Bioassay-guided isolation of leishmanicidal cucurbitacins from Momordica charantia.

Introduction: Leishmaniasis, a neglected tropical parasitic disease, is regarded as a major public health problem worldwide. The first-line drugs for leishmaniasis suffer from limitations related to toxicity and the development of resistance in certain parasitic strains. Therefore, the discovery of alternative treatments for leishmaniasis is imperative, and natural products represent a valuable source of potential therapeutic agents. Methods: The present study aimed at finding new potential antileishmanial agents from the aerial parts of the medicinal plant Momordica charantia. This study was based on bioassay-guided fractionation of the M. charantia extract against promastigotes and amastigotes of Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis. The cytotoxicity of the extract, fractions, and isolated compounds were evaluated against peritoneal murine macrophages by employing the MTT assay for assessing cell metabolic activity. Results: Antileishmanial assay-guided fractionation of the M. charantia extract led to the bioactive cucurbitacin-enriched fraction and the isolation of four bioactive cucurbitacin-type triterpenoids, which exhibited significant antileishmanial activity, with IC50 values between 2.11 and 3.25 µg.mL-1 against promastigote and amastigote forms, low toxicity and selectivity indexes ranging from 8.5 to 17.2. Conclusion: Our findings demonstrate that the fractions and cucurbitacin-type triterpenoids obtained from the aerial parts of M. charantia are promising natural leishmanicidal candidates.

Alternative flours from pulp melons (Cucumis melo L.): Seasonality influence on physical, chemical, technological parameters, and utilization in bakery product.

Fresh vegetables have high water content and low acidity, so drying can extend shelf life, allowing the obtaining of alternative flours for the development of new products. The study aimed to investigate the influence of the melon harvest and off-season on the chemical composition of melon (Cantaloupe, Charentais e Honey Dew) flours and the potential application in products. The flours were evaluated for granulometry, morphology, centesimal composition, lipid and mineral content, total phenolic compound (TPC), antioxidant activity, and technological properties. Cakes containing melon flour were produced to replace wheat flour (0, 25, and 50 %) and evaluated for proximate composition, microbiology, and sensory parameters. Flours were classified as fine-grained (MESH >16), except Charentais off-season (medium - MESH 8-16, and fine-grained - MESH >16), and all presented a rough surface and minimal cell wall ruptures. The harvest homogeneously influenced the humidity, as all the off-season flours showed higher levels [17-22 %] (p < 0.05) due to weather conditions. For TPC, Cantaloupe melon flours from the harvest (CFH) [208 mg/100 g] and off-season [877 mg/100 g] stood out (p < 0.05), and the latter showed greater antioxidant potential [328 µmol TE/g]. Palmitic, linoleic, and linolenic acid stood out in all flours, and potassium for minerals (63-78 %) in the harvest and off-season. The harvest and off-season specifically influenced the flour of each variety in swelling power, water solubility, oil absorption, and emulsifying capacity. For cakes with CFH, no thermotolerant coliforms and Escherichia coli were detected, and the mesophilic count was <1.0 CFU/g. The ash, protein, lipid, and fiber contents increased proportionally to melon flour addition (p < 0.05). Sensory acceptance was high for cakes containing 25 and 50 % of CFH [82.78 % and 82.53 %], and most consumers would likely buy the products (4.04 and 3.99) (p < 0.05). The study contributed to knowledge about the seasonality effect and demonstrated the potential use of melon flour in developing new products.

Importance of Certain Varieties of Cucurbits in Enhancing Health: A Review.

The Cucurbitaceae family is an extensive group of fruits and vegetables that exhibit common characteristics; for example, they are farmed on a global scale and exhibit a wide range of applications, including fresh consumption and use in various food and beverage products. As is frequent, many species or genera share a common name, and this can lead to some confusion when looking for information about a specific variety. In this review, we describe the findings about the biological activity, like antibacterial, antiviral, antidiabetic, and anticancer properties, of two genera of this family, Cucumis and Momordica, which have been characterized and evaluated in several research studies and regarding which information is readily accessible. Those activities rely on the various physicochemical qualities and nutritional content of each variety, including factors like ß-carotene and polyphenols, among others. The goal of this review is to provide a rapid search for each activity examined in the literature, enabling future research on their potential uses in functional foods and nutraceutical supplements.

Micropropagation of Chayote (Sechium edule L.) var. virens levis in RITA®.

Chayote (Sechium edule) belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family, an important family at the nutritional and medicinal levels, that has been covering international markets. Having vigorous and healthy plants is important for producers, who are very interested in cultivating chayote plants obtained from in vitro tissue culture in their orchards. Bioreactors have become an alternative with high potential for plant propagation, showing significant advantages over micropropagation in semisolid medium, by generating more plant material, larger, and more vigorous. In this chapter, a micropropagation protocol of S. edule in RITA® bioreactors is reported.

