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The fruit-piercing moth (FPM) Eudocima phalonia is widely present in the tropics, causing major damages to the citrus industry. In its ancestral distribution range, e.g. Australia, FPM develops on vines from the Menispermaceae family. But in more recently colonized islands, e.g. New Caledonia, FPM populations have shifted to new host plants of the Fabaceae family, Erythrina spp.. To understand this host shift, we studied the chemical ecology of FPM as a mechanism driving host plant acceptance. We collected volatile headspace samples of Erythrina species and Menispermaceae and compared their chemical spectra. We assessed the electrophysiological responses of FPM populations from the two countries to the plant chemical extracts and identified bioactive compounds. The volatile profiles from each species were quite different between and within each plant family. However, five compounds common across the two families triggered electrophysiological responses in both FPM populations. Those common bioactive compounds could have facilitated the host shift to completely different plant family. Furthermore, the diverging history between the two FPM populations may explain differences in electrophysiological sensitivity to other specific compounds. These results are discussed in the context of the production of a generic lure that could be attractive to all FPM populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fibraurea tinctoria Lour. (Menispermaceae) is a medicinal plant used by many local tribes in Indonesia and other countries. This species has pharmacological potential, such as antimalaria, antibacterial, antitumor, antioxidant, anticancer, antidiabetic, anti‐inflammatory, and hepato‐protector. However, the secretory structures and sites of secondary metabolite accumulation still need to be studied. This study aimed to explore the secretory structures and reveal the accumulation sites of the main classes of secondary metabolites in the root, stem, and leaves of F. tinctoria. Histochemical analysis using various specific reagents was performed on freehand sections of the fresh organs to detect alkaloids, phenolics, terpenoids, and lipophilic compounds. Observations of secretory structures were carried out using light microscopy. The result showed that idioblast was the predominant secretory structure in the plant organs and contained all the chemical groups investigated, while laticifer accumulated alkaloids were found only in the stem. Some secondary metabolites were localized in the xylem, intercellular space, and cuticle layer. Crystals were observed in the root, stem, and leaf of this species. These results might be helpful as guide information for extracting the particular plant parts to obtain the desired secondary metabolites. It suggested that leaves are a potential alternative source of medicinal raw material of this species, in addition to the stem. Research Highlights: The first study on secretory structures of Fibraurea tinctoria.Secondary metabolites in F. tinctoria organs accumulate in specialized and unspecialized structures.The idioblast is the primary secretory structure in the organs of F. tinctoria spreading over the root, stem, and leaves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Benzylisoquinoline alkaloids (BIAs) are a class of secondary metabolites that possess diverse pharmaceutical properties and are exclusively accumulated in specific plant genera. The Pictet–Spengler condensation, catalyzed by norcoclaurine synthase (NCS), represents a key enzymatic reaction in the biosynthetic pathway of BIAs. While NCS genes have been identified in several plant families such as Papaveraceae, Berberidaceae, and Ranunculaceae, no NCS genes have been reported in Menispermaceae, which is another genus known to accumulate BIAs. Here, NCSs were isolated and functionally characterized from the Menispermaceae family plant Stephania tetrandra. In vitro enzyme assay identified two functional StNCSs which could catalyze the formation of (S)‐norcoclaurine. These functionally characterized genes were then integrated into engineered yeast to enable the production of norcoclaurine. Phylogenetic analysis of the NCS enzymes revealed that the StNCSs predominantly clustered into two clades. The functional StNCSs clustered with known NCSs, highlighting the presence of a specific NCS catalytic domain. This study not only provides additional genetic components for the synthetic biology‐based production of BIAs in yeast but also contributes to the understanding of the phylogenetic relationships and structure–function relationship of NCS genes involved in the origin and production of BIAs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Menispermaceae are an angiosperm family of mostly climbing plants distributed throughout tropical regions. The fruits in this family have a strong sclerified endocarp and can be used for reliable species‐level identifications, even in a fossilized form. New Paleocene‐age menispermaceous endocarps have recently been discovered in South America and Asia, while in Europe, they are mostly found in the Eocene. This paper focuses on the study of fossil endocarps belonging to Menispermaceae, found in the Petit‐Pâtis locality, which is one of the few Paleocene localities in Europe. The locality is dated to the late Paleocene (57–56 Ma) and the fossils represent flora and fauna in the Paris Basin before the onset of the Paleocene–Eocene Thermal Maximum. Lignitized fossils were photographed and their morphology was analyzed using computed tomography, scanning electron microscope, and geometric morphometric analysis. The analysis of 36 fossils belonging to Menispermaceae revealed that three genera (Stephania, Palaeosinomenium, Tinospora) were present in the late Paleocene of Paris Basin. Differences in internal morphology and a more inflated endocarp base led to a description of a new fossil species—Palaeosinomenium oisensis sp. nov. The occurrence of these genera in the Paleocene of France is consistent with the suggestion that megathermal flora was present in the