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Leaves play an important role in species discrimination. An elliptic Fourier analysis (EFA) based morphometric technique was used to assess divergence between the poorly differentiated species, Callicarpa pedunculata and C. rubella. Using leaf specimen images from herbarium collections, principal components (PCs) were extracted from the Fourier coefficients and used to describe leaf outline and leaf shape descriptors: circularity, aspect ratio, and solidity. The results indicate that symmetric (54%) and asymmetric (35%) components of the leaves of C. pedunculata and C. rubella are sources of shape variation, as shown in the width and leaf tips among the samples. MANOVA revealed significant interspecific differences (P = 0.03) between C. pedunculata and C. rubella. The jack-knife cross-validation showed 71% of correctly classified species both in C. pedunculata and C. rubella. Furthermore, the results of this study were able to reveal significant leaf shape descriptors like aspect ratio, circularity, and solidity as important diagnostic characters in discriminating C. pedunculata and C. rubella. Thus, in conclusion, leaf serrations, leaf size, and leaf lobes are important characteristics in discriminating between C. pedunculata and C. rubella. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study provides detailed description of a newly-discovered Callicarpa yongshunensis Wen B. Xu, Xiao D. Li & Yan Ling Liu (Lamiaceae) species from Hunan, China. The species shares similarities in the inflorescence, glandular colour and leaf shape features with C. luteopunctata H. T. Chang and C. giraldii Hesse ex Rehd., while its white fruits are similar to those of C. longifolia Lamk. However, its procumbent, evergreen shrub and white fruits are distinctly different from those of C. luteopunctata and C. giraldii, while its procumbent, scarless nodes and stellate pubescence free fruits distinguishes it from C. longifolia. Images, distribution, morphological features, molecular phylogenetic classification and conservation assessment of this new Callicarpa species are explored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractCallicarpa dichotoma (Lour.) K.Koch is a shrub species with distribution from East Asia to Southeast Asia. We assembled and annotated for the first time the complete chloroplast (cp) genome of C. dichotoma. The cp genome of C. dichotoma is 154,110 bp long with the GC content of 38.09% and consists of four subregions: a large single-copy (LSC) region of 84,915 bp, a small single-copy (SSC) region of 17,783 bp and a pair of inverted repeats (IRs) of 25,706 bp each. The cp genome of C. dichotoma encodes a total of 114 unique genes, comprising 80 protein-coding genes, 30 tRNA genes, and four rRNA genes. Phylogenetic trees based on the coding sequences strongly support the position of C. dichotoma within the genus Callicarpa, confirming the previously reported monophyly of the genus.

Fruit colour is essential to seed dispersal, speciation, and biological diversity in global ecosystems. The relationship between fruit-colour variation and species diversification has long been of interest in evolutionary biology, but remains poorly understood at the genus level. Here, we used Callicarpa, a typical representative of pantropical angiosperm, to analyse whether fruit colours are correlated with biogeographic distribution, dispersal events, and diversification rate. We estimated a time-calibrated phylogeny for Callicarpa and reconstructed ancestral fruit colour. Utilizing phylogenetic methods, we estimated the major dispersal events across the phylogenetic tree and the most likely fruit colours related to each dispersal event, and tested whether the dispersal frequencies and distances of the four fruit colours between major biogeographical areas were equal. We then tested whether fruit colours are correlated with latitude, elevation, and diversification rate. Biogeographical reconstructions showed that Callicarpa originated in the East Asia and Southeast Asia during the Eocene (∼35.53 Ma) and diverse species diverged mainly in the Miocene and lasted into the Pleistocene. Large-scale dispersal events were significantly associated with violet-fruited lineages. Furthermore, different fruit colours were markedly correlated with different latitudes and elevations (e.g., violet fruits were correlated with higher latitudes and elevations; red fruits and black fruits with lower latitudes; white fruits with higher elevations). Notably, violet fruits were statistically associated with highest diversification rates, driving fruit colour variation among different regions globally. Our results contribute to further understanding why fruit colour is so variable at the genus level of angiosperms in different areas around the world.

There are about 140 species of Callicarpa L. 1753 (Lamiaceae), with more species richness in tropical to subtropical Asia and the New World. The genus might provide an insight into the amphi-Pacific disjunction pattern of tropical and subtropical vegetation. This study has greatly improved the phylogenetic underpinning for Callicarpa, derived from more inclusive taxonomic samplings, and employing data on both two-nuclear and eight-chloroplast regions. To address time and patterns of diversification in Callicarpa, we conducted divergence time and biogeographic analyses, and inferred shifts in the distribution areas across the phylogenetic clades. Our phylogenetic results show that Callicarpa is monophyletic with respect to the groups considered, and eight well-supported primary clades were discerned in the combined analyses. Our estimates indicated that the crown group of Callicarpa originates around the Late-Eocene (ca. 36.23 Ma) and diversification within most clades is concentrated in the Miocene and continued to the Pleistocene. In addition, our biogeographic analyses suggested that the probable ancestor of the Callicarpa crown clade originated in East Asia and Southeast Asia. Multiple dispersal and vicariance events contributed to the current distribution of the taxa. Furthermore, this genus expanded eastward out of East and Southeast Asia to the New World by long-distance dispersal, which inspired us to better understand the amphi-Pacific disjunct distribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Callicarpa kwangtungensis (C. Kw), C. macrophylla (C. Ma), C. nudiflora (C. Nu), C. formosana (C. Fo), and C. kochiana (C. Ko) were medicinal plant resource in China. In this study, the UPLC/Q-TOF-MS analysis was performed and 151 compounds were identified. PCA analysis metabolic profiles of C. Nu, C. Ko and C. Kw leaves differ significantly from the other two Callicarpa species, while C. Fo and C. Ma share similar chemical constituents. OPLS-DA highlight with an S-plot indicated that there are 14 robust known chemical markers enabling the differentiation between these five Callicarpa plants. C. Ma, C. Nu, and C. Fo leaves extracts treatment effectively reversed the body weight loss, uric acid and creatinine content, hepatic XOD activity, kidney, liver, and ankle tissues injury and inflammation induced by potassium oxonate in hyperuricemia mice. While Ko and C. Kw leaves extracts treatment showed less improvement in hyperuricemia mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Callicarpa stoloniformis sp. nov. (Lamiaceae) is described as a new species from Fujian Province of China on the basis of both morphological and molecular data. The new species is morphologically most close to C. hainanensis. However, it can be distinguished from the latter by its unique procumbent life form, adventitious roots at nodes, papery leaves, cup‐shaped or campanulate calyx, truncate or shallow fissure calyx lobes, and smaller fruits. In addition, the new species is also similar with C. basitruncata, a species only known from the original description and the photograph of holotype, but it can differ from the latter by its procumbent shrub, purple terete branchlets with apparent linear lenticels, adventitious roots at nodes, and papery larger leaves with prominently cordate leaf base. Original photographs, illustration, distribution map, and a comparative morphological table, as well as an identification key of the related taxa are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Callicarpa stoloniformis sp. nov. (Lamiaceae) is described as a new species from Fujian Province of China on the basis of both morphological and molecular data. The new species is morphologically most close to C. hainanensis. However, it can be distinguished from the latter by its unique procumbent life form, adventitious roots at nodes, papery leaves, cup‐shaped or campanulate calyx, truncate or shallow fissure calyx lobes, and smaller fruits. In addition, the new species is also similar with C. basitruncata, a species only known from the original description and the photograph of holotype, but it can differ from the latter by its procumbent shrub, purple terete branchlets with apparent linear lenticels, adventitious roots at nodes, and papery larger leaves with prominently cordate leaf base. Original photographs, illustration, distribution map, and a comparative morphological table, as well as an identification key of the related taxa are provided.

