F. borna; R. Omidbaigi; F. Sefidkon
Volume 23, Issue 3 , November 2007, , Pages 307-314
Abstract
Due to study the effect of swoing dates on Dragonhead, this research trial was carried out on randomized complete block design with three replications. The effects of sowing dates on 6 of March, 19 of March, 4 of April, 20 of April, 5 of May, 21 of May, 5 of June and 21 of June were studied on growth ...
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Due to study the effect of swoing dates on Dragonhead, this research trial was carried out on randomized complete block design with three replications. The effects of sowing dates on 6 of March, 19 of March, 4 of April, 20 of April, 5 of May, 21 of May, 5 of June and 21 of June were studied on growth and herb yield of Dragonhead. The results showed that sowing dates has significant effect on growth and development of Dragonhead. The highest plant (82.5 Cm) and the largest number of branches per plant (18.14) was obtained from the plants which were sown on 19 of March and essential oil content (199.0 Kg/ha) was obtained from the plants which were sown on 4 of April. There was no significant effect among herb yield and essential oil percentage of different sowing dates. The highest essential oil content obtained from the plant were sown on 4 of April, therefore, sowing this plant is recommended.
Kh. Abbasi; F. Sefidkon; Y. Yamini
Abstract
The genus Satureja from lamiaceae family consists of many species all over the world. In Iran, there are 15 species, 9 of them are endemic. The oil of different Satureja species are very important because of having carvacrol. In this study, the effect of two extraction methods (hydro-distillation and ...
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The genus Satureja from lamiaceae family consists of many species all over the world. In Iran, there are 15 species, 9 of them are endemic. The oil of different Satureja species are very important because of having carvacrol. In this study, the effect of two extraction methods (hydro-distillation and supercritical fluid extraction) on yield and composition of the essential oils Satureja hortensis and Satureja rechingeri wasinvestigated. The aerial parts of S. hortensis were collected from Research Station of Alborz (Karaj) at full flowering stage and those of S. rechingeri were collected from their natural habitats on Ilam province. After drying the plant material, the oil of both species were obtained by hydro-distillation and also by SFE (with and without modifier). The oil were analyzed by GC and GC/MS. 17 compounds were identified in the oil of S. hortensis by hydro-distillation, with carvacrol (48.1%) and g-Terpinene (38.4%) as the main components. In the oils of SFE, 9 compounds were characterized with carvacrol (57.1%-63.4%) and g-Terpinene (27.0%-32.8%) as the major components. Therefore, the percentage of carvacrol was increased by SFE and g-Terpinene was decreased. 20 components were identified in the oil of S. rechingeri by hydro-distillation, with carvacrol (86.6%) as main constituent. In the oils of SFE, 6 compounds were identified, that the percentage of carvacrol (95.0%-95.6%) was higher.
F. Nikkhah; F. Sefidkon; E. Sharifi Ashoorabadi
Abstract
The aerial parts of Thymus vulgaris were collected in three stages of plant growth (before flowering, at the beginning and full flowering stage) from Research Field of Shahid Beheshti University (Tehran) at spring. The plant materials were dried in shade and their essential oils were isolated by hydro-distillation ...
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The aerial parts of Thymus vulgaris were collected in three stages of plant growth (before flowering, at the beginning and full flowering stage) from Research Field of Shahid Beheshti University (Tehran) at spring. The plant materials were dried in shade and their essential oils were isolated by hydro-distillation in three replications. In addition, the essential oils of plant materials at full flowering stage were obtained by water-steam distillation and direct steam distillation. The oil yields were calculated based on dried weigh and compared by statistic analysis. The oils were analyzed by capillary GC and GC/MS. Statistic analysis showed different stages of plant growth and different distillation methods had significant effect on oil yield. The highest oil yield was obtained at the beginning of flowering (1.18% w/w). Among distillation methods, the highest oil yield was obtained by direct steam distillation (1.20%). Analysis and identification of components showed thymol, P-cymene and g-terpinene as main compounds in all samples. The percentage of thymol at the beginning and full flowering stage was the same, but at the beginning of flowering was lower. There was no remarkable difference between different distillation methods for producing thymol, but by hydro-distillation the thymol amount was little higher. Based on the results of this investigation it can be concluded that the beginning of flowering and hydro-distillation are the best for obtaining the higher oil content and thymol percentage.
Agriculture and horticulture
M. Salimi Koochi; M. Madandoust
Abstract
Background and objectives: Cumin (Cuminum cymium L.) is an annual plant with delicate stems and a height between 15 and 50 cm. For high yield and increased product quality, consuming the appropriate amount of dinitroaniline herbicides and using mulches to control weeds is important. Therefore, the use ...
