Journal of Medicinal Plants and By-products
Volume:5 Issue: 1, Summer and Autumn 2016

Callus induction responses and regeneration through callus-mediated SE were studied from evening primrose (Oenothera biennis L.) as an important medicinal plant of Onagraceae mainly known for its gamma-linoleic acid (GLA) content. The effects of cytokinins, 6-Benzylaminopurine (BAP) and N-(2 furfurylamino)1-H-purine-6- amine [Kinetin (Kin)] and their concentrations (0, 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 mg/l) in combinations with 2,4- dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2, 4-D) concentrations (0.25, 0.75 mg/l) on callus induction and SE for three explant types (petiole, leaf and epical bud) of "Shiraz" variety were separately evaluated. In all types of explants, the highest callus fresh weights belonged to 1 mg/l BAP or Kin in combinations with 2, 4 D (either 0.25 mg/l or 0.75 mg/l). The maximum fresh weight of callus was obtained from leaf explants plated on culture medium containing of 0.25 mg/l 2, 4-D and 1 mg/l Kin. The maximum The maximum number of embryos was achieved from leaf explants related to 0.75 mg/l 2, 4-D and 1 mg/l Kin. plantlets were successfully raised from in vitro developed embryos. Efficient plant regeneration via SE may provide a reliable system for studying the molecular mechanism of SE and a route for the genetic transformation of evening primrose.

Bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.] is a perennial grass and has been long used as a medicinal herb in Iranian traditional medicine to treat varied ailments. Different parts of bermudagrass such as leaves, stolons, rhizomes and culms are rich sources of metabolites such as proteins, carbohydrates, mineral constituents, β- sitosterol, flavonoids, alkaloids, glycosides and triterpenoides. Growth regulators change plant physiological processes such as phytochemical accumulation. Paclobutrazol (PBZ) and Trinexapac-ethyl (TE) are two popular growth retardant that inhibit gibberellic acid (GA) biosynthesis. This greenhouse experiment was conducted to determine effects of TE and PBZ application on bermudagrass growth and phytochemical content. Paclobutrazol was applied twice at four weeks intervals at 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4 g a.i. (active ingredient) 100 m2 and TE treatments (0, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75 and 1 g a.i. /100 m2) were applied biweekly over 8 weeks period. Shoot and root growth, were decreased with increasing PBZ and TE application rates except for TE0.5 treatments that showed higher root growth than control plants. Chlorophyll, Total non-structural carbohydrates, soluble flavonoids and protein content were increased with increasing PBZ and TE application rates unless TE1 treatment that exhibited lower total non-structural carbohydrates (TNC) content than untreated plants. The results suggest that TE and PBZ treatments were beneficial for bermudagrass phytochemical content enhancement. However, puclobutrazol application, because of higher phytotoxity than trinexapac ethyl (lower plant quality and sever shoot depression), seems to be less effective in raising medicinal properties.

Cadmium (Cd), being a highly toxic metal pollutant of soils, it inhibits root and shoot growth and yield production, affects nutrient uptake and homeostasis. It is frequently accumulated by agriculturally important crops and then enters the food chain with a significant potential to impair animals and human’s health. Therefore, a study was conducted to evaluate the effects of various Cd levels (0 as control, 300, 450, 600, 750 and 1050 μM) on some growth and biochemical parameters of two Iranian ecotypes of cumin (Cuminum cyminum) seedlings. The results revealed that seed germination, root growth, chlorophyll content and total soluble protein of both ecotypes decreased significantly with increase in metal concentration. The proline showed an increase in lower concentrations of Cd but at higher concentrations it decreased. The present results allow us to conclude that the cumin plants adversely affected by cadmium toxicity. Decrease in the seed germination percentage, root growth, chlorophyll and protein content may be considered as circumstantial evidence for the toxicity of cadmium. The present study demonstrated that under cadmium stress, C. cyminum underwent biochemical changes to survive under high concentrations of this metal. Increase in metal chelate components (proline) proves this fact. It can be concluded that Isfahan ecotype was superior to Khorasan ecotype in most of the measured parameters and it can be suggested that Isfahan ecotype is more tolerant to Cd stress than Khorasan ecotype.

