Aristolochia Species Research Articles

A review on ethnopharmacological utility, traditional knowledge and phytochemistry of Aristolochia species in Assam, India

Aristolochia L. (Aristolochiaceae) is widely used throughout South-East Asia for the treatment of several diseases. Different species of this genus are known by similar local names in Assam. This review aims to provide up-to-date information on Aristolochia species distributed in Assam, including its traditional uses, phytochemical and pharmacological properties, in exploring future therapeutic and scientific potentials. The information on ethnobotany, phytochemistry and pharmacological aspects were collected by performing literature searches. Assam hosts a total of six species of Aristolochia. The taxonomy and distribution are presented. Traditionally the tubers are used by the local people to treat stomach pain, malaria, dysentery, high blood pressure, body pain, urinary tract infections, headache, impotency etc. It has considerable pharmacological properties including antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, anti-fertility, anti-venom, anti-diarrhoeal, anti-pruritic, anti-feedant and toxicological activities. Approximately a total of 200 compounds have been isolated from these species. So far, pharmacological investigations are only done on three Aristolochia species, whereas the other three are simultaneously used for the same purposes. Most of the medicinal properties attributed to these Aristolochia, have not yet been investigated and proven under a scientific study. This highlights the importance of Aristolochia as a valuable candidate for future studies.

Fly Pollination of Kettle Trap Flowers of Riocreuxiatorulosa (Ceropegieae-Anisotominae): A Generalized System of Floral Deception.

Elaborated kettle trap flowers to temporarily detain pollinators evolved independently in several angiosperm lineages. Intensive research on species of Aristolochia and Ceropegia recently illuminated how these specialized trap flowers attract particular pollinators through chemical deception. Morphologically similar trap flowers evolved in Riocreuxia; however, no data about floral rewards, pollinators, and chemical ecology were available for this plant group. Here we provide data on pollination ecology and floral chemistry of R. torulosa. Specifically, we determined flower visitors and pollinators, assessed pollen transfer efficiency, and analysed floral scent chemistry. R. torulosa flowers are myiophilous and predominantly pollinated by Nematocera. Pollinating Diptera included, in order of decreasing abundance, male and female Sciaridae, Ceratopogonidae, Scatopsidae, Chloropidae, and Phoridae. Approximately 16% of pollen removed from flowers was successfully exported to conspecific stigmas. The flowers emitted mainly ubiquitous terpenoids, most abundantly linalool, furanoid (Z)-linalool oxide, and (E)-β-ocimene—compounds typical of rewarding flowers and fruits. R. torulosa can be considered to use generalized food (and possibly also brood-site) deception to lure small nematocerous Diptera into their flowers. These results suggest that R. torulosa has a less specific pollination system than previously reported for other kettle trap flowers but is nevertheless specialized at the level of Diptera suborder Nematocera.

Flowers of Deceptive Aristolochia microstoma Are Pollinated by Phorid Flies and Emit Volatiles Known From Invertebrate Carrion

Deceptive flowers decoy pollinators by advertising a reward, which finally is not provided. Numerous deceptive plants are pollinated by Diptera, but the attractive cues and deceptive strategies are only identified in a few cases. A typical fly-deceptive plant genus is Aristolochia, which evolved sophisticated trap flowers to temporarily capture pollinators. Though rarely demonstrated by experimental approaches, Aristolochia species are believed to chemically mimic brood sites, food sources for adult flies, or utilize sexual deception. Indeed, for most species, studies on scent composition and attractive signals are lacking. In this study, we focused on Aristolochia microstoma, a peculiar Greek endemic with flowers that are presented at ground level in the leaf litter or between rocks and are characterized by a unique morphology. We analyzed flower visitor and pollinator spectra and identified the floral scent composition using dynamic headspace and gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Female and male phorid flies (Phoridae) are the exclusive pollinators, although the flowers are also frequently visited by Sciaridae, as well as typical ground-dwelling arthropods, such as Collembola and arachnids. The carrion-like floral scent mainly consists of the oligosulphide dimethyldisulfide and the nitrogen-bearing compound 2,5-dimethylpyrazine. These compounds together are known to be released from decomposing insects, and thus, we conclude that pollinators are likely deceived by chemical imitation of invertebrate carrion, a deceptive strategy not described from another plant species so far.

Chloroplast genome features of an important medicinal and edible plant: Houttuynia cordata (Saururaceae).

