Lupane derivatives from Lophopetalum wallichii with farnesyl protein transferase inhibitory activity

Chloroform-soluble extracts of the stems and of the mixed stems and stem bark of Lophopetalum wallichii were found to be inhibitory in a farnesyl protein transferase (FPTase) bioassay system. During the course of activity-guided fractionation, the known lupane-type triterpenes, ochraceolide A (1), ochraceolide B (2), betulin, and lupeol and the new lupane lactone, dihydro ochraceolide A (4), were isolated. The stereochemistry of the epoxide group of ochraceolide B (2) was determined by preparation of both epoxide isomers [2, and the new semisynthetic derivative, 20-epi-ochraceolide B (3)] from 1. The structure of 4 was established by reduction of 1 with sodium borohydride. Compounds 1 and 2 exhibited significant inhibitory activity in the FPTase assay (IC50 values of 1.0 and 0.7 microgram/mL, respectively). Lupeol was found to be weakly active (IC50 65.0 micrograms/mL) in this test system, whereas no significant inhibition was detected for betulin or compounds 3 or 4. When evaluated against a panel of human cancer cells in culture, compounds 1 and 4 were modestly cytotoxic. Compounds 2 and 3 were not active in the panel.

Susceptibility of Helicobacter pylori and Candida spp. to the east African plant Terminalia spinosa

Trees of the genus Terminalia have long been used in the traditional medicine of Kenya (East Africa). In an ethnopharmacological approach, extracts of the stem bark of Terminalia spinosa were investigated for antibacterial and antifungal activity. The extracts were active against Helicobacter pylori, with the following minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC): MIC50 of 125 mg/l, MIC90 of 250 mg/l, and MIC-range of 62.5-500 mg/l. Yeasts of the genus Candida showed a similar susceptibility. The results indicate that the plant if a source of antimicrobial compounds with therapeutic potential.

Synthesis and antifungal activity of cinnamic acid esters

Cinnamic, p-coumaric and ferulic acids were isolated from pineapple stems (Ananas comosus var. Cayenne). Twenty-four kinds of esters were prepared from these acids, alcohols and the components of Alpinia. Isopropyl 4-hydroxycinnamate (11) and butyl 4-hydroxycinnamate (12) were found to have almost the same effectiveness in antifungal activity against Pythium sp. at 10 ppm as that of the commercial fungicide iprobenfos (kitazin P).

Preliminary antimicrobial screening of four South African Asteraceae species

Organic and aqueous solvent extracts of Arctotis auriculata Jacq., Eriocephalus africanus L., Felicia erigeroides DC., and Helichrysum crispum (L.) D. Don, were investigated for selective antimicrobial activities. Organic extracts of A. auriculata and H. crispum inhibited the growth of Mycobacterium smegmatis. The same extracts, together with organic extracts of F. erigeroides, were active against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Antifungal activities against Candida albicans were exhibited by organic extracts of E. africanus, F. erigeroides, and H. crispum. Organic extracts of A. auriculata and E. africanus, as well as the aqueous extract of the latter plant, were active against Staphyllococcus aureus.

[Dynamic assay of oleanolic acid in Aralia taibaiensis Z. Z. Wang et H. C. Zheng]

The dynamic assay on oleanolic acid (OA) in Aralia taibaiensis shows that the plant has a higher OA level. The level in root cortex is 4.74%-10.81% and peak stages are mid-May to late June and late August to mid-September the level in stem barks is 3.59%-12.06% and peak period is between mid-May and late July, the level in leaves increases throughout the life time ranging from 2.41% to 6.66% and peak level is 6.66% around mid-September.

Plant cuticle staining with bismarck brown Y and azure B or toluidine blue O before paraffin extraction

Transverse paraffin sections of mature greenwood stems of rose (Rosa x hybrida) and flowering dogwood (Cornus florida L.) were stained with Bismarck brown followed by azure B or toluidine blue 0. The Bismarck brown was replaced by thiazin dye metachromasia in all structures except the cuticle which remained brown or yellow. The interface between the cuticle and exterior cell walls of the epidermis was delineated clearly.

