Chukrasia Research Articles

Phytochemical and Pharmacognostical Evaluation of Kodiveli Churnam - A Polyherbal Siddha Formulation

Kodiveli Churnam is a traditional Siddha formulation made up of Plumbago zeylanica, Pongamia pinnata, Chukrasia tabularis, Piper longum, Brassica juncea, Nigella sativa, Zingiber officinalis and Terminalia chebula. The formulation has been studied using the macroscopic, microscopic, TLC/HPTLC techniques. The pharmacognostical studies revealed the presence of specific characteristic features of the raw drugs. The HPTLC fingerprinting was derived using a specific solvent system which could capture majority of the phytoconstituents of this drug. It is concluded that the formulation of Kodiveli churnam, the HPTLC fingerprinting and microscopic characteristics can be used to validate the preparation and authenticity of the formulation.

Influence of auxin and rooting substrate on adventitious rooting in Chukrasia tabularis mini-cuttings: Implications for clonal propagation

Influence of auxin and rooting substrate on adventitious rooting in Chukrasia tabularis mini-cuttings: Implications for clonal propagation

Chukrasia tabularis limonoid plays anti-inflammatory role by regulating NF-κB signaling pathway in lipopolysaccharide-induced macrophages.

Chukrasia tabularisis, a well-known tropical tree native to southeastern China, has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities, and contains large amounts of limonoids and triterpenoids. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential anti-inflammatory activity of limonoids from C. tabularis on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-mediated RAW264.7 cells. Using a bioassay-guided approach, the chemical fraction with high anti-inflammatory activity was found and its chemical constituents were investigated. Phytochemical studies on active extracts resulted in the separation of three novel phragmalin limonoids (1-3), together with two known limonoids (4-5) and 11 tirucallane triterpenes (6-16). The activity of these isolated compounds in the production of nitric oxide (NO) on LPS-reated macrophages was evaluated. Limonoid 2 indicated significant anti-inflammatory activities with IC50 value of 4.58 μM. Limonoid 2 notably inhibited the production of NO, interleukin- 6 and tumor necrosis factor-α on macrophage. Signal transduction and activation of STAT and NF-κB activators were effectively blocked by limonoid 2. These results indicate that limonoid 2 has an anti-inflammatory effect by the inhibiting JAK2/STAT3, iNOS/eNOS, and NF-κB signaling pathways and regulating inflammatory mediators.

Stem borer Orientozeuzera rhabdota (Lepidoptera, Cossidae) damaging Manglietia conifera and Michelia mediocris trees in Vietnam

The stem borer Orientozeuzera rhabdota Jordan, 1932 (Lepidoptera: Cossidae) is a new threat to Manglietia conifera and Michelia mediocris plantations in Vietnam. Field surveys in Tuyen Quang and Bac Kan provinces in 2023 showed that O. rhabdota frequently damaged two-year-old Manglietia conifera with damage incidence (P%) ranging from 50.3 to 52.7% and damage index (DI) from 1.60 to 1.71. Damage from O. rhabdota was most prevalent in M. conifera plantations (P% = 50.1–52.6%) and on roadside trees (P% = 58.6–60.2%). Mixed plantations of M. conifera + Acacia mangium and M. conifera + Chukrasia tabularis had low damage (P% = 5.8–7.2%). Damage from O. rhabdota in M. mediocris plantations was lower than in M. conifera plantations with P% = 1.1–6.6% and DI = 0.02–0.12. Further studies are recommended to identify biological characteristics and develop an integrated pest management plan for this pest.

Phragmalin-Type Limonoids from the Fruits of Chukrasia tabularis and Their Anti-Inflammatory Activity.

Phytochemical investigation on the fruits of C. tabularis led to the isolation of five new phragmalin-type limonoids (1-5) and four known ones (6-9). The structures of the new compounds 1-5, named chuktabamalins A-E, were elucidated via spectroscopic techniques (HRESIMS, 1D and 2D NMR) and were comparable with the literature data of known compounds. In addition, new compounds were evaluated for in vitro anti-inflammatory activity. Compounds 1, 2, 3 and 5 showed moderate anti-inflammatory activity with IC50 values of 21.72 ± 2.79, 23.29 ± 1.00, 47.08 ± 3.47 and 66.67 ± 2.89 μM, respectively.

