Fate of rubber bush (Calotropis procera (Aiton) W. T. Aiton) in adversary environment modulated by microstructural and functional attributes

Calotropis procera(Aiton)W.T.Aiton,belonging to the family Apocynaceae,is C3 evergreen plant species in arid and semi-arid areas of the Punjab Province,Pakistan.It grows in a variety of habitats like salt affected and waterlogged area,desert/semi-desert,roadside,wasteland,graveyard,forest,crop field,coastline,and river/canal bank.A total of 12 populations growing in different ecological regions were sampled to evaluate their growth,physio-biochemical,and anatomical responses to specific environmental condition.Population adapted to desert/semi-desert showed vigorous growth(plant height,shoot length,and number of leaves),enhanced photosynthetic level(chlorophyll a,chlorophyll b,carotenoids,and total chlorophyll),and apparent anatomical modifications such as increased stem radius,cuticle thickness,storage parenchyma tissues(cortex and pith),and vascular bundles in stems,while the maximum of midrib and lamina thickness,epidermal cells,cuticle thickness,cortical proportion,abaxial stomatal density,and its area in leaves.There was high plasticity in structural and functional features of these populations,which enable them to survive and tolerate under such hot and dry desert environment.Population of saline areas exhibited very critical modifications to sustain under salt prone environment.At physiological level,it possesses the maximum amount of organic osmolytes(glycine betaine and proline)and antioxidants(superoxide dismutase(SOD),catalase(CAT),and peroxidase(POD)),while at anatomical level,it showed intensive sclerification,large phloem region(inner and outer),pith parenchyma cells,and metaxylem vessels in stems and leaves.The population of dry mountains showed very distinctive features,such as increased shoot ionic contents(K+and Ca2+),collenchyma and sclerenchyma thickness in stems,trichomes size,and numerous small stomata on abaxial surface of leaves.It is concluded that no definite or precise single character can be taken as a yardstick for adjudging the biomass production in this rubber bush weed population.

Anti-Fibrotic Effects of Calotropis procera (Ait.) R.Br Roots Barks against Diethylnitrosamine-Induced Hepatic Fibrosis in Rats

Background: Liver diseases including chronic hepatitis, steatosis, fibrosis, cirrhosis and liver cancer are now a public health problem. In 2002, cirrhosis accounted for 27.63% of hepatobiliary diseases in Burkina Faso. In Africa and more particularly in Burkina Faso, the majority of the population (about 80%) uses medicinal plants for their primary health care. Calotropis procera (Ait.) R.Br (Apocynaceae) is a medicinal plant used in Burkina Faso in the treatment of liver problems. This work aims to evaluate the anti-fibrotic properties of Calotropis procera roots barks. Methods: The anti-fibrotic activity of the ethanolic extract of Calotropis procera roots barks was evaluated using diethylnitrosamine (DEN) to induce liver fibrosis in male Wistar rats. Serum biomarkers, alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), Total protein, Albumin, Υ-Glutamyl transferase (GGT) were evaluated and the activities of antioxidant enzymes (Superoxide dismutase and catalase) as well as the level of malonedialdehyde (MDA) and that of nitric oxide (NO) were determined in the liver homogenate. Results: The treatment of rats suffering from hepatic fibrosis with the ethanolic extract leads to a significant restoration of the biomarkers of the hepatic function in particular, AST, ALP, GGT, Albumin. The extract also causes a reduction in oxidative stress in the liver through a significant increase in the activity rate of the antioxidant enzymes Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase accompanied by a significant drop in the rate of MDA and NO suggesting the anti-oxidant effect of extract. Conclusion: The results of the study show that the ethanolic extract of the roots barks of Calotropis procera has anti-fibrotic properties.

