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Root Extract (root + extract)
Selected AbstractsAllelopathic Effects of Parthenium hysterophorus Extracts on Seed Germination and Seedling Growth of Eragrostis tefJOURNAL OF AGRONOMY AND CROP SCIENCE, Issue 5 2002T. Tefera The present study was conducted to investigate the allelopathic effects of Parthenium hysterophorus weed on seed germination and seedling growth of tef. Flower, stem, root and leaf aqueous extracts of Parthenium at 0, 1, 5, and 10 % concentrations were applied to determine their effect on tef seed germination and seedling growth under laboratory conditions. Increasing concentrations of aqueous extracts of Parthenium from leaf and flower inhibited seed germination and complete failure of seed germination was recorded when the extract concentration from the leaf part was 10 %. In contrast, aqueous extracts from stem and root had no effect on tef seed germination. Roots appeared more sensitive to allelopathic effect than shoots. Extracts from flower, root and stem had a stimulatory effect on shoot length at all concentration levels, as against an inhibitory effect of leaf extracts. Root extracts at low concentration (1 %) greatly promoted root length but aqueous extracts from leaf and flower inhibited root length. [source] Effects of secondary tuber harvest on populations of devil's claw (Harpagophytum procumbens) in the Kalahari savannas of South AfricaAFRICAN JOURNAL OF ECOLOGY, Issue 1 2010Kristine M. Stewart Abstract Devil's claw (Harpagophytum procumbens) is an internationally traded species that is harvested for its secondary tubers. Root extracts are used to treat arthritis and other inflammatory diseases. This study examined population structure, density, growth, mortality, and seed and fruit production in harvested and unharvested populations in the Kalahari savannas of South Africa over 4 years. Plant density and population structure differed significantly between overgrazed and grass-dominated areas, suggesting that the differences may be due to competition for water and nutrients. Experimental removal of secondary tubers (harvest) was not a significant factor for mortality in any of the harvested size classes. Harvest also did not affect growth, although plants in the 3,4 cm size class grew more in both the harvested and unharvested populations. Fruit production was variable; fruits matured only after sufficient rains. Under the conditions of this study, the species appears to be resilient to harvest, with both harvested and unharvested plants surviving. After harvest, both groups recovered and grew (on average) at the same rate. Because of the spatially variable habitat and the plasticity of the plants themselves, a large number of plants over a wide area are required to better understand the species' life history. Résumé La griffe du diable Harpagophytum procumbens est une espèce qui est commercialisée à l'échelle internationale; on en récolte les tubercules poussant sur les racines secondaires. Les extraits de racines sont utilisés pour traiter l'arthrite et d'autres maladies inflammatoires. Cette étude examine la structure de sa population, sa densité, sa croissance, sa mortalité et sa production de semences et de fruits chez les populations récoltées ou non des savanes du Kalahari en Afrique du Sud, pendant quatre ans. La densité des plantes et la structure des populations différaient significativement entre les zones surpâturées et celles où les herbes dominaient, ce qui suggère que les différences pourraient être dues à la compétition pour l'eau et les nutriments. Le prélèvement expérimental des tubercules secondaires (récolte) n'était un facteur significatif de mortalité dans aucune des classes de taille récoltées. La récolte n'affectait pas non plus la croissance, même si les plants de la classe de taille des 3,4 cm croissaient plus chez les populations aussi bien récoltées que non récoltées. La production de fruits était variable; les fruits n'arrivaient à maturité qu'après des pluies suffisantes. Dans les conditions où fut réalisée cette étude, les espèces ont semblé résilientes à la récolte, les plants récoltés survivant aussi bien que ceux qui ne l'avaient pas été. Après la récolte, les deux groupes se rétablissaient et croissaient (en moyenne) au même rythme. Étant donné que l'habitat est très variable selon les endroits et vu la plasticité des plantes elles-mêmes, il faut étudier un grand nombre de plantes sur une grande superficie pour mieux comprendre l'histoire complète de cette espèce. [source] Characterization of cadmium uptake, translocation and storage in near-isogenic lines of durum wheat that differ in grain cadmium concentrationNEW PHYTOLOGIST, Issue 2 2006Jonathan J. Hart Summary ,,Here we examined several physiological properties of two near-isogenic lines of