Cloning and expression pattern of phosphate transporter 1;1 cDNA sequence from Spirodela polyrrhiza / 生物工程学报

Spirodela polyrrhiza is a floating plant widely used in biomass utilization and eutrophication phytoremediation. It becomes a common aquatic plant everywhere with the increasingly serious eutrophication. It has been reported that S. polyrrhiza has a good effect on the remediation of eutrophication water. In order to study the absorption and transportation of phosphorus in S. polyrrhiza, we extracted RNA from S. polyrrhiza and then reverse transcribed it into cDNA, which was used as a template to amplify a specific fragment. The full-length sequence of the open reading frame (ORF) was 1 620 bp, encoding 539 amino acids, named SpPHT1;1, and the accession number in GenBank was MN720003. Bioinformatical analysis showed that SpPHT1;1 had no intron. The protein it encoded was a stable, hydrophobic protein with 11 transmembrane domains. SpPHT1;1 structure was similar to that of major facilitator superfamily (MFS) superfamily members. The cluster analysis showed that SpPHT1;1 was closely related to ZMPHT2 in maize and SBPHT1-8 in sorghum. So, it might belong to plant PHT1 family. The expression of SpPHT1;1 in leaf was significantly more than that of root under normal phosphorus condition. Low phosphorus condition could promote gene expression, and the relative expression level of SpPHT1;1 arrived at the peak at 48 h both in root and leaf. High phosphorus condition could inhibit gene expression. These results indicated that SpPHT1;1 expression would be affected by external phosphorus concentration. The results of this study are helpful for further research on the function of phosphate transporter. It also can provide theoretical basis for further development and utilization of S. polyrrhiza.

Volatilization of ammonia in systems of treatment of swine manure with aquatic macrophytes / Volatilização de amônia em sistemas de tratamento de dejetos de suínos com macrófitas aquáticas

Abstract The usage of aquatic plants represents an alternative in the treatment of residues originating from swine. In these systems, one of the N removal methods is the ammonium (NH4 +) uptake and volatilization of ammonia (NH3). In this way, the objective of this work was to evaluate the volatilization rates of NH3 in waste treatment systems swine fluids (SSF) with aquatic macrophytes, as well as the concentration of NH 4+ present in the swine fluids. The experiment was carried out at Campus II/UNOESTE. The treatment systems were composed of 16 boxes of PVC and characterized as: T1 = Control sample 50% of SSF/50% of water; T2 = 50% SSF/50% water + Eichhornia crassipes (Mart.) Solms; T3 = 50% SSF/50% water + Pistia stratiotes L.; T4 = 50% SSF/50% water + Salvinia auriculata Aubl. The design was randomized blocks, with 4 treatments and 4 replicates. The hydrogen potential (pH) and the NH4 + content of the effluent were analyzed weekly, and the volatilization of NH 3 by means of collectors installed in each treatment unit. The presence of aquatic macrophytes promoted the reduction of NH4+ concentration and of the pH values ​​of swine fluids, and this resulted in the reduction of NH3 volatilization rates to the environment, with emphasis on the system with Eichhornia crassipes (Mart.) Solms, which presented the lowest rate of volatilization.

Resumo A utilização de plantas aquáticas representa uma alternativa no tratamento de resíduos oriundos da suinocultura. Nestes sistemas, uma das formas de remoção de nitrogênio (N) é a absorção de amônio (NH4+) pelas plantas, entretanto, também ocorre a volatilização de amônia (NH3). Dessa forma, o objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar as taxas de volatilização de NH3 em sistemas de tratamentos de dejetos líquidos de suínos (DLS) com macrófitas aquáticas, bem como a concentração de NH4+ presente nos dejetos. O experimento foi realizado em área de ambiente aberto no Campus II/UNOESTE. Os sistemas de tratamento foram constituídos de 16 caixas de PVC e caracterizados como: T1 = Testemunha 50% de DLS/50% de água; T2 = 50% de DLS/50% de água + Eichhornia crassipes (Mart.) Solms; T3 = 50% de DLS/50% de água + Pistia stratiotes L.; T4 = 50% de DLS/50% de água + Salvinia auriculata Aubl. O delineamento adotado foi em blocos casualizados, com 4 tratamentos e 4 repetições. Foram analisados o potencial hidrogeniônico (pH) e o teor de NH4 + do efluente semanalmente, e a volatilização de NH3 por meio de coletores instalados em cada unidade de tratamento. A presença das macrófitas aquáticas proporcionou a redução da concentração de NH4+ e dos valores de pH dos dejetos líquidos de suínos, e isto resultou na redução das taxas de volatilização de NH 3 ao meio ambiente, com destaque ao sistema com Eichhornia crassipes (Mart.) Solms, que apresentou a menor taxa de volatilização.

