Leaf and Decomposition of Litter in the Riparian Forests Manantial de Cañaverales, Guajira, Colombia / Caída y descomposición de hojarasca en los bosques ribereños del manantial de cañaverales, guajira, colombia

RESUMEN Se midieron los flujos de materia orgánica aportados por la hojarasca al manantial de Cañaverales (La Guajira, Colombia), durante un período de seis meses (seco y lluvioso). La caída mensual fue de 0,17 t-ha-1mes-1, que extrapolada a un año representó 2,08 t-ha-1-año-1, valor intermedio a los registrados en otros bosques secos tropicales. Se evidenció una correlación significativa entre la caída de hojarasca y la precipitación. Los aportes orgánicos fueron dominados por la fracción foliar (66,61 %), seguidos del material reproductivo (15,92 %), el material leñoso (11,12 %) y misceláneo (6,36 %). La mayor caída de hojarasca foliar se registró para Prosopisjuliflora (1,31 t-ha-1-año1) y la menor caída la presentó Brosimum alicastrum (0,46 t-ha^-año1). Las especies P. juliflora y Anacardium excelsum presentaron los mayores aportes de hojarasca foliar, lo que sugiere que podrían ser especies potenciales para su inclusión en actividades de restauración de zonas con corrientes de agua. P. juliflora fue la especie que presentó mayores tasas de descomposición de hojarasca (0,242 año-1), mientras que la Sterculia apetala fue la más persistente (0,079 año1). Los resultados indican que la caída de hojarasca está condicionada por la composición del bosque y las variaciones climáticas.

ABSTRACT We analyzed the contribution of particulate organic matter to the spring Cañaverales (La Guajira, Colombia) over a period of six months (dry and rainy). The monthly litterfall was 0.17 t-ha-1-month-1, which represented 2.08 t-ha-1-year-1 when extrapolated to one year. This is an intermediate value with respect to others reported from tropical dry forests. The correlation between litter production and precipitation was statistically significant. Litterfall was dominated by the leaf fraction (66.61 %), followed by the reproductive material (15.92 %), the woody (11.12 %) and miscellaneous materials (6.36 %). The highest production of leaf litter was registered for Prosopis juliflora (1.31 t-ha-1 year1) and the lowest for Brosimum alicastrum (0.46 t-ha^year1). P. juliflora and Anacardium excelsum, presented the major contributions of foliar leaf litter, what suggests they could be potential species for inclusion in restoration activities in riparian areas. P. juliflora was the species that presented the highest rates of litter decomposition (0.242 year1), while the Sterculia apetala was the most persistent (0.079 year-1). The results indicate that litterfall and litter decomposition rates depend on forest composition and climatic variations.

Ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, and pharmacology of Sterculia lychnophora Hance (Pangdahai) / 中国天然药物

The matured, ripen, and dried seeds of Scaphium affine (Mast.) Pierre, known as Pangdahai (PDH) in Chinese and recorded as Sterculia lychnophora Hance (scientific synonym) in the 2015 edition of the Chinese Pharmacopeia, have been widely used in traditional Chinese medicine, Japanese folk medicine, Vietnamese traditional medicine, traditional Thai medicine and Indian traditional medicine. The decoctions of the seeds are used as a remedy for pharyngitis, laryngitis, constipation, cough, menorrhagia, and pain management. This review is aimed at fully collating and presenting a systematic and comprehensive overview of the ethnopharmacological uses of PDH, its phytochemical constituents, pharmacological activities, and toxicological profile. Additionally, this review aims to reveal the therapeutic potentials as well as the important scientific gaps in the research of this traditional medicine that need to be filled so as to provide a comprehensive data for its development, utilization and application. From our extensive review of literatures, the teas (water decoctions) of PDH, which largely contain very polar constituents like polysaccharides, are used in the treatment of constipation, pharyngitis, and pain traditionally and ethno-medicinally and their use have been justified by pharmacological studies carried out on the polysaccharides and aqueous extracts. Additionally, this review has revealed that the organic (ethanolic and methanolic) extracts of PDH possess diverse pharmacological (anti-inflammatory, anti-ulcer, anti-pyretic, anti-microbial, anti-obesity and analgesic) effects, yet have received little attention. Most studies on PDH have been focused on the polysaccharides (large molecular weight metabolites), resulting in a major scientific gap in our knowledge on PDH. Furthermore, this review has also shown that few studies have been done in the areas of quality control, pharmacokinetics, and toxicological studies of PDH.

Ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, and pharmacology of Sterculia lychnophora Hance (Pangdahai) / 中国天然药物

The matured, ripen, and dried seeds of Scaphium affine (Mast.) Pierre, known as Pangdahai (PDH) in Chinese and recorded as Sterculia lychnophora Hance (scientific synonym) in the 2015 edition of the Chinese Pharmacopeia, have been widely used in traditional Chinese medicine, Japanese folk medicine, Vietnamese traditional medicine, traditional Thai medicine and Indian traditional medicine. The decoctions of the seeds are used as a remedy for pharyngitis, laryngitis, constipation, cough, menorrhagia, and pain management. This review is aimed at fully collating and presenting a systematic and comprehensive overview of the ethnopharmacological uses of PDH, its phytochemical constituents, pharmacological activities, and toxicological profile. Additionally, this review aims to reveal the therapeutic potentials as well as the important scientific gaps in the research of this traditional medicine that need to be filled so as to provide a comprehensive data for its development, utilization and application. From our extensive review of literatures, the teas (water decoctions) of PDH, which largely contain very polar constituents like polysaccharides, are used in the treatment of constipation, pharyngitis, and pain traditionally and ethno-medicinally and their use have been justified by pharmacological studies carried out on the polysaccharides and aqueous extracts. Additionally, this review has revealed that the organic (ethanolic and methanolic) extracts of PDH possess diverse pharmacological (anti-inflammatory, anti-ulcer, anti-pyretic, anti-microbial, anti-obesity and analgesic) effects, yet have received little attention. Most studies on PDH have been focused on the polysaccharides (large molecular weight metabolites), resulting in a major scientific gap in our knowledge on PDH. Furthermore, this review has also shown that few studies have been done in the areas of quality control, pharmacokinetics, and toxicological studies of PDH.

Drying Kinetics of Gum Karaya (Sterculia urens) Using Convective Air Dryer.

The present study was aimed to investigate the drying kinetics of gum karaya (S. urens). Three grades of gum (I, II, III) were dried using a cabinet-type convective dryer. Particle size equivalent to US Sieve size-6 and air temperatures of 50, 60 and 70°C were used for the drying experiments. The experimental drying data was fitted to Page’s model to predict the drying kinetics. Investigations with constant air velocity revealed that for grade- I gum, drying rate constant (k) varied between 0.2744-0.3742 (h-1), for grade-II gum between 0.3208-0.4439 (h-1) and for grade-III gum between 0.4098-0.4639 (h-1). The dimensionless number (n) was always more than 1 and minimum value of the Coefficient of determination (R2) was 0.967. Increase in air temperature enhanced drying process and drying rate. For each particular temperature, the values of drying rate constant were minimum for grade-I, maximum for grade-III and intermediate for grade-II gum.

In vitro evaluation of antimicrobial, cytotoxic and antioxidant activities of Crude methanolic extract and other fractions of Sterculia villosa barks.

Crude methanolic extract and other fractions of Sterculia villosa barks were investigated for their antimicrobial, cytotoxic and antioxidant activity in this study. Antimicrobial activity of different extract was evaluated by measuring the diameter of the zone of inhibition against gram-positive & gram-negative bacteria and fungi using Ciprofloxacin as a standard antimicrobial agent. Free radical scavenging activity for the same extracts was determined by DPPH assay where BHT was used as positive control and Cytotoxicity was determined by Brine Shrimp nauplii where the minimum inhibitory concentration was assessed by serial dilution technique. Mild antimicrobial activity was found; crude methanolic extract showed effect against all the organisms, while other extracts showed effect for some of the organisms. The LC50 value for cytotoxicity assay was found 0.3, 2.95, 3.76, 35.33 & 55.98 μg/ml for CSV, PESV, CTSV, DCMSV & EASV extracts respectively where LC50 value of Vincristine Sulfate was 0.544 μg/ml. Ethyl acetate fraction showed good antioxidant properties and except Pet Ether fraction all other extracts showed considerable antioxidant activity. The bark of Sterculia villosa can be considered for further research for finding potent compounds of antioxidant, antimicrobial and cytotoxic activity.

Anthelmintic and diuretic activity of bark extracts of Sterculia villosa.

The study was evaluated for diuretic and anthelmintic activity of the ethanolic extract of the barks of Sterculia villosa Roxb, (Sterculiaceae). The diuretic assay was done on both healthy wistar rats and rabbits. The dose used for the diuretic assay was 100, 200 & 400mg/kg of the extract. Compared to the control and standard drug furosemide (20mg/kg), the result of diuretic study showed dose dependent activity of the extracts. The result also indicated higher excretion of Na+, K+ & Cl- in urine. Pheretima posthuma, adult earthworms were used for anthelmintic activity and the results of anthelmintic assessment at the dose of 50, 100 & 200mg/ml showed significant activity compared with control and standard drug albendazole (10mg/ml).

