Carthamus Lanatus Research Articles

Optimization of process parameters to intensify the yield rate of biodiesel derived from waste and inedible Carthamus lanatus (L.) Boiss. seeds and examine the fuel properties with pre-heated water emulsion

Second-generation biodiesels derived from non-edible feedstocks are a viable alternative to diesel, and the transformation of Asteraceae seeds into biodiesel is the topic of some fascinating research. In the earlier experiments, no attempt was made to optimize Carthamus lanatus (L.) biodiesel (CLB) for a higher yield rate and to discover whether it was suitable for use with a pre-heated water emulsion. The current study aims to extract biodiesel from Carthamus lanatus (L.) Boiss. seeds under optimal conditions, evaluate the effect of reaction parameters on yield rate and determine the appropriateness of pre-heated water-CLB emulsion for fuel applications. The reaction parameters such as catalyst concentration (CC), methanol ratio (MR), impregnation time (ITE) and impregnation temperature (ITP) were optimized using response surface methodology. The function group and chemical constituents of CLB were assessed by Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The CLB was blended with various volume concentrations of pre-heated water and their physicochemical properties were assessed. With CC of 2.51737%, MR of 11.0135:1, ITP of 115.625 °C, and ITE of 140.292 min, the CLB yield rate is intensified to 94.51%, and the ITE has a major influence (52%) on yield rate. The FTIR report indicates that the carbon-based components are significantly contributed, and the GC-MS report states that linoleic acid has a maximum contribution. Physicochemical properties reveal that CLB is a suitable alternative to diesel and that up to 15% of the pre-heated water contained in CLB can be used as a direct fuel.

Effect of different nitrogen forms and bio-treatments on the growth and seed yield of downy safflower (Carthamus lanatus)

A field experiment was carried out to investigate the effect of different nitrogen forms and some biotreatments (Trichoderma viride, vermicompost and arbuscular mycorrhiza fungi) alone or in combination on vegetative growth, seed yield and some chemical traits of downy safflower (Carthamus lanatus L.). Nitrogen was supplied as ammonium sulfate, ammonium nitrate and urea at the rates (5, 3 and 2 g/plant, respectively). Bio treatments included Trichoderma viride, vermicompost and arbuscular mycorrhiza fungi. The results showed that all nitrogen forms significantly increased the plant growth and yield, pigments content, and total carbohydrates in leaves and seeds, as well as N, P and K%, total phenols and oil content in seeds. All bio treatments significantly increased the tested parameters compared to control. The integration of ammonium sulfate with T. viride was the most effective treatment since determined the highest increases of the tested traits. Results showed that for enhancing downy safflower plant growth, and nutritional values of seed, the combined treatment of T. viride at 5 ml/plant and ammonium sulfate at 5 g/plant is recommended.

Cleaner production of biodiesel from novel non-edible seed oil (Carthamus lanatus L.) via highly reactive and recyclable green nano CoWO3@rGO composite in context of green energy adaptation

Sustainable and cheaper intercession coupled with green technologies could be the feasible and finest approach for addressing the solicitous snags like energy crises, greenhouse gas emissions and fossil fuel depletions globally. Biodiesel appeared as a feasible substitute to achieve net zero emissions globally. Biodiesel produced from waste, toxic and non-edible oil seeds is clean, cheaper and capable for producing greener energy which ultimately contributed positively in boosting bio-economy (close circular economy). In the present study, the potential of Carthamus lanatus L. seed oil (CSO) as novel, non-edible and waste feedstock was investigated for producing biodiesel using cobalt tungstate loaded reduced graphene oxide (CoWO3@rGO) as novel, green and recyclable catalysts. The catalyst (CoWO3@rGO) was synthesized via Hummers method followed by characterizations by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX). Optimize biodiesel yield (99.7 wt%) was achieved with optimum reaction conditions of 0.8 wt% catalyst, oil to methanol molar ratio of 1:12 and temperature 65 °C for 2 h reaction time. The optimized Carthamus lanatus L. biodiesel (CBD) yield was also predicted by drawing 3D surface plots with response surface methodology (Box-Behnken design). The synthesized CBD was also characterized using latest techniques of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) (1H and 13C), Gas Chromatography/Mass spectroscopy (GC–MS) and FT-IR. The green nanocomposite exhibits excellent reusability of seven times without significant drop in its reactivity during transesterification process. Fuel properties of fatty acid methyl ester complied with biodiesel international standards EN 14214, China GB/T 20828–2007 and ASTM D 6751. Ultimately, biodiesel produced from wild, uncultivated and non-edible CSO can be commendably used to engender and adopt a greener and sustainable energy approach. The acceptance and adoption of the green energy approach could bring positive outcomes in the environment which ultimately create healthier societal and economic development.

