Article
Plant Sciences
Elder Antonio Sousa Paiva, Igor Ballego-Campos, Marc Gibernau
Summary: The study found nectaries on tepals and confirmed true nectar secretion in Anthurium andraeanum for the first time. Stigmatic secretion appears to be a distinct substance, challenging previous beliefs, and the often-reported sugar content in stigmatic secretions was likely due to sample contamination. Nectar and stigmatic secretions have been frequently confused in other Anthurium species, warranting a revision for this genus.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF BOTANY
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Brandi Zenchyzen, Stacie Weissner, Jaymie Martin, Ainsley Lopushinsky, Ida John, Ishnoor Nahal, Jocelyn C. Hall
Summary: Floral nectaries have evolved diverse forms and functions in response to animal pollinators. However, their morphological and developmental characteristics are often overlooked. This study examined the floral nectaries of nine Cleomaceae species and found that they are commonly receptacular, supplied by vasculature, and exhibit significant diversity in size and shape. Floral nectaries contribute to the morphological diversity of Cleomaceae flowers and warrant further investigation into their role in floral evolution.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Malgorzata Stpiczynska, Magdalena Kaminska, Kevin L. Davies
Summary: Barkeria scandens and B. whartoniana, endangered endemic taxa from Mexico, have structurally adapted flowers for nectar secretion, containing sugars and lipid-like compounds. The flowers have functional floral nectaries with a robust secretory tissue and thick cell walls, possibly enabling a switch in pollination methods for B. scandens.
Article
Plant Sciences
Silvia Rodrigues Machado, Tatiane Maria Rodrigues
Summary: The cytological changes in the multi-layered extrafloral nectaries of Citharexylum myrianthum are consistent with suberin synthesis, transport, and deposition, offering new insights into the structure-properties of specialized nectary cell walls and their physiological and protective roles in nectar glands.
Article
Plant Sciences
Awapa Jirabanjongjit, Paweena Traiperm, Tomoki Sando, Alyssa B. Stewart
Summary: Argeria siamensis is a rare plant with colorful flowers that attract pollinators. The species is self-incompatible and dependent on bees and butterflies for pollination. Chemical compounds in staminal trichomes and floral nectary contribute to pollinator attraction. Insufficient pollination is unlikely to be the primary cause of its rarity.
Article
Plant Sciences
Andrea Lanna Almeida, Elder Antonio Sousa Paiva, Milene Faria Vieira, Marilia Contin Ventrella
Summary: Mabea fistulifera, a species pollinated mainly by diurnal and nocturnal vertebrates, secretes abundant nectar through special anatomical traits and a membrane covering, maintaining nectar exudation for several hours.
Article
Plant Sciences
Anzu Minami, Xiaojun Kang, Clay J. Carter
Summary: Nectar volume and sugar composition are critical for plant-pollinator interactions. Cell wall invertases play a key role in determining the sugar composition and volume of nectar, with their activity affecting the attractiveness of nectar to pollinators.
Article
Plant Sciences
Bianca El Ajouz, Adriano Valentin-Silva, Dayana Maria Teodoro Francino, Valdnea Casagrande Dalvi
Summary: This study described the development and secretory activity of colleters and nectaries in Chelonanthus viridiflorus throughout floral development. Colleters are active in flower buds and secrete polysaccharides and proteins, while nectaries are related to defense mechanisms and nectar supply.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Abdul Latif Khan, Ahmed Al-Harrasi, Jin-Peng Wang, Sajjad Asaf, Jean-Jack M. Riethoven, Tariq Shehzad, Chia-Sin Liew, Xiao-Ming Song, Daniel P. Schachtman, Chao Liu, Ji-Gao Yu, Zhi-Kang Zhang, Fan-Bo Meng, Jia-Qing Yuan, Chen-dan Wei, He Guo, Xuewen Wang, Ahmed Al-Rawahi, In-Jung Lee, Jeffrey L. Bennetzen, Xi-Yin Wang
Summary: In this study, the de novo assembled genome of Boswellia sacra Flueck was reported, along with an investigation of its gene duplication and genetic diversity. It was found that wounding activates phytohormone signaling, cell wall fortification, and resin terpenoid biosynthesis pathways, leading to the synthesis of the key chemical marker boswellic acid.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Bingyang Zhang, Di Liu, Shijie Cao, Tie Yao, Guanke Liu, Liyi Chen, Feng Qiu
Summary: Eight new tirucallane triterpenoids and two known compounds were isolated from the gum resin of Boswellia sacra. Compound 10 exhibited remarkable inhibitory activity against HepG2 cells, inducing apoptosis and inhibiting EGFR.
