<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>The aim of this study was to identify a potential source of medicinal plant from Transylvanian Plain. Also, the paper provides information about the hayfields floral richness, a great scientific value for Romania and Europe. The study of the flora was carried out in several stages: 2005-2008, 2013, 2017-2018. In the studied area, 397 taxa were identified, distributed in 82 families with therapeutic potential, represented by 164 medical taxa, 37 of them being in the European Pharmacopoeia 8.5. The study reveals that most plants contain: volatile oils (13.41%), tannins (12.19%), flavonoids (9.75%), mucilages (8.53%) etc. This plants can be used in the treatment of various human disorders: disorders of the digestive system, respiratory system, skin disorders, muscular and skeletal systems, genitourinary system, in gynaecological disorders, cardiovascular, and central nervous sistem disorders. In the study plants protected by law at European and national level were identified: <italic>Echium maculatum</italic>, <italic>Cephalaria radiata</italic>, <italic>Crambe tataria</italic>, <italic>Narcissus poeticus</italic> ssp. <italic>radiiflorus</italic>, <italic>Salvia nutans</italic>, <italic>Iris aphylla</italic>, <italic>Orchis morio</italic>, <italic>Orchis tridentata</italic>, <italic>Adonis vernalis</italic>, <italic>Dictamnus albus</italic>, <italic>Hammarbya paludosa</italic> etc.</abstract>

Flora from Fărăgău Area (Mureş County) as Potential Source of Medicinal Plants

<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
The paper aims to evaluate the presence and condition of vegetation by SAGA GIS. The study area covers northern coasts of Iceland including two fjords, the Eyjafjörður and the Skagafjörður, prosperous agricultural regions. The vegetation coverage in Iceland experience the impact of harsh climate, land use, livestock grazing, glacial ablation and volcanism. The data include the Landsat TM image. The methodology is based on computing raster bands for simulating Tassel Cap Transformation (wetness, greenness and brightness) and Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI) sensitive to high biomass. The results include modelled three bands of brightness, greenness and wetness. Greenness variation shows the least values in ice-covered areas (-56.98 to -18.69). High values (-23.48 to 9.12) are in the valleys with dense vegetation, correlating with the geomorphology of the river network, the vegetation-free areas and ocean which corresponds to the peak of 30.87 to 41.19. The bell-shaped data distribution shows frequency 43.19–141.74 for vegetation indicating healthy state and canopy density. Maximal values are in ice-covered regions and glaciers (64°N-65°N). Very low values (0 to -20) show desertification and mountainous rocks. Moderate values (20-40) indicate healthy vegetation. The most frequent data: -28,17 to 11,8. The EVI shows data variations (-0.14 to 0.04). The study contributes both to the regional studies of Arctic Iceland and methodological approach of remote sensing data processing by SAGA GIS.
</abstract>

SAGA GIS for Information Extraction on Presence and Conditions of Vegetation of Northern Coast of Iceland Based on the Landsat TM

<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
Liverworts and mosses are terrestrial plants that contain biologically active substances that give them important medicinal qualities. After reviewing the available literature on the pharmacological activity of the most used liverworts and mosses, we present 34 species found in Romania, used for the treatment of common diseases in folk medicine around the world. Their uses in traditional medicine are sometimes confirmed by pharmacological research, especially external ones (as antimicrobial or cytotoxic remedies). The species of liverworts and mosses are mentioned with their distribution in Romanian flora and the habitats where they live.
</abstract>

Liverworts and Mosses from Romania with Medicinal Potential

<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a disease that is characterized by an increased Gonadotropin-Releasing-Hormone (GnRH) pulsatile frequency, causing an altered LH/FSH ratio. More precisely an increased Luteinizing Hormone (LH) secretion compared to a decreased Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) secretion leads to the development of hyperandrogenism and to a low-level concentration of estrogens and therefore decreased negative estrogenic feedback in the control axis. The purpose of this review is to connect the physiological Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Ovarian (HPO) axis with said pathology and the ensuring discussion about the possible mechanisms of pathogenesis and guidelines for relieving associated symptoms.
</abstract>

