Astragalus Species Research Articles

Genetic Diversity of Oxytropis Species from the Center of the Genus Origin: Insight from Molecular Studies

The genus Oxytropis (Fabaceae) was formed from the ancient species of Astragalus presumably approximately 5.6 Ma ago in Southern Siberia. Our study summarized data on the genetic diversity of 69 populations of 31 Oxytropis species in the center of origin of the genus based on the sequencing of plastid genome markers. Most of the populations (82.6%) are characterized by high gene diversity (0.600–1.000), which indicates a relatively stable state. Phylogenetic relationships between most Oxytropis species remain unresolved. Three genetic complexes and four phyletic lineages have been identified. Some species form weakly differentiated complexes, which is probably caused by their relatively recent divergence and the demography processes, as well as interspecific hybridization and polyploidy characteristic of Oxytropis species.

Comparative Anatomical study of Leaflets and stems of some species of the genus Astragalus L. in relation to Photosynthetic Pathways

The internal structure of leaflets and stems of five Astragalus species (A. dactylocarpus Boiss , A. hamosus L, A. kirrindicus Boiss , A. russelii Banks &Sol , A spinosus (Forssk) Muschl , from Iraq were studied in relation to photosynthetic pathway. Anatomy of these plant organs was found important in seprating between studied species and in identification of their photosynthetic pathway as well. According to leaflet anatomy, A. dactylocarpus Boiss , A. hamosus L. and A. kirrindicus Boiss were characterized as C3 – plants while A.russelii Banks &sol and A. spinosus (Forssk) Muschl. exhibited two different forms of C3-C4 plants.

DNA profiling of Egyptian Astragalus spinosus (Forssk.) Muschl. species using AFLP markers

Background: Species of Astragalus have been used medicinally for more than a thousand years. Astragalus spinosus ‎(Forssk.) Muschl. extract has been used in the treatment of various diseases. Despite its numerous and varied uses, studies on the genetic makeup of Egyptian A. spinosus are lacking. ‎Therefore, the current study was conducted to generate a molecular fingerprint for this species in two successive growth periods which will be used to recognize, record, and act as a molecular reference for future research.

Astragalusbashanensis (Leguminosae), a new species from Central China.

A new species Astragalusbashanensis, from western Hubei Province, Central China is described and illustrated. The new species is morphologically similar to Astragalussinicus and A.wulingensis, but differs from both by its spreading pubescent indumentum on stems and petioles, longer petioles, white bracts, whitish or yellow corolla, longer claw of the keel-petal, hairy pods and smaller seeds.

Production of rare cycloartane saponins from Astragalus thracicus (Griseb) compared to Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) Bunge – native and biotechnological sources

The aim of this study is a comparative metabolomic analysis between the endangered species Astragalus membranaceus and endemic species Astragalus thracicus concerning cycloartane saponins. In addition, in vitro shoots, callus, and suspension cultures of A. thracicus were successfully established to conserve the biodiversity of those endemic species and to increase the amount of produced saponins. The comparison was made according to the quantity of cycloartane saponins astragaloside I (1), astragaloside II (2), and astragaloside IV (4) to the reference standards for the same compounds by UHPLC-HRESI-MS analysis. The in vitro root cultures of A. thracicus reached two folds higher amounts of saponins (1.50 mg/g DW (1), 1.01 mg/g DW (2), and 0.91 mg/g DW (3)) than the native root of A. thracicus (1.14 mg/g DW (1) 0.47 mg/g DW (2), 0.40 mg/g DW (3)), and up to six times higher when compared with roots A. membranaceus (0.23 mg/g DW (1), 0.18 mg/g DW (2) and 0.05 mg/g DW (3)).