Determination of the potential of Pistia stratiotes L. in removing nickel from the environment by utilizing its rhizofiltration capacity

Abstract: The aim of this study is to explain the biological response and rhizofiltration capacity of Pistia stratiotes, which is an aquatic macrophyte, in alleviating heavy metal stress. In our study, Pistia species were exposed to Nickel (Ni) at different concentrations over seven days. The potential of the aquatic macrophytes in accumulating heavy metals in the water and in removing them from the environment was evaluated by determining the bio-concentration factors (BCF). Selected biological parameters in the leaves of Pistia stratiotes, including metal accumulation, photosynthetic pigment amount, lipid peroxidation activity, and growth rates were measured at the end of the seven-day period. The highest amount of Ni accumulation in P. stratiotes occurred at a concentration of 20 mg l-1. The amount of chlorophyll a (chl a) in P. stratiotes reached a value of 0.087 mg g-1 at the Ni concentration of 20 mg l-1. The relative growth rate (RGR) of P. stratiotes showed a negative correlation with the increases in the concentration levels of the metal. Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels increased to 8.214 nmol/g at the concentration of 20 mg l-1, depending on Ni concentration and time. In our study, the use of P. stratiotes has been determined to be an appropriate plant as an effective Ni accumulator to be utilized with the purpose of rhizofiltration.

Effect of processing on toxic components lectin from four kinds of Araceae toxic medicines / 中国中药杂志

The study aimed to investigate the effect of processing on lectin protein in four toxic Chinese medicines tubers of Pinellia ternata,P. pedatisecta,Arisema heterophyllum and Typhonium giganteum. Western blot was used to semi-quantitatively analyze the content of lectin in the four kinds of toxic Chinese medicines and their different processed products. Raw products and lectin were treated by heating or soaking in ginger juice or alum solution. The effects of different excipients and the heating methods on lectin proteins were investigated. The results showed that the content of lectin in raw products of P. pedatisecta,P. ternata,A. heterophyllum,and T. giganteum were 7. 3%,4. 9%,2. 7%,2. 3%,respectively. And the content of lectin in Pinelliae Rhizoma praeparatum cum alumine was 0. 027%. Lectin was not detected in the Pinelliae Rhizoma Praeparatum cum Zingibere et Alumine,Arisaematis Rhizma Praeparatum and Typhonii Rhizoma Praeparatum,which indicated that processing could significantly reduce the content of active lectin in raw products. The results also showed that with the prolongation of soaking and heating time,the content of lectin in raw products decreased gradually,while the content was almost unchanged when soaked in ginger juice alone. The effects of different excipients and heating on lectin were the same as those on raw products. Therefore,the method with alum soaking and heating can reduce the content of active lectin,which is the key to reduce the toxicity of toxic Chinese medicines. In this paper,Western blot was used to study the content of toxic protein in Araceae toxic Chinese medicines as an evaluation method of the processing degree.

Toxicidade aguda e risco ambiental do antibiótico oxitetraciclina para tilápia (Oreochromis niloticus), Daphnia magna e Lemna minor / Acute toxicity and environmental risk of oxytetracycline antibiotc for tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), Daphnia magna, and Lemna minor

O objetivo deste estudo foi classificar o antibiótico Terramicina(r) de acordo com a toxicidade aguda e o risco de intoxicação ambiental para Oreochromis niloticus, Daphnia magna e Lemna minor, com base no seu ingrediente ativo oxitetraciclina (OTC). Além disso, observou-se a ocorrência de sinais de intoxicação aguda em peixes e o efeito da diluição do antibiótico sobre as variáveis de qualidade de água. Alevinos, neonatos e frondes foram expostos a concentrações de OTC. De acordo com os resultados dos testes de toxicidade aguda, a Terramicina(r) foi classificada pela toxicidade aguda e pelo risco de intoxicação ambiental. Para O. niloticus, a CL(I)50; 48h calculada foi de 6,92 mg L-1, para D. magna a CE(I)50; 48h foi de 0,17mg.L-1, enquanto para L. minor a CI(I)50;7d foi de 0,68 mg L-1. A Terramicina(r) foi classificada como muito tóxica para O. niloticus e extremamente tóxica para D. magna e L. minor e causa risco de intoxicação ambiental para os três organismos testados. Concentrações de 7,5 e 8,0 mg L-1 de OTC reduziram a concentração de oxigênio dissolvido na água. De acordo com este estudo, a Terramicina(r) não deve ser utilizada na aquicultura, pois é altamente tóxica e causa risco de intoxicação ambiental aos organismos teste.(AU)

The aim of this study was to classify the antibiotic Terramycin(r) according to acute toxicity and the environmental risk that it poses for Oreochromis niloticus, Daphnia magna, and Lemna minor based on its active ingredient oxytetracycline (OTC). In addition, the occurrence of acute poisoning signs in fish and antibiotic dilution effect in the water quality variables were observed. For this purpose, fingerlings, neonates, and while were exposed to the concentrations of OTC. According to OTC acute toxicity test results, the Terramycin(r) was classified by acute toxicity and environmental poisoning risk classes. To O. niloticus, the calculated LC(I)50;48h was 6.92 mg L-1, for D. magna the EC(I)50;48h was 0.17 mg L-1, while for L. minor, IC(I)50;7d was 0.68 mg L-1. Terramycin(r) was classified as very toxic to O. niloticus, and highly toxic to D. magna and L. minor and cause risk of environmental poisoning for the three organismis tested. Concentrations of 7.5 and 8.0 mg L-1 OTC reduce the concentration of dissolved oxygen in the water. According to this study, Terramycin(r) should not be used in aquaculture, as it is highly toxic and causes risk of environmental toxicity test organisms.(AU)

Cellulase activity and dissolved organic carbon release from lignocellulose macrophyte-derived in four trophic conditions

