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Bu çalışmada, ratlarda siklofosfamid (CP) ile deneysel olarak oluşturulan anemi modelinde Smilax excelsa L. etanol ekstresinin etkisi araştırıldı. Çalışma toplam 4 gruptan oluştu. Grup 1 ve 2’deki ratlara oral gavaj yöntemi kullanılarak 28 gün süre ile günlük 1 ml serum fizyolojik, grup 3 ve 4’deki ratlara ise 400 mg/kg dozda Smilax excelsa L. etanol ekstresi uygulandı. Ayrıca grup 2 ve 4’deki ratlara haftada bir kez olmak üzere toplam dört doz 50 mg/kg CP uygulaması intramusküler olarak yapıldı. Çalışmanın 28. günü bütün ratlardan anestezi altında kan örnekleri alındı ve daha sonra ötanazi işlemi uygulandı. Kan örneklerinde eritrosit sayısı (RBC), lökosit sayısı (WBC), hemoglobin konsantrasyonu (HGB), hematokrit değer (Hct), ortalama eritrosit hemoglobini (MCH), ortalama eritrosit hacmi (MCV) ve ortalama eritrosit dağılım genişliği (RDW) gibi hematolojik parametreler incelendi. Serum malondialdehit (MDA) ve indirgenmiş glutatyon (GSH) düzeyleri ile katalaz (CAT) ve glutatyonperoksidaz (GSH-Px) enzim aktivitelerine spektrofotometrik olarak bakıldı. Grup 4’de Smilax excelsa L. etanol ekstresi tedavisinin serum MDA düzeyini düşürdüğü, CAT ve GSH-Px enzim aktivitelerini ise arttırdığı belirlendi. Ayrıca bu tedavinin RBC, HGB ve Hct gibi hematolojik parametrelerde iyileşmelere sebep olduğu, RDW değerlerini ise azalttığı gözlemlendi. Sonuç olarak Smilax excelsa’nın sahip olduğu güçlü antioksidan etki ile CP’nin kemik iliğindeki baskılayıcı etkisini azalttığı ve anemi şekillenmesini önlediği görüldü.

Since time immemorial plants have been used for various needs such as food, fodder, construction, dyes and medicine. Smilax zeylanica L., belonging to the monocotyledon family Smilacaceae, is a dioecious climbing shrub with woody stem. The plant is used as a substitute for Sarsaparilla. In this review, we present updated information on the ethnobotanical uses, phytochemistry and pharmacological activities shown by S. zeylanica by referring standard flora, journal articles and various search engines. Whole plant or certain parts of the plant (leaf, root, rhizome, fruit and stem) are used ethnobotanically in several countries for several purposes such as fodder, vegetable and in the treatment of diseases like skin diseases, piles, dysentery, venereal diseases, rheumatism, toothache, arthritis, and urinary complaints. The plant is reported to contain many chemicals and diosgenin, smilagenin, β-sitosterol, hydroxytyrosol, squalene and sarsapogenin are few among the important phytochemicals. A number of bioactivities such as antimicrobial, cytotoxic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antidepressant, antioxidant, antidiabetic and anticonvulsant activities have been shown by the plant. Overall, it can be concluded that S. zeylanica is a plant which is extensively utilized ethnobotanically for various therapeutic applications and is shown to exhibit a range of bioactivities, the results of which justifies the ethnobotanical uses of the plant. Further, S. zeylanica can be screened for developing bioactive phytochemicals which can be used as lifesaving drugs.

Smilax glabra is a perennial woody scandent shrub, of which the dried aerial tuber has been used as Chinese medicine. Here, we sequenced S. glabra and assembled its complete chloroplast (cp) genome. The genome is 157,889 bp in length and has a typical quadripartite structure. We annotated 131 genes, of which 84 were protein-coding genes, 37 were tRNAs and 8 were rRNA genes. Phylogenetic analysis of this genome with 26 representatives Liliales fully resolved S. glabra in a clade with S. china. The phylogenetic tree we constructed is largely consistent with recently published phylogenetic trees using both complete chloroplast genomes and marker gene sequences.

Two hyphomycetous species were collected from leaves of Smilax china (Liliales, Smilacaceae) and Cremastra appendiculata (Asparagales, Orchidaceae). ITS barcoding indicated that they belong to the genus Zasmidium. Morphological data in combination with molecular phylogenetic analyses based on ITS, LSU and rpb2 confirmed that our Chinese strains represented a new species, Zasmidium liboense and a new record of Z. citri-griseum.

The consumption of indigenous leafy vegetables (ILV) is a common practice among local people in Bintulu. It serves as an important food resource for local communities in rural areas. However, these traditional practices were declining in urban areas and among younger generations. Therefore, the study aimed to record the ILV consumed by the local people, and mode of consumption of the ILV. A field survey was carried out with two phases; phase one was the distribution of structured questionnaires and the second phase was the interview session with 20 respondents from each of the three native markets located in Bintulu Division; Bintulu, Tatau, and Sebauh market. The study has identified 20 species of ILV from 18 different families: Agavaceae, Anacardiaceae, Athyriaceae, Blechnaceae, Brassicaceae, Compositae, Euphorbiaceae, Flacourtiaceae, Gnetaceae, Leguminosae, Limnocharitaceae, Menispermaceae, Myrtaceae, Olacaceae, Ophioglossaceae, Piperaceae, Smilacaceae and Verbenaceae. Identified ILV were consumed in many ways by the natives. The plant parts used also differ from one species to another and had different taste. A further study should be carried out to analyse the plant nutritional values and agronomy factors for commercialization of the potential ILV. Keywords: Bintulu, consumption method, ethnobotany, ethnobotanical study, indigenous leafy vegetables

Smilax auriculata produces a subterranean rhizome system and an aerial vegetative branching system. Three intergrading types of stems (types 1, 2, and 3) compose the aerial branching system; these types are identified primarily according to prickle concentration, but also differ from one another in additional ways. Type-3 stems are determinate and either proleptic or precocious. Between growing seasons a foliage leaf of a type-3 stem may subtend either a solitary vegetative bud (or an expanded vegetative branch) or an inflorescence superposed over a vegetative bud (or expanded vegetative branch). Occasionally, an inflorescence terminates a type-3 stem. Whereas, rhizomes exhibit solely scale leaves, the aerial vegetative branching system manifests scale leaves, transitional leaves, and foliage leaves. On many type-3 stems the foliage leaves become oriented skyward, by bending of their leaf sheaths and petioles. The aerial vegetative branching system manifests bilateral symmetry and mirror-image symmetry. The inflorescence is a pedunculate umbel. The peduncle culminates in a torus which bears a peripheral whorl of bracts, centripetally situated bracteoles, and pedicellate flowers. Type-1 stems exhibit numerous prickles, which vary from unbranched to branched and from solitary to basally connate in rows.

