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- MakaleAçık Erişim2026Scopus SJRQ2Antioxidant capacity and α-glucosidase inhibitor activity of Bryonia aspera extracts and its major constituent p-coumaric acid: Phytochemical analysis, biological evaluation and computational approach
Tuncay, Salih; Karasakal, Ömer Faruk; Açar, Mikail; Toptancı, İsra; Şenol, Halil; Çırak, Olgun; Işık, Mesut; Beydemir, Şükrü
This study comprehensively investigated the phenolic composition, antioxidant potential, and α-glucosidase inhibitory properties of B. aspera Steven ex Ledeb. extracts using integrated in vitro and in silico approaches. LC-MS/MS analysis identified seven major phenolic compounds, caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid, galangin, gallic acid, naringenin, p-coumaric acid, and rutin, with p-coumaric acid being the most abundant (306.71 mg/kg in aerial and 155.56 mg/kg in root extracts). Both extracts exhibited strong antioxidant and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities, particularly the aerial extract (IC50 = 0.678 and 0.173 for DPPH, ABTS, respectively and 0.022 mg/mL for α-glucosidase inhibition). Molecular docking and MM-GBSA analyses supported these findings, showing that p-coumaric acid had the strongest binding to α-glucosidase (–7.783 kcal/mol, ΔG = –47.76 kcal/mol), stabilized by key interactions with Asp-62, Arg-200, His-332, and Arg-400. A 250 ns molecular dynamics simulation confirmed the stability of the complex, and in silico ADME analysis revealed good oral absorption (67%) and compliance with Lipinski’s rule. Overall, results indicate that p-coumaric acid is the primary bioactive compound contributing to the antioxidant and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity of B. aspera, with promising potential as a natural lead for α-glucosidase inhibition.
- MakaleAçık Erişim2026Scopus SJRQ2Sustainable epoxy based biocomposites reinforced with Melilotus officinalis: Structural, mechanical, thermal, and dielectric performance evaluation
Solmaz, Adnan; Açar, Mikail; Demirel, Maruf Hurşit; Deniz, Şermin; Aydoğmuş, Ercan
The aim of this study is to investigate the manufacturability of Melilotus officinalis (L.) reinforced epoxy biocomposites as a renewable biofiller and to characterize the mechanical, thermal, and dielectric properties of these materials. For this purpose, composites containing biomass at 0, 3, 6, and 9 wt.% were prepared; the samples were examined by tensile testing, FTIR, SEM, EDX, XRD, Shore D hardness, thermal conductivity, and dielectric analysis. The findings showed that with increasing M. officinalis content, tensile strength, hardness, and density decreased, while ductility and elongation at break improved. The significant decrease in thermal conductivity revealed an increase in heat insulation efficiency. Dielectric analyses showed that strong interfacial polarization occurred at low frequencies, and the dielectric constant and loss values decreased as the frequency increased. SEM examinations confirmed that the plant-derived filler was homogeneously distributed and formed acceptable interfacial adhesion with the matrix. In conclusion, although the use of synthetic epoxy matrix and the decrease in mechanical strength limit load-bearing structural applications, M. officinalis is a promising biofiller for lightweight and partially bio-based epoxy composites thanks to its increased ductility and improved thermal insulation properties. © The Author(s) 2026. This article is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/) which permits non-commercial use, reproduction and distribution of the work without further permission provided the original work is attributed as specified on the SAGE and Open Access pages (https://us.sagepub.com/en-us/nam/open-access-at-sage).
