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Dried Iris rhizomes have been used in Chinese and European traditional medicine for the treatment of various diseases such as bacterial infections, cancer, and inflammation, as well as for being astringent, laxative, and diuretic agents. Eighteen phenolic compounds including some rare secondary metabolites, such as irisolidone, kikkalidone, irigenin, irisolone, germanaism B, kaempferol, and xanthone mangiferin, were isolated for the first time from Iris aphylla rhizomes. The hydroethanolic Iris aphylla extract and some of its isolated constituents showed protective effects against influenza H1N1 and enterovirus D68 and anti-inflammatory activity in human neutrophils. The promising anti-influenza effect of apigenin (13 , almost 100% inhibition at 50 µM), kaempferol (14 , 92%), and quercetin (15 , 48%) were further confirmed by neuraminidase inhibitory assay. Irisolidone (1 , almost 100% inhibition at 50 µM), kikkalidone (5 , 93%), and kaempferol (14 , 83%) showed promising anti-enterovirus D68 activity in vitro. The identified compounds were plotted using ChemGPS-NP to correlate the observed activity of the isolated phenolic compounds with the in-house database of anti-influenza and anti-enterovirus agents. Our results indicated that the hydroethanolic Iris aphylla extract and Iris phenolics hold the potential to be developed for the management of seasonal pandemics of influenza and enterovirus infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crocin and crocetin are two interesting constituents of saffron (Crocus sativus) that possess important biological activities. Their use as therapeutic agents is strongly compromised by a scarce stability, poor absorption, and low bioavailability. Therefore, to improve these unfavorable features, the aim of the present work has been to apply a nanotechnological approach based on the formulation of solid lipid nanoparticles containing crocin and crocetin. Solid lipid nanoparticles were formulated according to crocin and crocetin chemical properties, using a variation of the quasi-emulsion solvent diffusion method to formulate crocin-solid lipid nanoparticles, while crocetin-solid lipid nanoparticles were prepared following the solvent diffusion method. Morphology and dimensional distribution of solid lipid nanoparticles have been characterized by differential scanning calorimetry and photon correlation spectroscopy, respectively, while the effect of drug incorporation versus time has been studied by Turbiscan technology. In order to verify the role of the nanotechnological approach on the biological activities of crocin and crocetin, the antioxidant and antiproliferative effects of these carotenoids once incorporated in lipid nanoparticles have been evaluated. For this aim, the oxygen radical absorbance capacity assay and the MTT test were used, respectively. The results pointed out the formulation of nanometric dispersions endowed with high homogeneity and stability, with an encapsulation efficiency ranging from 80 (crocetin-solid lipid nanoparticles) to 94% (crocin-crocetin). The oxygen radical absorbance capacity assay evidenced an interesting and prolonged antioxidant activity of crocin and crocetin once encapsulated in solid lipid nanoparticles, while the nanoencapsulation strategy showed a different mechanism in ameliorating the cytotoxic effect of these two substances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herbal products, especially Hypericum perforatum extracts, have been widely used as first-line treatments for mild to moderate depression. Recently, several randomized, controlled clinical trials have been conducted to evaluate the efficacy of another plant, saffron (Crocus sativus), in mild to moderate depression. We have carried out a literature review of currently available published randomized, controlled clinical trials to give an up-to-date evaluation of the efficacy of saffron in mild to moderate depression, compared to placebo or routinely used antidepressants. The meta-analysis is reported according to the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines using the PICO (patients, intervention, comparison, outcome) format and was conducted using the statistical programs Comprehensive Meta-analysis and RevMan. PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Web of Science databases were searched for relevant studies. Only placebo or active controlled, randomized clinical studies involving patients suffering from mild to moderate depression and using pharmacological doses of saffron per os were included. Hedges' g was used to calculate effect sizes. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration tool, and heterogeneity was tested by both performing the Cochran's Q test and calculating Higgins' I² indicator. Eleven randomized trials were included in the qualitative analysis, and nine were pooled for statistical analysis. According to the present meta-analysis, saffron has a significant effect on the severity of depression. Available data from randomized, controlled clinical trials support that saffron is significantly more effective than placebo (g = 0.891; 95% CI: 0.369-1.412, p = 0.001), and non-inferior to tested antidepressant drugs (g = - 0.246; 95% CI: - 0.495-0.004, p = 0.053). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on crocuses are courageous and are not deterred by snow and cold and with their sometimes soft, sometimes bright colors flowers ring in the early spring and not only transform meadows into a sea of ​​flowers. It mentions snow cover the world with a white blanket, colorful flowers look particularly good on top validity. It also mentions peculiarity of Crocus sieberi is the luminous yellow basal spot.

