Species Of Euphorbiaceae Research Articles

Exploring phytochemistry, antioxidant capacity, and biological potential of essential oils obtained from Euphorbiaceae species

Exploring phytochemistry, antioxidant capacity, and biological potential of essential oils obtained from Euphorbiaceae species

Jatropha Diterpenes: An Updated Review Concerning Their Structural Diversity, Therapeutic Performance, and Future Pharmaceutical Applications

The Euphorbiaceae family is a rich source of bioactive terpenoids. Among its genera, Jatropha is a conspicuous producer of diterpenes and includes approximately 175 species, many of which have medicinal uses. To date, 140 diterpenes from Jatropha (JTDs) have been reported. Given their structural diversity and notable biological activities, this work aims to highlight the pharmaceutical potential of JTDs. To achieve this goal, an extensive literature review was conducted, encompassing studies on structural elucidation through NMR and pharmacological assays, both in vitro and in vivo. Based on 132 selected papers, a thorough discussion is presented on the biosynthesis, extraction, isolation, and structural characterization of JTDs, including a compilation of their 13C NMR chemical shifts. The review also covers their synthetic production and biological effects. Additionally, an in silico analysis predicting the drug-likeness of 141 JTDs was carried out. Notably, the occurrence of macrocyclic diterpenes has doubled in the past decade, and the summary of their NMR data provides a useful resource for future research. Furthermore, 21 distinct pharmacological activities were identified, with potent cytotoxic effects targeting new molecular pathways being particularly significant. Recent advances highlight the contributions of modern approaches in organic synthesis and the pharmacological evaluation of natural products. The drug-likeness analysis identified JTD classes and compounds with favorable physicochemical and ADMET features for pharmaceutical development. In light of these findings, the use of nanotechnology is proposed as a future direction for continued research on JTDs, a fascinating class of natural compounds. This work opens up new avenues for the study of Euphorbiaceae species, particularly the Jatropha genus and its bioactive compounds.

Evaluation of Antifungal Properties and Phytochemical Composition of Selected Euphorbiaceae Species

Aims: To study antifungal activity and phytochemical analysis of Euphorbiaceae members. Study Design: Experimental. Place and Duration of Study: The research was carried out at the Department of Botany, Maharashtra College of Arts, Science & Commerce, Mumbai, India, over a period spanning from April 2022 to December 2023. Methodology: Six medicinal plants from the Euphorbiaceae family were tested for their antifungal activity in vitro and phytochemical profile. Plant extracts were prepared in different concentrations of methanolic extracts and tested against five plant pathogenic fungi Fusarium oxysporum, Penicillium chrysogenum, Rhizopus stolonifer, Colletotrichum gloeosporioides and Alternaria alternata for their antifungal activity. In preliminary screening, all the plant extracts were tested against fungi using the poisoned food technique. Results: The extract with 20% concentration was found to be most effective in inhibiting mycelia growth. Phyllanthus emblica exhibited 100% inhibition in the extract with 20% conc. Whereas, Codiaeum variegatum exhibited the lowest inhibition i.e. 10.74% in the extract with 5% conc. In preliminary phytochemical analyses, all the plants showed the presence of tannin, saponin, flavonoid, phenol, alkaloids, terpenoids, glycosides and protein except in Jatropha pandurifolia in which few secondary metabolites were present.

The extrafloral nectary traits of woody plants in Brazil’s Caatinga: describing an ecological spectrum

Abstract Plants use extrafloral nectaries (EFNs) as indirect defence mechanisms against herbivores. These structures contain nectar that is offered to ants in exchange for their protection. EFNs display pronounced functional variation, but it is unknown how this variation comes together in phenotypes. Here, we characterized the main functional traits of EFNs and investigated the associations among them. This work was conducted at a study site in the Caatinga that hosts 14 species of woody plants. We characterized the following functional traits: EFN type, position, arrangement, size, and reducing-sugar level. We observed a marked degree of trait variation (~30%) that was manifested in species-specific trait combinations, giving rise to an ‘ecological spectrum’. At one end were Fabaceae species with large, vascularized EFNs that occur individually on the leaf petiole and/or rachis and that produce high levels of reducing sugars. At the other end were Euphorbiaceae species with small, nonvascularized EFNs that are generally grouped on the leaf blade and that produce low levels of reducing sugars. Despite its limited geographical and phylogenetic scale, this study represents an important first step in describing an ecological spectrum that can inform our understanding of the ecological interactions and evolutionary history of this functionally relevant group of plants.

