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This work aimed to investigate, for the first time, the chemical composition and cytotoxicity of Dillenia reticulata King's essential oil. The essential oil was obtained through hydrodistillation, and its volatile components were analyzed through gas chromatography (GC-FID) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) techniques. Twelve components, which constitutes more than 99.49% of oil content, were successfully identified. The most prominent components were bicyclogermacrene (44.18%), germacrene D (14.49%), β-gurjunene (12.59%), and elemol (12.25%). The cytotoxicity of essential oil was evaluated using an MTT assay. The essential oil exhibited cytotoxicity against three cancer cell lines which are HepG2, MCF7 and A549 with the IC50 values ranging from 61.5-68.5 μg/mL. The present study highlights the potential of using essential oil as an alternative for the development of chemopreventive or cosmetic agents for the pharmaceutical industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Doliocarpus dentatus (Dilleniaceae) has been used in folk medicine to treat inflammation and pain; however, studies evaluating its toxicity potential, as well as its effects on anxiety and depression, are scarce. This study investigated the toxicological profile of an ethanolic extract from leaves of D. dentatus (EEDd), and its effects on anxiety and depression models in mice. Male and female mice received either a single dose (500, 1000 or 2000 mg/kg) or repeated doses (75, 150 or 300 mg/kg) of EEDd by oral gavage. During the subacute toxicity assay, behavioral tests were performed on days 4, 14, 21 and 28. No evidence of toxicity was observed in the animals in both acute and subacute tests. However, males treated with the highest dose presented a reduction in the absolute weight of the kidney, an elevation in the AST levels, in addition to an alteration in the urea levels. The treatment did not affect other biochemical parameters, and did not induce any depressive-like behavior. EEDd exhibited low toxicity after single and repeated exposures. Since some analyzed parameters were compromised, further toxicity studies should be carried out. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Songi (Dillenia serrata) is a tree endemic to Southeast Sulawesi and its stem bark been used in folk medicine. Nonetheless, only a handful scientific knowledge regarding chemistry and biological activities has been investigated on the plant. The present study aimed to investigate the antioxidant and xanthine oxidase (XO) inhibitory activity of the stem bark of the plant. Methanol extract and organic fractions (petroleum ether, ethyl acetate, and methanol) of the dried powdered stem bark of songi were evaluated for phytochemical screening, total phenolic (TPC), total flavonoid contents (TFC), DPPH, FRAP, and XO in vitro assays. Flavonoids, tannins, terpenoids, steroids, and saponins present in the extract. TPC and TFC in extract were 59.2 mg GAE/g and 23.4 mg QE/g. The contents in organic fractions were in solvent-dependent manner (methanol>ethyl acetate>petroleum ether). Extract and fractions scavenged DPPH radicals (48.2–59.7%) at 100 μg/mL compared to ascorbic acid, trolox, and gallic acid (90.3–93.8%). FRAP values varied from 0.8–3.4 μg/μg equivalent trolox amount (quercetin and gallic acid were 25.7 dan 32.4 μg/μg, respectively). They also inhibited xanthine oxidase (15.3–50.3%) at 100 μg/mL (allopurinol, 98.2%). The study concluded the potential of methanol extract and organic fraction of the stem bark of songi, thus highlighted the prospect of songi to be used in herbal and drugs development from nature.

Background: Davilla elliptica A. St.-Hil, also known as “lixeirinha or sambaibinha” is a shrub belonging to the Dilleniaceae family that occurs naturally in the Brazilian savannah (Cerrado). Research studies have shown evidence of its gastroprotective effect, as well as its benefits as an anti-nociceptive, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant. However, there are no studies testing the potential effects of D. elliptica on treating metabolic parameters and obesity. Purpose: The aim of the present study was to investigate D. elliptica effects on hepatic steatosis induced by a high-fat/high-sugar diet. Methods: Animal experimentation was performed using male Swiss mice divided into four groups: ST (standard control), HLHS (obese control), HLHS+EAF (ethyl-acetate fraction), and HLHS+PL (leaf powder). The groups were treated for four weeks with 0.26 mg/kg/body weight. Results: The main findings of the present study showed that D. elliptica reduced hepatic lipid deposition, body weight, triglycerides, and total cholesterol levels. Gene expression analysis showed that GPX4 and PPARγ mRNA were significantly suppressed in HLHS + EAF mice livers. Conclusion: The present study contributes to elucidating the D. elliptica metabolic role in decreasing GPX4 and PPARγ expression in the HLHS group.

