Tamarix Aphylla Research Articles

Physiological and biochemical attributes of the association host- parasite Tamarix aphylla-Plicosepalus acacia

Parasitic plants have been viewed as pests since they are able to damage agricultural crops and forest trees. They establish vasculature connections with the hosts and withdraw the required nutritive resources. This study aimed to explore the physiological and biochemical effects of the parasitic plant Plicosepalus acacia on the host Tamarix aphylla. It was conducted on young fully expanded leaves from the uninfected and infected trees and the parasitic plant ‘in situ’. The parasite had higher net photosynthetic assimilation rate (A), transpiration rate (E) and stomatal conductance (gs) compared to the host. Equally, it had two-fold greater water potential (Ψ) and osmotic potential (Ψs). It accumulated high amount of K, while it avoided accumulation of the most trace and ultratrace elements. Otherwise, parasitism seemed to increase A, WUE, water uptake and accumulation of the most major, trace and ultra-trace elements, however it reduced the accumulation of osmolytes at the infected plants. Based on UPLC-MS approach, P. acacia seemed to use a group of composites to interact with the host, including oleamide as a protector metabolite against host’s defense system, carvone to establish vasculature connections with the host, cuminaldehyde to weaken growth and proliferation of the host, and caprolactam to weaken the distal part of the host. In contrast, the host T. aphylla could be used pipecolinic acid and nicotinamide to regulate systemic resistance and to defense against the parasite infection. Finally, despite the defense molecular interactions between the two partners, the parasitic plant exhibited several beneficial effects on the host.

Metallic nanoentities: Bio-engineered silver, gold, and silver/gold bimetallic nanoparticles for biomedical applications

This present study reports the biogenic synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and Ag/Au bimetallic nanoparticles (BNPs) using bark extract of plant Tamarix aphylla (T.A). The bark extract contained total polyphenolic compounds and total flavonoids as 0.0362 mg/mg and 0.2928 mg/mg of the dried bark extract respectively. Silver nitrate (AgNO3) and hydrogen tetra chloroaurate trihydrate (HAuCl4.3H2O) were used as precursors while deionised water and methanol (CH3OH) were used as solvents. Synthesized nanoparticles were characterized through UV–visible spectroscopy, SEM (scanning electron microscopy), TEM (transmission electron microscopy) and FTIR (Fourier transform infrared) for their morphology, structure, and identification of different functional groups. The UV–visible spectra of AgNPs, AuNPs and Ag/Au BNPs showed peaks at 436, 532 and 527 nm respectively due to the excitation of Surface Plasmon Resonance. SEM and TEM images showed spherical and well distributed nanoparticles (NPs) with particle size as 29 nm (AgNPs), 13 nm (AuNPs) and 26 nm (Ag/Au BNPs). The synthesized NPs are significantly active against inhibition of free radicals, α-amylase, α-glucosidase and have anti inflammatory potential with AgNPs having the highest percent activity at 400 μg/ml, followed by Ag/Au BNPs. The same trend (AgNPs > Ag/AuBNPs > AuNPs) has been observed at all concentrations i.e. 100 μg/ml, 200 μg/ml and 400 μg/ml. AuNPs have shown lowest activity at all concentrations. So the current study strongly confirms use of T.A bark extract as reducing agent for synthesis of metal NPs and opens up a new possibility of using these green synthesized NPs as biomedicines. We also suggest further in vivo investigation to report any side effects if present.

Investigation of Eucalyptus camaldulensis and Tamarix aphylla species' capacities for methylene blue removal in wastewater and heavy metal remediation in soil.

In the contemporary landscape, the reuse of wastewater holds paramount significance. Concurrently, wastewater carries an array of pollutants encompassing chemical dyes and heavy metals. This study delves into the potential of Tamarix aphylla (TA) and Eucalyptus camaldulensis (EC) species for mitigating heavy metals in soil and eliminating methylene blue dye (MB) from wastewater. The research begins with assessing the dye adsorption process, considering pivotal factors such as initial pH, adsorbent dosage, initial dye concentration, and contact time. Outcomes reveal EC's superiority in dye removal compared to TA. As a bioremediation agent, EC exhibits a 90.46% removal efficacy for MB within 15 min, with pH 7.0 as the operative condition. Equilibrium analysis employs Temkin (T), Freundlich (F), and Langmuir (L) isotherms, revealing an excellent fit with the L isotherm model. The study delves further by probing surface adsorption kinetics through pseudo-first-order (PFO) and pseudo-second-order (PSO) models. Furthermore, to discern the divergent impacts of EC and TA on soil heavy metal reduction, soil samples were collected from three distinct zones: an untouched control area, alongside areas where EC and TA were cultivated at the Yazd wastewater site in Iran. Heavy metal levels in the soil were meticulously assessed through rigorous measurement and statistical scrutiny. The findings spotlight TA-cultivated soil as having the highest levels across all examined factors. Ultimately, EC emerges as the superior contender, proficiently excelling in both MB eliminations from wastewater and heavy metal amelioration in the soil, positioning it as the preferred phytoremediation agent.

