New triterpene saponins from the roots of Acacia macrostachya (Mimosaceae).

Four new oleanane-type saponins, macrostachyaosides A, B, C, and D (1-4) were isolated from the roots of Acacia macrostachya. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of extensive 1D- and 2D-NMR data and HR-ESI-MS analyses. At concentrations of 100 µM of each compounds, none of the tested compounds caused a significant growth reduction against HL60 cells.

New Cytotoxic Triterpenoid Saponins from the Roots of Albizia gummifera (J.F.Gmel.) C.A.Sm.

As part of our search for new bioactive saponins from Cameroonian medicinal plants, two new oleanane-type saponins, named gummiferaosides D and E (1 and 2), along with one known saponin, julibroside J8 (3), were isolated from the roots of Albizia gummifera. Their structures were established on the basis of extensive 1D- and 2D-NMR (1 H- and 13 C-NMR, DEPT, COSY, TOCSY, NOESY, HSQC, HSQC-TOCSY, and HMBC) and HR-ESI-MS studies, and by chemical evidence. The apoptotic effect of saponins 1 - 3 was evaluated on the A431 human epidermoid cancer cell. Flow cytometric analyses showed that saponins 1 - 3 induced apoptosis of human epidermoid cancer cell (A431) in a dose-dependent manner.

Anti-HIV-1 integrase activity and molecular docking of compounds from Albizia procera bark.

CONTEXT: Albizia procera (Roxb.) Benth. (Mimosaceae) has been traditionally used in Thai longevity preparations. Thus, searching for HIV-1 integrase (HIV-1 IN) agents from natural sources is of interest. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to examine the inhibitory activity against HIV-1 IN of compounds isolated from the stem bark of Albizia procera. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The EtOH extract and isolated compounds of Albizia procera bark were examined for anti-HIV-1 IN activity at various concentrations (10-100 µg/mL and 10-100 µM) using the multiplate integration assay and molecular docking. RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS: The results showed that the ethanol extract had good anti-HIV-1 IN activity with an IC50 value of 19.5 µg/mL, whereas ethyl acetate fraction exhibited the most potent with an IC50 value of 19.1 µg/mL, followed by water fraction (IC50 value = 21.3 µg/mL), hexane and chloroform fractions (IC50 value > 100 µg/mL), respectively. From bioassay-guided isolation, the ethyl acetate fraction was further separated to give two compounds which are (+)-catechin (1) and protocatechuic acid (2), respectively. Of the tested samples, (+)-catechin (1) exhibited appreciable activity against HIV-1 IN with an IC50 value of 46.3 µM, whereas protocatechuic acid (2) showed mild activity with 46.0% inhibition at concentration of 100 µM. (+)-Catechin (1) could interact with Thr66, Gly148, and Glu152 in the core domain of IN enzyme, whereas protocatechuic acid (2) could bind with Thr66, His67, Glu152, Asn155, and Lys159. This is the first report on anti-HIV-1 IN activity of Albizia procera bark. These results may suggest that Albizia procera bark has potential as anti-HIV-1 IN agent.

New triterpenoid saponin from the stems of Albizia adianthifolia (Schumach.) W.Wight.

As part of our continuing study of apoptosis-inducing saponins from Cameroonian Albizia genus, one new triterpenoid saponin, named adianthifolioside J (1), together with the known gummiferaoside E (2), were isolated from Albizia adianthifolia stems. The structure of the new saponin (1), was established on the basis of extensive analysis of 1 D and 2 D NMR (1H-, 13C-NMR, DEPT, COSY, TOCSY, NOESY, HSQC, HSQC-TOCSY and HMBC) and HRESIMS experiments, and by chemical evidence as 3-O-[ß-D-xylopyranosyl-(1→2)-ß-D-fucopyranosyl-(1→6)-ß-D-glucopyranosyl]-21-O-{(2E,6S)-2-(hydroxymethyl)-6-methyl-6-O-{4-O-[(2E,6S)-2,6-dimethyl-6-O-(ß-D-quinovopyranosyl)octa-2,7-dienoyl]-(ß-D-quinovopyranosyl)octa-2,7-dienoyl]}acacic acid-28-O-ß-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→3)-[5-O-acetyl-α-L-arabinofuranosyl-(1→4)]-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→2)-ß-D-glucopyranosyl ester (1). The pro-apoptotic activity of the new isolated saponin 1 was evaluated, using Annexin V-FITC binding assay, on the A431 human epidermoid cancer cell. The result showed that adianthifolioside J (1) displayed weak pro-apoptotic activity.

