Kotschyi Boiss Research Articles

Comparison of Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Properties of Zinc oxide and Selenium oxide Nanoparticles using Verbascum kotschyi Boiss. & Hohen.

Nanoparticle applications have been studied in many fields in recent years. Among these studies, the synthesis of nature-friendly and health-friendly nanoparticles through green synthesis attracts much attention. These investigations also highlight the significance of several plant species, many of whose worth and traits remain unknown. The goal of this work is to create zinc oxide and selenium nanoparticles from Verbascum kotschyi Boiss. & Hohen., a plant species that hasn't received much attention, and to ascertain the antioxidant and antibacterial qualities of these nanoparticles. To accomplish this, three distinct techniques (DPPH, CUPRAC, and FRAP) were used to assess the produced nanoparticles' in vitro antioxidant capabilities after SEM, EDX, and FTIR analyses. Furthermore, the disk diffusion technique was utilized to ascertain the antibacterial efficacy of these nanoparticles against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria and fungus. In conclusion, V. kotschyi-derived zinc oxide nanoparticles outperformed selenium nanoparticles in terms of antibacterial activity. But when it came to antioxidant activity, selenium nanoparticles outperformed zinc oxide nanoparticles. Thus, it was determined that the products created by nanoparticle synthesis from Verbascum kotschyi have properties that can be used in different fields.

Application of Fe2O3 nanoparticles improves the growth, antioxidant power, flavonoid content, and essential oil yield and composition of Dracocephalum kotschyi Boiss.

Dracocephalum kotschyi Boiss., an endemic and endangered medicinal and aromatic plant in Iran, showcases distinct botanical characteristics and therapeutic promise. According to the IUCN grouping criteria, this plant is facing challenges due to overcollection from its natural habitats. To address this issue, there is an increasing inclination towards cultivating this species within agricultural systems. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of applying Fe2O3 nanoparticles (NPs) at varying concentrations (50, 100, and 200 mg L-1), as well as bulk Fe2O3 at the same concentrations, on the growth, essential oil production, antioxidant capacity, total phenol, and flavonoid content of D. kotschyi. The foliar application of 100 and/or 200 mg L-1 of Fe2O3 NPs resulted in the greatest leaf length and dry weight, while Fe2O3 NPs at the level of 100 mg L-1 led to the highest leaf/stem ratio. Additionally, spraying 200 mg L-1 of Fe2O3 NPs and all concentrations of bulk Fe2O3 positively impacted chlorophyll and carotenoid levels. Both nano and bulk Fe2O3 supplements stimulated H2O2 production and subsequently enhanced enzymatic antioxidant activity. The use of 50 mg L-1 of Fe2O3 NPs resulted in the highest flavonoid content and non-enzymatic antioxidant activity. Meanwhile, the highest essential oil content and yield was achieved by the application of 50 and/or 100 mg L-1 Fe2O3 NPs. The addition of low concentration of Fe2O3 NPs (50 mg L-1) resulted in a significant increase in the concentration of geranial, while a higher supply of Fe2O3 NPs (200 mg L-1) significantly decreased the percentage of neral in the essential oil. Overall, the application of Fe2O3 NPs demonstrated significant potential for increased biomass, enhanced yield, essential oil production, and phytochemical attributes. The findings highlight the versatility of Fe2O3 NPs at optimal concentrations, acting as both a nano-fertilizer and a nano-inducer, promoting the production and accumulation of valuable secondary metabolites in plants.

Biological Activities of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Green Synthesized Using the Aqueous Extract of Dracocephalum kotschyi Boiss.

Dracocephalum kotschyi Boiss. is known as a native medicinal plant of Iran. In this study, aqueous extract of D. kotschyi was used to synthesize ZnO-NPs. To produce ZnO-NPs, aerial parts of D. kotschyi were powdered and then macerated for obtaining aqueous extract, after that, aqueous extract was used to reduse zinc nitrate to ZnO-NPs. To confirm nanoparticles synthesis, SEM, TEM, UV-Vis, FTIR, and XRD were used. The synthesized ZnO-NPs were studied for antimicrobial activities by microdilution method for calculating MIC and MBC. Analysis of ZnO-NPs confirmed successful synthesis by extract of D. kotschyi. The sizes of ZnO-NPs were estimated 50-200 nm in diameter. Antibacterial and antifungal experiments showed potent activities against Staphylococos aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Candida albicans. The results of the studies showed that the nanoparticles synthesized with the aqueous extract of D. kotschyi have a much greater antimicrobial effect than the aqueous extract of D. kotschyi and zinc nanoparticles, each alone (MIC values 3.7 to 7.5 mg/ml). The noteworthy point is that the inhibitory rate of synthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles is higher compared to broad-spectrum antibiotics, such as chloramphenicol (MIC values 15 mg/ml). Determining the therapeutic and toxic dose of this product for humans requires further investigation and clinical trials.