durum wheat (Triticum turgidum var. durum) that differ in grain cadmium accumulation, to identify the function of a gene locus that confers differential grain Cd concentrations. ,,Time- and concentration-dependent uptake and translocation studies using 109Cd were conducted on nutrient solution-grown seedlings. Root extracts were analysed by inductively coupled plasma emission spectrometry, gel filtration and capillary electrophoresis to determine the interaction between Cd and phytochelatins (PCs) in storage of Cd in roots. ,,The two isolines did not differ in time- or concentration-dependent root Cd uptake, but the low grain-Cd-accumulating isoline showed decreased movement of Cd from roots to shoots. All buffer-soluble Cd extracted from roots of both isolines was in the form of a low-molecular-weight PC-containing complex. ,,The data suggest that PC synthesis is not a limiting factor in the differential storage of Cd in roots, and that movement of Cd through the root and into the transpiration stream may be the cause of differential Cd partitioning in the two isolines. [source] Preparation of Glycyrrhizic Acid (I) and Its Practically Useful Salts from the Commercial Licorice Roots Extract.CHEMINFORM, Issue 30 2005R. M. Kondratenko No abstract is available for this article. [source] New lactones in liquorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra L.),FLAVOUR AND FRAGRANCE JOURNAL, Issue 2 2006Regula Näf Abstract The lactonic fraction of a commercial liquorice root extract (licorice, Glycyrrhiza glabra L., family Fabaceae), exhibiting a pleasant sweet, woody, dried fruit-like odour, contains mainly fatty acids (C2,C16) and phenols (phenol, guaiacol), together with common saturated linear , -lactones (C6,C14) and, in trace amounts, a series of new 4-methyl- , -lactones and 4-ethyl- , -lactones. Their structures have been confirmed by synthesis. Spectral data and organoleptic descriptors are given. Some 5-methyl- , -lactones, which can easily be confused with the 4-ethyl- , -lactones, are also discussed. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Abstracts: The effects of Coptis japonica root extract and its key component, berberine, on human subcutaneous adipocytesINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF COSMETIC SCIENCE, Issue 5 2010Keiko Yashiki(Tohi) pp.274,280 An increase of subcutaneous fat presses lymph vessels and blood vessels in skin tissues, and results in not only causing skin troubles such as skin sagging and swelling but also forming cellulite that makes bodylines worse. To expand further application of plant extracts to cosmetics, we focused on inhibitory effects of subcutaneous preadipocytes differentiation and facilitating lipolysis in adipocytes. In this study, in a screening test of a number of plant extracts, Coptis japonica root extract and its key component, berberine, showed potent inhibition of triglyceride accumulation and subcutaneous preadipocytes differentiation. Furthermore, Coptis japonica root extract and berberine down-regulated the mRNA expression level of several differentiation factors derived from subcutaneous preadipocytes. Coptis japonica root extract and berberine in subcutaneous adipocytes facilitated lipolysis in mature adipocytes. Our study suggested that Coptis japonica root extract and its key component, berberine, is expected to be useful for slimming and related skin troubles such as skin sagging, swelling, cellulite, and so on. [source] Cosmeceutical properties of polysaccharides from the root bark of Ulmus davidiana var. japonicaINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF COSMETIC SCIENCE, Issue 2 2007Sang Yong Eom In Korea and China, Ulmus davidiana var. japonica has been used as a traditional oriental medicine for the treatment of difficulty in urination, skin inflammation, etc. In order to investigate the potential of a polysaccharide extract from Ulmus davidiana var. japonica as a cosmetic ingredient, we measured its moisturizing effect, photo-induced cytotoxicity, and anti-inflammatory effect. After hydrolysis, HPLC experiments showed that the composition of the polysaccharide extract was mainly rhamnose, galactose, and glucose. The molecular weight of the obtained Ulmus davidiana root extract was 20 000. The intrinsic viscosity was 90 dL/g. In a moisturizing test conducted through the measurement of water loss in a desiccator and of moisture content with a Corneometer CM820, Ulmus davidiana root extract showed almost the same moisturizing effect as hyaluronic acid. In an assay for inhibition of the H2O2-activated release of PGE2, IL-6, and IL-8 in normal human fibroblast cell lines, Ulmus davidiana root extract showed an inhibitory activity of PGE2 release in a dose-dependent manner (up to 85.9% at a concentration of 0.1%). The percent inhibition of the release of IL-6 