Search Results (59)

Interest in the cultivation of rockrose (Cistus ladanifer L.) is focused not only on its commercial products but also on its role in maintaining ecosystems. Very few pests and diseases are known to affect it. However, in cultivated plots in mainland Spain, a high number of plants with symptoms of decline and death were observed. This damage occurred after a period of rain of 21 days in late spring, in tilled soil, and with plants grown from cuttings. Laboratory analysis revealed the presence of the phytopathogenic fungal species Macrophomina phaseolina, Fusarium acuminatum, F. equiseti, and F. tricinctum, which were identified by ITS sequencing. These fungi, along with the agronomic and edaphic–climatic conditions, suggest an association of factors involved in the damage observed in the rockroses, pointing out the need to develop an integrated management strategy for this type of agroecosystem. Full article

Plant-based extracts are rich sources of phenolic compounds, which may act as skin antiaging mediators. Herein, Cistus albidus L. (Ca), Cistus ladanifer L. subsp. ladanifer (Cl) and Cistus salviifolius L. (Cs) were selected to test whether their phytochemical profile and bioactive potential align to target human skin aging. Hydroethanolic extracts (HEs) were prepared and characterized using infrared vibrational spectroscopy (FTIR-ATR) and liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Non-toxic concentrations were screened, and cytoprotective and antioxidant effects were studied in tert-butyl hydroperoxide-stimulated normal human dermal fibroblasts (NHDFs). Lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages were used to assess anti-inflammatory activity, the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Test Guideline No. 439 was used to assess irritant effects, and the anti-senescence potential was assessed in etoposide-stimulated NHDFs. A series of enzymatic inhibition assays was performed. All extracts comprised ellagic acid derivatives, as well as myricetin and quercetin derivatives in Cs and Ca. The HE of Cs was also markedly composed of ligstroside. At non-toxic concentrations, cytoprotective effects were observed in NHDFs. However, only Cs and Cl exhibited significant antioxidant activity in these cells (p < 0.001 and p < 0.0001, respectively). In addition to that, Cl demonstrated highly significant anti-inflammatory (p < 0.0001) and anti-senescence (p < 0.0001) effects. Cs and Cl showed a remarkable potential to inhibit elastase; in addition, Cs also showed anti-hyaluronidase and anti-tyrosinase activities. Meaningfully, Cs and Cl extracts did not exhibit skin irritant effects. The unveiled potential of Cl in skin aging offset highlights the need to elucidate the detailed mechanisms of action, paving the way for the development of skin anti-aging formulations. Full article

Invasive species can profoundly alter ecosystems through mechanisms such as allelopathy. This study evaluates the allelopathic effects of Acacia dealbata and Hakea decurrens subsp. physocarpa on two dominant Mediterranean native species, Cistus ladanifer and Lavandula stoechas. Germination bioassays using aqueous extracts (1:10 w/v) at concentrations of 1, 1/2, and 1/4 of leaves collected in March and September were used to evaluate germination, hypocotyl emergence, and root development compared to control values (water) and between treatments. The phenolic composition of the solutions used was also analyzed. Significant inhibitory effects were observed across all parameters, especially at high concentrations, with responses modulated by the invasive species, the native target, and seasonal variation. A. dealbata showed stronger phytotoxicity in March, while H. decurrens subsp. physocarpa was more active in September. Phytochemical analysis revealed a higher load of phenolic compounds in A. dealbata, which may be related to the greater allelopathic activity of this species. These findings confirm the allelopathic potential of both invasive species and their ability to interfere with the establishment of native plants while facilitating their own, potentially impacting the colonization success of invasive species and altering vegetation succession in Mediterranean ecosystems. Full article