We report the bioavailability analysis for six secondary metabolites with antiviral, antioxidant and antitumor activity reported, from Curatella amaricana L. Additionally, the molecular similarity analysis of each metabolite is presented and compared with Lopinavir, Ritonavir, Darunavir, Cobicistat and Nelfinavir, which actually are in the third phase for the production of a new vaccine for SARS-Cov2. The mode of interaction through molecular docking between each structure and the zone of action for protease type 3-chymotrypsin (3CLpro) also is presented. The molecular geometry for structures were optimized at semiempirical PM6 level. The bioavailability and molecular docking calculations were performed using the algorithms incorporated in chemoinformatic servers and AutoDock Vina. The results show that the structures studied lead a moderated permeability through the cell membrane, by complying with Lipinski's "rule of 5". Molecular similarity was evaluated by averaging geometric parameters (3D-Shape) and electrostatic potential (ESP). The results show that the most secondary metabolites would have a similar mode of action as the Lopinavir, with average similarity between 0.65 and 0.73. This last idea is reinforced by the results for molecular docking with the 3CLpro active site, highlighting the interaction of the molecules studied with the amino acid residues: His-41, Phe-140, Gly-143, Ser-144, Cys-145, His-163, Glu-166 and His-172, with an range interaction-free energy between -7.2 kcal/mol and -9.2 Kcal/mol, highlighting Quercetin 3-O-Alpha-L-rhamnoside with improve affinity energy than Lopinavir. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The recent massive development in the next-generation sequencing platforms and bioinformatics tools including cloud based computing have proven extremely useful in understanding the deeper-level phylogenetic relationships of angiosperms. The present phylotranscriptomic analyses address the poorly known evolutionary relationships of the order Dilleniales to order of the other angiosperms using the minimum evolution method. The analyses revealed the nesting of the representative taxon of Dilleniales in the MPT but distinct from the representative of the order Santalales, Caryophyllales, Asterales, Cornales, Ericales, Lamiales, Saxifragales, Fabales, Malvales, Vitales and Berberidopsidales. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An unexplored hybrid superporous hydrogel (MHSPH) of Dillenia indica fruit mucilage (DIFM) and carrageenan blend embedded with green synthesized magnesium oxide nanoparticles (MNPs) is utilized as an effective wound dressing material with appreciable mechanical strength in murine model. The prepared MNPs and the optimized MHSPH were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier transform infrared (FT- IR) spectroscopy. Size, zeta potential and morphology of MNPs was assessed using Dynamic light scattering technique (DLS) and field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) respectively. The MHSPH grades were further optimized using swelling study in phosphate buffer solution at pH 1.2, 7.0, and 8. Both MNPs and the optimized grade of MHSPH were evaluated based on hemolysis assay, and protein denaturation assays indicating them to be safe for biological use. Acute toxicity studies of the optimized MHSPH on Zebra fish model, revealed no observable toxic effect on the gill cells. Wound healing in Swiss albino mice with application of optimized grade of MHSPH took only 11 days for healing when compared to control mice where healing took 14 days, thus concluding that MHSPH as an effective dressing material as well as tissue regrowth scaffold., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Dillenia suffruticosa or 'Simpur bini' is known to have ethnomedicinal properties and had been used traditionally to heal wounds, relieve fever and rheumatism. There has been limited studies carried out on this species, therefore, this study aims to evaluate the phytochemical contents, antioxidant and antibacterial activities of aqueous extract, methanol extract and its fractions obtained from the leaves of D. suffruticosa. The dried leaves were extracted using methanol before successive solvent partitioning was carried out on the extract using hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate and diethyl ether. In addition to this, aqueous decoction was conducted. The antioxidant activities were determined using Total Phenolic Content (TPC), Total Flavonoid Content (TFC) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate (DPPH) free radical scavenging methods. Phytochemical screening had shown that most of the extracts and fractions contained alkaloids, steroids, phenolics, flavonoids and saponins. The diethyl ether and ethyl acetate fractions showed higher TPC and TFC values. The diethyl ether and ethyl acetate fractions also showed higher antioxidant activities determined via DPPH assay. Antibacterial