Antiaris Research Articles

Haplotype-resolved genome assembly of the upas tree (Antiaris toxicaria)

The upas tree (Antiaris toxicaria Lesch.) is a medically important plant that contains various specialized metabolites with significant bioactivity. The lack of a reference genome hinders the in-depth study as well as rational exploitation and conservation of this plant. Here, we present the first holotype-resolved chromosome-scale genome of the upas tree. The assembled genome consisted of 26 chromosomes that contain 1.34 Gb of sequencing data with a contig N50 length of 60 Mb. Genome annotation identified 43,500 protein-coding genes in the upas tree genome, of which 98.75% were functionally annotated. This high-quality reference genome will lay the foundation for further studies on the evolution and functional genomics of the upas tree.

Antiaris africana aqueous extract inhibits chronic demyelination and seizures in mice

Demyelinating diseases are commonly associated with epileptic seizures and have limited management options. Hence, the need to investigate potential options for management of such seizures. Antiaris Africana extract (AE) was investigated for effect in chronic demyelinating seizures. Cuprizone treatment induced short but frequent spike discharges in mice. Antiaris Africana extract (300 mg/kg) treatment abolished epileptiform discharges. Cuprizone administration caused severe demyelination in the corpus callosum. After the demyelination phase, myelin content decreased to 22.86 ± 1.92 % in the cuprizone-only group. However, there was an increase to 52.14 ± 3.91 % in cuprizone-only group and 62.00 ± 2.78 % in the Antiaris africana extract group respectively, after a 4-week cuprizone cessation period. Treatment with AE and LEV visibly altered myelin growth. Antiaris africana extract treatment produced significant (P < 0.001, F (3, 16) = 698.4) increase in locomotor activity similar to LEV (P < 0.001,F (2, 12) = 678.7) and DZP (P < 0.001, F (2, 12) = 620.4) and improved beam traversal time (18.71 ± 2.244 s; 95 % CI: 13.22–24.20) while causing significantly (P < 0.05, F (2, 15) = 6.667) fewer stepping errors. Antiaris africana extract inhibits seizures induced by chronic demyelination and has beneficial effects on motor coordination.

ECOLOGICAL AND FUNCTIONAL COMPARISON OF WOOD ANATOMY ON SOME TREE GENERA IN THE SOUTHERN NIGERIA

This work aimed at utilizing wood anatomical traits to assess the compatibility or suitability of 9 species in the families where they belong since the earlier classification depended only on morphological characters and also to possibly deduce the permeability of their vessel lumen during wood treatment with preservatives of equal or different viscosity. Comparative stem anatomy of tree taxa Antiaris toxicaria Lesch. (Moraceae), Ficus exasperate Vahl. (Moraceae), Milicia excelsa Welw. (Moraceae), Dacryodes klaineana Lam. (Burseraceae) Canarium schweinfurthii Engl. (Burseraceae), Dacryodes edulis Lam. (Burseraceae), Erythrophleum suaveolens Taub. (Fabaceae), Pelthophorum pterocarpum De Cand. (Fabaceae), Pterocarpus soyauxii Taub. (Fabaceae) was studied. Observations on the transverse, radial-longitudinal and tangential-longitudinal sections showed that there were vast variations and few similarities in the vessel, axial parenchyma, ray cell and storied fibre distributions within and across families. Variations across the three ecological zones were found. The highest vessel diameter occurred in C. schwenfortii with 222.84µm (Burseraceae) followed by F. Exasperate with 196.42 µm (Moraceae) and P. pterocarpum with 187.23 µm (Fabaceae) across the three ecological zones. Vessel diameters were in direct proportion with the amount of rainfall while vessel frequencies were in negative proportion with the amount of rainfall across the ecological zones. Qualitative properties were not significantly affected by either temperature or rainfall.

Genome-wide analysis of NAC transcription factors and exploration of candidate genes regulating selenium metabolism in Broussonetia papyrifera.

