Molecular characterization of Desmodium species — An important ingredient of ‘Dashmoola’ by RAPD analysis

Identification of medicinal plants by their molecular signature is a fast growing tool. The identification of Desmodium gangeticum (L.) DC. (Shalparni, a constituent of Ayurvedic formulation “Dashmoolarishtha”) was carried out using genomic approach. Authentic samples of D. gangeticum(L.) DC., D. velutinum (Willd.) DC. and D. triflorum (L.) DC. were analyzed and compared to commercial samples of various origin. Within twenty primers used, eleven gave 223 RAPD fragments. RAPD profiles of three species showed very low similarity index (0.21–0.39), whereas market samples showed high similarity of 0.82–0.89 with authenticated D. gangeticum.     

Antiproliferative steroidal glycosides from Digitalis ciliata

Two new compounds, a furostanol glycoside (1) and a pregnane glycoside (4), along with eight known compounds, belonging to the classes of spirostane (2,3), pregnane (5–7) and cardenolide (8–10) glycosides, were isolated from the seeds of Digitalis ciliata. Their structures were elucidated by 1D and 2D-NMR experiments as well as ESI-MS analysis. For the first time pregnane glycosides of the diginigenin series have been isolated from D. ciliata. The cytotoxic effects of compounds 1–10 on cell viability of several cancer cell lines, namely human breast cancer (MCF-7), human glioblastoma (T98G), human lung adenocarcinoma (A549), human colon carcinoma (HT-29), and human prostate cancer (PC-3) cell lines were evaluated. Compounds 1, 4, 7 and 8 showed antiproliferative effects against MCF-7, HT-29 and A549 cancer cells with IC₅₀ values ranging from 8.3 to 20 μM. The effects of compounds 1–10 on cell proliferation were evaluated on these three cancer cell lines by cell cycle analysis of DNA content using flow cytometry. Compounds 7, 8 and 10 induced significant changes in G₂/M cell cycle phase of all analyzed cells. The obtained results indicate that compounds 7, 8 and 10 are cytostatic compounds effective in reducing cell proliferation by inducing accumulation of the cells in the G₂/M phase of the cell cycle.     

山西翅果油天然群体果实多样性研究

翅果油(Elaeagnus mollis Diels.)为胡颓子科胡颓子属,又名柴禾、毛折子、贼绿柴、仄棱蛋,是我国特有的木本油料树种.翅果油种子出油率为32.5％,其中,油酸40.36％,亚油酸50.38％[1-4];经初步测量,成年单株每年可产果40 kg;目前,测定的Ve含量高达15.581 mg·g-1,并且还富含其它活性物质,如Vc、甾醇等,具有较高的经济价值[5-6].翅果油根系发达,具固氮能力,在生长条件恶劣的黄土高原地区能够正常生长结实,耐旱、耐瘠薄能力较强,具有重要的生态价值[7-8].     

Triterpenes and steroids from the leaves of Aglaia exima (Meliaceae)

A study on the leaves of Aglaia exima led to the isolation of one new and seven known compounds: six triterpenoids and two steroids. Their structures were elucidated and analyzed mainly by using spectroscopic methods; 1D and 2D NMR, mass spectrometry, UV spectrometry and X-ray. All the triterpenoids and steroids were measured in vitro for their cytotoxic activities against eight cancer cell lines; lung (A549), prostate (DU-145), skin (SK-MEL-5), pancreatic (BxPC-3), liver (Hep G2), colon (HT-29), breast (MCF-7) and (MDA-MB-231). The new cycloartane triterpenoid, 24(E)-cycloart-24-ene-26-ol-3-one 1, showed potent cytotoxic activity against colon (HT-29) cancer cell line (IC₅₀ 11.5 μM).     

Water stress tolerance in Eucalyptus globulus Labill. subsp. maidenii (F. Muell.) saplings induced by water restrictions imposed by weeds

