Excito-repellent and Pesticide-Likeness Properties of Essential Oils on Carpophilus dimidiatus (Fabricius) (Nitidulidae) and Oryzaephilus mercator (L.) (Silvanidae).

Carpophilus dimidiatus (Fabricius) (Nitidulidae) and Oryzaephilus mercator (L.) (Silvanidae) are insect pests that cause severe damage in important walnut growing regions in the northwest of Argentina. The current management approaches for these pests involve the use of unsafe phosphorus pesticides whose overuse have led to farmworker poisoning, pest resistance issues, and environmental contamination. Plant extracts, particularly essential oils, are an alternative source of insect control agents. Excito-repellent essential oils can be used to develop ecofriendly tools for managing the pest population without affecting quality and visual appearance of the stored walnuts. Laboratory studies were conducted to assess the excito-repellent effects of C. dimidiatus and O. mercator of 12 essential oils derived from aromatic plants used as food additives and traditional medicine in Argentina: Aloysia citrodora (AC), Aloysia gratissima (AG), Aloysia gratissima var. Gratissima (AGG), Blepharocalyx salicipholius (BS), Hyptis mutabilis (HM), Lippia junelliana (LJ), Lippia turbinata (LT), Mentha x piperita (MP), Minthostachys mollis (MM), Minthostachys verticillata (MV), Origanum vulgare(OV), and Rosmarinus officinalis (RO). The most bioactive EOs (ERijk ≥ 70%) were Aloysia gratissima var. Gratissima (AGG), Minthostachys verticillata, and Lippia junelliana. Their bioactivity profile and chemical space, characterized from GC-MS measures, Generalized Estimating Equations, and Hierarchical Cluster Analysis, revealed that they are mixtures of very functionalized molecules with physicochemical properties similar to those of insecticides with low residual property that enter the insect body through the respiratory system by inhalation. The AGG, MV, and LJ oils are promising as protective agents of walnut products. In our laboratory, studies of their formulations for use in integrated pest management programs are still ongoing.

Assessment of the in Vitro Antimelanoma Potential of Lippia microphylla Cham (Verbenaceae) Essential Oil.

Essential oils stand out among natural products for their complex composition, frequently described in the literature with a range of biological effects. This study evaluated the cytotoxic activity against several human cancer cell lines of essential oils extracted from the leaves of Lippia microphylla (EO-LM) Cham. (Verbenaceae). The melanoma cell line SK-MEL-28 was the most sensitive to the EO-LM, presenting an IC50 of 33.38±1.16 µg/mL. Afterward, the effects of EO-LM on the cell cycle, induction of apoptosis, and production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) were evaluated. We stated a significant increase in the sub-G1 population, indicating apoptosis, later confirmed by an increase of SK-MEL-28 cells labeled with Annexin V-FITC and by the formation of apoptotic bodies and membrane blebs, observed by confocal microscopy. Additionally, EO-LM reduced the production of ROS, indicating antioxidant activity. Therefore, EO-LM exhibits anti-melanoma activity in vitro, suggesting its potential as an anticancer agent.

Chromosome-scale assembly of the Verbenaceae species Queen's Wreath (Petrea volubilis L.).

OBJECTIVES: Petrea volubilis, a member of the Order Lamiales and the Verbenaceae family, is an important horticultural species that has been used in traditional folk medicine. To provide a genome sequence for comparative studies within the Order Lamiales that includes important families such as Lamiaceae (mints), we generated a long-read, chromosome-scale genome assembly of this species. DATA DESCRIPTION: Using a total of 45.5 Gb of Pacific Biosciences long read sequence, we generated a 480.2 Mb assembly of P. volubilis, of which, 93% is chromosome anchored. Representation of genic regions was robust with 96.6% of the Benchmarking of Universal Single Copy Orthologs present in the genome assembly. A total of 57.8% of the genome was annotated as a repetitive sequence. Using a gene annotation pipeline that included refinement of gene models using transcript evidence, 30,982 high confidence genes were annotated. Access to the P. volubilis genome will facilitate evolutionary studies in the Lamiales, a key order of Asterids that includes significant crop and medicinal plant species.

