Search Results (42)

The context of global climate change, water stress has a significant impact on the ecological function and landscape value of urban greening shrubs. In this study, three typical greening shrubs (Euonymus japonicus, Ligustrum × vicaryi, and Berberis thunbergii var. atropurpurea) in North China were subjected to a two-year field-controlled experiment (2022–2023) with four water treatments: full irrigation, deficit irrigation, natural rainfall, and extreme drought. The key findings are as follows: (1) Extreme drought reduced the color indices substantially—the G_CC of E. japonicus decreased by 40% (2023); the R_CC of B. thunbergii var. atropurpurea declined by 35% (2022); and the color indices of L. × vicaryi remained stable (variation < 15%). (2) Early-season soil water content (SWC) strongly correlated with the color index of E. japonicus (r² = 0.42, p < 0.05) but weakly with B. thunbergii (r² = 0.28), suggesting species-specific drought-tolerance mechanisms like reduced leaf area. (3) Deficit irrigation (SWC ≈ 40%) maintained color indices between fully irrigated and drought-stressed levels. Notably, B. thunbergii retained high redness (R_CC > 0.8) at an SWC ≈ 40%; E. japonicus required an SWC > 60% to preserve greenness (G_CC). The research results provide a scientific basis for urban greening plant screening and water-saving irrigation strategies, and expand the application scenarios of color coordinates in plant physiological and ecological research. Full article

Berberine, a bioactive isoquinoline alkaloid derived from medicinal plants such as Berberis and Coptis species, shows significant promise for managing obesity and associated metabolic disorders. This review synthesizes evidence on its modulation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling, gut microbiota composition, lipid metabolism, and adipokine networks, elucidating how these actions converge to suppress adipogenesis and improve insulin sensitivity. Metabolomic profiling reveals critical shifts in bile acid metabolism, short-chain fatty acid production, and mitochondrial function. Recent studies also highlight berberine’s anti-inflammatory effects and regulatory influence on glucose homeostasis. Despite its promise, challenges in oral bioavailability and drug interactions necessitate the development of advanced delivery strategies. We further discuss nanoformulations and multi-omics approaches, which integrate data from genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics, provide new insights into berberine’s mechanisms, and may guide personalized therapeutic applications. While promising, further studies are needed to validate these findings in humans and translate them into effective clinical strategies. Full article

Berberis mikuna Job. (common name “mikuna”) and Berberis burruyacuensis O.R. Dantur, S. Radice, E. Giordani and Papini (common name “sacha mikuna”) are endemic native plant species from northwestern Argentina. The aim of this work was to evaluate, for the first time, the potential of the pulp, seed, and peel powders from B. mikuna and B. burruyacuensis fruits as functional food ingredients, with the purpose of adding value to these native resources and promoting their sustainable use. All powders exhibited nutritional value due to their protein, lipid, fiber, and ash content, especially the seed powder. Phenolic compounds (including xanthone, phenolic esters, coumarins, flavonoids, tannins, and anthocyanins), alkaloids, amino acids, lipids, and vitamins, totaling 33 compounds, were identified in the pulp, seed, and peel of both Berberis fruits through UHPLC-PDA-ESI-QT-MS/MS. High anthocyanin content was observed in the pulp and peel, mainly in B. mikuna (195.55 ± 7.75 and 283.49 ± 6.55 g C3GE/100 g of powder, respectively), while tannins were abundant in the seeds (3.64 ± 0.11 and 6.09 ± 0.06 mg PB2/100 g of powder for B. mikuna and B. burruyacuensis, respectively). The powders exhibited antioxidant activity (ABTS^•+; H₂O₂) and the capacity to inhibit enzymes related to metabolic syndrome, such as α-glucosidase, α-amylase, and lipase. These findings suggest the potential of B. mikuna and B. burruyacuensis fruit powders as functional food ingredients, dietary supplements, or natural functional colorants for foods and beverages. Full article

