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Under a hidden waterfall in the interior of the tropical rainforest of East Kalimantan, a new medicinal plant that produces essential oil (EO) was found with the name Strobilanthes kalimantanensis. The aim was to investigate the botanical and evaluate the pharmacognostic characteristics of S. kalimantanensis leaves from East Kalimantan, Indonesia. Pharmacognostic studies can provide recommendations for establishing quality control standards or guidelines for cultivating, harvesting, and processing S. kalimantanensis to ensure the consistent and reliable quality of medicinal products. Characteristic methods of S. kalimantanensis leaves include botanical macroscopic, fluorescence, physicochemical, and phytochemical evaluation. The plant characteristics of this plant are similar to S. kunthia and S. reptans but can be differentiated in the leaves and flowers. Fluorescence assay with sodium hydroxide 5% shows unique characteristics of secondary metabolites based on their ability to form dark green with black precipitate in Ultraviolet 365 nm. The physicochemical characteristics showed yield, water content, water-soluble, ethanol soluble, total ash value, and acid-insoluble ash. Phytochemicals showed the presence of alkaloids, polyphenols, terpenoids, and EO containing 23% trans-anethole. This evaluation report details the chemical composition, identity, and safety of S. kalimantanensis leaves.

Actilasioptera gagné (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) is a gall inducer associated with the gray mangrove, Avicennia marina (Acanthaceae) which hasn't been previously recorded in Egypt. Mangrove forests are unique functional ecosystems having much social, ecological, economic and biological importance. This work aimed to study the relationship between the gall marker Actilasioptera Gagné and the gray mangrove, Avicennia marina, in addition to evaluating the quantifications of phytochemical and proximate compositions of Avicennia marina leaves with galls and without galls, as well as their antinutrients compositions on the Red Sea coast. The results of phytochemical compositions showed that total flavonoids, flavonols, steroids, saponins, tannins, alkaloids, and total phenolic contents were statistically significant at P< 0.05 and higher in Avicennia marina leaves with galls than without galls. The total flavonoids, flavonols, and phenolic acids in the Avicennia marina leaves with galls and leaves without galls were 181.93± 1.36mg RTE/ g DW, 51.10± 0.56mg RTE/ g DW, 20.27± 0.65mg RTE/ g DW, 8.77± 0.51mg RTE/ g DW, 70.42± 0.61mg GAE/ g DW, and 26.90± 1.25mg GAE/ g DW, respectively. In addition, total steroids, saponins, tannins, and alkaloids were significantly higher in the Avicennia marina leaves with galls than in leaves without galls. The high values of proximate contents were found in Avicennia marina leaves with galls than Avicennia marina leaves without galls. Furthermore, the highest levels of anti-nutrients were found in Avicennia marina leaves with galls: oxalates, phytates, and cyanogenic glycosides were 21.60± 0.52mg/ 100g, 1.102± 0.08mg/ 100g, and 6.98± 0.22mg/ 100g, respectively. Actilasioptera Gagné can infest and damage mangrove plant leaf, leading to the death of the plant leaf as a result of access of plant defense chemicals against insect pests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cleistogamy is characterized by the presence of flowers that are permanently closed, yet they still produce fruits and seeds through autonomous self‐pollination. Populations with cleistogamous flowers can also have flowers that open, called chasmogamous, which promote cross‐pollination and genetic variability. Acanthaceae is among the families with the highest frequency of cleistogamy, observed mainly in Ruellia. This study aimed to assess cleistogamy in Ruellia blechum for the first time. In a population in Central Brazil, we analysed the production of cleistogamous and chasmogamous flowers, their fruiting, differences in flower bud size, self‐pollination in cleistogamous flowers and visitors in chasmogamous flowers. Of the flower buds observed, 35.29% remained closed (cleistogamous flowers), with 31.25% of them forming fruit. In contrast, 60.24% of the flowers that opened (chasmogamous) developed fruit. The length of cleistogamous flowers was shorter than that of chasmogamous floral buds in pre‐anthesis. On average, 24.45 pollen grains were self‐deposited on the stigma of a cleistogamous flower. The chasmogamous flowers were visited mainly by small bees. This study is the first to confirm the presence of cleistogamous flowers in R. blechum. However, their co‐occurrence with chasmogamous flowers suggests a fitness advantage for maintaining a mixed mating strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diabetes mellitus is a serious global health problem characterised by hyperglycemia due to an absolute or relative deficiency of insulin or insulin resistance. The antidiabetic potential of different natural products has been studied for a long time. Flavonoids are found in vegetables, fruits and fungi and exhibit a wide range of biological activities including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, nephroprotective, hepatoprotective and antidiabetic. Over 5000 flavonoids are distributed in the plant kingdom and have been isolated and identified. Many medicinal plants are a common part of people's daily diet in West Bengal. Many of these medicinal plants belong to the Acanthaceae family, which contains approximately 70 genera and 340 species in India and includes many phytochemical constituents like glycosides, flavonoids, phenolic compounds and terpenoids. This review explores the antidiabetic potential of natural flavonoids obtained from selected edible plants of the Acanthaceae family that are commonly available and consumed in West Bengal. Therefore, based on this information, nutritional recommendations can be made for the prediabetic population who may benefit from prioritising this in their daily diet. However, further studies are required to complete the profiling of flavonoids in more Acanthaceae family plants with antidiabetic potential. Different medicinal plants of the Fabaceae, Acanthaceae and Amaranthaceae families comprise several flavonoids that are also responsible for antidiabetic activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species, Gymnostachyum calcicola Rafidah, sp. nov. (Acanthaceae) is described from limestone karst in Peninsular Malaysia. Characters distinguishing it from related species, colour photographs, botanical illustration and provisional conservation status are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Strobilanthes dalzielii of Acanthaceae is an herb species with potentially extensive applications for its pharmaceutical and ornamental values. Due to taxonomic complications and limited genetic information, the structural characteristics, and phylogenetic relationships of the S. dalzielii chloroplast genome were assembled and characterized here for the first time. The complete chloroplast genome of S. dalzielii was 144,580 bp in length. The genome is quadripartite in structure and consists of a large single-copy region (92,137 bp) and a small single-copy region (17,669 bp), which are separated by a pair of inverted repeats (each 17,387 bp). A total of 125 genes were annotated, including 80 protein-coding, 37 transfer RNA, and eight ribosomal RNA genes. The overall GC content was 36.4%. Phylogenetic analysis based on the complete chloroplast genome sequence of 21 taxa within the tribe Ruellieae of Acanthaceae using the maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference methods revealed that Strobilanthes diverged after Ruellia; S. dalzielii is closely related to S. tonkinensis. The genomic data obtained from this study will serve as valuable information to the species delimitation and genetic classification of Strobilanthes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Dicliptera tinctoria is a member of Acanthaceae, which has a wide distribution and contains potentially medicinal species, and exhibited pharmaceutical potentials. This study sequenced and characterized the complete chloroplast genome of Dicliptera tinctoria. The newly sequenced cpDNA of D. tinctoria was 150,733 bp in length and had a typical quadripartite structure consisting of a large single copy (LSC, 82,895 bp), a small single copy (SSC, 17,249 bp), and two inverted repeat (IRs, 25,295 bp each) regions. This genome also contained 80 protein-coding genes, 30 transfer RNAs, and four ribosomal RNAs, which is identical to other chloroplast genomes in Acanthaceae family. Nucleotides diversity analysis among chloroplast genomes of Acanthaceae species revealed eight hypervariable regions, including trnK_UUU-matK, trnC_GCA-petN, accD, rps12-clpP, rps3-rps19, ycf1-ndhF, ccsA-ndhD, and ycf1. Phylogenetic analysis revealed the paraphyly of Dicliptera species and monophyly in four Acanthaceae subfamilies. These results provide an overview of genomic variations in Acanthaceae chloroplast genome, which is helpful for further genomic studies.

