Search

Lamb’s-ear (Stachys byzantina L.) serves as valuable medicinal plant mainly because of its pharmaceutical phyto-metabolites like linalool. Polyploidy induction has been known as an effective approach to enhance phyto-medicines content in various medicinal plants. To fulfill the production of S. byzantin with higher biomass and more secondary metabolites, different colchicine concentrations including 0.1, 0.2 and 0.4 % (w/v), were applied on the apical meristem for different periods including 12, 24, and 48 h, followed by chromosome counting and flow-cytometry to confirm the putative tetraploids, which had been remarked in preliminary morphological screening. The results exhibited that the chromosome number and DNA content successfully duplicated in tetraploids, 2n = 4x = 60 and 2 C DNA = 2.4 pg, when compared to diploids with 2n = 2x = 30 and 2 C DNA = 1.2 pg. A ploidy induction efficiency of ~ 18 % was achieved from the optimal treatment of 0.2 % colchicine for 12 h. The tetraploid plants had the larger and thicker leaves, as well as shorter stems and internodes. Stomata and trichomes of tetraploid plants were larger with lower density than those of diploid plants. The chlorophyll, linalool, α-cadinol, cubenol, α-terpineol, and menthone content significantly increased in tetraploids. Altogether, in vitro polyploidy can improve the important phyto-metabolites content in S. byzantin.

Iridoids are a class of secondary metabolites found in a wide variety of plants. Iridoids are typically found in plants as glycosides, most often found to glucose. The genus Stachys L. is one of the largest genera of the Lamiaceae family, containing iridoids. Aim The aim of this study was the isolation and identification of iridoids from the aerial parts of Stachys byzantina K. Koch and Stachys germanica L. Methods For the isolation and identification of the iridoids, different chromatographic methods (NP-TLC, CPC and RP-HPLC) were used. The structures were established by one- and two-dimensional NMR and mass spectrometry, also. Results Iridoids (aucubin, harpagide, ajugoside and harpagoside) were isolated and identified by combination of different chromatographic methods from S. byzantina and S. germanica. Conclusion Stachys species may also be used as a potential source of iridoids.

In the present study, silver nanoparticles were synthesized by aqueous extract of Stachys byzantina K. Koch and characterized by various analytical methods. The formation of AgNPs was confirmed by ...

The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of the packaging system on the useful life and post-harvest quality of lamb’s-ear leaves (Stachys byzantina L.). The sanitized sheets were packaged in four different packaging systems: (A) rigid polyethylene (PET), (B) PET together with ethylene-absorbing sachet, (C) PET wrapped with high barrier plastic film, and (D) PET together with an ethylene-absorbing sachet and wrapped with high barrier plastic film and stored at 7 ° C. Samples for physical-chemical analysis, bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity were removed before storing and at 5, 10 and 15 days of storage. The leaves contained in packages C showed less loss of mass and in system D they showed greater preservation of color attributes (L *, C * and °H). The packaging did not influence the contents of bioactive compounds, which showed higher values at 5 days of storage. The leaves stored in A, B, C and D showed high antioxidant capacity until the 15th day of storage. It was concluded that the quality atrib\utes of the lamb’s-ear leaves were kept in all packaging systems throughout 15 days of cold storage. The contents of bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity showed the highest values up to 5 days of storage at 7 ºC. Thus, considering the economic aspects and practicality in handling, packaging A is the most suitable for refrigerated storage (7 ºC) and commercialization of fresh lamb’s-ear leaves up to 15 days of storage. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la influencia del sistema de empaque en la vida útil y la calidad poscosecha de las hojas de oreja de conejo (Stachys byzantina L.). Las hojas desinfectadas se empaquetaron en cuatro sistemas de empaque diferentes: (A) polietileno rígido (PET), (B) PET junto con una bolsita absorbente de etileno, (C) PET envuelto con una película de plástico de alta barrera y (D) PET junto con un sobre absorbente de etileno y envuelto con película plástica de alta barrera y almacenado a 7 ° C. Las muestras para análisis físico-químico, compuestos bioactivos y actividad antioxidante se retiraron antes del almacenamiento y a los 5, 10 y 15 días de almacenamiento. Las hojas contenidas en los paquetes C mostraron menor pérdida de masa y en el sistema D mostraron mayor preservación de los atributos de color (L *, C * y °H). El envasado no influyó en el contenido de compuestos bioactivos, que mostraron valores superiores a los 5 días de almacenamiento. Las hojas almacenadas en A, B, C y D mostraron alta capacidad antioxidante hasta el día 15. Se concluye que los atributos de calidad de las hojas de oreja de conejo se mantuvieron em todos los sistemas de empaque durante los 15 dias de almacenamiento refrigerado. Los contenidos de compuestos bioactivos y actividad antioxidante mostraron los valores máas altos hasta los 5 dias de almacenamiento a 7 ºC. Así, considerando los aspectos económicos y la practicidad en el manejo, el envase A es el más adecuado para almacenamiento refrigerado (7 ºC) y comercialización de hojas de oreja de conejo fresco hasta 15 días de almacenamiento. Objetivou-se avaliar a influencia do sistema de embalagem sobre o tempo de vida útil e na qualidade pós-colheita de das folhas de peixinho (Stachys byzantina L.). As folhas sanitizadas foram acondiciondas em quatro diferentes sistemas de embalagem: (A) polietileno rígido (PET), (B) PET em conjunto com sachê absorvedor de etileno, (C) PET envolta com filme plástico de alta barreira, e (D) PET em conjunto com sachê absorvedor de etileno e envolta com filme plástico de alta barreira e foram armazenadas à 7°C. As amostras para as análises físico-químicas, de compostos bioativos e atividade antioxidante foram retiradas antes do armazenamento e aos 5, 10 e 15 dias de armazenamento. As folhas contidas nas embalagens C apresentaram menor perda de massa e no sistema D mostraram maior preservação dos atributos de cor (L*, C* e °H). As embalagens não influenciaram nos teores de compostos bioativos, que apresentaram maiores valores aos 5 dias de armazenamento. As folhas armazenadas em A, B, C e D apresentaram alta capacidade antioxidante até o 15º dia. Conclui-se que os atributos de qualidade das folhas de peixinho foram mantidos em todos os sistemas de embalagem durante os 15 dias de armazenamento refrigerado. Os teores de compostos bioativos e a atividade antioxidante apresentaram os maiores valores até 5 dias de armazenamento a 7 ºC. Assim, considerando os aspectos econômicos e praticidade no manuseio, a embalagem A é a mais indicada para armazenamento refrigerado (7 ºC) e comercialização de folhas de peixinho in natura até 15 dias de armazenamento.