The cytokine storm, a hyperinflammatory response characterized by the excessive release of pro-inflammatory mediators such as TNFα, INFγ, IL-1β, IL-6, and GM-CSF, has been identified as a critical factor in the progression and severity of acute inflammatory conditions. Regulating these pathways is essential for mitigating systemic damage and improving outcomes. Natural products from tropical American plants have shown significant potential in modulating these hyperinflammatory responses. Key polyphenols, like quercetin and luteolin, found in plants such as Achyrocline satureioides and Mangifera indica demonstrate the downregulation of NF-κB and inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Alkaloids, such as berberine and mitraphylline, isolated from Berberis species and Uncaria tomentosa, respectively, have shown potent effects in suppressing nitric oxide production and regulating inflammasomes. Terpenoids, including parthenolide from Tanacetum parthenium and curcumol from Curcuma longa, exhibit multitarget activity, reducing cytokine levels and inhibiting key inflammatory enzymes like COX-2 and iNOS. These findings highlight the immense potential of bioactive compounds from tropical American plants as modulators of immune–inflammatory pathways, providing a foundation for developing effective therapeutic agents to counteract the severe effects of cytokine storms. Full article

Understanding soil fertility is significant for the restoration and scientific management of shrub vegetation in the Qilian Mountains. This study focused on the soils associated with five common alpine shrub species—Salix gilashanica, Potentilla fruticosa, Caragana jubata, Caragana tangutica, and Berberis diaphana. We examined soil fertility characteristics, analyzed the relationships among soil fertility indicators, and evaluated the comprehensive fertility status of soil within shrub communities using principal component analysis. The results indicated that (1) the mean values of soil organic matter, total nitrogen, and total phosphorus were 77.94, 3.85, and 0.74 g kg⁻¹, respectively; (2) the soil organic matter and total nitrogen content were significantly higher than the national averages, while the total phosphorus content was slightly lower; and (3) the soil pH and total potassium showed weak variability, the total phosphorus content exhibited moderate variability, and other nutrient indicators (including soil organic matter, total nitrogen, alkali-hydrolyzable nitrogen, available phosphorus, available potassium, soil bulk density, and soil water content) exhibited strong variability. Soil organic matter exhibited a significant positive correlation with total nitrogen, alkali-hydrolyzable nitrogen, and soil water content but negatively correlated with soil pH and bulk density. Total nitrogen was positively correlated with alkali-hydrolyzable nitrogen, available phosphorus, and soil water content but negatively correlated with soil pH and soil bulk density. Total phosphorus demonstrated a positive correlation with total potassium and soil bulk density, whereas total potassium was negatively correlated with available phosphorus. The order of soil fertility of the five communities was Salix gilashanica > Potentilla fruticosa > Berberis diaphana > Caragana jubata > Caragana tangutica. The soil fertility index, based on PCA, indicated that Salix gilashanica exhibited the highest fertility status. The findings of this study provide a theoretical reference for the restoration and reconstruction of shrub vegetation, the enhancement of soil fertility, and the improvement of fragile ecosystems in the Qilian Mountains. It also provides essential insights for soil restoration and sustainable ecosystem management in alpine environments. Full article

Understanding the relationships between nutrient content in plant roots and ecological stoichiometry is crucial for elucidating nutrient utilization strategies and material cycling in alpine plant communities. However, data characterizing the stoichiometric characteristics of plant roots in this region remain limited. In this study, we collected fine-root and soil samples from five common alpine shrub species—Salix gilashanica, Potentilla fruticosa, Caragana jubata, Caragana tangutica, and Berberis diaphana—to investigate the carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P) stoichiometric characteristics of their fine roots and examine the potential nutrient control strategies based on the soil properties. Our analysis revealed that the mean C (541.38 g kg⁻¹) and P (1.10 g kg⁻¹) contents in the shrub fine roots exceeded the average levels of the plant roots in China. However, the mean N content (8.61 g kg⁻¹) was lower than the global average. Notably, the mean C:N ratio (71.3) in these fine roots was significantly higher than the global average, whereas both the mean C:P ratio (527.61) and N:P ratio (8.11) were considerably lower. The N:P ratios in the fine roots of the five shrub species were below 14, indicating nitrogen limitation for growth in the degraded alpine shrub communities. Our findings indicate that soil available phosphorus (33.2%) and pH (20.5%) are the primary factors influencing the eco-stoichiometric characteristics of shrub fine roots in the Qilian Mountains. These findings provide valuable data and theoretical support for a better understanding of the role of shrub roots in nutrient cycling within alpine ecosystems. Full article

