Sample records for xylopia emarginata annonaceae

  1. Essential oil from the leaves of Xylopia langsdorfiana (Annonaceae) as a possible spasmolytic agent.

    PubMed

    Correia, Ana Carolina de C; Ferreira, Tamyris F; Martins, Italo Rossi R; Macêdo, Cibério L; Monteiro, Fabio de S; Costa, Vicente Carlos O; Tavares, Josean F; Silva, Marcelo S; Paredes-Gamero, Edgar J; Buri, Marcus V; Rigoni, Vera L S; Nouailhetas, Viviane L A; Da Silva, Bagnólia A

    2015-01-01

    Xylopia langsdorfiana A. St.-Hil. &Tul. (Annonaceae) is popularly known in the northeast of Brazil as 'pimenteira da terra', and an essential oil (XL-OE) was extracted from its leaves. Since Xylopia species are cited in folk medicine and diterpenes from X. langsdorfiana have spasmolytic activity, this study aimed to investigate a possible spasmolytic action of XL-OE on smooth muscle models. XL-OE (243 and 729 μg/mL) showed low pharmacologic efficacy on guinea pig trachea and rat aorta and uterus. However, in guinea pig ileum, XL-OE (27-729 μg/mL) inhibited carbachol or histamine-induced phasic contractions (1 μM) in a significant and concentration-dependent manner. In addition, XL-OE (81 μg/mL) reduced fluorescence intensity in ileal myocytes stimulated by histamine, indicating a decrease in cytosolic calcium concentration, which could explain the spasmolytic activity. Thus, XL-OE proved to be a promising natural product to be used in gastrointestinal diseases acting by modulating the cytosolic calcium concentration.

  2. Rust fungi on Annonaceae: the genus Sphaerophragmium.

    PubMed

    Beenken, Ludwig; Berndt, Reinhard

    2010-01-01

    Seven species of the rust genus Sphaerophragmium occur on members of the tropical plant family Annonaceae. Uropyxis gerstneri is recombined to S. gerstneri. A new species, S. xylopiae, is described from Xylopia acutiflora. The host plant of S. boanense is identified as Mitrella sp. Sphaerophragmium pulchrum is transferred to Dicheirinia. The anatomy of telia with teliospores and parasitizing mycelium is described and illustrated in detail. A new type of M-haustorium, which emanates laterally from intracellular hypha, is detected in S. monodorae. An identification key is given.

  3. Guaiane dimers from Xylopia vielana.

    PubMed

    Kamperdick, Christine; Phuong, Nguyen Minh; Adam, Günter; Van Sung, Tran

    2003-10-01

    From the leaves of Xylopia vielana (Annonaceae) two dimeric guaianes named vielanins D and E were isolated and structurally elucidated by mass and NMR spectroscopy. Vielanin D and E consist of bridged ring systems formally representing the Diels-Alder products from the hypothetical guaiane-type monomers. Due to a hemiketal function at C-8' both compounds occurred as epimeric mixtures.

  4. Rust fungi on Annonaceae II: the genus Dasyspora Berk. & M.A. Curtis.

    PubMed

    Beenken, Ludwig; Zoller, Stefan; Berndt, Reinhard

    2012-01-01

    Dasyspora gregaria, the single species of the allegedly monotypic rust genus Dasyspora (Basidiomycota, Pucciniales), was investigated by light microscopy and DNA sequencing (ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 region, partial LSU and SSU of the nuclear rDNA, mt cytochrome oxidase subunit 3). Both methods indicated that D. gregaria is not a single species but can be split in 11 distinct taxa, each of which appear confined to a single Xylopia species (Annonaceae) host. Herein nine of these are described as new. Both the phylogenetic analyses and morphology show that the species are grouped into two main clades designated Dasyspora gregaria and D. winteri. The first comprises D. gregaria, the type species of the genus, which is restricted to X. cayennensis, two new species on X. aromatica, D. segregaria from northern South America and D. echinata from Brazil. The second clade is formed by D. winteri, recombined from Puccinia winteri on X. sericea, and the new species D. amazonica on X. amazonica, D. emarginatae on X. emarginata, D. frutescentis on X. frutescens, D. ferrugineae on X. frutescens var. ferruginea, D. guianensis on X. benthamii, D. mesoamericana on X. frutescens, and D. nitidae on X. nitida. Dasyspora frutescentis and D. mesoamericana were not clearly distinguishable by their morphology and host associations but differed from another in their sequences and geographic distributions. They are considered cryptic species. An identification key and the distributions are given for all recognized species. Along with molecular data we discuss the systematic position of Dasyspora in the Pucciniales.

  5. Effect of Ethanolic Extract from Seeds or Pods of Xylopia Aethiopica (Dunal) A. Rich (Annonaceae) on the Testicular Function of Adult Male Rats.

    PubMed

    Abarikwu, Sunny O; Ogunlaja, Aemere; Otuechere, Chiagoziem A; Gideon, OlatunBosun

    2017-10-01

    Xylopia aethiopica (Annonaceae) is used in some folk medicines and widely consumed as a spice in some parts of Nigeria. Its efficacy as an anti-androgenic substance has warranted the attention of African scholars. This study evaluated the enzymatic activity of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), γ-glutamyl transferase (γ-GT), sperm quality (motility, count, morphology), testosterone level and histo-pathological changes of the testis of rats chronically treated with ethanolic extract of the pods (without seeds), seeds, and fruits (pods + seeds) of Xylopia aethiopica. Male Wistar (224-246 g) rats were treated with the extract of the pods, seeds, and fruits of Xylopia aethiopica at the dose of 0, 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg body wt. for 60 days. Serum biochemistry, sperm quality and histo-pathological examination of the testis were assessed for any treatment-related adverse effects. After treatment with Xylopia aethiopica, testosterone level was decreased dose-dependently in the animals treated with the seed extract compared to all other groups. The enzymatic activities of LDH and γ-GT were higher in rats treated with the seed and fruit extracts compared with those treated with the pods. The numbers of motile sperm, and counts were decreased while the numbers of sperm with morphological defects were higher in rats treated with the seed and fruit extracts compared to the control. Histopathological changes of the testis were also more severe in rats treated with the highest dose of the seed extract. We conclude that the compounds related to the anti-infertility effects of Xylopia aethiopica are present in the seeds.

  6. Secondary and tertiary isoquinoline alkaloids from Xylopia parviflora.

    PubMed

    Nishiyama, Yumi; Moriyasu, Masataka; Ichimaru, Momoyo; Iwasa, Kinuko; Kato, Atsushi; Mathenge, Simon G; Chalo Mutiso, Patrick B; Juma, Francis D

    2006-12-01

    From the secondary and tertiary alkaloidal fractions of the root and the bark of Xylopia parviflora (Annonaceae), the isoquinoline alkaloids, 10,11-dihydroxy-1,2-dimethoxynoraporphine and parvinine were isolated, along with 39 known alkaloids. Their structures were determined on the basis of analysis of spectroscopic data.

  7. Guaiane dimers from Xylopia vielana.

    PubMed

    Kamperdick, C; Phuong, N M; Van Sung, T; Adam, G

    2001-02-01

    From the leaves of Xylopia vielana (Annonaceae) the three dimeric guaianes vielanin A-C were isolated and structurally elucidated by mass and NMR spectroscopy as 1-3. The structure of 1 contains a bridged ring system formed probably via a Diels-Alder reaction of two different guaiane monomers. Compounds 2 and 3 represent symmetric cyclobutanes formally generated from two equal guaiane moieties by [2 + 2] cycloaddition.

  8. Floral scent compounds of Amazonian Annonaceae species pollinated by small beetles and thrips.

    PubMed

    Jürgens, A; Webber, A C; Gottsberger, G

    2000-11-01

    Chemical analysis (GC-MS) yielded a total of 58 volatile compounds in the floral scents of six species of Annonaceae distributed in four genera (Xylopia, Anaxagorea, Duguetia, and Rollinia), Xylopia aromatica is pollinated principally by Thysanoptera and secondarily by small beetles (Nitidulidae and Staphylinidae), whereas the five other species were pollinated by Nitidulidae and Staphylinidae only. Although the six Annonaceae species attract a similar array of pollinator groups, the major constituents of their floral scents are of different biochemical origin. The fragrances of flowers of Anaxagorea brevipes and Anaxagorea dolichocarpa were dominated by esters of aliphatic acids (ethyl 2-methylbutanoate, ethyl 3-methylbutanoate), which were not detected in the other species. Monoterpenes (limonene, p-cymene, alpha-pinene) were the main scent compounds of Duguetia asterotricha, and naphthalene prevailed in the scent of Rollinia insignis flowers. The odors of X. aromatica and Xylopia benthamii flowers were dominated by high amounts of benzenoids (methylbenzoate, 2-phenylethyl alcohol).

  9. A new species of the lenticel fungal genus Claviradulomyces (Ostropales) from the Brazilian Atlantic forest tree Xylopia sericea (Annonaceae).

    PubMed

    Barreto, Robert W; Johnston, Peter R; Crous, Pedro W; Evans, Harry C

    2012-12-01

    Claviradulomyces xylopiae sp. nov. is introduced for a fungus occurring in association with abnormal (enlarged, spongy) lenticels of Xylopia sericea (Annonaceae), a common tree of the Atlantic forest and Cerrado ecosystems in Brazil. This is the second species described in the genus and, although it is morphologically distinct from the type species, C. dabeicola from West Africa, it possesses the same characteristics. Apothecial ascomata have periphysoids and paraphyses that are inflated apically (clavate), and ornamented with denticles (raduliform). Furthermore, similar to the type species, it also has long-cylindric or acerose, aseptate ascospores and conidia. An additional asexual morph was produced in culture and is described. Molecular studies of C. dabeicola and the new species confirmed a placement in Ostropales, although a relationship to Odontotremataceae was not supported. Both species were consistently in association with abnormal lenticular development on their woody hosts. It remains to be ascertained, however, if these are the causal agents of the bark disorders, or, simply, opportunistic colonisers. The finding of the second species in the genus Claviradulomyces on a plant from a distantly related family to that of the host of C. dabeicola (Erythroxylaceae) for the genus on a different continent suggests that fungi in this genus may be common on lenticels of other woody plants, and could even have a pantropical distribution. It is possible that fungi in the genus have remained unreported until now because lenticels have remained neglected as a habitat surveyed by mycologists.

  10. Quaternary isoquinoline alkaloids from Xylopia parviflora.

    PubMed

    Nishiyama, Yumi; Moriyasu, Masataka; Ichimaru, Momoyo; Iwasa, Kinuko; Kato, Atsushi; Mathenge, Simon G; Chalo Mutiso, Patrick B; Juma, Francis D

    2004-04-01

    From the quaternary alkaloidal fraction of the bark and the root of Xylopia parviflora (Annonaceae), four isoquinoline alkaloids, xylopinidine, dehydrocoreximine, N, N-dimethylanomurine and N-methylphoebine were isolated along with the known compounds, pycnarrhine, lotusine, 6,7-dimethoxy-2-methyl-isoquinolinium salt, 1,2-dehydroreticuline, (-)-phellodendrine, (+)-tembetarine, (-)-litcubine, (+)-magnoflorine, tetradehydroreticuline, (-)-oblongine, (+)-menisperine, (+)-N-methylcorydine, stepharanine, (+)-xanthoplanine, dehydrodiscretine, jatrorrhizine and palmatine. 3,4-Dihydro-6,7-dimethoxy-2-methyl-isoquinolinium and N-methylpurpuerine were isolated as natural products for the first time. Their structures were determined on the basis of spectroscopic evidence.

  11. Xylopia aethiopica (Annonaceae) fruit extract suppresses Freund's adjuvant-induced arthritis in Sprague-Dawley rats.

    PubMed

    Obiri, David D; Osafo, Newman; Ayande, Patrick G; Antwi, Aaron O

    2014-03-28

    Xylopia aethiopica is used in a decoction of the dried fruit to treat bronchitis, asthma, arthritis, rheumatism, headache, neuralgia and colic pain. The aim of the study is to evaluate the anti-arthritic effects of a 70% aqueous ethanol extract of the fruit of Xylopia aethiopica in a chronic inflammatory model. Adjuvant arthritis was induced in Sprague-Dawley rats by intraplantar injection of Complete Freund's adjuvant into the right hind paw. Foot volume was measured by water displacement plethysmometry. The oedema component of inflammation was evaluated as the percentage change in paw swelling and the total oedema induced calculated as area under the time course curves. In addition to X-ray radiography, histopathology of ankle joints supported by haematological analysis was used to assess the anti-arthritic action of the extract of Xylopia aethiopica (XAE). Xylopia aethiopica extract (100, 300 and 600 mg kg(-1)) modified the time course curve significantly reducing hind paw oedema in the ipsilateral paw at all dose levels when administered both prophylactically and therapeutically. In addition XAE significantly suppressed the systemic spread of the arthritis from the ipsilateral to the contralateral limbs. The radiological pictures of the joints particularly metatarsal, phalanges and the ankle joint space of rats in the XAE-treated group showed protective effect against adjuvant-induced arthritis while histopathology revealed significant reduction in mononuclear infiltration, pannus formation and bone erosion. The haematological analysis in the test animals revealed significant improvement relative to the CFA model group. Xylopia aethiopica XAE suppresses joint inflammation and destruction in arthritic rats. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

  12. Isolation of bioactive and other oxoaporphine alkaloids from two annonaceous plants, Xylopia aethiopica and Miliusa cf. banacea.

    PubMed

    Harrigan, G G; Gunatilaka, A A; Kingston, D G; Chan, G W; Johnson, R K

    1994-01-01

    The oxoaporphine alkaloids oxophoebine [1] and liriodenine [2] have been isolated from Xylopia aethiopica (Annonaceae). Both showed selective toxicity against DNA repair and recombination deficient mutants of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisae. Three related but inactive compounds, oxoglaucine [3], O-methylmoschatoline [4], and lysicamine [5], were also isolated from this plant. Selective toxicity was also observed for 10-methoxyliriodenine (lauterine) [6] and 10-hydroxyliriodenine [7], two oxoaporphine alkaloids isolated from Miliusa cf. banacea (Annonaceae). The structure of 10-hydroxyliriodenine [7], a novel oxoaporphine, was determined by spectroscopic methods and chemical conversion to compound 6. The role of the bioactive oxoaporphine alkaloids as DNA topoisomerase inhibitors is discussed.

  13. Composition and Chemical Variability of Ivoirian Xylopia staudtii Leaf Oil.

    PubMed

    Yapi, Thierry Acafou; Boti, Jean Brice; Ahibo, Antoine Coffy; Sutour, Sylvain; Bighelli, Ange; Casanova, Joseph; Tomi, Félix

    2015-06-01

    The chemical composition of a leaf oil sample from Ivoirian Xylopia staudtii Engler & Diels (Annonaceae) has been investigated by a combination of chromatographic [GC(RI)] and spectroscopic (GC-MS, 13C NMR) techniques. Thirty-five components that accounted for 91.8% of the whole composition have been identified. The oil composition was dominated by the furanoguaiadienes furanoguaia-1,4-diene (39.0%) and furanoguaia-1,3-diene(7.5%), and by germacrene D (17.5%). The composition of twelve other leaf oil samples demonstrated qualitative homogeneity, but quantitative variability. Indeed, the contents of the major components varied substantially: furanoguaia-1,4-diene (24.7-51.7%) and germacrene D (5.9-24.8%). The composition of X. staudtii leaf oil is close to that of X. rubescens leaf oil but varied drastically from those of the essential oils isolated from other Xylopia species. 13C NMR spectroscopy appeared as a powerful and complementary tool for analysis of sesquiterpene-rich essential oils.

  14. Effects of environmental conditions associated to the cardinal orientation on the reproductive phenology of the cerrado savanna tree Xylopia aromatica (Annonaceae).

    PubMed

    Camargo, Maria Gabriela G; Souza, Regina M; Reys, Paula; Morellato, Leonor P C

    2011-09-01

    The Brazilian cerrado has undergone an intense process of fragmentation, which leads to an increase in the number of remnants exposed to edge effects and associated changes on environmental conditions that may affect the phenology of plants. This study aimed to verify whether the reproductive phenology of Xylopia aromatica (Lam.) Mart. (Annonaceae) differs under different light conditions in a cerrado sensu stricto (a woody savanna) of southeastern Brazil. We compared the reproductive phenology of X. aromatica trees distributed on east and south cardinal faces of the cerrado during monthly observations, from January 2005 to December 2008. The east face had a higher light incidence, higher temperatures and canopy openness in relation to south face. X. aromatica showed seasonal reproduction at both faces of the cerrado, but the percentage of individuals, the synchrony and duration of phenophases were higher at the east face. The study demonstrated the influence of the environmental conditions associated to the cardinal orientation of the cerrado faces on the phenological pattern of X. aromatica. Similar responses may be observed for other species, ultimately affecting patterns of floral visitation and fruit production, which reinforces the importance of considering the cardinal direction in studies of edge effects and fragmentation.

  15. Leaf development in Xylopia aromatica (Lam) Mart. (Annonaceae): implications for palatability to Stenoma scitiorella Walker 1864 (Lepidoptera: Elachistidae).

    PubMed

    Varanda, E M; Costa, A A; Barosela, J R

    2008-11-01

    Variations in specific foliar mass and water content, nitrogen, soluble carbohydrates and tannins were studied during the growth and maturation processes of the Xylopia aromatica leaves, to determine the effects of such alterations on the herbivory of Stenoma scitiorella caterpillars. This work was carried out in the physiognomy of the typical cerrado of the Parque Estadual de Vassununga, Gleba Pé-de Gigante, Santa Rita do Passa Quatro, São Paulo State, Brazil. While nutritional quality (water and nitrogen) decreases during expansion and maturation of Xylopia aromatica leaves, the chemical (tannins) and physical (sclerophylly) defenses are raised. In agreement with the observations on herbivory, the results support the hypothesis that the reduction in palatability and increase in chemical defenses of Xylopia aromatica leaves account for the caterpillars' preference for young expanding leaves.

  16. Effects of Xylopia aethiopica (Annonaceae) fruit methanol extract on gamma-radiation-induced oxidative stress in brain of adult male Wistar rats.

    PubMed

    Adaramoye, O A; Popoola, Bosede O; Farombi, E O

    2010-09-01

    Xylopia aethiopica (XA) (Annonaceae) possesses great nutritional and medicinal values. This study was designed to investigate the effects of XA fruit methanol extract on oxidative stress in brain of rats exposed to whole body gamma-radiation (5 Gy). Vitamin C (VC) served as standard antioxidant. Forty-four rats were divided into 4 groups of 11 rats each. One group served as control, two different groups were treated with XA and VC (250 mg/kg), 6 weeks before and 8 weeks after irradiation, and fourth group was only irradiated. Rats were sacrificed 1 and 8 weeks after irradiation. The antioxidant status, viz. Lipid peroxidation (LPO), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione-s-transferase (GST) and glutathione (GSH) were estimated. Results indicate a significant increase (p < 0.05) in levels of brain LPO after irradiation. LPO increased by 90% and 151%, after 1 and 8 weeks of irradiation, respectively. Irradiation caused significant (p < 0.05) decreases in levels of GSH and GST by 61% and 43% after 1 week and, 75% and 73%, respectively, after 8 weeks of exposure. CAT and SOD levels were decreased by 62% and 68%, respectively, after 8 weeks of irradiation. Treatment with XA and VC ameliorated the radiation-induced decreases in antioxidant status of the animals. These suggest that XA could have beneficial effect by inhibiting oxidative damage in brain of exposed rats.

  17. Dried fruit extract from Xylopia aethiopica (Annonaceae) protects Wistar albino rats from adverse effects of whole body radiation.

    PubMed

    Adaramoye, Oluwatosin A; Okiti, Osume O; Farombi, E Olatunde

    2011-11-01

    The effect of dried fruit extract from Xylopia aethiopica (Annonaceae) (XA) and vitamin C (VC) against γ-radiation-induced liver and kidney damage was studied in male Wistar rats. XA and VC were given orally at a dose of 250 mg/kg, orally for 6 weeks prior to and 8 weeks after radiation (5 Gy). The rats were sacrificed after 1 and 8 weeks of single exposure to radiation. Results showed that all animals in un-irradiated group survived (100%), while 83.3% and 66.7% survived in XA- and VC-treated groups, respectively, and 50% survived in irradiated group. The levels of serum, liver and kidney lipid peroxidation (LPO) were elevated by 88%, 102% and 73% after 1 week of exposure, and by 152%, 221% and 178%, after 8 weeks of exposure, respectively. Treatment with XA and VC significantly (p<0.05) decreased the levels of LPO in the irradiated animals. Also, γ-radiation caused significant decreases (p<0.05) in the levels of liver glutathione (GSH), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), kidney GSH and SOD by 41%, 60%, 81%, 79%, 72% and 58% after 1 week of exposure. Similarly, γ-radiation caused significant increases (p<0.05) in the levels of serum alanine (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferases (AST) after 8 weeks of exposure. Precisely, ALT and AST levels were increased by 69% and 82%, respectively. These changes were significantly (p<0.05) attenuated in irradiated animals treated with XA and VC. These results suggest that XA and VC could increase the antioxidant defence systems in the liver and kidney of irradiated animals, and may protect from adverse effects of whole body radiation. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

  18. Essential oil from fruit of Xylopia langsdorffiana: antitumour activity and toxicity.

    PubMed

    Moura, Ana Paula Gomes; Beltrão, Daiene Martins; Pita, João Carlos Lima Rodrigues; Xavier, Aline Lira; Brito, Monalisa Taveira; Sousa, Tatyanna Kelvia Gomes de; Batista, Leônia Maria; Carvalho, João Ernesto de; Ruiz, Ana Lúcia Tasca Gois; Della Torre, Adriana; Duarte, Marcelo Cavalcante; Tavares, Josean Fechine; da Silva, Marcelo Sobral; Sobral, Marianna Vieira

    2016-12-01

    The genus Xylopia L. (Annonaceae) includes aromatic plants that have both nutritional and medicinal uses. Essential oils of Xylopia species have antitumour effects. However, the efficacy of the essential oil from the fruit of Xylopia langsdorffiana St. Hil & Tul. (EOX) has not been examined. EOX was evaluated to determine its chemical composition, antitumour activity and toxicity. EOX was obtained from fresh fruits of X. langsdorffiana subjected to hydrodistillation, and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry was used to characterize the chemical composition of EOX. The toxicity of EOX was evaluated using haemolysis, acute toxicity and micronucleus assays. The in vitro antitumour activity of EOX was investigated using the sulforhodamine B assay. The sarcoma 180 murine tumour model was used to evaluate the in vivo antitumour activity and toxicity of EOX (50 and 100 mg/kg) after 7 d of treatment. The major components of EOX were α-pinene (34.57%) and limonene (31.75%). The HC 50 (concentration producing 50% haemolysis) was 293.6 μg/ml. EOX showed greater selectivity for the leukaemia cell line K562, with total growth inhibition (TGI) (concentration producing TGI) of 1.8 μg/ml, and for multidrug-resistant ovarian tumour cell line NCI/ADR-RES (TGI of 45.4 μg/ml). The LD 50 was approximately 351.09 mg/kg. At doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg, EOX inhibited the in vivo growth of sarcoma 180 by 38.67 and 54.32%, respectively. EOX displayed minor hepatic alterations characteristic of acute hepatitis and induced no genotoxicity. EOX showed in vitro and in vivo antitumour activity and low toxicity, which warrants further pharmacological studies.

  19. Aporphine alkaloids and feruloylamides from the bark of Xylopia benthamii R.E. Fries (Annonaceae).

    PubMed

    Pimenta, L P S; Mendonça, D D

    2012-01-01

    The bark of Xylopia benthamii R.E. Fries was investigated in a search for new bioactive compounds. The ethanolic extract of the air-dried bark of X. benthamii was obtained and submitted to an acidic extraction procedure to obtain an alkaloid mixture. Chromatographic fractionation led to the isolation of two aporphine alkaloids, nornantenine and laurotetanine, and a mixture of trans- and cis-feruloyltyramine, isolated for the first time in this genus. Structures were established by spectroscopic methods as NMR (1D and 2D) and mass spectrometry (ESI-MS).

  20. Extract of Xylopia aethiopica (Annonaceae) protects against gamma-radiation induced testicular damage in Wistar rats.

    PubMed

    Adaramoye, Oluwatosin Adekunle; Adedara, Isaac Adegboyega; Popoola, Bosede; Farombi, Ebenezer Olatunde

    2010-01-01

    Ionizing radiation is an important environmental risk factor and, a major therapeutic agent for cancer treatment. This study was designed to evaluate the protective effect of extract of Xylopia aethiopica (XA) on gamma-radiation-induced testicular damage in rats. Vitamin C (VC) served as the reference antioxidant during the study. The study consists of 4 groups of 11 rats each. Group I received corn oil (vehicle), groups II and IV were pretreated with XA (250 mg/kg) and VC (250mg/kg) for 6 weeks before and 8 weeks after exposure to gamma-radiation; group III was exposed to a single dose of gamma-radiation (5 Gy). Biochemical analysis revealed that gamma-irradiation caused a significant increase (p < .05) in serum and testicular lipid peroxidation (LPO) levels by 217% and 221%, respectively. Irradiated rats had markedly decreased testicular catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), and reduced glutathione (GSH) levels. Irradiation resulted in 59% and 40% decreases in spermatozoa motility and live/dead sperm count, respectively, and a 161% increase in total sperm abnormalities. Histologically, testes of the irradiated rats showed extensive degenerative changes in the seminiferous tubules and defoliation of spermatocytes. Supplementation of XA and VC reversed the adverse effects of gamma-radiation on biochemical and histological indices of the rats. These findings demonstrated that Xylopia aethiopica has a protective effect by inhibiting oxidative damage in testes of irradiated rats.

  1. Antitumour properties of the leaf essential oil of Xylopia frutescens Aubl. (Annonaceae).

    PubMed

    Ferraz, Rosana P C; Cardoso, Gabriella M B; da Silva, Thanany B; Fontes, José Eraldo do N; Prata, Ana Paula do N; Carvalho, Adriana A; Moraes, Manoel O; Pessoa, Claudia; Costa, Emmanoel V; Bezerra, Daniel P

    2013-11-01

    The aim of this study was to investigate the chemical composition and anticancer effect of the leaf essential oil of Xylopia frutescens in experimental models. The chemical composition of the essential oil was analysed by GC/FID and GC/MS. In vitro cytotoxic activity of the essential oil was determined on cultured tumour cells. In vivo antitumour activity was assessed in Sarcoma 180-bearing mice. The major compounds identified were (E)-caryophyllene (31.48%), bicyclogermacrene (15.13%), germacrene D (9.66%), δ-cadinene (5.44%), viridiflorene (5.09%) and α-copaene (4.35%). In vitro study of the essential oil displayed cytotoxicity on tumour cell lines and showed IC50 values ranging from 24.6 to 40.0 μg/ml for the NCI-H358M and PC-3M cell lines, respectively. In the in vivo antitumour study, tumour growth inhibition rates were 31.0-37.5%. In summary, the essential oil was dominated by sesquiterpene constituents and has some interesting anticancer activity. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  2. Structure-mutagenicity relationship of kaurenoic acid from Xylopia sericeae (Annonaceae).

    PubMed

    Cavalcanti, B C; Ferreira, J R O; Moura, D J; Rosa, R M; Furtado, G V; Burbano, R R; Silveira, E R; Lima, M A S; Camara, C A G; Saffi, J; Henriques, J A P; Rao, V S N; Costa-Lotufo, L V; Moraes, M O; Pessoa, C

    2010-08-30

    Kaurane diterpenes are considered important compounds in the development of new highly effective anticancer chemotherapeutic agents. Genotoxic effects of anticancer drugs in non-tumour cells are of special significance due to the possibility that they induce secondary tumours in cancer patients. In this context, we evaluated the genotoxic and mutagenic potential of the natural diterpenoid kaurenoic acid (KA), i.e. (-)-kaur-16-en-19-oic acid, isolated from Xylopia sericeae St. Hill, using several standard in vitro and in vivo protocols (comet, chromosomal aberration, micronucleus and Saccharomyces cerevisiae assays). Also, an analysis of structure-activity relationships was performed with two natural diterpenoid compounds, 14-hydroxy-kaurane (1) and xylopic acid (2), isolated from X. sericeae, and three semi-synthetic derivatives of KA (3-5). In addition, considering the importance of the exocyclic double bond (C16) moiety as an active pharmacophore of KA cytotoxicity, we also evaluated the hydrogenated derivative of KA, (-)-kauran-19-oic acid (KAH), to determine the role of the exocyclic bond (C16) in the genotoxic activity of KA. In summary, the present study shows that KA is genotoxic and mutagenic in human peripheral blood leukocytes (PBLs), yeast (S. cerevisiae) and mice (bone marrow, liver and kidney) probably due to the generation of DNA double-strand breaks (DSB) and/or inhibition of topoisomerase I. Unlike KA, compounds 1-5 and KAH are completely devoid of genotoxic and mutagenic effects under the experimental conditions used in this study, suggesting that the exocyclic double bond (C16) moiety may be the active pharmacophore of the genetic toxicity of KA. 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  3. Aqueous ethanol extract of the fruit of Xylopia aethiopica (Annonaceae) exhibits anti-anaphylactic and anti-inflammatory actions in mice.

    PubMed

    Obiri, David D; Osafo, Newman

    2013-07-30

    Xylopia aethiopica has been traditionally used in the form of the dried fruit decoction to treat bronchitis, asthma, arthritis and rheumatism in Ghana, Nigeria and Cameroon. Aim of the study is to evaluate the anti-anaphylactic and anti-inflammatory effects of a 70% aqueous ethanol extract of the fruits of Xylopia aethiopica. Systemic anaphylaxis was induced by the injection of either compound 48/80 or lipopolysaccharide, LPS and survival rates of mice monitored for 1 h or 7 days respectively while IgE-mediated anaphylaxis in a local allergic reaction was studied in the pinnal inflammation model in mice. Clonidine-induced catalepsy in mice was used to evaluate the indirect antihistamine effect of Xylopia aethiopica, XAE. The effects of XAE assessed on the maximal and total oedema responses in the carrageenan-induced paw oedema in mice was used to evaluate the anti-inflammatory action of the extract. Administered at 30, 100, 300 and 1000 mg kg(-1) p.o., XAE dose dependently suppressed compound 48/80-induced mouse systemic anaphylactic shock and offered 63% protection to mice against LPS-induced endotoxic shock at a dose of 300 mg kg(-1). In addition, the extract (30-300 mg kg(-1)) in a dose dependent manner significantly inhibited by 23-62% the mouse pinnal inflammation. Clonidine-induced catalepsy in mice was significantly suppressed in a dose and time dependent manner when administered both prophylactically and therapeutically. In the same doses, when administered before the induction of the mouse carrageenan-induced paw oedema, the mean maximal swelling attained during 6 h was reduced to 41.02±6.94%, 35.61±4.30%, and 29.09±4.90% of the inflamed control response respectively and total paw swellings induced over the 6 h were also dose-dependently and significantly suppressed to 74.84±14.84%, 63.95±9.37%, and 48.13±10.90% of the inflamed control response respectively. Administered after the induction of the carrageenan paw oedema the mean maximal swelling

  4. Cytotoxic Alkaloids from the Stem of Xylopia laevigata.

    PubMed

    Menezes, Leociley R A; Costa, Cinara O D Sousa; Rodrigues, Ana Carolina B da C; Santo, Felipe R do E; Nepel, Angelita; Dutra, Lívia M; Silva, Felipe M A; Soares, Milena B P; Barison, Andersson; Costa, Emmanoel V; Bezerra, Daniel P

    2016-07-08

    Xylopia laevigata (Annonaceae), known locally as "meiú" or "pindaíba", is widely used in folk medicine in Northeastern Brazil. In the present work, we performed phytochemical analyses of the stem of X. laevigata, which led to the isolation of 19 alkaloids: (-)-roemerine, (+)-anonaine, lanuginosine, (+)-glaucine, (+)-xylopine, oxoglaucine, (+)-norglaucine, asimilobine, (-)-xylopinine, (+)-norpurpureine, (+)-N-methyllaurotetanine, (+)-norpredicentrine, (+)-discretine, (+)-calycinine, (+)-laurotetanine, (+)-reticuline, (-)-corytenchine, (+)-discretamine and (+)-flavinantine. The in vitro cytotoxic activity toward the tumor cell lines B16-F10 (mouse melanoma), HepG2 (human hepatocellular carcinoma), K562 (human chronic myelocytic leukemia) and HL-60 (human promyelocytic leukemia) and non-tumor peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) was tested using the Alamar Blue assay. Lanuginosine, (+)-xylopine and (+)-norglaucine had the highest cytotoxic activity. Additionally, the pro-apoptotic effects of lanuginosine and (+)-xylopine were investigated in HepG2 cells using light and fluorescence microscopies and flow cytometry-based assays. Cell morphology consistent with apoptosis and a marked phosphatidylserine externalization were observed in lanuginosine- and (+)-xylopine-treated cells, suggesting induction of apoptotic cell death. In addition, (+)-xylopine treatment caused G₂/M cell cycle arrest in HepG2 cells. These data suggest that X. laevigata is a potential source for cytotoxic alkaloids.

  5. Annonaceae: Breaking the Wall of Inflammation

    PubMed Central

    Attiq, Ali; Jalil, Juriyati; Husain, Khairana

    2017-01-01

    Inventories of tropical forests have listed Annonaceae as one of the most diverse plant families. For centuries, it is employed in traditional medicines to cure various pathological conditions including snakebite, analgesic, astringent, diarrhea, dysentery, arthritis pain, rheumatism, neuralgia, and weight loss etc. Phytochemical analysis of Annonaceae family have reported the occurrence of alkaloids, flavonoids, triterpenes, diterpenes and diterpene flavone glycosides, sterols, lignans, and annonaceous acetogenin characteristically affiliated with Annonaceae sp. Numerous past studies have underlined the pleotropic pharmacological activities of the crude extracts and isolated compounds from Annonaceae species. This review is an effort to abridge the ethnobotany, morphology, phytochemistry, toxicity, and particularly focusing on the anti-inflammatory activity of the Annonaceae species. PMID:29104539

  6. Chemical composition and anti-Trypanosoma cruzi activity of essential oils obtained from leaves of Xylopia frutescens and X. laevigata (Annonaceae).

    PubMed

    da Silva, Thanany Brasil; Menezes, Leociley Rocha Alencar; Sampaio, Marília Fernanda Chaves; Meira, Cássio Santana; Guimarães, Elisalva Teixeira; Soares, Milena Botelho Pereira; Prata, Ana Paula do Nascimento; Nogueira, Paulo Cesar de Lima; Costa, Emmanoel Vilaça

    2013-03-01

    Essential oils from leaves of Xylopia frutescens (XFMJ) and two specimens of Xylopia laevigata (XLMC and XLSI) were obtained by hydrodistillation using a Clevenger-type apparatus, and analyzed by GC-MS and GC-FID. Sesquiterpenes dominated the essential oils. The main constituents of XFMJ were (E)-caryophyllene (24.8%), bicyclogermacrene (20.8%), germacrene D (17.0%), beta-elemene (7.9%), and (E)-beta-ocimene (6.8%). XLMC contained significant quantities of germacrene D (18.9%), bicyclogermacrene (18.4%), beta-elemene (9.5%), delta-selinene (9.2%), (E)-caryophyllene (8.5%), germacrene B (5.7%) and gamma-muurolene (5.7%), while germacrene D (27.0%), bicyclogermacrene (12.8%), (E)-caryophyllene (8.6%), gamma-muurolene (8.6%), delta-cadinene (6.8%), and germacrene B (6.0%) were the main components of XLSI. The essential oils had trypanocidal activity against the Y strain of Trypanosoma cruzi, with IC50 values lower than 30 microg x mL(-1) and 15 microg x mL(-1) against epimastigote and trypomastigote forms of T. cruzi, respectively, and were also able to reduce the percentage in vitro of T. cruzi-infected macrophages and the intracellular number of amastigotes at concentrations that were non-cytotoxic to macrophages.

  7. Antimicrobial properties of some West African medicinal plants iv. Antimicrobial activity of xylopic acid and other constituente of the fruits of Xylopia aethiopica (Annonaceae).

    PubMed

    Boakye-Yiadom, K; Fiagbe, N I; Ayim, J S

    1977-01-01

    Xylopic acid and four other isolates from the fresh ripe fruits of Xylopia aethiopica a common ingredient in several Ghanaian folklore medicines and foods, have been examined for antimicrobial activity against five micro-organisms, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Candida albicans. Xylopic acid and two other diterpene isolates were found to have antimicrobial properties.

  8. Does Encope emarginata (Echinodermata: Echinoidea) affect spatial variation patterns of estuarine subtidal meiofauna and microphytobenthos?

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Brustolin, Marco C.; Thomas, Micheli C.; Mafra, Luiz L.; Lana, Paulo da Cunha

    2014-08-01

    Foraging macrofauna, such as the sand dollar Encope emarginata, can modify sediment properties and affect spatial distribution patterns of microphytobenthos and meiobenthos at different spatial scales. We adopted a spatial hierarchical approach composed of five spatial levels (km, 100 s m, 10 s m, 1 s m and cm) to describe variation patterns of microphytobenthos, meiobenthos and sediment variables in shallow subtidal regions in the subtropical Paranaguá Bay (Southern Brazil) with live E. emarginata (LE), dead E. emarginata (only skeletons - (DE), and no E. emarginata (WE). The overall structure of microphytobenthos and meiofauna was always less variable at WE and much of variation at the scale of 100 s m was related to variability within LE and DE, due to foraging activities or to the presence of shell hashes. Likewise, increased variability in chlorophyll-a and phaeopigment contents was observed among locations within LE, although textural parameters of sediment varied mainly at smaller scales. Variations within LE were related to changes on the amount and quality of food as a function of sediment heterogeneity induced by the foraging behavior of sand dollars. We provide strong evidence that top-down effects related to the occurrence of E. emarginata act in synergy with bottom-up structuring related to hydrodynamic processes in determining overall benthic spatial variability. Conversely, species richness is mainly influenced by environmental heterogeneity at small spatial scales (centimeters to meters), which creates a mosaic of microhabitats.

  9. Antennal transcriptome analysis of the piercing moth Oraesia emarginata (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

    PubMed Central

    Feng, Bo; Guo, Qianshuang; Zheng, Kaidi; Qin, Yuanxia; Du, Yongjun

    2017-01-01

    The piercing fruit moth Oraesia emarginata is an economically significant pest; however, our understanding of its olfactory mechanisms in infestation is limited. The present study conducted antennal transcriptome analysis of olfactory genes using real-time quantitative reverse transcription PCR analysis (RT-qPCR). We identified a total of 104 candidate chemosensory genes from several gene families, including 35 olfactory receptors (ORs), 41 odorant-binding proteins, 20 chemosensory proteins, 6 ionotropic receptors, and 2 sensory neuron membrane proteins. Seven candidate pheromone receptors (PRs) and 3 candidate pheromone-binding proteins (PBPs) for sex pheromone recognition were found. OemaOR29 and OemaPBP1 had the highest fragments per kb per million fragments (FPKM) values in all ORs and OBPs, respectively. Eighteen olfactory genes were upregulated in females, including 5 candidate PRs, and 20 olfactory genes were upregulated in males, including 2 candidate PRs (OemaOR29 and 4) and 2 PBPs (OemaPBP1 and 3). These genes may have roles in mediating sex-specific behaviors. Most candidate olfactory genes of sex pheromone recognition (except OemaOR29 and OemaPBP3) in O. emarginata were not clustered with those of studied noctuid species (type I pheromone). In addition, OemaOR29 was belonged to cluster PRIII, which comprise proteins that recognize type II pheromones instead of type I pheromones. The structure and function of olfactory genes that encode sex pheromones in O. emarginata might thus differ from those of other studied noctuids. The findings of the present study may help explain the molecular mechanism underlying olfaction and the evolution of olfactory genes encoding sex pheromones in O. emarginata. PMID:28614384

  10. Volatile oil from striped African pepper (Xylopia parviflora, Annonaceae) possesses notable chemopreventive, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial potential.

    PubMed

    Woguem, Verlaine; Fogang, Hervet P D; Maggi, Filippo; Tapondjou, Léon A; Womeni, Hilaire M; Quassinti, Luana; Bramucci, Massimo; Vitali, Luca A; Petrelli, Dezemona; Lupidi, Giulio; Papa, Fabrizio; Vittori, Sauro; Barboni, Luciano

    2014-04-15

    Fruits of Xylopia parviflora, well known as striped African pepper, are sold in the Cameroonian markets as a flavouring ingredient to make traditional soups. The essential oil hydrodistilled from fruits was analysed for in vitro biological activities, namely cytotoxic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antioxidant, by MTT, nitric oxide inhibitory assay, agar disc diffusion method, and DPPH and ABTS assays. The essential oil composition, analysed by GC and GC-MS, was dominated by monoterpene hydrocarbons (50.0%) responsible for the pepper odour, such as β-pinene (34.0%) and α-pinene (10.3%). The oil induced a strong inhibitory effect on tumour cells MDA-MB 231 and HCT116, with inhibition values close to those of cisplatin. A dose-dependent decrease in NO production was noted in RAW 264.7 macrophages treated with the oil, revealing a promising anti-inflammatory potential. The essential oil showed a measurable antimicrobial activity against all the species tested, while the radical scavenging activity was low. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  11. Evaluation of the Anti-Inflammatory and Antinociceptive Effects of the Essential Oil from Leaves of Xylopia laevigata in Experimental Models

    PubMed Central

    Queiroz, João Carlos C.; Antoniolli, Ângelo R.; Quintans-Júnior, Lucindo J.; Brito, Renan G.; Barreto, Rosana S. S.; Costa, Emmanoel V.; da Silva, Thanany B.; Prata, Ana Paula Nascimento; de Lucca, Waldecy; Almeida, Jackson R. G. S.; Lima, Julianeli T.; Quintans, Jullyana S. S.

    2014-01-01

    Xylopia laevigata (Annonaceae) is a medicinal plant used in folk medicine to treat pain and inflammation. Thus, we investigated the possible antioxidant, antinociceptive, and anti-inflammatory effects of X. laevigata leaf essential oil (EOX) in animal models. Our EOX sample showed the presence of γ-muurolene (17.78%), δ-cadinene (12.23%), bicyclogermacrene (7.77%), and α-copaene (7.17%) as main compounds. EOX presented a strong antioxidant potential according to the DPPH, TBARS, and nitrite production tests. Additionally, pretreatment with EOX, in mice, also significantly produced (P < 0.05 or P < 0.001) antinociceptive effect by reduction of nociceptive behavior (in formalin and writhing tests). The EOX showed c-Fos label in the olfactory bulb, piriform cortex, and periaqueductal gray. Acute administration of EOX exhibited a significant (P < 0.01 or P < 0.001) anti-inflammatory profile in the carrageenan-induced peritonitis and by the carrageenan-induced hindpaw edema tests in mice. Our results provide evidence for the use of X. laevigata by traditional medicine practitioners in the management of pain and inflammatory disorders. PMID:25097889

  12. Evaluation of the anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive effects of the essential oil from leaves of Xylopia laevigata in experimental models.

    PubMed

    Queiroz, João Carlos C; Antoniolli, Angelo R; Quintans-Júnior, Lucindo J; Brito, Renan G; Barreto, Rosana S S; Costa, Emmanoel V; da Silva, Thanany B; Prata, Ana Paula Nascimento; de Lucca, Waldecy; Almeida, Jackson R G S; Lima, Julianeli T; Quintans, Jullyana S S

    2014-01-01

    Xylopia laevigata (Annonaceae) is a medicinal plant used in folk medicine to treat pain and inflammation. Thus, we investigated the possible antioxidant, antinociceptive, and anti-inflammatory effects of X. laevigata leaf essential oil (EOX) in animal models. Our EOX sample showed the presence of γ-muurolene (17.78%), δ-cadinene (12.23%), bicyclogermacrene (7.77%), and α-copaene (7.17%) as main compounds. EOX presented a strong antioxidant potential according to the DPPH, TBARS, and nitrite production tests. Additionally, pretreatment with EOX, in mice, also significantly produced (P < 0.05 or P < 0.001) antinociceptive effect by reduction of nociceptive behavior (in formalin and writhing tests). The EOX showed c-Fos label in the olfactory bulb, piriform cortex, and periaqueductal gray. Acute administration of EOX exhibited a significant (P < 0.01 or P < 0.001) anti-inflammatory profile in the carrageenan-induced peritonitis and by the carrageenan-induced hindpaw edema tests in mice. Our results provide evidence for the use of X. laevigata by traditional medicine practitioners in the management of pain and inflammatory disorders.

