Annonaceae Research Articles

Research Progress on Sesquiterpene Compounds from Artabotrys Plants of Annonaceae.

Artabotrys, a pivotal genus within the Annonaceae family, is renowned for its extensive biological significance and medicinal potential. The genus's sesquiterpene compounds have attracted considerable interest from the scientific community due to their structural complexity and diverse biological activities. These compounds exhibit a range of biological activities, including antimalarial, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory analgesic, and anti-tumor properties, positioning them as promising candidates for medical applications. This review aims to summarize the current knowledge on the variety, species, and structural characteristics of sesquiterpene compounds isolated from Artabotrys plants. Furthermore, it delves into their pharmacological activities and underlying mechanisms, offering a comprehensive foundation for future research.

Uncovering the Power of HSCCC: Separation of Diastereomeric and Regioisomeric Styrylpyrones from the Stem Bark of Goniothalamus leiocarpus.

The plant Goniothalamus leiocarpus of the Annonaceae family is used as an alternative medicine in tropical regions. Applying high-speed counter current chromatography (HSCCC), eight new bioactive styrylpyrone isomers, including 6R,7S,8R,2'S-goniolactone B (1), 6S,7S,8S,2'S-goniolactone B (2), 6R,7R,8R,2'S-goniolactone B (3), 6R,7S,8S,2'S-goniolactone C (4), 6R,7S,8R,2'S-goniolactone C (5), 6S,7R,8S,2'S-goniolactone C (6), and two positional isomers, 6R,7R,8R,2'S-goniolactone G (7) and 6S,7R,8R,2'S-goniolactone G (8), were isolated from a chloroform fraction (2.1 g) of G. leiocarpus, which had a prominent spot by TLC analysis. The structures of the new compounds were elucidated by MS, NMR, IR, and UV spectra, and their absolute configurations were determined by Mosher's method, ECD, and X-ray diffraction analysis. The isolates are characteristic components found in plants of the genus Goniothalamus and consist of two structural moieties: a styrylpyrone and a dihydroflavone unit. The isolation of the eight new compounds demonstrates the effectiveness of HSCCC in separating the isomers of natural styrylpyrone. In a bioactivity assessment, compounds 1 and 6 exhibited cytotoxic effects against the human colon carcinoma cell lines LS513 and SW620 with IC50 values ranging from 1.6 to 3.9 μM. Compounds 1, 2, 7, and 8 showed significant synergistic activity against antibiotic-resistant Staphylococcus aureus strains.

POLARITY GUIDED EXTRACTION AND CHROMATOGRAPHIC IDENTIFICATION OF ACETOGENINS FROM Annona glabra L. LEAVES

Annona glabra L. (family: Annonaceae) is used as a traditional medicine  
 against several human infirmities, including cancer. Most of the members of  
 family annonaceae possess a unique class of natural product called  
 acetogenins. The present study was aimed to extract and fractionate the  
 acetogenins from the leaves of Annona glabra using the solvents of increasing  
 polarity, such as hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate ethanol, and water. Solvents  
 with higher polarity such as ethyl acetate were found more effective in  
 extracting lactone-containing compounds as compared to the less polar  
 solvents. The quantity of acetogenins isolated from the A. glabra leaves was  
 estimated by lactone concentration test. LC-MS/MS screening showed the  
 presence of acetogenins in the samples with m/z values 596.9, 606.9, 679.8,  
 566.8, 550.85, 672.15, 672.15, 624.9 and 565.35. These findings open up  
 effective methods for separation and quantification of bioactive compounds. 
 Further studies are to be focused on evaluating the efficacy of these compounds 
 in pre-clinical and clinical trials, which may potentially contribute in  
 developing the novel therapeutic formulations.  

Climatic and biogeographic processes underlying the diversification of the pantropical flowering plant family Annonaceae.

