Family Rutaceae Research Articles

Development of Simplified Recombinase Polymerase Amplification Assay for Rapid and Robust Detection of Citrus Yellow Vein Clearing Virus.

Citrus is an economically important fruit crop, belongs to family Rutaceae, cultivated commercially in over 130 countries, which holds a leading profitable position in the international market. The most important citrus varieties are mandarins, oranges, lemons, sweet limes, grapefruits and pomelos. Citrus yellow vein clearing virus (CYVCV) is an important graft transmissible plant pathogen known to reduce productivity of citrus fruits due to its predominant association and widespread occurrence. Requirement of fast, reliable, efficient & economical CYVCV indexing assay is a prerequisite for production of healthy planting material. Currently, nucleic acid isolation and thermal cycler-based assay available for CYVCV indexing is a cumbersome lab intensive method. The present study was undertaken to develop and validate reverse transcription-recombinase polymerase amplification (RT-RPA) assay requiring no tedious RNA isolation, separate cDNA synthesis and costlier instrument like thermo-cycler. Optimized RT-RPA assay was able to amplify CYVCV up to 10-7 dilution (equivalent to 0.1pg/μl) with the prepared templates of both RNA and crude saps and showed higher sensitivity in detection of CYVCV infection in field samples as compared to the conventional RT-PCR. Developed RT-RPA assay showed high specificity without any cross-reaction with other citrus pathogens (Indian citrus ringspot virus, citrus yellow mosaic virus, citrus tristeza virus, citrus exocortis viroid and huanglongbing). RT-RPA using crude leaf sap as template is quite simple, robust, highly sensitive, time and cost effective; therefore, it can be used in resource constrained laboratories as screening tool, for field surveys and on-site testing programs in farms, nurseries and biosecurity. Present study, first time reports the development, optimization and validation of crude sap-based RT-RPA assay for the detection of CYVCV infection in citrus plants namely; Kinnow mandarin, Mosambi and Grape fruit.

Effects of Coconut Water and Banana Homogenate on Shoot Regeneration of Meyer Lemon (Citrus × meyeri)

Meyer lemon (Citrus × meyeri) is a hybrid citrus fruit from the Rutaceae family, originating from China. It is well-known for its distinctive appearance and flavor, as well as its health-nourishing nutrients. Micropropagation is an efficient alternative in the multiplication of plant stocks suitable for the commercial scale. The inclusion of organic additives in culture media has been found to provide a cost-effective option as a plant growth stimulant for in vitro plant development. The current study intends to assess the effects of coconut water and banana homogenate in the regeneration of Meyer lemon. In vitro, shoots were treated in half-strength Murashige and Skoog media fortified with 2 mg/L 6-benzylaminopurine with varying concentrations of coconut water and banana homogenate without sucrose. Results revealed that the treatment of 30% coconut water and 40 g/L banana homogenate resulted in the greatest proliferation of new shoots (3.00 ± 0.873 and 1.57 ± 0.297, respectively), whereas treatment of 40% coconut water resulted in the greatest shoot elongation of 0.239 ± 0.026 cm. The current study suggested the incorporation of coconut water and banana homogenate as potential substitutes for carbon sources and growth stimulants in the regeneration of Meyer lemon.

Exploring the Influence of Slope Gradient on Tree Species Richness and Forest Structure

Slope gradient is a critical environment factor influencing the abundance, distribution and diversity of vegetation. The objective of this study was to exploring the influence of slope gradient on tree species richness and forest structure in Kpatawee forest, Liberia. Tree diameter was measured at breast height for species more than 5 cm in diameter and over 3 m in height. Tree species diversity was analyzed using Shannon diversity index (Hˈ). Basal area (BA) which is the cross-sectional area of tree stems was measured through the diameter at breast height that is 1.3 m above ground level. Results showed that a total of 26 tree species were identified from the total sampling area (0.36 ha). The three richest families: Moraceae, Rutaceae and Euphorbiaceae appear to be well represented in the Kpatawee forest. These families become outnumbered in the herbaceous except for the Rutaceae family, which is ranked second. This is mainly due to their adaptation potential to wider agro-ecologies. Tree species richness was higher in the lower altitude. High species abundance was recorded in the lower altitude followed by the middle and upper. The lowest Shannon diversity index value (H' = 1.85) and the highest value (H' = 2.28) were recorded in the upper, and the lower altitudes, respectively. Despite their values, the biodiversity did not vary greatly from altitude to altitude. Diameter class distribution showed that more species were in the lower diameter classes and decreased gradually towards the higher classes. It is recommended that further studies on the entire Kpatawee forest is needed to fully understand the species richness in the forest.

