Saponaria Officinalis Research Articles

Determination of composition of fatty acids in Saponaria officinalis L.

Treatment using medicinal plants with a long history of use is of interest to our society. These plants include Saponaria officinalis L., as well commonly known as common soapwort belongs to the family Caryophyllaceae. The herb and roots of this plant used as a blood purifier, an expectorant in bronchitis, diaphoretic and diuretic, for skin diseases, to increase bile flow. The plant contains various secondary metabolites, but there is no information on the fatty acids composition of Saponaria officinalis L. herb and roots. The aim. The aim of the present study was to determine the qualitative composition and quantitative content of fatty acids by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry method (GC/MS) in Saponaria officinalis L. herb and roots. Materials and methods. The determination of fatty acids composition of Saponaria officinalis L. herb and roots were carried out by gas chromatograph Agilent 6890N (Agilent Technologies, USA). Results. The research of Saponaria officinalis L. herb showed a mixture of unsaturated (1.9 mg/g) and saturated (1.27 mg/g) fatty acids. The main components of this raw material were linolenic (1.15 mg/g), linoleic (0.75 mg/g) and heneicosylic (0.38 mg/g) acids. The main components of this raw material were palmitic (0.38 mg/g), linoleic (0.16 mg/g) and linolenic (0.09 mg/g) acids. Conclusions. As a result of Saponaria officinalis L. study, the presence of fatty acids is established in herb and roots. Using the GC/MS method determined the qualitative composition and quantitative content of fatty acids in study raw material. Twelve fatty acids were determined in the herb of Saponaria officinalis L. The dominant fatty acids in the studied raw material were linolenic and linoleic acids, their content was 1.15 mg/g and 0.75 mg/g, respectively. Nine fatty acids were determined in the Saponaria officinalis L. roots. The palmitic acid prevailed among fatty acids, it is content was 0.38 mg/g. Our findings suggest that Saponaria officinalis L. is a promising plant because of the important role of fatty acids in different biological processes

Antimicrobial activity of sapindus mukorossi and saponaria officinalis extracts on streptococcus mutans and enterococcus faecalis

Aim: Studies on the antimicrobial effectiveness of saponins against oral pathogens are conflicting. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of saponins from three different extracts of Sapindus mukorossi and Saponaria officinalis plants against Streptococcus mutans and Enterococcus faecalis. Materials and Methods: The fruit of Sapindus mukorossi and the root of Saponaria officinalis materials were sliced into small pieces and macerated with hexane, ethyl acetate (EtOAc) and methanol (MeOH), in this order. The antimicrobial activity of the extracts against Streptococcus mutans and Enterococcus faecalis was determined by the broth microdilution method based on the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of each extract.Results: Except for the hexane extract of Saponaria Officinalis, all extracts of both plants had an inhibitory activity against the tested microorganisms. Higher MIC values were obtained against Enterococcus faecalis than Streptococcus Mutans. The lowest MIC values for both Sapindus mukorossi and Saponaria officinalis were against Streptococcus mutans (4 mg/ml). Conclusion: Saponins extracted from Sapindus mukorossi and Saponaria officinalis have a potential antibacterial activity against oral pathogens. They may be used as an ingredient in dental agents.

Saponaria officinalis L. and Achillea millefolium L. as possible indicators of trace elements pollution caused by mining and metallurgical activities in Bor, Serbia.

This study evaluates bioaccumulation and translocation potentials of trace elements (TEs) by Saponaria officinalis L. (soapwort) and Achillea millefolium L. (yarrow) in order to select and optimize phytoremediation methods for the polluted environment of the city of Bor, Serbia. According to the enrichment factor for soil (i.e., 57.9-128.8 for Cd and As), pollution index (i.e., 6.6-84.7 for Cu), pollution load index (2.9-98.8), individual potential risk factors (11.5-5163), and potential ecological risk index values (260-6379), urban and rural soils from the city of Bor were classified as very contaminated with the investigated TEs. The results from all the indices and statistical analysis showed significant ecological risks of Cu, As, and Cd at the investigated sites and urge the need for remediation. The enrichment factor of the plants for As (566.3) and Cd (306.2) indicated a high enrichment level of the herb organs at all the sites. Since there are small differences in metal accumulation index values between the herbs and their parts (root, shoot), soapwort and yarrow can be considered as potential bioindicators. Based on the biological concentration and translocation factors, soapwort can be recommended as a suitable herb for phytoextraction purposes of Pb, As, and Cd polluted areas. Yarrow shows good characteristics for phytoextraction of Cu, Pb, and As from the contaminated soil. Principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) results indicate their similar origin from atmospheric deposition. Therefore, these herbs can be utilized as a bioindicator and phytoremediator in polluted areas influenced by metallurgical activities to detect possible levels of TEs.