Eucalyptus saplings are sensitive to weed competition. This can cause water stress which is the most important abiotic factor limiting survival during plantation establishment. Two provenances of Eucalyptus globulus subsp. maidenii viz. Murrabrine and Tantawanglo were used to examine the effect of water stress induced by weed presence during establishment on physiological responses of young saplings. Six-month-old saplings were transplanted into 220-L containers containing three weed cover levels (no weeds, low weed density, high weed density). Each provenance × weed cover combination was assigned to either a high or a low water availability level. Sapling water status was affected differentially by water competition induced by weeds. Murrabrine provenance showed higher pre-dawn relative water content, pre-dawn leaf water potential and noon leaf stomatal conductance than Tantawanglo. Water stress conditions induced osmotic (π_adj) and elastic (?_adj) adjustments. The magnitude of π_adj varied according to the weed cover and water availability. Weed presence produced cell wall stiffening independently of water availability. Murrabrine provenance was less sensitive to weed cover, showing a significant change in wall stiffening only under high weed density. The two provenances had similar drought-tolerance mechanisms, but different responses to stress. Murrabrine had a larger water stress threshold than Tantawanglo that combined processes for “reduced water loss” and “maintenance of water uptake”. The relative importance of induced physiological drought-tolerance in response to weed interference during establishment is discussed.     

Comparison of litterfall and nutrient return in a Vaccinio uliginosi–Betuletum pubescentis and an Empetro nigri–Pinetum forest ecosystem in northern Poland

Litterfall abundance and composition of organic and inorganic nitrogen and phosphorus forms were studied for 34 months in two different forest ecosystems (Vaccinio uliginosi–Betuletum pubescentis (Vu–Bp) and Empetro nigri–Pinetum (En–P)) in S?owiński National Park (northern Poland). Including broadleaves, litterfall abundance in Vu–Bp was above 25% higher than in En–P. In Vu–Bp the mean litterfall abundance was equal to 4050 kg ha⁻¹ year⁻¹ with needles (31%) and broadleaves (32%) dominating while in En–P the mean litterfall abundance was equal to 2828 kg ha⁻¹ year⁻¹ and needless made up 59% of total. Almost all litterfall fractions in both forest ecosystems followed a clear, coherent seasonal pattern with maximal values in Autumn and minimal values in the growing season. In general, inter-annual fall variation of needles, branches, broadleaves and seeds was not significant in both ecosystems, however, for the fall of needles and branches a decreasing tendency was observed. In Vu–Bp and in En–P total litterfall (Vu–Bp: T-N 97.5%, N_org 96.8%, En–P: T-N 95.6%, N_org 97.9%) as well as the needless (Vu–Bp: T-N 31.9%, N_org 46.4%; En–P: T-N 53.5%; N_org 53.6%) were the most abundant with nitrogen with the supremacy of organic forms. Besides needles fall, the highest nitrogen return in Vu–Bp was contributed by broadleaves, seeds and branches fall, while in En–P with branches and bark fall. The lowest nitrogen return was contributed by inflorescences and flower buds fall. Similar to organic nitrogen, organic phosphorus was dominant in Vu–Bp (91%) and in En–P (77%) ecosystems. In Vu–Bp total phosphorus contributed by broadleaves was comparable to deposited with needles. In the fallen needless phosphorus contribution was significantly higher in En–P than in Vu–Bp. Nearly 40% of total phosphorus return was contributed by branches, seeds and other litterfall material in Vu–Bp. Litterfall mass in Vu–Bp showed positive correlation with air humidity, total nitrogen content in the rooting zone, and negative with underground water level and air temperature indicating lower resistance towards climatic stress. At both forest ecosystems total litterfall mass, total nitrogen and organic nitrogen were positively correlated with air humidity, while neither total litterfall, nor total nitrogen (T-N) and total phosphorus (T-P) at both forest ecosystems were correlated directly with precipitation volume. This is probably because air humidity is partially related to precipitation (r_Sp = 0.31), however it could be also an effect of sea sprays contribution. Homogeneous Pinus sylvestris stand indicates higher resistance towards unfavorable climatic conditions than Betula pubescens, and this is why it should be preferably used in afforestation campaigns in seashore.     

Adaptation to exploit nitrate in surface soils predisposes yellow-cedar to climate-induced decline while enhancing the survival of western redcedar: A new hypothesis

Yellow-cedar (Chamaecyparis nootkatensis (D. Don) Spach) and western redcedar (Thuja plicata Donn), two valuable tree species of Pacific Northwest forests, are competitive in low productivity forests on wet, nearly saturated soils with low nitrogen (N) availability and turnover. We propose a mechanism where cedar trees survive in marginal conditions through exploiting a coupled Ca–NO₃⁻ nutrient cycle where trees assimilate N as nitrate (NO₃⁻), but must accumulate a counter-ion to NO₃⁻ such as calcium (Ca⁺²) to control their internal cell pH and provide electrochemical balance. The availability of NO₃⁻ in cedar forests is favored by increased microbial activity and shifts in microbial community composition that is conducive to N mineralization and nitrification at higher pH. Cedars influence the soils under their canopy by enriching the forest floor with calcium compounds leading to increases in pH. Cedars are also prone to precocious dehardening in the spring when N is released from freeze–thaw events in the soils and conditions appear to favor nitrifying microbial communities. Cedars must concentrate fine-root biomass near the soil surface to access Ca and NO₃⁻, but this beneficial physiological adaptation also creates a vulnerability to periodic root freezing injury that is leading to the decline and mortality of at least one of them—yellow-cedar.     

