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Anagallis arvesnsis belongs to family primulacae. It is a summer annual herb distributed worldwide or with a global spread abundantly found in Egypt, Palestine, a non-tropical region of South America, Taiwan, and India (more specifically Jammu & Kashmir). Different parts of plant contain variety of active constituents; such as glycosides, saponin, flavonoid, anthraquinone, alkaloids, rutin, kaempferol, oleananetriterpenes, anagalligenin, anagalligenone, stigasetrol, arvenin I, arvenin II, cucurbitacin B, D, E, I,L& Q, n-hexosamine, β-amyrin, sterols carbohydrates, lacceric acid. Anagallis arvensishas recognized medicinal values as an anti-mycotic, antimicrobial, molluscicidal, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-leishmania, antiviral, cytotoxic, and spermatogenesis. The present review will highlight thetraditional uses, phytoconstituents and pharmacological effects of Anagallis arvensis.

Tribolium castaneum Herbst (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) is a significant and economically detrimental pest that infests stored grains, particularly wheat, which serves as a staple food for a substantial portion of the Asian population. Environmental and health hazards of available chemical control options coupled with development of resistance against them warrants discovery of more sustainable and environment friendly pest control materials. This study aimed to investigate the physical properties and insecticidal efficacy of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs), fabricated with Anagallis arvensis extracts, against T. castaneum. The synthesized ZnO NPs were characterized using various analytical techniques. The UV–Visible spectrograph exhibited a characteristic peak at 320 nm at room temperature, while Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) was employed to determine the organic constituents in NPs. Following that, the Scanning Electron Microscopy - Energy Dispersive X-ray (SEM-EDX) analyses were conducted to assess the shape, size, and weight of the nanoparticles. Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) analysis provided information on their surface charge and hydrodynamic diameter. The mortality bioassay demonstrated that ZnO NPs exhibited a significant toxic effect against T. castaneum (p

Green approach of zinc oxide nanoparticle fabrication is a reliable reaction that has compatibility with many biological properties. In the present study the approach of zinc oxide nanoparticle has been synthesized by A. arvensis aerial part using ethanol extract. The morphological, compositional and structural properties have been investigated by SEM, XRD, and FTIR studies. XRD technique demonstrated the crystallite size of 17nm with the help of Debye-Scherrer's equation which was obtained in nanorange. SEM technique demonstrated their microscopic agglomerated crystal image of green synthesizes metal in zinc oxide nanoparticle. FTIR technique represents the different types of biomolecules i.e. phenol, alkynes etc. that are responsible for good nanoparticle fabrication. These biomolecules work as encapsulation and stabilization agents for nanoparticle fabrication. These all properties of nanoparticle fabrication have been responsible for the antimicrobial activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Green approach of zinc oxide nanoparticle fabrication is a reliable reaction that has compatibility with many biological properties. In the present study the approach of zinc oxide nanoparticle has been synthesized by A. arvensis aerial part using ethanol extract. The morphological, compositional and structural properties have been investigated by SEM, XRD, and FTIR studies. XRD technique demonstrated the crystallite size of 17nm with the help of Debye-Scherrer's equation which was obtained in nanorange. SEM technique demonstrated their microscopic agglomerated crystal image of green synthesizes metal in zinc oxide nanoparticle. FTIR technique represents the different types of biomolecules i.e. phenol, alkynes etc. that are responsible for good nanoparticle fabrication. These biomolecules work as encapsulation and stabilization agents for nanoparticle fabrication. These all properties of nanoparticle fabrication have been responsible for the antimicrobial activity.

