Models (GLM) and Regression Trees permitted the identification and analysis of environmental and land-use variables significantly related to regeneration. Juniper woodlands in this part of Spain generally show a remarkable level of regeneration, although some significant differences were detected between the two existing populations. Of the factors studied, time since regeneration started, elevation, and soil rock surface cover influence J. oxycedrus regeneration at most of the individual classes considered, indicating the significance of these variables in this species regeneration. Canopy cover and depth of the organic layer and zone also affect several of the recruitment classes. Furthermore, radiation, the time elapsed since regeneration started, elevation, and aspect affect stand structure to a significant extent. The results of this study enlarge the knowledge on J. oxycedrus regeneration and woodland structure, providing helpful information for the conservation of these protected habitats.

Potential vegetation markers – analytical pyrolysis of modern plant species representative of Neolithic SE Spain

A selection of plant species that may have been relevant for the Neolithic in the SW Mediterranean have been characterised with pyrolysis gas chromatography mass spectrometry (pyrolysis–GC/MS) in search for molecular vegetation markers. Roots and aerial parts were analysed separately for the following species: Anthyllis cytisoides, Asphodelus cerasiferus, Brachypodium retusum, Cistus albidus, Cistus clusii, Dorycnium pentaphyllum, Ephedra fragilis, Juniperus oxycedrus, Juniperus phoenicea, Olea europaea, Phillyrea angustifolia, Pinus halepensis, Pistacia lentiscus, Quercus coccifera, Rhamnus lycioides, Rosmarinus officinalis, Smilax aspera and Stipa tenacissima; furthermore domesticated plants were analysed, including wheat (Triticum aestivum, Triticum dicoccum, Triticum monococcum, Triticum timopheevi and Triticum turgidum), barley (Hordeum vulgare and H. vulgare Hulled) and legumes (Lathyrus cicera, Lathyrus sativus, Lens culinaris, Pisum sativa, Vicia ervilia, Vicia faba and Vicia sativa). This resulted in 290 potential markers. In addition, the organic matter of surface soils under different vegetation cover has been analysed to test the presence of the potential markers in the soil. Forty-six of the potential markers were detected in the soil organic matter, of which part have not been reported before. The results may be useful for interpretation of the organic matter composition of soils and plant remains, which can be valuable in archaeology.

Vitamin, Trace Element, and Fatty Acid Levels of Vitex agnus-castus L., Juniperus oxycedrus L., and Papaver somniferum L. Plant Seeds

The levels of fat‐soluble vitamin, trace element and fatty acid of Vitex agnus-castus L., Juniperus oxycedrus L., and Papaver somniferum L. seeds in Turkey were determined by using HPLC, ICP‐OES, and GC, respectively. In the Vitex agnus-castus L., Juniperus oxycedrus L., and Papaver somniferum L. seeds, linoleic acid (18 : 2) was determined with the highest level rates (%54.11, %28.03, and %72.14, resp.). In the Vitex agnus-castus L. seeds, R‐tocopherol, α‐tocopherol, and K1 levels were determined as 9.70 μg/g, 18.20 μg/g, and 24.79 μg/g, respectively; In the Juniperus oxycedrus L. seeds, R‐tocopherol, α‐tocopherol, and K1 were determined as 18.50 μg/g, 0.84 μg/g, and 5.00 μg/g, respectively, and in the Papaver somniferum L. seeds, R‐tocopherol, α‐tocopherol, K1, and D2 levels were determined as 43.25 μg/g, 122.05 μg/g, 12.01 μg/g, and 0.62 μg/g, respectively. In the Vitex agnus-castus L., Juniperus oxycedrus L., and Papaver somniferum L. seeds, nickel (Ni), zinc (Zn), and iron (Fe) were determined with the trace element level rates (4.42 mg/kg, 10.43 mg/kg, 3.71 mg/kg for Ni, 7.00 mg/kg, 7.70 mg/kg, and 24 mg/kg for Zn and 93.73 mg/kg, 187.95 mg/kg, and 149.64 mg/kg for Fe, resp.). These parameters in seeds are very important for human life.

First Report of Botryosphaeria iberica Associated with Dieback and Tree Mortality of Monterey Cypress (Cupressus macrocarpa) in Algeria.

