Multihydroxylation of ursolic acid by Pestalotiopsis microspora isolated from the medicinal plant Huperzia serrata

The structural modification of ursolic acid by an endophytic fungus Pestalotiopsis microspora, isolated from medicinal plant Huperzia serrata was reported for the first time. The structure diversity was very important for the SAR study of ursolic acid and its derivatives. Incubation of ursolic acid 1 with P. microspora afforded four metabolites: 3-oxo-15α, 30-dihydroxy-urs-12-en-28-oic acid (2), 3β, 15α-dihydroxy-urs-12-en-28-oic acid (3), 3β, 15α, 30- trihydroxy-urs-12-en-28-oic acid (4) and 3,4-seco-ursan-4,30-dihydroxy-12-en-3,28-dioic acid (5). All products were new compounds and their structures elucidation was mainly based on the spectroscopic data.     

In vitro antileishmanial, antiplasmodial and cytotoxic activities of phenolics and triterpenoids from Baccharis dracunculifolia D. C. (Asteraceae)

Baccharis dracunculifolia (Asteraceae), the most important plant source of the Brazilian green propolis (GPE), displayed in vitro activity against Leishmania donovani, with an IC₅₀ value of 45 µg/mL, while GPE presented an IC₅₀ value of 49 µg/mL. Among the isolated compounds of B. dracunculifolia, ursolic acid, and hautriwaic acid lactone showed IC₅₀ values of 3.7 µg/mL and 7.0 µg/mL, respectively. Uvaol, acacetin, and ermanin displayed moderate antileishmanial activity. Regarding the antiplasmodial assay against Plasmodium falciparum, BdE and GPE gave similar IC₅₀ values (about 20 µg/mL), while Hautriwaic acid lactone led to an IC₅₀ value of 0.8 µg/mL (D6 clone).     

松材线虫(Bursaphelenchus xylophilus)耐久型幼虫(LIV)携带的香茅醇假单胞杆菌(Pseudomonas citronellolis)分离与鉴定

[目的]目前有关松材线虫与伴生细菌的关系及伴生细菌的病原作用是松树枯萎病研究的重点。为了揭示松材线虫与伴生细菌之间存在的密切关系,作者对松材线虫L_IV幼虫携带的细菌进行了分离鉴定。[方法]根据培养性状和16S rDNA序列同源性以及系统发育学等方面进行分析鉴定。[结果]确定L_IV幼虫携带的是香茅醇假单胞杆菌（Pseudomonas citronellolis）,携带率为100%;每条L_IV幼虫携带量在1.4×10⁵~4.5×10⁵。L_IV幼虫生活在松褐天牛体内,是引起松材线虫病侵染流行的唯一虫态;新发现的香茅醇假单胞杆菌能分解纤维素及降解或合成萜烯和酚类化合物。[结论]L_IV幼虫携带香茅醇假单胞杆菌的发现,揭示了松树、松褐天牛、松材线虫、细菌同为一体的紧密关系,并为揭示松树枯萎病机制提供了一种新病原和重要的研究思路。     

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).     

Identification of non-alkaloid acetylcholinesterase inhibitors from Ferulago campestris (Besser) Grecescu (Apiaceae)

Inhibition of Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) is still considered as a strategy for the treatment of neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's disease. Many plant derived alkaloids (such as galantamine and rivastigmine) are known for their AChE inhibitory activity. Recently, other classes of natural compounds such as terpenoids, sesquiterpene glycosides and coumarins have been studied as new AChE inhibitors, with the aim to discover less toxic compounds compared to alkaloidal ones. The Ferulago campestris roots dichloromethane extract was used for a bioassay-guided fractionation for the search of AChE inhibitors. Three coumarin derivatives (umbelliprenin 1, coladonin 2 and coladin 3), three daucane ester derivatives (siol anisate 4, ferutinin 5 and 1-acetyl-5-angeloyl lapiferol 6), two phenol derivatives (2-epilaserine 7 and epielmanticine 8) and one polyacetylene (9-epoxyfalcarindiol 9) were isolated by the bioassay-guided approach. Their structures were characterized on the basis of spectral methods (1D and 2D NMR, and MS spectroscopy). All the isolated compounds were able to inhibit the AChE (IC₅₀ 1.2–0.1 mM) although at higher doses if compared to galantamine (6.7 μM) measured in the same conditions. The most active compounds were the daucane derivative siol anisate 4 and the epielmanticine 8, with IC₅₀ of 0.172 and 0.175 mM respectively.     

