Identification of Dalbergia odorifera and Its Counterfeits by HS-GC-MS / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo screen the differential markers by analyzing volatile components in Dalbergia odorifera and its counterfeits， in order to provide reference for authentication of D. odorifera. MethodThe volatile components in D. odorifera and its counterfeits were detected by headspace gas chromatography-mass spectrometry（HS-GC-MS）， and the GC conditions were heated by procedure（the initial temperature of the column was 50 ℃， the retention time was 1 min， and then the temperature was raised to 300 ℃ at 10 ℃ for 10 min）， the carrier gas was helium， and the flow rate was 1.0 mL·min-1， the split ratio was 10∶1， and the injection volume was 1 mL. The MS conditions used electron bombardment ionization（EI） with the scanning range of m/z 35-550. The compound species were identified by database matching， the relative content of each component was calculated by the peak area normalization method， and principal component analysis（PCA）， orthogonal partial least squares-discrimination analysis（OPLS-DA） and cluster analysis were performed on the detection results by SIMCA 14.1 software， and the differential components of D. odorifera and its counterfeits were screened out according to the variable importance in the projection（VIP） value>2 and P<0.05. ResultA total of 26， 17， 8， 22， 24 and 7 volatile components were identified from D. odorifera， D. bariensis， D. latifolia， D. benthamii， D. pinnata and D. cochinchinensis， respectively. Among them， there were 11 unique volatile components of D. odorifera， 6 unique volatile components of D. bariensis， 3 unique volatile components of D. latifolia， 6 unique volatile components of D. benthamii， 8 unique volatile components of D. pinnata， 4 unique volatile components of D. cochinchinensis. The PCA results showed that， except for D. latifolia and D. cochinchinensis， which could not be clearly distinguished， D. odorifera and other counterfeits could be distributed in a certain area， respectively. The OPLS-DA results showed that D. odorifera and its five counterfeits were clustered into one group each， indicating significant differences in volatile components between D. odorifera and its counterfeits. Finally， a total of 31 differential markers of volatile components between D. odoriferae and its counterfeits were screened. ConclusionHS-GC-MS combined with SIMCA 14.1 software can systematically elucidate the volatile differential components between D. odorifera and its counterfeits， which is suitable for rapid identification of them.

A pair of new isoflavonoid enantiomers from Dalbergia benthamii Prain / 药学学报

Thirteen isoflavones were separated and purified from an ethanol extract of the rhizome of Dalbergia benthamii Prain by using silica gel, Sephadex LH-20, recrystallization et al. Their structures were identified by physicochemical properties and spectral analysis such as MS, 1D/2D-NMR as dalbergibenthamin (1), butesuperin A (2), xanthocercin A (3), butesuperin B (4), di-O-methylalpinum isoflavone (5), 2′-deoxgisoaunculutin (6), robustone (7), 4′-hydroxy-5,7-dimethoxy-6-(3-methyl-2-butenyl)-isoflavone (8), formononetin (9), 6″-O-rhamnosyldaidzin (10), 3′,4′-di-O-methylene-5-hydroxy-7-methoxy-6-isopentenyl isoflavone (11), derrubone dimethyl enter (12), and derrubone (13). Compound 1 is a pair of new isoflavonoid enantiomers, compound 12 is a new natural product and compounds 1-7 and 10-13 were obtained from D. benthamii Prain for the first time. In vitro cytotoxic activities of the compounds were explored by MTS testing with HL-60, A-549, SMMC-7721, MCF-7 and SW480 cell lines. Results show that compound 8 significantly inhibited cellular proliferation. The IC50 of compound 8 in A-549 and SW480 cells was 16.68 ± 0.19 and 15.21 ± 0.60 μmol·L-1.

UPLC-Q-TOF-MS metabolomic study on improvement of acute myocardial ischemia in rats by Dalbergia cochinchinensis heartwood / 中国中药杂志

