Taxonomic significance of trichomes micromorphology in cucurbits.

A study was conducted on 23 species under 13 genera of the family Cucurbitaceae to examine trichomes micromorphology using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). The study found that the trichomes vary from unicellular to multicellular and differ in shape, texture, and structure. These differences were found significant taxonomically. The findings of the study help in identifying and classifying different species in the family Cucurbitaceae.

Ali MA and Al-Hemaid FM (2011).

Saudi J Biol Sci.

DOI:

10.1016/j.sjbs.2010.10.003

PubMed:

23961108

Neuroprotective polyhydroxypregnane glycosides from Cynanchum otophyllum.

Zhao ZM et al (2013).

Steroids.

DOI:

10.1016/j.steroids.2013.06.007

PubMed:

23831785

Trichosanthes tricuspidata modulates oxidative toxicity in brain hippocampus against pilocarpine induced status epilepticus in mice.

Researchers aimed to assess the impact of Trichosanthes tricuspidata methanolic extract (TTME) on seizures in mice induced by pilocarpine and the resulting oxidative stress. Pilocarpine caused seizures and increased lipid peroxidation, hippocampal nitrite content, and decreased antioxidant enzyme levels. TTME administration reduced seizures in a dose-dependent manner and decreased lipid oxidative damage and nitrite-nitrate content, while also restoring enzymatic antioxidant defenses in the hippocampus. TTME also prevented the loss of neuronal cells in the hippocampus region. The study suggests that TTME has anticonvulsant activity and powerful antioxidant potential that can help reduce oxidative stress caused by seizures.

Smilin Bell Aseervatham G et al (2013).

Neurochem Res.

DOI:

10.1007/s11064-013-1075-3

PubMed:

23686347

Sesquiterpene lactones from Lactuca canadensis and their chemotaxonomic significance.

Researchers isolated 19 sesquiterpene lactones from the roots of Lactuca canadensis L. Ten of the 19 were newly discovered, including three pairs of zaluzanin C-type guaianolides and six eudesmanolides. 1D and 2D NMR and high resolution mass spectroscopy were used to identify the new compounds as 3-epizaluzanin C-3-O-β-glucopyranoside and 11,13-dehydrolactuside C. The sesquiterpene lactone profile of the species is dominated by zaluzanin C-type guaianolides and eudesmanolides. The differences in this profile compared to other taxa in the genus are discussed.

Michalska K, Szneler E and Kisiel W (2013).

Phytochemistry.

DOI:

10.1016/j.phytochem.2013.02.005

PubMed:

23522933

Benzyl benzoate glycosides from Oligoneuron rigidum.

Researchers discovered two new benzyl benzoate glycosides in the leaves and stems of the Oligoneuron rigidum. The glycosides were isolated and studied using LCMSMS and 1D and 2D NMR data. The study’s methods provide a full structural characterization of the glycosides. This discovery could lead to new pharmaceutical developments and highlight the importance of preserving prairie plant species.

Miesner S et al (2012).

J Nat Prod.

DOI:

10.1021/np300379h

PubMed:

23121124

Anti-neuroinflammatory constituents from Asparagus cochinchinensis.

Researchers found three new compounds, aspacochinosides N (1), O (2), and P (3), and four known compounds in the roots of Asparagus cochinchinensis. They conducted experiments to evaluate their anti-inflammatory properties and found that compounds 2, 3, and 4 showed significant inhibition on NO production in LPS-induced BV-2 microglial cells. These results suggest that these compounds may have therapeutic potential for treating neuroinflammatory diseases.

Jian R et al (2013).

Fitoterapia.

DOI:

10.1016/j.fitote.2012.10.011

PubMed:

23103295

Antimicrobial assays of three native British plants used in Anglo-Saxon medicine for wound healing formulations in 10th century England.

Researchers analyzed extracts from three native British plants to determine their ability to fight bacterial infections and wounds. The plants were chosen from herbal formulations found in three Anglo-Saxon medical texts dating back to the 10th century. The study highlights the potential of these historical remedies, with over 250 plant species yet to be evaluated for their medicinal properties.

Watkins F et al (2012).

J Ethnopharmacol.

DOI:

10.1016/j.jep.2012.09.031

PubMed:

23026307

Effect of Agrimonia pilosa Ledeb Extract on the Antinociception and Mechanisms in Mouse.

Researchers examined the pain-relieving effects of Agrimonia pilosa Ledeb extract in mice. They found that oral administration of the extract (200 mg/kg) reduced pain as measured by various tests. The extract also reduced the nociceptive response to a substance that causes pain when injected into the spinal cord. The antinociceptive effect was blocked by a drug that blocks alpha-2 adrenergic receptors, but not by drugs that block opioid or serotonergic receptors. These findings suggest that Agrimonia pilosa Ledeb extract has pain-relieving properties, and that it may work by affecting alpha-2 adrenergic receptors.

Park SH et al (2012).

Korean J Physiol Pharmacol.

DOI:

10.4196/kjpp.2012.16.2.119

PubMed:

22563257