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Background: Medicinal plants have been used in traditional medical practices since prehistoric times. It is popularly known that roots, rhizomes, and leaves of some Smilax species are widely used for treating various diseases such as toothache, muscular pain, urinary diseases, and jaundice. Methodology: This review aims to document the information regarding major phytochemicals and pharmacological activity of selected Smilax species in India. Details of different species of Smilax species in India were collected from online databases such as https://wcsp.science.kew.org/(2022), https://powo.science.kew.org (2022), and https://www.ipni.org (2022). All the available information related to phytochemistry and pharmacological activities was collected from electronic databases such as Academic Journals, Springer, PubMed, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, and other primary and secondary sources. Results: Literature survey revealed that members of the genus Smilax possess large quantities of steroids and phenolic compounds and possess various bioactive properties such as antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant, and analgesic activities. Conclusion: This review concludes that more research on the genus Smilax is required to identify and evaluate the presence of potential bioactive constituents, and further investigations may be led to the development of new drugs.

Background: Medicinal plants have been used in traditional medical practices since prehistoric times. It is popularly known that roots, rhizomes, and leaves of some Smilax species are widely used for treating various diseases such as toothache, muscular pain, urinary diseases, and jaundice. Methodology: This review aims to document the information regarding major phytochemicals and pharmacological activity of selected Smilax species in India. Details of different species of Smilax species in India were collected from online databases such as https://wcsp.science.kew.org/(2022), https://powo.science.kew.org (2022), and https://www.ipni.org (2022). All the available information related to phytochemistry and pharmacological activities was collected from electronic databases such as Academic Journals, Springer, PubMed, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, and other primary and secondary sources. Results: Literature survey revealed that members of the genus Smilax possess large quantities of steroids and phenolic compounds and possess various bioactive properties such as antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant, and analgesic activities. Conclusion: This review concludes that more research on the genus Smilax is required to identify and evaluate the presence of potential bioactive constituents, and further investigations may be led to the development of new drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Geographical variation in species richness in plant groups is determined by the interplay between historical, evolutionary, and ecological processes. However, the processes underlying the striking disparity in species richness between Asia and the Americas remain poorly understood. Here, we synthesize global phylogenetic and macroecological data on the diversification of Smilacaceae, deciphering potential drivers underlying the species diversity pattern biased toward Asia. We compiled global distributions of all Smilacaceae species, and reconstructed the biogeographic history and niche evolution using a new time‐calibrated phylogeny (eight genes, 135 species). Integrating these data sets, we estimated evolutionary histories and diversification rates for each region, and tested correlations among species diversification, niche evolution, and niche divergence. Smilacaceae probably originated during the Late Cretaceous/Early Palaeocene and began to diversify in middle to low latitudes in Central America and Eurasia during the Late Eocene. Both the Old and New World clades exhibited a steady, albeit slight, increase of species diversification from the Late Eocene to Early Miocene. However, the Old World clade experienced an abrupt increase in net diversification during the Late Miocene. Our findings also revealed that species diversification rates were positively correlated with ecological niche evolution and niche divergence. Niche shifts and climatic niche evolution since the Middle Miocene played crucial roles in species diversification dynamics within Smilacaceae. The high plant richness in Asia may be explained by greater diversification in this region, potentially promoted by heterogeneous environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Smilax sieboldii, a climbing tree belonging to Smilacaceae, has been used in traditional oriental medicine for treating arthritis, tumors, leprosy, psoriasis, and lumbago. To evaluate the anti-obesity effects of S. sieboldii (Smilacaceae), we screened methylene chloride (CH2Cl2), ethyl acetate (EtOAc), aqueous-saturated n-butanol, and ethanol (EtOH) extracts of the whole plant at various concentrations to inhibit adipogenesis in adipocytes. The 3T3-L1 cell line with Oil red O