bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Alkyl- and Alkenylresorcinols of Wheat Grains and their Chemotaxonomic Significance
Authors: Zarnowski Robert , Suzuki Yoshikatsu , Pietr J.
Published: February 2015

Resorcinolic lipid contents and homologue compositions in extracts isolated from soft winter, soft spring and hard (durum) wheat grains were evaluated by both instrumental and chromatography means. Resorcinol concentrations determined in wheat were diverse and varied in samples harvested within two consecutive vegetative years, whereas their homologue profiles were found to be rather invariable. The predominant alkylresorcinols identified in wheat grains were saturated 1,3-dihydroxy-5-n-heneicosylbenzene and 1,3-dihydroxy-5-nnonadecylbenzene. 1,3-Dihydroxy-5-n-heptadecylbenzene and 1,3-dihydroxy-5-n-tricosylbenzene were also determined, whereas 1,3-dihydroxy-5-n-pentadecylbenzene and 1,3-dihydroxy- 5-n-pentacosylbenzene were present in these extracts only in spurious amounts. Furthermore, our results show that alk(en)ylresorcinols may be useful as chemotaxonomic markers for a distinction between soft and hard wheat plants. Cluster analysis with Ward’s amalgamation algorithm and five different distance linkage types clearly discriminated particular wheats into species- and cultivar-specific clusters, whereas the use of principal component analysis allowed us to specify, which of the variables analysed were decisive. This approach may be useful for both plant breeders and taxonomists to classify wheat species/ cultivars.
Microbial Transformations of α-Santonin
Authors: Ata Athar , Nachtigall Jason A.
Published: February 2015

Fungal biotransformations of α-santonin (1) were conducted with Mucor plumbeus (ATCC 4740), Cunninghamella bainieri (ATCC 9244), Cunninghamella echinulata (ATCC 9245), Curvularia lunata (ATCC 12017) and Rhizopus stolonifer (ATCC 10404). Rhizopus stolonifer (ATCC 10404) metabolized compound 1 to afford 3,4-epoxy-α-santonin (2) and 4,5-dihydro- α-santonin (3) while Cunninghamella bainieri (ATCC 9244), Cunninghamella echinulata (ATCC 9245) and Mucor plumbeus (ATCC 4740) were capable of metabolizing compound 1 to give a reported metabolite, 1,2-dihydro-α-santonin (4). The structures of these transformed metabolites were established with the aid of extensive spectroscopic studies. These fungi regiospecifically reduced the carbon-carbon double bond in ring A of α-santonin.
Seasonal Variation of Kaurenoic Acid, a Hypoglycemic Diterpene Present in Wedelia paludosa (Acmela brasiliensis) (Asteraceae)
Authors: Bresciania Louisiane Faccio V. , Yunes Rosendo Augusto , Bürger Cristiani , De Oliveira Luis Eduardo , Bóf Kauê Leal , Cechinel-Filho Valdir
Published: February 2015

We evaluated the variation of the concentration of kaurenoic acid (1), which is a bioactive diterpene, in leaves, flowers, stems and roots from Wedelia paludosa (Acmela brasiliensis) for different seasons using the HRGC/FID method. The results indicated that the concentration of 1 is higher in the roots and stems during the autumn. The pharmacological results suggested that kaurenoic acid is responsible, at least in part, for the hypoglycemic potential detected in this plant.
Anti-ulcerogenic Lignans from Taxus baccata L.
Authors: Gurbuz Ilhan , Erdemoglu Nurgun , Yesilada Erdem , Sener Bilge
Published: February 2015

Four lignan type compounds, lariciresinol, taxiresinol, isolariciresinol and 3-demethyl-isolariciresinol, were isolated from the heartwood of Taxus baccata L. (Taxaceae) growing in Turkey through chromatographic techniques. In vivo anti-ulcerogenic potency of these compounds was investigated on ethanol-induced ulcerogenesis model in rats at two different doses, 50 and 100 mg/kg. All compounds were shown to possess significant anti-ulcerogenic activity at both doses. However, the effect of taxiresinol was the most prominent.
Anti-inflammatory Constituents of Mortonia greggii Gray
Authors: Arciniegas Amira , Apan Ma. Teresa Ramírez , Pérez-Castorena Ana L. , Vivar Alfonso Romo de
Published: February 2015

A new phytochemical study of Mortonia greggii (Celastraceae) afforded four friedelan derivatives (1-4), three lupanes (5-7), retusine (8), two esterified polyhydroxyagarofurans (9-10), mortonin C (11) and photomortonin C (12). The anti-inflammatory activity on carrageenan and 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate induced models of inflammation, as well as the ability to inhibit the nitric oxide (NO) produced by lipopolysaccharide-stimulated mouse peritoneal macrophages were evaluated for the main metabolites. Our results showed that the friedelan dehydrocanophyllic acid methyl ester (1) exhibits an anti-inflammatory effect which could be related to an inhibition of prostaglandin and NO production. The activity of lupeol (5), 29-hydroxylupeol (6) and 29-hydroxylupenone (7) might be involved with the prostanoid synthesis. The presence of the hydroxy groups in 6 appears to be important for activity. The edema inhibition capacity of retusine (8) could be related to a reduction of the prostaglandin production. The agarofuran derivative 10 is an NO inhibitor whose activity is probably not involved in the synthesis of prostaglandins.
The Antimicrobial Activity of Extracts of the Lichen Cladonia foliacea and Its (–)-Usnic Acid, Atranorin, and Fumarprotocetraric Acid Constituents
Authors: Yılmaz Meral , Türk Ayşen Özdemir , Tay Turgay , Kıvanç Merih
Published: February 2015

