Tripterygium wilfordii Hook. f.: A comprehensive review on phytochemical, pharmacological and tissue-specific distribution of active components.

Tripterygium wilfordii and T. hypoglaucum, which belong to family Celastraceae, are perennial vine shrubs with medicinal uses in treating rheumatoid arthritis, cancer, and male contraception. Among the bioactive ingredients, the macrocyclic dihydroagarofuran sesquiterpene alkaloids (DASAs), also serving as chemotaxonomic markers of Celastraceae, are well-known for cytotoxicity and insecticidal properties. Despite intensive phytochemical investigations over the last half-century, the DASAs biosynthetic pathway remains unsolved. Here, we mined multi-omics data of Tripterygium species and identified 14 sesquiterpene synthase genes. Detailed characterization revealed that a group of enzymes (TwTPS5, TwTPS16, ThTPS5) catalyzed the key step committed to the biosynthesis of DASAs in Tripterygium, as evidenced by CRISPR/Cas9 knockout of TwTPS5 in T. wilfordii. Our biochemical assay showed that these enzymes converted FPP to gamma-selinene. Homologues in other Celastraceae species (EaTPS3, CaTPS5, and CaTPS6) also produced gamma-selinene, suggesting functional conservation in this DASAs-producing lineage. Notably, knocking out TwTPS5 resulted in a reduction of DASAs and enhanced accumulation of pharmaceutically valuable compounds, generating a safer and innovative medicinal plant resource for future applications.

The evolutionary history of Euonymus L., within the Celastraceae family has been understudied. Within this genus E. hamiltonianus Wall., belonging to E. sect. Biloculares have slight variations in morphology due to their high ecological range, leading to different varieties and subspecies. This has caused debate on the species status of many taxa. This study we investigate the plastome of E. hamiltonianus complex and related species in E. sect. Biloculares. It was aimed to observe the similarities and differences in the plastome, to clarify the ambiguities and evolutionary relationships within this complex. Plastome showed high similarities in coding regions and conserved quadripartite structure (156,881–158,434 bp). E. hamiltonianus complex had rps19 located in the LSC region. ndhF was reportedly a pseudogene in E. hamiltonianus (Mugabsan, South Korea). In all the investigated species, rps16 lacked introns. A resolved relation was observed among the taxa of E. hamiltonianus complex, and the species closely related to these (100% Bootstrap & 1.0 PP). E. sieboldianus Blume was observed at a position between the two taxa of E. hamiltonianus, making it a possible synonymy. E. europaeus L., and E. velutinus Fisch. & C.A.Mey., formed separate lineages. Molecular dating suggests that E. hamiltonianus complex originated in East Asia during the Middle Miocene Transition, which is a significant phase within the Neogene era, supporting the hypothesis that Euonymus originated in East Asia and E. hamiltonianus complex is estimated to develop in East Asia and diversified across the Far East during this period.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1038/s41598-025-13321-8.

Medicinal plants have long been recognized for their therapeutic potential, with phytochemical screening serving as a crucial step in understanding their bioactive constituents. Maytenus emarginata, a member of the Celastraceae family, has garnered attention for its diverse secondary metabolites. This study aimed to analyze the phytochemical composition of M. emarginata leaves through qualitative screening and thin-layer chromatography (TLC). Extraction was performed using chloroform, methanol, and aqueous solvents, followed by the identification of compounds such as flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, and sterols. TLC profiling provided insights into compound separation, revealing varied retention factor (Rf) values across different extracts. The qualitative analysis of M. emarginata leaf extracts identified the presence of secondary metabolites. Alkaloids were detected in chloroform and aqueous extracts, while flavonoids and sterols were present across all extracts. Among the three solvents used, aqueous extraction yielded the highest extractive content (6.03%), followed by methanolic (3.95%) and chloroform (1.44%). TLC confirmed the presence of multiple phytoconstituents across extracts. The chloroform extract exhibited 6 spots under normal and short-wave UV and 7 under long-wave UV, indicating a broad range of compounds with Rf values from 0.62 to 1.0. The methanolic extract showed up to 4 spots under long-wave UV, while the aqueous extract displayed a single UV-active compound (Rf = 0.68). Qualitative phytochemical screening of M. emarginata suggests a complex chemical makeup, underscoring the need for quantitative HPLC analysis. Further research should emphasize the isolation and structural characterization (NMR, MS) of individual compounds.

