What triggers phenological events in plants under seasonal environments? A study with phylogenetically related plant species in sympatry / O que desencadeia eventos fenológicos em plantas em ambientes sazonais? Um estudo com espécies de plantas filogeneticamente relacionadas e em simpatria

In this study, we evaluated variation in vegetative and reproductive phenological events of four phylogenetically related plant species subjected to a seasonal environment. To this aim, we sampled 15 individuals of each plant species every fortnight for one year, between January and December of 2017. To assess when a given phenophase occurred more intensely in the population, the Fournier intensity index was used and the synchrony of individuals of the sample in a given phenological event was estimated using the activity index. The Rayleigh (Z) test was used to determine whether the phenological events have seasonal distribution. The relationship of abiotic factors (photoperiod, precipitation, relative humidity and temperature) with the intensity of phenophases was evaluated for each plant species using generalized linear models (GLMs). The phenophases of all plants showed a seasonal distribution pattern, as well as variation in synchrony of phenophases and specific sets of abiotic factors significantly influenced their phenophases. New leaves, for example, were produced throughout the seasons, with intense leaf fall in the dry season. Flowering periods, on the other hand, did not overlap. Indeed, species exhibited sequential flowering and asynchronous flowering among individuals. Our results suggest that the phenological patterns of four sympatric plant species are directly linked to climatic variables, but different abiotic factors affected different phenophases.

Neste estudo, avaliamos a variação nos eventos fenológicos vegetativos e reprodutivos de quatro espécies de plantas filogeneticamente relacionadas submetidas a um ambiente sazonal. Para isso, amostramos 15 indivíduos de cada espécie quinzenalmente, pelo período de um ano, entre janeiro e dezembro de 2017. Para avaliar quando uma determinada fenofase ocorreu de modo mais intenso na população foi utilizado o índice de intensidade de Fournier e a sincronia dos indivíduos da amostra em determinado evento fenológico foi estimada utilizando-se o índice de atividade. O teste de Rayleigh (Z) foi usado para determinar se os eventos fenológicos têm distribuição sazonal. A relação dos fatores abióticos (fotoperíodo, precipitação, temperatura e umidade relativa) com a intensidade das fenofases foi avaliada para cada espécie de planta usando modelos lineares generalizados (GLMs). As fenofases de todas as plantas apresentaram um padrão de distribuição sazonal, bem como variação na sincronia das fenofases e conjuntos específicos de fatores abióticos influenciaram significativamente suas fenofases. Folhas novas, por exemplo, foram produzidas ao longo das estações, com intensa queda de folhas na estação seca. Os períodos de floração, por outro lado, não se sobrepuseram. De fato, as espécies exibiram floração sequencial e floração assíncrona entre os indivíduos. Nossos resultados sugerem que os padrões fenológicos das quatro espécies de plantas simpátricas estão diretamente ligados às variáveis climáticas, mas diferentes fatores abióticos afetaram diferentes fenofases.

What triggers phenological events in plants under seasonal environments? A study with phylogenetically related plant species in sympatry

Abstract In this study, we evaluated variation in vegetative and reproductive phenological events of four phylogenetically related plant species subjected to a seasonal environment. To this aim, we sampled 15 individuals of each plant species every fortnight for one year, between January and December of 2017. To assess when a given phenophase occurred more intensely in the population, the Fournier intensity index was used and the synchrony of individuals of the sample in a given phenological event was estimated using the activity index. The Rayleigh (Z) test was used to determine whether the phenological events have seasonal distribution. The relationship of abiotic factors (photoperiod, precipitation, relative humidity and temperature) with the intensity of phenophases was evaluated for each plant species using generalized linear models (GLMs). The phenophases of all plants showed a seasonal distribution pattern, as well as variation in synchrony of phenophases and specific sets of abiotic factors significantly influenced their phenophases. New leaves, for example, were produced throughout the seasons, with intense leaf fall in the dry season. Flowering periods, on the other hand, did not overlap. Indeed, species exhibited sequential flowering and asynchronous flowering among individuals. Our results suggest that the phenological patterns of four sympatric plant species are directly linked to climatic variables, but different abiotic factors affected different phenophases.