Tropical forests harbor the richest biodiversity among terrestrial ecosystems, but few studies have addressed the underlying processes of species diversification in these ecosystems. We use the pantropical flowering plant family Annonaceae as a study system to investigate how climate and biogeographic events contribute to diversification. A super-matrix phylogeny comprising 835 taxa (34% of Annonaceae species) based on eight chloroplast regions was used in this study. We show that global temperature may better explain the recent rapid diversification in Annonaceae than time and constant models. Accelerated accumulation of niche divergence (around 15 Ma) lags behind the increase of diversification rate (around 25 Ma), reflecting a heterogeneous transition to recent diversity increases. Biogeographic events are related to only two of the five diversification rate shifts detected. Shifts in niche evolution nevertheless appear to be associated with increasingly seasonal environments. Our results do not support the direct correlation of any particular climatic niche shifts or historical biogeographical event with shifts in diversification rate. Instead, we suggest that Annonaceae diversification can lead to later niche divergence as a result of increasing interspecific competition arising from species accumulation. Shifts in niche evolution appear to be associated with increasingly seasonal environments. Our results highlight the complexity of diversification in taxa with long evolutionary histories.

Essential oil from the leaves of Fissistigma balansae (A.DC.) Merr.: Chemical profile, antimicrobial and anticholinesterase activities

Fissistigma balansae (A.DC.) Merr., a climbing shrub belonging to the Annonaceae family, is native to China and Vietnam. The present study provides the first information on the chemical composition, antimicrobial activity, and anticholinesterase activity of the essential oil from the leaves (LEO) of F. balansae from Vietnam. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis revealed that the main components of the LEO were bicyclogermacrene (19.5%), germacrene D (15.8%), β-caryophyllene (14.7%), β-pinene (9.2%), α-pinene (8.9%), and δ-elemene (5.5%). The antimicrobial activity, as measured by minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values, showed that LEO exhibited effective antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus (MIC = 50 μg/mL), Bacillus subtilis (MIC = 100 μg/mL), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MIC = 200 μg/mL). Additionally, LEO exhibited antifungal activity with a MIC of 100 μg/mL against Aspergillus niger, Candida albicans, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Moreover, LEO displayed moderate activity against acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase, with half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of 92.02 μg/mL and 127.23 μg/mL, respectively. These findings suggest that F. balansae LEO can be exploited for its antimicrobial and anticholinesterase potentials.

Anti-diabetic compounds from Uvaria dulcis Dunal

Medicinal plants have long been a source of lead compounds for drug discovery. Among these, the Annonaceae family has gained recognition for its potential to yield novel compounds, particularly those that can be used in the development of drugs targeting chronic diseases like diabetes mellitus (DM). We employed various chromatographic methods to isolate bioactive compounds from the roots, leaves, and twigs of Uvaria dulcis Dunal. We used spectroscopic methods to determine the chemical structures of these compounds. We successfully identified twelve known compounds from various parts of U. dulcis: patchoulenon, polygochalcone, 2′3′-dihydroxy-4′,6′-dimethoxydihydrochalcone, 2′,3′-dihydroxy-4′,6′-dimethoxychalcone, chrysin, techochrysin, 8-hydroxy-5,7-dimethoxyflavanone, pinocembrin, 3-farnesylindole, onysilin, cinchonain la, and cinchonain lb. Interestingly, cinchonain la and cinchonain lb exhibited more potent anti-α-glucosidase activity than acarbose (standard drug), with IC50 values of 11.88 ± 1.41 μg/mL and 15.18 ± 1.19 μg/mL, respectively. Cinchonain la inhibited the DPP-IV enzyme, with IC50 value lower than the standard compound (diprotin A) at 81.78 ± 1.42 μg/mL. While 2′,3′-dihydroxy-4′,6′-dimethoxychalcone show more potent inhibitory effect than standard drug with IC50 value of 8.62 ± 1.19 μg/mL. Additionally, at a concentration of 10 μg/mL, cinchonain lb and 2′,3′-dihydroxy-4′,6′-dimethoxychalcone promoted glucose uptake in L6 myotubes cells to the same extent as 100 nM insulin. These findings suggest that cinchonain la, cinchonain lb, and 2′,3′-dihydroxy-4′,6′-dimethoxychalcone are the U. dulcis-derived bioactive compounds that hold promise as potential structures to use in the development of anti-diabetic drugs.

