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A special issue of Plants (ISSN 2223-7747). This special issue belongs to the section "Plant Systematics, Taxonomy, Nomenclature and Classification".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 November 2021) | Viewed by 44729

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Prof. Dr. Adam Stebel

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Department of Pharmaceutical Botany, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences in Sosnowiec, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
Interests: distribution and assessment of medicinal plant resources; nature conservation with special regard to medicinal plants; ethnopharmacy; biomonitoring by bryophytes; plant taxonomy; biological activity of substances contained in bryophytes
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Dear Colleagues,

Despite the significant progress in the production of synthetic drugs, natural drugs, obtained mainly from plant materials, still play an important role in medicine. In some regions of the world, they are still the basis for this treatment. In highly developed countries, a return to traditional herbalism has been observed for many years. This is due to the widespread belief that herbs, being effective, do not have side effects. Modern drugs based on biologically active substances isolated from plants, for which production and standardization techniques are constantly being improved, can be as effective as synthetic drugs.

The production of drugs based on natural resources can be an important element of sustainable development, the necessity of which we are becoming more and more aware of. The same situation prevails in the cosmetics industry, where products based on natural ingredients are very popular. All of these factors make activities related to the acquisition of plant raw materials and their processing more and more profitable. The growing interest in medicinal and cosmetic plants may also pose a threat. Many species are rare plants that may be vulnerable because of uncontrolled harvesting. The desire for profit may lead to the expansion of crops, which is not neutral to the natural environment. These problems have already been recognized in many countries, hence the sourcing, production, and use of plant products are subjects to government regulations.

This Special Issue of Plants is addressed to all specialists dealing with medicinal and cosmetic plants in such areas as (1) natural plant resources in particular regions and countries, (2) plant protection, (3) searching for new medicinal and cosmetic species, (4) ethnobotany as a source of information on medicinal and cosmetic plants, and (5) human impact on the environment and medicinal and cosmetic plants.

Prof. Adam Stebel
Guest Editor

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Keywords

natural medicine
traditional cosmetics
phytotherapy
sustainable development
plant protection

Published Papers (14 papers)

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Editorial

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3 pages, 195 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Natural Resources of Medicinal and Cosmetic Plants

by Adam Stebel

Plants 2022, 11(9), 1251; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11091251 - 05 May 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1548

Abstract

This Special Issue (SI) of Plants is devoted to medicinal and cosmetic plants [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Resources of Medicinal and Cosmetic Plants)

Research

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15 pages, 5119 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Modulation of Nrf-2/HO-1 Signaling Axis by Carthamus tinctorius L. Alleviates Vascular Inflammation in Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells

by Yun Jung Lee, Yong Pyo Lee, Chang Seob Seo, Eun Sik Choi, Byung Hyuk Han, Jung Joo Yoon, Se Hoon Jang, Chae Ghang Jeong, Yeun Ja Mun, Dae Gill Kang and Ho Sub Lee

Plants 2021, 10(12), 2795; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10122795 - 17 Dec 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2142

Abstract

Carthamus tinctorius L., known as safflower, has been used in traditional treatment for cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, and diabetic vascular complications. We proposed to investigate how the ethanol extract of Carthamus tinctorius L. (ECT) can be used ethnopharmacologically and alleviate vascular inflammatory processes under cytokine stimulation in human vascular endothelial cells. Using the optimized HPLC method, six markers were simultaneously analyzed for quality control of ECT. Pretreatment with ECT (10–100 μg/mL) significantly reduced the increase of leukocyte adhesion to HUVEC by TNF-α in a dose-dependent manner. Cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) such as intracellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), and endothelial cell selectin (E-selectin) are decreased by ECT. In addition, ECT significantly suppressed TNF-α-induced oxidative stress referring to reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. p65 NF-κB nuclear translocation and its activation were inhibited by ECT. Furthermore, pretreatment of ECT increased the HO-1 expression, and nuclear translocation of Nrf-2. These data suggest the potential role of ECT as a beneficial therapeutic herb in vascular inflammation via ROS/NF-kB pathway and the regulation of Nrf-2/HO-1 signaling axis is involved in its vascular protection. Thus, further study will be needed to clarify which compound is dominant for protection of vascular diseases. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Resources of Medicinal and Cosmetic Plants)

