Journal of Medicinal Plants and By-products
Volume:13 Issue: 1, Winter 2024

Kakuti is a mint plant that is used to flavor yogurt and buttermilk. Kakuti strengthens the stomach, disinfects the respiratory tract, and has the properties of mint. In this investigation, we evaluated the biochemical structure of the volatile oil of Ziziphora tenuior L. The EO content of Z. tenuior was 0.4%, equivalent 0.4 g.  In total, 38 composites (including 99.65%) were recognized in Z. tenuior. The main compounds identified in the EO analysis were pulegone (77.25%), 1,8-Cineole (4.19%), limonene (3.22%), neoisoisopulegol (2.88%), α-pinene (1.18%), and β-pinene (1.61%). The plant extracts showed moderate antioxidant activity with IC50 values of 1633.33 mg/L. Ziziphora tenuior L. was rich in phenolic compounds and total flavonoids (43.51 mg/g). This investigation showed that the EOs of kakuti, owing to their chief constituents such as limonene, 1,8-cineole, and pulegone, as well as the content of valuable phenolic substances (eugenol, rosmarinic acid, and quercetin) can be considered good sources of natural preservatives that can be very useful in the food industry. Also, due to the presence of quercetin and given the evidence for the concomitant use of quercetin and vitamin C, it may be suggested as a supplement to promising pharmacological agents for treating COVID-19 patients.

Saffron corm is produced annually in large quantities in Iran. It contains some bioactive components like phenolic and antioxidative compounds. We extracted saffron corm by ultrasound-assisted solvent extraction method. The extraction yield and antioxidant properties, free radical scavenging ability, FRAP, and total phenolic compounds (TPC), were determined. To evaluate acute and subchronic toxicity, the extract was administered at three different doses of 1, 10, and 100 mg/kg to BALB/c male mice. Then, the rate of mortality and biochemical parameters such as LDH, ALT, AST, ALP, TG, cholesterol and creatinine were measured after 24 hours and 60 days respectively. Effect of extract on healthy (HFF) and cancerous cells (MCF-7 & HT-29) was evaluated using MTT assay. Results showed that the 40 min ultrasound-assisted extraction method with the highest extraction yield (0.98%), free radical scavenging inhibition (64.37%), and highest FRAP (643.51 µmolfeII.l-1) and TPC (82.23 mg.ml-1) could be selected as the most active saffron corm extract. According to our animal study after acute and subchronic administration of extract, no significant alteration of the levels of TG, cholesterol, ALP, ALT, AST and creatinine was observed, in mice. Cytotoxicity tests showed that saffron corm extract had no toxic effect on HFF cells, although it had toxic effects on MCF-7 & HT-29 cells. Conclusively, to our data, saffron corm extract had no significant acute and subchronic toxicity on BALB/c mice, and although it had toxic effects on cancer cells no cytotoxicity was seen on normal fibroblast cells.

Today's world is confronted with many environmental concerns, including the extinction of plant species. Plants are harvested indiscriminately due to their usefulness in medicine, the economy, and agriculture. The need to preserve biodiversity, particularly in the case of plants, necessitates the use of ethnobiological knowledge. Ethnobiological knowledge is traditional knowledge based on indigenous peoples' use of nature and the environment, which they have gained over the years through numerous trials and errors. The purpose of this study is to investigate the role of indigenous knowledge in the use and conservation of plants by local people.  This study was performed in three villages in Lar National Park: Polour, Ab-e-ask, and Niak, which have the highest population in the Lar region. The primary research method used was qualitative methods such as direct observation, interviews, and questionnaires, as well as instruments such as a voice recorder, Excel software, Arc GIS, and SPSS 25. Our results indicate that indigenous knowledge of local experts in Lar National Park is about the causes of plant decay in this area, germination, flowering time, experts' knowledge about the time and method of harvesting to reduce damage, and valuable therapeutic information about plants. Indigenous knowledge offers significant potential in plant conservation, especially for medicinal plants, exposed to a high risk of extinction due to widespread use. Our results highlight the importance of including local knowledge holders as active partners in biodiversity protection in the Lar region.

