Antimutagenic, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of Maytenus krukovii bark

The hydroalcoholic extract of Maytenus krukovii bark was investigated for its in vitro mutageno-protective activities by means of the Ames Salmonella/microsome assay. The extract showed an inhibitory effect in both T98 and T100 strains against the mutagenic activity of promutagen 2-aminoanthracene but was not protective against directly acting mutagens sodium azide and 2-nitrofluorene. When tested as a radical scavenger and antioxidant it produced a dose-dependent inhibition. The extract did not show significant antibacterial properties, and was weakly active against dermatophyte and phytopathogenic fungi, but inhibited the growth of phytopathogen Pithyum ultimum.     

Celastrus paniculatus seed water soluble extracts protect cultured rat forebrain neuronal cells from hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative injury

The effects of aqueous extracts of Celastrus paniculatus (CP) seeds were shown to have antioxidant properties in rats. In the study reported here, we have investigated the free radical scavenging capacity of three aqueous extracts (WSEs) obtained from CP seeds: a room temperature extract (WF); a hot water extract (HF); an acid extract (AF). All the WSEs exhibited a dose-dependent free radical scavenging capacity for 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl radical (DPPH) and also for superoxide-generated assays (in vitro assays). In addition, we used enriched forebrain primary neuronal cell (FBNC) cultures to evaluate the neuroprotective effects of the three CP-WSE extracts on H(2)O(2)-induced toxicity. FBNC were pre-treated with the CP-WSE and then with H(2)O(2) to evaluate the protection afforded against H(2)O(2)-induced toxicity. The criteria for neuroprotection by the WSEs were based on a mitochondrial function test following the H(2)O(2)-induced neurotoxicity. All the WSEs significantly attenuated H(2)O(2)-induced neuronal death, and AF was the most effective in protecting the neuronal cells against oxidative injury caused by H(2)O(2). In 10 day FBNC, cellular superoxide dismutase activity was not affected by the WSEs or H(2)O(2), but catalase activity was decreased and levels of malondialdehyde were increased by H(2)O(2) treatment. When the neuronal cells were treated with WSEs prior to H(2)O(2) exposure, catalase activity was increased and levels of malondialdehyde were decreased significantly. The data presented here suggest that CP seed WSEs protected neuronal cells in part by their free radical scavenging properties, by reducing lipid peroxidation, and also by their ability to induce the antioxidant enzyme catalase. Our results indicate that WSEs might exert neuroprotective effects against increased oxidative stress resulting from free radical damage that is associated with a number of neurodegenerative diseases.     

In vitro antioxidant and antibacterial activity of Rhaphidophora pertusa stem

Methanol extract of Rhaphidophora pertusa stem was analyzed for its antioxidant (DPPH, reducing power and Fe(3+) metal chelation methods) and antibacterial activities. The extract was found effective against the three antioxidant test models and exhibited strong and moderate antibacterial activity against the tested pathogenic bacteria.     

Tree canopy effect on grass and grass/legume mixtures in eastern Nebraska

A study to determine the feasibility of producing forage for grazing livestock under trees was conducted as a step toward evaluating the potential for silvopasture systems in the northern and central Great Plains. The effects of overstory leaf area index (LAI), percentage understory light transmittance (LT), and soil moisture (SM) on yield and crude protein (CP) of big bluestem [Andropogon gerardii Vitman; (BB)], smooth bromegrass [Bromus inermis Leyss.; (SB)], and mixtures with birdsfoot trefoil [Lotus corniculatus L.; (BFT)] were examined. The study was conducted in both Scotch pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) and green ash (Fraxinus pennsylvancia Marsh.) tree plantations, at the University of Nebraska Agriculture Research and Development Center near Mead, Nebraska. Thirty-six plots representing a wide range of canopy cover were selected at each location and seeded in April 2000 to BB, SB, or mixtures with BFT. Measurements of LAI, LT, and SM were taken throughout the 2001-growing season and plots were harvested in June and September 2001. Soil moisture generally did not explain much of the variability in yield or CP for BB, SB, or BFT. Cumulative LAI or LT averaged over the growing season was the best predictor of yield or CP, particularly under the pine. Yields of BB and SB increased as LAI decreased or LT increased. Conversely, the CP of BB and SB increased as LT decreased for both the June and September harvests. Both BB and SB maintain relatively high productivity under partial shading; however, BFT yields were low at LT levels below 75%. At the time of the research, the senior author was research assistant, Department of Agronomy and Horticulture, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68853-0915.     

