Desert Ecosystem Engineering

Desert Ecosystem Engineering

Investigation of some phytochemical and morphological traits of the medicinal plant Anvillea garcinii subsp. radiata in the rangeland ecosystem of Darab City

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Alireza Mahmoodi 1
Kamal gholami poorfard 2
1 Assistant Professor of Rangeland and Watershed Management Department, Darab Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Shiraz University, Iran
2 Department of Plant Production, Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Darab, Shiraz University, Iran
10.22052/deej.2026.258539.1139
Abstract
Extended Abstract
Introduction: Rangelands are vital ecosystems that provide forage and high-value by-products such as medicinal plants. Given population growth and limited forage resources, promoting medicinal plants, beekeeping, ecotourism, and aquaculture is essential. Identifying medicinal plants is a fundamental step toward sustainable development. Anvillea garcinii is a perennial shrub from the Asteraceae family, native to southern and southeastern Iran, with traditional uses for wound healing, dysentery, and liver disorders. Its aerial parts contain phenolics, flavonoids, and sesquiterpene lactones, which exhibit anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, anti-HIV, antifungal, and antioxidant properties. Essential oil analysis has revealed bornyl acetate (33.7%), cis-nerolidol (7.3%), and camphene (6.1%) as major compounds. Despite extensive global research on its phytochemistry, Iranian ecotypes remain understudied. Therefore, this study aims to compare the phytochemical and morphological traits of A. garcinii across two natural habitats in Darab, Fars province. The results will provide baseline data for domestication and pharmaceutical exploitation.

Materials and Methods: This study investigated two natural habitats (Dolatabad and Cement Factory) of the medicinal plant Anvillea garcinii subsp. radiata in Darab County, Iran. Geographic coordinates and altitude were recorded using a GPS device. Along four 100-m transects, 40 plots (2 × 1 m) were established to measure morphological traits, including canopy cover, plant height, inflorescence length, and number of flowering branches. Soil physicochemical properties (pH, EC, texture, organic matter, calcium carbonate, and CEC) were also analyzed. Chlorophyll fluorescence parameters (Fo, Fm, Fv, Fv/Fm, Tm, and Fv/F₀) were measured using a fluorimeter. Elemental analysis (Fe, Mn, Cu, and Zn) of plant samples was performed by atomic absorption spectrometry after dry ashing. Phytochemical analysis involved methanolic extraction via a Soxhlet apparatus. The extracts were analyzed using GC-FID and GC-MS with an HP-5MS column to identify chemical constituents. Compounds were characterized based on retention indices and mass spectral comparison with NIST libraries. These comprehensive analyses provide baseline data for domestication and pharmaceutical exploitation of this medicinal plant in Iran's rangelands.
Results and Discussion: Phytochemical analysis of Anvillea garcinii from two habitats in Darab (Dolatabad and Cement Factory) revealed 31 distinct compounds. In Dolatabad, the major compounds included 3-Oxatricyclo[4.2.0.0²⁴]octan-7-one (29.52%), 4-Nonenenitrile (9.009%), and 2-Ethyl-3-methyl-4,6-diphenylpyridine (7.85%). In the Cement Factory habitat, the dominant compounds were Octadecenoic acid (Z)- (17.30%) and Hexadecanoic acid methyl ester (8.73%). Morphological analysis showed an average plant cover of 33.10%, a density of 5 bases per unit, a mean height of 28 cm, a crown diameter of 54.50 cm, an inflorescence length of 19.70 cm, and 25 flowering branches. Elemental analysis indicated elevated levels of manganese (632 mg/kg), copper (56 mg/kg), and nickel (95 mg/kg) near the cement factory, suggesting industrial impact and potential phytoremediation capability. Photosynthetic traits showed significant stress-induced differences: Dolatabad exhibited a normal Fv/Fm (0.66) but a very low performance index (PI = 0.01), while the Cement Factory showed a damaged photosystem II (Fv/Fm = 0.34) but higher PI (0.38) and electron sink capacity (Area = 330,655), indicating compensatory mechanisms. Overall, habitat conditions strongly influence phytochemical diversity, fatty acid versus terpenoid profiles, and physiological responses. Dolatabad samples showed superior pharmaceutical potential, with higher diversity (35 compounds) and bioactive terpenes, while Cement Factory samples accumulated more fatty acids as stress responses. The unique compound 3-Oxatricyclo[4.2.0.0²⁴]octan-7-one, a strained bicyclic ketone, shows promise as a synthetic intermediate for pharmaceuticals and materials science. Other identified compounds, such as 4-Nonenenitrile (industrial applications), Z,E-2,13-Octadecadien-1-ol (pheromone/bio-pesticide), and oleic acid derivatives (antimicrobial, antioxidant, and insecticidal activities), highlight the species' diverse biotechnological potential. These findings confirm ecological chemotype plasticity and emphasize the importance of habitat selection for medicinal applications
Conclusion and Suggestions: This study, as the first comprehensive phytochemical investigation of the medicinal plant Anvillea garcinii in natural habitats of Iran, represents a fundamental step toward understanding the hidden potential of genetic resources in the country's rangelands. The findings clearly demonstrated that the studied habitats in Darab County, despite plausible environmental stresses (particularly in the cement factory area, evident from photosynthetic indicators), serve as a rich reservoir of secondary metabolites with medicinal and industrial value. The identification of 31 chemical compounds, including predominant and rare compounds such as 3-oxatricyclo[4.2.0.0²,⁴]octan-7-one (29.52%), 4-nonenonitrile (9.00%), and 9-octadecenoic acid (17.30%), not only confirms the chemical richness of this plant but also reveals its potential applications in drug synthesis, biopesticides (pheromones), and the cosmetic-hygiene industry. The qualitative and quantitative differences in essential oil composition between the two studied habitats indicate the significant role of ecological and environmental factors on the chemical composition of the plant. Phytochemical data showed a significant correlation with soil properties, such that nutritional elements and physical parameters of the soil effectively influenced the content of major compounds. These results emphasize that careful habitat selection and intelligent site planning for cultivation and harvesting can be an effective strategy for optimizing the quantity and quality of active compounds in medicinal plants. Anvillea garcinii, by demonstrating remarkable metabolic flexibility in response to environmental stresses, represents an outstanding example of biochemical adaptation in plants of arid and semi-arid regions. This plant possesses high potential for producing valuable medicinal and industrial compounds. However, ecological and environmental variations can significantly impact the chemical content of this plant. Therefore, special attention must be paid to habitat conditions and environmental factors when planning for the cultivation and industrial exploitation of this species.
Keywords
Arid ecosystems
GC-MS analysis
Ecophysiological traits
Bioactive compounds
Anvillea garcinii
Phytochemical diversity
Secondary metabolites
Habitat selection
Subjects
[1]. Abdel-Sattar, E. & Galal. A.M. (1996). Antitumor germacranolides from Anvillea garcinii. Nat Prod, 59: 403-405.
[2]. Abdel-Sattar, E. & McPhail. A.T. (2000). Cis-Parthenolid-9-one from Anvillea garcinia. J. Nat. Prod, 63, 1587–1589.
[3]. Adams. RP. (2007). Identification of essential oil components by gas chromatography/ mass spectroscopy. Allured Publishing Corporation, Illinois, USA, 1–804.
[4]. Al-Otaibi, MS. Al-Mayouf, AM. Khan, M. Mousa, A.A. Al-Mazroa, SA. & Alkhathlan, HZ. (2014). Corrosion inhibitory action of some plant extracts on the corrosion of mild steel in acidic media. Arab J Chem, 7: 340-346.
[5]. Aqababa, H. Chobineh, MA. Zarei, A. & ChangiziAshtiyani, S. (2016). The effect of ethanol extract of aerial parts of Salvia hydrangea L. on plasma biochemical factors in male rats with hypercholesterolemia. Qom univ med sci, 10: 78-85.
