Cissus Verticillata Research Articles

Detection of an invasive plant (Cissus verticillata) in the largest mangrove system on the eastern Pacific coast—a remote sensing approach

The identification and monitoring of invasive plant species utilizing spaceborne sensors have posed substantial challenges over the past few decades, mainly due to a scarcity of state-of-the-art sensors, limited digital processing capabilities, and the presence of a phenological spectral feature that is not readily detectable by conventional methods. The invasive plant Cissus verticillata, first detected in 2017, has affected the largest mangrove system on the eastern Pacific coast—Marismas Nacionales—spreading rapidly and aggressively through the mangrove canopy, and causing degradation and even mortality, mainly of Rhizophora mangle, by obstructing the sunlight over the canopy. The purpose of this study was to isolate the multispectral signal from Cissus verticillata by using a cloud computing approach with Google Earth Engine and generate a comprehensive map of the entire mangrove system by means of a novel dense time series of Sentinel-2 data. Results indicate that the optimal period for detecting Cissus verticillata is between October and December. Furthermore, this species is expanding its range along the riverbanks in the central region of Marismas Nacionales, with its coverage increasing from 426.16 ha in 2019 to 838.08 ha in 2021. These areas were verified with a field endeavor and have signified a substantial development, given that the plant had not been previously identified in this region with conventional field methods due to logistical constraints. The findings and approach of this study will contribute to the decision-making required to manage this invasive plant.

Inventory of Weeds in Mexican Park, Bogor Botanical Garden

The Bogor Botanical Gardens' Mexican Park presents various dry-climate plants useful for recreation and learning. The presence of weeds in the collection site would have a negative impact because they can inhibit the growth of the collection plants. This study examined the diversity of weeds in the Mexican Park, Bogor Botanical Gardens. This descriptive study took place in the Bogor Botanical Gardens, specifically in the Mexican Park, and weed identification was carried out at the National Research and Innovation Agency. The weed data obtained was then analyzed descriptively through a literature study. The results showed that there were 52 weed species from 28 families. Most species came from the Asteraceae and Araceae families. The block that had the most weeds was Block II.O.IV, with a total of 15 weed species. The species that were often found in each area of the Mexican Garden Collection include Euphorbia graminea Jacq., Euphorbia heterophylla L., Calliandra calothyrsusMeisn, Coleus monostachyus (P. Beauv.) AJ Paton, Cecropia peltate L., and Cissus verticillata subsp. verticillata. Keywords: Inventory, Weeds, Mexican Park, Bogor Botanical Garden

Mycena citricolor isolates from diverse hosts in Costa Rica: Colony aspect, growth dynamics, reproduction in vitro and aggressiveness on Coffea arabica

AbstractThe basidiomycete fungus Mycena citricolor hosts on about 80 plant families. The asexual morph causes the disease known as American leaf spot of coffee (Coffea arabica). We isolated and characterized 15 isolates of M. citricolor collected from coffee plants, shade trees and weeds. Cultures on potato‐dextrose‐agar + yeast extract (PDAY) medium were kept for a week in complete darkness. The cultures were then exposed to light for 7 weeks and co‐cultivated with coffee foliar discs, to stimulate the production of gemmifers. We evaluated the speed of growth, appearance, colour of the mycelium and gemmifers production capacity. All isolates conformed to the typical cultural characteristics of M. citricolor, with beige/white thin and slightly aerial mycelium. The whitest isolate was from Persea americana, which had the slowest growth rate in vitro (6.4 mm/day), while the isolate from weed Kalanchoe pinnata was the fastest, with a speed of 9 mm/day. The most gemmifer‐producing isolates were those isolated from the coffee cultivar Catimor‐Costa Rica 95, Citharexylum donnell‐smithii and Cissus verticillata, with over 200 gemmifers per Petri dish. Isolates from Erythrina and Ipomoea nil produced <50 gemmifers on average. The Composite Aggressiveness Index (CAI) was determined on 2‐year‐old detached coffee branches of the Caturra variety foliage. The least aggressive isolate was from Erythrina poeppigiana (CAI = 0) and the most aggressive was from Kalanchoe pinnata (CAI = 18.87). The isolate from the coffee cultivar Catimor‐Costa Rica 95 was more aggressive than that from the cultivar Caturra (CAI = 9.94 vs. CAI = 3.66). Moreover, successful infection occurred only when the apex of gemmae made direct contact with the coffee leaf when using the inoculum derived from C. verticillata and Anredera cordifolia. These results show the variability in the population of the pathogen. This is the first study that characterizes the growth, morphology, reproduction and aggressiveness of M. citricolor obtained from hosts other than coffee. In addition, it is the first to report the use of coffee foliar discs to induce gemmifer production in vitro and to assess and quantify the effect of gemma position when inoculating coffee leaves.

