This page has only limited features, please log in for full access.
Most communities with the presence of Cistus ladanifer are characterised by the low richness of accompanying species, with C. ladanifer, in most cases, exceeding 70% of the coverage of woody species. This fact could be due to the allelopathic activity attributed to compounds present in the leaves of C. ladanifer, which may have a negative effect on the germination and growth of woody species that share its habitat. One of the possible ways of incorporating allelopathic compounds to the soil is the degradation of leaf litter. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine how the presence of leaf litter from C. ladanifer affects accompanying species. Under controlled conditions, we analysed the effect of C. ladanifer leaf litter on the germination and growth of seedlings of five species that share their habitat with C. ladanifer (Retama sphaerocarpa, Cytisus multiflorus, Lavandula stoechas, Cistus salviifolius, and Cistus crispus). Additionally, the effect of leaf litter on the species itself, C. ladanifer, has been studied. The experiments were designed with different concentrations of leaf litter (UL) and leaf litter from which the compounds with allelopathic activity were extracted (WL). The results show that such effect greatly depends on the analysed species, with L. stoechas being the most negatively affected species. On the other hand, C. multiflorus and C. salviifolius were only negatively affected at the stage of seedling growth. The results reveal the involvement of leaf litter in the allelopathic activity attributed to C. ladanifer and that its presence has a negative influence on the germination and growth of accompanying woody species. This shows the need to delve into the potential relevance of allelopathy as an interaction that determines the composition, structure and dynamics of a community.
Juan Carlos Alías Gallego; Jonás González Caro; Virginia Hinojal Campos; Natividad Chaves Lobón. Effect of Leaf Litter from Cistus ladanifer L. on the Germination and Growth of Accompanying Shrubland Species. Plants 2020, 9, 593 .
AMA StyleJuan Carlos Alías Gallego, Jonás González Caro, Virginia Hinojal Campos, Natividad Chaves Lobón. Effect of Leaf Litter from Cistus ladanifer L. on the Germination and Growth of Accompanying Shrubland Species. Plants. 2020; 9 (5):593.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJuan Carlos Alías Gallego; Jonás González Caro; Virginia Hinojal Campos; Natividad Chaves Lobón. 2020. "Effect of Leaf Litter from Cistus ladanifer L. on the Germination and Growth of Accompanying Shrubland Species." Plants 9, no. 5: 593.
Plants have a large number of bioactive compounds with high antioxidant activity. Studies for the determination of the antioxidant activity of different plant species could contribute to revealing the value of these species as a source of new antioxidant compounds. There is a large variety of in vitro methods to quantify antioxidant activity, and it is important to select the proper method to determine which species have the highest antioxidant activity. The aim of this work was to verify whether different methods show the same sensitivity and/or capacity to discriminate the antioxidant activity of the extract of different plant species. To that end, we selected 12 species with different content of phenolic compounds. Their extracts were analyzed using the following methods: 2,2-di-phenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging capacity assay, ferric reducing (FRAP) assay, Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (ABTS) assay, and reducing power (RP) assay. The four methods selected could quantify the antioxidant capacity of the 12 study species, although there were differences between them. The antioxidant activity values quantified through DPPH and RP were higher than the ones obtained by ABTS and FRAP, and these values varied among species. Thus, the hierarchization or categorization of these species was different depending on the method used. Another difference established between these methods was the sensitivity obtained with each of them. A cluster revealed that RP established the largest number of groups at the shortest distance from the root. Therefore, as it showed the best discrimination of differences and/or similarities between species, RP is considered in this study as the one with the highest sensitivity among the four studied methods. On the other hand, ABTS showed the lowest sensitivity. These results show the importance of selecting the proper antioxidant activity quantification method for establishing a ranking of species based on this parameter.
Natividad Chaves; Antonio Santiago; Juan Carlos Alías. Quantification of the Antioxidant Activity of Plant Extracts: Analysis of Sensitivity and Hierarchization Based on the Method Used. Antioxidants 2020, 9, 76 .