staining with the help of fluorometry was used as an indicator of anti-obesity activity. Bioactivity-guided fractionation of the EtOH extract and subsequent phytochemical investigation of the active CH2Cl2- and EtOAc-soluble fractions resulted in the isolation of 19 secondary metabolites (1–19), including a new α-hydroxy acid derivative (16) and two new lanostane-type triterpenoids (17 and 18). The structures of these compounds were characterized using various spectroscopic methods. All the isolated compounds were screened for adipogenesis inhibition at a concentration of 100 μM. Of these, compounds 1, 2, 4–9, 15, and 19 significantly reduced fat accumulation in 3T3-L1 adipocytes, especially compounds 4, 7, 9, and 19, showing 37.05 ± 0.95, 8.60 ± 0.41 15.82 ± 1.23, and 17.73 ± 1.28% lipid content, respectively, at a concentration of 100 μM. These findings provide experimental evidence that isolates from S. sieboldii extracts exert beneficial effects regarding the regulation of adipocyte differentiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Smilacaceae is a cosmopolitan family consisting of 200–370 described species. The family includes two widely accepted genera, namely Smilax and Heterosmilax. Among them, the taxonomical status of Heterosmilax has been continuously challenged. Seven Smilax and two Heterosmilax species can be found in Hong Kong, with most of them having medicinal importance. This study aims to revisit the infra-familial and inter-familial relationships of the Smilacaceae using complete chloroplast genomes. The chloroplast genomes of the nine Smilacaceae species from Hong Kong were assembled and annotated, which had sizes of 157,885 bp to 159,007 bp; each of them was identically annotated for 132 genes, including 86 protein-coding genes, 38 transfer RNA genes, and 8 ribosomal RNA genes. The generic status of Heterosmilax was not supported because it was nested within the Smilax clade in the phylogenetic trees, echoing previous molecular and morphological studies. We suggest delimitating the genus Heterosmilax as a section under the genus Smilax. The results of phylogenomic analysis support the monophyly of Smilacaceae and the exclusion of Ripogonum from the family. This study contributes to the systematics and taxonomy of monocotyledons, authentication of medicinal Smilacaceae, and conservation of plant diversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The first ethnobotanical work of the genus Smilax in Thailand was carried out to investigate the medicinal use of the Smilax species by folk healers, using the semi-structured interview, questionnaire survey, and literature review. Three quantitative indices were calculated, i.e. the Use Value (UV), the Relative Frequency Citation (RFC), and the Informant Agreement Ratio (IAR). Eleven species were recorded. Three of which, i.e. S. bracteata, S. hemsleyana, and S. leucophylla, are new records as medicinal species in Thailand. The genus has the potential use for the treatment of the genitourinary illnesses (IAR=1.00) and the neoplasms (IAR=0.71). Smilax glabra was the most used species with UVs=0.67, RFC=0.39. The results indicate the species being threatened due to over harvesting from the natural habitat. Furthermore, this study shows that the semi-structured interview coupled with the questionnaire survey is useful to gather the ethnobotanical data of a specific plant group. Botanical authentication of the commercial crude drugs based on chromatographic fingerprinting and macroscopic characters was carried out to verify the botanical identity of the homonym Hua-khao-yen crude drugs. Smilax glabra and Premna herbacea (Lamiaceae) were authenticated as the source of Hua-khao-yen-nuea and the Hua-khao-yen tai crude drugs, respectively.

Abstract Background Smilax canellifolia Mill. is a native shrub used in commercial root tonics as an aphrodisiac, stimulant, and pain reliever. Traditional medicine incorporates the rhizomes of S. canellifolia for the treatment of anaemia, rheumatoid arthritis, and diabetes in Jamaica and its diaspora. In particular, the use of this plant in the management of diabetes has yet to receive any scientific evaluation. In this study, the hexane crude extract of S. canellifolia rhizomes (SCH) was investigated to determine its hypoglycaemic activity in normal Sprague-Dawley rats and to identify the compounds contributing to this activity. Methods The hypoglycaemic compounds were isolated using bioactivity-guided purification which involved hypoglycaemic screening using an Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (via intravenous administration of SCH and its fractions). Purification was performed using column chromatography, and the bioactive fractions were elucidated using spectroscopic techniques (IR; GC-MS; 1H NMR and 13C NMR). Results Administration of SCH at 50 mg/kg body weight (BW) to normal S-D rats produced a reduced glycaemic response, notably from the 90 to the 150-min intervals when compared with the control, dimethyl sulfoxide (p

