Lycium Europaeum Research Articles

Distinguishing features of Lycium L. species (family Solanaceae) distributed in Egypt based on their anatomical, metabolic, molecular, and ecological characteristics.

Among the 70-80 species of the genus Lycium (family Solanaceae) disjunctly distributed around the world, only three are frequently distributed in different locations in Egypt. Due to the morphological similarities between these three species, there is a need for alternative tools to distinguish them. Thus, the objective of this study was to revise the taxonomic features of Lycium europaeum L., Lycium shawii Roem. & Schult., and Lycium schweinfurthii var. aschersonii (Dammer) Feinbrun in consideration of their anatomical, metabolic, molecular, and ecological characteristics. In addition to analysis of their anatomical and ecological features, DNA barcoding was performed for molecular characterization through internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequencing and start codon targeted (SCoT) markers. Furthermore, metabolic profiling of the studied species was conducted based on gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The observed anatomical features of the adaxial and abaxial epidermal layers, type of mesophyll, crystals, number of palisade and spongy layers, and the vascular system showed variations between the studied species. Beyond this, the anatomy of the leaves showed an isobilateral structure in the studied species, without distinct differences. Species were molecularly identified in terms of ITS sequences and SCoT markers. The ITS sequences were deposited in GenBank with accession numbers ON149839.1, OP597546.1, and ON521125.1 for L. europaeum L., L. shawii, and L. schweinfurthii var. aschersonii, respectively. The sequences showed variations in GC content between the studied species; this was 63.6% in L. europaeum, 61.53% in L. shawii, and 63.55% in L. schweinfurthii var. aschersonii. A total of 62 amplified fragments, including 44 polymorphic fragments with a ratio of 70.97%, were obtained in the SCoT analysis, as well as unique amplicons in L. europaeum L., shawii, and L. schweinfurthii var. aschersonii of 5, 11, and 4 fragments, respectively. Through GC-MS profiling, 38 compounds were identified with clear fluctuations in the extracts of each species. Of these, 23 were distinguishing chemicals that could help in chemical identification of the extracts of the studied species. The present study succeeds in identifying alternative clear and diverse characteristics that can be used to distinguish between L. europaeum, L. shawii, and L. schweinfurthii var. aschersonii.

Review of medicinal plant associated with antihyper-lipidermia

Hyperlipidemia is a common disease around the world which has affected both developed and developing countries, in this disease blood level of lipids is elevated more than normal range. Elevated lipids levels (cholesterol, fats, and triglyceride) predispose the patient to various serious and sometimes lethal complications such as cardiovascular disease, cerebral strokes, hepatic and renal dysfunction. This review emphasizes on some plants (extracts) having anti-cholesterol actions, including; Glycyrrhiza glabra,Legenaria siceraria,Medicago sativa,Curcuma longa,Syzygium cerasoideum, Leptopus Cordifolius Decne, Piper longum, Moringa oleifera, Zingiber officinale, Trigonella foenum-graecum, Carum carvi, Carica papaya, Gloriosa superba, Ficus religiosa, Eleucine coracana, Lycium europaeum and Hibiscus sabdariffa for anti-hyperlipidemic potential. increase in the levels of these lipoproteins like, triglycerides (TG), Total cholesterol (TC), Very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL)includes some mechanisms of actions of these medicinal plants observed in triton-x, cholesterol, high fat diet, Poloxamer-407, Dexamethasone and alloxan-induced in-vivo and in-vitro models. Additionally, this review gives proof to the fact that these medicinal plants can be used for the management and prophylaxis of hyperlipidermia, thus reducing complications associated with hyperlipidermia.

Phytochemical analysis, antioxidant, anticancer and anti-inflammatory activities of Lycium europaeum fruits

ABSTRACT Lycium europaeum is used as a medicinal herb in many countries. In this study, cyclohexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, methanol and water were used as solvents in the extraction of L. europaeum fruits. The contents of total phenolics, total flavonoids, total tannins and condensed tannins as well as the biological activities of these extracts were investigated using various in vitro and ex vivo assays. Results showed that all solvent extracts of L. europaeum had no anticancer activity against cancerous (A-549 and DLD-1) and non-cancerous (WS-1) human cells. Methanol and ethyl acetate were the most effective solvent for extraction of phenolic compounds and also exhibited the highest antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. The methanol extract of L. europaeum fruits was the richest in phenolic compounds with the predominance of ferulic acid, catechin and narengin. These results supported the use of L. europaeum fruit as natural source of bioactive compound for pharmaceutical applications.