Houttuynia cordata (Saururaceae), an ancient and relic species, has been used as an important medicinal and edible plant in most parts of Asia. However, because of the lack of genome information and reliable molecular markers, studies on its population structure, or phylogenetic relationships with other related species are still rare. Here, we de novo assembled the complete chloroplast (cp) genome of H. cordata using the integration of the long PacBio and short Illumina reads. The cp genome of H. cordata showed a typical quadripartite cycle of 160,226 bp. This included a pair of inverted repeats (IRa and IRb) of 26,853 bp, separated by a large single-copy (LSC) region of 88,180 bp and a small single-copy (SSC) region of 18,340 bp. A total of 112 unique genes, including 79 protein-coding genes, 29 tRNA genes, and four rRNA genes, were identified in this cp genome. Eighty-one genes were located on the LSC region, 13 genes were located on the SSC region, and 17 two-copy genes were located on the IR region. Additionally, 48 repeat sequences and 86 SSR loci, which can be used as genomic markers for population structure analysis, were also detected. Phylogenetic analysis using 21 cp genomes of the Piperales family demonstrated that H. cordata had a close relationship with the species within the Aristolochia genus. Moreover, the results of mVISTA analysis and comparisons of IR regions demonstrated that the cp genome of H. cordata was conserved with that of the Aristolochia species. Our results provide valuable information for analyzing the genetic diversity and population structure of H. cordata, which can contribute to further its genetic improvement and breeding.

Aristolochia yachangensis, a new species of Aristolochiaceae from limestone areas in Guangxi, China.

Aristolochia yachangensis B.G.Huang, Yan Liu & Y.S.Huang, a new species from limestone areas in Guangxi, China, is described and illustrated. It is morphologically most similar to A. fangchi Y.C.Wu ex L.D.Chow & S.M.Hwang, A. petelotii O.C. Schmidt and A. championii Merr. & Chun in shape of leaf blade, anther, gynostemium and inflorescence on old woody stems. However, it can be easily distinguished from the latter by shape of inflorescence, length of upper and lower portions of perianth tube, colour of the limb and throat. A table and a key to distinguish the new species from other morphologically similar Aristolochia species are also provided.

Analysis of the analogues of aristolochic acid and aristolactam in the plant of Aristolochia genus by HPLC

A facile reversed-phase HPLC method for the analysis of aristolochic acid (AA) and aristolactam (AL) analogues was developed and used for the quantitative determination and quality control of the traditional Chinese medicine. Homonymic Chinese crude drugs such as Stephania tetrandra and Aristolochia fanchi Clematis armandii and A. manshuriensis can be easily identified by this method. The quantitative determination of AAs and ALs in 12 species of Aristolochia (A. elegans, A. zollingeriana, A. cucurbitifolia, A. mollis, A. kaempferi, A. shimadii, A. heterophylla, A. debilis, A. foveolata, A. contorta, A. trilobata and A. odoratissima) has been investigated. The chromatograms obtained in this study can serve as fingerprints to identify plant species in the Aristolochia genus, thus avoiding incorrect identification of herbal ingredients in manufacturing traditional Chinese medicine.

Seed quality of Aristolochia macrophylla Lam. and A. manshuriensis Kom. in St. Petersburg

Background. The study and mobilization of natural flora species in botanical gardens allow the curators to save biological resources of useful plant species, and recommend them for urban landscaping. In the flora of Russia, one species of a woody vine from the genus Aristolochia L. is A. manshuriensis Kom.; it is included in the Red Data Book of Russia.Methods The material for the study was A. macrophylla Lam. and A. manshuriensis from the collection of the Peter the Great Botanical Garden maintained by the Komarov Botanical Institute of the RAS. Winter hardiness was assessed; plant height, stem diameter, and crown diameter were measured. The sizes and age are given according to the state of the plants in the fall of 2017. Seed quality was assessed with due regard to the approved guidelines. X-ray analysis of fruits and seeds was carried out using the methods developed for the use of microfocus radiography for seeds and fruits.Results. A. manshuriensis has been grown in the Peter the Great Botanical Garden since 1909. The first flowering was observed in 1918 and 1919, the first fruiting in 1924. Currently, plants of the third or fourth generation are present in the collection. A. macrophylla has been known in St. Petersburg since 1816. Over a 200-year period of introduction, only flowering was observed. For the first time, fruiting in this species was registered in 2007; since 2014, second-generation plants have been grown. Analysis of the seeds collected in 2016 and 2017 showed that they are viable and of high quality in both species of Aristolochia. These species are winter-hardy, demonstrate rapid growth, and may somewhat vary in the timeframe of the passage of main phenological phases in their seasonal rhythm of development.Conclusion. For laying out plantations, it is better to use seeds. A. macrophylla and A. manshuriensis are promising for wider cultivation and use in vertical landscaping.

