Chemical composition, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of essential oil from the aerial parts of Chuquiraga arcuataHarling grown in the highlands of Ecuador / Composición química, actividades antioxidantes y antimicrobianas del aceite esencial de las partes aéreas de Chuquiraga arcuataHarling cultivado en las tierras altas del Ecuador

Thechemical composition, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of the essential oil from aerial parts (leaves and flowers) of Chuquiraga arcuataHarling grown in the Ecuadorian Andes were studied. One hundred and twenty-six compounds were identified in the essential oil. Monoterpene hydrocarbons (45.8%) and oxygenated monoterpenes (44.1%) had the major percentages. The most abundant compounds were camphor (21.6%), myrcene (19.5%), and 1,8-cineole (13.4%). Antioxidant activity was examined using DPPH, ABTS,and FRAP assays. The essential oil had a moderate scavenging effect and reduction of ferric ion capacity through FRAP assay. Antimicrobial activity of the essential oil was observed against four pathogenic bacteria and a fungus. The essential oil exhibited activity against all microorganism strains under test, particularly against Candida albicansand Staphylococcus aureuswith MICs of 2.43-12.10 µg/mL.

Se estudió la composición química, actividades antioxidantes y antimicrobianas del aceite esencial procedente de las partes aérea (hojas y flores) de Chuquiraga arcuataHarling cultivadas en los Andes ecuatorianos. Se identificaron 126 compuestos en el aceite esencial. Los hidrocarburos monoterpénicos (45,8%) y los monoterpenos oxigenados (44,1%) tuvieron el mayor porcentaje. Los compuestos más abundantes fueron alcanfor (21,6%), mirceno (19,5%) y 1,8-cineol (13,4%). La actividadantioxidante se examinó mediante ensayos DPPH, ABTS y FRAP. El aceite esencial tuvo un efecto eliminador moderado y una reducción de la capacidad de iones férricos mediante el ensayo FRAP. Se observó actividad antimicrobiana del aceite esencial contra cuatro bacterias y un hongo patógenos. El aceite esencial mostró actividad contra todas las cepas de microorganismos bajo prueba, particularmente contra Candida albicansy Staphylococcus aureuscon CMI de 2,43-12,10 µg/mL.

Isolation of flavonoids from Tagetes patula (French Marigold) flowers: Cytotoxic and oxidant activity in human cervical carcinoma cells / Aislación de flavonoides de las flores de Tagetes patula (cempasúchil francés): Actividad citotóxica y oxidante en células de carcinoma cervical humano

T agetes patula , known as French Marigold, belongs to the family Asteraceae. Human papillomavirus infection is considered one of the causes of cervical cancer. This study assessed the cytotoxic activity and intracellular oxidative capacity of compounds isolated from extract of T. patula flowers as anti - cancer cervical agents. Fraction F6 of n - butanol extract was subjected to column chromatography and HPLC - ESI - MS. The isolated compo unds of T. patula were used to examine cytotoxic activity and the production of total reactive oxygen species in SiHa and HeLa cells; the cells were also characterized using scanning electron microscopy. Patulitrin was cytotoxic to SiHa and HeLa cells. An increase in ROS production was observed at different times of treatment of cells with patuletin and patulitrin. Scanning electron microscopy showed morphological changes in SiHa and HeLa cells. Thus, compounds isolated from T. patula have great treatment p otential against cervical cancer.

Tagetes patula , conocida como cempasúchil francés, pertenece a la familia Asteraceae. La infección por el virus del papiloma humano se considera una de las causas del cáncer cervical. En este estudio, se evaluó la actividad citotóxica y la capacidad oxidativa intracelular de los compuestos aislados del extracto de las flores de T. patula como agentes anticancerígenos cervicales. La fracción F6 del ext racto de n - butanol se sometió a cromatografía en columna y HPLC - ESI - MS. Los compuestos aislados de T. patula se utilizaron para examinar la actividad citotóxica y la producción total de especies reactivas de oxígeno en las células SiHa y HeLa; las células también se caracterizaron mediante microscopía electrónica de barrido. Patulitrina resultó citotóxica para las células SiHa y HeLa. Se observó un aumento en la producción de ROS en diferentes momentos del tratamiento de las células con patuletina y patulit rina. La microscopía electrónica de barrido mostró cambios morfológicos en las células SiHa y HeLa. Por lo tanto, los compuestos aislados de T. patula tienen un gran potencial de tratamiento contra el cáncer cervical.