UPLC-ESI-MS Analysis of secondary metabolites from Tamarix aphylla with its in-vitro anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial activities

UPLC-ESI-MS Analysis of secondary metabolites from Tamarix aphylla with its in-vitro anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial activities

Exploring antifungal activities of Tamarix aphylla and Zygophyllum album extracts against human mucormycosis

Exploring antifungal activities of Tamarix aphylla and Zygophyllum album extracts against human mucormycosis

Tamarix aphylla derived metabolites ameliorate indomethacin-induced gastric ulcers in rats by modulating the MAPK signaling pathway, alleviating oxidative stress and inflammation: In vivo study supported by pharmacological network analysis.

Nature has proven to be a treasure resource of bioactive metabolites. In this regard, Tamarix aphylla (F. Tamaricaceae) leaves crude extract was investigated for its gastroprotective effect against indomethacin-induced damage to the gastric mucosa. Additionally, phytochemical investigation of the methanolic extract afforded eight flavonoids' derivatives (1-8). On pharmacology networking study, the isolated compounds identified 123 unique targets where only 45 targets were related to peptic ulcer conditions, these 45 targets include 11 targets specifically correlate to gastric ulcer. The protein-protein interaction defined the PTGS2 gene as one of the highly interacted genes and the complete pharmacology network defined the PTGS2 gene as the most represented gene. The top KEGG signaling pathways according to fold enrichment analysis was the EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor resistance pathway. As a result, these findings highlighted the significance of using T. aphylla leaves crude extract as an anti-gastric ulcer candidate, which provides a safer option to chemical antisecretory medicines, which are infamous for their negative side effects. Our findings have illuminated the potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of T. aphylla, which are likely mediated by suppressing IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and MAPK signaling pathways, without compromising gastric acidity.

Multilocus Gene Analyses Indicate Tamarix aphylla as Reservoir Host of Diverse Phytoplasmas Associated with Witches' Broom and Yellowing Symptomatology.

Tamarisk witches' broom, yellowing, and little leaf symptoms were observed during 2018-2023 surveys of rural deserts in central regions of Iran with the highest disease incidence up to 72% in Chah Afzal (Yazd province). A verification of the presence and identity of phytoplasmas associated with these symptoms was then performed. Tamarisk tree branch cuttings obtained from symptomatic plants sprouted up to 90.3% but with 15-25 days' delay compared to the asymptomatic ones and showed internode shortening and witches' broom, while the branch cuttings from asymptomatic plants had normal growth and sprouted up to 97.8%. Phytoplasma transmission by dodder bridges to periwinkle did not succeed, while nested polymerase chain reaction on the phytoplasma ribosomal gene followed by RFLP and phylogenetic analyses revealed the presence of 'Candidatus Phytoplasma asteris', 'Ca. P. australasiae=australasiaticum', and 'Ca. P. trifolii' (ribosomal subgroups 16SrI-B, 16SrII-D, and 16SrVI-A, respectively) in the samples from symptomatic plants only. Further amplifications were performed on selected phytoplasma-positive samples on tuf and secA genes, and the produced sequences indicated the presence of mixed phytoplasma infection in some of the samples. In particular, in the tuf gene, a mixed infection of 'Ca. P. australasiae=australasiaticum' and 'Ca. P. trifolii' was detected, while in the secA gene, the presence of 'Ca. P. asteris' or 'Ca. P. tritici' strains was identified. The first-time detection of diverse phytoplasma strains in symptomatic T. aphylla suggests that this species represent a relevant source of infection for the agricultural crops and for landscape plants especially when temperature allows insect vector transmission, and therefore, it represents a risk in every environment especially in the frame of climatic changes.

