Native Medicinal Plants Research Articles

Therapeutic perspectives of anticancer properties of Evodia suaveolens Scheff. leaves: A systematic review

Context: Cancer represents a significant global health challenge, marked by elevated morbidity and mortality rates. Evodia suaveolens is a native medicinal plant from Papua, Indonesia. Earlier studies hinted at the possibility that E. suaveolens may have anticancer properties, likely due to its high levels of antioxidants. Aims: To evaluate anticancer potential of E. suaveolens from the bioactive compounds of E. suaveolens leaf extract. Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted in MEDLINE, ScienceDirect, Scopus, Web of Science, EBSCO, and Google Scholar databases without date restrictions. In silico, in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies investigating the anticancer effects of E. suaveolens leaves were eligible for inclusion. Risk-of-bias assessments were conducted. Results presented descriptively. Results: Database screening identified 487 studies that generated six included studies. It comprised three bioinformatic studies and three in-vitro studies. In silico studies demonstrated the potential binding of E. suaveolens compounds to cancer-related targets like PI3K, EGFR, and ALK. In vitro studies showed cytotoxic effects against multiple cancer cell lines, with IC50 values ranging from 17-88 μg/mL. One study found E. suaveolens extract enhanced the antiproliferative and cell cycle arrest effects of doxorubicin on leukemia cells. No in vivo or clinical studies were identified. Most studies had a moderate to high risk of bias. Conclusions: Preliminary evidence suggests E. suaveolens leaf extract may have anticancer potential, particularly in enhancing the effects of standard chemotherapy. However, the limited number of studies and lack of in vivo and clinical data highlight the need for further research to establish efficacy and safety.

Native Medicinal Plants and Their Effects on Anti-biofilm and Anti-quorum Sensing Activity

Background: Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen with a high mortality rate, particularly among immunocompromised patients. The increase in antibiotic resistance in P. aeruginosa isolates from clinical samples has prompted researchers to seek alternative ways to reduce the pathogenicity of this microorganism. Targeting quorum sensing (QS) presents a promising approach for limiting infections caused by this bacterium. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate mechanisms for reducing QS and controlling bacterial growth using various medicinal plants. Methods: In this study, the anti-QS effects of seven plant extracts—thyme (Thymus vulgaris), chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla), sumac (Rhus coriaria), ginger (Zingiber officinale), lemon balm (Melissa officinalis), rosehip (Echinacea angustifolia), and marshmallow (Althaea officinalis)—were investigated against P. aeruginosa. A total of 180 P. aeruginosa clinical isolates were examined. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was then used to detect phenolic compounds and flavonoids in the seven extracts. The presence of quorum-sensing genes (lasR, rhlR, and rhlI) was also evaluated. In addition, pyocyanin quantification, swarming motility assays, and biofilm formation assays were conducted with the herbal extracts. Results: The HPLC analysis results were determined based on relative times and peak areas, revealing specific peaks at different points. Molecular methods confirmed the presence of QS genes, including LasI (54%), lasR (34%), rhlR (12%), and rhlI (4%), which were used in anti-QS screening. Expression of the LasI gene decreased in P. aeruginosa strains treated with herbal extracts compared to untreated strains. Notably, Thymus vulgaris extract demonstrated the strongest inhibition, reducing violacein production by 70.5%, suppressing pyocyanin by 94%, and inhibiting swarming motility and biofilm formation by 80.3%. Conclusions: This study demonstrated that herbal extracts influence virulence factors and gene expression, particularly targeting the las gene, in P. aeruginosa isolates. We recommend further research on the extraction and identification of active ingredients, which may hold potential as therapeutic agents.

Cytotoxic monoterpenoid indole alkaloids from Tabernaemontana bovina

Chemical investigation of the native medicinal plant Tabernaemontana bovina led to the isolation of five previously unreported monoterpenoid indole alkaloids tabernovinaines A-E (1–5) together with twenty-seven known analogs (6–32), including a bisindole alkaloid 1 with the (E)-4-aminobut-3-en-2-one fragment, as well as a unique cage skeleton 2 containing 6/5/8/6/6 ring system. The chemical structures of these unreported compounds were elucidated using mass spectrometry, NMR spectroscopy, circular dichroism, density functional theory calculations, and derivatizations. The activity evaluation shows that the bisindole alkaloid 1 revealed a potential cytotoxic effect by inducing HepG2 cell apoptosis and damaging clonal sphere expansion.