Combining ability analysis in bitter gourd (Momordica charantia L. ) for potential quality improvement / Análise de capacidade de combinação em cabaça-amarga (Momordica charantia L. ) para melhoria potencial da qualidade

Abstract Combining ability analysis provides useful information for the selection of parents, also information regarding the nature and magnitude of involved gene actions. Crops improvement involves strategies for enhancing yield potentiality and quality components. Targeting the improvement of respective characters in bitter gourd, combining ability and genetic parameters for 19 characters were estimated from a 6×6 full diallel analysis technique. The results revealed that the variances due to general combining ability (GCA) and specific combining ability (SCA) were highly significant for most of the important characters. It indicated the importance of both additive and non-additive gene actions. GCA variances were higher in magnitude than SCA variances for all the characters studied indicating the predominance of the additive gene effects in their inheritance. The parent P2 (BG 009) appeared as the best general combiner for earliness; P1 (BG 006) for number of fruits, average single fruit weight and fruit yield; P4 (BG 027) for node number of first female flower and days to seed fruit maturity; P3 (BG 011) for fruit length and thickness of the fruit flesh; P5 (BG 033) for 100-seed weight; and P6 for number of nodes per main vine. The SCA effect as well as reciprocal effect was also significant for most of the important characters in different crosses.

Resumo A análise da capacidade de combinação fornece informações úteis para a seleção dos pais, também informações sobre a natureza e a magnitude das ações dos genes envolvidos. A melhoria das safras envolve estratégias para aumentar a potencialidade da produção e os componentes de qualidade. Visando ao aprimoramento dos respectivos caracteres em cabaça-amarga, capacidade de combinação e parâmetros genéticos para 19 caracteres, foram estimados a partir de uma técnica de análise dialélica completa 6 × 6. Os resultados revelaram que as variâncias, devido à capacidade geral de combinação (GCA) e capacidade específica de combinação (SCA), foram altamente significativas para a maioria dos caracteres importantes. Indicou a importância das ações gênicas aditivas e não aditivas. As variâncias GCA foram maiores em magnitude do que as variâncias SCA para todos os caracteres estudados, indicando a predominância dos efeitos do gene aditivo em sua herança. O pai P2 (BG 009) apareceu como o melhor combinador geral para o início; P1 (BG 006) para número de frutos, peso médio de um único fruto e produção de frutos; P4 (BG 027) para número de nó da primeira flor fêmea e dias para a maturidade do fruto da semente; P3 (BG 011) para comprimento do fruto e espessura da polpa do fruto; P5 (BG 033) para peso de 100 sementes; e P6 para o número de nós por videira principal. O efeito SCA, bem como o efeito recíproco, também foi significativo para a maioria dos personagens importantes em cruzamentos diferentes.

Three first records of stick insects attacking plants (Inseect: Phasmida) in Tibet / Três primeiros registros de insetos-pau atacando plantas (Inseect: Phasmida) no Tibet

Abstract Except for a few stick insects that are economically valuable, most species be considered to be forest pests, so it is extremely important to obtain plant host-use information of more stick insects. In this paper, the plant hosts of three species of stick insects were recorded for the first time. We also discovered these stick insects can feed upon the flowers or leaves of plants. Lopaphus unidentatus (Chen & He, 1995) (Phasmida: Lonchodidae) attacked Hypericum choisianum Wall. ex N. Robson, 1973 (Hypericaceae), Leurophasma dolichocercum Bi, 1995 (Phasmida: Aschiphasmatidae) attacked Antenoron filiforme (Thunb.) Roberty & Vautier, 1964 (Polygonaceae) and Megalophasma granulatum Bi, 1995 (Phasmida: Lonchodidae) attacked Debregeasia orientalis C. J. Chen, 1991 (Urticaceae). Finally, we were lucky enough to also obtain photographs of them mating and feeding.

Resumo Exceto por alguns insetos-pau que são economicamente valiosos, a maioria das espécies pode ser considerada praga florestal, por isso é extremamente importante obter informações sobre o uso de hospedeiros de plantas de mais insetos-pau. Neste artigo, as plantas hospedeiras de três espécies de bicho-pau foram registradas pela primeira vez. Também descobrimos que esses bichos-pau podem se alimentar de flores ou folhas de plantas. Lopaphus unidentatus (Chen & He, 1995) (Phasmida: Lonchodidae) atacou a parede de Hypericum choisianum. ex N. Robson, 1973 (Hypericaceae), Leurophasma dolichocercum Bi, 1995 (Phasmida: Aschiphasmatidae) atacou Antenoron filiforme (Thunb.) Roberty & Vautier, 1964 (Polygonaceae) e Megalophasma granulatum Bi, 1995 (Phasmida: Lonchodidae orientaled) atacou Chen, 1991 (Urticaceae). Finalmente, tivemos a sorte de também obter fotos deles se acasalando e se alimentando.

