Leucojum aestivum L. (Amaryllidaceae) is a perennial bulbous species of high pharmaceutical importance, primarily recognized as a natural source of the alkaloid galantamine for Alzheimer’s disease treatment. Iranian L. aestivum populations (LAPs) may contain unique alkaloids with strong acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory effects, making them a conservation priority. To investigate phytochemical diversity and bioactivity, eight natural populations including LAP1 (Chahar Deh, Astaneh Ashrafieh); LAP2 (Baz Kia Gurab, Lahijan); LAP3 (Sangar); LAP4 (Chomesghal, Ziabar); LAP5 (Pinchah, Astaneh Ashrafieh); LAP6 (Chaboksar); LAP7 (Valiseh, Rudsar); and LAP8 (Vali Abad, Tonkabon) were sampled during the flowering stage. Galantamine, lycorine, total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), antioxidant capacity (FRAP and DPPH), and AChE inhibitory activity were quantified in bulbs and leaves. The highest AChE inhibition was recorded in bulbs of LAP6 (IC50: 95.57 µg/ml) and LAP7 (IC50: 102.38 µg/ml), corresponding to elevated galantamine levels (20.31 and 24.92 mg/g dry extract, respectively), which showed a strong positive correlation (r = 0.880, p < 0.01). In contrast, LAP8 contained no detectable galantamine in bulbs but exhibited exceptionally high leaf lycorine content (107.91 mg galanthamine equivalent/g dry extract) and antioxidant capacity (FRAP: 90.71 µmol Fe²⁺/g DW; DPPH, IC₅₀: 95.10 µg/ml), alongside moderate AChE inhibition (IC50: 150.80 µg/ml in bulbs, 231.63 µg/ml in leaves). Leaf TPC (8.57–13.39 mg GAE/g DW) consistently exceeded bulb TPC (0.18–7.59 mg GAE/g DW). Cluster analysis grouped populations into three distinct classes: balanced alkaloid levels and antioxidant power (LAP1, LAP5, LAP6), lower alkaloid levels (LAP2, LAP3, LAP4), and high phenolic content and antioxidant power with relatively elevated alkaloid levels (LAP7, LAP8). These findings demonstrated a strong linkage between alkaloid composition and bioactivity, highlighting the pharmaceutical potential of specific chemotypes and emphasizing the necessity of in situ conservation and ex situ cultivation for sustainable utilization and drug development targeting cholinesterase inhibition and antioxidant activity.

Following extensive botanical fieldwork and herbarium studies, Thymus coriifolius and T. jankae (both in northwestern Iran), and Thymus syriacus (in western Iran), are reported as new records for the flora of Iran. These species are described in detail, with emphasis on their taxonomic, ecological, phenological, and biogeographical characteristics. The documentation of T. syriacus extends the known distribution of Thymus sect. Hyphodromii subsect. Thymbropsis from Morocco to Iran, suggesting a floristic connection between the Irano-Turanian (West Asia) and Mediterranean (North Africa) phytogeographical regions. The Caucasian endemic T. coriifolius and the submediterranean element T. jankae are reported from the Arasbaran Biosphere Reserve in northwestern Iran, a region biogeographically integral to the Iranian highlands of the Caucasus ecoregion. These findings underscore the biogeographical homogeneity of the Caucasus ecoregion. Furthermore, the newly discovered population of T. jankae indicates a disjunction in its distribution range, a pattern discussed in the context of potential biogeographical events. Notably, northwestern Iran is recognized for containing the highest diversity of the genus Thymus in Iran. This study provides an updated distribution map for the studied species.

