Research Update:Melilotus officinalis.

  seminal trace...Yellow Sweetclover Extract.Melilot extract.Yellow Melilot Extract.Yellow melilot clover extract.Melilotus officinalis Lam.10:1.crystallizable coumarin.C9H6O2...

 


   Phytochemical info of Melilotus officinalis.

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 Definition:Melilotus officinalis are majorly composed of
 Chemical information disclosed as following table:


   Research Update:Melilotus officinalis.Yellow Sweet clover.Yellow melilot.

  Microwave-assisted extraction of coumarin and related compounds from Melilotus officinalis (L.) Pallas as an alternative to Soxhlet and ultrasound-assisted extraction.:J Chromatogr A. 2006 Sep 1;1125(2):147-51.Martino E, Ramaiola I, Urbano M, Bracco F, Collina S.Department of Territorial Ecology and Enviroment University of Pavia, Via S. Epifanio, 14-27100 Pavia, Italy.

 Soxhlet extraction, ultrasound-assisted extraction (USAE) and microwaves-assisted extraction (MAE) in closed system have been investigated to determine the content of coumarin, o-coumaric and melilotic acids in flowering tops of Melilotus officinalis. The extracts were analyzed with an appropriate HPLC procedure. The reproducibility of extraction and of chromatographic analysis was proved. Taking into account the extraction yield, the cost and the time, we studied the effects of extraction variables on the yield of the above-mentioned compounds. Better results were obtained with MAE (50% v/v aqueous ethanol, two heating cycles of 5 min, 50 degrees C). On the basis of the ratio extraction yield/extraction time, we therefore propose MAE as the most efficient method.

  The flavoring agent dihydrocoumarin reverses epigenetic silencing and inhibits sirtuin deacetylases.:PLoS Genet. 2005 Dec;1(6):e77. Epub 2005 Dec 16.Olaharski AJ, Rine J, Marshall BL, Babiarz J, Zhang L, Verdin E, Smith MT.School of Public Health, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA. drewski@berkeley.edu

 Sirtuins are a family of phylogenetically conserved nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide-dependent deacetylases that have a firmly established role in aging. Using a simple Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast heterochromatic derepression assay, we tested a number of environmental chemicals to address the possibility that humans are exposed to sirtuin inhibitors. Here we show that dihydrocoumarin (DHC), a compound found in Melilotus officinalis (sweet clover) that is commonly added to food and cosmetics, disrupted heterochromatic silencing and inhibited yeast Sir2p as well as human SIRT1 deacetylase activity. DHC exposure in the human TK6 lymphoblastoid cell line also caused concentration-dependent increases in p53 acetylation and cytotoxicity. Flow cytometric analysis to detect annexin V binding to phosphatidylserine demonstrated that DHC increased apoptosis more than 3-fold over controls. Thus, DHC inhibits both yeast Sir2p and human SIRT1 deacetylases and increases p53 acetylation and apoptosis, a phenotype associated with senescence and aging. These findings demonstrate that humans are potentially exposed to epigenetic toxicants that inhibit sirtuin deacetylases.

  Effect of root death and decay on dissipation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the rhizosphere of yellow sweet clover and tall fescue.:J Environ Qual. 2005 Jan-Feb;34(1):207-16.Parrish ZD, Banks MK, Schwab AP.Department of Soil and Water, Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, 123 Huntington Street, New Haven, CT 06511, USA.

 A 12-mo greenhouse study was conducted to evaluate the contribution of root death and decay on the dissipation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in rhizosphere soil. The contaminated soil was previously treated by land-farming, but residual PAHs remained after treatment. Tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) and yellow sweet clover (Melilotus officinalis Lam.) were the target plants. To specifically evaluate the effect of root decay on contaminant dissipation, plants were treated with glyphosate, a broad spectrum herbicide, to induce root decay. Although tall fescue treatments had the highest root and shoot biomass and root surface area, this plant did not result in the highest contaminant degradation rates. Significant differences were noted between treatments for seven PAHs, with the active yellow sweet clover resulting in 60 to 75% degradation of these compounds. Induced root death and decay did not produce a significant enhancement of PAH degradation. The PAH microbial degrader populations in the vegetated treatments were more than 100 times greater than those in the unvegetated control. The phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) structural group profile shifted over the growing period, indicating a change in the community structure. In conclusion, phytoremediation was shown to be an effective polishing tool for PAH-affected soil previously subjected to biological treatment.

  Chronic venous insufficiency: an open trial of FLEBS Crema.:Minerva Cardioangiol. 2003 Aug;51(4):411-6. Italian.Consoli A.Docente di Fisiopatologia Chirurgica, Universit¨¤ degli Studi di Catania, Catania, Italy.

