Search

Oler una flor de loto es un motivo iconográfico bien conocido en relieves y pinturas del Egipto antiguo. Con menos frecuencia, la flor es reemplazada por una fruta de color amarillo, identificada por los egiptólogos unas veces como mimusops (persea) y otras como mandrágora. Debido a la marcada y agradable fragancia de la segunda, es más probable que se trate de esta. Los egiptólogos sostienen que los egipcios utilizaban la mandrágora como un afro- disíaco. Dicha idea, sin embargo, no es respaldada por las escenas que muestran a una mujer ofreciendo la fruta amarilla a otra mujer para que la huela. Sólo una escena, conocida como “El paseo en el jardín” (Berlín 15000), muestra a una mujer (la reina) sosteniendo mandrágoras y un capullo de loto en presencia de un hombre (el rey). Teniendo en cuenta que la autenticidad de dicho relieve es cuestionable y que escenas homólogas carecen de connotación erótica, la suposición de que la mandrágora fuera un afrodisíaco parece infundada. Das Riechen an einer Lotusblüte ist ein von Reliefs und Malereien gut bekanntes ikonographisches Motiv. Gelegentlich wird die Blüte durch eine gelbe Frucht ersetzt, die die Ägyptologen entweder als Mimusops (sogenannte Persea) oder als Mandragora identifizieren. Letztere Möglichkeit ist die ahrscheinlichere, wenn man den starken und angenehmen Geruch von Mandragora in Betracht zieht. Nach geläufiger ägyptologischer Auffassung diente die Mandragora im alten Ägypten als Aphrodisiakum. Diese Idee findet keine Stütze in den Szenen in denen eine Frau einer anderen die gelbe Frucht an die Nase hält. Nur eine einzige Szene – der sogenannte ‚Spaziergang im Garten‘ (Berlin 15000) – zeigt eine Frau (eine Königin), die in Gegenwart eines Mannes (eines Königs) Mandragoren und Lotusknospen in Händen hält. Da die Authentizität dieses Reliefs zweifelhaft ist und vergleichbare Szenen keine erotische Konnotation aufweisen, scheint die aphrodisische Verwendung von Mandragora eine grundlose Vermutung zu sein.

Electrophoretic profiles of native seed protein and esterase isozyme characters of four species of genus Mimusops have been revealed by PAGE. Seed coat scanning and numerical analysis of the results carried out. These species are M. laurifolia, M. elengi,M. zeyheri and M. coffra. The results of SEM on the surface seeds showed that, Seed ornamentation in Mimusops zeyheri differs than the rest species of the genus Mimusops by showing replicas of freeze on the their membrane surface. The results of seed protein and esterase isozyme characters indicated that delimitation of Mimusops zeyheri in a separated level, separation of two species of Mimusops coffra and Mimusops elengi in a separated group, in addition distinguishing of Mimusops laurifolia than other two species of Mimusops elengi and Mimusops coffra.

Studies on functional propertiesof a protein concentrate produced from the seeds of bakul (Mimusops elengiL.; Sapotaceae) have been carried out. Solubility of the protein was minimum at pH 4.0. Water and oil holding capacities of the seed protein concentrate were 1.70 g g-1and 3.23 g g-1, respectively. Minimum foaming capacity, minimum emulsifying activity, minimum emulsion stability and maximum foam stability were found at pH 4.0. Moreover, emulsion stability of the protein concentrate was high (above 88.3%) over the pH range of 2-10.