Biological Importance and Therapeutic Potential of Calycopterin From Dracocephalum kotschyi: An Overview of Current Scientific Research Work.

Dracocephalum kotschyi Boiss is an important medicinal plant of Asia, Europe and Iran. The therapeutic potential of Dracocephalum kotschyi has been mentioned in traditional as well as in modern medicine, mainly due to its therapeutic effectiveness against different types of human disorders and associated secondary complications. Calycopterin is a flavonoid class phytochemical commonly called 5,4-dihydroxy-3,6,7,8- tetramethoxyflavone, which has been isolated from Dracocephalum kotschyi. It is widely used for the treatment of human disorders and associated secondary complications. Medicinal importance and therapeutic potential of calycopterin was investigated in the present work through scientific data analysis of different research works. Scientific data on calycopterin published in different research articles were collected from PubMed, Google, Google Scholar, Science Direct, SpringerLink, and Scopus and analyzed in the present work. Further, scientific data was collected from books and book chapters. Analytical data on calycopterin was also collected and analyzed in the present work. Scientific data analysis of different research work revealed the biological importance and therapeutic potential of calycopterin. Calycopterin showed therapeutic effectiveness against different types of cancerous disorders, including human prostate cancer, breast cancer, cervical cancer, lymphocyte proliferation and hepatoblastoma cancer. Moreover, the biological effectiveness of calycopterin on neuroprotection and Pseudomonas aeruginosa has also been discussed in the present work with their pharmacokinetic parameters. Nevertheless, more scientific investigations must be conducted to explore the healthbeneficial aspects of calycopterin in medicine. Present work signified the biological importance and therapeutic potential of calycopterin for the treatment of human disorders and complications, including different types of cancerous disorders.

Technetium-99m radiolabeling through conjugation with l,l-ethylene dicysteine chelator of a trimethoxylated flavone and its bioevaluation in rat with induced C6 glioma tumor as a new cancer diagnostic agent

Abstract Xanthomicrol (4′,5-dihydroxy-6,7,8-trimethoxyflavone) is the main active component of Dracocephalum kotschyi Boiss leaf extract. It has showed selective cytotoxic activity against some cancer cell lines and little effect on human fetal foreskin fibroblast cells used as nonmalignant control. This study aimed to develop 99mTc-labeled xanthomicrol and to evaluate its efficiency as a new tumor imaging agent. l,l-Ethylene dicysteine (EC) chelator was conjugated to xanthomicrol. EC-Xanthomicrol was labeled with technetium-99m by using tin chloride as a reducing agent and incubating at room temperature. Radiochemical purity and in vitro stability were analyzed by thin layer chromatography and high-performance liquid chromatography. In vitro cellular uptake and binding profile of radio-conjugate was determined on C6 glioma cells. In vivo bioevaluation and imaging studies of [99mTc]Tc-EC-Xanthomicrol were performed in C6 glioma tumor induced rat at different time points after injection of radio-conjugate. The high radiochemical yield (>95 %) was achieved for [99mTc]Tc-EC-Xanthomicrol which was stable up to 6 h. The radio-conjugate indicated high cell uptake (35.12 % at 2 h) which demonstrated to be specific. Tumor uptake was seen for [99mTc]Tc-EC-Xanthomicrol (1.23 ± 0.14 %ID/g) at 1 h post injection. Scintigraphy confirmed that tumors could be visualized clearly with [99mTc]Tc-EC-Xanthomicrol. The results indicated that [99mTc]Tc-EC-Xanthomicrol has potential to be considered as a new radiotracer in glioma tumor imaging.