Effect of total flavonoids of buckwheat flower and leaf on myocardial cell apoptosis and Wnt/β-catenin/PPARγ pathway in arrhythmic rats / 中国中药杂志

This paper aimed to investigate the effect of total flavonoids of buckwheat flower and leaf on myocardial cell apoptosis and Wnt/β-catenin/peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ(PPARγ) pathway in arrhythmic rats. SD rats were randomly divided into a control group, a model group, a low-dose(20 mg·kg~(-1)) group of total flavonoids of buckwheat flower and leaf, a medium-dose(40 mg·kg~(-1)) group of total flavonoids of buckwheat flower and leaf, a high-dose(80 mg·kg~(-1)) group of total flavonoids of buckwheat flower and leaf, a propranolol hydrochloride(2 mg·kg~(-1)) group, with 12 rats in each group. Except the control group, rats in other groups were prepared as models of arrhythmia by sublingual injection of 1 mL·kg~(-1) of 0.002% aconitine. After grouping and intervention with drugs, the arrhythmia, myocardial cells apoptosis, myocardial tissue glutathione peroxidase(GSH-Px), catalase(CAT), malondialdehyde(MDA), serum interleukin-6(IL-6), prostaglandin E2(PGE2) levels, myocardial tissue apoptosis, and Wnt/β-catenin/PPARγ pathway-related protein expression of rats in each group were measured. As compared with the control group, the arrhythmia score, the number of ventricular premature beats, ventricular fibrillation duration, myocardial cell apoptosis rate, MDA levels in myocardial tissues, serum IL-6 and PGE2 levels, Bax in myocardial tissues, and Wnt1 and β-catenin protein expression levels increased significantly in the model group, whereas the GSH-Px and CAT levels, and Bcl-2 and PPARγ protein expression levels in myocardial tissues reduced significantly. As compared with the model group, the arrhythmia score, the number of ventricular premature beats, ventricular fibrillation duration, myocardial cell apoptosis rate, MDA leve in myocardial tissues, serum IL-6 and PGE2 levels, Bax in myocardial tissues, and Wnt1 and β-catenin protein expression levels reduced in the drug intervention groups, whereas the GSH-Px and CAT levels and Bcl-2 and PPARγ protein expression levels in myocardial tissues increased. The groups of total flavonoids of buckwheat flower and leaf were in a dose-dependent manner. There was no significant difference in the levels of each index in rats between the propranolol hydrochloride group and the high-dose group of total flavonoids of buckwheat flower and leaf. The total flavonoids of buckwheat flower and leaf inhibit the activation of Wnt/β-catenin pathway, up-regulate the expression of PPARγ, reduce oxidative stress and inflammatory damage in myocardial tissues of arrhythmic rats, reduce myocardial cell apoptosis, and improve the symptoms of arrhythmia in rats.

Effects of different drying methods on quality of male flowers of Eucommia ulmoides based on color and chemical composition / 中国中药杂志

To study the effects of different drying methods on the quality of male flowers of Eucommia ulmoides(MFOEU), we treated fresh MFOEU samples with drying in the shade(DS), vacuum freeze drying(VFD), high-or low-temperature hot air drying(HTHAD, LTHAD), microwave drying(MD), and vacuum drying(VD), respectively. The color, total flavonoid content, total polysaccharide content, and main active components such as geniposide, geniposidic acid, rutin, chlorogenic acid, galuteolin, pinoresinol diglucoside, and aucubin in MFOEU were taken as the evaluation indicators. The quality of MFOEU was comprehensively evaluated by entropy weight method combined with color index method, partial least squares discriminant analysis and content clustering heat map. The experimental results showed that VFD and DS basically kept the original color of MFOEU. The MFOEU treated with MD had higher content of total polysaccharides, phenylpropanoids, lignans, and iridoids. The MFOEU treated with LTHAD had higher content of total flavonoids and that treated with VD had lower content of active components. According to the results of comprehensive evaluation, the quality of MFOEU dried with different methods followed the order of MD>HTHAD>VFD>LTHAD>DS>VD. Considering the color of MFOEU, the suitable drying methods were DS and VFD. Considering the color, active components, and economic benefits of MFOEU, MD was the suitable drying method. The results of this study are of a reference value for the determination of suitable methods for MFOEU processing in the producing areas.