Salacia oblonga Wall, a woody climber in the Celastraceae family, found across southern India and Sri Lanka, is widely used in traditional Indian medicine and Ayurveda to cure diabetes. The root bark of S. oblonga Wall is also used to treat rheumatism, gonorrhea, and skin problems. Our previous investigations have unraveled important bioactive substances, including β-amyrin, γ-sitosterol, and Ursa-9(11),12-dien-3-yl acetate, from S. oblonga Wall root extracts. This study explores the antibacterial potential of bioactive components of S. oblonga Wall against Staphylococcus aureus, which has become resistant to several antibiotics. Molecular docking demonstrated substantial binding affinities between bioactive chemicals and S. aureus drug-resistant genes. Additionally, RAPD (Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA) analysis was performed to analyze the genetic diversity and molecular alterations in S. aureus after treatment with S. oblonga Wall phytochemicals. The results demonstrated significant band pattern variations, showing the effectiveness of these bioactive chemicals in treating drug-resistant S. aureus. This work investigates the antibacterial mechanism of S. oblonga Wall phytochemicals, emphasizing their potential as alternative treatment agents against antibiotic-resistant infections.

Background: The emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, including Staphylococcus epidermidis, underscores the need for novel antimicrobial agents. Celastrol, a natural compound derived from the plants of the Celastraceae family, has demonstrated promising antibacterial and antibiofilm properties against various pathogens. Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the antibacterial effects, mechanism of action, and antibiofilm activity of celastrol against S. epidermidis, an emerging opportunistic pathogen. Methods: To investigate the mechanism of action of celastrol, its antibacterial activity was evaluated by determining the time-kill curves, assessing macromolecular synthesis, and analysing its impact on the stability and functionality of the bacterial cell membrane. Additionally, its effect on biofilm formation and disruption was examined. Results: Celastrol exhibited significant antibacterial activity with a minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 0.31 μg/mL and minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) of 15 μg/mL, which is superior to conventional antibiotics used as control. Time-kill assays revealed a concentration-dependent bactericidal effect, with a shift from bacteriostatic activity at lower concentrations to bactericidal and lytic effect at higher concentrations. Celastrol inhibited cell wall biosynthesis by blocking the incorporation of N-acetylglucosamine (NAG) into peptidoglycan. In contrast, the cytoplasmic membrane was only affected at higher concentrations of the compound or after prolonged exposure times. Additionally, celastrol was able to disrupt biofilm formation at concentrations of 0.9 μg/mL and to eradicate pre-formed biofilms at 7.5 μg/mL in S. epidermidis. Conclusions: Celastrol exhibits significant antibacterial and antibiofilm activities against S. epidermidis, with a primary action on cell wall synthesis. Its efficacy in disrupting the formation of biofilms and pre-formed biofilms suggests its potential as a therapeutic agent for infections caused by biofilm-forming S. epidermidis resistant to conventional treatments.

Background: The genus Gymnosporia, belonging to the Celastraceae family, which comprises approximately 116 species globally, with 8 species identified in Vietnam. This work initially describes the extraction, isolation, and structural identification of six triterpenoids from G. chevalieri collected in Vietnam. Materials and methods: The leaves of G. chevalieri were subjected to extraction through immersion, followed by a liquid-liquid partition process using organic solvents. Compounds were isolated using a combination of thin-layer chromatography and column chromatography. Their structures were determined based on 1D-, 2D-NMR as well as by comparison with the reported spectroscopic data. Results & Conclusion: The chemical constituents of G. chevalieri was reported for the first time. Six pentacyclic triterpenoids have been isolated and determined including mixture of α-amyrin (1a) and β-amyrin (1b), β-amyrenonol (2), 3-oxofriedelan-29-ol (3), taraxastane-3β,20R-diol (4), and taraxastane-3β,20S-diol (5).

