Search Results (164)

Phytoestrogens are plant-derived phenolic compounds that structurally resemble endogenous estrogens and can exert both estrogenic and anti-estrogenic effects in animals. In ruminant nutrition, the main classes of phytoestrogens (isoflavones, lignans, stilbenes, coumestans and selected flavonoids) are supplied predominantly by legume forages and soybean-based feeds, in which concentrations can reach several mg/g of dry matter. After ingestion, these compounds are extensively metabolized by the rumen microbiota to derivatives with altered biological potency, such as equol and p-ethyl-phenol, which influence endocrine, immune and metabolic pathways. Experimental and field studies in cattle, sheep and goats indicate that dietary phytoestrogens may improve nitrogen utilization, immune competence, growth performance, antioxidant status and milk yield. However, they can also impair fertility, modify hormone profiles and compromise embryo survival in a compound-, dose-, and species-dependent manner. In this review, we summarize current knowledge on the botanical and nutritional sources, ruminal metabolism and transfer of phytoestrogens in ruminants, and critically examine their effects on blood metabolites, immune responses, growth and carcass traits and lactational performance and reproductive function. A structured literature search based on PRISMA principles was used to identify and appraise experimental and observational studies in both grazing and intensive production systems up to 2025. Remaining knowledge gaps and practical implications for the safe use of phytoestrogen-rich feeds in livestock production are highlighted. Full article

Crete, a major Mediterranean biodiversity hotspot, hosts many local endemic, threatened and/or protected plant taxa (species and subspecies). Besides their ecological and conservation significance, these unique phytogenetic resources hold significant economic potential for sustainable utilization. Since DNA barcoding is critical for conservation, taxonomy, and plant-derived product authentication, we studied 15 local Cretan endemic taxa using three chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) regions (rbcL, trnL, trnH-psbA). A comparative analysis against GenBank (NCBI) records revealed significant new data: (i) the first genetic information for five taxa (Centaurea redempta subsp. redempta, Galium fruticosum, Micromeria hispida, Salix kaptarae, Teucrium cuneifolium); (ii) new marker-specific sequences for seven taxa (Helichrysum heldreichii, Scutellaria hirta, Sesleria doerfleri, Staehelina petiolata, Teucrium alpestre, Campanula pelviformis, Phlomis lanata); and (iii) novel genotypes of already represented markers for three species (Phlomis lanata, Scutellaria sieberi, Staehelina petiolata). Phylogenetic analyses were performed for all three molecular markers across selected members of Scutellaria section Scutellaria, Teucrium section Polium, and Campanula section Quinqueloculares. The overall results indicated that, amongst the studied species, the trnH-psbA marker is more suitable for species-level identification, whereas the rbcL and trnL markers were more helpful to genus-level identification within Lamiaceae and Campanulaceae. These results enrich the DNA barcoding reference library and form a concrete contribution towards the protection, conservation and traceability of Crete’s unique botanical heritage. Full article

Species of the genus Prunus, including Prunus nipponica var. kurilensis, Prunus sargentii, and Prunus maximowiczii, are widely distributed in the Far Eastern region, covering the territories of Northern China, Korea, Japan, the Kuril Islands, Sakhalin Island, and Primorsky Region in Russia. As part of this study, the flowers of nine specimens of the aforementioned species were collected from the Peter the Great Botanical Garden of the Russian Academy of Sciences (RAS), which was founded in 1714 and is one of the oldest botanical gardens in Russia. This study is the first comprehensive metabolomic analysis of cherry blossoms from East Asia, with a particular focus on the varieties P. nipponica var. kurilensis, P. sargentii and P. maximowiczii. The main objective of the work was to identify and characterize biologically active polyphenolic substances and other chemotypes in the studied plant samples. Metabolomic analysis of flower extracts from three species of Prunus: P. nipponica var. kurilensis, P. sargentii, and P. maximowiczii revealed the presence of one hundred and eight polyphenol compounds and fourteen compounds belonging to other chemical groups. Principal component analysis showed that PC1 (26.6%) and PC2 (19.0%) explain 45.6% of the total variance. A clear separation of P. maximowiczii was observed, while P. nipponica from all regions was represented by a single species, and P. sargentii showed variability. Samples from Sakhalin were grouped separately. These results suggest that species identity and origin may influence the metabolic differentiation of the plant material studied. The observed separation of P. maximowiczii from other species may be due to both species-specific metabolism and adaptation to the environmental conditions in Sakhalin. A heatmap with hierarchical clustering revealed a clear clustering of samples based on their origin and species. Samples of P. sargentii from different sources were grouped together, indicating a similar metabolic profile. Samples of P. nipponica var. kurilensis formed a separate cluster with characteristic features of compound distribution. Samples of P. maximowiczii from Sakhalin also formed a separate cluster that was not related to the other two species. This supports the hypothesis that the subspecies that grow in the northern regions have a greater metabolic diversity. It is suggested that this richness of polyphenols is due to the harsh climatic conditions and the accompanying stress factors. The flowers of P. nipponica var. kurilensis, P. sargentii, and P. maximowiczii are characterized by a high content of biologically active compounds, which makes them promising objects for the creation of biologically active supplements and the development of new therapeutic agents in the pharmaceutical industry. Full article