was in the range of 45.6,64.5% (H2O2 was used as the positive control). Moreover, the release of IL-8 was completely inhibited in the entire concentration range (>0.0025%). In a test of recovery from photo-induced damage after UVA irradiation (3 J/cm2), the cell recovery of human fibroblasts increased to levels two times higher than that of the positive control, which was UVA-damaged cells in the absence of Ulmus davidiana root extract (up to 60.2% at 3.0% of Ulmus davidiana root extract). In a photo-induced cytotoxicity assay in the presence of promethazine as a photosensitizer, Ulmus davidiana root extract showed approximately 48% of the increased cell viability of the control. Therefore, Ulmus davidiana root extract may be useful for the development of a cosmetic ingredient. [source] Interaction of Drugs and Chinese Herbs: Pharmacokinetic Changes of Tolbutamide and Diazepam Caused by Extract of Angelica dahuricaJOURNAL OF PHARMACY AND PHARMACOLOGY: AN INTERNATI ONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCE, Issue 8 2000KAZUHISA ISHIHARA The inhibitory effects of Angelica dahurica root extract on rat liver microsomal cytochrome P450 and drug-drug interactions were studied. The 2,- and 16,-hydroxylase activity of testosterone were most strongly inhibited, with 17.2% and 28.5% of their activity remaining, respectively, after oral administration of A. dahurica extract at a 1 g kg,1 dose. 6,-Hydroxylase activity was also inhibited, with 70% of its activity remaining, under the same conditions. In addition, treatment with the extract inhibited the metabolism of tolbutamide, nifedipine and bufuralol. These results showed that the extract inhibited the various isoforms of cytochrome P450 such as CYP2C, CYP3A and CYP2D1. The A. dahurica extract delayed elimination of tolbutamide after intravenous administration at a 10 mg kg,1 dose to rats. Thus, the extract altered the liver intrinsic clearance. It had little effect, however, on the pharmacokinetic parameters of diazepam after intravenous administration at 10 mg kg,1. Since diazepam showed high clearance, it underwent hepatic blood flow rate-limited metabolism. Therefore, the change of intrinsic clearance had little effect on hepatic clearance. However, the Cmax value after oral administration of diazepam with extract treatment was four times that with non-treatment. It was suggested that the first-pass effect was changed markedly by the extract. High-dose (1 g kg,1), but not low dose (0.3 g kg,1), administration of A. dahurica extract increased significantly the duration of rotarod disruption following intravenous administration of diazepam at 5 mg kg,1. It was concluded that administration of A. dahurica extract has the potential to interfere with the metabolism, by liver cytochrome P450, of other drugs. [source] Antiproliferative Effect of Furanocoumarins from the Root of Angelica dahurica on Cultured Human Tumor Cell LinesPHYTOTHERAPY RESEARCH, Issue 3 2007Young-Kyoon Kim Abstract A bioassay-guided fractionation of the root extract of Angelica dahurica (Umbelliferae) led to the isolation of six furanocoumarins as active ingredients responsible for the antitumoral property. The hexane soluble part of the extract demonstrated a signicant inhibition on the proliferation of cultured human tumor cells such as A549 (non small cell lung), SK-OV-3 (ovary), SK-MEL-2 (melanoma), XF498 (central nervous system) and HCT-15 (colon) in vitro, whereas the remaining water soluble part exhibited poor inhibition. Intensive investigation of the hexane soluble part of the extract yielded six furanocoumarins, i.e. isoimperatorin, cnidicin, imperatorin, oxypeucedanin, byakangelicol, oxypeucedanin hydrate, all of which exhibited a signicant inhibition on cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Radiation protection of DNA and membrane in vitro by extract of Hemidesmus indicusPHYTOTHERAPY RESEARCH, Issue 5 2005T. K. Shetty Abstract Radioprotective effect of H. indicus root extract on lipid peroxidation in rat liver microsomes and plasmid DNA was examined. Hemidesmus indicus (HI) root extract was found to protect microsomal membranes as evident from reduction in lipid peroxidation values. The extract could also protect DNA from radiation induced strand breaks. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Coptis japonica root extract induces apoptosis through caspase3 activation in SNU-668 human gastric cancer cellsPHYTOTHERAPY RESEARCH, Issue 3 2005H. J. Park Abstract Apoptosis-modulating approaches offer an attractive opportunity for therapeutic use for many tumors. We investigated the effects of the roots of Coptis japonica var. dissecta (Ranunculaceae) on human gastric cancer cells, SNU-668. The cytotoxicity of Coptis japonica at 100 µg[sol ]ml (methanol extract) by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay was 13.89 ± 1.91% of control value. Considering the features by 4,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) staining and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT)-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay, it was confirmed that the death of SNU-668 cells was due to apoptosis. In the apoptosis-regulating genes, BCL2 expression was diminished out, whereas BAX and CASP3 expressions were increased, compared with control. Furthermore, the activity of caspase3 was significantly increased by Coptis japonica treatment. These results suggest that Coptis japonica could induce apoptotic anticancer effect through caspase3 activation on SNU-668 human gastric cancer cells. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Evaluation of antiprotozoal and plasmodial enoyl-ACP reductase inhibition potential of turkish medicinal plantsPHYTOTHERAPY RESEARCH, Issue 2 2005D. Tasdemir Abstract A total of 58 extracts of different polarity were prepared from various organs of 16 species of Turkish plants and screened for their antitrypanosomal, antileishmanial and antiplasmodial activities. No significant activity was observed against Trypanosoma cruzi, whereas many extracts showed appreciable trypanocidal potential against T. brucei rhodesiense, with the CHCl3 -soluble portion of Phlomis kurdica being the most active (IC50 2.7 µg[sol ]mL). Almost all extracts, particularly the CHCl3 phases, exhibited growth inhibition activity against Leishmania donovani amastigotes. The CHCl3 -solubles of Putoria calabrica roots (IC50 1.9 µg[sol ]mL), Wendlandia ligustroides leaves (IC50 2.1 µg[sol ]mL) and Rhododendronluteum leaves (IC50 2.3 µg[sol ]mL) displayed the highest leishmanicidal potential. The majority of the extracts also possessed antiplasmodial activity against the multi-drug resistant K1 Plasmodium falciparum strain. The most potent antiplasmodial activity was observed with the CHCl3 extracts of Phlomis kurdica (IC50 1.5 µg[sol ]mL), P. leucophracta (IC50 1.6 µg[sol ]mL), Scrophularia cryptophila (IC50 1.8 µg[sol ]mL), Morina persica (IC50 1.9 µg[sol ]mL) and the aqueous root extract of Asperula nitida subsp. subcapitellata (IC50 1.6 µg[sol ]mL). Twenty-one extracts with significant antimalarial activity (IC50 < 5 µg[sol ]mL) were also tested for their ability to inhibit the purified enoyl-ACP reductase (FabI), a crucial enzyme in the fatty acid biosynthesis of P. falciparum. The CHCl3 extract of Rhododendronungernii leaves (IC50 10 µg[sol ]mL) and the H2O-soluble portion of Rhododendronsmirnovii leaves (IC50 0.4 µg[sol ]mL) strongly inhibited the FabI enzyme. The preliminary data indicate that some (poly)phenolic compounds are responsible for the FabI inhibition potential of these extracts. The presented work reports for the first time the antiprotozoal activity of nine different genera as well as a target specific antimalarial screening for the identification of P. falciparum FabI inhibitors from medicinal plant extracts. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Immunopotentiating properties of Cryptolepis buchanani root extractPHYTOTHERAPY RESEARCH, Issue 10 2003Anpurna Kaul Abstract The ethanol extract (95%) of the root of the plant Cryptolepis buchanani (EECB) was investigated for immunomodulatory activity in mice and rats. The oral administration of EECB caused signi,cant stimulation of the delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH) reaction and humoral antibody production. The oral LD50 was found to be more than 3 g/kg in both rats and mice. [source] Protection of DNA and microsomal membranes in vitro by Glycyrrhiza glabra L. against gamma irradiationPHYTOTHERAPY RESEARCH, Issue 6 2002T. K. Shetty Abstract The radioprotective effect of the root extract of Glycyrrhiza glabra L on lipid peroxidation in rat liver microsomes and plasmid pBR322 DNA was investigated. The extract was found to protect microsomal membranes, as evident from reduction in lipid peroxidation, and could also protect plasmid DNA from radiation-induced strand breaks. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Analgesic and antipyretic effects of Myrica salicifolia (Myricaceae)PHYTOTHERAPY RESEARCH, Issue S1 2002K. Njung'e Abstract Myrica salicifolia Hoechst (Myricaceae) root extract was found to have analgesic activity in mice. In rats there was antipyretic but no antiinflammatory activity. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Antioxidant action of Tinospora cordifolia root extract in alloxan diabetic ratsPHYTOTHERAPY RESEARCH, Issue 3 2001P. Stanely Mainzen Prince Abstract Tinospora cordifolia is widely used in Indian Ayurvedic medicine for the treatment of diabetes mellitus. Oral administration of 2.5,g and 5.0,g/kg body weight of the aqueous extract of the roots for 6 weeks resulted in a significant reduction in thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and an increase in reduced glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in alloxan diabetic rats. The effect of Tinospora cordifolia root extract (TCREt) was most prominently seen in the case of rats given 5.0,g/kg body weight. The effect of TCREt was more effective than glibenclamide. Thus our study shows that TCREt exhibits antioxidant action in alloxan diabetes. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Central nervous system stimulatory action from the root extract of Plumbago zeylanica in ratsPHYTOTHERAPY RESEARCH, Issue 2 2001C. P. Bopaiah Abstract The effects of a 50% ethanol extract of the root of Plumbago zeylanica (P. zeylanica) were investigated on locomotor behaviour and central dopaminergic activity in rats. The effects on the ambulatory behaviour were assessed along with the levels of dopamine (DA) and its metabolite homovanillic acid (HVA) in the striatum after a single oral dose (100, 200 and 300,mg/kg body weight) of the extract. The extract significantly increased the spontaneous motility in animals. The ambulatory and rotatory behaviour in the treated groups were higher than in the control group (p,<,0.05). There were marked differences in the ambulatory behaviour between 100 and 300,mg/kg, indicating that the responses were stimulatory and dose-dependent. The stereotypic behaviour which is characteristic of a dopamine agonist showed biphasic effects. However, there was no significant difference between the groups (p,>,0.05). The results showed that the extract of the root of P. zeylanica specifically enhanced the spontaneous ambulatory activity without inducing stereotypic behaviour. The neurochemical estimations revealed elevated levels of DA and HVA in striatum compared with the control rats (p,<,0.01). The levels were higher for the 100,mg/kg treated group than the other groups. The levels declined by increasing the dosage of the extract to 200,mg/kg and 300,mg/kg, however, these levels remained higher than the control group. The relationship between motor activity and levels of dopamine are not parallel. These behavioural and biochemical results indicated stimulatory properties of the extract of the root of P. zeylanica, which may be mediated by dopaminergic mechanisms in the rat brain. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Profiling of yew hair roots from various species using ultra-performance liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization mass spectrometryRAPID COMMUNICATIONS IN MASS SPECTROMETRY, Issue 15 2008Guang-Bo Ge An efficient and sensitive profiling approach to complex yew samples was developed using ultra-performance liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (UPLC/ESI-MS). The UPLC-based method displayed short analytical time and improved peak capability, as well as high sensitivity. The appropriate in-source collision-induced dissociation (CID) energy was employed to produce informative characteristic ions which could be used for stereochemical and sub-structural assignment of yew constituents. The method was successfully applied in the rapid screening of yew hair roots from various species, and 53 constituents including 47 taxoids were detected from partially purified root extract. Notably, C-7 hydroxytaxane stereoisomers could be identified based on their different fragment ions under the optimal profiling conditions. It was also observed that hair roots from different Taxus species exhibited nearly identical chemical distribution, indicating they had similar metabolic frameworks. Additionally, Taxus root resources also display benign medicinal perspective because they have relatively simple chemical profiles and possess high yields of valuable taxanes such as paclitaxel, cephalomannine, 10-deacetylpaclitaxel and 7-xylosyltaxanes. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Generation of Reactive Oxygen Species and Induction of Apoptosis of HL60 Cells by Ingredients of Traditional Herbal Medicine, Sho-saiko-toBASIC AND CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY & TOXICOLOGY, Issue 4 2006Toshiko Makino Among the components of Sho-saiko-to, wogon, the extract of Scutellaria and licorice root extract induced apoptosis of HL60 cells and increased the intracellular levels of reactive oxygen species. Lower concentrations (5 to 20 ,M) of baicalein, the principal flavonoid in the Scutellaria root extract, showed induction of cell apoptosis and elevated the intracellular reactive oxygen species. However, the increase in the concentrations of baicalein rather inhibited the induction of apoptosis and the elevated levels of reactive oxygen species in cells. Induction of baicalein-mediated apoptosis was inhibited by addition of Tempol, the scavenger of reactive oxygen species. Glycyrrhetinic acid, an