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• Mistletoe infection was strongly correlated to host tree size. • Understorey plant chlorophyll content increased with mistletoe infection. • Understorey plant leaf area increased with host tree size. • Trait plasticity was related to increase in limiting resources i.e., light, nutrients, and soil moisture. • Ecological strategy shifted from conservative to acquisitive with increase in mistletoe infection or host size. • Plastic allocation responses may not be a general consequence of mistletoe infection. Mistletoes are increasingly associated with elevated leaf litter, soil nutrients, and soil moisture, resources which influence variations in plant functional traits. Despite this recognition, variations in the functional traits of understorey plants with overstorey (host) tree mistletoe infection are yet to be examined. Here, we measured the different functional traits (height, stem diameter, canopy area, leaf area, specific leaf area, whole-leaf thickness, leaf dry matter content, and chlorophyll content) of Ziziphus mucronata , a dominant woody plant beneath mistletoe-infected Vachellia karroo trees in semi-arid savanna. Two-sample t -tests were used to compare host size, mistletoe infection intensity, and trait variables between low and high mistletoe-infected trees. The relationships between Ziziphus mucronata functional traits vs. host tree diameter and the number of mistletoes per tree were explored using regression analysis and visualized using a regression biplot based on a redundancy analysis (RDA). Host tree height, canopy area, and canopy volume were strongly positively (r > 0.7, p < 0.05) related to mistletoe infection intensity. While most of the traits did not vary with mistletoe infection, the chlorophyll content and leaf area of understorey Z. mucronata increased with host tree size, being greater beneath high than low mistletoe-infected trees. These variations are linked to changes in limiting resources such as light, soil nutrients, and soil moisture due to accumulation of mistletoes and increase in size as the host tree ages. As a result, the understorey plants shifted from being resource conservative to being acquisitive as limiting resources increased. The general lack of trait plasticity in understorey Z. mucronata suggests that plastic allocation responses may not be a general consequence of mistletoe infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Loranthaceae parasitism is a limiting factor for crops as well as many other plant diseases and pests. The present study was conducted to make an inventory of Loranthaceae present on fruit trees species grown in the Bayangam locality. It also aimed to record the damage caused by these pests on the host plants. To achieve this, 40 transects of 100 m length and 50 m width were set up in the locality of Bayangam. Observations were made on the presence or absence of the parasites on the host plants, the number of Loranthaceae clumps carried by each parasitized tree, the taxon of the parasite, and the damage caused by the Loranthaceae on the host plants. Results: The inventories identified six species of Loranthaceae belonging to four genera. These were Globimetula braunii, Globimetula dinklagei, Globimetula oreophila, Helixanthera mannii, Phragmanthera capitata, and Tapinanthus globiferus. Parasite densities varied among species and increased with the circumference of host plants. Globimetula braunii and Phragmanthera capitata were the most invasive species on host plants. Conclusion: Fruit trees in Bayangam are largely parasitized by Loranthaceae. The only control method used by the populations is pruning of parasitized branches during drought periods. This method is not effective because of the large number of trees and branches parasitized. The identification of Loranthaceae‐resistant cultivars in fruit tree production is an interesting element in the perspective of control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tapinanthus bangwensis commonly known as mistletoe, is a hemi parasitic shrub of Loranthaceae, and the native range is West Tropical Africa to Chad; used in tradomedicine to remedy various ailments in Nigeria. Hence, the objective of this paper was to investigate the chemotaxonomic characteristics of Tapinanthus bangwensis (Engl. & K. Krause) Danser of Loranthaceae collected from University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria using appropriate standard methods. Results of anatomy revealed 4 to 5 rows of collenchyma at hypodermis, parenchyma domiciled in the ground tissues, vascular sclerenchyma present especially in vascular system. In the phytochemistry, alkaloids, tannins, saponins, phenolics and flavonoids were present while terpenoids absent. These information would assist for further delimitation of the species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT This paper consists in the taxonomic survey of the Santalales order in the Núcleo Curucutu, Parque Estadual Serra do Mar, São Paulo State, Brazil. The taxonomic treatment includes identification key, morphological descriptions, taxonomic notes, photographs, geographical distribution, and phenological data. The order is represented by four species: Langsdorffia hypogaea Mart., Phoradendron crassifolium (Pohl ex DC.) Eichler, Phoradendron fragile Urb., and Struthanthus acuminatus (Ruiz & Pav.) Kuijt.

AbstractPsittacanthus schiedeanus (Cham. & Schltdl.) G.Don., 1834, is a mistletoe species in the Loranthaceae, characteristic of the canopy in cloud forest edges and widely distributed in northern Mesoamerica. Here, we report the complete chloroplast genome sequence of P. schiedeanus, the first for a species in the Psittacantheae tribe. The circularized quadripartite structure of the P. schiedeanus chloroplast genome was 122,586 bp in length and included a large single-copy region of 72,507 bp and two inverted repeats of 21,283 bp separated by a small single-copy region of 7,513 bp. The genome contained 112 genes, of which 96 are unique, including 65 protein-coding genes, 27 transfer RNA, and four ribosomal RNA. The overall GC content in the plastome of P. schiedeanus is 36.9%. Based on 43 published complete chloroplast genome sequences for species in the families Loranthaceae and Santalaceae (Santalales), the maximum-likelihood phylogenetic tree with high-support bootstrap values indicated that P. schiedeanus in the Psittacantheae tribe is sister to the tribe Lorantheae. The chloroplast genome provided in this study represents a valuable resource for genetic, phylogenetic and conservation studies of Psittacanthus species, and an important advance for unraveling the evolutionary history of these hemiparasitic plants.

