Lavandula Multifida Research Articles

In vitro and Silico Exploration of the Insecticidal Properties of Lavandula multifida L. Essential Oil and its Binary Combinations with Cyantraniliprole and Emamectin benzoate on Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

Control methods have faced challenges in effectively managing the spread and damage caused by the fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda, across various crops worldwide, highlighting the need for more sustainable and integrated approaches. This study explored the insecticidal effect of the essential oil (EO) of lavender (LV) (Lavandula multifida L.), cyantraniliprole (CY), and emamectin benzoate (EM) insecticides on FAW larvae. Toxicity, biological, and biochemical assays were employed to elucidate the impact of the two insecticides individually or combined with LV EO. Additionally, in silico molecular docking investigations were performed for eucalyptol (the major component of LV EO) and for CY against the acetylcholine esterase (AChE) enzyme (PDB ID: 6xyu) and cytochrome P450 (PDB ID: 2q6n). EM was the most toxic compound to FAW larvae with an LC50 of 0.0073 mg L−1, followed by CY and LV EO. The chi-square (χ2) test confirmed the synergistic effect of the LV EO/CY combination and the antagonistic effect LV EO/EM combination on FAW larvae. Biological development studies revealed that both LV EO/CY and LV EO/EM combinations impacted the larval and pupal durations. The biochemical assays indicated that the P450-specific activity was activated by LV EO (at LC25), CY (at LC25 & LC50), and their binary combination (at LC25:LC25). In addition, the LV EO/CY combination significantly activated the AChE and GST-specific activity, and the LV EO/CY combination and CY (at LC50) significantly activated α-esterase- specific activity. Molecular docking investigations revealed energy scores (S) of −6.7729 and −7.7644 kcal/mol for eucalyptol and CY, compared to −7.0993 kcal/mol for PDB ID: 6xyu ligand. The current results can serve as baseline data for utilizing the LV EO/CY combination in the integrated pest management (IPM) of FAW.

Toxicological, biological, and biochemical impacts of the egyptian lavender (Lavandula multifida L.) essential oil on two lepidopteran pests

The use of essential oils as an eco-friendly tool in pest management stems from their natural origin and the presence of bioactive compounds that exhibit pesticidal properties, offering a sustainable alternative to synthetic chemical pesticides. This study explores the toxicity of Lavandula multifida (lavender) essential oil (EO), as a botanical pesticide against two widespread and destructive Noctuidae pests, Spodoptera littoralis (Boisd.) and Agrotis ipsilon (Hufnagel). GC-MS was employed to characterize 23 compounds in the EO, with 1,3,3-trimethyl-2-oxabicyclo [2.2.2] octane (eucalyptol) (39.84%), being the primary component. The leaf dipping technique was utilized to assess the toxicity of the EO to both insects. At 96 hours post-treatment, the LC50 of lavender EO to S. littoralis and A. ipsilon larvae were 2.350 and 2.991 mg · ml–1, respectively. Concerning its biological effect, both concentrations of the EO (LC15 and LC50) significantly shortened the duration of the larval (to 15.24 and 14.23 days) and pupal (to 11.19 and 10.55 days) stages of S. littoralis. Biochemical assays revealed that the LC50 of lavender EO significantly inhibited α-esterase activity in S. littoralis at 72- and 96 hours post-treatment (0.031 and 0.063 mmol · min–1 · mg–1), and A. ipsilon at 96 hours post-treatment (0.129 mmol · min–1 · mg–1 protein). Given its significant toxicological, biological, and biochemical effects on S. littoralis, it is suggested that lavender EO could be considered for use in integrated pest management strategies while ensuring its safe application to protect non-target organisms.

Lavandula multifida as a novel eco-friendly fluorescent-blue material for mercury ions sensing in seawater at femto-molar concentration

