LC-MS/MS Screening, Total Phenolic, Flavonoid and Antioxidant Contents of Crude Extracts from Three Asclepiadaceae Species Growing in Jordan.

This study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant activity and total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) of crude extracts obtained from three Asclepiadaceae species, namely, Calotropis procera L., Peruglaria tomentosa L., and Pentatropis spiralis (Forsk.) Decne. Both butanol and aq. methanol extracts of the three species showed the highest amount of phenol and flavonoid contents, which exhibited the greatest antioxidant activity in the scavenging of 2,2-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl free radical (DPPH), 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt radical cation (ABTS), ferrous chelating effect (FIC), and hydroxyl radical (HDR) assays. Phytochemical screening of the extracts revealed the presence of alkaloids, tannins, sponins, flavonoids, terpenoids, and glycosides. LC-MS analysis was carried out to identify the major compounds from each crude extract. A total of 12 phenolic compounds in the extracts of the 3 species were identified and quantified, including 9 flavonoids, 2 hydroxybenzoic acids, and 3 hydroxycinnamic acids. The current study also revealed a good correlation between total phenolic contents and the observed antioxidant activity of the crude extracts.

The impact of carbon source on cell growth and the production of bioactive compounds in cell suspensions of Hancornia speciosa Gomes.

Belonging to the Brazilian flora, the species Hancornia speciosa (Gomes), known as mangabeira, has bioactive compounds of interest, such as flavonoids, xanthones, and proanthocyanidins. The objective of this study was to determine how the supplementation of sugars in culture medium affects the osmotic potential of the medium, as well as its influence on cell growth and on the concentration of phenolic compounds. For this purpose, after 90 days of subculture, 20 mL aliquots of the cultures were added to flasks containing 20 mL of medium with different sugars (glucose, fructose, sucrose, mannitol, and sorbitol) under a 16-h photoperiod with a spectral range between 400 and 700 nm of photosynthetically active radiation (45-55 µmol m-2 s-1) in a shaker at 110 rpm. After 30 days, the pH, electrical conductivity, osmotic potential, biomass accumulation, and concentrations of phenolic compounds were evaluated. Regardless of their concentration in the medium, the sugars sorbitol and mannitol provided more unfavorable conditions for water absorption at the cellular level, reducing the water potential of the medium. Sucrose favored greater water absorption and biomass accumulation. Among the various sugar concentrations, 3% (30 g/L) sucrose or glucose improved the accumulation of fresh and dry cell weight and the production of polyphenols such as chlorogenic acid, epicatechin, rosmarinic acid, hesperidin, rutin, and quercetin. In addition, they resulted in a higher osmotic potential of the medium and larger cells than other carbon sources. Despite the differences in cell size, no culture conditions compromised cell survival.

Decalepis salicifolia (Bedd. ex Hook. f.) Venter: A steno-endemic and critically endangered medicinal and aromatic plant from Western Ghats, India.

Decalepis salicifolia (Bedd. ex Hook. f.) Venter is a potential medicinal and highly aromatic plant species confined to the southernmost part of the Western Ghats of India. The plant is well known for its traditional uses among the various tribal communities of south India. The tubers of the plant possess characteristic vanillin-like aroma due to the presence of the compound 2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzaldehyde. The tubers are used to substitute Hemidesmus indicus in various herbal formulations. The plants in the wild are continuously uprooted for their roots, leading to the irreversible destruction of the whole plant. The resulting tremendous loss of populations in the wild led to the species being declared as critically endangered by IUCN. Our group is working on the various aspects of this species including population status, distribution mapping, prospection, and conservation management. In the present review, we have brought out the available information till date on D. salicifolia, including taxonomy, ethno-medicinal uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, population status, and conservation efforts along with research gap and lacunae to provide direction for further research into this less explored medicinal and aromatic plant.

Silver nanoparticles elicited in vitro callus cultures for accumulation of biomass and secondary metabolites in Caralluma tuberculata.

