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Tinospora cordifolia (Guduchi or Gurjo), a herbaceous vine or climbing deciduous shrub, is consider as an important medicine in the Ayurvedic system of medication, which is available in India, China, Myanmar, Bangladesh and Srilanka. Menispermaceae is the family of this compound. T. cordifolia have a variety of properties to treat various ailments such as fevers, jaundice, diabetes, dysentery, urinary infections, and skin diseases. This compound has been subjected to many chemicals, pharmacological, pre-clinical, or clinical investigations and some new therapeutic potential effects have been indicated. This review aims to summarize the critical information concerning in areas of chemical constituents, chemical structure, and pharmacokinetic activities such as anti-diabetic, anticancer, immune-modulatory, antivirus (especially in silico study about COVID-19), antioxidant, antimicrobial, hepatoprotective and its effect on cardiovascular and neurological disorders as well as rheumatoid arthritis. This traditional herb needs more experimental study on the clinical, pre-clinical study, and clinical efficacy of these compounds for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19 and needs large-scale clinical studies to prove the clinical efficacy of this compound, especially in stress-related diseases and other neuronal disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Menispermaceae, stamens can occur as free stamens or synandrous stamens, but few studies have investigated the development of these different types. Androecium development in Sinomenium acutum, Stephania japonica and Cyclea racemosa was observed in detail by scanning electron microscopy and light microscopy. The results showed the following: (1) The development and morphology of stamens differed among the three genera, and the stamen primordia exhibited different patterns. A total of 9 free-stamen primordia developed independently in the staminate flowers of S. acutum, and 6 occurred in the pistillate flowers. At anthesis, all 9 stamens in the staminate flowers of S. acutum were fertile, and 6 staminodes were detected in the pistillate flowers. In the staminate flowers of S. japonica and C. racemosa, a congenitally united stamen primordium developed from the central remaining meristematic zone through enlargement of the early floral primordia and became a synandrous structure consisting of 2 (C. racemosa) or 3–4 (S. japonica) stamens. (2) All three genera exhibited a basic-type anther wall composed of 5–6 layers of cells, including 2 layers of irregular tapetum cells. A glandular tapetum was present in S. acutum and C. racemosa, whereas an amoeboid tapetum was observed in S. japonica. (3) Meiosis of the microspore mother cells occurred with simultaneous cytokinesis, and the tetrads were tetrahedral and occasionally symmetrical. At anthesis, the pollen of all three genera was 2-celled, the pollen of S. japonica was triporate, and the other species had tricolpate pollen. (4) In family Menispermaceae, free stamens was the ancestral form, and synandrous stamens may have multiple evolutionary origins because this family does not form a single clade. Among angiosperms, four families (Menispermaceae, Balanophoraceae, Apodanthaceae and Rafflesiaceae) exhibit congenitally fused stamens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new dimeric aporphine alkaloid, biscocsarmine, 2, together with lirioferine, 1, and cocsarmine, 3, were isolated from the ethanol extract of the stems of Triclisia dictyophylla Diels (Menispermaceae) using a preparative pH-zone refining CCC in a single step. The first solvent system family tested for this fractionation was hexane–ethyl acetate–methanol–water (HEMWat) at a series of solvent ratios, and hydrochloric acid and triethylamine at 5 mM as eluter/retainer. None of these HEMWat ratios, however, gave suitable K for the target alkaloids. Ethyl acetate–n-butanol–water (EBuWat) was tested instead and the selected solvent system was composed of ethyl acetate–n-butanol–water 5:5:10 (v/v), where triethylamine (60 mM) was added to the upper organic stationary phase as a retainer and hydrochloric acid (5 mM) to the aqueous mobile phase as an eluter. The chemical structures of the isolated compounds were elucidated based on comprehensive spectroscopic and spectrometric techniques. This is the first report of aporphine alkaloids in this plant species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stephania is a medicinal plants-rich genus of Menispermaceae. However, the identification of morphologically-similar species in Stephania is difficult using the currently reported methods. The indiscriminate overexploitation of Stephania plants has resulted in clinical misuse and endangerment of many species, which necessitates the development of an efficient and reliable method for species authentication. Therefore, six candidate DNA barcode sequences (ITS, ITS2, psbA-trnH, matK, rbcL, and trnL-F) were tested for their capacity to identify Stephania species. The barcodes were analyzed either as a single region or in combination by tree-based [neighbor-joining (NJ) and Bayesian