Styrax Officinalis Research Articles

Total Chemical Components, Biological Activity and Chromatographic Analyzes of Styrax officinalis Fruit Extract

This study aims to investigate the total chemical component, biological activity and chromatographic analysis of the fruit extract of Styrax officinalis, obtained from local markets trading local products in the Gaziantep region. Methanol was used to extract the pericarp and seed samples that make up the fruit. Fruit pericarp extract with high phenolic content showed a significant capacity in all antioxidant activity analyses. No antibacterial activity of the extracts was observed against the standard strains used. Regarding phenolic acid content, the most abundant phenolic acid in the fruit pericarp extract was chrysin and t-cinnamic acid. In contrast, in the seed extract, it was t-cinnamic acid and quercetin. HPLC results revealed that succinic acid was the main component of organic acid contents in all extracts. The fact that the main components determined from all analyses have various strong pharmacological activities reveals the importance of the widespread use of S. officinalis.

Determination of nutritional value and methane production potential of styrax tree (Styrax officinalis L.) leaves

This study aimed to determine the effect of nutritional values of the “styrax tree” (Styrax officinalis L.) on in vitro gas production, organic matter digestibility (OMD), and metabolic energy (ME) content. In this study, styrax leaf samples were collected for analysis in three different periods: May, July and September. According to the analysis results, crude ash (CA), dry matter (DM), crude fat (CF), acid detergent fiber (ADF) values, and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) increased in September compared to May and July. In September, compared to May, CA has increased by 23 %, DM by 64 %, CM by 30.5 %, ADF by 9.8 %, and NDF by 9.8 %. During the vegetation period, there was an increase in dry matter content in parallel with maturation. The dry matter content of Styrax tree leaves (STL) increased in May (30 %), July (40 %) and September (50 %). Crude protein amounts were found 19 % in May, 17 % in July, and 15 % in September. As the STL grows, decreases in CP, which plays a role in plant growth, and increases in the cell membrane were observed. The CF content in STL changed to 3.2 %, 4.4 %, and 4.3 % in May, July, and September, respectively, with the highest value determined in July and very close to the September value. CA content in styrax tree plants varied by 8.58 % in May, in July by 9.86 %, and in September by 10.56 %. As the amount of dry matter increased according to the periods, the amount of CA also increased. NDF and ADF levels increased in parallel with the vegetation period's development in STL. NDF was found to be 37.5 %, 39.0 %, and 41.5 % according to the periods. ADF amount was found 27 % in May, 28.5 % in July, and 30 % in September. Metabolic energy varied between 8.86 and 10.06 (MJ/kg KM) depending on the periods. When organic matter digestion levels were examined, it was seen that the highest OMD was in July with 58.71 %. Gas production was determined by incubations of 0, 3, 6, 12, 24, 48, 72, and 96 h, and the maximum gas measurement value was in September, July, and May, respectively. As a result of the study, STL can be a good alternative feed source for ruminants when adequate amounts of high-quality feed materials cannot be provided.

Study on changes of Styrax varieties

Styrax is a commonly used imported traditional Chinese medicinal material in China. It was introduced to China in the Han Dynasty and was first described as a traditional Chinese medicine in Miscellaneous Records of Famous Physicians(Ming Yi Bie Lu). In this paper, by combing ancient and modern Chinese and foreign herbal medicine books and modern literature, combined with the results of field investigations on the origin of Styrax, the changes of Styrax involving the name, quality evaluation, origin, place of origin, and harvesting and processing were systematically verified. The results show that since ancient times, the origin and place of origin of Styrax have been unclear. The medical scientists of all dynasties in China have evaluated the quality of Styrax from four aspects: texture, viscosity, odor concentration, and color. The varieties of Styrax changed twice. The first change may have occurred during the Sui and Tang Dynasties, and the base changed from Styrax officinalis to Liquidambar orientalis. The second change was in modern times, and the base changed from L. orientalis to L. styraciflua. At the same time, the place of origin changed for the first time, from Turkey, Syria, and other countries in southern Asia Minor to Honduras, Guatemala, and other countries in Central America and southern North America. This paper studied the historical evolution of Styrax in terms of quality evaluation, origin, place of origin, character, and harvesting and processing. At the same time, it summarized the application of Styrax in the western countries, which can provide a historical basis for the further development and utilization of Styrax.

