Evolution of the Anther Gland in Early-Branching Papilionoids (ADA Clade, Papilionoideae, Leguminosae).

Papilionoideae is the most diverse subfamily of Leguminosae, especially in terms of floral morphology. The ADA clade shows some exciting floral features among papilionoids, such as anther glands. However, the evolution of the anther glands in such early-branching papilionoids remains unknown. Thus, we compared the occurrence, distribution, morphology, and evolutionary history of the anther glands in species of the ADA clade. Floral buds and/or flowers in 50 species were collected from herbarium specimens and investigated using scanning electron and light microscopy and reconstruction of ancestral character states. The anther apex has a secretory cavity, secretory duct, and phenolic idioblast. The lumen shape of the cavity and duct is closely related to the shape of the anther apex. The oval lumen is located between two thecae, the spherical lumen in the prominent anther apex and the elongated lumen in anthers with a long apex. The occurrence of cavities/ducts in the anther in only two phylogenetically closely related subclades is a unifying character -state. The floral architecture is not correlated with cavity/ducts in the anther but is possibly related to the type of pollinator. Future research needs to combine floral morphology and pollination systems to understand the evolution of floral designs and their diversification.

Chemical composition, anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive effects of the butanolic fraction of Annona nutans (Annonaceae) leaves.

The species Annona nutans (R. E. Fries) is a plant found in Bolivia, Paraguay, Argentina and the Brazilian cerrado. Considering the anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities of the hydrometanolic fraction (FHMeOH) of A. nutans leaves previously reported, the present study aimed to evaluate in vivo anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities of a subfraction obtained from FHMeOH, the butanolic fraction (FBuOHf). Intraperitoneal (i.p.) treatment with FBuOHf (50 and 100 mg · kg-1) inhibited paw edema induced by carrageenan. Moreover, FBuOHf (100 mg · kg-1, i.p.) also suppressed polymorphonuclear (PMN) leukocyte migration in the footpad. Regarding the antinociceptive activity, FBuOHf (50, 100, and 200 mg · kg-1, i.p.) inhibited acetic acid-induced abdominal writhing. In the formalin test, this fraction (200 mg · kg-1, i.p.) reduced licking time only in the inflammatory phase. The FBuOHf contents flavonoids and cinnamic acid derivatives, such as quercetin-3-O-galactoside, quercetin-3-O-glucoside, isorhamnetin-3-O-galactoside, quercetin-3-O-ß-D-apio-furanosyl-(1→2)-galactopyranoside and chlorogenic acid, identified and quantified by LC-MS. The FBuOHf possesses anti-inflammatory and peripheral antinociceptive activities.

Larvicidal effect from different Annonaceae species on Culex quinquefasciatus.

The recent outbreaks of mosquito-borne diseases highlighted the pivotal importance of mosquito vector control in tropical areas worldwide. Several strategies have been developed to control vector populations and disease transmission in endemic areas. The steps to obtain natural active compounds involve the pre-selection in a biological model and subsequently evaluation on specific models. The present study reports the evaluation of 35 extracts, fractions, and essential oils obtained from five species from the Annonaceae family on Artemia salina and Culex quinquefasciatus. The A. salina results were used as a pre-screening for larvicidal test about mosquitoes. A correlation of biological activity in both bioassays was observed for the hydroethanolic extracts and their respective hexane and chloroform fractions of the leaves of Annona species, except A. nutans. The same correlation was also observed for all tested essential oils and petroleum ether extracts from Duguetia species. It was possible to limit an interval of lethality about A. salina, which has a corresponding range to the larvicidal test against the mosquito. The main components present in D. lanceolata essential oil or enriched fraction were α-selinene, aristolochene, (E)-caryophyllene, and (E)-calamenene. For D. furfuracea, the main components present of the underground parts were (E)-asarone, 2,4,5-trimethoxystyrene, spathulenol, and bicyclogermacrene for aerial parts. The A. salina test could be used as a model for the pre-screening of larvicidal activity.

Chemical constituents and allelopathic activity of Machaerium eriocarpum Benth.

The analysis by HPLC-PDA of the hydroalcoholic extract of the leaves of M. eriocarpum together with the injection of the fractions containing the already identified metabolites allowed the detection of at least 5 flavonoids, of which two are derived from apigenin and three from luteolin. After isolating larger amounts of isovitexin (I), assays were performed to evaluate the allelopathic activity together with the crude extract. The results show that the initial inhibition indexes were very similar to those observed in the treatments with F17 (Fraction enriched in isovitexin) and F18 (isovitexin), mainly in the concentrations of 500 and 1000 mg L-1. The index of the number of lateral roots, an increase of the inhibitory effect is observed with the increase of the concentration of M. eriocarpum extract.

Anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive and antioxidant activities of the hydromethanolic fraction from Annona nutans leaves / Atividade anti-inflamatória, antinociceptiva e antioxidante da fração hidrometanólica das folhas de annona nutans

Annona nutans (Annonaceae) is a plant species found in Bolivia, Paraguay, Argentina, and the Brazilian Cerrado, specifically in the states of Mato Grosso and Mato Grosso do Sul (Brazil). Its common names are Araticû-Mi and Araticû-Ñu. The research contributions regarding the chemical composition and biological activities of extracts from A. nutans are rare, with only four articles being found in the literature. Therefore, the present study evaluated the anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities of the hydromethanolic fraction (FHMeOH) using carrageenan-induced paw edema and hot-plate tests. In addition, the antioxidant activity was evaluated by DPPH radical scavenging, total phenolic, flavonoid and tannin content assays and quantification of the major metabolites by LC-MS were performed. Oral treatment with the FHMeOH (at a dose of 300 mg.kg-1) significantly reduced paw edema 2 h and 4 h after the inflammatory stimulus. The intraperitoneal (i.p.) treatment with the FHMeOH (50 and 100 mg.kg-1) proved to be most effective, and the inhibition of acute inflammation was still visible 6 h after carrageenan injection. At doses of 50 and 100 mg.kg-1 (i.p.), FHMeOH exhibits central antinociceptive effects by increasing the latency of the reaction in the hot-plate model. The FHMeOH showed antioxidant potential, and the metabolites quercetin-3-O-galactoside, quercetin-3-O-glucoside, isorhamnetin-3-O-galactoside, quercetin-3-O-ß-D-apiofuranosyl-(1→2)-galactopyranoside, and chlorogenic acid were identified and quantified by LC-MS. Our results indicate, for the first time, that FHMeOH has anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive and antioxidant potential, and it is a promising source of studies for new herbal medicines

Annona nutans (Annonaceae) é uma espécie de planta encontrada na Bolívia, Paraguai, Argentina e no Cerrado brasileiro, especificamente nos estados de Mato Grosso e Mato Grosso do Sul (Brasil). Seus nomes mais comuns são aratico e Araticû-Mi e Araticû-Ñu. As contribuições da pesquisa em relação à composição química e atividades biológicas dos extratos de A. nutans são raras, com apenas quatro artigos encontrados na literatura. Portanto, o presente estudo avaliou as atividades anti-inflamatória e antinociceptiva da fração hidrometanólica (FHMeOH) utilizando edema de pata induzido por carragenina e testes de placaquente. Além disso, a atividade antioxidante foi avaliada por meio de sequestro de radical DPPH, e foram realizados ensaios de quantificação de fenóis, flavonoides e taninos totais e quantificação dos principais metabólitos por CL-EM. O tratamento oral com a FHMeOH (na dose de 300 mg.kg-1) reduziu significativamente o edema da pata 2 e 4 h após o estímulo inflamatório. Por outro lado, o tratamento intraperitoneal (i.p.) com FHMeOH (50 e 100 mg.kg-1) provou ser mais eficaz e a inibição da inflamação aguda foi ainda visível 6 horas após a injeção de carragenina. Nas doses de 50 e 100 mg.kg-1 (i.p.), FHMeOH exibiu efeitos antinociceptivos centrais aumentando a latência da reação no modelo de placa quente. FHMeOH apresentou potencial antioxidante e os metabólitos quercetina-3-O-galactosídeo, quercetina-3-O-glicosídeo, isoramnetina-3-O-galactosídeo, quercetina- 3-O-ß-D-apiofuranosil-(1 → 2)-galactopiranosídeo e ácido clorogênico foram identificados e quantificados por CL-EM. Nossos resultados indicam, pela primeira vez, que o FHMeOH possui efeitos anti-inflamatórios, antinociceptivos e antioxidantes, sendo uma fonte promissora de estudos para novos medicamentos fitoterápicos.

Geographic distribution patterns of Leguminosae and their relevance for the conservation of the Itacolomi State Park, Minas Gerais, Brazil

This study identified patterns of geographic distribution of 102 Leguminosae taxa within the Park, based on literature data and herbarium specimens. Among the taxa, 38 grow exclusively in Campos Rupestres (rocky fields) and 49 in the Semideciduous Forest. Eleven patterns of geographic distribution were identified, of which the West-East-Central South America pattern was the most representative, with 27 taxa. Of the 102 sampled taxa of Leguminosae, five are endemic to the Espinhaço Range and ten are included in lists of endangered species of the flora of Brazil and Minas Gerais. Information on these taxa is crucial to provide conservation practices for conserving the vegetation formations of the PEIT.

Neste estudo foram identificados os padrões de distribuição geográfica dos 102 táxons de Leguminosae ocorrentes no PEIT, com base nos dados obtidos na literatura e em material de herbário, sendo 38 exclusivos dos Campos Rupestres e 49 das Florestas Estacionais. Foram reconhecidos 11 padrões de distribuição geográfica, dos quais o padrão América do Sul Ocidental-Centro-Oriental foi o mais representativo com 27 táxons. Dos 102 táxons amostrados de Leguminosae, cinco são endêmicos da Cadeia do Espinhaço e 10 constam nas listas de espécies ameaçadas da flora brasileira ou da Flora de Minas Gerais, sendo consideradas importantes para fornecer subsídios na conservação das formações vegetacionais do PEIT.