Integrated pest management of Hypsipyla robusta shoot-tip borer (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) in Chukrasia tabularis (Sapindales: Meliaceae).

Chukrasia tabularis A. Juss produces a valuable timber but plantations are susceptible to attack by the shoot-tip borer Hypsipyla robusta Moore. An integrated pest management (IPM) approach is desirable to limit the extent of damage. Therefore, this study was undertaken to evaluate the deployment of IPM measures in plantations in Vietnam. Data on tree damage and the biology of H. robusta were gathered in 4 provinces over one year and used to build an investigation schedule. Two preliminary IPM trials were then established in which Bacillus thuringiensis and Metarhizium anisopliae were applied to the foliage when the damage incidence (P%) was in the range 5-10%; and insecticides (Carbaryl, Carbosulfan) were applied when the P% exceeded 10%. In addition, larvae and pupae were removed manually over time. In the first trial, the combination of manual and biological control methods reduced the damage index (DI) of trees from 4 tolerant families by 82% compared to the untreated control plots. In the second trial using standard planting stock, application of insecticides was required to reduce the DI by 83%. Six extended IPM trials were undertaken using the same IPM protocols and these reduced the DI to the same extent as in the preliminary trials. Over an 18-month period, the deployment of IPM increased height growth by 19-22% and diameter growth by 38-41% compared to the controls. These findings highlight the value of planting improved seed and the benefit of adopting an IPM approach to manage the shoot-tip borer.

ENTOMOPATHOGENIC BACTERIUM Serratia marcescens ISOLATED FROM Episparis tortuosalis CAUSING A DAMAGE TO Chukrasia tabularis IN VIETNAM

Episparis tortuosalis Moore, 1867 is a serious pest of the Chukrasia tabularis A. Juss which is widely planted in plantations in Vietnam. A biocontrol option to manage this pest is a priority for the forest sector. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether there are potential biocontrol candidates within the E. tortuosalis population. Sixteen bacterial strains were isolated from E. tortuosalis larvae that were parasitized in a C. tabularis plantattion in Nghe An province. Four isolates (FPRC06, FPRC07, FPRC14 and FPRC16) had strongest pathogenicity on Galleria mellonella larvae at 1, 24 and 36 hours after the injection and 72, 96 and 120 hours after the spraying experiments. The mortality rate of G. mellonella resulted from these two experimental approaches at the end of experiments was 93.3–100% and 76.7–100%, respectively. In a greenhouse experiment, the four isolates caused 44.3–61.1%, 52.0–68.0%, 54.3–69.1% and 41.4–60.7% mortality of E. tortuosalis larvae after 3, 5 and 7 days of spraying, respectively. These results were similar to applying a commercial Bacillus thuringiensis. The two isolates (FPRC07, FPRC14) were identified as Serratia marcescens based on phylogenetic analysis of 16S rRNA. Thus, this finding reveals the potential opportunities for the development of a natural insecticide of E. tortuosalis in Vietnam.

Evaluation of air pollution tolerance index and anticipated performance index of selected roadside tree species in Ludhiana, India.

Air quality has deteriorated in most big cities and becoming the fifth major cause of mortality in India. Among others, vehicle gaseous emission is a major contributor. Plants have different tolerance levels, which can be identified based on Air Pollution Tolerance Index (APTI). The objectives were to study the morphological and biochemical parameters for Air Pollution Tolerance Index (APTI) of selected roadside tree species (Acacia auriculiformis, Alstonia scholaris, Chukrasia tabularis, Cassia fistula, Cassia siamea, Dalbergia sissoo, Heterophragma adenophyllum, and Putranjiva roxburghii) at control (PAU campus) and polluted sites (roadside) during summer and winter seasons. The total chlorophyll content, ascorbic acid, leaf extract pH, leaf relative water content, total soluble sugar, phenols, and carotenoids ranged from 0.59 to 4.16mgg-1, 1.03 to 3.75mgg-1, 3.16 to 7.04, 46.01 to 71.65%, 10.78 to 23.83mgg-1, 0.51 to 1.35mg-1, and 0.19 to 1.96mgg-1, respectively. The Air Pollution Tolerance Index of the selected trees ranged between7.65 and 11.19 and followed an order of Cassia fistula > Acacia auriculiformis > Dalbergia sissoo > Alstonia scholaris > Putranjiva roxburghii > Heterophragma adenophyllum > Cassia siamea > Chukrasia tabularis. The evaluation of Anticipated Performance Index (API) categorized the trees into poor (Dalbergia sissoo and Cassia siamea), moderate (Cassia fistula), and good (Acacia auriculiformis, Alstonia scholaris, Chukrasia tabularis, Heterophragma adenophyllum, and Putranjiva roxburghii) categories.