Chemical composition and biological activities of the essential oils from Lippia alba and Lippia origanoides.

There is an increasing interest in essential oils extracted from Verbenaceae plant species as potential sources of biologically active compounds that could provide a starting point for designing novel phyto-pharmaceuticals in aquaculture. The present study was aimed to investigate the chemical composition, antioxidant activity, acute toxicity and antimicrobial effects against Vibrio parahaemolyticus of essential oils extracted from Lippia alba and L. origanoides. Approximately 23 components were identified and quantified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and flame ionization detection in each species' essential oil. The most predominant compounds were geranial (23.0%), limonene (17.0%) and neral (15.5%) in L. alba, and thymol (47.2%), p-cymene (16.0%) and E-caryophyllene (11.3%) in L. origanoides. The essential oils have antibacterial activity against Vibrio parahaemolyticus presenting Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) values between 156-625 µg mL-1. The essential oils also show antioxidant potential estimated by 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging assays, presenting IC50 of 60.16 mg mL-1 and 0.22 mg mL-1 for L. alba and L. origanoides EO, respectively. Both oils were classified as toxic to Artemia salina nauplii. Therefore, these essential oils may be useful for controlling pathogenic bacteria important to the aquaculture industry.

Deleterious liver-adipose crosstalk in obesity: Hydroethanolic extract of Lampaya medicinalis Phil. (Verbenaceae) counteracts fatty acid-induced fibrotic marker expression in human hepatocytes.

Elevated circulating fatty acids in obesity may induce hepatic steatosis, leading to liver inflammation, fibrosis and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). On the other hand, impaired communication between hepatocytes and adipose tissue (AT) in obesity influences adipose lipolysis and fibrosis, negatively affecting metabolic function. Infusions of Lampaya medicinalis Phil. (Verbenaceae) are used in Chilean folk medicine to treat inflammatory diseases. Hydroethanolic extract of lampaya (HEL) contains flavonoids that may explain its anti-inflammatory effect, but it is unknown whether HEL modulates fibrogenic processes in hepatocytes. We studied lipolysis and expression of fibrosis markers after exposure of visceral AT explants from subjects with obesity to HepG2-secreted factors. In addition, we evaluated the effect of HEL on palmitic acid (PA, C16:0) and oleic acid (OA; C18:1)-induced fibrotic marker expression in HepG2 hepatocytes. Results: Exposure to HepG2-secreted factors increased visceral AT lipolysis and expression of CTGF and collagen I. Exposure to OA/PA elevated collagen I, CTGF, fibronectin, α-smooth muscle actin, MMP-2 and MMP-9 expression in HepG2 cells, and these effects were prevented by HEL co-treatment. Conclusion: HEL effect counteracting OA/PA-induced fibrotic marker expression in HepG2 hepatocytes may represent a preventive approach against hepatic fibrosis and deleterious liver-adipose crosstalk in obesity.

Evidence of the Cardioprotective Effects of Aloysia polystachya in Isoproterenol-Induced Myocardial Infarction in Rats.

Aloysia polystachya is a plant species that is widely used in Brazilian folk medicine for the treatment of different disorders that affect the cardiovascular system. The aim of the study was to investigate the cardioprotective effects of an ethanol-soluble fraction of A. polystachya (ESAP) on isoproterenol-induced myocardial infarction in rats. Different groups of rats (n = 8) were orally treated with ESAP (30, 100, and 300 mg/kg), carvedilol (10 mg/kg), or vehicle (filtered water; 1 mL/100 g) for 7 days. Naive rats received no treatment. On the morning of day 6, acute myocardial infarction was induced by the acute oral administration of isoproterenol (100 mg/kg). On the morning of day 8, all rats underwent electrocardiography and transthoracic echocardiography. Blood samples were then collected, and serum levels of creatine kinase-MB fraction (CK-MB) and cardiac troponin T (cTNT) were quantified. ESAP significantly reduced electrocardiographic changes, improved the ventricular ejection fraction, and reduced serum levels of CK-MB and cTNT in infarcted rats. The cardioprotective effects of ESAP could be exploited as an effective tool against isoproterenol-induced myocardial infarction in rats.

