Rhamnus Alaternus Research Articles

Strategy of experimental design for intensification of solvent extraction of natural antioxidant flavonoids and phenols from buckthorn textured leaves

AbstractPrior to solvent extraction of plant-based active molecules, adequate texturing by Detente Instantanee Controlee (DIC; French for “Instant controlled pressure drop”) results in overcoming the slow diffusion of the solvent/solute through the solid matrix. This work aimed at determining the impact of DIC pretreatments on buckthorn (Rhamnus alaternus L.) morphology. DIC-operating parameters were selected as the saturated steam pressure, the thermal treatment time, and the number of cycles. A three-parameter five-level response surface method was used to optimize DIC processing parameters. Response factors were the overall and individual yields of flavonol aglycone extraction, and antioxidant activity of both expanded dried material (swell dried leaves) and extracts. The yield of flavonol aglycones was 18.23 mg Kaemp eq/g dry basis (mg Kaemp eq/g db) in 3 min for DIC-treated buckthorn, against 12.24 mg Kaemp eq/g db in 150 min for untreated natural buckthorn raw material. Furthermore, the antioxidant ...

HPLC-DAD profile of phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity of leaves extract of Rhamnus alaternus L.

This research investigated the polyphenols profiling and antioxidative properties of Rhamnus alaternus L. A comparative analysis of the defatted and eluted fractions of methanol extract from leaves of R. alaternus L. was performed on high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to diode array detection. The total phenolic, flavonoid, monomeric anthocyanin contents, and antioxidant activity of all the fractions of the leaves extract were quantified. All fractions showed the presence of phenolic compounds and exhibited different levels of free radical scavenging activity. Seven individual phenolic compounds and anthraquinones as a group of phenolic compounds in the samples were identified. Luteolin, quercetin-3-rhamnoside, p-coumaric acid, ferulic acid, gallic acid, and rutin were the newly identified compounds in the extract, confirmed by the presence of kaempferol and anthraquinones. Knowledge of these compounds in the leaves extract will help in formulating pharmaceutical products for various diseases.

Trade-offs between seedling growth, plant respiration and water-use efficiency in two Mediterranean shrubs Rhamnus alaternus and Rhamnus ludovici-salvatoris

Seedling recruitment is a critical developmental stage in regeneration of plant populations under Mediterranean conditions that strongly depends on water availability. Seed mass and relative growth rate (RGR) may affect the early establishment of seedlings through different physiological processes. Here, we examined the effects of the seed mass and carbon balance on seedling growth under two water regimes in Rhamnus alaternus L. and Rhamnus ludovici-salvatoris, two Mediterranean shrubs, showing a different ability to recruit seedlings. Plant water consumption and biomass accumulation (ΔB) were measured during three periods of the growth in order to estimate water use efficiency (WUE), RGR, and its components. Additionally, net photosynthesis and leaf, stem, and root respiration were measured in plants grown in pots well watered and under progressive drought. Rhamnus alaternus showed the higher seed mass, ΔB, and plant WUE than that of R. ludovici-salvatoris in all periods and water regimes. The higher RGR of R. alaternus was observed during the first and the second period, but the reverse trend was registered during the third period as a consequence of the higher initial biomass of R. alaternus. Also, R. alaternus showed a higher specific leaf area and estimated carbon balance than that of R. ludovicisalvatoris. The observed differences in ΔB, estimated carbon balance, seed mass, and WUE between both species could explain their different distribution and ability to recruit seedlings under natural conditions.

Insect pollinators of the late winter flowering Rhamnus alaternus L., a candidate for honeybee-friendly scrubland spots in intensively managed agricultural areas

Insect pollinators of Rhamnus alaternus belong to 11 families, 17 genera and 20 species. The most abundant species is the honeybee followed by flies and bumblebees. Honeybee visits on R. alaternus decreased from late winter to early spring, highlighting the key role of this flowering in food paucity periods.

Flavonoid profile, antioxidant and cytotoxic activity of different extracts from Algerian Rhamnus alaternus L. bark.

