[Genetic, phenotypic, and phytochemical polymorphism in Eastern European populations of Mentha arvensis L.]

Variability of M. arvensis from five geographically distanced populations was examined using morphological traits and phytochemical composition of essential oil and with the help of DNA fingerprinting using ISSR markers. The population differentiation based on morphological traits was weak. Analysis of the essential oil composition provided the subdivision of the sample into three groups and, on the basis of the composition of ISSR amplicons, into four groups of specimens. A high degree of genetic polymorphism of M. arvensis and substantial, though incomplete, population differentiation were identified. It was demonstrated that the population of M. arvensis from the Komi Republic was the most genetically isolated, while the populations from Moscow and Penza provinces were weakly differentiated from each other. The population from the Republic of Belarus (near Grodno) was genetically and phytochemically considerably different from the other studied populations, although morphologically indistinguishable from them. We argue that the differentiation was caused not only by the isolation by distance but also owing to the formation of three different ecotypes adapted to different climatic conditions.

[Sex structure and seed productivity of Mentha canadensis L. from natural flora of primorye of Russia].

The sex structure and seed productivity of Mentha canadensis L. from different climatic regioins of Primorye of Russia was studied. We established that M. canadensis is characterized by a homogeneous population structure due to the formation of vegetative clones. The ratio of female and androgynous individuals was 1:5, and it is possible that this is a species-specific trait. Both sexual forms produced fruits under conditions of isolation from cross-pollination. We discuss the possibility of apomixis and the influence of climatic conditions on seed productivity and morphometric characteristics of plants.

[Phenotypic and phytochemical differences between Mentha arvensis L. and Mentha canadiensis L].

A taxonomic study of anatomical, morphological, and phytochemical characteristics of Mentha arvensis L. and Mentha canadiensis L. using hierarchical cluster analysis has been conducted and the differences between the species studied have been revealed. The ratio between the lengths of the calyx tube and the calyx lobes, the number of secretory glands on the upper and lower surfaces of the leaf, and the composition of the essen- tial oil were shown to be the most appropriate parameters for classification.

[Correlation between the output and composition of essential oil and the level of salicylic acid in mint plants at different ontogenetic stages].

Dynamic changes in the content of acetylsalicylic acid and the output and qualitative composition of essential oil have been studied in mint plants (Mentha spicata L. and cultivar Medichka) during their ontogenesis with allowance for changes in weather conditions. Ontogenetic changes in the level of acetylsalicylic acid in leaf tissues are found to be similar in both cv. Medichka and M. spicata. In the case of cv. Medichka, this change is connected with the dynamics of the production and the qualitative composition of essential oil; in the case of M. spicata, this connection is less expressed. The role of acetylsalicylic acid and essential oil in plant adaptation to the environment is discussed.

[The relationship between cytokines and the amount of nitrogen in the wintering organs of herbaceous plants].

The dynamics of cytokine content and the total protein and nonprotein forms of nitrogen in tissues of wintering organs of clary sage Salvia sclarea L. and cinquefoil Potentilla alba L. in abnormally cold (2005-2006 years) and abnormally warm (2006-2007 years) winters in Moscow have been studied. A direct correlation between the content of total cytokines and the total and protein nitrogen forms in tissues of wintering leaves and buds has been determined. A correlation link between the level of single cytokines and the protein nitrogen forms has been found.

[Physiological and biochemical aspects of clary (Salvia sclarea L) overwintering in central Russia].

Changes in the hormonal balance and the contents of carbohydrates, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in overwintering organs of the biennial herb clary (Salvia sclarea L.) have been studied in relation to the adverse influence of environmental factors. Weather-related changes in tissue contents of cytokinins (CTK), abscisic acid (ABA), water-soluble sugars, and mineral nutrients elements have been detected in these organs. Each overwintering organ (rosette leaves, the basal part of the stem with axillary growth buds, and the storage portion of the root) is characterized by specific dynamics of the compounds tested. The role of phytohormones and carbohydrates in realization of plant adaptation potential is discussed.

[Medicinal plants--concentrators of chromium. The role of chromium in alkaloid metabolism]. / Lekarstvennue rasteniia--kontsentratory khroma. Rol' khroma v metabolizme alkaloidov.

Mass screening of medicinal plants of the flora of Russia (196 species) was performed for chromium content. A total of 124 species-chromium concentrators were found, in which the chromium content markedly exceeded the mean values, this excess being 4- to 6-fold in 54 species, 7- to 3-fold in 62 species, and 37- to 114-fold in seven species. The greatest capacity of chromium accumulation was shown for the sand immortelle, foxglove, Alexandrian laurel, Greek valerian, marsh cudweed, adenostilis, and lobelia. These species are considered as potential sources of chromium for correction of its deficiency in humans. Some mechanisms underlying the effect of chromium on metabolism of alkaloids derivative of quinolizidine, tropane, isoquinoline, and indole, were deciphered.

Specificity of elementary composition of plants in synthesizing saponins.

The pharmaceutical action of medicinal plants depends on the presence of natural compounds and biologically important microelements. The accumulation of some microelements in saponin-synthesizing plants, the small dispersion of their contents, and finally, the high coefficient of correlation between accumulated elements provides the basis to draw conclusions about specificity of the mineral metabolism in these species. The synthesis of sapoins, and the specificity of the elementary composition suggest that some elements fulfill a definite regulative role as co-factors or activators of enzymes participating in the synthesis and accumulation of these natural compounds. Correlating the effects of saponins and other natural compounds with microelements on the human organism is exciting this will open new prospects of application of medicinal plants in health protection.