In vitro Antioxidant and Enzyme Inhibitory Properties and Phenolic Contents of Crude Extracts and Fractions from Different Organs of the HalophyteLycium europaeum L

Background: Lycium europaeum L. is a medicinal and edible Mediterranean halophyte spiny shrub. However, studies regarding its biological properties focused mainly on its aerial organs. Objective: The objective of the present work was to make a comparative evaluation of the in vitro antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory activities of ethanol extracts and fractions (chloroform, ethyl acetate, n-butanol and aqueous) from roots and leaves of L. europaeum, along with its total phenolic, flavonoid and tannin contents. Methods: The antioxidant activity was evaluated by the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2’-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid (ABTS), superoxide radical, β-carotene bleaching, cupric reducing and ferric reducing activity methods Results: The n-butanol fraction from roots had the highest antioxidant activity in all the assays, and was also the most active against acetylcholinesterase, butyrylcholinesterase and urease (IC50 values of 92.63, 118.26 and 135.60 μgmL-1, respectively). This fraction showed a high level of total phenolic, flavonoid and tannin contents. Conclusion: The results suggest L. europaeum, especially its roots, as a candidate to be further explored as a source of bioactive products.

Chemical Composition and Digestibility of Preferred Forage Species by Lactating Somali Camels in Kenya

Climate change has increased the frequency and severity of frequent drought in the Kenya arid and semiarid lands with resultant fodder and water shortages. In order to adapt to these longer and less predictable droughts, keeping of camels has been adopted as a coping strategy in grappling with the vagaries of climate change. Camels are both grazers and browsers of a broad spectrum of preferred forages whose nutrient composition is not well documented. The objective of this study was to identify and determine the chemical composition of forage species mostly preferred by lactating Somali camels in Laikipia County, Kenya. Lactating Somali camels and their calves were monitored while browsing and grazing in the rangelands during the wet and dry seasons from August to November 2019. The forage species were ranked on the basis of bite count. The most browsed forages identified through observation were sampled, identified by the local and scientific names, and analyzed for proximate composition, detergent fiber fractions, and in vitro dry matter digestibility. The most browsed forage species were Acacia nubica (22.6%), Acacia seyal (47.3%), Cucumis aculeatus (7.2%), Euclea divinorum (11.1%), Hibiscus parrifolia (11.9%) during the wet season and Barleria acanthoides (22.9%), Balanites aegyptiaca (15.5%), Cynodon dactylon (11.7%), Lycium europaeum (32%), and Pollichia campestris (17.8%) during the dry season. Shrubs constituted 60%, trees 30%, and grasses 10% of the most preferred forage species. The preferred browsed and grazed species had a range of 7.1% ± 0.4% to 25.7% ± 1.2% crude protein on a dry matter basis, 29.1% ± 2.7% to 74.0% ± 7% for neutral detergent fiber concentrations, and 43.4% ± 0.2% to 81.6% ± 0.3% for in vitro dry matter digestibility. The study indicates that trees and shrubs with high crude protein and low neutral detergent fiber concentrations were more preferred, indicating that forage nutritive value affected the forage preference by the camels.

