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The common European Arum maculatum L. is an acknowledged medicinal plant. Although the uses of the plant are widely acknowledged, little is known about the actual exploitation poten-tial in natural and cultivated conditions. We aim to address this question. The first step in know-ing if a resource is exploitable is checking where the plant is present. In this study, we first gathered information based on a critical revision of the deposited herbar-ium samples of genus Arum L. in the national Bulgarian herbaria. Secondly, we organized this information in a database, which was used to construct UTM-grid maps of the current known distribution of the taxa in Bulgaria. Thirdly, we compiled the presented information on the UTM-grid maps together with our field study data which we collected during the period April – July 2013 by visiting locations known from the literature and from the herbarium vouchers (see above) and checking for the presence of Arum. When considering the potential exploitation of the plant in natural conditions, our preliminary field survey suggests a more limited potential in Bulgaria, when compared to previous investi-gations. Also, the fact that the proper identification is difficult even to specialists could lead to a serious hazard, since plant collectors may confuse species, and thus may improperly use them. Based on all the mentioned above, it appears that the most appropriate solution for any phar-maceutical exploitation would be to develop a cultivation program.
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E. Kozuharova, V. Kochmarov, E. Kachaunova, A. Espíndola, B.
Aleksandrov & I. Mincheva
Distribution of Arum (Araceae) in Bulgaria*
Abstract
Kozuharova, E., Kochmarov, V., Kachaunova, E., Espíndola, A., Aleksandrov, B. & Mincheva,
I.: Distribution of Arum (Araceae) in Bulgaria. — Fl. Medit. 24: 51-62. 2014. — ISSN: 1120-
4052 printed, 2240-4538 online.
The common European Arum maculatum L. is an acknowledged medicinal plant. Although the
uses of the plant are widely acknowledged, little is known about the actual exploitation poten-
tial in natural and cultivated conditions. We aim to address this question. The first step in know-
ing if a resource is exploitable is checking where the plant is present.
In this study, we first gathered information based on a critical revision of the deposited herbar-
ium samples of genus Arum L. in the national Bulgarian herbaria. Secondly, we organized this
information in a database, which was used to construct UTM-grid maps of the current known
distribution of the taxa in Bulgaria. Thirdly, we compiled the presented information on the
UTM-grid maps together with our field study data which we collected during the period April
– July 2013 by visiting locations known from the literature and from the herbarium vouchers
(see above) and checking for the presence of Arum.
When considering the potential exploitation of the plant in natural conditions, our preliminary
field survey suggests a more limited potential in Bulgaria, when compared to previous investi-
gations. Also, the fact that the proper identification is difficult even to specialists could lead to
a serious hazard, since plant collectors may confuse species, and thus may improperly use them.
Based on all the mentioned above, it appears that the most appropriate solution for any phar-
maceutical exploitation would be to develop a cultivation program.
Key words: medicinal use, Bulgaria, plant resources.
Introduction
The common European Arum maculatum L. is an acknowledged medicinal plant in
Bulgaria, even though not among the most popular ones (Medicinal plant act 2000), pos-
sibly because it is poisonous. In Bulgarian traditional and folk medicine Arum maculatum
has been shown to be used in kidney stone disease, colitis, liver disease and hyperacidities.
Furthermore, the plant has been reported as a very effective remedy against haemorrhoids
- a medical condition that has hardly any other alternative effective cure except surgery
Fl. Medit. 24: 51-62
doi: 10.7320/FlMedit24.051
Version of Record published online on 14 July 2014
* Extended and enriched version of the poster presented at the XIV Optima meeting in Palermo,
9-15 Sept. 2013.
(Petkov 1982; Pamukov & Ahtardjiev 1989; Pamukov 1995; Dimkov 2001; Ivancheva &
Stantcheva 2000; Nikolov 2006). Moreover, the plant substance Ari Tubera has been clin-
ically demonstrated to have an anti-inflammatory activity in the intestinal and respiratory
tract (Petkov 1982).
Arum maculatum is among the plants found in the renaissance herbals, namely Zwinger,
1696 to treat malaria (Adams & al. 2011). Ethnopharmacological research studies reveal
the application of Arum maculatum in Turkey against colitis (Everest & Ozturk 2005) and
internal bleeding haemorrhoids (Uzun & al. 2004; Demirci & Özhatay 2012). According
to Gürhan & Ezer (2004) Arum balansanum R. Mill., Arum detruncatum C.A. Meyer ex
Schott Arum elongatum Steven and Dracunculus vulgaris Schott are among the plants (84
plant genera belonging to 46 families) that are used for the treatment of haemorrhoids in
Turkey. In South Italian traditional and folk medicine, Arum italicum Mill. is used against
warts (Pieroni & Quave 2005).