Synthetic preservative compounds can prevent pathogenic bacterial growth, but they cause other concerns related to the adverse effect on human health. Essential Oil (EO), which possesses antibacterial activity, have potential replacers for synthetic preservatives. This study was conducted to develop Atlas cedar EO antibacterial activity, physical properties and sustainability against environmental stress via emulsification. Firstly, screening to select the most potent EO among various EOs (i.e. anise, Atlas cedar, curry leaf and onion) was done. As Atlas cedar was the most efficient antibacterial agent, emulsions containing Atlas Cedar EO were subsequently prepared using different concentrations of Polysorbate20 via a solvent-displacement technique. The physical properties (droplets size, stability, lightness and turbidity) and antibacterial activity (agar disk diffusion) of emulsions were determined. Results showed that emulsion containing 7% (wt) of Polysorbate20 was the most desirable sample in terms of physical properties of antibacterial activity. Henceforth, it was selected for environmental stresses study (i.e. thermal processing, freeze-thaw cycle and ultraviolet exposure). Results revealed that all types of environmental stresses had a significant (p<0.05) effects on physical properties. Environmental stress treatments showed antibacterial activity enhancement against Gram-positive bacteria. Thus, the present work proved the potential use of emulsion as the delivery system of EO as antibacterial agent for applications in the food industry.

Many medicinal plants have natural antioxidant properties. In this study, the chemical composition of Mentha aquatica L. essential oil was determined and antioxidant properties of essential oils and methanolic extracts, ethanolic extracts, acetonic extracts and aqueous extracts were studied. Also, Phenolics, flavonoids and tannins contents of all the mentioned extracts were determined. The essential oil of the dried flowering aerial part of wild water mint is extracted by hydrodistillation. The essential oil was analyzed by capillary GC and GC-MS. The Folin–Ciocalteu method was adopted to determine the total phenols content while flavonoids were estimated according to the aluminum chloride colorimetric method. To evaluate tannins content, vanillin and HCl were added to the extracts. The antioxidant potential was measured by 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging and the inhibition of β-carotene bleaching assays. The main components of essential oil were pipritenone oxide (37.80%), 1, 8-cineole (24.13%), α-gurjunene (11.96%) and pulegone (4.64%). The antioxidant properties of the essential oil were more considerable than all the other extracts. The antioxidant properties and total phenolics, flavonoids and tannins contents of methanolic extracts, ethanolic extracts and acetonic extracts were larger than the aqueous extract. These results show that essential oils, methanolic extracts, ethanolic extracts and acetonic extracts of M. aquatica from Southern Khorasan of Iran have a great potential of polyphenols which can be used as a natural food preservative and antioxidant source.

Melia azedarach L. (Meliaceae family) is traditionally consumed to treat rheumatic pains, astringent, skin diseases, and diuretics. The present study aims to investigate the chemical composition of the flowers essential oil, as well as in vitro antioxidant activities of the leaves and fruits extracts of M. azedarach by DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) and FRAP (ferric reducing antioxidant power) assays. The GC-MS analysis of the essential oil identified oxygenated sesquiterpenes (43.7%) as the major chemical class. The volatile oil was rich in trans-nerolidol (39.5%), 1,4-dimethoxybenzene (11.6%), 2-phenylacetaldehyde (9.1%), and phenyl ethyl alcohol (7%). The leaves ethanolic extracts (LEE) indicating the IC50 values 149 ± 0.05 µg/mL and 20.31 ± 0.03 mmol of the FeSO4/g of the extract exhibited the strongest radical scavenging activity assessed via DPPH and FRAP assays, respectively. The higher antioxidant activity of LEE was correlated with the higher total phenolic contents (42.86 ± 0.02 μg gallic acid/mg extract) compared to the fruits (26.8 ± 0.05 μg gallic acid/mg extract). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the essential oil compositions and the antioxidant activity of this species collected from the southeast ofIran. This study highlights that the M. azedarach essential oil can be a rich natural source of trans-nerolidol with diverse biological activities. Additionally, the ethanolic extract of leaves has significant antioxidant activities. Therefore, these findings might direct further complementary phytochemical and biological investigations of this species.