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Background and objectives: Cumin (Cuminum cymium L.) is an annual plant with delicate stems and a height between 15 and 50 cm. For high yield and increased product quality, consuming the appropriate amount of dinitroaniline herbicides and using mulches to control weeds is important. Therefore, the use of trifluralin, pendimethalin herbicides, and wheat mulch was investigated in this experiment to investigate the population and growth of weeds, physiological and vegetative characteristics, yield, and percentage of cumin essential oil.Materials and methods: This experiment was conducted as a randomized complete block design with three replications. In this study, the experimental treatments included 100% and 50% recommended amounts of trifluralin and pendimethalin herbicides alone and in combination with wheat stubble mulch, which was considered together with wheat stubble mulch alone and no weed control (control). Wheat stubble mulch, 5 cm long and equal to 5 tons per hectare, was applied. The herbicide was spread using a 20-liter book-back sprayer with a rain nozzle. Weed species were identified by Zarghan Agricultural Research Station, Fars Province weed experts. After that, quadrats with dimensions of 50 x 50 cm were used to determine weeds' density and dry weight. Three fully opened and fresh young leaves were selected to measure the relative water content of leaves and the chlorophyll content of each treatment. Sampling was done in the morning and before sunrise. Before the end of the growth period, the height and number of branches were measured. After harvesting, yield and yield components (including the number of umbels per plant, the number of seeds per umbel, and the weight of 1000 seeds) were determined. From the harvested seeds in each plot, 50 grams of samples were randomly taken and analyzed to determine the percentage of essential oil. To extract essential oil from the prepared samples, the steam distillation method was used by a Clevenger machine. The percentage of essential oil in each sample was determined. The mean comparison of the studied traits was compared using Duncan's multiple range test at 0.05.Results: The dominant weed species identified in the field included 6 genera and 6 species. The mean comparison results showed that using trifluralin herbicide with the recommended dose + mulch reduced weeds' density and dry weight by 88% and 87%, respectively, compared to no weed control (control). Mulch treatment alone reduced weed density and dry weight compared to control plants by 29.6% and 37.5%, respectively. 85% mulch + trifluralin herbicide at the recommended dose resulted in the highest relative leaf water content. Also, the highest chlorophyll b and total leaf chlorophyll content were obtained for both trifluralin and pendimethalin herbicides in combination with mulch, which showed a significant increase compared to mulch alone and no weed control. The lowest cumin plant height was observed in the weed-infested treatment (control). Among the management treatments, the number of lateral branches in the treatment of 100% of the recommended herbicide dose was more than in the treatment of 50%. Also, adding mulch to the treatments showed a significant increase in lateral branches. Cumin aerial parts dry weight increased by 4% with the 50% dose and 10% with the full dose. With trifluralin herbicides, cumin seed yield increased by 47% and pendimethalin by 45%. By applying mulch management treatments, cumin seed yield increased by 48%.Conclusion: The application of wheat mulch, by increasing leaf water and chlorophyll's relative content, improves growth indicators. In addition to the application of 100% of the recommended dose of trifluralin and pendimethalin herbicides in combination with wheat mulch, which increased the dry weight of shoot and seed yield in cumin, the treatment of 50% of the recommended dose in combination with wheat mulch at a lower level improved these traits. Therefore, due to reduced herbicide consumption, 50% of the recommended dose of trifluralin herbicides in combination with wheat mulch is recommended to control weeds in cumin.
M. Gerdakaneh; J. Majidi; F. Rezaei
Abstract
Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) as a valuable crop is cultivated in arid and semi-arid regions of Iran. It is used in food for color and flavor and also in medicine. Optimum mother corm density and depth is one the most crucial factors determining daughter corm generation and flower yield. For this purpose, ...
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Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) as a valuable crop is cultivated in arid and semi-arid regions of Iran. It is used in food for color and flavor and also in medicine. Optimum mother corm density and depth is one the most crucial factors determining daughter corm generation and flower yield. For this purpose, this research was aimed to study the effects of planting density and depth of corm on stigma yield and daughter corms production traits during 2012-2014 in Mahidasht, Kermanshah province. The study was conducted in a factorial experiment based on randomized complete blocks design with four different planting densities (3, 6, 9, 12 cm) and three planting depths of corm (10, 15, 20 cm) in three replications. Traits including flower number, flower fresh weight, fresh and dry weight of stigma and style, stigma and style length, leaf weight, the number and average weight of daughter corm were measured. Analysis of variance showed that the effect of planting density and depth of mother corm was significant on total traits. The interaction effect between planting density and planting depth on some traits (average weight of daughter corm and stigma and style length) was significant. The highest flower number, fresh flower weight, total fresh and dry weight of stigma and style (2.09 and 0.5 gr/m2, respectively), leaf weight, and daughter corm number were obtained in planting density of 6 cm and planting depth of 15 cm. The highest length of stigma and style of saffron was achieved in planting density of 9 cm and planting depth of 15 cm, and the average weight of daughter corm was obtained in planting density of 12 cm and planting depth of 15 cm. Therefore, the planting density of 6 cm and planting depth of 15 cm, having the highest effect on fresh and dry weight of stigma, are recommended.
M. Mohammadi; M. Dini; M. Tavakkoli
Volume 19, Issue 4 , January 2004, , Pages 367-387
Abstract
Gaz-e-Alfi (oak manna) is a valuable by - product of western oak forests especically in northern parts of Zagross . The material has high medicinal and comercial value. The manna is produces on the leave surfaces and yong branches of two species (Quercus infectoria Oliv. and Q. brantii Oliv.) by nymphs ...
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Gaz-e-Alfi (oak manna) is a valuable by - product of western oak forests especically in northern parts of Zagross . The material has high medicinal and comercial value. The manna is produces on the leave surfaces and yong branches of two species (Quercus infectoria Oliv. and Q. brantii Oliv.) by nymphs and adults activithes of two aphids: (Tuberculoides anulatus Hartig and Thelaxes suberi Del.). The material then is sticken as sugar cristalized and used. Production and utilization time of this material is on late spring and sometimes on first atumn. Distribution of host plants and aphids are in west Azarbaijan, Kordestan, Kermanshah and Lorestan provinces, but producer aphids in west Azarbaijan, Kordestan and Lorestan provinces are able to produce manna.
M. Farzami Sepehr; M. Ghorbanli; M. Mirbagheri
Abstract
Phenolic compounds are one of the most important factors in olive, which has been considered greatly. Phenols have pharmacological characteristics and contain natural antioxidants in olive. Oleuropein is one of the most abundant and important phenolic compounds in fruits and leaves of olive, which causes ...
