Heliotropium Species Research Articles

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Heliotropium curassavicum L., 1753 belongs to the Boraginaceae family, and it was recorded for the first time to the Flora of Iraq in Basrah Province, Iraq. Its morphological characteristics have been described with photos; as well as a taxonomical key has been suggested to separate it from other species of Heliotropium that grow in Basrah Province. The geographical distribution of the species was determined, and the results showed that it was grown in five different locations along the southern parts of Shatt Al-Arab. Pollen morphology and anatomy of leaves were studied by using light microscopy (LM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), which showed that the species has psilate and hexa-heterocolpate pollen grains, and the leaves were glabrous with anomocytic and hemiparacytic stomata.

Co-detection of eugenol and butylated hydroxyltoluene by green and selective hydrodistillation of Heliotropium europaeum L. using ionic liquids as additives

This study is the beginning of the research that focuses on uncon-ventional ionic liquids (ILs) hydrodistillation (HD) extraction of the essential oil of Heliotropium europaeum L. using ILs as additives. Two ILs based on 1- butyl-3-methylimidazolium were used by switching the anions (Cl- and PF6-). The effect of mass percent of the added ILs on its yield and composition was evaluated. Compared to the conventional HD, ILs-HD gives a higher yield of essential oils (0.10?0.36 %). Particularly, with [C4mim][PF6], the observation of morphological changes using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) con-firmed the effectiveness of the ionic liquid in this distillation process. The GC? ?MS analysis of essential oils (EOs) revealed the presence of sixty-six com-pounds in HD, ILs-HD methods. Gas chromatography?mass spectrometry ana-lysis of the EOs revealed the predominance of eugenol (1.70?72.35 %), but-ylated hydroxytoluene (8.95?65.39 %) and phytol (18.20 %). The new distil-lation methods of H. europaeum with ILs identifies more compounds (50 com-pounds in ILs-HD [C4mim][PF6]; 22 compounds in ILs-HD ([C4mim][Cl]) than conventional hydrodistillation (25 compounds in HD). Therefore, the ILs- -based hydrodistillation approach is superior in improving the production of EOs. It is important to emphasize that the data presented in this study are not yet available for any of this Algerian Heliotropium species of genus and present the great potential of this medicinal plant as a source of novel bioactive extracts with possible therapeutic uses.

The current state and prospects of the development of soft dosage forms with Boraginaceae species

Soft dosage forms make up a significant segment in the structure of medicines both pharmaceutical and industrial production. Herbal ointments are an integral part of this group. Species of the Boraginaceae family are the source of biologically active substances used to treat inflammatory processes of all layers of the skin, muscle tissue, tendons and joints.Aim. To determine data on the current state of the development of soft dosage forms based on species of the Boraginaceae family and identify further prospects for studies in this area.Materials and methods. The scientific databases, in particular Abdata Pharma-Daten-Service, BioMed Central, Scopus, scientific periodicals of Ukraine – Vernadsky National Library of Ukraine, etc., were analyzed.Results and discussion. As a result of the data analysis of the Information Fund “State Register of Medicines of Ukraine” it has been found that only medicines with comfrey (Symphytum officinale L.) are registered in Ukraine. In the EU countries, only soft dosage forms with comfrey are registered, with the exception of Greece where there are ointments with Alkanna tinctoria (L.) Taush, and France where there are substances for the production of ointments withPulmonaria obscura Dumort. and Anchusa officinalis L. There are many soft homeopathic dosage forms with comfrey at the US pharmaceutical market; however, there are ointments and suppositories with Borago officinalis L. and a gel with Myosotis arvensis (L.) Hill. At the Brazilian pharmaceutical market there is the cream “Acheflan” based on Cordia verbenacea DC. The European and Asian scientists study ointments with Cordia myxa L., Cordia obliqua Willd., Heliotropium indicum L., Arnebia euchroma Rolye. (Johnst.), Onosma dichroanthum Boiss, Arnebia densiflora (Nordm.) Ledeb, Ehretia microphylla Lam., Anchusa officinalis L.Conclusions. Homeopathic products predominate among the soft dosage forms based on Boraginaceae species. At the pharmaceutical market, along with comfrey drugs, there are medicines and active substances with Borago officinalis, Myosotis arvensis (L.) Hill, Alkanna tinctoria (L.) Taush, Pulmonaria obscura Dumort., Anchusa officinalis L. and Cordia verbenacea DC. There is an active research of the existing products with comfrey, as well as the development and study of new soft dosage forms with species of Arnebia, Heliotropium, Cordia, Onosma, Ehretia and Anchusa genus. Taking the above into account the further research for creating effective and safe drugs based on the Boraginaceae species is promising.

