Salvia Verticillata Research Articles

Effects of Thymus vulgaris, Zataria multiflora, Salvia verticillata, and ε-polylysine on shelf-life extension of sweet basil leaves

ABSTRACT Due to basil’s short shelf life and the insufficient research on utilizing plant extracts and ɛ-polylysine as a natural preservative for vegetables, this research was to investigate different concentrations of plant extracts of Thymus vulgaris, Zataria multiflora, Salvia verticillata, and ε-Polylysine on increasing the shelf life of basil during cold storage at a temperature of 8°C over 12 days. All the treatments had less weight loss compared to the control group at the end of the storage period. ε-Polylysine (3 ml/L) and T. vulgaris (2 g/L) treatments effectively reduced spoilage symptoms by decreasing the activity of degrading enzymes like cellulase and polyphenol oxidase. Additionally, these treatments increased the activity of enzymes such as catalase, which inhibits the production of reactive oxygen species. By preserving phenolic compounds, antioxidant activity, ascorbic acid, and reducing microbial load, the ε-Polylysine (3 ml/L) and T. vulgaris (2 g/L) treatments extended the shelf life and quality of basil. The results indicate that using ε-Polylysine (3 ml/L) and T. vulgaris (2 g/L) treatments effectively preserved the sensory attributes of basil, including freshness, appearance, overall acceptability, and odor, throughout storage. Furthermore, these treatments reduced spoilage, extended shelf life, and improved the nutritional value of basil during storage.

Salvia verticillata (L.)-Biological Activity, Chemical Profile, and Future Perspectives.

Species belonging to the genus Salvia, Lamiaceae, have been deeply involved in the folk medicine of different nations since ancient times. Lilac sage, or Salvia verticillata L. (S. verticillata) is a less studied species from the genus. However, it seems to have a prominent potential for the future drug discovery strategies of novel phytopharmaceuticals. This review aims to summarise the data on the biological activity and the phytochemical profile of extracts and essential oils derived from S. verticillata. This review is based on data from 57 in vitro and in vivo studies. The chemical profile of S. verticillata includes different synergic compounds like phenolic acids, flavonoids, terpenes, and salvianolic acids. Although some small amounts of salvianolic acid B were found in S. verticillata extracts, the major compound among the salvianolic acids is salvianolic acid C, a compound associated with the potential for improving liver fibrosis, cardio- and hepatoprotection, and the inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 infection. The cannabinoid type 2 receptor agonist β-caryophyllene is one of the major compounds in S. verticillata essential oils. It is a compound with a prominent potential in regenerative medicine, neurology, immunology, and other medical fields. The in vivo and the in vitro studies, regarding S. verticillata highlighted good antioxidant potential, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antifungal activity. S.verticillata was also reported as a potential source of drug candidates for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, because of the inhibitory activity on the acetylcholinesterase. However, the number of studies in this direction is limited.

Screening of medicinal plant extracts as novel DNA gyrase inhibitors

Bioactivities of a number of medicinal plants; Alkanna tinctoria (L.) Tausch, Alnus glutinosa (L.) Gaertn., Calamintha nepeta Willk. and C. nepeta, Centaurea iberica Trevir. ex Spreng., Citrus paradisi Macfad., C. paradisi, Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck, Colutea cilicica Boiss. & Balansa, Cotinus coggygria Scop., Cuscuta arvensis Beyr. ex Engelm., Equisetum palustre L., Lapsana communis L., Laurus nobilis L., Olea europea L., Plantago major L., Rhus coriaria L, Salvia verticillata L., Sambucus ebulus L., Sedum acre L, Thymus capitatus (L.) Hoffmanns. & Link, T. capitatus, Thymbra spicata L., T. spicata (n: 20), which are used for the prevention and treatment of diverse diseases, were investigated. The antimicrobial activities of extracts were evaluated using broth microdilution assay. The cytotoxicities of extracts were investigated on HeLa cell line by MTT assay. Statistical analysis was performed using GraphPad Prism (5.0). The effects of the extracts, which have the highest antimicrobial activity, on the Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus DNA gyrase gene expression were determined by using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The MICs (µg/ml) of extracts were determined as 32-64, 2-128, 8-128,1-128, 4-128 against Gram-positive, Gram-negative bacteria, yeasts, dermatophytes, and Mycobacterium spp., respectively. No cytotoxicity has been observed in plant extracts tested. DNA gyrase activity was determined for T. capitatus-SFE (128 µg/mL) and L. nobilis-Hx (128 µg/mL) extracts according to the inhibition of DNA gyrase gene expression. Overall, T. capitatus-SFE and L. nobilis-Hx are good candidates for further antimicrobial studies.