Chemical Characterization and Biological Activities of a Beverage of Zuccagnia punctata, an Endemic Plant of Argentina with Blueberry Juice and Lemon Honey.

In this study, the production of functional beverages of Zuccagnia punctata Cav. (jarilla), a native medicinal plant from Argentina, and Vaccinium corymbosum (blueberry), with lemon honey as a sweetener, is described. The beverage was formulated by using jarilla extract and blueberry juice with maltodextrin as an encapsulant material. The beverage was dried by both spray-drying and freeze-drying. Both beverages showed high water solubility with adequate features for handling, transport, and storage. The chromatic parameters indicate tones of mauve. Both the total polyphenol and flavonoid contents were retained after being spray-dried (92 and 100%, respectively). The anthocyanins were less stable under spray-dried conditions (58% retained). Both beverages showed high scavenger capacity on ABTS•+, HO•, and H2O2 (SC50 between 3.56 and 36.90 µg GAE/mL) and exhibited in vitro inhibitor potential of α-glucosidase, α-amylase, and lipase activities (IC50 of between 2.97 and 27.19 µg GAE/mL). The powdered beverage obtained by spray-drying presented the greatest preference in sensory tests. The beverages were neither toxic nor mutagenic in the concentration range with biological activity. During short-term storage, both beverages showed stability. The results obtained would support the use of a powdered beverage made from an Argentinean native plant and blueberries as a functional food.

Ethnomedicinal Knowledge among the Local Communities in the Kodaikanal Foothills of the Southern Western Ghats in Tamil Nadu, India

India has a rich history of traditional medicine, including Ayurveda, Siddha, and Folk medicines. The Folk system, although not extensively documented, is widely practiced by native communities, with valuable knowledge passed down orally through generations. We carried out an ethnobotanical study from June 2022 to December 2023 in six settlements at the foothills of Kodaikanal, within the Devadanapatti block, an underexplored and biodiversity-rich region in the Western Ghats. The research sought to identify knowledgeable Paliyar tribes and traditional healers in the Kodaikanal foothills of Devadanapatti block in Theni District and document their ethnomedicinal knowledge through open and semi-structured face-to-face interviews. A comprehensive cataloging effort identified 113 plant species spanning 100 genera and 46 families, used for treating various ailments ranging from headaches and skin diseases to kidney stones and viral infections. The most represented families were Fabaceae, Apocynaceae, Amaranthaceae and Solanaceae. The traditional healers stated that the availability of several native medicinal plants, including Acorus calamus, Aegle marmelos, Albizia lebbeck, Phyla nodiflora, Sphagneticola calendulacea, Tabernaemontana divaricata and Thespesia populnea have declined over the years due to over-exploitation. The utilization of plants by local communities underscores their interest in herbal medicine. Further investigations into the pharmacological properties of previously unstudied species may lead to the discovery of novel bioactive compounds.

Penyuluhan Hipertensi dan Pelatihan Pemanfaatan Tanaman Obat untuk Mengontrol Tekanan Darah pada Masyarakat Nagrak dan Ciangsana

Hypertension is one of the non-communicable diseases with a high prevalence in Indonesia. This disease can cause various complications that lead to the death of the sufferer. Consumption of medicinal plants is one of the simple ways that ordinary people can do to control blood pressure. In this activity, counseling on hypertension and training on how to recognize and process native Indonesian medicinal plants so that they can be used to control blood pressure. Activity’s evaluation is carried out using questionnaires before (pre-test) and after (post-test) counseling and evaluation of the overall implementation. The results of the Wilcoxon signed rank test showed that the post-test results were significantly higher than the pre-test (p=0.046). After the training, participants became skilled in recognizing medicinal plants that are useful for controlling blood pressure as well as understanding how to process medicinal plant parts and the amount that must be consumed.

Composition, medicinal values, and threats of plants used in indigenous medicine in Jawi District, Ethiopia: implications for conservation and sustainable use

Indigenous knowledge of medicinal plants is vital to local communities and cultural heritage, particularly in Ethiopia. This study aims to document native medicinal plants in the Jawi district, including associated traditional knowledge. The study involved conducting semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions, and guided field walks with a purposefully selected 54 traditional healers. The study identified 87 medicinal plant species from 50 families used treat over 50 ailments, with a preference for wild herbs. Fabaceae, Malvaceae, and Solanaceae were the most prominent families, each with five species; Zehneria scabra, was the most often mentioned species, followed by Lepidium sativum, Myrica salicifolia, Carissa spinarum, and Momordica foetida. 43% of identified species were herbs, with 44% of remedies made from roots. Pounding was the most common preparation method, and oral application was the most frequent use, followed by dermal application. 60% plants treated human ailments, 16% treated livestock, and 24% were used for both. Preference rankings indicated specific plants favored for certain ailments. The study highlights key plant families and species crucial for local healthcare but notes threats like habitat destruction and knowledge loss. Urgent conservation actions are needed to preserve medicinal plants and inform future research and strategies.