Abstract Considering the importance of lignocellulose macrophyte-derived for the energy flux in aquatic ecosystems and the nutrient concentrations as a function of force which influences the decomposition process, this study aims to relate the enzymatic activity and lignocellulose hydrolysis in different trophic statuses. Water samples and two macrophyte species were collected from the littoral zone of a subtropical Brazilian Reservoir. A lignocellulosic matrix was obtained using aqueous extraction of dried plant material (≈40 °C). Incubations for decomposition of the lignocellulosic matrix were prepared using lignocelluloses, inoculums and filtered water simulating different trophic statuses with the same N:P ratio. The particulate organic carbon and dissolved organic carbon (POC and DOC, respectively) were quantified, the cellulase enzymatic activity was measured by releasing reducing sugars and immobilized carbon was analyzed by filtration. During the cellulose degradation indicated by the cellulase activity, the dissolved organic carbon daily rate and enzyme activity increased. It was related to a fast hydrolysable fraction of cellulose that contributed to short-term carbon immobilization (ca. 10 days). After approximately 20 days, the dissolved organic carbon and enzyme activity were inversely correlated suggesting that the respiration of microorganisms was responsible for carbon mineralization. Cellulose was an important resource in low nutrient conditions (oligotrophic). However, the detritus quality played a major role in the lignocelluloses degradation (i.e., enzyme activity) and carbon release.

Efficacy of fungal decolorization of a mixture of dyes belonging to different classes

Dyes are the most difficult constituents to remove by conventional biological wastewater treatment. Colored wastewater is mainly eliminated by physical and chemical procedures, which are very expensive and have drawbacks. Therefore, the advantage of using biological processes, such as the biotransformation of dyes, is that they may lead to complete mineralization or formation of less toxic products. To prove the possibility of using fungal processes for decolorization and other applications, the analysis of the toxicity of the processes' products is required. The decolorization of the mixture of two dyes from different classes - triphenylmethane brilliant green and azo Evans blue (GB - total concentration 0.08 g/L, proportion 1:1 w/w) - by Pleurotus ostreatus (BWPH and MB), Gloeophyllum odoratum (DCa), RWP17 (Polyporus picipes) and Fusarium oxysporum (G1) was studied. Zootoxicity (Daphnia magna) and phytotoxicity (Lemna minor) changes were estimated at the end of the experiment. The mixture of dyes was significantly removed by all the strains that were tested with 96 h of experimental time. However, differences among strains from the same species (P. ostreatus) were noted. Shaking improved the efficacy and rate of the dye removal. In static samples, the removal of the mixture reached more than 51.9% and in shaken samples, more than 79.2%. Tests using the dead biomass of the fungi only adsorbed up to 37% of the dye mixture (strain BWPH), which suggests that the process with the living biomass involves the biotransformation of the dyes. The best results were reached for the MB strain, which removed 90% of the tested mixture under shaking conditions. Regardless of the efficacy of the dye removal, toxicity decreased from class V to class III in tests with D. magna. Tests with L. minor control samples were classified as class IV, and samples with certain strains were non-toxic. The highest phytotoxicity decrease was noted in shaken samples where the elimination of dye mixture was the best.

Vascular epiphytes in a remnant of seasonal semideciduous forest in zona da mata, State of Minas Gerais, Brazil / Epífitas vasculares em um remanescente de floresta estacional semidecidual na zona da mata, Minas Gerais, Brasil

This study was performed in a remnant of Seasonal Semideciduous Forest at Fazenda Fortaleza de Sant'Anna, in the municipality of Chácara, Minas Gerais, Brazil (22.0129S, 43.8628W), in an area of ca. 1 ha, via monthly expeditions throughout the year 2012. We found 91 species of vascular epiphytes, distributed in 44 genera and 12 families. The richest families were Orchidaceae (35 spp.), Bromeliaceae (18 spp.), Polypodiaceae (10 spp.), Piperaceae (nine spp.) and Araceae (seven spp.). Two species were recorded for the first time in Minas Gerais: Rodriguezia sticta and Stelis oligantha (Orchidaceae). Rhipsalis oblonga (Cactaceae) was recollected in the state after about 100 years without records. Four species are cited in the list of endangered plants in Minas Gerais: Nematanthus crassifolius (Gesneriaceae) and Cattleya bicolor (Orchidaceae) are in the category "Vulnerable" (VU), Nidularium azureum (Bromeliaceae) and Pleurothallis pectinata (Orchidaceae) are "Critically Endangered" (CR). Nidularium azureum is also cited as CR in the Red Book of Brazilian Flora. Most species were classified as characteristic holoepiphytes and anemochory was the most frequent dispersion syndrome.

