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Factors that mediate insect herbivore sabotaging behaviour of host plant latex defences remain under debate. The most prominent hypothesis suggests that the anatomy of the host plant's laticifers determines trenching or vein‐cutting behaviour, but there are inconsistencies in the literature. In addition to latex, other plant defences have been shown to affect plant natural enemies, but experimental studies comparing the effects of multiple defences on herbivore performance and behaviour are scarce. In this study, we investigated the anatomy of the laticifers of Calotropis procera (Aiton) W.T. Aiton (Apocynaceae), an exotic milkweed of southeastern Brazil, as well as the sabotaging behaviour of larvae of southern monarch, Danaus erippus (Cramer), and queen butterfly, Danaus gilippus (Cramer) (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae) on this host plant. We also reviewed the sabotaging behaviour of larvae reared on the native milkweed Asclepias curassavica L. (Apocynaceae) from previous studies, as well as the description of the anatomy of its laticifers. As we found no correspondence between sabotaging behaviour of southern monarchs and queens and the anatomy of the host plants' laticifers, we tested whether structural defences of C. procera leaves (latex, waxes and trichomes) affected sabotaging behaviour and larval performance of southern monarch larvae. The structural barriers of this well‐defended host affected larvae in different ways: Southern monarchs developed more slowly on control leaves than on leaves from which wax had been removed, and only latex removal reduced the frequency of sabotaging behaviour. Regardless of the defence removal treatment, frequencies of trenching behaviour decreased and vein‐cutting behaviour increased as larvae developed. Overall, our results show that several factors in addition to the anatomy of laticifers affect sabotaging behaviour of southern monarchs and queens, including larval ontogeny, danaine species and latex outflow. This evidence suggests a behavioural plasticity in the sabotaging behaviour of larvae of both southern monarchs and queens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gongronema sasidharanii, a new species of hitherto unknown genus of south India Gongronema, characterized by an urceolate flower and discovered in Pambadum Shola National Park is described and illustrated. Photographs, and detailed comparison with the allied species G. napalense and G. ventricosum are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using the Apocynaceae as an example, the present paper demonstrates how the new tool Rhakhis highlights taxonomic problems in a large vascular plant family and, at the same time, invites specialists in the family to solve these problems with the aim of producing an up‐to‐date taxonomy. This taxonomy can then be used to estimate species and genus numbers, thus approaching the goal of completing our picture of the diversity surrounding us and providing a solid basis for science and conservation. The most recent estimates for genus and species number in the Apocynaceae are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new pregnane steroid, jasminanthoside (1), together with three known compounds, telosmoside A7 (2), syringaresinol (3), and methyl 6–deoxy–3–O–methyl–β–D–allopyranosyl–(1→4)–β–D–oleandropyranoside (4) were isolated from the ethyl acetate extract of Jasminanthes tuyetanhiae roots collected in Vietnam. Their chemical structures were elucidated by NMR and MS spectroscopic data analysis along with the comparison of their data with the published ones in the literature. Although 4 was a known compound, its full NMR data were reported for the first time. All isolated compounds, evaluated for their α-glucosidase inhibition, showed activities stronger than the positive control acarbose. Among them, 1 was the best with the IC50 value of 7.41 ± 0.59 µM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to clarify the long‐standing confusion between Ceropegia paohsingensis and C. driophila and to propose the reclassification of C. paohsingensis as a heterotypic synonym of C. driophila. Additionally, we reconsider the types for C. driophila and present a detailed description of the species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pollinarium morphologies of 85 species and four subspecies of Hoya were investigated in the present study. The longest pollinium was found in Hoya multiflora , the widest in H. archboldiana , and the smallest in H. bilobata. Pollinium shape showed the widest variation range of all palynological characters, and nine shapes were distinguished in this study. A pellucid margin was present in the pollinium of 84 taxa, and absent in five species. In total, 10 types of pollinarium were recognized based on the following characters: presence/absence of a pellucid margin and the caudicle wing, the ratio of corpusculum/pollinarium length, width/length of pollinium, and curving orientation of the caudicle wings. Types V and X were found in a greater number of taxa compared with the other eight types. Type V is a combination of obliquely elongate or oblong pollinium, presence of a pellucid margin and caudicle wing, and corpusculum length less than half of the pollinium. Type X combines pollinium with variable shapes, a pellucid margin, unwinged and twisted caudicle, and corpusculum with obvious lateral extensions. The characters of 46 taxa with a resolved position in the latest phylogeny of Hoya were mapped and ancestral reconstruction analysis was carried out, indicating that the presence of a pellucid margin in the pollinium, corpusculum length less than half of the pollinium, and rhomboid-shaped corpusculum with lower extensions represent the ancestral state of the genus. Clade II is characterized by the absence of a pellucid margin and twisted caudicles. Loss of the pellucid margin occurring in Clade II and sometimes in other clades is considered independent reversals to the plesiomorphic state. The presence of a pellucid margin and rhomboid corpusculum, and absence of caudicle wings characterizes Clade IV. Ancestral reconstruction analysis revealed that pollinarium type V was the ancestral state of the core lineage Clade V. The species in this clade share presence of both a pellucid margin and caudicle wing, straight caudicle, and pollinium width of 201–300 µm. Clade VI (the largest lineage) as well as Clades I and III have diverse palynological characters, but pollinarium type X and type V is probably the ancestral state of Clades VI and I, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In our antioxidant screening of some Vietnamese plant extracts, the CHCl3-soluble fraction from Calotropis gigantea (L.) W.T.Aiton flowers showed moderate DPPH free radical scavenging activity with an IC50 value of 55.8 μg/mL. Thus, a further phytochemical study was carried out to obtain five alkaloids, including a new β-carboline-type alkaloid, caloside H (1). These known compounds