Search Results (106)

Plant-insect mutualisms often drive the evolution of adaptive morphological and physiological traits, enabling ecological specialization and diversification. Fig trees (Ficus spp., Moraceae) and their pollinating wasps (Agaonidae) are engaged in a brood-site pollination mutualism that exemplifies such adaptive specializations. This study investigates the morphological and ecological roles of maculae, characterized as distinct-pigmented regions on the fig surface, in the mutualistic interaction between Ficus citrifolia and fig wasps. Through morphological analyses using light and electron microscopy, we demonstrated that maculae concentrate numerous stomata and exhibit secretory activity. This activity is evidenced by the exudation of a sugary-like solution and by the presence of epidermal and subepidermal cells with features consistent with sugar- and terpene-secreting cells, such as abundant starch reserves, numerous mitochondria, plastids containing osmiophilic droplets, a Golgi complex with dilated cisternae, oil bodies, and extensive endoplasmic reticulum. Histochemical tests confirmed a terpenic-sugary secretion in the macula cells. We demonstrated that non-pollinating fig wasps avoid ovipositing through macular regions. This behavior may reflect a selective pressure to prevent structural damage to maculae caused by ovipositor insertion, thus preserving their functional integrity. Temperature measurements revealed that figs are up to 10% cooler on average than the ambient air. Therefore, our findings suggest that fig maculae are multifunctional structures, simultaneously performing the roles of extrafloral nectaries, gas exchange, and thermal regulation, which are crucial for maintaining suitable internal conditions for wasp larval development. These results provide novel insights into previously underexplored plant adaptations supporting specialized brood-site pollination mutualisms. Full article

This review highlights the significant therapeutic properties of four indigenous plants in the United Arab Emirates. These include Capparis spinosa L. (family: Capparaceae), commonly known as caper and locally referred to as Kabir; Citrullus colocynthis (L) Schrad. (family: Cucurbitaceae), known in English as bitter apple and locally as Alhanzal; Morus alba L. (family: Moraceae), referred to as white mulberry and locally named Firsad; and Rhazya stricta Decne. (family: Apocynaceae), commonly called harmal-e-shami and known locally as Alhi-rimi. These species are traditionally used for various ethnobotanical purposes and are important components of the region’s flora, such as managing diabetes and associated metabolic disorders. These plants contain diverse bioactive compounds with notable pharmacological activities. For example, caper exhibits antidiabetic effects through flavonoids such as quercetin and kaempferol, which enhance insulin sensitivity and lower blood glucose levels. Bitter apple is rich in cucurbitacins and alkaloids that lower glycated hemoglobin and support pancreatic β-cell function. White mulberry contains chlorogenic acid, rutin, and 1-deoxynojirimycin, which improve glucose uptake, inhibit α-glucosidase, and reduce oxidative stress. Harmal-e-shami exhibits variable antidiabetic activity, including dipeptidyl peptidase-IV inhibition and enhancement of glucagon-like peptide-1 secretion, which is influenced by the type and dosage of the extract. Despite these promising effects, challenges remain in standardization, phytochemical variability, and clinical validation. This review underscores the therapeutic potential of these plants and recommends further research for their integration into sustainable, plant-based diabetes management strategies. Full article

Morus alba L. (MA) is a member of the Moraceae family, known as “white mulberry”. Due to the high levels of bioactive compounds, mulberry plants can be considered a good source of nutrients and antioxidant compounds. Our study aims to analyze the effect of MA extract leaves on erythrocytes, focusing on its action on metabolism and membrane integrity. The choice of erythrocytes as a study model is based on their metabolic simplicity and their easy availability. Cell viability, following exposure of the cells to the extract, was evaluated by hemolysis, methemoglobin, caspase 3 activity and flow cytofluorimetric analysis; in addition, the effect of the pretreatment with the MA was detected after incubation of erythrocytes with different stressors. The impact on cell metabolism was evaluated by measuring anion flux kinetics, ATP levels and phosphatase activity. The results obtained show a peculiar (double) effect of the extract, which, on the one hand, probably by exploiting its component with antioxidant properties, protects the cell membrane by accumulating on the bilayer. On the other hand, the alteration of anion exchange could lead to the triggering of apoptosis and consequent cell death. The hypotheses, although excluded by our data, all point toward a beneficial and protective action of the extract on the health and vitality of RBCs. Full article