Puccinia caricis-smilacis, a new species of caricicolous rust fungus was described based on morphological characteristics and nuclear rDNA sequences from Japan. The heteroecious life cycle of P. caricis-smilacis was elucidated via field observations, inoculation experiments and molecular analyses. This rust fungus produces uredinial and telial stages on Carex fibrillosa, and spermogonial and aecial stages on Smilax china. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Smilax sieboldii, a climbing tree belonging to Smilacaceae, has been used in traditional oriental medicine for treating arthritis, tumors, leprosy, psoriasis, and lumbago. To evaluate the anti-obesity effects of S. sieboldii (Smilacaceae), we screened methylene chloride (CH2Cl2), ethyl acetate (EtOAc), aqueous-saturated n-butanol, and ethanol (EtOH) extracts of the whole plant at various concentrations to inhibit adipogenesis in adipocytes. The 3T3-L1 cell line with Oil red O staining with the help of fluorometry was used as an indicator of anti-obesity activity. Bioactivity-guided fractionation of the EtOH extract and subsequent phytochemical investigation of the active CH2Cl2- and EtOAc-soluble fractions resulted in the isolation of 19 secondary metabolites (1–19), including a new α-hydroxy acid derivative (16) and two new lanostane-type triterpenoids (17 and 18). The structures of these compounds were characterized using various spectroscopic methods. All the isolated compounds were screened for adipogenesis inhibition at a concentration of 100 μM. Of these, compounds 1, 2, 4–9, 15, and 19 significantly reduced fat accumulation in 3T3-L1 adipocytes, especially compounds 4, 7, 9, and 19, showing 37.05 ± 0.95, 8.60 ± 0.41 15.82 ± 1.23, and 17.73 ± 1.28% lipid content, respectively, at a concentration of 100 μM. These findings provide experimental evidence that isolates from S. sieboldii extracts exert beneficial effects regarding the regulation of adipocyte differentiation.

The Smilacaceae is a cosmopolitan family consisting of 200–370 described species. The family includes two widely accepted genera, namely Smilax and Heterosmilax. Among them, the taxonomical status of Heterosmilax has been continuously challenged. Seven Smilax and two Heterosmilax species can be found in Hong Kong, with most of them having medicinal importance. This study aims to revisit the infra-familial and inter-familial relationships of the Smilacaceae using complete chloroplast genomes. The chloroplast genomes of the nine Smilacaceae species from Hong Kong were assembled and annotated, which had sizes of 157,885 bp to 159,007 bp; each of them was identically annotated for 132 genes, including 86 protein-coding genes, 38 transfer RNA genes, and 8 ribosomal RNA genes. The generic status of Heterosmilax was not supported because it was nested within the Smilax clade in the phylogenetic trees, echoing previous molecular and morphological studies. We suggest delimitating the genus Heterosmilax as a section under the genus Smilax. The results of phylogenomic analysis support the monophyly of Smilacaceae and the exclusion of Ripogonum from the family. This study contributes to the systematics and taxonomy of monocotyledons, authentication of medicinal Smilacaceae, and conservation of plant diversity.

The first ethnobotanical work of the genus Smilax in Thailand was carried out to investigate the medicinal use of the Smilax species by folk healers, using the semi-structured interview, questionnaire survey, and literature review. Three quantitative indices were calculated, i.e. the Use Value (UV), the Relative Frequency Citation (RFC), and the Informant Agreement Ratio (IAR). Eleven species were recorded. Three of which, i.e. S. bracteata, S. hemsleyana, and S. leucophylla, are new records as medicinal species in Thailand. The genus has the potential use for the treatment of the genitourinary illnesses (IAR=1.00) and the neoplasms (IAR=0.71). Smilax glabra was the most used species with UVs=0.67, RFC=0.39. The results indicate the species being threatened due to over harvesting from the natural habitat. Furthermore, this study shows that the semi-structured interview coupled with the questionnaire survey is useful to gather the ethnobotanical data of a specific plant group. Botanical authentication of the commercial crude drugs based on chromatographic fingerprinting and macroscopic characters was carried out to verify the botanical identity of the homonym Hua-khao-yen crude drugs. Smilax glabra and Premna herbacea (Lamiaceae) were authenticated as the source of Hua-khao-yen-nuea and the Huakhao- yen tai crude drugs, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Smilax glabra is a perennial woody scandent shrub, of which the dried aerial tuber has been used as Chinese medicine. Here, we sequenced S. glabra and assembled its complete chloroplast (cp) genome. The genome is 157,889 bp in length and has a typical quadripartite structure. We annotated 131 genes, of which 84 were protein-coding genes, 37 were tRNAs and 8 were rRNA genes. Phylogenetic analysis of this genome with 26 representatives Liliales fully resolved S. glabra in a clade with S. china. The phylogenetic tree we constructed is largely consistent with recently published phylogenetic trees using both complete chloroplast genomes and marker gene sequences.

