Ash characteristics investigation from co-firing of Calliandra calothyrsus and Gliricidia sepium with a high-sulfur and -iron coal in drop tube furnace.

Calliandra calothyrsus and Gliricidia sepium ash characteristics as co-firing fuel to high-sulfur and -iron coal were investigated through theoretical prediction, FactSage modelling, and combustion experiment in drop tube furnace. The results show that the addition of Calliandra and Gliricidia were able to mitigate the slagging risk according to theoretical prediction and FactSage modelling. Slag formations were predicted to occur at higher combustion temperature compared to coal which was reflected in higher ash fusion temperature. The results of combustion experiment showed an agreement with less ash deposition and cleaner probe surface. The addition of Calliandra and Gliricidia increased the high-melting minerals and decreased Fe-based minerals. However, domination of Ca2SO4 in addition of 25 wt% Gliricidia can be detrimental with presence of strongly adhered ash and material degradation. This research provides an important insight of Calliandra and Gliricidia utilization as co-firing fuel that improve the ash characteristics of high-sulfur and -iron coal.

Anti-ulcerative colitis effects of chemically characterized extracts from Calliandra haematocephala in acetic acid-induced ulcerative colitis.

Background: Ulcerative colitis is a chronic immune-mediated inflammatory bowel disease that involves inflammation and ulcers of the colon and rectum. To date, no definite cure for this disease is available. Objective: The objective of the current study was to assess the effect of Calliandra haematocephala on inflammatory mediators and oxidative stress markers for the exploration of its anti-ulcerative colitis activity in rat models of acetic acid-induced ulcerative colitis. Methods: Methanolic and n-hexane extracts of areal parts of the plant were prepared by cold extraction method. Phytochemical analysis of both extracts was performed by qualitative analysis, quantitative methods, and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Prednisone at 2 mg/kg dose and plant extracts at 250, 500, and 750 mg/kg doses were given to Wistar rats for 11 days, which were given acetic acid on 8th day through the trans-rectal route for the induction of ulcerative colitis. A comparison of treatment groups was done with a normal control group and a colitis control group. To evaluate the anti-ulcerative colitis activity of Calliandra haematocephala, different parameters such as colon macroscopic damage, ulcer index, oxidative stress markers, histopathological examination, and mRNA expression of pro and anti-inflammatory mediators were evaluated. mRNA expression analysis was carried out by reverse transcription quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Results: The phytochemical evaluation revealed polyphenols, flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids, and sterols in both extracts of the plant. Results of the present study exhibited that both extracts attenuated the large bowel inflammation and prevented colon ulceration at all tested doses. Macroscopic damage and ulcer scoreswere significantly decreased by both extracts. Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and nitrite/nitrate concentrations in colon tissues were returned to normal levels while superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was significantly improved by all doses. Histopathological examination exhibited that both extracts prevented the inflammatory changes, cellular infiltration, and colon thickening. Gene expression analysis by RT-qPCR revealed the downregulation of pro-inflammatory markers such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) whereas the anti-inflammatory cytokines including Interleukin-4 (IL-4) and Interleukin-10 (IL-10) were found to be upregulated in treated rats. Conclusion: It was concluded based on study outcomes that methanolic and n-hexane extracts of Calliandra haematocephala exhibited anti-ulcerative colitis activity through modulation of antioxidant defense mechanisms and the immune system. In this context, C. haematocephala can be considered as a potential therapeutic approach for cure of ulcerative colitis after bioassay-directed isolation of bioactive phytochemicals and clinical evaluation.

Fraction from Calliandra portoricensis reduces 7, 12 dimethylbenz(a)anthracene-induced mammary tumors in Wistar rats.

