Lavandulifolia Vahl Research Articles

In vitro antimicrobial and antibiofilm screening of eighteen Iranian medicinal plants

BackgroundNatural products are one of the best candidates for controlling drug-resistant pathogens, the advantages of which include low production costs and low side effects. In this study, as potential antimicrobials, the anti-bacterial and antibiofilm activities of several Iranian native medicinal plants were screened.MethodsThe antibacterial/antifungal and anti-biofilm activities of 18 medicinal plants including Reseda lutea L., Nepeta sintenisii Bunge., Stachys turcomanica Trautv., Stachys lavandulifolia Vahl, Diarthron antoninae (Pobed.) Kit Tan., Ziziphora clinopodioides Lam., Euphorbia kopetdaghi Prokh, Euphorbia serpens Kunth., Hymenocrater calycinus Benth., Scutellaria pinnatifida A.Ham., Viola tricolor L., Hypericum helianthemoides (Spach) Boiss., Hypericum scabrum L., Convolvulus lineatus L., Scabiosa rotata M.Bieb Greuter & Burdet, Delphinium semibarbatum Bien. Ex Boiss., Glycyrrhiza triphylla Fisch. & C.A.Mey., and Ziziphus jujuba Mill., against two Gram-positive bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, as well as two Gram-negative bacteria, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli; and Candida albicans as a fungal strain, were evaluated. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal/fungicidal concentration (MBC/MFC) values of the extracts against tested microorganisms were reported and we investigated their effect on the biofilm inhibition of Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1, Staphylococcus epidermis, Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus mutans. In addition, the effect of the extracts on the eradication of the biofilms of these bacteria was evaluated.ResultsIn this study, H. scabrum was found to exhibit potentially significant activity against Gram-positive bacteria with the MIC range of 6.25–25 µg/mL. This extract also showed a significant effect on inhibiting the biofilm of S. aureus, S. mutans, and S. epidermidis and eradicating the biofilm of S. epidermidis DSMZ 3270. In addition, Hymenocrater calycinus root extract had moderate antibacterial activity against B. cereus with the MIC and MBC 62.5 µg/mL, respectively.ConclusionsThe results of this study showed that the root extracts of two plants, Hypericum scabrum and Hymenocrater calycinus, had antimicrobial and anti-biofilm effects. Based on the observed anti-biofilm effects, these two plants may be considered in future studies to find responsible antimicrobial compounds.

Effects of four herbs as a dietary on properties of egg and immune response against Newcastle and avian influenza vaccine in Japanese laying quail.

This study shows the effectiveness of diet containing Trachyspermum copticum (TC), Majorana hortensis Minch (MH), Stachys lavandulifolia Vahl (SL), and Zingiber officinale (ZO) on the growth performance, biochemical factors, and qualitative agents of eggs of Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) and their immune responses against Newcastle and Avian Influenza vaccine. For this prepose, 675 quails were divided into 9 groups with three replicates and fed with different treatment diets (basic diet with no supplements (control treatment diet) and diets supplemented with one of two levels (0.5 and 2%) of each plant powders). Data showed that the use of TC 2% increased the Haugh unit significantly (P < 0.05) compared with the control (P < 0.05). At the end of the experiment, shell weight (g) and shell thickness were also remarkably enhanced in treated groups compared with the control group. Moreover, the findings of this study showed the thiobarbituric acid and yolk cholesterol level reduced remarkably (P < 0.05) in the MH and SL groups without significant adverse effect on albumen protein (%) and total protein (%) level. In this study, TC-2%, ZO-2%, and SL-2% all increased the antibody titers against avian influenza. The use of a diet containing MH-2% increased Newcastle disease in Japanese quail in comparison to both controls and different levels of other medicinal herb powders. Based on these results, using these four herbal plant powders in Japanese quail, diets could positively affect their egg qualitative and biochemical factors.

