Comparative study on chloroplast genome of Tamarix species.

Tamaricaceae comprises about 120 species and has a long evolutionary history, Tamarix Linn accounts for approximately 75% of the total species in this family. It is the most widely distributed and diverse genus in the family. They have important ecological significance for transforming deserts and improving climate conditions. However, Tamarix is the most poorly classified genera among flowering plants owing to its large variability and high susceptibility to interspecific hybridization. In this study, the complete chloroplast genomes of three Tamarix species and one draft chloroplast genome were obtained in this study. Combined with eight chloroplast genomes deposited in GenBank, complete chloroplast sequences of 12 Tamarix species were used for further analysis. There are 176 non-SSR-related indels and 681 non-indel-related SSRs in the 12 Tamarix chloroplast genomes. The mononucleotide SSRs are the most prevalent among all types of SSRs. The mVISTA results indicate high sequence similarities across the chloroplast genome, suggesting that the chloroplast genomes are highly conserved, except for sample Tamarix androssowii (ENC850343). The IR regions and the coding regions are more conserved than the single-copy and noncoding regions. The trnF-ndhJ, ndhC-trnM-CAU, ycf1, and trnL-UAG-ndhF regions are the most variable and have higher variability than those of the universal DNA markers. Finally, the first phylogenetic tree of Tamaricaceae was constructed which confirmed the monophyly of Tamarix in Tamaricaceae. The first phylogenetic tree of Tamarix was based on the complete chloroplast genome to date, the changes in branch length and support rate can potentially help us clarify the phylogenetic relationships of Tamarix. All the obtained genetic resources will facilitate future studies in population genetics, species identification, and conservation biology of Tamarix.

Metallic nanoentities: Bio-engineered silver, gold, and silver/gold bimetallic nanoparticles for biomedical applications.

This present study reports the biogenic synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and Ag/Au bimetallic nanoparticles (BNPs) using bark extract of plant Tamarix aphylla (T.A). The bark extract contained total polyphenolic compounds and total flavonoids as 0.0362 mg/mg and 0.2928 mg/mg of the dried bark extract respectively. Silver nitrate (AgNO3) and hydrogen tetra chloroaurate trihydrate (HAuCl4.3H2O) were used as precursors while deionised water and methanol (CH3OH) were used as solvents. Synthesized nanoparticles were characterized through UV-visible spectroscopy, SEM (scanning electron microscopy), TEM (transmission electron microscopy) and FTIR (Fourier transform infrared) for their morphology, structure, and identification of different functional groups. The UV-visible spectra of AgNPs, AuNPs and Ag/Au BNPs showed peaks at 436, 532 and 527 nm respectively due to the excitation of Surface Plasmon Resonance. SEM and TEM images showed spherical and well distributed nanoparticles (NPs) with particle size as 29 nm (AgNPs), 13 nm (AuNPs) and 26 nm (Ag/Au BNPs). The synthesized NPs are significantly active against inhibition of free radicals, α-amylase, α-glucosidase and have anti inflammatory potential with AgNPs having the highest percent activity at 400 µg/ml, followed by Ag/Au BNPs. The same trend (AgNPs > Ag/AuBNPs > AuNPs) has been observed at all concentrations i.e. 100 µg/ml, 200 µg/ml and 400 µg/ml. AuNPs have shown lowest activity at all concentrations. So the current study strongly confirms use of T.A bark extract as reducing agent for synthesis of metal NPs and opens up a new possibility of using these green synthesized NPs as biomedicines. We also suggest further in vivo investigation to report any side effects if present.

Physiological and biochemical attributes of the association host-parasite Tamarix aphylla-Plicosepalus acacia.