Smilax brasiliensis (Smilacaceae) is a native Brazilian plant found in the Cerrado biome and commonly used in folk medicine. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of the methanol extract and fractions from S. brasiliensis leaves on development in vitro of Nicotiana tabacum (tobacco) and Allium cepa (onion) seeds. In vitro germination protocol of onion seeds was established. Tobacco and onion seeds were placed to germinate on basal medium added of extract or fractions of S. brasiliensis leaves and dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) and gibberellic acid (GA) at different concentrations in the presence of light. The germination ranged from 40 to 100% for tobacco and from 60 to 100% for onion seeds. The results indicated that the extract and fractions promoted higher growth than 2,4-D and GA when analyzed number of nodes, leaves, root and root size for germinated tobacco seeds, and higher growth when analyzed number roots and stem size for onion seeds. Regarding BAP, the extract and fractions inhibited leaf growth, root and root size of tobacco seeds. Further studies are needed to evaluate the possible use of the methanol extract and fractions from S. brasiliensis leaves as natural sources of hormones and/or bioherbicides. Smilax brasiliensis es una planta originaria del Cerrado brasileño y de uso común en la medicina popular. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la influencia del extracto de metanol y fracciones de hojas de S. brasiliensis en el desarrollo in vitro de semillas de Nicotiana tabacum (tabaco) y Allium cepa (cebolla). Se estableció un protocolo de germinación in vitro para semillas de cebolla. Se colocaron semillas de tabaco y cebolla para germinar en medio basal al que se le adicionó extracto o fracciones de hojas de S. brasiliensis y ácido diclorofenoxiacético (2,4-D), 6-bencilaminopurina (BAP) y ácido giberélico (AG) a diferentes concentraciones en presencia de luz. El porcentaje de germinación varió del 40 al 100% para el tabaco y del 60 al 100% para la cebolla. Se colocaron semillas de tabaco y cebolla para germinar en medio basal al que se le adicionó extracto o fracciones de hojas de S. brasiliensis y ácido diclorofenoxiacético (2,4-D), 6-bencilaminopurina (BAP) y ácido giberélico (AG) a diferentes concentraciones en presencia de luz. El porcentaje de germinación varió del 40 al 100% para el tabaco y del 60 al 100% para la cebolla. Los resultados indicaron que el extracto y las fracciones promovieron mayor crecimiento que 2,4-D y AG, al analizar el número de nudos, hojas, tamaño de raíz y raíz para semillas de tabaco germinadas, y mayor crecimiento al analizar número de raíz y tamaño de tallo para cebolla semillas. En relación con BAP, el extracto y las fracciones inhibieron el crecimiento de hojas, raíz y tamaño de raíz de semillas de tabaco germinadas. Se necesitan más estudios para evaluar el posible uso de extracto de metanol y fracciones de hojas de S. brasiliensis como fuentes naturales de hormonas y/o bioherbicidas. Smilax brasiliensis é uma planta nativa do Cerrado brasileiro e comumente usada na medicina popular. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a influência do extrato metanólico e das frações das folhas de S. brasiliensis no desenvolvimento in vitro de sementes de Nicotiana tabacum (tabaco) e Allium cepa (cebola). Foi estabelecido um protocolo de germinação in vitro de sementes de cebola. Sementes de tabaco e cebola foram colocadas para germinar em meio basal adicionado de extrato ou frações das folhas de S. brasiliensis e ácido diclorofenoxiacético (2,4-D), 6-benzilaminopurina (BAP) e ácido giberélico (AG) em diferentes concentrações na presença de luz. A porcentagem de germinação variou de 40 a 100% para o tabaco e de 60 a 100% para a cebola. Os resultados indicaram que o extrato e as frações promoveram maior crescimento do que 2,4-D e AG, quando analisados número de nós, folhas, raiz e tamanho da raiz para sementes de tabaco germinadas, e maior crescimento quando analisado número de raiz e tamanho do caule para sementes de cebola. Em relação ao BAP, o extrato e as frações inibiram o crescimento das folhas, raiz e tamanho da raiz das sementes de tabaco germinadas. Mais estudos são necessários para avaliar a possível utilização do extrato metanólico e frações das folhas de S. brasiliensis como fontes naturais de hormônios e/ou bioherbicidas.

The species of Smilax genus are known as sarsaparilla or japecanga, being widely used in folk medicine as a tonic, antirheumatic, anti-syphilitic, antihypertensive and diuretic and for sweating, arthritis and skin conditions. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the phytotoxic activity and to identify the main classes of secondary metabolites present in the hexane fraction obtained from Smilax brasiliensis. The leaves were collected, dried, crushed and extracted by percolation with ethanol, obtaining the ethanol extract. Part of this extract was partitioned with hexane, resulting in the hexane (HEX) fraction. The best results by the phytotoxic activity in Lactuca sativa seeds were for the HEX4 and HEX5 sub-fractions, at concentration of 250 µg per plate. When evaluating the phytotoxicity in Allium cepa seeds, the best results were found for the HEX1 sub-fraction for the radicle and the HEX2 sub-fraction for the hypocotyl, both at concentration of 125 µg per plate. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of coumarins, steroids and flavonoids in the hexane fraction, suggesting that the phytotoxic activity may be attributed at least partially to these compounds; however, additional studies are needed. These results suggest that in the future, the hexane fraction of S. brasiliensis leaves can be used as a natural herbicide.

Smilax moranensis M.Martens & Galeotti, Smilacaceae, root is a medicinal plant used among the Chatinos in Oaxaca, Mexico, to control type 2 diabetes. The objectives of the study were to isolate the bioactive compounds from the roots of Smilax and evaluate the chronic hypoglycemic effect of the ethanol–water extract. The main compounds were isolated from the methanolic extract via conventional phytochemical methods. The dried roots of S. moranensis were extracted with methanol and chromatographed on Sephadex LH 20. Fractions were chromatographed and purified on a silica gel chromatography column. The ethanol–water extract was orally administered to hyperglycemic rats for a period of 42 days, and glucose, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), and triacylglycerides were measured. Moreover, very-low-density lipoprotein was calculated. During the chemical investigation, three compounds were isolated and characterized, namely, 3-O-caffeoyl-quinic acid, 5-O-caffeoyl-quinic acid and trans-resveratrol, using various spectroscopic techniques. Animal experiments confirmed that the plant extract could control both the glucose and HbA1c levels. In conclusion, this study confirms that the roots of S. moranensis have hypoglycemic properties and suggests that the isolated compounds are potentially involved in this effect. Keywords: Type 2 diabetes, Hypoglycemic, Chlorogenic acids, Medicinal plants