Background:Rhamnus alaternus (Rhamnaceae) L. has been traditionally used for treatment of many diseases.Objective:In this study, we determined the antioxidant/free radical scavenger properties, the flavonoid profile and the cytotoxicity of aqueous and methanolic extracts obtained by maceration from Algerian R. alaternus bark, like also of aqueous extract prepared by decoction according to the traditional method. This to estimate the usefulness of the drug traditional preparation and compare it with those made in the laboratory.Materials and Methods:The antioxidant activity of the extracts was evaluated using five different redox-based assays, all involving one redox reaction with the oxidant. High-performance liquid chromatography/diode array detection/electrospray ionization mass spectrometry analysis was used to identify and quantify the flavonoids content. Cytotoxicity on human monocytic leukemia cells (U937) was also carried out.Results:All the extracts tested showed a good antioxidant/free radical scavenger activity and a similar flavonoid fingerprint. However, the methanolic one presented the best antioxidant activity that can be due to the highest flavonoid amount and significantly reduced the proliferation of leukemia cells. The results confirm that the extract prepared by decoction contains efficient antioxidant compounds and this justifies in part the therapeutic and preventive usefulness. Moreover, the methanolic extract exerted excellent cytotoxicity on U937 that could be attributed to kaempferol and rhamnocitrin glycosides.

Toxic Effects of Rhamnus alaternus: A Rare Case Report.

In Tunisia, there are about 478 species of plants commonly used in folk medicine. Medicinal plants and herbal remedies used are responsible for 2% of intoxications listed by Tunisian National Poison Center. Most cases are related to confusion between edible plants and toxic plants lookalikes or to an excessive consumption of therapeutic plants. We report the case of a 58-year-old man admitted to the Emergency Department of the Regional Hospital of Zaghouan (Tunisia), with renal failure and rhabdomyolysis. The patient reported having daily consumption of a homemade tea based on Mediterranean Buckthorn roots, during the last 6 months to treat type 2 diabetes. The aim of this work was to establish an association between the consumption of the herbal remedy and the occurrence of both renal failure and rhabdomyolysis. No similar cases have been reported in recent literature.

Composted Amendment Affects Soil Quality and Hedges Performance in the Mediterranean Urban Landscape

ABSTRACTThe influence of increasing rates (0, 15, 30, and 45%) of composted sewage sludge (CSS) in the plantation hole on both urban soil properties and three native Mediterranean woody hedge growth was monitored over a two-year period after establishment. The results indicate that the urban soil physical characteristics were positively influenced by the compost: the highest CSS rate showed an increase in both moisture and infiltration values. The chemical properties of the amended soils were also directly affected by the CSS rate, but the compost effect on organic matter, N and K contents decreased over time. At the end of the trial, the hedge grown on the 30% CSS rate showed significantly higher dry weight values compared to the 45% CSS. The growth response to the compost rates of the three species was not similar: mock privet presented hedges with higher dry weight value than the Mediterranean buckthorn mean value, whereas the lowest ones were found in Tarentum myrtle. Phillyrea, in our experimental conditions, developed regularly not being stressed by the presence of high pH values (45% compost rate); it encourages, in the the Mediterranea basin, sustainable landscaping and xerogardening. The results proved that, compared to urban non amended soils, the amended ones are more suitable to the hedge growth; therefore, a plan of hedge establishment based on the use of composted sludge as amendment for sclerophyllous could be feasible and, what is more, helpful to mitigate the environmental impact of organic waste disposal.

The family Hymenochaetaceae (Agaricomycetes, Basidiomycota) in the islands of the Aegean Archipelago (Greece)

In the frame of studying the diversity of wood-rotting macrofungi in Aegean islands, a notable Mediterranean biodiversity “hotspot”, the following hymenochaetoid species are reported for the first time in Greece: Fomitiporia erecta, Fomitiporia rosmarini, Hymenochaete fuliginosa, Inonotus cuticularis and Phylloporia ribis. The records of F. erecta and F. rosmarini are the first ever on Quercus coccifera in a worldwide context. Furthermore, they extend the known distribution of both species to the east Mediterranean region as well. The detected occurrence of P. ribis constitutes the first report of this genus for Greece; it was found on living trees and shrubs of Crataegus monogyna and Rhamnus alaternus in Andros and on Spartium junceum in Naxos. I. cuticularis was recorded on Acer sempervirens living tree trunk in Andros and on Quercus ithaburensis subsp. macrolepis in Agios Efstratios, while H. fuliginosa was detected in Ikaria on Quercus ilex. Detailed descriptions are provided for all five taxa, and the findings are critically discussed in conjunction with the relevant taxonomical literature. Furthermore, 10 additional hymenochaetoid taxa are reported together with information on their hosts and distribution in the Aegean islands.

