Poisoning in ruminants caused by species of the genus Cestrum L. (Solanaceae) in Brazil: A review of toxicological and phytochemical evidence

Some plant species of the genus Cestrum L. (Solanaceae family) are known to cause poisoning in farming animals in Brazil, negatively affecting the livestock sector. In this context, this study aimed to carry out a systematic review of the Cestrum species that cause poisoning in ruminants in Brazil and to list the main phytochemicals involved in these toxic activities that have already been identified. Scientific documents were retrieved in Google Scholar, PubMed®, ScienceDirect®, and SciELO databases. After applying the inclusion criteria, a total of 38 articles published between 1920 and 2023 were included in the present study. Cestrum axillare Vell. [Syn. Cestrum laevigatum Schltdl.], Cestrum corymbosum Schltdl., Cestrum intermedium Sendtn., and Cestrum parqui L'Hér. were found to have reported cases of poisoning in the Northeast, Southeast, and South of Brazil. Natural poisonings in ruminants caused by these species have been recorded in ten Brazilian states, mostly in Rio de Janeiro, Santa Catarina, Rio Grande do Sul, and Pernambuco. In general, Cestrum species cause liver damage and a clinical-pathological state characterized by acute liver failure of the poisoned animals. Cattle are more susceptible to poisoning by these plants, but there are reports of poisoning by C. axillare in goats and buffaloes as well. Several chemical constituents were identified in C. axillare and C. parqui, including some saponins and terpenoids that may be associated with the cases of poisoning. However, only one chemical compound has been identified in C. intermedium, and no phytochemical investigation has been carried out regarding toxic compounds in C. corymbosum. It is expected that future studies fill the gap in determining the toxic principles present in these species.

A Total of Eight Novel Steroidal Glycosides Based on Spirostan, Furostan, Pseudofurostan, and Cholestane from the Leaves of Cestrum newellii

Previously, various steroidal glycosides were reported from plants of Cestrum species. However, phytochemical investigation has not been conducted on Cestrum newellii. A systematic phytochemical investigation of the leaves of C. newellii resulted in the isolation of eight novel steroidal glycosides (1-8), which were classified into three spirostanol glycosides (1-3), two furostanol glycosides (4 and 5), two pseudofurostanol glycosides (6 and 7), and one cholestane glycoside (8). In addition, three known cholestane glycosides (9-11) were isolated and identified. The structures of the new compounds were determined based on spectroscopic data and chemical transformations. Compounds 1 and 2 are spirostanol glycosides having hydroxy groups at C-2, C-3, C-12, and C-24 of the aglycone moiety. Although C. newellii is known to be a poisonous plant, the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide assay exhibited that none of the isolated compounds were cytotoxic to HL-60 human promyelocytic leukemia cells.

In vitro anticancer and antioxidant potential of Cestrum species

The methanolic extract of leaves and stem of Cestrum nocturnum and Cestrum diurnum were investigated for their antioxidant and anticancer attribute through standard methods. 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay was carried out to estimate the antioxidant activity of the extracts. Whereas, anticancer potential of extracts were tested against colon cancer cell line, HCT 116 and acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cell lines, THP-1. Results showed that extracts of both plants exhibited a very strong antioxidant activity in a dose dependent manner. In addition, both extracts efficiently increased the cell death in two different cancer cell lines. Moreover, DNA fragmentation analysis further strengthens the anticancer potential of extracts of both types of plants. Current study, therefore, provide a preliminary data highlighting the antioxidant and anticancer activities of methanolic extract of leaves and stem of Cestrum nocturnum and Cestrum diurnum.

Spirostanol glucosides from the leaves of Cestrum laevigatum L

Two new steroidal saponins, (25R)-spirost-5-ene-3β,26β-diol 3-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 4)-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 4)-[(1 → 2)-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl]-β-D-glucopyranoside (1) and (25R)-spirost-6-ene-3β,5β-diol 3-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 4)-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 4)-[(1 → 2)-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl]-β-D-glucopyranoside (2), along with the known diosgenin 3-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 4)-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 4)-β-D-glucopyranoside (3), chonglouoside SL-5 (4) and Paris saponin Pb (5) were isolated from the leaves of Cestrum laevigatum. The structures of the compounds were determined using spectroscopic analyses including HRESI-MS, 1D and 2D NMR data, followed by comparison with data from the literature. Among them, two are particularly unique, compound 1 is the first (6)Δ-spirostanol saponin and compound 2 has an unusual C-26 hydroxyl in the (5)Δ-spirostanol skeleton. Antifungal testing showed a potent activity to formosanin C against Candida albicans and Candida parapsilosis. Evaluation of the cytotoxic activity indicated that compound 1 has a moderate activity against HL-60 and SF-295 cell lines, while compound 2 were active only against HL-60.