Phytoaccumulation of Heavy Metals by Sodom Apple (Calotropis procera (Aiton) W. T. Aiton) along an Urban–Rural Gradient

Heavy metals (HMs) are widely recognized for their toxicity and have serious environmental implications as technology advances and public pressure mounts to guarantee the safest and healthiest environment. This study evaluates the phytoremediation potential of HMs i.e., Copper (Cu), Zinc (Zn), Lead (Pb), and Cadmium (Cd) by Calotropis procera (Aiton) W.T. Aiton, also known as Sodom apple, along an urban–rural gradient and its effect on communities’ diversity, forage and medicinal quality in semi-arid region of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Pakistan. The HM concentration was investigated along with the urban–rural gradients by sampling C. procera and soil samples. Acid-digested samples were tested for metal concentration using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). We used principal component analysis and cluster analysis to identify the pattern of metal distribution in plants and soil. To comprehend the species’ diversity of plant communities in polluted sites, the species’ composition of C. procera communities was explored. Our results showed that the concentration of HMs in the soil and plant decreased from Zn to Cd (Zn > Cu > Pb > Cd). Likewise, more than half of the soil metal accumulated in the roots and aerial part of the plant, indicating the bioaccumulation potential of the plant species for these metals. Zn, Cu, Pb, and Cd translocation ratio varied from root > stem > leaf > flower. Root to stem transfer of metal was poor, but strongly mobilized to the leaves when available in the stems. Carthamus lanatus, Sonchus asper, Cynodon dactylon, Xanthium strumarium, and Silybum marianum were the leading species in three groups of 36 plant species. Pearson’s correlation revealed a significant relationship between HM concentrations and diversity indices. Zn and Cu content in the soil influenced plant species richness, Shannon–Wiener index (H′), and evenness index (Eh). Given the environmental toxicity of HMs, Cd concentrations in soil exceeded the permissible level, suggesting residents should be warned about potential health risks. As a result, the species chosen for this study can be employed as a biomonitor and phytoremediator of soil contaminated by these HMs, as it can accumulate HMs to a toxic level.

Phytotherapy and Medicinal Plants in the Treatment of Dysmenorrhea: A Systematic Review Study in Iranian Ethnobotanical Documents

Dysmenorrhea is an unusual pain in the abdomen during menstruation. Women experience pain in the lowerabdomen and uterus during menstruation, but if the pain is too much to stop daily activities, it is calleddysmenorrhea or painful menstruation. Chemical treatments for dysmenorrhea are usually associated withside effects. Gastrointestinal problems, nausea, blurred vision, headache, and dizziness are some of theside effects of medications used to treat dysmenorrhea. Today, the use of herbal remedies and traditionalmedicine has become common. In this systematic review study, the most important medicinal plantsmentioned for dysmenorrhea in Iranian ethnobotanical documents were extracted and reported. In thisreview study, keywords such as dysmenorrhea, medicinal plants, ethnobotany, identification of medicinalplants, region and Iran from databases including ISI ,Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, ISC, Magiran andGoogle Scholar to review articles and Resources used. Based on the obtained results, medicinal plantsFoeniculum vulgare Mill, Juniperus communis, Origanum vulgare, Salvia sclarea L., Urtica dioica L.,Anthemis cotula L., Carthamus lanatus L., Silybum marianum [L.] Gaerth., Anthriscus cerefolium L[Hoffm.], Vitex pseudonegundo, Parietaria judaica L., Achillea biebersteinii Afanasiev., Equisetum arvenseL., Phoeniculum vulgare Mill. daenensis Celak., Peganum harmala L., Trifolium repens L., Salix aegyptiacaL., Nepeta fassenii, Cicer kermanenses, Teucrium pollium L., Achillea santolina, Cuminum cyminum,Valeriana officinalis, Salvia macrosiphon, Achillea eriophora, which are medicinal plants. They are used indifferent regions of Iran to treat dysmenorrhea.

