Genus Cissus Research Articles

Identification of Bioactive Pentacyclic Triterpenoids and Fatty Acid Derivatives from Cissus quadrangularis and C. rotundifolia Through Untargeted Metabolite Profiling.

Comparative metabolite profiling of crude extracts of leaf and stem of two medicinally important species of genus Cissus was performed. Gas Chromatography - Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS/MS) of methanoloic extracts of leaf and stem of Cissus rotundifolia revealed the presence of around 30 compounds, out of which 15 were identified through NIST14 library based on their mass spectral pattern. Some of the important metabolites included betulinaldehyde, methyl palmitate, β-amyrin acetate, 2-naphthol, 2-phenylethanol and myristic acid. Among these metabolites, betulinaldehyde was the most abundant compound with 36.44% relative abundance. In contrast, 36 compounds were detected in the aqueous and methanolic extracts of C. quadrangularis stem,out of which 21 compounds were identified through NIST14 library. Saturated fatty acids and ascorbic acid derivativesconstitute the major fraction with 44.30% and 36.40% of the total peak area. In addition to these, coumaran, quinoline and trans-phytol were also identified in the extracts of C. quadrangularis. The comparative metabolite profiling showed higher percentage of betulinaldehyde (~ 36%) and lauric acid (19.42%) in C. rotundifolia while that of methyl palmitate (~ 0.76%) and coumaran (1.48%) in C. qudrangularis. Cissus species are medicinally known for their bone healing properties and the metabolic profiling of these herbs will further be utilised for identification and characterization of the novel bioactive compounds responsible for various medicinal properties.

Chemical constituents from Rhoicissus digitata and Rhoicissus tomentosa and their chemotaxonomic significance

Rhoicissus species are indigenous to southern Africa and are commonly used in traditional medicine to treat gynaecological problems. A phytochemical investigation on the roots and fruits of Rhoicissus digitata led to the isolation of three triterpenes (12,13-dehydrolupeol, β-sitosterol, and oleanolic acid) and two flavonoids ((+)-catechin and quercetin). From the roots, leaves and fruits of Rhoicissus tomentosa, nine compounds were isolated including four terpenoids (3β-taraxerol, stigmasterol, oleanolic acid, and β-sitosterol), three flavonoids (quercetrin, (+)-catechin, and aromadendrin-7-O-β-glucopyranoside), and two pigment compounds (pheophytin a and lutein). The chemical structures of the compounds were elucidated based on nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and mass spectroscopic data, and by comparison with literature values. The compound, 12,13-dehydrolupeol, was isolated from the Vitaceae for the first time. Findings from this study suggest a close chemotaxonomic similarity between the genus Rhoicissus and the genus Cissus.

Taxonomic Studies on the genus <i>Cissus</i> L. (Vitaceae) present in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, Nigeria

This study was aimed at addressing the problematic taxonomy of the genus Cissus L. using three species namely; Cissus aralioides (Welw. ex Bak.) Planch, Cissus petiolata Hook.f and Cissus lageniflora Gilg and Brandt found in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State. The investigation was carried out using morphological, anatomical, epidermal and phytochemical lines of evidence. Macromorphology results showed that Cissus aralioides , Cissus lageniflora and Cissus petiolata matured leaf possess digitately compound leaf type, trifoliate compound leaf type and simple leaf type respectively. Micromorphological results showed that all studied species were hypostomatic with anomocytic stomata type present in the abaxial surface of all species. Epidermal cell shape of the adaxial and abaxial surface of all species were pentagonal and irregular to polygonal respectively. Transverse sections of the petiole of studied species shows an arranged and open vascular bundles in all species, variations where however seen in the number of vascular bundles. Methanolic extract of the three cissus species studied revealed the presence of secondary metabolites like; Phenols, Alkaloids, Aglycone Glycosides, Cardiac Glycosides, Steroidal Aglycone Glycosides in the stem and leaf of all species. The results obtained shows that all studied species show diverse characteristic differences but these differences are not adequate and convincing enough to separate them into different genera but it shows that that Cissus aralioides and Cissus lageniflora are more closely related than they are to Cissus petiolate . Moreover, more species and other lines of evidence should be used in future research. A dendogram to the relatedness of the species and a dichotomous bracketed key to their identification is provided. Keywords: Cissus species, Taxonomy, dichotomous key, Dendogram