寄主树木、寄主和环境因子对松褐天牛深沟茧蜂寄生率的影响研究

[目的]松材线虫病是我国对森林危害和威胁最严重的病害,控制其传播媒介昆虫松褐天牛是防治松材线虫病的主要手段。作者发现的松褐天牛深沟茧蜂(Iphiaulax monochamusi Yang)是寄生松褐天牛中老龄幼虫的重要天敌。为明确松褐天牛深沟茧蜂的寄生率与寄主树木、寄主和环境因子的关系,开展了本研究。[方法]通过解剖46株松褐天牛危害致死的马尾松,调查了松褐天牛深沟茧蜂寄生率与马尾松、松褐天牛和环境因子之间的关系。[结果]调查研究表明:寄主树木的高度、胸径和树龄对松褐天牛深沟茧蜂寄生率没有显著影响,松褐天牛的数量对松褐天牛深沟茧蜂寄生率亦没有显著影响,而松褐天牛幼虫龄期和松褐天牛幼虫在树干上的位置显著影响松褐天牛深沟茧蜂寄生率。松褐天牛深沟茧蜂寄生率与松褐天牛龄期呈显著正相关,其偏好寄生3~5龄幼虫;就天牛在其危害寄主树木上的位置而言,松褐天牛深沟茧蜂偏好寄生马尾松主干上部和在韧皮部危害的松褐天牛幼虫,其对位于马尾松树干上部的寄主幼虫寄生率最高,达27.38%,对在韧皮部生活、危害的寄主幼虫寄生率为20.18%,显著高于位于木质部生活的寄主幼虫寄生率(5.46%)。逐步回归分析表明:影响松褐天牛深沟茧蜂寄生率的关键环境因子是寄主树木的坡位和其它天敌寄生率,其中,坡位与松褐天牛深沟茧蜂呈显著正相关,其它天敌寄生率与松褐天牛深沟茧蜂寄生率呈显著负相关。[结论]以上研究初步明确了松褐天牛深沟茧蜂的寄生率与寄主树木、寄主害虫和天敌之间的关系,为今后利用该重要天敌控制松褐天牛打下了基础。     

Characterization of a cinnamoyl derivative from broccoli (Brassica oleracea L. var. italica) florets

A new intact glucosinolate Cinnamoyl derivative [6'-O-trans-(4″- hydroxy cinnamoyl)-4-(methylsulphinyl) butyl glucosinolate] (A) has been isolated from Broccoli (Brassica oleracea L. var. italica) florets. The compound was isolated and characterized by LC, MS-ESI, FTIR, ¹H and ¹³C NMR as well as ¹H-¹H COSY, DEPT 135° spectrometric experiments.     

A new flavone glycoside from the seeds of Shorea robusta

A new flavonoid, 3,7-dihydroxy-8-methoxyflavone 7-O-α- -rhamnopyranosyl-(1→4)-α- -rhamnopyranosyl-(1→6)-β- -glucopyranoside (1), was isolated from the seeds of Shorea robusta.     

Biochanin A triglycoside from Andira inermis

A new isoflavonol triglycoside, biochanin A 7-O-β- -apiofuranosyl-(1→5)-β- -apiofuranosyl-(1→6)-β- -glucopyranoside (1), was isolated from Andira inermis roots in addition to the known compounds genistein 7-O-β- -apiofuranosyl-(1→6)-β- -glucopyranoside and lanceolarin.     

1-(3-Hydroxy-4-methoxy-5-methylphenyl) ethanone, a new compound from the stem bark of Lamprothamnus zanguebaricus

The chloroform extract of the stem bark of Lamprothamnus zanguebaricus has yielded two ethanones; 1-(3-hydroxy-4-methoxy-5-methylphenyl)ethanone (I) (a new compound) and 1-(3-hydroxy-4-methoxyphenyl)ethanone (II). The structures of both compounds were established by spectroscopic methods.     

安徽地区华东野核桃果实特征和坚果品质的初步评价

[目的]探究华东野核桃果实性状、核仁成分及其相关性,为其资源的开发和综合利用提供依据。[方法]本研究以皖南华东野核桃资源为对象,测定其鲜果单果质量、果皮厚度与坚果单果质量、壳厚度、出仁率等果实性状及坚果核仁成分,分析其相关性。[结果]华东野核桃果实性状具有丰富的变异,大部分变异系数大于10%,其中,坚果壳厚度变异系数最大为43.92%。对坚果核仁成分的测定表明:核仁中脂肪含量最高,蛋白质次之,总糖含量较低;对脂肪组分的进一步分析可知,其不饱和脂肪酸含量较高,达92.68%。利用相关性分析,发现坚果单果质量与核仁脂肪含量呈显著正相关。利用主成分分析对华东野核桃果实性状及核仁成分的综合分析及评价发现,单株编号10和8的鲜果大小及不饱和脂肪酸含量在所受试单株中综合表现最好,可作为进一步育种的遗传资源。[结论]本研究首次报道华东野核桃果实核仁成分,发现其核仁脂肪酸含量高于薄壳山核桃、山核桃,且不饱和脂肪酸含量也高,表明其核仁是值得开发的一种新食品资源。该研究结果为华东野核桃资源的综合开发与利用提供了数据支持。     

