International Journal of Environmental Sciences Waly et. al., Vol. 1 No.4 ISSN: 2277-1948 International Journal of Environmental Sciences Vol. 1 No. 4. 2012. Pp. 196-205 ©Copyright by CRDEEP. All Rights Reserved. Full Length Research Paper Botanical and Biological studies of six parasitic species of family Loranthaceae growing in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Nahed M. W aly1* , Amal E. El Din Ali2 and Ramah N. Jrais3 1 Department of Botany Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Egypt Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Egypt 3 Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, King Khalad University, Saudi Arabia 2 * Corresponding author: Nahed M. Waly ABSTRACT The family Loranthaceae, is a largest family that belong to the order Santalales ,it includes about 75 genus belong to 1000 species , some of these species are parasites on the roots while the remaining parasites on branches and stems trees and know as Mistletoe. Loranthaceae have high economic importance, medical and environmental in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. About six species were recognizing in the W estern, North and South western regions of Saudi Arabia, which are distributed through the high mountains. Loranthaceae species resemble morphologically, that the confusion on their identification can be drowned moreover identification of some species are doubtful. The aim of the present work is to do comparative morphological studies of the six Loranthaceae species growing in Saudi Arabia and determining the phytochemical properties and the effectiveness of these plants as medicinal herb. The results revealed the presence of flavonoids and steroids and /or terpenoids as major constituents. Key words: Loranthaceae, Parasites, Mistletoe, Morphological studies, flavonoids and steroids some species in Plicosepalus and Phragmanthera genus were proved to inhibit fatty acid synthesis with subsequent reduction of body weight in rats (Wanga et al. 2008). INTRODUCTION Loranthaceae is a largest flowering parasitic plant occurs mainly in tropical regions, it comprises about 70 genera and 1000 species (Calvin and Wilson, 2006).This family consists of epiphytic and hemi parasitic plants which adhere to branch twigs of tree by means of haustoria which penetrate into the host in order to absorb water and nutrients Popularly known as mistletoe (Loranzei, 2000). Loranthaceae species play an important and complex rule in the biological system where they live by interacting with insects, birds and mammals (Watson, 2001). The aim of this work is to provide an accurate description of the morphology of those plants confirming taxonomic identification of the six Loranthaceae species under investigation and to verify the effectiveness of the tested plants as medicinal herbs. The family Loranthaceae comprises four genera : Phragmanthera , Oncocalyx , Tapinanthus and Plicosepalus which growing naturally in Saudi Arabia, belonging to these genera six species spread in north, west and south of the kingdom . Mistletoe plants attached to lime trees have been also reported to be used as medicinal herbs for the treatment of tonsillitis and otitis media (Osadebe et al. 2004). Previous studies on those genera have also focused on its ant diabetic (Obatomi et al. 1994; 32222233%33003333%53adb815fdebb Osadebea et al. 2010), vascular (Omar et al. 2010) and potential antitumor and anticancer activities (Sadik6D%F%F8105eedbcefa et al. 2003). Recently, Online version available at: www.crdeep.com 196 Material and Methods Plant materials Six different species belong to four genera of family Loranthaceae growing naturally in Saudi Arabia were collected (Table 1). Attention was paid for studying specimens who were collected from different localities representing the geographical range of each species. The collected materials were identified according to (Migahid 1987; Collonette 1998; and Chaudhary 2001). Samples of the identified materials were kept at Botany Department Faculty of Science King Abdul-Aziz University (Girls section). International Journal of Environmental Sciences Waly et. al., Vol. 1 No.4 ISSN: 2277-1948 Table 1: Locality and date of collection of the six investigated species Species Plicosepalus curviflorus Plicosepalus acacia Phragmanthera austro arabica Oncocalyx schimperi Genus Plicosepalus Plicosepalus Phragmanthera Locality Abha -Al Faria Alola - Geda Abha – Khamis mushat Date of collection March and November 2010, March 2011 December 2010, January 2011 March and November 2010, March 2011 Oncocalyx Abha -Asser June and November 2010 