Annona Glabra Research Articles

Preparation and Evaluation of Annona glabra L. Leaf Extract Contained Alginate Film for Burn Healing

Preparation and Evaluation of Annona glabra L. Leaf Extract Contained Alginate Film for Burn Healing

Nutrient Limitation in Two Everglades Tree Species Planted on Constructed Tree Islands

The Everglades is a low-nutrient ecosystem occupied by marsh plant species adapted to low avail- ability of phosphorus. Recently, however, tree islands that are scattered throughout the marsh have been recognized as biogeochemical hotspots. The goal of this study was to determine the general patterns of response by common tree species when conditions limiting to optimal growth were improved by fertilization in an experimentally con- structed and managed Everglades wetland. Thirty-six trees of two species, Annona glabra and Chrysobalanus icaco, were randomly selected on two peat- and two limestone-based islands. Each tree was treated with one of three nutrient regimes: Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), or Control (no addition of nutrients). Positive highly significant P-treatment effects on leaf total P and leaf N:P were observed in both species in comparison to Control trees, but neither species exhibited a similar response to N-fertilization. However, among the two species, only A. glabra responded to P-fertilization with increased growth. Both fertilized and unfertilized trees of each species exhibited a highly significant growth re- sponse to hydrological condition, with growth enhanced on less persistently flooded sites. Our experimental results identify a clear difference in species growth responses to substrate type in the two species, but do not support the idea that a single critical N:P ratio can be used to indicate nutrient limitation for all wetland trees.

Study on the volatile oil contents of Annona glabra L., Annona squamosa L., Annona muricata L. and Annona reticulata L., from Vietnam

The volatile compounds identified from four species of Annona from Vietnam are being reported. The oils were obtained from aliquots of plant samples by steam distillation and subjected to GC and GC–MS analysis. The main compounds of Annona glabra L., were β-caryophyllene (21.5%) germacrene D (17.7%), α-cadinol (5.4%) and β-elemene (5.2%). Annona squamosa L., comprised mainly of α-pinene (1.0–11.9%), limonene (0.8–11.7%), β-cubebene (0.5–13.0%), β-caryophyllene (11.6–24.5%), spathulenol (0.8–9.0%), caryophyllene oxide (1.0–10.6%) and α-cadinol (3.3–7.8%). The significant constituents of Annona muricata L., were α-pinene (9.4%), β-pinene (20.6%), ρ-mentha-2,4(8)-diene (9.8%), β-elemene (9.1%) and germacrene D (18.1%). However, camphene (0.2–6.6%), α-copaene (2.0–7.3%), β-elemene (5.9–16.6%), β-caryophyllene (8.3–14.9%), β-bisabolene (0.4–10.2%), δ-cadinene (1.7–4.8%) and germacrene D (9.3–22.8%) were the main compounds common to samples of Annona reticulata L. There were significant amounts of sabinene (11.2% and 2.7%; leaf and stem bark) and bicycloelemene (9.6% and 6.1%; stem and bark).

Isodesacetyluvaricin, an Annonaceous Acetogenin, Specifically Inhibits Gene Expression of Cyclooxygenase-2

Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) is an inducible isoform of the enzyme responsible for the synthesis of several inflammatory mediators. In a search for phytochemicals with anti-inflammatory activity, the COX-2 inhibitory activity of 15 typical Annonaceous acetogenins was examined. Isodesacetyluvaricin (1), from the Formosan tropical fruit tree Annona glabra, exhibited the most potent activity. Reverse transcription PCR was used to test the effect of 1 on epidermal growth factor-stimulated expression of COX-2 in cultures of A431 human epidermoid carcinoma cells. Three hours after exposure to 1 (5 μM), A431 cells had barely detectable levels of COX-2 mRNA. A corresponding but smaller decline in the COX-2 protein appeared on using Western blots. Lipopolysaccharide-stimulated expression of COX-2 in Raw 264.7 mouse leukemic monocyte-macrophages showed a similar decrease. Luciferase assays revealed that cells exposed to 1 had reduced activities of two COX-2 promoter-transcription factors: cAMP response element-binding factor and nuclear factor of activated T-cells. Compound 1 did not affect cell proliferation, as measured by a colorimetric assay, or intracellular store-operated calcium influx, as determined by fluorescence imaging. Thus, 1 may serve as a lead compound for targeting inflammatory diseases as well as angiogenesis and cancer metastasis.