The rubber plantations in Sankuru province, located in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), have historically been pivotal to the regional economy. However, the absence of suitable silvicultural practices has promoted self-regeneration, resulting in the proliferation of diverse species. This study aims to characterize species richness and plant structure of these plantations. To this end, 80 subplots measuring 0.25 hectares were meticulously established, with a proportionate division between state-owned and farmer plantations. The results obtained from this study indicate that these plantations are home to approximately 105 species, classified into 33 distinct botanical families, with dominant families such as Fabaceae, Meliaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Olacaceae, Clusiaceae, and Moraceae. Despite the similarity between the two types of plantations (Cs = 58%), significant disparities were observed in terms of individuals, 635 ± 84.06 and 828 ± 144.62 (p < 10⁻³); species, 41 ± 7.49 and 28 ± 4.59 (p < 10⁻³); families, 19 ± 3.06 and 16 ± 1.62 (p < 10⁻²); and basal area, 29.88 ± 5.8 and 41.37 ± 7.57 (p < 10⁻²) for state and peasant plantations, respectively. State plantations exhibited greater diversity (H′ = 1.87) and enhanced equity (J’ = 0.43) than peasant plantations. The diametric structure exhibited an inverted J-shaped distribution, indicating constant and regular regeneration of these plantations. The upper canopy dominates the vertical structure in both types of plantations, with a significantly higher proportion in peasant plantations (83.60%) than in state plantations (73.8%), ANOVA (F (2.24 = 21.78), df = 24; p = 4.03 × 10⁻⁶). The findings indicate that the sustainable management of these plantations could incorporate agroecological principles to promote the coexistence of rubber production and biodiversity conservation while contributing to the restoration of degraded ecosystems and the well-being of local communities. Full article

This study investigates the composition, abundance, and seasonal variability of airborne pollen in Siirt, a transitional region between the Irano-Turanian and Mediterranean phytogeographical zones in southeastern Türkiye. The main objective was to assess pollen diversity and its relationship with meteorological parameters over a two-year period (2022–2023). Airborne pollen was collected using a Hirst-type volumetric pollen and spore trap; a total of 18,666 pollen grains/m³ belonging to 37 taxa were identified. Of these, 70.67% originated from woody taxa and 29.33% from herbaceous taxa. Peak concentrations occurred in April, with the lowest levels in December. The dominant taxa, all exceeding 1% of the total, were Pinaceae (31.00%); Cupressaceae/Taxaceae (27.79%); Poaceae (18.42%); Moraceae (4.23%); Amaranthaceae (2.42%); Urticaceae (2.13%); Quercus (1.55%); Fabaceae (1.29%); and Rumex (1.02%). Spearman’s correlation analysis revealed significant relationships between daily pollen concentrations and meteorological variables such as temperature, humidity, precipitation, and wind speed. These findings highlight that both climatic conditions and the surrounding vegetation, shaped by regional land cover, play a crucial role in determining pollen dynamics. In conclusion, this study provides the first aerobiological baseline for Siirt and contributes valuable data for allergy-risk forecasting and long-term ecological monitoring in southeastern Türkiye. Full article

Saninten (Castanopsis argentea (Blume) A.DC.) is a protected plant that grows in the Mount Gede Pangrango National Park (MGPNP) area in West Java. Its population is limited, and as a valuable biological resource, Castanopsis has traditionally been utilized by indigenous communities, particularly those residing in proximity to the forest. However, the expansion and development of tourism pose a potential threat to the ecosystems of C. argentea and other endemic plant species, as well as to the wildlife that depend on these habitats. Comprehensive data on biodiversity, species composition, forest structure, and carbon stock status are crucial for assessing the potential impact of future tourism development. Our investigation was conducted from November 2023 to March 2024 in a three-hectare utilization zone within the confines of the national park. The findings documented a total of 36 species across 23 distinct plant families, with the families Fagaceae, Moraceae, and Myrtaceae exhibiting the highest levels of dominance. The regeneration of stands at the study site predominantly comprised arboreal species with the most substantial carbon stocks, including C. acuminatissima (Blume) A.DC. (Riung anak), C. argentea (Saninten), and Litsea sp. (Huru). C. argentea supplies several functions within this ecosystem that are interconnected with other components. With aboveground carbon stocks reaching 560.47 tons C/ha, the forest demonstrates high sequestration potential, reinforcing the need to conserve mature stands for both biodiversity and climate benefits. Therefore, in the future, the conservation of C. argentea will benefit the maintenance of the ecosystem’s attractiveness without adversely affecting the social and cultural structures of the local population. Full article