O estudo foi realizado em um remanescente de Floresta Estacional Semidecidual, na Fazenda Fortaleza de Sant'Anna, município de Chácara, Minas Gerais, Brasil (22,0129S, 43,8628W), em uma área aproximada de 1 ha, através de expedições mensais durante o ano de 2012. Foram encontradas 91 espécies de epífitas vasculares, distribuídas em 44 gêneros e 12 famílias. As famílias mais ricas foram Orchidaceae (35 spp.), Bromeliaceae (18 spp.), Polypodiaceae (10 spp.), Piperaceae (nove spp.) e Araceae (sete spp.). Duas espécies foram registradas pela primeira vez para Minas Gerais: Rodriguezia sticta e Stelis oligantha (Orchidaceae). Rhipsalis oblonga (Cactaceae) foi recoletada no estado depois de cerca de 100 anos sem registros. Quatro espécies estão presentes na lista de plantas ameaçadas de extinção em Minas Gerais: Nematanthus crassifolius (Gesneriaceae) e Cattleya bicolor (Orchidaceae) na categoria "Vulnerável" (VU), Nidularium azureum (Bromeliaceae) e Pleurothallis pectinata (Orchidaceae) como "Criticamente em Perigo" (CR). Nidularium azureum também é citado como CR no Livro Vermelho da Flora do Brasil. A maioria das espécies foi classificada como holoepífita característica e a síndrome de dispersão mais frequente foi a anemocoria.

Plants of the Araceae family for malaria and related diseases: a review / Plantas da família Araceae para a malária e doenças relacionadas: uma revisão

ABSTRACTIn the current work we performed a review of the Araceae family species traditionally used to treat malaria and its symptoms. The aim is to reveal the large number of antimalarial Araceae species used worldwide and their great unexplored potential as sources of antimalarial natural products. The SciFinder Scholar, Scielo, PubMed, ScienceDirect and Google books search engines were consulted. Forty-three records of 36 species and 23 genera of Araceae used for malaria and symptoms treatment were found. The neotropical genera Philodendron Schott and Anthurium Schott were the best represented for the use in the treatment of malaria, fevers, liver problems and headaches. Leaves and tubers were the most used parts and decoction was the most common preparation method. The extracts of Araceae species inhibit the in vitro growth of the human malaria parasite, the Plasmodium falciparum Welch, and significant median inhibitory concentrations (IC50) for extracts of guaimbê-sulcado (Rhaphidophora decursiva (Roxb.) Schott), aninga (Montrichardia linifera (Arruda) Schott), Culcasia lancifolia N.E. Br. and forest anchomanes (Anchomanes difformis (Blume) Engl.) have been reported demonstrating the antimalarial and cytotoxicity potential of the extracts and sub-fractions. In the only report about the antimalarial components of this family, the neolignan polysyphorin and the benzoperoxide rhaphidecurperoxin presented strong in vitro inhibition of the D6 and W2 strains of Plasmodiumfalciparum (IC50 = 368-540 ng/mL). No live study about antimalarial activity in animal models has been conducted on a species of Araceae. More bioguided chemical composition studies about the in vitro and also thein vivo antimalarial activity of the Araceae are needed in order to enhance the knowledge about the antimalarial potential of this family.

RESUMONo presente trabalho realizamos uma revisão das espécies da família Araceae usadas para tratar malária e seus sintomas. O objetivo foi revelar o grande número de espécies da família usadas no mundo, assim como seu potencial como fontes de produtos naturais antimaláricos. Foram consultadas as plataformas de busca SciFinder Scholar, Scielo, PubMed, ScienceDirect e Google books. Encontramos quarenta e três registros de 36 espécies e 23 generos de Aráceas usadas para tratar malária e seus sintomas. Os generos neotropicais Philodendron Schott e Anthurium Schott foram os melhor representados, úteis para o tratamento da malária, febres, problemas hepáticos e dores de cabeça. Folhas e tubérculos foram as partes mais utilizadas, enquanto a decocção foi o método de preparo mais comum. Os extratos de espécies de Araceae inibem o crescimento in vitro do parasito da malária humana, Plasmodium falciparum Welch, e concentrações inibitórias medianas (CI50) significativas foram relatadas para extratos de guaimbê-sulcado (Rhaphidophora decursiva (Roxb.) Schott), aninga (Montrichardia linifera (Arruda) Schott), Culcasia lancifoliaN.E. Br. e anchomanes do mato (Anchomanes difformis (Blume) Engl.), demonstrando o potencial antimalárico e citotóxico de extratos e subfrações. No único relato sobre os componentes antimaláricos dessa família, a neolignana polisiforina e o benzoperóxido rafidecurperoxina apresentaram forte inibição das cepas D6 e W2 de Plasmodiumfalciparum in vitro (CI50 = 368-540 ng/mL). Nenhum estudo sobre a atividade antimalárica in vivo em modelo animal foi realizado com espécies da família Araceae. Mais trabalhos biomonitorados pela composição química sobre a atividade antimalárica in vitro, assim como estudos in vivo, são necessários para aprofundar os conhecimentos sobre potencial antimalárico da familia.