Molecular regulation of oil gland development and biosynthesis of essential oils in Citrus spp.

Secretory structures in terrestrial plants serve as reservoirs for a variety of secondary metabolites. Among these, the secretory cavity of the Rutaceae family is notable for containing essential oils with a wide range of applications. However, the molecular basis underlying secretory cavity development is unknown. Here, we reveal a molecular framework for Citrus oil gland formation. Using genetic mapping and genome editing, we demonstrated that this process requires LATE MERISTEM IDENTITY1 (LMI1), a key regulator of leaf serration. A conserved GCC box element of the LMI1 promoter recruits DORNROSCHEN-like (DRNL) for transcriptional activation. This DRNL-LMI1 cascade triggers MYC5 activation, facilitating the development of oil glands and the biosynthesis of essential oils. Our findings spotlight cis-regulatory divergence within leaf shape genes, propelling novel functional tissue formation.

In Silico Molecular Docking of Phytochemicals of Murraya koenigii Against Streptococcus mutans.

Background The curry leaf tree, Murraya koenigii, is a tropical to subtropical tree in the family Rutaceae that is native to Asia. The plant parts are shown to have potential antimicrobial, antioxidant, antifungal, antidiarrheal, antidiabetic, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory properties. Streptococcus mutans is a facultative anaerobic, Gram-positive cocci, a common inhabitant of the human oral cavity that forms biofilms, contributing to dental caries. Aim The study aimed to analyze the inhibitory potential of phytocompounds in M. koenigii against the oral pathogen S. mutans. Materials and methods The protein and ligand were prepared, and molecular docking was carried out using the Hex protein docking server. The PyMOL program was used to view, analyze, and annotate the docked complex. The interaction of the drug, including the mechanism of action, and predicted adverse effects were predicted using the Way2Drug PASS Online server. The absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity properties of the drug candidates were analyzed using the SwissADME online server. Results The study identified O-methyl murrayamine, koenigine, koenigicine, and murrayone as having inhibitory potential against the glycosyltransferase protein of S. mutans. Among the four compounds analyzed for docking, koenigicine had the lowest E-score, indicating a strong interaction with the receptor. Among the four compounds analyzed, murrayone had a high topological polar surface area score, while all four compounds had similar bioavailability scores. Conclusion This study concluded that O-methyl murrayamine, koenigine, koenigicine, and murrayone exhibit potent inhibitory potential against S. mutans. M. koenigiileaf extract can be used in toothpaste as an antibacterial agent to protect teeth against dental caries. These findings are important for the potential use of the above compound to act as an anticariogenic agent in oral health applications.

К НАУЧНЫМ ОСНОВАМ СОЗДАНИЯ ЦИТРУСОВЫХ «ДЕРЕВЬЕВ САДОВ»

The main breeding techniques used in the 50s of the 19th century by breeder F.M. Zorin – creator of the Friendship Tree, candidate of agricultural sciences (1944), are considered. Fyodor Mikhailovich developed valuable varieties of mandarin oranges, grapefruits, lemons, plums, figs, and hazelnuts. Author of more than 40 scientific papers. He was awarded the State Prize for the creation of new varieties of fruit plants. This article shows theoretical research and practically used methods for breeding new varieties of citrus fruits. The basis of his research was vegetative hybridization (from Greek “hybris” – inbreeding) – the production of hybrids by grafting. Zorin F.M. paid a special role in the breeding work to “tree gardens”, which were of both scientific and industrial importance. Fruits from such a tree could change shape, size, color and ripening time. At the same time, he paid attention not only to the selection of the scion, but also the rootstock. As a result, such a tree had many trunks, and the crown consisted of numerous varieties and species of three genera – Citrus, Fortunella, Poncirus of the Rutaceae family. Almost the entire Pomeranian subfamily (Aurantioideae) grafts onto each other and is highly compatible. It is important to take into account varietal characteristics: timing of flowering and ripening, as well as their biology. The main advantages of citrus «tree-gardens» are the saving of garden space, the aesthetic appearance of the trees and originality, as well as the ability to obtain more varieties per unit area.