Background: : Catha edulis of the plant family Celastraceae is a mild stimulant plant known as Khat in Ethiopia. In Ethiopia, the history of Khat dates back to the 13th century, and communities produce and/or consume Khat leaves for social, religious, cultural and economic purposes. This study aimed to assess the association between Khat production and consumption on food security and dietary diversity among rural households in Ethiopia.Method: A panel survey using quantitative methods was conducted in two regions of Ethiopia. Using an open Data Kit (ODK) a panel survey was conducted and analyzed applying a multivariable linear regression model.Result: The likelihood of food insecurity was twice as high among non-Khat consumers and Khat producers compared to households who neither produce nor consume Khat, (AOR: 2.17 [95%CI: 1.25, 3.76], p<0.1. On average, households that produced and consumed Khat were 1.5 times more likely to have high dietary diversity (AOR: 1.51 [95%CI: 1.09, 2.08], p<0.01).Conclusion: Although Khat is an important source of income for farmers throughout the year, our findings highlighted that Khat production and non-consumption were negatively associated with food security. The possible pathways of this association could be through the household subsistence farming and cash crop (Khat) interaction. Food security interventions should consider Khat production and consumption practices among households in Khat-producing and consuming areas of Ethiopia.

Plants belonging to the genus Maytenus are members of the Celastraceae family. They have been widely used by different peoples as treatment for curing many diseases. The aim of this study was to explore the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of Maytenus elaeodendroides stem bark extracts, an endemic Cuban plant. The antioxidant activity of four extracts (EtOH, EtOAc, n-BuOH, and diethyl ether/petroleum ether 1:1) was determined using DPPH and FRAP methods. Meanwhile, anti-inflammatory effects by the edema method were induced by croton oil in the mouse ear. The investigated extracts showed radical reduction capacity and prevented ear inflammation at doses of 4 mg/ear. In addition, FIA/ESI/IT/MSn was used to determine the qualitative chemical composition of the EtOAc extract and allowed the identification of five flavan-3-ol monomers, four dimers, and other proanthocyanidin oligomers. From this extract three flavan-3-ol compounds (elaeocyanidin and 4′-O-methylgallocatechin), one of them new (2′-hydroxy-4′-methoxy-epigallocatechin), and a proanthocyanidin dimer (afzelechin-(4β→8)-4′-O-methylepigallocatechin) were isolated and identified by the chromatographic method and spectroscopic techniques, mainly ESI-MS and NMR spectroscopic methods.

Glucosinolates (GSLs) are secondary metabolites mainly found in the plant order Brassicales. We critically evaluate reports of GSLs in other orders of flowering plants, propose standards for future reports and subject two cases to rigorous testing. Reports of GSLs in non-Brassicales species should live up to state-of-the-art scientific standards concerning chemical evidence, botanical evidence and biological replication. Occurrence of GSLs in the family Putranjivaceae, order Malpighiales (genera Putranjiva and Drypetes) was reasonably supported, but state-of-the-art confirmation was required. Hence, the taxonomic identity of Putranjiva roxbughii seeds with the previously known GSL profile was confirmed using DNA-based methods. Similarly, good suggestive evidence exist from the family Violaceae, order Malpighiales, but in need of confirmation. No other report of any GSL in a non-Brassicales species meet the proposed scientific standards, but suggestive evidence exists for the family Phytolaccaceae, order Caryophyllales and to a lesser extent family Celastraceae, order Celastrales. A recent report of a GSL in a tropical plant suggested to be a species in the order Sapindales was subjected to a rigorous testing in terms of chemical analysis, biological replication and botanical identification including DNA sequencing. We confirmed the original report concerning chemical structure and reproducibility but revised the botanical identification to a species from the Brassicales order (family Capparidaceae). Hence this paper also reports myrosinase activity, isothiocyanate-type GSL products from roots and stems, and GSL profile of roots, stems, leaves and fruits of Capparis sepiaria L., dominated by Leu-derived 2-methylpropyl GSL in vegetative parts, Val-derived 1-methylethyl GSL and Ile-derived 1-methylpropyl GSL in fruits, and additionally Trp-derived indol-3-ylmethyl GSL and 4-hydroxyindol-3-ylmethyl GSL in immature fruits. Several other GSLs were searched for and conclusively not found above the limit of detection.

This paper aims to add three new species to Bhutan’s floral database: Euonymus fimbriatus Wall., Euonymus fortunei (Turcz.) Hand.-Mazz. from the Celastraceae family, and Dalbergia hancei Benth. from the Fabaceae family. We provide descriptions and the spatial distributions of these newly found species.