In vivo Cardioprotective Effect of a Polysaccharide from Lycium europaeum on Cisplatin-induced Heart Injury in Mice

In this study, we aimed to investigate the possible cardioprotective effect of a water-soluble polysaccharide (LEP) from the leaves of Lycium europaeum against cisplatin (CP)-induced heart injury in mice model. Mice (31 ± 2 g) were divided into four groups (n=6) as follows: Group (1) control, Group (2) LEP alone (100 mg/kg, p.o.), Group (3) CP (10 mg/kg, i.p.), Group (4) LEP + CP and Group (5) Atorvastatin, 10 mg/kg) + CP. To assess the efficacy of LEP treatment against CP-induced cardiotoxicity, lipid peroxidation, biochemical parameters and histopathological examinations were conducted. CP administration induced severe heart injuries and elevated lipid peroxidation levels. However, LEP pretreatment reduced cardiovascular diseases, which has been evinced by amelioration in parameters such as triglyceride, total cholesterol, lactate dehydrogenase, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol. In addition, cardiac indexes, atherogenic indexes, and coronary artery indexes were significantly improved in Group (4) when compared to CP intoxicated animals. Moreover, LEP administration to CP-treated mice obviously mitigated the malondialdehyde level when compared to Group (3). The histopathological observations also demonstrated that LEP pretreatment significantly restored the damage induced by CP. These results advised that LEP improved myocardial injury and could be recommended as a potential candidate for the development of new cardioprotective agents.

Alkaloids and sesquiterpenes from roots and leaves of Lycium europaeum L. (Solanaceae) with antioxidant and anti-acetylcholinesterase activities

Lycium europaeum L. is a spiny shrub of the Solanaceae family, known in Algeria as ‘Awsaj’ and used as food and herbal remedy. The phytochemical investigation of the alkaloid extract of roots and leaves led to the isolation and characterisation of one alkaloid (harmine (3)) and four sesquiterpenes (C-1′ epimer of (2 R,5S,10R)-2-(1′,2′-dihydroxy-1′-methylethyl)-6,10-dimethylspiro[4,5]dec-6-en-8-one (1), C-1′ epimer of 2-(1′,2′-di-hydroxy-1′-methylethyl)-6,10-dimethylspiro[4,5]dec-6,9-dien-8-one (2), (+)-dehydrovomifoliol (4), vomifoliol (5)). Their structures were elucidated using NMR and MS spectroscopic data. The isolated compounds were characterised for the first time from the genus Lycium. All isolated compounds have shown antioxidant and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory activities in the bioautography assays. The ethanolic and alkaloid extracts of roots and leaves were also tested, and, particularly, the alkaloid extracts were the most active ones as antioxidant and AChE inhibitors.

Does Lycium europaeum leaf have antihyperglycemic, antihyperlipidemic and antioxidant effects

The purpose of the present investigation is to assess, for the first time, the antidiabetic, antihyperlipidemic and antioxidant activities of Lycium europaeum extract in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Diabetes was induced in adult male Wistar rats via a single subcutaneous alloxan injection (120 mg/kg). Lycium europaeum aqueous extract was orally administered at a dose of 20 mg/kg for 28 consecutive days. Serum concentrations of total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and triglycerides (TG) were assayed at the end of the experimental period in all investigated groups. Antioxidant enzymes such as glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were sought in the serum and pancreas. Lycium europaeum extract significantly increased HDL-C and reduced blood glucose, TC, LDL-C and TG as compared to the alloxan-control group. Lycium europaeum extract was also efficient in reducing oxidative stress in diabetic rats by increasing SOD, CAT and GPx activities both in the pancreas and the plasma of the animals. Moreover, Lycium europaeum extract contained considerable levels of polyphenols and flavonoids. It also exhibited an important antioxidant capacity and a remarkable ability to quench DPPH radicals and reduce irons. The obtained results highlight potentially relevant health beneficial effects of Lycium europaeum extract, reversing hyperglycemic, hyperlipidemic and oxidative stress effects in rats with alloxan-induced diabetes. Therefore, it may be considered as a promising alternative or complementary agent to diabetes treatment.