Microstructural Feature of Salvia verticillata L. vegetative and generative organs

It has been studied perspective medicinal plant Salvia verticillata L. aboveground parts vegetative and generative organs internal features.  The aboveground parts of the plant are intensively lined with conical, multicellular (2-7) and glandular spherical trichomes; In the covering tissue of the leaf blade, stalk, and stem the ventilation system is represented by diacytic type stomata. The leaf is bifacial, amphistomatic in terms of the location of the ventilation system, while the pulp is characterized by a dorsiventral structure. In the internal structure of Salvia verticillata aboveground parts coexistence of the plate type collenchyma, polygonal structure primary parenchyma, bast fibre and collenchyma tissue  are represented. Collateral-type vascular bundles reflected in the stem, leaf stalk, and midrib; The wood is differentiated into longitudinally arranged, spherically shaped vessels and tracheal elements, vascular tissue one -and two spiral, with porous tracheid wall thickening.

Increased phenylpropanoids production in UV-B irradiated Salvia verticillata as a consequence of altered genes expression in young leaves

Ultraviolet-B (UV–B) radiation as an environmental potential elicitor induces the synthesis of plant secondary metabolites. The effects of UV-B radiation on photosynthetic pigments and dry weight, biochemical and molecular features of old and young leaves of Salvia verticillata were investigated. Plants were exposed to 10.97 kJ m−2 day−1 of biologically effective UV-B radiation for up to 10 days. The sampling process was performed in four steps: 1, 5, 10, and 13 days (recovery time) after the start of irradiation. As a result of plant investment in primary and secondary metabolism, the production of phenolic compounds increased, while chlorophyll levels and leaf dry weight (%) declined. Under long-term UV-B exposure, young leaves exhibited the most significant reduction in chlorophyll a and b content and leaf dry weight. The highest level of total phenol (1.34-fold) and flavonoid concentration (2-fold) relative to the control was observed on the 5th day and recovery time, respectively. Young leaves demonstrated the highest amount of phenolic acids in recovery time. Young leaves on the 5th day of the experiment exerted the highest level of antioxidant activity when compared to the control. A positive correlation was observed between antioxidant activity and the amount of phenolic compounds. Regarding the expression of phenylpropanoid pathway genes, UV-B enhanced the expression of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase, tyrosine aminotransferase, and rosmarinic acid synthase with the highest level in young leaves on the 10th day. Overall, young leaves of S. verticillata indicated higher sensitivity to UV-B radiation and developed more tangible reactions to such radiation.

