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The present study assesses the phylogenetic position of certain Thai members of Gymnema, Gymnemopsis, and Sarcolobus in relation to other known Marsdenieae species. Fifteen accessions newly sequenced from Thailand were added to the dataset of the homologous sequences of 125 accessions of Marsdenieae downloaded from GenBank. In our molecular phylogeny, almost all the delimited major clades and their relationships are largely congruent with those revealed in previous studies. The monophyly of Gymnema (including the former Jasminanthes species) and that of Sarcolobus, as presently circumscribed, are confirmed. The new accessions of these two genera from Thailand are well grouped with the members of their respective genera. Our analyses provide the first molecular evidence for recognition of Gymnemopsis, a small Asian genus that has never been included in the previous phylogenetic studies, as a distinct genus. All elements of Gymnemopsis are retrieved as a well-supported monophyletic group that is strongly supported as sister to Lygisma, another small Asian genus that most closely resembles it in growth habit, color of latex, indumentum on plant parts, corona structure and follicle traits. Combined molecular phylogenetic, morphological and ecological data also support recognition of two new Sarcolobus species from Thailand, Sarcolobus busbanianus sp. nov. and S. flavus sp. nov. Similarities and differences between these new species and their close relative, S. carinatus, are discussed. In addition, this study also reveals the first record for Thailand of Gymnema lacei. Keys to the species of Gymnemopsis (for all members of the genus), Gymnema and Sarcolobus (for Thai members of these genera) are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gongronema sasidharanii, a new species of hitherto unknown genus of south India Gongronema, characterized by an urceolate flower and discovered in Pambadum Shola National Park is described and illustrated. Photographs, and detailed comparison with the allied species G. napalense and G. ventricosum are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the fruit and seed morphology of all the Periplocoideae (Periploca gracilis and P. graeca) and the majority of Asclepiadoideae (Araujia sericifera, Cionura erecta, Cynanchum acutum and Gomphocarpus fruticosus) taxa in Türkiye was evaluated from a taxonomic point of view using, for the first time, both light and scanning electron microscopy. Macro- and micro-morphological investigations were carried out on herbarium samples. An identification key for the examined Periplocoideae and Asclepiadoideae taxa, and expanded fruit and seed descriptions for each taxon were prepared. Numerical analysis showed that shape and size of follicle, size, shape and surface texture of seed were found to be effective in delimiting the studied Periplocoideae and Asclepiadoideae taxa at subfamilial and generic levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Asclepias speciosa was discovered for the first time in northern Greece. It has never been previously recorded in the Balkan Peninsula or even in southern Europe. A detailed description of the species, its habitat and distribution as well as conjectures on its arrival in Greece, are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vincetoxicum Wolf is the third largest genus in Asclepiadoideae, and 23 species are distributed in Japan. We discovered that an erect herb species, distributed in the eastern part of the Honshu island, was invalidly named Vincetoxicum magnificum (Nakai) Kitag. based on Cynanchum magnificum Nakai, nomen nudum. Therefore, we presently name this species Vincetoxicum nakaianum K.Mochizuki & Ohi-Toma, and we give a detailed description in this study. Additionally, we provide photographs that demonstrate its ecology and diagnostic characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Specialized pollination systems frequently match a particular set of floral characteristics. Vincetoxicum spp. (Apocynaceae, Asclepiadoideae) have disk‐shaped flowers with open access to rewards and reproductive organs. Flowers with these traits are usually associated with generalized pollination. However, the highly modified androecium and gynoecium that characterize asclepiads are thought to be associated with specialized pollinators.In V. sangyojarniae, we investigated floral biology, pollination, and the degree of pollinator specialization in two localities in Thailand. We examined floral traits that target legitimate pollinators.Flowers of V. sangyojarniae opened only at night, emitted floral scents containing mainly (E)‐β‐ocimene, 1‐octen‐3‐ol, (E)‐4,8‐dimethyl‐1,3,7‐nonatriene (E‐DMNT) and N‐(3‐methylbutyl)acetamide, and provided sucrose‐dominated nectar openly to insect visitors. Assessment of pollinator effectiveness indicated that V. sangyojarniae is functionally specialized for pollination by cecidomyiid flies. Although various insects, particularly cockroaches, frequently visited flowers, they did not carry pollinaria.Our results suggest that V. sangyojarniae attracts its fly pollinators by emitting floral volatiles bearing olfactory notes associated with the presence of fungi or, less likely, of prey captured by predatory arthropods (food sources of its pollinators) but offers a nectar reward upon insect arrival. Hence, there is a mismatch between the advertisement and the actual reward. Our results also suggest that the size of floral parts constitutes a mechanical filter where reciprocal fit between flower and insect structures ensures that only suitable pollinators can extract the pollinaria, a prerequisite for successful pollination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study a new species of Gonolobus, G. villasenorii, is described. It is endemic to Sinaloa, Mexico, distributed in the Sierra Madre Occidental in pine–oak forest. This species is characterized by the presence of lanceolate sepals, margin of the corolla lobes with a whitish-green callus, without being cristate, and anthers with rectangular dorsal appendages. The new species is compared to Gonolobus chloranthus and Gonolobus erianthus. Gonolobus grandiflorus, Gonolobus incerianus, and Gonolobus lozadae are species with which it shares reticulate corollas and flowers more than 2 cm in diameter. A detailed description of the new species includes data on its habitat, ecology, phenology, conservation status, a distribution map, and a section where the new species is compared with similar species and how to recognize it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cynanchum otophyllum Schneid is an important medicinal plant in China. In this paper, the chloroplast genome of C. otophyllum was sequenced based on high-throughput technology, and the chloroplast genome structure characteristics and phylogenetic relationship of C. otophyllum were analyzed. The results showed the complete plastome genome size of C. otophyllumis 160,874bp, including one small single copy (SSC, 19,851bp) and one large single copy (LSC, 92,009bp) regions isolated by a pair of inverted repeat regions (IRs, 24,507bp). The whole plastome genome including 84 protein encoding genes, 8 rRNA and 37 tRNA. Based on the phylogenetic topologies, C. otophyllum shows close association with additional Gomphocarpus and Asclepias genus. This study contributes to an enhanced understanding of the genetic information of C. otophyllum and provides a theoretical basis for the development of molecular markers and phylogeographic of the species, as well as for constructing the phylogenetic tree of Asclepiadaceae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An updated phylogeny of the genus Vincetoxicum s.l. based on DNA sequences of the nuclear internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region and three plastid markers is presented. In total, 21 accessions newly sequenced from Thailand were added to the dataset of the homologous sequences of 75 other Vincetoxicum taxa downloaded from GenBank. In our