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AbstractAglaia pachyphylla is a species from the Aglaia genus (Meliaceae) and the chemical constituent has not been widely explored. A new cycloartane-type triterpenoid, pachyphyllanone (1), along with four known compounds (2-5) were isolated from Aglaia pachyphylla Miq. Furthermore, the structure of the new compound was elucidated by the interpretation of spectroscopic data, including 1D and 2D-NMR, as well as ECD and NMR calculations (DP4+ analysis). Compounds 1-5 showed cytotoxic activities against MCF-7 with IC50 values ranging from 160.74 to 299.75 μM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Comprehensive Summary: Twelve new limonoids (1—12), named trichilitins A—L, were isolated from the leaves and twigs of Trichilia connaroides, together with ten known compounds (13—22). The structures were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic investigations, X‐ray diffraction analyses, and ECD calculations. Compound 1, which belongs to a unique class of ring B‐seco limonoid, has been identified as 6/7/6/5 tetracyclic due to a key Baeyer‐Villiger oxidation. Compounds 2—7 were identified as ring intact limonoids, while compounds 8—10 were established as ring D‐seco ones, and 11 and 12 were determined to be rearranged ones. All of the compounds were tested for cytotoxicity against three human tumor cell lines (HCT‐116, NCl‐H1975, and SH‐SY5Y). Compounds 6, 7, 13, 14, and 19 exhibited significant cytotoxic effects, especially 7 exhibited significant cytotoxic effects against HCT‐116 with an IC50 value of 0.035 μmol·L–1 and was more active than the positive control, doxorubicin with an IC50 value of 0.20 μmol·L–1. Compound 7 effectively induced apoptosis of HCT‐116, which was associated with S‐phase cell cycle arrest. Furthermore, the Western blot analysis showed that compound 7 could induce cell cycle arrest by promoting the expression levels of p53 and p21. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The genus Cedrela is one of the phytochemically rich genera of the family Meliaceae. In this study, two Cedrela species, namely, Cedrela odorata and Toona ciliata M. Roem (formerly Cedrela toona), were selected for in-depth phytochemical profiling with the aid of UPLC-ESI/MSn analysis followed by evaluation of their anti-diabetic potential through assessment of in vitro α -amylase and α -glucosidase inhibitory effects, alongside the molecular docking studies on these target enzymes. Materials and methods: UPLC-ESI/MSn technique was applied to tentatively identify the extracts. The anti-diabetic properties were assessed using BioVision α -amylase and α -glucosidase inhibitor screening kits. Further, the molecular docking studies utilized PyRx® and Discovery Studio software. Results and discussion: The UPLC-ESI/MSn analysis led to the identification and quantification of 55 metabolites with their fragmentation patterns for the first time for these two species. Flavonoids represented the main identified class, followed by phenylpropanoids, terpenes, tannins, and others. The two species showed potent enzyme inhibition, where C. odorata and C. toona significantly inhibited α -amylase (IC50 = 4.83 ± 0.01 and 3.50 ± 0.03 μg/mL) compared to pioglitazone (IC50 = 2.17 ± 0.23 μg/mL), while their α -glycosidase inhibitory properties were also potent with (IC50 = 7.17 ± 0.01 and 6.50 ± 0.69 μg/mL), respectively, compared to acarbose (IC50 = 4.83 ± 1.02 μg/mL). The enzyme inhibitory activities were further confirmed by in silico molecular docking of the main identified components with the respective binding sockets in both α -amylase and α -glycosidase enzymes. Conclusion: These promising results could pave the way for a novel discovery of natural phytoconstituents with potent anti-diabetic activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dysoxylum alliaceum belongs to the Dysoxylum genus (Meliaceae) and there are few reports concerning the phytochemical components of this plant. To examine the chemical constituents of Dysoxylum alliaceum stem bark, a phytochemical study has been conducted and identified five known steroids, 3β,16β-dihydroxy-24(S)-methyl cholestenol (1), ergosta-5,22-dien-3β-ol (2), ergosta-7,24(28)-dien-3β-ol (3), 22(E)-ergosta-6,22-dien-3β,5α,8α-triol (4), and 20α-dihydroprogesterone (5) from its ethanolic extract. Spectroscopic data such as FT-IR, HR-ESI-MS, 1D, and 2D NMR as well as comparison with previously published spectral data were used to identify the chemical structures of compounds 1-5. Furthermore, these steroids 1-5 were assessed in vitro regarding their cytotoxic effect against A549 lung cancer cell lines and revealed weak to inactive with IC50 values ranging from 68.52 to >150 μM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phytochemical investigations of Melia azedarach fruits have led to the isolation of a novel tirucallane triterpenoid (1), four new limonoids (2–5), and four known limonoids (6–9). Their structures were clarified by comprehensive spectroscopic and spectrometric analyses. The anti-inflammatory activities of isolated compounds were assessed in vitro. Compound 2 exhibited the most potent anti-inflammatory effect, with an IC50 value of 22.04 μM. Additionally, compound 2 attenuated LPS-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and reduced the levels of inflammatory mediators IL-6 and TNF-α. A mechanistic study revealed that limonoid 2 suppresses the expression of iNOS and JAK2 and is implicated in the modulation of the NF-κB signaling cascade, which reveals its anti-inflammatory actions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The weevil, Sitophilus zeamais Motschulsky (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) is the most important pest of stored maize worldwide. Experiments were carried out to evaluate the efficacy of Allophylus africanus P. Beauv (Sapindaceae) leaf extracts and Azadirachta indica A. Juss (Meliaceae) seed oil against S. zeamais under farmer storage conditions at the concentrations of 2.5, 5, 7.5, and 10 g/kg of maize. Each concentration is divided into two sets and wrapped in cotton then placed at two different places in 1 kg bag of maize. Maize bags were placed in 5 L containers and 40 adult insects were released inside and covered with a muslin cloth. Adult mortality, progeny inhibition and