 AIM: This study was realized to evaluate the FLEBS CREMA tolerability and its therapeutic efficacy, in patients with functional disease linked to not complicated venous or lymphatic insufficiency. This compound acts as vasoconstrictor thanks to the vegetable extract of Ruscus aculeatus, but it is also able to reduce the edema, thanks to the vegetable extract of Melilotus officinalis. METHODS: All the patients were treated for three weeks with FLEBS CREMA, that was applied 2 or 3 times a day, on both legs. The traditional clinical parameters of chronic venous insufficiency (IVC) (edema, pain, heaviness, itch, cramps and other symptoms) were evaluated during the treatment. RESULTS: The results show an improvement for all the monitored symptoms, also if the positive clinical response was different for each evaluated parameter. The best results were obtained for edema, pain, heaviness and itch: the statistical analysis shows indeed a significant difference between the beginning and the end of the treatment. In this study the dermo-cosmetic qualities and the tolerability of FLEBS CREMA were also evaluated: both these parameters obtained a positive clinical evaluation. CONCLUSIONS: Basing on these data, the final evaluation for this compound was good/very good for the 80-90% both doctor and patients.

  Leghaemoglobin oxygenation gradients in alfalfa and yellow sweetclover nodules.:J Exp Bot. 2003 Mar;54(384):1085-91.Denison RF, Okano Y.Agronomy and Range Science, University of California, 1 Shields Ave, Davis, CA 95616, USA. rfdenison@ucdavis.edu

 Respiration in support of N(2) fixation by rhizobia in legume root nodules depends on an adequate supply of O(2), but excessive O(2) can damage nitrogenase, the key enzyme. The movement of O(2) into and within the nodule is driven by gradients in the concentration of O(2) or in the oxygenation of the O(2)-carrier, leghaemoglobin. Steeper gradients may increase flux to the sites of respiration, but gradients also raise the possibility of inadequate O(2) in some nodule zones and excessive O(2) in others. No detailed study of O(2) gradients in the interior of nodules has been published previously. Spectral changes in leghaemoglobin with oxygenation, previously used to measure the average O(2) status of the nodule interior, were used to map longitudinal gradients in O(2) and in respiratory capacity in the elongated nodules of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) and sweetclover (Melilotus officinalis L.). Variability among nodules under air in the magnitude and direction of internal O(2) gradients was seen in both species. Despite consistently higher respiratory capacity near the meristematic tip, a majority of nodules had higher O(2) towards the tip than towards the base. These results contrast with a previous report, apparently based on limited data, but they are consistent with anatomical and tracer studies showing higher gas permeability near the tip.


  Effects of Melilotus officinalis on acute inflammation.:Phytother Res. 2002 Jun;16(4):316-9.Ple?ca-Manea L, Parvu AE, Parvu M, Ta?ma? M, Buia R, Puia M. Department of Pathophysiology, Iuliu Ha?ieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.

 Our study investigated the effects of Melilotus officinalis L. extract, containing 0.25% coumarin, on acute inflammation induced with oil of turpentine in male rabbits. The results were compared with those from a group treated with hydrocortisone sodium hemisuccinate and one injected with coumarin before inflammation was induced. The effects were evaluated by measuring serum citrulline, a test of in vitro phagocytosis, total leukocyte count and differential leukocyte count expressed as a percentage. M. officinalis had antiinflammatory effects because it reduced the activation of circulating phagocytes and lowered citrulline production. These properties were similar to those of hydrocortisone sodium hemisuccinate and coumarin. In the bone marrow acute phase response, M. officinalis had an inhibitory action that was lower than that of hydrocortisone sodium hemisuccinate and similar to coumarin.

  Effectiveness of the combination of alpha tocopherol, rutin, melilotus, and centella asiatica in the treatment of patients with chronic venous insufficiency.:Minerva Cardioangiol. 2001 Apr;49(2):159-63. Italian.Cataldi A, Gasbarro V, Viaggi R, Soverini R, Gresta E, Mascoli F.Unit¨¤ Operativa Chirurgia Vascolare, Arcispedale S. Anna, Turin, Italy. alberto.cataldi@galactica.it

 BACKGROUND: The aim of this comparative clinical study was to evaluate the efficacy of the association of alphatocopherol, rutin, melilotus officinalis, and centella asiatica with oral administration in patients with chronic venous insufficiency. METHODS: Thirty patients with chronic venous insufficiency have been randomized in two groups of fifteen subjects (control and treatment group). During the period of treatment the patients didn't wear elastocompressive stockings. The therapeutic efficacy and the clinical tolerability of this association have been valued with clinical-instrumental evaluations and by a control after 15 and 30 days. Functional bothers, cramps and the edema have been valued in function presence and of their gravity with a clinical-score between 0 and 4. RESULTS: At the end of the observation period, a significant improvement of the clinical simptomatology was obtained, characterised by a diminution of the sovrafascial edema. CONCLUSIONS: The present study confirms previous clinical experiences regarding the described treatment and suggests its application in chronic venous insufficiency.

