Search

Derris Lour. and Brachypterum (Wight & Arn.) Benth. (Leguminosae subfamily Papilionoideae) in Australia are revised on the basis of examination of fresh, dried and spirit-preserved specimens and phylogenetic analysis of plastid matK and nuclear internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequence data. Three species of Derris and four species of Brachypterum are recognised as occurring in Australia. Two new Brachypterum species, namely Brachypterum nitidum W.E.Cooper and Brachypterum opacum W.E.Cooper, are described and illustrated. Notes on habitat, distribution and an identification key are presented for all species of both genera that occur in Australia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Derris rubricosta Boonprajan & Sirich., sp. nov., a new species of the genus Derris Lour. (Fabaceae) was discovered in Peninsular Thailand. The overall morphology demonstrates that the species most resembles D. pubipetala. Nevertheless, the species has several autapomorphies differentiating it from other Derris species, e.g., the presence of reddish midribs of the mature leaflets, sparsely hairy stamen filaments, prominent hairs at the base of the anthers, and presence of glandular trichomes along the leaflet midrib. Additionally, HPLC fingerprints of this species showed a distinction from D. pubipetala by the absence of phytochemical compound peaks after 13 min. Retention Time (RT). Results from molecular phylogenetic analyses also strongly supported the taxonomic status as a new species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Derris reticulata or "Oi Sam Saun" is an extremely sweet Thai plant, rich in bioactive compounds, and widely used for its medicinal properties. In this study, sweet aqueous extracts from the stems of "Oi Sam Saun" were prepared using ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE). Phenolic, flavonoid, and sugar compound extraction was optimised using response surface methodology based on the Box–Behnken design (BBD). Three independent variables—extraction temperature (40–80 °C), sonication time (20–60 min), and extraction ratio (1:10–1:30 g/mL)—were investigated, and the values of 80 °C, 60 min, and a ratio 1:10 g/mL, respectively, were optimal. Under these conditions, experimental values were well correlated with predicted values, and phenolic, flavonoid, and sugar contents were 0.483 ± 0.032 mg GAE/g DW, 0.149 ± 0.033 mg CE/g DW, and 4.802 ± 0.651 mg/g DW, respectively. High performance liquid chromatography-diode array detector (HPLC–DAD) analysis showed that the "Oi Sam Saun" UAE extract contained gallic acid, p-coumaric acid, quercetin, and kaempferol. Moreover, the extract contained 18β-glycyrrhetinic acid (0.529 ± 0.002 mg/100 mg) and was 166 times sweeter than sucrose. Therefore, this Thai medicinal plant, which has several pharmacological benefits, is highly potent and can be utilised as a sweetening agent or sugar substitute in foods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The stem of the plant species Derris scandens (Roxb.) Benth. (DS) contains genistein-7-O-[α-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→6)]-β-glucopyranoside (GTG), which is a unique marker. Previous analyses of GTG using antibody-based immunoassays were compromised because of their high cross-reactivity with structurally related compounds of DS, thereby limiting their applicability in DS quality control., Objective: Conjugation of GTG with carrier proteins was achieved using the Mannich reaction to produce a highly specific monoclonal antibody (mAb) targeting GTG (anti-GTG mAb)., Methods: The anti-GTG mAb was generated using hybridoma technology and characterised using an indirect competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (icELISA). Both lateral-flow immunoassay (LFIA) and icELISA were developed to detect and quantify GTG in DS raw materials and associated products., Results: icELISA using the anti-GTG mAb showed 100% specificity for GTG, with only 1.77% cross-reactivity with genistin and less than 0.01% cross-reactivity with other compounds. icELISA demonstrated a linear range for GTG determination between 62.5 and 2000 ng/mL. The limits of detection (LOD) and quantification were 49.68 and 62.50 ng/mL for GTG, respectively. The precision of the analysis ranged from 1.28% to 4.20% for repeatability and from 1.03% to 7.05% for reproducibility. The accuracy of the analysis ranged from 101.97% to 104.01% for GTG recovery. GTG levels determined via icELISA were consistent with those confirmed via high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) (R 2  = 0.9903). Moreover, the LOD of LFIA for GTG was 500 ng/mL., Conclusion: Immunoassays utilising specific anti-GTG mAbs were successfully developed, including LFIA for rapid GTG detection and icELISA for GTG quantification., (© 2023 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.)