Fabrication the emulsion-based edible film containing Dracocephalum kotschyi Boiss essential oil using chitosan–gelatin composite for grape preservation

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of novel edible films produced by incorporating Dracocephalum kotschyi (D. kotschyi) essential oil nanoemulsion into a polymeric matrix (chitosan-gelatin) with grape preservative potential during room temperature storage. To achieve this goal, the edible films' mechanical, microstructural, and physical characteristics were examined. Next, an antimicrobial analysis was conducted on five food-borne pathogens, and the results indicated that edible films with 5 % essential oil (ChG4) might be efficiently produced to have antibacterial action against particular pathogens. Additionally, the integration of the nanoemulsion resulted in the creation of microporous structures in edible films, as demonstrated by SEM studies. A positive impact of ChG4 edible film on grape preservation during 15 days’ storage was observed. The findings afford an innovative approach for the expansion of effective herbal antimicrobial formulation for food preservation.

Co-inoculation of mycorrhizal fungi and plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria improve growth, biochemical and physiological attributes in Dracocephalum kotschyi Boiss. under water deficit stress.

Because of swift climate change, drought is a primary environmental factor that substantially diminishes plant productivity. Furthermore, the increased use of chemical fertilizers has given rise to numerous environmental problems and health risks. Presently, there is a transition towards biofertilizers to enhance crops' yield, encompassing medicinal and aromatic varieties. This study aimed to explore the impacts of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), both independently and in conjunction with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), on various morphological, physiological, and phytochemical characteristics of Dracocephalum kotschyi Boiss. This experimentation took place under different irrigation conditions. The irrigation schemes encompassed well watering (WW), mild water stress (MWS), and severe water stress (SWS). The study evaluated the effects of various biofertilizers, including AMF, PGPR, and the combined application of both AMF and PGPR (AMF + PGPR), compared to a control group where no biofertilizers were applied. The findings of the study revealed that under water-stress conditions, the dry yield and relative water content of D. kotschyi Boiss. experienced a decline. However, the application of AMF, PGPR, and AMF + PGPR led to an enhancement in dry yield and relative water content compared to the control group. Among the treatments, the co-application of AMF and PGPR in plants subjected to well watering (WW) exhibited the tallest growth (65 cm), the highest leaf count (187), and the most elevated chlorophyll a (0.59 mg g-1 fw) and b (0.24 mg g-1 fw) content. Regarding essential oil production, the maximum content (1.29%) and yield (0.13 g plant -1) were obtained from mild water stress (MWS) treatment. The co-application of AMF and PGPR resulted in the highest essential oil content and yield (1.31% and 0.15 g plant-1, respectively). The analysis of D. kotschyi Boiss. essential oil identified twenty-six compounds, with major constituents including geranyl acetate (11.4-18.88%), alpha-pinene (9.33-15.08%), Bis (2-Ethylhexyl) phthalate (8.43-12.8%), neral (6.80-9.32%), geranial (9.23-11.91%), and limonene (5.56-9.12%). Notably, the highest content of geranyl acetate, geranial, limonene, and alpha-pinene was observed in plants subjected to MWS treatment following AMF + PGPR application. Furthermore, the co-application of AMF, PGPR, and severe water stress (SWS) notably increased the total soluble sugar (TSS) and proline content. In conclusion, the results indicate that the combined application of AMF and PGPR can effectively enhance the quantity and quality of essential oil in D. kotschyi Boiss., particularly when the plants are exposed to water deficit stress conditions.

Barely cultivar compositions influence essential oils effectiveness on Sitophilus granarius (L.) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)

Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) is one of the most crucial grains for brewing, human nutrition, and animal feeding. It is frequently infested by a pest known as the granary weevil, Sitophilus granarius (L.) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae). The nutritional quality, weight and germination potential of the infested grains can be significantly decreased. Thus, the aim of the current study was to test the combined effects of essential oils (EOs) from two plant species, Dracocephalum kotschyi Boiss. and Dracocephalum multicaule Montbr & Auch (Lamiaceae), and ten cultivars (Abidar, Ansar, Azaran, Bahman, Dasht, Golchin, Makuyi, Nowbahar, Oksin, and Sahra) of barely on the granary weevil. Plant EOs were isolated by the Clevenger apparatus and subjected to GC-MS analysis. Our findings demonstrated that limonene was the predominant component in D. kotschyi and D. multicaule EOs, with 39.96% and 55.25%, respectively. The results indicated that, 24 h after exposure, D. kotschyi had the highest toxicity for the weevils reared on Makuyi (LC50 = 3.84 μl/l air) and the lowest on Golchin (LC50 = 32.61 μl/l air). Almost the same pattern was found when D. multicaule EOs were used; the highest and lowest toxicities were on Makuyi and Golchin cultivars, respectively. There were significant variations in the death rate of the weevil on ten barley cultivars exposed to different concentrations of EOs (0, 2, 5, 7, 10, and 13 μl/l air). It can be concluded that the weevils reared on Makuyi were more susceptible to D. multicaule and D. kotschyi EOs than those reared on other cultivars. Thus, Makuyi cultivar has great potential to be cultivated by farmers in order to combat this insect pest in storage areas.

