Comparative Pharmacognostic and Powder Microscopic Studies of the Bark of Four Ficus Species (Nalpamaram)

Nalpamaram is widely used in traditional Ayurvedic system for the treatment of several ailments. It is very effective for the treatment of skin diseases like pigmentation, wrinkles and dark circles. This has a brown texture and a unique aroma. Nalpamaram is a mixture of four plant species of the family Moraceae - Ficus religiosa (Asvattha), Ficus benghalensis (Nyagrodha), Ficus racemosa (Udumbara) and Ficus microcarpa (Plaksah). The barks of the species are usually interchanged or adulterated with other species of Ficus because of the limited knowledge in identification and differentiation. Therefore, a detailed comparative pharmacognostic evaluation of the four species has been carried out with the aim to establish the diagnostic keys of these important drugs based on the pharmacognostic and powder macroscopic profiles. Pharmacognostic study of all these shows differences in values. Total ash is low in F. racemosa and high in F. benghalensis Acid insoluble ash is low in F. benghalensis and high in F. racemosa. Water soluble extractive is low in F. benghalensis and high in F. racemosa. Alcohol soluble extractive is low in F. benghalensis and high in F. racemosa. Unique identification features like stone cells and prismatic crystals of calcium oxalate were found in the powder of all four species. The information from the present study provide data which is useful for the development of suitable monograph, determining the quality and purity of a crude drug and laying down Pharmacopoeia standards for Nalpamaram.

Phytochemical analysis and antimicrobial potential of extracts and fractions of brosimum gaudichaudii trécul against bacteria of clinical importance / Análise fitoquímica e potencial antimicrobiano de extratos e frações de brosimum gaudichaudii trécul contra bactérias de importância clínica / Análisis fitoquímico y potencial antimicrobiano de extractos y fracciones de brosimum gaudichaudii trécul contra bacterias de importancia clínica

Medicinal plants constitute an arsenal of products with different potentials to be explored. Therefore, the objective of this paper was to assess the antimicrobial potential of the ethanolic extract from Brosimum gaudichaudii leaves and fractions against clinically important bacteria. The crude extracts and fractions from the leaves and stem bark were used against Escherichia coli, Klesbsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus strains. The crude extracts and the fractions were obtained by means of maceration in ethanol and chemically characterized. In the results of the phytochemical screening, the presence of a variety of secondary metabolites was verified, such as flavonoids, steroids, saponins, alkaloids, tannins and coumarins. The extracts and their fractions showed inhibitory activity for all three bacteria tested. The inhibition halo varied from 8±0.00 to 14±0.00 mm fir K. pneumoniae, from 8±0.00 to 10±0.00 mm for P. aeruginosa and from 8±0.00 to 9±0.00 mm for S. aureus. Among the fractions tested, the ethyl acetate fraction from both the stem and the leaves presented the best inhibition potential. This indicates that the Brosimum gaudichaudii Trécul vegetable extracts present antimicrobial potential. Such being the case, it is suggested to isolate the metabolites present in this fraction to delimit the main compounds responsible for the antimicrobial action.

As plantas medicinais constituem um arsenal de produtos com diferentes potenciais a serem explorados. Portanto, o objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o potencial antimicrobiano do extrato etanólico das folhas e frações de Brosimum gaudichaudii contra bactérias de importância clínica. Os extratos brutos e as frações das folhas e da casca do caule foram usados contra cepas de Escherichia coli, Klesbsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa e Staphylococcus aureus. Os extratos brutos e as frações foram obtidos por meio de maceração em etanol e caracterizados quimicamente. Nos resultados da triagem fitoquímica, foi verificada a presença de uma variedade de metabólitos secundários, como flavonoides, esteroides, saponinas, alcaloides, taninos e cumarinas. Os extratos e suas frações apresentaram atividade inibitória para todas as três bactérias testadas. O halo de inibição variou de 8±0,00 a 14±0,00 mm para K. pneumoniae, de 8±0,00 a 10±0,00 mm para P. aeruginosa e de 8±0,00 a 9±0,00 mm para S. aureus. Entre as frações testadas, a fração de acetato de etila do caule e das folhas apresentou o melhor potencial de inibição. Isso indica que os extratos vegetais de Brosimum gaudichaudii Trécul apresentam potencial antimicrobiano. Sendo assim, sugere-se o isolamento dos metabólitos presentes nessa fração para delimitar os principais compostos responsáveis pela ação antimicrobiana.