activities determined using disc diffusion assay showed the methanol extract and its fractions had antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, with the diethyl ether fraction having comparable activity with the standard antibiotic streptomycin. However, inhibition against Bacillus subtilis was only observed in hexane, chloroform and diethyl ether fractions. No inhibition was observed against Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This study identified the diethyl ethyl and ethyl acetate fractions of D. suffruticosa leaves as potential sources of bioactive compounds. Further investigations on the bioassay-guided isolation of bioactive compounds of this species may lead to the discovery of new pharmaceutical or effective antimicrobial agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dillenia indica (Linn.) has been reported by several biological activities, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antidiabetic, anti-hyperglycemic, antiproliferative, antimutagenic, anticholinesterase, and antimicrobial. In Brazilian traditional medicine, the fruits of D. indica have been used to treat general topical pain and inflammation, but with no scientific validation. Thus, aiming to study its chemical constitution and antinociceptive properties, the crude extract (CE) and fractions obtained from the fruits of D. indica were submitted to an in vivo pharmacological evaluation and a dereplication study by LC-MS/MS analysis, assisted by the Global Natural Product Social Molecular Networking (GNPS). The oral antinociceptive activity of the fruits of D. indica and the possible participation of the opioid and cannabinoid systems were demonstrated in the formalin-induced nociception model. The chemical dereplication study led us to identify several known chemical constituents, including flavonoids, such as caffeoylmalic acid, naringenin, quercetin, and kaempferol. According to literature data, our results are compatible with significant antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities. Therefore, the flavonoid constituents of the fruits of D. indica are probably responsible for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antinociceptive effects mediated by both opioid and cannabinoid systems, confirming its folk use in the treatment and relief of pain., (© 2023 Wiley-VHCA AG, Zurich, Switzerland.)

In this work, the mucoadhesive substances from the fruits and seeds of Dillenia indica (DI), a plant present abundantly in India, have been extracted and utilised to prepare a hydrogel. A synthetically prepared amphiphilic polyphenol (L) has been incorporated within the hydrogel network to enhance the hydrogelation property. Moreover, the DI-L hydrogel's total phenolic content and radical scavenging prospects have been investigated. The DI-L hydrogel has shown good, sensitive, and efficient adsorptive removal of Fe(III) from the aqueous medium with an adsorption capacity of 6.157 mg/g for an initial concentration of 10 mg/L of Fe(III) solution. As a result, these findings elucidate the most innovative application of transforming fruit mucoadhesive into sustainable environmental solutions., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Endophytic fungi live symbiotically inside plants and are hidden source of natural bioactive molecules. The present study was carried out to investigate the phytochemical analysis and antioxidant activity of endophytic fungi isolated from the ethnomedicinal plant Dillenia indica L. The ethyl acetate crude extracts of the endophytic fungal strains were preliminarily evaluated for their phytochemical analysis, and the results showed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, phenolics, terpene, and saponins. The crude extracts of more than 60% of the isolates showed 50-90% antioxidant activity by DPPH and H 2 O 2 assay. The inhibition percentage of ethyl acetate extracts ranges from 34.05 to 91.5%, whereas IC 50 values vary from 72.2 to 691.14%. Among all the strains, Fomitopsis meliae crude extract showed a maximum inhibition percentage, i.e., 91.5%, with an IC 50 value of 88.27 µg/mL. Chaetomium globosum showed significant activity having an inhibition percentage of 89.88% and an IC 50 value of 74.44 µg/mL. The total phenolic and flavonoid content in the crude extract of Chaetomium globosum was 37.4 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g DW and 31.0 mg quercetin equivalent (GAE)/g DW. GC-MS analysis of crude extract of C. globosum revealed different compounds, such as squalene; butanoic acid, 2-methyl-; hexadecanoic acid; 2-propanone, 1-phenyl-; 5-oxo-pyrrolidine-2-carboxylic acid methyl ester; 9,12-octadecadienoic acid (z)- etc. Many of these belong to phenolics, which are natural antioxidant compounds. The findings suggested that endophytic fungi associated with Dillenia indica L. can be a potential source of novel antioxidant compounds., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.)