In general, the resistance of microorganisms to antibiotics has become one of the major concerns of human society and the health care system. The aim of this study was to evaluate total phenol, flavonoids content, alkaloids, antioxidant capacity and antibacterial activity of 7 medicinal plants extracts in Sistan climatic conditions against pathogens. Plant samples were collected from the collection of the Agricultural Research Institute of medicinal plants, University of Zabol and dried in normal shade and room temperature. A Methanolic extract of the leaves of snake grass, eucalyptus, tatura, Musquit bean, Watercress, rosemary and olive was prepared by cold maceration method. Total phenol content by using folin-ciocalteu reagent method, total flavonoid content by aluminum chloride colorimetric method, antioxidant capacity by DPPH free radical scavenging assay and antibacterial activity of extracts by agar diffusion method and measurement of growth inhibition zone or Disk diffusion was measured. The analysis of variance showed that there was a statistically significant difference between different medicinal plants at a probability level of 5%. In the present experiment, the highest phenolic content (110.78 mg/q D.W.) in the Rosemary methanolic extract, the highest total flavonoid content (4.55 mg GA/g D.W.) in Eucalyptus extract and the highest antioxidant activity (93.1%) in the Olive extract were observed. Also, the largest diameter of Disk diffusion (25 mm) was observed in the medium containing Rosemary extract and against Streptococcus pyogenes.

Medicinal plants have played a fundamental role in the health of society in the distant past, but today people's tendency toward these herbals has increased due to the cost and side effects. Therefore, it is essential to supply the market demand for medicinal plants. Traditional herbal seller and medicinal plant sellers have an influential place in the supply chain of medicinal plants, and proper communication of this group facilitates the supply of these plants. This research was conducted to evaluate the network of traditional herbal seller and medicinal plant sellers in Alborz province. The statistical population was all groceries and medicinal plant sellers in Alborz province (N=250). Sampling method was random sampling. Also sample size determined by Krejcie & Morgan table. The number of samples was obtained 130, which by the data was gathered. The research tool was a researcher-made questionnaire. USINET6 and SPSS22 software programs were used to analyze the network of traditional herbal seller and medicinal plant sellers. According to the network analysis results, traditional herbal seller and medicinal plant sellers interact and communicate more with suppliers of unions and guilds, other sellers, marketers, and traditional medicine experts. Also, Medicinal plant business networks, sellers, unions, guilds, suppliers, and processors have more mediating power in the network. The traditional herbal seller and medicinal plant sellers are a central activist in the business network of medicinal plants. The reciprocity index of links showed that this index is in the average range; thus, the network stability is in the average range. The degree of input and output of the model also showed that medicinal herb sellers and traditional herbal seller, major suppliers, and medicinal herb unions and guilds are in network’s center. From this, it can be concluded that these actors in the network have high control and mediation power in the network. Also, exploratory factor analysis showed that the main components of the model are: cooperation and partnership network, information, communication, network formation and development measures, network organization, evaluation and follow-up of activities, marketing and sales.

The drying process can preserve herbal products against pathogens and improve their shelf life and quality; however, drying techniques have different effects on the appearance and quality of final products. Accordingly, the present study assessed various drying techniques viz. sunlight, shade, oven (45, 55, and 65 °C), vacuum (45, 55, and 65 °C), and microwave (20, 400, and 600 W) on color and phytochemicals characteristics of hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) plants with respect to total phenolic content (TPC), cannabidiol (CBD), and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), chlorophyll (Chl) content, and color properties using multivariate analysis. The results revealed that the highest CBD and THC were observed in plants dried in a microwave at 400 and 600 W, respectively. The TPC reached the highest amount in shade drying conditions and was followed by microwave at 400 W, and oven at 45 °C. Although Chl b mainly remained unchanged, Chl a represented the lower amount by increasing the temperature of drying methods, especially over 65 °C. The lightness (L*) and brightness (b*) of fresh leaves were higher than dried samples, while over 65 °C possessed their minimum amount of L*. Agglomerative hierarchical clustering (AHC) showed three different clusters were determined as microwaves at 200, 400, and 600 W were placed in a distinguished cluster. Finally, this experiment suggested shade drying or minimum temperatures of the oven and vacuum techniques to reach constant color and phytochemicals, while microwaves can be recommended for CBD and THC, which can be useful in food and pharmacological industries.

