Simultaneous extraction of tocochromanols and flavan-3-ols from the grape seeds: Analytical and industrial aspects.

Grape processing generates large amounts of by-products, including seeds rich in hydrophilic and lipophilic antioxidants. This study demonstrates, for the first time, that subjecting grape seeds to a single ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) with aqueous ethanolic solutions yields both flavan-3-ols and tocochromanols in the final extract. Notably, the water content in ethanol significantly influences the extractability of tocochromanols more than flavan-3-ols. Solid-to-solvent ratios of 1:50 to 1:2 were tested for both analytical and industrial applications. A sustainable analytical approach for recovering flavan-3-ols and tocochromanols using 60% and 96.4% ethanol extractions was validated and employed to profile nineteen genotypes of lesser-studied interspecific grape crosses (Vitis spp.). Different genotypes showed a wide range of concentrations of tocopherols (1.6-6.3 mg/100 g), tocotrienols (1.0-17.4 mg/100 g), and flavan-3-ols (861-9994 mg/100 g). This indicated that the genetic background and maturity of the plant material are crucial factors from an industrial perspective due to the initial concentration of bioactive compounds. Finally, the study also discussed the fundamental aspects of hydrophobic antioxidant extractability from the lipid matrix with aqueous ethanol solutions and the limitations of the workflow, such as the non-extractable tocochromanols and their esters and the losses of these lipophilic antioxidants during extraction.

An integrated network pharmacology approach reveals that Ampelopsis grossedentata improves alcoholic liver disease via TLR4/NF-κB/MLKL pathway.

BACKGROUND: Alcohol-related liver damage is the most prevalent chronic liver disease, which creates a heavy public health burden worldwide. The leaves of Ampelopsis grossedentata have been considered a popular tea and traditional herbal medicine in China for more than one thousand years, and possess anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, hepatoprotective, and antiviral activities. PURPOSE: We explored the protective effects of Ampelopsis grossedentata extract (AGE) against chronic alcohol-induced hepatic injury (alcoholic liver disease, ALD), aiming to elucidate its underlying mechanisms. METHODS: Firstly, UPLC-Q/TOF-MS analysis and network pharmacology were used to identify the constituents and elucidate the potential mechanisms of AGE against ALD. Secondly, C57BL/6 mice were pair-fed the Lieber-DeCarli diet containing either isocaloric maltodextrin or ethanol, AGE (150 and 300 mg/kg/d) and silymarin (200 mg/kg) were administered to chronic ethanol-fed mice for 7 weeks to evaluate the hepatoprotective effects. Serum biochemical parameters were determined, hepatic and ileum sections were used for histologic examination, and levels of inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress in the liver were examined. The potential molecular mechanisms of AGE in improving ALD were demonstrated by RNA-seq, Western blotting analysis, and immunofluorescence staining. RESULTS: Ten main constituents of AGE were identified using UPLC-Q/TOF-MS and 274 potential ALD-related targets were identified. The enriched KEGG pathways included Toll-like receptor signaling pathway, NF-κB signaling pathway, and necroptosis. Moreover, in vivo experimental studies demonstrated that AGE significantly reduced serum aminotransferase levels and improved pathological abnormalities after chronic ethanol intake. Meanwhile, AGE improved ALD in mice by down-regulating oxidative stress and inflammatory cytokines. Furthermore, AGE notably repaired damaged intestinal epithelial barrier and suppressed the production of gut-derived lipopolysaccharide by elevating intestinal tight junction protein expression. Subsequent RNA-seq and experimental validation indicated that AGE inhibited NF-κB nuclear translocation, suppressed IκB-α, RIPK3 and MLKL phosphorylation and alleviated hepatic necroptosis in mice. CONCLUSION: In this study, we have demonstrated for the first time that AGE protects against alcoholic liver disease by regulating the gut-liver axis and inhibiting the TLR4/NF-κB/MLKL-mediated necroptosis pathway. Therefore, our present work provides important experimental evidence for AGE as a promising candidate for protection against ALD.

Glycoside constituents from Cayratia geniculata.

Using various chromatographic separations, six glycoside derivatives (1-6), including one new ent-labdane glucoside named cayratioside (1), were isolated from the methanol extract of Cayratia geniculata stems and leaves. Their structures were elucidated by detailed analysis of the 1D, 2D NMR, and HRESIQTOF mass spectra. The inhibitory effect of 1-6 on LPS-induced NO production in RAW264.7 cells was also evaluated. Among isolated compounds, 1 exhibited moderate activity with an IC50 value of 59.65 ± 1.85 µM.