Elicited plant in vitro cultures are gaining more interest worldwide for their potential in the uniform production of industrially important secondary metabolites. In the present study, different ratios of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and plant growth regulators (PGRs) were supplemented to in vitro cultures for the sustainable production of biomass and antioxidant secondary metabolites through callus cultures of Caralluma tuberculata. Results indicated that various concentrations of AgNPs significantly affected the callus proliferation and substantially increased the callus biomass, when combined with PGRs in the MS (Murashige and Skoog) media. The highest fresh (0.78 g/l) and dry (0.051 g/l) biomass accumulation of callus was observed in the cultures raised in vitro at 60 µg/l AgNPs in combination with 0.5 mg/l 2,4-D plus 3.0 mg/l BA. Phytochemical analysis of the callus cultures showed higher production of phenolics (TPC:3.0 mg), flavonoids (TFC:1.8 mg), phenylalanine ammonialyase activity (PAL: 5.8 U/mg) and antioxidant activity (90%), respectively, in the callus cultures established on MS media in the presence of 90 ug/l AgNPs. Moreover, enhanced activities of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD: 4.8 U/mg), peroxidase (POD: 3.3 U/mg), catalase (CAT: 2.5 U/mg) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX: 1.9 U/mg) were detected at higher level (90 ug/l) of AgNPs tested alone for callus proliferation in the MS media. It may be concluded that the AgNPs can be effectively utilized for the enhancement of bioactive antioxidants in the callus cultures of C. tuberculata, a highly medicinal and threatened plant. This protocol can be scaled up for the industrial production of plant biomass and pharmacologically potent metabolites in C. tuberculata.

Healing effects of Pergularia tomentosa L., a native medicinal plant in Bushehr province, Iran on burn, in animal model.

Burn injury is one of the most destructive events in the world. The Pergularia tomentosa L. is a medicinal plant that traditionally, applies for treatment of burning, in Bushehr province, Iran. Various bioactive compounds such as steroid glycosides, tannins, various vitamins, saponins, cardenolides and anthraquinones were identified into extract of the plant, which can be effective in burn wound healing. Twenty-one rats weighting every one 200±5 grams were divided equally into three groups. The second-degree burning induced on all groups. One of groups did not receive any treatment (The control group) and was treated locally with saline and eucerin. The Second group received the P. tomentosa L. as a topical ointment, and the third group received locally, a thin layer of silver sulfadiazine ointment 3% after washing the wound with saline. Afterward treatment period, the microscopic slides from histological sections were prepared. At that point, amounts of the fibroblast cells, blood vessels, wound area, necrotic tissues, and diameter of epidermis rate of wound healing were determined. Also the exterior status of wound in different days was considered. Results obtained from current study have revealed that the extract of P. tomentosa L. can significantly, cause qualitative and quantitative acceleration in healing of second degree burn wounds, due to their bioactive and vasoactive properties. In conclusion the P. tomentosa L. can is used as an overborne medicine with lower cost and side effect than the similar chemical medicines. Although, the further studies are needed on these plants, due to their some toxic effects.

Testing the hypothesis of loss of defenses on islands across a wide latitudinal gradient of Periploca laevigata populations.

PREMISE OF THE STUDY: We tested a hypothesis that predicts loss of chemical defenses on island plant populations (LCDIH) as an evolutionary response to limited herbivore pressures. METHODS: Using a common garden approach, we grew 16 populations (N = 286 seedlings) of Periploca laevigata, a Mediterranean shrub for which previous studies suggested that animal browsing elicits defensive responses mediated by tannins. Our experimental setting represented a wide latitudinal gradient (37-15°N) encompassing three island systems, virtually free of large herbivores, and three mainland areas. Putative chemical defenses were estimated from tannin-protein precipitation assays, and inducible responses in growth and chemical traits were assessed between seasons and by subjecting plants to a pruning treatment. KEY RESULTS: We failed to find support for the LCDIH, since island populations (Canary Islands, Cape Verde) had increasingly higher constitutive levels of tannins at lower latitudes. Seasonality, but not experimental pruning, induced variation in levels of tannins in a consistent pattern across populations. Thus, net differences in leaf tannin concentration remained similar among geographical areas regardless of the factor considered, with latitude being the best explanatory factor for this trait over seasonal growth patterns. CONCLUSIONS: Geographical variation in total tannin pools appears to be mediated by factors other than herbivore pressure in P. laevigata. We hypothesize that abiotic correlates of latitude not considered in our study have promoted high constitutive levels of leaf tannins across Macaronesian populations, which ultimately may explain the pattern of seasonal variation and latitudinal increase from Mediterranean to subtropical Cape Verde populations.

