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Cerbera manghas and C. odollam, often perceived as similar species, exhibit distinct physical characteristics and phylogenetic classifications. Despite their reputation as poisonous plants, both species have diverse benefits and are potential sources of pharmacological compounds. This report comprehensively summarizes the compounds identified within the genus Cerbera, coupled with reported bioactivities. Over 100 compounds, including phenolics, flavonoids, terpenoids, and steroids, have been isolated from C. manghas and C. odollam. Cardiac glycosides (steroids) are the predominant compounds in these species and demonstrate robust cytotoxic activity. Furthermore, both plants show promise as antioxidants and antimicrobial agents, and exhibit insecticidal, termiticidal, and larvicidal properties. This review consolidates the current understanding of the phytochemical and pharmacological attributes of C. manghas and C. odollam. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fossil fuels are classified as non-renewable resources. On the other hand, using fossil fuels has further aggravated the impact of the environmental crisis. The development of alternative fuels that are renewable and renewable is urgently needed in line with the increasing need for fuel. One alternative energy source that can be used in the development of biofuels is Cerbera manghas oil. The catalytic cracking process with 178 g of Cerbera manghas oil can be carried out using hierarchical H-ZSM-5 as a catalyst with a mass of 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, and 0.5g at a temperature of 250°C. Gas Chromatography Analysis-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) was performed on Cerbera manghas oil and biofuel products. Several hydrocarbons, C7-C12 and C16-C17, with the largest content, were identified as diesel (29.14%) and gasoline (14.08%) using a catalyst mass of 0.5g. So that the use of hierarchical H-ZSM-5 catalyst in the catalytic cracking of Cerbera manghas oil can produce hydrocarbon range gasoline. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

India has a very high incidence of poisoning. While most cases are due to chemicals or drugs or envenomation by venomous creatures, a significant proportion also results from consumption or exposure to toxic plants or plant parts or products. The exact nature of plant poisoning varies from region to region, but certain plants are almost ubiquitous in distribution, and among these, Oleander and Datura are the prime examples. These plants are commonly encountered in almost all parts of India. While one is a wild shrub (Datura) that proliferates in the countryside and by roadsides, and the other (Oleander) is a garden plant that features in many homes. Incidents of poisoning from these plants are therefore not uncommon and may be the result of accidental exposure or deliberate, suicidal ingestion of the toxic parts. An attempt has been made to review the management principles with regard to toxicity of these plants and survey the literature in order to highlight current concepts in the treatment of poisoning resulting from both plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this research was to determine the behavioral response of Riptortus linearis to the application of organic insecticides (extract of Cerbera manghas leaf). The experimental method refers to Garber (1951). Young long bean pods soaked for 10 seconds in the solution of Bintaro Leaf extract with the concentrations of: K0 = 0.0%, K1 = 2.5%, K2 = 5%, K3 = 7.5%, K4 = 10%, K5 = 12.5%. Long bean pods is hung in a rectangular mosquito net lid and inserted in 3-4 of instar of R. linearis larvae as many as 20 animals per replicate. The number of insect perched on the pods of each treatment is observed every day. The results showed that the number of dead and perched insects did not differ significantly among the treatments. The conclusion was the application of Bintaro Leaf extract didnot give influence to the presence and death of R. linearis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A variety of plants contain cardiac glycosides. This has resulted in many of them being used to commit suicide. In southeast Asia, Cerebera odollam (pong-pong or suicide tree) is frequently used for suicidal ingestion. Seeds, or kernels, of this plant can cause hyperkalemia, heart block, and death due to the effects of its cardiac glycosides.Case Report: We describe six cases of pong-pong seed ingestion