Background: Smilax canellifolia Mill. is a native shrub used in commercial root tonics as an aphrodisiac, stimulant, and pain reliever. Traditional medicine incorporates the rhizomes of S. canellifolia for the treatment of anaemia, rheumatoid arthritis, and diabetes in Jamaica and its diaspora. In particular, the use of this plant in the management of diabetes has yet to receive any scientific evaluation. In this study, the hexane crude extract of S. canellifolia rhizomes (SCH) was investigated to determine its hypoglycaemic activity in normal Sprague-Dawley rats and to identify the compounds contributing to this activity. Methods: The hypoglycaemic compounds were isolated using bioactivity-guided purification which involved hypoglycaemic screening using an Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (via intravenous administration of SCH and its fractions). Purification was performed using column chromatography, and the bioactive fractions were elucidated using spectroscopic techniques (IR; GC-MS; 1H NMR and 13C NMR). Results: Administration of SCH at 50 mg/kg body weight (BW) to normal S-D rats produced a reduced glycaemic response, notably from the 90 to the 150-min intervals when compared with the control, dimethyl sulfoxide (p < 0.05). Purification of this extract yielded four main fractions, SCH1 – SCH4, of which SCH3 and SCH4 displayed significant hypoglycaemia. Further purification of both SCH3 and SCH4 led to the isolation of sub-fractions SCH3.6 and SCH4.2, respectively. Using spectroscopic techniques stigmasterol (1) and β-sitosterol (2) from SCH3.6; and the fatty acids palmitic acid (3), oleic acid (4), and stearic acid (5) from SCH4.2 were identified as the major compounds with significant hypoglycaemic activities comparable to that of glibenclamide. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that the rhizomes of Smilax canellifolia contain several bioactive constituents that are responsible for its hypoglycaemic activity and may be beneficial in the management of hyperglycaemia and complications associated with diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the effect of Smilax excelsa L. ethanol extract on anemia model experimentally induced by Cyclophosphamide (CP) in rats was investigated. The study consisted of 4 groups, The rats in groups 1 and 2 were administered 1 ml of physiological saline for 28 days using the oral gavage method, and the rats in groups 3 and 4 were administered Smilax excelsa L. ethanol extract at a dose of 400 mg/kg. In addition, four doses of 50 mg/kg CP were administered intramuscularly once a week to the rats in groups 2 and 4. On the 28th day of the experiment, blood samples were taken from all rats under anesthesia and then euthanasia was performed. Hematological parameters such as red blood cell count (RBC), leukocyte count (WBC), hemoglobin concentration (HGB), hematocrit value (Hct), mean erythrocyte hemoglobin (MCH), mean erythrocyte volume (MCV), and mean erythrocyte distribution width (RDW) were examined in blood samples. Serum malondialdehyde (MDA) and reduced glutathione (GSH) levels and catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) enzyme activities were measured spectrophotometrically. In group 4, it was determined that Smilax excelsa L. ethanol extract treatment decreased the serum MDA level and increased the CAT and GSH-Px enzyme activities. In addition, it was observed that this treatment caused improvements in hematological parameters such as RBC, HGB and Hct, and decreased RDW values. As a result, it was observed that Smilax excelsa, with its strong antioxidant effect, reduced the suppressive effect of CP in the bone marrow and prevented the formation of anemia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three undescribed compounds including two furosteroid glycosides (perfoloside and 22-O-methylperfoloside) and one stilbenedimer (perfolostilbene) together with 21 known compounds were isolated from the roots of Smilax perfoliata. The structural elucidation was established by extensive uses of HRMS, 1D and 2D spectroscopic techniques. The assignment of the stereocenters in perfolostilbene was based on NOESY data and ECD calculation. Among the isolates, two compounds showed marginal cytotoxic activity against KB and Hela cell lines while seven stilbenoids showed strong to weak antiacetylcholinesterase and antibutyrylcholinesterase activities with IC 50 ranging between 2-197 µM.

