Cecropia Obtusifolia Research Articles

Cecropia obtusifolia: phytopharmacology and its potential use in the treatment of diseases

Cecropia obtusifolia: phytopharmacology and its potential use in the treatment of diseases

Endemic island plant–herbivore interactions: Kamehameha butterfly (Nymphalidae) and Hawaiian Urticaceae

AbstractInsect–plant interactions are less well studied than other types of herbivory on islands, precluding a comprehensive understanding of the evolutionary ecology of these interactions. Declines in native island plants and insects call for urgent attention to characterize these species' interactions for their conservation and to better understand evolution in these unique, insular ecosystems. In Hawai‘i, the Kamehameha butterfly (Vanessa tameamea) is one of only two native butterflies, and larvae are specialists on native urticaceous plants. Using a no‐choice bioassay, we investigated performance of V. tameamea reared from egg hatching through eclosion on four native urticaceous host plants, Boehmeria grandis, Pipturus albidus, Touchardia latifolia, and Touchardia oahuensis, and one exotic urticaceous species, Cecropia obtusifolia. Performance varied significantly among the plant diets, with V. tameamea performing best on P. albidus and T. oahuensis among the performance metrics of survival, pupal and adult body mass, and development time. Larval responses to the exotic host plant C. obtusifolia varied among populations, with O‘ahu caterpillars successfully completing development on it, but Hawai‘i Island caterpillars rejecting it completely, suggesting a geographic mosaic for this novel species interaction. Characterization of a suite of nutritive and defensive plant traits revealed significant variability among plant species, but patterns did not align well with V. tameamea performance rankings, making it difficult to identify key drivers of host plant quality. Future work examining additional plant traits under natural conditions would provide new insights, contributing critical ecological information to conserve this charismatic island species.

In Silico Studies of Four Compounds of Cecropia obtusifolia against Malaria Parasite.

Malaria is a disease that affects many people in the world. In Mexico, malaria remains an active disease in certain regions, particularly in the states of Chiapas and Chihuahua. While antimalarial effects have been attributed to some species of Cecropia in various countries, no such studies have been conducted in Mexico. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the in silico antimalarial activity of some active compounds identified according to the literature in the species of Cecropia obtusifolia, belonging to the Cecropiaceae family, such as ursolic acid, α-amyrin, chrysin, and isoorientin. These compounds were evaluated with specific molecular docking and molecular dynamics (MD) studies using three different malarial targets with the PDB codes 1CET, 2BL9, and 4ZL4 as well as the prediction of their pharmacokinetic (Pk) properties. Docking analysis revealed the following best binding energies (kcal/mol): isoorientin-1CET (-9.1), isoorientin-2BL9 (-8.8), and chrysin-4ZL4 (-9.6). MD simulation validated the stability of the complexes. Pharmacokinetics analysis suggested that the compounds would generally perform well if administered. Therefore, these results suggest that these compounds may be used as potential drugs for the treatment of malaria.

Intra- and Interspecies Differences of Two Cecropia Species from Tabasco, Mexico, Determined through the Metabolic Analysis and 1H-NMR-Based Fingerprinting of Hydroalcoholic Extracts.

