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Feng R, Wei H, Xu R, Liu S, Wei J, Guo K, Qiao H, Xu C. Combined Metabolome and Transcriptome Analysis Highlights the Host's Influence on Cistanche deserticola Metabolite Accumulation. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24097968. [PMID: 37175675 PMCID: PMC10178529 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24097968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The medicinal plant Cistanche deserticola Ma (Orobanchaceae) is a holoparasitic angiosperm that takes life-essential materials from Haloxylon ammodendron (C. A. Mey.) Bunge (Amaranthaceae) roots. Although many experiments have been conducted to improve the quality of C. deserticola, little attention has been paid to the host's influence on metabolite accumulation. In this study, transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses were performed to unveil the host's role in C. deserticola's metabolite accumulation, especially of phenylethanoid glycosides (PhGs). The results indicate that parasitism by C. deserticola causes significant changes in H. ammodendron roots in relation to metabolites and genes linked to phenylalanine metabolism, tryptophan metabolism and phenylpropanoid biosynthesis pathways, which provide precursors for PhGs. Correlation analysis of genes and metabolites further confirms that C. deserticola's parasitism affects PhG biosynthesis in H. ammodendron roots. Then we found specific upregulation of glycosyltransferases in haustoria which connect the parasites and hosts. It was shown that C. deserticola absorbs PhG precursors from the host and that glycosylation takes place in the haustorium. We mainly discuss how the host resists C. deserticola parasitism and how this medicinal parasite exploits its unfavorable position and takes advantage of host-derived metabolites. Our study highlights that the status of the host plant affects not only the production but also the quality of Cistanches Herba, which provides a practical direction for medicinal plant cultivation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ru Feng
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medicinal Science and Peking Union Medicinal College, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Hongshuang Wei
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medicinal Science and Peking Union Medicinal College, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Rong Xu
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medicinal Science and Peking Union Medicinal College, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Sai Liu
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medicinal Science and Peking Union Medicinal College, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Jianhe Wei
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medicinal Science and Peking Union Medicinal College, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Kun Guo
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medicinal Science and Peking Union Medicinal College, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Haili Qiao
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medicinal Science and Peking Union Medicinal College, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Changqing Xu
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medicinal Science and Peking Union Medicinal College, Beijing 100193, China
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2
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Mudgal G, Kaur J, Chand K, Parashar M, Dhar SK, Singh GB, Gururani MA. Mitigating the Mistletoe Menace: Biotechnological and Smart Management Approaches. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:1645. [PMID: 36358346 PMCID: PMC9687506 DOI: 10.3390/biology11111645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 09/10/2023]
Abstract
Mistletoes have been considered a keystone resource for biodiversity, as well as a remarkable source of medicinal attributes that attract pharmacologists. Due to their hemiparasitic nature, mistletoes leach water and nutrients, including primary and secondary metabolites, through the vascular systems of their plant hosts, primarily trees. As a result of intense mistletoe infection, the hosts suffer various growth and physiological detriments, which often lead to tree mortality. Because of their easy dispersal and widespread tropism, mistletoes have become serious pests for commercial fruit and timber plantations. A variety of physical and chemical treatment methods, along with silvicultural practices, have shaped conventional mistletoe management. Others, however, have either failed to circumvent the growing range and tropism of these parasitic plants or present significant environmental and public health risks. A biocontrol approach that could sidestep these issues has never achieved full proof of concept in real-field applications. Our review discusses the downsides of conventional mistletoe control techniques and explores the possibilities of biotechnological approaches using biocontrol agents and transgenic technologies. It is possible that smart management options will pave the way for technologically advanced solutions to mitigate mistletoes that are yet to be exploited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaurav Mudgal