Tripterygium wilfordii (TRWI), known as 'Thunder of God Vine' or 'Lei Gong Teng' in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), is a perennial vine that has been used for centuries for its potent therapeutic properties. This plant, which belongs to the Celastraceae family, has been documented in various TCM texts, where it has been attributed with a wide range of benefits, including anti-inflammatory, antirheumatic, and anti-autoimmune activities. Central to the medicinal potential of TRWI is celastrol, a triterpenoid with extensive pharmacological activities. Research on celastrol has revealed its effects on combating inflammation, oxidative stress, cancer proliferation, and neurological disorders. However, celastrol’s high toxicity, low water solubility, and limited stability pose challenges for its clinical application. In this review, we explore the chemical structure of celastrol, emphasizing its key pharmacological activities and the structure-activity relationships (SARs) that influence its efficacy and toxicity. Various studies have demonstrated that modifications at specific sites, such as the C-29 carboxylic group, C-6, and C-3, can enhance celastrol’s therapeutic potential while reducing adverse effects. Moreover, recent advances in drug delivery systems offer promising avenues to overcome the inherent limitations of celastrol. These include direct modifications such as PEGylation and indirect modifications through encapsulation in dendritic polymers, phytosomes, liposomes, and exosomes. Each method seeks to improve celastrol bioavailability, water solubility, and target capabilities, thus enhancing its clinical viability. The objective of this review is to synthesize current knowledge about celastrol’s therapeutic potential and discuss the future of its development in drug delivery and pharmaceutical applications. These findings could open the door to new treatment methods that combine traditional remedies with modern pharmacology, helping us unlock the complete potential of celastrol in clinical use.

Natural products exhibit interesting structural features and significant biological activities. The discovery of new bioactive molecules is a complex process that requires high-quality metabolite profiling data to properly target the isolation of compounds of interest and enable their complete structural characterization. The same metabolite profiling data can also be used to better understand chemotaxonomic links between species. This Data Descriptor details a dataset resulting from the untargeted liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry metabolite profiling of 76 natural extracts of the Celastraceae family. The spectral annotation results and related chemical and taxonomic metadata are shared, along with proposed examples of data reuse. This data can be further studied by researchers exploring the chemical diversity of natural products. This can serve as a reference sample set for deep metabolome investigation of this chemically rich plant family.

Study was carried out to evaluate the Adaptogenic and Antidepressant effect of Salacia chinensis leaf extract in animal model.Salacia chinensis is a plant species belonging to the family Celastraceae. This study was carried out to evaluate the Adaptogenic and Antidepressant effect of Salacia chinensis leaf extract in animal model. Swimming Endurance Test was used to evaluate the Adaptogenic activity in albino mice while Tail Suspension Test and Elevated Plus Maze test was used to evaluate the Antidepressant activity in albino mice. In Swimming Endurance model various biochemical parameters like blood glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides were estimated, weight of organs like liver, spleen and adrenal gland was measured in stress control and extract treated animals. Immobility as behavioural parameter was assessed in Tail Suspension Test and Elevated Plus Maze model of depression after treatment with hydroalcoholic extract of Salacia chinensis leaf at selected dose of 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg. Results of the study have showed significant Adaptogenic and Antidepressant activity of Salacia chinensis.Preliminary Phytochemical Analysis (15) Salacia chinensis leaves extract was subjected to chemical tests for the identification of their active constituents. The results have indicated the presence of flavonoid, alkaloids, terpenoids, saponins, glycosides, carbohydrates.The biochemical estimation results obtained showed decrease in blood glucose, triglyceride, and slight increase in cholesterol level when compared to control which support the adaptogenic activity of the title plant as shown in table no: 02,03,04 and fig no: 03,04,05,06,07. The duration of immobility was reduced after treated with hydroalcoholic extract of Salacia chinensis and results are significant on both high dose 400 mg/kg, p.o. (P<0.001) and low dose 200 mg/kg, p.o. (P<0.01) with that of standard Imipramine (10 mg/kg, p.o.) indicating that the extract possess significant antidepressant activity. Results depicted in table no: 05 and fig no: 08,09.The hydroalcoholic extract of Salacia chinensis at high dose (400 mg/kg, p.o) (P˂0.05) significantly increased the number of entries in to open arm and total time spent in open arm as compared to control.It shows increase in the mobility of the mice in open arm which suggest the antidepressant activity shown in table no:06 and fig no: 10,11.Based on the results obtained from this study it can be concluded that the hydroalcoholic extract of Salacia chinensis leaves possess Adaptogenic and Antidepressant activity. This beneficial effect of Salacia chinensis leaf might be due to presence of flavonoids, alkaloids and its derivatives.

