Assessment of residual bio-efficacy and persistence of Ipomoea cairica plant extract against Culex quinquefasciatus Say mosquito

Specification on residual action of a possible alternative insecticide derived from plant materials is important to determine minimum interval time between applications and the environmental persistence of the biopesticides. The objective of this study is to evaluate crude acethonilic extract of Ipomoea cairica leaves for its residual and persistence effects against Culex quinquefasciatus larvae. Wild strain of Cx. quinquefasciatus larvae were used for the purpose of the study. Two test designs, replenishment of water and without replenishment of water were carried out. For the first design, a total of 10 ml of test solution containing Ip. cairica extracts was replenished daily and replaced with 10 ml of distilled water. For the second design, treatment water was maintained at 1500 ml and only evaporated water was refilled. Larval mortality was recorded at 24 hours post-treatment after each introduction period and trials were terminated when mortality rate falls below 50%. Adult emergences from survived larvae were observed and number of survivals was recorded. For the non-replenishment design, mortality rate significantly reduced to below 50% after 28 days, meanwhile for replenishment of water declined significantly after 21 days (P < 0.05). There was no adult emergence observed up to seven days for non-replenishment and first two days for replenishment of water design. The short period of residual effectiveness of crude acethonilic extract of Ip. cairica leaves with high percentage of larval mortality on the first few days, endorses fewer concerns of having excess residues in the environment which may carry the risk of insecticide resistance and environmental pollution.

[Chemical characteristics of the rhizosphere soil of water spinach cultivars differing in Cd accumulation]

A rhizobox experiment was conducted to investigate the chemical characteristics of the rhizosphere soils of two water spinach cultivars differing in Cd accumulation, QLQ (a low-Cd cultivar) and T308 (a high-Cd cultivar). The results showed that the diethylenetriamine pentacetate acid extractable Cd (DTPA-Cd) concentration in the rhizos-phere soil of QLQ was significantly higher than that of T308 (P < 0.05). pH and Eh in the rhizosphere soil of QLQ were significantly higher than those of T308 (P < 0.05), while EC was opposite. Contents of organic matter and dissolved organic matter (DOM) in the rhizosphere soil of QLQ were both higher than those of T308. In contaminated soil, the composition and concentration of low molecular weight organic acids in the rhizosphere between the two cultivars were both different. Acetic, propionic, citric and fumaric acids were detected in the rhizosphere soil of T308, and only citric and fumaric acids were detected in that of QLQ. The total concentration of low molecular weight organic acids in the rhizosphere soil of QLQ (1.93 nmol x g(-1) DM) was lower than that of T308 (15.11 nmol x g(-1) DM) (P < 0.01). Compared with the high-Cd cultivar (T308), the chemical characteristics of the rhizosphere soil of the low-Cd cultivar (QLQ) were obviously distinct, i. e., the relatively higher content of organic matter, the lower content of low molecular weight organic acids with a specific composition, less acidification of soil, and a lower ability in reduction, correspondingly lowering the mobility of Cd in soil and reducing Cd accumulation by plant.

Hiding in plain sight: cuticular compound profile matching conceals a larval tortoise beetle in its host chemical cloud

Larvae of tortoise beetles are postulated to have fecal shields as the main defensive strategy against predators. Such a device protects beetles both physically and chemically. In order to examine how larvae Chelymorpha reimoseri are protected against predatory ants, which frequently visit extrafloral nectaries in their host plant, the morning glory Ipomoea carnea, we conducted anti-predation bioassays with live 5th instars. In the field, larvae in contact with ants had survival between 40 and 73 %, independently of shield presence. In the laboratory, when exposed to Camponotus crassus, larvae with shields had significantly higher survival (85 %) than those without shields (64 %). In both scenarios, larval survival was significantly higher when compared with palatable Spodoptera frugiperda larvae, as the latter were all consumed. We also observed that when C. reimoseri larvae showed no movement, the ants walked on them without attacking. We hypothesized that if the larval integument has a pattern of cuticular compounds (CCs) similar to that of its host plant, larvae would be rendered chemically camouflaged. In the field and laboratory, the freeze-dried palatable larvae of S. frugiperda treated with CCs of 5th instar C. reimoseri and left on I. carnea leaves were significantly less removed by ants than controls without these compounds. We also found a similarity of approximately 50 % between the CCs in C. reimoseri larvae and I. carnea host leaves. Both findings provide evidence in support of the hypothesis that chemical camouflage plays an important role in larval defense, which is reported for the first time in an ectophagous leaf beetle larva.