Genome-wide identification revealed 79 BpNAC genes belonging to 16 subfamilies, and their gene structures and evolutionary relationships were characterized. Expression analysis highlighted their importance in plant selenium stress responses. Paper mulberry (Broussonetia papyrifera), a deciduous arboreal plant of the Moraceae family, is distinguished by its leaves, which are abundant in proteins, polysaccharides, and flavonoids, positioning it as a novel feedstock. NAC transcription factors, exclusive to plant species, are crucial in regulating growth, development, and response to biotic and abiotic stress. However, extensive characterization of the NAC family within paper mulberry is lacking. In this study, 79 BpNAC genes were identified from the paper mulberry genome, with an uneven distribution across 13 chromosomes. A comprehensive, genome-wide analysis of BpNACs was performed, including investigating gene structures, promoter regions, and chromosomal locations. Phylogenetic tree analysis, alongside comparisons with Arabidopsis thaliana NACs, allowed for categorizing these genes into 16 subfamilies in alignment with gene structure and motif conservation. Collinearity analysis suggested a significant homologous relationship between the NAC genes of paper mulberry and those in Morus notabilis, Ficus hispida, Antiaris toxicaria, and Cannabis sativa. Integrating transcriptome data and Se content revealed that 12 BpNAC genes were associated with selenium biosynthesis. Subsequent RT-qPCR analysis corroborated the correlation between BpNAC59, BpNAC62 with sodium selenate, and BpNAC55 with sodium selenite. Subcellular localization experiments revealed the nuclear functions of BpNAC59 and BpNAC62. This study highlights the potential BpNAC transcription factors involved in selenium metabolism, providing a foundation for strategically breeding selenium-fortified paper mulberry.

Bark cloth structure and properties: A naturally occurring fabric and ancestral textile craft from Uganda

Natural fabrics from two bark trees of Uganda (“Kilundu”: Antiaris toxicaria and “Mutuba”: Ficus natalensis) are being considered today for the local footwear industry. Here, we thoroughly examined to determine their structural, biochemical and mechanical properties of the two bark cloths, in order to ascertain their potential use as locally-available, low-cost composite reinforcements and eventually for a use in textile industry as well. Fibres in both fabrics are rich in highly crystalline cellulose (76.6 ± 4.9% and 66.3 ± 0.5%) and have very cohesive cell walls with small lumen size and stiff middle lamellae. However, their low indentation modulus is due to a high microfibrillar angle, penalizing their longitudinal stiffness but making them interesting for impact or deformation performance. The two fabrics exhibit layers of preferred fibres orientations, quasi similar to unidirectional or +/-45° preforms, and hence may be used “as produced” as polymer reinforcements in technical composites but also in textile sector, in place of leather. Finally, their water uptake behaviour (21.2%-wt for Mutuba and 13.8%-wt for Kilundu) indicates opportunities for a range of environmentally-sensitive applications.

Ethnobotanical survey and biological activities of plants used for cancer treatment in traditional Senegalese medicine