Determination of nutritive value and analysis of mineral elements for wild edible Stachys lavandulifolia vahl. var. lavandulifolia growing in eastern Anatolia

The genus Stachys (Lamiaceae) is represented by about 300 species found in the world. Turkey is one of the richest countries in Stachys diversity being represented by 83 species with a level of 48% endemism. In this study, Stachys lavandulifolia Vahl. was collected from Alacabük mountain of Tatvan in Eastern Anatolia. S. lavandulifolia Vahl. subsp. lavandulifolia, known as “dağ çayı, tüylü çay”, is widely consumed in Anatolia as herbal tea. Stachys species belong to one of the oldest medicinal plants that are used both for pharmaceutical purposes and in folk medicine; It is used for the treatment of gastrointestinal and respiratory disorders, and is known as an appetizer, carminative, stimulant, digestive, diuretic, and throat pain reliever. Wild plants gathered from nature are cheaper food and important for human health. Thus, in the present study, nutritional value and mineral composition of used parts of selected S. lavandulifolia Vahl. var. lavandulifolia was investigated.In laboratory analysis, total ash, % N, crude protein, crude fiber and pH were examined as nutritional value. Useful minerals (Ca, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, P, S and Zn) and some heavy metals (Cd, Co, Cr and Pb) that are hazardous elements for livings were also determined. The total ash, total nitrogen and crude protein, pH and crude fiber content of the plants were identified as 7.00%, 1.31%, 8.03%, 6.53% and 38.40%, and respectively. Mineral analysis showed that the wild plants samples contained considerably high amounts of potassium (17.46g/kg), phosphorus (4.70g/kg), calcium (17.25g/kg), magnesium (2.47g/kg), iron (241.37mg/kg), manganese (22.95mg/kg) and zinc (18.56mg/kg). This work contributed to the nutritional properties of some wild plants, and the results may be useful for the evaluation of dietary information.

Therapeutic Effects of Standardized Formulation of Stachys lavandulifolia Vahl on Primary Dysmenorrhea: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Crossover, Placebo-Controlled Pilot Study.

In Iranian folklore medicine, boiled extract of Stachys lavandulifolia Vahl is reputed to have therapeutic effects in painful disorders. This study evaluated the efficacy of the standardized formulation of S. lavandulifolia Vahl in reducing pain in primary dysmenorrhea, which is known to be a common disorder with significant impact on quality of life. A randomized, double blind, crossover, placebo-controlled pilot study. Bu-Ali Hospital affiliated with Tehran Medical Branch, Islamic Azad University. Twenty-nine patients with primary dysmenorrhea. Patients were enrolled according to medical history and gynecologic sonography. Standardized capsules of S. lavandulifolia were prepared. All the patients were allowed to take mefenamic acid up to 250 mg/q6h if they needed, in the first menstruation cycle to estimate the analgesic consumption at baseline. By the use of an add-on design in the next cycle, they were randomly assigned to receive either herbal or placebo capsules every 4-6 h. Then, they were crossed over to the other group during the course of the trial. At the end of the fourth day of each cycle, the intensity of pain was measured by visual analogue scale and McGill pain questionnaire. Statistical significance was evaluated using repeated-measures one-way analysis of variance. Pain intensity was significantly decreased during consumption of Stachys lavandulifolia capsules in comparison with basic and placebo cycles (p < 0.05). Interestingly, the consumption of mefenamic acid capsules was reduced dramatically in the S. lavandulifolia cycle in comparison with basic and placebo cycles (p < 0.001). It was demonstrated that S. lavandulifolia-prepared formulation can reduce menstrual pain, and can probably be recommended as an add-on therapy or even an alternative remedy to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) with fewer side effects in primary dysmenorrhea.

The Effects of Hydro- alcoholic Extract of Stachys Lavandulifolia Vahl on the Hormonal Pituitary-Gonad Axis and Testis Tissue Changes in Adult Male Rat

The Effects of Hydro- alcoholic Extract of Stachys Lavandulifolia Vahl on the Hormonal Pituitary-Gonad Axis and Testis Tissue Changes in Adult Male Rat

Evidence for the involvement of TNF-α and IL-1β in the antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activity of Stachys lavandulifolia Vahl. (Lamiaceae) essential oil and (-)-α-bisabolol, its main compound, in mice

