Small Shrubs Research Articles

Comparative evolutionary history of two closely related desert plant, Convolvulus tragacanthoide and Convolvulus gortschakovii (Convolvulaceae) from northwest China.

Desert ecosystems are one of the most fragile ecosystems on Earth. The study of the effects of paleoclimatic and geological changes on genetic diversity, genetic structure, and species differentiation of desert plants is not only helpful in understanding the strategies of adaptation of plants to arid habitats, but can also provide reference for the protection and restoration of vegetation in desert ecosystem. Northwest China is an important part of arid regions in the northern hemisphere. Convolvulus tragacanthoides and Convolvulus gortschakovii are closely related and have similar morphology. Through our field investigation, we found that the annual precipitation of the two species distribution areas is significantly different. Thus, C. tragacanthoides and C. gortschakovii provide an ideal comparative template to investigate the evolutionary processes of closely related species, which have adapted to different niches in response to changes in paleogeography and paleoclimate in northwest China. In this study, we employed phylogeographical approaches (two cpDNA spacers: rpl14–rpl36 and trnT–trnY) and species distribution models to trace the demographic history of C. tragacanthoides and C. gortschakovii, two common subshrubs and small shrubs in northwest China. The results showed the following: (1) Populations of C. tragacanthoides in northwest China were divided into three groups: Tianshan Mountains—Ili Valley, west Yin Mountains—Helan Mountains‐Qinglian Mountains, and Qinling Mountains—east Yin Mountains. There was a strong correlation between the distribution of haplotypes and the floristic subkingdom. The three groups corresponded to the Eurasian forest subkingdom, Asian desert flora subkingdom, and Sino‐Japanese floristic regions, respectively. Thus, environmental differences among different flora may lead to the genetic differentiation of C. tragacanthoides in China. (2) The west Yin Mountains—Helan Mountains‐Qinglian Mountains, and Qinling Mountains—east Yin Mountains were thought to form the ancestral distribution range of C. tragacanthoides. (3) C. tragacanthoides and C. gortschakovii adopted different strategies to cope with the Pleistocene glacial cycle. Convolvulus tragacanthoides contracted to the south during the glacial period and expanded to the north during the interglacial period; and there was no obvious north–south expansion or contraction of C. gortschakovii during the glacial cycle. (4) The interspecific variation of C. tragacanthoides and C. gortschakovii was related to the orogeny in northwest China caused by the uplift of the Tibetan Plateau during Miocene. (5) The 200 mm precipitation line formed the dividing line between the niches occupied by C. tragacanthoides and C. gortschakovii, respectively. In this study, from the perspective of precipitation, the impact of the formation of the summer monsoon limit line on species divergence and speciation is reported, which provides a new perspective for studying the response mechanism of species to the formation of the summer monsoon line, and also provides a clue for predicting how desert plants respond to future environmental changes.

In vitro antifungal activity of alcohol and aqueous extract of stachys sp on fusarium solani

The genus Stachys L. (Lamiaceae) includes about 300 species as annual or perennial herbs or small shrubs, spread in temperate regions of Mediterranean, Asia, America and southern Africa. Stachys sp has antioxidant activity and destroys free radicals. Antifungal effects of methanolic extracts of four different types of Stachys on several bacteria and yeasts were recorded. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of the alcoholic and aqueous extract of Stachys sp. on the growth and spore viability of Fusarium solani and the results revealed that the extract affect the daily growth of Fusarium solani and the effect was increased with the increasing the concentration. The lowest rate of daily growth was recorded in the case alcohol extract which was 0.203cm at the concentration 25% while the highest one was 0.537cm at the concentration 6.25% as compared with the control 1.00cm. The aqueous and alcohol extract of Stachys sp suppressed the spore production (sporogenesis) of Fusarium significantly as compared with the control and the effect increased with the increasing of concentration.