The relative chemical composition of vetiver root essential oil may vary among accessions and in response to post-harvest processing. This study characterized essential-oil profiles of four Iranian location-associated accessions of Chrysopogon zizanioides (Tehran, Gorgan, Saveh, and Boushehr) using paired fresh and dried root samples. Three independent biological replicates were evaluated per accession, with each replicate divided into matched fresh and dried portions, resulting in 24 independent hydrodistillations and chromatographic profiles. Relative composition was determined by GC-FID, and compound assignments were based on GC-MS spectra, retention indices, spectral libraries, and published data. Fifty constituents were putatively annotated at Metabolomics Standards Initiative level 2. The annotated constituents accounted for 92.35–95.35% of the total chromatographic area. Oxygenated sesquiterpenoids were predominant in all accession-treatment combinations (68.53–83.85%), whereas sesquiterpene hydrocarbons represented 9.37–23.36%. Mixed-design ANOVA revealed significant accession × treatment interactions for both chemical classes and for each of the 15 compounds with the highest overall mean relative abundance. Drying increased oxygenated sesquiterpenoids significantly in Tehran and Gorgan but produced no significant change in Saveh or Boushehr. Sesquiterpene hydrocarbons decreased significantly after drying in Tehran and Gorgan and increased significantly in Saveh and Boushehr. Individual constituents, including khusimol, α-vetivone, β-vetivone, and ziza-6(13)-en-12-yl acetate, also showed accession-dependent responses. PCA and HCA provided exploratory representations of location- and treatment-associated compositional patterns, with PC1 and PC2 explaining 76.17% of the total variance. Overall, the findings demonstrate that drying-associated changes in vetiver essential-oil composition are accession- and compound-dependent and do not support a simple division into discrete oxygenated-rich and hydrocarbon-dominant groups.

In the current research, an efficient in vitro callus induction and establishment of a cell suspension culture of Salvia hydrangea DC. ex Benth., a perennial plant native to Iran, were achieved for the first time for the possible production of the valuable natural antioxidant rosmarinic acid (RA). Plant leaf segments (1 cm) were used as explants for callus induction on Murashige and Skoog (MS) supplemented with different concentrations of 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) (0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 mg/L) and 1-naphthalene-acetic acid (NAA) (0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 mg/L). The effect of methyl jasmonate (MeJa) (50 and 100 μM) at different exposure time (24, 48 and 72 h) on the biomass production, biochemical traits and RA accumulation in the established cell culture was also investigated. The maximum callus induction (100

Astragalus L. (Fabaceae), a genus rich in bioactive triterpene saponins like astragalosides (ASTs), is recognized for its diverse biological activities. The present study aimed to quantify ASTs I, II, and IV in root extracts of fifteen Iranian Astragalus species. The acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity of root extracts from astragaloside-rich species was also evaluated, and their neuroprotective effects were estimated using molecular docking analysis. Additionally, total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and antioxidant activity in root and aerial parts of species were evaluated. A. michauxianus and A. gossypinus yielded the highest ASTs I and IV content (2.49 ± 0.03 and 6.27 ± 0.89 mg/g DW, respectively), among Astragalus species examined in this study. TPC and TFC of roots were higher than that of aerial parts for all species, and the highest TPC and TFC were obtained for A. verus (12.12 ± 1.05 mg GAE/g DW) and A. floccosus (115.48 ± 1.54 mg RUE /g DW), respectively. Furthermore, the aerial parts extracts of A. remotijugus and A. aduncus showed the best free radical scavenging ability with the lowest IC50 values (28.83 ± 0.64 and 28.86 ± 0.64 μg/mL, respectively), while for A. gossypinus and A. floccosus, the best scavenging ability (IC50) was displayed in root extracts (23.32 ± 0.79 and 23.45 ± 0.74 μg/mL, respectively). The highest AChE inhibitory activity was exhibited by A. aduncus with the lowest IC50 (200 ± 14.02 µg/ mL), followed by A. gossypinus and A. michauxianus. Moreover, molecular docking studies revealed that astragaloside I exhibits the strongest binding affinity to AChE (− 7.610 kcal/mol), forming multiple stabilizing interactions within the active site, suggesting its superior inhibitory potential compared to astragalosides II and IV. These findings highlight the potential of selected Astragalus species as valuable resources for pharmaceutical applications and provide a foundation for future breeding programs aimed at maximizing ASTs production.