- University Institute of Biotechnology, Chandigarh University, Mohali 140413, Punjab, India
| | - Jaspreet Kaur
- University Institute of Biotechnology, Chandigarh University, Mohali 140413, Punjab, India
| | - Kartar Chand
- University Institute of Biotechnology, Chandigarh University, Mohali 140413, Punjab, India
| | - Manisha Parashar
- University Institute of Biotechnology, Chandigarh University, Mohali 140413, Punjab, India
| | - Sanjoy K. Dhar
- University Institute of Biotechnology, Chandigarh University, Mohali 140413, Punjab, India
| | - Gajendra B. Singh
- University Institute of Biotechnology, Chandigarh University, Mohali 140413, Punjab, India
| | - Mayank A. Gururani
- Department of Biology, College of Science, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain 15551, United Arab Emirates
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3
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Parmesan C, Singer MC. Mosaics of climatic stress across species' ranges: tradeoffs cause adaptive evolution to limits of climatic tolerance. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2022; 377:20210003. [PMID: 35184595 PMCID: PMC8859515 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2021.0003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Studies in birds and trees show climatic stresses distributed across species' ranges, not only at range limits. Here, new analyses from the butterfly Euphydryas editha reveal mechanisms generating these stresses: geographic mosaics of natural selection, acting on tradeoffs between climate adaptation and fitness traits, cause some range-central populations to evolve to limits of climatic tolerance, while others remain resilient. In one ecotype, selection for predator avoidance drives evolution to limits of thermal tolerance. In a second ecotype, the endangered Bay Checkerspot, selection on fecundity drives evolution to the climate-sensitive limit of ability to complete development within the lifespans of ephemeral hosts, causing routinely high mortality from insect–host phenological asynchrony. The tradeoff between maternal fecundity and offspring mortality generated similar values of fitness on different dates, partly explaining why fecundity varied by more than an order of magnitude. Evolutionary response to the tradeoff rendered climatic variability the main driver of Bay Checkerspot dynamics, and increases in this variability, associated with climate change, were a key factor behind permanent extinction of a protected metapopulation. Finally, we discuss implications for conservation planning of our finding that adaptive evolution can reduce population-level resilience to climate change and generate geographic mosaics of climatic stress. This article is part of the theme issue ‘Species’ ranges in the face of changing environments (Part II)’.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camille Parmesan
- Station d'Écologie Théorique et Expérimentale, CNRS, 2 route du CNRS, 09200 Moulis, France.,Biological and Marine Sciences, University of Plymouth, Plymouth PL4 8AA, UK.,Department of Geological Sciences, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, USA
| | - Michael C Singer
- Station d'Écologie Théorique et Expérimentale, CNRS, 2 route du CNRS, 09200 Moulis, France.,Biological and Marine Sciences, University of Plymouth, Plymouth PL4 8AA, UK
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4
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Frezza C, Venditti A, Toniolo C, Vita DD, Serafini I, Ciccòla A, Franceschin M, Ventrone A, Tomassini L, Foddai S, Guiso M, Nicoletti M, Bianco A, Serafini M. Pedicularis L. Genus: Systematics, Botany, Phytochemistry, Chemotaxonomy, Ethnopharmacology, and Other. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2019; 8:E306. [PMID: 31461963 PMCID: PMC6784095 DOI: 10.3390/plants8090306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2019] [Revised: 08/01/2019] [Accepted: 08/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
In this review, the relevance of the plant species belonging to the Pedicularis L. genus has been considered from different points of view. Particular emphasis was given to phytochemistry and ethnopharmacology, since several classes of natural compounds have been reported within this genus and many of its species are well known to be employed in the traditional medicines of many Asian countries. Some important conclusions on the chemotaxonomic and chemosystematic aspects of the genus have also been provided for the first time. Actually, this work represents the first total comprehensive review on this genus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudio Frezza
- Dipartimento di Biologia Ambientale, Università di Roma "La Sapienza", Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy.