Litterfall of tropical forested wetlands of Veracruz in the coastal floodplains of the Gulf of Mexico

Canopy productivity of five seasonally flooded forests in the central area of the Gulf of Mexico was estimated by measuring the litterfall. Productivity was estimated on a monthly basis from November 2005 to October 2006, and values ranged between 9 and 15tha−1yr−1. A total of 57 plant species were recorded based on the litter collected. The dominant species (Pachira aquatica, Annona glabra, Hippocratea celastroides and Dalbergia brownei) were the principal litterfall producers. The contribution of two life forms was assessed: trees (including trees, shrubs and palms) and lianas (climbers, lianas and creepers). Lianas were found to be extremely productive and represented between 8 and 62% of the total litterfall at the sampled locations. Leaves contributed most to the litter, followed by branches and reproductive structures. Fruit and seed fall coincided with the rainy season, and accounted for 50–90% of the production and shedding during the flooded season. Species that released seeds during this time had their seeds dispersed by water. Flower production occurred during the dry season (March–June). Species richness did not explain litterfall productivity. The litterfall productivity of these forests is similar to that of mangrove ecosystems.

Effect of different culture tube caps and concentrations of activated charcoal and sucrose on in vitro growth and budding induction of Annona glabra L.

The present work evaluated the effects of different types of culture flask seals and varying concentrations of sucrose and activated charcoal on the in vitro induction and growth of buds of Annona glabra L.; an edible fruit-producing species popularly known as "araticum". Nodal segments obtained from A. glabra plants maintained in green houses were surface sterilized and inoculated into a WPM culture medium solidified with 7 g L-1 of agar and supplemented with sucrose (0.00; 29.21; 58.63 and 116.84 mM), activated charcoal (0.0 and 2.0 g L-1), and 250 mg L-1 benomyl. In addition to the varying concentrations of sucrose and activated charcoal, we evaluated the efficiency of two types of test tube seals: PVC film, and cotton plugs. All possible combinations of caps and nutrient media were tested with 4 repetitions with 5 tubes each, evaluating the number of buds, the percentage of explant responses, the number of expanded leaves per bud, the length of the largest leaves, leaf abscission, and the length and dry weight of the buds. The type of seal influenced organogenesis in nodal segments of A. glabra, and no bud induction was observed in the absence of sucrose. The largest number of expanded leaves were obtained when 58.42 mM of sucrose was used in tubes sealed with cotton plugs, and leaf abscission was halved in the presence of activated charcoal. The greatest bud length and dry weight were obtained in tubes sealed with cotton plugs and in the presence of activated charcoal.

Leaf Gas Exchange and Damage of Mahogany and Pond Apple Trees from AdultDiaprepes abbreviatus(Coleoptera: Curculionidae) Feeding and Soil Flooding

ABSTRACT The effects of feeding on leaves by adult Diaprepes root weevil, Diaprepes abbreviatus L. (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), and flooding on leaf gas exchange [net CO2 assimilation (A), transpiration (E), and stomatal conductance (gs)], plant growth (root, stem, leaf, and total plant dry weights, stem diameter, and plant height) and adult host plant preference (feeding damage and oviposition) were determined on mahogany, Swietenia mahagoni Jacq., and pond apple, Annona glabra L., trees in outdoor screen cages. Flooding reduced leaf gas exchange, plant growth, and D. abbreviatus feeding damage of mahogany trees. Leaf gas exchange of infested and non-infested trees of both mahogany and pond apple were similar except for one measurement date for mahogany. Leaf dry weights were greater for non-infested than infested mahogany trees. There was no effect of infestation on dry weights of pond apple trees. Based on feeding injury to leaves, adults preferred non-flooded to flooded mahogany trees. The lack of res...