Synthetic pesticides, which are non-biodegradable and have detrimental effects on the environment, non-targeted organisms, and human health, are often used to control mosquitoes. This situation fostered and prompted the creation of substitutes utilizing natural products like phytoextracts and phytochemicals. The current study was set out to determine the toxicity of leaf extracts from Elytraria acaulis on the early third instar larvae of Aedes aegypti, Anopheles stephensi and Culex quinquefasciatus at doses of 31.5, 62.5, 125, 250, 500 and 1000mg/L at 24 and 48 hours of exposure. All extracts, with the exception of aqueous, demonstrated potent larvicidal effectiveness with 100% larval death in all the three studied vector mosquitoes after 48 hours. The ethanol extract showed the maximum larvicidal activity and 100% larval mortality in Aedes aegypti after 24 hours, and its respective LC50 values against Aedes aegypti, Anopheles stephensi, and Culex quinquefasciatus were 31.98, 560.29, 603.81mg/L and 20.43, 46.13 and 60.08mg/L after 24 and 48 hours. The treated larvae exhibited extremely restless behaviour, including wiggling, sinking, floating, slowness, paralysis, sinking to the bottom of the glass beaker, and ultimately death. Qualitative phytochemical study of Elytraria acaulis leaves revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, phenolics, saponins, steroids, tannins, terpenes, and terpenoids. The ethanolic extract GC-MS examination identified main phytocompounds, including imidazole, imidazolidinone, phytol, phytol acetate, octacosane, thymol 1-thiocarbonylimidazolide and methoxyacetic acid to determine the larvicidal mechanism of action and the cause of larval death. It is quite exciting to note, based on the results of the current investigation, that Elytraria acaulis leaf extracts, particularly ethanol extract, demonstrated good larvicidal efficacy. The present study documents the first report on the effectiveness of Elytraria acaulis ethanolic leaf extract against the larvae of Aedes aegypti, Anopheles stephensi, and Culex quinquefasciatus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article titled "Strobilanthes khasyana (Acanthaceae): an addition to the flora of Nagaland, India" discusses the discovery of a new species of Strobilanthes in Nagaland, India. The genus Strobilanthes is mostly found in Asia's tropical and sub-tropical hilly regions, with 150 species in India and about 20 species in Nagaland. The newly discovered species, Strobilanthes khasyana, was previously unknown in Nagaland and is endemic to Meghalaya, Sikkim, and West Bengal. The article provides a taxonomic description of the species and includes photographs and distribution information. [Extracted from the article]

Background: Justicia L. is the largest genus in Acanthaceae Juss. and widely distributed in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Previous phylogenetic studies have proposed a general phylogenetic framework for Justicia based on several molecular markers. However, their studies were mainly focused on resolution of phylogenetic issues of Justicia in Africa, Australia and South America due to limited sampling from Asia. Additionally, although Justicia plants are of high medical and ornamental values, little research on its genetics was reported. Therefore, to improve the understanding of its genomic structure and relationships among Asian Justicia plants, we sequenced complete chloroplast (cp.) genomes of 12 Asian plants and combined with the previously published cp. genome of Justicia leptostachya Hemsl. for further comparative genomics and phylogenetic analyses. Results: All the cp. genomes exhibit a typical quadripartite structure without genomic rearrangement and gene loss. Their sizes range from 148,374 to 151,739 bp, including a large single copy (LSC, 81,434–83,676 bp), a small single copy (SSC, 16,833–17,507 bp) and two inverted repeats (IR, 24,947–25,549 bp). GC contents range from 38.1 to 38.4%. All the plastomes contain 114 genes, including 80 protein-coding genes, 30 tRNAs and 4 rRNAs. IR variation and repetitive sequences analyses both indicated that Justicia grossa C. B. Clarke is different from other Justicia species because its lengths of ndhF and ycf1 in IRs are shorter than others and it is richest in SSRs and dispersed repeats. The ycf1 gene was identified as the candidate DNA barcode for the genus Justicia. Our phylogenetic results showed that Justicia is a polyphyletic group, which is consistent with previous studies. Among them, J. grossa belongs to subtribe Tetramerinae of tribe Justicieae while the other Justicia members belong to subtribe Justiciinae. Therefore, based on morphological and molecular evidence, J. grossa should be undoubtedly recognized as a new genus. Interestingly, the evolutionary history of Justicia was discovered to be congruent with the morphology evolution. Conclusion: Our study not only elucidates basic features of Justicia whole plastomes, but also sheds light on interspecific relationships of Asian Justicia plants for the first time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Premise: What maintains mixed mating is an evolutionary enigma. Cleistogamy—the production of both potentially outcrossing chasmogamous and obligately selfing cleistogamous flowers on the same individual plant—is an excellent system to study the costs of selfing. Inbreeding depression can prevent the evolution of greater selfing within populations, and heterosis in crosses between populations may further tip the balance in favor of outcrossing. Few empirical estimates of inbreeding depression and heterosis in the same system exist for cleistogamous species. Methods: We investigate the potential costs of selfing by quantifying inbreeding depression and heterosis in three populations of the cleistogamous perennial Ruellia humilis Nutt (Acanthaceae). We performed three types of hand‐pollinations—self, outcross‐within, and outcross‐between populations—and measured seed number, germination, total flower production, and estimated cumulative fitness for the resulting progeny in a greenhouse experiment. Results: We found moderate inbreeding depression for cumulative fitness (<30%) in two populations, but outbreeding depression for crosses within a third population (–26%). For between‐population crosses, there was weak to modest heterosis (11–47%) in two of the population combinations, but modest to strong outbreeding depression (–21 to –71%) in the other four combinations. Conclusions: Neither inbreeding depression nor heterosis was of sufficient magnitude to explain the continued production of chasmogamous flowers given the relative energetic advantage of cleistogamous flowers previously estimated for these populations. Outbreeding depression either within or between populations makes the maintenance of chasmogamous flowers even harder to explain. More information is needed on the genetic basis of cleistogamy to resolve this conundrum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Strobilanthes crispa (L.) Blume (S. crispa) is a folklore medicinal plant of the genus Strobilanthes (Acanthaceae), traditionally used in Malaysia and Indonesia to treat various diseases such as breast and uterine cancers, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, gastrointestinal and kidney diseases, typhoid, jaundice, piles, high cholesterol, and ulcers. Several studies have shown that S. crispa contains a variety of phytochemicals, including terpenoids, flavonoids, phenolic compounds, sulfur-containing, steroids, chlorophylls, benzofuran, fatty acids, and other simple metabolites. Furthermore, based on its traditional uses, S. crispa has demonstrated a wide range of in vitro and in vivo pharmacological activities. These activities include antihyperglycemic, antioxidant, antimicrobial, wound healing, anticancer, anti-trypanosomal, anti-inflammatory, anti-obesity, anti-urolithiatic, anti-angiogenic, and