Lepidium Research Articles

Allelopathic Activity of Canadian Goldenrod (Solidago canadensis L.) Extracts on Seed Germination and Growth of Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) and Garden Pepper Cress (Lepidium sativum L.).

Native to N. America, Canadian goldenrod (Solidago canadensis L.) was introduced to Europe as an ornamental plant and quickly spread here and in other parts of the world. The rapid spread of the plant is due to several reasons: phenotypic plasticity, broad climatic tolerance, propagation via underground rhizomes and seeds that mature in large numbers, etc. Additionally, the success of Canadian goldenrod's invasion is determined by its allelochemicals that affect seed germination, root formation and whole growth of nearby plants. Allelopathy of various extracts and essential oils (EOs) of S. canadensis on seed germination and growth of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) and garden pepper cress (Lepidium sativum L.) was evaluated and compared with other Solidago species (S. virgaurea, S. × niederederi) collected from the same growing locality in Lithuania. Soil characteristics (conductivity, pH and major elements) of the collecting site were determined. Aqueous flower extracts of all studied Solidago species showed the highest inhibitory effect on model plants. Canadian goldenrod leaf water/diethyl ether extract showed highest inhibitory effect in all relative concentrations (1.0; 0.1; 0.01) suppressing growth of L. sativa (from 0 to 2.3 mm compared with 22.7 mm for control samples) and L. sativum (from 0.5 to 16.8 mm compared with 35.3 mm in control). It was noticed that garden pepper cress was more susceptible to Solidago spp. inhibitory effects than lettuce. S. canadensis root EOs comprised mainly of limonene (35.0%) and β-pinene (26.2%) and inflorescence oils containing α-pinene (21.6%), germacrene D (15.1%), limonene (10.2%) and lupenyl acetate (9.8%) exhibited the highest inhibitory effect on lettuce and garden pepper cress growth. Relative germination and vigor index of model plants was conducted. Chemical composition of extracts and EOs was determined by HPLC/DAD/TOF and GC/MS techniques.

Assemblage of Ceutorhynchinae Weevils Associated With Brassicaceae in Quebec (Canada) Agroecosystems.

Ceutorhynchinae Gistel (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) are a highly diverse phytophagous group of weevils in which the most species rich genus, Ceutorhynchus Germar (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), is mainly associated with Brassicaceae. Some Ceutorhynchinae, such as the invasive cabbage seedpod weevil (CSW), Ceutorhynchus obstrictus (Marsham), are important pests of cultivated Brassicaceae, and others are natural enemies of weeds and potential biological control agents. This study aims to characterize Ceutorhynchinae assemblages in canola growing regions of Quebec. Ceutorhynchinae were sampled in areas adjacent to canola fields or other crops in six administrative regions of Quebec during the summers of 2019 and 2020. A total of 25 Ceutorhynchinae species were collected and identified. Canonical analysis and multivariate regression tree analysis revealed that the assemblage of Ceutorhynchinae varied regionally and was either dominated by the invasive canola pest CSW or by the native weevil Ceutorhynchus neglectus Blatchley. Our results also highlighted new biological associations between weevils and Brassicaceae like the CSW with the yellow rocket, Barbarea vulgaris R. Br., native Ceutorhynchus pauxillus Dietz with common pepper grass, Lepidium densiflorum, and native Ceutorhynchus semirufus LeConte with Pennsylvania bittercress, Cardamine pensylvanica Muhl. This study also provides a useful tool to find new biological control agents against Brassicaceae weeds and to monitor the abundance and diversity of this taxon and provide baseline data to assess future impacts of exotic parasitoids of CSW on native weevils.

