Isolation and Purification of Bioactive Compounds from the Stem Bark of Jatropha podagrica

This paper reports the successive isolation and purification of bioactive compounds from the stem bark of Jatropha podagrica, a widely known medicinal plant. The ethyl acetate extract of the stem bark exhibited the strongest antioxidant activity assessed by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2′-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radical scavenging, and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays (IC₅₀ = 46.7, 66.0, and 492.6, respectively). By column chromatography (CC) with elution of hexane and ethyl acetate at 8:2, 7:3, and 6:4 ratios, the isolation of this active extract yielded five fractions (C1–C5). Chemical structures of the constituents included in C1–C5 were elucidated by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (ESI-MS), and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and resolved as methyl gallate (C1, C2, C3, C4), gallic acid (C1, C2), fraxetin (C2, C3, C4, C5), and tomentin (C3). Mixture C2 (IC₅₀ DPPH and ABTS = 2.5 µg/mL) and C3 (IC₅₀ FRAP = 381 µg/mL) showed the highest antioxidant properties. Among the isolated fractions, C4 was the most potential agent in growth inhibition of six bacterial strains including Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Listeria monocytogenes,Bacillus subtilis, and Proteus mirabilis (MIC = 5, 20, 30, 20, 25, and 20 mg/mL, respectively). All identified constituents exerted an inhibitory activity on the growth of Lactuca sativa, of which the mixture C3 performed the maximal inhibition on shoot (IC₅₀ = 49.4 µg/mL) and root (IC₅₀ = 47.1 µg/mL) growth. Findings of this study suggest that gallic acid, methyl gallate, fraxetin, and tomentin isolated from J. podagrica possessed antioxidant, antibacterial, and growth inhibitory potentials.

Phytochemical Analysis and Potential Biological Activities of Essential Oil from Rice Leaf

Although many investigations on phytochemicals in rice plant parts and root exudates have been conducted, information on the chemical profile of essential oil (EO) and potent biological activities has been limited. In this study, chemical compositions of rice leaf EO and in vitro biological activities were investigated. From 1.5 kg of fresh rice leaves, an amount of 20 mg EO was obtained by distillation and analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), electrospray ionization (ESI), and atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI) to reveal the presence of twelve volatile constituents, of which methyl ricinoleate (27.86%) was the principal compound, followed by palmitic acid (17.34%), and linolenic acid (11.16%), while 2-pentadecanone was the least (2.13%). Two phytoalexin momilactones A and B were first time identified in EO using ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray mass spectrometry (UPLC/ESI-MS) (9.80 and 4.93 ng/g fresh weight, respectively), which accounted for 7.35% and 3.70% of the EO, respectively. The assays of DPPH (IC50 = 73.1 µg/mL), ABTS (IC50 = 198.3 µg/mL), FRAP (IC50 = 700.8 µg/mL) and β-carotene oxidation (LPI = 79%) revealed that EO possessed an excellent antioxidant activity. The xanthine oxidase assay indicated that the anti-hyperuricemia potential was in a moderate level (IC50 = 526 µg/mL) as compared with the standard allopurinol. The EO exerted potent inhibition on growth of Raphanus sativus, Lactuca sativa, and two noxious weeds Echinochloa crus-galli, and Bidens pilosa, but in contrast, the growth of rice seedlings was promoted. Among the examined plants, the growth of the E. crus-galli root was the most inhibited, proposing that constituents found in EO may have potential for the control of the problematic paddy weed E. crus-galli. It was found that the EO of rice leaves contained rich phytochemicals, which were potent in antioxidants and gout treatment, as well as weed management. Findings of this study highlighted the potential value of rice leaves, which may provide extra benefits for rice farmers.

Antihyperuricemia, Antioxidant, and Antibacterial Activities of Tridax procumbens L

