Speakers
Description
Invasive plants, despite being viewed with skepticism due to their negative effects mainly on environmental biodiversity, proved to be valuable resources, from a medical or an industrial perspective. Some of these plants are characterized by relevant biological properties, relatively low cytotoxicity, coloring properties, being also used in environmental remediation, as biopesticides or in biorefinery processes. The present study aimed to investigate two invasive species well represented in Romania, Ailanthus altissima and Rhus typhina, often mistaken for each other due to the similarity of their leaves’ appearance, but differentiated by chemical composition. Ethanol extracts of dried powder of autumnal A. altissima leaves presented a significant antioxidant activity, supported by the polyphenol content such as gallic acid, catechin and quercetin. The extract showed inhibition diameters of 10 mm against several strains of pathogenic bacteria, in particular against Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecalis. Fruits of R. typhina proved to be a valuable source of phenolic compounds, such as myricetin, p-coumaric and ferulic acids, the ethanolic extract showing antibacterial activity against Streptococcus pyogenes and Salmonella enterica, with inhibition diameters >10 mm. From a practical viewpoint, the high tannin content in A. altissima leaves and the presence of anthocyanins in R. typhina fruits suggest that these species could serve as relevant raw materials for the textile ecodyeing, tannins being well known for their ability to bind strongly to textile fibers, improving dye fixation and color fastness, while anthocyanins provide a wide range of natural red to purple hues.
Considering our results regarding good bioactivities of the investigated species and the successful cotton dyeing with R. typhina fruit extracts, these species may find application for pharmaceutical and industrial purposes. Transforming these species into useful products can contribute to reducing environmental pollution, improving human well-being and supporting the gradual development of a sustainable economy.