Revisión de Heliotropium sects. Heliothamnus, Heliotrophytum, Hypsogenia, Plagiomeris y Platygine (Heliotropiaceae) en Chile

A taxonomic revision of the Chilean species of Heliotropium (Heliotropiaceae) is presented, excluding those of sect. Cochranea that were revised in a previous contribution. These species are Heliotropium amplexicaule (sect. Heliotrophytum), H. corymbosum (sect. Heliothamnus), H. curassavicum (sect. Platygyne), H. geissei (sect. Plagiomeris), H. microstachyum (sect. Hypsogenia), H. paronychioides (sect. Plagiomeris) and H. patagonicum (sect. Platygyne). I analyze in detail the nomenclature, iconography, taxonomy, systematics, distribution and bibliography of each species. Heliotropium corymbosum is newly reported for the flora of Chile and the new combination Heliotropium corymbosum var. grisellum is herewith proposed. This taxon is illustrated for the first time. I discuss the presence of two species of Heliotropiaceae erroneously reported for the Chilean flora: Heliotropium angiospermum (sect. Schobera) and Euploca procumbens. I conclude that the family Heliotropiaceae is represented in Chile only by the genus Heliotropium with 24 species, including 17 species previously treated under sect. Cochranea. I provide a key for the determination of all Chilean species of Heliotropium.

Comparative analysis of five Heliotropium species in phenotypic correlations, biochemical constituents and antioxidant properties

Abstract: This study aims to compare five species of Heliotropium collected from Jazan region, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This comparison was carried out on basis of morphology, pigments content, proteins, total phenolics, flavonoids as well as their antioxidant activity. According to similarity matrix and cluster analysis, H. longiflorum and H. zeylanicum were closely related while H. pterocarpum and H. zeylanicum were distantly related species. The variation in pigments content of the five studied species of Heliotropium was obvious. H. zeylanicum recorded the highest content of pigments while H. bacciferum was the lowest. Moreover, H. jizanense and H. pterocarpum had almost similar pigments content. Proteins, phenolics and flavonoids showed noticeable variation among the tested species. In other words, H. zeylanicum and H. bacciferum had the highest contents of proteins, phenolics and flavonoids and H. jizanense had lowest and the difference was significant. Meanwhile, the total antioxidant activity was variable among species. Higher antioxidant activity was detected in H. zeylanicum (93%) and H. bacciferum (84%) while H. pterocarpum (34.5%).

Comparative analysis of five Heliotropium species in phenotypic correlations, biochemical constituents and antioxidant properties

Abstract: This study aims to compare five species of Heliotropium collected from Jazan region, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This comparison was carried out on basis of morphology, pigments content, proteins, total phenolics, flavonoids as well as their antioxidant activity. According to similarity matrix and cluster analysis, H. longiflorum and H. zeylanicum were closely related while H. pterocarpum and H. zeylanicum were distantly related species. The variation in pigments content of the five studied species of Heliotropium was obvious. H. zeylanicum recorded the highest content of pigments while H. bacciferum was the lowest. Moreover, H. jizanense and H. pterocarpum had almost similar pigments content. Proteins, phenolics and flavonoids showed noticeable variation among the tested species. In other words, H. zeylanicum and H. bacciferum had the highest contents of proteins, phenolics and flavonoids and H. jizanense had lowest and the difference was significant. Meanwhile, the total antioxidant activity was variable among species. Higher antioxidant activity was detected in H. zeylanicum (93%) and H. bacciferum (84%) while H. pterocarpum (34.5%).

