Neuroprotective compounds isolated from Cynanchum paniculatum.

Scientists isolated ten compounds from Cynanchum paniculatum Kitagawa roots and tested their ability to protect nerve cells from damage. Compound 4, called 2,3-dihydroxy-4-methoxyacetophenone, was the most effective at preventing damage, with a 47.55% protection rate. These findings suggest that the compound may have neuroprotective effects against glutamate-induced neurotoxicity.

Weon JB et al (2012).

Arch Pharm Res.

DOI:

10.1007/s12272-012-0404-4

PubMed:

22553053

Antidepressant-like effects of methanol extract of Hibiscus tiliaceus flowers in mice.

Vanzella C et al (2012).

BMC Complement Altern Med.

DOI:

10.1186/1472-6882-12-41

PubMed:

22494845

Anticonvulsant effect of Marsilea quadrifolia Linn. on pentylenetetrazole induced seizure: a behavioral and EEG study in rats.

A recent study investigated the anticonvulsant effect of MQ extract in mice and found that it significantly reduced seizures compared to a control group. The researchers also analyzed the extract for its chemical constituents and identified several compounds that may contribute to its anticonvulsant activity. These findings suggest that MQ extract may be a promising candidate for the development of new antiepileptic drugs. However, more research is needed to fully understand its therapeutic potential and safety profile.

Sahu S et al (2012).

J Ethnopharmacol.

DOI:

10.1016/j.jep.2012.02.039

PubMed:

22414476

Nature against depression.

El-Alfy AT, Abourashed EA and Matsumoto RR (2012).

Curr Med Chem.

PubMed:

22414105

Two new compounds from the fruits of Buddleja lindleyana with neuroprotective effect.

Researchers discovered two new compounds, mimengosides H and I, in the fruits of Buddleja lindleyana Fort using various analytical techniques. They then tested the neuroprotective capabilities of these compounds against neurotoxicity induced by 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium ion in PC12 cells. Pre-treatment with mimengoside H showed a potential protective effect in concentrations ranging from 0.1 to 1 μmol l⁻¹. These findings suggest that mimengoside H could be explored further as a neuroprotective agent with potential health benefits.

Wu DL et al (2012).

J Asian Nat Prod Res.

DOI:

10.1080/10286020.2011.653783

PubMed:

22375872

Pollination mutualism between Alocasia macrorrhizos (Araceae) and two taxonomically undescribed Colocasiomyia species (Diptera: Drosophilidae) in Sabah, Borneo.

Researchers in Borneo have discovered two new species of flies that they have named Colocasiomyia. The flies have a crucial role in pollinating a type of plant called Alocasia macrorrhizos. The study found that the flies feed, mate and lay eggs in the plant's inflorescences for one day before covering themselves in pollen grains and moving to another plant. The immature flies then hatch, develop and pupate within the plant without damaging the fruit, with adults emerging when the fruit ripens. The study showed that the flies are the most specialised and efficient pollinators for the plants and that the plant relies on the flies for food and habitat. This research provides a deeper understanding of the pollination mutualism between Araceae plants and Colocasiomyia flies.

Takano KT et al (2012).

Plant Biol (Stuttg).

DOI:

10.1111/j.1438-8677.2011.00541.x

PubMed:

22289145

Chemotaxonomy of Serbian Teucrium species inferred from essential oil chemical composition: the case of Teucrium scordium L. ssp. scordioides.

Researchers analyzed the volatile constituents of three Teucrium species. They used GC-FID and GC/MS analyses, identifying a total of 296 constituents that represented 89.8-98.4% of the oil compositions. The oils of two species consisted mainly of sesquiterpenes, while the third species was characterized by the monoterpene menthofuran. The study provided important chemotaxonomic information about these plants.

Radulović N et al (2012).

Chem Biodivers.

DOI:

10.1002/cbdv.201100204

PubMed:

22253108

Inbreeding depression in Solanum carolinense (Solanaceae) under field conditions and implications for mating system evolution.

Researchers found that the weed Solanum carolinense can adjust the strength of its self-incompatibility (SI) system. Inbred plants produced fewer ramets than outbred plants, and suffered more herbivore damage. In year one, inbred plants showed 0.63% inbreeding depression (δ), which rose to 0.79% in year two. Outbred plants produced 2.5 times more ramets than inbred ones in year two. Overall, the weed has a total δ of 0.85, meaning it's not fully self-compatible, and its plasticity in the SI system is part of a mixed-mating system that allows self-fertilization when cross-pollination is lacking. This shows the importance of genetic diversity for successful reproduction and survival.

Kariyat RR et al (2011).

PLoS One.

DOI:

10.1371/journal.pone.0028459

PubMed:

22174810