In this paper, we present a novel fluorescent material based on the herbal tea of Lavandula multifida (Lm). The fluorescence properties of Lm aqueous extract were analyzed under various excitation wavelengths in the range of 290–450 nm. The Lm herbal infusion was found to be highly fluorescent, with an emission maximum at 450 nm under excitation at 390 nm. Consequently, it was exploited to develop a fluorescence method for detecting metal ions. Results obtained upon the addition of Hg2+, Na+, K+, Ca2+, Mg2+, Pb2+, Cd2+, Cu2+, Ni2+, Bi3+, Mn2+, Fe3+ and Co2+ ions showed that the fluorescence intensity of the Lm aqueous extract decreased strongly with the presence of mercury ions. A solid-state fluorescent sensor, based on Lm embedded into a Nafion membrane and deposited on a transparent polyethylene terephthalate (PET) sheet, has also been developed for the effective detection of Hg2+ ions. The Lm-Nafion-PET sensor exhibited good stability, high repeatability, and reproducibility. Furthermore, the Lm-Nafion/PET sensor demonstrated remarkable sensitivity to Hg2+ in sea water, with a limit of detection of 0.25 fM. To our knowledge, this is the first study which reports Lavandula multifida plant for making a novel eco-friendly fluorescent solid-state sensor for the detection of mercury ions at femto-molar concentrations in seawater.

Antibiofilm Effect of Lavandula multifida Essential Oil: A New Approach for Chronic Infections.

Fungal infections are associated with high morbidity and mortality rates, being highly prevalent in patients with underlying health complications such as chronic lung disease, HIV, cancer, and diabetes mellitus. To mitigate these infections, the development of effective antifungals is imperative, with plants standing out as promising sources of bioactive compounds. In the present study, we focus on the antibiofilm potential of Lavandula multifida essential oil (EO) against dermatophyte strains and Candida albicans. The EO was characterized using GC and GC-MS, and its antifungal effect was assessed on both biofilm formation and disruption. Biofilm mass, extracellular matrix, and viability were quantified using crystal violet, safranin, and XTT assays, respectively, and morphological alterations were confirmed using optical and scanning electron microscopy. L. multifida EO showed very high amounts of carvacrol and was very effective in inhibiting and disrupting fungal biofilms. The EO significantly decreased biofilm mass and viability in all tested fungi. In addition, a reduction in dermatophytes' extracellular matrix was observed, particularly during biofilm formation. Morphological alterations were evident in mature biofilms, with a clear decrease in hypha diameter. These promising results support the use of L. multifida EO in the development of effective plant-based antifungal products.

The Antioxidant Properties of Lavandula multifida Extract Contribute to Its Beneficial Effects in High-Fat Diet-Induced Obesity in Mice.

Obesity is a worldwide public health problem whose prevalence rate has increased steadily over the last few years. Therefore, it is urgent to improve the management of obesity and its comorbidities, and plant-based treatments are receiving increasing attention worldwide. In this regard, the present study aimed to investigate a well-characterized extract of Lavandula multifida (LME) in an experimental model of obesity in mice and explore the underlying mechanisms. Interestingly, the daily administration of LME reduced weight gain as well as improved insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance. Additionally, LME ameliorated the inflammatory state in both liver and adipose tissue by decreasing the expression of various proinflammatory mediators (Il-6, Tnf-α, Il-1β, Jnk-1, Pparα, Pparγ, and Ampk) and prevented increased gut permeability by regulating the expression of mucins (Muc-1, Muc-2, and Muc-3) and proteins implicated in epithelial barrier integrity maintenance (Ocln, Tjp1, and Tff-3). In addition, LME showed the ability to reduce oxidative stress by inhibiting nitrite production on macrophages and lipid peroxidation. These results suggest that LME may represent a promising complementary approach for the management of obesity and its comorbidities.

A New Lavender (Lavandula multifida L.) Ecotype from Arid Tunisia, with Differential Essential Oil Composition and Higher Antimicrobial Potential.

The lavender Lavandula multifida L., a medicinal plant grown in arid regions of Tunisia, was recently considered an endangered species; thus, its habitats regressed to some difficult zones in terms of access, such as the watershed of Oued Agareb in central-eastern Tunisia. This species was recorded only in deep and narrow shady Wadi of the watershed and benefited from protection against overgrazing, erosion and sunlight. L. multifida was rarely observed in an open area, such as a plateau or large-bed valley. The plant's metabolism is linked to its response to environmental conditions, which is of particular interest to understanding the components of the considered population of L. multifida. Consequently, biochemical and antimicrobial analyses have been evaluated. Using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis reveals that among the 58 compounds identified in L. multifida essential oil extracted from aboveground plant tissues, camphor was the major component (15.68%), followed by 1,8-cineole (14.14%) and alpha-pinene (13.82%). Moreover, it has been observed that Escherichia coli was more susceptible than Staphylococcus aureus to the antimicrobial properties of L. multifida essential oil, while in the case of camphor, S. aureus was more susceptible than E. coli. The protected population of L. multifida exhibits a distinctive vegetative development and growth cycle, resulting in specific secondary metabolites and distinguished antimicrobial activity.