Effects of plant community composition and flowering phenology on honeybee foraging in Mediterranean sylvo‐pastoral systems

AbstractQuestionsWhich are the most effective plant communities for honeybee foraging and honey production in Mediterranean sylvo‐pastoral systems? What is the relationship between flowering phenology and pollen occurring in honey sediments?LocationMediterranean sylvo‐pastoral system in Gallura, Sardinia, Italy.MethodsPhytosociological and phenological surveys were performed in a circular area of 1.5 km radius with a small apiary placed in the centre. Polleniferous and nectariferous values of plant communities were assessed based on the cover and the polleniferous and nectariferous value of each constituting species. Honey production was quantified during the main flow (March–June) and subjected to melissopalynological analysis. Data were evaluated by ordination through principal components analysis and principal coordinates analysis. The latter utilized a new index, developed for calculating the phenological distances based on the individual distributions of flowering frequencies.ResultsPlant communities richest in species providing pollen and nectar were Rhamnus hedges. There was a close correlation between polleniferous and nectariferous values, suggesting that plant communities are important for honeybee foraging of both resources. The temporal flowering sequence ensured the supply of nectar and pollen throughout the spring season. Pollen foraged from 12 Trifolium species with different flowering phenology was the most abundant. Salix purpurea and Rhamnus alaternus were productive at the beginning of the season, followed by Lavandula stoechas, Echium plantagineum and E. italicum.ConclusionsPlant communities vary in importance for honeybee foraging mainly due to differences in floristic composition and flowering phenology. Communities characterized by human presence (e.g. semi‐natural grasslands and hedges) are the most relevant. Some target species (e.g. Trifolium spp.) favoured by grazing livestock ensure foraging for honeybees throughout the season. Plant communities of wild areas, such as the garrigue vegetation, provide foraging for unifloral valuable honey (i.e. ‘Lavandula’ honey).

Phytochemical Study and Antioxidant Activities of Leaves Extracts from Rhamnus alaternus L.

Phytochemical Study and Antioxidant Activities of Leaves Extracts from Rhamnus alaternus L.

Frugivore carnivores: preferences and contribution to seed dispersal of red fox Vulpes vulpes (Linnaeus, 1758) and stone marten Martes foina (Erxleben, 1777) in Carrascal de la Font Roja Natural Park (Alicante, Spain)

The contribution of red fox and stone marten as seed dispersers in a Mediterranean mountain protected area is analysed. We gathered 332 scats and analysed seed content in presence and number. The eight species eaten in greater proportion were selected, three of them domesticated. Seed and plant remains are present in half of the scats found. Seed presence is distributed almost equally in summer (29%), autumn (34%) and winter (37%). The most dispersed wild species are Juniperus phoenicea subsp. phoenicea, Rhamnus alaternus and Amelanchier ovalis in a lower proportion. Red fox exploits more domesticated species, which presence in the Natural Park is lower. On the contrary, stone marten consumes more J. phoenicea and A. ovalis than red fox, but shows a certain preference for Prunus avium subsp. avium. Both carnivores might have a relevant role on long distance seed dispersal for R. alaternus, which is normally dispersed by birds and ants. The different exploiting rate among the plant species found compared with their presence in the area leads to think that there exist preferences in these carnivores’ feeding habits. Factors as the percentage of relative pulp weight and smell of the fruits and the habitat of the plant species could be related. Further research is needed to actually know the importance of endozoochorous seed dispersal by carnivores and determine patterns in time and preferences.

Frugivore carnivores: preferences and contribution to seed dispersal of red fox Vulpes vulpes (Linnaeus, 1758) and stone marten Martes foina (Erxleben, 1777) in Carrascal de la Font Roja Natural Park (Alicante, Spain)

The contribution of red fox and stone marten as seed dispersers in a Mediterranean mountain protected area is analysed. We gathered 332 scats and analysed seed content in presence and number. The eight species eaten in greater proportion were selected, three of them domesticated. Seed and plant remains are present in half of the scats found. Seed presence is distributed almost equally in summer (29%), autumn (34%) and winter (37%). The most dispersed wild species are Juniperus phoenicea subsp. phoenicea, Rhamnus alaternus and Amelanchier ovalis in a lower proportion. Red fox exploits more domesticated species, which presence in the Natural Park is lower. On the contrary, stone marten consumes more J. phoenicea and A. ovalis than red fox, but shows a certain preference for Prunus avium subsp. avium. Both carnivores might have a relevant role on long distance seed dispersal for R. alaternus, which is normally dispersed by birds and ants. The different exploiting rate among the plant species found compared with their presence in the area leads to think that there exist preferences in these carnivores’ feeding habits. Factors as the percentage of relative pulp weight and smell of the fruits and the habitat of the plant species could be related. Further research is needed to actually know the importance of endozoochorous seed dispersal by carnivores and determine patterns in time and preferences.