The use of Styrax officinalis L. in folk medicine and chemical composition

Styrax officinalis L. species is a shrub-shaped plant belonging to the Styracaceae family, distributed in Central America, Southeast Europe, Southwest Asia and the Mediterranean region. The Styracaceae family consists of small trees and shrubs mostly distributed in tropical and subtropical regions. The genus Styrax differs from other genera of this family in that it produces a resinous substance that is usually secreted when the bark and stems are damaged. The resin of the Styrax officinalis L. species, which was called “storax” in the past, is used in traditional medicine in the Mediterranean basin, especially for antiseptic purposes and against respiratory diseases. It is also used externally medicinally, to heal skin wounds and to treat scabies. In Latin America it is used as an antiseptic, expectorant and also for the treatment of heart diseases, stroke, leprosy, constipation and bronchitis. The leaves, fruits, resin, fruit peels, flowers and seeds of Styrax officinalis have natural products rich in various biological properties. It has been determined that the herbal materials, crude extracts and isolated chemical components of the plant are used biologically and pharmacologically. As a result of this research; cardiovascular diseases, tuberculosis, edema, paralysis, leprosy, constipation, skin wounds, scabies, skin rash, diphtheria, intestinal ulcers, acute earache, toothache, eye inflammations, kidney and bladder pain, diphtheria, leukorrhoea have been revealed to be an important medicinal plant used in the treatment of malignant tumors, fever and respiratory diseases.

A new hybrid ligand and its metal complexes from a natural plant (Styrax officinalis) bearing egonol, thiosemicarbazone and oxime units, and their anti‐cancer activities

A novel hybrid ligand, a vic‐dioxime ligand (ETO), containing thiosemicarbazone and egonol moieties from a natural plant (Styrax officinalis) and its trinuclear [Ni(II), Cu(II), Co(II), and Fe(II)] and mononuclear [Pd(II) and Zn(II)] complexes have been synthesized and characterized. The ligand, complexes, and natural components were characterized by conventional spectroscopic techniques (IR, NMR, and MS) and evaluated against two human cancer cell lines (MCF‐7 and PC‐3) to determine their antiproliferative and apoptotic properties. Apoptotic or necrotic effects were detected in both cancer cell lines using the Hoechst/propidium iodide double‐staining method. Paclitaxel was used as a positive control (1 μM). The results displayed that the compounds obtained in this study were effective in the concentration range of 5–40 μM in prostate and breast cancer cell lines. It can be said that the compounds (egonol, its derivatives, hybrid ligand, and its metal complexes) are mostly more effective in PC‐3 migration lines. Consequently, the cytotoxic efficiencies of [Cu3(ETO)2·4Cl], 5.27 μM for MCF‐7 and 13.44 μM for PC‐3 and [Zn (ETO)·2Cl] 11.73 μM for MCF‐7 and 9.32 μM for PC‐3 were observed to be close to paclitaxel (a drug used as a cancer chemotherapeutic agent). [Cu3(ETO)2·4Cl] were more effective on the MCF‐7 cell line. Besides this result, [Zn (ETO)·2Cl] was more effective on the PC‐3 cell lines and was more effective by triggering apoptosis in the cells.

Authentication of Styrax officinalis L. methyl ester nanoparticulate fuel-system’s suitability in powering CI engines