Phytochemical Screening Using LC-MS to Study Antioxidant and Toxicity Potential of Methanolic Extracts of Atraphaxis pyrifolia Bunge.

Atraphaxis pyrifolia, a native medicinal plant of Central Asia, has a long history of traditional medicinal use; however, scientific research on its phytochemical and biological properties remains scarce. This paper aims to elucidate its chemical profile and assess its pharmacological potential through a comprehensive investigation of the phytochemical composition of stems and leaves using Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS), in conjunction with the assessment of its antioxidant (DPPH and ABTS) and cytotoxicity test on Artemia salina. Predominantly, glycosylated flavonoids were detected in stems and leaves extracts, notably including 8-Acetoxy-3',4',5,5'-tetrahydroxy-7-methoxy-3-α-L-rhamno-pyranosyloxyflavone, pyrifolin, and dehydroxypyrifolin. While the latter compound is exclusive to A. pyrifolia, the former compounds serve as shared chemical markers with other Atraphaxis species. The methanolic extracts of A. pyrifolia leaves exhibited significant antioxidant capacity without toxicity against Artemia salina. This study contributes to current research through providing valuable insights into the chemical diversity and potential medicinal properties of this plant species.

Comparative Analysis of Essential Oil Profiles From Emprit Ginger Rhizome (Zingiber officinale var. amarum) Grown in Different Locations and Antibacterial Activity Againts Staphylococcus aureus

Indonesia, as a tropical country, boasts significant biodiversity, particularly regarding its flora and fauna. The country's medicinal plants are one inherited natural resource passed down through generations. The "emprit ginger” (Zingiber officinale var. amarum), a native Indonesian medicinal plant, is often employed in treating various diseases. Scientifically, the primary constituent of emprit ginger is the phenolic ketone homolog compound, gingerol, known for its antioxidant activity. In addition to its antioxidant potential, emprit ginger exhibits potential as an antibacterial agent. However, herbal substances used for therapeutic purposes often yield inconsistent effects due to the fluctuating chemical composition in the plants, typically a result of varying growing locations. These location differences can cause discrepancies in the content of active metabolites. Therefore, data on the chemical profile of medicinal plants is paramount for the standardization process. This study was conducted by obtaining essential oils from the rhizomes of emprit ginger, extracted via steam distillation obtained from various cultivation lands in Ponorogo, Magetan, Pacitan, Wonogiri, Karanganyar, Boyolali, Semarang, Magelang, Purworejo, Temanggung, Wonosobo, Banyumas, Bantul, and Kulonprogo. One of the efforts in standardizing natural materials involves the analysis of their metabolite profiles. The emprit ginger essential oil profile was obtained through Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GCMS) testing. The emprit ginger essential oil profile was analyzed using a multivariate calibration of Principal Component Analysis utilizing SIMCA 17 software. Antibacterial activities were assessed using the microdilution method on Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. The analysis of antibacterial activity was determined using the Probit analysis method to ascertain the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) 50 value. This study also involved the extraction of essential oils from emprit ginger rhizomes. The individual profiles of these essential oils were determined via Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry. The essential oil profiles of emprit ginger were subjected to a multivariate calibration using Principal Component Analysis facilitated by the SIMCA 17 software. Antibacterial activity tests were conducted using the microdilution method on Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. The antibacterial activity was ascertained using probit analysis to derive the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration 50 (MIC 50) values. The highest MIC 50 of emprit ginger rhizome on Staphylococcus aureus bacteria was found in samples from Wonogiri, with a concentration of 0.3408%. Compounds displaying significant discriminative influence on Staphylococcus aureus bacteria included Z-Citral, Geranyl acetate, Zingiberenol, Beta-Myrcene, (1S0-2,6,6-Trimethylbicyclo [3.1.1] hept-2-ene, and Bicyclo [2.2.1]heptan-2-ol, 1,7,7-trimethyl, exo-(CAS)