Oncocalyx glabratus Tapinanthus globiferus Oncocalyx Tapinanthus Al-Taef, Gabel Ibrahium Asser region January 2010, May2011 May and December 2010,March 2011 Morphological studies: The vegetative and floral characters were recorded in cumulative plates. The cumulative plates were presented in a certain way in order to explain the most important characters of foliar, floral and fruits details examined with the aid of Nikon binocular stereomicroscope under incidence light photographs(Nikon Eclipse E 400). Screening of the antimicrobial activities using the disk diffusion technique The antimicrobial activity spectra were determined using Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method (Acar and Goldstein 1996). Adjusted inoculums of each microorganism, equivalent to the turbidity of 0.5 McFarland standards, were streaked separately using sterile swab over the surface of Muller Hinton agar plates. Sterile filter paper disks (6 mm diameter) were impregnated with 20 µl of each extract (disk load 500 or 1000 µg) and applied on the inoculated plates. The plates were incubated at 37◦ C for 24 hours. Control disks impregnated with dimethylsulfoxide were used to determine the solvent activity. Disks impregnated with gentamycin and ciprofloxacin were used as antibacterial standard, where amphotericin B was used as an antifungal standard. Activity of each extract was determined by measuring the diameter of the inhibition zone in mm. The technique was performed in duplicate and the mean diameter of each inhibition zone was recorded. Preparation of methanolic extracts The methanol extract of the species provided was screened phytochemically for its chemical components and biological activity. This revealed the presence of flavonoids and steroids and /or terpenoids as major constituents. The methanolic extracts of the six plants under investigation were tested for their antimicrobial activities using disc diffusion method and the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) were determined .A quantity of 200 g of each powdered plant material was soaked in methanol (3 x 200 ml), sonicated for 15 minutes at ambient temperature. The mixtures were then filtered. The filtrates were evaporated using vacuum rotary evaporator and then frozen at -80°C before freeze drying. Stock solutions of crude methanolic extracts were prepared by diluting the dried extracts with dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO) solution to obtain a concentration of 2000 µg/ml Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) determinations Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) were determined by broth micro dilution method in 96 wells sterile micro-titer plate (Lorian 2005). Doubling dilutions, ranging from 0.25256 µg/ml of each extract, were prepared in Muller Hinton broth medium. The absorbance of an overnight culture of each strain was adjusted to 0.08- 0.125 at 600 nm. This yield a suspension of approximately 1.5 x 10 8 which was further diluted in Muller Hinton broth to 1.5 x 10 6 CFU/ml. An aliquot of 100 µl of each extract concentration was dispensed in all wells except column 1 (rows A-H) which served as a negative control and column 12 (A-H) which served as a positive control. 100 µl adjusted inoculums of each microorganism was added in all wells except in the negative control column. Following incubation, each plate was sealed with sterile plastic lid and incubated overnight at 37 ºC. MIC was recorded visually as the lowest concentration in each row that completely inhibited bacterial growth Instruments The instruments used in this study were: Vacuum rotary evaporator (BÜCHI Rotavapor R-200/205, Model R205V800), freeze dryer (Labconco, Model Lyph. Lock 6) Microorganisms The antimicrobial activity of plant extract against target pathogens was determined against representatives of Gram positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538, Bacillus subtilis ATCC CC33), Gram negative bacteria (Escherichia coli ATCC 5087, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 9027 and Salmonella typhi ATCC 35664) and yeast (Candida albicans ATCC 60193) Phytochemical screening Phytochemical screening was performed for reducing sugars, terpenoids and / or steroids, flavonoids, anthraquinones, saponins, tannins, alkaloids and cardenolides, using standard procedures (Trease and Evans 1989). Online version available at: www.crdeep.com 197 International Journal of Environmental Sciences Waly et. al., Vol. 1 No.4 ISSN: 2277-1948 Certain taxonomic concepts were applied to revise critically the Saudi Arabian species of Loranthaceae. Most