Expansion of the distribution range of angiosperm species for the states of Maranhão and Tocantins, Brazil, through a territorial action plan

We expand the geographical distribution of 10 angiosperm species in Maranhão and Tocantins states. The species were collected during two field expeditions carried out by the Territorial Action Plan for the conservation of endangered species of the Meio Norte Territory between September 20 and 30, 2022 and between July 24 and 30, 2023, in both states. Photographs, comments on morphology and distribution-al data are provided for species of Acanthaceae, Aristolochiaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Myrtaceae, Orchidace-ae, Plantaginaceae, Pontederiaceae and Turneraceae.

Genome-wide identification and data mining reveals major-latex protein (MLP) from the PR-10 protein family played defense-related roles against phytopathogenic challenges in cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz).

Despite being identified in previous articles, the pathogenesis-related 10 (PR-10) protein remains relatively overlooked and has yet to be fully characterized in numerous plant species. This research employs a comprehensive data mining approach to in silico characterize PR-10 proteins in cassava, a vital crop plant globally. In this study, the focus was on in silico identified 53 cassava PR-10 proteins, which can be categorized into two main subgroups: 34 major latex proteins (MLPs) and 13 major allergen proteins, Pru ar 1, based on their phylogenetic relationship. The genome collinearity analysis with the rubber tree showed a possible evolutionary relationship of the PR-10 gene between these two Euphorbiaceae species, specifically on their chromosome 15. Notably, MLP423 and other MLP proteins were identified in various previously published cassava transcriptome datasets in response to biotic treatments from diverse phytopathogens, including anthracnose fungus, viruses, and bacterial blight. Ligand prediction and molecular docking of three MLP423 proteins have revealed potential interaction with cytokinin and abscisic acid hormones. Their expressions and predicted binding affinities are discussed here, highlighting their role as contributors to cassava's defense network against key diseases.

Properties and medical applications of the Euphorbiaceae family and their bioproducts: a patent review.

Euphorbiaceae is a family of dicotyledonous angiosperm plants that occur mainly in the tropics and produce a variety of secondary metabolites. Given the abundance of the Euphorbiaceae species and the diversity of substances they produce, this study aims to investigate paten documents concerning inventions and models involving the pharmacological use of these species, contributing to the study of their medicinal potential. The present review delves into patent documents in the Patentscope database, from the application of search criteria, such as "simple search" with the "Euphorbiaceae" keyword, limited to the front page, with stemming, without language limitation, from any patent office, and excluding non-patent literature (NPL). The selected patents were prevalently published in East Asian offices between 1998 and 2023, including 41 species of Euphorbiaceae of 19 genera, with 31 metabolites represented. The collected metabolites predominantly exhibited anti-tumoral (N = 21), anti-inflammatory (N = 10), antioxidant (N = 7), and anti-bacterial (N = 6) activities. Additionally, some substances have shown valid properties for treating non-communicable diseases (N = 8). The patents demonstrate the biotechnological potential of species from the Euphorbiaceae family, which are exceptionally satile regarding their applications in the health sector. However, the small number of patents that identify specific metabolites hinders a more thorough investigation of the activities of the products extracted from these species.

Histological analysis of petiole structure in Euphorbiaceae species for taxonomic classification

Histological analysis of petiole structure in Euphorbiaceae species for taxonomic classification

The complete plastome of Acalypha australis (Euphorbiaceae) and its phylogenetic analysis

Acalypha australis L. 1753 is a potherb popular among Asian populations and is a traditional herbal medicine. In the current study, the overall genetic diversity of A. australis still needs to be better. Here, we assembled and characterized the complete plastome of A. australis. The plastome is 168,885 bp in length with a large single-copy (LSC) of 94,576 bp, a small single-copy (SSC) of 19,715 bp, and two copies of inverted repeat region (IRs) of 27,297 bp each. The overall GC content is 34.9%. The plastome contains 127 genes, including 83 protein-coding genes, 36 tRNA genes, and eight rRNA genes. Phylogenomic analysis of the representative species of Euphorbiaceae showed that A. australis and A. hispida formed a monophyletic sister clade. The results of this study will support further research on the evolution and conservation of the Euphorbiaceae species; they will benefit pharmaceutical applications and ornamentation of the medicinal plant A. australis.