Parasitic plants have been viewed as pests since they are able to damage agricultural crops and forest trees. They establish vasculature connections with the hosts and withdraw the required nutritive resources. This study aimed to explore the physiological and biochemical effects of the parasitic plant Plicosepalus acacia on the host Tamarix aphylla. It was conducted on young fully expanded leaves from the uninfected and infected trees and the parasitic plant 'in situ'. The parasite had higher net photosynthetic assimilation rate (A), transpiration rate (E) and stomatal conductance (gs) compared to the host. Equally, it had two-fold greater water potential (Ψ) and osmotic potential (Ψs). It accumulated high amount of K, while it avoided accumulation of the most trace and ultratrace elements. Otherwise, parasitism seemed to increase A, WUE, water uptake and accumulation of the most major, trace and ultra-trace elements, however it reduced the accumulation of osmolytes at the infected plants. Based on UPLC-MS approach, P. acacia seemed to use a group of composites to interact with the host, including oleamide as a protector metabolite against host's defense system, carvone to establish vasculature connections with the host, cuminaldehyde to weaken growth and proliferation of the host, and caprolactam to weaken the distal part of the host. In contrast, the host T. aphylla could be used pipecolinic acid and nicotinamide to regulate systemic resistance and to defense against the parasite infection. Finally, despite the defense molecular interactions between the two partners, the parasitic plant exhibited several beneficial effects on the host.

The Yellow River is the key corridor for Tamarix austromongolica to disperse from Asia inlands to east seashores.

Plants of the Tamarix L. genus (Tamaricaceae) mainly occur in arid inlands of Asia, but a few species occur in the coastal areas of China, and the Yellow River may account for this. This study was conducted to elucidate whether and how the Yellow River affects the pattern and development of the Tamarix genus, involving two critical species of Tamarix austromongolica Nakai and Tamarix chinensis Lour. With geographical distribution data, relationships of T. austromongolica with the Yellow River and the pertaining watershed were examined using the method of random permutation. The base-diameter structures of T. austromongolica populations were investigated and compared between different riparian lands that suffer discriminative water inundation. The nearest distances from T. austromongolica locations to the Yellow River and the pertaining watershed were significantly lower than the theoretical expectations in the condition of random distribution (p < .05). In many riparian lands along the Yellow River, wild T. austromongolica populations occurred with vigorous juveniles, despite frequent human disturbances. In coastal areas near the present estuary of the river, wild T. austromongolica plants were still found. In T. austromongolica populations near the Yellow River and sea, the rates of juvenile plants were significantly higher than in other populations situated farther from the river or sea. These findings suggest that the Yellow River can facilitate the eastward dispersal of Tamarix plants that reasonably caused the evolution from T. austromongolica to T. chinensis in ancient coasts in the China east.

Variations in water use strategies of Tamarix ramosissima at coppice dunes along a precipitation gradient in desert regions of northwest China.

Introduction: The precipitation pattern has changed significantly in arid desert areas, yet it is not clear how the water use strategies of Tamarix ramosissima Ledeb. on coppice dunes along a natural precipitation gradient are affected. Methods: In this study, the hydrogen and oxygen isotope compositions of xylem water, soil water, precipitation, and groundwater were measured by stable isotope techniques in Huocheng, Mosuowan, and Tazhong. Additionally, the water use strategies of natural precipitation gradient were investigated in conjunction with the MixSIAR model. Results: The results indicated that the water sources of T. ramosissima exhibited significant variation from semi-arid to hyper-arid areas. In semi-arid areas, T. ramosissima mainly absorbed shallow, shallow-middle, and middle soil water; however, T. ramosissima shifted its primary water sources to middle and deep soil water in arid areas. In hyper-arid areas, it mainly utilized deep soil water and groundwater. In contrast, the water source contribution rate of T. ramosissima exhibited relative uniformity across each layer in an arid area. Notably, in hyper-arid areas, the proportion of groundwater by T. ramosissima was significantly high, reaching 60.2%. This is due to the relatively shallow groundwater supplementing the deep soil water content in the area. In conclusion, the proportion of shallow soil water decreased by 14.7% for T. ramosissima from semi-arid to hyper-arid areas, illustrating the occurrence of a gradual shift in potential water sources utilized by T. ramosissima from shallow to deep soil water and groundwater. Discussion: Therefore, T. ramosissima on coppice dunes shows flexible water use strategies in relation to precipitation and groundwater, reflecting its strong environmental adaptability. The findings hold significant implications for the conservation of water resources and vegetation restoration in arid areas.

Multi-targeted therapeutic exploration of Tamarix gallica flowers for anti-ulcer activity and associated complications.

