Diversity of <i>Hoya</i> Species across Three Plantation Landscapes in Jember Regency and the Phytochemical and Antioxidant Potential of <i>Hoya lacunosa</i> Blume

The Genus Hoya (Apocynaceae: Asclepiadoideae) is being appreciated as exotic ornamental plant in Europe, USA and Australia, while in Indonesia as the country of origin still neglected. Indonesia was predicted have the highest Hoya species diversity (about 60 species from 150 species in the world). Among the major Islands in Indonesia, Kalimantan was predicted have the highest diversity in Hoya species. The inventory of the species has been done in the Bukit Batikap Sanctuary Forest, Muller Mountain in Central Kalimantan. Nine Hoya species of about thirties species in Kalimantan were found in Bukit Batikap, namely: H. coronaria Blume, H. cf. erythrostemma Kerr., H. latifolia G. Don., H. mitrata Kerr., H. nummularioides Const., H. pusilla Rintz, H. revoluta Wight, H. scortechinii King & Gamble, and Hoya cf. vaccinioides Hook.f. © 2006 Jurusan Biologi FMIPA UNS SurakartaKey words: Hoya, diversity, Bukit Batikap, Muller Mountain, Kalimantan

In the tropical rainforests of Jambi, Sumatera, a particular group of epiphytes, species in the genus Hoya, have significant potential to be developed as commercially valuable ornamental plants, because of the uniqueness and beauty of their flowers. Hoya spp. are epiphytic vines whose survival depends largely on the presence of carrier trees, i.e. phorophyte trees. The study reported here was conducted to identify the level of epiphytic association between phorophyte trees and identified Hoya species. The study found four Hoya species, namely: Hoya rintzii, Hoya revoluta, Hoya coronaria, and Hoya cf. caudata. The four species of Hoya were found growing on eleven different species of phorophyte trees. Based on the results of t-contingency tables it was found that there is no association between particular Hoya species and the particular phorophyte tree species. This conclusion was supported by the calculation of Jaccard association indices demonstrating that the association between Hoya spp. and phorophyte tree species is relatively weak. Crown cover and the diameter of the tree are two habitat variables that affect the presence of Hoya revoluta at the sites. The presence of Hoya caudata was influenced by the variable temperature, while the presence of Hoya coronaria was associated with humidity, but the degree of association was relatively weak. The most significant variables affecting the presence of Hoya rintzii were tree height and elevation.Key word: association, ephyphites, Hoya spp, phorophyte.

GC–MS profiling and in silico prediction of MAPK receptor activation by fatty acids of watercress oil for hair growth marketed in Saudi Arabia

Background: Holarrhena antidysenterica (L.) is a medicinal plant widely recognized for its therapeutic applications in traditional medicine. It is commonly used to treat gastrointestinal disorders, infections, and inflammatory conditions. The bark is traditionally considered the most potent part of the plant. Aim of the Study: While its pharmacological properties have been explored, a detailed GC-MS-based analysis of the bark extract remains limited. This study aims to identify and characterize the volatile and semi-volatile bioactive compounds in the 80% ethanol extract of H. antidysenterica bark using Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). Materials and Methods: The bioactive compounds from the bark were extracted using 80% ethanol via maceration and subjected to GC-MS analysis using an Agilent 8890 GC system coupled with a 5977 MSD. The separation was performed on an HP-5ms Ultra Inert capillary column, with helium as the carrier gas. Compound identification was achieved by matching mass spectra with the NIST17 library. Results: GC-MS analysis identified 15 bioactive compounds, including phenolic acids and derivatives (trans-cinnamic acid, vanillic acid, p-coumaric acid), apocynin, sterols (γ-sitosterol), and fatty acids and esters (n-hexadecanoic acid, 9,12-octadecadienoic acid, ethyl ester). These compounds are known for their antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and pharmacological properties, reinforcing the medicinal value of H. antidysenterica. Conclusions: This study provides a detailed GC-MS profile of H. antidysenterica bark extract, highlighting its bioactive potential in pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals. The presence of phenolic acids, sterols, and fatty acids suggests its therapeutic relevance. Further in vitro and in vivo studies are recommended to validate its pharmacological effects.