Berberine (BER) is an alkaloid found, together with other protoberberinoids (PROTBERs), in several species used in medicines and food supplements. While some herbal preparations containing BER and PROTBERs, such as Berberis aristata DC. bark extracts, have shown promising potential for human health, their safety has not been fully assessed. Recently, the EFSA issued a call for data to deepen the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic understanding of products containing BER and PROTBERs and to comprehensively assess their safety, especially when used in food supplements. In this context, new data were collected in this work by assessing: (i) the phytochemical profile of 16 different commercial B. aristata dry extracts, which are among the most widely used preparations containing BER and PROTBERs in Europe; (ii) the In Vitro and In Silico investigation of the pharmacokinetic properties of BER and PROTBERs; (iii) the In Vitro cytotoxicity of selected extracts in different human cell lines, including tests on hepatic cells in the presence of CYP450 substrates; (iv) the effects of the extracts on cancer cell migration; and (v) the In Vitro molecular effects of extracts in non-cancer human cells. Results showed that commercial B. aristata extracts contain BER as the main constituent, with jatrorrhizine as main secondary PROTBER. BER and jatrorrhizine were found to have a good bioaccessibility rate, but they interact with P-gp. B. aristata extracts showed limited cytotoxicity and minimal interaction with CYP450 substrates. Furthermore, tested extracts demonstrated inhibition of cancer cell migration and were devoid of any pro-tumoral effects in normal cells. Overall, our work provides a valuable overview to better elucidate important concerns regarding botanicals containing BER and PROTBERs. Full article

Evolving antibiotic resistance of bacteria is a prevailing global challenge in health care and requires the development of safe and efficient alternatives to classic antibiotics. Photodynamic Inactivation (PDI) has proven to be a promising alternative for treatment of a broad range of microorganisms. Photodynamic Inactivation uses photoactive molecules that generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) upon illumination and in the presence of oxygen, which immediately kill pathogenic target organisms. Relevant photoactive properties are provided by berberine. Originally extracted from Barberry (Berberis vulgaris), it is a natural compound widely used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects. With this study, we demonstrated the potential of berberine chloride hydrate (Ber) as a photosensitizer for PDI of important human pathogens, Gram(+) Staphylococcus capitis subsp. capitis, Gram(+) Staphylococcus aureus, and Gram(−) Escherichia coli. In vitro experiments on planktonic and biofilm cultures were conducted focusing on Ber activated with visible light in the blue wavelength range. The number of planktonic S. capitis cells was reduced by 7 log₁₀ steps using 100 µM Ber (5 min incubation, illumination with 435 nm LED array, radiant exposure 25 J/cm²). For an antibacterial effect of 4 log₁₀ steps, static S. capitis biofilms required 1 mM Ber, a drug-to-light interval of 60 min, and illumination with 100 J/cm². Almost all planktonic cells of Staphylococcus aureus could be photokilled using 100 µM Ber (drug-to-light interval of 30 min, radiant exposure 25 J/cm²). Biofilms of S. aureus could be phototreated (3 log₁₀ steps inactivation) when using 1 mM Ber incubated for 5 min and photoactivated with 100 J/cm². The study is highlighted by the proof that PDI treatment using Ber showed an antibacterial effect on Gram(−) E. coli. Planktonic cells could be reduced by 3 log₁₀ steps with 100 µM Ber (5 min incubation, 435 nm, 25 J/cm²). With 5 mM ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid disodium salt dihydrate (Na₂EDTA) or 1.2% polyaspartic acid (PASA) in addition, a relative inactivation of 4 log₁₀ steps and 7 log₁₀ steps, respectively, was detectable. Furthermore, we showed that an antibacterial effect of 3.4 log₁₀ towards E. coli biofilms was given when using 1 mM Ber (5 min incubation, 435 nm, 100 J/cm²). These results underscore the significance of PDI-treatment with Ber as a natural compound in combination with blue light as valuable antimicrobial application. Full article

