Chloroplast genome assembly of Handroanthus impetiginosus: comparative analysis and molecular evolution in Bignoniaceae.

MAIN CONCLUSION: Bignoniaceae species have conserved chloroplast structure, with hotspots of nucleotide diversity. Several genes are under positive selection, and can be targets for evolutionary studies. Bignoniaceae is one of the most species-rich family of woody plants in Neotropical seasonally dry forests. Here we report the assembly of Handroanthus impetiginosus chloroplast genome and evolutionary comparative analyses of ten Bignoniaceae species representing the genera for which whole-genome chloroplast sequences were available. The chloroplast genome of H. impetiginosus is 159,462 bp in size and has a similar structure compared to the other nine species. The total number of genes was slightly variable amongst the Bignoniaceae, ranging from 124 in H. impetiginosus to 144 in Anemopaegma acutifolium. The inverted repeat (IR) size was variable, ranging from 24,657 bp (Tecomaria capensis) to 40,481 bp (A. acutifolium), due to the contraction and retraction at its boundaries. However, gene boundaries were very similar among the ten species. We found 98 forward and palindromic dispersed repeats, and 85 simple sequence repeats (SSRs). In general, chloroplast sequences were highly conserved, with few nucleotide diversity hotspots in the genes accD, clpP, rpoA, ycf1, ycf2. The phylogenetic analysis based on 77 coding genes was highly consistent with Angiosperm Phylogeny Group (APG) IV. Our results also indicate that most genes are under negative selection or neutral evolution. We found no evidence of branch-site selection, implying that H. impetiginosus is not evolving faster than the other species analyzed, notwithstanding we found site positive selection signal in several genes. These genes can provide targets for evolutionary studies in Bignoniaceae and Lamiales species.

Tabebuia impetiginosa: A Comprehensive Review on Traditional Uses, Phytochemistry, and Immunopharmacological Properties.

Tabebuia impetiginosa, a plant native to the Amazon rainforest and other parts of Latin America, is traditionally used for treating fever, malaria, bacterial and fungal infections, and skin diseases. Additionally, several categories of phytochemicals and extracts isolated from T. impetiginosa have been studied via various models and displayed pharmacological activities. This review aims to uncover and summarize the research concerning T. impetiginosa, particularly its traditional uses, phytochemistry, and immunopharmacological activity, as well as to provide guidance for future research. A comprehensive search of the published literature was conducted to locate original publications pertaining to T. impetiginosa up to June 2020. The main inquiry used the following keywords in various combinations in titles and abstracts: T. impetiginosa, Taheebo, traditional uses, phytochemistry, immunopharmacological, anti-inflammatory activity. Immunopharmacological activity described in this paper includes its anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, anti-autoimmune, and anti-cancer properties. Particularly, T. impetiginosa has a strong effect on anti-inflammatory activity. This paper also describes the target pathway underlying how T. impetiginosa inhibits the inflammatory response. The need for further investigation to identify other pharmacological activities as well as the exact target proteins of T. impetiginosa was also highlighted. T. impetiginosa may provide a new strategy for prevention and treatment of many immunological disorders that foster extensive research to identify potential anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory compounds and fractions as well as to explore the underlying mechanisms of this herb. Further scientific evidence is required for clinical trials on its immunopharmacological effects and safety.

Coalescent Simulation and Paleodistribution Modeling for Tabebuia rosealba Do Not Support South American Dry Forest Refugia Hypothesis.

Studies based on contemporary plant occurrences and pollen fossil records have proposed that the current disjunct distribution of seasonally dry tropical forests (SDTFs) across South America is the result of fragmentation of a formerly widespread and continuously distributed dry forest during the arid climatic conditions associated with the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM), which is known as the modern-day dry forest refugia hypothesis. We studied the demographic history of Tabebuia rosealba (Bignoniaceae) to understand the disjunct geographic distribution of South American SDTFs based on statistical phylogeography and ecological niche modeling (ENM). We specifically tested the dry forest refugia hypothesis; i.e., if the multiple and isolated patches of SDTFs are current climatic relicts of a widespread and continuously distributed dry forest during the LGM. We sampled 235 individuals across 18 populations in Central Brazil and analyzed the polymorphisms at chloroplast (trnS-trnG, psbA-trnH and ycf6-trnC intergenic spacers) and nuclear (ITS nrDNA) genomes. We performed coalescence simulations of alternative hypotheses under demographic expectations from two a priori biogeographic hypotheses (1. the Pleistocene Arc hypothesis and, 2. a range shift to Amazon Basin) and other two demographic expectances predicted by ENMs (3. expansion throughout the Neotropical South America, including Amazon Basin, and 4. retraction during the LGM). Phylogenetic analyses based on median-joining network showed haplotype sharing among populations with evidence of incomplete lineage sorting. Coalescent analyses showed smaller effective population sizes for T. roseoalba during the LGM compared to the present-day. Simulations and ENM also showed that its current spatial pattern of genetic diversity is most likely due to a scenario of range retraction during the LGM instead of the fragmentation from a once extensive and largely contiguous SDTF across South America, not supporting the South American dry forest refugia hypothesis.