were identified as 5-hydroxy-(2-methoxymethyl)pyridine (2), nicotinic acid (3), p-(acetylamino)phenol (4), and thymine (5). These structures were determined based on the NMR spectroscopic analysis. In antioxidant assay, caloside H at concentration of 100 μM showed DPPH radical scavenging capacity with a percentage of inhibition of 40.2%. In addition, a plausible biosynthetic pathway for the formation of caloside H was proposed based on the Schiff base formation and Mannich-like reaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To explore the phytochemistry of the African ethnomedicinal plant Cryptolepis sanguinolenta (Lindl.) Schltr. (Apocynaceae) for rare indoloquinoline alkaloids, two novel indoloquinoline alkaloid glycosides, namely Cryptospirosanguine A (1) and B (2), were isolated from an ethanolic extract of the root. Their structures were elucidated based on spectral evidence. Furthermore, two known terpenoids were isolated from this plant for the first time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seven new species of Rhopalomyia Rübsaamen, 1892 are described from eastern Australia feeding on a diverse range of plant genera and families. All induce galls on flower or growth buds: Rhopalomyia cassiniae Adair & Kolesik, sp. nov. on Cassinia subtropica (Asteraceae), Rhopalomyia digitata Adair & Kolesik, sp. nov. on Podolobium ilicifolium (Fabaceae), Rhopalomyia glebosa Adair & Kolesik, sp. nov. on Parsonsia straminea (Apocynaceae), Rhopalomyia inconspicua Adair & Kolesik, sp. nov. on Kunzea sp. (Myrtaceae), Rhopalomyia ozothamniae Adair & Kolesik, sp. nov. on Ozothamnus ferrugineus (Asteraceae), Rhopalomyia pultenicola Adair & Kolesik, sp. nov. on Pultenaea forsythiana (Fabaceae) and Rhopalomyia stypheliae Adair & Kolesik, sp. nov. on Syphelia triflora (Ericaceae). The scope of Rhopalomyia is broadened to contain species with a partially setulose gonostyle and a four‐segmented palp, a decision supported by a phylogenetic analysis based on the barcoding section of the mitochondrial COI gene. Apocynaceae, Ericaceae, Fabaceae and Myrtaceae are recorded as hosts of Rhopalomyia for the first time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Two new monoterpenoid indole alkaloids, named taberibogines E and F (1 and 2), together with three known ones (3–5) were isolated from the stems of Tabernaemontana bovina Lour (Apocynaceae). Their structures including absolute configurations were elucidated from a combination of NMR and HRESIMS data and NMR calculations as well as DP4+ probability analyses. Compounds 1 and 2 exhibited inhibitory effects on LPS-induced nitric oxide (NO) production in RAW 264.7 macrophages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present work describes the taxonomic and paleobiogeographic study of two fossil woods related to extant Aspidosperma. The silicified specimens come from the fossil localities of Santa Ana (30°54′S, 57°55′W) and Concordia (31°19′S, 57°59′W), Entre Ríos Province, Argentina, belonging to the El Palmar Formation (Late Pleistocene). This unit represents the sedimentary body of the upper fluvial terrace generated by the Uruguay River in its middle basin in eastern Argentina. The anatomical features that distinguish the woods are growth rings delimited by axial parenchyma and fibers, semi-ring to-diffuse-porous woods; mainly solitary vessels; simple perforation plates; alternate, bordered, and vestured intervessel pits; scarce paratracheal and diffuse apotracheal axial parenchyma; homocellular, and uniseriate to-triseriate rays; non-septate fibers. Climate reconstruction modelled at the regional scale (Ecological Niche Modeling) revealed variations in macroecological diversity patterns of the nearest living relatives (Aspidosperma australe and A. polyneuron) over the last ca. 130,000 years. Optically stimulated luminescence dating of sediments from the upper part of the El Palmar Formation in the type area reveals that the unit spans from the Last Interglacial period (warm substage, MIS marine isotope stage 5a), to the penultimate interglacial (MIS 7). This period was characterized by warmer and wetter conditions than those observed today. The eco-anatomical characteristics of the fossil record reflect this type of environment. The modern analogues of the fossils studied here are now part of the forests that integrate the Atlantic forest and Araucaria forest biogeographic provinces in South America. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Strophantus belongs to the Apocynaceae family of flowering plants which grows primarily in tropical Africa. The plants are widely used in traditional herbal medicine. S. sarmentosus, in particular, is used for the treatment of, e.g., joint pain and rheumatoid arthritis, wound infections, head lice, diarrhea, snake bite, and eye conditions. Despite its widespread use, dedicated research characterizing its bioactive plant components is scarce. Investigations have focused mainly on its cardenolides because of their cardioactivity and historical use as cardiotonic. There are also studies concerning the antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activity of plant extracts. This review summarizes the present knowledge surrounding the biochemical and analytical research on Strophantus, in general, and S. sarmentosus, in particular, and describes the current state of the field based on the available scientific literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The necessity of the typification of the Apocynum L. s.l. (incl. Poacynum Baill. and Trachomitum Woodson) (Apocynaceae) species is crucial for future dogbane diversity estimations. Still, the original material of many taxa of the genus Apocynum s.l. is doubtful or remains to be discovered. This study's topic is resolving a long-term taxonomic homonymy around the widely used binomial "A. sibiricum". The misusing of the name "A. sibiricum" became a reason for long-term misunderstanding of the meaning of the binomial Poacynum sarmatiense (Woodson) Mavrodiev, Laktionov & Yu.E.Alexeev (A. sarmatiense (Woodson) Wissjul.; T. sarmatiense Woodson) and therefore for the misestimation of the Apocynum s.l. diversity in Russian and other Eurasian floras. Resolving this issue, here, we designate the lectotype of A. sibiricum Jacq. and the name "A. sibiricum Pall." was validated within Poacynum as P. pallasianum Mavrodiev, Sytin, Laktionov & Vasjukov nom. nov. (Apocynum sibiricum auct., non Jacq.) with the lectotype selected from the original collections of Peter Simon Pallas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Echites umbellatus is a plant with tubular white flowers that are pollinated by hawkmoths. Few fruits are produced in nature, so we investigated the breeding system of E. umbellatus by growing plants from different populations in a greenhouse and hand-pollinating flowers with self-pollen, pollen from siblings (plants grown from seeds in the same fruit), and pollen from plants in other populations. Pollinations between unrelated plants were most successful, and