Determination of Aristolochic Acids I and II in Brazilian Sugar Cane Spirit Infusions “milhomem” Commonly used in Northeast Brazil as Popular Drinks

Aristolochic acids (AA) are phytochemicals found in plants of the genus Aristolochia belonging to the family Aristolochiaceae. These compounds bear a nitrophenanthrene carboxylic acid skeleton and are reported to be carcinogenic, mutagenic, and nephrotoxic. Sugar cane spirit infusions containing Aristolochia species are commonly used in Brazil as popular drinks, in total absence of scientific information. The presence aristolochic acids was confirmed in samples collected in popular markets of the city of Aracaju, Sergipe, Brazil. The aristolochic acids quantitative estimation was made in five samples of sugar cane spirit infusions obtained from different places of that city and were performed by high-performance liquid chromatography. The samples analyzed contained aristolochic acids I and II in concentrations ranging between 1.96 and 6.10 µg/ml for AA I and 2.22 and 11.55 µg/ml for AA II. The immediate banning of such popular drinks is recommended in view of the danger to ingest aristolochic acids, botanical products containing aristolochic acids or herbal products containing plants belonging to Aristolochiaceae family.
 
 
 
 

Chemical constituents from Aristolochia tagala and their chemotaxonomic significance

Fifteen compounds were obtained from the extract of the whole herbs of Aristolochia tagala, which were divided into eight aristolactam-type alkaloids (1–6, 14 and 15) and seven aristolochic acid derivatives (7–13). Their structures were identified as aristolactam BII, aristolactam II, sauristolactam, aristolactam I, 7-methoxyaristolactam IV, aristolactam AII, 3-hydroxy-4-methoxy-10-nitrophenanthrene-1-carboxylic acid methyl ester, ariskanin A, ariskanin D, ariskanin E, aristolochic acid C, ariskanin C, ariskanin B, aristolactam-N-β-D-glucoside and cepharanone A N-β-D-glucoside by comparison of their spectral data with those reported previously in the literature. The chemotaxonomic relationships between A. tagala and other species of genus Aristolochia were also discussed. As a result, the isolated compounds closely matched the ones obtained in other species of the genus.

Analysis of aristolochlic acids and evaluation of antibacterial activity of Aristolochia clematitis L.

Several Aristolochia species were used as medicinal herb across Europe and in recent years, their antimicrobial activity has also been investigated. In this study, A. clematitis was selected to evaluate the aristolochic acids I and II (AA I and AA II) concentrations and the antimicrobial activity of methanol, hexane, butanol, and ethyl acetate extracts of the root, stem, leaf, root, and fruit. AA I and AA II contents were measured by a validated high-performance liquid chromatography-ultraviolet method. Each fraction of the plant contained AA I and AA II and the root was found to have the highest contents of AA I (1.09%) and AA II (0.7454%). The minimum inhibitory concentrations of all extracts were determined by standard microdilution method. The fruit's extracts showed the most efficient antimicrobial effect against both methicillin sensitive and resistant Staphylococcus aureus strains. Correlation between the AA I and AA II concentrations and the antimicrobial effect was not found.

Mitochondrial dysfunction is involved in aristolochic acid I-induced apoptosis in renal proximal tubular epithelial cells.

Aristolochic acid (AA) is a compound extracted from the Aristolochia species of herbs. AA exposure is associated with kidney injury known as aristolochic acid nephropathy (AAN). Proximal tubular epithelial cell (PTEC) is the primary target of AA and rich in mitochondria. Recently, increasing evidence suggests that mitochondrial dysfunction plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of kidney disease. However, the status of mitochondrial function in PTEC after exposure to AA remains largely unknown. The aim of this study was to explore the effect of aristolochic acid I (AAI) on cell apoptosis and mitochondrial function in PTEC. Normal rat kidney-52E (NRK-52E) cells were exposed to different concentrations of AAI for different time periods. Cell viability was detected by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide, cell apoptosis was analyzed by flow cytometry, and the expression of cleaved caspase-3 by Western blotting. Mitochondrial function was evaluated by reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) copy number, and adenosine triphosphate (ATP). It was found that AAI reduced cell viability and increased cell apoptosis in a dose- and time-dependent manner. In parallel to increased apoptosis, NRK-52E cell manifested signs of mitochondrial dysfunction in response to AAI treatment. The data indicated that AAI could increase ROS level, lower MMP, decrease mtDNA copy number, and reduce ATP production. In addition, Szeto-Schiller 31, a mitochondria-targeted antioxidant peptide, attenuated AAI-induced mitochondrial dysfunction and apoptosis. Our study depicted significant aberrant of mitochondrial function in AAI-treated NRK-52E cell, which suggested that mitochondrial dysfunction may be involved in AAI-induced apoptosis in PTEC.