• Two new stereoisomeric furofuran lignans along with thirteen known compounds has been isolated from C. arborea Roxb. • The structures of new compounds were characterized by 1D (1H, 13C, DPET) and 2D (HSQC, HMBC, 1H–1H COSY, and ROESY) NMR, HR-ESI-MS, UV, IR, ECD. • Their absolute and relative configurations were confirmed through quantum chemical calculation, and DP4+ analysis. • Diterpenoid 13 showed cytotoxic effects against MDA-MB-231, SW620, and HepG2 cancer cells. C. arborea Roxb stems yielded two new compounds callicarbonans A and B (1–2) , optically active with specific rotations of [ α ] 25.0 D-14.0, and [ α ] 25.0 D+4.8, along with thirteen (3–15) reported compounds. Their structures were characterized by contemporary spectroscopic techniques, encompassing 1D (1H, 13C, DPET) and 2D (HSQC, HMBC, 1H–1H COSY, and ROESY) NMR, HR-ESI-MS, UV, IR, ECD. Their absolute configurations (AC) were confirmed through quantum chemical computations, and Diastereomeric Parameter 4 Plus (DP4+) analysis was utilized to identify their relative configurations. The cytotoxicity of all compounds was assessed against cancer cells. Specifically, diterpenoid 13 showed cytotoxic effects against MDA-MB-231, SW620, and HepG2 cancer cells with IC 50 values of 20.34±0.89, 20.17±0.95, and 22.72±0.96 µM, respectively. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The comprehensive phytochemical investigation of the Callicarpa nudiflora resulted in the isolation of a new labdane diterpenoid 16(R / S)-3,4- seco -11 E ,13 E -labdien-15,16-olide-3-al (2), together with sixteen known compounds: two sesquiterpenoids (1 R ,3 S ,4 R ,5 S ,9 S)-3,4-epoxy-5-hydroxy-8(13)-caryophyllen (1), and 4 β ,10 α -aromadendranediol (3), eight labdane analogues (4 – 11), a pimarane-type diterpenoid (12), three flavonoids (13 – 15), and two lignans (16 , and 17). The structures were elucidated by extensive NMR and HRESIMS analysis. This marks the first comprehensive report of the NMR data of compound 1 , as well as the absolute configurations of compounds 1 and 3. The chemotaxonomic significance of the isolated compounds was also discussed. Compounds 1 , 3 , 14 , 16 , and 17 were being reported from the genus Callicarpa for the first time, while 3,4- seco -labdane diterpenoids 4 – 11 were previously obtained only from C. nudiflora. [Display omitted] • A new labdane diterpenoid, together with sixteen known compounds were isolated. • Compounds 1 , 3 , 14 , 16 , and 17 have been reported from the genus Callicarpa for the first time. • 3,4- Seco -labdanes 4 – 11 could contribute as fingerprints for C. nudiflora. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that cannot be completely cured by current treatments. C. nudiflora Hook has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and hemostatic biological functions; however, the therapeutic role of C. nudiflora Hook or its extracts in IBD remains poorly understood. In this study, we extracted and purified three fractions of C. nudiflora Hook polysaccharides by hydroalcohol precipitation method, which were named as CNLP-1, CNLP-2 and CNLP-3, respectively. CNLP-2, the main component of the polysaccharides of C. nudiflora Hook is an pyranose type acidic polysaccharide composed of Fuc, Rha, Ara, Gal, Glc, Xyl, Man, Gal-UA and Glc-UA, with an Mn of 15.624 kDa; Mw of 31.375 kDa. CNLP-2 was found to have a smooth lamellar structure as observed by scanning electron microscopy. To investigate the effect of CNLP-2 (abbreviated to CNLP) on dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced UC mice and its mechanism of action, we treated DSS-induced UC mice by administering CNLP at a dose of 100 mg/kg every other day. The results of the study showed that CNLP alleviated the clinical symptoms such as body weight (BW) loss, pathological damage, and systemic inflammation. The mechanism may be through the regulation of intestinal flora and its metabolism, which in turn affects the expression of NF-κB/MAPK pathway-related proteins through the metabolites of intestinal flora to further alleviate inflammation and ultimately improve the intestinal barrier function in UC mice. In conclusion, CNLP has great potential for the treatment of IBD., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare no competing financial and non-financial interests., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Background: In our preliminary research on screening traditional Chinese medicine extracts for anti-H1N1 activity, we discovered that the 75 % ethanol extract of Callicarpa nudiflora Hook. & Arn (C. nudiflora) exhibited promising anti-H1N1 infection activity. However, the underlying active components and mechanism of action remain to be elucidated., Aim of the Study: This experiment further explores the potential active components and mechanisms of action of C. nudiflora against H1N1., Methods: In this study, the composition of the C. nudiflora was determined using UPLC-Q-Orbitrap-MS/MS. The inhibitory effect of C. nudiflora on H1N1 was investigated using a Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cell model infected with H1N1, and the protective effect of C. nudiflora on H1N1-infected mice was examined using a Balb/c mouse model infected with H1N1. The potential mechanisms of action were demonstrated at the mRNA and protein levels., Results: A total of 21 compounds were detected in C. nudiflora, which was found to act on the replication stages of H1N1. Moreover, C. nudiflora improved the survival rate of H1N1-infected mice, enhanced the organ index, alleviated the trend of weight loss, reduced lung viral load, mitigated lung tissue damage, and regulated CD4/CD8 and Th1/Th2 immune balance. Molecular mechanism studies revealed that C. nudiflora can regulate the expression of key genes in the toll-like receptor and STAT signaling pathway., Conclusion: C. nudiflora can inhibit H1N1 replication. It also can exert a regulatory effect on the immune response of H1N1-infected mice, and mitigate inflammatory damage by modulating the expression of key genes in the toll-like receptor and STAT signaling pathways, indicating its potential for development as an anti-H1N1 drug., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2023. Published by Elsevier GmbH.)

