Two new naphthoquinone derivatives from Sinningia conspicua (Gesneriaceae).

Two new naphthoquinones, 7-hydroxy-2-O-methyldunniol (1) and 7-methoxy-2-O-methyldunniol (2) were isolated from the tubers of Sinningia conspicua (Seem.) G. Nicholson (Gesneriaceae). Nine known compounds were also obtained: 7-methoxydunniol (3), dunniol (4), 7-methoxy-α-dunnione (5), 7-hydroxydunnione (6), 2,4,4',6-tetramethoxychalcone (7), loureirin B (8), allo-calceolarioside A (9), ß-sitosterol (10) and stigmasterol (11). This is the first report of compounds 3 and 5 in Sinningia. n-Hexane, ethyl acetate and ethanol extracts, and compounds 1-5 were tested for cytotoxic activity against PC-3 (prostate) and SKMEL 103 (melanoma) human tumour cell lines and also against the 3T3 (fibroblast) non-cancer cell line. All samples were inactive.

Three new naphthoquinones from the tubers of Sinningia mauroana.

Three new naphthoquinones, 5,6,7-trimethoxydunnione (1), 6,7-dimethoxy-α-dunnione (2), and 5,6,7-trimethoxydunniol (3) were isolated from the tubers of Sinningia mauroana Chautems, together with eleven known compounds: 5-hydroxy-6,7-dimethoxy-α-dunnione (4), 6-hydroxy-7-methoxy-α-dunnione (5), 7-hydroxy-6-methoxy-α-dunnione (6), cedrol (7), tectoquinone (8), plantainoside A (9), calceolarioside A (10), calceolarioside B (11), sanangoside (12), allo-calceolarioside A (13), and conandroside (14). The known compounds 4, 7-9 and 11-13 are being reported for the first time in this species. Hexane, ethyl acetate and ethanol extracts were tested for antioxidant activity by the ORAC-FL method, and the antioxidant capacity was measured as trolox equivalent (TE). The ethyl acetate (8808 µg TE g-1) and ethanol (7911 µg TE g-1) extracts showed high antioxidant capacity, while the hexane extract displayed weak antioxidant capacity (860 µg TE g-1).

Glossolomawiehleri (Gesneriaceae), a new species from the northwestern Andes of Ecuador.

A new species of Glossoloma is described from the western Andean slopes of the Pichincha Province in northern Ecuador. Glossolomawiehleri J.L.Clark & Tobar is differentiated from all other congeners by an epiphytic habit, elongate scandent shoots that exceed four meters in length, and coriaceous leaves with a velutinous indument on the lower leaf surface. The new species is illustrated, featured with field images from recent expeditions, and assigned the category of Endangered (EN) according to IUCN Criteria.

ResumenSe describe una nueva especie de Glossoloma de las laderas occidentales de la provincia Pichincha en el norte de Ecuador. Glossolomawiehleri J.L.Clark & Tobar se diferencia de todos sus otros congéneres por su hábito epífito, ramas escandentes alargadas que superan los cuatro metros de longitud y hojas coriáceas con un indumento velutino en la superficie inferior de la hoja. La nueva especie se ilustra con imágenes de campo de expediciones recientes y se le asigna la categoría de En Peligro (EN) de acuerdo a los criterios de la IUCN.

Three new species of Columnea (Gesneriaceae) from the western Andean slopes of Ecuador and Colombia.

Three new species of Columnea (Gesneriaceae, tribe Gesnerieae) are described from the western Andean slopes of northern Ecuador and southern Colombia. Columneaangulata J.L. Clark & F. Tobar and Columneafloribunda F. Tobar & J.L. Clark are described from northern Ecuador. Columneatecta J.L. Clark & Clavijo is described from southern Colombia and northern Ecuador. The three new species are facultative epiphytes with dorsiventral shoots and are readily recognized by bright red tips on the abaxial and adaxial leaf surfaces. The species described here are vegetatively similar to the sympatric species Columneapicta H. Karst. and are readily differentiated by floral features that are illustrated, described and featured with digital images.

AbstractSe describen tres especies nuevas de Columnea (Gesneriaceae, tribu Gesnerieae) originarias de la vertiente occidental de los Andes de Ecuador y Colombia. Columneaangulata J.L. Clark & F. Tobar y Columneafloribunda F. Tobar & J.L. Clark se describen del norte de Ecuador; Columneatecta J.L. Clark & Clavijo se describe del sur de Colombia y norte de Ecuador. Las tres especies nuevas son epífitas facultativas con vástagos dorsiventrales, las cuales se reconocen fácilmente por las puntas de las hojas de color rojo brillante en ambas superficies; son vegetativamente similares y simpátricas con Columneapicta H. Karst., pero se pueden diferenciar por las características florales que se ilustran, describen y detallan con imágenes digitales en este artículo.