Stem cankers and branches showing bark discoloration, fissuring, resin exudation leading to dieback, crown wilting, and tree mortality have been observed since late spring 2008 on 40-year-old Cupressus macrocarpa (Hartw.) trees planted in forests mixed with Juniperus oxycedrus L. and Acer monspessulanum L. in Taffet, near Ain Abbessa, in the district of Bougaa, Algeria (36°18'57″N; 05°06'33″E; 1,400 m elevation). In 2010, approximately 60% of the C. macrocarpa trees were diseased. For fungal isolations, cankered branches were surface sterilized with ethanol. After removal of the outer bark, fragments of necrotic inner bark taken from the margin of cankers were plated on potato dextrose agar (PDA). Most of the colonies were identified as Botryosphaeria iberica (Phillips, Luque & Alves) based on comparison of morphological traits and DNA sequences with known isolates of the fungus (1). Pestalotiopsis funerea colonies were also obtained, although with less frequency. B. iberica colonies on PDA were dark green with aerial mycelium and optimum growth at 25°C. Pycnidia were produced after 3 weeks of incubation at 20°C under a 12-h near UV light photoperiod on water agar amended with autoclaved cypress seeds. Conidia were brown, one-septate, oval to oblong, and 24.2 (20.1 to 27.4) × 11.2 μm (8.8 to 14.1) (n= 50). An isolate was deposited at the Centralbureau voor Schimmelculture as CBS 130984. DNA was extracted from freeze-dried mycelium and amplified using primers ITS1 and ITS4. The amplified DNA sequence of B. iberica isolate CBS 130984 from Algeria (GenBank Accession No. JN836991) showed 100% homology with sequences of B. iberica isolates obtained from dead and cankered bark of oaks from Spain and Italy (GenBank Accession Nos. AY573216, AY573214, AY573213, AY573210, AY573202, and AY573201). Stem inoculations were performed in the greenhouse on 10 4-year-old, grafted plants of C. macrocarpa growing in 5-liter pots using isolate CBS 130984. A 3-mm plug taken from the margin of a colony grown on PDA for 1 week was inserted in a circular wound of the same size made in the bark with a cork borer where the stem diameter was approximately 1 cm. Inoculations were repeated in June 2010 and June 2011. Five months after inoculations, small rounded to elongated lesions (1.0 to 2.5 cm long), sometimes with resin exuding cracks, were visible on all inoculated stems. Control trees, inoculated with sterile PDA plugs, showed no canker development. B. iberica was successfully reisolated from the necrotic bark surrounding the inoculation sites. No significant differences in canker size were observed between the two replicated experiments. Some Botryosphaeria species that are found on a variety of hosts are also known to cause cankers and dieback of cypress; among these are B. stewensii, B. obtusa, B. dothidea, and B. ribis, often acting as weak pathogens (2,3). Considered weakly virulent in causing dieback of grapevine (4) and, to our knowledge, reported here for the first time on Cupressaceae, B. iberica caused cankers and dieback of C. macrocarpa trees that had probably been weakened by repeated drought events occurring in Algeria during the last 10 years.

Enantiomeric and non-enantiomeric monoterpenes of Juniperus communis L. and Juniperus oxycedrus needles and berries determined by HS-SPME and enantioselective GC/MS

For the first time, enantiomeric and non-enantiomeric distribution of monoterpenes in the headspace of Juniperus communis L. and Juniperus oxycedrus needles and berries has been determined using HS-SPME combined with enantioselective GC/MS. The essential oils from needles and berries of both Juniperus species obtained by hydrodistillation were also performed. HS-SPME has shown good potential to reproduce the same results as the commonly used hydrodistillation extraction technique. While needles and berries of J. communis showed high contents of sabinene, α-pinene and β-myrcene with 19–30%, 12–24% and 9–20%, respectively, J. oxycedrus was strongly dominated by α-pinene with 85–92% in both needles and berries. Large variations in chiral distribution of monoterpenes within the same plant species and between the two junipers were observed. Interestingly, similar enantiomeric preferences of monoterpenes were obtained between needles and berries of the two junipers.