Crocus sativus is a spice with various pharmacological properties. Crocin, picrocrocin, and safranal are the main compositions of saffron that have recently been considered in the therapy of many diseases. High-performance liquid chromatography analysis revealed presence of these compounds in our saffron extract. This study was carried out to evaluate the effect of saffron on burn wound healing at an in vivo model. Saffron was topically applied on burn wounds in rats; the percentage of wound closure, wound contraction, and the levels of main cytokines and growth factors were measured. The saffron extract was also applied to evaluate the proliferation and migration of human dermal fibroblast (HDF) cells using in vitro scratch assay and resulted in active proliferation and migration of the HDF cells in a dose-dependent manner. A clear enhanced healing was observed in the saffron-treated wounds compared to the silver sulfadiazine and negative control groups. Decreased expression of interleukin-1' and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) during the inflammatory phase demonstrated the role of saffron in promoting wound healing. In addition, enhanced TGF-β1 expression during the proliferative phase and basic fibroblast growth factor during the remodeling phase represented regenerative and anti-scarring role of saffron, respectively. Our histological and biochemical findings also confirmed that saffron significantly stimulated burn wound healing by modulating healing phases. Therefore, saffron can be an optimal option in promoting skin repair and regeneration. Application of this herbal medicinal drug should be encouraged because of its availability and negligible side effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During saffron (Crocus sativus) spice production, large amounts of floral biowaste are generated. It was the aim of this study to develop a value-added product from saffron floral biowaste to be used as a natural cosmetic ingredient. HPLC-PDA-MS analysis of saffron flower extracts revealed the presence of flavonols with the highest amounts in the acetone extract. Kaempferol-3-O-sophoroside was identified as the main flavonoid in the acetone extract (saffron flower acetone extract). Saffron flower acetone extract and kaempferol-3-O-sophoroside were tested in HaCaT cells for potential effects on cell migration, proliferation, and for anti-inflammatory properties. Saffron flower acetone extract concentration dependently (50-200 µg/mL) augmented cell proliferation, as indicated by an increased BrdU-incorporation, while kaempferol-3-O-sophoroside (1-50 µM) had no effect. Furthermore, treatment of HaCaT cells with saffron flower acetone extract, but not with kaempferol-3-O-sophoroside, concentration-dependently increased vascular endothelial growth factor secretion (control 49.72 pg/mL vs. saffron flower acetone extract at 200 µg/mL 218.60 pg/mL). Cell migration was determined using time-lapse microscopy and a modification of the scratch-wound assay in which saffron flower acetone extract significantly improved wound closure compared to the untreated control. Overproduction of the proinflammatory cytokines interleukin-8 and interleukin-6 in HaCaT cells was induced by TNF-α. Kaempferol-3-O-sophoroside (10-50 µM), but not saffron flower acetone extract, inhibited TNF-α-induced IL-8 secretion. The effect was comparable to 10 µM hydrocortisone (positive control). Interestingly, saffron flower acetone extract further increased IL-6 levels in TNF-α-treated HaCaT cells in a concentration-dependent manner. In summary, the pronounced wound healing properties of saffron flower acetone extract present a promising application for the cosmetic industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mississippi State, State:Mississippi, United States, North and Central America, Military and Defense Keywords: Mississippi State; State:Mississippi; United States; North and Central America; Military and Defense EN Mississippi State State:Mississippi United States North and Central America Military and Defense 1302 1302 1 03/27/23 20230402 NES 230402 2023 APR 2 (NewsRx) -- By a News Reporter-Staff News Editor at Medical Letter on the CDC & FDA -- Research findings on Military and Defense are discussed in a new report. For more information on this research see: Notes On the Prairie Nymph, Herbertia Lahue Ssp. Caerulea, (Iridaceae) At Vicksburg Military National Military Park, Mississippi. [Extracted from the article]