Lophiostoma viridarium . [Descriptions of Fungi and Bacteria

Abstract A description is provided for Lophiostoma viridarium , which is considered to be a saprobic fungus, colonizing dead plant tissues. Some information on its dispersal and transmission and conservation status is given, along with details of its geographical distribution (North America (USA, Illinois), Asia (Taiwan), Europe (Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Italy, Portugal, Spain, UK)). L. viridarium has been reported from dead wood and bark of Cornus sp., Arbutus unedo, Erica multiflora, Rhododendron sp., Myrica faya, Myrtus communis, Pseudosasa japonica, Rhamnus alaternus, R. cathartica, Rubus fruticosus, Salix sp., Acer campestre and Acer sp.

Flavonoids from Rhamnus alaternus L. (Rhamnaceae): Kaempferol 3-O-β-isorhamninoside and rhamnocitrin 3-O-β-isorhamninoside protect against DNA damage in human lymphoblastoid cell and enhance antioxidant activity

Kaempferol 3-O-β-isorhamninoside (K3O-ir) and rhamnocitrin 3-O-β-isorhamninoside (R3O-ir), were isolated from Rhamnus alaternus L leaves. The genotoxic and antigenotoxic properties of these compounds were investigated by assessing the induction and inhibition of the genotoxicity induced by the direct-acting mutagen, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), using the “comet assay.” K3O-ir and R3O-ir exhibited a preventive effect against H2O2 induced DNA damages in human lymphoblastoid TK6 cells and its derivative the p53 deficient cell line NH32.These two flavonoids, also investigated for their antioxidant capacities, using different antioxidant tests, such as: Cuprac, Frap and reducing power assays, revealed significant activity through their capacities to transfer electrons.

RESPONSE OF RHAMNUS ALATERNUS TO FIVE SHADING LEVELS

ISHS XXVIII International Horticultural Congress on Science and Horticulture for People (IHC2010): International Symposium on Greenhouse 2010 and Soilless Cultivation RESPONSE OF RHAMNUS ALATERNUS TO FIVE SHADING LEVELS

Analysis of the Chemical Composition and Antimicrobial Activity of the Essential Oil from Rhamnus alaternus

The essential oil from the leaves of Rhamnus alaternus L was obtained by hydrodistillation and analyzed by GC and GC-MS. Other parameters such as refractive index, optical rotation; density, polarimetric deviation; freezing point and Solubility in ethanol are also measured. 89.2 % of the total peak area were identified. The main constituents of the essential oil were the hydrocarbon and oxygen compounds: Camphene17.63 %, linalool 16.13 %, pulegone 15.01 %, naphthalene 14.66 %, boron trihydro (pyridine), 3.66 %, mequinol 2.77 %, borneol2.13 %. The antibacterial activity of the oil was determined using the agar diffusion method and it was found that it was active against Escherichia coli (ATCC 25923), Salmonella typhimurium (ATCC14028) and Pseudomonas aeroginosa (ATCC 27853).

Stomatal and non-stomatal limitations to photosynthesis in seedlings and saplings of Mediterranean species pre-conditioned and aged in nurseries: Different response to water stress

The aim of the present work was to compare the physiological responses to water stress and recovery of seedlings and saplings of three different Mediterranean species ( Olea europaea var. sylvestris, Rhamnus alaternus and Cneorum tricoccon), pre-conditioning and aged in nursery and presenting different ages and pot sizes. Our hypothesis was that the ratio of plant size to soil volume (which constrains root development leading to low root-to-shoot ratios) rather than any of the two factors separately determines the seedling response to water stress. Seedlings (1-y) and saplings (3 to 4-y) were transplanted into pots bigger than those used during growth in the nursery and irrigation was stopped to each species × age/size combination. Leaf water potential ( Ψ), net CO 2 assimilation ( A N), stomatal ( g s) and mesophyll ( g m) conductances, and the rate of photosynthetic electron transport (ETR) were determined every few days. Plants were re-watered when A N dropped below 70% of control values. Saplings of each species presented larger total leaf area (TLA) and reached lower Ψ than seedlings. Even under irrigation, saplings showed lower A N, which was not related to g s but to lower g m and ETR. During water stress, A N decreased slowly in seedlings due to stomatal limitations, while in saplings it decreased fast and mainly associated to non-stomatal limitations ( g m and ETR). Upon re-watering, seedlings recovered maximum A N within a few days, while recovery was slow and incomplete in saplings. At the end of the experiment, significant leaf die-back occurred in saplings but not in seedlings except for Cneorum. The minimum Ψ achieved during water stress was strongly linearly related to TLA when pooling all species and ages, and leaf die-back was strongly dependent on Ψ and on the appearance of non-stomatal limitations to photosynthesis. Therefore, we conclude that the total amount of leaf area for a given volume of substrate (i.e., maximum water availability), rather than plants pre-conditioning in nurseries or plant age, determines seedling/sapling responses to water stress and re-watering in Mediterranean species.

