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Objective To evaluate the acaricidal activity of the essential oil obtained from roots of Derris floribunda (D. floribunda) (Miq.) Benth, and its main constituent nerolidol against the Mexican mite Tetranychus mexicanus (T. mexicanus) (McGregor). Methods The essential oil from the roots of D. floribunda collected in the Amazon region (Brazil) was obtained by hydrodistillation. Its chemical composition was determined by GC–MS analysis. The acaricidal activities of this essential oil and nerolidol, were evaluated by recording the number of dead females (mortality) and eggs (fertility). Results The essential oil showed sesquiterpenes as major volatile components. Nerolidol, the main component, represented 68.5% of the total composition of the essential oil. D. floribunda essential oil and nerolidol showed acaricidal activity, with LC50 of 9.61 μg/mL air and 9.2 μg/mL air, respectively, over a 72 h period. In addition, both the essential oil and nerolidol significantly reduced the fecundity of T. mexicanus. Conclusions Due to the economic importance of T. mexicanus and the lack of new pesticides, our data are very promising in the search for efficient and safer acaricidal products. Furthermore, this is the first report about the chemical composition and bioactivity of the essential oil of the Amazon plant species D. floribunda.

Millettia and Derris are two taxonomically complicated genera of the tribe Millettieae (Leguminosae), and when only flowering material is available they are not easily distinguished from each other. A critical examination of literature and specimens as well as a field survey show that Millettia sapindifolia T. C. Chen, a Chinese species described on the basis of two flowering collections, is conspecific with Derris yunnanensis Chun & F. C. How. The two are closely similar in various characters, such as the inflorescence type, monadelphous stamens, branches with longitudinal ridges, and size, shape, number and hairiness of leaflets. Therefore, the former is here reduced to a synonym of the latter.

With the aim to investigate the sweet-tasting compounds in Derris eriocarpa How (a substitute for licorice in "Zhuang" and "Dai" ethnopharmacy in Guangxi and Yunnan provinces of China) as well as to ascertain why the stem of D. eriocarpa can be used to substitute for licorice in the sweetness taste aspect, taste sensory-guided fractionation was conducted to isolate sweet constituents from the extract of D. eriocarpa. Four sweet-tasting triterpenoid saponins were obtained, including millettiasaponin A (1) and three new saponins named derrisaponins A-C (2-4). The sweetness potency was evaluated by a human sensory panel test. The sweetness intensities of compounds 1-4 were determined to be approximately 150, 80, 2, and 0.5 times relative to sucrose at the concentration of 1%, respectively, of which compounds 1 and 2, with a free carboxyl group at the C-30 position, showed more potent sweetness intensity. In addition, compounds 1 and 2 showed no acute toxic activity at doses of 250 and 400 mg/kg of body weight, respectively, assessed through caudal vein injection to ICR mice. The contents of the sweetest compounds in stems were analyzed quantitatively as 352.80 mg/kg for compound 1 and 1887.60 mg/kg for compound 2 performed by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

A new species, Derris matthewii, is described from the dry evergreen forests of the Alagar Hills, Tamil Nadu, India. The new species closely resembles Derris ovalifolia (Wight & Arn.) Benth., but differs in leaflet shape, texture and 8–10 pairs of lateral veins, petiolule length, articulated pedicels, calyx campanulate, glabrous, and ovary glabrous.

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

Synthetic insecticides are effective in controlling insect pests but can also harm nontarget organisms and the environment. During the last 40 years, there has been an increasing interest in alternative insecticides, particularly those derived from plants, commonly known as botanical insecticides. However, commercially available botanical insecticides remain limited. Rotenone is one of the earliest identified compounds and was used as fish poison and pest management. Due to its link with Parkinson disease, the use of rotenone was banned in many developed countries. Rotenone used to be isolated from Derris spp. and Lonchocarpus spp., and it can also be isolated from Tephrosia species. In this article, we present basic botanical information on selected Tephrosia species and their major compounds related to insecticidal activities and highlight the current use of extracts derived from some species, Tephrosia vogelii in particular, for control of insect pests in stored grains and crop production. The crude extracts contain multiple bioactive compounds, mainly rotenone, deguelin, rotenolone, and tephrosin, which act in either additive or synergistic fashion, resulting in effective control of insect pests. There are about 400 species in the genus Tephrosia, and species and even strains or variants vary greatly in these active compounds. We argue that a systematic evaluation of bioactive compounds in different species are needed, and species or strains with high insecticidal activities should be selected for use in the sustainable control of insect pests.