The mass attenuation coefficients, effective atomic numbers and electron densities of different parts (aerial parts, root and flower) of four medicinal aromatic plants (Pimpinella tragium subsp. lithophila, Scutellaria orientalis subsp. orientalis, Tanacetum abrotanifolium and Stachys byzantina c. koch) have been determined experimentally using transmission beam method for gamma energies of 13.92, 17.75, 20.78, 26.34 and 59.54 keV. The obtained mass attenuation coefficients, effective atomic numbers and electron densities were validated using WinXCOM program and good agreements were obtained for all samples. The aerial parts of the Scutellaria orientalis subsp. orientalis was found to having the maximum mass attenuation coefficients and effective atomic numbers values among the present samples. The root part of the Scutellariaorientalis subsp. orientalis has bigger values of effective electron density within the selected samples The effective atomic numbers for the present samples lie in the 3.117–6.932 range and the effective electron densities lie in the range of (0.272–1.672)x1025 electrons/g. Keywords: Medicinal aromatic plants, Radiation, Mass attenuation coefficient, Effective atomic number, Effective electron density

Green roofs can mitigate the flood risk by reducing the volume of runoff through direct interception and subsequent evapotranspiration (ET), but the planting choices can influence the extent of this service. Glasshouse experiments were carried out in spring/summer using simulated rainfall to compare the rainfall retention capacity of three physiologically active broadleaf species (Heuchera micrantha, Salvia officinalis and Stachys byzantina), which have previously shown to provide improved rooftop cooling, to an industry standard green roof species, Sedum spurium. Furthermore, the impact of varying ambient temperature and humidity conditions on the ability of these species to restore the substrate retention capacity through ET was also tested in a series of controlled-environment experiments simulating a range of potential UK summertime scenarios. Canopies alone retained up to 17% (Sedum) of the total rainfall in this study, with Salvia and Stachys also retaining in excess of 10%, and can make a substantial contribution to rainfall retention on a green roof. Rainfall retention was also strongly correlated with total ET in the preceding 72 h (R2 = 0.94; P

Non-conventional leafy vegetables can be a good source of nutrients for the human diet, but there is little information on fertilization for these species. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of organic fertilization with cattle manure on the production and chemical composition of non-conventional leafy vegetables. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse, in pots. The factors under study were non-conventional leafy species (Rumex acetosa, Stachys byzantina and Lactuca canadensis) and cattle manure doses (0; 5; 10; 15; and 20 t ha-1), arranged in a 3 x 5 factorial scheme, in a randomized block design, with four replications. At harvest, the following parameters were evaluated: stem diameter; total number of leaves; number of leaves with commercial standard; shoot fresh and dry matter; macro and micronutrients concentration and accumulated amounts in the shoot. The fertilization with cattle manure altered the stem diameter, number of leaves with commercial standard, shoot fresh and dry matter, as well as the accumulation of the nutrients N, P, K, Ca, Fe, Mn and Zn in the shoot of the three species studied. The additions obtained varied from 1.1 to 2.1 times, in relation to the treatment without organic fertilization, and the dose equivalent to 20 t ha-1 was the most adequate one. The organic fertilization with cattle manure increases the production and accumulation of nutrients in the non-conventional vegetables evaluated, with R. acetosa presenting a nutrient accumulation higher than S. byzantina and L. canadensis.

