Germplasm resources and secondary metabolism regulation in Reishi mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum) / 中草药·英文版

Ganoderma lucidum is a valuable medical macrofungus with a myriad of diverse secondary metabolites, in which triterpenoids are the major constituents. This paper introduced the germplasm resources of genus Ganoderma from textual research, its distribution and identification at the molecular level. Also we overviewed G. lucidum in the components, the biological activities and biosynthetic pathways of ganoderic acid, aiming to provide scientific evidence for the development and utilization of G. lucidum germplasm resources and the biosynthesis of ganoderic acid.

Diversidad y estructura arbórea en afloramientos de carbonato de calcio en Calakmul, México / Tree diversity and structure in carbonate calcium banks in Calakmul, Mexico

Resumen Introducción: La vegetación arbórea de selvas que se desarrolla en ambientes kársticos dominados por carbonato de calcio enfrenta la restricción de agua y nutrientes, lo que condiciona su desarrollo. Objetivo: Analizar la composición, diversidad y estructura de la vegetación arbórea que se desarrolla en afloramientos de calcio (yesales) y sus condiciones edáficas comparándolas con las presentes en vegetación secundaria (VS). Métodos: Se emplearon 17 parcelas de 1 000 m², 14 en yesales y 3 en VS. Se obtuvo una muestra compuesta de suelo por parcela y estimamos pH, conductividad eléctrica (CE-salinidad), % de carbonatos de calcio (CaCO3), materia orgánica (MO), fósforo (P) y nitrógeno (N). La diferencia en la composición de especies se evaluó mediante un análisis de similitud (ANOSIM). Empleamos métodos de rarefacción y extrapolación, estimando la diversidad mediante los números de Hill (q = 0, q = 1 y q = 2). Se utilizó un análisis de regresión linear para evaluar la influencia de las características edáficas en la diversidad, el diámetro y la altura promedios. Resultados: Los suelos en yesales presentaron concentraciones bajas de MO, P y N, valores altos de CE-salinidad y altos porcentajes de CaCO3. Se registraron 6 443 individuos de 54 especies en yesales y 594 individuos de 62 especies en la VS, siendo la composición significativamente diferente. La diversidad, los valores promedio de altura y diámetro fueron menores en yesales respecto de VS, estas diferencias estuvieron relacionadas con las condiciones edáficas. Conclusiones: La vegetación arbórea en yesales tiene una composición semejante a la de selvas subperennifolias de Calakmul. Las tallas pequeñas de los árboles están relacionadas con el alto porcentaje de CaCO3 y los altos valores de CE que condicionan la disponibilidad de MO, N y P. Este estudio apoya la idea de que precarias condiciones edáficas tienen una influencia negativa en la diversidad y la estructura horizontal y vertical de la vegetación arbórea.

Abstract Introduction: Tree vegetation of forests that develops in karst environments dominated by calcium carbonate faces the restriction of water and nutrients, which negatively affects its development. Objective: Analyze the composition, diversity, and structure of tree vegetation that develops in calcium outcrops (yesales) and their edaphic conditions compared to those present in the adjacent secondary vegetation (VS). Methods: Plots of 1 000 m² were used, 14 in yesales and 3 in VS. For soil sampling, we obtained a sample composed of each plot, and estimate pH, electrical conductivity (EC-salinity), % of calcium carbonates (CaCO3), organic matter (OM), phosphorus (P) and nitrogen content (N). The difference in species composition was estimated by similarity analysis (ANOSIM). We used rarefaction and extrapolation methods to standardize sample, and estimate diversity by Hill numbers (q = 0, q = 1 and q = 2). Linear regression was used to determine the relative influence of edaphic characteristics in diversity, average diameter, and height. Results: Soils in yesales presented low concentrations of OM, P, and N, with high values of EC-salinity and high percentages of CaCO3. In yesales, 6 443 individuals were recorded in 54 species and in the secondary vegetation 594 individuals and 62 species, the species composition being significantly different between both conditions. Diversity, average values of height, and diameter were significantly lower in yesales regarding the secondary vegetation, these differences were significantly related to edaphic conditions. Conclusions: Tree vegetation in yesales has a composition like the sub-evergreen forests of Calakmul. Small sizes in the arboreal individuals are related to the high percentage of CaCO3 and the high EC values, which partly condition the low availability of OM, N and P affecting the growth of the trees. This study supports the idea that precarious edaphic conditions have a negative influence on the diversity and horizontal and vertical structure of tree vegetation.