Protective effect of a new amide compound from Pu-erh tea on human micro-vascular endothelial cell against cytotoxicity induced by hydrogen peroxide

A new amide, N-(3,4-dihydroxybenzoyl)-3,4-dihydroxybenzamide (1), was isolated from the Pu-erh tea made with the leaf of Camellia assamica (Mast.) Chang by special fermentation techniques with bacteria and fungus. Its structure was established by means of spectroscopic data analyses, including mass spectrometry and both 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy. Human micro-vascular endothelial cell (HMEC) injured with H₂O₂ was used as the model to test protective effect of compound 1 in contrast with other known compounds isolated from Pu-erh tea. These results suggested that compound 1 is a very useful compound to prevent H₂O₂-induced cell death of HMEC.     

刚毛柽柳富含甘氨酸RNA结合蛋白ThGRP1基因克隆与表达分析

在有机体的生长和发育过程中,基因表达在转录、转录后和翻译水平都受到严格地调控。转录调控是基因表达调控的第一步,曾被认为是基因表达的主要调控机制,但是随着对转录后调控机制越来     

A novel antifungal anthraquinone from seeds of Aegle marmelos Correa (family Rutaceae)

A new anthraquinone, 1-methyl-2-(3′-methyl-but-2′-enyloxy)-anthraquinone (1) has been isolated from seeds of Aegle marmelos Correa and was characterized on the basis of spectral analysis (UV, IR, ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR, 2D NMR and mass spectroscopy). The compound exhibited significant antifungal activity against pathogenic strains of Aspergillus species and Candida albicans in disc diffusion assay (MIC value of 6.25 μg/disc), microbroth dilution and percent spore germination inhibition assays (MIC value of 31.25–62.5 μg/ml).     

云南甜龙竹和黄竹种子灭菌条件和萌发特性初步研究

目的]筛选云南甜龙竹和黄竹种子最佳表面灭菌条件,研究其萌发特性。[方法]筛选NaClO(2%、3%、4%)与HgCl_2(0.01%、0.1%)最佳消毒浓度组合;采用流水冲洗时间(6、12、18 h)、2%NaClO浸泡时间(5、10、15 min)和0.1%Hg Cl_2浸泡时间(5、10、15 min),设计正交试验实验,探讨2种竹种最佳表面灭菌处理的时间组合,并对竹种分别在滤纸、MS培养基以及经3 mg·L~(-1)GA_3浸泡后在MS培养基上的发芽率进行了探讨。[结果]NaClO、Hg Cl_2最佳消毒浓度组合为2%NaClO+0.1%HgCl_2;2种竹种最佳表面灭菌时间组合均为:流水冲洗6 h、2%Na Cl O浸泡10min、0.1%HgCl_2浸泡15 min,经此处理后云南甜龙竹和黄竹的发芽率分别为84.4%、72.2%,污染率分别为18.7%、29.6%。不同处理种子萌发率差异t检验结果显示:2种竹子种子是否经过3 mg·L~(-1)GA_3浸泡,对其在MS培养基上的发芽率无显著影响,但种子在MS培养基上的发芽率显著高于滤纸上的发芽率。经相同处理黄竹的发芽率均低于云南甜龙竹。[结论]云南甜龙竹、黄竹最佳表面灭菌组合均为:流水冲洗6 h、2%NaClO浸泡10 min、0.1%HgCl_2浸泡15 min;3 mg·L~(-1)GA_3浸泡处理对云南甜龙竹和黄竹种子在MS培养基上的发芽率无显著影响,但MS培养基上种子的发芽率显著高于其在滤纸上的发芽率。     

A novel hepatoprotective saponin from Celosia cristata L.