The presence of bio-active compounds in Stachys byzantina (SB) extract has made it a powerful source of green inhibitors in controlling steel corrosion. In this study, it has been attempted to create a highly durable corrosion protective film on the surface of the metal with SB and divalent zinc (II) cations and investigated them by Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) and Potentiodynamic polarization (PP) tests, and surface analysis methods. EIS results show that after 24 h of placing the steel samples in 3.5% NaCl solution containing 700 SB − 300 ZN, the synergistic corrosion inhibition behavior was about 92%. Besides, the results of the PP demonstrated a significant reduction of the icorr. Furthermore, surface analyses such as Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy/Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (FE-SEM/EDS) and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) images illustrated the low metal surface degradation, which indicates that the mix of SB and Zn caused a protective layer creation on the surface, especially for SB 700 - Zn 300. Also, new compounds of graphitic materials’ structure were made using SB extract which is a natural-based chemical, and investigated by Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) test, Grazing Incidence X-ray Diffraction (GIXRD) technique, Ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy (UV–Vis) analysis, and Raman spectroscopy.

Objetivou-se com esse trabalho verificar a capacidade de hortaliças não convencionais em acumular silício, bem como a resposta destas à adubação silicatada. O experimento foi conduzido em casa de vegetação em 2016. Foram avaliados duas doses de adubação silicatada (0 e 50 mg dm-3 de Si), e nove espécies de hortaliças não convencionais (Maranta arundinacea L., Rumex acetosa L., Amaranthus spinosus L., Amaranthus viridis L., Amaranthus retroflexus L., Amaranthus deflexus L., Amaranthus hybridus L., Stachys byzantina K. Koch e Sonchus oleraceus L.), dispostos em delineamento inteiramente casualizado em esquema fatorial 2 x 9, com quatro repetições. Foram determinadas a massas fresca e seca, assim como o teor de Si em todas as plantas. As espécies avaliadas possuem potencial para acumular silício mediante adubação com o elemento. A aplicação de 50 mg dm-3 de Si proporcionou maior teor de Si nas espécies estudadas. A adubação com Si, de modo geral, não influencia na biomassa dessas plantas.

Resumo Hortaliças não convencionais ou tradicionais possuem uma vasta e rica variabilidade genética, sendo encontradas em feiras e outras formas de comercialização, em regiões nas quais fazem parte do contexto alimentar e cultural. Espécies de folhosas, como azedinha (Rumex acetosa), bertalha (Basella alba), capuchinha (Tropaeolum majus), ora-pro-nóbis (Pereskia aculeata), peixinho (Stachys byzantina), taioba (Xanthosoma taioba) e vinagreira (Hibiscus sabdariffa), entre outras, totalizando 14 espécies, foram cultivadas nas condições do Bioma Cerrado e caracterizadas quanto à sua composição centesimal e de minerais. Entre as hortaliças avaliadas, destaca-se o peixinho, com teor de fibra alimentar de 13,21 mg 100 g-1. O teor de potássio em almeirão roxo, azedinha, beldroega e vinagreira ultrapassou 500 mg 100 g-1. Mais de 100 mg 100 g-1 de magnésio foram encontrados em seis espécies e mais de 100 mg 100 g-1 de cálcio para outras nove espécies. Valores expressivos de fósforo foram encontrados na vinagreira (138,23 mg 100 g-1) e no major-gomes (84,50 mg 100 g-1). A vinagreira se destacou quanto ao maior teor de zinco (2,39 mg 100 g-1). Azedinha, beldroega e peixinho apresentaram teores expressivos de ferro, acima de 5 mg 100 g-1. Esses valores são comparáveis ou superiores a hortaliças folhosas convencionais e denotam o potencial dessas hortaliças para consumo e comercialização, sendo necessária uma maior divulgação de seus valores nutricionais, devido aos altos teores de minerais encontrados somados à rusticidade dessas espécies, o que as tornam fontes alternativas de nutrientes disponíveis ao consumidor de hortaliças. Abstract Traditional or unconventional vegetables have a wide and rich genetic variability; it is possible to found in farmers markets and other forms of commercialization, in regions where they are part of the food and cultural context. Species of leafy vegetables such as Rumex acetosa, Basella alba, Tropaeolum majus, Pereskia aculeata, Stachys byzantina, Xanthosoma taioba, Hibiscus sabdariffa, among others, totaling 14 species, were grown under the conditions of the Cerrado Biome/Brazil and characterized as to their proximate and mineral composition. Dietary fiber content of Stachys byzantina was the highest (13.21 g 100 g-1) among the species. The potassium content in Lactuca canadenses, Rumex acetosa, Portulaca oleracea, and Hibiscus sabdariffa, exceeds 500 mg 100 g-1. More than 100 mg 100 g-1 of magnesium were found in six species and more than 100 mg 100 g-1 of calcium for another nine species. Values of phosphorus in Talinum paniculatum and Hibiscus sabdariffa were 84.50 mg 100 g-1 and 138.23 mg 100 g-1, respectively. The Hibiscus sabdariffa (2.39 mg 100 g-1) were prominent as good source of zinc. A Rumex acetosa, Portulaca oleracea e Stachys byzantina, plant presented expressive iron contents, above 5 mg 100 g-1. These values are comparable or superior to conventional leafy vegetables and denote the potential of these species for consumption and commercialization, thus a greater dissemination of their nutritional values is necessary.