Ethnopharmacological relevanceStachys lavandulifolia Vahl (Lamiaceae) is a medicinal plant widely used in Turkey and Iranian folk medicine due to its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, but little is known about its essential oil. Aim of this studyWe studied the antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects of S. lavandulifolia essential oil (EOSl) and (-)-α-bisabolol (BIS), its main compound, in algogen-induced orofacial nociceptive behavior in mice, and assessed the possible involvement of pro-inflammatory cytokines in these profiles. Materials and methodsThe GC-FID and GC–MS analysis of EOSl demonstrated the presence of (-)-α-bisabolol (56.4%), bicyclogermacrene (5.3%), δ-cadinene (4.2%) and spathulenol (2.9%) as the main compounds. Male Swiss mice were pretreated with EOSl (25 or 50mg/kg, p.o.), BIS (25 or 50mg/kg, p.o.), morphine (3mg/kg, i.p.) or vehicle (saline 0.9% with two drops of tween 80, 0.2%), before formalin- (20μl, 2%), capsaicin- (20μl, 2.5µg) or glutamate- (20μl, 25Mm) injection into the right upper lip (perinasal area) in mice. The anti-inflammatory profile of EOSl or BIS (50mg/kg) was assessed by the inflammatory response induced by carrageenan (2% in 0.2mL) in mice (pleurisy model). ResultsOur results showed that p.o. treatment with EOSl and BIS displayed significant inhibitory (p<0.05 or p<0.01 or p<0.001) effects in different orofacial pain tests on mice, but BIS proved to be more effective, significantly reducing nociceptive behavior in all tests including both phases of the formalin test. The analgesic effect is not related to any abnormality since EOSl- or BIS-treated mice exhibited no performance alteration in grip strength. Moreover, EOS1 and BIS exhibited a significant anti-inflammatory effect (p<0.001) in the pleurisy model of inflammation, which seems to be related to a significant reduction (p<0.05) of the pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF-α in BIS treatment, and of the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-1β (p<0.01) in EOS1 treatment. ConclusionOur results corroborate the use of S. lavandulifolia in traditional medicine as an analgesic and anti-inflammatory, which seems to be related to (-)-α-Bisabolol, the main compound of EOSl.

Composition and Antibacterial Activity of the Essential Oil of Phlomidoschema parviflorum from Iran

The monotypic genus Phlomidoschema Vved. belongs to the family Lamiaceae, subfamily Lamioideae and tribe Stachydeae [1]. Phlomidoschema parviflorum (Benth.) Vved. grows in restricted parts of Iran (Khorasan Province) as well as Afghanistan, west of Pakistan, Pamir Mountains, and Punjab of India. Morphologically, the species is characterized by perennial, multi-stemmed and subshrub habit and white subfloccose and canescent hairs on the leaves and stem [2]. The species is considered vulnerable and rare according to IUCN categories [3]. The infusion of the aerial flowering part of the plant is used locally for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders, colic and stomachache. From the phylogenetic point of view, the genus is closely allied with the genus Stachys. The most relative and closest species of the genus Stachys to the genus Phlomidoschema was found to be S. lavandulifolia Vahl. [1]. As far as our literature survey could ascertain, there is no report on the oil composition and biological activity of P. parviflorum. So, in continuation of our research on the composition and biological activity of Iranian aromatic and essential oil-bearing plants of the mint family [4–10], we have investigated the composition and antibacterial activity of the essential oil of P. parviflorum. The aerial full flowering parts of Phlomidoschema parviflorum were collected from Khorasan-e Razavi Province, Ghayen towards Gonabad, Zirkuh region with an altitude of 1300–1350 m. A voucher specimen was identified and deposited (MPH-1220) in the Medicinal Plants and Drugs Research Institute Herbarium (MPH), Shahid Beheshti University of Tehran, Iran. Air-dried aerial parts (200 g) were subjected to hydrodistillation for 3 h using a Clevenger-type apparatus. The oil was dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate and stored in sealed vials at 4C until analysis and tested. GC analysis was carried out on a Thermoquest-Finnigan Trace GC instrument equipped with a capillary DB-5 fused silica column (60 m 0.25 mm i.d., film thickness 0.25 m). The oven temperature was raised from 60C to 250C at a rate of 5C/min, then held at 250C for 10 min. Nitrogen was used as the carrier gas at a flow rate of 1.1 mL/min; the split ratio was adjusted to 1:50. The injector and detector (FID) temperatures were kept at 250C and 280C, respectively. GC-MS analysis was carried out on a Thermoquest-Finnigan Trace GC-MS instrument equipped with a DB-5 fused silica capillary column. Helium was used as the carrier gas at a flow rate of 1.1 mL/min with a split ratio of 1:50. The quadrupole mass spectrometer was scanned over 45–465 amu with an ionizing voltage of 70 eV. Gas chromatographic conditions were the same as given above for GC. The constituents of the oil were identified by calculation of their retention indices under temperature-programmed conditions for n-alkanes (C 6 –C 24 ), and the essential oil on a DB-5 column. Identification of individual compounds was made by comparison of their mass spectra with those of the internal reference mass spectra library or with authentic compounds and confirmed by comparison of their retention indices with those reported in the literature [11]. In vitro antibacterial activity of the essential oil was assessed against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923 and Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 as models of Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria, respectively. The broth microdilution susceptibility method using 96 well trays was used to determine the minimum concentration of essential oil required for inhibition of visible growth (MIC) or killing (MBC) of the test strains. For this purpose, the standard protocol of CLSI (Clinical Laboratory and Standards Institute) was used with some modifications [12]. The inoculants of the bacterial strains were prepared from freshly cultured strains using sterile normal saline, which were adjusted to 0.5 McFarland standard turbidity and then further diluted (1:1000 for bacteria) by sterile Mueller-Hinton broth (MHB) just before adding to the wells containing a desired range of diluted essential oil.

