Exploring the potential of phenolic and antioxidant compounds in new Rosaceae fruits.

BACKGROUND: Rosaceae fruits have been used in traditional medicine for the prevention and treatment of diseases. However, these fruits have not extensively been studied regarding their phenolic composition. Thus, this research focuses on the determination of phenolic compounds by high-performance liquid chromatography electrospray ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry, flavan-3-ols by high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection, and the antioxidant activity by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid), and ferric reducing antioxidant power of the fruits of five species of genera Crataegus and Sorbus (Rosaceae). RESULTS: We found a total of 71 phenolic compounds from which 30 were identified in these berries for the first time. Crataegus monogyna and Crataegus laciniata revealed higher total phenolic and flavan-3-ol contents than the other species and the highest antioxidant activities. CONCLUSIONS: Therefore, the fruits evaluated have demonstrated to be important sources of bioactive compounds with huge potential for being used in nutraceutical or food scopes. Additional studies could be needed to evaluate the influence of the different production areas on the phenolic content. © 2023 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

DisProt: intrinsic protein disorder annotation in 2020.

The Database of Protein Disorder (DisProt, URL: https://disprot.org) provides manually curated annotations of intrinsically disordered proteins from the literature. Here we report recent developments with DisProt (version 8), including the doubling of protein entries, a new disorder ontology, improvements of the annotation format and a completely new website. The website includes a redesigned graphical interface, a better search engine, a clearer API for programmatic access and a new annotation interface that integrates text mining technologies. The new entry format provides a greater flexibility, simplifies maintenance and allows the capture of more information from the literature. The new disorder ontology has been formalized and made interoperable by adopting the OWL format, as well as its structure and term definitions have been improved. The new annotation interface has made the curation process faster and more effective. We recently showed that new DisProt annotations can be effectively used to train and validate disorder predictors. We believe the growth of DisProt will accelerate, contributing to the improvement of function and disorder predictors and therefore to illuminate the 'dark' proteome.

Setup of an Ultrasonic-Assisted Extraction to Obtain High Phenolic Recovery in Crataegus monogyna Leaves.

Hawthorn leaves are a rich source of phenolic compounds that possess beneficial activities for human health. Ultrasonic-assisted extraction (UAE) is an extraction technique frequently used for the isolation of phenolic compounds in plants. Thus, in this study, a Box-Behnken design was used to optimize UAE conditions such as the percentage of acetone, the extraction time and solvent-to-solid ratio (v/w) in order to obtain the maximum content of total compounds by Folin-Ciocalteu and the maximum in vitro antioxidant activity by DPPH, ABTS and FRAP assays in Crataegus monogyna leaves. The optimum conditions to obtain the highest total phenolic content and antioxidant activities were 50% acetone, 55 min and 1/1000 (w/v). A total of 30 phenolic compounds were identified and quantified in C. monogyna leaf extract obtained at these optimum UAE conditions. HPLC-MS allows the identification and quantification of 19 phenolic compounds and NP-HPLC-FLD analyses showed the presence of 11 proanthocyanidins. According to the results, the most concentrated phenolic compounds in C. monogyna leaf extract obtained at optimum UAE conditions were phenolic acid derivatives such as protocatechuic acid-glucoside, dihydroxy benzoic acid pentoside and chlorogenic acid, flavones such as 2″-O-rhamnosyl-C-hexosyl-apigenin, flavonols such as hyperoside and isoquercetin and proanthocyanidins such as monomer and dimer. As a result, the optimized UAE conditions could be used to obtain an extract of C. monogyna leaves enriched with phenolic compounds.

Bioinformatics calls the school: Use of smartphones to introduce Python for bioinformatics in high schools.

The dynamic nature of technological developments invites us to rethink the learning spaces. In this context, science education can be enriched by the contribution of new computational resources, making the educational process more up-to-date, challenging, and attractive. Bioinformatics is a key interdisciplinary field, contributing to the understanding of biological processes that is often underrated in secondary schools. As a useful resource in learning activities, bioinformatics could help in engaging students to integrate multiple fields of knowledge (logical-mathematical, biological, computational, etc.) and generate an enriched and long-lasting learning environment. Here, we report our recent project in which high school students learned basic concepts of programming applied to solving biological problems. The students were taught the Python syntax, and they coded simple tools to answer biological questions using resources at hand. Notably, these were built mostly on the students' own smartphones, which proved to be capable, readily available, and relevant complementary tools for teaching. This project resulted in an empowering and inclusive experience that challenged differences in social background and technological accessibility.