The neuroprotective potential of phenolic-enriched fractions from four Juniperus species found in Portugal

The increase in population lifespan has enhanced the incidence of neurodegenerative diseases, for which there is, as yet, no cure.We aimed to chemically characterize phenolic-enriched fractions (PEFs) from four wild Juniperus sp. found in Portugal (Juniperus navicularis, Juniperus oxycedrus badia, Juniperus phoenicea and Juniperus turbinata) and address their potential as sources of natural products for treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.Leaves from the four Juniperus sp. evaluated contained a range of phenolic components which differed quantitatively between the species. The PEFs obtained were rich sources of phenolic compounds, exhibited acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory activity and also displayed effective intracellular radical scavenging properties in neurons submitted to oxidative injury but showed a different order of effectiveness compared to AChE inhibition. These properties made them good candidates for testing in a neurodegeneration cell model. Pre-incubation with J. oxycedrus badia PEF for 24h protected neurons from injury in the neurodegeneration cell model.

A bioactivity guided study on the antidiabetic activity of Juniperus oxycedrus subsp. oxycedrus L. leaves

Ethnopharmacological relevanceJuniperus (Cupressaceae) species are widely used as folk medicine in spreading countries. Decoction of Juniperus oxycedrus subsp. oxycedrus L. leaves is used internally to lower blood glucose levels in Turkey. Aim of the studyTo determine hypoglycaemic and antidiabetic activities of Juniperus oxycedrus subsp. oxycedrus leaves and to identify active compounds through bioactivity guided isolation technique. Materials and methodsEthanol and water extracts of Juniperus oxycedrus subsp. oxycedrus (Joso), leaves on oral administration were studied using in vivo models in normal, glucose-hyperglycemic and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Through in vivo bioactivity-guided fractionation processes, a nonpolar fraction was separated from the n-hexane subextract by silica gel column chromatography as the main active fraction. Subfractions of this fraction was found to possess antidiabetic activity and their chemical composition was investigated by GC-FID and GC–MS, simultaneously. ResultsThis is the first report on the antidiabetic constituents of Joso leaves. Fatty acids, such as palmitic, linoleic and linolenic acid were found as the major compounds in subfractions. ConclusionResults indicated that Joso leaf extract and its active constituents might be beneficial for diabetes mellitus.

Anatomical analysis of red Juniper leaf (Juniperus oxycedrus) taken from Kopaonik Mountain, Serbia

In this study, the anatomical characteristics of Juniperus oxycedrus (Cupressaceae) leaves from Kopaonik Mountain (Serbia) are analysed. The level of distinction between leaves taken from various altitudes (420-1420 m) was determined by analysing anatomical characters. The clear correlation between increase in altitude and change in anatomical characters of the leaves was not established by descriptive analysis. The leaves collected from plants growing at 620 m had the most prominent xeromorphic characteristics (thick cuticles and thick epidermis walls). The discriminant canonical analysis also showed a clear distinction between red common juniper from 420 m and the samples taken from different altitudes.

Cade oil

Cade oil

Rebentischia unicaudata . [Descriptions of Fungi and Bacteria

Abstract A description is provided for Rebentischia unicaudata . Some information on its dispersal and transmission and conservation status is given, along with details of its geographical distribution (USA (Illinois, Massachusetts), Austria, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Montenegro, Romania, Russia (Pskov oblast), Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine and UK), hosts ( Acer pseudoplatanus, Ailanthus altissima, Berberis sp., Clematis vitalba, Clematis sp., Corylus sp., Juniperus oxycedrus, Juniperus sp., Populus lasiocarpa, Ribes alpinum, Robinia sp., Rosa canina, Rubus sp., Salix fragilis, Sambucus nigra, Sambucus sp. and Ulmus laevis ) and associated fungi ( Eutypella stellulata and Massariosphaeria typhicola ).

Identification of hypoglycaemic compounds from berries of Juniperus oxycedrus subsp. oxycedrus through bioactivity guided isolation technique