Procera~基台的临床应用研究

目的:研究Procera基台的临床应用,探讨口腔种植修复的个性化方案及其临床效果。方法:采用由Procera软件辅助设计和制作的个性化全瓷基台及钛基台修复种植病例共56例71枚基台。其中全瓷基台48例53枚;钛基台8例18枚。结果:71枚基台中67枚首次即成功修复,3枚全瓷基台发生底座和氧化锆连接松脱,1枚全瓷基台在控制扭矩时崩裂,经重新制作均最终完成修复。结论:Procera基台能取得较好的临床效果,但其制作工艺需要得到一定的改善,长期应用效果也有待于进一步追踪观察。

Procera Forte扫描仪和软件应用中的常见问题及处理对策

Procera系统是目前临床较常用的CAD/CAM系统。本文就CAD方面,在具体应用Procera Forte扫描仪和软件的1000多案例的口腔修复体设计过程中,包括扫描设计冠桥、贴面和种植体的单个蜡型基台过程中分别遇到的一些常见问题,通过截图的形式进行表述,并提出了相应的处理对策。

高纯铝瓷Procera ALLceram全冠修复的临床效果

目的观察和评估高纯铝瓷Procera ALLceram全冠修复体临床应用效果。方法对因牙髓炎、根尖周炎、外伤、牙畸形、牙变色等各种原因造成需行牙冠修复的58例门诊患者,采用81个高纯铝瓷Procera ALLceram全冠修复体,修复3～24个月后按照美国公共健康协会的修正标准(USPHS)进行评估。结果 81件修复体,2件出现饰面瓷崩裂,3件修复体颜色为B级,余93.8%修复体在颜色、边缘着色、边缘密合度、继发龋及修复体碎裂等各项检查指标中均为A级。结论高纯铝瓷Procera ALLceram全冠修复体具有良好的修复效果。

Procera~冠临床前教学培训的效果评价

目的评价Procera冠临床前教学培训的效果。方法武汉大学口腔医学院2007、2008级硕士研究生共60人首先接受约1h的理论培训,然后完成1h的模型操作,通过问卷调查和牙体预备质量评价对教学培训的效果进行评估。结果绝大部分学生对临床前教学培训给予肯定,其牙体预备水平有明显提高。结论 Procera冠临床前教学培训提高了口腔修复实践教学的质量,值得开展和推广。

用Procera技术制作钛牙冠

钛具有质地轻、比强度高、生物相容性和耐腐蚀性好等优点,在齿科获得了广泛的应用(表1)。钛是较难加工的金属,经过10多年的努力,齿科加工钛及钛合金的技术有了明显的发展。目前已投入临床应用的加工方法有切削、拉丝。

Therapeutic and biological activities of Calotropis procera(Ait.) R.Br.

Medicinal plants have been used to treat various ailments of the poor population around the world;hence the interest among researchers to know the active ingredients of certain plants has being increased.The Calotropis procera(C.procera) is a plant original from Africa,commonly found in northeastern Brazil.It is well known for their pharmacological properties,since it produces large amounts of latex.The important role that medicinal plants play in folk medicine has led us to develop this article in order to review the major pharmacological activities of C. procera.

Anticancer and cytotoxic properties of the latex of Calotropis procera in a transgenic mouse model of hepatocellular carcinoma

AIM： To evaluate the anticancer property of the dried latex （DL） of Calotropis procera, a tropical medicinal plant, in the X15-myc transgenic mouse model of hepatocellular carcinoma and to elucidate its mechanism of action in cell culture. METHODS： The young transgenic mice were orally fed with the aqueous suspension of DL （400 mg/kg for 5 d/wk） for 15 wk and their liver was examined for histopathological changes at 20 wk. Serum levels of vascu- lar endothelial growth factor （VEGF） were also measured in these animals. To characterize the active fraction, DL was extracted with petroleum ether followed by methanol. The methanolic extract was sub-fractionated on a silica gel G column using a combination of non-polar and polar solvents and eleven fractions were obtained. Each fraction was analysed for cytotoxic effect on hepatoma （Huh7） and non-hepatoma （COS-1） cell lines and nontransformed hepatocytes （AML12） using tetrazolium （MTT） assay. Finally, the mechanism of cell death was investigated by measuring the levels of Bcl2, caspase 3 and DNA fragmentation. RESULTS： DL treatment of mice showed a complete protection against hepatocarcinogenesis. No adverse effect was observed in these animals. The serum VEGF level was significantly lowered in the treated mice as compared to control animals. Cell culture studies revealed that the methanolic extract of DL as well as its fraction 8 induced extensive cell death in both Huh-7 and COS-1 cells while AML12 cells were spared. This was accompanied by extensive fragmentation of DNA in Huh-7 and COS-1 cells. No change in the levels of canonical markers of apoptosis such as Bcl2 and caspase 3 was observed. CONCLUSION： DL of C. procera has the potential for anti-cancer therapy due to its differentJable targets and non-interference with regular pathway of apoptosis.