The genus Smilax L. has a long history of ethnobotanical uses. Zarzaparrilla was exported from Latin America to Europe for over five centuries to treat syphilis. In 2013, Smilax rhizomes collected from Cortés, Honduras were dried and weighed: one Smilax febrifuga Kunth (cuculmeca blanca), one Smilax officinalis L. (zarzaparrilla), and two individuals of Smilax domingensis Willd. (cuculmeca). The fresh weights of each rhizome were 2.32 kg, 0.52 kg, 0.71 kg, and 24.40 kg, respectively. These values were used to estimate the number of plants needed to meet the 23,405 kg of zarzaparrilla that arrived in Boston in 1855 from Honduras. The weights obtained suggest that to reach the 23,405 kg exported, 10,088 individuals of S. febrifuga would be needed. In the case of S. officinalis, 45,010 would be needed and for S. domingensis, 32,965 young or 959 mature would be necessary. The demand of Smilax (to ineffectively treat syphilis) in combination with deforestation reduced their populations in Honduras. The amount of zarzaparrilla exported from Honduras in 1855 may have been three times the amount that arrived in Boston given that while in Jamaica, ships were unloaded and their zarzaparrilla cargo was subdivided into boats destined for Habana, London, and Boston. A list of Smilax species currently known from Honduras, a review of other ethnobotanical uses, and a discussion of common names for Smilax in the Antilles and Mesoamerica is presented

After a century since the erection of the genus Manipuria from India, its type species M. dohertyi Jacoby was discovered in Yunnan Province of China. A new Manipuria species, M. yuaesp. nov., is described from Tibet and Yunnan, China. The new species differs from M. dohertyi by its larger size, unicolored elytra, and absence of a tooth-like prolongation in front of the mandible. Additional data is provided for M. dohertyi based on new material from China.

Smilax campestris Griseb. (Smilacaceae) (“zarzaparrilla”) is a medicinal plant species widely used by traditional communities in South America. In general, the plant parts used by popular medicine are the rhizophore (underground stem) and roots, in the form of infusions or decoctions. Their main indications are: antirheumatic, antisyphilitic, diuretic, diaphoretic, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and to treat skin conditions (i.e. psoriasis) and gout; among others. There is lacking scientific evidence regarding the phytochemistry of such aqueous extracts, as well as their biological and pharmacological properties. Both aerial and underground organs have been described to contain polyphenolic acids, flavonoids (aglycones, glycosides and proanthocyanidin oligomers/polymers) and saponins; but no systematic research on the isolation of other families of natural products has been conducted, yet. The production of secondary metabolites (in particular flavonoids) is highly dependent on both environmental conditions (solar radiation, herbivores, etc.) of habitats and the phenological stage of the plant itself. The scientific pharmacological in vitro tests performed on S. campestris extracts have confirmed their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, as well as the lack of acute toxicity. However, they have failed to demonstrate diuretic effects in in vivo models; results on the antimicrobial potential are controversial. Further research is needed to evaluate the other ethnomedicinal properties attributed to the vegetal drug. This chapter presents a critical review of the special literature on S. campestris including the most updated information available in journals, books and the internet.

Sulistyaningsih LD, Abinawanto, Ardiyani M, Salamah A. 2018. Short Communication: Phylogenetic analysis and molecular identification of Canar (Smilax spp.) in Java, Indonesia Based on DNA Barcoding Analysis. Biodiversitas 19: 364-368. Smilax spp. (Smilacaceae) has long been used as medicinal herbs especially in East Asia and North America as they were known to be rich in steroidal saponin. Pharmacological study has been carried out in Indonesia. This genus is widespread in Indonesia and fairly abundant in Java and has been known either as edible fruit or medicinal plants. Characteristics of Smilax as a dioecious plant with high morphological variations make it thorny in species identification. Various molecular approaches have been devised to overcome identification problems such as DNA barcoding. This study, therefore was conducted to analyze the DNA barcoding application for phylogenetic and identification of Smilax in Java. A total of 31 samples were used in this study including 19 accession numbers from NCBI GeneBank. The genus Ripogonum was used as the out-group in phylogenetic reconstruction. Samples were successfully extracted by CTAB method with some modifications. rbcL region was used as the DNA barcode showed sufficient variation and conserved flanks. Two unidentified specimens have high similarity with S. leucophyla and lies in the same clade. The phylogenetic tree constructed by Maximum Likelihood analysis. The result showed that the monophyletic of Smilacaceae consisted of four clades. The genus Heterosmilax nested with Smilax though with low bootstraps value. It supports the monogeneric status of Smilacaceae.

Smilacaceae is known as a taxa with wide phenotypic variation and their taxonomical complexities remain unsolved. The three species of Smilacaceae housed in Java, are given nomenclature history. Since all the potential sources of original material have been investigated, but nothing has been identified, three neotypifications were designated here. Herbarium specimen of Koorders 34990β in Herbarium Bogoriense (BO) was chosen as the neotype of Smilax klotzschii. The de Groot & Wehlburg RD52 herbarium specimen in BO was chosen as the neotype of S. nageliana and Blume 463 herbarium specimen in L was chosen as the neotype of S. odoratissima.

Three new flavonoid glycosides, 2(S)-5-hydroxy-6,8-dimethoxyflavonone-7-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→6)-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (1), 5-hydroxy-3,8-dimethoxyflavone-7-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→6)-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (2) and 3,7-dihydroxy-8-methoxyflavone-6-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→6)-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (3), together with five known flavonoids (4–8) were isolated from the roots of Smilax glabra Roxb. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of chemical and spectral evidence, as well as by comparison with literature data. Three new flavonoids were subjected to evaluate anti-inflammatory activity. Compounds 1–3 inhibited the NF κB induction by 32.2, 55.8 and 61.7%, respectively.

Smilax campestris Griseb. (Smilacaceae) is a superhost of galling insects, adapted to xeric environments such as those of the restingas of the Parque Estadual do Acarai, Santa Catarina, Brazil. Currently, we evaluate the structural and histochemical changes induced by a Cecidomyiidae on S. campestris leaves, originating globoid midrib galls. We hypothesized that the macroenvironmental constraints of the restingas should reflect in gall developmental sites, resulting in enhanced xeromorphic anatomical features. The mesophyll of S. campestris non-galled leaves is dorsiventral, hypostomatic, with an adaxial homogeneous parenchyma, some cells with invagination in the walls, and an abaxial ordinary spongy parenchyma. In galls, the cells of leaf mesophyll redifferentiate into a homogenous parenchyma, with polygonal cells and straight cell walls. Few intercellular spaces are observed. Galls have uniseriate epidermis, without stomata, an outer parenchymatic cortex, a mechanical layer, and a nutritive tissue, limiting a diminutive central larval chamber. The histochemical profile reveals an increment in lignified cell walls, and accumulation of polyphenols, tannins, and alkaloids from non-galled leaves toward the galls. The absence of any special type of reserve in nutritive cells, and the occurrence of secondary metabolites in outer cortical layers, indicate reduction or absence of photosynthesis in gall tissues. Gall structure is redirected to a protective shelter against UV and oxidative damages imposed by the excessive light and water deficiency of the restingas, but do not provide enriched nutrition to the gall inducer. Current results contrast with common observations in insect-induced galls and reveal an alternative adaptive morphogenetic pathway for xeric environments induced on Smilax campestris by the gall inducer.

