Smilax Excelsa Research Articles

Classification and Status by Geological Periods Relicts, Rare Species of Zakatala and Belokan Districts

The article provides data on period III relicts and rare tree and shrub species common in the forest ecosystems of the Zakatala and Belokan districts of Azerbaijan, and their classification and status by geological periods is given. As a result of research and analysis, the species Taxus baccata L., Hedera pastuchovii Woronow ex Woronow and Smilax excelsa L. were included in the relicts of the Poltava flora. In the forest ecosystems of the study areas, 6 tree and shrub relict species belonging to 6 families and 6 genera of the subtropical evergreen Poltava flora (mesothermal relicts of the Arctic flora of the III period) were identified: Taxus baccata L., Platanus orientalis L., Punica granatum L., Hedera pastuchovii Woronow ex Woronow, Smilax excelsa L. and Diospyros lotus L. With the exception of Smilax excelsa L., other 5 species are listed in the Red Book of the Azerbaijan Republic. In the Zakatala and Belokan districts, relict tree and shrub plants belonging to 15 families, 23 genera and 30 species of Arctic and deciduous Turgai flora (mesothermal relicts of the Arctic flora of the III period) are widespread. Of these, 10 species (Pinus kochiana Klotzsch ex K. Koch = Pinus sylvestris var. hamata Steven, Fraxinus coriariifolia Scheele, Castanea sativa Mill., Quercus iberica Steven ex M. Bieb., Pterocarya pterocarpa (Michx.) Kunth ex Iljinsk., Juglans regia L., Acer pseudoplatanus L., Acer hyrcanum Fisch. ex C. A. Mey., Corylus colurna L., Vitis vinifera L., are considered rare plants of Azerbaijan. It was established that 38 rare tree and shrub species belonging to 35 there are 23 families.

Total Antioxidant Potential, Total Phenolic Profile and Cytotoxic Activity Against Brain Cancer: Melocan and Galdirik§.

Brain cancer is known to be one of the most difficult types of cancer to cure. It has a serious impact on the lives of diagnosed people due to the insufficient treatment options and their side effects. The search for new alternative treatments is therefore ongoing. Melocan (Smilax excelsa L.) and galdirik (Trachystemon orientalis) are of great importance in both traditional culinary culture and traditional medicine around the Black Sea; however, the knowledge about their antioxidant and cytotoxic effects remains fairly limited. The aim of this study is to determine the antioxidant and cytotoxic activity of Smilax excelsa and Trachystemon orientalis on the C6 glioblastoma cell line. The plants of Smilax excelsa and Trachystemon orientalis were dried and extracted and then their total phenolic content (TPC) and phenolic profiles were studied. In addition, their total antioxidant status (TAS) and total oxidant status (TOS) were determined using an assay kit. We also analysed the total antioxidant activity (TAA) using the DPPH radical scavenging assay and the cytotoxic effect on the glioma cells using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium (MTT) assay. According to the results, the water extracts of Smilax excelsa and Trachystemon orientalis had higher TPC (expressed in gallic acid equivalents on dry mass basis: 1158.17 and 262 mg/100 g, respectively) than the ethanol extracts. TAA expressed in Trolox equivalents on dry mass basis was 192.86 and 131.92 mg/100 g for Smilax excelsa and Trachystemon orientalis, respectively. The MTT assay showed that Trachystemon orientalis had a greater cytotoxic effect. In conclusion, the findings of the current study are promising for the development of new drugs. This is the first study that aims to evaluate the potential cytotoxic activity of two local Turkish plants, Smilax excelsa and Trachystemon orientalis, against C6 glioblastoma cells. The results confirm that both plants could be used as good therapeutic agents for the treatment of cancer in the future.

The fatty acid composition, phytochemicals and antioxidant potential of wild edible Smilax excelsa L. shoots.

