Search Results (270)

Skin disorders are common and often chronic conditions with significant therapeutic challenges. Limitations of conventional treatments, such as adverse effects and antimicrobial resistance, have increased interest in plant-based alternatives. This article presents the phytochemical composition and pharmacological potential of several medicinal plants traditionally used in the treatment of skin diseases, including Rubus vulgaris, Plantago major, Artemisia terrae-albae, and Eryngium planum. Based on an analysis of scientific literature, the presence of bioactive compounds—including flavonoids, anthocyanins, phenolic acids, tannins, and sesquiterpenes—is summarized, along with their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial effects. Emphasis is placed on the correlation between traditional ethnomedicinal applications and pharmacological mechanisms. The findings support the potential of these species as sources for dermatological phytotherapeutics. Further research is needed to standardize active constituents, assess safety, and conduct clinical validation. Full article

Herbs are valued for their antioxidant richness and traditional use in cuisine and medicine. This study analysed wild herbs (e.g., Achillea, Lamium) and cultivated spices (Salvia, Artemisia) for their bioactive compounds. It was found that antioxidant profiles varied notably among species, even within the same family. Helichrysum italicum and Salvia officinalis had the highest polyphenol levels, while Achillea millefolium and Ocimum basilicum had the lowest. Total polyphenols did not always correlate with antioxidant activity. For instance, Petroselinum hortense and Salvia rosmarinus showed high antioxidant activity despite low polyphenol levels, whereas Levisticum officinale and Artemisia dracunculus combined both. Mentha spicata, M. x citrata, Origanum vulgare, and S. officinalis were rich in carotenoids, while H. italicum showed high α-carotene but low levels of other carotenoids. Most Lamiaceae accumulated a high amount of chlorophylls and polyphenols. Cultivated herbs like M. spicata, M. x citrata, and S. officinalis exhibited stronger and more diverse properties than wild species. It can be concluded that taxonomy alone does not predict antioxidant potential. The differences observed may be attributed to species-specific metabolic pathways, ecological adaptations, or environmental factors influencing phytochemical expression. These findings highlight the importance of conducting species-level screenings in the search for plant-derived antioxidants with potential therapeutic applications. Full article

Trichomes—microscopic appendages on the plant epidermis—play vital roles as both protective barriers and specialized biosynthetic factories. Acting as the first line of defense against environmental stressors, they also produce a wide range of pharmaceutically valuable secondary metabolites. This mini-review highlights recent advances in understanding the development, structure, and function of trichomes, with a focus on glandular secretory trichomes (GSTs) in key species such as Artemisia annua and Solanum lycopersicum. We explore how insights from these systems are driving innovation in plant synthetic biology, including modular genetic engineering and metabolic channeling strategies. These breakthroughs are paving the way for scalable, plant-based platforms to produce high-value compounds. By integrating molecular mechanisms with emerging technologies, this review outlines a forward-looking framework for leveraging trichomes in sustainable agriculture, natural product discovery, and next-generation biomanufacturing. Full article

Accurate plant species identification in desert grasslands using hyperspectral data is a critical prerequisite for large-scale, high-precision grassland monitoring and management. However, due to prolonged overgrazing and the inherent ecological vulnerability of the environment, sericite–Artemisia desert grassland has experienced significant ecological degradation. Therefore, in this study, we obtained spectral images of the grassland in April 2022 using a Soc710 VP imaging spectrometer (Surface Optics Corporation, San Diego, CA, USA), which were classified into three levels (low, medium, and high) based on the level of participation of Seriphidium transiliense (Poljakov) Poljakov and Ceratocarpus arenarius L. in the community. The optimal index factor (OIF) was employed to synthesize feature band images, which were subsequently used as input for the DeepLabv3p, PSPNet, and UNet deep learning models in order to assess the influence of species participation on classification accuracy. The results indicated that species participation significantly impacted spectral information extraction and model classification performance. Higher participation enhanced the scattering of reflectivity in the canopy structure of S. transiliense, while the light saturation effect of C. arenarius was induced by its short stature. Band combinations—such as Blue, Red Edge, and NIR (BREN) and Red, Red Edge, and NIR (RREN)—exhibited strong capabilities in capturing structural vegetation information. The identification model performances were optimal, with a high level of S. transiliense participation and with DeepLabv3p, PSPNet, and UNet achieving an overall accuracy (OA) of 97.86%, 96.51%, and 98.20%. Among the tested models, UNet exhibited the highest classification accuracy and robustness with small sample datasets, effectively differentiating between S. transiliense, C. arenarius, and bare ground. However, when C. arenarius was the primary target species, the model’s performance declined as its participation levels increased, exhibiting significant omission errors for S. transiliense, whose producer’s accuracy (PA) decreased by 45.91%. The findings of this study provide effective technical means and theoretical support for the identification of plant species and ecological monitoring in sericite–Artemisia desert grasslands. Full article

