Antimicrobial activity and mechanism of action of Nu-3, a protonated modified nucleotide

For centuries, plants have been used in traditional medicines and there has been recent interest in the chemopreventive properties of compounds derived from plants. In the present study, we investigated the antibutyrylcholinestrasic (anti-BuChE) and antioxidant (against some free radicals) activities of extracts from Rhus pentaphyllum. Aqueous extracts were prepared from powdered R. pentaphyllum roots, leaves and seeds and characterized for the presence of tannins, flavonoids and coumarins. Seeds aqueous extract contained the highest quantities of both flavonoids and tannins (21.12% and 17.45% respectively). In the same way, seeds extracts displayed remarkable inhibition against BuChE over 95%, at 100 μg/ml and with IC₅₀ 0.74 μg/ml. In addition, compared to leaves and roots extracts, seeds aqueous extract revealed relatively strong antiradical activity towards the ABTS ^.+ (IC₅₀ = 0.25 μg/ml) and DPPH (IC₅₀ = 2.71 μg/ml) free radicals and decreased significantly the reactive oxygen species such O₂ ^.- (IC₅₀ = 2.9 μg/ml) formation evaluated by the non-enzymatic generating O₂ ^.- system (Nitroblue tetrazolium/riboflavine). These data suggest that the anti-BuChE activities mechanism of these extracts occurs through a free radical scavenging capacities. The present study indicates that extracts of Rhus pentaphyllum leaves, seeds and roots are a significant source of compounds, such as tannins, flavonoids and coumarins, with anti-BuChE and antioxidant activities, and thus may be useful for chemoprevention.     

Quantitative analysis of polyphenols and antioxidant activity in four Daphne L. species

The content of biologically active phenolic compounds (total polyphenols, tannins, flavonoids, and phenolic acids) were determined using spectrophotometry in four wild Croatian species of Daphne L. in the family Thymelaeaceae (Daphne alpina, D. cneorum, D. laureola, and D. mezereum). The concentration of total flavonoids (TF) was highest in the leaves of these Daphne species (0.12?C0.51% dry herb weight, DW) whereas the content of other phenolic compounds analyzed were highest in the roots, including total polyphenols (TP; 2.71?C19.03% DW), tannins (T; 1.14?C7.39% DW), and total phenolic acids (TPA; 0.12?C0.87% DW). D. alpina contained the highest amount of polyphenols, with the exception of flavonoids, where maximum concentrations were found in D. laureola. We also examined the antioxidant activity of leaf, stem, and root extracts. All extracts analyzed demonstrated high free radical scavenging activity with the highest concentration in the leaf extracts of D. alpina. Leaf extracts of D. cneorum showed the highest antioxidant activity in a ??-carotene bleaching assay.     

A quantitative variation in the flavonoids and phenolics of some Casuarina species

The flavonoids and phenolics of four Casuarina species were studied. Fourteen glycosides of kaempferol and quercetin, cupressuflavone, condensed and hydrolysable tannins were identified. The results indicate that C. cunninghamiana, C. glauca and C. stricta are closely related while C. equisetifolia differs mainly quantitatively from the other three.     

伴生细菌在入侵种桉树枝瘿姬小蜂克服桉树抗性中的作用

【目的】桉树枝瘿姬小蜂是我国近年来发现的一种主要危害桉属树种的外来有害生物。本研究旨在通过探究中国桉树枝瘿姬小蜂主要伴生细菌在桉树枝瘿姬小蜂成功定殖中的作用。【方法】测定不同抗性品系桉树的次生代谢物质黄酮和单宁的含量以及易感品系桉树在枝瘿姬小蜂危害前后的含量变化。通过体外抑菌和化学物质降解实验,探究桉树枝瘿姬小蜂主要伴生细菌对抗虫性物质黄酮和单宁的耐受性及降解能力。【结果】抗性品系桉树的黄酮和单宁的含量明显高于易感品系,易感品系在桉树枝瘿姬小蜂危害后黄酮和单宁的含量显著提高;高浓度的黄酮和单宁会抑制桉树枝瘿姬小蜂伴生细菌的生长,在中低浓度黄酮和单宁的条件下,主要伴生细菌能够适应,并继续繁殖;桉树枝瘿姬小蜂伴生细菌具有一定的降解黄酮和单宁的能力,其中细菌Staphylococcus cohnii降解黄酮的能力比Pseudomonas geniculate稍强,而Bacillus wiedannii、Serratia macescens对单宁具有较强的降解能力。【结论】桉树枝瘿姬小蜂侵染桉树后,可以诱导桉树产生抗性,桉树产生大量的次生代谢物质来抵御桉树枝瘿姬小蜂的危害,而桉树枝瘿姬小蜂部分伴生细菌可降解桉树次生代谢物质来帮助小蜂克服植物抗性完成定殖。     

