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The effects of Chrysophyllum albidum fruit pulp on haemodynamic parameters, pro-inflammatory markers, antioxidant parameters and critical biomolecules associated with hypertension in vivo were determined. Feeding with supplemented diet with pulp reduced heart rate, mean arterial pressure, systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels of hypertensive-treated groups. Moreover, hypertensive-treated groups fed with fruit pulp supplemented diets had significantly (p

E Manilkara cf. frondosa (Hiern) H.J.Lam Bas.: Mimusops frondosa Hiern Tree, in wooded savannah, open forest, thicket, and grassy savannah; also in cropland, fallow and disturbed sites. C.N.: muaku (ub). Uses: timber. F.Monteiro 727 (LUAI, LISC), Published as part of Monteiro, Francisca, Costa, Esperança Da, Kissanga, Raquel, Costa, José Carlos & Catarino, Luís, 2022, An annotated checklist of the vascular flora of Quiçama National Park, Angola, pp. 1-67 in Phytotaxa 557 (1) on pages 48-49, DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.557.1.1, http://zenodo.org/record/6985699

Various different agri-food biomasses might be turned into renewable sources for producing biodegradable and edible plastics, potentially attractive for food, agricultural and cosmeceutical sectors. In this regard, different seeds utilized for edible and non-edible oil extraction give rise to high amounts of organic by-products, known as seed oil cakes (SOCs), potentially able to become protein-rich resources useful for the manufacturing of biodegradable films. This study reports the potential of SOC derived from

Sideroxylon cochranei (Sapotaceae) from Sierra de Manantlán and Cuale, in Jalisco, México is here described and illustrated. It is morphologically close to S. salicifolium, but it differs from the latter in being montane cloud forest trees versus sea-shore to lower montane tropical trees, also in having clustered leaves with longer petioles and sepals and larger fruits. A key to the species of Sideroxylon in western Mexico and a distribution map are provided. According to IUCN criteria, its conservation status was assessed as critically endangered (CR).

A new species from central Amazonia, Chromolucuma brevipedicellata (Sapotaceae, Chrysophylloideae) is described and illustrated. It occurs in terra firme (non-flooded) forests near Manaus, Brazil. We compare C. brevipedicellata to similar species in terms of diagnostic morphology, as well as near-infrared spectral differences of the leaves, and provide, an identification key for its distinction. Although the new species is common in the permanent plots of the Area de Relevante Interesse Ecologico Projeto Dinâmica Biologica de Fragmentos Florestais, it has a narrow distribution and is assessed as being endangered following criteria of the IUCN Red List.

Background: The fat extracted from the nut of the African Shea tree (Vitellaria paradoxa) is called Shea butter. It has multiple uses at the local level as it is used in cosmetic products and as a cocoa butter substitute in chocolate industries. It has a high nutritious value and is also a valuable product on the local, national, and international markets, making it the ideal candidate to research and invest in.Aim: This study is a comparative experimental study of the possible burn healing effects between imported South African raw Shea butter and samples in a Libyan market.Method: The control samples were brought from South Africa (Benin traditional markets). A total of 18 different samples were collected from different sale centers in Tripoli, including pharmacies, beauty shops, and spices shops, in addition to one sample brought from Poland. Animal experiment on burn healing effect was carried out on nine male Sprague Dawley (350–400 g) rats aged 6–8 weeks old. After shaving the animal’s dorsum hair, a metal cube was used to create a deep second degree burn wound, and the cube was heated to 100°C for 20 seconds. Medication with Shea butter (control, T1, and T2) was initiated daily for one for these groups by the application of a thin film of the Shea butter samples on the burned areas. On days 1, 3, and 7, the rats were anesthetised and a sample from the burned scar tissue and skin adjacent were evaluated using pathological parameters.Results: The histological study indicates that the use of Shea butter T1 as topical treatment induces an immune response, which enhances the form of the presence of a large number of inflammatory cells in the epidermis and dermis layers. The treatment of burned skin with T2 lasted for 72 hours and it showed slightly significant healing in the normal structure of proliferative granulation tissue with accumulation of fibroblasts and inflammatory cells surrounding the sebaceous glands and hair follicles. Small areas of the epidermis which formed few layers were observed and some hair roots were grown. This was well seen in cases of T1 and T2. Shea butter bought as raw might have a bad effect on burned skin. Conclusion: Shea butter bought as raw might have bad effect on burned skin. On the other hand, the sample from Poland had a therapeutic effect, which was because of the additives such as avocado oil, grape seed oil, and others.

