Sideritis Syriaca Research Articles

Stachys italica Mill.: synecology, functional compounds and potential use of an Italian endemic taxon.

The metabolomic of the Italian endemic species Stachys italica was investigated and potential positive metabolites for human's health were detected, quantified and discussed in relation to its synecology. Stachys italica is a species endemic to central-southern Italy, traditionally used for human consumption. The present research reports the results of a phytosociological study of this species in two southern regions of Italy (Apulia and Calabria). The collected plant material was used to make two types of extracts: hot water infusion to evaluate the use of this plant as tea and hydroalcoholic extraction to evaluate the use of it in herbal liqueur preparation. The extracts obtained by the hot water infusion had a values of total polyphenols and antioxidant capacity similar to values found in black tea. The analysis of non-volatiles compounds revealed the presence of biologically active substances like lavandulifolioside, verbascoside, and methoxyflavones. The analysis of volatiles fraction of metabolites demonstrated fifty-three volatiles compounds in the plant aerial part, 19 of which belonging to monoterpenoids, and 17 to the class of sesquiterpenoids. Among them, α-pinene, β-pinene, cis-ocimene, limonene and t-caryophyllene, were the most abundant compounds. The results were compared with already published results and referred to other similar species (such as Sideritis syriaca) which represent herbal mixtures usually collected and used as "mountain tea" in the Balkans and Eastern European countries.

DNA Barcoding and Fertilization Strategies in Sideritis syriaca subsp. syriaca, a Local Endemic Plant of Crete with High Medicinal Value.

Herein, we applied DNA barcoding for the genetic characterization of Sideritis syriaca subsp. syriaca (Lamiaceae; threatened local Cretan endemic plant) using seven molecular markers of cpDNA. Five fertilization schemes were evaluated comparatively in a pilot cultivation in Crete. Conventional inorganic fertilizers (ChFs), integrated nutrient management (INM) fertilizers, and two biostimulants were utilized (foliar and soil application). Plant growth, leaf chlorophyll fluorescence, and color were assessed and leaf content of chlorophyll, key antioxidants (carotenoids, flavonoids, phenols), and nutrients were evaluated. Fertilization schemes induced distinct differences in leaf shape, altering quality characteristics. INM-foliar and ChF-soil application promoted yield, without affecting tissue water content or biomass partitioning to inflorescences. ChF-foliar application was the most stimulatory treatment when the primary target was enhanced antioxidant contents while INM-biostimulant was the least effective one. However, when the primary target is yield, INM, especially by foliar application, and ChF, by soil application, ought to be employed. New DNA sequence datasets for the plastid regions of petB/petD, rpoC1, psbK-psbI, and atpF/atpH were deposited in the GenBank for S. syriaca subsp. syriaca while the molecular markers rbcL, trnL/trnF, and psbA/trnH were compared to those of another 15 Sideritis species retrieved from the GenBank, constructing a phylogenetic tree to show their genetic relatedness.

Chemical Composition of the Essential Oils of Three Popular Sideritis Species Cultivated in Greece Using GC-MS Analysis.

(1) Background: The essential oils (EOs) of Sideritis L. have attracted great interest due to their pharmacological activities and potential applications in the cosmetic and perfume industries. The aim of this work was to study the EO chemical composition of three of the most popular, in Greece, mountain tea species: namely, these include Sideritis scardica, Sideritis raeseri, and Sideritis syriaca. (2) Methods: The EOs were obtained from the aerial parts of three Sideritis species that were cultivated in various regions of Greece by hydrodistillation, and the chemical composition was studied by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. (3) Results: The EOs of the Sideritis species-S. scardica (SSC1, SSC2, SSC3), S. raeseri (SR1, SR2, SR3), and S. syriaca (SS1, SS2, SS3)-were analyzed by GC-MS, and they showed both qualitatively and quantitatively high variation in their chemical composition. (4) Conclusions: The EOs of S. scardica and S. raeseri from three different regions of Greece, and the S. syriaca from three different localities of Crete Island in Southern Greece, showed high chemical variability. Although 165 different components were found to be present in the nine samples through GC-MS analysis, only 7 (1-octen-3-ol, linalool, trans-pinocarveol, p-mentha-1,5-dien-8-ol, α-terpineol, myrtenol, and verbenone) were common components in the nine EOs, which were identified to be highly variable in different percentages among the samples. Even the EOs of SS1 and SS2, which were cultivated nearby, showed different GC profiles. The composition variation observed might be attributed to differentiations in the soil and climatic conditions.

