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The present investigation unveiled the first complete chloroplast (cp) genome of Tribulus macropterus var. arabicus (Hosni) Al-Hemaid & J. Thomas (Zygophyllaceae), a medicinal herb, indigenous to Saudi Arabia. The cp genome, comprising a length of 158,179 bp and a GC content of 35.8%, exhibited the typical circular quadripartite arrangement of flowering plants, including two inverted repeat regions (25842 bp) separated by a large single-copy (88873 bp) and a small single-copy region (17622 bp). Genome annotation unraveled 132 genes, comprising of 87 protein-coding genes, 37 tRNAs and eight rRNAs. A comparative plastomics approach demonstrated a very similar genome structure and gene organization in closely related taxa. Whole-genome alignment indicated that the inverted repeat regions exhibited greater conservation when compared to the single copy zones. Repeat analysis of the cp genome identified 80 simple sequence repeats, with the majority (64) being mononucleotides. Among the longer repeats, forward repeats were frequent (20) followed by palindromic and reverse repeats. The nucleotide diversity endeavor identified some hypervariable sites (rpl22, cemA, trnLUAG) in the small and large single copies which would offer opportunities to design molecular markers for potential application in taxonomic identification. Phylogenetic analysis with rbcL barcode elucidated the distinct position of T. macropterus var. arabicus compared to T. macropterus within Zygophyllaceae and further validated the assembly. The findings of this investigation provide significant insights into biological fields, particularly enhancing the current understanding of the genetic and evolutionary variations within Zygophyllaceae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fagonia longispina (Zygophyllaceae family) has long been employed in traditional practices for combating cancer, with scientific research yielding insights into its biological impact. This study aimed to validate the potential of this plant by evaluating the antioxidant, antiproliferative, and antibacterial properties of the n-butanol, ethyl acetate, and chloroform extracts of F. longispina (BuE, EAE, and ChE, respectively). The most significant total phenolics (TPC) were recorded in EAE (377 ± 24.33 µg GAE/mg extract), whereas BuE showed the most important quantity of flavonoids (TFC) (87.14 ± 1.56 µg QE/mg extract). Outcomes indicated that EAE displayed the highest DPPH (2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) scavenging effect (IC50 = 37.82 ± 7.83 μg/mL) compared to BuE (IC50 = 59.49 ± 6.16 μg/mL, p = 0.0197) and ChE (IC50 =111.89 ± 6.10 μg/mL, p = 0.0002). Despite the increased activity of EAE, it remained lower than ascorbic acid (IC50 = 5.00 ± 0.1 µg/mL, p = 0.02). Moreover, EAE was the strongest at scavenging free radicals from FeSO4 (IC50 = 126.66 ± 5.76 µg/mL). All extracts except BuE showed antiproliferative efficacy against HeLa and HT-29 cells. Various bacterial strains underwent testing to demonstrate their antibacterial effectiveness, which was assessed by measuring inhibition zones. The results showed enjoyable antimicrobial activity against gram-positive bacteria. In conclusion, this study proves the application of F. longispina in traditional medicine. Furthermore, the results from the antioxidant tests confirmed that F. longispina had an antioxidant effect and may be used as a new natural antioxidant in therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to study the genetics of local adaptation in all main deserts of northwest China, whole genomes of 169 individuals were resequenced, which covers 20 populations of Zygophyllum loczyi (Zygophyllales: Zygophylaceae). We describe more than 15 million single nucleotide polymorphisms and numerous InDels. The expected heterozygosity and PIC values associated with local adaptation varied significantly across biogeographic regions. Variation in environmental factors contributes largely to the population genetic structure of Z. loczyi. Bayesian analysis performed with STRUCTURE defined four genetic clusters, while the results of principle component analysis were similar. Our results shows that the Qaidam Desert group appears to be diverging into two branches characterized by significant geographic separation and gene flow with two neighboring deserts. Geological data assume that it is possible that the Taklamakan Desert was the original distribution site, and Z. loczyi could have migrated later on and expanded within other desert areas. The above findings provide insights into the processes involved in biogeography, phylogeny, and differentiation within the northwest deserts of China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims Bulnesia retama is a drought-deciduous, xerophytic shrub from arid landscapes of South America. In a survey of carbon isotope ratios (δ13C) in specimens from the field, B. retama exhibited less negative values, indicative of CAM or C4 photosynthesis. Here, we investigate whether B. retama is a C4 or CAM plant. Methods Gas-exchange responses to intercellular CO2, diurnal gas-exchange profiles, δ13C and dawn vs. afternoon titratable acidity were measured on leaves and stems of watered and droughted B. retama plants. Leaf and stem cross-sections were imaged to determine whether the tissues exhibited succulent CAM or C4 Kranz anatomy. Key Results Field-collected stems and fruits of B. retama exhibited δ13C between −16 and −19 ‰. Plants grown in a glasshouse from field-collected seeds had leaf δ13C values near −31 ‰ and stem δ13C values near −28 ‰. The CO2 response of photosynthesis showed that leaves and stems used C3 photosynthesis during the day, while curvature in the nocturnal response of net CO2 assimilation rate (A) in all stems, coupled with slightly positive rates of A at night, indicated modest CAM function. C4 photosynthesis was absent. Succulence was absent in all tissues, although stems exhibited tight packing of the cortical chlorenchyma in a CAM-like manner. Tissue titratable acidity increased at night in droughted stems. Conclusions Bulnesia retama is a weak to modest C3 + CAM plant. This is the first report of CAM in the Zygophyllaceae and the first showing that non-succulent, xerophytic shrubs use CAM. CAM alone in B. retama was too limited to explain less negative δ13C in field-collected plants, but combined with effects of low stomatal and mesophyll conductance it could raise δ13C to observed values between −16 and −19 ‰. Modest CAM activity, particularly during severe drought, could enable B. retama to persist in arid habitats of South America. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

