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Cyclamen, a popular decorative plant, is commonly found in gardens and pots. Since wild Cyclamen are endangered, a study was conducted to explore the genetic potential of wild Cyclamen, focusing on their morphology and chromosomal diversity among eight accessions. A total of 23 phenotypic-biochemical traits were evaluated along with chromosome counting. The morphological measures showed a humble range of variation, particularly in the number of flowers, peduncle diameter, number of leaves, hypocotyl length, and hypocotyl weight, with the Kordkuy accession being the largest and the Deylaman accession the most seeded. Cyclamen chromosome counting indicated 15 chromosomal levels, implying a significant chromosomal diversity among the accessions, with the Pasand accession exhibiting the highest level of chromosomal diversity (14 chromosomal levels). Furthermore, only the Pasand accession had the greatest chromosomal level (2n=48) among the accessions. By describing the results based on the median, the smallest chromosomal diversity was recorded in the Kordkuy accession. Cyclamen accessions were divided into two main clusters and a single accession. The Kordkuy accession was separated from the other accessions. HCA analysis confirmed the separation of the Kordkuy accession from the other accessions, as expected from its superiority in most morphological traits. The current findings can be used for improving Cyclamen breeding programs as well as evolutionary studies. We suggest more focus on the utilization of wild genetic resources to conserve Cyclamen varieties and strengthen their genetic background. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To assess the comparative potential, the immunomodulatory activity of Embelia ribes and Embelia tsjeriam-cottam species was evaluated by checking humoral and cell-mediated immune responses by sheep red blood cells induced antigen challenges, neutrophil adhesion tests on female Wistar rats were studied using ethanol extracts. Embelia ribes and Embelia tsjeriam-cottam were collected from village Kemse in the Koyna area of Sahyadri Hills of Maharashtra. All the experimental protocols for in vivo study were carried which were approved by the animal ethical committee. The animals were studied for their relative organ weight, haematological parameters, serum biochemical parameters, neutrophil adhesion test, delayed type of hypersensitivity response, humoral immune response, and histopathology analysis using ethanolic extracts. According to findings, Embelia species can enhance both cellular and humoral immunity, indicating that it has immunomodulatory abilities. At dosages 100 and 200 mg/kg of Embelia ribes and Embelia tsjeriam-cottam no significant change was observed in relative organ weight as compared to healthy control. In haematological studies, both extracts could maintain the range of white blood cells, lymphocytes, red blood cells, and haemoglobin as compared to the group of healthy control. Moreover, these extracts at a dosage of 200 mg/kg significantly decreased the levels of serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase while significantly maintaining serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase levels within the range when compared to the negative control group. The treatment with Embelia ribes and Embelia tsjeriam-cottam increased neutrophil adherence to nylon fibers. While appreciable immunomodulatory activity by compelling humoral and cellular immunity to the antigenic challenges with sheep red blood cells was observed by both extracts. Hence, it can be concluded that Embelia ribes and Embelia tsjeriam-cottam have exhibited significant immunomodulatory action by proving humoral and cellular immunity to antigenic challenges with sheep red blood cells and neutrophil adhesion tests on female Wistar rats. Therefore, both species of fruit extracts can be used as complementary therapeutic agents. Moreover, present investigations suggest that Embelia tsjeriam-cottam can be employed in place of Embelia ribes in immunomodulatory formulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new subspecies, Ardisia crenata Sims subsp. mukdahanensis Chatan & Promprom (Primulaceae), is described from Mukdahan Province, Thailand. This discovery was made during field studies conducted from 2021 to 2023, during which the authors collected and analysed specimens, comparing them with relevant taxonomic literature and herbarium collections. A. crenata subsp. mukdahanensis is distinct from its closest relative, A. crenata subsp. crassinervosa by a combination of morphological traits, such as moderately dense minute hairs on young shoots, abaxial side of young lamina and calyx, peduncles and pedicels; larger flowers (7.0–7.5 mm) that are pure white or pinkish; larger fruits (7–8 mm) and absence of glandular punctation in organs such as lamina, calyx, corolla, anther and fruit. This new subspecies grows in slightly dense dry evergreen forests or open areas near streams and is preliminarily assigned to the Data Deficient (DD) category according to IUCN guidelines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent fieldwork in Terengganu, Peninsular