Effect of Vigna radiata, Tamarix ramosissima and Carthamus lanatus extracts on Leishmania major and Leishmania tropica: An in vitro study

ObjectiveCurrent therapy strategies of leishmaniasis have some problems such as high cost, toxicity and side effects. Plant extracts can be a source of drugs to control leishmaniasis. In this study, the effect of hydroalcoholic and chloroformic extracts of Vigna radiata, Tamarix ramosissima, and Carthamus lanatus on Leishmania major and L. tropica was studied. MethodsThe plant samples were collected from west of Iran and their extracts were prepared. Anti-promastigote activity assay of all extracts was done using tetrazolium-dye assay. ResultsOnly high concentrations of V. radiata and C. lanatus were able to inhibit Leishmania, while both high and low concentrations of T. ramosissima had antileishmanial effect. No difference was observed between hydroalcoholic with chloroformic extract of each plant. ConclusionAltogether, the results revealed the antileishmanial activity of T. ramosissima extracts against L. major and L. tropica, indicating its potential as an antileishmanial agent.

Qualitative GC-MS analysis and antimicrobial activity of volatiles from Carthamus lanatus (L.) growing in Egypt

The volatiles of both fresh aerial parts and flowers of Carthamus lanatus L. plant growing in Egypt were isolated by hydro-distillation method. The obtained volatiles were subsequently subjected to qualitative analysis by Gas chromatography accompanied by mass specctrometic analysis (GC-MS) , which in turn revealed the presence of forty four compounds. The interpretation of the isolated compounds was carried out depending on comparison of their mass spectra with those saved in instrument library, alongside the data reported in literature. On the other hand, a comparative investigation between the Egyptian and Bulgarian species was carried out, which in turn revealed great differences. Antimicrobial screening (using agar diffusion method) of the screened volatiles of Egyptian plant was also carried out, that labored into promising results of potent activity exhibited against different bacteria and fungi compared with gentamycin and ketoconazole antimicrobial standards. it is worth mentioned that our study is the first study of the Egyptian Carthamus lanatus Plant.

Adatok a kétegyházi két török-halom tájtörténetéhez

Only a few ancient architectural monuments remain standing in the central region of the Hungarian Great Plain. However, the kurgans’ unique 5000-year-old treasures still exist in this area, with many landscape archaeological, archaeological topography, and landscape ecological survey prospects. Mounds can be found on the banks of no-longer exisiting rivers and at some points of higher altitude areas. The oral tradition of the Great Hungarian Plain marked the man-made, artificial, conical rises in the landscape that are associated with ancient, archaeological periods as mounds. According to their origin, kurgans can be classified as burial sites and sacred points of nomad people in prehistory. The two „Török-halom” kurgans are the biggest burial mounds of the kurgan field near Kétegyháza (Békés County, Hungary) in the Körös-Maros National Park (Kígyósi-puszta). Built by people of the Yamnaya Entity in the Late Copper Age (3000–2700 BC), the northern kurgan and its surface is intact without drastic disturbance, and in the vicinity there are natural sites, especially saline grasslands. Our research team worked on landscape archaeological, landscape historical, and GIS informatical investigations. We made a 3D field model of the kurgan, and created the landscape history and local changes of the last 300 years based on boundary charters, handmade and printed maps, archive, air and orto photos. Due to the botanical survey we made a complete list of the vascular plant species found on the surface of the original northern kurgan. The flora of the earth monument is species-rich. Most species have a generalist loess grassland or ruderal character, though there also occur some valuable species of botanical and nature conservation importance (e.g. Ranunculus illyricus, Rosa rubiginosa, Ononis spinosiformis subsp. semihircina, Stachys germanica, Carthamus lanatus). The southern Török-halom kurgan was mined by the local agricultural cooperative in 1967. Before the full mining of the site an archaeological excavation was carried out on the kurgan, during which the central burial site and three other burials were documented. After the mining only a little part of the bottom remained on the north-west side, which conserved original loess vegetation. In a large-scale project the southern kurgan was rebuilt by the Körös-Maros National Park Directorate in 2011, and its surface has reconstructed loess vegetation. Since no settlements of the nomadic Late Copper Age/Early Bronze Age Yamnaya communities have been discovered yet in the Carpathian Basin, the only way to collect more information on these people is through the analysis of their special graves, the burial mounds.