Paris Basin before the Paleocene–Eocene Thermal Maximum. These three genera are currently the oldest occurrences in Europe, highlighting the connection between paleofloras of the Americas, Europe, and Asia in the Paleocene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phytochemical studies of the stems and leaves of Stephania dielsiana Y.C.Wu yielded two new aporphine alkaloids (1 and 5), along with six known alkaloids (2–4 and 6–8). Their structures were characterised based on analyses of spectroscopic data, including one- and two-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and high-resolution electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry (HR-ESI-MS). The cytotoxic activities of the isolated compounds against a small panel of tumour cell lines were assessed by MTS assay. Interestingly, compound 2 exhibited particularly strong cytotoxic activities against HepG2, MCF7 and OVCAR8 cancer cell lines, with IC50 values of 3.20 ± 0.18, 3.10 ± 0.06 and 3.40 ± 0.007 µM, respectively. Furthermore, molecular docking simulations were carried out to explore the interactions and binding mechanisms of the most active compound (compound 2) with proteins. Our results contribute to understanding the secondary metabolites produced by S. dielsiana and provide a scientific rationale for further investigations of cytotoxicity of this valuable medicinal plant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Good safety profile and hepatoprotective effect is vital in tuberculosis chemotherapy. • Safety profile, hepatoprotective effect and selectivity index markers for herbal drug. • Plant extracts with LC 50 20 µg/mL and below are cytotoxic comparable with doxorubicin. • Menispermaceae species have global therapeutic effect due to their alkaloid content. Tuberculosis, caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis , is a worldwide disease affecting millions of people. The rise of resistant strains, coupled with toxicity of current chemotherapy, requires effective alternatives against mycobacterial infections. Some plants from the Menispermaceae family have been used to treat tuberculosis and cough related symptoms. In this study, acetone, methanol:water (4:1), dichloromethane:methanol (1:1) and hot water extracts of different plant parts of Cissampelos owariensis, Cissampelos mucronata and Tinospora fragosa were tested against M. aurum, M. bovis, M. fortuitum, M. smegmatis and M. tuberculosis using a two-fold serial microdilution assay. Cytotoxicity of the active extracts was determined against Vero and HepG2 cells. The hepatoprotective effect of the active extracts was evaluated using rifampicin and acetaminophen as toxic drugs against HepG2 cells. The hot water leaf extracts were most active with promising minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of 20 and 40 µg/mL against M. smegmatis and M. fortuitum respectively. The acetone extracts of C. owariensis, C. mucronata and T. fragosa had the lowest MIC values (0.03 – 1.67 mg/mL). The root extract of C. owariensis was not toxic to Vero cells while the leaf extract was more toxic. The acetone extract of C. mucronata leaves was toxic to Vero cells but the other extracts had low toxicity. The active leaf and root extracts had protective effects on rifampicin-induced toxicity on HepG2 cells. The root extract also had a protective effect on acetaminophen-induced toxicity on HepG2 cells but the leaf extract had no protective effect. The hot water extracts of C. owariensis, C. mucronata and T. fragosa had a more protective effect on the toxin-induced cells than the acetone extracts. These results support further investigation on the bioactive compounds in these plant extracts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bei-dou-gen, the dried rhizome of Menispermum dauricum from the Menispermaceae family, is an important Chinese medicinal material. In order to clarify the pharmacodynamic substance basis, the methanol extract of the rhizome in M. dauricum was systematically isolated and purified using various chromatographic methods and the structures of isolated compounds were identified. The potential anti-inflammatory activity of obtained compounds from M. dauricum was measured in vitro. In this study, the chemical constituents were separated via silica gel column chromatography, macroporous adsorption resin and preparative HPLC, and their structures were determined on the basis of MS, 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR and other spectroscopic data analysis, as well as comparison with relevant literatures. Meanwhile, the anti-inflammatory activities of against NO and IL-6 production from LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells of the chemical components were evaluated in vitro. The results were as follows: (1) Fifteen compounds were isolated from the rhizome of M. dauricum, and identified as p-hydroxybenzaldehyde (1), vanillic acid (2), syringaldehyde (3), 2-hydroxy-1-(4-hydroxy-3,5-dimethoxyphenyl)-1-propanone (4), methyl 4-hydroxyphenylacetate (5), 2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1-nitroethane (6), 4-hydroxyphenylacetonitrile (7), dibutyl phthalate (8), fragransin B2 (9), 7-hydroxy-3,6-dimethoxy-1,4-phenanthraquinone (10), palmitic acid (11), arachidic acid (12), β-sitosterol (13), β-stigmasterol (14) and daucosterol (15). Among them, compounds 4-7, 9 and 12 were isolated from Menispermaceae for the first time, while compounds 1, 3-11 and 14 were first reported from Menispermum genus. The above compounds were all non-alkaloids components, including phenols, lignans, phenanthraquinones, fatty acids and sterols. (2) Anti-inflammatory assay in vitro showed that Compound 12 could significantly inhibited releases of NO and IL-6 induced by LPS from RAW264.7 cells at the concentrations of 25 and 50 μg·mL-1, indicating potential anti-inflammatory activity. The results of this study enrich the chemical diversity of the rhizome of M. dauricum and clarifies the active ingredients of its anti-inflammatory activity, and provide effective reference for the rational utilization of medicinal plant resources.