| | - Alessandro Venditti
- Dipartimento di Chimica, Università di Roma "La Sapienza", Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Toniolo
- Dipartimento di Biologia Ambientale, Università di Roma "La Sapienza", Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Daniela De Vita
- Dipartimento di Biologia Ambientale, Università di Roma "La Sapienza", Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Ilaria Serafini
- Dipartimento di Chimica, Università di Roma "La Sapienza", Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Ciccòla
- Dipartimento di Chimica, Università di Roma "La Sapienza", Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Franceschin
- Dipartimento di Chimica, Università di Roma "La Sapienza", Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Ventrone
- Dipartimento di Biologia Ambientale, Università di Roma "La Sapienza", Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Lamberto Tomassini
- Dipartimento di Biologia Ambientale, Università di Roma "La Sapienza", Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Sebastiano Foddai
- Dipartimento di Biologia Ambientale, Università di Roma "La Sapienza", Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Marcella Guiso
- Dipartimento di Chimica, Università di Roma "La Sapienza", Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Marcello Nicoletti
- Dipartimento di Biologia Ambientale, Università di Roma "La Sapienza", Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Armandodoriano Bianco
- Dipartimento di Chimica, Università di Roma "La Sapienza", Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Mauro Serafini
- Dipartimento di Biologia Ambientale, Università di Roma "La Sapienza", Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
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5
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Mistletoe Versus Host Pine: Does Increased Parasite Load Alter the Host Chemical Profile? J Chem Ecol 2018; 45:95-105. [PMID: 30523519 DOI: 10.1007/s10886-018-1039-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2018] [Revised: 11/10/2018] [Accepted: 11/27/2018] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Stress caused by parasitic plants, e.g. mistletoes, alters certain host-plant traits as a response. While several physical implications of the parasite-host relation have been well studied, shifts in the host chemical profile remain poorly understood. Here we compare the chemical profiles of mistletoe (Viscum album subsp. austriacum) leaves and host pine (Pinus nigra subsp. salzmannii) needles and we investigate chemical changes in host needles of trees with different parasite loads (control, low, medium, and high). Our results reveal that despite the intimate contact between mistletoe and host pine, their chemical profiles differed significantly, revealing extremely low concentrations of defense compounds (including a complete lack of terpenes) and high levels of N concentrations in mistletoe leaves. On the other hand, parasitized pines showed unique chemical responses depending on parasite loads. Overall, the content in monoterpenes increased with parasitism. Higher parasitized pines produced higher amounts of defense compounds (phenols and condensed tannins) than less parasitized trees, but amounts in samples of the same year did not significantly differ between parasitized and unparasitized pines. Highly parasitized pines accumulated less N than pines with other parasite loads. The strongest response was found in sesqui- and diterpenes, which were at lower levels in pines under medium and high parasitism. Chemical responses of pines to mistletoe parasitism resembled reactions to other kinds of stress. Low levels induced reactions resembling those against drought stress, while medium and high parasitism elicited responses comparable to those against burning and defoliation.
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6
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Anselmo-Moreira F, Teixeira-Costa L, Ceccantini G, Furlan CM. Mistletoe effects on the host tree Tapirira guianensis: insights from primary and secondary metabolites. CHEMOECOLOGY 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/s00049-018-0272-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
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7
