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This study focused on the development and characterization of a novel active bilayer film composed of Eremurus spectabilis root gum (ESRG), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), and cuminum cyminum husk extract for potential application in beef preservation. The bilayer system was fabricated by casting PVA as a structural support layer and ESRG incorporated with cumin husk extract as the active layer. Physicochemical characterization revealed that the incorporation of cumin husk extract increased film thickness while reducing water solubility and water vapor permeability, thereby improving barrier properties. Structural analyses (FTIR, SEM, and DSC) confirmed successful integration of bioactive compounds and enhanced thermal stability. Mechanical tests demonstrated reduced tensile strength but increased flexibility upon extract incorporation. When applied to beef fillets stored at 4 °C for 12 days, the active bilayer film significantly inhibited microbial growth (aerobic plate count, Enterobacteriaceae , Pseudomonads , and psychrotrophs ) compared with both the control and simple bilayer films. Additionally, the film effectively delayed lipid oxidation (TBARS) and protein degradation (TVB-N), while maintaining lower pH and improved sensory quality. Overall, the active bilayer PVA/ESRG film with cumin husk extract demonstrated promising potential as a sustainable and effective biodegradable packaging material for extending the shelf-life and preserving the quality of fresh beef.

PREMISE OF THE STUDY: It has been hypothesized that two flower types permit flexible allocation of resources to female and male functions, yet empirical evidence for the sex‐allocation hypothesis remains scarce in gynomonoecious species. To characterize resource allocation to pistillate and perfect flowers and allocation of perfect flowers between gynomonoecious and hermaphroditic individuals, we examined the flexibility and whether female‐biased allocation increases with plant size in the hermaphroditic‐gynomonoecious herb Eremurus anisopterus. METHODS: Frequency of gynomonoecious individuals, flower production, and plant size were investigated in different populations. Floral allocation was compared among the three flower types of E. anisopterus. KEY RESULTS: Frequency of gynomonoecious plants varied from 2–17% in nine populations. Only larger plants produced female flowers at the bottom of racemes. Both female and perfect flower production tended to increase proportionately with plant size in gynomonoecious individuals. Female flowers did not produce less biomass than perfect flowers from hermaphroditic or gynomonoecious plants. However, both female and perfect flowers from gynomonoecious individuals had lighter stamen mass, but larger pistil mass, than perfect flowers from hermaphrodites. CONCLUSIONS: Although the prediction of an increase in female flower number with plant size was not observed in E. anisopterus, the flexibility of sex allocation in gynomonoecious species was confirmed in that gynomonoecious individuals had a female‐biased floral allocation compared to hermaphroditic individuals. Such comparisons of gynomonoecious to hermaphroditic individuals permit us to unveil a sexual adjustment strategy: flexibility of sexual investments within plants.

In mountainous areas, wild edible plants are an important part of the local diet. Climate change and anthropogenic activities have profound effects on wild edible plants in these areas. Ethnobotanical studies are important for understanding the use patterns and harvest impacts on these plants. In this regard, the Shahrood region, with its diverse historical/ethnic background, is an appropriate starting point to investigate exploitation patterns and impacts of harvest of wild edible plants. During 2021–2022, ethnobotanical surveys were conducted in 12 villages in the region using semi-structured interviews and participatory observations. Data collection included assessing wild edible plant species diversity, their habitats, collection time and quantities, plant parts used and methods of consumption and preparation. The data were analyzed using use report indicators, relative frequency of citations, and use value (UV). A total of 1086 use reports were documented from a total of 44 interviews. A total of 67 wild species (66 plants and 1 fungus) belonging to 54 genera and 24 families were used as edible in the study area. Rosaceae (9 species), Apiaceae (8), Lamiaceae (8), Asteraceae (7), and Amaryllidaceae (5) were the families with the most reported species. Allium (5 species) was the most diverse genus in terms of species diversity. Herbs were the most commonly used life form (79.1%), followed by shrubs (13.4%) and trees (6%). The most consumed plant parts were young leaves (25%) and young aerial parts (21.4%). There were 13 use categories identified. The majority of edible plants were collected in April–May, mainly from areas nearby villages (37.7%) and rangelands (33.7%). The most important edible plants in the study area were Allium iranicum (Wendelbo) Wendelbo (UV = 1.7), Mentha longifolia (L.) Huds. (1.5), Allium umbilicatum Boiss. (1.47), Tragopogon graminifolius DC. (1.38), Lepidium draba L. (1.27), Urtica dioica L. (1.18), Falcaria vulgaris Bernh. (1.13), Malva neglecta Wallr. (1.11) and Eremurus sp. (1.09). Our results showed diverse and valuable knowledge for wild edible plants in this region, which should be considered in the conservation and management plans in the region.