[Study on anti-tumor and anti-metastasis mechanism of alcohol extracts from pharbitidis semen against Lewis lung cancer]

OBJECTIVE

To observe the effect of alcohol extracts from Pharbitidis Semen on the proliferation and metastasis of Lewis lung cancer, and study its anti-tumor mechanism.

METHOD

In vitro, MTT assay and scratch assay were adopted to detect the effect of alcohol extracts from Pharbitidis Semen on the proliferation and metastasis of Lewis lung cancer cells. The cell autophagy was detected by the acridine orange staining. The gap-junction intercellular communication (GJIC) was investigated by the fluorescent yellow transfer. The expression of aquaporin 1 (AQP1) was analyzed by the Western blotting. In vivo, the subcutaneous implant model and the experimental pulmonary metastasis model of Lewis lung cancer in mice were established to evaluate the anti-tumor and anti-metastasis effects of alcohol extract from Pharbitidis Semen. The serum carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and beta2 microglobulin (beta2-MG) of mice bearing Lewis lung cancer were detected by the electrochemiluminesence immunoassay. The expressions of lung AQP1 and Connexin 43 (Cx43) were examined by the immunohistochemical method.

RESULT

In vitro, alcohol extracts from Pharbitidis Semen inhibited the cell proliferation in a dose-dependent matter, significantly prevented the cell migration, down-regulated AQP1 proteins of cells, promoted GJIC, and decreased the serum-free autophagy of tumor cells. In vivo, compared with untreated model mice, alcohol extracts from Pharbitidis Semen inhibited the tumor growth in a dose-dependent matter, prevented the tumor metastasis and prolonged the life span of mice bearing Lewis lung cancer, while decreasing serum CEA and beta2-MG of mice bearing Lewis lung cancer, enhancing the immumohistochemical staining intensity of Cx43 and weakening aquaporins AQP1 positive intensity.

CONCLUSION

Alcohol extracts from Pharbitidis Semen could prevent the proliferation and metastasis in Lewis lung cancer cells. Its mechanism may be related to the promotion of GJIC and the down-regulation of AQP1.

An assessment of wound healing potential of Argyreia speciosa leaves

In North India, poultice of young unfolded leaves of Argyreia speciosa Linn. (Convolvulaceae) is used for healing wounds. In order to find scientific evidence for the traditional utilization of leaves of A. speciosa in wound healing, this investigation was carried out. A linear incision wound of about 3 cm in length and 2 mm in depth and circular excision wound of 177 mm(2) full thickness were made on the dorsal region of separate groups (n = 5) of anesthetized Swiss albino mice. A simple ointment, developed by including ethanol, ethanol-water, and water extracts (10% each, separately) of A. speciosa, was applied topically to mice once daily for 14 days after wounding. To evaluate the effect of each extract, wound contraction, epithelization period, wound breaking strength, and hydroxyproline content were determined. The water extract of A. speciosa showed accelerated wound healing activity as evidenced by fast wound contraction (96.30 ± 0.52%; P < 0.01), rapid epithelization period (11.40 ± 0.60 days; P < 0.001), greater wound breaking strength (376.56 ± 21.16 g; P < 0.001), and higher hydroxyproline content (16.49 ± 1.12 mg/g; P < 0.05) of granulation tissue. The present report supports the traditional use of Argyreia speciosa leaves for wound healing and signify its relevant therapeutic potential.

Anti-inflammatory activity of N-butanol extract from Ipomoea stolonifera in vivo and in vitro