inference (BI)], distance-based (PWG-distance), and sequence similarity-based (TaxonDNA) methods. Amplification and sequencing success rates were 100% for all six candidate barcodes. A comparison of six barcode regions showed that ITS exhibited the highest number of variable and informative sites (182/179), followed by psbA-trnH (173/162). DNA barcoding gap assessment showed that interspecific distances of the six barcodes were greater than intraspecific distances. The identification results showed that species discrimination rates of combination barcodes were higher than those of single-region barcodes. Based on best match and best close match methods, the ITS+psbA-trnH combination exhibited the highest discrimination power (93.93%). Further, all Stephania species could be resolved in the phylogenetic trees based on ITS+psbA-trnH (NJ, BI). This study demonstrates that DNA barcoding is an efficient method to identify Stephania species and recommends that the ITS+psbA-trnH combination is the best DNA barcode for the identification of Stephania species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant based pigments have widely been used by human beings since ancient times. These pigments, being natural in origin, have better acceptability amongst the consumers and offer diversified applications worldwide. For identification of novel pigment sources, lesser known species need to be studied systematically. In the present report, a tropical fruit species viz. blood fruit was studied for its physicochemical parameters and anthocyanin content. Fruit pulp had total soluble solids of 17 °B with acidic pH (3.01) and total phenolic content of 13.44 mg GAE/100 g of fresh pulp. Pulp of fully ripe fruits contained 8.76 mg/g of total anthocyanins. Pelargonidin was the dominant anthocyanin, followed by Cyanidin, Peonidin and Petunidin. Considering these qualities, the species could be a potential candidate for food and dye industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Formulations from the traditional Indian medicine, Ayurveda, have long been considered to have potent life-style-enhancing effects, possibly by their effect(s) on key life-history attributes. Although several studies have reported beneficial effects of these formulations on different components of life history, few have investigated their concurrent influence on various life-history traits. Here, we report the results of an investigation showing the effect of two well-known Ayurvedic formulations, Guduchi and Madhuyashti, on fecundity and longevity of Drosophila melanogaster. Flies were either grown (i.e., larval exposure) and/or maintained (i.e., adult exposure) on standard food supplemented with 0.5% Guduchi or 0.5% Madhuyashti. It was observed that the longevity of adult flies of both sexes was not affected on feeding Guduchi food, but fecundity of the females was greatly enhanced. Fecundity was also found to be affected by the adult food and whether their mates were grown on Guduchi or normal food. Madhuyashti, on the other hand, significantly reduced mean longevity and had a stimulatory effect on female fecundity. This fecundity enhancing effect however seemed to be mediated through its effect on the males. Interestingly, much of these effects interacted with age in a complex way, making it difficult to generalize the overall effect of these formulations on the reproductive output of the flies. Our study underlines the importance of evaluating the interacting effects of these (and similar) formulations on a range of life-history traits in a holistic way to understand their utility better. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Petals in Ranunculales are nectariferous organs referred to as “nectary leaves” and show diversity in shape, color and structure due to various positions and structure of nectary tissue. Menispermaceae are in the core Ranunculales and have green and short nectary leaves, but the knowledge on structure and functions of the nectary leaves is limited. We use scanning electron microscopy, light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy to investigate nectary leaves structure, micro-morphology and ultrastructure in two species of Stephania in Menispermaceae. Our results show that secretory tissues present in the upper part of abaxial side of the nectary leaves and the specialized secretory epidermal cells are distinguished from other cells. In Stephania cepharantha, clusters of secreting epidermal cells are raised slightly above other cells to form some “bulges” (8-25 cells arranged in a cluster) and connected to distinct huge sieve tube elements. In contrast, in Stephania japonica, secretory epidermal cells are lower than non-secreting cells and result in many “well-like” structures (comprising 6-20 cells per “well”), and have no sieve tube element connection. Secretory epidermal cells have dense cytoplasm, large nucleus and abundant organelles. Nectar secretions are exuded via micro-channels or pores of cuticle on outer walls. The type of secretory tissue in Stephania is the variant of nectarioles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Milonine is a morphinandienone alkaloid from Cissampelos