damage reduction were assessed. The obtained results showed that these tested extracts caused significant mortality to S. zeamais adults. Mortality % recorded 3.33%, 00.00%, 00.00% and 5.88% with neem oil, the methanol, acetone, and hexane extract of A. africanus at the concentration of 10 g/kg after one day post-infestation. Within 12 days of exposure, at the lowest concentration (2.5 g/kg), neem oil, methanol, acetone, and hexane extract caused 76.92%, 100%, 100% and 100% mortality, respectively. At the concentration of 10 g/kg, all the tested extracts completely inhibited F1 progeny production, respectively. Moreover, these extracts reduced the grain damage and weight losses caused by weevils on maize. Considering the wide availability of A. africanus and neem trees, the application of extracts from both plants could be recommended as phytopesticides against maize weevils under storage conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lack of data on the population size of chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) in the Yoko Council Forest (YCF), located in the Centre region of Cameroon has hindered the ability to develop conservation measures. The sustainable management of this species requires reliable knowledge of their ecology, habits and resource needs. This study was conducted from February–July 2022 to assess nesting ecology and to use nest decay rates to estimate population size. The retrospective method for studying the degradation of animal indices was used. The mean nest decay rate was 77.5 days and density was estimated at 69.3 [54.9 86.7] nests/ km2 to 113 chimpanzees per km2. We also found a high preference for nests in specific forest types, with 92% of nests in marantaceous forests, and a preference for nests to be on Khaya grandifolia (Meliaceae) (28.24%) or Uapaca guinensis (Euphorbiaceae) (27.06%) trees. The preferential position for construction of chimpanzee nests was on a branch (58.82%) as opposed to in a branch fork (40.39%), which is interesting since one would assume a fork would offer more nest stability. Our study offers crucial insights that can guide policymakers in formulating targeted conservation strategies for the substantial chimpanzee population in the YCF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four new tirucallane-type triterpenoids, polystanins H–K (1–4), were obtained from the stems and leaves of Aphanamixis polystachya. Their structures were elucidated by analysis of the spectroscopic data and comparison with literature data. Compounds 1 and 2 showed week inhibitory effects against NO production in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. All the isolates were investigated for their antifungal activities against drug-resistant Candida albicans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alliaceumolide A (1), a new macrolide together with known ivorenolide B (2) were isolated from Dysoxylum alliaceum (Blume) Blume ex A.Juss. These compounds were classified as 17-membered macrolide, which is a rare structure for plant-derived natural products. The structures were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic analyses, and the absolute configuration of 1 was determined by electronic circular dichroism (ECD) using TDDFT method. Furthermore, compounds 1 and 2 were tested for cytotoxic activity against two cancer MCF-7 and HeLa cell lines. [Display omitted] • Two 17-membered macrolides were isolated from Dysoxylum alliaceum stem bark. • A rare undescribed macrolide was identified. • The absolute configuration was determined by ECD technique. • Compounds 1 and 2 were tested against two human cancer cell lines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Medicinal plants are invaluable sources of bioactive natural products. To further access plant’s biosynthetic and biotechnological potential, plant tissue culture has become a standard practice. Plant biotechnology might offer selected cell lines with higher metabolic production and allow a more controlled environment for plant development and optimized metabolic flux for the biosynthesis of specific compounds. In this work, we established the in vitro growth of Melia azedarach through micropropagation and evaluated its biosynthetic potential. LC-MS-based metabolic profiling investigation was applied to generate information on natural products composition. A set of computational tools including spectral library matching and in silico prediction of molecular structures and chemical classes were employed to annotate M. azedarach’s plantlets chemical space. Our findings indicate salannin- and nimbolinin-type limonoid production and a series of glycosylated flavonoids and lignan-related phenylpropanoids. This is the first time nimbolinin-related limonoids have been produced in vitro, opening a venue for biotechnological applications of such compounds.Key message: We report the chemical evaluation of natural products diversity of micropropagated Melia azedarach using a combination of metabolomics tools. For the first time, nimbolinin-type limonoids were produced in an in vitro system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural products and their structural analogs are the main sources of pharmacotherapy. Various Aglaia species have been investigated since the 1960s for their phytochemical constituents and biological properties. This research focuses on isolating the terpenoid group from Aglaia shawiana, to provide a basis for further research to identify lead compounds for drug development. The hexane extract of Aglaia shawiana leaves was isolated using vacuum liquid chromatography and gravity column chromatography, employing solvents with varying polarities. The isolation process yielded two compounds: compound 1 and compound 2. A total of 15 mg of a pure isolate was obtained for compound 1, and 4.5 mg for compound 2. Their structures were characterized using 1D NMR (¹H, 13C, DEPT 135) and 2D NMR (HMQC, HMBC, 1H-1H COSY) and by comparing them with previously reported spectral data. It was concluded that compound 1 has the molecular formula C30H50O3, is a triterpenoid type cycloartane, and is named cycloartan-3β,29-diol-24-one, while compound 2 has the molecular formula C30H52O, is a steroid compound, and is named 23a-homostigmast-5en-3β-ol. These compounds were discovered for the first time in this species.

