Search Results (87)

Climate change intensifies water scarcity and soil salinization, threatening agriculture and livestock systems, especially in arid Mediterranean regions. Halophytes and salt-tolerant plants offer sustainable alternatives to support ruminant health and productivity where traditional crops fail, helping mitigate climate impacts. This work evaluated seasonality effects on the biochemical properties, including proximate composition, minerals, antioxidant properties, and the phenolic composition of the aerial organs of halophytes and salt-tolerant species, aiming at their future exploitation in ruminant production as novel nutraceutical or phytotherapeutic products. Target species included four halophytic species according to the eHaloph database (Calystegia soldanella (L.) R. Br. 1810, Medicago marina L. 1753, Plantago coronopus L. 1753, and Limoniastrum monopetalum (L.) Boiss. 1848) and five salt-tolerant plants (Pistacia lentiscus L. 1753, Cladium mariscus (L.) Pohl 1809, Inula crithmoides L. (syn. Limbarda crithmoides Dumort. 1827), Helichrysum italicum subsp. picardii (Boiss. & Reut.) Franco 1984, and Crucianella maritima L. 1753). H. italicum, M. marina, and C. soldanella appear well-suited for nutraceutical applications, while P. lentiscus, L. monopetalum, and C. mariscus hold promise for the development of, for example, phytotherapeutic products. This research underscores the significance of seasonal and species-specific variations in nutrient and phytochemical composition, displaying a range of opportunities for novel, sustainable, and tailored solutions to ruminant production systems in arid environments. Full article

The genus Pistacia from the Anacardiaceae family contains species of wild flowering plants. The only species that produces edible nuts large enough for commercial sale is P. vera L. (pistachio). Other species, such as P. terebinthus L., P. atlantica L., and P. khinjuk, are used as pistachio rootstocks. Pistacia species include phenolic compounds, such as flavonoids, essential oils, and tannins, which are responsible for a number of pharmacological properties. The species most commonly investigated for their anticancer and/or cytotoxic activities against cancer cells in experimental studies include P. lentiscus, P. atlantica subspecies, and P. chinensis subsp. integerrima. However, no review exists that evaluates the phenolic compounds of three other Pistacia species (P. vera L., P. terebinthus L., and P. khinjuk) and their anticancer and cytotoxic effects. Thus, this review aims to thoroughly assess the phenolic compounds that were isolated from these species and investigate any potential anticancer or cytotoxic effects on cancer cells. The findings show that pistacia species and their isolated phenolic compounds (phenolic acids, flavonoids, and essential oils) from different plant parts have anticancer activity against lung, cervical, prostate, gastric, colon, liver, renal, skin, and breast cancer cells. Additionally, certain phenolic compounds from pistacia species have cytotoxic activity; however, the degree of toxicity may vary based on the dosage and duration of use. Further experiments are required to fully understand the possible mechanisms underlying the anticancer and cytotoxic effects of pistacia species and their phenolic compounds on cancer cells. Full article

Mastic gum, a plant-based resin from mastic trees, has become very popular in recent years and has been used in various food products due to its strong and positive aroma properties. In the present study, key odorant compounds of the mastic gum (MG) samples obtained from mastic gum trees (Pistacia lentiscus var. Chia) from two different countries, Türkiye (MGT) and Greece (MGG), were investigated and compared. The aroma-active compounds (AACs) were determined by aroma extract dilution analysis (AEDA) and by using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry-olfactometry (GC-MS-O). The two mastic gum samples exhibited similar aroma profiles but significant differences were observed in their concentrations. Among the aroma groups identified in both samples, monoterpenes were the most abundant group with α-pinene as the main compound followed by β-myrcene and β-pinene. On the other hand, the most dominant AAC in both samples was determined to be α-pinene (resinous, forest-like odor), followed by β-pinene (resinous, terpene-like odor), β-myrcene (pine-like, greenish odor), and linalool (floral, fruity odor), all of which had high flavor dilution (FD) values. The findings of the AEDA and sensory analysis revealed that the MGT sample contained more floral and fruity odors while the MGG sample had more resinous and pine-woody odors. Full article