Involvement of TNFα, IL-1β, COX-2 and NO in the anti-inflammatory activity of Tamarix aphylla in Wistar albino rats: an in-vivo and in-vitro study

BackgroundWith the emergence of many side effects from synthetic drugs, there is an urgent need to find a natural alternative to these products. Therefore, our primary aim was to evaluate the anti-inflammatory activity of Tamarix aphylla (TA) and investigate the potential mechanism underlying this action.MethodsInitially, to ensure the safety of the extract and for dose selection, we performed an acute oral toxicity Assay through the oral administration of graded doses up to 4 g\\kg in Wistar rats. then, we used the carrageenan-induced edema model to elucidate the anti-inflammatory activity. Using specific ELISA kits, we measured the levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, COX-2 and NO inside the inflamed paw tissue. Finally, for the in-vitro anti-inflammatory experiment, we used the erythrocyte membrane stability test.ResultsBased on the acute oral toxicity assay, T. aphylla was considered generally safe and three different doses of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg were chosen for further experiments. Additionally, TA expressed a significant (P < 0.05) anti-inflammatory activity, showing the maximum inhibition percentage at the fifth hour of measurement at 53.47% and 70.06%, at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg respectively, compared to 63.81% for the standard drug. Similarly, we found that TA effectively reduced the levels of TNF-α and IL-1β at all tested doses (100-200-400 mg/kg) to a greater extent than the standard drug. Moreover, at 400 mg/kg, TA was able to significantly lower the levels of COX-2 and NO inside the inflamed tissue to a level comparable (P < 0.05) with that measured inside the paw tissue of normal rats. Finally, Tamarix aphylla at 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg doses significantly (P < 0.05) inhibited the heat-induced hemolysis of RBCs membrane by 67.78, 74.82 and 82.08%, respectively, compared to 83.89% produced by Aspirin.ConclusionT. aphylla produced a significant (P < 0.05) anti-inflammatory activity compared to the standard drugs either through the reduction of pro-inflammatory mediators or the protection of the lysosomal membrane.

Harvesting of aerial humidity with natural hygroscopic salt excretions.

Plants and animals that thrive in arid regions utilize the diurnal changes in environmental temperature and humidity to optimize their water budget by combining water-harvesting mechanisms and morphophysiological traits. The Athel tamarisk (Tamarix aphylla) is a halophytic desert shrub that survives in arid, hypersaline conditions by excreting concentrated solutions of ions as droplets on its surface that crystallize into salt crystals and fall off the branches. Here, we describe the crystallization on the surface of the plant and explore the effects of external conditions such as diurnal changes in humidity and temperature. The salt mixtures contain at least ten common minerals, with NaCl and CaSO4·2H2O being the major products, SiO2 and CaCO3 main sand contaminants, and Li2SO4, CaSO4, KCl, K2Ca(SO4)2·H2O, CaMg(CO3)2 and AlNaSi3O8 present in smaller amounts. In natural conditions, the hanging or sitting droplets remain firmly attached to the surface, with an average adhesion force of 275 ± 3.5 µN measured for pure water. Rather than using morphological features of the surface, the droplets adhere by chemical interactions, predominantly by hydrogen bonding. Increasing ion concentration slightly increases the contact angle on the hydrophobic cuticle, thereby lowering surface wettability. Small amounts of lithium sulfate and possibly other hygroscopic salts result in strong hygroscopicity and propensity for deliquescence of the salt mixture overnight. Within a broader context, this natural mechanism for humidity harvesting that uses environmentally benign salts as moisture adsorbents could provide a bioinspired approach that complements the currently available water collection or cloud-seeding technologies.

High-impact invasive plants expanding into mid-Atlantic states: identifying priority range-shifting species for monitoring in light of climate change

