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

Lavandin (Lavandula x intermedia Emeric ex Loisel.) is a sterile natural hybrid obtained from the crossing of lavender (L. angustifolia Mill.) and spike lavender (L. latifolia Medik.), and its cultivation has gained great importance in Spain. This work is aimed to study the chemical composition of essential oils (EOs) of lavandin from clones ´Grosso´ and ´Super´ cultivated in Spain. For this purpose, 215 EOs, obtained by steam distillation between 2016 and 2022 in agricultural farms located in 13 provinces of Spain, were analyzed by gas chromatography (GC) in three public R&D centers: the Regional Institute for Agrifood and Forestry Research and Development of Castilla-La Mancha (IRIAF), the Agrarian Technological Institute of Castilla y León (ITACyL) and the Agrifood Research and Technology Center of Aragon (CITA). The chemical composition of the EO of lavandin showed great inter- and intra-varietal variability, with the main compounds being linalool, linalyl acetate, camphor and 1,8-cineole. The results showed that the contents of camphor and 1,8-cineole were higher in ´Grosso´ (7.2% vs 5.0% and 5.7% vs 3.8%, respectively), while those of linalool and linalyl acetate were higher in ´Super´ (35.8% vs 34.2% and 33.7% vs 27.2%). Among minor compounds, the lavandin 'Super' exhibited a higher content of β-Z-ocimene and β-E-ocimene, and a lower content of terpinen-4-ol compared to 'Grosso´. Additionally, eleven compounds of lavandin 'Grosso' were compared within the ranges established by ISO 8902:2009 standard, revealing that only 18% of the samples complied with it for all of these compounds. In this sense, the contents of α-terpineol, linalool and lavandulyl acetate were above the upper limit of the standard in respectively 49%, 23% and 21% of the samples. On the contrary, 36% of the samples for β-Z-ocimene and 32% for linalyl acetate were below the range of this regulation. Unfortunately, these discrepancies with the ISO regulation exclude numerous EOs from the market despite their value in different sectors like perfumery, cosmetics, aromatherapy, phytosanitary or pharmacy. This work could serve as a guidance and/or reference study of Spanish essential oil of ´Grosso´ and ´Super´ clones for stakeholders involved in the lavandin EO market.

Black pepper (Piper nigrum L.), a highly sought-after spice crop with medicinal properties, requires careful evaluation and selection due to its perennial nature and associated resource requirements. Being a perennial, yield trials across years are feasible and practical in this crop rather than that across locations. However, parameters to assess the yield trial data and/or derive criteria to select superior cultivars with stable performance are lacking in black pepper. In this study, we examined the genotype-by-year interaction (GYI) pattern and its impact on black pepper yield, as well as the selection parameters for identifying stable and high-yielding cultivars. Average Yield Relative Environment Maximum (YREM) and Best Linear Unbiased Predictor (BLUP) emerged as the most effective measures for evaluating cultivar performance, as they accounted for relative yield and stability. Among the evaluated cultivars, OPKM displayed better stability estimates. However, considering high mean yield along with all the stability estimates, the HP 2173 ranked first. Notably, even with single-location multi-year trial data, the single-year YREM and BLUP values showed significant predictive power for future performance which is most preferred in perennial crops. Additionally, the use of multi-year average performance (YREM and BLUP) as quantitative criteria for selecting or rejecting genotypes in future breeding programs proved to be effective.

Salt resistance studies have, unfortunately, mainly been focused on conventional crops, with very few studies being conducted on the potential of available halophytes as new crops in the future. Portulaca oleracea L. has been listed as one of the most used medicinal plants by the World Health Organization as an edible halophyte. It is a fast-growing herbaceous annual with high nutritional relevance. The present work was designed to determine the effect of six soluble salts (NaCl, Na₂SO₄, KCl, CaCl₂, CaCO₃, and MgCl₂) on germination of P. oleracea seeds. The effect of salinity was tested on final germination percentage (FGP%), and germination tolerance index (GTI%) using five concentrations (0, 200, 300, 400, and 600 mM) of each salt. In addition, laboratory experiments were conducted to assess the effects of salinity on germination recovery from high saline conditions (600 mM). Salinity level and salt composition significantly influenced germination attributes. P. oleracea seeds were non-dormant, exhibited approximately 100% germination in distilled water. Both FGP and GTI gradually decreased with increasing salinity. This study showed that seeds of P. oleracea can germinate under 300 mM in all tested salts. The salts causing germination inhibition exhibited specificity, with an increasing trend observed in the following sequence: MgCl₂ > Na₂SO₄ > NaCl > KCl > CaCl₂ > CaCO₃. Transferring ungerminated seeds from 600 mM to distilled water recovered their germination ability. Based on these results, we can conclude that P. oleracea is a high salt-tolerant species that can tolerate a variety of salts found in soil. Therefore, P. oleracea may be considered a promising species for improving ecological balance in saline soils.

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.