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Three new diterpenoids, including one trachylobane (1) and two labdanes (2–3), were isolated from the aerial parts of Croton laui. Their structures were determined by analysis of their spectroscopic data. The absolute configuration of compound 1 was established by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Compounds 1–3 were assessed for cytotoxicity against A549, BEL-7402, SGC-7901, and Hela cell lines by the MTT assay. Compound 1 showed weak activity against the four human cancer cell lines with IC 50 values of 36.09–93.94 μ M. [Display omitted] • Three previously unreported diterpenoids were isolated from Croton laui. • The absolute configuration of compound 1 was established by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. • Compound 1 showed weak activity against K562 with IC 50 value of 36.09 ± 0.43 μ M. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural biological control is a key factor that ensures the regulation of insect pest populations in agroecosystems. However, the indiscriminate use of pesticides has compromised this environmental service. Thus, the search for environmentally safe pesticides is an increasing requirement for sustainable food production. In this study, we analyzed the toxicity of essential oils from two accessions (CGR112 and CGR126) of Croton grewioides and its major compounds, methyl eugenol and eugenol, on the soybean pest Chrysodeixis includens. In addition, we investigated the sublethal effects of these compounds on the predatory bug Podisus nigrispinus, analyzing its developmental, reproduction and life table parameters. Essential oils and their major compounds were toxic to C. includens and P. nigrispinus. In general, the presence of eugenol made the essential oil more toxic to the pest and selective to the natural enemy. Eugenol was the most toxic compound for 2nd instar larvae of C. includens at LD50, followed by CGR126 essential oil from C. grewioides which was equally toxic at higher doses. The estimated lethal times for essential oils to cause mortality in 50% of the population of C. includens were less than 15 h. There was selectivity of the essential oil of CGR126 accession of C. grewioides at lethal doses above 90%. Although the treatments showed little effect on the development of P. nigrispinus, body mass and reproductive parameters were negatively affected, with the exception of the essential oil of CGR126 accession of C. grewioides. The essential oil of C. grewioides may be a promising active ingredient for the synthesis of new insecticides, which are efficient against C. includens and at the same time are safer for the natural enemy P. nigrispinus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antioxidants are important supplements for the human body for their roles in human life for the maintenance of homeostasis. Tapia fruits (Uapaca bojeri) are used by the riverain population of the Tapia forests in Madagascar as complementary foods. This study aims to quantify the main antioxidants in the U. bojeri fruits to verify their contribution to the enhancement of their anti-inflammatory and antihyperglycemic effects. Standard phytochemical screening was used for qualitative analysis, while spectrophotometric (TPC, TAC, and TFC) and chromatographic analyses (HPLC) were used to quantify several phytochemicals in U. bojeri fruits. The antioxidant activity was evaluated using DPPH and FRAP assays. The writhing test was used for the analgesic effects, the carrageenan-induced paw edema was used for the anti-inflammatory activity, and OGTT was used to test the anti-hyperglycemia property of the MEUB in mice. Several phytocompounds were detected and quantified in the fruits, including succinic acid (67.73%) as the main quantified compound. Fruits exerted a good antioxidant capacity and showed analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antihyperglycemic activities in mice. Isolation of the bioactive compounds should be carried out to confirm these pharmacological properties and develop health-promoting food products or medicinal applications derived from this species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The climatic changes pose important threats to agriculture. Plants are sessile organisms and need to cope with different environmental conditions throughout their lifespan. Most responses involve different signaling molecules, including reactive oxygen species (ROS). Due to their high reactivity, ROS are also an oxidative threat to the cell. Consequently, plant cells display elaborated defenses against oxidative stress. The ascorbate-glutathione cycle is the main antioxidant pathway in photosynthetic organisms and is composed by the enzymes ascorbate peroxidase (APX), monodehydroascorbate reductase (MDAR), dehydroascorbate reductase (DHAR), and glutathione reductase (GR). Here, the APX, MDAR, DHAR and GR genes from castor bean, cassava, jatropha and rubber tree were identified and classified. This classification allowed the prediction of their subcellular localization within plant cells, such as cytosol, peroxisomes, chloroplasts, and mitochondria. Our analysis also contributes to understanding the evolutionary history of these genes. The expression pattern of ascorbate-glutathione cycle genes in castor bean submitted to drought reveals changes in leaves and roots. Altogether, these data contribute to uncovering the regulation of ROS metabolism during stress response in castor bean, which is highly tolerant to drought. Ascorbate peroxidase (APX), Monodehydroascorbate Reductase (MDAR), Dehydroascorbate Reductase (DHAR) and Glutathione Reductase (GR) enzymes participate in the ascorbate-glutathione cycle, which exerts a central role in the antioxidant metabolism in plants. Despite the importance of this antioxidant system in different signal transduction networks related to development and response to environmental stresses, the pathway has not yet been comprehensively characterized in many crop plants. Among different eudicotyledons, the Euphorbiaceae family is particularly diverse with some species highly tolerant to drought. Here the APX, MDAR, DHAR, and GR genes in Ricinus communis, Jatropha curcas, Manihot esculenta, and Hevea brasiliensis were identified and characterized. The comprehensive phylogenetic and genomic analyses allowed the classification of the genes into different classes, equivalent to cytosolic, peroxisomal, chloroplastic, and mitochondrial enzymes, and revealed the duplication events that contribute to the expansion of these families within plant genomes. Due to the high drought stress tolerance of Ricinus communis, the expression patterns of ascorbate-glutathione cycle genes in response to drought were also analyzed in leaves and roots, indicating a differential expression during the stress. Altogether, these data contributed to the characterization of the expression pattern and evolutionary analysis of these genes, filling the gap in the proposed functions of core components of the antioxidant mechanism during stress response in an economically relevant group of plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We describe here two new species of the African tropical genus Discoclaoxylon (Müll. Arg.) Pax & K. Hoffm. (Euphorbiaceae), D. ikabangae O. Lachenaud and D. korupense Barberá & Quintanar. The former species is endemic to Gabon and is preliminarily assessed as "Endangered," while the latter is endemic to Cameroon and is preliminarily assessed as "Vulnerable." Both species differ from the rest of the genus by their fruits, which are less strongly didymous and have the carpels connate for their whole length; D. ikabangae is further remarkable for its long stylar segments and D. korupense for its tall habit and leaves with subentire margins. A taxonomic treatment of these two new species, including their detailed descriptions, two illustrations, and information about their habitat, distributions, and preliminary IUCN conservation status are provided. In addition, we compare them with D. hexandrum (Müll. Arg.) Pax & K. Hoffm., the only known species of Discoclaoxylon inhabiting Central Africa so far, along with a table in which we include useful characters to distinguish these three species, and an identification key containing all the species of the genus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Botanical surveys undertaken in several regions of Tunisia (N Africa), mainly around salty wetlands and flats and along railways since 2015, yielded new records of non-native shrubby plants of the genus Euphorbia. These included Euphorbia canariensis, E. cotinifolia subsp. cotinoides, E. cooperi var. cooperi, E. cyathophora, E. milii, E. pulcherrima, E. tirucalli and E. trigona. Among these records, three (E. cotinifolia subsp. cotinoides, E. cooperi var. cooperi, and E. cyathophora) are new for the non-native flora of the Mediterranean area, one for the nonnative flora of the continental Africa (E. canariensis) whereas E. trigona and E. milii var. splendens are first reports to the non-native flora of N Africa. Moreover, Euphorbia pulcherrima is here assigned as first report for the non-native flora of the continental N Africa and E. tirucalli is confirmed as an established taxon and its distributive area is here updated. Distributions and brief morphological descriptions are given for each of these new records. Notes on their habitats and their main distinguishable features together with field photographs are also provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Croton (Euphorbiaceae) is a very large genus of over 1 200 species of herbs, shrubs and trees occurring mainly in the (sub)tropics. The major diversity of Croton is within the Neotropics; and there are comparatively few species in South-East Asia. This contribution provides a revision of Croton from the Sumatran region in Indonesia, including descriptions and a determination key. In total sixteen species are recognized for Sumatra, including four species new to science, C. beccarii, C. scalaeus, C. simalurensis, and C. viridifolius. Two new synonyms and lectotypification of numerous names are also included. Besides a taxonomic treatment, a molecular analysis, using the nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS), based on former data extended with Sumatran species, was performed to create a phylogeny that places the Sumatran species in a phylogenetic context. In total 13 new sequences were created, which were combined with 56 sequences obtained from GenBank. The results from the phylogenetic analysis, based on Bayesian inference, are in line with the phylogeny as published for mainly the Australian species of Croton by Van Ee et al. (2015). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bacterial resistance refers to the ability of bacteria to resist the action of some antibiotics due to the development of adaptation and resistance mechanisms. It is a serious public health problem, especially for diseases caused by opportunistic bacteria. In this context, the search for new drugs, used alone or in combination, appears as an alternative for the treatment of microbial infections, and natural products, such as essential oils, are important in this process due to their structural diversity, which increases the probability for antimicrobial action. The objective of this study was to extract and identify the chemical components of the essential oil from Croton conduplicatus (EOCC), to evaluate the antimicrobial activity, to investigate the effect of the interaction between the EOCC and different antibiotics and to evaluate its antibiofilm potential. The EOCC was obtained by hydrodistillation. Based on chemical characterisation, 70 compounds were identified, with 1.8 cineole (13.15%), p-cymene (10.68%), caryophyllene (9.73%) and spathulenol (6.36%) being the major constituents. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of EOCC were 256 and 512 µg mL−1 for methicillin-sensitive and -resistant Staphylococcus aureus strains (MSSA and MRSA), respectively. The combinations of EOCC with the antibiotics oxacillin and ampicillin were synergistic (OXA/EOCC and AMP/EOCC combined decreased the OXA MIC and AMP MIC to 0.5 and 0.25 for MSSA, respectively, and OXA/EOCC and AMP/EOCC combined decreased the OXA MIC and the AMP MIC to 1 and 0.5 for MRSA, respectively) and could modify the resistance profile of MSSA and MRSA strains. The results indicated that EOCC was also able to partially inhibit biofilm formation. Our study presents important information about the chemical composition of EOCC and its antimicrobial potential and provides a reference to determine the mechanisms of action of EOCC and its use in pharmaceutical formulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to survey eriophyoid mites of northwest of Urmia County, West Azerbaijan Province, Iran, samplings were done on spurges during summer 2021 and one new species, Eriophyes urmiae Lotfollahi & Mohammad-Doustaresharaf sp. nov. was found in Qaleh Sardar of Nazluchay Rural District as vagrant on Euphorbia sp. (Euphorbiaceae) leaves. This is the fourth eriophyoid mite described on spurges in Iran. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new flavonoids, 8,2′-diprenyl-3,5,7,5′-tetrahydroxyflavone (1) and 8-(1-methoxy-2,3-dihydroxy-3-methylbutyl)naringenin (2), along with twelve known compounds (3–14), were isolated from the leaves of Macaranga pustulata. The structures of the new compounds 1 and 2 were established by detailed spectroscopic data analysis and ECD computational methods. The inhibitory effects of compounds 1–6 against NLRP3 inflammasome activation as well as the cytotoxic activities of compounds 1–4 against MCF-7 and HCT-116 cancer cell lines were investigated. Compound 3 showed weak cytotoxicity against HCT-116 (IC50 = 55.747 ± 3.212 μM). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three new ent-abietane diterpenoids, 6β-hydroxy-ent-abieta-7,13-dien-3-one (1), 2β,13α,15-trihydroxy-ent-abieta-8(14)-en-3-one (2), and 2β,9α,13β,15-tetrahydroxy-ent-abieta-7-en-3-one (3), were isolated from 90% ethanol extract of the leaves of Croton cascarilloide. Their structures were determined by spectral methods such as 1D and 2D (1H-1H COSY, HMQC, NOESY, and HMBC) NMR spectroscopy, in addition to electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectra. The isolated diterpenoids were tested in vitro for antimicrobial activity against 6 pathogenic microorganisms. As a result, compounds 1–3 exhibited antimicrobial activity against the tested Gram positive bacteria with minimum inhibitory concentration values less than 50 μg/ml. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three new chromanes, malloapeltas J–L (1–3), and one new flavone C-glycoside, malloflavoside (4), together with four known compounds, apigenin 6-C-β-D-xylopyranosyl-8-C-α-L-arabinopyranoside (5), apigenin 6-C-β-D-glucopyranosyl-8-C-α-L-arabinopyranoside (6), apigenin 7-O-β-D-apiofuranosyl-(1→2)-β-D-glucopyranoside (7), and acantrifoside E (8) were isolated from the methanol extract of the leaves of Mallotus apelta. Their chemical structures were determined using spectroscopic methods, including 1D, 2D NMR, and HR-ESI-MS methods. All the isolated compounds were evaluated their cytotoxic activity against human prostate cancer (PC-3) and human breast cancer (MCF-7) cells, but none of them showed cytotoxicities on both human cancer cell lines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Brazilian Journal of Biology is the property of Instituto Internacional de Ecologia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Most mealybugs of the Pseudococcidae family are important pests of agriculture and ornamental gardens. Our aim was to perform a review and meta-analysis on 14 published scientific articles on the insecticidal activity of essential oils (EOs) against mealybug species of the Pseudococcidae family. Data on (1) species, genus, families, and plant parts from which the EO was extracted; (2) the main compounds of each EO; (3) the highest and lowest concentrations tested; and (4) the application method used for the toxicological studies was collected from each study. The metafor package (R software) was used to perform a three-level random effects meta-analysis. The families Lamiaceae, Rutaceae, Myrtaceae, Zingiberaceae and Euphorbiaceae and the genera Citrus, Cymbopogon, Syzygium, Cinnamomum and Jatropha were the most used among the studies. According to the results from the meta-analyses, 13 out of 24 genera analyzed were effective against mealybugs. All methods were effective, but fumigation and indirect contact were the most frequently used methodologies. The results obtained from the present review and meta-analysis could be used for the potential development of natural biopesticide formulations against mealybugs belonging to the Pseudococcidae family. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Agronomía Colombiana is the property of Universidad Nacional de Colombia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The main purpose of this research study is to conduct a phytochemical characterization of leaf and trichome extracts of Cnidoscolus urens (L.) Arthur collected in the Municipality of Cucuta (Norte de Santander, Colombia). C. urens is a plant known in Cucuta as "pringamoza," it is abundant and it is often reported as a common native weed found in tropical dry forest. Ethanolic extracts are prepared by separate maceration of 59.9 grams of leaves and 3.1 grams of trichomes, both previously treated by lipholization. Extracts were then concentrated at reduced pressure (50rpm, 150mbar, and 40°C). The results showed that the leaf's extract yield was 34.18%. The secondary metabolites identified in C. urens were triterpenes, steroids, coumarins, flavonoids, cardiotonics, and cyanogenic glycosides. Some of these have important biological activities. It is concluded that C. urens from Norte de Santander is a plant species with great potential as a source of secondary metabolites for industrial applications and for traditional ethnobotanical medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

After discovering an unknown Euphorbiaceae with an unusual combination of morphological characters, molecular phylogenetic analyses were conducted to evaluate the phylogenetic position of the plant. Results of the analyses support the recognition of a resolved lineage sister to a clade comprising Caryodendron, which is sister to the Adenophaedra + Bernardia clade in subfamily Acalyphoideae. The phylogenetic position of this taxon is also supported by morphology, justifying the description of a new genus and species, Bahiana pyriformis, from the Caatinga seasonally dry forest, in Bahia State, Brazil. We compare morphological characters and discuss the phylogenetic relationships of these four genera, here treated as the Bernardia clade, as well as the possible relationship this clade has with genus Avellanita and tribe Plukenetieae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new prenylated kaempferol, conglomeratin (1), alongside 7 known compounds including flavonoids (2 and 3), ellagic acid derivatives (4 and 5), triterpenoids (6 and 7), and a coumarin (8) were isolated from the leaves (1 − 5) and stem bark (6 − 8) of Macaranga conglomerata. Their structures were elucidated using spectroscopic and spectrometric techniques. The antibacterial assay was performed using disc diffusion method against Gram-positive and Gram-negative microorganisms. Compound 1 was significantly active against Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853 (MIC = 7.8 µg/mL) and moderately active towards Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 and Klebsiella pneumoniae ATCC 31488 (MIC = 62.5 µg/mL). Compound 2 showed potency against P. aeruginosa ATCC 27853 (MIC = 1.0 µg/mL) while 4 and 7 were selective towards K. pneumoniae ATCC 31488 (MIC = 7.8 and 1.0 µg/mL, respectively). These findings suggest that prenylation of flavonoids may contribute to improving their broad-spectrum antimicrobial activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Croton campinarensis Secco, A. Rosário & PE Berry is an aromatic species recently discovered in the Amazon region. This study first reports the chemical profile, antioxidant capacity, and preliminary toxicity to A. salina Leach of the essential oil (EO) of this species. The phytochemical profile of the essential oil was analyzed by gas chromatography (GC/MS) and (GC-FID). The antioxidant capacity of the EO was measured by its inhibition of ABTS•+ and DPPH• radicals. Molecular modeling was used to evaluate the mode of interaction of the major compounds with acetylcholinesterase (AChE). The results indicate that the EO yield was 0.24%, and germacrene D (26.95%), bicyclogermacrene (17.08%), (E)-caryophyllene (17.06%), and δ-elemene (7.59%) were the major compounds of the EO sample. The EO showed a TEAC of 0.55 ± 0.04 mM·L−1 for the reduction of the ABTS•+ radical and 1.88 ± 0.08 mM·L−1 for the reduction of the DPPH• radical. Regarding preliminary toxicity, the EO was classified as toxic in the bioassay with A. salina (LC50 = 20.84 ± 4.84 µg·mL−1). Through molecular docking, it was found that the majority of the EO components were able to interact with the binding pocket of AChE, a molecular target related to toxicity evaluated in A. salina models; the main interactions were van der Waals and π-alkyl interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new heptapeptides, [1–7-NαC]-crocaorbs A1 (1) and A2 (2), were isolated from the latex of Croton campanulatus. Their structures were determined using NMR spectroscopic techniques, ESI-HRMS data, Marfey's method, and further refined using molecular dynamics with simulated annealing (MD/SA). Molecular dynamics calculations of peptides 1 and 2 demonstrated greater stability in simulations using a biological solvent compared to those using DMSO. Compound 1 , the most abundant peptide in latex, was assessed for NO production, antiplasmodial and cytotoxicity activities. The peptide significantly increased nitric oxide (NO) production at concentrations of 40, 20 or 10 μM (17.932 ± 1.1, 18.270 ± 0.9, 18.499 ± 0.7, respectively). Its antiplasmodial activity exhibited limited efficacy, with only 5% inhibition of Plasmodium falciparum 3D7 growth at a concentration of 50 μM. Also, it exhibited no cytotoxic effects in the J774A.1 murine macrophages cell line. This study represents the first report of a phytochemical investigation of the species C. campanulatus , which showed orbitides with distinctive sequences in contrast to other peptides described for the genus Croton and contributes to the study of structural diversity within this particular class of compounds. [Display omitted] • [1–7-NαC]-Crocaorbs A1 and A2, first report of cyclic peptides in Croton campanulatus Caruzo & Cordeiro. • The structures were determined by NMR, ESI-HRMS, Marfey's method, and further refined using MD/SA. • [1–7-NαC]-Crocaorb A1 presented low cytotoxicity against murine macrophage J774A.1 cells. • Orbitides with distinctive sequences in contrast to other peptides described for the genus Croton. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eighteen compounds including eleven previously undescribed diterpenes were isolated from the leaves of Croton mangelong. The structures were determined by HRESIMS, IR, NMR, X-ray diffraction and ECD spectroscopic analysis. All isolates were assayed for their anti-hyperglycemic activities in insulin resistance (IR) 3T3-L1 adipocytes, and compound 4 was tested for its anti-diabetic activity in vivo. Results suggested compound 4 could effectively reduce blood glucose level in diabetic SD rats in a dose of 30 mg/kg. Eleven undescribed diterpenes were isolated from the leaves of Croton mangelong. All isolates were assayed for their anti-hyperglycemic activities in insulin resistance (IR) 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Compound 4 was tested for its anti-diabetic activity in vivo. Results suggested 4 could effectively reduce blood glucose and blood lipids levels in diabetic SD rats with minimal liver damage in a dose of 30 mg/kg. [Display omitted] • Eleven undescribed diterpenes were isolated from the leaves of Croton mangelong. • The absolute configurations were ensured by X-ray crystallography or ECD calculation. • Compound 4 was evaluated in vivo for its hypoglycemic activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ten undescribed diterpenoids (1 – 10) and three undescribed phenanthrene derivatives (11 – 13), together with seven known compounds, were isolated from the roots of Baliospermum solanifolium. Their structures were determined by a combination of spectroscopic data analysis, electronic circular dichroism calculations and single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies. Compounds 1 – 7 (baliosperoids A–G) represent the examples of 20-nor- ent -podocarpane class first discovered in nature. In particular, compound 7 possesses a unique 2,3-seco ring system incorporating γ -butanolide moiety. All isolates were assessed for their cytotoxic activities against HT-29, HCT-116, HCT-15, MCF-7, and A549 cell lines as well as their inhibitory effects on lipopolysaccharide-induced NO production in RAW264.7 cells. Compound 1 , a 20-nor- ent -podocarpane-type diterpenoid possessing a Δ1,2 double bond, not only exhibited considerable proliferation inhibition against five human cancer cell lines, with IC 50 values ranging from 4.13 to 23.45 μM, but also displayed the most potent inhibitory activity on NO production with IC 50 value at the nanomolar level (0.63 ± 0.21 μM). Ten previously undescribed diterpenoids and three previously undescribed phenanthrene derivatives were isolated from the roots of Baliospermum solanifolium. Compounds 1 – 7 , namely baliosperoids A–G, represent the examples of 20-nor- ent -podocarpane class first found in nature. [Display omitted] • 13 previously undescribed compounds were isolated from Baliospermum solanifolium. • Compounds 1 – 7 represent the examples of 20-nor- ent -podocarpane class first found in nature. • Compound 7 possesses a unique 2,3-seco ring system incorporating γ -butanolide moiety. • ECD calculation and X-ray diffraction were used for structure determination. • Compound 1 displayed inhibitory activity on NO production with IC 50 value at the nanomolar level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lathyrisone A (1), a diterpene with an undescribed tricyclic 6/6/6 fused carbon skeleton, along with spirolathyrisins B-D (3 – 5), three diterpenes with a rare [4.5.0] spirocyclic carbon skeleton, and one known compound (2) were isolated from the roots of Euphorbia lathyris. Their chemical structures were characterized by extensive spectroscopic analysis, X-ray crystallography, ECD and quantum chemistry calculation. A plausible biosynthetic pathway for compounds 1 – 5 was proposed, which suggested it is a competitive pathway for ingenol biosynthesis in the plant. The anti-fungal activities of these compounds were tested, especially, compound 2 showed stronger anti-fungal activities against Fusarium oxysporum and Alternaria alternata than the positive control fungicide thiophanate-methyl. The preliminary structure–activity relationship of compounds 1 – 5 was also discussed. These results not only expanded the chemical diversities of E. lathyris , but also provided a lead compound for the control of plant pathogens. Lathyrisone A (1), a diterpene with an undescribed tricyclic 6/6/6 fused carbon skeleton; and gopherenediol (2), spirolathyrisins B-D (3 – 5), four diterpenes with a rare [4.5.0] spirocyclic carbon skeleton were isolated from the roots of Euphorbia lathyris. 2 showed promising anti-fungal activities against Fusarium oxysporum and Alternaria alternata. [Display omitted] • LC−MS/MS guided isolation for undescribed diterpenes was proposed and validated. • Compound 1 is a diterpene with an unrecorded tricyclic 6/6/6 fused carbon skeleton. • Compounds 2 – 5 are diterpenes with a rare [4.5.0] spirocyclic carbon skeleton. • 2 showed strong anti-fungal activities against F. oxysporum and A. alternata. • Proposed biogenesis of 1 – 5 suggests competitive pathways for ingenane in the plant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Indonesia is among the countries with the most significant biodiversity globally. Jamu, the traditional medicine of Indonesia, predominantly uses herbal materials and is an integral component of the Indonesian healthcare system. The present study reviewed the ethnobotanical data of seven Indonesian Euphorbiaceae species, namely Euphorbia atoto, E. hypericifolia, Homalanthus giganteus, Macaranga tanarius, Mallotus mollissimus, M. rufidulus, and Shirakiopsis indica, based on the RISTOJA database and other literature sources. An antimicrobial screening of the plant extracts was performed in 15 microorganisms using the disk diffusion and broth microdilution methods, and the antiproliferative effects were examined in drug-sensitive Colo 205 and resistant Colo 320 cells by the MTT assay. The antimicrobial testing showed a high potency of M. tanarius, H. giganteus, M. rufidulus, S. indica, and E. atoto extracts (MIC = 12.5–500 µg/mL) against different bacteria. In the antitumour screening, remarkable activities (IC50 0.23–2.60 µg/mL) were demonstrated for the extracts of H. giganteus, M. rufidulus, S. indica, and E. atoto against Colo 205 cells. The n-hexane extract of E. atoto, with an IC50 value of 0.24 ± 0.06 µg/mL (Colo 205), was subjected to multistep chromatographic separation, and 24-methylene-cycloartan-3β-ol, jolkinolide E, tetra-tert-butyl-diphenyl ether, α-tocopherol, and β-sitosterol were isolated.