sympodialis Eichl (Menispermaceae), a plant used in Brazil to treat inflammatory disorders. In this study, we evaluated the anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity of milonine (MIL) by using classical experimental models of inflammation and nociception. The results showed that MIL reduced the paw edema formation induced by lipopolysaccharide, prostaglandin E, and bradykinin, without interfering with the serotonin-induced edema. With respect to the nociception experiments, MIL decreased the exudate into the peritoneum induced by acetic acid, maintaining the tissue morphology. The alkaloid was able to inhibit the peritonitis induced by carrageenan, decreasing mainly the migration of polymorphonuclear cells, without altering the mononuclear cell number, and reduced the levels of TNF-α and IL-1β in the peritoneum. In addition, MIL was able to decrease the frequency of abdominal writhing induced by acetic acid but did not increase the latency time of the animals in the hot plate test. MIL significantly reduced the nociceptive behavior of paw licking induced by formalin only at the second phase of the test. In conclusion, we demonstrate that milonine has anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive activities by inhibiting mediators essential for the inflammatory process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Milonine is an alkaloid of Cissampelos sympodialis Eichl. (Menispermaceae), a plant used in the northeast of Brazil to treat allergies such as asthma, rhinitis, and other conditions. Previously, several alkaloids were isolated from its roots and leaves with pharmacological properties in asthma and acute inflammation models. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the milonine effect on mast cells degranulation in vivo and in vitro. Swiss mice ( n = 8) were used in models of paw edema induced by carrageenan, compound 48/80, or histamine. One hour before challenge, the animals were treated with milonine (at different doses) or standard drugs and, at different time points, the edema formation was measured. In addition, other different methods, such as anaphylactic shock reaction and scratching behavior models both induced by compound 48/80, a mast cell degranulator, were used to assess milonine effect histamine release in vivo. Moreover, milonine effect on mast cell degranulation in vitro was also carried out. Firstly, it was observed that milonine significantly decreased the carrageenan edema formation only at the beginning of the reaction ( i.e., up to 2 h after challenge). Furthermore, this alkaloid decreased the edema induced by compound 48/80, maintained the paw tissue integrity, without modulating histamine-induced paw edema. In anaphylactic shock reaction, milonine increased the time of animal survival when compared with compound 48/80 group. Milonine also significantly decreased the scratching behavior induced by compound 48/80 with decreasing of mast cell degranulation in vitro. Therefore, these data indicated that milonine presents anti-allergic properties by decreasing mast cell degranulation rather than acting on histamine effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Young leaves of Stephania glabra (ROXB.) Miers. (Menispermaceae) were used to establish callus cultures with the goal of studying their ability to produce the valuable alkaloid stepharine. The establishment of callus cultures from this plant is extremely difficult because primary calli are not viable and must be transferred to a liquid culture medium for subsequent subculturing. All obtained cultures possessed high morphogenic or rhizogenic potential. The methanolic extracts of two examined cell lines were analyzed by HPLC with high-resolution mass spectrometry to determine the alkaloid composition. Eleven alkaloids were detected in both cultures, including stepharine, magnoflorine, menisperine, roemerine, palmatine, corydalmine, N-methylcorydalmine, columbamine, tetrahydropalmatine, jatrorrhizine and tetrandrine. The predominant alkaloid was stepharine, the structure of which was identified through H and C NMR, UV, HRMS and tandem MS. Quantitative HPLC-UV analysis showed that stepharine was produced at high levels (0.9 % dry cell weight) in the morphogenic callus culture S2-L cultivated in liquid media. To our knowledge, this is the highest level of stepharine production identified in plant cell cultures. The overall production parameters of the culture have remained stable over a long-term cultivation period for 3 years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four new clerodane diterpenoids, tinosporols A-C ( 2- 4) and tinosporoside A ( 5), together with six known analogues were isolated from the vines of Tinospora crispa. Their structures were established by extensive spectroscopic analysis. The relative configuration at C-12 in the known diterpenoid borapetoside E ( 1), the major component of the plant, was firstly established with the aid of molecular model. Compound 1 significantly reduced serum glucose levels at dose-dependent manners in alloxan-induced hyperglycemic mice and db/db type 2 diabetic mice. Graphical Abstract: [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The