Physico-chemical changes and maturity evaluation of composts from wood residue mixed with sewage sludge and chicken manure

Purpose Using the effective approaches for modifying the recycled wood as a novel bulky agent improves the quality of soil amendment. This study aimed to compare the stability and maturity of the soil amendments produced by the compostation of forest industrial waste and sewage sludge on seed germination. Method Three materials, namely sawdust, sewage sludge, and chicken manure were mixed at different ratios (dry weight basis) to reach the initial bulk density of 0.40 Kg.L-1, the temperature of 30 °C, the C/N ratio of 25, and the moisture content of 60 %. A pilot-scale composting process was applied to monitor the aeration rate, temperature, and moisture contents during the process over time. The comparison of physico-chemical, phytotoxicity, and germination indices among the samples was performed in three repetitions. Results The results of this study indicated that the sustainable conditions (i.e., the temperature of 70 °C, aeration rate of 0.30 L.Kg-1DM.min-1, and moisture content of 50-60 %) can have a significant effect on the thermophilic stage for compost curing without any inhibitory repercussion. Increasing the germination index of cress (Lepidium sativum) up to 79 % proved that the toxicity of industrial sewage sludge was declined through the elimination of heavy metals. Conclusion This study revealed that the availability of bulky agents such as wood residue can reinforce the microbial activity by continuously decreasing the C/N ratio to the minimum value of 13.2.

Effects of water extracts of Lepidium meyenii walp (maca) growing in two different places in Xinjiang on the maturation and function of dendritic cells

Objective To investigate the effects of water extracts of Lepidium meyenii walp (LMWE) collected from two different places in Xinjiang on the maturation and function of dendritic cells (DCs) and to evaluate their roles in immunoregulation. Methods Water extracts of LMWE growing in Tashikuergan County (Ta xian) and A La gou of Xinjiang were prepared and named as LMWE-T and LMWE-A, respectively. Bone marrow-derived DCs and splenocytes isolated from C57BL/6 mice were treated with different concentrations of polysaccharide extracts from LMWE-T/A. Effects of LMWE-T/A on the percentage and apoptosis of DC, expression of co-stimulatory molecules and secretion of cytokines were detected by flow cytometry and ELISA. MTT assay was used to analyze the proliferation of splenocytes. Changes in the functions of DC were evaluated by mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR). Results LMWE-T/A had no influence on the percentage and viability of DC. Expression of CD40 and CD86, and secretion of TNF-α, IL-12p40 and IFN-γ were significantly increased by LMWE-T/A treatment in a dose-dependent manner. LMWE-T/A treatment enhanced the functions of DCs and also dose-dependently promoted the proliferation of splenocytes. LMWE-A was more effective than LMWE-T in promoting CD86 expression, IFN-γ secretion and splenocyte proliferation. Pretreatment with TAK-242, an inhibitor of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), could significantly inhibit the regulatory effects of LMWE-T/A on CD40 expression and the secretion of TNF-α and IL-12p40. Conclusion This study shows that LMWE could promote the maturation of DC through TLR4 signaling pathway, enhance the functions of DC without side effects on DC survival, and increase the proliferation of splenocytes, indicating that LMWE has a potential immunopotentiating effect. LMWE-A has better effects than LMWE-T on immune enhancement. Key words: Lepidium meyenii walp; Dendritic cell; Co-stimulatory molecule; Cytokines; Immunoregulation

Five New Species ofLepidium(Brassicaceae):L. pabotii(Iran),L. arequipa(Peru), andL. lapazianum,L. linearilobum, andL. stephan-beckii(Bolivia)

The Iranian Lepidium pabotii Al-Shehbaz, Peruvian L. arequipa Al-Shehbaz, and Bolivian L. lapazianum Al-Shehbaz & S. G. Beck, L. linearilobum Al-Shehbaz, and L. stephan-beckii Al-Shehbaz (Brassicaceae) are described and illustrated. Their relationships to nearest relatives and means of distinguishing them are discussed.

