Bryophyllum Calycinum Research Articles

An Effectiveness of Homoeopathic Mother Tincture Bryophyllum Calycinum (Q) in the Treatment of Urolithiasis Patients

This review is focused on “Effectiveness of Mother Tincture (Q) Bryophyllum Calycinum in treatment of Urolithiasis Patients”. Bryophyllum Calycinum is an indigenous and exotic plant used widely for treatment of various ailments. Despite advances in modern medicine, the development and growth of calculi continues to be a source of concern for mankind there is no effective treatment for calculi. Keeping in view, the study investigates Antiurolithiatic activity of Bryophyllum Calycinum against urinary calculi.

Epinasty and/or hyponasty, and petiole growth in Bryophyllum calycinum: Focus on the interaction of indole-3-acetic acid and methyl jasmonate

Epinasty and/or hyponasty, and petiole growth in Bryophyllum calycinum: Focus on the interaction of indole-3-acetic acid and methyl jasmonate

Petiole bending in Detached Leaves of Bryophyllum calycinum: Relevance to Polar Auxin Transport in Petioles

Petiole bending in Detached Leaves of Bryophyllum calycinum: Relevance to Polar Auxin Transport in Petioles

Names validly published in Kalanchoe (Crassulaceae subfam. Kalanchooideae) by Louis-René ‘Edmond’ Tulasne in 1857, with reference to names proposed in sched. by Hilsenberg and Bojer for two Malagasy species, and with notes on the type of the name K. tubiflora

The French botanist Louis-René ‘Edmond’ Tulasne validly published three new names in Kalanchoe (Crassulaceae subfam. Kalanchooideae) in 1857. These are K. eriophylla, K. miniata, and K. floribunda, with the first two of these names being based on material that was collected more than 30 years earlier in Madagascar by Carl Hilsenberg and Wenceslas Bojer, who are jointly credited as having made the first significant plant collections in the interior of the island. The third name, K. floribunda, was published for a species from the Comoros, but is an illegitimate later homonym, for which a lectotype is designated here. The fourth species that Tulasne dealt with in his treatment of Malagasy kalanchoes was included under the name Bryophyllum calycinum, which is now regarded as a synonym of K. pinnata. In the past, Bryophyllum was sometimes accepted as a genus distinct from Kalanchoe, but at present it is treated as K. subg. Bryophyllum. The nomenclature of the three names published in Kalanchoe and the one treated in Bryophyllum by Tulasne is reviewed and discussed in a historical context. The type of the name K. tubiflora, which was collected during a British expedition that lasted from 1822 to 1826 to South and East Africa, is clarified.

Sprout formation in epiphyllous plantlets from detached Bryophyllum calycinum leaves: Relevance for the senescence of mother leaves under drought stress

Epiphyllous plantlets / vegetative propagules of Bryophyllum calycinum have been well known to develop only on detached leaves but not in leaves of intact plants. In the present study we have found a morphogenesis that the intact epiphyllous plantlets induce sprouts, but not epiphyllous buds, in plantlet leaves when the mother leaves almost completely senesced under drought stress. Anatomical studies of sprouts showed the presence of vascular connection between sprouts and plantlet leaves. After re-watering isolated plantlets, the growth of existing sprouts was inhibited and most of the primordia of buds in plantlet leaves were little differentiated, they appeared to be dormant and further formation of plantlets was suppressed. The sprouts were not formed when plantlets were connected with green parts of mother leaves. Removal of primordia on the one side of detached mother leaves caused loss of chlorophyll in leaves, and the appearance of plantlets on the other side delayed chlorophyll degradation. These results suggest that development of sprouts from epiphyllous plantlets on detached mother leaves is closely related to leaf senescence induced by severe drought stress. The role of the total senescence of the mother leaves under drought conditions in the induction of sprouts is discussed with respect to hormonal balance and signaling networks.

A Possible Mode of Action of Methyl Jasmonate to Induce the Secondary Abscission Zone in Stems of Bryophyllum calycinum: Relevance to Plant Hormone Dynamics.