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Phenolic compounds are one of the most important factors in olive, which has been considered greatly. Phenols have pharmacological characteristics and contain natural antioxidants in olive. Oleuropein is one of the most abundant and important phenolic compounds in fruits and leaves of olive, which causes the bitter taste of olive. Oleuropein is a heterosidic ester of elenolic acid and 3,4-dihydroxy phenyl ethanol. It is worth mentioning that the use of this compound has a significant role in health. In this study, the amount of existing compounds in different cultivars of olive (Olea europaea L.) was studied during harvesting season in two regions of Rudbar and Kazeroun, and oleuropein was extracted with methanol and its amount was determined by High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). According to the conducted researches, it was found that the highest composition rate of fruit oleuropein was recorded for yellow olive in Fars (34.31 mg/g) and for Fyshmy olive in Rudbar (30.25 mg/g). However, the lowest composition rate of fruit oleuropein was recorded for Mishen olive in Fars (9.55 mg/g) and for Lechyo olive in Rudbar (10.23 mg/g). Based on the provided data, it can be concluded that more edibility of Rudbar olives may be due to the lower level of oleuropein compound, resulting in less bitterness. Notably, the medicinal usage of different types of Fars olives is due to the higher level of oleuropein compounds.
S. Pirtarighat; M. Ghannadnia
Abstract
Melissa officinalis L. (Lamiaceae) has been used as an important medicinal herb since ancient times. The study of the biosynthetic pathways of the plant medicinal metabolites is of particular importance in identifying the materials affecting these pathways in order to change the quantity or quality of ...
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Melissa officinalis L. (Lamiaceae) has been used as an important medicinal herb since ancient times. The study of the biosynthetic pathways of the plant medicinal metabolites is of particular importance in identifying the materials affecting these pathways in order to change the quantity or quality of the medicinal metabolites. The metabolic pathway of phenylpropanoid includes sophisticated pathways of biochemical reactions that synthesize a set of secondary plant metabolites such as flavonoids, isoflavonoids, lignins, anthocyanins, etc. Phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) and 4-coumarate-CoA ligase (4CL) are two main enzymes of the phenylpropanoid pathway, playing a fundamental role in the biosynthesis of plant phenolic compounds. Regarding the fact that stress and environmental changes lead to changes in the expression of certain genes in plants, in this study, the gene expression of two PAL and 4CL enzymes was investigated using Real-Time PCR technique in Melissa officinalis L. grown under in vitro conditions treated by calcium chloride. Moreover, the total protein was extracted and quantitatively measured. The results showed that increasing and decreasing calcium chloride by 880 and 220 (mg l-1) caused reduced PAL gene expression and increased 4CL gene expression, respectively. Also, the total plant protein content decreased by 585 and 595 (g l-1) in 880 and 220 (mg l-1) of calcium chloride treatment, respectively. According to Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis, it was found that some phenolic compounds, carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins decreased in calcium chloride treatment than the control group. These results show the effect of calcium ion on the regulation of some genes expression and the production of their metabolites. Therefore, by changing the amount of calcium, the controlled amount of plant compounds could be achieved for specific purposes.
A.R. Rezapor; M. Heidari; M. Galavi; M. Ramrodi
Abstract
In order to study the effects of water stress and different amounts of sulfur fertilizer on the grain yield, grain yield components, two osmotic components (carbohydrate and proline) and essential oil yield in Nigella sativa L. a field experimental split-plot design with three replications was conducted ...
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In order to study the effects of water stress and different amounts of sulfur fertilizer on the grain yield, grain yield components, two osmotic components (carbohydrate and proline) and essential oil yield in Nigella sativa L. a field experimental split-plot design with three replications was conducted in 2009 at Ghaen city. Treatments included three levels of irrigation as 50, 100 and 150 mm evaporation from class A pan evaporation in main plot and four levels of sulfur fertilizer included 0, 75, 150 and 225 kg ha-1 as Bentonite in sub plot. Results showed that water stress significantly affect the grain yield of Nigella sativa as grain yield decreased up to 22.8% at the level of 150 mm evaporation from the class A evaporation. Except 1000-seed weight, water stress significantly decreased all grain yield components, including biomass production, the number of capsules per plant and seeds per capsule. Maximum reduction at the highest level of water stress related to the number of seed capsules (31.64 percent). Carbohydrate and proline increased under water stress while essential oil yield decreased in Nigella sativa. Sulfur fertilizer improved grain yield as applying 225 kg/ha sulfur fertilizer increased it up to 7.2 percent. Sulfur fertilizer especially at 150 kg/ha had significant positive effects on the grain yield components, osmotic solutes and essential oil yield.
M. Dorafshan; M. Soltani Howyzeh; V. Shariati
Abstract
Identification of the genes biosynthesizing medicinal plants-specific metabolites is now performed with great speed and accuracy using new transcriptome study technologies such as RNA sequencing. The present study was carried out to find the specific genes in the biosynthetic pathway of triterpenes and ...
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Identification of the genes biosynthesizing medicinal plants-specific metabolites is now performed with great speed and accuracy using new transcriptome study technologies such as RNA sequencing. The present study was carried out to find the specific genes in the biosynthetic pathway of triterpenes and sesquiterpenes in the fruit tissue of colocynth (Citrullus colocynthis L.). After RNA extraction from the tissue of colocynth fruits harvested from Andimeshk region in Khuzestan province in 2017, RNA sequencing technique was performed using the Illumina HiSeq2500 platform. The bioinformatics steps including de novo assembly, using the Evidential-gene software, and functional annotation, using the KAAS database, were performed. In the KAAS database, 17359 unigenes were annotated in 134 plant pathways. Among the different and important secondary metabolites pathways in the fruit tissue of colocynth, 39 unigenes and 8 orthologous genes were assigned to the triterpenes and sesquiterpenes gene pathways. Transcriptome analysis of this medicinal plant with the aim of identifying the genes of secondary metabolites biosynthetic pathways underlies various research and practical aspects such as biosynthetic pathway engineering of herbal medicines.
