Journal of Applied Research on Medicinal and Aromatic Plants最新文献

Alpinia oxyphylla Miq. (A. oxyphylla) is a favorable medicinal and edible plant, its fructus has various biological activities. In the present study, ultrasonic extraction (UE) of the active constituents from Alpiniae oxyphyllae Fructus (A. oxyphyllae Fructus) was optimized using central composite design and the extract was characterized for its activities. The results suggested that under optimum UE conditions (ethanol concentration (60%, v/v), solid-liquid ratio (1:40), and number of extractions (4)), the total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and total triterpene content (TTC) were 11.92 mg GAE/g DW, 15.37 mg RE/g DW, and 58.04 mg UAE/g DW, respectively. The 8 major compounds in A. oxyphyllae Fructus extract were identified and quantified by ultra-performance liquid chromatography tandem electrospray ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-ESI-QTrap-MS) and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The extract of A. oxyphyllae Fructus obtained by UE based on optimal parameters had higher TPC, TFC and TTC, better antioxidant activities, antibacterial activities and enzyme inhibitory activities as compared to boiling water extraction (BWE) and maceration extraction (ME).

Polygonum chinense L. (synonym: Persicaria chinensis) was considered a medicinal food homology plant, which was often used in herbal tea. This plant is rich in phenolic acid compounds that possess antibacterial, antioxidant, and other pharmacological properties. Although phenolic acids of P. chinense have been investigated pharmacologically, the genetic basis of phenolic acid biosynthesis in this plant is unknown due to the lack of a reference genome. In this study, we employed a combination of transcriptomics and bioinformatic analysis to construct a transcriptome database for three tissues (flowers, leaves, and stems) of P. chinense, and extracted genes related to the biosynthesis of phenolic acids. In total, 90,635 unigenes with a mean length of 1224 bp were obtained, 70,915 of which were functionally annotated. Seventy-eight differentially expressed genes (DEGs) associated with the phenolic acid biosynthetic pathway were identified, with five DEGs (CL4812–1, CL7291–1, CL5600–1, CL6332–3, and Unigene12384) being singled out as candidate genes putatively involved in the regulation of phenolic acid biosynthesis through correlation analysis. A comprehensive sequence analysis of these candidate genes was subsequently performed. The phylogenetic tree and the structural model were constructed, and molecular docking studies were conducted for the 4-coumarate-CoA ligase. Additionally, the expression levels of 12 unigenes encoding key enzymes involved in phenolic acid biosynthesis were validated using quantitative reverse transcription-PCR. Our study provides candidate genes at the transcriptional level for further investigation of the molecular regulatory mechanisms involved in phenolic acid biosynthesis, as well as a scientific basis for the development of P. chinense as a food-medicine dual-purpose plant.

Ferula assa-foetida L. is a high-value spice and medicinal herb. It is used as a common condiment in Indian cuisines and essential part of traditional medicine in Ayurveda and Unani system from pre-historic times. It has been used in the drug industry due to its distinctive phytochemistry and pharmacological activity. Besides, this plant has a high potential to diversify sources of farmers’ income and improve their livelihood, especially living in the Himalayan periphery. However, cultivation of this herb is hindered by several challenges such as low germination and plant survival, extended dormancy phase, specific agro-climatic conditions and poor oleo-gum resin extraction methods. Moreover, there are limited studies focused on its reproductive biology and breeding technology, which are the basis of any genetic improvement and variety development programme. Hence, there is an emerging need to develop modern agro-technology and promising high yielding genotypes to promote its large-scale cultivation. This comprehensive review summarizes valuable insights into the historical account, ethnobotany, geographical distribution, agrotechnology, molecular characterization, pharmaceutical uses and world trade in asafoetida.