ANTI-INFLUENZA ACTIVITY OF PLANT EXTRACTS OF THE LAMIACEAE FAMILY

In this work, it was revealed that water and ethanol extracts of the plants Nepeta cataria, Nepeta sibirica, Scutellaria baicalensis, Hyssopus officinalis, Betonica officinalis, and water extracts of Dracocephalum moldavica, Glechoma hederacea, Mentha arvensis, Prunella vulgaris, Melissa officinalis ethanol extracts of Mentha piperita, Mentha crispa, Origanum vulgare, Hyssopus officinalis, Salvia verticillata showed antiviral activity against the influenza virus subtype H5N1. Aqueous extracts of Nepeta cataria and Glechoma hederacea (NI 3.75) showed the highest antiviral effect against the H5N1 subtype.
 It was revealed the antiviral activity against influenza virus subtype H3N2 of aqueous and ethanol extracts of Scutellaria baicalensis, Mentha piperita, Mentha arvensis, Mentha crispa, aqueous extract of Dracocephalum moldavica and ethanol extracts of Glechoma hederacea, Origanum vulgare, Prunella vulgaris, Hyssopus officinalis, Betonica officinalis, Salvia verticillata. Ethanolic extract of Betonica officinalis (NI 4.25) showed the highest virus neutralizing activity against the H3N2 subtype.
 It was carried out chemical analysis of the aerial parts of plants of the Lamiaceae family. It was shown that the highest content of flavonols was observed in Dracocephalum nutans (4.47±0.04%), the highest content of tannins was found in Mentha arvensis (17.62 ± 0.78%), and the highest content catechins were found in Nepeta cataria (0.43 ± 0.007%).
 Thus, plant extracts of the Lamiaceae family are promising sources for further studies to develop new antiviral drugs.

Differences in iron acquisition strategies of calcicole plant species from xerothermic grasslands

Little is known about iron (Fe) acquisition of calcicole species from xerothermic grasslands and their resistance to Fe-dependent chlorosis. In this study an experiment was designed to investigate effects of opposing soil types (acidic Podzol vs slightly alkaline Rendzina) and addition of HBED-chelated Fe (five doses of 5 and 25 μmol kg−1 soil every two weeks). Selected calcicole plant species occurring on xerothermic grasslands, Aster amellus L. (Aa), Betonica officinalis L. (Bo), Prunella grandiflora (L.) Scholler (Pg), Salvia verticillata L. (Sv) and Veronica teucrium L. (Vt), were tested in a pot experiment under field conditions. Responses of plants were described using measurements of chlorosis, growth, chlorophyll content and fluorescence, activity of antioxidant enzymes and content of elements, including Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu. Some Podzol-grown plants showed arrested growth (up to 80% significant reduction of root and shoot fresh weight (FW) compared to Rendzina-grown plant, depending on species) but no signs of Fe-dependent chlorosis, whereas the same species grown on Rendzina performed very differentially. Lime chlorosis on Rendzina was induced in Aa, Bo and Pg (c.a. 30–40% significant reduction of chlorophyll content compared to Fe-supplied plants) but not in Sv and Vt. Fe-HBED treatment totally diminished chlorosis in species-dependent dose (5 μmol kg−1 soil for Aa and Pg and 25 μmol kg−1 soil for Bo) but significantly slowed growth (up to 50% significant reduction of root FW and 65% reduction of shoot FW compared to non-Fe-treated Rendzina-grown plant, depending on species). Chlorosis negatively affected functioning of photosynthetic apparatus alternating quantum yield of primary PSII photochemistry (FV/FM), light energy dissipation (DI0/RC) and performance index (PIABS) and Fe-HBED significantly alleviated these perturbations. Activity of antioxidant enzymes suggested Fe-HBED-caused alleviation of oxidative stress. Reduction of chlorosis did not rely on improved Fe accumulation, nor on altered partitioning on root-shoot axis, but a relation between chlorosis and manganese (Mn) in roots was observed. The results seem to indicate more complex interaction between Fe and Mn in induction of soil-dependent chlorosis than one might expect. Availability of Fe on the slightly alkaline soil limited functioning of the studied calcicole species in specific manner and probably created micro habitats. Ultimately, it can be clearly seen that xerothermic grasslands are composed of chlorosis-resistant and chlorosis-susceptible species.