A novel phloem-specific gene is expressed preferentially in aerial portions of Vicia faba

We have isolated a gene from bean (Vicia faba L.), called Vein1, that encodes a novel protein. The Vein1 cDNA was isolated as a result of a differential screen for genes that are expressed in leaves but not in the most common cell type, the mesophyll cell. Northern blot analysis revealed that Vein 1 transcripts are differentially expressed in the plant with expression in leaves, stems and sepals but not in petals, mesophyll cells or roots. In situ hybridization studies of stem and leaf sections indicate that the expression of Vein1 is localized to the phloem tissue. Interestingly, Vein1 was differentially expressed in stem tissue with the highest expression in the oldest internodes. The deduced Vein1 protein sequence does not share homology with any known protein sequences. The 17 kDa Vein1 protein is highly hydrophilic and contains a histidine-rich motif, where six out of seven amino acids are histidines. The function of Vein1 is unknown, although the expression patterns suggests that it may play a role in mature phloem tissue in the aerial parts of the plant.

Enzyme conversion of lignocellulosic plant materials for resource recovery in a Controlled Ecological Life Support System

A large amount of inedible plant material composed primarily of the carbohydrate materials cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin is generated as a result of plant growth in a Controlled Ecological Life-Support System (CELSS). Cellulose is a linear homopolymer of glucose, which when properly processed will yield glucose, a valuable sugar because it can be added directly to human diets. Hemicellulose is a heteropolymer of hexoses and pentoses that can be treated to give a sugar mixture that is potentially a valuable fermentable carbon source. Such fermentations yield desirable supplements to the edible products from hydroponically-grown plants such as rapeseed, soybean, cowpea, or rice. Lignin is a three-dimensionally branched aromatic polymer, composed of phenyl propane units, which is susceptible to bioconversion through the growth of the white rot fungus, Pluerotus ostreatus. Processing conditions, that include both a hot water pretreatment and fungal growth and that lead to the facile conversion of plant polysaccharides to glucose, are presented.

Two new taxoids from the stem bark of Taxus baccata

Two new taxoids, 13-deoxo-13 alpha-acetyloxy-7 beta,9 alpha-diacetyl-1,2-dideoxytaxine B[1] and 7 beta-xylosyl-10-deacetyltaxol D [7], were isolated from the stem bark of Taxus baccata cv. stricta. Their structures were elucidated using spectroscopic methods and their bioactivity was evaluated using an in vitro microtubule assembly assay.

Bruceanols G and H cytotoxic quassinoids from Brucea antidysenterica

Two new quassinoids, bruceanols G [1] and H [4], were isolated from Brucea antidysenterica, and their structures were elucidated by spectral evidence and chemical transformation. Bruceanol G exhibited significant cytotoxicity against the COLO-205 and KB neoplastic cell lines with ED50 values of 0.44 and 0.55 microM, respectively.

Steam explosion of woody hemp chènevotte

This paper concerns the morphology of hemp woody core cells, investigated by optical and scanning electron microscopy, and the chemical analysis of the hemp cells. Steam explosion was investigated as a pre-treatment step for woody hemp 'chènevotte', with the aim of optimizing the separation and delignification of woody fibres. In this study, we report the results of five experiments performed on 'chènevotte' samples impregnated in acid solution (0.1% w/w H2SO4) and steamed at 200, 210, 220, 230 and 240 degrees C for 180 s. The effect of process temperatures on the woody hemp core after acidic impregnation was followed by optical and scanning electron microscopy, by assessment of the chemical composition, and by evolution of the average degree of polymerization (DPv) values of the purified wood fibres. We found that treatment at 200 and 210 degrees C led to samples that were difficult to delignigy because the destructuring and disintegration of lignocellulosic materials were insufficient. A temperature of the order of 220-230 degrees C is required to obtain well-separated fibres. However, at a temperature of 240 degrees C, degradation and fibre damage were noted.

Novel antiplatelet naphthalene from Rhamnus nakaharai

A new naphthalene derivative, isotorachrysone [1], was isolated from the stem bark of Rhamnus nakaharai along with several known compounds. The antiplatelet effects of isotorachrysone [1], isotorachrysone peracetate [2], 6-methoxysorigenin [3], quercetin 3-O-methyl ether [4], and quercetin 3-O-methyl ether peracetate [5] were studied using washed rabbit platelets. Of the compounds tested, 1, 2, 4, and 5 showed potent antiplatelet effects on arachidonic acid (AA-) and collagen-induced platelet aggregation. Compound 5 also showed potent antiplatelet effects on platelet-activating factor-(PAF-) induced platelet aggregation. Isotorachrysone [1] and its peracetate [2] were also studied for antiplatelet activity in human platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and both showed potent inhibition of the secondary aggregation induced by epinephrine. The antiplatelet effects of 1 and 2 are due partially to an inhibitory effect on thromboxane formation.