Evolution on the backbone: Apocynaceae phylogenomics and new perspectives on growth forms, flowers, and fruits.

PREMISE OF THE STUDY: We provide the largest phylogenetic analyses to date of Apocynaceae in terms of taxa and molecular data as a framework for analyzing the evolution of vegetative and reproductive traits. METHODS: We produced maximum-likelihood phylogenies of Apocynaceae using 21 plastid loci sampled from 1045 species (nearly 25% of the family) and complete plastomes from 73 species. We reconstructed ancestral states and used model comparisons in a likelihood framework to analyze character evolution across Apocynaceae. KEY RESULTS: We obtained a well-supported phylogeny of Apocynaceae, resolving poorly understood tribal and subtribal relationships (e.g., among Amsonieae and Hunterieae, within Asclepiadeae), rejecting monophyly of Melodineae and Odontadenieae, and placing previously unsampled and enigmatic taxa (e.g., Pycnobotrya). We provide new insights into the evolution of Apocynaceae, including frequent shifts between herbaceousness and woodiness, reversibility of twining, integrated evolution of the corolla and gynostegium, and ancestral baccate fruits. CONCLUSIONS: Increased sampling and selection of best-fitting models of evolution provide more resolved and robust estimates of phylogeny and character evolution than obtained in previous studies. Evolutionary inferences are sensitive to choice of phylogenetic frameworks and models.

Lianas.

Rowe introduces the beautiful and fascinating plants classified as lianas.

Biological Invasion Influences the Outcome of Plant-Soil Feedback in the Invasive Plant Species from the Brazilian Semi-arid.

Plant-soil feedback is recognized as the mutual interaction between plants and soil microorganisms, but its role on the biological invasion of the Brazilian tropical seasonal dry forest by invasive plants still remains unclear. Here, we analyzed and compared the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) communities and soil characteristics from the root zone of invasive and native plants, and tested how these AMF communities affect the development of four invasive plant species (Cryptostegia madagascariensis, Parkinsonia aculeata, Prosopis juliflora, and Sesbania virgata). Our field sampling revealed that AMF diversity and frequency of the Order Diversisporales were positively correlated with the root zone of the native plants, whereas AMF dominance and frequency of the Order Glomerales were positively correlated with the root zone of invasive plants. We grew the invasive plants in soil inoculated with AMF species from the root zone of invasive (I changed) and native (I unaltered) plant species. We also performed a third treatment with sterilized soil inoculum (control). We examined the effects of these three AMF inoculums on plant dry biomass, root colonization, plant phosphorous concentration, and plant responsiveness to mycorrhizas. We found that I unaltered and I changed promoted the growth of all invasive plants and led to a higher plant dry biomass, mycorrhizal colonization, and P uptake than control, but I changed showed better results on these variables than I unaltered. For plant responsiveness to mycorrhizas and fungal inoculum effect on plant P concentration, we found positive feedback between changed-AMF community (I changed) and three of the studied invasive plants: C. madagascariensis, P. aculeata, and S. virgata.

Morpho-physiological analyses of Allamanda blanchetii A. DC. seedlings under water deficit / Análises morfo-fisiológicas em plantas de Allamanda blanchetii A. DC sob déficit hídrico

The Allamanda blanchetii belongs to the Apocynaceae family, being an ornamental species popularly known as allamanda-roxa and is endemic to the Caatinga. The aim of this research was to evaluate the growth, gas exchange, relative water content, and stomatal density of A. blanchetii under water stress conditions. The experimental design was completely randomized with six levels of the maximum water holding capacity (MWHC) (100%, 80%, 60%, 40%, and 20%) with eight replications. Weekly, it was performed the evaluations of plant height and number of leaves. The results for water stress treatment in the A. blanchetii plants show that they develop better in the water levels of 100% and 80% of the MWHC, without presenting significant morphological and physiological changes. In turn, 20% of the MWHC does not allow the survival of the A. blanchetii plants. The water restriction negatively interfered in the gas exchange in the treatment of 60% and 40% of the MWHC. Therefore, it can be concluded that the A. blanchetii plants grow satisfactorily in 100% and 80% of the MWHC, ensuring the growth and survival during the drought period. The water availability to which the plants were submitted does not influence the total chlorophyll and relative water content of leaves. Gas exchanges are adversely affected at levels of water availability below 80% of the MWHC.

