Search Results (53)

In recent years, the emergence of drug-resistant pathogens and the limitations of current therapies have highlighted the need for innovative strategies to combat emerging viral infections. Natural compounds, derived from plants, are playing an increasingly significant role in the research of novel and effective therapies. Boswellia sacra, a frankincense-producing tree widely distributed in Yemen and Oman, and Nerium oleander, a common ornamental and medicinal plant, are examples of plants with well-documented antimicrobial properties. Their extracts have demonstrated good activity against a wide range of infections, which is attributed to the anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory compounds they contain. Based on these findings, we assessed, in vitro, the broad-spectrum antiviral activity of combined extracts obtained from Boswellia sacra and Nerium oleander. The extract mixture NOBS7(1) was found to be active against the respiratory virus RSV, Herpesvirus simplex type 1, and Coxsackievirus 5. Furthermore, a combination of cell-based assays was performed to provide additional insights into their potential mechanism of action. Full article

The rise of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (TB) necessitates alternative therapeutic sources. This study investigated the polyphenolic content and the antioxidant, antimycobacterial, and anti-virulence activities of selected medicinal plants traditionally used to treat TB and related symptoms. Total phenolics, tannins, and flavonoids were quantified using colorimetric assays. Antioxidant capacity was assessed via DPPH and ferric-reducing power assays. Antimycobacterial activity against Mycobacterium smegmatis was evaluated using broth microdilution, growth kinetics, cell constituent leakage, and respiratory chain dehydrogenase inhibition assays. Anti-virulence effects were examined using crystal violet biofilm and swarming motility assays. Tarchonanthus camphoratus showed the highest polyphenolic levels and, together with Combretum hereroense, strong antioxidant activity. Extracts of Senecio macroglossus, Nerium oleander, and Tetradenia riparia displayed potent antimycobacterial activity (MIC = 0.16 mg/mL), characterized by delayed exponential growth, membrane damage, and metabolic inhibition. Tabernaemontana elegans exhibited the weakest activity (MIC > 2.5 mg/mL). Most extracts also significantly impaired motility (12–100%) and early-stage biofilm formation. Polyphenolic-rich plant extracts demonstrated promising antimycobacterial and anti-virulence properties against M. smegmatis, highlighting their potential as leads for developing novel anti-TB agents. Full article

The impact of pollutants in urban wastewater on Constructed Wetlands (CWs) rhizoplane microbial communities remains quite understudied. Our study explores how civil wastewater influences the structure and ecological stability of rhizoplane microbial communities associated with three macrophytes: Nerium oleander L., Arundo donax L., and Juncus conglomeratus L. in simulated conditions as in the case of CWs. Therefore, a pot experiment was set up, using wastewater repeated exposure of the three macrophytes, to assess the microbial (bacteria and fungi) resistance and resilience by means of next-generation sequencing. The results showed that all three macrophytes contributed to pollutant removal; however, the effects on microbial communities were taxon-specific. In general, the rhizobacterial community exhibited moderate resilience and low resistance to wastewater, indicating a partial recovery post-disturbance. The fungal community showed high resistance (ResI = 0.99), in contrast with limited resilience (RI < 1), suggesting a stable but less dynamic response to the wastewater exposure. Effluent repeated addition positively influenced the relative abundance of certain bacteria taxonomical groups, specifically Firmicutes and Actinobacteria, but also of some fungal taxa. Our findings underscore the key role of microbial communities in CWs, where complementary resistance and resilience strategies contribute to system stability, plant health, and pollutant attenuation. Full article

This study investigated the distribution and epidemiology of Pseudomonas savastanoi pv. savastanoi (Pss), the causal agent of olive knot disease, in major olive-growing provinces of Southeastern Anatolia, Turkey, between 2019 and 2021. Field surveys in Adıyaman and Mardin revealed knot symptoms on olive shoots, and Pss isolates were successfully obtained from symptomatic tissues. Biochemical assays on King’s B medium identified all strains as Gram-negative, oxidase-negative, pectolytic activity-negative, and arginine dihydrolase-negative while showing a positive hypersensitive reaction. Among the four isolates, two were levan-positive and non-fluorescent, whereas two were levan-negative and fluorescent. PCR with IAALF and IAALR primers amplified a 454 bp fragment in all isolates, confirming their identity as Pss. Pathogenicity assays on carrot slices and olive plants verified their pathogenic nature. Virulence tests demonstrated that infection severity was highest in pink oleander, followed by olive and white oleander. Disease incidence differed markedly between provinces, averaging 0.017% in Adıyaman and 33.28% in Mardin, with Derik district reaching 50.37% incidence and 100% prevalence. A novel infection-area-based method yielded results consistent with knot size assessments. These findings confirm the pathogenic potential and host range of Pss in Southeastern Anatolia and emphasize the importance of monitoring, epidemiological assessment, and management strategies. Full article