Humic and fulvic acids against boxwood blight disease caused by Calonectria pseudonaviculata

The most recent outbreaks of boxwood blight caused by Calonectria pseudonaviculata, in Hyrcanian forests of Iran, have sparked the need for research to identify eco‐friendly fungicides for management purposes. Our study was conducted to test the efficacy of humic substances against C. pseudonaviculata under both in vitro and in vivo conditions. For this purpose, humic acids (HA) and fulvic acids (FA) extracted from tea waste compost (HAT & FAT), sawdust compost (HAW & FAW) and manure compost (HAM & FAM) were tested against hyphal growth and conidial germination of C. pseudonaviculata. In addition, EC₅₀ and MIC₅₀ were determined for all humic substances tested. While none of the substances caused complete inhibition of the fungus, they showed a range of antifungal activities. Based on the high inhibitory efficacy and low related EC₅₀ and MIC₅₀, HAT and FAT provided the highest efficacy against the pathogen. In the greenhouse, curative and protective effects of the humic treatments at 2,000 mg/L were also investigated against disease severity. Of the substances tested, FAW and FAM showed the weakest antifungal effects and HAT had the greatest curative and protective effects. These results indicate that HAT application can be used as an eco‐friendly control method for boxwood blight epidemics in the disease hotspots of Hyrcanian forests.     

Essential oil composition and antimicrobial activity of Oliveria decumbens

The essential oil of Oliveria decumbens was investigated for its components and antimicrobial activity against six bacteria and two fungal strains. The essential oil was characterized by a high amount of oxygenated monoterpene components of which thymol (47.06%) and carvacrol (23.31%) were the major components. The oil exhibited high antimicrobial activity against all tested Gram+ and Gram- bacteria and fungal strains.     

Bioactivity and structure–activity relationship of natural methoxylated phenylpropenes and their derivatives against Aphis craccivora Koch (Hemiptera: Aphididae)

In the light of recent increased interest in developing plant based secondary chemistry into products suitable for integrated pest management, the objective of the present study was to investigate the bioactivity in field simulated conditions and structure–activity relationship of some natural phenylpropenes and their related analogues (1–6) against Aphis craccivora. The activities of different compounds varied depending on the substitution of the functional groups and the side chain attached to the aromatic ring of the phenylpropene. Dimethyleugenol (5) showed maximum activity among all tested phenylpropenes with LC₅₀ values 880 and 2,047 ppm against nymphs and adults respectively. Present study showed that phenylpropenes appear to be promising natural insecticides and may hold potential for identification of new lead structures against A. craccivora. The activity of the most active phenylpropene (5) was comparable with that of the chemical pesticide (dimethoate).     

Biological and other alternative control methods against the woolly beech aphid <Emphasis Type="Italic">Phyllaphis fagi</Emphasis> L. on beech <Emphasis Type="Italic">Fagus sylvatica</Emphasis> seedlings in forest nurseries

