The Essential Oil-Bearing Plants in the United Arab Emirates (UAE): An Overview

Essential Oils (EOs) are expensive hydrocarbons produced exclusively by specific species in the plant kingdom. Their applications have deep roots in traditional herbal medicine, which lacks scientific evidence. Nowadays, more than ever, there is a growing global interest in research-based discoveries that maintain and promote health conditions. Consequently, EOs became a much attractive topic for both research and industry, with revenues reaching billions of dollars annually. In this work, we provide key guidance to all essential oil-bearing plants growing in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The comprehensive data were collected following an extensive, up-to-date literature review. The results identified 137 plant species, including indigenous and naturalized ones, in the UAE, citing over 180 published research articles. The general overview included plant botanical names, synonyms, common names (Arabic and English), families and taxonomic authority. The study acts as a baseline and accelerator for research, industry and discoveries in multiple disciplines relying on essential oil-bearing plants.     

Antioxidant activity and total phenolic content of aqueous and methanolic extracts of Jordanian plants: an ICBG project

As part of an International Cooperative Biodiversity Groups (ICBG) program to study Jordan's biodiversity, the relative levels of antioxidant activity and the total phenolic content of aqueous and methanolic extracts of a total of 95 plant species, all of Jordanian origin and those collected at random, have been measured. The total phenolic content of aqueous and methanolic extracts of the investigated plant species ranged from 4.4 to 78.3 mg and from 2.1 to 52.8 mg gallic acid equivalents g(-1) dry weight, respectively, while the total antioxidant capacity ranged from 20.0 to 916.7 and from 15.1 to 915.6 micromol Trolox equivalents g(-1) dry weight, respectively. Based on this collection, approximately 5% of assayed plants showed high levels of antioxidant activity. There was a significant linear correlation between antioxidant activity and total phenolic content for aqueous and methanolic extracts, suggesting that phenolic compounds were the predominant antioxidant components in the investigated plant species. Interestingly, a few of the collected plants had high-antioxidant activity yet "low" phenolic content includes Ceratonia siliqua and Viscum cruciatum. These plants may serve as sources of antioxidants with new chemotypes.     

The medicinal Umbelliferae plant Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.): Cultivation,traditional uses,phytopharmacological properties,and application in animal husbandry

Foeniculum vulgare Mill., commonly called fennel is one of the most popular perennial herbaceous plants used as herbal medicine and spices worldwide. It belongs to the family Umbelliferae or Apiaceae and is characterized by a distinct floral arrangement with an umbrella-like shape. In addition to other well-known Umbelliferae plants, such as carrot, celery, and angelica, fennel has been utilized ethnobotanically to cure various ailments, including gastrointestinal issues, hormonal disorders, reproductive, and respiratory diseases. This review aims to update the information on conventional usage, cultivation, phytopharmacological properties, and other applications of F. vulgare Mill. in animal husbandry. Ethnobotanical studies have shown its medicinal uses worldwide; some tribes have reported its medicinal uses and how they use different parts of the plant. Alkaloids, essential oils, phenols, fatty acids, and amino acids are examples of natural phytochemicals that have been characterized and biologically tested for their medicinal potential. Fennel has been used to treat ten categories of diseases over the last two decades. Pharmacological studies revealed that the Umbelliferae plant has antiviral, antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-anxiety, gastro-protective, estrogenic-like, cardiovascular, lipid, anti-mutagenic, anti-diabetic, anti-cancer activity, hepatoprotective, and memory-protective properties. Fennel extract is used as a potential phytogenic agent to enhance the productivity and quality of animal husbandry. Finally, the present study may provide up-to-date information on the medicinal application of F. vulgare from ethnobotanical and phytopharmacological perspectives and could be further explored to provide a broader benefit to humankind.     

Revealing indigenous Indonesian traditional medicine: anti-infective agents

Indonesia is rich in medicinal plants which the population has used traditionally from generation to generation for curing diseases. Our interest in the treatment of infectious diseases has lead to the investigation of traditional Indonesian treatments. In this review, we present a comprehensive review of ethnopharmacologically directed screening in Indonesian medicinal plants to search for new anti-viral, antimalarial, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal agents. Some potent drug leads have been isolated from Indonesian medicinal plants. Further research is still required for the lead development as well as the search for new bioactive compounds from the enormous medicinal plant resources.     