Cistus ladanifer L., commonly known as gum rockrose, is a Mediterranean shrub of growing interest due to its valuable essential oils (EOs) and labdanum resin. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the chemical composition and biological activities of EOs and hydrolates from C. ladanifer across Mediterranean regions, with particular emphasis on Spain, Portugal, Morocco, and France. α-Pinene, viridiflorol, and camphene were found to be the major constituents in the EOs with antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. Additionally, the identified biological properties have prompted studies exploring innovative strategies such as nanoparticle encapsulation, the development of bioactive films, and the incorporation of EOs into food and pharmaceutical packaging. By-products from EO distillation, including lignocellulosic residues, the extraction of phenolic-rich compounds, and hydrolates, have shown potential for value-added applications. Altogether, C. ladanifer represents a versatile species with possible applications in cosmetics, pharmaceutical development, and the food industry. Full article

The Mediterranean ecosystem is characterized by marked seasonality; it is composed of species such as shrublands that are subjected to high levels of water and thermal stress, making these species an important source of secondary metabolites of significant chemical and ecological interest. In this work, 21 plants were selected from the Mediterranean scrub. These abundant and characteristic representations of the ecosystem produce a total of 197 terpenes. The majority of these are monoterpenes (46.70%), followed by sesquiterpenes (38.07%), with a minority of diterpenes (5.53%) and triterpenes (10.15%). Tetraterpenes accounted for only 0.5% of the total compounds in the species studied, corresponding to only 1%. The major terpenes include 1,8-cineole, terpinen-4-ol, α-terpineol, borneol, camphor, γ-terpinene, limonene, linalool, o-cymene, α-tujene, α-pinene, β-pinene, sabinene, myrcene, β-phellandrene, and β-caryopylene. Species such as Pistacea terebinthus, Rosmarinus officinalis, Cistus ladanifer, Myrtus communis, Lavandula stoecha, and Thymus mastichina contain the most terpenic compounds in their chemical composition. Furthermore, these metabolites are involved in various biological functions, including antimicrobial, antioxidant, neuroprotective, antibacterial, cardiovascular, analgesic, antitumor, and insecticidal activities, among others. Various terpenes present in Mediterranean scrub species, such as 1,8-cineole, α-pinene, limonene, borneol, and terpinen-4-ol, have demonstrated synergistic effects that enhance their antimicrobial, insecticidal, and neuroprotective properties. These interactions between compounds make the natural extracts more effective than they would be individually, increasing their therapeutic and biotechnological value. The synergism among terpenes suggests a promising approach for developing more effective and sustainable phytotherapeutic products. Full article

Extracts of aromatic medicinal plants have been extensively studied regarding their numerous bioactivities. However, despite being highly used by humans, studies on the safety of these extracts for animal use are scarce. In this study, we aim to contribute to the determination of the safety profile of plant extracts by focusing on the reproductive toxicity of hydrolates (a by-product of essential oils production) of four endogenous Portuguese plants—Cistus ladanifer, Cupressus lusitanica, Helychrisium italicum, and Thymbra capitata—by studying their effects on bovine oocytes and spermatozoa. To achieve our aims, we determined the oocyte maturation and viability rate in the bovine in vitro maturation test (bIVM) and the bovine sperm viability using the eosin–nigrosin test, in the presence of five concentrations of each hydrolate at half-log intervals (% v/v of culture media). We found that hydrolates did not affect oocyte maturation or viability (maximum concentration tested: 0.2%, v/v). Regarding the sperm viability test, we found that T. capitata and C. ladanifer hydrolates impaired sperm viability (p < 0.05) (maximum concentration tested: 0.2%, v/v), in comparison with the negative control. In summary, we found that H. italicum and C. lusitanica hydrolates were safe regarding oocyte maturation, oocyte viability, and sperm viability, being candidates to be included in bovine husbandry as feeding additives. Full article