In vitro cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of Cissus verticillata and Sphagneticola trilobata used for treatment of Diabetes Mellitus in Brazilian folk medicine

Cissus verticillata and Sphagneticola trilobata have been used in Brazilian folk medicine for Diabetes Mellitus treatment, although their pharmacological and toxicological profile has not been clearly established. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the preclinical toxicity of the aqueous extracts of C. verticillata and S. trilobata. The main groups of secondary metabolites were investigated, and the species differed by the presence of coumarins in C. verticillata and by tannins in S. trilobata extracts. The highest contents of phenolic compounds and flavonoids were quantified in C. verticillata infusion with 2.594 ± 0.04 mg equivalents of gallic acid g-1 of extract and 1.301 ± 0.015 mg equivalents of catechin g-1 of extract, respectively. While the extract of S. trilobata showed minimum values of these compounds, with 0.002 ± 0.001 mg equivalents of gallic acid g-1 extract and 0.005 ± 0.0004 mg equivalents of catechin g-1 of extract, respectively. These differences implied the results of in vitro antioxidant activity evaluated using ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), in which the sample of C. verticillata at 5 mg mL-1 showed a value of 122 µM ferrous sulfate equivalents (FSE), while S. trilobata showed 0.93 µM FSE at the same concentration. With respect to cytotoxic assay with murine fibroblast cell line (3T3) only S. trilobata exhibited cytotoxic effects measured by MTT and Sulforhodamine B assays, evidenced by the cell viability value of approximately 16%, in both tests after 24 and 72 hours of exposure of the cells to 5 mg mL-1 of the extract. Comparatively, at 5 mg mL-1 the C. verticillata extract showed cell viability of 142% and 95%, respectively, after 24 hours of cell exposure. On the other hand, both species showed genotoxic profiles evidenced by chromosomal aberrations by Allium cepa bioassay, observed by the higher percentage values of chromosome bridges, chromosome loss, and disturbed anaphase for all concentrations of both extracts than those of the negative control. The results support the characterization of the toxicological profile for both species and create an alert regarding the use of S. trilobata, which should be avoided.

Extracts from the Leaves of Cissus verticillata Ameliorate High-Fat Diet-Induced Memory Deficits in Mice.

We investigated the effects of Cissus verticillata leaf extract (CVE) on a high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity and memory deficits. Male mice (5 weeks of age) were fed vehicle (distilled water), or 30, 100, or 300 mg/kg of CVE once a day for 8 weeks with an HFD. Treatment with CVE resulted in lower body weight and glucose levels in a concentration- and feeding time-dependent manner. LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels were significantly lower in the CVE-treated HFD group than in the vehicle-treated HFD group. In contrast, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels did not show any significant changes. Lipid droplets and ballooning were reduced depending on the concentration of CVE treatment compared to the HFD group. Treatment with CVE ameliorated the increase in glucagon and immunoreactivities in the pancreas, and novel object recognition memory was improved by 300 mg/kg CVE treatment compared to the HFD group. More proliferating cells and differentiated neuroblasts were higher in mice treated with CVE than in vehicle-treated HFD-fed mice. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels were significantly decreased in the HFD group, which was facilitated by treatment with 300 mg/kg CVE in hippocampal homogenates. These results suggest that CVE ameliorates HFD-induced obesity and memory deficits in mice, associated with increased BDNF levels in the hippocampus.

Cissus verticillata Extract Decreases Neuronal Damage Induced by Oxidative Stress in HT22 Cells and Ischemia in Gerbils by Reducing the Inflammation and Phosphorylation of MAPKs.