The present study examines the fatty acid composition, phytochemicals content and antioxidant potential of Smilax excelsa L. shoots, which grows spontaneously and is consumed as food in rural areas of Düzce (Türkiye) province, was investigated. DPPH, ABTS and OH radical scavenging tests were utilized to put forth the antiradical properties of the extracts of this plant. In addition, the metal chelating potential of this plant was also evaluated. The higher the inhibition % value calculated in these tests, the higher the antioxidant activity was considered and the results were evaluated. The average ABTS radical cleaning test results of Smilax excelsa extracts prepared in different concentrations of methanol, ethanol and pure water were found to be 98.14%, 98.16%, 90.20%, respectively. The average DPPH radical cleaning test results of the extracts of this plant prepared in different concentrations of methanol, ethanol and pure water were determined as 87.48%, 76%, 46.53%, respectively. The OH radical cleaning test results of methanol, ethanol and pure water extracts of the Smilax excelsa were determined as 54.79%, 72.54%, none, respectively. In addition, the metal chelation test results of methanol, ethanol and pure water extracts of this plant were determined as 87.26%, 89.36%, 53.70%. The highest protein (85.91 mg BSA/g), proanthocyanidin (55.39 mg CE/g) and phenolic (4957.57 μg GAE/g) content of Smilax excelsa pure water extract was determined. It has been determined that gallic acid (117.33 μg/g), vanillic acid (33.89 μg/g), caffeic acid (4.55 μg/g), ferulic acid (93.78 μg/g), rosmarinic acid (0.33 μg/g) and hydrocynamic acid (0.33 μg/g) are found in different proportions in the Smilax excelsa. It has been stated that Smilax excelsa is an important source of palmitic acid (20.52%), stearic acid (4.95%), oleic acid (4.74%), linoleic acid (20.99%), γ-linolenic acid (2.26%), alpha-linolenic acid (34.29%) and docosahexaenoic acid (2.79%). It has been found that this plant has a low content of fat-soluble vitamins and phytosterols, with the exception of β-sitosterol (6.43μg/g).

Cytotoxic and antioxidant activities and phytochemical analysis of Smilax excelsa L. and Aegopodiumpodagraria L.

New curative and preventative approaches with high therapeutic efficacy and minimal side effects are needed for many forms of cancer. Therefore, the current study aimed to assess the cytotoxic and antioxidant capacity of Smilax excelsa and Aegopodium podagraria, which are consumed on a daily diet in the Black Sea region of Turkiye, as well as their phytochemical composition to pinpoint the compounds responsible for these activities. The effects of the treatments on human prostate (PC3), colorectal (HCT116), and lung (A549) carcinoma cell survival and free radical scavenging potentials were investigated. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents and significant phenolic compounds were detected and quantified by HPLC. The extracts reduced cell viability in all cancer cells in a dose-dependent manner, while the most potent cytotoxic effects were noted on PC3 cells. S. excelsa inhibited cell growth on PC3 cells at both lower and higher concentrations (50–1000 μg/mL) compared with the control (p < 0.05). S. excelsa methanol extract exhibited the strongest ABTS and DPPH free radical scavenging capacities, with the IC50 values of 17.16 and 45.81 μg/mL, respectively. The highest amounts of total phenolics and flavonoids, as well as chlorogenic acid and caffeic acid, were also observed in S. excelsa methanol extract. Our results suggest that S. excelsa and A. podagraria, along with the isolated compounds, may contribute to the treatment of prostate cancer. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study analyzing the impacts of these plants on PC3, HCT116, and A549 cells.

Revision of the Species Bauhinia bulgarica Kitan. fil. (Fabaceae) Known from the Bulgarian Upper Miocene-Lower Pliocene

A revision of the species Bauhinia bulgarica, which was found in the fossil macroflora of Garmen (SW Bulgaria), is presented. The fossil material originates from sediments dated as Late Miocene-Early Pliocene. The new taxonomic solution is Smilax excelsa L. foss. It is accepted on the basis of the close morphological structure of the fossil leaf imprint and the leaf forms of the recent Smilax excelsa L. (Smilacaceae), which is widespread in the SE Balkan Peninsula and SW Asia.