The Negative Influence of Urban Underground Space Development on Urban Microclimate

The development of urban underground space can increase the green area of a city and have a positive impact on urban microclimate. However, the negative impacts of urban under-ground space development on the urban microclimate are rarely considered and analyzed. In this study, we focus on analyzing the impact of the development of underground commercial streets under determinant urban form on urban microclimate using outdoor CO concentrations as the evaluation index. In this regard, it was possible to quantitatively evaluate the influences of various development factors (e.g., development intensity of underground commercial streets; location and height of shaft exhaust; and various ground-greening configurations of transverse and vertical trees, large and small shrubs, and grasses) on the outdoor CO concentration. The results showed that higher development intensity increases outdoor CO concentration and its range of effects. Properly increasing the height of shaft exhausts, choosing a dispersed layout for shaft exhausts, and planting large shrubs on the ground in the development area of underground commercial streets can effectively reduce the impact of underground commercial street development on urban air quality.

UHPLC-MS Metabolomic Fingerprinting, Antioxidant, and Enzyme Inhibition Activities of Himantormia lugubris from Antarctica.

Himantormia lugubris is a Chilean native small lichen shrub growing in the Antarctica region. In this study, the metabolite fingerprinting and the antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory potential from this species and its four major isolated compounds were investigated for the first time. Using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled to quadrupole-Orbitrap mass spectrometry analysis (UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap-MS), several metabolites were identified including specific compounds as chemotaxonomical markers, while major metabolites were quantified in this species. A good inhibition activity against cholinesterase (acetylcholinesterase (AChE) IC50: 12.38 ± 0.09 µg/mL, butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) IC50: 31.54 ± 0.20 µg/mL) and tyrosinase (22.32 ± 0.21 µg/mL) enzymes of the alcoholic extract and the main compounds (IC50: 28.82 ± 0.10 µg/mL, 36.43 ± 0.08 µg/mL, and 7.25 ± 0.18 µg/mL, respectively, for the most active phenolic atranol) was found. The extract showed a total phenolic content of 47.4 + 0.0 mg of gallic acid equivalents/g. In addition, antioxidant activity was assessed using bleaching of DPPH and ORAC (IC50: 75.3 ± 0.02 µg/mL and 32.7 ± 0.7 μmol Trolox/g lichen, respectively) and FRAP (27.8 ± 0.0 μmol Trolox equivalent/g) experiments. The findings suggest that H. lugubris is a rich source of bioactive compounds with potentiality in the prevention of neurodegenerative or noncommunicable chronic diseases.

Expression of Cytotoxicity, ROS, MMP and Quantitative PCR of Barleria lupulina Lindl. on THP-1 Cells

Barleria lupulina Lindl. (Hop-headed) is a popular medicinal plant that has been used as drug plant since the ancient time. It is a large genus comprising of over 300 species of shrubs, and many of which are known for their ornamental and or medicinal values. The plant is commonly known as Sornomukhi, Hophead Philipine violet, Vishalyakarni, etc. It is native to India and widely distributed in Southern and Western India. The plant is a small shrub, possess potent anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anti-leukemic, antitumor, anti- hyperglycemic, anti-amoebic, virucidal, diuretic, bactericidal and antibiotic properties. Cytotoxicity, bioactive assay and genetic analysis of Barleria lupulina Lindl. were investigated in the present communication. The leaf extract of B. lupulina were investigated by MTT, NRU, DNA fragment, reactive oxygen species generation, mitochondrial membrane potential assay, gene expression analysis and cDNA synthesis to evaluate anti-cancerous potency using cancerous THP-1 cell lines in vitro and in vivo. HPTLC analysis reveals four spots and GC-MS analysis displayed the presence of eleven bioactive compounds among which benzofuranon, hexadecanoic acid, ethyl 9,12,15-octadecatrienoate, and 3,7,11,15-tetramethyl-2-hexadecanoic acid were the most prominent compounds. The ethanolic extract showed significant cytotoxicity (P<0.5) against THP-1 cell line at a concentration of 1mg/ml. The cells were also observed for apoptosis through DNA fragmentation in B. lupulina treated cells. It can be concluded that if the dose range was further refined within the range of 100-1000 μg/ml there could be dose at which the entire population of the THP-1 cell line would be apoptosis induced. The extract induced ROS in the cells after 30 minutes of exposure displaying cytotoxic effects and DNA fragmentation assay. The B. lupulina contain anti-cancerous activity so that it can be used as an alternative drug.