The present study was designed to investigate the effect of Mimusops elengi (Sapotaceae) against experimental gastric ulcers. The 50% alcoholic extract of Mimusops elengi (Ext E) and its different fractions namely ethyl acetate (Ext E1), n-butanol (Ext E2), methanol (Ext E3) and aqueous (Ext E4) were studied (p.o.) against ethanol-induced gastric damage. Ext E1 was also studied in ethanol-induced, pylorus-ligated and water-immersion plus stress-induced gastric ulcer models. Ranitidine HCl (80 mg kg(-1)) was used as a reference standard. In ethanol-induced gastric ulcer model, pantoprazole (20 mg kg(-1)) was also used as a reference standard. Ext E1 tested in mice up to the dose of 5000 mg kg(-1) (p.o.) did not produce any sign of toxicity. Ext E at the doses of 50, 100, 300 and 500 mg kg(-1) and its different fractions (100 mg kg(-1)) showed reduction in gastric ulceration (P0.05). Ext E1 at the doses of 10, 50 and 100 mg kg(-1) showed dose-dependent inhibition of gastric lesions against ethanol-induced gastric damage. In 19 h pylorus-ligated animals, Ext E1 at 50 and 100 mg kg(-1) doses showed significant reduction in ulcer index (P0.05). Significant reduction was also observed in total acidity, volume of gastric acid secretion, total acid output and pepsin activity (P0.05) when compared with the control group. Besides, Ext E1 showed increase in the mucosal glycoproteins that was evident from significant rise in total carbohydrates to protein ratio (TC:PR ratio) (P0.05), which is an indication of mucin activity. Ext E1 also showed protection against water-immersion plus stress-induced gastric lesions that was evident from dose-dependent decrease in ulcer index (P0.05), score for intensity (P0.05) and total lesion area (P0.05) when compared with the control group. It can be concluded from our study that Ext E1 possesses anti-ulcer activity against experimental gastric ulcers. The mechanism of anti-ulcer activity can be attributed to decrease in gastric acid secretory activity along with strengthening of mucosal defensive mechanisms.

Une bonne connaissance des interac- tions entre les forêts et les communautés humaines voisines est indispensable à la gestion participative des ressources forestières. La présente étude s’est atta- ché à déterminer la diversité écologique des arbres sauvages à fruits comes- tibles (ASFC) dans la Réserve forestière de Lama, zone protégée dans le sud du Bénin, et à définir des stratégies de conservation adaptées. Un inventaire des ASFC a été réalisé sur 53 placettes systématiquement délimitées dans des forêts denses typiques, de forêt dense dégradée et de jachère dans la Réserve forestière de Lama, ainsi qu’une enquête ethnobotanique auprès de 136 partici- pants. Les habitats des ASFC ont été iden- tifiés à partir d’une Analyse des Corres- pondances Simples sur les données de densité. Une liste d’especes prioritaires a été générée par la méthode des rangs composés : Dialium guineense, Diospy- ros mespiliformis, Drypetes floribunda, Mimusops andogensis et Pterocarpus santalinoides en forêt dense typique ; Pancovia bijuga, Psidium guajava et Lecaniodiscus cupanioides en forêt dense dégradée ; Ficus capensis et Spon- dias mombin dans les jachères. Contrai- rement aux autres essences, la densité moyenne de D. guineense, D. mespili- formis, D. floribunda, L. cupanioides et M. andongensis varie de manière signifi- cative (P < 0,01) selon les types de végé- tation. Les ASFC recensés sont principa- lement utilisés dans l’alimentation et la pharmacopée. Les essences à conserver en priorité sont P. guajava, S. mombin, F. capensis, P. santalinoides et P. bijuga. Des efforts de protection renforcés sont nécessaires en forêt dense dégradée et dans les zones de jachère pour assurer la conservation de ces essences. D’autre part, il convient d’intégrer les ASFC prio- ritaires dans des programmes de planta- tion afin de réduire la pression des com- munautés humaines voisines.

This study assessed endogenous knowledge and impact of human disturbance on the abundance of two underutilized wild fruit tree species: Drypetes floribunda (Mull. Arg.) Hutch. (Euphorbiaceae) and Mimusops andongensis Hiern. (Sapotaceae) in the Lama Forest Reserve (LFR) in southern Benin. A survey was conducted with 145 randomly selected people amongst the surrounding communities of LFR in order to assess the endogenous knowledge of the species. One hundred square plots were established in the forest for characterizing species abundance in different habitats according to human disturbance degree. Results indicated that this species has multiple uses and either local knowledge on their uses or their organ plant uses depend on social factors. A densities assessment suggests a negative effect of human disturbance on the abundance of both species. Results support the need to envisage conservation and sustainable use strategies as perspective policies.

Members of the family Sapotaceae, occurring in Madagascar’s various forest types, are mostly known as nanto in local dialects; some of their cultural and social values are described here. While the circumscription of Mimusops is well - defined, the delimitation of species within the genus remains unclear and their identification is often difficult. A study of herbarium specimens assigned to this genus deposited in key herbaria, two in Madagascar (TAN and TEF) and three outside the country (G, MO and P), revealed two new species: Mimusops boeniensis Randrianaivo sp. nov. and Mimusops masoalensis Randrianaivo sp. nov. This brings the number of Mimusops species recognized in Madagascar to 16. Both of these newly recognized species are illustrated, and detailed information is provided concerning their morphology and the differences between them and other members in the genus, as well as on their ecology and distribution.