Inhibition of α-Glycosidase by Lippia dulcis Trevir. (Verbenaceae) Preparations, Quantification of Verbascoside, and Study of Its Molecular Docking.

This study aimed to quantify verbascoside (VEB), perform molecular docking studies of VEB with the α-glucosidase (GL) of Bacillus stearothermophilus, and evaluate the inhibition of the enzyme by L. dulcis preparations. The substrate concentration and presence of reduced glutathione were evaluated for their effect on the in vitro inhibition of the GL enzyme. Assays were also performed in the presence and absence of simulated gastric fluid. The antidiabetic fractions 2 and 3 were the most inhibited GL, but their activity were significantly decreased in the presence of gastric fluid. Chromatographic analyses confirmed the predominant presence of VEB in the samples. The samples had VEB concentrations between 49.9 and 243.5 mg/g. Simulation of the molecular docking of VEB were consistent with its GL-inhibitory activity. It can conclude that the crude ethanol extract and fractions show inhibitory activity against the GL enzyme.

Anti-asthmatic activity of standardized hydro-ethanolic and aqueous extracts of Stachytarpheta cayennensis (Rich.) Vahl in a murine model.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Stachytarpheta cayennensis (Verbenaceae) has been used in Brazilian traditional medicine to treat asthma and other respiratory diseases. AIMS OF THE STUDY: To investigate the effects of different doses of standardized hydro-ethanolic (SCH) and aqueous (SCA) extracts of aerial parts of S. cayennensis using a murine ovalbumin (OVA)-induced asthma model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The major constituents of the plant extracts were identified and standardized by ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. Balb/c mice were challenged with OVA solution and treated concomitantly by intraperitoneal injection of standardized SCH or SCA extracts at 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg concentrations. OVA-challenged control animals were treated with either dexamethasone (OVA-DEX) or saline solution (OVA-SAL). After challenge, we assessed in vivo bronchial hyperresponsiveness, airway inflammation (number of cells), peribronchial inflammation (histological analysis) and production of OVA-specific IgE and interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, and IL-13 (ELISA). RESULTS: Acteoside, isoacteoside, and ipolamiide were the major constituents of SCH and SCA. The respective concentrations of acteoside in SCH and SCA were 78 and 98 µg/mL, while those of ipolamiide were 30 and 19 µg/mL. Treatment with 200 mg/kg of SCH or SCA decreased IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13 in lung homogenates. These reductions were accompanied by a lower influx of inflammatory cells (eosinophils, lymphocytes, and macrophages) to the airways and lungs. In addition to the anti-inflammatory effects, administration of SCA, but not SCH, ameliorated the parameters of bronchial hyperresponsiveness and decreased levels of circulating OVA-specific IgE. CONCLUSION: The results presented herein demonstrate for the first time the anti-asthmatic activity of S. cayennensis extracts in a murine model, thereby supporting the ethnopharmacological uses of the plant.

A new flavone and a newly synthesized alkaloid from Lippia rugosa A. Chev (Verbenaceae).