Female breast cancer is known to be one of the leading causes of death in Senegal. In Senegal, the absence of a national cancer control program, the lack of specialized infrastructure and qualified human resources and the exorbitant cost of care have contributed to the extensive use of traditional medecine, particularly in rural areas. This study aims to inventory the medicinal plants used by these healers and to assess the cytotoxic and antioxidant activities of the most widely used one. Data on healers and their use practices and information on plants were collected through the administration of a structured questionnaire. Based on their citation frequencies during the survey, Antiaris Africana Engler, Hymenocardia Acida Tul. and Halouf Halal (local name) were selected for chemical and biological studies. Their hydroalcoholic extracts were analyzed in terms of antioxidant capacity and cytotoxic effects, again, in the human cancer cell line. The study revealed a total of 65 medicinal plants belonging to 35 different families. The plant parts used by traditional healers are leaves (63.89%), roots (11.11%), bark (15.28%), fruits (2.78%), and others (6.94%). Generally, herbal medicine is prepared as a powder and mixed with water by maceration (55.38%) and administered orally. A. Africana ranked first with a citation frequency of 5.7% and its hydroalcoholic extract had the highest antioxidant activity in TEAC (6533.64±7 μmol ET/g dry plant) and in ORAC (3745.17±4.8 μmol ET/g dry plant) followed by H. Acida in TEAC (3115.6±145 μmol ET/g dry plant) and in ORAC (4105.29±872 μmol ET/g dry plant). The hydroalcoholic extract of A. Africana exhibited the highest cytotoxic activity in MCF-7 (Human mammary) and THP-1 (Human acute monocytic leukemia cell line) but had low activity against HTC-116 (Human carcinoma colorectal) and A-375 (Human skin malignant melanoma). The percentages of proapoptotic cells were, respectively, 68.85±6.22, 58.1±1.90 and 48.58±1.4%. These results provide scientific support for the traditional use of medicinal plants in cancer treatment and constitute a database for biological screening to isolate cytotoxic plant-based molecules.

Influence of socio-demographic factors on medicinal plant knowledge among three selected ethnic groups in south-central Ethiopia

BackgroundThe influence of socio-demographic variables was widely explored to evaluate their impact on indigenous and local ethnobotanical knowledge. However, the studies conducted in Ethiopia mainly focused on rural areas. They were limited to exploring and documenting ethnobotanical knowledge and the associated impacts of socio-demographic variables in rural–urban interface areas among ethnic groups. Hence, this study aimed to document plant-based indigenous and local ethnomedicinal knowledge and the associated impacts of socio-demographic variables among selected three ethnic groups in south-central Ethiopia.MethodsEthnobotanical data were collected using semi-structured interviews with 189 key informants, floristic species inventories, and field observations. Quantitative approaches were used to evaluate the use values (UV) of the most important medicinal plants, the informant consensus factor (ICF), fidelity level (FL), relative popularity level (RPL), and rank-order priority (ROP). Statistical tests were applied to evaluate the influences of socio-demographic factors and associations between variables on local ethnobotanical knowledge across ethnic groups in different informant categories.ResultsStatistical analysis revealed significant differences (p < 0.05) in the mean number of medicinal plants reported among age categories. There was also a positive association between the respondent's age and plant knowledge acquisition. Croton macrostachyus Hochst. ex Delile, Albizia gummifera C.A.Sm., Zingiber officinale Roscoe, Aloe macrocarpa Tod., Gymnanthemum amygdalinum (Delile) Sch.Bip., Calpurnia aurea (Aiton) Benth, and Allium sativum L. had the highest use values among ethnic groups. The highest informant consensus factor values were recorded for circulatory system disorders (0.68) followed by febrile illness and reproductive organ complications (0.66 each) across the three studied ethnic groups. The highest FL, RPL, and ROP values were noted for Lactuca inermis Forssk., Moringa stenopetala (Baker f.) Cufod., Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal, Allium sativum L., Citrus limon (L.) Osbeck, Ricinus communis L., Schinus molle L., Antiaris toxicaria (J.F.Gmel.) Lesch., Brucea antidysenterica J.F.Mill., Echinops kebericho Mesfin, Ocimum jamesii Sebald, Afrocarpus falcatus (Thunb.) C.N.Page, Searsia natalensis (Bernh. ex Krauss) F.A.Barkley, and Ricinus communis L. across ethnic groups in the study areas, which showed the conformity of knowledge on species curing potential and their prevalent uses.ConclusionThe study revealed that the ethnic groups of Gedeo, Oromo, and Sidama have considerable indigenous and local ethnobotanical knowledge practices. Statistical analysis shown high variation in the acquisition of local ethnobotanical knowledge among age groups, which boosted our understanding of the effects of socio-demographic factors on the local ethnobotanical knowledge dynamics. Thus, this finding advocates for efforts to repair the observed generation gap via continued professional support and educating local communities to preserve traditional knowledge and practices through systematic documentation.