Mimusops caffra E. Mey. ex A.DC and Mimusops obtusifolia Lam (both members of the Sapotaceae family), and Hypoxis colchicifolia Bak (family Hypoxidaceae) are used by traditional healers in Zululand to manage malaria. Anti-plasmodial investigation of the crude extracts and some triterpenes isolated from the plants showed activity against a chloroquine sensitive (CQS) strain of Plasmodium falciparum (D10). Among the crude extracts the leaves of M. caffra exhibited the highest activity, with an IC50 of 2.14 μg/mL. The pentacyclic tritepenoid ursolic acid (1), isolated from the leaves of M. caffra was the most active compound (IC50 6.8 μg/mL) as compared to taraxerol (2) and sawamilletin (3) isolated from the stem bark of M. obtusifolia (IC50 > 100). Chemical modification of the ursolic acid (1) to 3β-acetylursolic acid (4) greatly enhanced its anti-plasmodial activity. Compound 4 reduced parasitaemia against Plasmodium berghei by 94.01% in in vivo studies in mice. The cytotoxicity of 3β-acetylursolic acid (IC50) to two human cell lines (HEK293 and HepG2) was 366.00 μg/mL and 566.09 μg/mL, respectively. The results validate the use of these plants in folk medicine.

Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is commonly used as a flavor enhancer in many countries. However, overconsumption of MSG has been reported to produce detrimental effects on several organs. It mainly affects the normal physiology and function of the brain and causes severe oxidative stress. Mimusops elengi Linn. traditionally is used in many countries as a brain tonic and to calm anxiety and panic attacks. The effect of standardized hydroalcoholic extract of M. elengi flowers (ME) was evaluated against MSG-induced oxidative stress and excitotoxicity in Wistar rats. Excitotoxicity was induced by intraperitoneal administration of MSG (2 g/kg) for 7 days, and ME (100 and 200 mg/kg) was administered for 3 days before and for 7 days with administration of MSG. Animals were evaluated for locomotor activity, and brain homogenates were estimated for the levels of antioxidants and nitrite. In animals treated with MSG, pretreatment with ME improved ambulatory behavior, reduced lipid peroxidation and nitrite levels, and restored the enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidant (glutathione, total thiols, glutathione-S-transferase and catalase) status to near-normal levels; these were altered in the MSG control animals. Altogether, this investigation demonstrates the neuroprotective effect of ME against excitotoxicity and oxidative stress induced by MSG, and the observed protective effect might be attributed to the potential antioxidant property of ME.

Green synthesis of metallic silver nanoparticles has attracted nowadays and alternative to physical and chemical approaches. In the present study, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized from leaf extract of Mimusops elengi, L. at room temperature. Formation of stable AgNPs at 1mM concentrations of silver nitrate (AgNO3) typically gave spherical shape particles with diameter range from 55 to 83nm. The kinetic properties of particle formation were proportional to the effect of concentration of AgNO3 solution. In order to identify the compounds responsible for the bioreduction of Ag(+) ion and the stabilization of AgNPs produced, the functional group present in Mimusops elengi, L. leaf extract was investigated using FTIR. The formation of nanoparticle was confirmed using the surface plasmon resonance band shown in UV-vis spectrophotometer. The topography and morphology of the particles were determined using scanning electron microscopy. The crystalline nature of nanoparticles was confirmed from the XRD pattern. Furthermore these green synthesized AgNPs were found to show higher antimicrobial efficacy against multi drug resistant clinical isolates.

The study was aimed to investigate antiulcer effects of acetone extract and its different fractions Mimusops hexandra against experimental gastro-duodenal ulcers. 80% acetone extract of stem bark of Mimusops hexandra (Extract A, p.o.) and its different fractions namely diethyl ether (Extract A1, p.o.), ethyl acetate (Extract A2, p.o.) and aqueous (Extract A3, p.o.) were tested for the presence of preliminary phytoconstituents and were screened for their antiulcer potential in experimental animals using ethanol-HCl and aspirin-induced gastric damage at the dose of 500 mg kg-1p.o. Extract A2 being the most active fraction amongst all the fractions tested was also studied at different doses to find its ED50. Further, to establish the mechanism of action, Extract A2 was also tested for its effects in acetic acid-induced gastric ulcer models and cysteamine-induced duodenal ulcer. The effect was compared with cimetidine. Flavonoids (quercetin), procyanidins, saponins and triterpenoids were found to be present in bark. Oral administration of Extract A2 inhibited formation of gastric lesions induced by aspirin in a dose dependent manner. Elevated level of lipid peroxidation due to ethanol-HCl and aspirin induced gastric damage was significantly (p

