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This work analyzes the safe consumption of wild mushrooms in Mexico, addresses the mushroom poisoning phenomenon, and discusses the role of communication and environmental education to prevent them. We documented that most mushroom poisonings happen in mestizo and transculturized indigenous communities. We constructed the online 'Digital repository of edible and toxic mushrooms of Mexico.' The repository contains: updated full listings of edible and toxic mushrooms, infographics of the most important species, a photograph catalogue, and information and treatment protocols for physicians. The website is a dynamic space consisting of educational information for health care specialists, mycologists, and society in general.

The tropical tree Calophyllum brasiliense Cambess. (Clusiaceae) grows in rain forests from Brazil to Mexico. Its leaves, as well as those of other Calophyllum species, are rich sources of chromanone acids, such as apetalic acid, isoapetalic acid, and their derivatives. Apetalic acid has shown significant antimycobacterial activity. The biological activity of apetalic acid has been related to the configuration of three asymmetric centers and the stereochemistry of the molecule; however, the C-19 configuration in the acidic side chain has not been fully resolved. For this reason, the unequivocal determination of the absolute configuration by means of X-ray crystallography in a sample of unique homogeneous apetalic acid stereoisomer was the most important point to start this study. Chiral amides were prepared using the carboxyl group. We determined the C-19 stereochemistry of apetalic acid and its specific chiral derivatives using NMR, X-ray diffraction, and molecular mechanics. Finally, we observed that steric hindrance in the side chain of apetalic acid leads to restriction of rotation around the pivotal linkage C-10-C-19, establishing chiral centers at C2(R), C3(S), and C19(R). We were able to separate the derivatives of these two high-rotatory-barrier conformers of apetalic acid by forming diastereoisomeric amides with phenylglycine methyl ester having a chiral center at C-2'. Our results confirmed the existence of atropisomerism in the apetalic acid molecule. Key words: NMR of apetalic acid chiral amides, absolute configuration and conformation, X-ray studies versus NMR, stable conformers of apetalic acid, high-rotatory-barrier conformers of apetalic acid. L'espece Calophyllum brasiliense Cambess. (Clusiaceae) est un arbre qui pousse dans les forets tropicales du Bresil jusqu'au Mexique. Ses feuilles, comme celles d'autres especes de Calophyllum, sont une source riche en acides de chromanone, tels que l'acide apetalique, l'acide isoapetalique et leurs derives. L'acide apetalique a montre une activite antimycobacterienne substantielle. Un lien a ete observe entre l'activite biologique de l'acide apetalique et la configuration de trois centres asymetriques ainsi que la stereochimie de la molecule. Cependant, la configuration du carbone C19 de la chaine laterale acide n'a pas ete completement resolue. Pour cette raison, la determination sans equivoque de la configuration absolue par radiocristallographie sur un echantillon d'un seul stereoisomere homogene d'acide apetalique a ete le motif le plus important pour entreprendre cette etude. Nous avons prepare des amides chiraux en utilisant le groupe carboxyle. Nous avons determine la stereochimie du carbone C19 de l'acide apetalique et de certains de ses derives chiraux au moyen de la RMN, de la diffraction des rayons X et de la mecanique moleculaire. Enfin, nous avons observe que l'encombrement sterique dans la chaine laterale de l'acide apetalique entraine une restriction de rotation autour de la liaison C10-C19, qui determine la stereochimie des centres chiraux aux positions C2(R), C3(S) et C19(R). Nous sommes parvenus a separer les derives de ces deux conformeres a barriere de rotation elevee de l'acide apetalique en formant des amides diastereoisomeriques avec l'ester methylique de la phenylglycine qui possedent un centre chiral a la position C2'. Nos resultats confirment l'existence d'atropisomerisme dans la molecule d'acide apetalique. Mots-cles : RMN d'amides chiraux de l'acide apetalique, configuration absolue et conformation, etudes par rayons X versus RMN, conformeres stables de l'acide apetalique, conformeres a barriere de rotation elevee de l'acide apetalique., Introduction The Calophyllum genus (Clusiaceae) is composed of approximately 200 tree species with a pantropical distribution. (1,2) Most of them thrive within the Indo-Pacific zone, particularly from the Malay Peninsula [...]

