Cytological study on the genus Syncalathium (Asteraceae-Lactuceae),an endemic taxon to alpine scree of the Sino-Himalayas

Cytological characters of four species in Syncalathium （Asteraceae： Lactuceae）, a small genus with six identified species endemic to alpine scree of the Sino-Himalayan region, are surveyed in this report. Three species （Syncalathiumpilosum, Syncalathium chrysocephalum, and Syncalathium disciforme） are examined for the first time. Combined with our previous counts, five species have been cytologically investigated from the genus and the results indicated that all species are diploid with the basic somatic chromosome number of x=8. The karyotype asymmetry of Syncalathium souliei is 2A, distinct from the other four species of 1A, and the remaining species are divided into two subgroups with different karyotypes, consistent with their morphological features. The significance of the cytological evolution of Syncalathium is briefly discussed.

Polyphenolic content and antioxidant activity of some wild Saudi Arabian asteraceae plants

Objective:To study the antioxidant properties of crude extract of different Asteraceae plants.Methods:The antioxidant properties of six extracts were evaluated using different antioxidant tests,including free radical scavenging,reducing power,metal chelation,superoxide anion radical scavenging,total antioxidant capacity and inhibition of lipid peroxidation activities.Results:Picris cyanocarpa(P.cyanocarpa)and Anthemis deserti(A.deserti)had powerful antioxidant properties as radical scavenger,reducing agent and superoxide anion radical scavenger while Achillia fragrantissima(A.fragrantissima)and Artemissia monosperma(A.monosperma)were the most efficient as ion chelator(100%at 100,200 and 400μg/mL)A.fragrantissima and Rhanlarium appoposum(R.appoposum.)showed 100%inhibition on peroxidation of linoleic acid emulsion at 200 and 400μg/mL,while butylatedhydroxy toluene and ascorinc acid showed 100and 95%inhibition percentage at 400μg/mL,respectively.Those various antioxidant activities were compared to standard antioxidants such as butylated hydroxyl toluene and ascorbic acid.Conclusions:In most tests P.cyanocarpa and A.deserti had powerful antioxidant properties as radical scavenger,reducing agent and superoxide anion radical scavenger.

Caffeoyl Derivatives: Major Antioxidant Compounds of Some Wild Herbs of the <i>Asteraceae</i>Family

The polyphenolic composition and antioxidant activity of the aerial parts of 18 medicinal or food plants of the As- teraceae family were studied. Five main caffeoyl derivatives were determined individually by HPLC and compared with levels determined by colorimetry for total dihydroxycinnamic derivatives and total phenolics. The aim of this study was to assess the contribution of these constituents to the antioxidant activity of the herbs determined by DPPH radical scavenging tests. Significant correlations were found between total phenolic (R2 = 0.8904), total dihydroxycinnamic derivative (R2 = 0.8529) and total caffeoyl derivative (R2 = 0.7172) concentrations and the DPPH-scavenging ability of all herbs. The antioxidant activity of the main constituents, including chicoric acid (EC50 = 8.24 μmol/l) or 3,5- dicaffeoylquinic acid (EC50 = 7.62 μmol/l), was very high compared to vitamin C (EC50 = 15.66 μmol/l). Thus, for each species, antioxidant activity mainly involves the major caffeoyl derivatives. The contribution to antioxidant activity were assessed as 48.92% for 3,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid in Tanacetum parthenium (30.08 g/kg), and 68.96% for chicoric acid in Taraxacum officinale (34.08 g/kg). The main caffeoyl derivatives among polyphenols can be considered as the major antioxidant compounds of the studied Asteraceae herbs.