Hormetic dose responses induced by nickel oxide nanoparticles (NiONPs) on growth, biochemical, and antioxidant defense systems of Dracocephalum kotschyi.

The application of nickel oxide nanoparticles (NiONPs) in various fields leads to their release into soil and water and, consequently, interaction with plants. Unlike its bulk counterpart, the phytotoxic potential of NiONPs is relatively less studied, particularly in a hormesis framework. Hormesis is an interesting phenomenon characterized by low-dose stimulation and high-dose inhibition. Therefore, this study demonstrates the stimulatory and inhibitory effects of NiONPs on Dracocephalum kotschyi Boiss as a medicinal plant cultivated in a pot experiment carried out in a greenhouse for 3weeks. High bioaccumulation of nickel (Ni) in roots of treated plants relative to shoots indicates higher oxidative damage. NiONPs induced hormetic effects on photosynthetic pigments, as at low concentration of 50mg/L stimulated chlorophyll (2.8-46.7%), carotenoid (16%), and anthocyanin (5.9%) contents and at higher concentrations inhibited the content of these pigments. A hormetic response was observed in growth parameters, i.e., NiONPs induced shoot height (7.2%) and weight (33%) at 100mg/L, while inhibited shoot and root length (14.5-16.1% and 28.7-42.7%) and weight (46.8-48.1% and 37-40.6%), respectively, at 1000 and 2500mg/L. The treated plants declined the toxic effects and oxidative stress caused by NiONPs by activating non-enzymatic antioxidants (phenolic compounds and proline) and enzymatic antioxidants, i.e., increasing the levels of SOD, POD, CAT, and APX. Therefore, the present study investigated for the first time the different mechanisms and responses of D. kotschyi plants to NiONPs in a wide range of concentrations. The results suggest that NiONPs may act as an elicitor at lower concentrations in medicinal plants according to specific conditions. However, these NPs at higher concentrations induce oxidative stress and harmful effects on plants, so their use poses serious risks to human health and the environment.

Melatonin-mediated alleviation of drought stress by modulation of physio-biochemical and metabolic status in Dracocephalum kotschyi Boiss. (Lamiaceae)

Dracocephalum kotschyi Boiss., a fragrant perennial plant belonging to the Lamiaceae family, contains many bioactive substances, including essential oil, terpenoids, phenolics, and flavonoids that possess a wide range of biological and pharmaceutical properties. Due to the importance of plant exploitation in dry and low-yield lands, the present study was conducted to explore the effect of the exogenous application of melatonin (0, 50, 100, 150, and 200 μM) on physiological, biochemical, and phytochemical traits of the plant subjected to different levels of water deficit stress (80 %, 60 %, and 40 % of field capacity). The results showed that the application of 150 μM melatonin caused the highest content in the relative growth rate (1.84 g/g d), chlorophyll content (14.55 mg/g FW), relative water content (93 %), and chlorophyll fluorescence (0.9) at different irrigation regimes. Reduced irrigation significantly reduced chlorophyll content and fluorescence, while exogenously applied melatonin enhanced their contents at all levels. Reduced irrigation caused a significant increase in the levels of malondialdehyde (7.47 µmol/g FW) and hydrogen peroxide (51.86 nmol/g). Total phenol content, antioxidant activity, and antioxidant power were increased by applying of melatonin up to 200 μM, while the irrigation rate decreased. The essential oil content was increased by reducing irrigation, so the highest content (3.0 % w/w) was observed at 40 % FC and 150 μM melatonin. Geranyl acetate (44.6–60.4 %), α-pinene (9.0–19.1 %), and geranial (6.2–16.2 %) were the major essential oil components of the treated plants. Reduced irrigation and application of melatonin up to 150 μM caused an increase in coumaric acid, rosmarinic acid, and rutin despite a decrease in the content of chicoric acid and apigenin. The highest oleanolic acid content (52.69 mg/g DW) was measured in the plants subjected to 40 % FC. The highest (132 mg/g DW) and lowest (43.58 mg/g DW) ursolic acid content was measured in 40 % FC with 200 μM melatonin and 80 % FC without melatonin treatment, respectively.