An Insight into the Traditional Uses, Phytochemicals, and Pharmacological Properties of Polyalthia bullata King

Abstract: Polyalthia bullata King or Tongkat Ali Hitam, a term in the Malay language, encompasses a diverse group of plants belonging to different genera of the Annonaceae family. The native range of this species is Myanmar to Peninsula Malaysia, Borneo. It is a shrub or tree and grows primarily in the wet tropical biome. These plants have been utilized in Malaysia and Southeast Asia as an herbal aphrodisiac. The extracts of this plant have been reported to exert pharmacological activities, such as antioxidant, cytotoxicity, and aphrodisiac properties. The therapeutic properties of P. bullata are attributed to the presence of alkaloids and flavonoids. This study thoroughly analyzes the phytochemical and pharmacological research on P. bullata and its traditional medicinal properties. The review aims to provide a critical update on the scientific knowledge of P. bullata and to identify novel possibilities for investigating its therapeutic potential. There is limited scientific research on the phytochemical components and pharmaceutical application of P. bullata. To date, only a few compounds have been identified and isolated. There is a need for future studies to focus on the extraction technology, phytochemical profiling, and isolation of bioactive compounds from P. bullata to fill the research gap as well as to provide an important theoretical basis and valuable references for researchers and pave the way for the discovery and development of new and existing drugs.

Phytochemical Analysis and Elemental Contents of Varieties of <i>Polyalthia longifolia</i> (Sonn.) Thwaites

Polyalthia longifolia (Sonn.) is a medicinal plant that belongs to the family Annonaceae, and it is distributed in the tropics. This plant is widely grown in West Africa for its ornamental and medicinal purposes. There are two varieties of P. longifolia which are commonly distinguishable by the direction of their branches. One has spreading perpendicular branches, and the other has drooping pendulous branches. Traditional herbal practitioners believe that one variety (P. longifolia cv. pendula) is more medicinal than the other. This study, therefore, sought to investigate the phytochemical components of the two varieties of P. longifolia by HPTLC, UPLC, and elemental analysis by ICP-EOS. No observable differences were found in the phytochemical and elemental profiles of these varieties that could help distinguish one from the other or could account for its supposed differences in medicinal properties. A total of 22 elements were detected in the samples of the two varieties of the plant. Qualitatively, the elemental content of both varieties was similar. Only Iridium was not detected in all samples. Heavy metals including As, Pb, Cd, and Hg had their levels above the recommended limits.

Duguetia confinis Engl. & Diels (Annonaceae) inhibitory and cytotoxic effects on breast adenocarcinoma growth both in vitro and in vivo