From the wild to the field: effect of foliar or soil application of inorganic or semi-organic fertilizers on various parameters of four local endemic plant species of Crete (Greece)

Domestication of wild plant species of interest coupled with introduction of pilot cultivation practices and appropriate fertilization schemes could be an efficient alternative for addressing sustainable exploitation needs of threatened and/or declining wild phytogenetic resources. In this field study focusing on four threatened wild-growing plants (Carlina diae, Origanum dictamnus, Origanum microphyllum, and Sideritis syriaca subsp. syriaca) confined to Crete (local endemics), the effects of three types of fertilization (inorganic, plain semi-organic or co-applied with commercial biostimulants based on edible raw plant materials) by two methods (foliar/soil application) on plants’ growth were investigated. Specifically, plant parameters such as aboveground biomass yield, content and uptake of nutrients by plants as well as arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi root colonization were evaluated. Results revealed a distinction in plants’ multi-elemental stoichiometry, except in the case of Origanum species, in which the variance of their ionomics showed a significant overlap. The elements most closely related to yield were K and Zn, while Pearson tests showed various correlations between studied essential nutrients. Among them, the positive correlations between B and Ca, and Mg (with r value up to 0.9 at p ≤ 0.001, in all studied species except O. dictamnus); the negative correlations between K and Mg (in O. dictamnus and S. syriaca subsp. Syriaca, r = − 0.5 at p ≤ 0.001); and the positive correlation patterns between Fe and Mn, or Cu and Zn, respectively (in all studied species) , were observed. Biostimulant application alone or in combination with semi-organic fertilizers increased the yield of C. diae (up to 161%) and of the two Origanum species studied (up to 70% and 68% for O. dictamnus and for O. microphyllum, respectively), while inorganic fertilization was beneficial for S. syriaca subsp. syriaca (up to 170% increase) and O. microphyllum (up to 79% increase). However, no solid conclusions could be derived in respect of the preference of the four species for any fertilizers' application method (foliar or by soil).

Sideritis syriaca – A New Species Introduced into Culture in Romania

Sideritis syriaca is an endemic plant in the mountains of Crete, well-known from the antiquity (Karousou R. et al., 1992). Also named Malotira, it has been used as an anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant and analgesic agent in folk medicine (Goulas V. et al. 2014). In Romania, the Domnesc variety was created in 2019 as a result of breeding and acclimatization to S scardica. Acclimatization, identification of suitable areas for cultivation in Romania and breeding to obtain genotypes with distinct phenotypic expressiveness that meet the international norms of the DUS test are the study’s purpose. The genetic resources are from the germplasm collection of P.G.R.B. and endemic resources acquired from the area of origin and the breeding methods used are repeated individual selection followed by negative mass selection. Type E was selected from the 5 varieties obtained, based on its valuable phenotypic characteristics and good response to environmental conditions; during the three years of study, the plants were monitored, biometric measurements were performed, the culture technology was established; the observations showed an optimal evolution and development of the plants: biomass was 286 g in the first year and 1495 g in the third year. The establishment scheme of the culture was 70 cm between rows and 40 cm between plants/row. Breeding and acclimatization of the S. syriaca species to the climatic conditions of our country were achieved, conditions for the approval of a new variety were created, culture technology was developed.

New occurrences for the flora of Lebanon: Sideritis syriaca subsp. nusairiensis (Post) Hub.-Mor. (Lamiaceae) and Thymus sipyleus Boiss. (Lamiaceae) and consideration on their distribution, natural habitats, and conservation status

Investigations carried out during 2019 on the vascular flora of Jabal Akroum, the northernmost part of the Mount Lebanon range near the Syrian border, yielded two new records of Lamiaceae species for the flora of Lebanon: Sideritis syriaca subsp. nusairiensis (Post) Hub.-Mor. and Thymus sipyleus Boiss. We present findings on the distribution and ecology of these species as well as their conservation status at the national level in accordance with International Union for the Conservation of Nature guidelines. We also report on the natural habitats of Jabal Akroum.

