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AbstractMelochia corchorifolia Linnaeus, 1753, is a weedy tropical plant of the Sterculiaceae family and has medicinal value. We sequenced the complete chloroplast genome of M. corchorifolia using Illumina high-throughput sequencing and examined phylogenetic relationships with closely related species. The assembled chloroplast genome of M. corchorifolia was 163,693 bp long and contained a pair of inverted repeats of 29,729 bp, separated by a large single-copy sequence of 84,350 bp and a small single-copy region of 19,885 bp. A total of 136 genes were annotated across the entire chloroplast genome, including 37 transfer RNA, 8 ribosomal RNA, and 91 protein-coding genes. The GC content of the complete cp genome was 37.27%. The phylogenetic tree indicated that M. corchorifolia is closely related to Melochia pyramidata (Malvaceae). These results would provide useful information for future phylogenetic, taxonomic, and evolutionary studies on Sterculiaceae and Malvaceae.

Melochia corchorifolia Linnaeus, 1753, is a weedy tropical plant of the Sterculiaceae family and has medicinal value. We sequenced the complete chloroplast genome of M. corchorifolia using Illumina high-throughput sequencing and examined phylogenetic relationships with closely related species. The assembled chloroplast genome of M. corchorifolia was 163,693 bp long and contained a pair of inverted repeats of 29,729 bp, separated by a large single-copy sequence of 84,350 bp and a small single-copy region of 19,885 bp. A total of 136 genes were annotated across the entire chloroplast genome, including 37 transfer RNA, 8 ribosomal RNA, and 91 protein-coding genes. The GC content of the complete cp genome was 37.27%. The phylogenetic tree indicated that M. corchorifolia is closely related to Melochia pyramidata (Malvaceae). These results would provide useful information for future phylogenetic, taxonomic, and evolutionary studies on Sterculiaceae and Malvaceae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Commersonia bartramia (Sterculiaceae family) is a wooden tree, widely occurring in Australia, China and South East Asia. The MeOH extract of C. bartramia has been reported to show anticancer and antioxidant activities. Phytochemical investigation of C. bartramia stems led to the isolation of eight compounds. Their chemical structures were identified as helichrysoside-3'-methyl ether (1), tiliroside (2), pinoresinol (3), ursolic acid (4), quercetin (5), kaempferol (6), vanillic acid (7) and 4-hydroxybenzoic acid (8) using NMR and MS spectral analysis. This is the first study about the chemical composition of C. bartramia. Among the isolated compounds, quercetin (5) showed good DPPH's radical scavenging activity with IC50 values of 11.43 ± 0.95 μg/mL, whereas the MeOH extract, (+)-pinoresinol (3) and kaempferol (6) displayed moderate activity. Quercetin (5) also displayed moderate cytotoxicity with IC50 values of 43.64 ± 3.63 to 61.58 ± 5.54 μg/mL. The MeOH extract exhibited weak cytotoxicity against HepG2, MCF7 and A549 cell lines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, phoenix (Firmiana simplex L.) seed oil from Sterculiaceae was extracted using ultrasound-assisted and Soxhlet methods, and physicochemical properties and fatty acid composition were compared and analyzed. The kinetic and thermodynamic properties of the extraction process of Phoenix seed oil were also evaluated. The results showed that the common physicochemical properties of the oil samples extracted by the ultrasound-assisted method were lower than those of the Soxhlet extraction method. In the range of 293 K to 323 K, the effective diffusion coefficient of Phoenix seed oil was significantly different, and varied from 5.18×10-13m²·s-1 to 1.29×10-12m²·s-1. The entropy and enthalpy changes in the extraction were positive with values of 33.17 J/(mol·K) and 7.15 kJ/mol, respectively. This work provides the theoretical basis for the development of extraction process parameters and the design of an extraction process for Phoenix seed oil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species of Theobroma from the Southern Pacific coast of Costa Rica is described and illustrated. Theobroma flaviflorum is restricted to the Osa Peninsula, where it has been collected on stream banks. The new species shows an unusual combination of characters including yellow flowers and globose mature fruits without ribs that are slightly sunken toward the apex and borne on terminal leafy terminal branches. The new species is compared with