Tridax procumbens L. is a medicinal plant and used as a drink to treat bronchial catarrh, diarrhea, dysentery and liver diseases. In this study, we evaluated the potential use of T. procumbens to treat hyperuricemia, oxidative stress, and bacterial infection. Ethyl acetate extract of this plant was separated to different fractions by column chromatography (CC) using chloroform and methanol as eluents and subjected to xanthine oxidase (XO) inhibitory, antioxidant, and antibacterial assays. The results showed that the F_45–47 fraction exhibited the strongest XO inhibitory activity (IC₅₀ = 133.17 µg/mL), while the F_48–50 fraction possessed maximum antioxidant activity assessed by DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) and ABTS (2,2’-azinobis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) assays (IC₅₀ = 0.51 and 1.04 mg/mL, respectively). In addition, the F_4–5 fraction presented the most effective inhibition on the growth of Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, and Proteus mirabilis. Gas chromatography-mass spectrophotometry (GS-MS) and liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-mass spectrophotometry (LC-ESI-MS) results revealed that fatty acids, glycerides, and flavonoids were the major compounds of the F_45–47 fraction. Glycerides, triose sugar alcohols, and fatty acids were dominant compounds of the F_48–50 fraction, while sterols were principal components of the F_4–5 fraction. This study indicated that T. procumbens had potent inhibitory effects on XO inhibitory, antioxidant, and antibacterial activities. These biological activities may be attributed to the presence of fatty acids, flavonoids, and sterols in this plant. It is suggested that T. procumbens can be utilized as a healthy source to develop beverages and foods to treat antihyperuricemia, oxidative stress, and bacterial infection.

Isolation and Purification of Potent Growth Inhibitors from Piper methysticum Root

Piper methysticum (kava) root is known to possess promising weed suppressing activity. The present study was conducted to search for potent plant growth inhibitors from the root of this medicinal pepper plant. The ethyl acetate (EtOAc) extract exhibited the strongest reduction on growth of Raphanus sativus (radish) (IC₅₀ shoot and root growth = 172.00 and 51.31 µg/mL respectively) among solvent extracts. From this active extract, nine potent growth inhibitors involved in the inhibitory activities of P. methysticum root were isolated, purified and characterized by column chromatography (CC), gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). The six fractions purified by CC included two flavanones: 5-hydroxy-4′,7-dimethoxyflavanone (C1) and 5,7-dihydroxy-4′-methoxy-6,8-dimethylflavanone (matteucinol, C2) and six kavalactones: 5,6-dehydro-kavain (C3), a mixture of kavain and yagonin (C4), yagonin (C5) and dihydro-5,6-dehydrokavain, 7,8-dihydrokavain, dihydromethysticin and methysticin (C6). The amounts of 5-hydroxy-4′,7-dimethoxyflavanone, matteucinol, 5,6-dehydrokavain and yangonin were 0.76, 2.50, 2.75 and 2.09 mg/g dry weight (DW), respectively. The two flavanones C1 and C2 exhibited the strongest inhibition on shoot elongation (IC₅₀ = 120.22 and 248.03 µg/mL, respectively), whilst the two kavalactone mixtures C4 and C6 showed the highest suppression on root growth of R. sativus (IC₅₀ = 7.70 and 15.67 µg/mL, respectively). This study was the first to report the purification and inhibitory activities of the two flavanones 5-hydroxy-4′,7-dimethoxyflavanone and matteucinol in P. methysticum root. The isolated constituents from P. methysticum root including the flavanones C1 and C2 and the mixtures C4 and C6 may possess distinct modes of action on plant growth. Findings of this study highlighted that the combinations of hexane-ethyl acetate by 9:1 and 8:2 ratios successfully purified flavanones and kavalactones in P. methysticum root.

Potential Use of Plant Waste from the Moth Orchid (Phalaenopsis Sogo Yukidian "V3") as an Antioxidant Source

This research was conducted to exploit the waste of used plant parts from the widely marketed moth orchid cultivar (Phalaenopsis Sogo Yukidian “V3”). Various extracts of roots, stems, and leaves were evaluated for total phenolics, total flavonoids, and antioxidant capacity. The bound extract from stems contained the highest total phenolics (5.092 ± 0.739 mg GAE (gallic acid equivalent)/g DW (dry weight)). The maximum total flavonoids (2.218 ± 0.021 mg RE (rutin equivalent)/g DW) were found in the hexane extract of leaves. Ethyl acetate extract from roots showed the greatest antioxidant activity compared to other extracts. Of these extracts, the IC₅₀ values of these samples were 0.070 mg/mL, and 0.450 mg/mL in a free radical 1,-diphenyl-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) assay and reducing power method, respectively. The lipid peroxidation inhibition (LPI) was found to be 94.2% using the β-carotene bleaching method. Five phenolic compounds including caffeic acid, syringic acid, vanillin, ellagic acid, and cinnamic acid were quantified by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). It is suggested that the roots of the hybrid Phalaenopsis Sogo Yukidian “V3” cultivar may be exploited as an effective source of antioxidants.