Morfologia, produção e potencialidades na nutrição animal da melancia forrageira (Citrullus lanatus var. citroides): uma revisão / Morphology, production and potentialities of forage watermelon (Citrullus lanatus var. citroides) for animal nutrition: A review

RESUMO A limitação, disponibilidade irregular e elevado custo de alguns alimentos que são produzidos em outras regiões e transportados para o semiárido brasileiro para serem fornecidos aos animais são alguns dos principais entraves para a atividade pecuária nessa região, resultando na necessidade de alternativas alimentares, especialmente volumosos com qualidade que possam ser utilizados para os rebanhos. Nessa condição, a melancia forrageira (Citrullus lanatus var. citroides) é um recurso forrageiro em potencial, já que se trata de uma planta de cultivo com ciclo rápido, propagação por sementes e que, além de ofertar nutrientes, é fonte de água aos animais, característica muito apreciada em regiões áridas e semiáridas. Assim, o objetivo desta revisão é traçar um quadro teórico de aspectos relacionados à morfologia, produção e potencialidades de uso da melancia forrageira na alimentação de pequenos ruminantes. Uma busca criteriosa de artigos científicos sobre características morfoagronômicas, produtividade e aplicações da melancia forrageira em dietas para ruminantes foi realizada. Embora se tenham poucos estudos que utilizem a melancia forrageira, os conhecimentos empíricos e científicos obtidos através dos anos indicam o seu uso como uma opção viável para uma complementação alimentar dos rebanhos nas épocas secas. Sua rusticidade aliada à sua resistência no período de pós-colheita são qualidades que lhe confere a qualificação de um recurso forrageiro com grande potencial.

ABSTRACT The limitation, irregular availability, and high cost of some foods that are produced in other regions and transported to the Brazilian semi-arid region for animal feeding are some of the main obstacles to the livestock activity in this region, resulting in the need to seek food alternatives, especially voluminous that can be used for cattle herds. In this context, the forage watermelon (Citrullus lanatus var. citroides) is a potential forage resource, as it is a crop plant with a fast cycle, outstanding seed propagation, and a good source of nutrients and water for animals, a feature highly appreciated in arid and semi-arid regions. Consequently, this review sought to outline a theoretical framework of the aspects related to the morphology, production, and potential use of forage watermelon (Citrullus lanatus var. citroides) in feeding small ruminants. For this purpose, we conducted a thorough search of scientific articles on morpho-agronomic characteristics, productivity, and applications of forage watermelon in diets for ruminants. Although few studies report the use of forage watermelon, the empirical and scientific knowledge obtained over the years indicates it is a viable option for supplementary feeding of herds during dry seasons. Its rusticity, combined with its resistance in the post-harvest period, are qualities that give forage watermelon the qualification of a forage resource with great potential.

Avaliação toxicológica e determinação da dl 50 do extrato bruto de luffa operculata cogn. (cucurbitaceae) / Toxicological evaluation and determination of ld 50 of the crude extract of luffa operculata cogn. (cucurbitaceae) / Evaluación toxicológica y determinación de la dl 50 del extracto crudo de luffa operculata cogn. (cucurbitáceas)

As plantas medicinais têm sido bastante utilizadas para o tratamento de várias enfermidades pelo homem. Numerosos compostos bioativos obtidos de plantas medicinais apresentam atividades antimicrobianas, antivirais, anticancerígenas, anti- inflamatórias, antioxidantes e neuromoduladoras. Entretanto, existe um número crescente de estudos científicos que comprovam a toxicidade de plantas medicinais. O fruto da Luffa operculata Cogn. é utilizado popularmente como purgante, emenogogo, expectorante e rinossinusite. Este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar a toxicidade aguda e determinar a dose letal 50% (LD50) do extrato bruto etanólico de Luffa operculata Cogn., por via intraperitoneal em camundongos. No experimento foi utilizado camundongos albinos fêmeas Swiss (Mus Muscullus). Os animais foram divididos em grupos (n=6/grupo), e a toxicidade foi avaliada em duas etapas: preliminar e definitiva. As reações comportamentais relacionadas às doses administradas do extrato de Luffa operculata Cogn. foram taquicardia, taquipneia, movimentos estereotipados e circulares e piloereção. Após essa fase, os animais apresentaram reações depressoras envolvendo apneia e prostração. Além disso, os animais apresentaram outros comportamentos como: contorções abdominais, tônus da musculatura abdominal, espasmos e irritação da conjuntiva. O extrato de Luffa operculata Cogn. apresentou uma DL50 de 3,3 mg/Kg de peso corpóreo, sendo considerada muito tóxica. Como essa planta é largamente usada pela população para fins terapêuticos, alertamos quanto a utilização indiscriminada devido ao alto potencial tóxico.