IN THIS STUDY the morphological and anatomical variation in stem and leaf tissues of three genera of Zygophyllaceae: Fagonia (4 taxa), Tetraena (4 taxa), and Tribulus (4 taxa) were investigated. The twelve examined taxa included nine species that grow in the eastern region of Saudi Arabia. Additional features for taxon identification and characterization can be developed because of our findings. The anatomical features investigated included, stem diagram, epidermal cell shape, structure of cortex and pith, the number of vascular bundles, petiole and blade outline in cross section, mesophyll type, and distribution of secretory tissues and crystals. The conclusions of this study show that anatomical features, particularly the petiole and blade outlines and the type of vasculature of the stem and petiole, are significant tools in identifying and distinguishing between the species examined and can provide a key for identification of the investigated taxa. Distinction of the investigated Zygophyllaceae species, based on the characters assessed in this study, agreed with previous classifications of these species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Relationships between genome size and environmental variables suggest that DNA content might be adaptive and of evolutionary importance in plants. The genus Larrea provides an interesting system to test this hypothesis, since it shows both intra- and interspecific variation in genome size. Larrea has an amphitropical distribution in North and South American deserts, where it is most speciose. Larrea tridentata in North America shows a gradient of increasing autopolyploidy; while three of the four studied South American species are diploids, Larrea divaricata, Larrea nitida, Larrea ameghinoi, and the fourth is an allopolyploid, Larrea cuneifolia. We downloaded available focal species’ georeferenced records from seven data reservoirs. We used these records to extract biologically relevant environmental variables from WorldClim at 30 arc seconds scale, to have a broad characterization of the variable climatic conditions of both regions, and a climatic envelope for each species. We estimated relative DNA content index and relative monoploid genome values, by flow cytometry, of four most abundant Larrea species throughout their respective ranges. Then we winnow the bioclimatic dataset down to uncorrelated variables and sampled locales, to analyse the degree of association between both intra- and interspecific relative DNA content and climatic variables that are functionally relevant in arid environments using Pearson correlations, general linear and mixed effects models. Within the genus Larrea, relative DNA content increases with rising temperature and decreases with rising precipitation. At the intraspecific level, all four species show relative DNA content variation across climatic conditions. Larrea is a genus that shows genome size variation correlated with climate. Our results are also consistent with the hypothesis that extreme environmental pressures may have facilitated repeated whole genome duplication events in North America, while in South America, reticulate evolution, as allopolyploidization, and speciation might have been climate-dependent since the Oligocene.

Abstract Background Balanites aegyptiaca (L.) Delile, commonly known as desert date, is a thorny evergreen tree belonging to the family Zygophyllaceae and subfamily Tribuloideae that is widespread in arid and semiarid regions. This plant is an important source of food and medicines and plays an important role in conservation strategies for restoring degraded desert ecosystems. Results In the present study, we sequenced the complete plastome of B. aegyptiaca. The chloroplast genome was 155,800 bp, with a typical four-region structure: a large single copy (LSC) region of 86,562 bp, a small single copy (SSC) region of 18,102 bp, and inverted repeat regions (IRa and IRb) of 25,568 bp each. The GC content was 35.5%. The chloroplast genome of B. aegyptiaca contains 107 genes, 75 of which coding proteins, 28 coding tRNA, and 4 coding rRNA. We did not observe a large loss in plastid genes or a reduction in the genome size in B. aegyptiaca, as found previously in some species belonging to the family Zygophyllaceae. However, we noticed a divergence in the location of certain genes at the IR-LSC and IR-SSC boundaries and loss of ndh genes relative to other species. Furthermore, the phylogenetic tree constructed from the complete chloroplast genome data broadly supported the taxonomic classification of B. aegyptiaca as belonging to the Zygophyllaceae family. The plastome of B. aegyptiaca was found to be rich in single sequence repeats (SSRs), with a total of 240 SSRs. Conclusions The genomic data available from this study could be useful for developing molecular markers to evaluate population structure, investigate genetic variation, and improve production programs for B. aegyptiaca. Furthermore, the current data will support future investigation of the evolution of the family Zygophyllaceae.