  13. Floral development and floral phyllotaxis in Anaxagorea (Annonaceae).

    PubMed

    Endress, Peter K; Armstrong, Joseph E

    2011-10-01

    Background and Aims Anaxagorea is the phylogenetically basalmost genus in the large tropical Annonaceae (custard apple family) of Magnoliales, but its floral structure is unknown in many respects. The aim of this study is to analyse evolutionarily interesting floral features in comparison with other genera of the Annonaceae and the sister family Eupomatiaceae. Methods Live flowers of Anaxagorea crassipetala were examined in the field with vital staining, liquid-fixed material was studied with scanning electron microscopy, and microtome section series were studied with light microscopy. In addition, herbarium material of two other Anaxagorea species was cursorily studied with the dissecting microscope. Key Results Floral phyllotaxis in Anaxagorea is regularly whorled (with complex whorls) as in all other Annonaceae with a low or medium number of floral organs studied so far (in those with numerous stamens and carpels, phyllotaxis becoming irregular in the androecium and gynoecium). The carpels are completely plicate as in almost all other Annonaceae. In these features Anaxagorea differs sharply from the sister family Eupomatiaceae, which has spiral floral phyllotaxis and ascidiate carpels. Flat stamens and the presence of inner staminodes differ from most other Annonaceae and may be plesiomorphic in Anaxagorea. However, the inner staminodes appear to be non-secretory in most Anaxagorea species, which differs from inner staminodes in other families of Magnoliales (Eupomatiaceae, Degeneriacae, Himantandraceae), which are secretory. Conclusions Floral phyllotaxis in Anaxagorea shows that there is no signature of a basal spiral pattern in Annonaceae and that complex whorls are an apomorphy not just for a part of the family but for the family in its entirety, and irregular phyllotaxis is derived. This and the presence of completely plicate carpels in Anaxagorea makes the family homogeneous and distinguishes it from the closest relatives in Magnoliales.

  14. Floral development and floral phyllotaxis in Anaxagorea (Annonaceae)

    PubMed Central

    Endress, Peter K.; Armstrong, Joseph E.

    2011-01-01

    Background and Aims Anaxagorea is the phylogenetically basalmost genus in the large tropical Annonaceae (custard apple family) of Magnoliales, but its floral structure is unknown in many respects. The aim of this study is to analyse evolutionarily interesting floral features in comparison with other genera of the Annonaceae and the sister family Eupomatiaceae. Methods Live flowers of Anaxagorea crassipetala were examined in the field with vital staining, liquid-fixed material was studied with scanning electron microscopy, and microtome section series were studied with light microscopy. In addition, herbarium material of two other Anaxagorea species was cursorily studied with the dissecting microscope. Key Results Floral phyllotaxis in Anaxagorea is regularly whorled (with complex whorls) as in all other Annonaceae with a low or medium number of floral organs studied so far (in those with numerous stamens and carpels, phyllotaxis becoming irregular in the androecium and gynoecium). The carpels are completely plicate as in almost all other Annonaceae. In these features Anaxagorea differs sharply from the sister family Eupomatiaceae, which has spiral floral phyllotaxis and ascidiate carpels. Flat stamens and the presence of inner staminodes differ from most other Annonaceae and may be plesiomorphic in Anaxagorea. However, the inner staminodes appear to be non-secretory in most Anaxagorea species, which differs from inner staminodes in other families of Magnoliales (Eupomatiaceae, Degeneriacae, Himantandraceae), which are secretory. Conclusions Floral phyllotaxis in Anaxagorea shows that there is no signature of a basal spiral pattern in Annonaceae and that complex whorls are an apomorphy not just for a part of the family but for the family in its entirety, and irregular phyllotaxis is derived. This and the presence of completely plicate carpels in Anaxagorea makes the family homogeneous and distinguishes it from the closest relatives in Magnoliales. PMID:21821626

  15. Composition and cytotoxic activity of essential oils from Xylopia aethiopica (Dunal) A. Rich, Xylopia parviflora (A. Rich) Benth.) and Monodora myristica (Gaertn) growing in Chad and Cameroon.

    PubMed

    Bakarnga-Via, Issakou; Hzounda, Jean Baptiste; Fokou, Patrick Valere Tsouh; Tchokouaha, Lauve Rachel Yamthe; Gary-Bobo, Magali; Gallud, Audrey; Garcia, Marcel; Walbadet, Lucain; Secka, Youssouf; Dongmo, Pierre Michel Jazet; Boyom, Fabrice Fekam; Menut, Chantal

    2014-04-04

    Cancer has become a global public health problem and the search for new control measures is urgent. Investigation of plant products such as essential oils from Monodora myristica, Xylopia aethiopica and Xylopia parviflora might lead to new anticancer therapy. In this study, we have investigated the antineoplastic activity of essential oils from fruits of these plants growing in Chad and Cameroon. The essential oils obtained by hydrodistillation of fruits of Monodora myristica, Xylopia aethiopica and Xylopia parviflora collected in Chad and Cameroon were analyzed by GC-FID and GC-MS and investigated for their antiproliferative activity against the breast cancer cell line (MCF7). Overall, monoterpenes were mostly found in the six essential oils. Oils from X. aethiopica and X. parviflora from Chad and Cameroon mainly contain β-pinene at 24.6%, 28.2%, 35.7% and 32.9% respectively. Monodora myristica oils from both origins contain mainly α-phellandrene at 52.7% and 67.1% respectively. The plant origin did not significantly influence the chemical composition of oils. The six essential oils exerted cytotoxic activity against cancer (MCF-7) and normal cell lines (ARPE-19), with more pronounced effect on neoplastic cells in the majority of cases. The highest selectivity was obtained with the essential oils of X. parviflora from Chad and Cameroon (5.87 and 5.54) which were more cytotoxic against MCF-7 than against normal cell line (ARPE-19) with IC50 values of 0.155 μL/mL and 0.166 μL/mL respectively. Essential oils from fruits of Monodora myristica, Xylopia aethiopica and Xylopia parviflora have shown acceptable antineoplastic potency, and might be investigated further in this regard.

  16. A Trachylobane Diterpenoid from Xylopia aethiopica

    PubMed

    Ngouela; Nyassé; Tsamo; Brochier; Morin

    1998-02-27

    A new trachylobane derivative identified as 7alpha-hydroxytrachyloban-19beta-oic acid (1) has been isolated from the bark of Xylopia aethiopica and its structure elucidated by various NMR techniques and molecular modeling.

  17. Composition and cytotoxic activity of essential oils from Xylopia aethiopica (Dunal) A. Rich, Xylopia parviflora (A. Rich) Benth.) and Monodora myristica (Gaertn) growing in Chad and Cameroon

    PubMed Central

    2014-01-01

    Background Cancer has become a global public health problem and the search for new control measures is urgent. Investigation of plant products such as essential oils from Monodora myristica, Xylopia aethiopica and Xylopia parviflora might lead to new anticancer therapy. In this study, we have investigated the antineoplastic activity of essential oils from fruits of these plants growing in Chad and Cameroon. Methods The essential oils obtained by hydrodistillation of fruits of Monodora myristica, Xylopia aethiopica and Xylopia parviflora collected in Chad and Cameroon were analyzed by GC-FID and GC-MS and investigated for their antiproliferative activity against the breast cancer cell line (MCF7). Results Overall, monoterpenes were mostly found in the six essential oils. Oils from X. aethiopica and X. parviflora from Chad and Cameroon mainly contain β-pinene at 24.6%, 28.2%, 35.7% and 32.9% respectively. Monodora myristica oils from both origins contain mainly α-phellandrene at 52.7% and 67.1% respectively. The plant origin did not significantly influence the chemical composition of oils. The six essential oils exerted cytotoxic activity against cancer (MCF-7) and normal cell lines (ARPE-19), with more pronounced effect on neoplastic cells in the majority of cases. The highest selectivity was obtained with the essential oils of X. parviflora from Chad and Cameroon (5.87 and 5.54) which were more cytotoxic against MCF-7 than against normal cell line (ARPE-19) with IC50 values of 0.155 μL/mL and 0.166 μL/mL respectively. Conclusions Essential oils from fruits of Monodora myristica, Xylopia aethiopica and Xylopia parviflora have shown acceptable antineoplastic potency, and might be investigated further in this regard. PMID:24708588

  18. Repellency and Larvicidal Activity of Essential oils from Xylopia laevigata, Xylopia frutescens, Lippia pedunculosa, and Their Individual Compounds against Aedes aegypti Linnaeus.

    PubMed

    Nascimento, A M D; Maia, T D S; Soares, T E S; Menezes, L R A; Scher, R; Costa, E V; Cavalcanti, S C H; La Corte, R

    2017-04-01

    In order to find new alternatives for vector control and personal protection, we evaluated the larvicidal and repellent activity of essentials oils from plants found in the Northeast of Brazil against Aedes aegypti Linnaeus mosquitoes. The plants tested include Xylopia laevigata, Xylopia frutescens, and Lippia pedunculosa and their major compounds, piperitenone oxide, and (R)-limonene. The essential oil of L. pedunculosa and its major volatile compounds were shown to be toxic for Ae. aegypti larvae with a LC 50 lower than 60 ppm. The essential oil of plants from the Xylopia genus, on the other hand, showed no activity against Ae. aegypti, proving to be toxic to mosquito larvae only when concentrations were higher than 1000 ppm. All plants tested provided some degree of protection against mosquitoes landing, but only the essential oil of L. pedunculosa and the volatile compound piperitenone oxide suppressed 100% of mosquitoes landing on human skin, in concentrations lower than 1%. Among the plants studied, the essential oil of L. pedunculosa and its volatiles compounds have shown the potential for the development of safe alternative for mosquito larvae control and protection against Ae. aegypti mosquito bites.

  19. First report of toxicity of Xylopiaparviflora (A. Rich.) Benth (Annonaceae) root bark's essential oil against cowpea seed bruchid, Callososbruchus maculatus Fabricius (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Bruchinae).

    PubMed

    Babarinde, Samuel Adelani; Pitan, Olufemi Olutoyin Richard; Olatunde, Ganiyu Olatunji; Ajala, Michael Oluwole

    2015-01-01

    The fumigant toxicity of Xylopia parviflora (A. Rich.) Benth (Annonaceae) root bark's essential oil (EO) against cowpea seed bruchid, Callosobruchus maculatus, was investigated in the laboratory. Dose had significant (P < 0.0001) effect on mortality at 6 hours after treatment (HAT) at a concentration of 6.25 μL/mL air which exerted 81.70% mortality, while there was no mortality in all other lower doses. At 12 HAT, 75.05% and 90.00% mortality were observed at doses of 3.15 and 6.25 μL/mL air, respectively. It was significantly (P < 0.05) higher than the mortality (50.58%) observed when 0.78 μL/mL air was applied. The lethal time for 50% of assayed adults (LT50) obtained when the bruchid was exposed to X. parviflora EO at a dose of 6.25 μL/mL air (2.71 h) was significantly lower than LT50 obtained at exposure of bruchid to other lower doses of 0.78-3.15 μL/mL air.

  20. Antileishmanial and immunomodulatory activity of Xylopia discreta.

    PubMed

    López, R; Cuca, L E; Delgado, G

    2009-10-01

    This study aimed at determining the in vitro antileishmanial activity of the essential oil and eight extracts obtained from Xylopia discreta. J774 and U937 macrophages were exposed to the different substances to establish the median lethal concentration (LC(50)). The median effective concentration (EC(50)) was obtained by determining the reduction of Leishmania panamensis-infected cells. A selectivity index (SI) (LC(50)/EC(50)) >or= 20 defined a specific activity for one Xylopia discreta leaf extracts and for the essential oil, being these the two that showed the highest activity (SI = 64.8 and 110, respectively in J774 cells). To assess the substances' immunomodulatory activity, pro- and anti-inflammatory soluble mediators produced after treating infected macrophages were quantified by flow cytometry. The leaf methanol extract and the essential oil induced a differential production of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, a chemokine associated with a Leishmania-resistant phenotype (Th1).

  1. Characterization of the key aroma compounds in dried fruits of the West African peppertree Xylopia aethiopica (Dunal) A. Rich (Annonaceae) using aroma extract dilution analysis.

    PubMed

    Tairu, A O; Hofmann, T; Schieberle, P

    1999-08-01

    Application of aroma extract dilution analysis on an extract of the dried fruits of the West African peppertree Xylopia aethiopica obtained by extraction with diethyl ether followed by sublimation in vacuo revealed 28 odor-active compounds in the flavor dilution (FD) factor range of 4-8192, all of which could be identified. The highest FD factor was found for linalol (floral), followed by (E)-beta-ocimene (flowery), alpha-farnesene (sweet, flowery), beta-pinene (terpeny), alpha-pinene (pine needle-like), myrtenol (flowery), and beta-phellandrene (terpeny). Vanillin (vanilla-like) and 3-ethylphenol (smoky, phenolic) showing somewhat lower FD factors (FD = 128) were detected for the first time as constituents of the dried fruit.

  2. Revisions of Ruizodendron and Pseudephedranthus (Annonaceae) including a new species and an overview of most up-to-date revisions of Neotropical Annonaceae genera

    PubMed Central

    Erkens, Roy H.J.; Oosterhof, Jessica; Westra, Lubbert Y.T.; Maas, Paul J.M.

    2017-01-01

    Abstract We present revisions of the Neotropical genera Ruizodendron and Pseudephedranthus (Annonaceae). Ruizodendron includes a single species R. ovale. Pseudephedranthus now comprises two species, with the description of the new species P. enigmaticus sp. nov. extending the range of the genus beyond the Upper Rio Negro region of Brazil (Amazonas) and adjacent Venezuela (P. fragrans), to include Guyana, Suriname, and the Brazilian state of Pará. An overview is provided of current revisions of Neotropical Annonaceae genera that will aid in accessing proper species information for this frequently encountered tropical rain forest family. PMID:29158697

  3. ent-Trachylobane diterpenoids from Xylopia langsdorffiana.

    PubMed

    Tavares, Josean Fechine; Queiroga, Karine F; Silva, Marianna Vieira B; Diniz, Margareth F F M; Filho, José M B; da-Cunha, Emidio V L; de Simone, Carlos Alberto; Júnior, João X de Araújo; Melo, Patrícia S; Haun, Marcela; da Silva, Marcelo Sobral

    2006-06-01

    Two new diterpenes of the ent-trachylobane type were isolated from the stems of Xylopia langsdorffiana, ent-7alpha-acetoxytrachyloban-18-oic acid (1) and ent-7alpha-hydroxytrachyloban-18-oic acid (2). The structures of these isolates were deduced by spectroscopic data interpretation. X-ray crystallography of 1 was used to confirm its structure. The cytotoxic activity of 1 against V79 fibroblasts and rat hepatocytes was investigated.

  4. Characterization of the antiproliferative activity of Xylopia aethiopica

    PubMed Central

    2012-01-01

    Background Xylopia aethiopica, a plant found throughout West Africa, has both nutritional and medicinal uses. The present study aims to characterize the effects of extracts of this plant on cancer cells. Results We report that X. aethiopica extract prepared with 70% ethanol has antiproliferative activity against a panel of cancer cell lines. The IC50 was estimated at 12 μg/ml against HCT116 colon cancer cells, 7.5 μg/ml and > 25 μg/ml against U937 and KG1a leukemia cells, respectively. Upon fractionation of the extract by HPLC, the active fraction induced DNA damage, cell cycle arrest in G1 phase and apoptotic cell death. By using NMR and mass spectrometry, we determined the structure of the active natural product in the HPLC fraction as ent-15-oxokaur-16-en-19-oic acid. Conclusion The main cytotoxic and DNA-damaging compound in ethanolic extracts of Xylopia aethiopica is ent-15-oxokaur-16-en-19-oic acid. PMID:22409878

  5. Characterization of the antiproliferative activity of Xylopia aethiopica.

    PubMed

    Choumessi, Aphrodite T; Danel, Mathieu; Chassaing, Stefan; Truchet, Isabelle; Penlap, Véronique B; Pieme, Anatole Constant; Asonganyi, Tazoacha; Ducommun, Bernard; Valette, Annie

    2012-03-12

    Xylopia aethiopica, a plant found throughout West Africa, has both nutritional and medicinal uses. The present study aims to characterize the effects of extracts of this plant on cancer cells. We report that X. aethiopica extract prepared with 70% ethanol has antiproliferative activity against a panel of cancer cell lines. The IC50 was estimated at 12 μg/ml against HCT116 colon cancer cells, 7.5 μg/ml and > 25 μg/ml against U937 and KG1a leukemia cells, respectively. Upon fractionation of the extract by HPLC, the active fraction induced DNA damage, cell cycle arrest in G1 phase and apoptotic cell death. By using NMR and mass spectrometry, we determined the structure of the active natural product in the HPLC fraction as ent-15-oxokaur-16-en-19-oic acid. The main cytotoxic and DNA-damaging compound in ethanolic extracts of Xylopia aethiopica is ent-15-oxokaur-16-en-19-oic acid.

  6. Fate of microplastics in the marine isopod Idotea emarginata.

    PubMed

    Hämer, Julia; Gutow, Lars; Köhler, Angela; Saborowski, Reinhard

    2014-11-18

    Plastic pollution is an emerging global threat for marine wildlife. Many species of birds, reptiles, and fishes are directly impaired by plastics as they can get entangled in ropes and drown or they can ingest plastic fragments which, in turn, may clog their stomachs and guts. Microplastics of less than 1 mm can be ingested by small invertebrates, but their fate in the digestive organs and their effects on the animals are yet not well understood. We embedded fluorescent microplastics in artificial agarose-based food and offered the food to marine isopods, Idotea emarginata. The isopods did not distinguish between food with and food without microplastics. Upon ingestion, the microplastics were present in the stomach and in the gut but not in the tubules of the midgut gland which is the principal organ of enzyme-secretion and nutrient resorption. The feces contained the same concentration of microplastics as the food which indicates that no accumulation of microplastics happens during the gut passage. Long-term bioassays of 6 weeks showed no distinct effects of continuous microplastic consumption on mortality, growth, and intermolt duration. I. emarginata are able to prevent intrusion of particles even smaller than 1 μm into the midgut gland which is facilitated by the complex structure of the stomach including a fine filter system. It separates the midgut gland tubules from the stomach and allows only the passage of fluids and chyme. Our results indicate that microplastics, as administered in the experiments, do not clog the digestive organs of isopods and do not have adverse effects on their life history parameters.

  7. Effect of aqueous fruit extract of Xylopia aethiopica on intestinal fluid and glucose transfer in rats.

    PubMed

    Okwari, O O; Nneli, R O; Osim, E E

    2010-11-28

    Intestinal fluid and glucose absorption was studied in jejunal and ileal segments in Xylopia aethiopica fed rats using inverted sac technique. Thirty male Wistar rats were assigned into three groups of 10 rats each; control, 100mg/kg and 200mg/kg Xylopia aethiopica treated groups. The control group received normal rat chow and water while the low dose and high dose groups received oral administration of Xylopia aethiopica extract at doses of 100mg/kg and 200mg/kg body weight respectively in addition to daily rat chow and water intake for 28 days. The results showed significant reduction and increase in fluid transfer in the jejunum and ileum respectively compared with control. 100mg/kg increased gut fluid uptake in the ileum while 200mg/kg treatment reduced uptake in jejunum compared with control. Both doses had significantly increased jejunal and ileal glucose transfer. Gut glucose uptake was increased in jejunum and ileum of Xylopia aethiopica treated groups. Both doses increased the crypt depth but significantly decreased the villus height in the ileum. In conclusion, increased ileal gut fluid uptake may be beneficial in diarrheal state while an enhanced glucose uptake implies that glucose substrate may be made available to cells for synthesize of ATP for cellular activities.

  8. ULTRASTRUCTURAL OBSERVATIONS OF VITELLOGENESIS IN THE SPIDER CRAB, LIBINIA EMARGINATA L

    PubMed Central

    Hinsch, Gertrude W.; Cone, M. Virginia

    1969-01-01

    Ovaries from the spider crab, Libinia emarginata L. were studied to learn more of vitellogenesis in crustaceans. Oogonia and previtellogenic oocytes were found in the core of the ovaries. Vitellogenic oocytes are located more peripherally. Profiles of the endoplasmic reticulum are abundant in the vitellogenic oocytes. The granular and agranular reticulum as well as the Golgi complex are active in yolk synthesis. As vitellogenesis proceeds, yolk precursors are incorporated into the egg by micropinocytosis at the egg surface. Thus, in Libinia, yolk materials appear to be derived from both intra- and extraoocytic sources. PMID:5812467

  9. Composition and antioxidant activity of the essential oils of Xylopia aethiopica (Dun) A. Rich. (Annonaceae) leaves, stem bark, root bark, and fresh and dried fruits, growing in Ghana.

    PubMed

    Karioti, Anastasia; Hadjipavlou-Litina, Dimitra; Mensah, Merlin L K; Fleischer, Theophilus C; Skaltsa, Helen

    2004-12-29

    The chemical composition of the essential oils obtained from the leaves, the barks of the stem and the root, as well as from the fresh and dried fruits of Xylopia aethiopica, growing in Ghana, was investigated by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry analyses. Kovats indices, mass spectra, and standard compounds were used to identify a total of 93 individual compounds. The monoterpene hydrocarbons formed the main portion in all studied samples. beta-Pinene was predominant in all cases, while trans-m-mentha-1(7),8-diene was the main compound in the essential oils of the leaves and the barks of roots and stems. Their potential antioxidant activity was also investigated and found to be significant in scavenging superoxide anion radical.

  10. Three new tetranorditerpenes from aerial parts of acerola cherry (Malpighia emarginata).

    PubMed

    Liu, Jie-Qing; Deng, Yuan-Yuan; Li, Ting-Zhao; Han, Qiang; Li, Yan; Qiu, Ming-Hua

    2014-02-24

    Acerola cherry is a world famous fruit which contains abundant antioxidants such as vitamin C, anthocyanins, flavonoids, and phenolics. However, studies concerning bioactivity components from aerial parts of acerola (Malpighia emarginata) are scarce. In view of this, we have examined the constituents of aerial parts of acerola, and three new tetranorditerpenes acerolanins A-C (1-3) with a rare 2H-benz[e]inden-2-one substructure were isolated. Their structures were determined on the basis of spectral studies and acerolanin C was confirmed by X-ray crystallographic analysis. Furthermore, three new compounds have been studied for their cytotoxic activity.

  11. Prolyl endopeptidase and thrombin inhibitory diterpenoids from the bark of Xylopia aethiopica.

    PubMed

    Diderot, Noungoue Tchamo; Silvere, Ngouela; Yasin, Amsha; Zareen, Seema; Fabien, Zelefack; Etienne, Tsamo; Choudhary, M Iqbal; Atta-Ur-Rahman

    2005-09-01

    The inhibitory effects of seven diterpenes, belonging to three different structural classes and isolated from the bark of Xylopia aethiopica, were investigated against the enzymes prolyl endopeptidase (PEP) and alpha-thrombin. Five compounds exhibited inhibitory activity against them.

  12. In vitro antioxidant and anti-lipoperoxidative activities of bark extracts of Xylopia aethiopica against ion-mediated toxicity on liver homogenates.

    PubMed

    Moukette Moukette, Bruno; Pieme, Constant Anatole; Nya Biapa, Prosper Cabral; Ngogang, Jeanne Yonkeu

    2015-09-01

    Reactive oxygen species (ROS), products of normal cell metabolism may cause damage to biological macromolecules leading to severe health threats when they are present in high concentrations. Aromatic plants contain phytochemicals rich of antioxidants that prevent oxidant formation or scavenge oxidants produced under oxidative stress conditions. In the present study, we investigated the free radical scavenging effects, the antioxidant and ion toxicity preventive effect of Xylopia aethiopica (X. aethiopica), a plant of the family of Annonaceae used as spice in Cameroon. The scavenging properties of extracts of X. aethiopica were tested on 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), nitric oxide (NO), hydroxyl (OH), 2,2'-azinobis(3-ethylbenzthiazoline)-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) radicals. The total antioxidant capacity was assayed by ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP), phosphomolybdenum antioxidant power (PAP), reduction assays. The protective potential was carried on superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase and peroxidases. The results showed that both the ethanolic (BEE) and the hydroethanolic (BEH) extracts from the barks of X. aethiopica scavenged all the tested radicals. The sample BEH showed the highest total antioxidant capacity both in the FRAP and the PAP. This result was positively correlated to its higher phenolic content (30.74±0.44 CAE/g dried extract). The higher protective capacity of BEH on SOD, catalase and peroxidase activities was comparable to that of the vitamin C used as standard. In conclusion, X. aethiopica has a higher antioxidant and protective potential against ion-mediated oxidative damage and may be considered as a potential drug against metal-mediated toxicity.

  13. Xylopia aethiopica fruit extract exhibits antidepressant-like effect via interaction with serotonergic neurotransmission in mice.

    PubMed

    Biney, Robert P; Benneh, Charles K; Ameyaw, Elvis O; Boakye-Gyasi, Eric; Woode, Eric

    2016-05-26

    Xylopia aethiopica has been used traditionally to treat some central nervous system disorders including epilepsy. Despite the central analgesic and sedative effects, there is little evidence for its traditional use for CNS disorders. This study thus assessed the antidepressant potential of Xylopia aethiopica ethanolic fruit extract (XAE). Antidepressant effect was assessed in the forced swim test (FST) and tail suspension test (TST) models in mice. The role of monoamines in the antidepressant effects of XAE was evaluated by selective depletion of serotonin and noradrenaline, whereas involvement of NMDA/nitric oxide was assessed with NMDA receptor co-modulators; d-serine and d-cycloserine and NOS inhibitor, l-NAME. Xylopia aethiopica (30, 100, 300mgkg(-1)) dose dependently reduced immobility in both FST and TST. The reduced immobility was reversed after 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) depletion with tryptophan hydroxylase inhibitor-p-chlorophenylalanine (pCPA) and after monoamine depletion with vesicular monoamine transporter inhibitor-reserpine. The observed antidepressant effect was not affected by catecholamine depletion with the tyrosine hydroxylase inhibitor, α-methyl-p-tyrosine (AMPT). Similarly XAE did not potentiate the toxicity of a sub-lethal dose of noradrenaline. XAE had a synergistic effect with the glycineB receptor partial agonist, d-cycloserine and nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, l-NAME. However established antidepressant effects of XAE were abolished by NMDA and NOS activation with d-serine and l-arginine. This study shows that Xylopia aethiopica has antidepressant potential largely due to effects on 5-HT neurotransmission with possible glutamatergic effect through the glycineB co-binding site and nitric oxide synthase inhibition. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

  14. Antimicrobial activity of essential oils of Xylopia aethiopica.

    PubMed

    Fleischer, T C; Mensah, M L K; Mensah, A Y; Komlaga, G; Gbedema, S Y; Skaltsa, H

    2008-06-18

    Xylopia aethiopica is a medicinal plant of great repute in West Africa which produces a variety of complex chemical compounds. The fresh and dried fruits, leaf, stem bark and root bark essential oils showed various degrees of activity against the gram positive bacteria, Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus, the gram negative bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa and the yeast-like fungus Candida albicans, using the cup plate method. However, none of the oils showed activity against Escherichia coli.

  15. Associations Between Egg Capsule Morphology and Predation Among Populations of the Marine Gastropod, Nucella emarginata.

    PubMed

    Rawlings, T A

    1990-12-01

    Intraspecific variation in the morphology of egg capsules is ideal for assessing the costs and benefits of encapsulation, yet little is known about the extent of such variation among populations of a single species. In the present study, I compared capsule morphology among three populations of the intertidal gastropod, Nucella emarginata. Significant differences were found both in capsule wall thickness and capsule strength. Mean capsule wall thickness varied as much as 25% among populations, with the dry weight of capsular cases differing accordingly. Capsule strength, measured as resistance to puncturing and squeezing forces, also varied among populations, but did not directly reflect differences in capsule wall thickness. Despite extensive variation in capsule morphology within this species, the number and size of eggs contained within capsules of equal volume did not differ significantly among populations. I also compared the type of capsule-eating predators that were present at each site. Shore crabs, Hemigrapsus spp., were abundant at all three sites; however, the predatory isopods Idotea wosnesenskii were only present at sites containing relatively thick-walled capsules. Although Hemigrapsus and Idotea were able to chew through both thick- and thin-walled capsules, laboratory experiments revealed that Idotea preferentially opened thin-walled capsules. These results suggest that variation in capsule morphology among populations of N. emarginata may, at least in part, reflect selection for the protection of embryos against predation.

  16. Anti-diabetic effect of Xylopia aethiopica (Dunal) A. Rich. (Annonaceae) fruit acetone fraction in a type 2 diabetes model of rats.

    PubMed

    Mohammed, Aminu; Koorbanally, Neil Anthony; Islam, Md Shahidul

    2016-03-02

    In traditional medicine from West Africa, the fruit decoction of Xylopia aethiopica (Dunal) A. Rich. is widely used for the treatment of diabetes mellitus (DM) either alone or in combination with other plants. The present study is designed to investigate the anti-diabetic effects of X. aethiopica acetone fraction (XAAF) from fruit ethanolic extract in a type 2 diabetes (T2D) model of rats. T2D was induced in rats by feeding a 10% fructose solution ad libitum for 2 weeks followed by a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (40 mg/kg body weight) and the animals were orally treated with 150 or 300 mg/kg body weight (bw) of the XAAF once daily for four weeks. After 4 weeks study period, diabetic untreated animals (DBC) exhibited significantly higher serum glucose, serum fructosamine, LDH, CK-MB, serum lipids, liver glycogen, insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), AI, CRI and lower serum insulin, β-cell function (HOMA-β) and glucose tolerance ability compared to the normal animals. Histopathological examination of their pancreas revealed corresponding pathological changes in the islets and β-cells. These alterations were reverted to near-normal after the treatment of XAAF at 150 (DXAL) and 300 (DXAH) mg/kg bw with the effects being more pronounced in the DXAH group compared to the DXAL group. Moreover, the effects in the animals of DXAH group were comparable to the diabetic metformin (DMF) treated animals. In addition, no significant alterations were observed in non-diabetic animals treated with 300 mg/kg bw of XAAF (NXAH). The results of our study suggest that XAAF treatment showed excellent anti-diabetic effects in a T2D model of rats. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

  17. Antibacterial and antifungal activity of Xylopia aethiopica, Monodora myristica, Zanthoxylum xanthoxyloi;des and Zanthoxylum leprieurii from Cameroon.

    PubMed

    Tatsadjieu, L N; Essia Ngang, J J; Ngassoum, M B; Etoa, F-X

    2003-07-01

    The essential oils of Xylopia aethiopica, Monodora myristica, Zanthoxylum xanthoxyloïdes and Z. leprieurii, four Cameroonian plants used as spices in local food, showed antibacterial and antifungal activity.

  18. Effects of an ethanol extract and the diterpene, xylopic acid, of Xylopia aethiopica fruits in murine models of musculoskeletal pain.

    PubMed

    Woode, Eric; Ameyaw, Elvis Ofori; Boakye-Gyasi, Eric; Abotsi, Wonder Kofi Mensah; Oppong Kyekyeku, James; Adosraku, Reimmel; Biney, Robert Peter

    2016-12-01

    Fruits of Xylopia aethiopica (Dunal) A. Rich. (Annonaceae) are used traditionally to manage arthritis, headache and other pain disorders. The analgesic properties of the X. aethiopica ethanol fruit extract (XAE) and xylopic acid (XA) were evaluated in musculoskeletal pain models. Acute muscle pain was induced in gastrocnemius muscle of Sprague-Dawley rats with 3% carrageenan (i.m.). Rats received XAE (30-300 mg/kg), XA (10-100 mg/kg) or morphine (1-10 mg/kg) after 12 h. Effects of XAE and XA on muscle pain were assessed by measuring post-treatment grip strength of the rats. Chronic muscle pain was similarly induced, but drug treatment was on the eighth day and effects of XAE and XA assessed with Randall-Selitto test for hyperlagesia. Acute-skeletal pain was induced in knee joints of rats with 3% carrageenan-kaolin mixture and effects determined 12-h later. Similar induction protocol was used for chronic knee pain with treatment and measurement as done for chronic muscle pain. XAE and XA significantly and dose-dependently ameliorated both acute muscle (ED 50 mg/kg: XAE = 22.9; XA = 6.2) and skeletal hyperalgesia (XAE = 39.9; XA = 17.7) induced by 3% carrageenan. Similarly, chronic skeletal hyperalgesia was reduced by XAE and XA treatment similar to morphine (ED 50 : XAE = 13.0; XA = 4.6). This reduction was also seen in chronic muscle hyperalgesia (ED 50 : XAE = 79.1; XA = 42.7). XAE and XA significantly reduced the spread of hyperalgesia to contralateral limbs in both models of chronic hyperalgesia. These findings establish analgesic properties of the ethanol fruit extract of X. aethiopica and xylopic acid in musculoskeletal pain.

  19. Ethnopharmacological survey of Annonaceae medicinal plants used to treat malaria in four areas of Cameroon.

    PubMed

    Tsabang, Nolé; Fokou, Patrick Valère Tsouh; Tchokouaha, Lauve Rachel Yamthe; Noguem, Béatrice; Bakarnga-Via, Issakou; Nguepi, Mireille Sylviane Dongmo; Nkongmeneck, Bernard Aloys; Boyom, Fabrice Fekam

    2012-01-06

    Malaria endemic countries have vital resources that are medicinal plants on which their traditional medicines depend. In some Cameroonian settings, in addition to the commonly used potions from plants like Alstonia boonei, Zanthoxylum macrophylla and Mangifera indica, other herbal species are being increasingly used to treat malaria. So, specialized traditional healers have developed alternative reasonably priced therapies, relying on the signs and/or symptoms of malaria. Within this framework, Annonaceae plants were found to be increasingly utilized and therefore, highlighting the need to document this traditional knowledge for better malaria control. Interview approach was used to document indigenous knowledge, usage customs and practices of Annonaceae species in the treatment of malaria in four Cameroonian areas (Yaoundé and its surroundings, Ngoyang, Kon-Yambetta and Mbalmayo). A total of 19/30 users of plants accepted to share their experiences during a semi-structured survey. Twelve of the respondents were men and seven were women. Thirty recipes based on twenty-one plants were recorded. Annickia chlorantha was the only plant commonly found in the four study sites. Seven species of Annonaceae were found to be used to treat malaria, while 14 were used to treat symptoms that might be related to malaria. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

  20. Analgesic effects of an ethanol extract of the fruits of Xylopia aethiopica (Dunal) A. Rich (Annonaceae) and the major constituent, xylopic acid in murine models.

    PubMed

    Woode, Eric; Ameyaw, Elvis O; Boakye-Gyasi, Eric; Abotsi, Wonder K M

    2012-10-01

    Fruit extracts of Xylopia aethiopica are used traditionally in the management of pain disorders including rheumatism, headache, colic pain, and neuralgia. Little pharmacological data exists in scientific literature of the effect of the fruit extract and its major diterpene, xylopic acid, on pain. The present study evaluated the analgesic properties of the ethanol extract of X. aethiopica (XAE) and xylopic acid (XA), in murine models. XAE and XA were assessed in chemical (acetic acid-induced abdominal writhing and formalin tests), thermal (Tail-flick and Hargreaves thermal hyperalgesia tests), and mechanical (Randall-Selitto paw pressure test) pain models. XAE and XA exhibited significant analgesic activity in all the pain models used. XAE (30-300 mg kg(-1), p.o.) and XA (10-100 mg kg(-1), p.o.) inhibited acetic acid-induced visceral nociception, formalin- induced paw pain (both neurogenic and inflammatory), thermal pain as well as carrageenan-induced mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia in animals. Morphine (1-10 mg kg(-1), i.p.) and diclofenac (1-10 mg kg(-1), i.p.), used as controls, exhibited similar anti-nociceptive activities. XAE and XA did not induce tolerance to their respective anti-nociceptive effects in the formalin test after chronic administration. Morphine tolerance did not also cross-generalize to the analgesic effects of XAE or XA. These findings establish the analgesic properties of the ethanol fruit extract of X. aethiopica and its major diterpene, xylopic acid.

  1. Analgesic effects of an ethanol extract of the fruits of Xylopia aethiopica (Dunal) A. Rich (Annonaceae) and the major constituent, xylopic acid in murine models

    PubMed Central

    Woode, Eric; Ameyaw, Elvis O.; Boakye-Gyasi, Eric; Abotsi, Wonder K. M.

    2012-01-01

    Background: Fruit extracts of Xylopia aethiopica are used traditionally in the management of pain disorders including rheumatism, headache, colic pain, and neuralgia. Little pharmacological data exists in scientific literature of the effect of the fruit extract and its major diterpene, xylopic acid, on pain. The present study evaluated the analgesic properties of the ethanol extract of X. aethiopica (XAE) and xylopic acid (XA), in murine models. Materials and Methods: XAE and XA were assessed in chemical (acetic acid-induced abdominal writhing and formalin tests), thermal (Tail-flick and Hargreaves thermal hyperalgesia tests), and mechanical (Randall-Selitto paw pressure test) pain models. Results: XAE and XA exhibited significant analgesic activity in all the pain models used. XAE (30-300 mg kg-1, p.o.) and XA (10-100 mg kg-1, p.o.) inhibited acetic acid-induced visceral nociception, formalin- induced paw pain (both neurogenic and inflammatory), thermal pain as well as carrageenan-induced mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia in animals. Morphine (1-10 mg kg-1, i.p.) and diclofenac (1-10 mg kg-1, i.p.), used as controls, exhibited similar anti-nociceptive activities. XAE and XA did not induce tolerance to their respective anti-nociceptive effects in the formalin test after chronic administration. Morphine tolerance did not also cross-generalize to the analgesic effects of XAE or XA. Conclusions: These findings establish the analgesic properties of the ethanol fruit extract of X. aethiopica and its major diterpene, xylopic acid. PMID:23248562

  2. Morphological study of the effects of aqueous leaf extract of Xylopia aethiopica on the pancreas in diabetic rats.

    PubMed

    Ofusori, David A; Komolafe, Omobola A; Adewole, Olarinde S; Arayombo, Babatunde E; Margolis, Denise; Naicker, Thajasvarie

    2016-01-01

    To investigate the histological and immunohistochemical effects of aqueous leaf extract of Xylo- pia aethiopica on the pancreas in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats, 30 adult Wistar rats were divided into three groups (n=10). Group A was the control (administered with equivalent vol- ume of citrate buffer), group B animals were made diabetic by a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin dissolved in citrate buffer (65 mg/kg), group C animals were made diabetic as above and treated with 200mg/kg body weight of aqueous leave extract of Xylopia aethiop- ica for 25 days. Upon animal sacrifice, the pancreas were excised, fixed in 10% formol saline and processed for light microscopy and immunohistochemistry.. The results revealed destruc- tion of the islet cells in the untreated diabetic group as compared with the controls. The extract treated group was characterized by recovery/regenerative processes indicated by improvement in islet morphology. In untreated diabetic rats immunoreactive P-cells were sparse, at variance from the controls. The group treated with aqueous leaf extract of Xylopia aethiopica revealed more intense staining for insulin and significant (p<0.05) increase in the percentage of immuno- labelled surface area when compared with the untreated diabetic group, suggesting the ability of P-cells to secrete insulin in the extract treated rats. We conclude that the aqueous leaf extract of Xylopia aethiopica improves recovery process of P-cells in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats and might become useful in the management of diabetes related complications.

  3. Bioactive annonaceous acetogenins from the bark of Xylopia aromatica.

    PubMed

    Colman-Saizarbitoria, T; Zambrano, J; Ferrigni, N R; Gu, Z M; Ng, J H; Smith, D L; McLaughlin, J L

    1994-04-01

    Bioactive Annonaceous acetogenins have been isolated from the EtOH extract of the bark of Xylopia aromatica by bioactivity-directed fractionation using lethality to brine shrimp. These acetogenins include xylopianin [1 , xylopiacin [2], and xylomaticin [3], which are three new mono-tetrahydrofuran ring type acetogenins, in addition to the known compounds, annomontacin, gigantetronenin, gigantetrocin A, and annonacin. Compounds 1 and 2 are unusual in having hydroxylation at C-8; 3 has the same functionalities as annonacin but with 37 carbons instead of 35 carbons. The structures were elucidated by spectral analysis of the parent compounds and/or simple chemical derivatives. These acetogenins showed cytotoxicities, comparable to adriamycin, against three human solid tumor cell lines.

  4. HPLC quantitation of kaurane diterpenes in Xylopia species.

    PubMed

    de Melo, A C; Cota, B B; de Oliveira, A B; Braga, F C

    2001-01-01

    Xylopia frutescens is a tree native to the Brazilian Amazon whose seeds are rich in kaurenoic acid, a diterpene that showed in vitro activity against Trypanosoma cruzi. Aiming to find out alternative sources for kaurenoic acid, the content of some kaurane diterpenes was evaluated in X. aromatica and X. brasiliensis, species occurring in the Cerrado area of Minas Gerais, and also in X. frutescens. A reversed phase HPLC isocratic method was developed and validated to perform the assays. Kaurenoic acid was found to be the most abundant diterpene within the analyzed species, with a 3.16+/-0.97% content in the seeds of X. frutescens, which also presented the highest amount of xylopic acid (1.09+/-0.33%). The highest concentration of 16-alpha-hydroxykauranoic acid (1.96+/-1.58%) was found in the stems of X. aromatica.

  5. The Antimicrobial Activity of Annona emarginata (Schltdl.) H. Rainer and Most Active Isolated Compounds against Clinically Important Bacteria.

    PubMed

    Dolab, Juan G; Lima, Beatriz; Spaczynska, Ewelina; Kos, Jiri; Cano, Natividad H; Feresin, Gabriela; Tapia, Alejandro; Garibotto, Francisco; Petenatti, Elisa; Olivella, Monica; Musiol, Robert; Jampilek, Josef; Enriz, Ricardo D

    2018-05-16

    Annona emarginata (Schltdl.) H. Rainer, commonly known as "arachichú", "araticú", "aratigú", and "yerba mora", is a plant that grows in Argentina. Infusions and decoctions are used in folk medicine as a gargle against throat pain and for calming toothache; another way to use the plant for these purposes is chewing its leaves. Extracts from bark, flowers, leaves, and fruits from A. emarginata were subjected to antibacterial assays against a panel of Gram (+) and Gram (-) pathogenic bacteria according to Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute protocols. Extracts from the stem bark and leaves showed moderate activity against the bacteria tested with values between 250⁻1000 µg/mL. Regarding flower extracts, less polar extracts (hexane, dichloromethane) showed very strong antibacterial activity against methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923 and methicillin-resistant S. aureus ATCC 43300 with values between 16⁻125 µg/mL. Additionally, hexane extract showed activity against Klebsiella pneumoniae (MIC = 250 µg/mL). The global methanolic extract of the fruits (MeOHGEF) was also active against the three strains mentioned above, with MICs values 250⁻500 µg/mL. Bioassay-guided fractionation of MeOHGEF led to the isolation of a new main compound-( R )-2-(4-methylcyclohex-3-en-1-yl)propan-2-yl ( E )-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)acrylate ( 1 ). The structure and relative configurations have been determined by means of 1D and 2D NMR techniques, including COSY, HMQC, HMBC, and NOESY correlations. Compound 1 showed strong antimicrobial activity against all Gram (+) species tested (MICs = 3.12⁻6.25 µg/mL). In addition, the synthesis and antibacterial activity of some compounds structurally related to compound 1 (including four new compounds) are reported. A SAR study for these compounds was performed based on the results obtained by using molecular calculations.

  6. First report of Lecanodiaspis dendrobii Douglas, 1892 (Hemiptera: Lecanodiaspididae) and the associated parasitoid Cephaleta sp. (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae) in Brazil.

    PubMed

    Marsaro Júnior, A L; Peronti, A L B G; Costa, V A; Morais, E G F; Pereira, P R V S

    2016-02-01

    Lecanodiaspis dendrobii Douglas, 1892 (Hemiptera: Coccoidea: Lecanodiaspididae) and the associated parasitoid Cephaleta sp. (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae) are reported for the first time in Brazil. Specimens of this scale insect were collected on branches and stems of Acacia mangium Willd., Leucaena leucocephala (Lam.) de Wit (Fabaceae), Morus nigra L. (Moraceae), Citrus reticulata Blanco (Rutaceae), Tectona grandis L. f. (Verbenaceae), Anacardium occidentale (Anacardiaceae), Annona squamosa L. and Xylopia aromatica (Lam.) Mart. (Annonaceae), in three municipalities of the Roraima state. All plants here mentioned are recorded for the first time as a host for L. dendrobii. Morphological characters of L. dendrobii and symptoms presented by the host plants infested by this pest are included in this work.

  7. Attraction of pollinators to atemoya (Magnoliales: Annonaceae) in Puerto Rico: A synergetic approach using multiple nitidulid lures

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    Atemoya, a cross between Annona squamosa and A. cherimola (Annonaceae), has the potential to be a major fruit crop in tropical and subtropical areas. A major setback to production throughout the world is low fruit-set due to inadequate visits by pollinators, typically beetles in the family Nitidulid...

  8. Phylogenetic Reconstruction, Morphological Diversification and Generic Delimitation of Disepalum (Annonaceae)

    PubMed Central

    Li, Pui-Sze; Thomas, Daniel C.; Saunders, Richard M. K.