Strophanthidin Induces Apoptosis of Human Lung Adenocarcinoma Cells by Promoting TRAIL-DR5 Signaling.

Strophanthidin (SPTD), one of the cardiac glycosides, is refined from traditional Chinese medicines such as Semen Lepidii and Antiaris toxicaria, and was initially used for the treatment of heart failure disease in clinic. Recently, SPTD has been shown to be a potential anticancer agent, but the underlying mechanism of action is poorly understood. Herein, we explored the molecular mechanism by which SPTD exerts anticancer effects in A549 human lung adenocarcinoma cells by means of mass spectrometry-based quantitative proteomics in combination with bioinformatics analysis. We revealed that SPTD promoted the expression of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-related apoptosis-inducing ligand receptor 2 (TRAIL-R2, or DR5) in A549 cells to activate caspase 3/6/8, in particular caspase 3. Consequently, the activated caspases elevated the expression level of apoptotic chromatin condensation inducer in the nucleus (ACIN1) and prelamin-A/C (LMNA), ultimately inducing apoptosis via cooperation with the SPTD-induced overexpressed barrier-to-autointegration factor 1 (Banf1). Moreover, the SPTD-induced DEPs interacted with each other to downregulate the p38 MAPK/ERK signaling, contributing to the SPTD inhibition of the growth of A549 cells. Additionally, the downregulation of collagen COL1A5 by SPTD was another anticancer benefit of SPTD through the modulation of the cell microenvironment.

Neuroprotective Effect of Ethylacetate Fraction of Antiaris Africana against Sodium Azide-Induced Neurotoxicity in the Striata of Male Wistar Rats

Neuroprotective Effect of Ethylacetate Fraction of Antiaris Africana against Sodium Azide-Induced Neurotoxicity in the Striata of Male Wistar Rats

Reproductive phenology of &lt;i&gt;Milicia excelsa&lt;/i&gt;, &lt;i&gt;Antiaris toxicaria&lt;/i&gt;, and &lt;i&gt;Pouteria adolfi-friedericii&lt;/i&gt; in South West Ethiopia

Deforestation and degradation of natural forests pose a challenge for the forest sector in Ethiopia. Gathering scientific data on the reproductive biology of selected timber species has now become important to develop seed production areas and establish forest management regimes. In this regard, this study is aimed at determining the reproductive phenology of three indigenous tree species. The time of leafing, flowering, and fruiting in the three indigenous timber tree species has been recorded for three years in South West Ethiopia. This study was conducted in natural forests of the Benchi-Maji zone (Debub Bench district). We selected three prioritized species, Milicia excelsa, Antiaris toxicaria, and Pouteria adolfi-friedericii, based on the severity of their depletion and relative timber values in the area and in the country at large. Over 20 reproductively healthy, mature, and average mother trees 10 cm wide in diameter at breast height and with easily visible crowns, located at a distance of 100 m from one another, were selected out of each species and marked with marking ink. We conducted continuous observations and recorded data on leafing, flowering, and fruiting every 15 days (twice every month). The data was then analyzed using descriptive statistics. The result of this study indicates that the actual season when the seeds of Milicia excelsa are available for collection is once a year, from January to February. The results also showed that, for Antiaris toxicaria, the fruiting time is seasonal, and seeds become available for collection from early January up to the end of February. The fruiting time or the actual season when seeds of Pouteria adolfi-friedericii become available for collection is from May to June. Low-cost technologies (to establish seed production areas and domesticate the species) are recommended to be used for seed/seedling acquisition and distribution and preferable to reduce the destruction of the selected indigenous tree species.