The Effect of Cycloartane-Type of Saponins from Astragalus Species on the Proliferation of MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 Breast Cancer Cells

The Effect of Cycloartane-Type of Saponins from Astragalus Species on the Proliferation of MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 Breast Cancer Cells

A multidimensional chromatography/high-resolution mass spectrometry approach for the in-depth metabolites characterization of two Astragalus species

To address the chemical complexity is indispensable in a number of research fields. Herb metabolome is typically composed by more than one class of structure analogs produced via different biosynthetic pathways. Multidimensional chromatography (MDC), due to the greatly enhanced separation space, offers the potential solution to comprehensive characterization of herbal metabolites. Here, we presented a strategy, by integrating MDC and quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (QTOF-MS), to accomplish the in-depth herbal metabolites characterization. Using the metabolome of two Astragalus species (A. membranaceus var. mongholicus,AMM; A. membranaceus, AM) as the case, an off-line three-dimensional liquid chromatography (3D-LC) system was established: hydrophilic interaction chromatography using an XAmide column as the first dimension (1D) for fractionating the total extract, on-line reversed-phase × reversed-phase liquid chromatography separately configuring a CSH Fluoro-Phenyl column and a Cosmocore C18 column as the second dimension (2D) and the third dimension (3D) of chromatography to enable the explicit separation of three well fractionated samples. Moreover, the negative-mode collision-induced dissociation by QTOF-MS under the optimized condition could provide diversified fragments that were useful for the structural elucidation of AMM and AM. An in-house library (composed by 247 known compounds) and comparison with 43 reference standards were utilized to assist more reliable characterization. We could characterize 513 compounds from two Astragalus species (344 from AMM and 323 from AM), including 236 flavonoids, 150 triterpenoids, 18 organic acids, and 109 others. Conclusively, the established MDC approach gained excellent performance favoring the analogs-oriented in-depth characterization of herbal metabolites, but received uncompromising analytical efficiency.

Neuroprotective metabolites via fungal biotransformation of a novel sapogenin, cyclocephagenol

Cyclocephagenol (1), a novel cycloartane-type sapogenin with tetrahydropyran unit, is only encountered in Astragalus species. This rare sapogenin has never been a topic of biological activity or modification studies. The objectives of this study were; (i) to perform microbial transformation studies on cyclocephagenol (1) using Astragalus endophyte, Alternaria eureka 1E1BL1, followed by isolation and structural characterization of the metabolites; (ii) to investigate neuroprotective activities of the metabolites; (iii) to understand structure–activity relationships towards neuroprotection. The microbial transformation of cyclocephagenol (1) using Alternaria eureka resulted in the production of twenty-one (2–22) previously undescribed metabolites. Oxidation, monooxygenation, dehydration, methyl migration, epoxidation, and ring expansion reactions were observed on the triterpenoid skeleton. Structures of the compounds were established by 1D-, 2D-NMR, and HR-MS analyses. The neuroprotective activities of metabolites and parent compound (1) were evaluated against H2O2-induced cell injury. The structure–activity relationship (SAR) was established, and the results revealed that 1 and several other metabolites had potent neuroprotective activity. Further studies revealed that selected compounds reduced the amount of ROS and preserved the integrity of the mitochondrial membrane. This is the first report of microbial transformation of cyclocephagenol (1).

Systematic significance of pollen morphology in rare endemic taxa of Astragalus L. (Fabaceae)

Pollen grains were studied for ten species of Astragalus L. endemic to Pakistan, by using light and scanning electron microscopy with the aim of extending the knowledge of their morphology and investigating whether pollen morphology can help in the identification and delimitation of controversial taxa. Consequently, we observed qualitative characters of pollen grains that ranged from small to medium, radially symmetrical, prolate to sub-prolate, trizonocolporate to tricolporate; granulate to scabrate and isopolar in all taxa. While the surface sculpturing among the species varied from perforate to granulate, reticulate to microreticulate, reticulate, perforate to reticulate, microreticulate to perforate and perforate. Similarly, among the quantitative parameters, maximum polar diameter was recorded in A. brahuicus (36.25 μm) and minimum in A. amherstianus (18.33 μm) while the equatorial diameter was maximum in A. stocksii (25.41 μm) and minimum in A. amherstianus (18.33 μm). The P/E ratio was recorded maximum in A. amherstianus (1.56 μm). Thus, length and width of colpi was maximum in A. purpurascens (26.25 μm) and A. hostilis (4.16 μm), along with the length and width of pore maximum in A. psilacanthus (8.75 μm) and A. chorizanthus (14.21 μm) respectively. We also observed the maximum value of mesocolpium and exine thickness in A. brahuicus (26.25 μm) and A. stocksii (2.04 μm). Furthermore, for easy and fast identification of studied taxa, diagnostic key was established based on examined parameters. However, the study addresses about the PCA, PCoA and UPGMA were recognized for relationships among the species based on studied pollen characters.