Wild edible fruits are important for ensuring food and nutritional security, especially in developing countries like South Africa. Globally, wild edible fruits are widely distributed, and they are consumed in different parts of the world; however, they are undervalued. This systematic review consolidates existing knowledge addressing the utilization of wild edible fruits, and their nutritional benefits. A total of 74 wild edible fruit species belonging to 29 families found in South Africa were documented in this study. The nutritional composition was reported only in 41 (55.4%) fruit species. The Anacardiaceae family had the most cited species (n = 11) (14.86%), followed by the Moraceae (n = 6) (8.1%), and Cucurbitaceae and Ebenaceae, of which each had five species, each contributing 5.4% to the total documented species. Sclerocarya birrea. (A.Rich.) Hochst., Mimusops zeyheri Sond., and Strychnos spinosa Lam. are three of the most important wild fruit species contributing to food and nutritional security. This review revealed that there is a dearth of literature studies that have substantially documented the contribution of wild edible fruits in food and nutritional security. In this regard, a study on ethnobotanical evaluation incorporating wild edible fruits used by local people could significantly provide insights and enhance our understanding of indigenous and technological knowledge that could be utilized to strengthen rural food security. Full article

Morus alba L. (Moraceae), white mulberry, is an ancient, well-known source of several compounds with potent biological activities and beneficial effects on human health. In this study, the juices of three stabilised undifferentiated cell lines, calli maintained in light and dark conditions, and suspensions maintained in dark condition of M. alba were investigated for their phytochemical content and biological activity. The results highlighted the main presence of oxyresveratrol and resveratrol-backbone glucosides, together with benzofuran derivatives. Oxyresveratrol triglucoside was found for the first time in M. alba in vitro cultures, where it represents the main compound, accounting for almost 90 µg/mL in all the juices. The total stilbenoid content resulted significantly higher in calli juices during the logarithmic phase of the growth cycle, and cell suspension juice exhibited the statistically highest total content (313.21 µg/mL of juice). Only cell suspension juice showed ROS reduction in Caco-2 cells, whereas all the juices reduced IL-1β and TNF-α levels in Caco-2 cells stimulated with LPS. These results lay the groundwork for the future exploitation of M. alba dedifferentiated cultures as sustainable resources of stilbenoid compounds to be used in the nutraceutical, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries. Full article

The priority habitat 91E0*, consisting of alluvial forests with Alnus glutinosa (L.) Gaertn. and Fraxinus excelsior L., represents a vital ecosystem along Europe’s riverbanks and floodplains. In Greece, the alluvial forests of the Nestos Delta are particularly notable for their unique composition and ecological importance. The present study aimed to assess woody species’ regeneration status and diversity in the priority habitat 91E0* in Nestos, Greece. In the studied area, 13 plant species belonging to 12 genera from 10 families were recorded. The most numerous families were Salicaceae (23.07%) and Moraceae (15.38%). The regeneration index (IR) for Amorpha fruticosa L. and Acer negundo L. exhibited a substantial decline, decreasing from 31.75 and 21.12 cm m⁻² to 2.07 and 2.6 cm m⁻², respectively. This intervention created space for expanding native tree species such as Cornus sanguinea L., Morus alba L., and Populus alba L. The results demonstrate that the regeneration of P. alba L. is currently the most extensive (31.1%) in the alluvial forest, with C. sanguinea L., M. alba L., and A. glutinosa (L.) Gaertn. also showing significant regeneration. In contrast, the regeneration of F. angustifolia Vahl remains very limited (0.21 cm m⁻²), indicating the necessity for targeted restoration efforts. Full article

