Abstract: The flora of Bozdağ (Konya) and its surroundings
were investigated between 2003 and 2005 years; 700 herbarium
specimens belonging to 482 taxa, 257 genera and 57 families were
collected and identified from the area. The families which have the
most taxa in research area are Asteraceae 67 (14.0%), Fabaceae 60
(12.6%), Lamiaceae 57 (11.9%), Brassicaceae 34 (7.1%), Poaceae
30 (6.3%), Rosaceae 24 (5.0%), Caryophyllaceae 23 (4.8%),
Liliaceae 19 (4.0%), Boraginaceae 17 (3.6%), and Apiaceae 13
(2.7%).
The research area is in the district of Konya and is in the B4
square according to the Grid System. The phytogeographic elements
are represented in the study area as follows; Irano-Turanian 91
(18.9%), Mediterranean 72 (14.9%), Euro-Siberian 21 (4.3%). The
phytogeographic regions of 273 (56.6%) taxa are either multi-regional
or unknown. The number of endemic taxa is 79 (16.3%).
Abstract: The Algeria by its location offers a rich and diverse
vegetation. A large number of aromatic and medicinal plants grow
spontaneously. The interest in these plants has continued to grow in
recent years. Their particular properties due to the essential oil
fraction can be utilized to treat microbial infections. To this end, and
in the context of the valuation of the Algerian flora, we became
interested in the species of the family Lamiaceae which is one of the
most used as a global source of spices. The plant on which we have
based our choice is a species of sage "Salvia officinalis" from the
Isser localized region within the province of Boumerdes. This work
focuses on the study of the antimicrobial activity of essential oil
extracted from the leaves of Salvia officinalis. The extraction is
carried out by essential oil hydrodistillation and reveals a yield of
1.06℅. The study of the antimicrobial activity of the essential oil by
the method of at aromatogramme shown that Gram positive bacteria
are most susceptible (Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis)
with a strong inhibition of growth. The yeast Candida albicans
fungus Aspergillus niger and have shown moderately sensitive.
Abstract: Ocimum americanum L (Lamiaceae) is an annual herb
that is native to tropical Africa. The in vitro and in vivo antioxidant
activity of its aqueous extract was carefully investigated by assessing
the DPPH radical scavenging activity, ABTS radical scavenging
activity and hydrogen peroxide radical scavenging activity. The
reducing power, total phenol, total flavonoids and flavonols content
of the extract were also evaluated. The data obtained revealed that the
extract is rich in polyphenolic compounds and scavenged the radicals
in a concentration dependent manner. This was done in comparison
with the standard antioxidants such as BHT and Vitamin C. Also, the
induction of oxidative damage with paracetamol (2000 mg/kg)
resulted in the elevation of lipid peroxides and significant (P < 0.05)
decrease in activities of superoxide dismutase, glutathione
peroxidase, glutathione reductase and catalase in the liver and kidney
of rats. However, the pretreatment of rats with aqueous extract of O.
americanum leaves (200 and 400 mg/kg) and silymarin (100 mg/kg)
caused a significant (P < 0.05) reduction in the values of lipid
peroxides and restored the levels of antioxidant parameters in these
organs. These findings suggest that the leaves of O. americanum have
potent antioxidant properties which may be responsible for its
acclaimed folkloric uses.
Abstract: Essential oils are expensive phytochemicals produced
and extracted from specific species belonging to particular families in
the plant kingdom. In the United Arab Emirates country (UAE), is
located in the arid region of the world, nine species, from the
Lamiaceae family, having the capability to produce therapeutic grade
essential oils. These species include; Mentha spicata, Ocimum
forskolei, Salvia macrosiphon, Salvia aegyptiaca, Salvia macilenta,
Salvia spinosa, Teucrium polium, Teucrium stocksianum and Zataria
multiflora. Although, such potential species are indigenous to the
UAE, however, there are almost no studies available to investigate
the chemical composition and the quality of the extracted essential
oils under the UAE climatological conditions. Therefore, great
attention has to be given to such valuable natural resources, through
conducting highly supported research projects, tailored to the UAE
conditions, and investigating different extraction techniques,
including the application of the latest available technologies, such as
superficial fluid CO2. This is crucially needed; in order to accomplish
the greatest possibilities in the medicinal field, specifically in the
discovery of new therapeutic chemotypes, as well as, to achieve the
sustainability of this natural resource in the country.
Abstract: Use of plants grown in local area for edible has a long tradition in different culture. The indigenous knowledge such as usage of plants as vegetables by local people is risk to disappear when no records are done. In order to conserve and transfer this valuable heritage to the new generation, ethnobotanical study should be investigated and documented. The survey of vegetable plants traditionally used was carried out in the year 2012. Information was accumulated via questionnaires and oral interviewing from 100 people living in 36 villages of 9 districts in Amphoe Huai Mek, Kalasin, Thailand. Local plant names, utilized parts and preparation methods of the plants were recorded. Each mentioned plant species were collected and voucher specimens were prepared. A total of 55 vegetable plant species belonging to 34 families and 54 genera were identified. The plant habits were tree, shrub, herb, climber, and shrubby fern at 21.82%, 18.18%, 38.18%, 20.00% and 1.82% respectively. The most encountered vegetable plant families were Leguminosae (20%), Cucurbitaceae (7.27%), Apiaceae (5.45%), whereas families with 3.64% uses were Araceae, Bignoniaceae, Lamiaceae, Passifloraceae, Piperaceae and Solanaceae. The most common consumptions were fresh or brief boiled young shoot or young leaf as side dishes of ‘jaeo, laab, namprik, pon’ or curries. Most locally known vegetables included 45% of the studied plants which grow along road side, backyard garden, hedgerow, open forest and rice field.