Fruit cracking: a review / 生物工程学报

Fruit cracking is a common physiological disease. Many fruits such as tomato, sweet cherry, apple, jujube, pomegranate, and litchi are liable to crack, causing considerable economic loss and agricultural resources waste. The mechanisms of fruit cracking are comprehensive. Some correlations have been observed between susceptibility of fruit cracking and some fruit traits (genetic, fruit size, fruit shape, fruit growth rate, water content, fruit skin characteristics, related gene expression, etc). Also, environmental condition (temperature, light, rainfall, etc) and orchard management (irrigation, sun-shade, mineral, growth regulator, etc) can influence fruit cracking. Here, progress in studies on fruit cracking is reviewed to provide a reference for prevention and control of fruit cracking.

Purification and component identification of total proanthocyanidins in Choerospondias axillaris pericarp / 中国中药杂志

The present study determined the quantitative markers of total proanthocyanidins in the purification of the industrial waste Choerospondias axillaris pericarp based on the comparison results of high-performance liquid chromatography(HPLC) and mass spectrometry(MS) and optimized the purification process with two stable procyanidins as markers. The adsorption and desorption of five different macroporous adsorption resins, the static adsorption kinetics curve of NKA-Ⅱ resin, the maximum sample load, and the gradient elution were investigated. The UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS was employed for qualitative analysis of the newly-prepared total proanthocyanidins of C. axillaris pericarp. As revealed by the results, NKA-Ⅱ resin displayed strong adsorption and desorption toward total proanthocyanidins. The sample solution(50 mg·mL~(-1)) was prepared from 70% ethanol crude extract of C. axillaris pericarp dissolved in water and 7-fold BV of the sample solution was loaded, followed by static adsorption for 12 h. After 8-fold BV of distilled water and 6-fold BV of 10% ethanol were employed to remove impurities, the solution was eluted with 8-fold BV of 50% ethanol, concentrated, and dried under reduced pressure, and purified total proanthocyanidin powder was therefore obtained. Measured by vanillin-hydrochloric acid method, the purity and transfer rate of total proanthocyanidins were 47.67% and 59.92%, respectively, indicating the feasibi-lity of the optimized process. UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS qualitative analysis identified 16 procyanidins in C. axillaris total proanthocyanidins. The optimized purification process is simple in operation and accurate in component identification, and it can be applied to the process investigation of a class of components that are difficult to be separated and purified. It can also provide technical support and research ideas for the comprehensive utilization of industrial waste.

The application of FTIR spectroscopy and chemometrics for classification of Mangosteen extract and its correlation with alpha-mangostin

Alpha-mangostin is the major component in Mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana Linn) pericarp having severalpharmacological activities including reducing blood pressure, antidiabetic, anticancer, and antioxidants. The objectiveof this study was to develop Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy-multivariate calibration of partial least square(PLS) for quantitative analysis of alpha-mangostin and to classify mangosteen pericarp using principal componentanalysis. Mangosteen pericarps from different locations (Java provinces and South Sulawesi, Republic of Indonesia)were extracted using ethanol and were subjected to high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) for the analysisof alpha-mangostin and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy measurements. HPLC was used to determinethe levels of alpha-mangostin and used as actual values during FTIR spectroscopy analysis. The prediction of alphamangostin was obtained from the correlation between actual values and FTIR predicted values and facilitated withthe PLS model. The results showed that the wavenumbers region of 3,825–937 cm−1 offered a reliable model with acoefficient correlation (r) value of 0.9927 and root mean square error of calibration of 0.0831%. The validation modelsalso exhibited the accurate and precise results for the prediction of alpha-mangostin with an r-value of 0.9754 androot mean square error of prediction value of 0.174%. Furthermore, the chemometrics of principal component analysisusing variables of absorbances at selected fingerprint (1,000–800 cm−1) could classify mangosteen pericarp fromdifferent regions. FTIR spectroscopy combined with chemometrics offered a reliable method for quality assurance ofmangosteen pericarp

Amylose content and micromorphology of popcorn progenies with different popping expansion volumes / Teores de amilose e micromorfologia de progênies de milho-pipoca com diferentes volumes de expansão