New lignan glycosides from Cissus quadrangularis stems

Phytochemical investigation of Cissus quadrangularis stems led to the isolation of one new phenolic glycoside (1) and two new lignan glycosides (7 & 8) along with twelve known compounds (2–6 & 9–15). Their chemical structures were determined on the basis of extensive spectroscopic analysis using 1D, 2D NMR, and mass spectrometric analysis. Among the known compounds, 4–6, 9 and 12 were isolated for the first time from the genus Cissus whereas compounds 10, 11 and 13 for the first time from this plant.

Taxonomy of Selected Species of <I>Cissus</I> (Vitaceae) from Thrissur District

Vitaceae (the grape family) consists of about 14 genera and 900 species primarily distributed in tropical regions. The family is well known for grapes (species of Vitis L.) and is economically and ecologically important because many species are major climbers in tropical and temperate forests. The grape family is characterized by leaf opposed tendrils, which may be modified to form an inflorescence. The present investigation is an attempt to study taxonomical attributes on the genus of Cissus in Thrissur district. Taxonomic studies were conducted so as to classify the plants of the genus Cissus found in Thrissur district. Cissus vitiginea, Cissus quadrangularis, Cissus latifolia, Cissus repens and Cissus heyneana were studied. Observations of the taxonomical peculiarities solve the species identification problem in Vitaceae.

Searching alternative uses for Cissus tiliacea Kunth fruit in Central Mexico: seed oil and fruit liquor

Although Vitis vinifera L. is the most commercial fruit species in the Vitaceae family, within the genus Cissus L. several species have agro-industrial and pharmacological potential. In Central Mexico, Cissus tiliacea Kunth grows wildly but might be cropped with apparently low agronomical requirements. This study was performed aiming to know C. tiliacea fruits characteristics growing on ex situ conditions and their potential as a source of oil and to prepare alcoholic beverages. During 3 years, we determined some physical and biochemical fruit characteristics from plants cropped in Zumpahuacan, Mexico. Fruit weight was between 0.45 and 0.61 g; acidity was between 1.57 and 2.68 %; pH between 5.27 and 5.88; and the content of total soluble solids was between 13.6 and 15.5°B. All fruit presented one seed with an average of 0.04 g per unit and an oil content of 37 %. Present results suggest this species as a potential source of bio-oil, which is obtained from a non-edible plant. Linoleic (54 %), and oleic and palmitic (18 % each) are the main acids which can be obtained from the C. tiliacea oil. Likewise, linoleic and oleic acid are the main fatty acids in the edible V. vinifera oil. However, the C. tiliacea oil tribological properties might be tested. After drinking and observation, the fruit liquor was qualified as acceptable for a group of unexperienced panelist.

Medicinal properties of plants from the genus Cissus: A review

Traditional medicine has been practiced in different parts of the world from time immemorial. Even now it is heavily relied on by native people. Moreover, a quarter of the allopathic medications are based on compounds isolated from natural products. With increase in drug recalls resulting from severe side-effects, the pharmaceutical industry also is interested in finding new drugs from natural sources with fewer or no side-effects. Recently, these traditional medicines are receiving more scientific support which helps in not only authenticating the use of these medicines for treatment but also understanding the mechanism of action of these drugs. We started with testing one species of Cissus,Cissus quadrangularis, for its bone protective properties and found that many species from this genus have been reported to have medicinal properties for treating various ailments. In this review, we have compiled all the information related to the medicinal use of the different species from this genus. We used Pubmed and OVID as our major source for the literature collection and also used cross-references from the papers. Key words: Genus Cissus, medicinal properties, obesity, gastrointestinal tract, bone, diabetes, Cissus quadrangularis, Cissus sycoides.

