DOCSLIB.ORG

Natural Dyes: Sources, Tradition, Technology and Science Pdf, Epub, Ebook

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text

Load more

NATURAL DYES: SOURCES, TRADITION, TECHNOLOGY AND SCIENCE PDF, EPUB, EBOOK Dominique Cardon | 800 pages | 01 Sep 2007 | Archetype Publications Ltd | 9781904982005 | English | London, United Kingdom Natural Dyes: Sources, Tradition, Technology and Science PDF Book With exemplar lessons for each of the year groups across KS1-KS3, this is a highly practical book that has something to offer all who work in or with primary and secondary schools. Puccoon or bloodroot Sanguinaria canadensis is a popular red dye among Southeastern Native American basketweavers. Berries Tree fruit. Conservation Science is a rather innovative application of instrumental analysis with steadily increasing importance. Parmeliaceae Crottles and lichens for dyeing by the boiling water method -Crottles: the lichens of Scottish and Irish tweeds Light crottle or salted shield lichen Parmelia saxatilis L. Artists' Pigments 4-Volume Set. They tested both models in a wind tunnel at the U. Look for teachable moments in movies, cartoons and sci-fi television shows. Quilt History. As potential renewable resources, natural dyes are an integral part of the major issue of our time - sustainable development. Artificial intelligence is a term that has been thrown around for decades. Wiley- VCH, Weinheim. Mordants from the Latin verb 'mordere', meaning 'to bite' are metal salts that can form a stable molecular coordination complex with both natural dyes and natural fibres. How has nature shaped the development of technology? In Netherton and Owens-Crocker , pp. The Future of Science and Technology. Other current uses of such colorants, e. Wild blueberries work better than cultivated ones because they have a higher skin to pulp ratio, and the skin is where those natural food colors live. Although the first attempts for preserving material from the cultural heritage on a scientific basis are found in the 19th century pioneer chemistry years, only the use of sophisticated physicochemical techniques results in effective identification and deterioration studies of monuments and objects, and in reliable intervention procedures. If your kids love dinosaurs, make a fossil out of some plaster, a seashell and a cheap mold, such as a cut-up milk carton. Chay root Oldenlandia umbellata L. On another model they used a smooth surface. Glossary of dyeing terms List of dyes. Turmeric not only has powerful anti-inflammatory properties, if you've worked with it, you know it has the power to stain just about anything it comes in contact with, making it a wonderful natural dye. Punicaceae Dyes from lichens and fungi Orchils and litmus: a chemical process Manufacture of orchils; dyeing methods used with lichens and fungi -Orchil: from identifying orchil lichens to dyeing with the different kinds of orchils What is meant by orchil? What Is the History of Christmas Trees? This works well for cakes, frosting, and eggs. The Meaning of Science Science helps us to gain understanding and knowledge, using the procedure of experimentation, observation, and gathering of evidence. Apply to damp hair and then tie it in a bun, cover with cling wrap or a shower cap and let it sit for at least four hours. The basic areas underlying science include chemistry, physics, biology, and earth science. Goethe's Theory of Colours. The solution obtained is then poured into a separate container. Register No. Since the dawn of time, man has searched for the ideal way to stick something to something else. Dyes employed by different civilisations, identified by dye analyses, are illustrated and relevant historical recipes and detailed descriptions of dyeing processes by traditional dyers are quoted and explained in the light of modern science. Natural Dyes: Sources, Tradition, Technology and Science Writer Some mordants and some dyestuffs produce strong odours, and the process of dyeing often depends on a good supply of fresh water, storage areas for bulky plant materials, vats which can be kept heated often for days or weeks along with the necessary fuel, and airy spaces to dry the dyed textiles. Juniper, Juniperus monosperma , ashes provide brown and yellow dyes for Navajo people , [29] as do the hulls of wild walnuts Juglans major. The idea is elegant: Create a drug-delivery particle that can seek out a cancer cell, infiltrate it and deliver medication exactly where it needs to go. Use of saffron In Scottish Highlands. Oil Waxes. Similarly, many innovative methods to process textile materials to achieve sustainability in the supply chain along with various processing technologies to manufacture textile products sustainably. Karsten Coriolaceae. During the course of the 15th century, the civic records show brilliant reds falling out of fashion for civic and high-status garments in the Duchy of Burgundy in favor of dark blues, greens, and most important of all, black. Blue colorants around the world were derived from indigo dye -bearing plants, primarily those in the genus Indigofera , which are native to the tropics. About this book Customer reviews Related titles. No worries if making your