Antifungal Activity of Three Desert Plants of Artemisia herb alba (Asso.), Pulicaria undulata L.and Gymnocarpos decandrus Against Phytopathogenic Fungi

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47352/bioactivities.2963-654X.271

Keywords:

antifungal activity, Artemisia herb alba, Gymnocarpos decandrus, Pulicaria undulata, phytopathogenic fungi

Abstract

The current study evaluated the antifungal potential of three desert plant extracts, i.e., Artemisia herb alba, Pulicaria undulata, and Gymnocarpos decandrusagainst soil-borne phytopathogenic fungi including Fusarium oxysporum, Fusarium solani, and Rhizoctonia solani. The study employed solvent extraction, MIC/MFC determination, enzyme activity assays, TEM analysis, and HPLC-based phytochemical profiling. Results demonstrated significant antifungal activity of tested extracts against tested fungi, particularly from A. herb alba, with MICs as low as 0.75 mg/mL. A. herb alba extract effected on secretion of F. oxysporumextracellular enzymes (protease and catalase) and caused malformations in morphology of F. oxysporum conidia and hyphae. Phytochemical studies indicated detection of phenolics, flavonoids, saponins, tannins, alkaloids and high concentration of benzoic acids such as caffeic acid and ferulic acid in tested plants. The current work highlights the role of phenolic acids and flavonoids in antifungal mechanisms and suggests these plants as eco-friendly fungicides.

References

[1] S. K. Moorthy, C. H. Ashok, K. V. Rao, and C. Viswanathan. (2015). "Synthesis and Characterization of Mgo Nanoparticles by Neem Leaves through Green Method". Materials Today: Proceedings. 2 (9): 4360-4368. 10.1016/j.matpr.2015.10.027.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matpr.2015.10.027

[2] S. Chatterjee, Y. Kuang, R. Splivallo, P. Chatterjee, and P. Karlovsky. (2016). "Interactions among filamentous fungi Aspergillus niger, Fusarium verticillioides and Clonostachys rosea: fungal biomass, diversity of secreted metabolites and fumonisin production". BMC Microbiology. 16 : 83. 10.1186/s12866-016-0698-3.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12866-016-0698-3

[3] M. J. Nepolean P, J. R. Premkumar, and S. A. R. Radhakrishnan B. (2015). "In vitro Studies on Branch Canker Pathogen (Macrophoma sp.) Infecting Tea". Journal of Plant Pathology & Microbiology. 06 (07).  10.4172/2157-7471.1000284.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.4172/2157-7471.1000284

[4] P. Thangaraj. (2016). In: "Pharmacological Assays of Plant-Based Natural Products, (Progress in Drug Research, ch. Chapter 8". 49-55. 10.1007/978-3-319-26811-8_8.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-26811-8_8

[5] F. Adoui, H. Boughellout, F. A. Benyahia-krid, O. Aissaoui Zitoun, and N. Charrad. (2018). "Assessment of antimicrobial effect of the Artemisia herb alba aqueous extract as a preservative in Algerian traditional fresh cheese". Journal of Food: Microbiology, Safety & Hygiene. 3 : 129.

[6] A. Mati, K. Laoudi, F. Habera, S. Lahcene, H. Sebbane, and D. Almi. (2022). "Antibacterial and antioxidant activities of various extracts and essential oil from dried leaves of Artemisia herba-alba Asso of Tamanrasset (South Algeria)". International Journal of Minor Fruits, Medicinal and Aromatic Plants. 8 (1).  10.53552/ijmfmap.8.1.2022.47-55.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.53552/ijmfmap.8.1.2022.47-55

[7] M. E. Hegazy, H. Matsuda, S. Nakamura, M. Yabe, T. Matsumoto, and M. Yoshikawa. (2012). "Sesquiterpenes from an Egyptian herbal medicine, Pulicaria undulate, with inhibitory effects on nitric oxide production in RAW264.7 macrophage cells". Chemical and Pharmaceutical Bulletin (Tokyo). 60 (3): 363-70. 10.1248/cpb.60.363.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1248/cpb.60.363

[8] A. Sheikh Elsouk, Z. Turky, and S. Shahin. (2023). "Screening of some wild plants as antifungal agent against phytopathogenic fungi". Journal of Environmental Studies and Researches. 10 (4): 1371-1378. 10.21608/jesr.2023.287070.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.21608/jesr.2023.287070

[9] G. Amor, L. Caputo, A. La Storia, V. De Feo, G. Mauriello, and T. Fechtali. (2019). "Chemical Composition and Antimicrobial Activity of Artemisia herba-alba and Origanum majorana Essential Oils from Morocco". Molecules. 24 (22).  10.3390/molecules24224021.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules24224021