Garden cress (Lepidium sativum L.) Seed Oil: Alternative Source for ALA

Garden cress (Lepidium sativum L.) is an edible, herb belonging to Cruciferae family. The seeds of garden cress claimed to possess medicinal properties (galactogogue, diuretic, demulcent, aphrodisiac, carminative and emmenagogue). Garden cress seeds contain 21–24 % oil. Garden cress seed oil(GCO) nutritionally enrich with Alpha‐linolenic acid (30–34%), Antioxidants (Tocopherols‐1799 mg/kg oil, Phenolics‐124 mg GAE/kg of oil) and Phytosterols (14.33 mg/g) and it is also relatively stable oil due to the presence these minor molecules. Despite its great medicinal and nutritional value, garden cress has not received the attention it deserves. The United Nation Organization's. FAO has classified Cress is one of the underutilized or neglected crop among age old crops. If these neglected crops not paid attention, they may be extinct near future.The present study was part of Ph.D. thesis, the objective of thesis was aimed to explore & utilize the garden cress seed oil as a new source of health oil. Garden cress oil extracted from seeds and charterized for physicochemical properties, toxicants, safety and nutritional evaluations. It is also demonstrated utilization of GCO by using edible oil blending and microencapsulation technologies for successful application in foods system.Our research findings show that GCO is free from of any unusual fatty acid, it has good natural antioxidants with potential radical scavenging activity. Rats fed with GCO observed there are no significant changes in food intake, body weight gain, organ weights, clinical enzymes, histological changes in vital organs. GCO significantly modulated fatty acid and lipid profile. ALA from GCO and its blended oil was well absorbed, accumulated and metabolized to LCPUFAs (n‐6/n‐3 PUFA ratio of 2.3 to 2.6. and in native oils 50.2–157). By feeding rats with GCO significantly increased the tocopherols levels (12.2–21.6 %) and activity of antioxidant enzymes, and also significantly lowered platelet aggregation by increasing n‐3 PUFA levels in platelets and decreasing proaggregatroy prostaglandin thromboxane and prostacyclin.GCO was microencapsuled with Whey protein by using spray drying technique. Microencapsulation offered good oxidative protection during storage and also during baking, when GCO microcapsules incorporated in the cookies. These studies clearly indicated that GCO has potential qualities to become alternative source of omega‐3 PUFA for vegetarians. Some of the above findings were published food & nutrition journals, unpublished data will be discussed during the conference.

FIRST REPORT OF PLEOSPORA TARDA CAUSING LEAF SPOT OF LEPIDIUM DRABA IN IRAN

Since 2009, leaf spot symptoms were observed on Lepidium draba (whitetop) an invasive weed collected in wheat plots (Triticum sp.) in the Hamadan Province of Iran. Typical symptoms included chlorosis of the basal leaves with black discrete ascomata protruding from the leaf surface. Colonies of a fungus recovered from diseases leaves were brown to olivaceous with a white aerial mycelium in the center. Since the morphological characters of this mycete were consistent with the description of Pleospora tarda (Simmons, 1985), its identification was confirmed by amplifying and sequencing the internal transcribed spacer region (ITS) of a representative isolate (GenBank accession No. KC660992). To fulfill Koch’s postulates, a spore suspension (105 ascospores/ml) of the fungus was sprayed onto leaves of whitetop seedlings at the 4-6 leaf stage. Inoculated seedlings were maintained in a growth chamber at 25°C, with more than 75% relative humidity and a 12 h light photoperiod. Inoculated plants showed symptoms like those observed in the field 14 days post inoculation. P. tarda was reisolated from inoculated plants and a culture was deposited in the Iranian Research Institute of Plant Protection with the accession code IRAN 2184C. To our knowledge, this is the first report of P. tarda infecting whitetop in Iran and in the world.

