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Chorisia (syn. Ceiba) species are important ornamental, economic, and medicinal plants that are endowed with a diversity of secondary metabolites; however, their volatile organic compounds (VOCs) have been scarcely studied. Therefore, this work explores and compares the headspace floral volatiles of three common Chorisia species, namely Chorisia chodatii Hassl., Chorisia speciosa A. St.-Hil, and Chorisia insignis H.B.K. for the first time. A total of 112 VOCs of varied biosynthetic origins were identified at different qualitative and quantitative ratios, encompassing isoprenoids, fatty acid derivatives, phenylpropanoids, and others. Flowers of the investigated species showed perceptibly differentiated volatile profiles, with those emitted by C. insignis being dominated by non-oxygenated compounds (56.69 %), whereas oxygenated derivatives prevailed among the volatiles of C. chodatii (66.04 %) and C. speciosa (71.53 %). The variable importance in the projection (VIP) in the partial least-squares–discriminant (PLS-DA) analysis described 25 key compounds among the studied species, of which linalool was verified as the most important aroma compound based on VIP values and significance analysis, and it could represent the most typical VOC among these Chorisia species. Furthermore, molecular docking and dynamics analyses of both the major and the key VOCs displayed their moderate to promising binding interactions with four main proteins of SARS-CoV-2, including Mpro, PLpro, RdRp, and spike S1 subunit RBD. The current results collectively cast new light on the chemical diversity of the VOCs of Chorisia plants as well as their chemotaxonomic and biological relevance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The distribution of the naphthoquinones ramentaceone and plumbagin was studied among 50 taxa of the genus Nepenthes. Naphthoquinone patterns support classifications based on homology of plastid and/or nuclear genes to some extent, with plumbagin predominant in sections Nepenthes, Urceolatae, Tentaculatae, and Regiae, ramentaceone predominant in sections Insignes and Villosae, and both isomers present without clear predominance in sections Pyrophytae and Montanae. Only 9 of 96 studied species contained both isomers in the same plant. Naphthoquinone data from artificial hybrids of known parentage allowed conclusions on the biosynthesis of these compounds and the heredity of the respective enzymatic steps. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] The genus Polygala (Polygalaceae), comprising about 670 species worldwide, has more than 40 species in China. The roots of Polygala tenuifolia Willd., Polygala sibirica L., and Polygala japonica Houtt. are recorded in the Chinese Pharmacopeia. Other closely related plants of the Polygala genus are also widely used in the folk medicine of southern China, such as Polygala fallax Hemsl., Polygala arvensis Willd., and Polygala glomerata Lour. To systematically compare the chemical compositional and elucidate characteristic compounds among the Polygala genus, six Polygala species, namely P. tenuifolia , P. sibirica , P. japonica , P. fallax , P. arvensis and P. glomerata , underwent comprehensive phytochemical studies using the ultra performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass Spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS) technique, resulting in the identification of 154 compounds, consisting of 62 oligosaccharide esters (40.26 %), 58 saponins (37.66 %), 29 xanthones (18.83 %), and 5 other chemicals (3.25 %). Based on the Masslynx computational tool, a comprehensive comparative phytochemical profiling was achieved and revealed differences in composition among the six Polygala species. P. sibirica exhibited higher levels of specific compounds and was more closely related to P. tenuifolia. Meanwhile, P. japonica showed greater similarity to P. fallax, P. arvensis , and P. glomerata. Oligosaccharide esters and triterpene saponins were more abundant in P. sibirica and P. tenuifolia than in other species. Furthermore, the antioxidant activities (1,1-diphenyl-2-acrylohydrazide [DPPH], 2,2′-Azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt [ABTS], copper ion reducing antioxidant capacity [CUPRAC], and ferric ion-reducing antioxidant power [FRAP]) of the six species were evaluated. Among them, P. tenuifolia demonstrated superior antioxidant potential, with a lower half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC 50) value for scavenging DPPH radicals and excellence in CUPRAC (119.85 ± 16.28 μM/0.01 g) compared to other plants. P. japonica showed higher ABTS (98.94 ± 0.03 μM/0.01 g) and FRAP (42.58 ± 0.08 μM/0.01 g). Total flavonoids showed remarkable antioxidant capabilities among the six medicinal plants. Total saponins and phenolics also contributed to the antioxidant potential of these plants. The systematic data and results obtained may provide methodological support for further evaluating the potential use of folk Polygala plants as new effective materials in various commercial sectors, including food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a screening of 43 accessions of predominantly Australian sundew species (Drosera), naphthoquinones were detected convincingly for the first time in D. section Lasiocephala (D. petiolaris group, or 'wooly sundews'), where these metabolites remain restricted to a minority of four closely related species. Great chemical similarity across the large geographic range confirms a close phylogenetic affinity between taxa of the D. peltata species group (of D. section Ergaleium, from tropical and Eastern Asia to New Zealand). Drosera barrettiorum (D. section Arachnopus) is chemically confirmed as a close relative of D. hartmeyerorum. The recently described species D. margaritacea in the same section is chemically different from the morphologically close D. finlaysoniana. Quinone data for African and South American sundews (D. sections Drosera, Ptycnostigma and Brasilianae) shed further light on the affinities between these taxonomically challenging plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • First report on isolation of phytochemicals from M. beddomei subsp. Spherocarpa W.J. de Wilde. • Two new flavonoids were identified from the fruits and stem bark of the species. • Structures of the isolated compounds were characterized by spectroscopic methods. • Four of the isolated compounds exhibited promising cytotoxicity against human adenocarcinoma cells. Chemoprofiling of the aerial parts of the unexplored wild nutmeg species M. beddomei subsp. Spherocarpa W.J. de Wilde led to the isolation of two new flavonoids, including an isoflavone 5,7-dihydroxy-3-(5'-hydroxybenzo[d](7',9')-dioxol-1'-yl)-4H-chromen-4-one (1) and a β -hydroxydihydrochalcone; (3(S)-hydroxy-3-phenyl-1-(2',4',6'-trihydroxyphenyl)propan-1-one (2) along with eleven known compounds (3-13) for the first time. The chemical structures of the isolates were elucidated by various spectroscopic analyses (1D and 2D NMR, HR-ESI-MS and IR). Chemotaxonomic significance of the isolates was discussed in detail. In addition the selected compounds were assessed for their in vitro cytotoxicity against human adenocarcinoma cell lines (MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231). Amongst malabaricones (3, 5-7) showed promising activity against both the cell lines whereas trimyristin (10) efficiently inhibited MCF-7 also partensein (8) and promalabaricone B (9) were found to be moderately toxic to MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A detailed study of 44 accessions representing 38 taxa (76% of the diversity known at present) of pygmy sundews (Drosera sect. Bryastrum) reveals the first naphthoquinone patterns in this lineage, in which previous studies have not yielded reliable evidence for naphthoquinones. While most samples do not display detectable amounts of naphthoquinones as previously reported for the group, ramentaceone is detected in three mutually related taxa, and both ramentaceone and its regio-isomer plumbagin is present in all accessions investigated of D. pulchella. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

W.R. Witanowski isolated and characterized the naphthoquinone ramentaceone from Drosera rotundifolia in 1934 and named the compound droserone. This constitutes the first publication that described the correct detailed structure of the main naphthoquinone in a sundew species, the first publication that identified ramentaceone as a natural product, and the first publication to introduce the name droserone for this naphthoquinone. Nevertheless, none of these facts is reflected appropriately in the literature until now. This prompts a reappraisal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Cuticular hydrocarbons of insects may be useful in the chemotaxonomy of species. • A Thermal Separation Probe was used to identify the cuticular hydrocarbons of thrips. • The cuticular hydrocarbons profiles of 6 species of thrip were obtained. • The finding could provide a possible method for the identification of thrips. Thrips constitute several families of slender insects with fringed wings and unique asymmetrical mouthparts. They have become globally important pests, infesting a variety of agriculturally important crops. Species of thrips are difficult to identify due to their small size and similarities in morphology. Recently, in addition to morphology, both molecular and non-molecular taxonomic tools have been used to identify species differences. Insect cuticular hydrocarbons have been widely used in chemotaxonomy. In this study, a Thermal Separation Probe was used to identify the cuticular hydrocarbons of Frankliniella occidentalis , Frankliniella intonsa , Thrips palmi , Thrips hawaiiensis , Haplothrips chinensis and Gynaikothrips ficorum. We analyzed the hydrocarbon composition of adults in all 6 species, and in the larvae of F. occidentali s, T. hawaiiensis and T. palmi. The results showed that the composition of cuticular hydrocarbons differed between species. All 6 species of adults and 3 species of larvae were easily distinguishable by quantitative analysis of hydrocarbon profiles. These results provide a possible method for the identification of thrips. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Herbarium Voucher leaves can be analyzed by GCMS. • The heavier volatile not present in essential oils are detected. • The chemical signatures can display taxa specific patterns. • Putative new species are evident from chemical analysis alone. The aromatic pink-flowered Phebalium complex is comprised by P. nottii Maiden & Betche, P. speciosum I. Telford and the very similar but mostly white-flowered P. woombye (F.M.Bailey) Domin. Phebalium nottii , as currently circumscribed, includes several geographically disjunct populations that have been segregated at the N.C.W. Beadle Herbarium as putatively distinct species, several of high conservation value. To study volatiles sustainably, large-scale hydrodistillation was aborted and only single leaves were removed from herbarium vouchers, extracted into solvent and analysed by GC–MS. Unlike other species of Phebalium , volatiles in pink-flowered Phebalium are mostly dominated by spathulenol and bicyclogermacrene. Multivariate analysis of the chemistry of volatiles clearly demonstrated good agreement between chemotypes and putative taxa in central Queensland populations. Southern taxa, and the true P. nottii sensu stricto from northern Queensland, express high levels of volatile coumarins. Thus, morphological relationships are mostly reflected in morphometric clusters. As with other members of Phebalium , most taxa can be distinguished on chemistry alone, using only GC–MS analysis of herbarium material. These results corroborate several new species and reveal relationships within the heterogeneous species aggregate of P. nottii. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A rare bis-rhamnopyranoside of aromadendrin, besides isoflavones of chemosystematic importance and peculiar compounds never reported in the genus, was identified from the flowers of Genista cilentina , an Italian endemic species. The structure of the aromadendrin derivative was elucidated by means of 1D and 2D NMR techniques. The exclusivity of the observed molecular pattern in comparison with other Genista species was further discussed from a chemotaxonomic point of view. A huge quantity of flavonoids in aglycone form resulted selectively accumulated in flowers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the emergence of metabolomics, small quantities of plant material can be used to generate chemical fingerprints with high throughput for comparative analyses without the need for tedious and in‐depth classical phytochemical investigation of large amounts of plant material. Here, we tested the hypothesis that herbarium samples themselves could be used as suitable material for untargeted metabolomic analysis and taxon discrimination based on biochemical phenotypes. We employed mass‐spectrometry‐based metabolite profiling to classify given species of chemotaxonomical relevance from the Gentianaceae family based on their biochemical phenotypic differences. Our dataset consisted of 605 accessions each with 910 mass spectral features, representing 59 species from 23 genera that extend over 6 tribes of the family. We found that minute amounts of herbarium specimens (less than 50 mg) were sufficient to obtain comprehensive fingerprints for all investigated individuals. Morphologically