The latest general publication dedicated to Bulgarian flora includes genera for which the
distribution is only partially known (e.g. Iris, Euphorbia, Arum Assyov & Petrova 2006).
As a consequence, Raycheva and Stoyanov have recently responded to the need of increas-
ing our knowledge on this when working on genus Iris, sect. Limniris (Iridaceae,
Raycheva & Stoyanov 2012). However, the Bulgarian range of Arum has not been
explicitly evaluated.
In the context of this background information, although the uses of Arum are largely
acknowledged, little is known about the actual exploitation potential in natural and cultivated
conditions, mainly because of the lack of information on its actual range. Therefore, the major
goal of this study is to clarify the natural distribution of the genus Arum in Bulgaria. Thus, this
study would be the first step to further research and data analysis on the evaluation of natural
resources and possibilities for exploitation and medicinal application.
Material and methods
We gathered distribution information based on a critical revision of the deposited
herbarium samples of genus Arum L. in the national Bulgarian herbaria. First, we analyzed
224 herbarium vouchers of Bulgarian Arum, deposited in the Herbaria of Agricultural
University Plovdiv (SOA – 128 vouchers), the Institute of Biodiversity and Ecosystem
Research at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences (SOM – 52 vouchers), the Biological
Faculty of Sofia University (SO – 34 vouchers), and the Faculty of Pharmacy of Medical
University of Sofia (10 vouchers). We organized this information in a database, which we
used to construct UTM-grid maps of the current distribution of the taxa in Bulgaria.
During the period April – July 2013 we visited locations known from the literature
and the herbarium vouchers (see above) and checked for the presence of Arum. At each
location, we took pictures of all observed plants and we collected vouchers. All col-
lections of tubers and voucher materials are now deposited in the Herbarium of the
Faculty of Pharmacy of the Medical University of Sofia. This Herbarium is not yet
registered and that is why we do not present voucher numbers at this stage (vouchers
can be available upon request).
52 Kozuharova & al.: Distribution of Arum (Araceae) in Bulgaria
In the field, we registered the geographic co-ordinates of each location and we further
used these to build distribution maps (see below). We registered the number of individuals
and their ontogenic stage at each location in order to evaluate natural resource exploitation.
We walked throughout the area where the individuals of Arum were distributed and way-
points marking the border of distribution were recorded with a GARMIN GPS eTrex Vista
HCx, Datum WGS 1984. The waypoint co-ordinates were then placed on topographic
maps and the results analyzed.
Identification of the Arum species was effected with reference to flora books and
monographs (Andreev & al. 1992; Boyce 1993; Delipavlov & Cheshmedzhiev 2003;
Bedalov & Kuepfer 2005; eMonocot 2013). Identification in the genus Arum has
always been a major difficulty. The shape of the leaves does not always show partic-
ular specifics among the species and at a section level the morphology of the tuber is
an important diagnostic character. Indeed, the most important diagnostics in this
group are in the fresh inflorescence, although flowering lasts a few weeks and the
chance to find blooming plants is not high. To obtain additional information on the
species identities, we observed the sprouting behaviour of the tubers, which in some
cases can help differentiate species (e.g. in sect. Dioscoridea A. elongatum sprouts
earlier than A. cylindraceum).
Results and discussion
Our herbaria analysis indicate that some vouchers have been misidentified (A. italicum,
A. cylindraceum and A. elongatum identified as A. maculatum, and vice-versa). After cor-
rection, we can here present the species updated ranges based on herbarium materials of
Arum species for Bulgaria (Figs. 1, 3, 4, 5, 7).
The information is compiled with our field study data that confirms some of the locali-
ties of certain taxa (Figs. 1, 3, 4, 5, 7).
Sect. Arum - Species with rhizomatous tuber occurring in Bulgaria
Arum maculatum L.
The populations of this species occur in temperate mixed forests on the lower slopes
of the mountains of central and south-western Bulgaria (Fig. 1), in the following
floristic regions: (according to herbarium vouchers) Predbalkan, Stara planina, Sofia
district, Znepole, Strouma valley, Rila, Rhodopes, Trakia lowland. We confirmed sev-
eral already known localities, as well as spotted some new ones (Table 1, Fig. 1).