[Effects of Astragalus polysaccharides and ginsenosides of Ginseng stems and leaves on lymphocytes membrane fluidity and lipid peroxidation in traumatized mice]

From days 0 to 3 posttrauma, daily administration of Astragalus polysaccharides (250mg/kg,ip) and ginsenosides of ginseng stems and leaves (50mg/kg,sc) can elevate significantly the lymphocytes membrane fluidity of plasmalemma, mitochondria and microsome from spleen,thymus and mesenteric lymph nodes in traumatized mice, reduce lipid peroxide levels, and increase superoxide dismutase activities in serum and lymphocytes from traumatized mice.

Biological activities of Annona glabra

On a preliminary screening, substantial antimicrobial, antifungal and moderate insecticidal, sporicidal and cytotoxic activities were observed for the hexane extract of the stem bark of Amona glabra L. Chromatographic fractionation of this extract led to the isolation of kaur-16-en-19-oic acid in a large amount as the main constituent, which was found to be largely responsible for the biological activities possessed by the crude extract.

[Effects of Chinese ginseng root and stem-leaf saponins on learning, memory and biogenic monoamines of brain in rats]

The present investigation has shown that Ginseng root saponins (ig, 50mg/kg x 7d) facilitate the learning and memory of normal male Wistar rats, while the effect of Ginseng stem-leaf saponins (ig, 50mg/kg x 7d) on antielectrconvulsive shock-induced impairment of memory consolidation in rats is more intensive than that of root saponins. Both Ginseng root and stem-leaf saponins can significantly raise the levels of biogenic monoamines in normal rat's brain.

Influence of vegetative cycle of asparagus (Asparagus officinalis L.) on copper, iron, zinc and manganese content

The essential elements copper (Cu), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn) and manganese (Mn) were analyzed in fresh asparagus to determine the effects of the vegetative cycle of the plant on the micronutrient content. Asparagus samples were classified in two groups by diameter (< 11 mm and > 14 mm). Asparagus from a sample group with the same diameter were divided into two portions (apical and basal) according to distance from the tip. The concentrations of copper, iron, zinc and manganese increased during the vegetative cycle of the asparagus, mainly in the apical portion which showed significantly greater concentrations with respect to the basal portion. The > 14 mm diameter asparagus presented higher levels of copper, zinc and manganese, whereas the concentration of iron was greater in the < 11 mm diameter asparagus. The mean element levels were (mg/kg dry weight): Cu, 18.9 +/- 3.9; Fe, 91.7 +/- 33.7; Zn, 69.5 +/- 24.6 and Mn, 20.9 +/- 5.0).

Protein expression in Arabidopsis thaliana after chronic clinorotation

Soluble protein expression in Arabidopsis thaliana L. (Heynh.) leaf and stem tissue was examined after chronic clinorotation. Seeds of Arabidopsis were germinated and plants grown to maturity on horizontal or vertical slow-rotating clinostats (1 rpm) or in stationary vertical control units. Total soluble proteins and in vivo-labeled soluble proteins isolated from these plants were analyzed by two-dimensional SDS PAGE and subsequent fluorography. Visual and computer analysis of the resulting protein patterns showed no significant differences in either total protein expression or in active protein synthesis between horizontal clinorotation and vertical controls in the Arabidopsis leaf and stem tissue. These results show chronic clinorotation does not cause gross changes in protein expression in Arabidopsis.

A new terpenoid glycoside from Nauclea diderrichii bark

A new terpenoid glycoside, marounoside [1], was isolated from the bark of Nauclea diderrichii and characterized by 1D and 2D nmr spectroscopy. The aglycone, a terpene with an unusual carbon skeleton, is linked to glucose, which, in turn, is connected to an apiofuranose residue.

[Triterpene glycosides from Hedera taurica. XIII. Structure of taurosides St-I1 and St-I2 from Crimean ivy stems]

The taurosides, St-I1 and St-I2, isolated from the stems of Crimean ivy Hedera taurica Carr. (Araliaceae), were shown to be the known glycoside, 3-O-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->2)-O-alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl]-28- O-[alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->4)-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->6)-O-bet a-D- glucopyranosyl]hederagenin, and a new glycoside, 3-O-[alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->2)-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl]-28-O-[a lpha -L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->4)-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->6)-O-beta-D- glucopyranosyl]hederagenin, respectively.

