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Fruits with a high content of biologically active compounds are essential in preventing many diseases. Therefore, the interest in searching for and testing new plant sources for bioactive constituents remains strong. Although many publications on individual species exist, their results are difficult to compare directly due to varying methods and conditions of analysis. Only a few studies have investigated many different species in a single analysis. Therefore, we examined and compared 21 different genotypes, using various measurement methods for total phenolic content (TPC) (Folin–Ciocalteu, FBBB), total antioxidant capacity (ABTS, FRAP, DPPH), and the HPLC technique for the total ascorbate concentration in freshly harvested fruits. One-way ANOVA, Principal Component Analysis, and Pearson Correlation were used to analyse and compare the results. The tested samples showed significant differences in TPC, ascorbate content, and antioxidant capacity. The correlation between the content of bioactive compounds and antioxidant capacity depended on the analytical methods, with results obtained using the FRAP test being the most strongly correlated. Due to higher levels of polyphenols, ascorbate, and antioxidant potential, the most promising species for further evaluation appear to be Chaenomeles × californica, Actinidia kolomikta, Mespilus germanica, and ×Sorboaronia fallax. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cornus hongkongensis Hemsl. 1888, native to Hong Kong, belongs to the subgenus Syncarpea within the Cornus genus of the Cornaceae family. The complete chloroplast genome of C. hongkongensis spans 156,954 bp, comprising four subregions: a large single-copy region (86,290 bp), a small single-copy region (18,394 bp), and a pair of inverted repeats (26,135 bp). Within the chloroplast genome of C. hongkongensis, we identified 113 unique genes, including 80 protein-encoding genes, four ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes, and 30 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes. Phylogenetic analysis based on the complete chloroplast genome of 30 related taxa of the Cornus genus indicates that C. hongkongensis has not formed a monophyletic lineage. Analyses of sequence divergence found three intergenic regions including rps19-rpl22, ccsA-ndhD, and atpH-atpI, exhibiting a high degree of variations. The first chloroplast genome of C. hongkongensis was reported in this work contributes to the enrichment of genomic data for the genus Cornus.

Fruits with a high content of biologically active compounds are essential in preventing many diseases. Therefore, the interest in searching for and testing new plant sources for bioactive constituents remains strong. Although many publications on individual species exist, their results are difficult to compare directly due to varying methods and conditions of analysis. Only a few studies have investigated many different species in a single analysis. Therefore, we examined and compared 21 different genotypes, using various measurement methods for total phenolic content (TPC) (Folin–Ciocalteu, FBBB), total antioxidant capacity (ABTS, FRAP, DPPH), and the HPLC technique for the total ascorbate concentration in freshly harvested fruits. One-way ANOVA, Principal Component Analysis, and Pearson Correlation were used to analyse and compare the results. The tested samples showed significant differences in TPC, ascorbate content, and antioxidant capacity. The correlation between the content of bioactive compounds and antioxidant capacity depended on the analytical methods, with results obtained using the FRAP test being the most strongly correlated. Due to higher levels of polyphenols, ascorbate, and antioxidant potential, the most promising species for further evaluation appear to be Chaenomeles × californica, Actinidia kolomikta, Mespilus germanica, and ×Sorboaronia fallax.

IntroductionCornus officinalis sieb. et zucc, a deciduous tree or shrub, is renowned for its “Cornus flesh” fruit, which is widely acknowledged for its medicinal value when matured and dried. Leveraging C. officinalis as a foundational ingredient opens avenues for the development of environmentally friendly health foods, ranging from beverages and jams to preserves and canned products. Packed with diverse bioactive compounds, this species manifests a spectrum of pharmacological effects, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antidiabetic, immunomodulatory, neuroprotective, and cardiovascular protective properties.MethodsThis study employs CiteSpace visual analysis software and a bibliometric analysis platform, drawing upon the Web of Science (WOS) database for literature spanning the last decade. Through a comprehensive analysis of available literature from WOS and Google Scholar, we present a thorough summary of the health benefits, phytochemistry, active compounds, and pharmacological effects of C. officinalis. Particular emphasis is placed on its potential in developing functional drugs and foods.Results and DiscussionWhile this review enhances our understanding of C. officinalis as a prospective therapeutic agent, its clinical applicability underscores the need for further research and clinical studies to validate findings and establish safe and effective clinical applications.