Ipomoea stolonifera (I. stolonifera) has been used for the treatment of inflammatory diseases including rheumatism and rheumatoid arthritis in Chinese traditional medicine. However, the anti-inflammatory activity of I. stolonifera has not been elucidated. For this reason, the anti-inflammatory activity of n-butanol extract of I. stolonifera (BE-IS) was evaluated in vivo by using acute models (croton oil-induced mouse ear edema, carrageenan-induced rat paw edema, and carrageenan-induced rat pleurisy) and chronic models (cotton pellet-induced rat granuloma, and complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA)-induced rat arthritis). Results indicated that oral administration of BE-IS significantly attenuated croton oil-induced ear edema, decreased carrageenan-induced paw edema, reduced carrageenan-induced exudates and cellular migration, inhibited cotton pellet-induced granuloma formation and improved CFA-induced arthritis. Preliminary mechanism studies demonstrated that BE-IS decreased the levels of myeloperoxidase (MPO) and malondialdehyde (MDA), increased the activity of anti-oxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD) in vivo, and reduced the production of nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6 in lipopolysaccharide-activated RAW264.7 macrophages in vitro. Results obtained in vivo and in vitro demonstrate that BE-IS has considerable anti-inflammatory potential, which provided experimental evidences for the traditional application of Ipomoea stolonifera in inflammatory diseases.

Larvicidal efficacy of different plant parts of railway creeper, Ipomoea cairica Extract Against Dengue Vector Mosquitoes, Aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae) and Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae)

Natural insecticides from plant origin against mosquito vectors have been the main concern for research due to their high level of eco-safety. Control of mosquitoes in their larval stages are an ideal method since Aedes larvae are aquatic, thus it is easier to deal with them in this habitat. The present study was specifically conducted to explore the larvicidal efficacy of different plant parts of Ipomoea cairica (L.) or railway creeper crude extract obtained using two different solvents; methanol and acetone against late third-stage larvae of Aedes albopictus (Skuse) and Aedes aegypti (L.) (Diptera: Culicidae). Plant materials of I. cairica leaf, flower, and stem were segregated, airdried, powdered, and extracted using Soxhlet apparatus. Larvicidal bioassays were performed by using World Health Organization standard larval susceptibility test method for each species which were conducted separately for different concentration ranging from 10 to 450 ppm. Both acetone and methanol extracts showed 100% mortality at highest concentration tested (450 ppm) after 24 h of exposure. Results from factorial ANOVA indicated that there were significant differences in larvicidal effects between mosquito species, solvent used and plant parts (F=5.71, df=2, P<0.05). The acetone extract of I. cairica leaf showed the most effective larvicidal action in Ae. aegypti with LC50 of 101.94 ppm followed by Ae. albopictus with LC50 of 105.59 ppm compared with other fractions of I. cairica extract obtained from flower, stem, and when methanol are used as solvent. The larvae of Ae. aegypti appeared to be more susceptible to I. cairica extract with lower LC50 value compared with Ae. albopictus (F=8.83, df=1, P<0.05). Therefore, this study suggests that the acetone extract of I. cairica leaf can be considered as plant-derived insecticide for the control of Aedes mosquitoes. This study quantified the larvicidal property of I. cairica extract, providing information on lethal concentration that may have potential for a more eco-friendly Aedes mosquito control program.

Protective effect of secondary plant metabolites from Ipomoea aquatica Forsk. against carbofuran induced damages

Plausible interactions between food contaminants and natural constituents in vivo and protective effect of polyphenols present in I. aquatica against carbofuran toxicity in Charles Foster rats were evaluated. Determinations based on antioxidant enzyme activities showed significant alterations in glutathione, glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase and catalase in tissues (liver and brain) and plasma of pesticide treated group while polyphenolic extracts from I. aquatica (IAE) attenuated their activities when given alongwith carbofuran. IAE decreased enhanced lipid peroxidation levels in plasma and erythrocyte membrane and cholesterol levels in brain and plasma. IAE also minimized histopathological degenerative changes produced by carbofuran. While single cell gel electrophoresis showed that secondary metabolites in leafy vegetables produced a combinatorial effect with pesticide at cellular level, DNA fragmentation level in bone marrow cells showed a decline in the IAE treated rats. Food safety adversely affected by various chemical contaminants can be retained by plant polyphenols and secondary plant constituents that can be found together in bolus. Therefore, the present study gives an insight into the protective role of naturally found polyphenols against pesticide toxicity.