Structural Characteristics of Niaouli Forests, Biodiversity, and Ethnobotanical Importance of the Valuable Species

In Benin, forest resources are limited and are in the grip of alarming degradation. In southern Benin, the Niaouli forests (6°40’ to 6°45’ North Lat. and 2°05’ to 2°10’ East Long.) require special attention given their state of degradation leading to loss of biodiversity. In order to contribute to the sustainable management of the forests, our investigations focused on the characterization of the structure, floristic diversity, and forms of use of the valuable species. The data was collected by systematic sampling with rectangular meshes of 100 m × 200 m in square plots of one (01) ha each. In total, seven (07) plots were installed for the determination of dendrometric and biodiversity parameters. The regeneration of the species was counted in quadrats of 100 m² installed on a diagonal of each plot. Ethnobotanical surveys were carried out within local populations, on a sample of 188 people made of heads of peasant households or their representatives, carpenters, traditional healers, and loggers in order to identify valuable species and appraise their ethnobotanical importance. Four valuable species were identified. They were Albizia zygia, Antiaris toxicaria, Ceiba pentandra, and Newbouldia laevis. The diversity parameters showed that the forests of Niaouli are characterized by a low floristic diversity in comparison with the forest ecosystems of southern Benin. The main valuable species of the Niaouli forests were experiencing a regeneration problem likely to hinder their sustainability and sustainable use. Albizia zygia, Antiaris toxicaria, and Ceiba pentandra are used more in the form of wood respectively by 85 %, 50 %, and 75 % of respondents. Newbouldia laevis is used more in the form of an infusion by 33 %, fodder by 21 %, and wood by 21 % of respondents. Respondents cited 58 diseases treated with species from the Niaouli forests. Considering the results obtained, regular reforestation and the introduction of new adapted species must be carried out to increase the biodiversity and ecosystem services of the forests.

Cytotoxic and Pro-Apoptotic Effects of Leaves Extract of Antiaris africana Engler (Moraceae).

Antiaris africana Engler leaves have been used in Senegalese folk medicine to treat breast cancer. The present study aimed to investigate the anticancer potential of Antiaris africana Engler leaves using several human cancer cell lines. The leaves of Antiaris africana Engler were extracted in parallel with water or 70% ethanol and each extract divided into three parts by successive liquid-liquid extraction with ethyl acetate and butanol. The phytochemical components of the active extract were investigated using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-diode array detector-quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-DAD-QTOF-MS/MS). The cytotoxic and cytostatic effects of each extract, as well as their fractions, were evaluated in vitro via flow and image cytometry on different human cancer phenotypes, such as breast (MCF-7), pancreas (AsPC-1), colon (SW-620) and acute monocytic leukemia (THP-1). Both hydro-alcoholic and aqueous extracts induced strong apoptosis in MCF-7 cells. The water fraction of the hydro-alcoholic extract was found to be the most active, suppressing the cell growth of MCF-7 in a dose-dependent manner. The half maximum effective concentration (EC50) of this fraction was 64.6 ± 13.7 μg/mL for MCF-7, with equivalent values for all tested phenotypes. In parallel, the apoptotic induction by this fraction resulted in a EC50 of 63.5 ± 1.8 μg/mL for MCF-7, with again equivalent values for all other cellular tested phenotypes. Analysis of this fraction by UPLC-DAD-QTOF-MS/MS led to the identification of hydroxycinnamates as major components, one rutin isomer, and three cardiac glycosides previously isolated from seeds and bark of Antiaris africana Engler and described as cytotoxic in human cancer models. These results provide supportive data for the use of Antiaris africana Engler leaves in Senegal.