[10] H. Fathy. (2021). "Polyphenolics from Gymnocarpos decandrus Forssk roots and their biological activities". Natural Product Research. 35 (5): 858-862. 10.1080/14786419.2019.1607336.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/14786419.2019.1607336

[11] M. W. Haggag, S. M. Abou El Ella, and H. F. Abouziena. (2017). "Phytochemical Analysis, Antifungal, Antimicrobial Activities and Application of Eichhornia crassipes Against Some Plant Pathogens". Planta Daninha. 35 (0). 10.1590/s0100-83582017350100026.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1590/s0100-83582017350100026

[12] S. M. Mahlo, L. J. McGaw, and J. N. Eloff. (2013). "Antifungal activity and cytotoxicity of isolated compounds from leaves of Breonadia salicina". Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 148 (3): 909-13. 10.1016/j.jep.2013.05.041.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2013.05.041

[13] S. Arikan. (2007). "Current status of antifungal susceptibility testing methods". Medical Mycology. 45 (7): 569-87. 10.1080/13693780701436794.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/13693780701436794

[14] S. Khan and S. Nasreen. (2010). "Phytochemical analysis, antifungal activity and mode of action of methanol extracts from plants against pathogens". Journal of Agriculture Technology. 6 (4): 793-805.

[15] E. S. Reynolds. (1963). "The use of lead citrate at high pH as an electron-opaque stain in electron microscopy". Journal of Cell Biology. 17 (1): 208-12. 10.1083/jcb.17.1.208.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1083/jcb.17.1.208

[16] A. Shahid-Ud-Duaula and M. A. Basher. (2009). "Phytochemical screening, plant growth inhibition and antimicrobial activity studies of Xylocarpus Granatum". Malaysian Journal Pharmaceutical Science. 7 (1): 9-21.

[17] M. Boxi, Y. Rajesh, V. Raja Kumar, B. Praveen, and K. Mangamm. (2010). "Extraction, phytochemical screening and In vitro evaluation of antioxidant properities of Commicarpus chinesis (aqueous leaf extract)". International Journal of Biosience. 1 : 537-547.

[18] A. A. Adegoke, P. A. Iberi, D. A. Akinpelu, O. A. Aiyegoro, and C. I. Mboto. (2010). "Studies on phytochemical screening and antimicrobial potential of Phyllanthus amarus against multiple antibiotic resistant bacteria". International Journal of Applied Research in Natural Products. 3 (3): 6-12.

[19] R. A. El-Mergawi, G. Ibrahim, and A. Al-Humaid. (2018). "Screening for Antifungal Potential of Plant Extracts of Fifteen Plant Species Against Four Pathogenic Fungi Species". Gesunde Pflanzen. 70 (4): 217-224. 10.1007/s10343-018-0433-0.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10343-018-0433-0

[20] T. B. Yen and S. T. Chang. (2008). "Synergistic effects of cinnamaldehyde in combination with eugenol against wood decay fungi". Bioresource Technology. 99 (1): 232-6. 10.1016/j.biortech.2006.11.022.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biortech.2006.11.022

[21] J. Ogunkunle and A. L. Tonia. (2006). "Ethnobotanical and phytochemical studies on some species of Senna in Nigeria". African Journal of Biotechnology. 5 (21): 2020-2023.

[22] H. Ghareeb and M. A. Issa. (2018). "Antimicrobial Activity of Artemisia herba-alba Extract against Pathogenic Fungi of Pigeon Droppings". Journal of Plant Protection and Pathology. 9 (9): 567-571. 10.21608/jppp.2018.43767.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.21608/jppp.2018.43767

[23] J. Sabotic and J. Kos. (2012). "Microbial and fungal protease inhibitors--current and potential applications". Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology. 93 (4): 1351-75. 10.1007/s00253-011-3834-x.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00253-011-3834-x

[24] T. P. Cushnie and A. J. Lamb. (2005). "Antimicrobial activity of flavonoids". International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents. 26 (5): 343-56. 10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2005.09.002.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2005.09.002

[25] D. Treutter. (2005). "Significance of flavonoids in plant resistance and enhancement of their biosynthesis". Plant Biology. 7 (6): 581-91. 10.1055/s-2005-873009.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1055/s-2005-873009

[26] A. R. Holmes, T. S. Cardno, J. J. Strouse, I. Ivnitski-Steele, M. V. Keniya, K. Lackovic, B. C. Monk, L. A. Sklar, and R. D. Cannon. (2016). "Targeting efflux pumps to overcome antifungal drug resistance". Future Medicinal Chemistry. 8 (12): 1485-501. 10.4155/fmc-2016-0050.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.4155/fmc-2016-0050