Diterpenes from the Euphorbia genus are known for their ability to regulate the protein kinase C (PKC) family, which mediates their ability to promote the proliferation of neural precursor cells (NPCs) or neuroblast differentiation into neurons. In this work, we describe the isolation from E. resinifera Berg latex of fifteen 12-deoxyphorbol esters (1–15). A triester of 12-deoxy-16-hydroxyphorbol (4) and a 12-deoxyphorbol 13,20-diester (13) are described here for the first time. Additionally, detailed structural elucidation is provided for compounds 3, 5, 6, 14 and 15. The absolute configuration for compounds 3, 4, 6, 13, 14 and 15 was established by the comparison of their theoretical and experimental electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectra. Access to the above-described collection of 12-deoxyphorbol derivatives, with several substitution patterns and attached acyl moieties, allowed for the study of their fragmentation patterns in the collision-induced dissociation of multiple ions, without precursor ion isolation mass spectra experiments (HRMSE), which, in turn, revealed a correlation between specific substitution patterns and the fragmentation pathways in their HRMSE spectra. In turn, this allowed for a targeted UHPLC-HRMSE analysis and a biased non-targeted UHPLC-HRMSE analysis of 12-deoxyphorbols in E. resinifera latex which yielded the detection and identification of four additional 12-deoxyphorbols not previously isolated in the initial column fractionation work. One of them, identified as 12-deoxy-16-hydroxyphorbol 20-acetate 13-phenylacetate 16-propionate (20), has not been described before.

Plants of the Suregada Roxb. ex Rottler (formerly Gelonium Roxb. ex Willd) are utilized to treat various ailments, namely, hepatic, gum diseases, pyrexia, eczema, and venereal diseases. This review links the reported compounds to ethnomedicinal uses through pharmacological activities. The compounds possess anticancer, anti-allergic, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-HIV properties. From the previous reports, 32 known species of the Suregada genus have been investigated morphologically, and nine were investigated for their phytochemistry and pharmacology. Phytochemistry, ethnomedicinal, and pharmacological uses of the other 23 Suregada species are not known and/or not reported. In this review, abietane diterpenoids are the main compounds expressed by the Suregada, accounting for 71 of the 114 reported compounds. Ten triterpenoids and sterols, one aliphatic, two lignans, five flavonoids, and twenty-one nitrogen-containing compounds have been reported from the genus.

Cassava is an essential tuber crop used to produce food, feed, and beverages. Whitefly pests, including Aleurothrixus aepim (Goeldi, 1886) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae), significantly affect cassava-based agroecosystems. Plant odours have been described as potential pest management tools, and the cassava clone M Ecuador 72 has been used by breeders as an essential source of resistance. In this study, we analysed and compared the volatile compounds released by this resistant clone and a susceptible genotype, BRS Jari. Constitutive odours were collected from young plants and analysed using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry combined with chemometric tools. The resistant genotype released numerous compounds with previously described biological activity and substantial amounts of the monoterpene (E)-β-ocimene. Whiteflies showed non-preferential behaviour when exposed to volatiles from the resistant genotype but not the susceptible genotype. Furthermore, pure ocimene caused non-preferential behaviour in whiteflies, indicating a role for this compound in repellence. This report provides an example of the intraspecific variation in odour emissions from cassava plants alongside information on odorants that repel whiteflies; these data can be used to devise whitefly management strategies. A better understanding of the genetic variability in cassava odour constituents and emissions under field conditions may accelerate the development of more resistant cassava varieties.

Introduction: Cleistanthin A (CA) is an aryl naphthalene lignan, which has a potent anticancer activity by regulating the tumor microenvironment. The objective was to develop a new technique for the isolation of cleistanthin A from the acetone extract of Cleistanthus collinus utilizing reverse phase flash chromatography. Materials and Methods: Cleistanthus collinus leaves were shade dried, defatted using n-hexane and then macerated to obtain acetone extract which was further subjected to reverse phase flash chromatography for the isolation of cleistanthin A using the gradient mobile phase of 0.1% formic acid (v/v) in water and acetonitrile. Gradient elution of chromatographic run was performed for 80 min. The separated peaks that showed absorbance at λmax 254 nm were collected for the chemical characterization. Cell viability of the isolated cleistanthin A was studied on hepatocellular cancer cell line HePG2 and prostate cancer cell line PC3 using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Results: The chemical characteristics of the isolated compound cleistanthin A was further characterized using spectral techniques such as 1H and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and electron spray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry (ESI-MS/MS). Cleistanthin A has decreased the cell viability of the HePG2 cell line to 52.25% at 32 μg/ml and PC3 cell line to 51.82% at 16 μg/ml in a dose-dependent manner. Conclusion: Cleistanthin A was successfully isolated from the natural source using reverse phase flash chromatography and the MTT assay has shown that cleistanthin A has decreased the cell viability in both the HePG2 and PC3 cell lines in a dose-dependent manner.

A new ent-abietane diterpenoid, named Euphejolkinolide A (1), was isolated from the whole plant of Euphorbia peplus L. Its structure, including absolute configurations, was determined by spectroscopic analyses and was corroborated by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. This new compound was assessed for its activity to induce lysosome biogenesis through Lyso-Tracker Red staining, in which compound 1 could significantly induce lysosome biogenesis. In addition, quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis demonstrated a direct correlation between the observed lysosome biogenesis and the transcriptional activation of the lysosomal genes after treatment with the compound 1. Moreover, compound 1 promoted autophagic flux by upregulating LC3-II and downregulating SQSTM1 in both human microglia cells and U251 cells, which is required for cellular homeostasis. Further results suggested 1 induced lysosome biogenesis and autophagy which was mediated by TFEB (transcription factor EB). The structure activity relationships (SAR) analysis suggested that the carbony1 at C-7 in 1 might be a key active group. Overall, the current data suggested that 1 could be a potential compound for lysosome disorder therapy by induction of autophagy.

Euphorbia pekinensis Rupr. 1859 is a medicinal herb endemic to China and distributed throughout the country, particularly across the northern part of the mainland. However, the systematic classification of Euphorbiaceae remains controversial. Therefore, studying the chloroplast genome of E. pekinensis is crucial for the resolution of this taxonomic dispute, clarification of the systematic status of Euphorbia, and establishment of an accurate classification system for Euphorbiaceae. In this study, we sequenced the complete chloroplast genome of E. pekinensis using Illumina sequencing technology and annotated it using GeSeq. The complete chloroplast genome was 162,002-bp-long with a guanine–cytosine (GC) content of 35.7%. It included one large single-copy (LSC), one small single-copy (SSC), and two inverted repeat sequence regions (IRa and IRb), which were 90,225 bp, 18,067 bp, and 26,855 bp in length, respectively, and are indicative of a typical tetrad structure. The genome encoded 129 functional genes, comprising 85 protein-coding genes, 36 tRNA genes, and eight rRNA genes. According to the maximum-likelihood phylogenetic tree that was constructed using 16 complete chloroplast genomes, E. pekinensis was found to be closely related to E. ebracteolata. Therefore, the complete chloroplast genome of E. pekinensis provides a better understanding of Euphorbia genetics.