Phytochemistry (extraction, identification and measurement of active components)
Mahmood Barati; Majid Sharifi-Rad; Saeede saeedi
Abstract
Due to the importance of rangeland medicinal plants, the present study was conducted to assess the chemical profile and antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory activities of rangeland-medicinal plant Artemisia absinthium L. root and aerial parts extracts at different phenological stages (vegetative, ...
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Due to the importance of rangeland medicinal plants, the present study was conducted to assess the chemical profile and antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory activities of rangeland-medicinal plant Artemisia absinthium L. root and aerial parts extracts at different phenological stages (vegetative, flowering, and seeding). Folin-Ciocalteu and aluminum chloride colorimetric methods were used for determination of total phenol and flavonoids contents, respectively. The ethanol extract biological activities were investigated at different phenological stages: the antioxidant activity by DPPH free radical scavenging activity and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) methods; the antibacterial activity by disk diffusion, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) methods; and the anti-inflammatory activity using human red blood cell stabilization. The results showed that the highest amount of total phenol (86.4 ± 2 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/g dry weight) and total flavonoids (36.2 ± 1.3 mg quercetin equivalents (QE)/g dry weight) was recorded for the root at flowering stage. Also, the root extract at flowering stage had the highest antioxidant (IC50 = 15.4 μg.mL-1) and antibacterial activities. The largest inhibition zone (22 mm) was observed for this extract against Staphylococcus aureus. This extract MIC and MBC were recorded 18.7 mg.mL-1 and 37.5 mg.mL-1 against S. aureus and Bacillus cereus, respectively. The bacteria Vibrio cholerae and Escherichia coli showed less sensitivity to the mentioned extract. Also, the results showed that the flowering stage had the highest anti-inflammatory activity compared to the other phenological stages. The root extract at the all phenological stages showed higher anti-inflammatory activity than the aerial parts. Overall, it could be concluded that A. absinthium, particularly at flowering stage, can be considered as a suitable alternative source for synthetic antioxidants, antibiotics, and anti-inflammatory agents.
M. Bonyadian; T. Rozkhosh; H. Moshtaghi
Abstract
Listeria monocytogenes is known as one of the bacteria transmitted by food, especially dairy products. Recently, the demand for replacing chemical preservatives with natural compounds has increased. The aim of this study was to investigate the antibacterial effects of Echinophora platyloba DC. extracts ...
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Listeria monocytogenes is known as one of the bacteria transmitted by food, especially dairy products. Recently, the demand for replacing chemical preservatives with natural compounds has increased. The aim of this study was to investigate the antibacterial effects of Echinophora platyloba DC. extracts on Listeria monocytogenes in broth medium and milk. The standard method of microdilution was used to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration and the minimum bactericidal concentration of aqueous and ethanol extracts of Echinophora platyloba on tested bacteria. The results showed that the minimum inhibitory concentrations of aqueous and ethanol extracts, were 50 and 70 mg/ml respectively and the minimum bactericidal concentrations for these extracts, were 70 and 100 mg/ml respectively. Based on the results, both aqueous and ethanol extracts showed acceptable anti listeria effects at 4ºC and 25ºC in milk compared to the control group (P<0.05). At the same concentrations, the aqueous extract showed a stronger effect on the Listeria monocytogenes as compared with ethanol extract. Also, the results revealed that the antimicrobial effect of the aqueous extract was greater at 4ºC than that of 25ºC in the same concentration (P<0.05).
M.A. Alizadeh; A.A. Jafari; S.E. Sayedian; M. Izadpanah; M. Amirkhani; M.R. Pahlevani; L. Fallah-Hoseini; M. Ramezani Yeganeh
Abstract
In order to evaluation of morphological and phenological traits in 68 accessions of five chamomile species including: Anthemis altissima L., A. haussknechtii Boiss. & Reut., A. pseudocotula Boiss., A. tinctoria L. and A. triumfettii (L.) All., an experiment was ...
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In order to evaluation of morphological and phenological traits in 68 accessions of five chamomile species including: Anthemis altissima L., A. haussknechtii Boiss. & Reut., A. pseudocotula Boiss., A. tinctoria L. and A. triumfettii (L.) All., an experiment was conducted using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications in the Alborz research station in Karaj, during 2011-2012. Data were collected for the length and width of canopy, plant height, number of flowers, shoot fresh and dry weight, growth degree-days (GDD), essential oil percentage, and essential oil yield. The average values of growth traits and shoot yield recorded for A. pseudocotula were higher as compared with other species. In addition, this species was an earlier growing species due to the lower values of growth degree-days (GDD) in flowering and maturity stages. The essential oil yield of A. altissima (33 g per plant) and) A. triumfettii (59 g per plant) was more than that recorded for the three other species. The shoot yield of Anthemis tinctoria in Ardebil and Khoy1 populations was higher as compared with other populations. The shoot yield of A. triumfettii in Semnan1 and Semnan 2 populations and the essential oil yield of A. triumfettii in Semnan 2 and Shahrood populations were higher than those recorded for other populations. The Loshan and Salmas populations were earlier growing species. The highest shoot yield and essential oil yield were recorded for A.haussknechtii in the Golastan population. For A. pseudocotula, the highest shoot yield, and essential oil yield were obtained in the Golastan 2 population, and the Golastan1, Zanjan1, and Zanjan2 populations were early growing species. There were no significant differences among the populations of A. altissima. In all species, a direct relationship was found between shoot and essential oil yield and early growth, so that the early growing populations had higher shoot and essential oil yield and this feature could be used in the production of drought-resistant varieties under rainfed conditions.