Ethnopharmacological studies are growing in number in Europe; however, research on medicinal plants in Lithuania focusing on dermatological and cosmetic applications is still scarce. This study aimed to evaluate ethnobotanical heritage related to the treatment of skin diseases and cosmetic use in Northern Lithuania and to assess the compliance of traditional medicinal plant use indications with European Union herbal monographs. This study involved 36 participants aged 40 to 89. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews. This study documented 76 plant species belonging to 41 botanical families for the treatment of skin diseases and cosmetic purposes. This knowledge was primarily transmitted through family traditions, with 59.2% of respondents reporting that they acquired this knowledge from parents or grandparents. The medicinal plants most frequently mentioned for the treatment of skin diseases and cosmetic purposes were Aloe vera (L.) Burm. f. and Plantago major L. The most popular preparation method was topical application (32.4%) for treating skin diseases and decoction (38.5%) for cosmetic purposes. Plant-based raw materials were most often used to treat skin wounds (24.5%), as well as skin inflammation (16.3%) and burns (12.1%). For cosmetic purposes, the most frequently mentioned indication was dry skin (23.6% of plants). Of the 76 recorded plant species, 41 (53.9%) were not included in herbal monographs, and only 15 species (42.86%) were used in accordance with approved medical indications for skin diseases. Many plant species are used without European Medicines Agency-approved medical indications, relying solely on traditional and folk knowledge. Full article

This review summarizes current knowledge on naturally occurring pristimerin-pristimerin triterpenoid dimers, a rare and structurally diverse class of secondary metabolites reported mainly from Celastraceae species. Known dimers are compiled with emphasis on botanical sources and key architectural features, including the variety of interunit linkages, regio- and stereochemical diversity, and distinct isomeric forms (including atropisomerism). Major advances in structure elucidation and structural revisions are discussed, highlighting the role of modern spectroscopic tools—particularly 2D NMR methods and chiroptical techniques—in resolving connectivity and absolute configuration, and in correcting several earlier assignments. Proposed biosynthetic scenarios are outlined, focusing on the reactivity of the quinone-methide motif and its interconversion with 2,3-diketone forms, as well as (hetero) Diels-Alder-type processes; selected biomimetic studies are summarized as supportive evidence for these pathways. A critical overview of available biological data indicates that many pristimerin dimers display limited activity in common antimicrobial and cytotoxicity assays when compared with monomeric congeners, which may point to alternative ecological roles or storage/transport functions in planta. Finally, key knowledge gaps and future directions are identified, including improved isolation coverage, rigorous synthetic/biomimetic work, and broader pharmacological screening beyond standard panels. Full article