Mistletoes have a fraught public relations history. Vilified as toxic tree-killing weeds, they have long been targeted for removal by arborists and forest managers concerned with tree health. Research on mistletoe ecology has revealed their positive influence on diversity and community structure via complex networks of interactions. In areas where mistletoe has traditionally been removed, managers are now asking whether these parasitic plants can return on their own or whether they should be reintroduced. To evaluate the practicalities of mistletoe restoration, we inoculated 28 London plane trees Platanus × acerfolia (Aiton) Willd. in inner Melbourne with creeping mistletoe Muellerina eucalyptoides (DC.) Barlow, a locally rare species. Branch dimensions and aspect had no discernible effect on germination or seedling emergence, but trees where access to possums (Trichosurus vulpecula (Kerr, 1792) and Pseudocheirus peregrinus (Boddaert, 1785)) was restricted were 30% more likely to host seedlings. Five years after inoculation, seven mistletoes successfully established on five trees, with two mistletoes bearing fruit. Communications with residents and city users elicited positive feedback, catalysing four additional inoculation trials in urban and forest settings elsewhere. In addition to representing a cost-effective means of enhancing habitat values, mistletoe restoration is useful for addressing open questions about mistletoe ecology and educating the community about the functional roles these parasitic plants play. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a detailed phytochemical investigation of compounds in the twigs of the mistletoe Loranthus europaeus Jacq., which belongs to the Loranthaceae family, is presented. Specimens were collected from the mistletoe L. europaeus growing on oak trees in the mainland of Greece. The alliance of oaks and mistletoes became a symbol of knowledge and strength for many centuries. Although numerous compounds of aerial tissues of other mistletoes, e.g., Viscum album, have been published, few studies have been conducted to investigate the metabolic and physiological traits of the hemiparasitic, deciduous Loranthus europaeus. LC-HRMS-based analysis led to a detailed characterization of ethyl acetate and dichloromethane extracts of the twigs of L. europaeus, which, to the best of our knowledge, exhibit enhanced antioxidant potential. Hence, twenty-four and twenty-six compounds were tentatively identified from the ethyl acetate and dichloromethane twigs' extracts, respectively; these compounds belong to fatty acids, flavonoids, and flavonoid glycosides. Also, chlorophyll, soluble sugar, starch, and lipid contents in the twigs of L. europaeus, which have not hitherto been published, were investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trees' responses to mistletoes occur at multiple organization levels (e.g., leaf, individual, population), yet integrating these multi‐scale responses is still challenging. Here, we compared the traits of infected versus uninfected trees over multiple scales, from leaf anatomy and physiology to canopy allometries and individual growth rate and survivorship. We tested the hypotheses that mistletoes lead in the host (1) the production of leaves with a conservative resource‐use strategy, (2) more mechanically stable canopies and (3) reductions in growth and survival probability in the trees they infect. We addressed these hypotheses in the widespread savanna tree Vochysia thyrsoidea and xylem‐tapping mistletoe Psittacanthus robustus in the Brazilian Cerrado, a global biodiversity hotspot. We found that (1) mistletoe infection did not affect key traits associated with resource conservativeness, such as leaf mass per area (LMA) and carbon assimilation rates (A). Likewise, (2) hosts did not increase the mechanical safety of their trunks in response to mistletoe infection since infected and uninfected trees had a similar allometric scaling between height and crown volume against stem diameter. (3) At the population level, both the relative growth rate and survival probability decreased as the number of parasites increased. However, zero growth and a 50% chance of mortality were estimated to occur in a minority of heavily infected trees (>7 and 14 parasites, respectively). Our results challenge the idea that mistletoes have a ubiquitous negative impact on their hosts. We highlight, therefore, the need for clarifying the mechanisms that allow trees to maintain their functioning even in the face of mistletoe parasitism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Psittacanthus schiedeanus (Cham. & Schltdl.) G.Don., 1834, is a mistletoe species in the Loranthaceae, characteristic of the canopy in cloud forest edges and widely distributed in northern Mesoamerica. Here, we report the complete chloroplast genome sequence of P. schiedeanus, the first for a species in the Psittacantheae tribe. The circularized quadripartite structure of the P. schiedeanus chloroplast genome was 122,586 bp in length and included a large single-copy region of 72,507 bp and two inverted repeats of 21,283 bp separated by a small single-copy region of 7,513 bp. The genome contained 112 genes, of which 96 are unique, including 65 protein-coding genes, 27 transfer RNA, and four ribosomal RNA. The overall GC content in the plastome of P. schiedeanus is 36.9%. Based on 43 published complete chloroplast genome sequences for species in the families Loranthaceae and Santalaceae (Santalales), the maximum-likelihood phylogenetic tree with high-support bootstrap values indicated that P. schiedeanus in the Psittacantheae tribe is sister to the tribe Lorantheae. The chloroplast genome provided in this study represents a valuable resource for genetic, phylogenetic and conservation studies of Psittacanthus species, and an important advance for unraveling the evolutionary history of these hemiparasitic plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Globimetula braunii is a medicinal plant that grows in tropical countries and is used in the treatment of various diseases. The plant was reported to contain several secondary metabolites that are responsible for its therapeutic activities. This study aimed to isolate more flavonoid compounds present in the n-butanol fraction of the ethanol leaf extract of the plant. The n-butanol fraction of an ethanol leaf extract of Globimetula braunii was subjected to column chromatography over silica gel, and repeated gel filtration with Sephadex LH-20 eluted with methanol led to the isolation of a compound identified as the flavonoid glycoside, quercetin-3-O-rutinoside and its structure was elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tapinanthus bangwensis commonly known as mistletoe, is a hemi parasitic shrub of Loranthaceae, and the native range is West Tropical Africa to Chad; used in tradomedicine to remedy various ailments in Nigeria. Hence, the objective of this paper was to investigate the chemotaxonomic characteristics of Tapinanthus bangwensis (Engl. & K. Krause) Danser of Loranthaceae collected from University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria using appropriate standard methods. Results of anatomy revealed 4 to 5 rows of collenchyma at hypodermis, parenchyma domiciled in the ground tissues, vascular sclerenchyma present especially in vascular system. In the phytochemistry, alkaloids, tannins, saponins, phenolics and flavonoids were present while terpenoids absent. These information would assist for further delimitation of the species.