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Haan NL, Bakker JD, Bowers MD. Hemiparasites can transmit indirect effects from their host plants to herbivores. Ecology 2017; 99:399-410. [PMID: 29131311 DOI: 10.1002/ecy.2087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2017] [Revised: 09/19/2017] [Accepted: 09/24/2017] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Parasitic plants can serve as critical intermediaries between their hosts and other organisms; however these relationships are not well understood. To investigate the relative importance of plant traits in such interactions, we studied the role of the root hemiparasite, Castilleja levisecta (Orobanchaceae), as a mediator of interactions between the host plants it parasitizes and the lepidopteran herbivore Euphydryas editha (Nymphalidae), whose caterpillars feed on Castilleja and sequester iridoid glycosides from it. We tested whether the hemiparasite's size, leaf N concentration, and iridoid glycoside concentrations were influenced by the identity of its host plant, and then whether these traits influenced outcomes for the herbivore. We found that the hemiparasite's size and leaf N depended on the host it parasitized, and these traits in turn affected outcomes for E. editha. Specifically, Euphydryas editha survival increased with hemiparasite size and caterpillar mass increased with leaf N; caterpillars with greater mass were more likely to survive during diapause. We also found preliminary evidence that host identity influenced iridoid glycoside sequestration by the herbivore. Mean iridoid glycoside concentrations in caterpillars ranged from 1-12% depending on the host being parasitized by Castilleja. This study demonstrates that root parasitism can result in strong indirect effects on higher trophic levels, influencing organisms' survival, growth, and chemical interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan L Haan
- School of Environmental and Forest Sciences, University of Washington, Box 354115, Seattle, Washington, 98195, USA
| | - Jonathan D Bakker
- School of Environmental and Forest Sciences, University of Washington, Box 354115, Seattle, Washington, 98195, USA
| | - M Deane Bowers
- Ecology and Evolutionary Biology and Museum of Natural History, University of Colorado at Boulder, UCB 334, Boulder, Colorado, 80309, USA
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8
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Yatoo MI, Dimri U, Gopalakrishnan A, Karthik K, Gopi M, Khandia R, Saminathan M, Saxena A, Alagawany M, Farag MR, Munjal A, Dhama K. Beneficial health applications and medicinal values of Pedicularis plants: A review. Biomed Pharmacother 2017; 95:1301-1313. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2017.09.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2017] [Revised: 09/06/2017] [Accepted: 09/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
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9
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Tjiurutue MC, Stevenson PC, Adler LS. Messages from the Other Side: Parasites Receive Damage Cues from their Host Plants. J Chem Ecol 2016; 42:821-828. [PMID: 27539588 DOI: 10.1007/s10886-016-0746-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2016] [Revised: 05/29/2016] [Accepted: 07/28/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
As sessile organisms, plants rely on their environment for cues indicating imminent herbivory. These cues can originate from tissues on the same plant or from different individuals. Since parasitic plants form vascular connections with their host, parasites have the potential to receive cues from hosts that allow them to adjust defenses against future herbivory. However, the role of plant communication between hosts and parasites for herbivore defense remains poorly investigated. Here, we examined the effects of damage to lupine hosts (Lupinus texensis) on responses of the attached hemiparasite (Castilleja indivisa), and indirectly, on a specialist herbivore of the parasite, buckeyes (Junonia coenia). Lupines produce alkaloids that act as defenses against herbivores that can be taken up by the parasite. We found that damage to lupine host plants by beet armyworm (Spodoptera exigua) significantly increased jasmonic acid (JA) levels in both the lupine host and parasite, suggesting uptake of phytohormones or priming of parasite defenses by using host cues. However, lupine host damage did not induce changes in alkaloid levels in the hosts or parasites. Interestingly, the parasite had substantially higher concentrations of JA and alkaloids compared to lupine host plants. Buckeye herbivores consumed more parasite tissue when attached to damaged compared to undamaged hosts. We hypothesize that increased JA due to lupine host damage induced higher iridoid glycosides in the parasite, which are feeding stimulants for this specialist herbivore. Our results demonstrate that damage to hosts may affect both parasites and associated herbivores, indicating cascading effects of host damage on multiple trophic levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muvari Connie Tjiurutue
- Biology Department, University of Massachusetts Amherst, 221 Morrill Science Center South, 611 North Pleasant Street, Amherst, MA, 01003, USA. .,Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of Namibia, 340 Mandume Ndemufayo Avenue, Pionierspark, Windhoek, Namibia.