Malaysia, resulted in the collection of an endemic new species of Ardisia, described here as Ardisia recurvipetala Julius, Siti-Munirah & Utteridge. The species is a member of subgenus (§) Crispardisia on account of its vascularised glands (bacterial nodules) on the leaf margin and the terminal inflorescence on a specialised lateral branch subtended by a normal leaf (rather than a reduced bract-like leaf). Ardisia recurvipetala is unique amongst all members of §Crispardisia by having leaf margins with both vascularised glands and pustule-like structures and can be further distinguished from other Peninsular Malaysian members of this subgenus by the lamina raised between the leaf venation giving a somewhat bullate appearance, unbranched inflorescences, brownish-red pedicels and recurved corolla lobes, each with a creamy-white apex and a small pink patch at the base. Ardisia recurvipetala is known only from a single location in Terengganu and its conservation status is assessed as Data Deficient (DD). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The systematization of Maesa, a genus of almost 200 species, has haunted taxonomists for more than a century due to its lack of distinct qualitative characters or discontinuities in quantitative characters for species delimitation. The clarification of phylogenetic relationships in such a problematic genus like Maesa is essential to aid infrageneric classification and species delimitation. Here, a species‐level phylogenetic tree of Maesa is reconstructed. Leaf materials were sampled mainly from herbarium specimens which cover 60% of the species across the entire distribution range of the genus. Targeted sequence capture with the Angiosperms353 probe set was used to acquire sequences for downstream bioinformatic analyses. We obtained a species tree inferred from 310 gene trees that divides Maesa into an African clade and an Asian‐Pacific clade. The African clade is further divided into two subclades, while the Asian‐Pacific clade is divided into three subclades; all subclades are well supported. Hence, we propose five subgenera of Maesa, namely M. subg. Maesa, subg. Indicae, subg. Monotaxis, subg. Papuanae and subg. Ramentaceae. In addition, we scrutinize some species complexes within the genus; however, with the lack of phylogenetic signal at shallow levels, we are unable to conclusively resolve all species boundaries in these complexes. This study provides the phylogenomic framework to untangle taxonomic problems in the genus Maesa and lays the foundation for further detailed studies in biogeography, trait evolution and population genetics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Illumina sequencing platform was used to obtain the whole chloroplast genome sequences of Ardisia crenata. Compared with the structural characteristics and variation degree of chloroplast genomes based on bioinformatics methods, this study is aimed to clarify the characteristics and differences of the chloroplast genomes of A. crenata and Ardisia crenata var. bicolor, to compare and analyze the chloroplast genomes, and to provide reference for the phylogenetic study of Myrsinaceae. As results, both of them were composed of one large single copy region (LSC), one small single copy region (SSC) and a pair of reverse repeat regions (IRa/IRb). Total 132 genes were annotated, and their repeat sequence types and distribution patterns were similar, but the number was different. The results of comparative genomics showed that the coding regions of psbA, matK, rpoC2, ropB, ndhK, accD, ndhF, ndhD, ndhH and ycf1 genes were different, and they provided new loci for molecular identification of Ardisia. The chloroplast genome of A. crenata and A. crenata var. bicolor was highly conserved, and there was no rearrangement or inversion between chloroplast genomes. The variation of IR region sequence was the lowest, and the variation degree of SSC region was the highest. In the phylogenetic tree, the A. crenata and A. crenata var. bicolor were sister groups, which clearly reflected the genetic relationship, and provided a scientific explanation for the variety of A. crenata from molecular level. The Myrsinaceae and Primulaceae can be divided into two branches according based on the support rate. In this study, the chloroplast genome structure of A. crenata was analyzed, and the phylogenetic relationship among the genera of Myrsinaceae was discussed, which lays a foundation for the study of taxonomic identification,phylogenetic evolution and resource exploitation and utilization of medicinal plants of Myrsinaceae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, three new species of eriophyoid mites belonging to the subfamily Nothopodinae from Guangxi are described and illustrated. They are Nothopoda maesae sp. nov. collected on Maesa perlaria (Lour.) Merr. (Myrsinaceae), Nothopoda camelliae sp. nov. collected on Camellia oleifera Abel (Theaceae), and Nothopoda nepalense sp. nov. collected on Alnus nepalensis D. Don (Betulaceae). All the species are vagrants on the lower leaf surface, causing no apparent damage to their host plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phytochemical investigation on aerial parts of Lysimachia atropurpurea