    2015-01-01

    Taxonomic delimitation of Disepalum (Annonaceae) is contentious, with some researchers favoring a narrow circumscription following segregation of the genus Enicosanthellum. We reconstruct the phylogeny of Disepalum and related taxa based on four chloroplast and two nuclear DNA regions as a framework for clarifying taxonomic delimitation and assessing evolutionary transitions in key morphological characters. Maximum parsimony, maximum likelihood and Bayesian methods resulted in a consistent, well-resolved and strongly supported topology. Disepalum s.l. is monophyletic and strongly supported, with Disepalum s.str. and Enicosanthellum retrieved as sister groups. Although this topology is consistent with both taxonomic delimitations, the distribution of morphological synapomorphies provides greater support for the inclusion of Enicosanthellum within Disepalum s.l. We propose a novel infrageneric classification with two subgenera. Subgen. Disepalum (= Disepalum s.str.) is supported by numerous synapomorphies, including the reduction of the calyx to two sepals and connation of petals. Subgen. Enicosanthellum lacks obvious morphological synapomorphies, but possesses several diagnostic characters (symplesiomorphies), including a trimerous calyx and free petals in two whorls. We evaluate changes in petal morphology in relation to hypotheses of the genetic control of floral development and suggest that the compression of two petal whorls into one and the associated fusion of contiguous petals may be associated with the loss of the pollination chamber, which in turn may be associated with a shift in primary pollinator. We also suggest that the formation of pollen octads may be selectively advantageous when pollinator visits are infrequent, although this would only be applicable if multiple ovules could be fertilized by each octad; since the flowers are apocarpous, this would require an extragynoecial compitum to enable intercarpellary growth of pollen tubes. We furthermore

  9. Three new alkaloids from Xylopia vielana and their antiinflammatory activities.

    PubMed

    Guo, Yi-Gong; Ding, Yun-He; Wu, Guo-Jing; Zhu, Sheng-Lan; Sun, Yuan-Fang; Yan, Shi-Kai; Qian, Feng; Jin, Hui-Zi; Zhang, Wei-Dong

    2018-02-05

    Three new aporphine alkaloids, xylopialoids A-C (1-3), along with three known aporphine alkioids (4-6) and three other known compounds (7-9) were isolated from the roots of Xylopia vielana. Among these three new aporphine alkaloids, xylopialoid C (3) showed a special carbamido group directly connected to the nitrogen. The chemical structures of these nine compounds were determined by a combination of 1D and 2D NMR, MS, CD spectrum and Cu Kα X-ray crystallographic analyses. All these six alkaloids were firstly tested for the inhibitory activities against the production of NO in RAW264.7 cells stimulated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Among these compounds, 4 showed a potential inhibitory activity against the production of nitric oxide with IC 50 value of 1.39 μM. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier B.V.

  10. Two new bioactive monotetrahydrofuran Annonaceous acetogenins from the bark of Xylopia aromatica.

    PubMed

    Colman-Saizarbitoria, T; Gu, Z M; McLaughlin, J L

    1994-12-01

    Xylopien [1] and xylomatenin [2], two new bioactive monotetrahydrofuran Annonaceous acetogenins, have been isolated from an EtOH extract of the bark of Xylopia aromatica, using bioactivity-directed fractionation employing lethality to brine shrimp. These new compounds each have a double bond in the hydrocarbon chain and have been identified as C-23, C-24 dehydro analogs of xylopiacin and xylomaticin. Their structures were elucidated by spectral analyses of the parent compounds and/or simple chemical derivatives. Their absolute stereochemistries have been established by 1H- and 2D nmr experiments utilizing the production of Mosher esters. These acetogenins showed cytotoxic potencies superior to adriamycin against three human solid tumor cell lines.

  11. Cytotoxicity of compounds from Xylopia aethiopica towards multi-factorial drug-resistant cancer cells.

    PubMed

    Kuete, Victor; Sandjo, Louis P; Mbaveng, Armelle T; Zeino, Maen; Efferth, Thomas

    2015-12-15

    Multidrug resistance (MDR) in cancer represent a major hurdle in chemotherapy. Previously, the methanol extract of the medicinal spice Xylopia aethiopica displayed considerable cytotoxicity against multidrug resistant (MDR) cancer cell lines. The present study was designed to assess the cytotoxicity of compounds, 16α-hydroxy-ent-kauran-19-oic acid (2), 3,4',5-trihydroxy-6″,6″-dimethylpyrano[2,3-g]flavone (3), isotetrandrine (5) and trans-tiliroside (6) derived from the methanol crude extract of Xylopia aethiopica against 9 drug-sensitive and -resistant cancer cell lines. The resazurin reduction assay was used to evaluate the cytotoxicity of these compounds, whilst caspase-Glo assay was used to detect caspase activation. Cell cycle, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) were all analyzed via flow cytometry. Flavonoid 3 and alkaloid 5 also displayed IC50 values ranging from 2.61 µM (towards leukemia CCRF-CEM cells) to 18.60 µM (towards gliobastoma multiforme U87MG.ΔEGFR cells) and from 1.45 µM (towards HepG2 cells) to 7.28 µM (towards MDA-MB-231-pcDNA cells), respectively. IC50 values ranged from 0.20 µM (against CCRF-CEM cells) to 195.12 µM (against CEM/ADR5000 cells) for doxorubicin. Compound 3 induced apoptosis in leukemia CCRF-CEM cells mediated by the disruption of the MMP, whilst 5 induced apoptosis mediated by ROS production. Compounds 2 and 5 represent potential cytotoxic phytochemicals that deserve more investigations to develop novel antineoplastic drugs against multifactorial drug-resistant cancers. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

  12. Functional Monoecy Due to Delayed Anther Dehiscence: A Novel Mechanism in Pseuduvaria mulgraveana (Annonaceae)

    PubMed Central

    Pang, Chun-Chiu; Scharaschkin, Tanya; Su, Yvonne C. F.; Saunders, Richard M. K.

    2013-01-01

    Unlike most genera in the early-divergent angiosperm family Annonaceae, Pseuduvaria exhibits a diversity of floral sex expression. Most species are structurally andromonoecious (or possibly androdioecious), although the hermaphroditic flowers have been inferred to be functionally pistillate, with sterile staminodes. Pseuduvaria presents an ideal model for investigating the evolution of floral sex in early-divergent angiosperms, although detailed empirical studies are currently lacking. The phenology and pollination ecology of the Australian endemic species Pseuduvaria mulgraveana are studied in detail, including evaluations of floral scent chemistry, pollen viability, and floral visitors. Results showed that the flowers are pollinated by small diurnal nitidulid beetles and are protogynous. Pollen from both hermaphroditic and staminate flowers are shown to be equally viable. The structurally hermaphroditic flowers are nevertheless functionally pistillate as anther dehiscence is delayed until after petal abscission and hence after the departure of pollinators. This mechanism to achieve functional unisexuality of flowers has not previously been reported in angiosperms. It is known that protogyny is widespread amongst early-divergent angiosperms, including the Annonaceae, and is effective in preventing autogamy. Delayed anther dehiscence represents a further elaboration of this, and is effective in preventing geitonogamy since very few sexually mature flowers occur simultaneously in an individual. We highlight the necessity for field-based empirical interpretations of functional floral sex expression prior to evaluations of evolutionary processes. PMID:23555844

  13. Chemical Composition of the Essential Oil from the Fresh Fruits of Xylopia laevigata and its Cytotoxic Evaluation.

    PubMed

    Costa, Emmanoel Vilaça; da Silva, Thanany Brasil; Costa, Cinara Oliveira D'Souza; Soares, Milena Botelho Pereira; Bezerra, Daniel Pereira

    2016-03-01

    The essential oil obtained by hydrodistillation from the fresh fruits of Xylopia laevigata was analyzed by gas chromatography using a flame ionization detector (GC-FID) coupled to a mass spectrometer (GC-MS). Monoterpenes predominated, forming 95.0% of the total essential oil. The major constituents identified were limonene (56.2%), α-pinene (28.0%), and β-pinene (5.5%). Cytotoxic activity against tumor cell lines and non-tumor cells was also investigated; however, neither the essential oil nor its major constituents evaluated presented any cytotoxic activity (IC₅₀ > 25.0 µg mL⁻¹).

  14. Chemical composition of seeds and oil of Xylopia aethiopica grown in Nigeria.

    PubMed

    Barminas, J T; James, M K; Abubakar, U M

    1999-01-01

    The chemical composition and mineral constituents of Xylopia aethiopica, which is valued as a spice in Nigeria, were determined along with the physicochemical characteristics of the seed oil. The seeds had the following chemical compositions moisture (8.43 g/100 g), ash (5.89 g/100 g), crude lipid (9.58 g/100 g), crude protein (12.45 g/100 g) crude fiber (8.66 g/100 g) and carbohydrate (63.65 g/100 g). Calcium and potassium were the major minerals in the seed. The extracted lipid was examined for fatty acid composition. Linoleic (45.1 g/100 g) and oleic (26.5 g/100 g) acids were the predominant unsaturated fatty acids, while palmitic acid (18.0 g/100 g) was the major saturated acid. The iodine value of 97 g/100 g indicates that the seed oil is a non-drying type.

  15. Cardiovascular and diuretic activity of kaurene derivatives of Xylopia aethiopica and Alepidea amatymbica.

    PubMed

    Somova, L I; Shode, F O; Moodley, K; Govender, Y

    2001-10-01

    The extractives, crude and pure, of Alepidea amatymbica (AA) and Xylopia aethiopica (XA) were subjected to bioassay-directed phytochemical examination for potential cardiovascular and diuretic activity. All extractives and derivatives (XA/O, AA/1, xylopic acid, AA/3, AA/4, AA/5, AA/6, XA/1, XA/2, XA/3) displayed low toxicity, with LC(50) 0.5-5.0 ng/ml. For the first time, diterpene kaurenoids were reported to have significant systemic hypotensive and coronary vasodilatory effect accompanied with bradycardia. These effects were attributed to calcium antagonistic mechanism. The diuretic and natriuretic effects found were similar to the effects of chlorothiazide, suggesting inhibition of Na+ and K+ reabsorption in the early portion of the distal tubule. Further experiments are needed to elaborate the exact mechanisms of the hypotensive and diuretic effects of diterpene kaurenoids.

  16. Antiproliferative action of Xylopia aethiopica fruit extract on human cervical cancer cells.

    PubMed

    Adaramoye, Oluwatosin A; Sarkar, Jayanta; Singh, Neetu; Meena, Sanjeev; Changkija, Bendangla; Yadav, Prem P; Kanojiya, Sanjeev; Sinha, Sudhir

    2011-10-01

    The anticancer potential of Xylopia aethiopica fruit extract (XAFE), and the mechanism of cell death it elicits, was investigated in various cell lines. Treatment with XAFE led to a dose-dependent growth inhibition in most cell lines, with selective cytotoxicity towards cancer cells and particularly the human cervical cancer cell line C-33A. In this study, apoptosis was confirmed by nuclear fragmentation and sub-G(0)/G(1) phase accumulation. The cell cycle was arrested at the G(2)/M phase with a decreased G(0)/G(1) population. A semi-quantitative gene expression study revealed dose-dependent up-regulation of p53 and p21 genes, and an increase in the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio. These results indicate that XAFE could be a potential therapeutic agent against cancer since it inhibits cell proliferation, and induces apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in C-33A cells. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

  17. Xylopiana A, a Dimeric Guaiane with a Case-Shaped Core from Xylopia vielana: Structural Elucidation and Biomimetic Conversion.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Ya-Long; Zhou, Xu-Wei; Wang, Xiao-Bing; Wu, Lin; Yang, Ming-Hua; Luo, Jun; Yin, Yong; Luo, Jian-Guang; Kong, Ling-Yi

    2017-06-02

    Xylopiana A (1), a dimeric guaiane with an unprecedented pentacyclo[5.2.1.0 1,2 .0 4,5' .0 5,4' ]decane-3,2'-dione core, and three biosynthetically related intermediates, compounds 2-4, were isolated from the leaves of Xylopia vielana. Their structures and absolute configurations were determined by a combination of spectroscopic data, X-ray crystallography, electronic circular dichroism calculations, and chemical conversion. The structure of known vielanin A was revised to be compound 3. Compound 4 exerted a 3.7-fold potentiation effect on doxorubicin susceptibility at the tested concentration of 10 μM.

  18. Inhibitive effect of Xylopia ferruginea extract on the corrosion of mild steel in 1M HCl medium

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Raja, Pandian Bothi; Rahim, Afidah Abdul; Osman, Hasnah; Awang, Khalijah

    2011-08-01

    The alkaloid content of the leaves and stem bark of Xylopia ferruginea plant was isolated and tested for its anticorrosion potential on mild steel corrosion in a hydrochloric acid medium by using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, potentiodynamic polarization measurement, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Fourier transform infra red (FTIR) analysis. The experimental results reveal the effective anticorrosion potential of the plant extract. The mixed mode of action exhibited by the plant extract is evidenced from the polarization study. SEM images proof the formation of a protective layer over the mild steel surface, and this is supported by the FTIR study. The possible mode of the corrosion inhibition mechanism has also been discussed.

  19. In vitro biological screening of the anticholinesterase and antiproliferative activities of medicinal plants belonging to Annonaceae

    PubMed Central

    Formagio, A.S.N.; Vieira, M.C.; Volobuff, C.R.F.; Silva, M.S.; Matos, A.I.; Cardoso, C.A.L.; Foglio, M.A.; Carvalho, J.E.

    2015-01-01

    The aim of this research was to investigate the antiproliferative and anticholinesterase activities of 11 extracts from 5 Annonaceae species in vitro. Antiproliferative activity was assessed using 10 human cancer cell lines. Thin-layer chromatography and a microplate assay were used to screen the extracts for acetylcholinesterase (AchE) inhibitors using Ellman's reagent. The chemical compositions of the active extracts were investigated using high performance liquid chromatography. Eleven extracts obtained from five Annonaceae plant species were active and were particularly effective against the UA251, NCI-470 lung, HT-29, NCI/ADR, and K-562 cell lines with growth inhibition (GI50) values of 0.04-0.06, 0.02-0.50, 0.01-0.12, 0.10-0.27, and 0.02-0.04 µg/mL, respectively. In addition, the Annona crassiflora and A. coriacea seed extracts were the most active among the tested extracts and the most effective against the tumor cell lines, with GI50 values below 8.90 µg/mL. The A. cacans extract displayed the lowest activity. Based on the microplate assay, the percent AchE inhibition of the extracts ranged from 12 to 52%, and the A. coriacea seed extract resulted in the greatest inhibition (52%). Caffeic acid, sinapic acid, and rutin were present at higher concentrations in the A. crassiflora seed samples. The A. coriacea seeds contained ferulic and sinapic acid. Overall, the results indicated that A. crassiflora and A. coriacea extracts have antiproliferative and anticholinesterase properties, which opens up new possibilities for alternative pharmacotherapy drugs. PMID:25714885

  20. In vitro biological screening of the anticholinesterase and antiproliferative activities of medicinal plants belonging to Annonaceae.

    PubMed

    Formagio, A S N; Vieira, M C; Volobuff, C R F; Silva, M S; Matos, A I; Cardoso, C A L; Foglio, M A; Carvalho, J E

    2015-04-01

    The aim of this research was to investigate the antiproliferative and anticholinesterase activities of 11 extracts from 5 Annonaceae species in vitro. Antiproliferative activity was assessed using 10 human cancer cell lines. Thin-layer chromatography and a microplate assay were used to screen the extracts for acetylcholinesterase (AchE) inhibitors using Ellman's reagent. The chemical compositions of the active extracts were investigated using high performance liquid chromatography. Eleven extracts obtained from five Annonaceae plant species were active and were particularly effective against the UA251, NCI-470 lung, HT-29, NCI/ADR, and K-562 cell lines with growth inhibition (GI50) values of 0.04-0.06, 0.02-0.50, 0.01-0.12, 0.10-0.27, and 0.02-0.04 µg/mL, respectively. In addition, the Annona crassiflora and A. coriacea seed extracts were the most active among the tested extracts and the most effective against the tumor cell lines, with GI50 values below 8.90 µg/mL. The A. cacans extract displayed the lowest activity. Based on the microplate assay, the percent AchE inhibition of the extracts ranged from 12 to 52%, and the A. coriacea seed extract resulted in the greatest inhibition (52%). Caffeic acid, sinapic acid, and rutin were present at higher concentrations in the A. crassiflora seed samples. The A. coriacea seeds contained ferulic and sinapic acid. Overall, the results indicated that A. crassiflora and A. coriacea extracts have antiproliferative and anticholinesterase properties, which opens up new possibilities for alternative pharmacotherapy drugs.

  1. Venezenin: a new bioactive Annonaceous acetogenin from the bark of Xylopia aromatica.

    PubMed

    Colman-Saizarbitoria, T; Gu, Z M; Zhao, G X; Zeng, L; Kozlowski, J F; McLaughlin, J L

    1995-04-01

    Asimicin and a new cytotoxic Annonaceous acetogenin, venezenin [1], were isolated from the bark of Xylopia aromatica by bioactivity-directed fractionation using lethality to brine shrimp. Compound 1 represents an unusual type of C37 Annonaceous acetogenin, lacking either tetrahydrofuran (THF) or epoxide rings and possessing a double bond located two methylenes away from a vicinal diol in the hydrocarbon chain. The structure of 1 was elucidated by 1H- and 13C-nmr, COSY, single-relayed COSY, and by HMBC techniques, and derivatization. Annomontacin 10-one [6] and 18/21-cis-annomontacin-10-one [7], two semi-synthetic mono-THF acetogenins were prepared from 1. These acetogenins showed cytotoxicity, comparable or superior to adriamycin, against three human solid tumor cell lines. Reduction of the 10-keto of 1 to the racemic OH-10 derivative enhanced the bioactivity, as did the conversion of 1 to 6 and 7. Venezenin [1], like other Annonaceous acetogenins, showed inhibition of oxygen uptake by rat liver mitochondria and demonstrated that the THF ring may not be essential to this mode of action.

  2. Chemical Variability of Ivoirian Xylopia rubescens Leaf Oil.

    PubMed

    Yapi, Thierry Acafou; Boti, Jean Brice; Tonzibo, Zanahi Félix; Ahibo, Coffy Antoine; Bighelli, Ange; Casanova, Joseph; Tomi, Félix

    2017-02-01

    Forty-two essential oil samples were isolated from leaves of Xylopia rubescens harvested in three forests of Southern Ivory Coast. All the samples have been submitted to GC-FID and the retention indices (RIs) of individual components have been measured on two capillary columns of different polarity. In addition, 20 oil samples, selected on the basis of their chromatographic profile, were also analyzed by 13 C-NMR and 24 components (78.0 - 92.4% of the whole compositions) have been identified. The content of the main components varied drastically from sample to sample: furanoguaia-1,4-diene (5.7 - 54.1%), furanoguaia-1,3-diene (1.1 - 10.5%), (8Z,11Z,14Z)-heptadeca-8,11,14-trien-2-one (4.3 - 16.0%), and (E)-β-caryophyllene (1.7 - 17.3%). Hierarchical cluster and principal components analysis of the 42 oil compositions allowed the distinction of two well-differentiated groups of unequal importance within the oil samples. Oil samples of the main group (Group II) contained mainly furanoguaia-1,4-diene (mean [M] = 43.1%; standard deviation [SD] = 3.2%) while furanoguaia-1,3-diene (M = 8.4%; SD = 0.9%) and (8Z,11Z,14Z)-heptadeca-8,11,14-trien-2-one (M = 7.1%; SD = 1.5%) were present at appreciable contents. The composition of Group I was dominated by furanoguaia-1,4-diene (M = 17.0%; SD = 8.5%), (8Z,11Z,14Z)-heptadeca-8,11,14-trien-2-one (M = 10.2%; SD = 2.4%) and (E)-β-caryophyllene (M = 9.5%; SD = 5.3%). © 2017 Wiley-VHCA AG, Zurich, Switzerland.

  3. A new species in the tree genus Polyceratocarpus (Annonaceae) from the Udzungwa Mountains of Tanzania

    PubMed Central

    Marshall, Andrew R.; Couvreur, Thomas L.P.; Summers, Abigail L.; Deere, Nicolas J.; Luke, W.R. Quentin; Ndangalasi, Henry J.; Sparrow, Sue; Johnson, David M.

    2016-01-01

    Abstract Polyceratocarpus askhambryan-iringae, an endemic tree species of Annonaceae from the Udzungwa Mountains of Tanzania, is described and illustrated. The new species is identified as a member of the genus Polyceratocarpus by the combination of staminate and bisexual flowers, axillary inflorescences, subequal outer and inner petals, and multi-seeded monocarps with pitted seeds. From Polyceratocarpus scheffleri, with which it has previously been confused, it differs in the longer pedicels, smaller and thinner petals, shorter bracts, and by generally smaller, less curved monocarps that have a clear stipe and usually have fewer seeds. Because Polyceratocarpus askhambryan-iringae has a restricted extent of occurrence, area of occupancy, and ongoing degradation of its forest habitat, we recommend classification of it as Endangered (EN) on the IUCN Red List. PMID:27489479

  4. Diterpenes from Xylopia langsdorffiana inhibit cell growth and induce differentiation in human leukemia cells.

    PubMed

    Castello Branco, Marianna V S; Anazetti, Maristella C; Silva, Marcelo S; Tavares, Josean F; Diniz, Margareth F F Melo; Frungillo, Lucas; Haun, Marcela; Melo, Patrícia S

    2009-01-01

    Two new diterpenes were isolated from stems and leaves of Xylopia langsdorffiana, ent-atisane-7alpha,16alpha-diol (xylodiol) and ent-7alpha-acetoxytrachyloban-18-oic acid (trachylobane), along with the known 8(17),12E,14-labdatrien-18-oic acid (labdane). We investigated their antitumour effects on HL60, U937 and K562 human leukemia cell lines. We found that xylodiol was the most potent diterpene in inhibiting cell proliferation of HL60, U937 and K562 cells, with mean IC50 values of 90, 80 and 50 microM, respectively. Based on the nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) reduction assay, all the diterpenes were found to induce terminal differentiation in HL60 and K562 cells, with xylodiol being the most effective. NBT reduction was increased by almost 120% after 12 h exposure of HL60 cells to xylodiol at a concentration lower than the IC50 (50 microM). Thus, xylodiol inhibited human leukemia cell growth in vitro partly by inducing cell differentiation, and merits further studies to examine its mechanism of action as a potential antitumoural agent.

  5. Aromatic compounds produced by Periconia atropurpurea, an endophytic fungus associated with Xylopia aromatica.

    PubMed

    Teles, Helder Lopes; Sordi, Renata; Silva, Geraldo Humberto; Castro-Gamboa, Ian; Bolzani, Vanderlan da Silva; Pfenning, Ludwig Heinrich; de Abreu, Lucas Magalhães; Costa-Neto, Claudio Miguel; Young, Maria Claudia Marx; Araújo, Angela Regina

    2006-12-01

    6,8-Dimethoxy-3-(2'-oxo-propyl)-coumarin (1) and 2,4-dihydroxy-6-[(1'E,3'E)-penta-1',3'-dienyl]-benzaldehyde (2), in addition to the known compound periconicin B (3), were isolated from the ethyl acetate extract of Periconia atropurpurea, an endophytic fungus obtained from the leaves of Xylopia aromatica, a native plant of the Brazilian Cerrado. Their chemical structures were assigned based on analyses of MS, 1D and 2D-NMR spectroscopic experiments. Biological analyses were performed using two mammalian cell lines, human cervix carcinoma (HeLa) and Chinese hamster ovary (CHO). The results showed that compound 1 had no effect when compared to the control group, which was treated with the vehicle (DMSO). Compound 2 was able to induce a slight increase in cell proliferation of HeLa (37% of increase) and CHO (38% of increase) cell lines. Analysis of compound 3 showed that it has potent cytotoxic activity against both cell lines, with an IC50 of 8.0 microM. Biological analyses using the phytopathogenic fungi Cladosporium sphaerospermum and C. cladosporioides revealed that also 2 showed potent antifungal activity compared to nystatin.

  6. Three new natural compounds from the root bark essential oil from Xylopia aethiopica.

    PubMed

    Yapi, Thierry Acafou; Boti, Jean Brice; Attioua, Barthelemy Koffi; Ahibo, Antoine Coffy; Bighelli, Ange; Casanova, Joseph; Tomi, Félix

    2012-01-01

    In the course of on-going work on the characterisation of aromatic plants from the Ivory Coast we investigated the composition of the root oil from Xylopia aethiopica. The aim of this work was to investigate the chemical composition of X. aethiopica root oil and elucidate the structure of two new compounds. Analysis of the essential oil was carried out using a combination of chromatographic (CC, GC with retention indices) and spectroscopic techniques (MS, (13)C-NMR, 2D-NMR). Twenty seven components, accounting for 95.6% of the whole composition, were identified including various compounds for which spectroscopic data were absent on commercial computerised MS libraries. Three compounds are reported for the first time as natural compounds and the structure of two new compounds, 4,4-dimethyl-2-vinylcyclohexene and endo-5-methoxy-3-patchoulene, has been elucidated using extensive two-dimensional NMR spectroscopy. The composition of X. aethiopica root oil is dominated by two dimethylvinylcyclohexene isomers. It differs drastically from the composition of leaf and fruit oils of the same plant. The combination of analytical techniques appeared crucial for a fruitful analysis. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

  7. Annona muricata (Annonaceae): A Review of Its Traditional Uses, Isolated Acetogenins and Biological Activities.

    PubMed

    Moghadamtousi, Soheil Zorofchian; Fadaeinasab, Mehran; Nikzad, Sonia; Mohan, Gokula; Ali, Hapipah Mohd; Kadir, Habsah Abdul

    2015-07-10

    Annona muricata is a member of the Annonaceae family and is a fruit tree with a long history of traditional use. A. muricata, also known as soursop, graviola and guanabana, is an evergreen plant that is mostly distributed in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. The fruits of A. muricata are extensively used to prepare syrups, candies, beverages, ice creams and shakes. A wide array of ethnomedicinal activities is contributed to different parts of A. muricata, and indigenous communities in Africa and South America extensively use this plant in their folk medicine. Numerous investigations have substantiated these activities, including anticancer, anticonvulsant, anti-arthritic, antiparasitic, antimalarial, hepatoprotective and antidiabetic activities. Phytochemical studies reveal that annonaceous acetogenins are the major constituents of A. muricata. More than 100 annonaceous acetogenins have been isolated from leaves, barks, seeds, roots and fruits of A. muricata. In view of the immense studies on A. muricata, this review strives to unite available information regarding its phytochemistry, traditional uses and biological activities.

  8. Annona muricata (Annonaceae): A Review of Its Traditional Uses, Isolated Acetogenins and Biological Activities

    PubMed Central

    Moghadamtousi, Soheil Zorofchian; Fadaeinasab, Mehran; Nikzad, Sonia; Mohan, Gokula; Ali, Hapipah Mohd; Kadir, Habsah Abdul

    2015-01-01

    Annona muricata is a member of the Annonaceae family and is a fruit tree with a long history of traditional use. A. muricata, also known as soursop, graviola and guanabana, is an evergreen plant that is mostly distributed in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. The fruits of A. muricata are extensively used to prepare syrups, candies, beverages, ice creams and shakes. A wide array of ethnomedicinal activities is contributed to different parts of A. muricata, and indigenous communities in Africa and South America extensively use this plant in their folk medicine. Numerous investigations have substantiated these activities, including anticancer, anticonvulsant, anti-arthritic, antiparasitic, antimalarial, hepatoprotective and antidiabetic activities. Phytochemical studies reveal that annonaceous acetogenins are the major constituents of A. muricata. More than 100 annonaceous acetogenins have been isolated from leaves, barks, seeds, roots and fruits of A. muricata. In view of the immense studies on A. muricata, this review strives to unite available information regarding its phytochemistry, traditional uses and biological activities. PMID:26184167

  9. A nonet of novel species of Monanthotaxis (Annonaceae) from around Africa

    PubMed Central

    Hoekstra, Paul H.; Wieringa, Jan J.; Chatrou, Lars W.

    2016-01-01

    Abstract As part of an ongoing revision of the genus Monanthotaxis Baill. (Annonaceae), nine new species are described and one variety is reinstated to species rank. Two new species from West Africa (Monanthotaxis aquila P.H.Hoekstra, sp. nov. and Monanthotaxis atewensis P.H.Hoekstra, sp. nov.), four new species from Central Africa (Monanthotaxis couvreurii P.H.Hoekstra, sp. nov., Monanthotaxis latistamina P.H.Hoekstra, sp. nov., Monanthotaxis tripetala P.H.Hoekstra, sp. nov. and Monanthotaxis zenkeri P.H.Hoekstra, sp. nov.), one new species from Tanzania (Monanthotaxis filipes P.H.Hoekstra, sp. nov.), one new species from the area around Maputo (Monanthotaxis maputensis P.H.Hoekstra, sp. nov.), one new species from the Comoro Islands (Monanthotaxis komorensis P.H.Hoekstra, sp. nov.) and Monanthotaxis klainei (Engl.) Verdc. var. angustifolia (Boutique) Verdc. is raised to species level leading to the replacement name Monanthotaxis atopostema P.H.Hoekstra, nom. nov. (not Monanthotaxis angustifolia (Exell) Verdc.). Complete descriptions, comparisons with related species, ecological information and IUCN conservation assessments are given for the new species. Five species were classified as critical endangered, two species as endangered, one as vulnerable and one as least concern, warranting the need of further collecting and studying those species. PMID:27698586

  10. DNA barcoding of perennial fruit tree species of agronomic interest in the genus Annona (Annonaceae)

    PubMed Central

    Larranaga, Nerea; Hormaza, José I.

    2015-01-01

    The DNA barcode initiative aims to establish a universal protocol using short genetic sequences to discriminate among animal and plant species. Although many markers have been proposed to become the barcode of plants, the Consortium for the Barcode of Life (CBOL) Plant Working Group recommended using as a core the combination of two portions of plastid coding region, rbcL and matK. In this paper, specific markers based on matK sequences were developed for 7 closely related Annona species of agronomic interest (Annona cherimola, A. reticulata, A. squamosa, A. muricata, A. macroprophyllata, A. glabra, and A. purpurea) and the discrimination power of both rbcL and matK was tested using also sequences of the genus Annona available in the Barcode of Life Database (BOLD) data systems. The specific sequences developed allowed the discrimination among all those species tested. Moreover, the primers generated were validated in six additional species of the genus (A. liebmanniana, A. longiflora, A. montana, A. senegalensis, A. emarginata and A. neosalicifolia) and in an interspecific hybrid (A. cherimola x A. squamosa). The development of a fast, reliable and economic approach for species identification in these underutilized subtropical fruit crops in a very initial state of domestication is of great importance in order to optimize genetic resource management. PMID:26284104

  11. Phylogenetic analyses and morphological characteristics support the description of a second species of Tridimeris (Annonaceae)

    PubMed Central

    Ortiz-Rodriguez, Andres Ernesto; Escobar-Castellanos, Marcos Alberto; Pérez-Farrera, Miguel Angel

    2016-01-01

    Abstract Based on phylogenetic and morphological evidence, Tridimeris chiapensis Escobar-Castellanos & Ortiz-Rodr., sp. n. (Annonaceae), a new species from the karst forest of southern Mexico, is described and illustrated. The new species differs from Tridimeris hahniana, the only described species in the genus, in that the latter has flowers with sepals densely tomentose outside, one (rarely two) carpel(s) per flower and fruits densely covered with golden-brown hairs, while Tridimeris chiapensis has flowers with glabrous sepals outside, two to five carpels per flower and glabrous fruits. Furthermore, a shallow triangular white patch at the base of the inner petals is found in Tridimeris chiapensis, a morphological character shared with the sister genus Sapranthus but absent in Tridimeris hahniana. Geographically, both species occur allopatrically. With just one known locality and seven individuals of Tridimeris chiapensis recorded in one sampling hectare, and based on application of the criteria established by the IUCN, we conclude tentatively that the species is critically endangered. PMID:28127237

  12. Microspore development in Annona (Annonaceae): differences between monad and tetrad pollen.

    PubMed

    Lora, Jorge; Herrero, Maria; Hormaza, Jose I

    2014-09-01

    • Permanent tetrads are the most common form of pollen aggregation in flowering plants. The production of pollen in monads is plesiomorphic in angiosperms, but the aggregation into tetrads has arisen independently different times during the evolution of flowering plants. The causes behind the recurrent evolution of pollen aggregation from monads remain elusive. Permanent tetrad pollen is quite common in the Annonaceae, the largest family in the early-divergent order Magnoliales. In some genera, such as Annona, both tetrad- and monad-producing species can be found.• In this comparative study of pollen development, we use immunolocalization, cytological characterization, and enzymatic assays of four species in the genus Annona and one species in its closely related genus Asimina that release pollen in tetrads and two species in the genus Annona that release pollen in monads.• The main difference between species with tetrad and monad pollen is a delayed digestion of callose and cellulose at the pollen aperture sites that resulted in nonlayering of the exine in these areas, followed by a rotation and binding of the young microspores at the aperture sites.• Small changes in development resulted in clear morphological changes on pollen dispersal time and open a window on the possible selective advantage of the production of aggregated pollen. © 2014 Botanical Society of America, Inc.

  13. Ocular dynamics of systemic aqueous extracts of Xylopia aethiopica (African guinea pepper) seeds on visually active volunteers.

    PubMed

    Igwe, S A; Afonne, J C; Ghasi, S I

    2003-06-01

    Xylopia aethiopica, African guinea pepper, is an angiosperm belonging to the family Annonecae, and used mainly as spice and in traditional medicine. The ocular dynamics of bolus consumption of 300 mg total dose was undertaken on visually active volunteers with a view to finding its ocular effects or complications. Results showed that the aqueous extract of X. aethiopica was neither a miotic nor a mydriatic, but lowered the intraocular pressure (17.48%), reduced the near point of convergence (31.1%) and increased the amplitude of accommodation (8.98%) which are positively correlated (r=0.95). On the other hand, the systemic extract had no effect on the visual acuity at far and near as well as the phoria status at the appropriate distances. The convergence excess resulted in esophoria and the increased amplitude of accommodation placed greater demand on accommodation mechanism without any discomfort. The nonspecific mechanism of action makes it a safer spice which can be exploited in the management of exophoria and raised intraocular pressure (glaucoma) in instances where the efficacy of the older conventional drugs is insufficient.

  14. Antibacterial activity of essential oils of edible spices, Ocimum canum and Xylopia aethiopica.

    PubMed

    Vyry Wouatsa, N A; Misra, Laxminarain; Venkatesh Kumar, R

    2014-05-01

    The essential oils of 2 Cameroonian spices, namely, Xylopia aethiopica and Ocimum canum, were chemically investigated and screened for their antibacterial activity. The essential oils were analyzed by means of GC, GC/MS, and NMR. X. aethiopica oil contained myrtenol (12%), a monoterpenoid in highest concentration. The essential oil of O. canum belonged to the known linalool (44%) rich chemotype. The results of the antibacterial screening against the food spoiling bacteria revealed a significant and broad spectrum of activity for these essential oils. The present material of X. aethiopica, which is having myrtenol in relatively higher concentration, has shown moderate antibacterial activity. The bioassay-guided fractionation of Ocimum canum oil through flash chromatography showed that minor compounds, namely, α-terpineol, chavicol, chavibetol, and trans-p-mentha-2,8-dien-ol, significantly contributed for the overall activity observed. Hence, these results evidenced the possible potential of the essential oil of O. canum as a suitable antibacterial for controlling food-borne pathogens whereas the X. aethiopica oil has moderate possibility. There is a strong global demand for the microbe-free, safe, and healthy foods. In this study, we showed that the essential oil of O. canum (wild basil) can be used as antibacterial for food items. Also, we showed that a value addition in the antibacterial potential of O. canum oil can be done by processing the essential oil through flash chromatographic separations. © 2014 Institute of Food Technologists®

  15. Chemical variability of Xylopia quintasii Engl. & Diels leaf oil from Côte d'Ivoire.

    PubMed

    Yapi, Thierry Acafou; Boti, Jean Brice; Tonzibo, Zanahi Félix; Ahibo, Coffy Antoine; Bighelli, Ange; Casanova, Joseph; Tomi, Félix

    2014-02-01

    The chemical composition of 42 essential-oil samples isolated from the leaves of Xylopia quintasii harvested in three Ivoirian forests was investigated by GC-FID, including the determination of retention indices (RIs), and by (13) C-NMR analyses. In total, 36 components accounting for 91.9-92.6% of the oil composition were identified. The content of the main components varied drastically from sample to sample: (E)-β-caryophyllene (0.9-56.9%), (Z)-β-ocimene (0.3-54.6%), β-pinene (0.8-27.9%), α-pinene (0.1-22.8%), and furanoguaia-1,4-diene (0.0-17.6%). The 42 oil compositions were submitted to hierarchical cluster and principal components analysis, which allowed the distinction of three groups within the oil samples. The composition of the oils of the major group (22 samples) was dominated by (E)-β-caryophyllene. The oils of the second group (12 samples) contained β-pinene and α-pinene as the principal compounds, while the oils of the third group (8 samples) were dominated by (Z)-β-ocimene, germacrene D, (E)-β-ocimene, and furanoguaia-1,4-diene. The oil samples of Group I and II came from clay-soil forests, while the oil samples belonging to Group III were isolated from leaves harvested in a sandy-soil forest. Copyright © 2014 Verlag Helvetica Chimica Acta AG, Zürich.

  16. Stigmatic exudate in the Annonaceae: Pollinator reward, pollen germination medium or extragynoecial compitum?

    PubMed Central

    Lau, Jenny Y. Y.; Pang, Chun‐Chiu; Ramsden, Lawrence

    2017-01-01

    Abstract Although “dry‐type” stigmas are widely regarded as ancestral in angiosperms, the early‐divergent family Annonaceae has copious stigmatic exudate. We evaluate three putative functions for this exudate: as a nutritive reward for pollinators; as a pollen germination medium; and as an extragynoecial compitum that enables pollen tube growth between carpels. Stigmatic exudate is fructose dominated (72.2%), but with high levels of glucose and sucrose; the dominance of hexose sugars and the diversity of amino acids observed, including many that are essential for insects, support a nutritive role for pollinators. Sugar concentration in pre‐receptive flowers is high (28.2%), falling during the peak period of stigmatic receptivity (17.4%), and then rising again toward the end of the pistillate phase (32.9%). Pollen germination was highest in sugar concentrations <20%. Sugar concentrations during the peak pistillate phase therefore provide optimal osmolarity for pollen hydration and germination; subsequent changes in sugar concentration during anthesis reinforce protogyny (in which carpels mature before stamens), enabling the retention of concentrated exudate into the staminate phase as a pollinator food reward without the possibility of pollen germination. Intercarpellary growth of pollen tubes was confirmed: the exudate therefore also functions as a suprastylar extragynoecial compitum, overcoming the limitations of apocarpy. PMID:28880427

  17. Chemical variability of the leaf essential oil of Xylopia aethiopica (Dunal) A.Rich. from Côte d'Ivoire.

    PubMed

    Yapi, Thierry Acafou; Boti, Jean Brice; Ahibo, Coffy Antoine; Bighelli, Ange; Castola, Vincent; Casanova, Joseph; Tomi, Félix

    2012-12-01

    The chemical composition of 48 essential-oil samples isolated from the leaves of Xylopia aethiopica harvested in six Ivoirian forests was investigated by GC-FID and (13) C-NMR analyses. In total, 23 components accounting for 82.5-96.1% of the oil composition were identified. The composition was dominated by the monoterpene hydrocarbons β-pinene (up to 61.1%) and α-pinene (up to 18.6%) and the sesquiterpene hydrocarbon germacrene D (up to 28.7%). Hierarchical cluster and principal component analyses allowed the distinction of two groups on the basis of the β-pinene and germacrene D contents. The chemical composition of the oils of Group I (38 oil samples) was clearly dominated by β-pinene, while those of Group II (10 samples) were characterized by the association of β-pinene and germacrene D. The leaves collected in the four inland forests produced β-pinene-rich oils (Group I), while the oil samples belonging to Group II were isolated from leaves harvested in forests located near the littoral. Copyright © 2012 Verlag Helvetica Chimica Acta AG, Zürich.

  18. Antinociceptive effects of the extracts of Xylopia parviflora bark and its alkaloidal components in experimental animals.

    PubMed

    Nishiyama, Yumi; Moriyasu, Masataka; Ichimaru, Momoyo; Iwasa, Kinuko; Kato, Atsushi; Mathenge, Simon G; Chalo Mutiso, Patrick B; Juma, Francis D

    2010-01-01

    In the present study, we attempted to elucidate the antinociceptive activity of Xylopia parviflora bark using the acetic acid-induced writhing test, hot plate test, and formalin test in mice. The MeOH extract (100 and 200 mg/kg, administered intraperitoneally (i.p.)) had an antinociceptive effect demonstrated by its inhibitory effects on writhing number induced by acetic acid. Three alkaloidal fractions exhibited significant antinociceptive effects in three animal models; the chloroform-soluble fraction, including secondary and tertiary alkaloids, exhibited the strongest effect. This result supported its use in folk medicine as an analgesic agent. We tested the main alkaloids of these fractions for their antinociceptive effects to clarify the active components. (+)-Corytuberine (6.3 and 12.5 mg/kg, i.p.) showed very strong activity, had a significant antinociceptive effect in the acetic acid-induced writhing test (with 49.4 and 98.9% reduction of writhes), in the hot plate test, and in the formalin test (with 55.4 and 90.6% inhibition during the first phase, and 73.9 and 99.9% during the second phase, respectively). (+)-Glaucine (12.5 and 25 mg/kg, i.p.) showed strong activity in three animal models, too. The activity of these compounds was also observed following oral administration in the acetic acid-induced writhing test.

  19. Antitumor effect of the essential oil from leaves of Guatteria pogonopus (Annonaceae).

    PubMed

    do N Fontes, José Eraldo; Ferraz, Rosana P C; Britto, Anny C S; Carvalho, Adriana A; Moraes, Manoel O; Pessoa, Claudia; Costa, Emmanoel V; Bezerra, Daniel P

    2013-04-01

    Guatteria pogonopus Martius, a plant belonging to the Annonaceae family, is found in the remaining Brazilian Atlantic Forest. In this study, the chemical composition and antitumor effects of the essential oil isolated from leaves of G. pogonopus was investigated. The chemical composition of the oil was determined by GC-FID and GC/MS analyses. The in vitro cytotoxicity was evaluated against three different tumor cell lines (OVCAR-8, NCI-H358M, and PC-3M), and the in vivo antitumor activity was tested in mice bearing sarcoma 180 tumor. A total of 29 compounds was identified and quantified in the oil. The major compounds were γ-patchoulene (13.55%), (E)-caryophyllene (11.36%), β-pinene (10.37%), germacrene D (6.72%), bicyclogermacrene (5.97%), α-pinene (5.33%), and germacrene B (4.69%). The essential oil, but neither (E)-caryophyllene nor β-pinene, displayed in vitro cytotoxicity against all three tumor cell lines tested. The obtained average IC50 values ranged from 3.8 to 20.8 μg/ml. The lowest and highest values were obtained against the NCI-H358M and the OVCAR-8 cell lines, respectively. The in vivo tumor-growth-inhibition rates in the tumor-bearing mice treated with essential oil (50 and 100 mg/kg/d) were 25.3 and 42.6%, respectively. Hence, the essential oil showed significant in vitro and in vivo antitumor activity. Copyright © 2013 Verlag Helvetica Chimica Acta AG, Zürich.

  20. Parallel diversifications of Cremastosperma and Mosannona (Annonaceae), tropical rainforest trees tracking Neogene upheaval of South America

    PubMed Central

    Maas, Paul J. M.; Melchers-Sharrott, Heleen

    2018-01-01

    Much of the immense present day biological diversity of Neotropical rainforests originated from the Miocene onwards, a period of geological and ecological upheaval in South America. We assess the impact of the Andean orogeny, drainage of Lake Pebas and closure of the Panama isthmus on two clades of tropical trees (Cremastosperma, ca 31 spp.; and Mosannona, ca 14 spp.; both Annonaceae). Phylogenetic inference revealed similar patterns of geographically restricted clades and molecular dating showed diversifications in the different areas occurred in parallel, with timing consistent with Andean vicariance and Central American geodispersal. Ecological niche modelling approaches show phylogenetically conserved niche differentiation, particularly within Cremastosperma. Niche similarity and recent common ancestry of Amazon and Guianan Mosannona species contrast with dissimilar niches and more distant ancestry of Amazon, Venezuelan and Guianan species of Cremastosperma, suggesting that this element of the similar patterns of disjunct distributions in the two genera is instead a biogeographic parallelism, with differing origins. The results provide further independent evidence for the importance of the Andean orogeny, the drainage of Lake Pebas, and the formation of links between South and Central America in the evolutionary history of Neotropical lowland rainforest trees. PMID:29410860

  1. Parallel diversifications of Cremastosperma and Mosannona (Annonaceae), tropical rainforest trees tracking Neogene upheaval of South America.

    PubMed

    Pirie, Michael D; Maas, Paul J M; Wilschut, Rutger A; Melchers-Sharrott, Heleen; Chatrou, Lars W

    2018-01-01

    Much of the immense present day biological diversity of Neotropical rainforests originated from the Miocene onwards, a period of geological and ecological upheaval in South America. We assess the impact of the Andean orogeny, drainage of Lake Pebas and closure of the Panama isthmus on two clades of tropical trees ( Cremastosperma , ca 31 spp.; and Mosannona , ca 14 spp.; both Annonaceae). Phylogenetic inference revealed similar patterns of geographically restricted clades and molecular dating showed diversifications in the different areas occurred in parallel, with timing consistent with Andean vicariance and Central American geodispersal. Ecological niche modelling approaches show phylogenetically conserved niche differentiation, particularly within Cremastosperma . Niche similarity and recent common ancestry of Amazon and Guianan Mosannona species contrast with dissimilar niches and more distant ancestry of Amazon, Venezuelan and Guianan species of Cremastosperma , suggesting that this element of the similar patterns of disjunct distributions in the two genera is instead a biogeographic parallelism, with differing origins. The results provide further independent evidence for the importance of the Andean orogeny, the drainage of Lake Pebas, and the formation of links between South and Central America in the evolutionary history of Neotropical lowland rainforest trees.