Three new compounds callicarpenoids A-C (1-3), were isolated from the stems of Callicarpa arborea Roxb together with fifteen known compounds (4-18). The structures of these compounds were elucidated using advanced spectroscopic techniques, including 1D and 2D NMR, UV, IR, HR-ESI-MS, ECD, ORD, and quantum chemical calculations. Compound 3, a rare rearranged diterpenoid with a fused 5/6-ring system demonstrated strong potential as an inhibitor of the NLRP3 inflammasome activation with an IC 50 value of 3.153 μM. It effectively reduced GSDMD-NT production, inhibited caspase-1 activation, and suppressed IL-1β secretion, thereby mitigating NLRP3 inflammasome-induced pyroptosis in J774A.1 cells. These findings suggest that compound 3 warrants further research and development as a promising NLRP3 inflammasome inhibitor., (© 2023 Wiley-VHCA AG, Zurich, Switzerland.)

Two new prostaglandin-like compounds callicarboric acids A-B (1-2), along with six known compounds (3-8) were isolated from the stems of Callicarpa arborea Roxb. Their structures were determined with the help of modern spectroscopic techniques such as NMR, UV, IR, HR-ESI-MS, ECD, and ORD with the assistance of quantum chemical calculations. Compound 1 exhibited remarkable anti-NLRP3 inflammasome activation potential, demonstrating an IC 50 value of 0.74 μM. Additionally, by reducing GSDMD-NT production, inhibiting caspase-1 activation, and suppressing IL-1β secretion, it effectively mitigated NLRP3 inflammasome-induced pyroptosis in J774A.1 cells. These findings indicate that compound 1 possesses the capability to be a valuable candidate for further research and development as an NLRP3 inflammasome inhibitor., (© 2023 Wiley-VHCA AG, Zurich, Switzerland.)

Callicarpa dichotoma (Lour.) K.Koch is a shrub species with distribution from East Asia to Southeast Asia. We assembled and annotated for the first time the complete chloroplast (cp) genome of C. dichotoma . The cp genome of C. dichotoma is 154,110 bp long with the GC content of 38.09% and consists of four subregions: a large single-copy (LSC) region of 84,915 bp, a small single-copy (SSC) region of 17,783 bp and a pair of inverted repeats (IRs) of 25,706 bp each. The cp genome of C. dichotoma encodes a total of 114 unique genes, comprising 80 protein-coding genes, 30 tRNA genes, and four rRNA genes. Phylogenetic trees based on the coding sequences strongly support the position of C. dichotoma within the genus Callicarpa , confirming the previously reported monophyly of the genus., Competing Interests: The authors report no potential conflict of interest., (© 2023 The Author(s). Published by Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.)

Nine undescribed abietane diterpenoids (1-9) and eleven known abietane analogs (10-20) were isolated from Callicarpa bodinieri. Their structures were characterized by interpreting spectroscopic data, X-ray crystallography, and ECD analysis. The anti-inflammatory activities of these compounds were tested by evaluation of their inhibitory effect on NO production by lipopolysaccharide in RAW 264.7 macrophages, and compounds 3 and 8 exhibited potent anti-inflammatory activities with IC 50 values of 36.35 ± 1.12 and 37.21 ± 0.92 μM. The western blotting studies demonstrated that compound 3 inhibited the expression of nitric oxide synthase and p65 that involved in the NF-κB pathway., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

There are about 140 species of Callicarpa L. 1753 (Lamiaceae), with more species richness in tropical to subtropical Asia and the New World. The genus might provide an insight into the amphi-Pacific disjunction pattern of tropical and subtropical vegetation. This study has greatly improved the phylogenetic underpinning for Callicarpa , derived from more inclusive taxonomic samplings, and employing data on both two-nuclear and eight-chloroplast regions. To address time and patterns of diversification in Callicarpa , we conducted divergence time and biogeographic analyses, and inferred shifts in the distribution areas across the phylogenetic clades. Our phylogenetic results show that Callicarpa is monophyletic with respect to the groups considered, and eight well-supported primary clades were discerned in the combined analyses. Our estimates indicated that the crown group of Callicarpa originates around the Late-Eocene (ca. 36.23 Ma) and diversification within most clades is concentrated in the Miocene and continued to the Pleistocene. In addition, our biogeographic analyses suggested that the probable ancestor of the Callicarpa crown clade originated in East Asia and Southeast Asia. Multiple dispersal and vicariance events contributed to the current distribution of the taxa. Furthermore, this genus expanded eastward out of East and Southeast Asia to the New World by long-distance dispersal, which inspired us to better understand the amphi-Pacific disjunct distribution., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2023 Cai, Liu, Wang, Ma, Li, Bramley and Zhang.)