Protective effect of Smilax excelsa L. pretreatment via antioxidant, anti-inflammatory effects, and activation of Nrf-2/HO-1 pathway in testicular torsion model.

The protective effects of the ethanol extract of Smilax excelsa L. (SE) leaves were investigated on testicular tissue of rats with a torsion model in this study. The chemical composition of the extract was detected by means of liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). SE extract was given for 21 days before torsion was created in the treatment group. The sperm parameters of the torsion group were impaired, and there was an increase in MDA level as well as a decrease in GSH level and GPx activity compared to the control group. TNF-α and NF-κB levels in the torsion group increased as compared to those in the control group. The expression levels of Nrf-2 and HO-1 were lower in the torsion group than those in the control group. The SE pretreatment group has improved sperm, oxidative stress, and inflammatory markers when compared to the torsion group, and the Nrf-2/HO-1 pathway was activated. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Smilax excelsa L. is a plant with economic value used in traditional medicine in the treatment of stomachache, bloating, and breast cancer in Northwest Anatolia. It has an antioxidant effect due to the flavonoids and anthocyanins it contains. The protective effect against ischemia-reperfusion-induced tissue and reproductive damage in testicular tissue were demonstrated with the study. When the histological examinations of the tissues were evaluated, it was found that morphological structure of the tissues was retained in the treatment group. The findings indicate that SE prevents tissue damage in the torsion model by antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects and activating Nrf-2/HO-1 pathway.

Variation of Minerals Content and Some Bioactive Compound in Some Wild and Cultivated Edible Plants Grown Naturally in Kastamonu Region

This study was conducted to evaluate the nutritional and some bioactive compounds like pigment, total phenolic, amino acid, and ascorbic acid of nine species as Capsella-bursa pastoris L., Chenopodium album L., Echinophora tenuifolia L., Malva sylvestris L., Trachystemon orientalis L., Tragopon reticulatus L., and three woody species as Asparagus acutifolius L., Smilax excelsa L., and Vitis vinifera L., which are widely consumed in Kastamonu region. All species were taken from the local market in the second week of May 2019. According to the result, K was the most abundant macronutrient ranged from 20 470 to 65 410 mg kg-1, followed by Ca, Mg, and P. The amount of Na, Cl, Mn, Fe, Zn, Cu, Ni, and Co of samples Mn was in the range 100.4-3 280, 759.5-13 930, 77.6-4 298, 8.2-25.3, 9.40-25.4, 307-1 590 and 3.9-11.21 mg kg-1, respectively. In terms of chemical constituents, T. orientalis, V. vinifera, M. sylvestris, and T. reticulatus are the richest species with the high level of total chlorophyll, β-carotene, lycopene, phenolics, free amino acid, glycine betaine, ascorbic acid, but S. excelsa and C. album are two poorest species. As a result, T. orientalis, M. sylvestris, V. vinifera, and T. retiqulatus were the richest species in terms of total phenolics, amino acid, chlorophyll, β-carotene, ascorbic acid, but S. excelsa and C. album were the two poorest species. Considering all data, it can be said that these species were found significantly beneficial in terms of mineral sources have the potential to provide essential nutrients and antioxidant compounds to the consumers.

The Effect of Smilax excelsa L. Ethanol Extract in an Experimentally Anemia Model İnduced by Cyclophosphamide in Rats