Two new Aceria species (Acari: Eriophyidae) from Meshginshahr rangelands, Iran

During a first faunistic survey on the eriophyoid mites of Meshginshahr rangelands in Ardabil province, Iran, two new Aceria species of eriophyid mites were found, and they are described and illustrated. They are: Aceria ayvatliorum Lotfollahi et Hemmatzadeh sp. nov. from Rhaponticum repens (L.) Hidalgo (Asteraceae), and Aceria beygdiliorum Lotfollahi et Hemmatzadeh sp. nov. from Astragalus compactus Lam. (Fabaceae). The first aforementioned new species is the third eriophyoid associated with R. repens. And the second new species is the fourth Aceria species found on Astragalus species. Both new species were vagrants, and no plant deformations were observed. Due to the presence of numerous endemic Astragalus species in Iran, an intensive and cohesive survey of eriophyoid mites of Astragalus is strongly suggested.

Alleviation of liver cirrhosis and associated portal-hypertension by Astragalus species in relation to their UPLC-MS/MS metabolic profiles: a mechanistic study

Liver cirrhosis is a late-stage liver disease characterized by excessive fibrous deposition triggering portal-hypertension (PH); the prime restrainer for cirrhosis-related complications. Remedies that can dually oppose hepatic fibrosis and lower PH, may prevent progression into decompensated-cirrhosis. Different Astragalus-species members have shown antifibrotic and diuretic actions with possible subsequent PH reduction. However, A.spinosus and A.trigonus were poorly tested for eliciting these actions. Herein, A.spinosus and A.trigonus roots and aerial parts extracts were subjected to comprehensive metabolic-fingerprinting using UHPLC-MS/MS resulting in 56 identified phytoconstituents, followed by chemometric untargeted analysis that revealed variable metabolic profiles exemplified by different species and organ types. Consequently, tested extracts were in-vivo evaluated for potential antifibrotic/anticirrhotic activity by assessing specific markers. The mechanistic prospective to induce diuresis was investigated by analyzing plasma aldosterone and renal-transporters gene-expression. Serum apelin and dimethylarginine-dimethylaminohydrolase-1 were measured to indicate the overall effect on PH. All extracts amended cirrhosis and PH to varying extents and induced diuresis via different mechanisms. Further, An OPLS model was built to generate a comprehensive metabolic-profiling of A.spinosus and A.trigonus secondary-metabolites providing a chemical-based evidence for their efficacious consistency. In conclusion, A.spinosus and A.trigonus organs comprised myriad pharmacologically-active constituents that act synergistically to ameliorate cirrhosis and associated PH.

Integration of in vitro and in silico approaches to assess three Astragalus species from Turkey flora: A novel spotlight from lab bench to functional applications

Members of the genus Astragalus have a great interest as a source of natural bioactive compounds on a scientific platform. To provide multidirectional insights into three Astragalus species (A. setulosus, A. anthylloides, and A. ovalis), the current work focused on the chemical characterization and biological properties of their extracts (aerial parts and roots). The chemical characterization of the extracts was detected by HPLC-MS/MS analysis. The biological properties were evaluated by antioxidant, enzyme inhibitory, and cytotoxic parameters. Assays for radical quenching, reducing capacity, and metal chelation were also used to evaluate antioxidant properties. To test the enzyme inhibitory effects of the extracts, cholinesterases, tyrosinase, α-amylase, and α-glucosidase were utilized as target enzymes. Two cancer cell lines, (MCF-7 (human breast cancer cell line) and HeLa (Human cervix cancer cell line), were selected to evaluate cytotoxic effects. Generally, 5- caffeoylquinic acid (2.43–283.92 μg/g extract), hyperoside (4.33–216.22 μg/g extract) and rutin (1.09–184.98 μg/g extract) were the main constituents. The extracts from aerial parts and roots of A. anthylloides showed stronger radical scavenging and reducing power abilities compared to A. setulosus and A. ovalis. The best AChE and BChE inhibitory effects were determined in the aerial parts of A. setulosus (2.18 mg GALAE/g) and roots of A. ovalis (4.76 mg GALAE/g), respectively. The extracts of A. ovalis had the highest tyrosinase inhibitory abilities. The extract from aerial parts of A. setulosus showed stronger cytotoxic effects compared to other extracts. Pearson's correlation analysis revealed that the presence of some compounds (resveratrol, p-coumaric, 5-caffeoylquinic, and ferulic acids, etc) was linked to the observed biological activities. Molecular docking was also provided for the possible interaction of enzymes as well as protein targets of the tested cell lines. Our findings provide a scientific basis for the Astragalus species, which may serve as a source of naturally occurring bioactive compounds for health-promoting applications.