Modulators of antibiotic activity from Ipomoea murucoides

Reinvestigation of the CHCl3-soluble extract from the flowers of Ipomoea murucoides, through preparative-scale recycling HPLC, yielded three pentasaccharides of 11-hydroxyhexadecanoic acid, murucoidins XVII-XIX, in addition to the known murucoidin III and V, all of which were characterized by NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. These compounds were found to be macrolactones of the known pentasaccharides simonic acid B and operculinic acid A. The acylating groups corresponded to acetic, (2S)-methyl-butyric, (E)-cinnamic and octanoic acids. The esterification sites were established at the C-2 of the second rhamnose and C-3 and C-4 of the third rhamnose. The aglycone lactonization was placed at C-2 or C-3 of the first rhamnose. Bioassays for modulation of antibiotic activity were performed against multidrug-resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli Rosetta-gami, and two nosocomial pathogens: Salmonella enterica sv. Typhi and Shigella flexneri. The tested glycolipids did not act as cytotoxic (IC50>4 μg/mL) nor as antimicrobial (MIC>128 μg/mL) agents. However, they exerted a potentiation effect on clinically useful antibiotics against the tested bacteria by increasing their antibiotic susceptibility up to four-fold at concentrations of 25 μg/mL.

Pentasaccharide resin glycosides from Ipomoea cairica and their cytotoxic activities

Six partially acylated pentasaccharide resin glycosides, cairicosides A-F, were isolated from the aerial parts of Ipomoea cairica. These compounds were characterized as a group of macrolactones of simonic acid A, partially acylated with different organic acids. The lactonization site of 11S-hydroxyhexadecanoic acid (jalapinolic acid) was bound to the second saccharide moiety at C-3 in cairicosides A-E, while at C-2 in cairicoside F. Structures were established by spectroscopic and chemical methods. Compounds cairicosides A-E exhibited moderate cytotoxicity against a small panel of human tumor cell lines with IC50 values in the range of 4.28-14.31μM.

Preclinical evaluation of hypoglycemic activity of Ipomoea digitata tuber in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

BACKGROUND

The use of medicinal plants has turned out to be an alternative method for the treatment of diseases, such as diabetes mellitus. The recommendation of the World Health Organization Committee on Diabetes encouraging research on hypoglycemic agents of plant origin used in traditional medicine has greatly motivated research in this area. The hypoglycemic activity of Ipomoea digitata tuber extract was investigated in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

METHODS

An oral administration of the hydroalcoholic extract of I. digitata tuber (100 and 200 mg/kg) and glibenclamide was given for 28 days. Blood glucose levels were measured at 0, 2, 4, 6, and 24 h in the acute study and at 0, 7, 14, 21, and 28 days in the chronic study. The weight of rats was recorded before and after the study period of 28 days.

RESULTS

In the acute study, both doses of the extract showed a significant reduction in the blood glucose level compared with the control but less significant than glibenclamide. In the chronic study, all treatments showed a significant blood glucose reduction in diabetic rats. The extract and glibenclamide not only prevented a further body weight loss but also maintained the body weight during the study period.

CONCLUSIONS

The result of the study concluded that I. digitata exhibits a considerable hypoglycemic activity, which could be due to the presence of flavonoids and β-sitosterol as active principles, although the mechanism of action remains to be determined. Thus, the plant can be the key contributor in the treatment of diabetes as an alternative medicine.

Purgin II, a resin glycoside ester-type dimer and inhibitor of multidrug efflux pumps from Ipomoea purga

Reinvestigation of the CHCl(3)-soluble extract from aerial parts of Ipomoea purga was carried out to identify mammalian multidrug-resistance inhibitors. Preparative-scale recycling HPLC was used to purify four new resin glycosides, purgins II (1) and III (2) in addition to purginosides III (3) and IV (4), as well as the known purginosides I (5) and II (6) and purgin I (7). The structures of 1-4 were established through NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. Purgins II (1) and III (2) are the first examples of ester-type dimers of operculinic acid B with three different acylating residues in both monomeric units: (2S)-methylbutyric acid, n-hexanoic, n-decanoic, and trans-cinnamic acids. The macrolactonization site was located at C-2 of the second saccharide unit. The position of the ester linkage for monomeric unit B on the macrocyclic unit A was established as C-4 of the terminal glucose. Purginosides III (3) and IV (4) were found to be pentasaccharides of operculinic acid A with a structure related to that previously described for compounds 5 and 6. Reversal of multidrug resistance by compounds 1-7 was evaluated in vinblastine-resistant human breast carcinoma cells (MCF-7/Vin). Purgin II (1) enhanced vinblastine activity >2140-fold when incorporated at 25 μg/mL. For compounds 2-7, a moderate vinblastine-enhancing activity from 1.4-fold to 6.5-fold was observed.

