The geographical and ecological specificity of the Balkan Peninsula has resulted in the development of a distinct diversity of medicinal plants. In the traditional culture of the Balkan peoples, ...plants have medicinal, economic and anthropological/cultural importance, which is reflected in the sound knowledge of their diversity and use. This study analyses the traditional use of medicinal plants in the treatment of wounds and the pharmacological characteristics of the most frequently used species.
A detailed analysis of the literature related to ethnobhe uses of medicinal plants in the Balkan region was carried out. Twenty-five studies were analysed and those plants used for the treatment of wounds were singled out.
An ethnobotanical analysis showed that 128 plant species (105 wild, 22 cultivated and 1 wild/cultivated) are used in the treatment of wounds. Their application is external, in the form of infusions, decoctions, tinctures, syrups, oils, ointments, and balms, or direct to the skin. Among those plants recorded, the most commonly used are Plantago major, Hypericum perforatum, Plantago lanceolata, Achillea millefolium, Calendula officinalis, Sambucus nigra, Tussilago farfara and Prunus domestica. The study showed that the traditional use of plants in wound healing is confirmed by in vitro and/or in vivo studies for P. major and P. lanceolata (3 laboratory studies for P. major and 2 for P. lanceolata), H. perforatum (5 laboratory studies and 3 clinical trials), A. millefolium (3 laboratory studies and one clinical trial), C. officinalis (6 laboratory studies and 1 clinical trial), S. nigra (3 laboratory studies) and T. farfara (one laboratory study).
The beneficial effects of using medicinal plants from the Balkan region to heal wounds according to traditional practices have been proven in many scientific studies. However, information on the quantitative benefits to human health of using herbal medicines to heal wounds is still scarce or fragmented, hindering a proper evaluation. Therefore, further studies should be aimed at isolating and identifying specific active substances from plant extracts, which could also reveal compounds with more valuable therapeutic properties. Furthermore, additional reliable clinical trials are needed to confirm those experiences encountered when using traditional medicines. A combination of traditional and modern knowledge could result in new wound-healing drugs with a significant reduction in unwanted side effects.
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Fly ash generates as the result of coal combustion in thermoelectric power stations whereas ore mining activities produce mine waste-rock and tailings worldwide. High concentrations of metal(loid)s ...and organic pollutants in fly ash and mine wastes are released into soil, air and water presenting a global threat to the surrounding environment and human health. The environmentally sound management of fly ash and mine waste–rock and tailings includes monitoring stability of the dam construction and seepage flowrate, prevention of water erosion and dust spreading, reducing the footprint of the management facilities and successful restoration / revegetation. Harsh conditions prevailing on fly ash and mine deposits are unfavorable mechanical composition and pH, high concentrations of soluble salts, lack of nitrogen and phosphorous, reduced number of microorganisms and fungus, toxic concentrations of As, Au, Ag, B, Cu, Cd, Cr, Hg, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Zn and the presence of PAHs and PCBs. The review addresses phystostabilization, phytoextraction, rhizodegradation and phytodegradation as main phytoremediation green technologies which use plants to clean up the contaminated area to safe levels. Establishment of the self–sustaining vegetative cover on fly ash and mine deposits is crucial for recovering ecosystem health, stability and resilience. Therefore, here we have discussed the essential role of native plants in the ecorestoration process on waste deposits. Additional emphasis is given to the evaluation of plant adaptive response to pollution stress. This review presents a current knowledge in phytomanagement of fly ash deposits, mine waste-rock and tailings. Also, it provides a new frontier in restoration physiology where physiological and biochemical tools can be used to predict plant response to stressors and success of restoration projects.
This study documents the ethnobotanical and ethnomedicinal importance of plants in the Suva planina mountain region (south-eastern Serbia). It is reflected in their high diversity and their wide ...range of uses in the treatment of the local population. The aim of this study was a comparative analysis of data collected in the Suva planina region with relevant data from the Western Balkans, which included identifying the ‘most popular’ plants, as well as those species which are used specifically for treatment solely in the research area.
Ethnobotanical research was carried out between 2012 and 2014 and data was collected through both open and semi-structured interviews with locals. A total of 66 people were interviewed (37 women and 29 men), aged between 49 and 90 (with a mean age of 71).