[27] K. Kang, W. P. Fong, and P. W. Tsang. (2010). "Novel antifungal activity of purpurin against Candida species in vitro". Medical Mycology. 48 (7): 904-11. 10.3109/13693781003739351.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3109/13693781003739351

[28] M. Tolouee, S. Alinezhad, R. Saberi, A. Eslamifar, S. J. Zad, K. Jaimand, J. Taeb, M. B. Rezaee, M. Kawachi, M. Shams-Ghahfarokhi, and M. Razzaghi-Abyaneh. (2010). "Effect of Matricaria chamomilla L. flower essential oil on the growth and ultrastructure of Aspergillus niger van Tieghem". International Journal of Food Microbiology. 139 (3): 127-33. 10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2010.03.032.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2010.03.032

[29] M. Parvu, A. Parvu, C. Carciun, L. Barbu-tuddoran, L. Vlase, M. Tamas, O. Roscacasian, O. Perseca, and A. Molnar. (2010). "Changes in Botrytis cinerea conidia caused by Berberis vulgaris extract". Notulae Botanicae Horti Agrobotanici Cluj-Napoca. 38 (3): 15-20.

[30] R. Fernanda, Y. Siddiqui, D. Ganapathy, K. Ahmad, and A. Surendran. (2021). "Suppression of Ganoderma boninense Using Benzoic Acid: Impact on Cellular Ultrastructure and Anatomical Changes in Oil Palm Wood". Forests. 12 (9):  10.3390/f12091231.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/f12091231

[31] H. Yan, X. Meng, X. Lin, N. Duan, Z. Wang, and S. Wu. (2023). "Antifungal activity and inhibitory mechanisms of ferulic acid against the growth of Fusarium graminearum". Food Bioscience. 52. 10.1016/j.fbio.2023.102414.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fbio.2023.102414

[32] A. Khakpour, N. A. Shadmehri, H. Amrulloh, and H. Kioumarsi. (2023). "Antibacterial Effect of Juglans regia, Citrus sinensis, Vicia faba, and Urtica urens Extracts under In vitro Conditions". Bioactivities. 1 (2): 74-80. 10.47352/bioactivities.2963-654X.195.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.47352/bioactivities.2963-654X.195

[33] M. Tilaoui, H. A. Mouse, A. Jaafari, R. Aboufatima, A. Chait, and A. Zyad. (2011). "Chemical composition and antiproliferative activity of essential oil from aerial parts of a medicinal herb Artemisia herba-alba". Revista Brasileira de Farmacognosia. 21 (4): 781-785. 10.1590/s0102-695x2011005000114.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1590/S0102-695X2011005000114

[34] W. Fatmi, Y. Bellik, and Z. Kechrid. (2018). "Protective effect of Artemisia herb alba aqueous extract upon nickel induced hepatotoxicity in abino wister rats". Austin Journal of Pharmacology and Therapeutic. 6 (2): 1106.

[35] N. M. Helal, N. A. Ibrahim, and H. Khattab. (2019). "Phytochemical analysis and antifungal bioactivity of Pulicria undulata (L.) methanolic extract and essential oil". Egyption Journal of Botany. 59 (3): 827-844.

[36] L. L. Liu, J. L. Yang, and Y. P. Shi. (2010). "Phytochemicals and biological activities of Pulicaria species". Chemistry & Biodiversity. 7 (2): 327-49. 10.1002/cbdv.200900014.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/cbdv.200900014

[37] E.-g. E S M, U. Shaheen, E. Ragab, A. A. Elhila, and M. R. Abdallah. (2016). "Bioactive constituents of Pulicaria jaubertii: A promising antihypertensive activity". The Pharmaceutical Journal. 8 : 81-86.

[38] S. Chandra and D. S. Rawat. (2015). "Medicinal plants of the family Caryophyllaceae: a review of ethno-medicinal uses and pharmacological properties". Integrative Medicine Research. 4 (3): 123-131. 10.1016/j.imr.2015.06.004.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.imr.2015.06.004

[39] I. Górniak, R. Bartoszewski, and J. Króliczewski. (2018). "Comprehensive review of antimicrobial activities of plant flavonoids". Phytochemistry Reviews. 18 (1): 241-272. 10.1007/s11101-018-9591-z.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11101-018-9591-z

[40] I. S. Carvalho, T. Cavaco, and M. Brodelius. (2011). "Phenolic composition and antioxidant capacity of six artemisia species". Industrial Crops and Products. 33 (2): 382-388. 10.1016/j.indcrop.2010.11.005.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.indcrop.2010.11.005

[41] K. Seddik, N. Iratni, B. Abdelrahmane, H. Daoud, and A. Lekhmici. (2010). "Antioxidant and antibacterial activities of extracts from Artemisia herb alba Asso, leaves and some phenolic compounds". Journal of Medicinal Plants Research. 4 (13): 1273-1280.