Plants of the Meliaceae family have long attracted researchers' interest due to their various insecticidal activities, with triterpenes being the main active ingredients. In this paper, we discuss 93 triterpenoids with insecticidal activity from 37 insecticidal plant species of 15 genera (Munronia, Neobeguea, Pseudocedrela, Nymania, Quivisia, Ruagea, Dysoxylum, Soymida, Lansium, Sandoricum, Walsura, Trichilia, Swietenia, Turraea, and Xylocarpus) in the family Meliaceae. Among these genera, Trichilia deserves further research, with twelve species possessing insecticidal activity. The 93 insecticidal molecules included 27 ring-seco limonoids (comprising 1 ring A-seco group chemical, 1 ring B-seco group chemical, 5 ring D-seco group chemicals, 14 rings A,B-seco group chemicals, 5 rings B,D-seco group chemicals, and 1 rings A,B,D-seco group chemical), 22 ring-intact limonoids (comprising 5 cedrelone-class chemicals, 6 trichilin-class chemicals, 7 havanensin-class chemicals, 2 azadirone-class chemicals, 1 vilasinin-class chemical, and 1 other chemical), 33 2,30-linkage chemicals (comprising 25 mexicanolide-class chemicals and 8 phragmalin-class chemicals), 3 1,n-linkage-group chemicals, 3 onoceranoid-type triterpenoids, 2 apotirucallane-type terpenoids, 2 kokosanolide-type tetranortriterpenoids, and 1 cycloartane triterpene. In particular, 59 molecules showed antifeedant activity, 30 molecules exhibited poisonous effects, and 9 molecules possessed growth regulatory activity. Particularly, khayasin, beddomei lactone, 3β,24,25-trihydroxycycloartane, humilinolides A–E and methyl-2-hydroxy-3β-isobutyroxy-1-oxomeliac-8(30)-enate showed excellent insecticidal activities, which were comparable to that of azadirachtin and thus deserved more attention. Moreover, it was noteworthy that various chemicals (such as 12α-diacetoxywalsuranolide, 11β,12α-diacetoxycedrelone, 1α,7α,12α-triacetoxy-4α-carbomethoxy-11β-hydroxy-14β,15β-epoxyhavanensin, and 11-epi-21-hydroxytoonacilide, etc.) from Turraea showed excellent insecticidal activity. Specially, the insecticidal activity of khayasin from Neobeguea against the coconut leaf beetle were similar to that of rotenone. Therefore, it was a promising candidate insecticide for the control of the coconut leaf beetle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spodoptera frugiperda is a polyphagous pest with two strains (rice and corn strains). They differ in their insecticide susceptibility, providing an opportunity to discover new, bio-sustainable alternatives. Given the reported insect control potential of the Meliaceae family, the insecticide and antifeedant activity of Carapa guianensis and Swietenia macrophylla was assessed on both strains of S. frugiperda. Both plants had significant selective effects, and an extract of the twigs of S. macrophylla showed the most promising activity against the rice strain. In this regard, a moderate antifeedant effect, a high mortality rate in the insecticidal assay, and an alteration in metamorphosis, was observed. Characterization of this fraction led to the detection of phytosterols and fatty acids, and the isolation of β-sitosterol-3-O-β-glucopyranoside and stigmasterol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Limonoid group belongs to triterpenoid that has undergone further oxidation accompanied by the loss of four carbon atoms to form a furan ring in the chain. This limonoid compound is often found in the Chisocheton genus. Limonoid compounds have been known as compounds with high structural variations and this makes limonoids have diverse and interesting activities, including cytotoxic and anticancer. In the course of our continuing study for limonoid constituents that have cytotoxic activity against cancer cell lines, methanol extract of stem bark from the Chisocheton pentandrus plant provides significant activity. The methanol extract was separated using various chromatographic techniques in the normal and reverse stationary phase to produce four azadirone-type limonoid compounds (1-4). The elucidation structure of 1-4 was determined using spectroscopic methods including, UV-Visible, IR, and 1D-NMR as well as optical rotation. All four known compounds were established as trichilenone acetate (1), toonaciliaton C (2), 11α-acetoxiazadiron (3), and 16β- hydroxydisobinine (4). The cytotoxicity of compounds 1-4 was assessed by examination using the resazurin method, which showed that compound 4 was the promising constituent against the MCF-7 cells with an IC50 value of 43.1 µM and was stronger than its positive control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sesquiterpenoids are a class of terpenoid compounds with a remarkable diversity of structures and biological activities. Sesquiterpenoids are primarily found in higher plants, such as the Meliaceae family's Aglaia genus. Aglaia cucullata is a species of Aglaia that is still rarely explored and can potentially contain sesquiterpenoid compounds with cytotoxic activity. Hence, the research intended to isolate sesquiterpenoids from the n-hexane extract of A. cucullata stem bark and evaluate their cytotoxic effect against A549 lung cancer cells. Compounds 1 and 2 were isolated and purified from n-hexane extracts utilizing various chromatographic techniques. The structure of compounds 1 and 2 was determined by analyzing various spectroscopic methods (IR, MS, and NMR) and comparing them to previously reported spectral data. Compound 1 was identified as an isodaucane-type sesquiterpenoid, 10-hydroxy-6,10-epoxy-7(14)-isodaucane, and was first reported in Meliaceae family. Compound 2 was confirmed as an eudesmane-type sesquiterpenoid, eudesm-4(15)-ene-1β,6α-dihydroxy, and was first reported in Aglaia cucullata. Cytotoxic activity of 1 and 2 were investigated in vitro against A549 lung cancer cells using the PrestoBlue assay and resulted in inactive and low cytotoxicity with IC50 values of 292.77 and 90.55 μM, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural products and their structural analogs are the main sources of pharmacotherapy. Various Aglaia species have been investigated since the 1960s for their phytochemical constituents and biological properties. This research focuses on isolating the terpenoid group from Aglaia shawiana, to provide a basis for further research to identify lead compounds for drug development. The hexane extract of Aglaia shawiana leaves was isolated using vacuum liquid chromatography and gravity column chromatography, employing solvents with varying polarities. The isolation process yielded two compounds: compound 1 and compound 2. A total of 15 mg of a pure isolate was obtained for compound 1, and 4.5 mg for compound 2. Their structures were characterized using 1D NMR (¹H, 13C, DEPT 135) and 2D NMR (HMQC, HMBC, ¹H-¹H COSY) and by comparing them with previously reported spectral data. It was concluded that compound 1 has the molecular formula C30H50O3, is a triterpenoid type cycloartane, and is named cycloartan-3β,29-diol-24-one, while compound 2 has the molecular formula C30H52O, is a steroid compound, and is named 23a-homostigmast-5en-3β-ol. These compounds were discovered for the first time in this species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study experimentally investigates the use of Meliaceae Family Extract (MFE), Annonaceae Family Extract (AFE) and the Extracts Hybrid (EH) of both plants as inhibitors of gas hydrate were compared with conventional Monoethylene glycol (MEG). 