Heavy Metal Analysis and Evaluation of Geotechnical Plant System of Dendrobii Officinalis Caulis in Typical Karst Area / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective:To systematically evaluate the safety of heavy metals in Dendrobii Officinalis Caulis and its rhizosphere soil and bedrock in epiphytic culture imitated wild rock fissure. The distribution characteristics of heavy metals in carbonate-black limestone-Dendrobii Officinalis Caulis system in the study area were analyzed. Method:Samples of biennial Dendrobii Officinalis Caulis， black calcareous soil and carbonate rocks were collected from fracture-epiphytic culture in karst area of Guizhou province. The contents of Cu， Pb， As， Cd in Dendrobii Officinalis Caulis， and Cu， Pb， As， Cd， Cr in soil and bedrock were determined by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry （ICP-MS）. The detection conditions were as follows：plasma power of 1 550 W， feedback power of 2 W， sampling depth of 9 mm， atomization chamber temperature at 2 ℃， analysis mode of full quantitative， and double charge of <1.5%. Hg content in Dendrobii Officinalis Caulis was determined by atomic fluorescence spectrometry， and Hg content in soil and bedrock was determined by mercury analyzer. SPSS 26.0 software was used to analyze the test data. Result:The contents of Cu， Pb， As， Cd and Hg in Dendrobii Officinalis Caulis were all within the safety threshold. The contents of Pb， As， Cd， Hg and Cr in black calcareous soil were higher than the corresponding background values of Chinese soil （<italic>P</italic><0.05， <italic>P</italic><0.01）， Cd in black calcareous soil was slightly polluted， while Cr， Cu， As， Pb and Hg were clean. The contents of Cu， As， Pb， Cd， Hg and Cr in carbonate rocks were significantly lower than those in black calcareous soil （<italic>P</italic><0.01）. The order of heavy metals in black calcareous soil affected by parent rock was Hg>Cd>Cu>As>Cr>Pb. The bioconcentration factor （BCF） of heavy metals in Dendrobii Officinalis Caulis was in the order of Cu>Cd>Pb=Hg>As， but the BCFs of these five heavy metals were all low （all <10%）. The contents of Cu， Pb， Cd and Hg in Dendrobii Officinalis Caulis increased slightly with the increase of heavy metal content in the rhizosphere soil， while the content of As decreased with the increase of As content in the rhizosphere soil. In addition to Cu content in Dendrobii Officinalis Caulis， the migration characteristics of Pb， As， Cd and Hg in the system of carbonate-black limestone-Dendrobii Officinalis Caulis showed consistency. Conclusion:The distribution characteristics of heavy metals in geotechnical plant system in the study area show obvious inheritance. The characteristics of high content， low activity and low pollution risk of heavy metals in black limestone soil and low BCF are the main factors affecting the safety threshold of five heavy metals in Dendrobii Officinalis Caulis.

A new leafhopper genus of Erythroneurini (Hemiptera, Cicadellidae, Typhlocybinae) from karst area in southwestern China

ABSTRACT Guizhou is regarded as one hotspot for China's Erythroneurini diversity, from where numerous rare new species have been, or are being, described. A new genus and species of Erythroneurini from Huajiang, Guizhou, China, Anuihuajianga pyramidalis gen. et sp. nov. are described and illustrated. The new genus is characterized by subgenital plate extremely short, with long macrosetae dorsally at base, and small teeth-like setae at apex. The characteristic aedeagus shaped like two overlapping cones can also easily distinguish it from other genera. In general, this study further enriches the diversity of Erythroneurini in southwestern China.

Construction of yeast one-hybrid library and screening of transcription factors regulating FPS expression in Ganoderma lucidum / 中草药

Objective: To screen the upstream regulatory transcription factors of farnesyl diphosphate synthase (FPS) in the triterpenoid synthesis pathway in Ganoderma lucidum. Methods: In this study, the FPS promoter was cloned and connected to the pAbAi plasmid to construct bait vector pAbAi-FPS, which was transformed into Y1H yeast competent cells to construct bait yeast. The yeast one-hybrid cDNA library was constructed by using SMART technology, then the purified ds-cDNA and pGADT7-Rec were co-transformed into bait yeast strain to screen the upstream transcriptional regulatory factors of PFS. Results: The bait vector containing pAbAi-FPS was constructed and the bait strain was screened, the cDNA library was constructed and transformed to the bait strain. A total of 37 positive clones were screened and sequenced. The sequences of conserved domain were predicted and performed blast search against the whole-genome database to identify their function. As a result, a total of 18 upstream regulatory factors were screened out including three transcription factors, five ribosomal proteins, and 10 other transcription regulators. Conclusion: The results indicated that transcription factors GlSNF2, GlMHR, and GlZn2Cys6 were candidate genes for regulating the expression of FPS, and this study offered data for further study on the regulation mechanism of FPS expression.