This study aimed to observe the anticancer, as well as radiosensitizing, effect of Anagallis arvensis extract (AAE) on the growth of breast cancer cells (BCCs). This effect was evaluated through measured cell cycle arrest plus apoptosis through flowcytometry analyses associated with a protein level of estrogen receptors (ER-α and ER-β), Fork head box O3a (FOXO3), and phosphorylated histone H2AX (γ-H2AX) by western blotting analysis. Further, the gene expression of mir-18, mir-101, mir-421, and let-7 was detected via a real-time polymerase chain reaction (RTPCR). AAE and/or γ-radiation (4Gy) inhibited the mediator-induced growth activation and enhanced radiosensitivity in the BCC lines (MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231). AAE reduced both cell cycle progression and cell growth via induced apoptosis. Additionally, the protein expression of ERα and ERβ was decreased, while the protein expression of FOXO3 and γ-H2AX was increased. Moreover, the gene expression of mir-18 and mir-101 was decreased, while the gene expression of let-7 and mir-421 was stimulated in BCCs. AAE has an anticancer with a radiosensitizing effect and is recommended for BC treatment.

Anagallis arvensis L. commonly known as 'Scarlet Pimpernel' has been used in folklore as natural remedy for treating common ailments. The present research is aimed to explore the phytochemical composition and enzyme inhibition potential of methanol and dichloromethane (DCM) extracts of A. arvensis aerial and root parts. The phytochemical composition was established via HPLC-PDA polyphenolic quantification and UHPLC-MS analysis, while the inhibition potential against amylase and tyrosinase enzymes were assessed using standard in vitro protocols. The HPLC-PDA polyphenolic quantification revealed the presence of important compounds including catechin, gallic acid, chlorogenic acid, and ferulic acid, whereas 34 different secondary metabolites were tentatively identified by UHPLC-MS of both the DCM extracts. All the extracts showed moderate tyrosinase and a weak amylase inhibition activity. The aerial-DCM extract showed comparatively higher tyrosinase and amylase enzyme inhibition potential, which may be due to the presence of secondary metabolites as tentatively identified by its UHPLC-MS profiling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Beginning of industrialization accelerates the heavy metal pollution in the biosphere. Plant being the immovable entity utilizes different mechanisms to flee from unfavourable conditions. To alleviate toxic impact of metals like cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb), phytohormones such as indole acetic acid (IAA) has been applied exogenously. This manuscript aims to evaluate the significant change occurring in biochemical parameters of Indian mustard (Brassica napus) grown under individual and combined treatments of IAA with Cd and Pb. Herbicidal potential of treated Brassica extracts were evaluated on growth and development of Anagallis arvensis. Quantum yield parameters were more sensitive to Cd than Pb stress resulted in reduced photosynthetic pigments. However, exogenously applied IAA together with Cd and Pb considerably improved the level of photosynthetic attributes along with reduced accumulation of Cd and Pb in Brassica plant. Cd and Pb enhanced the activities of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidant machinery. However, addition of IAA with Cd and Pb mitigated the effect of heavy metals on antioxidant system. Moreover, activity of the phenylalanine ammonia lyase enzyme and the defensive metabolites (phenolic, flavonoid and anthocyanin compounds) were boosted under individual treatments of Cd and Pb responsible for increasing herbicidal potential of Brassica plant. Our results exhibited essentiality of IAA in mitigating Cd and Pb stress in Brassica through up-regulated mechanisms of the antioxidant system for balancing ROS related injuries. Increased metabolites enhancing herbicidal potential of Brassica napus against Anagallis weed were also observed. [Display omitted] • Herbicidal potential of Brassica napus on Anagallis arvensis has been evaluated under the influence of Cd and Pb along with IAA. • Adverse effects caused by Cd and Pb as well as their uptake were mitigated by IAA treatment. • Energy of Brassica napus plant exposed to heavy metals is diverted to synthesize antioxidants and other phytochemicals. • Cd and Pb stimulate the secondary metabolites which increases the efficiency of Brassica napus to control the growth of weed. • Soil contaminated with Pb and Cd may buttress the herbicidal potential of Brassica which can control the invasiveness of Anagallis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lipids and fatty acids from vegetative and generative organs of the plants Anagallis arvensis L. and Primula fedtschenkoi