Plants can react to environmental stresses through the abscission of infected, damaged, or senescent organs. A possible mode of action of methyl jasmonate (JA-Me) to induce the formation of the secondary abscission zone (SAZ) in the stems of Bryophyllum calycinum was investigated concerning plant hormone dynamics. Internode segments were prepared mainly from the second or third internode from the top of plants with active elongation. JA-Me applied to the middle of internode segments induced the SAZ formation above and below the treatment after 5–7 days. At 6 to 7 days after JA-Me treatment, the above and below internode pieces adjacent to the SAZ were excised and subjected to comprehensive analyses of plant hormones. The endogenous levels of auxin-related compounds between both sides adjacent to the SAZ were quite different. No differences were observed in the level of jasmonic acid (JA), but the contents of 12-oxo-phytodienoic acid (OPDA), a precursor of JA, and N-jasmonyl-leucine (JA-Leu) substantially decreased on the JA-Me side. Almost no effects of JA-Me on the dynamics of other plant hormones (cytokinins, abscisic acid, and gibberellins) were observed. Similar JA-Me effects on plant hormones and morphology were observed in the last internode of the decapitated growing plants. These suggest that the application of JA-Me induces the SAZ in the internode of B. calycinum by affecting endogenous levels of auxin- and jasmonate-related compounds.

Foliar epidermal study on selected medicinal plants used in homeopathy

Background: Homeopathy is a complementary alternative medicine system which was introduced by Samuel Hahnemann in Europe in the last part of the eighteenth century. In homeopathy, drugs are obtained from various source materials such as plants, chemicals, minerals, and animals. However, plants are the major source and about 65% of medicines homeopathic medicines obtained from plants (HPI Vol. I to XI). Authentication and identification of genuine drugs is major concern for manufacturing units/industries. The present study will help to add key parameters in the identification of drugs. Objective: The objective of this study is to characterize the foliar epidermal characteristics of selected plants used in homeopathy. Materials and Methods: The foliar epidermal studies of Aegle marmelos (L.) Correa, Bryophyllum calycinum Salisb., Cannabis indica Lam., Cephalandra indica (Wight and Arn.) Naudin, Eucalyptus globulus Labill., Gaultheria procumbens L., Gymnema sylvestre (Retz.) R. Br. ex Sm., Justicia adhatoda L., Nyctanthes arbor-tristis L., and Ricinus communis L. Results: The study showed various characteristic features such as presence or absence of hairs or trichomes, trichomes if present were uni to multicellular, types and size of stomata, stomatal index on dorsal and ventral sides, vein-islet per mm2, vein termination per mm2, and presence or absence of idioblasts, etc. All these features will help in the identification and characterization of medicinal plants. Conclusion: The study revealed that the diversity of foliar characters of the leaf was varying from plant to plant and this variation may be a valuable tool for the authentication and identification of drug.

Mode of Action of 1-Naphthylphthalamic Acid in Conspicuous Local Stem Swelling of Succulent Plant, Bryophyllum calycinum: Relevance to the Aspects of Its Histological Observation and Comprehensive Analyses of Plant Hormones.

The mode of action of 1-naphthylphthalamic acid (NPA) to induce conspicuous local stem swelling in the area of its application to the growing internode in intact Bryophyllum calycinum was studied based on the aspects of histological observation and comprehensive analyses of plant hormones. Histological analyses revealed that NPA induced an increase in cell size and numerous cell divisions in the cortex and pith, respectively, compared to untreated stem. In the area of NPA application, vascular tissues had significantly wider cambial zones consisting of 5–6 cell layers, whereas phloem and xylem seemed not to be affected. This indicates that stem swelling in the area of NPA application is caused by stimulation of cell division and cell enlargement mainly in the cambial zone, cortex, and pith. Comprehensive analyses of plant hormones revealed that NPA substantially increased endogenous levels of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) in the swelling area. NPA also increased endogenous levels of cytokinins, jasmonic acid, and its precursor, 12-oxo-phytodienoic acid, but did not increase abscisic acid and gibberellin levels. It was shown, using radiolabeled 14C-IAA, that NPA applied to the middle of internode segments had little effect on polar auxin transport, while 2,3,5-triiodobenzoic acid substantially inhibited it. These results strongly suggest that NPA induces changes in endogenous levels of plant hormones, such as IAA, cytokinins, and jasmonic acid, and their hormonal crosstalk results in a conspicuous local stem swelling. The possible different mode of action of NPA from other polar auxin transport inhibitors in succulent plants is extensively discussed.