Background: H. umbellata contains alkaloids, cardiac glycosides, flavonoids, tannins, phytobatanins, terpenoids, and fatty acids such as palmitic, myristic, and stearic acids, compounds recognized for their diverse bioactivities, including antimicrobial effects. Despite advances, there remains a critical gap in knowledge regarding the anti-ulcer properties of the methanol crude extract of H. umbellata seeds, in conjunction with its GC–MS chemical profile and acute toxicity. Aim: This study aimed to identify bioactive constituents, determine acute toxicity, and evaluate the anti-ulcer activity of the methanol seed extract of Hunteria umbellata, a plant traditionally used for treating gastrointestinal disorders. Methodology: This is an experimental laboratory study involving phytochemical, toxicological, and pharmacological evaluations. The study was conducted at the Department of Chemistry and Laboratory Animal Production Unit, Department of Zoology and Environmental Biology, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Nigeria, from May 2023 to October 2023. Air-dried H. umbellata seeds were extracted with methanol using cold maceration. The extract was analysed using Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC–MS) to identify bioactive compounds. Acute toxicity was assessed in Wistar rats following Lorke’s method, while anti-ulcer activity was evaluated using an ethanol-induced gastric ulcer model. Rats were divided into five groups: normal control, negative control (ethanol only), standard drug (Omeprazole 20 mg/kg), and two test groups receiving 400 mg/kg and 800 mg/kg of the extract, respectively. Ulcer parameters, including ulcer number, ulcer score, ulcer index, ulcer percentage, and percentage inhibition, were evaluated. Data were analysed using one-way ANOVA at p < 0.05. Results: GC–MS analysis revealed fourteen bioactive constituents, with trans-2,7-dimethyl-4,6-octadien-2-ol (20.59%), citral (18.92%), and 2,6-octadienal, 3,7-dimethyl-(Z) (12.86%) as the major compounds. Acute toxicity testing showed no mortality or visible signs of toxicity up to 5000 mg/kg, indicating a high safety margin. The extract significantly reduced ulcer parameters compared to the ulcer control, with ulcer inhibition rates of 20.85% and 20.62% at 400 and 800 mg/kg, respectively, though slightly lower than Omeprazole (27.68%). Conclusion: The methanol seed extract of Hunteria umbellata demonstrated strong anti-ulcer potential and safety in rats, supporting its traditional use in managing gastric disorders. Further studies should isolate and characterise the active compounds responsible for these pharmacological effects.

Background Mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue, chikungunya, and Zika virus pose persistent global health threats, necessitating environmentally friendly vector control strategies. This study investigates the insecticidal potential of methanolic extracts of Pisonia alba leaves against Aedes aegypti larvae and pupae, highlighting their role in reducing reliance on conventional chemical pesticides. Methods Leaves of P. alba were extracted using methanol, followed by fractionation via column chromatography, which produced 80 fractions later combined into 13 groups based on thin-layer chromatography (TLC) profiles. Bioassays were conducted at concentrations of 2.5, 5.0, 7.5, and 10 ppm, with Azadirachtin as the positive control and 1% aqueous DMSO as the negative control. The most active fractions were further analyzed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) and evaluated using molecular docking studies. Results Fractions VII and XIII exhibited the highest larvicidal and pupicidal activities. The LC50 for fraction VII was 2.78 ppm (larvae), while for fraction XIII, it was 3.265 ppm (pupae). GC–MS analysis revealed the presence of several phytochemicals with potential bioactivity. Molecular docking confirmed the interaction of identified compounds with insect-specific molecular targets, supporting their potential as bioinsecticidal agents. Conclusion Pisonia alba leaf extracts demonstrate significant larvicidal and pupicidal activity against Aedes aegypti, with fractions VII and XIII showing the highest efficacy. Integration of bioassays, GC–MS profiling, and molecular docking provides a comprehensive framework for identifying promising plant-based compounds. These findings support further development of biopesticide formulations for sustainable mosquito control. This study provides foundational evidence for the development of P. alba-based bioinsecticides, highlighting their potential to reduce reliance on conventional chemical pesticides and contribute to eco-friendly vector management strategies.

Objective:This study explores the bioactive compounds in Haematococcus pluvialis and their potential as anti-acne agents through gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis and disc diffusion assays.Materials and Methods:3.3 gm of H. pluvialis was extracted and tested against three acne-causing pathogens: Propionibacterium acnes, Staphylococcus aureus, and Staphylococcus epidermidis, under varying extract concentrations.Results:The GC–MS analysis detected several bioactive compounds in the extract, including fatty acids (e.g., n-hexadecanoic acid and linoleic acid esters), polysaccharides, vitamins, aromatic compounds, and diterpenoids. Fatty acids and vitamin compounds dominated, comprising 72.20% of the extract, with alpha-tocopherol and its derivatives as prominent components. Antimicrobial activity was assessed using the disc-diffusion method. The extract demonstrated notable antibacterial effects, particularly at 10 ppm, achieving inhibition zones of 18.0 ± 2.0 mm against P. acnes, 19.9 ± 1.7 mm against S. aureus, and 19.5 ± 4.7 mm against S. epidermidis. These zones of inhibition were classified as intermediate.Conclusion:The results indicate that microalgae from the Chlorophyceae class are more effective against Gram-positive than Gram-negative bacteria. These findings emphasize the potential of bioactive compounds as anti-acne agents, suggesting they could serve as substitutes for antibiotics.

