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This study focused on bio-guided isolation based on antioxidant activities from Dicranopteris linearis spores and Averrhoa bilimbi branches. The total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and antioxidant activities of the extracts were determined. For D. linearis spores, the ethyl acetate (EA) extract exhibited the highest TPC (120.13 ± 0.04 mg GAE/g) and TFC (21.94 ± 0.30 mg QE/g), along with strong DPPH antioxidant activity (96.3 ± 0.3% inhibition, IC50 of 39.4 ± 0.3 µg/mL). For A. bilimbi branches, the n-hexane–ethyl acetate (HEA) extract showed the highest TPC (165.21 ± 0.24 mg GAE/g) and TFC (26.20 ± 0.01 mg QE/g), with significant DPPH antioxidant activity (89.6 ± 0.7% inhibition, IC50 of 39.7 ± 1.9 µg/mL). Phytochemical investigation led to the identification of ten compounds (D1–D10) from D. linearis spores and twelve compounds (A1–A12) from A. bilimbi branches. Notably, compound A1 was identified as a new natural compound. The chemical structures were elucidated through NMR spectroscopy and comparison with existing literature. The antioxidant activities of selected compounds (D3–D5, D8–D10, and A1–A11) were evaluated using DPPH and ABTS free radical scavenging assays. Among them, compound A3 exhibited the strongest antioxidant activities (IC50 of 7.1 ± 0.1 µg/mL for DPPH and 14.8 ± 0.1 for ABTS, respectively). The results of this study highlight the potential of D. linearis and A. bilimbi for use in natural product-based antioxidant applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of biochar as a soil amendment for acid soil, particularly acid sulfate soil, has garnered significant interest due to its capacity to improve soil properties, which is further accentuated when combined with dolomite. However, the extent to which the magnitude and direction of this effect vary with biochar produced at different pyrolysis temperatures remains uncertain. We conducted an incubation by mixing soil with dolomite and biochar types derived from Melastoma malabathricum (MMBC) and Dicranopteris linearis (DLBC) at three temperatures (300, 500, and 700°C). The incorporation of dolomite with both biochar types led to significant improvements in soil pH, available P, available Fe, exchangeable K, and exchangeable Ca compared to soil amended with dolomite only. These enhancements were likely attributed to the release of alkalinity, which further raised soil pH, as well as the direct dissolution of P, K, and Ca from the biochar. Moreover, the reduced Fe availability was likely due to the complexation of Fe onto surface functional groups of biochar. Furthermore, these improvements surpassed the effect of the initial feedstock and became increasingly pronounced with higher pyrolysis temperatures. However, an antagonistic effect of dolomite and biochar co‐incorporation was observed, particularly in the relative reduction of soil exchangeable Mg with both biochar types, and a decrease in the soil available N with MMBC produced at 300 and 500°C compared to dolomite addition alone, which could be due to the adsorption of Mg and N onto biochar surface. The results indicate that concurrent application of dolomite and biochar can change the acid sulfate soil properties to varying magnitudes and in different directions, largely regulated by the characteristics of biochar as well as the probable interplay with dolomite. Consequently, selecting the appropriate biochar that aligns with the desired soil properties is crucial in managing dolomite‐treated acid sulfate soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flavonoids are one of the most promising agents in reducing post-prandial hyperglycaemia due to their a-glucosidase inhibitory activity. An investigation of the flavonoid-rich fraction from medicinal plants is imperative due to their potential health benefits. This study aims to develop a green and efficient method for extracting flavonoids from Dicranopteris linearis leaves, and to determine their a-glucosidase inhibitory activity. Air-dried and powdered D. linearis leaves were extracted with 70% ethanol by percolation at room temperature. The crude ethanol extract was subjected to macroporous resin (Diaion HP20) column chromatography to obtain flavonoid-rich fraction F as well as other non-flavonoid fractions (W and P). The total flavonoid content of the crude extract and fractions was determined using the aluminum chloride colorimetric assay. The a-glucosidase inhibitory activity was assessed using standard method. The quercitrin content of the crude extract and Fraction F was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The HPLC method was validated following the ICH guidelines. Quercitrin was isolated from Fraction F by reverse phase preparative HPLC. A green method using Diaion HP20 resin produced a highly enriched flavonoid fraction from Dicranopteris linearis leaves that exhibited potent a-glucosidase inhibitory activity with IC50 value of 1.36 ± 0.03 µg/mL, 24-fold stronger than that of the crude extract (IC50 = 32.16 ± 0.22 µg/mL). A validated quantitative HPLC analysis revealed that quercitrin was the major constituent of the flavonoid-rich fraction. This study provides a sustainable method for obtaining flavonoids from Dicranopteris linearis leaves with potential application as natural remedy for type 2 diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study focused on bio-guided isolation based on antioxidant activities from Dicranopteris linearis spores and Averrhoa bilimbi branches. The total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and antioxidant activities of the extracts were determined. For D. linearis spores, the ethyl acetate (EA) extract exhibited the highest TPC (120.13 ± 0.04 mg GAE/g) and TFC (21.94 ± 0.30 mg QE/g), along with strong DPPH antioxidant activity (96.3 ± 0.3% inhibition, IC50 of 39.4 ± 0.3 µg/mL). For A. bilimbi branches, the n-hexane–ethyl acetate (HEA) extract showed the highest TPC (165.21 ± 0.24 mg GAE/g) and TFC (26.20 ± 0.01 mg QE/g), with significant DPPH antioxidant activity (89.6 ± 0.7% inhibition, IC50 of 39.7 ± 1.9 µg/mL). Phytochemical investigation led to the identification of ten compounds (D1–D10) from D. linearis spores and twelve compounds (A1–A12) from A. bilimbi branches. Notably, compound A1 was identified as a new natural compound. The chemical structures were elucidated through NMR spectroscopy and comparison with existing literature. The antioxidant activities of selected compounds (D3–D5, D8–D10, and A1–A11) were evaluated using DPPH and ABTS free radical scavenging assays. Among them, compound A3 exhibited the strongest antioxidant activities (IC50 of 7.1 ± 0.1 µg/mL for DPPH and 14.8 ± 0.1 for ABTS, respectively). The results of this study highlight the potential of D. linearis and A. bilimbi for use in natural product-based antioxidant applications.