Regel (Primulaceae) were studied for the first time. The specific stearidonic acid was identified in lipids from seeds, roots, and leaves of P. fedtschenkoi (3.3, 4.4, and 9.9%, respectively). γ-Linolenic acid was also detected (1.5%) in leaves of the plant. Stearidonic acid was found in A. arvensis as a minor constituent of acyl fragments of monogalactosyldiacylglycerols from leaves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work aims to evaluate the antimicrobial activities of aqueous, ethanolic, chloroform and ethyl acetate extracts of A. arvensis and A. foemina on some medical bacteria. Agar well diffusion method has been used to determine the antibacterial activities. It was observed that aqueous and ethanol extract of A. arvensis was the most effective on Pseudomonas aeruginosa (15.4 and 15.3) mm respectively, while the lowest effect was on E. coli (6.1) mm. For chloroform extract, the lowest effect was on E. coli (5.8). As for ethyl acetate extract, its highest effect was observed in S. epidermidis (15.0) mm. The aqueous extract A. foemina, showed the highest inhibition rate in Klebsiella pneumonia (17.3 mm), while the highest inhibition rate of ethanol extract was observed in Pseudomonas aeruginosa (18.2) mm. Chloroform extract showed the highest inhibition rate in Salmonella typhi (16.7) mm. As for ethyl acetate extract, it showed the highest rate of inhibition in S. aureus (12.6 mm) and showed the lowest rate of inhibition in S. epidermidis (6.9) mm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tribolium castaneum Herbst (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) is a significant and economically detrimental pest that infests stored grains, particularly wheat, which serves as a staple food for a substantial portion of the Asian population. Environmental and health hazards of available chemical control options coupled with development of resistance against them warrants discovery of more sustainable and environment friendly pest control materials. This study aimed to investigate the physical properties and insecticidal efficacy of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs), fabricated with Anagallis arvensis extracts, against T. castaneum. The synthesized ZnO NPs were characterized using various analytical techniques. The UV–Visible spectrograph exhibited a characteristic peak at 320 nm at room temperature, while Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) was employed to determine the organic constituents in NPs. Following that, the Scanning Electron Microscopy - Energy Dispersive X-ray (SEM-EDX) analyses were conducted to assess the shape, size, and weight of the nanoparticles. Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) analysis provided information on their surface charge and hydrodynamic diameter. The mortality bioassay demonstrated that ZnO NPs exhibited a significant toxic effect against T. castaneum (p < 0.05), with mortality showing a direct correlation with the concentration and exposure time. The highest dose resulted in a mortality rate of 75 % at the end of the experiment, and the LC 50 calculated through Probit-mortality analysis was 105.47 mg/L. Our findings suggest that ZnO NPs loaded with plant extracts hold exciting potential as effective grain protectants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims Fire has important consequences on vegetation dynamics. In fire-prone areas, natural selection favors plant species, characterized by a large soil seed bank, and that their germination is stimulated by fire. Although seed germination stimulated by fire heat is common in the eastern Mediterranean Basin, only little is known about germination stimulation by smoke. We examined the interactive effect of aerosol smoke and fire history on the germinable soil seed bank (GSSB) community in eastern Mediterranean woodlands. Methods We collected soil samples from sites that have been subjected to different fire frequencies during the last four decades and exposed them to aerosol smoke, with or without watering. By documenting the seed germination patterns characterizing these samples, we could test for changes in the abundance and richness of the germinable seeds in the soil. Important Findings Total GSSB density was higher in sites that were burned more frequently during the last four decades. Exposure to aerosol smoke increased the GSSB density, and this pattern was more pronounced in samples originating from sites burned more frequently, as well as among annual species. Notably, exposing wet samples to aerosol smoke caused a significant reduction in GSSB density and richness. These results highlight the importance of exploring germination responses using intact soil samples, rather than synthetic seed communities. Moreover, our findings emphasize the important role smoke plays in shaping post-fire succession processes