Biological and other alternative control methods were tested against the woolly beech aphid (Phyllaphis fagi). Field applications of mineral oil to the egg stage reduced initial aphid population by 75%, but only when the eggs were exposed to oil close to the time of hatching. Earlier oil treatments had no effect. Bioassays with the insect pathogenic fungus Lecanicillium lecanii (Verticillium lecanii) in the commercial formulation Vertalec^® were conducted using different dosages, i.e. 1 × 10⁶ ml^?1 (recommended dosage) and 2 × 10⁷ ml^?1. Both nymphs and adults were susceptible to fungal infection at both dosages. The existence of a dense wax-covering in adult P. fagi had no protective effect against fungal infection. In bioassays where leaves were treated with the recommended dosage of Vertalec, there was no difference in mortality measured after 14 days between adult P. fagi with an intact wax-layer and adult P. fagi where the wax-layer had been removed. In semi-field trials with two L. lecanii treatments at the recommended dosage, the aphid population was reduced. There was no enhanced effect with the addition of an additive to the fungal suspension or from covering the plants with a polypropylene cover. The results reveal potential alternative control methods against P. fagi populations. However, adequate control with L. lecanii probably requires several treatments as opposed to the two that were tested in the present experiment. Furthermore, efficiency may depend on summer temperatures and humidity.     

Antibacterial activity of Alstonia scholaris and Leea tetramera

The crude methanolic extracts of the leaves, stem and root barks of Alstonia scholaris and Leea tetramera on partitioning (petrol, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, butanol) gave fractions exhibiting improved and broader spectrum of antibacterial activity. Especially the butanol fractions of A. scholaris and the root bark of L. tetramera. None of the fractions were active against the fungi tested.     

The antiplasmodial activity of spermine alkaloids isolated from Albizia gummifera

In the present study the methanolic extract of Albizia gummifera was fractionated into various fractions. These fractions were tested against choroquine sensitive (NF54) and resistant (ENT30) strains of Plasmodium falciparum. All other fractions apart from the alkaloidal fraction showed low activity with IC 50 above 3 microg/ml. The alkaloidal fraction exhibited strong activity against NF54 and ENT30 with IC 50 of 0.16+/-0.05 and 0.99+/-0.06 microg/ml, respectively. Five known spermine alkaloids were isolated from the alkaloidal fraction. These alkaloids exhibited activities against NF54 and ENT30 with IC 50 ranging from 0.09+/-0.02 to 0.91+/-0.10 microg/ml. Four of the alkaloids were further evaluated for in vivo activity against rodent malaria parasite Plasmodium berghei. The alkaloids showed percentage chemosuppression of parasitaemia in mice ranging from 43 to 72%. The use of the extracts A. gummifera for treatment of malaria in traditional medicine seems to have a scientific basis.     

A new biphenyl and antimicrobial activity of extracts and compounds from Clusia burlemarxii

Phytochemical investigation on Clusia burlemarxii (Clusiaceae) led to isolation and identification of nine compounds. Were isolated from leaves 3-O-α-L- rhamnopyranosylquercetin, 3-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosylkaempferol, 4-hydroxy-5,5-dimethyldihydrofuran-2-one, 2Z-δ-tocotrienoloic acid and friedelin and were isolated from trunk betulinic acid, protocatechuic acid, lyoniresinol, and a new biphenyl 2,2-dimethyl-3,5-dihydroxy-7-(4-hydroxyphenyl)chromane. The structures were determined by ¹H, ¹³C-NMR, DEPT, HMBC, HMQC, HRESIMS. The Minimal Inhibitory Concentration against Streptococcus mutans, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Micrococcus luteus, Escherichia coli, Salmonella choleraesuis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Aspergillus niger and Cladosporium cladosporioides was also determined. Extracts and compounds showed significant activity against tested Gram-positive bacteria, none activity against tested Gram-negative bacteria and fungi.     

