Objective:To evaluate the hepatoprotective and antioxidant properties of alkaloid extract of Cyclea peltata(C.peltata) against paracetamol/carbon tetra chloride induced liver damage in Wistar rats.Methods:In viro para...Objective:To evaluate the hepatoprotective and antioxidant properties of alkaloid extract of Cyclea peltata(C.peltata) against paracetamol/carbon tetra chloride induced liver damage in Wistar rats.Methods:In viro paracetamol/carbon tetrachloride induced liver damage in Wistar rats,in vitro free radical scavenging studies,HPTLC estimation of letrandrine and direct analysis in real timemass spectrometry of alkaloid extract of C.peltata were used for the validation.Results:The results showed that pretreatment with alkaloid extract of C.peltata caused significant reduction of serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase,serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase,serum alkaline phosphatase,serum cholesterol,liver malondialdehyde levels.The reduced glutathione,catalase,superoxide dismutase levels in liver were increased with alkaloid extract of C.peltata treatment.These results were almost comparable to silymarin and normal control.Histopathological studies also substantiated the biochemical findings.The in vitro hydroxyl,superoxide and DPPH scavenging study of alkaloid extract of C. peltata showed significant free radical scavenging property.Conclusions:The hepatoprotective property of alkaloid extract of C.peltata against paracetamol/carbon tetrachloride may be due the synergistic action of alkaloids especially tetrandrine,fangchinoline through free radical scavenging and thus preventing oxidative stress.展开更多
Population density,species richness and critical population parameters are crucial in determining the levels of gene diversity in dioecious species of the genus Calamus.The extent of intraspecific and intrageneric gen...Population density,species richness and critical population parameters are crucial in determining the levels of gene diversity in dioecious species of the genus Calamus.The extent of intraspecific and intrageneric genetic variability in Calamus from the southern Western Ghats of India was studied using 26 microsatellite markers by sampling 227 individuals belonging to seven economically important species.The heterozygosity of microsatellite loci ranged from zero to 0.78.Average gene diversity within species was 0.13;in all species it was 0.18 and amongst species was 0.06.The Shannon Information Index was the lowest for Calamus metzianus(0.11),whereas it ranged from 0.16 to 0.26 for other species.The expected heterozygosity varied from 0.08 to 0.18.Calamus hookerianus and Calamu travancoricus showed the highest genetic differentiation(44%)revealed through Fst values,whereas the lowest(22%)was observed between Calamus gamblei and Calamu thwaitesii.Population structuring and phylogenetic analysis differentiated the seven species.Due to overexploitation and loss of rare alleles,small populations could lead to fertilization between closely related individuals,resulting in inbreeding and increasing the risk of extinction.This could be important for species such as C.metzianus where allelic polymorphism was 23%,whereas for all other species it was 38%to 46%.Genetic diversity“micro-hotspots”were identified from the protected area network of the southern and central Western Ghats with highest observed heterozygosity.Four microhotspots from the Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve and the Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary may be possible for long-term conservation programs.The findings of this study lay a strong foundation for strengthening protected area networks,especially areas with intermediate levels of disturbance.展开更多
An efficient and improved clonal propagation of Alpinia calcarata, a commercially important medicinal plant was established on Murashige and Skoog medium. The axillary shoot proliferation was achieved with maximum 5.2...An efficient and improved clonal propagation of Alpinia calcarata, a commercially important medicinal plant was established on Murashige and Skoog medium. The axillary shoot proliferation was achieved with maximum 5.2 ± 0.7 shoots in 92.8% of rhizome explants in medium with 2.0 mg/L 6-benzylamiopurine (BAP) and 0.2 mg/L indole-3-acetic acid (IAA). Axillary shoot buds (60%) upon subculture for 8 weeks in the same medium produced multiple shoot initials (12.1 ± 0.4) mediated with meristemoids (4.0 ± 0.5) and callus. A gradual reduction in the concentration of BAP or elimination of IAA was required for rapid induction of normal plants devoid of callus from propagules during