Native and invasive plants of the riverain region undergo a range of environmental stresses that result in excess reactive oxygen species (ROS). Hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) is a relatively stable and quickly quantifiable way among different ROS. The herbaceous species including Artemisia princeps, Sicyos angulatus, and Solidago altissima were selected. The H₂O₂ and photosynthetic pigment of leaves were measured, soil samples were analyzed to quantify macronutrients such as total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP), and soil moisture, and photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) was also recorded at different observed sites of Arakawa Tarouemon, Japan. The H₂O₂ concentration of S. altissima significantly increased with high soil moisture content, whereas A. Princeps and S. angulatus significantly decreased with high soil moisture. In each species, H₂O₂ was negatively correlated with chlorophyll a (chl a) and chlorophyll b (chl a). When comparing different parameters involving TN, TP, PPFD, and soil moisture content with H₂O₂ utilizing the general additive model (GAM), only soil moisture content is significantly correlated with H₂O₂. Hence, this study suggests that H₂O₂ would be an effective biomarker for quantifying environmental stress within a short time, which can be applied for riparian native and invasive plant species vegetation regulation. Full article

To investigate the remediation efficiency of different plant species on cadmium (Cd)-contaminated soil, this study conducted a pot experiment with two woody species (Populu adenopoda and Salix babylonica) and two herbaceous species (Artemisia argyi and Amaranthus hypochondriacus). Soils were collected from an abandoned coal mine and adjacent pristine natural areas within the dam-adjacent section of the Three Gorges Reservoir Area to establish three soil treatment groups: unpolluted soil (T1, 0.18 mg·kg⁻¹ Cd), a 1:1 mixture of contaminated and unpolluted soil (T2, 0.35 mg·kg⁻¹ Cd), and contaminated coal mine soil (T3, 0.54 mg·kg⁻¹ Cd). This study aimed to investigate the growth status of plants, Cd accumulation and translocation characteristics, and the relationship between them and soil environmental factors. Woody plants exhibited significant advantages in aboveground biomass accumulation. Under T3 treatment, the Cd extraction amount of S. babylonica (224.93 mg) increased by about 36 times compared to T1, and the extraction efficiency (6.42%) was significantly higher than other species. Among the herbaceous species, A. argyi showed the maximum Cd extraction amount (66.26 mg) and extraction efficiency (3.11%) during T2 treatment. While A. hypochondriacus exhibited a trend of increasing extraction amount but decreasing extraction efficiency with increasing concentration. With the exception of S. babylonica under T1 treatment (BCF = 0.78), the bioconcentration factor was greater than 1 in both woody (BCF = 1.39–6.42) and herbaceous species (BCF = 1.39–3.11). However, herbaceous plants demonstrated significantly higher translocation factors (TF = 1.58–3.43) compared to woody species (TF = 0.31–0.87). There was a significant negative correlation between aboveground phosphorus (P) content and root Cd (p < 0.05), while underground nitrogen (N) content was positively correlated to aboveground Cd content (p < 0.05). Soil total N and available P were significantly positively correlated with plant Cd absorption, whereas total potassium (K) showed a negative correlation. This study demonstrated that woody plants can achieve long-term remediation through biomass advantages, while herbaceous plants, with their high transfer efficiency, are suitable for short-term rotation. In the future, it is suggested to conduct a mixed planting model of woody and herbaceous plants to remediate Cd-contaminated soils in the tailing areas of reservoir areas. This would synergistically leverage the dual advantages of root retention and aboveground removal, enhancing remediation efficiency. Concurrent optimization of soil nutrient management would further improve the Cd remediation efficiency of plants. Full article