Determination of Synephrine and Caffeine in Citrus Species Herbal Medicines and Weight-Loss Supplements from Taiwan by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC)

Synephrine is widely found in Chinese herbs of the Rutaceae family and is commonly used as a primary substitute for ephedrine in sports supplements. However, its potential cardiotoxicity has necessitated governmental regulations regarding its use. This study determined the contents of synephrine, phenylephrine, and caffeine in 30 Chinese herbal preparations (including five single herbs) and 16 supplements promoted for weight loss. The presence of naturally occurring synephrine was detected in all Chinese herbal medicines, with immature bitter orange having the highest synephrine content (ranging from 233.1 to 505.3 mg/100 g). This was followed by three herbs with comparable amounts of up to 317.7 mg/100 g, namely bitter orange, red tangerine exocarp, and tangerine peel. Euodia fruit had the lowest synephrine content, measuring up to 4.9 mg/100 g. None of these herbal medicines were found to contain detectable phenylephrine. On the other hand, weight-loss supplements, comprising complex combinations of herbal extracts, were found to contain synephrine in concentrations up to 1159.0 mg/100 g and caffeine up to 1659.1 mg/100 g. The synephrine content of these products did not exceed the regulatory limit of six percent, nor did they surpass the respective daily consumption of 20 mg. However, one product was found to contain both synephrine and caffeine, albeit at low concentrations, which could potentially breach the regulation prohibiting the combined use of bitter orange and caffeine as food ingredients.

Integrated HS-GC–IMS and UPLC-Q-Orbitrap HRMS-based metabolomics revealed the characteristics and differential volatile and nonvolatile metabolites of different citrus peels

Citrus is an important genus in the Rutaceae family, and citrus peels can be used in both food and herbal medicine. However, the bulk of citrus peels are discarded as waste by the fruit processing industry, causing environmental pollution. This study aimed to provide guidelines for the rational and effective use of citrus peels by elucidating the volatile and nonvolatile metabolites within them using metabolomics based on headspace-gas chromatography–ion mobility spectrometry and ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography–Q-Orbitrap high-resolution mass spectrometry. In addition, the antioxidant activities of the citrus peels were evaluated using DPPH radical scavenging, ABTS radical scavenging, and ferric reducing antioxidant power. In total, 103 volatile and 53 nonvolatile metabolites were identified and characterized. Alcohols, aldehydes, and terpenes constituted 87.36% of the volatile metabolites, while flavonoids and carboxylic acids accounted for 85.46% of the nonvolatile metabolites. Furthermore, (Z)-2-penten-1-ol, L-pipecolinic acid, and limonin were identified as characteristic components of Citrus reticulata Blanco cv. Ponkan (PK), C. reticulata ‘Unshiu’ (CLU), and C. reticulata ‘Wo Gan’ (WG), respectively. Principal component analysis and partial least squares discriminant analysis indicated that C. reticulata Blanco ‘Chun Jian’ (CJ), PK, CLU, and C. reticulata ‘Dahongpao’ (DHP) were clustered together. DHP is a traditional Chinese medicine documented in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia, suggesting that the chemical compositions of CJ, PK, and CLU may also have medicinal values similar to those of DHP. Moreover, DHP, PK, C. reticulata ‘Ai Yuan 38′(AY38), CJ, C. reticulata ‘Gan Ping’(GP), and C. reticulata ‘Qing Jian’(QJ) displayed better antioxidant activities, recommending their use as additives in cosmetics and food. Correlation analysis suggested that some polyphenols including tangeritin, nobiletin, skullcapflavone II, genistein, caffeic acid, and isokaempferide were potential antioxidant compounds in citrus peel. The results of this study deepen our understanding of the differences in metabolites and antioxidant activities of different citrus peel varieties and ultimately provide guidance for the full and rational use of citrus peels.