Las plantas medicinales constituyen un arsenal de productos con diferentes potenciales por explorar. Por lo tanto, el objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar el potencial antimicrobiano del extracto etanólico de hojas de Brosimum gaudichaudii y fracciones contra bacterias clínicamente importantes. Los extractos crudos y las fracciones de las hojas y la corteza del tallo se utilizaron contra cepas de Escherichia coli, Klesbsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa y Staphylococcus aureus. Los extractos crudos y las fracciones se obtuvieron por maceración en etanol y se caracterizaron químicamente. Los resultados del cribado fitoquímico verificaron la presencia de diversos metabolitos secundarios, como flavonoides, esteroides, saponinas, alcaloides, taninos y cumarinas. Los extractos y sus fracciones presentaron actividad inhibitoria para las tres bacterias ensayadas. El halo de inhibición varió de 8±0,00 a 14±0,00 mm para K. pneumoniae, de 8±0,00 a 10±0,00 mm para P. aeruginosa y de 8±0,00 a 9±0,00 mm para S. aureus. Entre las fracciones probadas, la fracción de acetato de etilo del tallo y las hojas mostró el mejor potencial de inhibición. Esto indica que los extractos vegetales de Brosimum gaudichaudii Trécul tienen potencial antimicrobiano. Así, se sugiere el aislamiento de los metabolitos presentes en esta fracción para determinar los principales compuestos responsables de la acción antimicrobiana.

A new dihydrochalcone from Humulus scandens / 中国中药杂志

To study the chemical constituents from the stems and leaves of Humulus scandens, this study isolated thirteen compounds by different chromatographic methods including silica gel column, ODS, Sephadex LH-20 and preparative HPLC. Based on comprehensive analysis, the chemical structures were elucidated and identified as citrunohin A(1), chrysosplenetin(2), casticin(3), neoechinulin A(4), ethyl 1H-indole-3-carboxylate(5), 3-hydroxyacetyl-indole(6),(1H-indol-3-yl) oxoacetamide(7), inonotusic acid(8), arteannuin B(9), xanthotoxol(10), α-tocopherol quinone(11), eicosanyl-trans-p-coumarate(12), and 9-oxo-(10E,12E)-octadecadienoic acid(13). Among them, compound 1 was a new dihydrochalcone, and the other compounds were obtained from H. scandens for the first time.

Chemical Constituents from the Stem Bark of Ficus thonningii and their Chemotaxonomic Significance

Background of the Study: Tropical plants of the Ficus genus (Moraceae) are among the earliest fruit trees that humans have cultivated. Since ancient times, many folk medicines have used species of this genus to treat a variety of ailments. Evidence from earlier investigations has shown these plants contain abundant secondary metabolites with a variety of structural properties and biological functions. Place and Duration of Study: The research was carried out at the University of Nairobi (Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Chemistry) from January to June 2022. Aim: The study focuses on isolating and identifying secondary metabolites from the stem bark of Ficus thonningii Blume found in Kenya and their chemotaxonomic significance. Methodology: Dried powdered stem bark of Ficus thonningii was extracted by maceration at room temperature using CH2Cl2/CH3OH (1:1) to yield a crude extract which was fractionated in a chromatographic column (CC) using silica gel (60 – 120 mesh) as an adsorbent eluting with EtOAc/n-hexane followed by CH3OH/EtOAc. The fractions were purified using silica gel (70 – 230, 230 – 400 mesh) CC and chromatotron eluting with solvents of different polarity, as well as a crystallization technique. Structures of the isolated compounds were elucidated and identified using the spectroscopic method (NMR (1D and 2D)) and by comparison with reported literature data. Results: Phytochemical investigation of the stem bark of Ficus thonningii afforded seven compounds, including yukovanol (1), 5,7,4?-trihydroxy-3?-(2-hydroxy-3-methyl-3-butenyl)isoflavone (2), cajanin (3), taxifolin (4), protocatechuic acid (5), saccharose (6), and stigmasterol (7). Compounds 1 - 3, 5 and 7 were not reported from F. thonningii until now. Further, compound 6 is being isolated from the genus Ficus for the first time. Conclusion: The chemotaxonomic significance of the isolated phytochemicals demonstrates the taxonomic position of F. thonningii in the genus Ficus and explains its multiple ethnomedicinal applications.