Variation across river channels in demographic dynamics of a riparian herb with threatened status: management and conservation implications.

PREMISE: Gesneria pauciflora is a rare, threatened plant in riparian forests. Periodic disturbances, expected in this habitat, could influence demographic dynamics on plant populations, yet their impact may not be the same across the watershed. We hypothesized that differences in disturbances between the main channel and tributaries may lead to spatial dissimilarities in population growth rate (λ), structure, and fecundity. METHODS: In the Maricao River Watershed in Puerto Rico, 1277 plants were tagged and monitored for 1.5 years. Every 6 months, we measured plant size and recorded survival, fecundity, and appearance of seedlings. These variables were used in integral projection models to assess the population status of G. pauciflora. RESULTS: Plants in the main channel were smaller but more likely to flower and fruit than those in the tributaries. Overall mortality was greater in the main channel and greater during the rainy season. At both sites, λ ranged from 0.9114 to 0.9865, and survival/growth of larger plants had a greater effect on λ (>0.90) regardless of site. CONCLUSIONS: Values for population growth rates suggest that G. pauciflora is declining across the watershed. Higher mortality rates in the main channel (more-perturbed sites) might drive G. pauciflora to reproduce at smaller sizes, while tributaries (less-perturbed sites) might be better for growth and lead to larger plant sizes. Extreme climatic events are expected to increase in the Caribbean and might decrease the population if the population is left unmanaged. Management strategies that reduce the time plants require to reach larger sizes might be necessary to increase λ, and reintroduction using cuttings might be a possible solution.

Pollination ecology of the Neotropical gesneriad Gloxinia perennis: chemical composition and temporal fluctuation of floral perfume.

Although common among orchids, pollination by perfume-gathering male euglossine bees is quite rare in other Neotropical families. In Gesneriaceae, for example, it is reported in two genera only, Drymonia and Gloxinia. Flowers of G. perennis are known to emit perfume, thereby attracting male euglossine bees as pollinators. However, detailed reports on the pollination ecology, as well as on chemistry of floral perfume of individuals in natural populations, are still missing. In this study, we report on the pollination ecology of G. perennis, focusing on the ecological significance of its floral perfume. In natural populations in Peru, we documented the floral biology and breeding system of G. perennis, as well as its interaction with flower visitors. We also characterised the chemical composition of floral perfume, as well as its timing of emission. Gloxinia perennis is self-compatible and natural pollination success is high. Spontaneous self-pollination occurs as a 'just in case strategy' when pollinators are scarce. Perfume-collecting males of Eulaema cingulata and El. meriana were identified as pollinators. The perfume bouquet of G. perennis consists of 16 compounds. (E)-Carvone epoxide (41%) and limonene (23%) are the major constituents. Perfume emission is higher at 09:00 h, matching the activity peak of Eulaema pollinators. Flowers of G. perennis have evolved a mixed strategy to ensure pollination (i.e. self- and cross-pollination), but cross-pollination is favoured. The size and behaviour of Eulaema males enables only these bees to successfully cross-pollinate G. perennis. Furthermore, G. perennis floral perfume traits (i.e. chemistry and timing of emission) have evolved to optimise the attraction of these bees.

A Naphthoquinone from Sinningia canescens Inhibits Inflammation and Fever in Mice.