Derrisrubricosta Boonprajan & Sirich., sp. nov. , a new species of the genus Derris Lour. (Fabaceae) was discovered in Peninsular Thailand. The overall morphology demonstrates that the species most resembles D.pubipetala . Nevertheless, the species has several autapomorphies differentiating it from other Derris species, e.g., the presence of reddish midribs of the mature leaflets, sparsely hairy stamen filaments, prominent hairs at the base of the anthers, and presence of glandular trichomes along the leaflet midrib. Additionally, HPLC fingerprints of this species showed a distinction from D.pubipetala by the absence of phytochemical compound peaks after 13 min. Retention Time (RT). Results from molecular phylogenetic analyses also strongly supported the taxonomic status as a new species., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Punvarit Boonprajan, Charan Leeratiwong, Yotsawate Sirichamorn.)

Abstract: In the present study, bio-augmented silver nanoparticles with Derris trifoliata seed extract (AgNP-DT) have been developed. Formation of AgNP-DT has been confirmed with X-ray diffraction (XRD), High resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Even though introduced for the first time as a catalyst owing to high surface area, the as-prepared nanoparticles showed one of the best catalytic activity in the reduction of a water soluble azo dye-methyl orange. An incredible pseudo-first order rate constant (0.3208 min−1) and activity parameter (1086 s−1 g−1) were obtained for the catalytic reduction of methyl orange with 4.9 μg AgNP-DT. Furthermore, AgNP-DT exhibits a good selectivity and sensitivity towards mercury(II) ions over other metals in aqueous solution. Absorbance of AgNP-DT exhibits a good linear relationship against concentration of Hg2+ with a limit of detection (LOD) of 1.55 μM. The mechanism of sensing activity of AgNP-DT was elucidated by measuring the variation in the zeta potential of the system with increasing concentration of Hg2+. Moreover the proposed method could be practicably applied for the detection of Hg2+ in real water samples with a percentage recovery in range of 91.41-108.07%.Graphical Abstract: [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Supercritical (SC)‐CO2 extraction of rotenoids from Derris elliptica roots was proposed using fractional separation of the extracts and operating at increasing pressure. RESULTS: The best processing conditions were found at 200 bar, 40 °C and 1.2 kg h−1 SC‐CO2 flow rate, obtaining a final product with a concentration of 93% w/w of rotenone and rotenoids, and a yield of active principles of 6.70% w/w with respect to the vegetable matrix. Very small quantities of waxes were found, up to 0.05% w/w; this result can be explained considering the reduced surface‐to‐volume ratio of this vegetable material. CONCLUSION: Extraction kinetics data confirmed that, in this case, the extraction process was controlled by solubility limitation of the active compounds in the supercritical solvent. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Natural products are a potential source for cancer chemotherapeutic development. This current study was performed to investigate the anti-tumor potential of 5,7,4′-trihydroxy-6,8-diprenylisoflavone (TD) and lupalbigenin (LB), plant flavonoids found in Derris scandens Benth (family: Leguminosae), in cancer and normal cell lines. Methods The human breast cancer cell lines MCF-7, MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-468, the human colon cancer cell line SW-620, and the mouse fibroblast cell line L-929 were used to test their anti-cancer activity. Apoptotic cell levels were measured by staining with annexin-V and propidium iodide and Western blot analysis was performed to confirm the apoptotic mechanism. Results The results revealed that TD and LB showed specific cytotoxicity against MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cells. To elucidate mode of cell death via cytotoxic activities, breast cancer cell lines were treated. TD and LB induced MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cells to apoptosis, with the highest number of apoptotic cells at 24 and 72 h, respectively. Furthermore, TD and LB inhibited cell cycle progression via up-regulation of p21. Both compounds stimulated apoptosis through down-regulation of bcl-2, up-regulation of bax and releasing of cytochrome C proteins. Conclusions TD and LB have significant anti-cancer effects against human breast cancer cells via cell cycle arrest and the induction of apoptosis through mitochondria signaling pathways, and may be potential anti-cancer agents for the treatment of breast cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rotenone