Some ichthyotoxic plants are study object aiming to discover promising substances in the field of Biotechnology, in search of plant extracts which can be used or even transformed into natural insecticides. This paper presents a bibliographical survey in order to check the traditional use of ichthyotoxic plants as bioinsecticide. Among the plants identified as ichthyotoxic, the most cited in traditional use are those from the genera Derris, Serjania, Lonchocarpus, Magonia, and Tephrosia. The survey suggests that ichthyotoxic plant extracts can contain classes of chemical compounds such as isoflavonoids and tannins with a bioinsecticidal effect and, thus, they can be used in Biotechnology, contributing to reduce the use of synthetic insecticides that present a high toxicity level. RESUMOUso de plantas ictiotóxicas como bioinseticida: revisão de literatura. Algumas plantas ictiotóxicas são objeto de estudos com a finalidade de descobrir substâncias promissoras no campo da Biotecnologia, na busca de extratos vegetais que possam ser usados ou mesmo transformados em inseticidas naturais. Esse artigo apresenta uma pesquisa bibliográfica sobre o uso tradicional de plantas ictiotóxicas como bioinseticida. Entre as plantas identificadas como ictiotóxicas, as mais citadas no uso tradicional são as dos gêneros Derris, Serjania, Lonchocarpus, Magonia e Tephrosia. A pesquisa sugere que extratos de plantas ictiotóxicas podem conter classes de compostos químicos, como isoflavonoides e taninos, com efeito bioinseticida e, assim, podem ser usados na Biotecnologia, contribuindo na redução do uso de inseticidas sintéticos que possuem alto nível de toxicidade.

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

Antifungal activity of the D. indica (Lam.) Bennet. extractives collected in CHCl 3 and methanol were tested against seven pathogenic fungi F. vasinfectum , A. fumigatus, A. niger , A. flavus, Mucor sp., C. albicans and P. notatum at concentrations of 50 and 200 ?g/disc along with a standard Nystatin (50 ?g/disc). The fruit shell extract showed activity index against C. albicans and P. notatum . The leaf and the root bark extracts were responsive on A. fumigatus, C. albicans , P. notatum and F. vasinfectum . For the root wood extract F. vasinfectum , A. fumigatus,, C. albicans were responsive. For the seed, stem bark and stem wood extract showed activity index against A. flavus , C. albicans , A. fumigatus P. notatum and Mucor sp. According to the intensity of activity indices D. indica extracts (CHCl 3 ) could be arranged in a descending order of fruit shell > leaf > root bark > root wood > seed >stem wood> stem bark extract. For the MeOH extracts the fruit shell, leaf, root bark and root wood extracts showed activity indices against A. fumigatus, C. albicans , P. notatum , Mucor sp., F vasinfectum , and A. flavus . In case of the seed, stem bark and stem wood extracts A. flavus , C. albicans , A. fumigatus , P. notatum and Mucor sp. were responsive. According to the intensity of activity indices D. indica extracts (MeOH) could be arranged in a descending order of fruit shell > leaf > root bark > root wood >seed> stem bark > stem wood extract. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jles.v7i0.20122 J. Life Earth Sci., Vol. 7: 61-65, 2012

In some previous studies, we described the isolation of nine compounds from leaves of Derris urucu, a species found widely in the Amazon rainforest, identified as five stilbenes and four dihydroflavonols. In this work, three of these dihydroflavonols [urucuol A (1), urucuol B (2) and isotirumalin (3)] were evaluated to identify their potential as allelochemicals, and we are also reporting the isolation and structural determination of a new flavonoid [5,3′-dihydroxy-4′-methoxy-(7,6:5″,6″)-2″,2″-dimethylpyranoflavanone (4)]. We investigated the effects of the dihydroflavonols 1-3 on seed germination and radicle and hypocotyl growth of the weed Mimosa pudica, using solutions at 150 mg.L–1. Urucuol B, alone, was the substance with the greatest potential to inhibit seed germination (26%), while isotirumalin showed greater ability to reduce the development of the hypocotyl (25%), but none of the three substances showed the potential to inhibit radicle. When combined in pairs, the substances showed synergism for the development of root and hypocotyl and effects on seed germination that could be attributed to antagonism. When tested separately, the trend has become more intense effects on seed germination, while for the substances tested in pairs, the intensity of the effect was greater on development of weed. Em estudos anteriores descrevemos o isolamento de nove substâncias, a partir das folhas de Derris urucu, uma espécie encontrada amplamente na floresta Amazônica, as quais foram identificadas como cinco estilbenos e quatro diidroflavonóis. Neste trabalho, três desses diidroflavonóis [urucuol A (1), urucuol B (2) e isotirumalina (3)] foram avaliados para identificar seus potenciais como aleloquímicos. Estamos relatando também, o isolamento e a determinação estrutural de um novo flavonóide [5,3′-diidroxi-4′-metoxi-(7,6:5″,6″)-2″,2″-dimetilpiranoflavanona (4)]. Investigamos os efeitos dos diidroflavonóis 1-3 sobre a germinação de sementes e desenvolvimento da radícula e do hipocótilo da planta daninha Mimosa pudica, usando soluções a 150 mg.L–1. Urucuol B, isoladamente, foi quem apresentou o maior potencial para inibir a germinação de sementes (26%), por sua vez, isotirulamina exibiu maior capacidade para reduzir o desenvolvimento do hipocótilo (25%), porém nenhuma das três substâncias mostrou potencial para inibir o desenvolvimento da radícula. Quando combinadas aos pares, as substâncias mostraram sinergismo ao desenvolvimento da radícula e do hipocótilo e efeitos, na germinação de sementes, que poderiam ser atribuídos a antagonismo. Quando testadas separadamente, as substâncias apresentaram maior tendência para inibir a germinação de sementes, enquanto que, quando testadas aos pares, observou-se aumento no efeito de inibição do desenvolvimento da planta daninha.