or genetically distinct species were differentiated using metabolite profiles, confirming taxon distinctions and validating the utility of this method for identification and differentiation. Overall, our results suggest that metabolite profiling of herbarium specimens may be suitable for taxonomic studies and also opens new ground for detailed investigations of their specialised metabolite contents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The bacterial strains 4284/11T and 812/17 isolated from the respiratory tract of two royal pythons in 2011 and 2017, respectively were subjected to taxonomic characterization. The 16S rRNA gene sequences of the two strains were identical and showed highest sequence similarities to Lysobacter tolerans UM1T (97.2%) and Luteimonas aestuarii DSM 19680T (96.7 %). The two strains were identical in the sequences of the 16S-23S rRNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and partial groEL gene sequences and almost identical in genomic fingerprints. In the ITS sequence Ly. tolerans DSM 28473T and in the groEL nucleotide sequence Luteimonas mephitis DSM 12574T showed the highest similarity. In silico DDH analyses using genome sequence based ANIb and gANI similarity coefficients demonstrated that strain 4284/11T represents a novel species and revealed Ly. tolerans UM1T as the next relative (ANIb = 76.2 %, gANI = 78.0 %). Based on the topology of a core gene phylogeny strain 4284/11T could be assigned to the genus Lysobacter. Chemotaxonomic characteristics including polyamine pattern, quinone system, polar lipid profile and fatty acid profile were in accordance with the characteristics of the genera Lysobacter and Luteimonas. Strains 4284/11T and 812/17 could be differentiated from the type strains of the most closely related species by several physiological tests. In conclusion we are here proposing the novel species Lysobacter pythonis sp. nov. The type strain is 4284/11T (= CCM 8829T = CCUG 72164T = LMG 30630T) and strain 812/17 (CCM 8830) is a second strain of this species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract The phytochemical study of Reseda lutea L. afforded the first tetrasaccharidic flavonoids from the Resedaceae family. Highlights • Phytochemical investigation of Reseda lutea L. yielded seven compounds. • Structures of two new flavonoid glycosides were established. • New flavonoids were bisdesmosides of kaempferol. • Tetrasaccharidic secondary metabolites were reported for the first time from Resedaceae family. Abstract Two new flavonol glycosides; kaempferol-3- O -[2- O -(β- d -xylopyranosyl)-3- O -(β- d -glucopyranosyl)]-α- l -rhamnopyranosyl-7- O - α- l -rhamnopyranoside (1) and kaempferol-3- O -[2- O -((6- O - trans - p -coumaryl)-β- d -glucopyranosyl)-3- O -(β- d -xylopyranosyl)]-α- l -rhamnopyranosyl-7- O - α- l -rhamnopyranoside (2) were isolated from the aerial parts of Reseda lutea L., together with five known flavonol glycosides. Structural elucidation of the compounds was based on both spectroscopic evidence and reference data comparison. The new compounds are the first tetrasaccharidic secondary metabolites isolated from Resedaceae family. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Two bacterial strains, P0211T and P0213T, were isolated from a sea cucumber culture pond in China. The strains were able to resist high copper levels. These two strains were characterized at the phenotypic, chemotaxonomic, and genomic level. They were completely different colors, but the 16S rRNA genes showed 99.30% similarity. Phylogenetic analysis based on the sequences of the 16S rRNA gene and five housekeeping genes (dnaK , sucC , rpoB , gyrB , and rpoD) supported the inclusion of these strains within the genus Alteromonas , and the two isolated strains formed a group separated from the closest species Alteromonas aestuariivivens KCTC 52655T. Genomic analyses, including average nucleotide identity (ANIb and ANIm), DNA–DNA hybridization (DDH), and the percentage of conserved proteins (POCP), clearly separated strains P0211T and P0213T from the other species within the genus Alteromonas with values below the thresholds for species delineation. The chemotaxonomic features (including fatty acid and polar lipid analysis) of strains P0211T and P0213T also confirmed their differentiation from the related taxa. The results demonstrated that strains P0211T and P0213T represented two novel species in the genus Alteromonas , for which we propose the names Alteromonas flava sp. nov., type strain P0211T (= KCTC 62078T = MCCC 1H00242T), and Alteromonas facilis sp. nov., type strain P0213T (= KCTC 62079T = MCCC 1H00243T). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Molecular communications is emerging as a technique to support coordination in nanonetworking, particularly in biochemical systems. In complex biochemical systems such as in the human body, it is not always possible to view the molecular communication link in isolation as chemicals in the system may react with chemicals used for the purpose of communication. There are two consequences: either the performance of the molecular communication link is reduced; or the molecular link disrupts the function of the biochemical system. As such, it is important to establish conditions when the molecular communication link can coexist with a biochemical system. In this paper, we develop a framework to establish coexistence conditions based on the theory of chemical reaction networks. We then specialize our framework in two settings: an enzyme-aided molecular communication system; and a low-rate molecular communication system near a biochemical system. In each case, we prove sufficient conditions to ensure coexistence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polar lipids from microalgae are attracting an increasing interest due to their structural diversity, high value, and beneficial health effects. However, the relationship between lipid composition and biological diversity, as well as the potential applications of high-value microalgae lipids need to be further explored. In this study, we characterized and compared the polar lipidome of a taxonomically diverse set of 7 species of microalgae belonging to the phyla Chlorophyta (Chlorella vulgaris , Scnedesmus obliquus , Tetraselmis chuii , Chlorococcum amblystomatis), Ochrophya (Nannochloropsis oceanica , Phaeodactylum tricornutum) and Cyanobacteria (Spirulina sp.), using high-resolution LC-MS analysis, to assess the chemotaxonomic specificity of polar lipids. 