L. (Myrsinaceae), guided by NMR methods, resulted in the isolation and characterization of three previously undescribed triterpenoid saponins named stralysaponins A-C along with five known compounds. Their structures were elucidated by 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy and HR-ESI-MS. Stralysaponins A-C were categorized into 13 β -28-epoxyoleanane-type triterpenoid saponins, reaffirming their prevalent presence of this type in the Myrsinaceae family and the genus Lysimachia. The identified derivatives share a common four-unit branched sugar chain, with rhamnose as the terminal sugar linked at C-3 of the aglycone. The presence of triterpenoid saponins in L. atropurpurea is reported herein for the first time. This study enriched the chemical diversity of triterpenoid saponins of the genus Lysimachia. Additionally, it demonstrates the effectiveness of NMR-profiling in isolating previously undescribed triterpenoid saponins from Lysimachia spp. [Display omitted] • Three undescribed oleanane-type triterpenoid saponins from Lysimachia atropurpurea L. • First time that triterpenoid saponins were reported from Lysimachia atropurpurea L. • The structures of the undescribed compounds were determined by NMR and HRMS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Cancer is one of the leading causes of illness and death worldwide, with approximately 19.3 million new cases and 10.0 million cancer deaths worldwide. Natural products have provided diverse classes of compounds with potent antitumor activity. Species from the Myrsinaceae family are commonly used as traditional medicine worldwide, namely, China, East Asia, Africa, south-east Asia and Latin America to treat a variety of diseases. The cytotoxic phytochemicals from species of this family included alkylresorcinols and triterpene saponins. The objective of this review is to summarize the cytotoxic phytochemicals isolated from the Myrsinaceae family, their mode of action and structural requirements for their cytotoxic activities. This review was based on information collected from the ScienceDirect, Scopus, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Bulletin and American Chemistry Society databases from January 1987 to January 2021. A total of 192 alkylresorcinols and triterpenoid saponins were isolated from the Myrsinaceae family and most exhibited cytotoxic activity with IC50 values between 0.5 to <100 µM. The alkylresorcinols (12 and 15) and triterpenoid saponins (104 and 107) exhibited IC50 values comparable to the standard drugs. Only five compounds were evaluated on their mechanism of action. Cell death was related to activation of inhibitor caspase 8, inhibition of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and suppression of the ubiquitin fusion degradable protein expression. Both the alkylresorcinols and triterpenoid saponins have the potential to be evaluated further for possible multi-targeted cancer agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Hawaiian radiation of Myrsine (primrose family, Primulaceae) is the only one among the ten most species‐rich Hawaiian plant lineages that has never been included in a phylogenetic analysis. Our study is based on a RADseq dataset of nearly all Hawaiian Myrsine species and a Sanger sequencing dataset based on a worldwide sampling of Myrsine and related genera. Myrsine as a whole might be paraphyletic with respect to the monotypic Macaronesian genera Heberdenia and Pleiomeris, whereas Hawaiian Myrsine is resolved as monophyletic. The Sanger sequencing proved to be insufficient to resolve the Hawaiian lineage, whereas RADseq fully resolved the relationships with high support. Hawaiian Myrsine consists of three main lineages, of which one contains the majority of species and is mainly confined to Kauaʻi, and the other two lineages primarily consist of few widespread species. Although phylogenetic reconstructions delivered fully resolved and supported tree topologies, Quartet Sampling and HyDe analyses reveal phylogenetic incongruence throughout the phylogeny and provide the first molecular evidence of extensive hybridization in the lineage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ardisia argentiana and A. nagaensis from subgenus Tetrardisia are herein described and illustrated as new species. They are endemic to Borneo and the Indonesian province of Central Kalimantan and to the Malaysian state of Sarawak, respectively. Ardisia argentiana is unique in its linear-oblong leaves, with a long, acuminate-caudate apex, and finely serrulate margins, while A. nagaensis can be easily recognized by its elliptic-lanceolate leaves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The complete mitochondrial genome of mangrove plant: Aegiceras corniculatum was analyzed in this paper, which is the first for the genus within the family Myrsinaceae. The mitogenome sequence is 425,282 bp in length containing six ribosomal RNA genes, 25 transfer RNA genes, and 39 protein-coding genes. Gene ccmFc, rps3 and rps10 contain one intron, cox2, nad4, nad5 and nad7 contain two introns. Gene nad1 and nad2 are trans-splicing genes. Phylogenetic analysis using the maximum likelihood method revealed that A. corniculatum clustered with Camellia sinensis.