Avaliação do potencial biológico da Tabebuia aurea (Silva Manso) como fonte de moléculas bioativas para atividade antimicrobiana, antiedematogênica e antirradicalar / Biological potential assessment of Tabebuiaaurea (Silva Manso) as a source of bioactive molecules for antimicrobial, antiedematogenic and antiradical activity

RESUMO As espécies da família Bignoniaceae e do gênero Tabebuia são amplamente utilizadas na medicina tradicional e possuem um forte potencial terapêutico. Diante disso, objetivou-se avaliar o potencial biológico da Tabebuia aurea, determinando a atividade antimicrobiana; por meio do método da microdiluição em caldo, para a determinação da Concentração Inibitória Mínima (CIM); antiedematogênica, pelo ensaio de edema de orelha induzido por capsaicina; e antirradicalar, frente ao radical DPPH. Os extratos etanólicos de T. aurea não evidenciaram citotoxicidade, exceto o extrato etanólico da flor nas concentrações > 0,5 mg mL-1. O extrato etanólico da flor foi ativo com ação bactericida frente a S. epidermidis (CIM de 0,06 mg mL-1) enquanto o extrato etanólico da folha foi moderadamente ativo frente a S. epidermidis (CIM: 0,25 mg mL-1) e S. aureus (CIM: 0,50 mg mL-1) sugerindo ação bacteriostática para ambas as linhagens. Os dois extratos apresentaram ação antiedematogênica, com inibição do edema de 40,50% pelo extrato etanólico da flor e de 41,73% pelo extrato da folha. T. aurea não apresentou atividade antirradicalar. Os resultados comprovam o perfil antibacteriano e antiedematogênico com ausência de citotoxidade pela T. aurea. Sugere-se a continuação dos testes com frações e substâncias isoladas das flores e folhas da referida espécie vegetal, bem como de experimentos in vivo, como forma de agregar evidências visando à busca de novos fitoterápicos.

ABSTRACT The species of Bignoniaceae family and genus Tabebuia are widely used in the traditional medicine and have a great therapeutic potential. The aim of the current research was to evaluate the biological potential of the Tabebuia aurea, determining its antimicrobial activity by the microdilution broth method, to predict the anti-edematogenic Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) by ear edema assay induced by capsaicin; and the antiradical one, towards DPPH. The ethanol extracts of T. aureashowed no cytotoxicity, except for the flower ethanol extract in concentrations above > 0.5 mg mL-1. The ethanol extract of the flower was active, with bactericidal action, against S. epidermidis (MIC 0.06 mg ml-1) and the ethanol extract of moderately active recto S. epidermidis (CIM: 0.25 mg mL-1) and S. aureus (MIC: 0.50 mg mL-1) were bacteriostatic for both strains. Both extracts had antiedematogenic action on the inhibition of edema of 40.50% by the ethanol extract of the flower and 41.73% by leaf extract. T. aurea did not show antiradical activity. The results indicate the antibacterial and antiedematogenic profile with no cytotoxicity by the T. aurea. It suggests the continuation of tests with isolated fractions and substances of flowers and leaves of that plant species as well as in vivo trials, in order to enhance the evidences targeted on finding new herbal medicines.

Structure of arboreal and herbaceous strata in a neotropical seasonally flooded monodominant savanna of Tabebuia aurea.