Considering that the beneficial effects of silicon on human health and it´s accumulation in plants are little explored, studies of mineral nutrition in non-conventional vegetables are extremely relevant. Thus, the objective of this work was to identify non-conventional vegetables responsive to silica fertilization and evaluate the effect of fertilization on the content and accumulation of Si and macronutrients in these plants. The experiment followed a 4 x 5 factorial design, with four species of non-conventional vegetables (Rumex acetosa L., Amaranthus retroflexus L., Sonchus oleraceus L. and Stachys byzantina) and five doses of Si (0, 25, 50, 100 and 150 mg dm-3). The relative chlorophyll index, the fresh and dry matter masses, the content and accumulation of Si and macronutrients were evaluated. The species A. retroflexus, S. oleraceus. and S. byzantina showed the highest contents and accumulation of Si. The application of doses above 100 mg dm-3 promoted the highest silicon content estimated for the species. The species A. retroflexus, R. acetosa and S. byzantina are non-silicon accumulators, whereas S. oleraceus is intermediate.

In the current research, the anti-corrosion performance of MS in the HCl solution was investigated when potentially corrosion inhibitive green molecules, extracted from the Stachys byzantina (SB) leaves, were added to the solution. Potentiodynamic polarization (PP) along with the EIS tests were carried out. Also, surface characterization was examined using FE-SEM, contact angle measurements, AFM, and EDS. The film composition formed on the MS surface was explored by Ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV–Vis), GIXRD, FT-IR, and Raman spectroscopy. EIS test demonstrated that the MS surface exposed to the 1 M HCl solution into which 1200 ppm SB extract was incorporated yielded the highest resistance against corrosion after 4 h resulting in the inhibition efficiency of 96%; the optimum concentration was also substantiated with PP test. SB extract showed a mixed-inhibition performance, and the best-fitted adsorption isotherm was calculated to be Langmuir; furthermore, the inhibitor adsorption was a combination of physisorption and chemisorption. Surface studies showed that the inhibited surface exhibited a smoother texture with lower roughness because of the inhibitor adsorption. The presence of several SB extract's functional groups such as O H, C H, C=C, and C=O on the surface was confirmed through FT-IR spectroscopy and UV–Vis analysis. Via Raman spectroscopy, a graphene-like layer was observed on the surface. The results, as a whole, proved the presence of a protective layer, which adsorbed on the surface and subsequently prevented further corrosion attack. Finally, the interactions taking place between metal surface and corrosion inhibitor were examined from the theoretical point of view using molecular dynamics (MD), Monte Carlo (MC), and density functional theory (DFT). The results were suggestive of the formed complex affinity toward the surface resulting in corrosion prevention.

In this study, hydro-distilled volatile oils isolated from fresh and dried Stachys lavandulifolia Vahl. and Stachys byzantina C. Koch. were analyzed by using GC-FID and GC-MS method. About 44 const...

Introduction Stachys species have been applied externally for the treatment of wounds and used internally for abdominal pains, cramps, dizziness, fever, gout and menstrual disorders. This study aimed to evaluate the in vitro antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory activities of solvent extracts of Stachys byzantina and S. iberica subsp. iberica var. densipilosa. Methods Two Stachys species were analyzed for their antioxidant activities using different test systems and, inhibitory properties against acetylcholinesterase, butrylcholinesterase, tyrosinase, α-amylase and α-glucosidase investigated. Phenolic contents in the extracts were determined by HPLC. Results In S. iberica subsp. iberica var. densipilosa , the amount of phenolics, flavonols and saponins were found to be slightly higher than that of S. byzantina . However, the ethyl acetate, methanol, and water extracts of S. byzantina contained considerable amount of flavonoid compounds (31.99, 47.70, and 34.66 mg REs/g extract, respectively). The ethyl acetate extracts were found to be rich in phenolics, chlorogenic acid was the most abundant compound. Apart from the phosphomolybdenum assay, S. byzantina exhibited higher antioxidant activity than that of S. iberica subsp. iberica var. densipilosa . The methanol extract of this species showed remarkable activity in phosphomolybdenum, radical scavenging (on ABTS and nitric oxide radicals), and CUPRAC assays (1.49 mmol TEs/g extract, 143.85 mg TEs/g extract, and 1.84 mmol TEs/g extract, respectively), whereas the water extract exhibited a promising activity in radical scavenging (on DPPH and superoxide radicals), reducing power (FRAP), and chelating effect assays. In general, ethyl acetate extracts of both species showed remarkable inhibitory activities on the enzymes. Ethyl acetate extract of S. iberica subsp. iberica var. densipilosa showed higher inhibitory activity on acetylcholineserase, butrylcholinesterase, α-amylase than the same extracts of S. byzantine (2.16, 4.20 mg GALAEs/g extract, and 0.34 mmol ACEs/g extract, respectively). Conclusions Results suggest that the natural compounds found in S. byzantine and S. iberica subsp. iberica var. densipilosa extracts may provide some evidence to confirm their traditional use for the management of certain health problems such as Alzheimers disease, skin disorders, diabetes mellitus and when oxidative damage occurs.