Hormone Imbalance in Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>In this study the medicinal plants of some representative vegetation types from a human-modified Eastern European landscapes were investigated. The studied territory is part of a Special Protection Area for bird species. The following sampling areas were included in the study: humid grasslands; mountain hay meadows; semi-natural dry grasslands; Sub-pannonic steppic grasslands; fringe communities of mesothermophilic forest edges; grey willow scrubs; thickets of willow; forests of white willow; hornbeam-beech, oak-hornbeam, and sessile oak forests; scrubs of blackthorn and hawthorn; Subcontinental peri-Pannonic scrubs. The ordering of medicinal plants on the basis of presence/absence data and the abundance data presented the grouping in the following typical communities: to the deciduous forests, to the coppices and scrubs, and to the grasslands and meadows. A total of 208 medicinal plants were found from which 37 species are included in the European Pharmacopoeia, and 13 in the Romanian Pharmacopoeia. The existing list of medicinal plants of the Niraj Valley in the scientific literature was completed with 33 taxa. The medicinal plants containing tannins (18.93%) were in higher percentage followed by those with essential oils (10.68%), flavonoids (10.68%), saponins (9.71%), alkaloids (7.77%), mucilages (6.80%), coumarins (5.34%). However rational (sustainable) exploitation of these natural resources is necessary.</abstract>

The Characteristic Medicinal Plants of Different Vegetation Types from the Niraj Valley, Romania

<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
The main objective of this review is to highlight the urgent development of new antiviral drugs against SARS-CoV-2 in the context of the coronavirus pandemic. Antiviral medication against SARS-CoV-2 comprises only remdesivir as an approved drug. Scientists are making considerable efforts to identify other effective antivirals. Investments into the <italic>de novo</italic> design of new drugs against the SARS-CoV-2 virus are few. Molnupiravir proved to be effective against the SARS-CoV-2 virus and is very close to approval. Pfizer’s two new compounds (PF-07321332, oral administration and PF-07304814, systemic administration) are in the early stages of development. Two types of methods are preferred to discover new antivirals in a short period. Repositioning of approved drugs for antiviral effect conducted to some clinical results for favipiravir, lopinavir/ritonavir, danoprevir/ritonavir, umifenovir, hydroxychloroquine, camostat and nafamostat. Virtual screening of known molecules’ libraries indicated several compounds that were tested or are being tested in clinical trials. In conclusion, only a few innovative antiviral molecules are in various stages of development. However, the repositioning of many known compounds is being studied, including using virtual screening. The pharmaceutical industry is adapting and reinventing itself so that humanity can face a new pandemic in the future.
</abstract>

Perspectives on Antiviral Drugs Development in the Treatment of COVID-19

<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
Nowadays’ (Transylvanian) urban landscape as a complex, built and natural, social and economic environment is undergoing a sudden and accelarated transformation. Urbanization is a defining feature of current spatial/urban metamorphosis in Transylvania, too, yet the current model of urban development profoundly alters the natural environment, often reducing biodiversity and ultimately threatening human wellbeing. Present not only in academic theory, but in a broader sense in the daily public debate for the past decades, ecological perspective has become one of the leading design principles in nowadays’ professional practice and theory in urban and spatial planning, a compulsory attribute of the contemporary mindset and (urban) landscape. Proposed research on ecological perspective in current urban (landscape) planning in Transylvania, Romania is focusing specifically on the role ecological perspective can play in understanding, the applying the more general and complex phenomenon of sustainability in the planning and management of landscapes. The idea of sustainability, the ecoregional approach are not only traditional attributes of the historical landscape, but also generators in present day development of cities around Transylvania, Romania. The ecological approach can enhance finding solutions in urgent social and environmental challanges regarding efficient management of resources, sustainable urban and spatial planning.
</abstract>

The Ecological Perspective in Nowadays’ Urban Landscape Planning in Transylvania

<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
The aim of this paper is to point out plant species that are of benefit to pollinators, from the territory of the Băiceni (Botoșani county, NE region of Romania). The plant species were analyzed on the basis of the specialized literature as follows: bioform, flowering period, flower grouping, flower color, floral resources, melliferous potential. A number of 106 plant species belonging to 31 botanical families were identified; 41.50% are woody species and 58.50% are herbaceous species. The representative botanical families are: Rosaceae (19.81%), Fabaceae (14.15%) and Asteraceae (14.15%). The majority of the species recorded in the area of study have flowers grouped in inflorescences, blooming in spring and summer and are nectar-polleniferous. The color of the flowers varies from white, yellow, yellow-green to red, blue, purple. These species are an essential resource for pollinators (mainly for the honeybee) and thus contribute to keeping the ecological equilibrium of the ecosystems in the study area and to supporting local beekeeping.
</abstract>

Plant Species Important for Pollinating Insects. Case Study: Băiceni Locality (Botoşani County)