The genus Litsea (Lauraceae) comprises eight species in the American Continent collectively known as 'laurel'. Here, we review their botany, ethnobotany, ecology, chemistry and pharmacology to promote their international recognition, and to outline their use as condiments and as potential sources of novel phytomedicines. 'Laurel' leaves are widely used as a spice and in traditional medicine throughout Mexico and Central America. The leaves of these species are harvested mainly from wild populations in temperate forests. The most used and studied species is L. glaucescens, which is listed as endangered in Mexico. Its leaves are traded throughout the country and even exported. However, in an international context, they are considered substitutes for the Mediterranean 'bay leaf' (Laurus nobilis). Several folk medicinal applications of L. glaucescens and other species of Litsea have been experimentally validated in vitro. Although most active principles are yet to be discovered, some species may be suitable to develop new phytomedicines, especially as antidepressants and anti-inflammatory. However, research on the systematics, phytochemistry, ecology and genetics of the American species of Litsea is scarce. Further research will allow the development of such phytomedicines through the rational exploitation of natural populations or the establishment of plantations, thus avoiding 'laurel' to follow the fate of numerous Mesoamerican floristic resources which have been depleted, while their economic and medicinal potential remained largely untapped. Keywords Bay leaf * Ethnopharmacology * Non-timber forest products * Phytochemistry * Sustainable harvest, Introduction The spice known as 'bay leaf' is well known worldwide and is obtained from Laurus nobilis L. (Lauraceae), a tree native to the Mediterranean region in Europe. Besides its [...]

The need for new drugs to treat human infections is a global health concern. Diseases like tuberculosis, trypanosomiasis, amoebiasis, and AIDS remain significant problems, especially in developing countries like Mexico. Despite existing treatments, issues such as resistance and adverse effects drive the search for new alternatives. Herein, we introduce the NUATEI research consortium, made up of experts from the Institute of Biomedical Research at UNAM, who identify and obtain natural and synthetic compounds and test their effects against human pathogens using in vitro and in vivo models. The consortium has evaluated hundreds of natural extracts and compounds against the pathogens causing tuberculosis, trypanosomiasis, amoebiasis, and AIDS, rendering promising results, including a patent with potential for preclinical studies. This paper presents the rationale behind the formation of this consortium, as well as its objectives and strategies, emphasizing the importance of natural and synthetic products as sources of antimicrobial compounds and the relevance of the diseases studied. Finally, we briefly describe the methods of the evaluation of the compounds in each biological model and the main achievements. The potential of the consortium to screen numerous compounds and identify new therapeutic agents is highlighted, demonstrating its significant contribution to addressing these infectious diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Boletín Médico del Hospital Infantil de México is the property of Publicidad Permanyer SLU 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.)

Copyright of Gaceta Médica de México is the property of Publicidad Permanyer SLU 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.)

This work analyzes the safe consumption of wild mushrooms in Mexico, addresses the mushroom poisoning phenomenon, and discusses the role of communication and environmental education to prevent them. We documented that most mushroom poisonings happen in mestizo and transculturized indigenous communities. We constructed the online 'Digital repository of edible and toxic mushrooms of Mexico.' The repository contains: updated full listings of edible and toxic mushrooms, infographics of the most important species, a photograph catalogue, and information and treatment protocols for physicians. The website is a dynamic space consisting of educational information for health care specialists, mycologists, and society in general. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increased antibiotic resistance presents a health problem worldwide. The World Health Organization published a list of pathogens considered a priority for designing new treatments. Klebsiella pneumoniae (Kp) is a top-priority microorganism, highlighting the strains that produce carbapenemases. Developing new efficient therapies or complementing existing treatments is a priority, and essential oils (EOs) provide an alternative. EOs could act as antibiotic adjuvants and enhance antibiotic activity. Employing standard methodologies, the antibacterial activity of the EOs and their synergic effect with antibiotics were detected. A string test was used to identify the impact of the EOs over the hypermucoviscosity phenotype presented by Kp strains, and Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry analysis identified EOs and the composition of EOs. The potential of EOs for designing synergistic therapies with antibiotics to combat the infection of KPC diseases was demonstrated. In addition, the alteration of the hypermucoviscosity phenotype was shown as the principal mechanism of a synergic action between EOs and antibiotics. The differential composition of the EOs lets us identify some molecules that will be analyzed. Synergic activity of EOs and antibiotics can provide a solid platform for combating multiresistant pathogens that represent a severe health sector problem, such as Kp infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The tropical tree Calophyllum brasiliense Cambess. (Clusiaceae) grows in rain forests from Brazil to Mexico. Its leaves, as well as those of other Calophyllum species, are rich sources of chromanone acids, such as apetalic acid, isoapetalic acid, and their derivatives. Apetalic acid has shown significant antimycobacterial activity. The biological activity of apetalic acid has been related to the configuration of three