Mistletoes are ecologically important parasitic plants, with > 1600 species from five lineages worldwide. Mistletoe lineages exhibit distinct patterns of species diversification and host specificity, however, the mechanisms underlying these differences are poorly understood. In this study, we analysed a comprehensive parasite–host network, including 280 host species from 60 families and 22 mistletoe species from two lineages (Santalaceae and Loranthaceae) in Xishuangbanna, located in a biodiversity hotspot of tropical Asia. We identified the factors that predict the infection strength of mistletoes. We also detected host specificity and the phylogenetic signal of mistletoes and their hosts. We found that this interaction network could be largely explained by a model based on the relative abundance of species. Host infection was positively correlated with diameter at breast height and tree coverage, but negatively correlated with wood density. Overall, closely related mistletoe species tend to interact more often with similar hosts. However, the two lineages showed a significantly different network pattern. Rates of host generality were higher in Loranthaceae than in Santalaceae, although neither lineage showed phylogenetic signal for host generality. This study demonstrates that the neutral interaction hypothesis provides suitable predictions of the mistletoe–host interaction network, and mistletoe species show significant phylogenetic signals for their hosts. Our findings also indicate that high species diversification in Loranthaceae may be explained by high rates of host generality and the evolutionary history shared by Loranthaceae species with diverse host plants in the tropics.

Abstract The Loranthaceae Juss. family includes parasitic species that invade important trees such as fruit trees. In Saudi Arabia, Loranthaceae comprises four genera, which include six species that grow in the western, southwestern, and northern regions: Tapinanthus globifer (A.Rich.) Tiegh, Oncocalyx glabratus (Engl.) M. G. Gilbert, Loranthella deflersii (Tiegh.) S. Blanco & C. E. Wetze, Phragmanthera austroarabica A. G. Mill. & J. Nyberg, Plicosepalus curviflorus (Benth.ex Oliv.) Tiegh. and Plicosepalus acaciae (Zucc.). The species present in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have not been the subject of enough studies. This work aims to screen and evaluate the taxonomic importance of the micromorphological traits of leaves and fruits in Loranthaceae species native to Saudi Arabia (SA) using scanning electron microscope (SEM). In this study, cluster dendrogram (CD), principal component analysis (PCA) and analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used to evaluate the ability to discriminate Loranthaceae species using micromorphological characteristics. Most of the micromorphological characteristics of the leaf and fruit surfaces used reflected significant variation between the species of Loranthaceae. The type of stomata, trichome, lenticels, fine relief of the cell wall and wax form were the most taxonomically important characteristics. In addition, the cluster dendrogram of morphological characteristics showed species distribution within branches based on affiliation to subtribes Tapinanthinae and Emelianthinae. To the best of our knowledge, the fruit and leaves of the species under study have never been described using electron microscopy, and this study is considered the first of its kind. It also contributes to solving the classification problems of the family Loranthaceae in general and confirms the importance of the characteristics and methods used as tools for characterizing parasitic species that infect trees and helps to verify their identities. This will help to improve resistance efforts and put effective control plans in place.

Some mistletoe species (Loranthaceae) resemble their host plants to a striking degree. Various mechanisms have been proposed for the developmental origins of novel traits that cause mistletoes to appear similar to their hosts, as well as for the adaptive phenotypic evolution of such traits. Calder (1983) proposed a logically flawed group selectionist seed‐dispersal hypothesis for mistletoes to resemble their hosts. Calder's (1983) hypothesis does not provide a viable potential explanation for mistletoe resemblance to hosts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lycaenid butterflies of the Ogyris idmo species group are endemic to Australia and obligatorily associated with Camponotus ants. Several species are threatened with extinction, but there are considerable uncertainties with the present classification. Here, the taxonomy of the species group is revised based on molecular and morphological data. Mitochondrial sequence data were obtained from GenBank for Ogyris Angas, 1847, from cytochrome oxidase I (COI) and cytochrome b (cytb) (total of 1203 bp), and a phylogeny of the genus was reconstructed using Maximum Likelihood methods. Based on these molecular data, adult morphology and other evidence, the following eight taxa are recognised in this species group: Ogyris otanes (C. & R. Felder, 1865), Ogyris arcana M.R. Williams & Hay, 2001 stat. rev., Ogyris arcana arcana M.R. Williams & Hay, 2001 comb. nov. , Ogyris arcana sublustris M.R. Williams & Hay, 2001 comb. nov. , Ogyris halmaturia (Tepper, 1890), Ogyris halmaturia halmaturia (Tepper, 1890), Ogyris halmaturia waterhouseri (Bethune-Baker, 1905) stat. rev. , Ogyris idmo (Hewitson, 1862), Ogyris subterrestris Field, 1999 and Ogyris petrina Field, 1999 stat. rev. The female of Ogyris halmaturia halmaturia is described for the first time. Phylogenetic relationships among the six species are as follows: (O. otanes + O. arcana) + (O. halmaturia + (O. idmo + (O. subterrestris + O. petrina))). The life history switch from phytophagy (O. otanes and O. arcana) to entomophagy (suspected myrmecophagy) within this species group has led to diversification of four species, a most unusual evolutionary pattern within the Lycaenidae globally. The taxonomic changes proposed herein affect some of the most threatened Australian butterflies and their conservation status is discussed. ZooBank: urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:B9A6F558-DD47-47DF-AC9C-A71270B6EE09 The systematics of the bronze azure butterfly Ogyris idmo species group are revised through an integrative taxonomic approach. Morphological examination and phylogenetic analysis resolved eight taxa within this group (six species and two subspecies) and five new nomenclatural changes are proposed. A key to all taxa is provided and all taxa are illustrated. These taxonomic changes affect some of the most threatened Australian butterflies and the conservation is discussed. (Photograph by Ethan P. Beaver.) IS23032_TOC.jpg [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Some mistletoe species (Loranthaceae) resemble their host plants to a striking degree. Various mechanisms have been proposed for the developmental origins of novel traits that cause mistletoes to appear similar to their hosts, as well as for the adaptive phenotypic evolution of such traits. Calder (1983) proposed a logically flawed group selectionist seed‐dispersal hypothesis for mistletoes to resemble their hosts. Calder's (1983) hypothesis does not provide a viable potential explanation for mistletoe resemblance to hosts.