Plant molluscocide for prevention of animal helminthosis

Soft-bodied are intermediate hosts of helminthiases, in the body of which a number of development stages of larval forms of helminths occur. There is the highest population density of mollusks in the areas of ruminant grazing, which leads to mass infection of animals with trematodes. To destroy the intermediate host of helminths in agricultural production, molluscicidal remedies of synthetic and plant origin are used. The aim of the work was to determine the molluscicidal effectiveness of a plant remedy based on Saponaria officinalis in conditions of natural pastures. The material for work was the green mass of the plant Saponaria officinalis obtained in the warm season from roots, leaves, stems, flowers and seeds. By grinding this plant, a powder with a particle size of 1-3 mm was obtained. Then, the powder was extracted with ethyl alcohol. The obtained product (concentrate) was an amorphous gel-like mass of dark green color with a specific smell and well soluble in water. Field work in natural pastures was carried out on 6 biotopes with an area of 5-23 m2. Three species of gastropods were recorded from freshwater mollusks in the biotopes: Physella acuta, Lymnaea truncatula and Lymnaea palustris. The results of experiments conducted in the conditions of pastures indicate a high molluscocidal activity of the studied plant agent on pond fish, intermediate hosts of trematodosis pathogens. The effectiveness of the developed molluscocide in relation to gastropods when treated with a working solution (10.0 g/l) is from 92.3 to 100%.

Lead Tolerance and Enrichment Characteristics of Several Ornamentals Under Hydroponic Culture.

The growth response, tolerance, and enrichment characteristics of six ornamental species, Chlorophytum comosum, Calendula officinalis, Iris lacteal, Belamcanda chinensis, Saponaria officinalis, and Polygonum lapathifolium were studied under hydroponic culture with lead (Pb) concentrations ranging from 0 to 1000mg/L. The results showed that the growth of the tested ornamental species under Pb stress was inhibited. Belamcanda chinensis presented the largest tolerance index (0.75), and Calendula officinalis had the highest toxicity threshold (500mg/L) under Pb stress. The highest Pb contents in the shoots were detected in Iris lacteal and Belamcanda chinensis. The enrichment coefficients in the shoots of Iris lacteal and Belamcanda chinensis were significantly higher than those in the other ornamental species. In conclusion, Iris lacteal and Belamcanda chinensis are the most tolerant and have the greatest Pb enrichment and translocation abilities under Pb stress, and thus, they have a strong potential to restore Pb-contaminated water bodies and soils.

Combined Effect of Nitrofurantoin and Plant Surfactant on Bacteria Phospholipid Membrane.

Due to the increasing use of antibiotics, measures are being taken to improve their removal from the natural environment. The support of biodegradation with natural surfactants that increase the bioavailability of impurities for microorganisms that degrade them, raises questions about their effect on bacterial cells. In this paper we present analysis of the interaction of nitrofurantoin (NFT) and saponins from the Saponaria officinalis on the environmental bacteria membrane and the model phospholipid membrane mimicking it. A wide perspective of the process is provided with the Langmuir monolayer technique and membrane permeability test with bacteria. The obtained results showed that above critical micelle concentration (CMC), saponin molecules are incorporated into the POPE monolayer, but the NFT impact was ambiguous. What is more, differences in membrane permeability between the cells exposed to NFT in comparison to that of the non-exposed cells were observed above 1.0 CMC for Achromobacter sp. KW1 or above 0.5 CMC for Pseudomonas sp. MChB. In both cases, NFT presence lowered the membrane permeability. Moreover, the Congo red adhesion to the cell membrane also decreased in the presence of a high concentration of surfactants and NFT. The results suggest that saponins are incorporated into the bacteria membrane, but their sugar hydrophilic part remains outside, which modifies the adsorption properties of the cell surface as well as the membrane permeability.