The chemical investigation of the leaf extract of a Cameroonian medicinal plant, Lippia rugosa A Chev (Verbenaceae) led to the isolation of a new flavonoid derivative flavolippia (1), alongside eleven known compounds: 2,4-dimethylpyridin-3,5-diol (2), 5-hydroxy-6,7,4'-trimethoxylflavone (3), 5-hydroxy-3,7,4'-trimethoxyflavone (4), 7-hydroxy-5,6,4'-trimethoxyflavone (5), 3ß-hydroxy-urs-12-en-3-ol (α-amyrin) (6), lupeol acetate (7), lup-20(29)-en-3ß-ol (lupeol) (8), lup-20(29)-en-3ß,28-diol (betulin) (9), fridelan-3-one (fridelan) (10), saccharose (11), cosanol (12). In addition, a new semi-synthetic alkaloid derivative named lippiamicin (13) was prepared from 2,4-dimethylpyridin-3,5-diol (2). Their structures were established on the basis of their spectroscopic data, as well as 1 D and 2 D NMR. Compounds 1-13 were evaluated for their antioxidant activities. The results obtained showed that compounds 2 and 12 were the most active with IC50 values of 0.145 ± 0.011 and 0.195 ± 0.017 µM/mL respectively (for DPPH•) and 0.241 ± 0.027 and 0.223 ± 0.024 µM/mL respectively (for FRAP) compared to butylated hydroxyltoluene used as positive control.

In Vivo Antidepressant-Like Effect Assessment of Two Aloysia Species in Mice and LCMS Chemical Characterization of Ethanol Extract.

Medicinal plants belonging to the Verbenaceae family demonstrated antidepressant effects in preclinical studies. Depression is one of the largest contributors to the global health burden of all countries. Plants from the Aloysia genus are traditionally used for affective disorders, and some of them have proven anxiolytic and antidepressant activity. The aim of this work was to evaluate the antidepressant effect of the ethanolic extract of Aloysia gratissima var. gratissima (Agg) and Aloysia virgata var. platyphylla (Avp) in mice. A tail suspension test (TST) and forced swimming test (FST) were conducted after three doses in a period of 24 h and after 7 days of treatment. Imipramine was used as an antidepressant drug. The main results demonstrated that Agg extract reduced the immobility time in mice treated orally for 7 consecutive days when compared to the control group (reduced by about 77%, imipramine 70%). Animals treated with three doses of Avp in a 24-h period had reduced immobility time in the FST (60%), and after 7 days of treatment the reduction was greater (Avp 50, 100, and 200 about 85%; Avp 400, 96.5%; p < 0.0001, imipramine, 77%). LCMS analysis showed the presence of verbascoside, hoffmaniaketone, and hoffmaniaketone acetate in both, A. virgata var. platyphylla and A. gratissima var gratissima. The flavonoids nepetin and 6-hydroxyluteolin were also found in Agg. Both tested extracts demonstrated promising antidepressant-like activity in mice.

Anxiolytic-like activity of Aloysia virgatavar. platyphylla leaves extract in mice / Actividad ansiolítica del extracto de hojas de Aloysia virgatavar. platyphylla en ratones

Background: Medicinal plants are part of traditional medicine and should be considered a therapeutic alternative for mental diseases. Several plants belonging to the Verbenaceae family have proved useful in treating general anxiety disorders, the most prevalent psychiatric disorders. Objective: This research aimed to verify the extract's safety, the effect on general behavior, and the effect on sleeping time, as well as to evaluate the anxiolytic-like effect of the methanol extract of Aloysia virgata var. platyphylla (Avp), in mice. Methodology: The toxicity test was done according to the OECD guide (mice groups n=5), and general behavior was observed during the assay. Sleeping time was assessed using the pentobarbital-induced hypnosis method (n=8). Male Swiss albino mice (n=6) were treated with 50 to 400 mg/kg of Avp extract and diazepam as a control. The anxiolytic-like effect was tested through the hole board and elevated plus-maze test. Results: The Avp extract has no side effects in tested doses, and no central nervous system depressant activity was noted. A. virgatavar. platyphyllaincreased exploration (number and time) in the hole board. In the elevated plus-maze, increased number and time into open arms were evidenced compared to the control group. Conclusion: With all these results, we concluded that the Avp extract is safe and has a potential anxiolytic-like activity in the animal model used