Milk is frequently susceptible to contamination by potential pathogens, posing risks to both food safety and public health. Cheesemaking often relies on raw milk, where microbial communities—including Staphylococcus xylosus—can play a dual role: (i) contributing to fermentation and (ii) acting as opportunistic pathogens that can be often present in subclinical mastitis and be subjected to carry over in dairy products. In this study, Staphylococcus xylosus was isolated from raw bovine milk (preclinical mastitis) and identified via matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (Biotyper scores: 1.87–2.19). Its susceptibility to erythromycin and to an essential oil blend composed of Myrtus communis, Salvia officinalis, and Cistus ladanifer was evaluated. The essential oil blend produced inhibition zones ranging from 9 mm to 13.3 mm, indicating moderate antibacterial activity. Further Minimum Inhibitory Concentration analysis revealed that Myrtus communis, Salvia officinalis, and the essential oil blend inhibited Staphylococcus xylosus growth at concentrations between 0.5 and 0.25 percent, while Cistus ladanifer required higher levels (1 to 0.5 percent). These findings suggest that selected essential oils—especially in combination—hold promise as complementary antimicrobial agents in food safety and antimicrobial resistance mitigation efforts. Full article

The aim of this work was to extract phenolic compounds (PCs) from Cistus ladanifer L. post-distillation residues using two different methods (solid–liquid extraction (SLE) and subcritical water extraction (SWE)) and to compare the extracts’ total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant activity (AA) by 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH^•) and 2,2-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) radical cation (ABTS^•+) scavenging activities, as well as by the ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay. SWE extraction displayed a higher TPC value (increased from 146.53 ± 11.68 to 276.37 ± 20.59 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAEs)/g extract dry weight (dw)) and higher AA in the DPPH^• (increased from 334.27 ± 36.06 to 532.17 ± 66.38 mg Trolox equivalents (TEs)/g extract dw), ABTS^•+ (increased from 438.07 ± 77.22 to 594.08 ± 33.57 mg TEs/g extract dw), and FRAP (increased from 10.91 ± 2.03 to 170.26 ± 25.36 mg ascorbic acid equivalents (AAEs)/g extract dw) assays. These results demonstrate the importance of the extraction method in PC extraction and the antioxidant power of the extracts produced. These results provide critical insights into the potential application of C. ladanifer post-distillation residues and the production of polyphenol rich extracts that might be useful in the food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical sectors. Full article

Natural mineral waters (NMWs) and plant extracts have long been valued for their therapeutic properties and skin benefits. This study investigated, in vitro, the role of five Portuguese NMWs (A-E), combined with plant extracts from five species (Ficus carica L., Rubus idaeus L., Vaccinium myrtillus, Cistus ladanifer and Thymus x citriodorus) as bioactive ingredients. Antioxidant capacity was assessed using the 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) method. Cellular biocompatibility was evaluated in fibroblasts (L929) and macrophages (RAW 264.7). Skin-repairing and anti-senescence properties were evaluated in L929 cells through the scratch-wound method and β-galactosidase assay. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) was quantified using a commercial kit, and lipopolysaccharide-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) were quantified using a fluorescent probe (H₂DCFDA) in RAW 264.7. The results highlighted the beneficial impact of extracts combined with NMWs. An increase in antioxidant capacity of up to 90% was observed in mixtures comprising Ficus carica L., compared with NMWs alone. In contrast, mixtures with Cistus ladanifer showed promising anti-aging potential, with a 40% decrease in senescent cells and a 33% ROS reduction. Rubus idaeus L. extract produced an increase in cell migration capacity (up to 50%), depending on the NMW. This study highlights the potential synergism of natural ingredients with plant extracts for anti-aging. Full article