Chrysophyllum lancisepalum is here in described and illustrated as a new endemic species from the Atlantic forest in Brazil. Chrysophyllum lancisepalum is morphologically similar to C. januariense and C. sierpense, but distinguished by its chartaceous leaves, short petiole, attenuated leaf apex, rounded to obtuse leaf base, lanceolate sepals, fusiform fruit, and a seed with a basi-ventral seed scar. The new species is restricted to the states of Bahia and Espírito Santo, where it preferably grows in the Mussununga ecosystem, which is characterized by a coastal tableland geomorphology. Considering the vulnerability of C. lancisepalum and its very restricted occupation area, we suggest a preliminary conservation status in the Endangered (EN) category, according to the IUCN criteria.

The coastal and subcoastal areas of west-central Morocco (Safi to Draa River, the Souss Valley, and the southern part of the western High Atlas and northern and southern slopes of the western Anti-Atlas) are characterized by typical Infra-Mediterranean vegetation ranking them amongst the important of the remarkable borderlands of North Africa. The flora is determined by complex historical and environmental factors occurring since the Tertiary period. The originality of this sector is due to the presence of the argan tree (Argania spinosa (L.) Skeels), Moroccan gum (Acacia gummifera Willd), olive trees (Olea europaea L. subsp. maroccana (Greuter & Burdet) P. Vargas & al.), a thermophilic flora adapted to an arid climate with several endemic species. This flora constitutes the final barrier against the desert and is of environmental and socioeconomical interest. Leaves and fruits provide forage material, while wood is used for fuel. Argan fruits are collected for their oily constitutes and for nutritional, cosmetic, and medicinal properties. Additionally, many species of Argan ecosystems are used in medicine and cosmetics. Recognizing its ecological value and local economic importance, the Argan region was declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1998. Despite their biogeographical, historical, and socioeconomic value, vegetation structures in west-central Morocco are vulnerable and threatened by human activities. They exhibit high levels of degradation due to increasing clearance, overgrazing, and overexploitation. The area requires high conservation priority and sustainable management strategies for key species and genetic diversity.

This study was carried out to assess the tree species diversity and distribution in Pasighat town of Arunachal Pradesh. Trees are important component of vegetation because of their economic value to mankind. There is high pressure on forest estates due to high demand on forest economic resources as a result of geometric increase of human population in the region. The results of the study showed that a total of 103 tree species representing 85 genera and belonging to 45 families were recorded from the study area. Fabaceae with 19 species was the dominant family of tree species. Co-dominant families were Rutaceae, Meliaceae, Anacardiaceae, Arecaceae, Moraceae, Myrtaceae, Lauraceae, Euphorbiaceae and Sapotaceae. The structural pattern showed a heterogeneous distribution of trees which is the chief character of forests of Eastern Himalaya. The area is rich with diverse plant species and by obtaining proper information about it, prime efforts can be made to conserve it.

Mahua is one of the most important Indian forest trees because of its delicious and nutritive flowers with abundant vegetative growth. Mahua is one of the important tree species in central India, as it produces abundant delicious and nutritive flowers. Mahua, the Indian Butter Tree is an important tree having vital socioeconomic value and growing throughout the tropical and subtropical region of the Indian subcontinent. It is fast growing tree that grow upto approximately 20 meter height, possesses evergreen or semi evergreen foliage with wider and round canopy. It belongs to family Sapotaceae. The tree is considered a boon by the Tribal’s who are the forest dwellers and keen conservator of the tree. Mahua provides livelihood security to poor households who collect it both for self consumption and for sale the income is used to purchase daily household item. It provide them food, medicine, feed and medicine for their livestock apart from its miscellaneous utilities. Mahua flowers are well known for their high reducing sugar and nutrient content. Flowers of the plant are edible. The flowers are used to produce an alcoholic drink in several parts of India. The fruit pulp may be utilized as source of sugar, whereas the dry husk makes a good source of alcoholic fermentation. Seed is serves as an important fuel oil, hence a good source of biodiesel. Its oil is used by tribal as vegetable butter in addition it is used in skin care products, soaps, detergents, etc. The seed cake is used as manure. The tribes consider the mahua tree and the mahua drink as part of their cultural heritage. So it is very much necessary to create awareness among the people to conserve the forest.