Qualitative and quantitative phytochemicals of leaves, bark and roots of Antiaris toxicaria Lesch., a promising natural medicinal plant and source of pesticides

Antiaris toxicaria Lesch. of the Moraceae family is a tree that grows endemic to Indonesia and has a height of about 20-30 m. This study aimed to screen the phytochemical constituents of leaf, bark and its root. The plant materials were collected from the Samarinda Botanical Garden. Latex of this species in Indonesia is known as a source of blowpipe poison. In other countries Antiaris sp. plant parts (leaves, bark and seeds) are used in ethnobotany practice as raw material for traditional medicine. The leaves, bark and seeds of this plant are used in the treatment of syphilis, leprosy, cancer and used as laxatives for sore throats. Screening of the phytochemical constituents of the samples began by tracing the macromolecules of alkaloids, steroids, tannins, phenolic compounds, flavonoids and saponins with various tests. Alkaloids, saponins, tannins, phlobatnins, flavonoids and terpenoids were detected in the chemical analysis. High performance liquid chromatography diode array detection (HPLC-DAD) was conducted. HPLC screening of A. toxicaria extracts revealed the presence of galic acid, catechins, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, ellagic acid, epigallocatechin, routine, isoquercitrin, quercitrin, quercetin and kaempferol. The study revealed the array of secondary metabolites present in the plant that can be used in medicinal preparations and will be candidate species for developing a natural insecticide.

Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Cardiac Glycosides for Cancer Therapy by Targeting the DNA Damage Response.

Cardiac glycosides (CGs) are bioactive compounds originally used to treat heart diseases, but recent studies have demonstrated their anticancer activity. We previously demonstrated that Antiaris toxicaria 2 (AT2) possesses anticancer activity in KRAS mutated lung cancers via impinging on the DNA damage response (DDR) pathway. Toward developing this class of molecules for cancer therapy, herein we report a multistep synthetic route utilizing k-strophanthidin as the initial building block for determination of structure-activity relationships (SARs). A systematic structural design approach was applied that included modifications of the sugar moiety, the glycoside linker, stereochemistry, and lactone ring substitutions to generate a library of O-glycosides and MeON-neoglycosides derivatives. These molecules were screened for their anticancer activities and their impact on DDR signaling in KRAS mutant lung cancer cells. These results demonstrate the ability to chemically synthesize CG derivatives and define the SARs to optimize AT2 as a cancer therapeutic.

Understorey Seedling Bank in Forest Areas with a Differing Period of Recovery in Mabira Central Forest Reserve, South Central Uganda.

Seedling banks are very important in forest regeneration following forest disturbances such as crop cultivation. In 2011 and 2013 the Uganda National Forestry Authority (NFA) evicted encroachers from parts of Mabira Central Forest Reserve that had been under crop cultivation for over 40 years. This gave an opportunity for the vegetation to recover. In this study, we assessed the recovery process based on seedling bank diversity, richness and density in three blocks differing in recovery time. Two disturbed blocks, the Western Block (WB) (abandoned by encroachers 1-3 years), and the Eastern Block (EB) (abandoned 4-5 years) before this study and a nearby undisturbed area (intact) were included in the study. We recorded 48 seedlings species; 37 in WB, 30 in EB and 27 in intact. Differences in species richness were not statistically significant among blocks (F2, 88 = 1.2420, p = 0.294). All seedling species found in the intact were found in the EB and WB. There were statistically significant differences in species diversity (Shannon-Wiener: F2, 88 = 5.354, p = 0.006), density (P < 0.001) and composition (ANOSIM; R = 0.55, p = 0.001) among blocks. Apart from Broussonetia papyrifera, other species contributing to the dissimilarity (Acalypha neptunica, Antiaris toxicaria, Blighia unijugata, Funtumia elastica were late succession species. Animal dispersed species dominated intact. Seed-regenerating species were found in both WB and EB, but re-sprouts were more common in EB. These results show that proximity to intact forest aids forest recovery, even for areas with long-term cultivation history.

