A multilocus phylogeny of the non-photosynthetic parasitic plant Cistanche (Orobanchaceae) refutes current taxonomy and identifies four major morphologically distinct clades.

Phylogenetic relationships of and within non-photosynthetic parasitic lineages are notoriously poorly known, which negatively affects our understanding of parasitic plants. This is also the case for Cistanche (Orobanchaceae), an Old World genus with about two dozen species, whose relationships have not yet been addressed using molecular phylogenetic approaches. Here we infer phylogenetic relationships within the genus, employing a taxonomically and geographically broad sampling covering all previously distinguished infrageneric groups and most of the currently recognized species. A combined matrix of three plastid markers (trnL-trnF, including the trnL intron and the intergenic spacer (IGS), trnS-trnfM IGS and psbA-trnH IGS) and one nuclear marker (ITS) was analyzed using maximum parsimony, maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference. Cistanche falls into four well-supported and geographically differentiated clades: East Asian Clade, Northwest African Clade, Southwest Asian Clade and Widespread Clade. Of those, only the East Asian Clade corresponds to a previously recognized taxonomic section, whereas the others either contain members of two or three sections (Widespread Clade and Southwest Asian Clade, respectively) or have not been taxonomically recognized so far (Northwest African Clade). Whereas the Southwest Asian Clade exhibits strong phylogenetic structure among and partly within species (the East Asian Clade and the Northwest African Clade are monospecific), phylogenetic resolution within the Widespread Clade is often low and hampered by discrepancies between nuclear and plastid markers. Both molecular and morphological data indicate that species diversity in Cistanche is currently underestimated.

The roots of Salvia rhytidea: a rich source of biologically active diterpenoids.

Sahandinone (1), 12-deoxysalvipisone (2), miltirone (3), 7α-acetoxyroyleanone (4), and labda-7,14-dien-13-ol (5) were isolated from the roots of Salvia rhytidea Benth. (Lamiaceae). Their structures were elucidated by a combination of spectroscopic analyses including EIMS and NMR. The 13C NMR spectroscopic data were revised for the quaternary carbons of both 1 and 3 with the help of HMBC spectra in respect to the spectral data previously reported in the literature. Compounds 1 and 3, two very potent anticancer agents, were isolated in high yields from the roots of the plant. The biological activities of the plants' constituents were reported in the literature as antimicrobial, cytotoxic and antimalarial are discussed in this article.

Abietane and nor-abitane diterpenoids from the roots of Salvia rhytidea.

BACKGROUND: The genus Salvia is a rich source of structurally diverse terpenoids. Different species of the Salvia have been used in folk medicine of Iran and therefore attracted the attention of researchers for exploring their chemical constituents. In a project directed at structurally interesting bioactive metabolites from Iranian Lamiaceae, we studied Salvia rhytidea. RESULTS: Fractionation of the petroleum ether extract of the root of S. rhytidea led to the isolation of a new 20-nor-abietane diterpenoid (1), together with seven known compounds, comprising five abietane diterpenoids (2-6), and two rearranged abietanes (7, 8). Their structures were established by a combination of 1D and 2D NMR. CONCLUSIONS: Our results showed that the root of S. rhytidea could be considered as a new and rich source of different types of abietane and rearranged abietane diterpenoids.

Essential oil composition of Eucalyptus microtheca and Eucalyptus viminalis.