Preliminary study of medication rule of syndrome differentiation treatment for optic atrophy by TCM master Pin-zheng Liao based on data mining / 中草药

Objective: To dig out and analyze the medication rule of optic atrophy treatment by TCM master Pin-zheng Liao using the Traditional Chinese Medicine Inheritance Support System, and summarize and explore its potential new prescription. Methods: A total of 90 TCM prescriptions for the treatment of optic atrophy by Pin-zheng Liao were collected. Based on frequency statistics, association rule, entropy clustering method rule analysis and other data mining methods, the law and characteristics of drugs were excavated. Results: A total of 113 herbs were included in 90 prescriptions, the most frequently used Chinese herbs were Lycium barbarum, Ganoderma lucidum, etc. Tonic drugs were used the most, the medicated herbs were usually sweet and peace, the Chinese herbs which belong to the liver channel were the most in channel tropism drugs. Seventeen combinations of commonly used drugs were obtained by association rule analysis. Based on entropy clustering method rule analysis, 10 potential new prescriptions were obtained. Conclusion: TCM master Pin-zheng Liao believes that optic atrophy is closely related to liver, spleen and idney. Blood stasis and vein obstruction is the main pathogenesis of the disease. The drugs with effects of activating blood circulation and dredging the meridians, tonifying liver and kidney were recommended for the treating.

Structure and application of Ganoderma polysaccharide peptide GL-PPSQ2 / 中草药

Objective To study the structure of active polysaccharide peptide purified from Ganoderma lucidum aqueous extract, and used as a reference substance for the determination of polysaccharide peptide content in G. lucidum products. Methods GL-PPSQ2 was obtained by hot water extraction, separation and purification with membrane ultrafiltration and gel-filtration chromatography. The physicochemical determination and spectral date were used for structural identification. The content of polysaccharide peptide was detected by HPLC with UV detector, water was used as mobile phase and the flow rate was 1 mL/min. Results GL-PPSQ2 was a pure polysaccharide peptide with purity above 97%, molecular weight of 5.0 × 104, polysaccharide content of 87.17%, and yield of 0.49%. The monosaccharides composition analysis showed that GL-PPSQ2 was glucose-based polysaccharide with a small amount of mannose, which contained 16 kinds of amino acids with the total amount of amino acids of 5.04%. Based on the methylation analysis, 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy, the repeating unit of GL-PPSQ2 was composed of →3)-β-D-Glcp-(1→backbone, with four repeating units connected a long chain branch at O-6 which was composed of α-D-Glcp-(1→, →4,6)-β-D-Glcp-(1→, →4)- β-D-Glcp-(1→ and →6)-β-D-Glcp-(1→ in sequence. Conclusion The active polysaccharide peptide was isolated and purified by membrane technology and gel chromatography. The method was simple and rapid, which provided a scientific basis for the quality control of polysaccharide peptide in G. lucidum extract and its products.

Study on growth and metabolites accumulation of Ganoderma lucidum mycelium by cadmium stress / 中草药

Objective: To study the effects of cadmium stress on mycelial growth and accumulation of metabolites in Ganoderma lucidum, and to explore the mechanisms affecting growth and accumulation of metabolites, and to provide evidence for controlling cadmium in the production and cultivation of G. lucidum. Methods: The mycelium of G. lucidum was cultured under the conditions of heavy metal ion cadmium concentration of 0, 0.5, 1, 4, 10, and 40 mg/L, and its biomass accumulation, intracellular ROS level, membrane oxidative damage, anti-oxidant enzyme activity, and ROS regulation related enzyme expression were analyzed. Results: When the concentration of cadmium reached 4 mg/L, the mycelial growth was inhibited. The levels of intracellular ROS, H2O2, and MDA increased significantly, increasing by 76%, 46% and 325%, respectively, and increased with the increase of cadmium concentration; The NADPH expression levels of oxidase gene (NOXA), superoxide dismutase gene (SOD1 and SOD4), and CATalase gene (CAT) were significantly up-regulated. When the cadmium concentration reached 10 mg/L, the inhibitory effect was significant. The colony growth diameter and the dry weight inhibition rate of fermentation mycelium were 26.15% and 32.78%, respectively. The total triterpenoid inhibition rate of G. lucidum was 33.7%, and the inhibition rate of total protein synthesis was 30.3%. Inhibition of polysaccharides was not significant. When the cadmium concentration reached 40 mg/L, the expression levels of Ascorbate peroxidase gene (APX) and Glutathione peroxidase gene (GPX) were significantly up-regulated. With the increase of cadmium concentration, the activities of SOD, CAT, APX, and GPX increased first and then decreased. When the concentration of cadmium reached 1 mg/L, the activity of GPX decreased and the activity of APX increased significantly. Exogenous addition of diphenyleneiodonium chloride (DPI), N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) and vitamin C (VC) had significant effects on cadmium-induced G. lucidum clearance of ROS and reduction of MDA content. Conclusion: Cadmium stress causes the decrease of mycelial production and metabolite accumulation of G. lucidum, which may be due to the inhibition of GPX activity by cadmium ions, resulting in the accumulation of H2O2, causing the increase of ROS level and membrane oxidative damage, inhibiting mycelial growth and accumulation of metabolites, and regulating NOX. Up-regulation of gene expression results in an increase in anti-oxidant enzyme activity and expression to increase the clearance of reactive oxygen species. Therefore, the cadmium content should be controlled within the range of 1 mg/L during the production process.