T. angustifolium, T. cirmolinae, and T. stipulatum which also have flowers that are yellow or orange; and with T. grandiflorum, T. hylaeum, and T. subincanum, which have similarly shaped fruits. A key for the Mesoamerican species of Theobroma is provided, as well as some notes for two of the species of Theobroma also reported for this region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT This synopsis presents diagnostic characters and comments on morphological variability, distribution, and conservation of species of Byttnerieae (Malvaceae, Byttnerioideae) from the Atlantic Forest. Byttnerieae is represented by species from two allied genera in this phytogeographic domain: Ayenia L. and Byttneria Loefl. An extensive literature survey along with herbarium collection analyses revealed the occurrence of 20 species in the Atlantic Forest, nine of which are endemic to Brazil. Seven species are restricted to the Southern portion of the Atlantic Forest, i.e., occurring from southern São Paulo state to the state of Santa Catarina, with most records being in Brazil, but some species also occur in Argentina and Paraguay. Beyond the Southern portion of the Atlantic Forest, three species are restricted either to the state of Rio de Janeiro or to Bahia, in Brazil. An identification key focusing on vegetative characters, as well as illustrations and notes on species distribution and conservation, are presented. Nomenclatural comments or updates for some taxa were provided, including: the designation of lectotypes for six names; the amendment of authorship of one name (B. gracilipes); and reassessment of the distribution of A. glabrescens, an endemic species of dry deciduous forests of Bahia whose precise location was unknown.

Sterculia tragacantha (ST) Lindl leaf is commonly used locally in the management of diabetes mellitus (DM) and its complications. This study was aimed at assessing the valuable effects of ST leaf on streptozotocin-diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM). Streptozotocin was administered intraperitoneally to the experimental animals to induce DM, and hence, placed on different doses of ST for 14 days. Thereafter, on the 15th day of the experiment, the animals were euthanized, and a number of cardiomyopathy indices were investigated. The diabetic rats exhibited a momentous increase in hyperlipidemia, lipid peroxidation as well as a significant (p < 0.05) decline in antioxidant enzyme activities. The serum creatine kinase MB (CK-MB), C-reactive protein (CRP), cardiac troponin I, tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-a) and urotensin II expression revealed a significant (p < 0.05) upsurge in diabetic rats. Also, the expression of GLUT4 and fatty acid-binding protein 3 (FABP3) were significantly (p < 0.05) reduced in diabetic rats. However, at the conclusion of the experimental trial ST significantly (p < 0.05) attenuated hyperlipidemia, oxidative stress biomarkers by augmenting the antioxidant enzyme activities and decrease in lipid peroxidation, ameliorated CK-MB, CRP, cardiac troponin I, TNF-a, and urotensin-II levels, and improved GLUT4 and FABP3 expressions. Similarly, the administration of ST prevented histological alterations in the heart of diabetic animals. Therefore, the obtained results suggest that ST could mitigate DCM in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One new coumarin (stercularin), along with eleven known compounds, was isolated for the first time from ethyl acetate fraction of Sterculia diversifolia. The structures of isolated compounds were characterized by spectroscopic techniques such as EIMS, 1H-NMR and 13C-NMR. Compound 1 showed significant cytotoxicity by brine shrimp lethality assay (LD50: 8.00 μg/ml) and PC-3 cell lines protocol (IC50: 3.92 ± 0.20 μg/ml), respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sterculia quadrifida (Sterculiaceae) grows in Indonesia, India, Timor Leste and Australia. In East Nusa Tenggara province, Indonesia, particularly in Timor Island, S. quadrifida is called 'faloak' and its bark is used to treat hepatitis. This study aims to determine the correlation between total flavonoid content and varieties of bark colour, tree diameter class and altitudes, and to examine the interaction between tree diameter class and altitudes in terms of flavonoid content. Sterculia quadrifida barks were collected from four altitude strata of ≤ 300, > 300-600, > 600-900 and > 900 m a.s.l. Each stratum of altitude consisted of three diameter classes of ≤ 15, > 15-30 and > 30 cm. Bark colour was classified using Munsell colour chart. The