Allamanda blanchetii pertence à família Apocynaceae, é uma espécie ornamental, conhecida popularmente como allamanda-roxa, endêmica da Caatinga. O objetivo da pesquisa foi avaliar o crescimento, trocas gasosas, conteúdo relativo de água e densidade estomática de A. blanchetii sob condições de estresse hídrico. O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualizado, com seis capacidade máxima de retenção de água tratamentos hídricos (100%, 80%, 60%, 40% e 20%) com oito repetições. Os resultados obtidos sobre o déficit hídrico aplicado, as plantas de A. blanchetii se desenvolvem com níveis de água de 100% e 80% da CMRA, sem apresentar modificações morfológicas e fisiológicas significativas enquanto que com de 20% da CMRA não houve a sobrevivência de plantas. A restrição hídrica interferiu negativamente nas trocas gasosas, nos tratamentos de 60% e 40% CMRA. Portanto pode-se concluir que as plantas de A. blanchetii crescem satisfatória sob 100% e 80% CMRA garantindo a sua sobrevivência e crescimento durante a seca. A clorofila total e o teor relativo de água na folha das plantas não foram influenciados pelos regimes hídricos a que foram submetidas. As trocas gasosas são negativamente afetadas em níveis de disponibilidade hídrica abaixo de 80% da CMRA.

In Vitro Callus Induction and Plant Regeneration from Stem Explants of Ceropegia noorjahaniae, a Critically Endangered Medicinal Herb.

An efficient protocol has been developed for in vitro regeneration of a large number of plantlets of Ceropegia noorjahaniae Ansari via indirect organogenesis from stem explants excised from in vitro-germinated seedlings. The callus was efficiently induced from the stem explants using Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with auxins and their combinations. The highest number of shoots (16.0 ± 0.2) and shoot length (5.5 ± 0.1 cm) was achieved when the callus was subcultured to MS medium supplemented with 6-benzylaminopurine, BAP (2.0 mg/l) and indole-3-acetic acid, IAA (0.2 mg/l). The in vitro-developed shoots were rooted well in half-strength MS medium supplemented with 1.0 mg/l of indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) and 0.3 mg/l of α-naphthalene acetic acid (NAA). The plantlets were successfully hardened with 82 % survival rate. This is the first report on the regeneration of plants through indirect shoot organogenesis from stem derived calli of C. noorjahaniae.

The Impact of Global Climate Change on the Geographic Distribution and Sustainable Harvest of Hancornia speciosa Gomes (Apocynaceae) in Brazil.

The global Climate change may affect biodiversity and the functioning of ecosystems by changing the appropriate locations for the development and establishment of the species. The Hancornia speciosa, popularly called Mangaba, is a plant species that has potential commercial value and contributes to rural economic activities in Brazil. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of global climate change on the potential geographic distribution, productivity, and value of production of H. speciosa in Brazil. We used MaxEnt to estimate the potential geographic distribution of the species in current and future (2050) climate scenarios. We obtained the productivity and value of production for 74 municipalities in Brazil. Moreover, to explain the variation the productivity and value of production, we constructed 15 models based on four variables: two ecological (ecological niche model and the presence of Unity of conservation) and two socio-economic (gross domestic product and human developed index). The models were selected using Akaike Information Criteria. Our results suggest that municipalities currently harvesting H. speciosa will have lower harvest rates in the future (mainly in northeastern Brazil). The best model to explain the productivity was ecological niche model; thus, municipalities with higher productivity are inserted in regions with higher environmental suitability (indicated by niche model). Thus, in the future, the municipalities harvesting H. speciosa will produce less because there will be less suitable habitat for H. speciosa, which in turn will affect the H. speciosa harvest and the local economy.