The study of chemical composition of fatty oil from Carthamuslanatus (L.) Boiss. seeds

This article presents the physicochemical properties, composition and content of seed oil, fatty acids of Carthamus lanatus (L.) Boiss. (Asteraceae Bercht. et J. Presl). This species is distributed in almost all botanical and geographical regions of Azerbaijan, growing from lowland to the lower mountain belt in meadows, summer pastures, neglected places, along roads and in gardens. The seeds of the plant were Shamakhi region. The qualitative composition and quantitative determination of fatty acid methyl esters were determined on an HP 6890 capilar column Agilent 112-88A7 series chromatograph with a flame ionization detector. As a result of study of the chemical composition of fatty oil from the seeds of Carthamus lanatus by gas-liquid chromatography it was revealed that it contains eight fatty acids and trans-isomers. The main part of fatty acids is linoleic (75.2%) and oleic acid (13.3%). The rest accounted for palmitic (6.6%), stearic (3.5%), linolenic (0.1%), eicosinic (0.1%), palmitoleic (0.1), myristic (0, 1%) acids and trans-isomers (0.14%). It was determined that fatty oil has the following indicators: the saponification number is 192.1, the amount of free fatty acids - 0.8%, the peroxide number - 2.1, the iodine number - 142.5, the weight fraction of phosphorus-containing substances - 3.0 mg / kg. The high content of linoleic oil in the studied oil and a significant content of oleic acids, which are ω-6 and ω-3 unlimiting fatty acids, from a dietary point of view characterizes seed oil of C. lanatus as a valuable product. Considering the large natural reserves of C. lanatus in the flora of Azerbaijan, it can be confirmed that C. lanatus has quite good prospects for use as a medicinal, food and technical plant.Â

Phytochemical Composition of the Decoctions of Greek Edible Greens (Chórta) and Evaluation of Antioxidant and Cytotoxic Properties.

Wild or semi-wild edible greens (chórta) are an integral part of the traditional Greek Mediterranean diet due to their nutritional value, containing various phytonutrients beneficial to human health. Water-based decoctions of chórta are widely consumed in Greek alternative medicine as health promoting agents. This study examined the chemical profile of the decoctions of eight edible plants, Cichorium intybus, C. endivia, C. spinosum, Crepis sancta, Sonchus asper, Carthamus lanatus, Centaurea raphanina, and Amaranthus blitum, by UPLC-ESI-HRMS and HRMS/MS analysis, to determine possibly bioactive constituents. The profiles of the plants from the Asteraceae family are dominated by the presence of phenolic acids and flavonoid derivatives, whereas the A. blitum decoction is rich in triterpene saponins. Interestingly, the Centaurea raphanina decoction was found to be extremely rich in flavanones, particularly in the aglycone pinocembrin. Further phytochemical investigation and fractionation of this extract resulted in the isolation and identification of five compounds: phlorin (1), syringin (2), pinocembrin (3), pinocembroside (4), and pinocembrin-7-O-neohesperidoside (5). The extracts were also tested for their antioxidant and differential cytotoxic activity against tumor cells. C. raphanina was found to be differentially toxic against metastatic tumor cells. In conclusion, we found that Greek edible greens are a rich source of bioactive secondary metabolites and their consumption could contribute to the maintenance of overall health.

Seed fatty acid compositions and chemotaxonomy of wild safflower(Carthamus L., Asteraceae) species in Turkey

