Search Results (123)

Similarly to conventional field crops, weeds often pose significant problems in the cultivation of medicinal plants. To date, no comprehensive documentation exists regarding weed infestation levels in these crops in Serbia. The objective of this study was to provide a valuable foundation for developing effective, site-specific weed management strategies in medicinal crop production. Weeds in five medicinal crops (lemon balm, fennel, peppermint, ribwort plantain, German chamomile), were surveyed based on the agro-phytosociological method between 2019 and 2024, and across 59 plots. A total of 109 weed species were recorded, belonging to 29 families and 88 genera. Among them, 75 were annuals and 34 perennials, including 93 broadleaved species, 10 grasses, and one parasitic species. All surveyed plots were heavily infested with perennial weeds such as Elymus repens, Cirsium arvense, Convolvulus arvensis, Lepidium draba, Rumex crispus, Sorghum halepense, Taraxacum officinale, etc. Also, several annual species were found in high abundance and frequency, including Amaranthus retroflexus, Chenopodium album, Galium aparine, Lactuca serriola, Lamium amplexicaule, L. purpureum, Papaver rhoeas, Stellaria media, Veronica hederifolia, V. persica, etc. The most important ecological factors influencing the composition of weed vegetation in investigated medicinal crops were temperature and light for fennel and peppermint plots, soil reaction for lemon balm and ribwort plantain plots, and nutrient content for German chamomile plots. A perspective for exploitation of these results is the development of effective weed control programs tailored to this specific cropping system. Weed control strategies should consider such information, targeting the control of the most frequent, abundant, and dominant species existing in a crops or locality. Full article

Rumex confertus (RC), a plant known for its traditional medicinal uses, has shown potential anticancer properties, particularly due to its rich phenolic content. Despite its promising bioactivity, its effects on breast cancer cells remain underexplored. Here, we investigated the cytotoxic effects of RC extracts on MCF-7 breast cancer cells, employing various solvents for extraction. This study revealed that the hexane extract significantly reduced the cell viability, with an IC₅₀ of 9.40 µg/mL after 96 h. The gene expression analysis indicated a substantial modulation of transcriptional networks, including the upregulation of pluripotency-related genes and the downregulation of differentiation markers. The findings suggest that the RC extract may induce a shift towards a less differentiated, stem-like state in cancer cells, potentially enhancing malignancy resistance. This study underscores the potential of RC as a candidate for breast cancer treatment, and a further investigation into its therapeutic applications is suggested. Full article

This study investigates the composition, abundance, and seasonal variability of airborne pollen in Siirt, a transitional region between the Irano-Turanian and Mediterranean phytogeographical zones in southeastern Türkiye. The main objective was to assess pollen diversity and its relationship with meteorological parameters over a two-year period (2022–2023). Airborne pollen was collected using a Hirst-type volumetric pollen and spore trap; a total of 18,666 pollen grains/m³ belonging to 37 taxa were identified. Of these, 70.67% originated from woody taxa and 29.33% from herbaceous taxa. Peak concentrations occurred in April, with the lowest levels in December. The dominant taxa, all exceeding 1% of the total, were Pinaceae (31.00%); Cupressaceae/Taxaceae (27.79%); Poaceae (18.42%); Moraceae (4.23%); Amaranthaceae (2.42%); Urticaceae (2.13%); Quercus (1.55%); Fabaceae (1.29%); and Rumex (1.02%). Spearman’s correlation analysis revealed significant relationships between daily pollen concentrations and meteorological variables such as temperature, humidity, precipitation, and wind speed. These findings highlight that both climatic conditions and the surrounding vegetation, shaped by regional land cover, play a crucial role in determining pollen dynamics. In conclusion, this study provides the first aerobiological baseline for Siirt and contributes valuable data for allergy-risk forecasting and long-term ecological monitoring in southeastern Türkiye. Full article