Broussonetia papyrifera (L.) L’Hér. ex Vent., a dioecious tree species that belongs to the Moraceae family, is a perennial plant found extensively throughout China. Its leaves are rich in essential trace elements such as copper, molybdenum, manganese, and iron, as well as various biologically active compounds, including amino acids, polysaccharides, proteins, as well as flavonoids, phenylpropanoids, and other polyphenolic compounds. These compounds exhibit significant pharmacological effects, such as antioxidant, lipid-lowering, heat-clearing, detoxifying, blood-cooling, diuretic, and immunomodulatory activities. In recent years, B. papyrifera has gained attention for its medicinal potential; however, breeding efforts, especially those aimed at increasing the flavonoid content, have lagged. This study reviews the progress in research on the active medicinal ingredients of B. papyrifera, with a focus on identification methods, classification criteria, and enrichment technologies for its medicinal components. The biosynthesis of structural genes and transcription factors in flavonoids has been investigated in B. papyrifera. The pharmacological effects of the secondary metabolites of B. papyrifera were systematically examined, aiming to offer strategies for enhancing the flavonoid content and promoting its medicinal value. Full article

Ficus trees (Moraceae) play a vital role in sustaining the stability of tropical and subtropical rainforests. The obligate mutualism between Ficus species and their pollinating fig wasps renders them an exemplary model for investigating insect–plant coevolution. In this study, we employed Ficus hispida Linn. f., an ecologically significant fig species in tropical rainforests, to conduct a wasp-introduction controlled experiment in the field. This method enabled us to precisely delineate the developmental stages of figs. We collected samples at specific intervals and examined the impact of pollinating fig wasp entry on the hormonal metabolism of male and female figs using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry analysis. The findings demonstrate that pollinator entry significantly decreases fig abscission. Moreover, it substantially altered the developmental indices of the figs. Unpollinated figs exhibit elevated levels of abscisic acid (ABA), which increases the likelihood of fig abortion and reduces the probability of pollinator entry into senescent figs. Following pollinator entry, indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) levels rise in both male and female figs. Male figs show higher concentrations of 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC), jasmonic acid (JA), and salicylic acid (SA), whereas these changes are less pronounced in female figs. Additionally, pollinated male figs display increased levels of cytokinins (CKs) and other hormones compared to female figs, suggesting a coordinated hormonal response to the stress induced by pollinator oviposition and gall development. Our findings suggest that the entry of pollinators likely triggers the transition from the female to the interfloral phase, with hormonal regulation playing a crucial role in the reproductive dimorphism of figs. This research can offer novel insights into the mechanisms underlying fig–wasp mutualism. Full article

This study explores the metabolic profile and wound-healing capabilities of Ficus trijuja, a species within the Moraceae family, for the first time. Ficus plants contain a variety of secondary metabolites such as flavonoids, triterpenoids, and alkaloids, known for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cytotoxic properties. Previous studies demonstrated the effectiveness of Ficus extracts in wound healing, with evidence of improved wound contraction, strength, and faster epithelization. This study shows the impact of F. trijuja extract in a gel base as well as when delivered through a lipid nanocapsules (LNCs) formula, on all phases of wound-healing in rats, by determining the expression levels of their key markers. The results indicated that treatment with F. trijuja extract accelerated wound healing, particularly when applied through lipid nanocapsulation, which shows comparable efficacy to standard treatments like MEBO^® with approximately 2.62% improvement in wound healing when compared to MEBO^® itself. Understanding these molecular markers offers insights for developing targeted therapies to optimize wound healing and prevent complication development. To unravel the phytochemical composition of F. trijuja extract, LC-HRESIMS analysis was implemented, which revealed 24 secondary metabolites belonging to different classes of flavonoids, terpenoids, and megastigmane. In conclusion, both Ficus trijuja gel and its nanoformulation have proven efficacy in wound healing in vivo and can be further investigated for potential clinical use. Full article