Bu çalışmada, ratlarda siklofosfamid (CP) ile deneysel olarak oluşturulan anemi modelinde Smilax excelsa L. etanol ekstresinin etkisi araştırıldı. Çalışma toplam 4 gruptan oluştu. Grup 1 ve 2’deki ratlara oral gavaj yöntemi kullanılarak 28 gün süre ile günlük 1 ml serum fizyolojik, grup 3 ve 4’deki ratlara ise 400 mg/kg dozda Smilax excelsa L. etanol ekstresi uygulandı. Ayrıca grup 2 ve 4’deki ratlara haftada bir kez olmak üzere toplam dört doz 50 mg/kg CP uygulaması intramusküler olarak yapıldı. Çalışmanın 28. günü bütün ratlardan anestezi altında kan örnekleri alındı ve daha sonra ötanazi işlemi uygulandı. Kan örneklerinde eritrosit sayısı (RBC), lökosit sayısı (WBC), hemoglobin konsantrasyonu (HGB), hematokrit değer (Hct), ortalama eritrosit hemoglobini (MCH), ortalama eritrosit hacmi (MCV) ve ortalama eritrosit dağılım genişliği (RDW) gibi hematolojik parametreler incelendi. Serum malondialdehit (MDA) ve indirgenmiş glutatyon (GSH) düzeyleri ile katalaz (CAT) ve glutatyonperoksidaz (GSH-Px) enzim aktivitelerine spektrofotometrik olarak bakıldı. Grup 4’de Smilax excelsa L. etanol ekstresi tedavisinin serum MDA düzeyini düşürdüğü, CAT ve GSH-Px enzim aktivitelerini ise arttırdığı belirlendi. Ayrıca bu tedavinin RBC, HGB ve Hct gibi hematolojik parametrelerde iyileşmelere sebep olduğu, RDW değerlerini ise azalttığı gözlemlendi. Sonuç olarak Smilax excelsa’nın sahip olduğu güçlü antioksidan etki ile CP’nin kemik iliğindeki baskılayıcı etkisini azalttığı ve anemi şekillenmesini önlediği görüldü.

Floristic characteristics of some synanthropic plant communities of the Kobuleti lowland (Adjara, Georgia)

The materials of the field research of synanthropic vegetation in the territory of the Kobuleti in the 2016–2020 years are provided. In particular, 134 taxa belonging to 49 families and 97 genera were revealed in the three different plant communities (Cryptomerietum japonicae, Eucalyptetum-viminali-globulo-cinerei, and Cinnamomo glanduliferae-Cryptomerietum japonicae) in the Kobuleti lowland. The community Cryptomerietum japonicae comprises 66 taxa, 33 of which are native, and 33 have an alien origin. Woody plants in Cryptomerietum japonicae are represented by 15 taxa. The community Eucalyptetum-viminali-globulo-cinerei comprises 91 taxa, 36 of which are native and 55 are alien. Woody plants in Eucalyptetum-viminali-globulo-cinerei are represented with 17 taxa, while the rest 74 taxa are herbaceous. In Cinnamomo glanduliferae-Cryptomerietum japonicae there are discovered 49 plant taxa, including 25 native and 24 aliens. In this community, 16 taxa are represented by woody plants and 33 taxa – by herbaceous ones.Therefore, in the investigated region, 60 taxa (44.77%) were found to be native and 74 taxa (55.23%) alien. Among aliens, 31 taxa have East Asian origin, 16 taxa are from the Mediterranean, 13 taxa originated from Europe, ten taxa originated from North American, and four – originated from Australia.Despite cuttings and artificial planting of alien representatives, some indigenous woody species (i.e., Corylus avellana, Frangula alnus, Vaccinium arctostaphylos, Smilax excelsa, Quercus hartwissiana, Carpinus caucasica, Castanea sativa, and Hedera colchica) still occur in this territory. Both native and alien taxa participate in the formation of the described landscape structure. Successional events have started in the Kolkheti Lowland in ancient times. It is a long-term process, which is still ongoing, as our observations confirmed it.