Determination of Volatile Compounds of Mentha piperita and Lavandula multifida and Investigation of Their Antibacterial, Antioxidant, and Antidiabetic Properties.

Mentha piperita and Lavandula multifida are widely used in Moroccan traditional medicine for the treatment of diabetes and infectious diseases. The aims of this work were the determination of the chemical composition of Mentha piperita (MPEO) and Lavandula multifida (LMEO) essential oils and the evaluation of their antibacterial, antioxidant, and antidiabetic activities. The chemical composition was determined by GC-MS analysis. The antibacterial effects were evaluated against several bacterial strains using disc diffusion, MIC, and MBC methods. The antioxidant activity was evaluated in vitro using DPPH, H2O2, and xanthine oxidase, and the antidiabetic activity was estimated by the inhibitory effects of α-amylase, α-glucosidase, and lipase activities. GC-MS results showed that the main compounds of MPEO were menthone (29.24%), levomenthol (38.73%), and eucalyptol (6.75%). However, eucalyptol (28.11%), 2-bornanone (11.57%), endo-borneol (7.82%), and linalyl acetate (5.22%) are the major compounds of LMEO. The results exhibited important inhibitory effects against some bacterial strains with MIC = MBC = 0.39 mg/mL for MPEO against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC. However, LMEO exhibited remarkable antioxidant and antidiabetic activities compared to MPEO. Indeed, LMEO inhibited DPPH, H2O2, and xanthine oxidase with concentrations of 15.23, 21.52, and 8.89 µg/mL, respectively. Moreover, LMEO exhibited α-amylase and α-glucosidase at IC50 = 85.34 and IC50 = 59.36 µg/mL, respectively. The findings showed that both MPEO and LMEO exhibit promising biological properties. However, the application of these species or their main bioactive compounds requires further investigation.

CHEMICAL COMPOSITION AND ANTIBACTERIAL ACTIVITY OF ESSENTIAL OIL OF Lavandula Multifida

This work aims to determine the antioxidant, antibacterial properties and chemical profile of the essential oil (EO) of Lavandula multifida (LM) at the flowering stage collected in northwestern Morocco. So far, information on essential oils of L. multifida remains limited. The extraction yield of the essential oil was 0.46%. The composition was determined by GC-MS-FID. Twenty compounds were identified and the major phytochemicals were carvacrol, ß-bisabolene, and careophyllene oxide (44.3%, 31.9%, and 5.8% respectively). In addition, information on the essential oil of L. multifida collected in the Rabat region is reported for the first time in this study. DPPH and FRAP tests were used to evaluate its antioxidant activity. Antibacterial activities were also studied. Indeed, the essential oil of L. multifida exhibited inhibition effects on the growth of various microorganisms, including S. aureus where the MIC and MBC were equal to 0.5 and 2μg/ml, respectively. Therefore, the use of Lavandula multifida essential oil shows great promise in various fields.

DENTAL USE OF SOME LAMIACEAE SPECIES FROM MOROCCO AND PRINCIPAL COMPONENT ANALYSIS BETWEEN TOTAL POLYPHENOLIC CONTENT OBTAINED BY DIFFERENT AQUEOUS EXTRACTION

Correlations between total phenolic, flavonoid and condensed tannins content with three extraction type of five lamiaceae family which is used to cure dental affections in Morocco were studied. The total phenolic contents were determined using Folin–Ciocalteu colorimetric method, flavonoids using catechin standard, condensed tannins using Acidified Vanillin and anthocyanin using differential pH method. The highest total phenolic (345,20 ± 28,23 mg GAE/g d.e), total flavonoides (381,17 ± 14,11 mg CE/g d.e) and total condensed tannins (133,77 ± 8,38 mg CE/g d.e) was obtained from soxhlet extract of Origanum compactum Benth. (p < 0.0001), whereas, the highest total anthocyanin content (65.12 ± 13.53 mg EC-3-G/100g d.e) was obtained from decoction extraction of Lavandula multifida L. The correlation using Principal Component Analysis (PCA) between extraction type was very positive for infusion and soxhlet and between flavonoids and total phenols attesting that flavonoids constitute the majority of phenolic compounds.