Protective effect of chlorophyllin and lycopene from water spinach extract on cytotoxicity and oxidative stress induced by heavy metals in human hepatoma cells

The purpose of this study was to examine the inhibitory effects of ethanol extract of water spinach (EEWS) containing chlorophyll and lycopene on cytotoxicity and oxidative stress in liver induced by heavy metals. The (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) MTT assay and dichlorofluorescein (DCF) assay were conducted to measure cytotoxicity and inhibition of reactive oxygen species (ROS), respectively. Cytotoxicity was prevented at a concentration of 11.7 mg/L of EEWS. Both sodium copper chlorophyllin (SCC) and lycopene in EEWS were identified by ultraperformance liquid chromatography-photodiode array-electrospray ionization-mass spectroscopy (UPLC-PDA-ESI-MS/MSn) as major components at m/z 722.64 and 535.45, respectively. The concentrations of SCC and lycopene were 0.12 and 0.04 mg from 100 g of dried powder, respectively. Approximately 99% cytotoxicity induced by Cd was inhibited by EEWS. However, the inhibitory effect attributed to generation of ROS was similar with SCC, lycopene, and EEWS. Our results indicated that EEWS was effective in reducing cytotoxicity and oxidative stress produced by heavy metals in a HepG2 cell. Data suggest that the possible mechanism underlying the preventive action of SCC might be associated with diminished absorption of metal ions by chelating and blocking metal-mediated generation of ROS, while lycopene effects may be attributed to its high number of conjugated dienes that act as most potent singlet oxygen quenchers.

Solenostemon monostachyus, Ipomoea involucrata and Carica papaya seed oil versus Glutathione, or Vernonia amygdalina: methanolic extracts of novel plants for the management of sickle cell anemia disease

BACKGROUND

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a genetic disease caused by an individual inheriting an allele for sickle cell hemoglobin from both parents and is associated with unusually large numbers of immature blood cells, containing many long, thin, crescent-shaped erythrocytes. It is a disease prevalent throughout many populations. The use of medicinal plants and nutrition in managing SCD is gaining increasing attention.

METHODS

The antisickling effects of Solenostemon monostachyus (SolMon), Carica papaya seed oil (Cari-oil) and Ipomoea involucrata (Ipocrata) in male (HbSSM) and female (HbSSF) human sickle cell blood was examined in vitro and compared with controls, or cells treated with glutathione or an antisickling plant (Vernonia amygdalina; VerMyg).

RESULTS

Levels of sickle blood cells were significantly reduced (P < 0.05) in all the plant-extract treated SCD patients' blood compared with that of untreated SCD patients. RBCs in SolMon, Ipocrata, and Cari-oil treated samples were significantly higher (P < 0.05) compared with VerMyg-treated samples. The Fe(2+)/Fe(3+) ratio was significantly reduced (P < 0.05) in all plant extract-treated HbSSM samples compared with controls. Hemoglobin concentration was significantly increased (P < 0.05) by SolMon treatment in HbSSF compared with VerMyg. Sickle cell polymerization inhibition exhibited by SolMon was significantly higher (P < 0.05) compared with that of VerMyg in HbSSF blood. Sickle cell polymerization inhibition in SolMon and Ipocrata were significantly higher (P < 0.05) compared with VerMyg in HbSSM blood. All plant extracts significantly reduced (P < 0.05) lactate dehydrogenase activity in both HbSSM and HbSSF-treated blood. Catalase activity was significantly increased (P < 0.05) in HbSSF blood treated with Ipocrata compared with glutathione. Cari-oil treated HbSSM and HbSSF blood had significantly increased (P < 0.05) peroxidase activity compared with controls.

CONCLUSIONS

Methanolic extracts from S. monostachyus, C. papaya seed oil and I. involucrata exhibited particular antisickling properties coupled with the potential to reduce stress in sickle cell patients. Each plant individually or in combination may be useful for the management of sickle cell disease.