Fractionation, structural characterization, and immunomodulatory activity of polysaccharide isolated from Ganoderma lucidum / 中草药

Objective To extract, separate, and purify polysaccharide from Ganoderma lucidum with alkali from the residue after water extraction, characterize the basic physicochemical properties and structural features in detail, and study the immunomodulatory activity in vitro. Methods The polysaccharide LZJ-015 was isolated and purified from the dry fruiting bodies of G. lucidum by alkaline extraction and ethanol precipitation following Q-Sepharose Fast Flow ion exchange chromatography column. Monosaccharide composition and molecular weight of LZJ-0.15 was analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with PMP precolumn derivatization and high performance gel permeation chromatography-multiple angle laser (HPGPC-MALLS), respectively. The detailed structure of polysaccharide LZJ-0.15 was characterized by 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, 1H-1H COSY, and 1H-13C HSQC spectrum. The immunomodulatory activity of G. lucidum polysaccharide was test by RAW264.7 cells phagocytose neutral red experiment. Results The molecular weight, molecular radius, and Mw/Mn of LZJ-0.15 were determined to be 24 700, 46.6 nm, and 1.019, respectively. The monosaccharide composition was confirmed to be mainly composed of glucose (92.3%). LZJ-0.15 was →3) Glc (β1→and→6) Glc (β1→linked glucan indicated by NMR spectrum. Moreover, G. lucidum polysaccharide exhibited good immunomodulatory activity in our study. Conclusion G. lucidum polysaccharide LZJ-0.15 from alkaline extraction showed better immune activity than the polysaccharide extracted from water, which would be potentially developed as an effective immunomodulatory agent.

Research progress on polysaccharide from Ganoderma lucidum spore powder / 中草药

Ganoderma lucidum is a kind of medicine and food fungi of genus Ganoderma, Polyporaceae. It’s regarded as traditional and precious medicinal material with high medicinal value in China. G. lucidum spore polysaccharide is the main active ingredient from G. lucidum. Now it is proved that it has wide medicinal value and wide application prospects in medicine. This article gives an overview of the research progress in the polysaccharide structure, extraction technology, and bioactivity of G. lucidum spore polysaccharides, which provides an important reference for the research and the medicinal value of natural products.

Lanostane triterpenoids of Ganoderma lucidum and their inhibitory effect on α-glucosidase / 中草药

Objective: To study the chemical constituents from the dried fruiting body of Ganoderma lucidum and its activities. Methods: The compounds were isolated and purified from the 95% ethanol extract of G. lucidum by silica gel CC, MPLC, HPLC, and so on. Their structures were identified by extensive spectroscopic analysis. The compounds were evaluated for their inhibitory effects against α-glucosidase compared with those of the positive control acarbose. Results: A total of 11 lanostane triterpenoids were isolated from the 95% ethanol extract of G. lucidum and identified as ganoderanol A (1), ganoderic acid H (2), ganoderic acid AM1 (3), ganoderic acid D (4), methyl ganoderate D (5), ganolucidic acid E (6), 11α-hydroxy-3,7-dioxo-5α-lanosta-8,24 (E)-dien-26-oic acid (7), ganoderenic acid D (8), lucidenic acid A (9), methyl lucidenate F (10), and lucidenic acid B (11). Conclusion: Among them, compound 1 is a new compound. Additionally, compounds 1 and 5 show moderate inhibitory effect on α-glucosidase.