  2. In vitro and in vivo antitumor effect of trachylobane-360, a diterpene from Xylopia langsdorffiana.

    PubMed

    Pita, João Carlos Lima Rodrigues; Xavier, Aline Lira; de Sousa, Tatyanna Kelvia Gomes; Mangueira, Vivianne Mendes; Tavares, Josean Fechine; de Oliveira Júnior, Robson José; Veras, Robson Cavalcante; Pessoa, Hilzeth de Luna Freire; da Silva, Marcelo Sobral; Morelli, Sandra; Ávila, Veridiana de Melo Rodrigues; da Silva, Teresinha Gonçalves; Diniz, Margareth de Fátima Formiga Melo; Castello-Branco, Marianna Vieira Sobral

    2012-08-10

    Trachylobane-360 (ent-7α-acetoxytrachyloban-18-oic acid) was isolated from Xylopia langsdorffiana. Studies have shown that it has weak cytotoxic activity against tumor and non-tumor cells. This study investigated the in vitro and in vivo antitumor effects of trachylobane-360, as well as its cytotoxicity in mouse erythrocytes. In order to evaluate the in vivo toxicological aspects related to trachylobane-360 administration, hematological, biochemical and histopathological analyses of the treated animals were performed. The compound exhibited a concentration-dependent effect in inducing hemolysis with HC₅₀ of 273.6 µM, and a moderate in vitro concentration-dependent inhibitory effect on the proliferation of sarcoma 180 cells with IC₅₀ values of 150.8 µM and 150.4 µM, evaluated by the trypan blue exclusion test and MTT reduction assay, respectively. The in vivo inhibition rates of sarcoma 180 tumor development were 45.60, 71.99 and 80.06% at doses of 12.5 and 25 mg/kg of trachylobane-360 and 25 mg/kg of 5-FU, respectively. Biochemical parameters were not altered. Leukopenia was observed after 5-FU treatment, but this effect was not seen with trachylobane-360 treatment. The histopathological analysis of liver and kidney showed that both organs were mildly affected by trachylobane-360 treatment. Trachylobane-360 showed no immunosuppressive effect. In conclusion, these data reinforce the anticancer potential of this natural diterpene.

  3. The progamic phase of an early-divergent angiosperm, Annona cherimola (Annonaceae)

    PubMed Central

    Lora, J.; Hormaza, J. I.; Herrero, M.

    2010-01-01

    Background and Aims Recent studies of reproductive biology in ancient angiosperm lineages are beginning to shed light on the early evolution of flowering plants, but comparative studies are restricted by fragmented and meagre species representation in these angiosperm clades. In the present study, the progamic phase, from pollination to fertilization, is characterized in Annona cherimola, which is a member of the Annonaceae, the largest extant family among early-divergent angiosperms. Beside interest due to its phylogenetic position, this species is also an ancient crop with a clear niche for expansion in subtropical climates. Methods The kinetics of the reproductive process was established following controlled pollinations and sequential fixation. Gynoecium anatomy, pollen tube pathway, embryo sac and early post-fertilization events were characterized histochemically. Key Results A plesiomorphic gynoecium with a semi-open carpel shows a continuous secretory papillar surface along the carpel margins, which run from the stigma down to the obturator in the ovary. The pollen grains germinate in the stigma and compete in the stigma-style interface to reach the narrow secretory area that lines the margins of the semi-open stylar canal and is able to host just one to three pollen tubes. The embryo sac has eight nuclei and is well provisioned with large starch grains that are used during early cellular endosperm development. Conclusions A plesiomorphic simple gynoecium hosts a simple pollen–pistil interaction, based on a support–control system of pollen tube growth. Support is provided through basipetal secretory activity in the cells that line the pollen tube pathway. Spatial constraints, favouring pollen tube competition, are mediated by a dramatic reduction in the secretory surface available for pollen tube growth at the stigma–style interface. This extramural pollen tube competition contrasts with the intrastylar competition predominant in more recently derived

  4. Antioxidant potential of Xylopia aethiopica fruit acetone fraction in a type 2 diabetes model of rats.

    PubMed

    Mohammed, Aminu; Islam, Md Shahidul

    2017-12-01

    The fruit decoction of Xylopia aethiopica (Dunal) A. Rich. is widely used for the treatment of diseases associated with oxidative stress such as diabetes, particularly in Africa. The present study was aimed to investigate the effects of X. aethiopica fruit acetone (XAFA) fraction in ameliorating oxidative stress in a type 2 diabetes (T2D) model of rats. The crude X. aethiopica fruit ethanolic extract was fractionated using solvents with increasing polarity and acetone fraction showed significantly (p<0.05) higher in vitro antioxidant potentials which were measured by (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH), hydroxyl radical (HRS) and nitric oxide (NO) assays compared to other fractions. It was then subjected to in vivo antioxidant study in a T2D rat model. Acetone fraction depicted potent in vitro antioxidant actions (IC 50 : DPPH: 19.82±0.73μg/mL; HRS: 25.34±6.19μg/mL; NO: 14.45±2.44μg/mL) compared to other fractions. Additionally, a significant (p<0.05) and dose-dependent improvement on the in vivo antioxidant status was observed in the animals in diabetic treated groups (DXAL, DXAH) compared to the diabetic control (DBC) group. The results of our study suggest that XAFA possesses potent antioxidant potential and could be used to ameliorate oxidative stress associated metabolic complications such as T2D. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

  5. Hypolipidemic and antioxidant potentials of Xylopia aethiopica seed extract in hypercholesterolemic rats.

    PubMed

    Nwozo, Sarah O; Orojobi, Bosede F; Adaramoye, Oluwatosin A

    2011-01-01

    A short-term study was carried out on Wistar strain rats to determine the effects of Xylopia aethiopica extract on serum and postmitochondrial fractions (PMFs) of visceral organs in experimental hypercholesterolemia. Animals received normal diet and were administered cholesterol orally by intubations at a dose of 40 mg/kg/0.3 mL, plant extracts at 250 mg/kg, and cholestyramine (Questran®, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Hounslow, United Kingdom) at 0.26 g/kg five times a week for 8 consecutive weeks. Thereafter the hypolipidemic effects were assessed by measuring total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, and triglycerides, whereas the extent of oxidative stress was assayed by measuring thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances and enzymatic antioxidants such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, and reduced glutathione (GSH) in serum and PMF of liver and kidney. We assayed two liver biomarkers-alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase-for safety of X. aethiopica at the dose given in this experiment. Cholesterol feeding resulted in a significant increase (P < .05) in body weight of the hypercholesterolemic animals relative to control animals, and administration of X. aethiopica (250 mg/kg) caused a more than 60% reduction in body weight. Simultaneous treatment with X. aethiopica and Questran elicited 33.75% and 23.94% reductions, respectively, in serum cholesterol levels of hypercholesterolemic rats. In addition, the LDL-C level decreased significantly (P < .05) by 49.09% and 78.92% in serum and by 64.97% and 37.29% in the liver with cotreatment with the plant extract and Questran, respectively, compared to untreated hypercholesterolemic rats. X. aethiopica counteracted the decreases in enzymatic antioxidants, especially in GSH, where there was a greater than 300% increase compared with hypercholesterolemic animals. This study has shown that intake of X. aethiopica reduced the composition

  6. Chemical constituents and anticancer effects of the essential oil from leaves of Xylopia laevigata.

    PubMed

    Quintans, Jullyana de S S; Soares, Bruno M; Ferraz, Rosana P C; Oliveira, Allan C A; da Silva, Thanany B; Menezes, Leociley R A; Sampaio, Marília F C; Prata, Ana Paula do N; Moraes, Manoel O; Pessoa, Claudia; Antoniolli, Angelo R; Costa, Emmanoel V; Bezerra, Daniel P

    2013-01-01

    Xylopia laevigata, popularly known as "meiú" and "pindaíba", is a medicinal plant used in the folk medicine of the Brazilian Northeast for several purposes. The chemical constituents of the essential oil from leaves of X. laevigata, collected from wild plants growing at three different sites of the remaining Atlantic forest in Sergipe State (Brazilian Northeast), were analyzed by GC/FID and GC/MS. The effect of the essential oil samples was assessed on tumor cells in culture, as well on tumor growth in vivo. All samples of the essential oil were dominated by sesquiterpene constituents. A total of 44 compounds were identified and quantified. Although some small differences were observed in the chemical composition, the presence of γ-muurolene (0.60-17.99%), δ-cadinene (1.15-13.45%), germacrene B (3.22-7.31%), α-copaene (3.33-5.98%), germacrene D (9.09-60.44%), bicyclogermacrene (7.00-14.63%), and (E)-caryophyllene (5.43-7.98%) were verified as major constituents in all samples of the essential oil. In the in vitro cytotoxic study, the essential oil displayed cytotoxicity to all tumor cell lines tested, with the different samples displaying a similar profile; however, they were not hemolytic or genotoxic. In the in vivo antitumor study, tumor growth inhibition rates were 37.3-42.5%. The treatment with the essential oil did not significantly affect body weight, macroscopy of the organs, or blood leukocyte counts. In conclusion, the essential oil from the leaves of X. laevigata is chemically characterized by the presence of γ-muurolene, δ-cadinene, germacrene B, α-copaene, germacrene D, bicyclogermacrene, and (E)-caryophyllene as major constituents and possesses significant in vitro and in vivo anticancer potential. Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

  7. The essential oil from the fruits of the Brazilian spice Xylopia sericea A. St.-Hil. presents expressive in-vitro antibacterial and antioxidant activity.

    PubMed

    Mendes, Renata de F; Pinto, Nícolas de C C; da Silva, Josiane M; da Silva, Jucélia B; Hermisdorf, Raquel C Dos S; Fabri, Rodrigo L; Chedier, Luciana M; Scio, Elita

    2017-03-01

    The aims of this study were to investigate the chemical composition and the antioxidant activity and antibacterial activity of the essential oil of Xylopia sericea fruits (OXS). The fruits of this species are popularly used for medicinal purposes, and as a condiment in food preparation. The chemical composition of OXS was analysed by GC/MS. 1,1-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging, β-carotene/linoleic acid bleaching and phosphomolybdenum and thiobarbituric acid-reactive substance (TBARS) assays were used to evaluate the antioxidant activity. Antibacterial activity was assessed by minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) against bacterial strains of interest to human health and food spoilage. Eighty-four compounds were identified. The sesquiterpenes spathulenol (16.42%), guaiol (13.93%) and germacrene D (8.11%) were the most abundant constituents. OXS presented a significant antioxidant activity and also a high bacteriostatic effect against Staphylococcus aureus, Enterobacter cloacae, Bacillus cereus and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Those results evidenced the potential of OXS to treat human bacterial infections and as an antimicrobial ingredient for food preservation. © 2017 Royal Pharmaceutical Society.

  8. Effect of Xylopia aethiopica aqueous extract on antioxidant properties of refrigerated Roma tomato variety packaged in low density polyethylene bags.

    PubMed

    Babarinde, Grace Oluwakemi; Adegoke, Gabriel O

    2015-03-01

    Effects of Xylopia aethiopica (Dunal) A. Richard aqueous extract on the antioxidants of matured tomato fruits at red stage were investigated at 13 ± 2 °C and 80 ± 5 % relative humidity. A sample treated with sodium bicarbonate and untreated samples were included. Samples packaged in low density polyethylene (30 μm thickness) bags were analysed at intervals of 5 days. The treatments revealed statistically significant differences in ascorbic acid content of stored tomato fruits. Fruits treated with 5 % X. aethiopica on day 5 of storage had 21.0 mg/100 g which was significantly (p < 0.05) higher than 18.2 mg/100 g in untreated control samples. At 15th day of storage, ascorbic acid was 10.0 and 14.2 mg/100 g in tomato fruits treated with sodium bicarbonate and 5 % X. aethiopica respectively. The carotenoid and lycopene contents were lower in sodium bicarbonate-treated and the untreated control samples than in X. aethiopica-treated sample. The total phenolic contents were better retained in X. aethiopica-treated tomato than in control. Treatment of tomato fruits with X. aethiopica at 4 & 5 % levels significantly retained the qualities evaluated.

  9. Analysis of volatile secondary metabolites from Colombian Xylopia aromatica (Lamarck) by different extraction and headspace methods and gas chromatography.

    PubMed

    Stashenko, Elena E; Jaramillo, Beatriz E; Martínez, Jairo René

    2004-01-30

    Hydrodistillation (HD), simultaneous distillation-solvent extraction (SDE), microwave-assisted hydrodistillation (MWHD), and supercritical fluid (CO2) extraction (SFE), were employed to isolate volatile secondary metabolites from Colombian Xylopia aromatica (Lamarck) fruits. Static headspace (S-HS), simultaneous purge and trap (P&T) in solvent (CH2Cl2), and headspace (HS) solid-phase microextraction (SPME) were utilised to obtain volatile fractions from fruits of X. aromatica trees, which grow wild in Central and South America, and are abundant in Colombia. Kováts indices, mass spectra or standard compounds, were used to identify more than 50 individual components in the various volatile fractions. beta-Phellandrene was the main component found in the HD and MWHD essential oils, SDE and SFE extracts (61, 65, 57, and ca. 40%, respectively), followed by beta-myrcene (9.1, 9.3, 8.2 and 5.1%), and alpha-pinene (8.1, 7.3, 8.1 and 5.9%). The main components present in the volatile fractions of the X. aromatica fruits, isolated by S-HS, P&T and HS-SPME were beta-phellandrene (53.8, 35.7 and 39%), beta-myrcene (13.3, 12.3 and 10.1%), p-mentha-1(7),8-diene (7.1, 10.6 and 10.4%), alpha-phellandrene (2.2, 5.0 and 6.4%), and p-cymene (2.2,4.7 and 4.4%), respectively.

  10. Reproductive resource partitioning in two sympatric Goniothalamus species (Annonaceae) from Borneo: floral biology, pollinator trapping and plant breeding system

    PubMed Central

    Lau, Jenny Y. Y.; Pang, Chun-Chiu; Ramsden, Lawrence; Saunders, Richard M. K.

    2016-01-01

    The floral phenology, pollination ecology and breeding systems of two sympatric early-divergent angiosperms, Goniothalamus tapisoides and G. suaveolens (Annonaceae) are compared. The flowers are protogynous and morphologically similar, with anthesis over 23–25 h. Both species are predominantly xenogamous and pollinated by small beetles: G. tapisoides mainly by Curculionidae and G. suaveolens mainly by Nitidulidae. Coevolution and reproductive resource partitioning, reducing interspecific pollen transfer, is achieved by temporal isolation, due to contrasting floral phenologies; and ethological isolation, due to contrasting floral scents that contain attractants specific to the two beetle families. Analysis of floral scents revealed three volatiles (3-methylbutyl acetate, ethyl hexanoate and 2-phenylethanol) that are known to be nitidulid attractants in the floral scent of G. suaveolens, but absent from that of G. tapisoides. An effective pollinator trapping mechanism is demonstrated for both species, representing the first such report for the family. Trapping is achieved by the compression of the outer petals against the apertures between the inner petals. This trapping mechanism is likely to be a key evolutionary innovation for Goniothalamus, increasing pollination efficiency by increasing pollen loading on beetles during the staminate phase, promoting effective interfloral pollinator movements, and increasing seed-set by enabling rapid turn-over of flowers. PMID:27767040

  11. Reproductive resource partitioning in two sympatric Goniothalamus species (Annonaceae) from Borneo: floral biology, pollinator trapping and plant breeding system.

    PubMed

    Lau, Jenny Y Y; Pang, Chun-Chiu; Ramsden, Lawrence; Saunders, Richard M K

    2016-10-21

    The floral phenology, pollination ecology and breeding systems of two sympatric early-divergent angiosperms, Goniothalamus tapisoides and G. suaveolens (Annonaceae) are compared. The flowers are protogynous and morphologically similar, with anthesis over 23-25 h. Both species are predominantly xenogamous and pollinated by small beetles: G. tapisoides mainly by Curculionidae and G. suaveolens mainly by Nitidulidae. Coevolution and reproductive resource partitioning, reducing interspecific pollen transfer, is achieved by temporal isolation, due to contrasting floral phenologies; and ethological isolation, due to contrasting floral scents that contain attractants specific to the two beetle families. Analysis of floral scents revealed three volatiles (3-methylbutyl acetate, ethyl hexanoate and 2-phenylethanol) that are known to be nitidulid attractants in the floral scent of G. suaveolens, but absent from that of G. tapisoides. An effective pollinator trapping mechanism is demonstrated for both species, representing the first such report for the family. Trapping is achieved by the compression of the outer petals against the apertures between the inner petals. This trapping mechanism is likely to be a key evolutionary innovation for Goniothalamus, increasing pollination efficiency by increasing pollen loading on beetles during the staminate phase, promoting effective interfloral pollinator movements, and increasing seed-set by enabling rapid turn-over of flowers.

  12. Cytotoxicity and modes of action of four Cameroonian dietary spices ethno-medically used to treat cancers: Echinops giganteus, Xylopia aethiopica, Imperata cylindrica and Piper capense.

    PubMed

    Kuete, Victor; Sandjo, Louis P; Wiench, Benjamin; Efferth, Thomas

    2013-08-26

    Echinops giganteus, Imperata cylindrica, Piper capense and Xylopia aethiopica are four medicinal spices used in Cameroon to treat cancers. The above plants previously displayed cytotoxicity against leukemia CCRF-CEM and CEM/ADR5000 cell lines as well as human pancreatic MiaPaCa-2 cells. The present study aims at emphasizing the study of the cytotoxicity and the modes of action of the above plants on a panel of ten cancer cell lines including various sensitive and drug-resistant phenotypes. The study has been extended to the isolation of the bioactive constituents from Echinops giganteus. The cytotoxicity of the extracts was determined using a resazurin reduction assay, whereas the caspase-Glo assay was used to detect the activation of caspases 3/7, caspase 8 and caspase 9 in cells treated with the four extracts. Flow cytometry was used for cell cycle analysis and detection of apoptotic cells, analysis of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) as well as measurement of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The four tested extracts inhibited the proliferation of all tested cancer cell lines including sensitive and drug-resistant phenotypes. Collateral sensitivity of cancer cells to the extract of Echinops giganteus was generally better than to doxorubicin. The recorded IC50 ranges were 3.29 µg/mL [against human knockout clones HCT116 (p53(-/-)) colon cancer cells] to 14.32 µg/mL (against human liver hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 cells) for the crude extract from Echinops giganteus, 4.17 µg/mL (against breast cancer cells transduced with control vector MDA-MB231 cells) to 19.45 µg/mL (against MDA-MB-231 BCRP cells) for that of Piper capense, 4.11 µg/mL (against leukemia CCRF-CEM cells) to 30.60 µg/mL (against leukemia HL60AR cells) for Xylopia aethiopica, 3.28 µg/mL [against HCT116 (p53(-/-)) cells] to 33.43 µg/mL (against HepG2 cells) for Imperata cylindica and 0.11 µg/mL (against CCRF-CEM cells) to 132.47 µg/mL (against HL60AR cells) for doxorubicin. The four

  13. First Fossil Record of Alphonsea Hk. f. & T. (Annonaceae) from the Late Oligocene Sediments of Assam, India and Comments on Its Phytogeography

    PubMed Central

    Srivastava, Gaurav; Mehrotra, Rakesh C.

    2013-01-01

    A new fossil leaf impression of Alphonsea Hk. f. & T. of the family Annonaceae is described from the Late Oligocene sediments of Makum Coalfield, Assam, India. This is the first authentic record of the fossil of Alphonsea from the Tertiary rocks of South Asia. The Late Oligocene was the time of the last significant globally warm climate and the fossil locality was at 10°–15°N palaeolatitude. The known palaeoflora and sedimentological studies indicate a fluvio-marine deltaic environment with a mosaic of mangrove, fluvial, mire and lacustrine depositional environments. During the depositional period the suturing between the Indian and Eurasian plates was not complete to facilitate the plant migration. The suturing was over by the end of the Late Oligocene/beginning of Early Miocene resulting in the migration of the genus to Southeast Asia where it is growing profusely at present. The present study is in congruence with the earlier published palaeofloral and molecular phylogenetic data. The study also suggests that the Indian plate was not only a biotic ferry during its northward voyage from Gondwana to Asia but also a place for the origin of several plant taxa. PMID:23349701

  14. Inhibition of key enzymes linked to type 2 diabetes and sodium nitroprusside-induced lipid peroxidation in rat pancreas by water extractable phytochemicals from some tropical spices.

    PubMed

    Adefegha, Stephen Adeniyi; Oboh, Ganiyu

    2012-07-01

    Spices have been used as food adjuncts and in folklore for ages. Inhibition of key enzymes (α-amylase and α-glucosidase) involved in the digestion of starch and protection against free radicals and lipid peroxidation in pancreas could be part of the therapeutic approach towards the management of hyperglycemia and dietary phenolics have shown promising potentials. This study investigated and compared the inhibitory properties of aqueous extracts of some tropical spices: Xylopia aethiopica [Dun.] A. Rich (Annonaceae), Monodora myristica (Gaertn.) Dunal (Annonaceae), Syzygium aromaticum [L.] Merr. et Perry (Myrtaceae), Piper guineense Schumach. et Thonn (Piperaceae), Aframomum danielli K. Schum (Zingiberaceae) and Aframomum melegueta (Rosc.) K. Schum (Zingiberaceae) against α-amylase, α-glucosidase, 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals and sodium nitroprusside (SNP)-induced lipid peroxidation in rat pancreas--in vitro using different spectrophotometric method. Aqueous extract of the spices was prepared and the ability of the spice extracts to inhibit α-amylase, α-glucosidase, DPPH radicals and SNP-induced lipid peroxidation in rat pancreas--in vitro was investigated using various spectrophotometric methods. All the spice extracts inhibited α-amylase (IC(50) = 2.81-4.83 mg/mL), α-glucosidase (IC(50) = 2.02-3.52 mg/mL), DPPH radicals (EC(50) = 15.47-17.38 mg/mL) and SNP-induced lipid peroxidation (14.17-94.38%), with the highest α-amylase & α-glucosidase inhibitory actions and DPPH radical scavenging ability exhibited by X. aethiopica, A. danielli and S. aromaticum, respectively. Also, the spices possess high total phenol (0.88-1.3 mg/mL) and flavonoid (0.24-0.52 mg/mL) contents with A. melegueta having the highest total phenolic and flavonoid contents. The inhibitory effects of the spice extracts on α-amylase, α-glucosidase, DPPH radicals and SNP-induced lipid peroxidation in pancreas (in vitro) could be attributed to the presence of biologically

  15. Selection of Annonaceae Species for the Control of Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) and Metabolic Profiling of Duguetia lanceolata Using Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy.

    PubMed

    Alves, D S; Machado, A R T; Campos, V A C; Oliveira, D F; Carvalho, G A

    2016-04-01

    This study was performed to investigate the activity of 19 dichloromethane-soluble fractions obtained from the methanolic extracts of 10 Annonaceae species against the fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith). The stem bark of Duguetia lanceolata A. St.-Hil. showed the highest insecticidal activity, with a median lethal time (LT50) of 61.4 h and a median lethal concentration (LC50) of 946.5 µg/ml of diet. The dichloromethane-soluble fractions from six D. lanceolata specimens were subjected to evaluation of their activities against S. frugiperda and metabolomic analysis using hydrogen (1H) nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. Although all of the samples affected S. frugiperda mortality, their insecticidal activities varied according to the sample used in the experiments. Using partial least squares regression of the results, the D. lanceolata specimens were grouped according to their metabolite profile and insecticidal activity. A detailed analysis via uni- and bidimensional NMR spectroscopy showed that the peaks in the 1H NMR spectra associated with increased insecticidal activity could be attributed to 2,4,5-trimethoxystyrene, which suggests that this substance is involved in the insecticidal activity of the stem bark fraction of D. lanceolata.

  16. Mechanisms of Analgesic and Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Annona muricata Linn. (Annonaceae) Fruit Extract in Rodents

    PubMed Central

    Ishola, Ismail O.; Olusayero, Abayomi Micheal; Ochieng, Charles O.

    2014-01-01

    Abstract Unripe fruit of Annona muricata Linn. (Annonaceae) (soursop) is used in traditional African medicine for the treatment of neuralgia, rheumatism, and arthritic pain. This study sought to investigate the analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of lyophilized fruit extract of Annona muricata (AM) in rodents. The analgesic activity was evaluated using the mouse writhing, formalin, and hot-plate tests while the anti-inflammatory action was investigated using the carrageenan-induced rat paw edema and xylene-induced ear edema tests. Pretreatment with AM (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg, p.o.) produced dose-dependent (P<.001) inhibition of writhes and formalin-induced pain in the late phase. AM and morphine produced time-course increase in pain threshold in hot-plate test. However, the analgesic effect elicited by AM was reversed (P<.05) by naloxone pretreatment. Similarly, the time-dependent increase in paw circumference induced by carrageenan was inhibited by AM treatment with peak effect (0.23±0.10 cm; P<.001, 200 mg/kg; 6 h), which was comparatively similar to that of diclofenac treated. Further, the xylene-induced ear edema was significantly reduced by AM (50 or 100 mg/kg) pretreatment; however, the anti-inflammatory effect elicited by AM was prevented by pretreatment of mice with NG-nitro-l-arginine (20 mg/kg, i.p., nitric-oxide synthase inhibitor) 15 min before AM (200 mg/kg, p.o.). The in vitro cyclooxygenase assay also showed that AM produced concentration-dependent inhibition of both cyclooxygenase (COX)-1 and COX-2 activity by 39.44%±0.05% and 55.71%±0.12%, respectively, at 100 μg/mL. In conclusion, A. muricata possesses analgesic effect through interaction with opioidergic pathway and anti-inflammatory property through inhibition of chemical mediators of inflammation. PMID:25133801

  17. A jungle tale: Molecular phylogeny and divergence time estimates of the Desmopsis-Stenanona clade (Annonaceae) in Mesoamerica.

    PubMed

    Ortiz-Rodriguez, Andrés Ernesto; Ornelas, Juan Francisco; Ruiz-Sanchez, Eduardo

    2018-05-01

    The predominantly Asian tribe Miliuseae (Annonaceae) includes over 37 Neotropical species that are mainly distributed across Mesoamerica, from southern Mexico to northern Colombia. The tremendous ecological and morphological diversity of this clade, including ramiflory, cauliflory, flagelliflory, and clonality, suggests adaptive radiation. Despite the spectacular phenotypic divergence of this clade, little is known about its phylogenetic and evolutionary history. In this study we used a nuclear DNA marker and seven chloroplast markers, and maximum parsimony, maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference methods to reconstruct a comprehensive time-calibrated phylogeny of tribe Miliuseae, especially focusing on the Desmopsis-Stenanona clade. We also perform ancestral area reconstructions to infer the biogeographic history of this group. Finally, we use ecological niche modeling, lineage distribution models, and niche overlap tests to assess whether geographic isolation and ecological specialization influenced the diversification of lineages within this clade. We reconstructed a monophyletic Miliuseae that is divided into two strongly supported clades: (i) a Sapranthus-Tridimeris clade and (ii) a Desmopsis-Stenanona clade. The colonization of the Neotropics and subsequent diversification of Neotropical Miliuseae seems to have been associated with the expansion of the boreotropical forests during the late Eocene and their subsequent fragmentation and southern displacement. Further speciation within Neotropical Miliuseae out of the Maya block seems to have occurred during the last 15 million years. Lastly, the geographic structuring of major lineages of the Desmopsis-Stenanona clade seems to have followed a climatic gradient, supporting the hypothesis that morphological differentiation between closely related species resulted from both long-term isolation between geographic ranges and adaptation to environmental conditions. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights

  18. Acerola (Malpighia emarginata DC.) juice intake protects against alterations to proteins involved in inflammatory and lipolysis pathways in the adipose tissue of obese mice fed a cafeteria diet

    PubMed Central

    2014-01-01

    Background Obesity has been studied as a metabolic and an inflammatory disease and is characterized by increases in the production of pro-inflammatory adipokines in the adipose tissue. To elucidate the effects of natural dietary components on the inflammatory and metabolic consequences of obesity, we examined the effects of unripe, ripe and industrial acerola juice (Malpighia emarginata DC.) on the relevant inflammatory and lipolysis proteins in the adipose tissue of mice with cafeteria diet-induced obesity. Materials/methods Two groups of male Swiss mice were fed on a standard diet (STA) or a cafeteria diet (CAF) for 13 weeks. Afterwards, the CAF-fed animals were divided into five subgroups, each of which received a different supplement for one further month (water, unripe acerola juice, ripe acerola juice, industrial acerola juice, or vitamin C) by gavage. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, Western blotting, a colorimetric method and histology were utilized to assess the observed data. Results The CAF water (control obese) group showed a significant increase in their adiposity indices and triacylglycerol levels, in addition to a reduced IL-10/TNF-α ratio in the adipose tissue, compared with the control lean group. In contrast, acerola juice and Vitamin C intake ameliorated the weight gain, reducing the TAG levels and increasing the IL-10/TNF-α ratio in adipose tissue. In addition, acerola juice intake led to reductions both in the level of phosphorylated JNK and to increases in the phosphorylation of IκBα and HSLser660 in adipose tissue. Conclusions Taken together, these results suggest that acerola juice reduces low-grade inflammation and ameliorates obesity-associated defects in the lipolytic processes. PMID:24495336

  19. Acerola (Malpighia emarginata DC.) juice intake protects against alterations to proteins involved in inflammatory and lipolysis pathways in the adipose tissue of obese mice fed a cafeteria diet.

    PubMed

    Dias, Fernando Milanez; Leffa, Daniela Dimer; Daumann, Francine; Marques, Schérolin de Oliveira; Luciano, Thais F; Possato, Jonathan Correa; de Santana, Aline Alves; Neves, Rodrigo Xavier; Rosa, José Cesar; Oyama, Lila Missae; Rodrigues, Bruno; de Andrade, Vanessa Moraes; de Souza, Cláudio Teodoro; de Lira, Fabio Santos

    2014-02-04

    Obesity has been studied as a metabolic and an inflammatory disease and is characterized by increases in the production of pro-inflammatory adipokines in the adipose tissue.To elucidate the effects of natural dietary components on the inflammatory and metabolic consequences of obesity, we examined the effects of unripe, ripe and industrial acerola juice (Malpighia emarginata DC.) on the relevant inflammatory and lipolysis proteins in the adipose tissue of mice with cafeteria diet-induced obesity. Two groups of male Swiss mice were fed on a standard diet (STA) or a cafeteria diet (CAF) for 13 weeks. Afterwards, the CAF-fed animals were divided into five subgroups, each of which received a different supplement for one further month (water, unripe acerola juice, ripe acerola juice, industrial acerola juice, or vitamin C) by gavage. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, Western blotting, a colorimetric method and histology were utilized to assess the observed data. The CAF water (control obese) group showed a significant increase in their adiposity indices and triacylglycerol levels, in addition to a reduced IL-10/TNF-α ratio in the adipose tissue, compared with the control lean group. In contrast, acerola juice and Vitamin C intake ameliorated the weight gain, reducing the TAG levels and increasing the IL-10/TNF-α ratio in adipose tissue. In addition, acerola juice intake led to reductions both in the level of phosphorylated JNK and to increases in the phosphorylation of IκBα and HSLser660 in adipose tissue. Taken together, these results suggest that acerola juice reduces low-grade inflammation and ameliorates obesity-associated defects in the lipolytic processes.

  20. The key role of 4-methyl-5-vinylthiazole in the attraction of scarab beetle pollinators: a unique olfactory floral signal shared by Annonaceae and Araceae.

    PubMed

    Maia, Artur Campos Dália; Dötterl, Stefan; Kaiser, Roman; Silberbauer-Gottsberger, Ilse; Teichert, Holger; Gibernau, Marc; do Amaral Ferraz Navarro, Daniela Maria; Schlindwein, Clemens; Gottsberger, Gerhard

    2012-09-01

    Cyclocephaline scarabs are specialised scent-driven pollinators, implicated with the reproductive success of several Neotropical plant taxa. Night-blooming flowers pollinated by these beetles are thermogenic and release intense fragrances synchronized to pollinator activity. However, data on floral scent composition within such mutualistic interactions are scarce, and the identity of behaviorally active compounds involved is largely unknown. We performed GC-MS analyses of floral scents of four species of Annona (magnoliids, Annonaceae) and Caladium bicolor (monocots, Araceae), and demonstrated the chemical basis for the attraction of their effective pollinators. 4-Methyl-5-vinylthiazole, a nitrogen and sulphur-containing heterocyclic compound previously unreported in flowers, was found as a prominent constituent in all studied species. Field biotests confirmed that it is highly attractive to both male and female beetles of three species of the genus Cyclocephala, pollinators of the studied plant taxa. The origin of 4-methyl-5-vinylthiazole in plants might be associated with the metabolism of thiamine (vitamin B1), and we hypothesize that the presence of this compound in unrelated lineages of angiosperms is either linked to selective expression of a plesiomorphic biosynthetic pathway or to parallel evolution.

  1. Anti-allodynic and Anti-hyperalgesic effects of an ethanolic extract and xylopic acid from the fruits of Xylopia aethiopica in murine models of neuropathic pain.

    PubMed

    Ameyaw, Elvis O; Woode, Eric; Boakye-Gyasi, Eric; Abotsi, Wonder K M; Kyekyeku, James Oppong; Adosraku, Reimmel K

    2014-04-01

    Fruit extracts of Xylopia aethiopica are used traditionally in the management of pain disorders including headache and neuralgia. An animal model of vincristine-induced sensory neuropathy was developed after repeated intraperitoneal injection in rats and used in the present work to study the effects of the ethanolic extract of X. aethiopica (XAE) and its diterpene xylopic acid (XA) in vincristine-induced neuropathic pain. Vincristine (0.1 mg kg(-1) day(-1)) was administered during two cycles of five consecutive days to induce chemotherapy-induced neuropathic pain. Static tactile anti-allodynic, anti-hyperalgesic, and cold anti-allodynic effects of XAE (30-300 mg kg(-1)) and XA (10-100 mg kg(-1)) were assessed using Von Frey filaments of bending forces of 4, 8, and 15 g, the Randall-Selitto paw pressure test, and cold water (4.5°C), respectively. Administration of vincristine caused the development of allodynia and hyperalgesia with no significant motor deficit, spontaneous pain, and foot deformity. XAE (30-300 mg kg(-1)) and XA (10-100 mg kg(-1)) exhibited anti-hyperalgesic, tactile, and cold anti-allodynic properties with XA exhibiting greater potency than XAE. Pregabalin (10-100 mg kg(-1)) used as control produced similar effect. These findings establish the anti-allodynic and anti-hyperalgesic effects of the ethanolic fruit XAE and its major diterpene XA in vincristine-induced neuropathtic pain.

  2. Recombination-dependent replication and gene conversion homogenize repeat sequences and diversify plastid genome structure.

    PubMed

    Ruhlman, Tracey A; Zhang, Jin; Blazier, John C; Sabir, Jamal S M; Jansen, Robert K

    2017-04-01

    There is a misinterpretation in the literature regarding the variable orientation of the small single copy region of plastid genomes (plastomes). The common phenomenon of small and large single copy inversion, hypothesized to occur through intramolecular recombination between inverted repeats (IR) in a circular, single unit-genome, in fact, more likely occurs through recombination-dependent replication (RDR) of linear plastome templates. If RDR can be primed through both intra- and intermolecular recombination, then this mechanism could not only create inversion isomers of so-called single copy regions, but also an array of alternative sequence arrangements. We used Illumina paired-end and PacBio single-molecule real-time (SMRT) sequences to characterize repeat structure in the plastome of Monsonia emarginata (Geraniaceae). We used OrgConv and inspected nucleotide alignments to infer ancestral nucleotides and identify gene conversion among repeats and mapped long (>1 kb) SMRT reads against the unit-genome assembly to identify alternative sequence arrangements. Although M. emarginata lacks the canonical IR, we found that large repeats (>1 kilobase; kb) represent ∼22% of the plastome nucleotide content. Among the largest repeats (>2 kb), we identified GC-biased gene conversion and mapping filtered, long SMRT reads to the M. emarginata unit-genome assembly revealed alternative, substoichiometric sequence arrangements. We offer a model based on RDR and gene conversion between long repeated sequences in the M. emarginata plastome and provide support that both intra-and intermolecular recombination between large repeats, particularly in repeat-rich plastomes, varies unit-genome structure while homogenizing the nucleotide sequence of repeats. © 2017 Botanical Society of America.

  3. Antioxidant and antiproliferative potentials of methanol extract of Xylopia aethiopica (Dunal) A. Rich in PC-3 and LNCaP cells.

    PubMed

    Adaramoye, Oluwatosin Adekunle; Erguen, Bettina; Nitzsche, Bianca; Höpfner, Michael; Jung, Klaus; Rabien, Anja

    2017-07-26

    Our previous studies showed that fruit methanol extract from Xylopia aethiopica (MEXA) exhibited antiproliferative activity in human cervical cancer cells via the induction of apoptosis. The present study was designed to assess the antiproliferative, antiangiogenic and antioxidant effects of MEXA on prostate cancer (PCa) cells (PC-3 and LNCaP). PC-3 and LNCaP cells were cultured and treated with MEXA (10, 50 and 100 μg/mL). The sodium 3'-[1-(phenylaminocarbonyl)-3,4-tetrazolium]-bis (4-methoxy-6-nitro) benzene sulfonic acid hydrate (XTT) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assays were used to evaluate cell viability and cytotoxicity, respectively. DNA fragmentation was determined by cell death detection ELISA plus, and angiogenesis was assessed by chicken chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay. The antioxidant activities of MEXA were determined by DPPH and hydroxyl (OH) radicals' scavenging methods as well as through the inhibition of lipid peroxidation (LPO) in rats' liver homogenate. MEXA at 100, 250 and 500 μg/mL scavenged DPPH by 48%, 62%, 70% and OH radical by 39%, 58%, 67%, respectively. MEXA significantly (p<0.05) inhibited LPO in a concentration-dependent manner. In addition, MEXA had antiproliferative effects on PC-3 and LNCaP with IC50 of 62.1 and 73.6 μg/mL, respectively, at 96 h. The LDH assay showed that MEXA had low toxicity in vitro at its IC50 values. The extent of DNA fragmentation by MEXA showed higher values in PC-3 and LNCaP, suggesting the possible induction of apoptosis. In contrast, MEXA did not affect the network of vessels in CAM, thus lacking anti-angiogenic property. These findings suggest that MEXA induces antiproliferative activity in PCa cells through a mechanism that involves apoptosis. Therefore, MEXA may be a potential therapeutic agent for PCa.

  4. Anti-allodynic and Anti-hyperalgesic effects of an ethanolic extract and xylopic acid from the fruits of Xylopia aethiopica in murine models of neuropathic pain

    PubMed Central

    Ameyaw, Elvis O.; Woode, Eric; Boakye-Gyasi, Eric; Abotsi, Wonder K.M.; Kyekyeku, James Oppong; Adosraku, Reimmel K.

    2014-01-01

    Background: Fruit extracts of Xylopia aethiopica are used traditionally in the management of pain disorders including headache and neuralgia. An animal model of vincristine-induced sensory neuropathy was developed after repeated intraperitoneal injection in rats and used in the present work to study the effects of the ethanolic extract of X. aethiopica (XAE) and its diterpene xylopic acid (XA) in vincristine-induced neuropathic pain. Materials and Methods: Vincristine (0.1 mg kg-1 day-1) was administered during two cycles of five consecutive days to induce chemotherapy-induced neuropathic pain. Static tactile anti-allodynic, anti-hyperalgesic, and cold anti-allodynic effects of XAE (30-300 mg kg-1) and XA (10-100 mg kg-1) were assessed using Von Frey filaments of bending forces of 4, 8, and 15 g, the Randall-Selitto paw pressure test, and cold water (4.5°C), respectively. Results: Administration of vincristine caused the development of allodynia and hyperalgesia with no significant motor deficit, spontaneous pain, and foot deformity. XAE (30-300 mg kg-1) and XA (10-100 mg kg-1) exhibited anti-hyperalgesic, tactile, and cold anti-allodynic properties with XA exhibiting greater potency than XAE. Pregabalin (10-100 mg kg-1) used as control produced similar effect. Conclusion: These findings establish the anti-allodynic and anti-hyperalgesic effects of the ethanolic fruit XAE and its major diterpene XA in vincristine-induced neuropathtic pain. PMID:24761123

  5. Beetle pollination and flowering rhythm of Annona coriacea Mart. (Annonaceae) in Brazilian cerrado: Behavioral features of its principal pollinators.

    PubMed

    Costa, Marilza Silva; Silva, Ricardo José; Paulino-Neto, Hipólito Ferreira; Pereira, Mônica Josene Barbosa

    2017-01-01

    The conservation and sustainable management of Annona coriacea requires knowledge of its floral and reproductive biology, and of its main pollinators and their life cycles. In this work, we analyzed these aspects in detail. Floral biology was assessed by observing flowers from the beginning of anthesis to senescence. The visiting hours and behavior of floral visitors in the floral chamber were recorded, as were the sites of oviposition. Excavations were undertaken around specimens of A. coriacea to determine the location of immature pollinators. Anthesis was nocturnal, starting at sunset, and lasted for 52-56 h. The flowers were bisexual, protogynous and emitted a strong scent similar to the plant´s own ripe fruit. There was pronounced synchrony among all floral events (the period and duration of stigmatic receptivity, release of odor, pollen release and drooping flowers) in different individuals, but no synchrony in the same individuals. All of the flowers monitored were visited by beetle species of the genera Cyclocephala and Arriguttia. Beetles arrived at the flowers with their bodies covered in pollen and these pollen grains were transferred to the stigmata while foraging on nutritious tissues at the base of the petals. With dehiscence of the stamens and retention within the floral chamber, the bodies of the floral visitors were again covered with pollen which they carried to newly opened flowers, thus promoting the cycle of pollination. After leaving the flowers, female beetles often excavated holes in the soil to lay eggs. Larvae were found between the leaf litter and the first layer of soil under specimens of A. coriacea. Cyclocephala beetles were the main pollinators of A. coriacea, but Arriguttia brevissima was also considered a pollinator and is the first species of this genus to be observed in Annonaceae flowers. Annona coriacea was found to be self-compatible with a low reproductive efficiency in the area studied. The results of this investigation

  6. Beetle pollination and flowering rhythm of Annona coriacea Mart. (Annonaceae) in Brazilian cerrado: Behavioral features of its principal pollinators

    PubMed Central

    Pereira, Mônica Josene Barbosa

    2017-01-01

    The conservation and sustainable management of Annona coriacea requires knowledge of its floral and reproductive biology, and of its main pollinators and their life cycles. In this work, we analyzed these aspects in detail. Floral biology was assessed by observing flowers from the beginning of anthesis to senescence. The visiting hours and behavior of floral visitors in the floral chamber were recorded, as were the sites of oviposition. Excavations were undertaken around specimens of A. coriacea to determine the location of immature pollinators. Anthesis was nocturnal, starting at sunset, and lasted for 52–56 h. The flowers were bisexual, protogynous and emitted a strong scent similar to the plant´s own ripe fruit. There was pronounced synchrony among all floral events (the period and duration of stigmatic receptivity, release of odor, pollen release and drooping flowers) in different individuals, but no synchrony in the same individuals. All of the flowers monitored were visited by beetle species of the genera Cyclocephala and Arriguttia. Beetles arrived at the flowers with their bodies covered in pollen and these pollen grains were transferred to the stigmata while foraging on nutritious tissues at the base of the petals. With dehiscence of the stamens and retention within the floral chamber, the bodies of the floral visitors were again covered with pollen which they carried to newly opened flowers, thus promoting the cycle of pollination. After leaving the flowers, female beetles often excavated holes in the soil to lay eggs. Larvae were found between the leaf litter and the first layer of soil under specimens of A. coriacea. Cyclocephala beetles were the main pollinators of A. coriacea, but Arriguttia brevissima was also considered a pollinator and is the first species of this genus to be observed in Annonaceae flowers. Annona coriacea was found to be self-compatible with a low reproductive efficiency in the area studied. The results of this investigation

  7. Essential oil from Xylopia frutescens Aubl. reduces cytosolic calcium levels on guinea pig ileum: mechanism underlying its spasmolytic potential.