Morphological Characterization of Fossil Vitis L. Seeds from the Gelasian of Italy by Seed Image Analysis.

The discovery of well-preserved fossil Vitis L. seeds from the Gelasian stage in Italy has provided a unique opportunity to investigate the systematics of fossilized Vitis species. Through seed image analyses and elliptical Fourier transforms of fossil Vitis seeds from the sites Buronzo-Gifflenga and Castelletto Cervo II, we pointed out a strong relationship to the group of extant Eurasian Vitis species. However, classification analyses highlighted challenges in accurately assigning the fossil grape seeds to specific modern species. Morphological comparisons with modern Vitis species revealed striking similarities between the fossil seeds and V. vinifera subsp. sylvestris, as well as several other wild species from Asia. This close morphological resemblance suggests the existence of a population of V. vinifera sensu lato in Northen Italy during the Gelasian. These findings contributed to our understanding of the evolution and the complex interplay between ancient and modern Vitis species.

Caffeoylquinic acid esters, lignans and flavones from Yua thomsonii with cytotoxic and nitric oxide inhibitory activities.

Phytochemical study on the aerial parts of Yua thomsonii resulted in the isolation of 11 secondary metabolites, including a new caffeoyl quinic acid derivative, 3-O-trans-caffeoyl-4-O-acetylquinic acid methyl ester (1), a new dihydrobenzofuran neolignan, 3,5-dimethoxy-4-(1″,3″-dihydroxy-2″-propyloxyl)-4',7-epoxy-8,5'-neolignan-4,9,9'-triol (3) and nine known compounds, methyl 4-O-coumaroylquinate (2), (7S*,8S*)-3-methoxy-3',7-epoxy-8,4'-oxyneolignan-4,9,9'-triol (4), kompasinol A (5), lyoniresinol (6), schizandriside (7), (-)-isolariciresinol 3a-O-ß-D-xylopyranoside (8), lyoniside (9), vitexin (10) and luteolin 4'-O-ß-glucopyranoside (11). Their structures were elucidated using comprehensive spectroscopic methods, including 1D and 2D NMR and HRESI mass spectra. The absolute configurations of 1 and 3 were deduced by electronic circular dichroism spectroscopy. Compounds 1, 3, 5 and 6 exhibited nitric oxide (NO) inhibitory effects, with IC50 values ranging from 12.18 to 29.45 µM. However, compounds 1, 3, 6 and 8 were non-cytotoxic towards HepG2 and MCF-7 carcinoma cells.

What explains the high island endemicity of Philippine Rafflesia? A species distribution modeling analysis of three threatened parasitic plant species and their hosts.

PREMISE: Rafflesia are rare holoparasitic plants. In the Philippines, all but one species are found only on single islands. This study aimed to better understand the factors contributing to this distributional pattern. Specifically, we sought to determine whether narrow environmental tolerances of host and/or parasite species might explain their island endemicity. METHODS: We used Maxent species distribution modeling to identify areas with suitable habitat for R. lagascae, R. lobata, and R. speciosa and their Tetrastigma host species. These analyses were carried out for current climate conditions and two future climate change scenarios. RESULTS: Although species distribution models indicated suitable environmental conditions for the Tetrastigma host species in many parts of the Philippines, considerably fewer areas were inferred to have suitable conditions for the three Rafflesia species. Some of these areas are on islands from which they have not been reported. All three species will face significant threats as a result of climate change. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that limited inter-island dispersibility and/or specific environmental requirements are likely responsible for the current pattern of island endemicity of the three Rafflesia species, rather than environmental requirements of their Tetrastigma host species.

A rare phytosterol, stigmast-5-en-3ß,7α,22α-triol and other secondary metabolites from Leea indica showing enhanced in vitro cell migration and proangiogenic activity.

Leea indica (Burm. f.) Merr. (Vitaceae) is used for the treatment of wounds in traditional medicine practiced in Sri Lanka. The current study is carried out to investigate its wound healing potential in terms of in vitro cell migration and proangiogenic activity. The scratch wound assay (SWA) guided fractionation of dichloromethane extract of L. indica led to the isolation of a rare phytosterol, stigmast-5-en-3ß,7α,22α-triol (1), betulin (2), lupeol (3), and ß-sitosterol (4) all of which showed enhanced cell migration in SWA and significant proangiogenic response in chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay. The identities of compounds 1-4 were established by the analysis of NMR spectroscopic data and comparison with those reported. This is the first report of the occurrence of compounds 1 and 2 in L. indica.