reported to US poison centers. The most common symptoms were vomiting and bradycardia. Three patients survived and three died. All patients who died had heart block, serum digoxin levels > 1.0 ng/mL, and were treated with anti-digoxin immune FAB. Anti-digoxin immune FAB may be ineffective in a large pong-pong seed ingestion. Patients ingesting pong-pong seeds who develop a potassium level > 8.0 meq/L or have a digoxin level > 1.0 ng/mL may be at a higher risk for death. WHY SHOULD AN EMERGENCY PHYSICIAN BE AWARE OF THIS?: The apparent ease of acquiring C. odollam seeds on the Internet makes knowledge of it important, as it can be used as a means to commit suicide. The apparent failure of digoxin immune FAB to treat toxicity from pong-pong is important, as other lifesaving techniques, such as extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, might be needed in severely toxic patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This study assessed the extent of anthropogenic stresses on two mangrove species (Sonneratia caseolaris and Cerbera odollam) in a tropical coastal lake system. An anaerobic factor, organic pollution and salt factors were identified as being responsible for the risks to mangroves. A flora risk tolerance index was developed to ascertain the spatial and temporal risk of plants to water pollution. This study revealed the risk to the Cerbera odollam species is high, compared to Sonneratia caseolaris. Further, the flora risk tolerance index is a good index for assessing the risks to the mangrove species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Activated carbon derived from sea mango (cerbera odollam), SMAC, was developed from phosphoric acid (H3PO4) activation. Box-Behnken Design (BBD) was employed to optimize the surface area of the SMAC. The tested factors were acid concentration (40 to 60%), carbonization temperature (400 to 600°C) and activation time (1 to 3 h). The optimized parameters were 53.75% H3PO4 concentration, 519.8°C of carbonization temperature and 2.3 h of activation time, which resulted in 857.93 m2/g of BET surface area. The performance of CO2 adsorption was investigated for modified and virgin SMAC. The impregnations of SMACs were done with different amines (AMP, PZ and MEA) to improve its natural adsorption ability and promote nitrogen functional group onto carbon surface with impregnation mass ratio of 2:5 (amine: activated carbon). The effects of adsorption parameters such as activated carbon properties, type of amine used, gas flow rate and adsorbent dosage on breakthrough curves and adsorption bed capacity were evaluated. Reduction in BET surface area indicates that the amine-based chemicals were successfully attached on carbon surface and thus blocked most of the pores on the SMAC particles. The modified surface of SMAC with AMP amine showed the best performance in CO2 adsorption and regeneration with adsorption bed capacity of 23.05 mgCO2/g sorbent. Successful CO2 adsorption via modified surface of SMAC suggested that it is viable to use sea mango as alternative precursor for activated carbon preparation and in application such as CO2 capture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: In the current study, methanol and aqueous extracts of leaf of Cerbera odollam Gaertn were screened for its antibacterial, antifungal, phytochemicals and antioxidant activities. Phytochemical constituents were investigated both qualitatively and quantitatively. Methods: The leaf extracts of Cerbera odollam Gaertn were prepared by drying and extracted using Soxhlet apparatus into methanol and aqueous media, which were subjected to phytochemical screening. Total phenols, tannins, flavanols, alkaloids and its antioxidant activity were determined using spectroscopic techniques. Antimicrobial activity were determined using well diffusion method. Results: Aqueous extract exhibits higher content of phenols, tannins, flavanols and alkaloids, whereas methanol extract exhibits higher content of anthocyanin and cardiac glycoside respectively. Aqueous extract exhibits higher inhibitory concentration (IC %) value for DPPH (2, 2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) and H2O2 radical scavenging assay and reducing power (RP) assay. The methanol extracts exhibited higher inhibitory concentration (IC %) value in SO and NO radical scavenging assay, exhibiting antioxidant properties in five antioxidant models that were investigated. The methanol extract showed some antibacterial activity against Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhi and Escherichia coli with inhibitory zone ranging from 2 mm to 3 mm, whereas the aqueous extract showed no activity. High antifungal activity was found against Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Candida albicans for methanol extract and moderate for aqueous extract with inhibitory zone ranging from 9mm to 26 mm. Conclusion: The finding of our study have suggested that the extracts of Cerbera odollam Gaertn, possesses a significant amount of phytochemicals and exhibits antioxidant and antifungal activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exploration of allelochemicals with phytotoxic effects is intended to minimize a current dependency on synthetic herbicides in weed management. Several allelochemicals from the tropical tree Cerbera manghas (sea mango) have been reported as termiticides and bactericides. The present study investigated possible phytotoxic effects of C. manghas leaf extracts under laboratory conditions. Four monocots: barnyard grass (Echinochloa crus-galli), foxtail fescue (Vulpia myuros), Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum), and timothy (Phleum pratense) and four dicots: alfalfa (Medicago sativa), garden cress (Lepidium sativum), lettuce (Lactuca sativa), and rapeseed (Brassica napus) were used as test species. Elongation of both shoots and roots of seedlings was measured to assess any phytotoxic effects. The results showed that the sensitivities of shoots and roots were different between the test species, and the inhibition of seedling elongation significantly increased with increasing concentration of leaf extracts of C. manghas for all the test species. The IC50 (50% inhibitory concentration) values showed that 8.50-32.30 and 4.26-34.67 mg dry weight equivalent extract mL-1 of C. manghas inhibited seedling elongation by 50%, for shoots and roots respectively. Isolation and identification of the phytotoxic substances from C. manghas are suggested for future investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The roles of ammonia-oxidizing archaea (AOA) and ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB) in soil nitrogen cycling are well understood, but the importance of these bacteria is often overlooked when establishing tree plantations. Seedings of three tree species (Cocos nucifera (CN), Calophyllum inophyllum (CI), and Cerbera manghas (CM)) were transplanted from a mainland (ML) plantation nursery to a tropical coral island in Hainan province, China, for restoration purposes. Here, we investigate the impacts of these tree plantations on AOA and AOB abundances. We compared the AOA and AOB abundances in soils from the island after tree plantation establishment, from barren land (BL) on the island and from the ML by quantifying amoA gene copies. Compared with BL, tree plantations significantly increased the abundance of AOB but had little influence on the abundance of AOA. Moreover, the AOB abundance in the island soil after the CM plantation establishment was comparable to that in the ML soil. Our results demonstrated that tree plantations can promptly restore AOB but not AOA communities in tropical barren islands, and therefore revealing the crucial role of tree plantation establishment in affecting AOB-induced ammonia oxidation, a rate-limiting step in N cycling. Highlights • Tree plantations were capable to restore soil microorganism community assembly in tropical barren islands. • Tree plantations promptly restored ammonia-oxidizing bacteria communities in tropical barren islands. • Tree plantations did not alter ammonia-oxidizing archaea communities in tropical barren islands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The clinical features, management, and the associations of dosage in poisoning with the cardiotoxic plant Cerbera odollam (suicide tree), responsible for more than half of plant poisoning deaths in the South Indian State of Kerala alone, have not been evaluated. There are only few studies on its clinical features and none on the usage of cardiac pacing in its management, given its rarity in the Western world. We depend on data for similar toxins to form our management protocols. Aims: Our aim was to describe the clinical features of C. odollam poisoning, dosage, and its relations to clinical features and pacemaker initiation therapy and to study the characteristics of temporary pacemaker therapy in its management. Subjects and Methods: This study was conducted in fifty consecutive cases who presented with a history