This paper aimed to study the effect of Dalbergia cochinchinensis heartwood on plasma endogenous metabolites in rats with ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery, and to analyze the mechanism of D. cochinchinensis heartwood in improving acute myocardial ischemic injury. The stability and consistency of the components in the D. cochinchinensis heartwood were verified by the establishment of fingerprint, and 30 male SD rats were randomly divided into a sham group, a model group, and a D. cochinchinensis heartwood(6 g·kg~(-1)) group, with 10 rats in each group. The sham group only opened the chest without ligation, while the other groups established the model of ligation. Ten days after administration, the hearts were taken for hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining, and the content of heart injury indexes in the plasma creatine kinase isoenzyme(CK-MB) and lactate dehydrogenase(LDH), energy metabolism-related index glucose(Glu) content, and vascular endothelial function index nitric oxide(NO) was determined. The endogenous metabolites were detected by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-time-of-flight-mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-TOF-MS). The results showed that the D. cochinchinensis heartwood reduced the content of CK-MB and LDH in the plasma of rats to relieve myocardial injury, reduced the content of Glu in the plasma, improved myocardial energy metabolism, increased the content of NO, cured the vascular endothelial injury, and promoted vasodilation. D. cochinchinensis heartwood improved the increase of intercellular space, myocardial inflammatory cell infiltration, and myofilament rupture caused by ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery. The metabolomic study showed that the content of 26 metabolites in the plasma of rats in the model group increased significantly, while the content of 27 metabolites decreased significantly. Twenty metabolites were significantly adjusted after the administration of D. cochinchinensis heartwood. D. cochinchinensis heartwood can significantly adjust the metabolic abnormality in rats with ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery, and its mechanism may be related to the regulation of cardiac energy metabolism, NO production, and inflammation. The results provide a corresponding basis for further explaining the effect of D. cochinchinensis on the acute myocardial injury.

Pharmacognostical Study of Bark of Shimshapa (Dalbergia sissoo Roxb)

Purpose: Pharmacognostical evaluation of bark of Dalbergia sissoo is done for identification in field and differentiates from other species of Dalbergia. Methods: Drug is studied taxonomically and its macroscopic, microscopic features were studied including powder microscopy of bark with suitable instruments. Results: Macroscopic study reveals on drying bark is flat curved inward with presence of cracks color reddish brown outer surface rough warty while inner surface was tough, longitudinally striated whereas microscopic study reveals outline of transverse section (TS) exposed rhytidome covering the upper part of section. It was continue with cork cells followed wide zone of secondarycortex. Concentric rings of fibres were present throughout the secondary phloem. The detailed TS showed dark coloured rhytodome cells followed by multilayered cork cells. Secretory cells containing tannin was present in secondary cortex zone. Presence of calcium oxalate crystals present in rays cells and parenchyma cells of cortex. Starch grains were present throughout the parenchyma cells. Powder was dark red in colour, bitter .taste , fruity odor. Powder microscopy reveals fragments of cork cells, stone cells, septate fibres, Pitted medullary ray cells, Prismatic crystals of calcium oxalate, simple starch grains and fragments of fibres found present. Conclusion: Finding of this study will falicitate pharmacognostic standardization of plant material and become an aid for identification as well as preparation of herbal monographs for the species and to enjoy the Ayuvedic classical claims.

Rapid Identification and Analysis of Chemical Components in Heartwood of Dalbergia cochinchinensis by UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective::To rapidly identify and analysis the chemical constituents in the methanol extract of heartwood of Dalbergia cochinchinensis by ultra high performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time-of-flight high resolution mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS). Method::UPLC RRHD SB-C18 column (3.0 mm×100 mm, 1.8 μm) was used for chromatographic separation with acetonitrile-0.1% formic acid solution as the mobile phase for gradient elution (0-0.01 min, 5%B; 0.01-2 min, 5%-22%B; 2-28 min, 22%-35%B; 28-45 min, 35%-44%B; 45-55 min, 44%-100%B; 55-57 min, 100%B; 57-57.10 min, 100%~5%B) at a flow rate of 0.3 mL·min-1. The analytes were determined in negative ion mode with electrospray ionization (ESI) and data collection range of m/z 100-1 500. Result::A total of 101 chemical constituents were identified, including 22 flavonoids, 34 isoflavones, 15 neoflavonoids, 18 other flavonoids and 12 other components. Conclusion::UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS technique can quickly, accurately and comprehensively identify the chemical constituents in the heartwood of D. cochinchinensis. Isoflavones, flavonoids and neoflavonoids are the main chemical constituents in the heartwood of D. cochinchinensis, which is of great significance to reveal its internal material basis and provides experimental basis for this plant to be developed as a potential new resource of traditional Chinese medicine.