In the present study, we examined the effects of Cissus verticillata leaf extracts (CVE) against hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)- and ischemia-induced neuronal damage in HT22 cells and gerbil hippocampus. Incubation with CVE produced concentration-dependent toxicity in HT22 cells. Significant cellular toxicity was observed with >75 μg/mL CVE. CVE treatment at 50 μg/mL ameliorated H2O2-induced reactive oxygen species formation, DNA fragmentation, and cell death in HT22 cells. In addition, incubation with CVE significantly mitigated the increase in Bax and decrease in Bcl-2 induced by H2O2 treatment in HT22 cells. In an in vivo study, the administration of CVE to gerbils significantly decreased ischemia-induced motor activity 1 d after ischemia, as well as neuronal death and microglial activation 4 d after ischemia, respectively. CVE treatment reduced the release of interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α 6 h after ischemia. Furthermore, CVE treatment significantly ameliorated ischemia-induced phosphorylation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase, extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2, and p38. These results suggest that CVE has the potential to reduce the neuronal damage induced by oxidative and ischemic stress by reducing the inflammatory responses and phosphorylation of MAPKs, suggesting that CVE could be a functional food to prevent neuronal damage induced by ischemia.

O uso da planta Cissus Verticillata (Insulina) no tratamento do Diabetes Mellitus, em uma comunidade costeira do Pará, Amazônia, Brasil

A Bacia do Rio Caeté, localizada na mesorregião nordeste do Estado do Pará, apresenta um grande número de espécies vegetais disponíveis, sendo utilizadas pelos moradores das comunidades ribeirinhas, porém, muitas plantas ainda não foram identificadas ou registrados os usos tradicionais. O presente artigo objetivou caracterizar os usos terapêuticos da “Insulina” Cissus verticillata (L.) Nicholson & C. E. Jarvis na Comunidade de Ponta de Urumajó - PA, verificando sua eficácia para o tratamento de Diabetes mellitus. A pesquisa baseia-se numa abordagem metodológica qualitativa, por meio da pesquisa de campo, utilizando-se como técnicas de coleta de dados a aplicação de free listing, entrevistas com informantes-chave, aplicação de formulários, coleta de amostras vegetais, observação, gravação de vídeo e fotografias. Resultados apontam que a comunidade da Ponta do Urumajó demonstra grande arcabouço de saberes sobre plantas medicinais, utilizando-as das mais diversas formas, além é claro, de conhecer as práticas empregadas para o uso das espécies que serão usadas para o cuidado em saúde. A comunidade tem empregado o uso de Cissus verticillata amplamente, desconhecendo os seus efeitos tóxicos e os perigos de reações adversas. Nesse intuito, este trabalho tende a contribuir com o reconhecimento e valorização dos saberes e práticas locais de povos tradicionais da Amazônia e busca uma integração entre os conhecimentos científicos e tradicional para a consolidação de práticas de conservação da espécie, além de observar os princípios ativos presentes na planta, sua toxicidade e apontar caminhos para estudos fitoquímicos na produção de um fitoterápico que contenha o conteúdo químico de C. verticillata dando qualidade de vida aos pacientes diabéticos.

Fruit characteristics of Cissus verticillata (L.) Nicholson and C. E. Jarvis and C. tiliacea Kunth during two complete harvest seasons

Objective of present work was to determine berries characteristics of Cissus tiliacea Kunth and C. verticillata (L.) Nicholson and C. E. Jarvis harvested during complete 2018 and 2017 seasons in Zumpahuacan, Mexico and the relationship of those characteristics with accumulated temperature during fruit growing period. First harvest date was at 49 days after first fruit set (DAFFS); then, berries were harvested at 64, 79, 94 and 109 DAFFS. A three-factor factorial combined analysis of variance indicated differences in fruit weight, height, factors of peel color (luminosity, a, b, chroma and Hue), fleshy acidity and content of total soluble solids for Cissus species (C), years of cropping (Y), harvest day (H), C × Y, C × H, Y × H and C × Y × H. Fruit width presented differences only for factor C, whereas fruit relationship width/height (fruit shape) was not different in any factor. For every harvest date, the day average temperature of the 40 days previous to harvest was counted; in both seasons the average of accumulated temperature was 541 °C. Nevertheless, in 2017 temperature accumulation ranked from 551 to 528 °C, whereas in 2016 that rank was between 547 and 535 °C. In C. verticillata, during 2017, lower peel luminosity and values of color factor a occurred along higher accumulation of temperature, but that situation was not observed in C. tiliacea. Principal component (PC) 1 and PC2 explained 60% and 50% of variance in C. verticillata and C. tiliacea, respectively; this method confirmed influence of season and date of harvest in fruit quality.