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal association in Asteraceae plants growing in the arid lands of Saudi Arabia

The present research was undertaken to explor the possibility of arbuscular mycorrhizal （AM） associa- tion with Asteraceae plants in the arid lands of Saudi Arabia （AI-Ghat, Buraydah, Thumamah and Huraymila）. AM fungal colonization in the roots, spore numbers in the rhizosphere soil, fungal species diversity and correlation between AM properties and soil properties were determined. The highest colonization was in Conyza bonariensis （65%） from AI-Ghat, Anthemis cotula （52%） from Buraydah and C. bonariensis （53%） from Thumamah. The lowest was in Vernonia schimperi （41%） from AI-Ghat, Pulicaria undulata （25%） from Buraydah, Acanthospermum his- pidum （34%） from Thumamah, Asteriscus graveolens （22%） and V. schimperi （22%） from Huraymila. Vesicular and arbuscular colonization were also presented in all plant species examined. The number of spores were 112-207 in AI-Ghat, 113-133 in Buraydah, 87-148 in Thumamah and 107-158 in Huraymila. Funneliformis mosseae, Glomus etunicatum, G. fasciculatum and G aggregatum were identified. Relative frequency of AM fungal species varied widely and was irrespective of location and plant species. Diversity index varied with the rhizosphere soils of dif- ferent plant species at various locations. Soil properties varied with locations and no distinct correlations were ob- served among the soil properties, root colonization and the number of spores. The results of the present study specified the association of AM fungi in different plants of Asteraceae and its significance in the ecological func- tioning of annual plants in the punitive environments of the rangelands in Saudi Arabia.

Plastome sequencing of Myripnois dioica and comparison within Asteraceae

Myripnois is a monotypic shrub genus in the daisy family constricted to northern China.Although wild populations of Myripnois dioica are relatively rare,this plant may potentially be cultured as a fine ornamental.In the present study,we sequenced the complete plastome of M.dioica,generating the first plastome sequences of the subfamily Pertyoideae.The plastome of M.dioica has a typical quadripartite circular structure.A large^20-kb and a small^3-kb inversion were detected in the large single copy(LSC)region and shared by other Asteraceae species.Plastome phylogenomic analyses based on 78 Asteraceae species and three outgroups revealed four groups,corresponding to four Asteraceae subfamilies:Asteroideae,Cichorioideae,Pertyoideae and Carduoideae.Among these four subfamilies,Pertyoideae is sister to Asteroideae+Cichorioideae;Carduoideae is the most basal clade.In addition,we characterized 13 simple sequence repeats(SSRs)that may be useful in future studies on population genetics.

Mojiangia oreophila(Crepidinae,Cichorieae,Asteraceae),a new species and genus from Mojiang County,SW Yunnan,China,and putative successor of the maternal Faberia ancestor

A single small population of chasmophytic plants is described as Mojiangia oreophila,a monotypic genus in the subtribe Crepidinae,characterised by a unique combination of morphological features,in particular densely long-papillose homomorphic achenes with five main ribs each accompanied by two secondary ribs,coarse brownish pappus bristles,moderately many-flowered capitula,a small involucre with numerous outer phyllaries,perennial rosette herb growth and brown-woolly caudex and leaf axils.Molecular phylogenetic analysis detected that in the nrlTS phylogeny M.oreophila forms a clade of its own in the Crepidinae;in the plastid DNA phylogeny it is nested in the clade formed by the hybrid-ogenous genus Faberia,the maternal ancestor of which comes from the Crepidinae and the paternal ancestor from the Lactucinae,where Faberia is placed in nrlTS phylogenies.M.oreophila shares several morphological features with Faberia and also shares the expected chromosome number of 2n=16 with its hitherto unknown maternal ancestor.M.oreophila may therefore be a successor of the maternal ancestor of Faberia.Alternatively,cytonuclear discordance is to be assumed in Mojiangia,caused by chloroplast capture as a result of hybridisation and introgression with Faberia.

Karyotypes of nineteen species of Asteraceae in the Hengduan Mountains and adjacent regions

The Hengduan Mountains region is a biodiversity hotspot. In this study, we report the karyotypes of 19 species(21 populations) of Asteraceae from this region, 14 of which are reported for the first time. We also examined polyploidy in Asteraceae plants and summarized karyotype data in the literature for 69 congeneric taxa. In these genera, there were five different ploidy levels in the region, though the most dominant was diploid(73.08%). There is no direct evidence that ploidy level and karyotype asymmetry are associated with the distribution of recorded Asteraceae species from the Hengduan Mountains. This suggests that polyploidy(26.92%) may not play an important role in the evolutionary history of these plants, even though, among these genera, the ratio of paleopolyploidy was high(46.15%).