Ethnographic and historical records in the Philippines document the use of vines for cordage, mats, baskets, hats, medicine, and furniture. Similar usage has been assumed in the more distant past (i.e., neolithic); however, no material evidence has so far been found probably owing to unfavorable conditions inhibiting preservation of this particular organic material. This paper reports the presence of dried and mineralized fragments of woody vines from the archeological site of Bubog 2 in Ilin Island, Mindoro, Philippines. Identified as coming from the families Annonaceae, Dilleniaceae, and Mimosaceae, this occurrence provides the first archaeobotanical evidence in the Philippines of woody vines in layers dated from 5000 BCE to 1000 CE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Hibbertia commutata Steud. species group comprises 27 species in Hibbertia Andr. subgenus Hibbertia , all being endemic in south-western Western Australia; it is the largest species group in that state. Several taxa in the group have been the subject of considerable confusion in the past, with inadequate understanding of species boundaries leading to mixed determinations on specimens. All taxa in the group are treated here, and the following are described as new: Hibbertia acrotoma K.R.Thiele, H. ambita K.R.Thiele, H. barrettiae K.R.Thiele, H. davisii K.R.Thiele, H. elegans K.R.Thiele, H. hortiorum K.R.Thiele, H. improna K.R.Thiele, H. inopinata K.R.Thiele, H. sandifordiae K.R.Thiele, H. semipilosa K.R.Thiele, H. spectabilis K.R.Thiele, H. wheelerae K.R.Thiele. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The bioactivity guided fractionation of Tetracera indica leaves crude ethanolic extract has afforded the isolation and characterization of six compounds including a new natural product viz., 5,7-dihydroxyflavone-O-8-sulphate (1) and five known flavonoids (2-6). The structures of the compounds were elucidated using 1D and 2D NMR and HRESIMS spectroscopic analyses. All the isolated compounds were evaluated for their in vitro inhibitory activity against alpha-glucosidase. Compound 1, 5 and 6 showed strong alpha-glucosidase inhibitory activity, 3 and 4 displayed weak activity while compound 2 was inactive. The interactions of the active compounds with alpha-glucosidase were further investigated using molecular docking to confirm their antidiabetic potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dillenia indica Linn. is an endangered plant species occurring in southern Guangxi province and Yunnan province of China, which has been grown in gardens as an ornamental plant and is widely used in the medical field. Here, we report and characterize the complete plastid genome sequence of D. indica to provide genomic resources useful for promoting its conservation. The complete plastome is 159,266 bp in length and contains the typical structure and gene content of angiosperm plastome, including two inverted repeat (IR) regions of 26,457 bp, a large single-copy (LSC) region of 88,305 bp, and a small single-copy (SSC) region of 18,047 bp. The plastome contains 115 genes, consisting of 81 unique protein-coding genes, 30 unique tRNA genes, and 4 unique rRNA genes (5S rRNA, 4.5S rRNA, 23S rRNA, and 16S rRNA). The overall A/T content in the plastome of D. indica is 63.40%. The complete plastome sequence of D. indica will provide a useful resource for the conservation genetics of this species as well as for the phylogenetic studies of Dilleniaceae.