Antioxidant and anticholinesterase activities of Heliotropium dolosum, H. lasiocarpum and H. hirsutissimum growing in Turkey

Alzheimer's disease (AD) has encouraged science to find plants or biologic compounds which can be utilized for prophylaxis of AD. Heliotropium genus is presented by 16 taxa in Turkey and they contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids, and certain are known to have antioxidant and anticholinesterase activities. The paper displays the anticholinesterase and antioxidant capacities of the aerial parts lyophilized aqueous extracts of H. dolosum, H. lasiocarpum and H. hirsutissimum. Phenolic contents and antioxidant activity of examples were determined by Folin-Ciocalteu's, qualitative/quantitative DPPH and TBA. Anticholinesterase activity was assessed by Ellman’s method. The total phenolic content of H. lasiocarpum extract was found the highest (738.39 mg/g), however the total phenolic content of H. dolosum extract was found the lowest (122.731 mg/g). Every example indicated that antioxidant activity with DPPH test and H. lasiocarpum presented the highest activities (69.99 μg/mL). Furthermore, the H. lasiocarpum extract indicated considerable inhibition towards acetylcholinesterase (5.90%) and butyrylcholinesyterase (24.04%) enzymes. These findings suggest that these Heliotropium species can be effective for pharmaceutic products that achieve anticholinesterase and antioxidant activities.

Comparative micro-anatomical investigation of genus Heliotropium (Boraginaceae) found in Turkey

The genus Heliotropium L., belonging to family Boraginaceae in Turkey comprises 16 species. The species of this genus occur in a diverse range of environments. In this investigation, we describe and compare the leaf and stem anatomy in seven Turkish Heliotropium (H) taxa, the species are H. bovei Boiss., H. dolosum De Not., H. myosotoides Banks & Sol., H. haussknechtii Vatke., H. samoliflorum Bunge subsp. erzurumicum Donmez., H. suaveolens M. Bieb., and H. thermophilum Kit Tan, A.Çelik & Gemici., using standard protocol for light microscopy. Three of these seven investigated species i.e., H. thermophilum, H. haussknechtii, and H. samoliflorum subsp. erzurumicum are endemic to Turkey. This is first investigation of most of these species and little is known about the vegetative anatomy in these taxa. Leaf and stem characters described here related to epidermis, cuticle, indumentum, crystals, stomata, mesophyll, papillae and vascular system. Findings have shown that epidermal cells number, stomatal size, number of layers of hypodermis, collenchyma, cortex cells, palisade and spongy layers, number of subsidiary cells, shape and structure of crystals, and trichomes are of taxonomic value for this genus, and are valuable for species identification. Nearly all species have single layer epidermis. Three types of calcium oxalate crystals: styloids, druses, crystals sands were observed in stems and leaves of these species. Leaves are amphistomatic and anomocytic stomata type were observed in all species. Although the investigated specimens represent a limited range of taxa, the results of this study highlight the importance of stem and leaf anatomical features in assessing the taxonomic similarities between Heliotropium species.

The Euploca baclei complex (Boraginaceae subfam. Heliotropioideae)

In order to recognise both taxa previously regarded as varieties of Heliotropium baclei, nowadays classified in Euploca, a new combination is necessary. As the two varieties are clearly separable in terms of morphology and biogeography, we propose to raise these varieties to the species level, for which the new combination Euploca katangensis needs to be created. Moreover, we propose the new combination Euploca madagascariensis for Heliotropium madagascariense, a species from Madagascar considered by some as conspecific with H. baclei, but treated here as distinct. For these three species with beaked fruits, constituting the ‘Euploca baclei complex’, a key and a distribution map, based on revised herbarium specimens, is given. Two additional combinations, Euploca bullockii and Euploca sessilistigma are made to complete the transfer of tropical African Heliotropium species that belong in Euploca.

Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids and their Biological Properties from Indian Heliotropium Species

Background:Pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) are a group of plant secondary metabolites which protect the plants from biotic stresses by stimulating defense mechanisms as well as adaptability. The pyrrolizidine alkaloids widely occur in members of Boraginaceae family. This review paper describes about the structural properties of various PAs isolated from various Indian Heliotropium species and their biological and pharmacological activities.Methods:Authors surveyed the per-reviewed research, review papers and bibliographic databases and incorporated in this review paper. We have focused our attention on the answers of reviewed questions. The main themes and characteristics of reviewed papers have been described in this review paper.Results:Twenty three species of Heliotropium genus were reviewed critically and have included in this review paper. The review paper contains the critical information of ethnomedicinal properties of each species of Heliotropium genus, the occurrence of pyrrolizidine alkaloids, the biological and pharmacological properties of pyrrplizidine alkaloids. So many pyrrolizidine alkaloids and their N-oxides possess anticancer activity. Some PAs have demonstrated cytotoxic effects also.Conclusion:The findings of this review paper validate the significance of pyrrolizidine alkaloids, their occurrence and biosynthesis in Heliotropium species, as well as their biological and pharmacological properties.

Las especies argentinas de Heliotropium (Boraginaceae).

Se presenta un tratamiento clásico de las especies argentinas de Heliotropium, dentro del esquema de Johnston. Se citan para el país 31 especies y 3 variedades. Las mismas son descriptas, al igual que las secciones, donde están ubicadas. Se acompaña con datos fitogeográficos y algunos comentarios taxonómicos.

Ethnopharmacological, Phytochemical and Pharmacognostic Potential of Genus Heliotropıum L.

In the whole world, a large number of plants have therapeutic potential and used in the treatment of various diseases in different populations. Heliotropium (Boraginaceae) is a widely spread genus of plants found in the temperate and the tropical regions of both hemispheres and used for the treatment of diseases from ancient times. In folk medicine history, the plants of genus Heliotropium include treatments of inflammations, gout, rheumatism, skin diseases, menstrual disorder, and poisonous bites. Phytochemical reports on genus Heliotropium revealed the presence of many bioactive components especially pyrrolizidine alkaloids, terpenoids and flavonoids. A large number of extracts and bioactive constituents of different species of genus Heliotropium revealed significant biological activities such as antimicrobial, antitumor, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, wound healing, cytotoxicity and phytotoxicity. Different parts of plants of genus Heliotropium are examined for valuable pharmacognostic properties. Although it’s medicinal importance is recognized worldwide, this review artifact will thus, comprehensively describes the various medicinal effects of the plants, isolation of a large number of secondary metabolites and important pharmacognostic characteristics of genus Heliotropium of Boraginaceae family.

Heliotropium (Boraginaceae) in the Marquesas Islands (French Polynesia) with description of a new species.

During the preparation of the Vascular Flora of the Marquesas Islands a new endemic species of Heliotropium L. (Boraginaceae) has come to light and is described herein: Heliotropium perlmanii Lorence & W. L. Wagner. It is known only from the island of Eiao and appears most closely related to Heliotropium marchionicum Decne., also endemic to the Marquesas and known from Nuku Hiva. An amended description of Heliotropium marchionicum and key to separate the Marquesan species are given and their differences discussed.

Bioactive phytoconstituents and plant extracts from genus Heliotropium

Heliotropium is a genus of herbs and rarely shrubs of family Boraginaceae. Heliotropium species have been used in folk medicine for the treatment of gout, rheumatism and as antiseptic, febrifuge, cholagogue, anti‑inflammatory and healing agents. The alkaloids mainly pyrrolizidine alkaloids are the main constituents of Heliotropium species, which are responsible for several biological activities viz. anti‑tumoural, anti‑microbial, and anti‑viral effects. Phenolic compounds, terpenoids, and quinones have also been reported in this genus. The present review summarizes the various biological studies done on the extracts and bioactive phytoconstituents from the plants of the genus Heliotropium over the past few decades. Key words: Biological activities, boraginaceae, heliotropium, phytoconstituents, review