Safflower is an important oilseed crop for the dry regions of the world. In the present study, we aimed to find out the seed oil content and composition of the wild relatives of safflower. For this purpose, 71 populations from 5 naturally growing Carthamus species were collected from Turkey: Carthamus dentatus (30 accessions), Carthamus lanatus (30 accessions), Carthamus persicus (2 accessions), Carthamus glaucus (6 accessions), and Carthamus tenuis (3 accessions). Our research covered all naturally growing safflower species in the flora of Turkey. The seeds belonging to 71 accessions were germinated in cabinets and transferred to vials in order to obtain seedlings and then sown in the field manually. After harvesting, the seed oil content (%) and fatty acid compositions were determined. The seed oil content ranged between 10.50% and 20.40% in all accessions. Thirteen fatty acids, mainly linoleic (58.8% to 82.6%), oleic (7.3% to 22.8%), and palmitic acids (4.8% to 8.8%) were determined. The fatty acid compositions were more or less similar in all investigated species; however, the seed oil contents were different. For the evaluation of fatty acid properties as a taxonomic character, cluster analysis was performed. The dendrogram based on the fatty acid ratios discriminated section Carthamus and section Atractylis of the genus Carthamus; however, the resulting tree was not compatible with the previously constructed phylogeny trees in detail

Extracts from the Mediterranean Food Plants Carthamus lanatus, Cichorium intybus, and Cichorium spinosum Enhanced GSH Levels and Increased Nrf2 Expression in Human Endothelial Cells.

The Mediterranean diet is considered to prevent several diseases. In the present study, the antioxidant properties of six extracts from Mediterranean plant foods were assessed. The extracts' chemical composition analysis showed that the total polyphenolic content ranged from 56 to 408 GAE mg/g dw of extract. The major polyphenols identified in the extracts were quercetin, luteolin, caftaric acid, caffeoylquinic acid isomers, and cichoric acid. The extracts showed in vitro high scavenging potency against ABTS•+ and O2 •− radicals and reducing power activity. Also, the extracts inhibited peroxyl radical-induced cleavage of DNA plasmids. The three most potent extracts, Cichorium intybus, Carthamus lanatus, and Cichorium spinosum, inhibited OH•-induced mutations in Salmonella typhimurium TA102 cells. Moreover, C. intybus, C. lanatus, and C. spinosum extracts increased the antioxidant molecule glutathione (GSH) by 33.4, 21.5, and 10.5% at 50 μg/ml, respectively, in human endothelial EA.hy926 cells. C. intybus extract was also shown to induce in endothelial cells the transcriptional expression of Nrf2 (the major transcription factor of antioxidant genes), as well as of antioxidant genes GCLC, GSR, NQO1, and HMOX1. In conclusion, the results suggested that extracts from edible plants may prevent diseases associated especially with endothelium damage.

Conventional and Organic Options for the Control of Woolly Distaff Thistle (Carthamus lanatus)

Woolly distaff thistle is a long-lived winter annual that threatens the ranching and dairy industries within the North Coast counties of California, particularly the organic producers. No peer-reviewed publications have documented effective control options or integrated management approaches for this species. We conducted two experiments, each replicated, in Marin County, California. The first compared several conventional herbicides at two timings and rates, while the second compared a conventional herbicide treatment with organic and integrated organic control methods, including an organic herbicide (mixture of capric and caprylic acids). Results of the conventional herbicide treatments showed most spring applications (March or April) of aminopyralid, aminocyclopyrachlor, clopyralid, and combinations of aminopyralid + triclopyr, or aminocyclopyrachlor + chlorsulfuron had greater than 99% control of woolly distaff thistle with fewer than 1.5 seedlings per 27-m2 plot by the end of the growing season. Higher rates were generally necessary to achieve the same level of control with winter (January) applications. In the organic herbicide treatments, the most consistent treatment was a combination of mowing followed by 9% (v/v) or the organic herbicide. This treatment was slightly less effective compared with aminopyralid but did have better than 95% control of woolly distaff thistle. The results of this study provide control options for both conventional and organic ranching practices where woolly distaff thistle is a problem.

Recovery of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi root colonization after severe anthropogenic disturbance: four species assessed in old-growth Mediterranean grassland

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) interact continuously with vegetation and soil, and thus shape the dynamics of plant communities. Yet the recovery of AMF after severe anthropogenic disturbance such as cultivation has rarely been assessed. Here, to determine whether AMF root colonization recovers after such disturbance, we compared AMF root colonization in abandoned fields last cultivated 2, 35 and 150 years ago in the La Crau area (south-eastern France) with that of a grassland several thousands of years old (considered as the reference ecosystem). We measured AMF root colonization of four species (Carthamus lanatus, Carduus pycnocephalus, Brachypodium distachyon and Bromus madritensis) and performed surveys of plant communities and soil chemical properties. AMF root colonization was still significantly lower 35 years after disturbance for one species (B. distachyon) and two years after disturbance for one species (B. madritensis). The main soil chemical properties (soil pH, phosphorus and potassium content) were similar to the reference ecosystem 35 years after disturbance. Average vegetation height and cover recovered after 35 years whereas species richness recovered only on the field abandoned for 150 years. Vegetation composition and structure did not recover in any of the abandoned fields. Our results suggest that recovery of AMF root colonization is very low after a severe anthropogenic disturbance, despite the recovery of soil chemical properties.