in the Mediterranean Basin, mainly by stimulating the germination of annual species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Controlling of Biomphalaria alexandrina snails by plant molluscicides is the cornerstone in treating schistosomiasis in Egypt. The objective of this study is, to evaluate the molluscicidal activity of the aqueous leaves extract of Anagallis arvensis against B. alexandrina snails. The present results showed that this aqueous extract was lethal for B. alexandrina snails at (LC 50 37.9 mg/l; LC 90 48.3 mg/l), and caused reduction in survival; reproductive rates and hormonal activity (testosterone (T) and 17β-estradiol (E)) of these snails. Histopathological changes occurred in the hermaphrodite glands of snails exposed to the sub lethal concentrations of this aqueous extract are detected, where, there were degeneration in both eggs and sperms and there were losses of connective tissues between acini. The present investigation revealed that this plant had a genotoxic effect especially with its concentration (LC 10 and LC 25 ), where, the length of olive tail moment was significantly increased than control group. These observations prove the potent molluscicidal activity of aqueous leaves extract of A. arvensis against the intermediate hosts of Schistosoma mansoni and provide natural biodegradable resources for snails' molluscicidal agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many routes have been explored to search for effective, safe, and affordable alternatives to hazardous female contraceptives. Herbal extracts and their secondary metabolites are some of the interesting research areas to address this growing issue. This study aims to investigate the effects of ten different plant extracts on testicular spermatogenesis. The correlation between the chemical profile of these extracts and their in vivo effect on male reproductive system was evaluated using various techniques. Approximately 10% of LD50 of hydro-methanolic extracts were orally administrated to rats for 60 days. Semen parameters, sexual organ weights, and serum levels of male sex hormones in addition to testes histopathology, were evaluated. Moreover, metabolomic analysis using (LC-HRESIMS), multivariate analysis (PCA), immunohistochemistry (caspase-3 and β-catenin), and a docking study were performed. Results indicated that three plant extracts significantly decreased epididymal sperm density and motility. Moreover, their effects on testicular cells were also assured by histopathological evaluations. Metabolomic profiling of the bioactive plant extracts showed the presence of diverse phytochemicals, mostly oleanane saponins, phenolic diterpenes, and lupane triterpenes. A docking study on caspase-3 enzyme showed that oleanane saponins possessed the highest binding affinity. An immunohistochemistry assay on β-catenin and caspase-3 indicated that Albizzia lebbeck was the most active extract for decreasing immunoexpression of β-catenin, while Rosmarinus officinalis showed the highest activity for increasing immunoexpression of caspase-3. The spermatogenesis decreasing the activity of A. lebbeck, Anagallis arvensis, and R. officinalis can be mediated via up-regulation of caspase-3 and down-regulation of β-catenin existing in testis cells.

During the ontogeny of Anagallis spontaneous changes of phyllotaxis appear in a regular sequence. The initial decussate pattern is followed by spiral Fibonacci phyllotaxis, this in turn, by a trimerous pattern, and finally Lucas spiral phyllotaxis is formed. In the course of the first and most common phyllotactic transition, from the decussate to spiral Fibonacci pattern, changes in primordia arrangement occur only within a limited sector of the apex circumference. In the complementary sector, primordia emerge as if the decussate phyllotaxis continued. It is likely that similar circumferential discontinuity accounts for further transitions. The common ontogenetic sequence of patterns in Anagallis is such that, theoretically, each transition requires minimal changes in shoot apex geometry. Although the meristem in Anagallis is able to produce primordia either in whorls or spirally, the elongated shoots of this plant seem to have leaves exclusively in whorls. It appeared that in shoots with an initially spiral pattern, leaves can be clustered in pseudo-whorls due to the uneven internode elongation. Pseudowhorls are composed usually of three (Fibonacci) or four (Lucas) leaves of successive nodes. The number of leaves in a pseudo-whorl equals the number of leaves positioned on one revolution of the ontogenetic helix, which is different in these two spiral patterns. In shoot apices with whorled phyllotaxis, the leaf and flower primordia of a whorl are of different size. On elongated shoots, flower buds emerging in the axils of leaves of one whorl also differ in size.