Quality evaluation and multi-spectral identification of origin herbs of Lonicerae Japonicae Flos based on grey correlation-TOPSIS method / 中国中药杂志

The grey correlation-TOPSIS method was used to evaluate the quality of the origin herbs of Lonicerae Japonicae Flos, and the Fourier transform near-infrared(NIR) and mid-infrared(MIR) spectroscopy was applied to establish the identification model of origin herbs of Lonicerae Japonicae Flos by combining chemometrics and spectral fusion strategies. The content of neochlorogenic acid, chlorogenic acid, cryptochlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, secoxyloganin, isoquercitrin, isochlorogenic acid B, isochlorogenic acid A, and isochlorogenic acid C in six origin herbs of Lonicerae Japonicae Flos was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography(HPLC), and their quality was evaluated by the grey correlation-TOPSIS method. The Fourier transform NIR and MIR spectra of six origin herbs of Lonicerae Japonicae Flos(Lonicera japonica, L. macranthoides, L. hypoglauca, L. fulvotomentosa, L. confuse, and L. similis) were collected. At the same time, principal component analysis(PCA), support vector machine(SVM), and spectral data fusion technology were combined to determine the optimal identification method for the origin herbs of Lonicerae Japonicae Flos. There were differences in the quality of the origin herbs of Lonicerae Japonicae Flos. Specifically, there were significant differences between L. japonica and the other five origin herbs(P<0.01). The quality of L. similis was significantly different from that of L. fulvotomentosa, L. macranthoides, and L. hypoglauca(P=0.008, 0.027, 0.01), and there were also significant differences in the quality of L. hypoglauca and L. confuse(P=0.001). The PCA and SVM 2D models based on a single spectrum could not be used for the effective identification of the origin herbs of Lonicerae Japonicae Flos. The data fusion combined with the SVM model further improved the identification accuracy, and the identification accuracy of the mid-level data fusion reached 100%. Therefore, the grey correlation-TOPSIS method can be used to evaluate the quality of the origin herbs of Lonicerae Japonicae Flos. Based on the infrared spectral data fusion strategy and SVM chemometric model, it can accurately identify the origin herbs of Lonicerae Japonicae Flos, which can provide a new method for the origin identification of medicinal materials of Lonicerae Japonicae Flos.

Feno-morfología de dos especies de páramo de Miconia (Melastomataceae): optimización de la floración y fructificación para mejorar la dispersión / Pheno-morphology of two paramo species of Miconia (Melastomataceae): optimization of flowering and fructification to enhance dispersal

Introducción: El Páramo es uno de los ecosistemas más afectados por actividades humanas, lo que aumenta la necesidad de estudios fenológicos como base para el manejo y la conservación. Objetivo: Describir la feno-morfología de Miconia ligustrina y Miconia elaeoides. Métodos: De septiembre 2019 a febrero 2020, y de abril 2021 hasta agosto del mismo año, se monitoreó la fenología de 12 individuos de cada especie. Adicionalmente, se vincularon datos fenológicos de ejemplares de herbario, para corroborar los resultados obtenidos. En los dos conjuntos de datos, se describió su distribución usando estadística circular, además, se obtuvieron registros de precipitación y temperatura del área. Adicionalmente, se describió la morfometría de cada especie. Resultados: El pico de floración de M. lingustrina es en abril, y la fructificación se concentra entre junio y julio; M. elaoides, florece de forma masiva en enero, con la máxima producción de frutos en mayo. Hubo correlación entre fenología y lluvias: la floración se da en época seca y la fructificación en la época lluviosa. Las especies difieren en morfología, pero, como en otras especies de Miconia, las flores y frutos son pequeños (aprox. 5 mm). Conclusión: La floración se presenta en la época seca y la fructificación en la época lluviosa, cuando las tasas de fotosíntesis son bajas y la frugivoría incrementa. Este patrón fenológico favorece la dispersión óptima de semillas.

Introduction: Paramos are among the ecosystems that are most affected by anthropic activities, increasing the need for phenological studies as a basis for management and conservation. Objective: To describe the pheno-morphology of Miconia ligustrina and Miconia elaeoides. Methods: From September 2019 to February 2020, and from April 2021 to August of the same year, the phenology of 12 individuals of each species was monitored. Additionally, phenological data of herbariums were linked to corroborate obtained results. In the two data sets, distribution of data was described using circular statistics; in addition, we recorded the precipitation and temperature in the area. Additionally, we described the morphometry of each species. Results: The flowering peak of M. ligustrina is in April, and fruiting concentrates between June and July; in M. elaeoides, flowering is massive in January, and the highest fruit production in May. The phenology was correlated with rainfall: flowering takes place in the dry season and fruiting in the rainy season. The species differ morphologically, but, as in other Miconia species, the flowers and fruits are small (approx. 5 mm). Conclusions: Flowering occurs in the dry season and fructification in the rainy season, when the photosynthetic rate is low and frugivory increases. This phenological pattern favors optimal seed dispersal.