Resumo Neste estudo, avaliamos a variação nos eventos fenológicos vegetativos e reprodutivos de quatro espécies de plantas filogeneticamente relacionadas submetidas a um ambiente sazonal. Para isso, amostramos 15 indivíduos de cada espécie quinzenalmente, pelo período de um ano, entre janeiro e dezembro de 2017. Para avaliar quando uma determinada fenofase ocorreu de modo mais intenso na população foi utilizado o índice de intensidade de Fournier e a sincronia dos indivíduos da amostra em determinado evento fenológico foi estimada utilizando-se o índice de atividade. O teste de Rayleigh (Z) foi usado para determinar se os eventos fenológicos têm distribuição sazonal. A relação dos fatores abióticos (fotoperíodo, precipitação, temperatura e umidade relativa) com a intensidade das fenofases foi avaliada para cada espécie de planta usando modelos lineares generalizados (GLMs). As fenofases de todas as plantas apresentaram um padrão de distribuição sazonal, bem como variação na sincronia das fenofases e conjuntos específicos de fatores abióticos influenciaram significativamente suas fenofases. Folhas novas, por exemplo, foram produzidas ao longo das estações, com intensa queda de folhas na estação seca. Os períodos de floração, por outro lado, não se sobrepuseram. De fato, as espécies exibiram floração sequencial e floração assíncrona entre os indivíduos. Nossos resultados sugerem que os padrões fenológicos das quatro espécies de plantas simpátricas estão diretamente ligados às variáveis climáticas, mas diferentes fatores abióticos afetaram diferentes fenofases.

A new species of Hiptage (Malpighiaceae) from northwest Yunnan (China) based on molecular and morphological data.

Hiptagestenopterum K.Tan & M.X.Ren, a new species of Hiptage collected from a deep valley close to the Nujiang Gorge, northwest of Yunnan Province, China, is described and illustrated based on molecular and morphological data. The new species was found isolated in an entrenched valley of the Laowo River, a tributary of the Nujiang River, at the northern edge of the distribution range of the genus. H.stenopterum shares some morphological similarities with the narrowly endemic H.incurvatum and H.lushuiensis. However, H.stenopterum is easily distinguished by its oblanceolate lateral wing of winged mericarp, 10 to 12 calyx glands, and branchlets densely rusty tomentose. The new species status is also supported by molecular phylogenetic analyses based on nuclear ribosome internal transcribed spacer (nrITS), which showed distinct systematic boundaries from the most morphologically similar species, H.incurvatum and their morphological relatives, H.lushuiensis.

Are the floral morphology and anatomy of Galphimia australis, an atypical neotropical Malpighiaceae, associated to a new pollination syndrome?

The flowers of the species of Malpighiaceae in the Neotropical Region are relatively uniform in their morphology due to their dependence on oil-collecting bees as their main pollinators. However, many species of the genus Galphimia seem to have acquired a different floral syndrome, lacking markedly zygomorphic flowers and developed elaiophores in the calyx. Likewise, these species present anthers with great development, probably in response to the selection of pollinators that collect pollen. Galphimia australis incorporated some of these traits but also retained some residual characteristics typical of species pollinated by oil bees. This leads to many questions on how these flowers ensure their pollination. Inquiring about the reduction or modification of these characteristics allows us to understand how G. australis achieves a different pollination syndrome. In this research, we carry out a detailed morphological and anatomical study of the flowers and pollen grain devolvement of G. australis and floral visitors were observed and captured. Results were analyzed in order to determine how this species changed from the oil-floral syndrome, typical of neotropical Malpighiaceae, to one syndrome with pollen as the main reward.

Novel Neuroprotective Potential of Bunchosia armeniaca (Cav.) DC against Lipopolysaccharide Induced Alzheimer's Disease in Mice.

Bunchosia armeniaca (Cav.) DC (Malpighiaceae) is one of the well-known traditionally used remedies worldwide. This study aims to explore the leaves' metabolome via Quadrupole-Time-of-Flight-Liquid-Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry and to investigate the neuroprotective effect of leaves using lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced Alzheimer's disease model. Mice were administered LPS (0.25 mg/kg/day; intraperitoneal) as well as methanolic extract (BME), dichloromethane (BDMF), and butanol (BBF) fractions (each 200 mg/kg/day; oral) for one week. BME and BBF improved behavioral activity on the Y maze test, decreased brain content of inflammatory markers such as nuclear factor kappa B and interleukin 1 beta, and prevented the elevation of cytochrome P450 2E1, and glial fibrillary acidic protein compared to the LPS-administered group. Histopathological examination of several brain parts confirmed the neuroprotective effect of the tested extracts. In addition, BBF exhibited higher activity in all tested in vitro antioxidant and acetylcholinesterase inhibition assays. Metabolic profiling offered tentative identification of 88 metabolites, including mainly flavonoids, phenolic acids, and coumarins. Several detected metabolites, such as quercetin, apigenin, baicalin, vitexin, and resveratrol, had previously known neuroprotective effects. The current study highlighted the possible novel potential of B. armeniaca in preventing memory impairment, possibly through its antioxidant effect and inhibition of acetylcholinesterase, inflammatory and oxidative stress mediators.