Anti-inflammatory and antidiabetic activity of ethanolic extracts of Sterculia villosa barks on Albino Wistar rats.

Ethanolic extract of Sterculia villosa barks were studied for anti-inflammatory and antidiabetic activity. The acute oral toxicity showed that the ethanolic extract of S. villosa barks was safe until 4000mg/kg body weight and no macroscopical organ abnormalities were observed in acute oral models. The investigations on Albino (Wistar) rats at dosage of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg of ethanolic extract of Sterculia villosa barks were made for aniti-inflammatory action by using carrageenan induced paw edema and cotton pellete granuloma technique. The results of the study suggested significant dose dependent activity of extracts as compared to control group for both acute and chronic inflammation. Ethanolic extract also showed significant antidiabetic activity at dose dependent manner compared to diabetic untreated group.

Composição química e antinutrientes presentes nas amêndoas cruas e torradas de chicha (Sterculia striata A. St. Hill & Naudin) / Chemical composition and antinutrients of raw and roasted chicha almonds (Sterculia striata A. St. Hill & Naudin)

OBJETIVO: Analisar os componentes químicos e antinutrientes antes e após torrefação da amêndoa de chichá da espécie Sterculia striata A. St. Hill & Naudin, oriunda de Corrente, Piauí. MÉTODOS: Foram realizadas análises: centesimal, perfil de ácidos graxos, antinutrientes (taninos, inibidor de tripsina, inibidor de amilase, lectina, fitatos), compostos fenólicos e atividade de peroxidase e polifenoloxidase. RESULTADOS: Os resultados da análise centesimal da amêndoa crua e torrada foram: lipídeos de 25,1 por cento e 26,2 por cento, carboidratos de 44,4 por cento e 45,6 por cento, proteína de 20,8 por cento e 22,1 por cento, cinzas de 3,7 por cento e 4,0 por cento, fibra alimentar total de 12,3 por cento e 10,4 por cento, respectivamente. Nas amêndoas cruas e torradas não foram encontradas lectinas, taninos, inibidores de tripsina e alfa-amilase. Verificou-se a ausência de peroxidase e polifenoloxidase e conteúdo de compostos fenólicos de 107,7mg/100g e 108,9mg/100g para amêndoas cruas e torradas, respectivamente. CONCLUSÃO: A torrefação realizada a 205ºC por 11 minutos diminuiu o teor de fitatos de 10,6mg/g para 5,5mg/g. Por fim, as amêndoas de chichá, cruas e torradas, apresentam alto teor de proteínas, fibras, ácidos graxos monoinsaturados e saturados.

OBJECTIVE: This study analyzed the chemical components and antinutrients present in raw and roasted chichá almonds from the species Sterculia striata A. St. Hill & Naudin harvested in Corrente, Piauí. METHODS: The following were determined: percent composition, fatty acid profile, antinutrients (tannins, trypsin inhibitor, amylase inhibitor, lectin, phytates), phenolic compounds and peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase activities. RESULTS: The percentage composition of the raw and lipid almonds were respectively: 25.1 percent and 26.2 percent fats, 44.4 percent and 45.6 percent carbohydrates, 20.8 percent and 22.1 percent protein, 3.7 percent and 4.0 percent ashes, and 12.3 percent and 10.4 percent total fiber. Neither raw nor roasted almonds contained lectins, tannins, trypsin inhibitors, alpha-amylase, peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase. Contents of phenolic compounds were 107.7mg/100g and 108.9mg/100 for the raw and roasted almonds, respectively. CONCLUSION: Roasting at 205ºC for 11 minutes reduced phytate content from 10.6mg/g to 5.5mg/g. Raw and roasted chichá almonds have a high content of proteins, fibers and monounsaturated and saturated fatty acids.

Comportamento de Sterculia pruriens (Aubl) Schum. em floresta tropical manejada em Moju-PA / Behavior of Sterculia pruriens (Aubl) Schum. Sterculiaceae (axixá), in a managed tropical forest, Moju - PA