Rapid Identification on Chemical Components in Dalbergiae Odoriferae Lignum by UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective::Dalbergiae Odoriferae Lignum is a rare traditional Chinese medicine material in China. However, there are many varieties of various sources and different qualities in the market at present. In order to further define the pharmacodynamic substance basis, electrospray time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS) was used to rapidly analyze chemical constituents of methanol extract of Dalbergiae Odoriferae Lignum. Method::Chromatographic separation was performed on an UPLC RRHD SB-C18(3.0 mm×100 mm, 1.8 μm)for gradient elution, with mixtures of acetonitrile and 0.1%formic acid-water as mobile phases at a flow rate of 0.3 mL·min-1. The column temperature was maintained at 40 ℃. The data was collected in a negative ion mode with electro-spray ionization source(ESI). Result::According to molecular ion peaks and MS2 mass spectrometry characteristic fragment ions, Mass Bank databases, as well as the mass spectrometry information of reference substances and relevant literatures, a total of 83 constituents were identified, including 18 flavones, 31 isoflavones, 10 neoflavonoids, 9 isoflavanones, 7 other flavonoids and 8 other components. Conclusion::UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS can quickly, accurately and comprehensively identify chemical constituents in methanol extract of Dalbergiae Odoriferae Lignum, and isoflavones, flavones, neoflavonoids and isoflavanones are the main chemical constituents, which laid a foundation for the basic research of medicinal substances of Dalbergiae Odoriferae Lignum, and provided theoretical basis and technical support for the improvement of quality standards of Dalbergiae Odoriferae Lignum.

Leaf geometric morphometrics among populations of Dalbergia ecastaphyllum (L. ) Taub / Morfometria geométrica foliar entre populações de Dalbergia ecastaphyllum (L.) Taub. do Brasil

Leaves are plant structures that express important traits of the environment where they live. Leaf description has allowed identification of plant species as well as investigation of abiotic factors effects on their development, such as gases, light, temperature, and herbivory. This study described populations of Dalbergia ecastaphyllum through leaf geometric morphometrics in Brazil. We evaluated 200 leaves from four populations. The principal component analysis (PCA) showed that the first four principal components were responsible for 97.81% of variation. The non-parametric multivariate analysis of variance (NPMANOVA) indicated significant difference between samples (p = 0.0001). The Mentel test showed no correlation between geographical distances and shape. The canonical variate analysis (CVA) indicated that the first two variables were responsible for 96.77 % of total variation, while the cross-validation test showed an average of 83.33%. D. ecastaphyllum leaves are elliptical and ovate.

As folhas são estruturas presentes nas plantas que expressam importantes características de acordo com o ambiente no qual estão inseridas. Ao longo dos anos, a sua caracterização tem permitido identificar espécies vegetais e correlacionar o efeito de fatores abióticos como gases, luz, temperatura e herbivoria sob o seu desenvolvimento. O presente estudo teve como descrever populações de Dalbergia ecastaphyllum do Brasil utilizando a morfometria geométrica foliar. Foram avaliadas 200 folhas de quatro populações desta espécie. Análise de componentes principais (ACP) mostrou que os quatro primeiros componentes principais explicaram 97,81% da variação. A Análise de variância multivariada com teste não-paramétrico (NPMANOVA) indicou não haver diferença entres as amostras (p= 0,0001). Os resultados do teste de Mentel mostraram que não houve correlação das distâncias geográficas com a forma. Na análise de variação canônica, as duas primeiras variáveis responderam por 96,77 % da variação total, enquanto uma média de 83,33% foi encontrada pelo teste de validação cruzada. As folhas de D. ecastaphullym são elípticas e ovadas.

Study on neoflavonoids from heartwood of Dalbergia latifolia / 中国中药杂志

Dalbergiae Odoriferae Lignum is derived from heartwood of Dalbergia odorifera,which is national Ⅱ level of rare and endangered protective plants in China. Its resources are scarce and its price is high. In order to find substitutes of D. odorifera,the chemical constituents of 70% ethanol extract of heartwood of D. catifolia were systematically studied by using silica gel,Sephadex LH-20 column chromatography,and semi-preparative HPLC. Sixteen neoflavanoids were isolated and identified as eight dalbergiphenols( 1-8),three dalbergiones( 9-11),two dalbergins( 12,13),two benzophenones( 14,15) and one other type neoflavanoids( 16) based on spectroscopic data analyses and/or comparing the spectroscopic data with those in literature. Among them,compounds 3,7 and 11 were isolated from the genus Dalbergia for the first time,and compounds 2,4-6,8,14 and 15 were isolated from the D. latifolia for the first time. Ten neoflavonoids were both discovered from D. latifolia and D. odorifera.

