Linaria subbaetica (Plantaginaceae), a new species from the south of the Iberian Peninsula

Linaria subbaetica, a new species from the south of the Iberian Peninsula, is here described, illustrated, and compared with its morphologically closest relatives from L. sect. Supinae: L. badalii, L. caesia, and L. supina. The species is characterised by being annual, and having usually revolute leaves, a short and corymbiform inflorescence at anthesis with a pilose-glandulose axis, a white to pale-yellow corolla (yellow to orangish palate), bearing a spur equalling to slightly longer that the rest of the corolla, and black seeds with a tuberculate and papillose disc surface and a thickened wing. L. subbaetica is an endemic species, growing on calcareous mountains, in the Sierras Subbéticas Natural Park, Córdoba province (Andalusia, Spain).

Effects of Nigella Sativa (Black seeds) Supplementation on Plasma Lipid Profile in Human Subjects – A review

: Dyslipidemia is the major risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), cerebrovascular disease and peripheral artery disease (PAD). It is characterized by higher plasma concentrations of total cholesterol (TC), low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-c), apolipoprotein B (apoB), very low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (VLDL-c), triglycerides (TGs) and low levels of high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-c). Herbal medicines are preferred by many across the globe particularly to manage chronic conditions such as dyslipidemia, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, cancer, and plenty of others. Nigella sativa (Black seeds or Black cumin seeds) is a miracle herb employed within the management of many sicknesses for centuries. Hence, this review focuses on the ameliorative effects of N. sativa on the plasma lipid concentrations of human subjects. Numerous randomized controlled clinical trials (RCTs) and different clinical studies demonstrated that N. sativa possess potential anti-dyslipidemic activity. The patients with dyslipidemia may well be benefited by using N. sativa along with healthy lifestyle changes and statin and other antihyperlipidemic medications as adjuvant therapy if needed.

Meticulous Endorsement of Black Seed and Jambolana: A Scientific Review

The repository of traditional, historical and cultural heritage of natural prophylactic medicine to treat different disease, disorder and its aliment is limitless and time-immemorial. As per the hadith narrated by Ibn Abbas (RA), Prophet Muhammed specifically mentioned about Sulayman (AS) recorded the name and use of many herbal medicinal remedies after construction of his castle (Ibn Asakri’s Mukhtasar Tareekh Dimashq 3.393), in addition to it, Prophet Muhammed use to recommend 65 different herbal prophylactic medicines which are scientifically proved to be highly effective against almost all types of ailments, among this repository of 65, while prescribing the NS Prophet Muhammed narrated “use this black seeds regularly it is having the properties to cure all disease (ailment) except death (An authentic hadith narrated by Abu Hurayrah (RA) and recorded by Bukhari, Muslim Ahmad Ibn Majah). This in-depth review specially articulated to elaborate phytochemical, pharmacological and mechanistic approach to bring out the properties of not only NS but in addition, it focusing on the important properties of EJ. Preliminarily to say NS claim to have anti-inflammatory, analgesic, hepato-protective, neuro-protective, gastro-protective and other useful activity are due to two important constituents Thymoquinone (TQ) and NS oil (NSO). TQ has interaction with human serum albumin. Seeds containing volatile oils mainly Melanthin showed toxicity at larger doses. Whereas, EJ simultaneously proved its effectiveness underutilized fruit, crops are nutritious bearing wide range of pharmaceuticals properties. EJ fruit is highly perishable and is mainly used for the diabetes patients, it is well known as a traditional medicinal plant having essential bioactive compounds which are present in all parts of the plant. The major bioactive compounds present in the EJ roots are phytosterols, flavonoids, carotenoids, myricetin, oxalic acid, gallic acid, citronellol, cyanidin diglucoside, hotrienol, and polyphenols as well as micronutrients having many health benefits. It is also a good source of anthocyanin and effective against numerous health problems and act as chemo-preventive, radioprotective and demonstrating antineoplastic properties. The ripe fruits are pleasant, astringent taste and are eaten either raw or processed into different products mainly vinegar, jam, jellies and squash. The jambolana seed contains alkaloid, jambosine, and glycoside jambolin or antimellin. To be concluded, NS and EJ both bearing similar therapeutic and pharmacological endorsement with different remarkable biological active molecule, which will become future reference to find out the natural way to cure untreatable disease and its disorder such as HIV-Aids, Cancer and recent outbreak, etc. according to narration made by Prophet Muhammed .