Effect of wood betony (Stachys lavandulifolia Vahl) extract on some serum biochemical changes and acute stress response in juvenile common carp (Cyprinus carpio)

The effects of four different levels of wood betony (WB) (Stachys lavandulifolia Vahl) extract (0, 2, 4 and 8% W/W in the diet) were investigated on some serum enzymatic activities and acute stress response of juvenile common carp (Cyprinus carpio). After 10 weeks post feeding, two groups of fish (0 and 8% WB) were subjected to handling and crowding stress and the stress responses including serum cortisol, glucose and some electrolytes (Na + , K + and Ca +2 ) levels were assayed. The results revealed that the fish fed on 8% WB had significantly lower levels of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and alanine transaminase (ALT) compared to the control group (P 0.05). The potassium and calcium levels showed insignificant fluctuations post stress (P>0.05). Dietary inclusion of WB seems to improve liver function and response to acute stress in juvenile common carp.

The dietary wood betony, Stachys lavandulifolia Vahl extract as a growth promoter and immune enhancer in common carp (Cyprinus carpio).

The present study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of wood betony (WB), Stachys lavandulifolia extract on growth performance and some immune responses in common carp, Cyprinus carpio. Different concentrations of the WB extract 0, 2, 4 and 8% (g per 100 g of diet) were added to commercial diet. Each treatment was randomly assigned to triplicate groups of fish having average initial weight of 44 ± 0.62 g for 10 weeks. The results showed that final weight, food conversion ratio, specific growth rate and condition factor were significantly improved by WB in a dose dependent manner, where the best growth parameters were achieved in the group of fish receiving the highest concentration of WB (P<0.05). Feeding fish at 2 and 4% W/W by WB in the diet improved lysozyme activity, ACH50 and IgM levels significantly in comparison to the control (P<0.05). Group of fish fed on 4% WB in the diet had the best levels of the immune characteristics (P<0.05). Based on the results of this study, it is recommended to feed common carp with WB to improve growth and non-specific immunity.

Antioxidant activity, total phenolic and flavonoid contents of some medicinal and aromatic plants used as herbal teas and condiments in Iran.

Total phenolic and flavonoid contents and antioxidant activity of four Iranian herbs (Lamiaceae) were investigated. The antioxidant activity of methanol extracts of thyme (Thymus daenensis Celak.), Bakhtiari savory (Satureja bachtiarica Bung.), dragonhead (Dracocephalum multicaule Montbr & Auch), and woundwort (Stachys lavandulifolia Vahl.) was evaluated by measuring 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), ferric reducing/antioxidant power (FRAP), and trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC). A comparison of all plant extracts in the DPPH assay indicated that dragonhead and thyme were the most effective free radical scavenging agents. Thyme demonstrated a relatively strong antioxidant activity in both the FRAP and TEAC assays. The total phenolic content of all the extracts ranged from 99 to 208 mg TAE/g extract with thyme exhibiting the highest phenolic content. The flavonoid content of the extracts, which ranged from 10.1 to 22.2 rutin equivalents/g of extract, was highest in dragonhead. A positive correlation was noted between the total phenolic content and antioxidant activity in both the FRAP and TEAC assays, while no significant correlation was observed between the DPPH, TEAC, and FRAP assay and total flavonoid, suggesting that the level of antioxidant activity in these plants varies greatly, but the total phenolic in the plant extracts provided a substantial antioxidant activity. Experimental results indicate that thyme and dragonhead extracts could be an important dietary source of phenolic compounds with high antioxidant capacity.