we conclude that this species is mostly self-incompatible, though most populations had a few individuals that were somewhat self-compatible. There were more self-compatible individuals in smaller habitat fragments, perhaps a function of limited mating opportunities. We conclude that self-incompatibility in this species contributes to its limited fruit set, though other factors such as low pollinator activity may also be important. Pollinators are needed for the reproduction of Echites umbellatus, and only sphingid moths have mouthparts long enough to reach the nectar at the bottom of the species' long, twisted floral tube. Though plants produce many flowers over a period of several months, one observes very few fruits in nature. We asked: (1) Are plants self-compatible, or do they need pollen from another individual to set fruit and seed? (2) Are cross-pollinations between unrelated individuals more successful than crosses with relatives? (3) How does the relatedness of pollen and ovule parent plants affect fruit set, seed number, and seed quality? We investigated the breeding system of E. umbellatus by collecting fruits from seven sites, growing plants and performing hand pollinations over a period of several years, collecting and measuring fruits and counting seeds. Echites umbellatus is self-incompatible, though some individuals produce fruit by self-pollination. Cross-pollinations between unrelated individuals set the most fruit (59%), and those that were self-pollinated set the least (9%). Fruit set from cross-pollinations between related individuals was intermediate (32%). Although the number of seeds per fruit did not differ significantly among pollination treatments, fruits from self-pollinations had substantially fewer viable seeds than outcrossed fruits, with fruits from sibling crosses being intermediate. There were higher levels of self-compatibility in the fragment populations compared with plants from intact habitats. Self-incompatibility may explain why fruit set is low in this plant species; future investigation into the breakdown of self-incompatibility in smaller populations is warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The anatomy of climbing plants shows a fascinating arrangement of vascular tissues, which may vary from species to species. In the present study, stem anatomy of Gymnema cuspidatum, G. latifolium, G. montanum and G. sylvestre (Apocynaceae) and the occurrence of vascular variants are described here for the first time. They were compared histologically to understand the structural variations in the secondary xylem and ontogeny of vascular variants if any within the species. All four species increase their stem diameter by a single ring of vascular cambium like most of the eudicots. In thick stems, periderm forms distinct ridges and furrows in all the species except G. sylvestre, in which it was minimal. Differential activity of the cambium resulted in the formation of distinct and deep phloem wedges in G. latifolium and G. sylvestre while in other species they were either shallow or almost absent. The secondary xylem was diffuse-porous with distinct growth rings in G. cuspidatum and G. montanum while they were indistinct in G. latifolium and G. sylvestre. Besides regular xylem elements, the presence of perforated ray cells and radially oriented laticifers in the xylem rays was observed frequently in all the investigated samples. The formation of the intraxylary primary phloem was observed concomitant to the regular protoxylem and protophloem at the pith margin. Subsequently, an additional intraxylary phloem was developed from the adjacent pith cells and by the activity of intraxylary/medullary cambium at the pith margin. In thick stems, parenchymatous cells situated between the protoxylem and intraxylary protophloem led to the initiation of intraxylary cambium. In conclusion, three species showed distinct ridges and furrows due to the formation of periderm except G. sylvestre, phloem ray parenchyma showed the formation of sclerenchyma only in the thick stems of G. sylvestre. The formation of intraxylary phloem in all four species may serve as an additional way for the transport of organic nutrients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study highlights the effect of silver nitrate (AgNO3) in the promotion of in vitro regeneration and morpho-structural growth and developments in Oxystelma esculentum (L.f.) Sm. The incorporation of AgNO3 into the Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium resulted in a favorable enhancement of shoot proliferation. Among the different concentrations of AgNO3 screened, 0.5 mg L−1 AgNO3 along with 0.5 mg L−1meta-Topolin (mT) and 0.25 mg L−1 indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) stimulated the highest count, and length of shoots (143 shoots and 14.0 cm length) after 3 mo of incubation and the 3rd subculture. The in vitro–induced deformities in the tissues of the control stem and foliages were improved when the shoots were grown in AgNO3-enriched medium. Silver nitrate increased the photosynthetic pigments and improved the formation of functional stomata. The AgNO3-supplemented medium-derived shoots exhibited accelerated adventitious root induction (100% rhizogenesis, 21.0 roots per shoot) when the cut ends of shoots were treated with 200.0 mg L−1 indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) for 5 min under greenhouse conditions. The incorporation of AgNO3 with optimal plant growth regulators in the medium promoted overall growth. It prevented in vitro–induced morphological and anatomical anomalies in the leaf and stem, which considerably improved the greenhouse and in vivo survival of micropropagated plantlets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Apocynaceae is a known plant family that is rich in alkaloid, and many of its species were reported to have medicinal significance. An endemic plant from the Philippines, Alyxia linearis Markgr. -- which has not yet been investigated for its phytochemistry nor bioactivity -- is reported here. This study aims to characterize the phytochemical compounds and evaluate the antimicrobial, cytotoxic, and genotoxic activities of A. linearis. The hexane, dichloromethane, and methanol extracts from the roots, twigs, and leaves were subjected to different tests. The antimicrobial activity of the phytoconstituents was investigated against four bacteria (S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, E. faecalis, and E. coli) and two fungi (Penicillum sp. and A. niger). The antimicrobial analysis showed that among the nine extracts, only two extracts exhibited a partial inhibitory activity against those Gram-positive bacteria used, and only one extract exhibited a fungicidal activity. ATD inhibited the growth of both S. aureus and E. faecalis, whereas ARM inhibited only the growth of E. faecalis. Among the nine extracts, only ARD inhibited Penicillum growth. The genotoxicity of the extracts was tested using Allium cepa assay. The semipolar and polar extracts