important were the floral characters including inflorescence type , number , shape and color of petals . Stem habit , leaves type and arrangements were of minor importance. RESULTS Morphological results Table(2- 4) summarize the quantitative and qualitative data of vegetative, floral and floral precision parts morphologically . Table 2: Vegetative characters of the six Loranthaceae species under investigation + _ - + - + - + + + + + - .5- 4.5× .4-2 Plicosepalus curviflorus 1.5 –1 - + _ - + - + + - - + + + - 3.5- 6 × 4-.8 _ - - + + - + - + - - + 5- 12 ×3-7 Phragmanthera austroarabica 2.5 –1.5 - + Acute Obtuse Opposite Oval cm linear - Alternate Elliptical 1.5 –1 Obviate Leathery Plicosepalus acaia Species Parallel Succulent Leaf Length x width Thick leathery Leaf Leaf apex arrangement Bipolar Leaf shape Erect Plant Stem Habit Leaf type high m Characters Oncocalyx schimperi 1.5 –1 + _ _ + - - + - + - - + + - 1- 3 ×.5-2.5 Oncocalyx glabratus 1.5 -1 + _ _ - - + + - + - - + + - 1.5-4 ×1-2.5 Tapinanthus globiferus 2 –1.5 + _ _ - - + + - - + + - + - 4-14 ×1-3.5 Table 3: Floral and fruits characters of the six Loranthaceae species under investigation Yellow Red - + 25 10-9 - + - - + - 40 + - Plicosepalus curviflorus Phragmanthera austroarabica Oncocalyx schimperi + + + - 30 20 4 12-7 3.5-3 2 + - + + - + - + + - 40.50 20.50 20 + - + + Oncocalyx glabratus + - 5 1.5 - + - - + - 16 + - Tapinanthus globiferus - + 25 2.5-2 - - + - - + 30.50 + - Online version available at: www.crdeep.com 198 Basal Oval Apical Spherical Plicosepalus acacia Species mm Conical Green at the base, Red at the top Placentation Length Red mm Length Style Color Yellow mm Length Stamen Stigma Filament Anther Shape Color Character International Journal of Environmental Sciences Waly et. al., Vol. 1 No.4 ISSN: 2277-1948 Table 4: : Floral characters of the six Loranthaceae species under investigation Calyx Fruit - + - - 25-30 - - - + - + - 8-10 25-35 33-45 + - - - + - Oncocalyx schimperi + + .5-2 2-6 + 11-25 .25-.5 11.2-25 + - - - - - + - 4-6 - - + 8×5 Oncocalyx glabratus + + 1-2 2-6 + 16.5-25 4-5 20.5-30 + - - - - - - - + 13×5 Tapinanthus globiferus + + - - - - - + .5-1 + - + 9×8 Fruit mm Green-bright red - Bright red Green - brown Red- orange Green- Pink 23-40 tube length mm 3-5 Umbels Raceme Yellow - Orange bright red curved Short cup tubular Entire Calyx length mm Corolla color Corolla length mm Corolla Corolla tube Lobes length mm Number of flower Inflorescence Axial length mm Characters Species Plicosepalus acacia + - 4-10 2-3 + 20-35 Plicosepalus curviflorus + - 4-11 4-7 - 25-30 - Phragmanthera austroarabica + - 13 + - 2-8 4-8 + 7-10 25-35 35-45 - - + - - - 1-2 + - - 10-12 × 57 - .5-1 + - - 10-16×810 - 1-1.2 - + - 6-14×4-8 - 4-5 - were resistant to all extracts (Table 6) . Upon increasing the concentration of the tested extract to 1000 μg/20μl, the effect of the tested extracts increased to include most of the tested Gram negative organisms and a significant increase in the activity of the all tested extracts was observed against the tested Gram positive bacteria. Extracts of Plicosepalus curviflorus and Plicosepalus acacia demonstrated the highest activities (15, 16.5 mm respectively) against Staphylococcus aureus, which was found to be, in general, more susceptible to all tested extracts than the other gram positive microorganism Bacillus subtilis. In case of the gram negative microorganisms, Pseudomonas aeruginosa was affected by all the tested samples in a range of (12 – 17.5 mm), while both Salmonella typhi and Esherichia coli were susceptible only to Plicosepalus curviflorus and Plicosepalus acacia (12 – 17.5 mm), Plicosepalus curviflorus demonstrated the highest activity against Esherichia coli, which is higher than half the activity of the reference antibiotic gentamycin. Finally, no antifungal activity was detected, as none of the tested extracts exhibited activity towards Candida albicans (Table 7). The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) were determined for the tested bacteria(Table 8), since no antifungal activity was detected by the disk diffusion test. A reasonable MIC value, which confirmed the results of the disk diffusion test, was recorded. Two microorganisms, namely Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus, had lower MIC values to all tested extracts, compared to other tested.