[42] T. Souhila, B. Fatma Zohra, and H. S. Tahar. (2019). "Identification and quantification of phenolic compounds of Artemisia herba-alba at three harvest time by HPLC–ESI–Q-TOF–MS". International Journal of Food Properties. 22 (1): 843-852. 10.1080/10942912.2019.1614051.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/10942912.2019.1614051

[43] A. Djeridane, M. Yousfi, B. Nadjemi, N. Vidal, J. F. Lesgards, and P. Stocker. (2006). "Screening of some Algerian medicinal plants for the phenolic compounds and their antioxidant activity". European Food Research and Technology. 224 (6): 801-809. 10.1007/s00217-006-0361-6.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00217-006-0361-6

[44] A. Elmann, E. Beit-Yannai, A. Telerman, R. Ofir, S. Mordechay, H. Erlank, and H. Borochov-Neori. (2016). "Pulicaria incisa infusion attenuates inflammatory responses of brain microglial cells". Journal of Functional Foods. 25 : 110-122. 10.1016/j.jff.2016.05.012.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jff.2016.05.012

[45] J. Triana, M. Lopez, F. J. Perez, F. Leon, J. Quintana, F. Estevez, J. C. Hernandez, J. Gonzalez-Platas, I. Brouard, and J. Bermejo. (2011). "Secondary metabolites from two species of Pulicaria and their cytotoxic activity". Chemistry & Biodiversity. 8 (11): 2080-9. 10.1002/cbdv.201000324.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/cbdv.201000324

[46] S. S. El-Hawary, M. M. Mubarek, R. A. Lotfy, A. R. Hassan, M. Sobeh, and M. M. Okba. (2021). "Validation of Antidiabetic Potential of Gymnocarpos decandrus Forssk". Natural Product Research. 35 (24): 5954-5959. 10.1080/14786419.2020.1805608.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/14786419.2020.1805608

[47] J. R. Widhalm and N. Dudareva. (2015). "A familiar ring to it: biosynthesis of plant benzoic acids". Molecular Plant. 8 (1): 83-97. 10.1016/j.molp.2014.12.001.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.molp.2014.12.001

[48] G. R. Shi, Q. S. Cai, Q. Q. Liu, and L. Wu. (2009). "Salicylic acid-mediated alleviation of cadmium toxicity in hemp plants in relation to cadmium uptake, photosynthesis, and antioxidant enzymes". Acta Physiologiae Plantarum. 31 (5): 969-977. 10.1007/s11738-009-0312-5.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11738-009-0312-5

[49] N. Saruhan, A. Saglam, and A. Kadioglu. (2011). "Salicylic acid pretreatment induces drought tolerance and delays leaf rolling by inducing antioxidant systems in maize genotypes". Acta Physiologiae Plantarum. 34 (1): 97-106. 10.1007/s11738-011-0808-7.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11738-011-0808-7

[50] M. S. Sadak. (2016). "Physiological role of signal molecules in improving plant tolerance under abiotic stress, Review article". International Journal of ChemTech Research. 9 : 46-60.

Downloads

Published

2025-06-12

How to Cite

Alsouk, A. M. S., Turki, Z., & Shahin, S. I. (2025). Antifungal Activity of Three Desert Plants of Artemisia herb alba (Asso.), Pulicaria undulata L.and Gymnocarpos decandrus Against Phytopathogenic Fungi. Bioactivities, 3(1), 7–24. https://doi.org/10.47352/bioactivities.2963-654X.271

Issue

Vol. 3 No. 1 (2025): Bioactivities

Section

Articles

License

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Authors who publish with this journal agree to the following terms:
  1. Authors retain copyright and acknowledge that the Bioactivities is the first publisher, licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
  2. Authors are able to enter into separate, additional contractual arrangements for the non-exclusive distribution of the journal's published version of the work (e.g., post it to an institutional repository or publish it in a book), with an acknowledgment of its initial publication in this journal.
  3. Authors are permitted and encouraged to post their work online (e.g., in institutional repositories or on their website) prior to and during the submission process, as it can lead to productive exchanges and earlier and greater citation of published work.
Crossref
Scopus
Google Scholar
Europe PMC