Stachys byzantina C. Koch (Lamiaceae alt. Labiatae), commonly known as lamb's ear, is an important medicinal plant with anti-inflammatory, antitumor, anticancer, antispasmodic, sedative and diuretic properties (Asnaashari et al. 2010). This plant is widely consumed in Europe and Asia as aromatic teas. In Brazil, it is an unconventional food plant, nonetheless, its medicinal properties have been recognized as well as its production. In May 2019, in a Sao Paulo State municipality, Jaboticabal, (21°14'38.7"S 48°17'10.6"W), S. byzantina plants presented reduced growth and chlorotic leaves associated with root galls. In the phytopathological clinic, 7,983 eggs and juveniles of Meloidogyne sp. were counted in 10 g of the plant roots. In 100 cm³ of soil surrounding the plant, 532 second-stage Meloidogyne sp. juveniles (J2) were found. Morphological, enzymatic and molecular identification of the nematode species found were performed (Fig. S1). For morphological analysis, perineal pattern of females (n = 10) and labial region of males (n = 10) were analyzed. In the perineal region of females, a high and trapezoidal dorsal arch with thick striations was observed, whereas the males presented the trapezoidal labial region with the prominent labial disc in relation to the sub-median lips and transverse streaks in the head region, typical characteristics of M. incognita (Kofoid and White, 1919) Chitwood 1949. (Netscher and Taylor 1974; Eisenback and Hirschmann 1981). The esterase enzyme profile, obtained individually from 8 females, was compatible with phenotype I1 [Rm (x100) = 46.25], also associated with M. incognita (Esbenshade and Triantaphyllou 1985). Molecular analysis was realized (n = 3) by applying the primers Finc/Rinc (Zijlstra et al. 2000) in the DNA of individual females, which resulted in the amplification of an amplicon of 1200 bp specific for M. incognita. Pathogenicity testing was conducted in a greenhouse by inoculation of 5,000 eggs and juveniles from the original population into S. byzantina seedlings (n = 4). After 90 days, the inoculated plants, unlike the non-inoculated ones, exhibited symptoms similar to those initially observed in the field. The nematodes were extracted from the roots of the inoculated plants, quantified, and the identity of M. incognita was confirmed. The average reproductive factor obtained was 136.6, confirming the pathogenicity of M. incognita to S. byzantina. Thus, this is the first report of M. incognita associated with S. byzantina in Brazil and in the world. Lamb's ear is a horticultural plant, and its high reproductive factor to M. incognita can also result in damage to the subsequent crops. In addition, Lamb's ear is propagated vegetatively and this favors the spread of nematodes to other areas. This new report is important in order to alert producers to realize the proper management of this nematode in S. byzantina.

Introduction Plants belonging to the genus Stachys have been used in traditional medicine due to their various properties. The potential health benefits of three widely consumed Stachys decoctions (S. byzantina, S. inflate and S. lavandulifolia) were profiled in terms of their phenolic compounds and antioxidant properties, Methods Reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography- diode array detector (RP-HPLC-DAD) analysis for phenolics profiling was carried out. Moreover, comprehensive antioxidant ability and several key enzymes inhibitory activity of decoctions were investigated. Results 14 phenolic components were quantified in the samples in which chlorogenic acid (6228 μg/g decoction), (+)-catechin (504 μg/g decoction), and rosmarinic acid (460 μg/g decoction) were found to be the major bioactive compounds. S. inflata showed high DPPH radical scavenging potential (141 mg Trolox equivalents/g decoction) and S. byzantina indicated excellent radical scavenging activity in ABTS (330 mg TE/g decoction) assay. Also, all decoctions exhibited strong reducing power in CUPRAC (280−363 mg TE/g decoction) and FRAP (270−312 mg TE/g decoction) assays. Therapeutic enzymes inhibition experiments showed moderate anti-cholinesterase (0.98–1.16 mg galanthamine equivalents/g decoction) and strong anti-tyrosinase (13.6–15.0 mg kojic acid equivalents/g decoction) properties for Stachys herbal teas. Conclusion Findings indicate that the decoction of Stachys species contain important bioactive phenolics and have promising antioxidant effects and health benefits. Thus, these medicinal herbs can be considered as useful ingredients in food and pharmaceutical products.