analysis, the relationships between the well-supported clades largely correspond to those revealed in previous studies. With some exceptions, the phylogenetic positions of the Thai taxa in relation to other conspecifics and congeners generally reflect the geographic distributions of taxa. Moreover, recent extensive sampling throughout Thailand and in-depth investigation have revealed V. kerrii, a slender twiner widespread from South China to Indo-China, to be a species complex. A combination of molecular, morphological, anatomical, ultrastructural and ecological evidence allowed us to reveal a new cryptic species hidden within V. kerrii, described here under the name V. simplex. A comprehensive description, illustrations, photographs, and comparison with the morphologically similar species are provided. Although V. simplex and V. kerrii s.s. resemble one another in various aspects of vegetative and reproductive structures, the latter is phylogenetically closely related to V. irrawadense, which is much less similar morphologically to both V. simplex and V. kerrii s.s. than the latter two are to each other. In addition to the new cryptic species recognized in the present study, a new record for Thailand, V. microstachys, is also reported. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ceropegia lenewtonii (Plowes) Bruyns (=Huernia keniensis), currently belonging to the Huernia section of the genus Ceropegia, is a stapeliad species distributed in Africa and the Arabian Peninsula; but it is widely cultivated as ornamental in most parts of the world. This species of stapeliad presents "carrion flowers" associated with a sapromyophilous pollination syndrome since the flowers emit an unpleasant odor. In this work, we describe the floral morphology and anatomy of the calyx, corolla, and corona of this species based on bright-field and scanning electron microscope techniques. We detected the presence of diverse floral secretor tissues, and based on different histochemical tests, the principal component of the secreted substance was identified. We interpret the functions of the glands and compare with other related species of stapeliads. Our results indicate that flowers of C. lenewtonii present colleters in sepals, osmophores in corolla, and primary and secondary nectaries in corona. All these floral glands have specific functions that involve the processes of pollination and reproduction of this species, as well as protection and defense mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper summarizes the present knowledge of the genus Orthosia Decne., based on the study of herbarium material, type specimens, digital images, field observations, and Sanger sequencing of 101 accessions for six chloroplast markers. The results of these analyses encourage a rather narrow species circumscription in most cases. A total of 55 species are recognized, nine of which are new to science. Additionally, incomplete material from some remote areas points to the existence of a handful of yet undescribed species. For some species, morphological and molecular results are incongruent, also indicating the need for future studies. All accepted species are described and illustrated, and their distributions are provided. Nine species and two subspecies are newly described, 13 new combinations and two new synonyms are proposed, and 12 names are lectotypified and one is neotypified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gymnema sylvestre, commonly known as Gurmar and belonging to the family Asclepiadaceae, is widely distributed in India, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Australia, Indonesia, Japan, Vietnam, tropical Africa, and the southwestern region of the Republic of China. The plant G. sylvestre is traditionally used as a sugar destroyer in glycosuria and other urinary diseases. The drug is also used in the composition of Ayurvedic preparations such as Ayaskri, Varunadi kasaya, Varunadighrtam, and Mahakalyanakaghrtam. The present review focuses on the reports available in various literatures. The various chemical constituents isolated include saponins, carbohydrates, anthraquinone derivatives, flavones, flavonoids, formic acid, resins, phytin, etc. The chief constituents are saponins like gymnemic acids, gymnemasaponins, gymnemasides, and gymnemagenin. Gymnema sylvestre is found in capsule, tablet, powder, and tea powder forms. A tablet containing 200-400mg of gymnemic acid is used as a supplement for diabetes and to promote healthy pancreatic function. A 100mg capsule helps maintain blood sugar levels in the normal range and reduce inflammation. Gymnema sylvestre helps to fight sugar cravings and neutralize cravings for sweets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gongronema latifolium (GL) is widely used by indigenous communities in southern Nigeria as a food spice and is known for its rich natural compounds with significant biological and pharmacological properties. This prompted the investigation into the effects of the aqueous G. latifolium leaf extract (AGL) on several specific and non-specific immune responses in rodent (mice) models and in vitro essay. The effects of AGL on delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) response, phagocytic activities of monocytic cells using carbon clearance assay, haemolytic complement activation test, antibody expression studies, and cyclophosphamide-induced neutropenia assay were examined. Administration of AGL (100, 200, or 400 mg/kg) significantly (p<0.05) increased footpad inflammation in a dose-related manner at 24 hours after antigen challenge in DTH studies. In a homologous prime-boost immunization strategy with tetanus toxoid (TT) or ovalbumin (OVA) antigens, there was a significant (p<0.05) elevation of total immunoglobulin, IgG, and IgG1. The mean phagocytic indices of carbon clearance were significantly (p < 0.05) greater after oral delivery in treated groups, even at the lowest dose of 100 mg AGL/kg. In immunocompromised mice, after cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppression, short-term daily supplementation of AGL (100, 200, or 400 mg/kg) produced a significant increase in total neutrophil count and affected other leukocyte differential counts. At all concentrations greater than 125 g/ml in the in vitro assay, AGL inhibited the classical complement system. These findings indicate that the aqueous extract of Gongronema latifolium may enhance both cellular and humoral immune responses. Consequently, further research will be needed to learn more about the immune system's strengthening effects and mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hoya medusa M.D.De Leon, Cabactulan, Cuerdo & Rodda, sp. nov. (Apocynaceae, Asclepiadoideae) is described from the Philippines. Even though numerous taxa with a shrubby habit from this area are known, it can be immediately separated because of its urceolate corolla and prominent elongated corona lobes. No other species in the genus possesses such a combination of characters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hoya spectatissima, a new species from Yunnan Province, China, is described and illustrated. Hoya spectatissima is morphologically similar to H. lyi, but can be easily distinguished from the latter by its succulent leaves that are 2-4.5 cm long (vs. coriaceous leaves that are up to 9 cm long), corolla that is pink to pale pink (vs. yellowish-white) and corona lobes that are sub-rhombic in top view (vs. ovoid in top view). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cryptolepine (1,5-methyl-10H-indolo[3,2-b]quinoline), an indoloquinoline alkaloid, found in the roots of Cryptolepis sanguinolenta (Lindl.) Schltr (family: Periplocaceae), is associated with the suppression of cancer and protozoal infections. Cryptolepine also exhibits anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-hyperglycemic, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, anti-hypotensive, antipyretic, and antimuscarinic properties. This review of the latest research data can be exploited to create a basis for the discovery of new cryptolepine-based drugs and their analogues in the near future. PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases were searched to select and collect data from the existing literature on cryptolepine and their pharmacological properties. Several in vitro studies have demonstrated the potential of cryptolepine A as an anticancer and antimalarial molecule, which is achieved through inhibiting DNA synthesis and topoisomerase II. This review summarizes the recent developments of cryptolepine pharmacological properties and functional mechanisms, providing information for future research on this natural product. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Regardless of the availability of drugs many people still experienced pain and inflammation because current medications often trigger potentially serious adverse effects. A range of medicinal plants with analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties have been widely used by traditional healers. Among them, Gomphocarpus purpurascens is one however there are no experimental studies that support this traditional use. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities of 80% methanolic leaf and root extracts of G. purpurascens. Methods: Air-dried leaves and roots of G. purpurascens were extracted with 80% methanol and an acute oral toxicity study was conducted for the 80% methanolic extract of G. purpurascens according to OECD guideline version eighteen. Preliminary phytochemical screening for the presence of different constituents was carried out. The hot plate method was used to evaluate centrally mediated analgesic activity while peripheral analgesic activity was tested by an acetic acid-induced writhing test. Carrageenan-induced paw edema test and formalin-induced pedal edema test were used to evaluate anti-inflammatory activity. Results: Dose-dependent inhibition of acetic acid-induced writhing test was observed in mice by 100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg, and 400 mg/kg of root extract with respective values of 16.6%, 68.9%, and 83%. In the hot plate method, the root extract at doses of 200mg/kg and 400 mg/kg showed a significant (p < 0.05) analgesic effect. Maximum anti-inflammatory effects by all doses of leaf extracts were observed from 2– 4hr post-induction in carrageenan-induced paw edema; and all tested doses of the extract inhibited the formalin-induced inflammation significantly (p < 0.001, p < 0.01). The presence of saponins, alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, terpenoids, anthraquinone, steroids, and phenols might be responsible for these activities. Conclusion: This study shows that the extract had potential analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity which supports the traditional claim. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We describe and illustrate a new species of Matelea Aubl. from Península de Nicoya, Costa Rica. Matelea nicoyana J. E. Jiménez, M. Méndez & J. A. Obregón is morphologically similar to M. pseudobarbata (Pittier) Woodson but is distinguished by its stems with dispersed, pilose trichomes, leaf blades without pilose trichomes and with 12 to 15 colleters, calyx lobes deltate, inflexed, and corolla with reflexed and contorted lobes covered by white-translucent, flexuous trichomes adaxially. Data on its distribution and habitat, phenology, conservation status, and morphologically related species are given and photographs are presented. A dichotomous key is presented for species from Costa Rica sharing similar indument. The species proposed here increases the number of Matelea species in Costa Rica to 17, nine of which are endemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Matelea anomala Morillo, Meve & Liede (Apocynaceae, Asclepiadeae, Gonolobinae) is here described and illustrated. The new taxon, known only from a single locality in eastern central Bolivia, is characterized by very small flowers with a campanulate corolla and recurved, abaxially pubescent and not ocellate corolla lobes, an annular corona with fimbriate- crenulate margins, and a terete stipe carrying the gynostegium. The new species is recognized in Matelea Aubl. s. str., for which a generic description is provided as well as a key to the species occurring in Bolivia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ceropegia vietnamensis is described as a new species from Binh Chau - Phuoc Buu Nature Reserve in the Xuyen Moc district of Ba Ria- Vung Tau province. It is morphologically close to Ceropegia laotica in general appearance and coloration of flowers but differs in many vegetative and reproductive characteristics and grows in a different habitat. The new taxon is described, illustrated with field photographs of detailed botanical characteristics and compared to related species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Apocynaceae subfamilies Secamonoideae and Asclepiadoideae have undergone several transitions during their evolution with regard to growth form and degree of woodiness. In this study, we present a wood anatomical overview of both subfamilies that complements previous work on the remaining Apocynaceae. Detailed microscopic wood descriptions using light and scanning electron microscopy were performed on 60 species that cover most Secamonoideae genera and all major woody Asclepiadoideae lineages. Our observations are in line with subfamilial and (sometimes sub)tribal delimitations. Furthermore, we present for the first time an overview of the estimated number of shifts from herbaceousness to (phylogenetically) derived woodiness in Asclepiadoideae, along with a derived woody species list with distribution and habitat information. In total, at least 168 derived woody species resulting from at least 28 independent woodiness transitions were found, with drought possibly being one of the main drivers of most of these transitions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The climbing plant Cynanchum rostellatum (Turcz.) Liede & Khanum is widely distributed throughout Korea and Northeast Asia as a member of the Apocynaceae family. Although this plant has a high value in medicinal and industrial purposes, genetic research on this plant is insufficient. This study announces the complete plastid genome (plastome) sequence of C. rostellatum with 663× mean coverage, which was assembled using 763 Mbp short-read data generated by the Illumina HiSeq X platform. The C. rostellatum plastome was 158,018 bp in length and displayed the typical quadripartite structure composed of the large single-copy (LSC) region (89,058 bp), the small single-copy (SSC) region (18,718 bp), and a pair of inverted repeat (IR) regions (25,116 bp). A total of 129 genes have been annotated, including 84 protein-coding genes, 37 transfer RNA genes, and eight ribosomal RNA genes. Phylogenetic analysis indicated the genus Cynanchum including 12 Cynanchum plastome sequences, was monophyletic and was located within the sub-family Asclepiadoideae. Two C. rostellatum plastomes, including the plastome assembled in this study, formed a subclade and were sister to the C. thesioides plastome, whereas the other C. rostellatum, which was previously reported one, was located within the clade of C. wilfordii and C. bungei. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vincetoxicum junzifengense B.J. Ye and S.P. Chen 2022 is a newly described species which belongs to the genus Vincetoxicum in the family Apocynaceae. The complete plastid genome of Vincetoxicum junzifengense B.J. Ye and S.P. Chen 2022 was determined and analyzed in this study. The total chloroplast genome was 159,666 bp in length, consisting of a large single-copy region of 90,565 bp, a small single-copy region of 19,691 bp, and two inverted repeat regions of 24,705 bp. The genome contained 131 genes, including 85 protein-coding genes, 37 transfer RNA genes, and eight ribosomal RNA genes. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that V. junzifengense is sister to V. versicolor.

