Centaurea mersinensis phytochemical composition and multi-dimensional bioactivity properties supported by molecular modeling.

Various studies conducted on Centaurea species indicate that the relevant plant is good source of bioactive phytochemicals. In this study, in vitro studies were used to determine bioactivity properties of methanol extract of Centaurea mersinensis - endemic species in Turkey - on extensive basis. Furthermore, the interaction of target molecules, identified for breast cancer and phytochemicals in the extract, was investigated via in silico analyses to support findings received in vitro. Scutellarin, quercimeritrin, chlorogenic acid and baicalin were primary phytochemicals in the extract. Methanol extract and scutellarin had higher cytotoxic effects against MCF-7 (IC50=22.17 µg/mL, and IC50=8.25 µM, respectively), compared to other breast cancer cell lines (MDA-MB-231, SKBR-3). The extract had strong antioxidant properties and inhibited target enzymes, especially α-amylase (371.69 mg AKE/g extract). The results of molecular docking indicate that main compounds of extract show high-strength bonding to the c-Kit tyrosine among target molecules identified in breast cancer, compared to other target molecules (MMP-2, MMP-9, VEGFR2 kinase, Aurora-A kinase, HER2). The tyrosinase kinase (1T46)-Scutellarin complex showed considerable stability in 150 ns simulation as per MD findings, and it was coherent with optimal docking findings. Docking findings and HOMO-LUMO analysis results corresponds with in vitro experiments. Medicinal properties of phytochemicals, which was determined to be suitable for oral use along with ADMET, were found to be within normal limits except for their polarity properties. In conclusion, in vitro and in silico studies indicated that the relevant plant yields promising results regarding its potential to develop novel and effective medicational products.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

A new species, Gypsophila malyerii (Caryophyllaceae) from Turkey.

Gypsophila malyerii Hamzaoglu & Koç, a new species of sect. Capituliformes, is described and illustrated from Turkey. Information on distribution, habitat and conservation status are given. The most similar species is G. osmangaziensis. The morphology and micromorphology of seed and pollen characters of the two closely related species are compared.

Eremogone ali-gulii (Caryophyllaceae), a new species from Turkey.

Eremogone ali-gulii (Caryophyllaceae) is described as a new species of Eremogone in Turkey. The specimens were collected from Kop Mountain (Erzurum). The new species is endemic of the Irano-Turanian region and is related to Eremogone scariosa and Eremogone armeniaca. The differences on sterile shoots, habit, sepals and capsules between these species are discussed. Description, distribution, illustration and conservation status of the new species are given.

Bolanthusturcicus (Caryophyllaceae), a new species from Turkey.

A new species Bolanthusturcicus Koç & Hamzaoglu, sp. nov. was discovered on Hasan Mountain (Turkey, Aksaray province) where it grows on volcanic stony slopes and alpine steppe. its description, images, chorology and ecology, and threat category are provided in this article. It was compared with a closely related species, Bolanthusminuartioides (Jaub. & Spach) Hub.-Mor., Bolanthushuber-morathii C.Simon, Bolanthusspergulifolius (Jaub. & Spach) Hub.-Mor., Bolanthusfrankenioides (Boiss) Bark., Bolanthusmevlanae Aytaç based on its general morphology and seed micromorphology.

Dianthusaticii, a new species from Turkey (Caryophyllaceae).

During the taxonomic revision of the Turkish Dianthus species, specimens collected from Bilecik, Seben (Bolu), and Nallihan (Ankara) were discovered that represent a new species. Its description, images, chorology, ecology, and threat category are provided. It was compared with a closely related species, Dianthuszonatus, and differences are based on its general morphology and seed micromorphology.

Gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric analysis of volatiles obtained by four different techniques from Salvia rosifolia Sm., and evaluation for biological activity.

Four different isolation techniques, conventional hydrodistillation (HD), microwave-assisted hydrodistillation (MWHD), microdistillation (MD) and micro-steam distillation-solid-phase microextraction (MSD-SPME), have been used to analyze the volatile constituents from the aerial parts of Salvia rosifolia Sm. by gas chromatography and gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. HD and MWHD techniques produced quantitatively (yield, 0.39% and 0.40%) and qualitatively (aromatic profile) similar essential oils. alpha-Pinene (15.7-34.8%), 1,8-cineole (16.6-25.1%), beta-pinene (6.7-13.5%), beta-caryophyllene (1.4-5.0%) and caryophyllene oxide (1.4-4.4%) were identified as major constituents of this Turkish endemic species. Besides, the hydrodistilled oil of S. rosifolia was evaluated for antibacterial, antifungal, anticancer, antioxidant and cytotoxic activities. The hydrodistilled oil of S. rosifolia showed antibacterial activity against Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) with a MIC value of 125microg/mL. Other human pathogenic microorganisms (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterobacter aerogenes, Salmonella typhimurium, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Candida albicans) were also inhibited within a moderate range (MIC=125-1000microg/mL). Antifungal activity of the oil was also observed against the strawberry anthracnose-causing fungal plant pathogens Colletotrichum acutatum, C. fragariae and C. gloeosporioides. No cytotoxicity was observed for S. rosifolia oil up to 25mg/mL against malignant melanoma, epidermal, ductal and ovary carcinoma.

Cytogenetic effects of nine Helichrysum taxa in human lymphocytes culture.

Helichrysum Mill. (Asteraceae) species have been used in folk medicine for thousands of years in the world. The in vitro cytogenetic effects in human lymphocytes of nine Helichrysum taxa used in Turkey folk medicine were investigated. Blood samples were obtained from healthy donors, non-smoking volunteers, which were incubated and exposed to increasing concentrations of methanol extracts of Helichrysum taxa (0.01, 0.05, 0.1, 0.5 and 1 mg/mL). The inhibitory effects of H. stoechas (L.) Moench subsp. barrelieri (Ten.) Nyman, H. armenium DC. subsp. armenium, H. armenium DC. subsp. araxinum (Kirp.) Takht., H. plicatum DC. subsp. plicatum, H. compactum Boiss. and H. artvinense P.H.Davis & Kupicha on the mitotic index and replication index indicate that these taxa can have genotoxic and mutagenic effects. They should therefore not be used freely in alternative medicine although their antiproliferative activity may suggest anticarcinogenic properties. Increase effects of H. stoechas subsp. barrelieri, H. armenium subsp. armenium, H. armenium subsp. araxinum, H. chasmolycicum P.H.Davis, H. plicatum subsp. plicatum, H. compactum and H. artvinense on the micronucleus rates showed that these taxa can have genotoxic and carcinogenic effects.