Impacts of foliar exposure to multi-walled carbon nanotubes on physiological and molecular traits of Salvia verticillata L., as a medicinal plant

Owing to the growing applications of the multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) in the communications and energy industries, they have attracted increasing attention for their effects on the environment and plants. Therefore, we investigated the impact of foliar exposure to MWCNTs on the oxidative stress responses in the Salvia verticillata as a medicinal plant. Furthermore, we evaluated the possible correlations between gene expression and activity of the key enzymes in the phenolic acids biosynthesis pathways and their accumulation in the treated leaves. The leaves of two-month-old plants were sprayed with different concentrations (0–1000 mg L−1) of MWCNTs. Raman's data and Transmission Electron Microscopy images have confirmed the absorption of MWCNTs via epidermal cells layer into the parenchymal cells of the exposed leaves. The results showed that exposure to MWCNTs led to a decrease in the photosynthetic pigments and increases in the oxidative stress indices (enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants) in the leaves with a dose-dependent manner. The content of rosmarinic acid as a main phenolic acid was increased in the MWCNTs-exposed leaves to 50 and 1000 mg L−1, nearly four times relative to the control. Unlike with other examined enzymes, a positive correlation was deduced between the activity and gene expression patterns of the rosmarinic acid synthase with the rosmarinic acid accumulation in the treatments. Overall, MWCNTs at the low concentrations could promote the production of the pharmaceutical metabolites by the changes in the ROS generation. However, at the higher concentrations, MWCNTs were toxic and induced the oxidative damages in S. verticillata.

Determination to leaf and flower volatile components of natural sage taxa (Salvia Spp.) of Murat Mountain (Kütahya-Gediz)

Bu çalışmada Kütahya ilinin Gediz ilçesi sınırları içerisinde yer alan Murat Dağı yöresinde doğal olarak yayılış gösteren Adaçayı (Salvia L.) taksonlarının yaprak ve çiçek uçucu bileşenlerinin belirlenmesi amaçlanmıştır. Yörede 2016-2017 yılları arasında gerçekleştirilen arazi çalışmaları sonucunda Salvia verbenaca, S. verticillata, S. candidissima subsp. occidentalis, S. virgata, S. sclarea, S. frigida, S. bracteata taksonlarının yayılış gösterdiği tespit edilmiştir. Uçucu bileşenleri belirlemek amacıyla yaprak ve çiçekler oda sıcaklığında kurutulmuş, HS-SPME/GC-MS analizi ile uçucu bileşenleri belirlenmiştir. Analizler sonucunda, S. sclarea’da 34; S. candidissima subsp. occidentalis’te 27; S. verticillata’da 30; S. virgata’da 39; S. frigida’da 33; S. verbenaca’da 31 ve S. bracteata’da 38 uçucu bileşen tespit edilmiştir. Temel bileşenler S. sclarea’da Linalyl acetate (%84,83), Linalool (%2,47) ve β-Myrcene (%2,27), S. candidissima subsp. occidentalis’te γ- terpinene (%28,76), Sabinene (%20,26) ve Linalool (%11,26), S. verticillata’da Benzofuran-2-one (%40,98), trans-Caryophyllene (%14,42), Geyrene (%8,43) ve Methalactone (%), S. virgata’da α -pinene (%37,17), 2 β -pinene (%21,4) ve Limonene (%10,85), S. frigida’da Linalyl acetate (%4,09), β - Myrcene (%9,26) ve β -pinene (%7,87), S. verbenaca’da Linalyl acetate (%1,70), Linalool (%8,66) ve β - Myrcene (%2,73) ve S. bracteata’da Phenethyl alcohol (%9,93), α -Copaene (%8,75) ve Sabinene (%7,03) olarak tespit edilmiştir.