1 to 3 wt% of the inhibitors were screened on a hydrate mini flow-loop. Different plots of pressure and temperature against time, final and initial pressure against time indicate that MFE, AFE and EH outperformed MEG at different weight concentrations. At 1 wt%, MFE exhibited an outstanding inhibition efficiency of 64.65%, whereas AFE, EH and MEG record 57.58%, 58.59% and 54.55%. MFE gave an improved performance at 1 wt% compared to the other three inhibitors. At 2 wt%, the optimum efficiency was recorded by AFE with an inhibition efficiency of 72.73% while EH, MFE and MEG were 69.70%, 50.51% and 59.60%. MEG performed slightly better at 3 wt% with inhibition efficiency of 71.72% than MFE and EH with inhibition efficiency of 70.71% while AFE performed the least at 68.69%. EH generally performed better, it is locally sourced and gotten from plant families which makes it less expensive and environmentally friendly unlike MEG, which is expensive and toxic to the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chisocheton is a large source of limonoids with various pharmacological effects, such as antiviral, antibacterial, antimalarial, antifungal, and cytotoxic activities. This study aimed to isolate, elucidate, and evaluate the cytotoxicity of limonoids from C. pentandrus stembarks. Isolation was carried out using various separation methods including extraction and column chromatography. Spectral data were analyzed by FT-IR, UV, DEPT 135°, ¹H, 13C-NMR, and HRTOF-MS and compared with those previously reported to determine the chemical structure. The obtained limonoids were lasiocarpine (1), lasiocarpine B (2), pentandricine (3), and 16β-hydroxydysobinin (4); all of which were successfully isolated from C. pentandrus for the first time. The cytotoxic activity of these limonoids were also evaluated against Michigan Cancer Foundation-7 (MCF-7) breast cancer cells using PrestoBlue method. Lasiocarpine A revealed the strongest cytotoxicity with an IC50 of 42.62 µM in moderate level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The seeds of Khaya anthotheca , (Welv.) yielded two undescribed limonoids, 1α,7α-diacetoxyhavanensin-16-one (1) and 3α,7α-diacetoxyhavanensin-16-one (2), as well as three known limonoids, khayanthone (3), 3,7-di- O -acetyl-14,15-deoxyhavanensin (4) and 1,7-di- O -acetyl-14,15-deoxyhavanensin (5). The antiplasmodial activities of the CH 2 Cl 2 extract and the pure compounds were evaluated in vitro against Plasmodium falciparum (Dd2-B2 strain). Khayanthone (3) showed the highest activity of all the compounds isolated in this study, with an IC 50 of 1.32 µg/mL. [Display omitted] • Two undescribed havanensin derivatives along with three known limonoids were isolated from the seeds of Khaya anthotheca. • The extract and the pure compounds were evaluated for antiplasmodial activity. • Khayanthone showed moderate activity against Plasmodium falciparum (Dd2-B2 strain). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A total of five new mexicanolides (1–5), namely alliaxylines A–E, together with two known limonoids 6 and 7, were isolated and identified from Dysoxylum alliaceum (Blume) Blume ex. A.Juss. (Meliaceae). The structures of these compounds were elucidated based on extensive spectroscopic analyses, including HR-ESI–MS, UV, IR, 1D, and 2D NMR, as well as theoretical stimulation of NMR shifts with the DP4 + algorithm. Consequently, this study aimed to examine cytotoxic activities of these compounds against MCF-7 and A549 cell lines. The results implied that compound 2 was the most potent against the two tested cells, with IC50 values of 34.95 ± 0.21 and 44.39 ± 1.03 µM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to isolate a novel limonoid compound, (6R,7S, 8R, 9R, 10R, 11R, 13S, 17R)-17- (furan-3-yl) -4, 4, 8, 10, 13-pentamethyl-3-oxo-4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 16, 17-dodecahydro-3Hcyclopenta[ a]phenanthrene-6,7,11-triyltriacetate (11a-acetoxydysobinin) (1), and 3 pre-existing limonoids, namely dysobinin (2), dysobinol (3), and 7-deacetylepoxyazadiradione (4) from the seeds of Chisocheton macrophyllus (Meliaceae). In addition, the structure of the isolated compounds was determined using various spectroscopic techniques, including UV, IR, HRTOFMS, 1D, and 2D NMR. The cytotoxic effects of each compound were then evaluated against breast cancer cells of the Michigan Cancer Foundation-7 (MCF-7), but no significant activity was observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Dysoxylum genus that belongs to the Meliaceae family is widely distributed from India and Sri Lanka throughout Malaysia and Indonesia to Australia and New Zealand. Numerous types of compounds have been reported, including sesquiterpenoids, limonoids, triterpenoids, and alkaloids. One of the members of this genus is Dysoxylum alliaceum. Reports on the phytochemical constituents of this species are limited. During our search for naturally occurring tropical plant compounds with intriguing structures and biological properties, the stembark of D. alliaceum, which showed cytotoxic activity against MCF-7, A549 and CV-1 cell lines, was investigated. This paper also describes the chemical structure of the isolated compounds using HR-ESI-MS, FTIR, and NMR. As a result, eight triterpenoid compounds belonging to tirucallane-type (1-8) were identified, including cneorin-NP36 (1) toonapubesin A (2), toonapubesin B (3), chisopanin M (4), 21 α-methylmelianodiol (5), 21 β-methylmelianodiol (6), hispidone (7), and odoratone (8). These compounds are newly discovered in this plant. Furthermore, toonapubesin A (2) showed the highest selectivity against A549 cancer cell lines with IC50 value of 7.81±0.02 μM, resulting in no activity towards CV-1 cells. The current result could indicate that this plant produces potential natural product compounds with anticancer properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Indian Mahogany (Toona ciliata, Family: Meliaceae) is a fast-growing and multi-purpose timber species. The species is well adapted to sub-tropical climates and generally grows in moisture-prone areas. It is frequently naturalized throughout the western sub-Himalayan tract, valleys of the outer Himalayas, and Eastern and Western Ghats and also cultivated on a fairly large scale in the plains of India, but no information about SSR-based genetic diversity and population structuring of T. ciliata in the Indian context has been available till now. Notably, population genetic analysis of T. ciliata is important for its long-term conservation, management, and genetic improvement programs. Thus, the present study was conducted to characterize natural populations of T. ciliata using simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. In total, 444 individuals collected from 15 distant geographical locations in the western Himalayas were analyzed with 10 SSR loci. A total of 71 alleles were generated, with a mean of seven alleles, which ranged from 4 to 12 alleles for individual marker loci. Overall, a low level of genetic diversity (mean He = 0.315, range = 0.251–0.366) and high genetic differentiation (FST = 0.338) were recorded for the analyzed populations. Genetic clustering and STRUCTURE analysis revealed a strong genetic structure where most analyzed populations were grouped into two major clusters, indicating the existence of two gene pools. Further, the partitioning of genetic variance was significant (p ≤ 0.001) which revealed 34% of genetic variance among the populations. The Mantel test was used to estimate the genetic distance in relation to horizontal and altitudinal geographical distance, but a non-significant correlation was obtained. The results indicated that genetic distance between populations is not influenced by horizontal and altitudinal geographical distance. Overall, the study on population genetic analysis of T. ciliata will be of paramount importance to the researchers, foresters, and policymakers for guiding future conservation decisions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In seed plants, growth of shoots