The role of zinc (Zn) in enhancing defense capacity of several plants against salinity hasbeen demonstrated but there is limited information on the impact of Zn nutrition on alleviating salinity-induced oxidative damage in olive. One-year-old seedlings of two varieties of olive (Olea europaea L. cvs. Frontoio and Conservolea) supplied with three Zn levels (0, 1 and 5 mM in the form of ZnSO4.7H2O) were exposed to four salinity levels (0, 40, 80 and 120 mM NaCl). The increase in plasma membrane permeability and elevated leakage of potassium (K) and Zn from the olive roots were considered as indices of oxidative damage caused by salinity on root cells. In contrast, root membrane permeability and leakage of Zn and K ions in plants supplied with Zn was less than those non-supplied with Zn. Addition of Zn resulted in higher activity of CAT and APX. Higher salttolerance of Frontoio cultivar was associated with higher concentration of sulfhydryl (-SH) groups and lower membrane permeability of its roots in comparison with Conservolea cultivar. Based on the results obtained, addition of Zn improved plant enzymatic defense system and partly alleviated oxidative injuries induced by salinity on the olive.

To survey the effects of chemical and biological phosphorus on the yield and essential oil of Satureja hortensis L. as an important medicinal plant, factorial experiment was conducted based on randomized complete block design with three replicates at Research Station of Faculty of Agriculture, Urmia University in 2011. The treatments were chemical phosphorus fertilizer with four levels (0, 50, 100 and 150 kg/ha P as triple supper phosphate) and biological phosphorus fertilizer with four levels (0, 100, 200 and 300 g/ha Pseudomonas putida Strain P13 and Bacillus lentus Strain P5). The results of ANOVA showed the significant interaction effect between chemical and biological phosphorus on the yield of fresh weight, biological yield, stem dry weight, and the yield of drug and essential oil. There was non-significant effect of chemical and biological phosphorus on the essential oil percent, harvest index of drug and harvest index of essential oil. The highest amounts of total fresh weight (23327 kg/ha), biological yield (5282 kg/ha), stem dry weight (2523 kg/ha) and yield of drug (2759 kg/ha) and essential oil (79 kg/ha) were obtained from 200 g/ha of biological phosphorus without chemical fertilizer. The minimum amounts of total fresh weight, biological yield, stem dry weight, the yield of drug and essential oil were observed in higher than 200 g/ha of biological phosphorus.

The genus Boswellia is one of the 17 genera belonging to Burseraceae family. In this study resin of Boswellia carteri birdwood collected or purchased from Tehram herbal Market as a food and non food for chemical analysis. The essential oils of the resins of Boswellia carteri birdwood obtained by different methods of distillation (water distillation, steam distillation and hydro-steam distillation), the composition of essential oils was analyzed by gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography, coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The major components of the different methods of distillation oils of Boswellia carteri birdwood as a non-food by hydro-steam distillation were dihydro citronellol acetate (48%), 2-phenyl ethyl anthranilate (11.5%), α- santonine (7.7%), and with water distillation were dihydro citronellol acetate (48.2%), borneol (8.6%), methyl decanoate (7.9%), and with steam distillation were dihydro citronellol acetate (60.6%), borneol (9.7%), (Z)-β- ocimene (5.3%), respectively. Also the major components of Boswellia carteri birdwood as a food by hydrosteam distillation were dihydro citronellol acetate (55.6%), α-santonine (9%), 2-phenyl ethyl anthranilate(7.3%), and with water distillation were dihydro citronellol acetate (63.7%), borneol 9.1%), 2-phenyl ethyl anthranilate (3%), and with steam distillation were dihydro citronellol acetate (55.9%), (E)-phytol acetate (7.5%), borneol (7.3%), were the predominant major compounds respectively.

