A new lactam 28-norlimonoid from the leaves of Azadirachta indica A. Juss. (Meliaceae)

From an EtOAc-soluble fraction of the leaves of Azadirachta indica, one new lactam 28-norlimonoid named nimbandiolactam-21 (1), together with 2 known limonoids (2 and 3) were isolated. Their relative structures were elucidated based on NMR spectroscopic analysis. Nimbandiolactone-23 (2) showed the most potent α-glucosidase inhibitory activity, with an IC₅₀ value of 38.7 μM. Compound 1 represents the first naturally occurring example of a 28-norlimonoid having the lactam moiety. The plausible biosynthetic pathway for the formation of lactam moiety in 1 was proposed.

Ultrastructural observations on the redial tegument of Paramphistomum epiclitum from the planorbid snail, Indoplanorbis exustus

The morphology of the tegument in the redia of Paramphistomum epiclitum (Digenea: Paramphistomidae) resembles that shown by most larval and adult digeneans; an outer surface syncytium is in continuity with the cytoplasm of in-sunken, nucleated cytons. Although tegumental cytons usually contain a single nucleus, some display up to six nuclei. The tegumental syncytium lining the pharynx of P. epiclitum rediae lack underlying cytons. The apical membrane of the tegument is elaborated by folds and microvilli, which presumably facilitate uptake of nutrients and/or exchange of ions involved in osmoregulation. A single type of secretory body, resulting from the fusion of smaller vesicles produced at Golgi complexes in the cytons, occurs throughout the tegument. Uniciliate sensory receptors occur in the surface syncytium particularly around the oral opening.