ABSTRACT: Popcorn (Zea mays var. everta) has a higher commercial value than common maize, in addition to being a popular food among consumers. Today, there is a constant search for cultivars with superior performance for several traits of interest in the case of popcorn, yield and popping expansion. On this basis, this project proposes to characterize progenies of popcorn with different values ​​of expansion capacity regarding chemical composition and micromorphology. Kernels from the fifth cycle (C5) of intrapopulation recurrent selection were evaluated. The progenies were selected based on the popping expansion volume of their kernels. The kernels were quantified for amylose and analyzed for starch granule arrangement and pericarp thickness by scanning electron microscopy. Progenies with low popping expansion volume (0 and 7 mL g-1) showed amylose contents of 21.24 and 20.18%, respectively; a less compact endosperm, with individual starch granules interspaced with empty spaces; and pericarp thickness between 40.94 and 38.99 µm, respectively. By contrast, progenies with high popping expansion volume (30 and 35 mL g-1) showed amylose contents of 23.92 and 26.10%; a vitreous endosperm; more-compact starch granules without empty spaces in between; and pericarp thickness between 107.66 and 107.84 µm. Progenies with higher popping expansion volume exhibited a thicker pericarp, a high amylose percentage and a more-compact endosperm, whereas those with the lower expansion volumes showed a thinner pericarp, a lower amylose percentage and individual starch granules.

RESUMO: O milho-pipoca (Zea mays var. everta) tem um valor comercial mais elevado do que o milho comum e é um alimento popular entre os consumidores. Hoje, existe uma constante busca por cultivares com desempenho superior para os diversos caracteres de interesse, no caso da pipoca, produtividade e capacidade de expansão. O trabalho propõe caracterizar progênies de milho-pipoca com diferentes valores de capacidade de expansão quanto à composição química e micromorfologia. Foram estudados grãos do quinto ciclo (C5) de seleção recorrente intrapopulacional. As progênies foram selecionadas com base nos valores de capacidade de expansão de seus grãos. Os grãos foram quantificados para amilose e analisados quanto ao arranjo dos grânulos de amido e espessura do pericarpo por microscopia eletrônica de varredura. Progênies com baixa capacidade de expansão (0 e 7 mL g-1) apresentaram teor de amilose de 21,24 e 20,18% respectivamente; endosperma menos compacto, com grânulos de amido individualizados e intercalados com espaços vazios; e espessura do pericarpo medindo entre 40,94 e 38,99 µm, respectivamente. Por outro lado, progênies com alta capacidade de expansão (30 e 35 mL g-1) apresentaram teor de amilose de 23,92 e 26,10%, endosperma vítreo, sendo os grânulos de amido mais compactos e sem espaços vazios entre eles; e espessura do pericarpo medindo entre 107,66 e 107,84 µm. Progênies com altos valores de capacidade de expansão apresentam maior espessura de pericarpo, alta porcentagem de amilose e endosperma mais compactado, enquanto as com menores valores de expansão, apresentam menor espessura do pericarpo, menor porcentagem de amilose e grânulos de amido individualizados.

Germination constraints of dicarpic cypselae of Bidens pilosa L / Restrições a germinação de cipselas dicárpicas de Bidens pilosa L

Abstract Bidens pilosa L. is a heterocarpic weed species with two cypselae types that present morpho-physiological differences, being the peripheral type smaller and slower to germinate than the central one. We aimed to verify how the germination mechanism varied between types. We focused on two mechanisms: (1) pericarp constraints (physical and chemical) and (2) hormonal stimulation (Abcisic acid [ABA] and Gibberellin [GA]). Both cypselae types are physically constrained by the pericarp, for when it is excised both seed types increase their germination, but behavioral differences still remain. The pericarp of the peripheral type also has chemical inhibitors that effectively inhibited germination of the intact central cypsela. To test the hormonal effects, we focused on the ABA:GA control. Both cypselae responded to an exogenous ABA concentration gradient, however there is no variation between types on the sensitivity to it. Also, both cypselae types were indifferent to Fluridone (ABA inhibitor), which indicates that the dormancy is not maintained by de novo ABA synthesis. Cypselae types had different sensitivity to an exogenous GA3 gradient, the central type being more sensitive to the treatment than the peripheral one. But when the endogenous GA synthesis was blocked by Paclobutrazol, both types responded equally to same GA3 concentrations. This indicates that endogenous GA synthesis may be related to differences observed on germination of cypselae types. To conclude, seed types differ on their growth potential to overcome the pericarp resistance: while the inhibitor in the peripheral pericarp reduces growth potential, GA increases it.

