Three new glycosides from the stems of Eurya chinensis R. Br.

Two new phenolic glycosides (1 and 2), one known analogue (3), along with a new diterpene glucoside (4) were obtained from ethanolic extract of the stems of Eurya chinensis R. Br. The structures of these isolated compounds were identified by extensive analysis of HRESIMS and NMR spectroscopic data. The cytotoxicities of these compounds were evaluated on MCF-7, A549, HepG2, CaCo2 and 5-8 F cell lines by MTT method, but no obvious activities were observed.

Profile of a flower: How rates of morphological evolution drive floral diversification in Ericales and angiosperms.

PREMISE: Recent studies of floral disparity in the asterid order Ericales have shown that flowers vary strongly among families and that disparity is unequally distributed between the three flower modules (perianth, androecium, gynoecium). However, it remains unknown whether these patterns are driven by heterogeneous rates of morphological evolution or other factors. METHODS: Here, we compiled a data set of 33 floral characters scored for 414 species of Ericales sampled from 346 genera and all 22 families. We conducted ancestral state reconstructions using an equal-rates Markov model for each character. We estimated rates of morphological evolution for Ericales and for a separate angiosperm-wide data set of 19 characters and 792 species, creating "rate profiles" for Ericales, angiosperms, and major angiosperm subclades. We compared morphological rates among flower modules within each data set separately and between data sets, and we compared rates among angiosperm subclades using the angiosperm data set. RESULTS: The androecium exhibits the highest evolutionary rates across most characters, whereas most perianth and gynoecium characters evolve more slowly in both Ericales and angiosperms. Both high and low rates of morphological evolution can result in high floral disparity in Ericales. Analyses of an angiosperm-wide floral data set reveal that this pattern appears to be conserved across most major angiosperm clades. CONCLUSIONS: Elevated rates of morphological evolution in the androecium of Ericales may explain the higher disparity reported for this floral module. Comparing rates of morphological evolution through rate profiles proves to be a powerful tool in understanding floral evolution.

Artificial pollination of kiwifruit (Actinidia chinensis Planch. var. chinensis) (Ericales: Actinidiaceae) results in greater fruit set compared to flowers pollinated by managed bees (Apis mellifera L. (Hymenoptera: Apidae) and Bombus impatiens Cresson (Hymenoptera: Apidae)).

Due to a lack of knowledge on the pollination requirements of kiwifruit cultivars grown within the United States, farmers simultaneously implement multiple pollination methods, like the rental of managed bee species or artificial pollination to achieve high fruit yields. However, implementing multiple pollination methods is costly and possibly an inefficient use of resources. We assessed the contribution of two managed bees (Apis mellifera and Bombus impatiens) to the pollination of kiwifruit by i) determining the relative abundance of kiwifruit pollen collected by foragers of each bee species, and ii) comparing fruit set and fruit quality among insect and artificially pollinated flowers through an insect exclusion experiment. A significant difference was observed between the mean relative abundance of kiwifruit pollen carried in the corbicula of A. mellifera and B. impatiens, with B. impatiens carrying on average 46% more kiwifruit pollen than A. mellifera. Artificially pollinated kiwifruit flowers set significantly greater numbers of fruit per flower at four weeks post-bloom and at harvest compared to insect pollination, wind pollination, and pollen exclusion treatment. Artificial pollination produced fruits of greater weight, size, and seed number compared to insect-pollinated flowers, and few fruits were produced in the pollen exclusion and wind pollination treatments. Kiwifruit producers experiencing similar conditions to ours should focus on artificially pollinating their crops rather than relying on managed or wild insects for kiwifruit pollination. Future research should evaluate other methods of artificial pollination to determine their effectiveness, efficiency, and economics in the pollination of kiwifruit grown within the United States.

Genomic-based microsatellite development for Ternstroemia (Pentaphylacaceae) and transferability to other Ericales.

