Phlomis Aurea Research Articles

In vitro anti-diabetic effect and molecular docking study of Phlomis aurea components as diabetic enzymes inhibitor

In vitro anti-diabetic effect and molecular docking study of Phlomis aurea components as diabetic enzymes inhibitor

Predicting the potential geographic distribution of Nepeta septemcrenata Benth. and Phlomis aurea Decne in St. Katherine protectorate, South Sinai, Egypt, by using the maxent technique

The threatened and endangered species distribution data are frequently clustered, and modeling their suitable habitat distribution by commonly utilized modeling methods is difficult. Therefore, this work aimed to assess the potential geographic distribution of Nepeta septemcrenata and Phlomis aurea in the St. Katherine protectorate using a new maxent approach. In addition to identifying the principal environmental parameters, which highly affect the potential geographic distribution of Nepeta septemcrenata and Phlomis aurea in the St. Katherine protectorate. The findings presented that the assessment distribution of Nepeta septemcrenata and Phlomis aurea is concentrated in the high-mountain region in SKP. While the driest quarter's precipitation, the coldest quarter's precipitation, the warmest quarter's mean temperature, the coldest quarter's mean temperature, and elevation all had a role in Nepeta septemcrenata distribution. The coldest quarter's mean temperature, the driest quarter's mean temperature, precipitation seasonality, the warmest quarter's mean temperature, all had a role in the distribution of P. aurea. Additionally, the highly suitable ecological conditions for Nepeta septemcrenata cover about 200.5 km2 from the total protectorate area, while the highly suitable ecological conditions for Phlomis aurea cover only 104.1 km2. This work may help in conservation planning for these threatened and endemic species.

Ecophysiological Studies on the Oxidative Stress Responses of Phlomis aurea, Ballota undulata and Nepeta septemcrenata Endemic Plants in Saint Katherine Mountain, Egypt

Ecophysiological Studies on the Oxidative Stress Responses of Phlomis aurea, Ballota undulata and Nepeta septemcrenata Endemic Plants in Saint Katherine Mountain, Egypt

In silico study of potential anti-SARS cell entry phytoligands from Phlomis aurea: apromising avenue for prophylaxis.

Aim: The severity of COVID-19 has raised a great public health concern evoking an urgency for developing multitargeted therapeutics. Phlomis species was ethno-pharmacologically practiced for respiratory ailments. Materials & methods: An array of 15 phytoligands previously isolated from Phlomis aurea were subjected to molecular docking to explore their potential SARS-CoV-Spike-angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 complex inhibition, that is essential for virus entry to host cell. Results: Acteoside (11) showed the most potent in silico inhibition with an additional merit, over hesperidin (16), of not binding to angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 with well proven in vivo pulmonary protective role in acute lung injury, followed by chrysoeriol-7-O-β-glucopyranoside (12) and luteolin-7-O-β-glucopyranoside (14). Conclusion: Phytoligands (11, 12 and 14) were posed as promising candidates with potential prophylactic action against COVID-19. These phytoligands were prioritized for further biological experimentation because of their acceptable predicted ADME and drug-likeness parameters. Moreover, they could aid in developing multitargeted strategy for better management of COVID-19 using phytomedicines.

Chemical profiling, antiviral and antiproliferative activities of the essential oil of Phlomis aurea Decne grown in Egypt.

Here, we investigated the chemical composition of the edible Phlomis aurea oil and its anticancer potential on three human cancer cell lines, as well as its antiviral activity against Herpes simplex-1 (HSV-1). Exploring Phlomis aurea Decne essential oil by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC/MS) revealed the presence of four major components: germacrene D (51.56%), trans-β-farnesene (11.36%), α-pinene (22.96%) & limonene (6.26%). An antiproliferative effect, as determined by the MTT assay, against human hepatic, breast and colon cancer cell lines, manifested IC50 values of 10.14, 328.02, & 628.43 μg mL-1, respectively. Cytotoxicity assay of the Phlomis oil against Vero cell lines revealed a safe profile within the range of 50 μg ml-1. Phlomis essential oil induced the apoptosis of HepG2 cells through increasing cell accumulation in sub G1 & G2/M phases, decreasing both S & G0/G1 phases of the cell cycle, triggering both caspases-3 &-9, and inhibiting cyclin dependent kinase-2 (CDK2). The antiviral activity of the oil against HSV-1 was investigated using the plaque reduction assay, which showed 80% of virus inhibition. Moreover, the molecular docking in silico study of the four major chemical constituents of the oil at the CDK2 binding site demonstrated marked interactions with the ATP-binding site residues through alkyl & Pi-alkyl interactions. Cell cycle distribution of HepG2 cells was studied using flow cytometry to highlight the apoptotic mechanistic approaches by measuring caspases-3 &-9 and CDK2 activities. Thus, the edible Phlomis oil can be regarded as a candidate for in vivo studies to prove that it is a promising natural antiviral/anticancer agent.