BackgroundBreast cancer is ranked as the most common malignant tumor in women globally with ∼ 2.3 million new cases (11.7 %) diagnosed in 2020. The multiple drawbacks associated with treatments, prompt researchers and patients to search for alternative therapy. Plants continue to offer encouraging leads, in particular those of the Annonaceae family, to which belongs Duguetia confinis, used by Cameroonian traditional healers to fight cancers. This study was aimed at investigating the effect of Duguetia confinis against human breast cancer cells. This was carried out by investigating the cytotoxicity, underlying mechanism of action and chemopreventive potential of D. confinis on 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA)-induced breast cancer. MethodsTo achieve this goal, the ethanolic extract of the bark of D. confinis was prepared and assayed for its ability to inhibit cell growth, cell proliferation and clone formation. Furthermore, cell death mechanisms, cell cycle progression and anti-metastatic potential were investigated. The in vivo study consisted in a once-off administration of 50 mg/kg BW DMBA (in olive oil, s.c) from the 10th day after pretreatment with D. confinis extract (50 and 100 mg/kg BW) or standards [tamoxifen (3.3 mg/kg) and letrozole (1 mg/kg)] or leaf extract of Annona muricata L. (200 mg/kg as pharmacological control). Normal and negative controls received vehicle (3 % ethanol). The treatment of animals was done for 20 weeks, followed by the assessment of the incidence, burden and volume of tumors, breast cancer biomarker (CA 15-3), antioxidant status, inflammatory status and histopathology profile. The LD50 of D. confinis extract was estimated according to OECD guideline 423. ResultsD. confinis displayed cytotoxicity at 80 μg/mL on all the tested breast cancer cell lines. It induced apoptosis and caused a blockade at G0/G1; S-phase of MDA-MB 231 cells, thus, suggesting anticancer potential. A significant concentration-dependent antimetastatic potential was observed with D. confinis extract at 50 (p < 0.05) and 100 (p < 0.01) μg/mL, evidenced by a reduction in cell migration, chemotaxis and increased adhesion to extracellular matrix. With respect to the chemopreventive study, D. confinis was able to prevent the onset of breast adenocarcinoma in Wistar rats by preventing the growth of tumor mass and volume, as well as the histopathological severity of the disease. This was achieved through the modulation of antioxidant parameters (SOD, CAT, MDA) and inflammatory parameters (IL-12, IL-6, INF- gamma, TNF). Also, the LD50 of D. confinis extract was greater than 2000 mg/kg, indicating low acute toxicity and thus, favorable for therapeutic use. ConclusionIn summary, this study outlines for the first time the beneficial effect of D. confinis as a plant candidate in the fight against breast cancer just like other species of the Annonaceae family. However, further research studies are still warranted regarding its bioactive components, and in depth investigation of its anticancer mechanism of action are also needed.

First Report of Phytophthora citrophthora Causing Leaf Necrosis and Terminal Shoot Dieback on Asimina triloba (Pawpaw) in a Virginia Floodplain Forest

Asimina triloba (pawpaw) is a shade-tolerant, understory, deciduous tree in the family Annonaceae that is native to 26 states in the Eastern United States, with a range from the Florida panhandle to New York, west to Iowa and Nebraska, and south to Texas. On 12 June 2022, in a floodplain forest along the James River near Richmond, Virginia, a group of three A. triloba saplings about 1.0 to 1.5 m tall were observed with leaf necrosis, terminal shoot dieback, and leaf drop. Symptomatic tissue was cultured on selective media, and isolate DB22-4 was identified as Phytophthora citrophthora using morphological and molecular methods. Segments of the ITS and COX1 loci were deposited in the GenBank database under accession numbers OQ703042 and OQ834750, respectively. Koch's postulates were fulfilled in an unwounded, attached-leaf assay by inoculating 20 leaves on five healthy saplings. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first report of P. citrophthora causing terminal necrosis and leaf drop on A. triloba in a nursery or a natural ecosystem. Additional studies are needed to understand which Phytophthora spp. cause disease on A. triloba, as well as the environmental and physiological factors that favor infection in the forest under natural conditions.

Annotation of Alkaloids of Fusaea longifolia and Evaluation of Anti-Plasmodium Activity in vitro and in silico

Isoquinoline alkaloids, especially from the Annonaceae family, have shown biological potential against parasites. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the potential of the alkaloid fractions of the plant Fusaea longifolia against Plasmodium falciparum and annotate the compounds present in these samples. The tentative characterization of the alkaloids from the leaves and branches of F. longifolia was performed using liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and molecular networks. Through manual interpretation of the MS/MS spectra, 18 alkaloids were dereplicated from F. longifolia, 17 of which were reported for the first time in this species. An unpublished putative glycosylated alkaloid was annotated by interpreting the fragmentation data profile. Regarding biological activity, the fractions studied showed high activity against P. falciparum with half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 2.42 and 1.60 µg mL-1 for branches and from the leaves, respectively, both similar to the reference standard quinine (IC50 of 1.24 µg mL-1). The structures of the 17 alkaloids were subjected to in silico analysis using molecular docking against four enzymes related to anti-Plasmodium activity (wild type (dm-PfDHFR) and mutant type (qm-PfDHFR), dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (PfDHODH) and purine nucleoside phosphorylase (PfPNP)). Molecular docking revealed strong interactions, especially between oxoxylopine 17 and hydroxycassythicine N-oxide 10, which may be potential new sources against P. falciparum.