Antimicrobial activity of latex silver nanoparticles using Calotropis procera

Objective:To synthesize silver nanoparticles(AgNPs) by green methods using scrum latex of Calotropis procera at 80 ℃ and evaluate them against bacteria,dermatophytes and phytopathogenic fungi comparing with the activity of untreated latex.Methods:The synthesis of AgNPs was performed by mixing 3%latex scrum extract with the same volume of silver nitrate(2 mmol/L) solution in round flask and heating in water bath at80 ℃.Characterization of silver particles were determined using UV-vis spectrophotometer,transmission electron microscopy(TEM),X-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy.The antimicrobial activity of the green synthesized AgNPs was determined against bacteria,dermatophytes and phytopathogenic fungi and compared to the crude untreated latex by agar-well diffusion methods.Results:Biosynthesis of latex silver nanoparticles was successfully obtained by green method.The formation of AgNPs has been confirmed by UV-vis,TEM microscopy.X-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy.TEM analysis showed that synthesized AgNPs are highly stable spherical shaped particles,well dispersed with a diameter ranged from 4 nm up to 25 nm and an average size of 12.33 nm.AgNPs showed strong antibacterial activity against Gram-negative bacteria(Escherichia coli,Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Serratia sp.) and antifungal activity against Trichophyton rubrum,Candida albicans and Aspergillus terreus.Conclusions:It can be concluded that serum latex of Calotropis pmcera was found to display strong potential for the synthesis of AgNPs as antimicrobial agents through rapid reduction of silver ions(Ag^+ to Ag^0).The green synthesized AgNPs were found to show higher antimicrobial efficacy than crude latex.

Analgesic,antibacterial and central nervous system depressant activities of Albizia procera leaves

Objective:To ascertain analgesic,antibacterial and central nervous system(CNS)depressant activities of ethyl acetate,dichloromethane and carbon tetrachloride fractions of methanol extract of Albizia proceru(A.procera)leaves.Methods:Leaves extracts of A.procera were tested for analgesic activity by acetic acid induced and formalin test method in mice.The in vitro antibacterial activity was performed by agar well diffusion method.CNS depressant activity was evaluated by hole cross and open field tests.Results:All the extracts at 200 mg/kg exhibited significant(P<0.01)analgesic activity in acetic acid induced and formalin tests method in mice.Analgesic activity of the ethyl acetate fraction was almost same like as standard drug indomelhacin in acetic acid induced method.The CNS depressant activity of the extracts at 500 mg/kg was comparable to the positive control diazepam as determined by hole cross and open field test method.The extracts exhibited moderate antimicrobial activity against all the tested microorganisms(Staphylococcus aureus,Bacillus cereus,Pseudomonas aeruginosa,Esherichia coli,Shigetta soneii.Shigella boydii)at concentration of 0.8 mg/disc.The measured diameter of zone of inhibition for the extracts was within the range of 7 to 12 mm which was less than the standard kanamycin(16-24 mm).Conclusions:It is concluded that all the extracts possess potential analgesic and CNS depressants activity.This study also showed that different fractions of methanol extract could be potential sources of new antimicrobial agents.