Surface chemistry of thiomalic acid adsorption on planar gold and gold nanoparticles.

The self-assembly of thiomalic acid (TMA) on Au(111) and on preformed Au nanoparticles (AuNPs) protected by weak ligands has been studied by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and electrochemical techniques. Results show that TMA is adsorbed on the Au(111) surface as thiolate species with a small amount of atomic sulfur (∼10%) and a surface coverage lower than that found for alkanethiols due to steric factors. The amount of atomic sulfur markedly increases when the TMA is adsorbed on AuNPs by the ligand exchange method. We propose that the atomic sulfur is produced as a consequence of C-S bond cleavage, a process that is more favorable at defective sites of the AuNPs surface. The bond scission is also assisted by the presence of the electron-withdrawing carboxy moiety in the α-position relative to the C-S bond. Moreover, the high local concentration of positively charged species increases the stability of the negatively charged leaving group, leading to a higher amount of coadsorbed atomic sulfur. Our results demonstrate that the terminal functionalities of thiols are conditioning factors in the final structure and composition of the adlayers.

Ethnopharmacology, ethnomedicine, and wildlife conservation.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: There are longstanding traditions of animal-derived products being employed as medicines, and they continue to be important in many traditional cultural healthcare practices. However, the populations of numerous so-used animals are known to be threatened with extirpation by such practices. Ethnopharmacological studies documenting these animal-derived drugs are not only interesting from an anthropological standpoint, but they are also relevant from a wildlife conservation perspective - especially since ethnopharmacologists are intermediaries between indigenous and scientific communities, placing them at the forefront of being able to ethically access information to address these issues. METHODS: Using the example of documenting culturally acceptable substitute materials for animal products (which ultimately also extends to flora), we explore the intersection of ethnopharmacology, biocultural resources, and wildlife conservation. RESULTS: Pharmacological efficacy and symbolism are factors influencing the utilization of traditional medicines. Achieving the integration of conservation aims with ethnopharmacology requires a nuanced understanding of both factors, along with fair adjudication when conservation and cultural aims diverge. Ethnopharmacology is suitably placed for making conservation-orientated recommendations - including investigating more sustainable substitutes for animal products in the context of medical efficacy, and for engaging ethically with local communities to facilitate information generation aimed at protecting the environment and their traditions. CONCLUSION: We suggest an integrative approach to ethnopharmacological studies investigating medicinal bioresource use. This approach is considerate of species' conservation profiles, the substitutability and pharmacological efficacy of biocultural resources, indigenous and cultural rights, and a collaborative ethos for stakeholder engagement.

Escuzarmycins A-D, Potent Biofungicides to Control Septoria tritici Blotch.

A study targeting novel antifungal metabolites identified potent in vitro antifungal activity against key plant pathogens in acetone extracts of Streptomyces sp. strain CA-296093. Feature-based molecular networking revealed the presence in this extract of antimycin-related compounds, leading to the isolation of four new compounds: escuzarmycins A-D (1-4). Extensive structural elucidation, employing 1D and 2D NMR, high-resolution mass spectrometry, Marfey's analysis, and NOESY correlations, confirmed their structures. The bioactivity of these compounds was tested against six fungal phytopathogens, and compounds 3 and 4 demonstrated strong efficacy, particularly against Zymoseptoria tritici, with compound 3 exhibiting the highest potency (EC50: 11 nM). Both compounds also displayed significant antifungal activity against Botrytis cinerea and Colletotrichum acutatum, with compound 4 proving to be the most potent. Despite moderate cytotoxicity against the human cancer cell line HepG2, compounds 3 and 4 emerge as promising fungicides for combating Septoria tritici blotch, anthracnose, and gray mold.

The chemistry of the sulfur-gold interface: in search of a unified model.