own food dye sounds like way too much work we hear you. Other indigo-bearing dye plants include dyer's knotweed Polygonum tinctorum from Japan and the coasts of China, and the West African shrub Lonchocarpus cyanescens. Turkey red was a strong, very fast red dye for cotton obtained from madder root via a complicated multistep process involving " sumac and oak galls, calf's blood, sheep's dung, oil, soda, alum, and a solution of tin". The majority of natural dyes are vegetable dyes from plant sources— roots , berries , bark , leaves , and wood —and other biological sources such as fungi. Sets out to provide comprehensive coverage of the subject from its earliest history to the present day. Prioritising creative partnerships, zones of contact, practice encounters and creative ecologies signal new modes of participatory engagement. They're building medical nanoparticles -- objects that are smaller than nanometers in diameter. Wild blueberries work better than cultivated ones because they have a higher skin to pulp ratio, and the skin is where those natural food colors live. The premier luxury dye of the ancient world was Tyrian purple or royal purple, a purple-red dye which is extracted from several genera of sea snails , primarily the spiny dye-murex Murex brandaris currently known as Bolinus brandaris. March 25, Unlike other ants, the Cataglyphis doesn't rely on pheromone trails to navigate through its environment. Bignoniaceae Logwood Logwood tree Haematoxylum campechianum L. Reactive dyes for cotton were introduced in the mids. Strain the mixture though a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth if you want to remove all fruity bits. More From Reference. Additional modifiers may be used during or after dying to protect fibre structure, shift pH to achieve different color results, or for any number of other desirably outcomes. Whether they will cater to our every need or hunt us down in packs. Glossary of dyeing terms List of dyes. Benton Richard Fortey View All. One solution they're working on involves designing delivery technologies on the nanoscale. Woad Isatis tinctoria L. People usually use henna to darken their hair, but it can lighten very dark brown or black hair and leave gorgeous reddish highlights too. Both woad and indigo have been used since ancient times in combination with yellow dyes to produce shades of green. Technology is used through process and design to improve the quality of our lives in many forms. However, the historic record contains many hundreds of different mordanting methods for both protein and cellulose fibres. Science and technology have enabled mankind to enjoy a longer lifespan. Cutch tree Acacia catechu L. Dyes employed by different civilizations are illustrated and relevant historical recipes and detailed descriptions of dyeing-processes by traditional dyers are quoted and explained in the light of modern science. Also, environmentally friendly techniques such as application of various enzymes with natural colorants was outlined. Use less powder for a lighter color. Cutch gives gray-browns with an iron mordant and olive-browns with copper. Other current uses of such colorants, e. With knowledge and equipment, doctors are able to effectively treat illnesses that used to be deadly. Form, Fit, Fashion. The Romans used the term indicum , which passed into Italian dialect and eventually into English as the word indigo. Rich Cochlospermaceae. Synthetic dyes, which could be quickly produced in large quantities, quickly superseded natural dyes for the commercial textile production enabled by the industrial revolution , and unlike natural dyes, were suitable for the synthetic fibres that followed. So the next time you need to solve a complex technical issue, you might just want to take a look in your own back yard first. It might be foolish not to take advantage of these discoveries. Natural Dyes: Sources, Tradition, Technology and Science Reviews Can Kari make a square smoke ring? How to Make Natural Food Dyes. To make, puree 1 cup defrosted wild blueberries and 2 tablespoons water in a blender. July 11, This first volume covers the titles of these areas in a comprehensive way. Green — Traditionally, naturally-derived green food coloring has been very difficult to create. Not only must they recognize the solution, but also be able to study, copy and enhance that solution so that we can take advantage of it. Humans then use science to apply to technology practices. Pedunculate oak Quercus robur L. Still, there's no substitution for applying what you've learned to …. A report showed that the U. Understanding Science. Gara or Yoruba indigo or indigo vine Philenoptera cyanescens Schumach. The core of all biological and chemical sciences and all technological processes and advances lies in physics. Some plants and 30 animals marine molluscs and scale insects are illustrated and discussed by the author recently - January - awarded the Legion d'Honneur for her scientific work , whose passion for natural dyes, with their colours of unequalled richness and subtlety, has taken her across the globe in search of dye sources and dyers.
Recommended publications
  • Natural Colourants with Ancient Concept and Probable Uses