Understorey plant community characteristics and natural hardwood regeneration under three partial harvest treatments applied in a northern red oak (Quercus rubra L.) stand in the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence forest region of Canada

Throughout eastern North America, stands of northern red oak (Quercus rubra L.) are undergoing successional replacement by shade-tolerant competitors. In the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence (GLSL) forest region, Q. rubra approaches the northern limit of its distribution, and ecosystem-specific silvicultural directives are needed to promote regeneration. We used an inductive, ordination-based approach to explore patterns in understorey plant community composition and microenvironment under different partial harvest treatments applied in a GLSL hardwood stand, and related these to characteristics of natural seedlings of Q. rubra and its competitors Acer rubrum and Acer saccharum.Two years after harvest, we established 2 m × 2 m plots in a stratified random design under 70% (n = 20) and 50% (n = 19) crown closure uniform shelterwood, group selection (n = 15), and uncut upper slope (n = 10) and lower slope (n = 10) areas. Percent cover of understorey vascular plant species, and a suite of microclimatic and edaphic variables were measured in each plot. Density, mean diameter and mean height of seedlings in the understorey (height <1 m) were determined in each plot for Q. rubra, A. rubrum and A. saccharum.Correspondence analysis (CA) ordination extracted two major axes explaining 21.6% of the total inertia in the species cover by plot matrix. Axis one separated uncut plots from the 50% shelterwood along a gradient of canopy cover associated with partial harvest treatments. Plot scores on axis one (13.2%) reflected a shift in dominance of the understorey from shade-tolerant Acer spp. to shade-intolerant colonizers, Rubus idaeus and Carex spp. Plot scores on axis one were directly (p < 0.05) associated with total understorey plant cover, litter depth, soil temperature and pH, but not with measures of plant diversity. Axis two (8.4%) separated plots from upper slope and lower slope areas, and plot scores were inversely associated (p < 0.05) with soil pH, phosphorus and nitrogen levels. Along axis two there was a shift in dominance from competitive (e.g. A. saccharum) to stress-tolerant (e.g. A. rubrum) species as soil fertility declined. Stepwise linear regression indicated seedling diameter in Q. rubra, A. rubrum and A. saccharum was inversely related to canopy cover. This suggests all three species benefited from partial harvest, although the relationship was strongest in Q. rubra. Patterns in understorey composition, microenvironment and seedling characteristics provide the basis to identify the main competitors of Q. rubra seedlings and adjust regeneration efforts along gradients of canopy closure and soil fertility under partial harvest systems within the GLSL forest region.     

Enrichment of logging gaps with moabi (Baillonella toxisperma Pierre) in a Central African rain forest

Studies of regeneration in African rain forests suggest that without silvicultural treatments, natural succession in logging gaps may not result in the establishment of timber species. In this paper we present the results of an experimental enrichment planting with moabi (Baillonella toxisperma Pierre), a valuable and important timber species harvested in Central Africa. Although forest gaps are generally considered as favourable for the regeneration of this species, a survey conducted in a forest concession in south-eastern Cameroon provided an estimate of only 12.7 seedlings ha⁻¹, suggesting that the species was, in fact, poorly represented in logging gaps within the study area. To further investigate the dynamics of the moabi in logging gaps, 795 seeds were sown in 15 logging gaps and 410 nursery-raised seedlings were planted in 15 other gaps. A biannual monitoring program over a 30-month period showed a lower survival rate for seedlings from sowing (75.9%) compared to that of nursery-raised seedlings (95.3%). Planted seedlings reached an average of 229.3 cm tall whereas seedlings from sowing were 167.5 cm tall, with the observed difference roughly corresponding to the average height of the nursery-raised seedlings at the time they were introduced to the logging gaps. After 30 months, the diameters of planted seedlings (16.8 mm) were also greater than those of the directly sown individuals (12.5 mm). Forest gap characteristics significantly influenced the growth of the plants. Factors accounting for the differences were total solar radiation, the soil content of coarse sand, the topographic position of the gap, the vegetation cover and the density of Macaranga spp. Whilst total solar radiation had a positive influence on growth, the remaining factors had impacted growth negatively. A streamlined technique was tested by planting 7 seedlings in 250 gaps. Without additional site maintenance, 29.3% of the moabi seedlings emerged naturally from the competing vegetation after 24 months. With biannual maintenance some 89.4% of seedlings became successfully established. Clearance operations had no significant influence on the height of plants whilst plant diameter was greater in cleared gaps. The total cost of the enrichment technique was 5.5 EUR per gap without maintenance and 7.5 EUR per gap with a single maintenance measure. Whilst long-term monitoring is needed, this study suggests a high survival rate of moabi introduced in logging gaps, and a growth rate 10 times higher than previously reported under canopy cover. These findings, combined with the low costs of the enrichment technique, support the use of silvicultural measures in logging gaps to restore the forest.     