Phytochemical investigations of the rhizomes of Smilax scobinicaulis led to the isolation of seven steroidal saponins ( 1 – 7 ) of which four ( 1 , 3, 4 and 6) , nameed, Smilscobinosides C-F, respectively) are new. Five of these steroidal saponins with l -arabinose moiety are reported here for the first time in the genus Smilax . The structures were elucidated by spectroscopic analysis of the isolates and their hydrolysis products. The isolated compounds were evaluated for their cytotoxicity against four human tumor cell lines (SH-SY5Y, SGC-7901, HCT-116 and Lovo). Compounds 3 and 4 exhibited significant inhibition on HCT-116 (with IC 50 values of 10.5 and 7.8 μM) together with inhibition on SGC-7901 (with IC 50 values of 21.4 and 15.8 μM), respectively.

Abundant fossil records indicate that the genus Smilax L was widely distributed in North America and Europe during the Paleogene and thrived in the Miocene. However, since the early Pliocene, the fossil occurrence of Smilax has become very rare. In this study, we describe three leaf taxa of Smilax from the upper Pliocene of West Yunnan, Southwest China based on their leaf architecture and cuticle features. Smilax tengchongensis sp. nov. and Smilax cf. bracteata Presl differ from each other both in leaf shape and cuticle features. The leaves of Smilax sp. possess a different shape and venation but share similar cuticle features with those of S. tengchongensis sp. nov. The morphological diversity of our fossils indicates that a warm and humid climate with a multilayered structure existed in the Pliocene forests of West Yunnan. Moreover, recent molecular studies indicate that both New World and Old World species of Smilax exhibited an intercontinental disjunct distribution via the Beringia land bridge between East Asia and North America. However, this biogeographic disjunction is not well demonstrated by the fossil records as a result of inadequate paleobotanical data. (C) 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Wijnands, D.O.†, J. Heniger, J.F. Veldkamp, N. Fumeaux & M.W. Callmander (2017). The botanical legacy of Martinus Houttuyn (1720–1798) in Geneva. Candollea 72 : 155–198. In English, English abstract. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15553/c2017v721a11 The contribution made by Martinus Houttuyn (1720–1798) to systematic botany has been widely underestimated. Fourteen volumes of the second part of his Natuurlijke Historie of Uitvoerige Beschrijving der Dieren, Planten en Mineraalen, published between 1773 and 1783, dealt with botany. Houttuyn popularized the Linnaean system and published more than 150 species and several genera. The historical context of this early botanical work is described. The history of the acquisition of Houttuyn's herbarium is outlined and an English translation of his auction catalogue is provided. We discuss Houttuyn's exotic herbaria from the Cape of Good Hope (South Africa), Ceylon (Sri Lanka), Java (Indonesia), and Japan. Houttuyn did not go abroad to collect plants. His herba...

A preliminary pharmacognostical and phytochemical evaluation of Smilax domingensis Willd., (Smilacaceae) was realized to determine the macromorphology and micromorphology characteristics, the physicochemical and phytochemical parameters from the rhizome of this spice that grows in Cuba. This crude drug showed the characteristic physicochemical values such as moisture content (13.11%), extractable matter in ethanol at 70% (13.53%), total ashes (3.45%), water soluble ashes (2.43%) and acid insoluble ashes (0.64%). Phytochemical screening revealed the possible presence of alkaloids, oils and/or fats, coumarins, saponins, flavonoids, pyrogallol-type tannins, quinones, catechins, reductants sugars, triterpens and steroids and absence of resins, aminoacids, cardiotonic glycosides, anthocyanidins and astringent and/or bitter principles, realized under WHO parameters.

The genusSmilaxLinnaeus, 1753 (Smilacaceae) is a large genus of dioecious plants distributed in tropical, subtropical and temperate regions. SomeSmilaxspecies have medicinal importance and their identification is important for the control of raw material used in the manufacture of phytotherapeutical products. The karyotypes of seven BrazilianSmilaxspecies were investigated. Mitotic metaphases of roots from young plants were analysed in Feulgen-stained preparations. The karyotypes were asymmetric and modal with 2n = 2x = 32 chromosomes gradually decreasing in size. InS. goyazanaA De Candolle & C De Candolle, 1878, a polyploid species, 2n = 4x = 64. In all the species, the large and medium-sized chromosomes were subtelocentric and submetacentric and the small chromosomes were submetacentric or metacentric. Their karyotypes were quite similar, with differences in the arm ratio of some chromosomes.S. fluminensisSteudel, 1841 differed from the other species by having a large metacentric chromosome 1. These findings suggest that evolution occurred without drastic changes in the chromosomal structure in the species analyzed. Terminal secondary constrictions were visualized on the short arm of some chromosomes, but they were detected only in one homologue of each pair. Due to the terminal location and the degree of chromosome condensation, secondary constrictions were not visualized in some species. The nucleolus organizer regions (NORs) were mapped by silver-staining and fluorescentin situhybridization (FISH) inS. rufescensGrisebach, 1842 andS. fluminensis. Silver-staining and FISH signals were colocalized on the short arms of six chromosomes inS. rufescensand four chromosomes inS. fluminensis. In FISH preparations, one of the largest chromosomes had the secondary constrictions highly decondensed in some cells. This finding and the heteromorphism observed in Feulgen-stained chromosomes suggest that differential rRNA gene expression between homologous rDNA loci can occur in some cells, resulting in different degrees of ribosomal chromatin decondensation. The presence of a heteromorphic chromosome pair inS. rufescens,S. polyanthaGrisebach, 1842 andS. goyazanasuggests a chromosomal sex determination in these dioecious species.