Antecedentes: Las plantas medicinales forman parte de la medicina tradicional y deben ser consideradas una alternativa terapéutica para las enfermedades mentales. Varias plantas pertenecientes a la familia Verbenaceae han demostrado su utilidad en el tratamiento de los trastornos de ansiedad, uno de los trastornos psiquiátricos más prevalentes. Objetivo: Esta investigación tuvo como objetivo verificar la seguridad del extracto, el efecto sobre el comportamiento general y el efecto sobre el tiempo de sueño, así como evaluar el efecto tipo ansiolítico del extracto metanólico de Aloysia virgata var. platyphylla(Avp), en ratones. Metodología: La prueba de toxicidad se realizó de acuerdo con la guía de la OCDE (grupos de ratones n=5), y se observó el comportamiento general durante el ensayo. El tiempo de sueño se evaluó mediante el método de hipnosis inducida por pentobarbital (n=8). Se trataron ratones albinos suizos macho (n=6) con 50 a 400 mg/kg de extracto de Avp y diazepam como control. El efecto ansiolítico se probó a través de la placa perforada y prueba del laberinto en cruz elevado. Resultados: El extracto de Avp no tiene efectos secundarios en las dosis probadas y no se observó actividad depresora del sistema nervioso central. A. virgata var. platyphylla aumentó la exploración (número y tiempo) en el tablero de agujeros. En el laberinto en cruz elevado, se evidenció un mayor número y tiempo en los brazos abiertos en comparación con el grupo de control. Conclusión: Con todos estos resultados, concluimos que el extracto de Avp es seguro y tiene una potencial actividad ansiolítica en el modelo animal utilizado

Assessment of mycorrhizal association of a threatened medicinal plant Clerodendrum indicum (L.) O. Kuntze (Verbenaceae) in different ecological variations.

Mycorrhizae association is reported to enhance the survivability of the host plant under adverse environmental conditions. The present study aims to explore the mycorrhizal association in the roots of different ecotypes of a threatened medicinal plant, Clerodendrum indicum (L.) O. Kuntze (Verbenaceae), collected from W.B., India, which correlates the degree of root colonization to the nutritional status of the native soil. Ten ecotypes of C. indicum having diverse morphological variations were collected. The mycorrhizae were characterized by both morphological and molecular methods. The nutritional status of the native soils was estimated. The study revealed that all the ecotypes have an association with mycorrhizal forms like hyphae, arbuscules, and vesicles. The molecular analysis showed Glomus intraradices and Rhizophagus irregularis as the associated arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). A significant variation in arbuscule and vesicle formation was found growing in the varied nutritional statuses concerning soil parameters. The arbuscule was found negatively correlated with pH, conductivity, and potassium and positively correlated with organic carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus. The vesicle was found positively correlated with pH, organic carbon, and potassium and negatively correlated with conductivity, nitrogen, and phosphorus. The interaction between conductivity: nitrogen, conductivity: phosphorus, organic-carbon: nitrogen, and pH: conductivity was significant in influencing vesicle formation. However, none of the interactions between parameters was found significant in influencing arbuscule formation. Thus, the study concludes that G. intraradices and R. irregularis are the principle mycorrhizae forming the symbiotic association with the threatened medicinal plant, C. indicum. They form vesicles and arbuscules based on their soil nutritive factors. Therefore, a large-scale propagation through a selective AMF association would help in the conservation of this threatened species from extinction.

Isolation and HPLC Quantitative Determination of 5α-Reductase Inhibitors from Tectona grandis L.f. Leaf Extract.