This study identified 128 plants and 2 fungi which are used in ethnomedicine, 5 plant species used in ethnoveterinary medicine, and 16 plants used for ‘other’ purposes. Lamiaceae (20), Asteraceae (17), Rosaceae (16), Brassicaceae (5), Alliaceae (4) and Apiaceae (4) have the greatest diversity of species. Results showed that Achillea mellefolium, Allium cepa, Allium sativum, Arctostaphyllos uva-ursi, Gentiana lutea, Hypericum perforatum, Juglans regia, Matricaria chamomilla, Mentha piperita, Plantago lanceolata, Plantago major, Salvia officinalis, Sempervivum tectorum, Tilia cordata and Thymus sepyllum are the ‘most popular’ medicinal plants (UV=1). Those plants with the most phytotherapeutic uses are Gentiana cruciata (14), H. perforatum (11) and A. sativum (10), while the most common conditions treated with medicinal plants are respiratory (79), urogenital (53), gastrointestinal (51), skin (43) and those relating to the circulatory system (35). A comparative analysis of the data collected in the research area and that from other parts of the Western Balkans showed that there are great similarities within Serbia between Suva planina and the Zlatibor region (37.2%) and Kopaonik Mt. (32.3%), while further afield it is most similar to Bosnia and Herzegovina (40.9%) and Bulgaria (40.6%). Moreover, it was established that 14 plant species and 2 fungi are used only in the Suva planina region, which points to the specificity of the diversity and the sound knowledge of medicinal plants in this region.
Our results confirm that medicinal plants are an invaluable resource of the research area and need to be protected as they contribute to an improvement in living standards and the survival of people threatened by unfavourable demographic trends. However, due to over-exploitation, some plants have become exceptionally rare and are under threat, leading to the need for their rational use and protection so as to ensure they are still around for future generations.
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The enormous quantities of fly ash (FA) produced by thermal power plants is a global problem and safe, sustainable approaches to reduce the amount and its toxic effects are still being sought. ...Vegetation cover comprising long-living species can help reduce FA dump-related environmental health issues. However, the synergistic effect of multiple abiotic factors, like drought, low organic matter content, a deficit of essential nutrients, alkaline pH, and phytotoxicity due to high potentially toxic element (PTE) and soluble salt content, limits the number of species that can grow under such stressful conditions. Thus, we hypothesised that
L., which spontaneously colonised two FA disposal lagoons at the 'Nikola Tesla A' thermal power plant (Obrenovac, Serbia) 3 years (L3) and 11 years (L11) ago, has high restoration potential thanks to its stress tolerance. We analysed the basic physical and chemical properties of FA at different weathering stages, while the ecophysiological response of
to multiple stresses was determined through biological indicators the bioconcentration factor (BCF) and translocation factor (TF) for PTEs (As, B, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Se, and Zn) and by measuring the following parameters: photosynthetic efficiency and chlorophyll concentration, non-enzymatic antioxidant defence (carotenoids, anthocyanins, and phenols), oxidative stress (malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations), and total antioxidant capacity (IC50) to neutralise DPPH free radical activity. Unlike at L3, toxic As, B, and Zn concentrations in leaves induced oxidative stress in
at L11, shown by the higher MDA levels, lower vitality, and reduced synthesis of chlorophyll, carotenoids, and total antioxidant activity, suggesting its stress tolerance decreases with long-term exposure to adverse abiotic factors. Although
is a fast-growing species with good metal accumulation ability and high stress tolerance, it has poor stabilisation potential for substrates with high As and B concentrations, making it highly unsuitable for revitalising such habitats.