BACKGROUND: The genus Ternstroemia is associated with the vulnerable tropical montane cloud forest in Mexico and with other relevant vegetation types worldwide. It contains threatened and pharmacologically important species and has taxonomic issues regarding its species limits. This study describes 38 microsatellite markers generated using a genomic-based approach. METHODS AND RESULTS: We tested 23 of these markers in a natural population of Ternstroemia lineata. These markers are highly polymorphic (all loci polymorphic with 3-14 alleles per locus and expected heterozygosity between 0.202 and 0.908), most of them (19 out of 23) are in Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium and free of null alleles (18 out of 23). Also we found no evidence of linkage among them. Finally, we tested the transferability to six other American species of Ternstroemia, two other Pentaphylacaceae species, and four species from different families within the order Ericales. CONCLUSIONS: These molecular resources are promising tools to investigate genetic diversity loss and as barcodes for ethnopharmacological applications and species delimitation in the family Pentaphylacaceae and some Ericales, among other applications.

Ternstroenol F: a new pentacyclic triterpenoid saponin isolated from the Australian rainforest plant Ternstroemia cherryi.

A detailed close phytochemical investigation of the fruits of Ternstroemia cherryi led to the isolation and identification of the minor metabolite, ternstroenol F, which possessed the usual barrigenol-like terpenoid backbone. The notable difference was that this minor metabolite had the 2(E)-4(Z)-6(E)-decatrienoic acid forming an ester bond at C-22 of the oleanane backbone. Ternstroenol F was evaluated for its inhibitory effects on NO inhibition, cell viability and TNF- α release in RAW 264.7 macrophages, displaying an IC50 values of 0.23, 0.81 and 1.84 µM respectively.

Genetic diversity and correlation between morphological traits of pequi fruits (Caryocar brasiliense Camb.) with and without thorns at the endocarp.

Morphological characteristics of pequi fruits (Caryocar brasiliense) allows us to obtain information for the conservation, breeding, and detect genetic variability. Thus, the aims of this research were to characterize the genetic diversity of Caryocar brasiliense that produce fruits with and without thorn at the endocarp; determine the important characters in the study of genetic diversity, and to estimate phenotypic and genotypic correlations. 80 fruits with thorns and 90 fruits without thorns were evaluated. Data were used for analysis: Euclidian distance as a measure of dissimilarity and the Tocher method for delimitation of groups; Principal Component Analysis, and genotypic and phenotypic correlations. Genetic dissimilarity of C. brasiliense ranged from 0.066 (B6-D6) to 0.908 (A14-B3). Tocher method allowed dividing the matrices into three groups, the dendrogram into five groups, and the principal components allowed the distribution in 8 groups. We observed 15 significant correlations for characters of fruit with thorns and 31 correlations for characters of fruit without thorns. The weight of the fruit (with thorns) and the pyrene yield (without thorns) are relevant correlations for production. The groupings generated allowed the classification of the matrices into distinct sets. Allowed the identification of potential producers plants that could be used in breeding programs.

Shoot organogenesis and somatic embryogenesis from leaf and petiole explants of endangered Euryodendron excelsum.

Euryodendron excelsum H.T. Chang is a rare and endangered woody plant endemic to China. It is very important to conserve and propagate this species from extinction. In this study, leaves and petioles from the axillary shoots in vitro were used as explants to culture on the different plant growth regulator (PGR) woody plant medium (WPM) and establish an efficient shoot proliferation and plant regeneration system. WPM supplemented with 1.0 mg/L 2,4-D induced callus dedifferentiated into buds and somatic embryos on various media,including PGR-free WPM. However, only adventitious shoots formed on WPM with 1.0 mg/L of cytokinins such as 6-benzyladenine (BA), kinetin (KIN) or thidiazuron (TDZ). When another cytokinin, zeatin, was used, somatic embryos were induced directly from From cut surface of these explants. Adventitious roots could be induced from both explants on WPM with 1.0 mg/L α-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA). Somatic embryos cultured in PGR-free WPM or WPM with 0.2 mg/L NAA developed roots. Plantlets derived from somatic embryos were transferred to a peat: sand (1:1, v/v) substrate, and showed survival rates of 64.3% at 30 days and 54.6% at 90 days. Callus clumps with adventitious shoot buds that were transferred to WPM containing 1.0 mg/L BA and 0.2 mg/L NAA generated a mean 3.3 multiple shoots. Callus-derived shoots regenerated and rooted successfully (100%) on agar-free vermiculite-based WPM with 0.5 µM NAA after 30 d. Plantlets transplanted to peat soil: vermiculite (1:1, v/v) displayed the highest survival (96.7%) after three months.