Steroidal saponins from the fruits of Cestrum ruizteranianum

Seven spirostane and furostane-type glycosides were isolated from the aqueous methanolic extract of the fruits of Cestrum ruizteranianum and characterized mainly by 2D NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. These known saponins belong to the delta5-spirostene and delta5-furostene series and are reported in this species for the first time.

[Sperm immobilizing effect of leaves extracts of Cestrum parqui]

OBJECTIVE

The leaves extracts of Cestrum parqui were reported to have spermicidal activity. The current investigation identified the spermicidal component of the extracts and evaluated its spermicidal potential in vitro, particularly the effects on sperm motility and vitality.

METHODS

Sperms were prepared by discontinuous buoyant density gradient centrifugation and incubated with varying concentrations of extract from C. parqui (40-250 μg/ml) at 37°C and 5% CO(2). The mode of spermicidal action was evaluated by sperm motility and vitality at different intervals ranging from 5 to 240 minutes. Morphological changes in human spermatozoa after exposure to the extract were evaluated under transmission electron microscope.

RESULTS

A dose- and time-dependent effect of this extract on sperm motility and viability was observed. The mean effective concentration of extracts that induced irreversible immobilization was 250 μg/ml. Transmission electron microscope revealed a significant damage to sperm membrane in head and acrosomal membranes, notable swelling and disruption.

CONCLUSION

Our study indicates that this natural extract has potential spermicidal effect in vitro. It can adequately replace nonoxynol-9 in vaginal contraceptives to make them more vaginally safe and ecofriendly.

[Experimental study on antitumor effect of extracts from Cestrum nocturnum in vivo]

OBJECTIVE

To observe the antitumor effects of extracts from Cestrum nocturnum (CN) in vivo.

METHODS

The S180-mice model was used to observe the tumor-inhibition rate of CN and the H22-mice model was used to test the survival time.

RESULTS

The experiment in S180-mice demonstrated that the n-butanol and polysaccharides extracts from CN had obvious effects on tumor inhibition. Its inhibitory rates were 52.30%, 46.75%, 42.28%, 43.19%, 37.96% and 31.82% respectively in the mice administrated the n-butanol and polysaccharides extracts from CN with 30 mg/kg, 20 mg/kg and 15 mg/kg weight dosage. It was noted that tumor formation postponed in mice treated with the n-butanol and polysaccharides extracts from CN compared with the control panel and tumor growth became slower; The n-butanol and polysaccharides extracts from CN could also greatly enhance the life span of mice with H22 ascitic tumors by 116.43%, 44.52%, 20.54%, 109.52%, 112.61% and 115.01%, respectively. The inhibit effects of n-butanol fraction extracts from CN had direct relationship with dose, while the polysaccharides fraction extracts from CN had no obvious relationship with dose.

CONCLUSION

The n-butanol and polysaccharides extracts of CN are able to inhibit tumor growth and prolong the lifetime of the tumor-bearing mice in a dose-dependent pattern.

Chemical characterization of new oxylipins from Cestrum parqui, and their effects on seed germination and early seedling growth

Isolation, chemical characterization, and phytotoxicity of five new oxylipins, together with seven already known related compounds, from Cestrum parqui L' Hérl. is reported. All the structures were elucidated on the basis of their spectral data, especially 1D-(1H- and 13C-NMR, DEPT) and 2D-NMR (COSY, TOCSY, HSQC, HMBC, and NOESY). The configurations of the stereogenic C-atoms were determined by the Mosher's method. The compounds have been assayed for their phytotoxicity on Lactuca sativa at concentrations ranging between 10(-4) and 10(-8) M. The results of the phytotoxicity tests on the germination and growth of the test species, obtained by a cluster analysis, showed interesting relationship between the chemical structures of the compounds and their biological effects.

Isolation and characterization of new lignans from the leaves of Cestrum parqui

Three new compounds, a sesquilignans, an oxyneolignan and a norlignan, have been isolated from the aqueous fraction of Cestrum parqui. All of the compounds have been identified on the basis of their spectroscopic properties and tested on the species Lactuca sativa and Lycopersicon esculentum to evaluate their phytotoxic activity.