Objective: Calliandra portoricensis (CP) is used in Nigeria for the treatment of breast diseases. We investigated the effects of fraction from CP on 7, 12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA)-induced mammary gland tumors. Materials and Methods: Female Wistar rats (40) were allotted into five equal groups. Group 1 served as control, group 2 received DMBA (50 mg/kg), groups 3 and 4 received DMBA and were treated with CP at doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg respectively, and the group 5 received DMBA and vincristine (0.5 mg/kg). DMBA was injected intraperitoneally once while vincristine and CP were given twice and thrice per week, respectively. Results: Administration ofDMBA caused a significant decrease in body weight gain by 52%. In addition, DMBA significantly increased organo-somatic weight of mammary gland by 4.0 folds. Also, DMBA significantly increased inflammatory and oxidative stress markers serum interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß), lipid peroxidation (LPO) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) by 27, 18 and 435%, respectively. Similarly, mammary NO (nitric oxide) and LPO were increased by 468 and 21%, respectively. In contrast, DMBA decreased the levels of apoptotic markers BAX, caspases 3 and 9 by 20, 15 and 18%, and mammary superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione-s-peroxidase (GPx) by 45, 51 and 68%, respectively. Histology revealed gland with malignant epithelial cells and high nucleo-cytoplasm in DMBA-administered rats. Treatment with CP 100 mg/kg decreased LPO, MPO, IL-1ß and NO by 28, 35, 78 and 85%, respectively, and ameliorated DMBA-induced cyto-architectural anomalies. Conclusion: Fraction of CP protects mammary gland from DMBA insults via antioxidative and anti-inflammatory mechanisms.

Chloroform extract of Calliandra portoricensis inhibits tumourigenic effect of N-methyl-N-nitrosourea and benzo(a)pyrene in breast experimental cancer.

Calliandra portoricensis (C. portoricensis) is used in herbal homes in Nigeria to manage breast diseases. We investigated the anti-tumourigenic effects of chloroform extract of C. portoricensis (CP) in breast experimental cancer induced by N-methyl-N-nitrosourea (NMU) and benzo-(a)-pyrene (BaP). Fifty-six female rats were assigned into seven equal groups: Group 1 served as control, group 2 received NMU and BaP (50 mg/kg, each), groups 3 and 4 received [NMU + BaP] and treated with CP at 50 and 100 mg/kg, respectively. Group 5 received CP (100 mg/kg), group 6 received [NMU + BaP] and vincristine (0.5 mg/kg), while group 7 received vincristine (0.5 mg/kg). The NMU and BaP (i.p) were dissolved in normal saline and corn oil, respectively. The CP (oral) and vincristine (i.p) were given thrice and twice per week, respectively for 10 weeks. The [NMU + BaP] intoxication significantly decreased body weight gain by 32% while organo-somatic weight of mammary gland increased by 37%. Also, [NMU + BaP] decreased the activities of mammary catalase, glutathione-s-transferase, glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase and total sulphurhydryl by 34%, 31%, 35%, 35% and 33%, respectively. The [NMU + BaP] increased inflammatory and oxidative stress markers; nitrite, lipid peroxidation and myeloperoxidase by 62%, 57% and 361%, respectively. Strong expression of BCL-2, IL-6, COX 2, ß-catenin and iNOS in [NMU + BaP]-administered rats were observed. Histology revealed glands with malignant epithelial cells and high nucleocytoplasm in [NMU + BaP] rats. Treatment with CP attenuated inflammation, apoptosis and restored cyto-architecture of mammary gland. Overall, CP abates mammary tumourigenesis by targeting cellular pathways of inflammation and apoptosis.

Nodulation of the neotropical genus Calliandra by alpha or betaproteobacterial symbionts depends on the biogeographical origins of the host species.

The neotropical genus Calliandra is of great importance to ecology and agroforestry, but little is known about its nodulation or its rhizobia. The nodulation of several species from two restricted diversity centres with native/endemic species (Eastern Brazil and North-Central America) and species widespread in South America, as well as their nodule structure and the molecular characterization of their rhizobial symbionts based on phylogeny of the 16S rRNA, recA and nodC gene, is reported herein. Species representative of different regions were grown in Brazilian soil, their nodulation observed, and their symbionts characterized. Calliandra nodules have anatomy that is typical of mimosoid nodules regardless of the microsymbiont type. The rhizobial symbionts differed according to the geographical origin of the species, i.e. Alphaproteobacteria (Rhizobium) were the exclusive symbionts from North-Central America, Betaproteobacteria (Paraburkholderia) from Eastern Brazil, and a mixture of both nodulated the widespread species. The symbiont preferences of Calliandra species are the result of the host co-evolving with the "local" symbiotic bacteria that thrive in the different edaphoclimatic conditions, e.g. the acidic soils of NE Brazil are rich in acid-tolerant Paraburkholderia, whereas those of North-Central America are typically neutral-alkaline and harbour Rhizobium. It is hypothesized that the flexibility of widespread species in symbiont choice has assisted in their wider dispersal across the neotropics.