Artemisia serotina Bunge represents one of the endemic Artemisia L. species in flora of Central Asia. There is scant information on the phytochemistry and biological activity of this species. The aim of the present study was to analyze the chemical composition of essential oil from A. serotina (ASEO) growing in south Kazakhstan, together with the determination of its biological activity. ASEO isolation was carried out by hydrodistillation according to the State Pharmacopoeia of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Analysis of GC/MS data revealed that the most characteristic components of ASEO were irregular monoterpenes from three families: santolinane, artemisane, and lavandulane. The major compound was santolina alcohol (34.6%). Antimicrobial activity was studied against the reference bacterial and fungal strains using the recommended methods, allowing for an estimation of MIC (minimum inhibitory concentration). ASEO was most effective against Candida albicans (MIC = 2 mg/mL), exerting fungicidal activity. Thw MIC for bacterial species was higher, i.e., 4–16 mg/mL. Antiviral activity was tested against Coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3) and Human Herpesvirus type 1 (HHV-1) propagated in VERO cells. No antiviral effect against either virus was found at an ASEO concentration of 0.25 mg/mL, but a noticeable decrease in the intensity of HHV-1-related cytopathic effects was observed. Anticancer activity studies included several cancer cell lines. Cytotoxicity, cell cycle, thiol levels, and cell vitality were analyzed. Among the cancer cell lines tested, the breast cancer T47-D cell line exhibited the highest sensitivity to ASEO (IC₅₀ = 40.81 ± 4.21 µg/mL at 24 h; IC₅₀ = 33.17 ± 2.11 µg/mL at 48 h). The anticancer effect was suggested to be mainly due to the induction of cytostatic effects, accompanied by a disturbance of the intracellular redox balance. The obtained data provide novel information on the unique chemical composition of ASEO from south Kazakhstan, representing a new chemotype. Its bioactivity, including promising antifungal and anticancer properties, was demonstrated for the first time. Full article

Artemisia absinthium L. contributes to ecological stabilization in arid regions through its deep root system for sand fixation and soil microenvironment modulation, thereby effectively mitigating desertification. Total terpenoids have been extracted from A. absinthium (AATP) and found to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Terpenoids are a class of natural products derived from methyl hydroxypropanoic acid, for which their structural units consist of multiple isoprene (C5) units. They are one of the largest and most structurally diverse classes of natural compounds. However, there are still large gaps in knowledge regarding their exact biological activities and effects. Atherosclerosis (AS) is a prevalent cardiovascular disease marked by the chronic inflammation of the vascular system, and lipid metabolism plays a key role in its pathogenesis. This study determined the extraction and purification processes of AATP through single-factor experiments and response surface optimization methods. The purity of AATP was increased from 20.85% ± 0.94 before purification to 52.21% ± 0.75, which is 2.5 times higher than before purification. Studies have shown that the total terpenoids of A. absinthium significantly reduced four indices of serum lipids in atherosclerosis (AS) rats, thereby promoting lipid metabolism, inhibiting inflammatory processes, and hindering aortic wall thickening and hepatic fat accumulation. It is known from network pharmacology studies that AATP regulates the Janus kinase/signal transducer (JAK/STAT) signaling axis. Molecular docking studies have indicated that the active component of AATP effectively binds to Janus kinase (JAK2) and signal transducer (STAT3) target proteins. The results indicate that AATP can inhibit the release of pro-inflammatory mediators (such as reactive oxygen species (ROS)) in LPS-induced RAW264.7 macrophages. It also inhibits the M1 polarization of RAW264.7 macrophages. Protein immunoblotting analysis revealed that it significantly reduces the phosphorylation levels of Janus kinase (JAK2) and the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3). Research indicates that the active components in A. absinthium may exert anti-atherosclerotic effects by regulating lipid metabolism and inhibiting inflammatory responses. It holds potential value for development as a functional food or drug for the prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis. Full article

The sand-laden airflow fields surrounding Artemisia desertorum Spreng., Reaumuria soongorica, and Hedysarum scoparium were investigated. The study focuses on a configuration of double rows with staggered shrub distribution. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations were employed to model the airflow. The resulting flow field was categorized into five distinct regions. The shelter distances downwind of the shrubs were observed to be 7 H, 6 H, and 6 H for A. desertorum, R. soongorica, and H. scoparium, respectively. The corresponding shelter widths were measured as 3 m, 3 m, and 8 m, respectively. The three kinds of shrubs all formed vortices behind the shrubs. Three shrub species demonstrated distinct wind shelter efficiency ranges: A. desertorum (0.5–4 H), R. soongorica (0.5–3 H), and H. scoparium (0.5–2 H). Optimal shelter effects were observed in different vertical layers: R. soongorica in the low (0–0.2 m), A. desertorum in the medium (0.2–0.7 m), and H. scoparium in the high (0.7–2.2 m) altitude layers. Overall, H. scoparium exhibited the highest sand resistance, followed by A. desertorum Spreng, with R. soongorica demonstrating the least resistance. This study offers theoretical insights for mitigating aeolian environmental degradation, particularly in safeguarding energy and transportation infrastructure in desert regions and promoting sustainable agricultural practices in arid areas. Full article