Galloylquinic acid derivatives from Byrsonima fagifolia leaf extract and potential antifungal activity.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Byrsonima fagifolia Niedenzu (Malpighiaceae) and other Byrsonima species are popularly employed in Brazilian traditional medicine in the form of preparations as cicatrizing, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial. AIM OF THE STUDY: To characterize the phytochemical profile of the hydromethanolic extract obtained from B. fagifolia leaves (BF extract) and to evaluate the toxicity and the antifungal activity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The compounds from BF extract were isolated by HPLC and the structures were elucidated based on extensive analyses of 1D and 2D NMR spectra (HMQC, HMBC and COSY) data. The antifungal effect was determined by the broth microdilution method and the toxicity was evaluated on erythrocytes from sheep's blood and Galleria mellonella larvae. RESULTS: Phytochemical investigation of the BF extract led to the isolation and characterization of pyrogallol, n-butyl gallate, 3,4-di-O-galloylquinic acid, 3,5-di-O-galloylquinic acid, 3,4,5-tri-O-galloylquinic acid, and 1,3,4,5-tetra-O-galloylquinic acid. The BF extract showed high content of galloylquinic acid derivatives reaching more than twenty-times the quercetin derivatives content, according to the quantification by HPLC. These galloylquinic acid derivatives, obtained during this study, and quercetin derivatives, previously isolated, were submitted to the antifungal assays. The BF extract inhibited yeast growth mainly against Cryptococcus spp., at concentrations of 1-16 µg/mL, comparable to isolated compounds galloylquinic acid derivatives. However, the quercetin derivatives as well as quinic acid, gallic acid, and methyl gallate showed lower antifungal effect compared with galloylquinic derivatives. In addition, the BF extract had no hemolytic effect and no toxicity on G. mellonella. CONCLUSION: The phytochemical analysis revealed that galloylquinic acid derivatives are the major compounds in the leaves of B. fagifolia and they are associated to anti-cryptococcal activity and presented reduced toxicity.

Phloem wedges in Malpighiaceae: origin, structure, diversification, and systematic relevance.

BACKGROUND: Phloem wedges furrowing the wood are one of the most notorious, widespread types of cambial variants in Angiosperms. Many lianas in Malpighiaceae show these variations in the arrangement of the secondary tissues. Here we explore their ontogeny, structure, and evolution in Malpighiaceae, where phloem wedges appeared multiple times, showing how they have contributed to the anatomical diversification of the family. Using a broad sampling with 143 species from 50 genera, covering all major lineages in Malpighiaceae, we crossed data from ontogeny, stem anatomy, and phylogenetic comparative methods to determine ontogenetic trajectories, final anatomical architectures, and evolution within the most recent phylogeny for the family. RESULTS: Phloem wedges appeared exclusively in lianas and disappeared in shrub lineages nested within liana lineages. At the onset of development, the vascular cambium is regular, producing secondary tissues homogeneously across its girth, but soon, portions of the cambium in between the leaf insertions switch their activity producing less wood and more phloem, initially generating phloem arcs, which progress into phloem wedges. In the formation of these wedges, two ontogenetic trajectories were found, one that maintains the continuity of the cambium, and another where the cambium gets dissected. Phloem wedges frequently remain as the main cambial variant in several lineages, while in others there are additional steps toward more complex cambial variants, such as fissured stems, or included phloem wedges, the latter a novel type of interxylary phloem first described for the family. CONCLUSIONS: Phloem wedges evolved exclusively in lianas, with two different ontogenies explaining the 10 independent origins of phloem wedges in Malpighiaceae. The presence of phloem wedges has favored the evolution of even more complex cambial variants such as fissured stems and interxylary phloem.

Structural diversity of elaiophores in Argentine species of Malpighiaceae: morphology, anatomy, and interaction with pollinators.