Status of cypress aphid on Cupressus lusitanica and Juniperus procera in protected and cultivated forests of South Wollo,Ethiopia

In Ethiopia,Cupressus lusitanica and Juniperus procera are important tree species.The incidence of the cypress aphid,Cinara cupressi,which has not been reported before on the exotic Cupressus lusitanica is becoming catastrophic.The appearance of the insect was reported for the first time in 2003 in Ethiopia.However,information is scarce on the status of this species in northeast Amhara state.The objectives of this study were to assess the extent of damage,abundance and status of the cypress aphid on C.lusitanica and J.procera in the protected and cultivated forests of South Wollo,Ethiopia.Results reveal that tree compositions of the three study areas differed.The dominant tree species were C.lucitanica(15–80%),Olea europaea(5–90%)and J.procera(14–70%).The cypress aphid showed significantly higher levels of infestation on C.lusitanica(35–90%)than on J.procera(1–16%).Moreover,there was higher C.lusitanica mortality(40–93%).In contrast,there was low infestation(1–16%)on J.procera and no mortality.The results reveal that the cypress aphid causes enormous losses of C.lusitanica.Therefore,it is recommended that insect surveillance be strengthened and the introduction bioagents be considered and integrated with other insecticides to minimize the degree of C.lusitanica infestation and loss.

Total Volume and Aboveground Biomass Models for <i>Juniperus procera</i>Plantation in Wondo Genet, Southern Ethiopia

Species specific allometric equations are important for estimation and quantification of net volume and aboveground biomass of living trees. This study was basically focused on fitting total volume and aboveground biomass models for Juniperus procera plantations in Wondo Genet, Sidama Zone, Ethiopia. Data for fitting the total volume and aboveground biomass models were obtained by destructively sampling of trees from the ten diameter classes of the Juniperus procera plantation in the study area. A total of one hundred ten and fifty-one trees were destructively sampled to fit six total volume and six aboveground biomass models respectively. After important measurements of parameters have completed, model performance evaluation and selecting of best fit models were undertaken using standard error of estimates (SEE), coefficient of determination (R2), bias (B) and mean of the absolute value of errors (MAE). Accordingly, the total volume model Vt = -5.466 + 0.959Dbh0.005H003 and aboveground biomass model of B = 0.348Dbh0.57H0.032 were found to be the best predictive models for total tree volume and aboveground biomass respectively. In addition to the above results, diameter at breast height and total tree height data obtained from 69 circular sample plots of 0.01 ha area drawn from the plantation were used to estimate the total volume and aboveground biomass per hectare BEF which was estimated to be 0.64 Mg/m3. Generally, the selected models and computed BEF in this study are believed to be applied by different organisations and researches to estimate the total volume and aboveground biomass of the J. procera.

Apple of Sodom (<em>Calatropis procera</em>) Callus Extract, a Novel Skincare Active and Its Biological Activity in Skin Models When Combined with Dead Sea Water

Background: Calotropis procera (C. procera), is an authentic plant naturally grown in the flora of Dead Sea region. Despite its toxicity, C. procera presents healing properties. However, it has not been implemented yet in cosmetics as an active ingredient. Objective: The biological effects of C. procera callus extract on skin were elucidated solely and in combination with Dead Sea water (DSW). Methods: The capability of C. procera extract to protect against skin inflammation and irritation was tested on ex vivo human skin organ culture by LPS and SDS addition respectively. Viability and cytokine secretion were evaluated. The combination of C. procera extract with Dead Sea water was tested on full thickness skin equivalents. Gene expression and relevant biochemical markers for glycolysis, hypoxia and extracellular matrix balance were tested. Results: C. procera extract exhibits a protective biological activity against skin irritation and inflammation at the biochemical level. Furthermore, a combination of C. procera extract and DSW demonstrates a potential contribution for skin wellbeing via enhance energy production, resistance to hypoxia and extracellular matrix balance. Conclusions: Topical application of C. procera callus extract might support skin balance and wellbeing at the molecular level. Hence, it is recommended for new cosmetic formulae as standalone or in combination with Dead Sea water, in the effort to achieve anti-aging bio-activity that is working beyond skin aging symptoms, especially via skin calming effects and skin energy enhancement.