Non-polar secondary metabolites and essential oil of ex situ propagated and cultivated Sideritis syriaca L. subsp. syriaca (Lamiaceae) with consolidated identity (DNA Barcoding): towards a potential new industrial crop

Over the past decade, perennial plants of the genus Sideritis L. have attracted great scientific interest and they have become the subject of several studies, including the European Union’s herbal monograph. The present study aimed to explore the identity of a biotype of S. syriaca subsp. syriaca documented with DNA barcoding, investigated its macro- and micro- propagation and to study the chemical profile of the dichloromethane extract, as well as of the Essential Oil (EO) of the ex situ propagated and cultivated plant material. An improved in vitro propagation protocol, as well as pioneer effective propagation with cuttings (both at commercially acceptable rates) are provided for a DNA-barcoded biotype of Sideritis syriaca L. subsp. syriaca (malotira, Cretan mountain tea) which is a single-island endemic plant of Crete (Greece), with declining wild populations due to over collection. From the aerial parts of ex situ propagated and cultivated material (harvested in July) two phytosterols (β-sitosterol and stigmasterol), two ent-kaurene diterpenes; siderol and eubotriol, as well as one methylated flavone (xanthomicrol) have been isolated. This is the first time that eubotriol has been isolated from this taxon. The structures of the isolated compounds have been established by spectroscopic means and the complete Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) assignments for eubotriol are presented. Moreover, the essential oil was obtained by hydrodistillation of the plant material during the flowering stage and was analyzed by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC–MS). Forty-four compounds were identified. The monoterpene hydrocarbons constituted the major fraction of the essential oil (34.2%), while β-phellandrene (18.5%) and kaur-15-ene (or ent-kaur-15-ene; 17.3%) were the main compounds. In conclusion, the above results document the first necessary steps taken for the ex situ conservation and sustainable exploitation of a new industrial crop with promising potential.

Effect of The Ethylene Inhibitor “Agno3”, Vitamin B9 “Folic Acid” And Thiol Compound “GSH” On in Vitro Propagation of Sideritis Syriaca L. Subsp. Syriaca (Hellenic Mountain Tea of The Crete Island)

The aim of this research was to study the effect of the ethylene inhibitor “silver nitrate (AgNO3)” and vitamin B9 "folic acid" in different concentrations combined with cytokinin BA as well as the antioxidant thiol compound “L-glutathione reduced (GSH)” in different concentrations simultaneously with auxins (IBA+NAA) on micropropagation efficiency of the endemic Sideritis syriaca L. subsp. syriaca (Hellenic mountain tea of Crete/ Malotira) using shoot tip explants. The culture medium used was the MS supplemented with 30 g/l sucrose. The simultaneous application 5 ?M AgNO3 + 2.2 ?M BA promoted best the initial shoot induction stage exhibiting 4.5 shoots/ explant and 100% shoot multiplication (5 weeks). Folic acid applied at 0.25 mg/l in combination with 0.5 mg/l BA exhibited the highest shoot multiplication percentage (90%) (4 weeks). GSH at 10 ?M with 10.7 ?M NAA + 4.92 ?M IBA gave the greatest root length (13.68 mm), at 25 ?M caused a 3-fold increase in rooting (90%) and 250 ?M GSH raised by 20% shoot multiplication (80%). An 89% final survival rate of rooted microplants to ex vitro unheated greenhouse conditions was recorded within 8 weeks period during mid-late spring. Thus, the acclimatization and hardening process was successfully completed.

Ultrasound-assisted extraction of biologically active compounds and their successive concentration by using membrane processes

Sideritis scardica and Sideritis syriaca are considered highly valuable plant materials and their total polyphenols (TP) and total flavonoids (TF) extracts can be employed in nutraceutics and cosmetics. A two-step process was proposed consisting in the ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) and concentration of the biologically active compounds via nanofiltration (NF). An extensive comparison between UAE and conventional high-temperature stirring was performed, taking into account the effect of process parameters such as solvent, temperature and ultrasonication. In terms of radical scavenging activity and time optimization, UAE was found more effective, providing – after only 1 h – extraction yields comparable to 20 h of the conventional thermo-mechanical method. The extract was then concentrated by nanofiltration in tangential mode at 20 bar using 300 and 500 Da cut-off Duramem membranes. Permeate and rejection flux was monitored during the filtration process. The lower molecular weight membrane showed higher permeability towards TP and TF and contributed to a more stable flux and lower fouling processes. To predict operational drawbacks, computational fluid dynamic simulations were performed to model the complex rotational flow occurring during membrane filtration.

First report of cultivated Cretan mountain tea (Sideritis syriaca) as a host of Meloidogyne hapla and M. javanica in Crete, with some additional records on the occurrence of Meloidogyne species in Greece.