Steroid 5α-reductase plays a crucial role in catalyzing the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone, which is involved in many androgen-dependent disorders. Leaf-hexane extract from Tectona grandis L.f. has shown promise as a 5α-reductase inhibitor. The objectives of this current study were to isolate and identify 5α-reductase inhibitors from T. grandis leaves and to use them as the bioactive markers for standardization of the extract. Three terpenoid compounds, (+)-eperua-8,13-dien-15-oic acid (1), (+)-eperua-7,13-dien-15-oic acid (2), and lupeol (3), were isolated and evaluated for 5α-reductase inhibitory activity. Compounds 1 and 2 exhibited potent 5α-reductase inhibitory activity, while 3 showed weak inhibitory activity. An HPLC method for the quantitative determination of the two potent inhibitors (1 and 2), applicable for quality control of T. grandis leaf extracts, was also developed. The ethanolic extract showed a significantly higher content of 1 and 2 than found in the hexane extract, suggesting that ethanol is a preferable extraction solvent. This study is the first reported isolation of 5α-reductase inhibitors (1 and 2) from T. grandis leaves. The extraction and quality control methods that are safe and useful for further development of T. grandis leaf extract as an active ingredient for hair loss treatment products are also reported.

Duranta erecta Linn: A critical review on phytochemistry, traditional uses, pharmacology, and toxicity from phytopharmaceutical perspective.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Duranta erecta Linn. belonging to the Verbenaceae family is widely used in the traditional systems of medicines practiced in Bangladesh, India, Nigeria, the Philippines, and Brazil. The ethnomedicinal application as vermifuge, febrifuge, diuretic, anti-parasitic, and anti-malarial are well documented. D. erecta is also a significant source of phenylethanoid glycoside known as acteoside-a drug in clinical trials for IgA nephropathy patients. AIM OF THIS REVIEW: This review aims to critically highlight the existing studies on D. erecta, including its botanical authentication, geographical distribution, ethnomedicinal uses, phytochemistry, and pharmacological properties. Critical discussion is focused on the overview and gap in knowledge for future research. Additionally, the clinical significance of its major secondary metabolite, i.e., acteoside, has also been discussed with emphasis on biosynthesis, distribution, pre-clinical, and clinical outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Professional research data from 1963 to 2021 appeared in scholarly journals, and books were retrieved from scientific database platforms viz. Sci-Finder, PubMed, CNKI, Science Direct, Web of Science, Wiley, Google Scholar, Taylor and Francis, Springer, and Scopus. The chemical structures for all the phytomolecules were validated using Sci-finder and first-hand references. While plant name and synonyms were corroborated by "The Plant List" (www.theplantlist.org). RESULTS: D. erecta and its key metabolite acteoside display various biological actions like antimalarial, antimicrobial, antioxidant, anticancer, antinephritic, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective, and antiviral properties. Acteoside literature analysis shows its presence in different stages of clinical trials for anti-nephritic, hepatoprotective, and osteoarthritic activity. The phytochemical review of D. erecta exhibited 64 compounds that have been isolated and identified from D. erecta, such as iridoid glycosides, phenylethanoid glycosides, flavonoids, steroids, phenolics, terpenoids, and saponins. The other significant secondary metabolites responsible for its medicinal properties are acteoside, durantol, pectolinaringenin, repenins, scutellarein, and repennoside. CONCLUSION: Duranta erecta is one of the Verbenaceae plants, widely used in ethnomedicines having various phytochemicals with understandable pharmacological actions mainly confined at the crude extract level. However, further bioactivity-guided or fingerprint-assisted studies are required to validate the ethnomedicinal uses, concerning cellular and molecular mechanisms, quality standardization, and safety with respect to its bioactive constituent(s). Therefore, the present review identified the gap in the research on scientific validation of Duranta based ethnomedicines and may provide critical information for the development of phytopharmaceuticals/Phyto-cosmeceuticals.