is a neurotoxin derived from Derris roots or yam bean of genus Derris or Lonchocarpus. It is known to cause Parkinson-like symptoms and is a potent electron transport inhibitor. Rotenone was detected in postmortem specimens in a fatal case of rotenone poisoning with an organic pesticide by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry with an information-dependent acquisition and MS-MS library search. The forensic specimenswere prepared by solid-phase extraction with a Bond Elut® Certify cartridge. The mobile phase comprised 5 mM ammonium formate in 10% methanol and 5 mM ammonium formate in 90% methanol. The assay was linear over the range from 0.01 to 1.0 mg/L (r2 = 0.995). The limit of detection and quantitation in the blood were 0.001 mg/L (signal-to-noise, S/N = 3) and 0.003 mg/L (S/N = 10), respectively. The intraday accuracy and precision for rotenone that were determined by five replicates at 0.02, 0.10 and 1.0 mg/L in blood were <15.0% of bias and <9.0% of CV, respectively. The interday accuracy and precision for rotenone that were determined by seven replicates at 0.02, 0.10 and 1.0 mg/L in blood were <18.0% of bias and <17.0% of CV, respectively. Relative recovery with 0.02, 0.1 and 1.0 mg/L in blood was 104.2, 103.3 and 81.6% (n = 6), respectively. The described method was applied for the determination of rotenone in a fatal case of intoxication of a 33-year-old man who was found dead on a bed in a temporary house. In this case study, the concentrations of rotenone in heart blood (HB), peripheral blood (PB), gastric contents and vitreous humor were 0.77 mg/L, 0.02 mg/L, 126.4 mg/kg and 0.003 mg/L, respectively. The rotenone concentration ratio of the HB/PB was 38.8 and that of gastric contents/PB was 6412.3, suggesting a massive ingestion of rotenone with postmortem redistribution. This study is the report of rotenone detection in a fatal case with the ingestion of the organic insecticide containing rotenone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the conservation status of derris scandens in Saharanpur, India.

Two new flavonoids, 1 and 2, together with two known flavonoids, tephrosin ( 3) and 12a-hydroxy- α-toxicarol ( 4), were isolated from the whole herb of Derris eriocarpa How. The structures and absolute configurations of the new compounds were elucidated on the basis of their MS, NMR, and ECD data. The structures of the known compounds were established by extensive spectroscopic ( MS, 1D- and 2D- NMR) analyses and comparison with the literature data. All compounds were isolated from D. eriocarpa for the first time. Compound 3 showed modest inhibitory activities against the growth of human cancer cells HEL and A549 with the IC50 values of 15.03 ± 0.62 and 13.27 ± 0.39 μ m, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rotenone, a natural compound derived from plants of the genera Derris and Lonchocarpus, is used worldwide as a pesticide and piscicide. This study aims to assess short-term toxicity of rotenone to early-life stages of the fish Danio rerio and Poecilia reticulata using a wide and integrative range of biomarkers (developmental, biochemical, behavioral, and histopathological). Moreover, the species sensitivity distribution (SSD) approach was used to compare rotenone acute toxicity to fish species. Toxicity tests were based on the OECD protocols, fish embryo toxicity test (for D. rerio embryos), and fish acute toxicity test (for P. reticulata juveniles). D. rerio embryos were used to estimate lethal concentrations and analyze embryonic and enzymatic alterations (activity of catalase, glutathione-S-transferase, and cholinesterase), while P. reticulata juveniles were used for the assessment of histological damage in the gills and liver. Rotenone induced significant mortality in zebrafish embryos with a 96-h lethal concentration 50 % (LC) = 12.2 μg/L. Rotenone was embryotoxic, affecting the development of D. rerio embryos, which showed cardiac edema; tail deformities; loss of equilibrium; and a general delay characterized by lack of tail detachment, delayed somite formation, yolk sac absorption, and lack of pigmentation. Biochemical biomarker inhibition was observed for concentrations ≥1 μg/L for CAT and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) and for cholinesterase (ChE) in concentration from 10 μg/L. Behavioral changes were observed for P. reticulata juveniles exposed to concentrations equal to or above 25 μg/L of rotenone; moreover, histological damage in the liver and gills of fish exposed to concentrations equal to or above 2.5 μg/L could be observed. A hazard concentration 5 % (HC) of 3.2 μg/L was estimated considering the acute toxicity data for different fish species ( n = 49). Lethal and sublethal effects of rotenone raise a concern about its effects on nontarget fish species, especially because rotenone and its metabolite rotenolone are frequently reported in the microgram range in natural environments for several days after field applications. Rotenone should be used with caution. Given the high toxicity and wide range of sublethal effects here reported, further studies in a chronic exposure scenario are recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rotenone is one of the prominent insecticidal isoflavonoid compounds which can be isolated from the extract of Derris sp. plant. Despite being an effective compound in exterminating pests in a minute concentration, procuring a significant amount of rotenone in the extracts for commercialized biopesticides purposes is a challenge to be attained. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the best ionic liquid (IL) which gives the highest yield of rotenone. The normal soaking extraction (NSE) method was carried out for 24 hrs using five different types of binary solvent systems comprising a combination of acetone and five respective ionic liquids (ILs) of (1) [BMIM] Cl; (2) [BMIM] OAc; (3) [BMIM] NTf2; (4) [BMIM] OTf; and (5) [BMPy] Cl. Next, the yield of rotenone, % (w/w), and its concentration (mg/mL) in dried roots were quantitatively determined by means of RP-HPLC and TLC. The results showed that a binary solvent system of [BMIM] OTf + acetone was the best solvent system combination as compared to other solvent systems (P<0.05). It contributed to the highest rotenone content of 2.69 ± 0.21% (w/w) (4.04 ± 0.34 mg/mL) at 14 hrs of exhaustive extraction time. In conclusion, a combination of the ILs with a selective organic solvent has been proven to increase a significant amount of bioactive constituents in the phytochemical extraction process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Derris gamblei (Fabaceae), is described and illustrated as a new species from the Pudukkottai district of Tamil Nadu state, India. It resembles the Indian species Derris thothathrii, but differs by its short inflorescence, pseudoracemes, pubescence at dorsal apex of all petals, 2 ovules and narrow-winged pods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Derris is a problematic taxon within tribe Millettieae, because of the various generic circumscriptions proposed by different authors. Previous molecular phylogenetic studies proved Derris s.l. to be polyphyletic and thus unacceptable as a taxon. Moreover, the most recent circumscription of Derris s.str. was also not monophyletic. In this study, 29 qualitative morphological characters were analyzed together with the molecular data of our earlier studies. The combined datasets confirmed the monophyly of Solori (also known as Brachypterum) and showed it to be distinct at the generic level with the following synapomorphies: presence of stipellae, more than five flowers per brachyblast, tubular and (or) lobed floral disk, seven to twelve ovules and one-winged pods with obvious seed chambers when dry. Paraderris appeared to be a wellsupported monophyletic group, but nested within Derris s.str. In order to maintain the monophyly of Derris s.str, Paraderris is synonymised with Derris s.str, which broadens the generic circumscription for Derris s.str. This Derris s.str. only has two synapomorphies, the liana habit and two-winged pods. Other morphological characters used for previous generic circumscriptions of Derris s.str. appeared to be based on combinations of plesiomorphies. No infrageneric classification oí Derris s.str. will be provided, because of low support for clades and lack of obvious apomorphies for several clades. Taxonomic treatment and nomenclatural changes are presented where necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim The historical biogeography of three Palaeotropical legume genera, Aganope, Brachypterum and Derris, was investigated with the aim of (1) evaluating competing hypotheses on the origins of Palaeotropical intercontinental disjunctions ( PIDs), and (2) inferring spatio-temporal diversification patterns in tropical Southeast Asia. Location Palaeotropics. Methods Plastid ( trnL-F IGS, psbA -trnH IGS and trnK -matK ORF) and nuclear ribosomal ( ITS/5.8S) DNA sequence data, covering the geographical distribution of all three genera, were analysed using an uncorrelated-rates relaxed molecular clock model. Ancestral areas were reconstructed using a likelihood approach implementing the dispersal-extinction-cladogenesis model ( Lagrange) and a Bayesian approach to dispersal-vicariance analysis (S- DIVA). Results A wide ancestral distribution in Africa and Asia was