Herbarium specimens reveal century-long trait shifts in poison ivy due to anthropogenic CO2 emissions.

PREMISE: Previous experimental studies have shown that poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans; Anacardicaceae) responds to elevated CO2 with increased leaf production, water-use efficiency, and toxicity (allergenic urushiol). However, long-term field data suggest no increase in poison ivy abundance over time. Using herbarium specimens, we examined whether poison ivy and other species shifted leaf traits under natural conditions with increasing atmospheric CO2 (pCO2 ) over the past century. METHODS: We measured stomatal density, leaf area, leaf N, leaf C:N, leaf carbon isotope discrimination (Δleaf ), and intrinsic water-use efficiency (iWUE) from 327 specimens collected from 1838 to 2020 across Pennsylvania. We compared poison ivy's responses to two evolutionarily related tree species, Toxicodendron vernix and Rhus typhina (Anacardiacae) and one ecological analog, Parthenocissus quinquefolia (Vitaceae), a common co-occurring liana. RESULTS: Stomatal density significantly decreased (P < 0.05) in poison ivy and the ecologically similar liana P. quinquefolia over the past century, but did not change in the related trees T. vernix and R. typhina. None of these species showed significant trends in changes in leaf N or C:N. Surprisingly, in poison ivy, but not the other species, Δleaf increased with increased pCO2 , corresponding to significant declines in iWUE over time. CONCLUSIONS: In contrast to the results of short-term experimental studies, iWUE decreased in poison ivy over the last century. Trait responses to pCO2 varied by species. Herbarium specimens suggest that realized long-term plant physiological responses to increased CO2 may not be reflected in short-term experimental growth studies, highlighting the value of collections.

Ethanol preservation and pretreatments facilitate quality DNA extractions in recalcitrant plant species.

Premise: The preservation of plant tissues in ethanol is conventionally viewed as problematic. Here, we show that leaf preservation in ethanol combined with proteinase digestion can provide high-quality DNA extracts. Additionally, as a pretreatment, ethanol can facilitate DNA extraction for recalcitrant samples. Methods: DNA was isolated from leaves preserved with 96% ethanol or from silica-desiccated leaf samples and herbarium fragments that were pretreated with ethanol. DNA was extracted from herbarium tissues using a special ethanol pretreatment protocol, and these extracts were compared with those obtained using the standard cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) method. Results: DNA extracted from tissue preserved in, or pretreated with, ethanol was less fragmented than DNA from tissues without pretreatment. Adding proteinase digestion to the lysis step increased the amount of DNA obtained from the ethanol-pretreated tissues. The combination of the ethanol pretreatment with liquid nitrogen freezing and a sorbitol wash prior to cell lysis greatly improved the quality and yield of DNA from the herbarium tissue samples. Discussion: This study critically reevaluates the consequences of ethanol for plant tissue preservation and expands the utility of pretreatment methods for molecular and phylogenomic studies.

Chromosome-level reference genome of Tetrastigma hemsleyanum (Vitaceae) provides insights into genomic evolution and the biosynthesis of phenylpropanoids and flavonoids.

Here, we present a high-quality chromosome-scale genome assembly (2.19 Gb) and annotation of Tetrastigma hemsleyanum, a perennial herbaceous liana native to subtropical China with diverse medicinal applications. Approximately 73% of the genome was comprised of transposable elements (TEs), of which long terminal repeat retrotransposons (LTR-RTs) were a predominant group (69% of the genome). The genome size increase of T. hemsleyanum (relative to Vitis species) was mostly due to the proliferation of LTR-RTs. Of the different modes of gene duplication identified, transposed duplication (TRD) and dispersed duplication (DSD) were the predominant ones. Genes, particularly those involved in the phenylpropanoid-flavonoid (PF) pathway and those associated with therapeutic properties and environmental stress resistance, were significantly amplified through recent tandem duplications. We dated the divergence of two intraspecific lineages in Southwest (SW) versus Central-South-East (CSE) China to the late Miocene (approximately 5.2 million years ago). Of those, the former showed more upregulated genes and metabolites. Based on resequencing data of 38 individuals representing both lineages, we identified various candidate genes related to 'response to stimulus' and 'biosynthetic process', including ThFLS11, which is putatively involved in flavonoid accumulation. Overall, this study provides abundant genomic resources for future evolutionary, ecological, and functional genomics studies in T. hemsleyanum and related species.