Two unusual novel iridoid glycosides, cornsecoside A (1) and cornsecoside B (2), were isolated from a 40% ethanol elution fraction of a 50% ethanol extract of Cornus officinalis fruit. Their structures were determined by spectroscopic data analysis combined with hydrolysis and ECD spectroscopy. In addition, compounds 1 and 2 exhibited cytotoxic activity against Bel-7402 cells with IC50 values of 8.12 and 9.31 µM, and were neuroprotective against H2O2-induced SH-SY5Y cell injure at a concentration of 10 µM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Premise: A major goal of systematic biology is to uncover the evolutionary history of organisms and translate that knowledge into stable classification systems. Here, we integrate three sets of genome‐wide data to resolve phylogenetic relationships in Cornaceae (containing only Cornus s.l.), reconstruct the biogeographic history of the clade, and provide a revised classification using the PhyloCode to stabilize names for this taxonomically controversial group. Methods: We conducted phylogenetic analyses using 312 single‐copy nuclear genes and 70 plastid genes from Angiosperms353 Hyb‐Seq, plus numerous loci from RAD‐Seq. We integrated fossils using morphological data and produced a dated phylogeny for biogeographical analysis. Results: A well‐resolved, strongly supported, comprehensive phylogeny was obtained. Biogeographic analyses support an origin and rapid diversification of Cornus into four morphologically distinct major clades in the Northern Hemisphere (with an eastern Asian ancestor) during the late Cretaceous. Dispersal into Africa from eastern Asia likely occurred along the Tethys Seaway during the Paleogene, whereas dispersal into South America likely occurred during the Neogene. Diversification within the northern hemisphere likely involved repeated independent colonization of new areas during the Paleogene and Neogene along the Bering Land Bridge, the North Atlantic Land Bridge, and the Tethys Seaway. Thirteen strongly supported clades were named following rules of the PhyloCode. Conclusions: Our study provides an example of integrating genomic and morphological data to produce a robust, explicit species phylogeny that includes fossil taxa, which we translate into an updated classification scheme using the PhyloCode to stabilize names. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cornus mas L. (Cornelian cherry) (family Cornaceae) is one of the important medicinal plants with a rich phytochemical profile. It is an ornamental plant with edible fruits possessing therapeutic and nutritional values. The fruits have been used in folk medicine since ancient times. They are red-colored, pear-shaped, oval, and sour taste and are often used in the form of beverages, marmalade, and jams, as well as utilized in the cosmetic industry. Phytochemicals reported for C. mas are phenolic acids, flavonoids, organic acids, anthocyanins, tannins, fatty acids, iridoids, and carotenoids. Especially, the fruits are rich in anthocyanins, vitamin C, and phenolic compounds. The extracts and compounds from C. mas have been investigated for antimicrobial, cytotoxic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiatherosclerotic, antihyperlipidemic, antidiabetic, anti-colitis, neuroprotective, hepatoprotective, cardioprotective, and nephroprotective activities. The objective of the present review is to summarize the recent studies on the phytoconstituents of C. mas and their biological effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fruit morphological structures of the Cornaceae of China and related taxa were studied using the wax GMA semi-thin section method and other methods to identify characters useful in delimiting clades circumscribed in previous molecular phylogenetic studies. Maximum parsimony analyses of 27 fruit structural characters resulted in a generally poorly resolved strict consensus tree, yet one whose major clades matched those revealed previously. Cornaceae of China and related taxa are recognized in four significant clades with the following fruit structural features: (1) Helwingia, fruits lack trichome, the abdominal vascular bundles are close to the endocarp, and the endocarp sclereid is elongated; (2) Aucuba, single-cell lanceolate trichomes, pericarp without secretory structure; (3) Torricellia, polygon and elongated sclereids in the endocarp, pericarp without crystal and tannin; and (4) Cornus sensu lato, the trichome is T-shaped, the abdominal ventral bundle is absent, and the endocarp sclereid is nearly round. In Cornus sensu lato, this document supported that the cornelian cherries (CC, subg. Cornus) and the big-bracted dogwoods (BB, subg. Syncarpea) are sister groups. The dwarf dogwoods (DW, subg. Arctocrania) are sister to them, and the blue- or white-fruited dogwoods (BW, subg. Kraniopsis, subg. Yinquania, and subg. Mesomora) are the base of the Cornus sensu lato clade. The number of cell layers of endocarps and the types of crystals afford sound evidence for identifying their relationship. This study indicated that the fruit structures of Cornaceae might provide morphological and anatomical evidence for molecular phylogeny. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Premise: Effective seed dispersal is essential to the success of plant species. Swida amomum (silky dogwood) has a seed‐dispersal syndrome characteristic of autumn‐ripening shrubs with fleshy fruits; attached fruits are ingested and defecated by birds, while fallen fruits are consumed by ground‐foraging birds and mammals. Methods: We documented that fallen fruits of this shrub were consumed by two aquatic turtle species (eastern painted turtle [Chrysemys picta] and red‐eared slider [Trachemys scripta]) and that their seeds were defecated. We compared germination success (percentage of seeds germinated) of defecated seeds, seeds collected from a pond surface, and seeds removed from shrubs. Results: While four seed species were identified in fecal samples, seeds of S. amomum were the most frequent (93%) among samples and the most numerous (106 seeds) in any sample. Average proportion of fecal seeds germinated (85.99%) exceeded that of seeds from the pond surface (82.76%) and from shrubs (60.24%), albeit the difference in germination success was insignificant. When analyzed using fecal samples from painted turtles only, the difference in germination success between fecal seeds and those collected from pond or shrub became significant. Conclusions: Our findings represent the first report of S. amomum seeds being dispersed by turtle gut passage and suggest aquatic turtles could be an important part of a secondary seed dispersal process influencing woody plant community composition in temperate wetland ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using various chromatographic methods, four new phenolics, coroffesters A-D (1 − 4) were isolated from the fruit of Cornus officinalis (Cornaceae). Their structures (1 − 4) were elucidated unambiguously by spectroscopic methods such as one- and two-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance (1 D- and 2 D-NMR) spectroscopy and high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (HR-ESI-MS). The anti-inflammatory activity of the isolated compounds was also evaluated. All compounds (1 − 4) showed moderate inhibitory activity against NO production in a dose-dependent manner in RAW 264.7 cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In May 2019, Aucuba japonica var. variegata, known as an evergreen shrub, was found to have multiple leaf spots in Nanjing City, Jiangsu Province, China. A fungus was isolated from the margins of the lesions and one isolate JS‐RL3 was selected for identification and pathogenicity tests. The morphological characteristics of the fungus were similar to Botrytis cinerea. Phylogenetic analysis using concatenated sequences of ITS and G3PDH also showed that isolate JS‐RL3 clustered with strains of B. cinerea, a relationship supported by a 100% bootstrap value. This report is the first of B. cinerea causing leaf spots on A. japonica var. variegata. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The phytochemical investigation of the fruits of Cornus officinalis yielded a new phenolic acid derivative, neophenolic acid A (1), and a novel flavonoid glycoside, (2R)-naringenin-7-O-β-(6''-galloyl-glucopyranoside) (2 a), along with six known flavonoid glycosides (2 b-7). Their structures were determined by 1D, 2D NMR and HRESIMS data. The absolute configuration of 1 was established by ECD analysis. Compounds 1- 7 were evaluated for their neuroprotective activities against corticosterone (CORT)-induced injury in PC-12 cells. Compounds 1, 2 a, 2 b, 5, and 6 exhibited neuroprotective activities against CORT-induced neurotoxicity in PC-12 cells. The underlying mechanism study suggested that compounds 1, 2 a, 2 b, 5, and 6 were able to attenuate CORT-induced apoptosis and damage, increase the levels of MMP and decrease Ca 2+ inward flow in PC-12 cells., (© 2024 Wiley-VHCA AG, Zurich, Switzerland.)

The fruit morphological structures of the Cornaceae of China and related taxa were studied using the wax GMA semi-thin section method and other methods to identify characters useful in delimiting clades circumscribed in previous molecular phylogenetic studies. Maximum parsimony analyses of 27 fruit structural characters resulted in a generally poorly resolved strict consensus tree, yet one whose major clades matched those revealed previously. Cornaceae of China and related taxa are recognized in four significant clades with the following fruit structural features: (1) Helwingia, fruits lack trichome, the abdominal vascular bundles are close to the endocarp, and the endocarp sclereid is elongated; (2) Aucuba, single-cell lanceolate trichomes, pericarp without secretory structure; (3) Torricellia, polygon and elongated sclereids in the endocarp, pericarp without crystal and tannin; and (4) Cornus sensu lato, the trichome is T-shaped, the abdominal ventral bundle is absent, and the endocarp sclereid is nearly round. In Cornus sensu lato, this document supported that the cornelian cherries (CC, subg. Cornus) and the big-bracted dogwoods (BB, subg. Syncarpea) are sister groups. The dwarf dogwoods (DW, subg. Arctocrania) are sister to them, and the blue- or white-fruited dogwoods (BW, subg. Kraniopsis, subg. Yinquania, and subg. Mesomora) are the base of the Cornus sensu lato clade. The number of cell layers of endocarps and the types of crystals afford sound evidence for identifying their relationship. This study indicated that the fruit structures of Cornaceae might provide morphological and anatomical evidence for molecular phylogeny.