of A. linearis were all genotoxic except 1 ppm ALM. Cytotoxicity of the ALD extract was evaluated using an MTT assay on human dermal fibroblasts neonatal (HDFn). The assessment of cytotoxicity of ALD against HDFn showed an IC50 below 12.5 µg/mL as compared to the IC50 of the doxorubicin, which is 2.89 µg/mL. This indicates that the ALD extract is moderately cytotoxic as compared with doxorubicin. The phytochemical constituents of the A. linearis extracts were classified mainly as phenols, flavonoids, steroids, and triterpenes -- with a slight occurrence of coumarins, anthraquinones, and anthrones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two previously undescribed monoterpenoid indole alkaloids, N -formylyunnanensine (1) and scholaphylline (2), along with eight known alkaloids, namely, 19,20- E -vallesamine (3), 19,20- Z -vallesamine (4), 19,20- E -vallesamine N -oxide (5), 6,7- seco -19,20α-epoxyangustilobine B (6), 16 R -19,20- E -isositsirikine (7), N -demethylalstogustine N -oxide (8), E -vallesiachotamine (9), and Z -vallesiachotamine (10), were isolated from the bark of Alstonia scholaris. Alkaloid 1 was determined to be the N -formyl derivative of the known alkaloid, yunnanensine, comprising a pair of inseparable E / Z -formamide rotamers, while scholaphylline (2) was identified as the first member of the seco stemmadenine-yunnanensine type bisindole alkaloid. The structures of these alkaloids and their absolute configurations were established based on detailed analysis of the spectroscopic data in conjunction with the TDDFT-ECD method. A possible biogenetic pathway to 1 and 2 , involving stemmadenine as the primary precursor, was proposed. Scholaphylline (2) showed modest cytotoxicity against Panc1 (IC 50 27.7 ± 5.1 µM), MDA-MB-231 (IC 50 32.0 ± 2.2 µM), and MDA-MB-468 (IC 50 34.1 ± 3.3 µM) cancer cell lines, while N -formylyunnanensine (1) did not show appreciable cytotoxicity against any of the tested cell lines. [Display omitted] • Two new indole alkaloids were isolated from the bark of Alstonia scholaris. • N -Formylyunnanensine was obtained as a pair of inseparable E / Z -formamide rotamers. • Scholaphylline is the first secostemmadenine-yunnanensine type bisindole alkaloid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus L.) is an ornamental and therapeutic herbaceous subshrub. The available literature on inheritance of flower colour in periwinkle is meager. The present investigation was conducted at the Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana to exploit the genetic inheritance of flower colour and to determine the number of genes involved in the inbred lines of periwinkle by crossing of an accession Vi-15-1 possessing magenta with white centre corolla and another accession Vi-29 possessing white corolla. The all F1 plants developed from crossing, including reciprocal were shown pale purple coloured flowers. In the F2 generation, three types of plants were generated such as magenta with white centre corolla (OmOm), pale purple corolla (OmW) and white (WW) corolla in the ratio of 1:2:1. The results indicate that magenta corolla shows incomplete dominance over white corolla which is possibly governed by a single pair of gene. The reciprocal cross reported the same results indicating no involvement of the cytoplasmic genes in this process. Since it is crucial to improve the landscaping traits genetically in periwinkle hence, in light of this; the present study on inheritance of corolla colour may be able to serve as future reference for the valuable genetic research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The lack of vaccines shows the need for alternative leishmaniasis treatments. In vitro study previously demonstrated the leishmanicidal activity of A. nitidum extracts. This study describes for the first time, the antileishmanial activity of A. nitidum extracts in infected Balb/c mice and its immunomodulatory effect. The extract (EE) was obtained by maceration of the peel powder with ethanol, which was fractionated by acid-base partition, originating the alkaloid (FA) and neutral (FN) fractions. EE and FA were analyzed using mass spectroscopy. Daily intragastric treatment was performed with EE and FA, at doses of 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg, in Balb/c mice with 28 days of infection by Leishmania amazonensis. A thickness gauge was used to assess the progression of the lesion and the MTT method to determine the parasite load in the spleen. The quantification of IL-10 and IFN-γ was performed by ELISA. Analysis of the mass spectrum of EE indicated the presence of the alkaloids corynantheol and yohimbine, while in FA the alkaloid dihydrocorynantheol was identified. To elucidate the mode of interaction of these alkaloids with the TR protein, molecular target of antileishmanial drugs, we used molecular modeling approaches such as docking, molecular dynamics simulations and free energy affinity. Treatment with EE for 28 days at the highest dose tested, significantly reduced the size of the lesion. EE and FA after 28 days of treatment showed dose-dependent antileishmanial activity, which reduced the parasite load in the spleen of infected mice by 42.5% and 22.1%, respectively. Both EE and FA presented immunomodulatory effect, as they decreased IL-10 expression and increased IFN-y levels. The effectiveness of A. nitidum in the treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis was proven in this study. The results obtained in silico demonstrated that the compounds are capable of interacting with the catalytic residues of the TR. The affinity energy results demonstrated that the complexes formed are favorable for enzymatic inhibition. The alkaloids present in the plant have demonstrated not only antileishmanial activity, but also the ability to modulate the host’s immune response. These promising results open perspectives for developing more effective and comprehensive treatments against cutaneous leishmaniasis.

The necessity of the typification of the Apocynum L. s.l. (incl. Poacynum Baill. and Trachomitum Woodson) (Apocynaceae) species is crucial for future dogbane diversity estimations. Still, the original material of many taxa of the genus Apocynum s.l. is doubtful or remains to be discovered. This study’s topic is resolving a long-term taxonomic homonymy around the widely used binomial “A. sibiricum”. The misusing of the name “A. sibiricum” became a reason for long-term misunderstanding of the meaning of the binomial Poacynum sarmatiense (Woodson) Mavrodiev, Laktionov & Yu.E.Alexeev (A. sarmatiense (Woodson) Wissjul.; T. sarmatiense Woodson) and therefore for the misestimation of the Apocynum s.l. diversity in Russian and other Eurasian floras. Resolving this issue, here, we designate the lectotype of A. sibiricum Jacq. and the name “A. sibiricum Pall.” was validated within Poacynum as P. pallasianum Mavrodiev, Sytin, Laktionov & Vasjukov nom. nov. (Apocynum sibiricum auct., non Jacq.) with the lectotype selected from the original collections of Peter Simon Pallas.