Forests and scrubland comprise a large proportion of terrestrial ecosystems and, due to the long lifespan of trees and shrubs, their capacity to grow and store carbon as lasting woody tissues is particularly sensitive to warming-enhanced drought occurrence. Climate change may trigger a transition from forests to scrubland in many drylands during the coming decades due to the higher resilience of shrubs. However, we lack standardized frameworks to compare the response to drought of woody plants. We present a framework and develop an index to estimate the drought-induced vulnerability (DrVi) of trees and shrubs based on the radial growth trajectory and the response of growth variability to a drought index. We used tree-ring width series of three tree (Pinus halepensis Mill., Juniperus thurifera L., and Acer monspessulanum L.) and three shrub (Juniperus oxycedrus L., Pistacia lentiscus L., and Ephedra nebrodensis Tineo ex Guss.) species from semi-arid areas to test this framework. We compared the DrVi values between species and populations and explored their temporal changes. Across species, the strongest DrVi values were found in declining P. halepensis stands and J. oxycedrus from the same site, while the lowest DrVi values were found in A. monspessulanum, P. lentiscus, and E. nebrodensis. Across populations, J. oxycedrus presented higher vulnerability in one of the dry sites. The P. halepensis declining stand showed a steady increase in DrVi value after the 1980s as the climate shifted toward warmer and drier conditions. We conclude that the DrVi allows comparing species and populations using a standardized general framework. Full article

Mastic gum (Pistacia lentiscus L. resin), traditionally known as Meska Horra in Morocco, is valued for its bioactive properties, although its composition varies depending on its geographical origin. The essential oil profile is also influenced by the extraction method used. This study evaluates the chemical composition, bioactivity, and extraction efficiency of Meska Horra essential oil from eastern Morocco. Specifically, it explores its potential as a natural preservative and functional food ingredient by comparing various extraction methods and their impact on the profiles of volatile compounds. The essential oil obtained through hydrodistillation yielded 1.4% and met the standards of the European Pharmacopoeia despite differing in composition and quantity from Chios mastic gum. The major constituents were α-pinene, β-pinene, and D-limonene, comprising 55% of the oil. The oil demonstrated significant antioxidant and antimicrobial activity, supporting its potential application in food preservation. Molecular docking indicated that caryophyllene and its oxide are key bioactive compounds, although their effectiveness may be enhanced by synergistic interactions. Comparative analysis of extraction methods showed that headspace (HS) extraction captured highly volatile monoterpenes, while solid-phase microextraction (SPME) and ultrasound-assisted SPME (US-SPME) were more effective at extracting compounds such as cis-ocimene and limonene. US-SPME also extracted higher levels of m-cymene but lower levels of α-pinene. These findings highlights the importance of optimizing extraction methods and further investigating the role of synergistic effects in foods and pharmaceutical applications. Full article

Chios mastiha is the natural aromatic resin of Pistacia lentiscus L. var. Chia, Anacardiaceae, which is exclusively cultivated in the southern part of the Greek island of Chios. Chios mastiha (P. lenticonus/Chios mastiha) is well-known for its distinctive taste and aroma and has been known since ancient times due to its healing properties in gastrointestinal and inflammatory disorders and because of its anti-bacterial and anti-fungal activities. In this study, the chemical composition, applying LC-QTOF-MS/MS analysis, and the antioxidant activities of three different polarity P. lenticonus/Chios mastiha fractions, apolar, medium polar, and polar, were characterized in human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells. Chemical analysis of the fractions unveiled new components of P. lenticonus/Chios mastiha, mainly fatty acids compounds, known for their antioxidant activity and regulatory effects on lipid metabolism. By applying the MTT assay and confocal microscopy analysis, we showed that P. lenticonus/Chios mastiha fractions, especially the apolar and medium polar fractions, enriched in triterpenes and fatty acids, caused suppression of the H₂O₂-induced reduction in cell viability, ROS production, and depolarization of the mitochondrial membrane potential, in SH-SY5Y cells. Moreover, Western blot analysis revealed that apolar fraction, enriched in fatty acids, induced expression of the PPARα, which is well-known for its antioxidant activities and its crucial role in lipid metabolism. Induction of PPARα, a GR target gene, was also accompanied by an increase in GR protein levels. Enhanced antioxidant activities of the apolar fraction may be correlated with its chemical composition, enriched in fatty acids and triterpenoids. Thus, our results indicate the neuroprotective actions of P. lenticonus/Chios mastiha fractions, highlighting their potential application as neuroprotective agents in neurodegenerative diseases. Full article