Review of phytochemical, pharmacological and socio-economic properties of Albertisia delagoensis (N.E. Br.) Forman (Menispermaceae)

Background: Albertisia delagoensis is a small shrub or liana which naturally occurs in open wooded grasslands in southern Africa. A critical appraisal of the phytochemical, pharmacological and socio-economic properties of A. delagoensis are provided. Methods: Research articles focusing on the phytochemical, pharmacological and socio-economic properties of A. delagoensis were mined from online databases such as Google Scholar, PubMed, Science Direct, SciELO and SpringerLink. No time limit was set for the search and all research outputs that aligned with the scope of the review were included. Results: Albertisia delagoensis has diverse uses as a food plant and also medicinal uses such as anthelmintic, improve sexual performance in men, and traditional medicine for back pain, body pains, chest pains, diarrhoea, hypertension, influenza, menstrual pain, sores and vomiting. Albertisia delagoensis exert biological activities such as antiplasmodial and cytotoxicity, and several phytochemical compounds such as cocsoline, cocsuline, cycleanine, dicentrine, O-methylcocsoline, roemrefidine, 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid, allantoic acid, nicotinic acid, phthalic acid and proto-quercitol have been isolated from the species. Conclusion: Many applications of A. delagoensis as source of food and herbal medicines as well as its phytochemistry and pharmarcological properties need further investigations. Keywords: Albertisia delagoensis, ethnomedicinal uses, indigenous knowledge, Menispermaceae, moonseed family

Growth and physiological characteristics of four blueberry cultivars under different high soil pH treatments

Blueberry is economically important small pulp shrub that prefers to grow in acidic soil, and soil pH is an important factor affecting blueberry growth and development. In this study, one-year-old seedlings of four blueberry cultivars, namely, ‘Primadonna’, ‘Anna’, ‘Baldwin’ and ‘Bluegold’, were used as experimental materials to study the changes in physiological and biochemical indexes, such as growth potential, osmoregulatory substance levels, antioxidant enzyme activities and antioxidant capacity, of blueberry cultivars under soil pH values of 5.5 (CK), 6.0 (T1), 6.5 (T2), 7.0 (T3) and 7.5 (T4), and the relationships between various indexes were analyzed. The overall results showed that soil pH stress led to deficiency in green color development in blueberry leaves and inhibited plant growth in terms of the height, main basal diameter and biomass (dry weight). Through determination of the blueberry growth phenotype and growth indexes, it was found that the ‘Primadonna’, ‘Anna’, ‘Baldwin’ and ‘Bluegold’ cultivars had a certain tolerance to high soil pH, and the tolerance threshold was pH 6.5. Correlation and principal component analyses showed that the MDA content, SOD and CAT antioxidant enzyme activities, DPPH free radical scavenging ability, and SPAD values of blueberry leaves were closely related to the growth and dry matter accumulation of blueberry under high soil pH environments; these values were important reference indexes for assessing the adaptation of blueberry to a high soil pH environment. Our study provides a reference for soil management for blueberry cultivation and for research on the mechanism underlying blueberry resistance to high soil pH. • Soil pH 6.5 was the threshold for growth of the four blueberry cultivars. • High soil pH destroys blueberry photosynthesis and antioxidant system. • SPAD, DPPH, CAT, SOD were positively correlated with blueberry growth. • MDA was negatively correlated with blueberry growth and dry matter accumulation.

Assessment of Health Impact of Heavy Metals Contained in Wild Berries of Shrubs for the Population of the Murmansk Region

Background: Studies of wild berries of local shrubs carried out in the Murmansk Region showed an increased accumulation of heavy metals in them, especially near the Severonickel plant. High concentrations of industrial pollutants were measured in blueberries, lingonberries and crowberries. Objective: To assess health effects of population exposure to nickel and copper in wild berries of small shrubs in the Murmansk Region. Materials and methods: We tested metal contents in blueberries, lingonberries and crowberries gathered in August–September of 2016–2018 at ten stationary monitoring plots located along the industrial pollution gradient in the meridional (south) direction on the leeward side of the Severonickel plant. Health risk assessment was conducted in accordance with Guidelines R 2.1.10.1920-04, Health Risk Assessment from Environmental Chemicals. Results: Values of carcinogenic risk from oral exposure to nickel contained in the berries were unacceptably high (> 1.0E-03) at all monitoring plots. Estimates of chronic non-carcinogenic risk from nickel exposure were also high while those from copper exposure were unacceptable only for crowberry. Hazard index values for the unidirectional effect of copper and nickel on the digestive tract and liver were unacceptably high (> 1.0) at most monitoring plots for all the berries studied. Discussion: High risk values for the local population necessitate the development of recommendations for exposure reduction, such as limiting the annual consumption of berries to 6 kg, avoiding berry picking at a distance of up to 15 km from the Seve- ronickel plant, etc. Conclusions: The predicted levels of carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks associated with exposure to nickel and copper were estimated as unacceptably high, thus indicating a pronounced industrial impact on boreal ecosystems in the zone of influence of the enterprise, extending more than 15 km from its industrial site. It is critical to develop appropriate recommendations for the population consuming wild-growing blueberries, cowberries and crowberries picked in this industrially contaminated area.