Floristic composition and soil characteristics of tropical freshwater forested wetlands of Veracruz on the coastal plain of the Gulf of Mexico

We studied the influence of geomorphological setting and soil properties on the vegetation structure, composition and diversity of five forested coastal wetlands in Veracruz on the Gulf of Mexico. These swamps are located on floodplains and in dune depressions. We recorded 109 woody and herbaceous species. The most frequent species were the trees Pachira aquatica, Annona glabra, Diospyros digyna and Ficus insipida subsp. insipida, the lianas Dalbergia brownei and Hippocratea celastroides and the hemi-epiphyte Syngonium podophyllum. The Shannon- H diversity index varied from 2.659 to 3.373, density from 1750 to 2289 stems ha −1 and basal area from 32.7 to 76.42 m 2 ha −1. The classification analysis defined two groups: one corresponded to forested wetlands along the floodplain (Apompal, Cienaga, Chica) and the other included Mancha and Salado, in dune depressions. PCA ordination of soil parameters during the rainy season explained 67.0% and during the dry season 69.1% of the total variance. In the rainy season Mancha and Salado samples remain close together because they have lower Mg, Na, K, % Total C and % Total N values. Apompal and Chica samples remain close to each other because of their high levels of % Total C, % Total N, Mg, Na and high soil water content. Cienaga samples are separated from the others because of high values of P, Ca and Eh as well as high water levels. In general, soil parameter ordination during the dry season showed that redox potential, P, water level and water content decreased in the forested wetlands and Na values increased in Chica. The soil textures identified were clay, sandy clay loam, sandy loam and clay loam; clay texture dominated alluvial processes in the floodplain (e.g., Cienaga). The forested wetlands in the floodplains had similar vegetation and the same happened in the dune depressions but soil characteristics were more variable in both cases. Plant diversity in floodplains tends to be relatively high, and the presence of adjacent tropical forests probably increases its richness, except in cases in which there are stressing factors, such as salinity. The forested wetlands studied showed dominant floristic elements, which extend north into Florida such as A. glabra and Ficus aurea. Other dominant elements such as P. aquatica are also found in Central and South America. The forested wetlands studied are subjected to continuous deforestation to transform the land into farming or ranching activities, this being a common practice throughout the distribution range of these forests.

Effect of different carbon sources on the in vitro multiplication of Annona sp.

The Annonaceae family comprises approximately 2.300 species, some with significant commercial value. Although commercial plantations have suffered due to problems related to seedling production. As micropropagation is a viable technique for seedling production, the present work evaluated the effects of different carbon sources on in vitro bud induction in five Annonaceae species. Nodal segments obtained from plants of the Annona glabra, A. cauliflora, A. coriacea, A. bahiensis and Rollinia silvatica species were inoculated into solid WPM culture medium with 8.87 μM BAP, 0.86 mM of benomyl, and 87.64 mM of the following carbon sources: glucose, sucrose, fructose, galactose, sorbitol and maltose. We evaluated the buds number, the length and weight of the largest bud, the number of expanded leaves per bud, the length of the largest leaf and the dry matter of the buds. No significant difference was observed among the different carbon sources used in terms of the number of produced buds; however, the length of the largest bud, the number of expanded leaves, the length of the largest leaf, and dry weight of the buds presented significant difference according to the studied speciesas well as the carbon sources used, with the lowest value being obtained with sorbitol. The results obtained here indicated that, except for sorbitol, any of the carbohydrates tested could be used in the in vitro multiplication protocols for A. bahiensis, A. cauliflora, A. coriacea, A. glabra and R. silvatica.

Effects of an Epiphytic Orchid on Arboreal Ant Community Structure in Panama

ABSTRACTEpiphytes are conspicuous structural elements of tropical forest canopies. Individual tree crowns in lowland forests may support more than 30 ant species, yet we know little about the effects of epiphytes on ant diversity. We examined the composition of arboreal ant communities onAnnona glabratrees and their interactions with the epiphytic orchidCaularthron bilamellatumin Panama. We surveyed the ants on 73 trees (45 withC. bilamellatumand 28 lacking epiphytes) and recorded their nest sites and behavioral dominance at baits. We found a total of 49 ant species (in 20 genera), ranging 1–9 species per tree. Trees withC. bilamellatumhad higher average (±SD) ant species richness (4.2±2.28) than trees without epiphytes (2.7±1.21). Hollow pseudobulbs (PBs) ofC. bilamellatumwere used as nest sites by 32 ant species, but only 43 percent of suitable PBs were occupied. Ant species richness increased with PB abundance in trees, but nest sites did not appear to be a limiting resource onA. glabra. We detected no close association between ants and the orchid. We conclude that higher ant species richness in the presence of the orchid is due to bottom‐up effects, especially the year‐round supply of extrafloral nectar. The structure of ant communities onA. glabrapartly reflects interference competition among behaviorally dominant species and stochastic factors, as observed in other forests.