BACKGROUND: Peptic ulcer is a condition characterized by open sores resulting from excessive acid production in the stomach or digestive tract, causing damage to the mucosal lining. Tamarix gallica (TG), is traditionally known for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial activity, etc. Objective: The scientific evidences based on its efficacy specifically for anti-ulcers activity are limited, hence, the study aimed to evaluate protective effect of TG against aspirin-induced peptic ulcers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Phytochemical screening was performed followed by assessment of protective effect of TG against aspirin induced toxicity in rats. Network biology and polypharmacology studies were performed to determine the possible molecular targets involved in pathophysiology of ulcers. RESULTS: The study revealed that the TG extract at high dose (500 mg/kg b.w.) significantly exhibits protective effect against aspirin induced ulcers via regulation of free acidity pepsin production, overall acidity via regulating antioxidant status (SOD, GSH, CAT, etc). Morphological studies revealed less damage with less disruption of the gastric mucosa layer having normal mucosal structure, no swelling or oedema was found in drug treated groups. CONCLUSION: Moreover, network biology and polypharmacology outcomes revealed that SOD2, CAT, EPO, IL10, EGF, TGFB1 etc. play a significant role in functional gastrointestinal-associated disease or peptic ulcer. Hence, the study concludes that TG polyphenols including phenols and flavonoids play an important role in alleviation of peptic ulcer or associated complication and thus demonstrating TG as a natural therapeutic regimen against ulcers in glance of nature.

Comprehensive analysis of key aroma compounds enhanced by Tamarix ramosissima Ledeb in mutton roasted by air-frying roast technology by means of SAFE-GC-O-MS and lipidomics.

Little information is known about the increased aroma compounds and possible mechanism in Tamarix ramosissima Ledeb roasted mutton (TRM). A comprehensive analysis of aroma compounds and lipids were firstly performed by lipidomics and sensomics approach. The results indicated that 9 out of 53 aroma compounds were considered as key odorants, including 5-methyl-2,3-diethylpyrazine. The roasted mutton contained highest levels of phosphatidylcholine (PC, 13.95%), triglyceride (TG, 13.50%), and phosphatidylethanolamine (PE, 12.25%). TG 18:0_18:0_18:1 and nine odorants were the potential biomarkers for discriminating differential samples due to variable importance in projection (VIP) > 1 and p < 0.05. PCs and TGs, including PC 21:0_13:1 and TG 16:0_18:1_18:1, might be predominantly responsible for the formation and retention of aroma compounds, respectively. This will clarify the enhanced effect of Tamarix ramosissima Ledeb on the presence of aroma compounds via lipid pathways in roasted mutton.

A chromosome-level genome assembly provides insights into the local adaptation of Tamarix austromongolica in the Yellow River Basin, China.

Tamarix austromongolica is endemic to the Yellow River Basin and has adapted to diverse ecological settings in the region, including the arid areas of northwestern China and the saline soil regions of the Yellow River Delta. However, the genetic basis of its local adaptation remains unclear. We report a chromosome-level assembly of the T. austromongolica genome based on PacBio high-fidelity sequencing and Hi-C technology. The 12 pseudochromosomes cover 98.44% of the 1.32 Gb assembly, with a contig N50 of 52.57 Mb and a BUSCO score of 98.2%. The genome comprises 913.6 Mb (68.83%) of repetitive sequences and 22,374 protein-coding genes. Genome evolution analyses suggest that genes under positive selection and significantly expanded gene families have facilitated T. austromongolica's adaptability to diverse environmental factors and high resistance to diseases. Using genotyping-by-sequencing, we conducted population structure and selection analyses of 114 samples from 15 sites. Two genetic groups were identified, and 114 and 289 candidate genes were assigned to the populations of the northwestern and eastern parts of the Yellow River, respectively. Furthermore, we discovered numerous candidate genes associated with high-altitude adaptability and salt tolerance. This research provides valuable genomic resources for the evolutionary study and genetic breeding of tamarisk.

Characteristics of the chloroplast genome and genetic divergence of Tamarix hispida Willd. 1816 (Tamaricaceae).