Eleutheroside E reduces intestinal fat accumulation in Caenorhabditis elegans through neuroendocrine signals.

Acanthopanax senticosus, a small woody shrub of the family Araliaceae, can be used as a functional food with multiple biological activities. Eleutheroside E (EE), an important active component of A. senticosus, has significant effects on neurological diseases. However, whether EE can regulate lipid metabolism has not been reported. The brain can mediate communication between neurons and intestinal cells through long-distance neuroendocrine signals. We speculated that EE might regulate the intestinal lipid metabolism of Caenorhabditis elegans through neuroendocrine signals. First, we found that EE reduced the intestinal fat content of C. elegans, without affecting development, reproduction, food intake or movement. In addition, EE significantly regulated genes and metabolites related to lipid metabolism. EE extensively affected fatty acid synthesis, β-oxidation and lipolysis processes, and regulated the content of various fatty acid and lipid metabolism intermediates. We finally proved that EE reduced intestinal fat storage through serotonin and neuropeptide flp-7-npr-22 pathways in the nervous system. EE is expected to be a functional food that regulates lipid metabolism. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

Energy evaluation of technologies of fallow lands restoration at high humidity depending on degree of weed infestation

The substantiation of a rational system for restoration of fallow lands is an actual task, because it speeds up their introducing into agricultural use which ultimately increases the volume of agricultural production. The aim of article is to determine the energy intensity of technological processes and technologies for restoration of abandoned lands at high humidity depending on the weed infestation of the fields. The subject of research is the evaluation of energy intensity of technological processes and technologies for the fallow lands restoration. The object of research is technological processes, methods of cultivation and technical means used in the technologies of fallow lands restoration. To substantiate the technological processes and technical means of fallow lands restoration, experimental research, analysis and compilation of experimental data were used. The scientific novelty of the work is formed by: the systems of criteria for the selection of technological processes; lands classification according to fertility, weed infestation and type of soil; the system of technological processes and the energy intensity of fallow lands restoration. It was found that the restoration of abandoned lands overgrown with young trees, small greens and perennial weeds needs an average of 7241.9 MJ per hectare. The abandoned fields overgrown with small shrubs, perennial weeds with a grass at a herbage height 40 cm need an average of 4572.6 MJ per hectare. The restoration of land with weeds up to 40 cm needs an average of 3818.8 MJ per hectare.

Shrub encroachment enhances the infiltration capacity of alpine meadows by changing the community composition and soil conditions

Due to global changes and anthropogenic disturbances shrubs are widely encroaching into alpine meadows, which may have profound impacts on the ecohydrological functioning of these key ecosystems. This phenomenon is particularly alarming in the alpine meadows of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, the headwaters for many of Asia’s largest rivers. However, little is known about the extant in which shrub encroachment alters the infiltration capacity of those soils. Here we examined the effects of shrub encroachment on the plant community and soil infiltration processes by contrasting vegetation and infiltration variables between three areas: a reference alpine meadow, an alpine meadow lightly encroached by smaller shrubs, and an alpine meadow heavily encroached by larger shrubs. We found that shrub encroachment reduced herbaceous plants aboveground biomass by 10–24 g m−2 and root biomass by 1346–2239 g m−2. The sedge functional group was gradually replaced by forbs. Initial infiltration rates gradually increased with shrub encroachment, and were approximately doubled and tripled at the earlier and later stages of encroachment, respectively. Overall, shrub encroachment improved the soil infiltrability by changing soil conditions and inhibiting herbaceous species due to the reduction of surface mattic epipedon and the formation of dead root channels. These findings suggest that the rapid transformation of alpine meadows into shrublands could have drastic effects on the surface runoff and streamflow dynamics of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau.