subsequent subculture. Single clump of 3-4 multiple shoot initials during second subculture on medium with 1.0 mg/L BAP and 0.1 mg/L IAA yielded an average of 21 shoots which was best among different propagules tried. The shoot multiplication rate was further enhanced to 32 shoots when the similar propagules passed to third subculture on medium with 1.0 mg/L BAP alone. Clumps of multiple shoot initials upon subculture on medium with 1.0 mg/L BAP alone exhibited 10 fold multiplication rates. Use of liquid medium in culture bottles with polypropylene caps supported fast growth of the shoots and spontaneous root formation on 50% of the shoots. Shoots transferred to half-strength MS liquid medium with 0.2 mg/L of IAA and IBA was optimum for maximum roots (8.14 ± 1.34) in 100% shoots. The rooted plants were hardened in mist chamber showed 95% survival and well established in the field. The acclimatized plants showed rhizome formation after 4-6 weeks of growth under shade house. Volatile chemicals profile of the leaves, rhizome and root of the in vitro and conventionally propagated plants analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry were qualitatively and quantitatively similar. The analysis of growth characteristics of 36 month old in vitro and conventionally propagated plants showed a 50% increment of rhizome fresh biomass with prolific root and leaf growth in the former than the latter ones. The protocol described herein will have practical applications for the large scale production of uniform efficient plants for commercial cultivation of A. calcarata.展开更多
OBJECTIVE: Deoxyelephantopin, a sesquiterpene lactone from Elephantopus scaber, showed inhibition of the growth of various tumor cells in vitro. In the present study, we investigated the cytotoxicity and apoptosis-in...OBJECTIVE: Deoxyelephantopin, a sesquiterpene lactone from Elephantopus scaber, showed inhibition of the growth of various tumor cells in vitro. In the present study, we investigated the cytotoxicity and apoptosis-inducing capacity of deoxyelephantopin on lung adenocarcinoma (A549) cells. METHODS: The cytotoxic effect of deoxyelephantopin on A549 cells and normal lymphocytes was evaluated using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) value was determined. The self-renewal and proliferating potential of A549 cells after treatment with deoxyelephantopin were examined by colony formation assay. Cellular morphology of deoxyelephantopin-treated cells was observed using phase- contrast microscopy. The induction of apoptosis was evaluated using acddine orange and ethidium bromide staining, Hoechst 33342 staining, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP biotin nick end-labeling (TUNEL) assay, DNA fragmentation analysis and Annexin V-fluorescein isothiocyanate staining by flow cytometry. Activation of caspases was detected using fluorogenic substrate specific to caspases 2, 3, 8 and 9 and flow cytometric analysis. The total cellular DNA content and expression of cleaved poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase was also analyzed. RESULTS: Deoxyelephantopin exhibited cytotoxicity to A549 cells (IC50 = 12.287 μg/mL), however, there was no toxicity towards normal human lymphocytes. Deoxyelephantopin suppressed the colony-forming ability of A549 cells in a dose-dependent manner. Acridine orange, ethidium bromide and Hoechst 33342 staining showed cell shrinkage, chromosomal condensation and nuclear fragmentation, indicating induction of apoptosis. Deoxyelephantopin increased apoptosis of A549 cells, as evidenced by more TUNEL-positive cells. DNA fragmentation and Annexin V staining revealed late-stage apoptotic cell population. Deoxyelephantopin inhibited A549 cell growth by cell cycle arrest at G2/M phase and induced apoptosis through both extrinsic and intrinsic pathways. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that deoxyelephantopin has great potential as a new chemotherapeutic agent to be developed further for the treatment of lung cancer.展开更多