Atividade antibacteriana de extratos de folhas de Montrichardia linifera (Arruda) Schott (Araceae) / Antibacterial activity of leaf extracts of Montrichardia linifera (Arruda) Schott (Araceae)

RESUMO O uso de plantas medicinais no tratamento de doenças é uma estratégia antiga utilizada por praticamente todas as populações do mundo, e, embora novos antibióticos tenham sido desenvolvidos para o controle de micro-organismos infecciosos, às vezes são ineficazes. Diversos extratos de plantas medicinais têm efeitos antimicrobianos, principalmente quando associados à antibióticos de uso clínico, representando alternativa terapêutica para doenças infecciosas. Montrichardia linifera, conhecida popularmente como aninga, é espécie macrófita, aquática emergente de hábito herbáceo, pertencente a família Araceae e ocorre em áreas alagáveis. A utilidade farmacológica desta espécie é diversificada tendo sido relatada como cicatrizante, antirreumático, antidiurético e expectorante. Devido à relevância no campo etnofarmacológico, ampla utilização na medicina popular e escassez de trabalhos relacionados à atividade antibacteriana desta espécie, objetivou-se com este trabalho avaliar a atividade antibacteriana de extratos alcoólicos de folhas de Montrichardia linifera, coletadas na margem do rio Igaraçu, Parnaíba-PI. O extrato foi testado em oito cepas de bactérias: Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae e Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Foram utilizadas as técnicas de verificação da formação de halos de inibição e determinação das concentrações inibitórias e bactericidas mínimas. Os testes antibacterianos evidenciaram como principais resultados que o extrato metanólico seco (EMS), extrato metanólico fresco (EMF), e o extrato etanólico seco (EES), apresentaram ação antibacteriana, enquanto o extrato etanólico fresco (EEF) não apresentou atividade para as bactérias testadas. O EMS foi o mais eficiente, inibindo o crescimento bacteriano na concentração de 200 μg/mL para E. faecalis, 400 μg/mL para S. aureus, 400 μg/mL para S. epidermidis e 2.000 μg/mL para P. aeruginosa. O EMF obteve CIM de 2.000 μg/mL para E. faecalis e EES obteve CIM de 250 μg/mL para E. faecalis. Os resultados demonstraram que M. linifera constitui fonte eficiente de compostos bioativos antibacterianos. Os estudos sobre as propriedades farmacológicas de plantas da família Araceae são escassos, e os resultados deste trabalho são pioneiros em relação a atividade antibacteriana desta espécie.

ABSTRACT For a long time, medicinal herbs have been used in the treatment of diseases by almost all populations in the world, and although new antibiotics have been developed for the control of infectious micro-organisms, they are sometimes ineffective. Many herbal extracts have antimicrobial effects and represent a potential alternative therapy for infectious diseases, especially when associated with the clinical use of antibiotics. The Montrichardia linifera, popularly known as Aninga, is a robust, herbaceous, emergent aquatic macrophyte belonging to the Araceae family, appearing along rivers and stream margins in the tropical America. The pharmacological application of this species are several ones, having been reported to own a healing, antirheumatic, anti-diuretic and expectorant effect. Due to the relevance in the ethnopharmacological field, the spread use in popular medicine and the few researches related to the antibacterial activity of this specie, the study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial activity of alcoholic leaf extracts of plants of Montrichardia linifera collected along the margins of Rio Igaraçu, Parnaíba, Piauí, Brazil. The extract was tested in eight strains of ATCC bacterial standards: Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumonia and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The verification techniques used were the formation of inhibition halos, and the determination of minimum inhibitory and bactericidal concentrations (MIC). The antibacterial tests showed, as main results, that dried methanol extract (EMS), fresh methanol extract (EMF) and dry ethanol extract (EES) exhibited antibacterial activity, while the fresh ethanol extract (EEF) was inactive against the tested bacteria. The EMS was the most efficient one, inhibiting bacterial growth at a concentration of 200 µg/mL for E. faecalis, 400 µg/mL for S. aureus 400 µg/mL for S. epidermidis and 2.000 µg/mL for P. aeruginosa. The EMF obtained a MIC of 2.000 µg/mL for E. faecalis and EES obtained a MIC of 250 µg/mL for E. faecalis. The results showed that M. linifera is an efficient source of bioactive antibacterial compounds. Studies about the pharmacological properties of plants of the family Araceae are scarce, and the results of this work are pioneer in regard to the antibacterial activity of this species.

Evaluation of the potential of Pistia stratiotes L. (water lettuce) for bioindication and phytoremediation of aquatic environments contaminated with arsenic / Avaliação do potencial de Pistia stratiotes L. (alface d'água) para a bioindicação e fitorremediação de ambientes aquáticos contaminados com arsênio

Specimens of Pistia stratiotes were subjected to five concentrations of arsenic (As) for seven days. Growth, As absorption, malondialdehyde (MDA) content, photosynthetic pigments, enzymatic activities, amino acids content and anatomical changes were assessed. Plant arsenic accumulation increased with increasing metalloid in the solution, while growth rate and photosynthetic pigment content decreased. The MDA content increased, indicating oxidative stress. Enzymatic activity and amino acids content increased at the lower doses of As, subsequently declining in the higher concentrations. Chlorosis and necrosis were observed in the leaves. Leaves showed starch accumulation and increased thickness of the mesophyll. In the root system, there was a loss and darkening of roots. Cell layers formed at the insertion points on the root stems may have been responsible for the loss of roots. These results indicate that water lettuce shows potential for bioindication and phytoremediation of As-contaminated aquatic environments.