Over the last three decades, self-assembled molecular films on solid surfaces have attracted widespread interest as an intellectual and technological challenge to chemists, physicists, materials scientists, and biologists. A variety of technological applications of nanotechnology rely on the possibility of controlling topological, chemical, and functional features at the molecular level. Self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) composed of chemisorbed species represent fundamental building blocks for creating complex structures by a bottom-up approach. These materials take advantage of the flexibility of organic and supramolecular chemistry to generate synthetic surfaces with well-defined chemical and physical properties. These films already serve as structural or functional parts of sensors, biosensors, drug-delivery systems, molecular electronic devices, protecting capping for nanostructures, and coatings for corrosion protection and tribological applications. Thiol SAMs on gold are the most popular molecular films because the resulting oxide-free, clean, flat surfaces can be easily modified both in the gas phase and in liquid media under ambient conditions. In particular, researchers have extensively studied SAMs on Au(111) because they serve as model systems to understand the basic aspects of the self-assembly of organic molecules on well-defined metal surfaces. Also, great interest has arisen in the surface structure of thiol-capped gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) because of simple synthesis methods that produce highly monodisperse particles with controllable size and a high surface/volume ratio. These features make AuNPs very attractive for technological applications in fields ranging from medicine to heterogeneous catalysis. In many applications, the structure and chemistry of the sulfur-gold interface become crucial since they control the system properties. Therefore, many researchers have focused on understanding of the nature of this interface on both planar and nanoparticle thiol-covered surfaces. However, despite the considerable theoretical and experimental efforts made using various sophisticated techniques, the structure and chemical composition of the sulfur-gold interface at the atomic level remains elusive. In particular, the search for a unified model of the chemistry of the S-Au interface illustrates the difficulty of determining the surface chemistry at the nanoscale. This Account provides a state-of-the-art analysis of this problem and raises some questions that deserve further investigation.

New findings for the composition and structure of Ni nanoparticles protected with organomercaptan molecules.

Here we explore the synthesis of alkanethiol-coated Ni NPs following the one-phase reaction method by Brust et al. The reduction of NiCl2 with NaBH4 in the presence of dodecanethiol (C12SH) yields a complex product that is difficult to identify as illustrated in the figure of merit. We synthesized Ni(II) dodecanethiolate (C12S) (without the addition of NaBH4) for comparison and performed an exhaustive characterization with TEM, HR-TEM, AFM, MFM, XPS, XRD, UV-vis, magnetism, and FT-IR. It is found that the organic coating is not quite a well-organized self-assembled monolayer (SAM) surrounding the Ni cluster as previously reported. XPS and XRD data show slight differences between both syntheses; however, Ni(II) thiolate appears to be more stable than reduced Ni when exposed to ambient air, indicating the propensity of metallic Ni to oxidize. It has been shown that irradiating with TEM electrons over various metal thiolates leads to nanoparticle formation. We irradiated over Ni(II) thiolate and observed no evidence of NP formation whereas irradiating a reduced Ni sample exhibited an ~3.0 nm nanoparticle diameter. Magnetism studies showed a difference between both samples, indicating ferromagnetic character for the reduced Ni sample. According to our results, the product of the synthesis is comprised of ultrasmall metallic clusters embedded in some form of Ni(II) C12S. In this work, we open a discussion of the chemical nature of the core and the shell in the synthesis of Ni NPs protected with organomercaptan molecules.

Wild Edible Plants of Andalusia: Traditional Uses and Potential of Eating Wild in a Highly Diverse Region.

A review of ethnobotanical sources focused on traditionally-used wild food plants in Andalusia (southern Spain), one of the most biodiverse regions in Europe, is carried out. With 21 original sources plus some previously unpublished data, the dataset shows a high diversity of these traditional resources, reaching 336 species or c. 7% of the total wild flora. Cultural aspects related to the use of some species are discussed and data are compared with similar works. The results are discussed through the lens of conservation and bromatology. For 24% of the edible plants, informants also mentioned a medicinal use (achieved by consuming the same part of the plant). In addition, a list of 166 potentially edible species is provided based on a review of data from other Spanish territories.