DETECTION OF TURNIP MOSAIC VIRUS INFECTING MACA IN YUNNAN, SOUTHWEST OF CHINA

Maca (Lepidium meyenii), also known as Peruvian gin- seng, is a herbaceous biennial plant of the crucifer family native to the high Andes. During a survey in November 2014, maca plants showing dwarfing and thickening of the main leaf veins, were observed in Huize county of Yunnan province (Southwest China). The incidence of symptomatic plants was approximately 50% and aphids were observed in the fields. Two symptomatic plants were collected and tested for the presence of viruses. Flexuous filamentous particles 700-750 nm in length were observed with the electron microscope in leaf dips suggesting the presence of an aphid-transmitted potyvirus. To investigate this hy- pothesis, total RNA was extracted using TRIzol reagent (Invitrogen, USA) and tested by RT-PCR (Chen et al., 2001). The first strand cDNA synthesis was conducted using Po- tyviridae universal primer M4-T (5’-GTTTTCCCAGT- CACGACTTTTTTTTTTTTTT-3’), and PCR was done with primers M4 (5’-GTTTTCCCAGTCACGAC-3’) and S (5’-GG(A/G/C/T)AA(C/T)AA(C/T)AG(C/T)GG(A/G/ C/T)CA(A/G)CC-3’). An amplicon of approximately 1.7 kb was obtained from both diseased samples, indicating the presence of a potyvirus. The RT-PCR products were cloned into pGEM-T Easy vector (Promega, USA) and sequenced. Sequences of 1,689 bp of two isolates were identical and shared 100% nucleotide sequence identity with an isolate of Turnip mosaic virus (TuMV) from China (CHN12) (Gen- Bank accession No. AY090660). The sequence of this maca isolate (TuMV-maca) was deposited in GenBank as accession number KP637171. To our knowledge, this is the first report of TuMV infecting maca.

Taxonomic remarks on some Asian Lepidium s. l. (Brassicaceae)

Taxonomy of some Central, Middle and South West Asian representatives of Lepidium s. l. is revised and updated. Poorly known taxon, L. rubtzovii, is shown to be unrelated to L. coronopifolium s. l., but close to L. lacerum. Three new combinations (L. lacerum subsp. rubtzovii, L. leventii, and L. macrocarpum) are proposed. The names L. deserti, L. persicum subsp. arianum and L. seravschanicum, and Stroganowia kazachstanica are newly recognized as synonyms of L. obtusum, L. ferganense, and L. cardiophyllum, respectively. For L. ferganense and L. macrocarpum, lectotypes are designated. Besides, L. lacerum subsp. rubtzovii is reported for the first time for China (instead of subsp. lacerum), L. leventii for Iran, L. macrocarpum for Tajikistan, and L. obtusum for Afghanistan. In contrast, occurrence of L. lacerum in Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan is considered doubtful.

Effect of Xanthan and Lepidium perfoliatum seed gums on quality and shelf-life of chiffon cake

در این تحقیق، اثر صمغ های زانتان و قدومه شهری (1/0، 2/0 و 3/0 درصد) بر کیفیت و ماندگاری کیک شیفون بررسی شد. بدین منظور، چگالی، ویسکوزیته ظاهری خمیرآبه و حجم، حجم مخصوص، رطوبت، ویژگی‌های حسی و بافتی و رنگ پوسته و مغز کیک مورد ارزیابی قرار گرفت. جهت بررسی اثر صمغ‌ها بر ماندگاری، تمام کیک‌ها تا 6 روز نگهداری شدند. نتایج نشان داد، هر دو صمغ باعث بهبود ویژگی‌های کیک شیفون در روز تولید و طی زمان نگهداری گشتند. استفاده از 1/0 درصد صمغ زانتان باعث افزایش حجم و پیوستگی، کاهش سفتی و افت رطوبت طی نگهداری گردید.

ASSESSMENT OF GARDENING GROWING MEDIA SUPPRESSIVENESS AGAINST RHIZOCTONIA DAMPING-OFF DISEASE

In the present study the suppressive capability was assessed of four commercial peat- based growing media against Rhizoctonia solani on Lepidium sativum. For all organic media, 12 parameters were measured including phytotoxicity, enzymatic activities (glucanase, N- acetylglucosaminidase, chitobiosidase, endochitinase and hydrolysis of fluorescein diacetate), microbiological (culturable bacteria, pseudomonads and fungi) and chemical features (pH, EC and total protein). Three out of all media showed a significant disease suppression, while one was very conducive to disease development. Autoclaving growing media largely decreased or eliminated disease suppressiveness, suggesting that microbes play a vital role. In vitro tests showed a reduction in pathogen suppression when filter-sterilized extracts from the growing media were used. Moreover, disease suppressiveness were positively correlated with EC, supporting the hypothesis of a possible role of physical, other than biological factors, in R. solani control. Our results demonstrate that some peat-based growing media could be useful for the control of soil-borne pathogens.