vasorelaxant activity. The paper aims to provide a comprehensive review of the current understanding of traditional use, toxicity, phytochemicals, and pharmacological studies of S. crispa, thereby validating its ethnopharmacological applications and exploring possible research opportunities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the objective of studying the influence of elicitors on the growth, yield, and quality of kalmegh, we carried out an investigation for two consecutive years. Nine treatments with three replications were laid out in a completely randomized design (CRD). Chitosan (CHT), yeast extract (YE), jasmone acid (JA), and salicylic acid (SA)were evaluated at different concentrations. The CHT treatment at 1000 ppm exhibited the tallest plant height (73.91 cm) and the highest number of secondary branches (29.07) at the time of harvest. The primary branches and number of leaves per plant were highest with the CHT treatment at 1000 ppm (26.36; 88.32), and were not significantly different with the SA treatment at 200 ppm (26.28; 81.51). The plant spread was the highest with the SAtreatment at 200 ppm (35.46 cm2) and was not significantly different with the CHT treatment at 1000 ppm (35.11 cm2). The CHT and SA sprays did not result in significant changes in yield parameters, but the highest fresh (42.34 g) and dry (18.30) herbage yields per plant were exhibited with the SA treatment at 200 ppm. The highest total chlorophyll (4.459 mg g−1) and total andrographolide (3.494%) contents were recorded after treatment with the SA spray at 200 ppm. A significant and positive improvement in the growth, yield, and quality of kalmegh was noticed with the salicylic acid spray treatment at 200 ppm 30 and 60 days after sowing (DAS), signifying its benefits for the cultivation of kalmegh in terms of high productivity, quality, and better returns for farmers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims Few studies of angiosperms have focused on androecial evolution in conjunction with evolutionary shifts in corolla morphology and pollinator relationships. The Western Hemisphere clade of Justiciinae (Acanthaceae) presents the rare opportunity to examine remarkable diversity in staminal morphology. We took a phylogenetically informed approach to examine staminal diversity in this hypervariable group and asked whether differences in anther thecae separation is associated with phylogenetically informed patterns of variation in corolla morphology. We further discuss evidence for associations between anther diversity and pollinators in this lineage. Methods For the Dianthera / Sarotheca / Plagiacanthus (DSP) clade of Western Hemisphere Justiciinae, we characterized floral diversity based on a series of corolla measurements and using a model-based clustering approach. We then tested for correlations between anther thecae separation and corolla traits, and for shifts in trait evolution, including evidence for convergence. Key Results There is evolutionary vagility in corolla and anther traits across the DSP clade with little signal of phylogenetic constraint. Floral morphology clusters into four distinct groups that are, in turn, strongly associated with anther thecae separation, a novel result in Acanthaceae and, to our knowledge, across flowering plants. These cluster groups are marked by floral traits that strongly point to associations with pollinating animals. Specifically, species that are known or likely to be hummingbird pollinated have stamens with parallel thecae, whereas those that are likely bee or fly pollinated have stamens with offset, divergent thecae. Conclusions Our results suggest that anther thecae separation is likely under selection in concert with other corolla characters. Significant morphological shifts detected by our analyses corresponded to putative shifts from insect to hummingbird pollination. Results from this study support the hypothesis that floral structures function in an integrated manner and are likely subject to selection as a suite. Further, these changes can be hypothesized to represent adaptive evolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The use of plants for medicinal purposes continues to expand rapidly across the world. Up to 80% of the world’s population is estimated to rely heavily on herbal medicines for their primary health care. Graptophyllum pictum leaves (GPL) have long been used as herbal medicine for several diseases or health conditions. However, until now, there have been only limited studies regarding laboratory experiments and the pharmacological effects of GPL. Purpose: To summarize the phytopharmacology aspect of GPL used for medical and dental purposes. Review: Based on the 36 articles included, GPL is widely used in medicine and dentistry, such as for treatment of hemorrhoids, periodontitis, and candidiasis, due to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antifungal properties. However, the current research study designs are still in vitro and in vivo experiments. Continuing experiments and clinical tests are needed to explore the essential use of the GPL. Conclusion: GPL can be used for medical and dental purposes due to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, and antifungal properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An ethyl acetate leaf extract from Odontonema strictum has been reported to have potent antihypertensive activity by inhibiting coronary artery contractions in porcine heart. However, the phytochemistry of the active fraction was unknown. Here we report, for the first time, the isolation and characterization of four known α-pyrones from the active fraction. The antioxidant activity of umuravumbolide (IC50 = 55.7±0.027 µg/mL), deacetylumuravumbolide (IC50 = 0.24±0.0002 µg/mL), dideacetylboronolide (IC50 = 149±0 µg/mL) and deacetylboronolide (IC50 = 24±0 µg/mL) was evaluated in vitro against 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radicals. Ascorbic acid was used as a positive control (IC50 = 1.73x10--3±0.3 µg/mL). The presence of 6-substituted 5,6-dihydro-α-pyrones and phenylpropanoid glucosides in the active fraction was suggested to be responsible for the antihypertensive activity. This is the first time that the antioxidant potential of these phytochemicals has been evaluated, and the results indicate that O. strictum has potential as an herbal medicine. Thus, further chemotaxonomic studies among the genera Odontonema and Tetradenia, a known source of α-pyrones, are recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An account of the genus Acanthus in Greece is presented. Descriptions of the species with notes on ecology and geographical distribution, illustrations, maps and a key to the taxa are provided. Acanthus greuterianus is reduced to synonymy of A. caroli-alexandri. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hygrophila auriculata (Schumach) Heine is a tropical herb from the Acanthaceae family. Owing to its traditional and folklore medicinal properties and in numerous preclinical investigations, this plant has been shown to have a variety of pharmacological effects. Firstly, the leaves were subjected to ethanol-based extraction, followed by preliminary phytochemical screening. After calculating the safe dose of EHAE extract using the acute oral toxicity OECD 420 guideline, it was revealed that at a maximum dose of EHAE of 2000 mg/kg BW and showing no signs of toxicity or mortality, the doses of 250 and 500 mg/kg BW were chosen for the study. For each disease model, a group of six animals was allocated. Intriguingly, results from all three models indicated a significant and dosedependent reduction of serum biomarkers upon EHAE administration. Further in vitro antioxidant activity was also carried out for the extract. The results showed a significant elevation of antioxidant markers at both doses, showing strong antioxidant activity. The present investigation identified that EHAE extract exhibited a promising protective effect against drug-induced nephrotoxicity in rodents. In this line, our current effort is a preliminary one to investigate the leaves of this herb against nephrotoxicity using albino Wister rats in different drug-induced animal models such as cisplatin, gentamycin, and paracetamol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vasaka-Adhatoda vasica, (Acanthaceae) is a medicinal plant used in traditional formulations for the treatment of various disease conditions. The physicochemical properties fluctuate with the season and in response to stress. To obtain the highest medicinal value it is necessary to collect the plant raw material in the correct season. The present study was aim to evaluate the physiochemical fluctuations in the leaves of Adhatoda vasica and the vasicine, an antidiabetic constituent in these leaves. Leaves were collected in every month of a year at different time and places and authentication and standardization was done. The leaves were evaluated for the macroscopic and microscopic evaluation, quantitative microscopy, proximate phytochemical analysis, extractive values in petroleum ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate, ethanol, water, and determination of the concentration of antidiabetic component vasicine. The leaves showed morphological and microscopical variations in different seasons. The phytochemical composition was the same in all seasons however the levels of extractive values fluctuated in response to seasonal variations. Maximum levels of ethanol and water extract were obtained in the winter season also the vasicine concentration was higher in this season. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant surface microstructure and its ultrastructural cuticular patterns, especially of the petal surface, is diverse in nature, and has associated diverse biological functions. These microstructures can be primary as well as secondary, i.e. hierarchical in development. Since the discovery of these structures over a century ago, many functional aspects about them, including biological, chemical, and physical, have been constantly redefined over the years. Funneliform flowers, an example of synorganization in corolla, are known to be a derived trait in angiosperms. As for pollinator interaction, gamopetalous corolla is a definite advantage because it provides a sturdy seat or a sturdy receptacle for the pollinator depending on the type of pollinator. Petal folds likewise play a role in increasing the total size of the interacting surface of the petal with the pollinator without losing compactness in the bargain. We illustrate that petal folds have multiple evolutionary occurrences in Acanthaceae as well as in Asterids and therefore provide a strong reason for their functional association with the corresponding types of floral forms. We present observations on petal folds and their surface microstructure in two Ruellia species studied, and note that the microstructure differs in different regions containing petal folds—denser on out-folds compared to the in-folds—throughout the throat of the funneliform corolla. We then discuss: (a) how these secondary microstructures differentiating in the two types of folds could be associated with varied functional aspects, and (b) what might be governing this differential development of cuticular secondary microstructure, through some hypotheses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Staurogyne concinnula (Hance) O. Kuntze (Acanthaceae) is an important ornamental herb mainly distributed in the southern region of China, including Fujian, Guangdong, Hainan, and Taiwan provinces. However, the complete chloroplast genome of S. concinnula, which could serve as a genetic resource for studies on its taxonomy and evolution, is poorly studied at present. In this study, we reported the complete chloroplast genome of S. concinnula that was assembled using high-throughput sequencing data. The chloroplast genome was 153,783 bp long, with a typical quadripartite structure containing a small single-copy region (SSC; 17,855 bp), a large single-copy region (LSC; 84,636 bp) and a pair of inverted repeats (IRs; each 25,646 bp). The overall GC content of the chloroplast genome was 38.04%. A total of 86 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 8 rRNA genes, and 37 tRNA genes were predicted. Phylogenetic analysis based on the combined sequences of 86 PCGs with the other 16 closely related species of Acanthaceae indicated that S. concinnula is closely related to Avicennia marina. The genomic data and finding from the phylogenetic studies of S. concinnula could provide useful information and give light to in-depth studies on the evolution pattern of the understudied species, as well as Staurogyne. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Green nanotechnology, the science that utilizes various plant resources for the synthesis of nanoparticles without posing any chemical hazard has proved to be highly efficient and environment friendly technique. This opens up options for the synthesis of novel nanoparticles with desirable characteristics required for various application viz., biosensors, biomedicine, cosmetics, nanobiotechnology, as antimicrobials, electronics, sensing etc. In this context, here, we have made an attempt for cost effective and eco-friendly synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using the extract of medicinally important plant Justicia neesii Ramamoorthy. The phytochemical analysis of the extract exhibited the presence of glycosides, flavonoids, lignins, phenols, phytosterols, reducing sugars, saponins, etc. The absorbance peak of the biofabricated nanoparticles at 425 nm as indicated by UV-Vis spectrophotometer broadens with increase in time indicating their poly dispersity nature and particle size analyzer revealed the average size to be in the range of 20-45 nm. The antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of the synthesized AgNPs demonstrated promising results. The kinetics of in vitro drug release profile of the drug loaded AgNPs was carried out and the data obtained was correlated with various mathematical models. The drug release from AgNPs at both the pH's shows good fit to the First order model which is obvious from the high values of coefficient of correlation which logically means that the release of drug from AgNPs is dependent on the concentration present within the nanoparticles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Acanthus ebracteatus Vahl. (family Acanthaceae) is distributed in the mangrove areas of northern Vietnam. The whole plant has the effect of dissolving blood stasis, reducing swelling, relieving pain, dissolving phlegm, and is often used to treat back pain, numbness, cough, and asthma. In our screening program for seeking cytotoxic active compounds, the methanol extract of this plant significantly showed activity and was selected for further study. In this paper we report the chemical constituents of A. ebracteatus and their cytotoxic activity towards two cancer cell lines, HepG2 and SK-LU1 in vitro. Methods: The dried and powdered aerial parts of A. ebracteatus were ultrasonically extracted with methanol. This extract was suspended in water and successively partitioned with n -hexane, dichloromethane, and ethyl acetate to give n -hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, and water-soluble extracts. These extracts were fractionated and purified by column and HPLC chromatographic methods. The chemical structures of the isolates were determined by analysis of HRESIMS, and 1D and 2D NMR, and CD spectra. The isolates were screened for their in vitro cytotoxic activity by SRB assay. Results: One new flavone glycoside (1) and ten known compounds (2 - 11), including five flavones (2 - 