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Palacios J, Paredes A, Cifuentes F, Catalán MA, García-Villalón AL, Borquez J, Simirgiotis MJ, Jones M, Foster A, Greensmith DJ. A hydroalcoholic extract of Senecio nutans SCh. Bip (Asteraceae); its effects on cardiac function and chemical characterization. J Ethnopharmacol 2023; 300:115747. [PMID: 36152785 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2022.115747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Revised: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY RELEVANCE The plant Senecio nutans SCh. Bip. is used by Andean communities to treat altitude sickness. Recent evidence suggests it may produce vasodilation and negative cardiac inotropy, though the cellular mechanisms have not been elucidated. PURPOSE To determinate the mechanisms action of S. nutans on cardiovascular function in normotensive animals. METHODS The effect of the extract on rat blood pressure was measured with a transducer in the carotid artery and intraventricular pressure by a Langendorff system. The effects on sheep ventricular intracellular calcium handling and contractility were evaluated using photometry. Ultra-high-performance liquid-chromatography with diode array detection coupled with heated electrospray-ionization quadrupole-orbitrap mass spectrometric detection (UHPLC-DAD-ESI-Q-OT-MSn) was used for extract chemical characterization. RESULTS In normotensive rats, S. nutans (10 mg/kg) reduced mean arterial pressure (MAP) by 40% (p < 0.05), causing a dose-dependent coronary artery dilation and decreased left ventricular pressure. In isolated cells, S. nutans extract (1 μg/ml) rapidly reduced the [Ca2+]i transient amplitude and sarcomere shorting by 40 and 49% (p < 0.001), respectively. The amplitude of the caffeine evoked [Ca2+]i transient was reduced by 24% (p < 0.001), indicating reduced sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+ content. Sodium-calcium exchanger (NCX) activity increased by 17% (p < 0.05), while sarcoendoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase (SERCA) activity was decreased by 21% (p < 0.05). LC-MS results showed the presence of vitamin C, malic acid, and several antioxidant phenolic acids reported for the first time. Dihydroeuparin and 4-hydroxy-3-(3-methylbut-2-enyl) acetophenone were abundant in the extract. CONCLUSION In normotensive animals, S. nutans partially reduces MAP by decreasing heart rate and cardiac contractility. This negative inotropy is accounted for by decreased SERCA activity and increased NCX activity which reduces SR Ca2+ content. These results highlight the plant's potential as a source of novel cardio-active phytopharmaceuticals or nutraceuticals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Palacios
- Laboratorio de Bioquímica Aplicada, Química y Farmacia, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Arturo Prat, Iquique, 1110939, Chile.
| | - Adrián Paredes
- Departamento de Química, Facultad de Ciencias Básicas, Universidad de Antofagasta, Antofagasta, 1271155, Chile; Instituto Antofagasta (IA), Universidad de Antofagasta, Antofagasta, 1271155, Chile.
| | - Fredi Cifuentes
- Instituto Antofagasta (IA), Universidad de Antofagasta, Antofagasta, 1271155, Chile; Departamento de Biomédico, Facultad Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Antofagasta, Antofagasta, 1271155, Chile.
| | - Marcelo A Catalán
- Instituto de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, 5090000, Chile.
| | | | - Jorge Borquez
- Departamento de Química, Facultad de Ciencias Básicas, Universidad de Antofagasta, Antofagasta, 1271155, Chile.
| | - Mario J Simirgiotis
- Center for Interdisciplinary Studies on the Nervous System (CISNe), Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, 5090000, Chile.
| | - Matthew Jones
- Biomedical Research Centre, School of Science, Engineering and Environment, The University of Salford, Salford, United Kingdom.
| | - Amy Foster
- Biomedical Research Centre, School of Science, Engineering and Environment, The University of Salford, Salford, United Kingdom.
| | - David J Greensmith
- Biomedical Research Centre, School of Science, Engineering and Environment, The University of Salford, Salford, United Kingdom.