Chemical constituents of petroleum ether extract from the stems and leaves of Humulus scandens / 中国药科大学学报

@#To study the chemical constituents of petroleum ether extract from the stems and leaves of Humulus scandens (family of Moraceae), fifteen compounds were isolated from the stems and leaves of H.scandens by silica gel, Sephadex LH-20, ODS, and preparative HPLC chromatography.The structures were identified by physicochemical data and spectroscopic method as tectochrysin (1), chrysin (2), 5-hydroxy-3, 4'', 6, 7-tetramethoxyflavone (3), (2S)-5-hydroxy-7, 8-dimethoxyflavanone (4), imperatorin (5), phellopterin (6), ethyl 4-hydroxy-3-(3''-methyl-2''-butenyl)benzoate (7), p-hydroxy-phenylpropionic acid (8), ethyl p-hydroxycinnamate (9), p-hydroxybenzaldehyde (10), anofinic acid (11), 5,6-dehydrokavain (12), physcion (13), olean-12-ene-3,?11-dione (14) and ergosta-4, 6, 8 (14), 22-tetraen-3-one (15), respectively.All compounds were isolated from this plant for the first time.

Phytochemical profiling of Artocarpus lakoocha Roxb. leaf methanol extract and its antioxidant, antimicrobial and antioxidative activities

Objective: To explore the phytochemical profile of Artocarpus lakoocha Roxb. leaves both qualitatively and quantitatively, and validate its role as a potent antioxidant and antimicrobial agent. Methods: Extraction and isolation of different compounds were done from the leaves of Artocarpus lakoocha based on solvent fractionation method. Subsequently, quantitative and qualitative phytochemical profiling along with antioxidant, antimicrobial and antioxidative activities were tested following standard protocols. Results: Among the five fractions, methanol fraction of Artocarpus lakoocha exhibited higher content of phytochemical compounds [phenols = (3175.21依290.43) mg GAE/g dry extract, flavonoids = (1173.15依47.52) mg QE/g dry extract and tannins = (923.53依95.21) mg TAE/g dry extract] as compared to other fractions. The methanol fraction showed the highest antioxidant activity in DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging assays with IC50 of (111.98依34.20)μg/mL and (138.26依0.66) μg/mL, respectively, and the best reduction potential with a value of (316.81依2.96) mg QE/g dry extract in reducing power assay. There was significant correlation between the amount of phytochemicals and antioxidant activities. Moreover, the extract successfully protected Lambda phage DNA from damage at 5 and 6 mg/mL concentration and exhibited substantial bactericidal as well as fungicidal activity. The GC-MS analysis of methanol fraction of Artocarpus lakoocha revealed diethyl phthalate as the main phytochemical compound, along with 3,4-dihydroxymandelic acid, 9-octyl eicosane and 7,8-didehydro-3-methoxy-17-methyl-6-methylene morphinan. Conclusions: The methanol fraction of Artocarpus lakoocha could be used as a potent antioxidant and antimicrobial agent for sustainable agriculture and pharmaceutical purposes.

Phytochemical Constituents of the Root Bark from Morus alba and Their Il-6 Inhibitory Activity

Morus alba L., known as white mulberry, is a medicinal plant belongs to family Moraceae. It has long been used commonly in Ayurvedic for the treatment of lung-heat, cough, asthma, hematemesis, dropsy and hypertension. In the present study, seven prenylated flavonoids, along with four benzofuran compounds were isolated by means of repeated column chromatography. The structures of the known compounds were identified as kuwanon G (1), kuwanon E (2), kuwanon T (3), morusin (4), sanggenon A (5), sanggenon M (6), sanggenol A (7), moracin R (8), mulberofuran G (9), mulberofuran A (10) and mulberofuran B (11), by comparing their spectroscopic data with those reported in the literature. For these isolates, containing trace compounds, the inhibitory activity against IL-6 production in TNF-α stimulated MG-63 cells was examined. All isolated compounds (1