Chloroform extracts of the fruit shell, leaves, root bark, root wood, seeds, stem bark and stem wood of Derris indica Bennet. were tested against the brine shrimp, Artemia salina nauplii. All the test extracts of D. indica were found to be effective. The LC50 values of the extracts were 15312.37, 92.074 and 29.661 ppm for the fruit shell; 60922.83, 61.522 and 23.777 ppm for the leaf; 15312.37, 51.477 and 19.169 ppm for the root bark; 2598.584, 30.480 and 8.260 ppm for the root wood; 545.025,26.730 and 7.719 ppm for the seed; 60922.83, 114.549 and 29.572 ppm for the stem bark and 7734.618, 58.501 and 23.694 ppm for the stem wood at 30 minute, 24 hours and 48 hours post exposures respectively at doses 200, 100, 50, 25, 12.5, 6.25, 3.125 and 1.563 ppm against A. salina . The toxicity of the extracts could be arranged in the order: seed > root wood > root bark> stem wood > leaf > fruit shell > stem bark extract. However, the extracts did not significantly inhibit the germination of mustard oil seeds, and thus its application to crops or to the crop field may not cause any harm to crop plants.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/ujzru.v31i0.15402Univ. j. zool. Rajshahi Univ. Vol. 31, 2012 pp. 59-64

Derris elliptica (Fabaceae) is one of the most important sources of the insecticide rotenone. The present study was aimed at developing microsatellite markers and evaluating their potential for use in germplasm genetics. There were 37 microsatellite markers specific for D. elliptica developed from an AC-enriched genomic library using the Fast Isolation by AFLP of Sequences Containing repeats (FIASCO) method. All markers were polymorphic amongst 16 accessions of the cultivated D. elliptica and four accessions of wild relatives, providing evidence for cross-species transferability within the genus Derris. These markers amplified a total of 159 alleles with a range of 2–8 and an average of 4.3 per locus. The polymorphic information content (PIC) value across all loci was 0.53 with a range of 0.05–0.75. There was similar genetic variability within cultivated and wild accessions (both with average expected heterozygosity of 0.54). Cluster analysis clearly distinguished all wild relatives from each other and from the cultivated genotypes. These markers should be used for genetic diversity studies and breeding programs in D. elliptica.

(Right) C N Sundaresan is currently an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemistry at the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning, Bangalore. His research interests are in synthesis of biologically active compounds, and pharmacuetical co-crystals. Among the several ways of exploiting locally available plants in their day-to-day activities by primitive communities all over the world, catching fish for food was a major one. The plants used for this purpose included species of Derris and Lonchocarpus of the family Leguminosae (Fabaceae). The active principle, rotenone, is a pentacyclic isoflavanoid derivative. Several other closely related compounds are also known and these are together classified as rotenoids.

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

A new coumaronochromone, 6,4'-dihydroxy-7,5' -dimethoxy-coumaronochromone (1), together with eleven known flavonoids (2-12) were isolated from the ethanol extract of the aerial part of Derris elliptica. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic analysis. Compounds 2, 4, 7, 8 and 9 exhibited moderate insecticidal activities against larvae of Aedes albopictus. All compounds showed strong cytotoxic activities against Spodoptera litura (SL) and Trichoplusia ni BTI-Tn-5B1-4 (Hi-5) cells comparison to positive control of rotenone.