The crude methanol extracts and fractions of the root and stem barks of Dillenia serrata Thunb. showed 64% to 73% inhibition on the production of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) in lipopolysaccharide-induced human whole blood using a radioimmunoassay technique. Three triterpenoids isolated from the root bark of the plant, koetjapic (1), 3-oxoolean-12-en-30-oic (2), and betulinic (3) acids, exhibited significant concentration-dependent inhibitory effects on PGE2 production with IC50 values of 1.05, 1.54, and 2.59 μM, respectively, as compared with the positive control, indomethacin (IC50 = 0.45 μM). Quantification of compounds 1 and 3 in the methanol extracts and fractions were carried out by using a validated reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) method. The ethyl acetate fraction of the stem bark showed the highest content of both compound 1 (15.1%) and compound 3 (52.8%). The strong inhibition of the extracts and fractions on cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) enzymatic activity was due to the presence of their major constituents, especially koetjapic and betulinic acids.

Maternal diabetes can influence the development of offspring during fetal life and postnatally. Curatella americana is a plant used as a menstrual cycle regulator and to prevent diabetes. This study evaluates the effects of C. americana aqueous extract on the estrous cycle and preimplantation embryos of adult female pups from diabetic rats. Female Sprague Dawley newborn rats received Streptozotocin or vehicle (citrate buffer). At adulthood, were submitted to the Oral Glucose Tolerance Test, and mated. The female rats were obtained and were distributed into four experimental groups: OC and OC/T represent female pups of control mothers and received water or plant extract, respectively; OD and OD/T represent female pups of diabetic mothers and received water or plant extract, respectively. The estrous cycle was followed for 10 days, the rats were mated and on gestational day 4 was performed preimplantation embryo analysis. Phenolic composition and biogenic amines in the extract were analyzed about the influence of the thermal process. The female pups from diabetic dams exhibited glucose intolerance, irregular estral cycle and a higher percentage of pre-embryos in delayed development (morula stage). After C. americana treatment, OD/T group no present a regular estrous cycle. Furthermore, the infusion process increases phenolic compounds and biogenic amines levels, which can have anti-estrogenic effect, anticipates the early embryonic development, and impair pre-implantation embryos. Thus, the indiscriminate use of medicinal plants should be avoided in any life phases by women, especially during pregnancy., Competing Interests: Declaration of interests The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2023 Society for Biology of Reproduction & the Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research of Polish Academy of Sciences in Olsztyn. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Hibbertia circinata K.L.McDougall & G.T.Wright (Dilleniaceae: subgen. Hibbertia), a rare, geographically restricted species, is described as new. It is compared with H. linearis DC. and H. saligna DC., and its ecology and conservation status are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endobeuthos paleosum gen. et sp. nov. is based on 6 flowers preserved together in a single block of mid-Cretaceous amber from Myanmar (Burma). The calyx is composed of ca. 50+ small, helically arranged sepals. The corolla consists of 5 imbricate petals forming a sheath-like structure that is usually concealed within the calyx. The petal tips are often spreading and exserted from the calyx. There are numerous stamens, each of which consists of a filament and an enlarged anther connective with a single lateral, bisporangiate theca. Dehiscence is extrorse. The tips of 3 or 4 styles are visible, indicating that the flowers are bisexual. The fossils possess unique features that prevent assignment to any modern family. However, the numerous sepals and stamens and a thickened anther connective may suggest an association of E. paleosum with the family Dilleniaceae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The plant under investigation (Tetracera sarmentosa) is a dicotyledonous flowering plant and belongs to the family Dilleniaceae. The goal of our investigation was to determine whether the leaf extracts of this plant held any significant medicinal properties. Methods: Leaves of T. sarmentosa were extracted with pure ethanol (EETS) and methanol (METS), and then methanol extract fractioned with n-hexane (NHFMETS) and chloroform (CHFMETS). The extracts and fractions were tested for antioxidant activity, which was measured by using qualitative and quantitative procedures. Thrombolytic activity was evaluated by the clot lysis test. Analgesic activity was evaluated employing the acidic acid-induced