Bioaccumulation of heavy metals in water, sediments, aquatic plant and histopathological effects on the golden apple snail in Beung Boraphet reservoir, Thailand

Changes in the seasonal concentrations of heavy metals (Cu, Mn, Fe, Zn, Pb and Cd) were determined in water, sediments, snails (Pomacea canaliculata) and aquatic plants (Ipomoea aquatica) in three selected tributaries of the Beung Boraphet reservoir, Nakhon Sawan Province, central Thailand. Only Fe, Cu, Mn and Zn were detected by FAAS in all samples collected. The water quality of Beung Boraphet was medium clean with Fe, Mn, Cu and Zn concentrations well below internationally accepted limits. According to the criteria proposed for sediments by the EPA Region V, Zn and Mn concentrations were within the non-polluted range while Fe and Cu (wet season) concentrations fell into the class of severely polluted sediment. Both P. canaliculata and I. aquatica bioconcentrated more Mn in their tissues than were found in sediments, especially in the wet season. The results of Pearson correlation study and BCF values also indicated similar findings. Only Mn showed the importance of sediment-to-snail concentration and high BCF values in both snails and plants. P. canaliculata exposed to contaminated sediment for two months, showed higher accumulation of metals (Fe, Mn, Cu and Zn) in the digestive tracts and digestive glands than in the foot muscles. Histopathological changes included alterations in the epithelial lining of the digestive tracts, digestive glands and the gills. Loss of cilia and increase in mucous cells were observed in the digestive tracts and gills, while the digestive glands exhibited an increase of dark granules and basophilic cells, and dilation of digestive cells. The results indicated that both P. canaliculata and I. aquatica could be used as biomonitors of sedimentary metal contamination for the Beung Boraphet reservoir.

Mammalian multidrug resistance lipopentasaccharide inhibitors from Ipomoea alba seeds

As part of an ongoing project to identify inhibitors of multidrug efflux pumps, three new resin glycosides, albinosides I-III (1-3), were isolated from a CHCl(3)-soluble extract from the seeds of moon vine (Ipomoea alba). Their structures were established through NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry as partially acylated branched pentasaccharides derived from three new glycosidic acids, named albinosinic acids A-C (4-6). The same oligosaccharide core formed by two D-quinovose, one D-glucose, and two L-rhamnose units was linked to either convolvulinolic or jalapinolic acid for 1 and 3, respectively. They were partially esterified with (2R,3R)-3-hydroxy-2-methylbutanoic, acetic, or 2-methyl-2-butenoic acid. Compound 2 has two D-quinovose and three L-rhamnose units, linked to convolvulinolic acid, and its esterifying residues were characterized as two units of 2-methyl-2-butenoic acid. The aglycone lactonization site was located at C-2 of the terminal rhamnose unit (Rha) for 1, at C-3 of the terminal rhamnose unit (Rha') for 2, and at C-3 of the second saccharide unit (Glc) for 3. Reversal of multidrug resistance by this class of plant metabolites was also evaluated in vinblastine-resistant human breast carcinoma cells (MCF-7/Vin). The noncytotoxic compound 3 exerted the strongest potentiation effect of vinblastine susceptibility to over 2140-fold, while a moderate activity was observed for 1 (3.1-fold) and 2 (2.6-fold) at a concentration of 25 μg/mL.

Ethno medicinal survey of plants used by the indigenes of Rivers State of Nigeria

CONTEXT

The medicinal plants used in the traditional medicine of Rivers State of Nigeria were surveyed.

OBJECTIVE

The survey aims to identify and document the plants used amongst the indigenes of Rivers State.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Semi-structured interviews were conducted during a field trip to gather information from traditional medical practitioners (TMPs) and community elders.

RESULTS

Medicinal plant species (188) representing 169 genera and 82 families used in the ethno medicine of the people of Rivers State were recorded from 460 households. The most represented genera were Ipomoea and Citrus providing four species each. The most important species showed the highest Fidelity level (FL) value and these included Ageratum conyzoides L. (Asteraceae) (100%) and Tridax procumbens L. (Asteraceae) (100%). The most important categories of diseases were those that showed the highest Informant consensus factor (ICF) value of 0.99, such as dermal or digestive problems and fever/malaria. The most used plant part was leaves (42%), while decoction was the main method of drug preparation (36%).