BackgroundNeurodegenerative disorders (NDDs) are associated with increased activities of brain acetylcholinesterase (AChE), butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) and monoamine oxidase (MAO) as well as Aβ-amyloid (Aβ) neurotoxicity; therefore, they offer a therapeutic option for the treatment of NDDs such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD). This study was aimed at identifying multi-targeting neurotherapeutics from Gongronema latifolium leaves using in vitro analysis, GC–MS profiling and computational methods.ResultsThe n-hexane solvent partition fraction of the methanol extract of Gongronema latifolium leaf (HF) exhibited concentration-dependent inhibitory activities against acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase but not against MOA in vitro. The GC–MS chemical profiling identified 17 phytochemicals from the HF; these were further screened against human AChE, BChE, β-secretase enzyme (BACE1) and amyloid-β (Aβ) fibrils using molecular docking, ensemble-based docking (EBD), molecular dynamics simulation (MDs) and binding free energy (BFG) coupled with predictive adsorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion and toxicity (ADMET) analysis. The lead phytochemicals (LPs) (dihydroactinidiolide and 1H-Indole-3-ethanamine), with mean binding energies (− 6.525 ± 0.895 and 6.475 ± 0.985; − 6.833 ± 0.461 and − 6.466 ± 0.577; − 6.2 ± 0.845 and − 5.95 ± 0.353 kcal/mol) exhibited multi-target binding tendencies to the catalytic residues of hAChE, hBChE and hBACE1, in addition to hAβ fibril-disruptive tendencies (− 6.325 ± 0.545 and − 5.95 ± 0.353 kcal/mol), respectively. These results corroborated the initial molecular docking and BFG computations. The lead phytochemical–protein complexes were stable during the period of MDs. The LP presented favorable drug-likeness and ADMET properties coupled with the capacity to traverse the BBB.ConclusionDihydroactinidiolide and 1H-Indole-3-ethanamine, in part or in synergy, are identified as neurotherapeutic constituents of Gongronema latifolium that may have been responsible for the ethnopharmacologically reported neurotherapeutic activities of the leaf, and hence they are suggested as potential drug candidates that can be useful for managing or treating neurodegenerative disease such as Alzheimer's disease, subject to further investigation.

Studies to assess the floral diversity in Salix fragilis L. plantation in cold desert of Spiti valley of North-West Himalayas was carried during August 2005. The plantation and control sites were surveyed for floristic composition, distribution pattern, species diversity and dominance. Maximum plant diversity was recorded in plantation site and minimum in control site. Majority of the plant species were contiguously distributed in both sites. In biological spectra hemicryptophytes dominate the plantation site whereas therophytes dominate the control site. The findings of the present investigation indicate that Salix fragilis plantation definitely improve the micro-habitat conditions under their canopy and accordingly enhance the floral diversity in plantation site. So afforestation of cold desert areas through site-specific tree species will help in enhancing the floral diversity of the area.

The genus Hoya (Family: Apocynaceae) has more than 500 species, comprising mainly of epiphytes and geographically distributed in South America, Southeast Asia, Indo-Malesia and Australian regions. Most of the species are cultivated for their ornamental, aromatic and showy flowers. Philippines is one of the countries with the highest diversity of Hoya species. As seed setting is very rare in most of the species, it necessitated the development of conservation strategies through ex situ conservation methods using vegetative or micropropagation techniques. Present chapter provides detailed information on the traditional uses, phytoconstituents, conservation status and micropropagation studies of the ornamental and medicinally important genus Hoya.

The black mulberry ( Morus nigra L.), a member of the Moraceae family, is a resilient plant known for thriving in diverse climates. It is valued for its rich composition of both primary and secondary metabolites, which contribute to a wide range of health benefits. Among the most significant of these are anthocyanins, which are responsible for the plant's antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties. Traditionally, Morus nigra has been widely used in Chinese and Indian medicine to treat a variety of conditions, including diabetes, hypertension, and neurodegenerative diseases. Recent scientific studies have supported these traditional uses, highlighting the plant's potential in modern medicine. Specifically, Morus nigra has demonstrated positive effects on cardiovascular health, blood sugar regulation, and tissue protection. The fruit of the mulberry is rich in primary metabolites such as carbohydrates, proteins, and essential fatty acids, enhancing its nutritional value. Secondary metabolites, including flavonoids and phenolic compounds, are particularly important for their role in reducing oxidative stress and inflammation. Additionally, Morus nigra has shown promising antidiabetic and antihyperlipidemic effects, influencing metabolic pathways related to insulin resistance and lipid regulation. Despite its many health benefits, caution is needed when using Morus nigra in supplement form, particularly in high doses. While the fruit is generally safe for consumption, studies on leaf extracts have revealed potential toxicity at elevated doses, emphasizing the need for careful dosage. Further research is essential to determine optimal intake levels and fully explore the plant's pharmacological potential.