Cistanche deserticola is an important medicinal plant in Mongolia.Despite its significant role in local healing systems,little traditional knowledge had been reported.The present study investigated folk names of C.des...Cistanche deserticola is an important medicinal plant in Mongolia.Despite its significant role in local healing systems,little traditional knowledge had been reported.The present study investigated folk names of C.deserticola and other species of the same community in Umnugobi Province,South Gobi region of Mongolia,based on ethnobotanical approaches.The high correspondence between folk names and scientific names of plant species occurring in Cistanche-associated community shows the scientific meaning of folk nomenclature and classification in Mongolia.The Mongolian and folk names of plants were formed on the basis of observations and understanding of wild plants including their morphology,phenology and traditional uses as well.Results from this study will support the conservation of C.deserticola itself,a rare and endangered plant species listed in the Monglian Red Data Book.Our documentation of folk nomenclature based on 96 plant species in the Cistanche community,as a part of traditional knowledge associated with biodiversity,will be very helpful for making strategy of plant biodiversity conservation in Mongolia.展开更多
In the present paper,15 lichenized fungal species belonging to family Graphidaceae are described,of which Ocellularia albomaculata,O.ascidioidea,O.kanneliyensis,O.monosporoides,O.pertusariiformis and O.rhicnopora are ...In the present paper,15 lichenized fungal species belonging to family Graphidaceae are described,of which Ocellularia albomaculata,O.ascidioidea,O.kanneliyensis,O.monosporoides,O.pertusariiformis and O.rhicnopora are new records to Indian lichen biota and Pallidogramme chrysenteron is new to Peninsular India,whereas Asteristion alboolivaceum,Chapsa hiata,Diploschistes rampoddensis,Fissurina rubiginosa,Pseudochapsa phlyctidioides,Thelotrema canarense,T.piluliferum and T.subtile are new to lichen biota of Kerala state.展开更多
In this study,coffee pulp(Coffea arabica)and green tea(Camellia sinensis)residues were characterized for use as a substrate of solid-state fermentation for cellulases production.The invasion rate was evaluated,as well...In this study,coffee pulp(Coffea arabica)and green tea(Camellia sinensis)residues were characterized for use as a substrate of solid-state fermentation for cellulases production.The invasion rate was evaluated,as well as cellulases production by strains of Aspergillus niger and Trichoderma asperellum from the western Ghats of India,on coffee pulp,green tea,and a mixture of both substrates(50:50).T.asperellum(AFP)strain was found to have the highest growth rate(0.409±0.021 mm/h)using a mixture of both substrates.The production of cellulases by T.asperellum was unsatisfactory due to the presence of polyphenols in the supports to which A.nigger cellulases are more resistant.The production of cellulases by A.nigger was linked to the pH of the supports,favouring the use of T and TC.It was found that the extracts produced by A.niger(28A strain using a mixture substrate,28A,and 20A strains using only green tea as a substrate)presented the highest cellulase activities when evaluated using a plate technique producing degradation halos of 2.3±0.1 cm of diameter.Aspergillus 28A strain did not require mineral enrichment media for cellulase production using green tea residues as support of solid-state fermentation.展开更多
基金Supported by Indian Council of Medical Research(ICMR),NewDelhi(Grant No.45/9/2007/BMS/TRM)
文摘Objective:To evaluate the hepatoprotective and antioxidant properties of alkaloid extract of Cyclea peltata(C.peltata) against paracetamol/carbon tetra chloride induced liver damage in Wistar rats.Methods:In viro paracetamol/carbon tetrachloride induced liver damage in Wistar rats,in vitro free radical scavenging studies,HPTLC estimation of letrandrine and direct analysis in real timemass spectrometry of alkaloid extract of C.peltata were used for the validation.Results:The results showed that pretreatment with alkaloid extract of C.peltata caused significant reduction of serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase,serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase,serum alkaline phosphatase,serum cholesterol,liver malondialdehyde levels.The reduced glutathione,catalase,superoxide dismutase levels in liver were increased with alkaloid extract of C.peltata treatment.These results were almost comparable to silymarin and normal control.Histopathological studies also substantiated the biochemical findings.The in vitro hydroxyl,superoxide and DPPH scavenging study of alkaloid extract of C. peltata showed significant free radical scavenging property.Conclusions:The hepatoprotective property of alkaloid extract of C.peltata against paracetamol/carbon tetrachloride may be due the synergistic action of alkaloids especially tetrandrine,fangchinoline through free radical scavenging and thus preventing oxidative stress.
基金The work was supported by the Department of Biotechnology,Government of India(Order No.BT/156/NE/TBP/2011)the Kerala State Council for Science,Technology and Environment(KSCSTE),Thiruvananthapuram(Order No.234/KBC/2012/KSCSTE).