Beneficial Prospectives: Plant Annona squamosa L.

ABSTRACT: Developed and undeveloped countries both are utilizing herbs for maintaining health wellbeing by providing proper treatment and prevention of diseases. The present review gives the Ethnobotanical information linking between plant Annona squamosa L. and human beings were also providing updated facts of phytochemical and pharmacological approaches of the above plant in the present 21st century. Annona squamosa L. is a multipurpose shrub tree that is distributed throughout tropical countries and eminently a desert fruit in India. The plant belongs to the family Annonaceae which in Hindi known as Sitaphal or Sharifa which is utilized for its medicinal properties. The ethnobotanical traditional uses include wound healing, lice repellant, treatment of dysentery and urinary tract infection. Phytochemicals includes alkaloids (benzoxyquinazoline, salsolinol, coclaurine), terpenoids (annomosin A, annosquamosin A), glycoside (quercetin-3-glucoside), essential oil (bicyclogernacrene, T-cadinol), flavonoids (kaempherol, farmarixetin) tannins, and many more responsible for pharmacologically action of plant parts are fruits, seeds, leaves, bark, and flower. Information on medicinal uses and organoleptic properties of various pharmacologically active parts is also provided. The present article discusses the updated information regarding distribution, plant parts used, chemical constituents, traditional uses, morphological and pharmacological importance of this plant hoping for exploring better medicinal value.

In-vitro antimalarial activity of methanolic leaf- and stem-derived extracts from four Annonaceae plants

ObjectivePlants in the Annonaceae family are known for having abundant biologically active secondary metabolites. They have been used in alternative drugs for various diseases in several countries, for instance, the bark of Cananga odorata (Lam.) Hook and Thomson is used for Ophthalmic inflammation and wound healing in Malaysia. Extracts from the leaves and stems of four Annonaceae plants, namely Uvaria longipes (Craib) L.L.Zhou, Y.C.F.Su & R.M.K.Saunders, Dasymaschalon sp., Artabotrys burmanicus A.DC, and Marsypopetalum modestum (Pierre) B.Xue & R.M.K.Saunders were investigated for growth inhibitory activity against blood-stage Plasmodium falciparum growth in vitro and for non-specific cytotoxicity against normal peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Antimalarial activity was assessed by invasion inhibition assay and the percentage of infected red blood cells on blood smears were determined. Cytotoxicity was tested by culturing PBMCs with the extracts, and viabilities were determined by Annexin V/propidium iodide staining.ResultsA. burmanicus stem extract and M. modestum leaf extract were capable of inhibiting growth of P. falciparum when used at 200 µg/mL compared to chloroquine. The extracts at effective concentrations, did not affect the viability of PBMCs. These results support further need for characterization of active compounds from specific Annonaceae plants in order to exploit their components for potential malaria treatment.