Emission of volatile organic compounds by plants on the floor of boreal and mid-latitude forests

The forests of the boreal and mid-latitude zones of the Northern Hemisphere are the largest source of reactive volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which have an important impact on the processes occurring in the atmospheric boundary layer. However, the composition of biogenic emissions from them remains incompletely characterized, as evidenced by the significant excess OH radical concentrations predicted by models in comparison with those observed under the forest canopy. The missing OH sink in the models may be related to the fact that they do not take into account the emission of highly reactive VOCs by vegetation on the forest floor. In this work, we report the results of laboratory determinations of the composition of VOCs emitted by representatives of different groups of plants that form the living soil cover (LSC) in the forests of the boreal and mid-latitude zones: bryophytes, small shrubs, herbaceous plants, and ferns. In the chromatograms of volatile emissions of all 11 studied plant species, 254 compounds with carbon atoms ranging in number from two to 20 were registered. All plants were characterized by the emission of terpenes, accounting for 112 compounds, and the second largest group (35 substances) was formed by carbonyl compounds. Both groups of compounds are characterized by high reactivity and are easily included in the processes of gas-phase oxidation with the participation of radicals HO, NO3 and ozone. These data indicate the importance of a thorough study of the so far disregarded source of VOCs, that is, the LSC in forests.

Pharmacological, biological and phytochemical aspects of Thymus munbyanus Boiss. & Reut.: A review

Thymus munbyanus Boiss. & Reut., is a small shrub endemic to Morocco and Algeria, and it is commonly used to treat several diseases, including digestive, circulatory, genital, skin, urinary, nervous and respiratory diseases. The extracts of this thyme are rich in a wide variety of phenolic compounds such as polyphenols and volatile phenols and exhibit numerous biological activities. The present review summarizes the literature investigations reported on Thymus munbyanus concerning various pharmacological and biological properties as well as phytochemical aspects. This species revealed a richness in phenolic compounds in its volatile oils, including thymol and carvacrol, as well as in its non-volatile extracts including phenolic acids phenolic acids (rosmarinic acid, caffeic acid, salvianolic acid, ferulic acid, etc.), flavonoids (luteolin, gallocatechin, quercetin, isorhamnetin, etc.). Moreover, powerful antioxidant and antimicrobial properties were reported for this Thymus species, which are attributed to its richness in bioactive antioxidants. Furthermore, this thyme was found to possess important nephroprotective, hepatoprotective, and tumor cytotoxic properties. In conclusion, Thymus munbyanus is an important natural source of bioactive phenolic compounds that can be used for developing alternative natural drugs for the treatment and prevention of several pathologies.

Studies on Effect of Antioxidant Enzymes Salicylic Acid and Jasmonic Acid Treated Plants of Acalypha indica.L

Acalypha indica.L one of the traditional medicinal small annual shrubs belongs to the Euphorbiaceous Family, it grows up to 30-75 cm in height and is distributed in wet, temperate and tropical areas. It is available in gardens, road sides and throughout India. In the present work, we try to assess the antioxidant enzymes activity of SA & JA treated and control plants of Acalypha. Plants were treated with alone and different concentration combinations of SA & JA. After 55 days treated plants leaves were used for extractions. For extracting antioxidant enzymes, fresh leaves (0.5 gr) were ground using a tissue grinder in 5 m L of 50 mM cooled phosphate buffer (ph 7.8) placed in an ice bath. The homogenate was centrifuged at 15000 rpm for 20 min at 4 0C. The supernatant was used for determining the activities of enzymes. In this we find the antioxidant enzymes are Proline, superoxide dismutase (SOD), Glutathione reductase (GR), Ascorbic peroxidase (APX), Glycine betaine (GB). Hightest antioxidant enzyme activity was observed at the combination of T8 (3mM SA + 2μM JA) and lowest in T6 (1 mM SA+2μM JA). All alone and combination of SA & JA treated plants were contains high antioxidant enzyme activity, when compared to control one.