and roots is indeterminate, while leaves are typically determinate organs that cease to grow after a certain developmental stage. This is due to the characteristics of the leaf meristem, where cell proliferation activity is retained only for a limited period. However, several plants exhibit indeterminacy in their leaves, exemplified by the pinnate compound leaves of Guarea and Chisocheton genera in the Meliaceae family. In these plants, the leaf meristem at the tip of the leaf retains meristematic activity and produces leaflets over years, resulting in a single leaf that resembles a twig. The molecular mechanism underlying the indeterminate leaf meristem of these plants has not been examined. In this research, we used Guarea glabra as a model to investigate the development of indeterminate pinnate leaves. Transcriptome analyses revealed that the gene expression profile in leaf apex tissue differed from that in the shoot apex. However, a class 1 KNOTTED-LIKE HOMEOBOX (KNOX1) gene which is lost in Brassicaceae was highly expressed in both tissues. We established an in situ hybridisation system for this species using Technovit 9100 to analyse the spatial expression patterns of genes. We revealed that the leaf meristematic region of G. glabra expresses KNOX1, LEAFY and ANGUSTIFORIA3 simultaneously, suggesting the involvement of these genes in the indeterminacy of the leaf meristem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Promecops leucothyrea Fahraeus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), is reported for the first time in Chiapas. Adults feed on soybean plants from VC stage (unrolled unifoliolate leaves) to R2 (full flowering). Although P. leucothyrea is currently found only in a few soybean fields in Chiapas, to our knowledge, it could spread to other parts of Mexico. Other plants that were found as hosts for P. leucothyrea were: Rottboellia cochinchinensis (Lour.) W. Clayton, Sorghum halepense (L.) Persoon (Poaceae), Ipomoea trifida (Kunth) G. Don (Convolvulaceae), Azadirachta indica A. Juss. (Meliaceae), Hamelia rovirosae Wernham. (Rubiaceae), Malvastrum coromandelianum (L.) Garcke (Malvaceae). Se reporta por primera vez a Promecops leucothyrea Fahraeus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), en Chiapas. Los adultos se alimentan en plantas de soya en la etapa VC (hojas unifoliadas desenrolladas) hasta R2 (plena floración). Aunque P. leucothyrea, se encuentra en este momento solo en ciertas localidades con cultivos de soya en Chiapas, a nuestro conocimiento, probablemente pueda esparcirse a otras partes de México. Otras plantas hospederas de P. leucothyrea que se encontraron en Chiapas son Rottboellia cochinchinensis (Lour.) W. Clayton, Sorghum halepense (L.) Persoon (Poaceae), Ipomoea trifida (Kunth) G. Don (Convolvulaceae), Azadirachta indica A. Juss. (Meliaceae), Hamelia rovirosae Wernham. (Rubiaceae), Malvastrum coromandelianum (L.) Garcke (Malvaceae). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sesquiterpenoids belong to a group of terpenoid compounds with interesting structures that are abundant in natural products especially in higher plants. Sesquiterpenoids have a wide variety of bioactivities with great potential cytotoxic activity. The species Dysoxylum excelsum belongs to the Meliaceae family known as higher plant, but only a few sesquiterpenoids have been reported particularly for their cytotoxic activity. Therefore, this research aims to isolate and elucidate the sesquiterpenoids structure from D. excelsum stem bark and examines their cytotoxicity against HeLa cervical cancer cells. Through various column chromatography separations, four known sesquiterpenes namely β-caryophyllene oxide (1), caryophyllenol II (2), humulene dioxide A (3), and guai-6-en-10β-ol (4) were acquired from the n-hexane extract. Compounds 1-4 were isolated for the first time from D. excelsum species. The sesquiterpenoid structures were elucidated according to Nuclear Magnetic Resonance, Infrared, and HR-TOF-MS analysis. The cytotoxicity compounds 1-4 was determined against HeLa cervical cancer cells by examination with the PrestoBlue method and compound 3 exhibited the most potent cytotoxicity with an IC50 value of 160.74 μM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Melia azedarach L. (Meliaceae family) is traditionally consumed to treat rheumatic pains, astringent, skin diseases, and diuretics. The present study aims to investigate the chemical composition of the flowers essential oil, as well as in vitro antioxidant activities of the leaves and fruits extracts of M. azedarach by DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) and FRAP (ferric reducing antioxidant power) assays. The GC-MS analysis of the essential oil identified oxygenated sesquiterpenes (43.7%) as the major chemical class. The volatile oil was rich in trans-nerolidol (39.5%), 1,4-dimethoxybenzene (11.6%), 2-phenylacetaldehyde (9.1%), and phenyl ethyl alcohol (7%). The leaves ethanolic extracts (LEE) indicating the IC50 values 149 ± 0.05 µg/mL and 20.31 ± 0.03 mmol of the FeSO4/g of the extract exhibited the strongest radical scavenging activity assessed via DPPH and FRAP assays, respectively. The higher antioxidant activity of LEE was correlated with the higher total phenolic contents (42.86 ± 0.02 µg gallic acid/mg extract) compared to the fruits (26.8 ± 0.05 µg gallic acid/mg extract). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the essential oil compositions and the antioxidant activity of this species collected from the southeast of Iran. This study highlights that the M. azedarach essential oil can be a rich natural source of trans-nerolidol with diverse biological activities. Additionally, the ethanolic extract of leaves has significant antioxidant activities. Therefore, these findings might direct further complementary phytochemical and biological investigations of this species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cedrela montana Moritz ex Turcz, a 'nearly threatened' tree species in Colombia, produces a samara (fruit) that has not been classified in the literature. This article focusses on exploring the length–weight and width–weight relationships in samaras collected in Bogotá City, Colombia, to provide morphological guidelines for identifying C. montana from their samaras. A total of 101 samaras were collected from 12 C. montana trees in an urban forest and were weighed and measured. The average weight of the samaras was 4.86 g, the average width was 19.44 mm, and the average length was 54.53 mm. However, the length of the samaras ranged from 38.72 to 73.35 mm, with widths from 15.32 to 24.03 mm and weights from 2.08 to 9.54. Length–weight relationships showed a moderate to strong correlation of 0.63. Width–weight relationships had a moderate to strong correlation of 0.71. These allometric relationships could be used for identification and conservation purposes. Samara allometric relationships could be used for identification and conservation purposes. Particularly, length–width–weight correlations could be associated with seed number within each Cedrela samara. Currently, most Cedrela species face some degree of vulnerability or are endangered. It is important to develop conservation strategies and plans to protect these valuable tree species. Cities may be important ecosystems for the conservation of vulnerable and/or endangered species. More research is warranted to understand the phenology and reproductive biology of Cedrela species in both wild and urban environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Meliaceae are broadly distributed worldwide, with about 50 genera and over 1400 species. There are 11 genera in South Africa, with 13 indigenous and three naturalized species. Considering the diversity of