• Euphorbia granulata extract (EGE) is rich in phenolic compounds. • EGE can inhibit breast cancer cell proliferation via apoptosis. • EGE can reduce cell viability of breast cancer cells. • EGE can be a potent anticancer agent. Euphorbia is one of the six largest genera of flowering plants. The Euphorbia species are widely distributed throughout the world. So, the aim of this study was to investigate the phenolic compounds profile, antioxidant activity, cytotoxicity, and apoptosis induction of Euphorbia. granulata extract (EGE) on breast cancer cells. In this experiment, we used HPLC analysis to attain the phenolic and flavonoid compound profile. The total phenolic and flavonoid content (TPC and TFC) were evaluated by classic procedures. Besides, the antioxidant activity of the extract was assessed. MTT assay was performed and caspase-3 activity was also measured to detect the effect of E. granulata on the MCF-7 cell line. Rutin with the amount of 6.40 µg/mg extract was identified as the main component in EGE. The extract was rich in TPC and showed high free radical scavenging activity (IC 50 = 22.96 ± 0.84 μg/mL). Based on MTT assay results, EGE exhibited anti-proliferative activity on MCF-7 cells with the IC 50 value of 25.17 ± 0.95 µg/mL. EGE also affected MCF-7 cells by reducing cell viability via the induction of apoptosis. So, the treatment of the cells by EGE exhibited an increase in caspase-3 activity. These findings indicated that EGE has a rich source of phenolic compounds and the extract can be a potent anticancer agent in inducing apoptosis in breast cancer cells and probably other cancer cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the mechanisms that drive community assembly in species‐rich tropical forest remains a fundamental challenge in ecology. Here, we integrated multivariate functional trait dimensions, phylogeny and metabolomics to test fundamental predictions concerning the role of differentiation with respect to abiotic and biotic niche axes in the maintenance of high local diversity of woody plants in the Euphorbiaceae.We measured 40 functional traits related to resource acquisition, photosynthetic capacity, hydraulic efficiency and secondary‐metabolite profiles generated using untargeted metabolomics in all 26 Euphorbiaceae species in a 20‐ha forest dynamics plot in tropical southwestern China. We examined the correlation structure of 40 traits using a trait networking approach. We coupled these traits with variation in soil nutrients, light environment, soil water content and herbivore pressure within the plot to assess niche differentiation in space. We compared phylogenetic signal among multivariate trait dimensions and secondary metabolites to assess niche differentiation in evolutionary time.Network analysis revealed that a small number of traits with high network centrality reflected variation in ecological strategy among the Euphorbiaceae. Using these high‐centrality traits, we observed significant functional turnover along environmental gradients defined by light, soil moisture, soil nutrients and leaf herbivory, respectively. Most resource utilization traits showed significant phylogenetic signal, whereas almost all defensive traits lacked phylogenetic signal, including species similarity with respect to plant secondary metabolites.Synthesis. Our results suggest that resource‐utilization traits and the habitat associations play a significant role in the niche segregation of co‐occurring woody plants in the Euphorbiaceae. Secondary metabolites, however, may enhance diversity at a finer spatial scale by allowing closely related species with similar functional traits to partition biotic niche space within shared habitats in tropical rainforest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As part of our search for new secondary metabolites from Macaranga hurifolia Beille, a phytochemical investigation was carried out on the fruits that led to the isolation and characterization of two new prenylated flavonol derivatives named macafolias A (1) and B (2), along with five known compounds. Their chemical structures were established on the basis of extensive analysis of their 1–D and 2–D NMR (1H, 13C, APT, COSY, HSQC and HMBC) in conjunction with mass spectroscopy and by comparison with data from the literature. The in vitro assay of the antibacterial potency of the crude extract, fractions and some pure compounds were evaluated against a wide range of bacteria strains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Premise: Flower phenotypes evolve to attract pollinators and to ensure efficient pollen transfer to and from the bodies of pollinators or, in self‐compatible bisexual flowers, between anthers and stigmas. If functionally interacting traits are genetically correlated, response to selection may be subject to genetic constraints. Genetic constraints can be assessed by quantifying standing genetic variation in (multivariate) phenotypic traits and by asking how much the available variation is reduced under specific assumptions about phenotypic selection on functionally interacting and genetically correlated traits. Methods: We evaluated multivariate evolvability and potential genetic constraints underlying the evolution of the three‐dimensional structure of Dalechampia blossoms. First, we used data from a greenhouse crossing design to estimate the G matrix for traits representing the relative positions of male and female sexual organs (anthers and stigmas) and used the G matrix to ask how genetic variation is distributed in multivariate space. To assess the evolutionary importance of genetic constraints, we related standing genetic variation across phenotypic space to evolutionary divergence of population and species in the same phenotypic directions. Results: Evolvabilities varied substantially across phenotype space, suggesting that certain traits or trait combinations may be subject to strong genetic constraint. Traits involved functionally in flower‐pollinator fit and autonomous selfing exhibited considerable independent evolutionary potential, but population and species divergence tended to occur in phenotypic directions associated with greater‐than‐average evolvability. Conclusions: These results are consistent with the hypothesis that genetic constraints can hamper joint trait evolution towards optimum flower‐pollinator fit and optimum self‐pollination rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reproductive growth and vegetative growth are a pair of main contradictions in the process of plant growth. Flowering, as part of reproductive growth, is a key switch in the life cycle of higher plants, which affects the yield and economic benefits of plants to a certain extent. The Euphorbiaceae species, including castor bean (Ricinus communis), physic nut (Jatropha curcas), tung tree (Vernicia fordii), cassava (Manihot esculenta), and rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis), have important economic values because they are raw materials for the production of biodiesel, rubber, etc. The flowering mechanisms are still excluded in the Euphorbiaceae species. The flowering-related genes of Arabidopsis thaliana (Arabidopsis) were used as a reference to determine the orthologs of these genes in Euphorbiaceae genomes. The result showed that 146, 144, 114, 114, and 149 of 207 A. thaliana genes were respectively matched to R. communis, V. fordii, J. curcas, H. brasiliensis, and