Watercress (Nasturtium officinale L.), a cruciferous vegetable, is ranked as a superfood among vegetables and fruits due to the high level of micro/macro elements, vitamins, and phytochemicals that led to an increase in its consumption in the human diet. In the present study, eleven wild N. officinale populations (NOP1-NOP11) collected from different locations in Iran were evaluated regarding agro-morphological, nutritional values, and biological activity. A significant variation in phenotypic and phytonutrient traits was observed among the studied populations. Pahneh Kola (NOP8) exhibited the most significant values in terms of plant height (12.33 cm), number of nodes (12.00), root length (28.57 cm), and dry weight (0.96 g), indicating a strong performance in these growth parameters. The concentrations of vitamins B3 and B6 varied among the studied populations ranging from 0.25 µg/ml to 6.25 µg/ml and 1.9527 to 44.58 µg/ml, respectively. The highest chicoric and ferulic acids content was measured in Pahneh Kola (NOP8) (4.33 mg/g DW) and Kharajgil (NOP5) (7.16 mg/g DW), respectively. The outstanding antioxidant activity of the plant extracts was observed among populations, especially for Kharajgil (NOP5). The plant extracts showed remarkable antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli with MIC values ranging from 16 to 64 mg/ml. This research was conducted to characterize diversity and select promising wild populations for cultivation. The observed diversity constructs the basis of future exploitation and breeding programs of this valuable vegetable.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE:Community displacement and cultural integration influence the use of plants for medicine. This study enhances our understanding of how communities adapt their medical practices in response to environmental changes. AIM OF THE STUDY:We investigate how Kurds in SE Iran (Balochi Kurds), displaced between the 16th and 18th centuries from their homeland in NW Iran, retained and adapted their medicinal knowledge. MATERIALS AND METHODS:Fieldwork was conducted over 12 months across 8 Kurdish municipalities in NW Iran and 3 in SE Iran, using standard ethnobotanical methods. Totally 121 people were interviewed; data were analysed at the level of use reports (UR), classifying therapeutic uses according to ICPC. Comparisons between NW and SE Iran are based on plant genera available in both regions. RESULTS:Medicinal knowledge is maintained by various practitioners, including herbalists, midwives, bonesetters, ritual healers, knowledgeable laypersons, and herb collectors/sellers in both regions. We documented 278 plant species (177 in NW Iran and 142 in SE Iran) and 4722 UR. SE Iran shows a greater variety of preparation methods, such as vaporization and suppositories. Gastrointestinal diseases are the most relevant, followed by musculoskeletal issues in SE Iran, and skin and respiratory diseases at both locations. Commonly used plants in NW Iran include Urtica dioica (75 UR) for female genitourinary infections and Quercus spp. (50 UR) for gastric ulcers. In SE Iran, Haplophyllum canaliculatum (83 UR) is widely used. Pistacia atlantica resin is widely used in both areas. The comparison reveals continuation of uses (e.g., Mentha longifolia), plant substitutions (e.g., Thymus vs. Zataria), new uses (e.g., Capparis spinosa), and the loss of certain plant uses (e.g., Eryngium, Euphorbia) among the Balochi Kurds. CONCLUSION:The greater medicinal plant diversity in NW Iran reflects its richer biodiversity. In SE Iran, the higher diversity in preparation methods and therapeutic uses is likely due to its less developed healthcare system and more traditional lifestyle. The loss of their native language has not negatively impacted the traditional knowledge of the Balochi Kurds.

Mapping habitat suitability is critical for conserving endangered medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) in degraded ecosystems. This study evaluated habitat suitability for Salvia leriifolia, an endangered herb in Khorasan Razavi, Iran, by comparing individual machine learning models (Random Forest [RF], Boosted Regression Tree [BRT], Generalized Linear Model [GLM]) with hybrid ensemble models (FDA-GLM-MDA and RF-CART-BRT). Using GIS, we compiled a dataset of 23 environmental and anthropogenic variables. Variable importance was assessed via Elastic Net (ENET), while model performance was evaluated using ROC-AUC metrics. Results identified distance from roads, calcium (Ca), organic matter (OM), and potassium (K) as the most influential predictors of habitat suitability. The individual RF model (AUC = 0.983) and hybrid RF-CART-BRT model (AUC = 0.970) demonstrated the highest predictive accuracy, underscoring the efficacy of tree-based and ensemble approaches in ecological modeling. However, while high-accuracy models offer precise predictions, their complexity may challenge practical application by conservation practitioners. This highlights the need to balance technical precision with operational feasibility in conservation planning. Although focused on Khorasan Razavi, the methodology is transferable to regions facing similar ecological pressures. By identifying key drivers of habitat suitability, this work enabled scalable strategies for protecting endangered MAPs. These insights offered actionable strategies for resource managers and agricultural planners to sustainably protect and cultivate S. leriifolia, while addressing predictive model implementation challenges.