<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
The Giurgeului Depression has been significantly impacted by human intervention, resulting in numerous scars on the landscape. A comprehensive rehabilitation plan is imperative for the Suseni quarry area to restore its natural features. This initiative, spearheaded by the local council and municipality, collaborates with the Sapientia Hungarian University of Transylvania’s Department of Horticulture and the Babeș-Bolyai University’s Faculty of Biology and Geology. They’ve launched a research scholarship program for students focused on a research and landscape rehabilitation plan tender within Suseni’s administrative region. Large scars created by human activities, adjacent to a valuable natural environment, significantly alter the natural landscape features and are detrimental to the visual and ecological relationship systems. Those need urgent rehabilitation. Student projects serves as a potential model for transforming natural landscapes affected by human actions. It aims to teach landscape design through experimental approaches, aligning with modern research-driven design methods for strategic planning. Moreover, it seeks to enhance student projects for practical implementation by local authorities, contributing positively to the area’s ecosystem and landscape. Much has already been taken from this landscape, and it is now time to give something back to the area, the local ecosystem, and the landscape.
</abstract>

The Role of a Landscape Rehabilitation Student Project in Current Landscape Education - Healing Urbanization’s Footprint

<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
This short overview explores the relationship between oxidative stress and mental disorders, focusing on the association with psychiatric pathologies such as Alzheimer’s disease, schizophrenia, autism, depression, and the impact of sleep deprivation. The mechanisms of mitochondrial disfunction and oxidative stress in these pathologies are described, including the physiological function of limited free radicals in signal transduction, gene transcription, neuronal plasticity and memory. Key free radicals, including hydroxyl and superoxide are highlighted, along with compounds generating free radicals. Moreover, the potential therapeutic implications of dietary supplements (zinc, selenium, magnesium, vitamin C, E, CoQ10) and lifestyle interventions with antioxidant properties are presented, laying the groundwork for future research in the field of mental health.
</abstract>

Short Overview of Oxidative Stress in Mental Disorders

<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
The aim of the present study was to assess the suitability of different Amicon Ultra and Centrifree ultrafiltration devices for the study of the plasma protein binding process in the case of carvedilol, a highly protein-bound and lipophilic beta-blocking agent. Samples at different levels of concentration were prepared in both proteic and non-proteic matrices (human plasma, 5% human serum albumin solution and saline solution) and subjected to the classical ultrafiltration method using the different devices considered. Furthermore, an attempt to apply a previously described modified ultrafiltration method was also made. The analysis and quantification was achieved using a validated LC-MS/MS method. For the Centrifree devices, the determined unbound fractions of carvedilol and the corresponding binding degree were in accordance to literature data, while for the Amicon Ultra devices a great degree of carvedilol adsorbtion to the sample reservoir was observed, the analyte not being detected in the ultrafiltrate samples. Thus, it was further demonstrated that the type of ultrafiltration device used has a significant influence on the outcome of a plasma protein binding study. In the case of carvedilol, the evaluation of the protein binding interaction could be achieved using the Centrifree ultrafiltration devices, but not the Amicon Ultra devices.
</abstract>

Comparison of Different Ultrafiltration Devices for the Study of Plasma Protein Binding of Carvedilol

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>Catechin and its derivatives are polyphenolic benzopyran compounds. The condensation of catechin units leads to the formation of condensed tannins. It is found in appreciable amount in green tea leaves, cocoa, red wines, beer, chocolate, etc. It possesses important antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, antiproliferative and antitumor properties. The present review outlines recent updates and perspectives of the effects of catechins and the pharmacodynamic mechanisms involved.</abstract>

Therapeutic Aspects of Catechin and Its Derivatives – An Update

<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
The germination of seed batches of two rapeseed (<italic>Brassica napus</italic> L.) hybrids (‘Hybrirock’ and ‘Factor’) were investigated in response to priming in aqueous solutions of ascorbic acid (10 mM), L-cysteine (10 mM) and triacontanol (1 μM), respectively tap water (as control treatment). Investigations were focused on seed quality parameters, such as germination percentage, mean germination time, germination index, uniformity of germination, and seedling shoot and root growth. Germinated seeds were counted every 24 hours for a period of seven days, recording the final germination percentage (FGP), mean germination time (MGT), the coefficient of velocity of germination (CVG), germination rate index (GRI), germination index (GI), uncertanty (U), and synchrony (Z). In a separate trial fresh shoot- and root length, respectively the dry weight of the shoots and roots were also determined after a 14 day period. Germination tests were performed to examine the quality of seeds in response to different priming treatments. The results demonstrated that priming improved the germination parameters of seeds of both hybrids. Furthermore, the use of ascorbic acid, L-cysteine and triacontanol also enhanced seedling growth. The results may be used to rank seed lots by vigor, and decisions can be made regarding planting potential of each seed lot.
</abstract>

Effects of Priming with Ascorbic Acid, L-Cystein and Triacontanol on Germination of Rapeseed (<italic>Brassica napus</italic> L.)