[6]. Armand, N. & E. Jahantab. (2019). Comparing the essential oil composition of Smyrnium cordifolium Boiss. In different natural habitats of Boyer Ahmad County. Journal of Rangeland, 13(1): 39-51. (In Persian)
[7]. Aschmann, S.M. Nishino, N. Arey, J. & Atkinson, R. (2014). “Atmospheric Chemistry of Selected Nitriles.” Environmental Science & Technology.
[8]. Askarne, L. Talibi, I. Boubaker, H. Boudyach, EH. Msanda, F. Saadi, B. Serghini, MA. & Ait Ben Aoumar, A. (2012). In vitro and in vivo anti-fungal activity of several Moroccan plants against Penicillium italicum, the causal agent of citrus blue mold. J Crop Prot, 40: 53-58.
[9]. Barbuio, R. Milanski, M. Bertolo, M. Saad, M. & Velloso, L. (2007). Infliximab reverses steatosis and improves insulin signal transduction in liver of rats fed a high-fat diet. The Journal of endocrinology. 194:539-50.
[10]. Bigdeloo, M. Hadian J. & Nazeri, V. (2017). Composition of essential oil compounds from different populations of Thymus caramanicus Jalas. Journal of Applied Research on Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, 7: 95-98.
[11]. Cristina Figueiredo, A. Barroso, J.G. Pedro, L.G. & Scheffer, J.J.C. (2008). Factors affecting secondary metabolite production in plants: volatile components and essential oils. Flavor and Fragrance Journal, 23(4): 213-226.
[12]. Da Silva, J. K. R. Figueiredo, P. L. B. Byler, K. G. & Setzer, W. N. (2020). Essential oils as antiviral agents. Potential of essential oils to treat SARS‑CoV‑2 infection: an in‑silico investigation. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 21(10), 3426.
[13]. De Lira Mota, KS. (2009). Flavonoids with gastroprotective activity. Molecules, 14: 979-1012
[14]. Desbois, A. P. & Smith, V. J. (2010). Antibacterial free fatty acids: activities, mechanisms of action and biotechnological potential. Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology, 85, 1629–1642.
[15]. Ding, Z. Hu, X. Wan, Y. Wang, S. & GAO, B. (2015). Removal of lead, copper, cadmium, zinc, and nickel from aqueous solutions by alkali-modified biochar: Batch and column tests. Journal of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry, 15, 300-307.
[16]. Gunstone, F. D. (2011). Vegetable Oils in Food Technology: Composition, Properties and Uses. Wiley-Blackwell.
[17]. Gupta, R. K. (2012). Utilization of salt tolerant plants from arid wastelands of Northwest India as fuel and fodder. In: Lieth, H. Al Masoom, A. (Eds)
[18]. Hammiche, V. Maiza, K. (2006). Traditional medicine in central Sahara: Pharmacopoeia of Tassili N' ajjer. Ethnopharmacology, 105: 358-367.
[19]. Huang, D. Zhang, B. (2018). Applications of Oxabicyclic Compounds in Organic Synthesis. Tetrahedron Letters.
[20]. Khan, M. Saeed Abdullah, M.M. Mousa, A.A. & Alkhathlan, H.Z. (2016). Chemical composition of vegetative parts and flowers essential oils of wild Anvillea garcinii grown in Saudi Arabia. Rec. Nat. Prod. 10, 251–256.
[21]. Kharjul, M. Gali, V. Kharjul, A. (2014). Antidiabetic potential of ethanolic extracts of Citrus maxima fruit peel and Anvillea garcinii. Int J Pharm Inno, 4: 8-18.
[22]. Mahdjar, S. Dendogui, H. & Hadjadj, M. (2019). Antioxidant Activities, Phenolic, Flavonoid and Tannin Contents and Antibacterial Activity of Anvillea radiata (Coss. & Dur.) Flowers from Southeast Algeria, Asian Journal of Chemistry; Vol. 31, No. 7 (2019), 1569-1573.