A field-oriented competition index for young jack pine plantations and a computerized decision tool for vegetation management

A field-oriented competition index (Shade Index) was developed using a series of mensurational measurements on competitors surrounding individual jack pine seedlings. This index and accompanying software were developed for a hand-held microprocessor, allowing for on-site evaluations.The Shade Index estimates the percent occupancy of competitor crowns overtopping individual jack pine seedlings within a 1.4 m radius of the subject tree. Using 360 crop treecentred plots situated on six four-year-old plantations, the accuracy of the index was tested against a more complex competition index (Total Canopy Cover) obtained from vertical hemispherical photographs. Both of these indices attempt to quantify the amount of light being intercepted by competitors. A relationship was found to exist between these two indices with Pearson correlation coefficients ranging from 0.82 to 0.90. Linear regression models of seedling diameter regressed against the Shade Index for the different site/stock type combinations are presented. All models were significant at greater than p=0.0001, with coefficients of determination ranging from 0.42 to 0.71.This index was incorporated into software for a hand-held microprocessor to allow on-site evaluation. These evaluations have the potential to be used to set tending priorities or assess vegetation control measures.     

Protective effect of Spirulina fusiformis on chemical-induced genotoxicity in mice

Spirulina fusiformis given by oral route to mice at doses of 250, 500 and 1000 mg kg(-1) significantly inhibit the genotoxicity induced by cisplatin and urethane. In addition, a significant reduction in the extent of lipid peroxidation with concomitant increase in the liver enzymatic (GPx, GST, SOD, CAT) and non-enzymatic (reduced glutathione) antioxidants were observed.     

Antimicrobial activity and constituents of Coccoloba acrostichoides

The ethanol extract and fractions from Coccoloba acrostichoides aerial parts were assayed for in vitro antimicrobial activity. The extract was active against the assayed bacteria while most of the fractions also inhibited fungal growth, especially the n-hexane and EtOAc fractions. The isolated beta-sitosterol and betulin were tested, being the last one active against Fusarium oxysporum.     

Ruminal in situ disappearance kinetics of six nutritive ingredients in leaves and stems of young tetraploid black locust in growing steers

Tetraploid black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia) is a woody plant with larger leaves and richer nutritional content than normal diploid black locust, with greater biomass and wider adaptability than herbaceous plant forage. However, currently no stockbreeders have adopted it as a major forage in China and other countries for a lack of information on the evaluation of nutritional ingredients of leaves and stems of young tetraploid black locust (YTBL) by in situ digesting tests. The objectives of this study were: 1) to assess the nutritive value of YTBL that bourgeoned from root stumps in the spring by determining the ruminal in situ disappearance kinetics of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), ether extract (EE), neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) from leaves, stems and a mixture of both leaves and stems (MLS) of YTBL; 2) to compare these kinetic estimates with those of Leymus chinensis, a widely used ruminant forage in China. All samples were evaluated in situ by using five ruminally cannulated crossbred steers (550±22.7 kg BW). The results of 48 hours, the representative incubation period, indicate that in situ disappearance rates of DM and OM in YTBL leaves, stems and MLS are on average about 40% and can attain the level of digestibility of L. chinensis. In situ disappearance rates of leaves, stems and MLS of YTBL for CP and EE were 41% and 58% respectively, rates higher than those of L. chinensis. But the disappearance rates of NDF and ADF were, on average, respectively 30.62% and 24.89% and lower than those of L. chinensis. By analyzing synthetically all of our results it could be inferred that MLS of YTBL offers effective ruminal degradability of DM, NDF, ADF, CP, EE and OM, similar to the nutrients of L. chinensis. This supports our contention that the YTBL leaves, stems and MLS are suitable feed for those ruminants requiring high levels of nutrients, such as dairy cows and Boer goats, instead of plant forage, which is decidedly lacking in some parts of the world.     

Antimicrobial activity of 2-arylbenzofurans from Morus species against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus

Nine 2-arylbenzofurans isolated from Morus species were tested for their antimicrobial activities against methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA), methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), Micrococcus luteus, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Among these compounds, chalcomoracin (a leaf phytoalexine of mulberry tree) exhibited considerable antibacterial activity against MRSAs (MICs 0.78 μg/ml).     