AMA StyleNatividad Chaves, Antonio Santiago, Juan Carlos Alías. Quantification of the Antioxidant Activity of Plant Extracts: Analysis of Sensitivity and Hierarchization Based on the Method Used. Antioxidants. 2020; 9 (1):76.
Chicago/Turabian StyleNatividad Chaves; Antonio Santiago; Juan Carlos Alías. 2020. "Quantification of the Antioxidant Activity of Plant Extracts: Analysis of Sensitivity and Hierarchization Based on the Method Used." Antioxidants 9, no. 1: 76.
Traditional medicine is especially important in the treatment of neglected tropical diseases because it is the way the majority of populations of affected countries manage primary healthcare. We present a case study that can serve as an example that can be replicated by others in the same situation. It is about the validation of a local remedy for myasis in Amazonian Ecuador, which is contrasted by bibliographic chemical reviews and in silico activity tests. We look for scientific arguments to demonstrate the reason for using extracts of Lonchocarpus utilis against south American myasis (tupe). We provide a summary of the isoflavonoids, prenylated flavonoids, chalcones, and stilbenes that justify the action. We make modeling predictions on the affinity of eight chemical components and enzyme targets using Swiss Target Prediction software. We conclude that the effects of this extract can be reasonably attributed to an effect of the parasite that causes the disease, similar to the one produced by synthetic drugs used by conventional medicine (e.g., Ivermectine).
Carmen X. Luzuriaga-Quichimbo; José Blanco-Salas; Carlos E. Cerón-Martínez; Juan Carlos Alías-Gallego; Trinidad Ruiz-Téllez. Promising Potential of Lonchocarpus utilis against South American Myasis. Plants 2019, 9, 33 .
AMA StyleCarmen X. Luzuriaga-Quichimbo, José Blanco-Salas, Carlos E. Cerón-Martínez, Juan Carlos Alías-Gallego, Trinidad Ruiz-Téllez. Promising Potential of Lonchocarpus utilis against South American Myasis. Plants. 2019; 9 (1):33.
Chicago/Turabian StyleCarmen X. Luzuriaga-Quichimbo; José Blanco-Salas; Carlos E. Cerón-Martínez; Juan Carlos Alías-Gallego; Trinidad Ruiz-Téllez. 2019. "Promising Potential of Lonchocarpus utilis against South American Myasis." Plants 9, no. 1: 33.
Cistus ladanifer has been described as an allelopathic and autoallelopathic species, and the compounds that could be involved in its autotoxicity are the flavonoids and diterpenes present in the exudate of its leaves. The aim of this study was to determine which family of compounds, either phenols or terpenes, are responsible for the autoallelopathic activity quantified in C. ladanifer. These compounds were extracted from the exudate of young leaves collected in spring and separated by column chromatography into two fractions: diterpenes and flavonoids. The obtained results showed that flavonoids, at the tested concentrations, did not have a negative effect on any of the parameters quantified in the germination process of C. ladanifer seeds. On the other hand, the germination, seedling size and seedling establishment, quantified through the germination index and rate, were negatively affected by the tested diterpene solutions. In view of the obtained results, it was concluded that the compounds involved in the autoallelopathy process of C. ladanifer are diterpenes.
Natividad Chaves Lobón; Irene Ferrer De La Cruz; Juan Carlos Alías Gallego. Autotoxicity of Diterpenes Present in Leaves of Cistus ladanifer L. Plants 2019, 8, 27 .
AMA StyleNatividad Chaves Lobón, Irene Ferrer De La Cruz, Juan Carlos Alías Gallego. Autotoxicity of Diterpenes Present in Leaves of Cistus ladanifer L. Plants. 2019; 8 (2):27.
Chicago/Turabian StyleNatividad Chaves Lobón; Irene Ferrer De La Cruz; Juan Carlos Alías Gallego. 2019. "Autotoxicity of Diterpenes Present in Leaves of Cistus ladanifer L." Plants 8, no. 2: 27.