Chloroform extracts of fruit shell, leaf, root-bark, root-wood, seeds, stem-bark and stem-wood of Derris indica Bennet. were tested on the mosquito Culex quinquefasciatus Say larvae. The LC50 values of fruit shell, leaf, root-bark, root-wood, seed, stem-bark and stem-wood were 30762.54, 60922.83, 70070.31, 3867.32, 361.89, 453810.10 and 225860.20 ppm, respectively for 30 minutes of exposure; 220.60, 141.56, 59.54, 36.95, 21.52, 229.92 and 82.84 ppm, respectively for 24 hours of exposure, and 49.97, 34.00, 26.26, 18.33, 8.64 , 68.88 and 30.15 ppm, respectively for 48 hours of exposure. The dose-mortality effects were in the order: seed > root-wood > root-bark > stem-wood > leaf > fruit shell > stem-bark. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjz.v39i2.10568 Bangladesh J. Zool. 39(2): 137-145, 2011

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

Until the end of the past century, Deguelia species had been described or combined under the taxa Lonchocarpus and Derris . Although most of the species have recently been combined in some regional studies, four endemic species from the Guiana Shield (one of which also occurs in adjacent areas of Venezuela and Colombia) remain to be combined under Deguelia . Here, we propose new combinations for Lonchocarpus chrysophyllus , Lonchocarpus martynii , Lonchocarpus pictus and Lonchocarpus rufescens , with comments on their taxonomy, distribution, ecology and vernacular names. Furthermore, two new synonyms and five lectotypes are proposed here.

Two natural insecticides, rotenone and limonine caused antifeedant and growth inhibition of the red palm weevil Rhynchophorus ferrugineus larvae and adults. Rotenone was extracted from the root of Lanchocarpus sp. or Derris sp. and limonene extracted from citrus fruit oil. The concentrations of 1.5, 3, 6, 9, 12 and 15% of both insecticides were used for treatment of the sugar cane pieces. Adult stage was more tolerant than the larvae. Also, the rotenone insecticide was more effective than limonene insecticide. Moreover increasing of rotenone and limonene concentrations were reduced the food consumption and increased the larval and adult mortality. The chemical analysis was suggested the structure of rotenone is flavonoid compound and its chemical formula is C23H22O6. While the chemical nature of limonene is alkaloid with the chemical formula of C10H13O4.

Three new species of eriophyid mites from Longlin and Heng Counties, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, South China are described and illustrated: Calacarus cinerascens sp. nov. infesting Cipadessa cinerascens (Pellegr.) Hand.Mazz. (Meliaceae); Calacarus smilax sp. nov. infesting Smilax sp. (Liliaceae) and Tetra guangxiensis sp. nov. infesting Derris sp. (Leguminosae).

Background: The anti-malarials quinine and artemisinin were isolated from traditionally used plants (Cinchona spp. and Artemisia annua, respectively). The synthetic quinoline anti-malarials (e.g. chloroquine) and semi-synthetic artemisinin derivatives (e.g. artesunate) were developed based on these natural products. Malaria is endemic to the Amazon region where Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax drug-resistance is of concern. There is an urgent need for new anti-malarials. Traditionally used Amazonian plants may provide new treatments for drug-resistant P. vivax and P. falciparum. Herein, the in vitro and in vivo antiplasmodial activity and cytotoxicity of medicinal plant extracts were investigated. Methods: Sixty-nine extracts from 11 plant species were prepared and screened for in vitro activity against P. falciparum K1 strain and for cytotoxicity against human fibroblasts and two melanoma cell lines. Median inhibitory concentrations (IC50) were established against chloroquine-resistant P. falciparum W2 clone using monoclonal anti-HRPII (histidine-rich protein II) antibodies in an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Extracts were evaluated for toxicity against murine macrophages (IC50) and selectivity indices (SI) were determined. Three extracts were also evaluated orally in Plasmodium berghei-infected mice. Results: High in vitro antiplasmodial activity (IC50 = 6.4-9.9 μg/mL) was observed for Andropogon leucostachyus aerial part methanol extracts, Croton cajucara red variety leaf chloroform extracts, Miconia nervosa leaf methanol extracts, and Xylopia amazonica leaf chloroform and branch ethanol extracts. Paullinia cupana branch chloroform extracts and Croton cajucara red variety leaf ethanol extracts were toxic to fibroblasts and or melanoma cells. Xylopia amazonica branch ethanol extracts and Zanthoxylum djalma-batistae branch chloroform extracts were toxic to macrophages (IC50 = 6.9 and 24.7 μg/mL, respectively). Andropogon leucostachyus extracts were the most selective (SI >28.2) and the most active in vivo (at doses of 250 mg/kg, 71 % suppression of P. berghei parasitaemia versus untreated controls). Conclusions: Ethnobotanical or ethnopharmacological reports describe the anti-malarial use of these plants or the antiplasmodial activity of congeneric species. No antiplasmodial activity has been demonstrated previously for the extracts of these plants. Seven plants exhibit in vivo and or in vitro anti-malarial potential. Future work should aim to discover the anti-malarial substances present. © 2015 Lima et al.

Flavonoids (1-4), together with ten known compounds (5-14) were isolated from the stems and roots of the mangrove plant Derris indica. Their chemical structures were elucidated by analysis of their spectroscopic data. All compounds except compounds 2 and 6 exhibited antimycobacterial activity with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) between 6.25 and 200 microg/mL.