Leptadenia hastata (Pers.) Decne is a commonly used food source and prescribed as a traditional African medicine for treatment of various diseases, such as diabetes, skin disorders, wounds, and ulcers. However, quality control has become a bottleneck restricting the therapeutic development and utilization of this plant. In this study, a reliable method for qualitative and quantitative determination of components in Leptadenia hastata was established. The components of L. hastata were profiled using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadruple time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS). Subsequently, an ultra-high performance tandem diode array detector (UHPLC-DAD)-based method was used for simultaneous quantitative analysis of five major constituents in six batches of L. hastata samples. As a result, 35 compounds were tentatively identified. The quantities of the five constituents (vicenin-ll, orientin, schaftoside, chrysin 6-C- arabinoside 8-C-glucoside, chrysin 6-C-glucoside 8-C-arabinoside) were determined as 124.8-156.9 pg/g, 170.5-216.0 pg/g, 61.31-93.73 pg/g, 85.13-119.3 pg/g and 99.82-129.4 pg/g, respectively. This method offers a successful strategy for precise and effective evaluation of the constituents of L. hastata, providing a robust foundation for holistic quality assessment of medicinal plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the first phytochemical investigation of specialized metabolites from the stem bark of Alyxia fascicularis, which is used in different traditional medicines, including those of Myanmar and China, five lignans (1-5) and three coumarins (6-8) were isolated by semipreparative HPLC separations and identified mainly by 1D and 2D NMR spectral analysis. The radical scavenging activity of isolated compounds was tested using the DPPH method. Noteworthy, most lignans exhibited antiradical effects comparable to vitamin C and gallic acid. Instead, compounds 1-8 showed no cytotoxic effect on Hela cell line. A possible biosynthetic pathway to enantiomeric 3 and 4 is suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Hemorrhoidal disease is one of the most frequent causes of anal complaints. The general aim of this study was to evaluate the release profile of the encapsulated drug, in order to overcome the limitations of conventional galenic forms, while maintaining their efficacy. Methods: Determination of the active ingredient contained in Landolphia owariensis extract was carried out by UV-Visible spectrophotometry. Release studies were carried out in a continuous flow cell. The dissolution profile of the suppository containing microparticles was compared to the dissolution profile of suppositories containing the unencapsulated extract and to that of Landolphia owariensis extract-based microparticles. Results: The percentage of active ingredient released from suppositories containing microparticles and those containing the extract alone was 69.47% and 80.01% respectively. Flavonoid release from suppositories containing microparticles was slower, with a release rate of 6.31µg/mm, slightly close to the release rate of extract based microparticles (7.37µg/mn); in contrast, in vitro flavonoid release from suppositories containing the extract was faster (19.85µg/mm). Conclusion: Release trials have shown the influence of the sodium alginate matrix system on PA release kinetics. These innovative suppositories will help improve compliance and the treatment of hemorrhoidal crisis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, toxicity of crude leaf extract of Calotropis procera (Aiton) (Apocynaceae) was assessed against Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae) in laboratory conditions using the spraying method. The LC50 values after 24 hours of treatment were calculated as 3608.73 and 2277.02 mg/L for female and male mites respectively. These amounts after 48 hours of treatment were 2456.98 and 1671.2 mg/L. Results showed that the incubation period, total immature and life cycle durations of T. urticae were prolonged under the influence of the C. procera extract. The fecundity and hatchability percentages were significantly lower (18.2 eggs/females and 94.38%) compared to control (44.73 eggs/females and 99.47%), respectively. The reduction rate of T. urticae at different stages after 1, 3, 7, and 14 days of spraying showed that C. procera had a positive impact on mite population reduction that recorded 94.84 and 100% for females and males 14 days post-treatment. The methanolic extract of C. procera leaves was separated into 18 fractions. The 10th fraction exhibited 67, and 73% mortality, 48 and 72 hours post-treatment, respectively. Seventeen substances were identified in this fraction by using the GC-MS. These findings suggest that the leaf extract of C. procera which contains different novel compounds has the potential to be used for controlling T. urticae in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vincetoxicum gongshanense Wen B. Xu & J. Y. Shen (Apocynaceae), a new species from Gongshan County, Yunnan, China, is described and illustrated. It is similar to V. silvestre (Tsiang) Meve & Liede, V. kerrii (Craib) A. Kidyoo and V. biondioides (W. T. Wang) C. Y. Wu & D. Z. Li, but can be distinguished by the leathery leaves, five basal veins, ovate-triangular sepals, yellow corolla, lanceolate corolla lobes, wide triangular corona and reniform pollinia. Photographs, line drawing, distribution, comparison with related species, and a parallel conservation assessment are provided for this species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cynanchum pingtaoi S.Jin Zeng, G.D.Tang & Miao Liao, sp. nov. (Apocynaceae) from Yunnan Province, China, is described and illustrated based on morphological and molecular evidence. Its deeply cordate to reniform leaves and campanulate, large flowers show that it is a member of former Raphistemma Wall., which has been included in Cynanchum L.. It is different from all former Raphistemma species by the broadly ovate corolla lobes, purple-red corolla and connivent corona tip slightly exceeding the corolla throat. Meanwhile, Cynanchum longhushanense G.D.Tang & Miao Liao, nom. nov. is proposed as replacement name for Raphistemma brevipedunculatum Y.Wan, which was considered a synonym of Cynanchum hooperianum (Blume) Liede & Khanum but is here reinstated as a distinct species because of significant morphological differences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Specialized pollination systems frequently match a particular set of floral characteristics. Vincetoxicum spp. (Apocynaceae, Asclepiadoideae) have disk‐shaped flowers with open access to rewards and reproductive organs. Flowers with these traits are usually associated with generalized pollination. However, the highly modified androecium and gynoecium that characterize asclepiads are thought to be associated with specialized pollinators.In V. sangyojarniae, we investigated floral biology, pollination, and the degree of pollinator specialization in two localities in Thailand. We examined floral traits that target legitimate pollinators.Flowers of V. sangyojarniae opened only at night, emitted floral scents containing mainly (E)‐β‐ocimene, 1‐octen‐3‐ol, (E)‐4,8‐dimethyl‐1,3,7‐nonatriene (E‐DMNT) and N‐(3‐methylbutyl)acetamide, and provided sucrose‐dominated nectar openly to insect visitors. Assessment of pollinator effectiveness indicated that V. sangyojarniae is functionally specialized for pollination by cecidomyiid flies. Although various insects, particularly cockroaches, frequently visited flowers, they did not carry pollinaria.Our results suggest that V. sangyojarniae attracts its fly pollinators by emitting floral volatiles bearing olfactory notes associated with the presence of fungi or, less likely, of prey captured by predatory arthropods (food sources of its pollinators) but offers a nectar reward upon insect arrival. Hence, there is a mismatch between the advertisement and the actual reward. Our results also suggest that the size of floral parts constitutes a mechanical filter where reciprocal fit between flower and insect structures ensures that only suitable pollinators can extract the