Isolation and structure determination of compounds from ethyl acetate extract of Chukrasia tabularis

From an ethyl acetate extract of the barks of Chukrasia tabularis, three compounds including one limonoid (tabularisin A), one flavonoid (quercetin), and one coumarin (scopoletin) were isolated by chromatographic methods. Their structures were comfirmed by analysis of spectroscopic data (ESI-MS, 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, DEPT, HMBC, HSQC và COSY) and by comparison with the literature reports.

Assessing the Cooling and Air Pollution Tolerance among Urban Tree Species in a Tropical Climate.

We present the results of classifying plants at species level that can tolerate air pollution, provide cooling, and simultaneously survive and thrive in urban environments. For this purpose, we estimated the air pollution tolerance index (APTI) and anticipated performance index (API) of several species growing in a park located in central Bangkok, Thailand. The cooling effect was quantified by calculating the reduction in soil and air temperatures. Melaleuca quinquenervia (Cav.) S.T. Blake, Albizia saman (Jacq.) Merr., Chukrasia tabularis A. Juss. had the highest API score and were able to substantially reduce the temperature and were in a group of highly recommended species which also included other species like A. saman, C. tabularis, Tabebuia rosea (Bertol.) Bertero ex A. DC., Dalbergia cochinchinensis Pierre etc. Species from both evergreen and deciduous habitat were able to provide ambient cooling but were vulnerable to air pollution and included Elaeocarpus grandifloras Sm. and Bauhinia purpurea L. However, there were other species which had a high air pollution tolerance but failed to provide adequate cooling, such as Hopea odorata Roxb. and Millingtonia hortensis L.f. The results would be of interest to urban greenspace landscapers in such climates while selecting suitable species that can provide multiple ecosystem services ranging from air pollution tolerance to temperature reduction without reducing plant vitality.

Kinetic studies on the extraction of oil from a new feedstock (Chukrasia tabularis L. seed) for biodiesel production using a heterogeneous catalyst.

This study has identified a new feedstock Chukrasia tabularis L. (C. tabularis) seed for the production of biodiesel. Oil was extracted from the seeds with and without autoclave-assisted ultrasonic homogenization (AUH) pretreatment using different solvents. The solvent n-hexane with AUH pretreatment yielded a maximum oil yield of 32 wt%. The kinetics and thermodynamics of the extraction process were studied in a batch. The data showed that extraction followed first-order kinetics with a rate constant of 1.4 × 10-4min-1, activation energy of 63.604kJmol-1 and pre-exponential factors of 66.66 × 104s-1. The physiochemical properties of the oil were determined from which it was identified that C. tabularis oil has high free fatty acid (FFA) content, requiring a single-step esterification cum transesterification reaction to produce biodiesel economically. The modified aryl diazonium salt reduction process was used to synthesize a heterogeneous acid catalyst (HAC) from activated carbon precursor and was used to catalyze biodiesel reaction. Furthermore, HAC was characterized by different analytical techniques and it was found that it had an acid site density of 1.02mmolg-1 and a specific surface area of 602 m2g-1. The parameters affecting the biodiesel process were studied to obtain a maximum biodiesel conversion of 98.5% at 6 wt% catalyst loading, 15:1 methanol to oil molar ratio, 120min reaction time, 70 ºC reaction temperature, and 500rpm stirring rate. Reusability studies were performed which showed that HAC can be recycled up to five cycles with a conversion above 90% in the fifth cycle. Moreover, the fuel properties of biodiesel were determined using standard methods and were compared with ASTM D6751 and EN14241 standards.