Aqueous suspension of ethanol extracts of Derris (Lonchocarpus) urucu (Leguminosae), collected in the state of Amazonas, Brazil, were tested for larvicidal activity against the mosquito Aedes aegypti (Diptera:Culicidae). The aim of this study was to observe the alterations of peritrophic matrix in Ae. aegypti larvae treated with an aqueous suspension of D. urucu extract. Different concentrations of D. urucu root extract were tested against fourth instar larvae. One hundred percent mortality was observed at 150 microg/ml (LC(50) 17.6 microg/ml) 24 h following treatment. In response to D. urucu feeding, larvae excreted a large amount of amorphous feces, while control larvae did not produce feces during the assay period. Ultrastructural studies showed tha larvae fed with 150 microg/ml of D. urucu extract for 4 h have an imperfect peritrophic matrix and extensive damage of the midgut epithelium. Data indicate a protective role for the peritrophic matrix. The structural modification of the peritrophic matrix is intrinsically associated with larval mortality.

Sixty five methanolic extracts of Sumatran rainforest plants representing 63 species of 21 families were assayed in vivo for antinematodal activity against Bursaphelenchus xylophilus using our cotton ball-fungal mat method. Extracts of 27 plants species from 14 families exhibited antinematodal activity, while 37 species were inactive. Among them, three extracts of Bischofia javanica, Knema hookeriana and Areca catechu exhibited very strong activity at minimum effective dose (MED ) of 0.7 mg/cotton ball (mg/bl.). Eight extracts from Allamanda cathartica, Ervatamia corymbosa, Hoya diversifolia, Bischofia javanica, Derris malacensis, Melastoma melabathricum, Ophiorriza konsteleary and Brucea sumatrana also showed strong activity (MED, 5 mg/bl.).

The inhibitory effects of essential oils extracted from 10 Indian plants were evaluated against five fungi. The plants used for extraction of essential oils were six species of the genus Eucalyptus and Ocimum basilicum, Prosopis cineraria and Derris indica. The fungi used in the experiments were Fusarium solani, F. oxysporum, F. pallidoroseum, F. acuminatum and F. chlamydosporum. The susceptibility of the Fusarium species was tested by the paper disc method and the serial dilution technique. The results were compared with the inhibitory effects of miconazole on the fungi. The essential oils extracted from the Eucalyptus species markedly inhibited fungal growth. Prosopis cineraria did not show inhibiting properties. Among the fungi, F. oxysporum proved to be the most resistant species.

Two new flavonoids, (2 S)-3′,4′,5′-trimethoxyflavanone (1) and 2′-hydroxy-2,4-dimethoxy-4′- O-[( E)-3,7-dimethyl-2,6-octadienyl]chalcone (2), together with a known pterocarpene, flemichapparin B (3), and a known rotenoid, dehydrodeguelin (4), were isolated from the seeds of Derris scandens. Their structures were determined by means of extensive 1D and 2D NMR spectral studies.

In this revision of the Thai species of the genus Derris and the morphologically similar genera, Aganope and Paraderris, all currently recognized species are enumerated. Two new species, Derris glabra Sirichamorn and Derris pseudomarginata Sirichamorn, are described and illustrated. Keys to the genera and species are provided, together with descriptions and notes for all taxa.

Tandonella dolichoides sp. nov. on Dolichos biflorus and Sclerographium indicum sp. nov. on Derris scandens are described, illustrated and compared with known species.

A new rotenoid, derrisin (1), together with 10 known rotenoids (2-11) were isolated from the roots of Derris malaccensis Plain. The structure of 1 was elucidated by spectroscopic analysis. Nine of the isolated rotenoids (3-11) showed antibacterial activity against Helicobacter pylori.