Anatomical Studies on Several Species of Heliotropium L. in Iran

Heliotropium spp. is distributed worldwide mainly in tropical and subtropical regions, with dry and warm temperate to semi-arid regions so that Southwest and center of Asia have considered as the main centre of origin and diversity of Heliotropium genus. Iran, with 32 species and 14 (sub) endemic species, has the highest diversity in the world followed by Pakistan and Turkey with 15 species and only one endemic species and the Arabian Peninsula with 15 species and three endemic species are in the next ranks. In order to anatomical studies on Heliotropium, twelve species of this genus were selected from different regions of Iran. The selected species included: H. bacciferum Forssk., H. ramossisimum BGE., H. brevilimb Boiss., H. transoxanum BGE., H. dasycarpum Ledeb, H. dyginum Forssk., H. aucheri Dc., H. carmanicum BGE. As perennial group and H. ellipticum Ledeb., H. lasiocarpum Fisch., H. suaveolens M.B. as annual group. In order to add more data to leaf anatomy characters, evaluating of systematic relevance and/or adaptive value of the morphological and anatomical diversity we have studied 24 anatomical characters in theses 12 species. For example shape and vascular bundles of main midrib, type of parenchyma cells located under lower epidermis of midrib, distance between vascular bundles and lower or upper epidermis, angle of between two parts of blade, number of cellular layers in lower or upper mesophylla, length of upper and lower mesophylla, type of cell wall in lower and upper mesophylla and thickness of lamina were investigated in this study. In order to this present obtained H. aucheri can be separated from H. carmanicum in H. aucheri subsp. carmanicum. It can be conclude that two species H. aucheri and H. carmanicum are independent species and can accept H. transoxanum as a sub group of H. dasycarpum.

Characterization of C3–C4 intermediate species in the genus Heliotropium L. (Boraginaceae): anatomy, ultrastructure and enzyme activity

Photosynthetic pathway characteristics were studied in nine species of Heliotropium (sensu lato, including Euploca), using assessments of leaf anatomy and ultrastructure, activities of PEP carboxylase and C₄ acid decarboxylases, and immunolocalization of ribulose 1·5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco) and the P-subunit of glycine decarboxylase (GDC). Heliotropium europaeum, Heliotropium calcicola and Heliotropium tenellum are C₃ plants, while Heliotropium texanum and Heliotropium polyphyllum are C₄ species. Heliotropium procumbens and Heliotropium karwinskyi are functionally C₃, but exhibit 'proto-Kranz' anatomy where bundle sheath (BS) cells are enlarged and mitochondria primarily occur along the centripetal (inner) wall of the BS cells; GDC is present throughout the leaf. Heliotropium convolvulaceum and Heliotropium greggii are C₃--C₄ intermediates, with Kranz-like enlargement of the BS cells, localization of mitochondria along the inner BS wall and a loss of GDC in the mesophyll (M) tissue. These C₃--C₄ species of Heliotropium probably shuttle photorespiratory glycine from the M to the BS tissue for decarboxylation. Heliotropium represents an important new model for studying C₄ evolution. Where existing models such as Flaveria emphasize diversification of C₃--C₄ intermediates, Heliotropium has numerous C₃ species expressing proto-Kranz traits that could represent a critical initial phase in the evolutionary origin of C₄ photosynthesis.

Heliotropium samoliflorumsubsp.erzurumicum(Boraginaceae), a new subspecies from Turkey

Heliotropium samoliflorum was formerly regarded as an endemic species of Iran until the collection of the species from Erzurum (Turkey). Due to the presence of clavate intercalary lobes of corolla and hairy indumentum of the nutlets, the Turkish material is described as H. samoliflorum subsp. erzurumicum Dönmez subsp. nova and illustrated. Description of H. samoliflorum is given with observed new characters. Identification key to the species of Heliotropium in Turkey is reorganised by inserting two species, based on H. samoliflorum as well as on other species recorded by previous authors.