VEGETATION OF WETLAND BIOTOPES (KURUCAŞİLE/ BARTIN/ TURKEY)

Today, biodiversity and ecological diversity are threatened by wrong and intense land use. However, the continuity and maintenance of ecosystems is possible through the existence and sustainable use of biodiversity. Biological inventories are needed for effective and sustainable natural resource management structure. Therefore, it is essential to determine the inventory of the natural asset in the area during ecological planning. Wetlands are ecosystems that shape cultural processes with their ecological importance and contributions to human communities. Recognition and protection of these areas which are open to anthropogenic effects with their environmental enhancing effects, and biological and socio- economic values are of increasing importance. In this study, vegetation analysis of the wetland biotopes and the immediate surroundings of Kurucaşile (Bartın) district was carried out. In this context, 34 woody and 71 herbaceous plants were determined from 6 sample areas and vegetation composition of these species and their frequencies were determined with Braun- Blanquet Method. Accordingly, the most common plants in the area; Alnus glutinosa subsp. glutinosa, Platanus orientalis, Salix alba, Rhododendron ponticum subsp. ponticum, Buxus sempervirens, Smilax excelsa, Petasites hybridus, Sambucus ebulus and Anagallis arvensis var. arvensis. Petasites hybridus is dominant taxa. By this way, it is aimed to create a database for the sustainable use of natural areas by explaining the wetland potential of the area.

The Weed Flora of Turkish Tea Plantations

This study was performed to find out the vascular weed taxa of tea ( Camellia sinensis (L.) Kuntze) plantations in Turkey and determine the critical control periods of the taxa which are negatively affect both of crop quality and yield. These taxa were determined with the studies and observations of authors both in tea plantations and local herbarium (KATO). A total of 114 native and naturalized/cultivated vascular plant taxa were found out as weeds in tea plantations. The most noxious weed, which were unintentionaly added to harvested shoots and negatively affected the tea quality, were underlined. The most commonly growing taxa in tea plantations in the region were: Pteridium aqulinum (L.) Kuhn., Smilax excelsa L., Alnus glutinosa (L.) Gaertn. subsp. barbata (C.A. Mey.) Yalt., Crassocephalum crepidioides (Bentham) S. Moore, Calystegia silvatica (Kit.) Griseb, Commelina communis L. , Microstegium vimineum (Trin.) A. Camus. , Oplismenus undulatifolius (Ard.) P. Beauw. and Rubus spp. A high number of the observed weed species are ecologically tolerated taxa which are naturalized in the region. Furthermore, of these taxa 9 are climbers and 14 are woody plants. The critical periods of weed control in tea plantations were derived from both literature and our ecological/phenological observatins in tea plantations.

Fruit and seed diversity of Smilax excelsa in the Black Sea Region, Turkey

Smilax excelsa L., a member of the Smilacaceae family, can be used as a non-wood forest product because it is a medicinal and aromatic plant. In this study, fruits obtained from six different regions (Araklı-Arsin-Sarıca populations in Trabzon province, Yakakent population in Samsun province, Erfelek population in Sinop province, Amasra population in Bartın province) were used. After measuring the fruit length and width values on the collected fruits, the fruit fleshes were removed. Then, on the obtained seeds, the seed length, seed width, and 1000 seed weight values were determined. As a result of the study, Trabzon-Sarıca population had the highest value (117.55 g) in terms of 1000 seed weight, while the Samsun-Yakakent population had the highest values in terms of all measurements made on fruits and seeds (fruit length and width, seed length and width). In addition, statistical differences were determined depending on all characteristics measured and it was found that three different groups of populations were formed as a result of hierarchical cluster analysis. These differences show that there are morphogenetic variations within the natural distribution areas of the species. Detailed consideration of the chemical contents of Samsun-Yakakent and Trabzon-Sarıca populations can be suggested because of the high values in terms of fruit and seed dimensions for the use of these species as non-wood forest products.

Bioassay screening of 12 Iranian plants and detection of antibacterial compounds from Heracleum persicum using a TLC bioautography method