Assessment of Ferula hermonis Boiss fertility effects in immature female rats supported by quantification of ferutinin via HPLC and molecular docking

Ethnopharmacological relevanceFerula hermonis is a small shrub renowned for its aphrodisiac abilities. Middle East herbalists have utilized Ferula hermonis seed and root as an aphrodisiac folk medicine to treat women's frigidity and male erectile and sexual dysfunction. Aim of the studyAssessment of follicle-stimulating hormone-like (FSH), luteinizing hormone-like (LH), and estrogenic activities of the methanolic extract (ME) of the roots of Ferula hermonis on female reproductive function. Materials and methodsThe methanolic extract was prepared from the root of F. hermonis and studied at dose level 6 mg/kg in immature female rats for FSH-like, LH-like, and estrogenic activities. These activities were determined by analyzing gross anatomical features, relative organ weight, and serum level of FSH, LH, progesterone and estrogen hormones, and histopathological characteristics. Quantification of the main phytoestrogenic component ferutinin carried out by HPLC. In addition, molecular docking for the binding affinity of ferutinin inside active sites of both estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) and FSH receptor (FSHR) was performed to predict the potential role of ferutinin in regulating the female reproductive process. ResultsFerula hermonis (ME) showed potent FSH-like, LH-like activities and moderate estrogenic effect at the dose of 6 mg/kg. The content of ferutinin in F. hermonis was estimated to be 92 ± 1.33 mg/g of the methanolic extract. Molecular docking of ferutinin with ERα and FSHR displayed strong interaction with target proteins. ConclusionsBased on results, it can be concluded that Ferula hermonis can be considered as a suitable female fertility improving agent.

The traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacological, and botanical description of Quercus infectoria galls (Mazuphal): A review

Ethno-pharmacological relevance- In Unani system of medicine Quercus Infectoria galls (QIG) (known as Mazuphal), have a long history of use in the management of many human ailments like diarrhea, hemorrhage, skin diseases, and many other. The QIG is a protective product of small shrub Quercus Infectoria and its medicinal applications of have become increasingly popular in Greece, Syria, Iraq and Iran.
 Aim- The aim of the present paper is to provide a contemporary reviewed on the traditional uses and its toxinomy, phytochemical, analytical methods, pharmacological activities, toxicology, and drug interactions of QIG to assess the ethnopharmacological uses, explore its therapeutic potential, and identify future opportunities for research.
 Materials and methods- Information on studies of QIG was collected from the Internet (using Google Scholar, Baidu Scholar, Elsevier, ACS, Pubmed, Web of Science, CNKI, and EMBASE) and libraries. Additionally, information was also obtained from local books and PhD and MD’s dissertations.
 Results- QIG has played an important role in traditional Unani medicine. The main bioactive metabolites of QIG include tannins, phenolic acids, flavonoids, triterpenoids, steroids etc. Scientific studies on the QIG extract and its components have shown its extensive range of pharmacological activities, such as cholinesterase- and monoamine oxidase-inhibitory, antitumor, anti-hypertension, antidiabetic, antimicrobial, insecticidal, antiparasitic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory.
 Conclusions- In this review the traditional knowledge, ethnopharmacological, phytochemical, pharmacological, and analytical methods of QIG were highlighted, which gives the proper information for future studies and business exploration. QIG has a huge potential for pharmaceutical and nutraceuticals applications. Moreover the toxicity studies of QIG be reported for the enduring the safety. Additional investigations are recommended to transmute the ethnopharmacological claims of this plant in folklore medicines into scientific rationale-based information. Research on pharmacokinetics studies and potential drug interactions with standard-of-care medications is still limited, which calls for additional studies particularly on humans. Further assessments and clinical trials should be performed before it can be integrated into medicinal practices.
 Keywords: Quercus infectoria galls, Ethnopharmacology, Phytochemistry, Pharmacology

Floristic diversity, structure and regeneration status of Menfeskidus Monastery forest in Berehet District, North Shoa, central Ethiopia