Tamarix hispida Willd. 1816, a crucial native plant species in the arid desert region of northwestern China, plays a significant role in maintaining ecological stability. It is instrumental in addressing soil salinity-alkalinity and heavy metal pollution. This research aims to analyze the phylogenetic divergence pattern and evolutionary history of T. hispida by comparing chloroplast genome structures across different populations. Despite the minimal differences in chloroplast genome structure due to conserved genes and junction regions, sequencing was conducted using the Illumina NovaSeq platform to verify the historical evolutionary processes between different populations, followed by assembly and annotation. The results revealed that the T. hispida chloroplast genome is approximately 156,164-156,186 bp in length, with a quadripartite structure and 131 annotated genes. Phylogenetic analysis indicated two lineages within T. hispida, with a divergence time of 3.15 Ma. These findings emphasize the low genetic diversity in T. hispida and offer valuable insights into its evolutionary past. To effectively protect and manage this species, increased scientific research and monitoring of its genetic diversity are necessary. This study underscores the importance of comprehending the genetic mechanisms behind species divergence to develop informed conservation strategies.

Phytochemical and pharmacological properties of the genus Tamarix: a comprehensive review.

The genus Tamarix in the Tamaricaceae family consists of more than 100 species of halophyte plants worldwide that are mainly used to improve saline-alkali land and for coastal windbreaks, sand fixation, and afforestation in arid areas. A considerable number of species in this genus are also used as traditional medicines to treat various human diseases, especially in Asian and African countries. This review presents a comprehensive summary of 655 naturally occurring compounds derived from the genus Tamarix, categorized into flavonoids (18.0%), phenols (13.9%), tannins (9.3%), terpenoids (10.5%), essential oils (31.0%), and others (17.3%). The investigation revealed that the crude extracts and phytochemicals of this genus exhibited significant therapeutic potential, including anti-inflammatory, anti-Alzheimer, anticancer, antidiabetic, antibacterial, and antifungal activities. Six species of Tamarix have anticancer effects by causing cancer cell death, inducing autophagy, and stopping cell division. Seven species from the same genus have the potential for treating diabetes by inhibiting α-glycosidase activity, suppressing human islet amyloid polypeptide, regulating blood glucose levels, and modulating autophagy or inflammation. The focus on antibacterial and antidiabetic effects is due to the presence of volatile oil and flavonoid components. Extensive research has been conducted on the biological activity of 30 constituents, including 15 flavonoids, 5 phenols, 3 terpenoids, 1 tannin, and 6 others. Therefore, future research should thoroughly study the mechanisms of action of these and similar compounds. This is the most comprehensive review of the phytochemistry and pharmacological properties of Tamarix species, with a critical assessment of the current state of knowledge.

Assessing the Chemical Profile and Biological Potentials of Tamarix aphylla (L.) H.Karst. and Tamarix senegalensis DC. by In Vitro, In Silico, and Network Methodologies.

The present study aimed to investigate the chemical profile, antioxidant, and enzyme inhibition properties of extracts from fruits and aerial parts (leaves and twigs) of Tamarix aphylla and T. senegalensis. Hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate (EtOAc), and methanol extracts were prepared sequentially by maceration. Results revealed that EtOAc extracts of T. senegalensis and T. aphylla fruits contained the highest total phenolic content (113.74 and 111.21 mg GAE/g) while that of T. senegalensis (38.47 mg RE/g) recorded the highest total flavonoids content. Among the quantified compounds; ellagic, gallic, 3-hydroxybenzoic, caffeic, syringic, p-coumaric acids, isorhamnetin, procyanidin B2, and kaempferol were the most abundant compounds in the two species. EtOAc extracts of the two organs of T. senegalensis in addition to MeOH extract of T. aphylla aerial parts displayed the highest chelating power (21.00-21.30 mg EDTAE/g, p > 0.05). The highest anti-AChE (3.11 mg GALAE/g) and anti-BChE (3.62 mg GALAE/g) activities were recorded from the hexane and EtOAc extracts of T. senegalensis aerial parts and fruits, respectively. EtOAc extracts of the fruits of the two species exerted the highest anti-tyrosinase (anti-Tyr) activity (99.44 and 98.65 mg KAE/g, p > 0.05). Also, the EtOAc extracts of the both organs of the two species exhibited highest anti-glucosidase activity (0.88-0.90 mmol ACAE/g, p > 0.05) while the best anti-α-amylase activity was recorded from the dichloromethane extract of T. senegalensis fruits (0.74 mmol ACAE/g). In this study, network pharmacology was employed to examine the connection between compounds from Tamarix and their potential effectiveness against Alzheimer's disease. The compounds demonstrated potential interactions with pivotal genes including APP, GSK3B, and CDK5, indicating a therapeutic potential. Molecular docking was carried out to understand the binding mode and interaction of the compounds with the target enzymes. Key interactions observed, such as H-bonds, promoted the binding, and weaker ones, such as van der Waals attractions, reinforced it. These findings suggest that these two Tamarix species possess bioactive properties with health-promoting effects.