Botanical extracts have emerged as promising biostimulants in agricultural systems because of their ability to modulate key metabolic and redox processes in crops, thereby increasing stress tolerance and productivity. This review synthesizes current knowledge on how botanical extracts influence plant metabolism and redox homeostasis, with a particular emphasis on their role in adaptive cellular responses. Evidence indicates that these extracts can increase antioxidant enzyme activity, regulate reactive oxygen species (ROS) signaling, and promote the accumulation of bioactive metabolites associated with improved stress tolerance and enhanced growth. This review also examines how agronomic practices, including nutritional management, water availability, light regimes, and preharvest biostimulant applications, together with emerging biotechnological approaches, can be strategically employed to optimize the bioactive composition and efficacy of botanical extracts. By integrating recent advances in metabolomics and transcriptomics, the manuscript highlights the biochemical and molecular reprogramming triggered by botanical extracts. It identifies key challenges, including variability in extract composition, lack of standardization, and context-dependent responses. Finally, future research directions are outlined, emphasizing the need for mechanistic understanding, quantitative evaluation of plant responses, and the development of standardized frameworks to support the sustainable application of botanical extracts in agriculture. Full article

Intensive ornamental planting is increasingly prevalent in urban green spaces, yet its effects on soil microbial community assembly and interaction networks remain poorly understood. Here, we examined shifts in soil properties, microbial diversity, community composition, and interaction networks across successive planting cycles. Bacterial alpha-diversity remained relatively stable, whereas fungal communities showed pronounced sensitivity to early planting stages. Beta-diversity analyses revealed that bacterial community composition was jointly influenced by planting stage and site type, while fungal communities were primarily structured by site characteristics. Co-occurrence network analysis revealed contrasting reassembly trajectories between microbial groups. Bacterial networks exhibited increasing complexity and modularity, indicating enhanced interaction intensity and competitive structuring under intensive management. In contrast, fungal networks displayed reduced connectivity but maintained or recovered modular organization, suggesting structural buffering. Notably, keystone taxa remained taxonomically conserved, indicating that network reorganization was driven by interaction rewiring rather than species turnover. We propose a dual-speed reassembly framework in which bacteria function as fast-responding components with dynamic interaction networks, whereas fungi act as slow-buffering, structurally persistent elements. This decoupling of short-term functional responsiveness and long-term stability provides new insights into how intensive management reshapes soil microbiomes in botanical garden ecosystems. Full article

X. fastidiosa subsp. pauca (Xfp) is the etiological agent of “Olive Quick Decline Syndrome” (OQDS). Cellina di Nardò (Olea europaea L., Oleaceae), one of the major Salento cultivars, is highly susceptible to Xfp, usually showing acute symptoms after infection. NuovOlivo^® a plant-derived formulation made with vegetal oils and water infusion from multi botanical species has been reported as effective against OQDS in plants affected by Xfp. A non-targeted ¹H NMR (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance) fingerprinting approach, with unsupervised and supervised analysis, was applied to observe the possible changes in the metabolic profile in leaf samples of cultivars Cellina di Nardò naturally affected by Xfp treated with NuovOlivo^® compared to untreated plants. The major differences were observed for the content of quinic acid, malate, mannitol, glucose, oleuropein, and aldehyde derivatives in treated compared to untreated samples. The resulting data indicated a season-dependent plant response to both disease and treatment. Moreover, the overall differences observed between the two investigated years, suggest a general decrease in the differences for the discriminating metabolites over time. The protocol NuovOlivo^® was demonstrated to promote changes in the metabolic profile of olive leaves, suggesting a possible role of this treatment, integrated with good agricultural practices, against Xfp and OQDS. Full article

Transitioning from traditional to organic production is gaining popularity worldwide with significant challenges including weed management. We evaluated how legumes sown as cover crops in a synchronous intercropping (SI) system with organic oat (Avena sativa) as the main crop impacted weed communities. A split-plot design was set up on a farm in Poularies (Quebec, Canada) to compare Melilotus officinalis, Trifolium incarnatum, Trifolium repens and a control without legumes for two years (2019–2020). We determined the botanical composition, calculated diversity indices, and measured plant functional traits. Species richness was similar (S = 5.5 ± 0.4) across treatments in 2019, but higher in the control (S = 12.2 ± 2.6) and lower (S = 6.0 ± 1.2) under T. incarnatum in 2020. Shannon diversity was lower in 2019 (H′ = 1.49 ± 0.07) than in 2020 (H′ = 1.99 ± 0.04), and higher under the control (H′ = 1.87 ± 0.05) than under T. incarnatum (H′ = 1.46 ± 0.04). Weeds under T. incarnatum had a high specific leaf area and a resource-acquisition strategy, while those in the control had a higher leaf dry matter content and a resource-conservation strategy. Our study brings novel results on the use of legumes in SI systems to control weeds. Using T. incarnatum in a SI system with oat had the greatest capacity to cover the ground, control weeds and reduce their diversity, but this species and the acquisitive weeds in this treatment could compete with the main crop. Future research should evaluate the quantity and quality of yields to complete this ecological study and give appropriate agronomic recommendations. Our results could provide agronomists and farmers with indications on the level of competition weeds exert on the cropping system depending on the SI treatment. Full article