of C. odollam poisoning from whom clinical data were obtained. Cases initiated on temporary cardiac pacemaker therapy due to the toxin effects were also studied. Effect of dosage on various clinical manifestations and pacing was analyzed. Results: All cases were due to suicidal ingestion. Vomiting (54%), thrombocytopenia (50%), and sinus bradycardia (32%) were the most common features. The need for cardiac pacing had a significant association with dosage in kernels ingested (P < 0.05) and with thrombocytopenia (P < 0.05). There was no association between hyperkalemia and death. Thirty-six percent of cases had to be paced, of which 16% died. In-hospital mortality of odollam poisoning was 12%. Conclusions: C. odollam poisoning cases merit monitoring and treatment in Intensive Care Unit with facilities for electrocardiographic monitoring and temporary cardiac pacing. The clinical features and the factors associated with mortality are different from other cardiac glycosides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the possibility of using liquid smoke from the waste of pyrolysis Cerbera odollam Gaertn fruit as an environmental friendly pesticide to prevent pine wood from a subterranean termite Captotermes curvignathus Holmgren attack. The liquid smoke was made from three kinds methods of pyrolysis temperature, 300°C, 400°C, 500°C. Liquid smoke characterized by determining the yield, specific gravity, pH, acidy and phenol content. Compounds of liquid smoke were identified using Gas Chromatography and Mass Spectrometry. Material durability test against subterranean termites C. curvignathus Holmgren used Japan International Standard K-1571-2004. The results showed that the higher the temperature pyrolysis, yield, specific gravity, ph. Acid, and phenol content from liquid smoke also increases and liquid smoke with pyrolysis temperature 500°C caused 100% mortality of termites. Most compounds in liquid smoke are phenol, phenol 2 methoxy, phenol 2-methoxy, mequinol, phenol 2 methyl, phenol 4 methyl, phenol 2 methoxy 4 methyl,9-octadecenoid acid (2), 2,3 dihydroxypropyl ester. The liquid smoke from waste of pyrolysis Cerbera odollam Gaert fruit is potential as environmentally friendly pesticide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays, heavy usage of fungicide in agricultural industries has resulted in environmental pollution in additional to expose a significant risk to human health. Hence, there is a need to develop alternatives to replace synthetic fungicides. In this research, phytochemical test was carried out on both fruits and leaves of Cerbera odollam Gaertn using standardized procedures to determine the antifungal compounds present in the ethanol extracts. Antifungal bioassay was performed through Kirby- Bauer disc diffusion method at various weight (0.5mg to 100mg) against fungi: Aspergillus niger, Fusarium oxysporum and Penicilium citrum. Fungi assay was assessed based on the minimum inhibitory amount of both ethanol extracts. The results of the research showed the presence of the active compounds such as alkaloid, cardiac glycoside, phenol, steroid, tannin and terpenoid in the extracts. Leaves extracts were found to have more phytoconstituents as compared to the fruits extracts. Besides, antifungal activity of leaves extract had moderate antifungal effects against Aspergillus niger (13.40mm inhibition zone) and Penicilium citrum (15.73mm inhibition zone). However, Fusarium oxysporum did not exhibit inhibition zone with this extract. Leaves extract showed best antifungal activity against Penicilium citrum, with the lowest dosage (<1mg) when compared to others. Meanwhile, fruits had showed weak antifungal activity (below 11.00mm inhibition zone) for all the tested fungi. The study on Cerbera odollam's fruits and leaves extract indicated that they have an antifungal potential to be used as an alternative to synthetic fungicides. Investigation for its active biocompounds could be exploited further. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sea mango ( Cerbera odollam ) oil, which is rich in free fatty acids, was utilized to produce fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) via supercritical transesterification reaction. Sea mango oil was extracted from seeds and was subsequently reacted with methanol in a batch-type supercritical reactor. Response surface methodology (RSM) analysis was used to optimize important parameters, including reaction temperature, reaction time and the molar ratio of methanol to oil. The optimum conditions were found as 380 °C, 40 min and 45:1 mol/mol, respectively, to achieve 78% biodiesel content. The first kinetic modelling of FAME production from sea mango oil incorporating reversible transesterification and reversible esterification was verified simultaneously. The kinetic parameters, including reaction rate constants, k , the pre-exponential constant, A , and the activation energy, Ea , for transesterification and esterification were determined using an ordinary differential equation (ODE45) solver. The highest activation energy of 40 kJ/mol and the lowest reaction rate constant of 2.50 × 10 −5 dm 3 /mol s verified that the first stepwise reaction of TG to produce DG was the rate-limiting step. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The properties of the activated carbon from Sea Mango (Cerbera Odollam) prepared from chemical and physical activation was studied. The sample was impregnated with phosphoric acid (H3PO4) at the impregnation ratio of precursor to activant as 1:2 and followed by thermal activation at 500 °C with different flowing gas i.e. nitrogen (N2), carbon dioxide (CO2), steam and at the absent of any gases for duration of 2 hours. The sample experienced two different steps of preparation which were Method 1 and Method 2. In Method 1, the precursor will be thermally heated after the chemical activation process, and the samples were denoted as RIHM1-N, RIHM1-CO2, RIHM1-S and RIHM1-A which utilize either N2, CO2, steam and absent of any gases, respectively. Meanwhile in Method 2, the carbonization process with N2 flow at 200 °C was done prior to chemical and thermal activation. This type of treatment method was denoted as RCIHM2-N, RCIHM2-CO2 RCIHM2-S and RCIHM2-A, which use the same flowing gases as described previously. The surface area of the activated carbon was determined using standard method (ASTM) of iodine test. A higher iodine number reading was given by the sample prepared via Method 2 i.e. 1021.74 mg/g, 1069.98 mg/g 902.40 mg/g and 1040.58 mg/g for sample RCIHM2-N, RCIHM2-CO2, RCIHM2-S and RCIHM2-A, respectively. For sample prepared via Method 1, the iodine number measurement for sample RIHM1-N, RIHM1-CO2, RIHM1-S and RIHM1-A were 896.480 mg/g, 810.900 mg/g, 973.70 mg/g and 856.217mg/g, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The properties of the activated carbon from Sea Mango (Cerbera Odollam) prepared from chemical and physical activation was studied. The sample was impregnated with phosphoric acid (H3PO4) at the impregnation ratio of precursor to activant as 1:2 and followed by thermal activation at 500 °C with different flowing gas i.e. nitrogen (N2), carbon dioxide (CO2), steam and at the absent of any gases for duration of 2 hours. The sample experienced two different steps of preparation which were Method 1 and Method 2. In Method 1, the precursor will be thermally heated after the chemical activation process, and the samples were denoted as RIHM1-N, RIHM1-CO2, RIHM1-S and RIHM1-A which utilize either N2, CO2, steam and absent of any gases, respectively. Meanwhile in Method 2, the carbonization process with N2 flow at 200 °C was done prior to chemical and thermal activation. This type of treatment method was denoted as RCIHM2-N, RCIHM2-CO2 RCIHM2-S and RCIHM2-A, which use the same flowing gases as described previously. The surface area of the activated carbon was determined using standard method (ASTM) of iodine test. A higher iodine number reading was given by the sample prepared via Method 2 i.e. 1021.74 mg/g, 1069.98 mg/g 902.40 mg/g and 1040.58 mg/g for sample RCIHM2-N, RCIHM2-CO2, RCIHM2-S and RCIHM2-A, respectively. For sample prepared via Method 1, the iodine number measurement for sample RIHM1-N, RIHM1-CO2, RIHM1-S and RIHM1-A were 896.480 mg/g, 810.900 mg/g, 973.70 mg/g and 856.217mg/g, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] We have determined the concentration of the principal cardenolides present in a methanolic extract of the seeds of the sea mango tree. [•] This is the first reported method for measuring tanghinin and deacetyltanghinin in Cerbera manghas seeds. [•] Deacetyltanghinin was the principal cardenolide in the seeds of both dried and fresh fruit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The efforts in establishing sustainable pest management drive termite control not only focus on termite extermination, but also concern on human health and environmental protection. Bioactive compounds isolated from Bintaro (Cerbera manghas) have been reported