Factors Promote Germination and Initial Growth of <i>Monochoria vaginalis</i>

The purpose of study was conducted to examine factors that influence on germination of Monochoria vaginalis, a major and problematic weed in paddy fields. It was found that seed coats of barnyardgrass and Monochoria itself strongly promoted germination of Monochoria seeds. Germinating rice seeds caused germination induction of Monochoria, but dehulled rice and rice hulls did not play a role. In general, rice root exudates from 2 to 22 day after germination did not exert significant influence on germination and initial growth of Monochoria. The increase of rice seeds showed no remarkable impact on germination, root length and shoot length of Monochoria. In conclusion, it is suggested that coats of weed seeds, residues of rice and other plants in paddy fields may play a critical role in promoting germination of Monochoria seeds. Therefore, the incorporation of these residues in paddy fields may provide negative impact to weed control as germination of Monochoria is much accelerated.

Phenolic Compounds and Antioxidant Activity of Phalaenopsis Orchid Hybrids

Phalaenopsis spp. is the most commercially and economically important orchid, but their plant parts are often left unused, which has caused environmental problems. To date, reports on phytochemical analyses were most available on endangered and medicinal orchids. The present study was conducted to determine the total phenolics, total flavonoids, and antioxidant activity of ethanol extracts prepared from leaves and roots of six commercial hybrid Phalaenopsis spp. Leaf extracts of "Chian Xen Queen" contained the highest total phenolics with a value of 11.52 ± 0.43 mg gallic acid equivalent per g dry weight and the highest total flavonoids (4.98 ± 0.27 mg rutin equivalent per g dry weight). The antioxidant activity of root extracts evaluated by DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) free radical scavenging assay and β-carotene bleaching method was higher than those of the leaf extracts. Eleven phenolic compounds were identified, namely, protocatechuic acid, p-hydroxybenzoic acid, vanillic acid, caffeic acid, syringic acid, vanillin, ferulic acid, sinapic acid, p-coumaric acid, benzoic acid, and ellagic acid. Ferulic, p-coumaric and sinapic acids were concentrated largely in the roots. The results suggested that the root extracts from hybrid Phalaenopsis spp. could be a potential source of natural antioxidants. This study also helps to reduce the amount of this orchid waste in industrial production, as its roots can be exploited for pharmaceutical purposes.

Correlation among Agro-Morphological Variation and Genetic Diversity of Rice (<i>Oryza sativa </i>L.) under Drought Stress

In this study, the correlation coefficients among agro-morphological variation, genetic diversity, and drought tolerance in 44 rice cultivars were analyzed. The drought tolerance at seeding stage (DTS) was significantly proportional to drought tolerance at vegetative stage (DTV) (r = 0.60). In addition, DTS and DTV had strong significant positive correlation to leaf roll (r = 0.87 and 0.54, respectively). Means of unfilled grains and tilling per panicle were proportionally correlated to DTS (r = 0.22 and 0.25, respectively), and DTV (r = 0.20 and 0.36, respectively). However, weight of 1000 grains and filled grains recorded no correlation to DTS and DTV. At a homologous coefficient of 16.85 integrated from cluster analysis of agro-morphological, quantitative characteristics and drought tolerant scores, the rice was divided into five groups. Maximum PIC (polymorphic information content) values were detected in three markers including RM11125, RM21, and RM5629, which were between 0.78-0.79. Cluster analysis of microsatellite markers revealed that by a genetic distance of 0.63, the rice varieties were separated into three clusters. The results provide valuable information for rice breeders to select donors in breeding rice integrated with drought tolerance and good agronomic characteristics.

Allelopathic Activity of Dehulled Rice and its Allelochemicals on Weed Germination

In this study, the allelopathic potential of dehulled rice, rice, and hulls of rice on germination of weeds was evaluated in laboratory. Phenolic acids in growth media of these plants were also identified and quantified using HPLC. Identified allelochemicals were reversely tested for phytotoxic effects on germination and seedling growth of barnyardgrass, lettuce, radish and rice. The results showed that the inhibitory effects of dehulled rice were stronger than those of hulls and rice. Dehulled rice caused 66.7% and 50.6% reduction in radish root length and lettuce shoot height, respectively. Dehulled rice showed strong inhibitory effects on root length of lettuce and shoot height of radish while hulls and rice exhibited stimulation. Regarding phenolic identification, vanillin and vanillic acid were detected as allelochemicals in root exudates of rice and tested plants. The results revealed that most of the vanillin and vanillic acid treatments showed high inhibitory effects on germination rates and seedling growth of lettuce and radish, high stimulatory activity on root elongation of rice. Vanillic acid (100 ppm and 200 ppm), vanillin (100 ppm) and their mixture (200 ppm) completely inhibited survival of lettuce. The findings indicate the allelopathic potential of dehulled rice which can be used for identification of more phytotoxins to produce bioherbicides in agricultural practices.