M. Valizadeh; A. Bagheri; J. Valizadeh; M.H. Mirjalili; N. Moshtaghi
Abstract
Withania coagulans (Stocks) Dunal (fam. Solanaceae) is a multipurpose medicinal plant, mainly distributed in southeastern parts of Sistan and Baluchestan province. The important medicinal properties of W. coagulans are attributed to the presence of steroidal lactones called withanolides. Among withanoloids, ...
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Withania coagulans (Stocks) Dunal (fam. Solanaceae) is a multipurpose medicinal plant, mainly distributed in southeastern parts of Sistan and Baluchestan province. The important medicinal properties of W. coagulans are attributed to the presence of steroidal lactones called withanolides. Among withanoloids, withaferin A is an important phytoconstituent showing antitumor, antiangiogenesis and apoptosis induction properties. This study was aimed to investigate the variability of phytochemical composition of Withania coagulans roots. Twenty accessions of W. coagulans roots, collected from different natural habits of Sistan and Baluchestan province, were used in the present study. Thewithaferin A was assayed through thin layer chromatography (TLC) method andphytochemical estimation was carried out by standard methodologies to detect the presence of secondary metabolites, like total phenol, flavonoids and anthocyanin. Our findings revealed that withaferin A was found in all accessions collected from different natural habits. The photochemical investigation showed the presence of flavonoids (5.70-6.50%), anthocyanin (4.51-9.51µmol/g) and total phenol (14.91-23.7µgGAE/mgD.W), varying significantly among the habitats (p<0.05). In the present study, TLC analysis confirms the exsistance of withaferin A in all W. coagulans accessions as well as the potential of Sistan and Baluchestan natural habits to produce this valuable component. However, the root extracts of W. coagulans, growing in natural habitats of Iran, have higher phenolic content. Hence, it can be used as a source of natural components for the pharmaceutical and food industries.
M. Alirezaie Noghondar; H. Arouiee; Sh. Rezazadeh; M. Shoor; R. Taghizad Farid
Abstract
The genus of Colchicum is known for the production of colchicine which some species such as C. kotschyi Boiss. and C. robustum Stefanov are grown in Iran. The level of colchicine varies in different species as well as stages of plant development stages. In the present study, colchicine content and dry ...
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The genus of Colchicum is known for the production of colchicine which some species such as C. kotschyi Boiss. and C. robustum Stefanov are grown in Iran. The level of colchicine varies in different species as well as stages of plant development stages. In the present study, colchicine content and dry matter of corm and seeds in C. kotschyi and C. robustum, growing wild in Iran, were determined during different phenological stages. The plant materials were collected in different seasons (spring, summer, autumn and winter), during 2009-2010 and the amounts of colchicine were determined by high liquid performance chromatography method. The highest amount of colchicine of corm in both species was observed during autumn, in the time close to the beginning of activation of the root, with amount of 0.077 and 0.049% (wt/wt) in C. kotschyi and C. robustum, respectively. The lowest amount of colchicine of corm in C. kotschyi was found to be 0.0058% (wt/wt) during summer, before flowering stage, while the lowest amount of Colchicine in C. robustum was found to be 0.0075% (wt/wt) during winter, synchronous to flowering and vegetative growth. Colchicine content in seeds was found to be 0.128 and 0.0462% (wt/wt) in C. robustum and C. kotschyi, respectively. The highest and the lowest of corm dry matter in both species were found in summer and winter, respectively.
Biological effects of essential oils and extracts
S. Masoud-Moghaddam; J. Mehrzad; A.H. Alizadeh Ghamsari; R. Bahari Kashani; J. Saeidi
Abstract
This study aimed at comparing the effects of four commercial herbal additives and a growth-promoting antibiotic (virginiamycin) on the productive traits, some blood biochemical parameters, and serum hepatic enzymes activity of broilers. Nine hundred one day-old male broilers (Ross 308 strain) were used ...
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This study aimed at comparing the effects of four commercial herbal additives and a growth-promoting antibiotic (virginiamycin) on the productive traits, some blood biochemical parameters, and serum hepatic enzymes activity of broilers. Nine hundred one day-old male broilers (Ross 308 strain) were used in a completely randomized design with five treatments and six replicates of 30 birds. The experimental treatments included the diets containing Noviherb®, Bioessence®, and Biostrong® (each at a rate of 100 g ton-1 of diet), diet containing Novigrow® (1000 g ton-1 of diet), and diet containing virginiamycin (100 g ton-1 of diet) as positive control. The amount of feed intake, body weight, mortality percentage, feed conversion ratio, and European broiler index were measured during 1 to 42 days of broilers age. At the 28 and 42 days of age, the blood samples were taken from four birds per replicate and the blood parameters including the concentration of total protein, uric acid, albumin, glucose, triglyceride, cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and the activity of gamma-glutamyl transferase, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase serum enzymes were measured. The results showed that the effects of tested herbal additives on the performance and European broiler index were not significant in comparison with the antibiotic. The concentration of blood parameters and the activity of serum liver enzymes at the 28 and 42 days of age were not affected by the experimental treatments. Based on these results, the additives evaluated could be suitable alternatives to the growth-promoting antibiotics without adversely affecting the performance and serum biochemical parameters of broilers.