Argania Spinosa (L.) Skeels is an endemic species of Morocco that belongs to the Sapotaceae family and which recommends a warm climate, and most of its trees are grown in tropical regions. This population is highly concentrated in the southwest of Morocco but is also found as a relic in the eastern region of the country. This work aims to valorize the different parts of the Argan plant (Leaves, branches, and for the first-time flower-buds) grown in two sites of eastern Morocco, Oujda (820 885,945; 455 262,165 Meters) and Chouihiya (755 725,636; 477 008,053 Meters) coordinate system: nord Maroc, and this by the quantification of different secondary metabolites such as polyphenols, flavonoids, and tannins. The investigation of their antioxidant activity was assessed using two different technics, the free radical scavenging activity against 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and the ferric reducing power (FRAP). The crude extracts were obtained by soaking the different parts of Argania Spinosa L. in a hydroalcoholic solution (70%) for 48 h. The quantitative evaluation of the various secondary metabolites of the different studied parts of the plant showed that flower-buds and leaves from Oujda are the highly rich with polyphenols, and flavonoids respectively, Fb-O :498,9 ± 20,08 µg Eq AG/mg DW; Le-O :71,2 ± 0,8 µg Eq QE/mg DW. On the other hand, the results obtained reveals that the tannins are very concentrated in flower-buds from Chouihya 212,4 ± 5,8 µg Eq CA/mg DW. It was also found that the different secondary metabolites vary between the two regions studied and different organs. All the extracts for the two regions showed interesting antioxidant activities compared to the Ascorbic acid used as a standard for the DPPH and the FRAP. The antiradical activity of the crude extract of the flower-buds from Oujda showed the best IC50 with a value of 64,68 ± 3,5 µg/ml, while the leaves from Oujda showed the smallest IC50 value 208,33 ± 5,08 µg/ml in the ferric reducing power test comparing to the other parts of the plant. The antioxidant activities varied significantly according to both regions and organs.

This work investigated the effects of hot air drying pretreatment (HAD), freeze drying pretreatment (FD) and vacuum drying pretreatment (VD) on the physicochemical properties and structural characterizations of starch isolated from canistels. X-ray diffraction displayed that the starches separated from canistel by different drying pretreatments showed a typical A-type crystal structure. The SEM image showed that cracks and debris appeared on the surface of HVD and VD particles. The molecular structure of starches obtained by different drying pretreatments was studied using Fourier infrared and solid state 13C CP/MAS NMR analysis. The results indicated that vacuum drying pretreatment could promote the formation of the double helix of starch granules, and hot air drying and freeze drying destroyed the ordered structure of starch granules. These structural changed to affect the physicochemical properties of starch granules. The study of different drying pretreatments to separate starches provided practical value for drying pretreatments. Furthermore, the current study affords information for canistel starches cultivated in China that would be convenient for commercial applications.

Salt stress is one of the major abiotic stresses that negatively affect crops worldwide. Plants have evolved a series of mechanisms to cope with the limitations imposed by salinity. Molecular mechanisms, including the upregulation of cation transporters such as the Na+/H+ antiporters, are one of the processes adopted by plants to survive in saline environments. NHX antiporters are involved in salt tolerance, development, cell expansion, growth performance and disease resistance of plants. They are integral membrane proteins belonging to the widely distributed CPA1 sub-group of monovalent cation/H+ antiporters and provide an important strategy for ionic homeostasis in plants under saline conditions. These antiporters are known to regulate the exchange of sodium and hydrogen ions across the membrane and are ubiquitous to all eukaryotic organisms. With the genomic approach, previous studies reported that a large number of proteins encoding Na+/H+ antiporter genes have been identified in many plant species and successfully introduced into desired species to create transgenic crops with enhanced tolerance to multiple stresses. In this review, we focus on plant antiporters and all the aspects from their structure, classification, function to their in silico analysis. On the other hand, we performed a genome-wide search to identify the predicted NHX genes in Argania spinosa L. We highlighted for the first time the presence of four putative NHX (AsNHX1-4) from the Argan tree genome, whose phylogenetic analysis revealed their classification in one distinct vacuolar cluster. The essential information of the four putative NHXs, such as gene structure, subcellular localization and transmembrane domains was analyzed.