asymmetric centers and the stereochemistry of the molecule; however, the C-19 configuration in the acidic side chain has not been fully resolved. For this reason, the unequivocal determination of the absolute configuration by means of X-ray crystallography in a sample of unique homogeneous apetalic acid stereoisomer was the most important point to start this study. Chiral amides were prepared using the carboxyl group. We determined the C-19 stereochemistry of apetalic acid and its specific chiral derivatives using NMR, X-ray diffraction, and molecular mechanics. Finally, we observed that steric hindrance in the side chain of apetalic acid leads to restriction of rotation around the pivotal linkage C-10–C-19, establishing chiral centers at C2(R), C3(S), and C19(R). We were able to separate the derivatives of these two high-rotatory-barrier conformers of apetalic acid by forming diastereoisomeric amides with phenylglycine methyl ester having a chiral center at C-2′. Our results confirmed the existence of atropisomerism in the apetalic acid molecule. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Boletín Latinoamericano y del Caribe de Plantas Medicinales y Aromáticas is the property of Universidad de Santiago de Chile 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.)

Although there is a growing interest in the effects of intra‐specific plant genetic variation on species interactions, the effects of plant sex, an important axis of genetic variation, have been less studied. In addition, previous work investigating plant sex effects on species interactions has frequently focused on bitrophic interactions (e.g., herbivory), usually ignoring plant sex effects on higher trophic levels (i.e., natural enemies). Here, we investigated the effects of plant sex on herbivore abundance and that of their natural enemies associated with the dioecious shrub Buddleja cordata Kunth (Scrophulariaceae). Furthermore, we measured a subset of plant traits frequently involved in herbivore resistance and the potentially underlying plant sex effects. To this end, we recorded the abundances of a specialist leaf‐chewing caterpillar [Acronyctodes mexicanaria Walker (Lepidoptera: Geometridae)] throughout an entire growing season. We also recorded information about the caterpillar's parasitoids, as well as leaf water content, phenolic compounds, phosphorus, and nitrogen for male and female plants of B. cordata. Plant sex did not significantly influence caterpillar abundance but did have an effect on natural enemies, with parasitoid abundance being 2.4‐fold greater on female than on male plants. The effect of plant sex on parasitoids remained significant after accounting for caterpillar abundance, suggesting that it was underlain by a trait‐mediated (rather than density‐mediated) mechanism. Finally, we found that male plants had a higher concentration of phenolic compounds (other traits did not differ between plant sexes). These results provide valuable evidence for the extended effects of plant sex on the third trophic level and point at plant traits potentially mediating such effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Monoterpenoid indole alkaloids (MIAs) of the ibogan type, such as ibogaine, have shown promising antiaddictive effects against several drugs of abuse in humans and animal models of addiction. Unfortunately, international ibogaine demand has led to the overexploitation of natural populations of the African species Tabernanthe iboga (Apocynaceae), the main source of this alkaloid. Therefore, it is necessary to identify alternative ibogan type alkaloid-containing plant species, as well as to develop new sustainable production systems for said group of pharmaceutically important compounds. In this review, we focus on strategies for the in vitro production of the antiaddictive ibogan type MIAs coronaridine, ibogamine, voacangine, and ibogaine (collectively named "CIVI-complex") from Apocynaceae species, with particular emphasis on the Tabernaemontana genus. Since plant tissue culture (PTC)-related information on the CIVI-complex is scarce, we also consider reports on the in vitro production of other ibogan type MIAs and where necessary, of compounds belonging to the aspidospermatan, corynanthean, and plumeran type. Key message: This review aims at giving an overview of potential strategies to produce antiaddictive ibogan type alkaloids from in vitro cultures of Apocynaceae species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soulattrolide is a natural coumarin synthesized by the leaves of species of Calophyllum (Calophyllaceae) rain forest trees, including the American C. brasiliense, and the Asian C. teysmanii. Soulattrolide is a potent inhibitor of the reverse transcriptase from HIV‐1 (RT‐HIV‐1), and active against Mycobacterium tuberculosis. However, the effects of this coumarins on other systems, remains to be evaluated. C. brasiliense is used in traditional medicine for the treatment of pain and inflammation. Therefore, we decided to explore the antinociceptive, anti‐inflammatory activity of soulattrolide in mice, as well as, some of its possible effects on the CNS. Soulattrolide showed antinociceptive effects in the writhing test (ED50 = 33.8 mg/kg), as well as, in the formalin test with an ED50 = 7.9, and 22.1 mg/kg for Phases 1 and 2, respectively. The highest dose of soulattrolide (50 mg/kg) induced 40% of antinociception in the hot plate test. Regarding to anti‐inflammatory activity, in the 12‐O‐Tetradecanoylphorbol‐13‐acetate (TPA) test, soulattrolide showed an IC50 = 1.81 μmol/ear, whereas in the myeloperoxidase assay, it showed an inhibition of 87% (1 μmol/ear). Soulattrolide showed sedative effects on the pentobarbital‐induced sleeping time test, and the rotarod test, but lacked antidepressant activity on the tail suspension test. In conclusion, we report for the first time, the antinociceptive effects of soulattrolide in mice, like those of naproxen; soulattrolide also showed mild anti‐inflammatory activity, as well as mild sedative and anxiolytic properties, therefore, it has also activity on the CNS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Etnobiología is the property of Etnobiologia 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.)