Vascular plants census linked to the biodeterioration process of the Portuguese city of Mazagan in El Jadida, Morocco

Built in the early XVIth century, Mazagan is one of the first fortifications constructed in North Africa by Portuguese explorers on their way to India. Among the factors of degradation facing the Portuguese city, we were particularly interested in the action of plants that develop there. The objective of our study is to establish a list of plant species that develop on materials and to analyze the potential effects of that vegetation on substrate and thus on monument deterioration. We carried out a systematic sampling in Mazagan. After sampling and identification of plants, we established a list of 57 species belonging to 25 families and 54 genera. The Asteraceae family is the richest in species. The therophytes are the most represented in Mazagan with a proportion of nearly 53% followed by Hemicryptophytes that contain nearly 26% of the listed species. These two biological types may have a fasciculated or pivotal rooting that sinks into the substrate leading to its crumbling. Other biological types such as phanerophytes, chamaephytes and geophytes are no less harmful even if they are represented only in a small proportion: their generally pivoting roots destroy the substrate more quickly. The study site is colonized mainly by spontaneous plants, which represent nearly 81%. Naturalized plants like Lycium europaeum have become so invasive that they even settle on the side of walls. Maintenance measures must be undertaken in the city to control the spread of such destructive vegetation.

Lycium europaeum Linn as a source of polysaccharide with in vitro antioxidant activities and in vivo anti-inflammatory and hepato-nephroprotective potentials

Ethnopharmacological relevanceLycium europaeum Linn. is widely used to treat the burning of the skin and well-known as a medicinal plant having various biological activities. Aims of the studyThe purpose of the present study is to characterize the polysaccharide from L. europaeum L. leaves (LEP) and to explore its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and hepato-nephroprotective properties. Materials and methodsThe structural and functional characteristics of LEP were investigated using X-ray diffraction techniques (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and FT-IR Spectroscopy. The antioxidant activity was evaluated using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl and hydrogen peroxide scavenging assays. Hepato-renal effects were studied using CCl4 and cisplatin-induced liver and kidney injuries in mice, respectively. Anti-inflammatory activity was assessed on carrageenan-induced paw edema. ResultsThe LEP showed an interesting water-holding capacity and effective foaming and emulsifying properties. XRD analysis suggested that LEP form a semi-crystalline polymer with an amorphous structure. FT-IR profile showed the presence of pyranose ring in LEP. SEM and helix-coil transition analyses indicated that LEP had a lamellar structure with angular edges and didn't present a triple helical conformation in solution. In vitro, LEP indicated significant concentration-dependent antioxidant activity. In vivo, LEP treatment significantly reduced the effects of CCl4 intoxication on serum liver biomarkers (AST, ALT, LDH, and GGT) and the effect of cisplatin on serum renal biomarkers (urea, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, and uric acid). Meanwhile, LEP diminishes significantly the effect of CCl4 and cisplatin on the level of lipid peroxidation in liver and kidney tissues, respectively. Additionally, the normal histological structure of liver and kidney was restored after treatment with the polysaccharide. LEP possessed a significant anti-inflammatory activity on acute inflammation induced by carrageenan in mice. ConclusionOverall, the findings of this study support the traditional use of L. europaeum L. This plant may also be used as a good agent for protection against inflammatory diseases and hepato-renal injuries in patients with cancer.

Inhibitory effect of Lycium europaeum extracts on phytopathogenic soil-borne fungi and the reduction of late wilt in maize

The ability to control soil-borne pathogens in agriculture is highly conditioned by the restricted use of synthetic pesticides. Allelopathy, the antimicrobial activity of plant extracts, is a promising option against crop pathogens. Extracts from Lycium spp. such as L. barbarum, L. chinense and L. intricatum possess biological and therapeutic properties. Individual methanolic extracts from leaves and stems of the Mediterranean medicinal species L. europaeum collected in two locations of Tunisia were each evaluated in vitro against Verticillium dahliae (Vd), Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (Ss) and Harpophora maydis (Hm). The mycelial growth of the three fungi was significantly reduced by all the extracts at doses of 10 and 30 μl mL−1 (equivalent to 1 and 3 mg plant tissue mL−1). The sporulation of Hm was almost completely inhibited in all the amendments, but that of Vd was stimulated by one of the leaf extracts when 1 and 3 mg dried plant tissue mL−1 were used. Sclerotia of Ss were formed in a smaller number, their total weight increasing at extract doses equivalent to 1 mg plant tissue mL−1 and higher. In greenhouse, the pathogenicity of Hm was confirmed as early as 6 weeks after inoculation, since it caused significant decreases of weights in both roots and aboveground parts of maize. The detrimental effect of Hm on maize root weight in greenhouse was significantly counteracted by one of the leaf extracts added by watering. In total, 11 phenolic compounds were separated in the four extracts. The hydroxycinnamic acid family, including chlorogenic acid as a major compound, represented more than 50% of the total content in all the samples. Rutin was the most abundant flavonoid. The results of this work show the detrimental effect of L. europaeum extracts against the soil-borne pathogens Hm, Ss and Vd, and highlight their potential in crop protection if adequately developed into final products and used in combination with other tools.