Chemical composition and biological activity of the essential oil from Eryngium kotschyi Boiss.

In this study, the antioxidant properties and phytochemical analyses of essential oil from aerial parts of Eryngium kotschyi and anatomical studies of the plant material were carried out. The antioxidant activity was tested with DPPH●, ABTS●+ and FRAP tests, and the phytochemical composition analysis was carried out by GC/MS and GC-FID. According to the results, the highest ABTS+● activity was found in essential oil (at a concentration of 0.5 mg/mL equivalent to 0.614±0.002 μM Trolox). However, the highest antioxidant activity on DPPH (IC50=0.506±0.003 mg/mL) and FRAP (at a 1 mg/mL concentration equivalent to 1522.233±2.082 mmol Fe2+) tests were observed. In this study, the results of GC/MS analyses of essential oil revealed the presence of β-selinene (53.0%) and β-sesquiphellandrene (15.6%) as major compounds.

A double-blind randomized clinical trial of Dracocephalum kotschyi Boiss. in the patients with diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a disease that shows its impacts on many populations worldwide. It is known as a functional disorder of the gastrointestinal tract followed by diarrhea and fecal inconsistency. Due to the lack of treatment in the allopathic medicine system for IBS, people in the western world use different herbs as alternative medicine. In the present study, we evaluated the dried extract of Dracocephalum kotschyi against IBS. In a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial, 76 diarrhea-predominant IBS patients were randomly assigned to two equal groups: the control group (given the placebo capsule containing 250 mg of dibasic calcium phosphate) and the treatment groups (given the capsule containing 75 mg of the dry extract of D. kotschyi and 175 mg of dibasic calcium phosphate as filler). The study was conducted based on Rome III criteria. We studied symptoms included in Rome III criteria and divided the study into the duration of drug administration and four weeks after drug administration. These groups were compared with those of the control group. Significant improvements were found in the quality of life, temperament, and IBS symptoms throughout the treatment duration. Quality of life, temperature, and IBS symptoms were slightly decreased in the treatment group 4 weeks after stopping the treatment. While concluding the study, we found D. kotschyi effective against IBS. Whole extract of D. kotschyi modulated symptoms of IBS patients and improved their quality of life.

Dracocephalum kotschyi Boiss. In Vitro Efficacy on Growth and Apoptosis Induction in Leishmania major Promastigotes.

Dracocephalum kotschyi Boiss. is a plant generally used in modern medicine to treat many human illnesses. It is also used to prevent tumor cell proliferation throughout the world. This study's objective was to evaluate this plant's in vitro efficacy on growth and apoptosis induction in Leishmania major promastigotes. To do this, the essential oil is extracted for the test following the collection and identification of D. kotschyi. The essential oil was analyzed using a GC-MS analyzer. Promastigotes of L. major were cultured in RPMI-1640 media, and the MTT assay and a flow cytometry analysis were carried out on promastigotes that had entered the log phase. To differentiate between viable, necrotic, and apoptotic treated or untreated promastigotes, the flow cytometry method of double staining with annexin V-FLUOS and propidium iodide (PI) was used. Given the results obtained, 11 phytochemicals were identified in the essential oil of this plant. Copaene (22.15%), methyl geranate (16.31%), geranial (13.78%), and carvone (11.34%) were the main substances. The essential oil of D. kotschyi inhibits the proliferation of L. major promastigotes at 921 μg/mL, 252 μg/mL, and 416 μg/mL, respectively, after 24 h, 48 h, and 78 h. The cells were divided into four quadrates based on cell phases using the flow cytometry approach by double staining with annexin V-FLUOS and propidium iodide (PI): necrosis (Q1), late apoptosis (Q2), early apoptosis (Q3), and viable (Q4) quadrates. Overall, it is apparent that the different concentrations induced cell apoptosis in promastigotes. Observation under the light microscope at ×100 magnification showed that the different doses of D. kotschyi essential oil caused apparent alterations in the treated promastigotes. In this work, D. kotschyi essential oils induce programmed death on L. major promastigotes. This study opens many research perspectives, such as investigating the mechanisms of action and the production of a phytomedicine based on this plant.

A GC-MC analysis of chemical compounds and identification of the antibacterial characteristics of the essential oil of two species exclusive to Iranian habitats: New chemotypes.