The rise and fall of mandrake in medicine.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Mandrake (Mandragora sp.) is one of the most famous medicinal plants. It has been in continuous medical use throughout written history and is still in use today in popular medicine. AIM OF THE STUDY: Mandrake derived drugs once played an important role in medicine and in magical practices. Today, the role of mandrake in popular medicine is marginal. However, natural products present in mandrake such as atropine and scopolamine, as well as their semi synthetic derivatives continue to hold and important role in medicine. Here we aim to trace the development of historical rationales and scientific events that led to the abandonment of mandrake as a medicine. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We review the medicinal uses of mandrake drugs since antiquity in an attempt to pinpoint use patterns that were popular in certain periods of time and others that are more general. We compare the uses from the native territories to those from regions where the plant got introduced and use literature reporting mandrake's chemistry and pharmacology in order to explain the diachronic changes of use patterns. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: We found information about 88 different medicinal uses for mandrake, grouped into 39 conditions. According to the number of different medicinal uses, the most versatile period was the medieval (37), followed by the Renaissance (31), the classical (27), and the modern period (21). Considering the higher number of textual sources and use-records collected for the Renaissance period, the decrease of versatility in comparison to the medieval period appears robust. This seems to indicate a more consolidated use pattern, that might be conditioned by the reproduction of classic textual sources as well as by a less experimental approach and reduced popularity of mandrake in medicine. The introduction of the volatile anaesthetics with more reliable narcotic effects set the seal on using mandrake in surgery but opened the way for atropine being used as a prophylactic and antidote during surgical interventions.

Evaluation of Anticancer Activity of 76 Plant Species Collected in Andalusia (Spain) against Lung Cancer Cells.

Every year, cancer kills millions of people around the world. Finding more selective anticancer agents is essential to improve the low survival rates of patients with metastatic cancers. Since the research of natural products is a valuable approach to the discovery of new compounds and the Iberian flora offers a rich source of unstudied plants, we have carried out a random screening of 76 plant species from 43 families collected in Andalusia (South of Spain). Using non-malignant cells (HaCaT) and lung cancer cells (A549), we found that the extract from Arum italicum Mill. subsp. italicum (Araceae), Mandragora autumnalis Bertol. (Solanaceae), Rhamnus alaternus L. (Rhamnaceae), and Lomelosia simplex (Desf.) Raf. subsp. dentata (Jord. & Fourr.) Greuter & Burdet (Dipsacaceae) showed selective cytotoxicity against lung cancer cells. Extracts of plant species belonging to the Iridaceae family showed high selective activity against cancer cells, highlighting that the Xiphion xiphium (L.) M.B. Crespo, Mart.-Azorín & Mavrodiev flower extract was more selective against lung cancer cells than the standard anticancer drugs, cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil. This extract also showed modest selective cytotoxicity against bladder carcinoma cells (T24). The number of cells in the G1 phase increased after treatment with the extract from Xiphion xiphium. Our research indicates that various plants are potential sources for the isolation and development of new anticancer drugs.

Xerophytic Lichens from Gypsiferous Outcrops of Arid Areas of Andalusia as a Source of Anti-Phytopathogenic Depsides.

In a survey to evaluate the potential of lichens associated with gypsum areas as sources of new antifungal metabolites, six species of lichens were collected in the gypsum outcrops of the Sorbas Desert (Diploschistes ocellatus and Seirophora lacunosa) and the Tabernas Desert (Cladonia foliacea, Acarospora placodiformis, Squamarina lentigera and Xanthoparmelia pokornyi) in southern Spain. Raw lichen acetone extracts were tested against a panel of seven phytopathogenic fungi, including Botrytis cinerea, Colletotrichum acutatum, Fusarium oxysporum f.sp cubense TR4, Fusarium ploriferaum, Magnaporthe grisea, Verticillium dahliae and Zymoseptoria tritici. Active extracts of Cladonia foliacea, Xanthoparmelia pokornyi and Squamarina lentigera were analyzed by HPLC-MS/MS and Molecular Networking to identify possible metabolites responsible for the antifungal activity. A total of ten depside-like metabolites were identified by MS/MS dereplication and NMR experiments, of which one was a new derivative of fumaroprotocetraric acid. The compounds without previously described biological activity were purified and tested against the panel of fungal phytopathogens. Herein, the antifungal activity against fungal phytopathogens of 4'-O-methylpaludosic acid, divaricatic acid and stenosporic acid is reported for the first time. Stenosporic and divaricatic acids displayed a broad antifungal spectrum against seven relevant fungal phytopathogens in a micromolar range, including the extremely resistant fungus F. oxysporum f. sp. cubense Tropical Race 4 (TR4). 4'-O-methylpaludosic acid exhibited specific antifungal activity against the wheat pathogen Z. tritici, with an IC50 of 38.87 µg/mL (87.1 µM) in the absorbance-based assay and 24.88 µg/mL (55.52 µM) in the fluorescence-based assay.

Sulfidization of Au(111) from thioacetic acid: an experimental and theoretical study.