BIOORGANIC CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Yanfei Pei, Jun Zhang, Peng Wu, Li Ye, Duofeng Yang, Jiedan Chen, Jie Li, Yan Hu, Xiefei Zhu, Xiaoping Guo, Tianzhen Zhang
Summary: The floral nectary, important for plant reproduction and evolution, also plays a role in insect-resistant breeding. Research on the GoNe gene in cotton has revealed its crucial role in the formation of both floral and extrafloral nectaries, possibly independent of CRC and STY genes.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Bingyang Zhang, Di Liu, Wenyue Ji, Kouharu Otsuki, Koji Higai, Feng Zhao, Wei Li, Kazuo Koike, Feng Qiu
Summary: Seven previously undescribed cembranoids, named sacraoxides A-G (1, 3-8), were isolated from the gum resin of Boswellia sacra. Compounds 6 and 7 showed inhibitory effects on nitric oxide production in RAW264.7 cells induced by lipopolysaccharide.
FRONTIERS IN CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Kanwal Ilyas, Lamia Singer, Muhammad Asim Akhtar, Christoph P. Bourauel, Aldo R. Boccaccini
Summary: This study successfully prepared amino-functionalized mesoporous bioactive glass nanoparticles and loaded Boswellia sacra extract onto their surface. This research is of great significance for the development of phytotherapeutic-loaded antibacterial inorganic materials to improve tissue healing and regeneration.
Article
Plant Sciences
Pramod Sivan, Karumanchi S. Rao
Summary: This study investigated the ultrastructural changes during different developmental/secretion stages of extrafloral nectaries (EFNs) of Pithecellobium dulce. The cytoplasm of young nectariferous cells during the pre-secretion stage was dense and characterized by active biosynthesis mechanisms. The secretory phase showed distinct changes in cytoplasm associated with endomembrane transport and the subsequent appearance of secretions in intercellular and subcuticular spaces. Advanced stages of nectar secretion revealed cell wall loosening and the formation of subcuticular spaces. The structural evidence suggests the occurrence of two modes of secretion (merocrine and holocrine) in the EFNs of P. dulce.
Article
Plant Sciences
Hannelise de Kassia Balduino, Priscila Tunes, Emanuele Giordano, Massimo Guarnieri, Silvia Rodrigues Machado, Massimo Nepi, Elza Guimaraes
Summary: Our study examines the differences in nectar traits in different types of nectaries within a plant and their ecological interactions with floral visitors. We found that nuptial nectaries attract bees while extranuptial nectaries attract ants, cockroaches, wasps, and flies. These nectaries produce different nectar compositions that fit the specific preferences of their respective visitors. The diversity of nectar traits and selective pressures exerted by floral visitors play a crucial role in plant-animal interactions.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Claudia Giuliani, Martina Bottoni, Roberta Ascrizzi, Laura Santagostini, Alessio Papini, Guido Flamini, Gelsomina Fico
Summary: The micromorphological and phytochemical survey of Scutellaria brevibracteata subsp. subvelutina cultivated in Italy revealed a high diversity of indumentum and volatile organic compounds in different parts of the plant, with floral compounds being more complex compared to foliar ones. The essential oil extracted from the aerial parts was dominated by beta-caryophyllene, with peltates, medium and long-stalked capitates being the main producers of the investigated compounds.