Background Syzygium samarangense (Wax apple) is an important tropical fruit tree with high economic and nutrient value and is widely planted in the tropics or subtropics of Asia. Post-harvest water-soaked brown lesions were observed on mature fruits of ornamental wax apples in Chiang Rai Province, Thailand. A fungus with morphological characters, similar to Lasiodiplodia, was consistently isolated from symptomatic fruits. Phylogenetic analyses, based on ITS, LSU, TEF1-a and tub2, revealed that our isolates were closely related to, but phylogenetically distinct from, Lasiodiplodia rubropurpurea. New information Morphological comparisons indicated that pycnidia and conidiogenous cells of our strains were significantly larger than L. rubropurpurea. Comparisons of base-pair differences in the four loci confirmed that the species from wax apple was distinct from L. rubropurpurea and a new species, L. syzygii sp. nov., is introduced to accommodate it. Pathogenicity tests confirmed the newly-introduced species as the pathogen of this post-harvest water-soaked brown lesion disease on wax apples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Two hyphomycetous species were collected from leaves of Smilax china (Liliales, Smilacaceae) and Cremastra appendiculata (Asparagales, Orchidaceae). ITS barcoding indicated that they belong to the genus Zasmidium. New information Morphological data in combination with molecular phylogenetic analyses based on ITS, LSU and rpb2 confirmed that our Chinese strains represented a new species, Zasmidium liboense and a new record of Z. citri-griseum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

After a century since the erection of the genus Manipuria from India, its type species M. dohertyi Jacoby was discovered in Yunnan Province of China. A new Manipuria species, M. yuae sp. nov., is described from Tibet and Yunnan, China. The new species differs from M. dohertyi by its larger size, unicolored elytra, and absence of a tooth-like prolongation in front of the mandible. Additional data is provided for M. dohertyi based on new material from China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Smilax glabra is a perennial woody scandent shrub, of which the dried aerial tuber has been used as Chinese medicine. Here, we sequenced S. glabra and assembled its complete chloroplast (cp) genome. The genome is 157,889 bp in length and has a typical quadripartite structure. We annotated 131 genes, of which 84 were protein-coding genes, 37 were tRNAs and 8 were rRNA genes. Phylogenetic analysis of this genome with 26 representatives Liliales fully resolved S. glabra in a clade with S. china. The phylogenetic tree we constructed is largely consistent with recently published phylogenetic trees using both complete chloroplast genomes and marker gene sequences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three new flavonoid glycosides, 2(S)-5-hydroxy-6,8-dimethoxyflavonone -7-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→6)-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (1), 5-hydroxy- 3,8-dimethoxyflavone-7-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→6)-O-β-Dglucopyranoside (2) and 3,7-dihydroxy-8-methoxyflavone-6-O-β-Dglucopyranosyl-( 1→6)-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (3), together with five known flavonoids (4'8) were isolated from the roots of Smilax glabra Roxb. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of chemical and spectral evidence, as well as by comparison with literature data. Three new flavonoids were subjected to evaluate anti-inflammatory activity. Compounds 1'3 inhibited the NF κB induction by 32.2, 55.8 and 61.7%, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Premise of the Study: Microsatellite markers were developed for Smilax rotundifolia (Smilacaceae), an understory vine widely distributed in eastern North America, to investigate genetic diversity and structure. Cross‐amplification was tested in three congeneric species: S. china, S. riparia, and S. walteri. Methods and Results: A total of 6153 simple sequence repeat primer pairs were detected from the de novo–assembled transcriptome data (88,3962 contigs) of S. rotundifolia. Thirty‐three polymorphic microsatellite loci were selected for further analysis among 96 individuals representing four natural populations of the species. The number of alleles ranged from two to 15, and 87.9% of the developed primer pairs could be cross‐amplified in at least one of three congeneric Smilax species. Conclusions: The simple sequence repeat markers developed in this study will facilitate further studies on genetic diversity and phylogeographic patterns of S. rotundifolia and provide additional potential microsatellite resources for other Smilax species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climbers are an important life form in the understory and canopy of tropical forests. They are characterised by constant root connection to the ground and use of other species, mainly trees, as support in their search for higher light. In addition, they have an important role in ecological succession in forest clearings, as they are able to develop rapidly in these environments. Climbers can have high species richness in the biomes in which they are present. Since