The objective of this study was to characterize the nutritional compounds of interest present in vegetables known as non-conventional, in Brazil. The following evaluations were carried out: antioxidant activity, phenolic compounds, vitamin C, calories, carbohydrates, humidity, lipids, proteins, fiber, acidity and quantification of minerals (P, K, Ca, Mg, S, Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn and B). The species studied were Amaranthus hybridus L., Amaranthus viridis L., Basella alba L., Eryngium campestre L., Hibiscus sabdariffa L., Lactuca canadensis L., Rumex acetosa L., Stachys byzantina K. Koch, Tropaeolum majus L. and Xanthosoma sagittifolium L. Representative samples of plant structures of interest were harvested from each species suitable for human consumption such as leaves, flowers and flower buds. The results were submitted to multivariate analysis - principal components analysis (PCA). All the species present nutritional compounds of interest in different levels among the evaluated structures.

The composition of essential oils from Stachys byzantina was studied by simple method based on gas chromatography-mass spectrophotometry (GC-MS) following microwave assisted headspace single-drop microextraction (MA-HS-SDME) method. Several parameters affecting MA-HS-SDME such as sample mass, solvent volume, extraction time, microwave power and the nature of extracting solvent were optimised. The MA-HS-SDME method was compared with traditional hydrodistillation (HD) method. Within the study elaborated, thirty-eight components were extracted and identified. Compared with HD, MA-HS-SDME is an easy, rapid and efficient method for the analysis of essential oils in S. byzantina.

The aim of this study was to perform chromosome counts and nuclear DNA quantification of the unconventional vegetables species: bertalha (Basella alba L.), vinagreira verde (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.), azedinha (Rumex acetosa L.), peixinho (Stachys byzantina K. Koch), and capuchinha (Tropaeolum majus L.). Metaphase chromosomes were obtained from the pre-treatment of root meristem with 8-hydroxyquinoline or colchicine and lides were prepared by the flame-drying technique and stained with 5% Giemsa. DNA quantification was performed by flow cytometry. Chromosome number and DNA content (pg) estimated for each species were: Rumex acetosa: 2n=2x=14 and 7.04 pg; Basella alba: 2n=2x=44 and 7.05 pg; Tropaeolum majus: 2n=2x=28 and 2.08 pg; Stachys byzantine: 2n=2x=30 and 1.54 pg, and Hibiscus sabdariffa: 2n=4x=72 and 5.12 pg.

Unconventional vegetables, in general, are plants that have been largely consumed by the population at some point and, because of changes in eating behavior, now present reduced economic and social expression and have lost ground to other vegetables. The objectives of this study were to perform phytochemical screening of the ethanol extracts of Rumex acetosa L., Tropaeolum majus L., Solanum muricatum, Stachys byzantina K. Koch and Solanum betaceum Cav. and evaluate their antioxidant potentials via the methods involving scavaging of the DPPH free radical and the ABTS radical, phosphomolybdenum and reducing power. In phytochemical screening, five species of unconventional vegetables tested positive for tannins; for sesquiterpene, lactones and other lactones. These tests were positive for Tropaeolum majus L. and Rumex acetosa L., Solanum betaceum Cav. and Solanum muricatum tested negative for steroids. Only Solanum betaceum Cav. gave positive tests for flavonoids. Among the five plant species studied, Stachys byzantina K. Koch presented the greatest antioxidant potential in all the methods evaluated.

The paper reports the composition of the essential oil from aerial parts (leaves) of Stachys byzantina (Lamiaceae) from North-West of Iran. The essential oil was extracted by hydrodistillation from selected plants and its chemical composition was determined by GC-MS system. The mass fraction of oil on dry weight base was 0.4 %. Altogether, 21 compounds were identified corresponding to 87.9 % of the total oil. The main components were germacrene D (9.6 %), Menthone (6.9 %), 1,8-cineole (14.8 %), α-terpineol (7.8 %), cubenol (9.9 %), α-cadinol (6.8 %) and Linalool (12.9 %).

From the aerial parts of Stachys byzanthina C. Koch., a new flavone glycoside, was isolated for the first time in addition to known two flavone glycosides. Structures were established by conventional methods of analysis and confirmed by 1H, 13C NMR and mass spectral analysis. Antiproliferative activities of isolated compounds, crude extract and fractions, fatty acids (extracts of hexane and hexane:ethyl acetate, 9:1) of aerial parts of S. byzantina were investigated against Vero (African green monkey kidney), HeLa (human uterus carcinoma) and C6 (rat brain tumor) cells in vitro and compared with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). Antiproliferative effect of the extract, isolated flavonoids and fatty acids were tested at 100, 250, 500 and 1000 μg/mL using BrdU cell proliferation ELISA.