Concentración foliar de macro- y micro-nutrimentos en cuatro leguminosas maderables del trópico estacionalmente seco de Costa Rica / Foliar concentration of macro- and micronutrients in four woody legumes from a tropical dry-seasonal forest in Costa Rica

Resumen La productividad de las plantaciones forestales con especies nativas se puede incrementar si se conocen bien los requerimientos nutricionales de cada una de las especies. Estos requerimientos pueden variar de acuerdo a las estrategias ecológicas de las especies y a las adaptaciones que tienen, como por ejemplo la capacidad de fijar nitrógeno. En el presente trabajo se presentan los "rangos satisfactorios" de concentración foliar de macronutrimentos y micronutrimentos para cuatro leguminosas del trópico estacionalmente seco de Guanacaste, Costa Rica. Se analizó la concentración foliar de N, P, Ca, Mg, K, S, Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn y B, Na en las especies Dalbergia retusa (cocobolo), Enterolobium cyclocarpum (guanacaste), Hymenaea courbaril (guapinol) y Schizolobium parahyba (gallinazo). La concentración de nutrimentos varió con las especies y según la capacidad de fijar nitrógeno o no y dentro de cada una de esas categorías de acuerdo a la tasa de crecimiento. La concentración total de nutrimentos fue mayor para las especies fijadoras de N que para las no fijadoras y dentro de cada uno de esos grupos la concentración total de nutrimentos fue mayor para las especies de crecimiento rápido comparado con aquellas de crecimiento más lento. De acuerdo a la cantidad de nutrimentos observados en las hojas, se recomienda que H. courbaril y D. retusa deberían ser sembradas en suelos relativamente pobres de nutrimentos, mientras que E. cyclocarpum y S. parahyba en suelos más fértiles. Para D. retusa e H. courbaril se presenta información nueva sobre concentraciones y se mejora la misma para algunos elementos no mencionados en la literatura para E. cyclocarpum y S. parahyba.

Abstract The information about nutritional aspects of trees in the tropical dry forest is scarce. This investigation aims to establish a normal range of foliar nutrient concentration to four forestry species as related to their growth rates and biological nitrogen fixation capacity in the seasonally dry ecosystem at Guanacaste, Costa Rica. Foliar samples for four species: Dalbergia retusa (cocobolo), Enterolobium cyclocarpum (guanacaste), Hymenaea courbaril (guapinol or jatobá) and Schizolobium parahyba (gallinazo or pachaco), all belonging to the Fabaceae family, were analyzed for N, P, Ca, Mg, K, S, Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn, B and Na. Nutrient concentration varied with species according to their ability to fix nitrogen and their rate of growth. The overall concentration of macronutrients was higher in nitrogen-fixing species compared with non-fixing species, and within each one of those groups, the species with higher growth rate presented more macronutrients than species with low growth rate. According to the concentration of foliar nutrients accumulated in the foliage, we recommend that H. courbaril and D. retusacould be grown in the region soils with medium fertility and E. cyclocarpum and S. parahyba in the more fertile soils. Values ranges of foliar concentrations considered as satisfactory presented in this work are new for D. retusa and H. courbaril and improve the scarce information available for E. cyclocarpum and S. parahyba. Rev. Biol. Trop. 66(3): 969-983. Epub 2018 September 01.

Neoflavonoids and their pharmacological activities in Dalbergia genus / 中国中药杂志

Neoflavonoids are a kind of characteristic components in the Dalbergia genus. Based on the previous researches, 59 neoflavonoids have been obtained from the Dalbergia genus. According to their molecular skeleton, the neoflavonoids can be divided intodalbergiphenols, dalbergiones, dalbergins, benzophenones and other types. Modern research shows that neoflavonoids displayed a variety of pharmacological activities, such as anti-osteoporosis, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, anti-androgen, anti-allergic, antioxidation etc. This paper reviewed neoflavonoids and their pharmacological functions, which could provide the valuable reference for comprehensive utilization and new drug development in the Dalbergia genus.