Morpho-anatomical evaluation of hypoglycaemic medicinal plants

This study aimed to morpho-anatomical characterize leaves of plants with hypoglycemic effect used by the Maracanã community of São Luís-MA. It was selected two vegetal species with lack of morpho-anatomical studies, which were Cissus verticillata (L.) Nicolson & C. E. Jarvis (Vitaceae) and Caesalpinia ferrea Mart. ex. Tul. var. leiostachya Benth (Leguminoceae). The botanic material was collected in the Dom Delgado University City, UFMA. It was realized paradermic and transverse sections free hand with blade support, using astra blue and basic fuchsin as colorants. The laminas were observed and photographed in optic microscopic. Cissus verticillata presented simple and opposite leaves, with membranous consistency, serrated margin, and acute top and cordate base. The mesophyll is dorsiventral composed by palisade and spongy parenchyma. Central rib with presence of reserve parenchyma and angular chollenchyma with some points of ring deposition. Caesalpinia ferrea presented smooth and simple leaves, uniseriate epidermis, curled cuticles and presence of stomata on both sides. Central rib with fundamental parenchyma composed by spherical cells and angular chollenchyma. The reported morphoanatomic characters of C. verticillata and C. ferrea leaves contribute to the identification and characterization of the quality of these vegetables, improving knowledge verification of plant species authenticity.

Cissus verticillata (L.) Nicolson and C.E. Jarvis (Vitaceae): Its identification and usage in the sources from 16th to 19th century

Ethnopharmacological relevanceCissus verticillata (L.) Nicolson and C.E. Jarvis is best known for its hypoglycaemic and anti-lipemic action. In Brazilian ethnopharmacy it is called “plant-insulin” and used mostly against diabetes, as well as in abscesses, haemorrhage and epilepsy. In the present paper we study the past significance of this plant recorded between 1571 and 1829 both in ethnic (Mexico, Haiti) and official (European) pharmacies. Aim of the study(1) We are able to identify Carolus Sanctus and Lupulus Mechiocanus from Renaissance and later sources as Cissus verticillata. The specific identity of its historical herbal stock has not been proposed yet. (2) The identification we propose enables us to extract a number of historical ethnopharmacological usages from historical texts, not mentioned so far. (3) We try to find links between historical and present popular usages of C. verticillata. Material and methodsThe identity of Carolo Sancto and Lupulus Mechiocanus as Cissus verticillata has been proposed on the grounds of: (1) analysis of pre-Linnaean synonymic polynomials, (2) critical evaluation of old illustrations in botanical and pharmaceutical works, compared to living plants, (3) comparison of morphological, anatomical and histochemical characters of C. verticillata with old pharmacognostical descriptions of the plant and the herbal stock which it delivered. ResultsWe have recognised the specific identity on the basis of: (1) subsequent botanical works published between 1574 and 1763; (2) Hans Sloane׳s herbarium specimen No. BM589925; (3) morphology and organoleptic characteristics of the bark and roots published in the 16th and 17th century which are confirmable in living plants. Cissus verticillata was discovered by Nicolás Monardes in Mexico in 1571 and first published in Europe under the name Carolo Sancto in 1574. In European pharmacy the plant was also called Lupulus Mechiocanus. In official European pharmacy the root (Radix Caroli Sancti=Rad. Indica, later its sole bark) was appreciated for its action to teeth and gums when chewed. Internal usages (ascribed initially to this medicament) were gradually discarded in the late 1700s. Roots were met in the European trade until 1795. ConclusionsCissus verticillata is common in Americas and could have been imported to Europe since the 16th century. Complete plants were not seen knowingly in European pharmacy; taxonomical investigation of this species developed independently. Ethnopharmacological usages described between 1582 and 1829 were not adopted in Europe with the exception of two recommendations: “weakness of the stomach” and fevers. Gastroprotective and anti-inflammatory actions were re-discovered in the 2000s. Two other historical usages: antiepileptic and styptic, are observed in today׳s ethnomedicine of Brazil.