The antimicrobial activity of the chloroform, diethyl ether, acetone, petroleum ether, and ethanol extracts of the lichen Cladonia foliacea and its (-)-usnic acid, atranorin, and fumarprotocetraric acid constituents against 9 bacteria and fungi has been investigated. The extracts and pure compounds alone were found active against the same bacteria and the same yeasts. Bacillus cereus, Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus faecalis, Proteus vulgaris, Listeria monocytogenes, Aeromonas hydrophila, Candida albicans, and Candida glabrata growth were inhibited. In addition, the MICs of the extracts, (-)-usnic acid, atranorin and fumarprotocetraric acid were determined.
Analysis of the Labial Gland Secretions of the Male Bumble Bee Bombus perplexus Cresson (Hymenoptera: Apidae) from North America
Authors: Bertsch Andreas , Schweer Horst , Titze Andreas
Published: February 2015

The labial gland secretions from males of the bumble bee Bombus (Pyrobombus) perplexus Cresson were analysed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) in the electron impact and positive ion chemical ionization mode. The major compound of the complex mixture of alkenols, alkenals, fatty acids, hydrocarbons, wax type esters and steroids is 3,7,11,15-tetramethyl-2,6,10-hexadecatrien-1-ol (geranylcitronellol), considerable amounts of hexadecan-1-ol and Z-9-hexadecen-1-ol were also found. All alcohols were present as esters of the detected acids. In older samples both the acids and the alcohols sometimes could not be detected in the GC; therefore, the possibility to check the detected acid-alcohol pattern by interpreting the wax type ester peaks is very instructive. Moreover, the labial gland contains a rich mixture of mono- and di-unsaturated straight chain hydrocarbons. The similarity in composition of the labial glands of the North American B. (Pyrobombus) perplexus with the Eurasian species B. (Pyrobombus) hypnorum corroborates the assumption that the two species are conspecific. The likely supposition that the hydrocarbons could play an essential role in the chemical communication in bumble bees is discussed.
Fatty Acid and Tocochromanol Patterns of Some Salvia L. species
Authors: Bagci Eyup , Vural Mecit , Dirmenci Tuncay , Bruehl Ludger , Aitzetmüllerd Kurt
Published: February 2015

In the course of our investigations of new sources of higher plant lipids, seed fatty acid compositions and the tocochromanol contents of Salvia bracteata, S. euphratica var. euphratica, S. aucherii var. canascens, S. cryptantha, S. staminea, S. limbata, S. virgata, S. hypargeia, S. halophylla, S. syriaca and S. cilicica were investigated using GLC and HPLC systems. Some of the species are endemic to Turkey. All the Salvia sp. showed the same pattern of fatty acids. Linoleic, linolenic and oleic acid were found as the abundant components. Tocochromanol derivatives of the seed oil showed differences between Salvia species. γ-Tocopherol was the abundant component in most of the seed oils except of S. cilicica. The total tocopherol contents of the seed oils were determined to be more than the total of tocotrienols.
5-n-Alkylresorcinols from Grains of Winter Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.)
Authors: Zarnowski Robert , Suzuki Yoshikatsu
Published: February 2015

The resorcinolic lipid content and homologue composition of winter barley grains harvested at two field locations were evaluated. Depending on the crop location, the predominant alkylresorcinols identified were 1,3-dihydroxy-5-n-heneicosylbenzene or 1,3-dihydroxy- 5-n-pentacosylbenzene. Both resorcinol concentration and their homologue profiles were diverse in samples harvested at different fields indicating a prevailing role of the environment upon the alkylresorcinol biosynthesis in cereals.
The Oil of Adenanthera pavonina L. Seeds and its Emulsions
Authors: Zarnowski Robert , Jaromin Anna , Certik Milan , Czabany Tibor , Fontaine Joël , Jakubik Tibor , Iqbal Mohamed C. M. , Grandmougin-Ferjani Anne , Kozubek Arkadiusz , Pietr Stanislaw J.
Published: February 2015

The oil of Adenanthera pavonina L. seeds was analysed by chromatographic and instrumental means. The oil was found to be rich in neutral lipids (86.2%), and low in polar lipids (13.8%). The neutral lipids consisted mainly of triacylglycerols (64.2%). Unsaturated fatty acids were found as high as 71%, while the percentage of saturated fatty acids was only 29%. GC and GC/MS analyses revealed linoleic, oleic and lignocerotic acid to be predominant among all fatty acids in the A. pavonina oil, whereas stigmasterol was the major steroid identified within this study. Subsequently, the oil was used for preparation of submicron oilin- water (o/w) lipid emulsions. Lipid emulsions were formulated by using soybean lecithin (SL) to investigate their particle size, Zeta potential and stability at the different oil and SL ratios. The results obtained indicate possible applications of the tested oil in pharmaceutical and medical fields as drug and cosmetic active ingredient carriers.
Antioxidant Property of Volatile Oils Determined by the Ferric Reducing Ability
Authors: Lado Cristina , Then Mária , Varga Ilona , Szőke Éva , Szentmihályid Klára
Published: February 2015

Some current oils and their main components were studied to determine their antioxidant values. This was done by using the modified method of ferric reducing ability of plasma. It has been established that volatile oils of medicinal plants have on average a reducing capacity of 3.5-220 mmol/kg oil. The reducing capacities of the main constituents of volatile oils are 0.165-65.5 mmol/kg in concentrated oils. The highest reducing capacity was showd for phellandrene (65.438 ± 0.166 mmol/kg) and anethole (50.087 ± 0.160 mmol/kg) while the lowest values were obtained for menthol (0.165 ± 0.023 mmol/kg) and menthone (0.168 ± 0.010 mmol/kg). It has been stated that the antioxidant values of the main constituents are lower than those of volatile oils. The reducing capacity of the main constituents of medicinal plant drugs at different concentrations was also determined.
Antioxidant Properties of Natural p-Terphenyl Derivatives from the Mushroom Thelephora ganbajun
Authors: Yang Wei-Min , Liu Ji-Kai , Hu Lin , Dong Ze-Jun , Wu Wan-Lin , Chen Zhi-He
Published: February 2015