New pregnane saponins from Ecdysanthera rosea and their cytotoxicity

Two new pregnane saponins elucidated as ecdysantheroside A (1) and ecdysantheroside B (2) and six known compounds (3-8) based on spectral data (MS, IR, 1D and 2D NMR) were isolated from the stem bark of Ecdysanthera rosea. The cytotoxicity against six cell lines of these compounds was tested by MTT assay. The results revealed that compounds 5 and 7 showed cytotoxicity against all the cell lines. Compound 2 showed cytotoxicity against cells A549, MDA435, HepG2, and HUVEC, while compound 4 showed cytotoxicity against cells A549, CEM, and HUVEC. Compound 6 had cytotoxicity against the others except cell HepG2.     

Feed value of multipurpose fodder trees and shrubs in West Africa: edible forage production and nutritive value of Millettia thonningii and Albizia lebbeck

Millettia thonningii (Schum. & Thonn.) Bak., a nitrogen fixing shrub native to Africa and Albizia lebbeck Benth, were harvested at 0.50 m above ground level after one year of establishment to determine edible forage production. Harvests were made at the end of the main (April–August) and minor (September–November) wet, and dry (December–March) seasons for two years. Dry season edible forage samples were analyzed for concentrations of crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fibre (NDF), acid detergent fibre (NDF), acid detergent lignin (ADL), cellulose (CL), soluble phenolics (SOPH) and proanthocyanidins (PAs). In sacco dry matter (DM) and nitrogen (N) degradation and in vitro gas production (GP) characteristics were also determined on dry season edible forage samples. Edible forage production of M. thonningii was significantly lower than A. lebbeck during the wet seasons. Millettia thonningii had relatively lower CP and PAs, but higher NDF, ADF, ADL, CL and SOPH than A. lebbeck. In sacco DM and N degradation and in vitro GP parameters of M. thonningii were significantly lower than A. lebbeck. Parameters of in sacco DM degradation and in vitro GP were highly correlated. Millettia thonningii appeared to be of lower feed value than A. lebbeck based on edible forage production, chemical composition, in sacco DM and N degradation and in vitro GP characteristics.     

Resistance of gamma-irradiated sapwood of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Cryptomeria japonica</Emphasis> to biological attacks

Any means helpful for the promotion of termite feeding activity has potential for use in a matrix in termite bait application. Therefore, energy transfer by gamma irradiation is worthy of consideration for converting wood into termite-accessible material. Wood specimens gamma-irradiated at 100 kGy and at lower levels were tested for their degrees of polymerization (DP) of cellulose and biological resistance. The DP of cellulose adversely decreased with increased doses of gamma irradiation. Termite wood consumption rates, which were determined by laboratory tests using undifferentiated larvae (workers) of Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki, were significantly higher at 100 kGy than at other doses. On the other hand, the decay resistance of gamma-irradiated wood against the fungi Fomitopsis palustris (Berkeley et Curtis) Murrill and Trametes versicolor (L. ex Fr.) Quel did not vary by irradiation dose.     

Vegetative compatibility and pathogenicity of Diplodia mutila isolates on oak

Forty isolates of Diplodia mutila, a dieback agent on oaks were characterized by their capacity to produce heterokaryons, by their vegetative compatibility, and by their pathogenicity tests on Quercus cerris. The forty isolates were collected from Quercus cerris, Quercus frainetto, Quercus ilex, Quercus pubescens, Quercus robur and Quercus suber in different regions in Italy. Three nit mutants (nit_t, nit and nit_M) were identified with different nitrogen sources: sodium nitrite, sodium nitrate, uric acid, ammonium tartrate and hypoxanthine. On the two nutrient media employed, a potato dextrose agar (PDA) medium with chlorate (PDC), and a minimal agar medium with chlorate (MMC), isolates obtained from Q. cerris yielded the greatest number of mutants: 254 on PDC (out of a total of 583) and 190 on MMC (out of a total of 440). Nine vegetative compatibility groups (VCGs) were identified. There was a strong association between these VCGs and host species. All isolates tested except one from Q. cerris were pathogenic.