A chromatographic method was developed and fully validated for the determination of the major saffron constituents, i.e., picrocrocin and five major crocins. Dried samples (styles of Crocus sativus and other Crocus taxa) were extracted with MeOH: water (1:1, v/v), and chromatographic separation of the analytes was achieved by reversed-phase chromatography using a gradient elution. Full validation was performed using spiked samples with analytes, which were isolated, purified, and characterized by MS due to a lack of commercial standards. The method showed a good fit (r² > 0.999) for all analytes with limit of quantitation values in the range of 1-15 µg/mL, and demonstrated adequate intra- and inter-precision (<15% RSD) and accuracy (<7% RE). The method was applied to the analysis of various commercial saffron samples and of indigenous Crocus taxa and allowed for the first time the absolute quantitation of several Crocus components. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The author discusses the Chelsea Flower Show held by the Royal Horticulture Society (RHS) in London, England. He talks about the fifth Chelsea Plant of the Year competition that displayed several species with three varieties of plants, such as multipurpose hardy shrub, traditional perennial and hardy patio plant, which made to the top three. Topics include flowering plants including Hydrangea macrophylla that won the competition, Iris ‘Domino Noir', and runners-up like Aeonium ‘Du Rozzen'.

Although reperfusion is a useful method for the survival of ischemic heart, harmful effects have been observed. This study was carried out to investigate the preconditioning and cardioprotective potential effects of crocin and vitamin E on the hemodynamic and infarct size in the ischemia-reperfusion model of isolated rat hearts. Animals were divided into a control group, an ischemia-reperfusion control group and three treatment groups: crocin (10, 20, and 40mg/kg), vitamin E (100mg/kg), and combination (crocin 40mg/kg with vitamin E 100mg/kg). The hearts were excised, quickly transferred to a Langendorff apparatus, and subjected to 30min of global ischemia followed by 60min of reperfusion. Left ventricular developed pressure, coronary perfusion pressure, left ventricular systolic pressure, myocardial contractility, rate pressure product, coronary flow, and infarct size were assessed. The successful induction of ischemia was determined by ST elevation on the electrocardiogram. The results showed that crocin significantly improved cardiac dysfunction and also reduced infarct size in the rat hearts. However, the combination of crocin 40mg/kg and vitamin E 100mg/kg had an even more significantly improved effect on the hemodynamic parameters and infarct size. Therefore, it can be suggested that the protective role of crocin may be due to the stability or reinforcement of antioxidant systems, and crocin could be useful for the treatment or prevention of cardiac dysfunction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on nursery Cayeux Irises in France, dedicated to flowering plants iris and mentions about chief iris breeder and proprietor Richard Cayeux and his father Ferdinand Cayeux. It informs that Ferdinand in 1906 registered "Ma Mie" which is a diploid plicata iris and in 1928 created the first pure yellow iris "Pluie d'Or." It mentions that Richard was born in 1962 and took over the firm in 1990 and received the Warburton Medal in 2009 from the American Iris Society.