Occurrence of Gentiana cruciata in dry grassland (Festuco-Brometea) in Kołaczyce (Strzyżowskie Foothills)

The study presents the results of phytosociological studies of a plant community with Gentiana cruciata . The investigations were conducted in Kolaczyce, Wisloka River valley (Strzyzowskie Foothills) in an area of 2000 m 2 . The study consisted in taking 22 phytosociological releves, i.e. 2 releves were taken in 1982 and 20 releves in 2013, with the Braun-Blanquet method. The species population size was estimated at 2712 generative shoots. Gentiana cruciata grew in a community from the class Festuco-Brometea characterised by high floristic diversity and high species richness (H´ = 3.24). The entire community comprised 91 species (82 species of vascular plants and 9 species of mosses), whereas 29-56 species (on average 45) were recorded in the releves. The most numerous plants represented the class Festuco-Brometea (27 species) and Molinio-Arrhenatheretea (22 species). The highest abundance and constancy were exhibited by Centaurea scabiosa , Thymus pulegioides , Euphorbia cyparissias , Carex caryophyllea , and Gentiana cruciata from the class Festuco-Brometea as well as Origanum vulgare and Galium verum from the class Trifolio-Geranietea . The high natural value of the locality is indicated by the presence of protected species ( Gentiana cruciata, Gentianella ciliata , Orobanche kochii ) and rare species in the Carpathians ( Thlaspi perfoliatum , Salvia verticillata , Carlina vulgaris , Brachypodium pinnatum , Viola hirta , Potentilla pusilla ). After 30 years, the dry grassland with Gentiana cruciata is well preserved although it has been abandoned for 18 years. The appearance of shrubs ( Prunus spinosa , Cornus sanguinea ) indicates progressive secondary succession, which will lead in time to the development scrubs from the class Rhamno-Prunetea . Therefore, preservation of the area requires active protection measures.

Evaluation of the lifespan extension effects of several Turkish medicinal plants in Caenorhabditis elegans.

Research on longevity is important to both prolong lifespan and support healthy aging. Natural products are widely being utilized and used as new resources for drug molecules. Caenorhabditis elegans is an advantageous organism for longevity research and age-related diseases. In this study, we tested a number of plant extracts for their effects on C. elegans longevity. In lifespan assays, agesynchronized wild-type C. elegans specimens were treated with different concentrations of plant extracts. Plant extracts were prepared as either infusions or decoctions, similar to their traditional utilization. Hedera helix L. (Araliaceae) extended lifespan in worms in a concentration-dependent manner. The mean survival rates in the H. helix-treated groups were significantly higher, by 23.7% when applied at 1000 µg/mL, 16% when applied at 500 µg/mL, and 16% when applied at 250 µg/mL, compared to the control group. HPLC analysis identified chlorogenic acid as the major component of H. helix. Salvia verticillata L. (Lamiaceae) and Myrtus communis L. (Myrtaceae) treatments resulted in median lifespan extension. Maximum lifespan was extended in worms by Rubus sanctus Schreb. (Rosaceae) treatment. This study provided the first evidence demonstrating the possible lifespan-extending effects of a group of Turkish medicinal plants in an in vivo model, C. elegans.

Crumbling of the masonry of ancient settlements on Santorini caused by the Hymenoptera Anthophora crinipes and Osmia latreillei