Two new combinations, Anomospermum prancei (Barneby & Krukoff) R. Ortiz and A. verruculosum (Krukoff & Barneby) R. Ortiz, are made in the Neotropical genus Anomospermum Miers (Anomospermeae--Menispermaceae) to conform with the newly revised classification based on morphology and DNA sequence data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bei-dou-gen, the dried rhizome of Menispermum dauricum from the Menispermaceae family, is an important Chinese medicinal material. In order to clarify the pharmacodynamic substance basis, the methanol extract of the rhizome in M. dauricum was systematically isolated and purified using various chromatographic methods and the structures of isolated compounds were identified. The potential anti-inflammatory activity of obtained compounds from M. dauricum was measured in vitro. In this study, the chemical constituents were separated via silica gel column chromatography, macroporous adsorption resin and preparative HPLC, and their structures were determined on the basis of MS, 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR and other spectroscopic data analysis, as well as comparison with relevant literatures. Meanwhile, the anti-inflammatory activities of against NO and IL-6 production from LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells of the chemical components were evaluated in vitro. The results were as follows:(1)Fifteen compounds were isolated from the rhizome of M. dauricum, and identified as p-hydroxybenzaldehyde(1), vanillic acid(2), syringaldehyde(3), 2-hydroxy-1-(4-hydroxy-3,5-dimethoxyphenyl)-1-propanone(4), methyl 4-hydroxyphenylacetate(5), 2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1-nitroethane(6), 4-hydroxyphenylacetonitrile(7), dibutyl phthalate(8), fragransin B2 (9), 7-hydroxy-3,6-dimethoxy-1,4-phenanthraquinone(10), palmitic acid(11), arachidic acid(12), β-sitosterol(13), β-stigmasterol(14)and daucosterol(15). Among them, compounds 4-7, 9 and 12 were isolated from Menispermaceae for the first time, while compounds 1, 3-11 and 14 were first reported from Menispermum genus. The above compounds were all non-alkaloids components, including phenols, lignans, phenanthraquinones, fatty acids and sterols.(2)Anti-inflammatory assay in vitro showed that Compound 12 could significantly inhibited releases of NO and IL-6 induced by LPS from RAW264.7 cells at the concentrations of 25 and 50 μg·mL-1, indicating potential anti-inflammatory activity. The results of this study enriches the chemical diversity of the rhizome of M. dauricum and clarifies the active ingredients of its anti-inflammatory activity. It provides an effective reference for the rational utilization of medicinal plant resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One new phenylpropanoid glycoside, tinosinen A (1) and 13 known compounds, tinosinen (2), citrusin B (3), picraquassioside C (4), erythro-guaiacylglycerol-β-O-4′-coniferyl alcohol (5), erythro-guaiacylglycerol-8-O-4′-(sinapyl alcohol) ether (6), erythro-syringylglycerol-8-O-4′-(sinapyl alcohol) ether (7), seco-isolariciresinol 9-O-D-β-glucopyranoside (8), tinosposide A (9), pinoresinol-4′-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (10), syringaresinol-4′-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (11), pinoresinol (12), syringaresinol (13), and lirioresino-β-dimethyl ether (14) were isolated from the stems of Tinospora sinensis (Lour.) Merr. Their structures were established by detailed spectroscopic studies and comparisons with those reported in the literature. Compound 13 showed significant inhibitory NO production (IC50 value of 38.53 ± 1.90 μM) in RAW264.7 macrophages, LPS-stimulated. Compounds 3–7, 11, 12, and 14 inhibited NO production with IC50 values ranging from 38.53 to 99.07 μM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

Keywords: insect-pollination; Menispermaceae; Menispermum dauricum; nectar color; Ranunculales EN insect-pollination Menispermaceae Menispermum dauricum nectar color Ranunculales 1 4 4 03/06/23 20230301 NES 230301 Colored nectar is a rare phenomenon in angiosperms, occurring only in approximately 70 plant species that are largely vertebrate-pollinated and occur primarily on islands or mountains in tropical regions (Hansen et al., [5]). Thus, colored nectar could be undocumented in insect-pollinated flowers, especially species with small amounts of nectar. Ancestral reconstruction analysis of nectar color in Menispermaceae is needed to infer the evolutionary origin of the brown-colored nectar in I M i . In Tome, nectar sampling could not be done the day of flower sampling because nectar was sampled under a stereomicroscope, which was not available at the site. [Extracted from the article]

Background and Aims Modern tropical rainforests house the highest biodiversity of Earth's terrestrial biomes and are distributed in three low-latitude areas. However, the biogeographical patterns and processes underlying the distribution of biodiversity among these three areas are still poorly known. Here, we used Tiliacoreae, a tribe of pantropical lianas with a high level of regional endemism, to provide new insights into the biogeographical relationships of tropical rainforests among different continents. Methods Based on seven plastid and two nuclear DNA regions, we reconstructed a phylogeny for Tiliacoreae with the most comprehensive sampling ever. Within the phylogenetic framework, we then estimated divergence times and investigated the spatiotemporal evolution of the tribe. Key Results The monophyletic Tiliacoreae contain three major clades, which correspond to Neotropical, Afrotropical and Indo-Malesian/Australasian areas, respectively. Both Albertisia and Anisocycla are not monophyletic. The most recent common ancestor of Tiliacoreae occurred in Indo-Malesia, the Afrotropics and Neotropics in the early Eocene, then rapidly diverged into three major clades between 48 and 46 Ma. Three dispersals from Indo-Malesia to Australasia were inferred, one in the middle Eocene and two in the late Oligocene–late Miocene, and two dispersals from the Afrotropics to Indo-Malesia occurred in the late Eocene–Oligocene. Conclusions The three main clades of Anisocycla correspond to three distinct genera [i.e. Anisocycla sensu stricto and two new genera (Georgesia and Macrophragma)]. Epinetrum is a member of Albertisia. Our findings highlight that sea-level fluctuations and climate changes in the Cenozoic have played important roles in shaping the current distribution and endemism of Tiliacoreae, hence contributing to the knowledge on the historical biogeography of tropical rainforests on a global scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Phylogenomics have been widely used to resolve ambiguous and controversial evolutionary relationships among plant species and genera, and the identification of unique indels in plastomes may even help to understand the evolution of some plant families. Menispermum L. (Menispermaceae) consists of three species, M. dauricum DC., M. canadense L., and M. mexicanum Rose, which are disjuncly distributed among East Asia, Eastern North America and Mexico. Taxonomists continue to debate whether M. mexicanum is a distinct species, a variety of M. dauricum, or simply a synonym of M. canadense. To date, no molecular systematics studies have included this doubtful species in phylogenetic analyses. Methods: In this study, we examined phylogenomics and phylogeography of Menispermum across its entire range using 29 whole plastomes of Menispermaceae and 18 ITS1&ITS2 sequences of Menispermeae. We reconstructed interspecific relationships of Menispermum and explored plastome evolution in Menispermaceae, revealing several genomic hotspot regions for the family. Results and discussion: Phylogenetic and network analyses based on whole plastome and ITS1&ITS2 sequences show that Menispermum clusters into two clades with high support values, Clade A (M. dauricum) and Clade B (M. canadense + M. mexicanum). However, M. mexicanum is nested within M. canadense and, as a result, we support that M. mexicanum is a synonym of M. canadense. We also identified important molecular variations in the plastomes of Menispermaceae. Several indels and consequently premature terminations of genes occur in Menispermaceae. A total of 54 regions were identified as the most highly variable plastome regions, with nucleotide diversity (Pi) values > 0.05, including two coding genes (matK, ycf1), four introns (trnK intron, rpl16 intron, rps16 intron, ndhA intron), and 48 intergenic spacer (IGS) regions. Of these, four informative hotspot regions (trnH-psbA, ndhF-rpl32, trnK-rps16, and trnP-psaJ) should be especially useful for future studies of phylogeny, phylogeography and conservation genetics of Menispermaceae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four undescribed bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloids, designated as Stephtetrandrine A-D, were isolated from the roots of Stephania tetrandra. Their structures were elucidated by IR, HRESIMS, ECD spectra, 1 D and 2 D NMR spectra and comparison with the literature data. Additional five known compounds (limacine, tetrandrine, N-trans-Feruloyltyramine, 2′-N-chloromethyltetrandrine, 2,2'-N-N-dichloromethyltetrandrine) were also isolated. N-trans-Feruloyltyramine was isolated from Stephania tetrandra for the first time. The isolated compounds were tested for monoamine oxidase, acetylcholinesterase, phosphoinositide 3-kinase α and human hepatoma cell HepG2 inhibitory activities. Stephtetrandrine C showed obvious inhibitory effect on human hepatoma HepG2, with IC50 value of 16.2 μM. Limacine and 2′-N-chloromethyltetrandrine showed moderate monoamine oxidase inhibitory effect with the IC50 values of 37.7 and 29.2 μM, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A phytochemical investigation of Menispermum dauricum led to the isolation of five oxoisoaporphine-type alkaloids (1–5) and five aporphine-type alkaloids (6–10), including a novel oxoisoaporphine-type alkaloid: menispeimin A (1). Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic studies including MS, 1 D and 2 D NMR, and confirmed by comparing with literature data. Among them, alkaloids 4–10 were obtained for the first time from Menispermum genus. Natural products 2, 4 and 6 exhibited significant cytotoxic activity against A549, Bel-7402 and MCF-7 cell lines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chemical investigation of the Tinospora sinensis led to the isolation of a new cadinane sesquiterpene (1) and twelve known sesquiterpenes (2 − 13). The structures of these compounds were deduced using a suite of comprehensive spectroscopic techniques including NMR, MS etc. , and the absolute configuration of 1 was established through a combination of TDDFT calculations and chemical methods. Compound 1 demonstrated mild cytotoxicity against MDA-MB-231 cell line, with an inhibition rate of 46.8% and 54.2% at 50 μmol/L and 100 μmol/L, respectively. Compounds 1 , 5 − 13 were reported to exist in the Menispermaceae family for the first time. Furthermore, the chemotaxonomic significance of the isolates is also discussed. • Thirteen sesquiterpenes were isolated from the Tinospora sinensis. • A new cadinane sesquiterpene was isolated from the Tinospora sinensis. • Compounds 1 , 5–13 were isolated from Menispermaceae for the first time. • The chemotaxonomic significance of the isolates is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

Background. Tinomiscium petiolare Hook.f. & Thomson is a medicinal species of the family Menispermaceae. This species is currently being intensively exploited for therapeutic purposes. Precise and rapid identification of T. petiolare is critical and essential for the classification, propagation, use and conservation of its genetic resources. In recent years, DNA barcoding has been known to be a fast and sensitive method for identifying species at any stage of development, using short DNA sequences. In this study we have performed the identification of T. petiolare specimens in Vietnam based on the sequence analysis of 4 DNA barcode loci: ITS, matK, rbcL and rpoC.Materials and methods. Total DNA was extracted from leaf samples using DNeasy Plant Mini Kit. PCR amplification of the ITS, matK, rbcL and rpoC regions was carried out on the GeneAmp PCR System 9700 with specific primers. The purified PCR products were sequenced on the ABI 3500 Genetic Analyzer system, using BigDye®Terminator v3.1 Cycle Sequencing Kit. These genetic sequences were analyzed and compared, and a phylogenetic tree was constructed using BioEdit, BLAST, and MEGA 6 programs.Results and conclusion. The success rate of amplification and sequencing was 100% for all 4 DNA barcode loci (ITS, matK, rbcL and rpoC) in the studied specimens. The produced sequence sizes of ITS, matK, rbcL and rpoC in the specimens were 574 bp, 810 bp, 527 bp and 488 bp, respectively. Further, we identified that all studied specimens were genetically related to each other and associated with the same species T. petiolare. Overall, the results of the study generated the most complete DNA barcode database of T. petiolare collected in Vietnam, contributing to the taxonomy and identification of this species.