    Natural Colourants with Ancient Concept and Probable Uses

    JOURNAL OF ADVANCED BOTANY AND ZOOLOGY Journal homepage: http://scienceq.org/Journals/JABZ.php Review Open Access Natural Colourants With Ancient Concept and Probable Uses Tabassum Khair1, Sujoy Bhusan2, Koushik Choudhury2, Ratna Choudhury3, Manabendra Debnath4 and Biplab De2* 1 Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Assam University, Silchar, Assam, India. 2 Regional Institute of Pharmaceutical Science And Technology, Abhoynagar, Agartala, Tripura, India. 3 Rajnagar H. S. School, Agartala, Tripura, India. 4 Department of Human Physiology, Swami Vivekananda Mahavidyalaya, Mohanpur, Tripura, India. *Corresponding author: Biplab De, E-mail: [email protected] Received: February 20, 2017, Accepted: April 15, 2017, Published: April 15, 2017. ABSTRACT: The majority of natural colourants are of vegetable origin from plant sources –roots, berries, barks, leaves, wood and other organic sources such as fungi and lichens. In the medicinal and food products apart from active constituents there are several other ingredients present which are used for either ethical or technical reasons. Colouring agent is one of them, known as excipients. The discovery of man-made synthetic dye in the mid-19th century triggered a long decline in the large-scale market for natural dyes as practiced by the villagers and tribes. The continuous use of synthetic colours in textile and food industry has been found to be detrimental to human health, also leading to environmental degradation. Biocolours are extracted by the villagers and certain tribes from natural herbs, plants as leaves, fruits (rind or seeds), flowers (petals, stamens), bark or roots, minerals such as prussian blue, red ochre & ultramarine blue and are also of insect origin such as lac, cochineal and kermes.
  • Historical Uses of Saffron: Identifying Potential New Avenues for Modern Research

    Historical Uses of Saffron: Identifying Potential New Avenues for Modern Research

    id8484906 pdfMachine by Broadgun Software - a great PDF writer! - a great PDF creator! - http://www.pdfmachine.com http://www.broadgun.com ISSN : 0974 - 7508 Volume 7 Issue 4 NNaattuurraall PPrrAoon dIdnduuian ccJotutrnssal Trade Science Inc. Full Paper NPAIJ, 7(4), 2011 [174-180] Historical uses of saffron: Identifying potential new avenues for modern research S.Zeinab Mousavi1, S.Zahra Bathaie2* 1Faculty of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, (IRAN) 2Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, (IRAN) E-mail: [email protected]; [email protected] Received: 20th June, 2011 ; Accepted: 20th July, 2011 ABSTRACT KEYWORDS Background: During the ancient times, saffron (Crocus sativus L.) had Saffron; many uses around the world; however, some of them were forgotten Iran; ’s uses came back into attention during throughout the history. But saffron Ancient medicine; the past few decades, when a new interest in natural active compounds Herbal medicine; arose. It is supposed that understanding different uses of saffron in past Traditional medicine. can help us in finding the best uses for today. Objective: Our objective was to review different uses of saffron throughout the history among different nations. Results: Saffron has been known since more than 3000 years ago by many nations. It was valued not only as a culinary condiment, but also as a dye, perfume and as a medicinal herb. Its medicinal uses ranged from eye problems to genitourinary and many other diseases in various cul- tures. It was also used as a tonic agent and antidepressant drug among many nations. Conclusion(s): Saffron has had many different uses such as being used as a food additive along with being a palliative agent for many human diseases.
  • American Materia Medica, Therapeutics and Pharmacognosy