Inhibitory effect of alkaloids extracted from the stem bark of Hunteria zeylanica on 5-lipoxygenase activity in vitro

The effects of alkaloid extract from the stem bark of Hunteria zeylanica Gard. (H. zeylanica) on the activities of cyclooxygenase and 5-lipoxygenase in A23187-stimulated rat mast cells were investigated. H. zeylanica alkaloid extract (0.3-300 micrograms/ml) inhibited leukotriene C4 (LTC4) production by 5-lipoxygenase in a concentration-dependent manner and it blocked the production by 50% at 300 micrograms/ml. On the other hand, the extract had no effect on prostaglandin D2 (PGD2) production by cyclooxygenase. Neither (-)-eburnamine nor pleiomutinine, major constituents of H. zeylanica alkaloid extract, inhibited the production of PGD2 and LTC4 in the A23187-stimulated mast cells. The inhibition of arachidonic acid metabolism via 5-lipoxygenase pathway may be due to minute amounts of other components as stated in the Discussion.

Antiallergic constituents from oolong tea stem

The antiallergic constituents of oolong tea stem were examined. The stem extracts inhibited the 48 h homologous passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) reactions or rats in a dose-dependent manner and showed the same extent of inhibitory activity as ketotifen. All antiallergic constituents from the stem were concentrated into chloroform and ethyl acetate fractions, when extracted by various solvents. These fractions were treated with polyvinylpolypyrrolidone (PVPP), which resulted in the elimination of antiallergic activity in the ethyl acetate fraction, suggesting that one of the antiallergic constituents may be tea catechins. Then, six kinds of catechins, (-)-epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), (-)-epigallocatechin (EGC), (-)-epicatechin gallate (ECG), -epicatechin (EC), (+)-catechin (C) and (-)-gallocatechin gallate (GCG), were isolated from the ethyl acetate fraction, and the inhibitory activity of these catechins on histamine release from rat peritoneal mast cells passively sensitized with anti-egg albumin (EA) IgE antibody was investigated. Among these catechins, significant inhibitory activity was observed in all the catechins except for EC. In addition, the inhibitory activity of GCG was greater than that of EGCG, which is well known to be an antiallergic constituent in tea. These results suggest that GCG may be a novel antiallergic constituent among tea catechins, and also the most potent.

[Chemical constituents of stems and leaves of Fritillaria ussuriensis Maxim]

Three compounds were isolated from stems and leaves of Fritillaria ussuriensis. They were identified as adenosine, galacitiol and succinic acid.

[Protective effects of the stem of Berchemia racemosa Sieb. et Zucc. on experimental liver injuries]

The methanol extract and water extract from the stem of Berchemia racemosa (Rhamnaceae) showed protective effects on liver injuries induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) and alpha-naphthylisothiocyanate (ANIT) in rats. The acetone extract of B. racemosa protected the liver injury induced by CCl4. One of the protective substances was identified as carpusin. Some fractions showed significant protective effects against the liver injury and cholestasis induced by ANIT.

A new phenylpropanoid glucoside and other constituents of Oenanthe javanica

Three glucosides (1-3), together with known phenylpropanoids and polyacetylenes were isolated from Oenanthe javanica Blume (DC.). Glucoside 1, named oenanthoside A, is a new phenylpropanoid glucoside and was determined to be 2,3-methylenedioxy-5-allylphenyl beta-D-glucopyranoside, mainly by NMR techniques. Glucosides 2 and 3 were identified as eugenyl beta-D-glucopyranoside and pinoresinol beta-D-glucopyranoside, respectively. These were found for the first time in this plant.

Separation and characterization of Arabidopsis thaliana proteins by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis

Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) proteins were isolated from five tissues (leaf, stem, root, seed and callus), and separated by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE). 2-DE was carried out by immobilized pH gradient (IPG) in the first dimension, and by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) in the second dimension. With the aid of comigrated five-marker proteins, the patterns of 2-DE gels for each tissue were graphically combined by a computer into a single synthetic image for the integrated Arabidopsis protein spots. The protein spot images, altogether 4763, were characterized by both molecular mass and isoelectric point. Partial amino(N)-terminal sequences of 101 protein spots were analyzed by Edman degradation. Fifty seven proteins were partially sequenced and 46 proteins appeared to have blocked N-termini. Deblocking by hydrazine vapor was carried out on 14 proteins and two of them were found to be pyroglutamyl-blocked N-termini. Forty seven new proteins were found by the present investigation.