The transcription factor ThDOF8 binds to a novel cis-element and mediates molecular responses to salt stress in Tamarix hispida.

Salt stress is a common abiotic factor that restricts plant growth and development. As a halophyte, Tamarix hispida is a good model plant for exploring salt-tolerance genes and regulatory mechanisms. DNA-binding with one finger (DOF) is an important transcription factor (TF) that influences and controls various signaling substances involved in diverse biological processes related to plant growth and development, but the regulatory mechanisms of DOF TFs in response to salt stress are largely unknown in T. hispida. In the present study, a newly identified Dof gene, ThDOF8, was cloned from T. hispida, and its expression was found to be induced by salt stress. Transient overexpression of ThDOF8 enhanced T. hispida salt tolerance by enhancing proline levels, and increasing the activities of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD) and peroxidase (POD). These results were also verified in stably transformed Arabidopsis. Results from TF-centered yeast one-hybrid (Y1H) assays and EMSAs showed that ThDOF8 binds to a newly identified cis-element (TGCG). Expression profiling by gene chip analysis identified four potential direct targets of ThDOF8, namely the cysteine-rich receptor-like kinases genes, CRK10 and CRK26, and two glutamate decarboxylase genes, GAD41, and GAD42, and these were further verified by ChIP-quantitative-PCR, EMSAs, Y1H assays, and ß-glucuronidase enzyme activity assays. ThDOF8 can bind to the TGCG element in the promoter regions of its target genes, and transient overexpression of ThCRK10 also enhanced T. hispida salt tolerance. On the basis of our results, we propose a new regulatory mechanism model, in which ThDOF8 binds to the TGCG cis-element in the promoter of the target gene CRK10 to regulate its expression and improve salt tolerance in T. hispida. This study provides a basis for furthering our understanding the role of DOF TFs and identifying other downstream candidate genes that have the potential for improving plant salt tolerance via molecular breeding.

Involvement of TNFα, IL-1ß, COX-2 and NO in the anti-inflammatory activity of Tamarix aphylla in Wistar albino rats: an in-vivo and in-vitro study.

BACKGROUND: With the emergence of many side effects from synthetic drugs, there is an urgent need to find a natural alternative to these products. Therefore, our primary aim was to evaluate the anti-inflammatory activity of Tamarix aphylla (TA) and investigate the potential mechanism underlying this action. METHODS: Initially, to ensure the safety of the extract and for dose selection, we performed an acute oral toxicity Assay through the oral administration of graded doses up to 4 g\kg in Wistar rats. then, we used the carrageenan-induced edema model to elucidate the anti-inflammatory activity. Using specific ELISA kits, we measured the levels of TNF-α, IL-1ß, COX-2 and NO inside the inflamed paw tissue. Finally, for the in-vitro anti-inflammatory experiment, we used the erythrocyte membrane stability test. RESULTS: Based on the acute oral toxicity assay, T. aphylla was considered generally safe and three different doses of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg were chosen for further experiments. Additionally, TA expressed a significant (P < 0.05) anti-inflammatory activity, showing the maximum inhibition percentage at the fifth hour of measurement at 53.47% and 70.06%, at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg respectively, compared to 63.81% for the standard drug. Similarly, we found that TA effectively reduced the levels of TNF-α and IL-1ß at all tested doses (100-200-400 mg/kg) to a greater extent than the standard drug. Moreover, at 400 mg/kg, TA was able to significantly lower the levels of COX-2 and NO inside the inflamed tissue to a level comparable (P < 0.05) with that measured inside the paw tissue of normal rats. Finally, Tamarix aphylla at 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg doses significantly (P < 0.05) inhibited the heat-induced hemolysis of RBCs membrane by 67.78, 74.82 and 82.08%, respectively, compared to 83.89% produced by Aspirin. CONCLUSION: T. aphylla produced a significant (P < 0.05) anti-inflammatory activity compared to the standard drugs either through the reduction of pro-inflammatory mediators or the protection of the lysosomal membrane.