Murraya koenigii L. Spreng.: An updated review of chemical composition, pharmacological effects, and toxicity studies

Murraya koenigii (L.) Spreng, commonly known as curry leaves or “Salam India,” belongs to the genus Murraya and the Rutaceae family. This is a potential medicinal plant highly valued for its distinctive aroma and bioactive compounds. A comprehensive review was conducted through an online study on websites such as PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, and Google Scholar. Subsequently, previous studies reported that the chemical content of M. koenigii includes alkaloids, phenylpropanoids, alkanes, and sesquiterpenes. This plant exhibits a wide range of pharmacological activities such as antiinflammatory and analgesic effects, antidiabetic properties, anticancer activity, antioxidant activity, wound healing, antipyretic effects, immunomodulation, hepatoprotective effects, antihelminthic properties, antimicrobial activity, antiulcer effects, antidiarrheal effects, antiobesity effects, neuroprotection, and antitrichomonal activity. In addition, the toxicological tests on the extract of M. koenigii did not show signs of mortality or morbidity. Therefore, this study aims to examine the phytochemical content, pharmacological activities, and toxicity of M. koenigii, serving as the basis for future studies in the field of phytomedicine.

Antimicrobial profile of protein extract of Atlantia monophylla

Background: Plants have long been recognized as having a wide range of biological properties, including antibacterial, analgesic, anticancer, antipyretic, and antihypertensive action. They are also a significant source of several chemicals with biological activity. The Rutaceae family consists of a shrub Atalantia monophylla. It is available all over India. The extracts from its leaves have been reported to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Aims and Objectives: The objectives of the study were to evaluate the extraction protein content and antimicrobial activity of A. monophyla protein extract. The objective of the present study is to isolate protein extract from the aqueous extract of A. monophyla and to screen for antimicrobial activity. Materials and Methods: The A. monophylla protein isolate was prepared from aqueous extract. The protein isolate was done using the ammonium sulfate method and quantified using Lowry’s method. Agar disc diffusion method and minimum inhibitory concentration were used to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of the extract. Results: The Lowry’s method revealed 5.73 mg/mL protein isolate. The microbiological studies revealed significant inhibitions of microbes. Conclusion: The AM protein extract has significant microbiological action.

Bioactive Compounds of Sanrego (Lunasia Amara Blanco.) Extracted Using Different Methods: A Review

The use of plants as medicine has been trusted by the community since time immemorial. Sanrego (Lunasia amara Blanco.) is one plant that has been believed to be an aphrodisiac. Sanrego is a wild plant found in the forests of Sulawesi, Java, Borneo, Maluku, Philippines, Papua New Guinea and Australia, and belongs to the Rutaceae Family. Sanrego has several properties such as treating stomach pain, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, snake bites and increasing sexual aggressiveness. This is because sanrego has bioactive ingredients as pharmacological. Sanrego extract contains secondary metabolites or bioactive compounds that include flavanoids, tannins, alakloids, steroids and saponins. Given the large variety of bioactive compounds in a sanrego plant, it is necessary to pay attention to extraction techniques in filtering these compounds. Some environmentally friendly extraction methods that can be used include maceration extraction methods, soxhlet, reflux, ultasonic, microwave, and enzyme assistance. This review discusses and describes the various extraction techniques used to obtain plant bioactive compounds. These extraction techniques include conventional extraction techniques and non-conventional extraction techniques. This review analyzes the advantages and disadvantages of this extraction technique. This review covers the application of extraction methods to sanrego plants.

Evaluation of Street Tree Inventories in a neighborhood in Rio Claro/SP - Brazil

Street trees impact the quality of life of human populations, providing aesthetic, social, ecological, and environmental benefits. Knowing and identifying urban tree species is important for good planning and management. The objective of this study was to assess street trees in the residential neighborhood Jardim das Palmeiras, in Rio Claro, SP, Brazil, through a quantitative and qualitative inventory. The following parameters were considered: scientific name, botanical family, common name, origin, typology, physiological condition, phytosanitary condition, location of the tree component on the sidewalk, permeable area, sidewalk condition, sidewalk survey, and interference with the power grid. Data on the species were also compared for the years 2011 and 2022. A total of 618 individuals were found, of which 588 could be identified by family and species. Murraya paniculata represented 27.7% of the total, and the Rutaceae family was most prominent, with 163 individuals. The inventory showed that 43% were shrubs/herbaceous, 76.94% were adult individuals, and 89.5% had a healthy phytosanitary condition. Due to the large number of shrubs, the percentage of conflicts with the power grid and the like was not significant. Although 58.8% of the sidewalk area was classified as poor for the species, that did not show correlation with the sidewalk survey. Comparison of the years 2011 and 2022 revealed a decline of 82 individuals. The street trees in the residential neighborhood Jardim das Palmeiras had low variability in family classification, irregular species frequency, and excessive planting of a single species, which is not recommended.