The number of patients affected by neurodegenerative diseases is increasing worldwide, and no effective treatments have been developed yet. Although precision medicine could represent a powerful tool, it remains a challenge due to the high variability among patients. To identify molecules acting with innovative mechanisms of action, we performed a computational investigation using SAFAN technology, focusing specifically on HuD. This target belongs to the human embryonic lethal abnormal visual-like (ELAV) proteins and plays a key role in neuronal plasticity and differentiation. The results highlighted that the molecule able to bind the selected target was ( R )-aloesaponol-III-8-methyl ether [( R )-ASME], a metabolite extracted from Eremurus persicus. Notably, this molecule is a TNF-α inhibitor, a cytokine involved in neuroinflammation. To obtain a suitable amount of ( R )-ASME to confirm its activity on HuD, we optimized the extraction procedure. Together with ASME, another related metabolite, germichrysone, was isolated. Both ASME and germichrysone underwent biological investigation, but only ASME confirmed its ability to bind HuD. Given the multifactorial nature of neurodegenerative diseases, we decided to investigate ASME as a proteasome activator, being molecules endowed with this kind of activity potentially able to counteract aggregations of dysregulated proteins. ASME was able to activate the considered target both in enzymatic and cellular assays. Therefore, ASME may be considered a promising hit in the fight against neurodegenerative diseases.

Background The Patrak Valley is home to communities, which have been inextricably linked with nature for generations, and local plant knowledge (LPK) represents an important part of their local cultural diversity. In general, globalization has come at the expense of local plant knowledge among several mountain societies, and therefore the current investigation has been undertaken to record the (possibly) last remaining wild food plant/mushroom foraging practices among Pathans, Kohistanis, and Gujjars living in the highlands of the Hindukush, North Pakistan. Methods Data on the uses of wild food plants and mushrooms (WFPs) were collected through 120 semi-structured interviews. The data were cross-culturally compared among the three linguistic groups. Venn diagrams were used to visualize the comparative analysis. To determine the patterns of similarities in plant use among the different ethnic groups, we used the Jaccard similarity index (JI). The recorded data were also compared with the existing Pakistani food ethnobotanical literature. Results A total of 68 WFPs were recorded, the majority of which were used as raw snacks and as cooked vegetables. Fruit was the most frequently reported plant part among the three researched groups. Cross-cultural comparison revealed that 37% of the used plants were commonly shared by the three studied groups. Pathans have retained rich knowledge on WFPs, and they show a comparatively closer affinity with Kohistanis is the use of WFPs compared to Gujjars. While we observed some idiosyncrasies for each of the researched groups, the distinctive plant uses among Gujjars provide insight into their food ecology, their particular human–ecological system centered on mobile pastoralism and their limited exchanges of local food/ecological knowledge due to endogamic patterns. A literature survey revealed some novel or little-known ingredients within Pakistani food ethnobotany/ethnomycology, such as Aesculus indica , Agaricus campestris , Apteranthes tuberculata , Duchesnea indica , Equisetum arvense , Eremurus himalaicus , Isodon rugosus , Morella esculenta , Sophora mollis , and Drimia indica . Conclusion The researched communities have retained important plant knowledge which could be implemented through future development programs considering that most of these traditional foraging practices fulfill environmental and social sustainability standards. Further field studies are required to thoroughly investigate the patterns of foraging among highland pastoral societies in other parts of the Hindukush region and especially their potential for the ongoing ecological transition.

Background and AimsLittle is known about morphological (MD) or morphophysiological (MPD) dormancy in cold desert species and in particular those in Liliaceae sensu lato, an important floristic element in the cold deserts of Central Asia with underdeveloped embyos. The primary aim of this study was to determine if seeds of the cold desert liliaceous perennial ephemeral Eremurus anisopterus has MD or MPD, and, if it is MPD, then at what level.MethodsEmbryo growth and germination was monitored in seeds subjected to natural and simulated natural temperature regimes and the effects of after-ripening and GA3 on dormancy break were tested. In addition, the temperature requirements for embryo growth and dormancy break were investigated.Key ResultsAt the time of seed dispersal in summer, the embryo length:seed length (E:S) ratio was 0·73, but it increased to 0·87 before germination. Fresh seeds did not germinate during 1 month of incubation in either light or darkness over a range of temperatures. Thus, seeds have MPD, and, after >12 weeks incubation at 5/2 °C, both embryo growth and germination occurred, showing that they have a complex level of MPD. Since both after-ripening and GA3 increase the germination percentage, seeds have intermediate complex MPD.ConclusionsEmbryos in after-ripened seeds of E. anisopterus can grow at low temperatures in late autumn, but if the soil is dry in autumn then growth is delayed until snowmelt wets the soil in early spring. The ecological advantage of embryo growth phenology is that seeds can germinate at a time (spring) when sand moisture conditions in the desert are suitable for seedling establishment.