The genus Cecropia is used in the traditional medicine of Tabasco, Mexico, in diabetes and hypertension treatments, mainly without distinction of the species. This contribution aimed to carry out the metabolic analysis and Proton Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (1H-NMR) spectroscopy-based fingerprinting of the hydroalcoholic leaf extracts of Cecropia peltata (Cp) and Cecropia obtusifolia (Co) collected in five sub-regions of the State of Tabasco (Cp1, "Centro"; Cp2, "Chontalpa"; Cp3, "Pantanos"; Cp4, "Ríos" and Co5, "Sierra"). Firstly, the extracts were evaluated for their Total Phenol Content (TPC) and Total Flavonoid Content (TFC) by spectrophotometric methods. In addition, metabolic analysis was performed using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography with Diode-Array Detection HPLC-DAD, which allowed the quantification of the chemical markers: chlorogenic acid, isoorientin, and orientin, as well as a vitexin analog. Finally, metabolomic analysis was carried out based on the 1H-NMR spectra. The Cp4 extract (C. peltata from the "Ríos" sub-region) presented the highest values of TPC (155 ± 9.1 mg GAE/g E) and TFC (724 ± 22.2 mg RE/g E). The metabolic analysis was similar among the five samples; the highest concentrations of the four chemical markers were found in Cp3 (C. peltata from the "Pantanos" sub-region) for chlorogenic acid (39.8 ± 2.3 mg/g) and isoorientin (51.5 ± 2.9 mg/g), in Cp4 for orientin (49.9 ± 0.6 mg/g), and in Cp2 (C. peltata from the "Chontalpa" sub-region) for the vitexin analog (6.2 ± 0.2 mg/g). The metabolic analysis and the 1H-NMR fingerprint analysis showed intraspecies differences among the C. peltata samples and interspecies between C. peltata and C. obtusifolia, which were attributed to variations in the metabolite groups as well as in the proportion of sugars such as glucose and xylose.

The use of ecological analytical tools as an unconventional approach for untargeted metabolomics data analysis: the case of Cecropia obtusifolia and its adaptive responses to nitrate starvation

Plant metabolomics studies haves revealed new bioactive compounds. However, like other omics disciplines, the generated data are not fully exploited, mainly because the commonly performed analyses focus on elucidating the presence/absence of distinctive metabolites (and/or their precursors) and not on providing a holistic view of metabolomic changes and their participation in organismal adaptation to biotic and abiotic stress conditions. Therefore, spectral libraries generated from Cecropia obtusifolia cell suspension cultures in a previous study were considered as a case study and were reanalyzed herein. These libraries were obtained from a time-course experiment under nitrate starvation conditions using both electrospray ionization modes. The applied methodology included the use of ecological analytical tools in a systematic four-step process, including a population analysis of metabolite α diversity, richness, and evenness (i); a chemometrics analysis to identify discriminant groups (ii); differential metabolic marker identification (iii); and enrichment analyses and annotation of active metabolic pathways enriched by differential metabolites (iv). Our species α diversity results referring to the diversity of metabolites represented by mass-to-charge ratio (m/z) values detected at a specific retention time (rt) (an uncommon way to analyze untargeted metabolomic data) suggest that the metabolome is dynamic and is modulated by abiotic stress. A total of 147 and 371 m/z_rt pairs was identified as differential markers responsive to nitrate starvation in ESI− and ESI+ modes, respectively. Subsequent enrichment analysis showed a high degree of completeness of biosynthetic pathways such as those of brassinosteroids, flavonoids, and phenylpropanoids.

EFFECT OF STANDARDIZED EXTRACTS OF CECROPIA OBTUSIFOLIA BERTOL. ON METABOLIC SYNDROME IN MICE

Background: In Mexican traditional medicine, Cecropia obtusifolia is extensively used, from central to southeast regions, to treat diabetes and some inflammation-related disorders, including renal illness and obesity.
 Objective: To evaluate the effect of the hydroalcoholic and methanolic extracts, standardized in chlorogenic acid, on some metabolic syndrome-related signs induced by hypercaloric diet in mice.
 Methods: C57BL/6 mice were administered the hydroalcoholic or the methanolic extract for 8 weeks. The data were analyzed with a one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey post hoc test.
 Results: Methanolic extract was able to reduce insulin resistance, clotting time, adipose tissue content, food consumption, weight gain, and hypertension. It also decreased renal inflammation, as assessed by the quantification of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-10. On the other hand, the hydroalcoholic extract, vs negative control, decreased IL-6 (-60.4%) and TNF-α (-82.1%) and increased IL-10 (39.1%). 
 Conclusion: Overall, the methanolic extract had higher efficacy, since it reduced insulin resistance and visceral fat and showed a tendency to reduce clotting time, which may be related to improve liver function.
 