Le Makoré est une espèce de bois d’oeuvre de grande valeur commerciale, en danger de disparition dans les forêts tropicales. Cependant, la germination des graines fraiches et celles séchées et conservées est peu connue par l’homme. C’est pourquoi, cette étude vise à maitriser les paramètres de germination des graines de Makoré, afin de l’utiliser dans les reboisements des forêts classées en Côte d’Ivoire, en vue de sa pérennisation. Spécifiquement, il a été question de déterminer le délai de germination, la durée de germination et le taux de germination des graines. Pour ce faire, 5 lots de graines ont été constitués en fonction des durées de conservation sur lesquels 4 traitements à l’eau de robinet ont été appliqués. Les résultats ont montré que le lot 1 ou témoin (graines fraiches), le lot 2 (graines conservées pendant 14 jours) et le lot 3 (graines conservées pendant 21 jours) ont présenté des taux de germination, respectivement, de l’ordre de 72, 22, 55,56 et 41,67%. Le trempage des graines dans l’eau de robinet a réduit considérablement le délai de germination des graines du lot 1 à 25 jours et a relevé le taux de germination du prétraitement 4 du lot 1 (graines ayant séjourné dans l’eau pendant 6 jours) à 100%. Il ressort de cette étude que pour produire des plants de Makoré, les graines fraiches et celles séchées et conservées pendant deux et trois semaines peuvent être utilisées.Mots clés: Makoré, espèce menacée, conservation des graines, prétraitement, paramètres de germination, Côte d’Ivoire. English Title: Effect of storage times and water treatment on germination of the seeds of Tieghemella heckelii Pierre ex A. Chev. (Sapotaceae) in Côte d’Ivoire Makoré is a timber species of great commercial value, in danger of disappearing in tropical forests. However, the germination of fresh seeds and those dried and preserved is little known by man. That is why, this study aims to control the seeds germination parameters of Makoré, in order to use it in the reforestation of the classified forests in Côte d’Ivoire, with a view to its perpetuation. Specifically, there has been talk of determining germination time limit, germination duration and seed germination rate. To do this, 5 lots of seeds were constituted according to the storage periods on which 4 treatments with tap water were applied. The results showed that the lot 1 or control (fresh seeds), lot 2 (seeds stored for 14 days) and lot 3 (seeds stored for 21 days) showed germination rates, respectively, of the order of 72.22, 55.56 and 41.67%. Soaking of the seeds in the tap water significantly reduced the germination time limit of seeds from lot 1 to 25 days and increased the germination rate of pretreatment 4 of lot 1 (seeds having remained in water for 6 days) 100%. This study shows to produce seedlings, fresh seeds and those dried and stored for two and three weeks can be used.Keywords: Tieghemella heckelii, threatened species, storage seeds, pretreatment, germination parameters, Côte d’Ivoire.

Leaves of Vitellaria paradoxa, also called “Shea butter tree”, are used in traditional medicine to treat various symptoms including malaria fever, dysentery, or skin infections. Composition of the dichloromethane extract of V. paradoxa leaves possessing antiparasitic activities was investigated. Five pentacyclic triterpenic acids together with 6 ester derivatives were isolated and identified by standards comparison, MS and 1H-NMR analysis. Corosolic, maslinic, and tormentic coumaroyl esters and their corresponding triterpenic acids were isolated from this plant for the first time. The antiparasitic activities of the 11 isolated compounds were evaluated in vitro on Plasmodium falciparum, Trypanosoma brucei brucei, and Leishmania mexicana mexicana and their selectivity determined by cytotoxicity evaluation on WI38 cells. None of the isolated compounds showed good antiplasmodial activity. The antitrypanosomal activity of individual compounds was in general higher than their antileishmanial one. One isolated triterpenic ester mixture in equilibrium, 3-O-p-E/Z-coumaroyltormentic acids, showed an attractive promising antitrypanosomal activity (IC50 = 0.7 µM) with low cytotoxicity (IC50= 44.5 µM) compared to the corresponding acid. Acute toxicity test on this ester did not show any toxicity at the maximal cumulative dose of 100 mg/kg intraperitoneally on mice. In vivo efficacy evaluation of this compound, at 50 mg/kg by intraperitoneal route on a T. b. brucei-infected mice model, showed a significant parasitemia reduction on day 4 post-infection together with 33.3% survival improvement. Further bioavailability and PK studies are needed along with mode of action investigations to further assess the potential of this molecule.

A novel dimeric alkylresorcinol derivative, manilkzapotane (1), along with seven known compounds, lupeol acetate (2), lupeol (3), arjunolic acid (4), ergosterol peroxide (5), taraxerol (6), hederagonic acid (7), and glochidiol (8) were isolated from the stem bark of Manilkara zapota. Their structures were determined on the basis of spectroscopic data. DFT-NMR chemical shift calculations and a modified probability (DP4+) method were applied to define the relative configuration of 1. To the best of our knowledge, this represents the first isolation of a dimeric alkylresorcinol derivative from the Sapotaceae family.