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20 pages, 5961 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Photoprotective Effects of a Hyperoside-Enriched Fraction Prepared from Houttuynia cordata Thunb. on Ultraviolet B-Induced Skin Aging in Human Fibroblasts through the MAPK Signaling Pathway

by Sariya Mapoung, Sonthaya Umsumarng, Warathit Semmarath, Punnida Arjsri, Kamonwan Srisawad, Pilaiporn Thippraphan, Supachai Yodkeeree and Pornngarm Dejkriengkraikul

Plants 2021, 10(12), 2628; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10122628 - 29 Nov 2021

Cited by 21 | Viewed by 3166

Abstract

Ultraviolet-B (UVB) irradiation causes skin damage via deleterious effects including oxidative stress, inflammation, and collagen degradation. The photoprotective effects of a hyperoside-enriched fraction obtained from Houttuynia cordata Thunb. (H. cordata) on the attenuation of UVB-induced skin aging in human fibroblasts were investigated. The solvent-partition technique was used to establish the hyperoside-enriched fraction of H. cordata (HcEA). The active compounds identified in the H. cordata extracts were hyperoside, quercitrin, chlorogenic acid, and rutin. With regard to the photoprotective effects of H. cordata on UVB-irradiated dermal fibroblasts, HcEA and hyperoside inhibited intracellular ROS production and inflammatory cytokine secretions (IL-6 and IL-8), while increasing collagen type I synthesis along with downregulating MMP-1 gene and protein expressions. Mechanistically, the hyperoside-enriched fraction obtained from H. cordata inhibited UVB-irradiated skin aging through regulation of the MAPK signaling pathway by attenuating the activation of JNK/ERK/c-Jun in human dermal fibroblasts. The hyperoside-enriched fraction of H. cordata exerted potent anti-skin aging properties against UVB exposure. The findings of this study can be applied in the cosmetics industry, as H. cordata extract can potentially be used in pharmaceutical or cosmetic formulations as a photoprotective or anti-skin aging agent. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Resources of Medicinal and Cosmetic Plants)

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18 pages, 5119 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Free Radical Scavenging Activity of Infusions of Different Medicinal Plants for Use in Obstetrics

by Sylwia Jarco, Barbara Pilawa and Paweł Ramos

Plants 2021, 10(10), 2016; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10102016 - 26 Sep 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1809

Abstract

An X-band (9.3 GHz) electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy was used to examine the free radical scavenging activity of the following infusions, which were nonirradiated and exposed to UVA: root of Asparagus racemosus and herbs of Mitchella repens, Cnicus benedictus L., Galega officinalis L., and Eupatorium cannabinum L. The plant materials for obstetrics applications were chosen for analysis. The aims of these studies were to compare the free radical scavenging ability of the tested infusions and to determine the influence of UVA irradiation of the plant materials on interactions of these infusions with free radicals. Both the magnitude and kinetics of the interactions of the infusions with the model DPPH free radicals were examined. The ability to quench the free radicals for the examined plant infusions increases in the following order: Asparagus racemosus (root) < Mitchella repens (herb) < Cnicus benedictus L. (herb) < Galega officinalis L. (herb) < Eupatorium cannabinum L. (herb). The analyzed infusions differ in the kinetics of the interactions with free radicals. The fastest interactions with free radicals characterize the infusions of Galega officinalis L. herb and Eupatorium cannabinum L. herb. The infusion of Mitchella repens herb interacts with free radicals in the slowest way. UVA radiation reduces the antioxidant interactions of all tested infusions, especially the infusion of Eupatorium cannabinum L. herb, which should be protected against UVA radiation during storage. The weakest decrease of free radical scavenging activity was observed for the infusion of the root of Asparagus racemosus exposed to UVA radiation. UVA radiation affected the speed of the free radical interactions of the infusions, depending on the type of plant materials. EPR spectroscopy is useful to examine the free radical scavenging activity of plant infusions, which is helpful to find effective antioxidants for applications in obstetrics and their optimal storage conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Resources of Medicinal and Cosmetic Plants)