A new species of the little-known genus Demarchus Jacoby was discovered at Pilu, East Taiwan, and is here described as Demarchus hsui sp. nov. The larvae and adults utilise showy mistletoes as food plants. Their remarkable biology is described in detail, including egg deposition and leaf mining behaviour. Their biology is compared with that of other members of the genus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The butterfly genus Ogyris Angas, 1847 consists of several striking but poorly resolved complexes endemic to Australia and New Guinea, many of which have an obligate association with ants. Here, we revise the systematics of the Ogyris aenone (Waterhouse, 1902) complex through an integrative taxonomic approach based on molecular phylogenetic analysis, morphological examination, life histories and ecology. Mitochondrial sequence data based on concatenated cytochrome oxidase I (COI) and cytochrome b (cytb) (total of 1203 bp) for 36 ingroup samples were generated and combined with sequences available on NCBI GenBank for Ogyris. Phylogenetic analysis inferred by maximum likelihood methods resolved five taxa within this group, with one taxon, Ogyris caelestia Beaver & Braby sp. nov., described as a new species and another, O. doddi stat. rev. , raised to full species. Phylogenetic relationships among the five taxa are as follows: (O. caelestia + O. aenone) + (O. ianthis + (O. iphis + O. doddi)). This revision brings the number of recognised Ogyris species to 16 and for the tribe Ogyrini to 18. This group of butterflies was found to be scarce – field samples of host trees that had the co-occurrence of both mistletoe and the appropriate attendant ant at 12 locations in eastern and northern Australia revealed low rates of occupancy (<50%, with an overall average of 17%) based on the presence of immature stages of the five butterfly species. The complete life histories, general biology and ecology of all members of this species-group are illustrated and diagnosed for the first time and confusing aspects of the literature are clarified. Several taxa are of conservation significance, including the new species, and future directions are discussed in relation to this. ZooBank: urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:FC258ED6-AA1F-4E11-BFE1-D0A612E4F166 The systematics of the 'sapphire azure' butterfly (Ogyris aenone) species complex is revised through an integrative taxonomic approach. Phylogenetic analysis resolved five species within this group, with one species, Ogyris caelestia Beaver & Braby, sp. nov. , here described as new and another, Ogyris doddi , stat. rev. , raised to full species. The complete life histories, biology and ecology of all members of this species-group are illustrated and diagnosed, and confusing aspects of the literature are clarified. Several species are of conservation significance, including the new species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phragmanthera regularis is a hemi-parasitic shrub. It is known for treating various health ailments. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial activity, toxicity, and chemical characterization of the leaf extracts of P regularis collected from the Schinus molle host plant in Ethiopia. The antimicrobial properties of crude extracts obtained with chloroform, ethyl acetate, methanol, and water solvents were assayed against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The methanol extract significantly inhibited the growth of S. aureus, E. coli and P. aeruginosa were resistant to any of these solvent extracts. The methanol extract was tested at 175, 550, and 2000 mg/kg body weight doses in white mice and did not reveal any toxicity. The LC-MS qTOF analysis detected flavonoids, phenolic acids, and alkaloids in the crude methanol extract. Further study is needed to investigate the effectiveness of these compounds against S. aureus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was carried out to investigate the phytochemical constituents, analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity of methanol stem extract of Globimetula braunii. Preliminary phytochemical screening was done using standard protocols, median lethal dose (LD50) was determined by Lorke's method. Analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities of extract were determined using acetic acid induced writhing and hot-plate model and the carrageenan-induced rat's paw edema model respectively at graded doses of 1000 mg/kg, 500 mg/kg and 250mg/kg. The phytochemical screening revealed the presence of flavonoids, steroid, triterpenes and saponins. Intraperitoneal median lethal dose of the extract was estimated to be greater than 5000 mg/kg bodyweight in mice. The extract exhibited highest percentage inhibition of writhing (99.24%) at a dose of 1000 mg/kg. However, the extract showed no central analgesic activity. Furthermore, the extract at lowest and highest dose (250 mg/kg and 1000 mg/kg) significantly (p<0.05) reduced paw size when compared to control group. The findings of this study suggest that the methanol stem extract of Globimetula braunii contains bioactive compounds with peripherally mediated analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Mistletoe is an important nutritional resource for the frugivorous ornithological fauna in several ecosystems. However, in great intensity, they can reduce the vigor of their host trees, requiring adequate management in urban afforestation, without depleting this source of food for birds. The hypothesis that there are hemiparasites with host specificity was the reason for this study. Thus, a floristic census of the trees was carried out at UFMT, campus Cuiabá; the infestation by genus of hemiparasite present was recorded, in quantity and degree of infestation, in addition to the quantification of seeds of the hemiparasite germinated without the development of the vegetative part, whose cotyledons necrotized and died. A total of 4265 tree individuals were evaluated, distributed in 46 families, in which 16,52% were identified of the genera Phoradendron, Psittacanthus, and Struthanthus, of which about 90,0% were Psittacanthus. The highest infestation occurred in 24 families, highlighting Fabaceae (28,3%) and Combretaceae (25,6%), and the species Terminalia catappa, Anadenanthera peregrina, and Vatairea macrocarpa. The presence of germinated seeds of the hemiparasite with dead cotyledons varies between tree species and between individuals of the same species. The highlight was in Rutaceae, Arecaceae, and Rubiaceae, and in the species Acrocomia aculeata, Caryocar villosum, and Genipa americana L. that present individuals with natural control potential, even with the presence of frugivorous ornithological fauna and the dispersion of the hemiparasite. In general, the intensity and degree of infestation are low, and there is no infestation in the Caryocaceae, Rutaceae, and Rubiaceae families, highlighting the species Caryocar villosum, Murraya paniculata and Alibertia edulis.