Formation of the Secondary Abscission Zone Induced by the Interaction of Methyl Jasmonate and Auxin in Bryophyllum calycinum: Relevance to Auxin Status and Histology.

The interaction of methyl jasmonate (JA-Me) and indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) to induce the formation of the secondary abscission zone in the middle of internode segments of Bryophyllum calycinum was investigated in relation to auxin status and histology. When IAA at 0.1% (w/w, in lanolin) was applied to the segments, the formation of the secondary abscission zone at a few mm above the treatment in the apical direction was observed. On the contrary, IAA at 0.5% (w/w, in lanolin) did not induce the formation of the secondary abscission zone. JA-Me at 0.5% (w/w, in lanolin) applied to the middle of internode segments kept in the normal (natural) or inverted positions also induced the formation of the secondary abscission zone below and above parts of the treatment. IAA at 0.5% applied to the cut surface of the upper part of the segments completely prevented the formation of the secondary abscission zone induced by JA-Me. Simultaneous application of IAA 0.5% with JA-Me 0.5% in the middle part of the internode segments induced the formation of the secondary abscission zone at 10 mm to 12 mm above the treatment. Histological analyses indicated that the formation of the secondary abscission zone was characterized by the presence of newly synthesized cell plates that resulted from periclinal cell division within one layer of mother cells in stems. The effects of IAA (0.1%) and JA-Me (0.5%) on the formation of the secondary abscission zone were histologically similar. Comprehensive analyses of plant hormones revealed that the balance of the endogenous levels of IAA in both sides adjacent to the abscission zone was significantly disturbed when the secondary abscission formation was induced by the application of IAA. These results strongly suggest that an auxin gradient is important in the formation of the secondary abscission zone in the internode segments of B. calycinum, and IAA gradient results from polar IAA transport from the application site. IAA is important in the regulation of formation of the secondary abscission zone induced by JA-Me. Further possible mechanisms of the formation of the secondary abscission zone in the internode segments of B. calycinum are also discussed in the interaction of JA-Me and IAA.

Effect of Extracts of Bryophyllum calycinum and Achyranthes Aspera on Urine Profile in Male Wistar Rats having Adenine Induced Chronic Kidney Disease

The study was undertaken to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of aqueous and alcoholic uniherbal and biherbal extracts of Bryophyllum calycinum and Achyranthes aspera on adenine induced chronic kidney disease (CKD) in male Wistar rats. Forty-eight rats were randomly divided into eight equal groups, each of six animals. The rats of group I and II served as normal and adenine control, respectively. In group II to VIII, CKD was induced by administration of adenine (200 mg/kg b.wt.) daily along with drinking water for 28 days. After the 28th day, the rats of CKD induced Groups III to VIII were given aqueous and alcoholic plant extracts of B. calycinum and A. aspera @ 300 mg/kg b.wt. orally either as single extract or a combination as biherbal extracts (3:1) in 0.5 % sodium bicarbonate using syringe and rat gavage needle. CKD was confirmed by evaluating urine parameters. Significantly (p less than 0.01) increased levels of urine output, urine specific gravity, urine calcium, phosphorus, and total protein, with decreased levels of urine creatinine and urine pH were observed in all CKD groups as compared to normal control group by 28th day. These changes were significantly (p less than 0.05) reverted to near normal levels within next 42 days of daily administration of either single aqueous/alcoholic extract or a combination as biherbal extract (3:1), without statistical differences among formulations with regard to therapeutic/nephroprotective efficacy against CKD in terms of reducing the altered urine values towards near-normal by 42 days of oral administration.