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16 pages, 11362 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Physicochemical Characterization and Antimicrobial Activity against Erwinia amylovora, Erwinia vitivora, and Diplodia seriata of a Light Purple Hibiscus syriacus L. Cultivar

by Eva Sánchez-Hernández, Laura Buzón-Durán, Belén Lorenzo-Vidal, Jesús Martín-Gil and Pablo Martín-Ramos

Plants 2021, 10(9), 1876; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10091876 - 10 Sep 2021

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 2580

Abstract

Phytochemicals are essential raw materials for the production of formulations that can be helpful in crop protection. In particular, Hibiscus spp., which are often used in traditional medicine, are rich in potential bioactive molecules. This study presents an analysis of the thermal, vibrational, and phytochemical characteristics of a light purple variety of Hibiscus syriacus, using thermal gravimetric and differential scanning calorimetry, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy techniques. Further, with a view to its valorization, the antimicrobial activity of its extracts has been investigated in vitro against Erwinia amylovora (the phytopathogen responsible for fire blight in apples, pears, and some other members of the family Rosaceae), Erwinia vitivora (the causal agent of the “maladie d’Oléron” in grapevines), and Diplodia seriata (responsible for “Bot canker”). Higher heating values and thermal features showed similarities with kenaf biomass. The main compounds identified in the hydro-methanolic extracts were: in flowers, 1-heptacosanol, heptacosane, 1-tetracosanol, hexadecenoic acid, 9,12,15-octadecatrienoic acid, and 9,12-octadecadienoic acid; and in leaves, the coumarin derivative 4,4,6,8-tetramethyl-2-chromanone, vitamin E, phytol, and sitosterol. MIC values of 500 and 375 μg·mL⁻¹ were obtained against E. amylovora for flower and leaf extracts, respectively, upon conjugation with chitosan oligomers (to improve solubility and bioavailability). In the case of E. vitivora, MIC values of 250 and 500 μg·mL⁻¹, respectively, were registered. Regarding the antifungal activity, EC₉₀ values of 975.8 and 603.5 μg·mL⁻¹, respectively, were found. These findings suggest that H. syriacus (cv. ‘Mathilde’) may be a promising source of antimicrobials for agriculture. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Resources of Medicinal and Cosmetic Plants)

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17 pages, 951 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Characterization and Antimicrobial Activity of a Halophyte from the Asturian Coast (Spain): Limonium binervosum (G.E.Sm.) C.E.Salmon

by Eva Sánchez-Hernández, Laura Buzón-Durán, Natalia Langa-Lomba, José Casanova-Gascón, Belén Lorenzo-Vidal, Jesús Martín-Gil and Pablo Martín-Ramos

Plants 2021, 10(9), 1852; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10091852 - 07 Sep 2021

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2502

Abstract

The work presented herein deals with the characterization and valorization of a halophyte from the cliffs of the Asturian coast: Limonium binervosum (G.E.Sm.) C.E.Salmon (rock sea-lavender). Its biomass and hydromethanolic extracts were studied by elemental and thermal analysis, infrared spectroscopy and gas chromatography–mass spectroscopy. Tetradecanoic acid/esters and 1,2-tetradecanediol were identified in its flower extract, while the leaf extract was rich in linolenic and linoleic acids and their esters, hexadecanoic acid and its esters, and phytol. Both flower and leaf hydromethanolic extracts contained eicosane, sitosterol and tocopherols in significant amounts. With a view to its valorization, the antimicrobial activity of these extracts was investigated against three apple tree and grapevine phytopathogens. Both the hydroalcoholic extracts and their main constituents, alone or in combination with chitosan oligomers (COS), were tested in vitro. A remarkable antibacterial activity was observed for the conjugated complexes of the flower extract with COS, both against Xylophilus ampelinus (MIC = 250 μg·mL⁻¹) and Erwinia amylovora (MIC = 500 μg·mL⁻¹), and complete inhibition of the mycelial growth of Diplodia seriata was found at concentrations <1000 μg·mL⁻¹. In view of these results, this extremophile plant can be put forward as a promising source of bioactive metabolites. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Resources of Medicinal and Cosmetic Plants)