Saponins-rich fraction of Calotropis procera leaves elicit no antitrypanosomal activityin a rat model

Objective:To examine thein vitroandin vivoanti-Trypanosoma evansi(T.evansi)activity ofsaponins-rich fraction ofCalotropis procera(cpsf)leaves as well as the effect of the fraction onthe parasite-induced anemia.Methods:A 60-minutes time course experiment was conductedwith various concentrations of the fraction using a 96-well microtiter plate technique,andsubsequently used to treat experimentallyT.evansiinfected rats at 100 and 200 mg/kg bodyweight.Index of anemia was analyzed in all animals during the experiment.Results:The cpsfdid not demonstrate anin vitroantitrypanosomal activity.Further,the cpsf treatments did notsignificantly(P>0.05)keep the parasites lower than the infected untreated groups.At the end ofthe experiment,allT.evansiinfected rats developed anemia whose severity was not significantly(P>0.05)ameliorated by the cpsf treatment.Conclusions:It was concluded that saponins derivedfromCalotropis proceraleaves could not elicitin vitroandin vivoactivities againstT.evansi.

Toxicological characterization and central nervous system effects of Calotropis procera Ait. aqueous extracts in mice

Objective: To evaluate the toxicological and psychotropic properties of Calotropis(C.) procera. Methods: C. procera leaves and root-bark aqueous extracts were evaluated for their toxic and behavioral effects using adult mice. Toxicity studies were carried out using Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development guidelines 423 and 407 for acute and subacute evaluation. Behavioral studies were performed using traction test, fireplace test, hole-board test and forced-swimming test to evaluate the sedative, anxiety and depressive-like activities of the extracts. Results: Very low acute toxicity was observed in mice that received both leaves and rootbark extracts. The subacute test showed some morphological, biochemical and hematological changes in the treated groups. Behavioral assessment demonstrated anxiety effects on mice for C. procera leaf extract(400 mg/kg of body weight). Conclusions: The acute use of C. procera(leaves and root-barks) aqueous extracts could be considered as low toxic. However, their repeated uses could have harmful effect on some organs. Likewise, a single dose up to 400 mg/kg body weight of these extracts produce no sedative or depressive-like effect, but they possess possible dose dependent anxiety effect. Yet, more studies are necessary to relate these results to the chemical profile of the plant extracts.

Identification of pests and assessment of their damage on Carapa procera and Lophira lanceolata in Burkina Faso,West Africa

Nontimber forest products are a source of income for women in rural African communities. However, these products are frequently damaged by insect pests. The present study investigates the diversity and damage rates of insect pests that attack Carapa procera seeds and Lophira lanceolata fruits. The experiment was set up in western Burkina Faso and, for C. carapa, consisted of pests collected from seeds that had fallen to the ground and from stockpiled seeds. For L. lanceolata, pests were collected from fruits on the trees, and on the ground. The collected samples were sent to the laboratory to estimate the proportion of damaged seeds/fruits and rear the insects. The results showed that Ephestia spp., Tribolium castaneum, Oryzeaphilus spp., and Tenebroides mauritanicus were the pests of Carapa procera seeds and Lophira lanceolata fruits. Ephestia spp. was recorded as the main pest of both C. proeera and L. lanceolata, whereas T. castaneum was only detected from seeds of L. lanceolata. For C. procera, the stocks were the most infested （29 %） by Ephestia spp. The infestation rate of fruits of L. lanceolata by Ephestia spp, on trees （31.42 ± 3.75 %） was less than the rate of fruits by T. castaneum on the ground （44.00 ± 3.5 %）. The different body sizes of Ephestia spp. may indicate the occurrence of two putative species, one from C. procera and another one from L. lanceolata. This work provides important information that could contribute to the setting up of a local-scale sustainable management framework for oil tree pests in Burkina Faso and surrounding countries.