Effect of Herbal Extracts of Bryophyllum calycinum and Achyranthes aspera on Serum Biochemical Profile of Rats having Adenine Induced Chronic Kidney Disease

The experiment was undertaken to study the therapeutic efficacy of aqueous and alcoholic extracts of Bryophyllum calycinum and Achyranthes aspera on adenine induced chronic kidney disease (CKD) in male Wistar rats. The rats (n = 48) were divided randomly into eight equal groups (n = 6 each). Group I and II served as normal and adenine control, respectively. In group II to VIII, CKD was induced by administration of adenine (200 mg/kg) along with drinking water for 28 days. After 28th day, the rats of CKD induced Groups III to VIII were given aqueous and alcoholic plant extracts of B. calycinum and A. aspera @ 300 mg/kg b.wt. orally as either single or combination of both herbal extracts (3:1) in 0.5 % sodium bicarbonate using syringe and rat gavage needle. CKD was confirmed by evaluating serum biochemical parameters before and after herbal treatment. Increased levels of serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase, urea nitrogen, uric acid, creatinine and phosphorus, while decreased levels of serum total protein were observed in all CKD groups by 28th day as compared to 0 day or normal control group, which was significantly reverted to near normal levels by day 70th following administration of single aqueous/alcoholic extract or a combination as biherbal extracts (3:1) from day 28 to 70 of experiment. The serum albumin and calcium, however, did not show significant alteration in any of the groups. Results of serum biochemistry revealed that aqueous and alcoholic extracts of B. calycinum and A. aspera possess good therapeutic/nephroprotective efficacy against CKD. The effect of biherbal alcoholic extract of the plants was much better in restoring the biochemical values of CKD induced rats by 42 days of administration.

Nephroprotective Effect of Herbal Extracts of Bryophyllum calycium and Solanum xanthocarpum on Induced Urolithiaisis in Wistar Rats: Haemato-Biochemical Evaluation

The experiment was conducted on 90 adult healthy Wistar rats. Rats were randomly divided in to 15 equal groups, each of 6 rats, and were kept in separate cages. Group I served as normal healthy control without any treatment, while Group II and III served as vehicle (bicarbonate) control and lithiatic control, respectively. In rats of Group III to IX urolithiasis was induced using 0.75 % (v/v) ethylene glycol and 2% (w/v) ammonium chloride in drinking water for 28 days. The rats of Group I, II, and X to XV were given pure wholesome water till 28 days. After 28th day, the rats of urolithiatic treatment Groups IV, V, VI, VII, VIII and IX were given aqueous and alcoholic extracts of Bryophyllum calycium and Solanum xanthocarpum @ 300 mg/kg bwt orally as either single extract or combination as biherbal extracts in 0.5 % sodium bicarbonate using syringe and rat lavage needle, and so also was done for rats of Group X to XV as extract control groups. Blood samples were collected twice: i.e. on day 28 of induction of urolithiasis and then on day 56 of experiment from all rats. No significant difference was observed in any of the haematological parameters and even in serum albumin and globulin levels before and after treatment in different groups. However, increased levels of serum BUN, uric acid and creatinine were observed in the urolithiatic groups as compared to the normal control group on 28th day. While serum total protein levels were decreased in the calculi induced groups as compared to the normal control group. However, co-treatment of aqueous or alcoholic extract of Bryophyllum calycinum and Solanum xanthocarpum significantly restored these changes by 56th day. The effect of biherbal alcoholic extract of the plants was much better in restoring the values and the levels came nearer to normal by 56th day of oral treatment proving nephroprotective effect of these extracts.

Differential effects of N-1-naphthylphthalamic acid (NPA) and 2,3,5-triiodobenzoic acid (TIBA) on auxin control of swelling of the shoots of Bryophyllum calycinum Salisb.

