Geranium robertianum

Abstract: Geranium robertianum L., commonly known as Herb Robert, is an herbaceous plant popularly known for its functional properties including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. In this study, the phenolic profile of leaf and stem decoctions of Geranium robertianum L. was elucidated by UHPLC-DAD-ESI-MSn analysis, and their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potentials were assessed in vitro. Importantly, and envisaging the use of these extracts in human diets, the potential toxicity of bioactive concentrations was also addressed in macrophages and hepatocytes. Both extracts revealed high amounts of ellagitannins, although a slight prevalence of these compounds was observed in that originating from leaves. High radical scavenging activities against DPPH˙, ABTS˙+ and OH˙ were observed either for the leaf or the stem extract, as well as good activities towards ferric reducing antioxidant power, lipid peroxidation and oxygen radical absorbance capacity. In addition, both extracts were very effective at scavenging NO˙, as measured in a chemical model, while only the stem extract was able to decrease the production of this radical by stimulated macrophages. On the other hand, none of the extracts was able to modulate the activity of lipoxygenase or the expression of the inducible nitric oxide synthase. Overall, these data allowed us to conclude that G. robertianum L. stem and leaf decoctions are particularly rich in tannins. The strong scavenging effects displayed by the stem extract suggest that its anti-inflammatory activity may partially result from its anti-radical capacities towards NO˙.

Abstract: Geranium robertianum is highly adaptable and shows various morphological differences, including the degree of hairiness, growth habit (erect or prostrate) and differences in flowering parts. It has a long history of medicinal use, including relief from toothache and nosebleeds. We have no information on its population genetic structure, genetic diversity and morphological variability in Iran. Therefore, owing to the importance of this plant species, we have studied genetic variability and population structure in seven geographical populations of G. robertianum (Geraniaceae). The results indicated that the geographical populations of G. robertianum are well differentiated both in genetic content and in morphological characteristics. A consensus tree based on the morphological and genetic data has separated some of the populations from the others,suggesting existence of ecotypes within this species

Abstract: We documented the current typological and phytosociological characterisation of the ground vegetation as an essential component of biodiversity in 154 Czech forest monitoring plots and to describe its changes during the past 15 years in regard to the deposition and concentration of nitrogen in the soil. Plots were classified as vegetation units in accordance with the UNECE and FAO nomenclature and on the basis of their potential natural vegetation and compared in terms of the occurrence and coverage of the indicative selected nitrophilous species. In all the soil horizons tested statistically significant differences in the C/N ratio were observed between areas with and without the presence of certain selected nitrophilous species ( Geranium robertianum, Impatiens parviflora, Sambucus nigra, Urtica dioica). In the areas with the presence of the Geranium robertianum and Urtica dioica species, statistically significantly higher concentrations of nitrogen were recorded in some soil horizons than in those areas with the ab - sence of these species. The findings concerning the influence of nitrogen on nitrophilous herbaceous indicators were compared with the European results obtained in the framework of the ICP Forests international programme and with those of other foreign studies.