climbers are of little economic importance, they are usually cut down without regard for their contribution to maintenance of biodiversity and to the structure of the forest. Floristic studies of climbers in Brazil are still scarce and more research is needed. The goal of our research was to develop a floristic survey and identification keys for the climbers of the Estação Ecológica de Assis (EEA) in the cerrado biome of São Paulo state, Brazil. Sampling was carried out every two weeks over ten months, along trails and edges of forest within the EEA. Identification keys were built based on vegetative characters. Thirty-two climber species, belonging to 24 genera and 13 families were recorded. The families with the largest number of species were Bignoniaceae (8 species), Malpighiaceae (5), Apocyn-aceae (3) and Smilacaceae (3). The richest genera were Fridericia (4 species), Banisteriopsis (3) and Smilax (3). The number of species recorded for the forest fragment reveals the important role of climbers in the diversity of forested savannahs ("cerradões") in the State of São Paulo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Smilax sailenii sp. nov. (Smilacaceae) is described from Assam, north east India based on morphological characteristics observed in the field. Smilax sailenii closely resembles the widespread species Smilax orthoptera A. DC. The detailed morphological features including botanical illustration, photograph, conservation status and key to Smilax sailenii with and related taxa in Assam are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phytochemical investigations of the rhizomes of Smilax scobinicaulis led to the isolation of seven steroidal saponins ( 1 – 7 ) of which four ( 1 , 3, 4 and 6) , nameed, Smilscobinosides C-F, respectively) are new. Five of these steroidal saponins with l -arabinose moiety are reported here for the first time in the genus Smilax . The structures were elucidated by spectroscopic analysis of the isolates and their hydrolysis products. The isolated compounds were evaluated for their cytotoxicity against four human tumor cell lines (SH-SY5Y, SGC-7901, HCT-116 and Lovo). Compounds 3 and 4 exhibited significant inhibition on HCT-116 (with IC 50 values of 10.5 and 7.8 μM) together with inhibition on SGC-7901 (with IC 50 values of 21.4 and 15.8 μM), respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Six new steroidal saponins, namely glauco-chinaosides A–F, and one known compound were isolated from the tubers ofSmilax glauco-china. Their structures were elucidated by a combination of spectroscopic analysis and hydrolysis followed by spectral and chromatographic analysis. Compounds1–7were testedin vitrofor their cytotoxic activities against four human tumor cell lines (SH-SY5Y, SGC-7901, HCT-116, and Lovo). Compounds1,2,and5exhibited cytotoxic activity against SGC-7901, with IC50values of 2.7, 11.5, and 6.8 μM, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Ethanol extract and fractions obtained from leaves of Smilax brasiliensis Sprengel were examined in order to determine their total phenolic and flavonoid contents, as well as antioxidant and allelopathic activities. Analysis by thin-layer chromatography suggested the presence of rutin in the ethanol extract and in the ethyl acetate and hydroethanol fractions. In addition, chlorogenic acid was present in the ethanol extract and in the dichloromethane, ethyl acetate and hydroethanol fractions. The antioxidant activity was significantly more pronounced for the ethanol extract and fractions than that of the commercial antioxidant 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methylphenol (BHT). The allelopathic effect against the seeds of Allium cepa showed promising results, predominantly with effects in growth inhibition of hypocotyls and radicles at the lower concentration tested (125 μg mL − 1 ). The results of this study suggest that the extract and fractions obtained from S. brasiliensis could be used as natural antioxidants and herbicides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phytochemical investigation of the rhizomes of Smilax trinervula led to isolation and structure elucidation of eight lignan glycosides, including five new lignans, namely, (7 S , 8 R , 8′ R )-4, 4′, 9-trihydroxy-3, 3′, 5, 5′-tetramethoxy-7, 9′-epoxylignan-7′-one 4′- O -β- d -glucopyranoside ( 1 ), (7 S , 8 R , 8′ R )-4, 4′, 9-trihydroxy-3, 3′, 5, 5′-tetramethoxy-7, 9′-epoxylignan-7′-one 4- O -β- d - glucopyranoside ( 2 ) (7 S , 8 R )-4, 9, 9′-trihydroxy-3, 3′, 5-trimethoxy-4′, 7-epoxy-8, 5′-neolignan 9′- O -β- d -glucopyranoside ( 3 ), (7 R , 8 R )-4, 9, 9′-trihydroxy-3, 5-dimethoxy-7.O.4′, 8.O.3′- neolignan 9′- O -β- d -glucopyranoside ( 4 ), and (7 S , 8 R )-4, 9, 9′-trihydroxy-3, 3′, 5-trimethoxy-8, 4′-oxy-neolignan 4- O -β- d -glucopyranoside ( 5 ), along with three known compounds ( 6 - 8 ). Their structures were established mainly on the basis of 1D and 2D NMR spectral data, ESI–MS and comparison with the literature. Compounds 1 - 8 were tested in vitro for their cytotoxic activity against four human tumor cell lines (SH-SY5Y, SGC-7901, HCT-116, Lovo). Compounds 3 and 5 exhibited cytotoxic activity against Lovo cells, with IC 50 value of 10.4 μM and 8.5 μM, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]