The antioxidant activity in vitro of three poly(phenylacetyloxy)-substituted 1,1′:4′,1″-ter-phenyl compounds from the edible mushroom Thelephora ganbajun were investigated. The IC50 values of compounds 1-3 for lipid peroxidation in rat liver homogenate were 400, 48, 54 μᴍ, respectively. Compounds 1-3 increased superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity with EC50 values of 182, 74, 204 μᴍ. They were also assessed on the DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl- hydrazyl) radical scavenging activity with EC50 values of 49, 1233, 55 μᴍ.
Antiradical Activity of Hydrolyzed and Non-hydrolyzed Extracts from Helichrysi inflorescentia and its Phenolic Contents
Authors: Sroka Zbigniew , Kuta Iwona , Cisowski Wojciech , Dryś Andrzej
Published: February 2015

A methanol extract was obtained from defatted (petroleum ether) inflorescence of Helichrysum arenarium (L.) Moench (perennial herb native to Middle and Southeast Europe). The extract was evaporated under reduced pressure and the dry residue was dissolved in hot water. The aqueous solution was stored for 6 d at 4 °C and the precipitate discarded. The remaining solution was divided into three aliquots a, b and c. Part a was extracted with ethyl acetate to obtain extract (A), part b was extracted with diethyl ether to obtain extract (B) and part c was subjected to alkaline hydrolysis and then extracted with diethyl ether to obtain extract (C). Extracts (A), (B) and (C) were evaporated under reduced pressure to obtain the dry residues A, B and C which were further investigated for phenolic compound content by TLC and HPLC and for antiradical activity with 2,2-diphenyl- 1-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH•) as a substrate.

Residue C exhibited stronger antiradical properties than non-hydrolysed residues A and B. HPLC analysis showed a great increase of caffeic acid in residue C.

We concluded that the hydrolysis process led to a significant increase of free caffeic acid (strong antioxidant) concentration resulting in increased antiradical activity of residue C.
Evaluation of the Antimicrobial Activity of the Acetone Extract of the Lichen Ramalina farinacea and its (+)-Usnic Acid, Norstictic Acid, and Protocetraric Acid Constituents
Authors: Tay Turgay , Türk Ayşen Özdemir , Yılmaz Meral , Türk Hayrettin , Kıvanç Merih
Published: February 2015

The acetone extract of the lichen Ramalina farinacea and its (+)-usnic acid constituent showed antimicrobial activity against Bacillus subtilis, Listeria monocytogenes, Proteus vul­garis, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus faecalis. Yersinia enterocolitica, Candida albicans, and Candida glabrata. Norstictic acid was active against Aeromonas hydrophila as well as the above microorganisms except Yersinia enterocolitica. Protocetraric acid showed activity only against the tested yeasts Candida albicans and Candida glabrata. The MIC values of the extract as well as of the three substances were determined. No antifungal activity of the acetone extract has been observed against ten filamentous fungi.
Microbial Transformation of (−)-Carvone¥
Authors: Demirci Fatih , Noma Yoshiaki , Kırımer Neş’e , Can Başera K. Hüsnü
Published: February 2015

The cyclic monoterpene ketone (−)-carvone was metabolized by the plant pathogenic fungus Absidia glauca. After 4 days of incubation, the diol 10-hydroxy-(+)-neodihydrocarveol was formed. The absolute configuration and structure of the crystalline substance was identified by means of X-ray diffraction and by spectroscopic techniques (MS, IR and NMR). The antimicrobial activity of the substrate and metabolite was assayed with human pathogenic microorganisms.
The Antiepileptic Drug Diphenylhydantoin Affects the Structure of the Human Erythrocyte Membrane
Authors: Suwalsky Mario , Mennickent Sigrid , Norris Beryl , Villena Fernando , Cuevas Francisco , Sotomayor Carlos P.
Published: February 2015

Phenytoin (diphenylhydantoin) is an antiepileptic agent effective against all types of partial and tonic-clonic seizures. Phenytoin limits the repetitive firing of action potentials evoked by a sustained depolarization of mouse spinal cord neurons maintained in vitro. This effect is mediated by a slowing of the rate of recovery of voltage activated Na+ channels from inactivation. For this reasons it was thought of interest to study the binding affinities of phenytoin with cell membranes and their perturbing effects upon membrane structures. The effects of phenytoin on the human erythrocyte membrane and molecular models have been investigated in the present work. This report presents the following evidence that phenytoin interacts with cell membranes: a) X-ray diffraction and fluorescence spectroscopy of phospholipid bilayers showed that phenytoin perturbed a class of lipids found in the outer moiety of cell membranes; b) in isolated unsealed human erythrocyte membranes (IUM) the drug induced a disordering effect on the polar head groups and acyl chains of the erythrocyte membrane lipid bilayer; c) in scanning electron microscopy (SEM) studies on human erythrocytes the formation of echinocytes was observed, due to the insertion of phenytoin in the outer monolayer of the red cell membrane. This is the first time that an effect of phenytoin on the red cell shape is described. However, the effects of the drug were observed at concentrations higher than those currently found in plasma when phenytoin is therapeutically administered.
Exudate Flavonoids of Eight Species of Ceanothus (Rhamnaceae)
Authors: Wollenweber Eckhard , Dörr Marion , Bohm Bruce A. , Roitman James N.
Published: February 2015

Leaf glands of Ceanothus species excrete a lipophilic material that contains a variety of flavonoids. Most of these are aglycones, but some glycosides were also observed. Seven out of eight species exhibit flavonols, whereas flavones are excreted by only one species. Four species produce flavanones and dihydroflavonols; one excretes a remarkable quantity of flavonol glycosides. The exudate flavonoids thus form different patterns that might be characteristic for different Ceanothus species.
Antioxidant Metabolites from Limonium brasiliense (Boiss.) Kuntze
Authors: Murray Ana P. , Rodriguez Silvana , Frontera María A. , Tomas María A. , Mulet María C.
Published: February 2015