pollinaria, a prerequisite for successful pollination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study a new species of Gonolobus, G. villasenorii, is described. It is endemic to Sinaloa, Mexico, distributed in the Sierra Madre Occidental in pine–oak forest. This species is characterized by the presence of lanceolate sepals, margin of the corolla lobes with a whitish-green callus, without being cristate, and anthers with rectangular dorsal appendages. The new species is compared to Gonolobus chloranthus and Gonolobus erianthus. Gonolobus grandiflorus, Gonolobus incerianus, and Gonolobus lozadae are species with which it shares reticulate corollas and flowers more than 2 cm in diameter. A detailed description of the new species includes data on its habitat, ecology, phenology, conservation status, a distribution map, and a section where the new species is compared with similar species and how to recognize it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The genus Vincetoxicum Wolf is one of the most species‐rich genera in the Apocynaceae and has diversified in Japan. Vincetoxicum magnificum (Nakai) Kitag. is a perennial herb endemic to Japan. Most Japanese Vincetoxicum species flower in summer to autumn, whereas V. magnificum flowers in spring. Here we provide images of Japanese Vincetoxicum species in their natural habitats and a colour painting, detailed illustrations, photos, and a full description of V. magnificum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brazilian moist forests and savannas are some of the most species-rich biomes in the Neotropics. In the transition zones between these regions, ecotones often accumulate even higher taxonomic diversity. However, whether these ecotonal communities consist of overlapping species widespread from the neighbouring biomes or a specific set of locally adapted species still needs to be clarified. Regional differences in species richness may be influenced by factors such as species' environmental tolerances, life forms, or species' range sizes. To investigate the species richness found in ecotones, we used the 'milk-weed' family (Apocynaceae), which comprises both widespread and narrowly distributed trees, lianas, and shrubs, as a model to evaluate if (i) their observed richness in ecotones is promoted by widespread species or by locally adapted species; (ii) trees, lianas, and shrubs show different richness patterns in savannas, ecotones, and forests; and (iii) species found in ecotones have broader environmental tolerances than other species in the family. We used a taxonomically curated georeferenced dataset to compare the range sizes of 643 species of Apocynaceae from 73 genera listed for Brazil, comprising 298 species with a liana life form and 345 trees, herbs, or shrubs. We recorded 335 predominantly forest species, 56 savanna species, and 152 ecotone species, for which we quantified species richness, areas of occurrence, precipitation, and temperature ranges and tested for differences in range sizes and environmental tolerances between habits and ecoregions. Our results indicate that (i) Apocynaceae species occurring in ecotones have wider geographical ranges than species not occurring in ecotones; (ii) lianas showed higher area-weighted richness in ecotones than other life forms; and (iii) species found in ecotones had broader environmental tolerances than species restricted to moist forests or savannas. These results indicate that the species richness found in ecotones between savannas and moist forests in Brazil is not necessarily a consequence of higher endemism and local adaptation but may also be a result of overlapping ranges of widespread species typically associated with neighbouring biomes. Together, our findings add to our understanding of ecotones and biomes as continuous, gradual biogeographical transitions instead of sharply defined ecological units. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Periploca angustifolia (Labill.) is a multipurpose xerophytic shrub in the Apocynaceae, which is widely disturbed in arid zones. This shrub is often used in programs for the rehabilitation of degraded areas, so it is essential to investigate the impact of environmental factors (drought, burial depth) on seed germination patterns. During 20 days, germination responses of seeds were determined over a wide range of constant temperatures (25 °C), polyethylene glycol PEG-6000 solutions of different osmotic potentials (0 to -1.6 MPa), and burial depths (1–8 cm). The highest germination percentages (99%) were obtained under control conditions without PEG, and increasing osmotic pressure progressively inhibited seed germination, which was about 2% at -1.6 MPa. When seeds were buried deep, there was a significant decrease in seedling emergence percentage and rate. Seedlings of P. angustifolia emerged well at depths of 1–2 cm with the highest emergence percentage of 74 and 69%, respectively. They could not emerge when the sand burial depth was higher than 4 cm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In ethnomedicine, Motandra guineensis (Thonn.) A.DC. (Apocynaceae) is used to massage abscessed gums and manage pain. This study aimed to evaluate the antiproliferative effect of leaves of M. guineensis against human ovarian (OVCAR3) and melanoma (MDA-MB-435) skin cancer cells. Crude ethanol extract and fractions of M. guineensis leaves were evaluated for antiproliferative effect on OVCAR3 and MDA-MB-435 cells using cell viability assay at 2 and 20 µg/ml. In addition, the inhibitory effect of extract and fractions on nitric oxide (NO) production with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation (Greiss assay) on murine macrophage cells (RAW 264.7) at 0.3125 - 10 µg/ml was evaluated. Cell viability was evaluated using murine macrophage cells while toxicity assessment was done on Vero cells. Antiproliferative activity profile (% cell death) of extract and fractions followed the order: butanol (30% and 23%) > aqueous (28% and 21%) > ethyl acetate (22% and 19%) > crude (22% and 0%) at 20 µg/ml in OVCAR3 and MDAMB-435 cell lines respectively. Percentage NO inhibitory activity showed hexane fraction with the highest activity and aqueous fraction with the least activity at 10 µg/ml. Extract and fractions were less toxic in Vero cells when compared to the standard drug, Tamoxifen. Toxicity assessment using murine macrophage cells showed no significant difference in cell viability when compared to standard. Results indicate antiproliferative potential, NO inhibitory potential and safety of crude ethanol leaf extract and fractions of M. guineensis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT The mangaba Hancornia speciosa Gomes (Apocynaceae) is more commercially viable than other native Cerrado fruit trees due to its nutritional properties and high production of fruit used in food products. Although thrips have been reported injuring mangaba, the identification of possible species of economic importance is not yet available. Thus, identifying species that may threaten mangaba plant health is a vital step in implementing management strategies. The aim of this present study was to survey thrips species during the reproductive stage of H. speciosa, determine the variety most susceptible to damage caused by these insects and to check whether the damage is economically important to this fruit tree. Thrips were collected from the ex-situ germplasm of the Agronomy School of the Federal University of Goiás, in Goiás state, Brazil. Twelve plants of three H. speciosa varieties (gardneri, cuyabensis and pubescens) were selected, from which 20 flowers and 20 fruits were assessed for the presence of thrips in September 2018 and 2019. A total of 1,306 thrips representing 13 species were collected from flowers. Of these, Frankliniella gemina was the most abundant. On the fruits, circular lesions were observed, initially as white spots that subsequently turned silver, possibly caused by Heliothrips longisensibilis. These injuries are superficial, rarely compromising large portions of the fruit, and do not cause economic damage. Therefore, thrips are not a primary threat to fruit production for fresh consumption or processing.