Vegetative propagation of insulin (Cissus verticillata (L.) Nicolson & C.E. Jarvis) by cutting

Propagation techniques may support handling, this way providing an alternative for producers of medicinal plants, thus avoiding indiscriminate collection. We aimed to evaluate the size of cuttings with and without leaves on the seedling production of insulin (Cissus verticillata (L.) Nicolson & C.E. Jarvis). The herbaceous apical cuttings were prepared with diagonal cut at the bottom and straight cut at the apex, with 5, 10 or 15 cm in length, kept with two whole leaves, two leaves cut in half or without leaves, being sterilized with sodium hypochlorite at 0.5% for 15 minutes. The cuttings were planted in plastic containers with 180 mL capacity with vermiculite as substrate and placed in greenhouse at the temperature of 22 ± 2° C. The experimental design was completely randomized and means were compared by Tukey's test at 5% probability. After 60 days, we found that the cutting of 5 cm with whole leaves and with leaves cut in half and the cutting of 10 cm with whole leaves had rates above 70% of rooting with the best means for number and length of roots. There was a high mortality rate for cuttings made without leaves. The callus and the percentage of live cuttings were not significant for the treatments. Therefore, 5 cm long cuttings with whole or half leaves and 10 cm long cuttings with whole leaves are the most suitable for the vegetative propagation of insulin.

Plant species to control diabetes used in counties in the extreme upper Basin Platinum, Alto Pantanal Portion, Mato Grosso, Brazil

Diabetes is a disease which progresses within and between age groups. Today the local people use medicinal plants as an alternative to health care. Define plants to every illness, as well as diabetes. This work shows plants used for diabetes at the upper end of the Platina Basin (P), near the southern part of the Amazon Basin (A). The study, part of Project PLAMED, included 14 municipalities of Alto Pantanal Basin Platinum (P), Mato Grosso, Brazil. In the north of P has a range of transition basins (PA = T) and going over has been the beginning of the Amazon Basin (A). Data were collected by interview in 2005, with informants recognized competence in the subject and indicated by the local community. In two counties there was no appointment of species to treat diabetes. In others (12), were given 1 – 4 esp/mun. totaling 35 indications showed 18 species used in P for diabetes: “Abacaxi”(Ananas comosus (L.) Merr.), “Calunga”(Simaba ferruginea A. St.-Hil), “Caferana”(Vernonia polyanthes Less), “Cipó da Amazônia”(Banisteriopsis caapi (Spruce) Morton), “Carambola”(Averrhoa carambola L.), “Douradinha”(Palicourea xanthophylla M. Arg,) “Insulina”(Cissus verticillata (L.) Nicholson & C.E. Jarvis), “Quebra-pedra”(Phyllanthus niruri L.), “Sai-de-mim”(?), “Tiririca”(Cyperus rotundus L.), “Caju-do-campo”(Anacardium humile A. St.-Hil), “Cebola-roxa”(Allium cepa L.), “Pedra ume-ca-á”(Myrcia sphaerocarpa DC.), “Açoita-cavalo”(Luehea divaricata Mart. et. Zucc); G2) 3 common between P and A: “Urucum”[Bixa orellana L.], “Pata-de-vaca”[Bauhinia sp], “Jucá”[Caesalpinia ferrea Mart.; G3) one kind was triple-joint (P, AP, A): “Carqueja”[Baccharis sp]. The most frequently mentioned were “Pata-de-vaca” (6/12) and “Carqueja” (7/12), and the others had one appointment each. The target plants are concentrated in two species and disperse in the others. Among the 18 species, the “Cebola” has more and "Douradinha" "has less research related to diabetes, which were available online at abr2013

Anatomy and histochemistry of the vegetative organs of Cissus verticillata: a native medicinal plant of the Brazilian Amazon

The purpose of this paper was to carry out an anatomical and histochemical analysis of the vegetative organs of Cissus verticillata (L.) Nicolson & C.E. Jarvis, Vitaceae, to contribute for the attest the taxonomic identity of the medicinal plant. Samples from root, stem, leaf and tendril were cleared, dissociated and processed according to the usual methodology for observation under light and scanning electron microscopes. Histochemical tests were performed in order to identify polysaccharides, phenolic and lipid compounds. The C. verticillata root is typically protostelic, and the stem is eustelic with collateral bundles. The tendril presents structural organization similar to the stem, suggesting a common origin for both. The petiole has an epidermis with ornamented cuticle; the cortex is composed of collenchyma and parenchyma, and the vascular tissues are arranged in collateral bundles. The leaf blade is amphistomatic with non-glandular and glandular trichomes, and the mesophyll is dorsiventral. The identification of the idioblasts as secretion site of the phenolic compounds, mucilage and terpenoids as being responsible for the potential activity of the plant is of fundamental importance for future bioprospecting research on this species.