Application of 6-benzylaminopurine (BA), a synthetic cytokinin, to the growth medium in vitro stimulates the formation of adventitious shoots on stem explants of Anagallis arvensis. They regenerate from dedifferentiating epidermal cells of stem internodes. The process starts from periclinal and anticlinal divisions in a few of neighbouring cells. The amount of adven-titious shoots increases with an increasing BA concentration. The BA treatment also affects phyllotaxis, but only of adventitious shoots, and not of normal lateral shoots developing in leaf axils. Leaf arrangement on adventitious shoots is always variable, even on the control medium. Generally, patterns observed in case of in vitro shoots do not differ from those reported earlier for intact A. arvensis plants. BA treatment also leads to the teratologic development, i.e. fasciation and the formation of abnormally shaped leaves, but again in adventitious rather than in normally developing shoots. We postulate that the variability of phyllotaxis characteristic for adventitious shoots and their responce to BA treatment, result from the fact that their apical meristems develop de novo from initially unorganised meristematic centres, whereas meristems of normally developing lateral shoots are well organised from the time of their initiation.

Qualitative transformations of phyllotaxis in Anagallis arvensis occur typically during the generative phase of development. In the vegetative phase phyllotaxis usually does not change. An exception to this rule is one peculiar population of Anagallis arvensis, belonging to a pink-flowered form carnea, in which phyllotaxis often transforms in both the generative and vegetative phase of development. The presence of a relatively large number of vegetative transitions, virtually absent in two control red-flowered populations of form arvensis, is accompanied also by the higher frequency of generative transitions. This might be a result of a genetically determined instability of shoot apex geometry. It has been proved experimentally that changing conditions of growth affect the transition frequencies and the time lapse from the beginning of either the vegetative or generative phase to the transition (measured in plastochrons). A comparison of two types of transitions shows that divergence changes are less abrupt in vegetative transitions. The differences between the two types also pertain to the vertical spacing of leaves and to the pattern formed by leaf bases and wings on the stem surface in the transition zone.

A few methods only enable to follow the fate of plant cells in vivo. One of the most promising is using the Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP). In our preliminary study we set up the experimental system enabling labelling of Anagallis arvensis cells with this marker. We prepared an expression plasmid containing red-shifted gfp with optimised translation start site context, under the control of CaMV 35S transcription promoter. The construct was introduced into A. arvensis cells by particle bombardment. We developed two methods of material preparation for this transformation: in vitro cultured stem internodes with regenerating adventitious shoots (the earliest stages of regeneration); and shoot tips with temporarily exposed apices. The reflected light fluorescence microscope Olympus with the set of filters U-MNB designed for fluorescein detection enables the observation of GFP fluorescence. Both ordinary epidermal cells and stomata guard cells were transformed. Their fluorescence was observed for up to 14 days. Artefacts (autofluorescence of glandular trichomes and faint green glowing of meristematic tissue) could be overcome by the optimisation of the filter set.

Ontogenetic changes in the primary vasculature of Anagallis shoots are strictly related to phyllotaxis. During the ontogeny of Anagallis, whorled and spiral phyllotactic patterns appear alternately in a regular sequence. The initial decussate phyllotaxis is transformed into the spiral Fibonacci, and then further into trimerous pattern. This in turn may change into the spiral Lucas phyllotaxis. Sporadically the immediate transition from the decussate to trimerous phyllotaxis takes place. The vascular system in Anagallis is always closed, despite that both whorled and spiral phyllotaxes are present. Also the number of vascular traces diverging to the leaf is constant. In the course of a single phyllotactic transition, there is an increase in the number of vascular sympodia and in the number of leaf traces present in the vascular cylinder. Usually only one single sympodium and one or two traces are added to the system. The immediate addition of two sympodia occurs only during infrequent transition from the decussate to trimerous pattern. The increase in the number of sympodia is most often simultaneous with the phyllotactic transition, however, when the trimerous pattern is transformed into the spiral Lucas, the increase is delayed, sometimes for as much as ten plastochrons. In shoots with changing phyllotaxis, a sector within the vascular cylinder can be distinguished, in which the leaf traces are arranged as if the previous phyllotactic pattern continued, whereas rearrangement of traces takes place at the same level but in the complementary sector. This is in agreement with the concept of discontinuous circumferential changes in the shoot apex being responsible for qualitative transformations of phyllotaxis.