Edge tree functional traits and their association with edaphic factors in seasonally dry forests in northern Thailand

The relationships between plant traits and soil properties in forest edges can provide insights into tree species recovery in edge habitats. In this study, we investigated the relationships between plant functional traits and soil conditions related to tree species recovery at the edges of two seasonally dry forests, a mixed deciduous forest (MDF) and a deciduous dipterocarp forest (DDF) in northern Thailand. We analyzed differences in functional trait diversity and community-level trait values between forests and performed RLQ analysis to assess the associations among species abundance, plant traits, and soil variables. We found that the MDF site had greater functional diversity and was dominated by plants with high specific leaf area (SLA) and leaf dry-matter content (LDMC) at the community level, whereas the DDF site had lower diversity and was dominated by plants with high wood density (WD) and leaf thickness (LT). The RLQ results indicated that at the MDF site, tree species with greater SLA (e.g., Pterocarpus macrocarpus, Dalbergia cultrata, and Phanera bracteata) were associated with soil clay content and nutrient status (i.e., nitrogen and calcium). Species with greater LDMC and leaf size (e.g., Xylia xylocarpa, Schleichera oleosa, and Chukrasia tabularis) were associated with soil organic matter content. At the DDF site, species with greater WD and LT (e.g., Dipterocarpus obtusifolius, Shorea siamensis, and Buchanania lanzan) were associated with soil sand content and bulk density. These patterns reflect the interplay between soil conditions and plant traits in the edge habitats of seasonally dry forests. Our results indicate that the edge effects on plant communities within seasonally dry forests depend on soil conditions and species-specific plant traits.

Bioactivity-guided isolation of anti-inflammatory limonins from Chukrasia tabularis.

Chukrasia tabularis is an economically important tree and widely cultured in the southeast of China. Its barks, leaves, and fruits are consumed as a traditional medicine and perceived as a valuable source for bioactive limonin compounds. The extracts from root barks of C.tabularis showed significant anti-inflammatory effect. The aim of this research was to explore the material basis of C.tabularis anti-inflammatory activity, and to purify and identify anti-inflammatory active ingredients. By a bioassay-guided isolation of dichloromethane fraction obtained two novel phragmalin limonins, Chukrasitin D and E (1 and 2), together with 12 known limonins (3-14). The chemical structure of these compounds is determined on the basis of extensive spectral analysis and chemical reactivity. In addition, the activities of these isolated limonins on the production of nitric oxide (NO), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) in RAW264.7 cells induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) were evaluated. Limonins 1 and 2 indicated significant anti-inflammatory activity with IC50 values of 6.24 and 6.13μM. Compound 1 notably inhibited the production of NF-κB, TNF-α and interleukin 6 (IL-6) in macrophages. The present results suggest that the root barks of C.tabularis exhibited anti-inflammatory effect and the limonins may be responsible for this activity.

Valorisation of the industrial waste of Chukrasia tabularis A.Juss.: Characterization of the leaves phenolic constituents and antidiabetic-like effects

Chukrasia tabularis A.Juss. is a canopy tree widely distributed in Asia and commonly used for construction-grade timber. While the residues resulting from the timber exploration constitute the major source of waste, other parts of the plant remain underutilized. Therefore, aiming the valorisation of a major residue resulting from C. tabularis wood industry, the leaves were here investigated on their potential content in bioactive constituents, but also on their capacity to modulate mediators and enzymes engaged in metabolic disorders, particularly those involved on the development and progression of diabetes. HPLC–DAD–ESI/MSn and UPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS2 characterization of a methanol extract obtained from the leaves, allowed the identification of 25 phenolic constituents, quercetin-3-O-rhamnoside being identified as the main bioactive. The leaf extract and the major flavonoid (quercetin-3-O-rhamnoside) were investigated on their impact towards a series of targets involved in the physiopathology of diabetes. The extract displayed significant scavenging properties against nitric oxide and superoxide radicals, inhibiting also lipid peroxidation and aldose reductase activity. While no noteworthy effects were noted on pancreatic lipase and α-amylase activity, the extract strongly inhibited α-glucosidase (IC50 = 21.14 µg/mL) and proved to be ca. 5 times more effective than the benchmark drug, acarbose. Moreover, the leaf extract significantly inhibited also 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX) (IC50 = 13.12 µg/mL). Kinetic studies on α-glucosidase and 5-LOX activity disclosed a mixed type inhibition. Furthermore, C. tabularis extract reduced LPS-induced overproduction of NO, L-citrulline and IL-6 in activated RAW 264.7 macrophages. When individually assayed, quercetin-3-O-rhamnoside significantly contributed to the antiradical properties and inhibitory effects of the extract upon the enzymatic targets, but other phenolic bioactives appear also to underlie the recorded anti-inflammatory effects. Taken together, our results demonstrate that the leaves of C. tabularis are rich in phenolic constituents with a great potential to improve metabolic disorders. The evidenced bioactivity of this industrial product might feed R&D programs for the development of new drugs that might simultaneously improve glycaemic, oxidative and inflammatory benchmarks in diabetic patients.