The leaves, stems and fruits methanol extracts of Chasmanthera dependens were chemically investigated to afford one new neo -clerodane diterpenoid (1) along with seventeen known compounds including three diterpenoids (2 – 4), six triterpenoids (5 – 10), four steroids (11 – 14), one sesquiterpenoid (15), one lignan (16) and two phenolic acids (17 and 1 8). Structures were established by analysis of their spectroscopic and spectrometric data and in comparison with those reported from the literature. Except columbin (2), compounds are reported for the first time from the genus Chasmanthera. The extracts, fractions, and isolated compounds were subjected to in vitro antibacterial assays against three Gram-positive and three Gram-negative bacteria, using the broth microdilution method. The MeOH extract of the leaves and its fractions F1 – F4 had significant (MIC = 93.8 μg/mL for F4) or moderate (187.5 ≤ MIC ≤ 375 μg/mL) activities against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Chasmantherenolide (1) was moderately active (MIC = 75 μg/mL, 202.6 μM) against Gram-positive bacterial strains. Significant antibacterial activity (MIC = 9.4 μg/mL, 20.6 μM) was recorded for oleanolic acid (7) against Mycobacterium smegmatis. The chemotaxonomic significance of the isolated compounds was discussed. [Display omitted] • Chasmanthera dependens Hochst, belonging to Menispermaceae family, was investigated. • A neo -clerodane diterpenoid trivially named chasmantherenolide was newly characterized. • Except columbin, the other compounds were first isolated from C. dependens. • Sixteen compounds were reported from other Menispermaceae family genera. • The chemotaxonomic significance of the isolated compounds is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eleven alkaloids including four previously undescribed oxoisoaporphine alkaloids, menisoxoisoaporphines A-D (1 – 4), four known analogues (5 – 8), and three aporphine alkaloids (9 – 11), were isolated and identified from the rhizomes of Menispermum dauricum. Their structures were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic data and single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses. Among them, compounds 1 and 4 were the first samples of oxoisoaporphine with C-6 isopentylamino moiety, and 2 was a rare C-4 methylation product of oxoisoaporphine alkaloid. The in vitro anti-inflammatory activity of compounds 1 – 11 was performed by evaluating the inhibition of NO level in LPS-induced RAW264.7 macrophages. Among them, compound 4 exhibited the most potent NO inhibition activity with an IC 50 value of 1.95 ± 0.33 μ M. The key structure-activity relationships of those oxoisoaporphine alkaloids for anti-inflammatory effects have been summarized. Four undescribed oxoisoaporphine alkaloids, together with seven known analogues were isolated from the rhizomes of Menispermum dauricum DC., which were evaluated for their their inhibitory activity towards the LPS-induced NO production in RAW 264.7 cells. Menisoxoisoaporphine D exhibited the most potent NO inhibition activity with an IC 50 value of 1.95 ± 0.33 μM. [Display omitted] • Four undescribed alkaloids were isolated from the rhizomes of Menispermum dauricum. • Menisoxoisoaporphine A was the first sample of oxoisoaporphine with C-6 isopentylamino moiety. • Menisoxoisoaporphine B was a rare C-4 methylation product of oxoisoaporphine alkaloid. • Menisoxoisoaporphine D showed the most potent NO inhibition activity (IC 50 1.95 ± 0.33 μM). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The diversification of Tiliacoreae and the speciation of Eleutharrhena are closely linked to Southeast Asia's most northerly rainforests which originate from the Himalayan uplift. Migration routes across biogeographical zones within the Asian clade, including those of Eleutharrhena, Pycnarrhena, and Macrococculus, and their population structures are still unexplored. We combine endocarp morphology, phylogenetic analyses, divergence time estimation, ancestral area reconstruction, as well as SCoT method to reconstruct the past diversification of Eleutharrhena macrocarpa and to understand their current distribution, rarity, and evolutionary distinctiveness. The disjunct, monospecific, and geographically restricted genera Eleutharrhena and Macrococculus both have a dry aril, a unique feature in Menispermaceae endocarps that further confirms their close relationship. Pycnarrhena and Eleutharrhena appeared during the end of the Oligocene c. 23.10 million years ago (Mya) in Indochina. Eleutharrhena speciation may be linked to climate change during this time, when humid forests became restricted to the northern range due to the Himalayan uplift. Differentiation across the Thai–Burmese range could have contributed to the isolation of the Dehong populations during the Miocene c. 15.88 Mya, when exchange between India and continental Asia ceased. Dispersal to the Lanping–Simao block and further differentiation in southeastern and southern Yunnan occurred during the Miocene, c. 6.82 Mya. The specific habitat requirements that led to the biogeographic patterns observed in E. macrocarpa contributed to a low genetic diversity overall. Population 1 from Dehong, 16 from Pu'er, and 20 from Honghe on the East of the Hua line have a higher genetic diversity and differentiation; therefore, we suggest that their conservation be prioritized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two isomers of megastigmane glycosides, (6 R , 9 S)-blumenol C 9- O -gentibioside (2) and (6 S , 9 S)-blumenol C 9- O -gentiobioside (3), and a new 7,9′-dinorlignan glycoside, stepdonorlignoside (4) were isolated from the tubers of Stephania kaweesakii. The structure determinations