BackgroundThe diversity found in the chemical compounds of a single species in different regions results in different biologic characteristics which can be considered as a strong source for identifying new chemotypes. Hymenocrater incanus Bunge and Dracocephalum kotschyi Boiss. are exclusive species of the Lamiaceae family which grow in the western and central habitats of Iran. This study was designed and carried out to determine the yield, identify the chemical compounds, and evaluate the antimicrobial characteristics of the essential oil (EO) of these two species in Iran for the first time.MethodsThe flowering twigs of the species D. kotschyi and H. incanus were collected from the villages of Totmach and Kamu in Isfahan province respectively, in May 2019. The EO of these plants was extracted and separated using the water distillation method, utilizing the Clevenger device. The EO compounds were analyzed using a gas chromatograph coupled with a mass spectrometer (GC-MS). The evaluation of antimicrobial characteristics was carried out by determining the growth inhibition zone implementing the Agar method, the minimum inhibition concentration (MIC), and the minimum bactericidal/fungicidal concentration (MFC/MBC) utilizing liquid dilution culture.ResultsThe results indicated that the highest yield belonged to the EO of D. kotschyi at %2.6 (w/w). In this EO there were citral (%25.44), neral (%20.87), α-pinene (%14.48), trans-geranic acid methyl ester (%9.74), and D-limonene (%6.87). Moreover, H. incanus had the dominant compounds (-)-Spathulenol (%12.61), caryophyllene (%10.00), linolenic acid (%8.54), 1,8-cineole (%5.95), palmitic acid (%5.35), and α-cadinol (%5.17). The largest diameter of growth inhibition zone belonged to the H. incanus EO against the Gram-positive bacteria S. pyogenes (~17.67mm). The strongest inhibition activities in the form of growth inhibition diameter exhibited by the D. kotschyi EO were against the Gram-negative bacteria S. paratyphi-A serotype (~ 12 mm), K. pneumoniae, and Sh. dysenteriae (~ 11 mm) which was significant compared to the Gram-positive rifampin (~ 8 mm).ConclusionsIt can be seen that these species are new chemotypes with special and novel chemical compounds which can potentially be used to manufacture natural antibiotics against some bacterial strains.

Synergistic Growth Inhibitory Effects of Eryngium kotschyi Extracts with Conventional Cytotoxic Agents: Cisplatin and Doxorubicin against Human Endometrium Cancer Cells.

Endometrial cancer is one of the most common types of cancer. For this reason, various studies have been carried out on its treatment and the effects of natural products on this disease. This study aimed to examine the growth inhibitory effects of Eryngium kotschyi Boiss. ethyl acetate [EKE] and butanol [EKB] obtained from the main methanol [EKM] extract from the aerial parts on human endometrium carcinoma [RL95-2] cells and their synergistic effect with cisplatin or doxorubicin. RL95-2 cells were treated with E. kotschyi extracts either alone or in combination with cisplatin or doxorubicin. The effects on cell growth were determined using the MTT assay and real-time cell analysis xCELLigence. The extracts demonstrated growth inhibitory activity, with a certain degree of selectivity against the RL95-2 cell line. Synergistic effects of EKE/cisplatin or doxorubicin at different concentration levels were demonstrated in RL95-2 cells. In some instances, the EKE/doxorubicin combinations resulted in antagonistic effects. The reduction level of cell viability was different and specific to each combination for the RL95-2 cell line. The growth inhibitory activity of cisplatin or doxorubicin, as a single agent, may be modified by combinations of the extracts and be synergistically enhanced in some cases. A significant synergistic effect of EKE on the RL95-2 cell line with cisplatin and doxorubicin was observed. This cytotoxic effect can be investigated in terms of molecular mechanisms. This study is the first of its kind in the literature. The mechanisms involved in this interaction between chemotherapeutic drugs and plant extracts remain unclear and should be further evaluated.