A preliminary study of background concentrations of elements in plants of the Xizang Plateau

A total of 29 major and trace elements have been determined in 43 plant samples collected from the Xizang (Tibet) Plateau using INAA at a SLOWPOKE mini-reactor in order to study elemental background concentration values in Xizang plants. In this paper are reported elemental concentrations of different parts of the plants compared to average values of plants worldwide. The preliminary results suggest that nutritional, plant elements in this region are quite low indicative of a state of malnutrition, while the contents of Al, Ti, Cr and Ba are comparatively high. These findings indicate that the concentrations of most elements in the plants are mainly affected by local soil geochemical characteristics. Some variation in elemental distribution within the plants was also evident: in general, higher concentrations were found in stems compared to roots, and, differences for nutritional elements among the plant species were much greater than found for other elements.     

Biological Investigation of Amaryllidaceae Alkaloid Extracts from the Bulbs of Pancratium trianthum Collected in the Senegalese Flora

Amaryllidaceae plants are rich in alkaloids with biological properties. Pancratium trianthum is an Amaryllidaceae species widely used in African folk medicine to treat several diseases such as central nervous system disorders, tumors, and microbial infections, and it is used to heal wounds. The current investigation explored the biological properties of alkaloid extracts from bulbs of P. trianthum collected in the Senegalese flora. Alkaloid extracts were analyzed and identified by chromatography and mass spectrometry. Alkaloid extracts from P. trianthum displayed pleiotropic biological properties. Cytotoxic activity of the extracts was determined on hepatocarcinoma Huh7 cells and on acute monocytic leukemia THP-1 cells, while agar diffusion and microdilution assays were used to evaluate antibacterial activity. Antiviral activity was measured by infection of extract-treated cells with dengue virus (DENV_GFP) and human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1_GFP) reporter vectors. Cytotoxicity and viral inhibition were the most striking of P. trianthum’s extract activities. Importantly, non-cytotoxic concentrations were highly effective in completely preventing DENV_GFP replication and in reducing pseudotyped HIV-1_GFP infection levels. Our results show that P. trianthum is a rich source of molecules for the potential discovery of new treatments against various diseases. Herein, we provide scientific evidence to rationalize the traditional uses of P. trianthum for wound treatment as an anti-dermatosis and antiseptic agent.     

Identification by LC-ESI-MS of flavonoids responsible for the antioxidant properties of Mallotus species from Vietnam

Several Mallotus species (Euphorbiaceae) are used in Vietnam as edible plants or as traditional medicines for different indications, some related to the treatment of inflammatory diseases. This study investigated the antioxidant activities of 33 samples from 17 Vietnamese Mallotus species. We also evaluated potential cytotoxic activity against human cervix carcinoma HeLa and human lung fibroblast WI-38 cells. Our aim is to develop safe dietary supplements with a protective effect against various diseases caused by tissue damage and the acceleration of the aging process linked to reactive oxygen species. These tests allowed the identification of non-cytotoxic plant species exhibiting significant antiradical properties. These antioxidant properties may be explained by their polyphenol composition. The antioxidant activity of the most active Mallotus species was further analyzed with and without tannins removal. We also identified by LC-ESI-MS some flavonoids responsible for a part of this activity.     

Traditional uses of medicinal plants for respiratory diseases in Transylvania

Inhabitants of some Transylvanian farms in Romania have a valuable archaic knowledge of medicinal plants because of their isolation and the insufficiency of official medical treatment. In this work we present ethnobotanical data about the use of medicinal plant taxa for various respiratory diseases in the villages L?véte and Nagybacon. Altogether 34 plant taxa were documented in L?véte and 26 species in Nagybacon with 15 concordant data of the villages. This information plays an important role in the documentation of the disappearing indigenous medical information of the villages.     

Phytochemical databases of Chinese herbal constituents and bioactive plant compounds with known target specificities

Two databases have been constructed to facilitate applications of cheminformatics and molecular modeling to medicinal plants. The first contains data on known chemical constituents of 240 commonly used Chinese herbs, the other contains information on target specificities of bioactive plant compounds. Structures are available for all compounds. In the case of the Chinese herbal constituents database, further details include trivial and systematic names, compound class and skeletal type, botanical and Chinese (pinyin) names of associated herb(s), CAS registry number, chirality, pharmacological and toxicological information, and chemical references. For the bioactive plant compounds database, details of molecular target(s), IC50 and related measures, and associated botanical species are given. For Chinese herbs, approximately 7000 unique compounds are listed, though some are found in more than one herb, the total number for all herbs being 8264. For bioactive plant compounds, 2597 compounds active against 78 molecular targets are covered. Statistical relationships within and between the two databases are explored.     