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13 pages, 2940 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Hypouricemic Effects of Chrysanthemum indicum L. and Cornus officinalis on Hyperuricemia-Induced HepG2 Cells, Renal Cells, and Mice

by Ok-Kyung Kim, Jeong-Moon Yun, Minhee Lee, Dakyung Kim and Jeongmin Lee

Plants 2021, 10(8), 1668; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10081668 - 13 Aug 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2948

Abstract

Hyperuricemia, abnormally excess accumulation of uric acid, is caused by an imbalance between the production and excretion of uric acid and is a major cause of gout. We compared the effects of extracts from Chrysanthemum indicum L. (Ci) and Cornus officinalis Siebold and Zucc. (Co) on hyperuricemia, both individually and in combination (FSU-CC), using hypoxanthine-treated human liver cancer (HepG2) cells, primary mouse renal proximal tubule cells, and potassium oxonate induced hyperuricemic mice. The Ci contained 7.62 mg/g luteolin and 0 mg/g loganin, Co contained 0 mg/g luteolin and 4.90 mg/g loganin, and FSH-CC contained 3.95 mg/g luteolin and 2.48 mg/g loganin. We found that treatment with Ci, Co, and FSU-CC suppressed the activity of xanthine oxidase and mRNA expression of xanthine dehydrogenase while inducing an increase in the expression levels of the organic anion transporter 1 (OAT1) and organic anion transporter 3 (OAT3) proteins and a decrease in the expression levels of glucose transporter 9 (GLUT9) and urate transporter 1 (URAT1) proteins. Particularly, treatment and supplementation with FSU-CC showed stronger effects than those of supplementation with either Ci or Co alone. We observed that the excretion of creatinine and uric acid in the combination of Ci and Co was higher than that observed in their individual supplementations and was similar to that of the normal group. Therefore, our data suggest that a combination of Ci and Co may potentially be used for the development of effective natural anti-hyperuricemic functional foods. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Resources of Medicinal and Cosmetic Plants)

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12 pages, 4452 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Antioxidant Activity and Anti-Photoaging Effects on UVA-Irradiated Human Fibroblasts of Rosmarinic Acid Enriched Extract Prepared from Thunbergia laurifolia Leaves

by Thanawat Pattananandecha, Sutasinee Apichai, Jakaphun Julsrigival, Malyn Ungsurungsie, Suched Samuhasaneetoo, Pat Chulasiri, Pakakrong Kwankhao, Supaporn Pitiporn, Fumihiko Ogata, Naohito Kawasaki and Chalermpong Saenjum

Plants 2021, 10(8), 1648; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10081648 - 11 Aug 2021

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 4047

Abstract

The current study investigated the inhibiting effect on reactive oxygen species (ROS), reactive nitrogen species (RNS), and matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) production in a cell-based study of standardized rosmarinic acid enriched extract (SRAEE) prepared from Thunbergia laurifolia leaves. HPLC chromatogram revealed that rosmarinic acid is a major component in prepared SRAEE, followed by caffeic acid. SRAEE exhibited antioxidant activity both in vitro and cell-based studies. SRAEE showed scavenging effects on nitric oxide and superoxide anion and inhibition effects on lipid peroxidation in vitro. SRAEE also inhibited ROS and MMP-1 production in normal human dermal fibroblast cells induced by H₂O₂ and UVA, respectively, without exerted cytotoxicity. Additionally, collagen degradation was protected by SRAEE induced by UVA. Nitric oxide and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) productions were also inhibited by SRAEE in RAW264.7 mouse macrophage cells induced by combined lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-interferon-γ (IFN-γ). The results indicated that SRAEE is a potential candidate as a natural pharmaceutical active ingredient for cosmeceutical product application. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Resources of Medicinal and Cosmetic Plants)