Ethnopharmacological Relevance: Callicarpa longissima is a typical Yao ethnomedicine that has been used to treat arthritis in China. Our previous study found that the dichloromethane extract (DCME) of C. longissima showed anti-inflammatory activity in vitro. However, the anti-inflammatory mechanism and detailed chemical composition of DCME remain unclear, which lead to the original interest of this study., Aim of the Study: The study aimed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory properties of the DCME from C. longissima and further explore the accurate chemical components responsible for this active extract., Materials and Methods: The anti-inflammatory activity of DCME in vivo was tested with carrageenan-induced mice paw edema model. Its anti-inflammatory mechanism was explored with LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages model. The compounds in DCME were isolated by repeated column chromatography and their structures were identified on the basis of nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The anti-inflammatory activities of the isolates in vitro were also tested by suppressing releases of inflammatory mediators (NO, IL-6 and TNF-α) in RAW264.7 macrophages model. In addition, the molecular docking analysis, which evaluated the potential interaction between the compounds and Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and nuclear factor κB (NF-κB), was performed., Results: DCME effectively alleviated the mice paw edema induced by carrageenan. In LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells, DCME significantly decreased the production of interleukin (IL)-6 and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) via inhibiting their mRNA transcription, down-regulated the expression of TLR4 and myeloid differentiation factor 88, inhibited the phosphorylation of alpha inhibitor of NF-κB (IκBα), NF-κB p65, and degradation of IκBα. Twelve diterpenoid phenols were identified from DCME, and they not only showed different inhibitory effects on the production of NO, IL-6 and TNF-α in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells, but also could bind to TLR4 and NF-κB as analyzed by molecular docking., Conclusions: Taken together, DCME from C. longissima could inhibit inflammatory response both in vitro and in vivo, which is mainly attributed to the synergistic effect of abundant diterpenoid phenols through inhibiting the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway, and might be a promising agent for the treatment of inflammatory diseases., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare no conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2022 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

There is an ongoing interest to identify alternative pesticidal agents to avoid the chronic problems associated with synthetic pesticides. Essential oils have shown promise as botanical pest control agents. In the present study, the essential oils of four members of the Lamiaceae (Callicarpa candicans, C. erioclona, C. macrophylla, and Karomia fragrans; Vietnamese names: Nàng nàng, Tu châu lông mem, Tu châu lá to and Cà diện, respectively), obtained from wild populations in Vietnam, have been obtained by hydrodistillation and analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The essential oils were formulated into microemulsions and the essential oils and their microemulsions were screened for mosquito larvicidal activity against Aedes aegypti, Aedes albopictus, Culex quinquefasciatus, and for molluscicidal activity against Pomacea canaliculata. Atractylone and (E)-caryophyllene dominated the volatiles of C. candicans (CCEO) and C. erioclona (CEEO), while the major component in C. macrophylla (CMEO) and K. fragrans (KFEO) was (E)-caryophyllene. The essential oils and microemulsions of both C. candicans and C. erioclona exhibited excellent larvicidal activity against all three mosquito species (Ae. aegypti, Ae. albopictus, and Cx. quinquefasciatus) with LC 50 values <10 μg/mL. Additionally, the larvicidal activity of the microemulsions were significantly improved compared with their free essential oils, especially for C. candicans and C. erioclona. All four essential oils and their microemulsions showed excellent molluscicidal activity with LC 50 <10 μg/mL. In most cases, the essential oils and microemulsions showed greater pesticidal activity against target organisms than the non-target freshwater fish, Oreochromis niloticus. The in silico studies on physicochemical and ADMET properties of the major components in the studied essential oils were also investigated and most of the compounds possessed a favorable ADMET profile. Computational modeling studies of the studied compounds demonstrated a favorable binding interaction with the mosquito odorant-binding protein target and support atractylone, β-selinene, and caryophyllene oxide as potential inhibitors. Based on the observed pesticidal activities of the essential oils and their microemulsions, the Callicarpa species and K. fragrans should be considered for potential cultivation and further exploration as botanical pesticidal agents., (© 2023 Wiley-VHCA AG, Zurich, Switzerland.)