Little is known about the chemical and biological profiles of Dicranopteris linearis and Psychotria adenophylla. No previous studies have investigated alpha-glucosidase inhibition using extracts from D. linearis and P. adenophylla. In this paper, bioactive-guided isolation procedures were applied to the plants D. linearis and P. adenophylla based on alpha-glucosidase inhibition. From the most active fractions, 20 compounds (DL1–DL13 and PA1–PA7) were isolated. The chemical structures were elucidated using spectroscopic data and compared with those available in the literature. These compounds were evaluated for alpha-glucosidase inhibition, while a molecular docking study was performed to elucidate the mechanisms involved. Consequently, D. linearis and P. adenophylla might serve as a good potential for developing new antidiabetic preparations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Little is known about the chemical and biological profiles of Dicranopteris linearis and Psychotria adenophylla. No previous studies have investigated alpha-glucosidase inhibition using extracts from D. linearis and P. adenophylla. In this paper, bioactive-guided isolation procedures were applied to the plants D. linearis and P. adenophylla based on alpha-glucosidase inhibition. From the most active fractions, 20 compounds (DL1–DL13 and PA1–PA7) were isolated. The chemical structures were elucidated using spectroscopic data and compared with those available in the literature. These compounds were evaluated for alpha-glucosidase inhibition, while a molecular docking study was performed to elucidate the mechanisms involved. Consequently, D. linearis and P. adenophylla might serve as a good potential for developing new antidiabetic preparations.

Abstract Background Dicranopteris linearis L. is among the popular tribal plants used for various ailments, although many of its pharmacological potentials have not been investigated yet. The neuropharmacological potentials of the leaf, including sedative-anxiolytic potential, were previously studied however, the antidepressant activity was yet to be examined. Thus, this study was aimed to investigate the serotonergic, noradrenergic and opioidergic response of D. linearis leaf extracts. Methods The plant leaf was extracted in three solvents- water (DLAQ), ethanol (DLET) and ethyl acetate (DLEA) and applied each in 200 and 400 mg.kg− 1 per body weight of Swiss Albino mice. Forced Swim Test (FST) and Tail Suspension Test (TST) were conducted to evaluate antidepressant potential. In FST, latency and duration of immobility, swimming and climbing time were recorded. In TST, immobility, swinging, curling and pedaling were observed. Alongside, preliminary screening through acute toxicity study and pentobarbitone induced sleep test were performed. Results Both in FST and TST, the duration of immobility was reduced by the standard imipramine and DLET 200 and 400. In FST, DLEA 200 and 400 increased the climbing time suggesting noradrenergic mechanism of action and decreased the swimming time suggesting deficit of serotoninergic mechanism of action. Interestingly, DLET increased both the parameters presenting a dual action. However, in TST, DLEA decreased immobility but increased swinging and curling response which indicated its opioidergic mechanism. On the other hand, DLET proved to mediate through serotonin and/or NA reuptake mechanism by having decreased curling time. Conclusion Among the three extracts, the ethanol extract proved to be more potent. DLET mimicked the standard imipramine in all parameters except for the curling behavior. The result thus suggests D. linearis as a potent antidepressant agent however, recommends its medicinal use after further investigation to identify bioactive compounds.