Phylogenetic study to determine the phylogenetic relationship of Smilacaeae of Java based on morphological data has been conducted. Smilacaceae has a well-deserved reputation for being taxonomically difficult since this family has wide phenotypic variation and lack of fertile collections. Smilacaceae species from Java consist of species which vary in both vegetative and reproductive characters. A total of ten species of Smilacaceae in Java with an addition of 78 taxa representing all genera and sections of the family from all over the world were used for phylogenetic analysis. Two species of Ripogonum (Ripogonum album and R. discolor) which were known as the sister of Smilacaceae were incorporated as an outgroup. A matrix consisted of 38 binary and ten multistate morphological characters were constructed. Strict consensus tree revealed from Maximum Parsimony (MP) as well as Neighbor-Joining (NJ) showed that Smilacaceae is a monophyletic family. Smilacaceae species of Java which belong to the section Macranthae are supposed to be closely related with Smilacaceae species from section Coilanthus and China based on MP analysis and supposed to be closely related with Smilacaceae species from section China based on NJ analysis. Sections of Smilacaceae are not monophyletic except section Coprosmanthus. Heterosmilax is considered to be derived from ancestral Smilax and occurs as a section of Smilax. This study supports previous studies that merged Heterosmilax to Smilax and made Smilacaceae as monogeneric taxa.

Sofiah S, Sulistyaningsih LD. 2019. The diversity of Smilax (Smilacaceae) in Besiq-Bermai and Bontang Forests, East Kalimantan, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 20: 379-387. The genus Smilax has taxonomic complexity problems and spacious distribution. Taxonomic study to reveal the diversity of Smilax species had been done in some regions, such as America, China, Japan, Thailand, and Indonesia. However, there is lack of information of Smilax species diversity in Kalimantan especially in East Kalimantan which lies in Sundaland biogeographic. This study was carried out to explore and record the diversity of Smilax species including the ecological and environmental data in Besiq-Bermai and Bontang forests in East Kalimantan, Indonesia. This research conducted on February and August in 2012 and July-August 2015 using exploration methods. Purposive random sampling was used to do the botanical sampling. The principal component analysis (PCA) was performed to determine the relationships between environmental components and Smilax species occurrences. There were five species of Smilax which were housed in those forests in East Kalimantan, namely, Smilax leucophylla Blume, Smilax gigantea Merr., Smilax odoratissima Blume, Smilax zeylanica L., and Smilax modesta A.DC. Smilax leucophylla and Smilax zeylanica are the most widely used by the local people for medicine. The taxonomic description, distribution, use, and vernacular name were given. The environmental factors that contribute significantly to Smilax's growing environment are temperature and light intensity.

The tea of aerial parts of Smilax larvata Griseb. (Smilacaceae) has been ethnopharmacologically used in Southern Brazil due to its anti-inflammatory action. In this study, ethanolic and organic extracts from aerial parts of S. larvata were phytochemically and pharmacologically characterized. The phytochemical analysis of EtOAc extract of S. larvata revealed the presence of three flavonoids, drabanemoroside, kaempferol 3-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl(1→2)-α-L-rhamnopyranoside, and kaempferol, the first two being isolated for the first time in this genus, two phenolic compounds p-hydroxybenzoic acid and p-coumaric acid, and alkaloids. In vitro assays demonstrated a potential antioxidant property of SLG. The treatment with SLG induced a significant reduction of the formalin-evoked flinches in rats, an effect reversed by opioid antagonist naloxone. Treatment with SLG also induced a significant increase in the hot plate latency and a decrease of intestinal motility by 45%. No effect was observed over nociceptive responses induced by a TRPA1 agonist mustard oil or over acetic acid-induced writhing in mice. Together, our data suggested that SLG has an in vivo antinociceptive effect, which seems to be associated with the opioid system activation. These findings support previous claims of medical use of Smilax larvata in the treatment of pain conditions.

Background: Smilax aspera L. (sarsaparilla or prickly ivy) is a perennial climber from the family Smilacaceae. Its root and rhizome are used as alterative, demulcent, depurative, diaphoretic, diuretic, stimulant and tonic. Objective: To perform standardization of root and rhizome of S. aspera for authentication and identification of raw drug by pharmacognostical, physiochemical, powder and finish product evaluation. Materials and Methods: Air-dried rhizome and roots were boiled, sectioned and stained for macroscopical and microscopical analysis. For physicochemical studies, rhizome and roots were coarsely powdered and subjected for determination of extractive values, ash values, chemical constituents, weight per millilitre, alcohol content, total solids and loss on drying. Finished product analyses (chromatographic studies, sediments, pH and total solid) were also undertaken. Results: The root was longitudinally wrinkled, about 3 mm in diameter with numerous branching, rootless, tough and flexible. Cortex consisted of 18–20 rows of parenchymatous cells; xylem and phloem were arranged in a radiate manner. Rhizome was wrinkled, hard and brown externally and white or light-yellow internally. The outer cortex consisted of polygonal parenchymatous cells. The findings of physicochemical determination of raw drugs including maximum extractive values in alcohol were 5.67% w/w, 0.1% w/w foreign matter, 8.90% w/w moisture content, 10.60% w/w total ash, etc., and finished product parameter showed pH near to 7, total solid 1.07% w/v and 50% v/v alcohol content. Conclusion: The data represented in this article may be used as distinctive diagnostic characters for proper identification, authentication of raw drug to ensure purity, quality and efficacy of drug S. aspera.

Objectives: Smilax zeylanica L. is a large, dioecious, scandent climbing shrub and an important medicinal plant belonging to the family Smilacaceae. The present study evaluates antimicrobial and antioxidant potential of leaf and fruit extracts of Smilax zeylanica L. (Smilacaceae). Methods: Extraction of powdered leaf and fruit materials was carried out by maceration process using methanol. Phytochemical analysis of extracts was carried out by standard tests. Antibacterial and antifungal activity was evaluated by Agar well diffusion and Poisoned food technique respectively. Antioxidant activity was evaluated by DPPH free radical scavenging assay and Ferric reducing assay. Results: Preliminary phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, triterpenoids and sterols in both leaf and fruit extracts. Leaf extract was shown to display marked antibacterial activity than fruit extract. Highest and least susceptibility to extracts was observed in case of Bacillus cereus and Salmonella typhimurium respectively. Leaf extract caused highest inhibition of test fungi than fruit extract. Susceptibility to extracts was greater in case of Bipolaris species than Aspergillus niger. Both leaf and fruit extracts scavenged DPPH radicals and exhibited ferric reducing potential in a dose dependent fashion. Leaf extract scavenged DPPH radicals more efficiently with IC50 value 20.80µg/ml than fruit extract (IC50 value 35.85µg/ml). Conclusion: Leaf and fruit extracts of S. zeylanica were shown to exhibit antimicrobial and antioxidant activity which may be attributed to the presence of secondary metabolites such as alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, triterpenoids and sterols. Further studies on isolation of active principles from extracts and their bioactivity determinations are to be carried out. Keywords: Smilax zeylanica L., Maceration, Agar well diffusion, Poisoned food technique, DPPH, Ferric reducing

A nomenclatural synopsis of 11 of the 28 Smilax species recorded in Thailand (S. bracteata, S. calophylla, S. corbularia, S. davidiana, S. extensa, S. hemsleyana, S. luzonensis, S. myosotiflora, S. myrtillus, S. perfoliata and S. prolifera) is presented. Three names, S. helferi var. maingayana, S. microchina and S. ocreata are placed into synonymy of S. luzonensis, S. davidiana, and S. perfoliata, respectively. Smilax prolifera is reinstated. Ten taxa, S. calophylla, S. extensa, S. helferi, S. helferi var. maingayana, S. hemsleyana, S. myosotiflora, S. myrtillus, S. ocreata, S. stenopetala and S. woodii are lectotypified.