In Vitro and Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial to Determine the Efficacy and Safety of Nine Antiacne Medicinal Plants.

The present in vitro and randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial aims to determine the efficacy and safety of nine Mediterranean antiacne medicinal plants. The antimicrobial, antisebum, and anti-inflammatory activities of the plant extracts were evaluated in cells from the immortalized human keratinocytes (HaCaT) and human monocytic cell line (THP-1) as well as in a double-blind, randomized, and placebo‐controlled trial. Most of the extracts showed no significant cytotoxic effects on HaCaT cells up to 250 μg/ml. Inula helenium (IH) and Saponaria officinalis (SO) inhibited sebum production at 90 μg/ml and 30 μg/ml, respectively. The inhibition effect of SO on the growth of Cutibacterium acnes was 1.2 times higher than that of chloramphenicol. IH and SO extracts significantly inhibited the lipopolysaccharide- (LPS-) induced IL-6 and TNF-α production in THP-1 cells reaching the control levels of untreated cells at a concentration of 250 μg/ml. SO, IH, and Solanum nigrum (SN) extracts inhibited the nitric oxide (NO) production in a dose-dependent manner. Based on these results, an antiacne herbal cream (AHC) was prepared from different portions of extracts from SO, IH, and SN, and its efficacy was evaluated in a double-blind, randomized, and controlled efficacy study with 41 acne patients, ages 18–24, who were asked to apply AHC (n = 27) or a placebo (n = 14) two to three times daily for six weeks. Results obtained indicate that the AHC has unique synergistic effects that halt sebum production, combined with highly antiseptic and anti-inflammatory activity, in which 54.95% (t = 19.37 P < 0.001) of acne inflammatory and noninflammatory lesions disappeared after two weeks, 85.3%, after five weeks (t = 14.19 P < 0.001), and 91.4%, at the end of the sixth week of application (t = 5.7 P < 0.001). In conclusion, SO, IH, and SN as single extracts and in combination as AHC showed significant antimicrobial, antisebum, and anti-inflammatory activities in vitro and in a double-blind, randomized, and controlled antiacne efficacy. Therefore, AHC represents an interesting alternative treatment for acne.

Characterization of saponin foam from Saponaria officinalis for food applications

Soapwort (Saponaria officinalis) is a natural source of saponins, which are known for their surface-active properties and ability to form metastable foams. The properties of saponin extract from soapwort have not been well characterized. This study examines the chemical and physical properties of soapwort extract as well as its foaming behavior under food relevant conditions. We show that the extract produces metastable solid-like foams, with high foam capacity and stability. Further, the surfactant has a higher critical micelle concentration (CMC) than other natural sources, and shows some ionic character, although changes in pH only slightly affect its behavior. For a comprehensive understanding, the foaming properties were analyzed in the presence of other molecules commonly used in food systems. The presence of sodium chloride, sucrose, ethanol, and low pH was found not significantly to affect foam properties. Addition of heat increases the foam capacity, whereas ethanol at high concentrations is unfavorable. The extract presents a promising alternative surfactant for foams and other dispersions in diverse food systems.

Structure-Activity Relationship of Transfection-Modulating Saponins - A Pursuit for the Optimal Gene Trafficker.