Within a changing climate, Mediterranean ‘Garrigue’ xerophytes are increasingly recommended as suitable urban landscape plants in north-west Europe, based on their capacity to tolerate high temperature and reduced water availability during summer. Such species, however, have a poor reputation for tolerating waterlogged soils; paradoxically a phenomenon that may also increase in north-west Europe due to predictions for both higher volumes of winter precipitation, and short, but intensive periods of summer rainfall. This study investigated flooding tolerance in four landscape ‘Garrigue’ species, Stachys byzantina, Cistus × hybridus, Lavandula angustifolia and Salvia officinalis. Despite evolving in a dry habitat, the four species tested proved remarkably resilient to flooding. All species survived 17 days flooding in winter, with Stachys and Lavandula also surviving equivalent flooding duration during summer. Photosynthesis and biomass production, however, were strongly inhibited by flooding although the most tolerant species, Stachys quickly restored its photosynthetic capacity on termination of flooding. Overall, survival rates were comparable to previous studies on other terrestrial (including wetland) species. Subsequent experiments using Salvia (a species we identified as ‘intermediate’ in tolerance) clearly demonstrated adaptations to waterlogging, e.g. acclimation against anoxia when pre-treated with hypoxia. Despite anecdotal information to the contrary, we found no evidence to suggest that these xerophytic species are particularly intolerant of waterlogging. Other climatic and biotic factors may restrict the viability and distribution of these species within the urban conurbations of north-west Europe, but we believe increased incidence of flooding per se should not preclude their consideration.

The oils obtained by hydrodistillation of the aerial parts of Salvia brachyantha Bords. (probed.) and Stachys byzantina C. Koch grown in Iran, were analyzed by GC and GC-MS .Forty five compounds representing 95.06 % of the oil of S. brachyantha were identified of which 1,8-cineole (10.19 %), γ-muurolene (7.54 %), caryophyllene oxide (6.66 %), spathulenol (6.19 %) and elemol (5.89 %) were the major constituents. Furthermore 1,8-Cineole (16.35 %), hexadecanioc acid (7.42 %), camphor (6.76 %) and borneol (5.74 %) were found as the main components among 25 constituents in the oil of St. byzantina representing 94.30 % of the total compounds. Acetone extract of the aerial parts of two herbs were tested against 6 gram(+/-) bacteria by measurement of growth inhibitory zones.

Hydrodistillation of leaves and stems of Stachys byzantina C.Koch. (Lamiaceae) yielded 0.1 %and 0.08 %( v/w) essential oils, respectively. GC-MS analysis allowed identification of 15 components, which made up 94.6 % of the total oil from the leaves, while only 10 compounds (95.6 %) were identified in the stems. The main components of the leaf oil were germacrene- D (37.0 %), valeranone (11.9 %), n- nonadecane(6.8 %), 2-pentadecanone-6,10,14-trimethyl (6.5 %), β-elemene (6.4 %) and α-bisabolol (4.8 %). In the stem oil, the main constituents were nerolidol (57.8 %), thymol (19.0 %) and n-nonadecane (4.8 %). The antimicrobial activity was tested on six bacterial strains and two fungal strains, using the agar diffusion method. Diameters of growth inhibition zones were measured. The most sensitive microorganisms were, in order: Enterococcus faecalis > Pseudomonas aeruginosa > Klebsiella pneumoniae > Bacillus subtilis > Candida albicans (ATCC 10259) > Candida albicans (ATCC 24433) > Staphylococcus aure...

Stachys byzantina K. Koch. is an Iranian endemic species of the genus Stachys L., which comprises about 300 species, and is one of the largest genera of the family Lamiaceae. A combination of solid phase extraction (SPE) and high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) of the methanolic extract of the aerial parts of S. byzantina afforded three phenylethanoids, 2'-O-arabinosyl verbascoside (1), verbascoside (2), aeschynanthoside C (3) and three flavones apigenin 7-O-glucoside (4), apigenin 7-O-(6-p-coumaroyl)-glucoside (5) and apigenin (6). The structures of these compounds were determined by spectroscopic methods. Free-radical-scavenging and insecticidal properties of the crude extracts, the fractions and the isolated compounds were assessed. .

The essential oils of the dried flowering aerial parts of Stachys byzantina, Stachys inflata, Stachys lavandulifolia and Stachys laxa (Labiatae) collected from the suburb of Behshahr, Mazandaran province (north of Iran), in May 2003, were isolated by hydrodistillation and analysed by means of GC and GC–MS. The major components of S. byzantina oil were piperitenone (9.9%), 6,10,14-trimethyl pentadecan-2-one (6.4%), and n-tricosane (6.4%). The main constituents of S. inflata oil were hexadecanoic acid (9.1%), germacrene D (8.9%), α-pinene (5.8%) and bicyclogermacrene (5.1%). The major compounds of S. lavandulifolia oil were 4-hydroxy-4-methyl-2-pentanone (9.3%), α-pinene (7.9%) and hexadecanoic acid (5.2%). The main components of S. laxa oil were germacrene D (17.1%), 4-hydroxy-4-methyl-2-pentanone (12.3%), 7-epi-α-selinene (8.3%), bicyclogermacrene (6.7%), β-caryophyllene (6.2%) and α-pinene (5.9%). Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Essential oils and ethanolic extracts from the leaves and/or roots of 35 medicinal plants commonly used in Brazil were screened for anti-Candida albicans activity. The oils were obtained by water-distillation using a Clevenger-type system. Essential oils from 13 plants showed anti-Candida activity, including Aloysia triphylla, Anthemis nobilis, Cymbopogon martini, Cymbopogon winterianus, Cyperus articulatus, Cyperus rotundus, Lippia alba, Mentha arvensis, Mikania glomerata, Mentha piperita, Mentha sp., Stachys byzantina, and Solidago chilensis. The ethanol extract was not effective at any of the concentrations tested. Chemical analyses showed the presence of compounds with known antimicrobial activity, including 1,8-cineole, geranial, germacrene-D, limonene, linalool, and menthol.

