Jul 2026· Bulletin of Science and Practice· Vol 12, pp. 12-20· 0 citations
TL;DR
It was determined that saffron, in addition to being a vegetatively propagated plant of high economic value, is also widely used in both food and medical fields thanks to its bioactive compounds, such as crocetin, picrocrocin, and safranal.
Abstract
This research investigates the biological, chemical, and agro-climatic characteristics of the saffron plant (Crocus sativus L.) in the conditions of Azerbaijan. It was determined that saffron, in addition to being a vegetatively propagated plant of high economic value, is also widely used in both food and medical fields thanks to its bioactive compounds, such as crocetin, picrocrocin, and safranal. In the Nakhchivan region, certain species are found in the wild and are commonly known as ‘sarychichek’ or ‘chagalagül’. Certain representatives of these species, found in the mountainous areas of the region, are used in traditional medicine for various ailments, including kidney disorders, gynaecological problems, inflammation of the lymphatic vessels (lymphangitis), and skin infections (furunculosis). Research has shown that Nakhchivan's arid and sunny climate, and its light, well-drained soils, create optimal conditions for saffron's development. Mild temperatures, particularly during the autumn months, extend the flowering period, positively affecting both yield and the quality of the stigmas. At the same time, the proper application of agronomic measures, such as sowing depth, irrigation regime, and the regular renewal of corms, plays a crucial role in maintaining yields. Research also shows that the quality characteristics of saffron vary depending on the cultivation conditions. Furthermore, the slow rate of vegetative propagation and a low level of mechanisation have been identified as the main factors hindering the expansion of production. In the Nakhchivan region, sufficient corm reserves have not been established for the commercial cultivation of saffron. For this reason, there remains a need to secure planting material (corms) from external sources to expand production. The saffron plant is propagated by corms, not by seeds. These bulbs are planted in the ground and bloom in the autumn, typically between October and November. Inside each flower are three slender, deep-red stigmas, and it is this part that is dried to form saffron, one of the most expensive spices in the world. The correct assessment of agro-climatic factors, the application of modern biotechnological approaches, and the use of scientifically-based agronomic methods are considered a promising direction for increasing the yield and quality of saffron.
Gloriosa superba L. (flame lily or glory lily) is a perennial herbaceous climber renowned for its striking appearance and multifaceted significance. It is often regarded as a medicinal herb for treating numerous ailments such as gout, rheumatism, wounds, snakebite, skin disease, leprosy, inflammation, etc. Besides its medicinal properties, the plant plays an important role in ecological interactions with the surrounding environment by being pollinated by various insects and associated with various microorganisms. It is also a part of tribal culture, influencing daily routines and festivals. Driven by escalating global demand for colchicine, excessive industrial exploitation has resulted in documented local extinctions in regions such as the Darjeeling Himalaya. This pressure is compounded by poor natural propagation, characterised by an inherently low seed set, reduced seed germination and a strict dependency on specialist pollinators like sunbirds and butterflies. This synergy of intense commercial reaping and biological reproductive bottlenecks indicates that the plant is now on the verge of extinction within several of its primary wild habitats. Diverse bioactive compounds were analysed and compiled, with colchicine and gloriosine being the key substances that account for the therapeutic benefits of this plant. Additionally, 13 other biomolecules are reported to possess the anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, antioxidant, anti-microbial, anti-gout, anti-pox, anti-coagulant and antirheumatic activities. It is economically important due to the production of many drugs and biochemicals in pharmaceutical industries. It is also an endangered medicinal plant used to cure various ailments from ancient times to the modern pharmaceutical era. Therapeutic uses, ecological interactions and cultural values make this plant unique. Conservation efforts must be implemented to preserve this plant from extinction.
Kumar Ranjeet, Satruhan, P. Ashish et al.· Plant Science Today· 0 citations
A comprehensive review of the different environmental interactions, productivity, and carbon sequestration in aromatic grass biomass that can potentially contribute to the socio-economic enhancement of India and mitigate the present scenario of global warming is done.
M. A. Devi, T. B. Singh, J. K. Shukla et al.· Journal of Medicinal and Aro...· 0 citations
Introduction: Mesosphaerum suaveolens (Lamiaceae), commonly found in tropical regions, is traditionally used for its medicinal and insect-repelling properties. Increase in resistance of Anopheles gambiae to synthetic insecticides coupled with growing concern of mammals’ health and the environment has pose a great need for safer insecticide(s). Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the chemical composition of M. suaveolens as a potential natural alternative for mosquito control. Methodology: Aerial parts of the plant were collected, shade-dried, pulverized, and extracted using n-hexane in a Soxhlet extractor. This was followed by the preliminary phytochemical screening, and GC-MS analysis of the crude extract at the Multipurpose Lab, ABU Zaria, Nigeria. Insecticidal efficacy of GC-MS identified compounds was evaluated using the CDC bottle bioassay on adult A. gambiae at concentrations of 2000, 4000, and 6000 µg/bottle. Findings: The preliminary qualitative phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of high concentration of terpenoids, with minute concentrations of alkaloids, tannins, saponins, and glycosides. From GC-MS analysis, eight potential insecticidal compounds were identified, including caryophyllene, caryophyllene oxide, phytol, and spathulenol. Results of insecticidal efficacy showed a dose-dependent increase in mortality: 44%, 83%, and 100% respectively within 24 hours. Probit regression gave LC₅₀ = 666.59 µg/bottle and LC₉₅ = 1,571.95 µg/ bottle. Although ANOVA showed no statistically significant differences among treatment groups (P = 0.125), the consistent mortality trend confirms the biological relevance of the extract. Conclusion: This study highlights M. suaveolens as a promising candidate for developing plant based, eco-friendly insecticides in mosquito vector control programs.