Biocontrol efficacy ofCestrum diurnumL. (Solanaceae: Solanales) against the larval forms ofAnopheles stephensi

Cestrum diurnum L. (Solanaceae: Solanales) is a multistemmed shrub that is also known as 'Day Jasmine'. The efficacy of the plant as a strong biocontrol agent of the larval anopheline mosquito was evaluated in the laboratory and bioactive ingredients were characterized by thin layer chromatography (TLC) and infrared (IR) analysis. Thin layer chromatographic analysis revealed the presence of steroidal compound as a bioactive ingredient and IR analysis reported the presence of O-H group, C-S bond as a -CH2S group, H bonded -C=O group and carbonyl stress of esters. The LC50 value of the active ingredient was determined as 0.70, 0.89, 0.90 and 1.03 mg/100 mL-1, for 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th instar larva respectively in 24 h study period. The active component was analyzed by GLC and GLC-MS and altogether 14 components were detected.

Insecticidal effects of various concentrations of selected extractions of Cestrum parqui on adult and immature Ceratitis capitata

Aqueous extracts of Cestrum parqui L'Héritier (Solanaceae) were evaluated at different concentrations in several stages of Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Tephritidae). For adults, the study was extended to extracts obtained with several solvents of an increasing degree of polarity. Aqueous extracts from C. parqui showed a high toxicity to neonate larvae when ingested through diet, inhibiting pupation at a concentration above 0.6%. Lower concentrations delayed the larval development and reduced the percentages of pupae formed and adult emergence. An LC50 = 0.9% after 3 d of continuous ingestion of C. parqui aqueous extracts could be calculated, whereas extracts obtained with organic compounds were nearly innocuous except with the use of the solvent methanol/water (80:20), the more polar of those tested, that killed 12.5% of adults. Aqueous extracts were also harmful to adults by diminishing the reproductive potential, which implies a significant effect on the offspring. Egg contact with insecticide or dipping third instars did not cause any adverse effect, supporting the hypothesis that only by means of ingestion can the toxic compounds of C. parqui reach the target. Our results showed that C. parqui components causing C. capitata mortality are mostly dissolved in water and not in organic solvents, which point out their polar character.

Amelioration of adjuvant-induced arthritis by ursolic acid through altered Th1/Th2 cytokine production

The objective of the study was to investigate the activity of ursolic acid (UA) on proinflammatory (Th1) and anti-inflammatory (Th2) cytokines in the peripheral blood of arthritic balb/c mice. Ursolic acid is ubiquitous in the plant kingdom and is a constituent of numerous plants which are having diversified phylogenetic origin and taxonomic position. We applied Cytometric bead array (CBA) technology for simultaneously measurement of these cytokines in adjuvant inflammatory arthritis induced mice treated with ursolic acid in graded oral doses. Cytometric bead array uses the sensitivity of amplified fluorescence detection by flowcytometer to measure soluble analytes in a particle based immune assay. This assay can accurately quantitate five cytokines in a 50 microl sample volume. The T-helper (Th1) deviated cells produce detectable level of tumor necrosis factor (TNF-alpha), interleukin-2 (IL-2) and interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), while the Th2 deviated cells produce significant amount of interleukin-4 (IL-4) and interleukin-5 (IL-5). Oral administration of UA at doses of 10, 20, 40, 80 and 160 mg kg(-1) per oral dose inhibited the presence of IL-2, IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha in the peripheral blood.

Insect growth regulator activity of Cestrum parqui saponins: an interaction with cholesterol metabolism

Cestrum parqui is an ornamental shrub known for its insecticidal activity against some insect pests; this activity comes from the crude saponic extract of the leaves of this plant, the saponins cause insect growth regulator symptoms (development and moulting perturbation). In this work we try to demonstrate the hypothesis that saponins interact with ecdysone (moulting hormone) synthesis mechanisms by reducing diet cholesterol absorption (cholesterol forms the skeleton of ecdysone and of other ecdysteroids). To show the cholesterol/saponin interaction we used a stored product pest insect (Tribolium confuisurn), the larva of this insect are affected by saponins added in their diet, but the addition of cholesterol permits to reduce significatively this insecticidal propriety. Using Spodoptera littoralis larva model the tentative to detect a cholesterol rate reduction on the level of hemolymph is also unsuccessful. All these experiments shows that this type of reaction can't occur in the diet or in the digestive system but probably in insect cells. It is clear that Cestrurn parqui saponins affect the cholesterol metabolism but the exactly mechanism is still unknown. More investigations are necessary to develop this hypothesis and to envisage the use of Cestrum saponins as insect growth regulator bioinsecticide.