Comparative analyses of three complete Primula mitogenomes with insights into mitogenome size variation in Ericales.

BACKGROUND: Although knowledge of the sizes, contents, and forms of plant mitochondrial genomes (mitogenomes) is increasing, little is known about the mechanisms underlying their structural diversity. Evolutionary information on the mitogenomes of Primula, an important ornamental taxon, is more limited than the information on their nuclear and plastid counterparts, which has hindered the comprehensive understanding of Primula mitogenomic diversity and evolution. The present study reported and compared three Primula mitogenomes and discussed the size expansion of mitogenomes in Ericales. RESULTS: Mitogenome master circles were sequenced and successfully assembled for three Primula taxa and were compared with publicly available Ericales mitogenomes. The three mitogenomes contained similar gene contents and varied primarily in their structures. The Primula mitogenomes possessed relatively high nucleotide diversity among all examined plant lineages. In addition, high nucleotide diversity was found among Primula species between the Mediterranean and Himalaya-Hengduan Mountains. Most predicted RNA editing sites appeared in the second amino acid codon, increasing the hydrophobic character of the protein. An early stop in atp6 caused by RNA editing was conserved across all examined Ericales species. The interfamilial relationships within Ericales and interspecific relationships within Primula could be well resolved based on mitochondrial data. Transfer of the two longest mitochondrial plastid sequences (MTPTs) occurred before the divergence of Primula and its close relatives, and multiple independent transfers could also occur in a single MTPT sequence. Foreign sequence [MTPTs and mitochondrial nuclear DNA sequences (NUMTs)] uptake and repeats were to some extent associated with changes in Ericales mitogenome size, although none of these relationships were significant overall. CONCLUSIONS: The present study revealed relatively conserved gene contents, gene clusters, RNA editing, and MTPTs but considerable structural variation in Primula mitogenomes. Relatively high nucleotide diversity was found in the Primula mitogenomes. In addition, mitogenomic genes, collinear gene clusters, and locally collinear blocks (LCBs) all showed phylogenetic signals. The evolutionary history of MTPTs in Primula was complicated, even in a single MTPT sequence. Various reasons for the size variation observed in Ericales mitogenomes were found.

Pequi oil (Caryocar brasilense Cambess.) nanoemulsion alters cell proliferation and damages key organelles in triple-negative breast cancer cells in vitro.

Pequi oil is extracted from the fruit of a Brazilian native plant (Caryocar brasiliense Camb) that contains some molecules with anticancer potential. Due to its hydrophobic property, the administration of pequi oil associated with nanoemulsion systems represents a successful strategy to improve oil bioavailability. Breast cancer is the most frequent type of cancer among women and conventional therapies used are frequently associated with several side effects. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of pequi oil-based nanoemulsion (PeNE) on triple-negative breast cancer cells (4T1), in vitro. PeNE presented a dose- and time-dependent cytotoxic effect with lower IC50 than free pequi oil after 48 h of exposure (p < 0.001). At 180 µg/mL, PeNE demonstrated numerous cell alterations, when compared to free pequi oil, such as morphological alterations, reduction in cell proliferation and total cell number, damage to plasmatic membrane, induction of lysosomal membrane permeability and depolarization of mitochondrial membrane, alteration of intracellular ROS production and calcium level, and increase in phosphatidylserine exposure. Taken together, the results suggest an interesting induction of cell death mechanisms involving a combined action of factors that impair nucleus, mitochondria, lysosome, and ER function. In addition, more pronounced effects were observed in cells treated by PeNE at 180 µg/mL when compared to free pequi oil, thereby reinforcing the advantages of using nanometric platforms. These promising results highlight the use of PeNE as a potential complementary therapeutic approach to be employed along with conventional treatments against breast cancer in the future.