( The results are average of two measurements) Phytochemical screening The data represented in Table (5) showed phytochemical screening of the methanolic extracts which revealed the presence of flavonoids, steroids and/ or terpenoids as major constituents. On the other hand, alkaloids, cardenolides and saponins were not detected in any of the examined extracts. Phragmanthera austro arabica accumulates minor amounts of anthraquinones and tannins. (The results are average of two measurements). Antimicrobial activity The results of antimicrobial examination indicated that crude methanolic extracts of the six Loranthaceae species showed different degrees of inhibition, depending on bacterial strains and used concentration (Table 6) . At a concentration of 30 μg /20μl of the tested extracts, no inhibition was noticed against all microorganisms. On the other hand, increasing the concentration to 500 μg/20μl (disc load) showed an inhibitory effect, with all the tested extracts, against the two Gram positive organisms (Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis) where the inhibition zone diameter ranged from 9 – 13 mm. These results were found to be about 1/3 - 1/4 the strength of the reference antibiotics used, gentamycin and ciprofloxaxcin. The highest activity was exhibited by Phragmanthera austro arabica against Staphylococcus aureus, while the least activity was demonstrated by Plicosepalus curviflorus which showed an inhibition zone of 9 mm against Bacillus subtilis (Table 6). All the tested Gram negative bacteria (Salmonella typhi, Esherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and the yeast Candida albicans Online version available at: www.crdeep.com 199 International Journal of Environmental Sciences Waly et. al., Vol. 1 No.4 ISSN: 2277-1948 Table 5: Results of phytochemical screening of the six Loranthaceae species Species Test Reducing sugar Terpenoids and / or steroids Flavonoids Anthraquinone Saponins Tannins Alkaloids Cardenolides Plicosepalus curviflorus Plicosepalus acacia Phragmanthera austro arabica Oncocalyx schimperi Oncocalyx glabratus Tapinanthus globiferus + + + + + + + + + + + + + + - + + - + + + - + + - + + - + + - Table :6 Results for sensitivity test on concentrations of 500 µg20 / µl (disc load) (Zone Diameter (mm Species Plicosepalus Plicosepalus Phragmanthera Oncocalyx Oncocalyx Tapinanthus Gentamycin Ciprofloxacin Bacterial curviflorus acacia austro arabica schimperi glabratus globiferus strains Staphylococcus 11.5 11.3 10.8 11 11.1 11.2 26.5 37 aureus Bacillus subtilis 9 10.5 10 10 10.1 10.4 30 40.5 Pseudomonas 27 37.5 aeruginosa Salmonella typhi 26.5 40 Escherichia coli 29.5 43.5 Table :7 Results for Sensitivity Test on concentrations 1000 µg20/µl (Zone Diameter (mm Species Plicosepalus Plicosepalus Phragmanthera Tapinanthus Oncocalyx Oncocalyx Gentamycin Ciprofloxacin Bacterial curviflorus acacia austro arabica globiferus glabratus schimperi strains Staphylococcus 15 16.3 13 12 12.5 12.5 26.5 37 aureus Bacillus subtilis 13.5 13.5 11.5 11. 11.5 11.5 30 40.5 Pseudomonas 14 15 12 12 12.1 12 27 37.5 aeruginosa Salmonella typhi 13.75 12 26.5 40 Escherichia coli 17.5 14 29.5 43.5 Amphotericin B Table :8 Results for MIC test on concentrations 1000 µg20/µl. Bacterial strains Species Plicosepalus curviflorus Staphylococcus aureus Bacillus subtilis Pseudomonas aeruginosa Salmonella typhi Escherichia coli Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (µg/ml) Plicosepalus Phragmanthera austro Tapinanthus acacia arabica globiferus Oncocalyx glabratus Oncocalyx schimperi 128 256 128 128 256 128 128 256 128 128 256 128 128 256 128 128 256 128 256 256 256 256 256< 256< 256 256 256 256 256 256 Online version available at: www.crdeep.com 200 International Journal of Environmental Sciences 2277-1948 DISCUSSION Our study was concentrated first on the morphological description of the 6 species of family Loranthaceae under investigation. About 51 vegetative characters have been recorded, viz; Stem habit, leaves shape, size, type and arrangements, also floral characters including Inflorescence, complete flowers description (calyx, corolla, style stigma) and fruits. All these characters help to distinguish between the 6 species of family Loranthaceae and build up our own morphological artificial key. The nature of the stem growth of the investigated species shown that both Plicosepalus acaciae , Plicosepalus curviflorus grow parallel to the host , while Tapinanthus globiferus, Oncocalyx glabratus and Oncocalyx schimperi grow erect, and Phragmanthera austroarabica grow bipolar, which consider the most highest plant between the 6 investigated species reaching more than a meter and half ( Table 2 & Figure 1).Regarding to leaf type only Oncocalyx schimperi was of succulent leaves , while all the others 5 species ranging between leathery and thick leathery leaves (Table 2 & Figure 1 ). Arrangement