Espécimes de Pistia stratiotes foram submetidos a cinco concentrações de arsênio (As), durante sete dias. Crescimento, absorção de As, concentração de malondialdeído (MDA), pigmentos fotossintéticos, atividades enzimáticas, concentração de aminoácidos e alterações anatômicas foram avaliadas. O acúmulo de As pelas plantas aumentou com o incremento do metaloide na solução, enquanto que a taxa de crescimento e o teor de pigmentos fotossintéticos diminuiu. O conteúdo MDA aumentou, indicando estresse oxidativo. A atividade de enzimas antioxidantes e os teores de aminoácidos aumentaram nas doses mais baixas de As, declinando nas concentrações mais elevadas. Nas folhas foram observados clorose e necrose. As folhas apresentaram acumulação de amido e aumento da espessura do mesofilo. No sistema radicular houve perda e escurecimento das raízes. Camadas de células formadas nos pontos de inserção da raiz podem ter sido responsáveis pela queda das raízes. Estes resultados indicam que a alface da água apresenta potencial para bioindicação e fitorremediação de ambientes aquáticos contaminados com As.

Antidiarrhoeal evaluation of rhizomes of Cryptocoryne spiralis Fisch. ex Wydler: Antimotility and antisecretory effects.

The antidiarrhoeal activity of Cryptocoryne spiralis rhizomes extract (250, 500, 750 mg/kg, po) was evaluated using faecal excretion, castor oil-induced diarrhoea, small intestinal transit, intestinal fluid accumulation, gastric emptying and PGE2 induced enteropooling models in rats. In addition, various biochemical estimations, histopathological studies and antibacterial evaluations on strains responsible for diarrhoea were also performed. The results illustrated a significant reduction in normal faecal output rate after 5th and 7th h of treatment, while castor oil-induced diarrhoea model depicted a protection of 55.44% at same dose level from diarrhoea. The other models except, gastric emptying test demonstrated more pronounced effect at same dose level. A significant inhibition in nitric oxide, increase in carbohydrates, protein, DNA, Na+ and K+ level with minimum degeneration of colonic fibrous tissues and potent antibacterial activity were also observed. The antidiarrhoeal potential of C. spiralis may be as a result of antimotility and antisecretory type effect mediated through nitric oxide pathway.

Extraction of saponins and toxicological profile of Teucrium stocksianum boiss extracts collected from District Swat, Pakistan

BACKGROUND: The current era is facing challenges in the management of neoplasia and weeds control. The currently available anti-cancer and herbicidal drugs are associated with some serious side effects. Therefore numerous researchers are trying to discover and develop plant based alternative particularly for the rational management of cancer and weed control. Teucrium stocksianum possess antioxidant and analgesic activities. The current study was designed to evaluate crude saponins (CS), methanolic extract and sub-fractions of T. stocksianum for cytotoxic and phytotoxic potentials. CS, methanolic extract and sub-fractions were extracted from powdered plant material using different solvents. Cytotoxic potential of the extracts at a dose of 10, 100 and 1000 µg/ml were evaluated against Brine shrimp's nauplii. Phytotoxic assay also performed at the same concentration against Lemna minor. Etoposide and Paraquat were used as positive controls in cytotoxic and phytotoxic assays respectively. RESULTS: The percent yield of crude saponins was (5%). CS demonstrated tremendous brine shrimp lethality showing < 10 µg/ml LC50. The n-hexane (HF) and chloroform fractions (CF) demonstrated excellent cytotoxicity with 80 and 55 µg/ml LC50 respectively. Whereas the methanolic extract (TSME), ethyl acetate (EAF) and aqueous fractions (AF) revealed moderate cytotoxicity showing 620, 860 and 1000 µg/ml LC50 values respectively. In phytotoxic assay profound inhibition was displayed by HF (96.67%) and TSME (95.56%, 30 µg/ml LC50) against the growth of Lemna minor at 1000 µg/ml respectively. Both CF and EAF demonstrated profound phytoxicity (93.33%) respectively at highest concentration (1000 µg/ml), while AF and CS demonstrated weak phytotoxicity with 1350 and 710 µg/ml LC50 values respectively. CONCLUSION: Cytotoxicity and phytotoxicity assays indicated that the crude saponins, n-hexane and chloroform fractions of T. stocksianum could play a vital role in the treatment of neoplasia and as potential natural herbicides. Therefore these sub-fractions are recommended for further investigation with the aim to isolate novel anti-cancer and herbicidal compounds.

Responses of periphytic diatoms to mechanical removal of Pistia stratiotes L. in a hypereutrophic subtropical reservoir: dynamics and tolerance / Respostas das diatomáceas perifíticas à remoção mecânica de Pistia stratiotes L. num reservatório subtropical hipereurófico: dinâmica e tolerância

The Itaqui reservoir in Paraná state, southern Brazil, is dominated by the floating macrophyte Pistia stratiotes L. and is used for recreation and irrigation. The reservoir's excessive plant cover suggests an extreme trophic state and interferes with multiple uses. The aims of this study were to determine the trophic state of the reservoir water and to document the limnological conditions and the composition of the periphytic diatom community before and after the mechanical removal of macrophytes. As each diatom species has certain autoecological requirements in a given geographic area, another objective of the study was to identify diatoms that can be considered tolerant of the reservoir's trophic state in a substropical environment. Local water samples collected for physical and chemical analyses, including estimates of chlorophyll a, showed the hypereutrophic status of the reservoir before and after macrophyte removal. Environmental conditions exceeded acceptable values for fishing and irrigation, providing a clear example of how the inadequate management of water resources can directly reduce their usefulness. Trimestral sampling was carried out between May 2008 and February 2009. For quantitative analyses, biofilms were scrubbed off glass slides submerged for 30 days at a depth of approximately 40 cm. Diatom samples were cleaned with potassium permanganate and hydrochloric acid and mounted on permanent slides with Naphrax. All individuals found in random transects under three replicates were identified and counted up to a minimum of 600 valves. Thirteen species tolerant of eutrophication were selected. Four species mostly known from low-nutrient sites may be considered tolerant of eutrophic conditions. The composition of the diatom community was influenced by seasonal changes in temperature and rainfall. Canonical Correspondence Analyses confirmed a correlation between higher diatom densities and the increased photic zone following macrophyte removal.