Flavonol glucuronides and C-glucosidic ellagitannins from Melaleuca squarrosa

Two flavonoids and three ellagitannins, squarrosanins A, B, and C, were isolated from the leaves of Melaleuca squarrosa. The flavonoids were characterized structurally as kaempferol-3-O-(2″-O-galloyl)-glucuronide and herbacetin-3-O-glucuronide, while the ellagitannins were characterized as monomeric and dimeric C-glucosidic ellagitannins by application of spectroscopic and chemical methods. The antioxidant effect of the polyphenolic constituents of the M. squarrosa leaves was also examined in vitro, and C-glucosidic tannins including oligomers were shown to be more effective radical scavengers against 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) than flavonoids and ordinary ellagitannins.     

The phenolics and a hydrolysable tannin polyphenol oxidase of Medinilla magnifica

The production of viable meristem cultures of Medinilla magnifica has proved to be very difficult. This may be due, in part, to a pronounced ‘browning’ response of the tissues on cutting. For this reason the phenolic compounds and the hydrolysable-tannin polyphenol oxidase from Medinilla were studied. The distribution of the compounds was: simple phenols 19% , flavonoids 5% , hydrolysable tannins 69% , condensed tannins 7%. Amongst the simple phenols and phenolic acids, the following were identified: phloroglucinol, p-hydroxybenzoic acid, vanillic acid, protocatechuic acid, gallic acid (both in free and bound form the most abundant simple phenol), syringic acid, trans-p-coumaric acid, trans-ferulic acid and trans-caffeic acid. No kaempferol or quercetin or their derivatives were detected but condensed tannins are present. Methods for the extraction, fractionation and quantitative determination of phloroglucinol and the phenolic acids, as well as correction factors for losses during the extraction, alkali treatment and derivatization, are presented in a supplementary publication. With regard to the hydrolysable tannin polyphenol oxidase activity of Medinilla stems, the enzyme(s) is rather specific since at neither of its two pH optima (6 and 7) could a classical polyphenol oxidase activity be detected. The enzyme was strongly inhibited by 2-mercaptoethanol. Preliminary experiments have further shown that in addition to the hydrolysable tannins of the tissue, the ferrous ions of the medium, and oxygen together with the hydrolysable tannin polyphenol oxidase could play a role in the browning response. Ways to overcome this difficulty have been suggested.     

Facilitation and inhibition: changes in plant nitrogen and secondary metabolites mediate interactions between above-ground and below-ground herbivores

To date, it remains unclear how herbivore-induced changes in plant primary and secondary metabolites impact above-ground and below-ground herbivore interactions. Here, we report effects of above-ground (adult) and below-ground (larval) feeding by Bikasha collaris on nitrogen and secondary chemicals in shoots and roots of Triadica sebifera to explain reciprocal above-ground and below-ground insect interactions. Plants increased root tannins with below-ground herbivory, but above-ground herbivory prevented this increase and larval survival doubled. Above-ground herbivory elevated root nitrogen, probably contributing to increased larval survival. However, plants increased foliar tannins with above-ground herbivory and below-ground herbivory amplified this increase, and adult survival decreased. As either foliar or root tannins increased, foliar flavonoids decreased, suggesting a trade-off between these chemicals. Together, these results show that plant chemicals mediate contrasting effects of conspecific larval and adult insects, whereas insects may take advantage of plant responses to facilitate their offspring performance, which may influence population dynamics.     