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title><italic>Artemisia annua</italic> is an important medical plant that produces artemisinin used for its antimalarial, antibacterial and antifungal effects in modern medicine. The high demand and low artemisinin content in plants (0.01-2 %) has led to studies about alternative methods to increase yield. Biofertilizers (beneficial microbes and/or biological products that colonize roots, improve plant nutrition and growth) have been reported affecting secondary metabolism and the production of active ingredients of herbs. The purpose of this paper is to draw attention to the current status of the research on mutualistic and endophytic microorganism of <italic>A. annua</italic> that have the potential to increase the quality and quantity of the crude drugs, derived from the herb. Scientific papers in this field focus on the effects on inoculation with different microorganisms (arbuscular micorrhizal fungi, endophytic bacteria and fungi) and the isolation of endophytes from <italic>A. annua</italic>. Bioinoculants can affect biomass, artemisinin and essential oil concentration, disease resistance, nutrient status, phosphatase activity, foliar glandular trichome density, leaf chlorophyll content, guaiacol peroxidase enzyme concentration, stomatal conductance and transpiration rate, and plant growth parameters (total weight, leaf yield, height, seed yield). The endophytes isolated from the plant are potential artemisinin content and plant stress resistance enhancers.</abstract>

Mutualistic and Endophytic Microorganisms of <italic>Artemisia Annua</italic>: Description, Role and Use

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>The aim of this study was to identify the medicinal and aromatic plants from mountain hay meadows (6520 - Natura 2000 habitat) of Gurghiului Mountains and to analyze the correlation of these herbs with their therapeutic compounds as well as the human diseases on which they can be used on therapeutic purpose. The area covered by this study was the Gurghiului Mountains. Regarding the vegetation, this area is characterized by the predominance of forest ecosystems, along with semi-natural mountainous grasslands. The floristic inventory for the studied area included numerous medicinal plants with therapeutic chemical compounds. These medicinal plants were grouped in this study according to the dominant active principles used in phytotherapy. Two plant associations were identified: <italic>Festuco rubrae-Agrostietum capillaris</italic> Horvat 1951 and <italic>Poo-Trisetetum flavescentis</italic> Knapp ex Oberdorfer 1957. This survey demonstrates that the medicinal plant area in the Gurghiului Mountains is a promising economic resource for developing this region, but it needs planned exploitation.</abstract>

Botanical Survey of Medicinal Plants Used in the Traditional Treatment of Human Disease in Montain Hay Meadows from Gurghiului Mountains

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>The fern <italic>Nephrolepis exaltata</italic> (L.) Schott, fam. Nephrolepidaceae, has little traditional medicinal use. In order to estimate its potential safety, in the present study we have investigated the phytotoxicity (on <italic>Triticum aestivum</italic> L.) and toxicity on brine shrimp of extracts from plants grown hydroponically. The species identity was confirmed by macroscopic and microscopic examinations on rhizomes, rachises, pinnae and runners, using bright field and fluorescent microscopy. Biological assays were performed on aqueous and ethanol solutions of the fronds. The brine shrimp lethality assay was performed on <italic>Artemia franciscana</italic> Kellog and a phytobiological bioassay on <italic>Triticum aestivum</italic> L. Lethality, root elongation and karyokinetic film modifications were evaluated, and LC50 and IC50 values were calculated. The microscopic analysis revealed the main histo-anatomic elements: polystelic structure and hypodermis (rhizome, rachis, runners), trichomes (rachis), homogenous structure, trichomes and diacytic/anisocytic stomata (leaves). The ethanol and aqueous extracts showed low cytotoxic effects on both <italic>Triticum aestivum</italic> roots and <italic>Artemia franciscana</italic> nauplii.</abstract>

Toxicity Assessment of <italic>Nephrolepis exaltata</italic> (L.) Schott, Fam. Nephrolepidaceae

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Acta Biologica Marisiensis

 Acta Biologica Marisiensis (ABM) is an official Journal of the University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science and Technology “George Emil Palade” of Târgu Mureș, Romania, and is...

 Acta Biologica Marisiensis (ABM) is an official Journal of the University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science and Technology “George Emil...