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Walas Ł, Taib A. Environmental regionalization and endemic plant distribution in the Maghreb. Environ Monit Assess 2022; 194:100. [PMID: 35032243 PMCID: PMC8761123 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-021-09707-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Clustering methods based on environmental variables are useful in the planning of conservation strategies for species and ecosystems. However, there is a lack of work on the regionalization of the vast space of North Africa and the distribution of plant species. The current lists of endemic plants are focused mostly on an occurrence at the country level and not on regions with different conditions. The aim of this work was to lay out an environmental scheme for northwest Africa and to collect data about the occurrence of endemic plants in this area. Clustering with 12 of 33 tested environmental rasters was performed to divide the Maghreb into environmental clusters. Then, a list of 1618 endemic plant taxa (1243 species and 375 subspecies) was prepared and their distribution in estimated environmental clusters was examined. Eleven clusters with different conditions were estimated. The main drivers of regionalization were temperature amplitude, precipitation seasonality, and precipitation of the warmest quarter. According to the occurrence of endemic plants, northwest Africa may be divided into three zones: Atlas, Mediterranean (two environmental clusters), and southern zone (eight environmental clusters). The presented results provide a good basis for understanding the spatial patterns of the Maghreb, including its environment and species diversity. A designed list of endemic plant species together with environmental data may facilitate the planning of future research in north Africa and arranging methods of biodiversity protection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Łukasz Walas
- Institute of Dendrology Polish Academy of Sciences, Parkowa 5, 62-035 Kórnik, Poland
| | - Asma Taib
- Ecole Nationale Supérieure Agronomique, El Harrach, Algeria
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Gomes TF, Lima AM, Marques APP, da Silva LC. Effects of fluoride emission on the morphoanatomy of three plant species endemics to Brazil using passive biomonitoring. Environ Sci Pollut Res Int 2021; 28:10.1007/s11356-021-13017-2. [PMID: 33638070 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-13017-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2020] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Fluoride is the most phytotoxic atmospheric pollutant. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of fluoride emissions by an aluminum smelter on three plant species endemics to Brazil, located at Parque Estadual do Itacolomi (PEI). The monitored species were Byrsonima variabilis (Malpighiaceae), Myrceugenia alpigena (Myrtaceae), and Eremanthus erythropappus (Asteraceae), which were monitored during 9 months using passive biomonitoring at five different locations with different distances from the smelter. The monitored species did not show macroscopic phytotoxicity damage to fluoride; however, they did show microscopic damage. The species closer to the smelter presented more severe anatomic damages, such as rupture of cell walls, protoplast retraction, and trichome alterations. Damaged stomatal ledges, flaking epicuticular wax, and damages to trichomes were observed. M. alpigena showed a higher accumulation of fluoride than the other species at all monitored sites. The test for cell death with Evans Blue was positive for the three studied species. Through biomonitoring in the PEI, we concluded that the emissions from the aluminum smelter affect the native vegetation and that due to the greater accumulation of fluoride and the diversity of microscopic damage in M. alpigena, the use of this species in the monitoring of environments polluted by fluoride is enhanced.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thamires Fernanda Gomes
- Departamento de Biologia Vegetal, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Av. P.H. Rolfs, s/n, Campus Universitário, Vicosa, MG, 36570-900, Brazil
| | - Ademir Martins Lima
- Departamento de Agronomia, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Av. P.H. Rolfs, s/n, Campus Universitário, Vicosa, MG, 36570-900, Brazil
| | - Ana Paula Pires Marques
- Departamento de Biologia Vegetal, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Av. P.H. Rolfs, s/n, Campus Universitário, Vicosa, MG, 36570-900, Brazil
| | - Luzimar Campos da Silva
- Departamento de Biologia Vegetal, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Av. P.H. Rolfs, s/n, Campus Universitário, Vicosa, MG, 36570-900, Brazil.