Hemiparasitic plants can directly influence host plants performance through the invasion of the vascular system. However, the extent to which host plants can influence hemiparasitic plants is poorly understood. We investigated the phenology, reproductive components (pollen grains, flower buds, flowers, and fruits), and floral visitors' composition and behavior (time spent per flower and number of flowers visited) of Struthanthus polyanthus (Loranthaceae) in three different host species. Moreover, we explored the effects of abiotic (light, temperature, and humidity) and biotic factors (host plants) on S. polyanthus's floral visitors. The study was carried out from September 2015 to December 2016, in a savanna area in Brazil, in three different hosts. Our results indicated significant effects of host plants and abiotic variables on hemiparasitic plants and their floral visitors. We found that although the phenological events of S. polyanthus among hosts coincided throughout the year, the S. polyanthus' reproductive components were differently affected by hosts, and the host plants significantly influenced the S. polyanthus floral visitors' composition and behavior. Finally, abiotic factors influenced the time spent per flower and the number of flowers visited by floral visitors of S. polyanthus. Our study highlights the context-dependent performance of a hemiparasitic plant, contributing to a better understanding of plant–plant relationships. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thus, by itself, I T. corymbosus i cannot parasitize I Nothofagus i trees but reaches a considerable abundance in the I Nothofagus i - I Araucaria i forest due to a hyperparasitism interaction with I D. mutabilis i , expanding its habitat use toward this forest type. Besides plant-animal interactions, plant-plant interactions are also important because they determine which plant species can be parasitized by mistletoes (i.e., host range; Mathiasen et al., [18]). Keywords: host; Loranthaceae; Nothofagus; plant-plant interactions; temperate rainforest EN host Loranthaceae Nothofagus plant-plant interactions temperate rainforest 1 6 6 02/03/23 20230201 NES 230201 Mistletoes are a relatively diverse group of flowering plants that have developed a parasitic strategy (Watson, [26]). I Nothofagus i trees are parasitized by I D. mutabilis i , and I T. corymbosus i parasitizes I D. mutabilis i , not directly the tree. [Extracted from the article]

Dendrophthoe pentandra (L.) Miq. (Kafak mamung) is a hemiparasitic plant utilized for several ethnopharmacological and medicinal purposes. However, the hemiparasitic plant vary in correlation with the species from host plant, due to variation in the compound's profiles. This study was aimed to determine the compounds contained in leaf and stem extracts from various host plants. Soxhlet extraction was used to prepare crude extracts using ethanol and ethyl acetate as solvents. Phytochemical profiles of the stem and leaf were analyzed by GC-MS to determine the total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC), while antioxidant activities were examined using DPPH and ABTS assays. Folin-Ciocalteu colorimetry showed that ethanol extract of D. pentandra hemiparasite stem growing on Shorea roxburghii had the highest TPC (398.45± 2.49 mg GAE/g extract) and DPPH assays 88.518± 0.339%. Chemical analysis using GC-MS revealed the presence of 14 compounds including 9-octadecanamide (Z)-, hexadecanamide and octadecanamide. The phytochemical profiles of the compounds identified in the extracts of D. pentandra showed that this plant has a potential for future health promotion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dendrophthoe falcata (syn. With Loranthus falcatus) has been widely used in Indian and other traditional medicine systems as a therapeutic herb. Extensive pharmacological studies of leaf and stem extracts of D. falcata have shown significant biological activities. In the present study, an attempt has been made to carry out the phytochemical investigation of the petroleum ether and dichloromethane extract of the stem part of D. falcata. The isolation and identification of the possible bioactive phytochemicals of this plant may lead towards the development of new pharmaceutical products. Using repeated coloumn chromatography, preparative TLC and crystallization techniques, ten compounds have been isolated in pure form. On the basis of detailed spectral studies they have been identified as di-iso-octylphthalate 1, nonadecan-1-ol 2, stigmast-4-en-3-one 3, stigmast-5-en-3β-ol 4, stigmast-5,22-E-dien-3β-ol 5, 3β-hydroxylup-20(29)-en-28-oic acid 6, 3β-hydroxyolean-12-en-28-oic acid 7, 7-hydroxy-4',5,6-trimethoxyflavone 8, 2,3-dihydro-4-hydroxy-3,6,9-trimethylnaphtho[1,8-bc]pyran-7,8-dione 9 and 4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzoic acid 10. Compounds 1, 4, 5, 7 and 10 have previously been reported from Dendrophthoe species. This is the first report of compounds 2, 3, 6, 8 and 9 from Dendrophthoe species and the first report of 8 from a natural source. Further research work is needed on these identified compounds to explore their usefulness in phytopharmaceutical products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Globimetula braunii (Loranthaceae) is a hemiparasitic shrub that grows on dicotyledonous trees; the plant is used traditionally in the treatment of various diseases. This study aims to review the ethnomedicinal uses, scientific and pharmacological studies as well as phytochemistry of G. braunii. Information related to the ethnomedicinal uses, scientific and pharmacological studies as well as phytochemistry of the G. braunii was obtained by searching using the keyword G. braunii in the following databases; Google Scholar, PubMed, ScienceDirect and Web of Science. The literature search revealed that G. braunii is widely distributed in tropical countries like Malaysia, Cameroun, Ghana and Nigeria, and is used traditionally to treat pulmonary diseases, hypertension, ulcer, cancer, epilepsy and pain. Scientific studies have shown that G. braunii possessed anticonvulsant, central nervous depressant, oxytocic, analgesic, antiinflammatory, laxative, antihypertensive, anti-hyperglycemic, antioxidant, anticancer, antibacterial, antifungal and antiplasmodial activities. Approximately, thirty-two (32) compounds were isolated from the plant. Some of these compounds include; 7a,15a-epoxy-lup-20(29)-ene-30-hydroxyl-3ß-O-tetracosanoate, Lupeol, quercetin, (+)-catechin, quercitrin, rutin, avicularin, and 6-methoxy-2H-inden-5-ol. G. braunii should be used in the development of new plant-derived drugs and used as herbal supplements for the management of various diseases. In addition, studies on the clinical safety and efficacy of the plant should also be carried out. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Forests dominated by the genus Polylepis (Rosaceae) are highly threatened due to anthropogenic impacts and climate change. Some species such as Polylepis flavipila are also affected by hemiparasitic plants such as Tristerix chodatianus (Loranthaceae) that induce progressive damage to the host canopy, altering the structure and functioning of the forest. In this paper, we focused on evaluating the parasitism pattern of T. chodatianus on Polylepis populations, as well as how human impact and environmental factors affect the Polylepis flavipila population structure. We carried this out along an altitudinal gradient in Nor Yauyos Cochas Landscape Reserve, Laraos, Lima-Peru. We laid out three transects in each forest (Shutco and Chaqsii-Chaqsii) from the bottom of their current distribution to the tree line, totaling a sampled area of 3.44 ha. Phenotypic data were taken for all individuals (parasitized and non-parasitized) with a diameter at ground height ≥ 5 cm. Environmental factors (bare cover, slope, rock cover, grass cover, and elevation) and human impact (trails, overgrazing, and felling) variables were also collected. Our results showed that the higher the elevation is, the shorter are the trees and with the increase of the slope, the diameter decreases and the frequency of trees increases. Moreover, human impact (trails and overgrazing) affected negatively the dasometric characteristics of P. flavipila. Regarding the patterns of parasitism, we observed that the larger trees (in diameter and height) had a greater presence of T. chodatianus and, as the elevation increased, the proportion of parasitized trees decreased. In conclusion, our results showed that P. flavipila forest is threatened by several factors, including human impact and T. chodatianus infestation. Future evaluations on forest dynamics would clarify the observed pattern. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Plicosepalus genus includes hemiparasitic mistletoe and belongs to the Loranthaceae family, and it has several medicinal uses. In the present study, we sequenced the complete plastomes of two species, Plicosepalus acaciae and Plicosepalus curviflorus, and compared them with the plastomes of photosynthetic species (hemiparasites) and nonphotosynthetic species (holoparasites) in the order Santalales. The complete chloroplast genomes of P. acaciae and P. curviflorus are circular molecules with lengths of 120,181 bp and 121,086 bp, respectively, containing 106 and 108 genes and 63 protein-coding genes, including 25 tRNA and 4 rRNA genes for each species. We observed a reduction in the genome size of P. acaciae and P. curviflorus and the loss of certain genes, although this reduction was less than that in the hemiparasite and holoparasitic cp genomes of the Santalales order. Phylogenetic analysis supported the taxonomic state of P. acaciae and P. curviflorus as members of the family Loranthaceae and tribe Lorantheae; however, the taxonomic status of certain tribes of Loranthaceae must be reconsidered and the species that belong to it must be verified. Furthermore, available chloroplast genome data of parasitic plants could help to strengthen efforts in weed management and encourage biotechnology research to improve host resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dendrophthoe laljii sp. nov. (Loranthaceae) from Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India, is described as an aerial branch hemiparasite on Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam. (Moraceae). The notes on conservation status and germination ecology were also depicted in this study. Apparently, this species resembles D. curvata (Blume) Miq, but strictly differs in vegetative morphology and floral characteristics. A taxonomic key to the species of Dendrophthoe Mart. in India is also provided.

Abstract Parasitism is a pervasive phenomenon in nature with the relationship between species driving evolution in both parasite and host. Due to their host‐dependent lifestyle, parasites may adapt to the abiotic environment in ways that differ from their hosts or from free‐living relatives; yet rarely has this been assessed. Here, we test two competing hypotheses related to whether putatively adaptive genetic variation in a specialist mistletoe associates with the same, or different, climatic variables as its host species. We sampled 11 populations of the specialist mistletoe Amyema gibberula var. tatei (n = 154) and 10 populations of its associated host Hakea recurva subsp. recurva (n = 160). Reduced‐representation sequencing was used to obtain genome‐wide markers and putatively adaptive variation detected using genome scan methods. Climate associations were identified using generalized dissimilarity modelling, and these were mapped geographically to visualize the spatial patterns of genetic composition. Our results supported the hypothesis of parasites and host species responding differently to climatic variables. Temperature was relatively more important in predicting allelic turnover in the specialist mistletoe while precipitation was more important for the host. This suggests that parasitic plants and host species may respond differently to selective pressures, potentially as a result of differing nutrient acquisition strategies. Specifically, mistletoes acquire water from hosts (rather than the abiotic environment), which may provide a buffer to precipitation as a selective pressure. This work deepens and complements the physiological and other ecological studies of adaptation and provides a window into the evolutionary processes that underlie previously observed phenomena. Applying these methods to a comparative study in a host–parasite system has also highlighted factors that affect the study of selection pressure on nonmodel organisms, such as differing adaptation rates and lack of reference genomes.

• Mistletoes have little or no conservation appeal in the tropics. • We answer Why, what and how to protect tropical mistletoes, using Brazilian species as models. • Conservation of tropical mistletoes must involve scientific knowledge, education, and engagement. Conservation of parasites is not as appealing as in the case of free-living organisms. Although this is worst for animal parasites, parasitic plants — and mistletoes in particular — are considered a menace to trees and shrubs, and as so, there is a prevailing sentiment that they should be eradicated rather than protected. To deconstruct this perception, we answered three important questions: Why, what , and how to protect mistletoes? Then, based on those questions, we propose a conservation plan, especially designed for tropical species. For the Why question, we briefly reviewed the functional roles of mistletoes worldwide and provided evidence of their positive impact on other species and ecosystem functioning. For the What question, we used a framework to identify the main threats to mistletoes and commented on each one of them using world examples. Then, we used the Geocat tool to map and calculate the Extent of Occurrence (EOO) and Area of Occupancy (AOO) for each endemic and rare Brazilian mistletoe species, as an example to aid in tropical mistletoe conservation. Finally, for the How question, we listed practical recommendations to create a plan for conserving endemic and rare tropical mistletoes. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One new cycloartane-type triterpenoid, named macrobidoupoic acid A (as an C-24 epimeric mixture, 4a, 4 b), together with three known ones (1-3), were clarified by different chromatography from the M. bidoupensis whole plants. Triterpenoids (1, 3 & 4) were detected for the first time from the Macrosolen genus. Chemical structures of them were illuminated using HR-ESI-MS, and NMR (1 D & 2 D) assessments. The cytotoxic properties of triterpenoids (3 & 4) were examined against two human cancer cell lines (A549, and RD) by MTT assay. As results shown, triterpenoids (3 & 4) possessed moderate cytotoxic activity against A549 and RD cancer cells (IC50 ranged from 5.44 to 39.52 μM). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Viscum articulatum is usually used as famous ethno-medicinal plant and popular drink in many provinces of China. In this study, the characterization of the complete chloroplast genome of V. articulatum was analyzed using the Illumina NovaSeq platform. The whole chloroplast genome sequence of V. articulatum is 131,825 including a large single-copy region (LSC, 76,069 bp), a small single-copy region (SSC, 8990 bp), and a pair of repeated regions (IRs, 23,383 bp, each). Further gene annotation in our study revealed the chloroplast genome contains 114 genes, including 36 tRNA genes, 8 rRNA genes and 70 protein-coding genes. A total of 118 simple sequence repeats (SSRs) were identified in the chloroplast genome. Phylogenetic development was analyzed based on V. articulatum with other species of Loranthaceae, the phylogenetic tree in our study revealed that V. articulatum is a lineage independent of other species in genus Viscum.