A free radical scavenging activity guided fractionation of the polar extract from roots of Limonium brasiliense (Plumbaginaceae) led to the isolation of five active compounds including: myricetin 3-O-α-rhamnopyranoside (1), (-)-epigallocatechin 3-O-gallate (2), (-)-epigallocatechin (3), (+)-gallocatechin (4) and gallic acid (5). These and other chemical constituents are reported for the first time for this species. The characterization of these compounds was achieved by spectroscopic methods (1H NMR, 13C NMR and UV).
Immunomodulating Polysaccharide Fractions of Menyanthes trifoliata L.
Authors: Kuduk-Jaworska Janina , Szpunar Joanna , Gąsiorowski Kazimierz , Brokos Barbara
Published: February 2015

Looking for new plant sources of immunomodulating agents polysaccharide-rich fractions (PS) from Menyanthes trifoliata L. (Menyanthaceae) have been isolated. The herb of Menyanthes trifoliata L. was sequentially extracted with water, 0.1 м NaOH, 8% CH3COOH, and 1 м NaOH. After dialysis and resolution on Biogel P-10 four homogenic (B-4, B-5, C-4, D-5) and two nonhomogenic (A-3 and D-4) PS were isolated. About 0.5% of PS over 3500 Da were found in the dry plant material. They were characterized through chemical analysis, NMR and vibrational spectroscopy. Speciation analysis of chosen metal/metaloid elements was performed and an exceptionally high concentration of Se was found in PS of a pure water extract (A-3). The biological tests on the immunomodulating influence with human blood-derived lymphocytes and granulocytes revealed that two fractions, B-4 and B-5, were strong stimulators of immune cells, whereas fractions D-5 and A-3 were found as potent suppressive and anti-inflammatory agents. The applied isolation procedures led to the separation of active compounds into stimulatory and inhibitory fractions.
A New Heptasubstituted (E)-Aurone Glucoside and Other Aromatic Compounds of Gomphrena agrestis with Biological Activity
Authors: Ferreira Eliane O. , Salvador Marcos J. , Pral Elizabeth M. F. , Alfieri Silvia C. , Ito Izabel Y. , Dias Diones A.
Published: February 2015

A new aurone 1 and two known substances, aurantiamide acetate (2) and tiliroside (3), were isolated from the ethanolic extract of Gomphrena agrestis. The structural determination of 1 was based on spectroscopic and spectrometric data. The substance was defined as (E)-3′- O-β-ᴅ-glucopyranosyl-4,5,6,4′-tetrahydroxy-7,2′-dimethoxyaurone. Biological activity of the ethanolic crude extract and isolated compounds against bacteria, fungi and Leishmania amazonensis amastigotes was evaluated. This appears to be the first report documenting aurone and aurantiamide compounds in the Amaranthaceae family. In the evaluation of biological activity the ethanolic extract of G. agrestis and compounds 1, 2, and 3 were shown to be active mainly against Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Umbelliprenin from Ferula persica Roots Inhibits the Red Pigment Production in Serratia marcescens
Authors: Iranshahi Mehrdad , Shahverdi Ahmad R. , Mirjani Roohollah , Amin Gholamreza , Shafiee Abbas
Published: February 2015

The chloroform extract of Ferula persica var. persica roots was found to inhibit red pigment production of Serratia marcescens. A bioguided fractionation study by preparative thin layer chromatography (PTLC) detected a fraction (Rf = 0.71, petroleum ether/EtOAc, 2:1 v/v), which was effective on depigmentation of Serratia marcescens. Using conventional spectroscopy methods, the active fraction was identified as umbelliprenin. Neither the chloroform extract nor the isolated umbelliprenin fraction showed any antibacterial activity against the test strain at a certain concentration. In contrast, they exhibited depigmentation zones on culture plates.
Phenolic Compounds and Flavonoids as Plant Growth Regulators from Fruit and Leaf of Vitex rotundifolia
Authors: Yoshioka Takeo , Inokuchi Tomohisa , Fujioka Shozo , Kimura Yasuo
Published: February 2015

Five phenolic compounds, 4-hydroxybenzoic acid methyl ester (1), vanillic acid methyl ester (2), 4-hydroxy benzaldehyde (3), 4-hydroxybenzoic acid (4) and ferulic acid (5), and four flavonoids, 5,5′-dihydroxy-4′,6,7-trimethoxyflavanone (6), luteolin (7), vitexicarpin (8) and artemetin (9), were isolated from fruits and leaves of Vitex rotundifolia L. The biological activities of these nine compounds have been examined using a bioassay with lettuce seedlings.
Analysis of Rhioxma Curcumae Aeruginosae Volatiles by Solid-phase Microextraction with Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Sha Yun F. , Shen Shun , Duan Geng L.
Published: February 2015

In this paper, a headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) method was applied to analyse the volatile compounds in a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), Rhioxma Curcumae Aeruginosae. SPME parameters such as fibers, extraction temperature, extraction time and desorption time were investigated. Thirty-five volatile compounds were separated and identified. Relative standard deviations (RSDs) were less than 8.4%, showing that the method has a good reproducibility. The volatile constituents were also analyzed by steam distillation (SD) and thirty-seven compounds were identified. The similar results obtained by the two methods showed that SPME is a good alternative for the analysis of volatile constituents in Rhioxma Curcumae Aeruginosae samples and it is a relatively simple, rapid and solvent-free method.
The Very-Long-Chain Fatty Acid Synthase Is Inhibited by Chloroacetamides
Authors: Götz Thomas , Böger Peter
Published: February 2015

