115 research outputs found
Evaluating morphological variability of Artemisia herba-alba Asso from western Algeria
This work was interested on the study of the morphological variability of 120 individuals of Artemisia herba-alba Asso coming from three stations in western Algeria , which was assessed through 15 quantitative and qualitative characters. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) results showed significant morphological variability inter and intra-population. This phenotypic variability is explained by a high genetic polymorphism determined at another genetic study that we conducted in parallel on individuals of the same site using molecular markers types ISSR.This study also revealed a large variability within A. herba alba which could help investigation on a large collection of individuals and therefore select the most efficient ecotypes for re-introduction this species in steppes and highlands of Algeria.Key words: Artemisia herba-alba Asso; Morphological variability;steppe;Algeria
Hypoglycemic and antihyperglycemic effects of Anabasis articulata (Forssk) Moq (Chenopodiaceae), an Algerian medicinal plant
Anabasis articulata leaves decoction is widely used by Algerian traditional medicine practitioners as a remedy for the treatment of diabetes. The aqueous extract was found to be non-toxic at 1000 mg/kg, asno deaths or hazardous signs were recorded during treatment or the observation period (24 and 72 h) in either control or treated groups of mice. Experiments were performed in non-diabetic mice, and inhyperglycemic mice (glucose treated and alloxan treated mice) to confirm the antidiabetic potential of A. articulata. Our results showed that the orally administration at a dose of 400 mg/kg decreased the glycaemia by 29.89% after 6 h (p < 0.05), corresponding to the greatest decrease of blood glucose in normoglycaemic mice. This dose also lowered blood glucose concentrations in diabetic mice revealing antihyperglycemic effect of A. articulata leaves. The class of phytochemical responsible for antidiabetic effects in aqueous leaf extract was also investigated. Phytochemical screening showed that the aqueous extract contains alkaloids (1.25%) and saponin (1.30%). Our findings showed that saponin (5 mg/Kg) was the active fraction, since it restores the normal blood glucose levels after 21 days of treatment. The alkaloid fraction did not significantly reduce the blood glucose level. The present studyconfirms the antidiabetic proprieties of A. articulata leaves previously reported by Algerian healers
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What can crop stable isotopes ever do for us? An experimental perspective on using crop carbon stable isotope values for reconstructing water availability in semi-arid and arid environments
This study re-assesses and refines the use of crop carbon stable isotopes (Δ13C) to reconstruct past water availability. Durum wheat, six-row barley, and sorghum were experimentally grown at three crop growing stations in Jordan for up to three years under five different irrigation regimes: 0% (rainfall only), 40%, 80%, 100%, and 120% of the crops’ optimum water requirements. Results show large variation in carbon stable isotopes for crops that received similar amounts of water, either as absolute water input or as percentage of crop requirements. We conclude that C3 crop carbon stable isotope composition can therefore be best interpreted in terms of extremely high values showing an abundance of water versus low values indicating water-stress. Values in between these extremes are problematic and best interpreted in conjunction with other proxies. C4 crop isotopes were not found to be useful for the reconstruction of water availability
Genetic dissection of drought tolerance and recovery potential by quantitative trait locus mapping of a diploid potato population
QTLs for agronomic traits from a Mediterranean barley progeny grown in several environments
Role of hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC 4000) in the protection of the polymorphs of Piroxicam extended release tablets
The present study deals with the influence of hydroxypropylmethylcellulose 4000 in the protection of Piroxicam polymorphs which could appear during the processes of formulation of extended release tablets.
The physico-chemical tests and the dissolution profiles of polymorphs and tablets showed that the metolose incorporated in the tablets at a rate equivalent to 5% could possibly act doubly; initially by protecting the piroxicam polymorphism transition (form II) during compression, then modulating its in vitro release (extended release)
Seasonal dimorphism of the desert locust in agricultural areas in the Sahara
International audienceThe development of Saharan agriculture in recent decades by increasing irrigated areas for vegetable production in central Sahara has led to significant outbreaks of locusts. This insect, which is note deserticola type, has succeeded in developing a series of behavioural, morphological and physiological characteristics to adapt to this environment which has become one of its areas of reproduction and dispersal This work aims at evaluating the morphometric variation of locusts in two different habitats located in the southern Sahara, natural and cultivated environments. The results of biometric analysis on male and female populations, conducted from 1993 to 2004, primarily on the elytra (E), femur (F) and head capsule (C), revealed the existence of differences between locusts from two locations. Population densities were low and did not exceed 500 individuals per hectare, except in April 2004 when a maximum of 10 000 individuals/ha was reached in Adrar. Morphometric ratios (E/F and F/C) of the studied populations oscillate between the solitary and transiens-dissocians phases, except for populations in June 2004 in Tamanrasset and April 1998 in Adrar, which were gregarious. Analyses of variance both with and without population density as a covariate, showed the effect of density on measured traits. Separate analysis of variance of males and females emphasized a marked seasonal effect on the femur and head capsule, especially in Adrar. The male population at this location In the dry season presented shorter femur and smaller head capsule measurements than those present in the wet season at the same location and those of Tamanrasset. This result shows the influence of seasons and weather conditions on morphometric traits. A seasonal dimorphism in size coupled with a contrast of phase status has been highlighted in male populations of Adrar. The relationship between human activities and the change in morphometric traits at the locations studied is discussed. These results are of significance in preventing the proliferation of the desert locust
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