Plants of the genus Cornus are valued for their ornamental qualities, are often grown in gardens, parks, or other public plantings, and form various shelterbelts. This increases the likelihood that these bird-dispersed plants will escape from their sites. This paper provides information on the first record of C. mas in Lithuania in 2021 at two sites. This species is currently considered a casual alien species, but may become locally naturalised in the future. This study confirmed that C. sericea is widespread in Lithuania, and the oldest herbarium specimen of the species was collected in 1997. Cornus sericea, like C. alba, is naturalised and potentially invasive in Lithuania. The alien subspecies of C. sanguinea (C. sanguinea subsp. australis) was found for the first time in Lithuania and Latvia in 2018. Available data show that this subspecies is naturalised in both countries, and its abundance in some areas in Lithuania indicates that it may become an invasive plant. The paper discusses dispersal vectors, occupied habitats, and the potential for spreading three alien Cornus taxa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cornus hongkongensis Hemsl. 1888, native to Hong Kong, belongs to the subgenus Syncarpea within the Cornus genus of the Cornaceae family. The complete chloroplast genome of C. hongkongensis spans 156,954 bp, comprising four subregions: a large single-copy region (86,290 bp), a small single-copy region (18,394 bp), and a pair of inverted repeats (26,135 bp). Within the chloroplast genome of C. hongkongensis , we identified 113 unique genes, including 80 protein-encoding genes, four ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes, and 30 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes. Phylogenetic analysis based on the complete chloroplast genome of 30 related taxa of the Cornus genus indicates that C. hongkongensis has not formed a monophyletic lineage. Analyses of sequence divergence found three intergenic regions including rps 19- rpl 22, ccs A- ndh D, and atp H- atp I, exhibiting a high degree of variations. The first chloroplast genome of C. hongkongensis was reported in this work contributes to the enrichment of genomic data for the genus Cornus ., Competing Interests: No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s)., (© 2024 The Author(s). Published by Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.)

During the course of survey carried out in Chakrata hills (Chakrata Forest Division, Dehradun district, Uttarakhand (Western Himalaya), sporadic infestation by the hook tip moth, Deroca inconclusa (Walker,1856) (Lepidoptera: Drepanidae : Drepaninae) was recorded on Cornus capitata Wall. ex Roxb. trees in Chakrata Reserve Forest at several locations. Outbreak of the hook tip moth is being reported for the first time from this region along with its life history on C. capitata from the Garhwal region of the Western Himalaya. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Premise: Defense investment in plant reproductive structures is relatively understudied compared to the defense of vegetative organs. Here the evolution of chemical defenses in reproductive structures is examined in light of the optimal defense, apparency, and resource availability hypotheses within the genus Cornus using a phylogenetic comparative approach in relation to phenology and native habitat environmental data. Methods: Individuals representing 25 Cornus species were tracked for reproductive phenology over a full growing season at the Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University. Floral, fruit, and leaf tissue was sampled to quantify defensive chemistry as well as fruit nutritional traits relevant to bird dispersal. Native habitat environmental characteristics were estimated using locality data from digitized herbarium records coupled with global soil and climate data sets. Results: The evolution of later flowering was correlated with increased floral tannins, and the evolution of later fruiting was correlated with increased total phenolics. Leaves were found to contain the highest tannin activity, while inflorescences contained the highest total flavonoids. Multiple aspects of fruit defensive chemistry were correlated with fruit nutritional traits. Floral and fruit defensive chemistry were evolutionarily correlated with aspects of native habitat temperature, precipitation, and soil characteristics. Conclusions: Results provide tentative support for the apparency hypothesis with respect to both flower and fruit phenology, while relative concentrations of secondary metabolites across organs provide mixed support for the optimal defense hypothesis. The evolution of reproductive defense with native habitat provides, at best, mixed support for the resource availability hypothesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cornus elliptica is a species of the Cornus, an evergreen tree endemic to China. Here, we report a complete chloroplast genome sequence of C. elliptica. The chloroplast genome was found to be 157,400bp in length, and G-C contents were 38.1%. The sequence contained 115 unique genes, including 31 tRNA, 4 rRNA, and 80 protein-coding genes. Phylogenetic framework of Cornus is consistent with previous studies.