Allium paradoxum, Buxus hyrcana, Convolvulus persicus, Cyclamen coum, Eryngium caucasicum, Heracleum persicum, Pimpinella affinis, Parrotia persica, Primula heterochroma, Pyrus boissieriana, Ruscus hyrcanus, and Smilax excelsa are some medicinal and food flavoring plants found in the Hyrcanian forests in Iran. This study was designed to determine the most potent antibacterial compounds from the plants. The MIC values of n-hexane, ethyl acetate, and methanol extracts of different parts of the plants (63 extracts) were determined against Staphylococcus aureus, B. cereus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Salmonella entritidis. The antibacterial compounds of the most potent extracts were determined by TLC bioautography, against S. aureus. According to the results, the n-hexane extract of the roots of H. persicum was selected to identify its bioactive phytochemicals. In the following, eight furanocoumarins, heratomin, xanthotoxin, isobergapten, bergapten, pimpinellin, isopimpinellin, moellendorffilin, and sphondin were identified by comparing with purified standards in different solvent systems. Among these compounds, moellendorffilin played a dominant role and exhibited significant activities against S. aureus, B. cereus, P. aeruginosa, and S. entritidis, with MIC values 31.25, 31.25, 62.5, and 15.62 µg/mL, respectively. Accordingly, H. persicum could be regarded as a promising high-potential plant and inexpensive source of antibacterial compounds for the pharmaceutical and food industries.

NUTRIENT AND BIOACTIVE SUBSTANCE CONTENTS OF EDIBLE PLANTS GROWN NATURALLY IN SALIPAZARI (SAMSUN)

This study was carried out for the determination of nutrient and bioactive substance contents of edible wild plants consumed as vegetables in Samsun's Salıpazarı district during September 2014 and August 2016 period. In the selected villages from identified locations, 11 species that naturally grow and are consumed as vegetables such as Alcea apterocarpa Boiss., Rumex crispus L., Urtica dioica L., Trachystemon orientalis L., Oenanthe pimpinelloides L., Smilax excelsa L., Capsella bursa-pastoris L., Aegopodium podagraria L., Arum italicum Miller, Ornithogalum sigmoideum Freyn et. Sint. and Amaranthus retroflexus L. have been identified. Protein, proline, free amino acid, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, lipid peroxidation level (MDA), glucose, sucrose, total soluble carbohydrate, chlorophyll, total carotenoids, β-carotene, lycopene, flavonoids, and anthocyanins contents of these plants were determined as 32.79–106.40 mg/g dry weight (DW), 5.71–47.66 µmol/g DW, 29.62–61.75 µg/g DW, 82.75–240.06 IU/mg protein, 106.36–531.05 µmol/g DW, 31.96–87.24 mg/100 g DW, 10.97–25.49 mg/100 g DW, 174.3–422.2 mg/100 g DW, 7.79–25.96 mg/100 g DW, 102.01–436.93 µg/100 g DW, 115.86–459.64 µg/100 g DW, 6.38–30.28 mg/100 g DW and 10.17–21.52 mg/100 g DW, respectively. As a result of the analyses, it was determined that there were significant differences (P &lt; 0.01) in terms of all parameters examined among species.

Ethnic and religious affiliations affect traditional wild plant foraging in Central Azerbaijan

Gathering and consuming wild food plants are traditional practices in many areas of the world and their role in fostering food security has been increasingly discussed in recent years. In this field study, we focused on traditional foraging among Azeris, Tats, Russian Molokans, and Udis in Central Azerbaijan. Via 78 semi-structured interviews, with an equal number of individuals from the four ethnic/religious communities, 73 wild food folk taxa were recorded. While Caucasian autochthonous Udis have a restricted use of wild food plants in comparison with the other groups, possibly due to the fact that they live in a plains area that is horticultural-driven and well-connected, the most divergent ethnobotany was exhibited by the Tats (10 folk taxa exclusively used by them) which may be related to both their cultural and geographical isolation and the fact that this community was endogamic until only a few decades ago. Whereas the Azeri plant cultural markers are mainly retained by refugees from Karabakh, Russian Molokans, who represent a distinct, conservative ethno-religious group, seem to have preserved a few ancient Slavic culinary uses of wild plants (Armoracia rusticana Gaertn., B.Mey. and Scherb., Crataegus spp., Rumex acetosella L., and especially Viburnum opulus). Tat cultural markers were represented by barberries (especially in their original lacto-fermented preparation) and Ornithogalum spp., while for Udis Smilax excelsa L. shoots were particularly salient, as were wild Allium, Chaerophyllum, Prangos, Smyrnium, and Tragopogon spp. among the Azeris. Overall, the practice of traditional foraging is alive in the Azeri Caucasus in the most remote mountainous areas and this heritage is the result of a complex co-evolution, in which both human ecological trajectories and cultural attachment to certain plant tastes have possibly shaped specific foraging patterns over centuries.