Expression patterns of three genes in the stem of lucerne (Medicago sativa)

We have identified three stem abundantly expressed genes in lucerne (alfalfa, Medicago sativa). A cDNA library, constructed from lucerne stem polyadenylated RNA, was screened by differential hybridization. From this screening, cDNA clones that correspond to genes which are preferentially, or specifically, expressed in the stem were isolated. MsaS1 encodes an unidentified protein, MsaS2 encodes an S-adenosyl-homocysteine hydrolase and MsaS3 encodes an extensin-like protein. Northern blot analysis of RNA isolated from individual stem internodes indicated that the three corresponding genes show differing developmental patterns of expression. The expression of MsaS1 was confined to the youngest stem tissue and may be regulated by sucrose. In stem tissue the level of RNA for the three genes decreased in response to wounding. Tissue print hybridization analysis was used to localize the expression of the genes to the xylem side of vascular bundles in lucerne stems.

Isolation and characterization of a water-stress-inducible cDNA clone from Solanum chacoense

A rich source of valuable genes are wild species. Solanum chacoense Bitter with its extreme resistance to viruses, insects and drought, is a good example. In the present study, a stress gene, designated DS2, has been isolated from S. chacoense. We have shown that the expression of the gene is organ-specific being detected in leaf, stem and stolon, but not in root, tuber or flower. Treatment of detached leaves with abscisic acid (ABA), salicylic acid or methyl jasmonate resulted in only very moderate accumulation of DS2 mRNA. Thus, DS2 represents a very rare type of the water-stress-inducible genes whose signalling pathway is not primarily related to ABA. Based on DNA sequence analysis, DS2 encodes a putative protein starting with 20 amino acids homologous to the ABA- and water-stress-inducible, ripening-related (ASR) proteins of tomato continued by an insert of 155 amino acids structurally similar to certain LEAs (late embryogenesis-abundant proteins) and ending in 88 amino acids homologous again to the ASR sequences and to an unpublished partial cDNA fragment isolated from the root of rice. The N-terminal region of the DS2 protein is hydrophilic with ten 13-mer amino acid motifs and random coil structure. In contrast, the C-terminus predicts an alpha-helix and possesses a bipartite nuclear targeting sequence motif. These data suggest that the function of the DS2 may be the protection of the nuclear DNA from desiccation.

Comparative antimicrobial study of the resinous exudates of some Chilean Haplopappus (Asteraceae)

The antimicrobiol properties and preliminary chemical information of the resinous exudates from twigs and leaves of nine Haplopappus species from Chile: H. diplopappus; H. anthylloides; H. schumannii; H. cuneifolius; H. velutinus; H. uncinatus; H. multifolius, H. illinitus and H. foliosus are presented. The results show that those species of genus Haplopappus share similar antimicrobial activities although they differ dramatically in the chemical composition.

Effects of alkaloids extracted from the stem bark of Hunteria zeylanica on acute inflammation in experimental animals

The effects of crude alkaloids extracted from the stem bark of Hunteria zeylanica GARD. (H. zeylanica) on acute inflammatory responses such as carrageenin-induced paw edema in rats and croton oil- and arachidonic acid-induced ear edema in mice were investigated. Oral administration of H. zeylanica alkaloid extract (200-400 mg/kg) significantly suppressed the paw swelling induced by carrageenin. In the croton oil-induced ear edema, topically applied H. zeylanica alkaloid extract, at doses of 200 and 400 mg/ml, also significantly reduced ear edema. Moreover, the extract (50-200 mg/kg, p.o.) reduced in a dose-dependent manner the ear swelling induced by topically applied arachidonic acid (2 mg/ear). These results suggest that the inhibitory effects of H. zeylanica alkaloid extract on acute edema formation are partly due to inhibition of 5-lipoxygenase and cyclooxygenase activity.

Cytotoxic aromatic triterpenes from Maytenus ilicifolia and Maytenus chuchuhuasca

The isolation and structure elucidation of four cytotoxic aromatic triterpenes [1-4] along with three known quinoid triterpenes [5-7] from the South American medicinal plants Maytenus ilicifolia and M. chuchuhuasca are described. The structures of these aromatic triterpenes contained aromatized A rings and C-6 oxygenated B rings, and were elucidated by 1H- and 13C-nmr spectroscopic studies and by X-ray crystallographic analysis of 3.

[Chemical constituents of roots, rhizomes and stems of Amomum villosum Lour]

Ethyl octacosate, docosyl hexylate, a new compound stigmast-4-ene-1,3-dione, beta-sitosterol and daucosterol were isolated and identified from the roots and rhizomes of Amomum villosum cultivated in Xishuangbanna, Yunnan. Two compounds daucosterol and emodin monoglycoside were isolated and identified from the stems of A. villosum.

