The extract containing sesquiterpene lactones of Centaurea iberica (Asteraceae) isolated was separated and a steroidal compound, which is stigmast-1,5-dien-3beta-ol, was purified. The chemical structure was established based on spectroscopic data (UV, IR, MS, 1H NMR, 13C NMR). Both the extract and the compound showed significant antioxidant and antimicrobial activities.

Over the past 3 centuries, many species have been dispersed beyond their natural geographic limits by humans, but to our knowledge, reproductive isolation has not been demonstrated for such neo-allopatric species. We grew seeds from three species of Centaurea (Centaurea solstitialis, Centaurea calcitrapa, and Centaurea sulphurea) that are native to Spain and have been introduced into California...

Larvae of two closely related species Cassida palaestina Reiche, 1858 and Cassida rubiginosa Müller, 1776 are described in detail including SEM microstructures. First instars are extremely similar with no clear diagnostic characters, larvae of Cassida palaestina are slightly more contrastingly coloured than larvae of C. rubiginosa, the latter having darker scoli, basal part of supra-anal proces...

The aerial parts of Centaurea deusta Ten. afforded in addition to several known compounds, mainly sesquiterpene lactones, one new eudesmanolide and one new elemane derivative. Structures of the new compounds were elucidated by spectroscopic methods. The in vitro antifungal and antibacterial activities of the isolated compounds was tested, using the microdilution method. All compounds tested sho...

Methylglyoxal (MGO) is recognized as being the bioactive component responsible for antibacterial activity of m?nuka honey. MGO content was investigated by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC-UV), in isocratic elution, to assess occurrence this compound mono- and multi-floral honey samples representative different botanical geographic origins Italy. Specifically, 110 from sweet cherry t...