The use of Artemisia species’ plant extracts and essential oils, which are rich in bioactive compounds (allelochemicals), could support weed management. This study focused on the chemical analysis and evaluation of the allelopathic potential of plant extracts (PEs) and essential oils (EOs) of Artemisia absinthium and A. vulgaris on the germination and early seedling growth of weeds (Amaranthus retroflexus and Setaria viridis) in vitro. The plant extract from A. vulgaris showed higher antioxidant activity (IC₅₀ = 0.171 ± 0.01 mg/mL) and phenolic content than that from A. absinthium (IC₅₀ = 0.263 ± 0.01 mg/mL). Chlorogenic acid was the most abundant phenol in both extracts. However, A. absinthium contained a higher amount (1.694 ± 0.081 mg/g) and exhibited a stronger inhibitory effect on the germination of A. retroflexus (EC₅₀ = 0.54 ± 0.02%) and S. viridis (EC₅₀ = 1.51 ± 0.07%) compared to A. vulgaris. The dominant components of A. absinthium essential oil were β-thujone (18.9%), cis-ocimene epoxide (7.88%), and bicyclogermacrene (7.04%), while the main constituents of A. vulgaris essential oil included gurjunene (10.41%), cis-crysanthenyl acetate (7.17%), and γ-humulene (6.67%). The lowest EC₅₀ values for A. absinthium essential oil regarding seed germination and seedling length were estimated for S. viridis (0.28 ± 0.48% and 0.03 ± 0.00%, respectively), whereas A. retroflexus was the most sensitive to A. vulgaris essential oil (0.11 ± 0.04% and 0.02 ± 0.00%, respectively). All tested extracts showed allelopathic potential; however, the results indicate that the essential oils had a stronger inhibitory effect than the plant extracts. Full article

Background: Artemisia is a large and complex genus comprising about 500 species. Currently, only a limited number of plastomes (the chloroplast genome) of Artemisia are available. Their structures have not been comparatively analyzed, and a phylogenetic backbone based on plastome-scale data is still lacking. This situation has greatly hindered our understanding of the plastome variation patterns and infra-generic relationships of the genus. Methods: We newly sequenced 34 Artemisia plastomes representing 30 species and three varieties. Combining this with previously published plastomes, we comparatively analyzed their structure and constructed phylogenetic relationships using the protein-coding sequences (CDS) of plastomes. Results: Our analyses indicated that the Artemisia plastomes are conserved in terms of their structure, GC content, gene number, and order. The sequence divergence is higher in the LSC and SSC regions than in the IR regions. Three protein-coding genes and four non-coding regions, i.e., accD, petG, ycf1, rpoC1-rpoC2, rpoC2-rps2, trnG(UCC)-trnfM(CAU), and ndhG-ndhI, were highly diverse and could be chosen as candidates of DNA barcodes. Phylogenetic trees were divided into several clades, and all four main subgenera were not monophyletic. Additionally, the phylogenetic position of A. stracheyi is still controversial. Conclusions: Plastomes can provide important information for phylogenetic constructions. This study provides insights into the infra-generic relationships within Artemisia and also lays a foundation for future evolutionary studies of this genus. Full article

This study examines the phytocenotic, phenotypic, phytochemical, antioxidant, and toxic effects of four geographically distinct populations of the traditionally used plant species Adonis volgensis Steven ex DC. from Central and Northern Kazakhstan. These populations, found in diverse habitats such as steppe-like forest edges and moist plains, coexist with species like Achillea nobilis L. and Artemisia absinthium L. Significant variations were observed in plant community composition and environmental stressors, including grazing and habitat degradation. Morphological analysis revealed that Population 2 exhibited greater vigor, while Population 3 was more constrained by local conditions, highlighting adaptive strategies influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. FTIR analysis of A. volgensis extracts revealed distinct solvent-specific profiles of bioactive compounds. Ethanol (EtOH) and ethyl acetate extracts were rich in phenolic and flavonoid compounds, whereas the chloroform (CHCl₃) extract was less effective in extracting phenolics, displaying weaker O–H bands. Phytochemical analysis showed notable variations in total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC). The highest TPC (89.351 ± 4.45 mg GAE/g d.w.) was found in the ethyl acetate extract from the Akmola region, while the highest TFC (33.811 ± 0.170 mg QE/g d.w.) was observed in the CHCl₃ extract from Kostanay region. Toxicity assessment using the Artemia salina lethality assay revealed significant mortality rates (88–96%) in CHCl₃ extracts of aerial parts, demonstrating a dose-dependent effect. These findings highlight the antioxidant and potential toxic properties of A. volgensis, emphasizing the importance of solvent selection in bioactive compound extraction for nutraceutical and pharmaceutical applications. Full article