Limonoids from the barks of Chukrasia tabularis and their anti-inflammatory activity

Two novel phragmalin type limonoids, Tabularisin Q (1) and Chuktabularin Y (18), together with 22 known limonoids have been separated from bark of Chukrasia tabularis. The structures of 1–24 were identified with spectroscopic method (NMR, IR and mass spectrometry) and comparison with literature. The anti-inflammatory activity of all limonoids was assayed in RAW264.7 cells in vitro by evaluating the production of nitric oxide induced by lipopolysaccharide. Limonoids 8, 9, 1, and 18 showed significant anti-inflammatory activity with the inhibitory rates of 4.32, 11.28, 13.13, and 10.40 μm, respectively, and likely to be useful for the development as therapeutic agents for inflammatory diseases.

Industrial Propagation of <i>Chukrasia Tabularis</i> A. Fuss by Bioreactor Technique

<i>Background:</i> <i>Chukrasia Tabularis</i> A. Fuss is a valuable woody plant and difficult in reproduction in nature. <i>Objectives:</i> There are a needs to conserve and develop for re-forest.<i> Method:</i> Manipulation of tissue culture via bioreactor techniques was the effective new way to resolve re-forest. Stems and leaves of in vitro plantlets were used as planting materials. Somatic embryo callus was initiated on medium MS + BA (2mg/l) + PVP (500 mg/l) supplemented with 2,4D (2mg/l). Somatic cell suspension was cultured for initiation and for proliferation. On medium MS + 2,4D (2mg/l) supplemented with BA (1mg/l). The volume of somatic cell suspension for bioreactor cultivation was 20%. Somatic embryo suspension was cultured in bioreactor for initiation and proliferation on the medium MS + 2,4D (2mg/l) supplemented with BA (1mg/l). Embryogenic suspension was stimulated on the medium MS + 2,4D (1mg/l) + CW (10%) + sucrose (45g/l) supplemented with BA (0.5mg/l) + NAA (0.1mg/l). In vitro shoots of <i>Chukrasia Tabularis</i> a. Fuss were regeneration on the medium MS + 2,4D (1mg/l) + CW (10%) + sucrose (45g/l) supplemented with TDZ (0,5mg/l). Plantlets were enhanced growth and development in immersion-bioreactor cultivation by sinking/rising floated 1min/4hrs. Temperature, light intensity and stirring in stirring-bioreactor cultivation were favored at 26±2°C, 11,1-22,2μmol/m²/s, and 30rpm.<i> Results:</i> Micropropagation of <i>Chukrasia Tabularis</i> a. Fuss by bioreactor technique was set up to produce 4,680 plantlets per one liter of somatic embryogenesis suspension <i>Conclusion:</i> a process of rapid industrial multiplication of woody plants by bioreactor technology has been built.