Development and evolution of extreme synorganization in angiosperm flowers and diversity: a comparison of Apocynaceae and Orchidaceae.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Apocynaceae and Orchidaceae are two angiosperm families with extreme flower synorganization. They are unrelated, the former in eudicots, the latter in monocots, but they converge in the formation of pollinia and pollinaria, which do not occur in any other angiosperm family, and for which extreme synorganization of floral organs is a precondition. In each family extensive studies on flower development and evolution have been performed; however, newer comparative studies focusing on flower synorganization and involving both families together are lacking. SCOPE: For this study an extensive search through the morphological literature has been conducted. Based on this and my own studies on flowers in various Apocynaceae and Orchidaceae and complex flowers in other angiosperms with scanning electron microscopy and with microtome section series, a review on convergent floral traits in flower development and architecture in the two families is presented. KEY FINDINGS: There is a tendency of protracted development of synorganized parts in Apocynaceae and Orchidaceae (development of synorganization of two or more organs begins earlier the more accentuated it is at anthesis). Synorganization (or complexity) also paves the way for novel structures. One of the most conspicuous such novel structures in Apocynaceae is the corona, which is not the product of synorganization of existing organs; however, it is probably enhanced by synorganization of other, existing, floral parts. In contrast to synorganized parts, the corona appears developmentally late. CONCLUSIONS: Synorganization of floral organs may lead to a large number of convergences in clades that are only very distantly related. The convergences that have been highlighted in this comparative study should be developmentally investigated directly in parallel in future studies.

Population Dynamics and Conservation Implications of Decalepis arayalpathra (J. Joseph and V. Chandras.) Venter., a Steno Endemic Species of Western Ghats, India.

Decalepis arayalpathra, a critically endangered plant species, has a restricted and fragmented population in Southern Western Ghats, India. This study is a first attempt to evaluate genetic diversity and population structure in the nine wild populations of D. arayalpathra based on molecular pattern realized through the marker assays. Principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) and Nei's unweighted pair-group method with arithmetic average (UPGMA)-based hierarchical clustering of both the marker assays suggest strong genetic clustering between the individuals corresponding to their geographical ranges. Mantel test also corroborates a close genetic proximity between genetic and geographic data (r = 0.389). Population genetic analysis revealed low levels of gene flow [inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) = 0.289 and random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) = 0.847] between the populations, in line with high genetic differentiation (Gst = 0.531 with ISSR and 0.440 with RAPD), which was also supported by analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA), that 54 % (ISSR) and 64 % (RAPD) total variation resided within populations. Bayesian model-based STRUCTURE analysis detected three genetic clusters showing the high degree of admixture within population. Based on the findings, such as inbreeding depression and the loss of genetic diversity, suggestions for conservation strategies are provided to preserve the genetic resources of this endangered species.

Na+/K+-ATPase resistance and cardenolide sequestration: basal adaptations to host plant toxins in the milkweed bugs (Hemiptera: Lygaeidae: Lygaeinae).

Despite sequestration of toxins being a common coevolutionary response to plant defence in phytophagous insects, the macroevolution of the traits involved is largely unaddressed. Using a phylogenetic approach comprising species from four continents, we analysed the ability to sequester toxic cardenolides in the hemipteran subfamily Lygaeinae, which is widely associated with cardenolide-producing Apocynaceae. In addition, we analysed cardenolide resistance of their Na(+)/K(+)-ATPases, the molecular target of cardenolides. Our data indicate that cardenolide sequestration and cardenolide-resistant Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase are basal adaptations in the Lygaeinae. In two species that shifted to non-apocynaceous hosts, the ability to sequester was secondarily reduced, yet Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase resistance was maintained. We suggest that both traits evolved together and represent major coevolutionary adaptations responsible for the evolutionary success of lygaeine bugs. Moreover, specialization on cardenolides was not an evolutionary dead end, but enabled this insect lineage to host shift to cardenolide-producing plants from distantly related families.

Diversity and genetic structure of mangaba remnants in states of northeastern Brazil.