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18 pages, 962 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Determination of Phenolic Content, Antioxidant Activity, and Tyrosinase Inhibitory Effects of Functional Cosmetic Creams Available on the Thailand Market

by Sariya Mapoung, Warathit Semmarath, Punnida Arjsri, Sonthaya Umsumarng, Kamonwan Srisawad, Pilaiporn Thippraphan, Supachai Yodkeeree and Pornngarm Limtrakul (Dejkriengkraikul)

Plants 2021, 10(7), 1383; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10071383 - 06 Jul 2021

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 3956

Abstract

Recently, the global trend toward the use of natural extracts and antioxidant agents in the cosmetic cream industry to produce whitening effects has been increasing. This has also been a persistent trend in Thailand. In this study, samples of commercial cosmetic creams on the Thai market were assessed for a functional evaluation of their antioxidant activity, tyrosinase inhibitory effects, and phenolic contents. Samples were extracted using hot water and sonication extraction method to obtain the functional cream extracts. Total phenolic contents in all samples were within the range of 0.46–47.92 mg GAE/30 g cream. Antioxidant activities of the cream extracts were within the range of 3.61–43.98 mg Trolox equivalent/30 g cream, while tyrosinase inhibition activities were within the range of 2.58–97.94% of inhibition. With regard to the relationship between the total phenolic content and the antioxidant activity of the cosmetic creams, Pearson’s correlation coefficient revealed a moderately positive relationship with an r value of 0.6108. Furthermore, the relationship between the antioxidant activity and the tyrosinase inhibitory activity of the cosmetic creams was highly positive with an r value of 0.7238. Overall, this study demonstrated that the total phenolic contents in the functional cosmetic creams could play a role in antioxidant activity and anti-tyrosinase activities. The findings indicate how the whitening and antioxidant effects of cosmetic creams could be maintained after the products have been formulated, as this concern can affect the consumer’s decision when purchasing cosmetic products. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Resources of Medicinal and Cosmetic Plants)

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15 pages, 1000 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Antifungal Activity against Botryosphaeriaceae Fungi of the Hydro-Methanolic Extract of Silybum marianum Capitula Conjugated with Stevioside

by Natalia Langa-Lomba, Laura Buzón-Durán, Eva Sánchez-Hernández, Pablo Martín-Ramos, José Casanova-Gascón, Jesús Martín-Gil and Vicente González-García

Plants 2021, 10(7), 1363; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10071363 - 03 Jul 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2448

Abstract

Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn, viz. milk thistle, has been the focus of research efforts in the past few years, albeit almost exclusively restricted to the medicinal properties of its fruits (achenes). Given that other milk thistle plant organs and tissues have been scarcely investigated for the presence of bioactive compounds, in this study, we present a phytochemical analysis of the extracts of S. marianum capitula during the flowering phenological stage (stage 67). Gas chromatography–mass spectroscopy results evidenced the presence of high contents of coniferyl alcohol (47.4%), and secondarily of ferulic acid ester, opening a new valorization strategy of this plant based on the former high-added-value component. Moreover, the application of the hydro-methanolic extracts as an antifungal agent has been also explored. Specifically, their activity against three fungal species responsible for the so-called Botryosphaeria dieback of grapevine (Neofusicoccum parvum, Dothiorella viticola and Diplodia seriata) has been assayed both in vitro and in vivo. From the mycelial growth inhibition assays, the best results (EC₉₀ values of 303, 366, and 355 μg·mL⁻¹ for N. parvum, D. viticola, and D. seriata, respectively) were not obtained for the hydroalcoholic extract alone, but after its conjugation with stevioside, which resulted in a strong synergistic behavior. Greenhouse experiments confirmed the efficacy of the conjugated complexes, pointing to the potential of the combination of milk thistle extracts with stevioside as a promising plant protection product in organic Viticulture. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Resources of Medicinal and Cosmetic Plants)