    American Materia Medica, Therapeutics and Pharmacognosy

    American Materia Medica, Therapeutics and Pharmacognosy Developing the Latest Acquired Knowledge of Drugs, and Especially of the Direct Action of Single Drugs Upon Exact Conditions of Disease, with Especial Reference of the Therapeutics of the Plant Drugs of the Americas. By FINLEY ELLINGWOOD, M.D. 1919 Late Professor of Materia Medica and Therapeutics in Bennett Medical College, Chicago; Professor of Chemistry in Bennett Medical College 1884-1898; Author, and Editor of Ellingwood's Therapeutist; Member National Eclectic Medical Association; American Medical Editors' Association. Abridged to include only the botanical entries, and arranged in alphabetical order by latin names Southwest School of Botanical Medicine P.O. Box 4565, Bisbee, AZ 85603 www.swsbm.com ABIES. Abies canadensis Synonym—Hemlock spruce. CONSTITUENTS— Tannic acid, resin, volatile oil. Canada pitch, or gum hemlock, is the prepared concrete juice of the pinus canadensis. The juice exudes from the tree, and is collected by boiling the bark in water, or boiling the hemlock knots, which are rich in resin. It is composed of one or more resins, and a minute quantity of volatile oil. Canada pitch of commerce is in reddish-brown, brittle masses, of a faint odor, and slight taste. Oil of hemlock is obtained by distilling the branches with water. It is a volatile liquid, having a terebinthinate odor and taste. PREPARATIONS— Canada Pitch Plaster Tincture of the fresh hemlock boughs Tincture of the fresh inner bark. Specific Medicine Pinus. Dose, from five to sixty minims. The hemlock spruce produces three medicines; the gum, used in the form of a plaster as a rubifacient in rheumatism and kindred complaints; the volatile oil—oil of hemlock—or a tincture of the fresh boughs, used as a diuretic in diseases of the urinary organs, and wherever a terebinthinate remedy is indicated; and a tincture of the fresh inner bark, an astringent with specific properties, used locally, and internally in catarrh.
  • Hofmann-De Keijzer R Et Al. 2013.Pdf

    Hofmann-De Keijzer R Et Al. 2013.Pdf

    Kapitel 6: Expertenberichte 6.1 Die Farben und Färbetechniken der prähistorischen Textilien aus dem Salzbergbau Hallstatt Chapter 6: Analysis reports 6.1 The colours and dyeing techniques of prehistoric textiles from the salt mines of Hallstatt REGINA HOFMANN-DE KEIJZER, Maarten R. van BOMMEL, INEKE JOOSTEN, ANNA Hartl, Art NÉSS PROAÑO GAIBOR, ANDREAS G. HEISS, Robert KRALOFSKY, RUDOLF ERLACH, SUZAN DE GROOT Die blauen, gelben, grünen, olivgrünen, Blue, yellow, green, olive-green, red-brown, rotbraunen, dunkelbrauen und schwarzen dark brown and black – the textile finds from Hallstätter Textilfunde der Bronze- und Eisenzeit Bronze and Iron Age Hallstatt display the sind Zeugnisse der Farbenvielfalt prähistorischer colour diversity of prehistoric textiles. These Textilien. Dank der konservierenden Wirkung des objects and their colours have survived due to Salzes und des im Salzbergwerk herrschenden the preservative effects of salt and the constant konstanten Klimas blieben die Textilien und ihre climatic conditions in the mines. They allow Farben erhalten. Sie ermöglichen einen Blick in throwing a glance on the beginnings of textile den Anfang der Textilfärberei im europäischen dyeing in Europe. Raum. The Hallstatt textiles first underwent dye Im Jahre 2001 fanden die ersten analysis in 2001 (WALTON ROGERS 2001). farbstoffanalytischen Untersuchungen an Subsequently, between 2002 and 2012, various Hallstatt-Textilien statt (WALTON ROGERS interdisciplinary research projects examined 2001). Zwischen 2002 und 2012 widmeten coloured Bronze and Iron Age textile fragments sich verschiedene interdisziplinäre Forschungs- from the Hallstatt salt mines. The projects projekte der Untersuchung von farbigen bronze- brought together the Natural History Museum und eisenzeitlichen Textilfragmenten aus dem Vienna, the University of Applied Arts Vienna, Salzbergbau Hallstatt.
  • State of New York City's Plants 2018