Structural characterization of phytotoxic terpenoids from Cestrum parqui

Isolation, chemical characterization and phytotoxicity of nine polyhydroxylated terpenes (five C13nor-isoprenoids, two sesquiterpenes, a spirostane and a pseudosapogenin) from Cestrum parqui L'Herr are reported. In this work we completed the phytochemical investigation of the terpenic fraction of the plant and described the structural elucidation of polar isoprenoids using NMR methods. All the configurations of the compounds have been assigned by NOESY experiments. Four new structures have been identified as (3S,5R,6R,7E,9R)-5,6,9-trihydroxy-3-isopropyloxy-7-megastigmene, 5alpha-spirostan-3beta,12beta,15alpha-triol, and 26-O-(3'-isopentanoyl)-beta-d-glucopyranosyl-5alpha-furost-20(22)-ene-3beta,26-diol, and as an unusual tricyclic sesquiterpene. The compounds have been assayed for their phytotoxicity on lettuce at the concentrations ranging between 10(-4) and 10(-7)M. The activities of some compounds were similar to that of the herbicide pendimethalin.

Low molecular weight phenols from the bioactive aqueous fraction of Cestrum parqui

The aqueous fraction of fresh leaves of Cestrum parqui and its organic fractions have been assayed for their phytotoxicity on Lactuca sativa, Lycopersicon esculentum, and Allium cepa. The tests showed that the bioactivity was retained in the organic fractions. Chromatographic processes led to isolation and characterization of the N-(p-carboxymethylphenyl)-p-hydroxybenzamide together with 17 low molecular weight phenols and 2 flavones. The phytotoxicity tests showed a good activity of these compounds on the target species. Comparison of some metabolites with commercial herbicides revealed a major activity of the natural compounds at lower concentrations.

Cestrum diurnum leaf as a source of 1,25(OH)2 Vitamin D3 improves egg shell thickness

A continuing concern of the poultry industry is the high incidence (12%) of egg losses in the laying house due to poor egg shell quality. Calcium (Ca) homeostasis is a key factor in egg shell formation. The economy of Ca utilisation is under the control of Vitamin D(3), particularly its active metabolite 1,25-dihydroxy cholecalciferol [1,25(OH)(2)D(3)]. Supplementation of 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) has been shown to increase specific gravity, shell thickness and shell weight of the egg. However, commercially available synthetic 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) is very expensive. Earlier studies from our Institute [Phytochemistry 37 (1994) 677] have identified a cheap, natural and rich source of 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) in the leaves of Cestrum diurnum (CD), a member of the Solanaceae family. In this study, CD leaves were explored as a source of 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) in the feed of layer birds to improve the egg shell thickness. Fifteen-week-old white leghorn layers were divided into four treatments of 60 birds each and as follows: (I) normal diet with Vitamin D(3), (II) normal diet with Vitamin D(3) + CD, (III) normal diet without Vitamin D(3) and, (IV) normal diet without Vitamin D(3) + CD powder. CD leaf powder was incorporated in to the feed at 0.3% level. The experimental feeding was continued up to 72 weeks of age of the birds. Weekly food intake and daily egg production were noted throughout the experimental period and the specific gravity of the eggs, feed consumed to lay one egg and egg shell thickness were determined. Incorporation of CD leaves in the feed had the maximal effect on all the parameters studied. The feed consumed to lay one egg was 20 g less than the control group. The specific gravity of the egg was higher by 0.005, than the control egg, indicating a 5% decrease in the breakage of eggs in CD fed chicks. Also there was a significant increase (P < 0.001) in egg shell thickness. The data suggest that incorporation of CD leaf powder in the feed of poultry layers increased the egg shell thickness, which in turn could decrease the economic loss due to breakage of eggs.

Structure elucidation and phytotoxicity of C13 nor-isoprenoids from Cestrum parqui

Twelve C(13) nor-isoprenoids have been isolated from the leaves of Cestrum parqui (Solanaceae). The structure (2R,6R,9R)-2,9-dihydroxy-4-megastigmen-3-one has been assigned to the new compound. All the structures have been determined by spectroscopic means and chemical correlations. The compounds showed phytotoxic effect on the germination and growth of Lactuca sativa L.

Steroidal glycosides from the leaves of Cestrum nocturnum

Further phytochemical analysis aimed at the steroidal glycoside constituents of the leaves of Cestrum nocturnum has resulted in the isolation of eight new steroidal glycosides (1-8), which were classified into a spirostanol saponin (1), a furostanol saponin (2), a pseudo-furostanol saponin (3), two pregnane glycosides (4, 5), two cholestane glycosides (6, 7), and pregnane-carboxylic acid gamma-lactone glycoside (8), and of two known spirostanol glycosides (9, 10). The structures of the new compounds were elucidated on the basis of chemical and spectroscopic evidence.