The effects of <em>N</em>-1-naphthylphthalamic acid (NPA) and 2,3,5-triiodobenzoic acid (TIBA) on the swelling of the stem in intact and decapitated plants of <em>Bryophyllum calycinum</em> in relation to the interaction with auxin, indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), are described. NPA induced conspicuous local internode swelling only in the area of its application in intact plants and in the decapitated internode in the case of simultaneous application of IAA on the top of the internode. By contrast, TIBA applied to an internode of intact plants induced swelling along the entire internode above the treatment area, and similar results were obtained in the decapitated internode when TIBA was applied in the middle of the internode and IAA was applied onto the top of the internode. The differential effect of NPA and TIBA on stem swelling in <em>B. calycinum</em> is discussed in relation to their differential mode of action on auxin transport.

Auxin effectively induces the formation of the secondary abscission zone in Bryophyllum calycinum Salisb. (Crassulaceae)

We have found that auxin, indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) substantially induces the formation of the secondary abscission zone in stem and petiole explants and in decapitated stem and petiole after excision of blade in intact plants of <em>Bryophyllum calycinum</em> when IAA at a concentration of 0.1% as lanolin paste was applied in the middle of these organs. The secondary abscission zone was formed at a few mm above of the treatment with IAA, and senescence of the part above abscission zone was observed. IAA additionally applied on the top of explants or top of the dacapitated stem or the debladed petiole totally prevented the secondary abscission zone formation and senescence induced by IAA applied in the middle of these organs. Possible mechanisms of the formation of the secondary abscission zone are discussed in terms of the interaction of auxin and ethylene.

Vascular Plant Diversity and their Distribution Pattern in Sandwip Island, Chittagong,Bangladesh

Sandwip is one of the biggest offshore island in Chittagong district of Bangladesh located at 22°22′-22°34′ N and 91°26′- 91°34′ E with an area of 762.42 sq. km. Plant species of the island are at risk because of drought, salinity, anthropological activities and continuous bank erosion in the sea. The main goal of the study is to document the plant diversity of the island before their disappear. Therefore, a study on the vascular plant diversity and their distribution pattern of the island has been conducted during March 2011 to December 2012. Vascular species diversity and distribution pattern are investigated by random quadrat method. A total of 438 vascular plant species under 319 genera and 111 families have been documented from the 48 study sites. Shannon-Wiener diversity index (H`), species richness (d) and Pielou’s evenness index (J`) have been done by using PRIMER v6 program. Plant diversity is higher in the middle part (H` 5.511, J` 0.944 and d 48.49) than the other parts of the island. Highly dominant species of the island are Centella asiatica (L.) Urban., Blumea lacera DC., Cynodon dactylon Pers., Lippia alba (Mill.) Briton et Wilson, Chenopodium album L., Alternanthera philoxeroides (Mart.) Griseb, Lemna perpusilla Torrey, Portulaca olearacea L., Chrysopogon aciculatus (Retz.) Trin and Achyranthes aspera L. respectively. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed that the abundance of highly dominant species like Blumea lacera DC., Chenopodium album L., Alternanthera philoxeroides (Mart.) Griseb, Lemna perpusilla Torrey, Achyranthes aspera L. and Bryophyllum calycinum Salisb. were significantly (P<0.05) varied in different parts of the island. It can be concluded that the present study will be helpful for the planners and policy makers to plan for the better conservation and sustainable management of plant resources of Sandwip Island.

Análise da ação do gel da Bryophyllum calycinum Salisb (folha santa) associado ao ultrassom na cicatrização de feridas cutâneas

Introdução: A cicatrização é uma cascata de eventos celulares que interagem para que ocorra a reconstituição do tecido. Objetivo: Analisar a ação do gel da Bryophyllum calycinum Salisb, associado ao ultrassom pulsado, na cicatrização de feridas. Métodos: Vinte ratos foram feridos, divididos em quatro grupos, tratados e observados diariamente. O Grupo1 não recebeu nenhum tratamento; o 2 foi tratado com ultrassom (modo pulsado 10%, frequência de 1 MHz, intensidade de 0,5 W/cm2, método de acoplamento direto com movimentos oscilatórios numa ERA de 1 cm2, durante dois minutos) + gel da B. calycinum Salisb a 2%; o 3, com gel da B. calycinum Salisb a 2%; o 4, com ultrassom. Resultados: O Grupo 2 teve maior redução das áreas feridas, diminuição do colágeno tipo III e aumento do tipo I, quando comparado ao controle. Conclusões: O gel da folha santa associado ao ultrassom é capaz de acelerar o processo de cicatrização tecidual.