  Lymphedema of the upper extremity in patients operated for carcinoma of the breast: clinical experience with coumarinic extract from Melilotus officinalis.:Clin Ter. 1999 Nov-Dec;150(6):403-8. Italian.Pastura G, Mesiti M, Saitta M, Romeo D, Settineri N, Maisano R, Petix M, Giudice A.IST (Istituto Nazionale per la Ricerca sul Cancro) Genova, Italia.

 OBJECTIVES: The aim of this clinical study was to verify the therapeutic activity of cumarinic extract of Melilotus officinalis (CEMO) in patients with chronic lymphedema of the upper arm caused by lymphadenectomy for breast cancer. Cumarine, in fact, has antiedemic properties due to macrophagic action that stimulates proteolysis in the tissues affected by chronic lymphedema. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In an open clinical study we enrolled 24 patients with chronic upper arm lymphedema due to post-lymphadenectomy of the axilla for breast cancer. 21 patients were eligible to receive 400 mg of CEMO containing 8 mg of cumarine in a sole daily administration for 6 months. We measure the circumference of the upper arm at 3 and 6 months from treatment. We evaluated the symptoms and tolerability through a questionnaire given to the patients at every clinical control. RESULTS: Of the 21 (87.5%) patients eligible, only 14 (66.6%) were treated with CEMO according to protocol. Of these 11 patients (52.3%) had a reduction of the circumference of the affected arm of 5% with respect to base values. Three patients (14.2%) had no change. In 12 patients (57.1%) symptoms improved. As for tolerability: 3 patients (14.2%) had transitory gastrointestinal side-effects. There was worsening of lymphedema and symptoms in 4 patients (19%) that did not receive CEMO and were followed as controls. Three patients (14.2%) were not evaluable because they were lost to follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Cumarinic extract of Melilotus officinalis (CEMO) was effective in reducing lymphedema in 79% of the pts treated for a period of six months. The median reduction of the upper arm circumference was modest (5% with respect to initial values) but statistically significant (p = 0.048). Treatment with CEMO for lymphedema could be associated to the physiotherapy given to these patients such as manual lymph drainage (MLD).

  A new oleanene glucuronide obtained from the aerial parts of Melilotus officinalis.:Chem Pharm Bull. 2000 Feb;48(2):286-7.

 A new oleanene glucuronide called melilotus-saponin O2 (1) was isolated together with three known ones (soyasaponin I, astragaloside VIII, wistariasaponin D) from the aerial parts of Melilotus officinalis (L.) Pallas (Leguminosae). The structure of 1 was determined to be 3-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->2)-beta-D-xylopyranosyl- (1-->2)-beta-D-glucuronopyranosyl melilotigenin by spectroscopic and chemical methods.

  Expression of beta-amylase from alfalfa taproots.:Plant Physiol. 1998 Dec;118(4):1495-506. Gana JA, Kalengamaliro NE, Cunningham SM, Volenec JJ. Department of Agronomy, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907-1150, USA.

 Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) roots contain large quantities of beta-amylase, but little is known about its role in vivo. We studied this by isolating a beta-amylase cDNA and by examining signals that affect its expression. The beta-amylase cDNA encoded a 55.95-kD polypeptide with a deduced amino acid sequence showing high similarity to other plant beta-amylases. Starch concentrations, beta-amylase activities, and beta-amylase mRNA levels were measured in roots of alfalfa after defoliation, in suspension-cultured cells incubated in sucrose-rich or -deprived media, and in roots of cold-acclimated germ plasms. Starch levels, beta-amylase activities, and beta-amylase transcripts were reduced significantly in roots of defoliated plants and in sucrose-deprived cell cultures. beta-Amylase transcript was high in roots of intact plants but could not be detected 2 to 8 d after defoliation. beta-Amylase transcript levels increased in roots between September and October and then declined 10-fold in November and December after shoots were killed by frost. Alfalfa roots contain greater beta-amylase transcript levels compared with roots of sweetclover (Melilotus officinalis L.), red clover (Trifolium pratense L.), and birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus L.). Southern analysis indicated that beta-amylase is present as a multigene family in alfalfa. Our results show no clear association between beta-amylase activity or transcript abundance and starch hydrolysis in alfalfa roots. The great abundance of beta-amylase and its unexpected patterns of gene expression and protein accumulation support our current belief that this protein serves a storage function in roots of this perennial species.


  A new oleanene glucuronide having a branched-chain sugar from Melilotus officinalis.:Chem Pharm Bull. 1998 Mar;46(3):526-7.