Medicinal plants have been sed for the treatment of various diseases by man. Numerous bioactive compounds obtained from medicinal plants exhibit antimicrobial, antiviral, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuromodulatory activities. However, the number of scientific studies proving the toxicity of medicinal plants is increasing. The fruit of Luffa operculata Cogn. it is popularly used as a purgative, emmenagogue, expectorant, and rhinosinusitis. This work aimed to evaluate the acute toxicity and determine the lethal dose of 50% (LD50) of the crude ethanolic extract of Luffa operculata Cogn., intraperitoneally. In the experiment, Swiss female albino mice (Mus Muscullus) were used. The animals were divided into groups (n=6/group), and toxicity was evaluated in two steps: preliminary and definitive. Behavioral reactions related to administered doses of Luffa operculata Cogn. were tachycardia, tachypnea, stereotyped, and circular movements and piloerection. After this phase, the animals presented depressive reactions involving apnea and prostration. In addition, the animals showed other behaviors such as abdominal contortions, abdominal muscle tone, spasms, and irritation of the conjunctiva. The extract of Luffa operculata Cogn. presented an LD50 of 3.3 mg/Kg of body weight, being considered very toxic. As this plant is widely used by the population for therapeutic purposes, we warn about its use due to its high toxic potential.

Las plantas medicinales han sido ampliamente utilizadas para el tratamiento de diversas enfermedades por parte del hombre. Numerosos compuestos bioactivos obte- nidos de plantas medicinales exhiben actividades antimicrobianas, antivirales, anticance- rígenas, antiinflamatorias, antioxidantes y neuromoduladoras. Sin embargo, hay un nú- mero creciente de estudios científicos que prueban la toxicidad de las plantas medicinales. El fruto de Luffa operculata Cogn. se utiliza popularmente como purgante, emenogogo, expectorante y rinosinusitis. Este trabajo tuvo como objetivo evaluar la toxicidad aguda y determinar la dosis letal al 50% (DL50) del extracto etanólico crudo de Luffa operculata Cogn., por vía intraperitoneal. En el experimento se utilizaron ratones albinos hembra suizos (Mus Muscullus). Los animales se dividieron en grupos (n=6/grupo) y la toxicidad se evaluó en dos etapas: preliminar y definitiva. Reacciones conductuales relacionadas con las dosis administradas de Luffa operculata Cogn. fueron taquicardia, taquipnea, mo- vimientos estereotipados y circulares y piloerección. Después de esta fase, los animales presentaron reacciones depresivas involucrando apnea y postración. Además, los anima- les mostraron otros comportamientos como: contorsiones abdominales, tono muscular abdominal, espasmos e irritación de la conjuntiva. El extracto de Luffa operculata Cogn. presentó una DL50 de 3,3 mg/Kg de peso corporal, considerándose muy tóxico. Como esta planta es muy utilizada por la población con fines terapéuticos, advertimos contra su uso indiscriminado por su alto potencial tóxico.

Cuantificación de compuestos con potencial bioactivo en Citrullus lanatus, Luffa cylindrica y Sicana odorifera

La sandía vanessa, la luffa y la cassabanana son cucurbitáceas que poseen compuestos con potencial bioactivo, esto es, presencia de compuestos que ejercen efectos benéficos para la salud. En Colombia, estas frutas son desaprovechadas, debido a su escasa popularidad; dar a conocer la información de sus compuestos nutricionales incentiva su aprovechamiento y consumo. El objetivo del presente estudio fue realizar la caracterización fisicoquímica y evaluar el efecto de la liofilización y la extracción asistida por ultrasonido sobre el contenido de vitamina C, polifenoles totales y capacidad antioxidante de las partes de cada fruto. Los desechos generados entre cortezas y semillas son de 28,3 % (sandía), 68,76 % (luffa) y 25,39 % (cassabanana); estos, a su vez, presentaron contenidos de polifenoles totales y capacidad antioxidante mayores que en la pulpa. El tratamiento de liofilización mejoró la extracción % en capacidad antioxidante, vitamina C y polifenoles totales, comparado con las muestras frescas. Por otro lado, tanto la corteza como la pulpa de luffa son una buena fuente de compuestos con capacidad antioxidante, mientras que la sandía y la cassabanana alcanzaron una buena aceptación sensorial, lo cual, se atribuye al contenido de sólidos solubles y el alto contenido de agua, que las hace frutas dulces y refrescantes.