The ecological restoration of tropical islands, such as the Xisha Islands, is critical for sustainable development but is hindered by extreme environmental conditions and nutrient-poor coral sand soils. This study assessed the adaptive strategies of two introduced landscape species, Acacia auriculiformis and Nerium oleander, by comparing their leaf physiological and biochemical traits across three treatments: native coral sand (SS2), coral sand amended with garden soil (SS1), and a garden soil control (GZ). Results revealed differentiated physiological adaptation strategies: N. oleander exhibited a ‘conservative tolerance’ strategy, characterized by maintaining higher levels of soluble proteins and the non-enzymatic antioxidant GSH, whereas A. auriculiformis employed an ‘active defense’ strategy, significantly upregulating its enzymatic antioxidant system (SOD activity increased by up to 58.80% in coral sand compared to the control). Soil amendment was crucial for improving plant performance by fundamentally altering the soil’s physicochemical properties and nutrient status. Specifically, amending coral sand with garden soil (SS1 vs. SS2) resulted in a threefold increase in both soil organic carbon (from 3.81 to 11.63 g kg⁻¹) and water content (from 0.04% to 0.12%), while also increasing available phosphorus by over 50% and reducing the extreme soil alkalinity. This amelioration of the soil environment directly enhanced plant antioxidant capacity and overall growth performance. These findings provide a scientific basis for plant introduction on tropical islands, demonstrating that success depends on matching species-specific adaptive strategies with appropriate soil improvement techniques. Full article

Ball moss is an epiphytic, perennial monocot that attaches to many surfaces, including ornamental plants. Though not parasitic, ball moss can reduce the growth and health of host plants. Controlling ball moss has thus become necessary. Recommended methods include spraying baking soda or copper fungicide. This study was designed to validate the recommended methods and discover new, efficacious botanical ingredients in laboratory and field experiments. The efficacy of baking soda, but not the copper fungicide, was confirmed. However, baking soda blindly damages host plants and is not environmentally friendly. A screening study over several candidates (a monocot herbicide, eugenol, thymol, oleander extracts) selected eugenol from clove essential oil. In repeated laboratory studies, eugenol formulated into a soluble liquid (ESL) at 1% concentration achieved comparable lethal levels to 50% baking soda solution against ball moss. Efficacy was most apparent when applied in autumn. In the field trials, spraying ESL directly onto ball moss on live oak trees rather than broadcasting from the ground was efficacious. Possible mechanisms and limitations were discussed. Full article

Drought stress is a crucial factor limiting plant survival and growth, especially during the seedling establishment stage. A deep understanding of different plants’ responses to drought stress and their drought resistance is of great significance for vegetation restoration under drought conditions. This study selected one-year-old seedlings of Winter Jasmine (Jasminum nudiflorum), Oleander (Nerium oleander), Privet (Ligustrum lucidum), and Redleaf Photinia (Photinia × fraseri) as research objects. Through pot experiments, we investigated the physiological and biochemical responses of these shrubs under different levels of drought stress (control, mild, moderate, and severe drought stress, corresponding to 75%, 60%, 45%, and 30% of field maximum water holding capacity) to comprehensively assess their drought resistance capabilities. The research results indicated that as the level of drought stress increased, significant changes (p < 0.05) occurred in the physiological and biochemical indicators of all four plant species. The chlorophyll content (Chla+b) of Winter Jasmine and Redleaf Photinia gradually decreased with the intensification of stress, while the Chla+b of Oleander showed the most significant decline under moderate stress and Privet was most affected under mild stress. The proline (Pro) and soluble sugar (SS) contents of all four plants exhibited an upward trend, suggesting that the plants coped with drought stress by accumulating these osmoregulatory substances. Drought stress led to damage to plant cell membranes, manifested by an increase in malondialdehyde content (MDA), with Winter Jasmine showing the most pronounced increase. The activities of peroxidase (POD) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in the four plant species responded differently to drought stress: the POD activity of Oleander and Redleaf Photinia increased with the deepening of stress, while that of Winter Jasmine and Privet decreased. A comprehensive evaluation of the drought tolerance of the four plant species was performed using principal component analysis and affiliation function value methods. The drought tolerance of the four shrubs, from strongest to weakest, was as follows: Redleaf Photinia > Oleander > Privet > Winter Jasmine. This finding provides valuable insights for plant selection in ecological slope protection projects, and Redleaf Photinia and Oleander can be promoted for use in vegetation restoration work under drought conditions. Full article