We checked several habitats potentially appropriate for A. maculatum in the Osogovo
Mts. during the flowering period (Fig. 1 FM73). Indeed, according to Mitrev (1995) this
mountain hosts one of the biggest populations of this species. However, A. maculatum was
absent in all the potentially appropriate habitats that we visited, even though we performed
strong searches in the area. This would indicate that, contrary to the findings in previous
publications, A. maculatum has a very restricted distribution in this mountain; thus it was
impossible to spot it.
Flora Mediterranea 24 — 2014 53
Arum italicum Mill.
This is the only wintergreen Arum with rhizomatous tuber in Bulgaria. The populations
of this species occur in temperate mixed forests in low mountainous habitats. According to
the herbarium vouchers, its distribution in Bulgaria is comparatively wide (Fig. 3), which
also agrees with previous general surveys (Boyce 1993; Bedalov and Küpfer, 2005).
However, we could not confirm identifications of many herbarium vouchers due to the bad
condition of the material. Also, it was hard to confirm the species occurrences in the field
due to the phenological stage of the plant (inflorescences not fully developed) at the time
of visits. A. italicum occurs in the following floristic regions (according to herbarium
vouchers): Rhodopes (Central, Eastern)
We checked several potentially appropriate habitats in the area of Kardzhali (Table 1,
Fig. 3 - LG60, LF48, LF58, LF69, LF79), because, according to Delipavlov & Cesmedziev
(2003), the only locality of this species occurs in that area. These researchers have carried
54 Kozuharova & al.: Distribution of Arum (Araceae) in Bulgaria
Taxon of plants that we located Locality name, nearest settlement UTM grid
Sect. Arum - Species with rhizomatous tuber
confirmed localities in our field study
Arum maculatum
Urvich
Knjazhevo
Trunska Bankja
Konjavska Mts. Bunovo
Bov
Blagoevgrad
Ljulin
Trjavna
FN91
FN82
FN34
FM49
FN96
FM76
FN72
LH75
localities known from previous publications that we checked in our field study and did not find Arum spp.
Arum maculatum Osogiovo FM37
Arum italicum
Kardzhali region LG60, LF48,
LF58, LF69,
LF79
Sect. Dioscoridea - Species with discoid tuber
confirmed localities in our field study
Arum elongatum
Dobrogled
Strandja mts. – Stoilovo, Dokuzak
Strandja mts. – Slivarovo
Strandja mts. – Mladezhka river
NH69
NG45
NG54
NG36
Arum cylindraceum
Strandja mts. – Mladezhka river
Strandja mts. - Brushljan
Kamchia region
Bachkovo
Konjavska Mts., Gorna Koznitza
NG36
NG35
NH66, NH76
LG24
FM58
Arum orientale
Sahrane
Kamchia
Kamen Brjag
Kaliakra
Strandja mts. – Slivarovo
Strandja mts. – Malko Turnovo
Zlatograd
Bezhanovo
Iskar
LH52
NH76
PJ21
PJ10
NG54
NG44
LF38
KH88
KJ93
confirmed localities in our field study
Arum sp.
Arum sp.
Rusenski Lom
Panega river
MJ14
KH78
Table 1. Our findings as a result of the field studies carried out in April – July 2013.
Flora Mediterranea 24 — 2014 55
Fig. 2. Arum maculatum from Konjavska Mts. Bunovo FM49.
Fig. 1. Current distribution of Arum maculatum in Bulgaria. Legend: Red dots - herbaria data; blue
splash - populations of A. maculatum found during our field study; blue splash with white dot in the
centre - potentially appropriate habitats in area reported in previous publications as locality of A. mac-
ulatum where we could not confirm its occurrence during our field study.
out the most detailed investigation on Arum in Bulgaria so far and thus their opinion mat-
ters (Delipavlov & Cesmedziev 1983). Our field research in the area of Kardzhali did not
bring a positive result, which suggests a restricted distribution. Also we could not confirm
the occurrence of A. italicum in the area of north-east Bulgaria, cape Kaliakra (PJ10), and
the herbarium material from this site was revised and not confirmed (misidentified instead
of Arum sp., sect. Dioscoridea). All the plants we found in the area of cape Kaliakra (PJ10)
had discoid tubers (Table 1).