Vanessa watermelon, luffa and cassabanana are cucurbits that have compounds with bioactive potential, that is, compounds that have beneficial effects on health. In Colombia, these fruits are underutilized due to their low popularity; making known the information on their nutritional compounds encourages their use and consumption. The objective of this study was to perform the physicochemical characterization and evaluate the effect of freeze-drying and ultrasound-assisted extraction on the vitamin C content, total polyphenols and antioxidant capacity of the parts of each fruit. The wastes generated between rinds and seeds are 28.3 % (watermelon), 68.76 % (luffa) and 25.39 % (cassabanana), these in turn presented higher total polyphenol contents and antioxidant capacity than in the pulp. The freeze-drying treatment improved the extraction % in antioxidant capacity, vitamin C and total polyphenols compared to fresh samples. On the other hand, both rind and pulp of luffa are a good source of compounds with antioxidant capacity, while watermelon and cassabanana reached a good sensory acceptance, which is attributed to the soluble solids content and the high-water content, which makes them sweet and refreshing fruits.

A Bayesian Analysis of Plant DNA Length Distribution via κ-Statistics.

We report an analysis of the distribution of lengths of plant DNA (exons). Three species of Cucurbitaceae were investigated. In our study, we used two distinct κ distribution functions, namely, κ-Maxwellian and double-κ, to fit the length distributions. To determine which distribution has the best fitting, we made a Bayesian analysis of the models. Furthermore, we filtered the data, removing outliers, through a box plot analysis. Our findings show that the sum of κ-exponentials is the most appropriate to adjust the distribution curves and that the values of the κ parameter do not undergo considerable changes after filtering. Furthermore, for the analyzed species, there is a tendency for the κ parameter to lay within the interval (0.27;0.43).

Selected Species of the Cucurbitaceae Family Used in Mexico for the Treatment of Diabetes Mellitus.

In Mexico, Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a serious health problem, and although the current pharmacological treatments for DM such as insulin and oral hypoglycemics are available, the Mexican population continues to use medicinal plants in the treatment of DM. The antidiabetic properties of the plant species that belong to the Cucurbitaceae family has already been recognized worldwide. Since Mexico is one of the most important centers of diversity of Cucurbitaceae, the present work contributes to the review of the most used species of Cucurbitaceae in the treatment of DM in Mexico. The reviewed species (Cucurbita ficifolia, C. maxima, C. moschata, C. pepo, Ibervillea sonorae, Sechium edule, Citrullus lanatus, Cucumis melo, and C. sativus) revealed that the antidiabetic effects exerted are effective in a number of mechanisms involved in the complex pathogenesis of DM: hypoglycemic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-obesity, protective effects on diverse organs and cells, as well as in the control of dyslipidemias; furthermore, the select species of the Cucurbitaceae family could also be essential components of diets for the control of DM in patients with the disease. Thus, the Cucurbitaceae species selected in the present work represent a source of antidiabetic agents that perhaps establish the bases for novel clinical treatments.

4-Hydroxybenzoic Acid and ß-Sitosterol from Cucurbita ficifolia Act as Insulin Secretagogues, Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor-Gamma Agonists, and Liver Glycogen Storage Promoters: In Vivo, In Vitro, and In Silico Studies.

Insulin secretion and GLUT4 expression are two critical events in glucose regulation. The receptors G-protein-coupled receptor 40 (GPR40) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPARγ) modulate these processes, and they represent potential therapeutic targets for new antidiabetic agent's design. Cucurbita ficifolia fruit is used in traditional medicine for diabetes control. Previous studies demonstrated several effects: a hypoglycemic effect mediated by an insulin secretagogue action, antihyperglycemic effect, and promoting liver glycogen storage. Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects were also reported. Moreover, some of its phytochemicals have been described, including d-chiro-inositol. However, to understand these effects integrally, other active principles should be investigated. The aim was to perform a chemical fractionation guided by bioassay to isolate and identify other compounds from C. ficifolia fruit that explain its hypoglycemic action as insulin secretagogue, its antihyperglycemic effect by PPARγ activation, and on liver glycogen storage. Three different preparations of C. ficifolia were tested in vivo. Ethyl acetate fraction derived from aqueous extract showed antihyperglycemic effect in an oral glucose tolerance test and was further fractioned. The insulin secretagogue action was tested in RINm5F cells. For the PPARγ activation, C2C12 myocytes were treated with the fractions, and GLUT4 mRNA expression was measured. Chemical fractionation resulted in the isolation and identification of ß-sitosterol and 4-hydroxybenzoic acid (4-HBA), which increased insulin secretion, GLUT4, PPARγ, and adiponectin mRNA expression, in addition to an increase in glycogen storage. 4-HBA exhibited an antihyperglycemic effect, while ß-sitosterol showed hypoglycemic effect, confirming the wide antidiabetic related results we found in our in vitro models. An in silico study revealed that 4-HBA and ß-sitosterol have potential as dual agonists on PPARγ and GPR40 receptors. Both compounds should be considered in the development of new antidiabetic drug development.