Effect of blue light on primary metabolite and volatile compound profiling in the peel of red pitaya

Ephedrae Herba (EH) is the terrestrial stem of Ephedra sinica Stapf, E. intermedia Schrenk et C. A. Mey., or E. equisetina Bge, which has been used as a diaphoretic, antiasthmatic, and diuretic. Honey-processed EH (HEH) is a widely used traditional Chinese medicine, and has a better effect of dispersing lung qi and relieving asthma and a lower effect of dispelling cold than raw EH (REH). To understand the differences in volatile oils and primary metabolites between REH and honey-processed HEH, and to provide a reference for elucidating the mechanism behind the effect of this processing. A system data acquisition and mining strategy was designed to investigate the differences in volatiles and primary metabolites between the REH and HEH, based on GC-MS coupled with multivariate statistical analysis, including principal component analysis and orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis. Overall, 15 volatile oils and 14 primary metabolites were shown to be potential characteristic markers differentiating REH and HEH. The results may provide a scientific foundation for comprehensively revealing the honey-processing mechanism of EH. Volatile oils and primary metabolites were used to distinguish REH and HEH and elucidate the processing mechanism of EH for the first time.

The extraction of crude drugs by using different solvents provides polarity-based fractions containing specific types of secondary metabolites. Averrhoa carambola L. fruits were extracted and fractionated, and petroleum ether extract was processed by fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) technique for characterization by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis. The remaining part was extracted with methanol for high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) analysis, for simultaneous quantitative determination of gallic acid, protocatechuic acid, and quercetin in methanolic fractions. Petroleum ether and methanol fractions were found to be the best for the highest possible recovery of target analytes. The chromatographic elutions of FAME compounds generated from ether extract were evaluated by GC–MS profiling. Ten fatty acid compounds were separated with the highest quantity of oleic acid methyl ester (42.88%). On other hand, polar fraction was processed by HPTLC profiling. For achieving good separation, a mobile phase of toluene–ethyl acetate–formic acid (5:4:1, v/v) was used. The densitometric determination was carried out at 310 nm in reflection–absorption mode. The calibration curves were linear in the range of 100–600 ng per spot for gallic acid, protocatechuic acid, and quercetin. During the analysis, the dried raw material from A. carambola L. fruits showed the presence of gallic acid (0.96%), protocatechuic acid (0.05%), and quercetin (0.40%). The proposed method is simple, precise, specific, and accurate. The statistical analysis of the data obtained proves that the method is reproducible and selective and can be used for the routine analysis of the reported phenolic compounds in crude drug and extracts. The results indicated that the methanolic extracts of the plant contained a considerable amount of bioactive compounds. The presence of phytochemicals especially phenolics and flavonoids explains its use in various diseases. It may be concluded that the results obtained from the quantitative evaluation of quercetin by HPTLC fingerprinting could be useful in its authentication, the quality control of the drug, and in ensuring therapeutic efficacy.

Extraction of crude drugs by using different solvents provides polarity-based fractions containing specific type of secondary metabolites. Carissa carandas L. fruits were extracted and fractionated, petroleum ether extract was processed by a fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) technique for characterization by gas chromatography—mass spectrometry (GC—MS) analysis, and the remaining part was extracted with methanol for high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) analysis, followed by simultaneous quantitative determination of protocatechuic acid and quercetin in methanolic fractions. A validated method for the simultaneous quantification of protocatechuic acid and quercetin was developed and is being reported for the first time in C. carandas L. fruits to the best of our knowledge. Petroleum ether and methanol fractions were found to be the best for the highest possible recovery of targeted analytes. Chromatographic elution of FAME compounds generated from petroleum ether extract was evaluated by GC—MS profiling. Nineteen fatty acid compounds were separated with the highest quantity of octacosanal (13.31%). On the other hand, a polar fraction was processed by HPTLC profiling. For achieving good separation, a mobile phase of toluene-ethyl acetate-formic acid (6:3:1; V/V) was used. Densitometric determination was carried out at 310 nm in the reflection/absorption mode. The calibration curves were linear in the range of 100–600 ng per spot for protocatechuic acid and quercetin. During the analysis, the dried raw material from C. carandas L. fruits showed the presence of protocatechuic acid (0.04%) and quercetin (0.05%). The proposed method is simple, precise, specific, and accurate. The statistical analysis of the data obtained proves that the method is reproducible and selective, which can be used for the routine analysis of the reported phenolic compounds in crude drug and extracts. The simultaneous quantification of these phenolic compounds has not yet been reported in C. carandas L. fruits which may be utilized for the proper standardization of the drug.