Characterization of Three Species of Sordariomycetes Isolated from Freshwater and Soil Samples in Korea

During a survey of fungal diversity in the class Sordariomycetes, 3 fungal strains, CNUFC-KMHY6-1, CNUFC-MSW24-2-11, and CNUFC-GW2S-4 were isolated from soil and freshwater samples, respectively in Korea. The strains were analyzed both morphologically and phylogenetically on the basis of internal transcribed spacer and RNA polymerase II second largest subunit gene sequences. On the basis of their morphology and phylogeny, CNUFC-KMHY6-1, CNUFC-MSW24-2-11, and CNUFC-GW2S-4 isolates were identified as Arcopilus aureus, Memnoniella echinata, and Stachybotrys sansevieriae, respectively. To the best of our knowledge, Ar. aureus and M. echinata have not been previously recorded in Korea, and this is the first report of S. sansevieriae from freshwater niche.

Positive moderation of the hematology, plasma biochemistry and ocular indices of oxidative stress in alloxan-induced diabetic rats, by an aqueous extract of the leaves of Sansevieria liberica Gerome and Labroy

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the ability of an aqueous extract of the leaves of Sansevieria liberica (S. liberica) to alter the hematology, plasma biochemistry and ocular indices of oxidative stress in alloxan-induced diabetic rats.@*METHOD@#Diabetes mellitus was induced by injection of alloxan (80 mg/kg body weight), via the tail vein. The extract was administered orally at 100, 200 and 300 mg/kg body weight (both to normal and diabetic rats), and metformin at 50 mg/kg body weight.@*RESULTS@#Compared to test control, the treatment dose dependently, significantly lowered (P<0.05) ocular malondialdehyde content, atherogenic indices, red cell, total white cell and lymphocyte counts, mean cell hemoglobin concentration; and plasma levels of glucose, triglyceride, total-, very low density lipoprotein-, low density lipoprotein- and non-high density lipoprotein cholesterols, total, conjugated and unconjugated bilirubin, sodium, urea, blood urea nitrogen, as well as plasma activities of alkaline phosphatase, alanine and aspartate transaminases. However, the treatment significantly increased (P<0.05) hematocrit, hemoglobin concentration, mean cell hemoglobin, and mean cell volume, neutrophil and monocyte counts, and plasma levels of high density lipoprotein cholesterol, potassium, chloride, calcium, bicarbonate and total protein, ocular ascorbic acid content and ocular activities of catalase and superoxide dismutase. This study showed the hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, immune-modulating, ocular-, hepato-renal and cardio-protective potentials of the extract.@*CONCLUSIONS@#All these, support the use of the leaves of S. liberica in African traditional health care practices for the management of diabetes mellitus.

Evaluation of anti-inflammatory property of the leaves of Sansevieria liberica ger. and labr. (fam: Dracaenaceae)

OBJECTIVE@#To evaluate the anti-inflammatory property of leaves of Sansevieria liberica Ger. and Labr. and to ascertain the toxicity and phytochemical profiles of the extract of the leaves.@*METHODS@#The juice from the fresh leaves was expressed manually and lyophilized. The crude extract (CE) was then fractionated into n-hexane fraction (HF), chloroform fraction (CF), ethylacetate fraction (EF) and methanol fraction (MF). The crude extract (CF) and the fractions were screened for anti-inflammatory activity using egg albumen-induced paw (systemic) edema in rats as a measure of acute inflammation. The toxicity test and phytochemical screening were done using standard procedures.@*RESULTS@#The CE and the fractions significantly (PCE>MF>CF>EF, with the CE and HF at 400 mg/kg exhibiting inhibition comparable to that obtained with 5 mg/kg diclofenac sodium. Acute toxicity test on CE established an oral and intraperitoneal LD(50) of > 5 000 mg/kg in mice. Phytochemical screening of the CE and the fractions showed the presence of various bioactive substances such as alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids, terpenoids, steroids, glycosides, reducing sugars, tannins, resins, carbohydrates, proteins, acidic compounds, fats and oils.@*CONCLUSIONS@#The results of the study showed that the leaves of Sansevieria liberica Ger and Labr. possess anti-inflammatory effects which may be due to its bioactive constituents. Further purification on these bioactive constituents may result in the development of potent anti-inflammatory agent with low toxicity and better therapeutic index.

Evaluación de la toxicidad subaguda de las partes aéreas de tagetas lucida (pericón) y hojas de Sanseviera guineensis (Curarina) / Evaluation of subacute toxicity of the aerial parts of tagetas lucida (pericón) and leaves of Sanseviera guineensis (Curarina)

presente trabajo de investigación, se evaluó la toxicidad subaguda de las hojas de Sansaviera guineensis (curarina) y de las hojas, flor y tallo de Tagetes lucida (pericón), plantas muy utilizadas debido a sus propiedades medicinales; principalmente a la acción antimalárica, de la primera y antiespasmódica de la segunda.