The genus Tribulus belongs to the family Zygophyllaceae comprises approximately 25 species that grow as prostrate. This study will collect Tribulus terrestris L. and Tribulus subramanyamii P. Singh, G.S. Giri & V. Singh. and analyzed for their macroscopic, microscopic and phytochemical properties. Selected plant species were collected from three geographical locations in Maharashtra State, India. To confirm the quality and authenticity of plants, standard pharmacognostic procedures described in standard reference books were used to conduct a comparative analysis of Tribulus sps. The current study examines pharmacognostic studies on its numerous parts, such as the stem, leaf, flower and fruit. The study shows the presence of unicellular trichomes on leaf section are substantially less denser in T. subramanyamii than T. terrestris. In numerous tests for qualitative analysis of distinct Tribulus sps. phytochemical substances such as alkaloids, starch, carbohydrates, tannin, saponins, glycosides, phenol, flavonoids, and proteins were found to be present. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drug-metabolizing enzymes are either boosted or suppressed by diabetes mellitus. This research was designed to explore Fagonia cretica L. aerial parts' impact on CYP3A4 and UGT2B7 activity and their mRNA expression in diabetic rats. Fagonia cretica (F. cretica) dried powder was sequentially extracted with n-hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, methanol, and water. The methanol extract and aqueous fraction presented the most significant potential to decrease the concentration of alpha-hydroxyl midazolam, with 176.0 ± 0.85 mg/Kg and 182.9 ± 0.99 mg/Kg, respectively, compared to the streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic group, reflecting the inhibition in CYP3A4 activity. The fold change in mRNA expression of CYP3A4 was decreased significantly by the methanol extract, and the aqueous fraction of F. cretica estimated by 0.15 ± 0.002 and 0.16 ± 0.001, respectively, compared with the diabetic group. Morphine metabolism was significantly increased in rats treated with F. cretica methanol extract and its aqueous fraction, displaying 93.4 ± 0.96 mg/Kg and 96.4 ± 1.27 mg/Kg, respectively, compared with the metabolism of morphine in the diabetic group, which highlights the induction of UGT2B7 activity. The fold change in mRNA expression of UGT2B7 was significantly increased by the methanol extract and the aqueous fraction, estimated at 8.14 ± 0.26 and 7.17 ± 0.23 respectively, compared to the diabetic group. Phytochemical analysis was performed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), where the methanol extract showed more flavonoids and phenolic compounds compared to the aqueous fraction of F. cretica. The obtained results were further consolidated by molecular docking studies, where quercetin showed the best fitting within the active pocket of CYP3A4, followed by gallic acid, displaying free binding energies (∆G) of −30.83 and −23.12 kcal/mol, respectively. Thus, F. cretica could serve as a complementary medicine with standard anti-diabetic therapy that can modulate the activity of the drug-metabolizing enzymes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A phytochemical study on the seeds of Peganum harmala led to the separation of 22 alkaloids, including quinazoline alkaloids (1 – 10), β -carboline alkaloids (11 – 18), and others alkaloids (19 – 22). Their structures were identified by comprehensive spectroscopic analysis and comparison with literature data. Compounds 14 and 20 – 22 were first isolated from Zygophyllaceae family. Compounds 8 and 15 were firstly discovered as natural products. Moreover, the chemotaxonomic significance of the isolated alkaloids is discussed. [Display omitted] • 22 alkaloids were isolated from the seeds of Peganum harmala. • Compounds 14 and 20 – 22 were isolated from Zygophyllaceae family for the first time. • Compounds 8 and 15 were firstly described as natural products. • The chemotaxonomic significance of the isolated compounds is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A comprehensive understanding of genetic background for rare species will provide an important theoretical basis for the future species management, monitoring and conservation. Tetraena mongolica is restrictedly distributed in the western Ordos plateau of China and has been listed as a national protected plant. We generated 13 chloroplast (cp) genomes of T. mongolica (size range of 106,062-106,230 bp) and conducted a series of comparative analyses of six Zygophyllaceae cp genomes. T. mongolica cp genome exhibited a quadripartite structure with drastically reduced inverted repeats (IRs, 4,315 bp) and undergone the loss of a suit of ndh genes and a copy of rRNAs. Furthermore, all the T. mongolica populations were divided into two genetic groups based on complete cp phylogenomics. In addition, notably variable genome size, gene order and structural changes had been observed among the six Zygophyllaceae cp genomes. Overall, our findings provide insights into the cp genome evolution mode and intraspecific relationships of T. mongolica, and provide a molecular basis for scientific conservation of this endangered plant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Balanites aegyptiaca (L.) Delile, commonly known as desert date, is a thorny evergreen tree belonging to the family Zygophyllaceae and subfamily Tribuloideae that is widespread in arid and semiarid regions. This plant is an important source of food and medicines and plays an important role in conservation strategies for restoring degraded desert ecosystems. Results: In the present study, we sequenced the complete plastome of B. aegyptiaca. The chloroplast genome was 155,800 bp, with a typical four-region structure: a large single copy (LSC) region of 86,562 bp, a small single copy (SSC) region of 18,102 bp, and inverted repeat regions (IRa and IRb) of 25,568 bp each. The GC content was 35.5%. The chloroplast genome of B. aegyptiaca contains 107 genes, 75 of which coding proteins, 28 coding tRNA, and 4 coding rRNA. We did not observe a large loss in plastid genes or a reduction in the genome size in B. aegyptiaca, as found previously in some species belonging to the family Zygophyllaceae. However, we noticed a divergence in the location of certain genes at the IR-LSC and IR-SSC boundaries and loss of ndh genes relative to other species. Furthermore, the phylogenetic tree constructed from the complete chloroplast genome data broadly supported the taxonomic classification of B. aegyptiaca as belonging to the Zygophyllaceae family. The plastome of B. aegyptiaca was found to be rich in single sequence repeats (SSRs), with a total of 240 SSRs. Conclusions: The genomic data available from this study could be useful for developing molecular markers to evaluate population structure, investigate genetic variation, and improve production programs for B. aegyptiaca. Furthermore, the current data will support future investigation of the evolution of the family Zygophyllaceae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Tribulus Terrestris is a medicinal plant cultivated in temperate regions of the world. Inner Mongolia is one of the main producing areas of Tribulus Terrestris. We aimed in this study to examine the effect of Tribulus Terrestris extract on the aging process. Methods: A total of 50 mice were used for the experiment. They were divided randomly into 5 groups (10 animals in each group): normal control group and four aging groups. Results: Compared to the normal aging group, the parameters of the thymus gland and spleen of an aging group fed with a high and medium amount of Tribulus has visibly increased (p < 0.05). The content of blood catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) of blood serum of an aging group fed with a high and medium amount of Tribulus Terrestris has visibly increased (p < 0.05) compared to that in the aging group. Also, the content of malondialdehyde (MDA) in blood serum has visibly lowered. We further have measured the SOD, GSH-Px content in brain tissue of each group of mice. Conclusion: Compared with the normal control group, the SOD content was decreased significantly and MDA content was significantly increased in the aging group of mice.

Background: Zygophyllum eichwaldii C. A. Mey. is a medicinal plant from Zygophyllaceae family. This family consists of 27 genera and 285 species. Objective: The present study was performed to evaluate the chemical composition of the essential oil of Z. eichwaldii and evaluation of biological activities of its extracts .Methods: Essential oils extraction of Z. eichwaldii aerial parts was performed by three different procedures and its chemical composition were evaluated by GC and GC-MS analyses. Evaluation of the biological activities was carried out by spectrophotometric methods. Results: GC-MS analysis showed menthol, thymol and palmitic acid as major components of the plant essential oils. In biological activity evaluation, while methanol extract showed moderate to week potency in antioxidant assessments, the ethyl acetate fraction was strong in these tests (IC50 = 178.63 µg/ml in DPPH assay and 70.52 % inhibition in β-carotene/linoleic acid tests). This fraction also showed significant phenol, flavonoid and tannin contents (99.83, 118.29 and 188.05 μg/mg, respectively). Also, plant extracts exhibited considerable antimicrobial activities against most selected bacteria. Conclusion: Significant amount of phenol, flavonoid and tannin compounds in the ethyl acetate fraction and high antimicrobial activity against most bacterial strains, candidates this plant as a good case for further studies in this respect.

In order to investigate the effects of salinity and magnesium (Mg) on the growth parameters, physiological characteristics and content of some metabolites in Syrian bean-caper (Zygophyllum fabago) plants, a factorial experiment with completely randomized design was performed and carried out in perlite with Hoagland solution. The treatments were combinations of two levels of salinity (0 and 300 mM NaCl) and three levels of Mg concentration (2, 4 and 8 mM; 0, 2 and 6 mM over the standard Mg content of Hoagland medium, 2mM, respectively). The simultaneous effect of salinity and Mg did not change the fresh weight of the plants, but increased the dry weight by 50%. Salinity reduced the leaf area, but the presence of Mg improved and even increased the leaf area of the plants. The Mg reduced NAR, while increased LAR and RLGR. Salinity decreased the RLGR. The simultaneous effect of salinity and Mg increased and improved RGR, LWR, RLGR. The tolerance index in saline treatments increased with the presence of Mg, but the R/S ratio showed a significant increase only in salinity condition, however, the presence of Mg moderated it. Salinity reduced the photosynthetic pigments, while the presence of Mg ameliorated the decrease. As a result, salinity and Mg increased the total sugar content of the leaf and reduced the total sugar content of the root. Salinity and Mg reduced the total protein content of all the organs of the plant specimens studied. In general, salinity had a negative effect on the physiological parameters of the Zygophyllum fabago plants, while the application of supplementary Mg improved the growth indices and increased the plants tolerance against salinity.