O gênero Rhynchosia Lour. (Leguminosae, Papilionoideae) em Mato Grosso do Sul, Brasil / The genus Rhynchosia Lour. (Leguminosae, Papilionoideae) in Mato Grosso do Sul State, Brazil

Rhynchosia, gênero pantropical, é constituído por 230 espécies distribuídas principalmente nos neotrópicos, considerado o centro de diversidade do grupo. Está relacionado filogeneticamente com o gênero Eriosema (DC.) Rchb., do qual se diferencia principalmente por características morfológicas. Em Mato Grosso do Sul está representado por oito táxons: Rhynchosia balansae Micheli var. balansae, R. balansae var. psilantha Fortunato, R. clausseni Benth., R. corylifolia Mart. ex Benth., R. edulis Griseb., R. leucophylla Benth., R. melanocarpa Grear e R. minima (L.) DC. O presente estudo apresenta chave de identificação, descrições, comentários, ilustrações, dados de distribuição geográfica e dos ambientes preferenciais de cada táxon.

Rhynchosia Lour. is a pantropical genus with 230 species, mainly distributed in the neotropics considered the center of diversity of the group. It is philogenetically related to the genus Eriosema (DC.) Rchb., from which it differs mainly through morphological characters. In Mato Grosso do Sul it is represented by eight taxa: Rhynchosia balansae Micheli var. balansae, R. balansae var. psilantha Fortunato, R. clausseni Benth., R. corylifolia Mart. ex Benth., R. edulis Griseb., R. leucophylla Benth., R. melanocarpa Grear and R. minima (L.) DC. The current study presents identification key, descriptions, comments, illustrations, data on geographic distribution and habitat preference of each taxon.

Leguminosae-papilionoideae from the parque estadual das Várzeas do Rio Ivinhema, Mato Grosso do Sul State, Brazil / Papilionoideae do Parque Estadual das Várzeas do Rio Ivinhema, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brasil

This study aims to evaluate the richness of the Papilionoideae species found in the Parque Estadual das Várzeas do Rio Ivinhema (PEVRI), which is located in the southeast region of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil, and investigate if the habits of this Leguminosae group vary in different formations of the park. Monthly collections, including all habits, were made by walking along pre-established trails, from September 2004 to September 2009. The PEVRI includes Seasonal Semideciduous Forest, Seasonal Alluvial Semideciduous Forest and fields. Twenty-three species distributed in 16 genera and 5 tribes were recorded. Phaseoleae was noted with 7 genera, followed by Dalbergieae with 6 genera and Desmodieae, Indigofereae and Crotalarieae with only 1 genus in each species. Among the 16 recorded genera, Crotalaria L. (4), Aeschynomene L. (3), Desmodium Desv., and Vigna Savi (2) were the most representative. The Papilionoideae with herbaceous and subshrub habits were predominant in humid and pastures, while arboreous species and lianas were recorded in the Seasonal Semideciduous Forest. Nine species of Papilionoideae were recorded in humid grasslands, eight species in Seasonal Semideciduous Forest, and only one in Alluvial Semideciduous Forest. Papilionoideae found in the PEVRI have also been recorded in cerrado, Seasonal Semideciduous Forest and Pantanal, except Andira inermis, which does not present a reference for Seasonal Alluvial Semideciduous Forest.

Este estudo consiste no inventário das Leguminosae-Papilionoideae do Parque Estadual das Várzeas do Rio Ivinhema (PEVRI), localizado ao sudeste de Mato Grosso do Sul e na investigação do hábito predominante das espécies nas diferentes formações do parque. As coletas incluindo todos os hábitos foram realizadas por meio de caminhadas, entre setembro de 2004 a setembro de 2009. O PEVRI agrega remanescentes de Floresta Estacional Semidecídua, de Floresta Estacional Semidecídua Aluvial e de campos. Foram registradas 23 espécies reunidas em 16 gêneros e 5 tribos com destaque para Phaseoleae com 7 gêneros, seguida por Dalbergieae com 6 gêneros e Desmodieae, Indigofereae e Crotalarieae representadas por 1 gênero cada. Dentre os 16 gêneros registrados destacaram-se como mais representativos: Crotalaria L. (4), Aeschynomene L. (3), Desmodium Desv. e Vigna Savi (2). As Papilionoideae herbáceas e subarbustivas predominaram em campo úmido e campo com pastagens, as arbóreas e lianas em Floresta Estacional Semidecídua. Nove espécies de Papilionoideae foram registradas em campo úmido, oito em Floresta Estacional Semidecídua e apenas uma em Floresta Estacional Semidecídua Aluvial. As Papilionoideae do PEVRI também foram registradas em outros estudos no Cerrado, Floresta Estacional Semidecídua e Pantanal, exceto Andira inermis, sem registros para a Floresta Semidecídua Aluvial.