A novel flavonol-polysaccharide from Tamarix chinensis alleviates influenza A virus-induced acute lung injury. Evidences for its mechanism of action.

BACKGROUND: Tamarix chinensis Lour. is a Chinese medicine used for treating inflammation-related diseases and its crude polysaccharides (MBAP90) exhibited significant anticomplement activities in vitro. PURPOSE: To obtain anticomplement homogenous polysaccharides from MBAP90 and explore its therapeutic effects and potential mechanism on influenza A virus (IAV)-induced acute lung injury (ALI). METHODS: Anticomplement activity-guided fractionation of the water-soluble crude polysaccharides from the leaves and twigs of T. chinensis were performed by diethylaminoethyl-52 (DEAE-52) cellulose and gel permeation columns to yield a homogeneous polysaccharide MBAP-5, which was further characterized using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-ion trap tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-IT-MS) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analysis. In vitro, the anticomplement activity of MBAP-5 through classical pathway was measured using a hemolytic test. The therapeutic effects of MBAP-5 on ALI were evaluated in H1N1-infected mice. H&E staining, enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), immunohistochemistry, and western blot were used to systematically access lung histomorphology, inflammatory cytokines, degree of complement component 3c, 5aR, and 5b-9 (C3c, C5aR, and C5b-9) deposition, and inflammasome signaling pathway protein expressions in lung tissues. RESULTS: MBAP-5 was a novel flavonol-polysaccharide with the molecular weight (Mw) of 153.6 kDa. Its structure was characterized to process a backbone of →4)-α-D-GlcpA-(1→, →6)-α-D-Glcp-(1→, →3,4)-α-D-Glcp-(1→, →3,4,6)-α-D-Glcp-(1→, and →4,6)-ß-D-Glcp-(1→, as well as branches of α-L-Araf-(1→ and ß-D-Galp-(1→. Particularly, O-3 of →3,4,6)-α-D-Glcp-(1→ was substituted by quercetin. In vitro assay showed that MBAP-5 had a potent anticomplement activity with a CH50 value of 102 ± 4 µg/ml. Oral administration of MBAP-5 (50 and 100 mg/kg) effectively attenuated the H1N1-induced pulmonary injury in vivo by reducing pulmonary edema, virus replication, and inflammatory responses. Mechanistically, MBAP-5 inhibited the striking deposition and contents of complement activation products (C3c, C5aR, and C5b-9) in the lung. Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) /transcription factor nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway was constrained by MBAP-5 treatment. In addition, MBAP-5 could suppress activation of the inflammasome pathways, including Nod-like receptor pyrin domain 3 (NLRP3), cysteinyl aspartate specific proteinase-1/12 (caspase-1/12), apoptosis­associated speck­like protein (ASC), gasdermin D (GSDMD), interleukin (IL)-1ß, and IL-18 expressions. CONCLUSIONS: A novel flavonol-polysaccharide MBAP-5 isolated from T. chinensis demonstrated a therapeutic effect against ALI induced by IAV attack. The mechanism might be associated with inhibition of complement system and inflammasome pathways activation.

Phytochemical investigation, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic activities of Tunisian medicinal Tamarix africana Poir.