The role of cycloastragenol at the intersection of NRF2/ARE, telomerase, and proteasome activity

Aging is well-characterized by the gradual decline of cellular functionality. As redox balance, proteostasis, and telomerase systems have been found to be associated with aging and age-related diseases, targeting these systems with small compounds has been considered a promising therapeutic approach. Cycloastragenol (CA), a small molecule telomerase activator obtained from Astragalus species, has been reported to positively affect several age-related pathophysiologies, but the mechanisms underlying CA activity have yet to be reported. Here, we presented that CA increased NRF2 nuclear localization and activity leading to upregulation of cytoprotective enzymes and attenuation of oxidative stress-induced ROS levels. Furthermore, CA-mediated induction of telomerase activity was found to be regulated by NRF2. CA not only increased the expression of hTERT but also its nuclear localization via upregulating the Hsp90-chaperon complex. In addition to modulating nuclear hTERT levels at unstressed conditions, CA alleviated oxidative stress-induced mitochondrial hTERT levels while increasing nuclear hTERT levels. Concomitantly, H2O2-induced mitochondrial ROS level was found to be significantly decreased by CA administration. Our data also revealed that CA strongly enhanced proteasome activity and assembly. More importantly, the proteasome activator effect of CA is dependent on the induction of telomerase activity, which is mediated by NRF2 system. In conclusion, our results not only revealed the cross-talk among NRF2, telomerase, and proteasome systems but also that CA functions at the intersection of these three major aging-related cellular pathways.

Изучение редких и исчезающих видов рода Astragalus L. в природной флоре Азербайджана

In the study, analysis of 29 rare and endangered plant categories of 156 species of Astragalus L. naturally distributed in the flora of Azerbaijan, was conducted. The study found that the area of most species is much smaller than in previous years, and the gene pool of some is endangered. The article provides information on the habitats, biological characteristics, reserves, reasons for changes in natural resources and conservation measures. In the research work, 15 species of Astragalus L. genus were included in the book “Rare Trees and shrubs of Azerbaijan” (2016). As a result of our research, it was determined that 30 new species of the Astragalus L. genus have a small area because of the exposure to anthropogenic factors, and very rare in nature due to lack of special protection. In carrying out the necessary protection measures in the studied species, it was found that 7 new species are endemic, and 23 species are recommended to be included in the Red Book of Azerbaijan as endangered shrubs and plants.

DNA BARCODING OF THE EGYPTIAN MEDICINAL PLANT Astragalus spinosus

Medicinal plants have served as the basis of alternative medicine and have become the primary source for developing new medications. Astragalus spinosus (Forssk.) Muschl. belongs to family Fabaceae and due to its active constituent’s composition, it is used traditionally to treat various ailments. Additionally, various Astragalus-based dietary supplements were sold for supporting immunity and cardiovascular system. Therefore, authentication of the medicinal plant material is important and vital to provide an extensive database with DNA data for easy identification, adulteration detection and conservation of genetic resources. In the current study, three partial chloroplast coding genes were examined in A.spinosus; ribulose 1,5biphosphate carboxylase large subunit (rbcL), RNA polymerase (rpoC1) and maturase K (matK). When compared to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) database, the results showed that rbcL was successful in identifying and discriminating A.spinosus at the genus and species levels. The, rpoC1 and matK genes revealed a high level of identity with Astragalus species, indicating that they are capable of identifying A.spinosus at the genus level. Phylogenetic trees were established based on the expected amino acids sequence of each coding gene, demonstrating the extent of relatedness with recorded plant species in the NCBI database.