powdered barks were macerated with 96% ethanol and evaporated to yield thick extracts. The total flavonoid content of each extract was measured by spectrophotometry. There were four dominant colour groups, i.e., red, brown, yellow and orange. The highest total flavonoid content was found in the red (0.25%) and yellow (0.25%) barks. The results showed that the highest total flavonoid content was found in tree diameter of > 15-30 cm, with a total flavonoid of 0.22%. The highest total flavonoid content (0.21%) was observed in the barks from altitude range of ≤ 300 m a.s.l. There was a weak interaction between altitude and tree diameter on the extract yield and total flavonoid of S. quadrifida bark. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

From the leaves of Sterculia foetida L., one new oleanane-type triterpenoid, named stercufoetin A (1) together with four known ones, vergatic acid (2), β-amyrin (3), oleanolic acid (4) and maslinic acid (5) were purified by diversely chromatographic methods. Their structures were proposed by HR-APCI-MS and NMR experiments. Compounds (2–5) were notified for the first time from this species. Compound 1 showed weak cytotoxic effect against three human cancer cell lines (MCF-7, HepG2 and HeLa) using SRB assay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aims –This paper reports a further discovery during preparation for a monograph of the genus Cola, and also in the context of a long-term botanical survey in the Cross River-Sanaga interval of west-central Africa, focussing on species discovery and conservation through the Tropical Important Plant Areas programme. Methods – Normal practices of herbarium taxonomy have been applied to study the material collected. The relevant collections are stored in the Herbarium of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, London (K) and at the Institute of Research in Agronomic Development – National Herbarium of Cameroon (YA). Key results –Two species new to science, small trees or shrubs of cloud forest, are formally named from the Bakossi tribal area and assessed for their conservation status. Cola etugei, isendemic to the western slopes of Mt Kupe with conservation status assessed as Critically Endangered (CR B1+2ab(iii)) according to the 2012 criteria of IUCN. Cola kodminensis from the Bakossi Mts is also assessed as Critically Endangered (CR B1+2ab(iii)). This publication increases the number of documented narrowly endemic, threatened species in the Bakossi tribal area, and helps make the case for formal protection of Mt Kupe, which with 33 endemic and near-endemic plant species remains an extremely high candidate for such protection. Further effort is needed to publish the remaining informally named species of this location, and investment to support the protection of the mountain by local communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Theobroma cacao L. (Sterculiaceae) leaves have been used in folklore medicine as treatment for wound healing, worm expellers and malaria cure. In this study, the antioxidant and anthelmintic activities of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of the leaves of Theobroma cacao were investigated. The phytochemicals (tannins, phenols, saponins, terpenoids, flavonoids and glycosides) present in the leaves were determined using standard procedures. Antioxidant activities such as free radical scavenging and ferric reducing power of the aqueous and ethanolic extracts were determined. In vitro anthelmintic properties of the extracts were also investigated using adult earthworms (Pheretima posthuma) and the amount of time for paralysis and subsequently death was determined. Tannins, saponins, glycosides, phenol were found to be present in all the extracts, flavonoids were present in the ethanolic extract only. Aqueous extract (extracted at hot conditions) had higher DPPH scavenging activity with IC50 of 11.76 mg/mL while the ethanolic extract had higher ferric reducing power, total phenolic content and anthelmintic potential. All the extracts elicited significant anthelmintic activity comparable to that of standard drug (albendazole) with ethanolic extract showing lesser time taken to paralysis and death (14 ± 0.00 min and 16 ± 1.15 min respectively) for 50 mg/mL concentration. The presence of important phytochemicals and antioxidants in the leaves is a scientific justification of the traditional use of the plant in folklore medicine against various diseases affecting both humans and animals, especially as an anthelmintic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A