Видовое разнообразие и декоративные особенности растений в озеленении города Ханой

The article presents the results of studies on species diversity and decorative features of plantations in Hanoi. The relevance of this research is justified by the failure to meet the standards of landscaping in the city in accordance with global recommendations and standards. The dendroflora of central Hanoi has 304 species (including varieties and forms) belonging to 253 genera and 104 families. The leading families are Fabaceae, Arecaceae, Asteraceae, Apocynaceae, Bignoniaceae, Meliaceae, Verbenaceae, Myrtaceae, Moraceae, Caesalpiniaceae, Rosaceae, and Magnoliaceae. The Fabaceae family predominates by the the number of genera and species; and is followed by the Moraceae family. The greatest species diversity is observed among trees (151 species – 49.67 % of the total number). The most commonly used species in the urban gardening are Peltophorum pterocarpum, Delonix regia, Khaya senegalensis, Chukrasia tabularis, Ceiba pentandra, Pterocarpus macrocarpus, Hopea odorata, Dracontomelon mangiferum, Alstonia scholaris, Lagerstroemia speciosa, and Terminalia mantaly. Evergreen species predominate among plantations of Hanoi; while deciduous (including shrubs and trees) have a smaller proportion. Of 151 species of trees, 70 are classified as decorative. Shrubs and herbs are inferior to trees by the number of species (58 species each – 19.08 %). Palm trees are the least numerous – 11 species (3.62 %). The decorative features of the main species have been determined. A list of trees with 3 or more decorative features, shrubs and herbs with 2 or more decorative features was compiled. In order to create a unique urban landscape in different seasons of the year it is recommended to use the species included in this list. For citation: Nguyen Thi Yen, Dang Van Ha, Parinova T.A. Species Diversity and Decorative Features of Plants Used in Landscaping of Hanoi. Lesnoy Zhurnal [Russian Forestry Journal], 2021, no. 5, pp. 65–75. DOI: 10.37482/0536-1036-2021-5-65-75

Three new tirucallane triterpenoids from the fruits of Chukrasia tabularis and their biological activities

Abstract Three new triterpenoids (1–3), including two new 19 (10 → 9β) abeo-tirucallane derivatives (1–2) and a new tirucallane-type triterpenoid (3), together with two known tirucallane-type triterpenoids (4–5) were isolated from the ethanol extract of the fruits of Chukrasia tabularis. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopic analyses and MS data. The isolated triterpenoids 1 and 2 exhibited anti-inflammatory activities with IC50 values of 75.98 ± 2.12 and 24.86 ± 1.16 μM, respectively. Compound 5 showed cytotoxic activities against the selected tumor cell lines.

Management of Hypsipyla robusta Moore (Pyralidae) damage in Chukrasia tabularis A. Juss (Meliaceae)

Chukrasia tabularis is a high-value tree in the mahogany family and in Vietnam is grown in home gardens and small plantations. One to 3-year old trees are susceptible to shoot tip damage from larvae of Hypsipyla robusta which feed inside the stem. With the recent expansion of C. tabularis plantations, the forestry sector is seeking management options for this pest. Therefore, the efficacy of a range of commercial insecticides and biological agents were evaluated in nursery and plantation experiments. Twenty days after application of carbaryl, carbosulfan, deltamethrin or fipronil to the shoots of 1-year old nursery seedlings, damage from inoculated H. robusta was reduced by 83–100%. Application of Bacillus thuringiensis, Beauveria bassiana or Metarhizium anisopliae were less effective, reducing damage by 58, 33 and 42%, respectively. In 2-year old trees in the field, damage from natural H. robusta infestation was reduced by >75% at 30 days after application of carbaryl, carbosulfan, deltamethrin or fipronil. Including alkyl sulfonate or trisiloxane ethoxylate as adjuvants into the spray mix reduced damage by up to 98%. Soil applied fipronil granules and foliar-applied B. thuringiensis were less effective treatments (72 and 63%, respectively). The most effective treatments can now be evaluated in more extensive trials so that management protocols can be provided to end-users.

Phragmalin and mexicanolide limonoids with reversal of multidrug resistance from the seeds of Chukrasia tabularis A. Juss

Six undescribed 1,8,9-phragmalin limonoid orthoesters (chukorthoesters A-F, 1–6) and two undescribed mexicanolide-type limonoids (ivorenoids H and I, 7 and 8), together with ten known limonoids, were isolated from the seeds of common wood-source and greening plants Chukrasia tabularis A. Juss. Their chemical structures were elucidated using HR-ESI-MS, 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopic analysis, and that of 1 along with absolute configuration was confirmed by X-ray diffraction experiment with Cu Kα radiation. Bioactivities screening indicated the limonoid orthoesters 1 and 2 shown reversing resistance in MCF-7/DOX cells at 10 μM (RF:4–5 folds).