Hybridization has a number of ecological and evolutionary consequences by either increasing intraspecific genetic diversity or by altering morphological characters and secondary chemical content of recombinant individuals. In this paper, we reanalyzed through nSSR and secondary metabolites four mixed stands between Tithonia tubaeformis and T. rotundifolia previously studied with RAPD markers. We amplified nSSR regions to classify individuals in mixed stands as pure or admixed individuals. Then, we explored the chemical profile of each individual in pure and mixed stands by scoring the presence/absence of one abundant flavonoid unique to T. tubaeformis and two sesquiterpene lactones unique to T. rotundifolia. Bayesian analysis of SSR data revealed the presence of pure and admixed individuals in all but one mixed stand, where no pure T. tubaeformis individuals were found. Also, contrary to previous RAPD analysis, we identified a significant number of backcrosses toward T. tubaeformis in two mixed stands. Regarding secondary chemical profiles, pure T. tubaeformis and T. rotundifolia showed characteristic chemical profiles, while admixed individuals showed a mosaic of chemical profiles; some individuals exhibited additivity, while most individuals identified as backcrosses showed dominance. However, some individuals identified as backcrosses toward T. tubaeformis lacked parental compounds, and a new chemical profile was recorded. A new flavonoid (5,3′,4′-trihydroxy-6,7,8-trimethoxyflavanone) was found in these individuals exhibiting the new chemical profile. We suggest that the presence of admixed individuals with novel combinations of secondary metabolites may increase their fitness due to their phytotoxicity and also by the protectant activities against insect herbivores and environmental stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The propolis produced by bees are used in alternative medicine for treating inflammation, and infections, presumably due to its antioxidant properties. In this context, five propolis from México were investigated to determine their inhibitory lipid peroxidation properties. The ethyl acetate extract from a red propolis from Chiapas State (4-EAEP) was the most potent (IC50 = 1.42 ± 0.07 μg/mL) in the TBARS assay, and selected for further studies. This extract afforded two new compounds, epoxypinocembrin chalcone (6), and an ε-caprolactone derivative (10), as well as pinostrobin (1), izalpinin (2), cinnamic acid (3), pinocembrin (4), kaempherol (5), 3,3-dimethylallyl caffeate in mixture with isopent-3-enyl caffeate (7a + 7b), 3,4-dimethoxycinnamic acid (8), rhamnetin (9) and caffeic acid (11). The HPLC profile, anti-mycobacterial, and antioxidant properties of this extract was also determined. Most of the isolated compounds were also tested by inhibition of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in challenged mouse bone marrow-derived mast cells (BMMCs), and DPPH. Their anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated by TPA, and MPO (myeloperoxidase) activity by ear edema test in mice. The most potent compounds were 7a + 7b in the TBARS assay (IC50 = 0.49 ± 0.06 μM), and 2 which restored the ROS baseline (3.5 μM). Our results indicate that 4-EAEP has anti-oxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties due to its active compounds, suggesting it has anti-allergy and anti-asthma potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Boletín Latinoamericano y del Caribe de Plantas Medicinales y Aromáticas is the property of Universidad de Santiago de Chile 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.)