Analysis of the Pterocarpus officinalis forests in the Gran Estero (Dominican Republic)

This paper deals with the geological, historical, bioclimatic and floristic aspects of the northern sector of the Caribbean—Atlantic Subprovince. By means of phytosociological vegetation samples, we focussed our attention on the edaphohygrophilous Pterocarpus officinalis forests and megaforbic plant communities formed by large helophytes. Our paper presents a new endemic association for Hispaniola, the Roystoneo hispaniolanae—Pterocarpetum officinalis nova. Since this association cannot be included in any of the alliances belonging to the class Chrysobalano-Annonetea glabrae Borhidi & Muñiz in Borhidi, Muñiz & Del—Risco 1979, order Tabebuio-Bucidetalia (Lvov 1967) Borhidi & Del- Risco in Borhidi, Muñiz & Del—Risco 1979, we propose a new alliance, Marcgravio rubrae—Pterocarpion officinalis nova, floristically characterised by Pterocarpus officinalis, Philodendron angustatum, Cecropia schreberiana, Cissus verticillata, Dalbergia berterii, Ficus velutina, Inga vera, Palicourea crocea. All the edaphohigrophilous and occasionally hygrophilous forests found in swampy sites either with fresh or slightly saline water should be included in this endemic alliance.

Food bodies in Cissus verticillata (Vitaceae): ontogenesis, structure and functional aspects

The distinction between pearl bodies (or pearl glands) and food bodies (FBs) is not clear; neither is our understanding of what these structures really represent. The present work examined the ontogenesis, structure, ultrastructure and histochemical aspects of the protuberances in Cissus verticillata, which have been described since the beginning of the 19th century as pearl glands or pearl bodies, in order to establish a relationship between their structure and function. Segments of stems and leaves in different stages of development were collected and fixed for study under light microscopy as well as electron transmission and scanning microscopy. Samples of FBs were subjected to chemical analysis using thin-layer chromatography. The FBs in C. verticillata are globose and attached to the plant by a short peduncle. These structures are present along the entire stem during primary growth, and on the inflorescence axis and the abaxial face of the leaves. The FBs were observed to be of mixed origin, with the participation of both the epidermis and the underlying parenchymatic cells. The epidermis is uniseriate with a thin cuticle, and the cells have dense cytoplasm and a large nucleus. The internal parenchymatic cells have thin walls; in the young structures these cells have dense cytoplasm with a predominance of mitochondria and plastids. In the mature FBs, the parenchymatic cells accumulate oils and soluble sugars; dictyosomes and rough endoplasmic reticulum predominate in the cytoplasm; the vacuoles are ample. Removal of the FBs appears to stimulate the formation of new ones, at the same place. The vegetative vigour of the plant seems to influence the number of FBs produced, with more vigorous branches having greater densities of FBs. The results allow the conclusion that the structures traditionally designated pearl glands or pearl bodies in C. verticillata constitute FBs that can recruit large numbers of ants.

Antioxidant Activity of a Cissus verticillata Fraction and Tyramine, its Bioactive Constituent, on Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Rats