Different spectrophotometric methods for antioxidant activity assay of four Romanian herbs

The present study investigates the antioxidant activities of some Romanian plants, using different spectrophotometric methods (FRAP I, FRAP II, and CUPRAC). The plants investigated are hawthorn (Crataegus oxyacantha), bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L.), rosehip (Rosa canina), and chokeberries (Aronia melanocarpa). Hawthorn is used to treat a wide variety of inflammatory conditions, but the primary use is generally restricted for treating hypertension, ischemic heart disease, congestive heart failure, and arrhythmia. Investigations have proved the safe and reliable use of plant and plant extracts for treatment of cardiovascular disorders.     

Ethnobotanical study of some aromatic and medicinal plants in the Middle Atlas mountains of Morocco

By the diversity of its soil and climatic factors, Morocco offers a flora particularly rich in aromatic and medicinal plants (MAP). In order to obtain the most information about the flora (flowering times, fruiting, harvesting and their main uses in traditional medicine), a study was conducted in the mountainous Khenifra region. A survey of users of MAP (rural population, herbalists arborists) has been undertaken and was completed by field observations and sampling at different stages of growth. The results showed a range of indigenous and diversified MAP belonging to 10 botanical families (Lamiaceae, Asteraceae, Rosaceae, Chenopodiaceae, Papaveraceae, Caryophyllaceae, Cupressaceae, Rutaceae, Anacardiaceae and Zygophyllaceae). The flowering period of all species, according to the local community surveyed, spread from February (2%) to September (12%), with a significant concentration from April to June (65%).The highest rate of fructification occurred in June-July (64%). The harvesting period of the main MAP from this mountain area stretches mainly from March to April (61%). The mode of propagation stated varied among species, and concerned mainly replication by seeds (53%) and cuttings (24%). Regarding the use of these indigenous MAP as traditional medicines, all plant parts are used, especially leaves, flowers and stems.     

土壤-植物体系稀土元素的分异现象

用仪器中子活化分析测定了从同一地点采集的9种不同植物根和叶中8个稀土元素（La,Ce,Nd,Sm,Eu,Tb,Yb和Lu)的含量，研究了稀土元素在植物根、叶及相应母土中的分布特征。结果表明，同一植物的根、叶和母土中稀土分布模式均有较大差异。生长在同一地点不同植物根中稀土分布模式非常相似，而叶中分布规模差别较明显。说明根对单一稀土元素的吸收主要取决于这个元素在土壤中有效态的含量，而在稀土从根到叶的运输和积累过程中出现的分异则由植物自身的结构特征决定。     

Bioactivities of the Genus <em>Combretum</em> (Combretaceae): A Review

The Combretaceae is a large family of herbs, shrubs and trees, comprising about 20 genera and 600 species with tropical distribution around the globe and centers of diversity in Africa and Asia. Some Combretum species are extensively used in traditional medicine against inflammation, infections, diabetes, malaria, bleeding, diarrhea and digestive disorders and others as a diuretic. The present work is a literature survey of Combretum species that have been evaluated for their ability to exert biological activities. A total number of 36 Combretum species are discussed with regard to plant parts used, component tested and bioassay models. This review is of fundamental importance to promoting studies on Combretum species, thereby contributing to the development of new therapeutic alternatives that may improve the health of people suffering from various health problems.     

Chemical Characteristics and Antioxidant Activity of Arctostaphylos uva-ursi L. Spreng. at the Southern Border of the Geographical Range of the Species in Europe

The bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi L. Spreng.) is a source of herbal material—bearberry leaf (Uvae ursi folium), which is highly valued and sought by pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. For many years, leaves of this plant have been used in traditional medicine as a diuretic, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory agent for various diseases of the urogenital tract. The bearberry has also been proposed as a natural antioxidant additive due to the high contents of phenolic compounds in its leaves. The study was focused on characterization of the basic phytochemical composition and antioxidant activity of extracts derived from bearberry leaves collected from plants located at the southern border of the geographical range of the species in Europe. The investigated herbal material is characterized by a different chemical profile compared to the chemical profiles of bearberry found in other parts of the continent. Bearberry extracts from plants growing in two different habitat types—heathlands and pine forests showed a wide range of variation, especially in the concentration of hyperoside, corilagin, and methylartutin and the total flavonoid contents. In addition to arbutin, bearberry can be a valuable source of phenolic compounds, which are mainly responsible for the antioxidant properties of extracts. The high content of phenols and high values of antioxidant parameters indicate a high potential of bearberry leaves to be used as a powerful natural source of antioxidants in herbal preparations. Therefore, the A. uva-ursi populations can be a source of plant material for pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food industries.     