A New Ceramide from Cissus Aralioides Baker (Vitaceae) and its Antimicrobial Activity.

Purification through repeated column chromatography over silica gel and Sephadex LH-20 of the ethanol extract of the stems of Cissus aralioides (Baker) Planch. resulted in the isolation of a new ceramide, aralioidamide A (1), along with five known compounds (2-6). Their structures were determined by the extensive analyses of their spectroscopic (1D and 2D NMR) and spectrometric data, and comparison with those reported in the literature. Aralioidamide A (1) displayed weak antibacterial activity (MIC=256 µg/mL) against Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus and Shigella flexneri and was inactive (MIC>256 µg/mL) against the tested fungi.

Detecting signals of adaptive evolution in grape plastomes with a focus on the Cretaceous-Palaeogene (K/Pg) transition.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Although plastid genes are widely used in phylogenetic studies, signals of positive selection have been scarcely investigated in the grape family. The plastomes from 91 accessions of Vitaceae were examined to understand the extent to which positive selection is present and to identify which genes are involved. Moreover, the changes through time of genes under episodic positive selection were investigated and the hypothesis of an adaptive process following the Cretaceous-Palaeogene (K/Pg) transition about 66 million years ago was tested. METHODS: Different codon-substitution models were used to assess pervasive and episodic positive selection events on 70 candidate plastid genes. Divergence times between lineages were estimated and stochastic character mapping analysis was used to simulate variation over time of the genes found to be under episodic positive selection. KEY RESULTS: A total of 20 plastid genes (29 %) showed positive selection. Among them, 14 genes showed pervasive signatures of positive selection and nine genes showed episodic signatures of positive selection. In particular, four of the nine genes (psbK, rpl20, rpoB, rps11) exhibited a similar pattern showing an increase in the rate of variation close to the K/Pg transition. CONCLUSION: Multiple analyses have shown that the grape family has experienced ancient and recent positive selection events and that the targeted genes are involved in essential functions such as photosynthesis, self-replication and metabolism. Our results are consistent with the idea that the K/Pg transition has favoured an increased rate of change in some genes. Intense environmental perturbations have influenced the rapid diversification of certain lineages, and new mutations arising on some plastid genes may have been fixed by natural selection over the course of many generations.

Tannin phenotyping of the Vitaceae reveals a phylogenetic linkage of epigallocatechin in berries and leaves.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Condensed tannins, responsible for berry and wine astringency, may have been selected during grapevine domestication. This work examines the phylogenetic distribution of condensed tannins throughout the Vitaceae phylogenetic tree. METHODS: Green berries and mature leaves of representative true-to-type members of the Vitaceae were collected before 'véraison', freeze-dried and pulverized, and condensed tannins were measured following depolymerization by nucleophilic addition of 2-mercaptoethanol to the C4 of the flavan-3-ol units in an organic acidic medium. Reaction products were separated and quantified by ultrahigh pressure liquid chromatography/diode array detection/mass spectrometry. KEY RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: The original ability to incorporate epigallocatechin (EGC) into grapevine condensed tannins was lost independently in both the American and Eurasian/Asian branches of the Vitaceae, with exceptional cases of reversion to the ancestral EGC phenotype. This is particularly true in the genus Vitis, where we now find two radically distinct groups differing with respect to EGC content. While Vitis species from Asia are void of EGC, 50 % of the New World Vitis harbour EGC. Interestingly, the presence of EGC is tightly coupled with the degree of leaf margin serration. Noticeably, the rare Asian EGC-forming species are phylogenetically close to Vitis vinifera, the only remnant representative of Vitis in Eurasia. Both the wild ancestral V. vinifera subsp. sylvestris as well as the domesticated V. vinifera subsp. sativa can accumulate EGC and activate galloylation biosynthesis that compete for photoassimilates and reductive power.