ingredient of licorice root extract, also induced apoptosis followed by increase in the intracellular reactive oxygen species. The effect of Sho-saiko-to on cell differentiation can be explained by the action of two ingredients, baicalein and glycyrrhetinic acid, which cause apoptosis and increase in reactive oxygen species in cells. [source] High performance liquid chromatographic method for the determination and pharmacokinetic studies of oxyresveratrol and resveratrol in rat plasma after oral administration of Smilax china extractBIOMEDICAL CHROMATOGRAPHY, Issue 4 2008Huilian Huang Abstract A sensitive and simple HPLC method has been developed and validated for the determination of oxyresveratrol (trans -2,4,3,,5,-tetrahydroxystilbene, OXY) and resveratrol (trans -3,5,4,-trihydroxystilbene, RES) in rat plasma. The plasma samples were extracted with ethyl acetate and analyzed using HPLC on an Aglient Zorbax SB-C18 column (250 × 4.6 mm, 5 µm) at a wavelength 320 nm, with a linear gradient of (A) acetonitrile and (B) 0.5% aqueous acetic acid (v/v), at a flow rate of 1.0 mL/min. The method was linear over the range of 0.1265,25.3 µg/mL for OXY and 0.117,23.4 µg/mL for RES. The extraction recovery for OXY, RES and internal standard ranged from 71.1 to 88.3%. The intra- and inter-day precisions were better than 10%, and the accuracy ranged from 89 to 108%. The validated method was used to study the pharmacokinetic profiles of OXY and RES in rat plasma after oral administration of Smilax china root extract. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Constituents of Asarum sieboldii with Inhibitory Activity on Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-Induced NO Production in BV-2 Microglial CellsCHEMISTRY & BIODIVERSITY, Issue 2 2008Ah-Reum Han Abstract Bioassay-guided fractionation of the root extract of Asarum sieboldii led to the isolation of the four active compounds (,)-sesamin (1), (2E,4E,8Z,10E)- N -(2-methylpropyl)dodeca-2,4,8,10-tetraenamide (2), kakuol (3), and ,3,4,5-trimethoxytoluene' (=1,2,3-trimethoxy-5-methylbenzene; 4), in terms of inhibition of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced nitric oxide (NO) production. Compounds 1,4 showed potent inhibition of NO production, with IC50 values in the low nanomolar-to-micromolar range. Also isolated were the known compounds methylkakuol (5), ,3,5-dimethoxytoluene', safrole, asaricin, methyleugenol, and (,)-asarinin, which were found to be inactive in the above assay. Among the ten known isolates, compounds 1, 2, and 5 were found for the first time in this plant. [source] Chronic sensorimotor polyradiculopathy with antibodies to P2: An electrophysiological and immunoproteomic analysisMUSCLE AND NERVE, Issue 1 2008Ricard Rojas-Garcia MD Abstract In this study we report a patient with chronic progressive sensory ataxia, proximal weakness, immunoglobulin M (IgM) monoclonal gammopathy, and elevated protein levels in the cerebrospinal fluid, who showed a good response to prednisone. Electrophysiological study disclosed abnormalities predominantly of late responses (F waves and H reflexes), with no evidence of demyelination in the peripheral nerves, suggesting motor and preganglionic sensory nerve roots as the site of the lesion. An immune-mediated pathogenesis was considered and, to identify possible target antigens, we performed bidimensional electrophoresis and a Western blot study. Based on the suspected lesion site, we used human anterior and posterior root extracts. We identified IgM reactivity against peripheral nerve myelin protein P2. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay confirmed IgM reactivity toward one synthetic peptide from P2. To our knowledge, reactivity against P2 has not been reported previously in a paraproteinemic neuropathy. Furthermore, we demonstrated that bidimensional electrophoresis and Western blot of the tissue involved, as determined by clinical and electrophysiological studies, may be useful to establish clinical,immunological correlations in paraproteinemic neuropathies. Muscle Nerve, 2008 [source] Antioxidant properties of extracts from Alchornea laxiflora (Benth) Pax and HoffmanPHYTOTHERAPY RESEARCH, Issue 7 2003E. Olatunde Farombi Abstract The antioxidant activities of the leaf and root extracts of Alchornea laxiflora, a plant used locally for the preservation of food items in Nigeria, were evaluated using the ferric thiocyanate method, horseradish peroxidase catalysed oxidation of 2,2 azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), , -carotene linoleate model system and Fe2+/ascorbate/H2O2 -induced rat liver microsomal lipid peroxidation. The crude hexane root (HR), methanol root (MR), methanol leaf (ML) and hexane leaf (HL) extracts from A. laxiflora were tested for antioxidant activities. Antioxidant activity decreased in the