لتحليل الكيميائ MS-GC، ومضادات األكسدة، والفحص الكيميائي النباتي للنبات الفلسطيني البري الفيجن

Ruta graveolens is a wild plant commonly grown in the mountains of Palestine that belongs to Rutaceae family and widely used in the traditional Palestinian medicine. The aim of this investigation is to study the biochemical, antioxidant, antibacterial, and GC-MS analysis for Ruta graveolens plant. The antibacterial activity of the methanolic extract (80%) of R. graveolens leaves was conducted by well diffusion method. The antioxidant activity was performed using both ABTS●+ and DPPH● free radical scavenging assays. Phytochemical screening and gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) analysis were done following standard protocols. Methanolic extract (80%) of R. graveolens leaves showed pronounced antibacterial activity against Gram negative Proteus mirabilis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacterial strains reaching 68.6% ± 3.5 and 80.1% ± 4 activity respectively, and against Gram positive Staphylococcus aureus reaching 89.9% ± 2 activity in well diffusion method compared with the positive control. Methanolic extract of R. graveolens also demonstrated a pronounced scavenging capacities of 60.90% ± 2.4 and 59.49% ± 3.5 activity using ABTS●+ and DPPH● free radical scavenging assays respectively. Phytochemical screening and GC-MS assays of R. graveolens leaves revealed the presence of a variety of wide range of phytochemical compounds such as cardiac glycosides, coumarins, phenolic groups, flavonoids, alkaloids, steroids, and Phlobatannins. The present study of the methanolic extract of R. graveolens leaves evidently confirmed the presence of a variety of phytochemical compounds such as cardiac glycosides, coumarins, alkaloids, and other phytochemicals in this wild plant that could open further valuable research to investigate its pharmacological benefits.

Phytochemical Screening, In vitro Antioxidant, Antibacterial Activities on Skimmia laureola Leaves Extract: A Research

Background: Skimmia laureola owned by the Rutaceae family is one of the plants that might use the Indian traditional treatment system in the Indian subcontinent and act against many diseases. So, this new research was carried out to scientifically confirm the various solvent fractions and separate the active fraction from the plant against antioxidants and bacterial and microbial growth.
 Objectives: The main objective of the study involves the Phytochemical screening and research of invitro activities i.e. antioxidant and antibacterial from the extracts of the leaves part of the Skimmia laureola plant.
 Methods: Phytochemical screening was carried out of various extracts by the tests that involved it. Invitro antibacterial and antioxidant activities were examined of the plant extract through various methods DPPH, Metal chelating activity, Reducing power ability, Hydrogen peroxide scavenging activity, and Nitric oxide scavenging activity. After completion of the research, all the activity is shown graphically.
 Results: Invitro antioxidant activity shows that methanolic extract shows more antioxidant activity than other extracts. The antibacterial investigations show that the ethanolic extract of the plant removal was very compelling for bacterias Streptococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, and Escherichia coli at 25 μg/ml, 50 μg/ml, 75 μg/ml, 100 μg/ml, 200 μg/ml and 300 μg/ml individually.
 Conclusion: Auxiliary metabolites (phenol, flavonoid, tannin, and content) have been quantified. In antioxidant tests such as DPPH activity, the methanolic extract of the plant outperforms other extracts such as chloroform, petroleum ether, ethanol, and aqueous extract. The antibacterial investigations show that the ethanolic extract of the plant removed was very compelling for bacterias Streptococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, and E.coli. The current study may be useful in improving data regarding its distinguishing proof boundaries expected primarily in the method of the adequacy of homegrown medications in the current situation lacking administrative laws to control the nature of natural medications, as well as discovering antioxidants and antibacterial action.