Comportamiento fenológico ex situ de Lippia integrifolia "incayuyo" (Verbenaceae) de una población de base genética amplia / Ex situ phenological behavior of Lippia integrifolia "incayuyo" (Verbenaceae) from a population with a broad genetic base

Abstract: Lippia integrifolia "incayuyo" is an aromatic, sub - woody shrub used in popular medicine, aperitit drinks and compound herb s. Its choleretic, antispasmodic, biocidal, antibacterial and larvicidal activity has been proven. The objective of the work was to register the phenology of a sample of 70 genotypes from a population with a broad genetic base. The phenophases studied were : vegetative growth, flower bud, flowering and fruiting fortnightly for two years. The initiation, intensity and prolongation of the phenophases were evaluated. The moment of full bloom occurs during the second half of December. Taking this date as a refer ence, a differentiated beginning of flowering was evidenced. The results of two campaigns were compared, observing that 70% of the specimens had a similar behavor, standing out some genotypes for presenting an early flowering and longer duration. The recor ded variability suggests that much of it could be due to intrinsic factors of the plant, and therefore, feasible to be selected .

Resumen: Lippia integrifolia "incayuyo" es un arbusto aromático, subleñoso empleado en la medicina popular, bebidas aperitivas y yerbas compuestas. Se ha comprobado su actividad colerética, antiespasmódica, biocida, antibacteriana y larvicida. El objetivo del trabajo fue registrar la fenología d e una muestra de 70 genotipos de una población de base genética amplia. Las fenofases estudiadas fueron: crecimiento vegetativo, botón floral, floración y fructificación quincenalmente durante dos años. Se evaluó inicio, intensidad y prolongación de las fe nofases. El momento de plena floración ocurre durante la segunda quincena de diciembre. Tomando esta fecha como referencia, se evidenció un inicio de floración diferenciada. Se compararon los resultados de dos campañas, observando que el 70% de los ejempla res tuvo un compartimiento semejante, destacándose algunos genotipos por presentar una floración temprana y de prolongación superior. La variabilidad registrada sugiere que gran parte de ésta podría deberse a factores intrínsecos de la planta, y por ello, factible de ser seleccionados.

Análise físico-química e atividades antifúngica e antioxidante do óleo essencial da flor de Curatella americana L / Physichochemical analysis, and antifungal and antioxidant activities of the essential oil of Curatella americana L. flower

Introdução: a espécie vegetal Curatella americana produz anualmente inflorescências com aroma adocicado rica em óleo essencial. Objetivo: avaliar as características físico-químicas, e atividades antifúngica e antioxidante do óleo essencial da flor de Curatella americana. Metodologia: as flores foram coletadas em quatro áreas de Cerrado no estado de Goiás; o rendimento de óleo essencial foi obtido através de hidrodestilação; as características físicas foram determinadas para densidade e solubilidade, a atividade antioxidante foi determinada pela redução do radical livre DPPH; a atividade antifúngica foi determinada por inibição das cepas de Candida, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, Colletotrichum gloeosporioides e Aspergillus flavus. Resultados: o rendimento de óleo foi de 0,18%, densidade de 0,907 g mL-1, solubilidade positiva para EtOH 70%, atividade antioxidante de CI50 µL mL-1 1,95. Atividade de inibição fúngica apenas para Candida tropicalis na concentração de 8% com halo de antibiose de 10 mm. Sensibilidade discreta nas maiores concentrações de 25, 50 e 100 µL-1 para Aspergillus flavus e Sclerotinia sclerotiorum e baixa atividade de inibição para Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. Conclusão: o óleo essencial da flor de Curatella americana apresentou baixo rendimento, entretanto, alta eficiência na redução do radical livre DPPH. As atividades antifúngicas apresentaram bons resultados de inibição, entretanto, torna-se necessário a adição de outros óleos essenciais para aumento das taxas de inibição micelial.

Introduction: the plant species Curatella americana produces annual inflorescences with a sweet flavour rich in essential oil. Objective: to evaluate the physicochemical characteristics, antifungal and antioxidant activities of the essential oil of the Curatella americana flower. Methodology: the flowers were collected in four areas of Cerrado in the state of Goiás; the essential oil yield was obtained through hydrodistillation; the physical characteristics were determined for density and solubility, the antioxidant activity was determined by the reduction of the free radical DPPH; antifungal activity was determined by inhibiting the strains of Candida, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, Colletotrichum gloeosporioides and Aspergillus flavus. Results: the oil yield was 0.18%, density 0.907 g mL-1, positive solubility for EtOH 70%, antioxidant activity of IC50 µL mL-1 1.95. Fungal inhibition activity only for Candida tropicalis at a concentration of 8% with a 10 mm antibiosis halo. Discrete sensitivity in the highest concentrations of 25, 50 and 100 µL-1 for Aspergillus flavus and Sclerotinia sclerotiorum and low inhibition activity for Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. Conclusion: The essential oil of the Curatella americana flower showed low yield, however, high efficiency in reducing DPPH free radical. Antifungal activities showed good inhibition results, however, it is necessary to add other essential oils to increase mycelial inhibition rates.