    State of New York City's Plants 2018

    STATE OF NEW YORK CITY’S PLANTS 2018 Daniel Atha & Brian Boom © 2018 The New York Botanical Garden All rights reserved ISBN 978-0-89327-955-4 Center for Conservation Strategy The New York Botanical Garden 2900 Southern Boulevard Bronx, NY 10458 All photos NYBG staff Citation: Atha, D. and B. Boom. 2018. State of New York City’s Plants 2018. Center for Conservation Strategy. The New York Botanical Garden, Bronx, NY. 132 pp. STATE OF NEW YORK CITY’S PLANTS 2018 4 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 6 INTRODUCTION 10 DOCUMENTING THE CITY’S PLANTS 10 The Flora of New York City 11 Rare Species 14 Focus on Specific Area 16 Botanical Spectacle: Summer Snow 18 CITIZEN SCIENCE 20 THREATS TO THE CITY’S PLANTS 24 NEW YORK STATE PROHIBITED AND REGULATED INVASIVE SPECIES FOUND IN NEW YORK CITY 26 LOOKING AHEAD 27 CONTRIBUTORS AND ACKNOWLEGMENTS 30 LITERATURE CITED 31 APPENDIX Checklist of the Spontaneous Vascular Plants of New York City 32 Ferns and Fern Allies 35 Gymnosperms 36 Nymphaeales and Magnoliids 37 Monocots 67 Dicots 3 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY This report, State of New York City’s Plants 2018, is the first rankings of rare, threatened, endangered, and extinct species of what is envisioned by the Center for Conservation Strategy known from New York City, and based on this compilation of The New York Botanical Garden as annual updates thirteen percent of the City’s flora is imperiled or extinct in New summarizing the status of the spontaneous plant species of the York City. five boroughs of New York City. This year’s report deals with the City’s vascular plants (ferns and fern allies, gymnosperms, We have begun the process of assessing conservation status and flowering plants), but in the future it is planned to phase in at the local level for all species.
  • Conservation Assessment for Butternut Or White Walnut (Juglans Cinerea) L. USDA Forest Service, Eastern Region

    Conservation Assessment for Butternut Or White Walnut (Juglans Cinerea) L. USDA Forest Service, Eastern Region

    Conservation Assessment for Butternut or White walnut (Juglans cinerea) L. USDA Forest Service, Eastern Region 2003 Jan Schultz Hiawatha National Forest Forest Plant Ecologist (906) 228-8491 This Conservation Assessment was prepared to compile the published and unpublished information on Juglans cinerea L. (butternut). This is an administrative review of existing information only and does not represent a management decision or direction by the U. S. Forest Service. Though the best scientific information available was gathered and reported in preparation of this document, then subsequently reviewed by subject experts, it is expected that new information will arise. In the spirit of continuous learning and adaptive management, if the reader has information that will assist in conserving the subject taxon, please contact the Eastern Region of the Forest Service Threatened and Endangered Species Program at 310 Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53203. Conservation Assessment for Butternut or White walnut (Juglans cinerea) L. 2 Table Of Contents EXECUTIVE SUMMARY .....................................................................................5 INTRODUCTION / OBJECTIVES.......................................................................7 BIOLOGICAL AND GEOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION..............................8 Species Description and Life History..........................................................................................8 SPECIES CHARACTERISTICS...........................................................................9
  • Colonial Garden Plants

    Colonial Garden Plants

    COLONIAL GARD~J~ PLANTS I Flowers Before 1700 The following plants are listed according to the names most commonly used during the colonial period. The botanical name follows for accurate identification. The common name was listed first because many of the people using these lists will have access to or be familiar with that name rather than the botanical name. The botanical names are according to Bailey’s Hortus Second and The Standard Cyclopedia of Horticulture (3, 4). They are not the botanical names used during the colonial period for many of them have changed drastically. We have been very cautious concerning the interpretation of names to see that accuracy is maintained. By using several references spanning almost two hundred years (1, 3, 32, 35) we were able to interpret accurately the names of certain plants. For example, in the earliest works (32, 35), Lark’s Heel is used for Larkspur, also Delphinium. Then in later works the name Larkspur appears with the former in parenthesis. Similarly, the name "Emanies" appears frequently in the earliest books. Finally, one of them (35) lists the name Anemones as a synonym. Some of the names are amusing: "Issop" for Hyssop, "Pum- pions" for Pumpkins, "Mushmillions" for Muskmellons, "Isquou- terquashes" for Squashes, "Cowslips" for Primroses, "Daffadown dillies" for Daffodils. Other names are confusing. Bachelors Button was the name used for Gomphrena globosa, not for Centaurea cyanis as we use it today. Similarly, in the earliest literature, "Marygold" was used for Calendula. Later we begin to see "Pot Marygold" and "Calen- dula" for Calendula, and "Marygold" is reserved for Marigolds.
  • Mountain Gardens Full Plant List 2016