Spittlebugs in the genus Sphenorhina (Hemiptera:Cercopidae) associated with weedy composite host plants (Asteraceae) that may represent unusual cases of nitrogen fixation

Three species of the spittlebug genus Sphenorhina （Hemiptera： Cercopidae） have been observed in association with Crassocephalum crepidioides and Chromolaena ordorata, weedy tropical species in the family Asteraceae that have been implicated as nitrogen-fixing plants. The spittlebugs may be serving as indirect indicators of nitrogen fixation in some species of Asteraceae, a group in which nitrogen fixation has not been well established.

Allelopathic Effects of Extracts from Three Asteraceae Plants on Seed Germination and Seedling Growth of Four Plants

[Objectives]This study was conducted to investigate the allelopathic effects of the extracts of Asteraceae plants on plant seeds and seedlings.[Methods]The effects of the extracts of three Asteraceae plants(Erigeron annuus,Bidens pilosa and Inula japonica)on the seed germination and seedling growth of four plants(Setaria viridis,Erigeron canadensis,Chenopodium album and Lactuca sativa)were studied by the Petri dish filter paper method and bioassay method.[Results]Different concentrations(10,20,40,100,200 mg/ml)of the extracts of E.annuus,B.pilosa and I.japonica had different allelopathic effects on the seed germination of the same recipient plant,and with the increase of the concentrations of the extracts,the inhibitory effects were more significant.The extract of B.pilosa had the strongest inhibitory effect.The extracts at the low concentration(10 mg/ml)had no significant effects on the germination rates and germination energy of the four kinds of plant seeds.In terms of root growth and biomass,the extracts of E.annuus and I.japonica showed the effect of low promotion and high inhibition.Under the treatment with high concentrations(100,200 mg/ml)of the extracts from the three Asteraceae plants,the germination of plant seeds,plant root length,stem height and biomass were inhibited.With the concentrations of the extracts of the three Compositae plants increasing,the chlorophyll contents of the four plants showed a downward trend,and the activity of SOD,POD,CAT and other antioxidant protective enzymes showed a trend of first increasing and then decreasing.[Conclusions]These three species of Asteraceae plants had certain allelopathic inhibitory effects on the germination and growth of the four kinds of plant seeds,including S.viridis,E.canadensis,C.album and L.sativa,and they have potential in the development of botanical herbicides or plant protection.

In Vitro Evaluation of the Potential Antioxidant of Bidens segetum Mart. ex Colla (Asteraceae) in Melanocyte and Melanoma Cells

Bidens segetum Martius ex Colla known as the “pic&atilde;o do mato”, is an herbaceous plant that occurs in the Cerrado biome of some Brazilian states. Among the species of Bidens, we highlight B. pilosa known as “pic&atilde;o preto”, of which several activities are reported as antioxidant and antibacterial. Ethanolic extract from Bidens segetum (EEBs) showed an-tioxidant potential when analyzed by free radical 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay and antifungal activity against Cladosporium cladosporiodes and C. sphareospermum fungi. PFFR3.3 subfraction from EEBs has 81.5% of 5-O caffeoylquinic acid (5-CQA) and potential antioxidant (DPPH). However, PFFR3.3 did not decrease superoxide anion in metastatic melanoma cells by dihydroeth-idium assay (DHE). PP4 subfraction is a mixture of polyacetylenes that has antifungal (Cladosporium) and antioxidant activity, since reduced superoxide anion amount in melanoma cells after 5 min of treatment. However, no dose-response and time-response curve were observed, not even with the authentic standard (5-CQA). Complementary chemical studies will be performed to confirm the polyacetylenes and 5-CQA structures present in the EEBs from B. segetum and new methodologies should be performed to confirm the antioxidant activity of these com-pounds and the effects on melanocytes and melanomas.