Evaluating the efficacy of the EZ-Ject herbicide system in Queensland, Australia

The EZ-Ject herbicide system was evaluated as a stem injection method for controlling woody weeds in a range of situations where traditional chemical application methods have limited scope. The equipment was trialled on three Queensland weed species; pond apple (Annona glabra), velvety tree pear (Opuntia tomentosa) and yellow oleander (Cascabela thevetia); at five different cartridge densities (0, 1, 2, 3 and 4) and with two herbicides (glyphosate and imazapyr). Cartridges filled with imazapyr were significantly more effective at controlling the three woody weed species than those filled with glyphosate. Injecting plants with three imazapyr cartridges resulted in plant kills ranging from 93 to 100%, compared with glyphosate kills of 17 to 100%. Pond apple was the most susceptible species, requiring one imazapyr cartridge or two glyphosate cartridges to kill 97 and 92% of the treated plants. Plant mortality increased as the number of cartridges injected increased. Mortality did not differ significantly for treatments receiving three and four imazapyr cartridges, as these cartridge densities met the criterion of injecting one cartridge per 10-cm basal circumference, a criterion recommended by the manufacturers for treating large plants (>6.35 cm in diameter at breast height). The cost of treating a weed infestation of 1500 plants ha–1 with three cartridges per tree is $1070 ha–1, with labour costs accounting for 16% of the total. The high chemical costs would preclude this technique from broad-scale use, but the method could have application for treating woody weeds in sensitive, high conservation areas.

Influence of flask sealing and activated charcoal on the morphogenesis and leaf anatomy of Annona glabra (Annonaceae) cultured in vitro

This study evaluated the effects of the type of tube closure and the use of activated charcoal in the morphogenesis and leaf anatomy of Annona glabra (Annonaceae). Nodal segments of A. glabra were inoculated in WPM medium supplemented with 30 g l-1 sucrose and five concentrations of activated charcoal (0, 1, 2, 3 and 4 g l-1). During in vitro culture, nodal segments were kept in test tubes closed in one of three ways: plastic cap sealed with PVC wrap, plastic cap without a PVC wrap and cotton plug. The results showed that the shoots obtained in tubes closed with a plastic cap without a PVC wrap or sealed with a cotton plug had increased growth compared to those obtained in tubes sealed with a plastic cap and a PVC wrap. The presence of activated charcoal caused a reduction of leaf abscission and influenced the anatomical development of the shoots in the tubes sealed with a cotton plug and sealed with a plastic cap without a PVC wrap. The highest means for leaf tissue thickness were obtained from the shoots kept in closed tubes with a plastic lid and a PVC wrap in the absence of activated charcoal.

Effects of cytokinins on in vitro mineral accumulation and bud development in Annona glabra L.

Annona glabra is a tropical species that has significant agronomic potential in terms of furnishing fruits for in natura consumption and for the production of phyto-pharmaceuticals. In vitro cultivation has been considered the most promising form of propagation for this species, although large scale utilization of this technique is currently limited by high rates of leaf abscission, reduced rates of explant multiplication and slow bud growth. The present work evaluated the effects of different cytokinins on mineral accumulation in shoots of A. glabra cultivated in vitro, and their effects on growth and survival of these plants. Buds of A. glabra were cultivated in Wood Plant Medium (WPM) in the presence of 6-benzilaminopurine (BAP), thidiazuron (TDZ), kinetin (KIN), and zeatin (ZEA). KIN and BAP use resulted in the greatest growth, largest accumulation of dry mass and leaf area development, as well as the greatest survival rate during in vitro cultivation of this species. All cytokinins tested stimulated large accumulations of nitrogen and boron in shoots, but diminished levels of calcium as compared to controls.