Large areas in the Pantanal wetland are covered by monodominant formations, e.g. typical landscapes with local names such as "paratudal", dominated by T. aurea. Studies on structure of these formations generally include only woody strata, consequently the species richness registered is usually low due to the absence of the 'ground layer' of herbaceous and others low species. We recorded 13 species, 12 genera and 11 families for the arboreal stratum. Considering arboreal flora without the dominant (T. aurea) individuals showed great establishment in relation to the flood level between 35 - 45 cm while the individuals of the dominant species of 30 - 45 cm. The diameter distribution revealed that the population of T. aurea did not show the reverse J curve, the usual pattern for species in constant regeneration, also evidenced in inconstant Licourt quotient, indicating an episodic recruitment that could lead to future changes in structure. In the herbaceous strata we recorded 78 species, included in 62 genera and 27 families. Using plots method we sampled 46 species, 40 genera and 22 families, while in line interception we found 65 species distributed in 57 genera and 26 families. The floristic similarity of Sørensen between both methods was 59.4%, with 33 species in common, and the method of line interception was more efficient in detecting richness, with 35% more species found in the same time. According to the methods of plots and line interception applied on the woody stratum, our results gave similar detailed information on the structure of this type of savanna, and in spite of being monodominant it shows high species richness when the herbaceous stratum is taken into account. Plots and line interception methods showed similar results for the woody stratum and high species richness of the herbaceous stratum.

Structure of arboreal and herbaceous strata in a neotropical seasonally flooded monodominant savanna of Tabebuia aurea / Estrutura do estrato arbóreo e herbáceo em uma savana neotropical monodominante sazonalmente inundada de Tabebuia aurea

Large areas in the Pantanal wetland are covered by monodominant formations, e.g. typical landscapes with local names such as “paratudal”, dominated by T. aurea. Studies on structure of these formations generally include only woody strata, consequently the species richness registered is usually low due to the absence of the ‘ground layer’ of herbaceous and others low species. We recorded 13 species, 12 genera and 11 families for the arboreal stratum. Considering arboreal flora without the dominant (T. aurea) individuals showed great establishment in relation to the flood level between 35 – 45 cm while the individuals of the dominant species of 30 – 45 cm. The diameter distribution revealed that the population of T. aurea did not show the reverse J curve, the usual pattern for species in constant regeneration, also evidenced in inconstant Licourt quotient, indicating an episodic recruitment that could lead to future changes in structure. In the herbaceous strata we recorded 78 species, included in 62 genera and 27 families. Using plots method we sampled 46 species, 40 genera and 22 families, while in line interception we found 65 species distributed in 57 genera and 26 families. The floristic similarity of Sørensen between both methods was 59.4%, with 33 species in common, and the method of line interception was more efficient in detecting richness, with 35% more species found in the same time. According to the methods of plots and line interception applied on the woody stratum, our results gave similar detailed information on the structure of this type of savanna, and in spite of being monodominant it shows high species richness when the herbaceous stratum is taken into account. Plots and line interception methods showed similar results for the woody stratum and high species richness of the herbaceous stratum.

Amplas áreas no Pantanal são cobertas por formações monodominantes, tipicamente com nomes locais como “paratudal” dominado por Tabebuia aurea. Estudos na estrutura dessas formações geralmente incluem somente estrato arbóreo, consequentemente, a riqueza de espécies detectada geralmente é baixa devido à ausência do “estrato terrestre” das herbáceas e outras poucas espécies. Nós registramos 13 espécies, 12 gêneros e 11 famílias para o estrato arbóreo. Considerando a flora arbórea sem a espécie dominante (T. aurea) apresentaram um ótimo de estabelecimento em relação ao nível de inundação entre 35 – 45cm, enquanto os indíviduos da espécie dominante de 30 – 45cm. A distribuição diamétrica revelou que a população de T. aurea não apresentou o J reverso, o modelo usual para espécies em constante regeneração, também evidenciado pela não constante no quoeficiente de Licourt. Indicando episódio de recrutamento que poderia levar a futuras mudanças na estrutura. Para o estrato herbáceo geral registramos 78 espécies, incluindo 68 gêneros e 27 famílias. Usando o método de parcelas amostramos 46 espécies, 40 gêneros e 22 famílias, enquanto na interseção na linha nós encontramos 65 espécies distribuídas em 57 gêneros e 26 famílias. A similaridade florísitca de Sørensen entre ambos métodos foi de 59,4%, com 33 espécies em comum, e o método de interseção na linha foi mais eficiente na detecção da riqueza, 35% das espécies foram encontradas no mesmo tempo. De acordo com os métodos de parcelas e interseção na linha aplicado no estrato arbóreo, os nossos resultados deram uma semelhante informação detalhada na estrutura deste tipo de savana, e que apesar de ser monodominante mostrou alta riqueza de espécies quando o estrato herbáceo é levado em conta. Os métodos de parcelas e interseção na linha mostraram resultados similares para o estrato arbóreo e alta riqueza de espécies do estrato herbáceo.