Dragon plants is a specific term for a group of species whose names refer to “dragon”, such as dragon’s blood or dragon fruit, combining exotic origins with interesting biological properties. The aim of the study was to analyse and compare the cosmetic potential of dragon fruit—pitaya (Hylocereus spp.) and dragon tree resin (Dracaena draco), known as dragon’s blood. This article presents the botanical characteristics of both raw materials, their chemical composition, and the most important bioactive compounds. A review of cosmetic properties was conducted, such as antioxidant, moisturizing, regenerative, anti-inflammatory, and colouring effects. The results of the analysis indicate that dragon fruit provides easily accessible and mild active substances, making it suitable for use in a wide range of skincare products. Dragon’s blood exhibits stronger and more targeted biological activity, including antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and regenerative properties; however, its use is limited by the low availability of the raw material and species protection. The conclusions emphasize the complementarity of the two ingredients. Pitaya serves as a preventive and care raw material, while dragon’s blood can be treated as an exclusive ingredient in specialized preparations and dermocosmetics. The article utilized the available literature, mostly from the past five years. Valuable examples of articles on this topic from 1998 to 2020 were also identified. The main literature source was Google Scholar. Full article

With evolving consumption trends, the coffee market is experiencing increasing demand for high-quality, traceable coffees, which, in turn, has led to price growth. Therefore, due to its increased economic value, coffee has become a constant target of fraudulent actions. As result, many analytical techniques have been explored as tools for coffee classification and authentication, of which the use of digital, hyperspectral and/or multispectral imaging is noteworthy. This type of analysis provides rapid, non-destructive, environmentally friendly, and increasingly accessible alternatives to conventional analytical methods. By consulting three different databases, this work systematically revised articles published in the last 10 years, which utilize digital image analysis and hyper/multispectral imaging for the botanical and geographical classification and authentication of coffees. The reviewed studies (n = 17) demonstrate that, when paired with classification algorithms, discrimination across species, origins, and quality categories can be achieved. A critical point to highlight is the importance of using whole beans and standardizes roast degree to avoid biasing the models. Concerning digital images, relying solely on color features limits the robustness of the classification models. Incorporating complementary textural and shape features is thus necessary to capture the coffee botanical or geographic information, as shown in a minor number of the selected studies. In a similar fashion, for hyper/multispectral imaging, there is still potential to further exploit the spatial information, thus achieving the technique’s full potential. The evidence indicates that image-based methods are steadily progressing into reliable tools for coffee authentication. Full article

This pilot study investigated whether ambient biogenic volatile organic compounds (bVOCs)—scent profiles emitted by botanic glasshouse vegetation—could contribute to quantifiable human health and wellbeing outcomes. Over 11 months in 2024 (January–December), human participant trials were conducted at the Oxford Botanic Garden to compare the physiological and psychological effects associated with spending 30 min exposures in five different vegetation-rich glasshouses, each characterised by a distinct and complex bVOCs profile, with those of a plant-free room. Pre- and post-intervention assessments were conducted on 43 participants, using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), heart-beat rate (beats per minute), and heart rate variability (HRV): the latter two are widely used as an index of regulation of the autonomic nervous system. Significant reductions in STAI anxiety scores and decreases in heart-beat rate were observed, while HRV indices remained stable, relative to the plant-free room, following glasshouse exposure. Distinct scent profiles in the glasshouses included compounds that have previously shown associations with therapeutic effects in clinical settings, indicating the potential of these scented vegetation-rich glasshouse environments to promote the beneficial health effects observed in this study. Overall, these findings highlight the potential public health value of aromatic plant species and the importance of incorporating them into urban green space planning and policy. Full article