Saponin with antibacterial activity from the roots of Albizia adianthifolia.

An unprecedented saponin is being reported herein together with five known compounds from the methanol extract of the roots of Albizia adianthifolia. The metabolites were obtained over repeated open column chromatography methods and spectroscopic followed by spectrometric techniques. The isolated compounds were tested against eleven Gram-negative bacteria including multidrug resistant strains. The results revealed considerable inhibition of the new saponin against the studied bacteria with MIC values ranging from 16 to 128 µg/mL.

Triterpene saponins from the roots of Acacia senegal (L.) Willd.

Six new triterpenoid saponins, named senegalosides A-F (1-6) were isolated from the seedpods and roots of Acacia senegal (Mimosaceae). Their structures were elucidated using 1D and 2D-NMR spectroscopic analysis and mass spectrometry. Compound 1 possesses an unusual sapogenin, 3ß-hydroxy-21-oxo-olean-12-en-28-oic acid (machaeric acid), and was reported here in its natural form for the first time within the genus Acacia. Senegaloside A is the first example of a machaeric-type triterpenoid glycoside in the plant kingdom. The cytotoxic effect of isolated saponins was evaluated on the H4IIE rat hepatoma cell line. As a result, compounds 1, 3-6 were not significantly cytotoxic to H4IIE cells even at 200 µM. Compound 2 was suppressed cell viability at 50-200 µM.

Pollen micromorphological analysis of tribe Acacieae (Mimosaceae) with LM and SEM techniques.

The morphology of pollen grains of the 06 species of tribe Acacieae (Mimosaceae) belonging to one genus were investigated using scanning electron microscopic (SEM) and light microscopic (LM) approach. Lactic acid acetolysis method was used for (LM) while non-acetolysis for (SEM). The species were examined for the both qualitative and quantitative palynological features. Qualitatively the pollen was studied for the shape, exine sculpturing, pollen shape, and pollen type. Oblate spheroidal shape of pollen was observed in Accacia modesta. Subprolate shape in Accaca nilotica. In Accacia farnesiana, prolate pollen was examined while prolate spheroidal in Acacia tortilis and spheroidal pollen grains were studied in Acacia catechu, respectively. Pollen exine sculpturing of the studied tribe possesses novel variation. Foveolate, reticulate, foveolate-psilate, faint reticulate, fossulate, perforate, and scrabate exine sculpturing were noticed. Colpi were absent in all species. Excessive variation was observed in both qualitative and quantitative character of pollen. SPSS software was use for the quantitative measurement of the pollen grains. The current study will be helpful for the identification of the problematic species and phylogenetic studies of family Mimosaceae.

Structural determination of two new acacic acid-type saponins from the stem barks of Albizia zygia (DC.) J. F. Macbr.

As a continuation of our interest in the study of triterpenoid saponins from Albizia zygia, phytochemical investigation of its stem barks led to the isolation of two new oleanane-type saponins, named zygiaosides C-D (1-2). Their structures were established on the basis of extensive analysis of 1D and 2D NMR (1H-, 13C NMR, DEPT, COSY, TOCSY, ROESY, HSQC and HMBC) experiments, HRESIMS studies, and by chemical evidence as, 3-O-[ ß-d-glucopyranosyl-(1→2)-[α-l-arabinopyranosyl-(1→6)]-ß-d-glucopyranosyl]-21-O-[(2E,6S)-2,6-dimethyl-6-O-(ß-d-quinovopyranosyl) octa-2,7-dienoyl]acacic acid 28-O-α-l-arabinofuranosyl-(1→4)-[ß-d-glucopyranosyl-(1→3)]-α-l-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→2)-ß-d-glucopyranosyl ester (1) and 3- O-[ß-d-glucopyranosyl-(1→2) -[ ß-d-fucopyranosyl-(1→6)]-ß-d-glucopyranosyl]-21-O-[(2E,6S)-2,6-dimethyl-6-O-(ß-D-quinovopyranosyl) octa-2,7-dienoyl]acacic acid 28-O-α-l-arabinofuranosyl-(1→4)-[ß-d-glucopyranosyl-(1→3)]-α-l-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→2)-ß-d-glucopyranosyl ester (2).

Lebbeckoside C, a new triterpenoid saponin from the stem barks of Albizia lebbeck inhibits the growth of human glioblastoma cells.