Enhancement of the functionality of women with knee osteoarthritis by a gel formulation with Caryocar coriaceum Wittm ("Pequi") nanoencapsulated pulp fixed oil.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease that occurs when there is a change in the mechanical and biological properties of the articular cartilage and the subchondral bone; The condition is more prevalent in women than in men. Pequi oil (PO), which is extracted from the fruits of the pequi tree (Caryocar coriaceum Wittm), is widely used in traditional medicine in the Brazilian northeast for the management of inflammation and joint pain. The aim of this study was to develop a pharmaceutical formulation containing Carbopol® hydrogel nanoencapsulated with pequi pulp fixed oil (PeONC) and evaluate its therapeutic effect on functionality and pain in women with knee osteoarthritis. The study was divided into two stages: Stage 1 - preparation and physico-chemical characterization of the pharmaceutical formulation containing PeONC, cell viability assays and skin irritability testing. Step 2 - A double-blind randomized clinical trial evaluating knee symptoms, quality of life, pressure pain, function, muscle strength and range of motion. The nanoformulation was in a gel form, with a particle size of 209.5 ± 1.06 nm, a pH of 6.23 ± 0.45, a zeta potential of - 23.1 ± 0.4 mV, a polydispersity index of 0.137 ± 0.52, and containing nanocapsules with a spherical shape a polymeric wall and an oily nucleus. The gel showed no cytotoxicity and was not irritating to human skin. The treatment with PeONC increased the strength of the knee flexor and extensor muscles and the total motion range of the knee. In addition, the treatment reduced knee instability, pain, swelling, and locking; There was also an improvement in some items of the SF-36 quality of life questionnaire such as in respect of functional capacity and social aspects. In conclusion, PeONC was found to be a stable, safe formulation with no toxicity in respect of topical use in humans. Additionally, the treatment produced an increase in muscle strength and functionality that was associated with reduced knee symptoms and improved quality of life. Our findings showed that in a group of women treated with PeONC mitigated the symptoms of knee osteoarthritis.

Fertility Effects on Blueberry Gall Midge (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) in Wild Blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium; Ericales: Ericaceae).

Blueberry gall midge, Dasineura oxycoccana (Johnson) (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) is a pest in American cranberry, Vaccinium macrocarpon Aiton (Ericales: Ericaceae) and wild blueberry, Vaccinium angustifolium Aiton (Ericales: Ericaceae), and has been observed in areas of high soil and foliar nutrient levels. New management strategies, including fertilization, will need to be altered to sustain wild blueberry production under climate change and, in turn, may impact the occurrence of this pest. The purpose of this study was to measure the effect of diammonium phosphate (DAP) fertilizer application on density of infested stems and the combined effects of fertilizer application with and without infestation on wild blueberry systems. This study was conducted at two field sites in Jonesboro and Washington, ME during 2020 and 2021. Despite increases in habitat availability (blueberry cover) for the gall midge and greater infestation density, wild blueberry production benefited from DAP application. This was shown in the number of buds per stem at both sites, as well as in stem height, flowers, green fruit, blue fruit per stem, and total yield at the Washington site. Foliar nitrogen and phosphorus levels had a significant positive linear relationship with infestation density. Growers applying fertilizers should monitor blueberry gall midge field infestation levels due to our findings that DAP fertilizer impacted infestation density and the interaction of DAP fertilizer with infestation impacted wild blueberry production.