Ruiz, Ana Inés; María E. Guantay; Graciela I. Ponessa. 2012. “Morfología, anatomía y arquitectura foliar de Myrsine laetevirens (Myrsinaceae)”. Lilloa 49 (1). El objetivo es describir la morfología, anatomía, arquitectura foliar y señalar caracteres de valor diagnóstico de una población de M. laetevirens (Mez) Arechav. ubicada en la localidad de El Sunchal, (Tucumán, República Argentina). El material fue fijado en FAA y se utilizaron técnicas histológicas convencionales. M. laetevirens presenta hojas simples, oblanceoladas o espatuladas, alternas, de margen entero, con numerosos puntos oscuros distribuidos en lámina y pecíolo. Hoja dorsiventral e hipostomática. Estomas paracíticos. Tricomas glandulares peltados, con cabeza globosa y oblonga. Idioblastos agrupados y solitarios. El pecíolo en transcorte se presenta subcircular basalmente y subcircular alado apicalmente. Canales esquizógenos en mesofilo y pecíolo. La lámina presenta venación de tipo pinnada-camptódroma-cladódroma. Se describe por primera vez la arquitectura foliar, la presencia tricomas glandulares de cabeza oblonga y de idioblastos agrupados en mesofilo para M. laetevirens.

One new lactone (1) named Ardisicreolide C, together with three saponin compounds, Ardisiacrispin B (2), Ardisicrenoside A (3), Ardisiacrispin A (4) were isolated and identified from the leaves of Ardisia crenata Sims. The structures of 1-4 were elucidated by 1D, 2D-NMR and HR-MS spectra and together with the published data. In view of structures with lactone moieties showed good anti-inflammatory activity, the anti-inflammatory effects of Ardisicreolide C on LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells were evaluated by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. As a result, Ardisicreolide C could reduce release of nitric oxide (NO), tumour necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin 1β (IL-1β), interleukin 4 (IL-4) and interleukin 10 (IL-10) of the cell supernatant to exert anti-inflammatory activity. This indicates that the leaves as non-medicinal parts of Ardisia crenata Sims contain compounds with good anti-inflammatory activity, which provides a new direction for the discovery of anti-inflammatory drugs., (© 2023 Wiley-VHCA AG, Zurich, Switzerland.)

This document provides an overview of the marlberry (Ardisia escallonioides), a shrub native to Florida and the Caribbean. It describes the plant’s physical characteristics, including its height, leaf arrangement, and flower and fruit features. The document also outlines the plant’s growth requirements, such as soil preferences and light conditions, and its uses in landscaping, such as for hedges, screens, and specimen plantings. Additionally, it highlights the plant’s moderate drought tolerance, ease of propagation from seed, and lack of serious pest issues. The marlberry’s aesthetic appeal and functional benefits in various garden settings are emphasized. Original publication date October 1999.

ABSTRACT Although a species’ sexual system may influence the genetic diversity of its populations in their natural environment, there have been few such studies involving indigenous species of the Atlantic Forest. Here we study Myrsine coriacea, a dioecious tree widely used in reforestation programs despite a lack of information about its natural interpopulation genetic variation. To address this knowledge gap, intra- and interpopulation genetic diversity were measured for male and female individuals of ten natural populations using ISSR markers. Greater intrapopulation genetic diversity indicated interpopulation gene flow, regardless of isolation and distance between populations. Multivariate analyses detected significant differences in genetic diversity between populations, but not between males and females, which indicates that genetic diversity did not differ between the two sex morphs. Distance between populations was unrelated to genetic diversity. Myrsine coriacea has not experienced a loss of genetic variability despite the characteristic segregated spatial distribution of its populations. These results suggest that obligatory cross-pollination and dispersal by birds may be important mechanisms for the maintenance of genetic diversity in natural populations of M. coriacea.