Total phenolic contents, in vitro antioxidant activity, enzymes inhibition and antiinflammatory effect of the selective extracts from the algerian lavandula multifida

Total phenolic contents, in vitro antioxidant activity, enzymes inhibition and antiinflammatory effect of the selective extracts from the algerian lavandula multifida

ISOLATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF ENDOPHYTIC ACTINOMYCETES ASSOCIATED WITH THYMUS SATUROIDES AND LAVANDULA MULTIFIDA GROWN IN BENI-MELLAL REGION IN MOROCCO

ABSTRACT The present study aims to isolate endophytic actinomycetes (EPM) that are able to tolerate abiotic stresses, solubilize tricalcium phosphate (TCP) and produce indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), amylase and cellulose activities, while exhibiting high antagonistic activity against Fusarium oxysporum. f. sp. albedinis. Endophytic actinomycetes were isolated from roots, stems and leaves of Thymus saturoides and Lavandula multifida plant grown in Beni Mellal region, Morocco. According to the macro- and micro-morphological characteristics, a total of eleven EPM isolates were isolated and purified. Results indicated that the majority of isolates were able to tolerate pH and salt stresses. Moreover, the majority of the isolates were able to solubilize TCP on Pikovskaya (PVK)-agar medium which ranged from 25% to 458%. Additionally, on PVK-liquid medium, soluble phosphate content varied from 163.81 µg/mL recorded for the isolate LRP1 to 730 µg/mL observed for the isolate TSRP2. For IAA production, the amount produced varied from 1.70 µg/mL recorded for the isolate LRP1 to 14.13 µg/mL recorded for both LTP2’ and TSRP2. Endophytic actinomycetes isolated in this work also showed a remarkable capacity to degrade some compounds such as cellulose and starch. In addition, some of them showed a strong inhibitory activity against the fungus F. albedinis with a percentage of inhibition ranged from 69.13% observed for LTP2’ to 86.6% recorded for the isolate LRP2. Results from this study indicate that the two isolates LTP2’ and TSRP2 were the most efficient and that actinomycetes could be used in biocontrol against the fungus F. albedinis.

Cytotoxic activity and toxicity study of HF8, a poly-herbal formulation

IntroductionBreast cancer ranked the 2nd amongst all cancer in terms of mortality worldwide. ObjectiveWe evaluated the anticancer, apoptotic activity and toxicity of the polyherbal formulation, HF8, prescribed by the herbalist in Saudi Arabia. MethodsHF8 was prepared by mixing different proportion of plants namely Rosmarinus officinalis. L, Vitis vinifera seeds, Cichorium intybus seeds, Trigonella foenum-graecum L seeds, Lavandula multifida L., Pistacia lentiscus resin, commiphora myrrha resin, and Viola odorata flower. The HF8 was evaluated for its cytotoxicity using human breast adenocarcinoma (MCF-7, and MDA-MB-231 cells) cell lines. ResultsThe result revealed promising cytotoxicity on the MCF-7 (IC50: 107 µg/mL) and MDA-MB-231 (IC50: 89.5 µg/mL) cell lines. Further, HF8 was assessed for its apoptotic potential using acridine orange (AO)/ethidium bromide (EB) dual staining and Caspase-3/7. After incubation with MDA-MB-231, the HF8 inducted apoptosis through the activation of caspase-3/7. The toxicity of the HF8 was assessed using zebrafish and Swiss Albino mice. The zebrafish embryos did not show any noticeable toxicities or teratogenicity when treated with HF8 with a concentration from 0.001 to 300 µg/ml. In acute toxicity, no mortality detected after a single dose (5000 mg/kg) administration to Swiss Albino mice of both genders. ConclusionsHF8 extract has the potential for development into a potent anticancer agent against breast cancer, albeit further studies are needed to evaluate the mechanism of action as well as validation of other drug development processes.

The Antibacterial Effect of Essential Oils of Satureja calamintha subsp. nepeta (L.) Briq, Lavandula multifida L., and Mentha pulegium L., Tested Against some Multiresistant Strains that Are Involved in Nosocomial Infections

In infectiology, some essential oils (EOs) are able to competewith antibiotic therapy and even surpass it; it is in this context that a study of the chemical composition and the antibacterial power of the EOs of three aromatic and widely used medicinal plants in traditional medicine was conducted which are Satureja calamintha subsp. nepeta (L.) Briq, Lavandula multifida L., and Mentha pulegium L. The extracted EO yields were of the order of 2.6%, 0.12%, and 5.29% for Satureja calamintha, Lavandula multifida, and Mentha pulegium, respectively. The obtained EOs were analyzed by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The results of these analyses showed that Lavandula multifida contains carvacrol as a majority compound (70.65%); by contrast, the pulegone is the majority compound of Satureja calamintha and Mentha pulegium that contain about 87.04% and 71.97%, respectively. The EOs with the pulegone as predominant compound (Mentha pulegium and Satureja calamintha) showed higher antibacterial activity when tested against some multiresistant strains, compared to those with the carvacrol as major compound. In conclusion, this study may open up prospects for the formulation of phytomedicines against resistant and nonresistant bacteria incriminated in nosocomial infections.