Sect. Dioscoridea - Species with discoid tuber occurring in Bulgaria
Arum cylindraceum Gasp. (Syn. A. alpinum Scott & Kotchy)
The populations of this species occur in temperate mixed forests on the lower slopes of
the mountains, extending down to the sea level, in the following floristic regions (accord-
ing to herbarium vouchers): Stara planina, Znepole, Strandja. The plants that we identified
as A. cylindraceum were found as members of the deciduous forest understorey in the area
of Stranja Mts. (NG36, NG35) and under deciduous shrubs in the vicinity of Gorna
Koznitza (FM58). The habitats where we found the plants in the area of river Kamchia
estuary (NH66, NH76 - deciduous forest ground layer or under shrubs) were similar. At the
time of voucher collecting from the populations in the area of Gorna Koznitza and
56 Kozuharova & al.: Distribution of Arum (Araceae) in Bulgaria
Fig. 3. Current distribution of Arum italicum in Bulgaria. Legend: Red dots – herbaria data; blue
splash with white dot in the centre – potentially appropriate habitats in area reported in previous pub-
lications as locality of A. italicum where we could not confirm its occurrence during our field study.
Flora Mediterranea 24 — 2014 57
Fig. 4. Current distribution of Arum cylindraceum in Bulgaria. Legend: Red dots – herbaria data; blue
splash – populations of A. cylindraceum found during our field study.
Fig. 5. Arum cylindraceum from Stranja Mts. NG36.
Kamchia estuary we did not have enough data for identification due to the phenological
stage – lack of inflorescences. However in the autumn we were certain about the fact that
these plants were A. cylindraceum due to the careful analysis of morphology of leaves,
morphology of tubers and the lack of sprouting in late autumn. The careful analysis of the
available characters of the individuals found in the vicinity of Bachkovo monastery
(LG24) (morphology of leaves and infructescence, morphology of tubers and the lack of
sprouting in late autumn) suggests that the specimens could belong to A. cylindraceum, or
be hybrids of A. cylindraceum with A. orientale, or A. elongatum.
The results of our field study indicate that Arum cylindraceum seems to have a wider
distribution in Bulgaria than it was believed before. Therefore implications for further
research are additional field trips during flowering period for reliable identification of the
dubious findings.
Arum orientale M. Bieb.
The taxonomic status of this species is largely unclear and still under revision and dis-
cussion (Boyce 1993; Bedalov & Kuepfer 2005). The Bulgarian populations classically
assigned to this species occur in temperate mixed forests on the lower slopes of the moun-
tains in the following floristic regions: (according to herbarium vouchers) Black sea coast,
Predbalkan, Stouma valley, Rhodopes, Trakia lowland, Stara planina, Danube plane,
Znepole, Strandja.
58 Kozuharova & al.: Distribution of Arum (Araceae) in Bulgaria
Fig. 6. Current distribution of Arum orientale in Bulgaria. Red dots: herbaria data; blue splash – pop-
ulations of A. orientale found during our field study.
Based on the available characters (leaves and inflorescence, the morphology of the
tuber and the sprouting in late autumn) we detected its presence at a locality in the vicini-
ty of village of Sahrane and village of Iskar (LH52, KJ 93, Table 1, Figs. 6 and 7). The
plants that we located in the area of cape Kaliakra (PJ10) and village of Kamen brjag
(PJ21) were at fruiting stage, when we found them under groups of deciduous trees or at
the base of shrubs as well as completely exposed as a part of the steppe vegetation (Table
1, Fig. 6). The same fruiting stage was found with regard to the plants collected from the
Strandja Mts. (NG44, deciduous forest ground layer, Table 1, Fig. 6). Individuals of this
species at a stage before flowering were found in the area of the River Kamchia estuary
(NH76, deciduous forest ground layer or under shrubs, Table 1, Fig. 6), Strandja Mts.
(NG54, deciduous forest ground layer, Table 1, Fig. 6), the village of Bezhanovo (KH88,
deciduous forest ground layer, Table 1, Fig. 6), and the in the vicinity of Zlatograd (LF38,
deciduous forest ground layer, Table 1, Fig. 6). The plants of all these populations found
before or after flowering could not be identified with certaintly as A. orientale until their
sprouting behaviour could be observed in the autumn and in addition a careful examina-
tion of their tuber morphology could be carried out.
Flora Mediterranea 24 — 2014 59
Fig. 7. Arum orientale from village of Sahrane LH52 and village of Iskar KJ 93.
60 Kozuharova & al.: Distribution of Arum (Araceae) in Bulgaria
Fig. 9. Arum elongatum from Strandja Mts. NG 36, NG 45, and village of Dobrogled NH69.