Maesa brevipedicellata, a new species of Maesa (Primulaceae-Maesoideae) from Papua New Guinea, is described and illustrated based on herbarium specimen observations. The collections of this species resemble M. rufovillosa and were previously determined as that species. Maesa brevipedicellata is unique with its self-supporting habit, hispid hairs throughout and paniculate inflorescences with very short pedicels. This new species mainly differs from M. rufovillosa by the habit (tree/shrub in M. brevipedicellata vs climber in M. rufovillosa) and the inflorescence structure (panicles in M. brevipedicellata vs simple racemes in M. rufovillosa). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studying species with different distributions and ecological requirements in the same taxonomic group allows an understanding of the specialization strategies across the environmental conditions of core vs. peripheral habitats. Here, we studied patterns of niche and geographical partitioning among Myrsine spp. and mapped areas of high alpha and beta diversity in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. Thirteen species were classified a priori according to their ecological preferences and geographical distributions as (1) widely distributed, (2) generalists, (3) core formation specialists and (4) peripheral formation specialists. Their niche breadths were reconstructed using PCA. Ecological niche models were built using an ensemble modelling approach and retaining a majority consensus between them, aiming to build their potential distribution. Environmental and geographical overlaps were calculated, and the potential richness and species turnover were analysed. Generalists had wider niches than specialists, but peripheral species did not have narrower niches than core species. The geographical segregation pattern was correlated with niche differences. Even though the Central Corridor and the Serra do Mar sub-regions are richest in species, satellite areas were most important in protecting specialist species. Given the high species turnover between the areas with high and intermediate richness, conservation must target both types of areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Six previously undescribed oleanane-type triterpenoid saponins, fortunosides A–F, together with six known ones, were isolated from the aerial parts of L ysimachia fortunei Maxim. Their structures were established by spectroscopic data analyses (1D, 2D-NMR and HRESIMS) and chemical methods. All isolated triterpenoid saponins were evaluated for their cytotoxicity against four human liver cancer cell lines (SMMC-7721, Hep3B, HuH7, and SK-Hep-1). Three saponins with the aglycone protoprimulagenin A exhibited moderate cytotoxicity against all of the tested human cancer cell lines, with IC 50 values ranging from 4.76 to 15.12 μM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The extent of genetic diversity within a species is an important determinant of successful adaptation to adverse environmental conditions. Assessment of extent of genetic diversity/variability is also important to monitor genetic erosion within a species. In threatened plant species, genetic diversity assessment helps in selection of genetically diverse populations to enrich the genetically impoverished populations, thus minimizing the probability of genetic drift. Confirming taxonomic identity of threatened species, particularly those belonging to species complexes with dispute identity, is another essential task in the conservation of threatened species, which is best resolved through molecular approaches. The present study estimated the genetic variability within and among the populations of four threatened species, viz. Justicia beddomei (C.B. Clarke) Bennet (Acanthaceae), Embelia ribes Burm. f. (Myrsinaceae), Madhuca insignis (Radlk.) H.J. Lam (Sapotaceae) and Cycas beddomei Dyer (Cycadaceae) using Inter Simple Sequence Repeat (ISSR) and Simple Sequence Repeat (SSR) markers for selecting the genetically diverse populations. The phylogeny was analysed through ITS (nrDNA) and matK (cpDNA) sequences to confirm the species identity. The phylogenetic analyses confirmed four distinct species of Justicia, which also revealed that J. beddomei and J. adhatoda were sister groups with a common ancestor showing rapid parallel speciation with J. gendarussa in one clade and J. betonica in another. Madhuca insignis with extremely small population in the Western Ghats (Karnataka to Kerala) might have undergone either extensive hybridization or incipient speciation. In case of Embelia species, a greater evolutionary closeness between E. subcoraceae and E. floribunda was revealed, while E. ribes had a distinct clad. Both ISSR and SSR markers distinguished various genotypes of Cycas beddomei. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Tailed Punch, Dodona eugenes, is widely distributed in East Asia with seven subspecies currently recognized. However, two of them, namely ssp. formosana and ssp. esakii found in Taiwan, are hard to distinguish from each other due to ambiguous diagnostic characters. In this study, their taxonomic status is clarified by comparing genitalia characters and phylogenetic relationships based on mitochondrial sequences, COI and COII (total 2211 bps). Our results show that there is no reliable feature to separate these two subspecies. Surprisingly we found that Dodona in Taiwan is more closely related to the Orange Punch, D. egeon, than to other subspecies of D. eugenes. Therefore, the following nomenclatural changes are proposed: Dodona eugenes formosana is revised to specific status as Dodona formosana Matsumura, 1919, stat. rev, and ssp. esakii is sunk to a junior synonym of Dodona formosana syn. n. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A simple cloud point preconcentration method was developed and validated for the determination of gallic acid, bergenin, quercitrin, and embelin in Ardisia japonica by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) using ultrasonic assisted micellar extraction. Nonionic surfactant Genapol X-080 was selected as the extraction solvent. The effects of various experimental conditions such as the type and concentration of surfactant and salt, temperature, and solution pH on the extraction of these components were studied to optimize the conditions of Ardisia japonica. The solution was incubated in a thermostatic water bath at 60°C for 10 min, and 35% NaH2PO4 (w/v) was added to the solution to promote the phase separation and increase the preconcentration factor. The intraday and interday precision (RSD) were both below 5.0% and the limits of detection (LOD) for the analytes were between 10 and 20 ng·mL−1. The proposed method provides a simple, efficient, and organic solvent-free method to analyze gallic acid, bergenin, quercitrin, and embelin for the quality control of Ardisia japonica. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A further phytochemical investigation of the aerial parts of Lysimachia foenum-graecum Hance led to the isolation of three new oleanane-type triterpenoid saponins, foegraecumosides L–N ( 1 – 3 ), along with one known saponin, 3- O - β - d -glucopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-α- l -arabinopyranosyl-cyclamiretin A ( 4 ). Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic data analyses and chemical methods Compounds 1 − 4 were evaluated for their cytotoxicity against NCI-H460, MGC-803, HepG2, and T24 human cancer cell lines, and compound 4 showed moderate activity against all tested cell lines. Furthermore, the cytotoxicity of compound 4 was tested on drug-sensitive and drug-resistant lung cancer cell lines (A549 and A549/CDDP, respectively). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents the flora of Primulaceae in the state of Espírito Santo. The study was based on material identification from herbaria collections and field work in poorly collected areas. Primulaceae in Espírito Santo is represented by species belonging to Ardisia (1 sp.), Clavija (2 spp.), Cybianthus (10 spp.), Jacquinia (1 sp.), Lysimachia L. (1 sp.), Myrsine (14 spp.), and Stylogyne (2 spp.). Ardisia semicrenata, Cybianthus blanchetii, C. oboavatus, Myrsine balansae, M. leuconeura, Myrsine hermogenesii, M. lineata, M. villosissima, Stylogyne lhotskyana, and S. warmingii are new records for the state. Genus and species were differentiated by habit, phyllotaxy, type of inflorescences and fruit morphology. Cybianthus amplus, Jacquinia armillaris, and Myrsine parvifolia are the only species that occur exclusively in Restinga vegetation. Stylogyne lhotzkyana was collected in Restinga vegetation for the first time, and its geographic distribution was expanded to the north of the Espírito Santo. Most species occur in rainforests and semideciduous forests of the mountainous region of the state. However, riparian forests, swamps and rocky outcrops shelter species that were recorded exclusively for these environments, as M. leuconeura, M. rubra, and M. villosissima. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Five previously undescribed ambuic acid derivatives, pestallic acids A–E and three known analogs were isolated from the cultured broth of Pestalotiopsis sp. FT172. The structures of the pestallic acids A-E were determined through the analysis of HRMS and NMR spectroscopic data. The absolute configurations (ACs) of pestallic acids B–E were assigned by comparison of the experimental electric circular dichroism (ECD) spectra or the optical rotations with those in the literature. All compounds were tested against A2780 and cisplatin resistant A2780 (A2780CisR) cell lines. Pestallic acid E and (+)-ambuic acid showed potent activities with IC 50 values from 3.3 to 17.0 μ M. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new subspecies of Ardisia crenata Sims (Primulaceae), namely A. crenata Sims subspecies obtusifolia Chatan & W. Promprom, collected from Nakhon Pranom Province, Thailand, is described and illustrated. The distinguishing morphological characters between two similar subspecies are discussed. The new taxa is clearly different from the other subspecies in shape, apex, margin, texture of leaf blade, primary rachis of inflorescence and sepal characteristic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Musca domestica is one of the most important pests of human health, and has developed strong resistance to many chemicals used for its control. One important approach for creating new pesticides is the exploration of novel compounds from plants. During a wide screening of plants with insecticidal properties that grow in southern China, we found that the methanolic extracts of Myrsine stolonifera had insecticidal activity against the adults of M. domestica . However, the insecticidal constituents and mechanisms of the M. stolonifera extracts remain unclear. The insecticidal components of the methanolic extracts of M. stolonifera were isolated with activity-guided fractionation. From the spectra of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and mass spectrometry (MS), the compounds