Phagnalon Rupestre Research Articles

Analysis of Antioxidant Effects of Quercetin, Rutin and Phagnalon Rupestre on Rats Intoxicated by Aluminium

Aluminium (Al) is one of the most abundant chemical elements in nature and metal in the earth’s crust. Accumulation of Aluminium ions (Al3+) in target tissues results into formation of oxygen radicals causing oxidative damage through inducing cytotoxicity. The aim of this study is to analyse the antioxidant effect of selected polyphenols (quercetin, rutin and a medicinal plant phagnalon rupestre) on rats intoxicated by aluminium with specific focus on the heart.This experiment was carried out on 6 groups of wistar albino rats ,group 1; positive control, group 2; Al male intoxicated group treated with quercetin, group 3; Al male intoxicated group treated with rutin, group 4; Al female intoxicated, group 5; Al intoxicated treated with phagnalon rupestre , group 6; female control. Several Biochemical assays were carried out such as protein test, Thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) assay, catalase assay (CAT), glutathione-s-transferase (GST) assay, superoxide dismutase (SOD) assay, Glutathione reduced and glutathione peroxidase (GSH & GPX) assay, lipids (cholesterol & triglycerides) assays. Aluminium intoxicated group showed decrease in the content of protein compared to the control and treated groups. Aluminium intoxicated group showed an increase in the activity of thiobarbituric reactive substances (TBARS) but a significant decrease in the activity of catalase (CAT), glutathione S transferase assays (GST) compared to the control group. Biomarkers of oxidative stress significantly reduced in heart Al-induced oxidative stress by administration of Quercetin. Therefore, Quercetin is an effective antioxidant against oxidative stress caused by free radicals produced because of aluminium exposure. Keywords: antioxidant ;aluminium ; quercetin ; rutin ; phagnalon rupestre

Assay the effect of antimicrobial activity of some medicinal plant extracts against some Bacteria may Causing Urinary Tract Infection

Over population are using herbal medicines, Plant medicines may be beneficial, but are not completely harmless. This study was conducted in microbiology labs. Of art and science faculty - al-marj - university of Benghazi. The purpose of this study was to assay the effect of antimicrobial activity of warm Aqueous and ethanol solvent of Thymus vulgaris, Globularia alypium, Phagnalon rupestre L. and Peganum harmala Extracts against different microbial isolates of pathogenic bacteria gram negative (Escherichia coli and Klebsiella penomniae), and gram positive Staphylococcus aureus that may Causing Urinary tract Infection. All isolates were identified at educational El marj Hospital. The results obtained showed a significant inhibiting effect of the ethanolic and warm Aqueous extracts against both gram negative and gram positive bacteria were studied. The results were shown that the effect of Thymus vulgaris, Globularia alypium, and Phagnalonrupestre L., and Peganum harmala of water and ethanol extract tested with various concentrations appeared stimulations effect on the growth rate of bacteria tested.

New records of false spider mites (Acari: Trombidiformes: Tenuipalpidae) in Greece

Two false spider mite species (Tetranychoidea: Tenuipalpidae) are reported in Greece. One new species, Aegyptobia insularis Stathakis and Vrettos sp. nov., collected from the Mediterranean shrub Phagnalon rupestre ssp. graecum (Asteraceae), is described. Dolichotetranychus summersi Pritchard and Baker is found on a new and probably natural host plant, the common couch grass Elymus repens (Poaceae); this is the first record of this mite in the Palearctic region. Females and deutonymphs of D. summersi are redescribed, based on the specimens from Greece.

The chemical composition of the aerial parts essential oil of four Phagnalon species collected in Sicily (Italy) and Greece

The genus Phagnalon Cass., included in the Asteraceae family, has a wide distribution, expanding from Macaronesia in the West to the Himalayas in the East, from South France and Nord Italy to Ethiopia and Arabian Peninsula. Various species of Phagnalon have been used in the popular medicine of several countries as medicinal herbs and food. The extracts and the secondary metabolites, have a varied application spectrum at several biological levels, with antimicrobial, antioxidant, antidiabetic, antitumor, etc. properties having been reported. The essential oils of four taxa, Phagnalon rupestre, Phagnalon saxatile var. viride, and Phagnalon rupestre subsp. illyricum var. metlesicsii collected in Sicily (Italy), never previously investigated, and of Phagnalon graecum collected in Greece, were analysed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). All the oils were very rich in monoterpene hydrocarbons, with β-pinene as main constituent. Chemotaxonomic considerations with respect to all the other oils of Phagnalon taxa were carried out.