文摘Population density,species richness and critical population parameters are crucial in determining the levels of gene diversity in dioecious species of the genus Calamus.The extent of intraspecific and intrageneric genetic variability in Calamus from the southern Western Ghats of India was studied using 26 microsatellite markers by sampling 227 individuals belonging to seven economically important species.The heterozygosity of microsatellite loci ranged from zero to 0.78.Average gene diversity within species was 0.13;in all species it was 0.18 and amongst species was 0.06.The Shannon Information Index was the lowest for Calamus metzianus(0.11),whereas it ranged from 0.16 to 0.26 for other species.The expected heterozygosity varied from 0.08 to 0.18.Calamus hookerianus and Calamu travancoricus showed the highest genetic differentiation(44%)revealed through Fst values,whereas the lowest(22%)was observed between Calamus gamblei and Calamu thwaitesii.Population structuring and phylogenetic analysis differentiated the seven species.Due to overexploitation and loss of rare alleles,small populations could lead to fertilization between closely related individuals,resulting in inbreeding and increasing the risk of extinction.This could be important for species such as C.metzianus where allelic polymorphism was 23%,whereas for all other species it was 38%to 46%.Genetic diversity“micro-hotspots”were identified from the protected area network of the southern and central Western Ghats with highest observed heterozygosity.Four microhotspots from the Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve and the Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary may be possible for long-term conservation programs.The findings of this study lay a strong foundation for strengthening protected area networks,especially areas with intermediate levels of disturbance.
文摘An efficient and improved clonal propagation of Alpinia calcarata, a commercially important medicinal plant was established on Murashige and Skoog medium. The axillary shoot proliferation was achieved with maximum 5.2 ± 0.7 shoots in 92.8% of rhizome explants in medium with 2.0 mg/L 6-benzylamiopurine (BAP) and 0.2 mg/L indole-3-acetic acid (IAA). Axillary shoot buds (60%) upon subculture for 8 weeks in the same medium produced multiple shoot initials (12.1 ± 0.4) mediated with meristemoids (4.0 ± 0.5) and callus. A gradual reduction in the concentration of BAP or elimination of IAA was required for rapid induction of normal plants devoid of callus from propagules during subsequent subculture. Single clump of 3-4 multiple shoot initials during second subculture on medium with 1.0 mg/L BAP and 0.1 mg/L IAA yielded an average of 21 shoots which was best among different propagules tried. The shoot multiplication rate was further enhanced to 32 shoots when the similar propagules passed to third subculture on medium with 1.0 mg/L BAP alone. Clumps of multiple shoot initials upon subculture on medium with 1.0 mg/L BAP alone exhibited 10 fold multiplication rates. Use of liquid medium in culture bottles with polypropylene caps supported fast growth of the shoots and spontaneous root formation on 50% of the shoots. Shoots transferred to half-strength MS liquid medium with 0.2 mg/L of IAA and IBA was optimum for maximum roots (8.14 ± 1.34) in 100% shoots. The rooted plants were hardened in mist chamber showed 95% survival and well established in the field. The acclimatized plants showed rhizome formation after 4-6 weeks of growth under shade house. Volatile chemicals profile of the leaves, rhizome and root of the in vitro and conventionally propagated plants analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry were qualitatively and quantitatively similar. The analysis of growth characteristics of 36 month old in vitro and conventionally propagated plants showed a 50% increment of rhizome fresh biomass with prolific root and leaf growth in the former than the latter ones. The protocol described herein will have practical applications for the large scale production of uniform efficient plants for commercial cultivation of A. calcarata.
基金Kerala State Council for Science Technology and Environment (KSCSTE) and University Grant Commission for financial support
文摘OBJECTIVE: Deoxyelephantopin, a sesquiterpene lactone from Elephantopus scaber, showed inhibition of the growth of various tumor cells in vitro. In the present study, we investigated the cytotoxicity and apoptosis-inducing capacity of deoxyelephantopin on lung adenocarcinoma (A549) cells. METHODS: The cytotoxic effect of deoxyelephantopin on A549 cells and normal lymphocytes was evaluated using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) value was determined. The self-renewal and proliferating potential of A549 cells after treatment with deoxyelephantopin were examined by colony formation assay. Cellular morphology of deoxyelephantopin-treated cells was observed using phase- contrast microscopy. The induction of apoptosis was evaluated using acddine orange and ethidium bromide staining, Hoechst 33342 staining, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP biotin nick end-labeling (TUNEL) assay, DNA fragmentation analysis and Annexin V-fluorescein isothiocyanate staining by flow cytometry. Activation of caspases was detected using fluorogenic substrate specific to caspases 2, 3, 8 and 9 and flow cytometric analysis. The total cellular DNA content and expression of cleaved poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase was also analyzed. RESULTS: Deoxyelephantopin exhibited cytotoxicity to A549 cells (IC50 = 12.287 μg/mL), however, there was no toxicity towards normal human lymphocytes. Deoxyelephantopin suppressed the colony-forming ability of A549 cells in a dose-dependent manner. Acridine orange, ethidium bromide and Hoechst 33342 staining showed cell shrinkage, chromosomal condensation and nuclear fragmentation, indicating induction of apoptosis. Deoxyelephantopin increased apoptosis of A549 cells, as evidenced by more TUNEL-positive cells. DNA fragmentation and Annexin V staining revealed late-stage apoptotic cell population. Deoxyelephantopin inhibited A549 cell growth by cell cycle arrest at G2/M phase and induced apoptosis through both extrinsic and intrinsic pathways. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that deoxyelephantopin has great potential as a new chemotherapeutic agent to be developed further for the treatment of lung cancer.