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Menteli V, Krigas N, Avramakis M, Turland N, Vokou D. Endemic plants of Crete in electronic trade and wildlife tourism: current patterns and implications for conservation. J Biol Res (Thessalon) 2019; 26:10. [PMID: 31696063 PMCID: PMC6822446 DOI: 10.1186/s40709-019-0104-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2019] [Accepted: 10/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Background The island of Crete is a biodiversity hotspot having 223 endemic vascular taxa (species and subspecies) as a result of its long isolation and the wide range of habitats it includes. We explore trends and patterns in the electronic trade of these unique genetic resources and in their involvement in wildlife tourism, the ways these two activities are performed and the associated potential threats on the plants' wild populations, and we also identify priority taxa requiring special attention. The main part of the study was conducted in 2016-2017 using English as a search language; an additional search was conducted in 2019 using German and French. Results We found e-commerce for 28 (13%) endemic taxa. These are traded by 65 nurseries from 14 countries, the UK primarily. Among the traded plants, 16 face extinction risk and/or are under protection status. Prices vary largely for the same taxon and form of sale. Lamiaceae is the family with the highest number of e-traded taxa, Tulipa bakeri is the most traded species, and the living plant is the commonest form of sale. Thirty-seven endemic taxa are advertised in the websites of travel agencies involved in wildlife tourism. Tulipa doerfleri is the most frequently encountered taxon in these websites, whereas Lamiaceae, Liliaceae and Orchidaceae are similarly represented. The additional search showed a very rapid increase in the e-trade of the Cretan endemis. Conclusion The two examined markets are similar in that geophytes play a prominent role and Lamiaceae rank first among the represented plant families, but differ in several aspects: only 22.6% of the taxa detected are common in both, obedience to rules exhibited by travel agencies is not usually the case with nurseries, and potential threats to wild populations are estimated as considerably higher for the traded plants. Sixteen endemic taxa of Crete were identified as requiring special attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viktoria Menteli
- 1Department of Ecology, School of Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Nikos Krigas
- Institute of Plant Breeding and Genetic Resources, Hellenic Agricultural Organization Demeter, P.O. Box 60458, 57001 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Manolis Avramakis
- 3Natural History Museum of Crete, University of Crete, 71409 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Nicholas Turland
- 4Botanischer Garten und Botanisches Museum Berlin, Freie Universität Berlin, Königin-Luise-Str. 6-8, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Despoina Vokou
- 1Department of Ecology, School of Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
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Suleman S, Beyene Tufa T, Kebebe D, Belew S, Mekonnen Y, Gashe F, Mussa S, Wynendaele E, Duchateau L, De Spiegeleer B. Treatment of malaria and related symptoms using traditional herbal medicine in Ethiopia. J Ethnopharmacol 2018; 213:262-279. [PMID: 29102764 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2017.10.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2017] [Revised: 10/30/2017] [Accepted: 10/31/2017] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Medicinal plants have always been an integral part of different cultures in Ethiopia in the treatment of different illnesses including malaria and related symptoms. However, due to lack of proper documentation, urbanization, drought, acculturation and deforestation, there is an increased risk of losing this traditional knowledge. Hence, the use of the indigenous knowledge should be well documented and validated for potential future use. AIM OF THE STUDY To gather and document information on medicinal plants which are used in the traditional treatment of malaria and related symptoms in Ethiopia. MATERIALS AND METHODS First, an ethnomedicinal survey of plants was conducted in 17 districts of Jimma zone, the Oromia national regional state of Ethiopia. Jimma zone is malarious and rich in natural flora. A total of 115 traditional healers were interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire containing personal data of the respondents, and information on medicinal plants used to treat malaria and related symptoms. In addition, a literature search using Medline/PubMed, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect and HINARI was conducted on the indigenous use, in-vitro/in-vivo anti-malarial activity reports, and the chemical characterization of medicinal plants of Ethiopia used against malaria. RESULTS From ethnomedicinal survey, a total of 28 species of plants used in the traditional treatment of malaria and related symptoms in Jimma Zone were collected, identified and documented. In addition, the literature search revealed that 124 medicinal plant species were reported to be traditionally used in the treatment of malaria in Ethiopia. From both ethnomedicinal survey and the literature search, Asteraceae and Fabaceae were the most represented families and Allium sativum L., Carica papaya L., Vernonia amygdalina Del., Lepidium sativum L. and Croton macrostachyus Del. were the most frequently reported plant species for their anti-malarial use. The dominant plant parts used in the preparation of remedies were leaves. About 54% of the medicinal plants documented in the survey have been reported as an anti-malarial plant in the literature search. Furthermore, the in-vitro and in-vivo anti-plasmodial activity reports of extracts from some of plant species were found to support the traditional claim of the documented plants. Moreover, literatures indicate that several secondary metabolites isolated from certain plant species that are traditionally used for the treatment of malaria and related symptoms in Ethiopia demonstrate strong anti-plasmodial activity. CONCLUSIONS The result of the current study showed that traditional knowledge is still playing an important role in the management of malaria and related symptoms in Ethiopia. Allium sativum L., Carica papaya L., Vernonia amygdalina Del., and Lepidium sativum L. are the most commonly reported species as anti-malarial plants and the traditional claim of some species was supported by known anti-plasmodial activity and bioactivity reports. The finding of this study is important in the rational prioritization of plant species which are potentially used for investigating new compounds, which could be efficacious for malaria treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sultan Suleman
- Jimma University Laboratory of Drug Quality (JuLaDQ), Jimma University, PO Box 378, Jimma, Ethiopia; School of Pharmacy, Jimma University, P.O. Box 378, Jimma, Ethiopia.