اثر کودهای آلی بر خصوصیات کمی و کیفی گیاهان دارویی اسفرزه (Forssk. Plantago ovata)، قدومه شیرازی (L. homolocarpum (Alyssum، قدومه شهری (L. Lepidium perfoilatum) و تخم شربتی(Lalementia iberica L.)

این آزمایش با هدف بررسی اثرات کودهای آلی بر خصوصیات کمی و کیفی گیاهان دارویی اسفرزه (.Forssk Plantago ovata)، قدومه شهری (.L Lepidium Perfoilatum)، قدومه شیرازی (Alyssum homolocarpum L.) و تخم شربتی (.L Lalementia iberica) در مزرعه دانشکده کشاورزی دانشگاه فردوسی مشهد در سال زراعی 89-1388بصورت اسپلیت پلات در قالب طرح بلوک های کامل تصادفی در سه تکرار اجرا شد. فاکتور اصلی شامل انواع کودهای آلی کود گاوی، ورمی‌کمپوست، کمپوست قهوه و کمپوست قارچ و فاکتور فرعی شامل چهار گونه دارویی اسفرزه، قدومه شهری، قدومه شیرازی و بارهنگ بود. تأثیر کودهای آلی مختلف روی گیاهان مورد آزمایش از نظر کلیه صفات مورد مطالعه بجز وزن هزاردانه معنی دار بود. اثر متقابل نوع گیاه و نوع کود آلی فقط برای صفت وزن خشک اندام های هوایی معنی‌دار شد. در بین گیاهان دارویی مورد بررسی، تخم شربتی بطور متوسط از نظر میزان موسیلاژ (75/27 درصد) نسبت به قدومه شیرازی (16 درصد)، اسفرزه (92/15) و قدومه شهری (92/15 درصد) بیشترین میزان را داشت. در بین کودهای آلی، استفاده از نوع کود گاوی کاملا پوسیده با تولید 1816 کیلوگرم در هکتار ماده خشک، عملکرد بذر 5/467 کیلوگرم در هکتار، تعداد 550 بذر در گیاه، ارتفاع گیاه 17/32 سانتی‌متر و میزان موسیلاژ 75/20 درصد، بیشترین مقادیر را به خود اختصاص داد.

Minerals, proximate composition and their correlations of medicinal plants from Jordan

Ten medicinal plants (Corianderum sativum, Hibiscus sabdariffa, Lepidium sativum, Nigella sativa L., Petroselinum crispum, Salvia officinalis, Saponaria officinalis, Thymus capitatus,Origanum majorana, Trigonella foenum–graecum) were subjected to proximate and mineral analysis. Results showed that chemical composition of the investigated medicinal plants varied significantly. Protein (5.4 %) in T. foenum –graecum, fat (43.8%) in N. sativa, fiber (48.6%) in L. sativum and carbohydrates (65%) in H. sabdariffa. The highest ash content (17.5%) was found in P. crispum. Dry matter content ranged between 82.2 (P. crispum)and 97.2% (N. sativa). Mineral content found to vary significantly. Appreciable amounts of Ca, K, Na, Mg and P were found, whereas Fe, Cu, Mn and Zn found in trace amounts in all plants. The correlation values were positively significant between fat and Zn (r = 0.56), dry matter and Fe (r = 0.58). High significant correlations were also found between crude protein and fat (r = 0.40), dry matter and fiber (r = 0.48) and ash and carbohydrates (r = 0.47). Key words: Composition, minerals, medicinal plants.

An approach to standardize Lepidium meyenii (Maca) extracts by evaluating macamide content with an LC-MS/MS method

The pentane extract of the plant Lepidium meyenii (Maca) has been shown to possess an interesting array of pharmacological activities. Responsible active constituents are the macamides, fatty acid ...