Crocin is a pharmacologically active component of Crocus sativus. It is an unusual water-soluble carotenoid responsible for the red color of saffron. In various studies, the anticancer effect of saffron and its constituents has been established. Polyethylene glycolated nanoliposomes with a size range up to 200nm are suitable for encapsulation of cytotoxic drugs and can target tumors passively through the enhanced permeation and retention effect. The aim of this study was to develop a nanoliposomal formulation containing crocin with a higher therapeutic index for the treatment of cancer. Four formulations of polyethylene glycolated nanoliposomes containing 25mg/ml crocin were prepared with hydrogenated soy phosphatidylcholine, cholesterol, and methoxy-polyethylene glycol (MW2000)-distearoylphosphatidylcholine at different molar ratios by a solvent evaporation method plus extrusion. Then the liposomes were characterized for their size, zeta potential, crocin encapsulation, release properties, and in vitro cytotoxicity against C26 colon carcinoma cells. Based on in vitro results, the best formulation was selected for an in vivo study, and its antitumor activity was evaluated in BALB/c mice bearing C26 colon carcinoma. The IC50 of crocin itself against C26 colon carcinoma was 0.73 mM. The characterization of the best formulation was as follow: Z-average size: 127.6 ± 1.5 nm; polydispersity index: 0.087 ± 0.018; zeta potential: - 21.7mV ± 6.7; % encapsulation: 84.62 ± 0.59; % release after 168 hours in RPMI 1640 containing 30% FBS: 16.26 ± 0.01%. Liposomal crocin at doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg significantly decreased tumor size and increased survival rate compared with PBS and crocin in buffer (100mg/kg) groups. The results of this study indicated that liposomal encapsulation of crocin could increase its antitumorigenic activity. Thus, to obtain an optimal dose for use in humans, the formulation merits further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents information on the genus Gladiolus, which is found in the Mediterranean area of southern Europe, North Africa, and Southwest Asia. Some species from summer rainfall areas in South Africa, such as G. papilio and G. flanaganii, are hardy and adaptable, and are regularly found in gardens in Great Britain.

The article offers information on various types of Iridaceous corms including Moraea corms, Ferraria corms and Crocoideae corms, and cites means for their propagation. It notes that corm allows a plant to store accumulated energy and nutrients in growing season, and make them available during unfavorable season. It also implies that cutting the corm is used to accelerate the plant's vegetative propagation, however its benefits may vary among species.

A new naphthoquinone, named eleuthinone A (8), two new anthraquinones, named eleuthraquinone A and B (12, 13), a naphthalene derivative, named eleucanarol (14) were isolated from the bulbs of Eleutherine americana, together with two new natural products previously synthesized, and nine known compounds. Their structures were established based on spectroscopic evidence. Their antibacterial activities against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC25923 and ATCC27664, an enterotoxin producing strainwere investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information on several species of iris. Gladiolus flanaganii is a fine garden plant found on cliffs high in the Drakensberg mountains. Gladiolus tristis is a well-tried garden plant with lightly scented flowers. Tritonia crocata is a lower-growing plant which makes colonies on fertile, well-drained soil in mild areas. Sparaxis species are available in many colours for Mediterranean climates. Anomatheca laxa is a reliable plant for an open gravel garden.

The article offers information on irises which can be planted for every month of the year. It states that prefer plenty of water in the early months of the growing season, however, majority of wetland irises do not like stagnant bog conditions. It mentions that Iris reticulata var. bakeriana has blue flowers, octangular leaves and can survive snow in the garden.

The article talks about the Crocosmia collection of Mark Fox, a National Plant Collection Holder, which he grows in his garden in Caistor, Lincolnshire, England. According to the author, Crocosmia is a very prolific perennial plant and Fox has now two hundred seventy varieties of crocosmia. On the author's inquiries about his favorites, Mark Fox points to Crocosmia x crocosmiiflora 'Pepper' orange flowers with speckled appearance second is the Sultry Crocosmia x crocosmiiflora 'Sultan', with red blooms and the third is Crocosmia 'Paul's Best Yellow'.

The article provides information on crocuses, as well as tips for growing them. The genus Crocus belongs to the Iridaceae family and is composed of 70 species, which are widely distributed throughout Europe, the Levant, and Central Asia. Crocuses are plants that thrive in a sunny exposure, so the author advises growers to keep them from prolonged exposure to cold weather. Crocuses are said to produce yellow, white, and blue flowers, and its flowering season often lasts from late summer up to the spring of the following year.

The article characterizes the bearded iris flower. According to the author, the name of the flower came from an ancient Greek goddess of the rainbow. Iris breeders have produced the blooms in virtually every color of the visible spectrum. The author adds that irises are tough, vigorous and flourish in sunny spots and well-drained soils. The varieties of the plant are highlighted in the article.

The article profiles the genera Sisyrinchium and its relative Olsynium which are both members of the Iridaceae. Olsynium leaves are rounded in cross section, has unbranched stems with brown and angular seeds. The authors discuss their National Plant Collection of Sisyrinchium which is recognized by the National Council for the Conservation of Plants and Gardens. Sisyrinchium and Olsynium species and cultivars including S. angustifolium, S. bellum, O. douglasii and O. filifolium are discussed.