    PubMed

    Souza, Iara Leão Luna de; Correia, Ana Carolina de Carvalho; Araujo, Layanne Cabral da Cunha; Vasconcelos, Luiz Henrique César; Silva, Maria da Conceição Correia; Costa, Vicente Carlos de Oliveira; Tavares, Josean Fechine; Paredes-Gamero, Edgar Julian; Cavalcante, Fabiana de Andrade; Silva, Bagnólia Araújo da

    2015-09-16

    Xylopia frutescens Aubl. (embira, semente-de-embira or embira-vermelha), is used in folk medicine as antidiarrheal. The essential oil from its leaves (XF-EO) has been found to cause smooth muscle relaxation. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the spasmolytic action by which XF-EO acts on guinea pig ileum. The components of the XF-EO were identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Segments of guinea pig ileum were suspended in organ bath containing modified Krebs solution at 37 °C, bubbled with carbogen mixture under a resting tension of 1 g. Isotonic contractions were registered using kymographs and isometric contractions using force transducer coupled to an amplifier and computer. Fluorescence measurements were obtained with a microplate reader using Fluo-4. Forty-three constituents were identified in XF-EO, mostly mono- and sesquiterpenes. XF-EO has been found to cause relaxation on guinea pig ileum. The essential oil inhibited in a concentration-dependent manner both CCh- and histamine-induced phasic contractions, being more potent on histamine-induced contractions as well as antagonized histamine-induced cumulative contractions in a non-competitive antagonism profile. XF-EO relaxed in a concentration-dependent manner the ileum pre-contracted with KCl and histamine. Since the potency was smaller in organ pre-contracted with KCl, it was hypothesized that XF-OE would be acting as a K(+) channel positive modulator. In the presence of CsCl (non-selective K(+) channel blocker), the relaxant potency of XF-OE was not altered, indicating a non-participation of these channels. Moreover, XF-EO inhibited CaCl2-induced cumulative contractions in a depolarizing medium nominally without Ca(2+) and relaxed the ileum pre-contracted with S-(-)-Bay K8644 in a concentration-dependent manner, thus, was confirmed the inhibition of Ca(2+) influx through Cav1 by XF-EO. In cellular experiments, the viability of longitudinal layer myocytes from guinea pig ileum was

  8. Palikur traditional roundwood construction in eastern French Guiana: ethnobotanical and cultural perspectives.

    PubMed

    Ogeron, Clémence; Odonne, Guillaume; Cristinoi, Antonia; Engel, Julien; Grenand, Pierre; Beauchêne, Jacques; Clair, Bruno; Davy, Damien

    2018-04-24

    Palikur Amerindians live in the eastern part of French Guiana which is undergoing deep-seated changes due to the geographical and economic opening of the region. So far, Palikur's traditional ecological knowledge is poorly documented, apart from medicinal plants. The aim of this study was to document ethnobotanical practices related to traditional construction in the region. A combination of qualitative and quantitative methods was used. Thirty-nine Palikur men were interviewed in three localities (Saint-Georges de l'Oyapock, Regina and Trois-Palétuviers) between December 2013 and July 2014. Twenty-four inventories of wood species used in traditional buildings were conducted in the villages, as well as ethnobotanical walks in the neighboring forests, to complete data about usable species and to determine Linnaean names. After an ethnographic description of roundwood Palikur habitat, the in situ wood selection process of Palikur is precisely described. A total of 960 roundwood pieces were inventoried in situ according to Palikur taxonomy, of which 860 were beams and rafters, and 100 posts in 20 permanent and 4 temporary buildings. Twenty-seven folk species were identified. Sixty-three folk species used in construction were recorded during ethnobotanical walks. They correspond to 263 botanical species belonging to 25 families. Posts in permanent buildings were made of yawu (Minquartia guianensis) (51%) and wakap (Vouacapoua americana) (14%). Beams and rafters were made of wood from Annonaceae (79%) and Lecythidaceae (13%) families. The most frequently used species were kuukumwi priye (Oxandra asbeckii), kuukumwi seyne (Pseudoxandra cuspidata), and pukuu (Xylopia nitida and X. cayennensis). Although the Palikur's relationship with their habitat is undergoing significant changes, knowledge about construction wood is still very much alive in the Oyapock basin. Many people continue to construct traditional buildings alongside modern houses, using a wide array of species

  9. Relaxant effect of Ent-7α-hydroxytrachyloban-18-oic acid, a trachylobane diterpene from Xylopia langsdorfiana A. St-Hil. & Tul., on tracheal smooth muscle.

    PubMed

    Martins, Italo R R; Dos Santos, Rosimeire F; de C Correia, Ana C; de Oliveira, Gislaine A; Macêdo, Cibério L; de S Monteiro, Fabio; Dos Santos, Paula F; de A Cavalcante, Fabiana; Tavares, Josean F; da Silva, Bagnólia A

    2013-01-01

    Ent-7α-hydroxytrachyloban-18-oic acid, a trachylobane diterpene from Xylopia langsdorfiana, has previously been shown to relax the guinea-pig trachea in a concentration-dependent manner. In this study we aimed to elucidate the mechanisms underlying this action and so contribute to the discovery of natural products with therapeutic potential. A possible interaction between diterpene and the Ca(2+)-calmodulin complex was eliminated as chlorpromazine (10(-6) M), a calmodulin inhibitor, did not significantly alter the diterpene-induced relaxation (pD2 = 4.38 ± 0.07 and 4.25 ± 0.07; mean ± S.E.M., n=5). Trachylobane-318 showed a higher relaxant potency when the trachea was contracted by 18 mM KCl than it did with 60 mM KCl (pD2 = 4.90 ± 0.25 and 3.88 ± 0.01, n=5), suggesting the possible activation of K(+) channels. This was confirmed, as in the presence of 10 mM TEA(+) (a non-selective K(+) channel blocker), diterpene relaxation potency was significantly reduced (pD2 = 4.38 ± 0.07 to 4.01 ± 0.06, n=5). Furthermore, K(+) channel subtypes KATP, KV, SKCa and BKCa seem to be modulated positively by trachylobane-318 (pD2 = 3.91 ± 0.003, 4.00 ± 0.06, 3.45 ± 0.14 and 3.80 ± 0.05, n=5) but not the Kir subtype channel (pD2 = 4.15 ± 0.10, n=5). Cyclic nucleotides were not involved as the relaxation due to aminophylline (pD2 = 4.27 ± 0.09, n=5) was not altered in the presence of 3 × 10(-5) M trachylobane-318 (pD2 = 4.46 ± 0.08, n=5). Thus, at a functional level, trachylobane-318 seems to relax the guinea-pig trachea by positive modulation of K(+) channels, particularly the KATP, KV, SKCa and BKCa subtypes.

  10. Chilling and host plant/site associated eclosion times of western cherry fruit fly (Diptera:Tephritidae) and a host-specific parasitoid

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    The western cherry fruit fly, Rhagoletis indifferens Curran (Diptera: Tephritidae), is native to bitter cherry, Prunus emarginata (Douglas ex Hooker) Eaton, but ~100 years ago established on earlier-fruiting domesticated sweet cherry, Prunus avium (L.) L. Here, we determined if eclosion times of ad...

  11. Relaxant effect of Ent‑7α‑hydroxytrachyloban‑18-oic acid, a trachylobane diterpene from Xylopia langsdorfiana A. St-Hil. & Tul., on tracheal smooth muscle

    PubMed Central

    Martins, Italo R. R.; dos Santos, Rosimeire F.; Correia, Ana C. de C.; de Oliveira, Gislaine A.; Macêdo, Cibério L.; Monteiro, Fabio de S.; dos Santos, Paula F.; Cavalcante, Fabiana de A.; Tavares, Josean F.; da Silva, Bagnólia A.

    2013-01-01

    Ent-7α-hydroxytrachyloban-18-oic acid, a trachylobane diterpene from Xylopia langsdorfiana, has previously been shown to relax the guinea-pig trachea in a concentration-dependent manner. In this study we aimed to elucidate the mechanisms underlying this action and so contribute to the discovery of natural products with therapeutic potential. A possible interaction between diterpene and the Ca2+-calmodulin complex was eliminated as chlorpromazine (10-6 M), a calmodulin inhibitor, did not significantly alter the diterpene-induced relaxation (pD2 = 4.38 ± 0.07 and 4.25 ± 0.07; mean ± S.E.M., n=5). Trachylobane-318 showed a higher relaxant potency when the trachea was contracted by 18 mM KCl than it did with 60 mM KCl (pD2 = 4.90 ± 0.25 and 3.88 ± 0.01, n=5), suggesting the possible activation of K+ channels. This was confirmed, as in the presence of 10 mM TEA+ (a non-selective K+ channel blocker), diterpene relaxation potency was significantly reduced (pD2 = 4.38 ± 0.07 to 4.01 ± 0.06, n=5). Furthermore, K+ channel subtypes KATP, KV, SKCa and BKCa seem to be modulated positively by trachylobane-318 (pD2 = 3.91 ± 0.003, 4.00 ± 0.06, 3.45 ± 0.14 and 3.80 ± 0.05, n=5) but not the Kir subtype channel (pD2 = 4.15 ± 0.10, n=5). Cyclic nucleotides were not involved as the relaxation due to aminophylline (pD2 = 4.27 ± 0.09, n=5) was not altered in the presence of 3 × 10-5 M trachylobane-318 (pD2 = 4.46 ± 0.08, n=5). Thus, at a functional level, trachylobane-318 seems to relax the guinea-pig trachea by positive modulation of K+ channels, particularly the KATP, KV, SKCa and BKCa subtypes. PMID:23832615

  12. Chemical composition and inhibitory activities on dipeptidyl peptidase IV and pancreatic lipase of two underutilized species from the Brazilian Savannah: Oxalis cordata A.St.-Hil. and Xylopia aromatica (Lam.) Mart.

    PubMed

    Oliveira, Verena B; Araújo, Raquel L B; Eidenberger, Thomas; Brandão, Maria G L

    2018-03-01

    Brazil has the greatest vegetal biodiversity in the world, but products derived from native species are not optimally utilized. Oxalis cordata and Xylopia aromatica are two underutilized species whose leaves and fruits, respectively, have been used as food in the 19th century. In this study, we used chemical and in vitro assays to evaluate the potential of these species as functional foods. The inhibitory activity on pancreatic lipase and DPP-IV were evaluated using the crude extracts and fractions ethyl acetate, butanol and water of these two species. For polyphenols determination, samples were prepared with different solvents and these were analysed by chromatographic and spectroscopic methods. Finally, fatty acids profile was determinated by gas chromatography. The crude extract (IC 50 =0.84mg/ml), ethyl acetate extract (IC 50 =0.88mg/ml) an aqueous fraction (IC 50 =0.63mg/ml) of C. cordata were inhibitory on pancreatic lipase but inactive against dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-IV). Extracts from X. aromatica were inactive against the lipase pancreatic enzyme, but a butanolic fraction inhibited DPP-IV (IC 50 =0.71±0.05mg/ml). The phenolic acids orientin/isorientin, chlorogenic acid (0.32g/100g) and the flavonoid derivatives rutin (0.27g/100g), quercetin and luteolin were observed in all products. Additionally, fatty acid quantification showed that oleic (7.5g/100g) and linoleic acid (6.5g/100g) were predominant in X. aromatica fruit. This study confirms the potential for the use of both plants as functional foods due to their nutritional value, biological activity and important phytochemical content. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  13. Spermiogenesis and spermatozoon ultrastructure in basal polyopisthocotylean monogeneans, Hexabothriidae and Chimaericolidae, and their significance for the phylogeny of the Monogenea

    PubMed Central

    Justine, Jean-Lou; Poddubnaya, Larisa G.

    2018-01-01

    Sperm ultrastructure provides morphological characters useful for understanding phylogeny; no study was available for two basal branches of the Polyopisthocotylea, the Chimaericolidea and Diclybothriidea. We describe here spermiogenesis and sperm in Chimaericola leptogaster (Chimaericolidae) and Rajonchocotyle emarginata (Hexabothriidae), and sperm in Callorhynchocotyle callorhynchi (Hexabothriidae). Spermiogenesis in C. leptogaster and R. emarginata shows the usual pattern of most Polyopisthocotylea with typical zones of differentiation and proximo-distal fusion of the flagella. In all three species, the structure of the spermatozoon is biflagellate, with two incorporated trepaxonematan 9 + “1” axonemes and a posterior nucleus. However, unexpected structures were also seen. An alleged synapomorphy of the Polyopisthocotylea is the presence of a continuous row of longitudinal microtubules in the nuclear region. The sperm of C. leptogaster has a posterior part with a single axoneme, and the part with the nucleus is devoid of the continuous row of microtubules. The spermatozoon of R. emarginata has an anterior region with membrane ornamentation, and posterior lateral microtubules are absent. The spermatozoon of C. callorhynchi has transverse sections with only dorsal and ventral microtubules, and its posterior part shows flat sections containing a single axoneme and the nucleus. These findings have important implications for phylogeny and for the definition of synapomorphies in the Neodermata. We point out a series of discrepancies between actual data and interpretation of character states in the matrix of a phylogeny of the Monogenea. Our main conclusion is that the synapomorphy “lateral microtubules in the principal region of the spermatozoon” does not define the Polyopisthocotylea but is restricted to the Mazocraeidea. PMID:29436366

  14. Spasmolytic activity of trachylobanes ent-7α-acetoxytrachyloban-18-oic acid and ent-7α-hydroxytrachyloban-18-oic acid isolated from Xylopia langsdorfiana A. St-Hil. & Tul. (Annonaceae).

    PubMed

    Santos, Rosimeire F; Martins, Italo R R; Monteiro, Fabio de S; Travassos, Rafael de A; Janebro, Daniele I; Tavares, Josean F; Silva, Marcelo S; da Silva, Bagnólia A

    2012-01-01

    We aimed to investigate the possible spasmolytic activity of ent-7α-acetoxytrachyloban-18-oic acid (1) and ent-7α-hydroxytrachyloban-18-oic acid (2) on smooth muscle models. In male rat aorta and rat uterus, both diterpenes were unable to trigger spasmolytic action. However, 2 relaxed guinea-pig trachea: Compounds 1 and 2 antagonised, significantly and concentration-dependently, carbachol- and histamine-induced phasic contractions in guinea-pig ileum. Moreover, they induced a significant and concentration-dependent relaxation in pre-contracted (KCl, carbachol or histamine) guinea-pig ileum, with 2 being 15 times more potent than 1 in histamine-contracted ileum. These dissimilar results may be due to chemical differences between them. Thus, we demonstrated that 1 and 2 seem to be promising spasmolytic agents, although further studies are required to elucidate the spasmolytic action mechanism.

  15. Matrix effect and optimization of LC-MSn determination of trachylobane-360 in mice blood.

    PubMed

    Pita, João Carlos Lima Rodrigues; Gomes, Isis Fernandes; Dos Santos, Socrates Golzio; Tavares, Josean Fechine; da Silva, Marcelo Sobral; Diniz, Margareth de Fátima Formiga Melo; Sobral, Marianna Vieira

    2014-11-01

    Xylopia langsdorffiana A. St.-Hil. & Tul. (Annonaceae) is popularly known as "pimenteira-da-terra". Various constituents have been isolated from this species, including diterpenes, such as 8(17), 12E, 14-labdatrien-18-oic acid, ent-atisan-7α, 16α-diol (xylodiol), ent-7α-hydroxytrachyloban-18-oic acid (trachylobane-318) and ent-7α-acetoxytrachyloban-18-oic acid, a crystalline solid with a molecular weight of 360 and molecular formula of C22H32O4 (trachylobane-360). When administered intraperitoneally to mice, trachylobane-360 (T-360) significantly inhibits growth of the solid tumor sarcoma 180 transplanted in mice, without causing alterations in biochemical, hematological and histopathological parameters that are frequently associated with the clinical use of antineoplastic. Furthermore, this diterpene blocks voltage-dependent calcium channels (Cav), showing spasmolytic activity. The present study shows that variables such as extraction solvent (methanol, acetonitrile and chloroform), centrifugation force (1000, 7000 and 14,000×g), and centrifugation time (5, 15 and 25min), are important in the liquid-liquid extraction of T-360 from male Swiss mice blood in HPLC-MSn studies. The study confirms matrix influence on recovery and detection of T-360. The recovery for T-360 was 37.02% using chloroform as better extractor solvent, while centrifuged at 14,000×g for 15min demonstrated the importance of the parameters chosen for the extraction/recovery process of analyte. The effect of mice blood matrix for T-360 was -51.23%. This method was optimized by repeating the extraction procedure and acidification of samples. These conditions were essential in increasing recovery (49.47%) by decreasing the matrix effect (-37.60%). The efficiency of the process, after optimization with two extractions and acidification, increased by 14.19% when compared to the initial method, from 18.05% to 32.24%. According to Marchi et al. (2010), the matrix effect does not necessarily need to

  16. Evidence for behavioral attractiveness of methoxylated aromatics in a dynastid scarab beetle-pollinated araceae.

    PubMed

    Dötterl, Stefan; David, Anja; Boland, Wilhelm; Silberbauer-Gottsberger, Ilse; Gottsberger, Gerhard

    2012-12-01

    Many plants attract their pollinators with floral scents, and these olfactory signals are especially important at night, when visual signals become inefficient. Dynastid scarab beetles are a speciose group of night-active pollinators, and several plants pollinated by these insects have methoxylated aromatic compounds in their scents. However, there is a large gap in our knowledge regarding the compounds responsible for beetle attraction. We used chemical analytical analyses to determine temporal patterns of scent emission and the composition of scent released from inflorescences of Philodendron selloum. The attractiveness of the main components in the scent to the dynastid scarab beetle Erioscelis emarginata, the exclusive pollinator of this plant, was assessed in field biotests. The amount of scent increased rapidly in the evening, and large amounts of scent were released during the activity time of the beetle pollinators. Inflorescences emitted a high number of compounds of different biosynthetic origin, among them both uncommon and also widespread flower scents. Methoxylated aromatic compounds dominated the scent, and 4-methoxystyrene, the most abundant compound, attracted E. emarginata beetles. Other compounds, such as (Z)-jasmone and possibly also the methoxylated aromatic compound 3,4-dimethoxystyrene increased the attractiveness of 4-methoxystyrene. Methoxylated aromatics, which are known from other dynastid pollinated plants as well, are important signals in many scarab beetles in a different context (e.g., pheromones), thus suggesting that these plants exploit pre-existing preferences of the beetles for attracting this group of insects as pollinators.

  17. Ent-7α-acetoxytrachyloban-18-oic acid and ent-7α-hydroxytrachyloban-18-oic acid from Xylopia langsdorfiana A. St-Hil. & Tul. modulate K(+) and Ca(2+) channels to reduce cytosolic calcium concentration on guinea pig ileum.

    PubMed

    Santos, Rosimeire F; Martins, Italo R R; Travassos, Rafael A; Tavares, Josean F; Silva, Marcelo S; Paredes-Gamero, Edgar J; Ferreira, Alice T; Nouailhetas, Viviane L A; Aboulafia, Jeannine; Rigoni, Vera L S; da Silva, Bagnólia A

    2012-03-05

    In this study we investigated the mechanism underlying the spasmolytic action of ent-7α-acetoxytrachyloban-18-oic acid (trachylobane-360) and ent-7α-hydroxytrachyloban-18-oic acid (trachylobane-318), diterpenes obtained from Xylopia langsdorfiana, on guinea pig ileum. Both compounds inhibited histamine-induced cumulative contractions (slope=3.5±0.9 and 4.4±0.7) that suggests a noncompetitive antagonism to histaminergic receptors. CaCl(2)-induced contractions were nonparallelly and concentration-dependently reduced by both diterpenes, indicating blockade of calcium influx through voltage-dependent calcium channels (Ca(v)). The Ca(v) participation was confirmed since both trachylobanes equipotently relaxed ileum pre-contracted with S-(-)-Bay K8644 (EC(50)=3.5±0.7×10-(5) and 1.1±0.2×10-(5)M) and KCl (EC(50)=5.5±0.3×10-(5) and 1.4±0.2×10-(5)M). K(+) channels participation was confirmed since diterpene-induced relaxation curves were significantly shifted to right in the presence of 5mM tetraethylammonium (TEA(+)) (EC(50)=0.5±0.04×10-(4) and 2.0±0.5×10-(5)M). ATP-sensitive K(+) channel (K(ATP)), voltage activated K(+) channels (K(V)), small conductance calcium-activated K(+) channels (SK(Ca)) or big conductance calcium-activated K(+) channels (BK(Ca)) did not seem to participate of trachylobane-360 spasmolytic action. However trachylobane-318 modulated positively K(ATP), K(V) and SK(Ca) (EC(50)=1.1±0.3×10-(5), 0.7±0.2×10-(5) and 0.7±0.2×10-(5)M), but not BK(Ca). A fluorescence analysis technique confirmed the decrease of cytosolic calcium concentration ([Ca(2+)](c)) induced by both trachylobanes in ileal myocytes. In conclusion, trachylobane-360 and trachylobane-318 induced spasmolytic activity by K(+) channel positive modulation and Ca(2+) channel blockade, which results in [Ca(2+)](c) reduction at cellular level leading to smooth muscle relaxation. Copyright © 2011. Published by Elsevier B.V.

  18. Ecophysiology of nickel phytoaccumulation: a simplified biophysical approach.

    PubMed

    Coinchelin, David; Bartoli, François; Robin, Christophe; Echevarria, Guillaume

    2012-10-01

    Solute active transport or exclusion by plants can be identified by the values of the Transpiration Stream Concentration Factor (TSCF=xylem:solution solute concentration ratio). The aim of this study was to estimate this parameter for Ni uptake by the Ni-hyperaccumulator Leptoplax emarginata or the Ni-excluder Triticum aestivum cultivar 'Fidel'. The Intact Plant TSCF for nickel (IPTSCF(Ni)) was calculated as the ratio between the nickel mass accumulation in the leaves and the nickel concentration in solution per volume of water transpired. Predominantly, Ni active transport occurred for L. emarginata, with IPTSCF(Ni) values of 4.7-7.2 and convective component proportions of the root Ni uptake flow of only 15-20% for a range of Ni concentrations in solutions of 2-16 µmol Ni l(-1), regardless of the growth period and the time of Ni uptake. Hyperaccumulator roots were permeable to both water and nickel (mean reflection coefficient for Ni, σ(Ni), of 0.06), which was mainly attributed to an absence of exodermis. Results provide a new view of the mechanisms of Ni hyperaccumulation. By contrast, the wheat excluder was characterized by an extremely low mean IPTSCF(Ni) value of 0.006, characterizing a predominantly Ni sequestration in roots. From a methodological viewpoint, the 'microscopic' TSCF(Ni), measured directly on excised plants was 2.4 times larger than its recommended 'macroscopic' IPTSCF(Ni) counterpart. Overall, IPTSCF and σ determined on intact transpiring plants appeared to be very useful biophysical parameters in the study of the mechanisms involved in metal uptake and accumulation by plants, and in their modelling.

  19. Spatial patterns of a tropical tree species growing under an eucalyptus plantation in South-East Brazil.

    PubMed

    Higuchi, P; Silva, A C; Louzada, J N C; Machado, E L M

    2010-05-01

    The objectives of this study were to evaluate the influence of propagules source and the implication of tree size class on the spatial pattern of Xylopia brasiliensis Spreng. individuals growing under the canopy of an experimental plantation of eucalyptus. To this end, all individuals of Xylopia brasiliensis with diameter at soil height (dsh) > 1 cm were mapped in the understory of a 3.16 ha Eucalyptus spp. and Corymbia spp. plantation, located in the municipality of Lavras, SE Brazil. The largest nearby mature tree of X. brasiliensis was considered as the propagules source. Linear regressions were used to assess the influence of the distance of propagules source on the population parameters (density, basal area and height). The spatial pattern of trees was assessed through the Ripley K function. The overall pattern showed that the propagules source distance had strong influence over spatial distribution of trees, mainly the small ones, indicating that the closer the distance from the propagules source, the higher the tree density and the lower the mean tree height. The population showed different spatial distribution patterns according to the spatial scale and diameter class considered. While small trees tended to be aggregated up to around 80 m, the largest individuals were randomly distributed in the area. A plausible explanation for observed patterns might be limited seed rain and intra-population competition.

  20. Heavy metals hazards from Nigerian spices.

    PubMed

    Asomugha, Rose Ngozi; Udowelle, Nnaemeka Arinze; Offor, Samuel James; Njoku, Chinonso Judith; Ofoma, Ifeoma Victoria; Chukwuogor, Chiaku Chinwe; Orisakwe, Orish Ebere

    Natural spices are commonly used by the people in Nigeria. They may be easily contaminated with heavy metals when they are dried and then pose a health risk for the consumers. The aim of this study was to determine the levels of heavy metals in some commonly consumed natural spices namely Prosopis Africana, Xylopia aethiopica, Piper gineense, Monodora myristica, Monodora tenuifolia and Capsicum frutescens sold in the local markets of Awka, Anambra state, South East Nigeria to estimate the potential health risk. The range of heavy metal concentration was in the order: Zn (14.09 - 161.04) > Fe (28.15 - 134.59) > Pb (2.61 - 8.97) > Cr (0.001 - 3.81) > Co (0.28 - 3.07) > Ni (0.34 - 2.89). Pb, Fe and Zn exceeded the maximum allowable concentrations for spices. The Target Hazard Quotient (THQ) of the spices varied from 0.06-0.5. Estimated daily intakes (EDI) were all below the tolerable daily intake (TDI). The lead levels in Prosopis africana, Xylopia aethiopica, Piper gineense, Monodora myristica and Capsicum frutescens which are 8-30 times higher than the WHO/FAO permissible limit of 0.3 mg/kg. Lead contamination of spices sold in Awka (south east Nigeria) may add to the body burden of lead. A good quality control for herbal food is important in order to protect consumers from contamination. food products, spices, potential toxic metals, risk assessment, public health.

  1. Hepatoprotective activity of Annona muricata Linn. and Polyalthia cerasoides bedd.

    PubMed Central

    Padma, P.; Chansouria, J.P.N.; Khosa, R.L.

    1999-01-01

    The hepatoprotective effect of Annona muricata and Polyalthia cerasoides (Annonaceae) were monitored by estimating the serum transaminases (SGOT and SGPT), serum alkaline phosphatase (SALP), liver and brain lipid peroxidation (LOP) and their total protein content. Both drugs at a dose of 100 μg/kg significantly prevented the increase in serum transaminases, SALP, liver and brain LOP and decrease in liver and brain total protein content following carbontetrachloride (CCl) induced hepatoxicity in albino rats. PMID:22556909

  2. The caddisfly fauna (Insecta, Trichoptera) of the rivers of the Black Sea basin in Kosovo with distributional data for some rare species

    PubMed Central

    Ibrahimi, Halil; Kučinić, Mladen; Gashi, Agim; Grapci-Kotori, Linda

    2012-01-01

    Abstract Adult caddisflies were collected from 12 stations in the Black Sea basin in Kosovo using UV light traps. Sixty-five of the seventy-six species reported in this paper are first records for the Kosovo caddisfly fauna. The unexpected discovery of several species during this investigation: Agapetus delicatulus McLachlan, 1884, Psychomyia klapaleki Malicky, 1995, Tinodes janssensi Jacquemart, 1957, Hydropsyche emarginata Navas, 1923, Drusus botosaneanui Kumanski, 1968, Potamophylax rotundipennis (Brauer, 1857), Potamophylax schmidi Marinković-Gospodnetić, 1970, Ceraclea albimacula (Rambur, 1842), Helicopsyche bacescui Orghidan & Botosaneanu, 1953, Adicella filicornis (Pictet, 1834), Beraea maurus (Curtis, 1834) and Beraeamyia hrabei Mayer, 1937 illustrates that collections from poorly investigated areas in Europe will almost certainly revise the existing knowledge on the distribution of these and other species. PMID:22539915

  3. A Third Species of Hemilecanium Newstead (Hemiptera: Coccoidea: Coccidae) from the New World, with Keys to Species in the Genus.

    PubMed

    Kondo, T; Hodgson, C

    2013-10-01

    A new species of Hemilecanium Newstead, Hemilecanium guanabana Kondo & Hodgson n. sp., is described and illustrated based on the adult female, adult male and first instar. The specimens were collected in the municipality of Palmira, state of Valle del Cauca, Colombia, on soursop, Annona muricata (Annonaceae). Updated identification keys are provided for the adult females of all 28 species of the genus Hemilecanium, and for known adult males and first instars. An updated list of the 23 species of soft scales (Coccidae) known from soursop worldwide is included.

  4. Identification of chemical compounds present in different fractions of Annona reticulata L. leaf by using GC-MS.

    PubMed

    Rout, Soumya P; Kar, Durga M

    2014-01-01

    GC-MS analysis of fractions prepared from hydro-alcoholic extract of Annona reticulata Linn (Family Annonaceae) leaf revealed the presence of 9,10-dimethyltricyclo[4.2.1.1(2,5)]decane-9,10-diol; 4-(1,5-dihydroxy-2,6,6-trimethylcyclohex-2-enyl)but-3-en-2-one; 3,7-dimethyl-6-nonen-1-ol acetate; 9-octadecenamide,(Z)-; glycerine; D-glucose,6-O-α-D-galactopyranosyl-; desulphosinigrin and α-methyl-D-mannopyranoside as few of the major compounds in different fractions. The presence of these compounds in the plant has been identified for the first time.

  5. Larvicidal activity of some Cerrado plant extracts against Aedes aegypti.

    PubMed

    Rodrigues, A M S; De Paula, J E; Degallier, N; Molez, J E; Espindola, L S

    2006-06-01

    One hundred ninety hexanic and ethanolic extract from 27 plant species from the Cerrado biome of Brazil were tested for larvicidal activity against 3rd-stage Aedes aegypti larvae at 500 microg/ml. Fourteen extracts from 7 species showed activity (>65% mortality) against the larvae. Of these Dugeutia furfuracea, Piptocarpha rotundifolia, Casearia sylvestris var. lingua, Serjania lethalis, and Xylopia aromatica were active at 56.6, 162.31, 232.4, 285.76, and 384.37 microg/ml, respectively. Annona crassiflora and Cybistax antisyphilitica showed activity at 23.06 and 27.61 microg/ml. The larvicidal properties of these species are described for the first time, and may prove to be promising in active chemical compound isolation.

  6. Tetrad pollen formation in Annona (Annonaceae): proexine formation andbinding mechanism.

    PubMed

    Tsou, Chih-Hua; Fu, Yu-Lan

    2002-05-01

    Meiotic tetrads of Annona glabra and A. montana build up a well-developed proexine (protectum, probaculum, and pronexine) at the proximal side but only a thin pronexine at the distal side during the tetrad stage. The callosic envelope is only partially digested by the end of tetrad stage. The remaining, undigested part is composed of the intersporal mass and thin peripheral layers, and the latter is conjunct with the distal pronexine of the microspore. In this remaining callosic structure celluloses are also present. Later on, due to the continuous slow decomposition of this callose-cellulose structure and microspore expansion, microspores break up the callose-cellulose envelope. Because all the four microspores are bound together by the callose-cellulose structure, they move out of the chamber in rotation. Eventually the thin pronexine is pulled toward the center of the tetrad and the well-developed proexine becomes the distal wall. These descriptions of the partial digestion of callosic envelope, the transformation from a callose-cellulose structure to the binding system of tetrad pollen, and microspore rotation in Annona are unusual in the angiosperms.

  7. Olfactory projection neuron pathways in two species of marine Isopoda (Peracarida, Malacostraca, Crustacea).

    PubMed

    Stemme, Torben; Eickhoff, René; Bicker, Gerd

    2014-08-01

    The neuroanatomy of the olfactory pathway has been intensely studied in many representatives of Malacostraca. Nevertheless, the knowledge about bilateral olfactory integration pathways is mainly based on Decapoda. Here, we investigated the olfactory projection neuron pathway of two marine isopod species, Saduria entomon and Idotea emarginata, by lipophilic dye injections into the olfactory neuropil. We show that both arms of the olfactory globular tract form a chiasm in the center of the brain, as known from several other crustaceans. Furthermore, the olfactory projection neurons innervate both the medulla terminalis and the hemiellipsoid body of the ipsi- and the contralateral hemisphere. Both protocerebral neuropils are innervated to a comparable extent. This is reminiscent of the situation in the basal decapod taxon Dendrobranchiata. Thus, we propose that an innervation by the olfactory globular tract of both the medulla terminalis and the hemiellipsoid body is characteristic of the decapod ground pattern, but also of the ground pattern of Caridoida. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  8. Comparative toxicity of an acetogenin-based extract and commercial pesticides against citrus red mite.

    PubMed

    Ribeiro, Leandro do Prado; Zanardi, Odimar Zanuzo; Vendramim, José Djair; Yamamoto, Pedro Takao

    2014-01-01

    Acetogenins, a class of natural compounds produced by some Annonaceae species, are potent inhibitors of mitochondrial electron transport systems. Although the cellular respiration processes are an important biochemical site for the acaricidal action of compounds, few studies have been performed to assess the bioactivity of acetogenin-based biopesticides on spider mites, mainly against species that occur in orchards. Using residual contact bioassays, this study aimed to evaluate the bioactivity of an ethanolic extract from Annona mucosa seeds (ESAM) (Annonaceae) against the citrus red mite Panonychus citri (McGregor) (Acari: Tetranychidae), an important pest of the Brazilian citriculture. ESAM is a homemade biopesticide which was previously characterized by its high concentration of acetogenins. It caused both high mortality of P. citri females (LC50 = 7,295, 4,662, 3,463, and 2,608 mg l(-1), after 48, 72, 96, and 120 h of exposure, respectively) and significant oviposition deterrence (EC50 = 3.194,80 mg l(-1)). However, there was no effect on P. citri female fertility (hatching rate). In addition, the ESAM efficacy (in terms of its LC90) was compared with commercial acaricides/insecticides (at its recommended rate) of both natural [Anosom(®) 1 EC (annonin), Derisom(®) 2 EC (karanjin), and Azamax(®) 1.2 EC (azadirachtin + 3-tigloylazadirachtol)] and synthetic origin [Envidor(®) 24 SC (spirodiclofen)]. Based on all of the analyzed variables, the ESAM exhibited levels of activity superior to other botanical commercial acaricides and similar to spirodiclofen. Thus, our results indicate that ESAM may constitute a biorational acaricide for citrus red mite integrated pest management in Brazilian citrus orchards, particularly for local use.

  9. The Curative and Prophylactic Effects of Xylopic Acid on Plasmodium berghei Infection in Mice

    PubMed Central

    Boampong, J. N.; Ameyaw, E. O.; Aboagye, B.; Asare, K.; Kyei, S.; Donfack, J. H.; Woode, E.

    2013-01-01

    Efforts have been intensified to search for more effective antimalarial agents because of the observed failure of some artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) treatments of malaria in Ghana. Xylopic acid, a pure compound isolated from the fruits of the Xylopia aethiopica, was investigated to establish its attributable prophylactic, curative antimalarial, and antipyretic properties. The antimalarial properties were determined by employing xylopic acid (10–100 mg/kg) in ICR mice infected with Plasmodium berghei. Xylopic acid exerted significant (P < 0.05) effects on P. berghei infection similar to artemether/lumefantrine, the standard drug. Furthermore, it significantly (P < 0.05) reduced the lipopolysaccharide- (LPS-) induced fever in Sprague-Dawley rats similar to prednisolone. Xylopic acid therefore possesses prophylactic and curative antimalarial as well as antipyretic properties which makes it an ideal antimalarial agent. PMID:23970953

  10. Rearranged diterpenoids from the biotransformation of ent-trachyloban-18-oic acid by Rhizopus arrhizus.

    PubMed

    Leverrier, Aurélie; Martin, Marie-Thérèse; Servy, Claudine; Ouazzani, Jamal; Retailleau, Pascal; Awang, Khalijah; Mukhtar, Mat Ropi; Guéritte, Françoise; Litaudon, Marc

    2010-06-25

    In our search for inhibitors of the antiapoptotic protein Bcl-xL, investigation of Xylopia caudata afforded a new diterpenoid, ent-trachyloban-4beta-ol (2), and five known ent-trachylobane or ent-atisane compounds. Only ent-trachyloban-18-oic acid (1) exhibited weak binding activity to Bcl-xL. These compounds exhibited cytotoxicity against KB and HCT-116 cell lines with IC(50) values between 10 and 30 microM. Bioconversion of compound 1 by Rhizopus arrhizus afforded new hydroxylated metabolites (3-7) of the ent-trachylobane and ent-kaurene type and compound 8, with a rearranged pentacyclic carbon framework that was named rhizopene. Compounds 3-8 were noncytotoxic to the two cancer cell lines, and compounds 3 and 5 exhibited only weak binding affinity for Bcl-xL.

  11. Theoretical research into anticancer activity of diterpenes isolated from the paraiban flora.

    PubMed

    Ishiki, Hamilton; Junior, Francisco J B Mendonça; Santos, Paula F; Tavares, Josean F; Tavares, Josean F; Silva, Marcelo S; Scotti, Marcus T

    2014-07-01

    Many studies of the scientific literature discuss the anticancer activity of diterpenes inhibiting the Akt/IKK/NF-kappaB pro-survival signaling cascade, mainly by the activation of serine/threonine phosphatase PP2A. The aim of this work was to evaluate and compare the anticancer potential of three atisane, three kaurane and three trachylobane diterpenes extracted from the roots of Xylopia langsdorffiana. Thus, we investigated the reactivity (H-L(GAP) parameter), HOMO atmosphere favorable to neutralize the radical reactivity, and the docking of compounds with PP2A. With all approaches, this theoretical study showed that atisane diterpenes have favorable characteristics for antitumor activity, like electron donating ability and greater hydrophilic interactions with the enzyme, by inhibition of Akt/IKK/NF-kappaB, and activation of PP2A.

  12. Methyl farnesoate levels in male spider crabs exhibiting active reproductive behavior.

    PubMed

    Sagi, A; Ahl, J S; Danaee, H; Laufer, H

    1994-09-01

    The concentration of methyl farnesoate (MF) in the hemolymph and its synthesis by the mandibular organs (MOs) were investigated to determine whether this compound is related to the differences in the size of the reproductive system and the mating behavior among male morphotypes of the spider crab, Libinia emarginata. Large-claw abraded males displayed mating behavior under competitive conditions. They have the largest reproductive systems, their MOs synthesize large amounts of MF in vitro, and the concentration of MF in their hemolymph is high. Small-claw abraded males displayed mating behavior with receptive females only when isolated. These smaller crabs have intermediate-sized reproductive systems, their MOs synthesize the most MF, and they have the highest circulating level of MF relative to their body size. The unabraded males did not display mating behavior; their reproductive systems are smaller; their MO activity is low, as is their circulating level of MF. The strong relationship between MF levels and the intensity of reproductive behavior suggests that MF may be one of the driving forces behind mating behavior in Crustacea.

  13. Prediction of anticancer activity of diterpenes isolated from the paraiban flora through a PLS model and molecular surfaces.

    PubMed

    Scotti, Luciana; Scotti, Marcus T; Ishiki, Hamilton; Junior, Francisco J B M; dos, Santos Paula F; Tavares, Josean F; da Silva, Marcelo S

    2014-05-01

    The aim of this work was to predict the anticancer potential of 3 atisane, and 3 trachylobane diterpene compounds extracted from the roots of Xylopia langsdorffiana. The prediction of anticancer activity as expressed against PC-3 tumor cells was made using a PLS model built with 26 diterpenes in the training set. Significant statistical measures were obtained. The six investigated diterpenes were applied to the model and their activities against PC-3 cells were calculated. All the diterpenes were active, with atisane diterpenes showing the higher pICso values. In human prostate carcinoma PC-3 cells, the apoptosis mechanism is related to an inhibition of IKK/NF-KB. Antioxidant potential implies a greater electronic molecular atmosphere (increased donor electron capacity), which can reduce radical reactivity, and facilitate post donation charge accommodation. Molecular surfaces indicated a much greater electronic cloud over atisane diterpenes.

  14. In vitro and in vivo anti-malarial activity of plants from the Brazilian Amazon.

    PubMed

    Lima, Renata B S; Rocha e Silva, Luiz F; Melo, Marcia R S; Costa, Jaqueline S; Picanço, Neila S; Lima, Emerson S; Vasconcellos, Marne C; Boleti, Ana Paula A; Santos, Jakeline M P; Amorim, Rodrigo C N; Chaves, Francisco C M; Coutinho, Julia P; Tadei, Wanderli P; Krettli, Antoniana U; Pohlit, Adrian M

    2015-12-18

    The anti-malarials quinine and artemisinin were isolated from traditionally used plants (Cinchona spp. and Artemisia annua, respectively). The synthetic quinoline anti-malarials (e.g. chloroquine) and semi-synthetic artemisinin derivatives (e.g. artesunate) were developed based on these natural products. Malaria is endemic to the Amazon region where Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax drug-resistance is of concern. There is an urgent need for new anti-malarials. Traditionally used Amazonian plants may provide new treatments for drug-resistant P. vivax and P. falciparum. Herein, the in vitro and in vivo antiplasmodial activity and cytotoxicity of medicinal plant extracts were investigated. Sixty-nine extracts from 11 plant species were prepared and screened for in vitro activity against P. falciparum K1 strain and for cytotoxicity against human fibroblasts and two melanoma cell lines. Median inhibitory concentrations (IC50) were established against chloroquine-resistant P. falciparum W2 clone using monoclonal anti-HRPII (histidine-rich protein II) antibodies in an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Extracts were evaluated for toxicity against murine macrophages (IC50) and selectivity indices (SI) were determined. Three extracts were also evaluated orally in Plasmodium berghei-infected mice. High in vitro antiplasmodial activity (IC50 = 6.4-9.9 µg/mL) was observed for Andropogon leucostachyus aerial part methanol extracts, Croton cajucara red variety leaf chloroform extracts, Miconia nervosa leaf methanol extracts, and Xylopia amazonica leaf chloroform and branch ethanol extracts. Paullinia cupana branch chloroform extracts and Croton cajucara red variety leaf ethanol extracts were toxic to fibroblasts and or melanoma cells. Xylopia amazonica branch ethanol extracts and Zanthoxylum djalma-batistae branch chloroform extracts were toxic to macrophages (IC50 = 6.9 and 24.7 µg/mL, respectively). Andropogon leucostachyus extracts were the most selective (SI >28

  15. Ethnobotanical study of some Ghanaian anti-malarial plants.

    PubMed

    Asase, Alex; Oteng-Yeboah, Alfred A; Odamtten, George T; Simmonds, Monique S J

    2005-06-03

    An ethnobotanical study was conducted in the Wechiau Community Hippopotamus Sanctuary area in Ghana, through interviews and quadrate studies, to investigate the range and abundance of species used in the treatment of malaria. Forty-one species belonging to 17 families were encountered during the study. Of the 17 families studied Leguminosae and Anacardiaceae predominated in terms of number of species used to treat malaria. Eight plant species namely, Afraegle paniculata (Rutaceae), Haematostaphis barteri (Anacardiaceae), Indigo era pulchra (Leguminosae), Monanthotaxis sp. (Annonaceae), Ozoroa insignis (Anacardiaceae), Strychnos innocua (Loganiaceae), Strychnos spinosa (Loganiaceae) and Xeroderris stuhlmannii (Leguminosae) have not previously been documented for the treatment of malaria in Ghana. The results are discussed and recommendations made for future research to support the conservation and sustainable harvesting of the species reported to have medicinal properties.

  16. Galls and gall makers in plants from the Pé-de-Gigante Cerrado Reserve, Santa Rita do Passa Quatro, SP, Brazil.

    PubMed

    Urso-Guimarães, M V; Scareli-Santos, C

    2006-02-01

    Thirty-six morphologically different types of galls were obtained in leaves, leaflets, veins, petioles, stems, tendrils and flower buds from twenty-five species of plants in the Pé-de-Gigante Reserve, municipality of Santa Rita do Passa Quatro, state of São Paulo, Brazil. The host plant species belong to the closely related families Anacardiaceae, Annonaceae, Asteraceae, Bignoniaceae, Caryocaraceae, Erythroxylaceae, Fabaceae, Malpighiaceae, Melastomataceae, Myrtaceae, Ochnaceae, Polygalaceae, Sapindaceae, Sapotaceae, and Smilacaceae. The most common gall makers included Cecidomyiidae (Diptera), Pteromalidae (Hymenoptera) and Diaspididae (Sternorrhyncha-Hemiptera). This is the first report of galls found in the following plant genera: Gochnatia (Asteraceae), Distictela (Bignoniaceae), Banisteriopsis (Malpighiaceae), Ouratea (Ochnaceae), and Bredemeyera (Polygalaceae). The results of this work contribute to the body of knowledge about the relationship among host plants, gall makers, and the gall morphology of Pé-de-Gigante Cerrado Reserve.

  17. Antiplasmodial dimeric chalcone derivatives from the roots of Uvaria siamensis.

    PubMed

    Salae, Abdul-Wahab; Chairerk, Orapan; Sukkoet, Piyanut; Chairat, Therdsak; Prawat, Uma; Tuntiwachwuttikul, Pittaya; Chalermglin, Piya; Ruchirawat, Somsak

    2017-03-01

    Four dimeric chalcone derivatives, 8″,9″-dihydrowelwitschin H, uvarins A-C, a naphthalene derivative, 2-hydroxy-3-methoxy-6-(4'- hydroxyphenyl)naphthalene, and the known dimeric chalcones, dependensin and welwitschin E, flavonoids, a cyclohexane oxide derivative, an aromatic aldehyde were isolated from the roots of Uvaria siamensis (Annonaceae). The structures of the compounds were elucidated by spectroscopic analysis, as well as by comparison with literature data. The isolated compounds with a sufficient amount for biological assays were evaluated for their antimalarial, antimycobacterial, and cytotoxic activities. The dimeric chalcones 8″,9″-dihydrowelwitschin H, uvarins B and C, dependensin and welwitschin E showed strong antiplasmodial activity with IC 50 values of 3.10, 3.02, 3.09, 4.21 and 3.99 μg/mL, respectively. A possible biosynthesis pathway of the dimeric chalcones is discussed. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  18. Effects of Acerola (Malpighia emarginata DC.) Juice Intake on Brain Energy Metabolism of Mice Fed a Cafeteria Diet.

    PubMed

    Leffa, Daniela Dimer; Rezin, Gislaine Tezza; Daumann, Francine; Longaretti, Luiza M; Dajori, Ana Luiza F; Gomes, Lara Mezari; Silva, Milena Carvalho; Streck, Emílio L; de Andrade, Vanessa Moraes

    2017-03-01

    Obesity is a multifactorial disease that comes from an imbalance between food intake and energy expenditure. Moreover, studies have shown a relationship between mitochondrial dysfunction and obesity. In the present study, we investigated the effect of acerola juices (unripe, ripe, and industrial) and its main pharmacologically active components (vitamin C and rutin) on the activity of enzymes of energy metabolism in the brain of mice fed a palatable cafeteria diet. Two groups of male Swiss mice were fed on a standard diet (STA) or a cafeteria diet (CAF) for 13 weeks. Afterwards, the CAF-fed animals were divided into six subgroups, each of which received a different supplement for one further month (water, unripe, ripe or industrial acerola juices, vitamin C, or rutin) by gavage. Our results demonstrated that CAF diet inhibited the activity of citrate synthase in the prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, and hypothalamus. Moreover, CAF diet decreased the complex I activity in the hypothalamus, complex II in the prefrontal cortex, complex II-III in the hypothalamus, and complex IV in the posterior cortex and striatum. The activity of succinate dehydrogenase and creatine kinase was not altered by the CAF diet. However, unripe acerola juice reversed the inhibition of the citrate synthase activity in the prefrontal cortex and hypothalamus. Ripe acerola juice reversed the inhibition of citrate synthase in the hypothalamus. The industrial acerola juice reversed the inhibition of complex I activity in the hypothalamus. The other changes were not reversed by any of the tested substances. In conclusion, we suggest that alterations in energy metabolism caused by obesity can be partially reversed by ripe, unripe, and industrial acerola juice.