Biological and Cultural Ecotourism Interpretation of Mekar Utama Village, Kendawangan District, West Kalimantan

Mekar Utama Village, located in the Ketapang Industrial Forest Area (Hutan Ketapang Industri-HKI), is a unique and attractive ecotourism site with various natural resources. This village's three hamlets have the potential for biological and cultural ecotourism. The study aims to obtain potential data and interpret the biological and socio-cultural ecotourism in Mekar Utama village. The method used was a survey with observation and interview approaches. Three interpretive tracks and 18 biological and cultural ecotourism potential were available at the study site. Nine potential plants found were kantung semar (Nepenthes sp. ), bamboo (Bambusa sp. ), bajakah (Spatholobus littoralis Hassk), pasak bumi (Eurycoma longifolia Jack), ulin (Eusideroxylon zwageri), meranti (Shorea smithiana), gaharu (Aquilaria malaccensis), ketatai (Antiaris toxicaria) and pulai (Alstonia scholaris). Ulin, meranti, and gaharu are protected species. Kura-kura hutan (Dogania suplana), owa kelawat (Hylobates albibarbis), and honey bee (Apis koschevnikovi and Trigona sp.) were three unique animal species. Six potential cultures were found, i.e. ethnic, traditions, traditional rituals, arts, special foods, historical/sacred places, and folklore/myths. All the potentials were found in three interpretation tracks, i.e., the Gantang river hamlet, which was 6.5 km long and took 26 minutes to reach, the Sukaria hamlet, which was 5.3 km long and took 21

Diversity and ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants in Ban Hua Kua, Kae Dam District, Thailand

Abstract. Numpulsuksant W, Saensouk S, Sanesouk P. 2021. Diversity and ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants in Ban Hua Kua, Kae Dam District, Thailand. Biodiversitas 22: 4349-4357. Diversity and ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants in Ban Hua Kua village, Kae Dam District, Maha Sarakham Province, Thailand. Biodiversitas 22: xxxx-xxxx. This study can serve as basic information for further study and provide conservation criteria for medicinal plants in Ban Hua Kua village, Kae Dam District, Maha Sarakham Province to assure continued species richness and sustainable use. This study aimed to document ethnobotanical knowledge of medicinal plants, including their diversity, in Ban Hua Kua village, Kae Dam District, Maha Sarakham Province, Thailand. The ethnobotanical data were obtained from 19 local experts using semi-structured forms to record the interviewee's personal information and topics related to the medicinal use of specific plants. Thirty-eight medicinal plants belonging to 35 genera in 23 families were collected. The most commonly represented family was Zingiberaceae comprised of six species (Alpinia galanga (L.) Willd., Boesenbergia rotunda (L.) Mansf., Curcuma angustifolia Roxb., Curcuma comosa Roxb., Curcuma longa L., and Zingiber officinale Roscoe), followed by Fabaceae with four species (Derris scandens (Roxb.) Benth., Dialium cochinchinense Pierre, Senna siamea Lam., and Tamarindus indica L.), and Rutaceae with three species (Aegle marmelos (L.) Corrêa ex Roxb., Clausena wallichii Oliv., Hesperethusa crenulata (Roxb.) Roem.), while the other 20 families represent only one to two plant species. The root was the most frequently used part of the plant. The species with the highest use-value was Antiaris toxicaria Lesch. (0.68), a native plant of the Ban Hua Kuavillage. Diospyros mollis Griff. (CI = 0.21), Dialium cochinchinense Pierre (CI = 0.21), Anisomeles indica (L.) Kuntze (CI = 0.21), Vitex glabrata R. Br. (CI = 0.21), Aegle marmelos (L.) Corrêa ex Roxb. (CI = 0.21), Phyllanthus emblica L. (CI = 0.21), and Hesperethusa crenulata (Roxb.) Roem. (CI = 0.21) were found the highest cultural important index (CI), while Diospyros mollis Griff., Dialium cochinchinense Pierre, Anisomeles indica (L.) Kuntze, Vitex glabrata R. Br., Phyllanthus emblica L., Aegle marmelos (L.) Corrêa ex Roxb., and Hesperethusa crenulata (Roxb.) Roem. were found the highest %FL = 50. The climber was mostly used for medicinal plants (IAR = 0.97). Root (57.89%), leaf (52.63%), and fruit (39.47%) were reported the most plant parts used by the villagers. Therefore, the indigenous knowledge of medicinal plants at Ban Hua Kua village is indicated to conservation for sustainable use in the future. Moreover, this study was the first reported in Maha Sarakham province.