This study was conducted in Menfeskidus Monastery Forest in Berehet district North Shoa Zone of Amhara Regional State, Central Ethiopia, to investigate the floristic composition, species diversity, vegetation structure, and regeneration status of the forest. A systematic sampling design was employed to collect vegetation data. Sixty-six (66) quadrats of 20 m × 20 m were laid at every 100 m interval between each quadrat and 300 m apart between each line transect following the altitudinal gradient. Quadrats of 20 m × 20 m were used to record DBH and the height of all woody plant species reaching a DBH of ≥ 2 cm. For the inventory of seedling and sapling, two subplots of 2 m × 5 m were used at the beginning and the end of the baseline on opposite sides of the main quadrat. Vegetation data such as DBH, height, seedling, and sapling density of woody species were recorded in each quadrat. Altogether, 129 plant species belonging to 74 genera and 62 families were identified. Analysis of selected woody species showed diverse population structures. This study revealed that small trees and shrubs dominated the forest, indicating that it is a secondary forest. Based on the findings of this study some woody species require urgent conservation measures. Therefore, local and regional stakeholders should integrate and work together to develop and implement sound conservation and management strategies that encourage sustainable uses of the forest and its products.

Cytotoxic activity of extracts from Tecoma species and isolated lignans

A phytochemical study of Tecoma genus (Bignoniaceae) was accomplished by antitumor activity of ethanolic extracts. Species of this genus are composed of small shrubs often used as ornamental plants. The Tecoma stans species is used in folk medicine for different purposes. Recent work shows in vitro anticancer activity against human breast cancer. The ethanolic extracts from leaves and trunks of Tecoma casneifolia, T. garrocha, T. stans var. angustata and T. stans var. stans were tested in vitro. The assays used were against line tumor cells by the MTT method and the most active extracts were further studied. In this way, the ethanolic extract from T. stans var. stans trunks presented the higher cytotoxicity against the tumor cell lines studied (CC50 0.02 to 0.55 µg/ml) when compared to the other extracts tested (CC50 0.08 to 200.0 µg/ml). Accordingly, this extract was selected for chromatographic fractionation from which five known lignans were isolated. Further, paulownin, paulownin acetate, sesamin, olivil and cycloolivil were identified using 13C and 1H NMR, IR, UV and spectroscopy and spectrometric MS techniques. These isolated compounds were tested and exhibited CC50 ranging from 13.01 to100.0 µg/ml which is superior to the ethanolic extract of trunk of T. stans.

Systematic Approach for Remote Sensing of Historical Conflict Landscapes with UAV-Based Laserscanning.

In order to locate historical traces, drone-based Laserscanning has become increasingly popular in archaeological prospection and historical conflict landscapes research. The low resolution of aircraft-based Laserscanning is not suitable for small-scale detailed analysis so that high-resolution UAV-based LiDAR data are required. However, many of the existing studies lack a systematic approach to UAV-LiDAR data acquisition and point cloud filtering. We use this methodology to detect anthropogenic terrain anomalies. In this study, we systematically investigated different influencing factors on UAV-LiDAR data acquisition. The flight parameters speed and altitude above ground were systematically varied. In addition, different vegetation cover and seasonal acquisition times were compared, and we evaluated three different types of filter algorithms to separate ground from non-ground. It could be seen from our experiments that for the detection of subsurface anomalies in treeless open terrain, higher flight speeds like 6 m/s were feasible. Regarding the flight altitude, we recommend an altitude of 50–75 m above ground. At higher flight altitudes of 100–120 m above ground, there is the risk that terrain characteristics smaller than 50 cm will be missed. Areas covered with deciduous forest should only be surveyed during leaf-off season. In the presence of low-level vegetation (small bushes and shrubs with a height of up to 2 m), it turned out that the morphological filter was the most suitable. In tree-covered areas with total absence of near ground vegetation, however, the choice of filter algorithm plays only a subordinate role, especially during winter where the resulting ground point densities have a percentage deviation of less than 6% from each other.

Three new dihydroflavonols with free radical scavenging activity from Ribes himalense Royle ex Decne

Ribes himalense Royle ex Decne, a small shrub, is widely used as a Tibetan medicine in Chinese folk. In this study, three novel 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl inhibitors named Rihimaside A, Rihimaside B, and Rihimaside C, as well as one known 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl inhibitor, dihydromyricetin, were isolated from the leaves and stems of Ribes himalense Royle ex Decne using online high performance liquid chromatography-1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl activity screening system combined with medium and high-pressure liquid chromatography. All four 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl inhibitors are dihydroflavonols. The 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl scavenging activity and IC50 values of three novel 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl inhibitors were determined using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl methods. Rihimaside A, Rihimaside B, and Rihimaside C exhibited IC50 values of 9.58 μg/mL, 12.57 μg/mL and 387 μg/mL, respectively.