A new lupene triterpenetriol and anticholinesterase activity of Salvia sclareoides

A new lupene triterpenetriol was isolated from the acetone extract of the aerial parts of Salvia sclareoides and characterised as (1beta,3beta)-lup-20(29)-ene-1,3,30-triol (1). In addition, nepetidin (2), nepeticin (3), lupendiol (4), (1beta,11alpha)-dihydroxy-lup-20(29)-en-3-one (5), ursolic acid (6), sumaresinolic acid (7) and hederagenin (8), were identified in this Salvia sp. To the best of our knowledge, the compounds 2 and 7 are new constituents in Salvia spp. The acetone, ethanol, butanol and water extracts of the plant were screened for the in vitro inhibitory activity of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrilcholinesterase (BChE), enzymes which play a role in the Alzheimer disease. All extracts inhibited acetylcholinesterase activity at 10 microg/ml, a remarkable activity since the standard drug rivastigmine does not inhibit acetylcholinesterase at the same concentration. Regarding the butyrilcholinesterase, the acetone extract at 1000 microg/ml was able to inhibit completely the enzyme activity and the butanol and ethanol extracts, at this concentration, produced a potent inhibition of BchE.     

补充营养对白蜡吉丁肿腿蜂寄生效率和发育进程的影响

[目的]为了探明补充营养是否对白蜡吉丁肿腿蜂雌蜂的寄生效率、生殖能力和寿命有显著影响。[方法]本文通过在白蜡吉丁肿腿蜂搜寻到寄主前期为其提供寄主血淋巴和蜂蜜补充营养,调查有前期补充营养经历的肿腿蜂对寄主麻天牛的寄生率、母蜂生殖能力和子代蜂发育进程的变化。同时,给予刚羽化的肿腿蜂雌蜂短期的补充营养的过程,调查其寿命长短的变化情况。[结果]研究结果表明,寄主血淋巴和糖类物质均可以作为供肿腿蜂补充营养的潜在食物源。寄生前期取食寄主血淋巴和蜂蜜的肿腿蜂寄生率显著高于前期仅补充蒸馏水的个体。补充营养后可促使寄生蜂卵的成熟,可以使肿腿蜂更快的开始产卵进程。前期取食寄主血淋巴的肿腿蜂生殖能力显著高于寄生前期仅补充蒸馏水的个体,取食蜂蜜的肿腿蜂产卵量较前2组均无显著差异。寄生蜂母蜂是否补充营养对其子代的发育过程和性比无显著影响。此外,生存分析结果表明,刚羽化的肿腿蜂补充营养后,其寿命显著延长。取食寄主血淋巴或蜂蜜的寄生蜂寿命均约为羽化后无营养补充经历雌蜂个体的2倍。[结论]以上结果表明,白蜡吉丁肿腿蜂在寄生过程开始前期的补充营养过程可以显著的增强其对寄主害虫的控制作用和延长其寿命。取食蜂蜜或寄主血淋巴对肿腿蜂生殖和寿命的增强作用相近。建议在害虫的生物防治中,可以通过在天敌释放区周边配植一定的蜜源植物以此实现对天敌昆虫资源更有效的利用和保护。     

Gene flow pattern and mating system in a small population of Quercus semiserrata Roxb. (Fagaceae)