One new acacic acid-type saponin, named lebbeckoside C (1), was isolated from the stem barks of Albizia lebbeck. Its structure was established on the basis of extensive analysis of 1D and 2D NMR (1H, 13C NMR, DEPT, COSY, TOCSY, ROESY, HSQC and HMBC) experiments, HRESIMS studies, and by chemical evidence as 3-O-[ß-d-xylopyranosyl-(l→2)-ß-d-fucopyranosyl-(1→6)-[ß-d-glucopyranosyl(1→2)]-ß-d-glucopyranosyl]-21-O-{(2E,6S)-6-O-{4-O-[(2E,6S)-2,6-dimethyl-6-O-(ß-d-quinovopyranosyl)octa-2,7-dienoyl]-4-O-[(2E,6S)-2,6-dimethyl-6-O-(ß-d-quinovopyranosyl)octa-2,7-dienoyl]-ß-d-quinovopyranosyl}-2,6-dimethylocta-2,7-dienoyl}acacic acid 28 O-[ß-d-quinovopyranosyl-(l→3)-[α-l-arabinofuranosyl-(l→4)]-α-l-rhamnopyranosyl-(l→2)-ß-d-glucopyranosyl] ester. The isolated saponin (1) displayed significant cytotoxic activity against the human glioblastoma cell line U-87 MG and TG1 stem-like glioma cells isolated from a patient tumor with IC50 values of 1.69 and 1.44 µM, respectively.

Albidosides H and I, two new triterpene saponins from the barks of Acacia albida Del. (Mimosaceae).

Two new triterpene saponins, albidosides H (1) and I (2), along with the three known saponins were isolated from the barks of Acacia albida. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of extensive 1D- and 2D-NMR studies and mass spectrometry. Albidosides H (1) and I (2) were assayed for their cytotoxicity against HeLa and HL60 cells using MTT method.

Pro-apoptotic activity of new triterpenoid saponins from the roots of Albizia adianthifolia (Schumach.) W.Wight.

As part of our study of the proapoptotic function of saponins from Cameroonian's Albizia genus, phytochemical investigation of the roots of Albizia adianthifolia led to the isolation of three new triterpenoid saponins, named adianthifoliosides GI (13). Their structures were established on the basis of extensive analysis of 1D and 2D NMR (1H-, 13C NMR, DEPT, COSY, TOCSY, NOESY, HSQC, HSQC-TOCSY and HMBC) and HRESIMS experiments, and by chemical evidence as 3-O-[ß-d-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-ß-D-fucopyranosyl-(1 → 6)-ß-d-glucopyranosyl]-21-O-{(2E,6S)-2-(hydroxymethyl)-6-methyl-6-O-{4-O-[(2E,6S)-2,6-dimethyl-6-O-(ß-D-quinovopyranosyl)octa-2,7-dienoyl]-(ß-D-quinovopyranosyl)octa-2,7-dienoyl]}acacic acid-28-O-ß-d-xylopyranosyl-(1 → 3)-[5-O-acetyl-α-L-arabinofuranosyl-(1 → 4)]-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-ß-d-glucopyranosyl ester (1), 3-O-[ß-d-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-ß-D-fucopyranosyl-(1 → 6)-ß-d-glucopyranosyl]-21-O-{(2E,6S)-2-(hydroxymethyl)-6-methyl-6-O-{4-O-[(2E,6S)-2,6-dimethyl-6-O-(ß-D-quinovopyranosyl)octa-2,7-dienoyl]-(ß-D-quinovopyranosyl)octa-2,7-dienoyl]}acacic acid 28-O-ß-d-xylopyranosyl-(1 → 3)-[α-L-arabinofuranosyl-1 → 4)]-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-ß-d-glucopyranosyl ester (2), and 3-O-[ß-d-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-ß-D-fucopyranosyl-(1 → 6)-ß-d-glucopyranosyl]-21-O-{(2E,6S)-2-(hydroxymethyl)-6-methyl-6-O-{4-O-[(2E,6S)-2,6-dimethyl-6-O-(ß-D-quinovopyranosyl)octa-2,7-dienoyl]-4-O-[(2E,6S)-2,6-dimethyl-6-O-(ß-D-quinovopyranosyl)octa-2,7-dienoyl]-ß-D-quinovopyranosyl}-2,6-dimethylocta-2,7-dienoyl}acacic acid 28-O-ß-d-xylopyranosyl-(1 → 3)-[α-L-arabinofuranosyl-1 → 4)]-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-ß-d-glucopyranosyl ester (3). The apoptotic effect of saponins 1-3 was evaluated on the A431 human epidermoid cancer cell. Flow cytometric analyses showed that saponins 1-3 induced apoptosis of human epidermoid cancer cell (A431) in a dose-dependent manner.