Phylotranscriptomics of Theaceae: generic-level relationships, reticulation and whole-genome duplication.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Theaceae, with three tribes, nine genera and more than 200 species, are of great economic and ecological importance. Recent phylogenetic analyses based on plastomic data resolved the relationships among the three tribes and the intergeneric relationships within two of those tribes. However, generic-level relationships within the largest tribe, Theeae, were not fully resolved. The role of putative whole-genome duplication (WGD) events in the family and possible hybridization events among genera within Theeae also remain to be tested further. METHODS: Transcriptomes or low-depth whole-genome sequencing of 57 species of Theaceae, as well as additional plastome sequence data, were generated. Using a dataset of low-copy nuclear genes, we reconstructed phylogenetic relationships using concatenated, species tree and phylogenetic network approaches. We further conducted molecular dating analyses and inferred possible WGD events by examining the distribution of the number of synonymous substitutions per synonymous site (Ks) for paralogues in each species. For plastid protein-coding sequences , phylogenies were reconstructed for comparison with the results obtained from analysis of the nuclear dataset. RESULTS: Based on the 610 low-copy nuclear genes (858 606 bp in length) investigated, Stewartieae was resolved as sister to the other two tribes. Within Theeae, the Apterosperma-Laplacea clade grouped with Pyrenaria, leaving Camellia and Polyspora as sister. The estimated ages within Theaceae were largely consistent with previous studies based mainly on plastome data. Two reticulation events within Camellia and one between the common ancestor of Gordonia and Schima were found. All members of the tea family shared two WGD events, an older At-γ and a recent Ad-ß; both events were also shared with the outgroups (Diapensiaceae, Pentaphylacaceae, Styracaceae and Symplocaceae). CONCLUSIONS: Our analyses using low-copy nuclear genes improved understanding of phylogenetic relationships at the tribal and generic levels previously proposed based on plastome data, but the phylogenetic position of the Apterosperma-Laplacea clade needs more attention. There is no evidence for extensive intergeneric hybridization within Theeae or for a Theaceae-specific WGD event. Land bridges (e.g. the Bering land bridge) during the Late Oligocene may have permitted the intercontinental plant movements that facilitated the putative ancient introgression between the common ancestor of Gordonia and Schima.

Seasonal mite population distribution on Caryocar brasiliense trees in the Cerrado domain / Distribuição sazonal da população de ácaros em árvores de Caryocar brasiliense no domínio do Cerrado

Caryocar brasiliense Camb. (Malpighiales: Caryocaraceae) trees have a wide distribution in the Cerrado, and it is protected by federal laws. The need to monitor and understand pest damage to crops and forests is a major motivation for the study of population distribution. The mites (Acari) population distributions on C. brasiliense are unknown. We studied seasonal mite population distribution and their ecological indices on C. brasiliense trees in Cerrado areas during three years. Greatest number of Agistemus sp. (Stigmaeidae), Histiostoma sp. (Histiostomidae), Proctolaelaps sp. (Ascidae), and diversity and species richness on leaves of C. brasiliense occurred in the autumn; Tetranychus sp.1 (Tetranychidae) on leaves in the autumn and winter; Histiostoma sp., and Proctolaelaps sp. in fruits in the summer. No significant effect of season was observed in the abundance of Eutetranychus sp., Tetranychus sp.2 (Tetranychidae) and Acaridae. The populations of Acaridae, Eutetranychus sp., Proctolaelaps sp. and Tetranychus sp.1 negatively correlated with temperature. Proctolaelaps sp. and Tetranychus sp.1 correlated negatively with rainfall and Eutetranychus sp. and Proctolaelaps sp. positively with sunlight. The period with low rainfall and relative humidity increases the phytophagous mites and their predators, especially Agistemus sp.. The Tetranychus sp. and Histiostoma sp. species may become pests in C. brasiliense in the Cerrado domain.

As árvores Caryocar brasiliense Camb. (Malpighiales: Caryocaraceae) têm ampla distribuição no Cerrado e são protegidas por leis federais. A necessidade de monitorar e entender os danos causados pelas pragas às culturas e florestas é uma das motivações para o estudo da distribuição populacional que para ácaros (Acari) em C. brasiliense é desconhecida. A distribuição sazonal de populações de ácaros e seus índices ecológicos em C. brasiliense em áreas de Cerrado foram estudados durante três anos. Maior número de Agistemus sp. (Stigmaeidae), Histiostoma sp.(Histiostomidae), Proctolaelaps sp. (Ascidae) e diversidade e riqueza de espécies nas folhas de C. brasiliense ocorreram no outono; Tetranychus sp.1 (Tetranychidae) no outono e inverno; Histiostoma sp. e Proctolaelaps sp. em frutos ocorreram no verão. Não foram observados efeitos das estações na abundância de Eutetranychus sp., Tetranychus sp.2 (Tetranychidae) e Acaridae. As populações de Acaridae, Eutetranychus sp., Proctolaelaps sp. e Tetranychus sp.1 correlacionaram-se negativamente com a temperatura. Correlações negativas foram observadas entre chuva e Proctolaelaps sp. e Tetranychus sp.1 e positivas entre luz solar e Eutetranychus sp. e Proctolaelaps sp.. Baixa pluviosidade e umidade relativa do ar aumentaram os ácaros fitófagos e seus predadores, principalmente Agistemus sp.. As espécies Tetranychus sp. e Histiostoma sp. podem se tornar pragas em C. brasiliense no domínio do Cerrado.