palynological study was conducted on seven species of Byttneria Löfl. The objectives of this study was to understand the variation in micromorphological and harmomegarthic characteristics of pollen in Byttneria species in Malaysia and Singapore. In doing so, more information on the species of Sterculiaceae s.s family can be added. Dried pollen samples of seven Byttneria species were selected in this study, namely B. scabrida Ridl., B. pilosa Roxb., B. elliptica Pohl, B. curtisii Oliv., B. reinwardtii Korth., B. maingayi Mast. and B. jackiana Wall. Methods involved were acetolysis techniques, single-grain technique, and observation under light microscope and scanning electron microscope. Common characters shared by all studied species were porate pollen class, triporate aperture, and triangular outline. Variation in pollen characteristics includes ratio of exine thickness, pollen size, pore width and height, amb; shape and measurements. These characters are valuable in assisting identification of taxa group that can be used to differentiate between species in the genus. This study proved that pollen morphological characteristics of Byttneria have taxonomic values in identification and differentiation of species in subfamily Byttnerioideae and Sterculiaceae s. s. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To evaluate the in vivo immunomodulatory activity of the crude polysaccharide from Helicteres angustifolia L. (HACP), a 4T1 breast tumor model in BALB/c mice was used in this study. After tumor incubation for 6 days, mice were orally administered with 100, 200, and 300 mg/kg of HACP for 15 days. The results show that HACP administration resulted in a remarkable immunomodulatory effect attributable to the increased spleen and thymus indices, unregulated CD4 + /CD8 + ratios in spleen lymphocytes, and the augmentation of IL-1β, IFN-γ, and TNF-α productions in the serum of tumor-bearing mice. The increased immunity resulted in a significant reduction in the tumor weight in 100, 200, and 300 mg/kg of HACP treatment groups, achieving inhibition rates of 34.58 ± 10.20%, 57.80 ± 8.65% and 67.71 ± 5.80%, respectively. In addition, a reduced lung metastasis was also detected in the HACP treatment groups. These findings, for the first time, provide scientific evidence that HACP can improve the immune response in 4T1 tumor-bearing mice, which plays a major role in the antitumor effect. Thus, HACP is prospectively valuable to be developed as new products with immunomodulatory activity and used for the treatment of breast cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Context:Helicteres vegaeCristóbal (Sterculiaceae) (Hv) andHeliopsis sinaloensisB.L. Turner (Asteraceae) (Hs) are endangered and poorly studied plant species; related plants have been used against chronic-degenerative and infectious diseases. Therefore, Hv and Hs could be sources of bioactive compounds against these illnesses. Objective:To determine the chemical composition and biological activities (antioxidant, antimutagenic and antimicrobial) of Hv and Hs leaves (L) and stems (S). Materials and methods:Methanol extracts (ME) of each plant/tissue were evaluated for their phytochemicals; phenolics (HPLC-DAD-ESI-MS); antioxidant activity (AA) (0.125–4 mg/mL) (DPPH, ABTS, ORAC and β-carotene discoloration); antimutagenicity (0.5 and 1 mg/plate) (Ames assay, tester strainSalmonella entericaserovar Typhimurium YG1024, 1-nitropyrene as mutagen); activity against human pathogens (1 mg/mL); and toxicity (0.01–2 mg/mL) (Artemia salinaassay). Results:All ME showed flavonoids and triterpenes/steroids. The ME-SHv had the highest content of total phenolics (TP) (2245.82 ± 21.45 mg GAE/100 g d.w.) and condensed tannins (603.71 ± 1.115 mg CE/100 g d.w.). The compounds identified were flavonoids (kaempferol 7-O-coumaroylhexoside, and two kaempferol 7-O-rhamnosylhexosides) and phenolics [rosmarinic acid, and 3′-O-(8″-Z-caffeoyl) rosmarinic acid]. The ME-LHs showed the highest content of flavonoids (357.88 mg RE/g d.w.) and phenolic acids (238.58 mg CAE/g d.w.) by HPLC. The ME-SHv showed the highest AA. All ME were strong antimutagens (63.3-85.7%). Only the Hs extracts were toxic (ME-LHs, LC50 = 94.9 ± 1.7 μg/mL; ME-SHs, LC50 = 89.03 ± 4.42 μg/mL). Discussion and conclusions:Both Hv and Hs are potential sources of preventive and therapeutic agents against chronic-degenerative diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Se presenta información acerca de varias especies de plantas de Sterculiaceae, un tipo de planta floreciendo, así como su distribución geográfica.