The current study aimed to evaluate Tunisian Tamarix africana Poir biological activities. In this study, novel biological activities of the shoot extracts related to their phenolics investigated. Secondary metabolite contents, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic activities of four extracts (hexane, dichloromethane, methanol and water) were investigated. Antioxidant activities were assessed via in vitro and ex vivo assays. Besides, anticancer activity was investigated against human lung carcinoma (A-549) and colon adenocarcinoma (DLD-1) cells. The anti-inflammatory ability was evaluated via inhibition of LPS-induced NO production in RAW 264.7 macrophage cell lines. Methanol and water extracts displayed the highest antioxidant (IC50 = 3.3 and 4.3 µg/mL respectively), which are correlated activities correlated with phenolic contents. Hexane extract exhibited an important anti-inflammatory effect inhibiting NO ability by 100% at 80 µg/mL. Besides, T. africana extracts were found to be active against A-549 lung carcinoma cells with IC50 values ranging from 20 to 34 µg/mL. These results suggested that T. africana is considered as a potential source of readily accessible natural molecules with a promising effect on human health and diseases.

Nomenclatural Type Identification of Names in North African Tamarix (Tamaricaceae).

Tamarix is native to Eurasia plus the northern and southern territories of Africa, with some species being introduced into America and Oceania. They are usually found in arid, desertic, or subdesertic areas, often on saline or subsaline soils, in Mediterranean, temperate, or subtropical climates. The genus is renowned for its complex taxonomy, which is usually based on rather variable or unstable characters, which leads to contrasting taxonomic treatments. As part of the taxonomic revision of Tamarix undertaken by the authors, ten names (i.e., T. africana, T. bounopoea, T. brachystylis var. fluminensis, T. malenconiana, T. muluyana, T. tenuifolia, T. tingitana, T. trabutii, T. valdesquamigera, and T. weyleri) published from material collected in the southwestern parts of the Mediterranean basin are taxonomically and nomenclaturally discussed after analysing their original material. Eight intended holotypes are corrected here to lectotypes; one epitype is designated for T. africana to warrant current use of the name; and one isotype, 30 isolectotypes, and 11 syntypes are also identified for the studied names. Further, the taxonomic identity of all names and their eventual synonymic placement are accordingly discussed.

Transcriptome profiling reveals multiple regulatory pathways of Tamarix chinensis in response to salt stress.

KEY MESSAGE: Multiple regulatory pathways of T. chinensis to salt stress were identified through transcriptome data analysis. Tamarix chinensis (Tamarix chinensis Lour.) is a typical halophyte capable of completing its life cycle in soils with medium to high salinity. However, the mechanisms underlying its resistance to high salt stress are still largely unclear. In this study, transcriptome profiling analyses in different organs of T. chinensis plants in response to salt stress were carried out. A total number of 2280, 689, and 489 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were, respectively, identified in roots, stems, and leaves, with more DEGs detected in roots than in stems and leaves. Gene Ontology (GO) term analysis revealed that they were significantly enriched in "biological processes" and "molecular functions". Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis revealed that "Beta-alanine metabolism" was the most differentially enriched pathway in roots, stems, and leaves. In pair-to-pair comparison of the most differentially enriched pathways, a total of 14 pathways, including 5 pathways in roots and leaves, 6 pathways in roots and stems, and 3 pathways in leaves and stems, were identified. Furthermore, genes encoding transcription factor, such as bHLH, bZIP, HD-Zip, MYB, NAC, WRKY, and genes associated with oxidative stress, starch and sucrose metabolism, and ion homeostasis, were differentially expressed with distinct organ specificity in roots, stems, and leaves. Our findings in this research provide a novel approach for exploring the salt tolerance mechanism of halophytes and identifying new gene targets for the genetic breeding of new plant cultivars with improved resistance to salt stress.

Population structure and genetic diversity of Tamarix chinensis as revealed with microsatellite markers in two estuarine flats.