The first elongation step to form very-long-chain fatty acids (VLCFAs) is catalyzed by the VLCFA-synthase. CoA-activated fatty acids react with malonyl-CoA to condense a C2-unit. As shown with recombinant enzyme this reaction is specifically inhibited by chloroacetamide herbicides. The inhibition is alleviated when the inhibitor (e.g. metazachlor) is incubated together with adequate concentrations of the substrate (e.g. oleoyl-CoA). Malonyl-CoA has no influence. However, once a chloroacetamide has been tightly bound to the synthase after an appropriate time it cannot be displaced anymore by the substrate. In contrast, oleoyl- CoA, is easily removed from the synthase by metazachlor. The irreversible binding of the chloroacetamides and their competition with the substrate explains the very low half-inhibition values of 10-8 м and below. Chiral chloroacetamides like metolachlor or dimethenamid give identical results. However, only the (S)-enantiomers are active.
Genomic Relations among Two Non-mangrove and Nine Mangrove Species of Indian Rhizophoraceae
Authors: Mukherjee Arup Kumar , Acharya Laxmikanta , Panda Pratap Chandra , Mohapatra Trilochan , Das Premananda
Published: February 2015

Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) markers were used to study the genomic relationship among 11 members of Indian Rhizophoraceae represented by nine true mangroves and two non-mangrove species. The AFLP and RAPD bands were scored and analyzed for genetic similarities and cluster analysis was done which separated the 11 species studied into two main groups, the true mangroves and the non-mangroves. The polymorphism observed for these markers showed a high degree of genetic diversity among the constituent taxa of the family. The phylogenetic relationship inferred from molecular marker systems supported the traditional taxonomic classification of the family Rhizophoraceae based on morphological characters at the levels of tribe, phylogeny and delimitation of genera and species, except the intra-generic classification of the genus Bruguiera and the placement of Rhizophora in the family Rhizophoraceae.
New Products of Defense Secretion in South East Asian Whip Scorpions (Arachnida: Uropygi: Thelyphonida)
Authors: Haupt Joachim , Müller Frank
Published: February 2015

Secretion products from the opisthosomal defense gland of south east Asian whip scorpions were identified for the first time by gas-chromatography and mass-spectrometry. Specimens of the genera Hypoctonus, Typopeltis and Ginosigma were tested. While some ingredients are present in large concentrations, others are possibly only side products and may be synthesized more incidentally. For this reason no important functional role is attributed to them. There are considerable individual differences concerning the concentrations of various ingredients. While the secretion products of most species of the genus Typopeltis - similar to Mastigoproctus - are characterized by acetic and octanoic acid in large concentrations, the secretion product of Hypoctonus siamensis provides octanoic acid only in a very low concentration but it is characterized by hexyl acetate.
Inhibition of Cytochrome P450 Mediated Enzyme Activity by Alkylphosphocholines
Authors: Haehner Thomas , Massing Ulrich , Diesinger Torsten , Müller-Enoch Dieter
Published: February 2015

The inhibitory potency of four alkylphospholipids: rac-1-O-phosphocholine-2-hydroxy-octadecane (rac-2-OH), rac-1-O-phosphocholine-2-O-acetyl-octadecane (rac-2-O-acetyl), rac-1- O-phosphocholine-2-amino-octadecane (rac-2-NH2) and rac-1-O-phosphocholine-2-N-acetyloctadecane (rac-2-N-acetyl), on the cytochrome P450-dependent monooxygenase activity has been evaluated. The IC50 values of the alkylphosphocholines with 7-ethoxycoumarin as substrate in liver microsomal fractions of PB-treated rats and with a reconstituted CYP2B1: NADPH-P450-reductase system are in the range of 3.2D5.0 μм and 2.8D3.5 μм, respectively. Lineweaver-Burk plots with the inhibitors in concentrations that were found to cause roughly a 50% inhibition and with 7-ethoxycoumarin as substrate revealed for all four alkylphospholipids a competitive inhibition type. The degree of the competitive inhibition is quantified by the Ki values. With liver microsomal fractions of PB-treated rats, the Ki values of rac-2-OH (Ki = 1.36 μм) and rac-2-O-acetyl (Ki = 1.33 μm) differs slightly from those of rac-2-NH2 (Ki = 2.2 μм) and rac-2-N-acetyl (Ki = 2.2 μм), but with the reconstituted CYP2B1: NADPHP450- reductase system all Ki values are in the small range of 1.8 D 2.6 μм, indicating that the short substituted group at the 2-position (OH; O-acetyl; NH2; N-acetyl) of the long chain octadecanol part of the phosphodiesters exhibit no essential role on the strong inhibitory potency of these alkylphosphocholines on the 7-ethoxycoumarin-O-deethylase activity.
Thymol Derivatives from a Root Culture of Inula helenium
Authors: Stojakowska Anna , Malarz Janusz , Kisiel Wanda
Published: February 2015

A root culture of Inula helenium L. was established from leaf explants of aseptic seedlings. An ethanol extract from the lyophilised roots was fractionated using different chromatographic techniques (CC, TLC). The main secondary metabolites found in the root culture were two thymol derivatives: 10-isobutyryloxy-8,9- epoxy-thymol isobutyrate (1) and 10-isobutyryloxy-6- methoxy-8,9-epoxy-thymol isobutyrate (2). The compounds were identified by spectral methods. Quantification of compound 1 in plant material was done by analytical RP-HPLC.
Black Flower Coloration in Wild Lisianthius nigrescens: Its Chemistry and Ecological Consequences
Authors: Markham Kenneth R. , Bloor Stephen J. , Nicholson Rob , Rivera Raul , Shemluck Melvin , Kevan Peter G. , Michener Charles
Published: February 2015

The major pigments responsible for the flower color within the black flowered Gentianaceae, Lisianthius nigrescens, were characterized by HPLC and chemical analyses. HPLC analysis showed one major and one minor anthocyanin and 3 major and 3 minor flavone glycosides. The anthocyanins [delphinidin-3-O-rhamnol(1-6)galactoside and its 5-O-glucoside] comprised an extraordinary 24% of the dry weight of wild collected L. nigrescens corallas, and were accompanied in a 1:1 ratio by a range of apigenin and luteolin 8-C-glucosides and their 7-O-methyl ethers. The high levels of anthocyanins and flavones (and their copigmentation) is thought to account for the almost complete absorption of both UV and visible wavebands observed by reflectance photography.
The Influence of Naringin on the Oxidative State of Rats with Streptozotocin- Induced Acute Hyperglycaemia
Authors: Mamdouh M. Ali , Monira A. Abd El Kader
Published: February 2015