Momordica charantia L. improves airway hyperresponsiveness and suppresses inflammation in a murine model of allergic asthma.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of a hydroethanolic extract of Momordica charantia L. ("bitter melon", Cucurbitaceae) leaves (MCHA) on ovalbumin (OVA)-induced asthma model. Balb/c mice were sensitized twice and challenged for 4 alternate days with OVA and then treated with MCHA (500 mg/kg) for 7 consecutive days. METHODS: Control groups received treatment with normal saline or dexamethasone (2 mg/kg) on the same day. We assessed in vivo bronchial hyperresponsiveness and ex-vivo inflammation and mucus production in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), lung homogenates, and lung tissue. RESULTS: MCHA significantly improved airway hyperresponsiveness near baseline levels. MCHA administration significantly improved airway and lung inflammation, demonstrated by decreased total and inflammatory cells in BAL, lower levels of IL-5 and IL-13 in lung homogenate, and fewer inflammatory cells in lung tissue. Additionally, MCHA significantly diminished goblet cells in lung tissue. CONCLUSIONS: Administration of a hydroethanolic extract of M. charantia leaves was effective in treating OVA-induced asthma in an animal model.

Siolmatra brasiliensis stem extract ameliorates antioxidant defenses and mitigates glycoxidative stress in mice with high-fat diet-induced obesity.

BACKGROUND: Obesity is accompanied by insulin resistance and glucose intolerance, which favor the onset of complications related to oxidative stress. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects and underlying mechanisms of hydroethanolic extract from Siolmatra brasiliensis stems on insulin resistance, glucose intolerance, advanced glycation end product (AGE) formation, and oxidative stress in mice with induced obesity. METHODS: C57BL-6 J mice were fed a high-fat diet for 14 weeks and treated with 125 or 250 mg/kg S. brasiliensis extract during the last 7 weeks. The study assessed glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity, lipid profile, plasma levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS, biomarkers of oxidative damage), fluorescent AGEs (biomarkers of advanced glycation), and paraoxonase 1 (PON1) activity (antioxidant enzyme). The activities of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) in the liver and kidneys were also investigated. RESULTS: Siolmatra brasiliensis extract had antiobesogenic effects; improved insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance; decreased the total plasma cholesterol levels; decreased the levels of glycoxidative stress biomarkers, including AGEs (plasma, liver, kidneys) and TBARS (liver, kidneys); and also improved endogenous antioxidant defenses by increasing the activities of PON1 (plasma), SOD (kidneys), CAT (liver, kidneys), and GSH-Px (kidneys). CONCLUSION: This study expands on our knowledge about the pharmacological properties of S. brasiliensis and substantiates the potential of this plant species to be used as a complementary therapeutic agent to alleviate the metabolic dysfunctions resulting from dyslipidemia and glycoxidative stress.

In Vitro Antitumor Activity of Endophytic and Rhizosphere Gram-Positive Bacteria from Ibervillea sonorae (S. Watson) Greene against L5178Y-R Lymphoma Cells.

Plant-associated microorganisms represent a potential source of new antitumor compounds. The aim of the present study was to isolate endophytic and rhizosphere Gram-positive bacteria from Ibervillea sonorae and produce extracts with antitumor activity. Methanol and ethyl acetate extracts were obtained from 28 d bacterial fermentation, after which murine L5178Y-R lymphoma cells growth inhibition was evaluated at concentrations ranging from 15.62 µg/mL to 500 µg/mL by the 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide reduction colorimetric assay. IC50 and the selectivity index (SI) were calculated and compared with healthy control human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). Identification of the isolated strains was performed using the 16S ribosomal gene and by MALDI-TOF MS mass spectrometry. The endophytic and rhizosphere bacterial extracts from strains ISE-B22, ISE-B26, ISE-B27, ISS-A01, ISS-A06, and ISS-A16 showed significant (p < 0.05) L5178Y-R cell growth inhibition, compared with an untreated control. The rhizosphere Micromonospora echinospora isolate ISS-A16 showed the highest (90.48%) percentage of lymphoma cells growth inhibition and SI (19.1) for PBMC, whereas the Bacillus subtilis ISE-B26 isolate caused significant (p < 0.01) growth inhibition (84.32%) and a SI of 5.2. Taken together, results of the present study evidenced antitumor effects by I. sonorae endophytic and rhizosphere bacteria culture extracts. Further research will involve the elucidation of the compounds that exert the antitumor activity and their evaluation in pre-clinical studies.