were identified as syringing ( 1 ), 2,6-dimethoxy-4-hydroxyphenol-1- O -β- d -glu ( 2 ), kaempferol-3- O -glu-rha-glu ( 3 ), and quercetin-3- O -glu-rha-glu ( 4 ). This study is the first to report the spectral data for compounds 3 and 4 , and their LC 50 values were 0.52 mg/g sugar and 0.36 mg/g sugar 24 h after treatment of the adults of M. domestica , respectively. Compounds 3 and 4 (LC 25 ) also inhibited the activities of the enzymes carboxylesterase, glutathione S-transferase, mixed function oxidase, and acetylcholine esterase of adult M. domestica , particularly mixed function oxidase and acetylcholine esterase. The cytotoxic effects of compounds 3 and 4 on cell proliferation, mitochondrial membrane potentials (MMP) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were demonstrated on SL-1 cells. From the extracts of M. stolonifera , quercetin-3- O -glu-rha-glu and kaempferol-3- O -glu-rha-glu have displayed comparable toxicities to rotenone on M. domestica and also exhibited cytotoxic effects on SL-1 cells; therefore, the extracts of M. stolonifera and their compounds have potential as botanical insecticides to control M. domestica . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents the species of Primulaceae recorded for the cangas of Serra dos Carajás, Pará state, including morphological descriptions, comments and illustrations. Six species representing two genera were recorded in the study area: Clavija lancifolia subsp. chermontiana, C. macrophylla, Cybianthus amplus, C. detergens, C. penduliflorus e Cybianthus sp. 1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eleven oleanane-type triterpenoid saponins, foegraecumosides A–K, and eight known ones, were isolated from the aerial parts of Lysimachia foenum-graecum . Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic data analyses and chemical methods. All isolated saponins were evaluated for their cytotoxicity against four human cancer cell lines (NCI-H460, MGC-803, HepG2, and T24). Seven saponins containing the aglycone cyclamiretin A exhibited moderate cytotoxicity against all tested human cancer cell lines, with IC 50 values of 9.3–24.5 μM. Simultaneously, the cytotoxic activities of foegraecumosides A and B, lysichriside A, ardisiacrispins A and B, cyclaminorin, and 3 -O - α -L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 2)- β - d -glucopyranosyl-(1 → 4)- α - l -arabinopyranosyl-cyclamiretin A were tested on drug-resistant lung cancer cell lines (A549 and A549/CDDP, respectively). Ardisiacrispin B displayed moderate cytotoxicity against A549/CDDP, with an IC 50 value of 8.7 μM and a resistant factor (RF) of 0.9. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Primulaceae is represented by 12 genera and about 140 species in Brazil. Species varies from herbs to trees and are grouped within the genus: Ardisia, Clavija, Ctenardisia, Cybianthus, Geissanthus, Gentlea, Jacquinia, Lysimachia, Myrsine, Parathesis, Samolus, and Stylogyne. The family is widely distributed, but Ctenardisia, Gentlea and Parathesis are exclusively from the Amazonian forests. This study presents the first record of Gentlea in Brazil. An identification key for the Brazilian genera, diagnostics descriptions, illustrations, and comments with reference to herbarium specimens are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent fieldwork in Terengganu, Peninsular Malaysia, resulted in the collection of an endemic new species of Ardisia , described here as Ardisiarecurvipetala Julius, Siti-Munirah & Utteridge. The species is a member of subgenus (§) Crispardisia on account of its vascularised glands (bacterial nodules) on the leaf margin and the terminal inflorescence on a specialised lateral branch subtended by a normal leaf (rather than a reduced bract-like leaf). Ardisiarecurvipetala is unique amongst all members of § Crispardisia by having leaf margins with both vascularised glands and pustule-like structures and can be further distinguished from other Peninsular Malaysian members of this subgenus by the lamina raised between the leaf venation giving a somewhat bullate appearance, unbranched inflorescences, brownish-red pedicels and recurved corolla lobes, each with a creamy-white apex and a small pink patch at the base. Ardisiarecurvipetala is known only from a single location in Terengganu and its conservation status is assessed as Data Deficient (DD)., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Avelinah Julius, Mat Yunoh Siti-Munirah, Timothy M. A. Utteridge.)

Eventos vegetativos e reprodutivos de Myrsine lorentziana (Mez.) Arechav., M. guianensis (Aubl.) Kuntze e M. coriacea (Sw.) R. Br. foram avaliados por dois anos, em Floresta Estacional Semidecidual secundária, no Parque Municipal Henrique Luís Roessler, Novo Hamburgo, RS, Brasil. Os eventos fenológicos foram relacionados a variáveis climáticas, e observou-se correlação negativa com a temperatura e o fotoperíodo em M. guianensis e M. coriaceae, na fenofase floração, enquanto na frutificação essa correlação ocorreu em M. lorentziana e M. coriaceae. M. guianensis foi a única espécie que apresentou correlação negativa da fenofase de frutos maduros com o fotoperíodo e a temperatura. Floração e frutos maduros constituíram eventos sazonais nas três espécies, que em conjunto fornecem alimento para a avifauna durante o ano todo. A presença de frutos imaturos, queda foliar e brotamento demonstrou ser um evento contínuo ao longo do ano. Nenhum evento fenológico se correlacionou com a precipitação, resultado esperado em ambientes sem períodos secos regulares.