Background: Tamarix chinensis Lour. is a 3-6-meter-tall small tree with high salt- and alkali- tolerance and aggressive invasiveness, mainly distributed in the eastern part of China in warm-temperate and subtropical climate zones, yet there is little information available regarding genetic diversity and population structure. Methods: A total of 204 individuals of nine T. chinensis populations were investigated for genetic diversity and population structure using a set of 12 highly polymorphic microsatellite markers. Results: The total number of alleles detected was 162, the average number of effective allele was 4.607, the average polymorphism information content (PIC) value of the 12 loci was 0.685, and the mean observed heterozygosity (Ho) and the mean expected heterozygosity (He) was 0.653 and 0.711, respectively. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) showed a 5.32% genetic variation among T. chinensis populations. Despite a low population differentiation, Bayesian clustering analysis, discriminant analysis of principal components (DAPC) and the unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean (UPGMA) clearly identified three genetic clusters correlated to the populations' geographic origin: the northern populations including those from Yellow River Delta, the Fangshan (FS) population from Beijing, the Changyi (CY) population from Bohai Bay, the Huanjiabu (HHJ) population from Hangzhou Bay, and the remaining two populations from Hangzhou Bay. There was a significant relationship between the genetic distance and geographical distance of the paired populations. Gene flow (Nm) was 4.254 estimated from FST. Conclusion: T. chinensis possessed high genetic diversity comparable to tree species, and although the population differentiation is shallow, our results classified the sampled populations according to sampling localities, suggesting the different origins of the study populations.

Chemical profiling of maceration and decoction of Tamarix gallica L. organs and in vitro biological properties.

Tamarix gallica L. is a halophytic medicinal shrub traditionally used in the treatment of liver disorders. Leaf and flower infusions are widely used for anti-diarrheic and anti-inflammatory preparations. In this work, we have explored the combined effect of method (Maceration and Decoction) and solvent extraction (70% Methanol, 70% Ethanol, 70% Acetone, and Water) on phenolic composition and biological activities (antioxidant and anti-inflammatory) of different T. gallica organ extracts (Leaves, Flowers, Stems, and Fruits). Obtained results showed that Tamarix leaves reveal more potent antioxidant activity. Methanol (70%) was the best maceration solvent for the extraction of leaves and flowers with high total antioxidant and anti-radical capacities. HPLC analysis showed that catechin, isorhamnetin-3-O-glucoside, isoquercetin were the major phenolics in 70% methanolic extract. Furthermore, this extract showed considerable anti-inflammatory activity. This prospect could be of great importance in the valuation of this halophyte as a source of natural antioxidants and anti-inflammatory drugs.

Diversity and Functional Distribution Characteristics of Myxobacterial Communities in the Rhizosphere of Tamarix chinensis Lour in Ebinur Lake Wetland, China.

Soil salinity and desertification are seriously threatening the ecological environment of Ebinur Lake Wetland. Myxobacteria are the main soil microbes in this wetland. However, it is still unclear if the myxobacterial community structure and diversity can improve the ecological environment of Ebinur Lake Wetland by regulating soil nutrient cycling. Therefore, based on high-throughput sequencing of 16SrRNA gene technology, the composition, function, and diversity of the myxobacterial community in the rhizosphere of Tamarix chinensis Lour in Ebinur Lake Wetland were studied. Rhizosphere soil samples were collected from 10 sampling sites (S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, S6, S7, S8, S9, and S10) for three months (April, July, and October) to explore the main biotic and abiotic factors affecting the diversity and functions of myxobacterial communities. The results revealed that diversity of myxobacterial communities was mainly influenced by the seasons. The diversity of myxobacterial communities was significantly higher in the month of July, as compared to April and October. FAPROTAX functional prediction revealed that, in addition to predation or parasitic functions, myxobacteria were mainly involved in ecological functions, such as nitrite respiration, nitrite ammonification, and nitrogen respiration. The Spearman correlation analysis of the diversity and function of myxobacteria and bacteria showed that there were significant positive correlations between myxobacteria diversity, function, and bacterial diversity. The co-occurrence analysis of myxobacteria and bacterial networks showed that over time, myxobacteria interacted differently with different bacterial networks and jointly regulated the microbial community in the rhizosphere of Tamarix chinensis Lour through predation or cooperation. The redundancy analysis of soil physicochemical factors as well as the myxobacterial community showed that electrical conductivity, exchangeable calcium, and exchangeable potassium were the most important abiotic factors affecting the diversity, structure, and function of the myxobacterial community. These results reveal that myxobacteria may play important roles in degrading nitrogen compounds and regulating the activity of soil microorganisms. This study provides theoretical support for the ecological restoration of Ebinur Lake Wetland and lays the foundation for the future development and utilization of myxobacteria resources.