The ability of certain triterpenoid saponins to modulate the endosomal release during the process of endocytosis and to ensure a nontoxic and efficient transfection recently led to an exceptional interest in the field of nonviral gene delivery. In vitro and in vivo studies demonstrated promising results in terms of tumor growth inhibition after the delivery of a suicide gene such as saporin and dianthin. With that, the question arises which structural features are necessary or advantageous to achieve an effective endosomal escape. Former studies described certain important characteristics a potent saponin should have. Particularly SA1641 (Gypsophila paniculata) and SO1861 (Saponaria officinalis) played an utmost important role to get a first insight into the structure-activity relationship. However, a number of issues such as the purpose of functional groups on the aglycon and the substitution of sugars and their modification remain unsolved and their value needs to be specified. By conducting a screening of several diverse saponins in terms of their transfection improving ability, we aimed to examine these questions in more detail and get a better understanding of the relevant features. The transfection of Neuro-2A-cells with GFP-DNA containing peptide-based nanoplexes provided a reliable method in order to compare the activity of the saponins. With that, we were able to provide new and essential insights regarding the structure-activity relationship of transfection-modulating saponins and give an idea of how a highly potent saponin for future gene therapies may look like.

Enhancement of phytoextraction by Taiwanese chenopod and Napier grass by soapnut saponin and EDDS additions.

Employment of biosurfactants and biodegradable chelants could further promote sustainability of soil and groundwater remediation tasks. Biosurfactant (soapnut saponin) and biodegrading chelants (ethylenediamine-N,N'-disuccinic acid (EDDS)) were employed to enhance the phytoextraction by native Taiwanese chenopod (Chenopodium formosanum Koidz.), Napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum) cultivar Taishi No. 4, and soapwort (Saponaria officinalis). Ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) was also employed as the control. Contaminated soils as silty clay loam texture was collected from a defunct rice paddy, containing chromium (Cr), cadium (Cd), and copper (Cu). Addition of both soapnut saponin and EDDS proportionally increased bioaccumulation factors (BCFs) of aboveground biomass for all three plants. Taiwanese chenopod demonstrated the best BCF values among three plants, with BCF increased from 0.76 to 2.6 and 1.3 for Cu under the presence of the highest dosages of EDDS and saponin. Plant aboveground biomass did exhibit negative correlation toward biomass metal concentrations. Presence of saponin did exhibit the least negative slopes among the correlations of all three additives for three plants. Taiwanese chenopod did exhibit the least negative slopes among the correlations of all three additives for three plants. Above observations suggested that saponin may have some protection for plants, especially for Napier grass. Taiwanese chenopod could possess more tolerance toward heavy metals than Napier grass does.

Effect of synthetic surfactants and soapwort (Saponaria officinalis L.) extract on skin-mimetic model lipid monolayers

The effect of a saponin-rich extract from rhizomes of Soapwort (Saponaria officinalis L) and four synthetic surfactants: sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS), sodium laureth sulphate (SLES), ammonium lauryl sulphate (ALS) and cocamidopropyl betaine (CAPB) on two model lipid monolayers is analyzed using surface pressure, surface dilatational rheology and fluorescence microscopy. The following monolayers were employed: dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine/cholesterol mixture in a molar ratio of 7:3 (DPPC/CHOL) and Ceramide [AP]/stearic acid/cholesterol in a molar ratio of 14:14:10 (CER/SA/CHOL). They mimicked a general bilayer structure and an intercellular lipid mixture, respectively. Both lipid mixtures on Milli-Q water were first compressed to the initial surface pressure, Π0 = 30 mN/m and then the subphase was exchanged with the respective (bio)surfactant solution at 1% (w/w). All four synthetic surfactants behaved in a similar way: they increased surface pressure to about 40 mN/m and reduced the storage modulus of surface dilational surface rheology, E′, to the values close to zero. The corresponding fluorescence microscopy pictures confirmed that the lipids mimicking the stratum corneum components were almost completely removed by the synthetic surfactants under the present experimental conditions. The components of the Soapwort extract (SAP) increased surface pressure to significantly higher values than the synthetic surfactants, but even more spectacular increase was observed for the storage modulus of the SAP-penetrated lipid monolayers (up to E′= 715 mN/m).

How Does the Surface Activity of Soapwort (Saponaria officinalis L.) Extracts Depend on the Plant Organ?