| | - Philip C Stevenson
- Natural Resources Institute, University of Greenwich, Central Avenue, Chatham Maritime, Chatham, Kent, ME4 4TB, UK.,Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, TW9 3AB, UK
| | - Lynn S Adler
- Biology Department, University of Massachusetts Amherst, 221 Morrill Science Center South, 611 North Pleasant Street, Amherst, MA, 01003, USA
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10
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Lankau RA, Strauss SY. Newly rare or newly common: evolutionary feedbacks through changes in population density and relative species abundance, and their management implications. Evol Appl 2015; 4:338-53. [PMID: 25567977 PMCID: PMC3352561 DOI: 10.1111/j.1752-4571.2010.00173.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2010] [Accepted: 11/18/2010] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Environmental management typically seeks to increase or maintain the population sizes of desirable species and to decrease population sizes of undesirable pests, pathogens, or invaders. With changes in population size come long-recognized changes in ecological processes that act in a density-dependent fashion. While the ecological effects of density dependence have been well studied, the evolutionary effects of changes in population size, via changes in ecological interactions with community members, are underappreciated. Here, we provide examples of changing selective pressures on, or evolution in, species as a result of changes in either density of conspecifics or changes in the frequency of heterospecific versus conspecific interactions. We also discuss the management implications of such evolutionary responses in species that have experienced rapid increases or decreases in density caused by human actions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard A Lankau
- Illinois Natural History Survey, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, IL, USA ; Department of Evolution and Ecology UC Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Sharon Y Strauss
- Illinois Natural History Survey, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, IL, USA ; Department of Evolution and Ecology UC Davis, Davis, CA, USA
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11
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Coe FG, Parikh DM, Johnson CA, Anderson GJ. The good and the bad: alkaloid screening and brineshrimp bioassays of aqueous extracts of 31 medicinal plants of eastern Nicaragua. PHARMACEUTICAL BIOLOGY 2012; 50:384-392. [PMID: 22117166 DOI: 10.3109/13880209.2011.608077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Presence/absence tests for alkaloids of 31 medicinal vascular plant species from 31 genera and 26 families of eastern Nicaragua provided a baseline for bioactivity tests. OBJECTIVE To determine the bioactivity and cytoxicity of aqueous extracts of widely used medicinal species in eastern Nicaragua. MATERIALS AND METHODS Ethnomedicinal applications were obtained from interviews of traditional healers. We used Dragendorff's reagent to test alkaloids and brine shrimp for cytotoxicity of aqueous extracts. RESULTS Twenty-nine of the 31 species tested positive for alkaloids. The median lethal concentration that kills 50% of the larvae within 24 h of contact with the extract (LC(50) was less than 1000 µg/mL for 4 (13%) species (the usual cytotoxic category), 1001-5000 µg/mL for 23 (74%) species, and between 5001-7500 µg/mL for the remaining 4 (13%) species. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION Twenty-five of the ethnomedicines contain alkaloids but are not cytotoxic. In contrast to first suppositions, we suggest that this is a good and desirable, and perhaps expected, outcome. Medicinal plants that are cytotoxic may obviously control or kill bacteria or other pathogens, but may also negatively affect the patient; some high alkaloid levels have been associated with carcinogens. Thus, perhaps the majority of effective medicinals should be expected to be noncytotoxic. We suggest that this is a new paradigm for consideration of the overall value and effectiveness of medicinals. Of course, medicinals also can be effective in numerous ways (e.g., organ stimulation or other physiological functions) other than simply as antimicrobials or antipathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felix G Coe
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut 06269-3043, USA
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12
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Coe FG, Parikh DM, Johnson CA. Alkaloid presence and brine shrimp (Artemia salina) bioassay of medicinal species of eastern Nicaragua. PHARMACEUTICAL BIOLOGY 2010; 48:439-445. [PMID: 20645724 DOI: 10.3109/13880200903168015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
We used an alkaloid test and a brine shrimp bioassay to assess the bioactivity of the medicinal plants used by eastern Nicaraguan healers in traditional medicine. Ethnomedicinal uses were obtained from interviews of traditional healers. Aqueous extracts derived from 30 species of angiosperms were assayed for the presence of alkaloids and toxicity. Species tested are distributed in 30 genera and 21 families. Of the 30 species tested for alkaloids with Dragendorff's reagent, 29 contained alkaloids. Toxicological analysis was conducted using the brine shrimp lethal assay (BSLA). Biological activity using BSLA was recorded as the median lethal concentration (LC50) that kills 50% of the larvae within 24 h of contact with the aqueous plant extracts. The LC50 of the shrimp was less than 2500 microg/mL for 3 (10%) species, 2500-5000 microg/mL for 9 (30%), 5001-7500 microg/mL for 7 (23%), 7501-10000 microg/mL for 3 (10%), and greater than 10000 microg/mL for 8 (27%) of the species. The members of the orders Santales and Rubiales in general contained species with greater toxicity than any other group. Struthanthus cassythoides (Struthanthus cassythoides Millsp.(Loranthaceae)). (LC50 1574 microg/mL) and Alibertia edulis (Rich.) A. Rich. (Rubiaceae) (LC50 1741 microg/mL) were the most toxic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felix G Coe
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Connecticut, 75 North Eagleville Road, Storrs, CT 06269-3043 USA.