The extensive forests over limestone of the Samar Island Natural Park (SINP) on Samar Island, Philippines harbour a rich variety of unique species. In this contribution, we describe and illustrate a new Loranthaceous mistletoe, endemic to Samar Island named Decaisnina tomentosa, representing the 12th member of the genus reported to the Philippines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Fluid-feeding herbivores directly affect host plants through sap consumption. Moreover, they establish mutualistic relationships with ants, which might generate additional reproductive costs related to pollinator repellence. Here we studied the drivers of variation in the outcomes of these interactions from the perspective of Psittacanthus robustus, a hummingbird-pollinated mistletoe. We hypothesized that associations between fluid-feeding insects and ants should indirectly decrease mistletoe reproduction by repelling pollinators, and directly by reducing seed size, germination, and establishment of plants presenting denser herbivore aggregations. First, we manipulated the presence of the ant Camponotus rufipes on mistletoe inflorescences to assess their effects on visitation behavior of pollinators. We correlated fruit production and fruit and seed size to abundance of fluid-feeding insects on plants. Moreover, we conducted a field experiment assessing the effects of aggregation size of fluid-feeding herbivores on seed germination and seedling establishment. Ant presence on inflorescences did not affect the visitation rates of the main pollinator, the hummingbird Eupetomena macroura. Abundance of fluid-feeding herbivores did not explain variation in fruit crop size. However, we observed a significant reduction in seed size in those plants hosting larger aggregations of fluid-feeding herbivores. The reduction in seed size did not translate into a significant decrease in seed germination nor a decrease in seedling establishment. Our results dispute previous studies highlighting negative indirect effects on plant–pollinator interactions mediated by the presence of ant–trophobiont mutualisms. Likewise, our study underscores the need of assessing fluid-feeding herbivore effects on crucial stages of the host plant life cycle to clarify fitness consequences of multitrophic interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The formation of juvenile wood featuring greater cell variation relative to mature wood is a well-known phenomenon. Once wood attains maturity, it has both more consistent cell sizes and organization. This is especially well understood for large trees used for paper and timber production, but less so for shrubs and bushes. Despite its importance, there is very little information on the wood anatomy and wood maturation available for some lineages such as the Loranthaceae (Santalales), which are mostly composed of shrubby mistletoes. Here, we studied three of the largest known mistletoe species to analyse the variation of xylem structure within both the radial and the axial axis of the stem. Using classical anatomical techniques, we determined at which point, both in thickness and in distance from the apex, these parasitic plants start producing mature wood. We measured vessel element length, fibre length, vessel diameter, and vessel density on multiple points of either very thick or very long branches of three different mistletoe species: Struthanthus rhynchophyllus , Tripodanthus acutifolius and Psittacanthus robustus. Our findings suggest that Loranthaceae mistletoes reach wood maturity rather early, with very minor differences between juvenile and mature woods. These results open new avenues for further research on the wood anatomy of mistletoe's stems, enabling the use of smaller samples, such as those commonly present in herbarium vouchers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

From the Vietnamese plant Macrosolen tricolor (Lecomte) Danser, one new diarylpropanoid, named macrotricolorin A (1) together with three diarylheptanoids including bisdemethoxycurcumin (2), demethoxycurcumin (3) and curcumin (4), were isolated. Their structures were elucidated by intensive analyses of their IR, UV, HR-ESI-MS and NMR (1 D & 2 D) spectra. It is the first time that diarylalkanoids have been reported from the genus Macrosolen. Compound 1 exhibited anti-inflammatory activity against the nitric oxide (NO) production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW264.7 with an IC50 value of 27.54 ± 1.75 μM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dendrophthoe gamblei (Loranthaceae) a new species from the Peninsular India is described and illustrated along with conservation status. Apparently, new species is similar to Dendrophthoe memecylifolia (Wight and Arn.) Danser but strictly differs in respect to its morphology of vegetative and floral characters. A taxonomic key to the species of Dendrophthoe Mart. from India is also provided.