Resumo Bidens pilosa L. é uma espécie de planta daninha heterocarpica com dois tipos de cipselas que possuem diferenças morfofisiológicas, sendo o tipo periférico de menor tamanho e com germinação lenta se comparado com o central. Nosso objetivo foi verificar como o mecanismo de germinação varia entre os tipos. Focamos em dois mecanismos: (1) restrição causada pelo pericarpo (física e química) e (2) estímulo hormonal (Ácido abscísico [ABA] e Giberelina [GA]). Os tipos de cipselas são fisicamente limitados pelo pericarpo, pois quando ambos os tipos de sementes são excisados há um aumento na germinação, contudo as diferenças no processo se mantém. O pericarpo do tipo periférico ainda possui inibidores que efetivamente retardam a germinação das cipselas centrais intactas. Para testar os efeitos hormonais, nós focamos no controle pelo ABA:GA. Ambas cipselas responderam ao gradiente de concentração de ABA exógeno, contudo não houve variação na sensibilidade entre os tipos. Ainda, ambos tipos de cipselas foram indiferentes à Fluoridona (inibidor de ABA), que indica que a dormência não é mantida pela nova síntese de ABA. Tipos de cipselas apresentam diferentes sensibilidades ao gradiente exógeno de GA3, com o tipo central sendo mais sensível ao tratamento que o periférico. Mas quando a síntese endógena de GA foi bloqueada pelo Paclobutrazol, ambos os tipos responderam de forma similar às concentrações de GA 3. Isso indica que a síntese de GA endógena pode estar relacionada com a diferença observada na germinação dos dois tipos de cipselas. Para concluir, os tipos de sementes diferem no potencial para superar a resistência do pericarpo, sendo o inibidor no pericarpo da cipsela periférica o redutor do potencial de crescimento, enquanto a GA aumenta esse potencial.

Determination of Content of Index Components and HPLC Fingerprint of Gardenia jasminoides Pericarp,Seeds and Whiskers / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective: To determine the content of index components in different parts of Gardenia jasminoides (pericarp, seeds, whiskers), study the fingerprint, and compare the contents and compositions differences of different parts of G. jasminoides, in order to provide the theoretical basis for different efficacies of G. jasminoides pericarp and seeds, explore the exploitation and utilization values of G. jasminoides whiskers, and avoid waste of gardenia medicinal resources. Method: The contents of geniposide and crocetin Ⅰ was were determined by HPLC, the content of total iridoid glycosides was determined by ultraviolet spectrophotometry, and three index components in different parts of G. jasminoides were analyzed. HPLC fingerprints of different parts of G. jasminoides were collected, the common pattern of HPLC fingerprints of different parts of G. jasminoides of different origins and with different processing methods was established, and the similarity evaluation software was used for data analysis; comparative analysis on fingerprints of different parts of G. jasminoides was conducted. Result: Content change of index components in G. jasminoides pericarp and seeds from Henan, Fujian and Jiangxi were the same. Content of geniposide:Fujian > Henan > Jiangxi, the contents of three components in G. jasminoides pericarp from Fujian were much higher than those from Henan and Jiangxi, the contents of crocetin Ⅰ and total iridoid glycosides:Fujian > Jiangxi > Henan, the contents of total iridoid glycosides from Fujian, Jiangxi were much higher than those from Henan. The order of three index components in G. jasminoides whiskers from different origins from high to low, the content of geniposide and crocetin Ⅰ was Fujian > Jiangxi and Henan, the content of total iridoid glycosides was Fujian > Jiangxi > Henan.In the same part, there were 22 common peaks in the fingerprints of G. jasminoides pericarp, except for S13-S15, the similarity of other samples were more than 0.9;the fingerprints of G. jasminoides seeds had 22 common peaks, except for S22-S30, the similarities of other samples were more than 0.9;the fingerprints of G. jasminoides whiskers had 16 common peaks, except for S7-S9, the similarities of other samples were more than 0.9.In different parts, the fingerprints of G. jasminoides whiskers were significant different from those of pericarp and seeds, the number of peaks in G. jasminoides whiskers reduced, the order of height of peaks 2, 3, 5 of G. jasminoides from high to low were whiskers > gardenia > seeds. There was not peak X in the seeds, the height of peak X of gardenia in whiskers was higher than that in pericarp, except for the peak 17, the height of all peaks in seeds were higher than that in whiskers. Conclusion: There are significant differences in the contents of index components in G. jasminoides pericarp and seeds. The content of total glycosides in gardenia is high, suggesting that it can be used to extract total iridoid glycosides. The fingerprints can reflect the content difference and species distribution of different parts of G. jasminoides, so as to provide theoretical support for the studies for pharmacodynamic material basis of G. jasminoides and the scientificity and rationality of the separate application of G. jasminoides pericarp and seeds.