Anti-lipid peroxidation and induction of apoptosis in the erythroleukaemic cell line K562 by extracts from (Tunisian) Rhamnus alaternus L. (Rhamnaceae)

Total oligomer flavonoids (TOF) enriched and ethyl acetate (EA) extracts from Rhamnus alaternus induce apoptotic death in human chronic myelogenous leukaemia K562 cell line, as demonstrated by gel electrophoresis, which demonstrates the characteristic ladder patterns of DNA fragmentation and the proteolytic cleavage of poly(ADP ribose) polymerase (PARP). The effect of R. alaternus extract in reducing oxidative stress was evaluated by anti-lipid peroxidation which was monitored by measuring malondialdehyde level in K562 cultured cells. The TOF and EA extracts were found to be effective to protect against lipid peroxidation. Their IC50 values were 196 and 273 µg mL−1, respectively. These findings suggest that R. alaternus extracts exhibit potential antioxidant and proapoptotic properties.

Induction of apoptosis in human lymphoblastoid cells by kaempferol 3-O-β-isorhamninoside and rhamnocitrin 3-O-β-isorhamninoside from Rhamnus alaternus L. (Rhamnaceae).

Kaempferol 3-O-β-isorhamninoside (K3O-ir) and rhamnocitrin 3-O-β-isorhamninoside (R3O-ir) from Rhamnus alaternus L leaves are investigated for their ability to induce apoptosis in human lymphoblastoid cells. We have attempted to characterize apoptotic pathway activated by these two flavonoids. Apoptosis of the human TK6 lymphoblastoid cell line was detected by DNA fragmentation, PARP cleavage and by evaluating caspase activity. Apoptosis was observed after 24- and 48-h incubation of the cells with the tested compounds. DNA fragmentation was observed after treatment with flavonoids; this was confirmed by demonstration of PARP cleavage. Caspase-3 and caspase-8 activities were induced by both K3O-ir and R3O-ir flavonoids showing highest activity with compound concentration of 400 μg/ml. We have demonstrated that K3O-ir and R3O-ir induce apoptosis in human lymphoblastoid cells by the extrinsic pathway of apoptosis.

Nutrient deprivation improves field performance of woody seedlings in a degraded semi-arid shrubland

The performance of planted seedlings in drylands is affected by seedling morphological and physiological traits. Recent studies support a positive relationship between seedling size and field performance. However, exceptions to this paradigm suggest that this relationship may be dependent on species and degree of stress. To test the hypothesis that small seedlings would be favored under harsh semi-arid conditions over large seedlings, we produced seedlings of five Mediterranean woody species (Pistacia lentiscus, Quercus coccifera, Rhamnus lycioides, Rhamnus alaternus and Tetraclinis articulata) under contrasted fertilization regimes, and evaluated their performance after planting in a semi-arid area. Seedlings were cultivated under full sunlight and received either slow release fertilizer or bi-weekly applications of complete nutrient solution, diluted fertirrigation, or nutrient solutions containing no nitrogen or no phosphorus. Fertilization had a strong effect on nutrient status, above and belowground biomass accumulation, and biomass allocation patterns. Root: shoot ratio was higher in nitrogen- and phosphorus-deficient seedlings than in seedlings receiving complete nutrient solution or slow-release fertilizer. One year after planting, seedling survival was negatively correlated with plant size for all species. The effect of nutritional regime on field survival decreased over the 2 following years. Our results show that nutrient-deprived seedlings are more likely to establish under semi-arid conditions than well-fertilized seedlings, suggesting that morphological and functional characteristics associated with nutrient deficiency may outbalance the scarcity of nutrient reserves in seedling tissues.