Cornus bretschneideri L.Henry (Cornaceae), a shrub or small tree, is a potential horticultural plant or a soil-fixing plant. In this study, the complete sequence and characterization of the chloroplast genome of C. bretschneideri was studied. The size of the chloroplast genome is 158,270 bp in length, including a large single copy region (LSC) of 87,466 bp, a small single copy region (SSC) of 18,730 bp, and a pair of inverted repeat (IR) regions with 26,037 bp. The GC content of the chloroplast genome was 37.86%. Moreover, a total of 132 functional genes were annotated, including 87 protein-coding genes, 37 tRNA genes, and 8 rRNA genes. The neighbor-joining phylogenetic tree suggested that C. bretschneideri was closely related to C. sanguinea and C. macrophylla.

Cornus walteri (Cornaceae), known as Walter’s dogwood, has been used to treat dermatologic inflammation and diarrheal disease in traditional oriental medicine. As part of an ongoing research project to discover natural products with biological activities, the anti-inflammatory potential of compounds from C. walteri in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated mouse RAW 264.7 macrophages were explored. Phytochemical analysis of the methanol extract of the stem and stem bark of C. walteri led to the isolation of 15 chemical constituents. These compounds were evaluated for their inhibitory effects on the production of the proinflammatory mediator nitric oxide (NO) in LPS-stimulated macrophages, as measured by NO assays. The molecular mechanisms underlying the anti-inflammatory activity were investigated using western blotting. Our results demonstrated that among 15 chemical constituents, lupeol and benzyl salicylate inhibited NO production in LPS-activated RAW 264.7 macrophages. Benzyl salicylate was more efficient than NG-monomethyl-L-arginine mono-acetate salt (L-NMMA) in terms of its inhibitory effect. In addition, the mechanism of action of benzyl salicylate consisted of the inhibition of phosphorylation of IκB kinase alpha (IKKα), IκB kinase beta (IKKβ), inhibitor of kappa B alpha (IκBα), and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) in LPS-stimulated macrophages. Furthermore, benzyl salicylate inhibited the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). Taken together, these results suggest that benzyl salicylate present in the stem and stem bark of C. walteri has potential anti-inflammatory activity, supporting the potential application of this compound in the treatment of inflammatory diseases.

Phytochemical examination of the MeOH extract from the stems and stem bark of Cornus walteri (Cornaceae) led to the isolation and verification of a tirucallane triterpenoid, (-)-leucophyllone, as a major component. Its structure was elucidated using NMR spectroscopy and liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry. The effect of (-)-leucophyllone on insulin secretion in INS-1 cells was investigated. (-)-Leucophyllone increased glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) at concentrations showing no cytotoxic effect in rat INS-1 pancreatic β-cells. Moreover, we attempted to determine the mechanism of action of (-)-leucophyllone in the activation of insulin receptor substrate-2 (IRS-2), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), Akt, and pancreatic and duodenal homeobox-1 (PDX-1). Treatment of INS-1 cells with (-)-leucophyllone markedly increased the expression of these proteins. Our findings indicate the potential of (-)-leucophyllone as an antidiabetic agent.