Croton stipulaceusKunth, a native Mexican medicinal plant with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities

Leaves of Croton stipulaceuswere extracted (EHex, ECHCl3and EEtOH extracts) to assesstheir antioxidant potential, anti-inflammatory activity in murine models and acute toxicity. EEtOH showed the highest effect in DPPH (37.80% inhibition), FRAP (1065.00 ± 55.30 μmolFe2+) and total polyphenols (231.24 ± 9.05 meq AG/gM). EHex was the most active, ~ 50% inhibition of TPA-induced ear edema; while EEtOH (dose of 2 mg/ear) showed the highest inhibition in the chronic model (97% inhibition), and inhibited MPO activity (48%). In carrageenan-induced edema, ECHCl3(dose 500 mg/kg) was the most active. None of the extracts showed acute toxicity (LD50) at 2 g/kg (p.o.). This work is the first report that supports the traditional use of C. stipulaceusas an anti-inflammatory.

Micropropagation of Zuccagnia punctata, an argentine medicinal plant, by means of “in vitro” technology to promove its conservation and the sustainable production of bioactive compounds

Zuccagnia punctata Cav. (“jarilla poposa”) is a monotypic argentine native medicinal plant used by indigenous communities for the treatment of several pathologies. The pharmacological properties have been scientifically validated and its potential use in phytocosmetic and pharmaceutic industry as antiaged, hypoglycemic, anti-inflammatory, antitumoral, antioxidant, antibacterial and antimicotic has been previously demonstrated. However, the species has a low propagation rate in natural conditions and has been included in the preliminary red list of endangered plants in category 3. Therefore, it is necessary to develop methodologies leading to its conservation and propagation to achieve its sustainable use. The objective of this work is to perform a micropropagation protocol for Z. punctata species for the sustainable use and conservation of this species. Furthermore, the study evaluated also the impact of “in vitro” propagation on the content of bioactive compounds of ethanolic extracts obtained from Z. punctata plants obtained “in vitro” with collected wild plants. Seeds have been used as mother material. The seed germination to obtain explants were performed on Murashige and Skoog medium (MS) without plant growth regulators (PGRs) containing sucrose, agar, and ascorbic acid. The same medium was employed for the multiplication of shoots. “In vitro” rooting was achieved in liquid and semisolid medium, and a higher yield was obtained in the latter. The plants were transferred into commercial substrate and acclimatized in a greenhouse. The micropropagated plants (MP) had a high content of total phenolic compounds similar to those obtained from wild adult plants (WAP) collected in the Monte Desert. The flavonoid content of MP was higher than that of WAP. The main chalcones identified in WAP, 2′,4′ dihydroxychalcone (DHC) and 2′,4′-dihydroxy-3′-methoxychalcone (DHMC) were also present in the MP with a rate 1/1, and 1/3 in WAP. The extracts obtained from the MP showed antioxidant, antiinflammatory and antimicrobial activity, similar to WAP. The “in vitro” propagation and acclimatization of Z. punctata constitutes a fundamental tool to achieve large-scale multiplication of this species in the future and the sustainable production of bioactive compounds with commercial applications. Reimplantation in the natural habitat could prevent the loss of this medicinal genetic resource.

Growing Native Medicinal Plants in Amajari – RR

The aim of this work was to set up a permanent production area for native and exotic medicinal plants, especially those at risk of extinction. The species grown were herbs, shrubs and medicinal trees of various species, both native and exotic. Nineteen species were cultivated by 20 students from the Ovídio Dias de Souza State School who took part in the practicals at the school. It was observed that the fact that the majority of the students reported a preference for using medicinal plants, perhaps due to the lack of any other way of maintaining or recovering their health, is, in a way, a positive aspect, because as well as strengthening traditional practices regarding the use and traditional knowledge of medicinal plants, it is an activity that values the preservation of the local flora.