From the Cynanchum wilfordii roots, 32 compounds, including 5 previously undescribed (1 , 4 – 6 , 12) and 27 known (2 , 3 , 7 – 11 , 13 – 32) compounds, were isolated, and their structures were elucidated using NMR spectroscopic data and MS data aided by ECD calculations or the modified Mosher's reaction. All isolates were tested for their inhibitory effects on proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) secretion. Among the isolates, compound 4 , a methyl cholesterol analog, exhibited the most potent effect in reducing PCSK9 secretion, along with PCSK9 downregulation at the mRNA and protein levels via FOXO1/3 upregulation. Moreover, compound 4 attenuated statin-induced PCSK9 expression and enhanced the uptake of DiI-LDL low-density lipoprotein. Thus, compound 4 is suggested to be a potential candidate for controlling cholesterol levels. Five undescribed compounds from Cynanchum wilfordii were confirmed by aid of NMR and computational calculations. Among them, compound 4 exhibited PCSK9 down-regulating activity and increased LDL uptake. [Display omitted] • Five undescribed compounds were isolated from Cynanchum wilfordii. • Compound 4 , a cholesterol analog, showed PCSK9 lowering activity. • Further investigation indicated that compound 4 up-regulated LDL uptake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Helicobacter pylori is a Gram negative bacterium most frequently associated with human gastrointestinal infections worldwide. The increasing occurrence of antibiotic-resistant isolates of H. pylori constitutes a challenge. The eradication of the microorganism is currently being considered a “high priority” by the World Health Organization (WHO). In this context, bioactive compounds found in natural products seem to be an effective therapeutic option to develop new antibiotics against the pathogen. In this study, we investigated the effect of asclepain cI, the main purified proteolytic enzyme of the latex of petioles and stems from Asclepia curassavica L. (Asclepiadaceae), a South American native plant, against H. pylori; in order to obtain a natural therapeutic adjuvant and a safe nutraceutical product. Asclepain cI showed antibacterial activity against reference strains and drug-resistant clinical isolates of H. pylori in vitro. A range of minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) from 1 to 2 μg/ml and minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) from 2 to 4 μg/ml was obtained, respectively. The action of asclepain cI on the transcription of omp18, ureA, flaA genes showed a significantly decreased expression of the selected pathogenic factors. Furthermore, asclepain cI did not induce toxic effects at the concentrations assayed. Asclepain cI could be considered a highly feasible option to be used as a natural therapeutic adjuvant and a safe nutraceutical product against H. pylori. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A densely sampled molecular phylogeny of the pantropical, predominantly forest‐dwelling tribe Marsdenieae (Apocynaceae) is presented, including almost a quarter of the ca. 740 species. Sampling focused on resolving the circumscription of Marsdenia, which ranges from Marsdenia sensu Bullock with less than 10 Asian species closely related to the type, M. tinctoria, to Marsdenia sensu Forster, with ca. 300 species distributed throughout the range of the tribe, encompassing the genera Cionura, Dregea, Gongronema, Gymnema, Leichhardtia, Stephanotis, and Wattakaka as synonyms. All analyses resolve two well‐supported clades: an Asia‐Pacific Clade that includes the large epiphytic Dischidia‐Hoya alliance and a number of Marsdenia species, among them the type M. tinctoria, and a Cosmopolitan Clade that includes most of the rest of Marsdenieae with several moderately to well‐supported subclades that span the entire geographic range of Marsdenieae. The position of two small genera, Rhyssolobium (southern Africa) and Sicyocarpus (Madagascar), is ambiguous. Given this topology, a monophyletic Marsdenia s.l. would subsume all species of Marsdenieae. Instead, we propose a classification that maintains Dischidia and Hoya as distinct genera. We revise generic circumscriptions, reducing Marsdenia s.str. to a small clade of Asian species. Two new genera, Gongreos gen. nov. and Gongronemopsis gen. nov., are described, with two and nine species, respectively. A total of twenty‐six new combinations, one new name, and six new synonyms are proposed. Three neotypes and eleven lectotypes are selected, and one 2nd step lectotypification is carried out. Diagnostic morphological characters for identified clades are discussed. Biogeographic analysis retrieves tropical Asia as most likely ancestral area for Marsdenieae, with widespread tropical Asia‐Africa almost equally likely. The first‐branching lineages in both major clades are tropical Asian; the Asia‐Pacific Clade comprises a sizeable radiation in the Pacific area, with two dispersals from Australia to New Caledonia. The Cosmopolitan Clade comprises several genera (Gongronemopsis, Gymnema, Stephanotis, Telosma) widespread in Africa and tropical Asia, and some also in Madagascar, and the New World genus Ruehssia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Marsdenia burmanica Wen B.Xu & J.Y.Shen (Apocynaceae), a new species from Hongga Mountain, Putao County, Kachin State, Myanmar, is described and illustrated. It is similar to M. hainanensis, M. sinensis, and M. tenii, but differs from them by campanulate flowers, fusiform gynostegium exserted from the corolla tube, 2-cleft stigma head, purple corolla and a corona of 2 oval protrusions at the base of the corona. Photographs, line drawing, distribution, comparison with related species, and a conservation assessment are provided for this rarely observed species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pentasacme malipoense C. Liu & Y.H. Tan and P. tubulosum C. Liu, X.J. Hu & Y.H. Tan are two new species from Yunnan, China, which are described and illustrated in this study. Molecular phylogenies using the nrITS, rps16 and trnT-F datasets support these two new species formed a clade in the genus Pentasacme, then as the sister to P. caudatum, which is the only Chinese species hitherto included in phylogenetic studies. Pentasacme tubulosum can be clearly distinguished from the other five recognized species of this genus by its tubular corolla and tube much longer than lobes. Pentasacme malipoense is characterized by having campanulate and deeply