Theobroma grandiflorum is an important fruit tree from Sterculiaceae family, native to the Brazilian Amazon, known in the region as cupuaçu. The seeds have a high fat content (24%) with characteristics that resemble those of cocoa (Theobroma cacao) butter with potential applications in the cosmetic, pharmaceutical and food industries. The main objective of this work was to explore the seed fats from T. grandiflorum that were analyzed for fatty acid composition by Gas Chromatography with Flame Ionization Detector (GC-FID) and to analyze their activity for acetylcholinesterase inhibition. Chromatographic analysis provided detection of nine fatty acids. The major fatty acids found in the species were oleic (40.0%), stearic (32.7%), arachidic (10.4%) and palmitic (8.0%). The acetylcholinesterase inhibition by fats from seeds was over 40.48%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Chiranthodendron pentadactylon Larreat. (Sterculiaceae) is a Mexican plant used in traditional medicine for the treatment of heart disease symptoms and infectious diarrhea. Objective: To evaluate in vitro antiprotozoal and antibacterial activities and in vivo antidiarrheal activity from the flowers of C. pentadactylon using the extract, fractions, and major isolated flavonoids. Materials and methods: Bioassay-guided fractionation of the methanol extract of C. pentadactylon (MECP) led to the isolation of five flavonoids, tiliroside, astragalin, isoquercitrin, (+)-catechin, and (-)-epicatechin. Antimicrobial activities were tested on two protozoa (Entamoeba histolytica and Giardia lamblia) and nine bacterial enteropathogens (two Escherichia coli strains, two Shigella sonnei strains, two Shigella flexneri strains, two Salmonella sp. strains, and Vibrio cholerae) isolated from feces of children with acute diarrhea or dysentery and resistant to chloramphenicol. Also, antidiarrheal activity was tested on cholera toxin-induced diarrhea in male Balb-c mice. Results: Epicatechin was the most potent antiamoebic and antigiardial compound with IC50 values of 1.9 μg/mL for E. histolytica and 1.6 μg/mL for G. lamblia; tiliroside showed moderate antiprotozoal activity against both protozoan. In contrast, in the antibacterial activity, tiliroside was the most potent compound on all microorganisms with minimum inhibitory concentration values less than 0.7 mg/mL. In the case of cholera toxininduced diarrhea, epicatechin was the most potent flavonoid with IC50 of 14.7 mg/kg. Conclusion: Epicatechin and tiliroside were the flavonoids responsible for antimicrobial andantidiarrheal activities of C. pentadactylon. Its antiprotozoal, antibacterial, and antidiarrheal properties are in good agreement with the traditional medicinal use of C. pentadactylon for the treatment of infectious diarrhea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using sterculia lychnophora seeds as precursors for the first time, fluorescent carbon dots (CDs) were synthesized by simple hydrothermal treatment. The quantum yield of as-synthesized CDs was 6.9% by using quinine sulfate as the reference. The fluorescence of CDs could be effectively quenched by a MnO 2 nanosheet based on fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET). Ascorbic acid (AA) could reduce MnO 2 to Mn 2+ and result in the destruction of the MnO 2 nanosheets, which could induce the fluorescence recovery of the CDs. In particular, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) could bio-catalyze acid 2-phosphate (AAP) hydrolysis to AA. Here, an efficient fluorescence probe based on a CDs-MnO 2 nanosheet for rapid and selective detection of ALP was reported for the first time. Excellent performance for the detection of ALP was observed with high sensitivity and a detection limit of 0.4 U/L owing to the low background. The detection of ALP in human serum was conducted with satisfactory results, demonstrating its potential applications in clinical diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

"Abroma" Jacq. and "Ambroma" L.f. have been alternatively adopted in different publications for the same genus of Malvaceae. The correct spelling and ascription of this generic name remain in dispute. Fosberg reviewed the nomenclature of this genus and concluded that Jacquin did not validly publish Abroma in 1776 because he failed to provide a separate generic description or diagnosis, and because validation with a combined genus/species description or diagnosis was not possible, as another prior name (Theobroma augustum L.) was included based on the same type as his sole species A. fastuosum. However, Jacquin had, in fact, validly published his new genus by providing both a generic diagnosis and description after his species description. Given the inconsistent opinions about the author and spelling of the genus in different publications and databases, a detailed clarification is presented here to promote nomenclatural stability of the genus. We hope this explanation will eliminate the erroneous adoption of "Ambroma" L.f., as in the Flora Reipublicae Popularis Sinicae and Flora of China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