Niche differentiation of two congeneric Phlomis species in Egypt

Phlomis aurea Decne. and Phlomis floccosa D. Don. exhibit different ecological and geographical distribution range in Egypt. Phlomis aurea is endemic to Saint Katherine Protectorate (SKP), South Sinai with narrow geographic distribution, but wide ecological range. Phlomis floccosa has wide geographical and ecological range within the coastal western Mediterranean coast of Egypt. Unlike P. floccosa, P. aurea has wide altitudinal range which increases its resistance to climate changes. Here, we assessed the effect of microhabitats on growth parameters and plant vigor of P. aurea and P. floccosa. The maximum EC of the soil in the various microhabitats supporting P. floccosa (950 µS/cm) is substantially higher than that of P. aurea (110 µS/cm). Both Phlomis species had low number of associated species which may be related to habitat aridity. The results indicate that the microhabitats supporting both species are the best environments for future conservation of these species under the impact of climate change.

Vegetation diversity along the altitudinal and environmental gradients in the main wadi beds in the mountainous region of South Sinai, Egypt

South Sinai includes Egypt’s highest mountains that resemble an ecological island surrounded by desert. The present study aims to analyse the vegetation physiognomy along the altitudinal and environmental gradients in the main wadi beds in South Sinai mountainous region. This includes determining the natural, native-weed and alien vegetation in representative stands in this region, analysing their vegetation in terms of species composition, abundance and life forms and determining the national and global distribution of the associated species. This investigation also aims to describe the prevailing plant communities and assess the role of environmental conditions that affect the vegetation in this region. Thus, thirty-two stands were chosen during March–June 2018 to reflect the prevailing altitude and environmental gradients. Total species was 316 (229 genera and 61 families): 186 species were perennials (58.9%), while 130 were annuals (41.1%). In addition, 152 species were native weeds (48.1% of total species), 31 were aliens (9.8%), along with 133 natural species (42.1%). Eight species were recorded as endemic to Egypt: Anarrhinum pubescens, Euphorbia sanctae-catharinae, Hypericum sinaicum, Origanum syriacum subsp. sinaicum, Phlomis aurea, Primula boveana, Rosa arabica and Solanum sinaicum. In addition, 10 species were recorded as near-endemics to Egypt and other adjacent countries: Allium desertorum, Asclepias sinaica, Centaurea scoparia, Fagonia mollis var. hispida, Hyoscyamus boveanus, Iphiona mucronata, Micromeria sinaica, Pterocephalus sanctus, Salvia deserti and Stachys aegyptiaca. In the present study, 33 species are threatened and categorized as follows: 8 endangered, 8 vulnerable and one indeterminate, while the rest were evaluated by the authors as rares. The rich plant diversity of this region is due to its extensive mountainous massif, which supports many microhabitats. The high elevations in this region hinder the dispersal process of propagules, a situation which often tends to increase endemic and near-endemic species. The current results were discussed and compared with some related previous studies.

Oxidative Stress Responses of Some Endemic Plants to High Altitudes by Intensifying Antioxidants and Secondary Metabolites Content.

Most endemic plant species have limited altitudinal ranges. At higher altitudes, they are subjected to various environmental stresses. However, these plants use unique defense mechanisms at high altitudes as a convenient survival strategy. The changes in antioxidant defense system and accumulation of different secondary metabolites (SMs) were investigated as depending on altitude in five endemic endangered species (Nepeta septemcrenata, Origanum syriacum subsp. Sinaicum, Phlomis aurea, Rosa arabica, and Silene schimperiana) naturally growing in Saint Katherine protectorate (SKP). Leaves were collected from different sites between 1600 and 2200 m above sea level to assess the biochemical and physiological variations in response to high altitudes. At higher altitudes, the soil pH and micronutrient soil content decreased, which can be attributed to lower mineralization processes at lower pH. Total phenols, ascorbic acid, proline, flavonoids, and tannins increased in response to different altitudes. SMs progressively increased in the studied species, associated with a significant decrease in the levels of antioxidant enzyme activity. R. arabica, as the most threatened plant, showed the maximum response compared with other species. There was an increase in photosynthetic pigments, which was attained via the increase in chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and carotenoid contents. There was a significant increase in total soluble sugars and total soluble protein content in response to different altitudes. SDS-PAGE of leaf proteins showed alteration in the protein profile between different species and the same species grown at a different altitude. These five species can adapt to high-altitude habitats by various physiological mechanisms, which can provide a theoretical basis for the future conservation of these endangered endemic species in SKP.