Micropropagation and production of Camptothecin from in vitro plants of Ophiorrhiza rugosa var. decumbens

Camptothecin and its derivatives are used as anticancer alkaloids. At present, they are obtained by the extraction from the Chinese tree Camptotheca acuminata and the indigenous tree Nothapodytes foetida. Identification of alternate species of plants like Ophiorrhiza species and development of tissue culture methods may be a suitable alternative for large-scale micropropagation as well as for the production of camptothecin. Plantlets were successfully regenerated from shoot cultures of Ophiorrhiza rugosa initiated from axillary meristems on medium containing benzyladenine (BA) (4.0 mg L(-1)) + alpha-naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) (0.05 mg L(-1)). Rooting was initiated in half concentration of Murashige and Skoog's (MS) basal medium devoid of growth hormones. Tissue culture derived plants of O. rugosa were similar to the normal plants in their morphological characteristics and chemical constitution. Ten O. rugosa plants that were obtained through micropropagation showed when analysed a higher alkaloid content compared to the normal plant. Chemical analysis of the different organs of the tissue culture plant of O. rugosa established in soil indicated 0.002% dry weight of camptothecin in the roots, 0.011% dry weight in the stems, 0.090% dry weight in the leaves and 0.015% in the floral parts.     

Neutron activation analysis of the ashes of some medicinally used tropical woods

Ashes of medicinally used tropical plant woods collected in the southern part of Nigeria were analyzed for up to 24 elements using Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis techniques (INAA). The plants are:Azadirachta indica, Astonia congensis, Chlorophora excelsa, Antiaris africana andBrachystegia euricoma. Concentrations of 24 major, minor and trace lements were determined. The result of elemental contents were discussed with reference to the medicinal uses of the plant.     

Essential oils and their constituents: anticonvulsant activity

A literature-based survey of plants species and their essential oils with anticonvulsant activity was carried out. As results, 30 species belonging to 13 families and 23 genera were identified for their activities in the experimental models used for anticonvulsant drug screening. Thirty chemical constituents of essential oils with anticonvulsant properties were described. Information on these 30 species is presented together with isolated bioactive compound studies.     

Secondary metabolites isolated from Colletotrichum species

Structural and biosynthetic studies of the metabolites isolated from various Colletotrichum species are reviewed. These fungi are destructive post-harvest pathogens on a wide range of plants including cereals, legumes and fruits. The review includes a detailed study of the biological activity of these metabolites and their role in the development of plant diseases. The literature in this field to the present is reviewed and 60 references are cited.     

Authenticity study of commercial samples of St. John's wort by paper spray ionization mass spectrometry and chemometric tools

Hypericum perforatum L. (St. John's wort) is one of the world's most consumed medicinal plants for treating depression and psychiatric disorders. Counterfeiting can occur in the medicinal plant trade, either due to the lack of active ingredients or the addition of substances not mentioned on the labels, often without therapeutic value or even harmful to health. Hence, 43 samples of St. John's wort commercially acquired in different Brazilian regions and other countries were analyzed by paper spray ionization mass spectrometry (PS-MS) and modeled by principal component analysis. Hence, samples (plants, capsules, and tablets) were extracted with ethanol in a solid–liquid extraction. For the first time, PS-MS analysis allowed the detection of counterfeit H. perforatum samples containing active principles typical of other plants, such as Ageratum conyzoides and Senna spectabilis. About 52.3% of the samples were considered adulterated for having at least one of these two species in their composition. Furthermore, out of 35 samples produced in Brazil, only 13 were deemed authentic, having only H. perforatum. Therefore, there is a clear need to improve these drugs' quality control in Brazil.     

Electrical signaling in Aloe vera induced by localized thermal stress

Action potentials in higher plants are theorized as the information carriers in intercellular and intracellular communication in the presence of environmental stressors. Among the most common stressors is heat shock. Under stressful conditions, the response reactions of plant tissues and organs can be local or transmitted over long distances. In this article, the speeds of propagation of thermally induced action potentials in green plants are discussed, and their speeds were found to be comparable to those occurring in various mammalian species. These rapid action potentials in green plants were recorded in real time using modern data acquisition techniques. According to our measurements, a single application of localized heat stress induces fast action potentials in Aloe vera (67 m/s). Electrical signals propagated along all leaves of the A. vera plants were studied. Possible pathways for electrical signal propagation in vascular plants are also discussed.