In the present study, the antioxidant activity of a methanol soluble fraction (MSF) from Cissus verticillata, used in Brazil and elsewhere as a hypoglycemic and antidiabetic medicinal plant, and tyramine (TYR), one of its main bioactive constituents, was assessed. For this, male Wistar rats were submitted to alloxan injection (40 mg/kg, i.v.) in order to induce a diabetic state and, 48 h later, glycemia was determined. Animals were distributed into groups: normal controls (NC); diabetic controls (DC); DC plus MSF; and DC plus TYR. Another group was treated with glibenclamide (GLI), used as a positive control. After 5-day treatments, animals were sacrificed for liver dissection, and determination of antioxidant markers such as thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), reduced glutathione (GSH), catalase and nitrite concentrations. The antioxidant effect was also evaluated on the pentobarbital-induced sleeping time, before and after CCl4 treatment. Under our experimental conditions, diabetic rats did not present any alteration in liver lipid peroxidation, before (DC) or after treatments with the MSF; TYR or GLI, as compared to normal controls (NC). Levels of GSH were significantly increased in 79% in DC, as related to NC, and the effects were partially reversed in diabetic rats, after MSF treatments at the higher dose. However, while similar effects were observed after TYR and GLI, both drugs brought values of GSH to normality. The DC group had increased liver catalase activity, as compared to NC, and these effects were partially reversed by MSF and almost completely by TYR and GLI. Significant increases were also detected in nitrite concentrations in livers of DC, as an index of free radical formation, and a large reduction was observed after MSF, TYR and GLI treatments of diabetic rats, as compared to NC. MSF and TYR also prevented prolongation of the pentobarbitalinduced sleeping time by CCl4, suggesting hepatoprotective and anti-oxidative effects. In conclusion, we showed that the antioxidant activity probably plays an important role in the antidiabetic effect of C. verticillata, and TYR is at least in part responsible for this property.

Biciclogermacreno, resveratrol e atividade antifúngica em extratos de folhas de Cissus verticillata (L.) Nicolson & Jarvis (Vitaceae)

Cissus verticillata L. (Vitaceae) tem sido empregada popularmente como anti-diabética. Nessa espécie foi também detectada atividade fungitóxica. O objetivo do presente trabalho foi realizar a identificação dos compostos fungitóxicos em extratos de folhas. O extrato etanólico foi submetido a fracionamento com solventes de diferentes polaridades (hexano, clorofórmio, acetato de etila e butanol) e seu efeito antifúngico foi analisado frente a Cladosporium sphaerospermum. Os extratos em clorofórmio e acetato de etila mostraram atividade, e foram fracionados por cromatografia em coluna e cromatografia preparativa em placas de sílica, respectivamente. Três terpenóides foram isolados do extrato em clorofórmio; um deles foi identificado, por análise em CG-EM, como um sesquiterpeno, o biciclogermacreno. O composto ativo do extrato em acetato de etila foi identificado, por análises em CLAE, como o estilbeno resveratrol.

Life history and larval morphology of Eurhinus magnificus Gyllenhal (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), a new weevil to the United States

Eurhinus magnificus Gyllenhal has been collected in south Florida, presumably introduced through trade with countries in its native range. Very little information has been published on the biology or taxonomy of this insect. We conducted studies to investigate various aspects of its life history and host plant associations. The pre-imaginal life stages of E. magnificus are described for the first time. Dimensions of the adult, egg, larval, and pupal stages are also provided; head capsule measurement revealed five larval instars. All life stages of E. magnificus were collected at several sites in Broward and Miami-Dade counties from the host plant Cissus verticillata (L.) Nicolson & Jarvis (Vitaceae). Eggs were laid singly within the succulent, young subterminal portion of the host plant stem, one or two occurring between two nodes. Gall formation was apparent by the first to third instar and continued to increase in size until pupation which occurred within the gall. Predators and pathogens appeared to be responsible for considerable mortality in the field; there was no evidence of parasitism of any of the life stages. Greenhouse studies were undertaken to determine E. magnificus development time and host specificity. Adult weevils attacked grape cultivars (Vitis spp.) and feeding opened the stems to fungal agents but no physical evidence of larval development was apparent on grapes.

Anti-Diabetic Activity of a Fraction from Cissus verticillata and Tyramine, its Main Bioactive Constituent, in Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Rats