AbstractOne way that climate change is projected to affect invasive plant management is by shifting the ranges of invasive plants. In some regions, hundreds of new, potentially invasive species could establish in coming decades. These species are prime candidates for early detection and rapid response. However, with limited resources, it is unlikely that invasive plant managers will be able to monitor and treat this large number of novel species. Determining which species are likely to have the greatest impacts could inform further risk assessment and mitigate the greatest amount of potential damage. Here, we used the Environmental Impact Classification for Alien Taxa (EICAT) protocol to evaluate the potential impacts of 104 invasive plant species that are projected to establish in Delaware, Kentucky, Maryland, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and/or West Virginia by midcentury with climate change. These species were identified using the Invasive Range Expanders Listing Tool to predict which invasive species are likely to shift their ranges into the target states by midcentury. We used Web of Science to search for studies on each species involving impacts to ecological or socioeconomic sectors. We scored ecological impacts on a scale of 1 (“minimal concern”) to 4 (“major concern”) and socioeconomic impacts as present or not present. We evaluated 674 papers and categorized the species into these categories: 32 high-impact species, 20 moderate-impact species, and 13 minor- or minimal-impact species. Two of the 32 high-impact species (panic veldtgrass [Ehrharta erecta Lam.] and Athel tamarisk [Tamarix aphylla (L.) Karst.]) pose a risk to all eight mid-Atlantic states. There were also 46 species that pose a risk to socioeconomic sectors, including agriculture, the economy, and human health. Twenty-four species were listed as data deficient (no data could be found on them). This study provides a comprehensive review of reported impacts of range-shifting invasive plants in the mid-Atlantic.

Genetic diversity in Tamarix aphylla (L.) H. Karst. using CAAT box-derived polymorphism (CBDP) and start codon targeted (SCoT) polymorphism markers

Tamarix aphylla (L.) H. Karst. is an evergreen, haloxeric, ecologically and economically important tree species of the Indian Thar desert. Genetic diversity analysis of this tree species is vital as it survives in extreme climatic conditions. In this study, we employed first time two gene-targeted CAAT box-derived polymorphism (CBDP) and start codon-targeted (SCoT) polymorphism markers for the analysis of the genetic diversity in Tamarix aphylla. A total of 47 wild genotypes of T. aphylla from eight populations of the Indian Thar Desert were analyzed using 12 primers, six from each CBDP and SCoT markers. The percent polymorphism was higher for CBDP (94.84%) than for the SCoT (76.57%) markers. The average PIC value for CBDP and SCoT marker was 0.601 and 0.409, respectively. Both CBDP and SCoT markers demonstrated high levels of genetic differentiation, low gene flow, and high fixation index. Using both marker systems, AMOVA revealed the percent molecular variation was higher in the case of within population than among population. The clustering pattern based on UPGMA and PCoA plots clearly showed that the grouping of genotypes is associated with their geographical origin and habitat. However, few genotypes were significantly diverse from their respective population and grouped in separate clusters with the genotypes of other populations. The findings observed in the present study can be further exploited in the breeding and conservation programs of T. aphylla.

THE EFFECT OF DIFFERENT TREATMENT DURATIONS WITH INDOLE-3-ACETIC ACID (IAA)-PRODUCING ENDOPHYTIC BACILLUS SPP. ON TOMATO 'AICHA' UNDER SALINE CONDITIONS

This study aimed to investigate the effect of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA)-producing endophytes from saline environments on survival and growth of tomato under salt stress, using different treatment times. Twenty-five endophytic bacteria were isolated from halophytes (Atriplex halimus L., Tamarix aphylla L.) issued from saline regions (Algeria). Five strains were selected based on tolerance to NaCl. A polyphasic taxonomic study was conducted. The selected strains were assigned to the Bacillus cereus group. Quantification of IAA production was done by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). An in vitro test of growth promotion/protection of tomato 'Aicha' was conducted under saline conditions (50 mM, 75 mM, 100 mM, and 125 mM), for different durations of seed biopriming (1h, 3h, and 12h). Endophytes led to a significant amelioration of salt stress in tomato 'Aicha' at all salinity levels, depending on treatment times, indicating the necessity of optimizing this crucial factor.

Potential anti-inflammatory activity of the Tamarix aphylla essential oil

Aim: This study aimed to assess the anti-inflammatory activity and potential mechanisms of essential oil of Tamarix aphylla (EOTA). Methods: The essential oils were extracted from the plant’s aerial parts using hydrodistillation and analyzed through gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The essential oils were assessed for their anti-inflammatory effects using well-established inflammation models, namely carrageenan-induced paw edema and peritonitis. To evaluate the antioxidant activity of the essential oil, measurements were taken for nitric oxide radical-scavenging activity and lipid peroxidation. Results: The predominant components of the EOTA were 6,10,14-Trimethyl-2-pentadecanone (20.2%), β-Ionone (20.1%), Dodecanoic acid (12.2%), and trans-β-Caryophyllene (10%.1). The study found that EOTA significantly reduced edema, peritonitis, myeloperoxidase activity, and NOx-peritoneal lavage concentration induced by carrageenan. Additionally, the essential oil exhibited significant inhibition of nitric oxide radical production triggered by sodium nitroprusside. Furthermore, EOTA demonstrated the ability to prevent lipid peroxidation induced by Fe+2- or Fe+2 plus H2O2. Conclusion: The findings suggest that EOTA possesses anti-inflammatory activity, potentially linked to its antioxidant capacity.