The extracts of 14 Julianaceae and 5 Clusiaceae species growing in Mexico were tested in vitro (50 µg/mL) against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv and HIV reverse transcriptase (HIV-RT). The Julianaceae bark and leaf extracts inhibited M. tuberculosis (>84.67%) and HIV-RT (<49.89%). The Clusiaceae leaves extracts also inhibited both targets (>58.3% and >67.6%), respectively. The IC50 values for six selected extracts and their cytotoxicity (50 µg/mL) to human macrophages were then determined. Amphipterygium glaucum, A. molle, and A. simplicifolium fairly inhibited M. tuberculosis with IC50 of 1.87–2.35 µg/mL; but their IC50 against HIV-RT was 59.25–97.83 µg/mL. Calophyllum brasiliense, Vismia baccifera, and Vismia mexicana effect on M. tuberculosis was noteworthy (IC50 3.02–3.64 µg/mL) and also inhibited RT-HIV (IC50 26.24–35.17 µg/mL). These 6 extracts (50 µg/mL) presented low toxicity to macrophages (<23.8%). The HPLC profiles of A. glaucum, A. molle, and A. simplicifolium indicated that their antimycobacterial activity cannot be related to masticadienonic, 3α, or 3β-hydromasticadienonic acids, suggesting that other compounds may be responsible for the observed activity or this might be a synergy result. The anti-HIV-RT and antimycobacterial activities induced by C. brasiliense can be attributed to the content of calanolides A, B, as well as soulatrolide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pachyrhizus erosus(Fabaceae) is a herb commonly known as ‘yam bean’, which has been cultivated in México since pre-Columbian times for its edible tubers. The seeds are also known for their acaricidal and insecticidal properties due to rotenone and other isoflavonoid contents. Rotenone has exhibited cytotoxic activity against several human tumour cell lines; however, its mechanism of action is still not fully understood. In this study, we determined the cytotoxicity of rotenone isolated fromP. erosusseeds on K562 human leukaemia cells. Rotenone exhibited significant cytotoxic activity (IC50 = 13.05 μM), as determined by the MTT assay. Three other isolated isoflavonoids were not cytotoxic. Rotenone genotoxicity was detected using the comet assay. Rotenone induced cell death, and caspase-3 activation as indicated by TUNEL assay, and immunocytofluorescence. Plasmid nicking assay indicated that rotenone does not interact directly with DNA. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Objectives The aim of this study was to determine the cellular and molecular mechanisms of cell death induced by mammea A/ BA and A/ BB (3 : 1) on K562 cells. Methods These compounds were isolated from C alophyllum brasiliense and its cytotoxicity was tested using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. Cell death was evaluated by Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling ( TUNEL) assay and immunocytofluorescence of active caspase-3. Genotoxicity was tested using comet assay. Lastly, a chemoinformatic analysis was performed with Osiris- Molinspiration software. Key findings The mixture of mammea A/ BA and A/ BB (3 : 1) showed cytotoxic activity against K562 cells ( IC50 = 43.5 μ m). TUNEL positive cells and active caspase-3 were detected after treatment. Genotoxicity of mammea A/ BA and A/ BB on K562 was detected since first hour of treatment. Additionally, mammea A/ BA and A/ BB were found to be in compliance with Lipinski 'rule of 5' suggesting that they possess strong potential of druglikeness. Conclusions The overall results confirm and extend the knowledge about coumarins as an important resource of antitumor drugs, and indicate that these compounds could be used in further preclinical studies against leukaemia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rationale: Calophyllum brasiliense Cambess. Is a tree belonging to Calophyllaceae family, recently separated from Clusiaceae (= Guttiferae). This species is widely distributed in the Tropical Rain Forests of the American continent, from Brazil to Mexico. It synthesizes a wide variety of secondary metabolites isolated from leaves, flowers, fruits, bark and roots, such as coumarins, chromanones, xanthones, terpenes, flavonoids and phenolic compounds, which exhibit multiple biological properites. Objective: To provide a comprehensive view of the botanical, chemical and pharmacological characteristics of C. brasiliense, and to present chemical, anatomical and genetic evidences supporting the notion of chemotypes (chemical phenotypes) in this species. Methods: Information available in the databases NCBI and SciFinder® was reviewed, and relevant investigations were selected regarding to chemical compounds isolated and their biological activity. Results: Among compounds synthesized by C. brasiliense, calanolides and inophyllums stand out, specially (F)-calanolide A, since these can inhibit reverse transcriptase of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1). (+)-Calanolide A, a tetracyclic