First Report of Cladosporium Blossom Blight Caused by Cladosporium cladosporioides on Calliandra haematocephala in China.

Calliandra haematocephala Hassk., commonly called red powder puff, is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant in Taiwan, Hainan, Guangdong and Fujian in China (CAS, 1988). The flowers are dark crimson with conspicuous stamens, which give them the appearance of powder-puffs. Blossom blight on C. haematocephala was first observed in early January 2019 on plants grown on the university campus as well as in parks in Fuzhou city, with nearly 80% of flowers on individual plants infected. At various locations in the city, disease incidence was 100%. Symptoms appeared as grayish green fungal growth on the stamens with the entire flower eventually turning black and covered with masses of fungal spores. Fifteen single spore isolates obtained from nine necrotic stamen samples were purified and cultured on Potato dextrose agar (PDA) plates at 24 ℃.The resultant fungal colonies were olivaceous-green to olivaceous-brown and had a velvet-like appearance. Conidiophores were smooth-walled, solitary, non-nodulose, and measuring 40 to 340 × 3 to 4 µm (n=50). Ramoconidia were cylindrical-oblong or slightly curved with 0 to 3 septa, and measuring 10 to 25 × 3 to 4 µm (n=50). Conidia were smooth-walled and prolifically produced in long chains. Terminal conidia were aseptate, subglobose, ovoid to limoniform, measuring 3 to 6 × 2 to 2.5 µm (n=50). Intercalary conidia were elliptical to limoniform or subcylindrical, aseptate, measuring 5 to 12 × 2.5 to 3 µm (n=50). On the basis of its morphology, the causal organism was identified as Cladosporium cladosporioides (Bensch et al. 2010). For molecular identification, pure cultures of five single-spore isolates were used for DNA extraction. A fragment in the ITS regions of the fungal rDNA, the ACT and the TEF1-α, was amplified using the primers ITS1/ITS4, ACT-512F/ACT-783R, and EF1728 F/EF1-986R. The DNA sequences obtained from all five isolates were identical. The resulting ITS (MK720012) and ACT (MN013164), and TEFl-α (MK752020) sequences from a representative isolate MRCIM19 were 98-100% identical to the C. cladosporioides accessions (ITS: MH863979, MG228421; ACT: HM148509, JF499878, HM148532; TEFl-α: JF499872). To test pathogenicity, a spore suspension (1×105 conidia/mL) was prepared from a seven- day- old culture of isolate MRCIM19 and 10 mL of the suspension was sprayed onto six flowers on each of three C. haematocephala plants. Sterile distilled water was sprayed onto three flowers of two plants as control. The inoculated flowers were covered with plastic bags which were removed two days post inoculation. Disease symptoms were recorded on each flower at 10 days post inoculation. Based on the morpho-molecular characters, the re-isolated fungus from the inoculated flowers was C. cladosporioides. This fungus was previously reported to cause blossom blight in strawberry in the USA and Korea (Gubler et al. 1999; Nam et al. 2015). Although it has been reported from many plants (Zhang 2003) in China, this is the first report of C. cladosporioides on C. haematocephala worldwide. References Bensch, K. et al. 2010. Stud Mycol. 67:1-94. Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), 1988. Flora Republicae Popularis Sinicae Editorial Committee, Beijing Sci. Press., 39: 38. Gubler, W. D. et al. 1999. Plant Dis. 83:400. Nam, M. H. et al. 2015. Microbiol. 43: 354-359. Zhang Z., Ed. 2003. Flora fungorum sinicorum, Vol. 14. Cladosporium, Fusicladium, Pyricularia. Beijing Science Press. 297.

Calliandra portoricensis ameliorates ovarian and uterine oxido-inflammatory responses in N-methyl-N-nitrosourea and benzo[a]pyrene-treated rats.