A new showy mistletoe genus, Septemeranthus L.J. Singh with a type species, S. nicobaricus L.J. Singh sp. nov., is described and illustrated from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India. It is an aerial branch hemi‐parasite on Horsfieldia glabra (Blume) Warb. (Myrsticaceae). The conservation status, host inventory, germination ecology and remarks on its relationship with allied genera are given. Septemeranthus is distinct in vegetative morphology, inflorescence architecture and floral characters: leaves with long apex, camptodromous venation, coraceous, 5 bracts with brown margins, 3‐7 flowered racemose, 7 merous flowers, urceolate ovary, earthen pot shape fruits with prominent bracts and seeds with dark vertical streaks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Globimetula braunii is a parasitic plant belonging to the family Loranthaceae. Traditionally, the plant has been reported to be used in the treatment of insomnia. The study was carried out to investigate the central nervous system (CNS) depressant activity of the fractions of Globimetula braunii growing on Terminalia catappa and to isolate the phytochemical compound(s) present in the most active fraction. The CNS depressant activity of all the fractions was investigated using diazepam induced sleep. The most active fraction was further subjected to the hole board test and beam walk assay. The chromatographic technique was used for the isolation of phytochemical compound. Hexane fraction significantly (p<0.05) reduced latency to sleep and prolonged the sleeping time. Both chloroform and ethyl acetate fractions at highest and median doses showed significant increase in the duration of sleep compared to normal saline. The n-butanol fraction at all doses tested do not have any effect on time of onset and duration of sleep when compared with normal saline treated group. Hexane fraction significantly (p<0.05) decreased the number of head dip in a dose dependent manner and delayed the time to reach the goal box compared to normal saline treated group. Lupeol was isolated from n-hexane fraction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The complexity of natural communities is the result of interactions among species that coexist within them. Parasitic interactions are among the most common species interaction types, and analysis of parasite–host ranges can advance understanding of how host–parasite pairs structure community interactions across their geographic distributions.Using network analysis and host preference relative index, we analysed host use by the South American mistletoe, Tristerix corymbosus (Loranthaceae), in 22 localities among two biomes: Chilean matorral and temperate forest.The total number of host species recorded was 27, and 40% of these species were non‐native. The non‐native Populus sp. was shared between biomes. There was a positive relationship between host range and potential host species richness at the studied localities. On average, the mistletoe parasitized each host species relative to its abundance. However, some host species in some localities are more parasitized than expected. Network structure showed a differences in host use between the two biomes: Aristotelia chilensis was central in the temperate forest, with Populus sp. in the Chilean matorral. Host use intensity in the Chilean matorral was higher for non‐native species.Tristerix corymbosus has a wide host range and could be considered a generalist parasite across its full geographic distribution, but at local scales, host preferences differed among localities and are related to host coverage. Alterations in community composition, due to natural events or human activities, can modify the availability of possible hosts. Hence, the mistletoe with the described characteristics may be able to change its infection preference while maintaining the interaction functionality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parasitism is a pervasive phenomenon in nature with the relationship between species driving evolution in both parasite and host. Due to their host‐dependent lifestyle, parasites may adapt to the abiotic environment in ways that differ from their hosts or from free‐living relatives; yet rarely has this been assessed. Here, we test two competing hypotheses related to whether putatively adaptive genetic variation in a specialist mistletoe associates with the same, or different, climatic variables as its host species. We sampled 11 populations of the specialist mistletoe Amyema gibberula var. tatei (n = 154) and 10 populations of its associated host Hakea recurva subsp. recurva (n = 160). Reduced‐representation sequencing was used to obtain genome‐wide markers and putatively adaptive variation detected using genome scan methods. Climate associations were identified using generalized dissimilarity modelling, and these were mapped geographically to visualize the spatial patterns of genetic composition. Our results supported the hypothesis of parasites and host species responding differently to climatic variables. Temperature was relatively more important in predicting allelic turnover in the specialist mistletoe while precipitation was more important for the host. This suggests that parasitic plants and host species may respond differently to selective pressures, potentially as a result of differing nutrient acquisition strategies. Specifically, mistletoes acquire water from hosts (rather than the abiotic environment), which may provide a buffer to precipitation as a selective pressure. This work deepens and complements the physiological and other ecological studies of adaptation and provides a window into the evolutionary processes that underlie previously observed phenomena. Applying these methods to a comparative study in a host–parasite system has also highlighted factors that affect the study of selection pressure on nonmodel organisms, such as differing adaptation rates and lack of reference genomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Plicosepalus genus includes hemiparasitic mistletoe and belongs to the Loranthaceae family, and it has several medicinal uses. In the present study, we sequenced the complete plastomes of two species, Plicosepalus acaciae and Plicosepalus curviflorus, and compared them with the plastomes of photosynthetic species (hemiparasites) and nonphotosynthetic species (holoparasites) in the order Santalales. The complete chloroplast genomes of P. acaciae and P. curviflorus are circular molecules with lengths of 120,181 bp and 121,086 bp, respectively, containing 106 and 108 genes and 63 protein-coding genes, including 25 tRNA and 4 rRNA genes for each species. We observed a reduction in the genome size of P. acaciae and P. curviflorus and the loss of certain genes, although this reduction was less than that in the hemiparasite and holoparasitic cp genomes of the Santalales order. Phylogenetic analysis supported the taxonomic state of P. acaciae and P. curviflorus as members of the family Loranthaceae and tribe Lorantheae; however, the taxonomic status of certain tribes of Loranthaceae must be reconsidered and the species that belong to it must be verified. Furthermore, available chloroplast genome data of parasitic plants could help to strengthen efforts in weed management and encourage biotechnology research to improve host resistance.

Summary: Two new species are described from the proposed Mulanje-Namuli-Ribáuè Centre of Endemism. Isoglossa perdita I.Darbysh. (Acanthaceae) is apparently restricted to the submontane forests of southeastern Mt Mulanje in Malawi, and is assessed as Critically Endangered. Agelanthus patelii Polhill & Timberlake (Loranthaceae) is recorded from the montane forests of Mt Mulanje and from Mt Namuli in Mozambique, and the earlier assessment of this species as Endangered is confirmed. The habitat preferences and taxonomic affinities of these species are discussed. This work contributes to the ongoing assessment of the biodiversity and endemism of this montane region, and to the identification of Important Plant Areas in Mozambique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Loranthaceae family includes hemiparasitic members which are seen invading a wide range of commercial crops. Helicanthes elasticus (Desv.) Danser is very common on mango trees. Though parasitic in nature, this mistletoe is also medicinally important as fetoprotective, against vesicular calculi and kidney infections. This study is an attempt to document macro-microscopical features of parasitic root, fruit and host-mistletoe tissue interaction in the haustorium of H. elasticus growing on mango stems. Collection, preservation, sectioning, staining and photomicrography of the root, fruit and host-mistletoe union were done as per standard methodologies of anatomical studies. Though there is resemblance to the normal roots in morphology as well as anatomy, the microscopic finding of large number of branched stone cells in the roots is interesting. The morpho-anatomical features recorded would help in understanding the infection biology of this mistletoe. The eradication during the earlier stages of its establishment from seed or from the root creeping over the surface of the host can help in controlling this parasite infection on commercially important host plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phytochemical investigations of the whole plants of Macrosolen bidoupensis Tangane & V.S. Dang, a new species discovered in Viet Nam were conducted and led to the purification of ten compounds, comprising three lupane-type (1-3), three friedelane-type (4-6), and one glutinane-type (7) triterpenoids and three cholestane-type steroids (8-10) using various chromatographic methods. Their structures were characterized by HR-ESI-MS, NMR experiments and comparison with previous literature. Compounds 1, 3 and 5 expressed moderate cytotoxicity against two tested cell lines - MDA-MB-231 and RD (IC50 ranged from 34.19 to 74.25 µM), whereas compounds 4 and 6 exhibited selective cytotoxic activity (IC50 ranged from 29.07 to 45.20 µM). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]