 Peer Review History: 
 Received: 11 July 2022; Revised: 15 August; Accepted: 8 September, Available online: 15 September 2022
 Academic Editor: Dr. Amany Mohamed Alboghdadly, Princess Nourah bint abdulrahman university, Riyadh, amalbgadley@pnu.edu.sa
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COMPOSICIÓN FLORÍSTICA Y ARREGLO DE SISTEMAS AGROFORESTALES DE CACAO EN TABASCO, MEXICO

<p><strong>Background.</strong> The floristic composition of the cacao (Theobroma cacao L.) agroforestry systems in Tabasco provides a way to describe the genetic and tree diversity of traditional forms of production. Objective. to evaluate how the cacao agroforestry systems are floristically composed in the state. <strong>Methodology</strong>. Thirteen plots were sampled in four municipalities, with a total area of 30.5 ha. The species were counted, and the importance, diameter classes, height, and main uses were estimated. <strong>Results.</strong> Seventeen families and 2370 individuals belonging to 36 species were recorded. The dominant families were Fabaceae and Rutaceae; The species with the highest presence (74.5%) were represented by <em>Cedrela odorata</em> L, <em>Erythrina americana</em> Mill., <em>Gliricidia sepium</em> (Jacq.) Walp., <em>Tabebuia rosea</em> (Bertol) DC., <em>Swietenia macrophylla</em> Willd., <em>Cocos nucifera</em> L, <em>Colubrina arborescens</em> (P. Mill) Sarg., P<em>imenta dioica</em> L., <em>Cecropia obtusifolia</em> Bertol and <em>Roystonea dunlapiana</em> P. H. Allen. In addition to providing shade, trees are used to obtain wood, fruit, fencing, or similar medicinal alternatives. On average, each plot has 46 trees per ha, a diversity of 9 different shade trees in young plantations, and 18 species in mature plantations, demonstrating the variety and floristic richness in the agroecosystem. <strong>Implications.</strong> It lays the foundations for future work that quantifies and enhances the environmental services provided by agroecosystems, as its utility on cacao agroforestry systems to preserve wildlife species. <strong>Conclusion.</strong> More studies should be implemented to deepen the knowledge of cocoa agroforestry systems (CAFS), particularly in quantifying and providing environmental services. Maintaining these CAFS will promote biodiversity and other environmental benefits, such as carbon storage, which with integrative plans, can represent alternative sources of income for producers in a sustainable way.</p><p><strong>"Background.</strong> The floristic composition of the cacao (Theobroma cacao L.) agroforestry systems in Tabasco provides a way to describe the genetic and tree diversity of traditional forms of production. Objective. to evaluate how the cacao agroforestry systems are floristically composed in the state. <strong>Methodology</strong>. Thirteen plots were sampled in four municipalities, with a total area of 30.5 ha. The species were counted, and the importance, diameter classes, height, and main uses were estimated. <strong>Results.</strong> Seventeen families and 2370 individuals belonging to 36 species were recorded. The dominant families were Fabaceae and Rutaceae; The species with the highest presence (74.5%) were represented by <em>Cedrela odorata</em> L, <em>Erythrina americana</em> Mill., <em>Gliricidia sepium</em> (Jacq.) Walp., <em>Tabebuia rosea</em> (Bertol) DC., <em>Swietenia macrophylla</em> Willd., <em>Cocos nucifera</em> L, <em>Colubrina arborescens</em> (P. Mill) Sarg., P<em>imenta dioica</em> L., <em>Cecropia obtusifolia</em> Bertol and <em>Roystonea dunlapiana</em> P. H. Allen. In addition to providing shade, trees are used to obtain wood, fruit, fencing, or similar medicinal alternatives. On average, each plot has 46 trees per ha, a diversity of 9 different shade trees in young plantations, and 18 species in mature plantations, demonstrating the variety and floristic richness in the agroecosystem. <strong>Implications.</strong> It lays the foundations for future work that quantifies and enhances the environmental services provided by agroecosystems, as its utility on cacao agroforestry systems to preserve wildlife species. <strong>Conclusion.</strong> More studies should be implemented to deepen the knowledge of cocoa agroforestry systems (CAFS), particularly in quantifying and providing environmental services. Maintaining these CAFS will promote biodiversity and other environmental benefits, such as carbon storage, which with integrative plans, can represent alternative sources of income for producers in a sustainable way."</p>