Phytoremediation is based on the use of plants to decontaminate water and soil. In this work, the capacity of high Andean vegetation in the absorption and translocation of heavy metals was analyzed. Species were identified to analyze the presence of metals in roots, stems, and leaves by spectrometry. The translocation factor was determined and analyzed by means of pattern clusters. Based on the floristic inventory, the dominance of the Poaceae and Asteraceae families was determined, and 12 plant species with a high importance value were selected. According to the ICP-AES, mercury (951.07 mg/kg) was determined in the roots of Lachemilla orbiculata, and chromium (21.88 mg/kg) in Carex bonplandii. Arsenic (2.79 mg/kg) was detected as being significantly higher than the values recorded in lowland plants. Cadmium mobility was high in all species, reaching higher values in Baccharis salicifolia (86.28%) and Calamagrostis intermedia (37.16%). Rumex acetocella accumulated lead in leaves (9.27%), while Taraxacum officinale (1.20%) and Calamagrostis intermedia (1.20%) accumulated silicon. Stabilization of chromium, mercury, and sodium was determined in the roots without translocation to higher organs. Finally, cluster analysis showed physiological interactions between metals as a toxicity mitigation mechanism affecting mobility. These findings suggest that they are hyperaccumulator species. Full article

Ethnographic sources provide information about several dye plants that produced reddish colors; however, there is no information on how this process is accomplished. Combining information from written sources with the results of dyeing experiments enables a deeper understanding of the dyeing methods employed in the past. This paper gives insight into the effect of using alkali on obtaining reddish tones in dyeing with Potentilla erecta and Rumex sp. In dyeing experiments, wool yarn was dyed with plant extracts, and the chemical compositions were studied both in plant extracts and in extracts obtained from wool after dyeing. As a result, the red/red-brown color is obtained only under the influence of alkali. Analytical studies of procyanidin (PC) extracts from rhizomes and yarns were performed using infrared spectroscopy (FTIR-ATR) and liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometric detection (LC-DAD-MS). Procyanidin extracts of P. erecta and R. acetosa contained monomers identified as (+)-catechin and (-)-epicatechin, as well as dimeric procyanidins of type-A (m/z 575 [M−H]⁻) and type-B (m/z 577 [M−H]⁻), along with various types of trimers (m/z 865 [M−H]⁻; m/z 863 [M−H]⁻), which were also isolated from dyed wool yarns with a similar composition. The conducted research on the use of alkali with tannin-containing plants contributes to deepening our understanding of the perception of color that existed in the ancient rural environment. Full article

Background: Rumex patientia (Polygonaceae), a perennial herbaceous species predominantly found in northern temperate regions, has been historically utilized in traditional Chinese medicine for its hematological regulatory properties, including blood cooling, hemostasis, and detoxification. Despite the pharmacological value of this species, unvalidated reference genes compromise precise gene expression profiling. Methods: We initially selected eight candidate genes (ACT, GAPDH, YLS, SKD1, UBQ, UBC, EF-1α, TUA) from R. patientia transcriptomes and then assessed their transcriptional stability using RT-qPCR across root, stem, and leaf tissues under four abiotic stresses: cold, drought, salinity, and heavy metal exposure. Results: ACT emerged as the most stable reference gene in three specific scenarios: root/leaf tissues under cold stress, stems during drought exposure, and roots subjected to salt treatment, revealing distinct tissue–stress response patterns. TUA emerged as the most stable reference in cold- and salt-challenged stems, while SKD1 exhibited superior stability in drought-affected roots/leaves, heavy-metal-stressed tissues, and salt-treated leaves. Validation via the drought-inducible MYB transcription factor confirmed reference gene reliability. Conclusions: This work pioneers a standardized reference gene framework for R. patientia under multi-stress conditions, offering essential methodological foundations for subsequent molecular research in this medicinal plant. Full article

Almond anthracnose, primarily caused by Colletotrichum godetiae, severely affects intensively irrigated almond orchards. This polyphagous pathogen is dispersed among plants by rain splashes. Consequently, weeds may contribute to the survival and dispersal of the inoculum during the almond tree’s dormant period. This study investigated how C. godetiae interacts with plants from various species in the spontaneous flora of almond orchards and how these plant species may influence the maintenance and spread of inoculum and the disease. After inoculating a collection of plants with C. godetiae conidia, it was observed that the fungus can cause symptoms and signs on Lathyrus tingitanus and on Trifolium pratense and act as an epiphyte with the ability to maintain and multiply conidia on Conyza canadensis, Medicago orbicularis, Polygonum aviculare, Scorpiurus sulcatus, Taraxacum officinale, and Trifolium vesiculosum, thus contributing to the survival and multiplication of the inoculum. Conidia germinated and produced appressoria on Andryala integrifolia, Cichorium intybus, Medicago polymorpha, Medicago sativa, Torilis arvensis, Picris echioides, and Rumex pulcher, but no further development was detected, suggesting that these plants may limit the spread of the pathogen. A better understanding of the susceptibility of almond orchard flora will support optimized vegetation management to reduce inoculum reservoirs. Full article