A review of the most effective medicinal plants for dermatophytosis in traditional medicine

Fungi can evade the immune system via different processes, including recombination, mitosis, and expression of genes involved in oxidative stress responses. These processes can lead to chronic fungal diseases. Despite the growth of health care facilities, the incidence rate of fungal infections is still considerably high. Dermatophytes represent the main cause of cutaneous diseases. Dermatophytes attack keratinized tissues, such as nail, hair, and stratum corneum, due of their gravitation towards keratin, which leads to dermatophytosis. Medicinal plants have long been used to treat different diseases, and in the recent years, use of plant-based products to fight fungal, bacterial, and parasitic infections have attracted extensive attention. This is because the use of medicinal plants has many advantages, such as decreased costs and fewer side effects. This review article was conducted to report medicinal plants with anti-dermatophytosis properties. Seventy-six articles were retrieved from databases Google Scholar, PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Scopus. After exclusion of duplicate and irrelevant articles, 54 articles were selected. Of the remaining articles, 23 articles were screened and included in this study. According to the findings, Azadirachta indica, Capparis spinosa, Anagallisarvensis, Juglans regia, Inula viscosa, Phagnalon rupestre, Plumbago europaea, Ruscus aculeatus, Ruta chalepensis, Salvia fruticosa, Artemisia judaica, Ballota undulate, Cleome amblyocarpa, Peganum harmala, Teucrium polium, Aegle marmelos, Artemisia sieberi, Cuminum cyminum, Foeniculum vulgare, Heracleum persicum, Mentha spicata, Nigella sativa, and Rosmarinus officinalis are the most effective plants against dermatophytes which have been identified to date.

WALL FLORA AND VEGETATION AT QAL'AT NIMRUD, THE CASTLE OF BANYAS

The wall flora and vegetation of Qal'at Nimrud (Qal'at es Subeibe), a medieval ruin on the western spurs of Mt. Hermon, were analyzed. Although the flora is dominated by plants characteristic of rocks, batha and forest, it contains a relatively high proportion of ruderals and weeds; accordingly, therophytes are most abundant, followed by hemicryptophytes and phanerophytes. The vegetation consists of two associations, the more mesic Parietaria Judaica subassociation of HYOSCYAMETUM AUREI, grading into the more xeric DIANTHETUM PENDULI with Parietaria lusitanica, which is described here for the first time. Pistacia palaestina and Phagnalon rupestre are accompanying species with high percentage presence.

Phenolic Substances from Phagnalon rupestre Protect against 2,4,6-Trinitrochlorobenzene-Induced Contact Hypersensitivity

2-isoprenylhydroquinone-1-glucoside (1), 3,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid (2), and 3,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid methyl ester (3), isolated from Phagnalon rupestre, improved the contact hypersensitivity response to 2,4,6-trinitrochlorobenzene in mice. These phenolics reduced ear swelling and IL-1β content by 50% 24 h after challenge; in addition, 2 inhibited tumor necrosis factor-α by 53%. All three compounds also reduced interleukin-2 content by 50% 72 h after challenge. Both 2 and 3 inhibited metalloproteinase-9 levels in the skin lesions by 66% and 41%, respectively, and lowered cyclooxygenase-2 expression by 44% and 49%, respectively, at 24 h. Moreover, 2 was effective against atopic dermatitis induced by repeated application of 2,4,6-trinitrochlorobenzene; it attenuated edema by over 40% from day 7 and inhibited inflammatory cell infiltration by 44% at day 22. In addition, 1-3 reduced metalloproteinase-9 expression in a dose-dependent manner in macrophages RAW 264.7 stimulated with lipopolysaccharide. Thus, compounds 2 and 3 were found to exhibit a greater activity against contact hypersensitivity than 1.

Molecular phylogeny and taxonomy of Eurasian Neoerysiphe species infecting Asteraceae and Geranium.