Investigation was carried out on the engine performance, combustion and emission characteristics of a CI engine using biodiesel-nanoparticulate fuel-system formulated using ultrasonicated cerium, aluminum and titanium oxide nanoparticles mixed with Styrax officinalis L. seed oil methyl esters. The nanofluids were prepared using 75, 58, and 83 ppm of aluminum, titanium, cerium dioxides. The physicochemical characteristics of the nano-fuels were determined and compared with those of conventional diesel in a Lister petter engine under various engine loads. The stabilities of the nanoparticles were analyzed under static conditions. There was marginal enhancement in the engine performance where the brake thermal efficiencies (BTEs) of the biodiesel doped with 75 ppm Al2O3 (S-C), 58 ppm TiO2 (S-D), and 83 ppm CeO2 (S-E) nanoparticles were 34.1%, 37.1% and 35.9% compared to those of the neat biodiesel and conventional diesel which were 31.2% and 31.9% respectively. Furthermore, the HC, NOx and CO emissions of the nano-fuel decreased at full load. Combustion properties of the in-cylinder pressure and the heat release rate improved upon the addition of the nanoparticles to the biodiesel. Therefore, the nano-fuels improved the engine’s performance and can satisfactorily be used as fuel in an unmodified diesel engine.

Genome Sizes, Ploidy Levels, and Base Compositions of Styrax Species and Cultivars

Styrax L. is a genus of ≈130 species, many with horticultural traits of interest, though sparsely represented in cultivation. Previous studies reporting chromosome counts have established a base chromosome number of x = 8 and provided evidence of diploid, tetraploid, pentaploid, and hexaploid levels within the genus, including the more commonly cultivated Styrax japonicus Siebold & Zucc. being reported as pentaploid. Little has been reported relative to genome size within the Styracaceae. We conducted flow cytometry using fluorochromes propidium iodide (PI) and 4′,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) to estimate relative 2C genome size and ploidy of 47 accessions representing 15 species of Styrax and base composition of a subset of 9 accessions representing 6 species. Cytologic analysis of chromosomes was completed on Styrax confusus Hemsl. for ploidy calibration to genome size. Diploids, tetraploids, pentaploids, hexaploids, and octoploids were identified. Relative 2C genome size ranged from 1.38 to 6.61 pg. This survey confirms published ploidy for Styrax americanus Lam., Styrax obassia Siebold & Zucc., Styrax redivivus (Torr.) L.C.Wheeler (diploid), and S. japonicus (pentaploid); suggests alternate ploidy levels and/or ploidy series for Styrax grandifolius Aiton (diploid) and Styrax hookeri C.B.Clarke (octoploid); and establishes ploidy levels for Styrax glabrescens Benth., Styrax odoratissimus Champ. ex Benth., Styrax officinalis L., Styrax platanifolius Engelm. ex Torr., Styrax ramirezii Greenm., Styrax wilsonii Rehder (diploid), Styrax confusus, Styrax hemsleyanus Diels (tetraploid), and Styrax fortunei Hance (diploid and hexaploid).

Impacts of Extracts From Styrax officinalis L. on Seedling Growth of Salvia sclarea L.

Many plant species synthesize different biochemical substances from their various organs (leaves, flowers, fruits and roots, etc.). While some of these biochemical substances which are known as allelochemicals have a stimulating effect on the growth and development of other plants, some of them have an inhibitory effect. In this study, the effect of extracts obtained from the Styrax officinalis L., which spreads naturally in the Mediterranean and Aegean regions, on the seedling growth of Salvia sclarea L. were investigated. In the study, the extracts prepared with water at 5% concentration from dry fruit peel and seed coat of S. officinalis, and tap water as control were used. According to the results of this study, it was determined that the fruit peel and seed coat extracts obtained from S. officinalis had a significant inhibitory effect on the emergence of S. sclarea seeds and its seedling growth. The inhibitory effect of fruit peel was higher than that of seed coat.

The Study of Bio-Fuel Generation and Characteristics Analysis from Jatropha, Karanja and Styrax Officinalis L Seed Cakes

Because of their high oil content in the kernel and ability to reduce green-house gas emissions, non-edible Jatropha, Karanja, and Styrax officinalis Lseeds are primarily used in biodiesel production. Outstanding demand forbiodiesel, as well as a huge amount of waste, is growing year after year. Asa result, the research analysis includes the hydrolysis, saccharification, andfermentation of non-edible de-oiled cakes derived from the aforementionedplants. The study research includes the generation of bio-ethanol from non-edible cakes, as well as the de-oiled seed kernel, which is incubated at 200◦C,25◦C, 30◦C, 35◦C, with pH 4, 5, 6, 7, and a holding time of 24 hours toproduce the solid fuel. The compound cake is then fermented for 72 hoursat 28◦C with Saccharomyces cerevisiae with a PH range of 5 to 6, and thesubstrate is autoclaved for 5 minutes at 15 psi pressure. Furthermore, thisresearch study performed centrifuge harvesting at 10,000 rpm for 10 minutesat 4◦C. The study’s findings demonstrate the time-related conversion of sugar(DNSA) and alcohol production (potassium dichromate) treatment, whichoutperforms the prior acid hydrolysis process.