AbstractSoapwort (Saponaria officinalis, L) extracts from different plant organs (roots/rhizomes, stems, leaves, and flowers/fruits) were tested because of their ability to lower surface tension at the water/air interface and because of their foaming ability. In addition, surface dilational rheology of the adsorbed layers was assessed. The plant material was collected from May to October 2016 to enable analysis of temporal changes in surface activity of the extracts throughout the same vegetation period. Each organ sample at the given development stage was extracted both fresh (immediately after collecting) and after air drying, to compare the effect of postharvest treatment on surface activity of the extracts. The results show that the latter depends strongly on the development stage, the plant organ, and even the postharvest treatment. During the plant lifecycle, the surface activity of extracts from individual organs varies, probably following the saponin content alterations related to their production and storage for the next season.

Application of new generation phytobiotic adiCoxSOL® PF for coccidiosis prophylactics in poultry broilers

The new WHO recommendations aim to help preserve the effectiveness of antibiotics that are important for human medicine by reducing their unnecessary use in animals. In some countries, approximately 80% of total consumption of medically important antibiotics is in the animal sector, largely for growth promotion in healthy animals .Over-use and misuse of antibiotics in animals and humans is contributing to the rising threat of antibiotic resistance. After the ban of antibiotic growth promoters (AGP) in the EU many alternative substances have been investigated for their potential to replace AGPs. Phytobiotics are well known for their pharmacological effects and their wide application in human medicine and are one of the most promising alternatives due to their high content of pharmacologically active compounds. Herbs develop their initial activity in the feed as flavour and, therefore, influence eating patterns, the secretion of digestive fluids and total feed intake. Stimulation of digestive secretions, including saliva, digestive enzymes, bile and mucus is often considered to be one of the important actions of phytobiotics. Last, due to herbs content develop their initial activity in the feed as flavour and influence eating patterns of poultry and swine due to the secretion of digestive fluids and total feed intake. Stimulation of digestive secretions, including saliva, digestive enzymes, bile and mucus is often considered to be one of the important actions of phytobiotics. Experiments with various products conducted with broilers show a clear tendency for improved performance and health status. Significant part of poultry farms in Poland, which are exporters of their products to EU and Asia are more and more often using phytobiotics particularly AdiCox Sol PF® for the prophylactic of subclinical coccidiosis and as a natural growth promoter in broilers. AdiCox PF® contains specially prepared Cinapis alba L., Piper nigrum L., Acorus calamus L., Saponaria officinalis L. Generally have positive effect on villi, nutrient absorption and digestal viscosity. Application of adiCoxSOL® PF solution at 22–25 days of age in broilers in dose of 1 liter per1000 liters of water for 3 days via drinking water. As a result mortality and other typical for coccidiosis clinical signs significantly decreased. Supplementation of AdiCox Sol PF® improved performance due to its positive influence on intestinal microflora and anticoccidial efficacy in broiler chicken.

NEW DATA ON THE FLORA OF THE KIZHSKY FEDERAL ZOOLOGICAL RESERVE

Information on 45 vascular plant species new for the Kizhsky Federal Zoological Reserve is provided. Regionally red-listed Gymnocarpium robertianum and Moehringia lateriflora, as well as native Lathyrus maritimus and alien Primula veris were discovered for the first time in Zaonezhye at large. Among the new species, 27 are adventitious, and most of them are widespread in Karelia and inhabit various secondary habitats (Alchemilla micans, Juncus compressus, Lamium dissectum, Poa compressa, Senecio vulgaris, Spergularia rubra). At the same time, introduced species that are very rare and known from very few localities (Alchemilla conglobata, Armoracia rusticana, Papaver pseudoorientale, etc.) have also been recorded. Most of the alien species grow on Kizhi Island, whose ecosystems are affected by significant anthropogenic pressure, which is responsible for their accidental introductions, or escape from places of cultivation. Several aggressive adventitious species (Epilobium pseudorubescens, Impatiens glandulifera, Lupinus polyphyllus), which have been actively invading the natural and seminatural communities in the republic over the past decades, have been recorded here, too. Some popular and widely cultivated garden and ornamental plants (Dianthus barbatus, Lycopersicon esculentum, Malus domestica, Papaver somniferum, Saponaria officinalis, etc.) were noted. For five species (Cypripedium calceolus, Isoetes echinospora, Hypopity monotropa, Lobelia dortmanna, Neottia nidus-avis) that are red-listed in Karelia and/or in the Russian Federation, new locations are stated.