A new saponin, cristatain (1), together with four other saponins, celosin A (2), celosin B (3), celosin C (4) and celosin D (5) were isolated from the seeds of Celosia cristata L. (Amaranthaceae). Their structures were established by chemical and spectroscopic analyses. For the first time, the saponins were found in C. cristata L. In addition, compound 1 exhibited significant hepatoprotective effect on carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)- and N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF)–induced hepatotoxicity in mice, which were evidenced by significant decreases in the values of asparate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) of serum and histopathological examinations compared to controls.     

Stand-scale transpiration estimates in a Moso bamboo forest: (I) Applicability of sap flux measurements

The applicability of sap flux (F_d) measurements to bamboo forests has not been studied. This study was undertaken to establish an optimal and effective design for stand-scale transpiration (E) estimates in a Moso bamboo forest. To this aim, we validated F_d measurements in Moso bamboos in a cut bamboo experiment. In addition, we analyzed how sample sizes affect the reliability of E estimates calculated from F_d and conducting culm area (A_{S_b}). In the cut bamboo experiments, we found that F_d measurement using a 10 mm probe was a valid means of determining the water-use behavior of a Moso bamboo, although a specific correction was needed. Furthermore, we calculated E from stand A_{S_b} (A_{S_stand}) and mean stand F_d (J_S). Employing Monte Carlo analysis, we examined potential errors associated with sample size in E, A_{S_stand}, and J_S using an original dataset with A_{S_b} and F_d measured for 40 and 16 individuals, respectively. Consequently, we determined the optimal sample size for both A_{S_stand} and J_S estimates as 11. The optimal sample sizes for J_S were almost the same under different vapor pressure deficit and soil moisture conditions. The optimal sample size for J_S at the study site was less than that of a coniferous plantation in the same region probably owing to small individual-to-individual variations in sap flux in the Moso bamboo forest. Our study concludes that sap flux measurements are an applicable technique for assessing water use in Moso bamboo forests.     

Verbascoside isolated from Tectona grandis mediates gastric protection in rats via inhibiting proton pump activity

Evidences have suggested that Tectona grandis (TG) attenuates gastric mucosal injury; however its mechanism has not yet been established. The aim of present study was to evaluate the gastroprotective mechanism of ethanolic extract of TG (E-EtOH), butanolic fraction (Fr-Bu) and to identify its active constituents. Anti-ulcer activities were evaluated against cold restraint (CRU) and pyloric ligation (PL) induced gastric ulcer models and further confirmed through H⁺ K⁺-ATPase inhibitory activity. Cytoprotective activity was evaluated in alcohol (AL) induced gastric ulcer model and further through PGE₂ level. E-EtOH and Fr-Bu attenuated ulcer formation in CRU. Moreover E-EtOH and Fr-Bu displayed potent anti-secretory activity as evident through reduced free acidity and pepsin activity in PL, confirmed further by in vitro inhibition of H⁺ K⁺-ATPase activity. In addition cytoprotective potential of E-EtOH and Fr-Bu were apparent with protection in AL model, increased PGE₂ content and enhanced mucin level in PL. Phytochemical investigations of Fr-Bu yielded terpenoides and a phenolic glycoside, verbascoside. The anti-secretory mechanism of verbascoside mediated apparently through inhibition of H⁺ K⁺-ATPase with corresponding decrease in plasma gastrin level, is novel to our finding. Gastroprotection elicited by TG might be through proton pump inhibition and consequent augmentation of the defensive mechanism.     

云南4种典型热带丛生竹的种源分化

以典型的自然或栽培种群为研究对象,全面调查和分析了云南4种典型热带丛生竹——巨龙竹、龙竹、云南甜龙竹和黄竹种质资源及其遗传分化背景,并结合种群平均秆径和平均秆质量,初步评价了以种群为代表的各个竹种的种源分化状况。结果显示:4个竹种种群间的平均秆径和平均秆质量等主要营林指标差异显著;巨龙竹、龙竹、云南甜龙竹种群间存在着较高水平的遗传分化,其遗传分化系数(Gst)均大于0.83;而黄竹种群间也存在一定水平的遗传分化(Gst=0.252 4)。研究结果为筛选巨龙竹等4个竹种的优良种源提供了理论依据。     

A novel cyclopropyl-containing fatty acid glucoside from the seeds of Litchi chinensis

3,12-Dihydroxy-cis-3,4-methylenedodecanoic acid 3-O-β-d-glucopyranoside, trivially named litchioside C (1), the first cyclopropyl-containing fatty acid glycoside, was isolated along with three previously uncharacterized galactosylacylglycerols from the seeds of Litchi chinensis. Its structure was established on the basis of spectroscopic analysis including HRESIMS and 2D NMR spectra. Its antioxidant and antibacterial activities were evaluated and its biogenetic pathway was discussed.     