In situ and in vitro nutritive value assessment of Styrax officinalis L. as an alternative forage source for goat feeding

In situ and in vitro nutritive value assessment of Styrax officinalis L. as an alternative forage source for goat feeding

Sap and Oil from the Officinal Storax Tree

This article deals with substances/products extracted in the past from the officinal storax (Styrax officinalis) tree. Historical sources describe at length the extraction of resin from the tree for use in the manufacture of medicines, perfumes, and incense. Today, however, we are no longer familiar with how to extract and use this resin. In a field study we conducted in all the areas of Mediterranean vegetation in Israel where this tree grows, we witnessed the secretion of resin in response to drilling by insects into the lignin, as described in historical sources. This phenomenon was limited to large, old trees. The secretion is a liquid-like sap of a yellowish-brown color with a vanilla-like aroma. In addition, we produced oil from the tree’s fruit that is of good quality for lighting.

Friction and wear characterization of chemically treated Styrax officinalis L vegetable oil

Due to continuous extraction of fossil fuels to meet the the energy demand has put adverse effect on our environment leads to focus more on ecological sources to meet the energy demand. Also, the high cost of edible oil in recent years shifts to work on non-edible oil that are easily available, low cost and clean form of energy source. In this study, the work is focused on Styrax officinalis as the feedstock for bio-lubricant production. The different loads were applied and maximum friction was observed at higher loads. The chemically modified Styrax oil showed better properties. Reduction in friction and wear was observed.

Determination of ecological networks for vegetation connectivity using GIS & AHP technique in the Mediterranean degraded karst ecosystems

Full-scale intensive silvicultural activities, such as afforestation and rehabilitation, can deteriorate the fragile structural features and functions of karst ecosystems. Within these ecosystems, degraded and fragmented habitats can only be connected to each other through a landscape network that poses a positive umbrella effect over these areas. The aim of this research was to determine suitable eco-regions and landscape corridors for reforestation and restoration based on several biotic and abiotic habitat factors using Analytic Hierarchic Processes (AHP) and Geographic Information System (GIS). This approach was targeted at plant species naturally associated with the degraded Mediterranean karst ecosystem, such as Pinus brutia Ten, Juniperus drupacea, Styrax officinalis L., Pistacia terebinthus L., Laurus nobilis L., and Cerasus mahaleb L. in the study area, which is located in the Andirin Sarimsak Mountains in Kahramanmaras, Turkey. In this study, potential landscape corridors and their habitat qualities have been identified for the target species, where ratings from “poor” to “best” were assigned depending on the condition of degradation. Of the 33 identified corridors, 8 were characterized as ‘poor’, 10 as ‘average’, 10 as ‘good’, and 5 as ‘best’ Specifically, the ‘best’ corridors are recommended for afforestation, while rehabilitation is suggested for ‘poor’ corridors to increase the effectiveness of landscape networks in the degraded karst ecosystem.