OBJECTIVE: Eucalyptus (Fam. Myrtaceae) is a medicinal plant and various Eucalyptus species possess potent pharmacological actions against diabetes, hepatotoxicity, and inflammation. This study aims to investigate essential oil composition from leaves and flowers of E. microtheca and E. viminalis leaves growing in the Southeast of Iran. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The aerial parts of these plants were collected from Zahedan, Sistan and Baluchestan province, Iran in 2013. After drying the plant materials in the shade, the chemical composition of the essential oils was obtained by hydro-distillation method using a Clevenger-type apparatus and analyzed by GC/MS. RESULTS: In the essential oil of E. microtheca leaves, 101 compounds representing 100%, were identified. Among them, α-phellandrene (16.487%), aromadendrene (12.773%), α-pinene (6.752%), globulol (5.997%), ledene (5.665%), P-cymen (5.251%), and ß-pinene (5.006%) were the major constituents. In the oil of E. microtheca flowers, 88 compounds representing 100%, were identified in which α-pinene (16.246%), O-cymen (13.522%), ß-pinene (11.082%), aromadendrene (7.444%), α-phellandrene (7.006%), globulol (5.419%), and 9-octadecenamide (5.414%) were the major components. Sixty six compounds representing 100% were identified in the oil of E. viminalis leaves. The major compounds were 1, 8-cineole (57.757%), α-pinene (13.379%), limonene (5.443%), and globulol (3.054%). CONCLUSION: The results showed the essential oils from the aerial parts of Eucalyptus species are a cheap source for the commercial isolation of α-phellandrene, α-pinene, and 1, 8-cineole compounds to be used in medicinal and food products. Furthermore, these plants could be an alternative source of insecticide agents.

Antioxidant activity and total phenolic content of Boerhavia elegans (choisy) grown in Baluchestan, Iran.

OBJECTIVE: Boerhaavia elegans L. (Nyctaginaceae) is a medicinal plant used for the treatment of kidney disorders, urinary tract disorders and blood purification in Baluch tribe. The aim of present study is to evaluate the antioxidant property of B. elegans species for the first time. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Different parts (leaf, stem and fruit) of the plant were extracted by using various solvents (water, methanol, chloroform and ethyl acetate) and evaluated for their antioxidant activity using DPPH (2, 2-diphenyl-1 picryl hydrazyl) and FRAP (ferric reducing antioxidant power) methods. In addition, total phenolic content was determined by Folin-Ciocalteu reagent. RESULTS: Antioxidant results were expressed as IC50. The antioxidant power in DPPH and FRAP assay were evaluated as shown in decreasing order: Methanolic extract > Aqueous extract > Ethyl acetate extract > Chloroform extract, for all parts of the plant. In both methods of antioxidant assay and Folin-Ciocalteu method, methanolic extract of leaf exhibited the highest activity and the most phenolic content IC50= 6.85 ppm and 16.41 mg GA/g d w respectively. Total phenolic content had a positive relationship with antioxidant capacity in extracts and there was a high correlation (r=1.00, p<0.01) between antioxidant activities as determined by both antioxidant assays for various parts. CONCLUSION: The results of the experiments showed that B. elegans extract had significant antioxidant effects. This high antioxidant activity may be linked to phenolic contents of the plant but complementary investigations are suggested in order to determine active elements.

Otostegia persica (Lamiaceae): A review on its ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, and pharmacology.

OBJECTIVE: The current study summarizes the updated information concerning the ethnopharmacology, Phytochemistry, and pharmacology of Otostegia persica Boiss. (Lamiaceae), an endemic medicinal plant in south and southeast of Iran. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Information was collected through bibliographic investigation from scientific journals, books, theses, reports, and electronic search (databases SCOPUS, Google Scholar, Web of Science, and Science Direct). Moreover, documentation from unpublished resources and ethnobotanical surveys has been used. The present review covers the literature available from 2003 to 2013. RESULTS: In traditional systems of medicine, this plant is reputed for treating diabetes, arthritis, gastric discomfort, headache, rheumatism, sedative activities, regulating blood pressure, and hyperlipidemia. Phytochemical screening of active components and mineral element evaluation of this species have been reported. Several types of diterpenoids and flavonols including morin, kaempferol, and quercetin are identified from the plant. Most of the pharmacological activity of this plant resides in its flavonoid fraction which causes antimicrobial and antioxidant activities. Various pharmacological studies on O. persica show antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, anti-aphid, and hepatoprotective activities. CONCLUSION: Being an endemic plant of Iran, this species is an important medicinal herb which can be used for various purposes. This review might be helpful for scientists and researchers to find new chemical entities responsible for its claimed traditional uses and discover new lead compounds for diseases mentioned.