Preparation and Evaluation of Graviola Leaf Cookies

Graviola leaves cookies is a medicinal food product. Graviola (Annona muricata) is a small deciduous tropical evergreen fruit tree, belonging to the annonaceae family. Graviola leaves cookies was made from wheat flour, milk, sugar, butter, and graviola leaf. Different variations of the product were tried with different proportion and quantity to make the cookies. The ratio of graviola leaves were changed from 5: 7: 10 while preparing the product. The chemical parameters, Nutritional – analysis, Shelf- life study and Sensory characteristics were investigated for the standard products. Based on nutritional analysis the product has all the essential macro nutrient and phytochemicals particularly high in iron and zinc. The prepared product has shelf life up to 10 days. The sample product has no difference in look and taste compared normal cookies. The cookies are well accepted among all age group. It can definitely be consumed instead of normal cookie with added health benefits

Viability and Vigor of Annona squamosa, L. Seeds in Different Substrates

The Annona squamosa belongs to the Annonaceae family and is native to Tropical Americas and the West Indies. Its fruit can be consumed fresh, but it is also used in various foods such as purees, ice creams, mousses, yogurts, and traditional juices. For this reason, its economic relevance in Brazil has been significant, driven by the growing demand in the consumer market. The production of quality seedlings depends on various factors, with substrate composition being of great importance. The germination of seeds, root initiation, and rooting are directly linked to the chemical, physical, and biological characteristics of the substrate. The experiment was conducted at the Federal Institute of Education, Science, and Technology of Tocantins, in the city of Gurupi - TO, between March 4, 2022, and August 22, 2022. Seeds of Annona squamosa were taken from the fruit itself and sown in the following substrates: Washed sand; Commercial substrate + rice husk + chicken manure; Black soil; Black soil + coconut shell powder + commercial substrate. The substrate black soil + coconut shell powder + commercial substrate provided higher viability and vigor values in Annona squamosa seeds.

Biodiversity of Jashpur District Chhattisgarh, India

The biodiversity of Jashpur district of Chhattisgarh was studied using the methods of Frequency, density and abundance. For sampling Loro Ghat was taken. In the present study, at about 77 deciduous forest trees species belonging to 31 different families, were identified with their botanical name and their possible uses by the local tribes were recorded. It is observed that the family Fabaceae represent maximum number of seventeen species, followed by Moraceae with 7 species, Combretaceae with 06 species, Myrtaceae with 5 species Rutaceae with 4 species, Anacardiaceae Rubiaceae and Euphorbiaceae with 3 species, respectively. Besides, these families Annonaceae, Apocynaceae, Burseraceae, Embenaceae, Lamiaceae and Meliaceae were found with two species of each in the surveyed area. On the basis of data analysis Butea monosperma showed their maximum frequency, density and abundance i.e., 0.507, 1.074 and 2.117 respectively, during the sampling, and then followed by Cassia fistula and Shorea robusta with 0.313 and 0.388, respectively. On the other hand, Embilica officinalis, Ficus bengalensis, F. carica, F. glomerata, Pongamia pinnata and Pterocarpus marsupium showed minimum distribution in the forest. Surprisingly, the species like Santalum album, Mangifera indica and Annona reticulate, Terminalia arjuna and Tectona grandis were appeared with high abundance.

KEPRAKTISAN ENSIKLOPEDIA FAMILI ANNONACEAE DI KEBUN RAYA BANUA UNTUK MELATIHKAN KETERAMPILAN BERPIKIR KRITIS MAHASISWA

Students' critical thinking skills are still very low. Development research is carried out to improve the quality of the product under development, namely the encyclopedia. An encyclopedia is learning material that includes descriptions and pictures to make topics clearer. Each statement is listed in alphabetical order for ease of use. This study aims to describe the viability of the Annonaceae family in the Botanical Garden of Banua. This study uses the developmental research type of instructional design research with Tessmer's formative assessment design. The personality test subjects were four students and the small group test subjects were four students who took the Phanerogamae course. Data were obtained from different research instruments on the practicality of content and the practicality of expectations. The results of the encyclopedic study of the family Annonaceae at the Botanical Garden of Banua on the practicality of the contents received a good category, because it received a very good category for its structure, attractiveness, and practicality because it is easy to use, and has received positive feedback from students.