Premise of the study Microsatellite markers were developed for Smilax rotundifolia (Smilacaceae), an understory vine widely distributed in eastern North America, to investigate genetic diversity and structure. Cross-amplification was tested in three congeneric species: S. china, S. riparia, and S. walteri. Methods and results A total of 6153 simple sequence repeat primer pairs were detected from the de novo-assembled transcriptome data (88,3962 contigs) of S. rotundifolia. Thirty-three polymorphic microsatellite loci were selected for further analysis among 96 individuals representing four natural populations of the species. The number of alleles ranged from two to 15, and 87.9% of the developed primer pairs could be cross-amplified in at least one of three congeneric Smilax species. Conclusions The simple sequence repeat markers developed in this study will facilitate further studies on genetic diversity and phylogeographic patterns of S. rotundifolia and provide additional potential microsatellite resources for other Smilax species.

The Crato Formation paleoflora is one of the few equatorial floras of the Early Cretaceous. It is diverse, with many angiosperms, especially representatives of the clades magnoliids, monocotyledons and eudicots, which confirms the assumption that angiosperm diversity during the last part of the Early Cretaceous was reasonably high. The morphology of a new fossil monocot is studied and compared to all other Smilacaceae genus, especially in the venation. Cratosmilax jacksoni gen. et sp. nov. can be related to the Smilacaceae family, becoming the oldest record of the family so far. Cratosmilax jacksoni is a single mesophilic leaf with entire margins, ovate shape, with acute apex and base, four venation orders and main acrodromous veins. It is the first terrestrial monocot described for the Crato Formation, monocots were previously described for the same formation, and are considered aquatics. Cratosmilax jacksoni is the first fossil record of Smilacaceae in Brazil, and the oldest record of this family. A paleoflora da Formação Crato é uma das poucas floras equatoriais do Cretáceo Inferior. É diversificada, com muitas angiospermas, especialmente representantes dos clados magnoliids, monocotiledôneas e eudico-tiledôneas, confirmando a hipótese de que a diversidade das angiospermas durante a última parte do Cretáceo Inferior era ralativamente alta. A morfologia de uma nova mocotiledônea fóssil é estudada e comparada com outros gêneros de Smilacaceae, especialmente a venação. Cratosmilax jacksoni n. gen. n. sp. pode ser relacionada com a família Smilacaceae, tornando-se o registro mais antigo da família, até então. Cratosmilax jacksoni consiste de uma única folha mesófila com margem inteira, ovada, com ápice e base agudos, quatro ordens de venação e veias principais acródromas. É a primeira monocotiledônea terrestre descrita para a Formação Crato, monocotiledôneas foram anteriormente descritas para a mesma formação, e são consideradas aquáticas. Cratosmilax jacksoni é o primeiro registro fóssil da família Smilacaceae no Brasil, e o registro mais antigo desta família.

Brazilian Savanna stands out for the large number of species with extrafloral nectaries (EFNs) with high morphological diversity. In Smilax polyantha (Smilacaceae), the base of the petiole showed a slight secretion and great visitation by ants suggesting the presence of an EFN. In this way, we aimed to determine the ant community associated with this plant, as well as to identify and characterize this unsuspected structure and determine the phenology and liquid production of this tissue. The study was carried out in a Cerrado area, in Uberlândia, Brazil. Ten individuals were used for the anatomical analysis and histochemical tests and the EFNs secretory activity was monitored, being categorized into active and non-active EFN. In addition, the volume and sucrose concentration were determined from three nectaries of ten individuals, and individuals of ants found foraging on these nectary were collected, day and night. Results showed a large amount of extrafloral nectar secretion and the EFN tissue is composed of a few cell layers that showed positive reactions for proteins and reducing sugars. We recorded a significantly correlation between percentage of EFNs activity and abundance of ants. The secretory activity is concentrated in September and ten ant species, of five subfamilies, were identified foraging on the EFNs.

Astilbin is an active flavonoid compound isolated from Rhizoma Smilacis Glabrae. It has been widely used as an anti-hepatic, anti-arthritic, and anti-renal injury agent. However, its safety has not yet been established. The objective of this study was to evaluate 4-week repeated oral toxicity and genotoxicity of astilbin. We examined oral toxicity in Sprague-Dawley rats after daily oral administration of astilbin at 50, 150, and 500 mg/kg for 4 weeks. Negative control animals received the same volume of the solvent. Astilbin administration did not lead to death, body weight gain, food consumption, or adverse events. There were no significant differences in toxicity between the astilbin and control group; we observed no toxic effects on hematological or urinalysis parameters, biochemical values, organ weight, or histopathological findings. We assessed the genotoxicity of astilbin with the Ames test (TA97a, TA98, TA100, TA102, and TA1535), chromosomal aberration assay (using Chinese hamster ovary cells), and mammalian micronucleus test (in mice). We found no genotoxicity in any tested strains. The no-observed-adverse-effect level (NOAEL) for astilbin in the 4-week repeated oral toxicity study in rats was greater than 500 mg/kg body weight/day, regardless of gender. Results also suggested that astilbin does not have genotoxicity potential.

The search for natural inhibitors with anti-diabetes properties has gained increasing attention. Among four selected Smilacaceae family plants, Smilax china L. stems (SCS) showed significant in vitro anti-glycation and rat lens aldose reductase inhibitory activities. Bioactivity-guided isolation was performed with SCS and four solvent fractions were obtained, which in turn yielded 10 compounds, including one phenolic acid, three chlorogenic acids, four flavonoids, one stilbene, and one phenylpropanoid glycoside; their structures were elucidated using nuclear magnetic resonance and mass spectrometry. All solvent fractions, isolated compounds, and stem extracts from plants sourced from six different provinces of South Korea were next tested for their inhibitory effects against advanced glycation end products, as well as aldose reductase. α-Glucosidase, and lipase assays were also performed on the fractions and compounds. Since compounds 3, 4, 6, and 8 appeared to be the superior inhibitors among the tested compounds, a comparative study was performed via high-performance liquid chromatography with photodiode array detection using a self-developed analysis method to confirm the relationship between the quantity and bioactivity of the compounds in each extract. The findings of this study demonstrate the potent therapeutic efficacy of SCS and its potential use as a cost-effective natural alternative medicine against type 2 diabetes and its complications.