The agrifood industries generate tremendous amounts of waste, with the valorization of these wastes being of the utmost importance. The aim of this work was to synthesize green zero-valent iron nanoparticles (nZVI) using hydromethanolic extracts of spent coffee grounds (SCGs) and post-distillation residues of Cistus ladanifer L. leaves (CLL). The synthesized nZVI were then analyzed by dynamic light scattering (DLS), and their size, polydispersity index (PDI), and zeta potential (ZP) were determined. Different dispersants (water and methanol) and the impact of a surfactant (Tween^® 20) were tested for DLS analysis. nZVI dispersed in water and added with Tween^® 20 displayed lower agglomeration, particle size, and PDI, but higher ZP than nZVI without the addition of surfactant and methanolic suspension. These results provide further insight into the applicability of surfactants in nZVI characterization. Full article

The evaluation of the wide variety of allelochemicals present in allelopathic plants allows the detection of safer bioherbicides with new mechanisms of action. This study tested two phenolic compounds of Cistus ladanifer essential oil (2-Methoxyphenol and 2,6-Di-tert-butyl-4-methylphenol), which are commercially available. At 0.01 mM, these compounds, both separately and in combination (1/1), inhibited up to over 50% of germination, cotyledon emergence and seedling growth of Lactuca sativa for the tests conducted on paper. Against Allium cepa, cotyledon emergence and seedling growth were inhibited at 0.5 mM. When the tests were carried out in the soil, the mixture of the two study compounds significantly inhibited the germination of L. sativa and A. cepa when applied at 0.5 and 1 mM, respectively, and seedling growth inhibition was greater for the latter in the paper tests. The greatest inhibitions were observed, with the highest concentrations analysed. Although there was no statistically significant difference among treatments, 2-Methoxyphenol seemed to affect germination and cotyledon emergence to a greater extent, whereas 2,6-Di-tert-butyl-4-methylphenol had a greater impact on seedling size. The effect of the mixture was greater than that of both compounds separately. Full article

Water content is one of the most critical characteristics in plant physiological development. Therefore, this information is a crucial factor in determining the water stress conditions of vegetation, which is essential for assessing the wildfire risk and land management decision-making. Remote sensing can be vital for obtaining information over large, limited access areas with global coverage. This is important since conventional techniques for collecting vegetation water content are expensive, time-consuming, and spatially limited. This work aims to evaluate the vegetation live fuel moisture content (LFMC) seasonal variability using a multiscale remote sensing approach, particularly on rockroses, the Cistus ladanifer species, a Western Mediterranean basin native species with wide spatial distribution, over the Herdade da Mitra at the University of Évora, Portugal. This work used four dataset sources, collected monthly between June 2022 and July 2023: (i) Vegetation samples used to calculate the LFMC; (ii) Vegetation reflectance spectral signature using the portable spectroradiometer FieldSpec HandHeld-2 (HH2); (iii) Multispectral optical imagery obtained from the Multispectral Instrument (MSI) sensor onboard the Sentinel-2 satellite; and (iv) Multispectral optical imagery derived from a camera onboard an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Phantom 4 Multispectral (P4M). Several temporal analyses were performed based on datasets from different sensors and on their intercomparison. Furthermore, the Random Forest (RF) classifier, a machine learning model, was used to estimate the LFMC considering each sensor approach. MSI sensor presented the best results (R² = 0.94) due to the presence of bands on the Short-Wave Infrared Imagery region. However, despite having information only in the Visible and Near Infrared spectral regions, the HH2 presents promising results (R² = 0.86). This suggests that by combining these spectral regions with a RF classifier, it is possible to effectively estimate the LFMC. This work shows how different spatial scales, from remote sensing observations, affect the LFMC estimation through machine learning techniques. Full article

Mediterranean climates, characterised by hot and dry summers, have predictable fire regimes, and many species with physical seed dormancy (PY) thrive after wildfires. While it is well known that PY is released after heat shock in these species, intraspecific variation in seed response to heat is less understood. This research explores, for the first time, the variability in the traits of Cistus ladanifer seeds from the same central Spain population over eight years. It examines seed germination and viability under different heat shocks and the relationships among seed traits and climatic variables. While the response to heat shock remained constant over the years studied, achieving the highest germination percentages after heat shock at 100 °C, seed germination varied between years, and environmental conditions affected seed traits. Seed moisture content was negatively correlated with the maximum summer temperatures, and seed viability was positively related to annual precipitation. Germination at 100 °C was lower in warmer years as more seeds did not break their PY. In conclusion, despite the fact that PY appears to be genetically determined, it also depends on the environmental conditions experienced by the mother plant. This interannual phenotypic variability may help Cistus ladanifer to cope with the increasingly unpredictable conditions imposed by climate change. Full article