基金This research was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(31761143001,31870316)the Natural Science Foundation of Beijing(7202109)+4 种基金Minzu University of China(KLEMZZ201904,KLEM-ZZ201906,YLDXXK201819)the Ministry of Ecology and Environment of China(2019HB2096001006)Jiansheng Fresh Herb Medicine R&D Foundation(JSYY-20190101-043)the Ministry of Education of China(B08044)Colleagues and Dr.Bayartungalag from the institute of Geography and Geoecology,Mongolian Academy of Sciences provided assistances in the field surveys.Yingjie Song at Minzu University of China provided useful comments.We are grateful to all of them.
文摘Cistanche deserticola is an important medicinal plant in Mongolia.Despite its significant role in local healing systems,little traditional knowledge had been reported.The present study investigated folk names of C.deserticola and other species of the same community in Umnugobi Province,South Gobi region of Mongolia,based on ethnobotanical approaches.The high correspondence between folk names and scientific names of plant species occurring in Cistanche-associated community shows the scientific meaning of folk nomenclature and classification in Mongolia.The Mongolian and folk names of plants were formed on the basis of observations and understanding of wild plants including their morphology,phenology and traditional uses as well.Results from this study will support the conservation of C.deserticola itself,a rare and endangered plant species listed in the Monglian Red Data Book.Our documentation of folk nomenclature based on 96 plant species in the Cistanche community,as a part of traditional knowledge associated with biodiversity,will be very helpful for making strategy of plant biodiversity conservation in Mongolia.
基金The authors gratefully acknowledge Kerala State Council for Science,Technology and Environment(KSCSTE)for financing the project work and Dr R.Prakash Kumar,Director,KSCSTE-JNTBGRI for providing facilities.
文摘In the present paper,15 lichenized fungal species belonging to family Graphidaceae are described,of which Ocellularia albomaculata,O.ascidioidea,O.kanneliyensis,O.monosporoides,O.pertusariiformis and O.rhicnopora are new records to Indian lichen biota and Pallidogramme chrysenteron is new to Peninsular India,whereas Asteristion alboolivaceum,Chapsa hiata,Diploschistes rampoddensis,Fissurina rubiginosa,Pseudochapsa phlyctidioides,Thelotrema canarense,T.piluliferum and T.subtile are new to lichen biota of Kerala state.
基金the financial support given by the National Council of Science and Technology(CONACYT-Mexico)through the project FONCICYT-CONACYT-SRE-C0013-2015-03-266614which was implemented within a framework of bilateral cooperation between Mexico and India。
文摘In this study,coffee pulp(Coffea arabica)and green tea(Camellia sinensis)residues were characterized for use as a substrate of solid-state fermentation for cellulases production.The invasion rate was evaluated,as well as cellulases production by strains of Aspergillus niger and Trichoderma asperellum from the western Ghats of India,on coffee pulp,green tea,and a mixture of both substrates(50:50).T.asperellum(AFP)strain was found to have the highest growth rate(0.409±0.021 mm/h)using a mixture of both substrates.The production of cellulases by T.asperellum was unsatisfactory due to the presence of polyphenols in the supports to which A.nigger cellulases are more resistant.The production of cellulases by A.nigger was linked to the pH of the supports,favouring the use of T and TC.It was found that the extracts produced by A.niger(28A strain using a mixture substrate,28A,and 20A strains using only green tea as a substrate)presented the highest cellulase activities when evaluated using a plate technique producing degradation halos of 2.3±0.1 cm of diameter.Aspergillus 28A strain did not require mineral enrichment media for cellulase production using green tea residues as support of solid-state fermentation.