Micropropagtion and DNA-barcoding of the endangered endemic Phlomis aurea plant of Saint Katherine

Saint Katherine is considered a “biodiversity hotspot” because of the high level of endemism of reported plant species. In this study, conservation of the endangered endemic plant; Phlomis aurea of Saint Katherine, Southern Sinai, Egypt, was carried out through micropropagation and DNA barcoding. The first efficient micropropagation protocol for Phlomis aurea was established as a mean of ex situ conservation of the plant. Shoot tips and nodal segments of in vitro germinated seedlings were established on Murashige and Skoog medium supplemented with 0.54 µM β-naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) and 2.46 µM N6-(2-isopentenyl) adenine (2iP) in combination with 6-benzylaminopurine (BA) or kinetin (Kin). The medium supplemented with 3.48 µM Kin considered optimum for both explants. For multiplication, BA was the most efficient cytokinin. The percentage of rooted explants reached 100% at the concentration of 14.7 µM indolebutyric acid (IBA), whereas the highest number of roots was recorded for 4.90 µM, which considered the optimum concentration with a percentage of 80% of rooting. Rooted plantlets were transplanted in the greenhouse with 75% survival rate. The present study also aimed to carry out DNA barcoding of Phlomis aurea for accurate identification to provide a database for establishing an efficient conservation program for the plant. Three chloroplast DNA markers were used [ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase large subunit (rbcL), maturase K (matK) and RNA polymerase C1 (rpoC1)] and all were successful in amplifying target regions, however the performance of both rbcL and matK markers seemed to be species‐specific. The similarity percentage was maximum for rbcL (99.81%) and matK (100%) compared to the database of the same species.

Laboratory and field evaluation of certain wild plant extracts against Aphis fabae Scop. (Homoptera: Aphididae) and its predators

BackgroundBroad bean (Vicia faba L.) is considered one of the most essential food crops in Egypt. Aphis fabae Scop. (Homoptera: Aphididae) causes a considerable damage to bean plants as well as to other leguminous crops. The present study dealt with laboratory and field trials to evaluate the effectiveness of some plant extracts against A. fabae and two predatory species.ResultsThe effectiveness of six plant extracts viz Ballota undulata (BU), Teucrium polium (TP), Phlomis aurea (PA) (Lamiaceae), Pulicaria incisa (PI), Seriphidium herba-alba (SHA) (Asteraceae), and Euphorbia saint catherine (ESC) (Euphorbiaceae) against the bean aphid (A. fabae) and on the two predators, Chrysoperla carnea (Steph.) and Coccinella undecimpunctata L., was determined in both laboratory and field. Results showed that BU, TP, and SHA were the most toxic extracts to aphids, followed by PA and PI, while the ESC was the least toxic one. The lethal effects, expressed as percent mortalities, were 74.3, 73.2, 72.7, 65.9, 62.5, and 56.8%, respectively. All mortality rates were significantly different than the control. Regarding the effect on the predators, insignificant differences were observed between the tested extracts and the control. In the field, the tested plant extracts were efficient for controlling the aphid without a harmful effect on the predators. The extracts had a various positive effect on crop yield; it was increased.ConclusionThe six tested plant extracts, evaluated against A. fabae, and two predatory species showed efficiency in aphid control and safety to the predators in the field.

Impact of Climate Change on Surviving of Phlomis aurea as an Endemic Species Growing in Southern Sinai, Egypt

The changing climate globally is one of the most important influences that affect distribution patterns and phenology of plants. Global average temperatures have increased by more than 2°C. In the last century while precipitation patterns have plummeted dramatically. Phlomis aurea is a perennial species, endemic to South Sinai in Egypt; it grows in basins and gorge habitats which increase its ability to survive the natural arid environment of South Sinai. Phlomis aurea has a significant ecological and medicinal feature; it has a role in pollination due to the lipped flower it carries forming an arrival stage for honey bees, while medicinally, it has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, cytostatic and immunosuppressant characteristics. Moreover, it's famous for antidiabetic activity in folk medicine. According to the IUCN, Phlomis aurea is a threatened species in Egypt that needs firm conservation plans considering the changing climate as a threat to biodiversity loss. The following review aims at investigating the current status of Phlomis aurea in Egypt and its vulnerability to climate change incidence taking over the globe. In conclusion, it’s expected that, Phlomis.aurea would be highly resistant to increased drought; however, on the long run and with harsher climate change scenarios there could be a severe decline in the population unless precautions have been followed.