The article offers information on crocosmias. Native mostly to southern African grasslands and coastal woods, crocosmia takes its name from the Greek words for "saffron scented." A small genus of eight species, the crocosmias were first gathered by a Scottish plant collector in the late 1700s. The article also discusses how crocosmias capture the lighthearted joys of summer.

The article provides information on gladiolas. The genus gladiolus has more than 255 known species and majority of them are native to sub-Saharan Africa. The gladiolus italicus was popular to the ancient Greeks and Romans. Several of the species are fragrant and often produce sweet and violet-like scents during the day or exotic and spicy scents at night. The other species of the plant are found mainly in temperate grasslands and savannas. INSET: Untitled.

This article provides information on Iris unguicularis, a flowering plant that provides color and scent during the winter season. Background information about the plant is presented. It offers information on the description of the plant. Iris flowers are composed of three outer petals. It focuses on the cultivars of Iris unguicularis.

Looks at individual Crocus biflorus populations in the Lycian and Pisidian Taurus in Anatolia. Climate and phytogeographical areas; Distribution pattern of Crocus biflorus subspecies; Suggestion that the screening of a representative number of flowering populations on the basis of measurable phenotypic characters in the field is a helpful tool; Results of field studies for filaments, anthers, and styles; Characterization of populations; Parameter coding and cluster analyses of populations.

This work aimed to characterize postharvest management for temperate cut flowers in the State of Ceará, Brazil. Growing areas were visited from Apri, 28th to May 14th of 2003 and producers were asked to answer questionnaires on harvest, packing, storage and transportation. The species involved were Aster, Gladiolus, Rose, Gerbera daisy and chrysanthemun. Data showed that flowers are harvested in the morning by transversal stem cuts in Gladiolus. Rose and Gerbera daisy, which were kept in water, meanwhile Aster and Chrysanthemun are kept at the bedside. They are their taken manually to the packing houses, except flowers that are taken in carts, where they are hydrated for a few hours At the packing houses, bunches are formed by size, quantity and weight of flowers, except for Chrysanthemun, which are bunched up at the field. Afterwards, stems are immersed in preserving or bactericide solutions and then cold stored (1-5°C and U.R.>90%). Cut stents are then air dried and packed in carton paper box (1.20x0.43x0.26m) and transported at 2-4°C and U.R.>90%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Provides information on iris plant. Description; Tips for growing such plant; Number of years required before dividing the plant; Varieties.

Presents information on the propagation of Pacific Coast iris plant. Origins; Characteristics; Varieties. INSETS: ORIGINS OF PACIFIC COAST IRIS;RAISING FROM SEED.

Provides information on water iris plants. Morphological characteristics; Growth requirements; Seasonal care and maintenance; Process of cultivation; Description of several iris species.

Offers information about irises. Types of iris in various shapes, sizes and colors; Showy blooms; Japanese roof iris; Growth of Siberian iris anywhere.

Describes several plants of the Iridaceae species ideal for the rock garden or rock wall. Ennealophus euryandrus; Herbertia lahue; Nemastylis geminiflora.

Despite their sculptural form, bearded iris have an intrinsic flaw in the eyes of many gardeners--a short flowering season. This, combined with their needs for hot, sunny sites with little competition from border compatriots, hinders their garden value. But specialist iris growers know of a group--the remontants--whose glorious blooms make a welcome reappearance in autumn. Increasingly, this ability to rebloom is seen as a desirable trait in new iris cultivars, many of which are being developed in America. Reblooming is most reliable in mild areas with long growing seasons. What makes an iris rebloom? Don Spoon, of Winterberry Gardens, Virginia, believes that remontant cultivars have a genetic characteristic that allows flowers to form without first experiencing a cold spell. Different genes influence levels of hormones, which affect bud drop, dormancy and cold or drought tolerance. There are many theories as to why bearded iris may rebloom one year but not another. Newly-imported plants often repeat well the first autumn after planting but may then take some years to acclimatise before performing again. Other factors are easier to control: a well-drained site on good soil, preferably alkaline or neutral, with full sun for at least half the day, seems best. Remove old flower stalks as soon as the first flush is finished. Hand weed regularly. Divide clumps every three to four years.