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

The survey shows that more than half of the medicinal plants gathered in Rivers State are also used in other countries of the world for various ailments. The high values of ICF recorded indicate high degree of agreement among the informants, while the high FL values suggest the popular use of the plants. The survey provides a useful source of information for TMPs and medicinal plant researchers. These medicinal plants gathered may bring about drug discovery and may also be incorporated into the healthcare delivery system of the country.

Biogenetic-type synthesis of 2-hydroxy-4,4,7-trimethyl-1(4H)-naphthalenone, a modified apocarotenoid from Ipomoea pes-caprae

A biogenetic-type synthesis of 2-hydroxy-4,4,7-trimethyl-1(4H)-naphthalenone (1), a modified apocarotenoid isolated from Ipomoeapes-caprae (Linn.) R. Br. showing anti-inflammatory activity by inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis in vitro, is described. A biogenetic proposal for the natural occurrence of 1 is also presented.

Ipomoea aquatica extract shows protective action against thioacetamide-induced hepatotoxicity

In the Indian system of traditional medicine (Ayurveda) it is recommended to consume Ipomoea aquatica to mitigate disorders like jaundice. In this study, the protective effects of ethanol extract of I. aquatica against liver damage were evaluated in thioacetamide (TAA)-induced chronic hepatotoxicity in rats. There was no sign of toxicity in the acute toxicity study, in which Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were orally fed with I. aquatica (250 and 500 mg/kg) for two months along with administration of TAA (i.p injection 200 mg/kg three times a week for two months). The results showed that the treatment of I. aquatica significantly lowered the TAA-induced serum levels of hepatic enzyme markers (ALP, ALT, AST, protein, albumin, bilirubin and prothrombin time). The hepatic content of activities and expressions SOD and CAT that were reduced by TAA were brought back to control levels by the plant extract supplement. Meanwhile, the rise in MDA level in the TAA receiving groups also were significantly reduced by I. aquatica treatment. Histopathology of hepatic tissues by H&E and Masson trichrome stains displayed that I. aquatica has reduced the incidence of liver lesions, including hepatic cells cloudy swelling, infiltration, hepatic necrosis, and fibrous connective tissue proliferation induced by TAA in rats. Therefore, the results of this study show that the protective effect of I. aquatica in TAA-induced liver damage might be contributed to its modulation on detoxification enzymes and its antioxidant and free radical scavenger effects. Moreover, it confirms a scientific basis for the traditional use of I. aquatica for the treatment of liver disorders.

Iron plaque formation and morphoanatomy of roots from species of restinga subjected to excess iron

The restingas, a sandy coastal plain ecosystem of Brazil, have received an additional amount of iron due to the activity of mining industries. The present study aims to characterize morphoanatomically and histochemically the iron plaque formation on roots of Ipomoea pes-caprae L. and Canavalia rosea DC, cultivated in hydroponic solution with and without excess iron. The iron plaque formation as well as changes in the external morphology of the lateral roots of both species were observed after the subjection to excess iron. Changes in the nutrient uptake, and in the organization and form of the pericycle and cortex cells were observed for both species. Scanning electron microscopy showed evident iron plaques on the whole surface of the root. The iron was histolocalized in all root tissues of both species. The species of restinga studied here formed iron plaque in their roots when exposed to excess of this element, which may compromise their development in environments polluted by particulated iron.

A new resin glycoside from Ipomoea maxima

A new resin glycoside (1) was isolated from the aerial part of Ipomoea maxima, together with three known compounds, pescaprein XX (2), stoloniferin X (3), and stoloniferin IX (4). The structure of 1 was elucidated on the basis of 1D NMR spectroscopy, a fragmentation study by APCIMS, and HRESIMS analysis.

Morning glory resin glycosides as modulators of antibiotic activity in multidrug-resistant gram-negative bacteria

Twenty-six microbiologically inactive (MIC > 512 µg/mL) convolvulaceous resin glycosides ( 1- 26) were tested for resistance modulatory activity in vitro against Escherichia coli Rosetta-gami and two nosocomial pathogens, Salmonella typhi and Shigella flexneri. These compounds exerted a potentiation effect of the clinically useful antibiotics tetracycline, kanamycin, and chloramphenicol against the tested gram-negative bacteria by increasing antibiotic susceptibility up to 32-fold at concentrations of 25 µg/mL. Therefore, the oligosaccharides from the morning glory family (Convolvulaceae) represent metabolites that reverse microbial resistance mechanisms, favoring an increase in the strength and effectiveness of current antibiotics that are not effective in the treatment of refractive infections caused by multidrug-resistant strains.