Eucharia Ngozi Ozioko, Paul Chijioke Ozioko, Olamide Favour Olowe· Journal of Basics and Applie...· 0 citations
The article discusses the growth and development of introduced species and cultivars of the Spiraea genus in the collection plantings of the dendrological park, arboretum, and new cultivars in the nurseries of the A.N. Bukeikhan Kazakh Research Institute of Forestry and Agroforestry. Fourteen species and varieties of ornamental shrubs from this genus are being tested at the plant introduction sites. The article provides a brief description of the long-term climatic conditions of the study area and the duration of the growing season. The climate of Northern Kazakhstan is sharp continental, and is characterized by low winter and high summer temperatures, late spring and early autumn frosts, and low precipitation. The article provides data on the morphological parameters, the beginning and duration of flowering of some species and cultivars of Spiraea. The new Spirea varieties, along with previously cultivated ones, demonstrated high resistance to adverse weather conditions. Two new varieties, 'Dart's Red' and 'Anthony Waterer,' have reported their first flowering. It also provides a comparative analysis of our research with the available literature on the flowering and growth of Spiraea cultivars. The article identifies groups of shrubs based on their height and current growth. The Spirea species and varieties studied were generally characterized by medium to short stature, compared to published data. The article provides recommendations for the use of Spiraea cultivars in various plantings in Northern Kazakhstan.
N. Chebotko, Yana Krekova, Arsen Raushan· 3i: intellect, idea, innovat...· 0 citations
Uraria rufescens (DC.) Schindl. (Family: Fabaceae) is a lesser-known medicinal legume distributed across tropical and subtropical regions of Asia and Africa. Although it is not extensively described in classical Ayurvedic literature, the plant holds considerable importance in indigenous healthcare traditions. In several regions of India, particularly among tribal communities, U. rufescens is used as a substitute for the classical Ayurvedic drug Prishniparni, one of the constituents of Dashamoola. Ethnobotanical records indicate that different parts of the plant are used in folk medicine to manage fever, inflammation, bone fractures, skin diseases, respiratory disorders, and reproductive health conditions. Leaves are commonly applied as a paste for wounds and skin infections, while root decoctions are used in the treatment of fever and musculoskeletal ailments. Occasional consumption of the seeds, a wild edible legume, also contributes to nutritional support in rural communities. Despite its continued traditional use, scientific documentation and pharmacological evaluation remain limited. This review compiles available ethnomedicinal information on U. rufescens, highlights its potential identity as a regional substitute for Prishniparni, and emphasises the need for further pharmacological and phytochemical investigations to validate its traditional therapeutic claims.
The research aimed to study the biodiversity of native, invasive, and introduced entomophages (predators or parasites) of coccid insects, to select promising species for inclusion in the state bioresource collection of the Federal Scientific Centre for Biological Plant Protection, to develop new and improve existing plant protection systems, and to methods for reproduction and use of entomoacarifugous insects. The work was carried out in 2024-2025 in the humid subtropics of the Black Sea coast of Krasnodar Krai. The study examined the relationships between the development of the main phytophages and their entomophages, as well as the characteristics of their phenology depending on the climatic conditions of a particular growing season. The main entomophage of the euonymus scale (
Unaspis euonymi
) in the study region is the kidney-spot ladybug (
Chilocorus renipustulatus
). The average ratio of the phytophage population to the number of entomophage imagoes, larvae, and pupae was 12.8; 11.5; 10.3, respectively. A new aggressive population of the invasive phytophage, Icerya purchasi, was identified. This species displaces the population of
Pulvinaria floccifera
, the average density of which over the season was 22.41 individuals per 1 m
2
. The main entomophage of
Pulvinaria
floccifera
in the study region is ladybugs of the subfamily
Scymninae
. The ratio of entomophage to phytophage at different developmental stages averaged 1:18.4. A new entomophage, a specialised predator of the coccinellid Icerya, Rhodolia
Novius cardinalis
, was identified for the first time in the surveyed region. Feeding on Icerya larvae by the predatory mite Trombidioidea was also observed. The average ratio of Rhodolia to Icerya during the observation period was 21:9; the average ratio of predatory mites to Iceria was 1:11.35. These data are essential for optimizing environmentally friendly agriculture in the resort area of the Black Sea coast of Sochi.
E. V. Kashutina, L. Bugaeva, T. N. Ignatieva et al.· Achievements of Science and...· 0 citations
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