Ethnopharmacological relevanceDecoction of Juniperus oxycedrus subsp. oxycedrus L. (Cupressaceae) berries is used internally as tea and pounded fruits are consumed to lower blood glucose levels in Turkey. Aim of the studyTo evaluate hypoglycaemic and antidiabetic activity of J. oxycedrus subsp. oxycedrus berries and to identify active compounds through bioactivity guided isolation technique. Material and methodsHypoglycaemic effect of J. oxycedrus subsp. oxycedrus (Joso) berry extracts on oral administration was studied using in vivo models in normal, glucose-hyperglycaemic rats. Streptozotocin induced diabetic rats were used to examine antidiabetic activity of Joso extracts, subextracts, fractions, subfractions and shikimic acid (SA). ResultsThrough in vivo bioactivity-guided fractionation processes, shikimic acid, 4-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl ferulic acid and oleuropeic acid-8-O-β-d-glucopyranoside were isolated from the n-butanol subextract by silica gel and reverse phase column chromatography as the main active ingredient of the active subfraction. After 8 days administration of the major compound shikimic acid, blood glucose levels (24%), malondialdehyde levels in kidney tissues (63–64%) and liver enzymes (AST, ALT, ALP) of diabetic rats were decreased. ConclusionResults indicated that Joso berry extract and its active constituents might be beneficial for diabetes and its complications.

Chemical composition of the essential oils of the berries of Juniperus oxycedrus L. ssp. rufescens (L. K.) and Juniperus oxycedrus L. ssp. macrocarpa (S. & m.) Ball. and their antioxidant activities

This study is outlined to probe the chemical composition of essential oil and in vitro antioxidant activity of Juniperus oxycedrus ssp. macrocarpa (S. & m.) Ball. and Juniperus oxycedrus L. ssp. rufescens (L. K.) berries, collected from four sites, according to their maturity phase. The chemical composition of the hydrodistilled essential oil was analysed by GC-MS. Forty-eight compounds were identified, accounting for approximately 79.8–98.9% of the oil. The main constituents were α-pinene, germacrene D, myrcene, abietadiene and cis-calamenene, their mean percentage vary according to their phenological stage. The antioxidant activity of the samples was determined by the ABTS and DPPH radical scavenging activities. Hawaria essential oil extracted from mature berries showed the highest antioxidant capacity.

Forest composition in Mediterranean mountains is projected to shift along the entire elevational gradient under climate change

AbstractAim Species distribution models have been used frequently to assess the effects of climate change on mountain biodiversity. However, the value and accuracy of these assessments have been hampered by the use of low‐resolution data for species distributions and climatic conditions. Herein we assess potential changes in the distribution and community composition of tree species in two mountainous regions of Spain under specific scenarios of climate change using data with a high spatial resolution. We also describe potential changes in species distributions and tree communities along the entire elevational gradient.Location Two mountain ranges in southern Europe: the Central Mountain Range (central west of the Iberian Peninsula), and the Iberian Mountain Range (central east).Methods We modelled current and future distributions of 15 tree species (Eurosiberian, sub‐Mediterranean and Mediterranean species) as functions of climate, lithology and availability of soil water using generalized linear models (logistic regression) and machine learning models (gradient boosting). Using multivariate ordination of a matrix of presence/absence of tree species obtained under two Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) scenarios (A2 and B2) for two different periods in the future (2041–70 and 2071–2100), we assessed the predicted changes in the composition of tree communities.Results The models predicted an upward migration of communities of Mediterranean trees to higher elevations and an associated decline in communities of temperate or cold‐adapted trees during the 21st century. It was predicted that 80–99% of the area that shows a climate suitable for cold–wet‐optimum Eurosiberian coniferous and broad‐leaved species will be lost. The largest overall changes were predicted for Mediterranean species found currently at low elevations, such as Pinus halepensis, Pinus pinaster, Quercus ilex ssp. ballota and Juniperus oxycedrus, with sharp increases in their range of 350%.Main conclusions It is likely that areas with climatic conditions suitable for cold‐adapted species will decrease significantly under climate warming. Large changes in species ranges and forest communities might occur, not only at high elevations within Mediterranean mountains but also along the entire elevational gradient throughout this region, particularly at low and mid‐elevations. Mediterranean mountains might lose their key role as refugia for cold‐adapted species and thus an important part of their genetic heritage.