following order: HR (76.4%), MR (63%), ML (40%) and HL (38%) at a concentration of 0.05% v/v. The antioxidant activity of HR compared to that of butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) (80%), a standard antioxidant. The total antioxidant activity (TAA) of the crude extracts suggests that activity is highest in the HR compared with the others. The TAA value was estimated to be 8.0 measured as mm of vitamin C equivalent. Six column chromatographic fractions (FI,FVI) from HR showed antioxidant activity to varying extents in the , -carotene model system in the order of FII > FI > FVI > FIII > FIV > FV. FII exhibited the highest antioxidant activity in all model systems utilized, it recorded a higher antioxidant activity than BHA and quercetin in the , -carotene linoleate and Fe2+/ascorbate/H2O2. TLC analysis of fraction II revealed the presence of terpenoid compounds (radiant green coloration with 2,4 dinitrophenylhydrazine). Our results suggest that A. laxiflora contains potent natural antioxidants and may therefore be relevant in the preservation of lipid food products, which are prone to oxidation and rancidity. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Plant-extract-induced changes in the proteome of the soil-borne pathogenic fungus Thielaviopsis basicolaPROTEINS: STRUCTURE, FUNCTION AND BIOINFORMATICS, Issue 8 2010Joëlle V. F. Coumans Abstract Thielaviopsis basicola is a hemibiotroph fungus that causes black root rot disease in diverse plants with significant impact on cotton production in Australia. To elucidate how T. basicola growth and proteome are influenced by interactions with natural sources, this fungus was cultured in the presence of root extracts from non-host (wheat, hairy vetch) and susceptible host (cotton, lupin) plants. We found that T. basicola growth was significantly favored in the presence of host extracts, while hierarchical clustering analysis of 2-DE protein profiles of T. basicola showed plant species had a larger effect on the proteome than host/non-host status. Analysis by LC-MS/MS of unique and differentially expressed spots and identification using cross-species similarity searching and de novo sequencing allowed successful identification of 41 spots. These proteins were principally involved in primary metabolism with smaller numbers implicated in other diverse functions. Identification of several "morpho" proteins suggested morphological differences that were further microscopically investigated. Identification of several highly expressed spots suggested that vitamin B6 is important in the T. basicola response to components present in hairy vetch extract, and finally, three spots, induced in the presence of lupin extract, may correspond to malic enzyme and be involved in lipid accumulation. [source] A CDPK isoform participates in the regulation of nodule number in Medicago truncatulaTHE PLANT JOURNAL, Issue 6 2006Pablo R. Gargantini Summary Medicago spp. are able to develop root nodules via symbiotic interaction with Sinorhizobium meliloti. Calcium-dependent protein kinases (CDPKs) are involved in various signalling pathways in plants, and we found that expression of MtCPK3, a CDPK isoform present in roots of the model legume Medicago truncatula, is regulated during the nodulation process. Early inductions were detected 15 min and 3,4 days post-inoculation (dpi). The very early induction of CPK3 messengers was also present in inoculated M. truncatuladmi mutants and in wild-type roots subjected to salt stress, indicating that this rapid response is probably stress-related. In contrast, the later response was concomitant with cortical cell division and the formation of nodule primordia, and was not observed in wild-type roots inoculated with nod,, strains. This late induction correlated with a change in the subcellular distribution of CDPK activities. Accordingly, an anti- MtCPK3 antibody detected two bands in soluble root extracts and one in the particulate fraction. CPK3::GFP fusions are targeted to the plasma membrane in epidermal onion cells, a localization that depends on myristoylation and palmitoylation sites of the protein, suggesting a dual subcellular localization. MtCPK3 mRNA and protein were also up-regulated by cytokinin treatment, a hormone linked to the regulation of cortical cell division and other nodulation-related responses. An RNAi-CDPK construction was used to silence CPK3 in Agrobacterium rhizogenes -transformed roots. Although no major phenotype was detected in these roots, when infected with rhizobia, the total number of nodules was, on average, twofold higher than in controls. This correlates with the lack of MtCPK3 induction in the inoculated super-nodulator sunn mutant. Our results suggest that CPK3 participates in the regulation of the symbiotic interaction. [source] | ||||||||||||||||