Autonomous self-pollination may be considered as a mechanism enhancing plant reproductive success when plant access to pollen sources may limit seed production. We have studied the relationship between geographical patterns of variation in pollinator service to Helleborus foetidus and self-pollination ability in three widely spaced regions in the Iberian Peninsula. As could be expected from its...

A new cycloartane bisdesmoside and two new trinorcycloartane glycosides, along with four known cycloartane compounds, were isolated from the rhizomes of Cimicifuga dahurica (Ranunculaceae). The structures of the new compounds were elucidated as 3-O-alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl cimigenol 15-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside, 24-hydroxy-12beta-acetoxy-25,26,27-trinorcycloartan-16,23-dione 3beta-O-alpha-L-arab...

Nigella sativa Linn. (Family-Ranunculaceae) is a widely used medicinal plant throughout India and popular in various Indigenous System of Medicine like Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani and Tibb. The seeds are used as astringent, bitter, stimulant, diuretic, emmenagogue and anthelmintic. They are also useful in jaundice, intermittent fever, dyspepsia, paralysis, piles and skin diseases. The present revie...

Bulgarian medicinal plants, which have been studied during the last years, are reviewed. The review includes the following families: Amaryllidaceae, Asteraceae, Berberidaceae, Boraginaceae, Fabaceae, Geraniaceae, Lamiaceae, Oleaceae, Onagraceae, Scrophulariaceae, Solanaceae, Ranunculaceae, Rosaceae, Rutaceae, Valerianaceae, Zygophyllaceae. Main pharmacological properties are antiviral, antimicr...

In plants belonging to the Ranunculaceae the floral nectaries may differ in origin, location in the flower, shape and structure. In many cases they are defined as modified tepals or modified stamens. The nectary organs in this family are frequently termed "honey leaves," and staminodial origin is attributed to them. Gynopleural and receptacular nectaries are rarely found in Ranunculaceae. To da...