IMPACT STATEMENT: Infertility resulting from reproductive impairment is traumatic in families. Exposure to chemicals may play insidious roles not easily connected to infertility. We examined benzo[a]pyrene (BaP), and N-methyl nitrosourea (NMU)-induced ovarian and uterine toxicity and the role of Calliandra portoricensis in mitigating toxicity. In a bid to illuminate folk medical claims cloaked in mystery, unearthing lost knowledge, advance natural chemopreventive agents, and report new evidence lacking in the literature attributed to CP. Although CP is known to exhibit anticonvulsant, antidiarrheal, antipyretic, antirheumatic, and analgesic effects in humans, its possible roles for mitigating toxicity stemming from inadvertent chemical exposures are reported here. Our findings affirm and further show that CP abates toxic response incumbent on oxidative damage and inflammatory responses associated with NMU and BaP exposure. Development of phytochemical derived from CP may serve as a potential natural therapy against chemical toxicities in individuals inadvertently exposed, and promote human health and reproductive satiety.

Triterpenoid saponins from Calliandra calothyrsus Meisn. and their antiproliferative activity against two digestive carcinoma human cell lines.

The chemical investigation of the flowers and twigs of Calliandra calothyrsus (Fabaceae) led to the isolation of three new oleanane-type triterpenoid saponins, named calothyrsusosides AC (13). Their structures were established by direct interpretation of their spectral data, mainly HRESIMS, 1D NMR and 2D NMR (1H, 1H NMR DOSY, 13C NMR, COSY, HSQC, HMBC, HSQC-TOCSY and NOESY) and by comparison with literature data. Compounds 1 and 2 were tested for their antiproliferative activity against two digestive carcinoma human cell lines: Hep3B (hepatocellular carcinoma) and Caco-2 (epithelial colorectal adenocarcinoma). Both compounds exhibited an antiproliferative activity against the Hep3B cell line, with IC50 values of 6.0 and 6.5 µM, respectively, while no effect was detected against the epithelial colorectal adenocarcinoma Caco-2 (CC50 > 25 µM).

Evaluation of peptide-rich root extracts of Calliandria portoriscensis (Jacq.) Benth (Mimosaceae) for in vitro antimicrobial activity and brine shrimp lethality.

BACKGROUND: Several Host defence peptides (HDPs) are low molecular weight (< 50 amino acids residues) peptides detected in several ethnomedicinal plants and have particularly gained research interest in recent times. Due to their wide range of bioactivity, occurrence, abundance and ability to induce very little resistance, they hold promising potentials in drug development. This study investigated the presence of bioactive peptides in the roots of Calliandra portoricensis (CPr) (Mimosaceae) and evaluated its antimicrobial activity against gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria. METHODS: The crude peptide extract was obtained and pre-purified on pre-loaded tube of RP-C18 solid phase cartridges (strata giga tube C18-E; 5 g, 20 mL, Phenomenex, Germany). Peptide enriched fraction was chemically analysed for arginine-rich/aromatic amino acid-rich peptides using a modified G-250 analytical stain and ninhydrin on thin layer chromatography (TLC) for a preliminary screening. Furthermore, MALDI TOF/TOF peptidomics was used to detect the presence and masses of the peptides. Extracts from CPr were used to test the ability to inhibit microbial growth using p-INT (Para-iodonitrotetrazolium violet) dye, with 0.1% gentamycin as positive control. The concentration that inhibits the growth of microorganisms by 50% (IC50) were determined. Toxicity of the two extracts was accessed using freshly hatched nauplii of Artemia salina. Data analysis were evaluated using Microsoft excel and GraphPad Prism5. RESULTS: Low molecular weight (LMW) peptides were detected in CPr using TLC and MALDI-TOF MS. Generally, the extracts exhibited good inhibition (70-95%) against the gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria, except MRSA6 typed strain. Enhanced activity was observed in the pre-purified peptide fraction than in the methanol crude, except on MRSA6. The greatest antimicrobial inhibition by pre-purified peptide fraction was against MRSA22 (IC50 = 0.69 ± 0.33 µg/mL). The crude methanol extract (LC50 = 5.13 µg/mL) was slightly more toxic than the peptide extract (LC50 = 6.12 µg/mL). CONCLUSIONS: This is the first report on detection of bioactive LMW peptides in Mimosaceae family. These peptides appear to be rich in arginine and aromatic amino acids. The peptide extract, in its pre-purified form showed a lower Brine shrimp cytotoxicity and an enhanced antimicrobial activity against the tested gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria.