- MakaleAçık Erişim2025Antigenotoxic Effects of Stachys viscosa (Lamiaceae), a potential medicinal plant in Drosophila melanogaster
Karabulut, Aygul Kilic; Açar, Mikail
This research aimed to examine the anti-genotoxic properties of Stachys viscosa, a plant of the Lamiaceae family, which has medicinal and aromatic properties and is widely used in cosmetics, food, and pharmaceutical industries. The Drosophila wing somatic mutation and recombination test (SMART), an in vivo tool for evaluating somatic mutation and recombination, was employed. The antigenotoxic effect of the S. viscosa plant against mitomycin C (MMC) mutagen was investigated. The study evaluated doses of 5 mg, 15 mg, 45 mg, and 60 mg of S. viscosa, concluding that doses of 45 mg and 60 mg effectively mitigated DNA damage induced by MMC. At doses of 45 mg and 65 mg, the total number of spots caused by MMC was suppressed by 8.21% and 13.17%, respectively. The data collected indicate that the S. viscosa plant possesses certain anti-genotoxic properties.
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İncele - MakaleYalnız künye2023Scopus SJRQ2Effect of auto-exhaust pollution on leaf anatomy and micromorphology of Pistacia vera L.
Açar, Mikail
One of the important causes of air pollution is automobile emissions Automobile exhausts can be toxic and harmful to plants. In light of this, this study aimed to examine the anatomical and micromorphological effects of auto exhaust pollution on Pistacia vera L. (Pistachio), an important agricultural plant. Pistachio leaflet samples taken from heavy traffic areas and rural areas were compared anatomically and micromorphologically. Also, the data were statistically evaluated. As a result of the study, it was seen that there are anatomical and micromorphological differences between the plant in the rural area and the plant in the heavy traffic area in the city center where air pollution and the number of cars are high. In particular, significant differences were detected in the epidermis surface and cuticle structure, trichome cover, stomatal characteristics, as well as mesophyll width, and epidermis anticlinal outer wall width. As a result, the study revealed that the agriculturally important P. vera is affected by pollution anatomically and micromorphologically.
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İncele - MakaleAçık Erişim2022Scopus SJRQ2A statistical overview to the chromosome characteristics of some Centaurea L. taxa distributed in the Eastern Anatolia (Turkey)
Açar, Mikail; Taşar, Neslihan
This study performed statistical analyses based on chromosome micromor-phology of 18 Centaurea taxa, two of which are endemic. ANOVA, Correlation analy-sis, Discriminant analysis and Cluster analysis were performed to determine the relationships between taxa based on chromosomal features. In addition, according to the data obtained from these analyses, the relationships between taxa and sections were tried to be interpreted. As a result of the analyses, the taxa C. drabifolia Sm. floccosa (Boiss.) Wagenitz & Greuter, C. kotschyi (Boiss. & Heldr.) Hayek var. floccosa (Boiss.) Wagenitz and C. behen L. and C. polypodiifolia Boiss pseudobehen (Boiss.) Wagen-itz were located close to each other. These taxa are located in the same sections in the morphological classification. Besides, in the Discriminant analysis, the taxa of Acrocen-tron, Microlophus, Cheirolepis sections were closely located compared to all other taxa. However, results were not seen to cover all taxa of the sections. This study revealed various chromosomal characteristics of some Centaurea taxa distributed in the Eastern Anatolia. It also performed statistical analyses on these data. While determining the relationships between taxa according to chromosomal characteristics, comparing chromosomal formulas and indices collectively and evaluating the relationships was found to be relatively consistent with morphological classification.