Phytopathogenic mycobiota of the Far Eastern species of the genus Aristolochia L. in the culture in vitro

Microclonal reproduction of plants of the Far Eastern species of the genus Aristolochia L on explants revealed the micromycetes of various systematic groups. In microclonal propagation, the authors used various methods of sterilization of the starting material with diacid and sublime. The total period of manifestation of the pathogenic properties of micromycetes on the explants of species of the genus Aristolochia L. was 24 days in vitro.

Features of microclonal reproduction of species of the genus Aristolochia L. in various nutrient environments

The paper presents a comparative analysis of the development of microshoots in primary explants of the species belonging to the genus Aristolochia, using various nutrient media. This allows selecting the most optimal methods for mass production of the sterile regenerated plant cultures in a shorter time for further introduction, reintroduction, and creation of industrial plantations.

<p><strong>Studies in <em>Aristolochia</em> (Aristolochiaceae) of Hispaniola</strong></p>

A review of the literature at large and the field photographic record of the senior author of this study indicate that there are several undescribed species of Aristolochia in Hispaniola (Dominican Republic and Haiti), related to A. bilobata. Here we show that A. mirandae is a synonym of A. bilobata and that what appears as A. bilobata in Marión H. (2011: 76–77) is a new species here described as Aristolochia adiastola. In addition, two new species, A. bonettiana and A. marioniana, also related to A. bilobata, are described and illustrated herein.

A New Herbivory Report from Southeastern Brazil: Aristolochia hypoglauca Kuhlm (Piperales: Aristolochiaceae) as a Host Plant for Battus polydamas (Linnaeus, 1758) (Lepidoptera: Papilionidae)

Battus polydamas (Linnaeus, 1758) (Papilionidae, Troidini) has a close ecological relationship with species of Aristolochia (Aristolochiaceae), which has been treated as an example of coevolution. All species of the Troidini feed almost exclusively on Aristolochia. Here we report a case of herbivory by B. polydamas on Aristolochia hypoglauca from Espirito Santo, southeastern Brazil, as a new host plant record.

Genetic mechanisms underlying perianth epidermal elaboration of Aristolochia ringens Vahl (Aristolochiaceae)

Aristolochia species possess a unique sepal-derived petaloid kettle-shaped perianth with distinctive features and epidermal cell types that likely promote pollination. Epidermal cell fate, proliferation, and specialization as well as perianth elaboration have been well studied in core eudicot model species, but little information is available in early diverging angiosperms. Here we study the morpho-anatomical and molecular basis of perianth elaboration of Aristolochia ringens. We detected multicellular-conical trichomes in the expanded limb and the narrow tube, and multicellular, filamentous trichomes in the inflated utricle. Transcriptomic profiling of the limb, the tube and the utricle of A. ringens was analyzed in order to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) providing specific features to each perianth portion. Among the DEGs many are involved in plant cell wall development, wax accumulation, and cell proliferation. In the latter category we identified three CINCINNATA TCP transcription factors highly expressed in the limb likely aiding cell proliferation, and a microRNA (Arin-miR319a) targeting ArinCIN1 restricted to the utricle. In addition, we found single copy homologs for several of the key trichome development genes reported for other species. Here, we provide the first comprehensive framework for the study of perianth shaping and elaboration in Aristolochia.

Revised description, systematic affinities, and biogeographic considerations of the Fijian endemic Aristolochia vitiensis (Aristolochiaceae)

The poorly known Aristolochia vitiensis is one of the few species of the genus that inhabits SW Pacific Islands. Here we revisit and complement the description of this Fijian endemic. Our study indicates that the species belongs to the subgenus Aristolochia sect. Diplolobus subsect. Euaristolochia. The trifid apex of the perianth is unique among the species of the subgenus Aristolochia and it indicates the presence of three distinct perianth organs, a trait that very rarely can be observed in anthetic flowers.