The changes in the compositions of essential oils (EOs) from the aerial parts of Thymus vulgaris (garden thyme) were determined at different temperatures and storage times. In this study, the effect of time and temperature on the quality of essential oils was investigated. The essential oil of air-dried samples was obtained by hydro-distillation and was analyzed by gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Changes in essential oil compositions were detected during storage for three months in a refrigerator (4 ◦C), a freezer (−20 ◦C), and at room temperature. In thyme, the amount of the important thymol compound was stable until the first two months, but when entering the third month, a significant decrease was observed in all three temperature conditions. At the same time, a significant increase was observed in the amount of p-cymene in each of the temperature conditions. In the end, we can introduce the best temperature maintenance conditions for thyme at room temperature that can have a lower cost from an economic point of view than other conditions.

Bio pigments produced by Monascus spp. have potential applications mainly in the food and medical industries. In the present study, a two-step statistical method was used to optimize the production of yellow, orange, and red pigments from Monascus purpureus. Eleven independent variables, including four carbon sources (wheat, barley, rice, and potato extracts), two nitrogen sources (ammonium nitrate and urea), nutrient elements (P, K, and microelements), and four bioreactor conditions (temperature, aeration, stirring, and pH) were optimized through Plackett-Burman design (PBD) and response surface method (RSM) methods. The model for each pigment was constructed and validated. With regard to carbon sources, the highest level of pigments was achieved at 2 g/l of rice and 9 g/l barley for yellow pigment, 2 g/l of rice and 18 g/l of barley for orange pigment, and 18 g/l of rice and 18 g/l wheat for red pigments. Temperature and barley extracts triggered the production of yellow pigments. The orange pigment was increased by pH and barley. Rice and wheat have a positive significant influence on red pigments. Aeration, pH, and stirring increased the production of the pigment. Citrinin is a biotoxin produced by Monascus during the fermentation process. The concentration of citrinin varied from 0.054 to 0.135 (μg/mL). The lowest amount of citrinin was achieved at 2 L/Min aeration or 6 L/Min stirring. This system is critical for the bioprocess, as it inhibits the citrinin product, and it could be a promising step in increasing pigment yield.

Coagulation disorders and bleeding are the main problems among people with hemophilia. Although its common treatment is replacement therapy, the effects of herbs on bleeding treatment has been proven. In this study, the coagulation effect of the Terminalia bellirica (Gaertn.) Roxb. hydro-alcoholic extract was evaluated. 32 mice were randomly divided into four groups (n = 8) and received single doses of 2000, 1500, 1000 or 500 mg/kg/day. Blood samples were taken from the animals 14-16 days after treatment, and coagulation indices were examined including PT, aPTT, BT, CT, and platelets. The hydro-alcoholic extract of T. bellirica significantly reduces bleeding time in the BT test (10-fold) and increases platelet numbers (four-fold), showing the effect of this extract on initial homeostasis. A significant reduction of coagulation time in the CT test (five-fold) also indicates the effect of this plant extract on platelet aggregation. Moreover, the results showed the effectiveness of T. bellirica hydroalcoholic extract in the extrinsic coagulation pathway because all concentrations reduced the coagulation time in the PT test. Furthermore, given the ineffectiveness of the T. bellirica extract on the aPTT test, this extract probably had no effect on intrinsic coagulation factors. Considering the results, T. bellirica extract seems to have a coagulation effect on primary homeostasis and extrinsic pathway of secondary homeostasis.