| | - Takele Beyene Tufa
- Jimma University Laboratory of Drug Quality (JuLaDQ), Jimma University, PO Box 378, Jimma, Ethiopia; School of Pharmacy, Jimma University, P.O. Box 378, Jimma, Ethiopia; Drug Quality and Registration (DruQuaR) Group, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium; College of Veterinary Medicine and Agriculture, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 34, Bishoftu, Ethiopia.
| | - Dereje Kebebe
- Jimma University Laboratory of Drug Quality (JuLaDQ), Jimma University, PO Box 378, Jimma, Ethiopia; School of Pharmacy, Jimma University, P.O. Box 378, Jimma, Ethiopia.
| | - Sileshi Belew
- Jimma University Laboratory of Drug Quality (JuLaDQ), Jimma University, PO Box 378, Jimma, Ethiopia; School of Pharmacy, Jimma University, P.O. Box 378, Jimma, Ethiopia; Drug Quality and Registration (DruQuaR) Group, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Yimer Mekonnen
- Jimma University Laboratory of Drug Quality (JuLaDQ), Jimma University, PO Box 378, Jimma, Ethiopia; School of Pharmacy, Jimma University, P.O. Box 378, Jimma, Ethiopia.
| | - Fanta Gashe
- School of Pharmacy, Jimma University, P.O. Box 378, Jimma, Ethiopia.
| | - Seid Mussa
- School of Pharmacy, Jimma University, P.O. Box 378, Jimma, Ethiopia.
| | - Evelien Wynendaele
- Drug Quality and Registration (DruQuaR) Group, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Luc Duchateau
- Department of Comparative Physiology and Biometrics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, B-9820 Merelbeke, Belgium.
| | - Bart De Spiegeleer
- Drug Quality and Registration (DruQuaR) Group, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium.
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Fos S, Laguna E, Jiménez J, Gómez-Serrano MÁ. Plant micro-reserves in Valencia (E. Spain): A model to preserve threatened flora in China? Plant Divers 2017; 39:383-389. [PMID: 30159533 PMCID: PMC6112322 DOI: 10.1016/j.pld.2017.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2017] [Revised: 10/03/2017] [Accepted: 10/11/2017] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
The Valencian Community (eastern Spain) was the pioneer territory establishing plant micro-reserves (PMRs). Its model to protect small sites for endemic and endangered plants has been exported to several countries around the globe. This paper highlights 1) the role of PMRs to complement the protection provided by large protected areas, 2) how the establishment of PMRs fosters the increase of floristic knowledge, and 3) the fact that continuous monitoring of PMRs also yields new records of endangered species found within the same PMRs. The flexibility of the PMR approach -it can be adapted to other national and regional legislations- allows its transfer to other rich-biodiversity regions and countries such as China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simón Fos
- VAERSA-Generalitat Valenciana, Avda. Corts Valencianes, 20, 46015, Valencia, Spain
- Servicio de Vida Silvestre, Generalitat Valenciana, C./ Castán Tobeñas, 77, 46018, Valencia, Spain
| | - Emilio Laguna
- Servicio de Vida Silvestre, Generalitat Valenciana, C./ Castán Tobeñas, 77, 46018, Valencia, Spain
- Centro para la Experimentación e Investigación Forestal (CIEF), Generalitat Valenciana, Avda. Comarques del País Valencia, 114, 46930, Quart de Poblet, Valencia, Spain
| | - Juan Jiménez
- Servicio de Vida Silvestre, Generalitat Valenciana, C./ Castán Tobeñas, 77, 46018, Valencia, Spain
| | - Miguel Ángel Gómez-Serrano
- VAERSA-Generalitat Valenciana, Avda. Corts Valencianes, 20, 46015, Valencia, Spain
- Servicio de Vida Silvestre, Generalitat Valenciana, C./ Castán Tobeñas, 77, 46018, Valencia, Spain
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Shields MW, Tompkins JM, Saville DJ, Meurk CD, Wratten S. Potential ecosystem service delivery by endemic plants in New Zealand vineyards: successes and prospects. PeerJ 2016; 4:e2042. [PMID: 27366636 PMCID: PMC4924141 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.2042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2016] [Accepted: 04/25/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Vineyards worldwide occupy over 7 million hectares and are typically virtual monocultures, with high and costly inputs of water and agro-chemicals. Understanding and enhancing ecosystem services can reduce inputs and their costs and help satisfy market demands for evidence of more sustainable practices. In this New Zealand work, low-growing, endemic plant species were evaluated for their potential benefits as Service Providing Units (SPUs) or Ecosystem Service Providers (ESPs). The