498 different species of polar lipids have been identified, including 109 common to all microalgae. Each microalga had a species-specific polar lipid signature, with the majority differing by >20 % of the others, allowing for possible distinction at lower taxonomic levels. Phospholipids and betaine lipids were the lipid species that contributed the most to discrimination between species of microalgae. The specificity of the lipidome of microalgae favours the use of selected microalgae as bio-factories of specific lipids with high added value with a multitude of biological, sustainable, and ecological applications. • The lipidome of 7 species of microalgae has been characterized and compared. • A total of 498 polar lipids were detected, including 109 common to all microalgae. • Polar lipid profiles were specific to each species of microalga. • Phospholipids and betaine lipids were the most discriminating lipids. • The lipidome of most microalgae differs from others by >20 %. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seven new prenylated indole alkaloids ( 1 – 7 ) together with two known compounds ( 8 – 9 ) were isolated from the stem bark of Hexalobus monopetalus . Their structures were established on the basis of comprehensive spectroscopic analysis, including HR-MS, 1D and 2D NMR and by comparison of their spectral data with those reported in literature. The new compounds were tested for antimicrobial activity against selected pathogenic bacteria and fungi but showed no activity. The marked presence of prenylated indole alkaloids in Hexalobus and closely related genera makes them useful chemotaxonomic markers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Lichens, as a symbiotic association of photobionts and mycobionts, display an unmatched environmental adaptability and a great chemical diversity. As an important morphological group, cetrarioid lichens are one of the most studied lichen taxa for their phylogeny, secondary chemistry, bioactivities and uses in folk medicines, especially the lichen Cetraria islandica. However, insufficient structure elucidation and discrepancy in bioactivity results could be found in a few studies.Purpose: This review aimed to present a more detailed and updated overview of the knowledge of secondary metabolites from cetrarioid lichens in a critical manner, highlighting their potentials for pharmaceuticals as well as other applications. Here we also highlight the uses of molecular phylogenetics, metabolomics and ChemGPS-NP model for future bioprospecting, taxonomy and drug screening to accelerate applications of those lichen substances.Chapters: The paper starts with a short introduction in to the studies of lichen secondary metabolites, the biological classification of cetrarioid lichens and the aim. In light of ethnic uses of cetrarioid lichens for therapeutic purposes, molecular phylogeny is proposed as a tool for future bioprospecting of cetrarioid lichens, followed by a brief discussion of the taxonomic value of lichen substances. Then a delicate description of the bioactivities, patents, updated chemical structures and lichen sources is presented, where lichen substances are grouped by their chemical structures and discussed about their bioactivity in comparison with reference compounds. To accelerate the discovery of bioactivities and potential drug targets of lichen substances, the application of the ChemGPS NP model is highlighted. Finally the safety concerns of lichen substances (i.e. toxicity and immunogenicity) and future-prospects in the field are exhibited.Conclusion: While the ethnic uses of cetrarioid lichens and the pharmaceutical potential of their secondary metabolites have been recognized, the knowledge of a large number of lichen substances with interesting structures is still limited to various in vitro assays with insufficient biological annotations, and this area still deserves more research in bioactivity, drug targets and screening. Attention should be paid on the accurate interpretation of their bioactivity for further applications avoiding over-interpretations from various in vitro bioassays. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The metabolite changes in Korean mistletoe, as functional food, and their effects on its biological activity were monitored. The Korean mistletoe species were successfully distinguished by hierarchical clustering analysis (HCA) in atmospheric-pressure chemical ionization (APCI) and electrospray ionization (ESI) mode. As shown by the PCA scatter plot and loading plot, the Santalaceae family exhibited significant markers derived from oleanolic acid, whereas the Loranthaceae family exhibited tentative markers derived from glycosidic derivatives of quercetin and kaempferol. The mistletoe extracts also inhibited plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1) differently depending on the mistletoe family. The Santalaceae family was shown to be a potent inhibitor of PAI-1, with an IC 50 value of around 40.0 µg/mL. In contrast, the Loranthaceae family extracts did not inhibit PAI-1. Importantly, discrimination was shown across the chemotaxonomy of the plant, which correlated strongly with the oleanolic acid contents in Korean mistletoe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are more than 600 different carotenoids which perform a range of functions in various organisms including microalgae. In the present study, chemosystematics approach was followed to segregate 57 microalgal strains based on their carotenoid composition using principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical clustering. The present findings suggest that lutein and violaxanthin can be effective chemotaxonomic markers for Chlorophyta members with an average content of 1.26 mg g − 1 and 0.14 mg g − 1 dry cell weight (DCW), respectively. Similarly, myxoxanthophyll and echinenone can be used as markers for Cyanophyta members with average contents of 0.23 mg g − 1 and 0.32 mg g − 1 DCW, respectively. The total carotenoid content ranged from 0.23 to 7.2 mg g − 1 DCW. Our method combining PCA and artificial hierarchical clustering has been proposed as an alternative method for identification of carotenoids as biomarkers for classifying unknown microalgal strains based on their pigment profiles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To assess the environmental impact of As and Hg, bioindicator organisms such as bivalves have been used. Nevertheless, few studies have assessed the impacts of As and Hg in Ruditapes decussatus and Ruditapes philippinarum , which are native and exotic species in Europe, respectively. The main goal of the present study was to assess elements' partitioning and detoxification strategies of R. decussatus and R. philippinarum . Both clams showed a higher capacity to bioconcentrate Hg (BCF 2.29–7.49), when compared to As (0.59–1.09). Furthermore, As accumulation in both species was similar in the soluble and insoluble fractions, while in both species the majority of Hg was found in the insoluble fraction. Clams exposed to As showed different detoxification strategies, since R. decussatus had higher ability to enhance antioxidant enzymes and metallothioneins in order to reduce toxicity, and R.philippinarum increased glutathione S-transferase Ω activity, that catalyzes monomethyl arsenate reduction, the rate-limiting reaction in arsenic biotransformation. When exposed to Hg, R. decussatus presented, higher synthesis of antioxidant enzymes and lower LPO, being able to better tolerate Hg than the exotic species R. philippinarum . Thus under relevant levels of As and Hg contamination our work evidenced the higher ability of R. decussatus to survive and inhabit coastal environments not heavily contaminated by Hg and As. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