[23]. Maxwell, K. & Johnson, G.N. (2000). Chlorophyll Fluorescence—a Practical Guide. Journal of Experimental Botany, 51, 659-668.
[24]. Mehdizadeh, M. Vaziri, A. & Rasekh, F. (2024). Evaluation and assessment of phytochemical compounds and antioxidant activity of Anvillea garcinii in the Mehraj vegetation region of Fars Province. Master’s Thesis, Payame Noor University of Tehran.
[25]. Miara, MD. (2019). Herbal remedies and traditional knowledge of the Tuareg community in the region of Illizi (Algerian sahara). Arid Environments, 167: 65-73.
[26]. Moumou, M. (2011). 9-Hydroxy-4, 8-dimethyl- 12-(piperidin-1-ylmethyl)-3, 14- dioxatricyclo- [9.3.0. 0 2, 4] tetradec-7-en- 13-one. Acta Crystallographica Section E: Structure Reports Online, 67: 2768-2769.
[27]. Nikzad, A. Sharafzadeh, Sh. Alizadeh A. Amiri B. & Bazrafshan F. (2020). Variability in Essential Oil Constituent, Phenolic Content, Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activities of Different Ecotypes of Zataria multiflora Boiss. From Iran. Journal of Essential Oil-Bearing Plants. Taylor and Francis group, 22(6): 1435-1449.
[28]. Nocentini, A. & Supuran, C. T. (2019). Sulfonamide inhibitors of carbonic anhydrases Drug Discovery Today.
[29]. Pavela, R. (2015). Essential oils for the development of eco‑friendly mosquito larvicides: a review. Industrial Crops and Products, 76, 174–187.
[30]. Perveen, S. (2018). Hepatoprotective and cytotoxic activities of Anvillea garcinii and isolation of four new secondary metabolites. J Nat Med, 72: 106-117.
[31]. Perveen, S. Alqahtania, J. Raha, Orfali, R. AlTaweela, AM. Yusufoglu, HS. Abdel-Kader, MS. & Taglialatela-Scafati, O. (2019). Antimicrobial guaianolide sesquiterpenoids from leaves of the Saudi Arabian plant Anvillea garcinii. Fitoterapia, 134: 129- 134.
[32]. Rafael, L. James, H. Clark (eds.) Handbook of Chiral Chemicals – chapter on “Unsaturated Aliphatic Nitriles”.
[33]. Rajeshkumar, S. & Bharath, L. V. (2017). Mechanism of plant‑mediated synthesis of silver nanoparticles – A review on biomolecules involved, characterisation and antibacterial activity. Chemical‑Biological Interactions, 273, 219–227.
[34]. Sefidkon, F. (1996). Chemistry and industrial preparation of essential oils. Zavesh publisher, Tehran, 265.
[35]. Sefidkon, F. (2021). Extraction and identification of active ingredients of Iranian medicinal and aromatic plants. Iran Nature, 6(3): 7-35. (In Persian)
[36]. Surburg, H. & Panten, J. (2016). Common Fragrance and Flavor Materials. Wiley‑VCH.
[37]. Talebi, E. Kumar, Sh. Nasrollahi, I. (2015). Quantitative estimation of total phenolic contents of the essential oil Anvillea garcinii through the hydrodistilation. Pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences, 4: 185-189.AJP, Vol. 12, No. 2.
[38]. Vollerthun, R. & Schreiner, P. R. (2021). Strained-Ring Systems in Organic Synthesis. Chemical Reviews.
[39]. Witzgall, P. Kirsch, P. & Cork, A. (2010). Sex pheromones and their impact on pest management. Journal of Chemical Ecology, 36(1), 80–100.
[40]. Yang, M. H. Wang, C. H. Chen, H. & Chen, Y. C. (2007). Chemical constituents from the embryos of Nelumbo nucifera (Plumula Nelumbinis). Journal of the Chinese Chemical Society, 54(4), 1007–1012.
Desert Ecosystem Engineering
Volume 15, Issue 51
Summer 2026
Pages 69-86