Synthesis, characterization and photocatalytic dye degradation capability of Calliandra haematocephala-mediated zinc oxide nanoflowers.

An environmentally sound approach towards the green synthesis of zinc oxide nanostructures has been achieved with an aqueous extract of Calliandra haematocephala leaves. The nanoparticles were characterized using various analytical techniques to substantiate the structural details. An absorption band at 358 nm corresponds to the formation of zinc oxide nanoparticles. Scanning electron microscopy revealed the nanoflower morphology of the nanoparticles. Energy dispersive spectral analysis portrayed the strong presence of zinc and oxygen, while X-ray diffraction showed the nanoparticles to conform to hexagonally-formed wurtzite structure. The crystallite size of the nanoflowers was estimated to be 19.45 nm. Vibrational frequencies, typical of zinc­oxygen and other functional groups, were revealed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. BET analysis revealed that the pores were of mesoporous nature with an estimated specific surface area of 9.18 m2/g. The photocatalytic nature of the nanoparticles was established by the degradation of methylene blue (MB) dye, under solar radiation. Up to 88% degradation was achieved in a duration of 270 min. Kinetic data from the studies proved that the reaction was compliant with first-order model, with rate constant as 0.01 min-1. The study illustrated the synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles using a novel source, viz., the leaves of C. haematocephala.

Effects of Calliandra and Sesbania supplementation on weight gain in dairy calves on smallholder farms in Kenya.

The growth rate of female calves on dairy farms is one of the crucial factors which influence age at first calving, affecting lifetime lactation productivity of a dairy cow. Diets with adequate crude protein are necessary to support calf growth. The study objective was to determine the effects of nutritional advice and diet supplementation with Calliandra calothyrsus and Sesbania sesban on average daily weight gain in dairy calves on semi-commercial smallholder dairy farms in Kenya. This trial involved 155 calves from 73 smallholder dairy farms, in Kenya, randomly selected and allocated to either intervention or control groups. The intervention group received nutritional advice and seedlings of Calliandra calothyrsus and Sesbania sesban, while the control group did not receive these interventions. Every 1-2 months for 16 months, data on farm nutritional practices and management were collected in a questionnaire, and physical examinations were done to monitor weight and health status. Descriptive and univariable statistical analyses were conducted, and multivariable mixed linear regression models were used for identification of factors associated (P < 0.05) with the natural log transformation of weight gain of calves on a given farm, controlling for clustering of visits within calves. Feeding at least 0.2 kg/day (wet weight) of Calliandra or Sesbania to calves <6 months old resulted in 33.2% increase in daily weight gain, while controlling for confounding by breed and sex of the calf. For calves ≥6 months, there was a significant interaction between amount of hay fed and if calves were also fed on Calliandra or Sesbania. When no Calliandra or Sesbania supplementation was provided, the mean weight gain was low and relatively constant even with increasing amounts of hay. When Calliandra or Sesbania supplement was added to the diet, the mean weight gain increased from 0.17 kg to 0.48 kg when hay was fed at 1 and 5 kg, respectively, while controlling for confounding by amount of maize silage fed and the prevailing season. In conclusion, supplementation of calf diets with at least 0.2 kg/calf/day of Calliandra or Sesbania is beneficial for faster weight gains.