Genetic Diversity of the Endemic Species Phlomis aurea Decne. in Southern Sinai, Egypt

PHLOMIS AUREA Decne. (Lamiaceae), which have future antidiabetic drug yielding potentials, is an endemic species, restricted to the high altitudes in five main habitats in southern Sinai. The genetic characterization of individuals from different populations is necessary to construct proper conservation programs. Thus, the present study was conducted to achieve two main goals; 1) Finding the genetic diversity among Phlomis aurea populations through variation in seed storage proteins electrophoretic pattern and Inter Simple Sequence Repeats (ISSR) finger printing as a dominant DNA molecular marker. 2) Perceive the relationship among these biochemical and molecular parameters with the different habitats in Saint Katherine Protectorate (SKP) are in South Sinai. Mature dry seeds from 30 individuals representing different populations were used for protein analysis using SDS-PAGE technique, 12 individuals of them were chosen for ISSR analysis. The former test produced 20 protein bands, three of them were common to all plants (species specific) and could be used as finger prints for Phlomis aurea. It was suggested that seed storage protein patterns are affected by aspect direction, altitude and slightly affected by habitats. ISSR analysis showed that decreasing genetic variation of Phlomis aurea individuals from different habitats in the following order: Wadibed> Slope> Gorge>Basin. This open area habitat contributes to high percent of hybridization and consequently results in high genetic polymorphism.

Morphological Characterization and Biological Activity of Some ethno-medicinal Plants of Sinai-Egypt

Multiple approaches of taxonomic analyses (e.g., documentation of the biological origin and morphological characteristics) are important for characterizing herbal drugs in a systematic manner to reach authentication, and thus maintaining herbal drug efficacy. Sixteen ethno-medicinal plant species belonging to sixteen genera and ten families collected from Wadi Alarbaeen of Saint Catherine, Sinai, Egypt were investigated macro- and micromorphologically. 70% ethanolic extracts of these plants also were investigated for their biological activity versus different microorganisms. Results showed that powerfull activity was recorded for some studied taxa viz. Achillea fragrantissima, Alkanna orientalis, Artemisia judaica, Asclepias sinaica, Capparis spinosa, Fagonia glutinosa, Matthiola arabica, Nitraria retusa, Origanum syriacum, Peganum harmala, Phlomis aurea, Pyrethrum santolinoides, Retama raetam, Teucrium polium and Verbascum sinaiticum. These plants of medicinal importance were fully described macro- and micromorphologically for easier and more accurate identification. The conclusion of the obtained results was that morpho-anatomical characters and biological activity not only provide characters for their correct taxonomic authentication, but also serve as standard data for the quality assessment of the pharmaceutical preparation of herbal drugs.

Distribution of the species associated with Phlomis aurea Decne along an elevation gradient in Southern Sinai, Egypt

The present study aims to assess and identify the plant communities associated with the distribution of Phlomis aurea in Southern Sinai in relation to habitats and elevation gradient. It also aims to assess the effect of environmental factors on its distribution to be used for its conservation through rehabilitation or restoration. Sixty-five stands were sampled to represent its distribution. In each stand, plant species, their density, frequency and cover were determined. Sixty-three associated species related to 56 genera and 30 families, of which 12 endemic species and 3 near-endemics, were recorded. Twentyone species were evaluated as threatened species (most of them were evaluated as endangered species). Compositae had the highest contribution. Saharo-Arabian elements were the most represented. Gorges had the highest species richness, while wadi beds had the highest species turnover. Significant positive correlations between altitude and both plant cover and density were detected. Four vegetation groups were resulted after the application of TWINSPAN classification and DCA ordination. Three of these groups were characterized by Achillea fragrantissima as dominant or codominant species, and one was charcterized by Phlomis aurea. Seriphidium herba-album-Achillea fragrantissima group had the highest species richness, while Achillea fragrantissima – Teucrium polium group – had the highest species turnover, and Phlomis aurea – Seriphidium herba-album group – had the lowest. The soilvegetation relationship resulted from the application of CCA indicated that altitude, calcium, bicarbonate, organic matter and fine gravels were the most effective environmental variables to explain species distribution.