Eremurus, a perennial rhizomatous mesophytic ornamental plant and one of the largest genera of the family Asphodelaceae, is distributed mainly in southwestern and central Asia. We sequenced the complete chloroplast genomes of ten species corresponding to all sections of the genus and analyzed their basic structure and evolutionary relationships. The cp genomes showed significant similarities in size, gene sequences, gene classes, and inverted repeat regions (IRs). The complete chloroplast genome of Eremurus has a typical tetrad structure, ranging in length from 153,782 bp (E. lactiflorus) to 155,482 bp (E. aitchisonii). The length of the large single-copy region (LSC) ranges from 84,005 bp (E. lactiflorus) to 84,711 bp (E. robustus), that of the small single-copy region (SSC) ranges from 16,727 bp (E. soogdianus) to 17,824 bp (E. suworowii), and that of the inverted repeat regions (IR) ranges from 26,484 bp (E. lactiflorus) to 26,597 bp (E. inderiensis and E. soogdianus). A total of 131 genes were detected, including 85 protein-coding genes, 8 rRNA genes, and 38 tRNA genes. In addition, we found seven common and eight unique SSRs in ten Eremurus species. Among the protein-coding genes, five highly variable genes (ycf1, rps15, rps16, and rpl36) with high Pi values were detected and showed potential as DNA barcodes for the genus. Three genes (rps19, ycf1, and ndhB) had positive Ka/Ks values. Codon usage patterns were very similar across species: 33 codons had relative synonymous codon usage values of more than one, of which three ended with G, and the remaining codons ended with A and U. Phylogenetic analyses using complete cp genomes and 81 protein-coding genes confirmed previous studies with the genus as well as subgenus Eremurus monophyletic and the subgenus Henningia paraphyletic.

This study was aimed to evaluate the film‐forming ability and characterization of ultrasonically extracted Cirish fructans (CF) and CF–cold‐water fish gelatin (G) composite films. The film‐forming solutions were prepared at different levels (CF100‐0G, CF75‐G25, CF50‐G50, CF25‐G75, and CF0‐G100) and the corresponding data were analyzed based on one‐way analysis of variance. The results indicated that CF addition led to an impressive increase in composite films thickness (69.38–86.45 μm), moisture content (16.05%–27.8%), surface hydrophobicity, tensile strength (5.73–17.89 MPa), elongation at break (0.83%–1.66%), Young's modulus (77.12–88.15 MPa), and Tg (38.83–47.4°C) which CF75‐G25 had the highest values. Meanwhile, the solubility (77.12%–88.15%), WVP (1.89–2.86 × 10−10gm−1 s−1 Pa−1), and oxygen permeability (1.53–3.26 × 1014 cm3 m−1 s−1 Pa−1) of the composite films decreased. The FTIR spectra indicated the protein–polysaccharide interactions and revealed that the secondary structure of gelatin was shifted from triple‐helix structure (1661 cm−1) toward α‐helix structure (1650–1657 cm−1) when CF was incorporated. The microstructure observations indicated that unlike gelatin film, CF film exhibited the smooth and uniform surface without cracks and phase separation. It was found that CF films had high total phenolic content (6.73 mg GEA g−1) and showed DPPH radical scavenging activity (67.86%). On the other hand, it showed inherent antimicrobial activity against both gram‐positive and gram‐negative bacteria. The results indicated that CF and CF‐cold fish gelatin have great potential as active films with improved physical, mechanical, and barrier properties. The composite films were prepared by Cirish fructans and cold‐water fish gelatin. FTIR, DSC, and SEM analyses were demonstrated the good miscibility and compatibility of the two polymers. Addition of Cirish fructans improved physical, structural, and gas and water barrier properties of composite films and Cirish fructans incorporation presented composite films with antioxidant and antimicrobial activities.

Leishmaniosis is a neglected tropical disease which affects several millions of people worldwide. The current drug therapies are expensive and often lack efficacy, mainly due to the development of parasite resistance. Hence, there is an urgent need for new drugs effective against Leishmania infections. As a part of our ongoing study on the phytochemical characterization and biological investigation of plants used in the traditional medicine of western and central Asia, in the present study, we focused on Eremurus persicus root extract in order to evaluate its potential in the treatment of leishmaniosis. As a result of our study, aloesaponol III 8-methyl ether (ASME) was isolated for the first time from Eremurus persicus root extract, its chemical structure elucidated by means of IR and NMR experiments and the (R) configuration assigned by optical activity measurements: chiroptical aspects were investigated with vibrational circular dichroism (VCD) and electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectroscopies and DFT (density functional theory) quantum mechanical calculations. Concerning biological investigations, our results clearly proved that (R)-ASME inhibits Leishmania infantum promastigotes viability (IC50 73 µg/mL), inducing morphological alterations and mitochondrial potential deregulation. Moreover, it is not toxic on macrophages at the concentration tested, thus representing a promising molecule against Leishmania infections.

Vved. 1971 is a perennial herbaceous plant in the family Asphodelaceae and an endemic species of the Kyrgyz Republic; however, its complete chloroplast genome sequence has not been reported. Here, we investigated the complete chloroplast (cp) genome of using next-generation sequencing. The cp genome was 153,744 bp long, with a large single copy (84,020 bp), a small single copy (16,766 bp), and a pair of inverted repeats (26,479 bp). The genome encodes 132 genes, including 86 protein-coding genes, 38 tRNA genes, and 8 rRNA genes. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the genus forms a monophyletic group and is closely related to . This study provides a molecular foundation for future phylogenetic studies of .