Assessment of the Antivirulence Potential of Tamarix aphylla Ethanolic Extract against Multidrug-Resistant Streptococcus mutans Isolated from Iraqi Patients.

Halophytes have long been used for medicinal purposes. However, their use was entirely empirical, with no knowledge of the bioactive compounds. The plant Tamarix aphylla L. has not drawn the deserving attention for its phytochemical and bioactive explorations, but available data expressed its needs to be attended for its potential. The Streptococcus mutans SpaP gene (cell-surface antigen) mediates the binding of these bacteria to tooth surfaces. The growing problem of antibiotic resistance triggered the research on alternative antimicrobial approaches. Our study aims to explore the activity of T. aphylla ethanolic extract against the virulence gene found in Streptococcus mutans pathogenic bacteria. Samples that were previously collected and identified in our previous work (in press) were obtained from different dental clinics and hospitals in Baghdad. Three nonbiofilm-forming bacterial isolates having multidrug resistance (MDR) for 10 antibiotics (doxycycline, ofloxacin, tetracycline, erythromycin, vancomycin, clindamycin, rifampicin, imipenem, amikacin, and cefepime) were selected to examine the potential of the T. aphylla ethanolic extract. The ethanolic extract showed high antimicrobial activity against MDR. Minimum inhibition concentration (MIC) for the extract was 17.5 mg/ml, while minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) was 35 mg/ml. The phytochemical compounds present in the ethanolic extract were determined by using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) which revealed that the leaves contain thirteen different alkaloids, twelve flavonoids, and four vitamins. The extract strongly inhibited a virulence property, the adherence of S. mutans which reduced during critical growth phases. The one-step RT-PCR method was used to study the SpaP gene expression of bacterial isolates which significantly reduced. In conclusion, extraction of T. aphylla leaves showed an antimicrobial effect against MDR S. mutans. The identified phytochemicals in the T. aphylla extract are reported to be biologically important and need further investigation to develop safe and cheap drugs.

THE ASSESSMENT OF TAMARIX APHYLLA AND CALOTROPIS PROCERA COMPARATIVE AND COMBINE ANTIOXIDANT POTENTIAL

Free radicals alter DNA, resulting in various chronic disorders, including cancer. Herbal therapy has a significant potential to block cancer progression and other chronic diseases. The Tamarix aphylla plays an essential role in the modulation of free radicals. Calotropis procera (leaves), a tropical medicinal plant, has shown protective effects against cancer progression. We have examined the antioxidant therapy of separate or combined forms of the Tamarix aphylla and Calotropis procera plant extracts. Tamarix aphylla demonstrated scavenging activity at various concentrations, including 100 microgram/ml, 500 microgram/ml, and 1000 microgram/ml (29%, 37% and 62%). The scavenging activity of Calotropis procera at various concentrations (100 microgram/ml, 500 microgram/ml, and 1000 microgram/ml) was 20%, 31% and 40% against the standard of ascorbic acid (65%, 77% and 84%). The mixture of both plant extracts displayed significant antioxidant potential at various concentrations 100 microgram/ml, 500 microgram/ml, and 1000 microgram/ml which were 45%, 64% and 78%. Our study showed that the mixture of both plants has a significant antioxidant potential by comparing individual plant extracts. Further studies are recommended to elucidate the anti-cancer potential of both plant extracts mixture using in vivo approach for tumor models.