Grammosciadium platycarpum Boiss. & Hausskn (Family 'Apiaceae') is a crop rich in essential oil and widely used in food and perfume industries. This study aimed to investigate the diversity of phytochemical traits and antimicrobial potency in G. platycarpum Boiss. & Hausskn populations collected from fourteen geographical regions in Iran. The aim was to identify the compounds of the essential oil and extract of the aerial parts, to investigate its antimicrobial properties, and to select the best population for domestication, cultivation and future breeding programs. The aerial parts of the plant were used to extract and determine the content and constituents of the essential oil. The essential oil content (EOC) exhibited a range from 0.09 to 0.46%. TAK population showed the maximum and QAS population revealed the minimum EOC. Based on GC-MS and GC analysis, 91.63 to 98.50% of the essential compounds of different populations of G. platycarpum Boiss. & Hausskn were identified. The main chemical groups identified in the essential oil include hydrocarbon monoterpenes (22.79-46.15%), oxygenated monoterpenes (0.87-31.05%), hydrocarbon sesquiterpenes (25.50-61.04%) and oxygenated sesquiterpenes (5.75-19.52%). Based on the results, (Z, E)-α-Farnesene (13.29-53.71%), linalool (0.44-30.56%), limonene (5.84-31.14%), α-Farnesene (0.71-22.39%), β-pinene (5.10-18.48%), and Caryophyllene (2.95-17.87%) were the major compounds of the essential oil. Chlorogenic acid, ferulic acid, and rutin were detected as the major phenolic compounds using HPLC. The essential oil of ABH, JOL and GAR populations as well as the extracts of MAG, OSH and JOL populations showed great antibacterial activity against E. coli and S. aureus. The high diversity observed among different populations of G. platycarpum Boiss. & Hausskn provides good potential for selecting the best populations and using them in domestication projects, cultivation, and breeding programs.

This study investigated the transformative potential of integrating machine learning algorithms into spatial modeling to identify optimum cultivation areas of the Salvia leriifolia medicinal plant, focusing on maximizing secondary metabolite (abietatriene) production. By employing a novel combination of individual and hybrid machine learning models—including Random Forest (RF), Boosted Regression Trees (BRT), Support Vector Machines (SVM), and their hybrids (RF-BRT, SVM-BRT, SVM-RF, and RF-BRT-SVM)—the research offered an advanced approach to spatially predicting suitable cultivation sites in Razavi Khorasan province, Iran. A Geographic Information System (GIS) was employed to analyze 23 environmental factors after rigorous feature selection using Variance Inflation Factor (VIF) and Recursive Feature Elimination with Cross-Validation (RFECV), ensuring model robustness. Variable contributions were evaluated using Bagged CART, and key influencing factors, such as clay content (FR = 6.70), land use/cover (FR = 6.25), and electrical conductivity (EC) (FR = 5.41), were identified. Among the tested models, the RF-BRT hybrid achieved the highest predictive accuracy (RMSE = 0.011 and MAE = 0.007), with statistical significance confirmed through Friedman test followed by Nemenyi Critical Difference (CD) test. Furthermore, spatial uncertainty was assessed using prediction standard deviations and 95% prediction intervals, revealing that the RF-BRT model not only produced the most accurate but also the most stable predictions. These insights are crucial for enhancing the sustainable cultivation and conservation of S. leriifolia, particularly in the northern and northwestern regions of Razavi Khorasan, and provide a framework for informed agricultural practices. The broader implications extend to medicinal plant conservation, sustainable agriculture, and drug development, with recommendations for future research to explore physiological mechanisms and extend predictive models to other regions and species.