Triterpene saponins from the roots of Acacia albida Del. (Mimosaceae).

Seven previously undescribed bidesmosidic triterpenoid saponins named albidosides A - G, were isolated from a methanol extract of the roots of Acacia albida. Their structures were elucidated using 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry and determined to be bidesmosides of oleanolic acid and of 16α-hydroxyoleanolic acid. Albidosides B - G were assayed for their cytotoxicity against HeLa and HL60 cells using MTT method and microscopic observation.

Dataset of the use of tannin of néré (parkia-biglobosa) as a solution for the sustainability of the soil constructions in West Africa.

Soil is the main material of construction in African rural areas. Sustainability of construction with soil is a thorny problem to any builder. Finding ways to improve the durability of soil is not only essential but also salutary for the African rural community that mostly lives in soil-built houses that are very often short-lived. The present data assessed the resistance to simple compression and the resistance to bad weather by simulating rainfall alternations through a test of cycles of alternate watering and drying of blocks built from four types of different soils without binder, along with blocks built from the same soils.

Phenotype-specific apoptosis induced by three new triterpenoid saponins from Albizia glaberrima (Schumach. & Thonn.) Benth.

As part of our search of new bioactive saponins from Cameroonian medicinal plants, phytochemical investigation of the roots of Albizia glaberrima led to the isolation of three new oleanane-type saponins, named glaberrimosides A-C (1-3). Their structures were established by direct interpretation of their spectral data, mainly HRESIMS, 1D NMR (1H, 13C NMR, and DEPT) and 2D NMR (COSY, ROESY, HSQC and HMBC) as 3-O-[α-L-arabinopyranosyl-(1 → 6)-[ß-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 2)]-ß-D-glucopyranosyl]-28-O-[ß-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 6)-[ß-d-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 2)]-ß-D-glucopyranosyl]-oleanolic acid (1), 3-O-[α-L-arabinopyranosyl-(1 → 6)-[ß-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 2)]-ß-D-glucopyranosyl]-28-O-[ß-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 6)-ß-D-glucopyranosyl]-oleanolic acid (2), and 3-O-[ß-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→2)-ß-D-glucopyranosyl]-28-O-[ß-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 6)-[ß-D-fucopyranosyl-(1 → 2)]-ß-D-glucopyranosyl]-oleanolic acid (3). The pro-apoptotic effect of the three saponins was evaluated on three human cell lines (pancreatic carcinoma AsPC-1, hematopoietic monocytic THP-1, and human fibroblast cell line BJ). Saponins 1-3 specifically induced apoptosis of pancreatic carcinoma cell (AsPC-1) in a dose-dependent manner. More interestingly, there were inactive on monocytic (THP-1) and normal human fibroblast (BJ) cell lines.

Flavonoid glycosides from the aerial parts of Acacia pennata in Myanmar.

Phytochemical investigations of the aerial parts of Acacia pennata (Mimosaceae) from Myanmar led to the isolation of five flavonoid glycosides and six known compounds. The new compounds were identified as (2R,3S)-3,5,7-trihdyroxyflavan-3-O-α-L-rhamnopyranoside, (2S)-5,7-dihydroxyflavan-7-O-ß-D-glucopyranoside-(4α → 8)-epiafzelechin-3-O-gallate, (2R)-4',7-dihydroxyflavan-(4α → 8)-(2R,3S)-3,5,7-trihdyroxyflavan-3″-O-α-L-rhamnopyranoside, 5,7-dihydroxyflavone 6-C-ß-boivinopyranosyl-7-O-ß-D-glucopyranoside, and 5,7-dihydroxyflavone 7-O-ß-D-glucopyranosyl-8-C-ß-boivinopyranoside based on interpretation of spectroscopic data.

Triterpenoid saponins from Albizia lebbeck (L.) Benth and their inhibitory effect on the survival of high grade human brain tumor cells.