Lycium europaeum Extract: A New Potential Antioxidant Source against Cisplatin-Induced Liver and Kidney Injuries in Mice.

This study was designed to assess the protective effects of Lycium europaeum methanol extract (LEM) on liver and kidney injuries induced by cisplatin. The phytochemical composition, the antioxidant activity, and hepatorenal injury biomarkers were investigated. Results revealed that LEM exhibited a significant antioxidant activity in vitro on DPPH radical and H2O2 scavenging assays. In the animal studies, treatment with LEM significantly reduced the effects of cisplatin intoxication on serum liver biomarkers and serum renal biomarkers. Meanwhile, LEM diminishes significantly the effect of cisplatin on the level of lipid peroxidation in liver and kidney tissues. The activities of the antioxidant enzymes (reduced glutathione, glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase) were increased in groups pretreated with LEM and quercetin. Additionally, the normal histological structures of the liver and kidney were restored after treatment with LEM. This work clearly demonstrated that L. europaeum may be useful as a drug with hepato-nephroprotective potentials.

Phytochemical characterization and bioactivity of Lycium europaeum: A focus on antioxidant, antinociceptive, hepatoprotective and nephroprotective effects

In this study, the antioxidant, antinociceptive, hepatoprotective, nephroprotective properties and the bioactive composition of Lycium europaeum were investigated. Polyphenols and total tannin contents were measured by colorimetric methods The antioxidant activity in vitro was evaluated using the reducing power, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical and phosphomolybdenum assays. The hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity effects were studied using carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver and renal injuries in mice. The analgesic activity was explored using the hot-plate and acetic acid tests in mice. Results showed that the methanol fraction of L. europaeum (LEM) had the highest level of total phenolic, total tannin, and flavonoid. HPLC-DAD analysis revealed the presence of twelve compounds among them caffeic acid was the major compound (140.18μg/g of extract). This fraction also showed the best antioxidant activity in vitro in the three used assays.In vivo, in the mice studies, CCl4 administration induced hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity by a significant rise in the levels of serum liver biomarkers (gamma glutamyl transferase, lactate dehydrogenase, and aminotransferases) and serum renal biomarkers (urea, creatinine, and uric acid). Similarly, levels of lipid peroxidation (MDA) in both tissues were found increased by CCl4 intoxication. Pretreatment with LEM and quercetin significantly restored the majority of these biological parameters to normal levels, as well as an improvement of histopathological changes. In addition, LEM showed an interesting analgesic activity. LEM decreased significantly the number of writhing induced by acetic acid and prolonged the reaction time in response to thermal stimulus in mice. Therefore, it was speculated that the obtained results highlighted the potential use of L. europaeum as a source of bioactive compounds with pharmacological advantages

Chemical composition of Lycium europaeum fruit oil obtained by supercritical CO2 extraction and evaluation of its antioxidant activity, cytotoxicity and cell absorption.

We studied the total phenols and flavonoids, liposoluble antioxidants, fatty acid and triacylglycerol profiles, and oxidative status of oil obtained from Lycium europaeum fruits following supercritical CO2 extraction (at 30MPa and 40°C). Linoleic (52%), palmitic (18%), oleic (13%), and α-linolenic (6%) were the main oil fatty acids, while trilinolein and palmitodilinolein/oleodilinolein represented the main triacylglycerols. The oil was characterized by high levels of all-trans-zeaxanthin and all-trans-β-carotene (755 and 332μg/g of oil, respectively), α-tocopherol (308μg/g of oil), total phenols (13.6mg gallic acid equivalents/g of oil), and total flavonoids (6.8mg quercetin equivalents/g of oil). The oil showed radical scavenging activities (ABTS and DPPH assays) and inhibited Caco-2 cell growth. Moreover, the incubation of differentiated Caco-2 cells with a non-toxic oil concentration (100μg/mL) induced a significant intracellular accumulation of essential fatty acids. The results qualify L. europaeum oil as a potential source for food/pharmaceutical applications.