Allelopathic Activity of Dehulled Rice and its Allelochemicals on Weed Germination

In this study, the allelopathic potential of dehulled rice, rice, and hulls of rice on germination of weeds was evaluated in laboratory. Phenolic acids in growth media of these plants were also identified and quantified using HPLC. Identified allelochemicals were reversely tested for phytotoxic effects on germination and seedling growth of barnyardgrass, lettuce, radish and rice. The results showed that the inhibitory effects of dehulled rice were stronger than those of hulls and rice. Dehulled rice caused 66.7% and 50.6% reduction in radish root length and lettuce shoot height, respectively. Dehulled rice showed strong inhibitory effects on root length of lettuce and shoot height of radish while hulls and rice exhibited stimulation. Regarding phenolic identification, vanillin and vanillic acid were detected as allelochemicals in root exudates of rice and tested plants. The results revealed that most of the vanillin and vanillic acid treatments showed high inhibitory effects on germination rates and seedling growth of lettuce and radish, high stimulatory activity on root elongation of rice. Vanillic acid (100 ppm and 200 ppm), vanillin (100 ppm) and their mixture (200 ppm) completely inhibited survival of lettuce. The findings indicate the allelopathic potential of dehulled rice which can be used for identification of more phytotoxins to produce bioherbicides in agricultural practices.

Correlation among Agro-Morphological Variation and Genetic Diversity of Rice (<i>Oryza sativa </i>L.) under Drought Stress

In this study, the correlation coefficients among agro-morphological variation, genetic diversity, and drought tolerance in 44 rice cultivars were analyzed. The drought tolerance at seeding stage (DTS) was significantly proportional to drought tolerance at vegetative stage (DTV) (r = 0.60). In addition, DTS and DTV had strong significant positive correlation to leaf roll (r = 0.87 and 0.54, respectively). Means of unfilled grains and tilling per panicle were proportionally correlated to DTS (r = 0.22 and 0.25, respectively), and DTV (r = 0.20 and 0.36, respectively). However, weight of 1000 grains and filled grains recorded no correlation to DTS and DTV. At a homologous coefficient of 16.85 integrated from cluster analysis of agro-morphological, quantitative characteristics and drought tolerant scores, the rice was divided into five groups. Maximum PIC (polymorphic information content) values were detected in three markers including RM11125, RM21, and RM5629, which were between 0.78-0.79. Cluster analysis of microsatellite markers revealed that by a genetic distance of 0.63, the rice varieties were separated into three clusters. The results provide valuable information for rice breeders to select donors in breeding rice integrated with drought tolerance and good agronomic characteristics.

Study on Physical-Chemical Characters and Heritability for Yield Components in Rice (<i>Oryza sativa</i> L.)

Present study was performed to analysis both physical and chemical properties of rice germplasm and heritability for yield components in combinations. A total of 44 lines/varieties obtained from Cuu Long Rice Research Institute genebank, and 30 F1 generation combinations were evaluated. The results showed that the rice line IR79008-B-11-B-B-1 showed overall good physical characters (head rice, grain length, grain width, chalkiness). In terms of chemical characteristics, three varieties IR75499-73-1-B, OM6162, and OM4900 were found to have good amylose content, gel consistency, protein content, gelatinization temperature, and aroma. A very notable finding was that the cross between OM6162/SwarnaSub1 that low amylose content (20.2%), high gel consistency (78.2 mm), high protein content (8.1%), appropriate gelatinization temperature (scale 5), low chalkiness (level 0), high heritability (0.9) for grain yield trait/cluster, and (0.84) for the number of panicles/cluster. Moreover these characters consist of plant height, panicles lenght, number of panicles/cluster, number of filled grains/panicle, number of unfilled/panicle, and grain yield/ cluster showed moderate to high heritability of mean for combination OM6162/SwarnaSub1. The results suggest that the grain yield trait/cluster and the number of panicles/cluster are important yield contributing traits to rice breeders for selecting ideal combinations for higher yield and quality of next generations.