Inter and intra population phenotypic variability of Lippia integrifolia (Verbenaceae) and its natural situation in the west-center of Argentina / Variabilidad fenotípica inter e intra poblacional de Lippia integrifolia (Verbenaceae) y su situación natural en el centro-oeste de Argentina

The species Lippia integrifolia is an aromatic, sub-woody shrub, distributed from Northwest and Central Argentina to Bolivia. It is among the most important native aromatic species. It presents medicinal properties, some of which have been scientifically proven. As an alternative to harvesting, the process of domestication of the species was initiated. The objective of this work was to assess the phenotypic variability based on botanical-taxonomic and morpho-agronomic descriptors and the use of indicators to evaluate its natural situation in the west-center of Argentina. We worked in five wild populations, registering morphological variables, phenology, natural regeneration, herbivory and presence of diseases. L. integrifoliapresents a wide morphological variability, which can be explained with three morphological descriptors. Natural regeneration ́s rate is very low to zero, in four of the sites. The results obtained are of importance to make decisions related to the sustainable use in situ, and to begin a program of domestication of the species.

La especie Lippia integrifolia es un arbusto aromático, sub-leñoso, distribuido desde el noroeste y centro de Argentina hasta Bolivia. Es una de las especies aromáticas nativas más importantes. Presenta propiedades medicinales, algunas de las cuales han sido científicamente probadas. Como alternativa a la cosecha, se inició el proceso de domesticación de la especie. El objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar la variabilidad fenotípica basada en descriptores botánico-taxonómicos y morfo-agronómicos y el uso de indicadores para evaluar su situación natural en el centro-oeste de Argentina. Trabajamos en cinco poblaciones silvestres, registrando variables morfológicas, fenología, regeneración natural, herviboría y presencia de enfermedades. L. integrifolia presenta una amplia variabilidad morfológica, que puede explicarse con tres descriptores morfológicos. La tasa de regeneración natural es muy baja a cero, en cuatro de los sitios. Los resultados obtenidos son importantes para tomar decisiones relacionadas con el uso sostenible in situ y para comenzar un programa de domesticación de la especie.

Tectonaquinones A, B and C: three new naphthoquinone derivatives from the heartwood of Tectona grandis.

Chemical investigation of the chloroform extract of heartwood of Tectona grandis L. f. led to the isolation of three new naphthoquinone derivatives, tectonaquinones A (1), B (2) and C (3), along with six known compounds: barleriaquinone-I (4), tectoquinone (5), tecomaquinone I (6), lapachol (7), obtusifolin (8) and 2-hydroxy-3-methyl anthraquinone (9). The structures of the new compounds were elucidated by spectroscopic methods including 2 D NMR experiments. Tectonaquinone B is the first natural compound that has a hexa-cyclic dinaphthofuran-dione scaffold. Tectonaquinone C has a bicyclic acetal motif that is unusual in nature.

Standardized aqueous stem bark extract of Gmelina arborea roxb. possesses nephroprotection against adriamycin-induced nephrotoxicity in Wistar rats.

Nephrotoxicity is a major limitation of adriamycin (ADR) chemotherapy. We hypothesized that administration of standardized aqueous bark extract of Gmelina arborea Roxb. (GA) (Family; Verbenaceae), a traditional therapeutic agent, may reduce the nephrotoxicity caused by ADR in Wistar rats. The dose-dependent nephroprotective activity of the standardized GA extract was investigated in ADR-induced (20 mg/kg, ip) nephrotoxicity in male Wistar rats (n = 6/group). The lyophilized powder of the aqueous refluxed (4 h) GA extract was administered at 100, 300 and 500 mg/kg doses orally for three consecutive days. Fosinopril sodium (0.09 mg/kg) was used as the positive control. Assessment of biochemical parameters on serum, urine and histopathology on H and E stained kidney sections were done at the end of the intervention. The treatment with GA and fosinopril decreased the elevation of serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, cystatin C, ß2-microglobulin and loss of total protein in urine in nephrotoxic rats in a dose-dependent manner (p < 0.05). In contrast, serum concentrations of albumin and total protein were increased significantly (p < 0.05). H and E stained kidney sections showed an attenuation of renal parenchymal injury following the treatment. The aqueous extract of GA demonstrated antioxidant potential in vitro. Present findings conclude that the standardized aqueous extract of GA stem bark exerted a dose-dependent protection against ADR-induced nephrotoxicity in vivo and may be a promising adjunct in ADR chemotherapy.