Genetic structure and phylogeography in Juniperus oxycedrus subsp. macrocarpa around the Mediterranean and Atlantic coasts of the Iberian Peninsula, based on AFLP and plastid markers

The Spanish populations of Juniperus oxycedrus subsp. macrocarpa are restricted to coastal dune habitats of the Mediterranean and Atlantic coasts. Here, we investigate the genetic structure in this taxon and the possible existence of detailed phylogeographic structure associated with the Strait of Gibraltar using data from amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) and plastid markers for 14 populations in three regions: Andalusia, the Valencian Community and the Balearic Islands. Principal coordinate analysis (PCOA) data revealed a lack of clear genetic structure in J. oxycedrus subsp. macrocarpa based on AFLP. The highest AFLP genetic diversity was found in Andalusia. Plastid markers revealed 14 haplotypes, only two of them were shared among the regions. Andalusian populations had the highest number of exclusive haplotypes. Our results support Andalusia as a reservoir of genetic diversity for J. oxycedrus subsp. macrocarpa, and, as for other gymnosperms, this area could be considered as a genetic refugium. The frequent presence of common and exclusive haplotypes in Andalusia might indicate the colonisation of the Spanish Mediterranean coast from the Atlantic populations. Colonisation of these new areas could be promoted by biological factors, such as the existence of long-lived individuals or potential for seed dispersal. Finally, the Strait of Gibraltar did not constitute a natural barrier to the expansion of this species along the coast, as identical haplotypes are found on the Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts.

Antidiabetic Effect of Juniperus oxycedrus subsp. oxycedrus Berries by Using Bioactivity Guided Fractionation

Antidiabetic Effect of Juniperus oxycedrus subsp. oxycedrus Berries by Using Bioactivity Guided Fractionation

THE EFFECT OF MYCORRHIZA GROWTH AND EXPRESSION OF SOME GENES IN BARLEY

Barley is one of the most important crops for food consumption. Soil fertilization using minerals and chemical compounds are not safe for human health beside beingas expensive. Therefore, It is important to find suitable alternatives. The arbuscular mycorrhiza (AM) is characterized by the formation of arbuscules (sometimes vesicles). The fungus occupies various proportions of the volume of host cells but is separated from the cell cytoplasm by the elaboration of the host plasma membrane forming a fungal membrane and an apoplectic compartment between the fungus and host cytoplasm. Mycorrhiza changes whatever source of phosphorus into phosphoric acid which acidifies the rhizosphere and thus increases the availability of elements for plants uptake. The increase of the availability of elements specially, calcium which plays the main role in cell signaling which could lead to switch on or accelerate the function of several genes such as protein kinases and other genes related with photosynthesis and eventially, affect the plant growth. Inoculation with mycorrhiza increased all plant growth variables such as number of leaves, stem fresh and dry weights and root dry weight Shockley et al. (2004). Gahoonia and Nielsen (2004) reported that the inoculation with mycorrhiza enhanced the release of organic acids and higher acid phosphatase activity in the rhizosphere which may be useful for increasing phosphorus acquisition from inorganic and organic phosphorus pools to the plant. Al-Karaki et al. (2004) found that biomass and grain yields were higher in mycorrhizal than non-mycorrhizal plants. Wu et al. (2005) reported biofertilizer as an alternative to chemical one to increase soil fertility and crop production. Glassop et al. (2005) reported that a very large number of plant species are capable of forming symbiotic associations with arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi. Moreover, they reported that a large number of phosphate (P) transporters have been identified in plants; tissue expression patterns and kinetic information supports the roles of some of these in the direct root uptake pathways. Chen et al. (2007) indicated that the beneficial impacts of mycorrhizal colonization on plant growth could be largely explained by improved P nutrition. On the other hand, Baltruschat et al. (2008) found that the root endophytic basidiomycete Piriformospora indica increase the tolerance against abiotic stress as in many plants. Gryndler et al. (2009) concluded that mycelia of AM fungi are influenced by organic matter decomposition via release of the compounds during the decomposition process and also by secondary metabolites produced by microorganisms involved in organic matter decomposition. Araim et al. (2009) reported that AM colonization significantly increased the mass of shoots and roots and the concentrations of proteins and most of the phenolics in the roots. Hence, the selected trait of mycorrhiza could play an important role in optimizing the growth of E. purpurea by inducing the production of secondary phytomedicinal metabolites. The impact of mycorrhizaon gene expression has been addressed by some recent studies, Hause et al. (2002) reported that colonization of barley (Hordeum vulgare Cv. Salome) roots by an arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus, led to elevated levels of endogenous jasmonic acid (JA) and its amino acid conjugate JA-isoleucine, whereas the level of the JA precursor remained constant. The rise in jasmonate was accompanied by the expression of genes coding for an enzyme of JA biosynthesis. Delp et al. (2003) performed relative quantitative RT-PCR and western blotting to investigate the expression of three genes with potentially regulatory functions from the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus Glomus intraradices in symbiosis with barley. Weidmann et al. (2004) identified 29 plant genes which were upregulated in response to Medicago truncatula root inoculation with mycorrhiza. Twenty-two protein spots, 14 upregulated and 8 downregulated were found changed in mycorrhiza inoculated plants as compared with the non inoculated ones by Liang et al. (2007). Abo Doma et al. (2008) indicated that the treatment with mycorrhiza significantly increased plant growth in two cultivars of wheat using different yield related traits. Moreover, transcriptome analysis using real timereverse transcriptase indicated that mycorrhiza treatment resulted in an increase in the gene expression of proline 5 carboxilate synthetase (P5CS) on the transcription level. Roldan et al. (2008) indicated that differential gene expression for genes conferring superoxide dismutase and peroxidases were recorded between mycorrhizal and non-mycorrhizal shoots of juniperus oxycedrus seedling. This investigation aimed to: 1- study the effect of barley root inoculation with mycorrhiza on some plant traits and 2-determine the changes in gene expression of the genes conferring calcium dependent protein kinases (CDPKs), phosphoenol pyrovate carboxylases (PEPCs) and proline-5 carboxylate synthetase (P-5CS) in barley plants in response to their inoculation with mycorrhiza at the molecular level as quantified using RT-PCR.