Podocarpus milanjianus Rendle — Habit: Tree. Habitat: LMWF, LMDF; up to 3 400 m. Distribution: II. Voucher: Near Ontulili Forest Station, Alt. 2 198 m, 5 Aug. 2015, SAJIT 003124 (HIB). References: Fries & Fries (1924), Melville (1958), Bussmann (1993, 1994, 2006), Bussmann & Beck (1995a, 1998, 1999), Gathaara (1999)., Published as part of Zhou, Ya-Dong, Mwachala, Geoffrey, Hu, Guang-Wan & Wang, Qing-Feng, 2022, Annotated checklist of the vascular plants of Mount Kenya, East Africa, pp. 1-108 in Phytotaxa 546 (1) on page 22, DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.546.1.1, http://zenodo.org/record/6550464, {"references":["Fries, R. E. & Fries, T. C. E. (1924) Beitrage zur Kenntnis der Flora des Kenia, Mt. Aberdare und Mt. Elgon. IV. Notizblatt des Koniglichen Botanischen Gartens und Museums zu Berlin 8 (80): 661 - 704. https: // doi. org / 10.2307 / 3994426","Melville, R. (1958) Gymnospermae. In: Turrill, W. B. & Milne-Redhead, E. (Eds.) Flora of Tropical East Africa. Crown Agents, London, 16 pp.","Bussmann, R. W. (1993) The forest of Mt. Kenya (Kenya): A phytosociological approach with special reference to ecological problems. Ph. D. Thesis, Eberhard Karls Universitat Tubingen, Tubingen, 119 pp.","Bussmann, R. W. (1994) The forest of Mt. Kenya (Kenya): Vegetation, ecology, destruction and management of a tropical mountain forest ecosystem. Ph. D. dissertation, Universitat Bayreuth Startseite, Bayreuth, 252 pp.","Bussmann, R. W. (2006) Vegetation zonation and nomenclature of African Mountains: An overview. Lyonia 11 (1): 41 - 46.","Bussmann, R. W. & Beck, E. (1995 a) The forests of Mt. Kenya (Kenya), a phytosociological synopsis. Phytocoenologia 25 (4): 467 - 560. https: // doi. org / 10.1127 / phyto / 25 / 1995 / 467","Bussmann, R. W. & Beck, E. (1998) The plant communities of the forests of Mount Kenya - First phytosociological and ecological data. In: Ojany, F. F. (Ed.) African mountains and highlands - planning for sustainable use of mountain resources. United Nations University, Tokyo, pp. 96 - 107.","Bussmann, R. W. & Beck, E. (1999) Vegetation units of Mt. Kenya Forest Reserve: Comment. In: Bitok (Ed.) Vegetations-okologosche, ethnobotanische und faunistische Beitrage uber Aquatorial-Afrika. Bayreuther Forum Okologie 64. Bayreuther Forum Okologie, Bayreuth, pp. 17 - 28.","Gathaara, G. N. (1999) Aerial survey of the destruction of Mt. Kenya, Imenti and Ngare Ndare forests reserves. Kenya Wildlife Service, Nairobi."]}

Synsepalum brevipes (Baker) T.D.Penn. — Habit:Tree or small tree. Habitat: LMWF; up to 1 500 m. Distribution: II. Voucher: N/A. Reference: Fries & Fries (1925)., Published as part of Zhou, Ya-Dong, Mwachala, Geoffrey, Hu, Guang-Wan & Wang, Qing-Feng, 2022, Annotated checklist of the vascular plants of Mount Kenya, East Africa, pp. 1-108 in Phytotaxa 546 (1) on page 71, DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.546.1.1, http://zenodo.org/record/6550464, {"references":["Fries, R. E. & Fries, T. C. E. (1925) Beitrage zur Kenntnis der Flora des Kenia, Mt. Aberdare und Mt. Elgon. VII. Notizblatt des Koniglichen Botanischen Gartens und Museums zu Berlin 9 (85): 299 - 333. https: // doi. org / 10.2307 / 3994384"]}

Aerangis luteoalba (Kraenzl.) Schltr. var. rhodosticta (Kraenzl.) J.Stewart — Habit: Herb. Habitat: LMWF; up to 2 400 m. Distribution: II. Voucher: East Mount Kenya Forest, Alt. 1 524–1 829 m, Battiscombe K692 (EA, K). References: Blundell (1987), Cribb (1989b), Stewart & Campbell (2003), Agnew (2013)., Published as part of Zhou, Ya-Dong, Mwachala, Geoffrey, Hu, Guang-Wan & Wang, Qing-Feng, 2022, Annotated checklist of the vascular plants of Mount Kenya, East Africa, pp. 1-108 in Phytotaxa 546 (1) on page 25, DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.546.1.1