Characterization of Riparian Tree Communities along a River Basin in the Pacific Slope of Guatemala

Ecosystem conservation in Mesoamerica, one of the world’s biodiversity hotspots, is a top priority because of the rapid loss of native vegetation due to anthropogenic activities. Riparian forests are often the only remaining preserved areas among expansive agricultural matrices. These forest remnants are essential to maintaining water quality, providing habitats for a variety of wildlife and acting as biological corridors that enable the movement and dispersal of local species. The Acomé river is located on the Pacific slope of Guatemala. This region is heavily impacted by intensive agriculture (mostly sugarcane plantations), fires and grazing. Most of this region’s original forest is now restricted to forest remnants concentrated along the riverbank. However, the botanical composition and species diversity of the riparian communities has not been characterized. This baseline information is essential to develop restoration strategies and management plans. This study aimed to characterize the riparian tree communities along the Acomé riverbank by systematically collecting herbarium specimens and photographic material for trees over 10 cm DBH (diameter at breast height). Cluster analysis was used to identify the main riparian communities, and diversity indices were calculated for each community. A total of 115 tree species were identified, belonging to 91 genera and 43 families. The cluster analysis suggested the presence of four riparian tree communities along an altitudinal gradient. Rhizophora mangle, Cecropia obtusifolia, Guazuma ulmifolia, and Brosimum costaricanum were the dominant species of the identified communities. This research will support ongoing restoration efforts and biological connectivity plans in this region.

Description of One New Species and New Records of the Genus Aleuropleurocelus1 from Mexico

A new species of whitefly, Aleuropleurocelus pseudogranulata Carapia-Ruiz & Sánchez-Flores sp. nov., collected from the underside of Cecropia obtusifolia (Bertol.) leaves, at Putla, Oaxaca, Mexico, is described. Microphotographs of morphological structures of the puparia were provided and how it differs from other related species of Aleuropleurocelus was discussed. Aleuropleurocelus ceanothi (Sampson) also was reported from Tecate, Baja California, Mexico, on Ceanothus leucodermis Greene and Ceanothus verrucosus Nutt.

Integrated Analysis of the Transcriptome and Metabolome of Cecropia obtusifolia: A Plant with High Chlorogenic Acid Content Traditionally Used to Treat Diabetes Mellitus.

This investigation cultured Cecropia obtusifolia cells in suspension to evaluate the effect of nitrate deficiency on the growth and production of chlorogenic acid (CGA), a secondary metabolite with hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic activity that acts directly on type 2 diabetes mellitus. Using cell cultures in suspension, a kinetics time course was established with six time points and four total nitrate concentrations. The metabolites of interest were quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and the metabolome was analyzed using directed and nondirected approaches. Finally, using RNA-seq methodology, the first transcript collection for C. obtusifolia was generated. HPLC analysis detected CGA at all sampling points, while metabolomic analysis confirmed the identity of CGA and of precursors involved in its biosynthesis. Transcriptome analysis identified differentially expressed genes and enzymes involved in the biosynthetic pathway of CGA. C. obtusifolia probably expresses a key enzyme with bifunctional activity, the hydroxycinnamoyl-CoA quinate hydroxycinnamoyl transferase and hydroxycinnamoyl-CoA shikimate/quinate hydroxycinnamoyl transferase (HQT/HCT), which recognizes shikimic acid or quinic acid as a substrate and incorporates either into one of the two routes responsible for CGA biosynthesis.

Simulated Gastrointestinal Biotransformation of Chlorogenic Acid, Flavonoids, Flavonolignans and Triterpenoid Saponins in Cecropia obtusifolia Leaf Extract.

It is well known that biotransformation processes in the human body are crucial to form potentially bioactive metabolites from particular classes of natural products. However, little research has been conducted concerning the bioavailability of polyphenols, especially in the colon. The gastrointestinal stability and colonic biotransformation of the crude extract of the leaves of Cecropia obtusifolia, rich in flavone C-glycosides, was investigated under in vitro conditions, and the processing and interpretation of results were facilitated by using an automated machine learning model. This investigation revealed that flavone C-glycosides and flavonolignans from C. obtusifolia were stable throughout their passage in the simulated gastrointestinal tract including the colon phase. On the other hand, the colon bacteria extensively metabolized chlorogenic acid, flavonol, and triterpenoid O-glycosides. This investigation revealed that the colonic microbiota has an important role in the biotransformation of some chemical constituents of this extract.