Chemical constituents from Zhuang medicine Dalbergia benthami (I) / 中草药

Objective: To study the chemical constituents of Zhuang medicine Dalbergia benthami. Methods: The compounds were isolated and purified by silica gel, Sephadex LH-20 chromatography, HPLC and so on. The structures of the compounds were identified on the basis of chemical and spectral methods. Results: Fourteen compounds were isolated from the ethanol extract of Dalbergia benthami and identified as 4'-hydroxy-6-hydroxymethyl-5,7-dimethoxy isoflavone (1), β-sitosterol (2), daucosterol (3), stigmasterol (4), robustin acid (5), robustin (6), 4-hydroxy-3-(3'-hydroxy-4'-methoxyphyl)-5-methoxy-2″,2″-dimethylpyrano (5″,6″:6,7)coumarin (7), robustin methyl ether (8), methyl robustate (9), 4'-hydroxy-5,7-dimethoxy-6-(3-methyl-2-butenyl)-isoflavone (10), formononetin (11), pseudobaptigenin (12), calycosin (13), and stigmasterol-3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (14). Conclusion: Compound 1 is a new compound named dalbergibenthamone, and all compounds are isolated from this plant for the first time.

Field screening for fungus inducing active substances from Dalbergia odorifera / 中国药学杂志

OBJECTIVE: To select the fungi which can induce Dalbergia odorifera to produce active substances. METHODS: Twenty-five fungi were inoculated in the stems of six or seven-year-old D. odorifera under natural conditions. Fungi with biological activity to induce D. odorifera producing active substances were obtained through field screening and chemical quality evaluation. The ethanol-soluble extractives and total flavonoids of D. odorifera were analyzed by spectrophotometry and hot maceration method, respectively. RESULTS: Six active fungi inducing the formation of heartwood were obtained. CONCLUSION: This study is very important for utilizing fungi in the induction of D. odorifera and sustainable utilization of this special medicinal material.

Optimization of preparation of lignum dalbergia odorifera oil-hydroxyl-β-cyclodextrin inclusion complex by central composite design-response surface method / 中国药学杂志

OBJECTIVE: To prepare the inclusion complex of Lignum dalbergia odorifera oil with hydroxyl-β-cyclodextrin (HP-β-CD), and to optimize the preparation process of it. METHODS: The inclusion complex was prepared by the stirring-freeze-dry meth od. The preparation process was optimized by central composite design-response surface method (CCD-RSM), with the colligation score which was calculated by the yield of inclusion, the utilization rate of volatile oil and the content of trans-nerolidol as index. The inclu sion complex was verified by phase-solubility method, DSC,UV and microscopical identification. RESULTS: The optimum inclusion technology was: inclusion solvent 5% ethanol, stirring rate 500 r·min-1, HP-β-CD to volatile oil 33:1, inclusion temperature 42℃, inclusion time 2.5 h. The formation of inclusion complex can change the solubility, optical and thermodynamic properties of volatile oil. CONCLUSION: The preparation process of inclusion complex of Lignum dalbergia odorifera oil with HP-β-CD optimized by CCD-RSM is reasonable and feasible, and provide a reliable experiment basis for its application.

Flavonoids from Heartwood of Dalbergia cochinchinensis / 中草药·英文版

Objective: To study the flavonoids from the heartwood of Dalbergia cochinchinensis. Methods: The chemical constituents were isolated and purified by combination of silica gel, macroporous resin, Sephadex LH-20, and ODS column chromatography. Their structures were identified by means of spectral analysis. Results: Fifteen flavonoids were isolated and identified as pinocembrin (1), liquiritigenin (2), galangin (3), 7-hydroxy-6-methoxyflavone (4), naringenin (5), alpinetin (6), 2,3-dimethoxyxanthone (7), 6,4'-dihydroxy-7-methoxy-flavan (8), mucronulatol (9), 7,8-dihydroxyflavanone (10), 5,7,3',5'-tetrahydroxyflavanone (11), 4,2',5'-trihydroxy-4'-methoxychalcone (12), isoliquiritigenin (13), butein (14), and 3',5',5,7-tetrahydroxy-6-C-β-D-glucopyranosyl-flavanone (15), respectively. Conclusion: Compounds 7, 8, 10, and 15 are isolated from the plants of Dalbergia L. f. for the first time, and compounds 1, 3, 5, 6, 9, 11, 12, and 14 are isolated from this plant for the first time.