Most Neotropical Malpighiaceae species are characterized by having zygomorphic flowers and oil glands in the sepals called elaiophores; these floral characteristics are associated with a particular pollination syndrome through oil-collecting bees. This work proposes a study about the structural characteristics of elaiophores in 18 species of Malpighiaceae present in Argentina. The main objectives are to describe the morphology and anatomy of the elaiophores, to detect variation in the number of glands, to compare similarities or differences in elaiophores of species belonging to different lineages, and to know about the potential pollinators and their association with the structural traits of the elaiophores. The morphology and the anatomy were studied using traditional methods of scanning electron and bright-field microscopes. Field trips were carried out to capture oil-collecting bee species on flowers, in different natural populations. Different measurements were taken in the flowers, elaiophores, and oil-collecting bees and were statistically analyzed. Although elaiophores showed a common pattern, some particularities in number, morphology, and anatomy were detected; few of these seem to be restricted to some groups of species phylogenetically related. As regards pollinators, a positive tendency was observed between the size of the flowers, elaiophores, and oil-collecting bees. However, the thickness of the cuticle presented a negative association with the size of the elaiophore and consequently with the floral diameter, which could be presumably related to the foraging behavior and/or the structure of oil-collecting apparatus of the bee species.

Anti-HIV and Anti-Candidal Effects of Methanolic Extract from Heteropterys brachiata.

Nowadays, the HIV pandemic is far from controlled. HIV+/AIDS patients show a serious risk of developing resistance to HIV antiretroviral drugs and to be orally colonized by albicans and non-albicans Candida strains resistant to antifungals. As a consequence, new drugs that possess anti-candidal and anti-HIV effects would represent an alternative in the comprehensive treatment of HIV+/AIDS patients. The present study evaluates the possible anti-HIV and anti-Candida effects of a methanolic extract from Heteropterys brachiata (Hb MeOH), an American tropical plant. The anti-HIV effect of Hb MeOH was tested using a non-radioactive colorimetric method (Lenti RT® Activity Assay; Cavidi Tech) that uses reverse transcriptase of HIV-1 enzyme as enzymatic target. The anti-candidal effect of HbMeOH extract was evaluated by following a standardized test protocol of microdilution for yeast using the Candida albicans strain ATCC® 90028. The Hb MeOH at 1 mg/mL concentration shows 38.5% RT-HIV inhibition, while Hb MeOH at 10 mg/mL concentration produced 98% C. albicans growth inhibition. Our findings show that the Hb MeOH possesses a strong anti-candidal activity and moderate anti-HIV effect and suggests that the plant extract could be considered as a potential candidate for HIV/AIDS treatment.

Glaucacetalin E and galphimidin B from Galphimia glauca and their anxiolytic activity.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Galphimia glauca is a Mexican medicinal plant used to treat anxiety, fear, phobia and stress as it possesses sedative properties which produce a calming effect. Although some chemical and pharmacological studies have already been carried out on G. glauca, there are still new chemical entities from this plant whose anxiolytic activity should be established. AIM OF THE STUDY: To validate the use of G. glauca growing in Cuernavaca, Morelos, as an anti-stress agent, through the purification and structural identification of its extracts' chemical constituents; the analysis of the biogenetic relationship of its chemical compounds, and its biological evaluation to demonstrate its traditional use as anxiolytic agents. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The structures of all isolated compounds were established based on their spectroscopic and spectrometric data. The structure of compound 2 was corroborated through X-Ray. The anxiolytic and sedative-like activities were assessed by the open-field, hole-board and exploration cylinder test. RESULTS: The nor-triterpenes glaucacetalin E (1) and galphimidin B (2) were isolated for the first time along with seven other known compounds, one of them galphimidin (3), from the CHCl3 fraction of the aerial parts of Galphimia glauca. The biogenesis of the natural nor-triterpenes isolated from Galphimia glauca is delineated for the first time starting from the taraxasteryl cation. Oral administration of CHCl3 fraction and 1-3 compounds produced significant attenuation in the anxiety-response in cylinder activity, decrease in the ambulatory activity and in head dipping when compared to the vehicle. However, only the extract enhanced the pentobarbital-induced hypnosis. Diazepam was used as a positive control. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that G. glauca growing in Cuernavaca, Morelos, exerts anxiolytic-like activity due to the presence of the nor-triterpenes 1-3. These results reinforce the potential use of this species in the treatment of anxiety.