to have biological activity against insect such as food deterrent, oviposition and growth inhibitor, and also contact poison. The study on efficacy of oleic acid isolated from C. manghas seed extract against subterranean termite Coptotermes gestroiand Drywood termite Cryptotermes cynocephalus has been thoroughly examined. The extraction and separation method yielded ten fractions, with fraction three (F3) as the highest yield. Chemical compound analysis of F3 by Gas Chromatography and Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy showed oleic acid as chemical compound. The bioassay of oleic acid against C. gestroi and C. cynocephalus was evaluated by no-choice feeding test and Indonesia National Standard (SNI) 01-7207-2006 respectively. Oleic acid showed low termicidal activity as it delivered low mortality in both species, and generated lower protection against C. cynocephalus. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Highlights: [•] Non-catalytic hydrolysis of sea mango (Cerbera odollam) oil. [•] Temperature and amount of water play a significant role in the hydrolysis process. [•] Large amount of water reduces induction period and shortens the hydrolysis time. [•] Additional pressure gives adverse effect on the hydrolysis process. [•] Free fatty acids in oil enhanced the hydrolysis process by autocatalysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This paper presents the process optimization and kinetic study for the heterogeneous transesterification of non-edible sea mango (Cerbera odollam) oil using response surface methodology central composite design (RSMCCD). The four transesterification process variables studied are; reaction temperature (333–453K), reaction time (1–5h), molar ratio of oil to methanol (1:6–1:14) and amount of sulfated zirconia catalyst (2–10g* g−1) (catalyst/oil). From this study, it was found that reaction temperature gave the most significant effect on the conversion of sea mango oil to fatty acid methyl esters (FAME), followed by reaction time. There were also significant interaction effects between reaction temperature and amount of catalyst, and between reaction time and amount of catalyst. Based on the optimized condition, highest conversion of 97.5% was predicted using the following variables; reaction temperature=423K, reaction time=3h, molar ratio of oil to methanol=1:12 and amount of catalyst=8g* g−1. Experimental verification on the predicted optimum condition gave an actual conversion of 94.1%. The small error between the predicted and actual optimum conversion (3.5%) indicated that the model was valid and accurate in representing the actual experimental values and also in predicting conversion at any condition within the range studied. The developed kinetics model suggested a 1.1th order reaction with activation energy of 36.03kJmol−1 and frequency factor of 5.56×102 min−1. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: β-d-Glucosyl-(1–4)-α-l-thevetosides of 17β-digitoxigenin (GHSC-73) is a cardiac glycoside isolated from the seeds of Cerbera manghas L. GHSC-73 reduced viability of HepG2 cells in a time- and dose-dependent manner without decreasing the viability of Chang human liver cells and Swiss albino 3T3 fibroblasts, induced efficiently stimulated apoptosis in HepG2 cells as evidenced by DNA fragmentation, annexin V/PI binding assay and DAPI staining. This apoptotic process was accompanied by the activation of the effector caspase-3, the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨ m) and translocation of AIF from the mitochondrion to the nucleus in HepG2 cells. In addition, a broad-spectrum caspase inhibitor (z-VAD-fmk) tested in this experiment partially prevent HepG2 cells from GHSC-73-induced cell death, but did not affect translocation of AIF from the mitochondrion to the nucleus after GHSC-73 treatment. Our results firstly show that GHSC-73 inhibits the growth of HepG2 cells through caspase-dependent and -independent apoptosis pathways. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The cytotoxicity of the leaf of Cerbera odollamwas investigated against two breast cancer cell lines (T47D and MCF7), two ovarian cancer cell lines (SKOV3 and CaOV3) and a normal (Vero) cell line. The crude methanolic extract was subjected to liquid-liquid fractionation with ethyl acetate, butanol and water. Ethyl acetate fraction exhibited higher cytotoxic effect than methanol, butanol and aqueous fractions. Following bioassay guided isolation, 17ßH-neriifolin was isolated as a potential anticancer agent from C. odollam leaf. It showed potent anticancer activity with IC50 values of 17,21, 28, 32 and 24 nM against MCF7, T47D, SKOV3, CaOV3 and Vero cell lines respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Tanghinigenin, a cardiac glycoside, is isolated from the seeds of Cerbera manghas L. In this study, we demonstrated that tanghinigenin reduced the viability of human promyelocytic leukemia HL-60 cells in a time- and dose-dependent manner, and efficiently induced apoptosis in HL-60 cells as evidenced by the Annexin V/PI binding assay, DNA fragmentation and AO/EB staining studies. In addition, stimulation of HL-60 cells with tanghinigenin induced a series of intracellular events including the activation of caspase-3, -8, and -9, as well as up-regulation of Fas and FasL protein level. Taken together, caspase activation and Fas/FasL interaction was found to be involved in tanghinigenin-induced HL-60 cell apoptosis. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: 2′-epi-2′-O-Acetylthevetin B (GHSC-74) is a cardiac glycoside isolated from the seeds of Cerbera manghas L. We have demonstrated that GHSC-74 reduced the viability of HepG2 cells in a time- and dose-dependent manner. The present study was designed to explore cellular mechanisms whereby GHSC-74 led to cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in HepG2 cells. Cell cycle flow cytometry demonstrated that HepG2 cells treated with GHSC-74 (4μM) resulted in S and G2 phase arrest in a time-dependent manner, as confirmed by mitotic index analysis. G2 phase arrest was accompanied with down-regulation of CDC2 and Cyclin B1 protein. Furthermore, GHSC-74-induced apoptotic killing, as demonstrated by DNA fragmentation, DAPI staining, and flow cytometric detection of sub-G1 DNA content in HepG2 cells. GHSC-74 treatment resulted in a significant increase in reactive oxygen species, activation of caspase-9, dissipation of mitochondrial membrane potential, and translocation of apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF) from the mitochondrion to the nucleus in HepG2 cells. Nevertheless, after GHSC-74 exposure, no significant Fas and FasL up-regulation was observed in HepG2 cells by flow cytometry. In addition, treatment with antioxidant N-acetyl-l-cysteine (NAC) and broad-spectrum caspase inhibitor z-VAD-fmk partially prevented apoptosis but did not abrogate GHSC-74-induced nuclear translocation of AIF. In conclusion, we have demonstrated that GHSC-74 inhibited growth of HepG2 cells by inducing S and G2 phase arrest of the cell cycle and by triggering apoptosis via mitochondrial disruption including both caspase-dependent and -independent pathways, and ROS generation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Metallic-based wood preservatives currently face some restrictions over disposal and environmental issues; one possibility to develop new more benign systems is to study extractives in naturally durable woody plants. This study investigated the resistance of extracts from the leaf, fruit, wood, bark, seed and flower of Cerbera odollam to deterioration from fungus and termites. Antifungal assays with n-hexane, ethyl acetate, ethanol and methanol extracts were evaluated using paper discs. Termite mortality was evaluated with the methanol extract against Coptotermes gestroi. Physical and protective properties of particleboard impregnated with C. odollam extracts, including thickness swelling, internal bond strength, formaldehyde release, termite-decay and soil burial decay were investigated. Methanol wood extracts from C. odollam showed the highest activities against Trametes versicolor, Pycnoporus sanguineus, and Schizophyllum commune in the paper disc antifungal assay. Methanol flower extracts exhibited high performance in termite mortality, termite-decay and soil burial decay. Thickness swelling, internal bond strength and the formaldehyde emission of particleboard specimens treated with methanol extracts of C. odollam were up to the EN Standards. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: 2′-Epi-2′-O-acetylthevetin B (GHSC-74), a cardiac glycoside, can be isolated from the seeds of Cerbera manghas L. We demonstrated that GHSC-74 reduced the viability of HepG2 cells in a time- and dose-dependent manner, and efficiently induced apoptosis without significantly decreasing the viability of Chang human liver cells and Swiss albino 3T3 fibroblasts, as indicated by annexin-V/PI binding assay and Hoechst 33342 staining. In addition, stimulation of HepG2 cells with GHSC-74 induced a series of intracellular events: (1) loss of mitochondrial membrane potential; (2) sustained elevation of cytosolic [Ca2+]; and (3) downregulation of Bcl-2. BAPTA-AM, a cytosolic Ca2+ chelator, partly suppressed cell death and prevented mitochondrial membrane potential from losing in GHSC-74-treated HepG2 cells. In contrast, EGTA, an extracellular Ca2+ chelator, exhibited a weaker effect as compared to that of BAPTA-AM. Taken together, the Ca2+-mediated mitochondrial pathway was found to be involved in GHSC-74-induced HepG2 cell apoptosis. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective. Self-poisoning with plant seeds or fruits is a common method of self-harm in South Asia. While most deaths follow ingestion of Thevetia peruviana (yellow oleander) seeds, other plants are locally common. During review of fatal injuries seen in a teaching hospital in eastern Sri Lanka, we noted cases of fatal self-poisoning with Cerbera manghas (sea mango, pink eyed cerbera, odollam tree) fruits. Methods. We reviewed the post-mortem records of the Batticaloa Teaching Hospital and extracted data on all cases of fatal injury. Results. During 2001 and 2002, 315 post mortems for injury were performed in Batticaloa Teaching Hospital. Intentional self-harm was responsible for 48.6% of cases. While T. peruviana was responsible for 33 deaths, C. manghas self-poisoning caused seven deaths. C. manghas cases had typical features of cardenolide poisoning with cardiac dysrhythmias and hyperkalemia. In the absence of pacing facilities and anti-digoxin Fab, management involved administration of atropine and of insulin and dextrose to lower serum potassium concentrations. Conclusions. C. manghas self-poisoning has only previously been reported from Kerala and Tamil Nadu in south India. While uncommon in other parts of Sri Lanka, it has become a common method of self-harm in one east coast district, accounting for 20% of fatal self-harm with plants in one hospital. Management was inadequate with the available resources, emphasising the need for an affordable antitoxin for plant cardenolide poisoning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Cerbera odollam is a tree belonging to the poisonous Apocynaceae family, which includes the yellow and common oleanders. The seeds are excessively toxic, containing cerberin as the main active cardenolide. Cerbera venenifera, a related species found in Madagascar, has a long history as an ordeal poison, and was responsible for the death of 3000 people per year in previous centuries. The odollam tree is responsible for about 50% of the plant poisoning cases and 10% of the total poisoning cases in Kerala, India. It is used both for suicide and homicide. The aim of this retrospective study is to call attention to a powerful toxic plant that is currently completely ignored by western physicians, chemists, analysts and even coroners and forensic toxicologists. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Two new phenylpropionic acid derivates, cerberic acids A (1) and B (2), were isolated from the bark of Cerbera manghas. Their structures were established on the basis of spectroscopic methods including IR, ESI-FT-ICR-MS, 1D and 2D NMR. Primary bioassays showed that compound 1 possessed weak cytotoxic activity against HepG2, MCF-7, and HeLa cell lines with IC50 values of 44.7, 52.3, 48.7μg/ml, respectively. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper explores the feasibility of converting Cerbera odollam (sea mango) oil into biodiesel. The first part of this study focused on the extraction of oil from the seeds of C. odollam fruits, whereas the second part focused on the transesterification of the extracted oil to fatty acid methyl esters (FAME). The transesterification reactions were carried out using three different catalysts; sodium hydroxide (NaOH) as a homogenous catalyst, sulfated zirconia alumina and montmorillonite KSF as heterogeneous catalysts. The seeds were found to contain high percentage of oil up to 54% while the yield of FAME can reach up to 83.8% using sulfated zirconia catalyst. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The article presents a case study of a 26-year-old man with complaints of dizziness, palpitations, and syncope after ingesting Cerbera manghas. Topics discussed include the extremities, blood pressure and heart rate of the patient; the use of intravenous fluids, atropine, and dopamine for treatment; and the patient's progression to ventricular fibrillation (VF).