We previously showed that plants from the genus Sinningia are a source of antiinflammatory and analgesic compounds with different mechanisms of action. The present study evaluated the antiinflammatory, antinociceptive, and antipyretic effects of a crude extract (CE) from Sinningia canescens, its fractions, and 6-methoxy-7-hydroxy-α-dunnione (MHD) in mice. These effects were evaluated using carrageenan (Cg)-induced paw edema, acetic acid- and formalin-induced nociception, mechanical hyperalgesia, lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced fever, and plasma cytokine levels. The CE and dichloromethane and hexane fractions reduced Cg-induced paw edema and hyperalgesia, LPS-induced fever, and plasma tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels. The CE also reduced acetic acid-induced writhing and the second phase of formalin-induced nociception but did not alter thermal nociception or motor performance. Partition with solvents showed that the antiinflammatory, antihyperalgesic, and antipyretic activities were present in dichoromethane and hexane fractions, and the major compound isolated from these fractions was MHD. Oral and intraplantar MHD administration reduced paw edema. Oral MHD administration also reduced prostaglandin E2-induced hyperalgesia but did not alter hyperalgesia that was induced by dopamine and dibutyryl cyclic adenosine monophosphate. Treatment with glibenclamide, a KATP channel blocker, did not alter the analgesic effect of MHD. Lipopolysaccharide-induced fever and TNF-α, interleukin-1ß, and interleukin-6 levels were inhibited by MHD. Altogether, these data suggest that the CE has antiinflammatory, analgesic, and antipyretic activity, and these actions are at least partially related to MHD. These results also suggest that MHD acts by blocking cytokine synthesis and/or blocking prostaglandin activity.

Nuevos registros para la flora de honduras y el parque nacional montaña de celaque / New Records for the Flora of Honduras and Celaque Mountain National Park

Se registran 11 novedades para la flora de Honduras a partir de ejemplares recolectados en el Parque Nacional Montaña Celaque. Los nuevos registros son: Tillandsia mateoensis (Bromeliaceae), Diastema affine (Gesneriaceae), Scutellaria costaricana (Lamiaceae), Miconia contrerasii (Melastomataceae), Acianthera violacea, Dendrophylax porrectus, Epidendrum santaclarense, Lepanthes enca-barcenae, L. fratercula, L. isabelae y Sarcoglottis schaffneri (Orchidaceae). Por otra parte, Potosia guatemalensis es sinonimizado bajo S. schaffneri. Se incluyen fotos de todas las especies, hábitats y un mapa de distribución con sus localidades en Honduras.

Eleven new records for the flora of Honduras from Celaque Mountain National Park are reported here. The new records are: Tillandsia mateoensis (Bromeliaceae), Diastema affine (Gesneriaceae), Scutellaria costaricana (Lamiaceae), Miconia contrerasii (Melastomataceae), Acianthera violacea, Dendrophylax porrectus, Epidendrum santaclarense, Lepanthes enca-barcenae, L. fratercula, L. isabelae, and Sarcoglottis schaffneri (Orchidaceae). Moreover, Potosia guatemalensis is synonimized under S. schaffneri. We include photos of all species, habitats, and a distributional map with their localities in Honduras.

Las gesneriácea del departamento del quindío, Colomiia / The Gesneriads of Quindío Departament, Colombia

Colombia es el país neotropical con mayor diversidad de Gesneriaceae. Sin embargo hay vacíos en el conocimiento de los patrones de distribución y ecología de esta familia, debido a su complejidad taxonómica. En este trabajo se presenta una lista de Gesneriaceae para el departamento del Quindío con datos de hábitat y distribución altitudinal. Se revisaron las colecciones del Herbario Nacional Colombiano (COL) y Herbario de la Universidad del Quindío (HUQ) y se realizó trabajo de campo entre 2009 y 2014 en 70 localidades del Quindío. Se encontraron 43 especies y 11 géneros, con una mayor representación de Columnea, Besleria y Kohleria; nueve especies fueron nuevos registros para el Quindío, tres fueron endémicas y cinco especies nuevas para la ciencia. La mayor riqueza se encontró en los bosques montanos entre 1800 y 2400 m s.n.m., principalmente en interior bosque y cañadas. Los resultados de este trabajo constituyen una línea base para dirigir la investigación en ecología, conservación y su potencial ornamental de las gesneriáceas presentes en el Quindío.

Colombia is the most diverse Neotropical country of Gesneriaceae. Nevertheless, there are gaps in knowledge of the distribution patterns and ecology of this family because of their taxonomic complexity. A list of the Gesneriaceae of the Quindío department with data for habitat and altitudinal distribution is presented in this paper. The herbarium collections of the Herbario Nacional Colombiano (COL) and the Herbario de la Universidad del Quindío (HUQ) were reviewed and fieldwork was carried out between 2009 and 2014 in 70 localities of Quindío. Forty three species and 11 genera were found, with a larger representation of Columnea, Besleria and Kohleria genera; nine species were new records for the Quindío; three were endemic and five species are new to science. The greatest richness was found in the montane forest between 1800 and 2400 masl, mainly in forested areas and streams. The results of this work constitute a baseline to conduct research in ecology, conservation and ornamental potential of Gesneriaceae occurring in Quindío.