were considered based on the physical data and spectroscopic evidence. The absolute configurations of two megastigmanes were determined for the first time. Additionally, ten known compounds were isolated: (6 R , 9 S)-blumenol C 9- O -β- D -glucopyranoside, (+)-isolariciresinol 3a- O -β- D -glucopyranoside, salidroside, N - trans -caffeoyltyramine, (R)-isococlaurine, (R)-isococlaurine 4′- O - β -glucopyranoside, (−)-oblongine, (+)-magnocurarine, fordianoside, and (−)-cyclanoline. [Display omitted] • (6 R , 9 S) and (6 S , 9 S)-Isomers of blumenol C 9- O -gentibiosides were isolated. • A new 7,9′-dinorlignan glycoside was isolated from Stephania kaweesakii. • The configurations of blumenol C 9- O -gentiobiosides were determined for the first time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Exploitable variability was noticed in fruit size, TSS content and total anthocyanin content among blood fruit collections. • Correlation studies revealed strong positive correlation among fruit morphological parameters. • Anthocyanin recovery was affected by solute: solvent ratio. Blood fruit is a tropical liana bearing edible fruit rich in anthocyanins. The species is distributed in many Asian countries, wherein it provides livelihood and nutritional security to native dwellers. However, in many of these regions produce is harvested from the wild by employing destructive harvesting practices, thereby damaging the natural stand. Systematic studies were initiated to popularize this species as a novel crop in the humid tropical parts of the world. Present study aims at studying four collections (HV/NE/TRI, HV/MA/KAL, HV/MA/SNU and HV/MA/SND) for morphological and biochemical traits. Results revealed considerable variability for fruit and seed traits, total soluble solids and pH. Total anthocyanin content among the collections varied between 183.63 and 328.28 mg CE/ 100 g pulp. Strong positive correlation was noticed between fruit dimensions with fruit weight, while negative correlation was noticed between pulp content and peel thickness. Ratio of material: solvent for obtaining better anthocyanins recovery was optimized to 1:15 (w/v). Promising genotype (HV/MA/SND) with superior fruit size, TSS content and total anthocyanins content was identified for further exploitation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phytochemical study on the methanol extract of the stems of Tinospora crispa (L.) Hook.f. & Thomson led to the isolation of thirteen compounds including three undescribed cis-clerodane-type furanoditerpenoids (1-3) and ten known ones (4-13). Their chemical structures were determined by IR, HR-ESI-MS, 1D-, and 2D-NMR spectra. Compounds 2-4, 6 and 8 inhibited moderately NO production in LPS activated RAW 264.7 cells with the IC 50 values of 83.5, 57.6, 75.3, 78.1, and 74.7 μM, respectively., (© 2024 Wiley-VHCA AG, Zurich, Switzerland.)

A rare dimeric sesquiterpenoid (tinosposinoside, 1) and a phenylpropanoid (cordifolioside C, 2), two undescribed metabolites, were isolated from the methanolic extract of the stems of Tinospora sinensis together with thirteen known compounds. This is the second example of a sesquiterpene dimer where two monomers linked together through a cyclobutane ring, possibly generated through [2 + 2] cycloaddition. The structures of 1 and 2 were elucidated by NMR and mass techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fibraurea recisa Pierre 1885, which belongs to the family Menispermaceae, is an important medicinal herb in Yunnan, China. Despite its importance, genetic studies on this species remain rare. Therefore, in the current study, we assembled the complete chloroplast genome of F. recisa. Results showed that the complete genome was 161,671 bp in length, including a large single-copy region (LSC, 91,071 bp), small single-copy region (SSC, 20,858 bp), and two inverted repeat regions (IRa and IRb, 24,871 bp). The genome consisted of 124 genes, including 87 protein-coding genes, 29 tRNA genes, and eight rRNA genes. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that F. recisa was most closely related to species of Tinospora within Menispermaceae. Our complete chloroplast genome of F. recisa should contribute to the genetic resource assessment of this species as well as its future conservation and utilization.

Essential oils from the leaves and stems of Tinomiscium petiolare Hook.f. & Thomson were obtained by hydrodistillation and the chemical components were determined by gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Also, the microdilution broth assay was used to test the antimicrobial activity of essential oils. The respective yields of the T. petiolare leaf and stem essential oils were 0.06 % and 0.04 % (v/w), calculated on a dry weight basis. The major components (percentages, respectively) identified from the leaf and stem essential oils of T. petiolare were relatively similar, comprising of β-bisabolene (11.43 % and 13.80 %), trans-α-bergamotene (6.52 % and 6.61 %), geranyl acetate (6.12 % and 5.77 %), (E)-caryophyllene (5.04 % and 4.73 %), δ-cadinene (4.10 % and 5.27 %), (E,E)-α-farnesene (4.54 % and 4.65 %) and α-zingiberene (3.85 % and 4.50 %). The antimicrobial activity test indicated that T. petiolare stem essential oil displayed moderate activity against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538 with Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) value of 200 μg/mL, while both essential oils inhibited the growth of Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 9027 with MIC value of 200 μg/mL. The chemical components and antimicrobial activity of the T. petiolare leaf and stem oils are reported for the first time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Menispermaceae