Cissus verticillata (syn. C. sycioides, fam. Vitaceae) is a medicinal plant popularly used in Brazil, for the treatment of diabetes mellitus. The anti-diabetic activity of a fraction from leaves of Cissus verticilllata (MSF, methanol soluble fraction), as well as that of tyramine (TYR) were investigated, in the model of alloxan-induced diabetes, in male Wistar rats. The biochemical parameters studied were: serum glucose, triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC) and very low density lipoprotein (VLDL), urea, creatinine, AST and ALT levels. Besides, glycated hemoglobin and liver glycogen concentrations were also determined. The MSF (50 and 100 mg kg−1, p.o.), tyramine (1 and 2 mg kg−1, p.o.), glibenclamide (GLI 5 mg kg−1, p.o.) and metformin (MET, 50 mg kg−1, p.o.) were administered daily, for 5 days, 48 h after the alloxan injection (40 mg kg−1, i.v.). Drugs were administered alone or associated. Alloxan-diabetic rats showed significant reductions in plasma glucose, triglycerides and total cholesterol, after the treatment with the MSF, tyramine and glibenclamide, as compared to diabetic controls. The MSF and TYR effects were not potentiated by their association with GLI. Besides, MSF or TYR did not reverse DZ-induced hyperglycemia. However, MSF and TYR effects were significantly potentiated by MET, suggesting that these drugs act by a mechanism similar to that of MET. The other biochemical parameters were unaltered. The treatment of diabetic animals with the MSF increased the number of pancreatic beta cells. TYR also decreased the concentration of glycated Hb. While a 61% decrease in glycogen concentration was observed in diabetic controls, a total and partial recoveries of alloxan effects were seen after treatment of diabetic animals with the MSF (100 mg kg−1, p.o.) and measurements carried out 2 and 24 h after amyloglicosidase addition, respectively. In conclusion, our results showed that the MSF and TYR, when administered by gavage for 5 days, may reduce glucose, TG and TC levels by a mechanism at least in part similar to that of MET. These results point to the insulin-like effects of C. verticillata, probably due to the presence of tyramine in the plant.

Ethnomedicines used in Trinidad and Tobago for urinary problems and diabetes mellitus

BackgroundThis paper is based on ethnobotanical interviews conducted from 1996–2000 in Trinidad and Tobago with thirty male and female respondents.MethodsA non-experimental validation was conducted on the plants used for urinary problems and diabetes mellitus: This is a preliminary step to establish that the plants used are safe or effective, to help direct clinical trials, and to inform Caribbean physicians of the plants' known properties to avoid counter-prescribing.ResultsThe following plants are used to treat diabetes: Antigonon leptopus, Bidens alba, Bidens pilosa, Bixa orellana, Bontia daphnoides, Carica papaya, Catharanthus roseus, Cocos nucifera, Gomphrena globosa, Laportea aestuans, Momordica charantia, Morus alba, Phyllanthus urinaria and Spiranthes acaulis. Apium graviolens is used as a heart tonic and for low blood pressure. Bixa orellana, Bontia daphnoides, Cuscuta americana and Gomphrena globosa are used for jaundice. The following plants are used for hypertension: Aloe vera, Annona muricata, Artocarpus altilis, Bixa orellana, Bidens alba, Bidens pilosa, Bonta daphnoides, Carica papaya, Cecropia peltata, Citrus paradisi, Cola nitida, Crescentia cujete, Gomphrena globosa, Hibiscus sabdariffa, Kalanchoe pinnata, Morus alba, Nopalea cochinellifera, Ocimum campechianum, Passiflora quadrangularis, Persea americana and Tamarindus indicus.The plants used for kidney problems are Theobroma cacao, Chamaesyce hirta, Flemingia strobilifera, Peperomia rotundifolia, Petiveria alliacea, Nopalea cochinellifera, Apium graveolens, Cynodon dactylon, Eleusine indica, Gomphrena globosa, Pityrogramma calomelanos and Vetiveria zizanioides. Plants are also used for gall stones and for cooling.ConclusionChamaesyce hirta, Cissus verticillata, Kalanchoe pinnata, Peperomia spp., Portulaca oleraceae, Scoparia dulcis, and Zea mays have sufficient evidence to support their traditional use for urinary problems, "cooling" and high cholesterol.Eggplant extract as a hypocholesterolemic agent has some support but needs more study. The plants used for hypertension, jaundice and diabetes that may be safe and justify more formal evaluation are Annona squamosa, Aloe vera, Apium graveolens, Bidens alba, Carica papaya, Catharanthus roseus, Cecropia peltata, Citrus paradisi, Hibsicus sabdariffa, Momordica charantia, Morus alba, Persea americana, Phyllanthus urinaria, Tamarindus indicus and Tournefortia hirsutissima. Several of the plants are used for more than one condition and further trials should take this into account.