In Europe, food and agricultural waste amount to millions of tonnes annually. Effective management and valorisation of these residues result in environmental benefits and foster opportunities within the circular economy. Composting has emerged as a sustainable method to convert waste into fertiliser, enhancing soil fertility, water retention, and crop resilience against diseases. However, an adequate compost production process is vital to obtain a functional fertiliser. In this study, a controlled conditions self-produced compost from horticultural waste (C1) was compared against two other commercial composts, one of similar vegetable origin (C2) and another from chicken manure (C3). Physicochemical parameters and nutrient contents in the three compost types were analysed, and phytotoxicity and plant development tests were carried out on Lolium multiflorum Lam. seeds and Pistacia lentiscus L. seedlings. C1 presented fertility and germination parameters similar to C3 and showed the best seedling development. In contrast, C2 showed low levels of fertility, germination, and plant development because of impurities and possible substances inhibiting plant growth, suggesting inadequate compost formation processes. Finally, C3, although it presented germination data similar to C1, produced the worst results in the development of seedlings, probably because of high salinity values and low phosphorus content. Full article

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common chronic liver disease without an approved pharmacological approach for its prevention/treatment. Based on the modified Delphi process, NAFLD was redefined as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) to highlight the metabolic aspect of liver pathogenesis. Chios mastiha (Pistacia lentiscus var. Chia, Anacardiaceae) resin demonstrated promising results in MASLD treatment. In this paper, molecular docking was applied to test 16 compounds from Chios mastiha as potential ligands for the receptors GR, LXRα, LXRβ, PPARα PPARγ, MC4R, AMPK, and VEGFR2, whose up- and down-regulation interfere with MASLD development and progression. The observed compounds had moderate and high affinity for LXR, GR, MC4R, and PPARγ in comparison to proven ligands, while their affinity for PPARα, AMPK, and VEGFR was less pronounced. The combination of active compounds from Chios mastiha rather than a single molecule may have a superior ability to control the intertwined MASLD metabolic pathways. Full article

Pistacia lentiscus L., commonly known as the mastic tree or lentisk, is a woody Mediterranean plant revered for its ecological relevance as well as for its extensive ethnobotanical heritage. Historically, the fruits and the resin of P. lentiscus have been widely utilized in traditional medicine, underscoring its important role in local healing practices. Given these properties, this study explored an innovative approach to efficiently extract anthocyanins and flavonols from P. lentiscus oilcakes utilizing ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) as an alternative to conventional solvent extraction. Liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS) and high-performance liquid chromatography with diode-array detection (HPLC-DAD) were used to identify and quantify the anthocyanins and flavonols, revealing the successful extraction of eight distinct anthocyanins and twenty flavonols. A Fractional Factorial Design (FFD) followed by a Box–Behnken design (BBD) were applied to optimize the yield of anthocyanins and flavonols. The optimal extraction conditions found were to be an extraction time of 15 min with 70% ethanol as the solvent and a liquid-to-solid ratio of 0.012 L g⁻¹, which resulted in a maximum extraction yield of 19.78 mg g⁻¹ dry extract for the Total Flavonol Content and over 25.4 mg g⁻¹ dry extract for the Total Flavonol and Anthocyanin Content. By elucidating the optimal conditions for extracting anthocyanins and flavonol glycosides, this study opens promising avenues for utilizing P. lentiscus oilcake by-products, supporting sustainable practices, and advancing the valorization of Mediterranean bio-resources for health-promoting applications. Full article