  19. Rainforest air-conditioning: the moderating influence of epiphytes on the microclimate in tropical tree crowns

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Stuntz, Sabine; Simon, Ulrich; Zotz, Gerhard

    2002-05-01

    Epiphytes are often assumed to influence the microclimatic conditions of the tree crowns that they inhabit. In order to quantify this notion, we measured the parameters "temperature" (of the substrate surface and the boundary layer of air above it), "evaporative drying rate" and "evapotranspiration" at various locations within tree crowns with differing epiphyte assemblages. The host tree species was Annona glabra, which was either populated by one of three epiphyte species ( Dimerandra emarginata, Tillandsia fasciculata, or Vriesea sanguinolenta) or was epiphyte-free. We found that during the hottest and driest time of day, microsites in the immediate proximity of epiphytes had significantly lower temperatures than epiphyte-bare locations within the same tree crown, even though the latter were also shaded by host tree foliage or branches. Moreover, water loss through evaporative drying at microsites adjacent to epiphytes was almost 20% lower than at exposed microsites. We also found that, over the course of several weeks, the evapotranspiration in tree crowns bearing epiphytes was significantly lower than in trees without epiphytes. Although the influence of epiphytes on temperature extremes and evaporation rates is relatively subtle, their mitigating effect could be of importance for small animals like arthropods inhabiting an environment as harsh and extreme as the tropical forest canopy.

  20. New species and host plants of Anastrepha (Diptera: Tephritidae) primarily from Peru and Bolivia.

    PubMed

    Norrbom, Allen L; Rodriguez, Erick J; Steck, Gary J; Sutton, Bruce A; Nolazco, Norma

    2015-11-16

    Twenty-eight new species of Anastrepha are described and illustrated: A. acca (Bolivia, Peru), A. adami (Peru), A. amplidentata (Bolivia, Peru), A. annonae (Peru), A. breviapex (Peru), A. caballeroi (Peru), A. camba (Bolivia, Peru), A. cicra (Bolivia, Peru), A. disjuncta (Peru), A. durantae (Peru), A. echaratiensis (Peru), A. eminens (Peru), A. ericki (Peru), A. gonzalezi (Bolivia, Peru), A. guevarai (Peru), A. gusi (Peru), A. kimi (Colombia, Peru), A. korytkowskii (Bolivia, Peru), A. latilanceola (Bolivia, Peru), A. melanoptera (Peru), A. mollyae (Bolivia, Peru), A. perezi (Peru), A. psidivora (Peru), A. robynae (Peru), A. rondoniensis (Brazil, Peru), A. tunariensis (Bolivia, Peru), A. villosa (Bolivia), and A. zacharyi (Peru). The following host plant records are reported: A. amplidentata from Spondias mombin L. (Anacardiaceae); A. caballeroi from Quararibea malacocalyx A. Robyns & S. Nilsson (Malvaceae); A. annonae from Annona mucosa Jacq. and Annona sp. (Annonaceae); A. durantae from Duranta peruviana Moldenke (Verbenaceae); and A. psidivora from Psidium guajava L. (Myrtaceae).

  1. Squamocin, an annonaceous acetogenin, enhances naphthalene degradation mediated by Bacillus atrophaeus CN4.

    PubMed

    Parellada, Eduardo A; Igarza, Mercedes; Isacc, Paula; Bardón, Alicia; Ferrero, Marcela; Ameta, Keshav Lalit; Neske, Adriana

    Squamocin belongs to a group of compounds called annonaceous acetogenins. They are secondary products of Annonaceae metabolism and can be isolated from Annona cherimolia seeds. This paper deals with the stimulation of biofilm formation of Bacillus atrophaeus CN4 by employing low squamocin concentrations to increase naphthalene degradation. Bacillus atrophaeus CN4, isolated from contaminated soil, has the ability to degrade naphthalene as the only source of carbon and energy. In the absence of additional carbon sources, the strain removed 69% of the initial concentration of naphthalene (approx. 0.2mmol/l) in the first 12h of incubation. The addition of squamocin in LB medium stimulated Bacillus atrophaeus CN4 biofilm formation and enhanced naphthalene removal. Squamocin (2.5μg/ml) does not affect planktonic growth and therefore, the observed increases are solely due to the stimulation of biofilm formation. Copyright © 2017 Asociación Argentina de Microbiología. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

  2. The evolution of floral biology in basal angiosperms

    PubMed Central

    Endress, Peter K.

    2010-01-01

    In basal angiosperms (including ANITA grade, magnoliids, Choranthaceae, Ceratophyllaceae) almost all bisexual flowers are dichogamous (with male and female functions more or less separated in time), and nearly 100 per cent of those are protogynous (with female function before male function). Movements of floral parts and differential early abscission of stamens in the male phase are variously associated with protogyny. Evolution of synchronous dichogamy based on the day/night rhythm and anthesis lasting 2 days is common. In a few clades in Magnoliales and Laurales heterodichogamy has also evolved. Beetles, flies and thrips are the major pollinators, with various degrees of specialization up to large beetles and special flies in some large-flowered Nymphaeaceae, Magnoliaceae, Annonaceae and Aristolochiaceae. Unusual structural specializations are involved in floral biological adaptations (calyptras, inner staminodes, synandria and food bodies, and secretory structures on tepals, stamens and staminodes). Numerous specializations that are common in monocots and eudicots are absent in basal angiosperms. Several families are poorly known in their floral biology. PMID:20047868

  3. Effects of processing methods on composition and functionality of volatile components isolated from immature fruits of atemoya.

    PubMed

    Liu, Tai-Ti; Chao, Louis Kuo-Ping; Peng, Chi-Wei; Yang, Tsung-Shi

    2016-07-01

    Atemoya is one of the most important commercial fruits of the family Annonaceae. The immature fruits of atemoya amply produced from a fruit-thinning process is normally regarded as waste and discarded. This research aimed at studying antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities of the essential oil (EO) isolated from the immature fruits to explore its potential application. The fruits were subjected to different drying methods: solar drying (SD), oven drying at 30°C (OD-30), and at 50°C (OD-50). The oven drying method gave a higher EO yield than the solar drying method. Spathulenol was the largest compound in the EO after the drying process. Antimicrobial effect was not affected by the different drying methods. Antioxidant activity of the EO was measured by DPPH, nitric oxide, and reducing power methods. The EOOD-50 exhibited a stronger antioxidant activity than EOSD and EOOD-30. The EO also showed an anti-inflammatory activity in a cell model. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

  4. Chemical mimicry of insect oviposition sites: a global analysis of convergence in angiosperms.

    PubMed

    Jürgens, Andreas; Wee, Suk-Ling; Shuttleworth, Adam; Johnson, Steven D

    2013-09-01

    Floral mimicry of decaying plant or animal material has evolved in many plant lineages and exploits, for the purpose of pollination, insects seeking oviposition sites. Existing studies suggest that volatile signals play a particularly important role in these mimicry systems. Here, we present the first large-scale phylogenetically informed study of patterns of evolution in the volatile emissions of plants that mimic insect oviposition sites. Multivariate analyses showed strong convergent evolution, represented by distinct clusters in chemical phenotype space of plants that mimic animal carrion, decaying plant material, herbivore dung and omnivore/carnivore faeces respectively. These plants deploy universal infochemicals that serve as indicators for the main nutrients utilised by saprophagous, coprophagous and necrophagous insects. The emission of oligosulphide-dominated volatile blends very similar to those emitted by carrion has evolved independently in at least five plant families (Annonaceae, Apocynaceae, Araceae, Orchidaceae and Rafflesiaceae) and characterises plants associated mainly with pollination by necrophagous flies and beetles. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons Ltd/CNRS.

  5. Screening of Venezuelan medicinal plant extracts for cytostatic and cytotoxic activity against tumor cell lines.

    PubMed

    Taylor, Peter; Arsenak, Miriam; Abad, María Jesús; Fernández, Angel; Milano, Balentina; Gonto, Reina; Ruiz, Marie-Christine; Fraile, Silvia; Taylor, Sofía; Estrada, Omar; Michelangeli, Fabian

    2013-04-01

    There are estimated to be more than 20,000 species of plants in Venezuela, of which more than 1500 are used for medicinal purposes by indigenous and local communities. Only a relatively small proportion of these have been evaluated in terms of their potential as antitumor agents. In this study, we screened 308 extracts from 102 species for cytostatic and cytotoxic activity against a panel of six tumor cell lines using a 24-h sulphorhodamine B assay. Extracts from Clavija lancifolia, Hamelia patens, Piper san-vicentense, Physalis cordata, Jacaranda copaia, Heliotropium indicum, and Annona squamosa were the most cytotoxic, whereas other extracts from Calotropis gigantea, Hyptis dilatata, Chromolaena odorata, Siparuna guianensis, Jacaranda obtusifolia, Tapirira guianensis, Xylopia aromatica, Protium heptaphyllum, and Piper arboreum showed the greatest cytostatic activity. These results confirm previous reports on the cytotoxic activities of the above-mentioned plants as well as prompting further studies on others such as C. lancifolia and H. dilatata that have not been so extensively studied. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

  6. Pollen development in Annona cherimola Mill. (Annonaceae). Implications for the evolution of aggregated pollen

    PubMed Central

    Lora, Jorge; Testillano, Pilar S; Risueño, Maria C; Hormaza, Jose I; Herrero, Maria

    2009-01-01

    Background In most flowering plants, pollen is dispersed as monads. However, aggregated pollen shedding in groups of four or more pollen grains has arisen independently several times during angiosperm evolution. The reasons behind this phenomenon are largely unknown. In this study, we followed pollen development in Annona cherimola, a basal angiosperm species that releases pollen in groups of four, to investigate how pollen ontogeny may explain the rise and establishment of this character. We followed pollen development using immunolocalization and cytochemical characterization of changes occurring from anther differentiation to pollen dehiscence. Results Our results show that, following tetrad formation, a delay in the dissolution of the pollen mother cell wall and tapetal chamber is a key event that holds the four microspores together in a confined tapetal chamber, allowing them to rotate and then bind through the aperture sites through small pectin bridges, followed by joint sporopollenin deposition. Conclusion Pollen grouping could be the result of relatively minor ontogenetic changes beneficial for pollen transfer or/and protection from desiccation. Comparison of these events with those recorded in the recent pollen developmental mutants in Arabidopsis indicates that several failures during tetrad dissolution may convert to a common recurring phenotype that has evolved independently several times, whenever this grouping conferred advantages for pollen transfer. PMID:19874617

  7. Pollen development in Annona cherimola Mill. (Annonaceae). Implications for the evolution of aggregated pollen.

    PubMed

    Lora, Jorge; Testillano, Pilar S; Risueño, Maria C; Hormaza, Jose I; Herrero, Maria

    2009-10-29

    In most flowering plants, pollen is dispersed as monads. However, aggregated pollen shedding in groups of four or more pollen grains has arisen independently several times during angiosperm evolution. The reasons behind this phenomenon are largely unknown. In this study, we followed pollen development in Annona cherimola, a basal angiosperm species that releases pollen in groups of four, to investigate how pollen ontogeny may explain the rise and establishment of this character. We followed pollen development using immunolocalization and cytochemical characterization of changes occurring from anther differentiation to pollen dehiscence. Our results show that, following tetrad formation, a delay in the dissolution of the pollen mother cell wall and tapetal chamber is a key event that holds the four microspores together in a confined tapetal chamber, allowing them to rotate and then bind through the aperture sites through small pectin bridges, followed by joint sporopollenin deposition. Pollen grouping could be the result of relatively minor ontogenetic changes beneficial for pollen transfer or/and protection from desiccation. Comparison of these events with those recorded in the recent pollen developmental mutants in Arabidopsis indicates that several failures during tetrad dissolution may convert to a common recurring phenotype that has evolved independently several times, whenever this grouping conferred advantages for pollen transfer.

  8. Inhibition of multidrug/xenobiotic resistance transporter by MK571 improves dye (Fura 2) accumulation in crustacean tissues from lobster, shrimp, and isopod.

    PubMed

    Lüders, Ann-Katrin; Saborowski, Reinhard; Bickmeyer, Ulf

    2009-09-01

    Multidrug/xenobiotic resistance transporters are present in living organisms as a first line defence system against small, potentially harmful molecules from the environment or from internal metabolic reactions. Multidrug resistance associated proteins (MRP) are one type of ATP-Binding-Cassette (ABC) transporters, which also transport dyes such as Fura 2, a calcium chelating fluorescence indicator. The specific MRP inhibitor MK571 was used to investigate the fluorescence intensity of cells in tissues of the brain and the midgut gland of the crustaceans Homarus gammarus (lobster), Crangon crangon (brown shrimp) and Idotea emarginata (isopod) during incubation with Fura 2AM (1 microM). In the presence of the inhibitor MK571 (50 microM), the fluorescence of brain tissue significantly increased in all of the three species. The midgut gland of H. gammarus showed a significant increase of fluorescence, whereas there was no effect in the midgut glands of C. crangon and I. baltica. The half maximal concentration of MK571 was 50 microM as measured in the midgut gland of H. gammarus. In conclusion, MRP transporters are present in the three investigated crustacean nervous systems. Using the midgut glands of the three species, only in H. gammarus MK571 inhibited dye extrusion, indicating species-specific differences of transporter systems, their specificity, or tissue specific expression.

  9. Toxicity evaluation of some traditional African spices on breast cancer cells and isolated rat hepatic mitochondria.

    PubMed

    Choumessi, Aphrodite T; Loureiro, Rute; Silva, Ana M; Moreira, Ana C; Pieme, Anatole C; Tazoacha, Asonganyi; Oliveira, Paulo J; Penlap, Véronique B

    2012-11-01

    Fagara leprieuri (FL), Fagara xanthoxyloïdes (FX), Mondia whitei (MW) and Xylopia aethiopica (XA) are used in many African countries as food spices or in traditional medicine to treat several maladies. In this work, we (a) investigate whether the crude spice extracts present selective cytotoxicity for breast cancer cell lines and (b) investigate whether the same extracts affect the bioenergetics and calcium susceptibility of isolated liver mitochondrial fractions. All extracts were cytotoxic to the cell lines studied, with the exception of MW, which was less toxic for a normal cell line. Interestingly, some of the extracts did not depolarize mitochondria in intact breast cancer MCF-7 cells, although this effect was observed in a normal breast cancer cell line (MCF-12A). All extracts increased hepatic mitochondrial state 2/4 respiration and decreased the respiratory control ratio and the transmembrane electric potential. Also, the extracts induced the mitochondrial permeability transition (MPT). Mitochondrial toxicity may be part of the mechanism by which the spices tested cause inhibition of proliferation and death in the cell lines tested. This study also warrants caution in the excessive use of these spices for human consumption. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  10. Fossil wood flora from the Siwalik Group of Arunachal Pradesh, India and its climatic and phytogeographic significance

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Srivastava, Gaurav; Mehrotra, R. C.; Srikarni, C.

    2018-02-01

    The plant fossil records from the Siwalik Group of Arunachal Pradesh, India are far from satisfactory due to remoteness and dense vegetation of the area. We report seven fossil woods of which three belong to the Middle Siwalik (Subansiri Formation), while the rest are from the Upper Siwalik (Kimin Formation). The modern analogues of the fossils from the Middle Siwalik are Lophopetalum littorale (Celastraceae), Afzelia-Intsia and Sindora siamensis (Fabaceae) and from the Upper Siwalik are Miliusa velutina (Annonaceae), Calophyllum tomentosum and Kayea (Calophyllaceae) and Diospyros melanoxylon (Ebenaceae). The dominance of diffuse porosity in the fossil woods indicates a tropical climate with low seasonality (little variation) in temperature, while a high proportion of large vessels and simple perforation plates in the assemblage infer high precipitation during the deposition of the sediments. The aforesaid inference is in strong agreement with the previous quantitative reconstruction based on fossil leaves. Several modern analogues of the fossil taxa are now growing in low latitudes possibly due to an increase in seasonality (increased variation) in temperature caused by the rising Himalaya.

  11. A premilinary survey of tree species in the habitat of Rafflesia at Sungai Kenau, Raub, Pahang, Malaysia

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Juhari, Mohd Afiq Aizat; Adam, Jumaat Haji; Ishak, Siti Amirah

    2016-11-01

    A study was conducted to determine the floristic composition of the Sungai Kenau, Raub, Pahang. The study area was located in the lowland dipterocarp forest where logging and forest opening were common in Malaysia and the area have a population of Rafflesia. The method used was plotting with size of 100 m ×10 m for each plot. Each plot was then divided into 10 subplots measuring 10 m ×10 m. All trees with diameter at breast height (DBH) of 5 cm and above was measured and recorded. Results showed that there were 623 individual trees in an area of 0.5 hectares which includes 50 families, 98 genera and 140 species. Annonaceae was the most dominant family in the study area, while the dominant species in the entire study area was Saraca cauliflora (Leguminosae). The contribution of this study were the presence of tree species from Macaranga which can be used as biological indicator to detect the presence of an open area in the forest while Saraca cauliflora can also be a biological indicator that indicated the present of riparian areas.

  12. Chemical constituents and antioxidant activity of the essential oil from leaves of Annona vepretorum Mart. (Annonaceae).

    PubMed

    Araújo, Camila de Souza; de Oliveira, Ana Paula; Lima, Rafaely Nascimento; Alves, Péricles Barreto; Diniz, Tâmara Coimbra; da Silva Almeida, Jackson Roberto Guedes

    2015-01-01

    Annona vepretorum (AV) is a native tree from Caatinga biome (semiarid region of Brazil) popularly known as "araticum" and "pinha da Caatinga." This study was carried out to evaluate the chemical constituents and antioxidant activity (AA) of the essential oil from the leaves from AV (EO-Av) collected in Petrolina, Pernambuco, Brazil. Fresh leaves of AV were cut into pieces, and subjected to distillation for 2 h in a clevenger-type apparatus. Gas chromatograph (GC) analyses were performed using a mass spectrometry/flame ionization detector. The identification of the constituents was assigned on the basis of comparison of their relative retention indices. The antioxidant ability of the EO was investigated through two in vitro models such as radical scavenging activity using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl method and β-carotene-linoleate-model system. The positive controls (ascorbic acid, butylated hydroxyanisole and butylated hydroxytoluene) were those using the standard solutions. Assays were carried out in triplicate. The oil showed a total of 21 components, and 17 were identified, representing 93.9% of the crude EO. Spathulenol (43.7%), limonene (20.5%), caryophyllene oxide (8.1%) and α-pinene (5.5%) were found to be the major individual constituents. Spathulenol and caryophyllene oxide could be considered chemotaxonomic markers of these genera. The EO demonstrated weak AA.

  13. Comparing the analytical performances of Micro-NIR and FT-NIR spectrometers in the evaluation of acerola fruit quality, using PLS and SVM regression algorithms.

    PubMed

    Malegori, Cristina; Nascimento Marques, Emanuel José; de Freitas, Sergio Tonetto; Pimentel, Maria Fernanda; Pasquini, Celio; Casiraghi, Ernestina

    2017-04-01

    The main goal of this study was to investigate the analytical performances of a state-of-the-art device, one of the smallest dispersion NIR spectrometers on the market (MicroNIR 1700), making a critical comparison with a benchtop FT-NIR spectrometer in the evaluation of the prediction accuracy. In particular, the aim of this study was to estimate in a non-destructive manner, titratable acidity and ascorbic acid content in acerola fruit during ripening, in a view of direct applicability in field of this new miniaturised handheld device. Acerola (Malpighia emarginata DC.) is a super-fruit characterised by a considerable amount of ascorbic acid, ranging from 1.0% to 4.5%. However, during ripening, acerola colour changes and the fruit may lose as much as half of its ascorbic acid content. Because the variability of chemical parameters followed a non-strictly linear profile, two different regression algorithms were compared: PLS and SVM. Regression models obtained with Micro-NIR spectra give better results using SVM algorithm, for both ascorbic acid and titratable acidity estimation. FT-NIR data give comparable results using both SVM and PLS algorithms, with lower errors for SVM regression. The prediction ability of the two instruments was statistically compared using the Passing-Bablok regression algorithm; the outcomes are critically discussed together with the regression models, showing the suitability of the portable Micro-NIR for in field monitoring of chemical parameters of interest in acerola fruits. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  14. Patterns of the parasite communities in a fish assemblage of a river in the Brazilian Amazon region.

    PubMed

    Baia, Raimundo Rosemiro Jesus; Florentino, Alexandro Cezar; Silva, Luís Maurício Abdon; Tavares-Dias, Marcos

    2018-06-26

    This paper characterizes the pattern of ectoparasite and endoparasite communities in an assemblage of 35 sympatric fish from different trophic levels in a tributary from the Amazon River system, northern Brazil. In detritivorous, carnivorous, omnivorous and piscivorous hosts, the species richness consisted of 82 ectoparasites and endoparasites, but protozoan ectoparasites such as Ichthyophthirius multifiliis, Piscinoodinium pillulare and Tripartiella sp. were dominant species predominated, such that they were present in 80% of the hosts. The taxon richness was in the following order: Monogenea > Nematoda > Digenea > Crustacea > Protozoa > Acanthocephala = Cestoda > Hirudinea. Among the hosts, the highest number of parasitic associations occurred in Satanoperca jurupari, Aequidens tetramerus, Hoplerythrinus unitaeniatus, Hoplosternum littorale, Cichlasoma amazonarum, Chaetobranchus flavescens, Squaliforma emarginata, Chaetobranchopsis orbicularis and Hoplias malabaricus. A weak positive correlation between ectoparasite abundance and length of the hosts was observed. Ectoparasite communities of detritivorous, carnivorous and omnivorous hosts were similar, but these differed from the communities of piscivorous hosts. Larval endoparasite species with low host specificity were the main determinants of the parasite infracommunity structure of the fish assemblage. Fish assemblage had few species of helminth that were specialist endoparasites, while many were parasites at the larval stage, infecting intermediate and paratenic hosts. Finally, carnivorous and omnivorous hosts harbored endoparasite communities that were more heterogeneous than those of detritivorous and piscivorous hosts. This result lends supports to the notion that the feeding habits of the host species are a significant factor in determining the endoparasites fauna.

  15. Aqueous Extract of Annona macroprophyllata: A Potential α-Glucosidase Inhibitor

    PubMed Central

    Brindis, F.; González-Trujano, M. E.; González-Andrade, M.; Aguirre-Hernández, E.; Villalobos-Molina, R.

    2013-01-01

    Annona genus contains plants used in folk medicine for the treatment of diabetes. In the present study, an aqueous extract prepared from Annona macroprophyllata (Annonaceae, also known as A. diversifolia) leaves was evaluated on both the activity of yeast α-glucosidase (an in vitro assay) and sucrose tolerance in Wistar rats. The results have shown that the aqueous extract from A. macroprophyllata inhibits the yeast α-glucosidase with an IC50 = 1.18 mg/mL, in a competitive manner with a K i = 0.97 mg/mL, a similar value to that of acarbose (K i = 0.79 mg/mL). The inhibitory activity of A. macroprophyllata was reinforced by its antihyperglycemic effect, at doses of 100, 300, and 500 mg/kg in rats. Chromatographic analysis identified the flavonoids rutin and isoquercitrin in the most polar fractions of A. macroprophyllata crude extract, suggesting that these flavonoids are part of the active constituents in the plant. Our results support the use of A. macroprophyllata in Mexican folk medicine to control postprandial glycemia in people with diabetes mellitus, involving active constituents of flavonoid nature. PMID:24298552

  16. Antitumour Activity of the Microencapsulation of Annona vepretorum Essential Oil.

    PubMed

    Bomfim, Larissa M; Menezes, Leociley R A; Rodrigues, Ana Carolina B C; Dias, Rosane B; Rocha, Clarissa A Gurgel; Soares, Milena B P; Neto, Albertino F S; Nascimento, Magaly P; Campos, Adriana F; Silva, Lidércia C R C E; Costa, Emmanoel V; Bezerra, Daniel P

    2016-03-01

    Annona vepretorum Mart. (Annonaceae), popularly known as 'bruteira', has nutritional and medicinal uses. This study investigated the chemical composition and antitumour potential of the essential oil of A. vepretorum leaf alone and complexed with β-cyclodextrin in a microencapsulation. The essential oil was obtained by hydrodistillation using a Clevenger-type apparatus and analysed using GC-MS and GC-FID. In vitro cytotoxicity of the essential oil and some of its major constituents in tumour cell lines from different histotypes was evaluated using the alamar blue assay. Furthermore, the in vivo efficacy of essential oil was demonstrated in mice inoculated with B16-F10 mouse melanoma. The essential oil included bicyclogermacrene (35.71%), spathulenol (18.89%), (E)-β-ocimene (12.46%), α-phellandrene (8.08%), o-cymene (6.24%), germacrene D (3.27%) and α-pinene (2.18%) as major constituents. The essential oil and spathulenol exhibited promising cytotoxicity. In vivo tumour growth was inhibited by the treatment with the essential oil (inhibition of 34.46%). Importantly, microencapsulation of the essential oil increased in vivo tumour growth inhibition (inhibition of 62.66%). © 2015 Nordic Association for the Publication of BCPT (former Nordic Pharmacological Society).

  17. A Mesoamerican origin of cherimoya (Annona cherimola Mill.): Implications for the conservation of plant genetic resources.

    PubMed

    Larranaga, N; Albertazzi, F J; Fontecha, G; Palmieri, M; Rainer, H; van Zonneveld, M; Hormaza, J I

    2017-08-01

    Knowledge on the structure and distribution of genetic diversity is a key aspect to plan and execute an efficient conservation and utilization of the genetic resources of any crop as well as for determining historical demographic inferences. In this work, a large data set of 1,765 accessions of cherimoya (Annona cherimola Mill, Annonaceae), an underutilized fruit tree crop native to the Neotropics and used as a food source by pre-Columbian cultures, was collected from six different countries across the American continent and amplified with nine highly informative microsatellite markers. The structure analyses, fine representation of the genetic diversity and an ABC approach suggest a Mesoamerican origin of the crop, contrary to previous reports, with clear implications for the dispersion of plant germplasm between Central and South America in pre-Columbian times. These results together with the potential distribution of the species in a climatic change context using two different climate models provide new insights for the history and conservation of extant genetic resources of cherimoya that can be applied to other currently underutilized woody perennial crops. © 2017 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  18. Corrective effects of acerola (Malpighia emarginata DC.) juice intake on biochemical and genotoxical parameters in mice fed on a high-fat diet.

    PubMed

    Leffa, Daniela Dimer; da Silva, Juliana; Daumann, Francine; Dajori, Ana Luiza Formentin; Longaretti, Luiza Martins; Damiani, Adriani Paganini; de Lira, Fabio; Campos, Fernanda; Ferraz, Alexandre de Barros Falcão; Côrrea, Dione Silva; de Andrade, Vanessa Moraes

    2014-12-01

    Acerola contains high levels of vitamin C and rutin and shows the corresponding antioxidant properties. Oxidative stress on the other hand is an important factor in the development of obesity. In this study, we investigated the biochemical and antigenotoxic effects of acerola juice in different stages of maturity (unripe, ripe and industrial) and its main pharmacologically active components vitamin C and rutin, when given as food supplements to obese mice. Initial HPLC analyses confirmed that all types of acerola juice contained high levels of vitamin C and rutin. DPPH tests quantified the antioxidant properties of these juices and revealed higher antioxidant potentials compared to pure vitamin C and rutin. In an animal test series, groups of male mice were fed on a standard (STA) or a cafeteria (CAF) diet for 13 weeks. The latter consisted of a variety of supermarket products, rich in sugar and fat. This CAF diet increased the feed efficiency, but also induced glucose intolerance and DNA damage, which was established by comet assays and micronucleus tests. Subsequently, CAF mice were given additional diet supplements (acerola juice, vitamin C or rutin) for one month and the effects on bone marrow, peripheral blood, liver, kidney, and brain were examined. The results indicated that food supplementation with ripe or industrial acerola juice led to a partial reversal of the diet-induced DNA damage in the blood, kidney, liver and bone marrow. For unripe acerola juice food supplementation, beneficial effects were observed in blood, kidney and bone marrow. Food supplementation with vitamin C led to decreased DNA damage in kidney and liver, whereas rutin supplementation led to decreased DNA damage in all tissue samples observed. These results suggest that acerola juice helps to reduce oxidative stress and may decrease genotoxicity under obesogenic conditions. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  19. An isobolographic analysis of the antinociceptive effect of xylopic acid in combination with morphine or diclofenac

    PubMed Central

    Woode, Eric; Ameyaw, Elvis Ofori; Abotsi, Wonder Kofi Mensah; Boakye-Gyasi, Eric

    2015-01-01

    Background: A common practice of managing pain globally is the combination of analgesics and this is aimed at facilitating patient compliance, simplifying prescription, and improving efficacy without increasing adverse effects. Fruit extracts of Xylopia aethiopica are used traditionally in the management of pain disorders and xylopic acid (XA) present in the fruit extract have been shown to possess analgesic properties in animals. There is the likelihood of concomitant use of XA and the commonly used analgesics in traditional settings. This study, therefore, evaluated the pharmacologic interaction between XA/morphine and xylopic/diclofenac combinations. Methods: The formalin test and acetic acid writhing test were used to study the antinociceptive activity of XA, morphine, and diclofenac. The isobolographic analysis was used to study the antinociceptive interactions between XA co-administered with morphine or diclofenac. Results: Results obtained revealed that XA (10–100 mg/kg), morphine (1–10 mg/kg), and diclofenac (1–10 mg/kg) produced dose-related antinociception with different potencies in the formalin and acetic acid writhing tests. Isobolographic analysis of XA/morphine and XA/diclofenac combinations revealed potentiation of their antinociceptive effects. The degree of potentiation calculated as interaction index showed synergism for both combinations in all the nociceptive tests. Conclusion: In conclusion, the present study demonstrated synergism for the co-administration of XA with morphine or diclofenac. PMID:26692735

  20. Induction of Mitochondria Mediated Apoptosis in Human Breast Cancer Cells (T-47D) by Annona reticulata L. Leaves Methanolic Extracts.

    PubMed

    Roham, Pratiksha H; Kharat, Kiran R; Mungde, Priyanka; Jadhav, Mahadev A; Makhija, Surinder J

    2016-01-01

    Annona reticulata Linn. (Common name: Bullock's-heart) (Annonaceae family) is a semi-evergreen and small deciduous tree. The extracts of various parts of Annona reticulata L. have been reported as cytotoxic to many cancer cells. Annona reticulata L. leaves' methanolic extract (ARME) was prepared and used against the breast cancer cells. The breast cancer cells (T-47D) viability and IC50 were evaluated by Vybrant® MTT Cell Proliferation Assay Kit. Detection of phosphatidylserine on membranes of apoptotic cells was done by Attune flow cytometer. RNA transcripts were quantified in ARME treated and untreated cells. Finally, the Vybrant® FAM Poly Caspases assay kit was used for analysis of polycaspases activity in T-47D cells. The IC50 (5 ± 0.5 µg/mL) of the ARME was found against breast cancer cells (T-47D). The Paclitaxel was used as a control standard drug for the study. The downregulation of Bcl-2 and upregulation of Bax and Bak, and caspases activation suggested induction of apoptosis in T-47D cells by ARME through mitochondrial pathway. The cell cycle halted at G2/M phase in the ARME treated cells. The ARME was found to be effective against Breast cancer cells (T-47D).

  1. Review of the species level taxonomy of the neotropical butterfly genus Oenomaus (Lycaenidae, Theclinae, Eumaeini)

    PubMed Central

    Faynel, Christophe; Busby, Robert C.; Robbins, Robert K.

    2012-01-01

    Abstract Seven new species of the Neotropical hairstreak genus Oenomaus are described: Oenomaus mancha Busby & Faynel, sp. n. (type locality Ecuador); Oenomaus gwenish Robbins & Faynel, sp. n. (type locality Panama); Oenomaus lea Faynel & Robbins, sp. n. (type locality Ecuador); Oenomaus myrteana Busby, Robbins & Faynel, sp. n. (type locality Ecuador); Oenomaus mentirosa Faynel & Robbins, sp. n. (type locality Peru); Oenomaus andi Busby & Faynel, sp. n. (type locality Ecuador) and Oenomaus moseri Robbins & Faynel, sp. n. (type locality Brazil, Santa Catarina). For each new Oenomaus species, we present diagnostic characters and notes on its habitat and biology. We illustrate adults, genitalia, and distribution. New distributional and biological data are presented for 21 previously described Oenomaus species. Oenomaus melleus guyanensis Faynel, 2008 is treated as a new synonym of Oenomaus melleus melleus (Druce, 1907). Females are described and associated with males for ten species using a variety of factors, including mitochondrial COI DNA “barcode” sequences. We summarize the reasons why the number of recognized Oenomaus species has grown in the past decade from one species to 28 species. Finally, we overview the habitats that Oenomaus species occupy and note that the agricultural pest on Annonaceae, Oenomaus ortygnus, is the only Oenomaus species that regularly occurs in greatly disturbed habitats. PMID:23129985

  2. Folate-modified Annonaceous acetogenins nanosuspensions and their improved antitumor efficacy

    PubMed Central

    Hong, Jingyi; Sun, Zhonghao; Li, Yijing; Guo, Yifei; Liao, Yonghong; Liu, Meifeng; Wang, Xiangtao

    2017-01-01

    Annonaceous acetogenins (ACGs) are a large family of fatty acid derived natural products that are exclusively isolated from the Annonaceae species. Many members of this diverse family have a broad spectrum of biological activities, the most impressive of which is anticancer activity. However, their poor solubility and severe toxicity restrict their clinical application, and their complicated composition hinders their formulation and drug delivery. In this study, β-cyclodextrin was modified with folic acid (FA) and then combined with soybean lecithin to prepare FA-modified ACGs nanosuspensions (FA-ACGs-NSps). The obtained FA-ACGs-NSps had a high drug payload of 57.59% and average particle size of 199.5 nm, and they exhibited sustained drug release within 142 hours. In comparison with ACGs-NSps, FA-ACGs-NSps showed significantly enhanced cytotoxicity and higher cell uptake toward folate receptor-positive 4T1 cell lines. An in vivo study demonstrated that FA-ACGs-NSps more effectively accumulated in tumors and enhanced the antitumor therapeutic efficacy with less toxicity in 4T1 tumor bearing mice. Therefore, FA-ACGs-NSps may be a promising drug delivery system for ACGs to improve their therapeutic window and may be suitable for clinical application to treat folate-positive tumors. PMID:28765708

  3. In Situ Histochemical Localisation of Alkaloids and Acetogenins in the Endosperm and Embryonic Axis of Annona Macroprophyllata Donn. Sm. Seeds During Germination

    PubMed Central

    Brechú-Franco, A.E.; Laguna-Hernández, G.; De la Cruz-Chacón, I.; González-Esquinca, A.R.

    2016-01-01

    Currently, the Annonaceae family is characterised by the production of acetogenins (ACGs), and also by the biosynthesis of alkaloids, primarily benzylisoquinolines derived from tyrosine. The objective of this study was to confirm the presence of alkaloids and acetogenins in the idioblasts of the endosperm and the embryonic axis of A. macroprophyllata seeds in germination. The Dragendorff, Dittmar, Ellram, and Lugol reagents were used to test for alkaloids, and Kedde’s reagent was used to determine the presence of acetogenins in fresh sections of the endosperm and embryonic axis of seeds after twelve days of germination. A positive reaction was observed for all the reagents, and the presence of alkaloids and acetogenins was confirmed in the idioblasts of the endosperm and those involved in the differentiation of the embryonic axis of the developing seedling. We concluded that the idioblasts store both metabolites, acetogenins and alkaloids. Beginning at differentiation, the idioblasts of the embryonic axis simultaneously biosynthesise acetogenins and alkaloids that are characteristic of the species during the development of the seedling. The method used here can be applied to histochemically confirm the presence of acetogenins and alkaloids in tissues and structures of the plant in different stages of its life cycle. PMID:26972713

  4. Divergence of RNA polymerase α subunits in angiosperm plastid genomes is mediated by genomic rearrangement.

    PubMed

    Blazier, J Chris; Ruhlman, Tracey A; Weng, Mao-Lun; Rehman, Sumaiyah K; Sabir, Jamal S M; Jansen, Robert K

    2016-04-18

    Genes for the plastid-encoded RNA polymerase (PEP) persist in the plastid genomes of all photosynthetic angiosperms. However, three unrelated lineages (Annonaceae, Passifloraceae and Geraniaceae) have been identified with unusually divergent open reading frames (ORFs) in the conserved region of rpoA, the gene encoding the PEP α subunit. We used sequence-based approaches to evaluate whether these genes retain function. Both gene sequences and complete plastid genome sequences were assembled and analyzed from each of the three angiosperm families. Multiple lines of evidence indicated that the rpoA sequences are likely functional despite retaining as low as 30% nucleotide sequence identity with rpoA genes from outgroups in the same angiosperm order. The ratio of non-synonymous to synonymous substitutions indicated that these genes are under purifying selection, and bioinformatic prediction of conserved domains indicated that functional domains are preserved. One of the lineages (Pelargonium, Geraniaceae) contains species with multiple rpoA-like ORFs that show evidence of ongoing inter-paralog gene conversion. The plastid genomes containing these divergent rpoA genes have experienced extensive structural rearrangement, including large expansions of the inverted repeat. We propose that illegitimate recombination, not positive selection, has driven the divergence of rpoA.

  5. Divergence of RNA polymerase α subunits in angiosperm plastid genomes is mediated by genomic rearrangement

    PubMed Central

    Blazier, J. Chris; Ruhlman, Tracey A.; Weng, Mao-Lun; Rehman, Sumaiyah K.; Sabir, Jamal S. M.; Jansen, Robert K.

    2016-01-01

    Genes for the plastid-encoded RNA polymerase (PEP) persist in the plastid genomes of all photosynthetic angiosperms. However, three unrelated lineages (Annonaceae, Passifloraceae and Geraniaceae) have been identified with unusually divergent open reading frames (ORFs) in the conserved region of rpoA, the gene encoding the PEP α subunit. We used sequence-based approaches to evaluate whether these genes retain function. Both gene sequences and complete plastid genome sequences were assembled and analyzed from each of the three angiosperm families. Multiple lines of evidence indicated that the rpoA sequences are likely functional despite retaining as low as 30% nucleotide sequence identity with rpoA genes from outgroups in the same angiosperm order. The ratio of non-synonymous to synonymous substitutions indicated that these genes are under purifying selection, and bioinformatic prediction of conserved domains indicated that functional domains are preserved. One of the lineages (Pelargonium, Geraniaceae) contains species with multiple rpoA-like ORFs that show evidence of ongoing inter-paralog gene conversion. The plastid genomes containing these divergent rpoA genes have experienced extensive structural rearrangement, including large expansions of the inverted repeat. We propose that illegitimate recombination, not positive selection, has driven the divergence of rpoA. PMID:27087667

  6. A review of the genus Tuberaleyrodes Takahashi (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) with description of five new species from Brunei, Hong Kong and Malaysia.

    PubMed

    Dubey, Anil Kumar; Martin, Jon H

    2018-03-28

    The whitefly genus Tuberaleyrodes Takahashi is reviewed using types and determined specimens. The generic diagnosis is redefined together with description of five new species: T. bruneiensis Dubey Martin sp. nov. from Brunei, T. crypta Dubey Martin sp. nov. from Hong Kong, and T. ordo Dubey Martin sp. nov., T. aequalis Dubey Martin sp. nov. and T. variabilis Dubey Martin sp. nov. from Malaysia. New species descriptions are accompanied with camera lucida drawings and microphotographs of holotype and paratypes. Tuberaleyrodes actinodaphnis Takahashi is elevated from its status as a variety of T. machili Takahashi to species level. Lectotypes are selected for T. actinodaphnis Takahashi Stat. nov. and T. bobuae Takahashi. Tuberaleyrodes actinodaphnis Takahashi is a new record to Taiwan. A new combination, Tuberaleyrodes glutae (Corbett) Comb. nov. is proposed for Dialeurodes glutae Corbett. Two species, T. glutae (Corbett) and Tuberaleyrodes spiniferosa (Corbett) are re-described, and placement of T. spiniferosa in the genus Tuberaleyrodes is confirmed. The genus Tuberaleyrodes is newly recorded from Borneo and Sulawesi. An identification key to puparia of Tuberaleyrodes species so far described is provided along with the countries of present records. Four plants families viz., Annonaceae, Fabaceae, Myristicaceae and Pentaphylacaeae are recorded as new hosts for Tuberaleyrodes species. New host plant records are indicated.

  7. Chemical composition of the essential oil from the leaves of Anaxagorea brevipes (Annonaceae) and evaluation of its bioactivity.

    PubMed

    de Alencar, Danielle Cardoso; Pinheiro, Maria Lúcia Belém; Pereira, José Lamak da Silva; de Carvalho, João Ernesto; Campos, Francinete Ramos; Serain, Alessandra Freitas; Tirico, Ricardo Brunelli; Hernández-Tasco, Alvaro José; Costa, Emmanoel Vilaça; Salvador, Marcos José

    2016-01-01

    The essential oil obtained by hydrodistillation from leaves of Anaxagorea brevipes was analysed by gas chromatography fitted with a flame ionisation detector (GC-FID) and coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Thirty one components were identified, representing around 75.7% of total oil. The major components were β-eudesmol (13.16%), α-eudesmol (13.05%), γ-eudesmol (7.54%), guaiol (5.12%), caryophyllene oxide (4.18%) and β-bisabolene (4.10%). The essential oil showed antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive bacteria and yeast with the MIC values between 25.0 and 100 μg/mL. The highest antiproliferative activity was observed for the oil against MCF-7 (breast, TGI = 12.8 μg/mL), NCI-H460 (lung, TGI = 13.0 μg/mL) and PC-3 (prostate, TGI = 9.6 μg/mL) cell lines, while against no cancer cell line HaCat (keratinocyte) the TGI was 38.8 μg/mL. The oil exhibited a small antioxidant activity assessed through ORAC-FL assay (517 μmol TE/g). This is the first report regarding the chemical composition and bioactivity of A. brevipes essential oil.

  8. Leaf Litter Chemistry Drives the Structure and Composition of Soil Testate Amoeba Communities in a Tropical Montane Rainforest of the Ecuadorian Andes.

    PubMed

    Krashevska, Valentyna; Sandmann, Dorothee; Marian, Franca; Maraun, Mark; Scheu, Stefan

    2017-10-01

    We investigated the role of leaf litter chemistry and richness in affecting testate amoeba communities of tropical rainforest in the Ecuadorian Andes. Litterbags containing leaf litter from four dominating tree species (Clusia sp., Myrcia pubescens, Graffenrieda emarginata, and Cecropia andina) with richness 1, 2, and 4 species were established and exposed in the field for 12 months at 2000 m a.s.l. Chemical elements and compounds of leaf litter were analyzed before exposure. At the end of exposure, microbial biomass and litter mass loss were measured, and living testate amoeba species number, density, biomass, and community composition were determined. In total, 125 testate amoeba species colonized the litter in litterbags. The results suggest that high litter nitrogen and low lignin concentrations are indicators of high litter quality for testate amoebae density and species richness. Their species number and density significantly declined in the order 1 > 4 > 2 leaf litter species and varied with leaf litter chemistry being at a maximum in high-quality single leaf litter species and low in low-quality leaf litter. Further, the addition of litter of high-quality to low-quality litter increased testate amoebae biomass and density; however, the values did not exceed the ones in single high-quality litter treatments. Moreover, the structure of testate amoeba communities varied with litter chemistry, with Fe, Na, lignin, and litter C-to-N ratio being of major importance, and indicating that litter chemistry reflects habitat quality for testate amoebae. Overall, the data show that leaf litter chemistry overrides leaf litter richness in structuring testate amoeba communities.

  9. Estrogenic properties of spices of the traditional Cameroonian dish "Nkui" in ovariectomized Wistar rats.

    PubMed

    Tchoupang, Edwige Nana; Ateba, Sylvin Benjamin; Zingue, Stéphane; Zehl, Martin; Krenn, Liselotte; Njamen, Dieudonné

    2016-06-01

    Besides the basic role to flavor and color foods, several health benefits have been attributed to spices. The traditional Cameroonian food "Nkui" is prepared using several spices (Afrostyrax lepidophyllus Mildbr., Capsicum frutescens Linn., Fagara leprieurii Guill. et Perr., Fagara tessmannii Engl., Mondia whitei Hook. F. Skell., Pentadiplandra brazzeana Baill., Solanum gilo Raddi., Tetrapleura tetraptera Taub. and Xylopia parviflora A. Rich. Benthane) that are believed to have a positive impact on the female reproductive physiology. Aiming to determine the potential effect of this food on the female reproductive tract, we evaluated the estrogenic properties of aqueous and ethanol extracts of Nkui using a 3-day uterotrophic assay in ovariectomized (OVX) rats. OVX female Wistar rats were randomly separated in several groups of five animals each and submitted to a 3-day uterotrophic assay (per os). At the end of treatment, animals were sacrificed and uterus, vagina and mammary gland collected and fixed in 10 % formalin for histological analysis. These extracts increased the uterine wet weight, the uterine and vaginal epithelial heights, and the lumen and diameter of alveoli in the mammary glands. They also altered the estradiol-induced increase of uterine wet weight. The dichloromethane and methanol fractions of the ethanol extract exhibited estrogenic properties as well by increasing uterine and vaginal endpoints. These results suggest that the spices of "Nkui" contain estrogenic phytoconstituents and this traditional food may be considered as functional.