Cultivated Cretan mountain tea or Malotira (Sideritis syriaca L.) was found to be infected by Meloidogyne hapla and Meloidogyne javanica in the island of Crete. The authors provide the first molecular characterization of M. hapla in Greece and the first report of Cretan mountain tea or Malotira as a host of Meloidogyne species worldwide. In addition, Meloidogyne hispanica was found infecting aloe (Andros island) and corn (Drama, North Greece) consisting the first reports of natural infection of these plants by M. hispanica in Europe. Furthermore, infection of corn by M. incognita and soybean by M. javanica (Drama, North Greece) are reported for the first time in Greece. Integrative taxonomical approach based on perineal pattern and EP/st ratio, as well as the region of the mitochondrial genome between the cytochrome oxidase subunit II (coxII) and 16S rRNA mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) genes was used to differentiate Meloidogyne species.

Evaluation of the phytochemical content, antioxidant activity and antimicrobial properties of mountain tea (Sideritis syriaca) decoction

Mountain tea is an easily available, low cost herb consumed on a daily basis, and is believed to contain bioactive phytochemicals. The evaluation of functional properties and bioactive composition of the decoction is essential for its exploitation as a health-promoting beverage. The antimicrobial properties of Sideritis syriaca decoction were demonstrated a considerable antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus. In addition, its antioxidant activity was indicated from different in vitro assays. HPLC–SPE–NMR technique was then optimized to analyze its phytochemical content. The major phytochemicals were found to be hypoelatin and isoscutellarein diglucosides, while the phenylpropanoids such as verbascoside, martynoside, lavandulifolioside, and chlorogenic acid were also identified by combining NMR, UV and MS data. Finally, the on-line HPLC–DPPH demonstrated that the antioxidant activity of the decoction was mainly due to its flavonoid content. Overall, mountain tea decoction can be considered as a health-promoting beverage with functional properties that deserve further exploitation.

Extraction of biologically active compounds from Sideritis ssp. L.

In this study extraction of polyphenols and flavonoids from cultivated hybrid S ideritis scardica × Sideritis syriaca, known for its rich content of phenolics and flavonoids with antioxidant activity, was investigated. Extractions have been done by ethanol and water–ethanol, respectively. High equilibrium values of the extracted species were obtained—17.55 mg/(g solid) total phenolics and 5.7 mg/(g solid) total flavonoids with ethanol as solvent. The influence of the solvent on the total yield and the content of biologically active compounds were studied. Maximum polyphenolics and flavonoids extraction was observed for water–ethanol solvent ratio 20/80. Increase of the content of ethanol in the solvents led to lower total yield of extracts but higher percentage of polyphenolics. The extraction kinetics showed that 90% of the phenolic compounds were extracted during the first 2.5 h. The experimental kinetics was described by a constant effective diffusion coefficient D e = 1.5 × 10 −12 m 2/s in the solid, accounting for the actual particle size distribution.

Novel acylflavones from Sideritis syriaca ssp. syriaca

In the framework of the detailed phytochemical analysis of the aerial parts of Sideritis syriaca, two novel acylflavones were isolated together with three acetylated flavone glycosides and acylated flavone glycosides. The novel acylflavones were identified as isoscutellarein 7- trans-p-coumarate and apigenin 7-,4′-bis( trans-p-coumarate). Their structures were elucidated by means of UV, 1D and 2D NMR, LC–DAD–MS and confirmed by HR-MS spectroscopy.

Antioxidant properties and five new phenylpropanoid esters of apigenin from Sideritis syriaca L

Antioxidant properties and five new phenylpropanoid esters of apigenin from Sideritis syriaca L

Constituents of Sideritis syriaca. ssp . syriaca (Lamiaceae) and their antioxidant activity

The aerial parts of Sideritis syriaca ssp . syriaca (Lamiaceae ) were extracted, after defatting, with diethyl ether, ethyl acetate and n-butanol. The antioxidant activities of the extracts were evaluated through in vitro model systems, such as 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) and Co(II) EDTA-induced luminol chemiluminescence. In both model systems the ethyl acetate extract was the most effective. Phytochemical analysis of ethyl acetate extract showed the presence of two new isomeric compounds ( 1 and 1′), identified as 1-rhamnosyl, 1-coumaroyl, dihydrocaffeoyl, protocatechuic tetraester of quinic acid, as well as chlorogenic acid ( 2), apigenin 7-O-glucoside ( 3), apigenin ( 4), 4′-O-methylisoscutellarein 7-O-[6′′′-O-acetyl-β-D-allopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-β- d-glucopyranoside] ( 5), isoscutellarein 7-O-[6′′′-O-acetyl-β-D-allopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-β- d-glucopyranoside] ( 6), 4′-O-methylisoscutellarein 7-O[β- d-allopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-β- d-glucopyranoside] ( 7) and 4′-O-methylisoscutellarein 7-O-[β- d-allopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-6′′-O-acetyl-β- d-glucopyranoside] ( 8). The above compounds were identified by spectroscopic methods.