Mimusops coriacea (A. DC.) Miq. in Mart. Fl. Bras. 7: 44. �� Imbricaria coriacea A. DC. in Prodr. 8: 200. 1844. Typus: ��� Hab. in sylvis insulae Madagascar. Cult. in Mauritius ���, received 1839, fl., Bojer s.n. (lecto-: G-DC [G00 142023]!) (lectotype implicitly designated by FRIEDMANN, 1981). ��� Mimusops hexandra ���, received 1839, fl., L. Bouton s.n. (syn-: G-DC [G00142033]!); ���4157 Mimusops imbricaria Willd. UBL [?] e Mauritio; Comp. angl. des Indes 1831���, fl., anon. s.n. (syn-: G-DC [G00142032]!); ��� Mimusops elengi, Fl. Maurit. II ���, s.d., fl., Sieber 329 (syn-: G-DC [G00142034]!). ��� Mimusops commersonii auct. non (G. Don) Engl.: Engler, Mon. Afr. Pflanzenf. 8: 77. 1904 (for Madagascar collections); Aubr��ville, Adansonia ser. 2, 4: 380. 1964; Humbert, Fl. Madagascar Comores 164: 44. 1974. Observations. ��� The Imbricaria coriacea folder of the G-DC herbarium contains four specimens. The only one which gives a vague indication of locality is a specimen of Bojer cultivated in Mauritius and believed to have originated from material collected inMadagascar. The dateon the label isnot to be considered as a collection date, it is very probably the year of accession in G-DC. There is little doubt that all 3 other specimens werecollected form cultivated plantsinMauritius or inAsia, but their original pro venance isnot indicated. The Bojer collection was cited as the ��� holotype ��� by FRIEDMANN (1981), and although this is technically not the case, this should be considered to be an effective lectotypification according to art. 7.11 ofICBN (M CNEILL & al., 2006). Distribution Although Mimusops coriacea has been cultivated widely in the tropics for centuries, it is native only to Madagascar and the Comoro Islands. It is reported as naturalized on R��union Island. In Madagascar (Fig. 2) it is found exclusively along the east coast from Antsiranana (Di��go-Suarez) in the North down to Tolagnaro (Fort Dauphin) in the south, and on the west coast where it is restricted to the Sambirano Domain (sensu HUMBERT, 1955). In this area, it has not been recorded from the Ampasindava Peninsula, but this is probably a sampling artefact, the peninsula has been very inadequately explored. Ecology Mimusops coriacea is typically reported to grow on sands as acommon component of coastal forests. Out of 47 collections that could be georeferenced with M.coriacea is assigned a preliminary status of Least Concern following the ���IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria��� (IUCN, 2001) (calculation following CALLMANDER & al., 2007). Habitat transformation is only a relative threat for the species: when coastal forestsarecleared by the local population, trees of Mimusops coriacea are usually preserved for their edible fruits. Even when coastal cities develop, trees are still preserved in the urban landscape (Fig. 4). Common names In Madagascar: Voranto, Natondriaka, Anganahara, Moroganamara (AUBR��VILLE, 1974). In the Mascarenes: Pomme Jacot(F RIEDMAN, 1981)., Published as part of Laurent, Gautier, Nusbaume, Louis, Garratt, Rh��a, Randrianivo, Richard & Phillipson, Peter B., 2012, Mimusops coriacea (A. DC.) Miq. (Sapotaceae): nomenclature, distribution and ecology, pp. 148-151 in Candollea 67 (1) on pages 148-151, DOI: 10.15553/c2012v671a16, http://zenodo.org/record/5710145, {"references":["HUMBERT, H. (1955). Les territoires phytogeographiques de Madagascar. Annee biol. ser. 3, 31: 439 - 448.","CORNET, A. (1974). Essai cartographique bioclimatique a Madagascar, carte a 1 / 2 000 000 et notice explicative N ° 55. ORSTOM. Paris.","IUCN (2001). IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria (version 3.1). IUCN Species Survival Comission. IUCN, Gland and Cambridge.","CALLMANDER, M. W., G. E. SCHATZ, P. P. LOWRY II, M. O. LAIVAO, J. RAHARIMAMPIONONA, S. ANDRIAMBOLOLONERA, T. RAMINOSOA & T. CONSIGLIO (2007). Application of IUCN Red List criteria and assessment of Priority Areas for Plant Conservation in Madagascar: rare and threatened Pandanaceae indicate new sites in need of protection. Oryx 42: 168 - 176.","AUBREVILLE, A. (1974). Sapotacees. In: HUMBERT (ed.), Fl. Madagascar Comores 164. Museum national d'Histoire naturelle. Paris."]}