The present study emphasizes the importance of documenting ethnomedicinal plants and herbal practices of the local rural communities of Tehsil Hajira (Pakistan). The aim was to document, explore and quantify the traditional ethnomedicinal knowledge. Ethnobotanical data were collected using semi-structured questionnaires and analyzed using various quantitative indices. The results showed that 144 medicinal plant species from 70 families and 128 genera play an important role in herbal preparations. The most common type of preparation was powder (19.0%), followed by paste (16.7%), aqueous extract (15.7%), decoction (14.7%) and juice (11.0%). Fragaria nubicola (0.94) and Viola canescens (0.93) had the highest relative frequency of mention (RFC), while Berberis lycium (1.22) and Fragaria nubicola (1.18) had the highest use value (UV). Geranium wallichianum (85.5), Ligustrum lucidum (83) and Indigofera heterantha (71.5) were the most important species in the study area with the highest relative importance (RI) value. The diseases treated were categorized into 17 classes, with diseases of the digestive system and liver having the highest Informant Consensus Factor (ICF) value, followed by diseases of the oropharynx and musculoskeletal system. Important plants mentioned for the treatment of various diseases of the gastrointestinal tract are Zanthoxylum alatum, Berberis lycium, Mentha longifolia, Punica granatum, Rubus ellipticus and Viola canescens. New applications of rarely documented plants from this area are: Oxalis corniculata paste of the whole plant to treat vitiligo, Carthamus tinctorius flowers to treat chicken pox, Dioscorea deltoidea tuber powder to treat productive cough, Inula cappa root decoction to treat miscarriage, Habenaria digitata tuber juice for the treatment of fever, Viola canescens leaves and flowers for the treatment of sore throat and Achillea millefolium root and leaf juice for the treatment of pneumonia. These plants may contain interesting biochemical compounds and should be subjected to further pharmacological studies to develop new drugs. Traditional medicinal knowledge in the area under study is mainly limited to the elderly, traditional healers and midwives. Therefore, resource conservation strategies and future pharmacological studies are strongly recommended. Full article

Berberis amurensis var. latifolia Nakai is a plant native to the Ulleung Island in Korea. In this study, we aimed to identify seed dormancy-breaking and germination requirements of this species using water imbibition experiments, gibberellic acid (GA₃) treatment (0, 10, 100, or 1000 mg/L), cold stratification (0, 2, 4, 8, or 12 weeks at 5 °C), move-along experiments, and phenological studies. In the water imbibition experiment, the seed weight increased by more than 120% after 24 h. Analysis of the internal morphological characteristics of the seeds revealed that the embryo in freshly matured seeds was fully grown and did not grow thereafter. The final germination percentages after 12 weeks of cold stratification at 5 °C were 49 ± 6.4% and 63 ± 3.4% under light and dark conditions, respectively. In move-along and phenological studies, a longer cold stratification treatment period resulted in a higher germination percentage; however, the warm stratification treatment did not affect germination significantly. The GA₃ treatment had little effect on seed germination. Therefore, we concluded that B. amurensis var. latifolia seeds have intermediate physiological dormancy, and pre-treatment with cold stratification for 12 weeks and incubation in the dark are required for effective seed propagation. Full article