Assessment of the antibacterial, cytotoxic and antioxidant activities of Morus nigra L. (Moraceae) / Avaliação das atividades antibacteriana, citotóxica e antioxidante de Morus nigra L. (Moraceae)

Abstract This study was carried out to assess the antibacterial, cytotoxic and antioxidant activities of extracts of Morus nigra L. HPLC was used to determine the fingerprint chromatogram of the crude ethanolic extract (Mn-EtOH). The antibacterial effect was assessed through the method of microdilution. The cytotoxicity was tested against human tumour cell lines using the 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The total phenolic and flavonoid contents were also assessed through the Folin-Ciocalteu and aluminum chloride methods, respectively. Antioxidant activities of the extracts were evaluated by using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazil (DPPH) radical scavenging and β-carotene-linoleic acid bleaching methods. The presence of phenolic compounds in Mn-EtOH was confirmed using HPLC. The extracts showed activity against most microorganisms tested. The extracts did not show any expressive antiproliferative effect in the assessment of cytotoxicity. The most significant total phenolic content was 153.00 ± 11.34 mg of gallic acid equivalent/g to the ethyl acetate extract (AcOEt). The total flavonoid content was 292.50 ± 70.34 mg of catechin equivalent/g to the AcOEt extract, which presented the best antioxidant activity (IC50 50.40 ± 1.16 μg/mL) for DPPH scavenging. We can conclude that this species shows strong antibacterial and antioxidant activities, as well as weak cytotoxic effects.

Resumo Este estudo foi realizado para avaliar as atividades antibacteriana, citotóxica e antioxidante de extratos de Morus nigra L. HPLC foi utilizado para determinar o perfil de compostos fenólicos do extrato etanólico bruto (Mn-EtOH). O efeito antibacteriano foi avaliado através do método de microdiluição. A citotoxicidade foi testada contra linhagens celulares de tumores humanos utilizando o ensaio do brometo de 3-(4,5-dimetil-2-tiazolil)-2,5-difenil-2H-tetrazólio (MTT). O conteúdo total de compostos fenólicos e flavonoides também foi avaliado por meio dos métodos de Folin-Ciocalteu e cloreto de alumínio, respectivamente. A atividade antioxidante dos extratos foi avaliada por meio do sequestro do radical livre 2,2-difenil-1-picrilhidrazil (DPPH) e co-oxidação do sistema β-caroteno-ácido linoleico. A presença de compostos fenólicos em Mn-EtOH foi confirmada utilizando HPLC. Os extratos mostraram atividade contra a maioria dos microrganismos testados. Os extratos não mostraram qualquer efeito antiproliferativo expressivo na avaliação da citotoxicidade. O conteúdo fenólico total mais significativo foi de 153,00 ± 11,34 mg de equivalente de ácido gálico/g para o extrato acetato de etila (AcOEt). O conteúdo de flavonoides totais foi de 292,50 ± 70,34 mg de equivalente de catequina/g para o extrato AcOEt, que apresentou a melhor atividade antioxidante (IC50 50,40 ± 1,16 mg/mL) para o sequestro do DPPH. Podemos concluir que esta espécie apresenta forte atividade antibacteriana e antioxidante, bem como fraca atividade citotóxica.

Validation of a photostability indicating method for quantification of furanocoumarins from Brosimum gaudichaudii soft extract

ABSTRACT A validation study of a reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatographic assay for the quantification of two furanocoumarins (psoralen and bergapten) in soft extract obtained from Brosimum gaudichaudii Trécul, Moraceae, roots was conducted. The developed method was sensitive, rapid, reproducible, easy and precise, and showed linearity (r > 0.99) in the range of 10-64 µg/ml for psoralen, and 9-56 µg/ml for bergapten. It also showed a good efficiency for the photodegradation analysis of psoralen and bergapten in the soft extract. The photostability results showed that the Higuchi model presented the best fitting to the obtained data. Both chemical markers showed stability over 2.6 days, suggesting potential applications of the extract in obtaining intermediate products from this plant material. Furanocoumarins take around 30 min to be activated by UV light, reaching the maximum biological potential. Thus, the results obtained to the Higuchi model, corresponding to 2.6 days of stability, shows feasibility with future applications of these chemical markers.