Tetradenia riparia leaves, flower buds, and stem essential oils to control of Aedes aegypti larvae

Abstract Tetradenia riparia (Hochst.) Codd (Lamiaceae) is a species native to the African continent and used as an insect repellent. The objective of the study was to evaluate the larvicidal potential of essential oils (EOs) from the leaves, flower buds, and stem of T. riparia, collected in winter against Aedes aegypti larvae. The EOs were extracted by hydrodistillation (3 h) and identified by GC/MS. The EOs were tested against larvae of A. aegypti at concentrations ranging from 12500 to 1.5 µg/mL for 24 h. The insecticide activity was evaluated by probit analysis, and the anticholinesterase activity was determined by bioautographic method. The results of the class projection indicated sesquiterpenes as the majority class, corresponding to 60.66% (leaves), 64.70% (flower buds) and 83.99% (stem), and the bioassays on A. aegypti larvae indicated LC50 of 1590, 675 and 665 µg/mL, respectively. The anticholinesterase activity indicated that the EO of the leaves inhibited the enzyme at a concentration of 780 µg/mL, and those from the flower buds and stem inhibited up to 1560 µg/mL. The results indicated weak activity of essential oils against A. aegypti larvae.

Effect of rape flower on benign prostatic hyperplasia in rats

We were carried out to investigate the efficacy of Rape (Rapeseed, Brassica napus L.) flower on BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia) in rats. We found that the extract from Rape flower prevented hyperplasia in testosterone-induced BPH model, the relevant animal model of human BPH. Extract reduced the weight of prostate and induced significantly cell apoptosis in prostate in BPH model. In addition, the extract controlled expression of TGF-ß1 in prostate gland and promoted urinary output in dose-dependence in BPH model. Our data provide that Rape flower may be useful for treatment of BPH

Calendula officinalis L. flower extract-mediated green synthesis of silver nanoparticles under LED light

Abstract Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are among the most known nanomaterials being used for several purposes, including medical applications. In this study, Calendula officinalis L. flower extract and silver nitrate were used for green synthesis of silver nanoparticles under red, green and blue light-emitting diodes. AgNPs were characterized by Ultraviolet-Visible Spectrophotometry, Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy, Dynamic Light Scattering, Electrophoretic Mobility, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy and X-ray Diffraction. Isotropic and anisotropic silver nanoparticles were obtained, presenting hydrodinamic diameters ranging 90 - 180 nm, polydispersity (PdI > 0.2) and moderate stability (zeta potential values around - 20 mV)

Purified novel and new diferuloyl glycerate related phenolic acid from Pandanus odoratissimus flowers shows antioxidant, invertase inhibition and control against diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) causing bacterial pathogens - An in vitro study to establish an effective regulation over type 2 diabetes mellitus

Abstract Chronic type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and its associated diseases are major concern among human population and also responsible for significant mortality rate. Hence, the present study aims to evaluate and correlate the invertase inhibition, antioxidant activity and control against DFU causing bacterial pathogens by Pandanus odoratissimus flowers. Two dimensional preparative thin layer chromatography (2D PTLC) was adopted to purify the phenolic acid component and LC-MS2 was done to predict the phenolic acid structures. Standard spectrophotometry methods were adopted to investigate the in vitro invertase inhibitory and antioxidant (CUPRAC and ABTS) activities. Agar well diffusion and broth dilution assays were used to record the antibacterial property against DFU causing pathogens isolated from clinical samples. Statistical analyses were used to validate the experiments. A new and novel diferuloyl glycerate related phenolic acid (m/z 442) purified from PTLC eluate has recorded satisfactory cupric ion reducing power (ED50= 441.4±2.5 µg), moderate ABTS radical scavenging activity (IC50= 450.3±10 µg; 32.5±1.5%), and a near moderate, in vitro, invertase mixed type inhibition (24.5±4.5%; Ki: 400 µg). Similarly, bacterial growth inhibitory kinetics has showed a significant inhibition against E. coli and S. aureus.