Morphactin stimulates stem elongation and thickening in decapitated shoots of Bryophyllum calycinum Salisb.

Morphactin, methyl 2-chloro-9-hydroxyfluorene-9-carboxylate (IT 3456), is a synthetic growth regulator with a unique action affecting various morphogenetic and physiological processes in plants, and has been characterized as a specific inhibitor of auxin polar transport. Morphactin applied at the last internode in decapitated shoots of &lt;em&gt;Bryophyllum calycinum&lt;/em&gt; substantially stimulated elongation and thickening of the internode. Benzyladenine applied alone little affected stem elongation and thickening. Simultaneous application of benzyladenine and morphactin showed a synergistic effect on thickening, while it did not on elongation. These results suggest that morphactin translocated basipetally from the top of the treated internode inhibits auxin polar transport from the internode, resulting in the accumulation of endogenous auxin for elongation and thickening in the treated internode of decapitated shoots of &lt;em&gt;Bryophyllum calycinum&lt;/em&gt;.

First Report of Powdery Mildew Caused by Erysiphe sedi on Kalanchoe blossfeldiana in Korea.

Kalanchoe blossfeldiana Poelln., belonging to the Crassulaceae, is a common ornamental houseplant with many cultivars. In May 2010, powdery mildew was observed on about 50% of 3,000 potted kalanchoe 'Rose Queen' plants in plastic greenhouses located in Yongin city of central Korea. Farmers producing potted kalanchoes in Yongin region stated that powdery mildew on kalanchoes was mild without causing problems for the last several years. The disease became severe from April 2010 and caused economic losses. The economic and esthetic value was reduced by the unsightly appearance of infected plants with most being unmarketable. Damage due to powdery mildew infections on kalanchoes appeared every year. A representative specimen was deposited in the Korea University herbarium (Accession No. KUS-F24911). Mycelial colonies were white, conspicuous and epiphytic on leaves and stems. Hyphae were septate, branched, and 3 to 6 μm wide. Appressoria on the hyphae were well developed, lobed, and mostly positioned in pairs. Conidiophores were cylindrical, 70 to 145 × 7 to 11.5 μm, and composed of three to four cells. Foot-cells of conidiophores were straight, cylindrical, and 28 to 48 μm long. Conidia produced singly were variable in shape, oval to cylindrical, oval or oblong-elliptical, 30 to 55 × 14 to 24 μm, lacked distinct fibrosin bodies, and showed angular/rectangular wrinkling of outer walls. Germ tubes were produced on the perihilar position of conidia. No chasmothecia were found. The morphological characteristics were consistent with descriptions of Erysiphe sedi U. Braun (1). To confirm the identity of the causal fungus, the complete ITS region of rDNA from KUS-F24911 was amplified with primers ITS5 and P3 as described by Takamatsu et al. (4) and directly sequenced. The resulting sequence was deposited in GenBank (Accession No. JX173288). A GenBank BLAST search using the present data revealed that the ITS sequence shares 100% (552/552 bp) similarity with those of E. sedi on Sedum spp. (Accession Nos. JX173289, JX173290). Pathogenicity was confirmed through inoculation by gently pressing diseased leaves onto leaves of five healthy potted kalanchoe plants. Five non-inoculated plants served as controls. Plants were maintained in a greenhouse at 22 ± 2°C. Inoculated plants developed signs and symptoms after 7 days, whereas the control plants remained symptomless. The fungus present on the inoculated plants was morphologically identical to that originally observed on diseased plants, fulfilling Koch's postulates. E. sedi is also known to infect Kalanchoe pinnata (Lam.) Pers. (= Bryophyllum calycinum Salisb.) in Romania (1,2) and other crassulaceous plants including Sedum spectabile in North America (3). To our knowledge, this is the first report of E. sedi infections of K. blossfeldiana in Korea. This disease seems to be a serious threat to the commercial production of kalanchoe plants which are cultivated under plastic greenhouses of poor ventilation and low light levels in Korea.