One of the most important archaeological findings of recent years has been the discovery of complete buildings of a Bronze Age settlement at Akrotiri on the island of Santorini (Thera). The settlement covers an area of over 200,000 square metres. The excavations conducted by Spyros Marinates brought to light a large number of buildings constructed of stones, mud and straw, with earth roofs. The walls were faced with clay. Almost every exposed mass of masonry in the settlement has been invaded by colonies of Hymenopterous insects consisting nests which are wreaking havoc on the walls, because they bore through the masonry to build their nests and then every time they go in and out of the tunnels, they wear away the dust of the walls which they have build for their own nests. Observations were carried out at Akrotiri in the spring and summer of 1985, 1986 and 1988. Glass collecting-tubes were placed at entry and exit points and at various places in the tunnels, to sellect the insects when the adults emerged in the spring, and insects also were collected with sweeping nets from the surrounding area and from light traps. Plants which were visited by adults of these species for pollen and nectar were also collected from round about. The insect species collected by these various methods were the following: Osmia (Chalcosinia) latredlei Spinola, 1806 (Hymenoptera: Megachilidae), Anthophora crinipes Smith, 1884 (Hymenoptera: Apidae), and Melecta albifrons albovaria Erichson 1840 ( Hymenoptera : Megachilidae). These three species were collected in all observation years in glass collectintubes. Of these A. crinipes and O. latreillei, which are solitary species, both build colonies with tunnels a short distance appart but not actually touching each other. The number of such colonies in the walls of the Akrotiri settlement is fairly large, and conspicuous through the holes of entrance and exit of the insects. M. albifrons albovaria is a predator on A. crinipes. It is known from the literature that all species of the genus Melecta prey on Anthophora species. The tunnels of both species are made by the females. At the end of each tunnel the female hollows out a number of cells and lays in supplies of pollen and nectar on which she deposits her eggs after mating. She then seals off each cell with a mixture of earth and saliva. Finally, when eggs have been deposited in all the cells, she closes the outer entrance of the tunnel. The larvae start developing once the tunnel has been sealed off. Thus after the hatching of the eggs, the insects spend more than thirty days as larvae, later on as prepupae. In this stage they overwinter and early in the spring enter the pupal stage. The first adults appeared from the last days of March. The females mate with the males and then start making tunnels and cells for their eggs. Adults of both sexes visit flowers to feed and also, in the case of the females, to collect pollen and nectar for the cells in which the larvae will develop. In the neighbourhood of Akrotiri we have observed adults of both species in question visiting flowers of the following species: Reichardia picroide(L.) Roth (Compositae), Echhon angustifolium Miller (Boraginaceae), Vicia vilosa Roth (Leguminosae), Euphorbia spp. (Euphorbiaceae), Salvia verticillata L. (Labiatae),Rosinarinuin officinalis L. (Labiatae), Morina persica L. (Dipsacaceae). Fahringer reported only Anthophora crinipes in Asia Minor and observed that adults visited the flowers of Salvia verticillata and Morina persica, but it is not clear if the insects collect pollen or nectar or both of these plants. The adults usually choose sunny days to fly out to the flowers, and during their flight a caracteristic buzzing is heard. The flying season be­gins in late March and goes on until the end of June, or some time later. The damage done by these insects to the fabric of the ancient settlement at Akrotiri is posing a serious problem for the preservation of the ruins in their present form. If it continues there is danger that parts of the masonry will be permanently deformed. Little heaps of fine pozzolana dust made by the insects going in and out of the tunnels is found on the ground below the entrance holes. In the last two years the team of archeaeologists has used light traps in and around the ruins, thereby apparently reducing the populations of these insects and limiting the damage done by them. On the basis of the insects collected in May 1988, the population of A. crinipes outnumbers that of O. larreillei (ratio 79:21).

Bioanalytical LC/MS study of potential bacterial transglycosylation inhibitors

Bacterial transglycosylation is an interesting target in antibiotic drug development. An in vitro transglycosylation assay was developed and used to search for possible inhibitors of Staphylococcus aureus Penicillin Binding Protein 2-mediated transglycosylation. Since the substrate, Lipid II, has no UV-chromophore, the assay relies on LC coupled to MS for analysis of the incubation mixtures. Extracts from Thymus sipyleus, Salvia verticillata, Salvia virgata and Oolong tea were tested, as well as epigallocatechin gallate and ursolic acid, which are chemical compounds derived from plants. Matrix effects hampered Lipid II quantification in samples treated with very high concentrations of extracts. None of these extracts or isolated compounds appeared to have inhibitory activities towards the transglycosylation function of Penicillin Binding Protein 2.