Antisweet natural products. XI. Structures of sitakisosides VI-X from Stephanotis lutchuensis Koidz. var. japonica

From the fresh stem of Stephanotis lutchuensis var. japonica, five new oleanane-type triterpenoid glycosides named sitakisosides VI-X (1-5) were isolated. Their structures were determined on the basis of spectroscopic data and chemical evidence. Sitakisosides VI and VII are 3-O-beta-D-xylopyranosyl(1-->6)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl(1-->6)-beta-D- glucopyranosido-21-O-(6-N-methylanthranilyl)-beta-D-glucopyr anosyl and 3-O-beta-D-xylopyranosyl(1-->6)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl(1-->6)-beta-D- glucopyranosido-21-O-(4-N-methylanthranilyl)-beta-D-glucopyr anosyl sitakisogenin, respectively. Sitakisoside VIII is 3-O-beta-D-xylopyranosyl(1-->6)-beta-D- glucopyranosyl(1-->6)-beta-D-glucopyranosido-21-O-N-methylanthr anilyl- 3 beta,16 beta,21 beta,28-tetrahydroxyolean-12-ene-22-one. Sitakisoside IX is 3-O-beta-D-xylopyranosyl(1-->6)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl(1-->6)-beta-D- glucopyranosido-21-O-(6-N-methylanthranilyl)-beta-D-glucopyr anosyl gymnestrogenin. Sitakisoside X is 3-O-beta-D-xylopyranosyl(1-->6)-beta-D- glucopyranosyl(1-->6)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl longispinogenin.

Laboratory evaluation of interception and translocation of 131I in fenugreek and okra plants

The work reported here deals with the study of interception and translocation of airborne 131I in fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) and okra (Hibiscus esculentus), two very common vegetables in India. Activity was injected into the experimental chamber in the form of iodide aerosols having a size distribution of 0.3 to 5.0 microns (AMAD). Samples of plants were collected over a period of a few days at different time intervals after injection of the aerosols. Evaluation of interception with deposition and translocation of 131I was done from the activity measured in air and in plant parts. For the deposition factor, the values are 1.22 m3 kg-1 for fenugreek leaves, and 1.49 m3 kg-1 for the plant as a whole. For okra plants these values are 0.02 and 0.16 m3 kg-1 in edible okra and leaves, respectively. For the okra plant as a whole, the value is 0.19 m3 kg-1. The translocation factors vary from 0.62 to 0.86 and 0.47 to 0.87 for leaves and stem, respectively, in the case of fenugreek plants. For okra plants, the translocation factor varies from 0.21 to 0.82, 0.53 to 0.93, and 0.42 to 0.81 in edible okra, leaves, and stems, respectively.

Antinociceptive and antipyretic effects of alkaloids extracted from the stem bark of Hunteria zeylanica

Effects of crude alkaloids extracted from the stem bark of Hunteria zeylanica Gard. (H. zeylanica) on nociceptive responses, capillary permeability, yeast-induced hyperthermia, pentobarbital-induced sleep, and spontaneous motor activity were investigated. Oral administration of 50 mg/kg H. zeylanica alkaloid extract significantly decreased the number of writhings induced by intraperitoneal acetic acid. The extract at 100-200 mg/kg significantly increased nociceptive threshold of the inflamed but not the non-inflamed paw in the Randall-Selitto test. Moreover, in the formalin test, the extract (100 mg/kg) significantly decreased licking activity in the late phase without affecting the activity in the early phase. However, the extract did not produce antinociceptive effect in the hot plate test, while it inhibited increase of vascular permeability induced by acetic acid in the capillary permeability test. Moreover, the extract dose-dependently reduced yeast-induced hyperthermia in rats without affecting normothermia. It did not affect pentobarbital-induced sleep, but significantly increased locomotor activity at 100 mg/kg. These results suggest that H. zeylanica alkaloid extract possesses antinociceptive and antipyretic effects, and that the former effect may be mediated by its anti-inflammatory action.

The Chlorella virus adenine methyltransferase gene promoter is a strong promoter in plants

An upstream region isolated from a eukaryotic algal virus adenine methyltransferase gene was tested for promoter function in plants. Fusion of this region to the chloramphenicol acetyltransferase reporter gene resulted in significantly higher expression than fusion with the cauliflower mosaic virus 35S promoter. Strong levels of expression were also found in electroporated monocot plant cells. The promoter activity in transgenic tobacco plants showed tissue-specific expression. Leaves had the highest expression followed by stems and flowers. The promoter activity was not detected in root tissue. Environmental cues, such as light, and the phytohormones auxin and cytokinines had no effect on the promoter's expression. This promoter might be utilized to achieve high levels of expression of introduced genes in higher plants.