Chemical constituents from Tibetan medicine Swertia chirayita / 中草药

Objective: To investigate the chemical constituents of Swertia chirayita. Methods: Column chromatography, such as silica gel, MCI, Sephadex LH-20 were used to isolate and purify the compounds. Physicochemical properties and spectroscopic methods were used to elucidate their structures. Results: Twelve compounds, including 2 xanthones, 4 triterpenoids, 3 secoiridoids, and 3 other compounds, the chemical constituents were isolated from the ethyl acetate fraction from 85% ethanol extract of S. chirayita, and identified as bellidifolin (1), norbellidifolin (2), oleanolic acid (3), 4-epi-hederagenin (4), 2-epi-corosolic acid (5), ursolic acid (6), amarogentin (7), swerimilegenin I (8), erythrocentaurin (9), pyrocatechol (10), syringic acid (11), and 4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzoic acid (12). Conclusion: Compounds 4, 5, and 11 are isolated from genus Swertia for the first time, compounds 8 and 9 are found from S. chirayita for the first time.

First records of Charadrius semipalmatus, Bonaparte 1825 (Charadriidae) and Gelochelidon nilotica Gmelin 1789 (Sternidae) in the State of Minas Gerais, Brazil / Primeiro registro de Charadrius semipalmatus, Bonaparte 1825 (Charadriidae) e Gelochelidon nilotica Gmelin 1789 (Sternidae) em Minas Gerais

Around forty bird species habitually reproduce in the Northern Hemisphere during summer, and migrate to the Southern Hemisphere during northern winter. These migrating birds fly together in large or small groups until they have reached the Caribbean, Central American, or Brazilian shores. Charadrius semipalmatus, Bonaparte 1825, is one of these migrating species that uses resting and feeding areas along eastern and western coasts of North and South America, with several records for the Brazilian coast, and very few for the inland country. On November 24, 2011, an individual of this species was observed on the banks of one of the lakes that compose a complex of about 40 temporary lakes within the Karst of Lagoa Santa Environmental Protection Area. On October 29 and 30, 2012 a single individual of Gelochelidon nilotica, Gmelin 1789, was also observed in Sumidouro State Park. We suggest that these specimens have used the Atlantic Ocean migration route, following the São Francisco River Basin, until the karst area. Although highly impacted, the temporary lakes within the Karst of Lagoa Santa still harbor a significant number of bird species, and serve as resting and feeding places for migratory or errant species that are still eliciting new records.

Cerca de 40 espécies de aves se reproduzem no hemisfério Norte durante o verão e migram durante o inverno, desse hemisfério, para o hemisfério Sul. Essas aves migratórias se reúnem em grandes ou pequenos bandos até atingir o Caribe, América Central e região costeira do Brasil. Charadrius semipalmatus, Bonaparte 1825, é uma das migratórias que usa áreas de repouso e alimentação ao longo das costas leste e oeste das Américas do Norte e do Sul, tendo vários registros no litoral brasileiro e muito poucos no interior do país. No dia 24 de novembro de 2011, um indivíduo da espécie foi observado nas margens de uma das lagoas que compõem um complexo de cerca de 40 lagoas temporárias da Área de Proteção Ambiental (APA) Carste de Lagoa Santa. Nos dias 29 e 30 de outubro de 2012 um indivíduo de Gelochelidon nilotica, Gmelin 1789, foi observado na lagoa do Sumidouro, no Parque Estadual do Sumidouro. Sugerimos que os indivíduos utilizaram a rota do Oceano Atlântico para a migração, seguindo a bacia do rio São Francisco até atingir a área da APA Carste de Lagoa Santa. Apesar de altamente impactadas, as lagoas temporárias da APA Carste de Lagoa Santa ainda abrigam expressiva riqueza em espécies e servem como local de repouso e alimentação para espécies migratórias ou errantes ocasionais que continuam sendo registradas.

Population density and habitat of an endangered cave fish Eigenmannia vicentespelaea Triques, 1996 (Ostariophysi: Gymnotiformes) from a karst area in central Brazil

The troglobitic electric fish Eigenmannia vicentespelaea, endemic to a single cave-system and included in the Brazilian Red List of Threatened Fauna, was studied in relation to population densities and habitat. For comparison, we used the epigean species, E. trilineata. We verify if the population densities recorded for E. vicentespelaea follow the pattern observed for other subterranean fishes; if there are seasonal fluctuations in these densities and which environmental variables explain the densities variation. We estimated abundances and population densities during three consecutive dry seasons concomitant with habitat description and physicochemical variables measurements. For E. vicentespelaea: in six stream reaches in the São Vicente II cave. For E. trilineata: from counts of active fish in rio da Lapa. The mean population density recorded for E. vicentespelaea is considered low (0.17 ind.m-2), similar to those of E. trilineata (0.13 ind.m-2), without significant differences between the years, but with marked fluctuations during dry seasons within each year, suggesting seasonality. Estimated population size of E. vicentespelaea is considered low (270 individuals in average). Depth, water current and substrate, allied to plant debris explain better the variation of densities. Urgent actions for E. vicentespelaea conservation include protection of headsprings in Terra Ronca State Park.