The use of natural products as medicinal agents presumably predates the earliest recorded history. Ocimum sanctum L., is a plant which is used in several traditional medicine systems to cure various diseases. In this study aerial parts of Ocimum sanctum were collected on august 2014 from Shahr-e-Rey in Iran. Fresh and dry partsof plants essential oils were extracted with hydro-distillation and steam distillation and then essential oils injected to GC/MS. Main component for dried leaves and flower with hydro-distillation method were chavicol (75.66%), linalool (6.69%) and cis-sabinene hydrate (2.84%) and 0.18% yield and for dry flower were chavicol(38.2%), linalool (32.8%), 10-epi-cubebul (3.89%) and 0.28% yield. Main component with steam distillation method for dry leaves were chavicol (60.95%), linalool (4.38%), E-β-farnsene (3.8%) and 0.21% yield. Main component of steam distilation for dry flower were chavicol (31.4%), linalool (24.7%), (E, E)-farnesole (20.8%), and 0.37% yield. Main component for fresh and dried leaves with hydro distillation method with dry leaves were chavicol (75.66%), linalool (6.69%), cis-sabinene hydrate (2.84%), and 0.20% yield. Main component with fresh leaves were methyl chavicol (27.64%), spathulenol (13.92%), β eudesmol (11.5%), and 0.18% yield. Main component for steam distillation method with dry leaves were chavicol 60.95%), linalool (4.38%), E-β-farnsene (3.8%) and 0.23% yield. Main component with fresh leaves were methyl chavicol (38.96%), linalool (12.19%), spathulenol (6.73%), and 0.21% yield. Main component for fresh and dry flower with hydro-distillation method with dry flower were chavicol (38.2%), linalool (32.80%), α-cadinene (4.08%), and 0.25% yield. Main component for fresh flower were methyl chavicol (26.99%), linalool (17.98%), β- eudesmol (13.12%), and 0.28% yield. Main component for steam distillation method with dry flower were chavicol (31.44%), linalool (24.70%), α-cadinene (5.28%), and 0.35% yield. Main component with fresh flower were chavicol (25.2%), linalool (17.99%), germacrene D (6.87%), and 0.37% yield. Chavicol is used as an odorant in perfumery and it is miscible with alcohol, ether, and chloroform.

In order to study the effect of irrigation interval, N fertilizer and superabsorbent on yield and qualitative traits of sesame (Sesamum indicum L.), a split-split-plot experiment was coducted in a farm in Khusf of Birjand, Iran in 2009 on the basis of a Randomized Complete Block Design. The main plot was devoted to irrigation interval at three levels of 6, 12 and 18 days, the sub-plot was devoted to N fertilization rate at three levels of 0, 100 and 200 kg ha-1 and the sub-sub-plot was devoted to superabsorbent at two levels of 0 and 200 kg ha-1. It was found that the effect of irrigation interval was significant on seed yield, oil percentage, protein percentage, seed N percentage, oil yield and protein yield, so that the increase in irrigation interval from 6 to 18 days resulted in significant loss of seed yield, oil yield and protein yield by 44.5, 44.5 and 39.7%, respectively. Different N fertilization rates significantly influenced seed yield, oil yield and protein yield, but its effect was not significant on seed oil percentage, protein percentage and N percentage, so that the increase in N level from 0 to 200 kg ha-1 significantly increased seed yield, oil yield and protein yield by 25.6, 28.3 and 25.1%, respectively. According to the results, it is recommended to use the irrigation interval of 6 days with the treatment of 200 kg N ha-1 in order to realize optimum yield of sesame in Birjand, Iran.

Experiment was conducted as split plot in a randomized complete block design with three replications in Kermanshah to shed lights on economic analysis of deficit irrigation and integrated application of biological and chemical fertilizer son cultivation of medicinal plant Borage (Borago officinalis L). Irrigation tritments include: a) 30% less water than crop requires invegetative, b) inreproductive,c) in vegetative귪殡�똫 and d) control (100% crop water requirement). Fertilizer treatments include applying 100% chemical fertilizer, 50% chemical fertilizers渪▢࢜ fertilizers and 25% chemical渪▢࢜ fertilizers. The results showed that grain yield was decreased under low irrigation. Low irrigation during vegetative and reproductive stages was found to 9.5 and 15.7%. Low economic efficiency of low irrigation water in vegetative stage was much more than reproductive and vegetative growth less up to 32.2% and 27.1% respectively. Integrated use of organic and chemical fertilizers by 50% and 25% alleviated cost of fertilizer to 38% and 63% respectively. Among deficit irrigation treatments, vegetative low irrigation treatment had net and gross income to low reproductive irrigation and low vegetative reproductive irrigation. The 50% chemical渪 fertilizers in comparison with 100% chemical fertilizers had higher net and gross income than vegetative, reproductive and vegetative귪殡�똫 stages. The mentioned treatments compared with 100% chemical fertilizers improved benefit cost ratio to control treatment and vegetative deficit irrigation 27% and 15.7% respectively. Based on results, vegetative deficit irrigation showed the better economic indexes in comparison with other treatments. However, in case deficit irrigation is necessary, the vegetative deficit irrigation and using 50% chemical biofertilizer are recommended.