Anthelmintic resistance is currently negatively impacting animal production parameters, leading to an increase in the prevalence of gastrointestinal nematodes and resulting in low profitability in small ruminants. Therefore, there is a need to develop alternative control strategies to reduce the prevalence and damage caused by these parasites in extensive systems. One of these strategies involves plant extracts and their secondary metabolites, which have shown antiparasitic properties. The main aim of the present study was the evaluation of Artemisia cina (A. cina) foliage to perform an n-hexane extract and cinaguaiacin as secondary metabolite (mixture of 63% of 3′-demethoxy-6-O-demethylisoguaiacin and 37% norisoguaiacin), previously identified by chromatography technique and relative expression of three antioxidant enzyme genes of infective Haemonchus contortus larvae (L₃). The results showed upregulation of glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and catalase (CAT), and decreased expression of superoxide dismutase (SOD) genes after exposure to H. contortus L₃ to n-hexane extract of A. cina. Furthermore, cinaguacin displayed up- and downregulation of GPx and superoxide dismutase genes, respectively. These data suggest the active function of reactive oxidative species (ROS) genes of H. contortus L₃ exposed by the extract of A. cina and cinaguaiacin to induce the larve death. In this sense, both alternatives could be promising to mitigate resistance to anthelmintic drugs. Full article

Plants provide valuable compounds that positively influence the health of blood vessels, including those in the skin. Numerous plants exhibit anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and vasodilating effects, which enhance blood circulation and may promote skin regeneration and suppleness. Botanical species like Camellia sinensis, Chrysanthellum indicum, Helichrysum italicum, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Ginkgo biloba, or Artemisia lavandulaefolia may positively influence the health of cutaneous blood vessels in the skin. The beneficial impact in this context is attributed to various secondary metabolites inherent to these plants, including phenolic acids, flavonoids, vitamins, or saponins, which can subsequently enhance microcirculation, diminish swelling, inhibit telangiectasia, occlude blood vessels, and enhance skin appearance. In addition, the high antioxidant activity of plants is also key here, which helps protect vessels from damage caused by oxidative stress. This article provides an overview of specific plants that may positively influence skin blood vessels, along with a discussion of particular active compounds within these plants that exhibit such effects. These herbs not only improve vascular health but also promote a more youthful appearance. By examining their distinct qualities, we can enhance our comprehension of their synergistic effects on skin vitality and resilience. Full article

Plant species classification in semi-arid mining areas is of great significance in assessing the environmental impacts and ecological restoration effects of coal mining. However, in semi-arid mining areas characterized by mixed arbor–shrub–herb vegetation, the complex vegetation distribution patterns and spectral features render single-sensor approaches inadequate for achieving fine classification of plant species in such environments. How to effectively fuse hyperspectral images (HSI) data with light detection and ranging (LiDAR) to achieve better accuracy in classifying vegetation in semi-arid mining areas is worth exploring. There is a lack of precise evaluation regarding how these two data collection approaches impact the accuracy of fine-scale plant species classification in semi-arid mining environments. This study established two experimental scenarios involving the synchronous and asynchronous acquisition of HSI and LiDAR data. The results demonstrate that integrating LiDAR data, whether synchronously or asynchronously acquired, significantly enhances classification accuracy compared to using HSI data alone. The overall classification accuracy for target vegetation increased from 71.7% to 84.7% (synchronous) and 80.2% (asynchronous), respectively. In addition, the synchronous acquisition mode achieved a 4.5% higher overall accuracy than asynchronous acquisition, with particularly pronounced improvements observed in classifying vegetation with smaller canopies (Medicago sativa L.: 17.4%, Pinus sylvestris var. mongholica Litv.: 11.7%, and Artemisia ordosica Krasch.: 7.5%). This study can provide important references for ensuring classification accuracy and error analysis of land cover based on HSI-LiDAR fusion in similar scenarios. Full article