Characterization of Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitory Constituents from Annona glabra Assisted by HPLC Microfractionation

The active fraction of the EtOH extract of the stem of Annona glabra against acetylcholinesterase (AChE) was analyzed by combining HPLC microfractionation with a bioassay. The analytical-scale sample was fractionated by HPLC-DAD into 96-well microplates, which, after evaporation, were assayed against AChE. The active subfractions were scaled up by separation over semipreparative HPLC to give 20 compounds. Four of these, (7S,14S)-(-)-N-methyl-10-O-demethylxylopinine salt (3), S-(-)-7,8-didehydro-10-O-demethylxylopininium salt (10), S-(-)-7,8-didehydrocorydalminium salt (11), and 5-O-methylmarcanine D (17), were assigned as new natural products. In addition, compounds 10 and 11 represent the first natural occurrence of 7,8-didehydroprotoberberines. Compound 3, pseudocolumbamine (12), palmatine (15), and pseudopalmatine (16) showed anti-AChE IC50 values of 8.4, 5.0, 0.4, and 1.8 μM, respectively.

The novel squamosamide derivative FLZ enhances BDNF/TrkB/CREB signaling and inhibits neuronal apoptosis in APP/PS1 mice

The aim of this study was to study the effects of compound FLZ, a novel cyclic derivative of squamosamide from Annona glabra, on brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)/tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB)/cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) signaling and neuronal apoptosis in the hippocampus of the amyloid precursor protein (APP)/presenilin-1 (PS1) double transgenic mice. APP/PS1 mice at the age of 5 months and age-matched wild-type mice (WT) were intragastrically administered FLZ (150 mg/kg) or vehicle [0.05% carboxymethyl cellulose sodium (CMC-Na)] daily for 20 weeks. The levels of BDNF in the hippocampus of WT and APP/PS1 mice were then measured by immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis. Neuronal apoptosis in mouse hippocampus was detected by Nissl staining. Expression of NGF, NT3, pTrkB (Tyr515)/TrkB, pAkt (Ser473)/Akt, pERK/ERK, pCREB (Ser133)/CREB, Bcl-2/Bax, and active caspase-3 fragment/caspase-3 in the hippocampus of WT and APP/PS1 mice was detected by Western blot analysis. Compared with vehicle-treated APP/PS1 mice, FLZ (150 mg/kg) significantly increased BDNF and NT3 expression in the hippocampus of APP/PS1 mice. In addition, FLZ promoted BDNF high-affinity receptor TrkB phosphorylation and activated its downstream ERK, thus increasing phosphorylation of CREB at Ser133 in the hippocampus of APP/PS1 mice. Moreover, FLZ showed neuroprotective effects on neuronal apoptosis by increasing the Bcl-2/Bax ratio and decreasing the active caspase-3 fragment/caspase-3 ratio in the hippocampus of APP/PS1 mice. FLZ exerted neuroprotection at least partly through enhancing the BDNF/TrkB/CREB pathway and inhibiting neuronal apoptosis in APP/PS1 mice, which suggests that FLZ can be explored as a potential therapeutic agent in long-term Alzheimer's disease therapy.

Screening anti-AChE constituents from the leaves of Annona glabra Linn using HPLC micro-fractionation hyphenated with bioassay system

Screening anti-AChE constituents from the leaves of Annona glabra Linn using HPLC micro-fractionation hyphenated with bioassay system

Effects of Herbivory by <I>Diaprepes abbreviatus</I> (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) Larvae on Four Woody Ornamental Plant Species