Determination of phytoconstituents of n-hexane extract of leaves of Morus nigra and evaluation of their effects on biochemical and histopathological parameters in paracetamol intoxicated mice liver

In-vitro investigation of Morus nigra L. (Moraceae) has demonstrated the evidence of several antioxidant compounds. Current study was aimed to determine the phytoconstituents and hepatoprotective potential of n-hexane extract of Morus nigra. Swiss albino mice were divided into five groups: normal control, paracetamol control, silymarin control, 250 mg/kg p.o. extract for 7 days plus paracetamol 3 h later, 500 mg/kg p.o. extract for 7 days plus paracetamol 3 h later. Serum levels of liver enzymes and total bilirubin were assessed and compared between the groups by using one-way ANOVA to confirm hepatoprotective activity. HPLC analysis revealed the presence quercetin, oleanolic acid, luteolin, apigenin, vitamin C and kuwanon C. n-hexane extract of Morus nigra at dose of 250 mg/kg reduced elevated ALT by 54.3% (p<0.001), AST by 55.1% (p<0.01), ALP by 28.5% (p<0.01) and TBR by 56.4% (p<0.01) as compared to paracetamol control. The dose of 500 mg/kg of the extract reduced the ALT levels by 62.9% (p<0.001), AST by 56.7% (p<0.01), ALP by 33.6% (p<0.01) and TBR by 54.5% (p<0.01), as compared to paracetamol group. However, the reduction of liver enzymes and total bilirubin after administration of extract was comparable to the silymarin. Current study demonstrated potential hepatoprotective activity of n-hexane extract of Morus nigra

Five New Stilbenes from the Stem Bark of Artocarpus communis

Five new prenylated stilbenes (1 – 5), along with the known compounds cudraflavone C, trans-4-isopentenyl-3,5,2′,4′-terahydroxystilbene, trans-4-(3-methyl-E-but-1-enyl)-3,5,2′,4′-tetrahydroxystilbene, pannokin G, cycloartobiloxanthone, artonin P, morusin, artocarpin, artonin E, kuwanon C, artobiloxanthone, and artoindonesianin C (6 – 17) were isolated from the stem bark of the tropical tree Artocarpus communis. The structures were established by NMR spectroscopic analysis, MS studies, and comparison with spectral data reported in the literature.

Phytopharmacological potential of different species of Morus alba and their bioactive phytochemicals:A review

Medicinal plants of Moraceae family have been well-recognized traditionally due to their versatile applications in various fields including agriculture,cosmetic and food as well as in pharmaceutical industries. Their biomedical and medicinal importance is reflected from their broad range of pharmacological activities for treatment of various inflammatory conditions,cancer,infectious diseases,and gastrointestinal disorders.The present review was aimed to summarize and critically discuss the biomedical implications of Morus species,their bioactive compounds,and phytochemicals.Bioactivity guided fractionation of these medicinal plants revealed that different types of bioactive phytochemicals and secondary metabolites such as steroids, saponins, alkaloids, glycosides and phenolic compounds including terpenoids,flavonoids,anthocyanins and tannins were present.The critical analysis of the literature revealed that the aqueous,methanolic,and ethanolic ex-tracts of Morus species and their bioactive compounds exhibit remarkable anti-oxidative, anti-diabetic, anti-stress, nephroprotective, antimicrobial, anti-mutagenic, anticancer, anxiolytic, hepatoprotective, anthelmintic, antimicrobial, immune-modulatory and cholesterol lowering effects.Based on the literature review and bioactivity guided inves-tigation of Morus species and their phytomedicinal effects,we anticipate that these herbal products hold excellent potential for future research.