O peixe troglóbio Eigenmannia vicentespelaea, endêmico de um único sistema de cavernas e incluído na Lista Brasileira de Fauna Ameaçada foi estudado em relação às densidades populacionais e hábitat. Para comparação utilizamos a espécie epígea E. trilineata. Verificamos se as densidades populacionais registradas para E. vicentespelaea seguem o padrão observado para outros peixes subterrâneos; se há flutuações sazonais nestas densidades e quais variáveis ambientais explicam as variações nas densidades. Estimamos as abundâncias e densidades populacionais ao longo de três estações secas consecutivas, concomitantes à descrição do habitat e das variáveis físico-químicas. Para E. vicentespelaea: em seis trechos de rio ao longo da caverna São Vicente II. Para E. trilineata: na contagem de peixes ativos no rio da Lapa. A densidade populcional média registrada para E. vicentespelaea é baixa (0,17 ind.m-2), similar à observada para E. trilineata (0,13 ind.m-2), sem diferenças significativas entre os anos, mas com flutuações marcantes ao longo das estações secas dentro de cada ano, sugerindo sazonalidade. O tamanho populacional estimado para E. vicentespelaea é considerado pequeno (270 indivíduos em média). Profundidade, correnteza, substrato, aliadas à concentração de detrito vegetal explicam melhor a variação nas densidades. Ações urgentes para conservação de E. vicentespelaea incluem a proteção das nascentes do Parque Estadual de Terra Ronca.

Actividad acaricida del aceite esencial de la corteza de Croton malambo H. Karst, metil-eugenol y metil-isoeugenol contra Dermatophagoides farinae Hughes, 1961 / Acaricide activity of essential oil of Croton malambo H. Karst, methyl-eugenol and methyl-isoeugenol against Dermatophagoides farinae Hughes, 1961

Dermotophagoides farinae lives in the indoor environment of houses, where it is source of allergens; therefore its control is a priority in preventing respiratory allergies. The aim of this study was to evaluate the acaricidal activity of essential oil of Croton malambo H. Karst bark and their components methyl-eugenol and methyl-isoeugenol against Dermatophagoides farinae. The essential oil was obtained through hydro-distillation assisted by microwave radiation and analyzed by GC-MS. Acaricidal activity was assessed by dose- response bioassay, at different times, using benzyl benzoate as a positive control. The relative amount of methyl-eugenol and methyl- isoeugenol in the essential oil was 68.4 percent and 4.9 percent, respectively. The acaricidal activity was: essential oil > methyl-eugenol > benzyl benzoate > methyl-isoeugenol. The acaricidal properties of essential oil of Croton malambo bark and methyl-eugenol against Dermatophagoides farinae were established...

Dermatophagoides farinae habita en el interior de las casas, donde es fuente importante de alérgenos, por tanto su control es una prioridad en la prevención de alergias respiratoria. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la actividad acaricida del aceite esencial de la corteza de Croton malambo H. Karst y sus componentes metil-eugenol y metil-isoeugenol contra Dermatophagoides farinae. El aceite esencial se obtuvo por hidrodestilación asistida por radiación de microondas y se analizó por CG-EM. La actividad acaricida se evaluó mediante bioensayo de dosis-respuesta a diferentes tiempos, usando benzoato de bencilo como control. La cantidad relativa de metil-eugenol y metil-isoeugenol en el aceite fue 68.4 por ciento y 4.9 por ciento, respectivamente. La actividad acaricida fue: aceite esencial > metil-eugenol > benzoato de bencilo > metil-isoeugenol. Se establecieron las propiedades acaricidas del aceite esencial de la corteza de Croton malambo y metil-eugenol contra Dermatophagoides farinae...

Subterranean biodiversity in the Serra da Bodoquena karst area, Paraguay river basin, Mato Grosso do Sul, Southwestern Brazil / Biodiversidade subterrânea na área cárstica da Serra da Bodoquena, bacia do Rio Paraguai, Estado do Mato Grosso do Sul, Sudoeste do Brasil