En el trabajo, se presentan los resultados de evaluación de la actividad antioxidante de diez especies de la familia Sterculiaceae, y que comprende en algunos casos a la corteza, raíz y hojas. La determinación de la actividad antioxidante se realizó mediante secuestro de radicales libres del DPPH a 250000 μg/ml y 3000 μg/ml. Los resultados indican que las mejores actividades en cortezas fueron T. obovatum con y T. subincanum, alcanzando 37,34 y 22,9% de inhibición, en hojas: H. swietenoides con 17,5% de inhibición, en raíces T. subincanum y T. obovatum con 68,3% y 13,81% de inhibición. Se pude deducir que en términos generales los compuestos fenólicos participan activamente en la actividad antioxidante. En cuanto a la concentración de polifenoles en cortezas, las mejores concentraciones la presentan H. swietenoides (43,72%), T. obovatum (37,88 μg/g), T.subincanum (19,89 μg/g) y T. speciosum (19,78 μg/g). En cuanto a la concentración de polifenoles en hojas se observa que H. swietenoides, S. frondosa, T.subincanum y T. speciosum, presentan concentraciones entre 14,08 y 66-05 μg/g. La concentración de polifenoles en hojas para T.subincanum, S. frondosa, S. apeibophylia y T.obovatum, varió entre 10,80 a 59,92 μg/g.

his work constitutes the first survey of fruitful species of Rondónia State, in the Brazilian Amazon. This started in 2005, until now 22 species had been catalogued, distributed in 13 botanical families. Among the families Palmae and Sterculiaceae have been distinguished, each one with five described species. Some species are not part of the popular knowledge, being consumed mainly for the wild fauna, as Diospyros brasiliensis Mart. (caqui-do-mato), Bellucia grossularioides (L.) Triana (jambinho) and Maclura tinctoria (L.) Engl. (amoreira). Beyond the nourishing use, some species present new potentials, case of açaí Euterpe oleracea Mart., whose seeds are used in the manufacture of “bio-jewelsâ€.Este trabalho se constitui no primeiro levantamento de espécies frutíferas do Estado de Rondónia, na Amazónia brasileira. Iniciado em 2005, até o momento foram catalogadas 22 espécies, distribuídas em 13 famílias botânicas. Entre as famílias destaca-se Palmae e Sterculiaceae, cada uma com cinco espécies descritas. Algumas espécies não fazem parte do conhecimento popular, sendo consumidas principalmente pela fauna silvestre, como Diospyros brasiliensis Mart. (caqui-do-mato), Bellucia grossularioides (L.) Triana (jambinho) e Maclura tinctoria (L.) Engl. (amoreira). Além do uso alimentício, há espécies que apresentam novos potenciais, caso do açaí Euterpe oleracea Mart., cujas sementes são utilizadas na fabricação de biojóias.

Este trabalho se constitui no primeiro levantamento de espécies frutíferas do Estado de Rondônia, na Amazônia brasileira. Iniciado em 2005, até o momento foram catalogadas 22 espécies, distribuídas em 13 famílias botânicas. Entre as famílias destaca-se Palmae e Sterculiaceae, cada uma com cinco espécies descritas. Algumas espécies não fazem parte do conhecimento popular, sendo consumidas principalmente pela fauna silvestre, como Diospyros brasiliensis Mart. (caqui-do-mato), Bellucia grossularioides (L.) Triana (jambinho) e Maclura tinctoria (L.) Engl. (amoreira). Além do uso alimentício, há espécies que apresentam novos potenciais, caso do açaí Euterpe oleracea Mart., cujas sementes são utilizadas na fabricação de biojóias.This work constitutes the first survey of fruitful species of Rondônia State , in the Brazilian Amazon. This started in 2005, until now 22 species had been catalogued, distributed in 13 botanical families. Among the families Palmae and Sterculiaceae have been distinguished, each one with five described species. Some species are not part of the popular knowledge, being consumed mainly for the wild fauna, as Diospyros brasiliensis Mart. (caqui-do-mato), Bellucia grossularioides (L.) Triana (jambinho) and Maclura tinctoria (L.) Engl. (amoreira). Beyond the nourishing use, some species present new potentials, case of açaí Euterpe oleracea Mart., whose seeds are used in the manufacture of “bio-jewels”.