A represa Itaqui, localizada no estado do Paraná, sul do Brasil, é dominada pela macrófita flutuante Pistia stratiotes L. e utilizada para recreação e irrigação. Esta excessiva massa vegetal sugere um elevado estado de trofía e interfere nos múltiplos usos do corpo d'água. Os objetivos deste estudo foram determinar o estado trófico da represa e documentar suas condições limnológicas e a composição da comunidade de diatomáceas perifíticas antes e após a remoção mecânica da massa de macrófitas. As espécies apresentam autoecologias específicas em diferentes áreas geográficas, desta forma outro objetivo foi identificar diatomáceas em ambiente subtropical que possam ser consideradas tolerantes ao estado trófico da represa. Amostras de água foram coletadas para analises físicas e químicas, incluindo estimativas de clorofila-a que evidenciou o estado hipereutrófico da represa antes e depois da remoção das macrófitas. As condições ambientais excederam os valores aceitáveis para pesca e irrigação evidenciando como o manejo inadequado dos recursos hídricos pode diretamente reduzir sua utilidade. Amostragem trimestral foi realizada entre maio de 2008 e fevereiro de 2009. O biofilme desenvolvido sobre lâminas de vidro submersas foram raspados para análise quantitativa, contando-se 600 valvas em triplicatas de material oxidado. Treze espécies tolerantes a eutrofização foram selecionadas. Quatro espécies comumente identificadas em ambientes com baixa disponibilidade de nutrientes mostraram-se tolerantes às condições eutróficas. As diatomáceas responderam qualitativamente à sazonalidade como temperatura e pluviosidade. Análise de Corresponência Canônica confirmou que densidades mais elevadas coincidiram com o aumento da zona fótica oriunda da remoção das macrófitas.

Chemical constituents from rizomes of Homalomena occulta / 中国中药杂志

Column chromatography on silica gel and Sephadex LH-20 was used to study the chemical constituents of Homalomena occulta. The chemical structures of the separated compounds were elucidated by spectroscopic data analyseS. Twelve compounds were obtained and identified as 5-pentylresorcinol-b-glucoside (1), protocatechuic acid (2), 4-hydroxybenzoic acid (3), vanillic acid (4), 5-hydroxymethyl-2-furancarboxylic acid (5), 2-furoic acid (6), 5-hydroxymethyl-2-furfural (7), (R) -malic acid (8), (R) -dimethyl malate (9), trimethyl 1,2,3-propanetricarboxylate (10), 4-hydroxytetrahydrofuran-2-one (11) and (1S, 2S, 4S)-p-menthane-1,2, 4-triol (12). Among them, compound 1 was a new natural product, and compounds 4-12 were isolated from the genus for the first time.

Influência da chuva após aplicação de imazamox sobre o controle de plantas daninhas aquáticas / Rain influence after imazamox spraying on aquatic weed control

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a eficiência do herbicida imazamox no controle de plantas aquáticas submetidas a diferentes intervalos de chuva simulada após a sua aplicação. O experimento foi conduzido em um delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com quatro repetições. O herbicida imazamox a 290,4 g ha-1 foi testado em três espécies de plantas aquáticas, Eichhornia crassipes (Mart.) Solms, Pistia stratiotes L. e Salvinia adnata Desv e submetido a oito diferentes períodos livre de chuva (0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 24 horas e sem chuva). A simulação da lâmina de chuva foi realizada sob um sistema estacionário de aplicação de água (20 mm). Observou-se um bom controle de Eichhornia crassipes, independentemente dos períodos sem chuva após a aplicação do herbicida. No entanto, para Pistia stratiotes foi necessário um período livre de chuva de pelo menos oito horas para obter-se um controle efetivo. Para Salvinia adnata, todos os períodos de chuva afetaram o controle proporcionado pelo herbicida.

This study aimed to evaluate the imazamox control efficiency on aquatic plants under different intervals of simulated rain after its spraying. The experiment was carried out in completely random design with four replications. The imazamox at 290.4 g ha-1 was tested on three aquatic weed species, Eichhornia crassipes (Mart.) Solms, Pistia stratiotes L. and Salvinia adnata Desv and, under eight different rain-free periods (0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 24 hours). Rainfall was simulated using a sprinkler irrigation system (20mm). There was a good control of Eichhornia crassipes, regardless of periods without rain after herbicide spraying. However, Pistia stratiotes took a rain-free period of at least eight hours to obtain an effective control. In Salvinia adnata, whole rain-free periods affected the control provided by the herbicide.