dipyranocoumarin, could be the first drug of natural origin approved by the FDA (US) in the treatment of HIV/AIDS. Other compounds, such as mammea type-coumarins, chromanones, xanthones, and triterpenes showed antitumor, antiparasitic, antibacterial and antispasmodic activity. Most important activity of mammea type-coumarins is against protozoa, such as Leishmania, and Trypanosoma. Regarding to L. amazonensis, (-)-mammea A/BB stands out, being highly potent and selective against amastigotes, and promastigotes, but poorly toxic to human macrophages. (-)-Mammea A/BA as well as prenylated xanthones showed high citotoxicity against human tumor cell lines and T. cruzi. The chemical, anatomical and genetical evidences supported the idea of chemotypes in C. brasiliense, suggesting a current process of speciation in this taxon. The ribosomal ITS sequences discriminate chemotype 1 (produces mammea type coumarins) from chemotypes 2 and 3 (synthesize calanolides and inophyllums) being useful like possible barcodes. Conclusions: The proper management of Calophyllum brasiliense with forestry and biotechnological methods, as well as scientific and technological knowledge, could provide solutions to developing countries, for instance through the production of phytomedicines against HIV/AIDS, and illnesses caused by protozoa such as Leshmaniasis and Chaga's Disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are important mediators in a number of degenerative diseases. Oxidative stress refers to the imbalance between the production of ROS and the ability to scavenge these species through endogenous antioxidant systems. Since antioxidants can inhibit oxidative processes, it becomes relevant to describe natural compounds with antioxidant properties which may be designed as therapies to decrease oxidative damage and stimulate endogenous cytoprotective systems. The present study tested the protective effect of two xanthones isolated from the heartwood of Calophyllum brasilienses against FeSO4- induced toxicity. Methods: Through combinatory chemistry assays, we evaluated the superoxide (O2●—), hydroxyl radical (OH●), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and peroxynitrite (ONOO—) scavenging capacity of jacareubin (xanthone III) and 2-(3,3-dimethylallyl)-1,3,5,6-tetrahydroxyxanthone (xanthone V). The effect of these xanthones on murine DNA and bovine serum albumin degradation induced by an OH• generator system was also evaluated. Additionally, we investigated the effect of these xanthones on ROS production, lipid peroxidation and glutathione reductase (GR) activity in FeSO4-exposed brain, liver and lung rat homogenates. Results: Xanthone V exhibited a better scavenging capacity for O2●—, ONOO- and OH● than xanthone III, although both xanthones were unable to trap H2O2. Additionally, xanthones III and V prevented the albumin and DNA degradation induced by the OH&#9679; generator system. Lipid peroxidation and ROS production evoked by FeSO4 were decreased by both xanthones in all tissues tested. Xanthones III and V also prevented the GR activity depletion induced by prooxidant activity only in the brain. Conclusions: Altogether, the collected evidence suggests that xanthones can play a role as potential agents to attenuate the oxidative damage produced by different pro-oxidants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The bulbs and aerial parts of Zephyranthes concolor (Lindl.) Benth. & Hook. f. (Amaryllidaceae), an endemic species to Mexico, were found to contain the alkaloids chlidanthine, galanthamine, galanthamine N-oxide, lycorine, galwesine, and epinorgalanthamine. Since currently only partial and low resolution 1H-NMR data for chlidanthine acetate are available, and none for chlidanthine, its 1D and 2D high resolution 1H- and 13C-NMR spectra were recorded. Unambiguous assignations were achieved with HMBC, and HSQC experiments, and its structure was corroborated by X-ray diffraction. Minimum energy conformation for structures of chlidanthine, and its positional isomer galanthamine, were calculated by molecular modelling. Galanthamine is a well known acetylcholinesterase inhibitor; therefore, the isolated alkaloids were tested for this activity. Chlidanthine and galanthamine N-oxide inhibited electric eel acetylcholinesterase (2.4 and 2.6 × 10-5 M, respectively), indicating they are about five times less potent than galanthamine, while galwesine was inactive at 10-3 M. Inhibitory activity of HIV-1 replication, and cytotoxicity of the isolated alkaloids were evaluated in human MT-4 cells; however, the alkaloids showed poor activity as compared with standard anti-HIV drugs, but most of them were not cytotoxic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It has been demonstrated that naturally occurring coumarins have strong biological activity against many cancer cell lines. In this study, we assessed the cytotoxicity induced by the naturally isolated coumarin A/AA in different