A REVIEW OF THE ANTI-INFLAMMATORY AND ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITIES OF THE COMPONENTS OF THE CECROPIA GENUS

The genus Cecropia belongs to the Urticaceae family and has a wide diversity of species in several regions of South America. In folk medicine, they have many uses, such as hypoglycemic, antihypertensive, anti-inflammatory, and sedative. Species of the genus Cecropia, such as Cecropia pachystachya, Cecropia glaziovii, and Cecropia obtusifolia, have been the subject of several phytochemical studies, and the main isolated compounds were orientin, isoorientin, isovitexin, vitexin, as well as c-glycosylflavonoid compounds. These active compounds were characterized as responsible for the use of Cecropia plants in the treatment of inflammation and also as antimicrobial agents. This review aims to describe the main characteristics of the genus Cecropia, exploring the compounds responsible for the medicinal uses of these species and focusing on anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial uses.

Mechanism of the Hypoglycemic Activity and Hepatoprotective Effect of the Aqueous Extract of Cecropia obtusifolia Bertol.

In Central and South American traditional medicine, people use Cecropia obtusifolia Bertol (Cecropiaceae) for the treatment of diabetes mellitus. However, its hypoglycemic action mechanism at pancreatic and liver level has been poorly explored. The present research aimed to establish the influence of the aqueous extract of C. obtusifolia, standardized in its content of chlorogenic acid, on insulin secretion in RINm5F cells and over the liver carbohydrates and lipids metabolism, and to determine concomitantly its hepatoprotective effect on mice with streptozotocin-induced diabetes. In RINm5F cells, concentrations 5, 50, 100, and 200 μg/mL of aqueous extract of C. obtusifolia were used to determine [Ca2+]i and insulin secretion. In an acute study, the extract was administered at doses of 500 mg/kg. In another test (subacute), the extract was daily administrated to diabetic mice (200 mg/kg/day) for 30 days. Blood glucose levels and other biochemical parameters were determined, and a liver histological analysis was performed. In RINm5F cells, C. obtusifolia increased [Ca2+]i and insulin secretion, whereas in diabetic mice exhibited acute and subacute hypoglycemic effects. Daily administration of C. obtusifolia to diabetic mice also increased liver glycogen storage and glycogen synthase levels, without apparent changes in gluconeogenesis. Besides, it increased peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α (PPAR-α) and long-chain-fatty-acid-CoA ligase 1 (ACSL-1) expression and reduced triglycerides, transaminases (alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase), and collagen fibers, modifying anti-inflammatory (adiponectin and interleukin-10) and inflammatory (tumor necrosis factor-α) cytokines in serum. Therefore, the hypoglycemic effect of C. obtusifolia implicates a dual action, promoting insulin secretion, liver glycogen accumulation, and hepatoprotection by decreasing collagen fibers and inflammatory markers, whereas it improves lipid metabolism, due in part to PPAR-α.

Phytosociological survey of environmental park in Antonio Danubio municipality of Ananindeua, Para, Brazil

This article reports the floristic and phytosociology of a solid ground forest, located in the Environmental Park Antonio Danubio Lourenco da Silva, municipality of Ananindeua, Para, Brazil. The inventory of 1 ha considered individuals with diameter at breast height (DBH) ≥ 10 cm, allocated twenty plots in each field, all of size 20 m x 25 m (500 m2) arranged randomly. A total of 239 plants was registered, distributed in 61 species, 51 genera and 27 families, referring to biocenose area. The families with most species, in a decreasing order, were: Leguminosae, Lecythidaceae, Sapotaceae, Urticaceae, Anacardiaceae, Annonaceae, Caryocaraceae, Vochysiaceae, Lauraceae, Arecaceae and Malvaceae. In relation to the importance value index (IVIi), the highest values ​​were presented by the species: Oenocarpus bacaba, Nectandra cuspidata, Theobroma grandiflorum, Diplotropis purpurea, Piptadenia suavelons, Inga lauriana, Cecropia obtusifolia, Cecropia sciadophylla, Tapirira guianensis and Jacaranda copaia. These species represent 56.06% of the individuals sampled per hectare and 58.63% of the IVIi. The diversity index of Shannon-Weaver (H '= 3.53) indicates that the park has a floristic diversity less than other native forest fragments in State of Para, Brazil. This is probably due to the park being part of an anthropic area near the federal highway BR-316, where a large number of vehicles circulate daily. Key words: Phytosociology, biodiversity, conservation, identificacion.