Yield and quality of garden cress affected by different nitrogen sources and growing period

The effects of different months of the year and nitrogen sources on garden cress (Lepidium sativum L.) yield, quality and nitrate accumulation were investigated during the years 2002 and 2003. In both years, seeds were sown on the first days of September, October, November, January, February and March. Three different nitrogen sources were used: Farmyard (cattle) manure (100 ton·ha-1), Ca(NO3)2-15.5% N (150 kg N·ha-1) and (NH4)2SO4)-21% N (150 kg N·ha-1). Yield, leaf color, dry matter, vitamin C, total glucosinolate content and nitrate accumulation were assessed. No interaction between sowing date and nitrogen form was observed for any of the assessed parameters. Growing period affected all parameters significantly. Plants obtained from January and February sowings resulted in better yield, leaf color, dry matter and vitamin C content. But the nitrate contents also increased. Highest total glucosinolate content was observed during the warmer months. Nitrate nitrogen application increased yield, leaf greenness, vitamin C and nitrate content while farmyard manure application raised dry matter and total glucosinolate contents. Nitrate content of the garden cress plants did not exceed 391 mg kg-1 fresh weight, which is below the accepted daily intake of 3.7 mg nitrate per kg-1 bodyweight set by European Commission’s Scientific Committee on Food. Key words: Lepidium sativum L., farmyard manure, nitrate, glucosinolate, vitamin C.

The interrelation between natural enemies of the invasive plant Lepidium draba L., established in a natural pasture in Eastern Romania.

Lepidium draba L. (family Brasicaceae), originally from Europe, is a problematic plant in many agricultural ecosystems in Romania. A literature survey revealed that 196 phytophagous organisms are associated with L. draba, and 80 of them were found during field surveys. In Romania Ceutorhynchus cardariae, Psylliodes wrasei, and Aceria drabae are the most promising biological agents available for controlling L. draba. Observations were made in natural pastures by the Department of Iassy in eastern Romania in 2008. The most common invasive species were Xanthium italicum, Xanthium spinosum, Elaeagnus angustifolia, L. draba, Euphorbia cyparissias, and Verbascum phlomoides, which dramatically decrease ecosystem productivity. Here we present results obtained based on field test-plant relationship phytophagy between L. draba L. and P. wrasei Leonardi and Arnold. We studied plants of the Brasicaceae family: L. draba, L. crenatum, Armoracia rusticana, and Barbarea orthoceras. Test plots comprised four L. draba planted 5 cm apart, with two test plants (L. draba, L. crenatum, B. orthoceras, or A. rusticana) planted at one of three planting distances (30 cm, 15 cm, and 5 cm) on each side of the central plants. Each planting distance variant was repeated four times, and for each variant all observations were made on 16 central L. draba plants and 8 of each test plant: L. draba, L. crenatum, B. orthoceras and A. rusticana. A total of 144 plants was studied: 48 central L. draba plants and 96 of each test species. These results do not contradict previous evidence that oligophagous species P. wrasei controls the L. draba. P. wrasei is also a potential biologic control agent for B. orthoceras (American yellowrocket), which is native to North America, including much of Canada and the western United States, as well as parts of Asia.

