Biodiversity, ecological distribution and sustainable use of species of the genus Macrotomia (Arnebia)

The Macrotomia (Arnebia) genus of the family Arnebiaceae occupies a unique position in traditional medicine and the pharmaceutical industry owing to its ability to accumulate biologically active naphthoquinone compounds, particularly shikonin. However, information on the biodiversity, ecology, population status, and medicinal potential of these species in southern Kazakhstan remains limited. This study aimed to comprehensively assess the morphology, ecology, population characteristics, and medicinal significance of Macrotomia ugamensis and Macrotomia euchroma in natural populations of the Tolebi, Kazygurt, and Tulkibas districts of the Turkistan Region, Republic of Kazakhstan, during ۲۰۲۵. Morphological characteristics, population parameters, soil physicochemical properties, and climatic conditions were investigated through field surveys conducted at ۱۵ sampling sites using transects and permanent plots. Naphthoquinone compounds were extracted and quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The results demonstrated that M. ugamensis is confined to mountainous habitats above ۱۹۰۰ m a.s.l., characterized by mean annual temperatures below ۹ °C and annual precipitation exceeding ۳۵۰ mm, whereas M. euchroma predominates in warmer and drier foothill and plain ecosystems with temperatures above ۱۳ °C. The total naphthoquinone content of M. ugamensis (۱۵.۷ mg/g extract) was significantly higher than that of M. euchroma (p < ۰.۰۰۱), and shikonin concentration was strongly positively correlated with altitude (r = ۰.۹۵). Populations of M. euchroma were sparse and fragmented, with densities below one individual per square meter in several surveyed locations. These findings indicate that the contrasting ecological requirements of the two species necessitate species-specific conservation strategies, while their declining populations highlight the importance of cultivation and ex situ conservation to ensure sustainable utilization.

کلیدواژه ها:

Macrotomia ، biodiversity ، Natural populations ، Naphthoquinones ، Shikonin ، HPLC ، Conservation ، Turkistan Region ، Kazakhstan