Stand level estimation of root respiration for two subtropical plantations based on in situ measurement of specific root respiration

In this study, the stand level root respiration was estimated for two monoculture plantations: Acacia crassicarpa and Eucalyptus urophylla, based on in situ measurement of specific root respiration using simplified root chamber method. The respiration rates of fine roots (<5 mm) were significantly higher than those of coarse roots (>5 mm) for both A. crassicarpa and E. urophylla species. The root respiration of A. crassicarpa showed a clear seasonal pattern with a higher value in the wet season. For E. urophylla, the seasonal pattern was observed for fine roots but not for coarse roots. After determining the biomass of fine roots and coarse roots and their specific rates of respiration at different time points, root respiration at the stand level (R_a) was estimated using a direct up-scaling model. We found that the R_a accounted for 14% and 19% of total soil respiration (R_s) for A. crassicarpa and E. urophylla, respectively. The fine (R_Tf) and coarse (R_Tc) root respiration at the stand level accounted for about 47% and 53% of the R_a for A. crassicarpa, and accounted for 58% and 42% for E. urophylla. This suggests that coarse root respiration cannot be ignored when estimating the root respiration at the stand level. Our results showed that the Q₁₀ values were more accurate in representing the temperature dependence when the confounding effect of soil moisture was considered. This study introduces an alternative approach to estimate stand level root respiration, but its reliability is largely dependent on the accuracy of root biomass quantification.     

Sesquiterpenoids and norterpenoids from Vitex negundo

Chemical investigation on the seeds of Vitex negundo has afforded a new furan-containing sesquiterpenoid, negunfurol (1), a new norlabdane-type diterpenoid, negundoal (2), and two new norursane-type triterpenoids, negundonorins A (3) and B (4), together with two know compounds, 3-formyl-4,5-dimethyl-8-oxo-5H-6,7-dihydronaphtho[2,3-b]furan (5) and 3-epi-corosolic acid (6). Their structures and configurations were elucidated by detailed spectroscopic analyses on the basis of NMR, IR, and MS data. Compound 3 was strongly cytotoxic against ZR-75-30 cell line with IC₅₀ value of 0.56 ± 0.19 μg/mL, whereas compound 1 was most active against HL-60 cell line with IC₅₀ value of 0.94 ± 0.26 μg/mL.     

Flying vs. climbing: Factors controlling arboreal seed removal in oak-beech forests

Nuts are heavy and nutritious seeds that need animals to be successfully dispersed. Most studies address nut removal by a single animal species once seeds fall onto the ground. However, nuts are also accessible before the seed drop and usually to a wide guild of seed foragers. This study examines the factors controlling arboreal seed removal in oak-beech forests within the whole guild of nut foragers. We found that seed-dispersing rodents (Apodemus sylvaticus) were the main acorn removers in the oaks (up to 3.75 m height), with a rapid seed encounter and a high removal rate. However, rodents did not climb the beech trees, probably due to their smoother bark in comparison to oak bark and/or the lower nutritional value of beechnuts with regard to acorns. Jays (Garrulus glandarius) were more abundant in oak stands (both dense and scattered) and clearly preferred acorns to beechnuts whereas nuthatches (Sitta europaea) were more abundant in beech stands and preferred beechnuts to acorns. Non-storing birds such as great tits (Parus major) also removed acorns and beechnuts, especially in the stands where oaks are dominant. Jays and rodents preferred sound seeds over insect-infested seeds but such a preference was not found for nuthatches. This study highlights that pure beech stands showed a reduced guild of arboreal nut foragers in comparison to oak stands. This different guild could probably affect the spatial patterns of seed dispersal, with a proportionally higher number of long dispersal events for acorns (mostly jay-dispersed) than for beechnuts (mostly nuthatch-dispersed). Long-distance dispersal of beechnuts (by jays) is determined by the presence of other preferred species (oaks) and their frequency of non-mast years. Seed location in different habitats strongly determines the contribution of different arboreal removers (including climbing rodents) and their removal speed, leading to a differential seed fate that will eventually affect tree regeneration. As nuthatches are sedentary birds, it is important to maintain old and dead trees where they can breed (crevices), forage (arthropods) and store seeds in order to favor beechnut dispersal and gene flow. By maintaining or favoring oak trees within beech stands we will ensure a wider guild of arboreal nut dispersers.