Plants have been found useful in treating many human diseases caused by bacteria and viruses. The ability to synthesize compounds by plant secondary metabolism makes them an invaluable source of pharmaceutical and therapeutic products. The present study was designed to evaluate the phytochemical constituents, antioxidant, and anticancer activities of Tribulus terrestris seed extracts on HepG2 cell lines. TPC and TFC contents were 51 ± 0.7 mg GAE/g and 66.5 ± 0.4 mg QE/g, respectively. The antioxidant profile of the T. terrestris revealed that all the extracts have antioxidant potential and display the highest antiradical behavior in the pattern of methanolic > acetonic > chloroform > n-hexane, through DPPH, FRAP, OH radical scavenging, and NO radical scavenging assays. The antioxidant activity explored at the cellular level against H2O2-induced DNA damage showed a dose-dependent antioxidant effect of T. terrestris. Moreover, the methanolic extracts of all plant extracts showed notable thrombolytic potentials, the percentage of clot lysis accounted for T. terrestris was 33%, 27%, 17%, and 6% which indicated the significant clot lysis of methanolic and acetonic extracts in contrast to positive and negative standards. The genotoxicity was assessed through comet assay which exposed that T. terrestris at a low dose (0.5 mg/mL) is considered to be safe for effective treatment. MTT assay using HepG2 cell lines revealed that the highest tested concentration i.e., 100 μg/mL of the methanolic extract resulted in 86% cell viability compared to the control group. In silico study, from 14 selected compounds, three compounds, Heptacosane, Apiol, and Palmitic acid showed an affinity with target protein 51X0. The present findings may serve as a guideline for the standardization and validation of natural drugs containing the T. terrestris as an ingredient.

The enhanced understanding of chloroplast genomics would facilitate various biotechnology applications; however, the chloroplast (cp) genome / plastome characteristics of plants like Fagonia indica Burm.f. (family Zygophyllaceae), which have the capability to grow in extremely hot sand desert, have been rarely understood. The de novo genome sequence of F. indica using the Illumina high-throughput sequencing technology determined 128,379 bp long cp genome, encode 115 unique coding genes. The present study added the evidence of the loss of a copy of the IR in the cp genome of the taxa capable to grow in the hot sand desert. The maximum likelihood analysis revealed two distinct sub-clades i.e. Krameriaceae and Zygophyllaceae of the order Zygophyllales, nested within fabids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new megastigman sulfate (1) was isolated from the aerial part of Zygophyllum gaetulum. The structure of 1 was elucidated as (E)-3-sulfooxymegastigm-7-en-9-one by analysis of spectroscopic data. In addition, 22 known compounds were isolated. Triterpenoid saponins 3, 4, 5, 7, 9, 12, and 13, and compounds 17–23 were isolated from Z. gaetulum for the first time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drug-metabolizing enzymes are either boosted or suppressed by diabetes mellitus. This research was designed to explore Fagonia cretica L. aerial parts’ impact on CYP3A4 and UGT2B7 activity and their mRNA expression in diabetic rats. Fagonia cretica (F. cretica) dried powder was sequentially extracted with n-hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, methanol, and water. The methanol extract and aqueous fraction presented the most significant potential to decrease the concentration of alpha-hydroxyl midazolam, with 176.0 ± 0.85 mg/Kg and 182.9 ± 0.99 mg/Kg, respectively, compared to the streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic group, reflecting the inhibition in CYP3A4 activity. The fold change in mRNA expression of CYP3A4 was decreased significantly by the methanol extract, and the aqueous fraction of F. cretica estimated by 0.15 ± 0.002 and 0.16 ± 0.001, respectively, compared with the diabetic group. Morphine metabolism was significantly increased in rats treated with F. cretica methanol extract and its aqueous fraction, displaying 93.4 ± 0.96 mg/Kg and 96.4 ± 1.27 mg/Kg, respectively, compared with the metabolism of morphine in the diabetic group, which highlights the induction of UGT2B7 activity. The fold change in mRNA expression of UGT2B7 was significantly increased by the methanol extract and the aqueous fraction, estimated at 8.14 ± 0.26 and 7.17 ± 0.23 respectively, compared to the diabetic group. Phytochemical analysis was performed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), where the methanol extract showed more flavonoids and phenolic compounds compared to the aqueous fraction of F. cretica. The obtained results were further consolidated by molecular docking studies, where quercetin showed the best fitting within the active pocket of CYP3A4, followed by gallic acid, displaying free binding energies (∆G) of −30.83 and −23.12 kcal/mol, respectively. Thus, F. cretica could serve as a complementary medicine with standard anti-diabetic therapy that can modulate the activity of the drug-metabolizing enzymes.

Eight furostanol glycosides including five undescribed compounds, named tribufurostanosides A-E (1-5), and three known ones (6-8) were isolated from the fruits of Tribulus terrestris L. Their chemical structures were determined by the IR, HR-ESI-MS, 1D-, and 2D-NMR spectra. Furostanols 1-8 significantly inhibited nitric oxide production in LPS activated RAW 264.7 cells with IC 50 values ranging from 14.2 to 64.7 μM, compared to that of the positive control compound, dexamethazone (IC 50 13.6 μM)., (© 2024 Wiley-VHCA AG, Zurich, Switzerland.)

Four undescribed spirostan glycosides, (25S)-5α-spirostan- 12-one-2α,3β-diol-3-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→4)-β-D-galactopyranoside (1), (25S)-5α-spirostan-12-one-2α,3β-diol-3-O-β-D-galatopyranosyl-(1→2)-β-D-glucopyranosyl- (1→4)-β-D-galactopyranoside (2), (25S)-5α-spirostan-12-one-2α,3β-diol-3-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→2)-[β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→3)]-β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→4)-β-D-galactopyranoside (3), and hecogenin 3-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→3)-[β-D-xylopyranosyl-(1→2)]-β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→4)-[α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→2)]-β-D-galactopyranoside (4), together with eleven known compounds (5-15) were isolated from the branches and leaves of Tribulus terrestris. Their chemical structures were established through spectroscopic methods, including HR-ESI-MS, 1D-, and 2D-NMR spectra. Preliminary biological evaluation on NO production inhibitory activity in LPS activated RAW 264.7 cells showed that compounds 1-3, 5, and 6 had significant inhibitory effects with IC 50 values ranging from 2.4 to 18.3 μM, compared to that of the positive control compound, dexamethazone (IC 50 13.6 μM)., (© 2024 Wiley-VHCA AG, Zurich, Switzerland.)