Antimicrobial wound dressing film utilizing nano-cellulose and gelatin as drug delivery system for Garcinia mangostana L extract

Aims@#Diabetic patients with foot ulcer showed 150-fold increased risk of amputation, which is primarily caused by microbial infection. Silver ions are commonly incorporated into wound dressing to enhance the antimicrobial property. However, concerns have been expressed about the development of bacterial resistance to heavy metals. In this study, we extracted the nano-cellulose from medical cotton and reinforced with gelatin to develop a film for wound dressing. @*Methodology and results@#Garcinia mangostana L pericarp extract was incorporated into the nano-cellulose film as antimicrobial finishing. The efficacy of the developed nano-cellulose film was evaluated on diabetic wound microorganisms. We observed cellulose nano crystals with an average length of 133.71 nm under transmission electron microscope. The developed film showed gradual release of the extract over a period of 48 h and no burst effect was observed. The film exhibited significant inhibitory activity on three Gram positive bacteria, three Gram negative and all filamentous fungi tested. On Hohenstein challenge test, all test microorganisms showed significant growth reduction, with the treatment of the film. We also noticed that the antimicrobial activity of the film sustained even after 20 washes. @*Conclusion, significance and impact of study@#Our results indicate that the G. mangostana L pericarp extract loaded nano-cellulose films exhibited significant inhibitory activity on diabetic wound microorganisms. The developed film can be potentially used to prevent foot ulcer infection among diabetic patients.

Germination constraints of dicarpic cypselae of Bidens pilosa L

Abstract Bidens pilosa L. is a heterocarpic weed species with two cypselae types that present morpho-physiological differences, being the peripheral type smaller and slower to germinate than the central one. We aimed to verify how the germination mechanism varied between types. We focused on two mechanisms: (1) pericarp constraints (physical and chemical) and (2) hormonal stimulation (Abcisic acid [ABA] and Gibberellin [GA]). Both cypselae types are physically constrained by the pericarp, for when it is excised both seed types increase their germination, but behavioral differences still remain. The pericarp of the peripheral type also has chemical inhibitors that effectively inhibited germination of the intact central cypsela. To test the hormonal effects, we focused on the ABA:GA control. Both cypselae responded to an exogenous ABA concentration gradient, however there is no variation between types on the sensitivity to it. Also, both cypselae types were indifferent to Fluridone (ABA inhibitor), which indicates that the dormancy is not maintained by de novo ABA synthesis. Cypselae types had different sensitivity to an exogenous GA3 gradient, the central type being more sensitive to the treatment than the peripheral one. But when the endogenous GA synthesis was blocked by Paclobutrazol, both types responded equally to same GA3 concentrations. This indicates that endogenous GA synthesis may be related to differences observed on germination of cypselae types. To conclude, seed types differ on their growth potential to overcome the pericarp resistance: while the inhibitor in the peripheral pericarp reduces growth potential, GA increases it.