Antifungal activity and isomerization of octadecyl p-coumarates from Ipomoea carnea subsp. fistulosa

Bioassay monitored HPLC assisted isolation and purification of the chief antifungal fraction of the leaves of Ipomoea carnea subsp. fistulosa (Convulvulaceae) were achieved using Colletotrichum gloeosporioides and Cladosporium cucumerinum as test organisms. The activity of the purified fraction was further confirmed by the dose dependent inhibition of the spore germination of Alternaria alternata and A. porri. The active fraction was identified as a mixture of (E)-octadecyl p-coumarate and (Z)-octadecyl p-coumarate. The two isomers were detected on an HPLC column with substantially different retention times, but once eluted from the column, one form was partly converted to the other in daylight. Conclusive evidence for the structures and their isomerization were obtained from the HPLC behavior, IR, UV, HRESIMS, CIMS and and NMR spectral data. Important 1H NMR and 13C NMR signals could be separately assigned for the isomers using 2D NMR techniques.

Induction of systemic resistance in rice by leaf extracts of Zizyphus jujuba and Ipomoea carnea against Rhizoctonia solani

Plants accumulate a great diversity of natural products, many of which confer protective effects against phytopathogenic attack. Earlier we had demonstrated that the leaf extracts of Zizyphus jujuba and Ipomoea carnea inhibit the in vitro mycelial growth of Rhizoctonia solani, and effectively reduce the incidence of sheath blight disease in rice. Here we demonstrate that foliar application of the aqueous leaf extracts of Z. jujuba and I. carnea followed by challenge inoculation with R. solani induces systemic resistance in rice as evident from significantly increased accumulation of pathogenesis-related proteins such as chitinase, β-1,3-glucanase and peroxidase, as well as defense-related compounds such as phenylalanine ammonia-lyase and phenolic substances. Thin layer chromatographic separation of secondary metabolites revealed presence of alkaloid and terpenoid compounds in the leaf extracts of Z. jujuba that exhibited toxicity against R. solani under in vitro condition. Thus, the enhanced sheath blight resistance in rice seedlings treated with leaf extracts of Z. jujuba or I. carnea can be attributed to the direct inhibitory effects of these leaf extracts as well as their ability to elicit systemic resistance against R. solani.

Cytotoxic effects of Argentinean plant extracts on tumour and normal cell lines

In the search for possible new anti-cancer agents, we investigated the effects of 75 aqueous and methanol extracts from 41 Argentinean plant species. The effect in cell growth was evaluated in the LM2 mammary adenocarcinoma cells. In a second stage, the highly active selected extracts were assayed in 3 other tumour cell lines: melanoma B16, bladder MB49 and lung A549; and 3 normal cell lines: mammary Hb4a and keratinocytes PAM212 and HaCat. Eight methanol extracts were found to be highly cytotoxic: Collaea argentina leaf, Iochroma australe leaf, Ipomoea bonariensis flower, Jacaranda mimosifolia flower, Solanum amygdalifolium flower, Solanum chacoense leaf, Solanum sisymbriifolium flower and Solanum verbascifolium flower. However, extract inhibition on cell growth was highly dependent on cell type. In general, except for the highly resistant cell lines, the inhibitory concentrations 50% were in the range of 10-150 μg/ml The eight extracts highly inhibited cell growth in a concentration-dependent manner, and in general the methanol extracts were always more active than the aqueous. Murine cells appear to be more sensitive than human cells to the cytotoxic action of the plant extracts. The human melanoma B16 line was the most resistant to four of the extracts. In terms of selectivity, S. verbascifolium was the species which showed most selectivity for tumour cells. Overall, this is one of the first studies focusing on southern South American native plants and their biological effects. Since some species of 5 genera analyzed have been reported to possess different degrees of alkaloid content, we examined microtubule structures after extract treatments. The eight extracts induced destabilization, condensation and aggregation of microtubules in LM2 cells, although no depolarization, typical of Vinca alkaloids damage was observed. In a near future, antitumour activity of purified fractions of the extracts administered at non-toxic doses will be assayed in transplantable murine tumour models.