    Mountain Gardens Full Plant List 2016

    MOUNTAIN GARDENS BARE ROOT PLANT SALES WWW.MOUNTAINGARDENSHERBS.COM Here is our expanded list of bare root plants. Prices are $4-$5 as indicated. Note that some are only available in spring or summer, as indicated; otherwise they are available all seasons. No price listed = not available this year. We begin responding to requests in April and plants are generally shipped in May and June, though inquiries are welcome throughout the growing season. We ship early in the week by Priority Mail. For most orders, except very large or very small, we use flat rate boxes @$25 per shipment. Some species will sell out – please list substitutes, or we will refund via Paypal or a check. TO ORDER, email name/number of plants wanted & your address to [email protected] Payment: Through Paypal, using [email protected]. If you prefer, you can mail your order with a check (made out to ‘Joe Hollis’) to 546 Shuford Cr. Rd., Burnsville, NC 28714. Or you can pick up your plants at the nursery (please send your order and payment with requested pick-up date in advance). * Shipping & handling: 25$ flat rate on all but very small or very large orders – will verify via email. MOUNTAIN GARDENS PLANT LIST *No price listed = not available this year. LATIN NAME COMMON NAME BARE USE/CATEGORY ROOT Edible, Medicinal, etc. Achillea millefolium Yarrow $4.00 Medicinal Aconitum napellus Monkshood, Chinese, fu zi ChinMed, Ornamental Acorus calamus Calamus, sweet flag Med Acorus gramineus shi chang pu 4 ChinMed Actaea racemosa Black Cohosh 4 Native Med Aegopodium podograria
  • Papaveraceae Poppy Family

    Papaveraceae Poppy Family

    Papaveraceae Poppy Family Mostly herbaceous, only three of 25 genera reach Nova Scotia. They are typified by the acrid latex contained within, which may be variously coloured. Leaves are alternate and lobed, or toothed. Regular Page | 715 flowers are usually showy, comprising 2–3 sepals, enclosing many stamens and up to 12 petals. They are singly carried atop a peduncle. Fruit is a unilocular capsule, further divided into as many as 20 valves. Key to species A. Petals >8; cauline leaves absent, basal leaf 1; native perennial. Sanguinaria aa. Petals 4 or 6; cauline leaves present; introduced annual or biennial. B B. Inflorescence an umbel; flowers yellow, small. Chelidonium bb. Inflorescence a single flower, usually red, purple or white. Papaver Chelidonium L. Celandine A monotypic genus, originating in Asia, the plants contain a saffron-coloured latex, desirable as a stain or dye. Plants are branching, a feature not common amongst the poppy genera. Chelidonium majus L. Celandine, Swallow-wort; grande chélidoine A tall plant, reaching 80cm, it releases an orange latex when bruised. Leaves are pinnately divided, nearly to the midrib. Lobes are ovate and broadly toothed. Small yellow flowers are borne in an umbel producing slender capsules 3–5cm long. Summer flowering, July and August. Disturbed soils and old gardens. Photo by Ross Hall Naturalized about towns and settlements: Point Pleasant Park and various gardens in Halifax. Southern counties; Truro. Elsewhere it is found from NS to MB, variously south to GA; western. Introduced from Europe as a source of dye. Photo by Ross Hall 3-65 Papaveraceae Page | 716 Papaver L.
  • The Minoan Use and Social Significance of Saffron and Crocus Flowers