Ethnopharmacological Relevance: Callicarpa arborea Roxb. is widely used as traditional medicine especially by the tribal people of Bangladesh in the management of wide range of ailments. In addition to Bangladesh, the leaves of this plant is utilized as a remedy to various painful and inflammatory conditions including rheumatism, toothache and stomachache in other countries of Indian subcontinent., Aim of the Study: Depending on the ethnomedicinal uses, we undertook this study to investigate the in-vivo analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities of the methanolic extract of C. arborea Roxb. leaves in Swiss albino mice as well as its chemical composition., Materials and Methods: We evaluated the analgesic activity of Callicarpa arborea Roxb. leaves by the acetic acid induced writhing test, the hot plate test, and the formalin test. We undertook the egg albumin induced paw edema test to determine the anti-inflammatory activity of the plant. Furthermore, we conducted the phytochemical profiling by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS)., Results: In acute toxicity test, no mortality was observed at the highest dose of 2000 mg/kg b.w. Significant (p < 0.005) inhibition of acetic acid induced writhing was observed at both doses of the extract. A dose dependent increase in the response time was seen in the hot-plate test. In the formalin test, the extract significantly inhibited pain response in both early and late phase. We observed marked anti-inflammatory activity manifested by a significant (p < 0.005) reduction in egg albumin induced paw edema. We identified a total of twenty one compounds in the extract of by GC-MS analysis., Conclusion: Taken all into consideration we conclude that the leaves of C. arborea Roxb. possesses potent analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity, thus justifying its's ethnomedicinal use against painful and inflammatory pathological conditions., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare no conflict of interests., (Copyright © 2022 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Twelve new clerodane diterpenoids named callicarpanes A-L (1-12), together with eight known compounds (13-20), were isolated from Callicarpa integerrima. Their structures were determined by comprehensive spectroscopic data. The calculated chemical shifts were used to identify relative configurations using DP4+ analysis. The absolute configurations (AC) were assigned based on quantum chemical calculations and X-ray single-crystal diffraction methods. Compounds 1, 3, 5, 9, 10, 12, 15, 16, and 19 showed significant inhibitory activity for NLRP3 inflammasome activation, with the IC 50 against lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release ranging from 0.08 to 4.78 μM. Further study revealed that compound 10 repressed IL-1β secretion and caspase-1 maturation in J774A.1 cell as well as blocked macrophage pyroptosis., (© 2022 Wiley-VHCA AG, Zurich, Switzerland.)

A tropical small tree, Callicarpa saccata, is known to have a symbiotic relationship with ants. It has sac-like structures at the base of the leaves that are inhabited by ants. No other species has been determined to be a myrmecophyte among the ca. 140 species of this genus. However, our recent field investigation discovered that two other species on Borneo ( C. barbata and C. teneriflora) have hollow stems, which seem to be inhabited by ants. We observed the morphological features of these species in relation to their usage by ants, and became convinced that they are mymecophytic species. The molecular phylogenetic analyses using ITS and chloroplast regions suggest that C. saccata and C. teneriflora are closely related, but the differences in the myrmecophytic features of these species should be noted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species, Callicarpa bachmaensis Soejima & Tagane, sp. nov., is described and illustrated from Bach Ma National Park in Thua Thien Hue Province, Central Vietnam. This species has a characteristic liana habit, white corolla, and narrowly elliptic to narrowly lanceolate, entire, occasionally subequal leaves, by which it is clearly distinguished from the other previously known species of this genus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pollen morphology of 36 species and 9 varieties of Callicarpa L. (Lamiaceae) from China was investigated through scanning electron microscopy. Pollen grains of the genus are monads, radiosymmetric and tricolpate, mainly medium in size, spheroidal (rarely subprolate, prolate or suboblate) in equatorial view and (sub) circular or rounded triangular in polar view. The edge of colpus is thin, perforate or thickened but imperforate and the colpus membrane of the investigated taxa is usually uneven (sunken or raised), with finely/coarsely granular or irregular striation. Four different ornamentation types are delimited on the basis of exine sculpturing: (1) coarsely reticulate; (2) microreticulate; (3) rugosely reticulate and (4) rugulate reticulate. The results do not support the traditional infrageneric classification of Callicarpa which is based on stamen characters. However, pollen characters provide evidence to support Callicarpa as the sister to the Australian subfamily Prostantheroideae, a relationship previously suggested by molecular phylogenetic analyses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Objective] To establish a simple and easy identification method for six kinds of Callicarpa medicinal herbs, to ensure the clinical medication safety, and to provide references for the quality control of Callicarpa medicinal herbs. [Methods] Character identification, semi-microscopic identification and microscopic identification were used to identify the six kinds of Callicarpa medicinal herbs. [Results] In external characters, they were identified mainly through color, hair and morphological characteristics. In microscopical characters, they were identified though the form, distribution and quantity of glandular hairs and nonglandular hair; crystal types in leaves were used for supplementary identification of Callicarpa medicinal herbs. [Conclusions] Characters identification method could identify several Callicarpa medicinal herbs, while some varieties were difficult to distinguish. Different kinds of Callicarpa could be identified by using semi-microscopic identification and microscopic identification methods to observe the morphological features and distribution characteristics of glandular hairs, non-glandular hairs and crystals. An accurate, rapid and economical microscopic identification method was important to identify leaves of different varieties of Callicarpa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Callicarpnoids A-C (1-3), three new ent-clerodane diterpenoid dimers formed via a [4 + 2] hetero Diels-Alder cycloaddition, appeared as a third example of this type of dimers, were isolated from the stems of Callicarpa arborea Roxb.. Their structures were elucidated by comprehensive spectroscopic analysis, and the absolute configurations were confirmed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction and electronic circular dichroism (ECD) calculations, as well as DP4 + analysis. Cytotoxicity test in two cell lines indicated that compounds 2 and 3 had significant cytotoxic effect against breast cancer cell (MCF-7) and colorectal cancer cell (HCT-116) with IC 50 ranging from 5.2 to 7.2 μM, comparable to those of the positive control. Furthermore, the western blot analysis revealed that the protein expression levels of Bax were increased following compounds 2 and 3 treatment, whereas the expression levels of caspase 8, caspase 3, caspase 9 and Bcl 2 were decreased in a dose-dependent manner, indicating that compounds 2 and 3 may induce apoptosis via both intrinsic and extrinsic pathways in MCF-7 and HCT-116 cells., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2022 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Essential oils are promising as environmentally friendly and safe sources of pesticides for human use. Furthermore, they are also of interest as aromatherapeutic agents in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, and inhibition of the enzyme acetylcholinesterase (AChE) has been evaluated as an important mechanism. The essential oils of some species in the genera Callicarpa , Premna , Vitex and Karomia of the family Lamiaceae were evaluated for inhibition of electric eel AChE using the Ellman method. The essential oils of Callicarpa candicans showed promising activity, with IC 50 values between 45.67 and 58.38 μg/mL. The essential oils of Callicarpa sinuata, Callicarpa petelotii, Callicarpa nudiflora, Callicarpa erioclona and Vitex ajugifolia showed good activity with IC 50 values between 28.71 and 54.69 μg/mL. The essential oils Vitex trifolia subsp. trifolia and Callicarpa rubella showed modest activity, with IC 50 values of 81.34 and 89.38, respectively. trans -Carveol showed an IC 50 value of 102.88 µg/mL. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation were performed on the major components of the studied essential oils to investigate the possible mechanisms of action of potential inhibitors. The results obtained suggest that these essential oils may be used to control mosquito vectors that transmit pathogenic viruses or to support the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.