 A new oleanene glucuronide called melilotus-saponin O1 (1) was isolated together with three known ones from the roots of Melilotus officinalis (L.) PALLAS (Leguminosae). The structure of 1 was determined to be 3-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->2)-alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl-(1--> 3)]- beta-D-galactopyranosyl-(1-->2)-beta-D-glucuronopyranosyl soyasapogenol B by spectroscopic and chemical methods.

  Contribution of a combination of alpha and beta benzopyrones, flavonoids and natural terpenes in the treatment of lymphedema of the lower limbs at the 2d stage of the surgical classification.:Minerva Cardioangiol. 1996 Sep;44(9):447-55. Italian.Vettorello G, Cerreta G, Derwish A, Cataldi A, Schettino A, Occhionorelli S, Donini I.Istituto di Clinica Chirurgica, Universit¨¤ degli Studi, Ferrara.

 HYPOTHESIS: To create a phlebolymphologic therapy in order: to activate venous system; to activate lymphatic system; to activate macrophagic system; to reduce the proteic lymphatic load. EXPERIMENTAL: A study was performed on the use of an ideal phlebolymphological association (Tonka Beans, Gingko Biloba, Melilotus Officinalis) as a practical standpoint in the treatment of lymphedema of lower limbs in order to create an efficacious dose of Coumarin, Benzopyrones and Ginkolidi. CLINICAL: We investigated a population of 76 patients treated in an open-label study for six-eight months with a dosage of Coumarin 60 mg/daily + Gingko Biloba 40 mg/daily + Melilotus 40 mg/daily. CONCLUSION: This trilogy induced a very significant improvement in lymphedema (centimeter-aspect) both in functional symptoms (pain heaviness in affected limbs) and physical signs (edema, episodes of infection). Tolerance of long term treatment was good and the improvement was observed from the third month of treatment.

  Ferric Leghemoglobin in Plant-Attached Leguminous Nodules.:Plant Physiol. 1995 Sep;109(1):261-267.Lee K, Shearman LL, Erickson BK, Klucas RV.International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics, Patancheru, AP502324, India (K.-k.L).

 Leghemoglobin (Lb) is essential for nitrogen fixation by intact leguminous nodules. To determine whether ferric Lb (Lb3+) was detectable in nodules under normal or stressed conditions, we monitored the status of Lb in intact nodules attached to sweet clover (Melilotus officinalis) and soybean (Glycine max [L.] Merr.) roots exposed to various conditions. The effects of N2 and O2 streams and elevated nicotinate levels on root-attached nodules were tested to determine whether the spectrophotometric technique was showing the predicted responses of Lb. The soybean and sweet clover nodules' Lb spectra indicated predominantly ferrous Lb and LbO2 in young (34 d) plants. As the nodule aged beyond 45 d, it was possible to induce Lb3+ with a 100% O2 stream (15 min). At 65 d without inducement, the nodule Lb status indicated the presence of some Lb3+ along with ferrous Lb and oxyferrous Lb. Nicotinate and fluoride were used as ligands to identify Lb3+. Computer-calculated difference spectra were used to demonstrate the changes in Lb spectra under different conditions. Some conditions that increased absorbance in the 626 nm region (indicating Lb3+ accumulation) were root-fed ascorbate and dehydroascorbate, plant exposure to darkness, and nodule water immersion.

  Forage intake and digestion by cattle grazing midgrass prairie rangeland or sideoats grama/sweetclover pasture.:J Anim Sci. 1993 Dec;71(12):3432-41.Gunter SA, McCollum FT 3rd, Gillen RL, Krysl LJ.Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station, Stillwater 74078-0102.

 In mid-May, beef cattle fitted with esophageal (four steers/pasture) or ruminal and duodenal cannulas (six heifers/pasture; 274 +/- 6 kg BW +/- SE) grazed midgrass prairie (excellent range condition; PRAIRIE) or a seeded mixture of sideoats grama (48% of pasture DM) and sweetclover (6% of pasture DM; Bouteloua curtipendula [Michx.] Torr./Melilotus officinalis [L.] Lam.; PASTURE). Masticate NDF, ADF, and in vitro OM disappearance did not differ (P > .11) between forage types (average = 66.6, 36.1, and 58.8% of OM). Only N differed (P = .02) between PRAIRIE (2.1) and PASTURE (2.4% of OM). Extents of in situ OM and N disappearance were greater (P < .05) and rate of N disappearance between 12 and 36 h was slower (P < .10) from PRAIRIE than from PASTURE masticate. Based on in situ data, the ruminally degraded N: ruminally degraded OM (grams/kilogram) ratio differed (P < .05) between PRAIRIE (22) and PASTURE (25). Ruminal ammonia N concentration (milligrams/deciliter) was less (P = .02) for PRAIRIE (2.8) than for PASTURE (3.8). Forage OM intake and fecal OM output did not differ (P > .72; average = 8,207 and 3,380 g/d), but duodenal OM flow tended (P = .13) to be greater (PRAIRIE = 4,892, PASTURE = 5,170 g/d) in cattle grazing PASTURE. Apparent and true ruminal OM digestion did not differ between forage types (P > .18; average = 38.3 and 48.5%). Nitrogen intake, nonammonia N, and forage N flow at the duodenum were greater (P < .04) for PASTURE (198 vs 171, 242 vs 210, and 162 vs 135 g/d) than for PRAIRIE. Microbial N flow (average = 78 g/d) and microbial efficiency (average = 20 g of microbial N/kg of OM truly fermented) did not differ (P > .25) between forage types. Apparent and true ruminal N digestion did not differ (P > .65; average = -26.6 and 19.3%) between forage types. Flow of nonammonia N was in excess relative to digestible OM intake; hence, digestible OM intake seemed to be first-limiting for performance by cattle grazing either forage type.