NATURAL PRODUCT RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
C. Giuliani, M. Bottoni, R. Ascrizzi, F. Milani, S. Falsini, A. Papini, G. Flamini, G. Fico
Summary: In the study of Ballota acetabulosa, different trichome morphotypes were identified and linked to terpene production, with sesquiterpene hydrocarbons dominating in leaves and flowers. The main compounds, such as gamma-muurolene and beta-caryophyllene, were found to play a dominant role in defense mechanisms at both leaf and flower levels. The scientific knowledge obtained from the research was made accessible to visitors of the Botanic Garden through new labeling highlighting the plant's microscopic features.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Claudio Frezza, Alessandro Venditti, Claudia Giuliani, Sebastiano Foddai, Kevin Cianfaglione, Filippo Maggi, Gelsomina Fico, Marcella Guiso, Marcello Nicoletti, Armandodoriano Bianco, Mauro Serafini
Summary: This study used phytochemistry to investigate plant evolution, focusing on the role of flavonoids in the evolution of Lamiaceae plants. Results showed similarities and differences compared to previous research on iridoids, and also highlighted analogies and diversities from phylogenetic trees based on molecular and genetic data. The findings suggest potential for further use of phytochemical data in evaluating Lamiaceae evolution.
BIOCHEMICAL SYSTEMATICS AND ECOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Claudia Giuliani, Martina Bottoni, Roberta Ascrizzi, Fabrizia Milani, Alberto Spada, Guido Flamini, Gelsomina Fico
Summary: The study on Teucrium chamaedrys L. cultivated in Northern Italy involved a four-level research approach focusing on micromorphological, histochemical, phytochemical, and ecological aspects. Results revealed three types of glandular trichomes on different plant organs, with different terpene production sites, and a complex profile of volatile compounds emitted by flowers, indicating a potential defensive and seductive role of the floral bouquet.
Article
Plant Sciences
Claudia Giuliani, Martina Bottoni, Fabrizia Milani, Sefora Todero, Patrizia Berera, Filippo Maggi, Laura Santagostini, Gelsomina Fico
Summary: This study presents a novel perception of botanic gardens as complex factories of molecules that mediate plant-environment interactions and are useful for humans. The focus is on the medicinal plant heritage of the Ghirardi Botanic Garden in Italy. The study analyzed the morphology, phytochemistry, and bio-ecology of Myrtus communis L. subsp. communis, with a particular emphasis on the production of secondary metabolites. The results showed a high level of chemical variability in the essential oil composition, but identified three ubiquitous compounds across different conservation procedures and phenological stages.
Article
Plant Sciences
Eugenia Mazzara, Jacopo Torresi, Gelsomina Fico, Alessio Papini, Nicola Kulbaka, Stefano Dall'Acqua, Stefania Sut, Stefania Garzoli, Ahmed M. Mustafa, Loredana Cappellacci, Dennis Fiorini, Filippo Maggi, Claudia Giuliani, Riccardo Petrelli
Summary: New hemp strains developed through crossbreeding selected varieties have been studied for their phytochemical characterization. The study analyzed the essential oils, residual water, and deterpenated biomass of nine commercial hemp cultivars. Different chemotypes were identified through analysis of volatile fractions, and the polyphenolic profile was studied in residual water and deterpenated biomass. The study also investigated the morphology of glandular and non-glandular indumentum and its possible correlation with phytochemical traits. The research highlights the potential industrial and health applications of different products obtained from the hydrodistillation of hemp varieties.
Article
Plant Sciences
Lorenzo Marini, Enrico Palchetti, Lorenzo Brilli, Gelsomina Fico, Claudia Giuliani, Marco Michelozzi, Gabriele Cencetti, Bruno Foggi, Piero Bruschi
Summary: Two wild populations of Helichrysum from Elba Island were analyzed morphologically and phytochemically. The analysis identified one population as H. litoreum and the other as H. italicum subsp. italicum. Morphological traits in leaves and glandular tissues were the main discriminant features, while the terpene profiles of flowers, leaves and bark tissues were important for distinguishing between the populations.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Roberta Ascrizzi, Marinella De Leo, Laura Pistelli, Claudia Giuliani, Ylenia Pieracci, Barbara Ruffoni, Carlo Mascarello, Gelsomina Fico, Guido Flamini, Luisa Pistelli
Summary: The Nemo's Garden (R) project is an interesting intervention to address the climate crisis in areas with scarce cultivable land but abundant water resources. This study found differences in the micromorphological, biochemical, and phytochemical characteristics between Stevia rebaudiana grown underwater and on land.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Martina Bottoni, Giovanna Baron, Francesca Gado, Fabrizia Milani, Laura Santagostini, Lorenzo Colombo, Paola Sira Colombo, Elisabetta Caporali, Alberto Spada, Marco Biagi, Claudia Giuliani, Piero Bruschi, Giancarlo Aldini, Gelsomina Fico
Summary: This study presents a multidisciplinary investigation on Achillea moschata, including the analysis of phytochemical composition, morpho-anatomy, and biological activities. The results reveal the rich presence of polyphenols and flavonoids in Achillea moschata, along with significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. The combination of traditional preparation and modern research methods provides valuable insights into the medicinal value of Achillea moschata.