Fruit colour is essential to seed dispersal, speciation, and biological diversity in global ecosystems. The relationship between fruit-colour variation and species diversification has long been of interest in evolutionary biology, but remains poorly understood at the genus level. Here, we used Callicarpa , a typical representative of pantropical angiosperm, to analyse whether fruit colours are correlated with biogeographic distribution, dispersal events, and diversification rate. We estimated a time-calibrated phylogeny for Callicarpa and reconstructed ancestral fruit colour. Utilizing phylogenetic methods, we estimated the major dispersal events across the phylogenetic tree and the most likely fruit colours related to each dispersal event, and tested whether the dispersal frequencies and distances of the four fruit colours between major biogeographical areas were equal. We then tested whether fruit colours are correlated with latitude, elevation, and diversification rate. Biogeographical reconstructions showed that Callicarpa originated in the East Asia and Southeast Asia during the Eocene (∼35.53 Ma) and diverse species diverged mainly in the Miocene and lasted into the Pleistocene. Large-scale dispersal events were significantly associated with violet-fruited lineages. Furthermore, different fruit colours were markedly correlated with different latitudes and elevations (e.g., violet fruits were correlated with higher latitudes and elevations; red fruits and black fruits with lower latitudes; white fruits with higher elevations). Notably, violet fruits were statistically associated with highest diversification rates, driving fruit colour variation among different regions globally. Our results contribute to further understanding why fruit colour is so variable at the genus level of angiosperms in different areas around the world., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (© 2022 Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences. Publishing services by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of KeAi Communications Co. Ltd.)

The genus Callicarpa Fewkes, 1881 presently comprises two species of Leptothecate hydroids. Herein we redescribe one of these, C. chazaliei Versluys, 1899, originally described from Florida and known elsewhere only from Venezuela. With the only morphological account of this species being that of the original description, a detailed redescription and illustrations of it are provided. Specimens were collected in the Potiguar Basin off the coast of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil, at a depth of 65 m, during a project focusing on the characterization and monitoring of an oil extraction basin.

Background: Callicarpa nudiflora (C. nudiflora), which is a medical herb in genus of Callicarpa, widely grows in the southern part of China. Several investigations had shown that this herb exerts anti-tumor effects. Ezrin is an important membrane-cytoskeleton-binding protein. By organizing membrane proteins and orchestrating their signal transduction, Ezrin contributes to modulation of cytoskeleton rearrangement in cell motility., Purpose: To investigate the anti-motile properties of Rhoifolin (RFL), a flavonoid from C. nudiflora, and to determine whether its effects are related to the inhibition on Podocalyxin (PODXL)-Ezrin signal transduction., Methods: To determine suitable concentration of RFL and exposure time on breast cancer cells, the effects of RFL on viability of breast cancer cells were evaluated by MTT assay. Then, the anti-migratory properties of RFL were determined by AP 48 chamber system and ORIS TM cell migration assay. F-actin in MDA-MB-231 cells was visualized by Alexa Fluor™ 488 conjugated Phalloidin. Immunoprecipitation was involved to access the effects of RFL on the interaction between Ezrin and PODXL. In addition, several EMT markers, including E-cadherin, Vimentin, Snail and Slug, were measured by Western Blotting assay and cell immunofluorescent analysis. Finally, the effects of RFL on cell migration, expression of Ezrin and EMT markers were verified by small interfering RNA (siRNA) mediated gene silencing., Results: We showed here that treatments with 10 and 40 μM of RFL induced significant inhibitions on cell migration and alterations on the location and organization of actin cytoskeleton in breast cancer cells. Next, it was found that RFL suppressed Ezrin phosphorylation and consequent interaction with PODXL, significantly. Also, this compound showed an obvious inhibitory effect on TGF-β1-induced EMT in MDA-MB-231 cells. Furthermore, data from RNA interfering assay confirmed that the inhibitory effects of RFL on Ezrin was enhanced by the deletion of Ezrin., Conclusion: RFL shows anti-motile properties on breast cancer cells, which is due to its potential to downregulate Podocalyxin-Ezrin interaction during Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.)

Among the thecate hydroids brought back by the Proteus-Guyane 2017 expedition of the Muséum national d'histoire naturelle of Paris, France, from French Guiana, two interesting species are reported upon. The plumulariid Callicarpa gracilis Fewkes, 1881, known so far from the type specimen only, is comprehensively redescribed 140 years after its original description. It adopts two different morphotypes with respect to both its tropho- and gonosome, forming either simple or ramified colonies, with either structurally-complex or rudimentary phylactocarps, respectively. Taxonomic notes on the genera Callicarpa Fewkes, 1881 and Hippurella Allman, 1877 are provided in light of their intricate history of origin and fate, together with the provisional resurrection of Antomma Stechow, 1919, as an allied genus of the former. The aglaopheniid Aglaophenia trifida L. Agassiz, 1862, whose gonosome was only partly documented to date, is redescribed thoroughly based on specimens bearing male and female corbulae. Scanning electron microscopy and molecular data were also used to document both species. A checklist of the thecate hydroids from French Guiana gathered during Proteus-Guyane 2017 and Guyane 2014 expeditions is provided as an appendix, together with brief notes on some species. Not dealing with the present study, but taking advantage of it, a new name, Antennella billardi Galea, nom. nov., is proposed as a replacement name for Plumularia balei Billard, 1911, which is a permanently invalid junior primary homonym of P. balei Bartlett, 1907.