Because Eurasian samples of Neoerysiphe collected on the Asteraceae were not identical in morphology, the molecular and morphological differences among these specimens were compared with those of the American N. cumminsiana. Neoerysiphe on Asteraceae was found to consist of at least four different species. Three of them are described as new species, viz. N. hiratae, N. joerstadii, and N. nevoi. Neoerysiphe hiratae is a Japanese species parasitizing hosts belonging to the genera Cacalia and Ligularia (tribe Senecioneae). Neoerysiphe joerstadii was found in Israel on Phagnalon rupestre (tribe Gnaphalieae). Neoerysiphe nevoi was recorded in Israel and Ukraine on a number of hosts in different genera but all belonging to tribe Cichorieae. Thus, Eurasian Neoerysiphe species infecting the Asteraceae are strongly specialised to particular tribes of this family. Phylogenetic analyses indicated that the three new species were not closely allied. Neoerysiphe hiratae is related to the American N. cumminsiana and species belonging to Oidium subg. Striatoidium. Neoerysiphe nevoi is sister to N. geranii, and N. joerstadii is allied to N. galii. In addition, Ukrainian Neoerysiphe samples on Geranium were phylogenetically and morphologically identical to Japanese samples of N. geranii, and this fungus seems to be an invasive species in Ukraine.

Effect of alkylphenols from Phagnalon rupestre on trinitrochlorobenzene-induced hypersensitivity

Effect of alkylphenols from Phagnalon rupestre on trinitrochlorobenzene-induced hypersensitivity

Dicaffeoylquinic acid ameliorates chronic dermatitis caused by trinitrochlorobenzene

Although the animal models of skin inflammation designed to mimic atopic dermatitis (AD) do not completely reproduce the pathology, they are of importance as research tools to develop new approaches to therapy. Repeated application of 2,4,6-trinitrochlorobenzene (TNCB) at 2-days intervals for 3–4 weeks results in a site-restricted shift in the time course of antigen-specific hypersensitivity responses from a typical delayed-type to an immediate-type hypersensitivity followed by a late reaction, a finding often seen in skin lesions of AD patients [1]. This communication reports the effect of 2-isoprenylhydroquinone-1-glucoside (IHG) and 3,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid (DCA) isolated from Phagnalon rupestre (Asteraceae) [2], on a mouse model of dermatitis induced by repeated application of TNCB. BALB/c mice were sensitized with 0.3% TNCB applied to the both ears on day-7, followed by application to the same site three times a week from day 0 to 21 [3]. IHG and DCA (0.5mg/ear) and the reference drug dexamethasone (0.025mg/ear) were topically applied to both ears 30min after challenge from day 0 to 21. DCA significantly reduced ear thickness at every time point and inhibited the edema over 40% from day 11 onward whereas the effect of IHG was lower (nearly 30% inhibition). DCA significantly inhibited myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, a quantitative index of neutrophil infiltration into skin, by 44% on day 22. Dexamethasone almost abolished the edema and inhibited MPO activity by 78%. In our previous studies on murine hypersensitivity, DCA was more active than IHG, possibly due to the presence of an ortho-dihydroxycinnamic group which enhanced protection [4]. These results suggest that DCA seems to diminish the development of chronic dermatitis at least partially due to the reduction of ear swelling and cell infiltration at the site of inflammation.

Modulation of metalloproteinases by alkylphenols from Phagnalon rupestre

Modulation of metalloproteinases by alkylphenols from Phagnalon rupestre

Evaluating the effects of phenolics from Phagnalon rupestre (L.) DC on cellular nitration and oxidation

Not only do reactive nitrogen species modify proteins and nucleotides by means of oxidative or nitrating reactions, but they can also cause other structural alterations which have a physiopathological significance in a number of human diseases. Given that some naturally occurring phenolics, such as hydroxycinnamate and hydroxybenzoate derivatives, are particularly effective at preventing the degradation of biomolecules, such compounds should actually protect against these unfavourable conditions. The present communication describes our ongoing investigations of three phenolics isolated from Phagnalon rupestre (Asteraceae): 2-isoprenylhydroquinone-1-glucoside (IHG), 3,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid (DCA) and its methyl ester (DCE) [1], previously described as peroxynitrite-scavengers for free tyrosine [2], on nitrating and oxidative reactions in two different cellular systems. We examined the effect of these compounds on bovine seroalbumin nitration by human neutrophils [3] and on dihydrorhodamine 123 (DHR 123) oxidation in macrophages [4], both stimulated with tetradecanoylphorbol acetate. All the compounds tested significantly reduced protein-bound tyrosine nitration in neutrophils with IC50 values of 27.9, 10.5, 11.0 and 20.7 microM for IHG, DCA, DCE and the reference epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), respectively. DCE was the most active compound in preventing DHR 123 oxidation with 46 and 61% inhibition at 50 and 100 microM, respectively. Since caffeoylquinic derivatives have previously been described as human leukocyte myeloperoxidase (MPO) inhibitors [5], this may have an influence on their ability to impair the formation of the nitrating agent NO2, which is generated by MPO in the neutrophils. Because of their phenolic nature, such compounds should manifest noteworthy antioxidant activity; however, they do not behave uniformly in preventing DHR 123 oxidation.