Forests, along with their great advantages in environmental sustainability, are suitable and exclusive habitats for important plant species, including violets. Viola is an important forest plant in terms of recognizing flowering systems diversities, ornamental and medicinal importance. Medicinal violets are generally wild and natural. Cultivation and industrialization of drug production process from these medicinal plants, it is necessary to review and re-research them in controlled conditions. In this study, morphological differences, plant growth and developmental behavior especially flower buds production were studied in three different species of Viola: Viola caspia, Viola sintenisii and Viola tricolor (under greenhouse and field conditions). All greenhouse and field experiments were performed in a completely randomized design (CRD) and randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications, respectively. The species with a purple flowers (V. sintenisii) blooms about fifteen days earlier than a white flower violet (V. caspia) in spring season. Compared to these two species, the tricolor species blossoms two months earlier. Appearance and morphological tolerance to winter cold was the highest in V. tricolor and then in V. sintenisii was second.  The V. caspia tolerance to winter cold was lowest. Flower buds in the blue species (V. sintenisii) are formed in the first node located on the meristem and form a flower shoot up to a height of 11 cm. In white flowers (V. caspia) and ornamental violet (V. tricolor), unlike the first species, flower buds form on higher internodes, which are about 5 cm higher than the original node. The color of the underground stem in V. sintenisii and V. caspia was white and brown respectively. The type of flower produced in V. sintenisii and V. tricolor were chasmogam at all blooming time, but in the V. caspia it is of the type of cleistogam, semi-chasmogam and chasmogam. The size and shape of the fruits formed on all three studied species are different, which is round in V. sintenisii and elliptical in V. caspia and V. tricolor. The V. sintenisii grow in a sleeping and rosette state and tend to hang in pots, however the V. caspia and V. tricolor are completely vertical and non - rosette. The amount of violet scent (olfactory test) was the highest in V. sintenisii and then second in V. caspia but ornamental violet (V. tricolor) had no odor. Because the most of medicinal spices of viola are wild, it is challenging for compare of their different species for morphological and physiological characteristics as well as produce a standardized product with a high content of specialized metabolites (SM).  To overcome this great challenge, this study focused on the evaluation of growing, flowering and seeding characteristics of 3 forest violas under controlled conditions. This information will be so important for their domestication, cultivation, mass propagation and plant breeding programs.

The present study aims to estimate the performance of artichoke via physic-chemical parameters of soil including soil texture, pH, and bulk density using the artificial neural network (ANN) method. Thus, the soils of sixty points across croplands and forests of Golestan province, Iran were sampled, and soil parameters were measured in the lab. Based on the obtained parameters the different models were performed. The experiment was conducted as a randomized complete block design with three replications. The results showed that ANN models were more efficient than the multivariate regression models (MR model). All ANN models were better to estimate plant weight performance compared with the MR model. Plants grown in the soil samples of the “Ahangar Mahalleh area” showed the highest level of yield performance. Based on the findings, model number 5 with a minimum input parameter was selected as an optimal model. All ANN models were better than the multivariate regression models in the estimation of plant weight. As model 5 had almost similar performance with a minimal number of inputs compared with the other models, this model can be selected as the best model.

Methanolic extracts of twenty selected medicinal plant species collected from the Takhte-e-Sartashtak region, that utilize to prevent and cure different kinds of diseases in traditional medicine, have been examined for antimicrobial activity against some pathogenic microorganisms. These twenty plant species belong to eleven families including, Apiaceae, Asteraceae, Berberidaceae, Cupressaceae, Datiscaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Lamiaceae, Papaveraceae, Rhamnaceae, Rosaceae, and Thymelaceae. They were tested against five microorganisms including two gram-positive bacteria, Bacillus cereus and Staphylococcus aureus two gram-negative bacteria, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa and one fungus, Candida albicans with the method of disk diffusion and determination of growth inhibition zone were tested. Most of the plants showed antimicrobial activity. Results observed methanolic extracts of all of these plant species (except one) were active against at least one or more microorganisms. Only one plant species (Physospermum cornubiense (L.) DC., (Apiaceae)) was not active against none of the microorganisms. Sanguisorba minor Scop. (Rosaceae) was active against all five microorganisms. Most antimicrobial activities belong to Ferulago angulata (Schltdi.) Boiss. (Apiaceae) against Candida albicans, also Glaucium grandiflorum Boiss. & Huet (Papaveraceae) and Datisca cannabina L. (Datiscaceae) against S. aureus. Only one taxon, Sanguisorba minor Scop. (Rosaceae), was the only active species against Escherchia coli. The MIC, MBC, and MFC of plant extracts were approximately different.