As part of our search of new bioactive triterpenoid saponins from Cameroonian Mimosaceae plants, phytochemical investigation of the roots of Albizia lebbeck led to the isolation of two new oleanane-type saponins, named lebbeckosides A-B (1-2). Their structures were established on the basis of extensive 1D and 2D NMR ((1)H, (13)C NMR, DEPT, COSY, TOCSY, ROESY, HSQC, and HMBC) and HRESIMS studies, and by chemical evidence. Compounds 1-2 were evaluated for their inhibitory effect on the metabolism of high grade human brain tumor cells, the human glioblastoma U-87 MG cell lines and the glioblastoma stem-like TG1 cells isolated from a patient tumor, and known to be particularly resistant to standard therapies. The isolated saponins showed significant cytotoxic activity against U-87 MG and TG1 cancer cells with IC50 values of 3.46 µM and 1.36 µM for 1, and 2.10 µM and 2.24 µM for 2, respectively.

Abarema cochliacarpos reduces LPS-induced inflammatory response in murine peritoneal macrophages regulating ROS-MAPK signal pathway.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Abarema cochliacarpos (Gomes) Barneby and Grimes (Fabaceae), known by the vulgar name of Babatenã, has been traditionally used in Northeast Brazil, as an anti-inflammatory remedy. Previous studies have demonstrated its anti-inflammatory and antiulcer effects in skin lesion, alcohol gastric ulcer and acute and chronic colitis. AIMS: The present study was designed to evaluate the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of the butanolic fraction from A. cochliacarpos (BFAC) and its major flavonoid, (+)-catechin, in LPS-stimulated murine peritoneal macrophages. Moreover, we studied the role of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)s and NF-kB signaling pathways possibly involved in the beneficial effects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The quantification of the extract was carried out by ultra-performance liquid chromatography analysis. Cell viability was determined using SRB assay. Nitric oxide (NO) production was analyzed by Griess method and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) by fluorescence analysis. In addition, cyclooxygenase (COX-2) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression, MAPK activation and IkappaBalpha (IKBα) degradation, were determined by Western blot. RESULTS: After BFAC characterization, (+)-catechin was revealed as its major constituent. Both BFAC and (+)-catechin, exerted significant anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects inhibiting LPS-induced intracellular ROS and NO production in peritoneal macrophages. Additionally, the extract but also its major component reduced pro-inflammatory proteins expression probably through c-Jun N-terminal kinase and p38 MAPK signaling pathways. CONCLUSION: These data suggest that the beneficial effects of BFAC might be mediated, at least in part, by the presence of (+)-catechin. Conclusively our findings confirm the potential of A. cochliacarpos as a new therapeutic strategy for the management of inflammatory and oxidative stress-related diseases.

Polysaccharide extract of Mimosa tenuiflora stem barks stimulates acute inflammatory response via nitric oxide / Extrato polissacarídico oriundo das cascas do caule de Mimosa tenuiflora induz resposta inflamatória aguda via óxido nítrico

Mimosa tenuiflora (Mimosaceae) or "jurema-preta" is well distributed in the northeast Brazil, being popularly used to treat skin lesions, burns and inflammation. The healing effect of the alcoholic extract prepared with its barks corroborates the popular use. This study aimed to evaluate the inflammatory response of polysaccharides extracted from M. tenuiflora barks (EP-Mt) by methanol/NaOH and ethanol precipitation. Inflammatory activity was assessed in rat models of acute inflammation (paw edema and peritonitis), by the following parameters: edema, vascular permeability, leukocyte migration, myeloperoxidase activity and pharmacological modulation of nitric oxide and prostaglandins. EP-Mt presented 3.8% yield, 41% carbohydrate and 0.34% protein. EP-Mt (0.01, 0.1, 1.0 mg kg-1) injected by subcutaneous route elicited paw edema that lasted from 30-420 min, with maximal effect at 1 mg kg-1 (40x vs. saline), and was inhibited by L-NAME (52%) and dexamethasone (26%). EP-Mt (1 mg kg-1, via intraperitoneal) stimulated leukocytes migration (2.2x), mainly neutrophils (6.5x) and MPO activity (96%). The leukocyte migration elicited by EP-Mt was inhibited by dexamethasone (39%) and L-NAME (38%). EP-Mt containing high carbohydrate content induces acute inflammation via nitric oxide, which open perspectives of application in pathological conditions of immunosuppression.