Phytopharmacological potential of different species of Morus alba and their bioactive phytochemicals: A review

Medicinal plants of Moraceae family have been well-recognized traditionally due to their versatile applications in various fields including agriculture, cosmetic and food as well as in pharmaceutical industries. Their biomedical and medicinal importance is reflected from their broad range of pharmacological activities for treatment of various inflammatory conditions, cancer, infectious diseases, and gastrointestinal disorders. The present review was aimed to summarize and critically discuss the biomedical implications of Morus species, their bioactive compounds, and phytochemicals. Bioactivity guided fractionation of these medicinal plants revealed that different types of bioactive phytochemicals and secondary metabolites such as steroids, saponins, alkaloids, glycosides and phenolic compounds including terpenoids, flavonoids, anthocyanins and tannins were present. The critical analysis of the literature revealed that the aqueous, methanolic, and ethanolic extracts of Morus species and their bioactive compounds exhibit remarkable anti-oxidative, anti-diabetic, anti-stress, nephroprotective, antimicrobial, anti-mutagenic, anticancer, anxiolytic, hepatoprotective, anthelmintic, antimicrobial, immune-modulatory and cholesterol lowering effects. Based on the literature review and bioactivity guided investigation of Morus species and their phytomedicinal effects, we anticipate that these herbal products hold excellent potential for future research.

Assessment of the antibacterial, cytotoxic and antioxidant activities of Morus nigra L. (Moraceae)

Abstract This study was carried out to assess the antibacterial, cytotoxic and antioxidant activities of extracts of Morus nigra L. HPLC was used to determine the fingerprint chromatogram of the crude ethanolic extract (Mn-EtOH). The antibacterial effect was assessed through the method of microdilution. The cytotoxicity was tested against human tumour cell lines using the 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The total phenolic and flavonoid contents were also assessed through the Folin-Ciocalteu and aluminum chloride methods, respectively. Antioxidant activities of the extracts were evaluated by using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazil (DPPH) radical scavenging and -carotene-linoleic acid bleaching methods. The presence of phenolic compounds in Mn-EtOH was confirmed using HPLC. The extracts showed activity against most microorganisms tested. The extracts did not show any expressive antiproliferative effect in the assessment of cytotoxicity. The most significant total phenolic content was 153.00 ± 11.34 mg of gallic acid equivalent/g to the ethyl acetate extract (AcOEt). The total flavonoid content was 292.50 ± 70.34 mg of catechin equivalent/g to the AcOEt extract, which presented the best antioxidant activity (IC50 50.40 ± 1.16 g/mL) for DPPH scavenging. We can conclude that this species shows strong antibacterial and antioxidant activities, as well as weak cytotoxic effects.

Resumo Este estudo foi realizado para avaliar as atividades antibacteriana, citotóxica e antioxidante de extratos de Morus nigra L. HPLC foi utilizado para determinar o perfil de compostos fenólicos do extrato etanólico bruto (Mn-EtOH). O efeito antibacteriano foi avaliado através do método de microdiluição. A citotoxicidade foi testada contra linhagens celulares de tumores humanos utilizando o ensaio do brometo de 3-(4,5-dimetil-2-tiazolil)-2,5-difenil-2H-tetrazólio (MTT). O conteúdo total de compostos fenólicos e flavonoides também foi avaliado por meio dos métodos de Folin-Ciocalteu e cloreto de alumínio, respectivamente. A atividade antioxidante dos extratos foi avaliada por meio do sequestro do radical livre 2,2-difenil-1-picrilhidrazil (DPPH) e co-oxidação do sistema -caroteno-ácido linoleico. A presença de compostos fenólicos em Mn-EtOH foi confirmada utilizando HPLC. Os extratos mostraram atividade contra a maioria dos microrganismos testados. Os extratos não mostraram qualquer efeito antiproliferativo expressivo na avaliação da citotoxicidade. O conteúdo fenólico total mais significativo foi de 153,00 ± 11,34 mg de equivalente de ácido gálico/g para o extrato acetato de etila (AcOEt). O conteúdo de flavonoides totais foi de 292,50 ± 70,34 mg de equivalente de catequina/g para o extrato AcOEt, que apresentou a melhor atividade antioxidante (IC50 50,40 ± 1,16 mg/mL) para o sequestro do DPPH. Podemos concluir que esta espécie apresenta forte atividade antibacteriana e antioxidante, bem como fraca atividade citotóxica.