lobed corolla, tube much shorter than lobes, corolline coronas present and inverted conical style-head, which is remarkably different from its sister species P. tubulosum. In addition, P. malipoense differs from P. caudatum by the reddish pedicels and calyces, oblong-lanceolate corolla lobes, staminal coronas present and inverted conical style-head, and from P. wallichii and P. shanense by its lanceolate leaf blades, reddish pedicels and calyces, both corolline coronas and staminal coronas present, purple-red anther appendages and inverted conical style-head. Furthermore, for illustrating the two species, diagnostic characters, photographs, morphological descriptions, distribution, and habitat are also provided, as well as the geographical distribution and the diagnostic key to all recognized species of Pentasacme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Milkweed (Asclepias sp.) is an important pollinator genus across North America and is a host plant for many butterfly species, notably the monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus). Commercial production of Asclepias is limited to a few species, because most species lack commercial traits, with minimal branching habit, excessive height, and minimal color variation. This study used a commercially viable Asclepias species, butterfly weed (Asclepias tuberosa L.), as a maternal parent and trialed three different pollination methods in an attempt to create interspecific hybrids. Pollination methods included a traditional method, a pollen–solution-based method, and a novel inverted pollinia method. The inverted pollinia method increased pollination success rates 4-fold among intraspecific crosses of A. tuberosa. When pollination methods were optimized, A. tuberosa was used as the maternal parent, and one-way crosses were made to seven other Asclepias species using the inverted pollinia method. Of the seven species used as pollen donors, four developed hybrid seed successfully: green milkweed (Asclepias hirtella Woodson), purple milkweed (Asclepias purpurascens L.), showy milkweed (Asclepias speciosa Torr.), and common milkweed (Asclepias syriaca L.). As germination methods vary significantly among Asclepias species, three methods of germination were trialed on seed developed via interspecific hybridizations: direct seeded, cold–moist stratification, and embryo rescue. Of the three methods, cold–moist stratification was superior to direct seeding and embryo rescue. This research is the first documented case of a controlled interspecific hybridization event among these species.

Chemical investigation of the acid hydrolysate of Cynanchum bungei roots led to the isolation of eleven undescribed steroids, namely cynbungenins A-K (1–11), and seven previously described analogues (12–18). The complete structures of these compounds were elucidated using the comprehensive spectroscopic analyses and reference data. Structurally, compounds 1 and 2 represent the first example of androstane-type steroids found in the Cynanchum plants, and compounds 3 – 6 and 12 are characterized as pregnane-type steroids with a rare 8,14- seco -steroid core. In the cytotoxic activity assay, compound 16 displayed the strongest cytotoxic effect against MCF-7, HCT-116, HeLa, and HepG2 cancer cell lines, with IC 50 values of 9.98 - 16.42 μM, and further research indicated that it induced both apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in the G0/G1 phase in a dose-dependent manner toward HepG2 cells. Eleven undescribed steroids (cynbungenins A-K, 1–11) were isolated from the acid hydrolysate of the roots of Cynanchum bungei. Compound 16 could induce both apoptosis and cell cycle arrest at the G0/G1 phase in a dose-dependent manner toward HepG2 cells. [Display omitted] • Eleven undescribed steroids (1–11) were isolated from Cynanchum bungei roots. • Compounds 1 and 2 represent the first example of androstane-type steroids found in the Cynanchum plants. • Compound 16 induced apoptosis and cell cycle arrest at the G0/G1 phase on HepG2 cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new C21-steroidal cynansteroid O (1), together with one new natural product 20-hydroxylateqingyangshengenin (2), and three known compounds (3–5) were isolated from the roots of Cynanchum auriculatum. The chemical structures were elucidated by analyses of physio-chemical properties and spectral data and compared with the published data with given references. Compounds 1–3 were isolated for the first time from the roots of C. auriculatum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present paper we publish eight new species from New Guinea, H. domaensis, H. gauttierensis, H. liddleana, H. lucida, H. paradisea, H. pulleana, H. tarikuensis, and H. unirana, and one subspecies, H. krusenstierniana subsp. laticorolla. Five taxa were first diagnosed based on specimens at the Leiden herbarium, one species is only known from a collection at Edinburgh and Lae herbaria, while three are based on recently collected specimens. Hoya leucantha, originally described from a specimen in bud, has been identified among herbarium specimens and was also recently recollected. It is therefore fully described and illustrated for the first time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Migraine which is characterized by a pulsating headache affected an estimated population of 12% worldwide. Herbal products like latex derived from Calotropis gigantea R. Br. (Asclepiadaceae) are a representative intervention to treat migraine traditionally. However, post-harvesting stability issues of latex affect its biological potential. Freeze-drying has been successfully employed for the encapsulation of herbal bioactive compounds resulting in stable dried preparations. Latex derived from Calotropis gigantea (C. gigantea) was microencapsulated using chitosan by freeze-drying (FDCG) method and compared with sun ray–dried latex (ADCG). Current investigation was aimed to improve the shelf life of latex by freeze-drying microencapsulation technique and evaluation of its anti-migraine potential. Dried latex powders (ADCG and FDCG) were evaluated in terms of phenolic content, coloring strength, first-order kinetic, color parameters (L*, a*, b*, C*, and E*), moisture, water activity, solubility, and hygroscopicity. Additionally, apomorphine-induced climbing behavior, l-5-HTP–induced syndrome, and MK-801–induced hyperactivity were used to evaluate the anti-migraine potential of powdered latex. FDCG showed good