S. Dehghan Kouhestani; A. Baghizadeh; Gh.A. Ranjbar; N.A. Babaiyan Jelodar
Volume 24, Issue 4 , February 2009, , Pages 414-427
Abstract
Persian Cumin, a medicinal and aromatic plant, belongs to Apiaceae family. The objective of this study was to assess the genetic variation in germplasm of Persian Cumin collected from Kerman province using RAPD molecular markers. The Persian Cumin fruits were collected from 43 various regions in Kerman ...
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Persian Cumin, a medicinal and aromatic plant, belongs to Apiaceae family. The objective of this study was to assess the genetic variation in germplasm of Persian Cumin collected from Kerman province using RAPD molecular markers. The Persian Cumin fruits were collected from 43 various regions in Kerman province. DNA was extracted from fruits using modified CTAB method. From the 27 used primers in PCR, 19 primers with better bands were selected for analysis. The 446 polymorphic bands obtained by these primers were scored. The binary matrix was converted to distance matrix by applying Dice similarity coefficient in NTSYS-pc (Ver 2.02) software. Then, the distance matrix was analyzed using UPGMA and the phyllogenic dendrogram was plotted. Based on the results, investigated populations were clustered in 7 groups. The obtained clusters based on RAPD markers to some extent matched with the geographical origin of the studied populations of Persian Cumin. Furthermore, the obtained results of principal component analysis method were similar to the results of cluster analysis. The results indicated that RAPD technique is an efficient tool for assessing genetic diversity in these populations.
M. Mirza; M. Najafpour Navaei; M. Dini
Volume 20, Issue 4 , January 2018, , Pages 417-423
Abstract
Scutellariais a member of Labiatae, distributed in mediteranean region and south of Asia. In Iran 20 species are present in center, northern, northwest and western districts. The aerial parts of Scutellaria pinnatifida. were collected from Touchal in Tehran province at full flowering stage ...
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Scutellariais a member of Labiatae, distributed in mediteranean region and south of Asia. In Iran 20 species are present in center, northern, northwest and western districts. The aerial parts of Scutellaria pinnatifida. were collected from Touchal in Tehran province at full flowering stage in May 2004. Essential oil was isolated by hydrodistillation from the aerial parts of plant and analysed by a combination of capillary GC and GC/MS. The yeild of essential oil was obtained in 0.07% (w/w). 29 compounds in the oil have been identified representing 96.6% of the oil. The main constituent was germacrene D (39%). Other main components were β-caryophyllene, farnesene and bicyclogermacrene.
K. Jaimand; M.H. Assareh; M.B. Rezaee; M.M. Brazandeh
Abstract
Two Eucalyptus species , E. stricklandii Maiden. and E. erythrocorys F. Muell were cultivated on 1994 in south-western of Iram (Khozestan), were collected on April 2004. The essential oils isolated by hydrodistillation from the leaves of were analyzed by GC and GC/MS.The main components identified ...
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Two Eucalyptus species , E. stricklandii Maiden. and E. erythrocorys F. Muell were cultivated on 1994 in south-western of Iram (Khozestan), were collected on April 2004. The essential oils isolated by hydrodistillation from the leaves of were analyzed by GC and GC/MS.The main components identified in E. stricklandii oil were 1,8-cineole (72.2%), a-pinene (12.2%) and terpinen-1–ol (2.8%), and in E. erythrocorys were 1,8-cineole (80%), a-pinene (5.7%) and terpinen-1-ol (2.2%). High content of 1,8-cineole in our cultivated plants and uses of this compound in pharmacy industry is a reason of our investigation. This paper now reportes for the first time the results of the analyses of leaf oils of E. stricklandii Maiden.,and E. erythrocorys F. Muell. , growing in Iran.
M. Roghani; T. Baluchnejadmojarad; M. Ramazani
Abstract
Diabetes mellitus is one of the most common endocrine disorders which accompanies multiple metabolic abnormalities. On the other hand, Apium graveolens L. (AG) has been known to reduce lipid peroxidation and lower some serum lipids in an animal model of hyperlipidemia. Therefore, the effect of chronic ...
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Diabetes mellitus is one of the most common endocrine disorders which accompanies multiple metabolic abnormalities. On the other hand, Apium graveolens L. (AG) has been known to reduce lipid peroxidation and lower some serum lipids in an animal model of hyperlipidemia. Therefore, the effect of chronic oral administration of this plant on serum glucose, triglyceride, total cholesterol, and HDL- and LDL-cholesterol level of diabetic rats was investigated. For this purpose, male Wistar rats (n = 40)(270-320 g; 3.5-4.5 months old) were randomly divided into 4 groups, i.e. control, AG-treated control, diabetic, and AG-treated diabetic groups. The treatment groups received oral administration of plant-mixed pelleted food (6.25%, w/w) for 6 weeks. Serum glucose, triglyceride, total cholesterol, LDL- and HDL- cholesterol levels were determined before the study, and at the 3rd and 6th weeks after the study. There was a significant reduction (p<0.01) in weight of animals in AG-treated and untreated diabetic groups after 6 weeks as compared to control one and the existing difference between these two groups were not significant. In addition, serum glucose level in diabetic group increased 6 weeks after the experiment as compared to the data a week before the study (P<0.001) and AG treatment of diabetic rats only had a slight and non-significant effect. Furthermore, triglyceride level in diabetic group increased 6 weeks after the experiment in comparison with related data one week before the study (P<0.05) and there was a significant lower level of triglyceride in AG-treated diabetic rats (p<0.01). Furthermore, a similar significant reduction was obtained for AG-treated-diabetic group compared to diabetic group regarding serum cholesterol level (p<0.05). On the other hand, HDL- and LDL- cholesterol levels were significantly higher (p<0.05) and lower (p<0.01) in AG-treated diabetic group compared to untreated diabetic group, respectively. As a result, oral chronic administration of AG has no significant hypoglycemic effect but leads to appropriate changes in blood lipid profile.