A new species of Smilax L. (Smilacaceae) in southwestern Colombia (Cauca, Narino, Valle del Cauca) is illustrated and described from Valle del Cauca, Narino, and Cauca. Smilax silverstonei Botina differs from all other known Neotropical species of Smilax by the hispid trichomes present on the stems and branches.

The formerly monotypic genus Aesiocopa Zeller, 1877 is reviewed. Three species are included: A. vacivana Zeller, 1877 (type species) from Panama and Costa Rica; A. necrofolia Brown & Phillips, new species, from Mexico, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica; and A. grandis Brown, new species, from Costa Rica. The genus is recorded sparingly from Mexico to Panama. Although A. vacivana and A. grandis are known from only a handful of specimens, A. necrofolia has been reared from larvae numerous times in Costa Rica and from 15 different plant families: Asteraceae, Euphorbiaceae, Fabaceae, Hernandiaceae, Icacinaceae, Lauraceae, Magnoliaceae, Myrsinaceae, Myrtaceae, Piperaceae, Rubiaceae, Salicaceae, Sapindaceae, Smilacaceae, and Urticaceae. The abundance of rearing records suggests that the species is polyphagous, and the paucity of field-collected adults suggests that it may not be avidly attracted to light. The same may be true for its congeners.

Herein, we studied the occurrence of insect galls from natural vegetation around the Itambé Cave, Altinópolis, SP, Brazil. A sampling effort of 7.5 hours resulted in 41 gall morphotypes on 21 host plant species from 14 families. The richest families of host plants in morphotypes were Fabaceae (N = 11), Euphorbiaceae (N = 7), and Malpighiaceae (N = 5). Copaifera langsdorffii Desf. (N = 8), Croton floribundus Spreng. (N = 7), Diplopterys pubipetala (A. Juss.) W.R. Anderson & C.C. Davis (N = 5), and Bauhinia holophylla (Bong.) Steud. (N = 4) were the super host plant species. Among the gall makers obtained, cecidomyiids were reared in 81% of cases and Hemiptera (Diaspididae), Hymenoptera (Eurytomidae), Coleoptera (Apion sp./Apionidae), and Lepidoptera in 4.5% of cases, each. The parasitoids belong to the Chalcidoidea superfamily (Hymenoptera). One new species of Camptoneuromyiia (Cecidomyiidae) was found in Smilax oblongifolia Pohl ex Griseb. (Smilacaceae) as inquiline and a new species of Lestodiplosis in Diplopterys pubipetala (Malpighiaceae) was a predator. We also present the first register of Bauhinia holophylla as host plants of Cecidomyiidae. We also present the first register of Bauhinia holophylla as host plants of Cecidomyiidae, and we expand the occurrence of Rochadiplosis tibouchinae Tavares, Lopesia spinosa Maia and Couridiplosis vena Maia to São Paulo State. The results of this paper are a continuation of the description of gall morphotypes from the vegetation in Northeastern São Paulo State, and they also increase knowledge about the diversity of host plant and gall-maker associations in the Neotropical region.

Confusion in the species associated with the name of "Bixie" in Chinese Materia Medica began centuries ago. In recent decades, diverse medicinal plants from the genera Dioscorea and Smilax, and even minor species from the genus Heterosmilax, have been documented under the name Bixie or a very similar name as folk medicines in different areas of China. However, the traditional efficacies and chemical profiles of these herbs are not exactly the same and even vary wildly. Comprehensive authentication of multiple Bixie herbs has not yet been attempted. To differentiate and ensure the correct use of these Bixie-related herbs, in this study, seven sorts of representative Bixie herbs (Dioscorea collettii, D. zingiberensis, D. nipponica, D. septemloba, Smilax china, S. glabra, and Heterosmilax japonica) were characterized based on the microscopic examination of their powders and cryotomed transverse sections. This is not only the first attempt to distinguish Bixie herbs by a comprehensive microscopic techniques, including common light microscopy, fluorescence microscopy, and polarized light microscopy, but also it is the first research to observe characteristics of transections of crude drugs under polarized lighting for the purpose of authentication. Polarized light has been found to provide a number of unique characteristics. The results indicate that starch granules, stone cells, vascular bundles, and other significant tissue features can be used to authenticate "Bixie" herbs. The method was proven to be quick, handy, specific, and simple. It should be widely applicable to other herbal materials.

Smilacaceae, composed of Smilax and Heterosmilax, are a cosmopolitan family of > 200 species of mostly climbing monocots with alternate leaves characterized by reticulate venation, a pair of petiolar tendrils and usually prickly stems. Although there has been a long history of studying Smilax since Linnaeus named the genus in 1753, the phylogenetic history of this dioecious family remains unclear. Here we present results based on nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (nrITS) and plastid matK and rpl16 intron DNA sequence data from 125 taxa of Smilacaceae. Our taxon sampling covers all sections of Smilax and Heterosmilax and major distribution zones of the family; species from Ripogonaceae and Philesiaceae are used as outgroups. Our molecular analysis indicates that phylogenetic relationships largely contradict the traditional morphological classification of the family, instead showing a conspicuous geographical pattern among the species clades. The previously recognized genus Heterosmilax was found to be embedded in Smilax. Species in the family are separated into primarily New World and Old World clades, except for a single species lineage, Smilax aspera, that is sister to the remaining species of the family, but with poor statistical support. Ancestral character state reconstructions and examination of distribution patterns among the clades provide important information for future taxonomic revisions and historical biogeography of the group. © 2013 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, 2013, 173, 535–548.

The Smilax hispida group (Smilacaceae) exhibits a discontinuous distribution in eastern Asia, eastern and western United States, and Mexico. A broad scale phylogeographic analysis was conducted for this group to evaluate the hypotheses of accelerated allopatric divergence in eastern Asia and a northern origin of the temperate elements in Mexico. Phylogeny was inferred using seven plastid and nuclear DNA sequences. Species delineation was assessed using genealogical sorting indices (GSI). Lineage divergence time, haplotype diversification rates, and ancestral distributions were estimated using Bayesian methods. Phylogeographic patterns in eastern Asia and North America were compared by analyzing 539 individuals from 64 populations to assess allopatric diversification. Results strongly supported delineation of six allopatric species, the origin of this group from a Mexican ancestor around 11.42mya, and Mexican origins of the temperate species in Mexico. Significant geographic structure of haplotypes was found in eastern Asia, and greater haplotype diversification rate was observed for the North American lineage. Our data support allopatric speciation in eastern Asia but do not find evidence of an elevated diversification rate. Greater species diversity of the study system in eastern Asia may be due to a longer evolutionary history. Our results do not support northern origins of the Mexican temperate species.