The present study was aimed to evaluate the wound healing activity of extract of bark part of Mimusops elengi. It is well-known plant in Indian traditional medicines. On the basis of traditional use and literature references, this plant was selected for wound healing potential. A methanolic extract of bark parts of Mimusops elengi was examined for wound healing activity in the form of ointment in three types of wound models on mice: the excision, the incision and dead space wound model. The extract ointments showed considerable response in all the above said wound models as comparable to those of a standard drug Betadine ointment in terms of wound contracting ability, wound closure time, tensile strength and dry granuloma weight. Histological analysis was also consistent with the proposal that Mimusops elengi bark extract exhibits significant wound healing.

Animal-derived oils and purified fatty acids, but not indigenous fruit-tree-derived seed oils, have been used to study cell growth and differentiation. In this study, we determined the effects of the Kigelia africana, the Mimusops zeyheri and the Ximenia caffra seed-oil on cell proliferation in culture. Human colon adenocarcinoma (Caco-2) and human embryonic kidney (HEK-293) cells were maintained and treated with various concentrations (0, 20, 40, 80, 100 and 120 mg/l) of K. africana, M. zehyeri and X. caffra seed oil. The trypan blue dye exclusion method was used to determine cell growth 48-hours after oil treatment. All three tree seed oils suppressed both Caco-2 and HEK-293 cell growth in a dose-dependent manner. Importantly, the tree seed oils did not cause increased cell death as the number of dead cells remained unchanged under control and oil-treated conditions. K. africana oil significantly suppressed Caco-2 cell growth compared to HEK-293 cell growth at all oil concentrations, whereas M. zeyheri and X. caffra seed oils significantly suppressed HEK-293 and Caco-2 cell growth, only at a concentration of 80 mg/l. The suppression of Caco-2 and HEK-293 cell proliferation by K. africana, M. zeyheri and X. caffra seed oils suggest a potential antiproliferative effect of these tree seed oils on the two cell lines.

International audience; Mimusops balata (Sapotaceae) is an endemic tree species from La Réunion and Mauritius. Like many species growing in lowland forests in La Réunion, it has suffered from human disturbances. We developed twelve microsatellite markers for M. balata and tested cross-amplification in five other Mimusops species to have powerful tools for genetic diversity studies. Genotyping peaks were of very low quality for two loci and were consequently abandoned for the genetic diversity analyses. Ten microsatellite loci were tested on 34 individuals of M. balata from two natural populations. The number of alleles per locus ranged from one to seven. The observed and expected heterozygosity levels varied from 0.000 to 0.823, and from 0.000 to 0.812 respectively. Two loci deviated from the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. The presence of null alleles was detected for one of these two loci. Nine to ten loci cross-amplified reliably in Mauritian species, for the other three species, four to six loci show successful amplifications. These polymorphic microsatellite markers are now available for population genetic investigations in Mimusops species aiming to establish accurate guidelines for conservation managers.

The amount of plant foods eaten and sexual differences in food intake among chimpanzees in Kibale Forest was investigated between July 2007 and January 2008. Continuous focal animal sampling was used to collect data on the diet, number, and duration of feeding bouts of 18 individuals of the Kanyawara chimpanzee community. Chimpanzees utilized 42 plant species for fruits, leaves, and piths. Among plant parts eaten, fruits contributed the greatest percentage of fresh weight (18) in the diets compared to leaves (5.1) and piths (3.6). The duration of feeding bouts varied, ranging from 1.5 to 45.8 minutes. When Mimusops bagshawei fruits were eaten, the numbers of feeding bouts per chimpanzee per day were high compared to when they were not. While our study agrees with previous studies that females spend more time feeding per day, it shows that the long feeding time among females does not translate to increased food weight. We suggest that the social role of females in taking care of the young and their attention being taken up by this role while feeding and fears associated with male presence is the reason for long feeding time among females.