The article reports on the condition of tall bearded iris. It notes that many modern tall bearded iris are not suited for prairie gardens in which their genes are mostly from Mediterranean species. It mentions that most old fashioned iris are from Europe. It cites that problem with modern tall bearded iris is that the doubtful that the flower will bloom year after year.

The article focuses on the affection of Louisiana residents to the iris plants during the spring season. It is stated that people in the state who are devoted to these plants are already planting them to have a valued reward when the spring season comes. Richard Goula, a Louisiana resident with a 17-acre garden of irises, stresses the beauty of these plants as well as the importance for people to understand that native plants are easier to grow.

Features the dwarf crested iris, Iris cristata. Origin of the name Iris; Botanist who introduced the Iris cristata in England; Color; Blossoms; Roots; Cultivation; Location in the garden; Cultivars.

Presents background information on the Dietes, a relative of the Iris plant. Comparison with Moraea; Flowers; Description of a variety of Dietes' species; Photograph of Dietes vegeta.

Photographs of embroidery designs are presented including Irresistible Iris #80100, and Stitch Soup for notebook covers, and Embroidery Arts for frames.

The article discusses the Turquoise Ixia, Ixia viridiflora in Latin. It states that these originated in South Africa where they are better known as corn lilies, belonging to the Iridaceae family. These were reportedly brought to Europe in the 18th century by Francis Masson, along with other bulbs like Gladioli, Gardenia and Babiana. A description of the plant's life cycle, as well as an explanation of the ideal conditions under which it thrives, follows. It reports, however, that due to over harvesting, the plant is becoming extinct in its native land.

Provides information on growing irises. Description of the flowers of the garden plants; Features of the plant; Characteristics of some of the cultivars of irises.

Presents several species of water iris. Iris fulva; Iris vesicolor; Louisiana iris.

Demonstrates how to divide a bearded iris. Right tool to use; Reason it is necessary to trim the foliage on each division; Ideal planting site for the plant.

The article offers information on how one can plant classic perennial Irises. It cites that bearded irises would grow better in a well-drained soil that has a little organic matter such as composted manure or peat. It offers tips in planting irises which include hand-watering as the effective way to make sure newly planted annuals get enough water and putting fertilizer to the soil.

The article offers tips on how to dig and divide crowded clumps of bearded iris, which include cutting the rhizomes apart.

The article reports on the rediscovery of a scarlet-flowered gladiolus in the Isle of Man. It states that garden historian and botanist Professor Michael Tooley used Gladiolus x brenchleyensis as an example in one of his lectures in the Isle of Man. It mentions that Edward Huyton, who was with the audience, recognized the plant as the one given to him several years ago and have been growing in his garden.

The article focuses on Bide-a-Wee Cottage Gardens located near Morpeth of Northumberland, England. It relates that more than 70 Crocosmia species and cultivars can be found in the gardens. Mark Robson, the owner of the garden, claims that Crocosmias thrive in the site due to free-draining, sandy soil enriched with plenty of organic matter.

Deals with the discovery of gladiolus rust in Palmetto, Florida by the U.S. Department of Agriculture National Mycologist of the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. Development of a technical committee that would inspect the area where the plant is found; Support of the Society of American Florists for the technical committee; Plan of the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service involving commercial gladiolus production sites.

The article features the plant specie, Gladiolus byzantinus. Large magenta flowers bloom on spikes in early summer. The corms do best in sun and well-drained but not parched soil. Gardeners are advised to buy only heirloom G. byzantinus grown in the U.S.

Provides instructions on how to grow bearded iris. Preference of the plant for full sun; Planting in the fall for flowering in the following spring; Ordering and planting rhizome roots.

Presents a Manitoba iris garden owner's account of the start of her interest in lilies. Former exclusive focus on springs in her garden which bloom only in spring; Gardeners met through an email group in 2001; Trading of irises with lilies; Blooming of the lilies in summer.