Some allelochemicals of Pteridium aquilinum and their involvement in resistance to Pieris brassicae

A number of polar and semi-polar compounds from bracken, Pteridium aquilinum L. Kühn, were screened for feeding deterrent activity to Pieris brassicae L. At natural concentrations, 2 out of 4 flavonoids tested were stimulatory and one was inhibitory; while 2 out of 4 benzoic, and 4 out of 5 cinnamic acid derivatives were inhibitory. Prunasin and its enzymatic hydrolysates had no effect on feeding. It was concluded that braken flavonoids and cyanogenic glycoside were unlikely to be involved in resistance of polar bracken extracts to P. brassicae, while benzoic and cinnamic acids and condensed tannins were probably involved. A number of other benzoic and cinnamic acid derivatives not occurring in bracken were screened, and distinct relationships between chemical structure and feeding deterrent activity to P. brassicae were demonstrated.     

Inhibitory effect of tannins from galls of Carpinus tschonoskii on the degranulation of RBL-2H3 Cells

In this study, the anti-allergy potency of thirteen tannins isolated from the galls on buds of Carpinus tschonoskii (including two tannin derivatives) was investigated. RBL-2H3 (rat basophilic leukemia) cells were incubated with these compounds, and the release of β-hexosaminidase and cytotoxicity were measured. Of the thirteen tannins, tetragalloylglucose (2), pentagalloylglucose (3), casuarictin (4), and casuarinin (9) were the most potent inhibitors, and all the tannins showed no cytotoxic effect after 24 h of incubation. The results obtained suggest that tannins from C. tschonoskii are capable of inhibiting allergic reactions and may be useful for the treatment or prevention of type I allergic diseases.     

Exploring in silico affinity of flavonoids and tannins to human fibroblast growth factorinducible14 (Fn14), a member of TNF receptor super family

The Fn14 and TWEAK are the receptor and ligand respectively and their mutual recognition and binding was reported to induce pathogenesis of cancer and chronic autoimmune diseases. We had identified Fn14 as a novel target of low linear energy transfer (LET) ionizing radiation in mice population. In the present study we generated the novel homology model of human Fn14, optimized its energy and validated for authenticity by checking Ramachandran plot and also by calculating the RMSD. Based on our earlier findings with Hippophae rhamnoides, a group of flavonoids and tannins were screened for their docking potential with Fn14 at the site where its natural ligand TWEAK was binding. The comparative docking analysis showed that the order of docking, from best to least, was Genistein, Rutin, Gallic acid ethyl ester and Quercetin, respectively. The findings predicted the radiomodifying action of flavonoids and tannins. The study has immediate applications in development of non-toxic drugs/ nutraceuticals that may protect human population from harmful effects of radiation in various situations, such as nuclear accidents, occupational exposure, diagnosis or radiotherapy.     

Antimicrobial activity and phytochemical screening of Ocimum americanum L extracts against pathogenic microorganisms

The aim of the present study is to assess the antimicrobial activities of various leaf extracts of Ocimum americanum were tested against pathogenic microorganisms. Preparation of different extracts viz., aqueous, acetone, ethyl acetate and methanol through soxhlet extraction method. Various extracts were investigated against MTCC strains of Bacillus cereus, Clostridium penfrigens, Klebsilla pnemoniae, Salmonella paratyphi, Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger by agar well diffusion and disc diffusion methods. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), Minimum Bactericidal/Fungicindal Concentration (MBC/MFC) were determined through micro dilution method. Elucidation of phytochemicals and functional groups were observed by HPLC and FT-IR respectively. Ethyl acetate leaf extract of O.americanum showed significant antimicrobial activity against the all tested pathogens in agar well diffusion method in which B.cereus (17 mm) was observed high zone of inhibition. Whereas lowest inhibition was observed in aqueous extract against C.pentrigens (7 mm). The ranges of MIC values from 0.78 μg/ml to 50 μg/ml and MBC/MFC 1.56 μg/ml to 50 μg/ml were observed. Phytochemicals such as alkaloids, steroids, saponins, flavonoids, tannins, terepenes, phenolic compounds cardiac glycosides were detected. Saponinns, flavonoids, tannins, phenolic compounds were observed in only ethyl acetate leaf extracts. Functional group of the leaf extracts was exhibited by FTIR and HPLC analysis of the ethyl acetate leaf extract was elutated at six peaks. Based on the results we concluded that ethyl acetate leaf extract of O.americanum has proved to be potentially effective than the other extracts. Therefore, ethyl acetate leaf extract of O.americanum could act as antimicrobial agent and further studies are recommended for isolation of compounds and toxicological studies.     