Among the members of the Celastraceae family, the genus Maytenus stands out for having the highest number of species, and one of these species is Maytenus guianensis, popularly known as chichuá, xixuá, chuchahuasi, chucchu huashu, chuchuasi, and chuchasha. It is a medium-sized tree typical of the Amazon rainforest with various therapeutic properties. Despite its prevalent use in traditional medicine, there is a gap in the phytochemical exploration of the species in the Amazon, especially in the Alto Solimões region. Thus, this study evaluated the current state of research related to the biological activities and identification of chemical compounds in M. guianensis in the northern region. For this purpose, articles were selected from the Google Scholar and Scielo databases, covering the period from 2007 to 2022, as well as dissertations and theses within the same timeframe. A total of 50 scientific works were consulted, including 20 dissertations, 10 theses, and 20 articles. The analysis of the studies revealed, in general, that the roots, bark, stems, and leaves of M. guianensis exhibit various biological properties, including analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antirheumatic, antidiarrheal, antioxidant, muscle relaxant, anticytotoxic, antimutagenic, antigyotoxic, antimicrobial, and antiparasitic actions. Regarding the isolated chemical compounds from the species, these occur in different parts of the plant, with the majority belonging to the terpene class, notably 3-oxo-friedelane triterpene, 29-hydroxyfriedelan-3-one triterpene, 16β-hydroxyfriedelan-3-one triterpene, tingenin B, and tingenone. Finally, the dissemination of this study is of utmost relevance as it encourages further research with medicinal plants, particularly focusing on M. guianensis. This effort will significantly contribute to the advancement of scientific knowledge about medicinal plants in the Alto Solimões Region.

Background: The clinical management of the inflammatory diseases by using NSAIDs and selective COX-2 inhibitors, shunting arachidonic acid pathway to the 5‐LOX pathway, which is associated with the production of high amount of Leukotrienes and cysteinyl-leukotrienes, which are involved in pathophysiological of various type of cancers and inflammatory diseases. The substantial efforts are being made to the development of dual inhibitors against Cyclooxygenase (COX-2) and 5- Lipoxygenase (5-LOX) should be more growing demand for efficient as anti-inflammatory medicine with lower side effects than the currently available drugs. Maytenus arbutifolia (M. arbutifolia) is medicinal plant belongs to the family Celastraceae, and the leaves of M.arbutifolia have been used for the treatment of skin infections and inflammatory related disease. Objective: The current study aimed to examine the in vitro screening of M. arbutifolia leaf organic extracts for the development of anti-inflammatory agents through evaluate the inhibitory effect on Cyclooxygenase- 1and2 and 5- Lipoxygenases enzymes. Methods: The powdered dried leaves of the M. arbutifolia (100 g) was extracted with successive Soxhlet extraction by using solvents of low polarity (Petroleum ether) to a high polar solvent (Ethanol). These leaf extracts were evaluated for the in vitro anti-inflammatory activity by 5- Lipooxygenase, Cyclooxygenase-1 and Cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitory activities by ELISA method. Results: Among the tested extracts, the ethanolic leaf extracts of M.arbutifolia showed (MALET) potential 5-LOX inhibition i.e.77.58 % at 100µg/ml with IC50 of 23.76µg/ml, and also exhibited two fold COX-2 versus COX-1 inhibition, with potent COX-2 inhibitory effect with IC50 of 30.35μg/ml. The promising anti-inflammatory activity exhibited by MALET was due to the presence of secondary metabolites such as flavonoids, tannins and polyphenolic compounds. Conclusion: The current study concluded that ethanolic leaf extracts of M.arbutifolia is a promising source for isolation of 5-LOX and COX-2 dual inhibitory compound and highlights the potential traditional remedies for managing of inflammatory related diseases and cancers.

Salacia oblonga Wall. and Salacia reticulata Wight. (Family Celastraceae) are commonly known as Saptarangi and used in Ayurvedic medicine as potent antidiabetic agent. It is a woody climber, mainly habitat in Sri Lanka and Southern India. A large number of chemical constituents such as salacinol, neosalacinol, kotalanol, neokotalanol, and mangiferin were isolated from stem and root of saptarangi which shows various therapeutics activities. Chemical constituent presents in both species of Salacia are working as α-glucosidase inhibitor for diabetes management. Among them mangiferin is a plant natural polyphenol of C-glycosylxanthone structure and found in many plant species. Many chromatography techniques like LC-MS, HPLC are available to quantify mangiferin but no proper data available for simple, rapid, precise, economic HPTLC method. So, HPTLC method was developed with mobile phase ethyl acetate: formic acid: water (4:0.5:0.5 v/v/v) which confirmed the presence of mangiferin at 0.38±0.01 Rf value observed under 254nm. Mangiferin was present in 1.02% in Salacia oblonga root extract, 0.94% in Salacia reticulata stem extract and 0.42% in polyherbal formulation. The validated HPTLC method will be useful in standardization of different Ayurvedic formulations using mangiferin as a marker.