Characterization and identification of three kinds of wood class medicine by fourier ;transform infrared spectroscopy / 国际中医中药杂志

Objective Using infrared spectroscopy to analyze three kinds of lignum Chinese medicine to provide a theoretical basis for the establishment of medicinal overall quality evaluation system. Methods Functional groups identification, Fourier Transform-infrared spectroscopy(FT-IR) and the second derivative infrared spectroscopy (SD-IR) could be applicable to analyze and identify the overall chemical composition of three kinds of lignum Chinese medicine. Results The main chemical components of Aquilariae Lignum Resinatum (ALR), Dalbergiae Odoriferae Lignum (DOL) and Sappan Lignum (SL) were cellulose, lignin and aromatics. The main chemical compositions of Sappan Lignum (SL) were cellulose, lignin and aromatics. The differences in FT-IR and SD-IR of DOL and SL indicated that they had different aromatic compounds. Conclusion Infrared spectroscopy can be used as a simple and accurate quality control method of three kinds of lignum Chinese medicine.

Chemical constituents of isoflavonoids from Dalbergia cochinchinensis / 中草药

Objective: To investigate the isoflavonoids from Dalbergia cochinchinensis. Methods: To isolate and purify the compounds by various column chromatographic methods. Spectral analysis was used to identify the structures. Results: Fourteen isoflavonoids were isolated and identified as sativanone (1), 7-hydroxy-2',4'-dimethoxyisoflavan (2), 4,7,2'-trihydroxy-4'- methoxyisoflavanol (3), 5,7-dihydroxy-2',3',4'-trimethoxyisoflavanone (4), formononetin (5), 2'-hydroxyformonetin (6), 2',5,7- trihydroxy-4'-methoxyisoflavone (7), genistein (8), 3'-O-methylviolanone (9), 3-hydroxyvestitone (10), biochanin A (11), homoferreirin (12), medicarpin (13), and isodarparvinol B (14), respectively. Conclusion: Compounds 3, 4, and 12 are isolated from the plants of Dalbergia Linn. f. for the first time, and compounds 1-2, 6-11, and 13-14 are isolated from this plant for the first time.

Betulinic Acid from Antimicrobial Root Wood Extract of Dalbergia saxatilis Hook f.(Fabaceae).

Aims: The root wood of Dalbergia saxatilis was studied to assess its antimicrobial activity and chemical constituents and confirm its traditional medicinal uses. Study Design: The source of the plant was identified and the plant material was collected at a particular time of the year and authenticated. The crude 95% ethanol extract of the dry root wood was obtained and screened for phytochemicals and antimicrobial activity against pathogens of economic interests. A process for isolation and identification of bioactive components was then developed using standard procedures. Place and Duration of Study: The study was undertaken between October 2011 and November 2012 at the Department of Chemistry, University of Abuja, Nigeria. Methodology: The 95% ethanol crude extract was obtained by percolation and then fractionated into acidic, basic, polar and non-polar neutral fractions. The crude extract and fractions were subjected to antimicrobial screening against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtillis and Streptococcus viridans. The crude extract was also subjected to phytochemical screening. The active non-polar neutral fraction was purified using flash column chromatography. The isolates were characterized by spectral analyses. Results: The extracts, with the exception of the acidic fraction, were found to possess antimicrobial activity against some of the test organisms, particularly E. coli and B. subtilis. Phytochemical screening of the crude 95% ethanol extract showed the presence of phenols, flavonoids, sterols, terpenoids, carbohydrates and saponins. Column chromatography of the antimicrobial non-polar neutral fraction gave a partially pure compound which on spectral analyses led to the identification of the previously known bioactive pentacyclic triterpenoid, betulinic acid. Conclusion: This is the first report of the presence of betulinic acid in the genus, Dalbergia. Based on this a crude management drug for some globally important infections such as HIV/AIDS, malaria and cancer may be formulated using betulinic acid as a biomarker.

Antiepileptogenic and Anticonvulsant Actions of Dalbergia saxatilis (Hook, F.) in Sub-toxic Chemical Kindling and Toxic Convulsant Models.