Abstract Introduction Water-soluble, but not lipid-soluble, extract of Dicranopteris linearis leaves has been proven to possess hepatoprotective activity. The present study aimed to validate the hepatoprotective and antioxidant activities, and phytoconstituents of lipid-soluble (chloroform) extract of D. linearis leaves. Methods The extract of D. linearis leaves (CEDL; 50, 250 and 500 mg/kg) was orally administered to rats for 7 consecutive days followed by the oral administration of 3 g/kg PCM to induce liver injury. Blood was collected for liver function analysis while the liver was obtained for histopathological examination and endogenous antioxidant activity determination. The extract was also subjected to antioxidant evaluation and phytochemicals determination via phytochemical screening, HPLC and UPLC-HRMS analyses. Results CEDL exerted significant (p

Blotiella currorii (Hook.) R.M.Tryon. (Dennstaedtiaceae), Dicranopteris linearis (Burm.F.) Underw. (Gleicheniaceae), and Aleuritopteris farinosa (Forssk.) Fée (Pteridaceae) are reported for the first time in the flora of Senegal. They represent not only three more species but also two new families, Dennstaedtiaceae and Gleicheniaceae, for Senegal. Data on species, morphology, taxonomy, ecology, and geographic distribution are included. These three species were found in the interstices of the cliff of the 100-m Dindefelo Falls, which is in Kedougou region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Dicranopteris linearis L. is among the popular tribal plants used for various ailments, although many of its pharmacological potentials have not been investigated yet. The neuropharmacological potentials of the leaf, including sedative-anxiolytic potential, were previously studied however, the antidepressant activity was yet to be examined. Thus, this study was aimed to investigate the serotonergic, noradrenergic and opioidergic response of D. linearis leaf extracts. Methods: The plant leaf was extracted in three solvents- water (DLAQ), ethanol (DLET) and ethyl acetate (DLEA) and applied each in 200 and 400 mg.kg− 1 per body weight of Swiss Albino mice. Forced Swim Test (FST) and Tail Suspension Test (TST) were conducted to evaluate antidepressant potential. In FST, latency and duration of immobility, swimming and climbing time were recorded. In TST, immobility, swinging, curling and pedaling were observed. Alongside, preliminary screening through acute toxicity study and pentobarbitone induced sleep test were performed. Results: Both in FST and TST, the duration of immobility was reduced by the standard imipramine and DLET 200 and 400. In FST, DLEA 200 and 400 increased the climbing time suggesting noradrenergic mechanism of action and decreased the swimming time suggesting deficit of serotoninergic mechanism of action. Interestingly, DLET increased both the parameters presenting a dual action. However, in TST, DLEA decreased immobility but increased swinging and curling response which indicated its opioidergic mechanism. On the other hand, DLET proved to mediate through serotonin and/or NA reuptake mechanism by having decreased curling time. Conclusion: Among the three extracts, the ethanol extract proved to be more potent. DLET mimicked the standard imipramine in all parameters except for the curling behavior. The result thus suggests D. linearis as a potent antidepressant agent however, recommends its medicinal use after further investigation to identify bioactive compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Water-soluble, but not lipid-soluble, extract of Dicranopteris linearis leaves has been proven to possess hepatoprotective activity. The present study aimed to validate the hepatoprotective and antioxidant activities, and phytoconstituents of lipid-soluble (chloroform) extract of D. linearis leaves. Methods: The extract of D. linearis leaves (CEDL; 50, 250 and 500 mg/kg) was orally administered to rats for 7 consecutive days followed by the oral administration of 3 g/kg PCM to induce liver injury. Blood was collected for liver function analysis while the liver was obtained for histopathological examination and endogenous antioxidant activity determination. The extract was also subjected to antioxidant evaluation and phytochemicals determination via phytochemical screening, HPLC and UPLC-HRMS analyses. Results: CEDL exerted significant (p < 0.05) hepatoprotective activity at 250 and 500 mg/kg and significantly (p < 0.05) reversed the PCM-induced decrease in rat's liver endogenous antioxidant (catalase and superoxide dismutase) level. CEDL possessed a high antioxidant capacity when measured using the ORAC assay, but a low total phenolic content value and radical scavenging activity as confirmed via several radical scavenging assays, which might be attributed particularly to the presence of triterpenes. Phytochemicals screening demonstrated the presence of triterpenes and flavonoids, while UPLC-HRMS analysis showed the presence of polyphenols belonging to the hydroxybenzoic acids, hydroxycinammates and flavonoid groups. Discussion and conclusion: Lipid-soluble bioactive compounds of CEDL demonstrated hepatoprotective effect against PCM intoxication partly via the modulation of the endogenous antioxidant defense system, and exerted high antioxidant capacity. Further investigation is warranted to identify the potential hepatoprotective leads from CEDL for future drug development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Four ferns Blechnum orientale Linn. (BO), Dicranopteris linearis (Burm.f ) Underw. (DL), Marattia fraxinea Sm. (MF), and Microlepia speluncae (L.) Moore (MS) were extracted in varied combination of organic solvents followed by the preparation of eluates and isolation of secondary metabolites using chromatography on a glass column with silica gel as the fixed phase. The chemical components were identified using HPTLC and GC-MS analysis. The in vitro anti-trematodal activities of these eluates and compounds were evaluated against the sheep trematode worm Gastrothylax crumenifer (Plagiorrchiida: Gastrothylacidae) at increasing concentrations (1 to 5 mg/mL), to find the relative motility (RM) values for 0 to 60 min of incubation as reflection of paralysis and death of the worms. Hedon-Fleig salt solution was used as negative control and Oxyclozanide® 1% as standard control. In vitro incubation study showed DL and MS extracts had strong trematodicidal activity. BO extract (5 mg/mL) produced moderate trematodicidal activity and MF (5 mg/mL) showed the least trematodicidal activity. Phytochemicals analysis revealed that the ferns are a potential source of trematodicidal compounds such as phytol isomers fern-8-ene and fern-9(11)-ene (terpenoid derivative), quercetin 7,3 ́,4 ́-trimethoxy (flavonoid derivative), etc., which offer scope for a more elaborate study for exploitation of ferns for human welfare.