AtıfScopus3WoS3OpenAlex3İncele - MakaleAçık Erişim2022Scopus SJRQ2Comparative karyological analysis of some Turkish Cuscuta L. (Convolvulaceae)
Taşar, Neslihan; Tekbudak, İlhan Kaya; Demir, İbrahim; Açar, Mikail; Kürşat, Murat
This study investigated the somatic chromosome numbers and morphomet-ric properties of 11 different taxa belonging to the genus Cuscuta L., which is one of the parasitic flowering plants and causes significant economic losses on agricultural products. For this purpose, the species were examined karyologically and compared statistically. Belonging to the genus Cuscuta, C. campestris Yunck., C. hyalina Roth, C. kotschyana Boiss., C. babylonica Aucher ex Choisy, C. europaea L., C. kurdica Engelm., C. brevistyla A.Braun ex A.Rich, C. planiflora Ten., C. approximata Bab., C. lupuliformis Krock. C. palaestina Boiss. the chromosome number and morphology of the species were investigated using karyological techniques. Chromosome numbers of the species; C. kotschyana, C. babylonica, C. europaea, C. kurdica, C.planiflora 2n=14; C. campes-tris, C. hyalina, C. approximata, C. lupuliformis, and C. palaestina 2n=28 and C. brevi-styla 2n=42 is determined. Also, the species’ chromosome number, total chromosome length, relative length, arm ratio, centromere index and centromere states, and karyo-type asymmetry values were determined. Chromosome numbers of C. kotschyana and C. kurdica taxa were defined for the first time in this study. Thus, new data on the systematics of these species have been revealed.
AtıfScopus2WoS3OpenAlex3İncele - MakaleYalnız künye2022Scopus SJRQ3Identification of Potential Inhibitors for Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-related Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Angiotensin-converting Enzyme 2 and the Main Protease from Anatolian Traditional Plants
Kılınç, Namık; Açar, Mikail; Tuncay, Salih; Karasakal, Ömer Faruk
Background: The 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has caused a global health catastrophe by affecting the human population around the globe. Unfortunately, there is no specific medi-cation or treatment currently available for COVID-19. Objective: It is extremely important to find effective drug treatment in order to put an end to this pandemic period and return to normal daily life. In this context and considering the urgency, rather than focusing on the discovery of novel compounds, it is critical to explore the effects of existing herbal agents with proven antiviral properties on the virus. Methods: Molecular docking studies were carried out employing three different methods, Glide extra precision (XP) docking, induced fit docking (IFD), and molecular mechanics/generalized born surface area (MM/GBSA), to determine the potential antiviral and antibacterial effects of 58 phytochemicals present in Rosmarinus officinalis, Thymbra spicata, Satureja thymbra, and Stachys lavandulifolia plants against the main protease (Mpro) and angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) enzymes. Results: 7 compounds stood out among all the molecules, showing very high binding affinities. Accord-ing to our findings, the substances chlorogenic acid, rosmarinic acid, and rosmanol exhibited extremely significant binding affinities for both Mpro and ACE2 enzymes. Furthermore, carnosic acid and alpha-cadinol showed potent anti-Mpro activity, whereas caffeic acid and carvacrol exhibited promising anti-ACE2 activity. Conclusion: Chlorogenic acid, rosmarinic acid, rosmanol, carnosic acid, alpha-cadinol, caffeic acid, and carvacrol compounds have been shown to be powerful anti-SARS-CoV-2 agents in docking simulations against Mpro and ACE2 enzymes, as well as ADME investigations.
AtıfScopus32WoS30OpenAlex31İncele - MakaleAçık Erişim2021Anatomical, Palynological and Biochemical Studies on Gundelia dersim Vitek, Yüce & Ergin(Asteraceae) an Endemic of Turkey
Açar, Mikail; Beker Akbulut, Gülçin; Tasar, Neslihan
The Asteraceae family is the largest in the plant kingdom in the world. Gundelia is agenus that belongs to this family and is commonly referred to as the kenger name in Anatolia. Gundeliadersim is also an endemic species defined from Eastern Anatolia. In this study, anatomical,palynological and biochemical properties of G. dersim were discussed. When the anatomical structureof G. dersim was examined, it was seen that the mesophyll type, in which the midrib of the leaf wasdeveloped, was unifacial. There are too many sclerenchymatic cells in the vascular bundles. In addition,laticifer elements were seen on the stem and leaf. Also, it was observed that the pollen of the species isin echinate ornamentation and pollen grains are radial symmetrical, isopolar, tricolporate. Followingbiochemical analysis, pigment analysis, total carbohydrate and lipid peroxidation were performed. Thechlorophyll a and chlorophyll b content of the species in both stem and leaf were analyzed, and the mostchlorophyll content was found in the leaf. With this research, for the first time, a detailed anatomicalinvestigation was conducted on the genus Gundelia, and it is a current view with the first considerationof the anatomical, palynological and biochemical aspects of G. dersim.