Calliandra portoricensis Benth exhibits anticancer effects via alteration of Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and growth arrest in prostate LNCaP cells.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Apoptosis is downregulated in all forms of cancers. The mitochondrion has been implicated in the apoptotic process and, recently has been targeted in cancer therapy because of its role in cancer progression. Medicinal plants are used in the treatment of cancer, in particular, Calliandra portoricensis (CP) in the management of prostate cancer in Nigeria ethnomedicine. AIM OF THE STUDY: This study was designed to investigate the effects of CP on mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis and cell proliferation using prostate cancer cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Prostatic LNCaP, DU-145, lung adenocarcinoma and healthy VERO cells were used to assess cell proliferation. Cell cycle analysis was evaluated by flow cytometry. Levels of pro-apoptotic Bax, anti-apoptotic Bcl-2, Cytochrome C Release (CCR) and activation of caspases 3(C3) and 9 (C9) were determined by ELISA, while mitochondrial integrity was evaluated by Fluorescent Intensity Ratio (FIR). RESULTS: Methanol Fraction of C. portoricensis (MFCP) inhibited proliferation of prostatic LNCaP, DU-145, lung adenocarcinoma and healthy VERO cells with IC50 values of 2.4 ±â€¯0.2, 3.3 ±â€¯0.2, 3.6 ±â€¯0.2 and 17.9 ±â€¯1.6 µg/mL, respectively. The growth inhibition by MFCP correlated with a 3-fold decreased expression of Bcl-2 and a 4-fold increase in Bax levels at 10 µg/mL in LNCaP cells. Furthermore, MFCP caused a 3.5-fold reduction in FIR at 10 µg/mL and induced CCR by 4.2 folds at the same concentration relative to control. The MFCP-induced CCR is associated with activation of C3 and C9 at 10 µg/mL by 4.2 and 5.1 folds, respectively which prompted cancer cells to arrest at S phase. The LC-MS analysis revealed the presence of polyphenols including gallic acid and afzelechin in MFCP. CONCLUSION: Taken together, MFCP- induced cell death is mediated by alteration of mitochondrial integrity and cell cycle arrest. Hence, methanol fraction of C. portoricensis may be effective for cancer pharmacotherapy.

Brazilian species of Calliandra Benth. (tribe Ingeae) are nodulated by diverse strains of Paraburkholderia.

The Chapada Diamantina in NE of Brazil is a biodiversity hotspot and a center of radiation for many Neotropical legume genera, such as Calliandra and Mimosa. The present study aimed to evaluate nodulation in Calliandra species endemic to various environments, and to characterize the diversity of their symbiotic rhizobia using housekeeping (16S rRNA, recA) and plasmid-borne, symbiosis-related (nifH and nodC) genes. The nodulation ability of selected isolates was assessed. All of the 126 bacterial isolates from 18 Calliandra species collected in six different vegetation types were identified as Paraburkholderia according to their housekeeping and symbiosis gene phylogenies. They were grouped in seven clades in relation to the dominant vegetation type in their native environments. The majority, particularly those from highland "campo rupestre" vegetation, were similar to Paraburkholderia nodosa, but had nodC genes identical to the Mimosa symbiont Paraburkholderia tuberum sv. mimosae. The other smaller groups were related to Paraburkholderia diazotrophica and Paraburkholderia sabiae, and some single strains were not close to any known species. The symbionts of Calliandra spp. in NE Brazil are Paraburkholderia strains closely-related to Mimosa symbionts from the same region. NE Brazil is a reservoir of symbiotic Paraburkholderia that have an affinity for genera in the Mimosoid clade.

In vitro cytotoxic activity of medicinal plants from Nigeria ethnomedicine on Rhabdomyosarcoma cancer cell line and HPLC analysis of active extracts.

BACKGROUND: Cancer is a leading cause of death world-wide, with approximately 17.5 million new cases and 8.7 million cancer related deaths in 2015. The problems of poor selectivity and severe side effects of the available anticancer drugs, have demanded the need for the development of safer and more effective chemotherapeutic agents. The present study was aimed at determining the cytotoxicities of 31 medicinal plants extracts, used in Nigerian ethnomedicine for the treatment of cancer. METHODS: The plant extracts were screened for cytotoxicity, using the brine shrimp lethality assay (BSLA) and MTT cytotoxicity assay. Rhabdomyosarcoma (RD) cell line, normal Vero cell line and the normal prostate (PNT2) cell line were used for the MTT assay, while Artemia salina nauplii was used for the BSLA. The phytochemical composition of the active plant extracts was determined by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis. RESULTS: The extract of Eluesine indica (L.) Gaertn (Poaceae), with a LC50 value of 76.3 µg/mL, had the highest cytotoxicity on the brine shrimp larvae compared to cyclophosphamide (LC50 = 101.3 µg/mL). Two plants extracts, Macaranga barteri Mull. Arg. (Euphorbiaceae) and Calliandra portoricensis (Jacq.) Benth (Leguminosae) exhibited significant cytotoxic activity against the RD cell line and had comparable lethal activity on the brine shrimps. Further cytotoxic investigation showed that the dichloromethane fraction of Macaranga barteri (DMB) and the ethyl acetate fraction of Calliandra portoricensis (ECP), exhibited approximately 6-fold and 4-fold activity, respectively, compared to cyclophosphamide on RD cell line. Determination of selective index (SI) using Vero and PNT2 cell line indicated that DMB and ECP displayed a high degree of selectivity against the cancer cell under investigation. HPLC analysis showed that 3,5dicaffeoylquinic acid, acteoside, kampferol-7-O-glucoside and bastadin 11 were the major components of DMB while the major components of ECP were neurolenin B, nigrosporolide and trans-geranic acid. CONCLUSION: The results demonstrate the cytotoxicity of Macaranga barteri and Calliandra portoricensis extracts, which are used in Nigerian folklore for cancer treatment.