Composition of the essential oil of two Salvia taxa (Salvia sclarea and Salvia verticillata subsp. verticillata) from Turkey

Objective: The essential oil composition of two Salvia taxa (Salvia sclarea and Salvia verticillata subsp. verticillata) analysed and yield of compositions were analysed Material and Methods: The essential oil was extracted by hydro distillation using a modified Clevenger apparatus coupled to a 2 L round-bottom flask. A total of 100 g of fresh plant material (aerial parts) and 1 L of water were used for the extraction. Gas chromatography / Mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis were applied to extracts. Results: The essential oil yields of Salvia sclarea and Salvia verticillata L. subsp. verticillata were found as 0.4 and 0.3 %v/w, respectively. Overall, thirty seven compounds which accounted for 97.9% in Salvia sclarea and seventy four constituents, which accounted for 98.6% of the total compositions of each oil are determined in Salvia verticillata L. subsp. verticillata. The spathulenol (19%), caryophyllene oxide (15.5%), linolyl acetate (11.3%) and linalool L (8.5%) were the major compounds of Salvia sclarea and the germacrene D (13.8%), spathulenol (10%) and limonene (4.5%), 1.8- cineole (4.5%) were the main compounds of the Salvia verticillata L. subsp. Verticillata Conclusion: spathulenol was found as major compound for both Salvia sclarea and Salvia verticillata subsp. verticillata while, the other main components were not showed similarity

Molecular docking and ex vivo and in vitro anticholinesterase activity studies ofSalvia sp. and highlighted rosmarinic acid

To evaluate acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory activity and antioxidant capacity of the major molecule from Salvia sp., rosmarinic acid, as a drug candidate molecule for treatment of Alzheimer disease (AD). The AChE inhibitory activity of different extracts from Salvia trichoclada, Salvia verticillata, and Salvia fruticosa was determined by the Ellman and isolated guinea pig ileum methods, and the antioxidant capacity was determined with DPPH. The AChE inhibitory activity of the major molecule rosmarinic acid was determined by in silico docking and isolated guinea pig ileum methods. The methanol extract of Salvia trichoclada showed the highest inhibition on AChE. The same extract and rosmarinic acid showed significant contraction responses on isolated guinea pig ileum. All the extracts and rosmarinic acid showed high radical scavenging capacities. Docking results of rosmarinic acid showed high affinity to the selected target, AChE. In this study in vitro and ex vivo studies and in silico docking research of rosmarinic acid were used simultaneously for the first time. Rosmarinic acid showed promising results in all the methods tested.

Compositions and yield variation of essential oils among and within nine Salvia species from various areas of Iran

The compositions of essential oils of 22 accessions belonging to nine Salvia species of Salvia nemorosa, Salvia sclarea, Salvia macrosiphon, Salvia verticillata, Salvia eremophilsamia, Salvia aethiopis, Salvia virgata, Salvia reuterana and Salvia limbata, from Iran were assessed. The concentration of essential oil yield obtained by hydrodistillation ranged from 0.07 to 0.71%. GC–MS analysis revealed 73 compounds in these plants. The main constituents were linalool (0.6–51.58%), linalool acetate (0–52.61%), e-caryophylene (3.08–60.58%), germacrene-d (0–25.16%) spathulenol (0–35.4%) and caryophyllen-oxide (0–37.89%). The accessions were separated into five chemotypes using cluster analysis in light of the six major compositions. Results showed a significant variation in compositions and yield of essential oils among and within Salvia species. The chemical variability could be attributed to genetic and environmental factors. The analyses indicated that some of accessions collected from south had more amounts of essential oils yield than other regions.

Antimicrobial activities of the essential oils of five Salvia species from

Essential oils are volatile, natural, complex compounds formed by aromatic plants as secondary metabolites. In nature, essential oils play an important role in protecting plants in form of antibacterials, antivirals, antifungals, insecticides properties and also against herbivores. They also may attract some insects to use them in dispersion of pollens and seeds, or repel undesirable others. Present study describes the results of our study on the chemical composition, and antimicrobial activity of the essential oils from aerial parts of aromatic plants which collected from province of Tehran. The aerial parts of plants were collected at full flowering stage. The essential oils were isolated by hydrodistillation and analyzed by combination of capillary GC and GC-MS. Also their antimicrobial activities were considered according to the disc diffusion method and MIC values. Finally, five plant species ( Salvia sclarea, salvia multicaulis, salvia verticillata, salvia limbata, Salvia choloroleuca) which showed good significant antibacterial were presented. These five plants belong to labiates’ family. Among these proposed plants salvia multicaulis and Salvia sclarea showed good antibacterial activity.