The effect of various doses (0, 10, 20, 40, or 80 mg/kg body weight) of naringin (a citrus flavonone) was studied on streptozotocin (STZ)-induced hyperglycaemic rats to evaluate the possible hypoglycaemic and antioxidant activity of naringin in diabetes. In comparison to the normoglycaemic group the treatment of rats with a single dose of STZ (65 mg/kg body weight) only revealed a significant increase (P < 0.05) in plasma hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) by 230%, increased the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) as index of the lipid peroxidation level by 69%, while total antioxidant activity was decreased by 36%, with a consistent significant decrease (P < 0.05) in the activity of erythrocytes antioxidative enzymes catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and paraoxonase (PON). Exogenous administration of individual gradual doses of naringin to hyperglycaemic rats causes a dose-dependent decrease of the glucose level, an increase of the insulin concentration, a decrease of the H2O2 and TBARS levels, as well as the increase of the total antioxidant status with an increase of antioxidant enzyme activities (CAT, SOD, GPx, and PON). From this study, it may be concluded that all doses of naringin provided a significant amelioration of hypoglycaemic and antioxidant activity in STZ-induced diabetic rats, however, the greatest effect of naringin was observed at 80 mg/kg body weight.
Secondary Metabolite Content in Rhizomes, Callus Cultures and in vitro Regenerated Plantlets of Solidago chilensis
Authors: Schmeda-Hirschmann Guillermo , Jordan Miguel , Gerth André , Wilken Dirk
Published: February 2015

An in vitro culture system leading to the formation of callus and plant regeneration, starting from nodal sections and shoot tips, was developed for Solidago chilensis (Asteraceae). The content of the gastroprotective diterpene solidagenone as well as the phenolics chlorogenic acid (CA) and rutin was determined either in rhizomes from wild growing plants and in callus and in in vitro regenerated plantlets by analytical HPLC. Additionally, total phenolic and flavonoid content was assessed in plant samples, callus and cell suspensions. In terms of dry starting material, the percentual solidagenone content in nine S. chilensis samples ranged from 0.5-3.5% for rhizomes from wild growing plants, 0.1-0.3% for callus and 0.3% for an in vitro regenerated plantlet, respectively. The highest solidagenone contents were found in the wild plant during the late summer in the months of March and April (3.5- 2.2%) while highest values for chlorogenic acid (0.5%) and rutin (0.4%) were detected in May, before senescence. The callus tissue and cell suspensions contained some 1.8-2.0 and 1.2% of total phenolics, respectively. CA was the main phenolic in the cell suspension while only traces were found in the callus. Rutin was not detected in the callus nor cell culture.
Metabolites from Microsphaeropsis olivacea, an Endophytic Fungus of Pilgerodendron uviferum
Authors: Hormazabal Emilio , Astudillo Luis , Schmeda-Hirschmann Guillermo , Rodríguez Jaime , Theoduloz Cristina
Published: February 2015

Seven compounds belonging to different structural skeletons were isolated from Microsphaeropsis olivacea grown in liquid and solid media. The enalin derivative 7-hydroxy-2,4- dimethyl-3(2H)-benzofuranone is reported for the first time, while additional spectroscopic information is provided for the acetates of botrallin and ulocladol.

The activity of the isolated compounds was assessed towards the enzyme acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and their cytotoxicity against human lung fibroblasts. Graphislactone A and botrallin presented a moderate activity towards AChE, with IC50 of 8.1 and 6.1 μg/ml (27 and 19 μᴍ, respectively). Under the same experimental conditions, the IC50 of the standard inhibitor galanthamine was 3 μg/ml. The cytotoxicity of both compounds was > 1000 and 330 μᴍ, respectively. None of the compounds was promising as antibacterial or antifungic against phytopathogenic fungi and bacteria.

Botrallin and graphislactone A were detected in the liquid potato-dextrose and yeast extract/ malt extract/dextrose as well as on a solid substrate (rice). Butyrolactone I was obtained from the fungus growing on solid medium.
Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry Study of the Essential Oils of Schinus longifolia (Lindl.) Speg., Schinus fasciculata (Griseb.) I. M. Johnst., and Schinus areira L.
Authors: Murray Ana P. , Frontera María A. , Tomas María A. , Mulet María C.
Published: February 2015

The essential oil composition from the aerial parts of three Anacardiaceae growing in Bahía Blanca, Argentina was studied by gas chromatography and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The essential oils of S. longifolia and S. fasciculata have been studied for the first time. The major constituents were α-pinene (46.5%), β-pinene (15.1%) and α-phellandrene (10.1%) for S. longifolia and limonene (10.9%), β-phellandrene (6.16%) and α-phellandrene (5.6%) for S. fasciculata. The major components of the essential oil of S. areira were limonene (28.6%), α-phellandrene (10.1%), sabinene (9.2%) and camphene (9.2%) differing from the literature data. The essential oils from S. areira and S. longifolia exhibited a high biotoxicity in a brine shrimp assay with Artemia persimilis.
Antimicrobial Substances from Rhizomes of the Giant Knotweed Polygonum sachalinense against the Fish Pathogen Photobacterium damselae subsp. piscicida
Authors: Kumagai Hironori , Kawai Yuji , Sawano Ryo , Kurihara Hideyuki , Yamazaki Koji , Inoue Norio
Published: February 2015