Lead (Pb) soil contamination remains a major ecological challenge. Zygophyllum fabago is a candidate for the Pb phytostabilisation of mining tailings; nevertheless, the cytogenotoxic effects of low doses of Pb on this species are still unknown. Therefore, Z. fabago seeds collected from non-mining (NM) and mining (M) areas were exposed to 0, 5 and 20 µM Pb for four weeks, after which seedling growth, Pb cytogenotoxic effects and redox status were analyzed. The data revealed that Pb did not affect seedling growth in M populations, in contrast to the NM population. Cell cycle progression delay/arrest was detected in both NM and M seedlings, mostly in the roots. DNA damage (DNAd) was induced by Pb, particularly in NM seedlings. In contrast, M populations, which showed a higher Pb content, exhibited lower levels of DNAd and protein oxidation, together with higher levels of antioxidants. Upon Pb exposure, reduced glutathione (GSH) and non-protein thiols were upregulated in shoots and were unaffected/decreased in roots from the NM population, whereas M populations maintained higher levels of flavanols and hydroxycinnamic acids in shoots and triggered GSH in roots and shoots. These differential organ-specific mechanisms seem to be a competitive strategy that allows M populations to overcome Pb toxicity, contrarily to NM, thus stressing the importance of seed provenance in phytostabilisation programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Zygophyllum comprises over 150 species within the plant family Zygophyllaceae. These species predominantly grow in arid and semiarid areas, and about 20 occur in northwestern China. In this study, we sampled 24 individuals of Zygophyllum representing 15 species and sequenced their complete chloroplast (cp) genomes. For comparison, we also sequenced cp genomes of two species of Peganum from China representing the closely allied family, Nitrariaceae. The 24 cp genomes of Zygophyllum were smaller and ranged in size from 104,221 to 106,286 bp, each containing a large single-copy (LSC) region (79,245–80,439 bp), a small single-copy (SSC) region (16,285–17,146 bp), and a pair of inverted repeat (IR) regions (3,792–4,466 bp). These cp genomes contained 111–112 genes each, including 74–75 protein-coding genes (PCGs), four ribosomal RNA genes, and 33 transfer RNA genes, and all cp genomes showed similar gene order, content, and structure. The cp genomes of Zygophyllum appeared to lose some genes such as ndh genes and rRNA genes, of which four rRNA genes were in the SSC region, not in the IR regions. However, the SC and IR regions had greater similarity within Zygophyllum than between the genus and Peganum. We detected nine highly variable intergenic spacers: matK-trnQ, psaC-rps15, psbZ-trnG, rps7-trnL, rps15-trnN, trnE-trnT, trnL-rpl32, trnQ-psbK, and trnS-trnG. Additionally, we identified 156 simple sequence repeat (cpSSR) markers shared among the genomes of the 24 Zygophyllum samples and seven cpSSRs that were unique to the species of Zygophyllum. These markers may be useful in future studies on genetic diversity and relationships of Zygophyllum and closely related taxa. Using the sequenced cp genomes, we reconstructed a phylogeny that strongly supported the division of Chinese Zygophyllum into herbaceous and shrubby clades. We utilized our phylogenetic results along with prior morphological studies to address several remaining taxonomic questions within Zygophyllum. Specifically, we found that Zygophyllum kaschgaricum is included within Zygophyllum xanthoxylon supporting the present treatment of the former genus Sarcozygium as a subgenus within Zygophyllum. Our results provide a foundation for future research on the genetic resources of Zygophyllum.

The genus Zygophyllum comprises over 150 species within the plant family Zygophyllaceae. These species predominantly grow in arid and semiarid areas, and about 20 occur in northwestern China. In this study, we sampled 24 individuals of Zygophyllum representing 15 species and sequenced their complete chloroplast (cp) genomes. For comparison, we also sequenced cp genomes of two species of Peganum from China representing the closely allied family, Nitrariaceae. The 24 cp genomes of Zygophyllum were smaller and ranged in size from 104,221 to 106,286 bp, each containing a large single-copy (LSC) region (79,245–80,439 bp), a small single-copy (SSC) region (16,285–17,146 bp), and a pair of inverted repeat (IR) regions (3,792–4,466 bp). These cp genomes contained 111–112 genes each, including 74–75 protein-coding genes (PCGs), four ribosomal RNA genes, and 33 transfer RNA genes, and all cp genomes showed similar gene order, content, and structure. The cp genomes of Zygophyllum appeared to lose some genes such as ndh genes and rRNA genes, of which four rRNA genes were in the SSC region, not in the IR regions. However, the SC and IR regions had greater similarity within Zygophyllum than between the genus and Peganum. We detected nine highly variable intergenic spacers: matK-trnQ, psaC-rps15, psbZ-trnG, rps7-trnL, rps15-trnN, trnE-trnT, trnL-rpl32, trnQ-psbK , and trnS-trnG. Additionally, we identified 156 simple sequence repeat (cpSSR) markers shared among the genomes of the 24 Zygophyllum samples and seven cpSSRs that were unique to the species of Zygophyllum. These markers may be useful in future studies on genetic diversity and relationships of Zygophyllum and closely related taxa. Using the sequenced cp genomes, we reconstructed a phylogeny that strongly supported the division of Chinese Zygophyllum into herbaceous and shrubby clades. We utilized our phylogenetic results along with prior morphological studies to address several remaining taxonomic questions within Zygophyllum. Specifically, we found that Zygophyllum kaschgaricum is included within Zygophyllum xanthoxylon supporting the present treatment of the former genus Sarcozygium as a subgenus within Zygophyllum. Our results provide a foundation for future research on the genetic resources of Zygophyllum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