Chrysophyllum gorungosanum Engl. — Habit: Tree. Habitat: LMWF; up to 2 300 m. Distribution: II. Voucher: N/A. References: Fries & Fries (1925), Hemsley (1968), Bussmann (1994, 2006)., Published as part of Zhou, Ya-Dong, Mwachala, Geoffrey, Hu, Guang-Wan & Wang, Qing-Feng, 2022, Annotated checklist of the vascular plants of Mount Kenya, East Africa, pp. 1-108 in Phytotaxa 546 (1) on page 71, DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.546.1.1, http://zenodo.org/record/6550464, {"references":["Fries, R. E. & Fries, T. C. E. (1925) Beitrage zur Kenntnis der Flora des Kenia, Mt. Aberdare und Mt. Elgon. VII. Notizblatt des Koniglichen Botanischen Gartens und Museums zu Berlin 9 (85): 299 - 333. https: // doi. org / 10.2307 / 3994384","Hemsley, J. H. (1968) Sapotaceae. In: Milne-Redhead, E. & Polhill, R. M. (Eds.) Flora of Tropical East Africa. Crown Agents, London, 78 pp.","Bussmann, R. W. (1994) The forest of Mt. Kenya (Kenya): Vegetation, ecology, destruction and management of a tropical mountain forest ecosystem. Ph. D. dissertation, Universitat Bayreuth Startseite, Bayreuth, 252 pp.","Bussmann, R. W. (2006) Vegetation zonation and nomenclature of African Mountains: An overview. Lyonia 11 (1): 41 - 46."]}

Aningeria adolfi-friederici (Engl.) Robyns & Gilbert subsp. keniensis (R.E.Fr.) J.H.Hemsl. — Habit: Tree. Habitat: LMWF; 1 400–2 500 m. Distribution: IIIa. Voucher: South Mount Kenya, 5 Mar. 1922, Fries 2059 (K, UPS). References: Fries & Fries (1925), Hemsley (1968), Bussmann (1993, 1994, 2006), Bussmann & Beck (1995a, 1998, 1999)., Published as part of Zhou, Ya-Dong, Mwachala, Geoffrey, Hu, Guang-Wan & Wang, Qing-Feng, 2022, Annotated checklist of the vascular plants of Mount Kenya, East Africa, pp. 1-108 in Phytotaxa 546 (1) on page 70, DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.546.1.1, http://zenodo.org/record/6550464, {"references":["Fries, R. E. & Fries, T. C. E. (1925) Beitrage zur Kenntnis der Flora des Kenia, Mt. Aberdare und Mt. Elgon. VII. Notizblatt des Koniglichen Botanischen Gartens und Museums zu Berlin 9 (85): 299 - 333. https: // doi. org / 10.2307 / 3994384","Hemsley, J. H. (1968) Sapotaceae. In: Milne-Redhead, E. & Polhill, R. M. (Eds.) Flora of Tropical East Africa. Crown Agents, London, 78 pp.","Bussmann, R. W. (1993) The forest of Mt. Kenya (Kenya): A phytosociological approach with special reference to ecological problems. Ph. D. Thesis, Eberhard Karls Universitat Tubingen, Tubingen, 119 pp.","Bussmann, R. W. (1994) The forest of Mt. Kenya (Kenya): Vegetation, ecology, destruction and management of a tropical mountain forest ecosystem. Ph. D. dissertation, Universitat Bayreuth Startseite, Bayreuth, 252 pp.","Bussmann, R. W. (2006) Vegetation zonation and nomenclature of African Mountains: An overview. Lyonia 11 (1): 41 - 46.","Bussmann, R. W. & Beck, E. (1995 a) The forests of Mt. Kenya (Kenya), a phytosociological synopsis. Phytocoenologia 25 (4): 467 - 560. https: // doi. org / 10.1127 / phyto / 25 / 1995 / 467","Bussmann, R. W. & Beck, E. (1998) The plant communities of the forests of Mount Kenya - First phytosociological and ecological data. In: Ojany, F. F. (Ed.) African mountains and highlands - planning for sustainable use of mountain resources. United Nations University, Tokyo, pp. 96 - 107.","Bussmann, R. W. & Beck, E. (1999) Vegetation units of Mt. Kenya Forest Reserve: Comment. In: Bitok (Ed.) Vegetations-okologosche, ethnobotanische und faunistische Beitrage uber Aquatorial-Afrika. Bayreuther Forum Okologie 64. Bayreuther Forum Okologie, Bayreuth, pp. 17 - 28."]}