Mineral elements and essential oil contents of Scutellaria luteo-caerulea Bornm. & Snit.

OBJECTIVE: Scutellaria luteo-caerulea Bornm. & Snit. is one of the species of genus Scutellaria, within the family of the Lamiaceae, that is used for immune system stimulation and antibacterial effects in traditional medicine in Iran. The aims of this study were to analyze essential oils and mineral element contents of leaves of S. luteo-caerulea in flowering stage of development. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The essential oils were obtained by hydrodistillation of the leaves of S. luteo-caerulea and were analyzed by gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Moreover, microwave digestion with atomic absorption spectrophotometry were used for the mineral elements assay. RESULTS: Ninety-seven constituents were detected. Between them, the major components were trans-caryophyllene (25.4%), D-germacrene (7.9%), and linalool (7.4%). Determination of mineral elements showed that the highest minerals were Ca(2+) (65.14±1.95 µg/ml) and K(+) (64.67±3.10 µg/ml). CONCLUSION: Presence of different essential oils and rich sources of Ca(2+) and K(+) candidate this plant as an auxiliary medication in different diseases, but more complementary researches are needed about its potency and side effects.

Chaperone potential of Pulicaria undulata extract in preventing aggregation of stressed proteins.

This study examined the effect of an aqueous extract of Pulicaria undulata on the 1,4-dithiothreitol (DTT)-induced aggregation of proteins. The effects of the chaperone properties of P. undulata extract on protein aggregation were determined by measuring light scattering absorption, fluorescence, and circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy. The aqueous extract of P. undulata possesses good chaperone properties but the protection effect was varied in different protein. The extract showed a higher level of protection in high molecular weight proteins than in those of low molecular weight. Using a fluorescence study, the present study provides information on the hydrophobic area of proteins interacting with the P. undulata extract. In fact, by increasing the concentration of the P. undulata extract, the hydrophic area of the protein decreased. CD spectroscopy also revealed that DTT caused changes in both the tertiary and the secondary structure of the proteins, while in the presence of P. undulata extract, there was little change. Our finding suggests the possibility of using P. undulata extract for the inhibition of aggregation and the deposition of protein in disease.

Lack of association of GSTT1 and GSTP1 genes methylation and their expression profiles with risk of NAFLD in a sample of Iranian patients.

UNLABELLED: Reactive oxygen species can affect many cellular functions through protein oxidation or initiation of the lipid peroxidation cascade that can lead to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), characterized by significant lipid deposition in the hepatocytes of patients with no history of excess alcohol intakes. The present study aimed to analyze the methylation status of the antioxidative stress genes GSTT1 (glutathione S-transferase theta-1) and GSTP1 (glutathione S-transferase pi-1), and their expression profiles, in a sample population of patients with NAFLD living in South-East Iran. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Peripheral blood samples were obtained from 80 NAFLD patients and 80 healthy controls. Promoter methylation of the GSTT1 and GSTP1 genes were analyzed by methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction (MS-PCR). Expression profiles of these genes were also examined by quantitative real-time PCR analysis. RESULTS: Promoter methylation of the GSTT1 gene was detected in 86.2% of cases and in 91.2% of controls and, of the GSTP1 gene, in 88.8 and 87.5% of cases and controls, respectively. Promoter methylation of GSTT1 and GSTP1 was not statistically different in cases compared with healthy controls. Similarly, mRNA expression levels showed no statistically significant variations between healthy individuals and patients with NAFLD. CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate no association between methylation status and expression profiles of GSTT1 and GSTP1 genes and NAFLD. This is the first report to assess such associations in a sample of the Iranian population.