inferred for the Aganope stem and crown groups, with a vicariance event between Africa and Asia in the early Miocene. The Southeast Asian mainland was inferred as the ancestral area for both the Brachypterum and the Derris crown groups. The reconstructions indicated numerous dispersal events westwards to India, and eastwards across Wallace's Line to New Guinea from the middle Miocene onwards. Two dispersal events from Asia to Africa, in the Miocene-Pliocene in Brachypterum and in the Pliocene-Pleistocene in Derris, were deduced. Main conclusions The PID in Aganope is likely to be the result of vicariance, caused by climatic deterioration subsequent to the Middle Miocene Climatic Optimum. The inferred PIDs in Brachypterum and Derris in the middle Miocene to Pliocene-Pleistocene are consistent with long-distance dispersal. The biogeographical patterns of Brachypterum and Derris are similar to patterns identified in other Southeast Asian plant taxa, and highly congruent with geological events in Southeast Asia facilitating dispersal from the early Miocene onwards. Preadaptation to several environmental conditions and habitats including mangrove swamps, and high dispersal capabilities by hydrochory may explain the wide distributions of some species and frequent dispersal across oceanic water bodies separating western and eastern Malesia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Derris solorioides is described as a new species and illustrated. This species is only the second calciphilous and true-paniculate species of Derris ever recorded. The species was found in isolated and protected limestone areas surrounded by agricultural areas in Nakhon Sawan province, North-Central Thailand. It is characterized by its rather smaller flowers but with more ovules than other species of Derris, and 1-winged pods showing a dark-coloured pericarp around the seeds without thickening of the pericarp. The characters of the pods are similar to those found in Solori, a genus once synonymized with Derris and, therefore, the epithet 'solorioides' was assigned. This species appeared to be a distinct taxon in the molecular phylogeny, separate from its morphologically highly similar species, D. marginata. It is also a member of a lineage of Derris consisting of species with a deviating type of inflorescence: intermediate forms and true panicles, which is quite uncommon in this genus. The relationship with its closely related species is discussed, and a key to the species of Derris in the 'deviating type of inflorescence' clade is presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract. Considering the recent reestablishment of Deguelia, six new combinations and 14 lectotypifications are proposed here. A key is provided for the identification of the 15 species of Deguelia that occur in Brazil, along with nomenclatural notes, comments on ecology and distribution, and discussions of diagnostic features. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of environment friendly bio-pesticides is now an area of intense research in the stored commodities. In the present research, we studied the feeding deterrent and contact toxicant properties of prenylated isoflavones derived from Derris scandens Benth against test larvae of red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum Herbst and rice moth, Corcyra cephalonica S. Among all the compounds, Osajin (2), Lupalbigenin (4), Scandinone (5), Sphaerobioside (8) and Genistein (9) produced 100% contact toxicity to T. castaneum after 10th day and C. cephalonica after 15th day of treatment in food treatment assays. In the flour disc bioassay, compounds 2,4, 5, 8 and 9 produced feeding deterrent activity against both the test larvae at the higher concentration tested. In the same assay, the relative growth rate (RGR), relative consumption rate (RCR) and food utilization (ECI) of test insects was significantly reduced with above test compounds even at lower concentrations. Compounds 2, 4; 5, 8 and 9 showed higher toxicity against both the larvae than other test compounds at 10 μg /larva after 14th day of treatment in topical application method. Isolation of prenylated isoflavones from D. scandens may be important as a source of this material for stored pest control on wheat and jowar commodities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Among the several ways of exploiting locally available plants in their day-to-day activities by primitive communities all over the world, catching fish for food was a major one. The plants used for this purpose included species of Derris and Lonchocarpus of the family Leguminosae ( Fabaceae). The active principle, rotenone, is a pentacyclic isoflavanoid derivative. Several