Articles
Karbalaei, Z.,
Bagheri, A.,
Maassoumi, A.A.,
Rutten, T.,
Blattner, F.R. Botanical Studies (1817406X)66(1)
Background: The genus Astragalus is the largest and one of the most diverse genera of flowering plants, particularly in the Northern Hemisphere, with a significant concentration of species in the Irano-Turanian region. Within this genus, section Hymenostegis is notable for its complexity and high levels of endemism, especially in northwestern Iran. During recent field explorations in West Azarbaijan province, a distinct population of Astragalus was identified, differing from known species within section Hymenostegis. This study aimes to describe and analyze this new species and clarify its relationship with closely related taxa using an integrative approach. Results: Astragalus kuzehrashensis sp. nov. is described following detailed morphological comparisons with its closest relatives, A. chehreganii and A. hakkianus. The new species is distinguished by unique stipule characteristics, leaflet shape, inflorescence structure, and seed micromorphology. Molecular phylogenetic analysis using ITS and ycf1 sequences reveals that A. kuzehrashensis forms a clade with A. chehreganii and A. hakkianus, although it exhibits genetic differences. Genome size estimation confirms that A. kuzehrashensis is hexaploid (2n = 6x = 48), aligning it more closely with A. hakkianus than with the tetraploid A. chehreganii. The distinct morphological characters and genomic data support recognizing A. kuzehrashensis as a new species within section Hymenostegis. Conclusions: The identification of A. kuzehrashensis underscores the importance of an integrative taxonomic approach, combining morphological, molecular, and cytogenetic data to resolve species boundaries within complex groups like Astragalus section Hymenostegis. This study highlights the rich biodiversity of the Irano-Turanian floristic region, emphasizing the need for ongoing exploration and conservation efforts, particularly in areas of high endemism. Our findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the taxonomy and evolutionary relationships within the genus Astragalus. © The Author(s) 2024.
Akbari, F.,
Hosseinimehr, S.J.,
Noruz, M.,
Ebrahimi, F.,
Bagheri, A.,
Vahedi, L.,
Azadbakht, M. Iranian Journal Of Medical Sciences (17353688)50(6)pp. 404-415
Background: Investigations have shown that estrogen affects wound healing through skin receptors. Astragalus floccosus Boiss. contains estrogen-like isoflavonoids. This study examined the effects of A. floccosus Boiss (A. floccosus) extract on wound healing in vitro and in vivo. Methods: For the in vitro test, Human Fetal Foreskin Fibroblast 2 (HFFF2) cells treated with the root extract of A. floccosus were followed over a 48-hour period. For the in vivo test, rats were categorized into five groups and received daily applications of a cream containing different concentrations of the extract: 5%, 10%, silver sulfadiazine, the ointment base, and no treatment for a duration of 21 days. The wound size and full-thickness wound healing were measured throughout the inspection, and a histological study was conducted as well. The two-way repeated measures ANOVA test was employed, with a significance level of 0.05 (P≤0.05) being used in all cases. Results: A. floccosus at 125 ppm significantly improved the closer region and wound healing in HFFF2 cells over all periods of time and showed a significant healing effect during 8-12 h (P=0.0234). Moreover, an increase in fibrosis (compared to the base (P=0.0005), the 10% extract (P<0.0001), silver (P=0.0005), and free (P<0.0001) groups), epithelization (compared to base (P=0.0006), the 10% extract (P=0.0008), silver (P=0.0007), and free (P=0.0006) groups), and proliferation of fibroblasts (compared to the 10% extract and free groups (P=0.0020 and P=0.0024, respectively) were seen in the 5% extract sample on day 10. Conclusion: Wound healing processes were observed in rats treated with a 5% A. floccosus extract cream. This finding highlights the potential for future studies on wound healing processes using this extract. © Iranian Journal of Medical Sciences.