The use of trees to immobilise potentially toxic elements (PTEs) is a low-cost and effective method of soil remediation. Thus, the objective of this study was to assess the content of total and ...bioavailable As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn in soil samples, as well as their levels in the roots and leaves of elm (
Ulmus glabra
Huds.) in order to evaluate its potential for the phytostabilisation of PTEs in the riparian zone of the Sava River. Analysis of soils showed that the availability of PTEs ranged from low to medium, while the pollution load index (PLI) and potential ecological risk index (RI) showed that the examined soil fell into the category of uncontaminated to moderately contaminated, as well as into the category of low risk of PTEs contamination. However, the levels of Cr, Cu and Ni in soils were above the critical range for plants. The content of As and Cr measured in roots and leaves was in the toxic range for plants, while the content of Cd and Ni was elevated but not in the toxic range. Bioaccumulation (BCF) and translocation (TF) factors indicated that
U. glabra
is suitable for the phytostabilisation of As, Cu, Cr, Ni and Pb. Additionally, this species displayed the ability to transport most of the acquired Cu and Zn to the leaves. Correlation analysis showed that PTE content in
U. glabra
roots was significantly positively correlated to their respective levels in soil (total and DTPA-extractable), except for Cu, indicating that PTE levels in soil strongly influence those in plants. This research into a successful phytoremediating species provides new possibilities when selecting PTE-tolerant native trees in riparian zones of large regional rivers such as the Sava.
•Festuca rubra L. has capability to tolerate unfavorable fly ash properties.•F. rubra has potential for phytoremediation of fly ash deposits.•Toxic amount of As and B and low content of Cu, Mn and Zn ...in leaves decrease PSII efficiency and photopigments content.•Activation of antioxidant protection can indicate the high adaptive potential of F. rubra.•Native grass has a vital role in ecorestoration management of fly ash deposits.
Fly ash (FA) is a coal combustion by-product of thermal power plants, and has been recognized as a great environmental and health hazard worldwide. The establisment of a permanent green cover on fly ash deposits is essential and can be achieved by sowing the native plant species that should be crucial for stability and resilience of an ecosystem. Improved understanding of species’ response to unfavorable properties of fly ash provides key insight into the decision about ecorestoration practice and management. Therefore, long-term research based on the assessment of the phytoremediation potential and adaptive response of Festuca rubra L. (red fescue) sown on the fly ash deposits at the thermoelectric power plant ‘Nikola Tesla-A’ in Obrenovac (Serbia) was the main concern. Field research was carried out on the passive FA lagoons (L3—the lagoons 3 years old and L2—the lagoons 11 years old) and in the Botanical Garden ́́Jevremovać́ in Belgrade (CS—control site). The physico-chemical properties of soil and fly ash were determined by using standard soil analyses. The element concentrations in soils, fly ash and plants were determined by using ICP-OES. Chlorophyll a fluorescence parameters were measured by using the Plant Stress Meter. Pigments, phenolics and malonyldialdehide contents (MDA) in leaves were measured spectrophotometrically and the total antioxidant capacity in plant leaves was determined by using DPPH free radical. Site-dependent variations were observed for all the parameters examined. FA contains alkaline pH, high electrical conductivity (EC) and low total nitrogen (N) coupled with toxic elements i.e. As and B as well as deficiency of Mn and Zn. Improvement of the physico-chemical characteristics of FA over time is reflected in the increased values of higroscopic water (HW), silt, clay, the amount of adsorbed bases (S), total adsorption capacity (T) and the reduced concentrations of total and available As, B, Cu, Zn and Mn (except available As content) indicating favorable fly ash conditions. F. rubra is an excluder plant, it retains a larger content of As, Cu, Mn and Zn in roots than in leaves and with extensive root system it can provide good fly ash stabilization, i.e. this species has a great potential in phytoremediation of FA. Furthermore, results show that F. rubra sown on the FA deposits has a high amount of MDA and reduced values of chlorophyll a fluorescence parameters (Fm, Fv, Fv/Fm, Fm/Fo), chlorophylls (Chl a, Chl a+b) and total carotenoids (Tot Carot) indicating high oxidative stress and lower efficiency of photosynthesis. However, in spite of toxic concentrations of As and B and low content of Cu, Mn and Zn in the leaves, this species has high potential to activate adaptive mechanisms, such as increased biosynthesis of anthocyanins, phenolics, ascorbic acid and total radical scavenging activity. Taken together, F. rubra possesses high adaptive capacity to perform functional ecorestoration on fly ash deposits. These findings indicate that F. rubra can be identified as a vital element for large-scale reclamation purpose.