cancer cell lines (HeLa, Calo, SW480, and SW620) and in normal peripheral-blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Cytotoxicity was evaluated using the MTT assay. The results demonstrate that coumarin A/AA was cytotoxic in the four cancer cell lines tested and importantly was significantly less toxic in PBMCs isolated from healthy donors. The most sensitive cancer cell line to coumarin A/AA treatment was Hela. Thus, the programmed cell death (PCD) mechanism induced by this coumarin was further studied in this cell line. DNA fragmentation, histomorphology, cell cycle phases, and subcellular distribution of PCD proteins were assessed. The results demonstrated that DNA fragmentation, but not significant cell cycle disruptions, was part of the PCD activated by coumarin A/AA. Interestingly, it was found that apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF), a proapoptotic protein of the mitochondrial intermembrane space, was released to the cytoplasm in treated cells as detected by the western blot analysis in subcellular fractions. Nevertheless, the active form of caspase-3 was not detected. The overall results indicate that coumarin A/AA induces a caspase-independent apoptotic-like cell death program in HeLa cells, mediated by the early release of AIF and suggest that this compound may be helpful in clinical oncology. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 23:263-272, 2009; Published online in Wiley InterScience (). DOI 10.1002/jbt.20288 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The importance of Non Timber Forest Products (NTFP) has increased along with growing concern on deforestation, and the need to diversify and increase the value of forest resources. The NTFP include a number of products which are important in the daily life of local communities, because they contribute to obtain additional earnings and employment. In the present investigation, the available NTFP information for Mexico is reviewed, in order to identify production patterns, and to contribute to generate sustainable management proposals. According to governmental sources, in Mexico there are 20 000 plant species, 950 of them provide NTFP, but only 10% of this last figure has commercial value and is subjected to regulation. Currently, NFTP are classified in seven categories. In the period 1985-2003, NFTP mean annual production was 135 667,158 tons. The category "other products" was the most important, followed by "resins", "fibres", "waxes", "gums" and "rhizomes". During this period, the production of "resins" tended to be stable, "fibres" and "waxes" tended to decline, but "gums" and "rhizomes" rail down. In 2003, the NFTP national value was $498 098,712 pesos. The categories "other products" and "resins" accounted for 68,9% and 22,5%, respectively of total value. In contrast, "forest soil" (used for gardens) represented 62,3% of production in tons, but accounted only for 2,63% of the total PFNM value. It is concluded that NTFP official information is scanty and incomplete. Because of this, it is necessary to develop a new classification, especially to divide "other products", since it includes a number of important products not properly quantified, such as medicinal plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The structure and stereochemistry of four sesquiterpene lactones, budlein A (1), zaluzanin A (2), and glaucolides D (3a) and E (3b), isolated from Mexican Asteraceae species, for which only partial NMR data could be found in the literature, were determined. A combination of 1D and 2D high-resolution NMR experiments, such as DEPT, COSY, NOESY, ROESY, HMQC, HSQC, and HMBC, were used to completely assign the 1H and 13C spectra. The crystal structures of zaluzanin A (2) and glaucolide E (3b) were also determined. Glaucolides D and E have been previously reported to relax KCl-induced contraction in rat uterine smooth muscle; therefore, the effects of zaluzanin A and budlein A were examined in the same model. It was found that both compounds can relax contraction induced by KCl, but only zaluzanin A induced relaxation when contraction was induced with oxytocin. The preliminary biological test results according to these profiles are reported in this paper.Key words: NMR data, X-ray data, sesquiterpene lactones, Mexican Asteraceae, smooth muscle relaxant. On a déterminé la structure et la stéréochimie de quatre lactones sesquiterpéniques, la budléine A (1), la zaluzanine A (2), et les glaucolides D (3a) et E (3b), isolées d’espèces mexicaines d’Asteraceae, pour lesquelles seulement des données de RMN partielles ont pu être trouvées dans la littérature. On a utilisé une combinaison d’expériences de RMN à haute résolution 1D et 2D, telles que DEPT, COSY, NOESY, ROESY, HMQC, HSQC et HMBC, pour assigner complètement les spectres de 1H et 13C. On a aussi déterminé la structure cristalline de la zaluzanine A (2) et du glaucolide E (3b). Précédemment, on avait rapporté que les