  10. Time-Dependent Trapping of Pollinators Driven by the Alignment of Floral Phenology with Insect Circadian Rhythms

    PubMed Central

    Lau, Jenny Y. Y.; Guo, Xing; Pang, Chun-Chiu; Tang, Chin Cheung; Thomas, Daniel C.; Saunders, Richard M. K.

    2017-01-01

    Several evolutionary lineages in the early divergent angiosperm family Annonaceae possess flowers with a distinctive pollinator trapping mechanism, in which floral phenological events are very precisely timed in relation with pollinator activity patterns. This contrasts with previously described angiosperm pollinator traps, which predominantly function as pitfall traps. We assess the circadian rhythms of pollinators independently of their interactions with flowers, and correlate these data with detailed assessments of floral phenology. We reveal a close temporal alignment between patterns of pollinator activity and the floral phenology driving the trapping mechanism (termed ‘circadian trapping’ here). Non-trapping species with anthesis of standard duration (c. 48 h) cannot be pollinated effectively by pollinators with a morning-unimodal activity pattern; non-trapping species with abbreviated anthesis (23–27 h) face limitations in utilizing pollinators with a bimodal circadian activity; whereas species that trap pollinators (all with short anthesis) can utilize a broader range of potential pollinators, including those with both unimodal and bimodal circadian rhythms. In addition to broadening the range of potential pollinators based on their activity patterns, circadian trapping endows other selective advantages, including the possibility of an extended staminate phase to promote pollen deposition, and enhanced interfloral movement of pollinators. The relevance of the alignment of floral phenological changes with peaks in pollinator activity is furthermore evaluated for pitfall trap pollination systems. PMID:28713403

  11. [Neurological syndromes linked with the intake of plants and fungi containing a toxic component (I). Neurotoxic syndromes caused by the ingestion of plants, seeds and fruits].

    PubMed

    Carod-Artal, F J

    A wide range of plants, seeds and fruits used for nutritional and medicinal purposes can give rise to neurotoxic symptoms. We review the neurological pathology associated with the acute or chronic consumption of plants, seeds and fruits in human beings and in animals. Of the plants that can trigger acute neurotoxic syndromes in humans, some of the most notable include Mandragora officinalis, Datura stramonium, Conium maculatum (hemlock), Coriaria myrtifolia (redoul), Ricinus communis, Gloriosa superba, Catharanthus roseus, Karwinskia humboldtiana and Podophyllum pelatum. We also survey different neurological syndromes linked with the ingestion of vegetable foodstuffs that are rich in cyanogenic glycosides, Jamaican vomiting sickness caused by Blighia sapida, Parkinson dementia ALS of Guam island and exposition to Cycas circinalis, Guadeloupean parkinsonism and exposition to Annonaceae, konzo caused by ingestion of wild manioc and neurolathyrism from ingestion of Lathyrus sativus, the last two being models of motor neurone disease. Locoism is a chronic disease that develops in livestock feeding on plants belonging to Astragalus and Oxytropis sp., Sida carpinifolia and Ipomea carnea, which are rich in swainsonine, a toxin that inhibits the enzyme alpha mannosidase and induces a cerebellar syndrome. The ingestion of neurotoxic seeds, fruits and plants included in the diet and acute poisoning by certain plants can give rise to different neurological syndromes, some of which are irreversible.

  12. Efficacy of Annona squamosa on wound healing in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

    PubMed

    Ponrasu, Thangavel; Suguna, Lonchin

    2012-12-01

    Annona squamosa L. (Annonaceae), commonly known as custard apple, mainly used for its edible fruit, is also recognised with numerous medicinal properties. As there is no report on the efficacy of this plant for wound healing, we examined the efficacy of ethanolic extract of A. squamosa leaves on wound repair in streptozotocin-nicotinamide-induced diabetic rats. Open excision wounds were made on the back of rats. The drug at a dosage of 100 mg/kg body wt was reconstituted in 200 µl of phosphate buffered saline and applied topically once daily for the treated wounds. The control wounds were left untreated. Wound tissues formed on days 4, 8, 12 and 16 (post-wound) were used to estimate DNA, total protein, total collagen, hexosamine and uronic acid. Levels of lipid peroxides were also evaluated along with tensile strength and period of epithelialisation. A. squamosa L. increased cellular proliferation and collagen synthesis at the wound site as evidenced by increase in DNA, protein and total collagen. The treated wounds were observed to heal much faster as proved by enhanced rates of epithelialisation and wound contraction, which was also confirmed by histopathological examinations. The results strongly substantiate the beneficial effects of the topical application of A. squamosa L. in the acceleration of normal and diabetic wound healing. © 2012 The Authors. © 2012 Blackwell Publishing Ltd and Medicalhelplines.com Inc.

  13. Identification of an annonaceous acetogenin mimetic, AA005, as an AMPK activator and autophagy inducer in colon cancer cells.

    PubMed

    Liu, Yong-Qiang; Cheng, Xin; Guo, Liang-Xia; Mao, Chan; Chen, Yi-Jie; Liu, Hai-Xia; Xiao, Qi-Cai; Jiang, Sheng; Yao, Zhu-Jun; Zhou, Guang-Biao

    2012-01-01

    Annonaceous acetogenins, a large family of naturally occurring polyketides isolated from various species of the plant genus Annonaceae, have been found to exhibit significant cytotoxicity against a variety of cancer cells. Previous studies showed that these compounds could act on the mitochondria complex-I and block the corresponding electron transport chain and terminate ATP production. However, more details of the mechanisms of action remain ambiguous. In this study we tested the effects of a set of mimetics of annonaceous acetogenin on some cancer cell lines, and report that among them AA005 exhibits the most potent antitumor activity. AA005 depletes ATP, activates AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and inhibits mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1) signal pathway, leading to growth inhibition and autophagy of colon cancer cells. AMPK inhibitors compound C and inosine repress, while AMPK activator AICAR enhances, AA005-caused proliferation suppression and subsequent autophagy of colon cancer cells. AA005 enhances the ATP depletion and AMPK activation caused by 2-deoxyglucose, an inhibitor of mitochondrial respiration and glycolysis. AA005 also inhibits chemotherapeutic agent cisplatin-triggered up-regulation of mTOR and synergizes with this drug in suppression of proliferation and induction of apoptosis of colon cancer cells. These data indicate that AA005 is a new metabolic inhibitor which exhibits therapeutic potentials in colon cancer.

  14. Medicinal plants used as excipients in the history in Ghanaian herbal medicine.

    PubMed

    Freiesleben, Sara Holm; Soelberg, Jens; Jäger, Anna K

    2015-11-04

    The present study was carried out to investigate the traditional use, pharmacology and active compounds of four plants commonly used as excipients in herbal medicine in Ghana. A comprehensive literature search was conducted to gain knowledge about the traditional use, pharmacology and active compounds of the four plant excipients. The broth dilution antibacterial assay and the DPPH radical scavenging antioxidant assay were used to evaluate the antibacterial and antioxidant activity of the plants, respectively. Ethanol, warm water and cold water extracts were prepared from the dried seeds/fruits of Aframomum melegueta, Piper guineense, Xylopia aethiopica and Monodora myristica, and tested in the assays. A. melegueta and P. guineense seemed to act as pharmacoenhancers, since they have been shown to inhibit specific CYP-enzymes. A. melegueta could act as an antioxidant to preserve herbal preparations. None of the plant excipients had antibacterial activity against the bacteria tested in this study. Compounds with an aromatic or pungent smell had been identified in all the plant excipients. An explanation for the use of the plants as excipients could rely on their taste properties. The present study suggests that there may be more than one simple explanation for the use of these four plants as excipients. Plausible explanations have been proven to be: (1) a way to increase the effect of the medicine, (2) a way to make the medicine more palatable or (3) a way to preserve the activity of the medicinal preparation over time. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

  15. Medicinal plants used by the people of Nsukka Local Government Area, south-eastern Nigeria for the treatment of malaria: An ethnobotanical survey.

    PubMed

    Odoh, Uchenna E; Uzor, Philip F; Eze, Chidimma L; Akunne, Theophine C; Onyegbulam, Chukwuma M; Osadebe, Patience O

    2018-05-23

    Malaria is a serious public health problem especially in sub-Saharan African countries such as Nigeria. The causative parasite is increasingly developing resistance to the existing drugs. There is urgent need for alternative and affordable therapy from medicinal plants which have been used by the indigenous people for many years. This study was conducted to document the medicinal plant species traditionally used by the people of Nsukka Local Government Area in south-eastern Nigeria for the treatment of malaria. A total of 213 respondents, represented by women (59.2%) and men (40.8%), were interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire. The results were analysed and discussed in the context of previously published information on anti-malarial and phytochemical studies of the identified plants. The survey revealed that 50 plant species belonging to 30 botanical families were used in this region for the treatment of malaria. The most cited families were Apocynaceae (13.3%), Annonaceae (10.0%), Asteraceae (10.0%), Lamiaceae (10.0%), Poaceae (10.0%), Rubiaceae (10.0%) and Rutaceae (10.0%). The most cited plant species were Azadirachta indica (11.3%), Mangifera indica (9.1%), Carica papaya (8.5%), Cymbopogon citratus (8.5%) and Psidium guajava (8.5%). The present findings showed that the people of Nsukka use a large variety of plants for the treatment of malaria. The identified plants are currently undergoing screening for anti-malarial, toxicity and chemical studies in our laboratory. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  16. Antitumor Properties of the Essential Oil From the Leaves of Duguetia gardneriana.

    PubMed

    Rodrigues, Ana Carolina B C; Bomfim, Larissa M; Neves, Sara P; Menezes, Leociley R A; Dias, Rosane B; Soares, Milena B P; Prata, Ana Paula N; Rocha, Clarissa A Gurgel; Costa, Emmanoel V; Bezerra, Daniel P

    2015-07-01

    Duguetia gardneriana, popularly known in the Brazilian northeast as "jaquinha", is a species belonging to the family Annonaceae. The aim of this work was to assess the chemical composition and antitumor properties of the essential oil from the leaves of D. gardneriana in experimental models. The chemical composition of the essential oil was analyzed via gas chromatography-flame ionization detector and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. In vitro cytotoxic activity was determined in cultured tumor cells, and in vivo antitumor activity was assessed in B16-F10-bearing mice. The identified compounds were β-bisabolene (80.99%), elemicin (8.04%), germacrene D (4.15%), and cyperene (2.82%). The essential oil exhibited a cytotoxic effect, with IC50 values of 16.89, 19.16, 13.08, and 19.33 µg/mL being obtained for B16-F10, HepG2, HL-60, and K562 cell lines, respectively. On the other hand, β-bisabolene was inactive in all of the tested tumor cell lines (showing IC50 values greater than 25 µg/mL). The in vivo analysis revealed tumor growth inhibition rates of 5.37-37.52% at doses of 40 and 80 mg/kg/day, respectively. Herein, the essential oil from the leaves of D. gardneriana presented β-bisabolene as the major constituent and showed cytotoxic and antitumor potential. Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

  17. Ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants used in the management of diabetes mellitus and hypertension in the Central Region of Togo.

    PubMed

    Karou, Simplice Damintoti; Tchacondo, Tchadjobo; Djikpo Tchibozo, Micheline Agassounon; Abdoul-Rahaman, Saliou; Anani, Kokou; Koudouvo, Koffi; Batawila, Komlan; Agbonon, Amegnona; Simpore, Jacques; de Souza, Comlan

    2011-12-01

    The Tem tribe in the Central Region of Togo is a population with an extensive knowledge of medicinal plants. However, little is known about their medical practices, principally the use of plants in the management of diabetes mellitus (DM) and hypertension (HTN). The present study documented the indigenous medicinal plant utilization for the management of DM and HTN in the Togo Central Region. From March to October 2010, 55 traditional healers were interviewed about their knowledge on the use of plants for DM and HTN treatment. The results revealed that 35/55 (63.64%) healers had treated at least one case of DM and/or HTN. They highlighted the use of 64 species belonging to 31 families in the treatment of DM and/or HTN. The most used plants against diabetes were Psidium guajava L. (Myrtaceae), Khaya senegalensis A. Juss. (Meliaceae), Sarcocephalus latifolius (Sm.) E.A. Bruce (Rubiaceae), Annona muricata L. (Annonaceae), Bridelia ferruginea Benth. (Phyllanthaceae), and Securidaca longepedunculata Fresen. (Polygalacae), while Allium sativum L. (Liliaceae) and Parkia biglobosa Benth. (Fabaceae), followed by Khaya senegalensis A. Juss. (Meliaceae), Gardenia ternifolia Schumach. (Rubiaceae), and Persea americana Mill. (Lauraceae) were the most commonly cited as antihypertensive. The issue revealed that traditional healers of the above mentioned region have basic knowledge regarding herbal medicine for DM and HTN in comparison with previous published reports. Further pharmacological screening of the identified plants should be conducted to ascertain the effectiveness of these plants.

  18. Cardiotoxicity of acetogenins from Persea americana occurs through the mitochondrial permeability transition pore and caspase-dependent apoptosis pathways.

    PubMed

    Silva-Platas, Christian; García, Noemí; Fernández-Sada, Evaristo; Dávila, Daniel; Hernández-Brenes, Carmen; Rodríguez, Dariana; García-Rivas, Gerardo

    2012-08-01

    Acetogenins are cell-membrane permeable, naturally occurring secondary metabolites of plants such as Annonaceae, Lauraceae and other related phylogenic families. They belong to the chemical derivatives of polyketides, which are synthesized from fatty acid precursors. Although acetogenins have displayed diverse biological activities, the anti-proliferative effect on human cancer cells has been widely reported. Acetogenins are inhibitors of complex I in the electron transport chain therefore they interrupt ATP synthesis in mitochondria. We tested a new acetogenins-enriched extract from the seed of Persea americana in order to investigate if any toxicity was induced on cardiac tissue and determine the involved mechanism. In isolated perfused heart we found that contractility was completely inhibited at an accumulative dose of 77 μg/ml. In isolated cardiomyocytes, the acetogenins-enriched extract induced apoptosis through the activation of the intrinsic pathway at 43 μg/ml. In isolated mitochondria, it inhibited complex I activity on NADH-linked respiration, as would be expected, but also induced permeability transition on succinate-linked respiration. Cyclosporine A, a known blocker of permeability transition, significantly prevented the permeability transition triggered by the acetogenins-enriched extract. In addition, our acetogenins-enriched extract inhibited ADP/ATP exchange, suggesting that an important element in phosphate or adenylate transport was affected. In this manner we suggest that acetogenins-enriched extract from Persea americana could directly modulate permeability transition, an entity not yet associated with the acetogenins' direct effects, resulting in cardiotoxicity.

  19. Evidence in support of the role of disturbance vegetation for women’s health and childcare in Western Africa

    PubMed Central

    2014-01-01

    Background In savannah-dominated Bénin, West Africa, and forest-dominated Gabon, Central Africa, plants are a major source of healthcare for women and children. Due to this high demand and the reliance on wild populations as sources for medicinal plants, overharvesting of African medicinal plants is a common concern. Few studies in Western Africa, however, have assessed variations in harvest patterns across different ecological zones and within local communities. Methods We investigated which vegetation types women accessed to harvest medicinal plants by conducting 163 questionnaires with market vendors and women from urban and rural communities. We made botanical vouchers of cited species and collected information on their vegetation type and cultivation status. Results Secondary vegetation was a crucial asset; over 80% of the 335 Beninese and 272 Gabonese plant species came from disturbance vegetation and home gardens. In Bénin, access to trade channels allowed female market vendors to use more vulnerable species than rural and urban women who harvested for personal use. In Gabon, no relationship was found between vulnerable plant use and informant type. Conclusions This study highlights the underemphasized point that secondary vegetation is an asset for women and children’s health in both savanna-dominated and forest-dominated landscapes. The use of disturbance vegetation demonstrates women’s resilience in meeting healthcare needs in the limited amount of space that is available to them. Species of conservation concern included forest species and savanna trees sold at markets in Bénin, especially Xylopia aethiopica, Khaya senegalensis, and Monodora myristica, and the timber trees with medicinal values in Gabon, such as Baillonella toxisperma. PMID:24885805

  20. Emerging therapeutic potential of graviola and its constituents in cancers.

    PubMed

    Qazi, Asif Khurshid; Siddiqui, Jawed A; Jahan, Rahat; Chaudhary, Sanjib; Walker, Larry A; Sayed, Zafar; Jones, Dwight T; Batra, Surinder K; Macha, Muzafar A

    2018-04-05

    Cancer remains a leading cause of death in the USA and around the world. Although the current synthetic inhibitors used in targeted therapies have improved patient prognosis, toxicity and development of resistance to these agents remain a challenge. Plant-derived natural products and their derivatives have historically been used to treat various diseases, including cancer. Several leading chemotherapeutic agents are directly or indirectly based on botanical natural products. Beyond these important drugs, however, a number of crude herbal or botanical preparations have also shown promising utility for cancer and other disorders. One such natural resource is derived from certain plants of the family Annonaceae, which are widely distributed in tropical and subtropical regions. Among the best known of these is Annona muricata, also known as soursop, graviola or guanabana. Extracts from the fruit, bark, seeds, roots and leaves of graviola, along with several other Annonaceous species, have been extensively investigated for anticancer, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Phytochemical studies have identified the acetogenins, a class of bioactive polyketide-derived constituents, from the extracts of Annonaceous species, and dozens of these compounds are present in different parts of graviola. This review summarizes current literature on the therapeutic potential and molecular mechanism of these constituents from A.muricata against cancer and many non-malignant diseases. Based on available data, there is good evidence that these long-used plants could have both chemopreventive and therapeutic potential. Appropriate attention to safety studies will be important to assess their effectiveness on various diseases caused or promoted by inflammation.

  1. Long-term man-environment interactions in the Bolivian Amazon: 8000 years of vegetation dynamics

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Brugger, Sandra O.; Gobet, Erika; van Leeuwen, Jacqueline F. N.; Ledru, Marie-Pierre; Colombaroli, Daniele; van der Knaap, W. O.; Lombardo, Umberto; Escobar-Torrez, Katerine; Finsinger, Walter; Rodrigues, Leonor; Giesche, Alena; Zarate, Modesto; Veit, Heinz; Tinner, Willy

    2016-01-01

    Only few studies documenting the vegetation history of the Llanos de Moxos, one of the largest seasonally flooded wetland areas in South America, are available and little is known about the environmental impact of pre-Columbian settlements. We use radiocarbon-dated terrestrial plant macrofossils to establish a sound chronology and palynological analyses to reconstruct the vegetation and fire history of the Lago Rogaguado area. The sedimentary pollen and spore record suggests that wetland and wooded savannah (Cerrado) environments occurred around the lake between 8100 and 5800 cal BP. Fire activity was high during this period and was probably connected to the dry Cerrado environments. The pollen evidence suggests early plant cultivation (Zea mays, Annonaceae and Cucurbitaceae) from 6500 cal BP onwards, which is significantly earlier than hitherto assumed for Amazonia. Gallery forests expanded after 5800 cal BP, when fire activity strongly declined. Forest expansion intensified around 2800 cal BP and continued until 2000 cal BP, when forest cover reached its maximum and fire activity its minimum. The late-Holocene forest expansion to the south and the decrease of fire activity may have resulted from a climatic shift to moister conditions (possibly a shorter dry season). New crops (e.g. Avena-type) or adventive plants (e.g. Rumex acetosella-type) document the impact of European economies after ca. 500 cal BP. Land use intensity remained rather stable over the most recent centuries, arguing against a collapse of settlements in response to the arrival of Europeans, as reconstructed from other Amazonian pollen records.

  2. Annona muricata leaves accelerate wound healing in rats via involvement of Hsp70 and antioxidant defence.

    PubMed

    Moghadamtousi, Soheil Zorofchian; Rouhollahi, Elham; Hajrezaie, Maryam; Karimian, Hamed; Abdulla, Mahmood Ameen; Kadir, Habsah Abdul

    2015-06-01

    Annona muricata, a member of the Annonaceae family, is commonly known as soursop and graviola. The leaves of this tropical fruit tree are widely used in folk medicine against skin diseases and abscesses, however there is no scientific evidence justifying the use of A. muricata leaves. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the wound healing potential of ethyl acetate extract of A. muricata leaves (EEAM) towards excisional wound models in rats. Sprague Dawley rats (24) were randomly divided into four groups, viz. (A) vehicle control, (B) low dose of EEAM (5% w/w), (C) high dose of EEAM (10% w/w) and (D) positive control with excisional wound created on the neck area. Wounds were topically dressed twice a day for 15 days. On the 15th day, animals were sacrificed and then processed for immunohistochemical and histological evaluations, including Hematoxylin & Eosin and Masson Trichrome stainings. The activity of antioxidants, namely catalase, glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase, and malondialdehyde (MDA) was measured in wound tissue homogenate. Macroscopic and microscopic analysis of wounds demonstrated a significant wound healing activity shown by EEAM at two doses. Treatment of wounds with ointment containing EEAM caused significant surge in antioxidants activities and decrease in the MDA level of wound tissues compared with vehicle control. The immunohistochemical evaluation revealed conspicuous up-regulation of Hsp70 in treated wounds with EEAM, suggesting the anti-inflammatory effect of EEAM. EEAM exhibited a promising wound healing potential towards excisional wound models in rats. Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

  3. Laboratory Evaluations of the Fractions Efficacy of Annona senegalensis (Annonaceae) Leaf Extract on Immature Stage Development of Malarial and Filarial Mosquito Vectors.

    PubMed

    Lame, Younoussa; Nukenine, Elias Nchiwan; Pierre, Danga Yinyang Simon; Elijah, Ajaegbu Eze; Esimone, Charles Okechukwu

    2015-12-01

    Within the framework to control mosquitoes, ovicidal, larvicidal and pupicidal activity of Annona senegalensis leaf extract and its 4 fractions against Anopheles gambiae and Culex quinquefasciatus were evaluated in the laboratory conditions. Ovicidal test was performed by submitting at least 100 eggs of mosquitoes to 125, 250, 500, 1000 and 2000 ppm concentrations, while larvicidal and pupicidal effects were assessed by submitting 25 larvae or pupae to the concentrations of 2500, 1250, 625 and 312.5 ppm of plant extract or fractions of A. senegalensis. The eggs of An. gambiae were most affected by N-hexane (0.00% hatchability) and chloroform (03.67% hatchability) fractions compared to Cx. quinquefasciatus where at least 25 % hatchability were recorded at 2000 ppm. For larvicidal test, N-hexane (LC50= 298.8 ppm) and chloroform (LC50= 418.3 ppm) fractions were more effective than other fractions on An. gambiae larvae while, a moderate effectiveness was also observed with N-hexane (LC50= 2087.6 ppm), chloroform (LC50= 9010.1 ppm) fractions on Cx. quinquefasciatus larvae. The highest mortality percent of the pupae were also recorded with N-hexane and chloroform fractions on An. gambiae at 2500 ppm. As for Cx. quinquefasciatus only 50 % and 36 % mortality were recorded with N-hexane and chloroform fractions respectively. The extract of A. senegalensis was toxic on immature stage of mosquito species tested. By splitting methanolic crude extract, only N-hexane and chloroform fractions were revealed to possess a mosquitocidal effects and could be considered and utilized for future immature mosquito vectors control.

  4. Laboratory Evaluations of the Fractions Efficacy of Annona senegalensis (Annonaceae) Leaf Extract on Immature Stage Development of Malarial and Filarial Mosquito Vectors

    PubMed Central

    Lame, Younoussa; Nukenine, Elias Nchiwan; Pierre, Danga Yinyang Simon; Elijah, Ajaegbu Eze; Esimone, Charles Okechukwu

    2015-01-01

    Background: Within the framework to control mosquitoes, ovicidal, larvicidal and pupicidal activity of Annona senegalensis leaf extract and its 4 fractions against Anopheles gambiae and Culex quinquefasciatus were evaluated in the laboratory conditions. Methods: Ovicidal test was performed by submitting at least 100 eggs of mosquitoes to 125, 250, 500, 1000 and 2000 ppm concentrations, while larvicidal and pupicidal effects were assessed by submitting 25 larvae or pupae to the concentrations of 2500, 1250, 625 and 312.5 ppm of plant extract or fractions of A. senegalensis. Results: The eggs of An. gambiae were most affected by N-hexane (0.00% hatchability) and chloroform (03.67% hatchability) fractions compared to Cx. quinquefasciatus where at least 25 % hatchability were recorded at 2000 ppm. For larvicidal test, N-hexane (LC50= 298.8 ppm) and chloroform (LC50= 418.3 ppm) fractions were more effective than other fractions on An. gambiae larvae while, a moderate effectiveness was also observed with N-hexane (LC50= 2087.6 ppm), chloroform (LC50= 9010.1 ppm) fractions on Cx. quinquefasciatus larvae. The highest mortality percent of the pupae were also recorded with N-hexane and chloroform fractions on An. gambiae at 2500 ppm. As for Cx. quinquefasciatus only 50 % and 36 % mortality were recorded with N-hexane and chloroform fractions respectively. Conclusion: The extract of A. senegalensis was toxic on immature stage of mosquito species tested. By splitting methanolic crude extract, only N-hexane and chloroform fractions were revealed to possess a mosquitocidal effects and could be considered and utilized for future immature mosquito vectors control. PMID:26623434

  5. Comparative Effects of Some Medicinal Plants: Anacardium occidentale, Eucalyptus globulus, Psidium guajava, and Xylopia aethiopica Extracts in Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Male Wistar Albino Rats.

    PubMed

    Okpashi, Victor Eshu; Bayim, Bayim Peter-Robins; Obi-Abang, Margaret

    2014-01-01

    Insulin therapy and oral antidiabetic agents/drugs used in the treatment of diabetes mellitus have not sufficiently proven to control hyperlipidemia, which is commonly associated with the diabetes mellitus. Again the hopes that traditional medicine and natural plants seem to trigger researchers in this area is yet to be discovered. This research was designed to compare the biochemical effects of some medicinal plants in alloxan-induced diabetic male Wistar rats using named plants that are best at lowering blood glucose and hyperlipidemia and ameliorating other complications of diabetes mellitus by methods of combined therapy. The results obtained showed 82% decrease in blood glucose concentration after the 10th hour to the fortieth hour. There was significant increase P < 0.05 in the superoxide dismutase activity of the test group administered 100 mg/kg of A. Occidentale. There was no significant difference P > 0.05 recorded in the glutathione peroxidase activity of E. globulus (100 mg/kg) when compared to the test groups of P. guajava (250 mg/kg) and X. aethiopica (250 mg/kg). Catalase activity showed significant increase P < 0.05 in the catalase activity, compared to test groups. While at P > 0.05, there was no significant difference seen between test group and treated groups. Meanwhile, degree of significance was observed in other parameters analysed. The biochemical analysis conducted in this study showed positive result, attesting to facts from previous works. Though these individual plants extracts exhibited significant increase in amelorating diabetes complication and blood glucose control compared to glibenclamide, a synthetic antidiabetic drug. Greater performance was observed in the synergy groups. Therefore, a poly/combined formulation of these plants extracts yielded significant result as well as resolving some other complications associated with diabetics.

  6. Comparative Effects of Some Medicinal Plants: Anacardium occidentale, Eucalyptus globulus, Psidium guajava, and Xylopia aethiopica Extracts in Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Male Wistar Albino Rats

    PubMed Central

    Okpashi, Victor Eshu; Bayim, Bayim Peter-Robins; Obi-Abang, Margaret

    2014-01-01

    Insulin therapy and oral antidiabetic agents/drugs used in the treatment of diabetes mellitus have not sufficiently proven to control hyperlipidemia, which is commonly associated with the diabetes mellitus. Again the hopes that traditional medicine and natural plants seem to trigger researchers in this area is yet to be discovered. This research was designed to compare the biochemical effects of some medicinal plants in alloxan-induced diabetic male Wistar rats using named plants that are best at lowering blood glucose and hyperlipidemia and ameliorating other complications of diabetes mellitus by methods of combined therapy. The results obtained showed 82% decrease in blood glucose concentration after the 10th hour to the fortieth hour. There was significant increase P < 0.05 in the superoxide dismutase activity of the test group administered 100 mg/kg of A. Occidentale. There was no significant difference P > 0.05 recorded in the glutathione peroxidase activity of E. globulus (100 mg/kg) when compared to the test groups of P. guajava (250 mg/kg) and X. aethiopica (250 mg/kg). Catalase activity showed significant increase P < 0.05 in the catalase activity, compared to test groups. While at P > 0.05, there was no significant difference seen between test group and treated groups. Meanwhile, degree of significance was observed in other parameters analysed. The biochemical analysis conducted in this study showed positive result, attesting to facts from previous works. Though these individual plants extracts exhibited significant increase in amelorating diabetes complication and blood glucose control compared to glibenclamide, a synthetic antidiabetic drug. Greater performance was observed in the synergy groups. Therefore, a poly/combined formulation of these plants extracts yielded significant result as well as resolving some other complications associated with diabetics. PMID:25525518

  7. An ethnobotanical study of plants used to treat liver diseases in the Maritime region of Togo.

    PubMed

    Kpodar, Madje S; Karou, Simplice D; Katawa, Gnatoulma; Anani, Kokou; Gbekley, Holaly E; Adjrah, Yao; Tchacondo, Tchadjobo; Batawila, Komlan; Simpore, Jacques

    2016-04-02

    In Togo, many persons still rely on plants for healing, however very little is known about the medicinal practices of the indigenous people. The present study aimed to document the medicinal plant utilization for the management of liver diseases in the Maritime region of the country. This was an ethnobotanical survey conducted in the Maritime region of Togo from June to August 2015. The data were gathered from 104 traditional healers (TH) by direct interviews using a semi-structured questionnaire. The calculated use values (UV) were used to analyze the importance of the cited plants. A total of 99 plant species belonging to 88 genera and 49 families were cited by the TH as curing the hepatic diseases. The most represented families were Caesalpiniaceae with 8 species, followed by Euphorbiaceae with 7 species, Apocynaceae and Asteraceae with 6 species each. The highest UV were recorded with Gomphrena celosioides (0.13), Xylopia ethiopica (0.12), Senna occidentalis (0.12), Bridelia ferruginea (0.12), Cymbopogon citratus (0.12), Kigellia Africana (0.09), Cassia sieberiana (0.08) and Sanseviera liberica (0.08), showing their importance in the management of liver dysfunction in the surveyed region. The main used parts were the leaves, followed by the roots, the whole plant, the rhizome and the bark, accounting for more than 10% each. The herbal medicines were mostly prepared in the form of decoction and administrated by oral route. This study showed that Maritime region of Togo has an important plant biodiversity that is exploited by the indigenous TH. However, some plants cited by the TH have not been studied for their possible hepatoprotective effects. These plants are therefore a starting point for biological screenings. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

  8. Efficacy of Thai herbal essential oils as green repellent against mosquito vectors.

    PubMed

    Soonwera, Mayura; Phasomkusolsil, Siriporn

    2015-02-01

    Repellency activity of Thai essential oils derived from ylang ylang (Cananga odorata (Lamk.) Hook.f. & Thomson: Annonaceae) and lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus (DC.) Stapf: Poaceae) were tested against two mosquito vectors, Aedes aegypti (L.) and Culex quinquefasciatus (Say). There were compared with two chemical repellents (DEET 20% w/w; Sketolene Shield(®) and IR3535, ethyl butylacetylaminopropionate 12.5% w/w; Johnson's Baby Clear Lotion Anti-Mosquito(®)). Each herbal repellent was applied in three diluents; coconut oil, soybean oil and olive oil at 0.33 μl/cm(2) on the forearm of volunteers. All herbal repellent exhibited higher repellent activity than IR3535 12.5% w/w, but lower repellent activity than DEET 20% w/w. The C. odorata oil in coconut oil exhibited excellent activity with 98.9% protection from bites of A. aegypti for 88.7±10.4 min. In addition, C. citratus in olive oil showed excellent activity with 98.8% protection from bites of C. quinquefasciatus for 170.0±9.0 min. While, DEET 20% w/w gave protection for 155.0±7.1-182.0±12.2 min and 98.5% protection from bites of two mosquito species. However, all herbal repellent provided lower repellency activity (97.4-98.9% protection for 10.5-88.7 min) against A. aegypti than C. quinquefasciatus (98.3-99.2% protection for 60-170 min). Our data exhibited that C. odorata oil and C. citratus oil are suitable to be used as green repellents for mosquito control, which are safe for humans, domestic animals and environmental friendly. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  9. Antioxidant and drug detoxification potential of aqueous extract of Annona senegalensis leaves in carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatocellular damage.

    PubMed

    Ajboye, Taofeek O; Yakubu, Musa T; Salau, Amadu K; Oladiji, Adenike T; Akanji, Musbau A; Okogun, Joseph I

    2010-12-01

     Despite the myriad uses of Annona senegalensis Pers. (Annonaceae) leaves in folklore medicine of Nigeria, the basis is yet to be substantiated by scientific investigations.  To investigate the antioxidant (in vitro and in vivo) and drug detoxification potential of aqueous extract of A. senegalensis leaves in CCl₄-induced hepatocellular damage.  In vitro antioxidant activity of the aqueous extract of A. senegalensis leaves was evaluated using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), H₂O₂, superoxide ion, 2,2'-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonate) (ABTS) and ferric ion models while in vivo antioxidant and drug detoxification activities of the extract at 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg body weight were done by assaying the levels of enzymic and non-enzymic indices in CCl₄-induced hepatocellular damage.  The extract at 1 mg/mL scavenged DPPH, H₂O₂, superoxide ion, and ABTS radicals, whereas ferric ion was significantly (P <0.05) reduced. The levels of alkaline and acid phosphatases, alanine and aspartate aminotransferases, superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, reduced glutathione, vitamins C and E, glutathione S-transferase, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (reduced):Quinone oxidoreductase, uridyl diphosphoglucuronyl transferase, malondialdehyde, and lipid hydroperoxide that decreased in CCl₄ treated animals were significantly attenuated by the extract in a manner similar to the animals treated with the reference drug.  The ability of the aqueous extract of A. senegalensis leaves to scavenge free radicals in vitro and reversal of CCl₄-induced hepatocellular damage in rats suggest antioxidant and drug detoxification activities. Overall, this study has justified the rationale behind some of the medicinal uses of the plant in folklore medicine of Nigeria.

  10. MPP+ analogs acting on mitochondria and inducing neuro-degeneration.

    PubMed

    Kotake, Y; Ohta, S

    2003-12-01

    This review focuses on the mechanisms of action and the injurious effect of complex I inhibitors, of which 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium ion (MPP(+)) is a well studied example. These compounds can be divided into two groups, i.e. competitive inhibitors with respect to ubiquinone, such as piericidine A, and non-competitive inhibitors such as rotenone. Complex I inhibitors such as MPP(+) have been reported to induce anatomical, behavioral, and biochemical changes similar to those seen in Parkinson's disease, which is characterized by nigrostriatal dopaminergic neuro-degeneration. Spectroscopic analyses and structure-activity relationship studies have indicated that the V-shaped structure of the rotenone molecule is critical for binding to the rotenone binding site on complex I. Many isoquinoline derivatives, some of them endogenous, are also complex I inhibitors. Many lines of evidence show that complex I inhibitors elicit neuronal cell death. Recently, it was reported that chronic and systemic exposure to low-dose rotenone reproduces the features of Parkinson's disease. This work further focused attention on compounds acting on mitochondria, such as MPP(+). In Guadeloupe, the French West Indies, patients with atypical parkinsonism or progressive supranuclear palsy are frequently encountered. These diseases seem to be associated with ingestion of tropical herbal teas or tropical fruits of the Annonaceae family, which contain complex I inhibitors such as benzylisoquinoline derivatives and acetogenins. Complex I inhibitors may not simply result in reactive oxygen species generation or ATP exhaustion, but may influence complex downstream signal transduction processes. An understanding of these changes would throw light on the ways in which complex I inhibitors induce a wide range of abnormalities.

  11. Preserving Traditional Botanical Knowledge: The Importance of Phytogeographic and Ethnobotanical Inventory of Peruvian Dye Plants

    PubMed Central

    Mostacero León, José; López Medina, Segundo E.; Yabar, Helmut; De La Cruz Castillo, Jordan

    2017-01-01

    Peru is a megadiverse country with native species of all kinds, including dye plants, which have been used for hundreds of years by the local population. Despite the fact that many of these natural dyes are of a superior quality compared to synthetic ones and do not have the harmful effects that the latter may cause to human health, due to the lack of documentation and dissemination, ethnobotanical knowledge is unfortunately being lost with the passing of generations. In order to preserve and spread such valuable knowledge, this study conducted a comprehensive taxonomic, phytogeographic, and ethnobotanical inventory of dye plants based on periodical botanical explorations in selected locations of Northern Peru during the span of two decades. A critical review of the specialized bibliography was then carried out and the findings were verified with the personal knowledge and experience of both the researchers and the local and regional people. The results of the inventory record 32 species of dye plants from Northern Peru distributed in 22 families, of which the following stand out due to the number of species: Fabaceae (5), Anacardiaceae (2), Annonaceae (2), Asteraceae (2), Berberidaceae (2), Rosaceae (2), and Solanaceae (2). Of the 32 dye species identified, four are considered endemic from Peru: Berberis buceronis J.F. Macbr., Caesalpinia paipai Ruiz & Pav., Coreopsis senaria S.F. Blake & Sherf., and Lomatia hirsuta (Lam.) Diels. The study also found that species such as Bixa orellana L., Indigofera suffruticosa Mill., Sambucus peruviana, and the lichen Usnea baileyi (Stirton) Zahlbr have not been commercially exploited in Peru despite the fact that they already constitute a great economic source for several countries. PMID:29258279

  12. Recruitment of hornbill-dispersed trees in hunted and logged forests of the Indian Eastern Himalaya.

    PubMed

    Sethi, Pia; Howe, Henry F

    2009-06-01

    Hunting of hornbills by tribal communities is widespread in logged foothill forests of the Indian Eastern Himalaya. We investigated whether the decline of hornbills has affected the dispersal and recruitment of 3 large-seeded tree species. We hypothesized that 2 low-fecundity tree species, Chisocheton paniculatus and Dysoxylum binectariferum (Meliaceae) bearing arillate fruits, are more dispersal limited than a prolifically fruiting drupaceous tree Polyalthia simiarum (Annonaceae), which has potential dispersers other than hornbills. We estimated the abundance of large avian frugivores during the fruiting season along transects in 2 protected and 2 disturbed forests. We compared recruitment of the tree species near (<10 m) and far (10-40 m) from parent trees at protected and disturbed sites. Median abundance of Great (Buceros bicornis), Wreathed (Aceros undulatus), and Oriental Pied Hornbills (Anthracoceros albirostris) were significantly lower in disturbed forests, but sites did not differ in abundances of the Mountain Imperial Pigeon (Ducula badia). Overall, tree species showed more severely depressed recruitment of seedlings (77% fewer) and juveniles (69% fewer) in disturbed than in protected forests. In disturbed forests, 93% fewer seedlings of C. paniculatus were beyond parental crowns, and a high number of all seedlings (42%) accumulated directly under reproductive adults. In contrast, D. binectariferum and P. simiarum were recruitment rather than dispersal limited, with fewer dispersed seedlings surviving in disturbed than in protected forests. Results are consistent with the idea that disturbance disrupts mutualisms between hornbills and some large-seeded food plants, with the caveat that role redundancy within even small and specialized disperser assemblages renders other tree species less vulnerable to loss of regular dispersal agents. ©2009 Society for Conservation Biology.

  13. Anti-ulcerogenic effect of methanolic extracts from Enicosanthellum pulchrum (King) Heusden against ethanol-induced acute gastric lesion in animal models.

    PubMed

    Nordin, Noraziah; Salama, Suzy Munir; Golbabapour, Shahram; Hajrezaie, Maryam; Hassandarvish, Pouya; Kamalidehghan, Behnam; Majid, Nazia Abdul; Hashim, Najihah Mohd; Omar, Hanita; Fadaienasab, Mehran; Karimian, Hamed; Taha, Hairin; Ali, Hapipah Mohd; Abdulla, Mahmood Ameen

    2014-01-01

    A natural source of medicine, Enicosanthellum pulchrum is a tropical plant which belongs to the family Annonaceae. In this study, methanol extract from the leaves and stems of this species was evaluated for its gastroprotective potential against mucosal lesions induced by ethanol in rats. Seven groups of rats were assigned, groups 1 and 2 were given Tween 20 (10% v/v) orally. Group 3 was administered omeprazole 20 mg/kg (10% Tween 20) whilst the remaining groups received the leaf and stem extracts at doses of 150 and 300 mg/kg, respectively. After an additional hour, the rats in groups 2-7 received ethanol (95% v/v; 8 mL/kg) orally while group 1 received Tween 20 (10% v/v) instead. Rats were sacrificed after 1 h and their stomachs subjected to further studies. Macroscopically and histologically, group 2 rats showed extremely severe disruption of the gastric mucosa compared to rats pre-treated with the E. pulchrum extracts based on the ulcer index, where remarkable protection was noticed. Meanwhile, a significant percentage of inhibition was shown with the stem extract at 62% (150 mg/kg) and 65% (300 mg/kg), whilst the percentage with the leaf extract at doses of 150 and 300 mg/kg was 63% and 75%, respectively. An increase in mucus content, nitric oxide, glutathione, prostaglandin E2, superoxide dismutase, protein and catalase, and a decrease in malondialdehyde level compared to group 2 were also obtained. Furthermore, immunohistochemical staining of groups 4-7 exhibited down-regulation of Bax and up-regulation of Hsp70 proteins. The methanol extract from the leaves and the stems showed notable gastroprotective potential against ethanol.

  14. Anti-Ulcerogenic Effect of Methanolic Extracts from Enicosanthellum pulchrum (King) Heusden against Ethanol-Induced Acute Gastric Lesion in Animal Models

    PubMed Central

    Nordin, Noraziah; Salama, Suzy Munir; Golbabapour, Shahram; Hajrezaie, Maryam; Hassandarvish, Pouya; Kamalidehghan, Behnam; Majid, Nazia Abdul; Hashim, Najihah Mohd; Omar, Hanita; Fadaienasab, Mehran; Karimian, Hamed; Taha, Hairin; Ali, Hapipah Mohd; Abdulla, Mahmood Ameen

    2014-01-01

    A natural source of medicine, Enicosanthellum pulchrum is a tropical plant which belongs to the family Annonaceae. In this study, methanol extract from the leaves and stems of this species was evaluated for its gastroprotective potential against mucosal lesions induced by ethanol in rats. Seven groups of rats were assigned, groups 1 and 2 were given Tween 20 (10% v/v) orally. Group 3 was administered omeprazole 20 mg/kg (10% Tween 20) whilst the remaining groups received the leaf and stem extracts at doses of 150 and 300 mg/kg, respectively. After an additional hour, the rats in groups 2–7 received ethanol (95% v/v; 8 mL/kg) orally while group 1 received Tween 20 (10% v/v) instead. Rats were sacrificed after 1 h and their stomachs subjected to further studies. Macroscopically and histologically, group 2 rats showed extremely severe disruption of the gastric mucosa compared to rats pre-treated with the E. pulchrum extracts based on the ulcer index, where remarkable protection was noticed. Meanwhile, a significant percentage of inhibition was shown with the stem extract at 62% (150 mg/kg) and 65% (300 mg/kg), whilst the percentage with the leaf extract at doses of 150 and 300 mg/kg was 63% and 75%, respectively. An increase in mucus content, nitric oxide, glutathione, prostaglandin E2, superoxide dismutase, protein and catalase, and a decrease in malondialdehyde level compared to group 2 were also obtained. Furthermore, immunohistochemical staining of groups 4–7 exhibited down-regulation of Bax and up-regulation of Hsp70 proteins. The methanol extract from the leaves and the stems showed notable gastroprotective potential against ethanol. PMID:25379712

  15. In vitro antifungal activity of fatty acid methyl esters of the seeds of Annona cornifolia A.St.-Hil. (Annonaceae) against pathogenic fungus Paracoccidioides brasiliensis.

    PubMed

    Lima, Luciana Alves Rodrigues dos Santos; Johann, Susana; Cisalpino, Patrícia Silva; Pimenta, Lúcia Pinheiro Santos; Boaventura, Maria Amélia Diamantino

    2011-01-01

    Fatty acids are abundant in vegetable oils. They are known to have antibacterial and antifungal properties. Antifungal susceptibility was evaluated by broth microdilution assay following CLSI (formerly the NCCLS) guidelines against 16 fungal strains of clinical interest. In this work, fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) was able to inhibit 12 clinical strains of the pathogenic fungus Paracoccidioides brasiliensis and were also active in the bioautographic assay against Cladosporium sphaerospermum. FAME was a more potent antifungal than trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole against P. brasiliensis under the experimental conditions tested.