The family Celastraceae R. Br. is characterized by the difference between the genera according to the types of fruits and the presence of arils in fruits of representatives of some genera. Attempts to reconstruct the evolution of arils in the Celastraceae were made earlier, while trying to trace the relationship of arils with the mucilagenous pulp and wings on the seed. In particular, earlier attempts were made to reconstruct the evolution of Euonymus arils. But, at present, significant changes in the phylogeny of the genus Euonymus and the family Celastraceae as a whole, as well as new accumulated material require another revision of the evolution of arils of Euonymus. We have studied the morphology-anatomical structure of mature arils of 28 species of Euonymus, as well as (additionally) the development of arils in 8 species of the genus. It is assumed that the aril of ancestral taxa of Euonymus had a funicular-exostomal origin, partially covered the seed, was colored orange, and composed of a single-layered epidermis and undifferentiated multi-layered parenchyma. In the cells of aril there were rounded chromoplasts, and large oil drops were absent. In the process of evolution of the aril of Euonymus, funicular arils appeared, while the funicular-exostomal ones were preserved. The degree of seed covering by aril in some modern species has increased and decreased again, arils have appeared with a small “window”, partially (by 1/2–2/3) covering the seed and small fleshy structures in the basal part of the seed near funicule. The color of arils has been preserved in orange hues, but arils of some species have become red in color. The anatomical structure of the arils has changed. At present, along with multi-layer arils with a multi-layer undifferentiated or weakly differentiated parenchyma, there are arils with a strongly differentiated parenchyma and, conversely, with a parenchyma that is reduced in the process of development. In the process of evolution, fibrous and crystalline chromoplasts and large oil drops of different sizes appear in the cells of the arils.

We hypothesized that Euonymus sachalinensis (ES) induces apoptosis by inhibiting the expression of c-Myc in colon cancer cells, and this study proved that the methanol extract of ES has anticancer effects in colon cancer cells. ES belongs to the Celastraceae family and is well known for its medicinal properties. Extracts of species belonging to this family have been used to treat diverse diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, chronic nephritis, allergic conjunctivitis, rhinitis, and asthma. However, ES has been targeted because there are currently few studies on the efficacy of ES for various diseases, including cancer. ES lowers cell viability in colon cancer cells and reduces the expression of c-Myc protein. We confirm that the protein level of apoptotic factors such as PARP and Caspase 3 decrease when ES is treated with Western blot, and confirm that DNA fragments occur through TUNEL assay. In addition, it is confirmed that the protein level of oncogenes CNOT2 and MID1IP1 decrease when ES is treated. We have also found that ES enhances the chemo-sensitivity of 5-FU in 5-FU-resistant cells. Therefore, we confirm that ES has anticancer effects by inducing apoptotic cell death and regulating the oncogenes CNOT2 and MID1IP1, suggesting its potential for use in the treatment of colon cancer.

The paper reports on the macro- and micromorphology and anatomy of fruits and seeds in 19 species representing 13 African and American genera of subfamily Cassinoideae (family Celastraceae). A diversity of carpological characters was identified: fruit type and peculiarities of its dehiscence; presence of trichomes on fruit surface; subtypes of pyrenaria (polymerous, olygomerous, dimerous, pseudomonomerous); number of seeds, morphology of the seed (shape, presence/absent of outgrowths); the ratio of parenchymatous (ground) and sclerenchymatous (supporting) cell elements in the pericarp, cell shape and number of cell layers in the seedcoat. Fruit and seed characters support the differences between genera, also reflect on their possible relationship. The traits revealed are also used to substantiate and support the recent taxonomic revision of many genera, primarily African. The array of revealed fruit and seed traits strongly support previous taxonomic decisions to define most genera of the subfamily Cassinoideae in a narrow sense. It is especially relevant in the taxonomy of the African representatives, characterizing among others the distinct indigenous flora of the Cape Floristic Region.