Ethnobotanical studies have reported the traditional medicinal uses of

Argan (Argania spinosa L.) fruit kernels' composition has been poorly studied and received less research intensity than the resulting Argan oil. The Moroccan Argan kernels contain a wealth of metabolites and can be investigated for nutritional and health aspects as well as for economic benefits. Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (UPLC-MS) was employed to trace the geographical origin of Argan kernels based on secondary-metabolite profiles. One-hundred and twenty Argan fruit kernels from five regions ('Agadir', 'Ait-Baha' 'Essaouira', 'Tiznit' and 'Taroudant') were studied. Characterization and quantification of 36 secondary metabolites (33 polyphenolic and 3 non-phenolic) were achieved. Those metabolites are highly influenced by the geographic origin. Then, the untargeted UPLC-MS fingerprint was decomposed by metabolomic data handling tools, such as multivariate curve resolution alternating least squares (MCR-ALS) and XCMS. The two resulting data matrices were pretreated and prepared separately by chemometric tools and then two data fusion strategies (low- and mid-levels) were applied on them. The four data sets were comparatively investigated. Principal component analysis (PCA), Partial Least Squares Discriminant Analysis (PLS-DA), and Soft Independent Modeling of Class Analogies (SIMCA) were used to classify samples. The exploration or classification models demonstrated a good ability to discriminate and classify the samples in the geographical-origin based classes. Summarized, the developed fingerprints and their metabolomics-based data handling successfully allowed geographical traceability evaluation of Moroccan Argan kernels.

Background The rise of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria is a real public health problem worldwide and is responsible for the increase in hospital infections. Donella welwitschii is a liana or shrub belonging to the family Sapotaceae and traditionally used to cure coughs. Objective This study was conducted with the objective to validate the medicinal properties of this plant, the aerial part was studied for its phytochemical composition using column and PTLC chromatography and exploring its antibacterial and antibiotic-modifying activity as well as those of its phytochemicals. Methods The structures of the compounds were elucidated from their physical and spectroscopic data in conjunction with literature. The antibacterial activity of the isolated metabolites was performed toward a panel of MDR Gram negative and Gram-positive bacteria. The broth micro-dilution method was used to determine antibacterial activities, efflux pump effect using the efflux pump inhibitor (EPI) (phenylalanine-arginine-ß-naphthylamide (PAβN)), as well as the modulating activity of antibiotics. Monitoring the acidification of the bacterial growth medium was used to study the effects of the samples on the bacterial proton-ATPase pumps and cellular ATP production. Results Eleven compounds were isolated including pentacyclic triterpenes, C-glucosyl benzophenones. With a MIC value 7) significantly inhibited the growth of Escherichia coli AG102, Enterobacter aerogenes ATCC13048, Klebsiella pneumoniae KP55, Providencia stuartii NEA16 and Staphylococcus aureus MRSA3. 28-hydroxy-β-amyrin (8) significantly impaired the growth of Enterobacter aerogenes EA27, Klebsiella pneumoniae ATCC11296 and Staphylococcus aureus MRSA6; and oleanolic acid (9) strongly impaired the growth of Escherichia coli AG 102, Enterobacter aerogenes EA27 and Providencia stuartii PS2636. Diospyric acid (7) and 28-hydroxy-β-amyrin (8) induced perturbation of H+-ATPase pump and inhibition of the cellular ATP production. Moreover, at MIC/2 and MIC/4, compounds 7, 8, and 9 strongly improved the antibacterial activity of norfloxacin, ciprofloxacin and doxycycline with antibiotic-modulating factors ranging between 2 and 64. Conclusion The overall results of the current work demonstrate that diospyric acid (7), 28-hydroxy-β-amyrin (8) and oleanolic acid (9) are the major bioactive constituents of Donella welwitschia towards Gram-negative bacteria expressing MDR phenotypes.