Complete Chloroplast Genomes and Comparative Analysis of Sequences Evolution among Seven Aristolochia (Aristolochiaceae) Medicinal Species.

Aristolochiaceae, comprising about 600 species, is a unique plant family containing aristolochic acids (AAs). In this study, we sequenced seven species of Aristolochia, and retrieved eleven chloroplast (cp) genomes published for comparative genomics analysis and phylogenetic constructions. The results show that the cp genomes had a typical quadripartite structure with conserved genome arrangement and moderate divergence. The cp genomes range from 159,308 bp to 160,520 bp in length and have a similar GC content of 38.5%–38.9%. A total number of 113 genes were identified, including 79 protein-coding genes, 30 tRNAs and four rRNAs. Although genomic structure and size were highly conserved, the IR-SC boundary regions were variable between these seven cp genomes. The trnH-GUG genes, are one of major differences between the plastomes of the two subgenera Siphisia and Aristolochia. We analyzed the features of nucleotide substitutions, distribution of repeat sequences and simple sequences repeats (SSRs), positive selections in the cp genomes, and identified 16 hotspot regions for genomes divergence that could be utilized as potential markers for phylogeny reconstruction. Phylogenetic relationships of the family Aristolochiaceae inferred from the 18 cp genome sequences were consistent and robust, using maximum parsimony (MP), maximum likelihood (ML), and Bayesian analysis (BI) methods.

English

Aristolochic acids are naturally occurring biomolecules found in plants of the genus Aristolochia and Asarum belonging to the family Aristolochiaceae. They are reported to be carcinogenic and nephrotoxic; and are implicated in kidney diseases, aristolochic acid nephropathy (AAN) which may result in kidney failure, other health complications and possibly death. Aristolochic acids are highly genotoxic and are linked to upper urothelial cancer in animals and humans. Some Aristolochia species are used in traditional medicine practice in Nigeria and other West African countries without regard to safety concerns. Several countries, especially in the Western world, have banned the use and importation of herbal products containing aristolochic acids. There is need for warning and strict regulation on the importation and consumption of aristolochic acids-containing botanical products in Nigeria. This study aims to review the availability of aristolochic acids, their toxicity, circulation, as well as the quantitative analytical techniques and regulations. It analyzes the herbal products containing aristolochic acids, and aristolochaceae plants grown in Nigeria in respect to public health implications. It highlights the importance of doing an extensive study on indigenous plants producing aristolochic acids and imported herbal products used as weight loss supplements marketed in Nigeria. There is need to emphasize the labeling of herbal products containing aristolochic acids. Key words: Aristolochic acid, herbal medicine, Nigeria, aristolochaceae, toxicity, regulation.

Germination of Aristolochia Seeds (Aristolochiaceae)

We studied the seed morphology and germination of 17 Aristolochia species (A. arborea, A. baetica, A. inflata, A. gigantea, A. gracilis, A. clematitis, A. contorta, A. fimbriata, A. labiata, A. littoralis, A. macrophylla, A. manshuriensis, A. maxima, A. rotunda, A. sempervirens, A. tomentosa, A. trilobata). The seeds of A. clematitis, A. contorta, A. trilobata, A. labiata, and A. maxima, as well as all species of Siphisia section (seeds with no wings), have the higher seed morphometric parameters. The seed weight characteristics of species typical of tropical climatic zones (the Gymnolobus section) were lower by ten or more times than those of the species of the other two sections, which are typical of a temperate climate. The greater weight of seeds studied for the species of Siphisia and Diplolobus sections is associated with the presence of a voluminous endosperm, which is required for the embryo development after a long period of time between dissemination and seedlings emergence. The period from sowing to the beginning of germination and the length of the germination period differ between species; the duration of germination is from 1 month to 3.5 years. The seeds of the species from temperate climatic zones (sections Diplolobus and Siphisia) have a non-deep simple morphophysiological dormancy, and the germination starts 1–11 months after seed sowing. We observed intervals in germination from 2 to 12 months in the species of the Diplolobus section; after the intervals, the germination process was continued. The seeds of most of the Gymnolobus section species from tropical zones have a morphological type of dormancy and germinate without intervals. The prolonged germination period and the type of morphophysiological dormancy of seeds have an adaptive value for the species conservation and survival in situ and ex situ.