Mimosa tenuiflora (Mimosaceae) ou "jurema-preta", amplamente distribuída no nordeste brasileiro, é utilizada popularmente no tratamento de lesões de pele, queimaduras e inflamação. O efeito cicatrizante do extrato alcoólico de suas cascas corrobora o uso popular. Avaliou-se o efeito inflamatório dos polissacarídeos da casca de M. tenuiflora (EP-Mt), obtidos por extração com metanol/NaOH e precipitação com etanol. O efeito inflamatório foi avaliado em modelos agudos em ratos (edema de pata, peritonite) por meio dos seguintes parâmetros: edema, permeabilidade vascular, migração leucocitária, atividade da mieloperoxidase e modulação farmacológica de prostaglandinas e óxido nítrico. EP-Mt apresentou 3,8% de rendimento, 41% de carboidratos totais e 0,34% de proteína. EP-Mt (0,01, 0,1, 1,0 mg kg -1), administrado por via subcutânea, induziu edema de pata com duração de 30 a 420 min e efeito máximo na dose de 1 mg kg-1 (40x vs. salina), o qual foi inibido por L-NAME (52%) e dexametasona (26%). EP-Mt (1 mg kg-1, via intraperitoneal) estimulou a migração de leucócitos (2,2x vs. salina), principalmente de neutrófilos (6,5x), com aumento da atividade da mieloperoxidase (96%). A migração de leucócitos foi inibida por dexametasona (39%) e L-NAME (38%). EP-Mt contendo elevado teor de carboidratos induz inflamação aguda via óxido nítrico com perspectivas de aplicação em condições patológicas de imunossupressão.

Tetrapleura tetraptera: molluscicidal activity and chemical constituents.

Tetrapleura tetraptera (Schumach. And Thonn) Taub, Mimosaceae, commonly known as Aridan (fruit), A single stemmed, robust, perennial tree of about 30 m. It has a grey/brown, smooth/rough bark with glabrous yound branchlets. The flower is yellow/pink and racemes white the fruit has dark brown, four winged pods 12-25 x 3.5-6.5 cm. It is generally found in the lowland forest of tropical Africa. The fruit consists of a fleshy pulp with small, brownish-black seeds. The fruit possesses a fragrant, characteristically pungent aromatic odour, which is attributed to its insect repellent property. It is used as spices and aroma (exotic tropical scents) and fish poisoning. It is one of the molluscicidal medicinal plants of Nigeria, also useful in the management of convulsions, leprosy, inflammation and/or rheumatoid pains. The documented biological and-or pharmacological activities are found to be molluscicidal, cardio-vascular, neuromuscular, hypotensive, anti-convulsant, trypanocidal, hirudinicidal, schistosomiasis control, anti-ulcerative, ectoxicity, anti-inflammatory, hypoglycaemic, anti-microbial, emulsifying property, birth control, food value and the control of intestinal parasites. Activity-guided fractionation of the methanol extract of the fruits of T. tetraptera led to the isolation of a saponin glycoside with an oleanolic acid aglycone, a monodesmosidic diglycoside of the rare sapogenin 27-hydroxyolean-12 (13)-en-28-oic acid; echinocystic acid-3-0-sodium sulfate from the stembark, umbelliferone and ferulic acid from the leaves and branches respectively. Also isolated from the fruits were aridanin and three of its olean-12-en-28-oic acid derivatives. All the compounds isolated either from the fruits or other parts were found to exhibit strong molluscicidal properties against the schistosomiasis-transmitting snails Biomphalaria glabrata.

Two new species of Lopesia Rübsaamen (Diptera, Cecidomyiidae) associated with Mimosa hostilis (Mimosaceae) in Brazil / Duas espécies novas de Lopesia Rübsaamen (Diptera, Cecidomyiidae) associadas a Mimosa hostilis (Mimosaceae) no Brasil

Two new species of Lopesia Rübsaamen (Diptera, Cecidomyiidae) associated with Mimosa hostilis (Mimosaceae) in Brazil Two new species of Lopesia Rübsaamen (Diptera, Cecidomyiidae, Lopesiini), L. mimosae Maia, sp. nov. and L. pernambucensis Maia, sp. nov., that induce galls on Mimosa hostilis Benth. (Mimosaceae) are described and illustrated based on material from "caatinga" in Pernambuco, Brazil.

Duas novas espécies de Lopesia Rübsaamen, 1908 (Diptera, Cecidomyiidae, Lopesiini), L. mimosae Maia, sp. nov. and L. pernambucensis Maia, sp. nov., que induzem galhas em Mimosa hostilis Benth. (Mimosaceae) são descritas e ilustradas com base em material da caatinga de Pernambuco, Brasil.