In the present study, we reported the essential oils chemical composition and antibacterial activities of the aerial parts of Ajuga chamaecistus Ging. ex Benth. Subsp. Scoparia (Boiss.) Rech.f. that were collected during May 2013 and April 2014 and extracted by SDE (simultaneous distillation–extraction) and Clevenger apparatus. GC/MS analysis of the plant essential oils led to the identification of chemical composition of its oils. The main constituents of the essential oils in two SDE (simultaneous distillation–extraction) and Clevenger apparatus were β-Pinene (23.5%), α-Pinene (6.9%), Limonene (10.8%), Linalool (8.3) and Eugenol (7.7%). Essential oil was tested for their antibacterial activities using Gram-negative bacteria, Gram-positive bacteria. The plant was screened for its antibacterial activity and showed antibacterial activity against P. aeruginosa, E. coli, K. pneumoniae, P. vulgaris, S. paratyphi, B. subtilis, S. aureus, S. epidermidis and S. dysenteriae.

Fifteen yarrow populations from different species Achillea millefolium L., A. biebersteinii L. and A. nobilis, from different geographical areas of Iran were studied using 24 morphological traits and peroxidase profiles. Comparison of mean values of different phenotypic traits show A. millefolium and A. biebersteinii L. had higher plant height and crown diameter; however, A. nobilis had higher dry matter yield and 1000-grain weight. Clustering pattern, made on the basis of different phenotypic traits, grouped the Achillea populations differently and gave no clear indication of origin or species. The results of peroxidase profiles revealed that the genetic diversity of A. nobilis samples was considerably higher than in A. millefolium and A. biebersteinii. Principal coordinate analysis revealed a clear separation between the different Achillea species. The results demonstrated that the study of genetic diversity and relationships among Achillea species using phenotypic traits and peroxidase profiles provides important information for the collection, conservation and the planning of future breeding programs.

This study is investigate to ecological characters, ethnopharmacology, total phenols (TP), flavonoids (TF), anthocyanins (TA) contentand antioxidant capacity in leaves and fruit of Vaccinium arctostaphylos L. from two natural habitats from Gilan provinve, which has been used as a heart tonic ,anti diabeteand anti tumor. Ecological requirements were obtained in many field observation, ethno pharmacological survey was carried out among the well known indigenous herbal practitioners (60-78 ages) in South west of Gilan. The leaves and fruits of Vaccinium arctostaphylos L. were collected from two natural habitats (Khotbe sara,1600 m and Asalem, 1300 m) during Sep to Oct 2013, respectively. Methanol extracts were obtained by maceration, TP, TF and TA were determined by spectro photometrically, antioxidant capacity were measured by total antioxidant capacity (TAC), reducing power (RP) and 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) in compare of BHT and BHA antioxidant standard and Quersetin content was messured by HPLC method. Results were showed that Vaccinium arctostaphylos L. is usually wild grow in silty loam soils (1300-1600m) and its fruit was appeared from June to September .In both regions phenolic components had significant variation, ranging from TP content(263.17-471.26 mg GAEg-1),TF(186.18-289.17 mg QUE g-1) , TA (74.3- 145.29 mg CydEg-1 ) and quersetin content (136.13-218.2 ppm respectively in 1300-1600m. Generally the fruits extract especially in 1600m had more source of phenolic componds, so was showed better antioxidant capacity (IC50 value 2.98±0.51 μg/ml) to will be confirmed the traditional uses of plant in these regions as an good antiinflammatory and anti diabetic.