Polypore fungi are among the most preventable mushroom-forming fungi with known therapeutic potential, though only a few species have been securitized for their metabolites. This study examines the biological activity and bioactive compounds of Inocutis levis and Inonotus cuticularis collected in Iran. We examined the antimicrobial, antioxidant, and cytotoxic properties of n-hexane, acetone, and ethyl acetate extracts. Chemical profiles were assessed by chromatography and mass spectroscopy techniques. The acetonic extracts exhibited the highest antibacterial effect against all tested microbial strains. The IC50 values for DPPH and ABTS assays ranged from 144.98 – 469.02 μg/mL and 128.06 – 331.52 μg/mL, respectively. The MTT assays for both fungi indicated low toxicity on normal HDF cells with IC50 values ranging from 1447 to 1908 μg/mL. HPLC-DAD analysis showed a high level of gallic acid among other detected phenolic compounds. LC-ESI-MS/MS analysis displayed the presence of various sesquiterpenoids, furans, and styrylpyrone-class compounds. Inotilone, inonotin H and C, phellinulin B and M, cinnamic acid, p-coumaric acid, caffeic acid, phelligridin A and D, hispidin, and gallic acid were found in both species. Daedalin A is reported for the first time from the fungal family Hymenochaetaceae. In addition, several volatile compounds, including alkene hydrocarbons and some fatty acids, such as linoleic acid, were detected in GC-MS analyses. We suggest that I. levis and I. cuticularis have dual antibacterial and antioxidant properties and diverse metabolites, potentially opening new windows in future natural product-based medicine.

Linum album as one of the endemic perennial plants in Iran is a natural source of lignan compounds. In the present study, the seeds of L. album were collected from its natural habitats in four regions of Iran (Aliabad, Jowkar, Dasht-e Arzhan, Taleqan). The effects of ecotype and gibberellic acid (GA) pretreatment were evaluated on germination traits of L. album seeds in a factorial based on completely randomized design with four replications. Also, the capacity of studied ecotypes in regard to secoisolariciresinol (SECO), podophyllotoxin (PTOX) and 6-methoxy-podophyllotoxin (6-MPTOX) production was assayed under in vitro condition by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) based on completely randomized design with four replications. In all studied ecotypes of L. album, seed germination percentage, germination rate and seedling growth was significantly improved in response to GA pretreatment. The obtained sterilized seedlings were used as in vitro explants that were successfully propagated in MS medium without any growth regulators. The in vitro proliferation rate in ecotype of Jowkar in terms of shoot number and plantlet biomass was significantly higher than the other ecotypes. The highest SECO and PTOX contents were extracted in the Dasht-e Arzhan plantlets which were higher (up to four times) than the other ecotypes. Also, the plantlets of Dasht-e Arzhan, Taleqan and Jowkar ecotypes showed the highest content of 6-MPTOX. According to germination, morphological and phytochemicals traits, the ecotype of Dasht-e Arzhan can be considered as a good candidate for breeding programs of improving PTOX production in this plant.

In this study, phenolic acid compositions in fourteen taxa of Boraginaceae were analyzed by HPLC-UV to obtain informative chromatographic data. In general, 9 phenolic acid compounds were identified in different studied taxa. m-coumaric acid (1.80-1962.09 mg/kg), salicylic acid (13.22-867.35 mg/kg), ferulic acid (0.00-661.69 mg/kg), and p-coumaric acid (12.10-392.48 mg/kg) were characterized as the main compounds of the studied taxa. The results indicated that m-coumaric acid was the main phenolic acid in H. rigidium, M. sylvatica, and solnathus stamineus. Furthermore, salicylic acid was the main phenolic acids of M. sylvatica and N. caspica. Also, the highest amounts of ferulic acid and p-coumaric acid were detected in M. sylvatica and Heliotropium europaeum, respectively. The qualitative and quantitative evaluation of these compounds was used for the characterization of the taxa and for revealing their phytochemical similarity and differentiation. Hierarchical cluster analysis showed that the studied taxa were classified into two main clusters (I and II) based on main phenolic acid compounds. Cluster I included H. rigidum, S. stamineus, and L. microcarpaa, and the rest studied taxa grouped in cluster II. The chemotaxonomic significance of the isolated compounds was discussed.