Light and scanning electron microscopic observation of palynological characteristics in spineless Astragalus L. (Fabaceae) and its taxonomic significance.

Palynological characterization is considered to be one of the significant taxonomic tools for the delimitation and identification of morphologically complicated taxa. Hence, the pollen morphology of 12 species of spineless Astragalus L. was examined using light and scanning electron microscopy. Studied pollen were small to medium, monad, prolate to per-prolate and tricolporate type in all studied taxa. The exine sculpturing varied from reticulate to microreticulate whereas colpus ornamentation ranged from scabrate to granulate. Furthermore, maximum polar and equatorial diameter was recorded in Astragalus leucocephalus Bunge. (45.00 μm) and A. pyrrhotrichus Boiss. (22.91 μm) while minimum in A. amherstianus Benth. ex Royle (28.75 μm) and A. amherstianus Benth. ex Royle (15.00 μm), respectively. Similarly, the ratio of polar to equatorial diameter was recorded maximum in A. ophiocarpus Boiss. (2.05). The width of colpi was larger in A. hamosus L. (1.29 μm) and smaller in A. ophiocarpus Boiss. (0.62 μm). We have also found the maximum value of mesocolpium in A. retamocarpus Boiss. (2.08 μm) while minimum in A. oxyglottis Steven ex M.Bieb. (1.87 μm). The quantitative pollen attributes helped in the development of pollen keys for the accurate and quick identification of the studied species. Furthermore, ordination and cluster analysis were performed for the differentiation of the investigated taxa at species level. Based on our results, we conclude that pollen features can be used for the delimitation and identification of the studied taxa. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: Pollen micromorphology is a useful tool for classifying complicated taxa. The pollen micromorphology of 12 spineless species of Astragalus L. was studied using LM and SEM. The observed pollen characteristics aided in Astragalus L. serve for the identification and classification of taxa at specific level.

تأثیر کتیرا روی برخی خصوصیات مورفوفیزیولوژیک و مرتبط با عملکرد دانه گیاه سیاهدانه (Nigella sativa L.) تحت شرایط خشکی

Introduction In fact, drought is stress that restricts the plant photosynthesis and causing changes in the chlorophyll content and damage to photosynthetic structures. One of the important reasons that environmental stresses such as drought reduce the growth and photosynthesis ability of the plant is a disturbance in the balance between production and removal of free oxygen radicals. Transpiration is a necessary process for photosynthesis and growth of plants but depending on the conditions may be harmful in some cases, so that the use of anti-transpirant can be one of the most effective methods for reducing the amount of water lost through transpiration and effective way to reduce the effects of drought stress on plants and adjustment the reduction of the yield due to water deficiency in arid and semi-arid regions. Climate change created in the world and the intensification of stresses caused by it, especially drought stress in arid and semi-arid regions such as Iran, make it difficult to achieve this goal. Therefore, finding strategies that can reduce the effects of water shortages on plant growth and yield and improve growth and yield can be very important. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of irrigation regimes and application of different concentrations of tragacanth (naturally dried exudate from some Astragalus species) on black cumin plant. Materials and Methods This research was carried out in a factorial experiment based on completely randomized design with three replications in a greenhouse of the Agriculture College of Kurdistan University in 2018. The experimental factors were including irrigation at three levels of 100% (full irrigation), 70% (mild drought stress), and 40% (severe drought stress) of field capacity of soil and spraying with tragacanth extract at six concentrations of 0, 1.25, 2.5, 5, 7.5, and 10 g/L. Spraying of this material was done using a back sprayer (Shark model) with a constant pressure of 2.4 bar and a volume of 250 liters of water per hectare. Before the data were analyzed, their normality test was performed using the Mini Tab software. After ensuring the normality of data, analysis of variance was performed using SAS ver. 9.3. LSD (Least significant difference) was used to compare the mean of treatments. The graphs are drawn using Excel software. Results and Discussion The results showed that increased drought stress intensity (irrigation reduction) led to the reduced leaf relative water content, Total chlorophyll content, efficiency of photosystem II, plant hight, number of capsules per plant, mean number of seeds per plant, biological yield and grain yield. The positive effects of tragacanth consumption on reducing and modifying the effects of drought stress on different levels of irrigation and different concentrations of tragacanth were different. In the present study, under full irrigation conditions, lower concentrations of tragacanth were useful, while in drought stress conditions, higher concentrations of tragacanth (except 10 g/L) were useful. In full irrigation, the concentration of 1.25 g/L was positive for all studied traits. In mild drought stress, the use of higher concentrations of tragacanth up to 5 g/L had the best effect and more concentrations resulted in a reverse effect on studied traits. In severe drought stress, the use of more concentrations of tragacanth extract was beneficial and improved the studied traits up to 7.5 g/L, but 10 g/L had a negative effect on these traits. Considering the effect of proper concentration of this material on the improvement of measured traits and increasing the grain yield compared to non-application of tragacanth under severe and moderate drought stress conditions by 11.6% and 28.2%, respectively. Conclusion The results of this study indicated the different effects of various concentrations of tragacanth material in different levels of irrigation on studied traits of black cumin. Therefore, it can be concluded that the application of different concentrations of tragacanth gum was completely dependent on the plant's water status. So that, using higher concentrations of tragacanth gum in drought stress conditions had a more positive effect on the plant, and vice versa, using a lower concentration of this material was useful in full irrigation. The effect of tragacanth gum on reducing and modifying the effects of drought stress in different plants requires further studies and extensive research. Tragacanth gum can be introduced as a new anti-transpirant agent with natural origin and its application can be useful and recommended in areas exposed to drought stress.