In this study, headspace–bar adsorptive microextraction (HS-BAµE) combined with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was employed to screen the major biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOCs) emitted by six different Portuguese shrub species (Erica scoparia L., Cistus ladanifer L., Cistus monspeliensis L., Lavandula stoechas L., Thymus villosus L., and Thymus camphoratus). The HS-BAµE/GC-MS methodology was developed, optimized, and validated using five common monoterpenoids (α-pinene, β-pinene, limonene, 1,8-cineole, and thymol) and one sesquiterpenoid (caryophyllene oxide). Under optimized experimental conditions (microextraction-sorbent phase: activated carbon (CN1), 3 h (35 °C); back-extraction: n-C₆ (1 h)), good efficiencies (>45%), low analytical thresholds (5.0–15.0 µg/L) and suitable linear dynamic ranges (20.0–120.0 µg/L, r² > 0.9872) were achieved, as well as acceptable intra and inter-day precisions (RSD ≤ 30.1%). Benchmarking the proposed methodology, HS-BAµE(CN1), against the reference methodology, HS-SPME(PDMS/DVB), revealed comparable analytical responses and demonstrated excellent reproducibility. Among the six shrub species studied, Thymus camphoratus exhibited the highest emissions of BVOCs from its leaves, notably, 1,8-cineole (4136.9 ± 6.3 µg/g), α-pinene (763.9 ± 0.5 µg/g), and β-pinene (259.3 ± 0.5 µg/g). It was also the only species found to release caryophyllene oxide (411.4 ± 0.3 µg/g). The observed levels suggest that these shrub species could potentially serve as fuel sources in the event of forest fires occurring under extreme conditions. In summary, the proposed methodology proved to be a favorable analytical alternative for screening BVOCs in plants. It not only exhibited remarkable performance but also demonstrated user- and eco-friendliness, cost-effectiveness, and ease of implementation. Full article

Estimating live fuel moisture content (LFMC) is critical for assessing vegetation flammability and predicting potential fire behaviour, thus providing relevant information for wildfire prevention and management. Previous research has demonstrated that empirical modelling based on spectral data derived from remote sensing is useful for retrieving LFMC. However, these types of models are often very site-specific and generally considered difficult to extrapolate. In the present study, we analysed the performance of empirical models based on Sentinel-2 spectral data for estimating LFMC in fire-prone shrubland dominated by Cistus ladanifer. We used LFMC data collected in the field between June 2021 and September 2022 in 27 plots in the region of Andalusia (southern Spain). The specific objectives of the study included (i) to test previous existing models fitted for the same shrubland species in a different study area in the region of Madrid (central Spain); (ii) to calibrate empirical models with the field data from the region of Andalusia, comparing the model performance with that of existing models; and (iii) to test the capacity of the best empirical models to predict decreases in LFMC to critical threshold values in historical wildfire events. The results showed that the empirical models derived from Sentinel-2 data provided accurate LFMC monitoring, with a mean absolute error (MAE) of 15% in the estimation of LFMC variability throughout the year and with the MAE decreasing to 10% for the critical lower LFMC values (<100%). They also showed that previous models could be easily recalibrated for extrapolation to different geographical areas, yielding similar errors to the specific empirical models fitted in the study area in an independent validation. Finally, the results showed that decreases in LFMC in historical wildfire events were accurately predicted by the empirical models, with LFMC <80% in this fire-prone shrubland species. Full article