Implication of scanning electron microscopy and light microscopy for oil content determination and seed morphology of Verbenaceae.

Due to increase in energy catastrophe and accompanying environmental issues, the search for renewable and alternative energy resources is a fiercely disputed problem in the scientific world. Biodiesel has proven to be the finest sustainable alternative to gasoline. Because of their environment-friendly character and cost-effectiveness, nonedible oil-bearing seeds could be the possible resource for biodiesel production. Therefore, the present study uses scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to investigate and identify micromorphological features of six novel, nonedible oil-bearing seeds of Verbenaceae as potential biodiesel feed stocks. Selected seeds of Verbenaceae range in size from 1 to 5 mm in width and 1.8 to 6.4 mm in length, according to light microscopic studies. The oil content of seeds ranges from14 to 19%. Seed texture, color, shape, size, periclinal and anticlinal wall patterns, and cell outline are all more variable in SEM-mediated seed ultrastructure analyses. The findings of this work imply that SEM could be a useful method for revealing hidden micromorphological features in a variety of nonedible oil-producing seeds, which could aid to future investigation, proper identification, seed categorization, and authenticity. These seeds were hard to be identified by the native people due to their resemblance in seed color and shape, so there is a need to give a detailed description of seed characters for proper identification of these plants. This work will determine the new features of the seeds, which will be helpful in near future.

An overview of the genus Aloysia Paláu (Verbenaceae): Essential oil composition, ethnobotany and biological activities.

Aloysia Paláu is an important herbal genus from the Verbenaceae family and possesses numerous remedial properties in the folk medicine of Asian, European, and, in particular, South American countries. Only a few reports have discussed some phytochemical characteristics associated with Aloysia species. Right the lack of an exhaustive report prompted us to organize this review article. Accordingly, besides the ethnobotanical knowledge of Aloysia species, their essential oil profiles, phytochemistry of the polar isolated fractions, and the relevant biological activities are discussed in detail.[Formula: see text].

Hernandulcin Production in Cell Suspensions of Phyla Scaberrima: Exploring Hernandulcin Accumulation through Physical and Chemical Stimuli.

Hernandulcin (HE) is a non-caloric sweetener synthesized by the Mexican medicinal plant Phyla scaberrima. Herein we present the results of HE production through cell suspensions of P. scaberrima as well as the influence of pH, temperature, biosynthetic precursors and potential elicitors to enhance HE accumulation. The incorporation of mevalonolactone (30-400 mg L-1 ) farnesol (30-400 mg L-1 ), AgNO3 (0.025-0.175 M), cellulase (5-60 mg L-1 ; 0.3 units/mg), chitin (20-140 mg L-1 ) and (+)-epi-α-bisabolol (300-210 mg L-1 ) to the cell suspensions, resulted in a differential accumulation of HE and biomass. Among elicitors assayed, chitin, cellulase and farnesol increased HE production from 93.2 to ∼160 mg L-1 but, (+)-epi-α-bisabolol (obtained by a synthetic biology approach) increased HE accumulation up to 182.7 mg L-1 . HE produced by the cell suspensions was evaluated against nine strains from six species of gastrointestinal bacteria revealing moderate antibacterial activity (MIC, 214-465 µg mL-1 ) against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Helicobacter pylori. Similarly, HE showed weak toxicity against Lactobacillus sp. and Bifidobacterium bifidum (>1 mg mL-1 ), suggesting a selective antimicrobial activity on some species of gut microbiota. According to our results, chitin and (+)-epi-α-bisabolol were the most effective molecules to enhance HE accumulation in cell suspensions of P. scaberrima.