Correction to 'The demography of a resource specialist in the tropics: Cecropia trees and the fitness of three-toed sloths'.

You have accessMoreSectionsView PDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack Citations ShareShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InRedditEmail Cite this article Garcés-Restrepo Mario F., Peery M. Zachariah and Pauli Jonathan N. 2019Correction to ‘The demography of a resource specialist in the tropics: Cecropia trees and the fitness of three-toed sloths’Proc. R. Soc. B.2862019100620191006http://doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2019.1006SectionYou have accessCorrectionsCorrection to ‘The demography of a resource specialist in the tropics: Cecropia trees and the fitness of three-toed sloths’ Mario F. Garcés-Restrepo Mario F. Garcés-Restrepo http://orcid.org/0000-0002-9937-7902 Google Scholar Find this author on PubMed Search for more papers by this author , M. Zachariah Peery M. Zachariah Peery Google Scholar Find this author on PubMed Search for more papers by this author and Jonathan N. Pauli Jonathan N. Pauli http://orcid.org/0000-0001-5908-6628 Google Scholar Find this author on PubMed Search for more papers by this author Mario F. Garcés-Restrepo Mario F. Garcés-Restrepo http://orcid.org/0000-0002-9937-7902 Google Scholar Find this author on PubMed Search for more papers by this author , M. Zachariah Peery M. Zachariah Peery Google Scholar Find this author on PubMed Search for more papers by this author and Jonathan N. Pauli Jonathan N. Pauli http://orcid.org/0000-0001-5908-6628 Google Scholar Find this author on PubMed Search for more papers by this author Published:22 May 2019https://doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2019.1006This article corrects the followingResearch ArticleThe demography of a resource specialist in the tropics: Cecropia trees and the fitness of three-toed slothshttps://doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2018.2206 Mario F. Garcés-Restrepo, M. Zachariah Peery and Jonathan N. Pauli volume 286issue 1894Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences16 January 2019Proc. R. Soc. B286, 20182206. (Published Online 16 January 2019). (doi:10.1098/rspb.2018.2206)Purpose for correction:A figure and table depicting a population model in the article ‘The demography of a resource specialist in the tropics: Cecropia trees and the fitness of three-toed sloths’ (doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2018.2206) had editing errors. Our original table 1 depicting the matrix model incorrectly represented a reproductive element for 2- to 3-year-old juveniles as non-zero (first row, third column in matrix) and added (rather than multiplied) fecundity (m) with adult survival (ϕ3+). Additionally, there was incorrect symbology presented in figure 4: we have corrected the reproductive element (m × ϕ3+); shown that fecundity (m) was divided by 2 (because the model was female based); and added a negative sign to the exponent. We have updated table 1 and figure 4 below to correctly illustrate the projection we conducted that match the results and conclusions presented in the article. Reference numbers are as in the original main text. Table 1. Matrix model used to estimate annual population growth rates for three-toed sloths in northeastern Costa Rica (m, fecundity; ϕ0–1, annual juvenile 0- to 1-year-old survival rate; ϕ1–2, annual juvenile 1- to 2-year-old survival rate; ϕ2–3, annual juvenile 2- to 3-year-old survival rate; ϕ3+, annual adult survival rate). Collapse 000m × ϕ3+ϕ0–10000ϕ1–20000ϕ2–3ϕ3+Figure 4. Influence of Cecropia obtusifolia density on the population growth rate (λ) of three-toed sloths (Bradypus variegatus). Density of C. obtusifolia (coloured dots) was based on previous estimates of C. obtusifolia in different habitat types (see the electronic supplementary material for details). Filled colours represent the range of expected population growth in different habitat types. Inset graph illustrates a four-stage life-history diagram including the relationship between C. obtusifolia density and adult survival and reproductive output (m, fecundity; 3+, adults; ϕ0–1, annual juvenile 0- to 1-year-old survival rate; ϕ1–2, annual juveniles 1- to 2-year-old survival rate; ϕ2–3, juveniles 2- to 3-year-old survival rate; ϕ3+, annual adult survival rate) used to derive the estimated population growth rate.Download figureOpen in new tabDownload PowerPoint Previous Article VIEW FULL TEXT DOWNLOAD PDF FiguresRelatedReferencesDetailsRelated articlesThe demography of a resource specialist in the tropics: Cecropia trees and the fitness of three-toed sloths16 January 2019Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences This IssueMay 29, 2019Volume 286Issue 1903 Article InformationDOI:https://doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2019.1006PubMed:31113324Published by:Royal SocietyOnline ISSN:1471-2954History: Published online22/05/2019Published in print29/05/2019 License:© 2019 The Author(s)Published by the Royal Society. All rights reserved. Citations and impact Subjectsecology Large datasets are available through Proceedings B's partnership with Dryad