Berberis microphylla, commonly known as calafate, is one of the most promising species of Chilean Patagonia to be domesticated, due to its anthocyanin-rich berries. The main aim of this study was to understand the genetic structure of the wild populations of B. microphylla in the main regions where it grows and its relationship with phenolic secondary metabolite profiles. Ripe berry samples and leaves were collected from the Aysén and Magallanes regions. Genetic analyses were carried out using 18 microsatellite markers. Phenolic compounds were extracted from the ripe fruits and were quantified using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Their antioxidant capacity was determined according to the Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) assay. Total phenols were measured as their absorbance at a wavelength of 280 nm. Both the genetic and chemometric data were explored using unsupervised and supervised methods. The genetic markers suggest the existence of three groups, two of them corresponding to the Aysén and Magallanes samples, and the third corresponding to Chile Chico (a district in Aysén), which was the most divergent of the three. Similar results were observed in the phenolic profile obtained with chemometric analysis, with the same samples forming a separate third group. The differentiation achieved using the genetic and chemical data may be the result of intrinsic genetic differences, environmental effects on fruit maturity, or the sum of both factors. These are all points to consider in the domestication of this valuable species by selecting individuals with desirable traits and contrasting phenotypes. Full article

Berberis species have a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine, Ayurvedic medicine, and Western herbal medicine. The aim of this study was the quantification of the main isoquinoline alkaloids in extracts obtained from various Berberis species by HPLC, in vitro and in silico determination of anti-cholinesterase activity, and in vitro and in vivo investigations of the cytotoxic activity of the investigated plant extracts and alkaloid standards. In particular, Berberis species whose activity had not been previously investigated were selected for the study. In the most investigated Berberis extracts, a high content of berberine and palmatine was determined. Alkaloid standards and most of the investigated plant extracts exhibit significant anti-cholinesterase activity. Molecular docking results confirmed that both alkaloids are more favourable for forming complexes with acetylcholinesterase compared to butyrylcholinesterase. The kinetic results obtained by HPLC-DAD indicated that berberine noncompetitively inhibited acetylcholinesterase, while butyrylcholinesterase was inhibited in a mixed mode. In turn, palmatine exhibited a mixed inhibition of acetylcholinesterase. The cytotoxic activity of berberine and palmatine standards and plant extracts were investigated against the human melanoma cell line (A375). The highest cytotoxicity was determined for extract obtained from Berberis pruinosa cortex. The cytotoxic properties of the extract were also determined in the in vivo investigations using the Danio rerio larvae xenograft model. The obtained results confirmed a significant effect of the Berberis pruinosa cortex extract on the number of cancer cells in a living organism. Our results showed that extracts obtained from Berberis species, especially the Berberis pruinosa cortex extract, can be recommended for further in vivo experiments in order to confirm the possibility of their application in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases and human melanoma. Full article

The exponential growth of the economy and society has resulted in a substantial need for superior urban green spaces, consequently fostering a significant surge in urban landscape construction. The integration of plant landscapes in urban landscape construction is crucial. The rational use of plant landscape resources to create high-quality urban green spaces is of great significance for promoting urban sustainable development. Hence, the primary aim of this study was to investigate the landscape and ecological functions of indigenous plants in the context of urban landscape implementation and then provide utilization strategies of indigenous plants for urban landscape construction. This research focuses on the utilization of native plants in Aksu’s urban green spaces (a city in northwest China). Through a contrastive analysis of the dust retention, windbreak and sand fixation, and landscaping capabilities of these native plants, certain indigenous species are identified as suitable candidates. Specifically, Styphnolobium japonicum and Ulmus densa exhibit a dust adhering per plant of 656.50 and 388.46 g·m⁻², respectively. Consequently, augmenting their planting proportion can effectively augment the overall dust adhering within the garden. The windbreak distances of Populus bolleana, Populus euphratica, and Styphnolobium japonicum were found to exceed 60 m, indicating their effectiveness in mitigating wind and sand erosion. Therefore, strategically planting these species can contribute to the establishment of a robust urban windbreak forest. Additionally, optimizing the arrangement of Rosa multiflora, Hippophae rhamnoides, Berberis thunbergii, and Salix matsudana can enhance the aesthetic appeal of urban gardens. The utilization of native plants holds promise in enhancing the ecological and landscape functions of urban gardens in Aksu. The effective enhancement of the ecological function and the landscape effect of urban gardens can be achieved through the appropriate reconstruction with native plants. The findings of this study hold significant reference value for the urban landscape architecture in arid urban areas. Full article