In order to study the effect of organic fertilizer on shoot yield and essential oil content of lavender, this experiment was conducted in the Research Institute of Forest and Rangelands, Karaj, Iran, in 2013-14. The treatment groups consisted of vermicompost (0, 5, 10 and 15 ton/ha) and cow manure 0, 10, 20 and 30 ton/ha). The experimental design was a factorial experiment based on randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The resultsshowed that cow manureapplication significantly affected big and smallcanopy diameter, canopy perimeter, lateral stems number and woody stem yield (P≤0.01). Moreover, manure significantly affected main stem diameter and leaf yield (P≤0.05). Results indicated that vermicompost application significantly affected big and smallcanopy diameter, annual stem number, leaf yield, annual stem yield, woody stem yield, total biological yield, essential oil yield (P≤ 0/01), and main stem (P≤ 0/05). According to the results, the interaction effect of treatments was significant for total shoot and leaf yield (P≤ 0/05). The highest sub stem number (24 n/p) was obtainedin 30 ton/ha manure treatment. While, the highest leaf yield (2206.4 kg/ha), annual stem yield (7133.2 kg/ha), annual branches yield (9933/6 kg/ha), total biological yield (1333.6 kg/ha) and essential oil yield (82.67 kg/ha) were determined at 15 ton/have vermicompost treatment. These fertilizers can improve tiller number and lateral stems growth but not affect essential oil percent and yield. It seems that they can increase it in drought stress condition because of improving soil moisture and fertility.

Iran has a long history in the use of medicinal plants and traditional medicine. Local people in the villages, especially the elderly, have useful information about health benefits and how to use these plants. Therefore, it seems that collecting and recording this information leads to the revival of this traditional knowledge. The current research is an ethnobotanical study on the medicinal plants of (Dehe-lolo vameghabad-bidoieh) village, belong to Kerman district, it lies between 250º 23´ and 25º 34´ N, latitude, and 88º 4 ´ and 88º 59´E, longitude, elevation ranges, is from 1700 to 2700 meters, above mean sea level, average annual rainfall, is about120 mm. In order to recognize custom, tradition, and application way, of plants by the people. In current study, plants species, were collected at several times, in 2014year. Plants identities were confirmed by botanist and references and analyze was made of the species used. The Raunkiaer classification was applied to classify the plant life forms. To identify the medicinal plants, and how to use them, the traditional botanists and native people were interviewed and a few questions were raised. Results indicated some of medicinal plants, are used commonly by the indigenous people, many of medicinal plants, are used for eliminating different pains. Overall, in this survey, identified and analyzed the 84 medical species, Belong to 38 families and 76 genuses. The maximum range, of medicinal plants in area, are families Asteraceae, (10 species) and Lamiaceae, (8 species). The species plants of the genus Artemisia and Asteragalus, constitute the dominant genus of area. The most of consumed medicinal plants, between indigenous area, containing the genuse: Thymus, Achilleae, Ziziphora, Alyssum, Descurainia, and cichorium. Also Plants vegetation this area, generally, belonging to Irano-turanian region. Medicinal plants in region, determinate, as 34.3% of species are hemycriptophyte, 25%therophyte, 19.2% phanerophyte, 16.2%chamephyte, and 5.3% jeophyte.

Ecological study of behavior as essential elements of their ecosystems and habitat characteristics in order to find appropriate solutions to maintain, revise and revitalize this important part of the renewable natural resources. This present research is about autecology of Lagochilus macracanthus Fisch. & C. A. Mey. Study area is located in near of Nodooshan, Yazd, Iran. Selected sites were within three different elevations; 2300, 2375 and 2450 meters. Sampling was done in a random-systematic way in these elevations. In the site, the studies were climatically characteristic, co-dominant plant, and vegetation variation, physical and chemical analyses of the soil. Results showed that this species is distributed in rangelands with 7.7-7.9 pH, 0.13-0.19 EC ds/m in2300-2450 meters elevation. According to 10-year statistics, the average rate of rain falls and annual temperature in this habitat is 98.54 millimeters and 14.56 centigrade, respectively. This plant grows as a shrub with the height of 45-60 centimeters. Vegetative growth begins at late-March, flowering occurs in late-May. Seeding happens in mid-July.