The antimicrobial compounds against the fish pathogen Photobacterium damselae subsp. piscicida were isolated from Polygonum sachalinense rhizomes. The structures of the antimicrobial compounds 1 and 2 were determined by 1H and 13C NMR, 2D-NMR (COSY, HSQC, HMBC and ROESY) and FAB-MS to be phenylpropanoid glycosides, vanicoside A and B, respectively. Both compounds have feruloyl and p-coumaroyl groups bonded to a sucrose moiety in their structures. Vanicoside A also has an acetyl group in the sucrose moiety. The MIC values for vanicoside A and B against Ph. damselae subsp. piscicida DPp-1 were 32 and 64 μg/ml, respectively. The antimicrobial activities of these vanicosides were modest, in contrast to higher activities (MICs at <4 μg/ml) of antibiotics, florphenicol, ampicillin and amoxicillin, which have been generally used for treating pasteurellosis. The activities of the vanicosides, however, were higher than those (MICs at 256 μg/ml) of ferulic acid and p-coumaric acid. It was suggested that the structure of phenylpropanoids esterified with sucrose was essential for higher antimicrobial activity of vanicosides and also acetylation of sucrose might affect the activity against the bacterium.
A New Flavonol Glycoside Derivative from Leaves of Moldenhawera nutans
Authors: do Vale Ademir E. , David Jorge M. , Brandão Hugo N. , David Juceni P.
Published: February 2015

The ethyl acetate extract of leaves of Moldenhawera nutans Queiroz & Alkin (Leguminosae) furnished, besides methyl gallate and gallic acid, the flavonols named laricetrin, laricetrin 3-glucoside and laricetrin 3-galactoside as well as the new one named laricetrin 5-galloyl-3- β-ᴅ-xylopyranoside. It also was isolated from the hexane extract: β-sitosterol, lupenone, β- amyrinone, α-amyrinone, lupeol, β-amyrin, α-amyrin and α-tocopherol. The antioxidant activities of flavonoids were measured through DPPH radical scavenging and inhibition of auto-oxidation of β-carotene methods. The structures of the compounds were determined by analyses of spectral data. This is the first report dealing with phytochemical studies of leaves of M. nutans. In addition this current work describes the unequivocal attribution of 1H NMR and 13C NMR data of laricetrin.
Spasmolytic Flavonoids from Syzygium samarangense (Blume) Merr. & L.M. Perry
Authors: Amor Evangeline C. , Villaseñor Irene M. , Ghayur M. Nabeel , Gilani Anwar H. , Choudhary M. Iqbal
Published: February 2015

The hexane extract of Syzygium samarangense (Ss.Hex) dose-dependently (10D1000 μg/ ml) relaxed the spontaneously contracting isolated rabbit jejunum. Four rare C-methylated flavonoids with a chalcone and a flavanone skeleton were isolated from Ss.Hex and were subsequently tested for spasmolytic activity. All flavonoids, identified as 2′-hydroxy-4′,6′- dimethoxy-3′-methylchalcone (1), 2′,4′-dihydroxy-6′-methoxy-3′,5′-dimethylchalcone (2), 2′,4′-dihydroxy-6′-methoxy-3′-methylchalcone (3), and 7-hydroxy-5-methoxy-6,8-dimethylflavanone (4), showed dose-dependent spasmolytic activity in the rabbit jejunum with IC50 values of 148.3 ± 69.4, 77.2 ± 43.5, 142.4 ± 58.6 and 178.5 ± 37.5 μg/ml (mean ± SEM), respectively. The dihydrochalcone derivative of compound 1, 2′-hydroxy-4′,6′-dimethoxy-3′- methyldihydrochalcone (5), when tested for spasmolytic activity, did not significantly relax the smooth muscle relative to the other compounds. Verapamil, a standard spasmolytic, has an IC50 value of 0.16 ± 0.04 μg/ml. This is the first report of the relaxant activity of chalcones, specifically of compounds 1-3.
Purification and Biochemical Characterization of Polygalacturonases Produced by Aureobasidium pullulans
Authors: Stratilová Eva , Dzúrová Mária , Breierová Emília , Omelková Jiřina
Published: February 2015

The extracellular polygalacturonases produced by Aureobasidium pullulans isolated from waters of the Danube river were partially purified and characterized. The pH optima of polygalacturonases produced in the first phases of cultivation (48 h) and after 10 d as well as their optima of temperature, thermal stabilities, molecular masses, isoelectric points, action pattern and ability to cleave polymeric and oligomeric substrates were compared. Polygalacturonases with a random action pattern (random cleavage of pectate forming a mixture of galactosiduronides with a lower degree of polymerization) [EC 3.2.1.15] were produced only in the first phases of growth, while exopolygalacturonases [EC 3.2.1.67] with a terminal action pattern (cleavage of pectate from the nonreducing end forming d-galactopyranuronic acid as a product) were found during the whole growth. The main enzyme form with a random action pattern was glycosylated and its active site had the arrangement described previously for the active site of polygalacturonase of phytopathogenic fungi.
Degradation of Aromatic Compounds in Plants Grown under Aseptic Conditions
Authors: Mithaishvili Teimuraz , Scalla René , Ugrekhelidze Devi , Tsereteli Benedict , Sadunishvili Tinatin , Kvesitadze George
Published: February 2015

The aim of the work is to investigate the ability of higher plants to absorb and detoxify environmental pollutants - aromatic compounds via aromatic ring cleavage. Transformation of 14C specifically labelled benzene derivatives, [1-6-14C]-nitrobenzene, [1-6-14C]-aniline, [1-14C]- and [7-14C]-benzoic acid, in axenic seedlings of maize (Zea mays L.), kidney bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), pea (Pisum sativum L.) and pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo L.) were studied. After penetration in plants, the above xenobiotics are transformed by oxidative or reductive reactions, conjugation with cell endogenous compounds, and binding to biopolymers. The initial stage of oxidative degradation consists in hydroxylation reactions. The aromatic ring can then be cleaved and degraded into organic acids of the Krebs cycle. Ring cleavage is accompanied by 14CO2 evolution. Aromatic ring cleavage in plants has thus been demonstrated for different xenobiotics carrying different substitutions on their benzene ring. Conjugation with low molecular peptides is the main pathway of aromatic xenobiotics detoxification. Peptide conjugates are formed both by the initial xenobiotics (except nitrobenzene) and by intermediate transformation products. The chemical nature of the radioactive fragment and the amino acid composition of peptides participating in conjugation were identified.
In vitro Study of Flavonoids, Fatty Acids, and Steroids on Proliferation of Rat Hepatic Stellate Cells
Authors: Badria Farid A. , Dawidar Abdel-Aziz A. , Houssen Wael E. , Shier Wayne T.
Published: February 2015