Antimutagenic and Multi-Biological Activities of Smilax excelsa L. Fruit Extract

In this study, antimutagenic, antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of Smilax excelsa L. fruit extract were evaluated. The antimicrobial effect was investigated by disk diffusion method and the antimutagenic effect was investigated by Ames/Salmonella/microsom test. The antioxidant properties of S. excelsa fruit samples were determined by investigating the total phenolic, flavonoid contents and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity. It was observed that 200 mg plate-1 fruit extract was found to have a mutagenicity inhibition as 81% in the absence of S9 mixture and 67% in the presence of S9 mixture against Salmonella typhimurium TA1535. S. excelsa fruit extract produced an inhibition zone in the range of 11-16 cm against the tested microorganisms. Flavonoid and phenolic contents were found to be 0.7985±0.0124 mgQE 100 mL-1 and 11.9847±0.0041 mgGAE 100 mL-1 at the 200 mg mL-1 extract concentration, respectively. The DPPH removal rate was determined to be 55% at the 200 mg L-1 dose. As a result, it was observed that the S. excelsa fruit tissues exhibited a highly antimutagenic activity and has been determined as a potential natural antimicrobial and antioxidant source.

DETERMINATION OF SOME MORPHOLOGICAL AND CHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF SARSAPARILLA (Smilax aspera L. and Smilax excelsa L.)

Two sarsaparilla species Smilax aspera L. and Smilax excelsa L. shows natural distribution in Hatay flora. In the study, besides some phenological and morphological characteristics, antioxidant capacity and fixed oil contents and components of Smilax species collected from different locations were determined. In the study, the highest 100 fruit weights with 37.69 g were obtained from the sample of S. aspera L. species collected from Yayladagi 2 location and the highest 100 seed weight with 24.47 g from Yayladagi 1 location. In terms of antioxidantcapacity of the leaves and fruits, nonsignificant differences were observed among the species and locations. The antioxidant capacities of leaves were changed 62.28 to 64.57 mmol.Fe+2/kg while fruit antioxidant capacities were ranged 63.91 to 66.31 mmol. Fe+2/kg. The highest value of seed fixed oil with 12.03% were obtained from the S. aspera L. sample collected in Iskenderun location. Major fatty acid component were found as vaccenic acid in general for all samples. The highest content of vaccenic acid found as 37.50% from S. aspera seed samples of Yayladagi 2 location.

FLORISTIC CHARACTERISTICS OF ARBUTUS UNEDO L. AND ARBUTUS ANDRACHNE L. AS MEDICINAL PLANTS

633.88:582.688.3(560)&#x0D; Arbutus unedo L. and Arbutus andrachne L., belonging to Ericaceae family and being evergreen, are two important species having economic values in natural flora of Turkey. These species spread as enclave in the Black Sea Region, while they are found naturally in the Mediterranean and Aegean Region of Turkey. Arbutus unedo, whose fruits contain a high amount of sugar (42% - 52%), is widely preferred in the subbranchs of the food industry such as jam, marmalade and sweetener, especially in the beverage industry in Europe. Arbutus andrachne is a species that has an effect on the circulatory system and besides it has antihemorrhagic and urinal antiseptic properties. In this study, floristic characteristics of Arbutus unedo and A. andrachne, spreading in places where the Mediterranean climate is predominant in Turkey, being characteristic elements of maquis formation in coastal areas of Black Sea Region, are investigated. Within the scope of the study, sample plots were taken in Bartın, Kastamonu, Sinop, Samsun, Ordu and Trabzon regions. It was determined that the most common native species accompanying these species (only woody plant taxa) are different. These species are frequently spread together with Castanea sativa in Bartın, Quercus sp. + Carpinus betulus in Kastamonu, Castanea sativa + Pinus sylvestris + Fagus orientalis in Sinop, Pinus brutia in Samsun, Quercus sp. in Ordu and Quercus sp. + Carpinus betulus in Trabzon. In addition, shrub species such as Erica arborea, Laurus nobilis, Ruscus aculeatus, Smilax excelsa, Rubus sp. and Cistus sp. accompany to these species in all of these sample plots.