fruits of the family Menispermaceae are drupes, and because the drupe endocarps are morphologically diverse, they are generally used to classify members of this family. There is a lack of detailed knowledge of Menispermaceae endocarps in Taiwan. Therefore, in this study, the endocarps of seven genera and 14 species were dissected, and their morphological characters were photographed and described. Furthermore, a key for the 14 species based on the endocarps features, as well as a key of the studied genera, is proposed. Results: The endocarp types comprise a straight shape in Tinospora dentata Diels and a horseshoe shape in the other 13 species. In general, the genus Cyclea bears two dorsal crests with 16 small spines, although there are about 25 spines in Cyclea insularis (Makino) Hatusima. The genus Cocculus has a dorsal convex endocarp with a subannular. In Taiwan, the endocarp of Sinomenium acutum (Thunb.) Rehder & E. H. Wilson has up to 26 transverse ridges, without spines on the crest and might be categorized under the genus Menispermum. Transverse endocarp ridges are found in Stephania cephalantha Hayata and Stephania tetrandra S. Moore, whereas transverse endocarp strips are found in Stephania japonica (Thunb.) Miers, Stephania longa Lour. and Stephania merrillii Diels. Conclusion: We believe that the descriptions and photographs of the endocarp traits of T. dentata, which is endemic to Taiwan, will provide more evidence for further studies on extant and fossil species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A phytochemical investigation for the rhizome extract from Sinomenium acutum (Menispermaceae) resulted in the isolation of several active principles responsible for the anti-osteoclastogenic property of the extract, together with related isoquinoline alkaloids ( 1- 13) including two new compounds, 1 and 2. Among isolated compounds, salutaridine ( 7), dauricumine ( 10), cheilanthifoline ( 12), and dauriporphine ( 13) were observed to give significant inhibitions on receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand-induced differentiation of mouse bone marrow-derived macrophages into multinucleated osteoclasts, respectively. The chemical structures of two newly isolated compounds, 1 and 2 were established as 8-demethoxycephatonine ( 1) and 7( R)-7,8-dihydrosinomenine ( 2), by spectroscopic analyses including 2D NMR experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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A new lignan glucoside 1, along with two known lignans ( 2, 3), was isolated from Cyclea racemosa Oliv. Its structure was elucidated as (+)-7′-methoxylariciresinol 4-O-β-D-glucopyranoside on the basis of extensive spectroscopic analyses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cepharanthine (CEP), a biscoclaurine alkaloid isolated from Stephania cepharantha Hayata, has been reported to have potent anti-inflammatory properties. However, the anti-inflammatory effects of CEP on a mouse model of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced mastitis and its underlying molecular mechanisms remain to be elucidated. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of CEP on LPS-induced mouse mastitis. The mouse model of mastitis was induced by inoculation of LPS through the canals of the mammary gland. CEP was administered intraperitoneally at 1 h before and 12 h after induction of LPS. The results show that CEP significantly attenuates the infiltration of neutrophils, suppresses myeloperoxidase activity, and reduces the levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 in LPS-induced mouse mastitis. Furthermore, CEP inhibited the phosphorylation of NF-κB p65 subunit and the degradation of its inhibitor IκBα. All the results suggest that CEP exerts potent anti-inflammatory effects on LPS-induced mouse mastitis. Accordingly, CEP might be a potential therapeutic agent for mastitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effects of cepharanthine (CEP) on inflammation in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 cells in vitro and a LPS-induced lung injury model in vivo. RAW264.7 cells were treated with various concentrations of CEP for 1 h followed by incubation with or without 1 μg/ml LPS for 18 h. TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β in the supernatants were measured by ELISA. Nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways were analyzed by Western blot. Mice were randomly divided into control group, LPS group, CEP + LPS group, and dexamethasone + LPS group. A male BALB/c mouse model of acute lung injury was induced by LPS. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid was collected for inflammatory cell count and cytokine assays. Histopathologic examination was performed on mice that were not subjected to bronchoalveolar lavage fluid collection. CEP dose-dependently inhibited the release of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. Significantly, CEP dose-dependently suppressed NF-κB activation, IκBα degradation, and phosphorylation of ERK, JNK, and p38 induced by LPS. In vivo, it was also observed that CEP attenuated lung histopathologic changes and down-regulated the level of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6, in the mouse acute lung injury model. These results suggest that CEP potentially decreases inflammation in vitro and in vivo and might be a therapeutic agent against inflammatory diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A revision is presented for the four Mexican species of the genus Disciphania: D. cardiophylla, D. caloparpa, D. mexicana, and D. spadicea. The latter represents a new record for Mexico, while D. mexicana is reported for the first time in the Mexican states of Michoacán and Sinaloa. Additionally, we report the occurrence of the monoecious condition in D. spadicea, which represents the first report of this phenomenon for the genus. A key to identify the species, descriptions, illustrations, distribution maps, and assessments of the conservation status based on the IUCN criteria are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The natives of Orba in Udenu, Enugu State, Nigeria use the roots of Stephania dinklagei to treat folkloric 'sugar disease.' The methanol root extract of S. dinklagei was investigated for antidiabetic activity in alloxan-induced diabetic Wistar rats and also evaluated for in vitro and in vivo antioxidant potentials. Extraction was by cold maceration in 80 % methanol for 48 h. Diabetes was induced with alloxan monohydrate at 160 mg/ kg, intraperitoneally. Treatment was done orally using the extract at doses of 100, 200, and 400 mg/ kg with glibenclamide (2 mg/ kg) as the standard reference drug for 14 days. Fasting blood sugar levels were measured at days 0, 7, and 14 using an autoanalyzer (Accu-Chek Advantage) glucose kit. Total cholesterol and malondialdehyde were evaluated on day 14. The extract and the glibenclamide caused a time-dependent decrease in the fasting blood glucose levels of the diabetic rats when compared to the negative control group at various levels of significance ( p < 0.05-0.0001). The extract at the dose of 100 mg/ kg reduced the fasting blood glucose level by 60.5 % on day 14. S. dinklagei extract also caused a significant reduction in total cholesterol and malondialdehyde when compared with the negative control ( p < 0.05-0.0001). The highest activity was observed at the dose of 100 mg/ kg of the extract. There was a concentration-dependent increase in percentage total antioxidant activity from 10 to 400 μg/ ml. The results suggest that S. dinklagei has significant antidiabetic and antioxidant potentials in type 2-induced diabetic Wistar rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A total of 1,151 endophytic fungal isolates representing 29 taxa were isolated from symptom-less, surface-sterilized segments of stem, leaf, petiole, and root of Tinospora cordifolia which had been collected at three locations differing in air pollution in India (Ramnagar, Banaras Hindu University, Maruadih) during three seasons (summer, monsoon, winter). Endophytes were most abundant in leaf tissues (29.38% of all isolates), followed by stem (18.16%), petiole (10.11%), and root segments (6.27%). The frequency of colonization (CF) varied more strongly among tissue type and season than location. CF was maximal during monsoon followed by winter and minimal during summer. A species each of Guignardia and Acremonium could only be isolated from leaves, whereas all other species occurred in at least two tissue types. Penicillium spp. were dominant (12.62% of all isolates), followed by Colletotrichum spp. (11.8%), Cladosporium spp. (8.9%), Chaetomium globosum (8.1%), Curvularia spp. (7.6%), and Alternaria alternata (6.8%). Species richness, evenness, and the Shannon-Wiener diversity index followed the same pattern as the CF with the tissue type and the season having the greatest effect on these indices, suggesting that tissue type and season are more influential than geography. Dissimilarity of endophyte communities in regards to species composition was highest among seasons. Colletotrichum linicola occurred almost exclusively in winter, Fusarium oxysporum only in winter and summer but never during monsoon and Curvularia lunata only in winter and during monsoon but never in summer. Emissions of NO, SO, and suspended particulate matter were negatively correlated with the CF. Ozone did not have any effect. The frequency of most species declined with increasing pollution, but some showed an opposite trend (e.g., Aspergillus flavus). Five unnamed taxa (sterile mycelia) were identified as Aspergillus tubingensis, Colletotrichum crassipes, Botryosphaeria rhodina, Aspergillus sydowii, and Pseudofusicoccum violaceum, using molecular tools. Fifteen of the 29 endophyte taxa exhibited antibacterial activity. B. rhodina (JQ031157) and C. globosum showed activity against all bacterial human pathogens tested, with the former showing higher activity than the latter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the study regarding the secondary compounds or metabolites isolated from Tinospora crispa. Topics discussed include the isolation of compounds from ethyl acetate extract, the spectral data of the compound syringin, and the structure of apigenin. Its also mentioned the acid hydrolysis of the compounds.