Abstract Background The present study investigated the potential of methanolic extract of Dicranopteris linearis (MEDL) leaves to attenuate liver intoxication induced by acetaminophen (APAP) in rats. Methods A group of mice (n = 5) treated orally with a single dose (5000 mg/kg) of MEDL was first subjected to the acute toxicity study using the OECD 420 model. In the hepatoprotective study, six groups of rats (n = 6) were used and each received as follows: Group 1 (normal control; pretreated with 10% DMSO (extract’s vehicle) followed by treatment with 10% DMSO (hepatotoxin’s vehicle) (10% DMSO +10% DMSO)), Group 2 (hepatotoxic control; 10% DMSO +3 g/kg APAP (hepatotoxin)), Group 3 (positive control; 200 mg/kg silymarin +3 g/kg APAP), Group 4 (50 mg/kg MEDL +3 g/kg APAP), Group 5 (250 mg/kg MEDL +3 g/kg APAP) or Group 6 (500 mg/kg MEDL +3 g/kg APAP). The test solutions pre-treatment were made orally once daily for 7 consecutive days, and 1 h after the last test solutions administration (on Day 7th), the rats were treated with vehicle or APAP. Blood were collected from those treated rats for biochemical analyses, which were then euthanized to collect their liver for endogenous antioxidant enzymes determination and histopathological examination. The extract was also subjected to in vitro anti-inflammatory investigation and, HPLC and GCMS analyses. Results Pre-treatment of rats (Group 2) with 10% DMSO failed to attenuate the toxic effect of APAP on the liver as seen under the microscopic examination. This observation was supported by the significant (p

Aims: Dicranopteris linearis is a fern that accumulates unusually high concentrations (up to 0.3% dry weight) of rare earth elements (REEs) in China. Previously, we reported that D. linearis accumulates high concentrations of aluminium (Al) and silicon (Si) in the fronds, but the interactions between these elements and REEs were unknown. Methods: In this study, a range of analytical techniques, including chemical extractions, Scanning-Electron Microscopy with Energy-Dispersive Spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) and Laser Ablation Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) were used to study the association of REEs with Al and Si. Results: The results show that D. linearis accumulates high concentrations of REEs (up to 3830 mg kg−1), Al (up to 9660 mg kg−1) and Si (up to 20,300 mg kg−1), with concentrations increasing with age and frond order of pinna. The extraction patterns suggest the existence of REEs-Si and Al-Si complexes. The SEM-EDS analysis confirmed the existence of phytoliths (Al) deposits in the protoplast and apoplast of the pinna cells. The upper epidermis of the pinnule and the pericycle of the midvein are more concentrated in phytoliths (Al) particles. The LA-ICP-MS analysis revealed that REEs and Al are preferentially compartmentalized within bio-inactive tissues of the pinnules, e.g. necrotic tissues (REEs) and in the margins (Al). Conclusions: Co-deposition of Si with REEs and Al may be a mechanism for dealing with the high concentrations of REEs and Al in D. linearis fronds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The objective of the study was to assess the potential of the leaf of Dicranopteris linearis in altering the CNS functions with three different extracts; aqueous, ethanol and ethyl acetate.Methods: To evaluate and compare the activities Morris maze, elevated plus maze (EPM),open field, hole cross and head dip tests were performed and many behavioral parameters wereobserved. The forced swim in Morris water maze analyzed the depression of rodents in termsof inability to self-rescue. Alongside, hole cross and open field tests assessed the inhibition oflocomotor activities. Moreover, EPM test screened the anxiolytic potential while the head dippinghole board test supported the previous experiments by evaluating both sedative, depressive andanxiolytic potentials of the extracts.Results: The results showed that the ethanol extract significantly suppressed CNS activity byreducing number of locomotor activities and increasing the stability phase (in EPM and Morrismaze) supporting mild sedation, depression and anxiolysis. Furthermore, the ethyl acetate extractalso possessed moderate to high potential in reducing locomotor activities depending on gradientdoses. Results were compared with control group and found statistically significant.Conclusion: As this plant mimic the activity of a gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) agonist, itcan be concluded that the plant may have GABA mediated involvement in central nervous system.However, the responsible compounds for these activities are yet to be investigated and this maypotentiate a new source of drug development.