In this study, we analyzed the genetic diversity and structure of remnants of mangaba populations in states of northeastern Brazil by applying 9 microsatellite markers previously developed to establish conservation strategies for germplasm and species preservation. Six to 20 individuals per population were analyzed, with a total of 94 individuals and 6 populations from the states of Ceará, Pernambuco, and Sergipe, Brazil. The intra-population positive fixation index (f) in all populations indicated inbreeding resulting from the lack of random mating. The mean genetic diversity index values GST, FST, and RST estimated for divergence among the 6 populations were 0.14 (P < 0.05), revealing moderate genetic differentiation. The smallest FST value (P ≥ 0.05) was observed between the Jacarecoara and Tapera populations (0.005) and the highest between the Barra dos Coqueiros and Jacarecoara populations (0.287). The Jacarecoara population was the most divergent among the populations analyzed. According to analysis of molecular variance results, the largest variation percentage resulted from variability within populations (83.18%). Bayesian clustering analysis showed the formation of 2 sets (K = 2). Our results are important for developing strategies for in situ conservation of the species, seed collection, and ex situ conservation. For both methods, conservation of the greatest possible genetic variability of the species is essential.

Evaluation of anti-inflammatory and mechanism of action of extract of Macrosiphonia longiflora (Desf.) Müll. Arg.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Macrosiphonia longiflora (Desf.) Müll. Arg (Apocynaceae), popularly known as 'velame' and 'velame branco', is a native subshrub that grows in the Brazilian Cerrado. This plant is widely used in traditional medicine in the form of decoction and infusion, particularly as anti-inflammatory, depurative, anti-rheumatic, antisyphilitic and antiulcer remedy. There is no available information in the literature that has addressed its pharmacological activity and phytochemical analysis. AIM OF THE STUDY: This study aimed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory pharmacological profile of the hydroethanolic extract of Macrosiphonia longiflora, using in vivo and in vitro acute inflammation experimental models, as well as investigate the roles of cytokines and nitric oxide in its mechanism of action, and including phytochemical analysis constitution of its hydroethanolic extract. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Hydroethanolic (70%) extract of Macrosiphonia longiflora (HEMl) was prepared by maceration. The preliminary phytochemical analysis was performed according to procedures described in the literature. Selected secondary metabolites detected were quantified by spectrophotometry and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Its cytotoxic potential in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO-k1) epithelial cell lines was evaluated using Alamar Blue. in vivo anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated with carrageenan- and dextran-induced paw edemas, carrageenan-induced pleurisy in rats and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced peritonitis in mice. The in vitro anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated using RAW 264.7 cells stimulated with LPS and interferon (INF)-γ. Effects of HEMl on the inflammatory cytokines (IL-1ß, IL-10, IL-17, INF-γ and TNF-α) concentrations in the peritoneal lavage were evaluated using commercial ELISA kits, while the Griess method was employed to determine nitric oxide (NO) concentrations in the peritoneal lavage, as well as in the supernatants of RAW 264.7 cells. RESULTS: Preliminary phytochemical analysis, revealed the presence of phenolics compounds, terpenoids, alkaloids and flavonoids. Spectrophotometric analysis revealed the presence of relatively high content of phenolics and flavonoids in HEMl. HPLC analysis confirmed the presence of the quantified compounds and demonstrated the presence of ellagic acid in the detected matrix of compounds. HEMl appeared to be non-cytotoxic. It effectively inhibited (p<0.05) paw edema induced by carrageenan and dextran. Furthermore, HEMl also significantly reduced exudates volume and leukocyte migration in the carrageenan-induced pleurisy and LPS-induced peritonitis, neutrophils counts in LPS-induced peritonitis. HEMl also acts by effectively inhibiting the following inflammatory cytokines: IL-1ß and IL-10 levels in the peritoneal lavage, but had no effect on IL-17 level in the peritonitis model. In addition, HEMl had no effect on the levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) present in the peritoneal lavage and cells supernatants. The concentration of NO, as assessed by measurement of nitrite (NO2(-)), showed that pretreatment with HEMl reduced NO significantly in the peritoneal lavage and in RAW 264.7 cells co-stimulated with LPS and INF-γ. CONCLUSION: The results obtained in this study indicate that HEMl possesses very low cytotoxic potential. In addition, it demonstrated a potent anti-inflammatory activity in both the in vivo and in vitro models of acute inflammation. The anti-inflammatory effect is partly related to the inhibition of IL-1ß, IL-10, and nitric oxide releases, but independent of TNF-α and IL-17 modulation. Phytochemical analysis revealed the predominant presence of the flavonoids (naringin, rutin, myricetin, morin, quercetin, (±)-naringenin, and luteolin) and phenols (ellagic acid), which are possibly involved in the anti-inflammatory effect of HEMl. The current study provided supportive evidence for the popular use of HEMl in the treatment of inflammatory conditions, and shed more light on the possible roles of the inflammatory cytokines in its mechanisms of action as anti-inflammatory agent.