Calcium oxalate crystals in some species of the Tribe Cardueae (Asteraceae)

In this study, calcium oxalate (CaOx) crystals in the tissues and organs of 18 species that belong to tribe Cardueae (Asteraceae), Arctium minus, Silybum marianum, Cirsium vulgare, Cirsium creticum, Cirsium arvense, Carduus nutans, Carduus candicans, Carduus pycnocephalus, Tyrimnus leucographus, Jurinea consanguinea, Centaurea diffusa, Centaurea solstitialis, Centaurea iberica, Centaurea salonitana, Centaurea cyanus, Carthamus lanatus, Carthamus dentatus and Xeranthemum annuum , were investigated, and their morphologies and distribution were determined using a light microscope. Two morphological types of crystals, styloids and prismatics, were the most found crystals in the species examined. Raphides were only observed in the stem cortex and pith parenchyma cells of Silybum marianum, while druses were only viewed in the stem pith cells of Carduus pycnocephalus. Styloids were observed (if present) in the leaf, corolla, anther, filament, and style tissues. Prismatic crystals were seen almost in all the ovaries of the species investigated, except for Xeranthemum annuum. Prismatics, styloids, raphides, and druses were present in the stems of the species. It is considered that crystal formation within the cell is under genetic control. Thus the type, and presence or absence of crystals may be represented as a taxonomic character. In conclusion, it is suggested that the shape and location of CaOx crystals in the Cardueae constitute a diagnostic character and they may have taxonomic significance in this tribe.

Aspernolides F and G, new butyrolactones from the endophytic fungus Aspergillus terreus

Two new butyrolactones: aspernolides F (6) and G (7), together with three stigmasterol derivatives: (22E,24R)-stigmasta-5,7,22-trien-3-β-ol (1), stigmast-4-ene-3-one (2), and stigmasta-4,6,8(14), 22-tetraen-3-one (3), two meroterpenoids: terretonin A (4) and terretonin (5), and a butyrolactone derivative: butyrolactone VI (8) have been isolated from the endophytic fungus Aspergillus terreus isolated from the roots of Carthamus lanatus (Asteraceae). Their structures were determined by spectroscopic means (1D, 2D NMR, and HRESIMS), as well as optical rotation measurement and comparison with literature data. The isolated compounds were evaluated for their anti-microbial, anti-malarial, anti-leishmanial, and cytotoxic activities. Compound 1 displayed a potent activity against MRSA and C. neoformans with IC50 values of 0.96μg/mL and 4.38μg/mL, respectively compared to ciprofloxacin (IC50 0.07μg/mL) and amphotericin B (IC50 0.34μg/mL), respectively. While, 6 showed good activity against C. neoformans (IC50 5.19μg/mL) and mild activity against MRSA (IC50 6.39μg/mL). Moreover, 1 and 2 exhibited very good anti-leishmanial activity towards L. donovani with IC50 values of 4.61 and 6.31μg/mL, respectively and IC90 values of 6.02 and 16.71μg/mL, respectively.

Terrenolide S, a new antileishmanial butenolide from the endophytic fungus Aspergillus terreus

Terrenolide S, a new butenolide derivative (6), together with six known compounds: (22E,24R)-stigmasta-5,7,22-trien-3-β-ol (1), stigmast-4-ene-3-one (2), stigmasta-4,6,8(14),22-tetraen-3-one (3), terretonin A (4), terretonin (5) and butyrolactone VI (7) have been isolated from the endophytic fungus Aspergillus terreus isolated from the roots of Carthamus lanatus (Asteraceae). Their structures were established by extensive spectroscopic analyses (1D, 2D NMR and HRESIMS), as well as optical rotation measurement and comparison with literature data. Compound 1 displayed a potent activity towards methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Cryptococcus neoformans with IC50 values of 2.29 and 10.68 µM, respectively. Moreover, 1, 2 and 6 exhibited antileishmanial activity towards Leishmania donovani with IC50 values of 11.24, 15.32 and 27.27 µM, respectively and IC90 values of 14.68, 40.56 and 167.03 µM, respectively.