Urban greenery is a key component of green infrastructure, contributing to environmental sustainability and urban well-being. Between 2019 and 2020, a comprehensive inventory of ornamental flora was conducted in Assemini (Sardinia, Italy), documenting 198 vascular plant taxa, including 155 exotic, 41 native, and 2 cryptogenic species from 65 families. Among the exotic species, most were neophytes (63%), and 14% were archaeophytes. In terms of life forms, scapose phanerophytes, with a tree-like growth habit, dominated (45%), while Mediterranean and American chorotypes were the most represented, each accounting for 21%. A total of 7356 plants were recorded, comprising trees (61.3%), shrubs (32.3%), and climbers (5.7%), belonging to 90 shrub, 89 tree, and 19 climber taxa. The highest number of plants was found in “Green Areas” and “Schools”, which also exhibited the greatest biodiversity, with 136 different taxa each. The most planted species were Quercus ilex, Nerium oleander, and Olea europaea. The survey also identified 21 allergenic, 36 toxic, and 35 mechanically harmful species, primarily located in “Green Areas” and “Schools”. Biodiversity analysis using the Shannon Index revealed significant diversity, with Fabaceae, Apocynaceae, and Fagaceae emerging as the most represented families. These findings highlight the importance of plant inventories in urban green space management for sustainable planning. Well-maintained green spaces can enhance ecological resilience, improve public health, and promote social cohesion in future urban developments. Full article

Oleander poisoning, resulting from the ingestion of Nerium oleander or Thevetia peruviana, is a serious toxicological issue in various parts of the world, particularly in regions where these plants grow abundantly and are easily accessible. Oleander contains potent cardiac glycosides, such as oleandrin and thevetin, which exert powerful effects on the cardiovascular system, leading to symptoms ranging from nausea and abdominal pain to severe arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death. This review summarizes the existing literature on the epidemiology, clinical features, pathophysiology, and challenges in treatment management associated with oleander poisoning. While supportive care, gastric decontamination, and the administration of digoxin-specific Fab antibody fragments (Digifab) are essential therapeutic measures, limited access to Digifab, delays in intervention, and insufficient supportive care practices remain significant complicating factors. Particular attention is given to findings from autopsy reports, which provide critical insights into the pathophysiological effects of oleander toxins and help bridge gaps in understanding fatal cases. This review acknowledges key limitations, particularly the scarcity of English-language publications, which restricts input from regions such as southern Asia and the Mediterranean—areas where oleander-related poisoning, especially in cases of intentional self-harm, is more prevalent. Additionally, this review highlights the socio-cultural dimensions of oleander ingestion, often linked to intentional self-poisoning, and emphasizes the need for enhanced preventive measures and public education. Future research efforts should prioritize addressing these gaps through autopsy-based studies and the development of more accessible and effective antidotes, which are essential to mitigate the global health burden of oleander-related mortality. Full article