Effects of Salinity Stress on Growth and Phenolics of Rice (<i>Oryza sativa</i> L.)

This study was conducted to determine the correlation between of salinity stress on growth and phenolic compounds in rice. It was observed that salinity stress caused a significant decrease in shoot lengths, fresh and dry weights of all rice varieties. Under salinity stress, changes of chemical contents also differed among phenolic compounds and rice cultivars. Total phenolics and flavonoids, and contents of vanillin and protocatechuic acid in tolerant varieties were strongly increased, whereas in contrast, they were markedly reduced in the susceptible cultivar. Ferulic acid and p-coumaric acid were detected only in tolerance rice. Vanillin and protocatechuic acid may play a role, but ferulic acid and p-coumaric acid may be much involved in the tolerant mechanism against salinity stress. Ferulic acid and p-coumaric acid and their derivatives are able to be exploited as promising agents to reduce detrimental effects of salinity stress on rice production.

Study on Physical-Chemical Characters and Heritability for Yield Components in Rice (<i>Oryza sativa</i> L.)

Present study was performed to analysis both physical and chemical properties of rice germplasm and heritability for yield components in combinations. A total of 44 lines/varieties obtained from Cuu Long Rice Research Institute genebank, and 30 F1 generation combinations were evaluated. The results showed that the rice line IR79008-B-11-B-B-1 showed overall good physical characters (head rice, grain length, grain width, chalkiness). In terms of chemical characteristics, three varieties IR75499-73-1-B, OM6162, and OM4900 were found to have good amylose content, gel consistency, protein content, gelatinization temperature, and aroma. A very notable finding was that the cross between OM6162/SwarnaSub1 that low amylose content (20.2%), high gel consistency (78.2 mm), high protein content (8.1%), appropriate gelatinization temperature (scale 5), low chalkiness (level 0), high heritability (0.9) for grain yield trait/cluster, and (0.84) for the number of panicles/cluster. Moreover these characters consist of plant height, panicles lenght, number of panicles/cluster, number of filled grains/panicle, number of unfilled/panicle, and grain yield/ cluster showed moderate to high heritability of mean for combination OM6162/SwarnaSub1. The results suggest that the grain yield trait/cluster and the number of panicles/cluster are important yield contributing traits to rice breeders for selecting ideal combinations for higher yield and quality of next generations.

Effects of Salinity Stress on Growth and Phenolics of Rice (Oryza sativa L.)

This study was conducted to determine the correlation between of salinity stress on growth and phenolic compounds in rice. It was observed that salinity stress caused a significant decrease in shoot lengths, fresh and dry weights of all rice varieties. Under salinity stress, changes of chemical contents also differed among phenolic compounds and rice cultivars. Total phenolics and flavonoids, and contents of vanillin and protocatechuic acid in tolerant varieties were strongly increased, whereas in contrast, they were markedly reduced in the susceptible cultivar. Ferulic acid and p-coumaric acid were detected only in tolerance rice. Vanillin and protocatechuic acid may play a role, but ferulic acid and p-coumaric acid may be much involved in the tolerant mechanism against salinity stress. Ferulic acid and p-coumaric acid and their derivatives are able to be exploited as promising agents to reduce detrimental effects of salinity stress on rice production.

The Potential Use of a Food-Dyeing Plant Peristrophe bivalvis (L.) Merr. in Northern Vietnam

An investigation on the current usage status and experience in usingPeristrophe bivalvis(L.) Merr. was conducted in the mountainous region of Northern Vietnam. Five varieties were collected and recorded as a source of foodstuff-dyeing and medicinal plants on indigenous knowledge of ethnic minorities in the study area, of which, three varieties were dyed purple, one red and one yellow-orange; with two varieties being used for the treatment of haemoptysis, dysentery, liver disease, kidney failure, and jaundice. Two extraction methods using organic solvents and aqueous solvent were applied to spectrophotometrically investigate the phytochemical contents ofPeristrophe bivalvisvarieties. Accordingly, the coloration components ofPeristrophe bivalvisvarieties were contributed by a complex compound of photosynthetic pigments, anthocyanins, flavonoids. Also, the total phenolics, total flavonoids and effect of extraction methods, dissolved solutions (water and methanol) on these contents were assessed. Besides, screening antioxidant capacity ofPeristrophe bivalvisvarietieswas assayed by 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) method which showed stronger radical inhibition of organic extractions than that of aqueous extractions. The results of determination of phytochemicals and antioxidant capacity support the knowledge and experience in usingPeristrophe bivalvisvarieties as natural dyeing production for food and pharmaceutical industry.