Two new antiplasmodial flavonolignans from the leaves of Cecropia obtusifolia

Cecropia species are traditionally used in several Latin American countries to treat various diseases including malaria. A phytochemical investigation on the leaves of Cecropia obtusifolia Bertol (Urticaceae) afforded two new flavonolignans, i.e. ent-mururin A (1) and ent-vaccinin A (2). They were isolated by means of chromatographic techniques and elucidated based on their spectroscopic (NMR, MS and optical rotation) data, and were described as new isomers of mururin A and vaccinin A. Antiplasmodial evaluation revealed that 1 and 2 were moderately active in vitro against the chloroquine-resistant strain Plasmodium falciparum K1 (IC50 4.68 μM and 7.34 μM, respectively) without cytotoxic effects up to a concentration of 64.0 μM.

Estudios etnofarmacológicos de Cecropia obtusifolia (Urticaceae) y su importancia en el tratamiento de la diabetes mellitus tipo 2 (DM-2): una mini-revisión

Antecedentes y Objetivos: La diabetes mellitus tipo 2 (DM-2) es una de las enfermedades crónicas recurrentes más comunes, generalmente se trata con medicamentos sintéticos, muchos de los cuales tienen importantes repercusiones en el cuerpo del paciente. Por esta razón, la etnofarmacología se ha vuelto más importante en los últimos años, porque una gran cantidad de recursos de origen vegetal son utilizados en medicina y muestran un efecto positivo en el tratamiento de diferentes enfermedades, incluyendo DM-2. Por lo tanto, el objetivo de esta revisión es destacar cómo los estudios previos se suman a la comprensión y el conocimiento de los efectos biológicos informados en Cecropia obtusifolia, una planta tropical incluida en la Farmacopea Herbolaria de los Estados Unidos Mexicanos (FHEUM), comúnmente usada para tratar DM-2.Métodos: Se realizó una revisión profunda de la literatura sobre C. obtusifolia, centrándose en diversos estudios fitoquímicos, farmacológicos, clínicos y toxicológicos, así como en otros hallazgos relevantes de investigación.Resultados clave: Se reconoce que esta especie es capaz de disminuir los niveles séricos de glucosa, colesterol y triglicéridos, debido a sus propiedades hipoglucémicas e hipolipidémicas reductoras de lípidos, que se han demostrado tanto en modelos experimentales animales como en humanos, atribuyendo estos efectos al ácido clorogénico y la isoorienina. Estos informes previos sugieren que C. obtusifolia es un candidato prometedor para el desarrollo de un fitofarmacéutico que podría usarse en el tratamiento de DM-2.Conclusiones: Brindamos una visión general actualizada y completa de la fitoquímica, los usos tradicionales y las actividades farmacológicas de C. obtusifolia. En cuanto a sus actividades farmacológicas, nos centramos principalmente en el efecto hipoglucémico de esta planta que apoya su uso tradicional en el control de DM-2. Además, el conocimiento actual se evaluó críticamente para proporcionar algunas pruebas y justificaciones y proponer futuras perspectivas de investigación.