other closely related compounds are also known and these are together classified as rotenoids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Premise of the study: Palaeotropic Derris -like taxa (family Fabaceae, tribe Millettieae) comprise 6-9 genera. They are well known as important sources of rotenone toxin, which are used as organic insecticide and fish poison. However, their phylogenetic relationships and classification are still problematic due to insufficient sampling and high morphological variability. Methods: Fifty species of palaeotropic Derris -like taxa were sampled, which is more than in former studies. Three chloroplast genes ( trnK-matK , trnL-F IGS, and psbA-trnH IGS) and nuclear ribosomal ITS /5.8S were analyzed using parsimony and Bayesian methods. Key results: Parsimony and Bayesian analyses of individual and combined markers show more or less similar tree topologies (only varying in terminal branches). The old-world monophyletic genera Aganope , Brachypterum, and Leptoderris are distinct from Derris s.s., and their generic status is here confirmed. Aganope may be classifi ed into two or three subgeneric taxa. Paraderris has to be included in Derris s.s. to form a monophyletic group. The genera Philenoptera , Deguelia , and Lonchocarpus are monophyletic and distinct from each other and clearly separate from Derris s.s. Morphologically highly similar species of Derris s.s. are shown to be unrelated. Our study shows that previous infrageneric classifications of Derris are incorrect. Paraderris elliptica may contain several cryptic lineages that need further investigation. Conclusions: The concept of the genus Derris s.s. should be reorganized with a new generic circumscription by including Paraderris but excluding Brachypterum . Synapomorphic morphological features will be examined in future studies, and the status of the newly defined Derris and its closely related taxa will be formalized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a revision of the genus Derris, and the genera of similar morphology, Aganope and Paraderris found in Thailand, and describes and illustrates two new species, Derris glabra Sirichamorn and Derris pseudomarginata Sirichamorn. Sixteen out of the 50 species of the genus Derris can be found in Thailand. The difference between Derris s. s. and Paraderris is in the flower and inflorescence structure, with Paraderris having larger flowers and basal callosities on the petals.

In the present study, ethanol extract of aerial parts of Derris trifoliata Lour was evaluated for its diuretic activity by measuring urine volume in mice and general toxicity activity by brine shrimp test (BST) as a part of pharmacological screening of this plant. Compared to control animals, the plant extracts showed significant increment on diuresis, particularly in relation to the total urine excreted in 24 hour. In BST lethality biassay, the plant extract exhibited significant toxicity towards the brine shrimp nauplii. Preliminary phytochemical analyses of the extract indicated the presence of a wide variety of natural product classes that showed significant activities in the bioassays. The overall results suggest that D. Trifoliate aerial extracts contain some active principles possessing significant diuretic and toxicity activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The phytochemical study of the whole plant of Derris scandens (Leguminosae) has resulted in the isolation of a new isoflavone derivative, scandinone A (11), together with 11 known compounds (1-10, 12). Structural elucidations of these compounds were performed using spectroscopic methods especially 1D, 2D NMR, and mass spectral analyses. The α-glucosidase-inhibitory activity of the isolates was also evaluated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Bioactivity-directed investigation of root extract of Derris scandens has led to the isolation and characterization of a new benzil derivative (11), along with ten known compounds (1–10). Their structures were determined on the basis of extensive spectroscopic (IR, MS, 1D and 2D NMR) data analysis and by comparison with the literature data. The insect antifeedant activity and growth inhibitory studies of these compounds were investigated against castor semilooper pest, Achaea janata using a no-choice laboratory bioassay. Several of the isolates displayed potent feeding deterrence and were also toxic or caused developmental abnormalities following topical administration. The new compound, derrisdione A was moderately active with an antifeedant index of 58.6±1.7% at 10μg/cm3 against A. janata. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This article deals with extraction and purification of deguelin, which is a main rotenoid occurred in the root of Derris trifoliate Lour. Deguelin has gained much attention of scientists because of its potential ability to inhibit cancer cell proliferation. The dried root powder was extracted with ethanol by ultrasonic-assisted extraction for 30 mm, and then filtrated and concentrated to give pasty concentrate. The concentrate was loaded onto silica gel column chromatography subsequently; and the chemical was eluted using a binary solvent mixture of petroleum ether (60-90°C)-ethyl acetate (4:1, v/v). All tentative identification was carried out by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Most crystal of deguelin was obtained after the fractions mainly containing deguelin were pooled and placed in the dark at 4°C for three days. With recrystallization from carbon tetrachlonde for three times, the purity of deguelin crystal was 99.15% and the yield was 0.55% of the dried weight of D. trifoliate Lour root. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A bioassay-guided fractionation and chemical examination of antihyperglycemic root extract of Derris indica resulted in isolation and characterization of two new furanoflavanoids (1, 2) along with thirteen known compounds (3–15). Their structures were determined on the basis of extensive spectroscopic (IR, MS, 1D and 2D NMR) data analysis and by comparison with the literature data. All the compounds were tested in vitro for intestinal α-glucosidase inhibitory and DPPH radical activity. New compounds (1, 2) displayed moderate intestinal α-glucosidase inhibitory as well as free radical scavenging activity. Other compounds also displayed varying degrees of moderate intestinal α-glucosidase inhibitory activity. Pongamol (6) displayed potent intestinal α-glucosidase inhibition. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A potent serine proteinase inhibitor was isolated and characterized from the seeds of the tropical legume liana, Derris trifoliata (DtTCI) by ammonium sulfate precipitation, ion exchange chromatography and gel filtration chromatography. SDS–PAGE as well as MALDI-TOF analysis showed that DtTCI is a single polypeptide chain with a molecular mass of ∼20kDa. DtTCI has three isoinhibitors (pI: 4.55, 5.34 and 5.72) and, inhibited both trypsin and chymotrypsin in a 1:1 molar ratio. Both Dixon plots and Lineweaver–Burk double reciprocal plots revealed a competitive inhibition of trypsin and chymotrypsin activity, with inhibition constants (Ki ) of 1.7×10−10 and 1.25×10−10 M, respectively. N-terminal sequence of DtTCI showed over 50% similarity with numerous Kunitz-type inhibitors of the Papilionoideae subfamily. High pH amplitude and broad temperature optima were noted for DtTCI, and time course experiments indicated a gradual loss in inhibitory potency on treatment with dithiothreitol (DTT). Circular Dichroism (CD) spectrum of native DtTCI revealed an unordered structure whereas exposure to thermal-pH extremes, DTT and guanidine hydrochloride (Gdn HCl) suggested that an abundance of β-sheets along with intramolecular disulfide bonds provide conformational stability to the active site of DtTCI, and that severity of denaturants cause structural modifications promoting inhibitory inactivity. Antimalarial studies of DtTCI indicate it to be a potent antiparasitic agent. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Aim: To study the chemical constituents of Derris elliptica (Roxb.) Benth. Methods: The chemical constituents were isolated by various chromatographic methods, and the chemical structures were elucidated on the basis of spectral analysis. Results: Seven rotenoids were obtained and their structures were identified as 7′-hydroxy-6a, 12a-dehydrodeguelin (1), 6-hydroxy-6a, 12a-dehydrodeguelin (2), (6aR, 12aR, 4′R, 5′S)-4′, 5′-dihydro-4′, 5′-dihydroxytephrosin (3), 6′-hydroxy-6a, 12a- dehydrorotenone (4), (-)-rotoic acid (5), (-)-deguoic acid (6), 12-deoxo-12α-acetoxyelliptone (7). Conclusions: Compound 1 is a new compound, compounds 2-6 were isolated from this genus for the first time, and compound 7 was isolated from Derris elliptica (Roxb.) Benth. for the first time. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The article reports on the use of retenone, as a piscicide, in Australia, following a discussion on plans and application issues that may be faced in considering the use. An overview of the use of noxious poeciliid fish (Phalloceros caudimaculatus) in a case study is offered. Dense aquatic vegetation prohibited adequate mixing of rotenone and allowed the survival of target fish in low rotenone concentration areas. Moreover, it was suggested to review the legislative arrangement for rotenone use.