Modification of lignin biosynthesis in transgenic Nicotiana through expression of an antisense O-methyltransferase gene from Populus

An aspen lignin-specific O-methyltransferase (bi-OMT; S-adenosyl-L-methionine: caffeic acid/5-hydroxyferulic acid 3/5-O-methyltransferase, EC 2.1.1.68) antisense sequence in the form of a synthetic gene containing the cauliflower mosaic virus 35S gene sequences for enhancer elements, promoter and terminator was stably integrated into the tobacco genome and inherited in transgenic plants with a normal phenotype. Leaves and stems of the transgenes expressed the antisense RNA and the endogenous tobacco bi-OMT mRNA was suppressed in the stems. Bi-OMT activity of stems was decreased by an average of 29% in the four transgenic plants analyzed. Chemical analysis of woody tissue of stems for lignin building units indicated a reduced content of syringyl units in most of the transgenic plants, which corresponds well with the reduced activity of bi-OMT. Transgenic plants with a suppressed level of syringyl units and a level of guaiacyl units similar to control plants were presumed to have lignins of distinctly different structure than control plants. We concluded that regulation of the level of bi-OMT expression by an antisense mechanism could be a useful tool for genetically engineering plants with modified lignin without altering normal growth and development.

Characterization of a predominantly pistil-expressed gene encoding a gamma-thionin-like protein of Petunia inflata

We isolated a cDNA clone from a pistil cDNA library of Petunia inflata which encodes a protein, PPT, with sequence similarity to gamma-thionins. Characterization of a genomic clone containing a PPT gene revealed the presence of a single intron. Northern analysis revealed that the PPT gene was predominantly expressed in the pistil during all stages of flower development. Since thionins have been implicated in plant defense against pathogens, PPT may play a role similar to that of other defense-related proteins found in the pistil, defending the pistil against pathogen infection.

Antisweet natural products. X. Structures of sitakisosides I-V from Stephanotis lutchuensis Koidz. var. japonica

From the fresh stem of Stephanotis lutchuensis var. japonica, we have isolated five new oleane glycosides named sitakisosides I-V (1-5). Their structures were determined on the basis of spectroscopic data and chemical evidence. Sitakisoside V showed the strongest antisweet activity among sitakisosides I-V.

Expression patterns of novel genes encoding homeodomain leucine-zipper proteins in Arabidopsis thaliana

A recently discovered class of genes in Arabidopsis thaliana encode putative transcription factors which contain a homeodomain closely linked to a leucine zipper motif. We have previously reported on the cloning and cDNA sequence of one gene of this class, Athb-3. In this article we show this gene to be expressed predominantly in the cortex of the root and the stem. Using the Athb-3 clone as a probe we have isolated cDNA clones corresponding to three novel homeodomain-leucine zipper proteins. These clones, Athb-5, Athb-6 and Athb-7, hybridized to transcripts that were relatively abundant in the leaf, but also present in other vegetative organs, as well as in the flower. Only weak hybridization was observed to seed pod samples. These observations indicate that these Athb genes have major functions in the mature plant, and therefore, in contrast to homeobox genes in other eukaryotes and to the kn-1 gene in maize, are unlikely to function in the primary control of developmental processes during embryogenesis or organogenesis. The deduced amino acid sequences of Athb-5, Athb-6 and Athb-7 are highly similar to the previously isolated Athb-1, Athb-2 and Athb-3 in the homeodomain and leucine-zipper parts of the proteins, whereas the similarities to homeodomain proteins from other eukaryotes are limited. The Athb proteins thus constitute a new and well defined class of homeodomain proteins, apparently unique to plants.

Molecular cloning of two different ACC synthase PCR fragments in carnation flowers and organ-specific expression of the corresponding genes

Degenerate oligonucleotides to highly conserved regions of 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC) synthase (EC 4.4.1.14), the key enzyme in ethylene biosynthesis, were used to prime the synthesis and amplification of fragments of about 1,180 bp by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in samples of cDNA to total RNA isolated from senescing carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus) flowers. Two putative ACC synthase PCR clones were isolated one of which was identical to the sequence of a carnation ACC synthase cDNA clone (CARACC3) recently isolated by Park et al. (Plant Mol Biol 18 (1992) 377-386). The other clone (CARAS1) was ca. 66% homologous at the amino acid level to CARACC3. For both ACC synthase clones, specific oligonucleotides were synthesized and, using PCR, we were able to distinguish between the two ACC synthase transcripts in samples of total RNA isolated from different carnation flower parts and leaves. DNA blots of PCR fragments revealed that, in flowers, both ageing and ethylene stimulated the occurrence of these transcripts in an organ-specific way. CARACC3 was more abundant in RNA from the petals whereas CARAS1 was more abundant in RNA from the styles. Despite a high ethylene production observed in ovaries, the level of both transcripts was low, suggesting the existence of a third ACC synthase gene that is specifically expressed in the ovary. Transcript levels in leaves were low irrespective of treatment.