The effect of Cissus quadrangularis L. on delaying bone loss in postmenopausal women with osteopenia: A randomized placebo-controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Osteopenia refers to bone density that is not normal but also not as low as that noted in osteoporosis. Osteopenia leads to osteoporosis and increases the risk of fractures. Current research is focused on agents that will prevent or slow the progression of bone loss. On the basis of published evidence, Cissus quadrangularis (CQ) might potentially provide a novel natural treatment for osteopenia. PURPOSE: To determine the effect of 24 weeks of consecutive treatment with CQ on delaying bone loss and safety in postmenopausal women (PMW) with osteopenia. METHODS: This study is a randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Here, 134 enrolled PMW with osteopenia (> 40 years and having no period for 1-10 years) received CQ at 1.2 (CQ1.2) or 1.6 g/day (CQ1.6) or placebo. The %change in bone mineral density (BMD) at the lumbar spine (L1-L4), femoral neck, and total hip served as the primary outcome. The %change in bone turnover markers (BTMs), including C-terminal telopeptide of type 1 collagen (CTX) and procollagen type 1 amino-terminal propeptide (P1NP), was the secondary outcome. These outcomes were compared between the CQ vs. placebo group at weeks 12 and 24. The least significant change (LSC) was used to monitor clinical changes. The adverse events (AE) were monitored. RESULTS: A total of 108 participants completed this study. The %BMD changes in the CQ-treated groups did not differ at any site after 24 weeks compared to the placebo. Statistically significant differences were detected in CQ1.6 at the lumbar spine (0.011 ± 0.025 g/cm2, p = 0.008) and CQ1.2 at the femoral neck (-0.015 ± 0.036 g/cm2, p = 0.024) compared to baseline, but these changes did not exceed the LSC. Reduced bone remodeling activity was detected in both CQ-treated groups. Compared to the placebo, the %P1NP change was significantly reduced in CQ1.6 (-2.46 ± 26.05%; p < 0.01) at week 12 and in CQ1.2 (-3.36 ± 29.47%; p < 0.01) and CQ1.6 (-9.95 ± 22.22%; p < 0.01) at week 24. These results correlated with the within-group comparison, which showed a continuously significant increase in both BTMs in the placebo group. However, a stable CTX and a significant reduction in P1NP (p < 0.05) were detected in both CQ-treated groups. This reduction exceeded the LSC of P1NP. The incidence of adverse events did not differ among the three groups. CONCLUSION: This is the first clinical report that showed a promising effect on delaying bone loss of orally administration of CQ for 24 weeks, as indicated by a slower bone remodeling process via a reduction in BTMs. However, no change in BMD was observed.

Characterization of chemical constituents with their antioxidant and anti-melanogenesis activities from the roots of Ampelopsis japonica.

Three glycosylated stilbenes (1-3), two anthraquinones (4, 5), one lignan (6), five tannins (7-11), two amino acids (12, 13), and one auronol (14) were isolated from the root of Ampelopsis japonica. All compounds, except for 4, 6, and 11 were obtained from this species for the first time. Compounds 6-9 could notably inhibit ROS generations in HaCaT keratinocyte cells with IC50 values of 5.28, 4.83, 0.87, and 1.66 µM, respectively. Compounds 8-10 showed potent DPPH free radical scavenging effects with IC50 values of 14.37, 16.08, and 12.11 µM, individually. In anti-melanogenesis assay, only 8 and 9 could decrease 7.93% and 11.66% melanin contents induced by α-MSH in B16F10 melanoma cells at 40 µM and moderately inhibit tyrosinase activities. By far, galloylhamameloses 8 and 9 were found to exhibit both antioxidant and anti-melanogenesis properties that could be further developed as cosmeceutical agents for skin disorders.

Emergence of a New Rust Disease of Virginia Creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia) through a Host Range Expansion of Neophysopella vitis.

Virginia creeper (or five-leaved ivy; Parthenocissus quinquefolia) is one of the most popular and widely grown climbers worldwide. In September 2021, Virginia creeper leaves with typical rust symptom were found in an arboretum in Korea, with severe damage. Globally, there is no record of a rust disease on Virginia creeper. Using morphological investigation and molecular phylogenetic inferences, the rust agent was identified as Neophysopella vitis, which is a rust pathogen of other Parthenocissus spp. including Boston ivy (P. tricuspidata). Given that the two ivy plants, Virginia creeper and Boston ivy, have common habitats, especially on buildings and walls, throughout Korea, and that N. vitis is a ubiquitous rust species affecting Boston ivy in Korea, it is speculated that the host range of N. vitis may recently have expanded from Boston ivy to Virginia creeper. The present study reports a globally new rust disease on Virginia creeper, which could be a major threat to the ornamental creeper.

Vitisshizishanensis, a new species of the grape genus from Hubei province, China.

Vitisshizishanensis (Vitaceae), a new species from Hubei, China, is described and illustrated. It is morphologically similar to V.flexuosa and V.bryoniifolia, but differs in leaf lobing and pubescence. It can be easily distinguished from the two species based on its glabrous or with very sparse arachnoid tomentum on the abaxial mature leaf surface, and its unlobed to 3-7 lobed leaves. A detailed description, along with photographs for the new species, and a table for morphological comparisons with similar Vitis species, are also provided.