Abstract: Various parts of Derris elliptica, Derris indica and Derris trifoliata on fractionation with a number of solvents (petrol, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, butanol and methanol) gave fractions which demonstrated a varied level of broad spectrum antibacterial activity. Good activity was exhibited by the methanol fractions of the leaves and root heart-wood, petrol, butanol and methanol fractions of the root bark of D. indica and petrol and ethyl acetate fractions of D. trifoliata. None of the plants showed antifungal activity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Traditional physicians in and around Kotagiri village near Ootacamund, use a mixture of powdered roots of Cassia occidentalis, Derris brevipes variety coriacea and Justicia simplex to control female fertility. A mixture of powdered roots of these three plants, powdered root of Derris brevipes variety coriacea and its ethanolic extract were screened for antifertility activity in proven fertile female rats at 200 and 600 mg/kg body weight, respectively and given orally on D1–7 of pregnancy. Both doses of the root powder of Derris brevipes variety coriacea showed 50% anti-implantation activity and also a significant reduction in the number of litters born. The ethanolic extract exhibited 40% anti-implantation activity when given orally at 600 mg/kg body weight. The rats, which continued their pregnancy, did not deliver any litters after their full term. Hence, the combined antifertility (anti-implantation and abortifacient) activity of the ethanolic extract was 100%. The results suggest that the ethanolic extract possesses more abortifacient type effect than the anti-implantation activity. The ethanolic extract also exhibited weak estrogenic activity when given alone and tested in immature ovariectomised female albino rats. But, when given along with ethinyl estradiol, it exhibited slight antiestrogenic activity. Histological and biochemical estimations were carried out to confirm this. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The novel compound 1'''-hydroxy-2''',3'''-epoxylupinifolin (1), together with three known prenylated flavanones were identified from the stem of Derris reticulata during our reinvestigation of the plant. The structures were determined by spectroscopic methods including detailed study of NMR spectral data (DEPT, 2D-COSY, HMQC and HMBC) as well as by chemical derivatizations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four new compounds (derriscandenon D ( 1 ), E ( 2 ), F ( 3 ), G ( 4 )) and six known isoflavones (warangalone ( 5 ), millewanin E ( 6 ), rhynedlin A ( 7 ), 6,8-diprenylgenistein ( 8 ), isolupalbigenin ( 9 ), isoscandinone ( 10 )) were isolated from the acetone extract of the branches of Derris scandens . These compounds were assayed for cell viability using the human lung carcinoma cell line A549, colorectal carcinoma cell line Colo205, epidermoid carcinoma cell line KB, the human acute lymphoblastic leukaemia cell line NALM-6, and human dermal fibroblasts. Compounds 2 and 3 significantly decreased the viability of KB cells, with IC 50 values of 2.7 and 12.9 µM, respectively. In addition, compounds 2 and 3 reduced the mitochondrial membrane potential in KB cells. Compounds 2 and 3 strongly down-regulated the cell viability of cell lines KB and NALM-6, achieving IC 50 values of 2.7 and 0.9 µM, respectively, compared with the positive control staurosporine at 1.25 and 0.01 µM, respectively.

Dalbergia beddomei and Derris kingdonwardü are described as new to science. Dalbergia kingiana Prain is reported from Burma for the first time after its type collection from Kachin Hills. The collection of D. psuedo-sissoo Miq. from Thirunelveli Hills, South India represents a rare species. The pod characters of Derris ovalifolia Wt. are given for the first time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Genus Pongamia and Derris belong to the Leguminosae family and are reported synonymously in literature. Although many compounds have been isolated from different plant parts but seed oil is known to produce non-edible medicinally important furanoflavonoids. The seed oil, commonly known as Karanj oil in Ayurvedic and Siddha traditional systems of medicine, is reported for the treatment of various skin infections and psoriasis. Several phytopharmacological investigations have proved the medicinal potential of furanoflavonoids in the skin and other disorders. Not only furanoflavonoids but several other important phenolic constituents such as chalcones, dibenzoylmethanes, aurones, isoflavones, flavanone dihydroflavonol, flavans, pterocarpans, rotenoids, coumarins, coumestans, stilbenoids and peltygynoids and their glycosides have been reported for different biological activities including antihyperglycemic, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, insecticidal, anti-alzheimer's, gastro protective, antifungal, antibacterial, etc. In the present review, the phytochemistry and pharmacological activities of the genera Pongamia and Derris have been summarized., (Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.net.)