Cellular inflammation is the underlying cause of several diseases and development of a safe and effective anti-inflammatory drug is need-of-the hour for treatment of diseases like lung inflammation. Callicarpa integerrima Champ. is a well-known herbal medicine with hemostatic and anti-inflammatory functions. However, the exact ingredient exhibiting anti-inflammatory activity in C. integerrima Champ. is largely unknown. Here, we first isolated, purified and characterized a novel clerodane-type diterpenoid Cintelactone A (CA) from C. integerrima Champ. We demonstrated that CA could significantly inhibit lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced pro-inflammatory cytokines and mediators production both in mouse peritoneal macrophages and THP1 cells. Consistently, CA also relieved inflammation and reduced LPS-induced lung injury in mice. We systematically elucidated the mechanism of action as well. CA interacted with Arg78 of tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6) by hydrogen bonding. It further promoted the K48-linked ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation of TRAF6, and suppressed the activation of NF-κB and MAPKs signaling pathways. Collectively, our study reveals that new clerodane-type diterpenoid CA suppresses LPS-induced inflammation by promoting TRAF6 degradation, suggesting that CA as the potential therapeutic candidate for the treatment of inflammation associated diseases., (Copyright © 2020. Published by Elsevier Ltd.)

Ethnopharmalogical Relevance: Callicarpa nudiflora Hook. & Arn. is a perennial evergreen shrub or low arbor in the Genus Callicarpa. Its dried aerial parts are used as traditional Chinese herbal medicine, Luo-hua-zi-zhu (Callicarpa nudiflora), which has been widely used in anti-bacteria and anti-ulcer in China (Commission, 2015; Development, 1994; Ming-Sheng, 2008)., Aim of the Study: The present paper reviewed findings in phytochemistry and pharmacology of Callicarpa nudiflora., Methods: Chinese and English studies on Callicarpa nudiflora were collected from databases including Web of Science, SciFinder, PubMed, Elsevier, and CNKI (Chinese), and the phytochemical and pharmacological studies of Callicarpa nudiflora were reviewed., Results: A total of 300 small molecules, 173 of which are volatile oils, have been isolated from Callicarpa nudiflora. These small molecules could be divided into seven structural types - phenylpropanoids, flavonoids, triterpenes, diterpenes, iridoid glycosides, volatile oils, and other small molecules. Different types of compounds in Callicarpa nudiflora were summarized as follow: a) diterpenoid compounds can inhibit the generation of nitric oxide (NO) for exerting the function of anti-inflammation; b) triterpene compounds can play a role of anti-thrombus via inhibiting platelet aggregation and oleanane type and arbutane type pentacyclic triterpenes have the hepatoprotective activities; c) iridoid glycosides have cytotoxicity to tumor cells, and phenylpropanoids compounds have an antioxidant effect and could improve the function of memory. Our group further studied the antiviral activities of Callicarpa nudiflora finding that it has significant effects on RSV, EV71, COXB5, and HSV-1., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

The new concept that Na/K-ATPase acts as a receptor prompted us to look for new ligands from Callicarpa kwangtungensis Chun. Using column chromatography, an undescribed phenethyl alcohol glycoside, callicarpanoside A, and an undescribed benzyl alcohol glycoside, callicarpanoside B, along with twelve known polyphenols were isolated from Callicarpa kwangtungensis Chun. All the isolated compounds were evaluated for their Na/K-ATPase (NKA) inhibitory activities. Using our NKA technology platform-based screening assay protocols, callicarpanoside B was identified as an undescribed Na/K-ATPase agonist. In particular, the newly identified benzyl alcohol glycoside was found to bind NKA and activate the receptor NKA/Src complex, resulting in the activation of protein kinase cascades. These cascades included extracellular signal-regulated kinases and protein kinase C epsilon, as well as NKA α1 endocytosis at nanomolar concentrations. Unlike the class of cardiotonic steroids, callicarpanoside B showed less inhibition of NKA activity and caused less cellular toxicity. Moreover, callicarpanoside B was found to bind NKA at a different site other than the cardiotonic steroids binding site. Thus, we have identified an undescribed NKA α1 agonist that may be used to enhance the physiological processes of NKA α1 signaling., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Background: Plants exhibit wide chemical diversity due to the production of specialized metabolites that function as pollinator attractants, defensive compounds, and signaling molecules. Lamiaceae (mints) are known for their chemodiversity and have been cultivated for use as culinary herbs, as well as sources of insect repellents, health-promoting compounds, and fragrance., Findings: We report the chromosome-scale genome assembly of Callicarpa americana L. (American beautyberry), a species within the early-diverging Callicarpoideae clade of Lamiaceae, known for its metallic purple fruits and use as an insect repellent due to its production of terpenoids. Using long-read sequencing and Hi-C scaffolding, we generated a 506.1-Mb assembly spanning 17 pseudomolecules with N50 contig and N50 scaffold sizes of 7.5 and 29.0 Mb, respectively. In all, 32,164 genes were annotated, including 53 candidate terpene synthases and 47 putative clusters of specialized metabolite biosynthetic pathways. Our analyses revealed 3 putative whole-genome duplication events, which, together with local tandem duplications, contributed to gene family expansion of terpene synthases. Kolavenyl diphosphate is a gateway to many of the bioactive terpenoids in C. americana; experimental validation confirmed that CamTPS2 encodes kolavenyl diphosphate synthase. Syntenic analyses with Tectona grandis L. f. (teak), a member of the Tectonoideae clade of Lamiaceae known for exceptionally strong wood resistant to insects, revealed 963 collinear blocks and 21,297 C. americana syntelogs., Conclusions: Access to the C. americana genome provides a road map for rapid discovery of genes encoding plant-derived agrichemicals and a key resource for understanding the evolution of chemical diversity in Lamiaceae., (© The Author(s) 2020. Published by Oxford University Press.)