Some important herbs of India Iranian origin in mother and child health care

Even in the 21st century when the modern medicine has made tremendous progress in development of promptly acting medicines and precise diagnostic equipments the total health is still a challenge to medical science. Since many decades the utility of the Traditional Medicines/Wholistic medicine throughout the world has been felt immensely and the World Health Organization have also accepted the viable use of various traditional medicinal like Chinese System of Medicine, Ayurveda, Unani System of medicine in health care. The Unani System of medicine which is a synthesis of Egyptian, Middle East, Iranian and Indian Medicines is providing the safe and effective treatment in the various common and complex diseases in this sub-continent since hundred of years. Among the hundred of plants which are used in Unani System of Medicine number of them are commonly grow in Iran and are useful in the Health care of the mother and child e.g. Banafsha: Viola odorata. It is a perennial herb, grows commonly in Iran and India. Its flowers are effective in coryza, cough, reduce the congestion and inflammation of the respiratory tract and it is safe in children and even in pregnant mother. Kasni or Cichory Cichoruim Intybus: It is a perennial herb. It is a good diuretic, antipyretic, and analgesic and protects the liver from various indoginous and exoginous toxins. Aslussos or Liquorice or Sheren Byan (Glycyrrhiza glabra Linn): It is a perennial herb. Its rhizome is expectorant, demulcent, anti-inflammatory and is commonly used for cough and catarrhal infections. In recent studies, it has also found useful in peptic ulcers. Kaknaj or winter cherries (Physalis al kekengi linn): It is a perennial herb with creeping roots. Its fruits are good diuretic and useful in urinary tract infections in females and children. Carvy or Zera (Carum carvi Linn): A biennial herb of high altitude growth in Iran and India. It is aromatic, Carminative, good glactagogue and emmenagogue and is also useful in intermittent fevers and intestinal worms. Sad Kafi or Motha ! (Cyperus rotundus Linn): It is a perennial herb. Tuber roots are used. It is a good diaphoretic, diuretic, emmenagogue and glactogogue. It is also useful in anorexia and diarrhea in children. Satar Farsi (Zataria multiflore Boiss): It is also a perennial herb, best quality is from Iran, its leaves are aromatic. This is a good carminative, anti-tussive, anti-flatulence and is also useful in hiccup and early stages of asthma. Fennel or Razyana (Foeiculum vulgare): It is also a perennial herb. Its fruits are carminative, anti-flatulence, and safe in children and pregnant mothers and may protect them from Iodine Deficiency as it contains iodine. Rehan or Shahasfarm (Ocimium sanctum Linn): It is an aromatic perennial herb. Its leaves and seeds are used as antipyretic, anti-bacterial, carminative, cardio-tonic and expectorant. It is also good in cold and coryza. Ode Saleeb (Paeonia officinalis Linn or Paeonia femina Linn): It is a perennial herb. Its roots/Tuber is used. It is a good diuretic, emmenagogue, antispasmodic and sedative and nervine tonic. It is useful in Epilepsy, Hysteria and Paralysis etc. Injeer or Teen (Ficus carica Linn): This is commonly grown in Turkey, Middle East, Iran and Afghanistan etc. Its fruits are used which are tasty. This is good laxative, diuretic. Due to its good nutrient property it is useful for general debility of both women and children. Toodri (Lepidium iperis Linn): This is a perennial herb commonly grown in Iran and India. It is a good glactogogue and improves the general health during lactation. Satawar (Asparagus racemosus wild): The root/Tuber of the plant is used. It is a carminative and a good appetizer, useful in diarrhea and dysentery. It is a general tonic and acts as glactogogue. The information on the above and other common plants will be discussed in detail at the time of presentation.

The plasticity of phenotypic integration in response to light and water availability in the pepper grass, Lepidium bonariense

Organisms that live in a heterogeneous environment face a number of important challenges. On one hand, they require the flexibility to respond to environmental conditions and change their phenotype accordingly. On the other, they are required to be robust in their overall body plan to ensure an integrated, functional organism. Here, we examine the relationship between phenotypic plasticity and integration in the common peppergrass, Lepidium bonariense, by examining the multivariate response of a series of functional traits to a combination of light and water treatments. Lepidium bonariense displayed considerable variation in phenotype in response to water and light availability with the extraction of the first two principal components retaining 85% of the total variation in our data set. Principal component 1 (PC1) largely reflects the negative genetic correlation between specific leaf area and overall plant size, whereas PC2 was typical of a shade-avoidance syndrome displayed by many species of vascular plants. Both PC1 and PC2 exhibited considerable variation among genotypes in phenotypic plasticity in response to the combined effect of light and water availability. Despite complex plasticity in this species, we demonstrate that variation in light and water availability did not significantly influence patterns of functional trait integration, with the genetic variance–covariance matrix remaining stable across environments.

Utilization of sewage sludge from acid casein production for soil fertilization

Abstract Organic biodegradable waste composes a fair part of farm and vital activity waste. The disposal of this waste in municipal waste landfills pollutes the environment and soil. Therefore, the European Union and other countries look for alternatives to manage biodegraded waste. This paper seeks to analyse the properties of sludge that forms in the sewage treatment plants of the acid casein production, examines experience in managing and applying sludge. The results of an experiment show that sewage sludge from the acid casein production is suitable as a soil fertilizer for growing lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) and garden cress (Lepidium sativum L.). After soil was fertilized with this sludge, the germination of lettuce and garden cress as well as the biomass of experimental alimentary plants increased. A suitable ratio of soil and sludge mixture was determined (for lettuce ‐ 1:1, for garden cress ‐ 3:1). Potassium sulphate which was added to a soil‐sludge mixture improved the values of fertility parame...