Saponaria officinalis-synthesized silver nanocrystals as effective biopesticides and oviposition inhibitors against Tetranychus urticae Koch

Green-fabricated nanoparticles have been mainly tested on mosquito and tick vectors, while no information are available about their toxicity against phytophagous mites. Therefore, here it was determined whether Ag nanoparticles with acaricidal activity could be synthesized using the Saponaria officinalis root extract. Size, shape and crystalline structure of the nanoparticles were described. Furthermore, the toxicity of S. officinalis extract vs. S. officinalis-fabricated Ag nanoparticles was studied, comparing their activity on eggs, larvae and adults of two-spotted spider mite Tetranychus urticae. The impact of both treatments on T. urticae oviposition was investigated. Both the S. officinalis root extract and the nanoparticles showed a very good acaricidal efficacy. Ag nanoparticle LC50 was 1.2gL−1 (LC90=2.8gL−1), significantly less if compared with the root extract alone (LC50(90)=7.8 (11.9)gL−1). Adults of T. urticae showed the lowest sensitivity, with LC50 of 6.1 and 19.9gL−1 for nanoparticles and the aqueous root extract, respectively. Both treatments showed high ovicidal toxicity with LC50 of 3.1 and 13.8gL−1 for the nanoparticles and aqueous root extract, respectively. Treatment spray residues also caused significant inhibition of oviposition in females of T. urticae with EC50 estimated as 1.4gL−1, a value significantly lower, if compared with the extract alone (EC50=6.1gL−1). No phytotoxicity of both treatments was observed in short-term tests. S. officinalis root aqueous extract is used by food and cosmetic industries, thus it can be considered a safe option for plant protection. In addition, the fabricated AgNP also seem highly promising as they showed high biological efficacy, and the production method is relatively simple and cheap.

Molecular characterization of phytoplasmas of 'Clover proliferation' group associated with three ornamental plant species in India.

Suspected phytoplasma symptoms of little leaf, yellowing, chlorosis, phyllody, witches’ broom, and stunting were observed on ten different ornamental plant species at New Delhi, Andhra Pradesh, Haryana, Bengaluru, and Pune, India, during March to July 2016. To investigate the possibility of phytoplasma etiology, PCR assays were performed using universal primer pairs (P1/P7 followed by 3Far/3Rev) specific to the phytoplasma 16Sr RNA gene. First round PCR amplification with primer pair P1/P7 did not yield expected 1.8 kb product of 16S rRNA region from any of the 17 symptomatic samples. However, 1.3 Kb amplicons were observed in nested PCR assays with 3Far/3Rev primer pair in symptomatic leaf samples of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis L. (Pune isolate), Saponaria officinalis L. (Pune isolate), and Allamanda cathartica L. (Delhi isolate). No amplifications were observed in any of the other tested symptomatic and non-symptomatic plant samples either in first round or second round of nested PCR assays with phytoplasma specific primer pairs. Pairwise sequence comparison of 16S rDNA sequences of the five positive phytoplasma strains of A. catharica, H. rosa-sinensis, and S. officinalis in the present study revealed 99–100% sequence identities with strains of ‘clover proliferation’ (16SrVI) group. Phylogenetic and virtual RFLP analysis of 16S rDNA sequences of the five identified phytoplasma strains belonging to three ornamental species further confirmed their clustering and grouping with member strains of ‘clover proliferation’ subgroup D. This is the first record of the phytoplasma association of ‘clover proliferation’ subgroup D with H. rosa-sinensis, S. officinalis, and A. cathartica in the world.

Acaricidal properties of extracts of some medicinal and culinary plants against Tetranychus urticae Koch.