Green synthesis, characterization and physiological stability of gold nanoparticles from Stachys lavandulifolia Vahl extract

The synthesis of nontoxic stable gold nanoparticles is important for medical applications. An aqueous extract of the plant Stachys lavandulifolia Vahl was used to synthesize gold nanoparticles. This green method involved the S. lavandulifolia Vahl extract acting as a reducing and stabilizing agent. The nanoparticles were characterized by transmission electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering analysis and UV–vis absorption and Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopies. Stability under physiological conditions is important for medical applications. The stability of the nanoparticles was compared with that of conventional citrate-capped nanoparticles, under both synthetic and physiological conditions. The nanoparticles synthesized from the S. lavandulifolia Vahl extract were stable under physiological conditions, in contrast with conventional citrate-capped nanoparticles.

Phytochemical composition of the essential oil of different populations of Stachys lavandulifolia Vahl

ObjectiveTo examine the chemical variability in inflorescences of wild populations of Stachys lavandulifolia Vahl (S. lavandulifolia) collected throughout two provinces (Isfahan and Chaharmahal va Bakhtiary), Southwest Iran. MethodsThe essential oils of S. lavandulifolia Vahl from seven locations were obtained by hydro-distillation and analysed by gas chromatography and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. ResultsThe results revealed that distinct differences in the content of compounds depending on region of sample collection. The main constituents of the essential oils were α-thujone (0.3%–32.3%), α-pinene (trace to 37.3%), myrcene (0.5%–15.9%), β-phellandrene (1.1%–37.9%), germacrene D (0.4%–11.3%), Δ-cadinene (trace to 11.6%) and 1, 4-methano-1 H-indene (trace to 10.1%). ConclusionsThe results of the present study indicated that essential oil components of S. lavandulifolia Vahl can be varied with genetic (ecotype), environmental conditions and geographic origin. In general, the essential oils of various populations of S. lavandulifolia Vahl were rich in monoterpenoids and sesquiterpenoids.

Antimicrobial activity and chemical composition of essential oils of Stachys lavandulifolia Vahl. from Mazandaran , Iran

Stachys lavandulifolia vahl. or Chaye Koohi is a native plant, which has been used as an anxiolytic and sedative in Iranian folk medicine which belongs to the Lamiaceae family. In this study, S. lavandulifolia vahl. were collected from mountain of Baladeh area in Mazandaran province, Iran. Chemical constituents of essential oil of S. lavandulifolia vahl. were determined. Aerial parts were subjected to hydrodistillation (HD) in a Clevenger – type apparatus until there was no significant increase in the volume of the oil collected (3 h). The yield of the oil was 0.69% (w/w). The essential oil was analyzed by gas chromatography (GC) and GC-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Identification of the components was based on GC retention indices computer matching with Wiley GC-MS library, and by comparison of the fragmentation patterns of the mass spectra with those reported in the literature. 59 components were identified constituting more than 99.1% of the oil. Hexadecanoic acid (13.9%), α-pinene (13.7%), germacrene-D (8.9%), β-pinene (7.0%), myrcene (4.5%), β-phellandrene (5.7%), Z-ocimene (3.4%), spathulenol (3.5%), δ-cadinene (2.0%) and α-cadinol (2.6%) were major components in S. lavandulifolia vahl. oil. The oil was tested against two strains of bacteria (Gram-positive and Gram-negative). In vitro antimicrobial activity of essential oil of S. lavandulifolia vahl. were investigated by disc diffusion method and the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and also minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) determination. The studied sample was active against gram-positive and Gram-negative microbial strains. The oil exhibited higher activities against the Gram-negative tested bacterial strain. Key words: Stachys lavandulifolia vahl., essential oil composition, antimicrobial activity, α-pinene.