Temporal and spatial resource use by female three-toed sloths and their young in an agricultural landscape in Costa Rica

The information on ecological behavior of wild sloths is very scarce. In this study we determined the home ranges and resources used by three adult female three-toed sloths (Bradypus variegatus) and their four young in an agricultural matrix of cacao (Theobroma cacao), pasture, riparian forests and living fencerows in Costa Rica. Births occurred during November-December and the young became independent at five to seven months of age. Initially, mothers remained fixed in one or a few trees, but expanded their use of resources as young sloths became independent from them. Mothers initially guided the young to preferred food and cover resources, but they gradually left their young in small nucleus areas and colonized new areas for themselves. Home range sizes for young sloths (up to seven months of age) varied between 0.04-0.6 hectares, while home range sizes for mothers varied from 0.04-25.0 hectares. During the maternal care period, 22 tree species were used, with the most common being Cecropia obtusifolia (30.9%), Coussapoa villosa (25.6%), Nectandra salicifolia (12.1%), Pterocarpus officinalis (5.8%) and Samanea saman (5.4%). However, young sloths used only 20 tree species, with the most common being C. villosa (18.4%), S. saman (18.5%) and N. salicifolia (16.7%). The cacao agroforest was used only by mother sloths and never by their young following separation. However, in the riparian forest, both mother sloths and young used the tree species. A total of 28 tree species were used by the mother sloth; including the food species: C. obtusifolia, C. villosa, N. salicifolia and P. officinalis. However, the young used 18 trees species in this habitat with N. salicifolia and S. saman most commonly used, although they rested and fed during the day in C. obtusifolia, C. villosa and O. sinnuata. The cacao agroforest with adjacent riparian forests and fencerows provides an important habitat type that links the smaller secondary forests and other patches.

TWO MORE SOCIAL WASP SPECIES (VESPIDAE, POLISTINAE) COLLECT MULLERIAN BODIES FROM CECROPIA TREES (URTICACEAE)

The interactive behaviors of two species of social wasps, Protopolybia chartergoides (Gribodo) and Charterginus fulvus Fox with Cecropia obtusifolia (Cecropiaceae) are described. The use of Cecropia Müllerian bodies by the two wasps is also described, as well as the distribution of this trait in Protopolybia and Charterginus.

Effect of initial soil properties on six-year growth of 15 tree species in tropical restoration plantings.

In restoration plantings in degraded pastures, initial soil nutrient status may lead to differential growth of tropical tree species with diverse life history attributes and capacity for N2 fixation. In 2006, we planted 1,440 seedlings of 15 native tree species in 16 fenced plots (30 × 30 m) in a 60‐year‐old pasture in Los Tuxtlas, Veracruz, Mexico, in two planting combinations. In the first year, we evaluated bulk density, pH, the concentration of organic carbon (C), total nitrogen (N), ammonia (NO3−), nitrate (NH4+), and total phosphorus (P) in the upper soil profile (0–20 cm in depth) of all plots. The first two axes of two principal component analyses explained more than 60% of the variation in soil variables: The axes were related to increasing bulk density, NO3−, NH4+, total N concentration, and pH. Average relative growth rates in diameter at the stem base of the juvenile trees after 6 years were higher for pioneer (45.7%) and N2‐fixing species (47.6%) than for nonpioneer (34.7%) and nonfixing species (36.2%). Most N2‐fixing species and those with the slowest growth rates did not respond to soil attributes. Tree species benefited from higher pH levels and existing litter biomass. The pioneers Ficus yoponensis, Cecropia obtusifolia, and Heliocarpus appendiculatus, and the N2‐fixing nonpioneers Cojoba arborea, Inga sinacae, and Platymiscium dimorphandrum were promising for forest restoration on our site, given their high growth rates.