Ethnopharmacological relevance Anagallis arvensis L. (Primulaceae) is used in argentinean northwestern traditional medicine to treat fungal infections. We are reporting the isolation and identification of compounds with antifungal activity against human pathogenic yeast Candida albicans , and toxicity evaluation. Aim of the study to study the antifungal activity of extracts and purified compounds obtained form A. arvensis aerial parts, alone and in combinations with fluconazole (FLU), and to study the toxicity of the active compounds. Materials and methods Disk diffusion assays were used to perform an activity-guided isolation of antifungal compounds from the aerial parts of A. arvensis . Broth dilution checkerboard and viable cell count assays were employed to determine the effects of samples and combinations of FLU + samples against Candida albicans. The chemical structures of active compounds were elucidated by spectroscopic analysis. Genotoxic and haemolytic effects of the isolated compounds were determined. Results Four triterpenoid saponins ( 1–4 ) were identified. Anagallisin C (AnC), exerted the highest inhibitory activity among the assayed compounds against C. albicans reference strain (ATCC 10231), with MIC-0 =1 µg/mL. The Fractional Inhibitory Concentration Index (FICI=0.129) indicated a synergistic effect between AnC (0.125 µg/mL) and FLU (0.031 µg/mL) against C. albicans ATCC 10231. AnC inhibited C. albicans 12–99 FLU resistant strain (MIC-0 =1 µg/mL), and the FICI=0.188 indicated a synergistic effect between AnC (0.125 µg/mL) and fluconazole (16 µg/mL). The combination AnC+ FLU exerted fungicidal activity against both C. albicans strains. AnC exerted inhibitory activity against C. albicans ATCC 10231 sessile cells (MIC 5 0=0.5 µg/mL and MIC 80 =1 µg/mL) and against C. albicans 12–99 sessile cells (MIC 5 0=0.75 µg/mL and MIC 80 =1.25 µg/mL). AnC exerted haemolytic effect against human red blood cells at 15 µg/mL and did not exerted genotoxic effect on Bacillus subtilis rec strains. Conclusions The antifungal activity and lack of genotoxic effects of AnC give support to the traditional use of A. arvensis as antifungal and makes AnC a compound of interest to expand the available antifungal drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Medicinal plants, since times immemorial, have been used in virtually all cultures for therapeutic purposes. Anagallis arvensis (L.) is a well-known medicinal plant traditionally utilized for a varied range of disorders including wound healing, lung problems, kidney stones, urinary tract infections, gout, and rheumatic conditions. This review is an attempt to summarize and comprehend the fragmented information until now published in the literature on the biochemical and toxicological perspective of A. arvensis. The literature was searched electronically from PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, Science Direct, Ovid MEDLINE and Google Scholar. It was found that ethnomedical uses of A. arvensis plant and parts have been recorded throughout the world, where it has been used against a panoply of diseases. Phytochemical search has led to the identification of flavonoids, terpenoids, triterpenoid glycosides, phytosterols as main classes of secondary metabolites with a few other classes. A wide spectrum of in vivo and in vitro pharmacological activities have been reported from fresh plant material and its crude extracts and/or fractions. However there is currently a dearth of structure-activity studies of the isolated compounds and mechanistic studies from this species. The plant has also been reported for in vivo toxicity. It is clear from this review that A. arvensis, though traditionally used by various cultures harbour a plethora of bioactive compounds exhibiting multifarious biological effects that could be exploited as biopharmaceuticals. Nonetheless, additional research work and structure-activity studies arekey prerequisite to transmute the empirical claims on the utilization of A. arvenisis in folklore medicines and a food plant into scientific shreds of evidence. • Anagallis arvensis (L.) is a well-known wild edible medicinal food plant traditionally utilized for treating common ailments. • A systematic literature review of the plant was conducted using different databases. • Flavonoids, terpenoids, triterpenoid glycosides, and phytosterols are main classes of phytochemicals. • Anagallis arvensis provides therapeutic effects against different health problems and can be further studied as nutraceutical. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anagallis arvensis L. fruits are globose pyxides. They contain a unique globose columella with 20-30 seeds on its surface. In ripe, open fruits the ball-shaped columella detaches easily and becomes a unique diaspore, which can roll on the ground. This way of dissemination has not been described so far neither in Anagallis nor in other Primulaceae.