services provided were weed suppression, conservation of beneficial invertebrates, soil moisture retention and microbial activity. The potential Ecosystem Dis-services (EDS) from the selected plant species by hosting the larvae of a key vine moth pest, the light-brown apple moth (Epiphyas postvittana), was also quantified. Questionnaires were used to evaluate winegrowers’ perceptions of the value of and problems associated with such endemic plant species in their vineyards. Growth and survival rates of the 14 plant species, in eight families, were evaluated, with Leptinella dioica (Asteraceae) and Acaena inermis ‘purpurea’ (Rosaceae) having the highest growth rates in terms of area covered and the highest survival rate after 12 months. All 14 plant species suppressed weeds, with Leptinella squalida, Geranium sessiliforum (Geraniaceae), Hebe chathamica (Plantaginaceae), Scleranthus uniflorus (Caryophyllaceae) and L. dioica, each reducing weed cover by >95%. Plant species also differed in the diversity of arthropods that they supported, with the Shannon Wiener diversity index (H′) for these taxa ranging from 0 to 1.3. G. sessiliforum and Muehlenbeckia axillaris (Polygonaceae) had the highest invertebrate diversity. Density of spiders was correlated with arthropod diversity and G. sessiliflorum and H. chathamica had the highest densities of these arthropods. Several plant species associated with higher soil moisture content than in control plots. The best performing species in this context were A. inermis ‘purpurea’ and Lobelia angulata (Lobeliaceae). Soil beneath all plant species had a higher microbial activity than in control plots, with L. dioica being highest in this respect. Survival proportion to the adult stage of the moth pest, E. postvittana, on all plant species was poor (<0.3). When judged by a ranking combining multiple criteria, the most promising plant species were (in decreasing order) G. sessiliflorum, A. inermis ‘purpurea’, H. chathamica, M. axillaris, L. dioica, L. angulata, L. squalida and S. uniflorus. Winegrowers surveyed said that they probably would deploy endemic plants around their vines. This research demonstrates that enhancing plant diversity in vineyards can deliver SPUs, harbour ESPs and therefore deliver ES. The data also shows that growers are willing to follow these protocols, with appropriate advice founded on sound research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgan W Shields
- Bio-Protection Research Centre, Lincoln University, Lincoln, Canterbury, New Zealand
| | | | - David J Saville
- Saville Statistical Consulting Limited, Lincoln, Canterbury, New Zealand
| | | | - Stephen Wratten
- Bio-Protection Research Centre, Lincoln University, Lincoln, Canterbury, New Zealand
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Chander MP, Pillai CR, Sunish IP, Vijayachari P. Antimicrobial and antimalarial properties of medicinal plants used by the indigenous tribes of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India. Microb Pathog 2016; 96:85-8. [PMID: 27174207 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2016.04.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2016] [Accepted: 04/27/2016] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
In this study, methanol extracts of six medicinal plants (Alstonia macrophylla, Claoxylon indicum, Dillenia andamanica, Jasminum syringifolium, Miliusia andamanica and Pedilanthus tithymaloides) traditionally used by Nicobarese tribes of Andaman and Nicobar Islands were studied for antimicrobial and antimalarial activities as well as preliminary photochemical analysis. Plants were collected from Car Nicobar of Andaman and Nicobar Islands and the ethnobotanical data were gathered from traditional healers who inhabit the study area. The methanol extracts were obtained by cold percolation method and the antimicrobial activity was found using agar well diffusion method. Among the plants tested, J. syringifolium, D. andamanica, C. indicum were most active. The antimalarial activity was evaluated against Plasmodium falciparum chloroquine-sensitive MRC-2 isolate. The crude extract of M. andamanica showed excellent antimalarial activity followed by extracts of P. tithymaloides, J. syringifolium and D. andamanica. The chemical injury to erythrocytes was also carried out and it showed that, there were no morphological changes in erythrocytes by the methanol crude extracts. The in vitro antimicrobial and antimalarial activity might be due to the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, triterpenes, sterols, tannins and saponins in the methanol extracts of tested plants.