Evaluation of Tarsonemus bilobatus and Podosphaera xanthii as suitable resources for Proprioseiopsis mexicanus in cucurbit systems in the Southeast USA.

Tritrophic relationships involving tarsonemids and predatory phytoseiids are common in a variety of agroecosystems, but due to the wide range of diets in both families, it is necessary to understand what food resources they are consuming to determine potential impact on crops. We investigated a frequent association of cucurbit powdery mildew (Podosphaera xanthii), Tarsonemus bilobatus, and Proprioseiopsis mexicanus in watermelon and pumpkin fields to determine whether P. mexicanus is consuming either or both of the other organisms. We also examined developmental and reproductive capability of P. mexicanus on these diets. If P. mexicanus is an effective predator of T. bilobatus, it may also be useful in controlling pest tarsonemids, such as broad mites. Proprioseiopsis mexicanus either starved or escaped from arenas rather than consume P. xanthii. When consuming T. bilobatus, P. mexicanus females developed from larva to adult in ca. 3 days. On this diet, the preoviposition period was ca. 2 days and P. mexicanus laid 1.7 eggs/day. These results are comparable to some of the higher-quality non-prey resources investigated in the literature. Starved female P. mexicanus consumed 6.5 T. bilobatus of mixed stages in 1 h. This study provides support for further research into the importance of non-pest tarsonemids as a resource to maintain the presence of generalist predatory mites as an early-intervention natural enemy. Further work should examine the efficacy of P. mexicanus as a natural enemy of economically important pest tarsonemids.

Anti-Tumor and Anti-Inflammatory Activity In Vivo of Apodanthera congestiflora Cogn. (Cucurbitaceae).

This work aimed to carry out a study of Apodanthera congestiflora by investigating its chemical composition and pharmacological potential. From the dichloromethane phase (Dic-Ac) of the A. congestiflora stems, three compounds were identified: cayaponoside C5b (Ac-1), cabenoside C (Ac-2) and fevicordin C2 glucoside (Ac-3), being last identified for the first time as a natural product. These compounds were obtained by chromatographic methods and their structures were elucidated by means of spectroscopic analysis of IR, MS and NMR. In the quantification of Dic-Ac, it was possible to observe the presence of 7% of cayaponoside C5b. Dic-Ac showed significant toxicity for in vivo tests, with macroscopic and biochemical changes. The anti-inflammatory activity of Dic-Ac was investigated using the paw edema model. A decrease in inflammatory signs was observed in the first 5 h and the most effective dose in reducing edema with was 7.5 mg kg-1 (66.6%). Anti-tumor activity of Dic-Ac was evaluated by Ehrlich's carcinoma model, which showed inhibition rate of 78.46% at 15 mg kg-1 dosage. The phytochemical investigation, together with the biological tests carried out in this study, demonstrated that A. congestiflora is a promising species in the search for therapeutics, since it contains substances with high pharmacological potential in its composition.

Suitability of food resources for Proprioseiopsis mexicanus, a potentially important natural enemy in eastern USA agroecosystems.

The phytoseiid Proprioseiopsis mexicanus has been collected from a wide range of plants in the western hemisphere, including many cucurbit agroecosystems in South Carolina, USA. Our aim was to characterize the lifestyle of P. mexicanus and its potential as a natural enemy of Tetranychus urticae, a common pest in cucurbits. We determined developmental time, pre-oviposition time, and fecundity of females on pollen-only diets from a commercial Typha spp. supplement source, Citrullus lanatus, Cucurbita maxima, Cucurbita moschata, Cucurbita pepo, Delosperma cooperi, Trifolium incarnatum, and on T. urticae and a combination of T. urticae and Typha spp. pollen. Female development time differed based on diet-development was fastest on C. lanatus and D. cooperi diets (ca. 3 days) and slowest on Typha pollen diet (ca. 5 days). Pre-oviposition time was shorter for females fed C. lanatus and T. incarnatum (1.6 days) and longest when fed Typha pollen (3.1 days). Citrullus lanatus, T. incarnatum, and D. cooperi pollen diets resulted in more eggs/day compared to other diets. Cucurbita moschata pollen resulted in the lowest oviposition rate (0.69 eggs/day). Because these pollens varied in size, we examined pollen size as a factor in developmental and reproductive success. With the exception of Typha pollen, small-pollen diets (C. lanatus, D. cooperi, and T. incarnatum) resulted in faster development, shorter pre-oviposition time, and higher fecundity than large-pollen diets (Cucurbita spp.). We concluded that P. mexicanus is a generalist predator that may require pollen for survival and reproduction, but alone this species may not be an effective predator of T. urticae.

Antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities of aqueous extracts of Cucurbita pepo L / Atividades antimicrobiana e antibiofilme de extratos aquosos de Cucurbita pepo L

Introduction: Cucurbita pepo L. is an herbaceous plant belonging to the family Cucurbitaceae. The species is popularly used in different countries for the treatment of diabetes and parasitic diseases. Objective: This study evaluated the antimicrobial and antibiofilm potential of aqueous extracts of leaves and seeds of C. pepo. Methodology: the extracts were tested in vitro against strains of Streptococcus pyogenes, Candida albicans and Candida krusei. The antimicrobial activity was performed by the microtiter method and the antibiofilm activity by the violet crystal method. Results: the results demonstrated that the extracts tested showed antibacterial and antibiofilm actions against S. pyogenes, but it was not possible to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). The extracts inhibited the growth of C. albicans and C. krusei with MIC of 0.03 mg/mL. The antibiofilm activity of these species did not present either a dose dependence relationship or a synergistic effect when associated with the antifungal Fluconazole®. Conclusion: although there are indications of antimicrobial and inhibitory action in the formation of biofilm, additional studies are necessary to characterize the possible pharmacological effects of the analyzed specie.

Introdução: Cucurbita pepo L. é uma planta herbácea pertencente à família Cucurbitaceae. A espécie é usada popularmente em diferentes países para tratamento de diabetes e parasitoses. Objetivo: esse trabalho objetivou avaliar o potencial antimicrobiano e antibiofilme de extratos aquosos de folhas e sementes de C. pepo. Metodologia: os extratos foram testados in vitro contra cepas de Streptococcus pyogenes, Candida albicans e Candida krusei. A atividade antimicrobiana foi realizada pelo método de microtitulação e a atividade antibiofilme pelo método de cristal de violeta. Resultados: os resultados demonstraram que os extratos testados apresentaram ação contra S. pyogenes, tanto em relação ao controle do crescimento bacteriano como inibição de formação de biofilme, mas não foi possível determinar a concentração inibitória mínima (CIM). Os extratos inibiram o crescimento C. albicans e C. krusei com CIM de 0.03 mg/mL. A atividade antibiofilme dessas espécies não apresentou relação de dose dependência nem de efeito sinérgico quando associado ao antifúngico Fluconazol®. Conclusão: Embora haja indicativos de ação antimicrobiana e inibitória na formação de biofilme, são necessários estudos adicionais para a caracterização dos possíveis efeitos farmacológicos da espécie analisada.

Quantitative analysis of cucurbitane-type triterpenes in Ibervillea sonorae extracts: Relationship study with their antiproliferative activity.

Ibervillea sonorae (Cucurbitaceae) is a Mexican plant commonly used by local population for its hypoglycaemic activity. Root extracts showed also other different biological activities, including antimicrobial, antifungal, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. Main components of this plant are cucurbitacins, steroid-like triterpenes that possess, among others, antiproliferative activity. In previous studies, kinoin A and cucurbitacin IIb extracted from I. sonorae showed antiproliferative and apoptotic effects against different cancer cell lines. Based on all the above, a RP-HPLC method was developed and validated for the quantitative analysis of these two compounds in I. sonorae root extracts obtained with different extraction conditions. In the present study, the quantitative analysis of kinoin B diglycoside in all the extracts was performed as well. As a result, no direct correlation was found between the antiproliferative activity (IC50) against human cervical cancer cell line (HeLa) and the composition of the above three compounds. Only a slight statically significant negative correlation was observed between IC50s and the content of kinoin A (r = 0.29, p = 0.12), meaning that, at least in part, this is the main compound among the three, contributing to the antiproliferative activity on the real samples. Accordingly, a synergistic effect by the phytocomplex components can account for the observed antiproliferative activity of the methanolic extracts towards HeLa cells.