Biodiesel synthesis from Styrax officinalis L. seed oil as a novel and potential non-edible feedstock: A parametric optimization study through the Taguchi technique

The development of renewable and sustainable candidates for petroleum-based fuels is needed to address the present issue of the increasing fuel crisis regarding transportation, environmental pollution, and consumption of the petroleum reserves. In addition, there is a need to explore new non-edible oils for biodiesel production due to problems such as fuel versus food as well as procurement and presence. Therefore the experimental research was carried out to synthesize biodiesel from Styrax officinalis L. oil. It has been firstly investigated and reported as a novel feedstock for the production of alternative fuel. The raw material was subjected to esterification at desired reaction parameters estimated by 9-runs (L9) orthogonal approach of Taguchi technique. Noteworthy, the oil content was found to be at 48.29 ± 3.81%. The maximum biodiesel yield of 89.23% was obtained under the following optimized conditions: catalyst concentration of 0.6 wt%, methanol to oil molar ratio of 6:1, reaction duration of 60 min and reaction temperature of 60 °C. The detection of the substantial parameters was achieved using the Taguchi method and the significant parameters were obtained as follows: catalyst concentration, methanol to oil molar ratio, reaction duration, and reaction temperature with contribution factors of 78.07%, 20.32%, 0.42%, and 1.19%, respectively. Statistical analysis employing ANOVA exhibited that emerged outcomes are in good agreement with the predicted values. The fuel properties of the methyl esters from Styrax officinalis L. oil were within the ranges of the EN 14214 specifications. Therefore, the novel seeds can be a suitable feedstock for biodiesel production in the nearest future.

Bazı Maki Türlerinin Kimyasal Kompozisyonu ve Besin Değerlerinin Karşılaştırılması

The goal of the present study was to compare the leaves of some shrubs in terms of chemical composition and nutritive value at the period of baby fruit. For this purpose, leaves of Quercus coccifera L (QC), Quercus branti Lindl (QB), Quercus vulcanica Boiss and Heldr. Ex Kotschy (QV), Phillyrea latifolia (L.) Salibs (PL), Styrax officinalis L (SO), Arbutus andrachne L (AA) and Olea europaea L (OE) plants were collected at the period of baby fruit. In this research, dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), crude ash (CA), organic matter (OM), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), acid detergent lignin (ADL), non-fiber carbohydrates (NFC), crude fat (CF) and condensed tannins (CT) was measured to determine the chemical compositions of leaves (P<0.01). In addition, dry matter intake (DMI), dry matter digestibility (DMD), relative feed value (RFV) and metabolic energy (MEADF) were calculated to evaluate the nutritive value of leaves. All investigated parameters were statistically different except for DM content of leaves. Results of current study showed that the SO had better nutritive value and chemical contents for livestock especially goats. It can be concluded that the CT content of SO can be examined at the flowering and/or earlier period in further studies.

Influence of harvest time on protein content and lipids profile of wild Styrax officinalis seeds from different locations in Turkey

Interest in new sources of oil crops is increasing. The aim of the current work was to evaluate the effect of harvest time on protein content and lipids profile of wild Styrax officinalis seeds from different locations in Turkey. Eight wild styrax (Styrax officinalis L.) plants were collected from different Turkish locations at two harvest periods. Seeds were analyzed for protein content, oil content and fatty acid composition. Seeds from different locations were rich in oil (42.86–53.40%) and protein (12.89–18.19%). Styrax officinalis seed oils were rich in linoleic acid (C18:2) ranging from 66.13 to 73.87%. Oleic acid (C18:1) was the main monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA), wherein its levels ranged between 16.11 and 22.75% in the oil samples. In the most of Styrax officinalis seeds, protein and oil content showed an increasing trend when harvest time prolonged. In addition, the proportions of linoleic acid increased in Styrax officinalis oils at the second harvest time as compared with those at the first harvest time. In contrast, oleic acid and palmitic acid contents were mostly higher at the first harvest time.

Assessment of the antimicrobial and free radical scavenging activities of Moluccella spinosa, Helichrysum sanguineum, and Styrax officinalis folkloric medicinal plants from Palestine