Insights into cholinesterase inhibitory and antioxidant activities of five Juniperus species

In vitro acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) inhibitory and antioxidant activities of the aqueous and ethanol extracts of the leaves, ripe fruits, and unripe fruits of Juniperus communis ssp. nana, Juniperus oxycedrus ssp. oxycedrus, Juniperus sabina, Juniperus foetidissima, and Juniperus excelsa were investigated in the present study. Cholinesterase inhibition of the extracts was screened using ELISA microplate reader. Antioxidant activity of the extracts was tested by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and superoxide radical scavenging, ferrous ion-chelating, and ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays. Total phenol and flavonoid contents of the extracts were determined spectrophotometrically. The extracts had low or no inhibition towards AChE, whereas the leaf aqueous extract of J. foetidissima showed the highest BChE inhibition (93.94±0.01%). The leaf extracts usually exerted higher antioxidant activity. We herein describe the first study on anticholinesterase and antioxidant activity by the methods of ferrous ion-chelating, superoxide radical scavenging, and ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays of the mentioned Juniperus species.

Antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of branches extracts of five Juniperus species from Turkey

Context: Several Juniperus species (Cupressaceae) are utilized in folk medicine in the treatment of infections and skin diseases.Objective: This work was designed to evaluate the antioxidant and antimicrobial potential of methanol and water branches extracts of Juniperus species from Turkey: Juniperus communis L. var. communis (Jcc), Juniperus communis L. var. saxatilis Pall. (Jcs), Juniperus drupacea Labill. (Jd), Juniperus oxycedrus L. subsp. oxycedrus (Joo), Juniperus oxycedrus L. subsp. macrocarpa (Sibth. & Sm.) Ball. (Jom).Materials and methods: Total phenolics, total flavonoids and condensed tannins were spectrophotometrically determined. The antioxidant properties were examined using different in vitro systems. The toxicity was assayed by Artemia salina lethality test. The antimicrobial potential against bacteria and yeasts was evaluated using minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration (MIC/MBC) measurements. The effect on bacteria biofilms was tested by microtiter plate assay.Results: Both in the DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) and TBA (thiobarbituric acid) test Jom resulted the most active (IC50 = 0.034 ± 0.002 mg/mL and 0.287 ± 0.166 µg/mL). Joo exhibited the highest reducing power (1.78 ± 0.04 ASE/mL) and Fe2+ chelating activity (IC50 = 0.537 ± 0.006 mg/mL). A positive correlation between primary antioxidant activity and phenolic content was found. The extracts were potentially non-toxic against Artemia salina. They showed the best antimicrobial (MIC = 4.88-30.10 µg/mL) and anti-biofilm activity (60–84%) against S. aureus.Discussion and conclusion: The results give a scientific basis to the traditional utilization of these Juniperus species, also demonstrating their potential as sources of natural antioxidant and antimicrobial compounds.