Based on morphology, the species status and taxonomic affinities of three species of Tinospora ( T. cordifolia, T. sinensis, and T. crispa) with ranges in India, have been questioned . To evaluate species delimitation and population structure among 40 accessions of the three species , a relatively new marker, cytochrome P450, was used. Five out of nine primers generated polymorphisms with 39 out of 47 bands polymorphic. The P450 binary data, when analyzed using distance methods, strongly supported the monophyly of each Indian species and were congruent with previous RAPD work. To further investigate the status of these species, we combined P450 and RAPD data. The resulting unrooted phylogram highly supports the monophyly of each species but with little population structure within each species. To understand the phylogenetic placement of the three Indian Tinospora species within Menispermaceae, chloroplast atpB and rbcL sequence data for a large sampling of the family were analyzed using likelihood and parsimony methods. The resulting phylogenies highly support the Indian Tinospora species as part of a clade (expanded Tinosporeae), consisting of diverse Menispermaceae from around the world. The three Indian species are monophyletic and are most closely related to Tinospora species from Australia ( T. esiangkara and T. smilacina). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Complex agroforestry systems that mimic local forest structure, so-called ‘analogs’, are assumed to be of specific value to rural people as well as the environment. The objective of this study was to document and evaluate the utilization of plant resources by Philippine lowland farmers to identify native species suitable for integration in such a system. The interviewed farmers maintain a comprehensive ethnobotanical knowledge. They reported using 122 plant species for 77 purposes. Eighty species have medicinal value, 35 provide food, and 32 serve other uses. About 64% of the identified species are Philippine natives. The life form composition of these species is dominated by trees but also includes herbs, lianas, and graminoids, thus providing the structural elements required in analog systems. Nevertheless, only a few of the species seem to be promising for cultivation. Many of them are ubiquitous in the vicinity of villages. Some species are also not much appreciated but act as staple food only during food shortage. Even though several of the species have proven market value, such as rattan (e.g. Calamus merrillii), or are reputed medicines, such as ‘Philippine ginseng’ ( Sarcandra glabra), no cultivation could be observed. This shows that usefulness in itself cannot be the only criterion to promote species but that it requires a careful analysis of the marketability of the respective species. In this context we suggest the following three species that are of proven medicinal value for in-depth study: the liana Tinospora crispa (Menispermaceae), the tree Picrasma javanica (Simaroubaceae), and the herb Sarcandra glabra (Chloranthaceae). They represent three different life form strategies and would thus fit well in vertically structured agroforestry systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The phylogeny of Menispermaceae (Ranunculales) is reconstructed here using both morphological and molecular data from a broad sample of species. Morphological data include characters of leaves, wood, flowers, fruits, seeds, pollen and phytochemistry from 73 species representing the different subgroups recognized within the family. This dataset allowed us to study the morphological evolutionary trends in Menispermaceae. The molecular data focused on cpDNA sequences: rbcL and atpB. Maximum parsimony (MP) and Bayesian methods were used to reconstruct the phylogeny of Menispermaceae. The results obtained from the three datasets are partly incongruent. The morphology indicates that Menispermaceae can be divided into two major groups, one including the tribes Fibraureae and Tinosporeae, the other one including the tribes Anomospermeae, Pachygoneae and Menispermeae. Only Burasaia Thouars was not included in any of these groups. The characters of fruits and seeds appeared to be most useful to differentiate these groups whereas convergences were found for the androecium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The structure and anatomy of mature flowers of four species of Meliosma is investigated using scanning electron and light microscopy. The vasculature of the flower, including the structure of the gynoecium, is described in detail. The mechanism of stamen maturation and pollen release is