Crispoic acid, a new compound from Laelia marginata (Orchidaceae), and biological evaluations against parasites, human cancer cell lines and Zika virus

Bioactive natural products from orchids native to the Americas - A review

The purpose of this review is to provide information on the traditional uses, phytochemical and pharmacological studies performed with species of orchids native to the Americas and the Caribbean Islands. The treatment of inflammation is the most traditional use for plants of this family, specially in Central America, while anti-inflammatory and anticancer assays are oftenly reported in pharmacological investigations. From the chemical point of view, they are sources of phenanthrenoids and stilbenes, rare secondary metabolites not commonly found in other families of plants, as well as cycloartane triterpenes, pyrrolizidine alkaloids and flavonoids. Since just few species were chemically and pharmacologically studied, in comparison to the large number of native species (less than 0.5% of the total), the orchids of the New World may be an interesting niche for the discovery of new, bioactive natural products.

Advances in Breeding, Bioprospecting, and In Vitro Culture of Laelia Orchid Species

Orchids (Orchidaceae) are plants that are highly appreciated by their beautiful flowers worldwide. Moreover, they represent a source of metabolites with applications in medicine and biotechnology. Within the Orchidaceae family, the Laelia genus is a group of orchid species from the Neotropics and is probably one of the most representative genera of America. Laelia orchids are cultivated by their splendid flowers and are widely used in orchid breeding. Here, we revise the use of the Laelia genus in orchid breeding and metabolite bioprospecting. We also analyze the use of plant tissue culture (PTC) as an alternative to conventional propagation and as a strategy for the recovery of those Laelia species threatened with extinction. We summarize and discuss the recent advances in the application of different PTC techniques for mass multiplication based on asymbiotic germination, organogenesis, protocorm-like bodies development, and somatic embryogenesis, and the advances of in vitro conservation by cryoconservation and the use of slow-growth promoting hormones. Finally, we suggest future directions and venues in research for Laelia species.

Zika outbreak aftermath: status, progress, concerns and new insights

Zika, a neurotrophic virus belonging to Flaviviridae family of viruses and transmitted by vector mosquitoes of Aedes species, took the world by storm during its recent outbreak. Its spread to newer territories, unprecedented pace of transmission, lack of existing therapeutic agents and vaccines and an empty drug pipeline raised an alarm. Uncertainty about full spectrum of diseases and its long-term consequences, newly discovered modes of transmission and controversies over vector status of mosquito species like Culex quinquefasciatus led to layers of complexity and presented new hurdles and challenges in Zika virus research. This review summarizes the progress and updates of efforts, concerns, financial burden and available resources in light of newly acquired knowledge in Zika virus research.