Genetic complementation of a floral homeotic mutation, apetala3, with an Arabidopsis thaliana gene homologous to DEFICIENS of Antirrhinum majus

Among the homeotic mutants with altered floral organs, two mutants of Arabidopsis thaliana, apetala3 and pistillata, and two mutants of Antirrhinum majus, deficiens and globosa, have a homeotic conversion of the floral organs in whorl 2 and 3, namely petals to sepals and stamens to carpels. We have isolated a homologue of the DEFICIENS gene from A. thaliana wild type and shown complete complementation of apetala3 mutation by introducing the isolated gene using Agrobacterium-mediated transformation. These results show that the APETALA3 is a homologue of DEFICIENS structurally and functionally. The 5'-upstream region of APETALA3 contains three SRE-like sequence, where MADS box-containing proteins are assumed to bind and regulate expression in tissue- and stage-specific manner.

[The effects of Panax quinquefolium saponin (PQS) and its monomer ginsenoside on heart]

Experiments have shown that PQS (0.03-3 mg/ml) can inhibit the contractility of papillary muscle of guinea pigs, and on depolarized sample of papillary muscle with high potassium, PQS (0.03-0.3 mg/ml) can increase this contractility. Monomer saponin-Re (10 mg/kg),-Rb3 (30 mg/kg) can inhibit the hemodynamic indication of rats, but pseudogisenoside-F11 (10 mg/kg) acts the other way round. These results prove that PQS contains two components of opposite actions.

Floral expression of a gene encoding an E2-related ubiquitin-conjugating protein from Arabidopsis thaliana

An Arabidopsis thaliana gene (UBC6) encoding a homologue to ubiquitin-conjugating enzymes has been isolated which is capable of encoding a protein of 183 amino acids of ca. 21 kDa. Northern analysis indicates that the gene is expressed in flowers, seeds and, to a somewhat lesser extent, in 10-day seedlings but not in mature leaves, callus and pre-flowering plants. This pattern of expression is confirmed using transgenic Arabidopsis plants containing a UBC6 promoter-GUS gene fusion construct. These plants display GUS activity in mature anthers prior to dehiscence, in developing embryos, sepals and the style after pollination.

Steroidal constituents from the roots and stems of Aclepias fruticosa

Steroidal constituents from the roots and stems of Asclepias fruticosa L. were investigated separately. From the roots, twelve pregnane pentaosides and uzarigenin beta-sophoroside were isolated together with three known coroglaucigenin and corotoxigenin glycosides. Pregnane glycosides were composed of ikemagenin or kidjolanin as an aglycone, and D-digitoxose, D-cymarose, D-oleandrose and terminal D-glucose as component sugars. Among the constituents from the stems, cardenolides show a similar pattern to those from leaves. 17 alpha-Hydroxycalactin and 17 alpha-hydroxyafroside were newly obtained along with known doubly linked and normally linked glycosides. Two pregnane glycosides and uzarigenin beta-sophoroside obtained from the roots were also isolated.

Antibacterial triterpenoid acids from Dillenia papuana

Three new oleanene-type triterpenoids, dillenic acids A [1], B [2], and C [3], and two known compounds, 3-oxoolean-1,12-dien-30-oic acid [4] (a new natural product) and the lupene derivative betulinaldehyde, have been isolated from the Papua New Guinean medicinal plant Dillenia papuana. The structures of the new compounds were elucidated as 2 alpha-hydroxy-3-oxoolean-12-en-30-oic acid, 2-oxo-3 beta-hydroxyolean-12-en-30-oic acid and 1 alpha-hydroxy-3-oxoolean-12-en-30-oic acid. The 1H- and 13C-nmr data of all new compounds were assigned unambiguously using a variety of 2D nmr experiments including 1H-1H-COSY, HMQC, HMBC, and NOESY experiments. Of these compounds, 1-4 showed antibacterial activities against Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, and Micrococcus luteus.