Malayoside, a cardenolide glycoside extracted from Antiaris toxicaria Lesch, induces apoptosis in human non-small lung cancer cells via MAPK-Nur77 signaling pathway

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in the world. Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), with poor prognosis and resistance to chemoradiotherapy, is the most common histological type of lung cancer. Therefore, it is necessary to develop new and more effective treatment strategy for NSCLC. Nur77, an orphan member of the nuclear receptor superfamily, induces apoptosis in cancer cells including NSCLC cells, by high expression and translocation to mitochondria. Small molecules trigger expression and mitochondrial localization of Nur77 may be an ideal anti-cancer drug candidate. Here, we report malayoside, a cardiac glycoside in the extract of Antiaris toxicaria Lesch., had different sensitivities to NSCLC cells. Malayoside induced apoptosis in NCI-H460 cells. Meanwhile, malayoside induced Nur77 expression and mitochondrial localization, and its induction of apoptosis was Nur77-dependent. To investigate the molecular mechanism of malayoside inducing Nur77 and apoptosis, we found that malayoside activated MAPK signaling pathway, including both ERK and p38 phosphorylation. The suppression of MAPK signaling activation inhibited the expression of Nur77 and apoptosis induced by malayoside. Our studies in nude mice showed that malayside potently inhibited the growth of tumor cells in vivo. Furthermore, the anti-cancer effect of malayosidwas in vivo was also related to the elevated expression of Nur77, p-ERK, and p-p38 proteins. Our results suggest that malayoside possesses an anti-NSCLC activity in vitro and in vivo mainly via activation of MAPK-Nur77 signaling pathway, indicating that malayoside is a promising chemotherapeutic candidate for NSCLC.

Thermal Response at Room Temperature and Device Applications of Two Wood Species in Akure, South Western Nigeria

Thermal properties (Density, Thermal conductivity and Specific heat capacity) play important impact in the formation of devicesmade of wooden materials. This study examines the room temperature thermal response of ten bulk samples from the species of Pterygota macrocarpa and Antiaris africana wood species found in South Western Nigeria. The samples were processed into appropriate shapes to fit into the parallel plane arrangement to determine the thermal properties. Temperature dependent models were used to obtain the specific heat capacities of the samples within a temperature variation of 308.25𝐾 - 310.00𝐾. The results revealed that the thermal properties (thermal conductivities and specific heat capacities) increase as temperature increases for all the bulk samples considered. The results of the research showed that the selected wood samples could find useful applications in industrial insulating devices.&#x0D; Keywords: Wood material, Lee’s disc apparatus, Temperature and Thermal properties.

Hygroscopic properties of thermally modified false Iroko [Antiaris toxicara (Lesch)

The study investigated the use of thermal modification to improve the hygroscopic properties of False Iroko [Antiaris toxicaria (Lesch)]. Samples of Antiaris toxicara Lesch wood were subjected to thermal modification in a furnace at temperatures of 160, 180 and 200°C for 30 and 60 minutes. Results showed that wood properties were improved with exposure to different temperatures. Subsequent to the thermal process, a colour change from pale yellow to darkish brown was observed progressively with increase in temperature, accompanied by a weight loss in the range of 12.08% to 23.67%. The outcome of these treatments resulted in a decrease in volumetric swelling and increase in dimensional stability of modified wood; this can be attributed to observed decrease in moisture intake. The thermal modification of Antiaris toxicara Lesch wood affected the dimensional stability properties. Thus, due to significant changes via modification carried out on the selected species which is classified as lesser utilized wood species, lesser utilized wood,Antiaristoxicara Lesch wood is recommended for use due to its efficient dimensional stability after modification .&#x0D; keywords:, Thermally modified wood ;False Iroko