B. Mirshekari; H. Asadi Rahmani; A. Mirmozafari Rodsari
Abstract
In order to study the effects of seed inoculation with Azospirillum strains and coating with microelements on seed and essential oil yield of cumin (Cuminum cyminum L.) an experiment was conducted at research field of agricultural faculty of Islamic Azad University of Tabriz. Studied factors were Azospirillum ...
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In order to study the effects of seed inoculation with Azospirillum strains and coating with microelements on seed and essential oil yield of cumin (Cuminum cyminum L.) an experiment was conducted at research field of agricultural faculty of Islamic Azad University of Tabriz. Studied factors were Azospirillum strains (lipoferum, brasilense, irakense, strain of and strain 21) included seed coating with microelements and no-coating seeds. Factorial experiment was arranged based on randomized complete block design. Results indicated that, when seeds were inoculated with Azospirillum, strain 21, umbel number per plant increased 11 umbel, compared with control. The lowest thousand seed weight obtained from treatment that seeds no-inoculated and no-coated. Seed yield was the highest (571 kg ha-1), when seeds were both inoculated with strain 21 and coated with microelements, and this value was twice more than the treatment of those seeds only inoculated with Azospirillum strains. When seeds were coated with microelements, yield increased to 147 kg ha-1 (based on averaged Azospirillum strains) compared to non-coated seeds. Essential oil yield of cumin ranged from 17.2 kg ha-1 in treatment of seed inoculation with Azospirillum, strain 21×seed coating with microelements to 2.56 kg ha-1 in control sample. Difference between seed and Essential oil yield of cumin was not significant, when those seeds coated with microelements were inoculated with strain 21 and strain of. In cumin planting seeds coating with microelements and inoculation with Azospirillum, strain 21 or strain of is recommended.
M.T. Ebadi; M. Rahmati; M. Azizi; M. Hassanzadeh Khayyat
Abstract
Drying is one of the important pre-processing methods of medicinal plants after harvest that has a major role in quantity and quality of their active substances. To determine the effect of different drying methods on drying time, essential oil content and composition of Savory (Satureja hortensis L.), ...
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Drying is one of the important pre-processing methods of medicinal plants after harvest that has a major role in quantity and quality of their active substances. To determine the effect of different drying methods on drying time, essential oil content and composition of Savory (Satureja hortensis L.), the experiment was carried out during 2008. The experimental design was randomized complete block design with three replications and treatments were: two temperatures: 50°C and 70°C, six microwave powers: 100, 180, 300, 450, 600 and 900 w and drying in shade and under sun light. The drying process was continued until the mass of the sample reduced to a moisture content of about 0.10 on a dry weight basis or 10% on a wet weight basis. Results indicated that different treatments of drying method had significant effects on drying time and essential oil content. The maximum essential oil content (3%) obtained from drying at 70°C and drying in shade while minimum content (0.9%) obtained from drying under sun light. One hundred and 300 w microwave powers had an average content of essential oil (2.3%). Carvacrol content percentage in treatments of microwave drying was more than other methods as maximum percentage (63.9 %) was obtained from 300 w microwave drying with a little difference with 180 w microwave drying treatment. Drying by low microwave powers is recommended for Satureja hortensis L. due to the reduction of drying time and considerable maintenance of essential oil content and composition. Maximum γ-terpinene content (28.2%) obtained from drying at 70°C with a low difference with 50°C, 100 and 300 w microwave.
M. Ghanbari; M.K. Souri
Abstract
Genus Achillea millefolium L. (Asteraceae) consists of about 110-130 species. Nineteen species grow naturally in Iran of which seven are endemic. In this study, chemical composition of the essential oils of seven Achillea populations growing wild in northwest Iran, during the flowering period were investigated. ...
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Genus Achillea millefolium L. (Asteraceae) consists of about 110-130 species. Nineteen species grow naturally in Iran of which seven are endemic. In this study, chemical composition of the essential oils of seven Achillea populations growing wild in northwest Iran, during the flowering period were investigated. The aerial parts were collected from Zonoz, Basmenj, Pirbala, Bonab, Shabestar, Kondlaj and Jolfa regions from Eest Azerbaijan province in May and June 2011. The essential oils were obtained by hydrodistillation method and analyzed by combination of GC-FID and GC-MS. Mean essential oil yield was calculate to be 0.1%, 0.4%, 0.1%,0.2%, 0.1%, 0.25% and 0.4% (w/w) for Zonoz, Basmenj, Pirbala, Bonab, Shabestar, Kondlaj and Jolfa, respectively. Overall, 35, 38, 48, 43, 45, 37 and 42 compounds were identified from Zonoz, Basmenj, Pirbala, Bonab, Shabestar, Kondlaj and Jolfa, respectively. The main constituents of the oils were δ-cadinol (23.3-3.7%), 1,8-cineole (18.5-7.7%), trans-nerolidole (2.6-11.3%), germacrene D (2.7-10.9%), alpha-pinene (1.06-9.44%), borneole (0.0-6.5%) and pinocarvone (2.8-6.3%). According to the obtained results, Basmenj and Zonoz are recommended as two suitable regions for the extraction of 1,8-cineol and δ-cadinol.