Resumo Bidens pilosa L. é uma espécie de planta daninha heterocarpica com dois tipos de cipselas que possuem diferenças morfofisiológicas, sendo o tipo periférico de menor tamanho e com germinação lenta se comparado com o central. Nosso objetivo foi verificar como o mecanismo de germinação varia entre os tipos. Focamos em dois mecanismos: (1) restrição causada pelo pericarpo (física e química) e (2) estímulo hormonal (Ácido abscísico [ABA] e Giberelina [GA]). Os tipos de cipselas são fisicamente limitados pelo pericarpo, pois quando ambos os tipos de sementes são excisados há um aumento na germinação, contudo as diferenças no processo se mantém. O pericarpo do tipo periférico ainda possui inibidores que efetivamente retardam a germinação das cipselas centrais intactas. Para testar os efeitos hormonais, nós focamos no controle pelo ABA:GA. Ambas cipselas responderam ao gradiente de concentração de ABA exógeno, contudo não houve variação na sensibilidade entre os tipos. Ainda, ambos tipos de cipselas foram indiferentes à Fluoridona (inibidor de ABA), que indica que a dormência não é mantida pela nova síntese de ABA. Tipos de cipselas apresentam diferentes sensibilidades ao gradiente exógeno de GA3, com o tipo central sendo mais sensível ao tratamento que o periférico. Mas quando a síntese endógena de GA foi bloqueada pelo Paclobutrazol, ambos os tipos responderam de forma similar às concentrações de GA 3. Isso indica que a síntese de GA endógena pode estar relacionada com a diferença observada na germinação dos dois tipos de cipselas. Para concluir, os tipos de sementes diferem no potencial para superar a resistência do pericarpo, sendo o inibidor no pericarpo da cipsela periférica o redutor do potencial de crescimento, enquanto a GA aumenta esse potencial.

In-vitro antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of aqueous pericarp extract of Punica granatum.

The study aimed to evaluate the anti microbial against human pathogenic organisms and antioxidant activities of aqueous pericarp extract of Punica granatum. The antimicrobial activity was tested against human pathogenic bacteria and fungi. The aqueous pericarp extract of Punica granatum was showed significant inhibitory activity. 11 mm was the highest inhibitory zone against Staphylococcus aureus but not active against C. albicans. The MIC of pericarp extract was found to be the range between 10- 100 μg/ml. 10 μg/ml was the lowest MIC to most of the bacteria. Radical scavenging activity of pericarp extract of P. granutum was carried out to assess antioxidant activity with employing acorbic acid as standard drug. 6.8, 36.3, 4, 65.2, 10.0, 185 μg/ml were the IC50 values of seed coat extract to Superoxide, Hydroxyl, Hydrogen peroxide, DPPH, Nitric oxide, Lipid peroxide radical scavenging activities respectively. The antimicrobial as well as antioxidant activities were dose dependently increased with pericarp extract concentration. The present study revealed that pericarp of Punica granatum has shown significant antimicrobial and antioxidant activities.

Determinación de antocianinas mediante extracción asistida por radiación de microondas en frijol (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) de alto consumo en Antioquia-Colombia / Determination of anthocyanins by microwave assisted extraction in beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) commonly consumed in Antioquia, Colombia

Introducción: el frijol además de ser una fuente nutricional importante en Colombia, también aporta un gran contenido de sustancias con potencial benéfico para la salud, como son flavonoides y antocianinas, entre otras, que contribuyen de manera significativa con sus propiedades medicinales y pueden tener un efecto positivo contra algunas enfermedades crónicas. Objetivos: comparar el contenido de antocianinas del pericarpio del fruto de frijol de diferentes variedades con respecto al método de extracción. Métodos: la piel del fruto de frijol deshidratada y macerada se sometió a extracciones sólido-líquido y asistida por microondas con metanol acidulado. Se evaluó el contenido de antocianinas por el método de diferencial de pH y el potencial antioxidante in vitro con base en el método de DPPH (catión radical α-α-difenil-ß-picrilhidrazilo). Resultados: la técnica de extracción asistida por microondas (MAE) mostró una mayor eficiencia respecto a la convencional, porque disminuyó considerablemente la cantidad de solvente, de muestra empleada y los tiempos de extracción. Los extractos obtenidos presentaron un contenido de antocianinas entre 8,33 y 25,5 mg cianidin-3-glucósido/L, sin embargo, el efecto de protección antioxidante resultó similar entre ellos y comparable con el de las sustancias de referencia. Conclusiones: todos los extractos presentaron buena capacidad protectora contra radicales libres; la técnica de extracción asistida por microondas puede ser usada como método alternativo para una valoración rápida, eficiente y eficaz del contenido de sustancias bioactivas en diferentes matrices.