the indigenous species of this family in South Africa and the lack of recent studies encompassing these species, a taxonomic revision of the South African indigenous species of Meliaceae is presented here. Phylogenetic analysis, anatomical data, herbarium collections, and online data sources were used in this study. The results confirm the monophyly of Melioideae and Swietenioideae. The incongruence of Turraea previously reported was resolved in this study. Most representative genera of South African Meliaceae were recovered monophyletic with strong support. However, multiple samplings of species and including more markers could provide a better understanding of the relationships among South African species of Meliaceae. The review of the taxonomy of the South African Meliaceae, and especially the study of diagnostic characters and hitherto recorded natural distributions, have value in providing an up-to-date inventory of the indigenous genera and species and an easy means of identifying the taxa. Anatomical characters may be of systematic value to explore higher-level relationships in the family. This study is a contribution to tropical botany and to a more comprehensive database for the Meliaceae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chisocheton plants from the family Meliaceae have traditionally been used to treat several diseases; however, scientific evidence is limited. The most abundant chemical constituents of this plant are the limonoids, which are known for their various biological activities, including anti-inflammatory effects. However, the anti-inflammatory effects and underlying mechanisms of action of the constituents of Chisocheton plants have not been fully explored. In this report, we evaluated the anti-inflammatory activity of 17 limonoid compounds from Chisocheton plant primarily by measuring their inhibitory effects on the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, and MCP-1, in LPS-stimulated THP-1 cells using an ELISA assay. Compounds 3, 5, 9, and 14–17 exhibited significant activity in inhibiting the evaluated pro-inflammatory markers, with IC50 values less than 20 µM and a high selectivity index (SI) range. Compounds 3, 5, 9, and 15 significantly suppressed the expression of phosphorylated p38 MAPK in THP-1 cells stimulated with LPS. These findings support the use of limonoids from Chisocheton plants as promising candidates for anti-inflammatory therapy.

Phytochemical investigations of Melia azedarach fruits have led to the isolation of a novel tirucallane triterpenoid (1), four new limonoids (2–5), and four known limonoids (6–9). Their structures were clarified by comprehensive spectroscopic and spectrometric analyses. The anti-inflammatory activities of isolated compounds were assessed in vitro. Compound 2 exhibited the most potent anti-inflammatory effect, with an IC50 value of 22.04 μM. Additionally, compound 2 attenuated LPS-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and reduced the levels of inflammatory mediators IL-6 and TNF-α. A mechanistic study revealed that limonoid 2 suppresses the expression of iNOS and JAK2 and is implicated in the modulation of the NF-κB signaling cascade, which reveals its anti-inflammatory actions.

Three new dammarane-type triterpenoids, namely elliptaglin A-C (1–3) were isolated from the stem bark of Aglaia elliptica (C.DC.) Blume along with three known derivatives, namely (20S)-hydroxydammar-24-en-3-on (4), cabralealactone (5), and E-25-hydroperoxydammar-23-en-20-ol-3-one (6). Subsequently, their chemical structures were determined using HR-ESI-MS, FTIR, 1D and 2D-NMR spectroscopic analysis as well as comparison with previous studies. The cytotoxicity activities of the isolated compounds against MCF-7 breast cancer and B16-F10 melanoma cell lines were then tested using PrestoBlue reagent. The analysis results showed that elliptaglin B (2) had the strongest activity against both cell lines with IC50 values of 60.98 and 51.83 µM, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trichilia is one of the most diverse genera of the family Meliaceae, currently with five species for the argentine flora, including Trichilia pallens, which is reported for the first time. A morphological description of the species is presented as well as field pictures, its geographic distribution, habitat, phenology, vernacular names, uses, conservation status, diagnostic characters, and the first key for to the species of Trichilia in Argentina. In addition, lectotypes are designated for Trichilia brachythyrsus, T. petiolulata, T. glabriramea, and T. puberulanthera, including nomenclatural notes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ceramicines are a series of limonoids which were isolated from the barks of Malaysian Chisocheton ceramicus (Meliaceae), and were known to show various biological activity. Six new limonoids, ceramicines U–Z (1–6), with a cyclopentanone[α]phenanthrene ring system with a β-furyl ring at C-17 were isolated from the barks of C. ceramicus. Their structures were determined on the basis of the 1D and 2D NMR analyses, and their absolute configurations were investigated by CD spectroscopy. Ceramicine W (3) exhibited potent antimalarial activity against Plasmodium falciparum 3D7 strain with IC50 value of 1.2 µM. In addition, the structure–antimalarial activity relationship (SAR) of the ceramicines was investigated to identify substituent patterns that may enhance activity. It appears that ring B and the functional groups in the vicinity of rings B and C are critical for the antimalarial activity of the ceramicines. In particular, bulky ester substituents with equatorial orientation at C-7 and C-12 greatly increase the antimalarial activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Toona ciliata is an endangered species due to over‐cutting and low natural regeneration in China. Its genetic conservation is of an increasing concern. However, several varieties are recognized according to the leaf and flower traits, which complicates genetic conservation of T. ciliata. Here, we sequenced the whole chloroplast genome sequences of three samples for each of four varieties (T. ciliata var. ciliata, T. ciliata var. yunnanensis, T. ciliata var. pubescens, and T. ciliata var. henryi) in sympatry and assessed their phylogenetic relationship at a fine spatial scale. The four varieties had genome sizes ranged from 159,546 to 159,617 bp and had small variations in genome structure. Phylogenomic analysis indicated that the four varieties were genetically well‐mixed in branch groups. Genetic diversity from the whole chloroplast genome sequences of 12 samples was low among varieties (average π = 0.0003). Besides, we investigated genetic variation of 58 samples of the four varieties in sympatry using two markers (psaA and trnL‐trnF) and showed that genetic differentiation was generally insignificant among varieties (Фst = 0%–5%). Purifying selection occurred in all protein‐coding genes except for the ycf2 gene that was under weak positive selection. Most amino acid sites in all protein‐coding genes were under purifying selection except for a few sites that were under positive selection. The chloroplast genome‐based phylogeny did not support the morphology‐based classification. The overall results implicated that a conservation strategy based on the T. ciliata complex rather than on intraspecific taxon was more appropriate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new record of Cedrela domatifolia W. Palacios is presented in Chanchamayo Valley, department of Junin, which adds to 11 the number of Cedrela (Meliaceae) species recorded in Peru. The most notorious vegetative character of the species are the prominent domatia in the axils of the secondary nerves of blades. At