The rise of antibiotic resistance presents a significant healthcare challenge and precludes the use of many otherwise valuable antibiotics. One potential solution to this problem is the use of antibiotics in combination with resistance-modifying agents, compounds that act synergistically with existing antibiotics to resensitize previously resistant bacteria. In this study, 12( S ),16ξ-dihydroxycleroda-3,13-dien-15,16-olide, a clerodane diterpene isolated from the medicinal plant Callicarpa americana , was found to synergize with oxacillin against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureu s. This synergy was confirmed by checkerboard (fractional inhibitory concentration index (FICI) = 0.125) and time-kill assays, with a subinhibitory dose of 12( S ),16ξ-dihydroxycleroda-3,13-dien-15,16-olide causing the effective concentration of oxacillin to fall below the susceptibility breakpoint for S. aureus , a >32-fold decrease in both cases.

Background and Aims: Domatia are plant structures within which organisms reside. Callicarpa saccata (Lamiaceae) is the sole myrmecophyte, or 'ant plant', that develops foliar (leaf-borne) myrmeco-domatia in this genus. In this work we examined domatium development in C. saccata to understand the developmental processes behind pouch-like domatia., Methods: Scanning electron microscopy, sectioning and microcomputed tomography were carried out to compare the leaves of C. saccata with those of the closely related but domatia-less myrmecophyte Callicarpa subaequalis, both under cultivation without ants., Key Results: Callicarpa saccata domatia are formed as a result of excess cell proliferation at the blade/petiole junctions of leaf primordia. Blade/petiole junctions are important meristematic sites in simple leaf organogenesis. We also found that the mesophyll tissue of domatia does not clearly differentiate into palisade and spongy layers., Conclusions: Rather than curling of the leaf margins, a perturbation of the normal functioning of the blade/petiole junction results in the formation of domatium tissue. Excess cell proliferation warps the shape of the blade and disturbs the development of the proximal-distal axis. This process leads to the generation of distinct structures that facilitate interaction between C. saccata and ants., (© The Author(s) 2019. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Annals of Botany Company.)

Two new iridoid glycosides, callicoside E ( 1 ) and callicoside F ( 2 ), were isolated from the leaves of Callicarpa nudiflora . Their structures were established by one- and two-dimensional NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. In an in vitro bioassay, compounds 1 and 2 showed an pronounced hepatoprotective activity against d-galactosamine-induced toxicity in WB-F344 rat hepatic epithelial stem-like cells.[Formula: see text].

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) materials with closely related species are frequently fungible in clinical use. Therefore, holistic comparison of the composition in bioactive compounds is essential to evaluate whether they are equivalent in efficacy. Taking three officinal species of Callicarpa as a case, we proposed and validated a standardized strategy for the discrimination of closely related TCM materials, which focused on the extraction, profiling and multivariate statistical analysis of their biochemome. Firstly, serial liquid-liquid extractions were utilized to prepare different batches of Callicarpa biochemome, and the preparation yields were utilized for the normalization of sampling quantity prior to UHPLC-IT-MS analysis. Secondly, 34 compounds, including 19 phenylethanoid glycosides, 10 flavonoids and 5 terpenoids, were identified based on an untargeted UHPLC-IT-MS method. Thirdly, method validation of linearity, precision and stability showed that the UHPLC-IT-MS system was qualified (R 2 >0.995, RSD<15%) for subsequent biochemome profiling. After PCA and PLS-DA analysis, 30 marker compounds were screened and demonstrated to be of good predictability using genetic algorithm optimized support vector machines. Finally, a heatmap visualization was employed for clarifying the distribution of marker compounds, which could be helpful to determine whether the three Callicarpa species are, in fact, equivalent substitutes. This study provides a standardized biochemome profiling strategy for systemic comparison analysis of closely related TCM materials, which shows promising perspectives in tracking the supply chain of pharmaceutical suppliers., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

A new species, Callicarpa bachmaensis Soejima & Tagane, sp. nov., is described and illustrated from Bach Ma National Park in Thua Thien Hue Province, Central Vietnam. This species has a characteristic liana habit, white corolla, and narrowly elliptic to narrowly lanceolate, entire, occasionally subequal leaves, by which it is clearly distinguished from the other previously known species of this genus.

Ethnopharmacological Relevance: Callicarpa japonica Thunb. (CJT) is traditionally used as an herbal remedy for the treatment of inflammatory diseases in Korea, China, and Japan. In this study, we evaluated the effects of C. japonica Thunb. (CJT) on the development of COPD using a Cigarette smoke (CS)-induced murine model and cigarette smoke condensate (CSC)-stimulated H292 cells, human pulmonary mucoepidermoid cell line., Material and Methods: C. japonica Thunb. was isolated from the leaves and stem of C. japonica. The methanol extract profile was obtained by UPLC Q-TOF-MS analysis. In in vivo experiment, the mice received 1h of cigarette smoke for 10 days. C. japonica Thunb. was administered to mice by oral gavage 1h before cigarette smoke exposure for 10 days. In in vitro experiment, we evaluated the effect of C. japonica Thunb. on the expression of MUC5AC and proinflammatory cytokines in H292 cells stimulated with CSC., Results: CJT treatment effectively suppressed the infiltration of neutrophils, and decreased the production of ROS and the activity of neutrophil elastase in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) induced by CS. CJT also significantly attenuated production of proinflammatory cytokines such as IL-6 and TNF-α in the BALF, and reduced the infiltration of inflammatory cells and the production of mucus in lung tissue induced by CS. In in vitro experiments, CJT decreased the expression of MUC5AC and proinflammatory cytokines in CSC-stimulated H292 cells. Furthermore, CJT attenuated the phosphorylation of ERK induced by CSC in H292 cells. Taken together, CJT effectively reduced the neutrophil airway inflammation and mucus secretion induced by CS in murine model, and inhibited the expression of MUC5AC in CSC-stimulated H292 human lung cell line. These findings suggest that CJT has a therapeutic potential for the treatment of COPD., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.)