This research was done as a factorial experiment with 5 replications was carried out. The seeds were primed using putrescine at concentrations of 0 (hydropriming), 0.5, and 1 mM, and control were used as control. Salinity treatment was applied under normal, low, moderate and severe (0, 50, 100, and 150 mM NaCl, respectively) salinity stress. According to the findings, increasing salinity levels reduced germination percentage, (GP), germination rate, (GR), coefficient of velocity of germination, (CVG), seed weight vigour index, (SWVI), by 29, 66, 53 and 25%, respectively and seedling fresh weight, seedling dry weight, roots length and shoot length by 37, 14, 72 and 61%, respectively, while increasing mean germination time (MGT), percentage of dry matter, total soluble sugar (TSS), reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) by 112, 53, 57,16 and 182%, respectively. When seeds were primed using putrescine reduced the effects of oxidative stress by reducing ROS and MDA levels by 11 and 47%, respectively compared to control and improved the GP, GR, CVG, SWVI, root length and shoot length by 31, 81, 67, 36, 27, 19%, and decreased MGT by 40%. Although seed priming using 1 mM putrescine was effective in some parameters, there was no significant difference when compared to 0.5 mM putrescine. As a result, seed priming indigo using 0.5 mM putrescine with increasing dry matter by 73% appears to be more practical and economical in terms of mitigating the negative effects of salinity stress.

Licorice roots and rhizomes have numerous secondary metabolites, which are used as medicine. Cell and tissue culture of medicinal plants can be used for the production of secondary metabolites, and the use of elicitors, stimulates the production and increase of these valuable compounds. For this purpose, the effect of cellulase enzyme from Aspergilus Nigare as a fungal elicitor in cell suspension culture conditions as a completely randomized design with 3 replications, on traits such as phenol, flavonoid, antioxidant activity, carbohydrate, tannin, protein, nitrogen, and proline levels were tested in untreated, late-harvesting callus conditions, 24 hours, 48 ​​hours and 72 hours after treatment with cellulase. Variance analysis showed that there is a statistically significant difference between the studied treatments in all traits. A comparison of the mean traits also showed that phenol, flavonoid, antioxidant activity, tannin, and proline traits showed the highest increase in the treatment 72 hours after the treatment, and the carbohydrate, nitrogen, and protein traits showed a decreasing trend compared to the control treatment. Regarding the increase in the amount of phenol, flavonoid, tannin, and antioxidant activity during the treatment with cellulase, it can be said that cellulase, like other fungal elicitors, stimulates and induces the production of secondary metabolites in cell suspension culture conditions and confirms the possibility of the presence of secondary metabolites in callus and cell suspension of this plant in addition to Licorice root and rhizome. A decrease in nitrogen and protein and an increase in proline have also been reported due to the role of nitrogen in the accumulation of amino acids and stimulating the accumulation of flavonoids in plants.

great interest is given to the medicinal plants, which constitute an invaluable wealth for most of the inhabitants of karia Ba Mohamed and its regions. To identify and evaluate the aromatic and medicinal plants, traditionally used in the region, to treat and care for the hair; we conducted an ethnobotanical survey of 100 people of different ages and sexes using a questionnaire in order to collect as much information as possible on the therapeutic uses practiced. The results found have identify dozens of species of medicinal plants; most of them are used for the treatment and care of the hair. The data obtained was analyzed by specific quantitative indices such as frequency citation (FC), relative frequency of citation (RFC) and family importance value (FIV). A total of 42 species were identified and divided into 28 families. The most cited families are the Lythraceae (FIV=0.700); Rosaceae (FIV=0.560); Zygophyllaceae (FIV= 0.460); Lamiaceae (FIV = 0.360); Papaveraceae (FIV = 0.330) Alliaceae (FIV = 0.290). Among the most used species, we note Origanum compactum Benth, Rosa centifolia L., Allium cepa L., Allium sativum L., Matricaria chamomilla L., Lawsonia inermis L., Peganum harmala L. These plants have been identified and presented considering the part used and the preparation method. These results provide a database for further studies to assess these plants’ biological and chemical potential in phytochemistry and pharmacology.