Leaf water potential ($\psi$_leaf) is a key indicator of plant water status, but its measurement is labor-intensive and limited in spatial coverage. While remote sensing has emerged as a useful tool for estimating vegetation water status, $\psi$_leaf remains unexplored, particularly in mixed forests. Here, we use spectral indices derived from unmanned aerial vehicle-based hyperspectral imaging and machine learning algorithms to assess $\psi$_leaf in a mixed, multi-species Mediterranean forest comprised of five key woody species: Pinus halepensis, Quercus calliprinos, Cupressus sempervirens, Ceratonia siliqua, and Pistacia lentiscus. Hyperspectral images (400–1000 nm) were acquired monthly over one year, concurrent with $\psi$_leaf measurements in each species. Twelve spectral indices and thousands of normalized difference spectral index (NDSI) combinations were evaluated. Three machine learning algorithms—random forest (RF), extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost), and support vector machine (SVM)—were used to model $\psi$_leaf. We compared the machine learning model results with linear models based on spectral indices and the NDSI. SVM, using species information as a feature, performed the best with a relatively good $\psi$_leaf assessment (R² = 0.53; RMSE = 0.67 MPa; rRMSE = 28%), especially considering the small seasonal variance in $\psi$_leaf ($\pm \sigma$ = 0.8 MPa). Predictions were best for Cupressus sempervirens (R² = 0.80) and Pistacia lentiscus (R² = 0.49), which had the largest $\psi$_leaf variances ($\pm \sigma$ > 1 MPa). Aggregating data at the plot scale in a ‘general’ model markedly improved the $\psi$_leaf model (R² = 0.79, RMSE = 0.31 MPa; rRMSE = 13%), providing a promising tool for monitoring mixed forest $\psi$_leaf. The fact that a non-species-specific, ‘general’ model could predict $\psi$_leaf implies that such a model can also be used with coarser resolution satellite data. Our study demonstrates the potential of combining hyperspectral imagery with machine learning for non-invasive $\psi$_leaf estimation in mixed forests while highlighting challenges in capturing interspecies variability. Full article

24Z-Masticadienonic acid (MNA) and 24Z-isomasticadienonic acid (IMNA) are the major triterpenic acids in Chios Mastic Gum (CMG), a resin derived from Pistacia lentiscus var. Chia. Despite their promising pharmacological potential, limited information is available due to the complexity of isolating them in pure form. This study developed a chemo-selective method for isolating MNA and IMNA and investigated their chemical transformation through isomerization of the external double bond and A-ring contraction of the triterpene scaffold. A rapid method for isolating MNA from CMG was first established, followed by a high-yield acid-catalyzed procedure to obtain both 24Z and 24E isomers of IMNA. Additionally, a basic catalyzed isomerization of IMNA led to the formation of two new compounds with A-ring contraction, which could serve as novel scaffolds for the design of new triterpene analogs. The mixture of MNA/IMNA, along with the individual compounds and their semi-synthetic analogs, exhibited significant anti-inflammatory activity. Notably, 24E-isomasticadienonic acid and 24Z-2-hydroxy-3-oxotirucalla-1,8,24-trien-26-oic acid, a previously unreported compound, significantly reduced the mRNA expression levels of Tnf, Il6, and Nfkb1 in RAW 264.7 macrophage cells. Full article