Anatomical Identification of Leaf Stomatal Cell Types in The Family Euphorbiacea

Stomata, which are specialized cells on the surface of leaves, undergo modification to form structures containing two guard cells. These cells play a crucial role in facilitating the exchange of water vapor and gases between the plant's internal environment and the surrounding atmosphere. Typically located on plant parts exposed to air, such as leaves, stems, and rhizomes, stomata distribution varies among different species. While some plants exhibit stomata on both upper and lower leaf surfaces, others, like water lilies, exclusively feature stomata on the upper side.The objective of the current investigation was to analyze the stomatal anatomy of various plant species within the Euphorbiaceae family. Employing a qualitative descriptive approach, the study aimed to characterize and interpret the stomatal types present on the leaves of Euphorbiaceae plants in the Langsa City region. The findings revealed the presence of five Euphorbiaceae species in Langsa City, including Euphorbia mili (jade fern), Jatropha curcas (Jatropha curcas), Codiaeum variegatum 'Norma' (norma puring), Codiaeum variegatum Bi (jet puring), and Codiaeum finger (finger puring), all of which exhibited parasitic stomatal types.

First report of a 'Candidatus Phytoplasma australasiaticum'-related phytoplasma strain associated with shoot proliferation disease of variegated croton in Taiwan.

Codiaeum variegatum (family Euphorbiaceae) is a leaf ornamental commonly known as variegated croton, which is often found in gardens or grown as indoor plants. In December of 2022, two cutting-propagated variegated croton plants exhibiting abnormal shoot proliferation and little leaf symptoms (Fig. S1) were found in a nursery owned by a private breeder in Wanluan Township, Pingtung County, Taiwan. The plants were propagated from a single stock plant, which died during transplanting from a commercial nursery in Changzhi Township, Pingtung County. To determine the potential cause of such symptoms, leaf tissues were collected from the center of the two symptomatic plants. Their DNA were extracted with a Synergy 2.0 Plant DNA Extraction Kit (OPS Diagnostics, Lebanon, NJ) and used for further testing. As controls, two symptomless stock plants were collected from the commercial nursery in Changzhi Township and used to produce cutting-propagated plants; leaf DNA was extracted from each plant as described above. The DNA samples were subjected to PCR testing using the phytoplasma-specific primer pair P1/P7 (Schneider et al. 1995), and only DNA from the symptomatic plants produced the expected 1.8-kb amplicon. The two phytoplasma isolates detected in the plants were designated as CvaA and CvaB. After sequencing and analyzing the data using the iPhyClassifier program (Zhao et al. 2009), both CvaA and CvaB were classified to subgroup 16SrII-A (GenBank accession no. L33765) with a similarity coefficient of 1.0. The near-full-length 16S rDNA fragments of the detected isolates (GenBank accession no. OR794242) were also identical (1,463/1,463 bp) to that of NCHU2014 (GenBank accession no. CP040925, bp 537768-539230), a reference 'Ca. Phytoplasma australasiaticum'-related strain (16SrII-A) found in Taiwan (Chang et al. 2015; Rodrigues Jardim et al. 2023). To validate the results, the DNA samples were also tested with 16SrII group-specific semi-nested PCR targeting the elongation factor Tu gene. The outer and inner primer pairs used were TUF-II-F1/TUF-II-R1 and TUF-II-F2/TUF-II-R1, respectively (Al-Subhi et al. 2017). An expected amplicon was detected in the symptomatic samples but not in the symptomless counterparts. The amplified fragments' sequences (GenBank accession no. OR634931) were identical to that of the elongation factor Tu gene of the 'Ca. Phytoplasma australasiaticum'-related strain NCHU2014 (989/989 bp; GenBank accession no. CP040925, bp 139344-140332). The protein translocase gene secY of the detected phytoplasma was also amplified and sequenced using semi-nested primers SecYF1(II), SecYF2(II) and SecYR1(II) (Lee et al. 2010). Again, the sequences of the detected isolates (GenBank accession no. OR862773) were identical to that of NCHU2014 (1,263/1,263; GenBank accession no. CP040925, bp 192846-194108). The quality of the DNA samples was confirmed by PCR targeting the plant host's 28S rDNA using primer pair 28KJ/28C (Cullings 1992) and all symptomatic and symptomless samples produced the target amplicon (0.7 kb). 16SrII phytoplasmas have been detected in different host plants in Taiwan (Chang et al. 2015). To our knowledge, this is the first record of this group of pathogens infecting variegated croton in Taiwan. Branch-inducing phytoplasma has been used to improve the ornamental values of poinsettias, another Euphorbiaceae species (Lee et al. 1997). Further testing is needed to determine whether the phytoplasma detected in this work could be used for similar purposes.