In this study, we tested the insectistatic and insecticidal effects of the ethanolic extract of stems and bark of Ficus petiolaris Kunth (Moraceae) in laboratory bioassays with an artificial diet against newly hatched larvae of the fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda Smith (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). The extract was evaluated at five different concentrations (500, 1000, 1500, 2000, and 2500 ppm). The 2500 ppm extract had the strongest inhibitory effects on larval (89%) and pupal (20%) weight as well as the highest mortality (80%). The positive control, methyl parathion (Methyl Parathion^®) at 1%, eliminated 100% of the fall armyworm, and the negative control (artificial diet) had a mortality of only 5%. Chemical fractionation of F. petiolaris stem and bark extract produced five fractions of FpR1-5, each of which was evaluated at 250, 500, 750, 1000, and 1250 ppm. FpR4 presented the strongest inhibitory effect, reducing the weight of the larva and pupa by 35% and 18%, while FpR2 had the strongest insecticidal effect, with 90% mortality at 1250 ppm. The pure 8-Methoxypsoralen compound extracted from this fraction was even more effective, with 100% S. frugiperda mortality at 100 ppm. The 50% lethal concentration (LC₅₀) of 8-Methoxypsoralen was 67.68 ppm. Our results indicate that the F. petiolaris extract showed toxic activity against the fall armyworm, and its compound 8-Methoxypsoralen showed strong insecticidal activity at low concentrations. Full article

Black mulberry (Morus nigra L.) is a common edible fruit from the Moraceae family with a wide variety of nutritional and medicinal applications, mainly due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The purpose of this work was to investigate the cytoprotective and neuroprotective capacity of a hydrophilic black mulberry solvent-free extract rich in polyphenols, including the antioxidant, antiradical, and enzymatic mechanisms that would explain these effects. Its neuroprotective potential was evaluated in vitro using the Neuro-2a cell line and in vivo through the Caenorhabditis elegans organism model. Neuro-2a cells were treated at different concentrations of the extract (25–500 µg/mL) and hydrogen peroxide (300 µM) as an oxidant agent, simultaneously. From these treatments, redox status (intracellular ROS production) and cellular activity (MTT) were also quantified in Neuro-2a. Regarding the C. elegans assay, the protection of the extract against β-amyloid toxicity was measured against the CL4176 strain, which is a model of Alzheimer disease. As a complementary neuroprotective assay, its potential to inhibit the monoamine oxidase A (MAO-A) enzyme was measured. In addition, an Artemia salina bioassay was performed for preliminary toxicity screening. And its antioxidant properties were evaluated by means of the FRAP assay. The results confirm its neuroprotective potential and its ability to scavenge free radicals and decrease ROS production, also acting as a moderate MAO-A inhibitor. Moreover, the polyphenolic extract alleviates the toxicity induced by β-amyloid accumulation in C. elegans. Concluding, Morus nigra can be considered a functional food with bioactive compounds that may prevent the onset of neurodegenerative diseases. Full article

The present review explores the underlying mechanisms of phytophotodermatitis, a non-immunologic skin reaction triggered by certain plants followed by exposure to ultraviolet radiation emitted by sunlight. Recent research has advanced our understanding of the pathophysiology of phytophotodermatitis, highlighting the interaction between plant-derived photosensitizing compounds (e.g., furanocoumarins and psoralens) and ultraviolet light leading to skin damage (e.g., erythema, fluid blisters, edema, and hyperpigmentation), identifying these compounds as key contributors to the phototoxic reactions causing phytophotodermatitis. Progress in understanding the molecular pathways involved in the skin’s response to these compounds has opened avenues for identifying potential therapeutic targets suitable for the management and prevention of this condition. The review emphasizes the importance of identifying the most common phototoxic plant families (e.g., Apiaceae, Rutaceae, and Moraceae) and plant species (e.g., Heracleum mantegazzianum, Ruta graveolens, Ficus carica, and Pastinaca sativa), as well as the specific phytochemical compounds responsible for inducing phytophototoxicity (e.g., limes containing furocoumarin have been linked to lime-induced photodermatitis), underscoring the significance of recognizing the dangerous plant sources. Moreover, the most used approaches and tests for accurate diagnosis such as patch testing, Wood’s lamp examination, or skin biopsy are presented. Additionally, preventive measures such as adequate clothing (e.g., long-sleeved garments and gloves) and treatment strategies based on the current knowledge of phytophotodermatitis including topical and systemic therapies are discussed. Overall, the review consolidates recent findings in the field, covering a diverse array of phototoxic compounds in plants, the mechanisms by which they trigger skin reactions, and the implications for clinical management. By synthesizing these insights, we provide a comprehensive understanding of phytophotodermatitis, providing valuable information for both healthcare professionals and researchers working to address this condition. Full article