Creation of alkaline bulk layers from mining waste is economically viable way to prevent the migration of toxic metals down the soil profile and revegetate heavy polluted soils over large areas. We have conducted perennial experiments on the revegetation of industrial barren located near the operating nonferrous smelter in humid subarctic climate. A vermiculite–lizardite material from closed phlogopite mining, containing 10% layered silicates, was used to create the alkaline sorption barrier on the sites with high level of Cu/Ni pollution and wide range of topographic wetness index (TWI). We have revealed the strong effect of TWI on metal accumulation by mineral material with the highest effectiveness for the most wet sites. At the same time, the stable Ca and Mg content over seasons revealed the prolonged material effect for the maintenance of alkalinity and macronutrient supply. Further, we demonstrate the potential of Festuca rubra, Festuca ovina, Achillea millefolium, Deschampsia cespitosa, Dactylis glomerata, Rumex acetosella, Silene suecica, and for the revegetation of mineral material in dry locations. We demonstrated the effectiveness of alkaline geochemical barrier for the accumulation of toxic metals and successful plant growth in a wide range of topographic units. Full article

The aim of the present study was to assess heavy metal tolerance and its accumulation potential in coastal nitrophilic species Rumex maritimus, and to study the possible effects of nitrogen fertilizer and salinity on the characteristics of metal-treated plants. Two experiments were performed in partially controlled greenhouse conditions: (1) gradual treatment with increasing concentrations of Cd, Pb, Cu, Mn, and Zn; and (2) acute treatment with Cd, Pb, and Cu on the background of different nitrogen fertilizer amendment rates (0.15 and 0.30 g L⁻¹ N) and salinity (50 and 100 mM). R. maritimus plants were extremely tolerant to treatment with all metals, with no negative effect on total leaf biomass both in the case of gradual or acute treatment. However, the number and biomass of dry leaves increased under high doses of heavy metals, and the effect was more pronounced in the case of acute treatment. All studied metals were excluded from the roots and young leaves, predominantly accumulating in the dry leaves, reaching 250 mg kg⁻¹ for Cd, 2000 mg kg⁻¹ for Pb, and 500 mg kg⁻¹ for Cu. In the second experiment, the presence of increased nitrogen in the substrate positively affected the growth of R. maritimus plants and their morphological response to heavy metals, but salinity affected metal accumulation. Photosynthesis-related parameters, leaf chlorophyll concentration, and the chlorophyll a fluorescence parameter Performance Index Total confirmed that heavy metals had no negative effect on the physiological state of photosynthetically active leaves. It is concluded that R. maritimus plants have exceptional potential for practical phytoremediation needs due to the high tolerance and accumulation potential for heavy metals. Full article

The invasion of exotic plants threatens biodiversity, affecting ecosystem services and ecological processes in native ecosystems. Road construction creates new environments and contributes to the introduction and spread of exotic and invasive plants. This study aimed to evaluate the representation of different functional groups (annual/biannual herbs and grasses, perennial herbs and grasses, shrubs, trees) in the invasion of exotic species within the assemblage on roadside slopes in the Austrocedrus chilensis forest in northwest Andean Patagonia, Argentina. Roadside slopes (RS) and nearby reference areas (RA) were selected, and the cover of native, exotic, and invasive species from the functional groups was evaluated in 1 m² plots using the Braun-Blanquet method. It was found that invasive perennial herbs and grasses predominated on RS, with a cover (19.6 ± 3.0%) higher than that of RA (8.9 ± 1.5%). Agrostis capillaris and Rumex acetosella were the most abundant invasive species. Native shrubs and perennial herbs and grasses were predominant on RS, with Baccharis rhomboidalis and Acaena pinnatifida being the most abundant. This study demonstrates that the roadside slopes of the Austrocedrus chilensis forest harbor invasive exotic species that can invade nearby natural areas. Early detection of these species is important for proper management and control, thus promoting the conservation of biodiversity in forest environments. Full article