Effects of Ingested Baccharis dracunculifolia D.C.(Asteraceae)Extract in the Liver of Prochilodus lineatus Fish

Baccharis dracunculifolia, popularly known in Brazil as “alecrim-do-campo”, is widely recognized for its therapeutic potential. The extract of its leaves is used for liver problems, stomach disorders and others. The objective of the present study was to perform a histochemical analysis of curimbata fish livers to evaluate the potential effects and risks of the ingestion of B. dracunculifolia. Thirty-two animals were divided into two experimental groups in duplicate: Control group (regular food) and B. dracunculifolia Treated group (food added with B. dracunculifolia). The fishes were collected on the 14th and 21st days after the treatment period of 21 days. The histological alterations were evaluated using the semiquantitative methods Mean Value of Alterations (MVA), Histopathological Alteration Index (HAI) and Image J&reg;. HAI and MAV showed that the extract caused slight but statistically significant damages, widely distributed throughout the organ. The results showed significant hepatic alterations caused by the ingestion of B. dracunculifolia extract.

Maintenance of species boundaries in three sympatric Ligularia(Senecioneae,Asteraceae)species

The key process in speciation concerns the formation and maintenance of reproductive isolating barriers between diverging lineages. Although species boundaries are frequently investigated between two species across many taxa, reproductive isolating barriers among multiple species （：〉2） that would represent the most common phenomenon in nature, remain to be clarified. Here, we use double digest restriction-site associated DNA （ddRAD） sequencing to examine patterns of hybridization at a sympatric site where three Ligularia species grow together and verify whether those patterns contribute to the maintenance of boundaries among species. The results based on the RAD SNP datasets indicated hybridization Ligularia cyathiceps x L. duciformis and L. duciformis x L. yunnanensis were both restricted toFls plus a few first-generation backcrosses and no gene introgression were identified, giving rise to strong reproductive isolation among hybridizing species. More- over, hybrid swarm simulation, using HYBRIDLAB, indicated the RAD SNP datasets had sufficient discriminatory power for accurate hybrid detection. We conclude that parental species show strong reproductive isolation and they still maintain species boundaries, which may be the key mechanism to maintain species diversity of Ligualria in the eastern Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau and adjacent areas. Moreover, this study highlights the effectiveness of RAD sequencing in hybridization studies.

Reproductive traits associated with invasiveness in Conyza sumatrensis

Conyza sumatrensis （Retz.） E. Walker, a member of Asteraceae, is a highly invasive species. However, its reproduction biology remains poorly known. To understand the role of reproductive traits in successful invasion of the species, we studied several traits of its reproductive system： the miniature capitulum and gynomonoecious sexual system, the biology and phenology of capitula and florets, pollen/ovule ratio, the mating system （selfcompatibility）, flower visitors, physical traits and dispersal potential of achenes, germination potential of achenes from manually pollinated capitula, and the association of these traits with invasiveness. Our study showed that the reproductive traits of autonomous seed production, versatile mating system of self- and cross-pollination, and generalized pollination system might contribute to the species＇ successful invasive capability. The invasiveness was further enhanced by the high and rapid production of achenes, as well as the high percentage, rapid germination rate and high dispersal capability of achenes. It was concluded that in annual or winter-annual weeds, autonomous seed production contributed significantly to the invasiveness of the species.

Chemical constituents, cytotoxic, antifungal and antimicrobial properties of Centaurea diluta Ait. subsp. algeriensis(Coss. & Dur.) Maire