Induction of hydrolytic enzyme activities in dormant seeds of Dracocephalum kotschyi Boiss. causes improvement of germination and seedling vigor indices

Induction of hydrolytic enzyme activities in dormant seeds of Dracocephalum kotschyi Boiss. causes improvement of germination and seedling vigor indices

Genotype by year interaction for selected quantitative traits in hybrid lines of Triticum aestivum L. with Aegilops kotschyi Boiss. and Ae. variabilis Eig. using the additive main effects and multiplicative interaction model

This study estimated the genotype × environment interactions for ten yield associated traits in advanced generation hybrids of several cultivars of common wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) with Aegilops kotschyi Boiss. and A. variabilis Eig. using the additive main effects and multiplicative interaction (AMMI) models. Tests were ran over five years at one location in replicated field trials. The AMMI model showed significant genotypic and environmental effects for all analysed traits. A majority of the hybrid lines were less stable in the analysed traits than their parental wheats. The older wheat cultivars, with lower environmental sensitivity, were the most stable. The best total genotype selection index, for all ten traits combined, was observed for the oldest cvs. Gama and Rusałka, and among the hybrid lines, for Ae. kotschyi/Rusałka//Smuga and Ae. kotschyi/Rusałka//Muza. The lines Ae. kotschyi/Rusałka//Smuga, Ae. kotschyi/Rusałka//Muza, Ae. kotschyi/Rusałka//Korweta, Ae. kotschyi/Rusałka//Begra///Smuga, and Ae. kotschyi/Rusałka//Begra///Turnia are recommended for inclusion in breeding programmes due to their greater stability and the good average values for the observed traits.

Cytotoxic evaluation and LC-MS/MS analysis of aerial parts of Eryngium kotschyi Boiss. grown in Turkey

Increasing biological activity and phytochemical investigations on Eryngium species showed its potential as pharmaceutical approach. Eryngium kotschyi Boiss. is one of the species of Eryngium genus and is endemic to Turkey. It is known that this plant is traditionally used in the South-western part of Turkey for the treatment of various diseases. This study focuses on cytotoxic activities of methanol extract and ethyl acetate, n-butanol and water sub-extracts from E. kotschyi in A549, COLO 205 and MDA-MB-231 cell lines by Sulforhodamin B assay and qualitative and quantitative determination of phytochemical constituents in active extract by LC-MS/MS. From the result of the study, it was seen that E. kotschyi ethyl acetate (EKE) sub-extract showed the strongest cytotoxic effect with the low IC50 values (50.00; 31.96 and 22.26 μg/mL in A549; COLO 205 and MDA-MB-231 cells at 48 h, respectively). Preliminary examination of the mass spectrums revealed the presence of 15 phytochemical compounds in active sub-extract and 7 of them was quantified. According to quantitative analyses the main compounds of EKE sub-extract were rosmarinic acid (485.603 µg/mgextract), chlorogenic acid (62.355 µg/mgextract) and caffeic acid (59.266 µg/mgextract). Moreover, this preliminary study on inhibitory activity of EKE sub-extract suggests further toxicologic investigations and detailed investigation on cytotoxic effect of various combinations of determined compounds.

Changes in Yield and Essential Oil Compositions of Dracocephalum kotschyi Boiss in Response to Azocompost, Vermicompost, Nitroxin, and Urea Under Water Deficit Stress

Changes in Yield and Essential Oil Compositions of Dracocephalum kotschyi Boiss in Response to Azocompost, Vermicompost, Nitroxin, and Urea Under Water Deficit Stress

Melatonin improves the photosynthesis in Dracocephalum kotschyi under salinity stress in a Ca2+/CaM-dependent manner.

This study investigated: (1) the effects of various concentrations of melatonin (MT) and Ca2+; and (2) the impact of crosstalk between these signal molecules on photosynthesis and salt tolerance of Dracocephalum kotschyi Boiss. Results indicated that 5mM CaCl2, as well as 100μM MT were the best concentrations for increasing shoot dry weight, leaf area, SPAD index, maximum quantum efficiency of photosystem II (Fv/Fm), and decreasing malondialdehyde content under salinity stress. The impact of MT on growth and photosynthesis was closely linked to its effect on enhancing antioxidant enzyme activities in leaves. Application of p-chlorophenylalanine, as an inhibitor of MT biosynthesis, negated the impacts of MT on the aforementioned attributes. Salinity and MT boosted cytosolic Ca2+ concentration. Exogenous MT, as well as Ca2+, enhanced tolerance index, membrane stability, leaf area, the content of chlorophyll (Chl) a, Chl b, and carotenoids (Car), Fv/Fm, and stomatal conductance under salinity stress. These impacts of MT were eliminated by applying a calmodulin antagonist, a Ca2+ chelator and a Ca2+ channel blocker. These novel findings indicate that the MT-induced effects on photosynthetic parameters and salt-evoked oxidative stress were mediated through calcium/calmodulin (Ca2+/CaM) signalling.