Sixty eight species of weeds belonging to 22 families and 59 genera were recorded from a wheat field at Biratnagar during the pre-harvest condition. Based on species prevalence the dominant weed families were Asteraceae (17 species), Poaceae (13 species) and Fabaceae (6 species). Anagallis arvensis, Crepis japonica, Grangea maderaspatana, Polygonum plebeium were abundant and Fumaria indica, Leucas lavandulifilia, Rumex dentatus, Vicia angustifolia, V. hirsuta and V. tetrasperma were common species of weeds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Central Germany and throughout Europe, arable plants count among some of the most endangered plant species. Over the last few decades, the number and size of populations have been in sharp decline due to modern land use techniques, including the application of fertilizers, herbicide use and seed cleaning procedures. As arable plant species are underrepresented in population genetic studies, it is unknown whether agricultural intensification has affected the extant populations, and whether genetic structure varies among species with differing vulnerability in respect of their Red List status. We sampled 53 populations from 6 arable plant species throughout Central Germany. Random amplified polymorphic DNA analyses (RAPD) were applied to calculate measures of genetic diversity at the population level and genetic differentiation. Genetic diversity was found to be lowest in Bupleurum rotundifolium and Anagallis foemina, and highest in Consolida regalis and Nigella arvensis. The highest levels of genetic differentiation were observed among populations of An. foemina and B. rotundifolium but within populations in all other species. Φ values differed strongly ranging between 0.116 for C. regalis and 0.679 for An. foemina. Patterns of genetic structure were related to the Red List status for all the species studied except An. foemina, for which it should consequently be raised. Our data confirm that even relatively recent threats are accompanied by detrimental genetic structure. As losses of populations and increased fragmentation have occurred in all common and uncommon species, the situation for arable plants could change for the worse in the following decades, highlighting the need for consistent monitoring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Ethnopharmacological relevance: : Anagallis arvensis and Anagallis foemina are traditionally used in Navarra (Spain) for dermatological purposes regarding wound healing properties. In some cases they are also used to threat internal infections although they are known to be toxic at high doses. Aim of study: : Due to lack of studies, we decided to evaluate the potential of the plants as wound healing remedies measuring antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties using in vitro procedures. Materials and methods: Antimicrobial effects were studied against four bacteria and one fungus. Anti-inflammatory properties were measured in terms of COX-1 and -2 inhibition as well as superoxide radical scavenging capacity. Results: Both species exerted antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects. The methanolic extract obtained from Anagallis arvensis seemed to produce the highest inhibition in Candida albicans (MIC=0.31mg/ml). Inhibition of COX-1 and -2 was also stronger for methanolic extracts whereas aqueous were revealed as better free radical scavengers. Conclusions: The study reveals that both species posses antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities related to their ethnomedicinal uses. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Quantitative analysis of geometry and surface growth based on the sequential replica method is used to compare morphogenesis at the shoot apex of Anagallis arvensis in the reproductive and vegetative phases of development. Formation of three types of lateral organs takes place at the Anagallis shoot apical meristem (SAM): vegetative leaf primordia are formed during the vegetative phase and leaf-like bracts and flower primordia during the reproductive phase. Although the shapes of all the three types of primordia are very similar during their early developmental stages, areal growth rates and anisotropy of apex surface growth accompanying formation of leaf or bract primordia are profoundly different from those during formation of flower primordia. This provides an example of different modes of de novo formation of a given shape. Moreover, growth accompanying the formation of the boundary between the SAM and flower primordium is entirely different from growth at the adaxial leaf or bract primordium boundary. In the latter, areal growth rates at the future boundary are the lowest of all the apex surface, while in the former they are relatively very high. The direction of maximal growth rate is latitudinal (along the future boundary) in the case of leaf or bract primordium but meridional (across the boundary) in the case of flower. The replica method does not enable direct analysis of growth in the direction perpendicular