Weed Allelochemicals and Possibility for Pest Management

Purpose: Weed interference is a constraint in agricultural practice. The crop-weed interaction has been extensively described in literature, but the weed-weed interaction and their potential usage in crop production have not much been understood. In this paper, the interactions of allelochemicals of the weeds which cause troublesome in crop production and ecosystem against weeds, crops, and pathogens are described. Principal results: Weed allelochemicals are classified into many chemical classes, and the majority is consisting of phenolics acids, alkaloids, terpenes, flavonoids, long chain fatty acids, lactones, and other volatile compounds. Type of weed allelochemicals and their doses are varied among weed species. Some allelochemicals such as catechin (+/-) have been reported to be responsible for weed invasiveness. Some crops exude germination stimulants to parasitic weeds such as Striga spp. and Orobanche spp. In contrast to their negative impacts on crop production, many weeds can be exploited as promising sources to control harmful insects, fungi, bacteria, and weeds. For instance, Ageratum conyzoides is a destructive weed in crop production, but it exerted excellent insecticidal, antifungal, and herbicidal capacity and promoted citrus productivity in A. conyzoides intercropped citrus orchards. Major conclusions: In general, weeds compete with crops by chemical pathway by releasing plant growth inhibitors to reduce crop growth. Weed allelochemicals may be successfully exploited for pest and weed controls in an integrated sustainable crop productoiin. Some weed allelochemicals are potent for development of natural pesticides.

Weed Allelochemicals and Possibility for Pest Management

Purpose: Weed interference is a constraint in agricultural practice. The crop-weed interaction has been extensively described in literature, but the weed-weed interaction and their potential usage in crop production have not much been understood. In this paper, the interactions of allelochemicals of the weeds which cause troublesome in crop production and ecosystem against weeds, crops, and pathogens are described.Principal results: Weed allelochemicals are classified into many chemical classes, and the majority is consisting of phenolics acids, alkaloids, terpenes, flavonoids, long chain fatty acids, lactones, and other volatile compounds. Type of weed allelochemicals and their doses are varied among weed species. Some allelochemicals such as catechin (+/-) have been reported to be responsible for weed invasiveness. Some crops exude germination stimulants to parasitic weeds such asStrigaspp. andOrobanchespp. In contrast to their negative impacts on crop production, many weeds can be exploited as promising sources to control harmful insects, fungi, bacteria, and weeds. For instance,Ageratum conyzoidesis a destructive weed in crop production, but it exerted excellent insecticidal, antifungal, and herbicidal capacity and promoted citrus productivity inA. conyzoidesintercropped citrus orchards.Major conclusions: In general, weeds compete with crops by chemical pathway by releasing plant growth inhibitors to reduce crop growth. Weed allelochemicals may be successfully exploited for pest and weed controls in an integrated sustainable crop productoiin. Some weed allelochemicals are potent for development of natural pesticides.

Involvement of Phenolic Compounds in Anaerobic Flooding Germination of Rice (<i>Oryza sativa</i> L.)

By this study, thirty rice varieties were evaluated for anaerobic flooding tolerance using the direct sowing method. Phenolic profiles of strong and weak tolerant varieties were identified and compared based on HPLC chromatograms. The germination rates and shoot heights of rice were recorded for calculating the seedling vigor, which indicate the tolerant ability of rice in flooding condition. The results revealed a high variation of germination rate (10.01 to 100%), shoot height (0.35 to 78.17 mm) and seedling vigor (0.05 to 72.83). There was a high correlation between (r = 0.71) germination rate in 5 cm and 10 cm flood. Phenolic and flavonoid contents of the strong tolerant cultivar significantly and proportionally increased in the flooding levels (5 cm and 10 cm). There was a total difference in terms of number of phenolic acids found in the strong and weak tolerant varieties. In particular, six phenolic acids (gallic acid, catechol, caffeic acid, syringic acid, vanillin, and ellagic acid) were only identified with high concentration in the strong tolerant cultivar. The findings suggest that the phenolics presented in the strong tolerant varieties probably have a certain function in response and adaptation to anaerobic flooding condition. Further researches on exogenous application of these phenolic acids to increase the flooding tolerant level of rice should be continued at both green house and field treatments.