Anti-Candida activity of ethanolic extracts of Iranian endemic medicinal herbs against Candida albicans

It has long been known that herbs and their extracts have antimicrobial activities. Heracleum lasiopetalum Boiss., Satureja bachtiarica Bunge., Thymus daenensis Celak., Echiophora platyloba L., Dracocephalum multicaule Benth., Kelussia odoratissima Mozaff. and Achillea kellalensis Boiss. are Iranian endemic plant species that have been traditionally used as medicinal herbs and spices in different regions of Iran especially Central Zagross. Seven ethanolic extracts of endemic medicinal herbs and one extract of native medicinal herb (Stachys lavandulifolia Vahl.) collected from Chaharmahal va Bakhtiari province of Iran were assayed for the in vitro antifungal activity against Candida albicans (ATCC1023), using agar dilution methods. Most of the extracts showed relatively high anti-Candida activity against the tested fungi with the diameter of inhibition zone ranging between 8 and 17 mm. The extracts of S. bachtiarica and T. daenensis exhibited high inhibitory effect against C. albicans. The extracts of S. bachtiarica and T. daenensis were characterized using HPLC, the major components of S. bachtiarica and T. daenensis were carvacrol and thymol, respectively. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values for active extract range between 25 and 50 µg/ml. In conclusion, it can be said that the extract of some of the Iranian endemic medicinal plants (S. bachtiarica and T. daenensis) could be used as natural anti-Candida.

English

Several studies have used&nbsp;Stachys&nbsp;Lavandulifolia vahl&nbsp;(S. lavandulifolia) as medicinal plant in Iranian folk medicine.&nbsp;The present investigation is designed to elucidatetherapeutic and preventive effects&nbsp;of&nbsp;S. lavandulifolia&nbsp;extract on gastric acid and pepsin secretions in experimental gastric ulcer. Thirty two Wistar male rats were used to study therapeutic and preventive effects of&nbsp;S. lavandulifolia&nbsp;extract on alcohol-induced gastric ulcer. Animals were equally (n=8) divided into 4 groups: (I) Control (II) Alcohol (1 ml/200 g/bw)&nbsp;to induce gastric ulcer&nbsp;(III) Alcohol/Lvandu (100 mg/kg bw/daily,&nbsp;S. lavandulifoliaextract was given for two weeks post alcohol administration) and (IV) Lvandu/alcohol (S. lavandulifolia&nbsp;extract was given for two weeks before alcohol administration). Ulcer index, gastric acid and pepsin secretions was measured. Ulcer index was significantly decreased in alcohol/Lvandu than Alcohol group. Also gastric acid and pepsin secretions, and gastric tissue&rsquo;s NO metabolites level were significantly lower in alcohol and Lvandu/alcohol groups than control (p&lt;0/05). But changes in gastric acid and pepsin secretions have not been noticeable in alcohol/Lvandu group than control. The results of this study show that&nbsp;S. lavandulifolia&nbsp;extract protected gastric mucosa from alcohol-induced gastric ulcer. This&nbsp;gastroprotection&nbsp;may mediate via gastric mucosal nitric oxide production. &nbsp; Key words:&nbsp;Stachys Lavandulifolia, acid, pepsin, nitric oxide.

Spasmolytic effect of stachys lavandulifolia vahl. Crude methanolic extract and fractions on rat ileum.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of aerial parts of Stachys lavandulifolia Vahl. Extract on the rat ileum contractions. The crude extract was prepared by maceration method (90% methanol) followed by fractionating into chloroform, ethyl acetate, petroleum ether and water. In adult male Wistar rats, ileum was sectioned and mounted in tissue bath and their contractility was recorded is otonically. KCl (60 mM)- induced ileum contractions were attenuated by crude extract and its fractions. The most potent fraction was chloroformic fraction (CF) with IC50 0.018 ± 0.126 = mg/mL. In calcium-free Tyrode solution with high K(+,) the CF (0.01 - 0.04 mg/ml) attenuated CaCl2-induced contractions (p< 0.001). The CF (0.05-0.8 mg/mL) attenuated the carbachol-induced contraction (p<0.001). The CF antispasmodic effect was reduced by naloxone (as a non-selective opioid antagonist), not by propranolol and L-NAME as β-adrenoceptors antagonist and nitric oxide synthase inhibitor respectively. It was concluded that S . . lavandulifolia can inhibit ileum contractility mainly via disturbing the calcium mobilization and partly by opioid receptors' activation. Our results may support the traditional usage of this herb for treating diarrhea.

Characteristics of smoke flavourings obtained from mixtures of oak (Quercus sp.) wood and aromatic plants (Thymus vulgaris L. andSalvia lavandulifolia Vahl.)