Composition, Abundance, and Diversity of the Soil Microbiome Associated with the Halophytic Plants Tamarix aphylla and Halopeplis perfoliata on Jeddah Seacoast, Saudi Arabia

The coast of the Red Sea in Jeddah City is home to a unique microbial community that has adapted to extreme environmental conditions. Therefore, it is essential to characterize the microbial community in this unique microbiome to predict how environmental changes will affect it. The aim of this study was to conduct metagenomic sequencing of 16S rRNA and ITS rRNA genes for the taxonomic classification of the microbial community in soil samples associated with the halophytic plants Tamarix aphylla and Halopeplis perfoliata. Fifteen soil samples were collected in triplicate to enhance robustness and minimize sampling bias. Firstly, to identify novel microbial candidates, the gDNAs were isolated from the saline soil samples surrounding each plant, and then bacterial 16S (V3–V4) and fungal ITS1 regions were sequenced utilizing a high-throughput approach (next-generation sequencing; NGS) on an Illumina MiSeq platform. Quality assessment of the constructed amplicon libraries was conducted using Agilent Bioanalyzer and fluorometric quantification methods. The raw data were processed and analyzed using the Pipeline (Nova Lifetech, Singapore) for bioinformatics analysis. Based on the total number of readings, it was determined that the phylum Actinobacteriota was the most prevalent in the soil samples examined, followed by the phylum Proteobacteria. Based on ITS rRNA gene analysis, the alpha and beta fungal diversity in the studied soil samples revealed that the fungal population is structured into various groups according to the crust (c) and/or rhizosphere (r) plant parts. Fungal communities in the soil samples indicated that Ascomycota and Basidiomycota were the two most abundant phyla based on the total amount of sequence reads. Secondly, heat-map analysis of the diversity indices showed that the bacterial alpha diversity, as measured by Shannon, Simpson, and InvSimpson, was associated with soil crust (Hc and Tc enclosing H. perfoliata and T. aphylla, respectively) and that the soil rhizosphere (Hr and Tr) was strongly correlated with bacterial beta diversity. Finally, fungal-associated Tc and Hc samples clustered together, according to observations made using the Fisher and Chao1 methods, and Hr and Tr samples clustered together according to Shannon, Simpson, and InvSimpson analyses. As a result of the soil investigation, potential agents that have been identified could lead to innovative agricultural, medical, and industrial applications.

Evaluation of the Efficiency of Tamarix aphylla Leaves Extract in Controlling the Different Roles of Green Peach, Myzus persicae

Al-Kallabe, H.H., A.A. Mohammed and A.A. Kareem. 2023. Evaluation of the Efficiency of Tamarix aphylla Leaves Extract in Controlling the Different Roles of Green Peach, Myzus persicae. Arab Journal of Plant Protection, 41(4): 361- 368. https://doi.org/10.22268/AJPP-41.4.361368 Green peach aphids M. persicae, are considered a major insect pest worldwide. In the current study, the effectiveness of the leaf extract of the Tamarix aphylla plant in controlling the insect was evaluated using three concentrations (2.5, 5.0 and 10.0 ml/100 ml water) in the laboratory. The current study showed that all the concentrations used gave a high mortality rate of nymphs and adults (100%) six days after treatment. The rate of aphid production decreased significantly and reached 0.0 nymphs per adult five days after treatment. The results indicated that Tamarix leaf extract has a high potential for biological control of M. persicae. Keywords: Tamarix aphylla, Extract, Myzus persicae

Environmental sustainability and resilience in a polluted ecosystem via phytoremediation of heavy metals and plant physiological adaptations

