Ethnopharmacological relevance The dry extract of Hedera helix leaves, due to its secretolytic and antispasmodic effects, is commonly used to produce pharmaceuticals applied in case of cough and ...other respiratory symptoms. The results of some in vitro studies as well as the clinical signs of poisoning caused by Hedera helix suggest however strong contractile effect on smooth muscle. In order to clarify the impact of alpha-hederin (the main active agent of ivy extract) on smooth muscle, the origin of activated calcium involved in alpha-hederin-induced contraction of gastric smooth muscle preparations was studied.
Three porous materials (growstone, expanded clay and activated carbon) were evaluated as hydroponic growing media and for their individual ability to remove the indoor volatile organic compound ...formaldehyde under three conditions: growing medium alone, dry medium in a pot, and wet medium in a pot. The total percent-reduction of formaldehyde by each growing media was evaluated over a 10-h period. In all cases, activated carbon achieved the highest removal under the three conditions studied with average percent reductions measured at about 98%. Four common interior plants:
Hedera helix (English ivy),
Chrysanthemum morifolium (pot mum),
Dieffenbachia compacta (dump cane) and
Epipremnum aureum (golden pathos) growing in growstone were then tested for their ability to remove formaldehyde. The removal capacity of the aerial plant parts (AP), the root zone (RZ) and the entire plant (EP) growing in growstone were determined by exposing the relevant parts to gaseous formaldehyde (∼2000 μg m
−3) in a closed chamber over a 24-h period. The removal efficiency between species and plant parts were compared by determining the time interval required to decrease about 2/3 of the total formaldehyde concentration reduction, T
2/3. The T
2/3 measured were 23, 30, 34 and 56 min for EP of
C. morifolium, E. aureum, D. compacta and H. helix, respectively. The formaldehyde removal by the root zone was found to be more rapid than the removal by the aerial plant parts.
► The four plant species demonstrated similar abilities to remove formaldehyde. ► The T
2/3 determined for each species was significantly different. ► Activated carbon showed highest formaldehyde removal under all conditions studied. ► All plant species showed faster uptake of formaldehyde under dark cycle conditions.
Les recherches pharmacologiques actuelles contribuent continuellement à découvrir les vertus thérapeutiques des plantes médicinales et les modalités d'action de leurs composés actifs. Les propriétés ...authentiques de ces molécules ont été utilisées dans le traitement et la prévention de nombreuses pathologies. Dans ce contexte, nous avons réalisé une enquête ethno-pharmacologique qui porte sur l'usage traditionnel du lierre grimpant (Hedera helix L.) dans la région de Ain Draham (Nord-Ouest de la Tunisie). L'enquête menée dans le nord-ouest Tunisien a montré que le lierre grimpant est utilisé en médecine traditionnelle pour traiter plusieurs pathologies, notamment celles du système respiratoire (31%). Les résultats ont également montré que le mode d'administration est principalement par voie orale (66%), sous forme de décoction (49%) ou d'infusion (39%). De façon plus importante, l'enquête a dévoilé que l'usage de différentes parties de la plante est majoritairement à fréquence modérée (60%). En conclusion, les résultats de cette investigation représentent une importante contribution à la base de données pour la médecine ancestrale nationale et constituent des appuis pour de futures études pharmacologiques et biochimiques. Mots clés: Enquête ethno-pharmacolologique, Hedera helix, médecine traditionnelle
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are considered as the pollutants of highest priority, and their remediation is of a global concern. The purpose of this study was to investigate the ...phytoremediation potential of Hedera helix (Hh) determining the content of 16 priority PAHs in its soil and root samples collected from the rural and industrial zones of the Bor's municipality (Serbia). The content of Ʃ16 PAHs in the soils was: 326.49 mg/kg at the site Borsko jezero to maximal 1937.64 mg/kg at the site Slatinsko naselje. The level of soil pollution (depending on the concentration of S16 PAHs), was high at many tested sites and it was under the significant influence of anthropogenic activities. The concentration for S16 PAHs in the samples of roots ranged from 480.71 mg/kg at the site Krivelj to 1748.32 mg/kg at the site Naselje Sunce. Interestingly, the extremely toxic benzo(a)pyrene, was not detected in the roots of Hh. Bioconcentration factors (BCFs) were applied to determine the capacity of Hh for PAH accumulation in the root, and consequently, for determination of its phytostabilization potential. In most cases, BCF values were higher at the locations from UI zone. The calculated BCFs were higher for LMW PAHs than for HMW PAHs. At the majority of the investigated locations, the tested plant species was especially successful in the root accumulation of the compounds such as acenaphthene, fluorene, anthracene, dibenzo(a,h)anthracene, and the sum of benzo(k)fluoranthene and benzo(b)fluoranthene. These findings showed that Hh can be successfully used in phytostabilization of many PAHs.