Pollen flow from external sources is important for the conservation of tree species in fragmented forests or small populations, because it can be sufficient to prevent differentiation among them, and appears to be able to prevent the loss of their genetic diversity through genetic drift. In this study, we examined the genetic heterogeneity of pollen pools accepted by each Quercus semiserrata seed parent at the Khun Wang Royal Agriculture Research Center, Thailand, both within and among two mast fruiting years (2005 and 2007), using paternity analysis and analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA). The mating systems of the trees were also examined using the multilocus mating system model (MLTR), after determining the genotypes at eight microsatellite loci of 26 seed-trees and 435 seeds from 8 seed-trees in the 2 mast fruiting years. The average distance of effective pollen flow within the plot was estimated to be 52.4 m, and 95% of effective pollen was dispersed within 200 m, indicating that effective pollen flow is highly localized and that most effective pollen is contributed by near-neighbor trees. The proportion of effective pollen that immigrated from external sources was estimated to be 26.2%. The AMOVA analysis based on the pollen haplotypes showed that the pollen pools, both total and for each reproductive year, significantly genetically differed among the seed parents. Using a mixed mating model, the estimate of biparental inbreeding for the total population (t_m − t_s) was 0.013, indicating that a low proportion of mating occurred among close relatives. The effective number of pollen donors (N_ep) was estimated to be 9.987 using the TwoGener model, or 10.989 using the mixed mating model. The effective number of pollen donors of seeds was higher in the mast fruiting year 2005 than in the other examined year, 2007. Consequently the allelic richness and genetic diversity of seeds produced in 2005 were higher than those produced in 2007. Overall, the results show that high outcrossing rates, high levels of gene flow from other populations and heterogeneity in the pollen received by an individual may enhance the ability of populations to maintain effective population sizes. Therefore, these processes may be sufficient to prevent loss of genetic diversity through genetic drift of Q. semiserrata at this study site.     

黄枝油杉种苗质量分级标准研究

黄枝油杉由于其分布区狭窄,繁殖速度慢,资源少,是国家二级保护植物。为了更好地保护其种质资源,通过实验研究种苗质量分级标准。分别对2年生和4年生的黄枝油杉种苗性状特征描述,以地径和株高作为主要分级标准代表,运用Excel 2003和SPSS 26.0对种苗特征数据进行统计学相关分析、主成分分析、K均值聚类分析,将其种苗分别2年生和4年生分别分成了三级。2年生一级株高＞20 cm,冠幅＞11 cm,地径≥0.10 cm;4年生一级株高＞127 cm,冠幅＞56 cm,地径≥0.80 cm。2年生二级株高14~20 cm,冠幅8~11 cm,地径≥0.10 cm;4年生二级株高96~127 cm,冠幅38~56 cm,地径≥0.80 cm;2年生三级株高＜14 cm,冠幅＜8 cm,地径≥0.10 cm;4年生三级株高＜96 cm,冠幅＜38 cm,地径≥0.80 cm。     

毛竹原状和粉状叶片分解特征对施氮和温度的响应

[目的]毛竹(Phyllostachys edulis)叶片分解与竹林碳循环和养分周转关系密切,通过室内模拟氮沉降和温度升高试验,为预测未来气候变暖和氮沉降条件对凋落竹叶分解的调控提供参考,为科学管理毛竹林提供科学依据。[方法]以毛竹原状叶片及粉状叶片(粉碎过2 mm)为研究对象,布设3因素2水平试验,即施氮(添加氮5 mg·g-1)和不加氮对照,12℃和28℃培养温度,原状和粉状叶片,恒温箱中培养78 d,采用密闭碱液吸收法定期测定CO2释放量,并计算分解速率。[结果]表明:施氮处理、培养温度和叶片形态及其交互作用对凋落竹叶分解速率的影响因培养阶段不同而存在差异,总体上表现为培养前期(0—23 d)和培养中期(24—48 d)的分解速率高于培养后期(49—78 d)。从均值来看,施氮处理抑制原状叶片在12℃培养下的分解速率,而对两种形态叶片在28℃培养条件的分解速率影响不显著;施氮处理可增加原状凋落竹叶分解速率的温度敏感性(Q10),但对粉状凋落竹叶分解速率的Q10值影响不显著,且原状凋落竹叶分解速率的Q10值高于粉状凋落叶。凋落竹叶C/N在培养后期显著升高,且氮添加显著促进粉状竹叶C/N增加。[结论]氮沉降对毛竹凋落叶分解的影响效应与培养温度和叶片形态有关。凋落物分解的影响因素众多,凋落物分解对全球环境变化的响应不仅应该深入研究其化学和生物学机制,还要关注物理过程及其调控潜能。     

A new compound from the leaves of Panax ginseng

Two compounds were isolated from the leaves of Panax ginseng. Their structures were identified as 3beta,6alpha,12beta-triol-22,23,24,25,26,27-hexanordammaran-20-one, and dammar-20(22),24-diene-3beta,6alpha,12beta-triol by spectral and chemical methods. The complete signal assignments of the two compounds were carried out by means of 2D NMR spectral analysis.