Introduction: apart from being an important nutritional source in Colombia, beans also provide a large amount of substances with potential beneficial effects on health, such as flavonoids and anthocyanins, among others, which stand out for their medicinal properties and potential positive action against some chronic diseases. Objectives: compare the content of anthocyanins in the pericarp of the fruit of different varieties of beans with reference to the extraction method. Methods: after dehydration and maceration, the bean fruit coat was subjected to solid-liquid and microwave assisted extraction with acidulated methanol. Anthocyanin content was determined by the pH differential method, and the cation radical α-α-diphenyl-ß-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) method was used for determination of in vitro antioxidant potential. Results: microwave assisted extraction (MAE) proved to be more efficient than the conventional technique, with a considerable reduction in the amount of solvent, sample and extraction time. Anthocyanin content in the extracts obtained was between 8.33 and 25.5 mg cyanidin-3-glucoside/L. However, their antioxidant protection effect was similar and comparable to that of reference substances. Conclusions: all extracts showed good protective capacity against free radicals. Microwave assisted extraction may be used as an alternative method for fast, efficient and effective evaluation of the content of bioactive substances in various matrices.

Comparación entre el estado de maduración del fruto de café (Coffee arabica L.), el contenido de antocianinas y su capacidad antioxidante / Comparison between the level of maturation of the coffee fruit (Coffee arabica L.), and the contents of anthocyanins and their antioxidant capacity

Introducción: la piel o pericarpio del café que define su estado de madurez y calidad, es prácticamente lignocelulosa y no tiene ningún valor comercial, no obstante podría considerarse como una fuente importante de compuestos antioxidantes, sobre todo de antocianinas. Objetivos: comparar el potencial antioxidante del pericarpio del fruto de café en diferentes estados de maduración con respecto al contenido de antocianinas. Métodos: la piel del fruto del café liofilizada en cinco estados de maduración se sometió a extracciones sólido-líquido con metanol acidulado; se determinó el contenido de antocianinas por el método diferencial de pH y el potencial antioxidante se evaluó sobre la base de los métodos de DPPH (catión radical a-a-difenil-ß-picrilhidrazilo), ORAC (oxygen radical absorbance capacity) y FRAP (ferric reducing/antioxidant power). Resultados: la muestra de granos sobremaduros presentó un contenido de antocianinas 63,14 mg cianidin-3-glucósido/L. Este valor resulta de 2 a 18 veces mayor con respecto a los otros estados de maduración. No obstante, el estado "pintón" fue el que mostró una mayor capacidad antioxidante (³ 2-5 veces), en todos los métodos evaluados, lo cual sugiere una mayor presencia de otros componentes con actividad antioxidante durante esta etapa de maduración. Conclusiones: todos los extractos presentaron buena capacidad antioxidante, por lo tanto, aquellos frutos que no sean empleados para la industria de consumo de café pueden ser usados como fuente de antioxidantes, independiente de su estado de maduración.

Introduction: the maturity and quality of the coffee beans is defined by the color of its outer and often edible layer (pericarp), and this tissue is mainly lignocellulose without any commercial value; however it could be considered as a source of important antioxidant compounds, mostly anthocyanins. Objectives: to compare the antioxidant potential of the pericarp of the coffee bean at different states of maturation in terms of the content of anthocyanins. Methods: lyophilized and powered pericarp of Coffee arabica on different stages of maturation underwent solid-liquid extractions with acidulated methanol and total anthocyanins content was determined by pH differential method; the antioxidant potential was evaluated by using DPPH (radical cathion a-a-diphenyl-ß-picrylhydrazyl, ORAC (oxygen radical absorbance capacity) and FRAP (ferric reducing/antioxidant power) tests. Results: the sample from over-matured coffee beans showed a content of anthocyanins equal to 63.14 mg cyanidin-3-glucoside/L, which is 2 to 18 times higher than that of other maturation states. Nevertheless, the "pintón" stage demonstrated the highest antioxidant capacity (³ 2-5 times) in all the evaluated methods. This indicates the presence of additional components with antioxidant power during this maturation stage. Conclusions: all the extracts showed significant antioxidant capacity, therefore, the undesired fruits to coffee industry may be used as a source of antioxidant compounds regardless of their maturity stage.

Preliminary phytochemical screening of the pericarp of Crataeva magna (Lour.) DC. - a medicinal tree

Objective: To examine the phytochemicals present in the pericarp of Crataeva magna (C. magna) (Lour.) DC. which is used as a traditional medicine by the inhabitants of Kanyakumari district. Methods: Phytochemical screening of the pericarp was done to determine the secondary metabolites in various solvents studied. Results: The phytochemical screening on the pericarp of C. magna (Lour.) DC. proved the presence of phytochemicals such as phenols, saponins and tannins. Conclusions: The findings of the present study recommended that the pericarp of C. magna (Lour.) DC. have potential antimicrobial compounds that may be of use for developing plant based drugs for various ailments.