Cyto–morphological studies and their significance in evolution of family Vitaceae

Cyto-morphology and chromosome number worked out for 60 accessions belonging to genera and species of the family Vitaceae show marked variations in their chromosome numbers. Grape cultivars and Vitis species have 2n = 38, while in wild types like Ampelopsis, Ampelocissus and Parthenocissus 2n = 40 and 80 were encountered. Chromosome numbers of Cissus, Cayratia and Tetrastigma have variations from 2n = 22 to 120. These genera have been reclassified based on chromosome numbers like Cissus 2n = 24, 48, Cayratia 2n = 40, 80, 60 and 120, and Tetrastigma to be 2n = 22, 44, 26, 52. Some of the species of family are polyploid in nature. In Leea species, diploid chromosome observed was to be 2n = 24 and 48. Based on morphological characters, Leea is treated into separate family Leeaceae, while it shows close affinities with genus Cissus in respect of chromosomes number. The morphological characters of genotypes studied for plant habit and habitat, leaves, flowers, berry and seed characters show marked variations within genera. Flowers of grape cultivars, Vitis, Ampelopsis and Ampelocissus have pentamerous symmetry with panicle type of inflorescence, but others support tetramerous flowers with umbel type inflorescence. Fruits are succulent berries, white, red or black in colour, ellipsoidal or oblate or globose in shape. Seeds are with pyriform, furrowed and ellipsoidal shape, black colour and 0 to 4 in numbers. Basic chromosome number of family Vitaceae is \( {x} \) = 6. It may change to x = 5 by fusion of two homologous chromosomes or \( \) = 7 due to addition or multiplication or doubling of one or two chromosomes. Combinations of these have been stable in nature. Evolution of family Vitaceae based on basic chromosome numbers shows marked differentiation among various genera.

Stilbene C-glucosides from Cissus repens

Four new stilbene C-glucosides, namely trans-3-O-methyl-resveratrol-2-C-β-glucoside (1), cis-3-O-methyl-resveratrol-2-C-β-glucoside (2), trans-3-O-methyl-resveratrol-2-(2-p-coumaric)-C-β-glucoside (cissuside A) (3), and trans-3-O-methyl-resveratrol-2-(3-p-coumaric)-C-β-glucoside (cissuside B) (4), were isolated from the aerial parts of Cissus repens, along with known trans-resveratrol (5), trans-resveratrol-2-C-β-glucoside (6) and cis-resveratrol-2-C-β-glucoside (7). Their structures were established by spectroscopic methods. Stilbene C-glucosides were found in the genus Cissus for the first time.

An updated estimate of intergeneric phylogenetic relationships in the Australian VitaceaeThis article is one of a selection of papers presented at the symposium onVitisat the XVII International Botanical Congress held in Vienna, Austria, in 2005.

Previous molecular studies have suggested that the genus Cissus (Vitaceae) is not monophyletic. The majority of species are grouped, but four Australian taxa ( Cissus antarctica Vent., Cissus hypoglauca A. Gray, Cissus oblonga (Benth.) Planch., and Cissus sterculiifolia (F. Muell. ex Benth.) Planch.) form a distinct clade and Cissus opaca has now been recognized as belonging to the genus Clematicissus ( Clematicissus opaca (F. Muell.) Jackes & Rossetto). Here, we investigate relationships among the Australian Vitaceae by parsimony and Bayesian analysis of plastid trnL-trnF and nuclear internal transcribed spacer sequences and include a range of taxa that had not been previously investigated. We find no support for a close relationship between Nothocissus and the four distinct Australian Cissus, as suggested in previous morphology-based treatments. We find a robust sister relationship between Clematicissus and at least two southern American Cissus ( Cissus tweediana (Baker) Planch. and Cissus striata Ruiz & Pav.), suggesting a possible origin from an ancient southern progenitor. Finally, this study confirms the paraphyletic nature of Cayratia , with species occurring in two clades, both with Australian and non-Australian species. The necessity in future studies for data from additional and more tractable nuclear loci is also noted.