The role of chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) as seed dispersers in the Kibale Forest Reserve of western Uganda was assessed by analysing 1849 dung samples from two chimpanzee communities and by conducting germination trials on dispersed and non-dispersed seeds. Of the chimpanzee dung samples, 98.5% contained seeds, and fig seeds were the most common. The number of large seeds (>2 mm) per dung sample was often high, even for species with a relatively large seed. For example, Mimusops bagshawei has a 15-mm diameter seed and had an average of 26.5 seeds per sample. In addition, many seed species were found in the dung repeatedly over several months. Germination trials demonstrated that the species of seed commonly collected from dung were viable. Comparisons of both the rate and success of germination of chimpanzee-dispersed seeds with seeds collected directly from the parent trees, showed that gut passage increased the speed and probability of germination. The number of large seeds dispersed by the chimpanzee population was estimated at 369 large seeds km-1 day-1. We suggest that in Kibale, chimpanzees may play a more significant role in primary seed dispersal than implied by their low numbers and biomass.

A new triterpenoid saponin, 1β 2α, 3β, 19α-tetrahydroxyursolic acid 28-O-β-D-glucopyranoside, and β-sitosterol have been isolated from the stem bark of Mimusops hexandra and their structures elucidated on the basis of chemical and spectral evidence.

The present study was aimed to evaluate the wound healing activity of extract of bark part of Mimusops elengi. It is well-known plant in Indian traditional medicines. On the basis of traditional use and literature references, this plant was selected for wound healing potential. A methanolic extract of bark parts of Mimusops elengi was examined for wound healing activity in the form of ointment in three types of wound models on mice: the excision, the incision and dead space wound model. The extract ointments showed considerable response in all the above said wound models as comparable to those of a standard drug Betadine ointment in terms of wound contracting ability, wound closure time, tensile strength and dry granuloma weight. Histological analysis was also consistent with the proposal that Mimusops elengi bark extract exhibits significant wound healing

A new farnane-type pentacyclic triterpene, farnan-2-one-3 beta-ol (mimusopfarnanol), was isolated from the stem bark of Mimusops elengi L. along with the known triterpenoids, farnan-3-one, olean-18-en-2-one-3-ol and lup-20 (29)-en-3 beta-ol and their structures have been characterized on the basis of spectral data analyses and chemical reactions.

The unsaponifiable lipid constituents, hydrocarbons, triterpene alcohols and sterols of ten seed oils (Catharanthus roseus, Nymphaea nelumbo, Casuari-na equisetifolia, Lagerstroemia therolli, Prosopisjuliflora, Mimusops elengi, Mimusops hexandra, Ponga-miapinnata, Acrocarpus fraxinifolius, and Bauhinia retusa) were investigated by gas liquid chromatography. Total unsaponifiables ran from 4–14%. Some of the seed oils contained large quantities of jβ-amyrin, α-amyrin and cycloartenol. Acrocarpus fraxinifolius was found to contain 84% of lupeol. Stigmasterol (24-ethyl-22e-dehydrocholesterol), β-sitosterol (24-ethyl-cholesterol) and campesterol (24-methyl-cholesterol) were the common constituents in all the seed oils. Besides these constituents, tirucallol, taraxerol, ψ-taraxasterol, fucosterol, isofucosterol, avenasterol and cholesterol also were detected in small quantities.

Mimusops elengi Linnaeus, Species Plantarum 1: 349. 1753. ["Habitat in India."] Sp. Pl., ed. 2, 1: 497. 1762. RCN: 2675. Lectotype (Pennington in Jarvis & al., Regnum Veg. 127: 67. 1993): Herb. Hermann 3: 23, No. 138 (BM-000621879). Generitype of Mimusops Linnaeus (vide Hitchcock, Prop. Brit. Bot.: 149. 1929). Current name: Mimusops elengi L. (Sapotaceae). Note: Friedmann (in Bosser & al., Fl. Mascareignes 116: 23. 1981) indicated material in LINN (presumably sheet 492.1) as the holotype, but this material was a later addition to the herbarium and not original material for the name., Published as part of Jarvis, Charlie, 2007, Chapter 7: Linnaean Plant Names and their Types (part M), pp. 651-689 in Order out of Chaos. Linnaean Plant Types and their Types, London :Linnaean Society of London in association with the Natural History Museum on page 678, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.291971

Fifteen new bidesmosidic triterpenoid saponins (1-15) were isolated from a methanol extract of the leaves of Mimusops laurifolia. Their structures were established using one- and two-dimensional NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry and determined to be bidesmosides of protobassic acid (2-4, 11, 12, and 15) and of 16alpha-hydroxyprotobassic acid (1, 5-10, 13, and 14).