Monarch butterflies have a close relationship with plants of the Apocynaceae family, especially with the genus Asclepias Linnaeus, 1753, using their toxic cardenolides as a defense against predators. Calotropis procera (Aiton) W.T. Aiton, 1811, native from Africa and Asia and introduced in Brazil as an ornamental plant, is a food alternative for monarchs but contains fewer cardenolides than Asclepias, which may make the butterflies more vulnerable to parasitoids. The interaction between wasps of the genus Brachymeria Westwood, 1829 and butterflies of the genus Danaus Kluk, 1802 is seldom reported. This study reports the first case of parasitism by Brachymeria pandora (Crawford, 1914) in pupae of Danaus erippus (Cramer, 1775) in Brazil, collected in the city of Cuiabá, Mato Grosso. Five butterfly pupae were collected on C. procera; three were parasitized, with 34 emergences of parasitoids. We suggest that the relationship between D. erippus and B. pandora may be facilitated by the lower toxicity of C. procera compared to Asclepias, possibly increasing susceptibility to parasitoidism. The high rate of parasitoidism observed suggests that this possible new interaction could be detrimental to the conservation of D. erippus. Further studies are needed to confirm whether this parasitoid-host interaction also occurs with native Asclepias plants and to investigate the impacts of exotic plants on these types of interactions and on butterfly conservation.

This work was developed with the objective of characterizing the variability and genetic structure of matrices and progenies of the Mangaba genebank of Embrapa Tabuleiros Costeiros, to define a core collection. From the matrix of seven accessions, 289 individuals were generated, evaluated by nine SSR markers. The characterization of genetic variability was performed from the estimates: average number of alleles observed (Na = 5.63) and effective (Ne = 2.71); Shannon Information Index (I = 1.04); Heterozygosity observed (Ho = 0.45) and expected (He = 0.51); Fixation index (f = 0.13); Percent polymorphism (%P = 90.47); and, Number of private alleles (Nap = 20). The analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) identified that the largest proportion of genetic variation is present within accessions (92%). The estimates of genetic differentiation (GST and RST) were considered low (< 0.05) to moderate (0.05–0.15) magnitude. Multivariate analyses (PCoA, Rogers and Bayesian genetic diversity) did not discriminate the accessions according to origin. The formation of the core collection allowed retaining 94.9% of the identified alleles. The accessions present genetic variability to be explored in mangaba conservation and genetic improvement programs. In the future data related to agronomic and morphological characterization should be used to support the formation of this core collection, since the combination of this information contributes to the design of more efficient strategies for the use of this genetic resource. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractRauvolfia dichotoma, a shrub of Apocynaceae, was collected from the Islands of SAO Tome and Principe and cultivated locally for medicinal purpose. Phytochemical investigation of 95% ethanol extract from the stems and leaves of R. dichotoma led to the isolation of two new Nb-oxide indole alkaloids, namely Nb-oxide-mitoridine (1) and Nb-oxide-raucaffricine (2), together with two known alkaloids (3–4) and eleven known lignans (5–15). Their chemical structures were elucidated by extensive NMR and HR-ESI-MS data analysis. All compounds (except 13) were tested for their β-hematin inhibitory activity. Compounds 2, 4, 14, and 15 showed certain inhibitory activity, indicating that they may have an antimalarial effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Plant mitochondrial genomes are characterized by high homologous recombination, extensive intergenic spacers, conservation in DNA sequences, and gene content. The Hancornia genus belongs to the Apocynaceae family, with H. speciosa Gomes being the sole species in the genus. It is an siganificant commercial fruit crop; however, only a number of studies have been conducted. In this study, we present the mitochondrial genome of H. speciosa and compare it with other mitochondrial genomes within the Apocynaceae family. Methods and results: A total of 2.8 Gb of Illumina paired-end reads were used to obtain the mitogenome, resulting in 22 contigs that were merged using 6.1 Gb of Illumina mate-pair reads to obtain a circular chromosome. The mitochondrial genome of H. speciosa is circular, containing 63 predicted functional genes, spanning a length of 741,811 bp, with a CG content of 44%. Within the mitogenome, 50 chloroplast DNA sequences, equivalent to 1.72% of the genome, were detected. However, intergenic spaces accounted for 703,139 bp (94.79% of the genome), and 287 genes were predicted, totaling 173,721 bp. Conclusion: This suggests the incorporation of nuclear DNA into the mitogenome of H. speciosa and self duplication. Comparative analysis among the mitogenomes in the Apocynaceae family revealed a diversity in the structure mediated by recombination, with similar gene content and large intergenic spaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phytochemical investigations on the fruits of Cascabela thevetia (L.) Lippold led to obtain three new cardenolides (1–3) and five known analogues (4–7). Their structures were elucidated by means of UV, IR, HR-ESI-MS, 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopic data analysis. Compounds 1 and 2 represent the first examples of naturally occurring cardenolides with 19-nor-5(10)-ene group and α-l-3-demethyl-thevetose, respectively. Compound 3 is a rare C-nor-D-homocardenolide in nature. All isolated cardenolides (1–7) were evaluated for their cytotoxic activities against four human cancer cell lines (MCF-7, HCT-116, HeLa and HepG2), and the results indicated the compounds with sugar units (1, 2, 4, and 5) exhibited stronger cytotoxic activities with IC50 values ranging between 0.022 and 0.308 μM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An updated phylogeny of the genus Vincetoxicum s.l. based on DNA sequences of the nuclear internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region and three plastid markers is presented. In total, 21 accessions newly sequenced from Thailand were added to the dataset of the homologous sequences of 75 other Vincetoxicum taxa downloaded from GenBank. In our analysis, the relationships between the well-supported clades largely correspond to those revealed in previous studies. With some exceptions, the phylogenetic positions of the Thai taxa in relation to other conspecifics and congeners generally reflect the geographic distributions of taxa. Moreover, recent extensive sampling throughout Thailand and in-depth investigation have revealed V. kerrii, a slender twiner widespread from South China to Indo-China, to be a species complex. A combination of molecular, morphological, anatomical, ultrastructural and ecological evidence allowed us to reveal a new cryptic species hidden within V. kerrii, described here under the name V. simplex. A comprehensive description, illustrations, photographs, and comparison with the morphologically similar species are provided. Although V. simplex and V. kerrii s.s. resemble one another in various aspects of vegetative and reproductive structures, the latter is phylogenetically closely related to V. irrawadense, which is much less similar morphologically to both V. simplex and V. kerrii s.s. than the latter two are to each other. In addition to the new cryptic species recognized in the present study, a new record for Thailand, V. microstachys, is also reported. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ceropegia lenewtonii (Plowes) Bruyns (=Huernia keniensis), currently belonging to the Huernia section of the genus Ceropegia, is a stapeliad species distributed in Africa and the Arabian Peninsula; but it is widely cultivated as ornamental in most parts of the world. This species of stapeliad presents "carrion flowers" associated with a sapromyophilous pollination syndrome since the flowers emit an unpleasant odor. In this work, we describe the floral morphology and anatomy of the calyx, corolla, and corona of this species based on bright-field and scanning electron microscope techniques. We detected the presence of diverse floral secretor tissues, and based on different histochemical tests, the principal component of the secreted substance was identified. We interpret the functions of the glands and compare with other related species of stapeliads. Our results indicate that flowers of C. lenewtonii present colleters in sepals, osmophores in corolla, and primary and secondary nectaries in corona. All these floral glands have specific functions that involve the processes of pollination and reproduction of this species, as well as protection and defense mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cerbera manghas and C. odollam, often perceived as similar species, exhibit distinct physical characteristics and phylogenetic classifications. Despite their reputation as poisonous plants, both species have diverse benefits and are potential sources of pharmacological compounds. This report comprehensively summarizes the compounds identified within the genus Cerbera, coupled with reported bioactivities. Over 100 compounds, including phenolics, flavonoids, terpenoids, and steroids, have been isolated from C. manghas and C. odollam. Cardiac glycosides (steroids) are the predominant compounds in these species and demonstrate robust cytotoxic activity. Furthermore, both plants show promise as antioxidants and antimicrobial agents, and exhibit insecticidal, termiticidal, and larvicidal properties. This review consolidates the current understanding of the phytochemical and pharmacological attributes of C. manghas and C. odollam. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Temperature plays an important role in winter diapause of temperate insects. Its effects can cause problems for biological control programs, both for the establishment of insects in novel climates and for the mass rearing of insects in the laboratory. Hypena opulenta (Christoph) (Lepidoptera: Erebidae), a biological control agent for invasive swallow‐wort species in North America, has been observed to enter diapause in mid‐summer in its introduced range. Additionally, H. opulenta has proved complicated to mass‐rear, in part because individuals sometimes enter diapause unexpectedly, meaning that diapausing pupae may need to be stored over winter for varying lengths of time. We conducted pupal storage experiments to determine the effects of high pre‐winter temperatures, like those experienced by early diapausing individuals in the field, on lipid store depletion. We conducted a second experiment to compare the effects of cold treatments of different lengths (1, 3, and 6 months), during diapause, on pupal mortality, development times, and the synchrony of adult emergence. Exposure to warm periods ranging from 25 to 75 days during early diapause did not affect pupal weight, adult emergence rates, or lipid store depletion in H. opulenta. Conversely, the length of cold exposure (between 1 and 6 months) during diapause clearly affected moth mortality, and the timing and consistency of adult emergence. Longer cold periods (3 and 6 months) resulted in earlier, more synchronous adult emergence, and lower diapause mortality, than shorter cold periods (1 month). Our results indicate that in terms of energy depletion, early diapause will not affect the fitness of emerging adults, which is important for the viability of univoltine populations in the southernmost part of the introduced range. Additionally, our results will assist with the H. opulenta mass rearing program, indicating the timing required to synchronize adult emergence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alyxia reinwardtii Blume (Pulasari) Apocynaceae is being widely used as a traditional medicine in treating various illnesses due to its phenolic, coumarins, lignans, iridoid glycosides alkaloids and flavonoids content. These compounds in A. reinwardtii were reported to be useful as medicinal and agricultural potentials. Hence, A. reinwardtii meets the rationale for antioxidant and antibacterial studies to replace synthetic substances using different solvents on the leaves and stem of A. reinwardtii using cold maceration. The Folin-Ciocalteu reagent assay was used to estimate the phenolic content of extracts. The total flavonoid content was determined using aluminum chloride. The antioxidant capacity of the samples was evaluated by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical and Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) assay. Disc Diffusion Assay (DDA), Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC), and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) were conducted to evaluate the antibacterial activity of Escherichia coli and Bacillus cereus growth. Methanol was determined as the most effective solvent due to the highest crude yield obtained, (19.47 ± 2.80 %). Acetone showed the highest TPC content (170.44 ± 10.99 mg GAE/g) while hexane showed the highest TFC content (2957 ± 91.24 mg QE/g). Moreover, for DPPH, methanol inhibited the highest antioxidant (75.81 ± 12.62 %) and hexane for FRAP assay (2278.89 ± 69.47 mg AAE/g). Hexane extract is potentially effective with variable efficiency with DDA (11.17 ± 4.48 mm) while methanol extracts with MIC (0.63 µg/mL) and MBC (2.50 µg/mL) against E. coli. The results indicated that methanolic and hexane extract using cold maceration showed optimum antioxidant and antibacterial activity. The present study advocates that A. reinwardtii was a source of substantial antioxidant and antibacterial agents for potential pharmaceutical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chemical investigation into the EtOH extract of the stems of an ethnological herbal medicine Marsdenia tenacissima led to the isolation of eight sesquiterpenes (1 − 8) including two unreported eudesmane analogues (1 and 2), one undescribed pyrrole glycoside (9), two phenolic glycosides (10 and 11) and one polyoxygenated cyclohexene (12). Structures of these compounds were elucidated by spectroscopic means and comparison with known analogues, and the absolute configurations of the previously unreported molecules were established on the basis of time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT) based electronic circular dichroism (ECD) calculation and specific optical rotation analysis. Our bioassays have established that compound 7 exerted mild activity with an IC 50 value of 45.74 ± 0.91 μM, but unfortunately none of them showed obvious inhibition against α-glucosidase. [Display omitted] • Undescribed sesquiterpenes and pyrrole glycoside were isolated from Marsdenia tenacissima. • The absolute configurations were established by analyses of ECD and [α] D data. • Compound 7 showed mild inhibition against the LPS-induced NO release in RAW264.7 cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]