The Souss region in Morocco is known nationally and internationally for its essential knowledge of traditional herbal medicine and the cultural heritage of nutrition. The endemic species Argania spinosa (L.) Skeels is an important crucial plant used by the local population to treat many diseases and prepare some authentic foods. To identify the therapeutic uses of the Argan tree [Argania spinosa (L.) Skeels] and their benefits in preparing authentic foods, the survey was conducted using semi-structured questionnaires. We have achieved 450 interviews with traditional health practitioners and knowledgeable villagers. In the region of Chtouka Aït Baha and Tiznit (Western Anti-Atlas). In parallel with this survey, we collected some old local manuscripts from conventional practitioners in the region. The data obtained were analyzed using specific ethnobotanical indices such as Use Value (UV), Fidelity Level (FL), and Relative Frequency of Citation (RFC). In parallel, we analyzed the nutritional value of some authentic foods derived the argan oil (Amlou, Tagoulla, and Labsis). All 450 interviewees use the argan oil in food or for the preparation of their authentic foods derived (Amlou, Tagoulla, and Labsis); among them, 100 persons use Argan, in addition to food, in the treatment of various diseases with UV and RFC at 1.94 and 0.22, respectively. Among eight treated diseases by argan tree, the treatment of skin and subcutaneous diseases had a very highly significant value of the FL index (98%). Similarly, the analysis of the manuscripts collected in the study area revealed an ancient therapeutic use of the argan tree. The results also show that the Argan oil extracted from the seed is used to prepare authentic foods with significant nutritional value, especially Amlou. Resumo A região de Souss em Marrocos é conhecida nacional e internacionalmente pelo seu conhecimento essencial da medicina tradicional à base de plantas e pela herança cultural da nutrição. A espécie endêmica Argania spinosa (L.) Skeels é uma importante planta crucial utilizada pela população local para tratar muitas doenças e preparar alguns alimentos autênticos. Para identificar os usos terapêuticos da árvore de argan [Argania spinosa (L.) Skeels] e seus benefícios na preparação de alimentos autênticos, a pesquisa foi realizada por meio de questionários semiestruturados. Conseguimos 450 entrevistas com profissionais de saúde tradicionais e aldeões experientes na região de Chtouka Aït Baha e Tiznit (Anti-Atlas Ocidental). Paralelamente a esta pesquisa, coletamos alguns manuscritos locais antigos de praticantes convencionais da região. Os dados obtidos foram analisados por meio de índices etnobotânicos específicos, como Valor de Uso (UV), Nível de Fidelidade (FL) e Frequência Relativa de Citação (RFC). Paralelamente, analisamos o valor nutricional de alguns alimentos autênticos derivados do óleo de argan (Amlou, Tagoulla e Labsis). Todos os 450 entrevistados utilizam o óleo de argan na alimentação ou para o preparo de seus autênticos alimentos derivados (Amlou, Tagoulla e Labsis); entre eles, 100 pessoas utilizam o argan, além da alimentação, no tratamento de diversas doenças com UV e RFC a 1,94 e 0,22, respectivamente. Entre oito doenças tratadas pela árvore de argan, o tratamento de doenças de pele e subcutâneas teve um valor muito significativo do índice FL (98%). Da mesma forma, a análise dos manuscritos coletados na área de estudo revelou um antigo uso terapêutico da árvore de argan. Os resultados também mostram que o óleo de argan extraído da semente é utilizado para preparar alimentos autênticos com valor nutricional significativo, especialmente Amlou.

Five species of eulophids were reared from the leaf vein galls of Madhuca longifolia (Koenig) (Sapotaceae), which is a multipurpose tree in the tropical forests of India. Surveys from 2015 to 2018 in the states of Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh and Uttarakhand revealed that M. longifolia were heavily galled. Rearing of galls during 2015–16 resulted in emergence of only one species of Selitrichodes (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae), but in subsequent rearings during 2017 to 2018 an additional 4 eulophid species were found to be associated with these galls. Two species belonged to genus Aprostocetus Westwood, one to genus Quadrastichus Girault and one to Chrysonotomyia Ashmead. All five species—Selitrichodes madhucae Singh & Kaneria sp. nov., Aprostocetus madhucae Singh sp. nov., A. dehradunensis Singh sp. nov., Quadrastichus manmohani Singh sp. nov. and Chrysonotomyia madhucae Singh sp. nov. are new to science and described from both female and male specimens. Some observations on their biology are also given.

Development of neuropsychiatric disorder is associated with stress-related increase in pro-inflammatory cytokines. Chrysophyllum albidum fruit is an edible tropical fruit containing vitamins and phenolic compounds, well known for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. This study was designed to investigate the neuroprotective effect of C. albidum fruit extract (CAFE) on stress and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced behavioral and neurochemical impairments in mice. Male Swiss mice were divided into 6 groups (n = 6). Groups 1-3 were orally treated daily for 14 days with normal saline (0.1 mL/10 g), CAFE (100 mg/kg) and Ferulic acid (FA, 10 mg/kg), and left in home cage as controls. Groups 4-6 were treated similarly but subjected to repeated social defeat (RSD) stress using the resident-intruder model from days 1-14. The RSD-animals were injected with LPS (125 µg/kg, i.p) 60 min after each RSD session from days 8-14. Neurobehavioral functions: locomotor, cognitive and anxiety-like behaviors were assessed 24 h after the last treatment. Pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α), dopamine, acetylcholinesterase, glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD), malondialdehyde, nitrites, and reduced glutathione (GSH) were determined in brain tissue. CAFE significantly attenuated RSD and LPS-induced hypolocomotion, cognitive impairment and anxiety-like behavior when compared to the control. Treatment with CAFE also significantly reversed the negative effects of RSD and LPS on pro-inflammatory cytokines, dopamine, acetylcholinesterase, GAD, and oxidative-nitrosative stress levels. The findings clearly indicated that Chrysophyllum albidum fruit demonstrated neuroprotective effects and can play a key role in mitigating against chronic stress and inflammation linked to neuropsychiatric disorders.