Two aqueous smoke flavourings were obtained, on a laboratory scale, from mixtures of oak wood sawdust (Quercus sp.) and sawdust of the aerial parts of thyme (Thymus vulgaris L.) or sage (Salvia lavandulifolia Vahl.) (8:2, w[sol ]w, respectively). The acidity and composition of these preparations were determined in this study. The presence of thyme or sage in the starting material influences the acidity and composition of these two smoke flavourings. Both flavourings contain the same main components (aldehydes, ketones, diketones, acids, esters and furan and pyran derivatives, alkyl aryl ethers, and phenol, guaiacol, pyrocatechol, syringol and their alkyl derivatives and some anhydro-sugars), which are well-known typical smoke components. In addition they contain some terpenic derivatives, such as linalool, camphor, endo-borneol and 2,5-bornanedione and a large group of nitrogenated derivatives in low concentrations, coming from the aromatic plants. These compounds contribute floral and herbaceous as well as burnt and roasted notes to these smoke flavourings and all those associated properties to these specific compounds. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Hydroalcohol extract and fractions ofStachys lavandulifolia vahl: effects on spontaneous motor activity and elevated plus-maze behaviour

The present study aimed to investigate the anxiolytic effects of four fractions of Stachys lavandulifolia Vahl. The aerial parts of the plant were extracted with petroleum ether (PF), ethyl acetate (EF), butanol (BF) and water (AF) and tested for spontaneous motor activity and elevated plus-maze (EPM) behaviour in mice. The hydroalcohol extract (HE) and different fractions of S. lavandulifolia were administered intraperitoneally to male Syrian mice, at various doses, 30 min before the behavioural evaluation. The HE of S. lavandulifolia (at 50 mg/kg) increased the percentage of time spent (39%) and the percentage of arm entries in the open arms (53%). The HE (50 mg/kg), PF (25 and 50 mg/kg), EF (25 and 50 mg/kg) and AF (50 mg/kg) of S. lavandulifolia significantly increased the percentage of time spent and the percentage of arm entries in the open arms. The BF up to a dose of 50 mg/kg had no significant effects on any of the measured parameters in the EPM. The spontaneous locomotor activity was significantly decreased in animals injected with each plant fractions, compared with that of saline. The EF and AF showed the least and the most reduction in the activity, respectively. The anxiolytic effects of EF, PF and AF could be related to their content of flavonoids, phenylpropanoids or terpenoids.

Numerical taxonomy study of Salvia sect. Salvia (Labiatae)

Multivariate analysis was carried out in order to elucidate the taxonomic relationships between Salvia officinalis L., the type species of the genus, and S. fruticosa Mill., both taxa included in section Salvia (Labiatae). Seventy-five different herbarium specimens from all over the Mediterranean Region, belonging to these two taxa, were analysed. Twenty-four specimens belonging to S. lavandulifolia Vahl. s.l., were used as outgroups. Twenty-six morphological characters were measured and a data matrix was constructed prior to multivariate analysis by means of R software. Multiple correspondence analysis was used to obtain a single dendrogram, applying Ward's minimum variance algorithm. This tree was used as a basis to propose a key for the determination of the species and subspecies studied. S. lavandulifolia is separated in two groups, one belonging to S. officinalis and another one representing what was called S. blancoana. Salvia officinalis L. ssp. gallica (W. Lippert) Reales, D. Rivera & Obon and S. officinalis L. ssp. oxyodon (Webb & Heldr.) Reales, D. Rivera & Obon are discussed as new combinations. In addition, a hybrid between S. officinalis and S. fruticosa is identified and its importance in gardening and cultivation is discussed. © 2004 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, 2004, 145, 353–371.

In vitro Cytotoxic Activity of Three Essential Oils from Salvia Species

Essential oils of Salvia officinalis L., S. sclarea L. and S. lavandulifolia Vahl. (Lamiaceae) prepared by hydrodistillation were characterized by GC/MS. The oils were found to possess the following major components: S. officinalis: 1,8-cineole (11.7%), α-thujone (65.5%) and β-thujone (15.4%); S. sclarea: linalool (10.7%) and linalyl acetate (81.1%) and S. lavandulifolia: 1,8-cineole (25.5%), camphor (39.0%) and linalyl acetate (10.2%). These oils were tested for cytotoxic activities on cultures of different human tumor cell lines. Cytotoxic activity was compared to that of the anticancer agent doxorubicin. The oils of S. officinalis and S. lavandulifolia were 100 to 1000 times less active than doxorubicin on all the cell lines. S. sclarea oil showed a strong in vitro activity against cell suspensions in the same range as doxorubicin and was 100 times less active on attached cell cultures.