AtıfOpenAlex1TR Dizin3İncele - MakaleYalnız künye2021Scopus SJRQ2Homoploid hybrids of Origanum (Lamiaceae) in Turkey: morphological and molecular evidence for a new hybrid
Arabaci, Turan; Çelenk, Sevcan; Özcan, Taner; Martin, Esra; Yazici, Türker; Açar, Mikail; Üzel, Devrim; Dirmenci, Tuncay
In this study, three hybrids of Origanum (Lamiaceae) were examined in detail using morphological, karyological, palynological and molecular approaches. One of the three hybrids, O. × aytacii, is here described for the first time, and is compared with its putative parents, O. sipyleum and O. vulgare subsp. hirtum. In addition to morphological, karyological and palynological features, we also examined nuclear ribosomal DNA (ITS) sequences of O. × intermedium (O. onites × O. sipyleum), O. × intercedens (O. onites × O. vulgare subsp. hirtum) and their purported parental species that share the same area with the new hybrid. Pollen grains were hexacolpate and isopolar. The range of Polar/Equatorial ratio (P/E) of pollen for investigated taxa varied from 0.74 to 0.99. All investigated taxa are diploid with a chromosome number as 2n = 30. According to molecular results, O. × aytacii was the most polymorphic taxon. In addition, DNA sequences showed that O. × intercedens was more similar to O. vulgare subsp. hirtum than to O. onites, and O. × intermedium was more similar to O. onites than to O. sipyleum. Furthermore, O. onites and O. vulgare subsp. hirtum have many different ITS haplotypes, probably resulting from backcrossing with different individuals. Results obtained in this study demonstrate that hybridization has played a major role in the process of Origanum speciation.
AtıfScopus21OpenAlex18İncele - MakaleAçık Erişim2021Scopus SJRQ2Statistical evaluation of chromosomes of some Lathyrus L. taxa from Turkey
Genç, Hasan; Yildirim, Bekir; Açar, Mikail; Çetin, Tolga
In this study, a statistical analysis was performed on mitotic metaphase chromosomes of 26 Lathyrus taxa, four of which are endemic. ANOVA, correlation analysis, PCA and cluster analysis were performed to determine the relationships between taxa based on chromosomal criteria. The morphological similarities of plant taxa and chromosomal statistics results may not be always parallel to each other. According to the findings obtained as a result of analysis, the following taxa, which are close to each other were determined: L. hirsutus-L. odoratus, L. brachypterus var. haussknechtii-L. phaselitanus, L. stenophyllus-L. chloranthus, L. gorgoni var. gorgoni-L. nissolia-L. pratensis, L. tuberosus-L. annuus.