Mn₃O₄ nanoparticles have been synthesized using alcoholic extracts, at pH = 7 and low temperature (60 °C), from different masses (1.00, 3.00, 5.00, and 7.00 g) of fresh leaves from Nerium oleander and Bixa orellana, without additional heat treatment. Appropriate techniques were used to identify the secondary metabolites of the extracts and evaluate the structural, optical, and chemical properties of the nanoparticles. The XRD results confirmed the formation of Mn₃O₄ nanoparticles with crystallite size in the 5−8 nm range, with more notable effects on the crystallinity of the nanoparticles obtained with B. orellana extracts. The greatest effect on the bandgap was observed in nanoparticles synthesized with N. oleander extracts. Raman spectra confirmed phonon confinement, and in the PL spectra, emission bands associated with structural defects, such as oxygen vacancies, were observed. In FTIR spectra, the main bands of Mn₃O₄ were identified, whose intensity decreased as the concentration of extract and other bands associated with functional groups of the extract increased. TEM images showed nanoparticles were spherical with 7.81 nm (N1) and 7.94 nm (B1) average diameters. The extract from N. oleander leaves was more appropriate than that from B. orellana for the synthesis of Mn₃O₄ nanoparticles under the conditions used. Full article

Objective: In some regions of the globe, accidental food confusion regarding plants can cause severe poisoning events and deaths. The aim of this study was to report on those confusions from the Marseille Poison Control Centre’s (PCC) experience from 2002 to 2023. Results: Over 22 years, 2197 food confusion events were managed with 321 different species. The most frequently involved plant was Nerium oleander (289 cases, 13.1%), then Cucurbitaceae genus (3.3%), Colchicum autumnale (3.3%), Prunus amygdalus (3%), Mahinot esculenta (3%), Cytisus laburnum (2.6%), Aesculus hippocastanum (2.5%) and Narcissus Jonquilla (2%). Many botanical confusion events were also reported (n = 1386, 63%), but with fewer than five identical species. Only one death was reported for this review, in an event involving Aconitum napellus. Two antidotes were used for all the series: Datura genus and Prunus dulcis. Discussion: The most implicated plant was Nerium oleander. This is explained by its distribution. This rate is very low compared to that of suicide attempts with this plant. Many cases were symptomatic (53.6%), but very few of them described severe symptoms (only 0.5% severe poisonings). Few patients needed to be admitted to intensive care (0.4%), and even fewer needed an antidote (two cases). Only one death occurred, involving Aconitum napellus. Food confusions were more common than suicide attempts with plants, but seem to be less severe. However, death and serious complications can occur, so it is important to identify and manage the plants concerned. Material and Methods: For each food confusion event managed between 2002 and 2023 at the Southeastern France PCC based in Marseille, we performed a retrospective review. This PCC is responsible for the Provence–Alpes–Côte d’Azur Region, Corsica Island and Indian Ocean French overseas territories. For each case, severity was calculated with the Poison Severity Score (PSS). Full article

The detection of Xylella fastidiosa in Portugal occurred through prospection in 2019 in Vila Nova de Gaia, Porto, in plants of Lavandula dentata L. Currently, in Portugal, there are 18 Xylella fastidiosa Demarcated Zones (DZs). The main objective of this study is to gain a comprehensive understanding of this problem within the defined Demarcated Zones in the North Region of Portugal from 2019 to June 2023. This work comprised two phases: the prospection phase (inspecting plants, sampling, and submission of samples to the laboratory) and the research phase (collecting and organizing data and statistical treatment). Our findings provide essential insights, suggesting that the Northern Region of Portugal is highly conducive to Xylella fastidiosa. Portugal has Xf-preferred hosts such as the olive tree, orange tree, Laurus nobilis, Rosa spp., Nerium oleander L., Pelargonium sp., Hedera helix L., and Lavandula dentata L. Portugal’s favorable environmental factors such as temperature and humidity can have an important role in influencing the interaction between bacteria and hosts. Nevertheless, it is crucial to consider variations in the behavior of insect vectors, as these variations can limit the prevalence of the disease. Activities like the transport of infected planting materials from the first Demarcated Zone of the Area Metropolitana do Porto could be associated with the introduction and spread of Xylella fastidiosa, potentially triggering new disease outbreaks in the country. Our findings confirm the alarming spread of Xylella fastidiosa across Portugal. Factors such as the presence of insect vectors, abundance of host plants, and climate suitability play pivotal roles in Xylella fastidiosa dispersal. We recommend that countries identified with relatively high risk, like Portugal, undertake thorough individual risk analyses. The implementation of preventive measures and, if necessary, the enhancement of surveillance systems for early detection of Xylella fastidiosa in plants and insect vectors are crucial steps. Full article