Natural Ecosystems are being degraded significantly due to increasing industrial pollution. Marble pollution is one of them. It was hypothesized that such a polluted ecosystem host unique set of plant species growing and tolerating the level of the pollution they dwell in. These can be used as phytoremediators successively, once the level of their tolerance is determined for environmental sustainability and resilience. The current research work was aimed to assess the phytoremediation ability of the selected resistant plant species by studying their physiological adaptations in the Marble Waste Polluted Ecosystem (MWPE) of northern Pakistan. Quantitative Ecological Techniques (QET) were adopted to sample the vegetation of polluted zones, initially. Indicator species were identified using Indicator Species and Total Importance Value, Indices. Topmost indicator plants were further evaluated for environmental sustainability and resilience based on indicator species analysis and a higher importance value index in the region for their phytoremediation abilities using Biological Concentration Factor (BCF), Translocation Factor (TF) and Bioaccumulation coefficient (BAC) analyses using atomic absorption spectrophotometric techniques. Physiological responses i.e., Proline accumulation and chlorophyll contents (a, b and carotenoids) for each indicator plant species were recorded and examined using standard experimental protocols. Atomic absorption spectrophotometry was also used to assess heavy metals concentration. All the collected data were analyzed through Structural Equation Modeling, Mixed effect modeling and Regression analysis using R software. Preliminary results showed that out of 220 species, 19 indicator plants, i.e., Adiantum capillus-veneris, Ailanthus altissima, Albizia lebbeck, Calotropis procera, Cynodon dactylon, Datura innoxia, Debregeasia salicifolia, Desmostachya bipinnata, Dodonaea viscosa, Erigeron bonariensis, Ficus carica, Morus alba, Morus nigra, Parthenium hysterophorus, Persicaria glabra, Ricinus communis, Setaria viridis, Tamarix aphylla and Withania somnifera were the significant phytoextractor and phyto-stabilizer of potential toxic elements (Cr, Ni, Cu, Mn, Zn, Fe, Co, Cd, Ca and Mg) based on bioaccumulation coefficient, translocation and biological concentration factors. These indicators increase the accumulation of proline osmolyte and decrease chlorophyll-a, chlorophyll-b and total carotenoids as a defense or survival mechanism against pollution. These results were reconfirmed through Structural Equation Modeling, Mixed Effect Modeling and Bivariate Regression. It was concluded that the indicator plants have a significant role in the cleaning of ornamental rocks pollution and hence in the environmental sustainability and resilience. It is recommended that these indicator plants can be grown to remediate the heavy metals or PTEs released from the MWPE and their vicinities for better environmental management and pollution control in the subtropical regions of the world.

The Therapeutic Application of Tamarix aphylla Extract Loaded Nanoemulsion Cream for Acid-Burn Wound Healing and Skin Regeneration.

Background and Objectives: Nanomedicine is a constantly growing field for the diagnosis and treatment of various diseases as well as for regenerative therapy. Nanotechnology-based drug-delivery systems improve pharmacological and pharmacokinetic profiles of plants based biologically active molecules. Based on traditional claims, leaves of the Tamarix aphylla (TA) were investigated for their potential healing activity on burn wounds. Materials and Methods: In this study, TA-based nanoemulsion was prepared. The nanoemulsion was characterized for size, zeta potential, pH, viscosity, and stability. The nanoemulsion containing plant extract was converted into cream and evaluated for its efficacy against acid-burn wounds inflicted in the dorsum of rabbits. The animals were classified into four main groups: Group A as a normal control group, Group B as a positive control (treated with cream base + silver sulfadiazine), Group C as a standard drug (silver sulfadiazine), and Group D as a tested (treated with nanoemulsion cream containing TA extract). The prepared system could deliver TA to the target site and was able to produce pharmacological effects. On days 0, 7, 14, 21, 28, and 35, wound contraction rate was used to determine healing efficacy. The wound samples were collected from the skin for histological examination. Results: Based on statistical analysis using wound-healing time, Group D showed a shorter period (21.60 ± 0.5098) (p &lt; 0.01) than the average healing time of Group C (27.40 ± 0.6002) (p &lt; 0.05) and Group B (33.40 ± 0.8126) (p &lt; 0.05). The histopathological assessment showed that burn healing was better in Group D compared with Group C and Group B. The nanoemulsion cream had a non-sticky texture, low viscosity, excellent skin sensations, and a porous structure. By forming a protective layer on the skin and improving moisture, it enhanced the condition of burnt skin. Conclusions: According to the findings of this study, nanoemulsion cream containing TA extract has great potential in healing acid-burn wounds.

Genus Obdulia Pritchard and Baker (Acari: Tenuipalpidae) from Saudi Arabia; a new species and re-description of O. daadi Al-Gboory

ABSTRACT The genus Obdulia Pritchard and Baker is reported for the first time from Saudi Arabia based on O. neotamaricis sp. nov. collected from galls on Tamarix aphylla (L.) Karst. (Tamaricaceae). The new species is described and illustrated from the adult female and male specimens. Obdulia daadi Al-Gboory, also collected from T. aphylla leaves, is re-described and illustrated based on both sexes, recorded for the first time from Saudi Arabia. Both Obdulia species were associated with the predatory mites, Molothrognathus sp. (Caligonellidae) and Paragigagnathus sp. (Phytoseiidae). The geographic distribution, hosts and a key to all known species of Obdulia are also given. http://www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:3CB40AF1-657E-463D-B7B1-4DB2098F7502 http://www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:9548B401-E153-4475-BA56-471CA5CE10D3