40% of the land global surface and deliver significant ecosystem services. These regions are the most sensitive, prone to suffer the effects of climate and distribution changes, so estimates on projected range shifts are crucial to complement traditional approaches to biodiversity conservation and sustainability. Shrubs of the Monte Desert dominate the largest temperate dryland in South America. Our goal is to assess the spatial distribution and niche overlap of three native shrubs (Larrea cuneifolia (LC), L. divaricata (LD), and L. nitida (LN)), under present climate conditions, to retrodict their potential past distribution, and anticipate their predicted range under future climate scenarios. We used ecological niche modeling that were projected to the past (LGM and Mid Holocene) and future (2050 and 2070) under two scenarios of greenhouse gas emissions and two model of global circulation. All species have high niche overlap (67–89%), but showed species-specific responses, highlighting the need to develop mitigation measures particularly for LD and LN in the face of climate change and land use pressures. Global South deserts are being highly degraded and information on future potential ranges of endemic species can support the development of sustainable conservation and management plans. • Drylands are threatened by the effects of climate changes. • Monte desert plants suffer climatic uncertainty and are prone to range shifting. • Ecological niches of three creosote bush Larrea species resulted species-specific. • Two species would severely reduce range by 2070 and a third one will remain stable. • Mitigation measures in the face of climate change and land use pressures are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Premise: Whole‐genome duplication (polyploidy) is an important force shaping flowering‐plant evolution. Ploidy‐specific plant–pollinator interactions represent important community‐level biotic interactions that can lead to nonrandom mating and the persistence of mixed‐ploidy populations. Methods: At a naturally occurring diploid–tetraploid contact zone of the autopolyploid desert shrub Larrea tridentata, we combined flower phenology analyses, collections of bees on plants of known cytotype, and flow cytometry analyses of bee‐collected pollen loads to investigate whether (1) diploid and tetraploid plants have unique bee pollinator assemblages, (2) bee taxa exhibit ploidy‐specific visitation and pollen collection biases, and (3) specialist and generalist bee taxa have ploidy‐specific visitation and pollen collection biases. Results: Although bee assemblages overlapped, we found significant differences in bee visitation to co‐occurring diploids and tetraploids, with the introduced honeybee (Apis mellifera) and one native species (Andrena species 12) more frequently visiting tetraploids. Consistent with bee assemblage differences, we found that diploid pollen was overrepresented among pollen loads on native bees, while pollen loads on A. mellifera did not deviate from the random expectation. However, mismatches between the ploidy of pollen loads and plants were common, consistent with ongoing intercytotype gene flow. Conclusions: Our data are consistent with cytotype‐specific bee visitation and suggest that pollinator behavior contributes to reduced diploid–tetraploid mating. Differences in bee visitation and pollen movement potentially contribute to an easing of minority cytotype exclusion and the facilitation of cytotype co‐occurrence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During field survey of eriophyoid mites in northeast Iran (Razavi Khorasan, Iran, summer 2023), two new eriophyoid mite species (Acari: Eriophyoidea: Eriophyidae) on Zygophyllum atriplicoides Fisch. et C.A.Mey. subsp. atriplicoides (Zygophyllaceae) were discovered, illustrated and described herein. They are Aceria kalatiensis sp. nov., which caused rounded galls on both sides of the leaves, and Aculus sirzariensis sp. nov., which was vagrant on the same samples. Furthermore, we provided a checklist of eriophyoid mite species associated with Zygophyllaceae plants of the world.

Peganum nigellastrum is a medicinal plant. The total chloroplast (cp) genome length of P. nigellastrum is 160,066 bp, Containing a large single copy region of 88,275 bp, two inverted repeat regions of 26,486 bp and a small single copy region of 18,855 bp. The chloroplast genome contains 132 complete genes, including 87 protein-coding genes (87 PCGs), 8 ribosomal RNA genes (8 rRNAs), and 37 tRNA genes (37 tRNAs). The overall GC content of cp DNA is 37.5%, the corresponding values of the LSC, SSC, and IR regions are 35.6%, 31.4%, and 42.8%. Phylogenetic tree shows that P. nigellastrum has the closest relationship with P. harmala.

Syrian rue (Peganum harmala L., Zygophyllaceae) has been used in traditional medicine of Central Asia, the Middle East, and Caucasus areas (Azerbaijan) for centuries, mainly as ritual and psychedelic plant. At full growth, this erect, dichotomously branched shrub is about 1 m in height with a dense foliage consisting of narrow, linear, pinnate leaves with acute spreading lobes, and small solitary, axillary, white flowers and globe capsules enclosing numerous angular seeds. All parts of the plant (including roots) contain alkaloids. The seeds contain β-carbolineses (harmine, harmalol and harman) with the active hallucinogen being the alkaloid harmine. The seeds contain a red pigment used for coloring wool and carpets and for use as a spice and, in traditional medicine, as valuable aphrodisiac.