Foi avaliado o crescimento diamétrico de uma população de Sterculia pruriens (Aublet) Schumann (axixá) após exploração florestal seletiva, na Estação Experimental da Embrapa Amazônia Oriental, Moju, Pará, localizada entre as coordenadas geográficas 02º 07' 30" e 2º 12' 06" de Latitude Sul e 48º 46' 57" e 48º 48' 30" de Longitude Oeste. Em cada uma das nove clareiras selecionadas foram instaladas faixas de 10m x 50m, começando na bordadura da clareira para o interior da floresta, nas direções Norte, Sul, Este e Oeste. Cada faixa foi dividida em parcelas quadradas de 10m de lado, que foram numeradas de 1 a 5 da borda para o interior da floresta e constituem o nível II de abordagem. Foi analisado a distribuição diamétrica da espécie com amplitude de DAP e" 5cm em intervalos de 5cm de diâmetro, até o valor máximo de 66,8cm encontrado no início do monitoramento. Na área de estudo foi encontrado densidade elevada da espécie, logo após a exploração florestal e após três anos desta. Ao final do estudo, foi observado um acréscimo de 9,8% na densidade dos indivíduos acima de 5cm de diâmetro. O crescimento diamétrico da espécie em três anos de observação foi de 0,37cm. Embora baixo ele é crescente, justificado pela abertura do dossel. A análise da distribuição diamétrica mostra que a abertura do dossel foi benéfica para o incremento diamétrico da espécie, aumentando o número de indivíduos em cinco das oito classes de diâmetro analisadas, mantendo-se ainda como uma distribuição decrescente.

This study aims to evaluate the diameter growth of the Sterculia pruriens (Aublet) Schumann Sterculiaceae (axixá) population, after selective logging. The study was carried out in the Embrapa Amazônia Oriental Experimental Station in the Moju municipality, State of Pará - Brazil, situated between the coordinates 02º 07' 30" and 2º 12' 06" of South Latitude and 48º 46' 57" and 48º 48' 30" of West Longitude. In each of nine selected gaps, 10m x 50m strips were installed, starting from the gap boarder into the forest interior, in North, South, East and West directions. Each strip was divided into 10m square plots, numbered from 1 to 5, constituting sampling level II. We analyzed the species diameter distribution with an amplitude of more or equal to 5cm dbh, up to the maximum value of 66,8cm which was that measured in the beginning of the monitoring. In the study area, we found high density of Sterculia pruriens individuals immediately and three years after the forest exploitation. In the end of the study, we observed a 9.8% increase in density for individuals above 5cm dbh. The diameter growth for the species in three years of monitoring was 0.27cm. Although low, it is increasing, because of the canopy opening. The diameter distribution analysis shows that the opening was beneficial for the diameter increment of the species, increasing the number of individuals in five of the eight diameter classes analyzed; however, it remains a decreasing distribution.

Constituintes químicos, fenóis totais e atividade antioxidante de Sterculia striata St. Hil. et Naudin / Chemical constituents, total phenolics and antioxidant activity of Sterculia striata St. Hil. et Naudin

A investigação fitoquímica das cascas do caule de Sterculia striata St. Hil. et Naudin, através de métodos cromatográficos, conduziu ao isolamento dos esteróides sitosterol, estigmasterol e sitosterol-3-O-ß-D-glicopiranosídeo, além de quatro triterpenóides pentacíclicos, o lupeol, 3-ß-O-acil lupeol, lupenona e ácido betulínico. As estruturas desses compostos foram identificadas por análise dos espectros de RMN ¹H e 13C e comparações com dados da literatura. Para determinação do teor de fenóis totais do extrato etanólico de S. striata utilizou-se o reativo Folin Ciocalteu, enquanto na avaliação da atividade antioxidante empregou-se o radical livre DPPH. Este é o primeiro trabalho descrevendo o estudo químico com as cascas do caule desta espécie.

The phytochemical investigation of the stem bark of Sterculia striata St. Hil. et Naudin by chromatographic methods led to the isolation of sitosterol, stigmasterol and sitosterol-3-O-ß-D-glucopyranoside, besides pentacyclic triterpenoids, lupeol, 3-ß-O-acyl-lupeol, lupenone and betulinic acid. The structures of these compounds were identified by ¹H and 13C NMR spectral data analysis and comparison with literature data. For determining of the phenolic content of the etanolic extract of Sterculia striata we used the Folin Ciocalteu reagent, and for the evaluation of antioxidant activity, we utilized the DPPH free radical. This is the first work reporting the chemical study with the stem bark of this species.

Uma nova Sterculia L. (Sterculiaceae) para a Amazônia

Discovered in the Reserva A. Ducke, Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil, Sterculia duckei Taylor ex J. A. C. Silva et . F. Silva, nov. sp., shows an affinity with S. pruriens differing from it by presenting stellate hairs and glands, scattered on its flowers from the apex down to the base of the calyx, lacking glandular hairs, and is recorded in the states of Amazonas and Pará. This species is described and illustrated.

Descoberta na Reserva A. Ducke, Manaus, Amazonas, Sterculia duckei Taylor ex J. A. C. Silva et . F. Silva, nov. sp., mostra afinidade com S. pruriens, diferindo dela, principalmente, por apresentar em suas flores pêlos estrelados e glândulas distribuídos desde o ápice até a base do cálice, pêlos glandulares ausentes. É registrada para os Estados do Amazonas e Pará.