Distribution of galling insects and their parasitoids on Caryocar brasiliense tree crowns / Distribuição de insetos galhadores e seus parasitoides em copas de pequizeiros (Caryocar brasiliense)

Caryocar brasiliense Camb. (Malpighiales: Caryocaraceae) is widely distributed in the Brazilian savanna and its fruits are used by humans for food, production of cosmetics, lubricants, and in the pharmaceutical industry. This plant is damaged by galling insects. Number of these galling insects and their parasitoids was recorded, in the field (galls) and in the laboratory (adults emerged from the galls), from three C. brasiliense crown heights, during three years. Numbers of adults of Eurytoma sp. (Hymenoptera: Eurytomidae), galling insect (younger attack) and Sycophila sp. (Hymenoptera: Eurytomidae) (a parasitoid of Eurytoma sp.), were greater on the apical parts of C. brasiliense tree crowns. Numbers and groups of Eurytoma sp. globoid galls (older attack) were higher in the median and basal crown parts. The numbers of Eurytoma sp. galls were higher on apical part of C. brasiliense tree crown and also of their parasitoids.

Caryocar brasiliense Camb. (Malpighiales: Caryocaraceae) é, amplamente, distribuída no cerrado brasileiro e seus frutos são utilizados para alimentação humana, produção de cosméticos, lubrificantes e na indústria farmacêutica, no entanto, é danificada por insetos galhadores. O número de insetos galhadores e seus parasitoides foram avaliados, em campo (galhas) e em laboratório (emergência de adultos das galhas), em três alturas do dossel de C. brasiliense, durante três anos. Os números de adultos Eurytoma sp. (Hymenoptera: Eurytomidae), inseto galhador (galhas novas) e de Sycophila sp. (Hymenoptera: Eurytomidae), parasitoide de Eurytoma sp., foram maiores na parte apical do dossel da copa de árvores de C. brasiliense. A quantidade de galhas globoides de Eurytoma sp., isoladas ou em grupo (galhas velhas), foi maior na parte mediana e basal da copa. Os números de adultos do galhador Eurytoma sp. e de seus parasitoides, que os seguem, foram maiores na parte apical da copa de árvores de C. brasiliense.

A herbal treatment approach for the management of clinical, hormonal and ultrasound parameters in reproductive age group women with polycystic ovarian syndrome: A randomized clinical trial.

Around fifteen percent women of reproductive age have been effected by Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS); a complicated disorder; and apparently there is no standard therapy available. Considering this lack, we design present work; for the assessment of a herbal medicine (Femitex-SP4) in managing PCOs. During 2016-17; this study was carried out at Abbasi Shaheed hospital, Karachi, Pakistan. A total of 150 patients aged between 18-44 years were included as per Rotterdam criteria. Patients received 500 mg of powdered herbs in capsule form twice daily. The primary outcomes were regular menstruation and ovulation plus change in fasting blood sugar levels. Changes in free testosterone levels and ovarian morphology was secondary outcome measures. Continuous outcomes before and after treatment were compared by Student's t-test (one tailed, independent). P = 0.05 was considered as significant. Women menstrual cycle was considerably improved. Fasting blood sugar levels did not change (p=0.103392). Progesterone levels were same at the starting point and after treatment (P=0.318322). With complete recovery in 6 patients; a notable change was found in ovarian size. Free testosterone levels were also dropped significantly (p<0.00001). Our main success was drastic improvement in normalizing menstrual cycle during therapy. Herbal treatment is proven to be clinically effective in most of the patients; particularly PCOs patients with menstrual irregularities. Hence, Femitex-SP4 can be taken as a better treatment for PCOs.