Antiandrogenic activity ofCalotropis procera latex in rats

Objective:To determine the effects ofCalotropis proceralatex on pubertal traits of immature male Wistar rats.Methods: A total of 30 immature male Wistar rats aged 3 weeks old were grouped randomly into 5 groups: group A (control group) was offered distilled water as a placebo;group B was daily oral dosed with suspension ofCalotropis procera latex at a dose rate of 5 mg/kg body weight(BW), group C 10 mg/kg BW;group D 15 mg/kg BW and group E 20 mg/kg BW. The rats were weighed daily to adjust the dose and record the BW changes, and the treatment continued for 4 weeks;thereafter, rats were sacrificed. Serum samples (n=30) were collected from all rats and kept frozen until assayed for reproductive hormones. Furthermore, the testes and epididymae were weighed;epididymal sperms were counted;sperm motility & abnormality were estimated;and histopathological sections of the testes were prepared. Results: The results of this study showed that oral dosing of immature male rats with Calotropis proceralatex at doses rate 10 mg/kg BW significantly (P<0.05) reduced the growth rate, BW, testicular & epididymal weights, the level of most of reproductive hormones as well as the sperm traits examined;however, it significantly (P<0.05) augmented the abnormalities of spermatozoa and the seminiferous epithelium.Conclusions: Latex ofCalotropis procera contains substances that have anti-androgenic activities and/or endocrine disrupting effects. If these substances are purified and identified, they can be used as male contraceptives.

Prevention and Control Effects of New Biological Formulations Sprayed by Different Methods on Proceras venosatus (Walker) and Tryporyza intacta Snellen in Middle and Late Stages

To screen new biological formulations, accurate and efficient application technology, field test was conducted with 72% Bacillus thuringiensis(Bt)·monosultap WP, 8% lambda-cyhalothrin·emamectin benzoate SA and 3.6% lambda-cyhalothrin·Bt SA through manual spraying and unmanned aerial vehicle spraying. Test results and comprehensive evaluation analysis demonstrated that 72% Bt·monosultap WP and 8%lambda-cyhalothrin·emamectin benzoate SA by manual spraying and unmanned aerial vehicle spraying had good prevention and control effect on strains and internodes damaged by Tryporyza intacta Snellen in middle and late stage, which were ideal new biological formulations with high effi-ciency and low risk for prevention and control of T. intacta in middle and late stage, and could be popularized in sugarcane area. 72% Bt·monosultap WP at the dose of 3 000 g/hectare and 8% lambda-cyhalothrin·emamectin benzoate SA at the dose of 750 mL/hectare could be sprayed in mid September at the peak occurrence period of the forth and fifth generations of T. intacta and Proceras venosatus. Agents were diluted with 900 kg water per hectare, and manually sprayed with electric knapsack sprayer; or agents were diluted with 15 kg of Haoyang aerial control special addi-tives and water per hectare, and sprayed with unmanned aerial vehicle. The control effect against borer-damaged strain rate was above 81.3% and that against borer-damaged internode rate was above 88.6%.

Biosorptive Removal of Zinc from Aqueous Solution by Algerian <i>Calotropis procera</i>Roots

Potentially toxic trace elements, such as zinc, with high levels in water are very serious problems in many places around the world, sometimes in relation to natural sources and in other cases to anthropogenic ones. Adsorption process is among the most effective techniques for removing of many heavy metal ions from different types of water. In this study, an attempt has been made to investigate the efficiency of Calotropis procera roots (CP) in removing of Zn(II) from aqueous solution by using batch mode technique. During the removal process, the effects of solution pH, Zn concentrations and contact time on adsorption efficiency by CP roots were studied. Experimental equilibrium data were analyzed by the Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models. The results showed that the best fit was achieved with the Langmuir isotherm equation with maximum adsorption capacity of 9.69 mg/g. The biosorption of Zn(II) was a fast process and followed the pseudo-second-order kinetic.