Anacyclus pyrethrum extracts: examination of bioactive compounds and therapeutic implications through in vivo, in vitro, and in silico assays

Anacyclus pyrethrum, a native Algerian medicinal plant, demonstrates notable therapeutic efficacy. The bioactive profile of the Anacyclus pyrethrum extract was examined using HPLC-UV-VIS, which showed a high concentration of phenolic compounds (33.46 ± 0.57 mg EAG/g EP) and flavonoids (11.08 ± 0.24 mg E Qu/g EP). The Anacyclus pyrethrum extract exhibited significant antioxidant activity in iron chelation (IC50 = 0.019 ± 0.0006 mg/ml) DPPH (IC50 = 0.142± 0.001 mg/ml), ABTS+ (IC50 = 0.079 ± 0.0005 mg/ml) and OH (IC50 = 0.845 ± 0.052mg/ml) radicals. Anti-inflammatory investigations were conducted using both in vitro and in silico methods. The in vitro testing involved evaluating the denaturation of egg albumin and BSA, while the in silico tests focused on measuring the effect of caffeic acid on the COX-2 protein. The anti-inflammatory capacity of the substance was similar to that of Aspirin, with a value of 76.1 ± 1.04% compared to Aspirin’s 81.11 ± 1.6%. Our extract exhibited a fatal dose (LD50) of 45.847 ± 1.661 mg/ml and showed significant antibacterial activity with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) ranging from 2.5 to 27.5 mg/ml. The findings emphasize the wide range of medicinal uses of Anacyclus pyrethrum, underscoring its significance in both traditional and modern pharmacology.

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

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

Pharmaceutical Potential of Remedial Plants and Helminths for Treating Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

Research is increasingly revealing that inflammation significantly contributes to various diseases, particularly inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). IBD is a major medical challenge due to its chronic nature, affecting at least one in a thousand individuals in many Western countries, with rising incidence in developing nations. Historically, indigenous people have used natural products to treat ailments, including IBD. Ethnobotanically guided studies have shown that plant-derived extracts and compounds effectively modulate immune responses and reduce inflammation. Similarly, helminths and their products offer unique mechanisms to modulate host immunity and alleviate inflammatory responses. This review explored the pharmaceutical potential of Aboriginal remedial plants and helminths for treating IBD, emphasizing recent advances in discovering anti-inflammatory small-molecule drug leads. The literature from Scopus, MEDLINE Ovid, PubMed, Google Scholar, and Web of Science was retrieved using keywords such as natural product, small molecule, cytokines, remedial plants, and helminths. This review identified 55 important Aboriginal medicinal plants and 9 helminth species that have been studied for their anti-inflammatory properties using animal models and in vitro cell assays. For example, curcumin, berberine, and triptolide, which have been isolated from plants; and the excretory-secretory products and their protein, which have been collected from helminths, have demonstrated anti-inflammatory activity with lower toxicity and fewer side effects. High-throughput screening, molecular docking, artificial intelligence, and machine learning have been engaged in compound identification, while clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) gene editing and RNA sequencing have been employed to understand molecular interactions and regulations. While there is potential for pharmaceutical application of Aboriginal medicinal plants and gastrointestinal parasites in treating IBD, there is an urgent need to qualify these plant and helminth therapies through reproducible clinical and mechanistic studies.

Assessment of medicinal plants colonizing abundantly on metal-enriched fly ash deposits: phytoremediation prospective

Heavy metal-enriched fly ash (FA) deposits are recognized as hazardous contaminated sites on the earth, which pollute our ecosystems. Consequently, the present investigation was carried out to explore the phytoremediation potential of naturally growing medicinal plants in the FA dumpsite. This present study chose two native medicinal plants i.e., Bacopa monnieri and Acmella oleracea found to be naturally colonizing abundantly on FA dumpsite to assess heavy metal accumulation. FA sample of B. monnieri thriving sites found to have metal content in order Mn (216.6)> Cr (39.27)> Zn (20.8)> Ni (16.1)> Cu (15.03)> Co (6.7)> Pb (5.43) whereas for A. oleracea FA dumpsites, the order of metal availability was Mn (750.3)> B (54.5)>Cr (37.2)>Zn (31.33)> Cu (18.7)> Ni (16.93)> Co (7.7)>Pb (4.23). In B. monnieri, higher concentrations of Cr and Mn were observed in the shoot in comparison to the root, indicative of its potential as a hyperaccumulator plant. Conversely, in A. oleracea, greater amounts of Pb were detected in the shoot relative to the root. Hence, it is recommended that B. monnieri and A. oleracea grow on such heavy metal-enriched substrates should be avoided for medicinal purposes; however, these plants can be used for phytoremediation purposes.

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.