The expansion and diversity of the CYP75 gene family in Vitaceae.

The CYP75 gene family plays an important role in flavonoid biosynthesis in plants. Little is known about the evolution of the gene family within the grape family. Here, we extracted the CYP75 genes from transcriptome data of 15 grape species and 36 representative genomes from other plants to explore the evolutionary history of the CYP75 gene family in Vitaceae. The structure of the CYP75 protein sequences is highly conserved with the variation mainly occurring in the N terminal and the middle region. The evolutionary analyses suggested classifying the CYP75 gene family into three groups in Vitaceae, namely Vitaceae A1, Vitaceae A2 and Vitaceae B. The Vitaceae A1 and A2 belong to the CYP75A subfamily and the Vitaceae B belongs to the CYP75B subfamily. Within the Vitaceae A1, most Vitaceae taxa present only one copy of the CYP75A protein sequence except for Vitis vinifera with a high number of sequences, which might have originated through recent gene duplications after its split from the other species. Vitaceae A2 contain only CYP75A sequences from Vitaceae sister to one from Camellia sinensis, probably representing a relict lineage. The CYP75B proteins were found to be dominated in Vitaceae and other angiosperms. Our results provide important insights into understanding the evolutionary history of the CYP75 gene family in Vitaceae and other angiosperms.

Review of the Phytochemistry and Biological Activity of Cissus incisa Leaves.

BACKGROUND: Cissus incisa is a Vitaceae with a pantropical distribution. In northern Mexico, its leaves have traditionally been used to treat skin infections, abscesses and tumors. Despite its medicinal uses, few studies have been reported. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to summarize the phytochemical and biological studies carried out so far on the leaves of C. incisa, since this part of the plant is the one frequently used, and awaken scientific interest towards the plant. METHODS: Since C. incisa was an undocumented species, most of the information comes from reports of our research group. Databases, books, and websites were also consulted. The information collected was organized and presented in a synthesized way. Plant name was checked with the database "The Plant List". RESULTS: 171, 260, and 114 metabolites were identified by UHPLC-QFTOF-MS in the hexane, chloroform/ methanol, and aqueous extracts, respectively. Fatty acyls, sphingolipids, sterols, glycerolipids, prenol lipids, and terpenes are common metabolites found in these extracts. 2-(2´-hydroxydecanoyl amino)-1,3,4-hexadecanotriol-8-ene, 2,3-dihydroxypropyl tetracosanoate, ß-sitosterol, ß-sitosterol-D-glucopyranoside, α-amyrin-3-O-ß-D-glucopyranoside were also isolated and characterized. Extracts, phytocompounds and semi-synthetic derivatives showed antimicrobial activity against multi-drug resistant bacteria and various cancer cell lines. Results from Perturbation- Theory-Machine Learning-Information-Fusion model (PTMLIF), molecular docking, and vesicular contents assay identified potential targets on the cell membrane, suggesting an antibacterial mechanism of action for ceramides from C. incisa leaves. CONCLUSION: This review reports the efforts of the scientific community in authenticating species used in traditional medicine. Moreover, it gives a compendium of phytochemistry and the biological activities of the components from C. incisa leaves.

Seed Geometry in the Vitaceae.

The Vitaceae Juss., in the basal lineages of Rosids, contains sixteen genera and 950 species, mainly of tropical lianas. The family has been divided in five tribes: Ampelopsideae, Cisseae, Cayratieae, Parthenocisseae and Viteae. Seed shape is variable in this family. Based on new models derived from equations representing heart and water drop curves, we describe seed shape in species of the Vitaceae. According to their similarity to geometric models, the seeds of the Vitaceae have been classified in ten groups. Three of them correspond to models before described and shared with the Arecaceae (lenses, superellipses and elongated water drops), while in the seven groups remaining, four correspond to general models (waterdrops, heart curves, elongated heart curves and other elongated models) and three adjust to the silhouettes of seeds in particular genera (heart curves of Cayratia and Pseudocayratia, heart curves of the Squared Heart Curve (SqHC) type of Ampelocissus and Ampelopsis and Elongated Superellipse-Heart Curves (ESHCs), frequent in Tetrastigma species and observed also in Cissus species and Rhoicissus rhomboidea). The utilities of the application of geometric models for seed description and shape quantification in this family are discussed.