floral characters, the petals are red to fuchsia, an uncommon feature in the genus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The secondary metabolites flavonoids and triterpenoids in duku leaves have antimicrobial properties. Cream have some drawbacks, including fragility to erratic stirring, brittleness when dried up, and poor storage stability. Triethanolamine reacts with stearic acid will form triethanolamine stearate which can increase stability of the cream. This research aimed to find the ideal ratio of stearic acid to triethanolamine for making an antibacterial composition. Methods: Optimization of the cream is carried out by Simplex Lattice Design method, made 8 run with the smallest proportion of stearic acid 15g and the highest 17g, and the smallest proportion of triethanolamine 2g and the highest 4g. Responses used in Simplex Lattice Design, namely pH, viscosity, adhesion, and spreadability. T-test was used to verification of the optimal formula and ANOVA was used to analysis of antibacterial data. Results: The optimal formula was 17 grams of stearic acid and 2 grams of triethanolamine make the optimal cream. The test results show that there is no significant difference between the optimal formula and the predictions in the Simplex Lattice Design software, with a pH of 6.33±0.033, a viscosity of 179.67±0.333, an adhesion of 1.377±0.038, and a spreadability of 5.133±0.044. The best formula has moderate antibacterial activity (6.62±0.007 mm inhibition zone) against Staphylococcus aureus. Conclusion: The optimal formula has good physical properties and is efficacious as an antibacterial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Broad leaf mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla King, Family: Meliaceae) is one of the best-known and most valuable tropical timber. It is almost unique silviculturally and occupies important position in the rural economy of India as a commercial plantation crop. This present study is mainly focused on temporal discrepancy of foliar nutrients and retranslocation of nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium and sulphur in S. macrophylla. The monthly variations in foliar nutrient concentrations and retranslocation prior to leaf fall were analyzed. Results indicated clear autumnal foliar retranslocation of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium under pure mahogany plantation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ambient sun drying is the method most used by Indigenous communities for preserving fruits and seeds harvested from the forest. It is an effective method to increase the shelf-life of highly perishable foods and prevent spoilage until important bioactive compounds can be extracted at distant locations. The ambient sun drying kinetics and oil extraction of the pulp and seeds of commercially important oleaginous fruit directly obtained from the rainforests and swamps of Guyana, namely Astrocaryum vulgare (Awara), Astrocaryum aculeatum (Kuru), Oenocarpus bacaba (Turu), Mauritia flexuosa (Ite), Euterpe oleracea (Acai), Caryocar nuciferum (Souari), Attalea maripa (Kukrit), and Carapa guianensis (Crabwood), were studied. The fruits were dried under ambient conditions from initial moisture contents ranging from 24–71% to a final moisture content of 5%. Three models, the Lewis model, the modified Page model, and the standard logistic function (SLF) model, were utilized to model the drying kinetics and to estimate the parameters governing the drying process. These models were demonstrated to fit the experimental data with excellent goodness of fit (>0.98). The SLF, never used before to model drying kinetics, was observed to be the best-suited model overall, with the highest correlation coefficient and the least Chi-square (χ2). Depending on the fruit type, the estimated point where the maximum drying rate occurs varies from 35 min to 350 min for sun-dried fruit pulp and up to 4000 min for sun-dried kernels. The steepness of the drying curves varied from −0.5 to −3.5 g/min. The results of this work will aid in the design, development, optimization, and control of the ambient drying processes of economically and functionally important oleaginous forest fruits. This knowledge will assist in addressing the key challenge of spoilage faced by Indigenous communities in the preservation of tropical oleaginous fruits and seeds, possibly aiding in the preservation of functional characteristics of the extracted oils and adducing to the sustainable economic utilization of such fruit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Swietenia macrophylla King is a plant commonly known as Brazilian mahogany. The wood from its stem is highly prized for its exceptional quality, while its leaves are valued for their high content of phragmalin-type limonoids, a subclass of compounds known for their significant biological activities, including antimalarial, antitumor, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties. In this context, twelve isolated limonoids from S. macrophylla leaves were employed as standards in mass spectrometry-based molecular networking to unveil new potential mass spectrometry signatures for phragmalin-type limonoids. Consequently, ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry was utilized for data acquisition. Subsequently, the obtained data were analyzed using the Global Natural Products Social Molecular Networking platform based on spectral similarity. In summary, this study identified 24 new putative phragmalin-type limonoids for the first time in S. macrophylla. These compounds may prove valuable in guiding future drug development efforts, leveraging the already established biological activities associated with limonoids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new diptilomiopid mite species of the genus Davisella Amrine, Stasny et Flechtmann are described from arboreal Meliaceae of economic potential from Bahia state, Northeastern Brazil—Davisella toonaesp. nov. from the exotic tree Toona ciliata M. Roem., and Davisella cedrelaesp. nov. from the native tree Cedrela odorata L. The two new species are vagrants on lower leaflets surfaces, and no apparent damage to the host plant was observed. Most of the nine species of the genus previously described were collected from the Americas and/or associated with dicotyledons. The two new species represent the first record of the genus in Meliaceae. An expanded diagnosis of Davisella and a key to the eleven species described is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Pollen grain morphology and the characterization of additional structures related to pollen dispersion can help to understand the strategies presented by species as well as their taxonomic circumscription. This work investigates the morphology of pollen grains and orbicules of Cedrela fissilis Vell. and Cedrela odorata L., two threatened species of the genus Cedrela P. Browne (Meliaceae A. Juss.) in Brazil. Observations of pollen grains and orbicules of the species were carried out pre- and post-chemical treatment of the samples, under light and scanning electron microscopy, aiming at recognizing structures, detailing morphological characterizations and taking measurements, the last of which were submitted to statistical treatment. The results demonstrate that the pollen grains of the two species are medium in size (measuring between 25 and 50µm), radially symmetrical, isopolar, prolate-spheroidal and 4,5-colporate with subcircular to subquadrangular amb and psilate ornamentation; the orbicules also have a smooth surface and measure about 7 to 10µm. Variation was observed in the size of pollen grains, which presented high coefficient of variation and in the orbicules, as well as in the number of apertures.