Chemical constituents from pericarp of longan fruits / 中草药

Objective: To investigate the chemical constituents of pericarp of longan (Dimocarpus longan) fruits. Methods: The chemical constituents were isolated by silica gel, polyamide, as well as Sephadex LH-20 column chromatography and their structures were identified on the basis of physical and chemical properties and spectral analysis. Results: Thirteen compounds were isolated and identified as: friedelin (1), friedelanol (2), (24R)-stigmast-4-en-3-one (3), β-sitosterol (4), β-(2-furyl) acrylic acid (5), 6-hydroxy-7- methoxycoumarin (6), β-daucosterol (7), gallic acid (8), corilagin (9), heptyl p-hydroxybenzoate (10), methyl gallate (11), 4-O-α-L- rhamnopyranosyl-ellagic acid (12), and ellagic acid (13). Conclusion: Compounds 3-7, 10, and 12 are reported from the pericarp of longan fruits for the first time, and this is the first report for compound 5 as a natural product.

Morphological and anatomical features of the flowers and fruits during the development of Chamissoa altissima (Jacq.) Kunth (Amaranthaceae)

The morphology and structure of the flowers and fruits of Chamissoa altissima (Jacq.) Kunth during the development were analyzed. The plant material was fixed in FAA 50, embedded in historesin and sectioned according to standard techniques. The flowers presented tepals with betalain and homogeneous mesophyll; receptacular nectary; anthers with epidermis, endothecium, one middle layer, and uninucleate tapetum; and monocarpelar ovary with homogeneous mesophyll. The fruit was a circumscissile capsule, presented the same number of cellular layers that the ovary, and possessed subendocarpic sclerenchyma. The seed was bitegmic, exotestal and perispermic.

Chamissoa altissima (Jacq.) Kunth ocorre em remanescentes florestais de Maringá, Paraná, Brasil e se destaca por seus frutos zoocóricos envolvidos por sépalas vermelhas. As flores e frutos em diferentes fases de desenvolvimento são descritos estruturalmente. O material botânico foi fixado em FAA 50, emblocado em historresina e secionado conforme técnicas usuais. As flores apresentam sépalas com betalaína e mesofilo homogêneo; nectário receptacular; anteras com epiderme, endotécio, uma camada média e tapete uninucleado; e ovário monocarpelar com mesofilo homogêneo. O fruto é uma cápsula circuncisa, apresenta o mesmo número de camadas celulares que o ovário, e possui esclerênquima subendocárpico. A semente é bitegumentada, exotestal e perispérmica.

Scanning Electron Microscope Observation on Fructus Viticis from Different Production Area / 中国中医药信息杂志

Objective To study the pericarp surface of Fructus Viticis from three main production area under the scanning electron microscope (SEM), and to provide evidence for distinguishing the Fructus Viticis and its false and the different variety of it. Method Using scanning electron microscope, the pericarp surface characteristics from three main production area were comparative studied. Result The pericarp surface characteristics of the fruits of Vitex trifolia L. var. simplicifolia Cham from Shandong and Jiangxi were extremely similar, but they were obvious different with the fruits of Vitex trifolia L. from Guangxi. Conclusion The pericarp surface characteristics of Fructus Viticis from three main production area under SEM were obvious. The methods was simple and provides the new reference to discriminate the Fructus Viticis from different places.

Stigmasterols from pericarp of Sphaerophysa salsula / 中草药

Object Isolation and structural determination of the chemical constituents from the 95% ethanol extract of the pericarp of Sphaerophysa salsula (Pall.) DC. Methods To isolate chemical constituents, solvent extraction together with column chromatography was used. Physico-chemical characters and spectroscopic analysis were employed for structural identification. Results Four compounds were identified as 5?-stigmast-3-one (Ⅰ), 5?-stigmast-3, 6-dione (Ⅱ), stigmast-4-en-3-one (Ⅲ), 3?, 6?-stigmast-4-en-3, 6-diol (Ⅳ). Conclusion All these compounds were first isolated from the plants of Sphaerophysa DC.