English

When the genus Cissus was revised (Jackes 1988) the decision was made to retain the species Cissus opaca F.Muell. in the genus until molecular studies indicated its true affinities. Cissus opaca, an eastern Australian species, shares a number of morphological features with the Western Australian species Clematicissus angustissima (F.Muell.) Planch., and with the South American species Cissus tweedieana (Baker) Planch. These features are: a vine or sprawling shrub; tuberous roots; great variation in size and shape of adult leaves even within the same population; inflorescences arise from one or both branches of a leaf-opposed tendril and flowers are 5-merous. Many of these characteristics are also exhibited by both subspecies of Rhoicissus tridentata (L.f.) Wild & Drumm (Urton et al. 1986). Clematicissus angustissima can be distinguished from Cissus by the 5-merous flowers, the presence of the inflorescence arising on the tendrils and the structure of the endosperm., as well as from most species of Cissus, as currently circumscribed, by the compound leaves and the fruit which often has more than 1 seed; features also shared by C. opaca. Cissus opaca also exhibits considerable variation in leaf morphology between juvenile and adult leaves in young plants arising from seed as well as in aerial parts developing from the resprouting of the underground tuber; this leaf polymorphism is particularly noticeable for individuals growing in moist situations. Phylogenetic analyses by Rossetto et al. (2002) using sequence data from plastid (the trnL intron) and nuclear (ITS1) DNA strongly supported a clade comprising Cissus opaca and Clematicissus angustissima as being separate from the other Australian species analysed. Thus a new combination is required. Subsequent studies indicate that Cissus tweedieana forms a clade sister to Clematicissus along with Cissus striata Ruiz & Pav., another South American species (Rossetto et al. submitted). A study by Soejima & Wen (2006) indicated that Cissus striata was closely related to several species of Rhoicissus. Further studies, particularly molecular and developmental, are required to resolve these relationships.

Gas exchange of two CAM species of the genus Cissus (vitaceae) differing in morphological features

Pattern and magnitude of stem gas exchange were studied under controlled conditions on two CAM species of the genus Cissus differing in morphological features. In the cactus-like liana Cissus quadrangularis, at water vapour deficit of the air (VPD) lower than 400 mPa Pa(-1) during daytime, under 24/16°C and 27/16°C temperature regime, CO2 uptake occurred during daytime and nighttime but night fixation was responsible for 74 and 77% respectively of the CO2 fixed during the whole diurnal cycle; the contribution of night fixation increased up to 84% at VPD of 590 mPa Pa(-1) under 27/15°C. In Cissus sp., a slightly succulent xerophytic liana with mesophytic deciduous leaves, at 27°C day temperature and VPD of 520-540 mPa Pa(-1), under both 12 and 16°C night temperature, CO2 uptake occurred exclusively during the night; however at lower day temperatures (18-20°C) and lower VPD (169-269 mPa Pa(-1)) substantial CO2 uptake was observed in the light. Transpiration was higher in Cissus sp. than in Cissus quadrangularis under all of the conditions applied; moreover night transpiration in Cissus sp. contributed more to total day transpiration as compared with Cissus quadrangularis. The results support the opinion that the nocturnal gas exchange has a preeminent role in Cissus sp. as compared with Cissus quadrangularis. Indeed under conditions which enhance evaporative demand even well-watered plants of Cissus sp. resort totally to night fixation. In contrast Cissus quadrangularis which shows a larger resistance to water loss and possesses an abundant water storing parenchyma as compared with Cissus sp. resorts totally to night CO2 fixation only under drought stress.

Variable Photosynthetic Metabolism in Leaves and Stems of Cissus quadrangularis L.

By measuring titratable acidity, gas exchange parameters, mesophyll succulence, and (13)C/(12)C ratios, we have shown that Cissus quadrangularis L. has C(3)-like leaves and stems with Crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM). In addition, the nonsucculent leaves show the diurnal fluctuations in organic acids termed recycling despite the fact that all CO(2) uptake and stomatal opening occurs during the day. Young succulent stems have more C(3) photosynthesis than older stems, but both have characteristics of CAM. The genus Cissus will be a fruitful group to study the physiology, ecology, and evolution of C(3) and CAM since species occur that exhibit characteristics of both photosynthetic pathways.