Hydroquinone- and cinnamate-based plant phenolics in experimental contact hypersensitivity

Contact hypersensitivity (CHS) is characterized by the percutaneous penetration of a low molecular weight hapten and the cross-talk between lymphocytes and antigen-presenting cells. Following our investigations into the role of reactive nitrogen species (RNS) in this process, we have now studied the effect of three phenolics obtained from Phagnalon rupestre (Asteraceae) on CHS. The three compounds, which have previously been described as inhibitors of peroxynitrite reactivity, are 2-isoprenylhydroquinone-1-glucoside (IHG), 3,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid (DCA) and 3,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid methyl ester (DCE) [1]. The experimental design begins with the sensitization with oxazolone on abdominal mouse skin followed by the subsequent elicitation with the same agent on the ear five days later [2]. Inflammation end points include histological analyses and determination of the presence of cytokines, 3-nitrotyrosine and inducible NO synthase (iNOS). Dunnett's t values measures statistical significance.

Isoprenylhydroquinone glucoside: a new non-antioxidant inhibitor of peroxynitrite-mediated tyrosine nitration

Three hydroquinone glucosides and four caffeoylquinic esters were examined for their effect on tyrosine nitration, as well as on the oxidation of dihydrorhodamine (DHR) 123 and cytochrome c(2+) induced by peroxynitrite. All these phenolics, which had previously been characterized as the active principles of the plant Phagnalon rupestre, were fairly active in preventing the oxidation of DHR 123, though inefficient in the cytochrome c test. While their antioxidant potency is associated with the presence of a caffeoyl moiety, not so an obvious chemical character was correlated to a greater activity against nitration of tyrosine. Here, the highest potency corresponded to 2-isoprenylhydroquinone-1-glucoside. On the basis of the fact that the susceptibility to nitration of given aromatic compound confers to it inhibitory activity of tyrosine nitration, the analysis of ultraviolet and nuclear magnetic resonance spectral shifts provides valuable information for explaining the ability of natural phenolics to interfere with that reaction.

Inhibition of xanthine oxidase by phenolic conjugates of methylated quinic acid.

The caffeoyl conjugates of prenylhydroquinone glucoside and of quinic acid, either in the carboxyl-free or carboxymethyl forms, isolated from Phagnalon rupestre (Asteraceae), showed inhibitory activity on lipid peroxidation induced by Fe 2+/ascorbate and by CCl4/NADPH in rat liver microsomes, with IC50 values ranging from 3 to 11 microM. After having demonstrated their effect on the xanthine oxidase-regulated superoxide production, the active compounds were tested for the direct inhibition of this enzyme. Methylated dicaffeoylquinic conjugates competitively inhibited the enzyme and the highest potency was obtained for the 4,5-diester, with an IC50 value of 3.6 microM, nearly ten times lower than that of the 3,5-analogue. In conclusion, the presence of the caffeoyl moiety is essential for both the antiperoxidative and radical scavenging activities, and the methylation of the quinic carboxyl group enhances the potency on xanthine oxidase inhibitory activity.

Effects of caffeoyl conjugates of isoprenyl-hydroquinone glucoside and quinic acid on leukocyte function

The activity of three prenylhydroquinone glucosides ( 1– 3) and four caffeoylquinic esters ( 4– 7), obtained from Phagnalon rupestre, on elastase release, myeloperoxidase activity and superoxide and leukotriene B 4 production from polymorphonuclear leukocytes was determined. 4,5-Dicaffeoylquinic acid strongly inhibited elastase release with an IC 50 value of 4.8 μM. Methylated caffeoylquinic derivatives were the most potent inhibitors of myeloperoxidase (IC 50 near 60 μM), whereas both methylated and free carboxyl isomers inhibited superoxide production with similar potency (IC 50 between 27 and 42 μM). The monocaffeoyl conjugate of prenylhydroquinone glucoside ( 3), the most potent inhibitor of leukotriene B 4 production (IC 50 = 33 μM), possesses a mixed hydroquinone-caffeoyl character that could be considered as a potential anti-inflammatory entity.