Spatial and temporal patterns of home range use by olive baboons (Papio anubis) in eastern Laikipia, Kenya

AbstractThe study investigated the relationship between topography, seasonal food availability and home range use by a troop of olive baboons (Papio anubis) in a dry savannah environment. Valleys were the most utilized parts of the home range in dry seasons while old boma sites were more frequently used in the wet season. Herb‐layer food biomass decreased significantly in dry seasons. The flowers of both Acacia tortilis and Acacia etbaica were available only in dry seasons with valleys having the highest biomass. The biomass of Acacia nilotica seeds was higher in valleys than on other locations. Leaves of the shrub Lycium europaeum were available on all locations in the wet season but valleys had the highest biomass of this food type. Herb‐layer baboon food biomass at ridge tops, slopes, valleys and old boma sites showed similar trends in productivity between seasons. Baboons tracked food along the soil catenas by feeding at ridge tops and old boma sites where foods were available during the wet season and exploiting food sources at the valleys during the dry seasons. Food availability was related to the catena effect and baboons used the catenas in the home range in a predictable manner.

Lycium Europaeum Fruit Extract: Antiproliferative Activity on A549 Human Lung Carcinoma Cells and PC12 Rat Adrenal Medulla Cancer Cells and Assessment of Its Cytotoxicity on Cerebellum Granule Cells

Cancer is a major worldwide health problem and one of the leading causes of death either in developed or developing countries. Plant extracts and derivatives have always been used for various disease treatments and many anticancer agents issued from plants and vegetables are clinically recognized and used all over the world. Lycium europaeum (Solanaceae) also called “wolfberry” was known since ancient times in the Mediterranean area as a medicinal plant and used in several traditional remedies. The Lycium species capacity of reducing the incidence of cancer and also of halting or reserving the growth of cancer was reported by traditional healers. In this study, the antiproliferative capacity, protective properties, and antioxidant activity of the hydro-alcoholic fruit extract of Lycium europaeum were investigated. Results showed that Lycium extract exhibits the ability to reduce cancer cell viability, inhibits proliferation, and induces apoptosis in A549 human lung cancer cells and PC12 rat adrenal medulla cancer cells, in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. Cytotoxic effect on normal rat cerebellum granule cells was assessed to be nonsignificant. Results also showed that Lycium fruit extract protected lipids, proteins, and DNA against oxidative stress damages induced by H2O2 via scavenging reactive oxygen species.

Mycorrhizal status of <i>Lycium europaeum</i> in the coastal dunes of Mehdia (Northwest of Morocco)

Objective: This study describes the mycorrhizal status of Lycium europaeum in the mobile and fixed dunes in the coastal area of Mehdia (Northwest of Morocco).Methodology and results: Evaluation of the mycorrhization level in the roots was effected and the identification of the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi was based on the morphological characters of the isolated spores from soil and root samples collected from the rhizosphere of Lycium europaeum developing in the bright and fixed dunes of Mehdia coastal dunes. Different structures of the arbuscular endomycorrhizal fungi and the endophytes were present in the roots of L. europaeum. 100% of the roots were mycorrhized in both sites with an intensity of 18.4% in the fixed dunes and 10.43% in the mobile dunes. The arbuscular and the vesicular contents were respectively 6.2 - 1.2 % and 11.83 - 3.96 % in mobile and fixed dunes. Spores number was 75 (mobile dunes) and 50 spores/100 g of soil (fixed dunes). 29 species of the mycorrhizal fungi were isolated, divided into seven genuses (Gigaspora, Acaulospora, Diversipora, Entrophospora, Scutellospora, Paraglomus and Glomus). The genus Glomus alone was represented by 20 species. The two sites of the studied dunes have only two common species: Glomus claroideum and Scutellospora nigra.Conclusion and application of results: Lycium europaeum, mycotrophic species, may be a good candidate to fix the mobile dunes and to protect the reserve of Sidi Boughaba threatened by the progress of sand. Mycorrhization probably facilitates the installation of this species, suspected rare in Morocco, which grows well in the mobile dunes.Keywords: Morocco, coastal dunes, Lycium europaeum, mycorrhizal status, arbuscular endomycorrhizal fungi.