Introduction : Les meliaceae sont des espèces végétales utilisées dans le traitement des douleurs d'origine inflammatoire. Cependant les insuffisances de données pour la standardisation et le contrôle qualité de leur matière première limitent le développement de phytomédicaments sûrs et efficaces. Notre étude recherche des caractères de standardisation microscopique, physico-chimiques et phytochimiques des poudres de feuilles et d’écorces de Ekebergia senegalensis, Khaya senegalensis, Pseudocedrela kotschyi et Trichilia emetica. Méthodologie : Après la description macroscopique des organes, nous avons mesuré l’intensité des couleurs, réalisé une observation microscopique puis déterminé les paramètres de pureté et d'identité des poudres. Résultats : Les poudres de feuilles et des écorces présentent des teneurs en humidité inférieures à 5%. La comparaison de la coloration des écorces indique une plus forte intensité pour Khaya senegalensis comparée à Pseudocedrela kotschyi. La microscopie a révélé des fibres, des trichomes et des cristaux d’oxalates de calcium. Les cendres totales sont inférieures à 10% excepté pour les écorces de Pseudocedrela kotschyi (20,09%). Les plus grandes teneurs en calcium sont retrouvées dans les poudres de Pseudocedrela kotschyi suivi de Khaya senegalensis ainsi que les plus grandes teneurs en phénoliques totaux et en terpenoïdes totaux. Les composés phénoliques, analogues structuraux des anti- inflammatoires non stéroïdien, et les composés terpéniques, analogues aux stéroïdees, retrouvés dans ses drogues, agissent sur différentes composantes de l'inflammation et constituent le support de l'activité anti-inflammatoire reconnue des méliacées. Conclusion : Nos résultats présentés sont des données factuelles qui permettront le contrôle qualité et la standardisation des poudres de ces meliaceae d’intérêt thérapeutique.

Plasmodium falciparum and Leishmania sp. resistance to antiparasitic drugs has become a major concern in malaria and leishmaniasis control. These diseases are public health problems with significant socioeconomic impacts, and mostly affect disadvantaged populations living in remote tropical areas. This challenge emphasizes the need to search for new chemical scaffolds that preferably possess novel modes of action to contribute to antimalarial and antileishmanial research programs. This study aimed to investigate the antimalarial and antileishmanial properties of a methanol extract (KS-MeOH) of the stem bark of the Cameroonian medicinal plant Khaya senegalensis and its isolated compounds. The purification of KS-MeOH led to the isolation of a new ordered limonoid derivative, 21β-hydroxybourjotinolone A (1a), together with 15 known compounds (1bc–14) using a repeated column chromatography. Compound 1a was obtained in an epimeric mixture of 21α-melianodiol (1b) and 21β-melianodiol (1c). Structural characterization of the isolated compounds was achieved with HRMS, and 1D- and 2D-NMR analyses. The extracts and compounds were screened using pre-established in vitro methods against synchronized ring stage cultures of the multidrug-resistant Dd2 and chloroquine-sensitive/sulfadoxine-resistant 3D7 strains of Plasmodium falciparum and the promastigote form of Leishmania donovani (1S(MHOM/SD/62/1S). In addition, the samples were tested for cytotoxicity against RAW 264.7 macrophages. Positive controls consisted of artemisinin and chloroquine for P. falciparum, amphotericin B for L. donovani, and podophyllotoxin for cytotoxicity against RAW 264.7 cells. The extract and fractions exhibited moderate to potent antileishmanial activity with 50% inhibitory concentrations (IC50) ranging from 5.99 ± 0.77 to 2.68 ± 0.42 μg/mL, while compounds displayed IC50 values ranging from 81.73 ± 0.12 to 6.43 ± 0.06 μg/mL. They were weakly active against the chloroquine-sensitive/sulfadoxine-resistant Pf3D7 strain but highly potent toward the multidrug-resistant PfDd2 (extracts, IC50 2.50 ± 0.12 to 4.78 ± 0.36 μg/mL; compounds IC50 2.93 ± 0.02 to 50.97 ± 0.37 μg/mL) with selectivity indices greater than 10 (SIDd2 > 10) for the extract and fractions and most of the derived compounds. Of note, the limonoid mixture [21β-hydroxylbourjotinolone A (1a) + 21α-melianodiol (1b) + 21β-melianodiol (1c)] exhibited moderate activity against P. falciparum and L. donovani. This novel antiplasmodial and antileishmanial chemical scaffold qualifies as a promising starting point for further medicinal chemistry-driven development of a dually active agent against two major infectious diseases affecting humans in Africa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]