Croton carajasensis, a new species from Serra dos Carajás, Pará, Brazilian Amazon

During a floristic survey of Euphorbiaceae in cangas (areas of iron-rich soils) of the Serra dos Carajás (Pará State, Brazil), a new species of Euphorbiaceae was found. Croton carajasensis is only known from cangas vegetation and it is herein described and illustrated. The relationships of the new taxon with the most morphologically similar species (C. abaitensis, C. adamantinus, C. harleyi and C. ramosissimus) and its infrageneric position are discussed. We also include a distribution map, comments on habitat, flowering, fruiting, and a preliminary assessment of the species’ conservation status.

Indonesian Euphorbiaceae: Ethnobotanical Survey, In Vitro Antibacterial, Antitumour Screening and Phytochemical Analysis of Euphorbia atoto.

Indonesia is among the countries with the most significant biodiversity globally. Jamu, the traditional medicine of Indonesia, predominantly uses herbal materials and is an integral component of the Indonesian healthcare system. The present study reviewed the ethnobotanical data of seven Indonesian Euphorbiaceae species, namely Euphorbia atoto, E. hypericifolia, Homalanthus giganteus, Macaranga tanarius, Mallotus mollissimus, M. rufidulus, and Shirakiopsis indica, based on the RISTOJA database and other literature sources. An antimicrobial screening of the plant extracts was performed in 15 microorganisms using the disk diffusion and broth microdilution methods, and the antiproliferative effects were examined in drug-sensitive Colo 205 and resistant Colo 320 cells by the MTT assay. The antimicrobial testing showed a high potency of M. tanarius, H. giganteus, M. rufidulus, S. indica, and E. atoto extracts (MIC = 12.5-500 µg/mL) against different bacteria. In the antitumour screening, remarkable activities (IC50 0.23-2.60 µg/mL) were demonstrated for the extracts of H. giganteus, M. rufidulus, S. indica, and E. atoto against Colo 205 cells. The n-hexane extract of E. atoto, with an IC50 value of 0.24 ± 0.06 µg/mL (Colo 205), was subjected to multistep chromatographic separation, and 24-methylene-cycloartan-3β-ol, jolkinolide E, tetra-tert-butyl-diphenyl ether, α-tocopherol, and β-sitosterol were isolated.

An Ethnobotanical Survey of Indigenous Knowledge on Medicinal Plants Used by Communities to Treat Various Diseases around Ensaro District, North Shewa Zone of Amhara Regional State, Ethiopia