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13 pages, 3490 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Artemisia argyi on Ethanol-Induced Gastric Ulcer: Analytical, In Vitro and In Vivo Studies for the Identification of Action Mechanism and Active Compounds

by Myoung-Sook Shin, Jaemin Lee, Jin Woo Lee, Se Hoon Park, Il Kyun Lee, Jung A. Choi, Jung Suk Lee and Ki Sung Kang

Plants 2021, 10(2), 332; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10020332 - 09 Feb 2021

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 3441

Abstract

Artemisia argyi is widely used as traditional medicine in East Asia. However, its effects against inflammation and gastric ulcers have not been reported yet. We analyzed anti-inflammatory activity and its molecular mechanisms of A. argyi using RAW264.7 cells line, then evaluated the curative efficacy in rats with acute gastric ulcers. Nitric oxide and IL-6 production was measured using Griess reagent and an ELISA kit. Inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), interleukin (IL)-6, and mucin (MUC)1, MUC5AC, and MUC6 mRNA were determined by SYBR Green or Taqman qRT-PCR methods. The phosphorylation of ERK, JNK, p38, and c-Jun protein were detected by western blotting. RW0117 inhibited LPS-induced NO and IL-6 production. The mRNA levels of iNOS and IL-6 were strongly suppressed. The phosphorylation of ERK, JNK, and c-Jun decreased by treatment with RW0117. Oral administration of RW0117 recovered the amount of mucin mRNA and protein level that was decreased due to gastric ulcers by HCl-EtOH. A. argyi exhibited strong anti-inflammatory effects and contributed to the modulation of HCl-EtOH-induced gastric ulcer in rats. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Resources of Medicinal and Cosmetic Plants)

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20 pages, 2710 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Selection of Reference Genes for qRT-PCR Analysis in Medicinal Plant Glycyrrhiza under Abiotic Stresses and Hormonal Treatments

by Yuping Li, Xiaoju Liang, Xuguo Zhou, Zhigeng Wu, Ling Yuan, Ying Wang and Yongqing Li

Plants 2020, 9(11), 1441; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants9111441 - 26 Oct 2020

Cited by 21 | Viewed by 3164

Abstract

Best known as licorice, Glycyrrhiza Linn., a genus of herbaceous perennial legume, has been used as a traditional herbal medicine in Asia and a flavoring agent for tobacco and food industry in Europe and America. Abiotic stresses and hormonal treatments can significantly impact the development and metabolism of secondary metabolites in Glycyrrhiza. To better understand the biosynthesis of the trace-amount bioactive compounds, we first screened for the suitable reference genes for quantitative real-time reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis in Glycyrrhiza. The expression profiles of 14 candidate reference genes, including Actin1 (ACT), Clathrin complex AP1 (CAC), Cyclophilin (CYP), Heat-shock protein 40 (DNAJ), Dehydration responsive element binding gene (DREB), Translation elongation factor1 (EF1), Ras related protein (RAN), Translation initiation factor (TIF1), β-Tubulin (TUB), Ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme E2 (UBC2), ATP binding-box transpoter 2 (ABCC2), COP9 signal compex subunit 3 (COPS3), Citrate synthase (CS), and R3H domain protein 2 (R3HDM2) from two congeneric species, Glycyrrhiza uralensis F. and Glycyrrhiza inflata B., were examined under abiotic stresses (osmotic and salinity) and hormonal treatments (Abscisic acid (ABA) and methyl jasmonic acid (MeJA)) using a panel of software, including geNorm, NormFinder, BestKeeper, and Delta CT. The overall stability, however, was provided by RefFinder, a comprehensive ranking system integrating inputs from all four algorithms. In G. uralensis, the most stable reference genes under osmotic stress, salt stress, ABA treatment, and MeJA treatment were TIF1, DNAJ, CS, and ABCC2 for leaves and DNAJ, DREB, CAC, and CAC for roots, respectively. In comparison, the top ranked genes were TUB, CAC, UBC2, and RAN for leaves and TIF1, ABCC2, CAC, and UBC2 for roots, respectively, under stress and hormonal treatments in G. inflata. ACT and TIF1, on the other hand, were the least stable genes under the most experimental conditions in the two congeneric species. Finally, our survey of the reference genes in legume shows that EF, ACT, UBC2, and TUB were the top choices for the abiotic stresses while EF, UBC2, CAC, and ABCC2 were recommended for the hormonal treatments in Leguminosae. Our combined results provide reliable normalizers for accurate gene quantifications in Glycyrrhiza species, which will allow us to exploit its medicinal potential in general and antiviral activities in particular. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Resources of Medicinal and Cosmetic Plants)