Structure and development of anthers and connective glands in two species of Stigmaphyllon (Malpighiaceae): are heteromorphic anthers related to division of labour?

Heteranthery has been largely associated with a division of labour between anthers. Most species of Stigmaphyllon (Malpighiaceae) present heteromorphic anthers and glandular connectives of different development; yet, the functional meaning of this condition has never been explored in the genus. The aims of this study were to provide a comparative description of the structure and development of anthers and their connective glands in S. bonariense and S. jatrophifolium and to assess the existence of division of functions. Natural populations were selected to collect flowers at different stages. Anthers were subjected to morpho-anatomical, histochemical and pollen viability studies. For both species, abundance of pollen grains and size of anther and their connective glands were estimated. Three types of stamens are recognized: stamen with small, intermediate and large anthers. Anthers of both species exhibit a similar glandular tissue in the connective, and the histochemical analysis revealed that it produce a mucilagous secretion. The pattern of anther wall development, stainability and release of pollen grains was identical among anther types. For both species, we observed a positive relationship between anther size and abundance of pollen grains, but an inverse relationship between area of anthers and size (area and thickness) of connective glands in small anthers vs. intermediate and large ones. Our results evidence a specialization of anthers related to division of labour between heteromorphic stamens in two species of Stigmaphyllon. Thus, one set of anthers produces large amount of pollen grains for pollination and another sets large quantities of mucilage, which would improve pollen transport (better adherence to pollinator body and dampness maintenance). Nevertheless, heteranthery in both Stigmaphyllon species would represent a transitional state towards the division of labour rather than a stable state.

Aspidoptoids A-D: Four New Diterpenoids from Aspidopterys obcordata Vine.

Four new diterpenoids, named aspidoptoids A-D (1-4), together with two known analogues (5-6) were isolated from Aspidopterys obcordata vine. Aspidoptoids A-B (1-2) are the first examples of phenylethylene-bearing 20-nor-diterpenoids of which aspidoptoid B (2) possesses a rare 3,10-oxybridge. Their structures and absolute configuration were determined by extensive spectroscopic analyses (IR, HRESIMS, 1D and 2D NMR) and electronic circular dichroism (ECD) calculation. In addition, all the isolates were evaluated for their cytotoxic activities and inhibitory effects on the nitric oxide (NO) production.

Complete plastome sequence of Aspidopterys obcordata (Malpighiaceae), a traditional Dai medicinal plant from Xishuangbanna, Yunnan, China.

We reported the first complete plastid genome of Aspidopterys (Malpighiaceae) in this study. The complete plastome of Aspidopterys obcordata is 160,453 bp in length with a base composition of A (31.4%), G (18.5%), C (18.2%), and T (32.0%). Structurally, the genome contains two short inverted repeats (26,905 bp for each), which are separated by a large single copy region (88,491 bp) and a small single copy region (18,152 bp). The plastome contained 113 unique genes, including 79 protein-coding genes, 30 transfer RNAs, and 4 ribosomal RNAs. Phylogenetic analyses showed that A. obcordata was sister to Bunchosia argentea in the monophyletic Malpighiaceae. This study provided a high-quality plastome sequence for future studies in Aspidopterys, as well as Malpighiaceae.

Further galphimines from a new population of Galphimia glauca.

Both DNA barcoding and phylogenetic data of the studied botanical material suggested the existence a new population of Galphimia glauca. Their leaves afforded three new nor-3,4-seco-friedelanes named galphimines M-O, together with known galphimines D, E, G, and I. Galphimines M and N possess bicyclic orthoacetates which are the first examples of orthoesters found in the Malpighiaceae family, while galphimine O has a 27,20-δ-lactone moiety. The structures elucidation followed from spectroscopic means and the absolute configuration followed from single crystal X-ray diffraction analyses. Tests for antibacterial and antifungal activities of galphimines N and M showed no promising effects.

Biogeography and early diversification of Tapinotaspidini oil-bees support presence of Paleocene savannas in South America.