Fagonia cretica L. is conventional herb medication that is broadly utilized in clinical health care. The clinical functions of Fagonia cretica L. include immunomodulatory, anti-inflammation, anti-microbial, hepatoprotective activity. In spite of the fact its effects on inflammation of the colon remains undefined. We examined the effects of Ethanolic extract of Fagonia creica L. (EEFC) plant in dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) induced ulcerative colitis in mice. DSS (2%) was given orally in drinking water for 7 days to induce ulcerative colitis. Change in body weight, food intake, water intake was calculated every day. The degree and seriousness of ulceration was examined macroscopically using a disease activity index (DAI). After 9th day, colon mucosal damage index (CMDI), colon weight & length, myeloperoxidase (MPO), an exact marker of inflammation and antioxidants parameters (MDA, SOD, CAT) was evaluated. EEFC (400 mg/kg) significantly improved the body weight, colon length of the animals as compared to the disease control group. Animal treated with EEFC (400 mg/kg) showed significantly improved CMDI (1.40±0.27) & DAI (1.28±0.23) as compared to the disease control group CMDI (3.40±0.39), DAI (3.87±0.11). Higher level of SOD and Catalase and lower level of MDA were observed in animals treated with EEFC (400 mg/kg) as compared to disease control group. Animals treated with EEFC (400 mg/kg) significantly decreased in MPO level as compared to disease control group. The anti ulcerative effect of extract of Fagonia cretica L was comparable to sulphasalazine (100 mg/kg, p.o.) as standard. The outcomes recommended the defensive capability of EEFC in DSS-instigated colitis and this may be credited to its phytoconstituents that have been found to initiate a wide range of this study, for example, EEFC has substantial potential for the treatment of inflammatory colitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study describes the identification and quantitative determination of furostanol glycosides in caltrop herb harvested in the fructification period. Furostanol glycosides were identified by thin-layer chromatography (TLC) and quantified by UV-vis spectrophotometry. The furostanol glycosides were visualized on the TLC plate as pink spots after treatment with dimethylamine benzaldehyde solution. UV-vis spectrophotometry quantified these substances to the amount of at least 0.4 %. The data on the identification and quantification of furostanol glycosides obtained in the course of this research was implemented in the development of the Ukrainian State Pharmacopoeia for caltrop herb. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The systematic relationships of Krameriaceae have changed considerably. The phylotranscriptomic data sets provide highly informative data for resolving deeper-level phylogenetic relationships. The phylotranscriptomic analyses to infer evolutionary relationships of Krameriaceae in the order Zygophyllales using the Minimum Evolution, Maximum Parsimony and Maximum Likelihood methods recovered similar topology and taxon proximity. Under the Zygophyllales clade, Krameria lanceolata Torr. of the family Krameriaceae nested with Tribulus eichlerianus K.L. Wilson and Larrea tridentata (Sessé & Moc. ex DC.) Coville belonging to the family Zygophyllaceae with strong nodal support. The phylotranscriptomic analyses suggest that the family Krameriaceae is sister to Zygophyllaceae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tetraena simplex (L.) Beier & Thulin (syn. Zygophyllum simplex L.) is an annual, succulent plant belonging to family Zygophyllaceae. The plant grows in harsh environmental conditions and it is traditionally used as an analgesic and anti‐inflammatory agent. This study aims to isolate and identify phytochemical constituents of the n‐butanol fraction of its aerial parts that was repeatedly chromatographed on Diaion HP‐20 and silica gel columns to yield a rare triterpenoidal saponin, 3‐O‐[β‐D‐glucopyranosyl‐(1→2)‐β‐D‐glucopyranosyl] quinovic acid‐28‐O‐β‐D‐glucopyranosyl ester (1) along with three other known triterpenoidal compounds namely; 3‐O‐methoxy‐quinovic acid (2), quinovic acid (3), and 3‐O‐β‐D‐glucopyranosyl‐quinovic acid (4). Moreover, quercetin 3‐O‐α‐L‐rhamnoside (5) was isolated from this fraction. Different spectroscopic techniques including one dimensional (1D) and two dimensional (2D) NMR (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance) spectroscopy allowed the unambiguous structure elucidation of the isolated compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The chloroplasts genome encodes several key proteins that involves in the process of the photosynthesis and also in other metabolic processes important for growth and development, yield, biomass, and plant interactions with their environment. The present study aimed to sequencing of cp genome of Fagonia indica Burm.f (Zygophyllaceae), -a plant that occurs even in the hot desert condition of the inner zone of Rub′ al-Khali (the Empty Quarter) of south-central Arabia, and its comparative analyses with the representative of the sequence of the different categories [viz. (a) with the other member of the family Zygophyllaceae, and with the representatives from: (b) different clade of the angiosperms, (c) flowering plants occurs in different major habitats, (d) different groups of plants, (e) different group of plants having range of biomass, (f) C3 and C4 plants, and (g) the representative from very common, rare and major high yielding crop of the world] to unravel the genetic pattern of similarity and variations. The comparison of F. indica genome in different categories showed strong evidence and further support for the conservative pattern of chloroplast genome, the coding and non-coding region remains conserved even in phylogenetically distant eukaryotic clades, and might not have the sole roles in organism′s yield, rarity or abundance and biomass, and in encountering the stress. Nevertheless, the result could be useful for molecular phylogenetic and molecular ecological and molecular mechanism of photosynthesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previously, the authors conducted phytochemical investigations of the aerial parts of Larrea tridentata and reported triterpene glycosides and lignan derivatives. In continuation of the preceding studies, 17 lignans and lignan glycosides (1–17) were isolated, including seven new compounds (1–7). Herein, the structure of the new compounds was determined based on spectroscopic analysis and enzymatic hydrolysis. The cytotoxicity of 1–17 against HL-60 human promyelocytic leukemia cells was examined. Compounds 4–11 and 14–16 were cytotoxic to HL-60 cells, with IC50 values in the range of 2.7–17 μM. Compound 6, which was the most cytotoxic among the unprecedented compounds, was shown to induce apoptotic cell death in HL-60 cells.

Purpose: Zygophyllum fabago L. (Z. fabago) is a widespread perennial herb which is used as a medicinal plant in traditional medicine of Iran, Turkey and China. The present study was a survey on phytochemical constituents and biological activities of this plant. Methods: Methanolic extract of the roots was fractionated over a C-18 pre-packed cartridge (Sep-pak) and chromatographic separation was performed on a reversed-phase preparative HPLC. Structural elucidation of the isolated compounds was carried out using UV, 1H-NMR and 13C-NMR spectral analyses. Furthermore, the chemical compositions of the essential oil of the aerial parts were identified by GC-MS analysis. Antiproliferative and antioxidant activities of all extracts from aerials were determined by MTT and DPPH assays, respectively. Results: Phytochemical investigation on the plant roots led to the isolation and identification of two the 60% methanol-water Sep-pak fraction, a prenylated flavone glycoside, 6-C-prenyl-7-O-[ β -D-4'''-O-acetyl-glucopyranosyl-(1'''→2'')-β-D-glucopyranosyl] apigenin, which was named as a Zygocaperoside and also, other flavonoid, was named as the Isorhamnetin -3-O glucoside. None of the extracts showed antiproliferative effect against cancerous cells. However, among the extracts, methanolic extract indicated antioxidant activity. Moreover, essential oils of flowers and leaves of plant have high amounts of sesquiterpene hydrocarbons and diterpenoides. Conclusion: The results of present study introduce Z. fabago roots as a new source of flavonoid glycosides and suggest it as an appropriate candidate for further pharmacological studies.