Nepeta persica is a medicinal plant with significant pharmacological potential, primarily attributed to its high nepetalactone content. Understanding the environmental drivers of nepetalactone biosynthesis is essential for optimizing both cultivation and conservation strategies. In this study, we combined machine learning algorithms (random forest, support vector machines, gradient boosting machines) with a hybrid ensemble model (RF-SVM-GBM), alongside statistical approaches (generalized linear models [GLM] and partial least squares [PLS]) and geospatial analyses (GIS, remote sensing, habitat suitability modeling) to assess the influence of climatic, topographic, and edaphic factors on nepetalactone concentration in N. persica across Fars province, Iran. The results identified elevation, south-facing slopes, and mean annual temperature as the most critical determinants of nepetalactone accumulation. The hybrid ensemble model demonstrated the highest predictive accuracy, reducing RMSE by 21.1% (RMSE = 0.015) compared to individual models. Habitat suitability maps revealed Marvdasht and Shiraz counties as the most favorable regions for cultivating N. persica with high nepetalactone concentrations, followed by smaller high-suitability zones in Northeast Firozabad and Northern Kazerun. In contrast, areas such as Abadeh, Eqlid, and Khorrambid exhibited lower suitability. These findings provide actionable insights for precision agriculture, resource-efficient cultivation, and climate-adaptive conservation of medicinal plants. By integrating ecological modeling with machine learning, this research offers a scalable, data-driven framework to support the sustainable production of high-value secondary metabolites in environmentally challenging regions.

(S)-(+)-linalool is a non-cyclic oxygenated monoterpene which is very useful and widely used in the cosmetic industries, especially in the production of perfume and cologne. Thus, due to the high commercial value and high demand, the search for new plant sources rich in (S)-(+)-linalool in agricultural systems to develop the business of this compound is of great interest. This investigation focused on the diversity of phenotypic yield and phytochemical traits in Grammosciadium platycarpum populations collected from fourteen geographical regions in Iran. The goal was to identify the essential compounds and select the best populations for domestication, cultivation, and future breeding programs. The highest coefficient of variation was observed in the umbrellas per plant, plant length, internode length, leaf width, number of lateral branches, and essential oil yield (EOY). The shoot dry weight ranged from 27.15 to 41.56 (g/plant) and the fruit dry weight from 9.23 to 20.80 (g/plant) among different populations, which was observed in the QOR population. The fruit of the plant was employed to extract and determine the content plus constituents of the essential oil. The essential oil content (EOC) exhibited a extend from 0.81 to 1.63

The ancient Persian term "Ostokhudus" refers to a medicinal plant traditionally used to address various health concerns, including insomnia, irritability, and indigestion problems. However, it has been applied to different plant species with similar morphological characteristics in their dried forms. In this study, we aim to investigate the authenticity of certain species labeled as Ostokhudus collected from Iranian herbal markets and industries. A total of nine herbal samples (HS1-HS9) and seven commercial herbal products (HP1-HP7) labeled as Ostokhudus were investigated using morphological, micromorphological, and phytochemical approaches (GC-FID and GC-MS analyses). HS1-HS4, HP6, and HP7 samples were characterized based on an appendage on their five- to eight-toothed, and 13-nerved calyx, the presence of branched (dendroid) trichomes on their leaf and calyx surface. Moreover, the high percentages of linalool and linalyl acetate as the major chemical components of HS1, HS2, HS3, and HP1-HP7 samples were more consistent with those of Lavandula species. Various leaf forms and trichome types were observed in HS5, HS6, and HS7 samples; however, the 15-nerved calyces, along with the presence of nepetalactone isomers in the chemical profile, differentiated them among other studied samples, which were similar to those of the genus Nepeta. The elliptic-oblong leaf shape of the HS8 sample and its distinct morphological features led to its accurate identification as Stachys lavandulifolia Vahl. HS9 sample having linear-lanceolate cauline leaves with purplish spiked inflorescence was characterized as Ziziphora tenuior L. This study highlights the limitations of traditional morphometric approaches for the precise identification of certain species. In such cases, using multidisciplinary approaches including morphological, micromorphological, and phytochemical techniques can offer a reliable and efficacious method for the accurate identification of species.