We have studied the adsorption of thioacetic acid (TAAH) on Au(111) from solution deposition. The close proximity of the SH groups to CO groups makes this molecule very attractive for exploring the effect of the functional group on the stability of the S-C and S-Au bonds. Although thioacetic acid was supposed to decompose slowly in water by hydrolysis supplying hydrogen sulfide, this behavior is not expected in nonpolar solvents such as toluene or hexane. Therefore, we have used these solvents for TAAH self-assembly on the Au(111) surface. The characterization of the adsorbates has been done by electrochemical techniques, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and scanning tunneling microscopy (STM). We have found that even in nonpolar solvents thioacetic acid decomposes to S. The results have been discussed on the basis that the adsorbed species suffer a cleavage on the Au surface, leaving the S attached to it. The dissociation is a spontaneous process that reaches the final state very fast once it is energetically favorable, as can be interpreted from DFT calculations. The thioacetic acid adsorption reveals the strong effect that produces a functional group and the key role of the S-H bond cleavage in the self-assembly process.

Structural and evolutionary analysis unveil functional adaptations in the promiscuous behavior of serum albumins.

Promiscuous activities have been related to the capacity to catalyze reactions different from those a protein has evolved to sustain. In this work, we rethought the serum albumin's promiscuous behavior using evolutionary and structural analysis. We found that the cross aldol condensation of acetone and p-formylbenzonitrile is a promiscuous reaction conserved in humans serum albumin and in closely related albumins from other mammals. Evolutionary analysis indicates that the residues involved in this promiscuous reaction are evolving under positive selection, an evolutionary pattern indicating a putative functional adaptation. Also, key residues are located in an evolutionary conserved cavity connected with the protein surface with an also conserved tunnel and mutations involving these residues are described in human diseases. Overall, our results suggest that albumin could have evolved to sustain a still unknown biological function among the many others it maintains. Our results could contribute to better characterize the serum albumin family and raise questions about the evolution of protein promiscuity and function.

Surface functionalization of electro-deposited nickel.

A new in situ electrochemical method of functionalizing an oxide-free Ni surface is demonstrated using octanethiol. Initial adsorption results in a multilayer molecular film, which blocks both the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and re-oxidation of the Ni by ambient oxygen. However, excess octanethiol can be removed by rinsing with ethanol, leaving behind a monolayer that continues to protect against re-oxidation but gives rise to an unexpected enhancement in the HER, with a greater enhancement for longer film formation times. The presence of an octanethiol monolayer on the surface was confirmed by spectroscopic observation of the CH(2), CH(3) and thiolate groups using infra red spectroscopy, while X-ray photo-electron spectroscopy demonstrated the effectiveness of the thiol layer as a barrier to surface oxidation. The electrochemically prepared octanethiol film impedes oxidation of the Ni in air more effectively than a film formed by immersion in a solution of octanethiol in ethanol.

Ethnozoology among the Berbers: pre-Islamic practices survive in the Rif (northwestern Africa).

BACKGROUND: Ethnozoological knowledge is less documented than ethnobotanical. With this field study, we aim to record and analyze the Riffian Berber knowledge about the use of animals in traditional human and veterinary medicine. Our research question is what is their knowledge of ethnozoological practices? METHODS: We performed semi-structured interviews with local inhabitants in Riffian vernacular language. The reliability of the sampling effort was assessed by a rarefaction curve. Data were compared with previous studies in order to determine the geographical and historical extensions of described uses and possible conservation implications for the species used. RESULTS: We obtained information regarding 107 ethnozoological uses based on 197 use reports. Among the 31 species used, mammals were most frequently cited. Diseases related to the traditional medicinal system were most frequently treated with these resources, as well as those of the respiratory, digestive, and musculoskeletal systems. Thirty percent of uses are associated with magico-religious practices. Only three of the species used are threatened at the global level, two of them extinct in the study area, indicating low potential damage to regional biodiversity from current practices utilizing native animals. Within modern Morocco, Riffians have continued practicing ethnozoological uses anathema to Islam, like the consumption of animals considered impure (dogs, jackals, wild boars, and hyenas). CONCLUSIONS: The use of primarily mammalian species and of many animal body parts is likely related to the Berber belief in homology between the area of the human body in which the ailment occurs and the corresponding animal body part. These findings unveil the nature of ethnozoological practices, highly linked to folklore and culture-bound conditions, and lacking in the Western empirical rationale for nearly one third of reported uses. The consumption of animals considered impure according to Islam was probably initiated before the conquering of the Maghreb by Arabs in the seventh century and was maintained through the secular isolation of Riffians in mountain areas. This can reflect traditional healing habits being maintained over thousands of years.