The protective effect of an aqueous extract from &lt;i&gt;Smilax excelsa&lt;/i&gt; l. against carbon tetrachloride-induced liver injury in rats

Background: Because reactive oxygen species (ros) contribute to the pathogenesis of various acute and chronic liver diseases, dietary antioxidants and drugs from herbal origins have been proved to be beneficial as therapeutic agents in reversing hepatotoxicity and oxidative stress. The objective of this study was to investigate the protective effect of an aqueous extract from smilax excelsa l. Shoots and leaves against acute ccl4-induced liver injury as well as the changes in antioxidative defense system in female wistar albino rats. Materials and Methods: S. Excelsa extract was administered orally in doses of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight, once daily for 9 days. Acute hepatic toxicity was induced by intraperitoneal injection of ccl4 (1 ml/kg) on the 10th day. 24 h after ccl4 intoxication, biochemical and histopathological analyses were undertaken on sera and liver tissues. Results: Ccl4 challenge caused significant increases in the activities of liver enzymes as well as the levels of bilirubin, malondialdehyde and nitric oxide, while total serum protein levels and antioxidant defense system parameters were reduced significantly compared to the normal group. Administration of s. Excelsa extract at a dose of 400 mg/kg resulted in a suppression of ccl4-induced lipid peroxidation and altered oxidative stress parameters to nearly normal values in comparison to ccl4-treated rats. Nevertheless the extract did not reduce the extent of ccl4-induced mild liver injury, as seen by the histopathology of liver damage. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that s. Excelsa could protect the liver tissues against ccl4-induced oxidative stress probably by increasing antioxidative defense activities.

THE PROTECTIVE EFFECT OF AN AQUEOUS EXTRACT FROM SMILAX EXCELSA L. AGAINST CARBON TETRACHLORIDE-INDUCED LIVER INJURY IN RATS

Background: Because reactive oxygen species (ros) contribute to the pathogenesis of various acute and chronic liver diseases,&#x0D; dietary antioxidants and drugs from herbal origins have been proved to be beneficial as therapeutic agents in reversing hepatotoxicity&#x0D; and oxidative stress. The objective of this study was to investigate the protective effect of an aqueous extract from smilax excelsa l.&#x0D; Shoots and leaves against acute ccl4-induced liver injury as well as the changes in antioxidative defense system in female wistar&#x0D; albino rats.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: S. Excelsa extract was administered orally in doses of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight, once daily for&#x0D; 9 days. Acute hepatic toxicity was induced by intraperitoneal injection of ccl4 (1 ml/kg) on the 10th day. 24 h after ccl4 intoxication,&#x0D; biochemical and histopathological analyses were undertaken on sera and liver tissues.&#x0D; Results: Ccl4 challenge caused significant increases in the activities of liver enzymes as well as the levels of bilirubin,&#x0D; malondialdehyde and nitric oxide, while total serum protein levels and antioxidant defense system parameters were reduced&#x0D; significantly compared to the normal group. Administration of s. Excelsa extract at a dose of 400 mg/kg resulted in a suppression of&#x0D; ccl4-induced lipid peroxidation and altered oxidative stress parameters to nearly normal values in comparison to ccl4-treated rats.&#x0D; Nevertheless the extract did not reduce the extent of ccl4-induced mild liver injury, as seen by the histopathology of liver damage.&#x0D; Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that s. Excelsa could protect the liver tissues against ccl4-induced oxidative stress&#x0D; probably by increasing antioxidative defense activities.