Display omitted
•Vines are an underestimated element of temperate forests.•Ivy creates arboreal microhabitats important particularly in managed woods.•Birds wintering in Central Europe use shelters ...and food within ivy vines.•Taxonomic and phylogenetic biodiversity of birds is much greater in sites with ivy.•Trees overgrown by ivy vines should be protected in forests.
Animals face numerous difficulties during winter due to food deficiencies and adverse weather conditions. They are likely especially important in landscapes affected by humans like managed forests, which often have simplified structures that result in a deficiency of arboreal microhabitats crucial for many species. We examined the effects of ivy vines’ presence in Central European upland deciduous forests on bird diversity during winter. We found that forest patches with dense ivy vines on trees strongly attracted wintering birds, which increased the species richness, abundance, and phylogenetic diversity of bird communities. This was true for all plots, regardless if they were located in forest interiors or on the edges. Ivy was the crucial element for bird diversity in forest interiors, whereas in forest edges, veteran trees, dead trees, and bushes also played a substantial role in bird wintering activity. This study demonstrated that lianas (i.e., ivy vines), generally rare elements of temperate forests, are important for the maintenance of forest biodiversity, particularly during the winter periods. Therefore, forest patches with ivy vines should be protected in European forests to enhance overall forest biodiversity.
Premise
Hedera helix is a striking example of a plant with morphological traits and growth habits that vary between juvenile and adult phases. The present study focuses on its branching morphology ...and variations with age and change in growth habit, based on conspicuous stem‐branch attachments previously described in related Araliaceae species.
Methods
We decorticated and morphologically analyzed 300 samples of ramifications from prostrate, climbing and self‐supporting axes of H. helix. For bending experiments, 103 specimens with the self‐supporting growth habit were collected.
Results
Ramifications of H. helix exhibited a so‐called “finger‐like” branching morphology with abaxial branch lobes and varying degrees of fusion of woody strands. Three categories of woody strand coalescence were defined. Biomechanical experiments in which the branches of stem‐branch attachments were bent revealed two main modes of failure, breaking failure in (1) the attachment region and (2) the side branch.
Conclusions
Coalescence of woody strands in H. helix ramifications results from accumulation of secondary xylem with age, influenced by mechanical stimuli causing specific loading situations during different growth habits. Mechanical experiments showed the tendency toward failure in the side branch with increasing fusion of woody strands, affected by the diameter ratio of the side branch to the main axis. Of specific interest is the comparison of H. helix branching with tropical Araliaceae, which do not show the described coalescence of woody strands to this extent. Fracture toughness of self‐supporting H. helix axes with merged stem‐branch attachment regions are comparable to other self‐supporting plant species, despite anatomical and ontogenetic differences.
•Quantification of cooling processes for the urban street canyon and the building.•Distinction between shading and transpiration effects.•Demonstration of possible disadvantages through the ...greening's insulation effect.•Quantification of transpiration rates and water demand of 3 facade greening species.