The study was conducted to investigate and document medicinal plants and associated knowledge on the utilization, management, preparation, and way of administration of the medicinal plant resources in Ensaro district, north Shewa zone, Ethiopia. A total of 100 informants were sampled from four study sites, and questionnaire surveys, semistructured interviews, ranking, and transect walk techniques were employed for data collection in midland, lowland, and highland agroecology and natural forests, riverine forests, and farmlands. Vast sources of the traditional healing knowledge of plant species conveyed from one generation to the next by word of mouth were from a family. A total of 101 medicinal plant species were identified from the study site, which belong to 95 genera and 49 families. These medicinal plants are used to treat about 35 types of human ailments. Families Fabaceae and Poaceae were represented by the highest number of medicinal plant species, followed by the Asteraceae, Lamiaceae, and Euphorbiaceae species. Out of the total medicinal plants’ species, 46.53% were herbs and 33.66% were shrubs. Most of them have medicinal properties in their leaf, root, seed, bark, stem, latex, sap seed, and fruits. Medicine from these plant parts is prepared in fresh, dried, and both fresh and dried states. The highest informant consensus was documented for the plant Ocimum lamiifolium used by 75% of informants for its medicinal value in treating fibril illness. Cucumis ficifolius and Eucalyptus globules are used by 41% and 39% of informants ranking second and third, respectively, for their medicinal value. This study revealed that indigenous knowledge of traditional medicine is still popular among local communities in the study area. The conservation strategy practiced by local people is not enough to tackle the erosion of plant species from their habitats. Thus, the conservation of these plants and the associated knowledge base is very essential.

Phylogenetic Analysis of the PR-4 Gene Family in Euphorbiaceae and Its Expression Profiles in Tung Tree (Vernicia fordii).

Pathogenesis-related protein-4 (PR-4) is generally believed to be involved in physiological processes. However, a comprehensive investigation of this protein in tung tree (Vernicia fordii) has yet to be conducted. In this study, we identified 30 PR-4 genes in the genomes of Euphorbiaceae species and investigated their domain organization, evolution, promoter cis-elements, expression profiles, and expression profiles in the tung tree. Sequence and structural analyses indicated that VF16136 and VF16135 in the tung tree could be classified as belonging to Class II and I, respectively. Phylogenetic and Ka/Ks analyses revealed that Hevea brasiliensis exhibited a significantly expanded number of PR-4 genes. Additionally, the analysis of promoter cis-elements suggested that two VfPR-4 genes may play a role in the response to hormones and biotic and abiotic stress of tung trees. Furthermore, the expression patterns of VfPR-4 genes and their responses to 6-BA, salicylic acid, and silver nitrate in inflorescence buds of tung trees were evaluated using qRT-PCR. Notably, the expression of two VfPR-4 genes was found to be particularly high in leaves and early stages of tung seeds. These results suggest that VF16136 and VF16135 may have significant roles in the development of leaves and seeds in tung trees. Furthermore, these genes were found to be responsive to 6-BA, salicylic acid, and silver nitrate in the development of inflorescence buds. This research provides valuable insights for future investigation into the functions of PR-4 genes in tung trees.

Phenolic compounds, antioxidant and antibacterial activities of the methanolic extracts of Euphorbia resinifera and Euphorbia echinus

Euphorbia resinifera and Euphorbia echinus are Moroccan endemic plants that are used in traditional medicine for their therapeutic properties. The aim of this research is to study the phenolic compounds content, the antioxidant and the antibacterial activities of two Euphorbiaceae species: Euphorbia resinifera and Euphorbia echinus, which were collected in Béni-Mellal and Agadir regions, respectively. The current study involved determining the concentration of phenolics, flavonoids, and tannins of our spieces using spectrophotometry. To test the antioxidant activity of the two methanolic extracts, the DPPH° technique was used.Also, the antibacterial activity against three microorganisms was tested in vitro. The quantification of phenolic compounds revealed that Euphorbia resiniferamethanolic extract had the highest concentration of phenolics. The methanolic extract of Euphorbia resinifera and Euphorbia echinus showed a higher antioxidant activity than Ascorbic acid.The antibacterial analysis showed a positive correlation between antioxidant activity and total phenolic content. Our extracts exhibited antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis. In contrast, it had no inhibitory effect on Escherichia coli.

Flora of Singapore precursors, 38: Additional new records of Euphorbiaceae for Singaporee

Three species of Euphorbiaceae are newly recorded for Singapore, two of which (Euphorbia prostrata Aiton and Microstachys corniculata (Vahl) A.Juss. ex Griseb.) are non-native, and one (Croton erythrostachys Hook.f.) is presumed native but nationally extinct. The record of Microstachys corniculata is supposedly new for the continent. A lectotype is designated for Microstachys corniculata.