The Morphological and Anatomical Studies of The Aerial Parts of Abroma augusta L. from Semarang

Abroma augusta L. known as Devil’s cotton belongs to Malvaceae. The exploratory study aimed to study the morphological and anatomical characteristics of the aerial parts of A. augusta L. from Semarang. The transverse section of the aerial parts was made by a simple method (fresh preparation) and then observed under a binocular microscope with an optilab. All characteristics were observed and then compared with the references. The collected data were analyzed descriptively and quantitatively. In summary, the results showed that A. augusta L. was an evergreen shrub (small tree) with orthotropic and plagiotropic branches and polymorphous leaves. The inflorenscence was found in the terminal and axillar plagiotropic branching with bisex, actinomorphic, and pentamerous flowers. The fruit was unique (obconical capsule with a rounded base and truncate-tip with 5 angled wings) including cotton fibers and numerous black seeds. The petiole was composed of epidermis, collenchyma, cortical parenchyma, sclerenchyma, vascular bundle, mucilaginous ducts, and pith. The dorsiventral leaf was composed of upper and lower epidermis, palisade, and spongy parenchyma. The stomata type was ranunculaceous (anomocytic) while the guard cell was kidney-shaped. The stomata density on the abaxial leaf was higher than that of the adaxial leaf. The stellate and unicellular non-glandular trichomes, and capitate glandular trichomes were found abundantly on the petiole and leaf blade. These morphological and anatomical studies are important to support the identification as a part of the conservation effort of the plant. Further studies are recommended to investigate the root morphology and anatomy and also biochemical characteristics of each part of the plant in order to obtain complete plant identification.

Nigella Sativa (Black seeds) – Potential herb to help Weight Loss

: Obesity is associated with many diseases, including diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, coronary heart disease, stroke, fatty liver disease, cancer, osteoarthritis and many others. The prevalence of obesity is increasing every year among the global population. The persons being overweight or obese may consider traditional herbal medicines as a good strategy to manage chronic conditions due to various reasons. Nigella sativa (Black seeds) has been used to treat various conditions, including obesity, diabetes, hypertension, cancer, etc. Hence, the anti-obesity potential of N. sativa is analyzed in this review. The databases, including Medline/PMC/PubMed, Google Scholar, Science Direct, and reference lists, were searched to identify relevant randomized controlled clinical trials. Significant reduction of body weight, body mass index and waist circumference have been observed in many randomized controlled clinical trials (RCTs) by using N. sativa. Hence, the individuals willing to reduce their body weight can effectively use N. sativa along with lifestyle modifications.

In Vitro Antimicrobial Activity of Medicinal Plant Extracts against Some Bacterial Pathogens Isolated from Raw and Processed Meat

Background and aim: The poultry meat and its products are considered ideal media for bacterial growth and spoilage, as they are highly nutritive with a favorable pH. The food industry has focused its attention on a great diversity of plant species as food preservatives. The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli O157: H7, and Klebsiella pneumonia in food samples and to evaluate of the antibacterial activity of some medicinal plant extracts against these bacteria. Methods: Raw and processed meat samples (n = 60) were collected from abattoirs and local markets. S. aureus, E. coli O157: H7, and K. pneumonia were isolated, identified by phenotypic methods, and then confirmed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The antibacterial activity and spectrum of essential oils and spices powder of cumin, black seeds, cloves, cinnamon, and marjoram was determined against the isolated strains in this study by microbial count and well-diffusion techniques. Results: A total of 33 isolates have been identified as S. aureus, 30 isolates were identified as E. coli O157: H7, and 15 isolates were identified as K. pneumonia. S. aureus, E. coli O157: H7, and K. pneumonia could be detected in both fresh and processed food with higher prevalence in the processed meat. There was a significant decrease in microbial count in treated samples either with the spices powder or essential oils of the tested medicinal plants compared to control samples during storage time period. Furthermore, while the microbial count increased in the control samples, the microbial count decreased to reach zero in almost all treated samples with essential oils after 15 days of storage. Conclusion: S. aureus, E. coli O157: H7, and K. pneumonia are associated with food from animal sources, in either fresh or processed meat samples. The prevalence of them was higher in the processed meat than in fresh meat. The essential oils and spices powder of cumin, black seeds, cloves, cinnamon, and marjoram have an in vitro wide spectrum antibacterial activity with the highest antibacterial activity for the black seeds.