Secondary metabolites of Bagassa guianensis Aubl. wood: A study of the chemotaxonomy of the Moraceae family

In order to explain the durability of the Moraceae plant family, phytochemistry of Bagassa guianensis was performed. Ethyl acetate extract was obtained from the heartwood and 18 secondary metabolites were isolated, including 6 moracins [6-O-methyl-moracin M, 6-O-methyl-moracin N and moracin Z; previously identified: moracin M, moracin N and moracin P], 8 stilbenoids [presently identified: (?)-epialboctalol and arachidin 4; previously identified: alboctalol, trans-resveratrol, arachidin 2, trans-oxyresveratrol and artogomezianol], 3 previously identified flavonoids, steppogenin, katuranin and dihydromorin, β-sitosterol and resorcinol. Previous studies suggest that stilbenoids are responsible for the natural durability of wood. Our study has determined that B. guianensis is closely related to Morus sp. in phylogeny and should be included in the Moreae sensu stricto tribe of the Moraceae family.     

Ruthenium PCP–bis(phosphinite) pincer complexes

The reactions of [RuHCl(CO)(PPh₃)₃] with resorcinol bis(phosphinite) pincer ligands lead to complexes of the general formula [RuCl(PCP)(CO)(PPh₃)]; the crystal structure of one example has been determined. The structures of the bulky resorcinol 2-methyl-4,6-di-tert-butyl resorcinol and its mono-diisopropylphosphinite derivative were also determined. Reactions of [RuCl₂(PPh₃)₃] with resorcinol bis(phosphinite) ligands yield complexes of the type [RuCl(PCP)(PPh₃)], while the reaction of C₆H-2-Me-4,6-^tBu₂-1,3-(OPPh₂) with [RuHCl(CO)(PPh₃)₃] provides a PCP–pincer complex in which the ligand has undergone 2-methyl C–H activation.     

Bioactive Compounds of Fruit Parts of Three Eugenia uniflora Biotypes in Four Ripening Stages

Variability of secondary metabolites in edible (peel and pulp) and inedible (seeds) parts of three pitanga varieties, red, red-orange and purple, was investigated during the maturation process. Hydrolysable tannins, anthocyanins, and flavonoids were quantified by HPLC/DAD and carotenoids by absorbance. Peel/pulp showed greater complexity of constituents (carotenoids, anthocyanins, flavonoids, and hydrolysable tannins), while only tannins were identified in seeds, but in quantities of 10 to 100 times greater. The red-orange variety showed the highest levels of phenolic compounds in seeds and peel/pulp, except anthocyanins. The analysis of the principal response curves showed that the pitanga biotype has greater influence on metabolite variation than ripening stages. During peel/pulp maturation, a reduction in the levels of flavonoids and tannins contrasted with an increase in carotenoids and cyanidin-3-O-glucoside in all varieties, whereas in the seeds oenothein B, the major tannin, increased up to 1.32 g/100 g fresh weight. Such marked differences between fruit parts demonstrate that the seeds in stages E3 and E4 are a source of hydrolysable tannins, compounds known for their antitumor activity, while peel/pulp of all varieties in the ripe stage provide natural antioxidants, such as carotenoids and flavonoids. Lastly, the purple biotype can be a rich source of the cyanidin-3-O-glucoside pigment a potent bioactive compound.     

Seasonal changes in the concentrations of plant secondary metabolites and their effects on food selection by Microtus oeconomus

Using cafeteria trials conducted during June–September 2008 in Qinghai Province, China, we investigated the selection of 20 plant species by root voles (Microtus oeconomus). It was found that both favored and edible plant groups of root voles comprised 6 species, while the remaining 8 species were anorectic plants. Three plant secondary metabolites (PSMs): flavonoids, condensed tannins, and total phenols, exhibited seasonal changes in concentration; being lowest at June and gradually increasing from July to August/September. Total phenols was the only factor included in the best model of generalized linear models, indicating that total phenols was the most important factor deterring food selection by root voles. In contrast, tannins had a weak effect on food selection by root voles. This study indicated that PSMs play an important role in food selection by root voles; however, the effects of PSMs depend on the type of PSMs. Furthermore, this finding partly verifies the hypothesis that PSMs contribute to the defense strategy of plants, significantly influencing plant selection by root voles.     

