Chemodiversity of Epicuticular n-Alkanes and Morphological Traits of Natural Populations of Satureja subspicata Bartl. ex Vis. along Dinaric Alps - Ecological and Taxonomic Aspects.

This study examined the morphology and chemical makeup of two subspecies of Satureja subspicata plants in nine natural populations in the Dinaric Alps. They identified 17 types of n-alkane compounds in the plants and analyzed their relationship to various geographic and bioclimatic factors. The tests showed clear distinctions between the subspecies and correlations with geographical distribution. Exposure to different environments can also affect the n-alkane profile, so care should be taken when taking samples from natural habitats. This study highlights the importance of considering both morphological and chemical traits in distinguishing plant subspecies.

Dodoš T et al (2017).

Chem Biodivers.

DOI:

10.1002/cbdv.201600201

PubMed:

27472423

Neuroprotective and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Diphenylheptanes from the Fruits of Amomum tsaoko, a Chinese Spice.

Zhang TT, Lu CL and Jiang JG (2016).

Plant Foods Hum Nutr.

PubMed:

27452308

Sedative and Anxiolytic-Like Actions of Ethanol Extract of Leaves of Glinus oppositifolius (Linn.) Aug. DC.

Moniruzzaman M et al (2016).

Evid Based Complement Alternat Med.

DOI:

10.1155/2016/8541017

PubMed:

27413390

Panonychus from Georgia: survey, taxonomical status and redescription of P. hadzhibejliae (Reck, 1947) (Acari, Tetranychidae).

A survey of Panonychus species in Georgia from 2005 to 2014 found three species, including P. citri, P. hadzhibejliae, and P. ulmi. New hosts for P. ulmi and P. citri were identified, along with their taxonomical status. P. hadzhibejliae was found exclusively on Ficus carica and is a valid species that can be differentiated easily from the others. A redescription of P. hadzhibejliae, including male morphological characteristics, is provided, along with a proposed key to all world species of Panonychus.

Arabuli T, Çobanoglu S and Auger P (2016).

Zootaxa.

DOI:

10.11646/zootaxa.4114.4.6

PubMed:

27395141

Anti-neuroinflammatory and neuroprotective effects of the Lindera neesiana fruit in vitro.

Lindera neesiana Kurz, also known as Siltimur in Nepal, is a plant used in traditional herbal medicine for various ailments. Its edible fruits are aromatic and spicy. The plant is widely used to treat diarrhea, tooth pain, headache, and gastric disorders and is used as a stimulant.

Subedi L et al (2016).

Phytomedicine.

DOI:

10.1016/j.phymed.2016.05.002

PubMed:

27288923

Effect of Alkaloids Isolated from Phyllodium pulchellum on Monoamine Levels and Monoamine Oxidase Activity in Rat Brain.

Researchers investigated the effects of alkaloids isolated from the roots of the medicinal plant Phyllodium pulchellum on neurotransmitter levels and monoamine oxidase (MAO) activity. Six alkaloids were identified, and after treatment with the alkaloids, a reduction in dopamine and serotonin levels in the rat brain was observed. The alkaloids inhibited MAO activity, suggesting potential therapeutic use as MAO inhibitors. Acute toxicity testing showed the plant extract was nontoxic. Further research may explore the potential of P. pulchellum alkaloids as treatment for conditions such as depression and Parkinson's disease.

Cai L et al (2016).

Evid Based Complement Alternat Med.

DOI:

10.1155/2016/6826175

PubMed:

27195015

Anthocyanins of the anthers as chemotaxonomic markers in the genus Populus L.. Differentiation between Populus nigra, Populus alba and Populus tremula.

This study aimed to investigate the role of anthocyanins in the anthers of three Populus species found in the Iberian Peninsula. The researchers hypothesized that the anthocyanins might act as photoprotectors, shielding pollen grains from excessive sunlight. The study found that the degree of pilosity of the bracts was related to the levels and types of anthocyanins in the anthers, which may support the photoprotective role proposed for them. Anthocyanins were also found to be useful as chemotaxonomic markers, with qualitative and quantitative differences detected among the samples. Hierarchical Cluster and Principal Components Analyses revealed intraspecific differences among samples, pointing to different clones or varieties of the same species.

Alcalde-Eon C et al (2016).

Phytochemistry.

DOI:

10.1016/j.phytochem.2016.04.004

PubMed:

27179685

Chemical Composition of Ballota macedonica Vandas and Ballota nigra L. ssp. foetida (Vis.) Hayek Essential Oils - The Chemotaxonomic Approach.

Researchers analyzed essential oils from two populations of Ballota macedonica and Ballota nigra ssp. foetida. They identified a total of 85 components, with B. macedonica from the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia having the highest number of components. The most abundant components were carotol, germacrene D, and (E)-caryophyllene in B. macedonica oils, while (E)-phytol, germacrene D, and (E)-caryophyllene dominated in B. nigra ssp. foetida oil. The researchers used statistical analysis to compare and discuss the relationships among Ballota species based on their volatile profiles. This study presents the first report of the chemical composition of B. macedonica essential oils.

Đorđević AS et al (2016).

Chem Biodivers.

DOI:

10.1002/cbdv.201500254

PubMed:

27144646