Exogenous application of bio-stimulant and growth retardant improved the productivity of cotton cultivars under different planting arrangement / A aplicação exógena de bioestimulante e regulador de crescimento na melhoria da produtividade de cultivares de algodão sob diferentes configurações de plantio

Optimum planting arrangement is an important attribute for efficient utilization of available resources and to obtain high yield of cotton. Application of plant growth promoter and retardant on cotton in improved planting density are the innovative techniques in the establishment of more productive cotton crop. Therefore, we planned a field study to assess the role of bio-stimulant and growth retardant in the resource utilization efficiency of cotton cultivars planted under variable row spacing at Agronomic Research Area Bahauddin Zakariya University and Usmania Agricultural Farm Shujabad during Kharif 2012. Experimental treatments consisted of cotton genotypes viz. CIM-573 and CIM-598, cultivated under conventional (75 cm), medium (50 cm) and ultra-narrow row spacing (25 cm) with foliar spray of bio-stimulant (moringa leaf extract) and growth retardant (mepiquate chloride), either sole or in combination, keeping distilled water as a control. Exogenously applied MLE alone and MLE + MC significantly enhanced the number of squares, flowers and green bolls per plant leading to higher cotton seed and lint yield of CIM 598 cultivar cultivated under conventional row spacing. While application of MC alone and MLE + MC produced maximum micronaire value, fiber strength and fiber uniformity ratio of CIM 573 cultivar cultivated under conventional row spacing. The results suggested that application of MLE is a possible approach to enhance the cotton productivity and the use of MC to enhance the fiber quality attributes under conventional row spacing.

A configuração ideal de plantio é um atributo importante para a utilização eficiente dos recursos disponíveis e para obter alto rendimento de algodão. A aplicação de promotores de crescimento de plantas e reguladores de crescimento no algodão em uma densidade de plantio adequada são técnicas inovadoras na obtenção de safras de algodão mais produtivas. Portanto, foi planejado um estudo de campo para avaliar o papel de um bioestimulante e um regulador de crescimento na eficiência da utilização de recursos de cultivares de algodão plantadas com espaçamento variável entre linhas na Área de Pesquisa Agronômica Universidade Bahauddin Zakariya e Usmania Agricultural Farm Shujabad durante Kharif 2012. Os tratamentos experimentais consistiram em genótipos de algodão viz. CIM-573 e CIM-598, cultivadas sob espaçamento convencional (75 cm), médio (50 cm) e ultraestreito (25 cm) e pulverização foliar de bioestimulante (extrato de folha de moringa) e regulador de crescimento (cloreto de mepiquato)), sozinho ou combinado, mantendo a água destilada como controle. O MLE aplicado exogenamente sozinho e o MLE + MC aumentaram significativamente o número de quadrados, flores e cápsulas verdes por planta, levando a um maior rendimento de sementes e fibra de algodão da cultivar CIM 598 cultivada sob espaçamento convencional entre fileiras. Enquanto a aplicação de MC sozinho e MLE + MC produziu valor máximo de micronaire, resistência da fibra e razão de uniformidade da fibra da cultivar CIM 573 cultivada sob espaçamento convencional entre linhas. Os resultados sugeriram que a aplicação do MLE é uma abordagem possível para aumentar a produtividade do algodão e o uso de MC para aprimorar os atributos de qualidade da fibra no espaçamento convencional entre linhas.

Size-dependent sex allocation in Solanum lycocarpum St. Hil. (Solanaceae) / Alocação de sexo dependente de tamanho em Solanum lycocarpum St. Hil. (Solanaceae)

Resource allocation to reproduction can change depending on size, as predicted by the size-dependent sex allocation. This theory is based on the fact that small individuals will invest in the allocation of sex with lower cost of production, usually male gender. In plants, there are some andromonoecy species, presence of hermaphrodite and male flowers in the same individual. Andromonoecy provides a strategy to optimally allocate resources to male and female function, evolving a reproductive energy-saving strategy. Thus, our objective was to investigate the size-dependent sex allocation in Solanum lycocarpum St. Hil. We tested the hypothesis that plants with larger size will invest in the production of hermaphrodite flowers, because higher individuals have greater availability of resources to invest in more complex structures involving greater energy expenditure. The studied species was S. lycocarpum, an andromonoecious species. From June 2016 to March 2017 the data were collected in 38 individuals, divided in two groups: the larger plant group (n=18; height=3-5 m) and the smaller plant group (n=20; height=1-2 m).Our data show that there was effect of plant size on the flower production and the sexual gender allocation. The larger plants showed more flowers and higher production of hermaphrodite flowers. Furthermore, in the flower scale, we observed allometric relationship among the flower's traits with proportional investments in biomass, anther size and gynoecium size. Our results are in agreement with size-dependent sex allocation theory and andromonoecy hypothesis related to mechanisms for optimal resource allocation to male and female function.