    The Minoan Use and Social Significance of Saffron and Crocus Flowers

    Rachel Dewan Bronze Age Flower Power: The Minoan Use and Social Significance of Saffron and Crocus Flowers Rachel Dewan While iconography of the natural world abounds in the art of the Bronze Age Minoan culture, one plant seems particularly prevalent; represented on ceramics, in wall-paintings, and on votive objects are numerous depictions of the crocus flower. The saffron spice, a product of the flower, was carefully recorded in Linear B texts, testifying to its importance as a valuable economic commodity, but its inclusion in highly detailed iconographic representations and the contexts within which they were found attest to a significance that extended beyond commercial import. Particularly associated with women in the spheres of Minoan industry, medicine, and religion, the pervasive importance of saffron and the crocus flower made it not only a valuable commodity throughout the Bronze Age Mediterranean world, but also an integral part of culture and identity for Minoan women. 42 Chronika Bronze Age Flower Power Introduction With floral scrolls, marine motifs, animal iconography, and vast landscapes evident in much of Minoan art, a connection between Minoan art and nature has been noted by scholars since Sir Arthur Evans first uncovered the remains of this Bronze Age culture in 1900.1 Indeed, the interpretation of the natural world’s significance to the Minoans has been perpetuated by the numerous depictions of Aegean flora and fauna, even exaggerated to the extent that the Minoans are sometimes referred to as the “hippies of the ancient world.”2 As overstated as this characterization may be, the natural world was clearly of great Figure 1: Map of the Aegean with significant Late Bronze significance for the Minoans, and further Age sites.
  • Landscaping Near Black Walnut Trees

    Landscaping Near Black Walnut Trees

    Selecting juglone-tolerant plants Landscaping Near Black Walnut Trees Black walnut trees (Juglans nigra) can be very attractive in the home landscape when grown as shade trees, reaching a potential height of 100 feet. The walnuts they produce are a food source for squirrels, other wildlife and people as well. However, whether a black walnut tree already exists on your property or you are considering planting one, be aware that black walnuts produce juglone. This is a natural but toxic chemical they produce to reduce competition for resources from other plants. This natural self-defense mechanism can be harmful to nearby plants causing “walnut wilt.” Having a walnut tree in your landscape, however, certainly does not mean the landscape will be barren. Not all plants are sensitive to juglone. Many trees, vines, shrubs, ground covers, annuals and perennials will grow and even thrive in close proximity to a walnut tree. Production and Effect of Juglone Toxicity Juglone, which occurs in all parts of the black walnut tree, can affect other plants by several means: Stems Through root contact Leaves Through leakage or decay in the soil Through falling and decaying leaves When rain leaches and drips juglone from leaves Nuts and hulls and branches onto plants below. Juglone is most concentrated in the buds, nut hulls and All parts of the black walnut tree produce roots and, to a lesser degree, in leaves and stems. Plants toxic juglone to varying degrees. located beneath the canopy of walnut trees are most at risk. In general, the toxic zone around a mature walnut tree is within 50 to 60 feet of the trunk, but can extend to 80 feet.
  • Saffron Administration Prevents Selenite-Induced Cataractogenesis

    Saffron Administration Prevents Selenite-Induced Cataractogenesis

    Molecular Vision 2013; 19:1188-1197 <http://www.molvis.org/molvis/v19/1188> © 2013 Molecular Vision Received 5 January 2013 | Accepted 28 May 2013 | Published 30 May 2013 Saffron administration prevents selenite-induced cataractogenesis Olga E. Makri,1 Anastasia-Varvara Ferlemi,2 Fotini N. Lamari,2 Constantine D. Georgakopoulos1 1Department of Ophthalmology, Medical School, University of Patras, Patras, Greece; 2Laboratory of Pharmacognosy & Chemistry of Natural Products, Department of Pharmacy, University of Patras, Patras, Greece Purpose: The present study sought to investigate whether Crocus sativus stigmas (saffron) extract prevents selenium- induced cataractogenesis in vivo, and to study its possible protective mechanism. Methods: Wistar rat pups were randomized into three groups. Group I (control) received subcutaneous injection of normal saline on postnatal day 10. Groups II (selenite-treated) and III (selenite+saffron-treated) received subcutane- ous injection of sodium selenite (20 µmol/kg body weight) on postnatal day 10. Group III also received intraperitoneal injections of saffron extract (60 mg/kg body weight) on postnatal days 9 and 12. On postpartum day 21, rats were sacri- ficed and the lenses were isolated and examined for cataract formation. Activities of superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, catalase, and glutathione levels, as markers of antioxidant defense, were measured in the isolated lenses. Levels of the indicator of lipid peroxidation, malondialdehyde, and protein oxidation (sulfhydryl content) in the lens were also determined. The effect of the different treatments on lens protein profile was evaluated through an estimation of the soluble to insoluble protein ratio and sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis analysis of the water-soluble fraction (WSF) of lens proteins.