writhing test, the formalin-induced paw licking test and tail immersion on Swiss albino mice. The anti-inflammatory activity test was studied using the paw edema test. Forced swimming, tail suspension, elevated plus maze and hole board model tests were used to evaluate neuropharmacological activity. Results: All the extracts and fractions possessed antioxidant effects. All the extracts, fractions and streptokinase exhibited significant (p < 0.0001) clot lysis. The extracts and fractions produced significant analgesic effects as evaluated by the acetic acid writhing test, the formalininduced paw licking test and the tail immersion method. Similarly, carrageenan-induced inflammation was significantly antagonized by the treatments. The extracts and fractions also significantly showed neuropharmacological (antidepressant and anxiolytic) effects. Conclusions: The overall results suggested that this plant deserves further investigation to isolate the active compounds which are responsible for these activities and to establish the mechanism of action. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tetrascera scandens , a member of Dilleniaceae, is used for traditional medicine; the stem is utilized by the Anak Dalam tribe of Jambi Province, Sumatera island, Indonesia, to treat diarrhea symptoms. The aims of this study were to identify the secretory structures, histochemical aspects, and the antibacterial potency of T. scandens stem. Histological study of the secretory structures of T. scandens stem was carried out. The species has idioblast cells and trichomes as its secretory structures. Histochemical analysis indicated the substance secreted by T. scandens idioblast cells mainly contains alkaloids, terpenoids, and phenols. Trichomes of T. scandens only contain flavonoids. The antibacterial activity of methanol extracts was tested against Staphyllococcus aureus and Escherichia coli . Different concentration of extracts was tested using the well diffusion method. According to the results, 100 mg/mL T. scandens extract showed the best inhibitory activity with a maximum inhibition zone of 17.7 mm against S. aureus and of 12.5 mm against E. coli . This study provides scientific evidence that the stem of T. scandens has antibacterial activity and justifies its use by the local community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context:Dillenia indicaLinn. (Dilleniaceae) is traditionally used to treat skin inflammation. Objective:This study evaluated the healing effect ofDillenia indicafruit extracts on induced psoriasis-like wounds in Wistar rats. Materials and methods:Extracts were standardized to betulinic acid, including an aqueous ethanolic extract (AEE), ethyl acetate extract (EAE) and petroleum ether extract. Effects against lipid peroxidation were assessedin vitro. Wounds were created at rat tails (n = 12). Topical treatments were applied once daily for 7 days (1 mL of AEE or EAE at 5 or 50 mg/mL). Maximal dose was defined by the extract solubility. A 10-fold lower dose was also tested. Positive and negative controls were treated with clobetasol (0.5 mg/mL) or excipient. Half of each group was euthanized for histology. The remaining animals were observed for 20 days for wound measurements. Results:Yields of AEE and EAE were 4.3 and 0.7%, respectively. Betulinic acid concentrations in AEE and EAE were 4.6 and 107.6 mg/g. Extracts neutralized lipid peroxidationin vitroat 0.02 μg/mL, accelerating healing at 50 mg/mL. Complete healing in mice treated with AEE occurred 16 days after wound induction. This time was 14 and 12 days in mice treated with EAE and clobetasol. Compared to orthokeratosis, parakeratosis was reduced by AEE (25%), EAE (45%) and clobetasol (55%). EAE caused superior protection against biomolecules oxidation of skin compared to AEE. Discussion and conclusion:EAE exhibited activity closer to that of clobetasol. Betulinic acid may be an active constituent, which should be assessed in future studies. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

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The fruit of Dillenia indica L. is extensively used as a food additive. Betulinic acid (BA) is the most prominent secondary metabolite present in D. indica . This study screened the bioassay guided isolation of BA from D. indica and explored its tyrosinase inhibitory mechanism. Half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC 50 ) of BA were calculated as 13.93 µM and 25.66 µM for diphenolase and monophenolase. Enzyme kinetic analysis revealed that BA inhibited tyrosinase activity non-competitively. Further, conformational analysis of tyrosinase with BA was measured by fluorescence and circular dichroism spectroscopy. These results implied that diminish rigidity of enzyme might disturb the catalytic conformation of tyrosinase. Moreover, In-silico analysis confirmed probable binding polar and non-polar region on the active site of tyrosinase. Based on these findings, we suggest