Assessment for Identification of Stelechocarpus burahol and Sister Species Complex of Annonaceae Family Using trnL Intron Sequences

Stelechocarpus burahol (kepel) belongs to the Annonaceae family, and is considered to be a native species to Indonesia which is mainly distributed on the island of Java. However, the plant’s existence is currently difficult to find, so it is categorized as rare in Indonesia. A molecular approach using DNA barcoding technique is significant to assist plant identification. The gene that is widely used and proven to be accurate for Annonaceae is trnL-F. This study was aimed to evaluate the efficiency of trnL as DNA barcode for the identification of S. burahol and its relatives (Annonaceae) from Java Island. In total 10 specimens have been used in this study. Whole genome DNA was isolated by Tiangen kit and amplified by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) technique using a specific primer. Results showed that trnL was easily amplified with a DNA fragment length of 500-600 bp. The trnL amplicons have successfully sequenced as indicated by the high QV20+ values. The sequence compositions were high in AT bases (63.9%). BLAST analysis of the sequences showed that S. burahol and sister species have been confirmed its identity according to the reference sequences in NCBI with query cover identities 98%-100%. This research can be concluded that trnL-F is suitable and recommended as a DNA barcode for S. burahol and its relatives. However, further research is suggested to combine analysis of both coding (rbcL, matK, etc) and non-coding (trnL) markers for better identification results. 

Antioxidant Potential and Known Secondary Metabolites of Rare or Underutilized Plants of Yucatan Region

The screening of rare plants from the Yucatan region and the known native plants in Mexico, that have been successfully introduced worldwide, has been conducted. Based on a literature analysis and a search of English and Spanish scientific information regarding botanical, plant biochemical, and antioxidant potential in databases such as Google Scholar, Scopus, Web of Knowledge, as well as the national databases of Mexico (Flora: Yucatan Peninsula (cicy.mx) and Especies endémicas|Biodiversidad Mexicana), rare or underutilized plants from the Yucatan region with antioxidant potential have been selected. The formulas of the most studied secondary metabolites of these selected rare plants are shown. Among the selected rare plants with antioxidant potential, the families Sapidaceae and Anacardiaceae had the highest number of representatives. Additionally, representatives from the families Annonaceae, Moraceae, Malpighiaceae, Solanaceae, Ebenaceae, Asteraceae, Ranunculaceae, and Leguminosae were also presented. The current scientific data analysis of selected rare plants from the Yucatan region, Mexico, provides significant background for their further use and introduction in not only the Yucatan region of Mexico, but also worldwide.

Investigations into Annona fruit consumption as a potential source of dietary higenamine intake in the context of sports drug testing.

Higenamine is prohibited in sports as a β2 -agonist by the World Anti-Doping Agency. As a key component of a great variety of plants, including the Annonaceae family, one aim of this research project was to evaluate whether the ingestion of Annona fruit could lead to higenamine adverse analytical findings. Single-dose administration studies including three Annona species (i.e., Annona muricata, Annona cherimola, and Annona squamosa) were conducted, leading to higenamine findings below the established minimum reporting level (MRL) of 10ng/mL in urine. In consideration of cmax values (7.8ng/mL) observed for higenamine up to 24 h, a multidose administration study was also conducted, indicating cumulative effects, which can increase the risk of exceeding the applicable MRL doping after Annona fruit ingestion. In this study, however, the MRL was not exceeded at any time point. Further, the major urinary excretion of higenamine in its sulfo-conjugated form was corroborated, its stability in urine was assessed, and in the absence of reference material, higenamine sulfo-conjugates were synthesized and comprehensively characterized, suggesting the predominant presence of higenamine 7-sulfate. In addition, the option to include complementary biomarkers of diet-related higenamine intake into routine doping controls was investigated. A characteristic urinary pattern attributed to isococlaurine, reticuline, and a yet not fully characterized bismethylated higenamine glucuronide was observed after Annona ingestion but not after supplement use, providing a promising dataset of urinary biomarkers, which supports the discrimination between different sources of urinary higenamine detected in sports drug testing programs.