First report of Lecanodiaspis dendrobii Douglas, 1892 (Hemiptera: Lecanodiaspididae) and the associated parasitoid Cephaleta sp. (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae) in Brazil / Primeiro registro da cochonilha Lecanodiaspis dendrobii Douglas, 1892 (Hemiptera: Coccoidea: Lecanodiaspididae) e do parasitoide associado Cephaleta sp. (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae) no Brasil

Abstract Lecanodiaspis dendrobii Douglas, 1892 (Hemiptera: Coccoidea: Lecanodiaspididae) and the associated parasitoid Cephaleta sp. (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae) are reported for the first time in Brazil. Specimens of this scale insect were collected on branches and stems of Acacia mangium Willd., Leucaena leucocephala (Lam.) de Wit (Fabaceae), Morus nigra L. (Moraceae), Citrus reticulata Blanco (Rutaceae), Tectona grandis L. f. (Verbenaceae), Anacardium occidentale (Anacardiaceae), Annona squamosa L. and Xylopia aromatica (Lam.) Mart. (Annonaceae), in three municipalities of the Roraima state. All plants here mentioned are recorded for the first time as a host for L. dendrobii. Morphological characters of L. dendrobii and symptoms presented by the host plants infested by this pest are included in this work.

Resumo Lecanodiaspis dendrobii Douglas, 1892 (Hemiptera: Coccoidea: Lecanodiaspididae) e o parasitoide associado Cephaleta sp. (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae) são registrados pela primeira vez no Brasil. Exemplares dessa cochonilha foram coletados sobre ramos e fustes de Acacia mangium Willd., Leucaena leucocephala (Lam.) de Wit (Fabaceae), Morus nigra L. (Moraceae), Citrus reticulata Blanco (Rutaceae), Tectona grandis L.f. (Verbenaceae), Anacardium occidentale (Anacardiaceae), Annona squamosa L. e Xylopia aromatica (Lam.) Mart. (Annonaceae), em três municípios do Estado de Roraima. Todas as plantas aqui mencionadas são registradas pela primeira vez como hospedeiras de L. dendrobii. Caracteres morfológicos da cochonilha e sintomas das plantas hospedeiras infestadas por esta praga são incluídos neste trabalho.

Atividade antinociceptiva do extrato etanólico das folhas de Morus nigra L. (Moraceae) / Antinociceptive activity of ethanolic extract of the leaves of Morus nigra L. (Moraceae)

O extrato etanólico bruto das folhas de M. nigra (Mn- EtOH) foi avaliado quanto à atividade antinociceptiva em modelos experimentais em camundongos. Foram usados os métodos de contorções abdominais induzidas pelo ácido acético, teste da formalina e placa quente. No teste de contorções abdominais induzidas pelo ácido acético, Mn-EtOH (100, 200 e 400 mg/kg, i.p.) reduziu o número de contorções em 38,82, 97,65 e 100%, respectivamente. O extrato também produziu uma significativa inibição de ambas as fases do teste da formalina, sendo que o efeito foi mais significativo na segunda fase (dor inflamatória). O extrato diminuiu em 42,19, 56,96 e 40,50%, respectivamente, o tempo de lambida da pata na primeira fase do teste de formalina, assim como 84,04, 77,20 e 61,07%, respectivamente, na segunda fase. Além disso, não apresentou efeito no teste da placa quente. Os dados obtidos sugerem que o extrato tem efeito antinociceptivo, provavelmente mediado através de mecanismos periféricos. Novos estudos estão sendo realizados para caracterizar o mecanismo responsável por esse efeito.(AU)

The crude ethanolic extract of the leaves of M. nigra (Mn-EtOH) was evaluated for antinociceptive activity in mice using models of nociception. The evaluation of antinociceptive activity was carried out by the acetic acid-induced writhing, formalin and hot plate tests. In the acetic acid-induced writhing test, the Mn-EtOH (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg, i.p.) reduced the number of writhing by 38.82, 97.65 and 100%, respectively. The extract also produced a significant inhibition of both phases of the formalin test, and the effect was more significant in the second phase (inflammatory pain). The extract decreased by 42.19, 56.96 and 40.50%, respectively, the paw licking time in the first phase of the formalin test, as well as 84.04, 77.20 and 61.07%, respectively, in the second phase of this test. Also, no effect on the hot plate test was observed. The data suggest that the extract has antinociceptive activity, probably mediated via peripheral mechanisms. Pharmacological studies are continuing in order to characterize the mechanism responsible for this effect.(AU)

Study on Chemical Constituents from Chemical Split Fractions ofMori Cortex / 世界科学技术-中医药现代化