6), three alkaloids (7 - 9), and two phenolic glycosides (10 and 11), were isolated from the aerial parts of A. ebracteatus. Compounds 7 – 9 showed moderate cytotoxic activity against HepG2 and SK-LU1 cell lines with IC50 values ranging from 28.2 to 31.1 µM. Compounds 2 – 6, 8, 9, and 11 are reported herein from A. ebracteatus for the first time. Conclusion: One new (1) and five known flavonoids (2 - 6), together with three alkaloids (7 - 9) and two phenolic glycosides (10 and 11) were recorded from A. ebracteatus. Our results preliminarily revealed that alkaloids may be cytotoxic ingredients of A. ebracteatus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herbal plants are marvelous source of traditional & modern medicine, useful for primary health care system globally. Herbal plants are also massive sources of neutraceuticals prevent the different disease and maintain healthy life style. The study of diseases and their treatment are important part of our ancient time worldwide. The awareness of medicinal plants must have been accumulated in the course of many centuries. Herbal medicine prepare different part of plant are used. Hygrophila difformis Blume is well known as water wisteria. It is tropical aquarium plant used as environmental ornaments. It is found in different part of India and Indian subcontinent including Bangladesh, Bhutan and Nepal. The plant is used as coagulant by tribal people of East Medinipur, dist West Bengal, India. The aerial part of the plant showed good anti-oxidant property, anthelmintic activity. Also ethanolic extract of aerial parts of the plant also showed CNS depressant activity. The main aims of this research are Preliminary physico– phytochemical & phytocognostical evaluation of the aerial parts of Hygrophila difformis Blume. The current study deals with the characterization of morphological features, determination of physical parameter such as the total ash value, water soluble ash, acid insoluble ash value were 14%, 5.25%, 6.81% respectively. Loss of drying was 13%, foaming index < 100, swelling index were 0.3cm, the percent yield for petroleum ether 3.29%, cyclo hexane 2.57% chloroform 1.99%, ethanol 9.15%, and aqueous 5.46%. Also determine the presence or absence of phytochemicals such as glycosides, tannins, steroids, flavonoids and saponins.

At present, tropical arid biomes house less woody plant species diversity than tropical moist biomes, which could be due to lower rates of evolutionary diversification in the recent or distant past. Here, we study the evolutionary diversification of Petalidium (Acanthaceae), a genus of 36 species of woody shrubs found in the Namib Desert of southwest Africa, and surrounding areas. We generated a new, nearly fully sampled and temporally calibrated phylogeny for Petalidium using RADseq SNP data and secondary calibrations. We then investigated variation in net diversification rate across the phylogeny, the ancestral climatic niche of lineages and the link between the two. We find that arid climatic conditions are linked with increased rates of net species diversification in the genus. Despite its great age, the Namib Desert clearly hosts young plant radiations. This apparent contradiction can be explained by a scenario of high evolutionary turnover, in this case potentially caused by alternating hyper-arid and relatively mesic phases. Hyper-arid phases could result in high plant mortality and extinction of species, leading to ecological opportunity and diversification during mesic phases. Taken together, our results contribute to a growing body of literature that shows evidence for elevated rates of plant diversification in the Quaternary in arid biomes across the globe.

ABSTRACT The present survey of leaf-blade trichomes of Mendoncia used SEM and light microscopy to investigate the diversity of trichome types in Neotropical and Paleotropical species of the genus. The eglandular trichomes are filiform, uniseriate, with asymmetric epidermal cells arranged radially around the trichome, these epidermal cells may be short or elongated, oriented in two groups. These cells, when elongated, are covered with epicuticular wax, forming smooth thick plates. African species have dendritic but not stellate trichomes. Character states such as number and length of basal cells were shown to overlap within the same species and therefore their use in isolation is not recommended for subgeneric classification of Mendoncia. Neotropical Mendoncia trichomes with well-developed epidermal cells arranged radially around the trichome appear to be unique to this group, without parallel in other plant families.

The rhizomes of Acanthus mollis have traditionally been used for the treatment of several ailments involving inflammation. However, to the best of our knowledge, their chemical composition and pharmacological properties have not been studied until now. As a first approach, this study analyses the A. mollis rhizome hexane extract phytochemistry and its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant capacities in HepG2 and RAW 264.7 cell culture assays. Chemical profiling was performed with gas chromatography mass spectrometry without the modification of native molecules. Free phytosterols (such as β-sitosterol) account for 70% of detected compounds. The anti-inflammatory capacity of the rhizome extract of A. mollis is mediated by the decrease in the NO production in RAW 264.7 that has previously been stimulated with lipopolysaccharide in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, HepG2 pre-treatment with the rhizome extract prevents any damage being caused by oxidative stress, both through ROS scavenge and through the antioxidant cellular enzyme system. In this respect, the extract reduced the activity of glutathione peroxidase and reductase, which were stimulated under oxidative stress conditions. Our results suggest that the extract from the rhizomes of A. mollis may constitute a potential source of natural products with anti-inflammatory activity and could validate the traditional use of A. mollis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Justicia has more than 600 species distributed in both hemispheres, in the tropics and temperate regions, and it is used in the treatment of numerous pathologies. This study presents a review of the biological activities of plant extracts and isolated chemical constituents of Justicia (ACANTHACEAE), identified in the period from May 2011 to August 2022. We analyzed over 176 articles with various biological activities and chemical compound descriptions present in the 29 species of Justicia. These have a variety of applications, such as antioxidant and antimicrobial, with alkaloids and flavonoids (e.g., naringenin) the most frequently identified secondary metabolites. The most observed species were Justicia gendarussa Burm., Justicia procumbens L., Justicia adhatoda L., Justicia spicigera Schltdl, and Justicia pectoralis Jacq. The frontier molecular orbitals carried out using density functional theory (M062X and basis set 6-311++G(d,p) indicate reactive sites for naringenin compound and a chemical reaction on phytomedicine activity. The energy gap (206.99 kcal/mol) and dimer solid state packing point to chemical stability. Due to the wide variety of pharmacological uses of these species, this review points toward the development of new phytomedicines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adhatoda vasica (Acanthaceae) is a medicinal plant used in traditional formulations for the treatment of various disease conditions. The physicochemical properties fluctuate with the season and in response to stress. To obtain the highest medicinal value it is necessary to collect the plant raw material in the correct season. The present study was aim to evaluate the physiochemical fluctuations in the leaves of A. vasica and the vasicine, an antidiabetic constituent in these leaves. Leaves were collected in every month of a year at different time and places and authentication and standardization was done. The leaves were evaluated for the macroscopic and microscopic evaluation, quantitative microscopy, proximate phytochemical analysis, extractive values in petroleum ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate, ethanol, water, and determination of the concentration of antidiabetic component vasicine. The leaves showed morphological and microscopical variations in different seasons. The phytochemical composition was the same in all seasons however the levels of extractive values fluctuated in response to seasonal variations. Maximum levels of ethanol and water extract were obtained in the winter season also the vasicine concentration was higher in this season. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phaulopsis falcisepala is a herb or undershrub found in forest zone of West Africa and used for a wide range of ethnomedicinal purposes. Despite the ethnomedicinal importance of P. falcisepala, detailed data about its safety and toxicity is lacking. This study was done to evaluate sub-acute toxicity of P. falcisepala in rats. Whole plant of P. falcisepala was extracted with methanol. Wistar rats (n = 6/group) were administered orally with P. falcisepala extract at doses of 250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg/day for 28 days. Control group received distilled water. Physical observations were recorded daily and weights of animals were recorded weekly. After 28 days, samples of blood, serum and vital organs were obtained for haematological, biochemical and histological evaluations. Results showed that daily oral doses of P. falcisepala extract up to 1000 mg/kg for 28-days did not cause any behavioral changes or mortality. The plant extract did not induce significant alterations in bodyweights, haematological, hepatic and renal parameters and serum levels of sodium, potassium, and chloride ions. No significant differences (p > 0.05) were recorded in relative weights of ovaries, testes, heart and kidneys of experimental groups compared to control group. Changes were observed in lipid profile (p < 0.05) and histology of kidneys and liver of rats treated with plant extract, particularly at highest dose, 1000 mg/kg. These findings suggest that extract of P. falcisepala could be safely applied for its medicinal properties at low to medium doses. However, sub-acute administration of doses up to 1000 mg/kg/day could pose deleterious risk to liver and kidneys. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ruellia simplex is a medicinal plant whose leaf is used to treat pains, inflammation, and diabetes in Nigeria. The current study was undertaken to determine the antinociceptive (analgesics), anti-inflammatory, and antidiabetic activities of a novel fatty acid isolated from the leaf extract of R. simplex. Isolation of a novel fatty acid from the most active fraction was carried out on silica gel column chromatography while, antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory, and antidiabetic activities of the isolated compound were evaluated by acetic acid, carrageenan, and alloxan-induced animal models respectively. The chemical structure of the new compound was elucidated by FT-IR, NMR, GC-MS, and LC-MS. The isolated fatty acid showed inhibition of pains by decreasing abdominal writhing in mice in dose dependent fashion as well as reduced paw volume in the carrageenan-induced paw edema in rats at IC50 = 12.5 ± 1.08 µg/ml and 10.21 ± 1.02 µg/ml, respectively, whereas the antidiabetic activity showed a dose dependent reduction in blood sugar levels with IC50 = 6.02 ± 0.01 µg/ml. The compound showed the following features: R-COOH functional group at 3327 wavelength cm-1 by FTIR; EI-MS [M]+* at m/z 467, peak area 62.231% and RT 14.086 min by GC-MS; singly charged fragments at m/z 116.1 and m/z 465.1, RT 1.31 min by LC-MS and eight proton signals consisting of singlets and multiplets (1H), thirty carbon atoms (13C) NMR data. From the study, the novel fatty acid from R. simplex extract was potentially active for the treatment of pains, inflammation, and diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents a taxonomic survey of the species of Acanthaceae in the Cuiabá lowlands, an area encompassing several habitats, from rock outcrops in Chapada dos Guiamarães to the periodically flooded forest areas in the Pantanal. Herbarium collections were analyzed and 13 field expeditions were carried out to visit different phytophysiognomies and ecosystems. The family is represented by 31 species and 12 genera, the most diverse being Justicia (10 species) and Ruellia (eight species). Additionally, Dicliptera squarrosa, Dyschoriste schottiana, Ruellia blechum, R. jussieuoides, and R. trachyphylla are newly recorded in the state of Mato Grosso. The number of species is higher if compared with other taxonomic studies of Acanthaceae in Central-Western Brazil. Despite the area being overlooked by the botanical community, we expect our results will instigate further taxonomic studies in the area. This study provides an identification key, short descriptions, comments on taxonomy and distribution, and photographs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The study was conducted to quantify the nectar secretion dynamics, and honey production capacity of Hygrophila auriculata and Salvia leucantha. One day before nectar collection, a group of flowers was enclosed with mesh bags to measure accumulated nectar volume. Moreover, nectar volume, concentration, temperature, and humidity were measured at intervals of 3 hours. The collected data was analysed using One-way ANOVA and linear regression. Nectar secretion dynamics of the two species were significantly varied (at p < 0.05) at different times of the day. The nectar volume that became available between the two consecutive measurements (three-h intervals) varied from 1.5 to 2.5 μl/flower, and 4.1 to 5.5 μl/flower for H. auriculata and S. leucantha, respectively. The temperature was positively correlated with the nectar concentration for both species. However, the temperature was negatively correlated with the nectar volume of H. auriculata whereas almost at equilibrium for S. leucantha. Humidity was negatively correlated with nectar concentration for both species whereas it is positively correlated with nectar volume for H. auriculata. However, the relationships between humidity and nectar volume were almost found at equilibrium for S. leucantha. Based on the mean amount of nectar sugar secreted by the plants, the mean honey production potentials of the species were estimated to be 29.88 kg and 60.2 kg/ha depending on the size of the plants for H. auriculata and S. leucantha, respectively. Therefore, propagation and in-situ conservation of these species are also recommended for sustainable honey production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thunbergia erecta (Benth.) T. Anders. is an upright shrub species of Acanthaceae with great ecological and economical values. In this paper, we explored the complete chloroplast genome sequence of T. erecta using next generation sequencing to provide genomic resources that could help to promote its conservation. The genome of T. erecta is 152,202 bp in length, containing a large single-copy region of 84,232 bp, and a small single-copy region of 17,656 bp. It encodes a total of 131 genes, including 8 rRNA genes, 37 tRNA genes, 84 protein-coding genes and 2 pseudo genes. The GC content of T. erecta genome is 38.47%. The phylogenetic analysis suggests that it was closely related to Avicennia marina in Acanthaceae. In addition, we found that T. erecta appeared late clade in the whole family while outgroups plants appeared even later. T. erecta is morphologically similar to other plants in Acanthaceae, but is genetically closed to the outgroup species.