A presente pesquisa foi desenvolvida na Cidade de Recife-PE, com o objetivo de avaliar a ação inseticida, insetistática e repelente de extratos aquosos de duas essências florestais sobre ovos, ninfas e adultos de Bemisia tabaci biótipo B (Genn., 1889) criados em Brassica oleracea var. acephala L. Os extratos utilizados foram de Leucaena leucocephala (Lam.) De Wit. e Sterculia foetida L. Sementes e folhas das duas espécies foram coletadas, secadas e trituradas. Em seguida, os extratos foram preparados na proporção de 5g de cada parte vegetal/50mL de água. Folhas de B. oleracea var. acephala foram imersas durante 30seg nos extratos e, em seguida, os insetos foram confinados na folha tratada. Os extratos de sementes de L. leucocephala e de folhas de S. foetida provocaram mortalidade de 60 e 41% sobre ovos de B. tabaci, respectivamente. Na fase ninfal, o tratamento com folhas de S. foetida apresentou o melhor resultado, com 74,6% de mortalidade. Nenhum dos extratos testados apresentou supressão para oviposição na espécie estudada. Os indivíduos tratados com os extratos de L. leucocephala tiveram menor longevidade e maior oviposição com relação aos tratamentos com S. foetida e com a testemunha. O uso de extratos aquosos de sementes de L. leucocephala e de folhas de S. foetida mostra-se promissor para o controle alternativo de B. tabaci.

A first phenalenon derivative with an acetyl side chain at C-8, 8-acetyl-9-hydroxy-3-methoxy-7-methyl-1-phenalenon (compound 1), and a pair of new sesquilignan epimers at C-7″ of hedyotol C and hedyotol D analogs, hedyotol C 7″-O-β-d-glucopyranoside (compound 2) and hedyotol D 7″-O-β-d-glucopyranoside (compound 3) were isolated from the aerial parts of Helicteres angustifolia together with nine known compounds (4–12). Their structures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic methods, including mass spectroscopy, and 1D and 2D nuclear magnetic resonance. Eleven isolates exhibited anti-complementary activity. In particular, compounds 4 and 5 exhibited potent anti-complementary activities against the classical and alternative pathways with CH50 values of 0.040 ± 0.009 and 0.009 ± 0.002 mM, and AP50 values of 0.105 ± 0.015 and 0.021 ± 0.003 mM, respectively. The targets of compounds 4 and 5 in the complement activation cascade were also identified. In conclusion, the anti-complementary components of H. angustifolia possessed chemical diversity and consisted mostly of flavonoids and lignans in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bioassay-guided fractionation of the fruits of Reevesia formosana led to isolation of three cardenolides (reevesioside J, reevesioside K, and epi -reevesioside K), three sesquiterpenoids (reevesiterpenol C, reevesiterpenol D, and reevesiterpenol E), and two glycosides (reevesianin A and reevesianin B), along with 46 known compounds. Their structures were determined using spectroscopic techniques. In addition to the reported cytotoxic cardenolides, reevesioside J and strophanthidin exhibited moderate cytotoxicity against the cell lines MCF-7, NCI-H460, and HepG2, with IC 50 values of 0.39 ± 0.06 μM and 1.06 ± 0.12 μM for MCF-7, 0.12 ± 0.01 μM and 0.29 ± 0.01 μM for NCI-H460, and 1.09 ± 0.02 μM and 1.72 ± 0.02 μM for HepG2, respectively. Reevesiterpenol E also exhibited the best selective cytotoxicity to the NCI-H460 cell line, with an IC 50 value of 3.15 ± 0.22 μM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Hawaii, Waltheria indica (uhaloa) has been identified for expanded usage as a roadside groundcover in lowland dry ecosystems. Seed dormancy through lack of germination of viable seeds was identified in uhaloa. The presence of physical dormancy in uhaloa seeds was determined and dormancy relief methods were evaluated including hand scarification, dry heat temperature exposure, hot water exposure, and mechanical abrasion in an electric drum scarifier. As a compliment to dormancy relief, long-term storage parameters were evaluated for scarified and nonscarified seeds. The elucidation of physical dormancy was determined through hand scarification, resulting in 96% germination compared with 8% of nonscarified