The extraction of polyphenolic compounds from plants is crucial in the industrial production of functional nutraceuticals, but traditional methods often yield low and variable results. In this research, an innovative strategy for optimizing polyphenol extraction from two plants Cistus creticus L. and Ephedra alata subsp. alenda (Stapf) Trab., known for their rich composition in polyphenols and their bioactivities, using Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction in conjunction with artificial neural networks (ANNs) and multi-objective optimization is presented. ANNs were trained to model the intricate relationships among UAE parameters, including solvent concentration, temperature, and time, and the outcomes, encompassing polyphenol yield and bioactivity. Multi-objective optimization techniques were subsequently applied to identify extraction conditions that maximize both yield and bioactivity simultaneously. Results validate the accuracy of the ANNs model in predicting polyphenol yields and the significant enhancement in extraction efficiency and bioactivity achieved through multi-objective optimization. The extracts prepared in the optimal conditions have demonstrated superior antioxidant activities, compared to the non-optimized extracts, with the smallest values of IC₅₀ of 242,378 µg/mL, and 146,736 µg/mL for the plants Ephedra alata subsp alenda (Stapf) Trab. and Cistus creticus L. respectively. This study introduces a promising approach for elevating the extraction of plant-derived polyphenols, augmenting their bioactivity with ANNs and multi-objective optimization. In light of the obtained results, it is recommended that further research explore the scalability and applicability of the presented innovative strategy in larger-scale industrial settings. Considering the demonstrated success in optimizing polyphenol extraction from Cistus creticus L. and Ephedra alata subsp. alenda (Stapf) Trab., extending the application of Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction, coupled with artificial neural networks (ANNs) and multi-objective optimization, to other plant species could offer valuable insights. Additionally, investigating the economic feasibility and environmental impact of implementing this strategy on an industrial scale would contribute to its practical viability.

Bergenia ciliata, a small perennial herb with lithotriptic properties, belongs to the family Saxifragaceae. The rhizome, which is also the most significant commercial part of this plant, is typically used for propagation since the seeds are very tiny with poor viability and germination capacity. Seed invigoration is a well-recognized and effective technique to improve seed germination potential, ensure establishment, and enhance yield under varying environments. Thus, the present investigation aimed to study the seed viability as well as the effect of various invigoration techniques on germination parameters and seedling vigor of B. ciliata. Seeds were primed with 14 distinct conventional treatments varied either with concentrations or duration of exposures. Standardized method was followed for seed germination test, and the emerged seedlings were allowed to grow until day 15 when the various seedling parameters were analyzed. Seed soaking in TZ solution followed by bleaching with 4% NaOCl for 20 min recorded 88.5–95.8% viability. Results also indicated that germination and seedling growth parameters were greater under all priming treatments as compared to control. The maximum germination rate (93.75%) was observed under GA₃@25 ppm. Total seedling length, dry weight and SVI were found to be higher under pre-sowing seed treatment with GA₃@25 ppm in comparison with control or other treatments. Better activation of ‘pre-germinative metabolisms’ in primed seeds might result in improved germination and other indices. Moreover, the PCA and cluster analysis revealed that various pre-sowing treatments particularly GA₃ would be recommended for improved seed germination of B. ciliata.

Species authentication of Panax ginseng C.A. Mey. and its commercial products is vital for ensuring its therapeutic efficacy and food safety. To address the limitations of previous DNA methods in identifying ginseng products with severe DNA degradation, a multiplex PCR assay was established based on the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers exploited from the mitochondrial nad2 intron 4 region. This assay, which requires neither expensive equipment nor sequence analysis of PCR products, can detect 0.1% adulteration of P. quinquefolius or P. notoginseng down to a 0.001 ng level of template DNA. The developed assay proved effective in authenticating the botanical origin of commercial ginseng extracts without generating false-negative results under traditional PCR conditions. Therefore, the present study provides a valuable technical reference for regulating adulteration in commercial ginseng products, and the methodology can be applied in species authentication of other herbal products.

The aim of the present study was to map and gain knowledge on the current status of the production, marketing and consumption of herbal drugs in Estonia. To accomplish this goal, we collected data from herbal farms, wholesalers, health stores and consumers. Our study revealed that the Estonian farms produce annually about 14,000 kg of herbal drugs, which are mainly marketed via community pharmacies. The most widely used herbs for medicinal purposes were Chamomillae flos, Lini semen, Rosae fructus, Carum carvi semen, and Cetraria islandica. According to the wholesale data total 650,000 packages (20,000 kg) of herbal drugs were purchased annually from community pharmacies. 80 % of the herbal drugs were of Estonian origin and 20 % imported. The sales ratio between herbal blends and single herbal drugs was 1:3. Our calculations show that one Estonian inhabitant uses an average of 10 g of herbal drugs, purchased from community pharmacy, every year. Our study also revealed that herbal blends were primarily used for general well-being and mood (27 %), for the treatment of common cold (17 %), for energy and organism stimulation (12 %), for calming, stress and sleep (11 %), and for mild gastrointestinal disorders (7 %). The most popular herbal drugs supplied by grocery and health stores were Chamomillae flos, Menthae folium, Tiliae flos, Foeniculi fructus and Calendulae flos. Perhaps surprisingly, total 1.1 million packages of herbal drugs were purchased annually from community pharmacies (representing 57 % of all packages) and from grocery and health stores (43 %). This means that one Estonian inhabitant uses an average of 20 cups of herbal tea altogether every year. Our survey about the consumption habits of herbal drugs showed that total 88 % of the respondents used herbal drugs occasionally, and approximately 31 % of them even on the weekly basis for common cold, gastrointestinal disorders and various mild inflammations. In conclusion, traditional herbal drugs have still an important role in the self-medication of common diseases in Estonia, thus supporting the contemporary pharmaceutical care.