The effect of management systems and ecosystem types on bark regeneration in Himatanthus drasticus (Apocynaceae): recommendations for sustainable harvesting.

Bark and exudates are widely commercialized non-timber forest products. However, the ecological impacts of the harvesting of these products have seldom been studied. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship of tree resilience to harvesting intensity in Himatanthus drasticus, a tree that is highly exploited in the Brazilian savanna (Cerrado) for its medicinal latex. Although the traded product is the latex, the traditional harvesting systems involve the removal of the bark of the trees to allow exploitation. A 3-year experiment was conducted in two different Cerrado ecosystems (open savanna and savanna woodland). Trees were debarked at four debarking intensities to simulate the effects of traditional management systems. Measurements of bark growth were taken every 6 months, and quantitative and qualitative indexes of bark regeneration were obtained. The mortality of the debarked trees was low and could not be related to the intensity of harvesting. No signs of attack by fungi or insects were recorded. Compared with other species exploited for bark, H. drasticus is very resilient to harvesting; however, bark regeneration is relatively slow. In both analyzed ecosystems, the regeneration indexes showed higher values in the controls than in the treatments, indicating that 3 years is not sufficient for total recovery of the rhytidome. Bark regeneration occurred primarily by sheet growth and was more rapid in open savanna than in savanna woodland. No differences in the rate of bark recovery were found among management treatments. Based on the results, sustainable harvesting guidelines are suggested for the species.

Influence of Npk inorganic fertilizer treatment on the proximate composition of the leaves of Ocimum gratissimum (L.) and Gongronema latifolium (benth).

The influence of NPK inorganic fertilizer treatment on the proximate composition of the leaves of Ocimum gratissimum (L.) and Gongronema latifolium (Benth) was investigated. Cultivated O. gratissimum and G. latifolium were treated with NPK (15:15:15) fertilizer at 100, 200, 300, 400 and 500 kg h(-1) treatment levels in planting buckets derived using the furrow slice method two months after seedling emergence. No fertilizer treatment served as control. The leaves of the plants were harvested for analysis one month after treatment. The leaf was used for the analysis because it the most eaten part. Fertilizer treatment significantly (p < 0.05) increased the dry matter, moisture content, ash, crude protein, crude fibre, crude fat contents of the leaves of both plants. On the other hand, fertilizer treatment significantly, (p < 0.05) decreased the carbohydrate and the calorific value of the leaves of the plants. The increase in the concentrations of these substances as a result of fertilizer of fertilizer treatment might be due to the role of fertilizer in chlorophyll content of plant's leaves, which in turn enhanced the process of photosynthesis leading to increased synthesis of these substances. The decrease in the carbohydrate content might be due to its conversion to other materials in the plants. The results obtained were discussed in line with current literatures.

Fire creates host plant patches for monarch butterflies.

Monarch butterflies (Danaus plexippus) depend on the presence of host plants (Asclepias spp.) within their breeding range for reproduction. In the southern Great Plains, Asclepias viridis is a perennial that flowers in May and June, and starts to senesce by August. It is locally abundant and readily used by monarchs as a host plant. We evaluated the effects of summer prescribed fire on A. viridis and the use of A. viridis by monarch butterflies. Summer prescribed fire generated a newly emergent population of A. viridis that was absent in other areas. Pre-migrant monarch butterflies laid eggs on A. viridis in summer burned plots in late August and September, allowing adequate time for a new generation of adult monarchs to emerge and migrate south to their overwintering grounds. Thus, summer prescribed fire may provide host plant patches and/or corridors for pre-migrant monarchs during a time when host plant availability may be limited in other areas.