Gutta-percha and gutta-balata are derived from the Paliquium gutta and Mimusops globsa trees, respectively, that are in the same botanical family as the rubber tree Hevea brasiliensis. For this reason the potential for immunological cross-reactivity between the gutta-percha and gutta-balata used in endodontics and natural rubber latex (NRL) has been the subject of some controversy, because these products may be used in latex-allergic individuals. The objective of this study was to investigate the potential cross-reactivity between gutta-percha, gutta-balata, and NRL. Physiological extracts of seven commercially available gutta-percha products, raw gutta-percha, raw gutta-balata, and synthetic transpolyisoprene were each analyzed for cross-reactivity with NRL in a competitive radioallergosorbent test inhibition assay. No detectable cross-reactivity was observed with any of the raw or clinically used gutta-percha products. In contrast the raw gutta-balata released proteins that were cross-reactive with Hevea latex. We conclude that the absence of gutta-percha proteins that can react with Hevea latex-specific IgE antibody supports the minimal potential for commercially available gutta-percha to induce allergic symptoms in individuals sensitized to NRL. Because gutta-balata is sometimes added to commercial gutta-percha products caution should be exercised if products containing gutta-balata are used in endodontic care of latex-allergic individuals.

Six saponins were isolated from the seed kernel of Mimusops elengi, M. hexandra and M. manilkara. Their structures were determined using a combination of 1H NMR, 13C NMR and mass spectroscopy. Three of them are new compounds: 3-O-(beta-D-glucuronopyranosyl) 28-O-(alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl (1-->3) beta-D-xylopyranosyl(1-->4) [alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl(1-->3)] alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl(1-->2) alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl) protobassic acid, 3-O-(beta-D-glucuronopyranosly) 28-O-(alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl(1-->3) beta-D-xylopyranosyl(1-->4) alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl(1-->2) alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl) 16-alpha-hydroxyprotobassic acid and 3-O-(beta-D-glucopyranosyl(1-->3) beta-D-glucopyranosyl) 28-O-(alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl(1-->3) beta-D-xylopyranosyl(1-->4) alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl(1-->2) alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl) protobassic acid.Six saponins were isolated from the seed kernel of Mimusops elengi, M. hexandra and M. manilkara. Their structures were determined using a combination of 1H NMR, 13C NMR and mass spectroscopy. Three of them are new compounds: 3-O-(beta-D-glucuronopyranosyl) 28-O-(alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl (1-->3) beta-D-xylopyranosyl(1-->4) [alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl(1-->3)] alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl(1-->2) alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl) protobassic acid, 3-O-(beta-D-glucuronopyranosly) 28-O-(alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl(1-->3) beta-D-xylopyranosyl(1-->4) alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl(1-->2) alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl) 16-alpha-hydroxyprotobassic acid and 3-O-(beta-D-glucopyranosyl(1-->3) beta-D-glucopyranosyl) 28-O-(alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl(1-->3) beta-D-xylopyranosyl(1-->4) alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl(1-->2) alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl) protobassic acid.

La forêt naturelle de Massi au sein du massif de la Lama constitue un écosystème particulier unique au Bénin, sur vertisols argileux périodiquement inondés par les eaux de pluie. Par souci de contribution à sa protection, un inventaire phytosociologique a été réalisé suivant l'approche synusiale intégrée afin de mieux étudier la végétation spontanée de cette forêt. Il a permis d'identifier plusieurs phytocénoses dont la plus étendue s'avère être le peuplement forestier à Diospyros mespiliformis et Dialium guineense. Une étude dendrométrique et écologique de ce peuplement a été réalisée, dont les principaux résultats ont montré des densités d'arbres convenables de 230 tiges à l'hectare et une surface terrière de 14 m2/ha. En outre, la forte densité de régénération de jeunes plantes issues de semis confère à cette forêt un potentiel de résilience indiscu - table. En ce qui concerne les hauteurs, Afzelia africana et Mimusops andongensis présentent les valeurs les plus élevées. La distribution en classe de diamètres des arbres s'ajuste à la distribution théorique de Weibull qui présente une allure typique en " J renversé " avec une bonne représentation de tiges de petite taille. Ce travail est le point de départ d'un programme devant aboutir à une gestion éclairée de l'ensemble du massif de 1 500 hectares de la Lama, dont les principes d'action sont présentés en guise de conclusion. (Résumé d'auteur)