  In vitro determination of the spermicidal activity of plant saponins.:Pharmazie. 1985 Aug;40(8):585.Primorac M, Sekulovi? D, Antoni? S.

 PIP: The plant kingdom might yield an effective antifertility drug. A Mentha arvensis L. (Labiatae) fraction with uterotonic activity was isolated, and was found to be active on the nonpregnant as well as the pregnant rat uterus. According to folklore medicine, the Mexican plant Montanoa tomentosa Cerv. (zoapatle) possesses antifertility activity in women. The effect of various isolated preparations from this plant on early pregnancy were investigated in serveral rodent species including the mouse, rat hamster, and guinea pig. It was concluded that zoapatle plant extracts possess unique antifertility activity. Lin-Hsim and coworkers isolated fractions from Aristolochia molissima Hanceith contrceptive activity in female mice. Saponins of some plants were used in contraceptive formulations either as foaming agents or as spermicidal substances. Elbary and Nour investigated the spermicidal effects of saponins isolated from the following plants: Gypsophila paniculata L., Saponaria officinalis L., Enterolobium cyclocarpum, Griseb., Terminalia horrida Steud., Melilotus sicula Vitm., and Ruscus hypoglossum L. All of the saponins tested possessed spermicidal activity. Jain and coworkers isolated 2 new saponins in Pittosporum nilghrense with spermicidal effects. In this paper we have determined the spermicidal activity of saponins isolated from some Yugoslav plants, which in that aspect have not been investigated. The results are illustrated in the table. They show that all of the saponins tested were spermicidal in dependence on their nature. Saponins of Primula vulgaris Huds. and Cyclamen persicum Mill. immobilized human spermatozoa within a period of 20 s at a dilution 1:1000. Saponin of Gypsophila paniculata L. was spermicidal at dilution 1:20. These findings show that saponins isolated from some Yugoslav plants may be useful spermicides of natural origin. author's modified.


  Multielement residues in tissues of guinea pigs fed sweet clover grown on fly ash.:Arch Environ Health. 1975 May;30(5):245-8.Furr K, Stoewsand GS, Bache CA, Gutenmann WA.

 Yellow sweet clover (Melilotus officinalis) was harvested from fly ash dumped in a landfill site at Lansing, NY. This clover was chopped, dried, and formulated at 45% into an otherwise purified diet and fed to six guinea pigs for 90 days. Control sweet clover was harvested from gravelly subsoil and processed and fed to another group of guinea pigs for the same period. Samples of fly ash, gravelly subsoil, sweet clover, liver, kidneys, and left-rear gastrocnemius muscle of all guinea pigs were freeze-dried and analyzed for 35 elements by neutron activation analysis. The fly ash contained 28 elements at higher levels than the gravelly subsoil, while the clover harvested from fly ash contained 19 elements in increased amounts over those in the clover harvested from the gravel soil. Growth rate of both groups of guinea pigs was similar. Rubidium and selenium were present at higher levels in the tissues of guinea pigs fed the fly ash clover.

  A Temperature-Sensitive Chlorophyll b-Deficient Mutant of Sweetclover (Melilotus alba).:Plant Physiol. 1986 Jun;81(2):329-334.Markwell JP, Danko SJ, Bauwe H, Osterman J, Gorz HJ, Haskins FA.Department of Agricultural Biochemistry, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, Nebraska 68583.

 The ch4 mutant of sweetclover (Melilotus alba) has previously been demonstrated to be partially deficient in chlorophyll and to have a higher ratio of chlorophyll a to b than normal plants. We were able to substantiate these findings when plants were grown at 23 degrees C and lower (permissive temperatures). However, when grown at 26 degrees C (nonpermissive temperature) the plants produced small yellow leaves which exhibited one-twentieth the chlorophyll content of normal plants. Affected leaves did not increase their chlorophyll content when plants were incubated at permissive temperatures, but leaves which developed at the lower temperature contained increased amounts of chlorophyll. Similarly, only new leaves, not previously grown leaves, exhibited the yellow phenotype when the mutant plant was shifted from the permissive temperature to the nonpermissive temperature. Ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase activity was decreased by half, relative to normal plants, in the mutant plants grown at the nonpermissive temperature, indicating that general protein synthesis was not greatly impaired and that the effect of the mutation was perhaps specific for chlorophyll content. HPLC analysis indicated that carotenoid content was not diminished to the same extent as chlorophyll and we have determined that the thylakoid protein kinase is not altered, as is the case for other chlorophyll b-deficient mutants. Experiments suggest that changes in photoperiod may be able to modulate the effect of temperature.