Fig. 8. Current distribution of Arum elongatum in Bulgaria. Legend: Red dots – herbaria data; blue
splash – populations of A. elongatum found during our field study.
Arum elongatum Steven
This species was known to occur in temperate mixed forests on the lower slopes of the
mountains in the following floristic regions (according to herbarium vouchers): Black sea
coast, Predbalkan, Stouma valley, Slavjanka, Belasitza, Rhodopes, Trakia lowland, Tundja
hilly region. In our field study, plants identified as Arum elongatum were found in the area of
Stranja Mts. (NG45, NG54, NG36, NG35, deciduous forest ground layer, Table 1, Figs. 8 and
9) and the village of Dobrogled (NH69, deciduous forest ground layer, Table 1, Figs. 8 and 9).
Conclusions
Our revision provides an updated view of the range of genus Arum in Bulgaria. For exam-
ple we found that A. cylindraceum is more widely distributed than initially considered (Andreev
& al. 1992; Ancev 1996; Delipavlov & Cheshmedzhiev 2003; Assyov & Petrova, 2006). Also
we confirmed the opinion of Delipavlov & Cheshmedzhiev (2003) that A. maculatum is less
widely distributed than initially considered (Andreev & al. 1992, Assyov & Petrova 2006). In
other words A. maculatum occurs only in the floristic regions: Predbalkan, Stara planina, Sofia
district, Znepole, Strouma valley, Rila, Rhodopes, Trakia lowland. This suggests a more limit-
ed potential of natural resources exploitation compared to previous investigations. Mitrev
(1995) evaluated the potential resource of the plant substance (Ari Tubera) as 51 tonnes per
year. We consider this quite impossible. Mitrev (1995) extrapolated the exploitation potential
based on the presumption of a wider distribution of A. maculatum on the territory of Bulgaria
than it obviously occupies in reality. Also we did not confirm the occurrence of Arum species
in many places where they were supposed to exist. In addition the populations that we found
often consisted of a restricted number of individuals.
The fact that the proper identification is difficult even to specialists could lead to a haz-
ard, since plant collectors may confuse species, and thus, may improperly use them.
Based on all the information mentioned above with regard to the potential pharmaceu-
tical exploitation of the plant substance of Arum maculatum, our results suggest that the
most appropriate solution would be developing an indoors cultivation program rather then
exploiting natural populations.
Acknowledgements
We are grateful to Dr Frank O’Reilly (Agricultural & Rural Development Consultant, London) for
the editing of English language.
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Addresses of the authors:
Ekaterina Kozuharova1, Vladimir Kochmarov1,5, Eli Kachaunova2, Anahí
Espíndola3, Borislav Aleksandrov4& Irena Mincheva1,
1Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Dunav 2, Sofia 1000,
Bulgaria. E-mail: ina_kozuharova@yahoo.co.uk
2Department of Ecosystem Research, Environmental Risk Assessment and
Conservation Biology, Institute of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Research at the
Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 2 Gagarin Street, Sofia 1113, Bulgaria.
3Department of Biological Sciences, Life Sciences South 252, University of Idaho,
Moscow, ID, U.S.A.
4University of Architecture, Civil Engineering and Geodesy, Hristo Smirnenski 1,
Sofia 1046, Bulgaria.
5Panacea 2001 LTD, Galabez 2 Sofia 1505, Bulgaria.
62 Kozuharova & al.: Distribution of Arum (Araceae) in Bulgaria
... Previous research on A. alpinum (syn. A. cylindraceum) focussed on its distribution (Bedalov and Fischer 1995;Bedalov and Drenkovski 1997;Draper and Rosselló-Graell 1997;Dajdok and Kącki 2001;Bedalov et al. 2006;Croat and Ortiz 2020;Jeanmonod and Schlussel 2012;Kozuharova et al. 2014b;Trigas et al. 2021) and taxonomic complexities (Terpό 1973;Bedalov and Küpfer 2005;Boyce 2006;Lendel et al. 2007), while in recent years more attention has been paid to phylogenetics and biogeography (Lendel et al. 2006;Mansion et al. 2008;Espíndola et al. 2010;Linz et al. 2010;Joudi et al. 2016). In some works, the issue of habitat preferences of the species has been discussed, but usually this presented general information, not supported by detailed analyses of the abiotic conditions of the habitat (Barć et al. 2004;Bedalov et al. 2006;Lendel et al. 2007;Kozuharova et al. 2014a;Wójcik and Ziaja 2015). ...