Dicranopteris linearis leaf has been reported to exert antinociceptive activity. The present study elucidates the possible mechanisms of antinociception modulated by the methanol extract of D. linearis leaves (MEDL) using various mouse models. The extract (25, 150, and 300 mg/kg) was administered orally to mice for 30 min priot to subjection to the acetic acid-induced writhing-, hot plate- or formalin-test to establish the antinociceptive profile of MEDL. The most effective dose was then used in the elucidation of possible mechanisms of action stage. The extract was also subjected to the phytochemical analyses. The results confirmed that MEDL exerted significant (p < 0.05) antinociceptive activity in those pain models as well as the capsaicin-, glutamate-, bradykinin- and phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA)-induced paw licking model. Pretreatment with naloxone (a non-selective opioid antagonist) significantly (p < 0.05) reversed MEDL effect on thermal nociception. Only l-arginine (a nitric oxide (NO) donor) but not N(ω)-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (l-NAME; a NO inhibitor) or 1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ; a specific soluble guanylyl cyclase inhibitor) significantly (p < 0.05) modified MEDL effect on the writhing test. Several polyphenolics and volatile antinociceptive compounds were detected in MEDL. In conclusion, MEDL exerted the opioid/NO-mediated antinociceptive activity, thus, justify D. linearis as a potential source for new analgesic agents development.

Disturbances caused by the conversion of rain forests into agricultural systems provide an opportunity for the expansion of Invasive Plant Species (IPS). Bukit Duabelas National Park is one of the few remaining lowland forests in Jambi Province (Sumatera, Indonesia). The surrounding areas up to the national park borders have already been converted into jungle rubber agroforests as well as rubber and oil palm plantations which might lead to an increased spread of IPS into the forest. This study was aimed at compiling a list of IPS and determining their distribution and coverage of IPS in four land use systems (rain forest jungle rubber, rubber and oil palm plantations). Spatial distribution patterns were investigated by creating a horizontal vegetation profile diagram for the permanent plots of the EFForTS project (Ecological and Socioeconomic Functions of Tropical Lowland Rainforest Transformation Systems, http://www.uni-goettingen.de/crc990). The dominance of IPS was determined using Important Value Index. A total of forty IPS were identified across the four land-use systems. The numbers of IPS were the highest in oil palm (28 species) and rubber plantations (27 species), and the lowest in jungle rubber (10 species). IPS were absent in the lowland rain forest. The diversity of IPS was influenced by environmental factors, especially canopy openness. IPS with the highest ground coverage were Dicranopteris linearis and Clidemia hirta. Both of them were found in all three land-use systems outside the rain forest when the forest canopy opens due to illegal logging or other human disturbances. Therefore, reforestation of disturbed areas is recommended to prevent the spread of IPS.

Aims The potential of Dicranopteris linearis leaves' extract and its bioactive components were investigated for the first time for its disrupting ability against Staphylococcus aureus biofilms. Methods and Results The leaves of D. linearis were subjected to sonication-assisted extraction using hexane (HEX), dichloromethane, ethyl acetate and methanol (MeOH). It was found that only the MeOH fraction exhibited antimicrobial activity using broth microdilution assay; while all four fractions do not exhibit biofilm inhibition activity against S. aureus ATCC 6538P, S. aureus ATCC 43300, S. aureus ATCC 33591 and S. aureus ATCC 29213 using crystal violet assay. Among the four fractions tested, only the HEX fraction showed biofilm disrupting ability, with 60-90% disruption activity at 5 mg ml−1 against all four S. aureus strains tested. Bioassay-guided purification of the active fraction has led to the isolation of α-tocopherol. α-Tocopherol does not affect the cells within the biofilms but instead affects the biofilm matrix in order to disrupt S. aureus biofilms. Conclusions α-Tocopherol was identified to be the bioactive component of D. linearis with disruption activity against S. aureus biofilm matrix. Significance and Impact of the Study The use of α-tocopherol as a biofilm disruptive agent might potentially be useful to treat biofilm-associated infections in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The present study investigated the potential of methanolic extract of Dicranopteris linearis (MEDL) leaves to attenuate liver intoxication induced by acetaminophen (APAP) in rats. Methods: A group of mice (n = 5) treated orally with a single dose (5000 mg/kg) of MEDL was first subjected to the acute toxicity study using the OECD 420 model. In the hepatoprotective study, six groups of rats (n = 6) were used and each received as follows: Group 1 (normal control; pretreated with 10% DMSO (extract's vehicle) followed by treatment with 10% DMSO (hepatotoxin's vehicle) (10% DMSO +10% DMSO)), Group 2 (hepatotoxic control; 10% DMSO +3 g/kg APAP (hepatotoxin)), Group 3 (positive control; 200 mg/kg silymarin +3 g/kg APAP), Group 4 (50 mg/kg MEDL +3 g/kg APAP), Group 5 (250 mg/kg MEDL +3 g/kg APAP) or Group 6 (500 mg/kg MEDL +3 g/kg APAP). The test solutions pre-treatment were made orally once daily for 7 consecutive days, and 1 h after the last test solutions administration (on Day 7th), the rats were treated with vehicle or APAP. Blood were collected from those treated rats for biochemical analyses, which were then euthanized to collect their liver for endogenous antioxidant enzymes determination and histopathological examination. The extract was also subjected to in vitro anti-inflammatory investigation and, HPLC and GCMS analyses. Results: Pre-treatment of rats (Group 2) with 10% DMSO failed to attenuate the toxic effect of APAP on the