Black hollyhock (Alcea rosea var. nigra) flower (BHF) serves as a plentiful natural pigment source. However, limited research has been conducted on the extraction and characterization of the anthocyanins present in BHF. This work aims to develop an environmentally friendly extraction method for efficiently obtaining natural pigments from BHF. Utilizing response surface methodology (RSM), the extraction variables were adjusted to optimize the overall anthocyanin content. The optimized conditions, entailing extraction lasting 7 min at 65 degrees C, employing acidified water at a solvent: feed (S:F) ratio of 100:1 (v/w), resulted in extraction yield of 53 +/- 2.5% and the total anthocyanin content (TAC) of 65.7 +/- 0.5 mg/ gdry weight based on cyanidin-3-O-glucoside equivalents (CGE). Furthermore, the extraction from pomace, which represents the residue subsequent to the initial extraction, exhibited 11 and 2 mg CGE/g dry weight after second and third steps of extraction, respectively. Characterization of the obtained extracts was conducted through HPLC-DAD MS analysis, and six anthocyanins were identified. The kinetic data associated with degradation of anthocyanins was well fitted with a zero-order model, which showed a half-life (t1/2) of approximately 200 days. Additionally, BHF extract exhibited no significant cytotoxicity against human dermal fibroblast cells as MTT assay indicated. This investigation introduces a potent source for anthocyanin which can be comparable to other sources and their extraction conditions in terms of stability, TAC, and extraction yield.

Purpose This article deals with producing ultra-diluted compounds (UHDs) prepared from Iranian calendula's characteristic and endemic species. It compares their chemical, biological and biochemical characteristics with the commercial sample of calendula species (grown in the Alps). In the following, these UHDs have been used to improve the quality of germination and growth and reduce contamination of rice (Oryza sativa) seeds in the laboratory environment. Methods High-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) is used to isolate the active compounds. On the separated results, antioxidant and antibacterial were identified directly on the plate (Bio-autographic method). Direct on the plate)DESI mass spectrometry was used to identify the active compounds. Results The HPTLC reveals that the chromatogram of native C. percica and C. officinalis extract is the most similar to the commercial compounds. The highest antioxidant activity is related to C. officinalis. The best antibacterial activity of the extracts against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli belongs to C. officinalis and C. tripterocarpa. Rutin, quercitrin, β-campstrole and di-o-caffeoylquinic acid, which are among the flavonoid and terpenoid categories were identified as active compounds. The prepared UHDs from native calendula are biologically more effective than the commercial ones in increasing seed germination efficiency, improving rooting quality and reducing contamination. Conclusion Using UHDs increases the production of photosynthetic pigments the root length and the number of lateral roots. Also, the amount of protein, gibberellic acid and abscisic acid in seedlings treated using native UHDs of C. officinalis (native or commercial) is higher than the others.

An efficient in vitro protocol was introduced for the conservation of Nepeta asterotricha, a vulnerable and endangered medicinal species found in the central of Iran for the first time. Growth, phytochemical, and biological traits of in vitro regenerated plant (RP) and acclimated plant (AP) were compared to the mother plant (MP). In addition, the genetic stability of AP was assessed by using inter-simple sequence repeats (ISSR) markers. The highest number of lateral branches (4.25) was obtained from the medium with 3 mg/mL kinetin (KIN), while the highest length of lateral branches (13.25 cm) was achieved on the medium culture fortified with 3 mg/mL thidiazuron (TDZ) and 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP). The highest number of leaves (20.25) and main branch length (12.25 cm) were obtained from the medium containing 3 mg/mL TDZ. The highest number of roots (46.25) and root length (2.25 cm) was measured from the medium fortified with 1 mg/mL indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) and 0.6 mg/mL indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), respectively. RP was successfully acclimated (85%) in vivo. Molecular analysis showed that the AP was true to the type of the MP. cis-Sabinene hydrate (26.8-57.7), 1,8-cineole (6.2-24.1), 4a alpha,7 beta,7a alpha-nepetalactone (4.1-12.3), and terpinene-4-ol (3.2-15.0) were the major essential oils compounds. The studied samples contained rosmarinic acid (2.55-5.97 mg/g DW), cichoric acid (1.68-12.7 mg/g DW), chlorogenic acid (1.91-64.21 mg/g DW), rutin (0.59-1.09 mg/g DW), apigenin (0.52-0.72 mg/g DW), betulinic acid (0.17-2.20 mg g DW), oleanolic acid (0.84-5.37 mg/g DW) and ursolic acid (3.46-15.70 mg/g DW). Acclimated plant exhibited the highest antioxidant activity (IC50 = 196.4 mu g/mL), while the methanolic extract of MP displayed the highest antibacterial activity (MIC = 8 mg/mL) against Staphylococcus aureus.