that BA from D. indica may be useful in preventing enzymatic browning reactions in food products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dillenia is a medium-sized tree which has high species diversity in tropical regions especially in Southeast Asia. Dillenia in Purwodadi Botanic Garden are collected from native habitats in Java, Kalimantan, Sulawesi and Papua which planted on the area of 17 x 55 m². The purpose of this research is to study the above ground carbon storage in Dillenia collection in Purwodadi Botanic Garden. Carbon storage estimation was established by measuring stem carbon stocks from plant collections with plant age ranging between 12-30 years. Twelve years old collection contributed carbon storage of 7.35 tonnes/ha for D. sumatrana. Twenty years old species had the lowest carbon storage of 2.17 kg/plant for D. serrata and the highest of 51.9 kg/plant for D. auriculata with a range of carbon storage of 3.47 to 41.072 tonnes/Ha. Thirty years old plant contributed 39.465 kg/plant and carbon storages of 63.14 tonnes/ha for D. serrata and 135.59 kg/plant and 216.94 tonnes/ha for D. philipinensis. Overall, Dillenia collections in Purwodadi Botanic Garden contributed 793.94 kg carbon storages, store carbon on average of 30.54 kg/plant and 46.46 tonnes/ha. The increase of carbon storage in the second 10 years was higher than in the first 10 years. It indicated that Dillenia had growth strategy in the early growth then alocated more mass after 10 years. Carbon storage of Dillenia was high and different in age. D. serrata, D. papuana and D. auriculata are recommended species as a priority in planting trees based on carbon sink. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Land use for agricultural and mining activities has increased dramatically in the Cerrado biome, resulting in degradation of natural areas and loss of biodiversity. Among all organisms threatened by these activities, plant-inhabiting mites represent a rather neglected group since fewer studies were conducted with these arthropods in natural vegetation compared to agricultural systems. This situation justifies more efforts to characterize plant mites associated with native flowering plants of the Cerrado. Here we studied plant mite assemblages of the common treeCuratella americanaL. (Dilleniaceae) in the Cerrado remnants situated in the vicinities of nickel mining sites in the Brazilian state of Goiás. We sampled 33 sites with remnants of natural vegetation belonging to three phytophysiognomies: forest (11 sites), savannah (21 sites) and grassland (1 site). At each site, three to six individual trees were sampled, totalling 132 plants, which harboured 1493 mites belonging to 23 species in 12 families. The most abundant phytophagous and predatory species wereBrevipalpussp. andPronematussp., respectively. Mycophagous species and those with unknown feeding habits represented a very small portion of our samples. The Phytoseiidae was the most diverse family with nine species, which suggests the importance of the Cerrado fragments as reservoirs for this family. According to our species accumulation (Mao Tau) and estimated richness (Jackknife 1) curves, more mite species should be present and thus could be collected through an increased sampling effort at the forest and savannah sites. On the other hand, both accumulation and estimated richness curves tended towards an asymptote for the grassland area. Although the studied Cerrado remnants are exposed to nickel mining activity impacts,C. americanastill presented a significant species richness of mites, including predatory species with potential benefit to agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a palynological examination of surface soil samples procured from butterfly mud puddling locations in northeast India and its comparison with forest surface samples from the immediate vicinity. The modern palynodata from different sites reflect a close similarity in the types and frequency of the pollen grains. However, the diversity of pollen taxa in butterfly mud puddle samples was comparatively higher than the forest surface samples. The pollen recovered in both the butterfly mud puddle location and forest surface samples reflects an evergreen forest composed of Dillenia, Elaeocarpus, Litsea, and Syzygium which exactly displays the current vegetation. The presence of cerealia, along with Brassicaceae, and Hibiscus in the butterfly mud puddle samples is suggestive of the human activity in the vicinity. However, the abundance of Lantana and Melastoma pollen in the mud puddle sediments is a strong indication of the conversion of forest vegetation in to open habitat, because these plants are correlated with human occupation. The extra-regional taxa, especially Rhododendron, in the mud puddle sediments are significant and strongly suggestive of butterfly migration from higher altitudes. Evergreen elements, along with ferns and fungal remains, in the palynoassemblage are