The hypothesis that herbivory by Diaprepes root weevil larvae reduces leaf gas exchange and biomass was tested on buttonwood (Conocarpus erectus L.), Surinam cherry (Eugenia uniflora L.), mahogany (Swietenia mahagoni Jacq.), and pond apple (Annona glabra L). For Surinam cherry, net CO2 assimilation, transpiration, and stomatal conductance, but not internal CO2 concentration (collectively referred to as leaf gas exchange values), were 7-32% higher in noninfested than infested plants. For buttonwood, all four gas exchange values were 10-54% higher for noninfested than infested plants 3 h after infestation with large, seventh-instar larvae. However, by 4 wk after this infestation, net CO2 assimilation, transpiration, and stomatal conductance, but not internal CO2 concentration, were 11-37% higher for infested than for noninfested plants. For mahogany and pond apple, there were few or no significant differences in leaf gas exchange values between infested and noninfested plants. For all species, mean shoot and root fresh and dry weights were higher for noninfested than infested plants, with the differences most significant for buttonwood (37-85% higher), followed by Surinam cherry (37-143% higher), mahogany (49-84% higher), and pond apple (24-46% higher), which had no significant differences. There were significant differences among plant species in mean head capsule widths, thus larval instars, of larvae recovered from soil with the largest larvae from Surinam cherry (2.59 +/- 0.19 mm) and the smallest from mahogany (2.29 +/- 0.06 mm). Based on differences in leaf gas exchange and plant biomass between infested and noninfested plants of the four species tested, buttonwood and Surinam cherry are the most vulnerable to feeding by Diaprepes larvae followed by mahogany then pond apple.

The olfactory component of floral display in Asimina and Deeringothamnus (Annonaceae)

Floral scent is a key component of floral display, and probably one of the first floral attractants linking insect pollinators to the radiation of Angiosperms. In this article, we investigate floral scent in two extra-tropical genera of Annonaceae. We discuss floral scent in the context of differing pollination strategies in these genera, and compare their scent to that of a close tropical relative. Floral volatiles were collected for Annona glabra, Asimina and Deeringothamnus whole flowers and dissected floral organs, using a standardized static-headspace solid phase microextraction method. Scents were analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, and identified using known standards. The floral scents of these species are highly dynamic, varying between floral organs, sexual stages and species. Maroon-flowered species of Asimina produce 'yeasty' odors, dominated by fermentation volatiles and occasionally containing sulfurous or nitrogenous compounds. White-flowered species of Asimina and Deeringothamnus produce pleasant odors characterized by lilac compounds, benzenoids and hydrocarbons. Annona glabra produces a strong, fruity-acetonic scent dominated by 3-pentanyl acetate and 1,8-cineole. The fermented/decaying scents of maroon-flowered species of Asimina suggest mimicry-based pollination strategies similar to aroids and stapeliads, whereas the pleasant scents of white-flowered species of Asimina suggest honest, reward-based pollination strategies. The scent of Annona glabra is typical of specialized beetle pollination systems common to tropical Annonaceae.

Germinación de semillas y clave para la identificación de plántulas de seis especies arbóreas nativas de humedales del sureste de México

Wetland tree species are of importance for economic and restoration purposes. We describe the germination process and seedling morphology of six arboreal native species typical of Southeastern Mexico: Annona glabra, Ceiba pentandra, Pachira aquatica, Haematoxylum campechianum, Coccoloba barbadensis and Crataeva tapia. A total of 300 seeds per species were planted in a mixture of sand, cocoa plant husk and black soil (1:1:1), and maintained in a tree nursery with 30% artificial shade, from February to November of 2007. We carried out the morphological characterization, and elaborated a key to seedlings based on: 1) germination type 2) seedling axis and 3) leaf elements. P. aquatica has cryptocotylar hypogeal germination, the others have phanerocotylar epigeal germination. Germination rates were high (>86%), except for C. barbadensis (69%).

Potencial antiinflamatório de Annona glabra, Annonaceae

Annona glabra Linneau, Annonaceae, e uma arvore de pequeno porte encontrada em todo territorio brasileiro, principalmente nas areas costeiras e conhecida popularmente como araticum-do-brejo e araticum-bravo. Este trabalho teve como objetivos investigar os efeitos do extrato de A. glabra e do acido caurenoico dele purificado sobre a migracao de granulocitos humanos e seu potencial imunomodulatorio. Os resultados demonstraram que o extrato de A. glabra inibe a migracao natural de granulocitos, de acordo com a dose, sugerindo potencial antiinflamatorio, enquanto o acido caurenoico demonstrou estimula-la de forma significativa. Em contraste, nenhum efeito foi observado com relacao a imunomodulacao. Os efeitos apresentados ainda nao foram descritos e, dessa forma, contribuem para ampliar a lista de atividades biologicas descritas nao so do extrato de A. glabra, como tambem para o acido caurenoico.