Estudo da ação antineoplásica da Tabebuia avellanedae (Ipê-Roxo) na carcinogênese induzida pelo azoximetano em camundongos / Study of the antineoplastic action of Tabebuia avellanedae in carcinogenesis induced by azoxymethane in mice

PURPOSE: To study the antitumor action of Tabebuia avellanedae in experimentally induced colon carcinogenesis by azoxymethane in mice. METHODS: Fifty (n=50) mice were divided into five groups: in group I azoxymethane (AOM) was administered, in Group II - β-lapachone, in group III - vehicle (diluent) and in group IV - vehicle + AOM and finally in group V - β-lapachone + AOM. RESULTS: It was observed the presence of aberrant crypt foci in all animals of groups I and IV, 50 percent in group II and 90 percent in group V. CONCLUSION: The β-lapachone extracted from the Tabebuia avellanedae showed no protective effect of lesions induced by azoxymethane in colon of mice.

OBJETIVO: Estudar a ação antitumoral da Tabebuia avellanedae (Ipê-Roxo) na carcinogênese colônica induzida experimentalmente pelo azoximetano em camundongos. MÉTODOS: Foram utilizados 50 camundongos divididos em 5 grupos: grupo I administrado Azoximetano (AOM); grupo II - β-lapachona; grupo III - veículo (diluente); grupo IV - veículo + AOM; e grupo V - β-lapachona + AOM. RESULTADOS: Observou-se presença de focos de criptas aberrantes em todos os animais dos grupos I e IV, 50 por cento no grupo II e 90 por cento no grupo V. CONCLUSÃO: A β-lapachona extraída da Tabebuia avellanedae não apresentou efeito protetor das lesões induzidas pelo azoximetano em cólon de camundongos.

Propagación in vitro de material seleccionado de Tabebuia rosea (Bertol) DC (Ocobo) y Cordia alliodora (Ruiz & Pav) Oken (Nogal Cafetero) / In vitro propagation of Tabebuia rosea (Bertol DC) (large spreading cedar) and Cordia alliodora (Ruiz & Pav) Oken (coffee-shading walnut)

El presente trabajo tuvo por objetivo multiplicar y mantener in vitro plantas de Tabebuia rosea y de Cordia alliodora, a partir de semillas de cinco árboles plus de la primera especie y uno de la segunda. A partir de este material se seleccionaron plantas núcleo (PN), Yemas apicales de las plantas núcleo obtenidas, fueron removidas y cultivadas bajo condiciones in vitro hasta producir 1480 plantas de las dos especies. El proceso de aclimatización del material vegetal se llevó a cabo bajo condiciones de invernadero, en cámaras húmedas ubicadas en la estación experimental "Bambusa" en Pacho, Cundinamarca. Para el manejo de la información, se diseñó una base de datos en el programa Access, Microsoft Office®, con el fin de monitorear y evaluar el comportamiento de cada uno de los individuos durante el desarrollo in vitro, por medio del cálculo de tasas de velocidad de multiplicación (TVM), tasa de pérdida (TP) y tasa de eficiencia del proceso (TE). Este material será entregado a Conif para el establecimiento de la primera plantación de origen in vitro, que será utilizada posteriormente para ensayos de propagación vegetativa, análisis de pruebas clonales y moleculares.

This work was aimed at multiplying and maintaining in vitro plants from seedlings from five Tabebuia rosea (large spreading cedar tree) from and one Cordia alliodora (walnut tree used for providing shade for coffee plantations). Apical leaf buds were excised from mother plants (MP) and cultured in vitro until 1480 plants had been produced from the two species. The hardening process was carried out in greenhouse conditions using humid flow-chambers at Geoambiente Ltda’s Bambusa experimental station in Pacho, Cundinamarca. A database was created using Microsoft Office Access software for handling information required for monitoring and evaluating each plant’s behaviour during the in vitro culture process by calculating the rates of multiplication (RM) and loss(RL). The plants so produced will be used by Conif for field trials and evaluation purposes. This material will then be multiplied by vegetative propagation and used for clone and molecular testing analysis.