Activity Guided Isolation of Phenolic Compositions from Anneslea fragrans Wall. and Their Cytoprotective Effect against Hydrogen Peroxide Induced Oxidative Stress in HepG2 Cells.

Anneslea fragrans Wall., commonly known as "Pangpo Tea", is traditionally used as a folk medicine and healthy tea for the treatment of liver and intestine diseases. The aim of this study was to purify the antioxidative and cytoprotective polyphenols from A. fragrans leaves. After fractionation with polar and nonpolar organic solvents, the fractions of aqueous ethanol extract were evaluated for their total phenolic (TPC) and flavonoid contents (TFC) and antioxidant activities (DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays). The n-butanol fraction (BF) showed the highest TPC and TFC with the strongest antioxidant activity. The bio-guided chromatography of BF led to the purification of six flavonoids (1-6) and one benzoquinolethanoid (7). The structures of these compounds were determined by NMR and MS techniques. Compound 6 had the strongest antioxidant capacity, which was followed by 5 and 2. The protective effect of the isolated compounds on hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced oxidative stress in HepG2 cells revealed that the compounds 5 and 6 exhibited better protective effects by inhibiting ROS productions, having no significant difference with vitamin C (p > 0.05), whereas 6 showed the best anti-apoptosis activity. The results suggest that A. fragrans could serve as a valuable antioxidant phytochemical source for developing functional food and health nutraceutical products.

Intestinal GLUT5 and FAT/CD36 transporters and blood glucose are reduced by a carotenoid/MUFA-rich oil in high-fat fed mice.

AIMS: Intestinal nutrient absorption plays a vital role in developing obesity, and nutrient transporters expressed in the enterocytes facilitate this process. Moreover, previous studies have shown that specific foods and diets can affect their cell levels. Herein, we investigated the effects of pequi oil (PO), which is high in several bioactive compounds, on intestinal nutrient transporter levels as well as on intestinal morphology and metabolic biomarkers. MAIN METHODS: Groups of male C57BL/6 mice were fed either a standard (C) or a high-fat diet (HFD) and pequi oil (CP and HFDP with PO by gavage at 150 mg/day) for eight weeks. Food intake and body weight were monitored, serum metabolic biomarkers, intestinal transporter levels and histological analyses were performed. KEY FINDINGS: PO increased caloric intake without increasing body or fat mass regardless of diet. The HFD group treated with PO reduced fasting blood glucose and villus width. PO did not affect GLUT2, L-FABP, FATP4, NPC1L1, NHE3 or PEPT1 content in CP or HFDP groups. GLUT5 and FAT/CD36 levels were reduced in both CP and HFDP. SIGNIFICANCE: Our data suggest that PO attenuated monosaccharide and fatty acid absorption, contributing to lower fasting glycemia and higher food intake without affecting body weight or visceral fat of high-fat feed mice.

Complete chloroplast genome of novel Adrinandra megaphylla Hu species: molecular structure, comparative and phylogenetic analysis.

Adrinandra megaphylla Hu is a medicinal plant belonging to the Adrinandra genus, which is well-known for its potential health benefits due to its bioactive compounds. This study aimed to assemble and annotate the chloroplast genome of A. megaphylla as well as compare it with previously published cp genomes within the Adrinandra genus. The chloroplast genome was reconstructed using de novo and reference-based assembly of paired-end reads generated by long-read sequencing of total genomic DNA. The size of the chloroplast genome was 156,298 bp, comprised a large single-copy (LSC) region of 85,688 bp, a small single-copy (SSC) region of 18,424 bp, and a pair of inverted repeats (IRa and IRb) of 26,093 bp each; and a total of 51 SSRs and 48 repeat structures were detected. The chloroplast genome includes a total of 131 functional genes, containing 86 protein-coding genes, 37 transfer RNA genes, and 8 ribosomal RNA genes. The A. megaphylla chloroplast genome indicated that gene content and structure are highly conserved. The phylogenetic reconstruction using complete cp sequences, matK and trnL genes from Pentaphylacaceae species exhibited a genetic relationship. Among them, matK sequence is a better candidate for phylogenetic resolution. This study is the first report for the chloroplast genome of the A. megaphylla.