Preliminary Evaluation on Anti-Inflammatory and Analgesic Effects of Sideritis syriaca L. herba Extracts

We studied the anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity of extracts of Sideritis syriaca L. herba. Samples were collected from the wild plant, dried, powdered, and extracted with hexane and methanol. The extracts were evaporated to dryness and then suspended in suitable solvent. They were then tested for anti-inflammatory activity in the carrageenin rat paw edema test and for analgesic activity in the Randall and Selitto test and in the tail-flick test. At 24 hours after the treatment, the gastric mucosa of each rat was observed macroscopically. Based on these results the hexane extract was fractionated by column chromatography, and the fractions were obtained tested in the same way. Results showed interesting anti-inflammatory activity only for the hexane extract and all the fractions obtained from it. All the extracts and all the other fractions showed both peripheral and central analgesic activity. In rats treated with the tested compounds hyperemia and ulcers were absent. The data from this preliminary study reveal interesting pharmacological properties of S. syriaca L. herba extracts related to the marked analgesic activity and the absence of gastric ulcerogenic activity. The same is for anti-inflammatory activity, but in this case it seems to be related only to the apolar fraction.

Composition of the Oil of Sideritis syriaca L. from Italy

The oils from leaves and inflorescences of Sideritis syriaca L. grown and harvested in Italy were analyzed by GC/MS. The major components in the oil from leaves contained hexadecanoic acid (31.1%), epi-α-bisabolol (14.5%), benzyl benzoate (7.5%), and (E)-caryophyllene (6.4%), while in the oil from the inflorescences contained epi-α-bisabolol (25.7%), benzyl benzoate (17.7%), hexadecanoic acid (7.8%), β-caryophyllene (7.3%), and (Z)-α-bisabolene (6.0%).

Nutrient antioxidants in some herbs and Mediterranean plant leaves

Hexane extracts obtained by percolation from the leaves of nine Mediterranean plants ( Daphne oleoides, Myrtus communis, Pelargonium zonale, Phillyrea latifolia, Pistacia terebinthus, Quercus pubescens, Rhamnus lucioides, Sideritis syriaca, Smilax aspera) and from five leaf spices ( Rosmarinum officinalis, Coridothymus capitatus, Laurus nobilis, Salvia fruticosa, Salvia pomifera) were examined for the presence of tocopherols by thin layer chromatography, gas chromatography, high performance liquid chromatography and combined gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. With the exception of Sideritis syriaca, in all the plants and spices examined α-tocopherol was found to be present. The β- and γ-homologues were detected only in the extracts of Pelargonium zonale and Smilax aspera. Quantitative analysis by HPLC gave values ranging from 250 to 1325 ppm total tocopherols (on a dry leaf basis). These values are higher than those reported for oil seeds (sunflower seed, cottonseed, rapeseed, sesame seed) or other oil sources (peanut, soybean, maize).

The Essential Oil ofSideritis syriaca

The volatile oil of Sideritis syriaca L. has been investigated by means of GC/MS, resulting in the identification of 29 terpenes, fatty acids, esters, and alcohols. The presence of glycosylated derivatives of terpenes could not be established.

ECOPHYSIOLOGY OF SEED GERMINATION IN ENDEMIC LABIATES OF CRETE

Ecophysiological aspects of seed germination were investigated in four aromatic labiate plants of Crete Origanum dictamnus (dittany), Sideritis syriaca L. ssp. syriaca (Cretan mountain tea), Salvia pomifera L. ssp. pomifera (gall-bearing sage), and Salvia fruticosa (three-lobed sage). Experiments were performed both at constant temperatures and darkness as well as under temperature and light conditions simulating those prevailing in nature during the main germination periods (i.e., start and middle of the rainy season, November and February-March, respectively). In three out of the four species, no particular dormancy was revealed and germination occurred rather promptly, although in a rather narrow range of cool temperatures and at a relatively slow rate; both characteristics determine and/or support an early, autumn seed germination and seedling establishment. In the fourth plant, Sideritis syriaca, germination was manifested at relatively warm temperatures and at a considerably faster rate, in accordance with its alpine distribution favoring spring seedling emergence and establishment. All four species tested showed an intermediate response towards light, as a result of their intermediate levels of active phytochrome maintained in darkness. Therefore seed germination was partially manifested in darkness but it was significantly enhanced (particularly at suboptimal temperatures) by white or red light; on the other hand, illumination with far-red light (simulating light conditions under a canopy) resulted in significant inhibition compared to dark controls.