The effect of genotype by environment interaction is one of the limiting factor for successfully identifying superior genotypes in plant breeding programs. The study aimed to identify celery genotypes with high and stable yields across different environments by assessing genotype-environment (GE) interactions, stability indices, and associations between agronomic parameters. Twenty celery genotypes were sown in randomized complete block design field trials at three locations in Punjab, India, viz., Ludhiana, Amritsar, and Gurdaspur during 2018–19, 2019–20, and 2020–21. Phenotypic data for thirteen agronomic parameters were collected for GE interactions study. The investigation mainly focused on the significance of GGE biplots in explaining GE interactions based on seed yield-related traits. Results revealed significant differences in genotypes, locations, years, and interactions in the studied traits. The WAASB (weighted average of absolute sScores) stability index estimation was highlighted to identify superior genotypes with maximum seed yield and high stability. The investigation specified the suitability of MTSI (multi-trait stability index), which considers multiple traits through genotype-ideotype distance, for assessing stability. Seed yield showed a positive and significant correlation with primary branches and umbels per plant that would be effective in simultaneous selection for multiple traits. Based on MTSI, three genotypes, PAU1, PAU9, and PAU10, were identified as stable and high-yielding across all three tested locations. The investigation suggests that efforts should focus on identifying location-specific genotypes using multi-location and multi-year data for varietal releases rather than emphasizing the overall performance of genotypes.

The fruits of Illicium griffithii are of medicinal and economic importance. In this study, five solvents viz. methanol, ethanol, acetone, ethyl acetate and water at 20–100% concentration analyzed for phenolic content (TPC and TFC) and antioxidant activities (DPPH and ABTS) of I. griffithii fruit. TPC was highest (40.06±0.48 mg GAE/g dw) in 80% MeOH, and TFC was highest (6.58±0.12 mg QE/g dw) in 100% EtOAc extracts. The antioxidant activities were higher in extract(s) with 100% of each solvent (93.35–94.27% inhibition) and highest in 100% EtOAc extracts. A total of 7 phenolic compounds, viz. gallic acid, catechin, chlorogenic acid, p-hydroxybenzoic acid, vanillic acid, ferulic acid, and phloridzin, were identified in different solvent extracts. 100% MeOH extracted the highest content of gallic acid (2.54 mg/g) and catechin (2.59 mg/g). The ATR-FTIR spectra showed the presence of aliphatic, aromatic, and phenolic groups. The TGA analysis exposed volatile matter, cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin content. The FESEM analysis also revealed the morphological changes in treated samples. The extraction efficacy of phenolic compounds was better in extracts with higher concentration of solvents (60% −100%). The fruit is a rich source of phenolics and antioxidants; thus, it can provide multiple industrial benefits.

The high accumulation of heavy metals (HMs) in soils is becoming a major ecological concern worldwide that negatively impacts all living organisms. Therefore, sustainable solutions are urgently needed to withstand these challenging circumstances and to maintain natural ecosystem functionality. Among the relevant solutions is to select well-adapted plant species and embed them in revegetation operations for degraded areas. In this study, the effects of different concentrations (0, 200, 400, and 600 mg L^–1) of cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), and lead (Pd) on the seed germination capacity and initial growth performance of two valuable aromatic plants (Lavandula stoechas L. and Myrtus communis L.) were tested. The germination of seeds was greatest in the control treatment (0 mg L^–1), while amplifying HM stress restricted germination. The results obtained showed that seeds of L. stoechas were unable to germinate in the presence of high doses of Cd (400 and 600 mg L^–1) and Ni (600 mg mg L^–1), and subsequently featuring increasing tolerance thresholds in the following order: Pb > Cr > Ni > Cd. Regardless of the HM used, M. communis seeds germinated at all concentrations, and germination increased in the following pattern of HM resistance: Cd > Ni > Cr > Pb. Seedlings of L. stoechas displayed better resistance to Ni and Pb, while M. communis seedlings were most strongly affected by Ni. Overall, the hypocotyl was typically more susceptible to different metal elements than the radicle. The ability of seeds to effectively emerge in a broad range of HM solutions indicates that both species can further establish and propagate in contaminated soils.