M. esculenta. These identified genes were clustered into seven pathways including gibberellins, floral meristem identity (FMI), vernalization, photoperiod, floral pathway integrators (FPIs), and autonomous pathways. Then, some key numbers of flowering-related genes are widely conserved in the Euphorbiaceae genomes including but not limited to FPI genes LFY, SOC1, FT, and FMI genes AG, CAL, and FUL. However, some genes, including FRI, FLC, and GO, were missing in several or all five Euphorbiaceae species. In this study, we proposed the putative mechanisms of flowering-related genes to control flowering and provided new candidate flowering genes for using marker-assisted breeding to improve variety quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Euphorbia includes about 2,000 species commonly widespread in both temperate and tropical zones that contain poisonous milky juice fluid or latex. Many species have been used in traditional and complementary medicine for the treatment of various health issues such as dropsy, paralysis, deafness, wounds, warts on the skin, and amaurosis. The medicinal applications of these species have been attributed to the presence of various compounds, and most studies on Euphorbia species have focused on their latex. In this review, we summarize the current state of knowledge on chemical composition and biological activities of the latex from various species of the genus Euphorbia. Our aim was to explore the applications of latex extracts in the medical field and to evaluate their ethnopharmacological potential. The databases employed for data collection, are obtained through Web of Science, PubMed, Google Scholar, Science Direct and Scopus, from 1983 to 2022. The bibliographic data indicate that terpenoids are the most common secondary metabolites in the latex. Furthermore, the latex has interesting biological properties and pharmacological functions, including antibacterial, antioxidant, free radical scavenger, cytotoxic, tumor, antiinflammatory, healing, hemostatic, anti-angiogenic, insecticidal, genotoxic, and mutagenic activities. However, the role of other components in the latex, such as phenolic compounds, alkaloids, saponins, and flavonoids, remains unknown, which limits the application of the latex. Future studies are required to optimize the therapeutic use of latex extracts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seven new sesquiterpenes, named croargoid A–G (1–7), were isolated from the bark of Croton argyratus. Compounds 1–4 were the first examples of eudesmane sesquiterpene lactones containing C5-OH group. Compound 7 was a highly degraded eudesmane sesquiterpene possessing a rare eleven-carbon skeleton. Their structures with stereochemistry were mainly elucidated by NMR analyses in combination with MS and ECD data. Cytotoxicities and NO inhibitions of all isolates were evaluated and only compound 5 showed moderate NO inhibitory activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Euphorbiaceae and Phyllantaceae are two of the most taxonomically complex and diverse families among angiosperm. Therefore, this study aims to identify the common, variation, and diagnostic traits of foliar anatomy and micromorphology of selected Euphorbiaceae and Phyllanthaceae taxa collected from Hainan Island. A total of 42 individuals of 38 species belonging to these two families were examined under light microscopy (LM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). A multivariate detrended correspondence analysis (DCA), principal component analysis (PCA), and chord diagram analysis were performed to visualize the variations and relationships between the species. The nonglandular trichomes were further classified into long falcate and short conical with papillae on their surface, and stellate and lepidote subentire, while the glandular trichomes were divided into capitate, subsessile capitate, sessile capitates, and peltate. The paracytic-type stomata were found in most of the species. The prominent continuous or discontinuous cuticular striations radiating from the guard cells in parallel, horizontal, or reticulate patterns were analyzed in most of the taxa. Variation was also found in epidermal cells and anticlinal wall patterns. Together, these traits are useful for identification, discrimination, and to define species boundaries at various levels. Our study will provide a basis for future studies to strengthen the systematic of Euphorbiaceae taxa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Jatrophone (JAT) is a macrocyclic diterpene isolated from several Jatropha and Euphorbia species. Jatrophone and jatrophane derivatives are of wide interest because of their diverse biological and pharmacological activities. The goal of this article is to summarize the natural sources, synthesis, and biological activities of JAT. This review was performed through a systematic search in electronic databases, for example, Egyptian Knowledge Bank databases (Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed), and Google Scholar, covering the period from 1970 to February 2022. A total of 788 articles were identified through Google Scholar, 92 in Scopus and 75 in Web of Science, and 32 in PubMed databases and after subsequent removal of duplication and irrelevant articles, resulted in 60 articles. The results revealed diverse biological activities for jatrophone such as inhibitory effects on insulin release, lymphocyte activation, and tumour cell proliferation. In addition, it showed relaxation of muscle contraction and rat portal vein, also, anti-protozoal, molluscicidal activities and gastroprotective effects. In conclusion, this review reported natural sources of JAT and explicated its wide biological activities thus suggesting that JAT is a potentially promising pharmacological candidate. However, more detailed safety and pharmacokinetic investigations are required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phytochemical investigation of the petroleum ether and methylene chloride extracts of the stems of Euphorbia tithymaloides L. (Euphorbiaceae) afforded the triterpenes friedelane-3β-ol, 3-oxo-friedelane, euphane-7, 24-diene, 3β-ol (butyrospermol), and euphane -7, 25-diene, 3, 24-β-diols in addition to the diterpene derivative 1 a, 13 β, 14 a-trihydroxy-3 β, 7 β-dibenzenzoyloxy-9 β, 15 β-diacetoxyjatropha-5, 11-E-diene and the phytosterol β-sitosterol. The structures of the isolated compounds were established depend on spectroscopic and chemical evidences. The petroleum ether, methylene chloride, and methanolic extracts of the stems of E. tithymaliodes L. were tested in vitro by determining their action on oxidative stress status of rat liver homogenate for their hepatoprotective activity in addition, the pet ether extract was tested in vivo for its hepatoprotective activity and diterpene derivative was tested in vitro for cytotoxic activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trioza fletcheri Crawford is a sap-sucking psyllid that induces galls on Trewia nudiflora leaves. Early stages of T. fletcheri feed on parenchyma, whereas late-stages and adults feed on phloem, causing galls which arise in an isolated, agglomerated mass and rosette form only on the abaxial surface of T. nudiflora leaves. The feeding action of immature stages induces changes in metabolites of host tissue and creates a nutrition sink for feeding. The biochemical