  Sweet clover production and agronomy.:Can Vet J. 1980 May;21(5):149-51.Goplen BP.

 Sweetclover has a notorious reputation for causing "sweetclover disease" when improperly cured. In spite of this, however, sweetclover remains a useful forage legume with valuable agronomic traits. It is drought-resistant and well adapted to Western Canada. Sweetclover is the highest yielding legume forage in this region and is valuable in soil improvement, silage, hay and pasture production and a prized crop for the honey producer. It is the most saline-tolerant of the legumes and is particularly useful on saline "white alkali" soils where cereals and other crops cannot grow.Special precautions are necessary to avoid spoilage and concomitant dicoumarol formation in preserving sweetclover hay and silage. Feeding recommendations are suggested for the safe utilization of spoiled forage. Low coumarin cultivars of sweetclover are completely safe and will not result in sweetclover disease despite spoilage. The breeding program at Saskatoon is expected to produce a new low coumarin (yellow flowered) sweetclover cultivar within the next two years.


  Effects of Melilotus officinalis on acute inflammation.:

 Our study investigated the effects of Melilotus officinalis L. extract, containing 0.25% coumarin, on acute inflammation induced with oil of turpentine in male rabbits. The results were compared with those from a group treated with hydrocortisone sodium hemisuccinate and one injected with coumarin before inflammation was induced. The effects were evaluated by measuring serum citrulline, a test of in vitro phagocytosis, total leukocyte count and differential leukocyte count expressed as a percentage. M. officinalis had antiinflammatory effects because it reduced the activation of circulating phagocytes and lowered citrulline production. These properties were similar to those of hydrocortisone sodium hemisuccinate and coumarin. In the bone marrow acute phase response, M. officinalis had an inhibitory action that was lower than that of hydrocortisone sodium hemisuccinate and similar to coumarin.

  Microwave-assisted extraction of coumarin and related compounds from Melilotus officinalis (L.) Pallas as an alternative to Soxhlet and ultrasound-assisted extraction.M.:

 Soxhlet extraction, ultrasound-assisted extraction (USAE) and microwaves-assisted extraction (MAE) in closed system have been investigated to determine the content of coumarin, o-coumaric and melilotic acids in flowering tops of Melilotus officinalis. The extracts were analyzed with an appropriate HPLC procedure. The reproducibility of extraction and of chromatographic analysis was proved. Taking into account the extraction yield, the cost and the time, we studied the effects of extraction variables on the yield of the above-mentioned compounds. Better results were obtained with MAE (50% v/v aqueous ethanol, two heating cycles of 5min, 50 degrees C). On the basis of the ratio extraction yield/extraction time, we therefore propose MAE as the most efficient method.
 

  Effect of root death and decay on dissipation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the rhizosphere of yellow sweet clover and tall fescue.:

 A 12-mo greenhouse study was conducted to evaluate the contribution of root death and decay on the dissipation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in rhizosphere soil. The contaminated soil was previously treated by land-farming, but residual PAHs remained after treatment. Tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) and yellow sweet clover (Melilotus officinalis Lam.) were the target plants. To specifically evaluate the effect of root decay on contaminant dissipation, plants were treated with glyphosate, a broad spectrum herbicide, to induce root decay. Although tall fescue treatments had the highest root and shoot biomass and root surface area, this plant did not result in the highest contaminant degradation rates. Significant differences were noted between treatments for seven PAHs, with the active yellow sweet clover resulting in 60 to 75% degradation of these compounds. Induced root death and decay did not produce a significant enhancement of PAH degradation. The PAH microbial degrader populations in the vegetated treatments were more than 100 times greater than those in the unvegetated control. The phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) structural group profile shifted over the growing period, indicating a change in the community structure. In conclusion, phytoremediation was shown to be an effective polishing tool for PAH-affected soil previously subjected to biological treatment.