AtıfScopus5WoS4OpenAlex2İncele - Kitap BölümüYalnız künye2020Homoploid Hybridization and Its Role in Emergence and Diversity of the Genus Origanum L. (Lamiaceae)
Dirmenci, Tuncay; Arabacı, Turan; Özcan, Taner; Yazıcı, Türker; Martin, Esra; Çelenk, Sevcan; Açar, Mikail; Üzel, Devrim
Hybrid specimens can be occurred as same ploidy level (homoploidy) or not (polyploidy) with its parents. Homoploid hybrids are originated without any change in their ploidy level (2n) and polyploid hybrids are produced with the change in ploidy level (3n, 4n etc.). According to recent studies, the frequency of natural hybridization (homoploid and polyploid) has been estimated to 25% of all flowering plants. Recent studies show that the genus Origanum has homoploid hybrids. Hybridization is a common phenomenon among the species of Origanum in overlapping distribution habitats (natural or cultivated areas). Ietswaart suggested that the hybridization process is a significant factor in the speciation of Origanum, and Origanum is probably caused by the hybridization of the old tribe Saturejeae (now tribe Mentheae) genera. Based on the hypothesis of Ietswaart, we can discuss the emergence of the genus Origanum, its intrageneric speciation and its hybrids having the possibility for speciation via hybridization using morphological and cytological evidence. During the field studies, it was seen that many populations of wide-distributed species were overlapping, and some Origanum putative hybrid specimens were also observed in these overlapping areas with morphological differences from their parents. All studied Origanum species and hybrids have 2n = 30 chromosome numbers to define homoploidy. Palynological characters were revealed, and intermediate pollen structure (size, P/E ratio etc.) was seen in the hybrids between their parents. In addition, DNA extractions were done from all the hybrids and their parents. nrITS DNA was sequenced. Hybrid specimens have some heterozygous DNA loci in comparison to their parents. This study presents some evidence about homoploid the hybridization of the genus Origanum put forward by Ietswaart. If habitat, ecological and geographic isolations occur between the hybrids and their parents, these hybrids can be speciation via homoploid hybridization in the future.
AtıfScopus4İncele - MakaleAçık Erişim2019Comparative Micromorphological and Anatomical Investigations on the Subsection Distantes R. Bhattacharjee (Stachys L./Lamiaceae)
Açar, Mikail; Satil, Fatih
In this study; comparative anatomical and micromorphological studies were performed on the subsection Distantes of the Stachys L. genus (Lamiaceae). Also, it was determined distinctive anatomical characters for the taxa of subsection in the study. In anatomical studies, free-hand cross-sections and the paraffin embedding method was applied with the microtome. Micromorphological studies were performed in LM (Light Microscope) and SEM (Scanning Electron Microscope). In anatomical studies, besides of similarities in stem and leaf structures there were also some differences in taxa. In micromorphological studies, the trichome and nutlet characteristics were found to be useful characters on taxa and at species and subspecies level. As a result of the study, the presence of sclerenchyma like a bundle in the stem structure and the presence and types of glandular trichomes and ornamentation on the surface of nutlet, the presence of the wing and ventral structure in the nutlet were important characters that can be used to distinguish taxa. According to the numerical findings, trichome and nutlet micromorphological characters were more important than anatomical characters.
AtıfWoS11OpenAlex5TR Dizin5İncele - MakaleYalnız künye2019Scopus SJRQ2A rearranged homoploid hybrid species of Origanum (Lamiaceae): O. ×munzurense Kit Tan & Sorger
Dirmenci, Tuncay; Özcan, Taner; Açar, Mikail; Arabacı, Turan; Yazıcı, Türker; Martin, Esra
Origanum munzurense Kit Tan & Sorger (Sect. Brevifilamentum Ietsw.) was described by Kit Tan & Sorger in 1984, and it is an accepted species related to O. acutidens (Hand.-Mazz.) Ietsw. belonging to sect. Brevifilamentum. It is morphologically intermediate between O. acutidens and O. vulgare L. subsp. gracile (K.Koch) Ietsw., and its type locality lies in the overlap zone between the geographic distributions of these two taxa. We hypothesized that O. munzurense is in fact a hybrid between the two aforementioned taxa and we tested this hypothesis with the general morphology, chromosome features, and nuclear (ITS1–ITS2) and chloroplast (rpl32) DNA sequences of specimens of O. munzurense and its putative parental species, O. vulgare subsp. gracile and O. acutidens. The somatic chromosome number of O. munzurense, O. vulgare subsp. gracile and O. acutidens were counted as 2n = 30. Origanum munzurense presented polymorphic sites in the nuclear ITS region, but the chloroplast markers did not allow us to identify the putative maternal of O. munzurense. Our results suggest that O. munzurense is indeed a hybrid, and its rearrangement as a new homoploid hybrid (O. ×munzurense) would be more accurate. These present results support previous reports for the speciation of Origanum members via hybridization.
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