Characterization of Lavandula multifida volatile composition from Morocco by headspace solid-phase Microextraction (HS-SPME) and Hydrodistillation coupled to GC–MS

The essential oil and volatiles compounds of Lavandula multifida L., aerial parts collected in South-East Morocco, obtained by hydrodistillation (HD) and headspace solid phase Microextraction (HS-SPME), were analyzed using Gas Chromatography-Flame Ionization Detector (GC-FID) and GC-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). 31 components, accounting 94.3% in the total essential oil, were identified by HD and 21 compounds, representing 90.2% of the headspace, were characterized by HS-SPME. The major components identified are carvacrol (57.9% ; 65.6%), carvacrol methyl ether (7.6% ; 4.6%), p-cymen-8-ol (3.9% ; 4.8%) and spathulenol (3.8% ; 8.6%) of essential oil and volatile compounds detected in HS-SPME, respectively. By comparison of HD and HS-SPME extraction, only quantitative differences of some components can be observed in both aromatic profiles, while qualitatively are rather similar. This study demonstrates that HD and HS-SPME modes could be complimentary extraction techniques in order to obtain the complete characterization of plant volatiles.

Investigation of Extracts from Tunisian Ethnomedicinal Plants as Antioxidants, Cytotoxins, and Antimicrobials

ObjectiveTo determine the medicinal potential of various plants and their parts extracted with different solvents. MethodsThe total phenolic content of acetonitrile/water (60%-40%) (ACN/W) and aqueous (W) extract fractions was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and terpenic compounds were detected by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Antioxidant activity of the samples was evaluated using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay and β-carotene bleaching method. Cell viability was investigated by thiazolyl blue tetrazolium bromide [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol)-2-yl 2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide] (MTT) assay. The mechanisms involved in cytotoxic activity were investigated in a murine macrophage cell line (RAW 264.7) and cancer lines. ResultsOur findings show that 11 plant species exhibited biological activity. In addition, moderate antibacterial activity was reported against one or more of the tested bacterial strains at two concentrations: 300 µg and 3 mg/disc. Furthermore, our data reveal that among all plants investigated, some extract and hydrophobic fractions were potent scavengers of the DPPH radical (6.78 µg/mL < EC50 < 8.55 µg/mL). Taken together, our results show that Nerium oleander (NOACN/W) and Pituranthos tortuosus (PTACN/W) were highly cytotoxic against RAW 264.7 cells with IC80 values of 0.36, and 1.55 µg/mL, respectively. In contrast, murine macrophage cell lines had low growth and were significantly sensitive to water extracts of Thymus hirtus sp. algeriensis (THW), Lavandula multifida (LMW), and ACN/W extract of Erica multiflora (EMACN/W) at doses > 400, 47.20, and 116.74 µg/mL, respectively. The current work demonstrates that RAW 264.7 cell proliferation was inhibited by samples in a dose-dependent manner. ConclusionOur findings, validated through free radical scavenging activity, agar diffusion assay, and cytotoxicity of essential oils towards cancer cells, show that ethnomedicinal plants used in this work have a novel application as a tumor suppressor.

GHG emissions life cycle assessment of an in vitro plant production system ofLavandula multifida

GHG emissions life cycle assessment of an in vitro plant production system of<i>Lavandula multifida</i>

Enhancing blood donor skin disinfection using natural oils.