Fractionation of an EtOAc-soluble fraction of the solid fermentate of an endophytic fungus, Lachnum abnorme Mont. BCRC 09F0006, derived from the endemic plant, Ardisia cornudentata Mez. (Myrsinaceae), resulted in the isolation of three new chromones, lachnochromonins D-F (1-3), one novel compound, lachabnormic acid (4), along with nine known compounds (5-13). Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic analyses. Alternariol-3,9-dimethyl ether (6) was given the correct data as well as 2D spectral analyses for the first time. This is the first report of the isolation of one unprecedented compound 4 from Lachnum genus, while all known compounds were also found for the first time from Lachnum. The effects of some isolates (3, 4, 7-9, 10, and 13) on the inhibition of nitric oxide (NO) production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated RAW 264.7 murine macrophages were also evaluated. Several compounds exhibited weak inhibitory activity on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated NO production in RAW 264.7 macrophages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1. Aegle marmelos(bael) is a popular tree in India and other Southeast Asian countries. The fruit is usually consumed as dried, fresh or juice, and is reported to have a high nutritional value and many perceived health benefits. Despite its edible nature and therapeutic properties, no studies are reported regarding its effects on major drug metabolizing enzymes. 2. This study was aimed to evaluate the inhibitory potential of methanolic extract ofA. marmelosfruit and its constituents (three furanocoumarins, namely marmelosin, marmesinin and 8-hydroxypsoralen, and 1 alkaloid, aegeline) towards major Cytochrome P450 enzymes (CYP3A4, 2D6, 1A2, 2C9 and 2C19) using human liver microsomes and recombinant CYPs. 3. The methanolic extract and marmelosin was found to be competitive and time-dependant inhibitor of CYP3A4. While reversible and non-competitive inhibition was observed for CYP1A2. Time-dependent inhibition of CYP3A4 was not affected by the addition of reduced glutathione. Marmesinin showed moderate inhibition of CYP3A4 and 1A2, while aegeline was a very weak inhibitor of CYP3A4 and showed no inhibition for CYP1A2 isoform. No significant inhibition of recombinant CYP2D6, 2C9, and 2C19 was seen with the extract or its constituents. 4. This is the first report of CYP3A4 and CYP1A2 inhibition byA. marmelosextract and one of its furanocoumarins, marmelosin. Further studies are warranted to determine if acute or prolonged use of bael fruit could affect the pharmacokinetics of drugs that are substrates of CYP3A4 or CYP1A2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One new 5-alkylresorcinol glucoside (1) was isolated from leaves of Cybianthus magnus, along with 12 known compounds, isolated from four plants belonging to Myrsinaceae family (2, 3 isolated from C. magnus; 4–7, 10 and 11 isolated from Myrsine latifolia; 4, 8 and 9 isolated from Myrsine sessiflora; 6, 7, 10, 12 and 13 isolated from Myrsine congesta). Their structures were determined on the basis of spectroscopic analysis and by comparison of their spectral data with those reported in the literature. So far, only nine 5-alkylresorcinol glucosides were isolated from leaves of Grevillea robusta. Since resorcinols are known to exhibit strong cytotoxic activity, compounds 1 and 2 were tested against cell lines 3T3, H460, DU145 and MCF-7 for cytotoxicity in vitro and compounds 3–13 were tested for their antileishmanial activity. Compound 2 displayed a strong cytotoxic activity with IC50 values ranging between 22 and 100 μM for all tested cell lines. Compounds 3–13 were not active against Leishmania amazonensis amastigotes. One new 5-alkylresorcinol glucoside (1) was isolated from leaves of Cybianthus magnus, along with 12 known compounds (2–13), isolated from four plants belonging to Myrsinaceae family. Their structures were determined on the basis of spectroscopic analysis and by comparison of their spectral data with those reported in the literature. Among the tested molecules, only compound 2 displayed a strong cytotoxic activity with IC50 values ranging between 22 and 100 μM for all cell lines tested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sesarmid crabs play important roles in mangrove ecosystems as they affect litter carbon pool, nutrient recycling, and retention by their burrowing and foraging activities. The present study reported the effects of decomposition of Aegiceras corniculatum (L.) Blanco leaf and foraging on leaf litter by Parasesarma plicatum (Latreille, 1803) crabs on sediment nutrient concentrations and enzyme activities. Results showed no significant effects on sediment organic carbon (OC) and total nitrogen (TKN) concentrations due to non-leaf foraging activities of P. plicatum crabs. Concentrations of OC, TKN, and humics in sediment were higher in leaf decomposition treatment than in the control, and crab foraging activity accelerated the increase in organic matter, compared to either leaf litter decomposition or crab non-leaf foraging activity. Foraging on mangrove leaf litter by crabs also increased the activities of protease, urease, and invertase which are important in the metabolism of organic carbon and nutrients in sediment. The results further demonstrated that sesarmid crabs play important roles in the carbon and nutrient cycling in mangrove ecosystem, but the crabs had higher accumulation efficiency of leaf nitrogen to sediment than carbon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]