Impacts of traditional livestock corrals on woody plant communities in an East African savanna

In African savannas, humans and their livestock leave long-term legacies on the landscape in the form of abandoned livestock bomas (corrals). Once abandoned, bomas develop into nutrient-rich herbivore hotspots characterised by distinctive plant communities. Impacts of bomas, however, extend beyond the boundaries of the boma site itself. This is especially true for woody species which are intensively harvested for boma fencing material and fuel wood. Following boma abandonment, it is not clear how quickly, or to what extent, woody plant communities may change and develop over time. A chronosequence approach was used to investigate the effects of traditional livestock bomas on woody plant communities over time in an Acacia drepanolobium Sjost. savanna in central Kenya. Densities of woody species associated with boma sites that had been abandoned <4, 7–42, and >42 years before were measured. Reductions in densities of the dominant tree, A. drepanolobium, were still detectable after >42 years, especially in the highest impact zones at boma edges (up to 60 m from the boma). Despite these overall reductions, the edge zones of old boma sites had unusually high densities of very large A. drepanolobium trees. Woody species richness increased at edges of newly abandoned bomas, as did densities of the uncommon shrub Lycium europaeum L., and these changes persisted for several decades. These patterns likely result from interactions among species within the woody plant community, as well as interactions with herbivores and edaphic factors.

Free radical scavenging activity and phenolic content of edible wild fruits from Kazdagi (Ida Mountains), Turkey

The ethanolic and acetone extracts of wild fruits collected from Kazdagi (Ida Mountains) were examined for free radical scavenging activity and phenolic compounds. The extracts of the fresh fruits of Arbutus unedo, Lycium europaeum, Prunus spinosa, Rosa canina, andRubus sanctus were examined for their antioxidant properties by using the free radical 1,1’-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging method. The percentage inhibition of the extracts varied from 93.7 to 99.9%. The total phenolics, flavonoids, carotenoids, and condensed tannins of the extracts of the investigated samples ranged from 0.23 to 7.28 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/g fresh fruit, 1.69 to 4.19 mg/g fresh fruit, 0.49 to 7.17 mg/g fresh fruit, and 20.18 to 315.51 μg catechin equivalent (CE)/g fresh fruit. It was determined that the fresh wild fruits collected from Kazdagi exhibited high free radical scavenging capacity. Furthermore, the fresh fruits were found to contain appreciable amounts of phenolic compounds influencing the antioxidant capacity of the samples. Key words: Kazdagi, wild fruits, 1,1’-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), phenolics, flavonoids, carotenoids, tannins.

Parasitoids (Hymenoptera: Braconidae: Aphidiinae) Attacking Aphids Feeding on Solanaceae and Cucurbitaceae Crops in Southeastern Europe: Aphidiine-Aphid-Plant Associations and Key

Abstract Original information on aphidiine braconids attacking aphids feeding on Solanaceae (i.e., Capsicum annuum L., Lycium europaeum L., Lycopersicon esculentum Miller, Solanum spp.) and Cucurbitaceae (i.e., Citrullus vulgaris Schrad., Cucumis spp., Cucurbita pepo L.) plants in southeastern Europe is presented. A total of 13 species are keyed and illustrated with scanning electron micrographs, microscope micrographs and line drawings. The aphidiines presented in this work have been identified from nine aphid taxa. Two hundred four aphidiine-aphid-plant associations are presented, 176 of which are new. The results are discussed in relation to over-all parasitoid-aphid-plant associations in the area.