physicochemical properties due to its higher concentration of phenolic and flavonoid contents. Moreover, FDCG significantly reduced the apomorphine-induced climbing behavior, l-5-HTP–induced syndrome, and MK-801–induced hyperactivity in a dose-dependent manner through an interaction of dopaminergic and serotonergic receptors. In conclusion, the method developed for shelf life improvement of latex offered maximum protection over a period of 10 weeks with retaining its natural biological potential; thus, it can be effectively utilized in the treatment or management of migraine. Anti-migraine effect of Calotropis gigantea freeze-dried latex by inhibition of dopamine and serotonin receptors (D1 and D2: dopamine receptors; 5-HT: serotonin receptors); yellow color represents serotonergic, and blue color indicates dopaminergic neurons [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heterostemma saolaense, a new species from Vietnam is described, illustrated and compared with the similar species Heterostemma maculatum. The two species differ in stem pubescence, peduncle, calyx and corolla size. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The flowers of Apocynaceae are considered as the most complex among the angiosperms, due to the occurrence of synorganization culminated in the origin of a new floral structure, the gynostege, formed by the union of androceu and gynecium, which guarantees an optimization in the reproduction process. The gynostegium is widespread in the genera of the subfamily Asclepiadoideae, being cited as an artifact of taxonomic significance in the group. Oxypetalum R.Br. It is the largest neotropical genus of Asclepiadoideae and is included in Clado MOOG, which presenting difficulties regarding the taxonomic positioning of its species. Few studies have investigated the floral anatomy of Oxypetalum and these did not address the taxonomic significance of the anatomy of the gynostegium in resolving the positioning of individuals in the group. This work seeks to investigate the anatomy of the gynecium and the gynecium of Oxypetalum appendiculatum in order to contribute to the group's taxonomy. With this, we seek to show key anatomical parameters for the easy identification of gaps in that group. Buds and flowers at pre-anthesis, anthesis, and post-anthesis were collected to analyze histologically. Material was fixed in arnovsky’s solution and gradually dehydrated in an ethanol series. Samples were infiltrated, and embedded in hydroxyethyl methacrylate. Circa 5 µm cross and longitudinal sections were cut using a rotary microtome, stained with Toluidine Blue O. All the slides were analyzed with optical and stereo microscopes and images were captured with a photomicroscope or a trinocular photo stereomicroscope. Gynoecium comprises two carpels fused at style and style head, with free ovaries. The five receptive parts of stigma are located on the gynostegium, more precisely behind the translators. At a higher level, the stigma begins to divide, appearing bifid, towards the apex. The gynoecium of Oxypetalum appendiculatum is an extremely complex structure due to the synorganization that occurred between the corona, the anthers and the gynecium itself. The result of this union is the gynostegium, which provides morphoanatomical characters that assist in delimiting this taxon and other species of this genus.

Background: Currently, malaria elimination is intimidated by the emergence of antimalarial drug and insecticide resistance. This scenario urges scientists to develop new antimalarial drugs, where plant-based compounds are the major candidates. Objective: The objective of this experiment was to examine the antimalarial activities of the solvent fractions of the stem bark of P. linearifolia in mice. Methods: The dried hydromethanolic extract was treated with n-hexane, chloroform, and ethyl acetate solvents based on increasing order of polarity. For the suppressive test, after three hours post-inoculation of P. berghei, the first group was administered the vehicle 2 mL/100 g. The second group was given chloroquine 25 mg/kg, whereas the remaining nine groups were administered 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg of each of the chloroform, ethyl acetate and aqueous fractions. Furthermore, the aqueous fraction was evaluated using Rane's model for the curative test. The result was statistically analyzed using a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). The results were considered significant at P < 0.05. Results: In the suppressive test, the solvent fractions suppressed parasitemia level significantly (P < 0.01 for 100 mg/kg, P < 0.001 for 200 and 400 mg/kg of the aqueous and P < 0.01 for 200 mg/kg, P < 0.001 for 400 mg/kg of chloroform fractions) as compared to vehicle-treated mice, whereas in the curative model 400 mg/kg of the aqueous fraction (P < 0.01) showed a significant parasitemia level reduction. Conclusion: The results of this study indicated that the solvent fractions have promising antiplasmodial activity against Plasmodium berghei, which is consistent with the earlier in vivo study of the hydromethanolic extract. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With over 100 species indigenous to the Philippines, Hoya R. Br. is the most species-rich genus of Family Apocynaceae in the archipelago. Most species of this genus are epiphytic, and some species are hemiepiphytic or terrestrial. Epiphytic species must have adaptive features that help them survive water shortages caused by not having their roots anchored to the soil. The anatomical features of the leaf blades of six species native to the Philippines [H. espaldoniana Kloppenb., Siar, and Cajano; H. halconensis Schltr. ex Kloppenb.; H. lacunosa Blume; H. lucardenasiana Kloppenb., Siar, and Cajano; H. madulidii Kloppenb.; and H. meliflua (Blanco) Merr.] were investigated, and emphasis was placed on the comparison between the epiphytic and non-epiphytic species. Diversity was observed among the six species. Two species (H. lacunosa and H. meliflua) have multiple upper epidermis consisting of two cell layers, contrary to the other species, which have simple epidermis. The three epiphytic species (H. espaldoniana, H. lacunosa, and H. lucardenasiana) have relatively thick cuticle on both upper and lower sides as well as homogeneous mesophyll with few air spaces. This feature helps prevent excessive water loss, thus, partially explaining how these species survive as epiphytes. On the other hand, the non-epiphytic species (H. halconensis, H. madulidii, and H. meliflua) have thinner cuticle layers. It was also observed that the epiphytic species have homogeneous mesophyll while the non-epiphytic species have heterogeneous mesophyll. Anatomical diversity in the Philippine species of Hoya must have played a role in the diversification of the genus in the archipelago. Examining the anatomy of their roots and stems will help in further understanding this. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The purpose of this study was to report the presence of Asclepias syriaca in agroecosystems in Romania. The species Asclepias syriaca L. is part of the Apocynaceae or Asclepiadaceae family, since 2018, it has been observed in corn culture, in western part of Romania. The study was conducted in 2019-2021, in eight counties (Alba, Arad, Caraș-Severin, Mureș, Sibiu, Satu-Mare, Sibiu, Timiș) in May-August. The species Asclepias syriaca was present in seven counties (Alba, Arad, Mureș, Sibiu, Satu - Mare, Sibiu, Timiș), both in the plain areas (77 m altitude) and in the hills area (412 m altitude). The study carried out in Romania showed that the species is present in the agroecosystems of: corn, alfalfa, sunflower, wheat, soybean. Up to date, there are no studies in Europe that indicate the presence of Asclepias syriaca in the sunflower agroecosystem. We consider that this species, which is classified by EPPO as an invasive species for Europe, will become a weed problem for Romanian crops, due to its strong competitive capacity, due to the rhizomatic root system and the plant's property to produce allelopathic substances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ruehssia was recently reestablished to classify all American species of the tribe Marsdenieae. Here, we provide a revision of the genus in Argentina, with an identification key, comments, a distribution map, and images of all species. The phylogenetic position of all species has been assessed using chloroplast and nuclear DNA sequences. We recognize six species. Besides R. altissima and R. macrophylla, we include two new records, R. hilariana and R. brasiliensis, and propose two new combinations in the genus, R. castillonii (Lillo ex T. Mey.) H.A. Keller & Liede and R. tressensiae (S.A. Cáceres & Morillo) H.A. Keller & Liede. Ruehssia montana and R. ulei, previously reported to Argentina, do not occur in the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Asclepiadaceae s. str. and Apocynaceae s. str. have been combined as a monotypic family of Apocynaceae s. l. based on molecular data, including 5 subfamilies and 25 tribes. However, the relationships between subfamilies and tribes are complicated and needed to be further clarified. Sporogenesis and gametogenesis in Chinese endemic plant of Dregea sinensis var. sinensis(trib. Marsdenieae, subfam. Asclepiadoideae)were investigated using paraffin sectioning, and then the observed embryological characters were compared with those of five subfamilies for taxonomic insights. The results were as follows:(1)The anther was comprised of two lateral thecae containing a pair of pollinia.(2)The developed anther wall consisted of six layers, including an epidermis, two layers of endothecium, a middle layer, and 2-layered tapetum. So, the anther wall development was of Massive type.(3)The tapetum was uni-nucleated,2-layered, and of glandular type. Endothecium developed fibrous thickenings heavily and a slit occurred at abaxial position of each theca when anther was ripened.(4)The microspore mother cells underwent meiosis with a successive cytokinesis and produced microspore tetrads with isobilateral arrangement. The microspores retained in tetrads developed into 3-celled pollens by mitosis twice, which formed a compact pollinium.(5)The pistil was composed of two separate carpels containing many anatropous, tenuinucellar, and unitegmic ovules with marginal parietal placentations. The development of embryo sac conformed to the Polygonum type. These embryological features observed added new data to the tribe Marsdenieae. It was confirmed that the recognition of a monophyletic Apocynaceae s. l. was supported by some distinguished and related embryological characters among five subfamilies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The flowers of Apocynaceae are considered as the most complex among the angiosperms, due to the occurrence of synorganization culminated in the origin of a new floral structure, the gynostege, formed by the union of androceu and gynecium, which guarantees an optimization in the reproduction process. The gynostegium is widespread in the genera of the subfamily Asclepiadoideae, being cited as an artifact of taxonomic significance in the group. Oxypetalum R.Br. It is the largest neotropical genus of Asclepiadoideae and is included in Clado MOOG, which presenting difficulties regarding the taxonomic positioning of its species. Few studies have investigated the floral anatomy of Oxypetalum and these did not address the taxonomic significance of the anatomy of the gynostegium in resolving the positioning of individuals in the group. This work seeks to investigate the anatomy of the gynecium and the gynecium of Oxypetalum appendiculatum in order to contribute to the group's taxonomy. With this, we seek to show key anatomical parameters for the easy identification of gaps in that group. Buds and flowers at pre-anthesis, anthesis, and post-anthesis were collected to analyze histologically. Material was fixed in karnovsky’s solution and gradually dehydrated in an ethanol series. Samples were infiltrated, and embedded in hydroxyethyl methacrylate. Circa 5 µm cross and longitudinal sections were cut using a rotary microtome, stained with Toluidine Blue O. All the slides were analyzed with optical and stereo microscopes and images were captured with a photomicroscope or a trinocular photo stereomicroscope. Gynoecium comprises two carpels fused at style and style head, with free ovaries. The five receptive parts of stigma are located on the gynostegium, more precisely behind the translators. At a higher level, the stigma begins to divide, appearing bifid, towards the apex. The gynoecium of Oxypetalum appendiculatum is an extremely complex structure due to the synorganization that occurred between the corona, the anthers and the gynecium itself. The result of this union is the gynostegium, which provides morphoanatomical characters that assist in delimiting this taxon and other species of this genus.