to the apex surface (anticlinal direction). Nevertheless, the reconstructed surfaces of consecutive replicas taken from an individual apex allow general directions of SAM surface bulging accompanying primordium formation to be recognized. Precise alignment of consecutive reconstructions shows that the direction of initial bulging during the leaf or bract formation is nearly parallel to the shoot axis (upward bulging), while in the case of flower it is perpendicular to the axis (lateral bulging). In future, such 3D reconstructions can be used to assess displacement velocity fields so that growth in the anticlinal direction can be assessed. In terms of self-perpetuation, the inflorescence SAM of Anagallis differs from the SAM in the vegetative phase in that the centrally located region of slow growth is less distinct in the inflorescence SAM. Moreover, the position of this slowly growing zone with respect to cells is not stable in the course of the meristem ontogeny. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Abstract: We investigated the relationship between Anagallis arvensis and A. foemina using nuclear and plastid molecular data. Information from the nuclear rDNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region and four different chloroplast loci; ndhF, trnL-F, rpl16, and rps16 was analysed using both parsimony and Bayesian inference. Anagallis foemina was found to be most closely related to the perennial A. monelli, and not to A. arvensis. The existence of two different cpDNA haplotypes was revealed; one shared by Anagallis foemina, A. monelli, A. platyphylla, and one A. arvensis individual, while all other investigated A. arvensis individuals shared the second haplotype. Ancestral cpDNA polymorphism within Anagallis arvensis or hybridization are possible explanations, however, information in ITS data is too scarce to falsify any of these hypotheses. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The shoot apical meristem (SAM) is the main growth centre that produces lateral organs such as leaves in specific and precise symmetrical patterns. The main goal of this commentary is to explore the link between phyllotactic parameters such as the plastochrone ratio (R) as well as Γ (relationship between the size of the SAM and the size of primordia) and growth processes involved in the expression of symmetrical patterns at the level of the SAM. It is also possible to deduce the values of these parameters from measures of the apical area and the radius of the SAM. A comparative analysis of phyllotactic parameters for three species (Begonia scabrida, Euterpe oleracea, and Anagallis arvensis) for which 'dynamic' data are available reveals that empirical and theoretical values of R and Γ can differ, indicating that characters defining these parameters are subject to developmental constraints that in turn determine the boundary conditions for the dynamic manifestation of phyllotactic patterns. One of the main challenges that remains is the ability to consistently and effectively observe the dynamic changes taking place at the SAM (in real time) over an extended period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many routes have been explored to search for effective, safe, and affordable alternatives to hazardous female contraceptives. Herbal extracts and their secondary metabolites are some of the interesting research areas to address this growing issue. This study aims to investigate the effects of ten different plant extracts on testicular spermatogenesis. The correlation between the chemical profile of these extracts and their in vivo effect on male reproductive system was evaluated using various techniques. Approximately 10% of LD50 of hydro-methanolic extracts were orally administrated to rats for 60 days. Semen parameters, sexual organ weights, and serum levels of male sex hormones in addition to testes histopathology, were evaluated. Moreover, metabolomic analysis using (LC-HRESIMS), multivariate analysis (PCA), immunohistochemistry (caspase-3 and β-catenin), and a docking study were performed. Results indicated that three plant extracts significantly decreased epididymal sperm density and motility. Moreover, their effects on testicular cells were also assured by histopathological evaluations. Metabolomic profiling of the bioactive plant extracts showed the presence of diverse phytochemicals, mostly oleanane saponins, phenolic diterpenes, and lupane triterpenes. A docking study on caspase-3 enzyme showed that oleanane saponins possessed the highest binding affinity. An immunohistochemistry assay on β-catenin and caspase-3 indicated that Albizzia lebbeck was the most active extract for decreasing immunoexpression of β-catenin, while Rosmarinus officinalis showed the highest activity for increasing immunoexpression of caspase-3. The spermatogenesis decreasing the activity of A. lebbeck, Anagallis arvensis, and R. officinalis can be mediated via up-regulation of caspase-3 and down-regulation of β-catenin existing in testis cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]