Effect on Hantavirus Replication of Resins from Heliotropium Species and Other Selected Compounds

The present investigation on Heliotropium species was carried out in an attempt to detect possible replication inhibitors of Hantavirus variety Andes. Using the plaque inhibition assay, we have evaluated a group of compounds and resins isolated from Heliotropium species. The antiviral activity was determined between the concentration range 2.5-40.0 μg/mL. Antiviral activity was detected in all the tested resins, particularly that of H. huascoense, with an EC50 value of 12.5 μg/mL. Of the pure compounds tested, the aromatic geranyl derivative filifolinone was the most active. The EC50 value of this compound, 11.3 μg/mL, was similar to that of the control, ribavirin. However, these substances were not selective, but this screening has served to identify those compounds with most promise.

Diversity, biogeography, and photosynthetic pathways of Argusia and Heliotropium (Boraginaceae) in South-West Asia with an analysis of phytogeographical units

South-West and Central Asia are major centres of diversity in the genus Heliotropium. On the basis of detailed taxonomic studies and information gathered from the literature, a synopsis of 61 known species of Heliotropium and two species of Arguzia in the area is given. Iran, with 32 species and 14 (sub)endemic species, has the highest diversity. The photosynthetic pathways of 42 taxa were determined using the isotope composition method. Except for H. marifolium Retz s.l. and H. rariflorum Stocks, all remaining species analysed showed δ13C values characteristic for C3 photosynthesis. Evidently, by contrast with the families Chenopodiaceae and Polygonaceae, the Irano-Turanian area is not an authochthonous region of developing C4 species in Heliotropium. The distribution maps of 57 taxa are provided and their biogeographical importance is discussed in order to elucidate the distribution patterns in South-West Asia. In the Irano-Turanian region, the Irano-Anatolian province of Zohary, which extends from central Anatolia to the western Himalaya, is a very large and vaguely defined phytochorion that should be split into smaller units. The consideration of southern Iran and adjacent Pakistan as part of the Sudanian or Saharo-Sindian regions (sensu either Zohary or Leonard) cannot be accepted, because most endemic species in this area are either typical Irano-Turanian or isolated relicts. Furthermore, it is concluded that the Saharo-Sindian flora is not an autochthonous flora; most species are of transgressive origin from the surrounding phytochoria. Finally, a new species, Heliotropium ziegleri Akhani, is described from Iran. © 2007 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, 2007, 155, 401–425.

The functional significance of C3–C4intermediate traits inHeliotropiumL. (Boraginaceae): gas exchange perspectives

We demonstrate for the first time the presence of species exhibiting C3-C4 intermediacy in Heliotropium (sensu lato), a genus with over 100 C3 and 150 C4 species. CO2 compensation points (Gamma) and photosynthetic water-use efficiencies (WUEs) were intermediate between C3 and C4 values in three species of Heliotropium: Heliotropium convolvulaceum (Gamma = 20 micromol CO2 mol(-1) air), Heliotropium racemosum (Gamma = 22 micromol mol(-1)) and Heliotropium greggii (Gamma = 17 micromol mol(-1)). Heliotropium procumbens may also be a weak C3-C4 intermediate based on a slight reduction in Gamma (48.5 micromol CO2 mol(-1)) compared to C3Heliotropium species (52-60 micromol mol(-1)). The intermediate species H. convolvulaceum, H. greggii and H. racemosum exhibited over 50% enhancement of net CO2 assimilation rates at low CO2 levels (200-300 micromol mol(-1)); however, no significant differences in stomatal conductance were observed between the C3 and C3-C4 species. We also assessed the response of Gamma to variation in O2 concentration for these species. Heliotropium convolvulaceum, H. greggii and H. racemosum exhibited similar responses of Gamma to O2 with response slopes that were intermediate between the responses of C3 and C4 species below 210 mmol O2 mol(-1) air. The presence of multiple species displaying C3-C4 intermediate traits indicates that Heliotropium could be a valuable new model for studying the evolutionary transition from C3 to C4 photosynthesis.