Phenolic Compounds and Antioxidant Activity of <i>Castanopsis</i> <i>phuthoensis</i> and <i>Castanopsis</i> g<i>randicicatricata</i>

In this study, total phenolic, flavonoid contents, antioxidant capacity, and phenolic compositions of Castanopsis phuthoensis and Castanopsis grandicicatricata (Fagaceae family) were investigated. It was found that bark extracts were rich of phenolic contents, whereas leaf extracts were abundant of flavonoids. The total phenolics varied from 11.20 to 35.47 mg gallic acid equivalent g-1 dry weight (DW), and the total flavonoids were from 2.24 to 12.55 mg rutin equivalent g-1 DW. The results of antioxidant activity showed that the DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl) radical scavenging activity of the free phenolic extracts were higher than the bound phenolic extracts. Regarding the reducing power and β-carotene bleaching assays, the free phenolic extracts showed remarkably strong antioxidant capacity that were similar to the levels of the standard BHT (dibutyl hydroxytoluene) did. It could be concluded that free phenolic extracts were more effective in antioxidant activities than bound phenolic extracts. A highly significant correlation between phenolic contents and antioxidant activity in extracts were observed. By HPLC analysis, seven phenolic acids were detected including gallic, p-hydroxybenzoic, vanillic, sinapic, p-coumaric, ellagic, and vanillin. Of which, gallic, ellagic, and sinapic acids were the most abundant compounds in the two species. The results suggest C. phuthoensis and C. grandicicatricata contain rich sources of natural antioxidants and phenolic compounds which are probably considered in pharmaceutical use.

Phenolic Compounds and Antioxidant Activity of <i>Castanopsis</i> <i>phuthoensis</i> and <i>Castanopsis</i> g<i>randicicatricata</i>

In this study, total phenolic, flavonoid contents, antioxidant capacity, and phenolic compositions of Castanopsis phuthoensis and Castanopsis grandicicatricata (Fagaceae family) were investigated. It was found that bark extracts were rich of phenolic contents, whereas leaf extracts were abundant of flavonoids. The total phenolics varied from 11.20 to 35.47 mg gallic acid equivalent g-1 dry weight (DW), and the total flavonoids were from 2.24 to 12.55 mg rutin equivalent g-1 DW. The results of antioxidant activity showed that the DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl) radical scavenging activity of the free phenolic extracts were higher than the bound phenolic extracts. Regarding the reducing power and β-carotene bleaching assays, the free phenolic extracts showed remarkably strong antioxidant capacity that were similar to the levels of the standard BHT (dibutyl hydroxytoluene) did. It could be concluded that free phenolic extracts were more effective in antioxidant activities than bound phenolic extracts. A highly significant correlation between phenolic contents and antioxidant activity in extracts were observed. By HPLC analysis, seven phenolic acids were detected including gallic, p-hydroxybenzoic, vanillic, sinapic, p-coumaric, ellagic, and vanillin. Of which, gallic, ellagic, and sinapic acids were the most abundant compounds in the two species. The results suggest C. phuthoensis and C. grandicicatricata contain rich sources of natural antioxidants and phenolic compounds which are probably considered in pharmaceutical use.

HLA alleles in relation to specific immunity to liver stage antigen-1 from plasmodium falciparum in Gabon

Cellular responses to synthetic peptides from the Liver Stage Antigen-1 (LSA-1) from Plasmodium falciparum were determined in 229 Gabonese children. HLA class I and II typing (by PCR-SSP and -RFLP, respectively) revealed that HLA-A*19, -B*17 (and -B*70), -DRB1*05, -DQA1*0102, -DQB1*0602 and -DPB1*0402 were the most frequent types or alleles at each locus. The DQB1*0201 and DQB1*0301 alleles were present at a higher frequency among IL-6 and IFN-gamma responders to the LSA-Rep and LSA-CTL peptides, respectively, and a higher proportion of these responders carried A*19 or B*53. The DRB1*06 type was positively related to the IL-10 production in response to the LSA-CTL peptide, and responders presented mainly A*2. The specificity A*10 was negatively associated with the cellular response to the LSA-J peptide. These results suggest a degree of genetic regulation of specific immune responses by HLA-A, operating at the pre-erythrocytic stage of development of P. falciparum in this Central African population.