Phenolic compounds from Lepidium sativum

Lepidium sativum L. (Brassicaceae), garden cress or pepper grass, is the source of valuable biologically active compounds [1]. It is used in folk medicine for cancer, uterine tumors, polyps, and other neoplasms. It is used in medicine as the alcoholic tincture, which possesses sedative and anticonvulsive activity [2]. Herein we communicate results from investigations of phenolic compounds isolated from L. sativum seeds grown in culture by us. Ground air-dried raw material (seeds, 1.0 g) was extracted successively with hexane, CCl4, and CHCl3 (20 mL each), discarding the produced extracts. Then, the remaining raw material was extracted with boiling ethanol (70%) for 1 h. The extract was cooled, filtered through paper into a volumetric flask (100-mL), and adjusted to the mark with ethanol (70%). The resulting extract (2 mL) was placed into a volumetric flask (25-mL) and adjusted with the same solvent to the mark (stock solution). A series of reference solutions in ethanol (70%) was prepared in parallel. These included rutin, quercetin, luteolin, luteolin-7-glycoside, hyperoside, hesperidin, apigenin, vicenin, vitexin, 4-hydroxycoumarin, scopoletin, robinin, dicoumarin, coumarin, umbelliferone, dihydroquercetin, catechin, orientin, and gallic, chlorogenic, neochlorogenic, cinnamic, caffeic, ferulic, salicylic, and ellagic acids. The stock and reference solutions (20 μL) were injected into a chromatograph. The qualitative composition of the phenolic compounds from L. sativum seeds was studied on a Gilston Model 305 (France) high-performance liquid chromatograph (HPLC) with a Rheodyne 7125 (USA) manual injector with subsequent computer processing of the results using the program Multichrom for Windows. The mobile phase was CH3OH:H2O:H3PO4 (400:600:5). The analysis was performed at room temperature. The eluent flow rate was 0.5 mL/min; analysis time, 120 min. Detection used a Gilston Model 151 UV/Vis UV detector operating at 254 nm. A total of 12 compounds was isolated by the HPLC analysis of L. sativum seeds. Of these, gallic acid (9.44%, content in the isolated mixture by internal normalization method), chlorogenic acid (14.77%), ferulic acid (5.63%), neochlorogenic acid (2.22%), luteolin-7-glycoside (14.67%), dihydroquercetin (4.37%), and quercetin (3.15%) were identified. Quantitative analysis of phenolic compounds from L. sativum seeds was based on the UV absorption spectra of this group of compounds. The absorption spectra were defined using the extract (70% ethanol) of seeds and a Helios (USA) selfrecording spectrophotometer in the wavelength range 210-400 nm. According to preliminary results on the identification by HPLC of phenolic compounds from L. sativum seeds, chlorogenic acid was the predominant component. Therefore, the absorption spectrum of chlorogenic acid in ethanol (70%) was recorded in parallel as a working standard in the same wavelength range. Absorption spectra of the studied solution and the chlorogenic acid solution had a common absorption maximum at 329 ± 2 nm. This enabled us to calculate the total phenolic compounds in L. sativum seeds using chlorogenic acid as a working standard. The studied solution was prepared by the method given above (weight 1.0 g). The working standard (chlorogenic acid, 0.02 g) was placed in a volumetric flask (50-mL), treated with ethanol (70%, 30 mL), stirred until dissolved, and adjusted to the mark (solution A). Solution A (1 mL) was placed in a volumetric flask (50-mL) and adjusted with the same solvent to the mark (working standard). The optical density of the resulting solutions was measured at 329 nm relative to ethanol (70%). The contents of total phenolic compounds calculated as chlorogenic acid in L. sativum seeds was 0.85%.