Distaff Thistle Oil: A Possible New Non-Edible Feedstock for Bioenergy

The present work examines the production of biodiesel from distaff thistle (Carthamus lanatus L.) using alkali catalyzed transesterification. The low acid value (0.14 mg KOH/g) and free fatty acid (FFA) contents (2.81%) of distaff thistle oil (DTO) determined prior to transesterification indicated that the pretreatment of raw oil with acid is not required for biodiesel synthesis. The optimum operating reaction conditions of methanol to oil molar ratio (5:1), catalyst concentration (0.64%) and temperature (60°C) were applied during the transesterification to obtain the highest biodiesel yield of 97%. We have determined various fuel properties of distaff thistle oil biodiesel (DTOB) including kinematic viscosity (5.85@ 40°C c St), acid value (0.14 mg KOH/g), density (0.8980@40°C Kg/L), cetane number (50), flash point (126°C), cloud point (10°C), pour point (15°C) and distillation characteristics (358 @ 90% recovery °C). The values of fuel properties were found to be comparable with mineral diesel and in agreements with ASTM biodiesel standards. In addition to this, the synthesized fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) were confirmed and characterized by Gas chromatography-Mass spectroscopy (GC-MS), Fourier transform-Infra red (FT-IR), 1H NMR (Nuclear magnetic resonance) and 13C NMR analyses. Our results conclude that DTO appears to be an acceptable new non-edible oil feedstock for biodiesel industry.

Discrimination and genetic diversity of cultivated and wild safflowers (Carthamus spp.) using EST-microsatellites markers

In spite of being one of the major oilseed crops, little is known about genetic diversity and relationships between species of safflower. In this study EST-SSR markers were used to evaluate and characterize 42 genotypes from six species including Carthamus tinctorius, Carthamus palaestinus, Carthamus oxyacanthus, Carthamus lanatus, Carthamus dentatus, and Carthamus boissieri. Thirty three primer pairs produced 123 polymorphic bands with 2–8 alleles per locus. The EST-SSR markers showed different level of gene diversity. The highest Polymorphism Information Content (PIC) values were observed for primers EL510507 and EL390720 (0.49 and 0.45, respectively). The highest genetic diversity and heterozygosity were observed for C. oxyacanthus. Both cluster and principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) clearly separated species into distinct groups. Within each species the accessions were clustered in different subgroups that mainly supported the known origins. The result showed that C. palaestinus had the most genetic similarity with cultivated safflower and C. oxyacanthus was next in this respect. In general, EST-SSR markers effectively revealed the genetic relationships and diversity of Carthamus species. This information is valuable for safflower improvement since C. palaestinus and C. oxyacanthus are both crossable with the cultivated species C. tinctorius.

Phomentrioloxin, a Fungal Phytotoxin with Potential Herbicidal Activity, and its Derivatives: A Structure–Activity Relationship Study

Phomentrioloxin is a phytotoxic geranylcyclohexenetriol produced in liquid culture by Phomopsis sp. (teleomorph: Diaporthe gulyae), a potential mycoherbicide proposed for the control of the annual weed Carthamus lanatus. In this study, seven derivatives obtained by chemical modifications of the toxin were assayed for phytotoxic, antimicrobial, and zootoxic activities, and the structure-activity relationships were examined. Each compound was tested on nonhost weedy and agrarian plants, fungi, Gram+ and Gram- bacteria, and on brine shrimp larvae. The results provide insights into an investigation of the structural requirements for activity. The hydroxy groups at C-2 and C-4 appeared to be important features for the phytotoxicity, as well as an unchanged cyclohexentriol ring. A role seemed also to be played by the unsaturations of the geranyl side chain. These findings could be useful for understanding the mechanisms of action of new natural products, for identifying the active sites, and possibly in devising new herbicides of natural origin.