Aims: The aqueous root extract of Dalbergia saxatilis (DS) is used in traditional African medicine to manage convulsions and epilepsies. This study aimed at investigating DS action against models that mimic seizure development in the neurons of epileptics, the sub-toxic dose kindling models. Study Design: Sub-toxic doses of strychnine and picrotoxin chemical kindling models; as well as single-dose toxic bicuculline convulsive models in mice. Place and Duration of Study: Neuropharmacology Unit Laboratory, Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria, between July 2006 and March 2008. Methodology: Strychnine kindling was produced by a 48h interval, i.m administration of 1.5mg/kg strychnine for 9 trials. The mice were treated with 200mg/kg, p.o. DS, before strychnine thus: Group I: throughout the 1st - 9th kindling; group II: During the 1st - 5th kindling; and group III: during the 6th - 9th kindling trials. Control group received distilled water instead of DS throughout the 1st - 9th kindling trials. For picrotoxin study, a subconvulsant dose of 1.5mg/kg picrotoxin was injected i.p. 3 times a week for 10 weeks, 200mg/kg of DS was administered orally before picrotoxin thus: Group I: throughout the 1st - 30th kindling trials; group II: during the 1st - 12th kindling trials; group III: during the 13th - 30th kindling trials; control group received distilled water instead of DS throughout the 30 trials. Behavioural seizures were classified for seizure stages. In another study, DS (50- 200 mg/kg, p.o.) was administered to mice, 30 min. before 10mg/kg, s.c. bicuculline and onset to seizures and time to death noted. Results: DS significantly (P=.05) retarded the development and progression of strychnine kindling, but did not reverse already reached kindled state. Moreover, DS significantly (P=.05) retarded the development of picrotoxin kindling, decreased the scoring from kindling progression and prevented convulsion in fully picrotoxin-kindled mice. A significant delay of seizure onset, with complete protection at 200mg/kg DS was produced against bicuculline seizures in mice. Conclusion: DS may attenuate development of seizures in both GABAergic and glycinergic mechanisms and be useful in the prevention of seizures as well as neuroprotection in epileptics, justifying its use in the folkloric management of epilepsies.

Diferentes meios de cultura e antioxidantes no estabelecimento in vitro do Jacarandá da Bahia / Different culture media and antioxidants in vitro establishment of Jacaranda da Bahia

O Jacarandá da Bahia é uma espécie florestal nativa pertencente a família Leguminosaea Papilionoideae com ocorrência desde o sul da Bahia até o estado de São Paulo. O extrativismo e a pecuária contribuíram para a sua quase extinção e apesar disso, pouco tem sido feito para a multiplicação desta espécie. A micropropagação é uma alternativa para obtenção de grande quantidade de mudas sadias em curto espaço de tempo. Foram utilizados meristemas apicais e gemas axilares de plântulas de Jacarandá da Bahia, cultivadas em condições assépticas nos tratamentos compostos por meios de cultura (MS e WPM), concentrações de BAP (4, 9 e 18 µM) e com a ausência ou presença de agente antioxidante (PVP ou carvão ativado), totalizando 18 tratamentos, cada um com 10 repetições. As avaliações foram realizadas com 4 e 8 semanas de cultivo, considerando a porcentagem de explantes oxidados. Os meios de cultura de antioxidantes testados não diferiram estatisticamente entre si, porém tratamentos com BAP na concentração de 18 µM foram os que apresentaram maior oxidação.

Dalbergia nigra is a native forest species belonging the Papilionoideae-Leguminosaea family occurring from southern Bahia to the state of Sao Paulo. The extraction and livestock contributed to its near extinction and yet little has been done to the multiplication of this species. The micropropagation techniques are an alternative in order to achieve a large amount of seedlings in a short time and under conditions plant without diseases. Used apical and lateral meristems of Dalbergia nigra seedlings, grown in aseptic conditions in treatments consisting of different culture media (MS and WPM), BAP concentrations (4, 9 and 18 µM) and the absence or presence of antioxidant agent (PVP or activated charcoal), all crossed each other, totaling 18 treatments, each with 10 repetitions. Evaluations were performed at 4 and 8 weeks of cultivation, considering the percentage of browning explants. The culture media of antioxidants tested did not differ statistically, but BAP at a concentration of 18 µM were those with the highest oxidation.

Antibacterial activity of various stem extracts of Dalbergia Coromandeliana

Objective: To investigate the antibacterial activity and phytochemical screening of the hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, ethanol and aqueous stem extract of Dalbergia coromandeliana (D.coromandeliana ). Methods: The antibacterial activity of stem extracts of D. coromandeliana were evaluated by agar well diffusion method against four selected bacterial species. Results:The presence of alkaloids, saponins, coumarins, tannins, steroids, flavonoids, quinones, proteins and carbohydrates in the different stem extracts was established. Conclusions: The results in the present study suggest that D. coromandeliana stems can be used in treating diseases caused by the tested organisms.