The acaricidal activity of aqueous extracts obtained from 28 plant species was tested against Tetranychus urticae. The extract efficacy on the incidence of individual development stages of T. urticae on the treated plants was determined, compared to untreated plants. Of the 28 extracts, 24 showed an efficacy higher than 50%; of these, 16 extracts caused a reduction in the count of adults on the plants by more than 90% compared to the control. The counts of nymphs and eggs showed significant differences depending on the extract used. Only 13 extracts showed an efficacy higher than 50%, and only 2 extracts (obtained from Ammi visnaga and Saponaria officinalis) had more than 90% efficacy. Twenty extracts resulted in eggs reduction of more than 50% compared to the control; of these, 6 extracts (from A. visnaga, G. glabra, J. palmata, L. carthamoides, O. majorana, S. officinalis) exhibited an efficacy higher than 90%. Extracts with the highest efficacy were tested for their acute toxicity for T. urticae adults, and LD50(90) values were estimated. By comparing the confidence intervals (CI95) for individual LD50 values, extracts obtained from Saponaria officinalis roots and Ammi visnaga seeds were found to provide the significantly highest efficacies, and lethal doses (LD50) of 10.3 and 12.5 g/l, respectively, were estimated for them. However, wanting to compare LD90 values as well, we chose 5 extracts (A. visnaga, C. annum, M. × piperita, O. majorana, and S. officinalis) whose CI95 intervals overlapped (P ≤ 0.05). Based on our tests, aqueous extracts from S. officinalis roots can be recommended for the development of products which reduce the incidence of T. urticae on plants.

Saponaroxins A–C, a new 19-oxa-tricyclohenicosatetraenone and, a new dioxacyclopropacycloundecene-10-carboaldehyde and its 6,7-dihydro derivative, produced by Alternaria saponariae, a pathogen of a medicinal plant Saponaria officinalis

A new 19-oxa-tricyclohenicosatetraenone and a new dioxacyclopropacycloundecene-10-carboaldehyde and its 6,7-dihydro derivative, named saponaroxins A–C, were isolated from the culture filtrate of Alternaria saponariae a fungal pathogen of the well-known medicinal plant Saponaria officinalis. Saponaroxins A–C were characterized by spectroscopic methods. When assayed on punctured leaf segments of two weeds, Sonchus arvensis and Elytrigia repens saponaroxins B–C were found to be phytotoxic. They demonstrated moderate antimicrobial activity and low toxicity against Paramecium caudatum. Saponaroxin A was acutely toxic to P. caudatum while showed no phytotoxic nor antimicrobial activity.

The Water Infiltration, Hydraulic Conductivity and Water Retention Effects of Ground Soapwort (Saponaria officinalis L.) Root as a Soil Surfactant

Climate change is affecting precipitation patterns and intensity; increasing regional drought conditions and increasing runoff, respectively. The use of soil surfactants presents an opportunity to improve soil water content and infiltration in soils. As aridity and drought vulnerability increase globally, improving water infiltration and retention is becoming increasingly important for agriculture as water resources are scarce and climate change shifts precipitation patterns. While surfactants are widely available for agricultural use, most or all are unapproved in sustainable and organic production. Ground soapwort ( Saponaria officinalis L.) root produces saponins, natural surfactants used in several industrial applications, including soap manufacturing and soil contaminant recovery. To determine its potential to improve soil water interactions its effects on soil hydraulic conductivity, water content, infiltration and drainage rates were tested in washed sand, heavy clay soil and clay loam soil. When compared to untreated soils, drainage and infiltration was slowed (P < 0.05) in sand and loam with soapwort applications while no significant differences in any variable were present in clay soil compared to any treatment. Soil water content was not significantly different in any treatment. While soapwort did not increase infiltration rates it did markedly slow drainage rates in sand and loam. The benefit of this may be realised as longer opportunity for plant available water in the root zone.

New Chorological Data for Rare Vascular Plants from Romania

Abstract New chorological data about seven rare vascular plant taxa are reported in the present paper: Conringia austriaca, Jurinea multiflora, Linaria arvensis, Nonea pallens, Ophrys apifera, Ophrys scolopax subsp. cornuta, Saponaria officinalis. For Linaria arvensis, previously considered doubtful in the absence of the herbarium material, we confirm its presence in Romania. The report of Nonea pallens is the first for Dobrogea, while the report of Jurinea multiflora is the first for Muntenia region of Romania.