is one of the core groups of Ranunculales. The single fertile ovule in each ovary in Menispermaceae varies greatly in integument number, micropyle formation, and integument lobe. However, data regarding ovule morphogenesis in the family are very limited. In this study, we document ovule development of selected species in the Menispermaceae using scanning electron microscopy and light microscopy. Ovule development in Menispermaceae shows the following characteristics. Two ovules are initiated in a young carpel, one of them degenerates gradually and the other develops into a fertile ovule in subsequent stages. Bitegmic in Sinomenium Diels. and Cocculus DC. and unitegmic in Stephania Lour. The formation of unitegmy is probably due to integumentary shifting. The annularly initiated inner integument is of dermal origin and has 2–3 cell layers in the family, but the semi‐annularly initiated outer integument is of both dermal and subdermal origin. Both inner and outer integument are cup‐shaped at maturity. The cup‐shaped outer integument is formed due to the outer integument's extension to the concave (adaxial) side of the funiculus. The obturator is well developed and consists of 2–3 cell layers in Cocculus or 9–11 cell layers in Stephania. Ovule development of Menispermaceae suggests some common characteristics between Cocculus and Sinomenium, and derived unitegmy supports molecular data that indicate Stephania is one of the late‐diverging lineages in the family. Integument lobations are present. The sterile ovule shows variations in the degeneration process. These results will provide evidence for exploring the evolution of ovules in Ranunculales. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aims - In the framework of the Menispermaceae treatment for the Flore du Gabon, the closely related genera Kolobopetalum and Rhigiocarya are synoptically revised. Material and methods - Standard practices of herbarium taxonomy have been applied to study the relevant herbarium material from B, BM, BR, BRLU, HBG, K, L, P, U, and WAG. The relevant collecting data are stored in the Botany Section of the Naturalis Biodiversity Center, Leiden, The Netherlands. Key results - The distinction between the genera Kolobopetalum and Rhigiocarya is further investigated and improved. As a result, Kolobopetalum leonense is transferred to Rhigiocarya. The Gabonese collections of Kolobopetalum contained a new species named K. synsepalum, which is described and illustrated. Rhigiocarya nervosa is resurrected as a distinct species. The distribution of all species is mapped. Illustrations are provided to facilitate the use of the key for the two genera and their species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant parts have been widely used in the treatment of human diseases and the use of herbal medicine is the major form of medicine in Nigeria and other parts of the world. Synclisia scabrida (Miers) is an important medicinal plant that is widely distributed and valued for its vast therapeutic properties. The root bark of Synclisia scabrida (Miers) was collected, air-dried and extracted with ethanol using soxhlet extraction apparatus. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of the extract and the standard antibiotics were determined by agar dilution method. Preliminary sensitivity test showed that Salmonella typhi, Escherichia coli and Enterococcus faecalis were susceptible to the plant extract. The MIC values of the extract against the organisms ranged from 1.25-2.50 mg/ml. Those of standard drugs ranged from 0.00625-0.0125 µg/ml for ciprofloxacin, 0.0015625-0.006250 µg/ml for levofloxacin and ofloxacin and 0.0015625-0.0031250 µg/ml for pefloxacin. The results of this work support the traditional use of the plant in the treatment of enteric disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The diversification of Tiliacoreae and the speciation of Eleutharrhena are closely linked to Southeast Asia’s most northerly rainforests which originate from the Himalayan uplift. Migration routes across biogeographical zones within the Asian clade, including those of Eleutharrhena, Pycnarrhena, and Macrococculus, and their population structures are still unexplored. We combine endocarp morphology, phylogenetic analyses, divergence time estimation, ancestral area reconstruction, as well as SCoT method to reconstruct the past diversification of Eleutharrhena macrocarpa and to understand their current distribution, rarity, and evolutionary distinctiveness. The disjunct, monospecific, and geographically restricted genera Eleutharrhena and Macrococculus both have a dry aril, a unique feature in Menispermaceae endocarps that further confirms their close relationship. Pycnarrhena and Eleutharrhena appeared during the end of the Oligocene c. 23.10 million years ago (Mya) in Indochina. Eleutharrhena speciation may be linked to climate change during this time, when humid forests became restricted to the northern range due to the Himalayan uplift. Differentiation across the Thai–Burmese range could have contributed to the isolation of the Dehong populations during the Miocene c. 15.88 Mya, when exchange between India and continental Asia ceased. Dispersal to the Lanping–Simao block and further differentiation in southeastern and southern Yunnan occurred during the Miocene, c. 6.82 Mya. The specific habitat requirements that led to the biogeographic patterns observed in E. macrocarpa contributed to a low genetic diversity overall. Population 1 from Dehong, 16 from Pu’er, and 20 from Honghe on the East of the Hua line have a higher genetic diversity and differentiation; therefore, we suggest that their conservation be prioritized.