Plastome structure and phylogenetic relationships of Styracaceae (Ericales).

BACKGROUND: The Styracaceae are a woody, dicotyledonous family containing 12 genera and an estimated 160 species. Recent studies have shown that Styrax and Sinojackia are monophyletic, Alniphyllum and Bruinsmia cluster into a clade with an approximately 20-kb inversion in the Large Single-Copy (LSC) region. Halesia and Pterostyrax are not supported as monophyletic, while Melliodendron and Changiostyrax always form sister clades. Perkinsiodendron and Changiostyrax are newly established genera of Styracaceae. However, the phylogenetic relationship of Styracaceae at the generic level needs further research. RESULTS: We collected 28 complete plastomes of Styracaceae, including 12 sequences newly reported here and 16 publicly available sequences, comprising 11 of the 12 genera of Styracaceae. All species possessed the typical quadripartite structure of angiosperm plastomes, with sequence differences being minor, except for a large 20-kb (14 genes) inversion found in Alniphyllum and Bruinsmia. Seven coding sequences (rps4, rpl23, accD, rpoC1, psaA, rpoA and ndhH) were identified to possess positively selected sites. Phylogenetic reconstructions based on seven data sets (i.e., LSC, SSC, IR, Coding, Non-coding, combination of LSC + SSC and concatenation of LSC + SSC + one IR) produced similar topologies. In our analyses, all genera were strongly supported as monophyletic. Styrax was sister to the remaining genera. Alniphyllum and Bruinsmia form a clade. Halesia diptera does not cluster with Perkinsiodendron, while Perkinsiodendron and Rehderodendron form a clade. Changiostyrax is sister to a clade of Pterostyrax and Sinojackia. CONCLUSION: Overall, our results demonstrate the power of plastid phylogenomics in improving estimates of phylogenetic relationships among genera. This study also provides insight into plastome evolution across Styracaceae.

The Pollination and Fruit Quality of Two Kiwifruit Cultivars (Actinidia chinensis var. chinensis 'AU Golden Sunshine' and 'AU Gulf Coast Gold') (Ericales: Actinidiaceae) Grown in the Southeastern United States.

Kiwifruit is a new emerging crop for the southeastern United States that requires cross-pollination to set fruit. However, the pollination requirements for varieties grown in the southeastern United States are unknown. Through insect surveys and a bagging experiment, we assessed the pollination requirements of two female kiwifruit cultivars (Actinidia chinensis var. chinensis 'AU Golden Sunshine' and A. chinensis var. chinensis 'AU Gulf Coast Gold'). For each, fruit quantity (fruit set) and fruit quality (weight, size, seed count, firmness, soluble solid content, and dry matter) were compared among three pollination treatments (wind, insect, and artificial pollination). Low abundances of insects were observed visiting female flowers of both kiwifruit cultivars, and therefore likely minimally influenced kiwifruit pollination. Artificial pollination resulted in the greatest percentages of fruit set and marketable fruits, followed by insect and wind pollination. Artificial pollination resulted in fruits that were greater in weight, size, and contained more seeds, than insect- and wind-pollinated fruits. Firmness and soluble solid content did not vary greatly between pollination treatments, yet were greater in 'AU Golden Sunshine'. Dry matter content did not vary greatly between pollination treatments or between each cultivar. To maximize yields and optimize fruit quality, these results suggest that kiwifruit producers should place more effort into artificial pollination compared to wind and insect pollination. Future research should explore the use of managed bees (e.g., honey bees and bumble bees) within kiwifruit orchards to determine ways to utilize them as a secondary source for pollination needs.