Conservation implications of seed germination studies of Aquilegia fragrans Benth.: A native and endangered medicinal plant species of Kashmir Himalaya

Insufficient investigation of seed germination studies of threatened plant species creates practical obstacles to their conservation efforts. Here, we investigate the seed germination of Aquilegia fragrans Benth.-an endangered medicinal plant species native to Himalaya. The effects of stratification conditions including time (10, 20, 30, and 40 days), temperature (−4, −10, and −20 °C), and hormone treatments (250 ppm GA3, 30 ppm BAP, and 30 ppm Zeatin) on germination of A. fragrans seeds collected from the alpine belt of Kashmir Himalaya were examined. Seeds of species exhibited non-deep simple morphophysiological dormancy (MPD). Seed germination showed significant differences among the various treatments. It was observed that the application of GA3, zeatin, and BAP significantly improved seed germination as compared with the control. The highest germination percentage (73 ± 1 %) along with maximum germination index (1.05 ± 0.05) was recorded in T30 (Seeds stratified for 30 days at −10 °C and treatment with Zeatin 30 ppm) followed by T19 (seeds stratified at −10 °C for 20 days and treatment with zeatin 30 ppm). The seed germination studies of A. fragrans have not been carried out before, and the information gathered in the present study may prove useful for the conservation of the target plant species. The present study will help in the conservation, sustainable development, and restoration of this prized medicinal plant species.

Sickle Cell Disease Update: New Treatments and Challenging Nutritional Interventions.

Sickle cell disease (SCD), a distinctive and often overlooked illness in the 21st century, is a congenital blood disorder characterized by considerable phenotypic diversity. It comprises a group of disorders, with sickle cell anemia (SCA) being the most prevalent and serious genotype. Although there have been some systematic reviews of global data, worldwide statistics regarding SCD prevalence, morbidity, and mortality remain scarce. In developed countries with a lower number of sickle cell patients, cutting-edge technologies have led to the development of new treatments. However, in developing settings where sickle cell disease (SCD) is more prevalent, medical management, rather than a cure, still relies on the use of hydroxyurea, blood transfusions, and analgesics. This is a disease that affects red blood cells, consequently affecting most organs in diverse manners. We discuss its etiology and the advent of new technologies, but the aim of this study is to understand the various types of nutrition-related studies involving individuals suffering from SCD, particularly in Africa. The interplay of the environment, food, gut microbiota, along with their respective genomes collectively known as the gut microbiome, and host metabolism is responsible for mediating host metabolic phenotypes and modulating gut microbiota. In addition, it serves the purpose of providing essential nutrients. Moreover, it engages in direct interactions with host homeostasis and the immune system, as well as indirect interactions via metabolites. Nutrition interventions and nutritional care are mechanisms for addressing increased nutrient expenditures and are important aspects of supportive management for patients with SCD. Underprivileged areas in Sub-Saharan Africa should be accompanied by efforts to define and promote of the nutritional aspects of SCD. Their importance is key to maintaining well-being and quality of life, especially because new technologies and products remain limited, while the use of native medicinal plant resources is acknowledged.

A stress-responsive R2R3-MYB transcription factor, EpMYB1 is involved in the regulation of anthocyanin biosynthesis in purple coneflower

Purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea (L.) Menoch), a North American native and world-popular medicinal and horticultural plant, has been named after its beautiful purple petals due to the accumulation of anthocyanins. However, so far the biosynthesis of anthocyanin and its regulation in purple coneflower remain elusive. In this study, the total anthocyanin contents of eight different purple coneflower tissues were measured, and anthocyanin biosynthetic genes were identified from the multi-tissue transcriptome. Using co-expression, phylogenetic screening, and transient functional verification, EpMYB1 was identified as a potential anthocyanin biosynthesis regulator. EpMYB1 is an R2R3-MYB TF and co-expressed with anthocyanin biosynthetic genes. When EpMYB1 was over-expressed in purple coneflower calli, it positively promoted anthocyanin biosynthesis by upregulating the anthocyanin-specific biosynthetic genes. Dual-luciferase reporter assay indicated that EpMYB1 could significantly activate anthocyanin biosynthetic gene expression by directly binding to the promoters. Moreover, EpMYB1 is a stress-responsive TF involved in the ultraviolet-induced anthocyanin biosynthesis in purple coneflower. The present study identifies an MYB TF that participated in anthocyanin biosynthesis and bridged the gap between environmental stress and anthocyanin biosynthesis in purple coneflower. It provides valuable insights into the anthocyanin biosynthesis in purple coneflower and will significantly improve the development of purple coneflower as an ornament plant.