Immune response to Plasmodium falciparum liver stage antigen-1: geographical variations within Central Africa and their relationship with protection from clinical malaria

Two populations of schoolchildren from Gabon and Cameroon were tested in 1995 for their immunological reactivity to synthetic peptides (LSA-Rep, LSA-J and LSA-CTL) from Plasmodium falciparum liver stage antigen-1 (LSA-1). The prevalence and levels of both cellular (lymphocyte proliferation, tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha), interferon gamma (IFN gamma), and interleukin-10 (IL-10)) and humoral (immunoglobulin G) responses were determined. Protection from clinical malaria, determined after a prospective 1 year study in both sites, was associated with elevated proliferative responses to LSA-Rep and LSA-CTL in the Gabonese children, as well as with higher antibody levels to both schizont extract and LSA-Rep. The prevalence of peptide-stimulated TNF-alpha secretion was higher in the Cameroonian group, but higher levels of antibodies to LSA-Rep and LSA-J were found in the Gabonese children. The immunological differences observed between children in the 2 study sites are discussed in the context of both epidemiological and individual host factors.

Immune responses against Plasmodium falciparum asexual blood-stage antigens and disease susceptibility in Gabonese and Cameroonian children

The frequency and level of cellular and humoral responses to seven synthetic peptides from asexual blood stages of Plasmodium falciparum were measured in two cohorts of children living in areas highly endemic for malaria in Gabon and Cameroon. A prospective longitudinal study was conducted for one year in these sites to examine the relationship between specific in vitro immune responses and susceptibility to clinical malaria. Clinical protection was related to high proliferative responses (merozoite surface antigen-1 [MSA-1] and MSA-2 peptides) as well as to elevated antibody levels (schizont extract, MSA-2, and rhoptry-associated protein-1 [RAP-1] peptides) in the village of Dienga, Gabon. Higher response rates of interferon-gamma but lower response rates of tumor necrosis factor-alpha to four and six peptides, respectively, were observed in Dienga than in Pouma that were independent of the older age of the Gabonese children. Age accounted only for the higher prevalence rate in Dienga of the antibody responders to the peptide from Pf155/ring-infected erythrocyte surface antigen (RESA). Our results support the inclusion of epitopes from MSA-1, MSA-2, RAP-1, and Pf155/RESA antigens in a subunit vaccine against malaria, but show that a longitudinal clinical, parasitologic, and immunologic study conducted according to identical criteria in two separate areas may lead to contrasting observations, demonstrating the geographic limitation of the interpretation of such results.

Relationships between malaria prevalence and malaria-related morbidity in school children from two villages in central Africa

To investigate the relationship between parasite prevalence and malaria-related morbidity, we carried out a comparative study among cohorts of school children from two villages, Dienga, Gabon, and Pouma, Cameroon, both located in malaria-endemic areas. Seven to 17 year-old children attending primary schools were similarly followed-up at each site to evaluate the frequency of malaria attacks. Follow-up involved daily temperature recording (and blood smears in the case of fever) and preparation of blood smears every two weeks. In Pouma, 186 children were followed-up for six months. In Dienga, 228 children were followed-up for nine months. The mean prevalence rate of Plasmodium falciparum infections (as assessed by the blood smears) was twice as high in Pouma compared with Dienga (45.2% versus 26.8%; P < 0.0001), whereas the monthly malaria attack rate (as assessed by the daily surveillance) was twice as high in Dienga compared with Pouma (21.5% versus 41.4%; P = 0.003). The possible implication of several parameters that may differ between the two areas, such as the malaria transmission level, the economical and social status of the inhabitants, the characteristics of infecting parasite strains, and the genetic background of the population, is discussed.

HLA class II polymorphism in a Gabonese Banzabi population

The HLA class II typing of 167 unrelated Gabonese individuals from the Banzabi ethnic group was assessed by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). The most frequent alleles at each locus were DRB1*1501-3 (0.31), DQA1*0102 (0.50), DQB1*0602 (0.42) and DPB1*0402 (0.29). The estimation of the haplotype frequencies as well as the observation of the segregation of several haplotypes using additional HLA typing of relatives, revealed that the three-locus haplotype DRB1*1501-3-DQA1*0102-DQB1*0602 was found at the highest frequency (0.31) among these individuals. This haplotype is not typically African and has already been described in Caucasians, but its presence at high frequency is exclusive to populations originating from Central Africa, and can thus be designated as a particular genetic marker of these populations.