A alocação de recursos para reprodução pode mudar dependendo do tamanho, conforme previsto pela alocação sexual dependente do tamanho. Essa teoria é baseada no fato de que indivíduos pequenos investirão na alocação sexual com menor custo de produção, geralmente do sexo masculino. Nas plantas, existem algumas espécies andromonoicas, presença de hermafrodita e flores masculinas no mesmo indivíduo. A andromonoicia fornece uma estratégia para alocar recursos de maneira ideal às funções masculina e feminina, desenvolvendo uma estratégia reprodutiva de economia de energia. Assim, nosso objetivo foi investigar a alocação sexual dependente do tamanho em Solanum lycocarpum St. Hil. Testamos a hipótese de que plantas de maior tamanho investirão na produção de flores hermafroditas, pois indivíduos mais altos economizam mais disponibilidade de recursos para investir em estruturas mais complexas que envolvem maior gasto de energia. A espécie estudada foi S. lycocarpum, uma espécie andromonoica. De junho de 2016 a março de 2017, os dados foram coletados em 38 indivíduos, divididos em dois grupos: o maior grupo de plantas (n = 18; altura = 3-5 m) e o menor grupo de plantas (n = 20; altura =1-2 m). Nossos dados mostram que houve efeito do tamanho da planta na produção de flores e na alocação sexual. As plantas maiores apresentaram mais flores e maior produção de flores hermafroditas. Além disso, observamos uma relação alométrica entre as características da flor, com investimentos proporcionais em biomassa, tamanho da antera e tamanho do gineceu. Nossos resultados estão de acordo com a teoria de alocação de sexo dependente de tamanho e a hipótese de andromonoicia relacionada a mecanismos para a alocação ótima de recursos para a função masculina e feminina.

Polyhydroxylated eudesmane sesquiterpenoids and sesquiterpenoid glucoside from the flower buds of Tussilago farfara / 中国天然药物

Chemical fractionation of the n-BuOH partition, which was generated from the EtOH extract of the flower buds of Tussilago farfara, afforded a series of polar constituents including four new sesquiterpenoids (1-4), one new sesquiterpenoid glucoside (5) and one known analogue (6) of the eudesmane type, as well as five known quinic acid derivatives (7-11). Structures of the new compounds were unambiguously characterized by detailed spectroscopic analyses, with their absolute configurations being established by X-ray crystallography, electronic circular dichroism (ECD) calculation and induced ECD experiments. The inhibitory effect of all the isolates against LPS-induced NO production in murine RAW264.7 macrophages was evaluated, with isochlorogenic acid A (7) showing significant inhibitory activity.

Chiropractic plus plum-blossom needling combined with flexibility training on attention deficit in mentally-retarded adolescents / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the clinical efficacy of chiropractic plus plum-blossom needling combined with flexibility training for attention deficit in mentally-retarded adolescents.@*METHODS@#Thirty adolescents with mild mental retardation were randomly divided into a medical rehabilitation plus flexibility training group (10 cases, 2 cases dropped off), a flexibility training group (10 cases, 1 case dropped off) and a control group (10 cases). The patients in the flexibility training group received flexibility training, once every other day, 3 times a week for 12 weeks. The patients in the medical rehabilitation plus flexibility training group received chiropractic and plum-blossom needling at Baihui (GV 20) and Sishencong (EX-HN 1) on the basis of the treatment in the flexibility training group, once every other day, 3 times a week for 12 weeks. The patients in the control group did not receive any targeted physical training and medical rehabilitation. Tobii Pro Spectrum eye movement instrument was used to test the attention concentration (T), attention span (M), attention transfer (γ%) and attention distribution (η).@*RESULTS@#Compared before treatment, T and M in the medical rehabilitation plus flexibility training group and the flexibility training group were increased after treatment (P<0.01, P<0.05), and γ% in the medical rehabilitation plus flexibility training group was increased after treatment (P<0.05). The increasing range of T, M and γ% in the medical rehabilitation plus flexibility training group and the flexibility training group was greater than that in the control group (P<0.01), and the increasing range of T and γ% in the medical rehabilitation plus flexibility training group was greater than that in the flexibility training group (P<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#The chiropractic plus plum blossom needling combined with flexibility training can improve the attention deficit in mentally-retarded adolescents.

Analysis and prediction of quality markers of Lonicerae Japonicae Flos / 中国中药杂志

Lonicerae Japonicae Flos, as common Chinese medicine, has been used for thousands of years in the treatment of inflammation and infectious diseases with definite efficacies. The complex composition of Lonicerae Japonicae Flos results in its extensive pharmacological effects, so the assessment of its quality by only a few index components is not comprehensive. Guided by the quality marker(Q-marker), the present study comprehensively analyzed and predicted the quality connotation of Lonicerae Japonicae Flos based on the chemical composition and component transfer, the phylogenetic relationship, chemical composition effectiveness, measurability, and specificity. Chlorogenic acid, isochlorogenic acids A, B, and C, luteoloside, rutin, sweroside, and secoxyloganin were predicted as candidate Q-markers of Lonicerae Japonicae Flos.