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13
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Schädler M, Roeder M, Brandl R, Matthies D. Is palatability of a root-hemiparasitic plant influenced by its host species? Oecologia 2005; 146:227-33. [PMID: 16028093 DOI: 10.1007/s00442-005-0192-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2004] [Accepted: 06/21/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Palatability of parasitic plants may be influenced by their host species, because the parasites take up nutrients and secondary compounds from the hosts. If parasitic plants acquired the full spectrum of secondary compounds from their host, one would expect a correlation between host and parasite palatability. We examined the palatability of leaves of the root-hemiparasite Melampyrum arvense grown with different host plants and the palatability of these host plants for two generalist herbivores, the caterpillar of Spodoptera littoralis and the slug Arion lusitanicus. We used 19 species of host plants from 11 families that are known to contain a wide spectrum of anti-herbivore compounds. Growth of M. arvense was strongly influenced by the host species. The palatability of the individual host species for the two herbivores differed strongly. Both A. lusitanicus and S. littoralis discriminated also between hemiparasites grown with different host plants. There was no correlation between the palatability of a host species and that of the parasites grown on that host, i.e., hemiparasites grown on palatable host species were not more palatable than those grown on unpalatable hosts. We suggest an interacting pattern of specific effects of chemical anti-herbivore defences and indirect effects of the hosts on herbivores through effects on growth and tissue quality of the parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Schädler
- Department of Animal Ecology, Faculty of Biology, University of Marburg, Karl-von-Frisch-Str., 35032 Marburg, Germany
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14
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Abstract
Parasitic plants have profound effects on the ecosystems in which they occur. They are represented by some 4000 species and can be found in most major biomes. They acquire some or all of their water, carbon and nutrients via the vascular tissue of the host's roots or shoots. Parasitism has major impacts on host growth, allometry and reproduction, which lead to changes in competitive balances between host and nonhost species and therefore affect community structure, vegetation zonation and population dynamics. Impacts on hosts may further affect herbivores, pollinators and seed vectors, and the behaviour and diversity of these is often closely linked to the presence and abundance of parasitic plants. Parasitic plants can therefore be considered as keystone species. Community impacts are mediated by the host range of the parasite (the diversity of species that can potentially act as hosts) and by their preference and selection of particular host species. Parasitic plants can also alter the physical environment around them--including soil water and nutrients, atmospheric CO2 and temperature--and so may also be considered as ecosystem engineers. Such impacts can have further consequences in altering the resource supply to and behaviour of other organisms within parasitic plant communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malcolm C Press
- Department of Animal and Plant Sciences, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield, S10 2TN, UK.