Background: The fertile islands formed by shrubs are major drivers of the structure and function of desert ecosystems, affecting seedling establishment, plant-plant interactions, the diversity and productivity of plant communities, and microbial activity/diversity. Although an increasing number of studies have shown the critical importance of soil microbes in fertile island formation, how soil microbial community structure and function are affected by the different fertile island effect intensities is still unknown. As an endangered and dominant shrub species in the West Ordos Desert, Tetraena mongolica was selected for further exploration of its fertile island effect on the soil microbial community in the present study to test the following two hypotheses: (1) T. mongolica shrubs with different canopy sizes exert fertile island effects of different strengths; (2) the soil microbial community structure and function beneath the T. mongolica canopy are affected by the fertile island, and the strength of these effects varies depending on the shrub canopy size., Results: The contents of soil total nitrogen (TN) and available phosphorus (AVP) were significantly greater beneath T. mongolica shrub canopy than outside the shrub canopy. With increasing shrub canopy size, the enrichment of soil TN and AVP increased, indicating a stronger fertile island effect. The structure and function of soil microbial communities, including fungal, archaeal and bacterial communities, are affected by the fertile island effect. An increase in canopy size increased the relative abundance of Ascomycota (Fungi) and Thaumarchaeota (Archaea). For the soil microbial functional groups, the relative abundance of endophytes in the fungal functional groups; steroid hormone biosynthesis, sphingolipid metabolism, and steroid biosynthesis genes in the bacterial functional groups; and nonhomologous end-joining and bisphenol degradation functional genes in the archaeal functional groups increased significantly with increasing T. mongolica canopy size., Conclusions: These results revealed that T. mongolica had a fertile island effect, which affected the soil microbial community structure and functions, and that the fertile island effect might increase with increasing shrub canopy size. The fertile island effect may strengthen the interaction between T. mongolica shrubs and microbes, which may be beneficial to the growth and maintenance of T. mongolica., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Highlights • FI plant extract added to AV gel maintained sapodilla fruit quality. • Fruit treated with FI extract plus AV gel inhibited decay incidence. • The same treatment enhanced antioxidant activity. • Total phenolic and flavonoids were preserved in treated fruit. • FI plant extract improved AV gel coatings formulation. Abstract The effect of Aloe vera (AV) gel (at 50% or 100%) alone or enriched with Fagonia indica (FI) plant extract at 1% on physiological and biochemical responses of sapodilla fruit were studied during storage at 20 °C for 12 days. Sapodilla fruit treated with AV 100% and FI 1% significantly reduced weight loss, decay incidence, soluble solids concentration, and kept a high level of firmness and titratable acidity compared to the untreated fruit. FI 1% added to AV 50% or AV 100% efficiently maintained higher ascorbic acid, total flavonoids, total phenolics and radical scavenging activity of sapodilla fruit. The panelists did not detect any negative effect of AV gel and FI plant extract on the sensory attributes of sapodilla fruit. Therefore, the addition of FI plant extract to AV gel coating could be a promising approach to prolong the shelf life and preserve the quality of sapodilla fruit during storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Larrea includes five species of desert shrubs distributed along the American Continent. These species produce dormant mature seeds, but the type of dormancy and the factors that produce it have been poorly assessed. The objective of this work was to determine the optimum germination temperatures of L. cuneifolia and L. nitida, to analyze the response to pre-germination treatments, and to evaluate the type of seed dormancy these species have. Seeds were incubated at five constant temperatures and were subjected to mechanical scarification and rinsed with running water to break dormancy. Seed coat permeability and the presence of water-soluble germination inhibitors were also assessed. The optimum germination temperature range was between 15-40°C for both species. A positive response to all pre-germination treatments was observed in L. cuneifolia (37-47%), while L. nitida showed higher germination percentage only with mechanical scarification (73%). Both species presented water-permeable seed coats, ruling out the occurrence of a physical dormancy. The inhibitory test of seed-coat extracts was positive for L. cuneifolia, suggesting the possible presence of a chemical dormancy. These results are valuable for conservation purposes and directly contribute to improving production of seedlings required for restoration projects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Osteoporosis is a systemic bone disease that is characterized by impairments in bone strength that predispose an individual to a higher risk of fractures. Despite the various etiologies, undoubtedly the most important factors are aging of the population and hypogonadism. Although several therapeutic options are available, pharmacological treatments have some risks. Among these are increases in the incidence of thrombosis, breast cancer, ovarian cancer, endometrial cancer, and muscle injury, among others. Herbal medication may be an alternative for the treatment of osteoporosis. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic effect of a standardized extract of Tribulus terrestris L. (TT) on ovariectomy (OVX)-induced bone loss in rats. Female rats were first subjected to OVX and treated with TT (3, 30, and 300 mg/[kg·day]) or furosemide (25 mg/kg) orally for 28 days. Bone densitometry and tibial histology were performed, and acute renal function and testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), and estradiol levels were assessed. Prolonged treatment with TT stimulated bone mass gain in all ovariectomized animals, raising bone mass to levels that were similar to sham-operated rats. DHEA levels significantly increased in TT-treated rats. The TT group also had lower calcium (Ca2+) excretion that OVX control and furosemide-treated rats. Finally, the histopathological analyses showed the maintenance of bone turnover in all TT-treated groups. Overall, the results indicate that the standardized extract of T. terrestris exerted a bone-protective effect by increasing bone mineral density. This activity may be at least partially attributable to an increase in serum DHEA levels and a Ca2+-sparing effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Whole‐genome duplication (polyploidy) can influence the biogeography and ecology of plants that differ in ploidy level (cytotype). Here, we address how two consequences of plant polyploidy (parapatry of cytotypes and altered species interactions) shape the biogeography of herbivorous insects. Location: Warm deserts of North America. Taxa: Gall midges (Asphondylia auripila group, Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) that attack three parapatric cytotypes of creosote bush (Larrea tridentata, Zygophyllaceae). Methods: We surveyed Asphondylia species diversity at 177 sites across a 2300‐km extent. After noting a correspondence between the distributions of eight Asphondylia species and L. tridentata cytotypes, we fine‐mapped Asphondylia species range limits with transects spanning cytotype contact zones. We then tested whether plant–insect interactions and/or abiotic factors explain this coincidence by (a) comparing attack rates and gall midge communities on alternative cytotypes in a narrow zone of sympatry and (b) using species distribution models (SDMs) to determine if climatically suitable habitat for each midge species extended beyond cytotype contact zones. Results: The range limits of 6/17 Asphondylia species (including two novel putative species confirmed with COI sequencing) perfectly coincided with the contact zone of diploid and tetraploid L. tridentata. One midge species was restricted to diploid host plants while five were restricted to tetraploid and hexaploid host plants. Where diploid and tetraploid L. tridentata are sympatric, cytotype‐restricted midge species more frequently attacked their typical host and Asphondylia community structure differed markedly between cytotypes. SDMs predicted that distributions of cytotype‐restricted midge species were not constrained by climatic conditions near cytotype contact zones. Main conclusions: Contact zones between plant cytotypes are dispersal barriers for many Asphondylia species due to plant–insect interactions. The distribution of L. tridentata cytotypes therefore shapes herbivore species ranges and herbivore community structure across North American deserts. Our results demonstrate that polyploidy in plants can affect the biogeography of ecological communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The complete chloroplast genome sequences of the hot desert herb Fagonia indica (Zygophyllaceae) is being reported in this study. The total plastome length was 128,379 bp (GC content 34.02%). The gene order in F. indica was found similar to the angiosperm except for the loss of one copy of the IR and by the presence of a single, large inversion that reverses the order of the genes between rbcL and rps16. A total number of 115 unique coding genes which includes 80 protein-coding gene, 31 tRNA genes, and 4 rRNA genes were annotated. The phylogenetic analysis of representative plastomes from the Roisds revealed two distinct clades of Krameriaceae and Zygophyllaceae.

Tetraena mongolica, an endangered shrub, is endemic to China’s western Inner Mongolia. Here we have reported its complete chloroplast genome with a length of 106,288 bp. The inverted repeat regions just retained 4315 bp. The genome encodes a total of 98 predicted genes, including 64 protein-coding genes, 30 transfer RNA genes and 4 ribosomal RNA genes. Fifteen genes, including infA, rps16, ycf1, ycf2 and all the 11 ndh genes, were probably lost from the genome. The clpP and rps12 lost one intron, respectively. All these characters show T. mongolica is a special taxon worth to be further studied.