Biochemical Factors Conducive for the Development of Citrus Canker and its Management using Selected Chemicals and Plant Extracts

Citrus belonging to Rutaceae family is one of the most common fruit crops in Pakistan. Citrus canker disease caused by Xanthomonas citri pv. citri is one of the important diseases that causes huge losses to citrus production. The current study was carried out to mitigate this disease by exploitation of four chemicals and plant extracts in-vitro at three different concentrations and in greenhouse with most efficient concentration. The laboratory and greenhouse experiments were performed through inhibition zone technique and foliar spray method, respectively. Four chemicals including streptomycin sulphate, copper oxychloride, kasugamycin and oxytetracycline with different concentrations of 1%, 2% and 3% were evaluated. Under in-vitro environment, streptomycin (2.7 cm) at 3% concentration after 72 hours’ time interval exhibited the most significant results among all chemicals. Similarly, four plant extracts i.e. Moringa (Moringa oleifera), Keekar (Acacia nilotica), Kortuma (Citrullus colocynthis), and Akk (Colotropis gigantia) were evaluated at 25%, 35% and 45% concentrations. Most significant results (1.9 cm) were shown by Moringa extract at 45% concentration after 72 hours’ time interval. Most effective Phytoextract (Moringa oleifera) and chemical (Streptomycin) observed in-vitro were selected for further evaluation in greenhouse which resulted in the reduction of disease incidence by 23% after 45 days’ time interval. Current findings would provide the valuable insights for researchers and the farming community which would prove helpful in the improved management of this particular disease.

A Review of Botanical Aspects and Various Pharmacological Actions of Bergamot (Citrus bergamia) Essential Oil

In this review article, there is a brief about Bergamot essential oil, this article tells about the descriptive information about botanical aspects, significance and characteristics, anatomy, chemistry, its pharmacological activity, and toxicology of Bergamot essential oil. Citrus bergamia Risso, a combination of Citrus limon L and Citrus aurantium is the scientific name for the citrus fruit known as bergamot. It belongs to the family Rutaceae and the genus Citrus. BEO shows different type of pharmacological activity like anti-anxiety, wound healing, neuroprotective, anti-depressant, antiproliferative, antibacterial, anticancer, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive, anti-mycoplasmal, anti-fungal andAntiallodynic. BEO contains various volatile and non-volatile fractions.

Host plant-induced changes in metabolism and osmotic regulation gene expression in Diaphorina citri adults

The Asian citrus psyllid (ACP), Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Liviidae), is a worldwide citrus pest. It transmits the pathogen Candidatus Liberibacter spp. of Huanglongbing (HLB), causing severe economic losses to the citrus industry. Severalgenera of plants in the Rutaceae family are the hosts of D. citri. However, the impact of these hosts on the metabolism and osmotic regulation gene expression of the pest remains unexplored. In this study, the contents of total sugars, sucrose, fructose, and glucose in young shoots, old leaves, and young leaves of ‘Shatangju’ mandarin and Murraya exotica were analyzed. Metabolomic analysis found that sucrose and trehalose were more abundant in the gut samples of D. citri adults fed on M. exotica when compared to what’s in ‘Shatangju’ mandarin. A total of six aquaporin genes were identified in D. citri through the genome and transcriptome data. Subsequently, the expression patterns of these genes were investigated with respect to their developmental stage and tissue specificity. Additionally, the expression levels of osmotic regulation and trehalose metabolism genes in adults fed on different plants were evaluated. Our results provide useful information on the transfer of sugar between plants and D. citri. Our results preliminary revealed the sugar metabolism regulation mechanism in D. citri adults.

A Review of the Ethnomedicinal, Phytochemical, and Anticancer Properties of Melicope Species.

The genus Melicope, which consists of 230 species, stands out as the largest genus within the Rutaceae family. Melicope species are characterized by their evergreen nature and can range from shrubs to predominantly dioecious trees. The Melicope species have been utilized in traditional medicine to address a wide range of ailments, including fever, colds, cramps, and inflammation. These plants have gained significant attention due to their noteworthy ethnopharmacological and ethnomedicinal significance. Researchers have isolated numerous biologically active secondary metabolites from different Melicope species, which include polymethoxylated flavonoids, furanocoumarins, acetophenones, benzenoids, and quinolone alkaloids. These compounds exhibit diverse biological activities, such as antibacterial, antidiabetic, antifungal, and antiproliferative properties against human cancer cell lines. This review provides an update on the chemical constituents of the selected species of Melicope. The study also highlights the anticancer and cytotoxicity properties of the plant extracts and phytochemical constituents from Melicope species. Furthermore, the molecular mechanisms underlying the anticancer effects are elucidated. Overall, this review contributes to understanding the significant pharmacological potential of Melicope species and unlocking their chemical composition, emphasizing their relevance in the development of therapeutic agents, particularly in the field of cancer research.