seeds, but is not practical on a large-scale basis. The greatest practical dormancy relief was achieved with a mechanical electric drum scarifier lined with 80-grit sandpaper for a duration of 15 or 30 seconds producing 95% and 99% germination, respectively. Seeds immersed in boiling water for 3 and 5 seconds resulted in 58.6% and 57.7% germination, respectively. Dormancy relief through dry heat exposure was inferior to other relief methods, producing 39% germination at 75 °C for 60 minutes. Nonscarified seeds exhibited minimal loss of viability during 10 months of storage at 5 °C at 12% and 50% relative humidity (RH), but a significant decline in viability of scarified seeds was detected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ContextThe root ofHelicteres angustifoliaL. (Sterculiaceae) has been used as folk herbal drug to treat cancer, bacterial infections, inflammatory, and flu in China. However, there is no report on its antidiabetic activity. ObjectiveThis study evaluates the antidiabetic activity of ethanol extract fromH. angustifoliaroot. Materials and methodsThe promoting effect ofH. angustifoliaroot ethanol extract (25, 50, and 100 μg/mL) on glucose uptake was evaluated using HepG2 cell, differentiated C2C12 myotubes, and differentiated 3T3-L1 adipocytes. The antidiabetic activity of the extract was assessedin vivousing STZ-induced diabetic rats by orally administration of the extract (200 and 400 mg/kg b.w.) once per day for 28 d. Blood glucose, TG, TC, TP, HDL-C, UA, BUN, AST, ALT, insulin, and HOMA-IR were analyzed. ResultsThe results showed that the extract increased glucose uptake in C2C12 myotubes and 3T3-L1 adipocytes with an IC50value of 79.95 and 135.96 μg/mL, respectively. And about 12%, 19%, and 10% (p< 0.05) in HepG2 cells when compared with the control at the concentration of 25, 50, and 100 μg/mL, respectively. After 28 days’ treatment with the extract, significant reduction was observed in blood glucose, HOMA-IR, TC, TG, UA, BUN, AST, and ALT levels, while the levels of TP and HDL cholesterol increased. Discussion and conclusionThese results suggest thatH. angustifoliaroot ethanol extract possess potent antidiabetic activity, which is the first report on antidiabetic activity of this plant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Helicteres angustifolia L. ( H. angustifolia ) has been widely used in traditional Chinese medicine system to treat a variety of diseases including cancer. In order to characterize the bioactivities of H. angustifolia , we first obtained the aqueous root extract (ARE) which was then further partitioned into two fractions, namely ethanol fraction (EF) and water fraction (WF), and their antioxidant, immunomodulatory and anticancer activities were evaluated respectively. Results indicated that both EF and WF possessed strong antioxidant activities, and EF was the major component to exhibit the cytotoxic activity in ARE with IC 50 values of (33.98 ± 1.58) and (35.56 ± 0.42) µg/ml against human lung cancer cell lines A549 and H1299 for 72 h treatment, respectively. As for immunomodulatory activities, WF was shown to stimulate the proliferation of macrophages (292.76 ± 31.42%) and phagocytic activity at 12.5 µg/ml, and increase the production of nitric oxide. Furthermore, WF was also observed to significantly mitigate doxorubicin (DOX) induced toxicity (from 18.42% to 63.63%) and apoptosis (from 90.8% to 57.5%) at 100 µg/ml, respectively. The above findings highlight the functional characteristics of WF and EF in their contribution to the anticancer activities of ARE, which also provides important scientific evidence for developing ARE as a potent anticancer reagent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The new biflavone moghatin (3″′-hydroxycupressuflavone) was isolated from Moghat, the dried peeled roots of Glossostemon bruguieri (Desf.), together with five known compounds: 4′-methoxyisoscutellargin, sesamin, chrysophanol, emodin and methoxyemodin (physcion). The structures of these compounds were assigned on the basis of spectroscopic data. Occurrence of these compounds in Moghat is reported here for the first time.