In contemporary society, obesity has become a critical public health issue driven by lifestyle modifications such as unhealthy dietary patterns, physical inactivity, and aging. Beyond its aesthetic implications, obesity is a significant etiological factor for metabolic disorders, including type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. With increasing emphasis on weight management and holistic health, the demand for slimming cosmetics has risen substantially. In particular, the formulation of natural-origin slimming cosmetic ingredients that facilitate lipolysis and improve dermal elasticity is being actively investigated, presenting a compelling balance of safety and efficacy. This study examined the bioactivities of 570 plant extracts sourced from Jeju Island to evaluate their potential as cosmetic raw materials. The α-glucosidase inhibitory activity was analyzed to determine their antidiabetic potential. Among the tested extracts, 18 species, including Rumex japonicus (IC₅₀, 0.93 ± 0.21 μg/mL), Rhynchosia volubilis (IC₅₀, 1.2 ± 0.16 μg/mL), and Arachniodes standishii (IC₅₀, 4.88 ± 0.89 μg/mL), exhibited substantially lower IC₅₀ values compared to the positive control, acarbose (IC₅₀, 251.17 ± 22.67 μg/mL). These findings highlight the potential of these extracts as innovative α-glucosidase inhibitors, potentially serving as alternatives to conventional pharmacological agents. Additionally, the safety of the 18 extracts for topical application was assessed via cytotoxicity assays using human keratinocyte (HaCaT) cells and primary skin irritation tests. The results indicated no cytotoxicity in HaCaT cells and no evidence of dermal irritation at concentrations deemed non-toxic to the cells. In summary, these 18 plant extracts from Jeju Island exhibit significant promise as multifunctional cosmetic ingredients, combining slimming properties through adipogenesis inhibition with skin-enhancing benefits. Full article

Assessing the impact of natural disturbances on plant biodiversity is crucial amid biodiversity loss and climate change. Research highlights dynamic shifts driven by environmental factors, climate change, and human activity, emphasizing the need to maintain ecosystem stability for biodiversity conservation and sustainable development, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions. This study, conducted between 2021 and 2023, focused on the dynamics of plant communities in argan tree reserve areas. Six argan orchards were selected as study sites for detailed investigation. A total of 82 species belonging to 25 families were identified, with 23 families documented in 2021 and 21 families in 2023, including six endemic species to Morocco (Frankenialaevis subsp. velutina, Ononisnatrix subsp. arganietorum, Rumex papilio, Andryala integrifolia subsp. cedretorum, Chiliadenushesperius, and Reseda difussa). The majority of the plants present in the study area were annual and biennial herbaceous types, exhibiting minimal seasonal stability within the plant communities. However, how communities respond to the effects of fluctuating disturbances remains unclear. This study explores the indirect effects of natural disturbances on community metrics in argan orchards, assessing plant diversity, biomass, and density across different orchard types. It highlights the influence of climate, soil properties, and biotic interactions on plant community dynamics. We utilized alpha diversity indices (Shannon, Simpson, Pielou’s, and Margalef’s) and beta diversity indices (Jaccard and Sorenson Similarity) to examine these patterns. Seasonal changes were predominantly influenced by temperature and precipitation, while diverse soil types shaped by relief, climate, and water balance contributed to different ecological functions. The key findings indicated the highest plant diversity in “Tioughza” and the most significant plant density in “Imoulass” and “Ezzaouite”. Soil nutrients (N, C, and P) showed a positive correlation with plant biomass, highlighting their vital role in biomass accumulation, whereas temperature, C/N ratio, and loam percentage were found to be crucial for plant richness. Mixed modeling revealed a significant relation between density and biomass, but no significant effect between alpha diversity (Shannon Index) and elevation. This study concludes that soil texture and climate significantly shape the relationships between diversity, biomass, and density, recommending further research into interactions among plant diversity, cover, biomass, and soil fertility to support the sustainable management of argan orchards. Full article