liver as seen under the microscopic examination. This observation was supported by the significant (p < 0.05) increased in the level of serum liver enzymes of alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and significant (p < 0.05) decreased in the activity of endogenous antioxidant enzymes of catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in comparison to Group 1. Pre-treatment with MEDL, at all doses, significantly (p < 0.05) reduced the level of ALT and AST while the levels of CAT and SOD was significantly (p < 0.05) restored to their normal value. Histopathological studies showed remarkable improvement in the liver cells architecture with increase in dose of the extract. MEDL also demonstrated a low to none inhibitory activity against the respective LOX- and NO-mediated inflammatory activity. The HPLC and GCMS analyses of MEDL demonstrated the presence of several non-volatile (such as rutin, gallic acid etc.) and volatile (such as methyl palmitate, shikimic acid etc.) bioactive compounds. Conclusion: MEDL exerts hepatoprotective activity against APAP-induced intoxication possibly via its ability to partly activate the endogenous antioxidant system and presence of various volatile and non-volatile bioactive compounds that might act synergistically to enhance the hepatoprotective effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While soils can act either as a source or as a sink for atmospheric carbon dioxide and nitrogen, depending on land cover change and management, there is a great need to improve our understanding of the dynamics of soil structure and chemistry following land conversion in tropical regions. In this study, we investigated various soil structural and chemical variables (bulk density, pH, cation exchange capacity, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium), soil carbon (C), soil nitrogen (N), δ 13 C, and δ 15 N in relation to conversion of rain forest to tea cultivation and subsequent changes due to agricultural abandonment and reforestation with Caribbean pine. Although Caribbean pine has shown potential for reforestation throughout Asia and Latin America, effects on soil properties in comparison with other land uses have not been quantified. Our study compared: (1) the original mixed-dipterocarp rain forest, (2) tea plantations, (3) Kekilla fernlands and (4) Caribbean pine plantations. Tea plantations show higher bulk density (BD) as an evidence of compaction. Although soil C concentration in tea plantations were lower than other land uses at 0–10 cm, when bulk density was used with C as a composite measure, tea plantation showed the highest value for both soil C and N stocks. Disregarding tea plantations, Caribbean pine plantations had the highest C but showed the lowest N stocks at both soil depths. Soil δ 13 C and δ 15 N values of all land uses increase with increasing soil depth; but Caribbean pine plantations showed the greatest increase in δ 13 C at both soil depths (e.g. −27.82 ± 0.38‰ at 0–10 cm to −26.50 ± 0.37‰ at 10–20 cm). For both Kekilla fernlands and Caribbean pine plantations the relationship between δ 13 C and δ 15 N was strongly linear. By comparing the physical and chemical soil properties of these land uses with undisturbed rain forest, we established baseline data to determine influence of land conversion on soil properties. Based on soil pH, CEC and other major nutrients (P, K, Mg), there are strong legacy effects of land use potentially from both fertilization and fire. Our results also showed strong evidence that δ 13 C and δ 15 N was both increased with depth under pine reforestation and fernlands, suggesting soils can recuperate with a consistent input of litter and slower decomposition processes. There is some evidence that recruitment of natural regeneration beneath pine can help facilitate faster litter decomposition that can revert soil structure and fertility to a status similar to that of the original forest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Questions What processes govern the long-term recovery of tropical secondary forests? Specifically, how are seedling species density, stem density and functional groups in older regenerating forests affected by existing trees, the regeneration environment and distance to seed sources? Location Central Catchment Nature Reserve, Singapore. Methods We investigated three primary forest plots and nine 60-yr-old secondary forest plots varying in their degree of recovery. We analysed seedling parameters as a function of the abiotic and biotic regeneration environment as well as distance to primary and mature secondary forests. Results The secondary forest plots had functional composition distinct from, and Chao-estimated species richness and stem density lower than the primary forest plots. Seedling communities were most strongly associated with the mature tree communities within each plot; associations with other intra-plot variables and distance to potential seed sources were lower but still highly significant. Overall, aside from the mature tree community, the most significant predictors of seedling species composition were fern cover, VPD, soil Al, available P and C:N ratio. Primary forest species were associated with low light environments, low macronutrients and low Al saturation. Secondary forest species were associated with high P, low soil pH and low total exchangeable bases. Long-lived pioneers differed from short-lived pioneers in their association with high soil C:N ratio, low Al saturation, low P and tolerance of a wider light range. Overall, improved seedling recruitment was associated with decreasing fern cover, thinner layer of leaf litter and higher light. At the landscape level, species density was inversely related to distance to potential seed sources. Conclusions Our findings suggest that historical soil degradation and subsequent feedback processes among the adult trees, seedling communities and the regeneration environment strongly affect forest succession. Nutrient-efficient and Al-tolerant pioneers, such as the fern Dicranopteris linearis, were probably initial colonizers. Chance dispersal and recovery of the regeneration environment subsequently affected the establishment of long-lived or short-lived pioneers. Persistence of D. linearis and long-lived pioneers slowed forest recovery, while short-lived pioneers improved nutrient recovery and ameliorated the above-ground conditions to facilitate subsequent succession, provided that seeds of primary forest species were present. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ethnopharmacological relevance Dicranopteris linearis is a fern used traditionally for the treatment of skin afflictions such as external wounds, boils and ulcers. However, there are no scientific studies to date to demonstrate its ability to induce wound recovery. The objective of the present study was to explore the wound healing properties of an active fraction of D. linearis through several in vitro assays and to determine its chemical profile. Materials and methods The antioxidant activities were evaluated by DPPH and FRAP assays. The ability of the active fraction to induce fibroblast cell proliferation in serum deprived medium or under the challenge of exogenous hydrogen peroxide was evaluated by MTT assay. Cell migration was investigated using the scratch-wound assay. Chemical constituents of the active fraction were isolated and their structures were determined by NMR and MS spectroscopic techniques. Chemical profiling was carried out by the HPLC–UV method. Results The fifth subfraction of the methanol extract of D. linearis (sF5) showed prominent antioxidant activities. It was non-cytotoxic at the concentration tested and was able to induce cell proliferation of selected fibroblast cells under serum deprived conditions. In addition, sF5 was found to enhance cell migration and promote cellular repair following oxidative damage caused by hydrogen peroxide through a mechanism which was independent of its hydroxyl radical scavenging capability. Six phenolic glycosides were identified in sF5 where three were known, two were new and one phenolic glycoside first time reported from the plant. Conclusion The active fraction of D. linearis which was rich in polyphenolic substances exhibited substantial antioxidant activities, induced cellular repair and contributed positively to fibroblasts proliferation and migration in vitro . Hence, it may have potential application in inducing wound recovery and supports its ethnopharmacological use for treating skin problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pteridophytes are the sources of important therapeutic aids for alleviating human ailments. Dicranopteris linearis (Burm.F.)Underwood belonging to family Gleicheniaceae. It is one of the medicinally important pteridophyte, rhizome is used as anthelmintic, fluid extracted from fronds shows antibacterial activity and fronds are used for asthma. Ropes are made from them and also hats, cigars cases are also made. It is a unique terrestrial fern with long creeping, dichotomously branched rhizome. Thus the present investigation to understand the bioactive compounds in the plant of D. linearis. It reveals that 3 bioactive compounds were identified from the ethanolic extract. These three different active compounds have been found to possess a wide range of activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aimed to determine the hepatoprotective activity of Dicranopteris linearis L. (family Gleicheniaceae) leaf aqueous extract (DLAE) using two models of liver injury in rats. Rats were divided into ten groups (n=6) and received dH2O (negative control), 200 mg/kg silymarin (positive control) or DLAE (50, 250 and 500 mg/kg) orally once daily for 7 consecutive days and on the 8th day subjected to the hepatotoxic induction either using carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) or paracetamol (PCM). The bloods and livers were collected and subjected to biochemical and microscopical analysis. From the data obtained, only the highest dose of DLAE significantly (p<0.05) reduced the ALP, ALT and AST levels in CCl4-and PCM-induced hepatotoxic rats while the other doses caused significant (p<0.05) reduction only in the levels of ALT and AST. The histological results obtained were in line with the biochemical analysis wherein reduction in the CCl4- and PCM-induced tissue formation of necrosis, steatosis and inflammation occurred in a dose-dependent manner. In conclusion, the DLAE possesses hepatoprotective activity, which could be attributed to its free radicals scavenging and antioxidant activities, and high flavonoids content. Thus, in-depth studies regarding the hepatoprotective activity of DLAE are warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Dicranopteris linearis (family Gleicheniaceae) has been reported to possess antiinflammatory and antioxidant activities but no attempt has been made to study its hepatoprotective potential. The aim of the present study was to determine the hepatoprotective effect of methanol extracts of Dicranopteris linearis (MEDL) against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced acute liver injury in rats. Methods 6 groups (n = 6) of rats received oral test solutions: 10% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), 200 mg/kg silymarin, or MEDL (50, 250, and 500 mg/kg), once daily for 7 consecutive days, followed by hepatotoxicity induction with CCl4. Blood and liver were collected for biochemical and microscopic analysis. The extract was also subjected to antioxidant studies (e.g. 