... Previous studies have shown differences in the size of the A. alpinum population. In the southern part of the range, most populations of A. alpinum are rather small and occur in isolated sites which are distant from each other (Fridlender 1999;Kozuharova et al. 2014b;Trigas et al. 2021), while larger populations are rather rare (Fridlender 1999). In Poland, the smallest populations were recorded in the Tilio cordatae-Carpinetum betuli forests (Wróbel 2007), while larger populations of 20-184 individuals were observed in the patches of the Carpathian beech forest Dentario glandulosae-Fagetum (Barć et al. 2004;Wójcik and Kostrakiewicz-Gierałt 2020). ...
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The aim of this study is to test the potential of natural resources exploitation of Arum maculatum L. a promising plant for treatment against haemorrhoids. Our surveys indicated that the plant is a common woodland species in Bulgaria but with lowabundances, uneven distribution, and that the traditional remedial part, the rhizome, possesses a low weight even in large individuals. Moreover, A. maculatum is a slow growing monocot, needing at least 7 years to first flowering and about 20–30 years for getting large rhizomes. Consequently, it appears that there is a limited potential of natural resources exploitation of A. maculatum and that the sustainable use for medicinal purposes of the plant should be based on cultivation.
... Therefore, the problem with the plant resources is crucial. Our survey on the natural distribution of the genus Arum in Bulgaria revealed that A. maculatum occurs only in eight floristic regions [ 9 ]. This suggests a limited potential of natural resources. ...
... Our research confirmed that Arum maculatum is a common woodland plant species. However, its abundance is comparatively low in Bulgaria, as we detected in our previous research [ 9 ]. ...
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It is considered that on the marbles of Pirin and Slavyanka Mts., SW Bulgaria, both Onobrychis pindicola subsp. urumovii Degen & Dren. and Ono- brychis montana subsp. scardica (Griseb.) P. W. Ball occur. The aim of the present study is to test the effectiveness of multivariate statistics (hierarchical cluster analysis) in order to reveal specific relationships between the morphological features, on the one hand, and on the other - between the samples collected at different locations. Our results from the multivariate statistical classification demonstrate that a systematic structure cannot be determined with certainty, which does not allow defining two separate taxa. It is one polymorphic taxon and the patterns obtained by hierarchical cluster analysis are probably due to specificity of the sampling locations (altitude, specificity of the terrain or habitats, etc.).
... The reason is that the vicars used the starch from the rhizome to stiffen their collars and thus they planted cuckoo pins for that reason [1]. This indicates that cultivation would not be difficult in places with appropriate conditions [144]. ...
... In continuation of our preceding botanical, autecological and ethnopharmacological exploration of Arum maculatum [18,20,22], we herein report a pharmacological evaluation of two hydro-alcoholic extracts of the plant using several pharmacological endpoints, namely modulation of collagenase and cyclooxigenase activities, effects on human vascular endothelial proliferation and viability and antioxidant and antiradical activities, to characterize its mode of action as a remedy for hemorrhoidal disease. ...
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In line with the well-established ethnobotanical use of Arum maculatum for the treatment of hemorrhoidal disease, we sought to determine the activities of 30% or 70% ethanol extracts of the plant tubers in an array of pharmacological and biochemical models of some crucial events implicated in the pathogenesis of this disorder, namely angiogenesis, collagenase activity remodeling, cyclooxygenase activity, IL-2 secretion and oxidative stress. The tested hydro-alcoholic extracts from A. maculatum tubers inhibited the proliferation of EA.hy926 vascular endothelial cells, but even at the highest administered concentrations no decrease in viability was observed. The extracts induced a concentration-dependent decrease in collagenase activity, whereby the effects were more pronounced at the lower concentration of ethanol in the extragent. Moreover the tested extracts induced concentration-dependent suppression of cyclooxygenase activity (COX-1 and 2), albeit at very high and presumably supraphysiological concentrations. The extracts augmented the PHA/PMA-induced secretion of IL-2 from Jurkat E.6 (human T-cells), which was more pronounced following exposure to the 30% ethanol-derived product. The 30% EtOH extract demonstrated anti-radical properties against both stable free radicals (ABTS and DPPH) and biologically relevant reactive oxygen species (ROS), which could be considered as important mediators of inflammation and signaling molecules. Our findings give us reason to conclude that the hydroalcoholic extracts of A. maculatum tubers possess anti-inflammatory, antiangiogenic and antioxidant effects which in concert could contribute to its efficacy for the management of hemorrhoidal disease.