Population structure and dynamics of the endemic species Phlomis aurea Decne in different habitats in southern Sinai Peninsula, Egypt

Phlomis aurea Decne is a rare and endangered species inhabiting high altitudes at southern Sinai Peninsula, Egypt. The present study investigated the population structure of P. aurea, in terms of size distribution, height, diameter, density, frequency and cover at its favourable habitats, and attempted to assess the effect of different habitats, which reflect the elevation gradients, on sizes distribution and density of occurrences of the study species. Sixty five stands (each of 25 × 25 m) were sampled to represent most variations among P. aurea populations in four main habitats (basins, mountain slopes, gorges and wadi beds). P. aurea in basins had the highest plant frequency, cover, plant diameter and height, size index, leaf length and width, leaves, branches, flowers, inflorescences and inflorescence length, while slope population had the lowest. Population in gorges and wadi beds had the highest height to diameter ratio, while in basin and slope had the lowest. Plants in gorges had the highest density, followed by those in basins, wadi beds and slopes. The size structures in the gorges and basins approximated the normal distribution; while that of the slope population approximated the positively skewed distribution. The plant cover was positively correlated with silt, clay, Ca, altitude, CaCO3, fine sand and HCO3; while it was negatively correlated with soil pH and Mg. In addition, plant cover response along soil salinity (EC) gradient approximated normal distribution. This study may help in planning for conserving this endemic species and we recommend, as a priority, to increase the area of the protected areas at mid- to high altitude in the Southern Sinai to grant further protection in zones with the highest density of endemics.

Seed Ecology and Environmental Conditions of Hypericum sinaicum, Growing in South Sinai, Egypt

There are increasing threats facing the rare plants including the endemic populations. Also the potential development of the earth's vast desert areas for agriculture and other human-needs demands an awareness of the ecological characteristics and requirements of desert vegetation. Saint Catherine area has a unique location and environment. The vegetation and wild life in Saint Catherine area is subjected to great disturbance through the unmanaged human activities. In the present study we had used seed ecology in order to contribute in designing a sound long term conservation plan for the threatened endemic studied medicinal species; Hypericum sinaicum, at two levels; (a) soil seed bank and its relationship to above ground vegetation and (b) the germination response at different conditions and pretreatments on wetted substrate. Hypericum sinaicum grows in Sinai on mountainous sheltered moist crevices and in Hijaz in the extreme north-west of Saudi Arabia and in Edom in Jordan. The results revealed that seven endemic species were identified in soil seed bank; Veronica khaiseri, Hypericum sinaicum, Nepeta septemcrenata, Plantago sinaica, Origanum syriacum, Phlomis aurea, and Primula boveana. Germination treatments on Hypericum sinaicum seeds showed that calcium carbonate (CaCO3) and hot water of 50°C treatment was found to be most effective to improve seed germination depending on doses, while other treatments were efficient to a lesser degree. As a general conclusion, the present study clarified that the behaviour of endemic species along environmental gradients varies greatly, as well as in its strategies in struggling for existence.

Iridoids from Phlomis aurea Decne Growing in Egypt

AbstractFor Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text.

Iridoid and megastigmane glycosides from Phlomis aurea

From the leaves of Phlomis aurea, two new iridoids of unique structures named 3-epiphlomurin ( 1 ) and phlomurin ( 2 ), a new megastigmane glucoside phlomuroside ( 3 ) and a new benzyl alcohol glycoside having the structure benzyl alcohol- O-β-xylopyranosyl-(1→2)-β-glucopyranoside ( 4 ) have been isolated together with four known iridoids auroside, lamiide, 8-epiloganin and ipolamiide, two known phenolic glycosides acteoside (verbascoside) and syringin, one known phenylethanoid glycoside 2-phenylethyl- O-β-xylopyranosyl-(1→2)-β-glucopyranoside, one known lignan liriodendrin and three known flavonoids chrysoeriol-7- O-β-glucopyranoside, acacetin-7- O-β-glucopyranoside and luteolin-7- O-β-glucopyranoside. The structures of the isolated compounds were verified by means of mass spectrometry (MS) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectral analyses.

Flavonoids of Phlomis aurea and P. floccosa

The leaves of Phlomis aurea proved to contain the 7-glucosides, 7-rutinosides and 7- p-coumaroylglucosides of naringenin, apigenin, luteolin and chrysoeriol, hispidulin 7-glucoside, luteolin 7-diglucoside, vicenin-2 and lucenin-2. The microscopic hairs on the leaves only contained the 7-monoglucosides and their acylated derivatives. Phlomis floccosa showed a similar flavonoid pattern, but with no flavanones.