The emergence of pathogenic microbes with increased resistance to established antibiotics provides a major incentive for the discovery of new antimicrobial agents. Herbals may provide valuable solutions for this global problem. In addition, the replacement of harmful synthetic antioxidants with natural ones may prevent various serious diseases. The present investigation describes for the first time the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of the aqueous and organic extracts of Helichrysum sanguineum, Moluccella spinosa and Styrax officinalis plants aerial parts. The free radical scavenging activity was estimated using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl method, while the antimicrobial activity was evaluated against selected microbial strains from American Type Culture Collection and clinical isolates such as Shigella sonnie, Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcuss feacium, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Candida albicans, Epidermophyton floccosum and Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) using minimum inhibitory concentration assay. A mixture of phytochemical compounds was found in all of the studied plants extracts which also showed remarkable potentials of antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. The current study provides initial data that justify the use and importance of these plants in the Palestinian traditional medicine. In addition, it provides evidence that the aqueous and organic extracts of H. sanguineum, M. spinosa and S. officinalis exhibited interesting antioxidant activity comparing with Trolox. Furthermore, the organic extract of H. sanguineum strongly exhibited bacterial growth of S. aureus, E. faecium and MRSA which suggested to be used as antibiotic alternative or as sufficient natural food preservative.

English

Styrax officinalis is a deciduous large shrub that grows in many Mediterranean countries. Active ingredients are localized in the fruit pericarp. Primary phytochemical analysis showed the presence of saponins, tannins and triterpenes and absence of alkaloids and flavonoids. No antimicrobial, but strong ichthyotoxic and molluscicidal effects were observed in the saponin-rich extract .Toxicity tests with the snail Cornu aspersum proved to be a potent contact molluscicide. Allowing the snail to creep on leaves and surfaces sprayed with a 1% (w/v) of pericarp extract resulted in severe dehydration and foaming through their membranes, which resulted in their death after 30 min. When the snails were fed lettuce leaves treated with the same extract solution, it did not cause any observable effect. These findings show that S. officinalis is a promising natural source of a potent contact molluscicide with no visible effect on the snail upon ingestion. Key words: Styracaceae, Styrax officinalis, saponins, ichthyotoxic, molluscicidal, antimicrobial.

Identification of the earliest collagen- and plant-based coatings from Neolithic artefacts (Nahal Hemar cave, Israel).

Mortuary practices in human evolution record cognitive, social changes and technological innovations. The Neolithic Revolution in the Levant was a watershed in this domain that has long fascinated the archaeological community. Plaster modelled skulls are well known at Jericho and several other Neolithic sites, and in Nahal Hemar cave (Israel, ca. 8200 −7300 cal. BC) excavations yielded six unique human skulls covered with a black organic coating applied in a net pattern evoking a headdress. This small cave was used as storage for paraphernalia in the semi-arid area of the Judean desert and the dry conditions preserved other artefacts such as baskets coated with a similar dark substance. While previous analysis had revealed the presence of amino acids consistent with a collagen signature, in the present report, specific biomarkers were characterised using combined proteomic and lipid approaches. Basket samples yielded collagen and blood proteins of bovine origin (Bos genus) and a large sequence coverage of a plant protein charybdin (Charybdis genus). The skull residue samples were dominated by benzoate and cinnamate derivatives and triterpenes consistent with a styrax-type resin (Styrax officinalis), thus providing the earliest known evidence of an odoriferous plant resin used in combination with an animal product.

A new statistical physics model to interpret the binary adsorption isotherms of lead and zinc on activated carbon

New statistical physicochemical interpretations of an adsorption process at molecular level were developed to explain the binary adsorption isotherms of lead and zinc ions on activated carbon derived from Styrax officinalis seeds (Balikesir, Turkey) and a commercial activated carbon at different temperatures, 298, 308 and 318K. The extended Hill model was developed to explain heterogeneous model in terms of the grand canonical ensemble in statistical physics. Steric and energetic parameters, like the numbers of ions per site n1 and n2, the densities of receptor sites NM1 and NM2 and the adsorption energies (−ε1) and (−ε2) were directly obtained from the fitting of the experimental adsorption isotherms by numerical simulation to describe the process. The simulation results suggested that two adsorbates per site were anchored on activated carbon surface. The magnitudes of the calculated adsorption energies indicated that Zn2+ and Pb2+ were physically adsorbed by the activated carbon. Thermodynamic potential functions, namely entropy, enthalpy and internal energy were calculated to explain the order and disorder of the adsorbate at the adsorbent surface during the binary adsorption process. The values of the free enthalpy and the internal energy indicated spontaneous adsorption process.