In previous studies, secondary metabolites in the leaf exudate of Cistus ladanifer, specifically aglycone flavonoids and diterpenes, were demonstrated to play an ecophysiological role. They protect against ultraviolet radiation, have antiherbivore activity, and are allelopathic agents. Their synthesis in the plant was also found to vary quantitatively and qualitatively in response to various environmental factors. In view of these findings, the present work was designed to clarify whether within a single population there are differences among individuals subject to the same environmental conditions. To this end, we analyzed the leaves of 100 individuals of C. ladanifer. The results showed the existence of intrapopulational variation, since, although all the individuals had the same composition of secondary chemistry, the amounts were different. The individuals of a given population of C. ladanifer differ from each other even when growing under similar conditions. According to the ammount of flavonoids and diterpenes observed in each individual, it was possible to distinguish four different groups of individuals. Most individuals, evenly distributed within the population, had low concentrations of the studied compounds, whilst other individuals synthesized greater amounts and were randomly distributed among the former. Given the functions of flavonoids and diterpenes in this species, the quantified intra-population variation may involve greater plasticity for the species in the face of environmental changes.
Cristina Valares Masa; Juan Carlos Alías Gallego; Natividad Chaves Lobón; Teresa Sosa Díaz. Intra-Population Variation of Secondary Metabolites in Cistus ladanifer L. Molecules 2016, 21, 945 .
AMA StyleCristina Valares Masa, Juan Carlos Alías Gallego, Natividad Chaves Lobón, Teresa Sosa Díaz. Intra-Population Variation of Secondary Metabolites in Cistus ladanifer L. Molecules. 2016; 21 (7):945.
Chicago/Turabian StyleCristina Valares Masa; Juan Carlos Alías Gallego; Natividad Chaves Lobón; Teresa Sosa Díaz. 2016. "Intra-Population Variation of Secondary Metabolites in Cistus ladanifer L." Molecules 21, no. 7: 945.
The compounds derived from secondary metabolism in plants perform a variety of ecological functions, providing the plant with resistance to biotic and abiotic factors. The basal levels of these metabolites for each organ, tissue or cell type depend on the development stage of the plant and they may be modified as a response to biotic and/or abiotic stress. As a consequence, the resistance state of a plant may vary in space and time. The secondary metabolites of Cistus ladanifer have been quantified in leaves and stems throughout autumn, winter, spring and summer, and at different ages of the plant. This study shows that there are significant differences between young leaves, mature leaves and stems, and between individuals of different ages. Young leaves show significantly greater synthesis of flavonoids and diterpenes than mature leaves and stems, with a clear seasonal variation, and the differences between leaves at different growth stages and stems is maintained during the quantified seasons. With respect to age, specimens under one year of age secreted significantly lower amounts of compounds. The variation in the composition of secondary metabolites between different parts of the plant, the season and the variations in age may determine the interactions of Cistus ladanifer with the biotic and abiotic factors to which it is exposed.
Cristina Valares Masa; Teresa Sosa Díaz; Juan Carlos Alías Gallego; Natividad Chaves Lobón. Quantitative Variation of Flavonoids and Diterpenes in Leaves and Stems of Cistus ladanifer L. at Different Ages. Molecules 2016, 21, 275 .
AMA StyleCristina Valares Masa, Teresa Sosa Díaz, Juan Carlos Alías Gallego, Natividad Chaves Lobón. Quantitative Variation of Flavonoids and Diterpenes in Leaves and Stems of Cistus ladanifer L. at Different Ages. Molecules. 2016; 21 (3):275.
Chicago/Turabian StyleCristina Valares Masa; Teresa Sosa Díaz; Juan Carlos Alías Gallego; Natividad Chaves Lobón. 2016. "Quantitative Variation of Flavonoids and Diterpenes in Leaves and Stems of Cistus ladanifer L. at Different Ages." Molecules 21, no. 3: 275.