The vegetative development of Sinningia leucotricha Hoehne (Moore) under different levels of shading

This work aimed at the assessment of the influence of different levels of shading in the development of (Sinningia leucotricha Hoehne (Moore). Tuberous roots of 2.3 ± 0.3 cm in diameter were used as vegetative material. The cultivation was performed in plastic vases and gross sand as substrate, and conditioned in sheltered nurseries protected by black polypropylene nets in the followings percentages: 0 percent (under full sunlight), 50, 60, and 70 percent. Sheltered nurseries with 60 or 70 percent of shading presented the highest vegetative development for Brazilian edelweiss. The cultivation of this species under full sunlight is not recommended.

A rainha-do-abismo (Sinningia leucotricha Hoehne (Moore) é uma planta nativa do Estado do Paraná, se destaca pela beleza de suas folhas de aspecto prateado. Este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar a influência de diferentes níveis de sombreamento no desenvolvimento de plantas de rainha-do-abismo. Para o experimento foram utilizadas como material vegetativo raízes tuberosas com 2,3 ± 0,3 cm de diâmetro. O cultivo foi realizado em vasos plásticos e areia grossa como substrato, que foram acondicionados em viveiros protegidos com tela de polipropileno de coloração preta, nas seguintes porcentagens: 0 por cento (a pleno sol) 50 por cento, 60 por cento e 70 por cento. Viveiros protegidos com 60 por cento ou 70 por cento de sombreamento foram os que proporcionaram maior desenvolvimento vegetativo de rainha-do-abismo. O cultivo desta espécie a pleno sol não é recomendado.

Gesneriaceae endémicas del Perú

La familia Gesneriaceae es reconocida en el Perú por presentar 31 géneros y 141 especies (Brako & Zarucchi, 1993; Ulloa Ulloa et al., 2004), mayormente hierbas y arbustos. En este trabajo reconocemos como endemismos 36 especies y tres variedades en doce géneros. El género Besleria es el más rico en especies endémicas. Las Gesneriaceae endémicas ocupan las regiones Bosques Húmedos Amazónicos y de Bosques Muy Húmedos Montanos, entre los 100 y 2900 m de altitud. Ocho taxones endémicos de Gesneriaceae se encuentran representados dentro del Sistema Nacional de Áreas Naturales Protegidas por el Estado.

The Gesneriaceae are represented in Peru by 31 genera and 141 species (Brako & Zarucchi, 1993; Ulloa Ulloa et al., 2004), mainly herbs and shrubs. Here we recognize as endemics 36 species and three varieties in twelve genera. Besleria is the genus with the largest number of endemic species. Peru's endemic Gesneriaceae are found in the Humid Lowland Amazonian Forest and Very Humid Montane Forest regions, between 100 and 2900 m elevation. Eight endemic taxa have been recorded within the Peruvian protected areas system.

Composição do óleo essencial de Sinningia aggregata / Composition of essential oil of Sinningia aggregata

O óleo essencial de Sinningia aggregata (Ker. Gawl.) Wiehler (Gesneriaceae) foi extraído por hidrodestilação e analisado por CG e CG/EM. Foram identificados 17 compostos, representando 91,8 por cento do óleo. O óleo é constituído principalmente por compostos alifáticos de cadeia longa (49,8 por cento) e sesquiterpenos oxigenados (40,2 por cento). Os principais componentes foram: linoleato de metila (28,4 por cento), 1-octadecanol (16,9 por cento), acetato de (Z)-nerolidila (8,8 por cento), espatulenol (7,8 por cento) e (E)-nerolidol (6,7 por cento). Monoterpenos e fenilpropanóides não foram encontrados. Este é o primeiro relato de estudo de óleo essencial na família Gesneriaceae.

The essential oil isolated by hydrodistillation from the aerial parts of Sinningia aggregata (Ker. Gawl.) Wiehler (Gesneriaceae) was analyzed by capillary GC and GC/MS. Seventeen components were identified, representing 91,8 percent of the total oil. The oil was characterized by a high content of long-chain aliphatic compounds (49,8 percent) and oxygenated sesquiterpenes (40,2 percent). The two major components were methyl linoleate (28,4 percent) and 1-octadecanol (16,9 percent). Among the sesquiterpenes, (Z)-nerolidol acetate (8,8 percent), spathulenol (7,8 percent) and (E)-nerolidol (6,7 percent) are present in appreciable amounts. Monoterpenes and phenylpropanoids were not found in the oil.