Worldwide distributed tropical savannas were established only in the Miocene, with climatic cooling and rise of C4 grasses. However, there is evidence for an earlier presence of savanna-like vegetation in southern parts of South America. Here we investigated the biogeographic history of a clade of solitary bees which have endemic groups in areas covered by savannas and other types of open vegetation as well as forested areas. We hypothesized that these bees originated in savanna-like biomes and that shifts to forested areas and floral host shifts increased species diversification along their evolutionary history. We reconstructed a comprehensive phylogeny for Tapinotaspidini bees based majorly on original DNA sequences. We then used macroevolutionary tools to estimate ancestral range area and reconstructed ancestral habitat (open versus forested) and host plant association to analyze the effects of shifts in vegetation type and flower hosts on their diversification. Tapinotaspidini bees originated in the Paleocene and in a savanna-type, Cerrado-like, which is reinforced by reconstruction of open vegetation as the most probable ancestral area, thus bringing additional evidence to a much earlier origin of this vegetation type in South America. Shifts to forested areas occurred at least three times in a period of 30 Ma and were responsible for slight increases in diversification rates. Malpighiaceae is the ancestral floral host; host broadening occurred only in the Miocene and at least in three occasions. Host shifts, i.e. from Malpighiaceae to other oil families, occurred in the Eocene and Miocene. Both host broadening and host shifts did not significantly alter diversification rates, however exploitation of other oil sources were important in occupying new habitats. The link between biomes and host plant shifts and changes in diversification rate brings us additional insights into the evolution of bees and associated flora in South America.

Leaf and stem micromorphology of Byrsonima sericea DC. by light and scanning electron microscopy.

Micromorphological studies were carried out using multiple microscopic techniques on the leaves and stem bark of Byrsonima sericea DC. (Malpighiaceae), a species popularly known as "murici" and used medicinally, in order to identify both qualitative and quantitative features of leaf and stem anatomy and histochemistry as differential parameters to support both the quality control of its ethnodrugs and the taxonomy of the genus. The study was conducted using traditional techniques of plant anatomy, histochemical tests, and the stomatal index (SI). Byrsonima sericea has hypostomatic leaves, anomocytic stomata, and its epidermal walls are anticlinal and straight on the adaxial and curved on the abaxial faces. T-shaped trichomes were observed mainly on the abaxial surface. The leaf epidermis showed waxes syntopism on both surfaces, with the occurrence of different crystalloid forms on a single phylloplane. The mesophyll is dorsiventral, with 3-4 collateral vascular bundles. Phenolic compounds, starch, and proteins were identified in the petiole and stem. The SI was 14.5 ± 0.53% (p < .05), but did not showed significant variations. A set of characters were found to be distinctive for the studied species, however, constituting parameters that could be used to separate B. sericea from other species of the genus.

Carotenoids, sugars, ascorbic acid, total phenolics, and antioxidant activity of murici from Brazilian Cerrado during refrigerated storage / Carotenoides, açúcares, ácido ascórbico, fenólicos totais e atividade antioxidante de murici do Cerrado brasileiro durante armazenamento refrigerado

ABSTRACT: Native fruits are economically important to small producers, and they are a important part of the diet of several communities. Therefore, postharvest studies of these fruits are essential. In addition, research involving their chemical composition can identify substances that add potential value to the fruits, especially from a nutritional and medicinal standpoint. This study characterized the fruits of the muricizeiro shrub (Byrsonima crassifolia, Malpighiaceae), which were harvested from native plants on private properties and stored for 16 days at a mean temperature of 12 °C. The fruits were evaluated during storage for: 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity, ascorbic acid content, phenolics and carotenoids total, carotenoids profile, glucose, fructose and sucrose contents. Overall, the temperature that the fruits were storage at was effective at maintaining the quality of the fruit. However, the ascorbic acid content of the fruits did decrease during the storage period. Results showed that the fruits had a high antioxidant capacity, possibly because of the presence of phenolic compounds and carotenoids. It is also important to highlight that this fruit is source of vitamin A, owing to the high concentration of β-carotene.

RESUMO: Frutas nativas são economicamente importantes para pequenos produtores, e são uma parte importante da dieta de várias comunidades. Portanto, estudos pós-colheita desses frutos são essenciais. Além disso, pesquisas envolvendo sua composição química podem identificar substâncias que agregam valor potencial às frutas, principalmente do ponto de vista nutricional e medicinal. Este estudo caracterizou os frutos do arbusto muricizeiro (Byrsonima crassifolia, Malpighiaceae), que foram colhidos de plantas nativas em propriedades particulares e armazenados por 16 dias em temperatura média de 12 °C. Os frutos foram avaliados durante o armazenamento em vista da: atividade de eliminação de radicais 2,2-difenil-1-picril-hidrazil (DPPH), conteúdo de ácido ascórbico, fenólicos e carotenoides totais, perfil de carotenoides, conteúdo de glicose, frutose e sacarose. No geral, a temperatura em que os frutos foram armazenados foi eficaz para manter a qualidade do fruto. No entanto, o teor de ácido ascórbico dos frutos diminuiu durante o período de armazenamento. Os resultados mostraram que os frutos apresentaram alta capacidade antioxidante, possivelmente pela presença de compostos fenólicos e carotenoides. Também é importante destacar que esta fruta é fonte de vitamina A, devido à alta concentração de β-caroteno.