Three Cases of Cardiac Toxicity after Intake of Symplocarpus Renifolius

Recently, some patients have visited the emergency department for treatment of different symptoms of acute poisoning after intake of unidentified herbs, which can be mistaken for wild edible greens, because wild edible greens are good for health and contain vitamins, enzymes, minerals, fibers, and anticancer materials. Winter or early spring, is extremely high, with rapid onset of severe symptoms of poisoning. There have been no reports of poisoning by SymplocarpusRenifolius in Korea, however, we report on three severe cases involving patients who experienced cardiogenic shock with nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, chest discomfort, dizziness, numbness, and general weakness.

Multiplicación en sistemas de inmersión temporal y enraizamiento ex vitro de ocumo blanco (Xanthosoma sagittifolium (L) Schott) / Multiplication in temporary immersion systems and ex vitro rooting of white cocoyam (Xanthosoma sagittifolium (L) Schott)

El ocumo (Xanthosoma sagittifollium (L.) Schott) es una Arácea cultivada en países tropicales debido al valor nutritivo de sus cormos. La principal limitante para su cultivo es la carencia de semilla de calidad, por esta razón se planteó evaluar la multiplicación de brotes de ocumo blanco en sistemas de inmersión temporal, y el enraizamiento ex vitro de los mismos, para lo cual se estudió el tiempo y la frecuencia de inmersión, y la densidad de explantes sobre la proliferación de los brotes. Asimismo, el efecto del ácido indolacético (AIA) y ácido indolbutírico (AIB) sobre el enraizamiento ex vitro de brotes. De acuerdo con los resultados obtenidos, la mayor eficiencia en la proliferación de brotes se obtuvo utilizando el sistema de inmersión temporal del tipo RITA®, con una frecuencia y tiempo de inmersión de 6 veces/día y 5 min, respectivamente, y una densidad de 9 explantes/RITA®. En el enraizamiento ex vitro se determinó que bajo las condiciones de cultivo empleadas no es necesario el uso de auxinas. Se concluye que es posible la multiplicación eficiente de ocumo blanco en sistemas de inmersión temporal, y realizar el enraizamiento ex vitro sin el uso de auxinas.

The white cocoyam (Xanthosoma sagittifollium (L.) Schott), is an Arácea cultivated in tropical countries, due to the nutritional value of its corms. The main limiting factor for cultivation is the lack of healthy seed, by this reason be outlined to evaluate the multiplication of shoots of white cocoyam in temporary immersion systems and the ex vitro rooting of the same. For that which, itself study, the time and frequency of immersion and the density of explants on the proliferation of the shoots. As well as, the effect of the indole acetic acid (IAA) and indole butyric acid (IBA) on ex vitro rooting the shoots was studied. According to the results obtained, the greater efficiency in the proliferation of shoots was obtained utilizing the temporary immersion system of the type RITA®, with a frequency and time of immersion of 6 times/day and 5 min, respectively and a density of 9 explantes/RITA®. In the ex vitro rooting was determined that under the conditions of employed cultivation is not necessary the use of auxins. It is concluded that is possible the efficient multiplication of white cocoyam in temporary immersion systems and to carry out the ex vitro rooting without the use of auxins.

Antioxidant and antipyretic studies on Pothos scandens L

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate Pothos scandens for the in vitro antioxidant and antipyretic activity.@*METHODS@#Preliminary phytochemicals, total phenolics and flavonoid contents were analyzed in leaf, stem and root samples. In vitro antioxidant activity was evaluated by different assays such as 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging, 2, 2'-azinobis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid (ABTS•+) radical scavenging, ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay, phosphomolybdenum reduction assay, metal chelating activity, superoxide anion radical scavenging activity, hydrogen peroxide and nitric oxide scavenging assay. The antipyretic activity of root methanol extract was studied by pyrexia induced by brewer's yeast on Wistar albino rats at concentration of 200 and 400 mg/kg using paracetamol as standard drug.@*RESULTS@#The total phenolics and tannin content were found to be higher in ethanol extract of stem, whereas total flavonoid content was higher in acetone extract of root. The methanol extract of root showed highest free radical scavenging activity in assays namely ABTS assay (8 221.5 μM TE/g extract), FRAP assay [514.4 mM Fe (II)/g extract], hydrogen peroxide (60.3%) and nitric oxide scavenging assays (58.7%). The DPPH assay and superoxide radical assay results revealed that the ethanol extract of root has remarkable free radical scavenging capacity (IC50 0.284 mg/mL and 70.84%). The antipyretic studies on methanol extract of root showed significant reduction of temperature in pyrexia induced rats at 200 and 400 mg/kg doses.@*CONCLUSIONS@#These findings justify that Pothos scandens can be a valuable natural antioxidant and antipyretic source which seemed to provide potential nutraceuticals for human health.

GC-MS analysis of volatile oils from fresh and processed typhonii rhizoma / 中国中药杂志

Typhonii Rhizoma is a toxic traditional Chinese medicine. Its toxic components remained unclear. To compare chemical composition of volatile oils from fresh and processed Typhonii Rhizoma qualitatively, volatile oils were obtained by stream distillation and analyzed by GC-MS. The data obtained from GC-MS were processed by principal component analysis. From the essential oils of fresh and processed Typhonii Rhizoma, 43 compounds and 34 compounds were identified respectively. The chemical composition and content in the two oils was different. In the two essential oils 15 identical components were detected. The chemical components and their contents in the essential oils are changing with the storage.