The impact of the prophylactic or therapeutic application of Bryophyllum (Bryophyllum calycinum) on preterm delivery—A prospective study

Introduction Preterm delivery is still the leading cause of perinatal mortality and morbidity in the western countries. Despite intensive efforts in the field of preventive care, screening and therapeutic interventions, the incidence of preterm deliveries has remained stable for over two decades. For inhibiting preterm labor, beta-mimetics have been used for over 20 years. Other medicaments with tocolytic properties include calcium antagonists, prostaglandin inhibitors, and, currently, antagonists of the oxytocic receptor. However, many of them show considerable side effects. Due to the stagnant long-term results of the tocolytical drugs, alternative medicaments, especially with a lower side effect, profile are needed. Material and methods A prospective double-blind trial with orally applied Bryophyllum versus placebo was initiated in June 2004. The patients were divided into three different groups according to the indication of Bryophyllum: twin pregnancies (group A), shortened cervix (less than 25 mm) or preterm contractions (group B), or positive history of preterm contractions and/or preterm delivery (group C). Thirty-two patients were enrolled between February 2004 and August 2005. Primary outcome consists of the extension of pregnancy. Secondary outcomes include rate of preterm delivery, rate of side effects, number of days of hospitalization, and rate of lung maturation. Results Thirty-two patients were recruited. The mean randomization time was the 23 week of gestation. Fifteen patients received Bryophyllum and 17 received the placebo. The time of delivery did not differ among the groups. In both groups the mean time of birth was in the 35 week of gestation. The mean birth weight was slightly higher in the placebo group (2192 g) compared to the Verum group (1948 g). A transition to the intensive care unit was slightly higher in the placebo group (13) compared to the Bryophyllum group (11). Discussion Bryophyllum has been implemented in clinical practice not only in anthroposophical but also in tertiary obstetrical units. This double-blind study was designed to determine its effectiveness in preventing preterm deliveries in a tertiary setting. However, the recruitment was difficult because many patients have already had Bryophyllum before they consult their doctor. Our data do not show statistically significant differences between the groups; however, larger groups are needed to detect potential differences. Side effects of Bryophyllum were not detected. Since a placebo-controlled recruitment is not possible we added an observational arm to our study to investigate the outcome of a larger group of patients.

Effect of surfactants and liquid fertilisers on transcuticular penetration f fungicides

Penetration of active compounds into the leaves plays an important role in their systemic activity. The effect of surfactants and liquid fertilisers on the penetration of fungicides was studied in model trials with the cuticle from &lt;I&gt;Bryophyllum calycinum&lt;/I&gt;. Solutions of the fungicides were pipetted on pieces of cuticle laid on agar covered by spores of &lt;I&gt;Cladosporium cladosporioides&lt;/I&gt;. The diameters of the inhibitory zones were measured and served to gauge the level of penetration by the variants. The size of the inhibitory zone of the control variant of Alto Combi 420 SC pipetted on the cuticle was only reduced to 92.6% of the variant where the solution was pipetted directly onto the agar; thus, the cuticle’s effect on penetration was minor. Penetration through the cuticle decreased the diameters of inhibitory zones also of other fungicides: Discus to 84.1%, Horizon 250 E to 83.0%, Baycor 25 WP to 77.7%, Topsin 500 SC to 60.0 and Amistar to 37.8% of their control variant. The high penetration by the original formulations Alto Combi and Discus left no or little room for any increase of their penetration when mixed with additives. A higher penetration by Discus would also be undesirable because of its contact activity. The additives increased penetration most when mixed with Topsin and Amistar. The effect of surfactants and liquid fertilisers on the penetration of fungicides cannot be generalised. It was unique to each fungicide/additive combination. While the conditions of the trials enabled high penetration of some original formulations, the question arises how the additives will perform under conditions that will allow only low penetration.