Background and aims – Vegetation on ironstone outcrops is highly threatened, particularly due to the impact of mining. In this study, two new species of Ditassa (Metastelmatinae, Asclepiadoideae, Apocynaceae) from the cangas of the Iron Quadrangle (Minas Gerais, Brazil) are described and illustrated, and their conservation status is discussed.Material and methods – Species recognition is based on a morphological and molecular study of recent and historical collections, including a survey of the main herbaria of Brazil, Europe and the United States. Conservation status assessments are based on the evaluation of areas of occupancy and the impact of iron mining in the region.Key results – The two new species are morphologically similar to species in the “Hemipogon from the Espinhaço” clade, which includes Morilloa. Nevertheless, they exhibit flowers with a double corona and are described in Ditassa here, following preliminary phylogenetic analyses with 73 plastid-coding regions. These species are known from only two highly disturbed locations each and are Critically Endangered. A key to identify the 14 species of Metastelmatinae currently recorded in cangas of the Iron Quadrangle is provided.Conclusion – The Critically Endangered Ditassa cangae and D. ferricola are examples of poorly known, nearly extinct species under strong anthropogenic pressure caused by intense mining activities and the lack of adequate legislation for the protection of canga landscapes.

Vincetoxicum junzifengense B.J. Ye and S.P. Chen 2022 is a newly described species which belongs to the genus Vincetoxicum in the family Apocynaceae. The complete plastid genome of Vincetoxicum junzifengense B.J. Ye and S.P. Chen 2022 was determined and analyzed in this study. The total chloroplast genome was 159,666 bp in length, consisting of a large single-copy region of 90,565 bp, a small single-copy region of 19,691 bp, and two inverted repeat regions of 24,705 bp. The genome contained 131 genes, including 85 protein-coding genes, 37 transfer RNA genes, and eight ribosomal RNA genes. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that V. junzifengense is sister to V. versicolor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We document the taxonomic history of Dischidia ruscifolia Decne ex Becc. After a critical study of the available original material and additional specimens an epitype is designated. We confirm that D. myrtillus is a synonym of Dischidia ruscifolia and the name is typified. Clarification of the identity of D. ruscifolia allowed the identification of a new species that is here published and illustrated as Dischidia argentii Arshed, J.R. Callado & Tandang. The new species differs largely in its floral morphology and particularly in its glabrous corolla throat, absent corolline corona, gynostegium outline, and pollinium shape. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research provides a description and illustrations for a new species from the Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, Cynanchum quangbinhense. The distribution, habitat, phenology and conservation assessment for the species are also presented. The new species differs from closely related species, C. ovalifolium in many characters such as leaf shape, inflorescence type, fewer and smaller flowers, colour of petals, margins of the corona, and anthers appendages shape, and differs from C. kwangsiense in having small leaves, umbellate inflorescences, triangular sepals, retuse apex of petals, and plicate margin of corona. Our discovery raises the known species of this genus in Vietnam to seven. In addition, a key to species of Cynanchum in Vietnam, and notes on morphological variation of C. officinale are presented in this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We describe a new Hoya species from Central Kalimantan, H. buntokensis, and a new subspecies of H. wallichii from West Kalimantan, Hoya wallichii subsp. tenebrosa. Hoya buntokensis is part of a group of four species that form specialised leaf structures harbouring ants (here defined as megadomatia), and it is most similar to H. undulata. Hoya buntokensis differs from H. undulata in lamina margin (flat vs undulate); shape of corona lobes outer processes (fan shaped vs elliptic), and in the pollinarium morphology (corpusculum larger than pollinia vs corpusculum smaller than pollinia). Both H. wallichii subsp. wallichii and H. wallichii subsp. tenebrosa are slender plants with ovate to oblong, thinly coriaceous glabrous leaves, slender peduncles with 1 or 2 flowers open at a time, and broadly campanulate corollas. Hoya wallichii subsp. tenebrosa differs from H. wallichii subsp. wallichii in corolla colour (dark purple with a paler edge vs white-cream), corona lobe shape and surface (broadly elliptic, spreading and with a minute inner process, almost black with a velvety surface vs kidney-shaped, erect and with a well-developed acuminate inner process, purple with a shiny surface). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Apocynaceae (the dogbane and milkweed family) is one of the ten largest flowering plant families, with approximately 5,350 species and diverse morphology and ecology, ranging from large trees and lianas that are emblematic of tropical rainforests, to herbs in temperate grasslands, to succulents in dry, open landscapes, and to vines in a wide variety of habitats. Despite a specialized and conservative basic floral architecture, Apocynaceae are hyperdiverse in flower size, corolla shape, and especially derived floral morphological features. These are mainly associated with the development of corolline and/or staminal coronas and a spectrum of integration of floral structures culminating with the formation of a gynostegium and pollinaria—specialized pollen dispersal units. To date, no detailed analysis has been conducted to estimate the origin and diversification of this lineage in space and time. Here, we use the most comprehensive time-calibrated phylogeny of Apocynaceae, which includes approximately 20% of the species covering all major lineages, and information on species number and distributions obtained from the most up-to-date monograph of the family to investigate the biogeographical history of the lineage and its diversification dynamics. South America, Africa, and Southeast Asia (potentially including Oceania), were recovered as the most likely ancestral area of extant Apocynaceae diversity; this tropical climatic belt in the equatorial region retained the oldest extant lineages and these three tropical regions likely represent museums of the family. Africa was confirmed as the cradle of pollinia-bearing lineages and the main source of Apocynaceae intercontinental dispersals. We detected 12 shifts toward accelerated species diversification, of which 11 were in the APSA clade (apocynoids, Periplocoideae, Secamonoideae, and Asclepiadoideae), eight of these in the pollinia-bearing lineages and six within Asclepiadoideae. Wind-dispersed comose seeds, climbing growth form, and pollinia appeared sequentially within the APSA clade and probably work synergistically in the occupation of drier and cooler habitats. Overall, we hypothesize that temporal patterns in diversification of Apocynaceae was mainly shaped by a sequence of morphological innovations that conferred higher capacity to disperse and establish in seasonal, unstable, and open habitats, which have expanded since the Eocene-Oligocene climate transition.