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Zachow C, Berg C, Müller H, Monk J, Berg G. Endemic plants harbour specific Trichoderma communities with an exceptional potential for biocontrol of phytopathogens. J Biotechnol 2016; 235:162-70. [PMID: 27039271 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiotec.2016.03.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2015] [Revised: 03/26/2016] [Accepted: 03/29/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Trichoderma strains exhibit enormous potential for applications in biotechnology, in particular as biocontrol agents against pathogens. However, little is known about the diversity of plant-associated Trichoderma communities at a global scale and their antagonistic spectrum. In order to gather information about structure and function, we compared Trichoderma biomes of endemic (Aeonium, Diospyros, Hebe, Rhododendron) and cosmopolitan plants (Zea mays) in a global study encompassing the area Northwest Africa to New Zealand via the European Alps and Madagascar. At the quantitative level we found no differences between cosmopolitan and endemic plants. Statistically significant differences were detected at the qualitative level: Trichoderma populations of endemic plants were highly specific and diverse with hot spots appearing in Madagascar and New Zealand. By contrast, maize plants from all sites shared the majority of Trichoderma species (65.5%). Interestingly, the high above ground biodiversity in ecosystems containing endemic plants was confirmed by a high below ground Trichoderma diversity. Despite the differences, we found a global Trichoderma core community shared by all analysed plants, which was dominated by T. koningii and T. koningiopsis. Amplicon-based network analyses revealed a high similarity between maize Trichoderma grown world-wide and distinct populations of endemic plants. Furthermore, Trichoderma strains from endemic plants showed a higher antagonistic activity against fungal pathogens compared to maize-associated strains. Our results showed that endemic plants are associated with a specific Trichoderma microbiome which possesses a high antagonistic activity indicating that it has potential to be used for biocontrol purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christin Zachow
- Graz University of Technology, Institute of Environmental Biotechnology, Petersgasse 12, 8010 Graz, Austria; Austrian Centre of Industrial Biotechnology (ACIB GmbH), Petersgasse 14, 8010 Graz, Austria.
| | - Christian Berg
- Karl-Franzens-University of Graz, Institute of Plant Sciences, Holteigasse 6, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Henry Müller
- Graz University of Technology, Institute of Environmental Biotechnology, Petersgasse 12, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Jana Monk
- AgResearch Limited, 4749 Private Bag, 8140 Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Gabriele Berg
- Graz University of Technology, Institute of Environmental Biotechnology, Petersgasse 12, 8010 Graz, Austria
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Abstract
When the endemic plant species of St Helena are ordered according to their increasing taxonomic isolation, their corresponding 'sister groups' show a 'relictual series' of increasing geographical disjunction. This is best explained by progressive extinction and evolution in continental areas rather than by particularly high rates of evolutionary change on the island (i.e. the taxonomically isolated endemics are ancient relicts). Few of the supposed trends of oceanic island evolution are convincingly evident in the flora of St Helena. St Helena was formed in the Miocene, and it is likely that the relict genera colonized St Helena from Southern Africa before the wet forest flora in this area largely disappeared as the climate deteriorated from the late Miocene onwards.
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Affiliation(s)
- Q C B Cronk
- Botany School, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3EA, UK
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