Some concerns, especially environmental ones, lead the researchers to find new avenues of insect control in agriculture. Considering negative effects of synthetic pesticides especially on non-target organisms caused a general perception that natural compounds are better products or Generally Regarded As Safe (GRAS) (Scott et al., 2003). So, researches has been concentrated on the plant kingdom for solutions leading to the production of a myriad of secondary compounds that can have toxic, growth reducing, and antifeedant properties against insects (Berenbaum & Zangerl, 1996). The use of plant extracts (botanical insecticides) to protect crops and stored products is as old as crop protection. Indeed, prior to the development and commercial success of synthetic insecticides beginning in the 1940s, botanical insecticides were major weapons in the farmer’s arsenal against crop pests (Isman, 2008). Four major types of botanical insecticides are being used for insect control including pyrethrum, rotenone, neem, and essential oils along with three others in limited use (Isman, 2006). Pyrethrum is an oleoresin extracted from the dried flowers of the pyrethrum daisy, Tanacetum cinerariaefolium (Asteraceae) that its active ingredients are three esters of chrysanthemic acid and three esters of pyrethric acid (Isman, 2006). The insecticidal action of the pyrethrins is characterized by a rapid knockdown effect, particularly in flying insects, and hyperactivity and convulsions in most insects. These symptoms are the result of the neurotoxic action of the pyrethrins, which block voltage-gated sodium channels in nerve axons. Azadirachtin is an extraction from Indian neem tree, Azadirachta indicahas that has two profound effects on insects (Schmutter, 2002). Azadirachtin, apart from its antifeedant effects on insects, inhibited the synthesis and release of ecdysteroids from the prothoracic gland resulting incomplete ecdysis in immature insects and sterility in adult females (Isman, 2006). Rotenone is a type of isoflavonoids extracted from the roots or rhizomes of the tropical legumes like Derris, Lonchocarpus, and Tephrosia (Isman, 2006). Rotenone is a mitochondrial poison by blocking the electron transport chain leading to inhibition of energy production (Hollingworth et al., 1994). Acetogenin extracts from seeds of Annona squamosa known as annonin I, or squamocin, and a similar compound, asimicin were isolated from the bark of the American pawpaw tree, Asimina triloba (Johnson et al., 2000). Although, there are many plant extracts widely use against insects but here one of them, Artemisia, is discussed. The genus Artemisia is a member of a large plant family Asteracea

The naturally occurring sugar analogue DMDP (2,5-Dihydroxymethyl-3, 4-dihydroxypyrrolidine) also known as (2R, 3R, 4R, 5R) -2,5-bis (hydroxymethyl)pyrrolidine-3, 4-diol), has been isolated from tropical legumes in the genera Lonchocarpus and Derris, and found to have a range of activities against several plant parasitic nematode species. In vitro studies demonstrated that DMDP at 25 μg ml-1 inhibited cyst hatch of Globodera pallida by 41%, and at 1000 μM ml-1 immobilised 53% of G. rostochiensis juveniles after 72 h exposure. DMDP applied as a foliar spray showed systemic activity and decreased root galling of tomato by Meloidogyne spp. It was also effective when applied as a soil drench or seed dressing. The compound applied as a 30 μg ml-1 soil drench also inhibited virus acquisition and transmission, and root galling by Xiphinema diversicaudatum on Petunia. At 100 μg ml-1 DMDP enhanced the control of Globodera spp. on the partially resistant potato cv. Heather, reducing both the number of cysts/root and eggs/g soil. The potential of this systemic, phloem-mobile plant compound in the integrated control of nematodes is discussed.

Sodium arsenite used at a bath strength of 0.2% As2O3 is shown to protect sheep to a large extent from infestation for periods of from 1 to 2 weeks. Coal-tar creosote dips, though usually effective in killing attached ticks, have no protective effect against reinfestation. Derris, either as ground root or as extract, kills all attached ticks at dilutions down to the order of I part extract in 15,000 of water. At a concentration of 1 part in 5000 it has an effective duration comparable to that of arsenic at 0.2% As2O3. Its maximum effective duration, when applied as an emulsion wash, appears to be 14–17 days. The addition of wool grease enhances the effective duration of arsenic, but not of derris. The effect of immersion time is important for both arsenical and derris dips, but is especially important for the latter. For full effect with derris washes sheep must be immersed for at least half a minute. A protective dip is described which markedly lowers the infestation of dipped sheep for about 3 weeks.

A abundância e o potencial inseticida de Derris amazonica e a necessidade de controle de Cerotoma arcuatus Olivier (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) na cultura do feijão-caupi (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp) estimularam a realização desta pesquisa, que objetivou avaliar a ação inseticida do extrato de D. amazonica a adultos de C. arcuatus em condições de laboratório. Os bioensaios testaram as vias de intoxicação por ingestão de folhas contaminadas, contato com superfície contaminada e aplicação tópica, com delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado, com quatro repetições. Os valores de mortalidade e consumo foliar dos insetos foram submetidos à análise de regressão, sendo utilizada a análise de Probit para determinação das CL50, da DL50 e dos TL50. O extrato de D. amazonica, contendo 3,7% de rotenona, foi tóxico para adultos de C. arcuatus via ingestão de folhas contaminadas (CL50=15,14 µL do extrato.mL-1 de água), superfície contaminada (CL50=0,45 µL do extrato.cm-2) e aplicação tópica (DL50=1,44 µL do extrato.g-1 do inseto). Mortalidades de adultos de C. arcuatus superiores a 80% e os menores tempos letais médios foram obtidos na concentração de 5% (v v-1) do extrato em todos os bioensaios. O consumo foliar de adultos de C. arcuatus foi inversamente proporcional a concentração do extrato quando expostos por via de ingestão foliar ou aplicação tópica, sendo inclusive observada inibição da alimentação dos indivíduos. O extrato de D. amazonica é tóxico para C. arcuatus e inibe a alimentação dos insetos a partir da concentração de 1% (v v-1). The abundance and insecticidal potential of Derris amazonica in addition to need of controlling Cerotoma arcuatus for bean crop stimulated this research. The objective of this work was to evaluate insecticide action of the extract of D. amazonica to adults of C. arcuatus in laboratory conditions. The bioassays were carried out using three distend methodologies: leaf intake, contact in treated surface (filter paper) and topical application. A completed randomized experimental design was used with four replications. Mortality values and leaf consumption of the insects were subjected to regression analyses, being the Probit analyses used to determine of the i.e., LC50, LT50 and LD50. The extract of D. amazonica containing 3.7% of rotenone was toxic to adults C. arcuatus when exposed to treated leaves (LC50 = 15.14 µl.mL-1), treated surface (LC50 = 0.45 µl.cm-2) and subjected to topical exposure (LD50 = 1.44 µl.g-1). In all bioassays the adults mortality was higher than 80% with lower median lethal times obtained with 5% (v.v-1) concentrations of the extract. Leaf consumption by adults C. arcuatus was inversely proportional to the concentration of the extract when exposed by leaf intake or topical application, also being observed inhibition of feeding individuals. The extract of D. amazonica is toxic to C. arcuatus and inhibits the feeding of insects from the concentration of 1% (v v-1).