Species of the Berberis genus, which are widely distributed naturally throughout the world, are cultivated and used for various purposes such as food, medicinal applications, and manufacturing dyes. Model-based machine learning is a language for specifying models, allowing the definition of a model using concise code, and enabling the automatic creation of software that implements the specified model. Maximum entropy (MaxEnt 3.4.1) is an algorithm used to model the appropriate distribution of species across geographical regions and is based on the species distribution model that is frequently also used in modeling the current and future potential distribution areas of plant species. Therefore, this study was conducted to estimate the current and future potential distribution areas of Berberis vulgaris in Türkiye for the periods 2041–2060 and 2081–2100, according to the SSP2 4.5 and SSP5 8.5 scenarios based on the IPSL-CM6A-LR climate change model. For this purpose, the coordinates obtained in the WGS 84 coordinate system were marked using the 5 m high spatial resolution Google Satellite Hybrid base maps, which are readily available in the 3.10.4 QGIS program, the current version of QGIS (Quantum GIS). The CM6A-LR climate model, the latest version of the IPSL climate models, was used to predict the species’ future distribution area. The area showed a high correlation with the points representing B. vulgaris, which is generally distributed in the Mediterranean and the central and eastern Black Sea regions of Türkiye, and the very suitable areas encompassed 45,413.82 km². However, when the SSP2 4.5 scenario was considered for the period 2041–2060, the areas very suitable for Berberis vulgaris comprised 59,120.05 km², and in the SSP2 4.5 scenario, very suitable areas were found to encompass 56,730.46 km² in the 2081–2100 period. Considering the SSP5 8.5 scenario for the period 2041–2060, the area most suitable for the B. vulgaris species is 66,670.39 km². In the SSP5 8.5 scenario, very suitable areas were found to cover 20,108.29 km² in the 2081–2100 period. Careful consideration of both the potential positive and negative impacts of climate change is essential, and these should be regarded as opportunities to implement appropriate adaptation strategies. The necessary conditions for the continued existence and sustainability of B. vulgaris—that is, areas with ecological niche potential—have been determined. Full article

Cysteine-rich secretory proteins (C), antigen 5 (A), and pathogenesis-related 1 proteins (P) comprise widespread CAP superfamily proteins, which have been proven to be novel virulence factors of mammalian pathogenic fungi and some plant pathogens. Despite this, the identification and function of CAP proteins in more species of plant pathogens still need to be studied. This work presents the identification and functional analysis of CAP superfamily proteins from Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici (Pst), an important fungal pathogen that causes wheat stripe rust on wheat worldwide. A total of six CAP genes were identified in the Pst genome, designated as PsCAP1–PsCAP6. Five PsCAP proteins, including PsCAP1, PsCAP2, PsCAP3, PsCAP4, and PsCAP5, have N-terminal signal peptides secreted with the yeast signal sequence trap assay. Single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis indicated that they showed a low level of intraspecies polymorphism. The expression abundance of PsCAP genes at different Pst infection stages was detected by RT-qPCR, and most of them were highly expressed during Pst infection on wheat and also Pst sexual reproduction on barberry (Berberis shensiana). Noticeably, the silencing of these six PsCAP genes by BSMV-mediated HIGS indicated that PsCAP1, PsCAP4, and PsCAP5 contribute significantly to Pst infection in wheat. These results indicate that PsCAP proteins may act as virulence factors during Pst infection, which also provides insights into Pst pathogenicity. Full article