There is a wealth of evidence that hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) orchestrate most of the important events in liver fibrogenesis. After liver injury, HSCs become activated to a profibrogenic myofibroblastic phenotype and can regulate net deposition of collagens and other matrix proteins in the liver. The proliferation of HSCs is mainly stimulated by the plateletderived growth factor (PDGF). In this study, some compounds from natural resources have been tested for their activity to inhibit PDGF-driven proliferative activity of rat HSCs. Apigenin, quercetin, genistein, daidzin, and biochanin A exhibited > 75% inhibitory activity against HSC-T6. It was found that, γ-linolenic (γ-Ln), eicosapentanoic (EPA) and α- linolenic (α-Ln) acids showed a high inhibitory effect on proliferation of rat HSCs at 50 nmol/l. Cholest-4-ene-3,6-dione and stigmastone-4-en-3,6-dione are the most active steroids with inhibitory activities > 80% and this is most likely due to the presence of the 4-en-3,6-dione moiety in both compounds. These results revealed that the compounds which effectively blocked HSC proliferation may be beneficial in liver fibrosis. Structure-activity relationships (SAR) may provide a basis for rational structure modification.
Antioxidative and Antiradical Properties of Plant Phenolics
Authors: Sroka Zbigniew
Published: February 2015

The plant phenolic compounds such as flavonoids, tannins and phenolic acids appeared to be strong antiradical and antioxidant compounds. The number of hydroxy groups and the presence of a 2,3-double bond and orthodiphenolic structure enhance antiradical and antioxidative activity of flavonoids. The glycosylation, blocking the 3-OH group in C-ring, lack of a hydroxy group or the presence of only a methoxy group in B-ring have a decreasing effect on antiradical or antioxidative activity of these compounds. Tannins show strong antioxidative properties. Some tannins in red wine or gallate esters were proved to have antioxidative effect in vivo. The number of hydroxy groups connected with the aromatic ring, in ortho or para position relative to each other, enhance antioxidative and antiradical activity of phenolic acids. The substitution of a methoxy group in ortho position to the OH in monophenols seems to favour the antioxidative activity of the former.
Isolation and Evaluation of Tannin-degrading Fungal Strains from the Mexican Desert
Authors: Hernández Mario Cruz , Esquivel Juan Carlos Contreras , Lara Faustino , Rodríguez Raúl , Aguilar Cristóbal N.
Published: February 2015

Eleven fungal strains (4 Penicillium commune, 2 Aspergillus niger, 2 Aspergillus rugulosa, Aspergillus terricola, Aspergillus ornatus and Aspergillus fumigatus) were isolated, characterized morphologically and by their capacity to degrade tannins. Aspergillus niger Aa-20 was used as control strain. Several concentrations of hydrolysable tannin (tannic acid) were used as sole carbon source. All strains were able to degrade hydrolysable tannins. Aspergillus niger GH1 and PSH showed the highest tannin-degrading capacity (67 and 70%, respectively). Also, the fungal capacity to degrade condensed tannin (catechin) was tested. Aspergillus niger PSH and Penicillium commune EH2 degraded 79.33% and 76.35% of catechin. The results demonstrated the capacity of fungi to use hydrolysable and condensed tannins as carbon source.
The Effect of Electric Field on Callus Induction with Rape Hypocotyls
Authors: Filek Maria , Hołda Magdalena , Macháčková Ivana , Krekule Jan
Published: February 2015

The influence of electric field treatment on dedifferentiation and calli formation on rape hypocotyls was investigated. Segments, 10 mm long, of the upper part of rape (Brassica napus L., cv. GórczaΔski) hypocotyls were stimulated by different combinations of voltage/time (1.5 V/120 h, 3 V/3 h, 10 V/15 min and 30 V/30 s) under in vitro conditions. With all electric field treatments, segments oriented with their apical part towards the cathode produced more calli as compared to control (non-treated with electric field). Under opposite orientation slight inhibition of callus growth was observed. As the strongest effect on callus growth was observed after treatment with 30 V/30 s, this electric field treatment was selected for following analyses: the incorporation of [14C]-2,4-D (2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid) and [14C]- BAP (benzylaminopurine) from the culture medium, changes in ACC (1-aminocyclopropane- 1-carboxylic acid) level and the redox activity in apical and bottom parts of hypocotyls during 18 d of culture.

In contrast to changes in fresh weight, electric field treatment (30 V/30 s) stimulated a higher accumulation of 2,4-D and BAP in basal parts of hypocotyls than in apical ones. Moreover, orienting the apical part towards the cathode resulted in lower uptake of hormones as compared with the opposite orientation. The ACC concentration increased, especially in the basal parts of hypocotyls, independently on electric field application. However, the highest level was observed after electric field treatment with orientation of the apical part towards the anode. The distribution of oxidative substances (measured as the amount of ferric ions) between the apical and bottom part of hypocotyls was not changed when the apical parts were oriented towards the cathode. Under these conditions a decrease in apical and an increase in basal parts was observed during culture. Opposite orientation influenced the redistribution of oxidative substances from the first day of electric field treatment. Based on these results we suggest that electric field action can be connected with its influence on specific concentration of oxidative substances and hormone distribution in cells.