strongly indicative of high rainfall under warm and humid climatic conditions. Thus, the main aim of this observation was to identify the potential of butterfly mud puddle samples and its comparison with other surface pollen traps in order to strengthen the relationship between modern pollen and vegetation in floristically rich areas of Assam, northeast India. The palynodata from the butterfly mud puddle locations is a useful source of palynological observation which should be considered in future palynological research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Dillenia is comprised of about 100 species of evergreen and deciduous trees or shrubs of disjunct distribution in the seasonal tropics of Madagascar through South and South East Asia, Malaysia, North Australia, and Fiji. Species from this genus have been widely used in medicinal folklore to treat cancers, wounds, jaundice, fever, cough, diabetes mellitus, and diarrhea as well as hair tonics. The plants of the genus also produce edible fruits and are cultivated as ornamental plants. Flavonoids, triterpenoids, and miscellaneous compounds have been identified in the genus. Their extracts and pure compounds have been reported for their antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, cytotoxic, antidiabetes, antioxidant, antidiarrheal, and antiprotozoal activities. Mucilage from their fruits is used in drug formulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ethnopharmacological relevance Tetracera potatoria Afzel. Exg. Don (Dilleniaceae) is a medicinal plant used traditionally in Africa for the treatment of tuberculosis related ailments and respiratory infections. The antibacterial activity of the medium polar extracts of T. potatoria leaves and stem bark was recently reported against Mycobacterium smegmatis (MIC 25 µg/mL) and M. aurum (65 µg/mL), two fast-growing Mycobacterium strains used as model micro-organisms for the more pathogenic strain Mycobacterium tuberculosis ( Fomogne-Fodjo et al., 2014 ). The aim of this study was consequently to isolate the compounds possibly contributing to this activity, and which may therefore be promising precursors to be used for the development of novel anti-TB drugs. Materials and methods T. potatoria medium polar extract [MeOH/DCM (1:1, v/v)] was fractionated sequentially with petroleum ether to which EtOAC and MeOH were gradually added to increase the polarity. The examination of T. potatoria extract and its fractions was guided by bioassays for anti-mycobacterial activity against M. smegmatis (ATCC 23246) and M. aurum (NCTC 10437) using the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) method. All the isolated compounds were structurally elucidated using spectroscopic techniques and evaluated for their anti-mycobacterial activity. Results Two novel secondary metabolites ( 1 , 2 ) named tetraceranoate and N -hydroxy imidate-tetracerane, together with five known compounds [ β -stigmasterol ( 3 ), stigmast-5-en-3 β -yl acetate ( 4 ), betulinic acid ( 5 ), betulin ( 6 ) and lupeol ( 7 )] were isolated and identified. Tetraceranoate exhibited the best activity against M. smegmatis with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 7.8 µg/mL, while β -stigmasterol, betulinic acid and betulin showed appreciable anti-mycobacterial activity against both strains (MIC 15 µg/mL). Conclusion Seven compounds were isolated from the medium polar extract [MeOH/DCM (1:1, v/v)] of T. potatoria stem bark. Only tetraceranoate one of the isolated compounds showed antibacterial activity against M. smegmatis having efficacy as high as rifampicin (one of a three drug regimen recommended in the initial phase short-course anti-tuberculosis therapy). Thus, tetraceranoate might be an interesting target for systematic testing of anti-TB treatment and management. This research supports the use of T. potatoria in African traditional medicine for the treatment of tuberculosis related symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species of Doliocarpus (Dilleniaceae), Doliocarpus putumayensis Aymard from the Porvenir River (affluent of the lower Putumayo River), and the middle Caqueta River in the state of Amazonas was found during the examination of specimens for the Dilleniaceae treatment for the Flora de Colombia. This species is not clearly related to any other Doliocarpus species, however, it shows certain similarities with D. magnificus Sleumer in its leaves size, shape, and the fruit size and pubescence. Nonetheless, P. putumayensis differs in its tertiary venation, inflorescence size, sepal number and shape, anthers glabrous with a connective broadened, and fruit densely adpressed pubescent. An updated key to the species of Doliocarpus of Colombia is provided, and a previously described subspecies from Brazil is elevated to the rank of species (i.e., Doliocarpus brevipedicellatus Garcke subsp. hilarianus Kubitzki to D. hilarianus Aymard). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]