study revealed that galled tissues had higher levels of metabolites (total soluble sugars, reducing sugars, total protein and free amino acids) than ungalled tissues, with average values measuring 3.4±0.09, 1.4±0.1, 0.63±0.03, 1.9±0.23, 3.0±0.72mg/gdw in ungalled leaves; 4.3±0.02, 2.9±0.3, 1.9±0.47, 3.7±0.36, 4.7±0.53 mg/g dw in young galls; 3.8±0.50, 3.7±0.3, 1.03±0.04, 2.9±0.35, 5.4±0.31 mg/g dw in mature galls; and 2.7±0.23, 2.4±0.3, 0.83±0.03, 2.6±0.34 and, 4.3±0.22mg/g dw in old galls, respectively. Enhanced activities of IAA-oxidase, a-amylase, peroxidase, and invertase were observed in galled infested leaves than in ungalled leaves, and their values were measured to be 2.45±0.53, 2.4±0.3, 0.9±0.2, and 3.7±0.5 in ungalled leaves, 2.92±0.32, 3.2±0.2, 1.9±0.5 and 4.5±0.3in young galls, 3.7±0.43, 3.6±0.4, 1.4±0.4, 4.3±0.2 in mature galls, and 2.51±0.03, 2.9±0.4, 1.4±0.4, 3.8±0.1 in old galls respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hevea pauciflora belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family, an important wild relative of the rubber tree. This study sequenced, assembled, and annotated the complete chloroplast genome of H. pauciflora. The complete chloroplast genome is 161,123 bp with a canonical quadripartite structure containing a large single-copy (LSC) region (89,109 bp), a small single-copy (SSC) region (18,376 bp), and two inverted repeat regions (IRa and IRb) (26,819 bp, each). A total of 134 genes were annotated, including 86 protein-coding genes, four pseudogenes, 36 tRNA genes, and eight rRNA genes. The 134 genes include four major groups: 'self-replication', 'photosynthesis', 'unknown function', and 'others'. A phylogenetic analysis clustered H. pauciflora, H. brasiliensis, H. camargoana, and H. benthamiana into one clade, consistent with traditional taxonomy. This study provides useful data for further studies of Hevea genus and the phylogenetic relationships of Euphorbiaceae species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acalypha fruticosa Forssk is a shrub belonging to the family Euphorbiaceae. A. fruticosa has a wide adaptation through traditional medicinal uses to cure several disorders such as dermatitis, diarrhea, dyspepsia, eye infection, inflammations, and stomachache. This article objects to identify, analyze, and document the reported pharmacological activities of A. fruticosa. Electronic databases namely, PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, and Web of Science were employed to identify the related publications from 1900 to August 2021. Compounds such as 1, 2-benzene dicarboxylic acid diisooctyl ester, and eicosyltrichlorosilane were recognized from different parts of this plant species. Until now, only in vivo and in vitro scientific evidence is available for several pharmacological activities for A. fruticosa. Various parts of this plant species have anticancer, antidiabetic, anthelmintic, antibacterial, antileishmanial, and antiplasmodial properties. This work will benefit the investigators on pharmacological and phytochemical investigations of this plant species in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new clerodane diterpenoids (1 and 2), a new pyran-2-one derivative (3), along with five known compounds (4‒8), were isolated from Croton crassifolius. Notably, crassifolin X (1) is a novel clerodane diterpenoid, characterized with a peculiar δ-lactone core being formed between C-1 and C-4. Their structures, including absolute configurations, were established on the basis of spectroscopic methods (UV, IR, HRESIMS and NMR), and circular dichroism experiments. In addition, all compounds were evaluated for their anti-neuroinflammatory activities based on the expression of TNF-α and IL-6 levels on LPS-induced BV2 cells, and compounds 1‒3 and 5 showed potential anti-neuroinflammatory activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Given the chemical richness of medicinal plants ( Bidens pilosa L. and Croton floccosus) in Ecuador, they are considered the natural source of numerous medicines. Methods: The leaves were dried at 40°C and 50°C and the extracts were characterized by means of phytochemical screening, verifying the presence of secondary metabolites such as alkaloids, reducing sugars, phenols, flavonoids, tannins and saponins. Three extraction processes were carried out, with two solvents of different polarities: hexane and ethanol. The extraction methods that were applied to the leaves of the plants were Soxhlet, ultrasonic bath and maceration, the latter two at room temperature and Soxhlet at the boiling temperature of the solvent. Determination of the total content of phenols and flavonoids is carried out using the Follin-Ciocalteau colorimetric reaction, Quercetin standard, Aluminum Chloride solution measured with a UV-Vis spectrophotometer. The antioxidant activity was performed with the DPPH radical and measured with the same equipment. Results: The highest content of total phenols obtained by employing the Soxhlet method for extraction when the material was dried at 50°C was 48.609 ± 0.370 mg GAE/g of dry sample for Bidens pilosa L. while in the case of Croton floccosus it was 128.212 ± 0.601 mg GAE/g of dry sample obtained from the extraction by means of maceration. Finally, the antioxidant activity against the 1.1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl radical was determined, and it was found that the Bidens pilosa L. species performed better and responded better to the test, with an IC 50 value of 239.33 µg/mL, than Croton floccosus (IC 50 of 644.125 µg/mL). Conclusions: The following preliminary phytochemical study of the Bidens pilosa L. and Croton floccosus plants provided important information on the content of secondary metabolites and response to the DPPH radical reported for the first time in Ecuador, which may be future use for medicinal application.

Mallotusbullatus M.T.An & J.H.Yu, sp. nov. (Euphorbiaceae), a species new to science discovered in Guizhou, China, is described and illustrated here, and its phylogenetic position among other Mallotus species is presented. Morphological, micro-morphological, and molecular evidence is presented as attestation of its novelty. The new species morphologically resembles M.philippensisvar.reticulatus and M.philippensisvar.philippensis, but it clearly differs by having bullate leaf surfaces (vs. not bullate), leaf margins entire or nearly so (vs. entire or nearly so in M.philippensisvar.philippensis and coarsely serrate in M.philippensisvar.reticulatus), leaf margins sometimes bearing red glands (vs. red glands absent), 5 sepals in staminate flowers (vs. 3-4 in M.philippensisvar.philippensis and 4 in M.philippensisvar.reticulatus), fruits with spines (vs. spines absent in M.philippensisvar.philippensis and present in M.philippensisvar.reticulatus), and abaxial leaf epidermal scattered and clustered vein hairs 0.1-0.8 mm long (vs. 0.04-0.28 mm long in M.philippensisvar.philippensis and 0.05-0.1 mm long in M.philippensisvar.reticulatus). Molecular phylogenetic analysis (BS = 100% / BS = 96%, PP = 1 / PP = 1) provides strong evidence supporting M.bullatus as a new species within the genus Mallotus and supports its placement in M.sect.Philippinenses as sister to M.philippensis ., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Jiang-Hong Yu, Zheng-Ren Chen, Ming-Tai An, Deng-Li Yu, Feng Liu, Jian Xu, Yu-Bin Tang, Yi-Ran Wang, Hua-Kai Zou.)