... Arum maculatum L. is a species which belongs to Araceae family [10] and it is a poisonous plant [11]. The color of berries of Arum maculatum L. varies from red to orange and they highly poisonous. ...
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Arum maculatum L. is a species belongs to the Araceae family and it is widespread across the many parts of Europe, Turkey, and the Caucasus. Methanol extracts of leaves and berries of Arum maculatum L. collected from Fıstıközü Village/ Halfeti/Sanliurfa/Turkey were used in this study. Total phenolic and ascorbic acid contents, chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, total carotenoid content, total anthocyanin content, antioxidant activity (by ABTS, DPPH and FRAP assays), antimicrobial activity (with agar well diffusion method) and minimal inhibtion concentration (MIC), antimutagenic activity (by AMES method) of methanolic extracts of parts of Arum maculatum L. were investigated. According to results, methanolic extracts of A. maculatum L. exhibited antioxidant activities at different rate and it was determined that extract of berries exhibited the higher antioxidant effect in all methods than leaf extract. However, it was observed that leaf extract showed higher antibacterial effect than extract of berries (between 14.98-27.67 mm, 17.86-19.20 mm; respectively), but no extract exhibited antifungal activity against test microorganisms used in this study. Additionally, 10 and 80 μL/Plaque doses of the leaf extract displayed the antimutagenic effects against induced mutagenesis in Salmonella typhimurium TA 98, but any dodes of extracts did not show antimutagenic activity against TA 100. Conclusionly, Arum maculatum collected from Turkish flora exhibited some biological properties, and activities and these data will be useful for medical studies.
... As reported by Merwin (1980) and Öztürk et al (2011) Ceratonia siliqua has a broad range of usages such as food, medicine, fodder and fuel in Turkish culture. Probably due to its toxic structure, Arum balansanum has not been mentioned by name for local use in Turkey (Yeşilada, 2002) as well as in Bulgarian (Kozuharova et al., 2014) and Albanian (Dogan et al., 2015) cultures. ...
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This research reveals essential ethnopharmaceutical data on medicinal plants used by locals who live in the Gölnar county of Mersin in Turkey. In this survey carried out between 2013–2015, 104 taxa belonging to 46 families, including two gymnosperms were identified as being used for therapeutic purposes by visiting 16 villages and six spice-sellers in Gölnar. The study demonstrated that most of the informants agreed on the use of Ceratonia siliqua fruits to cure respiratory diseases having the highest fidelity level (95.3). Two taxa may have been recorded by the authors for the first time as they were not matched with any studies that had previously been conducted in and around the region. Although it is not a very common finding in the ethnobotanical literature, the knowledge achieved by this research indicates that the medicinal plants reported have mostly been used to treat livestock diseases (0.78 ICF) since the locals provide their livelihood from farm animals and agriculture. As in many other regions of Anatolia, the average age of the participants who shared valuable ethnomedicinal information with us was mostly over 60 years of age. However, the festivals of homemade products organized during the last few years in various villages increased our hopes on behalf of the future of the ethnobotanical heritage. Additionally, we would recommend that the industrial sector entrepreneurs interested in new natural drug discovery and development were informed of the taxa having highest FL, UV and RFC in this research.
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This study aimed to perform a nutritional analysis of cuckoo pint soup, a traditional dish made from cuckoo pint (Arum maculatum L.) that is a self-growing plant found in many countries including Turkey. Adopting an experimental research method this study included the preparation of the soup using traditional cooking technique. In addition to all raw ingredients used for making the cuckoo pint soup, the mixture fermented during the production phase, and the cooked final product were exposed to analyses. Protein, carbohydrate, fat, ash, fiber, moisture, iron (Fe), and vitamin C analyses of all samples were performed. Findings revealed that cuckoo pint was rich in vitamin C, carbohydrate, protein, and iron; however, some nutritional values declined due to the cooking effect.
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This survey has an aim to identifity the various folk usage of the plants in Andirin (Kahramanmaras) district. The field works have been done from March 2010 to November 2010. During this research 52 villages have been visited and about 500 plant specimens were collected. The information for these plants, such as local names, used parts, their usages, methods of preparation, administration dosage and duration treatments have been recorded. The collected specimens are kept in the Herbarium of the Faculty of Pharmacy, Istanbul University (ISTE). As a result of this identification, 147 taxa of which 10 endemic have been determined for several usages. Among them 95 taxa are used as medicinal purposes, 52 taxa as food, 8 taxa as spice, 6 taxa as dye, 3 taxa as fuel and tea. Additionally 16 plants specimens have been established for different usages.