  Effectiveness of phytoremediation as a secondary treatment for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in composted soil.:

 A greenhouse study was conducted over a 12-month period to investigate the fate of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in soil using phytoremediation as a secondary treatment. The soil was pretreated by composting for 12 weeks, then planted with tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea), annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum), and yellow sweet clover (Melilotus officinalis). Two sets of unvegetated controls also were evaluated, one fertilized and one unfertilized. Total PAH concentrations decreased in the tall fescue, annual ryegrass, and yellow sweet clover treatments by 23.9%, 15.3%, and 9.1%, respectively, whereas the control was reduced by less than 5%. The smaller two- and most of the three-ringed compounds--naphthalene, acenaphthylene, acenaphthene, fluorene, and anthracene--were not found in detectable concentrations in any of the treatments. The most probable number analysis for microbial PAH degraders did not show any statistically significant differences among treatments. There were significant differences among treatments (p < 0.05) for the residual concentrations of five of the target PAHs. Root surface area measurements indicated that tall fescue and annual ryegrass both had significantly higher root surface area than yellow sweet clover, although the two species were not significantly different from each other. The tall fescue treatment resulted in the highest root and shoot biomass, followed by annual ryegrass and yellow sweet clover, and also had the highest percent of contaminant removal after 12 months. These results imply a positive relationship between plant biomass development and PAH biodegradation.
 

  Leghaemoglobin oxygenation gradients in alfalfa and yellow sweetclover nodules.:

 Respiration in support of N(2) fixation by rhizobia in legume root nodules depends on an adequate supply of O(2), but excessive O(2) can damage nitrogenase, the key enzyme. The movement of O(2) into and within the nodule is driven by gradients in the concentration of O(2) or in the oxygenation of the O(2)-carrier, leghaemoglobin. Steeper gradients may increase flux to the sites of respiration, but gradients also raise the possibility of inadequate O(2) in some nodule zones and excessive O(2) in others. No detailed study of O(2) gradients in the interior of nodules has been published previously. Spectral changes in leghaemoglobin with oxygenation, previously used to measure the average O(2) status of the nodule interior, were used to map longitudinal gradients in O(2) and in respiratory capacity in the elongated nodules of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) and sweetclover (Melilotus officinalis L.). Variability among nodules under air in the magnitude and direction of internal O(2) gradients was seen in both species. Despite consistently higher respiratory capacity near the meristematic tip, a majority of nodules had higher O(2) towards the tip than towards the base. These results contrast with a previous report, apparently based on limited data, but they are consistent with anatomical and tracer studies showing higher gas permeability near the tip.

  Effectiveness of the combination of alpha tocopherol, rutin, melilotus, and centella asiatica in the treatment of patients with chronic venous insufficiency.:

 BACKGROUND: The aim of this comparative clinical study was to evaluate the efficacy of the association of alphatocopherol, rutin, melilotus officinalis, and centella asiatica with oral administration in patients with chronic venous insufficiency. METHODS: Thirty patients with chronic venous insufficiency have been randomized in two groups of fifteen subjects (control and treatment group). During the period of treatment the patients didn't wear elastocompressive stockings. The therapeutic efficacy and the clinical tolerability of this association have been valued with clinical-instrumental evaluations and by a control after 15 and 30 days. Functional bothers, cramps and the edema have been valued in function presence and of their gravity with a clinical-score between 0 and 4. RESULTS: At the end of the observation period, a significant improvement of the clinical simptomatology was obtained, characterised by a diminution of the sovrafascial edema. CONCLUSIONS: The present study confirms previous clinical experiences regarding the described treatment and suggests its application in chronic venous insufficiency.


  Lymphedema of the upper extremity in patients operated for carcinoma of the breast: clinical experience with coumarinic extract from Melilotus officinalis.:

 OBJECTIVES: The aim of this clinical study was to verify the therapeutic activity of cumarinic extract of Melilotus officinalis (CEMO) in patients with chronic lymphedema of the upper arm caused by lymphadenectomy for breast cancer. Cumarine, in fact, has antiedemic properties due to macrophagic action that stimulates proteolysis in the tissues affected by chronic lymphedema. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In an open clinical study we enrolled 24 patients with chronic upper arm lymphedema due to post-lymphadenectomy of the axilla for breast cancer. 21 patients were eligible to receive 400 mg of CEMO containing 8 mg of cumarine in a sole daily administration for 6 months. We measure the circumference of the upper arm at 3 and 6 months from treatment. We evaluated the symptoms and tolerability through a questionnaire given to the patients at every clinical control. RESULTS: Of the 21 (87.5%) patients eligible, only 14 (66.6%) were treated with CEMO according to protocol. Of these 11 patients (52.3%) had a reduction of the circumference of the affected arm of 5% with respect to base values. Three patients (14.2%) had no change. In 12 patients (57.1%) symptoms improved. As for tolerability: 3 patients (14.2%) had transitory gastrointestinal side-effects. There was worsening of lymphedema and symptoms in 4 patients (19%) that did not receive CEMO and were followed as controls. Three patients (14.2%) were not evaluable because they were lost to follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Cumarinic extract of Melilotus officinalis (CEMO) was effective in reducing lymphedema in 79% of the pts treated for a period of six months. The median reduction of the upper arm circumference was modest (5% with respect to initial values) but statistically significant (p = 0.048). Treatment with CEMO for lymphedema could be associated to the physiotherapy given to these patients such as manual lymph drainage (MLD).
 