Facade greening is expected to mitigate urban heat stress through shading, transpiration cooling and thermal insulation. This study quantifies cooling effects of facade greenings for the building and the street canyon and distinguishes between transpiration and shading effects. Additionally it discusses insulation effects.
Outdoor experiments were conducted during hot summer periods on three building facades in Berlin, Germany.
We determined transpiration rates (sap flow) and surface temperatures of greened and bare walls as well as of plant leaves (temperature probes) of three climbing plants: Parthenocissus tricuspidata, Hedera helix and Fallopia baldschuanica. Furthermore, air temperature, relative humidity and incoming short-wave radiation were measured.
No cooling effect was detectable for the street canyon. Surface temperatures of the greened exterior walls were up to 15.5°C lower than those of the bare walls, while it was up to 1.7°C for the interior wall (measured during night-time). The cooling effects mainly depended on shading, whereas a lower proportion was due to transpiration. Insulation of the direct greenings reduced radiation during night-time. We conclude that greening can be an effective strategy to mitigate indoor heat stress as long as the plants are sufficiently irrigated with up to 2.5Lm−2d−1 per wall area.
Particulate matter is harmful to human health. To reduce its concentration in air, plants could be used as biological filters, accumulating particulate matter on their foliage. In a study carried out ...at three sites with differing pollution levels and exposure to precipitation, the capacity of evergreen species (Taxus baccata L., Hedera helix L. and Pinus sylvestris L.) to accumulate particulate matter and trace elements from ambient air in urban areas was investigated. The effects of rainfall and the passage of time on particulate matter deposition on foliage were also determined.
The results showed that foliage accumulated an increasing quantity of particulate matter in successive months, but the actual amount of particulate matter and trace elements accumulated differed considerably between sites and plant species. The greatest accumulation of air pollutants occurred on the foliage of plants protected from the rain at a site exposed to traffic related pollution and the smallest accumulation at a rural site. Among the species analysed, the deposited mass of particulate matter and trace elements was the greatest on P. sylvestris. In all species, precipitation removed a considerable proportion of particles accumulated on foliage. Most of the removed particulate matter was large size fraction, but little belong to the smallest size fraction. These results showed that both, the dynamics of deposition and leaf washing by rain during the season need to be considered when evaluating the total effect of vegetation in pollutant remediation.
Display omitted
•PM quantity on foliage increases in successive months.•Rain removes a considerable proportion of deposited PM.•Rain removes mostly large PM; fine PM adhere more strongly to foliage.•Pine was the most efficient species tested for PM and TE accumulation.•Plants can be used as bio-monitors of air pollutants.
Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura; Diptera: Drosophilidae) is a key pest of sweet cherry and small fruits worldwide. The present studies were designed to describe the reproductive physiology in both ...sexes, through dissections of their reproductive organs. We extensively dissected female D. suzukii throughout the season from 2013 to 2016 and classified the reproductive status flies based on five recognizable ovarian maturation stages: 1) no ovaries; 2) unripe ovaries 3) ripening eggs in ovarioles; 4) mature eggs in ovarioles; and 5) mature eggs in the abdomen. Development was examined as a function of calendar days as well as degree-days (DD). Results obtained from winter collections revealed that females collected from November to March contained a lower percentage of mature eggs than females collected from April to September. These data suggest that environmental conditions during the dormant period induce reproductive diapause. Oogenesis likely increased with an increase in mean monthly temperatures and DD. The first overwintered females with mature eggs were dissected as early as 21 February 2014 in Trento (7 DD). Additionally, we found that a low proportion of males (less than 50%) had sperm in their testes between January and March, yet during the same period females already have sperm stored in their spermathecal. Ivy berries was an alternative but unfavorable non-crop host during the late dormant period, as evidenced by emergence of smaller adults when compared to individuals emerging from cherry fruits. This study showed that D. suzukii females have great potential for oviposition early in the season, posing a risk to early season maturing crop hosts.