Quantifying carbon and biomass is relevant information needed in the fight against global warming. Since in Mediterranean ecosystems the agroforestry surface is very large, estimating carbon stocks and their distribution in the different compartments (above ground biomass, root, litter and soil) of these ecosystems is very important. In this work, fixed carbon was quantified in the two most abundant systems of thermophilic shrub of southwestern Iberian Peninsula: Rockroseland ( L.) and Broomland ( L.). Biomass was estimated through regression functions from morphology parameters. The results showed that the distribution of carbon among the compartments depends on the species. It was estimated that 34.7 Mg ha of carbon retained in the system, distributed among the different reservoirs. The shrub system of stores 24.3 Mg ha of carbon. The carbon stored in biomass was differently also distributed among its components in each species. In , carbon in above ground biomass is more than 85 % of the total biomass, and 15 % corresponds to carbon in root. However, in carbon stored in roots goes up to 48 %. These values show that it is important to quantify the carbon stored in all the components of the ecosystem (including the root), and show how important it is to maintain shrubs as reservoirs of carbon in Mediterranean agroforestry.
J. C. Alías; M. García; T. Sosa; C. Valares; N. Chaves. Carbon storage in the different compartments of two systems of shrubs of the southwestern Iberian Peninsula. Agroforestry Systems 2015, 89, 575 -585.
AMA StyleJ. C. Alías, M. García, T. Sosa, C. Valares, N. Chaves. Carbon storage in the different compartments of two systems of shrubs of the southwestern Iberian Peninsula. Agroforestry Systems. 2015; 89 (4):575-585.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJ. C. Alías; M. García; T. Sosa; C. Valares; N. Chaves. 2015. "Carbon storage in the different compartments of two systems of shrubs of the southwestern Iberian Peninsula." Agroforestry Systems 89, no. 4: 575-585.
The exudate of Cistus ladanifer L. consists mainly of two families of secondary metabolites: flavonoids and diterpenes. The amount of flavonoids present in the leaves has a marked seasonal variation, being maximum in summer and minimum in winter. In the present study, we demonstrate that the amount of diterpenes varies seasonally, but with a different pattern: maximum concentration in winter and minimum in spring-summer. The experiments under controlled conditions have shown that temperature influences diterpene production, and in particular, low temperatures. Given this pattern, the functions that these compounds perform in C. ladanifer are probably different.
Juan Carlos Alías; Teresa Sosa; Cristina Valares; José Carlos Escudero; Natividad Chaves. Seasonal Variation of Cistus ladanifer L. Diterpenes. Plants 2012, 1, 6 -15.
AMA StyleJuan Carlos Alías, Teresa Sosa, Cristina Valares, José Carlos Escudero, Natividad Chaves. Seasonal Variation of Cistus ladanifer L. Diterpenes. Plants. 2012; 1 (1):6-15.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJuan Carlos Alías; Teresa Sosa; Cristina Valares; José Carlos Escudero; Natividad Chaves. 2012. "Seasonal Variation of Cistus ladanifer L. Diterpenes." Plants 1, no. 1: 6-15.
Earlier studies have demonstrated the allelopathic potential of the exudate of Cistus ladanifer leaves, and have identified the compounds responsible for the effect. It is here shown that the effect of each of these compounds and their interactions on germination and seedling development varies depending on the light and temperature parameters to which they are subjected. The allelochemicals show a fairly heterogeneous response when studied separately, there being no general pattern to the behaviour. When they act conjointly, however, their activity is enhanced by high temperatures, and the greatest phytotoxicity in inhibiting both germination and seedling development is attained with high temperatures and long photoperiods. These results suggest that the environmental factors temperature and photoperiod may alter the allelopathic effect of Cistus ladanifer.
Natividad Chaves Lobón; Juan Carlos Alías Gallego; Teresa Sosa Díaz; José Carlos Escudero Garcia. Allelopathic potential of Cistus ladanifer chemicals in response to variations of light and temperature. Chemoecology 2002, 12, 139 -145.
AMA StyleNatividad Chaves Lobón, Juan Carlos Alías Gallego, Teresa Sosa Díaz, José Carlos Escudero Garcia. Allelopathic potential of Cistus ladanifer chemicals in response to variations of light and temperature. Chemoecology. 2002; 12 (3):139-145.
Chicago/Turabian StyleNatividad Chaves Lobón; Juan Carlos Alías Gallego; Teresa Sosa Díaz; José Carlos Escudero Garcia. 2002. "Allelopathic potential of Cistus ladanifer chemicals in response to variations of light and temperature." Chemoecology 12, no. 3: 139-145.