Determining Effective Environmental Factors in the Distribution of Endangered Endemic Medicinal Plant Species Using the BMLR Model: The Example of Wild Celery (Kelussia odoratissima Mozaff., Apiaceae) in Zagros (Iran).

Kelussia odoratissima Mozaff. is a medicinal species native to Iran. The goal of this research was to determine the environmental factors important for the distribution of K. doratissima in Iran using BMLR modeling. Six random transects were established throughout the species' habitat, and 220 quadrats with an area of 4 m2 were plotted. The canopy cover percentages of K. doratissima were estimated in each quadrat. Topographic factors, including elevation, slope, and aspect maps, were generated by creating DEM images. Land use, land evaluation, evaporation, temperature, and precipitation maps of the area were created accordingly. The data collected from the experiments were analyzed using the Minitab and R statistical packages. To determine the effect of the studied factors in the distribution of K. doratissima, we ran a set of backward multiple linear regressions. The results showed that the effects of evaporation, elevation, and slope were significant in the species' distribution, with elevation having a positive effect and evaporation and slope showing negative effects. Further, elevation had the highest effect on distribution (greatest absolute value of beta at 9.660). The next most significant factors in the plant's distribution were evaporation (beta = 8.282) and slope (beta = 0.807), respectively.

Chemical composition and biological effects of three different types (tear, paste, and mass) of bitter Ferula assa-foetida Linn. gum.

Ferula assa-foetida gum oleoresin (FAGO) is traditionally used for treatment of different ailments. The subject of this article was to evaluate the chemical composition and antibacterial effects of the different types of bitter FAGO essential oils in the natural habitat of Southwest Iran. α-pinene (38.2%), and (Z)-propenyl sec-butyl disulfide (12.4%) were the main components of F. assa-foetida tear type essential oil, with high antibacterial, anti-biofilm and cytotoxic activities, followed by paste and mass types, respectively. α-pinene (27.8%), and (Z)-propenyl-sec-butyl disulfide (24.2%) were identified as main components of paste type. α-pinene (33.4%), ß-pinene (16.3%), and (Z)-propenyl sec-butyl disulfide (16.1%) were the main components of asafoetida mass type gum oleoresin essential oil. FAGO essential oil specially tear one could serve as suitable candidate for further studies.

Usnea sp.: Antimicrobial potential, bioactive compounds, ethnopharmacological uses and other pharmacological properties; a review article.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Usnea sp. is a fruticose thalli lichen with interesting medicinal properties. Since ancient times, Usnea sp. has been used in traditional medicine worldwide to treat various diseases. The broad scientific studies on this lichen have proved its multidirectional biological effect, such as antimicrobial activity, which is attributed to its usnic acid content. PURPOSE: The main aim of this review is to provide an up-to-date overview of the antimicrobial activities of Usnea sp., including the traditional and medicinal uses, and a critical evaluation of the presented data. Also, the mechanism of this type of action will be explained. METHODS: To prepare this manuscript, the information was extracted from scientific databases (Pubmed, ScienceDirect, Wiley, Springer, and Google Scholar), books, and theses. The available scientific information was critically analysed. RESULTS: Analysis of the scientific literature regarding traditional uses and bioactivity research showed that Usnea sp. extracts exhibit high antibacterial activity. The Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus cereus, and Mycobacterium tuberculosis) and aquatic oomycetous fungi were the most sensitive Usnea sp. extracts. Moderate activity against Malassezia furfur and dermatophytes was observed, as well. Gram-negative bacteria, yeast, and fungi were more frequently resistant to Usnea sp. extracts (included Escherichia coli, Candida sp., Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and Aspergillus sp.). The antiviral activity of Usnea sp. was limited. CONCLUSION: The results show that the use of Usnea sp. in traditional medicine can be scientifically documented. Studies show that usnic acid is the active compound present in Usnea sp. extracts. This compound, which has a high antibacterial and cytotoxic activity, exists in large quantities in low-polarity extracts, and low concentration in these of high-polarity. Usnea sp. extracts contain compounds other than usnic acid as well with biological effects. Usnea barbata is a species that has been employed in modern-day cosmetic and pharmaceutical preparations. The information presented in the review can be considered as a source of knowledge about the Usnea sp. It presents research on biological properties reported for different species of Usnea genus and thus can facilitate their use in medicine.