Changes in phytochemical content and pharmacological activities of three <Emphasis Type="Italic">Chlorella</Emphasis> strains grown in different nitrogen conditions

The phytochemical content and biological activity of three Chlorella strains cultured in low (35 mg L^?1) or high (700 mg L^?1) nitrogen (N) and harvested on days 5 and 10 were evaluated. High N resulted in a higher biomass in Chlorella MACC 438 and MACC 452 while MACC 555 produced a higher biomass in low N. MACC 555 (low N/day 5) had the highest phenolic content, and MACC 438 in low N/day 5 and high N/day 5 accumulated the highest flavonoids and condensed tannins, respectively. Iridoids were most abundant in MACC 452 on low N/day 10. Harvest time had the greatest effect on the phytochemical content with phenolics, flavonoids, and condensed tannins decreasing over time and iridoids increasing in low N and decreasing in high N conditions. Extracts were more active in β-carotene-linoleic acid model compared to 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging assay. Most extracts had good antimicrobial activity. Extracts became less potent over time in the antioxidant, acetylcholinesterase inhibitory (AChE), and antimicrobial assays when growing in low N and more potent in the antioxidant and AChE assays when grown in high N. Thus, phytochemical content and biological activities of the three Chlorella strains were affected by N levels, harvest time, and strain.     

Increasing the Oxidative Stress Response Allows Escherichia coli To Overcome Inhibitory Effects of Condensed Tannins

Tannins are plant-derived polyphenols with antimicrobial effects. The mechanism of tannin toxicity towards Escherichia coli was determined by using an extract from Acacia mearnsii (Black wattle) as a source of condensed tannins (proanthocyanidins). E. coli growth was inhibited by tannins only when tannins were exposed to oxygen. Tannins auto-oxidize, and substantial hydrogen peroxide was generated when they were added to aerobic media. The addition of exogenous catalase permitted growth in tannin medium. E. coli mutants that lacked HPI, the major catalase, were especially sensitive to tannins, while oxyR mutants that constitutively overexpress antioxidant enzymes were resistant. A tannin-resistant mutant was isolated in which a promoter-region point mutation increased the level of HPI by 10-fold. Our results indicate that wattle condensed tannins are toxic to E. coli in aerobic medium primarily because they generate H₂O₂. The oxidative stress response helps E. coli strains to overcome their inhibitory effect.     

Insecticidal,biological and biochemical response of Musca domestica (Diptera: Muscidae) to some indigenous weed plant extracts

In the current study; insecticidal, growth regulation, oviposition deterrence and repellency of petroleum ether extracts of Azadirachta indica, Penganum harmala, Datura stramonium, Tribulus terrestris and Chenopodium murale against 2nd instar larvae of housefly was investigated. Five different concentrations (5%, 10%, 15%, 20% and 25%) were used through larval feeding and the mortality data was recorded after 24, 48 and 72 hrs. Highest mortality was induced by P. harmala (63.87%) followed by D. stramonium (62.78%), A. indica (53.84%), T. terrestris (41.86%) and C. murale (4.09%) after 72 h at 25% concentration, respectively. Increased mortality was observed with increased time duration and concentration. Longest larval duration (9.33 ± 0.33 days) and pupal duration (7.33 ± 0.33 days) days) was recorded in larvae treated with 25% concentration of P. harmala which also caused a decrease in the activity of AChE, ACP, AKP, α-Carboxyl, and β-Carboxyl enzymes. However, at 25% concentration, C. murale showed highest oviposition deterrence activity (81.88%) followed by D. stramonium (79.58%). In comet assay test, at highest concentration (25%) the mean comet tail lengths represented by Penganum harmala, Datura stramonium and Azadirachta indica (Reference plant) were 10.20 ± 0.49, 9.20 ± 0.37 and 7.80 ± 0.49 μm while percent DNA damage was 10.56 ± 0.77, 10.67 ± 1.62 and 8.11 ± 0.85% respectively compared to controls cells. Phytochemical analysis indicated the presence of flavonoids, steroids, saponins, cardiac glycosides, tannins, alkaloids, terpenoids and anthraquinones. Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis revealed the presence of phenolic flavonoids, saponins, tannins as major functional groups. Further studies are needed to explore and thus, to incorporate weed plant extracts for the management of house flies.     

