A comparison of phylogenetic and distance-based approaches for the distinction of genetically closed species, Draba rimarum (Rech.f.) A.R. Khosravi & A. Eslami-Farouji, and Draba aucheri Boiss. (Brassicaceae) as a case study.

Circumscribing species boundries is necessary in systematic plant biology. Even a mistake in delimiting taxa may lead to incorrect scientific interpretations. Draba rimarum (Rech.f.) A.R. Khosravi & A. Eslami-Farouji is an endemic Iranian species with a narrow geographic distribution, and is genetically close to D. aucheri. The present study provided a phylogenetic review, time divergence, and planar network of both species to unravel the distinct position of both species along with the prediction of any conflicting or ambiguous signals. Regarding this purpose, here we represent that phylogenetic trees may fail to show reliable results toward the distinct position of genetically close species.

Toward a better understanding of phylogenetic relationships within Conringieae (Brassicaceae).

One new tribe (Plagiolobeae), one new species (Plagioloba derakii) together with two new combinations (P. persica and P. clavata) are established within Brassicaceae based on a decisive consideration of molecular phylogenetic dataset, morphological characters, fruit septum nature, as well as seed microsculpturing features. Results distinctly justified Arabis ottonis-schulzii as a synonym of Conringia persica and further molecular analyses proved its placement as a member of genus Plagioloba. It is also placed in a new tribe Plagiolobeae as close relatives of Conringieae and Coluteocarpeae. Finally, the diagnostic morphological characters separating the new tribe from the previously assigned tribe (Conringieae) are also discussed.

Airborne Pollens and Their Association with Meteorological Parameters in the Atmosphere of Shiraz, Southwest Iran.

Airborne pollen is considered one of the causative agents of hay fever, allergic rhinitis, conjunctivitis, and asthma. We aimed to investigate airborne pollens in the context of Shiraz located in the southwest of Iran and find their association with meteorological parameters.  The survey was conducted from October 2017 to September 2018, using seven days of volumetric Burkard spore trap, located in the center of the city. A total of 5810 pollen grains/m3 belonging to 15 taxa were identified and recorded. Among them, 73.8% was the tree, while the grass, shrub, and weed constituted 13.56%, 3.5%, and 9.2% of total reported pollens, respectively. The major pollen types were Platanaceae (28.39%), Oleaceae (21.17%), Pinaceae (15.11%), Amaranthaceae (9.29%), and Brassicaceae (8.02%). A higher number of pollen counts and types were recorded in March, followed by September, while it was lower in May. Meteorological parameters were correlated with the monthly pollen counts. Wind speed was found to have a positive correlation with Platanaceae concentration. The significant correlation between pollen concentration and the temperature was positive for Poaceae, Amaranthaceae, and Plantaginaceae and negative for Rosaceae, Oleaceae, and Ulmaceae.  Poaceae and Amaranthaceae were negatively correlated with humidity and positively with Rosaceae, Oleaceae, and Plantaginaceae. A negative correlation was found between rainfall and Poaceae and Amaranthaceae, while Plantaginaceae had a positive correlation with this parameter. The results of this study may be helpful for allergologists in the diagnosis and treatment of airborne allergic disorders due to pollen grains.

The effect of hydroalcoholic extract of Achillea eriophora DC. on blood pressure of anaesthetized male rat.

Achillea eriophora (Asteraceae) is a medicinal plant commonly used in Iran. This study was performed to determine the cardiovascular effects of hydroethanolic extract of A. eriophora (HEAE) and the underlying mechanisms in anaesthetized rats. The acute effects of intravenous (i.v.) administration of different doses of HEAE (40, 50, 60, 80 mg/kg), and its probable interaction with cholinergic and nitrergic systems were investigated in the presence of ACh and NOS blocker (L-NAME) as well as ethanol (HEAE solvent in sham group). Intravenous administration of different doses of HEAE induced hypotension. HEAE (60 mg/kg) significantly reduced mean arterial blood pressure (MAP), systolic arterial blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic arterial blood pressure (DBP) compared to control rats that treated with ethanol only, but no change in heart rate (HR) was seen in both groups. The results showed significant decrease in MAP, SBP, DBP and increase of HR in the presence of HEAE plus ACh (10 µg/kg) compared to when ACh was injected alone. Finally i.v. administration of HEAE, significantly reduced MAP and DBP in L-NAME (5 mg/kg) treated animals, while bradycardic responses to L-NAME were not significantly changed by HEAE. It can be concluded that Achillea eriophora induced hypotensive effect via lowering total peripheral resistance and cardiac output that may be synergist with cholinergic and independent of nitrergic system.

Ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants of Sirjan in Kerman Province, Iran.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: From ancient time human beings have used different plants, animals and minerals to prevent and treat various diseases. In this respect, plants have been of particular importance. Ethnobotany is the science of reviewing how indigenous people and local tribes have used their regional plants for particular purposes such as treating diseases in the past. The information gathered from such studies can help to improve national health systems and even lead to the discovery of new medicines. Keeping this in mind, in this study a survey of Sirjan area ethnobotany was conducted during 2011-2012. MATERIALS AND METHODS: At the beginning, thirteen local people were interviewed about their region׳s medicinal plants and their consumptions. These plants were collected and identified using identification keys. The data collected was analyzed using quantitative value indices FIC, RFC and CI. RESULT: Many plants collected have medicinal properties and have been used by local people to treat various ailments. Of these plants, nineteen families, 37 genera and 43 species belonged to medicinal plants. Among them, Lamiaceae with 8 species and Malva L. with 3 species were the largest medicinal plant families and genera, respectively. These plants are often used as decoction (28%) and as powder (21%). Also, the fruit of these plants are used most often. Besides being used as medicinal plants, they have other uses such as food, fuel, etc. Malva sylvestris has the largest value of relative frequency of citation and cultural importance indices. The most ailment categories have the highest level of informant agreement (mean FIC=0.92). CONCLUSION: Despite the semi-desert climate and lack of rich vegetation, many medicinal and economic plants are found in Sirjan region. Uncontrolled harvesting of the medicinal plants such as Bunium persicum, Cuminum cyminum, Zataria multiflora and Satureja bachtiarica in this region by local people has increased the risk of their extinction and calls for a restrict control over their protection by the authorities.