Efecto de la endocría sobre habilidad combinatoria del rendimiento y calidad en zapallo ( Cucurbita moschata Duchesne) / Inbreeding effect in combinatorial ability of yield and quality on butternut squash ( Cucurbita moschata Duchesne)

RESUMEN El zapallo Cucurbita moschata Duchesne es una hortaliza para diversos procesos culinarios y agroindustriales, por su color, sabor y textura; sin embargo, estas características cambian dependiendo del cultivar. Con base en 6 progenitores, 15 híbridos F1, sin incluir los recíprocos, se estudió el efecto de la endocría en la habilidad combinatoria (HC), de caracteres asociados con el rendimiento y la calidad del fruto del zapallo, en dos localidades, Candelaria y Buga, Valle del Cauca, Colombia. Se usó cruzamientos dialélicos y progenitores con diferente grado de endocría (S0xS0, S1xS1 y S2xS2). Se utilizó el método 2 y modelo I, propuesto por Griffing y el análisis de Hallauer & Miranda, para evaluar la habilidad combinatoria general (HCG) y específica (HCE) del rendimiento y la calidad del fruto, con fines agroindustriales. Todos los caracteres evaluados variaron entre generaciones de endocría. Se detectó interacción entre generación de endocría por localidad para todos los caracteres (P<0,01), con excepción de almidón (AL) y caroteno total (CT) en fruto. La HCG y HCE no se ajustaron a un patrón de comportamiento, debido a la variación de los progenitores en la susceptibilidad a la endocría. Los progenitores con HCG altamente significativa (P<0,01) para producción, fueron: 79S0, 79S1, 80S0 y 34S1, en Candelaria y 79S0, 79S1, 79S2, 34S0, 6S0, 6S1, 2S1 y 2S2, en Buga. Los mejores híbridos con alta HCE y alto rendimiento y calidad, para la localidad Candelaria, fueron: 2x28-S0, 2x80-S0, 28x80-S0 y 80x34 y para la localidad Buga: 2x6-S1, 80x34-S1, 2x80-S2 y 79x34-S2.

ABSTRACT Butternut squash, Cucubita moschata Duchesne, is a vegetable used for various culinary and agro-industrial processes due to its colour, flavour and texture; however, these characteristics change depending on the cultivar. Based on 6 parents, 15 F1 hybrids, not including reciprocals, the effect of inbreeding on the combinatorial ability (HC) of characters associated with the performance and quality of Butternut squash fruit was studied; in two locations, Candelaria and Buga, Valle del Cauca-Colombia. Diallel and progenitor crosses with different degrees of inbreeding (S0xS0, S1xS1 and S2xS2) were used. Method 2 and model I proposed by Griffing and the Hallauer & Miranda analysis were applied to assess the general combinatorial (HCG) and specific combinatorial ability (HCE) of the yield and quality of the fruit, for agroindustrial purposes. All evaluated characters varied between inbreeding generations. Interaction between inbreeding generation by locality was detected for all characters (P <0.01), with the exception of starch (AL) and total carotene (CT) in fruit. The HCG and HCE did not adjust to expected behaviour pattern, due to the variation of parents to inbreeding susceptibility. The parents with highly significant HCG (P <0.01) for production were 79S0, 79S1, 80S0 y 34S1 in Candelaria and 79S0, 79S1, 79S2, 34S0, 6S0, 6S1, 2S1 y 2S2 to Buga. The best hybrids with high HCE and high performance and quality, for Candelaria locality were: 2x28-S0, 2x80-S0, 28x80-S0 and 80x34 and for locality Buga: 2x6-S1, 80x34-S1, 2x80-S2 and 79x34-S2.

Phylogeographic and population genetic analyses of Cucurbita moschata reveal divergence of two mitochondrial lineages linked to an elevational gradient.

PREMISE: Domestication usually involves local adaptation to environmental conditions. Cucurbita species are a promising model for studying these processes. Cucurbita moschata is the third major crop in the genus because of its economic value and because it displays high landrace diversity, but research about its genetic diversity, population structure, and phylogeography is limited. We aimed at understanding how geography and elevation shape the distribution of genetic diversity in C. moschata landraces in Mexico. METHODS: We sampled fruits from 24 localities throughout Mexico. We assessed 11 nuclear microsatellite loci, one mtDNA region, and three cpDNA regions but found no variation in cpDNA. We explored genetic structure with cluster analysis, and phylogeographic relationships with haplotype network analysis. RESULTS: Mitochondrial genetic diversity was high, and nuclear genetic differentiation among localities was intermediate compared to other domesticated Cucurbita. We found high levels of inbreeding. We recovered two mitochondrial lineages: highland (associated with the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt) and lowland. Nuclear microsatellites show that localities from the Yucatan Peninsula constitute a well-differentiated group. CONCLUSIONS: Mexico is an area of high diversity for C. moschata, and these landraces represent important plant genetic resources. In Mexico this species is characterized by divergence processes linked to an elevational gradient, which could be related to adaptation and may be of value for applications in agriculture. The Isthmus of Tehuantepec may be a partial barrier to gene flow. Morphological variation, agricultural management, and cultural differences may be related to this pattern of genetic structure, but further studies are needed.