illustrated and discussed. The existence of an explosive pollination mechanism is questioned for at least part of the species. Flowers are proterandrous and fertile stamens are kept spatially separate from the style by a ring of large staminodes. Anthers are disporangiate by the loss of the adaxial pollen sacs. During maturation the filament bends progressively outwards and releases the pollen on the extension of the connective that acts as a secondary pollen presentation system. The nectary has five appendages topped with stomata secreting abundant nectar. The relationships of Sabiaceae are discussed relative to other early diverging eudicots. The significance of Sabiaceae as an isolated clade is highlighted, although some features point to a link with Menispermaceae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ethanolic extract of Cissampelos pareira (L.) Hirsuta (Menispermaceae) roots have been examined in various acute and chronic ulcers in validated experimental models in rats. C. pareira extract of 25–100 mg/kg administered orally, twice daily for 5 days showed a dose-dependent, ulcer-protective effect. The extract demonstrated significant protection against 100% ethanol- ( P < 0.05), aspirin- ( P < 0.001), cold-restraint stress- ( P < 0.01) and pylorus ligation- ( P < 0.001) induced acute gastric ulcers in rats. A flavonoid Quercetin, isolated from C. pareira, showed significant antiulcer property ( P < 0.05 to P < 0.001) against gastric ulcers in different acute models. In chronic ulcers induced by 50% acetic acid, C. pareira significantly ( P < 0.001) reduced the ulcer index with decreased perforations after 5- and 10-day treatment. C. pareira significantly enhanced the defense factors as total hexose and sialic acid while significantly reducing the ulcer index in the lipid peroxidase product malondialdehyde in ethanol-induced ulcers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endoapertures, the inner openings of compound apertures in pollen grains, are common in eudicots, but occur infrequently in early-divergent eudicot lineages, in which they are restricted to three families: Menispermaceae, Sabiaceae and Buxaceae. Pollen of Sabiaceae was examined using light, scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The endoapertures are large and lalongate, and intine onci are associated with their development. Optimisation of endoapertures onto an existing angiosperm phylogeny indicates that endoapertures have evolved at least three times independently: in Menispermaceae, in Sabiaceae plus Buxaceae (or possibly separately in these two families), and in the core eudicot clade. Sabiaceae are unusual among early-divergent eudicots in that they possess some characters that are more common in core eudicots, including pollen with endoapertures and pentamerous flowers. This indicates either that they are more closely related to core eudicots than is indicated by current molecular evidence, or that these characters are homoplastic. The latter would suggest a high degree of experimentation prior to evolutionary canalisation of some key morphological features in eudicots. The evolution of endoapertures in early-divergent eudicots is probably associated with possession of endexine sculpture (endosculpture) such as endocracks; endoapertures may have been retained in eudicots as a harmomegathic mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A protocol was developed for rapid clonal propagation of the important medicinal climber, Tinospora cordifolia, through in vitro culture of mature nodal explants. Shoots were initiated on both Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium and woody plant medium (WPM) supplemented with 2.32 μ M kinetin (KIN). Of the two basal media tested, WPM was found to be superior to MS medium for the induction of multiple shoots. Among the cytokinins tested, N6-benzyladenine (BA) was more effective than KIN for axillary shoot proliferation. KIN was superior to BA in terms of shoot elongation. An average multiplication rate of 6.3 shoots per explant was obtained with WPM supplemented with 8.87 μ M BA. Shoot clumps harvested from this medium were transferred to WPM supplemented with 2.22 μ M BA and 4.65 μ M KIN for shoot elongation. Elongated shoots were rooted in half-strength MS medium supplemented with 2.85 μ M indole-3-acetic acid (IAA). Rooted plantlets were successfully transferred to sand and established with 80% survival. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chromatographic separation of the MeOH extract from the stems and rhizomes of Sinomemium acutum led to the isolation of nine alkaloids and a lignan. Their structures were determined to be dauriporphine ( 1), bianfugecine ( 2), dauriporphinoline ( 3), menisporphine ( 4), (−)-syringaresinol ( 5), N-feruloyltyramine ( 6), acutumine ( 7), dauricumine ( 8), sinomenine ( 9), and magnoflorine ( 10) by spectroscopic means. These compounds were examined for their P-gp mediated MDR reversal activity in human cancer cells. Compound 1 showed the most potent P-gp MDR inhibition activity with an ED50 value 0.03 μg/mL and 0.00010 μg/mL in the MES-SA/DX5 and HCT15 cells, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The phylogenetic relationships among the three species of Tinospora found in India are poorly understood. Morphology does not fully help to resolve the phylogeny and therefore a fast approach using molecular analysis was explored. Two molecular approaches viz Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) assay and restriction digestion of ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 rDNA (PCR-RFLP) were used to evaluate the genetic similarities between 40 different accessions belonging to three species. Of the 38 random primers used only six generated the polymorphism, while as three out of 11 restriction enzymes used gave polymorphic restriction patterns. The average proportion of polymorphic markers across primers was 95%, however restriction endonucleases showed 92% polymorphism. RAPD alone was found suitable for the species diversions. In contrast PCR- RFLP showed bias in detecting exact species variation. The correlation between the two markers was performed by Jaccard's coefficient of similarity. A significant (r= 0.574) but not very high correlation was obtained. Further to authenticate the results obtained by two markers, sequence analysis of ITS region of ribosomal DNA (ITS1 and ITS2, including 5.8S rDNA) was performed. Three independent clones of each species T. cordifolia, T. malabarica and T. crispa were sequenced. Phylogenetic relationship inferred from ITS sequences is in agreement with RAPD data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ovules of Cocculus hirsutus are anatropous, bitegmic and, crassinucellate. The fruit is drupaceous, black purple, and laterally compressed and has a pericarp demarcated into exocarp and endocarp. The seeds are curved around the basal bodies. Testa and tegmen cells are thin-walled and unspecialized. In the ripe seed the inner epidermis of the tegmen persists, whereas the entire testa and the outer layer of the tegmen degenerate. Relationships of the Menispermaceae to Ranunculaceae, Berberidaceae, and Lardizabalaceae are supported. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

From French Guiana Disciphania moriorum is formally described and illustrated, and a second, imperfectly known member of the genus is provisionally recorded. From Bahia Curarea crassa is new, and Abuta convexa (Vell.) Diels is added to the state flora. A conspectus of Menispermaceae presently known from Bahia, a key to both sexes of the taxa, and brief indications of their ecology are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study conducted by the authors related to the plant stephania macrantha, which belongs to the family of menispermaceae. The research reveals that alkaloids are the main constituent of the plant. It mentions that based on nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) the nine alkaloids which were discovered include roemerine, cephamonine and palmatine. It highlights that structure of alkaloids was more diverse in stephania macrantha than stephania epigaea.

The article presents a study conducted by the authors related to the plant stephania macrantha, which belongs to the family of menispermaceae. The research reveals that alkaloids are the main constituent of the plant. It mentions that based on nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) the nine alkaloids which were discovered include roemerine, cephamonine and palmatine. It highlights that structure of alkaloids was more diverse in stephania macrantha than stephania epigaea.

The taxonomic equations Melanoxylon speciosum Benoist= Recordoxylon amazonicum (Ducke) Ducke and Elephantomene eburnea Barneby & Krukoff (1974)= Cionomene javariensis Krukoff (1979) are proposed. The new combination Recordoxylon speciosum (Benoist) Gazel is validated, and the widely discontinuous distribution of the monotypic genus Elephantomene is mapped. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A xeromorphic member of the mesophytic genus Sciadotenia (S. campestris Barneby) is described from transfranciscan Bahia, Brazil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]