  16. Grapefruit as a host for the West Indian fruit fly (Diptera: Tephritidae).

    PubMed

    Mangan, Robert L; Thomas, Donald B; Moreno, Aleena Tarshis; Robacker, David

    2011-02-01

    The most common hosts for the West Indian fruit fly, Anastrepha obliqua (Macquart) (Diptera: Tephritidae) are fruit in the family Anacardiaceae (mango [Mangifera L.] and mombin [Spondias L.] species). However, similar to many of the tropical fruit flies of major economic importance, this species attacks several other families of crop fruit, including Annonaceae (cherimoya, Annona cherimola Mill.), Myrtaceae (guava, Psidium L.), Oxalidaceae (carambola, Averrhoa carambola L.), Passifloraceae (granadilla, Passiflora quadrangularis Mill.), and Sapotaceae [mamey sapote, Pouteria sapota (Jacq.) H. E. Moore & Steam]. In the family Rutaceae the economically important genus Citrus has been reported and until recently considered a host for this fruit fly. In this study, we reviewed the taxonomy of A. obliqua, tested specific chemicals that may inhibit oviposition, compared egg-to-adult survival of A. obliqua on preferred hosts and on grapefruit (Citrus X paradisi Macfad.), and measured fruit tissue-specific developmental rates of A. obliqua and the known citrus breeding Mexican fruit fly, Anastrepha ludens (Loew) (Diptera: Tephritidae), from egg to pupae. Our literature review shows much confusion concerning the taxonomy of this and related Anastrepha species, including synonymies and confusion with other species. The deterrent effect of the highest concentration of flavonoids for oviposition, although significant, was not absolute. Experiments carried out under laboratory conditions showed 15-40 times greater survival of A. ludens (whose preferred hosts include Rutaceae) on grapefruit compared with A. obliqua for both tree attached and harvested fruit. Experiments of survival of developing stages over time showed that the two species oviposit into different tissues in the fruit, and mortality is much higher for the West Indian fruit fly in the flavedo and albedo of the fruit compared with the Mexican fruit fly.

  17. Annickia affinis and A. chlorantha (Enantia chlorantha)--A review of two closely related medicinal plants from tropical Africa.

    PubMed

    Olivier, D K; Van Vuuren, S F; Moteetee, A N

    2015-12-24

    Annickia affinis (Exell) Versteegh & Sosef, closely related to A. chlorantha Setten & P.J.Maas (both species also referred to as Enantia chlorantha Oliv.), from the Annonaceae family, are multi-purpose medicinal plants used widely across tropical Africa. The two Annickia species are morphologically distinct from each other and have different distribution patterns, but are frequently confused. Furthermore, the name Enantia chlorantha is an illegitimate name, but is still used today. A review of the literature was undertaken and an in-depth analysis of previous research and future prospectives are considered. While a myriad of publications cite the species "Enantia chlorantha", this is not the case for A. affinis and A. chlorantha, and no reviews are available for any of the species to date. Consequently, a summary of their ethnobotany, phytochemistry and biological properties is presented here (for the period 1933 - November 2014) in order to substantiate their traditional importance as medicines for rural people in Africa. To this effect, these species seem to be the preferred traditional treatments for malaria in tropical Africa, an area suffering heavily under the malaria pandemic. Their chemical composition is dominated particularly by various isoquinoline alkaloids, as well as by acetogenins and sesquiterpenes, which have been isolated from the bark and leaves. All three of these classes of compounds have been reported to exhibit noteworthy biological activity. Due to their widespread use, especially of the bark, these species have already been categorized as threatened with extinction. Consequently this study further aims to identify areas where more research needs to be conducted involving these important species, and also to suggest possible means of increasing the biological activities of their extracts as a way to conserve the species. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

  18. Antiprotozoal Constituents from Annona cherimola Miller, a Plant Used in Mexican Traditional Medicine for the Treatment of Diarrhea and Dysentery

    PubMed Central

    Calzada, Fernando; Correa-Basurto, Jose; Barbosa, Elizabeth; Mendez-Luna, David; Yepez-Mulia, Lilian

    2017-01-01

    Background: Annona cherimola Miller (Annonaceae) is a medicinal plant frequently recommended in Mexican traditional medicine for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders such as diarrhea and dysentery. Objective: This work was undertaken to obtain information that support the traditional use of A. cherimola, on pharmacological basis using in vitro and computational experiments. Material and Methods: Bioassay-guided fractionation of the ethanol extract of the leaves of A. cherimola afforded five phenolic compounds: caffeic acid, quercetin, kaempferol, nicotinflorin, and rutin. Results: The in vitro antiprotozoal assay showed that kaempferol was the most potent antiamoebic and antigiardial compound with IC50 values of 7.9 μg/mL for Entamoeba histolytica and 8.7 μg/mL for Giardia lamblia. Computational molecular docking study showed that kaempferol interacted in a region different than metronidazole in the enzyme pyruvate: ferredoxin oxidoreductase (PFOR). Conclusion: Considering that PFOR is a target of metronidazole; kaempferol may be a lead compound for the development of novel antiprotozoal agent. Also, these findings give support to the use of A. cherimola in the traditional medicine from México for the treatment of diarrhea and dysentery. SUMMARY Bioassay-guided fractionation of the ethanol extract of the leaves of Annona cherimola afforded five phenolic compounds: caffeic acid, quercetin, kaempferol, nicotinflorin and rutin. The in vitro antiprotozoal assay showed that kaempferol was the most potent antiamoebic and antigiardial compound with IC50 values of 7.9 μg/mL for Entamoeba histolytica and 8.7 μg/mL for Giardia lamblia. Computational molecular docking study showed that kaempferol interacted in a region different that metronidazole in the enzyme pyruvate: ferredoxin oxidoreductase. Abbreviations used: PFOR:Pyruvate:ferredoxin oxidoreductase, G: lamblia: Giardia lamblia, E: histolytica: Entamoeba histolytica PMID:28216899

  19. Characterizing the phylogenetic tree community structure of a protected tropical rain forest area in Cameroon.

    PubMed

    Manel, Stéphanie; Couvreur, Thomas L P; Munoz, François; Couteron, Pierre; Hardy, Olivier J; Sonké, Bonaventure

    2014-01-01

    Tropical rain forests, the richest terrestrial ecosystems in biodiversity on Earth are highly threatened by global changes. This paper aims to infer the mechanisms governing species tree assemblages by characterizing the phylogenetic structure of a tropical rain forest in a protected area of the Congo Basin, the Dja Faunal Reserve (Cameroon). We re-analyzed a dataset of 11538 individuals belonging to 372 taxa found along nine transects spanning five habitat types. We generated a dated phylogenetic tree including all sampled taxa to partition the phylogenetic diversity of the nine transects into alpha and beta components at the level of the transects and of the habitat types. The variation in phylogenetic composition among transects did not deviate from a random pattern at the scale of the Dja Faunal Reserve, probably due to a common history and weak environmental variation across the park. This lack of phylogenetic structure combined with an isolation-by-distance pattern of taxonomic diversity suggests that neutral dispersal limitation is a major driver of community assembly in the Dja. To assess any lack of sensitivity to the variation in habitat types, we restricted the analyses of transects to the terra firme primary forest and found results consistent with those of the whole dataset at the level of the transects. Additionally to previous analyses, we detected a weak but significant phylogenetic turnover among habitat types, suggesting that species sort in varying environments, even though it is not predominating on the overall phylogenetic structure. Finer analyses of clades indicated a signal of clustering for species from the Annonaceae family, while species from the Apocynaceae family indicated overdispersion. These results can contribute to the conservation of the park by improving our understanding of the processes dictating community assembly in these hyperdiverse but threatened regions of the world.

  20. Characterizing the Phylogenetic Tree Community Structure of a Protected Tropical Rain Forest Area in Cameroon

    PubMed Central

    Munoz, François; Couteron, Pierre; Hardy, Olivier J.; Sonké, Bonaventure

    2014-01-01

    Tropical rain forests, the richest terrestrial ecosystems in biodiversity on Earth are highly threatened by global changes. This paper aims to infer the mechanisms governing species tree assemblages by characterizing the phylogenetic structure of a tropical rain forest in a protected area of the Congo Basin, the Dja Faunal Reserve (Cameroon). We re-analyzed a dataset of 11538 individuals belonging to 372 taxa found along nine transects spanning five habitat types. We generated a dated phylogenetic tree including all sampled taxa to partition the phylogenetic diversity of the nine transects into alpha and beta components at the level of the transects and of the habitat types. The variation in phylogenetic composition among transects did not deviate from a random pattern at the scale of the Dja Faunal Reserve, probably due to a common history and weak environmental variation across the park. This lack of phylogenetic structure combined with an isolation-by-distance pattern of taxonomic diversity suggests that neutral dispersal limitation is a major driver of community assembly in the Dja. To assess any lack of sensitivity to the variation in habitat types, we restricted the analyses of transects to the terra firme primary forest and found results consistent with those of the whole dataset at the level of the transects. Additionally to previous analyses, we detected a weak but significant phylogenetic turnover among habitat types, suggesting that species sort in varying environments, even though it is not predominating on the overall phylogenetic structure. Finer analyses of clades indicated a signal of clustering for species from the Annonaceae family, while species from the Apocynaceae family indicated overdispersion. These results can contribute to the conservation of the park by improving our understanding of the processes dictating community assembly in these hyperdiverse but threatened regions of the world. PMID:24936786

  1. Gastroprotective effect of desmosdumotin C isolated from Mitrella kentii against ethanol-induced gastric mucosal hemorrhage in rats: possible involvement of glutathione, heat-shock protein-70, sulfhydryl compounds, nitric oxide, and anti-Helicobacter pylori activity

    PubMed Central

    2013-01-01

    Background Mitrella kentii (M. kentii) (Bl.) Miq, is a tree-climbing liana that belongs to the family Annonaceae. The plant is rich with isoquinoline alkaloids, terpenylated dihydrochalcones and benzoic acids and has been reported to possess anti-inflammatory activity. The purpose of this study is to assess the gastroprotective effects of desmosdumotin C (DES), a new isolated bioactive compound from M. kentii, on gastric ulcer models in rats. Methods DES was isolated from the bark of M. kentii. Experimental rats were orally pretreated with 5, 10 and 20 mg/kg of the isolated compound and were subsequently subjected to absolute ethanol-induced acute gastric ulcer. Gross evaluation, mucus content, gastric acidity and histological gastric lesions were assessed in vivo. The effects of DES on the anti-oxidant system, non-protein sulfhydryl (NP-SH) content, nitric oxide (NO)level, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) enzyme activity, bcl-2-associated X (Bax) protein expression and Helicabacter pylori (H pylori) were also investigated. Results DES pre-treatment at the administered doses significantly attenuated ethanol-induced gastric ulcer; this was observed by decreased gastric ulcer area, reduced or absence of edema and leucocytes infiltration compared to the ulcer control group. It was found that DES maintained glutathione (GSH) level, decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) level, increased NP-SH content and NO level and inhibited COX-2 activity. The compound up regulated heat shock protein-70 (HSP-70) and down regulated Bax protein expression in the ulcerated tissue. DES showed interesting anti-H pylori effects. The efficacy of DES was accomplished safely without any signs of toxicity. Conclusions The current study reveals that DES demonstrated gastroprotective effects which could be attributed to its antioxidant effect, activation of HSP-70 protein, intervention with COX-2 inflammatory pathway and potent anti H pylori effect. PMID:23866830

  2. The potential of fruit trees to enhance converted habitats for migrating birds in southern Mexico

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Foster, M.S.

    2007-01-01

    Migration routes used by Nearctic migrant birds can cover great distances; they also differ among species, within species, and between years and seasons. As a result, migration routes for an entire migratory avifauna can encompass broad geographic areas, making it impossible to protect continuous stretches of habitat sufficient to connect the wintering and breeding grounds for most species. Consequently, ways to enhance habitats converted for human use (i.e. for pasture, crop cultivation, human settlement) as stopover sites for migrants are especially important. Shelterbelts around pastures and fields, if planted with species targeted to support migrant (and resident) bird species that naturally occupy mature forest habitats and that are at least partially frugivorous, could be a powerful enhancement tool for such species, if the birds will enter the converted areas to feed. I tested this approach for Nearctic migrant birds during the spring migration through an area in Chiapas, Mexico. Mature forest tree species whose fruits are eaten by birds were surveyed. Based on life form, crop size and fruit characteristics, I selected three tree species for study: Cymbopetalum mayanum (Annonaceae), Bursera simaruba (Burseraceae) and Trophis racemosa (Moraceae). I compared the use of fruits of these species by migrants and residents in forest with their use of the fruits of isolated individuals of the same species in pasture and cropland. All three plant species were useful for enhancing converted habitats for forest-occupying spring migrants, although species differed in the degree to which they entered disturbed areas to feed on the fruits. These tree species could probably enhance habitats for migrants at sites throughout the natural geographic ranges of the plants; in other geographic areas for other target bird groups, other tree species might be more appropriate.

  3. Polyalthia longifolia Methanolic Leaf Extracts (PLME) induce apoptosis, cell cycle arrest and mitochondrial potential depolarization by possibly modulating the redox status in hela cells.

    PubMed

    Vijayarathna, Soundararajan; Oon, Chern Ein; Chen, Yeng; Kanwar, Jagat R; Sasidharan, Sreenivasan

    2017-05-01

    Medicinal plants have been accepted as a gold mine, with respect to the diversity of their phytochemicals. Many medicinal plants extracts are potential anticancer agents. Polyalthia longifolia var. angustifolia Thw. (Annonaceae) is one of the most significant native medicinal plants and is found throughout Malaysia. Hence, the present study was intended to assess the anticancer properties of P. longifolia leaf methanolic extract (PLME) and its underlying mechanisms. The Annexin V/PI flow cytometry analysis showed that PLME induces apoptosis in HeLa cells in dose-dependent manner whereas the PI flow cytometric analysis for cell cycle demonstrated the accumulation of cells at sub G0/G1, G0/G1 and G2/M phases. Investigation with JC-1 flow cytometry analysis indicated increase in mitochondria membrane potential depolarisation corresponding to increase in PLME concentrations. PLME was also shown to influence intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) by exerting anti-oxidant (half IC 50 ) and pro-oxidant (IC 50 and double IC 50 ) affect against HeLa cells. PLME treatment also displayed DNA damage in HeLa cells in concentration depended fashion. The proteomic profiling array exposed the expression of pro-apoptotic and anti-apoptotic proteins upon PLME treatment at IC 50 concentration in HeLa cells. Pro-apoptotic proteins; BAX, BAD, cytochrome c, caspase-3, p21, p27 and p53 were found to be significantly up-regulated while anti-apoptotic proteins; BCL-2 and BCL-w were found to be significantly down-regulated. This investigation postulated the role of p53 into mediating apoptosis, cell cycle arrest and mitochondrial potential depolarisation by modulating the redox status of HeLa cells. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

  4. Quantifying the domestic market in herbal medicine in Benin, West Africa.

    PubMed

    Quiroz, Diana; Towns, Alexandra; Legba, Sènan Ingrid; Swier, Jorik; Brière, Solène; Sosef, Marc; van Andel, Tinde

    2014-02-12

    Herbal medicine markets are essential in understanding the importance of medicinal plants amongst a country's inhabitants. They are also instrumental in identifying plant species with resource management priorities. To document the diversity of the medicinal plant market in Benin (West Africa), to quantify the weight of traded species in order to evaluate their economic value, and to make a first assessment of their vulnerability for commercial extraction. We quantitatively surveyed 22 market stalls of 16 markets in the country's eight largest urban areas. We collected all plant (parts) following standard botanical methods and recorded uses, prices and local names, and weighed and counted the numbers of sales units. We recorded 307 medicinal products corresponding to ca. 283 species. Thirty-five species were encountered in at least 25% of the surveyed stalls, from which ten are locally endangered or red-listed by the IUCN. Examples of vulnerable species included Caesalpinia bonduc, which has been declared extinct in the wild but is largely cultivated in home gardens, and was exploited for its seeds, roots, and leaves, and Zanthoxylum zanthoxyloides which was harvested for its bark, roots, and leaves. Other top-selling fruits and seeds included red-listed species: Monodora myristica, Xylopia aethiopica, and Schrebera arborea. Top-selling woody plant parts included the roots of Sarcocephalus latifolius, Mondia whitei, and the barks of Khaya senegalensis and Pteleopsis suberosa. All but Sarcocephalus latifolius and Pteleopsis subersosa were species with some threat status. Plants sold at the market were mainly used for ritual purposes, women's health, and to treat malaria and its symptoms. Our results suggest that the domestic medicinal plant market in Benin is of substantial economic importance. A volume of approximately 655 metric tons worth 2.7 million USD is offered for sale annually. Traditional spiritual beliefs seem to be a major driving force behind the trade

  5. Mutagenic screening of some commonly used medicinal plants in Nigeria.

    PubMed

    Akintonwa, Alade; Awodele, Olufunsho; Afolayan, Gbenga; Coker, Herbert A B

    2009-09-25

    The uses of medicinal plants have always been part of human culture. The World Health Organization estimates that up to 80% of the world's population relies on traditional medicinal system for some aspect of primary health care. However, there are few reports on the toxicological properties of most medicinal plants especially, their mutagenicity and carcinogenicity. Therefore, this research is to determine the mutagenic potentials of Morinda lucida [Oruwo (Root)], Azadirachta indica [Dongoyaro (Leaf)], Terapluera tetraptera [Aridan (Fruit)], Plumbago zeylanica [Inabiri (Root)], Xylopia aethiopica [Erunje (Fruit)], Newbouldia laevis [Akoko (Leaf)], Alstonia boonei [Ahun (Bark)], Enantia chlorantha [Awopa (Bark)], and Rauvolfia vomitoria [Asofeyeje (Root)] using the Allium cepa Linn. model and the modified Ames assay. Allium cepa model was used to determine the mean root length, mitotic index and chromosomal aberrations effects of these plants on onion bulbs using 0.1, 1, 5 and 10mg/ml concentration of the plant extracts. The modified Ames test which is a modification of the standard Ames test as described by Ames et al. [Ames, B.N., McCann, J., Yamasaki, E., 1975. Methods for detecting carcinogens and mutagens with the Salmonella/mammalian microsome mutagenicity test. Mutation Research 31, 347-364] was done using Escherichia coli (0157:H7) that has the phenotypic characteristics of glucose and lactose fermentation, motile, urease negative, indole positive and citrate negative. The results obtained from Allium cepa assay showed increasing root growth inhibition with increased concentration, decreasing mitotic index with increased concentration and chromosomal aberrations. The modified Ames test showed an alteration in the biochemical characteristics of Escherichia coli (0157:H7) for all plants except Rauvolfia vomitoria and Plumbago zeylanica. Three of the medicinal plants altered at least three of the normal biochemical characteristics thus demonstrating mutagenic

  6. Single and Multiple Visual Systems in Arthropods

    PubMed Central

    Wald, George

    1968-01-01

    Extraction of two visual pigments from crayfish eyes prompted an electrophysiological examination of the role of visual pigments in the compound eyes of six arthropods. The intact animals were used; in crayfishes isolated eyestalks also. Thresholds were measured in terms of the absolute or relative numbers of photons per flash at various wavelengths needed to evoke a constant amplitude of electroretinogram, usually 50 µv. Two species of crayfish, as well as the green crab, possess blue- and red-sensitive receptors apparently arranged for color discrimination. In the northern crayfish, Orconectes virilis, the spectral sensitivity of the dark-adapted eye is maximal at about 550 mµ, and on adaptation to bright red or blue lights breaks into two functions with λmax respectively at about 435 and 565 mµ, apparently emanating from different receptors. The swamp crayfish, Procambarus clarkii, displays a maximum sensitivity when dark-adapted at about 570 mµ, that breaks on color adaptation into blue- and red-sensitive functions with λmax about 450 and 575 mµ, again involving different receptors. Similarly the green crab, Carcinides maenas, presents a dark-adapted sensitivity maximal at about 510 mµ that divides on color adaptation into sensitivity curves maximal near 425 and 565 mµ. Each of these organisms thus possesses an apparatus adequate for at least two-color vision, resembling that of human green-blinds (deuteranopes). The visual pigments of the red-sensitive systems have been extracted from the crayfish eyes. The horse-shoe crab, Limulus, and the lobster each possesses a single visual system, with λmax respectively at 520 and 525 mµ. Each of these is invariant with color adaptation. In each case the visual pigment had already been identified in extracts. The spider crab, Libinia emarginata, presents another variation. It possesses two visual systems apparently differentiated, not for color discrimination but for use in dim and bright light, like

  7. Pliocene palaeotemperature reconstruction for the southern North Sea Based on Ostracoda

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Wood, A.M.; Whatley, R.C.; Cronin, T. M.; Holtz, T.

    1993-01-01

    (second phase late Pliocene cooling, ca. 2.4 Ma BP) which again saw the reintroduction of cryophilic species including Baffinicythere howei Hazel, Fimarchinella logani (Brady, Crosskey and Robertson) and Hemicythere emarginata (Sars), into the southern North Sea during the Newbournian and Butleyan stages. The final phase of the latest Pliocene (third phase late Pliocene cooling) is only documented in the ostracod fauna of the Norwich Crag. Evidence in the covariance of Loxoconchidae and Norwegian provincial cryophilic species, indicates that the Polar Front may have been as much as 2000 km further south during the deposition of the Chillesford Sand Member (Norwich Crag Fm., ca. 2.0-1.6 Ma BP). ?? 1994.

  8. [Chemical characteristics of the pulp and oil of the annona tree (Annona coriaceae)].

    PubMed

    Agostini, T da S; Cecchi, H M; Barrera-Arellano, D

    1995-09-01

    Belonging to the Annonaceae family, marolo (Annona coriaceae) is a native species of the Brazilian "cerrado" región (Minas Gerais, Goiás and Distrito Federal) and can be found in South American tropical zones. Its fruits are highly consumed by local people and commercialized in markets or street stalls. There is, however, a tendency for the extinction of marolo due to deforestation and the large scale plantation of monocultures instead of native plants. The literature still offers no data on the chemical composition of the proximate composition and vitamin C, A and tannin contents were carried out on the yellow marolo pulp as well as the determination of the physico-chemical characteristics of the seed oil. Five batches of fruit from the Alfenas region--south of Minas Gerais State--were analysed in this work and their average composition were: humidity 77%, total sugar 15%, reducing sugar 11%, crude protein 1%, lipids 3%, fiber 5% and fixed mineral residue 1%. The contents of vitamin C and A were 8.2 mg/100g and 117.5 RE/100g, respectively, and the tannin content was 245 mg/100g. The results showed high fiber and lipid contents of marolo pulp in comparison with many other tropical fruit pulps. The vitamin C contents were equivalent to those found in avocado, pineapple and watermelon, while the vitamin A contents were equivalent to papaya, peach, guava and several other tropical fruits. Marolo seed contains 45% of oil on a dry basis. Its composition and physico-chemical characteristics showed the possibility of producing a good quality oil, with great potential for the fine oil market. However the presence of alkaloids in the oil needs to be further studied. Their elimination could be done by refining or extraction in a continuous press. The results exalt the high quality of marolo pulp, showing that the preservation of native species should be stimulated.

  9. Liriodenine, an aporphine alkaloid from Enicosanthellum pulchrum, inhibits proliferation of human ovarian cancer cells through induction of apoptosis via the mitochondrial signaling pathway and blocking cell cycle progression

    PubMed Central

    Nordin, Noraziah; Majid, Nazia Abdul; Hashim, Najihah Mohd; Rahman, Mashitoh Abd; Hassan, Zalila; Ali, Hapipah Mohd

    2015-01-01

    Enicosanthellum pulchrum is a tropical plant from Malaysia and belongs to the Annonaceae family. This plant is rich in isoquinoline alkaloids. In the present study, liriodenine, an isoquinoline alkaloid, was examined as a potential anticancer agent, particularly in ovarian cancer. Liriodenine was isolated by preparative high-performance liquid chromatography. Cell viability was performed to determine the cytotoxicity, whilst the detection of morphological changes was carried out by acridine orange/propidium iodide assay. Initial and late apoptosis was examined by Annexin V-fluorescein isothiocyanate and DNA laddering assays, respectively. The involvement of pathways was detected via caspase-3, caspase-8, and caspase-9 analyses. Confirmation of pathways was further performed in mitochondria using a cytotoxicity 3 assay. Apoptosis was confirmed at the protein level, including Bax, Bcl-2, and survivin, while interruption of the cell cycle was used for final validation of apoptosis. The result showed that liriodenine inhibits proliferation of CAOV-3 cells at 37.3 μM after 24 hours of exposure. Changes in cell morphology were detected by the presence of cell membrane blebbing, chromatin condensation, and formation of apoptotic bodies. Early apoptosis was observed by Annexin V-fluorescein isothiocyanate bound to the cell membrane as early as 24 hours. Liriodenine activated the intrinsic pathway by induction of caspase-3 and caspase-9. Involvement of the intrinsic pathway in the mitochondria could be seen, with a significant increase in mitochondrial permeability and cytochrome c release, whereas the mitochondrial membrane potential was decreased. DNA fragmentation occurred at 72 hours upon exposure to liriodenine. The presence of DNA fragmentation indicates the CAOV-3 cells undergo late apoptosis or final stage of apoptosis. Confirmation of apoptosis at the protein level showed overexpression of Bax and suppression of Bcl-2 and survivin. Liriodenine inhibits progression

  10. Liriodenine, an aporphine alkaloid from Enicosanthellum pulchrum, inhibits proliferation of human ovarian cancer cells through induction of apoptosis via the mitochondrial signaling pathway and blocking cell cycle progression.

    PubMed

    Nordin, Noraziah; Majid, Nazia Abdul; Hashim, Najihah Mohd; Rahman, Mashitoh Abd; Hassan, Zalila; Ali, Hapipah Mohd

    2015-01-01

    Enicosanthellum pulchrum is a tropical plant from Malaysia and belongs to the Annonaceae family. This plant is rich in isoquinoline alkaloids. In the present study, liriodenine, an isoquinoline alkaloid, was examined as a potential anticancer agent, particularly in ovarian cancer. Liriodenine was isolated by preparative high-performance liquid chromatography. Cell viability was performed to determine the cytotoxicity, whilst the detection of morphological changes was carried out by acridine orange/propidium iodide assay. Initial and late apoptosis was examined by Annexin V-fluorescein isothiocyanate and DNA laddering assays, respectively. The involvement of pathways was detected via caspase-3, caspase-8, and caspase-9 analyses. Confirmation of pathways was further performed in mitochondria using a cytotoxicity 3 assay. Apoptosis was confirmed at the protein level, including Bax, Bcl-2, and survivin, while interruption of the cell cycle was used for final validation of apoptosis. The result showed that liriodenine inhibits proliferation of CAOV-3 cells at 37.3 μM after 24 hours of exposure. Changes in cell morphology were detected by the presence of cell membrane blebbing, chromatin condensation, and formation of apoptotic bodies. Early apoptosis was observed by Annexin V-fluorescein isothiocyanate bound to the cell membrane as early as 24 hours. Liriodenine activated the intrinsic pathway by induction of caspase-3 and caspase-9. Involvement of the intrinsic pathway in the mitochondria could be seen, with a significant increase in mitochondrial permeability and cytochrome c release, whereas the mitochondrial membrane potential was decreased. DNA fragmentation occurred at 72 hours upon exposure to liriodenine. The presence of DNA fragmentation indicates the CAOV-3 cells undergo late apoptosis or final stage of apoptosis. Confirmation of apoptosis at the protein level showed overexpression of Bax and suppression of Bcl-2 and survivin. Liriodenine inhibits progression

  11. Medicinal plants and traditional healing practices in Ehotile people, around the Aby Lagoon (eastern littoral of Côte d'Ivoire).

    PubMed

    Malan, Djah F; Neuba, Danho F R; Kouakou, Kouakou L

    2015-03-14

    Access to useful plants is a growing problem in Africa, increased by the loss of natural vegetation and the erosion of traditional knowledge. Ethnobotany contributes to promote these indigenous knowledge. Despite the large diversity of ethnic groups in Côte d'Ivoire, few ethnomedicine researches have targeted these groups. Among the great Akan group, the Ehotile people are one of the smallest and oldest ethnic group around the Aby Lagoon. The goal of this study was to analyze the level of knowledge and use of medicinal plants by the Ehotile people, and moreover, contribute to build a database about useful plants of first Ivorian people. Two sets of surveys were conducted in four Ehotile villages: a house-to-house freelist interview and an individual walk-in-the woods interview with some key informants identified by the community. Frequency of citation, Smith's index, Use value and Informant Consensus Factor were used to estimate the local knowledge of medicinal plants. Medicinal plants are widely used by Ehotile people. Some were used in addition to modern prescriptions while for some disorders commonly called "African diseases" only plants are used. 123 species employed in the treatment of 57 diseases were listed. Specifically, the most common indications included malaria, sexual asthenia, troubles linked to pregnancy, dysmenorrhoea and haemorrhoids. Analysis of freelists suggested that Ehotile people has a good knowledge of medicinal plants and the most salient included Harungana madagascariensis, Alstonia boonei, Ocimum gratissimum and Xylopia acutiflora. Regarding the consensus among key informants, ICF values were low (<0.5), however category of infectious and parasitic diseases obtained the best agreement (ICF = 0.42). Following the local experts, 4 types of plants availability were distinguished: Abundant plants easy to collect, abundant plants difficult to harvest, scarce plants and endangered plants. Despite the virtual disappearance of natural

  12. Potential of Central, Eastern and Western Africa Medicinal Plants for Cancer Therapy: Spotlight on Resistant Cells and Molecular Targets.

    PubMed

    Mbaveng, Armelle T; Kuete, Victor; Efferth, Thomas

    2017-01-01

    Cancer remains a major health hurdle worldwide and has moved from the third leading cause of death in the year 1990 to second place after cardiovascular disease since 2013. Chemotherapy is one of the most widely used treatment modes; however, its efficiency is limited due to the resistance of cancer cells to cytotoxic agents. The present overview deals with the potential of the flora of Central, Eastern and Western African (CEWA) regions as resource for anticancer drug discovery. It also reviews the molecular targets of phytochemicals of these plants such as ABC transporters, namely P-glycoprotein (P-gp), multi drug-resistance-related proteins (MRPs), breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP, ABCG2) as well as the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR/ErbB-1/HER1), human tumor suppressor protein p53, caspases, mitochondria, angiogenesis, and components of MAP kinase signaling pathways. Plants with the ability to preferentially kills resistant cancer cells were also reported. Data compiled in the present document were retrieved from scientific websites such as PubMed, Scopus, Sciencedirect, Web-of-Science, and Scholar Google. In summary, plant extracts from CEWA and isolated compounds thereof exert cytotoxic effects by several modes of action including caspases activation, alteration of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), induction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in cancer cells and inhibition of angiogenesis. Ten strongest cytotoxic plants from CEWA recorded following in vitro screening assays are: Beilschmiedia acuta Kosterm, Echinops giganteus var. lelyi (C. D. Adams) A. Rich., Erythrina sigmoidea Hua (Fabaceae), Imperata cylindrical Beauv. var. koenigii Durand et Schinz, Nauclea pobeguinii (Pobég. ex Pellegr.) Merr. ex E.M.A., Piper capense L.f., Polyscias fulva (Hiern) Harms., Uapaca togoensis Pax., Vepris soyauxii Engl. and Xylopia aethiopica (Dunal) A. Rich. Prominent antiproliferative compounds include: isoquinoline alkaloid isotetrandrine ( 51 ), two

  13. Potential of Central, Eastern and Western Africa Medicinal Plants for Cancer Therapy: Spotlight on Resistant Cells and Molecular Targets

    PubMed Central

    Mbaveng, Armelle T.; Kuete, Victor; Efferth, Thomas

    2017-01-01

    Cancer remains a major health hurdle worldwide and has moved from the third leading cause of death in the year 1990 to second place after cardiovascular disease since 2013. Chemotherapy is one of the most widely used treatment modes; however, its efficiency is limited due to the resistance of cancer cells to cytotoxic agents. The present overview deals with the potential of the flora of Central, Eastern and Western African (CEWA) regions as resource for anticancer drug discovery. It also reviews the molecular targets of phytochemicals of these plants such as ABC transporters, namely P-glycoprotein (P-gp), multi drug-resistance-related proteins (MRPs), breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP, ABCG2) as well as the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR/ErbB-1/HER1), human tumor suppressor protein p53, caspases, mitochondria, angiogenesis, and components of MAP kinase signaling pathways. Plants with the ability to preferentially kills resistant cancer cells were also reported. Data compiled in the present document were retrieved from scientific websites such as PubMed, Scopus, Sciencedirect, Web-of-Science, and Scholar Google. In summary, plant extracts from CEWA and isolated compounds thereof exert cytotoxic effects by several modes of action including caspases activation, alteration of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), induction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in cancer cells and inhibition of angiogenesis. Ten strongest cytotoxic plants from CEWA recorded following in vitro screening assays are: Beilschmiedia acuta Kosterm, Echinops giganteus var. lelyi (C. D. Adams) A. Rich., Erythrina sigmoidea Hua (Fabaceae), Imperata cylindrical Beauv. var. koenigii Durand et Schinz, Nauclea pobeguinii (Pobég. ex Pellegr.) Merr. ex E.M.A., Piper capense L.f., Polyscias fulva (Hiern) Harms., Uapaca togoensis Pax., Vepris soyauxii Engl. and Xylopia aethiopica (Dunal) A. Rich. Prominent antiproliferative compounds include: isoquinoline alkaloid isotetrandrine (51), two

  14. Resilient terrestrial ecosystems at the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum (Invited)

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wing, S.

    2010-12-01

    The Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum (PETM) was an interval of global warming lasting ~200 ka that began ~56 Ma. Global temperature rose 5-8 °C in association with the emission of thousands of Pg of carbon into the ocean-atmosphere system. PETM rocks and fossils are extensively exposed in the SE Bighorn Basin of Wyoming, where the event is represented by ~40 m of fluvial rocks. Fossil plants demonstrate a rapid and nearly complete turnover in floral composition that also suggests a change in the structure of vegetation. Floras collected from the last ~50 ka of the Paleocene are composed of Platanaceae (sycamores), Betulaceae (birches), Fagaceae (oaks), Lauraceae (laurels), Juglandaceae (walnuts), Cercidiphyllaceae (katsura), Taxodiaceae (dawn redwood), and Arecaceae (palms), among others. Many of these families are most diverse and abundant today in temperate to subtropical, mid-latitude forests. During the body of the carbon isotope excursion (CIE) associated with the PETM fossil floras have a completely different composition. All of the latest Paleocene plant types are absent, except for palms, and instead the floras are dominated by Fabaceae (bean family). Other taxa include Sapindaceae (soapberry), Annonaceae (paw-paw), and Hernandiaceae. Where living relatives are known, they live in dry tropical forests of Central and South America. This floral composition is maintained through the ~30 m of section representing the ~110 ka-long body of the CIE, the same interval characterized by dwarfed mammalian faunas. During the recovery phase of the CIE most of the latest Paleocene plants returned to the area of study, although some new taxa appeared, apparently coming in from Europe or Asia. The distinctive PETM floral types are not seen after the recovery phase of the CIE. Change in floral composition during the PETM apparently represents regional extirpations of populations of plants that preferred warm, mesic conditions, and northward range extensions of plants that

  15. A systematic revision of Baconia Lewis (Coleoptera, Histeridae, Exosternini).

    PubMed

    Caterino, Michael S; Tishechkin, Alexey K

    2013-01-01

    turgifrons sp. n., Baconia crassa sp. n., Baconia anthracina sp. n., Baconia emarginata sp. n., Baconia obsoleta sp. n.], Baconia ruficauda group [Baconia ruficauda sp. n., Baconia repens sp. n.], Baconia angusta group [Baconia angusta Schmidt, 1893a, Baconia incognita sp. n., Baconia guartela sp. n., Baconia bullifrons sp. n., Baconia cavei sp. n., Baconia subtilis sp. n., Baconia dentipes sp. n., Baconia rubripennis sp. n., Baconia lunatifrons sp. n.], Baconia aeneomicans group [Baconia aeneomicans (Horn, 1873), Baconia pulchella sp. n., Baconia quercea sp. n., Baconia stephani sp. n., Baconia irinae sp. n., Baconia fornix sp. n., Baconia slipinskii Mazur, 1981, Baconia submetallica sp. n., Baconia diminua sp. n., Baconia rufescens sp. n., Baconia punctiventer sp. n., Baconia aulaea sp. n., Baconia mustax sp. n., Baconia plebeia sp. n., Baconia castanea sp. n., Baconia lescheni sp. n., Baconia oblonga sp. n., Baconia animata sp. n., Baconia teredina sp. n., Baconia chujoi (Cooman, 1941), Baconia barbarus (Cooman, 1934), Baconia reposita sp. n., Baconia kubani sp. n., Baconia wallacea sp. n., Baconia bigemina sp. n., Baconia adebratti sp. n., Baconia silvestris sp. n.], Baconia cylindrica group [Baconia cylindrica sp. n., Baconia chatzimanolisi sp. n.], Baconia gibbifer group [Baconia gibbifer sp. n., B. piluliformis sp. n., Baconia maquipucunae sp. n., Baconia tenuipes sp. n., Baconia tuberculifer sp. n., Baconia globosa sp. n.], Baconia insolita group [Baconia insolita (Schmidt, 1893a), comb. n., Baconia burmeisteri (Marseul, 1870), Baconia tricolor sp. n., Baconia pilicauda sp. n.], Baconia riouka group [Baconia riouka (Marseul, 1861), Baconia azuripennis sp. n.], Baconia famelica group [Baconia famelica sp. n., Baconia grossii sp. n., Baconia redemptor sp. n., Baconia fortis sp. n., Baconia longipes sp. n., Baconia katieae sp. n., Baconia cavifrons (Lewis, 1893), comb. n., Baconia haeterioides sp. n.], Baconia micans group [Baconia micans (Schmidt, 1889a), Baconia

  16. A systematic revision of Baconia Lewis (Coleoptera, Histeridae, Exosternini)

    PubMed Central

    Caterino, Michael S.; Tishechkin, Alexey K.

    2013-01-01

    ), Baconia turgifrons sp. n., Baconia crassa sp. n., Baconia anthracina sp. n., Baconia emarginata sp. n., Baconia obsoleta sp. n.], Baconia ruficauda group [Baconia ruficauda sp. n., Baconia repens sp. n.], Baconia angusta group [Baconia angusta Schmidt, 1893a, Baconia incognita sp. n., Baconia guartela sp. n., Baconia bullifrons sp. n., Baconia cavei sp. n., Baconia subtilis sp. n., Baconia dentipes sp. n., Baconia rubripennis sp. n., Baconia lunatifrons sp. n.], Baconia aeneomicans group [Baconia aeneomicans (Horn, 1873), Baconia pulchella sp. n., Baconia quercea sp. n., Baconia stephani sp. n., Baconia irinae sp. n., Baconia fornix sp. n., Baconia slipinskii Mazur, 1981, Baconia submetallica sp. n., Baconia diminua sp. n., Baconia rufescens sp. n., Baconia punctiventer sp. n., Baconia aulaea sp. n., Baconia mustax sp. n., Baconia plebeia sp. n., Baconia castanea sp. n., Baconia lescheni sp. n., Baconia oblonga sp. n., Baconia animata sp. n., Baconia teredina sp. n., Baconia chujoi (Cooman, 1941), Baconia barbarus (Cooman, 1934), Baconia reposita sp. n., Baconia kubani sp. n., Baconia wallacea sp. n., Baconia bigemina sp. n., Baconia adebratti sp. n., Baconia silvestris sp. n.], Baconia cylindrica group [Baconia cylindrica sp. n., Baconia chatzimanolisi sp. n.], Baconia gibbifer group [Baconia gibbifer sp. n., B. piluliformis sp. n., Baconia maquipucunae sp. n., Baconia tenuipes sp. n., Baconia tuberculifer sp. n., Baconia globosa sp. n.], Baconia insolita group [Baconia insolita (Schmidt, 1893a), comb. n., Baconia burmeisteri (Marseul, 1870), Baconia tricolor sp. n., Baconia pilicauda sp. n.], Baconia riouka group [Baconia riouka (Marseul, 1861), Baconia azuripennis sp. n.], Baconia famelica group [Baconia famelica sp. n., Baconia grossii sp. n., Baconia redemptor sp. n., Baconia fortis sp. n., Baconia longipes sp. n., Baconia katieae sp. n., Baconia cavifrons (Lewis, 1893), comb. n., Baconia haeterioides sp. n.], Baconia micans group [Baconia micans (Schmidt, 1889a

  17. Freyinae, a major new subfamily of Neotropical jumping spiders (Araneae: Salticidae).

    PubMed

    Edwards, G B

    2015-11-02

    Freyinae, new subfamily, is described for a group of genera of Neotropical jumping spiders that can be distinguished from other non-ant mimic salticoid Neotropical salticids by having the following three morphological features: a slightly more elongate carapace, a distinctive prolateral tibial macrosetae arrangement (medially placed subdistal and subproximal macrosetae, with a subdorsal medial macroseta in some males), and an unusual dorsoventrally thick tegulum basal division (although one or two of these features are sometimes lost). It includes 20 genera previously considered valid, of which 19 are retained: Akela Peckham & Peckham, 1896, Aphirape C.L. Koch, 1850, Asaracus C.L. Koch, 1846, Capidava Simon, 1902, Chira Peckham & Peckham, 1896, Edilemma Ruiz & Brescovit, 2006, Eustiromastix Simon, 1902, Freya C.L. Koch, 1850, Frigga C.L. Koch, 1850, Kalcerrytus Galiano, 2000, Nycerella Galiano, 1982, Onofre Ruiz & Brescovit, 2007, Pachomius Peckham & Peckham, 1896, Phiale C.L. Koch, 1846, Rishaschia Makhan, 2006, Sumampattus Galiano, 1983, Trydarssus Galiano, 1995, Tullgrenella Mello‑Leitão, 1941, and Wedoquella Galiano, 1984. Romitia Caporiacco, 1947 (and its synonym Uspachus Galiano, 1995) is synonymized with Pachomius, new synonymy. New genera described in the subfamily are: Drizztius, Leptofreya, Megafreya, Philira, Tarkas, Triggella, and Xanthofreya. The following nomenclatorial changes are made: New synonyms: Freya demarcata Chamberlin & Ivie, 1936 = Freya (sub Cyrene) albosignata (F.O.P.-Cambridge, 1901); Freya (sub Cyrene) grisea (F.O.P.-Cambridge, 1901) = Freya (sub Cyrene) infuscata (F.O.P.-Cambridge, 1901); Freya (sub Cyrene) emarginata (F.O.P.-Cambridge, 1901) and Nycerella (sub Heraclea) sanguinea paradoxa (Peckham & Peckham, 1896) = Nycerella (sub Heraclea) sanguinea (Peckham & Peckham, 1896); Pachomius (sub Phiale) maculosus (Chickering, 1946) = Phiale (sub Cyrene) bilobata (F.O.P.-Cambridge, 1901); Phiale (sub Cyrene) mediocava (F

  18. A revision of the Axylus group of Agraeciini (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae: Conocephalinae) and of some other species formerly included in Nicsara or Anthracites Revision of the Indo-Australian Conocephalinae, Part 3.

    PubMed

    Ingrisch, Sigfrid

    2015-11-23

    Axylus group is used to include the five genera Axylus Stål, 1877, Anthracites Redtenbacher, 1891 sensu stricto, Eucoptaspis Willemse, 1966, Eulobaspis gen. nov., and Heminicsara Karny, 1912. It is mainly based on a combination of the characters shape of pronotum, spiniform meso- and metasternal lobes, and similar basic ground plans of the male cerci, titillators and female subgenital plates. The five genera together with two superficially similar genera Euanthracites gen. nov. and Sulasara gen. nov. are fully revised. Papuacites gen. nov. is proposed for two New Guinean species formerly included in Anthracites. Nicsara Walker, 1869 is restricted to Australian species; Spinisternum Willemse, 1942 is synonymised with Heminicsara Karny, 1912; Odontocoryphus Karny, 1907 based on two nymphs is synonymised with Macroxiphus Pictet, 1888; Pseudoliara Karny, 1907 described after one nymph is regarded incertae sedis. 40 new combination of species are proposed: Axylus bimaculatus (Redtenbacher, 1891) comb. nov., A. inferior (Brunner, 1898) comb. nov., A. inflatus (Brunner, 1898) comb. nov., A. loboensis (De Haan, 1842) comb. nov., A. minutus (Dohrn, 1905) comb. nov., A. nigrifrons (Brunner, 1898) comb. nov., A. philippinus (Hebard, 1922) comb. nov., A, taylori (Hebard, 1922) comb. nov., and A. thoracicus (Dohrn, 1905) comb. nov. (all from Nicsara); Euanthracites apoensis (Hebard, 1922) comb. nov., E. femoralis (Dohrn, 1905) comb. nov., E. rufus (Ingrisch, 1998) comb. nov., and E. tibialis (Karny, 1931) comb. nov. (from Anthracites); Eucoptaspis inexpectatus (Willemse, 1953) comb. nov. (from Gonatacanthus Karny, 1907); Eulobaspis dehaani (Karny, 1920) comb. nov., E. emarginata (Karny, 1926) comb. nov., E. moluccana (Redtenbacher, 1891) comb. nov., E. personata (Karny, 1926) comb. nov., E. quadrimaculata (Karny, 1926) comb. nov., E. rotundata (Karny, 1926) comb. nov., and E. strigatipes (Bolivar, 1898) comb. nov. (from Nicsara); Eulobaspis lobaspoides (Karny, 1907) comb. nov