Bioactivity-directed investigation of root extract of Derris scandens has led to the isolation and characterization of a new benzil derivative ( 11 ), along with ten known compounds ( 1 – 10 ). Their structures were determined on the basis of extensive spectroscopic (IR, MS, 1D and 2D NMR) data analysis and by comparison with the literature data. The insect antifeedant activity and growth inhibitory studies of these compounds were investigated against castor semilooper pest, Achaea janata using a no-choice laboratory bioassay . Several of the isolates displayed potent feeding deterrence and were also toxic or caused developmental abnormalities following topical administration. The new compound, derrisdione A was moderately active with an antifeedant index of 58.6 ± 1.7% at 10 μg/cm 3 against A. janata .

Publisher Summary This chapter provides general information about rotenone and reviews the body of work in which rotenone has been used to model Parkinson's disease (PD). Rotenone occurs naturally in roots and stems of several tropical and subtropical plant species especially those belonging to the genus Lonchocarpus or Derris. Rotenone is highly lipophilic and thus readily gains access to all organs including the brain. After a single intravenous injection, rotenone reaches maximal concentration in the CNS within 15 min and decays to about half of this level in approximately 100 min. Its brain distribution is heterogeneous paralleling regional differences in oxidative metabolism. Rotenone also freely crosses all cellular membranes and can accumulate in subcellular organelles such as mitochondria. The rotenone model is crucial for studying the underlying mechanisms involved in the progression and evolution of PD pathogenesis that appears to be a multisystems disorder affecting the gastrointestinal tract and various brain regions including higherorder cognitive areas. However, this model also bears some specific technical challenges and also has some interesting shortcomings. The chapter discusses in detail different aspects of the rotenone model.

To investigate allelopathic activity of a leguminous mangrove plant, Derris indica, the ‘Protoplasts Co-culture Method’ for bioassay of allelopathy was developed using suspension culture. A suspension culture was induced from immature seed and sub-cultured in Murashige and Skoog's (MS) basal medium containing 10 μM each of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and 6-benzyladenine (BA). The protoplasts were isolated using the separate wells method with 2% each of Cellulase RS, Driselase 20 and Macerozyme R10 in 0.4 M mannitol solution. Protoplast cultures of D. indica revealed that high concentrations of cytokinins, BA and thidiazuron, were effective for cell divisions. The co-cultures of D. indica protoplasts with recipient lettuce protoplasts using 96 multi-well culture plates were performed in MS basal medium containing 0.4 M mannitol solution and 1 μM 2,4-D and 0.1 μM BA. The protoplast density of D. indica used in co-culturing varied from 6 × 103 - 105 / mL. Very strong inhibitory allelopathic effects of D. indica protoplasts on lettuce protoplast growth were found. A similar strong inhibitory allelopathic activity of dried young leaves on lettuce seedling growth was also observed by using the sandwich method. Rotenone, which is a component of Derris root, dissolved in DMSO, was highly inhibitory on the growth of lettuce protoplasts in culture and this could be one of the causes of the strong allelopathic activity of D. indica.