Article
Plant Sciences
Claudia Giuliani, Martina Bottoni, Roberta Ascrizzi, Fabrizia Milani, Alberto Spada, Alessio Papini, Guido Flamini, Gelsomina Fico
Summary: This study combined micromorphological and phytochemical approaches to investigate Lavandula angustifolia Mill. cultivated at Ghirardi Botanic Garden in Italy. The study identified three morphotypes of trichomes on the leaves and flowers: peltate, short-stalked capitate, and medium-stalked capitate. Histochemical dyes revealed that peltate and medium-stalked capitate trichomes produced abundant terpenes, while short-stalked capitate trichomes secreted hydrophilic substances. The phytochemical analysis focused on the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted by leaves and flowers, as well as the composition of the essential oil (EO) from the flowering aerial parts. The findings provide valuable information for the ecology, biological activity, and sensory qualities of VOCs and EO in Lavandula angustifolia.
SOUTH AFRICAN JOURNAL OF BOTANY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Claudia Giuliani, Martina Bottoni, Laura Santagostini, Alberto Spada, Alessio Papini, Fabrizia Milani, Gelsomina Fico
Summary: This study represents the first comprehensive investigation on Teucrium fruticans L. cultivated in Lombardy, Northern Italy. The study combined micromorphological and phytochemical surveys to analyze the plant's aerial parts. Micromorphological investigations revealed the presence of five distinct trichome morphotypes, while phytochemical characterization focused on the essential oils obtained from the plant. The essential oils were found to consist mainly of sesquiterpene hydrocarbons, with beta-caryophyllene and germacrene D identified as the main compounds.
CHEMISTRY & BIODIVERSITY
(2023)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Fabrizia Milani, Martina Bottoni, Claudia Giuliani, Lorenzo Colombo, Maria Cristina Casiraghi, Paola Sira Colombo, Piero Bruschi, Daniela Erba, Gelsomina Fico
Summary: This study evaluates the nutritional features of local plants and green gnocchi. The results show that wild plants contain high levels of carotenoids and total phenols, while cooking decreases the content of certain nutrients. Green gnocchi has a slow digestible starch, which helps regulate insulin demand.
Article
Plant Sciences
Claudia Giuliani, Roberta Manuela Moretti, Martina Bottoni, Laura Santagostini, Gelsomina Fico, Marina Montagnani Marelli
Summary: The aim of this study was to investigate the chemical profile and cytotoxic activity of Myrtus communis subsp. tarentina (L.) Nyman leaf essential oil in castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) cell lines. The essential oil (EO MT), which was cultivated in Italy, was extracted and analyzed. The results showed that EO MT reduced cellular viability, activated apoptosis, and inhibited cell migration in CRPC cells. It is suggested that further research should be conducted on the individual compounds present in EO MT for potential use in prostate cancer treatment.
Article
Entomology
Manuela Giovanetti, Claudia Giuliani, Gelsomina Fico, Daniela Lupi
Article
Plant Sciences
Fabrizia Milani, Martina Bottoni, Laura Bardelli, Lorenzo Colombo, Paola Sira Colombo, Piero Bruschi, Claudia Giuliani, Gelsomina Fico
Summary: This project originated from the study of an 18th century manuscript found in Valle Imagna (Bergamo, Italy) which contains 200 plant-based medicinal remedies. A total of 109 interviews were conducted, and a decrease in the number of plant taxa and uses over time was observed. Similar recipes for 12 species were highlighted in a thorough comparison with the remedies in the manuscript.