Premise: In the absence of hawkmoth pollinators, chasmogamous (CH) flowers of Ruellia humilis self‐pollinate by two secondary mechanisms. Other floral visitors might exert selection on CH floral traits to restore outcrossing, but at the same time preferential predation of CH seeds generates selection to increase the allocation of resources to cleistogamous (CL) flowers. Methods: To assess the potential for an evolutionary response to these competing selection pressures, we estimated additive genetic variances (σA2 ${\sigma }_{{\rm{A}}}^{2}$) and covariances for 14 reproductive traits and three fitness components in a Missouri population lacking hawkmoth pollinators. Results: We found significant σA2 ${\sigma }_{{\rm{A}}}^{2}$ for all 11 floral traits and two measures of resource allocation to CL flowers, indicating the potential for a short‐term response to selection on most reproductive traits. Selection generated by seed predators is predicted to increase the percentage of CL flowers by 0.24% per generation, and mean stigma–anther separation is predicted to decrease as a correlated response, increasing the fraction of plants that engage in prior selfing. However, the initial response to this selection is opposed by strong directional dominance. Conclusions: The predicted evolutionary decrease in the number of CH flowers available for potential outcrossing, combined with the apparent preclusion of potential diurnal pollinators by the pollen‐harvesting activities of sweat bees, suggest that 100% cleistogamy is the likely outcome of evolution in the absence of hawkmoths. However, rare mutations with large effects, such as delaying budbreak until after sunrise, could provide pathways for the restoration of outcrossing that are not reachable by gradual quantitative‐genetic evolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to authenticate the genomic information of Barleriacristata L., B. lupulina Lindl., B. repens Nees, B. siamensis Craib, and B. strigosa Willd, cp genomes were investigated. They revealed a general structure with a total size of 151,997–152,324 bp. The genomes encoded a total of 131 genes, including 86 CDS, 37 tRNA, and 8 rRNA genes. Other details found were as follows: different numbers and types of SSRs; identical gene content, which is adjacent to the border regions, except for B. strigosa, that revealed a shorter ndhF gene sequence and lacked the ycf1 gene; slightly different genetic distance values, which can be used for species identification; three distinct gaps of nucleotide variations between the species located at the intergenic spacer regions of the LSC and CDS of the SSC; three effective molecular markers derived from divergent hotspot regions, including the ccsA-ndhD, ndhA-ndhH-rps15, and ycf1. The genetic relationships derived from the cp genome and the CDS phylogenetic trees of Barleria and the 13 genera in Acanthaceae and different families, Scrophulariaceae and Phrymaceae, showed similar results. The six Barleria species as monophyletic groups with inner and outer outgroups were found to have perfect discrimination. These results have helped to authenticate the five Barleria species and the six genera in Acanthaceae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, the shade dried powdered leaves of Rhinacanthus nasutus (L.) Kurz., was subjected to maceration with ethyl acetate, concentrated and evaporated to dryness. The ethyl acetate extract was subjected to anion exchange column chromatography and the isolated rhinacanthin enriched extract was analyzed by thin layer chromatography and fourier-transform infrared studies. In the present study, the in vitro cytotoxic activity of the rhinacanthin rich extract of Rhinacanthus nasutus (L) Kurz., over SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cell line was assessed by 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide assay and compared with the standard drug doxorubicin. The preliminary phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, quinones, glycosides, carbohydrates, amino acids and tannins. The thin layer chromatography profiling showed the presence of secondary metabolites in various mobile phase systems. Fourier-Transform Infrared analysis of rhinacanthin enriched extract confirmed the presence of functional groups including 1, 4-quinone carbonyl component. The results of in vitro cell line studies revealed a dose dependent cytotoxic effect on human neuroblastoma cell lines with an IC50 value of 88.9 µg/ml. Thus the results validate the potential of rhinacanthin enriched extract against neuroblastoma cancer and based on this initial screening, further studies at elucidation of its molecular mechanism as cancer therapeutics can be undertaken. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rungia fangdingiana, a new species of Acanthaceae from Guangxi, China is described and illustrated. This new species belongs to Rungia sect. Rungia, and resembles R. sinothailandica and R. burmanica in the erect perennial herbaceous habit, elliptic leaves and inflorescence form, but differs mainly by the indumentum and the morphology of the bracts and corolla. The pollen and seed micromorphology of this new species are studied, with photographs and a line drawing provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Barleria cristata L., commonly known as the Philippine violet, is native to South Asia. It is an ornamental plant and is also used for the treatment of a variety of diseases. In India, it is found throughout the country in many forms, varying in its floral attributes (calyx and corolla) and habitat. In order to understand the species limits in B. cristata, we studied morphological as well as palynological variation and assessed the phylogenetic relationships among five different morphotypes. The studied morphotypes (populations) came from three phytogeographical regions, namely the Western Ghats, the Deccan Peninsula and the Western Himalaya. The naturally occurring populations from the Deccan Peninsula and the Western Himalaya showed conspicuous differences in their morphology. All the morphotypes had oblate spheroidal, tri-brevicolporate and honey-combed pollen grains which differed only in their quantitative parameters. The distinct-looking morphotypes, namely, Nandi Hills, Uttarakhand and cultivated morphotypes, could not be separated based on pollen characters. Phylogenetic analyses based on chloroplast DNA sequences revealed that our samples formed a clade sister to the B. cristata specimen used in the previous study. The genetic variation within morphotypes was not enough for the genomic regions investigated; however, it revealed among morphotype genealogies in detail. Phylogenetic analyses showed that there were three monophyletic groups within the B. cristata complex that exhibited some morphological differences. Nevertheless, based on the present sampling, it is not possible to delimit these morphotypes at specific or infraspecific level. To reach such conclusions, further investigations like sampling this species across its distribution range in India and assessment of intraspecific relationships, and their cytogenetical characterization should be done. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ruellia tuberosa (family Acanthaceae) is widely known in traditional medicine in Asian countries for the treatment of diabetes and other diseases. Its roots were demonstrated to possess a hypoglycemic ability in diabetic animal models. In this study, an original induced procedure was investigated to establish hairy root (HR) from R. tuberosa. With the aim of increasing the transformation rate, some induced factors (acetosyringone (AS) dosage, type of explant, age, infection time, bacterial density, co-cultivation duration) were individually examined. As a result, an improved procedure was implemented: ten-day-old in vitro cotyledon explants were injured and then immersed in the bacterial suspension (OD600 nm = 0.4) added 200 μM AS during 10 min. The infected explants were co-cultivated for 4 days in the Murashige & Skoog (MS) medium before transferring to the medium containing cefotaxime for bacterial elimination. After thirty days of culture, the improved procedure revealed a synergistic effect by enhancing the rooting rate and number of secondary roots per explant up to 4.4- and 8.0-fold, respectively, in comparison with the original procedure. The R. tuberosa HR was then cultured in liquid MS medium and achieved the highest biomass production at the late exponential growth phase (3rd week). Its ethanol extract was also higher 2.0-fold in 6-glucosidase inhibitory activity than that of the natural root. In conclusion, the 6-glucosidase inhibitory activity of HR inducing by the improved procedure may offer an effective and reliable substitute for the utilization of this herbal plant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Justicia pectoralis Jacq., widely used in traditional Cuban medicine as sedative and anxiolytic. Its main components, coumarins, have a recognized sedative activity, are used as markers in various extracts obtained from this plant. The hydroalcoholic extract 30% is used as raw material in the preparation of syrup. Microwave assisted extraction is of recognized importance because of the speed and efficiency in obtaining phytoconstituents compared to conventional methods and Response Surface Methodology is an efficient statistical tool that has been successfully used in testing process parameters and their interactive effects. The objtetive of this work was optimize the obtaining of the hydroalcoholic extract 30% of Justicia pectoralis Jacq. by means of microwave energy through a Box-Behnken design under the response surface methodology. A Sanyo EM-T109SS modified domestic microwave oven was used. Three variables irradiation power (540 – 900 W), time (2-5 min), and liquid to solid ratio (10 -20 mL/g) were regarded as factors in the response surface design of Box-Behnken of 15 executions, including 3 center points. The yield of total coumarins was used as the response variable. The optimal conditions were 4 min at 540 W and a liquid to solid ratio of 20 ml/g for a predicted value of total coumarins of 0.48 mg/g. Compared to the traditional method by reflux (2 h and 0.42 mg/g), the EAM demonstrated significant time savings, with greater recovery of coumarins. The results showed that microwave-assisted extraction can be used as an efficient method to obtain hydroalcoholic extract of Justicia pectoralis Jacq. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Asystasia gangetica (A. gangetica) leaves exhibiting yellow mosaic symptoms were tested for the presence of begomovirus infection. The putative full-length of a bipartite begomovirus components A and B molecules, respectively were amplified, sequenced, and analyzed. This represents a distinct begomovirus species infecting Asystasia in Benin Republic in West Africa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The presence of Barleria prionitis L., a naturalized species of the Acanthaceae family, is confirmed in Cuba in the ruderal flora of Boyeros and La Lisa municipalities, in the Havana province. Information is provided on nomenclature, phenotype, distribution, uses, and possible threat to urban ecosystems.