The oils obtained by hydrodistillation and steam distillation of the aerial parts of Stachys persica Gmel. and Stachys byzantina C. Koch grown in Iran were analyzed by GC/MS. The essential oil obtained by hydrodistillation of the aerial parts of S. persica was characterized by a high amount of non-terpenoid components of which methyllinoleate (27.7%), hexadecanoic acid (9.8%) and 6,10,14-trimethyl-2-pentadecanone (9.2%) were the major constituents, whereas the steam distilled oil of the plant contained hexadecanoic acid (27.2%), carvacrol (9.4%) and eugenol (5.2%). Both hydrodistilled and steam distilled essential oils of the aerial parts of S. byzantina were rich in sesquiterpenes such as α-copaene (16.6% and 10.4%), spathulenol (16.1% and 18.5%) and β-caryophyllene (14.3% and 13.5%), respectively.

A rapid and sensitive method for the identification of quaternary ammonium and tertiary sulfonium compounds is described. The method utilizes plasma desorption mass spectrometry (PDMS) in which a 252Cf ionizing source produces fission fragments which interact with the sample to yield ions which are then analyzed by a time-of-flight mass spectrometer. The method was applied to analyses of authentic standards and to the identification of quaternary ammonium and tertiary sulfonium compounds in higher plant leaf extracts purifed by ion-exchange chromatography. Plant species from 14 different families were tested, including species which are known glycinebetaine, β-alaninebetaine, prolinebetaine or β-dimethylsulfoniopropionate accumulators. PDMS results confirmed and extended the known taxonomic distributions of these compounds. Glycinebetaine was found in one species Krameria parvifolia from a family (Krameriaceae) not previously known to accumulate this compound. Pipecolatebetaine was identified in Achillea filipendulina (Asteraceae). The occurrence of prolinebetaine and hydroxyprolinebetaine(s) was confirmed in three species (Lamium maculatum, Stachys byzantina and Phlomis fruticosa) of the tribe Lamieae of the subfamily Lamioideae in the family Lamiaceae, but not in a fourth member of this tribe (Physostegia virginiana). The last species accumulated only trigonelline. The PDMS method was also used to identify trigonelline-deficient Zea mays lines.

Akçiçek, Ekrem (Balikesir Author), Türkiye’den farklı lokalitelerden toplanan 26 Stachys L. (14 tür, 11 alttür ve 1 varyete) taksonunun somatik kromozom sayısı Stachys byzantina C.Koch ve S. thirkei C.Koch hariç ilk kez sayıldı. Bu çalışmada bütün Stachys taksonlarının diploid kromozom sayısı 2n = 30 olarak belirlendi. Çalışma Türkiye’deki Stachys cinsinin taksonomik revizyonuna katkı sağlamıştır., Somatic chromosome numbers of 26 Stachys L. taxa (14 species, 11 subspecies, and 1 varietas), collected from diff erent localities in Turkey, were counted for the fi rst time, except for Stachys byzantina C.Koch and S. thirkei C.Koch. In this study, all of the Stachys taxa determined were somatic with chromosome numbers counted as 2n = 30. Th is research has made a contribution to the taxonomic revision of the genus Stachys in Turkey.

During the summer of 2007 the authors encountered a previously unrecorded powdery mildew disease on several plants of the perennial ornamental plant Stachys byzantina K. Koch ex Scheele (common names: woolly hedgenettle, woolly betony, and lamb's ear) growing in a plant bed near a commercial building in Salinas (Monterey Co.), California. This report documents the occurrence of Neoerysiphe galeopsidis on this host in North America. Accepted for publication 11 October 2007. Published 17 December 2007.

The antioxidant activities of four Lamiaceae plants, Salvia viridis L., Salvia multicaulis Vahl, Stachys byzantina C. Koch and Eremostachys laciniata (L.) Bunge have been determined by using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) as well as by flow injection analysis-luminol chemiluminescence (FIA-CL). All extracts were shown to possess a significant scavenger activity against DPPH free radical and an inhibitory effect on H2O2- or HOCI-luminol chemiluminescence. The extracts scavenged 50% of DPPH radical ranging in the following descending order: Salvia viridis > Stachys byzantina > Salvia multicaulis > Eremostachys laciniata. The most potent extract on H2O2-induced peak chemiluminescence was that of Salvia viridis and on HOCl-induced peak chemiluminescence was that of Stachys byzantina. The results concluded that the extracts have a potential source of antioxidants of natural origin. Copyright (c) 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.