Morphogenetic changes involved in the gall leaves ofMimusops elengi Linn. (Sapotaceae) as a result of deliberate changes in the feeding sites ofArrhenothrips ramakrishnae Hood (Thysanoptera: Insecta) have been investigated. A comparative histochemical study of the normal as well as gall tissues revealed a higher incidence of protein, lipids, starch, tannins as well as enzymes such as acid phosphatase, peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase in gall tissues. Turgid hypertrophied cells in the gall mesophyll and their functional relationship with peroxidase evoke interest particularly in the context of the morphogenetic behaviour of gall-laminar under different experimental verifications, essentially because the causal relationship between the treatment with peroxidase and curling of root slices are known.

We report the dieback of three out of five unrelated species of rain-forest canopy trees in a very restricted part of the Kibale Forest, W. Uganda that were monitored since 1977. High mortality rates began about 1978 and continued through 1986, reaching levels of 5–50% year−1. Within the restricted area of mortality, all adults of Newtonia buchananii were dead in 1984, while nearly 90% of Lovoa swynnertonii and 45% of Aningeria altissima were dead in 1986. In contrast, Mimusops bagshawei and Celtis africana experienced relatively low (0.5%) and moderate (1.6%) levels of annual mortality, respectively. Regeneration of the seedling and sapling stages was high for all five species, while the pole class was poorly represented. The single most important variable associated with the dieback was downslope proximity to the conifer plantations. Based on this case study, it is strongly recommended that exotic trees, particularly conifers, should not be planted near natural forests in the tropics. Furthermore, those conifer plantations already existing near the natural forests should be harvested in a manner which encourages the regeneration of native trees and shrubs, thereby replacing exotic plantations with indigenous forest.

A number of triterpenoids including α- and β-amyrin acetates, a tetra-hydroxy alcohol, a monohydroxy monocarboxylic acid and α-spinosterol have been isolated from the mesocarp of Mimusops hexandra fruit. Only glucose has been found in the mesocarp, along with the usual amino acids. Seed kernel and the testa yielded the β- d -glucoside of β-sitosterol and quercitol. The sugar moiety of the kernel saponin consists of xylose, arabinose, rhamnose and glucose.

The cinnamic acid ester of α- and β-amyrins along with taraxerol, α-spinasterol, quercitol and β- d -glucoside of β-sitosterol have been isolated from the roots. The leaves yielded cinnamic acid, hentriacontane, a triterpene ketone, a terpenic hydrocarbon besides taraxerol and quercitol. The triterpene acid of the mesocarp has since been identified as ursolic acid.

The mesocarp yielded caprylic acid esters and acetates of α- and β-amyrins, α-spinasterol and β- d -glucoside of β-sitosterol; the seed coat constituents including dihydroquercetin and quercetin were the same as those present in the seed coats of the other two spp. of Mimusops ; xylose has also been found to be a constituent sugar of the seed kernel saponin besides those reported in the past.

Pestalotia mangiferae has been observed on leaves ofMangiferœ indica at Allahabad and Madras. The pathogenicity of this organism has been established on leaves, stem and fruits of mango and symptoms have been described. Cross-inoculations onPsidium gujava, Mimusops hexandra, Butea frondosa, Eucalyptus sp. andCitrus sp. were unsuccessful. Storage of fruits at temperatures below 8° C. prevented fruit rot. Dusting the leaves with zinc sulphate controlled the disease but similar dustings on fruits failed to control the rot.

Eight African hardwoods of commercial interest (Mimusops djave; Mitragyna ciliata; Celtis mildbraedii; Antiaris africana; Terminalia superba; Daniella ogea; Entandrophragma cylindricum; and Afrormosia elata) were ashed. The percentage ash content of the woods was determined and the ash samples were analysed for soluble base (as K2CO3), Na+, K+, Ca2+, and Mg2+. A link between the densities of the woods and the Ca2+ content of their ash was established.