of leaves show a great variation between opposite leaves in Phragmanthera austroarabica, Tapinanthus globiferus and alternate leaves in Oncocalyx schimperi , Oncocalyx glabratus and opposite or alternate in Plicosepalus acacia, Plicosepalus curviflorus. Leaves size, shape and apex varies in the 6 investigated species were the largest leaves was Phragmanthera austroarabica (5- 12 ×3-7 mm) , while the smallest leaves was Plicosepalus acacia (.5- 4.5× .4-2 mm). Leaves shape change between elliptical ovate to obovate in all the investigated species except in Plicosepalus acacia it was linear. Also The apex of Lamina was acute only in Phragmanthera austroarabica and obtuse in all other 5 species. (Table 2 &Figure 3) Generally the Inflorescence of Loranthaceae was umbels, but in our investigated species both Oncocalyx species were raceme and umbels inflorescence. One of the most important and diagnostic character was the number of flowers in the inflorescence. It was up to 3 flowers in Plicosepalus acaciae, while it can reached 6 flowers in both Oncocalyx species and 7 to 8 flowers in Plicosepalus curviflorus, and Tapinanthus globiferus , very distinct in Phragmanthera austroarabica were the flowers are grouped up to 13 flowers. (Table 3 & Figure 1 ) Petals coloration shows a great variation, corolla green at the base and then cascade down to bright red at the top in Plicosepalus acacia and Plicosepalus curviflorus, take a pink color in Tapinanthus globiferus, and yellow to orange in Phragmanthera austroarabica, Oncocalyx schimperi and Oncocalyx glabratus species. (Table 3 &Figure1 ) Another important taxonomical character can be recognized was the union of petals which can divided our 6 investigated species into two groups . Plicosepalus curviflorus was characterized by free petals, while all the other 5 species with petals united in tube from the base. (Table 3 &Figure 1) Waly et. al., Vol. 1 No.4 ISSN: In all investigated species fruit was berry and oval, but different in the color. The contrast color of the fruit between the green before maturing into a bright red after the maturity in the species Plicosepalus acacia, Plicosepalus curviflorus and Tapinanthus globiferus. While fruits change into red orange in the two Oncocalyx species and brown in Phragmanthera austroarabica, (Table 3 &Figure 1) The usual number of stamens in all the 6 investigated species was 5 and all have epipetalous position . Length and color filament show variation. It was very short not exceed 5 mm with yellow color in the two Oncocalyx species, very long up to 30 mm with red color in both Plicosepalus species, while long 20 mm and of yellow color in Phragmanthera austroarabica. (Table 4 &Figure 1) The gynocieum in all the investigated species consists of 1 carpel with on ovule, but style length and color, and stigma shape show a taxonomic significance. In the two Oncocalyx species the length of style not exceed 20 mm with yellow color and spherical stigma , while the style is very long up to 50 mm with red color and oval stigma in Tapinanthus globiferus. In both Plicosepalus species the style length range between 40-50 mm and its color was yellow in Plicosepalus acacia and green at the base red at the top in Plicosepalus curviflorus, and both stigmas were spherical. Phragmanthera austroarabica style shows a great length variation 20-50 mm with yellow color and conical stigma. . (Table 4&Figure 2 ) Placentation varies in the investigated species, it was apical in Plicosepalus acacia, Plicosepalus curviflorus, Tapinanthus globiferus and Oncocalyx glabratus ,while it was basel in Phragmanthera austroarabica and Oncocalyx schimperi(Table 4&Figure 3) . The antimicrobial results indicated that methanolic extracts of the six Loranthaceae species showed different degrees of growth inhibition, depending on the bacterial strain and the used concentration. The antibacterial activities demonstrated could be attributed to the high incidence of flavonoids in all the tested plants as indicated from the phytochemical screening. As flavonoids are well known for their antimicrobial effect which could be exerted through inhibition of nucleic acid synthesis, of cytoplasmic membrane function or inhibition of energy metabolism (Cushnie and Lamb 2005). In our study, none of the examined extracts showed antifungal activity against Candida albicans up to a concentration of 1000 μg/20μl. At a concentration of 500 µg/20 µl, the tested extracts were active only against the gram positive microorganisms and Staphylococcus aureus was found to be more susceptible than Bacillus subtilis. At a concentration