Phytochemical investigation of the roots of Cissampelos pareira Linn. led to the isolation of one new pyrrole alkaloid, cissampeline (1), together with ten known alkaloids, (−)-curine (2), (−)-cyclanoline (3), (+)-tetrandrine (4), (+)-obaberine (5), (+)-obamegine (6), (−)-oblongine (7), (+)-homoaromoline (8), (−)-nor-N׳-chondrocurine (9), trans-N-feruloyltyramine (10) and (+)-coclaurine (11). Their structures were elucidated by extensive NMR and MS spectroscopic analyses. Interestingly, compound 1 represents the first example of pyrrole alkaloid found in the genus Cissampelos. Moreover, compounds 5-11 were isolated for the first time from this genus. Among them, compound 6 showed the highest anti-acetylcholinesterase activity with an IC50 value of 3.26 µM, whereas compound 8 displayed the most potent cytotoxicity against human colon cancer (HT29) cells with an IC50 value of 7.89 µM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new dimeric quaternary protoberberine alkaloid, bispalmatrubine (1), and thirteen known compounds (2-14) were purified from the tubers of Tinospora dentata. Their structures were determined by spectroscopic and spectrometric analytical methods. Among the isolates, eight compounds were examined for their in vitro anti-inflammatory potential and several tested alkaloids displayed moderate inhibitory effects of N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine/cytochalasin B (fMLP/CB)-induced superoxide anion generation and elastase release. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

Three new alkaloids (1-3) were isolated from the rhizomes of Menispermum dauricum. The structures and configurations were established by extensive spectroscopic analyses, including 1D, 2D NMR, and ECD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rapid increase in incidence of Diabetes mellitus is becoming a serious threat to the people all over the world. It is considered as one of the most common non-communicable diseases globally. Till recent times the treatment of the disease by allopathic or synthetic drugs either has undesired side effects or are not cost effective to the population. Hence, the present paper reviews on the herbal formulations of plants with their mechanism of action and pharmacological test results. A total of 50 plants belonging to 40 genera under 29 families are found useful against Diabetes. The majority of the medicinal plants under review in the present article belongs to the family Menispermaceae and Verbenaceae followed by Combretaceae and Moraceae. It is said that the herbal approach of management of disease may have late response but it corrects the related metabolic abnormalities. Therefore, now-a-days much attention is drawn towards identification of plants and their pharmacological evaluation for herbal formulations before recommended to prove their efficacy in human system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tinospora crispa (L.) Hook.f. & Thomson is recorded for the first time for Nepal, where it is restricted to disturbed forests and shrublands of Tanahun district, in the central region. It is distinguished from T. sinensis (Lour.) Merr., the other species known from Nepal, by its glabrous branches and leaves and the numerous prominent blunt tubercles on old stems. A description and illustrations of T. crispa and a key to the Nepalese species are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present here the earliest known Asian fossil records of the Menispermaceae based on fossil fruits from Paleocene and Eocene localities in South China. A new genus and species, Paleoorbicarpum parvum sp. nov., and two new species of Stephania Loureiro, S. ornamenta sp. nov. and S. geniculata sp. nov., are recognized from Paleocene deposits of the Sanshui Basin, Guangdong, and a new occurrence of the widespread Eocene species Stephania auriformis (Hollick) Han & Manchester is recognized from the Maoming Basin, Guangdong. The Paleocene Stephania specimens described here represent the earliest fossil endocarp record of the Menispermaceae in eastern Asia. This discovery shows that the moonseed family had arrived in tropical and humid South China by at least the middle Paleocene, which provides important evidence for the origin and phytogeographic history of the family. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) is a promising strategy for the management of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Prolyl endopeptidase (PEP) is a post-proline cleaving enzyme that plays an important role in learning and memory. This study explore the AChE and PEP inhibitory activities of compounds from T. cordifolia. Their affinity for different binding sites in silico was also evaluated. Ellman's and β-naphtyl acetate-fast blue salt (NA-FB) assay methods were used to determine the cholinesterase inhibitory activity. PEP inhibition was determined by colorimetric assay according to Yoshimoto. Isolation of bioactive compounds was done by different chromatographic methods and structures established using spectroscopy. Molecular docking was carried out using MOE software suite modeled structures based on the coordinates of PDB ID: 3IVM and 10CE. The ethyl acetate fraction had the best AChE inhibition with an IC50 value of 1.4574 ± 0.47 mg/mL at 5 mg/mL. Nine compounds identified as β-sitosterol, tinosporide, 8-hydroxycolumbin, oxoglaucine, corydine, liriodenine, N-formylanonaine, palmatine, 1-octacosanol were isolated from different fractions with oxoglaucine being reported for the first time in the genus Tinospora. Oxoglaucine, liriodenine and N-formylanonaine demonstrated good AChE inhibitory activity with IC50 values of 0.8033 ± 0.09 mg/mL, 0.8076 ± 0.07 mg/mL and 0.8190 ± 0.06 mg/mL at 1 mg/mL respectively. Oxoglaucine and corydine at 1 mM inhibited prolyl endopeptidase with IC50 values of 0.7802 ± 3.1 mM and 0.7884 ± 3.17 mM respectively. Molecular docking revealed hydrophobic, hydrogen bonding, and Pi-stacking interactions between the ligands and the active site of enzymes. Compounds from Tinospora cordifolia are a possible lead for the development of drugs that may be useful in the management of AD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rbcL gene of the chloroplast genome is widely used as an additional data for the study of species origin, molecular evolution and phylogeny. In this study, we used the rbcL gene to separate three species of genus Stephania: S. japonica, S. polygona, S. rotunda and one subspecies S. japonica var. discolor from Vietnam. Molecular analysis was performed on 523 bp segment of the rbcL genes with 4 examined samples of the genus Stephania and 18 other genbank sequences of five genera Pachygone, Antizoma, Cissampelos, Cyclea and Syntriandrium. The dataset consists of 22 sequences used to reconstruct the evolutionary tree using two methods: Bayesian Infer (BI) and Maximum Likelihood (MP). The results showed that S. rotunda was able to distinguish from S. japonica or S. polygona, while S. japonica, S. japonica var. discolor and S. polygona could not distinguished each another. The phylogenetic tree splited three examined species into two groups, representing the two main groups of morphology in genus Stephania: a group with tuberous rootstock and another group with main root. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The present study aimed to identify the cytotoxicity of Tiliacora acuminata extract/fraction(s) plant via bioactivity guided approach and predict the binding affinity with Topoisomerase II. Materials and Methods: Extract and fractions were screened using brine shrimp lethality bioassay and the potent fraction was further evaluated for its in vitro cytotoxicity using five different cell lines i.e. HT-29, HepG2, MCF-7 and A-549. The binding affinity of individual phytoconstituent from the potent fraction with Topoisomerase II was further predicted using autodock4. Results: The fraction containing alkaloids showed the highest cytotoxicity against the HT-29 cell line. Molecular docking study identified coclaurine as a potent alkaloid phytoconstituent to bind with topoisomerase II. Conclusion: The study revealed the potential cytotoxic alkaloids from T. acuminata which may find use in the development of cytotoxic or chemopreventive agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

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