Inspired by the lack of wide-scale family level screenings, the profile of tocochromanols in Berberidaceae family species belonging to the Berberis, Mahonia, Caulophyllum, Jeffersonia and Podophyllum genera was studied. Seeds were acquired from botanical gardens around the world and tocopherol and tocotrienol content was tested using ultrasound-assisted extraction in ethanol (UAEE) and compared to saponification protocol and analyzed by an RP-HPLC-FLD system. The UAEE protocol produced 93% average tocochromanol recovery compared to the saponification protocol. All investigated samples were tocotrienol-dominated, the lowest proportions being in B. regeliana, B. thunbergii and B. aristata at means of 55%, 56% and 58%, respectively. The main tocochromanol constituents were α-tocotrienol and γ-tocotrienol. The highest α-tocotrienol content was observed in B. tchonskyana at 9.14 mg 100 g⁻¹ dw, and the highest γ-tocotrienol and sum of free tocochromanol content was observed in J. diphylla at 18.00 and 23.76 mg 100 g⁻¹ dw, respectively. Principal component analysis and k-means cluster analysis based on a free tocochromanol profile indicated γ-tocotrienol and α-tocotrienol content as the main differentiators. However, a comprehensive sample set could only be collected for the Berberis genus, warranting further research into Berberidaceae seed tocochromanols. Full article

Agroecosystems comprise various components, including weeds, insects, and microorganisms, which interact with one another and play distinct roles in achieving sustainable agriculture. This balance is essential for both agricultural productivity and environmental preservation. This study explores the relationship between diversity and ecological functions of weed species and the entomofauna present in a pasture under rotational grazing and organic management in Otavalo, Ecuador. Sampling was conducted over an area of 2.5 hectares. We identified and counted weeds using 65 quadrats, each measuring 4 m². To capture insects, we employed chromatic traps, pitfall traps, and entomological nets. The results indicated a medium level of biodiversity, as shown by the Margalef index (4.85) and the Shannon–Wiener index (2.23), which also suggested a medium to dispersed evenness (Pielou_J = 0.23). Additionally, the ecosystem exhibited low species dominance, indicated by the Simpson index (D = 0.20). In total, we recorded 55 species belonging to 24 different botanical families. The most abundant families were Fabaceae (39%), Poaceae (21%), and Plantaginaceae (14.6%). For the entomofauna, a rich community was identified, comprising twelve orders and fifty families, with the order Diptera being predominant. Crucially, these findings demonstrate that agroecological practices foster a significant presence and diversity of both weed plants and associated insects, contributing to the agroecosystem’s resilience. We emphasize the role of diverse weed flora as refuges and resource providers for beneficial insects, such as those from the highly abundant Tachinidae family (Diptera), which are key natural regulators. This research highlights the importance of integrating weed conservation into pasture management for enhancing biodiversity, natural pest regulation, and promoting sustainable local transformation in highland agricultural landscapes. Full article

Sward height is a practical indicator for defining management targets that reflect pasture structure. The complexity of integrated systems, including the coexistence of trees, crops, and livestock, can modify animal grazing distribution and microhabitat conditions, leading to different degrees of sward heterogeneity and botanical composition. This study investigated sward-height distribution and species composition in four systems: livestock (L), livestock–forestry (LF), crop–livestock (CL), and crop–livestock–forestry (CLF). Data were collected over two years in pastures of black oat (Avena strigosa Schreb.), Aries grass (Megathyrsus maximus cv. Aries), Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.), and other tropical grasses during summer, transition, and winter. Sward heights were classified into three categories (low, optimal, high) according to seasonal thresholds (winter: <18.0; 18–29.9; >30 cm; summer: <15.0; 15–24.9; >25 cm) and fitted to four probability distributions (normal, log-normal, Gamma, Weibull). Management based on target-height maintained 46% of observations within the optimal class, a satisfactory proportion for continuous stocking systems where structural heterogeneity is inherent. The CL system presented greater species diversity due to a higher frequency of Italian ryegrass and other grasses. Across systems and seasons, the Gamma distribution provided the best fit for sward-height frequencies. These findings offer a practical statistical tool for evaluating grazing management efficiency. Full article