We present herein a synthesis of faunistic data from caves in the Serra da Bodoquena karst area, middle Paraguay River basin, Mato Grosso do Sul State. Those include phreatic, submerged and dry caves. Emphasis is given to troglobites (exclusively subterranean species), potentially threatened due to their morphological, physiological and behavioral specializations, associated to generally small distributions. The Bodoquena karst area distinguishes as a spot of high diversity of troglobites, such as trichomycterid and heptapterid catfishes, aquatic planarians and gastropods, arachnids (Eusarcus opilionids, ctenid spiders), Polydesmida diplopods, several collembolans, some insects, and Peracarida crustaceans, which include interesting phylogenetic relicts as spelaeogriphaceans. Four geographic compartments corresponding to microbasins, seemingly with biogeographic importance for the subterranean fauna, are recognized. Phreatobic troglobites (Trichomycterus catfishes, aquatic peracarids, planarians) distribute widely across these compartments and some well beyond (the spelaeogriphacean Potiicoara brasiliensis reaches Mato Grosso state), while those living in base-level streams (Rhamdia and Ancistrus catfishes) and the terrestrial ones, that live in the vadose (aerated zone) are generally restricted to one compartment. Many subterranean ecosystems in Mato Grosso do Sul are endangered by several threats described here and urgent actions for effective protection are required to guarantee a sustainable use of the land and the karst aquifers.

Neste trabalho, são reunidos dados faunísticos sobre os táxons registrados em cavernas, freáticas, submersas e secas, da área cárstica da Serra da Bodoquena, na bacia do médio Rio Paraguai, Estado do Mato Grosso do Sul. É dada maior ênfase ès espécies exclusivamente subterrâneas (troglóbias), potencialmente ameaçadas de extinção devido ès especializações morfológicas, fisiológicas e comportamentais, e a distribuição geralmente restrita. A Serra da Bodoquena destaca-se por sua alta diversidade de troglóbios, entre peixes siluriformes, planárias aquáticas e gastrópodes, aracnídeos (opiliões Eusarcus, aranhas Ctenidae), diplópodes Polydesmida, diversos colêmbolos e alguns insetos, e crustáceos Peracarida, que incluem destacados relictos filogenéticos, como os crustáceos Speleogriphacea e anfípodes Megagidiella. São reconhecidos quatro compartimentos de aparente relevância biogeográfica para cavernícolas, correspondendo a microbacias na área. Troglóbios freáticos (bagres Trichomycterus, crustáceos Peracarida aquáticos, planárias) apresentam distribuições amplas através desses compartimentos, atingindo áreas distantes, como o Mato Grosso no caso dos Spelaeogriphacea Potiicoara brasiliensis, enquanto as espécies aquáticas que vivem em riachos (siluriformes como Rhamdia e Ancistrus) e os terrestres em geral, que vivem na zona vadosa, descontínua, tendem a apresentar distribuições restritas aos respectivos compartimentos. Muitos ecossistemas subterrâneos do Mato Grosso do Sul estão vulneráveis ès várias ameaças descritas aqui e ações urgentes de proteção efetiva são necessárias para garantir uma utilização sustentável da terra e dos aquíferos cársticos.

Estudio químico-biológico de los aceites esenciales de Croton malambo H. Karst y su componente mayoritario, metileugenol / Chemical-biological study of the essential oils from Croton malambo H. Karst.and their major component, methyleugenol

Croton malambo is a plant used in traditional medicine, in Colombia. The aim of this research was to characterize the essential oils (EO) from leaves and branches by GC-MS, NMR and determine the antiradical capacities and the in vitro and in vivo cytotoxic properties of the EO, methyleugenol (ME) and eugenol (EU). The EO of leaves and branches of C. malambo presented to ME as the main constituent (68.5 percent and 85.1 percent, respectively) and their structure was confirmed by NMR. On the other hands, the antiradical capacities (ABTS+. method) of the EO and ME were very low, obtaining only inhibition values at a fixed concentration: to 2045 ug/mL – 50 +/- 2 percent (leaves EO) and 28 +/- 1 percent (branches EO); and, 2218 ug/mL - 2.0 +/- 0.2 percent (ME). While EU had the highest value of TAA (14003 +/- 719 mmol Trolox®/kg SE). According to lymphocytes citotoxicity test, all tested substances were classified as “moderately toxic”, with values of LC50 between 310 +/- 17 – 897 +/- 11 ug/mL, being the EO the most toxic. The assessment of the toxicity in Zebra fish embryos indicated that LC50 of the branches EO, ME and EU were between 16 +/- 9 – 43 +/- 9 ug/mL, being the EU the most toxic.