In situ ruminal degradability of forage cactus-based diets associated with pornunça silage

The knowledge of ruminal degradation kinetics of forage cactus-based diets associated with Euphorbiaceae species of the genus Manihot assist in understanding nutrient quality and use, contributing to the indication of combinations of these ingredients in ruminant diets. This study aimed to evaluate the in situ ruminal degradability of diets with increasing association of forage cactus Elephant Ear (MEE) and pornunça (Manihot sp.) silage, as well as to analyze and evaluate the indigestible neutral detergent fiber (FDNi) content of forage cactus MEE and pornunça silage. The treatments consisted of diets with cactus pear associated with pornunça silage in the roughage portion in the proportions of 375, 250, 125 and 0 g kg-1 of DM. The feed was composed of 50% roughage and 50% concentrate of dry matter. Incubation times of 0, 6, 12, 24, 48, 96, and 144 hours were evaluated for the ingredients and 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours for the diets. Incubation to obtain the iNDF was given for 288 hours. The experimental design consisted of randomized blocks, with three replications. Regarding roughage ingredients, MEE showed higher average disappearance, potential degradability (PD), and effective degradability (ED) in relation to pornunça silage, as well as lower NDFi content. The proportion of 375 g kg-1 MEE and 125 g kg-1 pornunça silage provided higher fractions a, b, and c, increasing ED considering the three passage rates, with higher PD. In conclusion, the association between MEE and pornunça silage at a proportion of 375 g kg-1 MEE and125g kg-1 pornunça silage of the roughage portion increases the in situ degradability of dry matter, crude protein, and neutral detergent fiber.

Large-scale analysis of putative Euphorbiaceae R2R3-MYB transcription factors identifies a MYB involved in seed oil biosynthesis

BackgroundMYB transcription factors are widely distributed in the plant kingdom and play key roles in regulatory networks governing plant metabolism and biochemical and physiological processes.ResultsHere, we first determined the R2R3-MYB genes in five Euphorbiaceae genomes. The three Trp (W) residues from the first MYB domain (R2) were absolutely conserved, whereas the first W residue from the second MYB domain (R3) was preferentially mutated. The R2R3-MYBs were clustered into 48 functional subfamilies, of which 34 had both R2R3-MYBs of Euphorbiaceae species and AtMYBs, and four contained only Euphorbiaceae R2R3-MYBs. The whole-genome duplication (WGD) and/or segmental duplication (SD) played key roles in the expansion of the R2R3-MYB family. Unlike paralogous R2R3-MYB family members, orthologous R2R3-MYB members contained a higher selective pressure and were subject to a constrained evolutionary rate. VfMYB36 was specifically expressed in fruit, and its trend was consistent with the change in oil content, indicating that it might be involved in oil biosynthesis. Overexpression experiments showed that VfMYB36 could significantly provide linolenic acid (C18:3) content, which eventually led to a significant increase in oil content.ConclusionOur study first provides insight into understanding the evolution and expression of R2R3-MYBs in Euphorbiaceae species, and also provides a target for the production of biomass diesel and a convenient way for breeding germplasm resources with high linolenic acid content in the future.

A Review on: Morphological, Phytochemical and Medical Important of Some Wild Euphorbiaceae Poisonous Plants

The plants are very important for living organisms, there would be no life on earth if plants did not exist. Furthermore, when animals or humans consume many plants, they can have negative consequences. Plant toxicity is associated with a multitude of chemical toxins such as alkaloids, glycosides, proteins, and amino acids. There are numerous examples of poisonous species present in different families, one of them Euphorbiaceae. Euphorbiaceae is one of the four largest cosmopolitan families of flowering plants with 313 genera and around 8100, species. Morphological, phytochemical properties and medical uses for 11 wild species of Euphorbiaceae growing in Saudi Arabia were collected in this paper. Two species (Euphorbia fractiflexa and Jatropha glauca) don’t have data for its chemical and medical properties and need a lot of study. For the species growing on the Saudi Arabia, all studied species need further study except for Euphorbia granulata and Ricinus communis.