of 1000 µg/20 µl, the extracts exhibited an inhibitory effect against Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria. The inhibitory effect was marked with Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. These results were confirmed with the MIC values. The above two mentioned organisms are two of the most important human pathogens that cause a wide variety of diseases and are common causes of hospital-acquired Online version available at: www.crdeep.com 201 International Journal of Environmental Sciences 2277-1948 Waly et. al.,  infections (David and Daum 2010; Rossolini and Mantengoli 2005). Thus being effective against them, these six plants of Plicosepalus , Phragmanthera, Tapinanthus and Oncocalyx genera belonging to family Loranthaceae should be taken in consideration, as reported in folk medicine, as potential.   Morphological artificial key  A) Mixed inflorescence (Umbel and Raceme)  i) Apical Placentation ………..………………………… Oncocalyx glabratus ii) Basal Placentation …………………………...…… Oncocalyx schimperi  B) Umbel inflorescence only i) Petals free ………… Plicosepalus curviflor ii) Petals united in tube *Petal tube long up to 25mm    Apical Placentation…………….. ……. Tapinanthus globiferus Basal Placentation…………….  ……………...Phragmanthera austroarabica **Petal tube short not exceed 5mm……… …………………………..…..Plicosepalus acacia REFERENCES        Acar JF and Goldstein FW (1996) Disk Susceptibility test. In Lorian, V ed.: Antibiotics in laboratory medicine 4th ed. Baltimore University. Williams and Wilkins : 1-51. Calvin, C.L. and Wilson, C.A. (2006) Comparative morphology of epicortical roots in Old and New World Loranthaceae with reference to root types, origin ,patterns of longitudinal extension and potential for clonal growth. Flora (Jena) 201(1): 51-64. Chaudhary SA (2001) Flora of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Volume 2, Part 2 . National Agriculture research center– Riyadh Collonette Sheila (1998) An Illustrated Guide to the Flowers of Saudi Arabia , National Agriculture research center– Riyadh Cushnie TPT, Lamb AJ (2005) Antimicrobial activity of flavonoids. Int J Antimicrob Agents 26: 343–356. David MZ and Daum RS (2010) Communityassociated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus      Online version available at: www.crdeep.com 202 Vol. 1 No.4 ISSN: aureus epidemiology and clinical consequences of an emerging epidemic. Clin Microbiol Rev 23:616-87. Lorian V (2005) Antibiotics in Laboratory Medicine. 5th edition, Lippincott Williams &Wilkins. USA, pp 61-144. Lorenzi,H.(2000)Weeds of Brazil: Terrestrial ,Aquatic, Parasitic and Toxic Herbs.3rd Edn,Plantarum Institute, Nova Odessa,Brazil. Migahid AM (1987) Flora of Saudi Arabia. Fourth Edition, King Saud University – Riyadh. Obatomi DK, Bikomo EO and Temple VJ (1994) Anti-diabetic properties of the African mistletoe in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. J Ethnopharmacol 43:13-7. Omar ZA, , Ibrahim M. Salmana IM, Siddiquib MJA, Yama MF, Sriramanenia RN, Sadikunb A, Zhari Ismailb, Shaha AM and Asmawi MZ (2010) Pharmacological mechanisms underlying the vascular activities of Loranthus ferrugineus Roxb. In rat thoracic aorta. 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Ann Rev Ecol Syst. 32: 219-249. International Journal of Environmental Sciences Waly et. al., Vol. 1 No.4 ISSN: 2277-1948 b a c d f e Figure: 1 .General view of the 6 species in family Loranthaceae in Saudi A.rabia with fruits details a.Plicosepalus acacia b.Plicosepalus curviflorus c.Phragmanthera austroarabica d.Oncocalyx schimperi e.Oncocalyx glabratus f.Tapinanthus globiferus Online version available at: www.crdeep.com 203 International Journal of Environmental Sciences Waly et. al., Vol. 1 No.4 ISSN: 2277-1948 b a d c e f Figure .2: Gynocieum details showing style length and stigma shape of the 6 species in family Loranthaceae in Saudi Arabia a .Plicosepalus acacia b .Plicosepalus curviflorus c .Phragmanthera auatroarabica d .Oncocalyx schimperi e .Oncocalyx glabratus f.Tapinanthus globiferus. M Online version available at: www.crdeep.com 204 International Journal of Environmental Sciences Waly et. al., Vol. 1 No.4 Ec Ec S ISSN: 2277-1948 Mc o S Mc o End End a b Ec Ec Mc S S Mc End End c d Ec Ec S S Mc End Mc End f e Figure :3. Variation of the Placentation type in the 6 species in family Loranthaceae in Saudi Arabia a. Plicosepalus acacia b. Plicosepalus curviflorus c. Phragmanthera auatroarabica d. Oncocalyx schimperi e. Oncocalyx glabratus f.Tapinanthus globiferus . Ec= Exocarp, Mc= Mesocarp, End= Endocarp , S= Seed Online version available at: www.crdeep.com 205