This study investigated the effects of dietary Edible Dock Powder (EDP) on growth performance, organ development, serum biochemistry, and cecal microbiota in Sanhua goslings. A total of 240 goslings were randomly allocated into four groups: one control group (Group A) and three experimental groups supplemented with EDP at concentrations of 1.00% (Group B), 2.50% (Group C), and 4.00% (Group D). Group B showed a significantly decreased feed-to-gain ratio (F/G) compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Organ analysis indicated an increase in liver and glandular stomach weights in Groups B and C (p < 0.05). Serum aspartate transaminase (AST) levels were significantly decreased in the EDP groups (p < 0.05), and glucose (GLU) levels were notably lower in Groups C and D compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Cecal microbiota analysis revealed that Group B was enriched in Prevotella and Streptococcaceae, while Cyanobacteria and Alistipes were higher in Group C. Additionally, Desulfovibrio was positively correlated with glandular stomach weight, and Oxalobacter with ADG (p < 0.05). These findings suggest that 1.00–2.50% EDP supplementation supports growth, enhances liver and gut health, and optimizes microbiota composition, providing a viable functional feed strategy for goslings. Full article

Background/Objectives: Côa Valley, located in the northeast of Portugal, harbors more than 500 medicinal plant species. Among them, four species stand out due to their traditional uses: Equisetum ramosissimum Desf. (hemorrhages, urethritis, hepatitis), Rumex scutatus L. subsp. induratus (Boiss. and Reut.) Malag. (inflammation, constipation), Geranium purpureum Vill., and Geranium lucidum L. (pain relief, gastric issues). Given their rich ethnomedicinal history, we evaluated their protective effects on an in vitro model of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). Methods: Decoction (D) and hydroalcoholic (EtOH80%) extracts were prepared and chemically characterized. Their safety profile and effects on lipid accumulation were assessed in palmitic acid (PA)-treated HepG2 cells using resazurin, sulforhodamine B, and Nile Red assays. Results: Chemical analysis revealed diverse phenolic compounds, particularly kaempferol derivatives in E. ramosissimum. All extracts showed minimal cytotoxicity at 25–50 µg/mL. At 100 µg/mL, only E. ramosissimum extracts maintained high cell viability. In the lipotoxicity model, E. ramosissimum decoction demonstrated the most potent effect, significantly reducing PA-induced neutral lipid accumulation in a dose-dependent manner, while other extracts showed varying degrees of activity. Conclusions: These findings highlight E. ramosissimum’s decoction, rich in kaempferol derivatives, as particularly effective in reducing lipid accumulation in this MASLD cell model while also providing a comprehensive characterization of traditionally used plants from the Côa Valley region. Full article

Recently, the use of plant extracts has emerged as an innovative approach for the production of various nanoparticles. Enhancing green methods for synthesizing copper oxide (CuO) nanoparticles (NPs) is a key focus in the field of nanotechnology. This study presents a novel and eco-friendly synthesis of CuO NPs using Rumex vesicarius L. leaf extracts, offering a cost-effective and efficient method. The synthesized CuO NPs were evaluated for their cytotoxic effects against human cervical carcinoma (HeLa) cells, as well as their photocatalytic and antimicrobial activities. The morphology, size, and structural properties of the CuO NPs were characterized using various analytical techniques. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis confirmed the pure crystalline structure of the CuO NPs with a size of 19 nm, while transmission electron microscopy (TEM) showed particle sizes ranging from 5 to 200 nm. The photocatalytic performance of the CuO NPs was assessed through the photodegradation of crystal violet (CV) and methylene blue (MB) dyes under UV light. The NPs exhibited excellent decolorization efficiency, effectively degrading dyes in aqueous solutions under irradiation. Furthermore, the green-synthesized CuO NPs displayed strong antibacterial and antifungal activities against a variety of human pathogens. They also demonstrated significant dose-dependent cytotoxicity against the HeLa cancer cell line, with an IC₅₀ value of 8 ± 0.54 μg/mL. Full article