Globally, cancer is one of the primary causes of both morbidity and mortality. To prevent cancer from getting worse, more targeted and efficient treatment plans must be developed immediately. Recent research has demonstrated the benefits of natural products for several illnesses, and these products have played a significant role in the development of novel treatments whose bioactive components serve as both chemotherapeutic and chemo-preventive agents. Phytochemicals are naturally occurring molecules obtained from plants that have potential applications in both cancer therapy and the development of new medications. These phytochemicals function by regulating the molecular pathways connected to the onset and progression of cancer. Among the specific methods are immune system control, inducing cell cycle arrest and apoptosis, preventing proliferation, raising antioxidant status, and inactivating carcinogens. A thorough literature review was conducted using Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, Google Patent, Patent Scope, and US Patent to obtain the data. To provide an overview of the anticancer effects of several medicinal plants, including Annona muricata, Arctium lappa, Arum palaestinum, Cannabis sativa, Catharanthus roseus, Curcuma longa, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Hibiscus, Kalanchoe blossfeldiana, Moringa oleifera, Nerium oleander, Silybum marianum, Taraxacum officinale, Urtica dioica, Withania somnifera L., their availability, classification, active components, pharmacological activities, signaling mechanisms, and potential side effects against the most common cancer types were explored. Full article

Near-surface soil hydraulic properties (SHPs) are fundamental for describing and predicting water and energy exchange processes, particularly at the soil–atmosphere interface, and regulating evapotranspiration, infiltration, and runoff in different ecosystems. In this study, a new method was proposed to estimate near-surface SHPs by combining sensor-based soil infiltrability measurements with inverse modeling using HYDRUS-2D. The infiltration rate (IR) was estimated by combining the linear source inflow method with image processing, and K_s was estimated from the near-surface steady-state IR (NSIRM). The SWRC parameters described by the van Genuchten model were estimated using the inverse modeling method of HYDRUS-2D for the fitting of sensor-measured infiltration data. Subsequently, the parameters of the van Genuchten model, including $\alpha$, $n$, and $l$, were inversely estimated. Three undisturbed soils, including two stand humus samples from cork oak (Quercus suber L.) and oleander (Pinus tabuliformis L.) stands and one sandy loam from a farmland, were sampled near the soil surface to validate the proposed method. The estimated K_s was evaluated by the constant head method (CHM). The estimated parameters of the SWRC were validated by those determined through the simultaneous measurement of the soil moisture content and water potential using sensor techniques. The results showed that the K_s estimated from the NSIRM for each soil sample were 23.40 ± 1.21, 23.86 ± 1.83, and 22.99 ± 2.26 mm h⁻¹, respectively. In comparison, the K_s determined by the CHM were 24.41 ± 1.53, 24.26 ± 0.37, and 23.81 ± 0.10 mm/h, respectively. The relative errors of the proposed method were 4.14%, 1.64%, and 3.42%, respectively. For the SWRC estimation, the normalized root mean square errors (NRMSEs) between the measurements and the estimates for each soil sample were 0.1724, 0.1454, and 0.0606, respectively. Based on this, the AWC was obtained, and K_u was deduced from the estimated K_s and SWRC parameters for each soil sample. In general, the proposed method successfully estimates near-surface SHPs, simplifies the measurement device, and provides a new perspective for the in situ determination of near-surface SHPs under field conditions in the near future. Full article

In the context of precision agriculture (PA), geomatic surveys exploiting UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) platforms allow the dimensional characterization of trees. This paper focuses on the use of low-cost UAV photogrammetry to estimate tree height, as part of a project for the phytoremediation of contaminated soils. Two study areas with different characteristics in terms of mean tree height (5 m; 0.7 m) are chosen to test the procedure even in a challenging context. Three campaigns are performed in an olive grove (Area 1) at different flying altitudes (30 m, 40 m, and 50 m), and one UAV flight is available for Area 2 (42 m of altitude), where three species are present: oleander, lentisk, and poplar. The workflow involves the elaboration of the UAV point clouds through the SfM (structure from motion) approach, digital surface models (DSMs), vegetation filtering, and a GIS-based analysis to obtain canopy height models (CHMs) for height extraction based on a local maxima approach. UAV-derived heights are compared with in-field measurements, and promising results are obtained for Area 1, confirming the applicability of the procedure for tree height extraction, while the application in Area 2 (shorter tree seedlings) is more problematic. Full article