Four new iridoid glycosides named cornusphenosides A-D (1-4) were isolated from an ethanol extract of the fruits of Cornus officinalis (shan zhu yu). The structures of these compounds were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic data (UV, IR, HRESIMS, and 1D and 2D NMR) and chemical evidence. The neuroprotective effects of compounds 1-4 were also assessed in vitro. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Lomatium grayi complex is morphologically diverse across it range. The type species of this complex, Lomatium grayi s.s., has been found to not be a host of the larvae of Papilio indra, while the other three morphotypes are larval-hosts. A fifteen character, morphometric analysis was conducted on 390 herbarium specimens from throughout the range of this species. PCA, MANOVA, CDA, and Tukey tests revealed that the majority of the characters in this dataset were significantly different between four regional morphotypes. As a result of the morphometric analysis, the morphotypes are herein proposed as four species. Two new species are proposed for populations of L. grayi in the Pacific Northwest. Lomatium papilioniferum is proposed for plants in California, western Idaho, northern Nevada, Oregon, and Washington. Lomatium klickitatense is proposed for populations of robust plants from western Klickitat County, Washington, and northern Hood River County, Oregon. Lomatium grayi var. depauperatum is elevated to a species. This leaves no infraspecific taxa within L. grayi s.s. A presence/absence phenetic analysis of combined essential oil data was inconclusive regarding the composition of L. grayi s.s., which was found to be more similar to Lomatium klickitatense and Lomatium depauperatum than other species of Lomatium. Taxonomic treatments for each of the four species in this complex are provided. A key to these species and the multiple species that have been commonly mistaken for L. grayi is also included. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Background and Aims Camptotheca is endemic to China and there are limited data about the breeding system and morphogenesis of the flowers. Camptotheca is thought to be related to Nyssa and Davidia in Nyssaceae, which has sometimes been included in Cornaceae. However, molecular phylogenetic studies confirmed the inclusion of Camptotheca in Nyssaceae and its exclusion from Cornaceae. The aim of this study was to reveal developmental features of the inflorescence and flowers in Camptotheca to compare with related taxa in Cornales. • Methods Inflorescences and flowers of Camptotheca acuminata at all developmental stages were collected and studied with a scanning electron microscope and stereo microscope. • Key Results Camptotheca has botryoids which are composed of several capitate floral units (FUs) that are initiated acropetally. On each FU, flowers are grouped in dyads that are initiated acropetally. All floral organs are initiated centripetally. Calyx lobes are restricted to five teeth. The hypanthium, with five toothed calyx lobes, is adnate to the ovary. The five petals are free and valvate. Ten stamens are inserted in two whorls around the central depression, in which the style is immersed. Three carpels are initiated independently but the ovary is syncarpous and unilocular. The ovule is unitegmic and heterotropous. Inflorescences are functionally andromonoecious varying with the position of the FUs on the inflorescence system. Flowers on the upper FU often have robust styles and fully developed ovules. Flowers on the lower FU have undeveloped styles and aborted ovules, and the flowers on the middle FU are transitional. • Conclusions Camptotheca possesses several traits that unify it with Nyssa, Mastixia and Diplopanax. Inflorescence and floral characters support a close relationship with Nyssaceae and Mastixiaceae but a distant relationship with Cornus. Our results corroborate molecular inferences and support a separate family Nyssaceae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Morroniside has been shown to play roles of anti-inflammation, antioxidant, anti-apoptosis, promoting vascular and neural regeneration, anti-platelet aggregation and neuroprotection in the rat model of ischemic brain injury, but whether it can inhibit the inflammatory reaction of cerebral hemorrhage is unclear. OBJECTIVE: To observe the changes of inflammatory factors (interleukin-1, tumor necrosis factor-α) and inflammatory-related proteins (nuclear factor-κB and SUMO2/3) as well as neurologic function in a rat model of cerebral hemorrhage treated with morroniside at different doses. METHODS: Healthy male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into sham operation, cerebral hemorrhage and low-, medium- and high-dose morroniside groups. The model of cerebral hemorrhage was established in the latter four groups by injecting autologous blood from the tail artery, followed by intragastric injection of 30, 90, 270 mg/kg morroniside in the three morronicide groups, respectively, three times daily for consecutive 7 days; the rats in the sham operation and model groups were given same volume of normal saline. Then, the neurological function was evaluated by Neurological Severity Scores; the brain tissue around the hematoma were removed to observe the morphological changes of neurocytes around the hematoma by hematoxylin-eosin staining; the expression levels of interleukin-1 and tumor necrosis factor α in the brain tissue were detected by ELISA; the expression levels of nuclear factor-κB and SUMO2/3 were detected by immunohistochemistry and western blot assay. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Compared with the icerebral hemorrhage group, the low-, medium- and high-dose morroniside groups showed a significnat neurological improvement, especially the high-dose group (P < 0.05). Compared with the sham operation group, the cerebral hemorrhage and morroniside groups exhibited a significant increase in the nerve function damage and expression levels of interleukin-1, tumor necrosis factor α, nuclear factor-κB and SUMO2/3 (P < 0.05). Compared with the cerebral hemorrhage group, in the low-, medium- and high-dose morroniside groups, the expression levels of interleukin-1 and tumor necrosis factor α were significantly reduced, and expression levels of nuclear factor-κB and SUMO2/3 were significantly increased (P < 0.05). In summary, high-dose morroniside can improve the neurological function in rats with cerebral hemorrhage by down-regulating the levels of inflammatory cytokines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mastixioids in the family Cornaceae, are presently native only in limited areas of Asia, they have rich fossil fruit record in Cenozoic sediments of Europe and North America, but unfortunately none have been reported from Cenozoic sediments of India and Asia until now. Here, we report the occurrence of leaf remains (both impression and compression) along with carbonised fruits, resembling morphologically and anatomically those of the extant endemic species Mastixia arborea C.B. Clarke. Our materials were recovered from the middle Miocene to early Pleistocene Siwalik sediments exposed around West Kameng and Papumpare districts in Arunachal Pradesh, eastern Himalaya. These new fossil materials confirm the existence of Mastixia in the Miocene-Pleistocene Siwalik forests in India. At present the modern analogue does not grow in the eastern Himalaya and is endemic to the tropical evergreen forests of the Western Ghats, situated at the same palaeolatitude as the fossil locality. Extinction from the entire eastern Himalaya and probable movement of this taxon to the Western Ghats is likely due to climate change in the area, related to the Himalayan Orogeny during Miocene–Pleistocene times. The disappearance of Mastixia from this area may be related to the gradual intensification of rainfall seasonality since the late Miocene. The recovery of this species and our earlier-described evergreen taxa from the same Siwalik time (Mio-Pleistocene), suggest the existence of tropical, warm and humid climatic conditions during the period of deposition. The leaf and fruit remains are here described as new species, namely Mastixia asiatica Khan, Bera M et Bera S, sp. nov. and Mastixia siwalika Khan, Bera M et Bera S, sp. nov. respectively. This report documents the first fossil record of Mastixia leaf remains using both macro and micromorphological characters. We also review the historical phytogeography, and highlight the phytogeographic implication of, the mastixioids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

TFL1-, AP1- and LFY-like genes are known to be key regulators of inflorescence development. However, it remains to be tested whether the evolutionary modifications of inflorescence morphology result from shifts in their expression patterns., We compared the spatiotemporal expression patterns of Cor TFL1, Cor AP1 and Cor LFY in six closely related Cornus species that display four types of closed inflorescence morphology using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction ( qRT- PCR) and RNA in situ hybridization. Character mapping on the phylogeny was conducted to identify evolutionary changes and to assess the correlation between changes in gene expression and inflorescence morphology., Results demonstrated variation of gene expression patterns among species and a strong correlation between Cor TFL1 expression and the branch index of the inflorescence type. Evolutionary changes in Cor TFL1 and Cor AP1 expression co-occurred on the phylogeny with the morphological changes underpinning inflorescence divergence., The study found a clear correlation between the expression patterns of Cor TFL1 and Cor AP1 and the inflorescence architecture in a natural system displaying closed inflorescences. The results suggest a role for the alteration in Cor TFL1 and Cor AP1 expression during the evolutionary modification of inflorescences in Cornus. We propose that a TFL1-like and AP1-like gene-based model may explain variation of closed inflorescences in Cornus and other lineages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Premise of research. Two permineralized fruits have been found within a single calcareous concretion from the Upper Cretaceous (upper Campanian) Spray Formation of Vancouver Island, British Columbia. These fossils provide additional evidence for the initial phylogenetic diversification of Cornales, the earliest diverging asterid lineage. Methodology. Specimens were prepared using the cellulose acetate peel technique. Pivotal results. A new cornalean species, Suciacarpa xiangae sp. nov., is characterized on the basis of a wellpreserved fruit specimen. This fruit is represented by a large ovoid tetralocular sclerenchymatous endocarp. Locules are crescent shaped in transverse section and accompanied by short dorsal germination valves. Valves consist of small isodiametric sclereids as well as a large number of large secretory cavities. The septum and central axis are composed of transversely oriented and interwoven fibers and elongate sclereids. There is no major central vascular bundle; however, there are numerous small bundles scattered within the septa. This fruit has one apically attached seed per locule. An additional cornalean taxon--Sheltercarpa vancouverensis gen. et sp. nov., also represented by a single smooth tetralocular sclerenchymatous endocarp--consists of isodiametric and a few elongate sclereids, with short germination valves, one seed per locule, and lacks a central vascular bundle. Conclusions. Because of unique combinations of characters, the two fruits described in this study represent two new cornalean taxa, S. xiangae sp. nov. and S. vancouverensis gen. et sp. nov. These fruits display mosaics of apomorphic and plesiomorphic characters that occur in families of at least two different major cornalean clades: Cornaceae/Alangiaceae and Nyssaceae/Mastixiaceae/Davidiaceae. The morphological diversity seen in these taxa and other cornaleans from the Late Cretaceous suggests that the Campanian was an important time for the initial phylogenetic diversification of Cornales. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cornus spp. are commonly cultivated in parks or gardens as ornamental plants. Powdery mildew is one of the most important diseases of these plant species. Molecular phylogenetic analyses of the causal agent Erysiphe pulchra showed that this species is divided into two genetic groups, viz. one found on C. florida and C. kousa , and another one on C. controversa , both apart from each other. Combined with detailed morphological examinations, E. pulchra s. str. and E. cornicola nom. nov. are proposed for the respective fungal groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are researches of many years of biological characteristics (fertility, vegetative propagation and other) in introduced species of Cornaceae family in the Ukraine, while there are few data on leaf micromorphology of these plants. The aim of our work was to investigate the anatomy and morphology of leaves of Cornaceae species. Cross sections of leaves were prepared and staining using standard histological methods, light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy were made. It was shown that all investigated species have the similar leaf anatomy: single- layer upper and lower epidermis covered with a cuticle and trichomes, the stomata are on the lower leaf side, the mesophyll consists of the palisade and spongy parenchyma. In the same time, there are differences in the anatomical quantitative features: size and number of stomata, number of trichomes, size of cells, leaf blade thickness, and the palisade ratio. We can claim about successfully adaptation of the investigated species based on their anatomy without any destructive features and every year flowering and fruiting (according to the previous data). This work may serve as a basis for further investigations of introduced species of Cornus and monitoring of their condition under introduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pattern and rate of genome evolution have profound consequences in organismal evolution. Whole-genome duplication (WGD), or polyploidy, has been recognized as an important evolutionary mechanism of plant diversification. However, in non-model plants the molecular signals of genome duplications have remained largely unexplored. High-throughput transcriptome data from next-generation sequencing have set the stage for novel investigations of genome evolution using new bioinformatic and methodological tools in a phylogenetic framework. Here we compare ten de novo-assembled transcriptomes representing the major lineages of the angiosperm genus Cornus (dogwood) and relevant outgroups using a customized pipeline for analyses. Using three distinct approaches, molecular dating of orthologous genes, analyses of the distribution of synonymous substitutions between paralogous genes, and examination of substitution rates through time, we detected a shared WGD event in the late Cretaceous across all taxa sampled. The inferred doubling event coincides temporally with the paleoclimatic changes associated with the initial divergence of the genus into three major lineages. Analyses also showed an acceleration of rates of molecular evolution after WGD. The highest rates of molecular evolution were observed in the transcriptome of the herbaceous lineage, C. canadensis, a species commonly found at higher latitudes, including the Arctic. Our study demonstrates the value of transcriptome data for understanding genome evolution in closely related species. The results suggest dramatic increase in sea surface temperature in the late Cretaceous may have contributed to the evolution and diversification of flowering plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective – to compare of the leaves anatomy of the family Cornaceae Bercht. et J. Presl representetives from different geographic regions. The species Cornus mas L. and Swida sanguinea Opiz. are originated from Europe, Cornus sessilis Torr. and Cynoxylon florida (L.) Raf. – from North America, Cornus officinalis Sieb. et Zuss. and Cynoxylon japonica (DC) Nakai – from East Asia. We determined the similar anatomy of evaluated plants leaves. All species have dorsoventral type of leaf structure. The palisade parenchyma consists of 1–3 layers of cylindrical cells; the spongy parenchyma consists of oval cells, irregular shape cells, and intercellular spaces. In spite of similarity of the leaf anatomy all leaves are different in the quantitative parameters: size and amount of stomata, their density on the leaf surface, size of epidermal and parenchyma cells, leaf thickness, volume of intercellular area. The leaves of all discovered species except S. sanguinea are covered by flat, unicellular, T-shaped, 2-armed, symmetrical trichomes with short basal stalk. S. sanguinea has filiform, unicellular trichomes that placed along leaf veins. C. florida trichomes have the protruding calcium carbonate crystals. Trichome arms of other species usually have the micro-papillae on their surface. The leaf thick nesses of all discovered species are different. Asian species (C. officinalis and C. japonica) have the thickest leaf blades with 3-4 layers of mesophyll cells and large epidermal cells compared with European and American species. S. sanguinea is a species with width habitat and good adaptation properties: that plant is drought and frost resistant, and has the least leaf thickness among all studied species. All discovered species belong to the ecological group of xeromesophytes – the mesophyte plants those have xerophytic features. They have similar anatomy, what can be explained by their closely-related systematic location. The quantitative anatomy features of plants are consistent with their adaptation in introduction terms.