Schinus terebinthifolius Leaf Extract Causes Midgut Damage,Interfering with Survival and Development of Aedes aegypti Larvae

In this study, a leaf extract from Schinus terebinthifolius was evaluated for effects on survival, development, and midgut of A. aegypti fourth instar larvae (L4), as well as for toxic effect on Artemia salina. Leaf extract was obtained using 0.15 M NaCl and evaluated for phytochemical composition and lectin activity. Early L4 larvae were incubated with the extract (0.3–1.35%, w/v) for 8 days, in presence or absence of food. Polymeric proanthocyanidins, hydrolysable tannins, heterosid and aglycone flavonoids, cinnamic acid derivatives, traces of steroids, and lectin activity were detected in the extract, which killed the larvae at an LC₅₀ of 0.62% (unfed larvae) and 1.03% (fed larvae). Further, the larvae incubated with the extract reacted by eliminating the gut content. No larvae reached the pupal stage in treatments at concentrations between 0.5% and 1.35%, while in the control (fed larvae), 61.7% of individuals emerged as adults. The extract (1.0%) promoted intense disorganization of larval midgut epithelium, including deformation and hypertrophy of cells, disruption of microvilli, and vacuolization of cytoplasms, affecting digestive, enteroendocrine, regenerative, and proliferating cells. In addition, cells with fragmented DNA were observed. Separation of extract components by solid phase extraction revealed that cinnamic acid derivatives and flavonoids are involved in larvicidal effect of the extract, being the first most efficient in a short time after larvae treatment. The lectin present in the extract was isolated, but did not show deleterious effects on larvae. The extract and cinnamic acid derivatives were toxic to A. salina nauplii, while the flavonoids showed low toxicity. S. terebinthifolius leaf extract caused damage to the midgut of A. aegypti larvae, interfering with survival and development. The larvicidal effect of the extract can be attributed to cinnamic acid derivatives and flavonoids. The data obtained using A. salina indicates that caution should be used when employing this extract as a larvicidal agent.     

额济纳绿洲胡杨（Populus euphratica）酚类物质含量和分布及其与土壤水分的关系

采用分光光度法测定了额济纳绿洲胡杨(Populus euphratica)的披针形叶、卵圆形叶、嫩枝、枝(D《5 mm)、枝(5～10 mm)、主干树皮、根(D《2 mm)、根(2～5 mm)和根(5～10 mm)9类器官中的总酚、黄酮和缩合单宁含量.结果表明,总酚含量较高的器官为皮(27.93 mg/s),叶、根、枝中总酚含量分别为17.64 mg/g(两类叶均值)、16.72mg/g(三类根均值)、12.19 mg/g(三类枝均值);黄酮含量较高的器官为皮(51.30 mg/g),叶、根、枝中黄酮含量分别为28.45 mg/g(两类叶均值)、39.99 mg/g(三类根均值)、23.67 mg/g(三类枝均值);根中缩合单宁含量较高,三类根均值为22.10 mg/g,皮、叶、枝中缩合单宁含量分别为8.41 mg/g、4.03 mg/g(两类叶均值)、4.47 mg/g(三类枝均值).披针形叶和卵圆形叶中酚类物质含量没有显著性差异(P》0.05);随着枝不断成熟,嫩枝、枝(D《5mm)、枝(5～10mm)中酚类物质逐渐减少;随着根直径减少,根中缩合单宁逐渐增加,细根(D《2mm)中的缩合单宁含量最高(25.95 mg/g).分析胡杨各器官中酚类物质含量与土壤水分的关系,结果表明卵圆形叶中酚类物质含量与土壤水分含量成显著负相关关系(P《0.05,总酚:r=-0.949;黄酮:r=-0.923;缩合单宁:r=-0.944).研究揭示了极端干旱地区胡杨各器官中酚类物质的变化规律,及其与环境因子的相互作用关系.