Two new species of Hiptage (Malpighiaceae) from Yunnan, Southwest of China.

Hiptagepauciflora Y.H. Tan & Bin Yang and Hiptageferruginea Y.H. Tan & Bin Yang, two new species of Malpighiaceae from Yunnan, South-western China are here described and illustrated. Morphologically, H.pauciflora Y.H. Tan & Bin Yang is similar to H.benghalensis (L.) Kurz and H.multiflora F.N. Wei; H.ferruginea Y.H. Tan & Bin Yang is similar to H.calcicola Sirirugsa. The major differences amongst these species are outlined and discussed. A diagnostic key to the two new species of Hiptage and their closely related species is provided.

Pharmacological interaction of Galphimia glauca extract and natural galphimines with Ketamine and Haloperidol on different behavioral tests.

Due to the high prevalence of psychiatric disorders and the prevalent side effects produced by the antipsychotic drugs available, it is necessary to search for new therapeutic options. Galphimia glauca has been used for many years in Mexican traditional medicine for treating mental diseases. From this plant, some compounds, denominated galphimines, have been discovered and have shown to possess the ability of modifying the frequency of discharge of dopaminergic neurons in the Ventral tegmental area. The objective of the present work was to evaluate the effect produced by the G. glauca extract, a Galphimine rich fraction (GRF), as well as the pure galphimines (G-A, G-B, and G-E) on behavioral models in mice. Products obtained from G. glauca were evaluated in the Haloperidol-induced catalepsy test and in the acute schizophrenia-like symptoms-induced with Ketamine (KET) in mice. Catalepsy was evaluated through the bar test, and schizophrenia-like symptoms, by means of the Open Field Test (OFT), Passive Avoidance Test (PAT), and the Forced Swimming Test (FST). The methanolic extract from G. glauca, GRF, and the pure galphimines were able to interact with the dopaminergic pathway and modify the behavioral response such as to potentiate the cataleptic effect induced with Haloperidol and to inhibit the behavior induced by KET in mice exposed to OFT, and FST. Moreover, the G. glauca extract and GRF were capable of blocking the cognitive decline that was induced with KET in mice (evaluated by PAT). Based on these results, it is possible to assume that part of the effect of G. glauca is due to the interaction of Galphimines with the dopaminergic and glutamatergic systems in vivo. It can be concluded that the products obtained from G. glauca potentiate the cataleptic effect induced with Haloperidol and show a protector effect on some of the symptoms generated by KET in mice (KET is capable of provoking halucinations in humans and psychosis-like behaviour in mice). With this basis, the metanolic extract from G. glauca, and the GRF are capable of blocking positive and cognitive symptoms associated with psychosis induced by KET. In addition, it could be suggested that the galphimines are responsible for the inhibition of the positive symptoms observed.

Nutraceutical potential of Byrsonima cydoniifolia fruits based on chemical composition, anti-inflammatory, and antihyperalgesic activities.

In recent years, the fruits of native Brazilian plant species with anti-inflammatory property have gained prominence due to their properties comparable to traditional medicines. This study aimed to chemically characterize and evaluate the anti-inflammatory and antihyperalgesic activity of Byrsonima cydoniifolia fruit, which is widely used to manufacture ice cream and jellies. Our results revealed that the fruit exhibits flavonoid derivatives and stilbenes, as trans-piceatannol and resveratrol, as main secondary metabolites. In mice, the hydroethanolic extract of fruit reduced the edema, migration of polymorphonuclear leukocytes into the peritoneal cavity, as well as abdominal writhings. The results demonstrated, for the first time, the presence of stilbenoids in the Byrsonima genus and the anti-inflammatory and antihyperalgesic effect of Byrsonima cydoniifolia fruits, supporting its potential as a nutraceutical food.