Objective:To investigate the chemical composition of a moderately polar extract(CHC1_3 soluble part of the MeOH-H_2O extract) obtained from the aerial parts(leaves and flowers) of Centaurea diluta Ait.subsp.algeriensis(Coss.& Dur.) Maire,a species endemic to Algeria and Morocco on which no reports are available to date.To evaluate in vitro the cytotoxic,antifungal and antimicrobial activities of this extract and the cytotoxic and antimicrobial activities of its isolated secondary metabolites.Methods:The cytotoxic effects of the extract were investigated on 3 human cancer cell lines i.e.the A549 non-small-cell lung carcinoma(NSCLC),the MCF7 breast adenocarcinoma and the U373 glioblastoma using a MTT colorimetric assay.Biological data allowed to guide the fractionation of the extract by separation and purification on silica gel 60(CC and TLC).The isolated compounds which were characterized by spectral analysis,mainly HR-ESIMS,HR-EIMS,UV and NMR experiments(~1H,^(13)C,COSY,ROESY,HSQC and HMBC) and comparison of their spectroscopic data with those reported in the literature,were evaluated for cytotoxic activities on six cancer cell lines(A549,MCF7,U373,Hs683 human glioma,PC3 human prostate and B16-F10 murine melanoma).The direct and indirect antibacterial and antifungal activities were determined using microdilution methods for the raw extract and TLC-bioautography and microdilution methods against standard and clinical strains for the isolated compounds.Results:The raw extract reduced cell viability with IC_(50)s of 27,25 and 21 μg/mL on A549,MCF7 and U373,respectively.Five secondary metabolites:two phenolic compounds(vanillin 1,paridol 3),a lignan[(-)-arctigenin 2]and two flavonoid aglycones(eupatilin 4 and jaceosidin 5),were then isolated from this extract.Moderate cytotoxic effects were observed for(-)-arctigenin 2(IC_(50)s:28 and 33μM on Hs683 and B16-F10,respectively),eupatilin 4(IC_(50)s:33 and 47 μM on B16-F10 and PC3,respectively) and jaceosidin 5(IC_(50)s:32 and 40 μM on PC3 and B16-F10,respectively).Conclusions:All the isolated compounds were described for the first time from this species.Although inactive against 7 tested microorganisms(fungi,bacteria and yeast,human or plant pathogens),the raw extract was able to potentiate the effect of beta-lactam antibiotics on methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus(MRSA),reducing the minimal inhibitory concentrations(MICs) by a factor of 2-32-fold.No synergy was found between the extract and streptomycin.From the five isolated compounds only jaseosidin 5 showed a moderate antimicrobial activity.

Anti-inflammatory effects of fatty acids isolated from Chromolaena odorata

Objective:To identify inhibitors of nitric oxide production and NF-κB activity from Chromolaena odorata（C.odorata）.Methods:The compounds isolated from the aerial parts of C.odorata by bioassay-guided fractionation were investigated for their inhibitory effects on the NO production and NF-κB activity in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells.Results:Six fatty acids （S）-coriolic acid（1）,（S）-coriolic acid methyl ester（2）,（5）-15,16-didehydrocoriolic acid（3）,（S）- 15,16-didehydrocoriolic acid methyl ester（4）,linoleamide（5） and linolenamide（6） were isolated. All compounds inhibited the NO production at concentrations consistent with those required for NF-κB inhibition.Compound 2 was the most active with the IC50 values of 5.22 and 5.73μM. The addition of a double bond in the fatty chain decreased the inhibitory effects while the methyl esterification increased the activities.Conclusions:The fatty acid components in C.odorata with NF-κB inhibitory activity could explain the anti-inflammation property of this plant in traditional medicine.This study could also contribute to the better use of C.odorata for human health care.

TDZ-Induced High Frequency Plant Regeneration through Direct Shoot Organogenesis in <i>Stevia rebaudiana</i>Bertoni: An Important Medicinal Plant and a Natural Sweetener

An efficient high frequency plant regeneration protocol through direct organogenesis was developed for Sevia rebaudiana Bert. Nodal segments containing axillary buds were used as an explant and inoculated on Murashige and Skoog’s (MS) medium containing 3% (w/v) sucrose, 0.8% (w/v) agar supplemented with various concentrations of benzyladenine (BA), kinetin (Kn) and thidiazuron (TDZ) ranging from 1.00 to 9.00 μM. Maximum multiple shoots (96%) were obtained in MS medium supplemented with 1.0 μM TDZ with an average of 60 shoots per culture, having an average shoot length of 6.0 cm. The best in vitro root induction (89%) was achieved on half strength MS medium without any growth regulator with an average of 24 roots per culture and root length of7 cm. The rooted plantlets were successfully established in soil and grown to maturity at the survival rate of 95% in the indoor grow room. High-performance liquid chromatography was used to assess the stability in chemical profile and quantification of stevioside and rebaudioside A content of in vitro propagated S. rebaudiana plants and compared with their mother plant at the peak vegetative stage. Our results show no significant differences (p in vitro propagated plants. Furthermore, fully developed in vitro propagated S. rebaudiana plants were also compared with mother plant for their gas and water vapour exchange characteristics and leaf anatomy. The results show that in vitro propagated and hardened plants of S. rebaudiana are morphologically as well as functionally comparable to each other and to their mother plant.