Economic and social position of medicinal and aromatic plants
Behnaz Attaeian; Sohrab Moradi; Kamran Shayesteh; Soheila Mousa
Abstract
Background and objectives: Forest and rangeland by-products, particularly medicinal plants, can contribute to sustainable development and increase economic opportunities for local communities. Medicinal plants play a significant role in society's health and disease treatment. ...
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Background and objectives: Forest and rangeland by-products, particularly medicinal plants, can contribute to sustainable development and increase economic opportunities for local communities. Medicinal plants play a significant role in society's health and disease treatment. Negligence to the preservation of medicinal heritage reserves in the field of natural resources will lead to disastrous consequences in the country's natural resources sector. Among these consequences are the rapid extinction of species and severe genetic erosion. Therefore, this study targets protection value and people's willingness to pay for medicinal plant protection and restoration.Methodology: The Salas Babajani region in Kermanshah province was chosen for this research. The vegetation in this area is mainly wooded, and most of the area is covered by dense forests. Due to its diverse topography, the Salas Babajani region has a variety of forest habitats and rangeland and forest medicinal plants. Asafoetida, Thyme, Hawthorn, Wormwood, Eremurus, Dog rose, Chamomile, Sweet violet, Oak, Ferulago, Common Thistle, Horsemint, licorice, etc., are among the medicinal plants of this region. Contingent Valuation Method (CVM) was used to estimate medicinal plants' non-use (protective) values in this study. Also, a Double-Bounded Dichotomous Choice questionnaire was used to measure people's willingness to pay for medicinal plant protection in the region. The questionnaire was designed in two parts: socio-economic characteristics of people (age, gender, level of education, occupation, number of family members, income, and other characteristics of the respondents) and questions related to the willingness to pay of the respondents. Sampling was done by simple random sampling among residents of the Salas Babajani region in 2016. Cochran's formula from 353 questionnaires determined the number of samples. The logit model was used to measure people's willingness to pay, and the parameters were estimated based on the maximum likelihood method.Results: The results showed that 64% of the interviewees were men and 36% were women. The average age of the respondents is 27.88 years, the average household size is 4.46, and their minimum and maximum household sizes are one person and ten people, respectively. The results also showed that more than 76% of people (269 samples) are willing to pay an amount to protect and restore medicinal plants. The average willingness of each person to pay annually for the protection and restoration of medicinal plants is equal to 5269 Tomans (according to the average household size (4.46 people) equal to 23500 Tomans for each household per year). The variables of household size and the suggested price have a significant negative effect with 95% confidence. The variables of income, gender, level of education, supporting the protection of natural resources (interest in the environment), and knowledge of the protection of medicinal plants and its relationship with sustainable development (knowledge and awareness of environmental protection) are among the most important positive influencing factors with 95% confidence on people's willingness to pay for the protection of medicinal plants. The variables of age, marital status, occupation, membership in environmental organizations, and environmental attitudes and tendencies did not affect the acceptance of the suggested price for medicinal plants conservation value. The Likelihood Ratio statistic (280.39) shows that the changes explained by the logit model are significant at a level higher than one percent. The estimated model's correct prediction percentage is also 75%. Since the percentage of correct prediction for the logit model is equal to 70%, the percentage of correct prediction obtained in this model seems favorable. Therefore, this model is reliable for further analysis. McFadden's coefficient of determination also shows that the model's explanatory variables explain well (about 0.87) the changes in the dependent variable.Conclusion: In terms of management, this study achieved promising results because it shows that the people of society are aware of the importance of protecting medicinal plants, and there is a desire to pay significantly for the protection and restoration of these valuable resources. Therefore, it is suggested that the government pay more attention to public participation to protect, revive, and develop medicinal plants in the forest areas of the study area.
Phytochemistry (extraction, identification and measurement of active components)
M. Tavakoli; S. Soltani; M. Tarkesh Esfahani; R. Karamian
Abstract
The Salvia species are of great importance in food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries for their secondary metabolites. Although the production of secondary metabolites is encoded by the plant genetic, however, environmental factors have a great influence on their production and composition in plants. ...
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The Salvia species are of great importance in food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries for their secondary metabolites. Although the production of secondary metabolites is encoded by the plant genetic, however, environmental factors have a great influence on their production and composition in plants. In this study, to investigate the effects of some climatic factors, topography, and soil parameters on Salvia multicaulis essential oil composition, the plant samples were collected from nine different habitats in Hamadan province during the flowering season. The soil samples were also taken for each plant in the sampling sites. The essential oil was extracted by hydrodistillation (Clevenger apparatus) and its composition was identified by GC and GC/MS. The soil factors were measured according to the relevant protocols and the climatic records were collected from the meteorological stations of Hamadan province. The RDA analysis was used to investigate the effects of different environmental factors on the essential oil composition. Clustering of the studied habitats was performed based on the major compounds of essential oils using the Wards method. The essential oil composition was different in different habitats. The compounds α-pinene (1.3-32.1%), α-phellandrene (1.1-7%), 1,8-cineole (1-17.2%), bornyl acetate (7-16.2%), and β-caryophyllene (9.1-40.6%) were the major ones of this plant essential oil. The RDA results showed that the essential oil content and oxygenated terpenoids percentage increased with increasing altitude, but the hydrocarbon terpenes percentage had an inverse correlation with altitude. The monoterpenes had a positive correlation with the relative humidity, rainfall, and soil organic carbon, but the sesquiterpenes had an inverse relationship with these factors and showed a positive correlation with phosphorus and to some extent with calcium of the soil. The studied habitats clustered into two distinct groups with predominance of monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes in the essential oil. These findings could be important for commercial exploitation of sage with the aim of extracting specific secondary metabolites in its essential oil.