Phenolic glycosides from Phagnalon rupestre

Analysis of the butanol-soluble fraction from the methanolic extract of the aerial parts of Phagnalon rupestre (Asteraceae) has led to the isolation of seven phenolic compounds. Three have been identified on the basis of their NMR spectra as new natural compounds: the lignan 7,7′-bis-(4-hydroxy-3,5-dimethoxyphenyl)-8,8′-dihydroxymethyl-tetrahydrofuran-4- O-β-glucopyranoside ( 1), the prenylhydroquinone glycoside 1- O-β-glucopyranosyl-1,4-dihydroxy-2-(3′-hydroxy-3′-methylbutyl) benzene ( 2) and the acetophenone glycoside 12- O-β-glucopyranosyl-9β,12-dihydroxytremetone ( 3). The known flavonoids apigenin-7- O-β-glucoside, luteolin-7- O-β-glucoside, luteolin-7- O-β-glucuronide and the acetophenone picein were also isolated.

New prenylhydroquinone glycosides from Phagnalon rupestre.

Three new hydroquinone glycosides were isolated from the MeOH extract of the aerial parts of Phagnalon rupestre. Their structures were elucidated as 1-O-beta-glucopyranosyl-1,4-dihydroxy-2-(3',3'-dimethylallyl)benzene (1), 1-O-beta-glucopyranosyl-1,4-dihydroxy-2-(3'-hydroxymethyl-3'-methylallyl)benzene (2), and 1-O-(4' '-O-caffeoyl)-beta-glucopyranosyl-1,4-dihydroxy-2-(3',3'-dimethylallyl)benzene (3) by spectroscopic methods.

Antimicrobial activity of 20 plants used in folkloric medicine in the Palestinian area

Ethanolic and aqueous extracts of 20 Palestinian plant species used in folk medicine were investigated for their antimicrobial activities against five bacterial species ( Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus vulgaris, Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and one yeast ( Candida albicans). The plants showed 90% of antimicrobial activity, with significant difference in activity between the different plants. The most antimicrobially active plants were Phagnalon rupestre and Micromeria nervosa, whereas, the least active plant was Ziziphus spina-christi. Only ten of the tested plant extracts were active against C. albicans, with the most active from M. nervosa and Inula viscosa and the least active from Ruscus aculeatus. Of all extracts the ethanolic extract of M. nervosa was the most active, whereas, the aqueous extract of Phagnalon rupestre was the most active of all aqueous extracts tested. The ethanolic extracts (70%) showed activity against both Gram positive and negative bacteria and 40% of these extracts showed anticandidal activity, whereas, 50% of the aqueous extracts showed antibacterial activity and 20% of these extracts showed anticandidal activity.

A preliminary classification of the healing potential of medicinal plants, based on a rational analysis of an ethnopharmacological field survey among Bedouins in the Negev Desert, Israel

In the course of an ethnopharmacological survey carried out among the Bedouins of the Negev desert, it was noticed that in addition to the use of modern medical services, medicinal plants were also being employed. We deemed it worthwhile, therefore, to investigate the current status of herbal medicine among the Negev Bedouins and to evaluate the relative efficiency of the plants used. To evaluate plant effectiveness by enquiries among patients once treated was found to be difficult and impractical. Hence, each interviewed informant was first requested to volunteer information on the plants and their uses. Next, to avoid the risk of memory failure, a list of 50 commonly used species was read out and the informant was asked to provide information on any that were familiar to him as medicinal herbs. Of 81 plant species mentioned by our 27 informants, 41 were named or recognized by more than 3. These species were arranged in accordance with the percentage of informants suggesting the same medicinal use for a given species as compared with the total number of informants reporting any sort of use for that plant. The obtained ratio was defined as the fidelity level (FL). The rank-order priority (ROP) of the plants was derived from these FL values. The relative popularity level (RPL) of the plants encountered was determined and plants were accordingly designated as “popular” or “unpopular”. FL values were further adjusted, according to RPL value. We found that the bark of Phagnalon rupestre is widely used to induce deliberate burns for the healing of various ailments (ROP = 100), while infusion of the shoots of Teucrium polium, or of Artemisia herba-alba is employed to a lesser degree (ROP = 66 and 56, respectively) to relieve stomach disorders. Because the latter two species show fairly high ROP and are seen to be directly curative, they merit further investigation. Additional findings and implications of our ethnopharmacological survey are duly discussed.