The crude methanol extract of the seeds of Derris trifoliata showed potent and dose dependent larvicidal activity against the 2nd instar larvae of Aedes aegypti. From this extract two unusual rotenoid derivatives, a rotenoloid (named 7a-O-methyl-12a-hydroxydeguelol) and a spirohomooxarotenoid (named spiro-13-homo-13-oxaelliptone), were isolated and characterised. In addition a rare natural chromanone (6,7-dimethoxy-4-chromanone) and the known rotenoids rotenone, tephrosin and dehydrodeguelin were identified. The structures were assigned on the basis of spectroscopic evidence. The larvicidal activity of the crude extract is mainly due to rotenone. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved

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

Derris Lour. is revised for the Flora Malesiana region. In the introduction comments are given on some characters and the seedlings of D. trifoliata Lour. are described. The introduction is followed by a section ‘Notes on species’ in which the varieties of D. elegans Graham ex Benth. are described, including a new one from Celebes (var. celebica Adema) and a new one from Malaysia, Java, Borneo, the Philippines and the Moluccas (var. korthalsiana (Blume ex Miq.) Adema). Several other species are discussed at some length. A key to the species of Derris in Malesia is presented. The paper concludes with notes on aberrant specimens and excluded species.

Laboratory-reared Lutzomyia longipalpis (Lutz and Neiva 1912) was tested with extracts of two ichthyotoxic plants, known as timbós, used as fishing poison in the Amazon. Phlebotomines, L. longipalpis, and plants, Antonia ovata and Derris amazonica, were collected in the Raposa-Serra do Sol Indian Reserve, a focus of visceral leishmaniasis in the State of Roraima, Brazil. Extracts were prepared from dried leaves of A. ovata and roots of D. amazonica that were percolated in water, filtered and dried out at 50 degrees C. The solid extract obtained was diluted in water at 150, 200 and 250 mg/ml. The solution was blotted in filter paper placed at the bottom of cylindric glass tubes containing sand flies. For each plant extract and dilution, two series of triplicates with 5 male and 5 female specimens of L. longipalpis were used. Mortality was recorded every 2 h during 72 h of exposure. At 72 h the mortality was as high as 80% for extracts of A. ovata (LD50 = 233 mg/ ml), and 100% for D. amazonica (LD50 = 212 mg/ ml) whereas in the control groups maximum mortality never surpassed 13%. Preliminary assays indicated that A. ovata and D. amazonica displayed significant insecticide effect against L. longipalpis.

In a continuing search for new compounds for the control of the vectors of schistosomiasis, we have tested the activity of some Brazilian medicinal plants as sources of molluscicidal natural compounds, using two molluscicidal bioassays. Twenty-seven crude extracts, from twenty-six species belonging to nineteen families, were tested. Seven extracts showed significant molluscicidal activity against Biomphalaria glabrata adults with DL50 values of less than 50 ppm, and five of them were very active in the test using egg masses. The species most active against B. glabrata adults (LD50 value = 3.65 ppm) and their egg masses (LD50 value = 0.13 ppm) was Derris sp. Annona muricata [LD50 value (adult) = 11.86 ppm and LD50 value (egg) = 49.62 ppm], Jatropha elliptica (from Goias state) [LD50 value (adult) = 24.80 ppm and LD50 value (egg) = 3.03 ppm] and Renealmia exaltata [LD50 value (adult) = 28.03 ppm and LD50 value (egg) = 21.67 ppm], were also considered promising molluscicidal plants.

The ethanol extract of leaves of Derris uliginosa given by oral route at dose of 250 and 500 mg/kg produced a significant inhibition on acetic acid-induced writhing in mice.

Rotenone and its derivatives are well known for their insecticidal properties. They occur naturally as constituents of the roots, stems, and leaves of many leguminous species of the genera Derris, Lonchocarpus, Tephrosia, and Amorpha (Harborne 1971; Menichini et al. 1982). For several centuries, these plants have been used to prepare hunting and fishing poisons. More recently, rotenoids have become of much interest because of their selectivity and low environmental hazard. They are highly toxic to insects and lower animal forms; but relatively nontoxic to plants and mammals. They offer a distinct advantage over synthetic insecticides because they are biologically active at basic metabolic levels, less likely to lose their effectiveness through the development of tolerance, and are readily degraded in the environment to nontoxic organic acids (Moring and McChesnay 1979).

The aim of this study was to reveal the pyridine metabolism in leaves of two mangrove legumes, Derris indica (= Millettia pinnata or Pongamia pinnata) and Caesalpinia crista. Radioactivity from [carbonyl-14C]nicotinamide supplied exogenously to young leaf disks was recovered in nicotinic acid, nicotinic acid mononucleotide, NAD, NADP, nicotinamide mononucleotide and trigonelline. These mangrove species, especially D. indica, have strong ability to convert nicotinamide to trigonelline, but not to nicotinic acid glucoside. The endogenous trigonelline content in leaves of D. indica was more than 830 μg/g dry weight. This value is 5-12 times greater than that in leaves of Glycine max. There was little short-term effect of 250 and 500 mM NaCl (equivalent to ca. 50% and 100% sea water) on nicotinamide metabolism.