Effective donor skin disinfection is essential in preventing bacterial contamination of blood components with skin flora bacteria like Staphylococcus epidermidis. Cell aggregates of S. epidermidis (biofilms) are found on the skin and are resistant to the commonly used donor skin disinfectants chlorhexidine-gluconate and isopropyl alcohol. It has been demonstrated that essential oils synergistically enhance the antibacterial activity of chlorhexidine-gluconate. The objective of this study was to test plant-extracted essential oils in combination with chlorhexidine-gluconate or chlorhexidine-gluconate plus isopropyl alcohol for their ability to eliminate S. epidermidis biofilms. The composition of oils extracted from Artemisia herba-alba, Lavandula multifida, Origanum marjoram, Rosmarinus officinalis, and Thymus capitatus was analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. A rabbit model was used to assess skin irritation caused by the oils. In addition, the anti-biofilm activity of the oils used alone or in combination with chlorhexidine-gluconate or chlorhexidine-gluconate plus isopropyl alcohol was tested against S. epidermidis biofilms. Essential oil concentrations 10%, 20%, and 30% were chosen for anti-biofilm assays, because skin irritation was observed at concentrations greater than 30%. All oils except for O. marjoram had anti-biofilm activity at these three concentrations. L. multifida synergistically enhanced the anti-biofilm activity of chlorhexidine-gluconate and resulted in the highest anti-biofilm activity observed when combined with chlorhexidine-gluconate plus isopropyl alcohol. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry revealed that the main component contributing to the activity of L. multifida oil was a natural terpene alcohol called linalool. The anti-biofilm activity of chlorhexidine-gluconate plus isopropyl alcohol can be greatly enhanced by L. multifida oil or linalool. Therefore, these components could potentially be used to improve blood donor skin disinfection.

In vitro effects of Italian Lavandula multifida L. leaf extracts on gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) leucocytes and SAF-1 cells

Lavandula multifida is very appreciated by pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. In Italy is only found in Calabria and Sicily and, at present, urge its valorization due to its high extinction and genetic erosion risks. Possible applications of L. multifida extracts as immunostimulant in fish aquaculture were assayed by using gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) as a marine fish model, due to its importance in fish aquaculture. The in vitro effects of both aqueous and ethanolic leaf extracts obtained from two Italian populations of L. multifida on head kidney leucocyte activities (viability, phagocytosis, respiratory burst and peroxidase content) were assessed. Furthermore, the possible cytotoxic effects of the extracts on SAF-1 cells and their bactericidal effects on three fish pathogenic bacteria (Vibrio harveyi, Vibrio anguillarum, Aeromonas salmonicida) were also evaluated. All the assays were performed in comparison with leaf extracts obtained from a widely-distributed species as L. angustifolia. Results showed that water and ethanolic leaf extracts obtained from L. multifida enhanced innate immune activities of S. aurata HK leucocytes. Furthermore, SAF-1 cell viability was not affected significantly after being incubated with the extracts. These extracts did not exert any bactericidal activity on the pathogenic bacterial strains tested in the present study. Results obtained in the present work suggested the possibility of use such extracts in in vivo studies in order to corroborate the possibility of their use in aquaculture. Their use could prevent to improve fish defense against pathogenic infections through enhancement of the fish immune status.

Seed germination and antioxidant pattern in Lavandula multifida (Lamiaceae): A comparison between core and peripheral populations

We evaluated the environmental adaptability of Lavandula multifida L., a plant species presents in the Western Mediterranean Basin with a threatened peripheral population in Southern Italy. Germination capacity, activities of some hydrolyzing enzymes associated with germination and antioxidative pathway of Calabrian L. multifida were quantified in comparison with a Spanish core population. The Calabrian population showed a lower germination ability and it can be related to the small size of the population and associated inbreeding depression. Difference between two populations in enzymatic assays and antioxidative pattern during germination and early seedling development may in part explain a different ability of these two populations to respond to external cues and a diverse environmental adaptability. The study on germination strategies of isolated populations is important to define possible programmes to preserve genetic biodiversity of autochthon plants populations.

Phytochemical composition and antioxidant activity of medicinal plants collected from the Tunisian flora

Polyphenols, flavonoids and condensed tannins contents, as well as the antioxidant activity of the ethanolic and aqueous extracts obtained from aerial parts of 10 wild Tunisian plants, have been determined. Extracts showed appreciable levels of polyphenols and flavonoids, which reached 215.16 mg GAE g−1 DW in Lavandula stoechas ethanolic extract, and 49.12 mg RE g−1 DW in Thapsia garganica aqueous extract. The majority of tested extracts exhibited low total condensed tannins content, except for Rhus tripartitum and Periploca laevigata. The antioxidant activity tests showed great activity, especially for R. tripartitum and Lavandula multifida (IC50 = 5.16 and 5.1 μg mL−1, respectively). Canonical Correspondence Analysis revealed clear groupings of species according to the solvent used.