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Review

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25 pages, 1244 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Plant Secondary Metabolites against Skin Photodamage: Mexican Plants, a Potential Source of UV-Radiation Protectant Molecules

by Ana Mariel Torres-Contreras, Antoni Garcia-Baeza, Heriberto Rafael Vidal-Limon, Isaias Balderas-Renteria, Mónica A. Ramírez-Cabrera and Karla Ramirez-Estrada

Plants 2022, 11(2), 220; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11020220 - 15 Jan 2022

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 5387

Abstract

Human skin works as a barrier against the adverse effects of environmental agents, including ultraviolet radiation (UVR). Exposure to UVR is associated with a variety of harmful effects on the skin, and it is one of the most common health concerns. Solar UVR constitutes the major etiological factor in the development of cutaneous malignancy. However, more than 90% of skin cancer cases could be avoided with appropriate preventive measures such as regular sunscreen use. Plants, constantly irradiated by sunlight, are able to synthesize specialized molecules to fight against UVR damage. Phenolic compounds, alkaloids and carotenoids constitute the major plant secondary metabolism compounds with relevant UVR protection activities. Hence, plants are an important source of molecules used to avoid UVR damage, reduce photoaging and prevent skin cancers and related illnesses. Due to its significance, we reviewed the main plant secondary metabolites related to UVR protection and its reported mechanisms. In addition, we summarized the research in Mexican plants related to UV protection. We presented the most studied Mexican plants and the photoprotective molecules found in them. Additionally, we analyzed the studies conducted to elucidate the mechanism of photoprotection of those molecules and their potential use as ingredients in sunscreen formulas. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Resources of Medicinal and Cosmetic Plants)

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14 pages, 352 KiB

Open AccessReview

Four Centuries of Medicinal Mosses and Liverworts in European Ethnopharmacy and Scientific Pharmacy: A Review

by Jacek Drobnik and Adam Stebel

Plants 2021, 10(7), 1296; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10071296 - 25 Jun 2021

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2963

Abstract

(1) Medicinal use of bryophytes dates to ancient times, but it has always been marginal due to their small size, difficult identification, lack of conspicuous organs which would attract attention (flowers, fruits) and insipid taste of the herb. The earliest testimonies of their medical use come from the 1500s. The interest in medicinal bryophytes diminished considerably in the 1880s, except for Sphagnum spp., which became a source of dressing material. The second half of the 20th century saw the revival of the study of bryophyte chemistry. (2) Historical printed sources from 1616 to 1889 were queried. Bryophyte species found were taxonomically identified and presented against the background of their confirmed properties and ecology. The study was supplemented with historical vs. modern ethnomedicinal data. (3) In 26 publications, 28 species were identified. Modern usage was known for 10 of them. Medicinal properties of 16 species were confirmed. (4) Species of wide geographical distribution range were (or are still being) used in local folk medicines. Historical ethnobiological and ethnopharmaceutical uses of them are sometimes convergent with their confirmed properties, mostly external (as antimicrobial or cytotoxic remedies). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Resources of Medicinal and Cosmetic Plants)

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