Submitted by Guilherme Lemeszenski (guilherme@nead.unesp.br) on 2013-08-22T18:57:51Z No. of bitstreams: 1 S0102-695X2013005000043.pdf: 4845280 bytes, checksum: f3e843b89b06134eceb73ea9383d6660 (MD5) Made available in DSpace on 2013-08-22T18:57:51Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 S0102-695X2013005000043.pdf: 4845280 bytes, checksum: f3e843b89b06134eceb73ea9383d6660 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2013-01-01 Made available in DSpace on 2013-09-30T18:12:10Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 S0102-695X2013005000043.pdf: 4845280 bytes, checksum: f3e843b89b06134eceb73ea9383d6660 (MD5) S0102-695X2013005000043.pdf.txt: 35593 bytes, checksum: 5f3f16ffd1b5f04287282015cf8f5511 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2013-01-01 Submitted by Vitor Silverio Rodrigues (vitorsrodrigues@reitoria.unesp.br) on 2014-05-20T13:28:46Z No. of bitstreams: 2 S0102-695X2013005000043.pdf: 4845280 bytes, checksum: f3e843b89b06134eceb73ea9383d6660 (MD5) S0102-695X2013005000043.pdf.txt: 35593 bytes, checksum: 5f3f16ffd1b5f04287282015cf8f5511 (MD5) Made available in DSpace on 2014-05-20T13:28:46Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 S0102-695X2013005000043.pdf: 4845280 bytes, checksum: f3e843b89b06134eceb73ea9383d6660 (MD5) S0102-695X2013005000043.pdf.txt: 35593 bytes, checksum: 5f3f16ffd1b5f04287282015cf8f5511 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2013-01-01 Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq) This study aimed to describe the morphoanatomy of the aerial vegetative organs of seven Smilax species, used in Brazilian folk medicine. Samples of leaves and stems were fixed with FAA 50, embedded in historesin, sectioned on a rotary microtome, stained and mounted in synthetic resin. Cuticle ornamentation was analyzed with standard scanning electron microscopy. In the frontal view, the walls of the adaxial epidermis are straight in S. brasiliensis, S. cissoides, S. goyazana and sinuous in the other species. The walls of the epidermis on the abaxial surface are straight in S. brasiliensis, S. goyazana, S. rufescens, sinuous in S. campestris, S. fluminensis, S. oblongifolia, and wavy in S. cissoides. The stomata are paracytic in S. brasiliensis, S. goyazana, S. oblongifolia, and S. rufescens, anomocytic in S. cissoides, S. campestris; anisocytic and paracytic in S. fluminensis. The midrib has three vascular bundles that are individually wrapped by lignified cells in S. brasiliensis, S. cissoides, and S. fluminensis. In the other, the three vascular bundles are surrounded by a single lignified sheath. In the stems the vascular cylinder is surrounded by a sclerenchymatous ring with the exception of Smilax fluminensis, which has a starch sheath and internal layers of thin-walled cells. Universidade Estadual Paulista Júlio de Mesquita Filho Departamento de Biologia e Zootecnia Faculdade de Engenharia de Ilha Solteira Universidade de São Paulo Escola Superior de Agricultura Luiz de Queiroz Departamento de Ciências Biológicas Universidade Estadual Paulista Júlio de Mesquita Filho Departamento de Biologia e Zootecnia Faculdade de Engenharia de Ilha Solteira

Many molecular studies have shown the monocot order Liliales to be well supported; morphologically, it is defined by synapomorphies of tepalar nectaries and extrorse anthers, in contrast with septal nectaries and introrse anthers commonly found in other monocots, especially Asparagales, with which it was often confused in the past. It comprises c. 1500 species, 67 genera and 9–11 families. Although monophyly is clear, the phylogenetic relationships among some of the families are still unclear. In this study, we examine the inter- and infrafamilial relationships among Liliales in phylogenetic analyses based on four plastid loci (matK, rbcL, atpB and atpF-H). We performed phylogenetic analyses and constructed maximum parsimony and Bayesian trees for 49 genera and 148 taxa in ten families of Liliales sensu Angiosperm Phylogeny Group (APG) III using the combined DNA data. The monophyly of Liliales, except for Corsiaceae (Arachnitis), was strongly supported by both analyses. Campynemataceae were sister to the rest of the order, excluding Corsiaceae. The other families formed two well-defined clades, (Colchicaceae + Alstroemeriaceae) and (Liliaceae, Smilacaceae, (Rhipogonaceae + Philesiaceae)), and one weakly supported clade with Melanthiaceae and Petermanniaceae. Subfamilial and tribal circumscriptions for the three larger families, Colchicaceae, Melanthiaceae and Liliaceae, agreed well with the results of this study, except for the subfamily Calochortoideae of Liliaceae, which was split into two separate clades of Calochortus and Tricyrtis. In addition, we found several taxa with a 10-bp inversion in matK, which could contribute additional homoplasy to these analyses if included without re-coding. Phylogenetic relationships among families of Liliales were better defined here than in a previous molecular analysis, although the placement of Corsiaceae with plastid data remains problematic. Based on these results, reconsideration of the circumscriptions of Rhipogonaceae + Philesiaceae and the subfamilial circumscription for Calochortoideae of Liliaceae is suggested. © 2013 The Linnean Society of London

Se realizó una revisión morfológica de las especies de Smilax de Costa Rica. Tradicionalmente se han aceptado hasta 14 especies. En este trabajo se reconocen 7: Smilax domingensis, S. mollis, S. panamensis, S. spinosa, S. spissa, S. subpubescens y S. vanilliodora. Los siguientes nombres se tratan como sinónimos: Smilax engleriana y S. kunthii de S. domingensis; S. hirsutior, S. angustiflora y S. candelariae de S. mollis, y S. chiriquensis y S. regelii var. albida de S. vanilliodora. Smilax regelii se excluye como taxon válido y se designa un lectotipo de S. gymnopoda. Se elaboraron claves dicotómicas con características vegetativas y reproductivas (flores y frutos), con base en observaciones de campo y especímenes de herbario. En todas las especies se incluyeron diversos caracteres importantes para la identificación, como el rizoma, el tallo, el tamaño de los tépalos y la variación del color de las bayas a lo largo del desarrollo.

Six steroidal saponins and two pregnane glycosides were isolated from the BuOH subfraction of 70% EtOH extract of Smilax microphylla C.H.Wright, among them two were new compounds (1 and 7). Pregnane glycosides were firstly isolated from the genus Smilax (Smilacaceae). Structures of the new compounds were determined on the basis of HR-ESI-MS, 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopic analysis. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Although Smilax L. species (Smilacaceae) may have restoration and landscaping uses, little information is available on seed or vegetative propagation of these plants. This brief review provides some background information and can be the basis for additional work on these native vines.