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH)- and superoxide anion-radical scavenging assays, oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) test and total phenolic content (TPC) determination), phytochemical screening and HPLC analysis. Results Pretreatment with MEDL and silymarin significantly (P < 0.05) reduced the serum levels of AST, ALT and ALP, which were increased significantly (P < 0.05) in DMSO-pretreated group following treatment with CCl4. Histological analysis of liver tissues in groups pretreated with MEDL and silymarin showed mild necrosis and inflammation of the hepatocytes compared to the DMSO-pretreated group (negative control group). The MEDL showed higher DPPH- and superoxide anion-radical scavenging activity as well as high TPC and ORAC values indicating high antioxidant activity. Conclusions MEDL exerts hepatoprotective activity that could be partly contributed by its antioxidant activity and high phenolic content, and hence demands further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fern Dicranopteris linearis Underw. (Old world forkedfern, Gleicheniaceae), the most widely distributed fern throughout tropical to temperature regions, dominates and often forms large pure colonies. Allelopathic chemical interaction of the fern was speculated to play an important role in the dominance. However, potential mechanisms, in particular, the allelopathic substance have not been reported. The objective of this study was the identification of its potential allelopathic substance and the evaluation of the ecological role of the substance. Extracts of D. linearis had an inhibitory effect on Echinochloa colonum and Avena fatua which are found near colonies of D. linearis in natural ecosystems. The extract was purified and a main inhibitory substance was isolated. The chemical structure of the substance was determined by high-resolution MS, and H- and C-NMR spectral data and optical rotation as epicatechin-(2β → O → 7,4β → 8)-epicatechin-(4β → 8)-epicatechin (cinnamtannin B-1). Cinnamtannin B-1 inhibited the shoot and root growth of A. fatua and E. colonum at concentrations greater than 0.2-0.5 mM, and the concentrations required for 50 % growth inhibition on shoot and root growth of these plants were 0.34-1.31 mM. Cinnamtannin B-1 was found in soil under the colony, at concentrations of 4.3 and 14.5 mM in soil at the edge of and under the colony, respectively. These concentrations were over the concentration required for 50 % growth inhibition. Therefore, cinnamtannin B-1 may work as an allelopathic agent of D. linearis and may contribute to the establishment of pure colonies of D. linearis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We compared forest canopy heights and nitrogen concentrations in long-term research sites and in 2 × 2 km landscapes surrounding these sites along a substrate age gradient in the Hawaiian Islands. Both remote airborne and ground-based measurements were used to characterize processes that control landscape-level variation in canopy properties. We integrated a waveform light detection and ranging (LiDAR) system, a high-resolution imaging spectrometer, and a global positioning system/inertial measurement unit to provide highly resolved images of ground topography, canopy heights, and canopy nitrogen concentrations (1) within a circle 50 m in radius focused on a long-term study site in the center of each landscape; (2) for the entire 2 × 2 km landscape regardless of land cover; and (3) after stratification, for our target cover class, native-dominated vegetation on constructional geomorphic surfaces throughout each landscape. Remote measurements at all scales yielded the same overall patterns as did ground-based measurements in the long-term sites. The two younger landscapes supported taller trees than did older landscapes, while the two intermediate-aged landscapes had higher canopy nitrogen (N) concentrations than did either young or old landscapes. However, aircraft-based analyses detected substantial variability in canopy characteristics on the landscape level, even within the target cover class. Canopy heights were more heterogeneous on the older landscapes, with coefficients of variation increasing from 23-41% to 69-78% with increasing substrate age. This increasing heterogeneity was associated with a larger patch size of canopy turnover and with dominance of most secondary successional stands by the mat-forming fern Dicranopteris linearis in the older landscapes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was performed out to establish the antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic properties of an aqueous extract of Dicranopteris linearis leaves in experimental animals. The antinociceptive activity was measured using the abdominal constriction, hot plate, and formalin tests. The anti-inflammatory and antipyretic activities were measured using the carrageenan-induced paw edema and brewer’s yeast-induced pyrexia tests, respectively. The extract, obtained after 72 h soaking of the air-dried leaves in distilled water and then prepared in the doses of 13.2, 66.0, 132.0, and 660.0 mg/kg, was administered subcutaneously 30 min before subjecting the animals to the assays mentioned above. Generally, the extract, at all doses used, was found to have significant ( P < 0.05) concentration-independent antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory, and anti-pyretic activity. In conclusion, the aqueous extract of D. linearis has antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic activity, supporting previous claims of its traditional use by the Malays to treat various ailments, particularly fever. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We propose a radiometric method based on measurement of the radioactivity of the naturally occurring radionuclides 228Ra and 228Th and the derived 228Th/228Ra ratios in plant samples to estimate plant age and the corresponding nutritional conditions in a field-growing fern, Dicranopteris linearis. Plant age (tissue age) was associated with the 228Th/228Ra ratio in fronds, which implies the accumulation time of immobile elements in the plant tissue or the life span of the fronds. Results indicated that the accumulation of alkaline earth elements in D. linearis is relatively constant with increased age, while the K concentration is reversed with age because of translocation among plant tissues. Estimation of dating uncertainty based on measurement conditions revealed that the radiometric technique can be applied to trace chronosequential changes of elemental concentrations and environmental pollutants in plants with ages of less than 10–15 years. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]