Treatment of Iron-Loaded Veterinary Sarcoma by Artemisia annua

Artemisinin,a constituent of Artemisia annua L.,is a well-known antimalarial drug.Artemisinin-type drugs also inhibit cancer growth in vitro and in vivo.Herbal extracts of A.annua inhibit the growth of cancer cell lines.Here,we report on the use of capsules containing powder of Herba Artemisiae annuae to treat pet sarcoma.The surgical tumor removal as standard treatment was supplemented by adjuvant therapy with A.annua.One cat and one dog with fibrosarcoma survived 40 and 37 months,respectively,without tumor relapse.Two other dogs suffering from fibrosarcoma and hemangioendothelial sarcoma also showed complete remission and are still alive after 39 and 26 months,respectively.A.annua was well tolerated without noticeable side effects.These four cases indicate that A.annua may be a promising herbal drug for cancer therapy.

Reversed-Phase HPLC Analysis of Steviol Glycosides Isolated from Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni

High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) experiments have been performed on nine steviol glycosides namely rebaudioside A, steviolbioside, stevioside, rubusoside, rebaudioside B, rebaudioside C, rebaudioside D, rebaudioside F, and dulcoside A isolated from the leaves of Stevia rebaudiana using Reversed-Phase (RP) column. Using RP-HPLC method, the individual retention times for nine naturally occurring ent-kaurane diterpene glycosides of S. rebaudiana reported in JECFA have been determined at four different temperatures: 20℃, 40℃, 60℃, and 79℃. Also, calculated the relative retention times of the eight steviol glycosides steviolbioside, stevioside, rubusoside, rebaudioside B, rebaudioside C, rebaudioside D, rebaudioside F, and dulcoside A against the major steviol glycoside rebaudioside A. HPLC results suggested that temperatures 40℃ and 60℃ would be ideal conditions for better separation of steviol glycosides.

泉州区域菊科药用野菜种类的调查与研究

通过野外实地考察、标本采集及查阅相关文献资料,对泉州区域菊科药用野菜种类进行归纳与分析,探讨泉州区域内菊科药用野菜的种类及其药用和食用价值。调查发现,泉州区域有菊科植物74属146种,其中药用植物有65属124种;在药用植物中野菜种类有36属65种,分别占该区域菊科药用植物总属数的55.38%,总种数的52.42%;这些菊科药用野菜均为1、2年生或多年生草本植物,食用部位以嫩茎叶为主,具有清热解毒、化痰止咳、解表、活血止痛和祛风除湿等功效,表明泉州区域菊科药用野菜种类丰富,可利用的药用价值高,有开发利用的价值。

Chemical diversity of essential oils from flowers,leaves,and stems of Rhanterium epapposum Oliv. growing in northern border region of Saudi Arabia

Objective:To evaluate the medicinal uses of Rhanterium epapposum Oliv.(R.epapposum) growing in northern border region of Saudi Arabia,through the chemical diversity of essential oils extracted from its flowers,leaves and stems.Methods:Aerial parts of R.epapposum were collected in April 2014.Air dried flowers,leaves,and stems were separately subjected to hydrodistillation in a Clevenger-type apparatus for 4 h to extract the essential oils.Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis of the essential oils was carried out using an Agilent 6890 gas chromatograph equipped with an Agilent 5973 mass spectrometric detector.Results:A total of 51 compounds representing 76.35%–94.86% of flowers,leaves and stems oils composition were identified.The chemical profiles of the studied fractions revealed the dominance of monoterpenes,regardless of qualitative and quantitative differences observed.Limonene,linalool,4-terpineol and a-cadinol represented the major constituents of flowers oil.Leaves oil was dominated by limonene,sabinene,a-pinene and b-myrcene whereas linalool,ionole,a-cadinol,b-eudesmol,4-terpineol,and aterpineol were the major constituents of stems oil.Conclusions:Essential oils from flowers,leaves and stems of R.epapposum growing in northern border region of Saudi Arabia are considered as a rich source of monoterpenes which have biological activities.