The primary goal of the research was to quantify the technical efficiency and to identify its causes in the production of turmeric production in Sheko and Yeki districts. Three hundred sixty sample household heads were chosen using a two-stage random sampling procedure. Descriptive statistics and econometrics models like, Cobb-Douglas and Tobit's models were used to examine efficiency and determination respectively. As a result, the average technical efficiency was 73.72. The average technical efficiency suggests that it is possible to raise turmeric production by 26.28 percent without utilizing additional inputs. Land, labor, oxen, seeds, herbicide, and urea all had a big impact on how much turmeric was produced. The Tobit model revealed that gender, age, household size, the number of plots, and market information substantially impacted technical efficiency. Policies aimed at motivating and strengthening the existing agricultural extension system, and providing appropriate marketing information, are required to improve turmeric growers' production efficiency.

Glyphaea brevis (Spreng.) Monachino has been employed folklorically in West Africa for decades to manage inflammatory disorders such as peptic ulcer, edema, dyspepsia, and worm infestations; however, these pharmacological activities have not been scientifically proven. The study investigated the chemical composition and in-vitro/in-vivo anti-inflammatory capabilities of the polyphenolic-rich fraction of G. brevis leaves (PREG). In-vitro anti-inflammatory indices were evaluated using the human red blood cell (HRBC) methods. The acute lethality (LD50) test was demonstrated in mice with graded dosages (10 to 5000 mg/kg body weight of PREG) via oral intubation. While in-vivo anti-inflammatory activity was determined using a mice model inflicted with an intraperitoneal injection of 0.1ml of undiluted fresh egg albumin paw edema using egg albumin. All parameters were assayed according to standard protocols. High levels of tannins, phenols, flavonoids, and minimum amounts of terpenoids, steroids, alkaloids, and saponins were observed in PREG. The LD50 test demonstrated no toxicity and mortality in mice up to 5.0 g/kg bw p.o. PREG. The anti-inflammatory assays showed that at the different concentrations (0.2 - 1.0 mg/ml), PREG effectively inhibited albumin denaturation, platelet aggregation, hypotonicity-induced hemolysis, protease, and phospholipase A2 activity, as the standard drugs (Aspirin and Prednisolone). Also, PREG suppressed significantly (p< 0.05) the progression of egg albumin-induced mice paw edema, and these increased with time (0.5 - 5h). The maximum percentage of edema inhibition (91.4%) was observed in mice administered with 400 mg/kg bw PREG, and this was close to that (94.49%) obtained in the group administered with the reference drug (Indomethacin). These give insights into the anti-inflammatory potential of PREG.

Hair loss and hirsutism have been major complaints due to increased concentrations of dihydrotestosterone. The plant Platycladus orientalis, with 5-alpha reductase inhibitor properties, has been used to treat these disorders. Its formulation with lipophilic carriers in SLN possesses high loading capacity and greater permeability to hair follicles. The present study aimed to determine the content of active ingredients in the extract of P. orientalis L. and to prepare and characterize the solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) of Platycladus orientalis L. extract as a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor. The total methanolic extract was obtained following the maceration technique. This preparation was analyzed by HPLC using Quercetin and Cedrol as standard components. SLNs were prepared by high-shear homogenization and ultrasound. Four Glucire-GMS-Compritol-Precirol lipids and three poloxamer-tween80-Labrasol surfactants were further used in the formulations. Particle size, zeta potential, nanoparticle morphology, encapsulation percentage, crystal structure, physical stability, size, and zeta potential were studied 0, 3, and 6 months after preparation. Within 1-7 days after preparation, formulations containing GMS and compritol lipids became solid and jelly. Meanwhile, the formulations with Precirol as the lipid and Poloxamer as the surfactant with 0.3% extract exhibited desirable properties such as average particle size (192 nm), the encapsulation of the extract inside the nanoparticles was almost 71%, and good zeta potential. This formulation containing precirol as a lipid, poloxamer as a surfactant, and 0.3% plant extract exhibited greater 5-alpha reductase inhibitor activity, and it can be recommended to treat hair loss and hirsutism.