Contaminated sediments transported onto the river terrace during high water events can contribute significant quantities of potentially toxic elements to riparian soils. Seven trace elements (As, Cd, ...Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn) were analysed in the river sediment and riparian soil of the River Sava and their spatial distribution, potential toxicity and ecological risk levels were evaluated. The results showed that levels of all the trace metals were enriched to varying extents in both the sediment (As, Cr, Ni, and Pb) and soil (Ni) when compared to reference levels for sediments and European soils. Mean concentrations of trace metals in sediment and soil, apart from Pb, increased downstream in the River Sava. The similar increasing trend of these elements in sediment and soil may be explained by their increased load due to anthropogenic pressures (As, Cr, Ni, Pb and Zn in sediment and the significant accumulation of Ni in soil) and frequent periodic flooding (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni and Zn in sediment and Cd in soil are influenced by both high water events and natural factors such as the geological substrate), particularly in lowland regions. In this study, soluble As, Cd, Cr, Cu and Ni fractions in sediment and soil <10% indicated their low mobility. The exceptions were readily soluble Pb and Zn in the sediment and soil at some sampling sites. In the lower reaches, levels of Pb in sediment was indicative of a medium environmental hazard, while there was a high environmental hazard in the upper reaches with the average Pb content in sediment higher than the PEL. Pollution factors for Pb in soil indicated a medium environmental hazard in the upper and middle reaches and a high environmental hazard at some sites in the lower stretches of the Sava River, although total Pb content in soil was within the range proposed for European soils.
•Riparian zone contamination was studied on a large spatial scale.•As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn in riparian soil and river sediment were analysed.•Cr and Ni levels >PEL (CCME 2001) were found in river sediment in river's lower reaches.•Elevated As, Cr, Ni and Zn levels were found in riparian soil in river's lower reaches.•Hazardous readily soluble Pb in sediment and soil was found in upper reaches.
This study addresses the potential of Populus alba L. for bioindication and phytoremediation of the contaminated lower part of the Sava River. The main objectives are to assess soil contamination ...with potentially toxic elements (PTEs: As, B, Cd, Cr, Cu, Li, Ni, Pb, Sr, and Zn), evaluate their availability, and assess the phytoremediation and bioindication potential of Populus alba. Quantification of the PTE contents was performed using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES), while bioindication and phytoremediation potential were evaluated using accumulation indices. The study revealed phytotoxic contents of Cr, Cu, Ni and Zn in the riparian soils of the lower Sava River. The percentage of available Cd was high, but due to its low total content, its phytotoxic potential is limited. According the metal accumulation index, Populus alba exhibits significant potential to accumulate the PTEs studied (with accumulated toxic contents of B, Cr, Li, Sr, and Zn). The ability of Populus alba to accumulate and bioindicate Cd, Cr, and Ni is promising, as is its ability to potentially remediate B, Cd, and Zn. Copper deficiency in leaves resulted in a reduction in photosynthetic performance, but without visible morphological symptoms. The reduced photosynthetic capacity serves as an adaptive strategy for this species in response to toxic levels of PTEs. Since Populus alba is widely distributed in European riparian forests, it is a good candidate to address soil contamination through phytoremediation and bioindication techniques.
•Soils in the lower course of the Sava River contain phytotoxic Cr, Cu, Ni, and Zn.•Populus alba has a potential for bioindication of Cd, Cr, and Ni in riparian soils.•This species also has a great potential of for phytoextraction of Cd, B, and Zn.•Based on MAI, Populus alba has great potential for the accumulation of PTEs.•Populus alba: good candidate for pollution control in Europe's riparian ecosystems.
In urbanized areas, mitigating the negative effects of pollutants from various anthropogenic sources is one of the most important issues in planning urban functioning and development. In this sense, ...urban vegetation plays one of the most important roles. The aim of this study was to investigate the performance of network analysis (NA) as a novel and potential method for determining different associations between potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in leaves of urban trees, their accumulation capacity and ecophysiological response to different types of pollution in urban environments. The results of NA showed that there is no association between elements in species that have lower or higher efficiency in uptake of PTEs, leading to the conclusion that the elements do not depend on mutual association but on accumulation itself. It was also found that there are differences in the content of photosynthetic pigments and carotenoids among the studied species, but these differences are not reflected in the values of the photosynthetic efficiency parameters. Overall, the studied species have good ecophysiological potential for growth and existence in the urban environment, despite the varying ability to accumulate elements and the different associations between them. This is the first study to investigate the interactions between PTEs in leaves of urban tree species using NA and provides a good basis for future research under different environmental conditions.
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