This article was aimed to study the chemical constituents from the chemical split fractions of Mori Cortex. The compounds were isolated with Diaion HP-20, Toyopearl HW-40, Sephadex LH-20, MCI Gel CHP-20, Silica gel column chromatography and preparative HPLC. Structures of compounds were identified by physicochemical properties and spectral analysis. The results showed that 23 compounds were obtained. And their structures were identified. The 16 compounds were obtained from the 30% ethanol fraction as vanillic acid (1), 3,4-dimethoxyphenol (2), benzoic acid (3), syringic acid (4), kelampayoside A (5), p-hydroxyphenylpropionic acid (6), caffeic acid (7), hydroferulic acid (8), 6,7-dihydroxycoumarin (9), 5,7-dihydroxycoumarin (10), morin-7-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (11), liriodendrin (12), 2,3-trans-dihydromorin (13), 2,3-cis-dihydromorin (14), 2,3-trans-dihydroquercetin (15), 2,3-cis-dihydroquercetin (16). The 4 compounds were obtained from the 50% ethanol fraction as scopoletin (17), morin (18), kaempferol-7-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (19), umbelliferone (20). The 3 compounds were obtained from the 80% ethanol fraction as sanggenon R (21), cis-mulberroside A (22), resveratrol (23). It was concluded that compounds 2, 4-6, 11, 16, 19 were isolated from this plant for the first time.

Triterpenes and Sterol from Artocarpus ovatus.

Chemical investigation of the dichloromethane extract of the twigs of Artocarpus ovatus afforded lupeol (1a), α- amyrin (1b), β-amyrin (1c), lupeol fatty acid ester (2a), α-amyrin fatty acid ester (2b), β-myrin fatty acid ester (2c), betulin (3a), 3β, 28-Dihydroxyolean-12-ene (3b), oleanolic acid (4), β-sitosterol (5), and chlorophyll a (6). The structures of 1-6 were identified by comparison of their 1H and/or 13C NMR data with those reported in the literature.

Chemical Constituents of the Leaf, Stem-bark and Root Essential oils of Antiaris africana.

Leaf, stem bark and root volatile oils were obtained from Antiaris africana Engl. a large attractive and medicinal deciduous timber tree (Moraceae) in 0.24%; 0.67% and 0.76% yields respectively. GC and GC-MS analyses revealed 10 compounds are responsible for leaf oil; 22 compounds make up 98.9% of the stem bark oil, while 6 compounds make-up 99.6% of root oil. 9 compounds were identified in leaf, which make-up 92.2% of it and 5 identified compounds in root represent 96.6% of it. Most abundant compounds in leaf oil are camphor (20.7%), 5-(1methylethylidene)-1,3-cyclopentadiene (16.8%), isomenthol (12.6%) and 1,3,5-trimethylbenzene (12.6%). Prominent compounds in stem bark oil are eucalyptol (19.3%), 4-methyl-1-(1methylethyl)-R-3cyclohexen-1-ol (17.4%), n-hexadecanoic acid (14.2%) and p-menth-1-en-8-ol (8.5%). Root oil is dominated by methylhexadecanoate (41.3%), 10-methyleicosane (30.4%) and methyl-13-octadecenoate (17.3%). Six other compounds in leaf oil, 18 others in stembark oil and 2 others in root oil along with above as reported are composition of Antiaris africana Engl. Leaf and stem bark oils are highly terpenic, having many interesting C10 and C15 terpenoids; Eucalyptus the most abundant compound in stem bark oil, is known to be medicinal; Presence of isomers of linalooloxide in stem bark oil is unique. Compositions of these three volatile oils are very interesting, which is scarce in literature.

Pharmacognostical studies on the leaves of Ficus altissima blume.

Ficus altissima Blume belonging to family Moraceae is perennial tree with 20-30 ft tall distributed in the hills of northern India and deccan peninsula, up to an altitude of 100-2000 m. It is commonly known as Council Tree. Leaves and bark are used in skin diseases. The tree is one of the recorded hosts of the Indian lac insect and is a source of red colour. Owing to its unexplored medicinal importance, the macroscopic and the microscopic characters of the leaves were studied which will serve as reference standard in identification of the tree.