Croton malambo es una planta empleada en medicina tradicional, en Colombia. El objetivo de esta investigación fue caracterizar los aceites esenciales (AE) de hojas y ramas por GC-MS, RMN y determinar las capacidades antiradicalarias y las propiedades citotóxicas in vitro e in vivo de los AE, metileugenol (ME) y eugenol (EU). Los AE de hojas y ramas de Croton malambo presentaron a ME como el constituyente principal (68.5 por ciento y 85.1 por ciento, respectivamente) y su estructura fue confirmada por RMN. Por otro lado, las capacidades antiradicalarias (método ABTS+.) de los AE y ME fueron muy bajas, obteniéndose sólo valores de inhibición a una concentración fija: a 2045 ug/mL – 50 +/- 2 por ciento (AE de hojas) y 28 +/- 1 por ciento (AE de ramas); y, 2218 ug/mL - 2.0 +/- 0.2 por ciento (ME). Mientras que, EU tuvo el mayor valor de TAA (14003 +/- 719 mmol Trolox®/kg SE). Según el ensayo de citotoxicidad en linfocitos, todas las sustancias evaluadas se catalogaron como “moderadamente tóxicas”, con valores de CL50 entre 310 +/- 17 – 897 +/- 11 ug/mL, siendo los AE los más tóxicos. La estimación de la toxicidad en embriones del pez Cebra indicó que las CL50 del AE ramas, ME y EU estuvieron entre 16 +/- 9 – 43 +/- 9 ug/mL, siendo el EU el más tóxico.

Variation of substance content during growth cycle of cultured Ganoderma lucidum and its mechanism / 中草药

Objective: To study the variation of the substance content in the different fractions of matrix during the growth cycle of Ganoderma lucidum, and to explore the mechanisms by investigating the change regulation of extracellular enzyme activity in the matrix of G. lucidum. Methods: G. lucidum was adopted by bag cultivation with sterilized raw materials, the growth period was divided into eight stages, and the matrix was splided in four equal portions. The variation of the contents of total sugar, reducing sugar, water-soluble protein, and free amino acids in different fractions of the matrix was studied, and the variation of activities of lignin enzymes (laccase and manganese peroxidase), cellulase (carboxymethyl cellulase, hemicellulase, and filter paper enzyme), and acidic protease at different fractions of the matrix were studied in order to elucidate the mechanisms. Results: During the growth period of G. lucidum, the content of total sugar at different fractions of the matrix decreased, and the content of reducing sugar increased before the growth of primordium, then decreased after the growth of primordium. The contents of water-soluble proteins showed increasing tendency at different fractions of the matrix, and the content of amino acid decreased before sackful of mycelium, but increased during the stage of bud and reached the peak, then decreased again. The variation of laccase activity showed the shape of U, and the lowest activity was appeared in the primordium period. The activity of manganese peroxidase was slowly increased during vegetative growth period, and decreased after sackful of mycelium. The activities of cellulase enzyme and acid protease were totally increased. Conclusion: In the growth cycle of G. lucidum, the substance contents in different fractions of matrix present different change tendency with the growth and development of G. lucidum; The extracellular enzyme activity of G. lucidum could affect the content of substance in the matrix, and there is a certain correlation between the activity of extracellular enzyme and material content in matrix of G. lucidum.

One new triterpenoid from fruiting body of Ganoderma lucidum / 中草药

Objective: To study the chemical constituents in the dried fruiting body of Ganoderma lucidum. Methods: The constituents were separated and purified by silica gel, Sephadex LH-20 column chromatography, and preparative HPLC. The structures were identified by physicochemical properties and spectral analyses. Results: Six compounds were obtained from the ethyl acetate fraction of 80% ethanol extract of G. lucidum and identified as methyl lucidente B (1), methyl lucidente K (2), methyl lucidente A (3), methyl lucidente F (4), 2, 4, 5-trihydroxybenzaldehyde (5), and 2, 5-dihydroxybenzoic acid (6). Conclusion: Compound 1 is a new compound, compound 6 is found from the fruiting body of G. lucidum for the first time, and compound 5 is first found from the genus Ganoderma Karst.

Preliminary study on dynamic change of polysaccharide contents of Ganoderma-Epimedy fungal substance / 中草药

Objective: To investigate the solid fermentation technology for Ganoderma lucidum with Epimedium koreanum containing medium and its practicability. Methods: Four G. lucidum strains were solid fermented in E. koreanum containing medium. The polysaccharide contents of fermented products were tested using phenol-sulphuric acid method. Results: The polysaccharide content of Ganoderma-Epimedy fungal substance was higher than that of G. lucidum in the control medium; By observing the dynamic changes of the polysaccharide contents in the fermented products from the drug-containing medium at different time, it was found that the end point of Ganoderma A-Epimedy was on the day 21 and the fermented terminal point of Ganoderma B, C, and D with Epimedy was on the day 28. Conclusion: Compared with G. lucidum in the control medium, the polysaccharide contents of the fermentative combination of Ganoderma-Epimedy could be significantly improved by 3-13 times.