16 triterpenoid saponins including two new compounds were isolated from the seeds of A esculus sylvatica W. Bartram. The two new saponins were assigned as 3- O -[β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 2)]-α-L-arabinofuranosyl-(1 → 3)-β-D-glucuronopyranosyl-21,22- O -ditigloyl-3β,16α,21β,22α,24,28 hexahydroxyolean-12-ene (aesculioside S1, 1 ) and 3- O- [β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 2)]-α-L-arabinofuranosyl-(1 → 3)-β-D-glucuronopyranosyl-21 -O -tigloyl-22 -O -angeloyl 3β,16α,21β,22α,24,28-hexahydroxyolean-12-ene (aesculioside S2, 2 ). Aesculioside S1 and S2 displayed moderate cytotoxicity against human non-small cell lung cancer cells (A549) and prostate cancer cells (PC3) (GI 50 ranged from 8.7 to 18.2 μM). The structural analysis of the saponins isolated from Aesculus supports the taxonomic placement of A. sylvatica under the section Pavia of Aesculus genus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phytochemical investigation on the aerial parts of Uncaria perrottetii led to the isolation of three pentacyclic oxindole alkaloids uncarine A or isoformosanine ( 1 ), uncarine E or isopteropodine ( 2 ), and rauniticine- allo -oxindole A ( 3 ). Five oxindole alkaloids, isomitraphylline ( 4 ), mitraphylline ( 5 ), uncarine B or formosanine ( 6 ), uncarine F ( 7 ), corynoxine ( 8 ), and uncarine D or speciophylline ( 9 ), were isolated from the leaves of Uncaria lanosa f. philippinensis . Their structures were determined by spectroscopic techniques and in comparison with the literature data. These compounds proved to be important chemotaxonomic markers in the genus Uncaria . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A revision of Pluteus section Hispidoderma occurring in Brazil is presented showing the occurrence of eight species considered certainly known in the country: P. fibrillosus, P. chusqueae, P. longistriatus, P. maculosipes, P. neochrysaegis, P. rimosellus, P. varzeicola and P. velutinus. Molecular analyses using ITS sequences showed the phylogenetic position of P. cf. fernandezianus, P. fibrillosus, P. longistriatus and P. velutinus. Pluteus fibrillosus, P. maculosipes and P. velutinus represent new records from Brazil. A type revision of P. varzeicola is also presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plantamajoside is a bioactive caffeic acid derivative, a dihydroxyphenethyl glucoside in the group of polyphenolic compounds. It is one of the principal caffeic acid glycoside in the Plantago Digitalis , Hemiphragma , Lagotis , Picrorhiza , Rehmannia , Veronica , Wulfeniopsis and Wulfenia genera within the Plantaginaceae family. This compound is also present in the genera Aeschynanthus and Chirita of the Gesneriaceae family and the genus Boschniakia of the Orobanchaceae family. Plantamajoside is present in the greatest concentrations in roots of young plants, but it is also found in seeds, flower stalks, stems, leaves, in vivo cultivated plant cells and transgenic root cultures. Plantamajoside is used as a biomarker in chemotaxonomical studies, and is a compound with numerous biological applications and considerable pharmacological potential. It is a protective agent against ultra-violet light in plants and acts as antioxidant agent with very low toxicity. In addition, plantamajoside can also be industrially synthesized. This review aims to give an overview of plantamajoside in various plantago species as well as its potential as a biomarker and as a new drug compound. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metagenome analysis of forty samples indicated a rich diversity of free living spirochaetes among Indian habitats. Only 2–3% of the total bacterial diversity was represented by spirochaetes with five distinct phylogenetic OTUs. A strain (JC230 T ) was brought to cultivation and its 16S rRNA gene sequence showed highest sequence similarity with that of Spirochaeta asiatica Z-7591 T (90.78%). Genome sequence analysis of strain JC230 T indicates the presence of 117 genes related to motility and chemotaxis. Strain JC230 T is an obligate anaerobe. It is helical shaped, Gram-stain-negative and catalase and oxidase negative. Strain JC230 T produces carotenoids and have all the genes related to carotenogenesis of spirilloxanthin series. Isoprenoid biosynthesis occurs through HMG-CoA (3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A) pathway. Twelve bacterial haemoglobin and one flavohaemoglobin related genes are present in the genome of strain JC230 T . The genome of strain JC230 T showed the presence of heavy metal resistance related genes of cobalt, zinc, cadmium and arsenic. Six genes related to colicin V and bacteriocin production cluster are present. Major (>2%) fatty acids were C 12:0 , C 14:0 , iso -C 14:0 , iso -C 15:1 H/C 13:0 3OH, anteiso -C 15:0 , C 16:0 , and iso -C 16:0 . Strain JC230 T contains diphosphatylglycerol, phosphatydilglycerol, phosphatydilethanolamine, unidentified phospholipid (PL1) and unidentified lipids (L1-7). G + C mol% of strain JC230 T was 54.1%. Distinct morphological, physiological and genotypic differences from the previously described taxa support the classification of strain JC230 T as a representative of a new species in the genus Spirochaeta , for which the name Spirochaeta lutea sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is JC230 T (=KCTC 15387 T = DSM 29074 T ). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This is the first report of species adulteration in a collection of commercially available bokbunja ( Rubus coreanus Miquel) products (n = 17) sold in Korea and the US (all originated from Korea). Twelve samples contained R. occidentalis L. fruit; the two species are clearly distinguishable by their anthocyanin profiles. Seven of 17 products were labeled in English to contain R. coreanus fruit; five of these samples contained R. occidentalis and two contained black carrot anthocyanins. The ten other products described contents as “bokbunja.” For two of the 17 products, species classification could not be made due to low anthocyanin present, while three of the 17 were adulterated with black carrot anthocyanins and contained no fruit anthocyanins. Anthocyanins ranged from 0.8 to 56.9 mg/100 mL, a 71-fold difference, for all samples. We are hopeful that this research will aid bokbunja growers, processors, and researchers in creating, reporting, and marketing accurately labeled improved foods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel non-motile, Gram-staining-negative, yellow-pigmented bacterium, designated CT348T, isolated from the ectorhizosphere of an organic olive tree in Spain and characterised as an efficient plant growth promoting bacterium, was investigated to determine its taxonomic status. The isolate grew best in a temperature range of 5-35 °C, at pH 5.0-8.0 and with 0-1% (w/v) NaCl. Chemotaxonomic and molecular characteristics of the isolate matched those described for members of the genus Chryseobacterium. The DNA G + C content of the novel strain was 38.2 mol%. The strain contained a polyamine pattern with sym-homospermidine as the major compound and produced flexirubin-type pigments. MK-6 was the dominant menaquinone and the major cellular fatty acids were iso-C15:0, C17:1ω9c, iso-C17:0 3-OH and iso-C15:0 2-OH. The main polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine and several unidentified lipids and aminolipids. The 16S rRNA gene showed 92.2-97.8% sequence identity with the members of the genus Chyseobacterium. Based on the phenotypic traits and DNA-DNA hybridizations with the type strains of the most closely related species, the isolate is shown to represent a novel species, Chyseobacterium oleae, type strain CT348T (=DSM 25575 =CCUG 63020). Emended descriptions of the genus Chryseobacterium and C. daecheongense, C. gambrini, C. gleum, C. joostei, C. jejuense, C. luteum, C. shigense, C. taiwanense, C. ureilyticum and C. vrystaatense are also proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Advances in high-throughput, comprehensive small molecule analytical techniques have seen the development of the field of metabolomics. The coupling of mass spectrometry with high-resolution chromatography provides extensive chemical profiles from complex biological extracts. These profiles include thousands of compounds linked to gene expression, and can be used as taxonomic characters. Studies have shown metabolite profiles to be taxon specific in a range of organisms, but few have investigated taxonomically problematic plant taxa. This study used a phenetic analysis of metabolite profiles to test taxonomic boundaries in the Oleariaphlogopappa (Asteraceae) complex as delimited by morphological data. Metabolite profiles were generated from both field- and shade house-grown material, using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Aligned profiles of 51 samples from 12 taxa gave a final dataset of over 10,000 features. Multivariate analyses of field and shade house material gave congruent results, both confirming the distinctiveness of the morphologically defined species and subspecies in this complex. Metabolomics has great potential in alpha taxonomy, especially for testing the boundaries of closely related taxa where DNA sequence data has been uninformative. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cuticular lipid profiles have been shown to be species specific within many insect genera, allowing a chemotaxonomic classification of individuals. In this study, we analysed the cuticular lipids of the orchid bees Euglossa viridissima Friese and Euglossa dilemma Bembé & Eltz, cryptic sibling species whose taxonomic status has only recently been clarified. Male individuals of both species were obtained from two locations on the Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico, both in the dry and wet seasons. Their hydrocarbon profiles proved to be species specific, irrespective of location and season. They also allowed a correct assignment of a rare morph of E. viridissima which had long obscured the distinction of the two species. Our results suggest that cuticular hydrocarbon profiles may be suited for chemical taxonomy of orchid bees and might provide an additional clue for difficult species distinctions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Clarified Rubus coreanus (bokbunja) anthocyanin profile. [•] Two main anthocyanins were found in R. coreanus fruit. [•] Rubus coreanus anthocyanin profile differs from that of R. occidentalis. [•] First study to report pelargonidin-3-glucoside (minor) in bokbunja fruit. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The genus Fritillaria is a botanical source for various pharmaceutically active components, which have been commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years. Increasing interest in Fritillaria medicinal resources has led to additional discoveries of steroidal alkaloids, saponins, terpenoids, glycosides and many other compounds in various Fritillaria species, and to investigations on their chemotaxonomy, molecular phylogeny and pharmacology. In continuation of studies on Fritillaria pharmacophylogeny, the phytochemistry, chemotaxonomy, molecular biology and phylogeny of Fritillaria and their relevance to drug efficacy is reviewed. Literature searching is used to characterize the global scientific effort in the flexible technologies being applied. The interrelationship within Chinese Bei Mu species and between Chinese species, and species distributed outside of China, is clarified by the molecular phylogenetic inferences based on nuclear and chloroplast DNA sequences. The incongruence between chemotaxonomy and molecular phylogeny is revealed and discussed. It is essential to study more species for both the sustainable utilization of Fritillaria medicinal resources and for finding novel compounds with potential clinical utility. Systems biology and omics technologies will play an increasingly important role in future pharmaceutical research involving the bioactive compounds of Fritillaria. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The novel, cream colored, Gram-staining-negative, rod-shaped, motile bacteria, designated strains AK15T and AK18, were isolated from sediment samples collected from Palk Bay, India. Both strains were positive for arginine dihydrolase, lysine decarboxylase, oxidase, nitrate reduction and methyl red test. The major fatty acids were C16:0, C18:1 ω7c , C16:1 ω7c and/or C16:1 ω6c and/or iso-C15:0 2-OH (summed feature 3). Polar lipids content of strains AK15T and AK18 were found to bephosphatidylethanolamine (PE), two unidentified phospholipids (PL1 and PL2) and three unidentified lipids (L1-L3). The 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis indicated strains AK15T and AK18 as the members of the genus Photobacterium and closely related to the type strain Photobacterium jeanii with pair-wise sequence similarity of 96.7%. DNA–DNA hybridization between strain AK15T and AK18 showed a relatedness of 87%. Based on data from the current polyphasic study, strains AK15T and AK18 are proposed as novel species of the genus Photobacterium, for which the name Photobacterium marinum sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of Photobacterium marinum is AK15T (=MTCC 11066T =DSM 25368T). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Four motile facultative anaerobic marine isolates (Vb 10.8T [T, T], CMJ 9.4 [, ], CMJ 9.11 and Cmf 13.9), were obtained from cultured clams (Venerupis philippinarum and Venerupis decussata) in Galicia (NW Spain). These isolates were studied by a polyphasic approach, including a phylogenetic analysis based on sequences of 16S rRNA and five housekeeping genes atpA, recA, pyrH, rpoA and rpoD, that supported their inclusion in the Splendidus clade of the genus Vibrio, forming a well-defined group separated from the others species of the clade. DNA–DNA hybridizations with the type strains of species showing more than 98.5% 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity rendered values of hybridization below 60%. These isolates could be differentiated from the closest relatives on the basis of several phenotypic and chemotaxonomic features. These results demonstr8ated that the strains constitute a novel specie of the genus for which the name Vibrio toranzoniae sp. nov. is proposed, with Vb 10.8T (=CECT 7225T T) as the type strain. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Ilex is a botanical source for various health-promoting and pharmaceutically active compounds that have been used in traditional Chinese medicine and food for thousands of years. Increasing interest in Ilex pharmaceutical and food resources has led to additional discoveries of terpenoids, saponins, polyphenols (especially flavonoids), glycosides, and many other compounds in various Ilex species, and to investigation of their chemotaxonomy, molecular phylogeny and pharmacology. In continuation of our studies on Ilex pharmacology and phylogeny, we review the phytochemistry, chemotaxonomy, molecular biology and phylogeny of Ilex species and their relevance to health-promotion and therapeutic efficacy. The similarity and dissimilarity between Ilex paraguariensis, the source plant of mate tea, and the source plants of large-leaved Kudingcha (e.g., Ilex kudingcha and Ilex latifolia) are discussed. It is essential to utilize emerging technologies in non-Camellia tea studies to promote the sustainable utilization of Ilex resources and the identification and development of novel compounds with potential health and clinical utility. Systems biology and “-omics” technologies will play an increasingly important role in pharmaceutical and food research on the bioactive compounds of Ilex species. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A Gram-reaction-negative bacterium, strain IMMIB L-12475T, was isolated from blood cultures of a human with septicaemia. The yellowish orange pigmented strain contained flexirubin pigment. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequence revealed that strain IMMIB L-12475T belonged to the family Flavobacteriaceae, forming a distinct phyletic line that is distantly related (79.1–89.4% sequence similarity) to described genera of this family. Membership to the family was confirmed by a fatty acid profile consisting of branched-chain and 3-hydroxy fatty acids with major amounts of iso-C17:0 3-OH and iso-C15:0, by the presence of menaquinone MK-6 as the only respiratory quinone and a polyamine pattern that contained sym-homospermidine as major component. The phospholipids consisted of phosphatidylethanolamine and an unknown phospholipid. The genomic DNA mol% G+C content was 45.6%. The distant phylogenetic position as compared to other representative of the family and the significant phenotypic properties such as pigment composition, morphology, and physiology support the proposal of a novel genus and species Cruoricaptor ignavus gen. nov., sp. nov. The type strain is IMMIB L-12475T (=DSM 25479T =CCUG 62025T). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Thirty-one members of the genus Marichromatium were analysed based on multilocus sequence analysis (MLSA) of four concatenated protein-coding genes (fusA, pufM, dnaK, recA) along with the internal transcribed spacer (ITS; 16S-23S rRNA) region and 16S rRNA gene. The restriction patterns obtained from the in silico analysis of the concatenated sequences were good barcodes for the identification of Marichromatium spp. Distinct phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and molecular differences allowed the separation of Marichromatium fluminis JA418T into a new genus in the family Chromatiaceae, for which we propose the name Phaeochromatium fluminis gen. nov. comb. nov. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In the course of a chemotaxonomical study of Castanopsis species (Fagaceae), detailed investigation of the leaves of C. sclerophylla led to isolation of three new phenolic compounds together with 62 known compounds. The structures of the new compounds were elucidated as 2-O-galloyl-O-4,6-(S)-valoneoyl-d-glucose (1), 6-O-galloyl-1-O-vanilloyl-β-d-glucose (2), and 4″-O-galloylchestanin (3) by means of spectroscopic analyses and enzymatic hydrolysis with tannase. Comparison with other Castanopsis species indicated that C. sclerophylla characteristically accumulates chlorogenic acid and a dimeric ellagitannin, rugosin E. Triterpene hexahydroxydiphenoyl esters, which are major constituents of C. cuspidata var. sieboldii, C. hystrix, and C. fissa were not detected. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Two extremely halophilic archaeal strains GX3T and GX26T were isolated from the Gangxi marine solar saltern near the Weihai city of Shandong Province, China. Cells from the two strains were pleomorphic and stained Gram-negative, colonies were red-pigmented. Strains GX3T and GX26T were able to grow at 25–50°C (optimum 37°C), at 1.4–5.1M NaCl (optimum 3.1M), at pH 5.5–9.5 (optimum pH 7.0) and neither strain required Mg2+ for growth. Cells lyse in distilled water and the minimal NaCl concentration to prevent cell-lysis was 8% (w/v). The major polar lipids of the two strains were PA (phosphatidic acid), PG (phosphatidylglycerol), PGP-Me (phosphatidylglycerol phosphate methyl ester) and three major glycolipids (GL1, GL2 & GL3) chromatographically identical to S-TGD-1 (sulfated galactosyl mannosy glucosyl diether), S-DGD-1 (sulfated mannosyl glucosyl diether), and DGD-1 (mannosyl glucosyl diether) respectively, an unidentified lipid (GL4) was also detected in strain GX26T. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene revealed that strain GX3T and strain GX26T formed a distinct clade with the closest relative, Haladaptatus paucihalophilus (89.9–92.4% and 90.4–92.7, respectively). The rpoB′ gene similarities between strains GX3T and GX26T, and between the two strains and the closest relative, Halorussus rarus TBN4T are 96.5%, 84.3% and 83.9%, respectively. The DNA G+C contents of strain GX3T and strain GX26T are 67.3mol% and 67.2mol%, respectively. The DNA–DNA hybridization value between strain GX3T and strain GX26T was 44%. The phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic properties suggest that strain GX3T and strain GX26T represent two novel species in a new genus within the family Halobacteriaceae, Halorubellus salinus gen. nov., sp. nov. (type strain GX3T =CGMCC 1.10384T =JCM 17115T) and Halorubellus litoreus sp. nov. (type strain GX26T =CGMCC 1.10386T =JCM 17117T). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A bright yellow pigmented bacterium was isolated from the leaf surface of Trifolium repens in Germany. Comparative analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that this bacterium is most closely related to Duganella zoogloeoides IAM 12670T, with a similarity of 99.3%, but revealed only a moderate similarity (96.8%) to the second Duganella species, Duganella violaceinigra YIM 31327T. Strain T54T is clearly different from D. zoogloeoides IAM 12670T in that DNA-DNA hybridization revealed a similarity value of 46% (reciprocal 42%). Ubiquinone (Q-8) was the respiratory quinone and the predominant polar lipids consisted of phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, three unknown phospholipids and one aminolipid. Strain T54T can be distinguished from D. zoogloeoides by the carbon substrate utilization tests of d-trehalose, cis-aconitate, trans-aconitate, glutarate and dl-3-hydroxybutyrate, and 4-hydroxybenzoate in addition to a different polar lipid profile. The name Duganella phyllosphaerae sp. nov. is proposed for this novel species, with the type strain T54T (=LMG 25995T=CCM 759T). In addition, it is proposed to reclassify D. violaceinigra into a novel genus Pseudoduganella gen. nov. as the novel species Pseudoduganella violaceinigra comb. nov. because of the low 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities to the other Duganella species (<97%) and striking differences in chemotaxonomic (lipid profiles and fatty acid patterns) and other phenotypic features, including the colony pigmentation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Three strains (JA349T, JA553T, JA439) of phototrophic sulphur bacteria were isolated from marine habitats of India. 16S rRNA gene sequence of the three strains clustered phylogenetically with members of the genus Marichromatium of the family Chromatiaceae belonging to the class Gammaproteobacteria. All the strains shared highest sequence similarity with the type strains of Marichromatium spp. (96–99% sequence similarity) and the new strains were characterized based on polyphasic taxonomy. Strains JA349T and JA553T can be distinguished from closest relative species of the genus Marichromatium with respect to distinct differences in cellular polar lipids, fatty acids and carbon/nitrogen sources utilization. Both strains were distinctly related (<50% based on DNA–DNA hybridization) with the type strains of the genus Marichromatium. Multilocus Sequence Analysis (MLSA) of the concatenated five protein coding genes (fusA, pufM, dnaK, recA, soxB) along with internal transcribed spacer (ITS; 16S–23S rRNA) had sequence similarity of less than 92% with the type strains of Marichromatium spp. Distinct phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and molecular differences allow the separation of strains JA349T and JA553T into new species of the genus Marichromatium for which, we propose the names Marichromatium litoris sp. nov. and Marichromatium chrysaorae sp. nov., respectively. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Two Gram negative, facultatively anaerobic, halophilic, motile, slightly curved rod-shaped bacterial strains MSSRF60T and MSSRF64 were isolated from the roots of a mangrove-associated wild rice collected in the Pichavaram mangroves, India. These strains possess the key functional nitrogenase gene nifH. Phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA, recA, gapA, mreB, gyrB and pyrH, gene sequences revealed that strains MSSRF60T and MSSRF64 belong to the genus Vibrio, and had the highest sequence similarity with the type strains of Vibrio diazotrophicus LMG 7893T (99.7, 94.8, 98.5, 97.9, 94.0 and 90.7%, respectively), Vibrio areninigrae J74T (98.2, 87.5, 91.5, 88.9, 86.5 and 84.6% respectively) and Vibrio hispanicus LMG 13240T (97.8, 87.1, 91.7, 89.8, 84.1 and 81.9%, respectively). The fatty acid composition too confirmed the affiliation of strains MSSRF60T and MSSRF64 to the genus Vibrio. These strains can be differentiated from the most closely related Vibrio species by several phenotypic traits. The DNA G+C content of strain MSSRF60T was 41.8mol%. Based on phenotypic, chemotaxonomic, genotypic (multilocus sequence analysis using five genes and genomic fingerprinting using BOX-PCR) and DNA–DNA hybridization analyses, strains MSSRF60T and MSSRF64 represent a novel species of the genus Vibrio, for which the name Vibrio plantipsonsor sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is MSSRF60T (=DSM 21026T =LMG 24470T =CAIM 1392T). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A novel, pink-pigmented aerobic, facultatively methylotrophic bacterial strain (F3.2T) isolated from the phyllosphere of Funaria hygrometrica, was analyzed using a polyphasic approach. Cells were Gram-negative, motile rods, strictly aerobic and non-spore-forming and exhibited surface structures varying in quantity, distribution and morphology. The isolate grew at 10–33°C over a pH range of 5.5–8.0 and in the presence of less than 1.0% NaCl. Strain F3.2T shared less than 70% DNA–DNA binding to the next type strain of the genus Methylobacterium (M. adhaesivum DSM 17169T). In addition to the major cellular fatty acid C18:1 ω7c (81.7%), present in all Methylobacterium species (and also members of the genus Alphaproteobacteria), a high value (11.7%) of the fatty acids (summed feature) C16:1 ω7c and/or iso-C15:02OH was determined. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rDNA and methanol dehydrogenase gene sequences, DNA–DNA hybridization values, chemotaxonomic and phenotypic characteristics indicate that the strain F3.2T represents a novel species within the genus Methylobacterium. We propose the name Methylobacterium bullatum sp. nov. for this species. The type strain is the strain F3.2T (DSM 21893T =LMG 24788T). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]