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15
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Adler LS. HOST SPECIES AFFECTS HERBIVORY, POLLINATION, AND REPRODUCTION IN EXPERIMENTS WITH PARASITIC CASTILLEJA. Ecology 2003. [DOI: 10.1890/02-0542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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16
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Woldemichael GM, Wink M. Concomitant occurrence of pyrrolizidine and quinolizidine alkaloids in the hemiparasite Osyris alba L. (Santalaceae). BIOCHEM SYST ECOL 2002. [DOI: 10.1016/s0305-1978(01)00065-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Adler LS, Wink M. Transfer of quinolizidine alkaloids from hosts to hemiparasites in two Castilleja-Lupinus associations: analysis of floral and vegetative tissues. BIOCHEM SYST ECOL 2001; 29:551-561. [PMID: 11336806 DOI: 10.1016/s0305-1978(00)00090-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Many hemiparasites, including several members of the Castilleja genus (Scrophulariaceae), obtain secondary compounds from their host plants. Both Castilleja miniata in subalpine Colorado and C. indivisa in central Texas have reduced herbivory when obtaining alkaloids from the hosts Lupinus argenteus and L. texensis (Fabaceae), respectively. However, pollinators were not deterred from visiting Castilleja parasitizing alkaloid-containing hosts. To determine if alkaloids are present in all tissues of plants parasitizing lupins, we analyzed floral tissue as well as leaves of both Castilleja species. Leaves, bracts, calices, corollas, gynoecium and nectar of both Castilleja species were examined for quinolizidine alkaloid presence using a Dragendorff reagent, and alkaloids were identified in vegetative tissue and nectar by capillary GLC and GLC-MS. Lupanine and alpha-isolupanine were the principal alkaloids in C. indivisa parasitizing L. texensis, while principal alkaloids of C. miniata parasitizing L. argenteus were 5,6-iso-dehydrolupanine, alpha-isolupanine, thermopsine, and 17-oxolupanine. Except for 17-oxolupanine, which was probably synthesized by biotransformation in the parasite, all other alkaloids correspond to those present in the host plants. Alkaloids were present in the leaves of both Castilleja species, and in the bracts, calices and gynoecium of some plants, but never in the corollas. Alkaloids from L. texensis and L. argenteus were not detected in nectar of either Castilleja species. The presence of alkaloids in leaves and outer floral tissue of both Castilleja species, but not nectar, may explain why alkaloid uptake and storage affected herbivores but not pollinators.
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Affiliation(s)
- L S. Adler
- Center for Population Biology and Department of Entomology, 2320 Storer Hall, Section of Evolution and Ecology, University of California at Davis, One Shields Avenue, 95616, Davis, CA, USA
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Marko MD, Stermitz FR. Transfer of alkaloids from Delphinium to Castilleja via root parasitism. Norditerpenoid alkaloid analysis by electrospray mass spectrometry. BIOCHEM SYST ECOL 1997. [DOI: 10.1016/s0305-1978(97)00010-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Coe FG, Anderson GJ. Screening of medicinal plants used by the Garífuna of eastern Nicaragua for bioactive compounds. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 1996; 53:29-50. [PMID: 8807474 DOI: 10.1016/0378-8741(96)01424-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
As part of a larger study of the plants used by the Garífuna of eastern Nicaragua, the 229 species representing 177 genera and 72 families used for medicinal purposes were assayed for the presence of bioactive compounds. A review of the literature for alkaloids and glycosides showed that 113 species contained at least one of these bioactive compounds. The remaining 116 species not previously cited were tested for alkaloids with Dragendorff's reagent; 51 contained alkaloids. The combined results show that 72% of the species the Garífuna use medicinally have at least one alkaloid or glycoside. Tests to explore pharmacological activity of compounds from selected species represent the next step to determining efficacy and application of these medicinals.
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Affiliation(s)
- F G Coe
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Connecticut, Storrs 06269-3043, USA
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Chapter 4 The Ecological Activity of Alkaloids. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 1995. [DOI: 10.1016/s0099-9598(08)60156-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register]
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Quinolizidine alkaloids inGenista acanthoclada and its holoparasite,Cuscuta palaestina. J Chem Ecol 1993; 19:441-8. [DOI: 10.1007/bf00994317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/1992] [Accepted: 10/19/1992] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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