Plant microbiomes represent a reservoir of adaptive traits that can enhance plant resilience and productivity. In this study, we investigated the potential of a synthetic microbial consortium (SynCom), composed of five nitrogen-fixing Bacillaceae derived from the phyllosphere of Pistacia lentiscus L., to promote the growth of Lactuca sativa L. under nutrient-limiting availability. The short-term effects of the SynCom were evaluated in a hydroponic system, and four inoculation treatments were compared. The root and leaf inoculation (RL) significantly increased total plant biomass, driven by higher above-ground (+33%) and below-ground (+31%) biomass. The number of leaves per plant and leaf mass per area were also significantly enhanced in RL (+12% and +34%, respectively). While root-only inoculation (R) did not alter plant biomass, structure, or leaf traits, foliar spraying (L) significantly decreased the total leaf area and increased root biomass and the root-to-shoot ratio compared to non-inoculated plants, suggesting a direct influence of microbial metabolites on root growth and nutrient uptake. Compared to the individual R and L treatments, the synergistic effect observed in RL highlights the complex interplay between plant–microbe interactions in the rhizosphere and phyllosphere and the importance of ensuring adequate nutrient availability to nitrogen-fixing bacteria to achieve their growth-promoting potential fully. These findings suggest the potential for utilizing SynComs as bioinoculants to promote plant growth, emphasizing the need to optimize application strategies, considering both the SynCom composition and the host plant’s nutritional status to ensure efficacy. Full article

The increasing drought caused by climate change makes it difficult for rural areas reliant on pasture-based livestock farming to sustain their agricultural practices. Blackberries, a spreading species, have been selected as the material for this study due to their perennial shrub nature and their tolerance to adverse environmental conditions. Türkiye, the gene center for blackberries, is part of the Mediterranean belt and is located at the intersection of three flora regions—Mediterranean, Euro-Siberian, and Irano-Turanian. This study aims to determine the forage value of the Rubus species and other shrub/tree species (Quercus, Pistacia, and Rosa) collected and identified from these flora regions. Furthermore, a linear regression analysis established a relationship between the forage values and the SPEI, a drought index, considering the combined effects of rainfall and temperature in the collection regions. Among the Rubus species, the highest organic matter content (887.8 g kg⁻¹) was obtained from R. pruinosus. In comparison, the highest protein content (240.1 g kg⁻¹) was found in cultivated blackberries in the Euro-Siberian flora region. P. lentiscus had the highest Ca content (14.4 g kg⁻¹) and offered feed at the “Prime” level with 154 of RFV. The SPEI explained 87% of the variation in fructan, 89% in Mg, and 92% in ADF. Due to the perennial nature of the species studied, a strong relationship was found between their growth and forage values over a 48-month time scale using the SPEI. Consequently, the equations related to ADF, Mg, and fructan content obtained in this study can be recommended for woody species. Full article

Chios mastic gum (CMG), the resin of Pistacia lentiscus var. Chia, is a product with great ethnopharmacological and economic significance. This study attempts to investigate, for the first time, the activity of CMG, its fractions and isolated compounds against specific enzymes, which play pivotal roles in the degradation of proteins contained in skin connective tissue. Initially, crude CMG was subjected to extraction, fractionation and isolation through different chromatographic techniques to obtain the acidic and neutral fraction of terpenes. Additionally, the characteristic and major active triterpene acids of CMG, masticadienonic and isomasticadienonic acids (MNA, IMNA) were isolated in pure form. All samples were analysed by means of High-Performance Thin-Layer Chromatography (HPTLC) with four distinct development systems to obtain their constituents’ profile. Finally, samples were tested for their ability to inhibit the elastase and collagenase enzymes. According to our findings, for collagenase, a mixture of MNA and IMNA demonstrated the most potent activity with an IC₅₀ value of 31.07 μg/mL, while for elastase CMG’s acidic fraction provided the most promising results with an IC₅₀ value of 17.30 μg/mL. Overall, these results attempt to fill the gap in scientific knowledge about the use of CMG and its constituents in skincare and cosmetic products. Full article