Changes in in vitro ruminal and post-ruminal degradation of tropical tannin-rich legumes due to varying levels of polyethylene glycol.

We evaluated the effects of tannins from Flemingia macrophylla (CIAT 17403) and Calliandra calothyrsus (San Ramón CIAT 22310 and Patulul CIAT 22316) on in vitro ruminal and post-ruminal dry matter and apparent protein degradation. For each tannin source (legumes), different dosages of polyethylene glycol (PEG) (8000 Da) in McDougall buffer were added to achieve ratios of 0:3, 1:3, 2:3 and 3:3 PEG:condensed tannin (CT). Ruminal fluid mixed with McDougall buffer (1:4) was added to tubes containing only legume foliage (control) or PEG-treated legume foliage. For both Calliandra varieties, a higher ruminal dry matter degradation was observed at a PEG:CT ratio of 3:3. For F. macrophylla, no differences were found between 2:3 and 3:3 ratios (p > 0.05), indicating that a PEG:CT ratio of 2:3 might be enough to bind tannins. Increasing PEG:CT ratios increased apparent ruminal degraded protein and ammonia concentration (p < 0.0001) differing among species (species × ratio: p < 0.0001). The degradation of bypass crude protein (dBCP) was influenced by both legume type and PEG:CT ratio (p < 0.0001). For Patulul, as PEG:CT ratio increased, dBCP increased, but after tannin ratio of 2:3, there was not a significant increase, and for San Ramón, dBCP degradation was higher as PEG:CT ratio increased up to 2:3. For Flemingia, dBCP was higher than PEG:CT ratio of 0:3 but not different among 1:3, 2:3 or 3:3. Low concentration of CT (116 mg/g DM) increased the proportion of protein digested in the abomasum, but higher levels of CT (252 mg/g) clearly reduced the proportion of digested CP. For Flemingia, PEG:CT ratio of 2:3 is enough to inactivate tannins, while PEG:CT ratio of 3:3 was needed for Calliandra and consequently increased ruminal degradation of dry mater (rdDM), and crude protein (rdCP), total degradation of dry matter (tdDM), crude protein (tdCP) and ammonia levels.

Fermentation Characteristics and Microbial Diversity of Tropical Grass-legumes Silages.

Calliandra calothyrsus preserved in silage is an alternative method for improving the crude protein content of feeds for sustainable ruminant production. The aim of this research was to evaluate the quality of silage which contained different levels of C. calothyrsus by examining the fermentation characteristics and microbial diversity. Silage was made in a completely randomized design consisting of five treatments with three replications i.e.: R0, Pennisetum purpureum 100%; R1, P. purpureum 75%+C. calothyrsus 25%;, R2, P. purpureum 50%+C. calothyrsus 50%; R3, P. purpureum 25%+C. calothyrsus 75%; and R4, C. calothyrsus 100%. All silages were prepared using plastic jar silos (600 g) and incubated at room temperature for 30 days. Silages were analyzed for fermentation characteristics and microbial diversity. Increased levels of C. calothyrsus in silage had a significant effect (p<0.01) on the fermentation characteristics. The microbial diversity index decreased and activity was inhibited with increasing levels of C. calothyrsus. The microbial community indicated that there was a population of Lactobacillus plantarum, L. casei, L. brevis, Lactococcus lactis, Chryseobacterium sp., and uncultured bacteria. The result confirmed that silage with a combination of grass and C. calothyrsus had good fermentation characteristics and microbial communities were dominated by L. plantarum.