In vitro antioxidant and anticholinesterase activity of Aegle marmelos fruit: implications for Alzheimer’s disease treatment

AbstractBackgroundIncreased antioxidant and anticholinesterase activity are key pathological hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). In various Ayurvedic formulations Aegle marmelos (AM) belonging to family Rutaceae have traditionally been used as a brain tonic. However, there was no scientific validate proof of it. Hence, the present study was aimed to identify bioactive extract/fraction/constituent of AM fruit having potential to treat AD.MethodFour different crude extracts of AM fruits by using different solvents on basis of increasing polarity‐such as petroleum ether, chloroform, methanol and distilled water‐by successive Soxhlet extraction were prepared and evaluated for in‐vitro antioxidant and anticholinesterase inhibition assay by using DPPH and Ellman’s assay respectively. Most bioactive extract was further subjected to fractionation by using solvent‐solvent partioning followed by flash chromatography for further sub fractionation of most bioactive fraction. Total phenolic (TPC) and flavonoid content (TFC) was also calculatedResultComparative evaluation of all four prepared extracts for in‐vitro antioxidant and anticholinesterase inhibition assays showed that the methanol extract (ME) was most bioactive. Furthermore, bioactivity‐guided fractionation of this bioactive ME revealed that Dichloromethane (DCM) fraction evinced highest antioxidant and anticholinesterase activity with IC50 value 74.56±1.43 µg/ml and 47.65±2.76 µg/ml due to presence of higher phenolic and flavonoid content. However, further sub‐fractionation of DCM fraction showed significantly higher IC50 values thus decreased activity.ConclusionThis preliminary study clearly suggested that the DCM fraction from the ME of A. marmelos may prove to be potential candidate for the treatment of AD may be due to synergistic effect of phenolic and flavonoid content present in it. However, to validate the neuroprotective effect of DCM fraction of AM fruit against AD further exploration at cellular and molecular level is required to underlying its pharmacological mechanism as well as identification of the active phytoconstituents responsible for anti‐Alzheimer’s effect.

In Vitro Screening of Antimicrobial and Anti-Coagulant Activities, ADME Profiling, and Molecular Docking Study of Citrus limon L. and Citrus paradisi L. Cold-Pressed Volatile Oils.

Citrus, which belongs to the Rutaceae family, is a very widespread genus in the Mediterranean Basin. In Tunisia, various parts of these spontaneous or cultivated plants are used in common dishes or in traditional medicine. The purpose of this work was to investigate C. limon and C. paradisi essential oil (EO). The samples were studied for their chemical composition using SPME/MS, as well as their antibacterial and antifungal activities. Prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) methods were used to evaluate the anticoagulant potentialities. The obtained results show that both essential oils are rich in monoterpenes hydrocarbons, whereby limonene is the main compound in C. paradisi EO (86.8%) and C. limon EO (60.6%). Moreover, C. paradisi EO contains β-pinene (13.3%), sabinene (2.2%) and α-pinene (2.1%). The antibacterial assay of the essential oils showed important bactericidal and fungicidal effects against all strains tested. In fact, the MICs values of C. limon EO ranged from 0.625 to 2.5 mg/mL against all Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, and from 6.25 to 12.5 mg/mL for Candida spp. strains, while C. paradisi EO was more active against all bacteria with low MICs values ranging from 0.192 to 0.786 mg/mL, and about 1.5 mg/mL against Candida species. Both tested Citrus EOs exhibited interesting anticoagulant activities as compared to heparin. The molecular docking approach was used to study the binding affinity and molecular interactions of all identified compounds with active sites of cytidine deaminase from Klebsiella pneumoniae (PDB: 6K63) and the C (30) carotenoid dehydrosqualene synthase from Staphylococcus aureus (PDB: 2ZCQ). The obtained results show that limonene had the highest binding score of -4.6 kcal.mol-1 with 6K63 enzyme, and -6.7 kcal.mol-1 with 2ZCQ receptor. The ADME profiling of the major constituents confirmed their important pharmacokinetic and drug-like properties. Hence, the obtained results highlight the potential use of both C. limon and C. paradisi essential oils as sources of bioactive compounds with antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-coagulant activities.