  A new oleanene glucuronide obtained from the aerial parts of Melilotus officinalis.:

 A new oleanene glucuronide called melilotus-saponin O2 (1) was isolated together with three known ones (soyasaponin I, astragaloside VIII, wistariasaponin D) from the aerial parts of Melilotus officinalis (L.) Pallas (Leguminosae). The structure of 1 was determined to be 3-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->2)-beta-D-xylopyranosyl- (1-->2)-beta-D-glucuronopyranosyl melilotigenin by spectroscopic and chemical methods.

  A new oleanene glucuronide having a branched-chain sugar from Melilotus officinalis.:

 A new oleanene glucuronide called melilotus-saponin O1 (1) was isolated together with three known ones from the roots of Melilotus officinalis (L.) PALLAS (Leguminosae). The structure of 1 was determined to be 3-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->2)-alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl-(1--> 3)]- beta-D-galactopyranosyl-(1-->2)-beta-D-glucuronopyranosyl soyasapogenol B by spectroscopic and chemical methods.

  Contribution of a combination of alpha and beta benzopyrones, flavonoids and natural terpenes in the treatment of lymphedema of the lower limbs at the 2d stage of the surgical classification.:

 Hypothesis: To create a phlebolymphologic therapy in order: to activate venous system; to activate lymphatic system; to activate macrophagic system; to reduce the proteic lymphatic load. EXPERIMENTAL: A study was performed on the use of an ideal phlebolymphological association (Tonka Beans, Gingko Biloba, Melilotus Officinalis) as a practical standpoint in the treatment of lymphedema of lower limbs in order to create an efficacious dose of Coumarin, Benzopyrones and Ginkolidi. CLINICAL: We investigated a population of 76 patients treated in an open-label study for six-eight months with a dosage of Coumarin 60 mg/daily + Gingko Biloba 40 mg/daily + Melilotus 40 mg/daily. CONCLUSION: This trilogy induced a very significant improvement in lymphedema (centimeter-aspect) both in functional symptoms (pain heaviness in affected limbs) and physical signs (edema, episodes of infection). Tolerance of long term treatment was good and the improvement was observed from the third month of treatment.

  Forage intake and digestion by cattle grazing midgrass prairie rangeland or sideoats grama/sweetclover pasture.:

 In mid-May, beef cattle fitted with esophageal (four steers/pasture) or ruminal and duodenal cannulas (six heifers/pasture; 274 +/- 6 kg BW +/- SE) grazed midgrass prairie (excellent range condition; PRAIRIE) or a seeded mixture of sideoats grama (48% of pasture DM) and sweetclover (6% of pasture DM; Bouteloua curtipendula [Michx.] Torr./Melilotus officinalis [L.] Lam.; PASTURE). Masticate NDF, ADF, and in vitro OM disappearance did not differ (P > .11) between forage types (average = 66.6, 36.1, and 58.8% of OM). Only N differed (P = .02) between PRAIRIE (2.1) and PASTURE (2.4% of OM). Extents of in situ OM and N disappearance were greater (P < .05) and rate of N disappearance between 12 and 36 h was slower (P < .10) from PRAIRIE than from PASTURE masticate. Based on in situ data, the ruminally degraded N: ruminally degraded OM (grams/kilogram) ratio differed (P < .05) between PRAIRIE (22) and PASTURE (25). Ruminal ammonia N concentration (milligrams/deciliter) was less (P = .02) for PRAIRIE (2.8) than for PASTURE (3.8). Forage OM intake and fecal OM output did not differ (P > .72; average = 8,207 and 3,380 g/d), but duodenal OM flow tended (P = .13) to be greater (PRAIRIE = 4,892, PASTURE = 5,170 g/d) in cattle grazing PASTURE. Apparent and true ruminal OM digestion did not differ between forage types (P > .18; average = 38.3 and 48.5%). Nitrogen intake, nonammonia N, and forage N flow at the duodenum were greater (P < .04) for PASTURE (198 vs 171, 242 vs 210, and 162 vs 135 g/d) than for PRAIRIE. Microbial N flow (average = 78 g/d) and microbial efficiency (average = 20 g of microbial N/kg of OM truly fermented) did not differ (P > .25) between forage types. Apparent and true ruminal N digestion did not differ (P > .65; average = -26.6 and 19.3%) between forage types. Flow of nonammonia N was in excess relative to digestible OM intake; hence, digestible OM intake seemed to be first-limiting for performance by cattle grazing either forage type.


  Scientific References:

  1.Research Update:Melilotus officinalis.