Galloylated flavonol rhamnosides from the leaves of Calliandra tergemina with antibacterial activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).

Galloylated flavonol rhamnosides identified as kaempferol-3-O-(2″,3″,4″-tri-O-galloyl)-α-l-rhamnopyranoside, quercetin-3-O-(3″,4″-di-O-galloyl)-α-l-rhamnopyranoside, and quercetin-3-O-(2″,3″,4″-tri-O-galloyl)-α-l-rhamnopyranoside, together with five known galloylated and non-galloylated flavonol rhamnosides, were isolated from leaves of Calliandra tergemina (L.) Benth. Their structures were established using spectroscopic methods and their antibacterial activities against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) were evaluated by a microdilution method.

Histopathological studies of acute and chronic effects of Calliandra portoricensis leaf extract on the stomach and pancreas of adult Swiss albino mice.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the consequence of oral administration of Calliandra portoricensis (C. portoricensis) leaf extract on the stomach and pancreas in Swiss albino mice. METHODS: Three groups of mice (B, C and D) were treated with 4 mg/kg of C. portoricensis extract. Group A was the control and received an equivalent volume of distilled water. Group B received C. portoricensis leaf extract for 7 days, Group C received C. portoricensis leaf extract for 14 days, and Group D received C. portoricensis leaf extract for 28 days. At different stages in the study, the mice were sacrificed and the stomach and pancreas were excised and fixed in 10% formol saline for histological analysis. RESULTS: The result showed a normal microstructural outline in groups B and C as compared with the control. However, animals in group D showed disorganization of the mucosa and discontinuation of epithelial lining of the stomach while the islets of Langerans in the pancreas were at various degree of degeneration as compared with the control mice. CONCLUSIONS: The present finding suggests that chronic administration (28 days as seen in this study) of C. portoricensis leaf extract may inhibit the proper function of the stomach and pancreas.

Histopathological studies of acute and chronic effects of Calliandra portoricensis leaf extract on the stomach and pancreas of adult Swiss albino mice

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the consequence of oral administration of Calliandra portoricensis (C. portoricensis) leaf extract on the stomach and pancreas in Swiss albino mice.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Three groups of mice (B, C and D) were treated with 4 mg/kg of C. portoricensis extract. Group A was the control and received an equivalent volume of distilled water. Group B received C. portoricensis leaf extract for 7 days, Group C received C. portoricensis leaf extract for 14 days, and Group D received C. portoricensis leaf extract for 28 days. At different stages in the study, the mice were sacrificed and the stomach and pancreas were excised and fixed in 10% formol saline for histological analysis.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The result showed a normal microstructural outline in groups B and C as compared with the control. However, animals in group D showed disorganization of the mucosa and discontinuation of epithelial lining of the stomach while the islets of Langerans in the pancreas were at various degree of degeneration as compared with the control mice.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The present finding suggests that chronic administration (28 days as seen in this study) of C. portoricensis leaf extract may inhibit the proper function of the stomach and pancreas.</p>

Characterization of indigenous rhizobia from Caatinga

The aim of this study was to characterize rhizobial isolates from Cratylia mollis Mart. ex Benth, Calliandra depauperata Benth. and Mimosa tenuiflora (Willd.) Poir. by means of rhizobial colonies morphology and restriction analysis of the 16S ribosomal gene (16S rDNA-ARDRA). Nodules were collected in the field and from plants cultivated in a greenhouse experiment using Caatinga soil samples. Sixty seven isolates were described by morphological analysis. Forty seven representative isolates were used for ARDRA analysis using seven restriction enzymes. We observed high diversity of both slow and fast-growing rhizobia that formed three morpho-physiological clusters. A few fast-growing isolates formed a group of strains of the Bradyrhizobium type; however, most of them diverged from the B. japonicum and B. elkanii species. Cratylia mollis nodule isolates were the most diverse, while all Mimosa tenuiflora isolates displayed fast growth with no pH change and were clustered into groups bearing 100 percent similarity, according to ARDRA results.