Genomic DNA extraction from seed induced callus and explants in Salvia L. species for utilization in secondary metabolite production

Salvia, the largest genus of Lamiaceae, includes about 900 species, widespread throughout the world. This genus is represented, in Turkish flora, by 88 species and 93 taxa, 45 of which are endemic. Some members of this genus are of economic importance since they have been used as flavoring agents in perfumery and cosmetics. Despite the medicinal potential of plants in Turkey being considerable, knowledge of this area and studies on these crops is scarce. Including Salvia L. species, in some medicinal plants low callus production, especially leave-based ones, is the main problem in in vitro culture, due to phenolic compounds. Callus induction, therefore, from plant's non-specialized tissues, for example, seeds, is inevitable. The six species of Salvia L. growing naturally in Anatolia (Salvia aetopis L., Salvia cadmica Boiss., Salvia candidissima Vahl ssp. occidentalis Hedge, Salvia cryptantha Montbret etAucher ex Bentham (endemic to Turkey), Salvia tomentosa Miller and Salvia verticillata L. ssp. verticillata L.) were selected. Callus of the seeds of the aforementioned species was initiated on MS basal media supplemented with combinations of indole-butyric acid (IBA) and picloram. Varied mass callus induction was observed in all media but, Salvia tomentosa Miller was found to be most efficient species in callusing. Moreover, applying the Lefort method, the extracted genomic DNA for all the samples was pure and ideal. Key words: Callus, genomic DNA extraction, in vitro culture, Salvia L. species

Biological screening of various medicinal plant extracts for antibacterial and antitumor activities

Bioassays of 2 types (antibacterial and antitumor) were performed to show the biological activities of 16 different plants grown in Bolu, Turkey: Clinopodium vulgare L. subsp. vulgare L., Salvia verticillata L. subsp. amasiaca (Frey & Bornm.) Bornm., Salvia tomentosa Mill., Mentha pulegium L., Melilotus officinalis (L.) Desr., Melilotus alba Desr., Medicago lupulina L., Galega officinalis L., Xeranthemum annuum L., Cichorium intybus L., Plantago lanceolata L., Plantago major L. subsp. major, Fumaria officinalis L., Galium palustre L., Echium vulgare L., and Sambucus nigra L. For each plant, 3 different extracts (aqueous, ethanol, and methanol) were obtained, and a total of 48 extracts were evaluated. Antibacterial activity was evaluated with 10 bacteria, including Streptococcus pyogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella typhimurium, Serratia marcescens, Proteus vulgaris, Enterobacter cloacae, and Klebsiella pneumoniae by disk diffusion method. All plants except M. alba, M. lupulina, X. annuum, G. palustre, and S. nigra showed inhibitory activity against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. The best inhibitory activity was observed with aqueous extract of M. officinalis (22.5 mm); it performed better than all positive controls (erythromycin, ampicillin, carbenicillin, tetracycline, and chloramphenicol; 7-20 mm) against P. aeruginosa. Antitumor activity was evaluated with Agrobacterium tumefaciens-induced potato disk tumor assay. The best antitumor activity was obtained with the methanolic extract of M. alba and aqueous extract of F. officinalis (100% tumor inhibition).

Variability of morphological characters and active compound contents in Salvia verticillata L. in the Czech Republic

Whorled clary was chosen as one of the medicinal plants with prospects for the reconstruction of flowering meadows in some areas of the Czech Republic. Nevertheless, production of uniform seed mixtures for these purposes brings a risk of decreasing the natural biodiversity of such meadow phytocenoses; and therefore the variability of its morphological characteristics and the content of essential oil in individual populations of this genus in the Czech Republic were studied. Among the studied populations, statistically significant differences in morphological characters were found, but not in the contents of the essential oil.