glaucolides D et E relaxent la contraction induite par le KCl dans le muscle utérin lisse de rate; en conséquence, on a examiné les effets de la zaluzanine A et de la budléine A dans le même modèle. On a trouvé que les deux composés peuvent relaxer la contraction induite par le KCl, mais que seule la zaluzanine A induit la relaxation quand la contraction est induite avec l’ocytocine. On présente les résultats préliminaires des tests biologiques appropriés dans cet article.Mots-clés : données de RMN, données de rayons-X, lactones sesquiterpéniques, Asteraceae du Mexique, relaxant du muscle lisse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Medicinal plants are commonly used in Latin American folk medicine for the treatment of gastric problems. In order to understand the properties of some of their chemical constituents, four natural xanthones, an acetylated derivative, two coumarins (mammea A/BA and mammea C/OA) isolated from Calophyllum brasiliense Cambess and two flavonoids (minimiflorin and mundulin) isolated from Lonchocarpus oaxacensis Pittier, and the chalcone lonchocarpin isolated from Lonchocarpus guatemalensis Benth were tested for their activities on gastric H+,K+-ATPase isolated from dog stomach. All the compounds tested inhibited H+,K+-ATPase activity with varied potency. The xanthones inhibited the H+,K+-ATPase with IC50 values ranging from 47μM to 1.6mM. Coumarins inhibited H+,K+-ATPase with IC50 values of 110 and 638μM. IC50 values for the flavonoids ranged from 9.6 to 510μM among which minimiflorin was the most potent. The results suggest that H+,K+-ATPase is sensitive to inhibition by several types of structurally different natural compounds. The potency of the effects on gastric H+,K+-ATPase depends on the presence, position and number of hydroxyls groups in the molecule. Collectively, these results suggest a potential for important pharmacological and toxicological interactions by these types of natural products at the level of H+,K+-ATPase which may explain, at least in part, the gastroprotective properties, indicated by traditional medicine, of the plants from which these compounds were isolated. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Examines the effects of the root extracts from Hippocratea excelsa and Hippocratea celastroides on the feeding and survival of Sitophilus zeamias in Mexico. Background on Hippocrateaceae; Insecticide properties attributed to cancerina; Chemical analysis of the root cortex of excelsa and celastroides.

Background: The current drugs for Chagas Disease caused by the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi have limited therapeutic potential and are associated with serious side effects. Natural products can aid to develop new chemotherapeutic agents. Several natural coumarins, especially Mammea A/BA, have shown significant activity against T. cruzi and low toxicity on human lymphocytes, but its effectivity on a wide range of strains need to be tested, as well as to deepen in their mode of action and safety.Hypothesis/purpose: To discern the effects and explore the action mechanisms of mammea A/BA and a mixture of mammea coumarins isolated from Calophyllum brasiliense on Mexican strains of T. cruzi belonging to different genotypes and compare its effectivity with the drug benznidazole.Study Design: We evaluated the trypanocidal activity in vitro of mammea A/BA (93.6%), and a mixture of coumarins, mammea A/BA + A/BB + A/BD (86:10:1%) on Mexican T. cruzi strains belonging to different genotypes Ninoa, Querétaro (TcI) and Ver6 (TcVI).Material and Methods: Mammea A/BA and the mixture of coumarins, were isolated from Calophyllum brasiliense, identified by proton NMR and purity determined by HPLC. The in vitro trypanocidal activity was evaluated on mobility, growth recovery, morphology and infectivity of T. cruzi. The cytotoxicity on mammalian cells was compared with benznidazole. The ultrastructure of the treated epimastigotes was analyzed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM).Results: Mammea A/BA and the mixture of coumarins showed high trypanocidal activity, affecting the mobility, growth recovery, morphology, ultrastructure of epimastigotes, and drastically reduce trypomastigotes infectivity on Vero cells. These substances were four times more potent than benznidazole and showed low cytotoxicity and high selectivity index. The TEM showed severe alterations on the plasmatic membrane, nuclear envelope, as well as, mitochondrial swelling, that leads to the death of parasites.Conclusion: Mammea A/BA (93.6%) and a mixture of mammea A/BA + A/BB and A/BD (86: 10: 1%) isolated from the tropical tree C. brasiliense showed higher trypanocidal activity than the current drug benznidazole on three Mexican strains of T. cruzi. These compounds induced severe physiological and morphological alterations. These results suggest their possible use in preclinical studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]