Astragalus oksutdagensis(Fabaceae), a new species from Turkey

This study describes the new speciesAstragalus oksutdagensis(A.sect.Eustales) from Kayseri, Turkey. The species is compared morphologically to the two similar speciesA. flavescensandA. vestitus, considering also pollen micromorphology. The geographical distribution ofA. oksutdagensis,A. vestitusandA. flavescensis mapped. The phylogenetic relationships between the new species and other closely related species in the genus are inferred based on DNA data from the internal transcribed spacer regions (ITS) and it is shown thatA.sect.Eustalesis monophyletic but closely related toA.sect.Tragacantha. The new species is assessed as critically endangered (CR) following the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria.

Screening of antimicrobial activity of water and hydro-alcoholic extracts from the herb of four species of Astragalus L

Screening of antimicrobial activity of water and hydro-alcoholic extracts from the herb of four species of Astragalus L

Phytochemical profile, Antioxidant, Enzyme inhibitory and acute toxicity activity of Astragalus bruguieri

The medicinal plants (Astragalus species) have been used traditionally as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and Anti-diabetics. The current research investigates the phytochemistry and some biological activity of methanol extract of different parts of Astragalus bruguieri Bioss., a wild medicinal plant grows on Safeen mountain, Erbil, Iraq. The methanol extracts of A. bruguieri were analyzed for total phenolic, flavonoid, and saponin contents. In-vitro antioxidant activity was analyzed by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) assays. Furthermore, the plant extracts were examined for in-vitro enzyme inhibitory activity and in-vivo sub-acute toxicity. The results have shown the highest total phenolic (28.83, 20.62 mg GAEs/g extracts) contents, in the leave and root extracts, respectively. While the highest total Flavonoid (50.08, 44.01 mg REs/g) contents, were found in the extracts of aerial parts and leaves, respectively. The total saponin was higher (25.33, 23.18 mg GAEs/g extracts) in the roots and aerial parts, respectively. In-vitro antioxidant measurement by (DPPH) assay showed leaves as superior part in this activity (42.19mg TEs/g extract), while antioxidant evaluation by (ABTS) assay indicated roots as the most active part (86.90mg TEs/g extract). The α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibitory activity were found as 0.45-0.67, and 1.2-1.8 mmol ACAEs/g, respectively. The oral acute toxicity test indicated the safety of 600mg/kg dosage of different parts of A. bruguieri on albino rats without behavioral abnormality or mortality. The current study is considered as the first report on the A. bruguieri as a possible new source of biocompatible material for many industrial products.