During floristic research in 2017–2020 in the Emirate of Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), we made new findings that complement the species composition of the flora of vascular plants in the territory of the Emirate and the UAE as a whole. The article provides data on 7 new ergasiophytes and ergasiophygophytes, alien to the Emirate of Fujairah: Asystasia gangetica T. Andersson (Acanthaceae) found growing wild in Dibba, A. gangetica subsp. micrantha (Nees) Y. F. Deng et N. H. Xia (Acanthaceae), as a weed in the nurseries of Dibba, Rul Dadna and Al Bidiya, Centella asiatica (L.) Urb. (Apiaceae), as a weed in Dibba town, Basella alba L. (Basellaceae) cultivated and becomes wild in Dibba town, Citrus ×limon (L.) Osbeck (Rutaceae) cultivated and often found growing wild in Dibba, the village of Sharm and other settlements of the Emirate, Murraya koenigii (L.) Spreng. cultivated and becomes wild in Dibba, Rul Dadna, Al Bidiya and other places, and M. paniculata (L.) Jack (Rutaceae) cultivated and becomes wild in plant nurseries in Dibba and Al Bidiya. Asystasia gangetica, A. micrantha, and Centella asiatica are new alien species for Fujairah Emirate and the UAE, and Basella nigra, Murraya koenigii and M. paniculata are new also for Arabia as a whole. A brief history of the study of the flora of the UAE and a preliminary summary of its species diversity are also given.

Introduction: Justicia schimperiana has been used traditionally for the treatment of wound and skin burn, but there is no scientific evidence that supports the traditional claim. Objective: To evaluate the wound healing activity of 80% methanol crude extract and solvent fractions of the leaves of Justicia schimperiana in mice. Methods: Mice were used for wound healing study, while rats were used for acute dermal toxicity test. The 80% methanol crude extract and chloroform, ethyl acetate and aqueous fractions were formulated in ointments with 5% and 10% strength. Burn, excision and incision wound models were used to evaluate the effect of the crude extract, whereas the activity of the solvent fractions was evaluated using excision wound model. Parameters such as wound contraction, and period of epithelialization were studied in the excision and burn wound models, while tensile strength was measured in incision wound model. Results: Treatment of wound with 80% methanol extract of Justicia schimperiana leaves using 5% (w/w) and 10% (w/w) ointment formulation induced significant (P< 0.05) improvement in wound contraction rate, epithelialization time and skin breaking strength in excision, incision and burn wound model, respectively as compared to negative control. The chloroform, ethyl acetate and aqueous fractions with 5% (w/w) and 10% (w/w) ointment formulation showed significant (p< 0.001) improvement in wound contraction and epithelialization time in excision wound model as compared to the negative control group. Conclusion: This study has demonstrated that the 80% methanol crude extract and solvent fractions of Justicia schimperiana leaves possess wound healing activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Caldasia is the property of Universidad Nacional de Colombia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Simple Summary: We sequenced the complete chloroplast genomes of three Ceriops species (C. decandra, C. zippeliana, and C. tagal) and Avicennia lanata and performed comparative analyses among them. All chloroplast genomes have a circular quadripartite structure containing LSC, SSC, and two IR regions. The rpl32 gene was lost in C. zippeliana, and the infA gene was present in only A. lanata. Comparative genome analysis showed that the IR contraction or expansion events resulted in the differentiation of three genes and pseudogenes. Additionally, repeats and SSRs were identified and compared among them and other relative mangrove species. The phylogenetic analysis strongly supports that C. decandra is evolutionarily closer to C. zippeliana and A. lanata is closer to A. marina. In addition, two primer pairs were developed for species identification unique to the three Ceriops species. Ceriops and Avicennia are true mangroves in the middle and seaward zones of mangrove forests, respectively. The chloroplast genomes of Ceriops decandra, Ceriops zippeliana, and Ceriops tagal were assembled into lengths of 166,650, 166,083 and 164,432 bp, respectively, whereas Avicennia lanata was 148,264 bp in length. The gene content and gene order are highly conserved among these species. The chloroplast genome contains 125 genes in A. lanata and 129 genes in Ceriops species. Three duplicate genes (rpl2, rpl23, and trnM-CAU) were found in the IR regions of the three Ceriops species, resulting in expansion of the IR regions. The rpl32 gene was lost in C. zippeliana, whereas the infA gene was present in A. lanata. Short repeats (<40 bp) and a lower number of SSRs were found in A. lanata but not in Ceriops species. The phylogenetic analysis supports that all Ceriops species are clustered in Rhizophoraceae and A. lanata is in Acanthaceae. In a search for genes under selective pressures of coastal environments, the rps7 gene was under positive selection compared with non-mangrove species. Finally, two specific primer sets were developed for species identification of the three Ceriops species. Thus, this finding provides insightful genetic information for evolutionary relationships and molecular markers in Ceriops and Avicennia species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]