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This paper presents the result of a study on the herbal drugs in the herbal markets in Mersin and Adana. The data were collected through direct interviews with herbalists and customers between 2002–2005 and the popular medicinal plants were investigated. A total of 107 species belonging to 56 families were investigated and the samples were listedwith their local and Latin names. The investigation includes cross-checking the disorders and their herbal cures and their recommended use stated by the local herbalists, by the parts used, and by the preparations. The cultivated species and their ethno botanical uses, are documented and extensive inventory is presented. As a result, we observed that these plants are used especially for intestinal digestive disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, (21.68%), respiratory tract system disorders (10.43%), heart-blood circulatory system disorders (8.48%), urinary tract system disorders (7.70%), skin disorders (6.48%) and others.
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From antiquity up into the 20th century tertian and quartan malaria which are caused by the parasites Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium malariae were widespread in Central Europe. Hundreds of different remedies against malaria can be found in herbals from the Renaissance. To document and discuss from a modern pharmacological viewpoint the old remedies described in eight 16th and 17th century herbals written in German. Eight of the most important herbals of the 16th and 17th century including Bock (1577), Fuchs (1543), Matthiolus (1590), Lonicerus (1560), Brunfels (1532), Zwinger (1696), and Tabernaemontanus (1591 and 1678) were searched for terms related to malaria, and documented plants and recipes described for its treatment. Additionally the overlapping of these remedies with those in De Materia Medica by the Greek physician Dioscorides was studied. Three hundred and fourteen taxa were identified in the herbals for this indication. Recent pharmacological data was found for just 5% of them. The influence of De Materia Medica was shown to be negligible with only 3.5% of the remedies in common. European Renaissance herbals may be a valuable source of information for the selection of plants for focussed antiplasmodial screening programmes, but have received only little scientific attention. Antimalarial remedies from these herbals must be viewed as independent sources of knowledge separate from Dioscorides' De Materia Medica.
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The paper reports on 73 medicinal plants of 30 families, traditionally used in Bulgarian phytotherapy. Some of the plants are applied in practice for the treatment of cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, respiratory, urogenital and other disorders. The popular plants used for treatment are growing in 20 forested regions in Bulgaria.
Article
Traditional medicine in North-West of Turkey (Sakarya province) were studied during a 2 months field study by interviewing local informants from several villages. Plant species used to treat infections were tested for antimicrobial activity. Information was collected for 46 plant species from 30 families and for 5 animal species. Twenty four of the plant species were cultivated. Most used families were Asteraceae, Cucurbitaceae, Lamiaceae and Rosaceae and the most used plants were Artemisia absinthium, Equisetum telmateia, Lavandula stoechas, Melissa officinalis, Tussilago farfara and Urtica dioica. A total of 139 medicinal uses were obtained. Plants are used mainly for infectious diseases (18%), for neurological and psychological disorders (13.7%), cardiovascular disorders (13%), skin disorders (12.2%) and respiratory disorders (10.1%). Extracts were tested in vitro for antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 65538, Staphylococcus epidermidis ATCC 12228, Escherichia coli ATCC 8739, Klebsiella pneumonia ATCC 4352, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 1539, Salmonella typhi, Shigella flexneri, Proteus mirabilis and Candida albicans ATCC 10231, using microbroth dilution technique according to National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards (NCCLS). This research showed that Arum maculatum, Datura stramonium, Geranium asphodeloides and Equisetum telmateia petroleum ether extracts had MIC values of 39.1 microg/ml, 78.1 microg/ml, 78.1 microg/ml and 39.1 microg/ml, respectively against Staphylococcus epidermidis. Datura stramonium petroleum ether extract had a MIC value of 39.1 microg/ml against Escherichia coli and Trachystemon orientalis ethanol extract had a MIC value of 39.1 microg/ml against Escherichia coli. The antimicrobial activity of Arum maculatum, Equisetum telmateia, Geranium asphodeloides, Plantago intermedia, Senecio vulgaris and Trachystemon orientalis has been reported here for the first time.
Contemporary phytotherapy. Medicine and physculture
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Petkov, V. 1982: Contemporary phytotherapy. Medicine and physculture. – Sofia (in Bulgarian).
Phytotaxonomic and phytogeographical studies in Bulgaria during the last decade (1983-1993)
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Ancev, M.E. 1996. Phytotaxonomic and phytogeographical studies in Bulgaria during the last decade (1983-1993). – Bocconea 5: 33-44.