An expanded phylogenetic reconstruction based on the nuclear ribosomal DNA internal transcribed spacer region (nrDNA ITS) in conjunction with a multivariate statistical analysis of morphological characters revealed a new species and the re-acknowledgement of another one in Sclerorhachis (Compositae, Anthemideae). The newly revealed species, Sclerorhachis ferdowsii, has been previously included in the so-called S. platyrachis-complex, but is easily distinguished as an independent species by its rhizomatous root system, sparsely paleate receptacles, coronate and costate achenes, the relatively smaller size of the capitula, and the smaller habit of the whole plant. Additionally, morphological and molecular data corroborated S. paropamisica as a distinct species rather than being conspecific with S. platyrachis. With these newly acknowledged taxa, the number of species in Sclerorhachis is now expanded to eight. A detailed morphological description, an illustration, and distribution maps for S. ferdowsii, along with an identification key for all species of Sclerorhachis, are provided.

ABSTRACT Thymus persicus (Lamiaceae) is a range-restricted endemic medicinal and aromatic plant from northwest of Iran. Due to the medicinal importance and over-exploitation of the plant from its natural habitats, conservationand ex situ cultivation of the plant is needed. In the present study, essential oil variability of the plant during its in vitro conservation including in vitro regenerated plant (RP) and acclimated plant (AP) was assessed by GC-FID and GC-MS, and compared with those of growing wild plant (WP). In total, 44, 25 and 25 compounds representing 98.5%, 98.7% and 98.1% were identified in the oils of WP, RP and AP, respectively. The major identified components in the oils were 4,8-β-epoxy-caryophyllene (2.3–10.7%), α-terpineol (9.5–39.2%), linalool (5.7–15.7%) and thymol (2.6–32.8%). In vitro RP with the highest content of thymol had the greatest distance with WP. The AP was also significantly dominated with a large difference in α-terpineol.

Citral (Cit) and Carboxymethyl chitosan (CMC)/polyamide (PA) are known to have antibacterial proper-ties and can be used for healing infected wounds, but their advantages are faced with limitations owing to their structures. Using nanoliposomes (NLPs) for covering Cit and CMC/PA is a good strategy to over-come their limitations. This study evaluates the in vitro antibacterial properties and wound healing activ-ity of NLPs containing Cit and CMC/PA in infected full-thickness wounds in a mouse model. A facile method was used to produce Cit-NLPs, CMC/PA/NLPs, and CMC/PA/Cit-NLPs. Structural properties, in vitro, the release of Cit, in vitro antibacterial properties, and cytotoxicity were investigated. The pre-pared NLPs were mixed with basal ointment and used to treat the infected wounds. Wound rate, histopathological assessment by immunofluorescence staining were also investigated. A slow-release for Cit-NLPs and insignificant toxicity were found. Under in vitro conditions, NLPs showed better antibac-terial activities in higher dilutions. The prepared ointments increased the expression of COL1A, IL-10 and SIRT6, and decreased the expression of NF-jB and total bacterial count compared to basal ointment (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the results revealed that CMC/PA/Cit-NLPs have potential as a therapy for infected full-thickness wounds and clinical studies can be suggested.(c) 2022 The Korean Society of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rightsreserved.