The Doctrine of Signatures in Israel-Revision and Spatiotemporal Patterns.

The present survey includes forty-three plant species with present-day medicinal applications that can be related to the Doctrine of Signatures (DoS). The main uses are for jaundice (33.3%), kidney stones (20%), and as an aphrodisiac (8%). Ten Doctrine of Signature uses (22.2%) are endemic (to Israel and Jordan); while none of these plant species are endemic to the region at all, their DoS uses are endemic. Summing up of all these data reveals that 73.2% of all uses found in present-day Israel could be considered as related to Muslim traditional medicine. About one quarter (24.4%) of the DoS uses are also common to Europe, and some (8.8%) to India. The two adventive species with DoS uses serve as evidence that the DoS practice is not necessarily based solely on its historical background but is still evolving locally in accordance with changes in the local flora. The current broad geographic distribution of many of the doctrine's uses may serve as indirect evidence of its current prevalence, and not just as a vestigial presentation of ancient beliefs.

Multifunctional Titanium Surfaces for Orthopedic Implants: Antimicrobial Activity and Enhanced Osseointegration.

The use of implants in orthopedics and dental practice is a widespread surgical procedure to treat diverse diseases. However, peri-implantitis due to infections and/or poor osseointegration can lead to metallic implant failure. The aim of this study was to develop a multifunctional coating on titanium (Ti) surfaces, to simultaneously deal with both issues, by combining antibacterial silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and regenerative properties of lactoferrin (Lf). A simple and cost-effective methodology that allows the direct multifunctionalization of Ti surfaces was developed. The modified surfaces were characterized by atomic force microscopy (AFM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and contact angle measurements. Additionally, in vitro preosteoblast cell adhesion, cell viability, and differentiation were evaluated. The antibacterial capability of the surfaces was tested against Staphylococcus aureus as a prosthesis infection model strain. Our results showed that Lf adsorbed on both Ti surfaces and Ti surfaces with adsorbed AgNPs. Simultaneously, the presence of Lf and AgNPs notably improved preosteoblast adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation, whereas it reduced the bacterial colonization by 97.7%. Our findings indicate that this simple method may have potential applications in medical devices to both improve osseointegration and reduce bacterial infection risk, enhancing successful implantation and patients' quality of life.

In search of traces of the mandrake myth: the historical, and ethnobotanical roots of its vernacular names.

BACKGROUND: Mandrake (Mandragora spp.) is one of the most famous medicinal plant in western cultures since Biblical times and throughout written history. In many cultures, mandrake is related to magic and witchcraft, which is said to have a psychosomatic effect (especially when mandrake contains narcotic compounds) in addition to the pharmacological influence, as occurs with other narcotic magical plants. Due to its unique properties and related myths, it is not surprising that this plant has many names in many languages. METHODS: This paper presents an attempt to reconstruct the historical, ethnobotanical, and folkloristic roots of 292 vernacular names of Mandragora spp. in forty-one languages. We used the plant's morphological data, philology, myths and legends, medicinal properties and uses, as well as historical evidence and folkloric data, to explain meaning, origin, migration, and history of the plant's names. RESULTS: The names were classified into the following main categories: Derivatives of mandragora (19 languages), alraun (7) and of yabroukh (5). The salient groups of the plant's vernacular names are related to: Anthropomorphism (33 names in 13 languages); Similarity to other plants (28/9); Supernatural agents (28/9); Narcotic effects (21/8); Leaves, fruits, and seeds (21/8); Aphrodisiac properties (17/10); Use of a dog (15/9); Gallows (14/5); Black magic, sorcery, witchcraft (13/8), and Medicinal use (11/7). CONCLUSIONS: This frequency distribution of the mandrake's vernacular names reflects its widespread reputation as related to the doctrine of signatures, beliefs in its supernatural, natural, and mythic powers, and to a lesser extent, its uses in magic and medicine. A spatiotemporal analysis of the mandrake's names supports the old idea that the pulling ceremonies for this plant originated in the Near East and that various other myths related to this plant may have originated in different places and periods.