Prospecting the phytochemical and antioxidant effects in vivo and in vitro of the ethanolic and aqueous extracts of the seeds of Geoffroea decorticans burkart (Fabaceae) on the animal model Tenebrio molitor

Geoffroea decorticans (Gill. ex Hook. & Arn) Burk. is a native tree of the dry areas of Northwestern and Central Argentina. Its seeds are considered waste material. The flour of seeds was analyzed as a source of nutritional and bioactive compounds. It has a low carbohydrate content, containing about 9% protein and between 10 and 14% fat. Approximately 82-84% of the fatty acids were unsaturated (oleic and linoleic acids). A high polyphenol and dietary fiber content was detected. Flavonoids and condensed tannins were the dominant phenolics. Polyphenol-enriched extracts were obtained from seed flour. The HPLC-ESI-MS/MS analysis of these concentrated extracts allowed for the identification of six compounds including C-glycosyl flavones (vitexin and isovitexin), type A procyanidins (dimer and trimer), and epicatequin gallate. Polyphenolic extracts showed antioxidant capacity and were able to inhibit enzymes (α-glucosidase and α-amylase) related to carbohydrate metabolism and (lipoxygenase) pro-inflammatory enzymes and were not toxic. Flour and polyphenolic extract from chañar seeds could be considered as new alternative ingredients for the formulation of functional foods, nutraceuticals, or food supplements. The use of the seed flour in addition to the pulp of the fruit along with the rest of the plant would encourage the propagation of this species resistant to extreme arid environments for commercial and conservation purposes to boost the regional economies of vulnerable areas of South America.

Geoffroea decorticans, commonly known as Chañar, is a native Chilean plant widely used in folk medicine for its expectorant, pain relief, and antinociceptive properties. This study explored the antioxidant, cytotoxic, and protective effects of its ethanolic (EE) and aqueous (EA) seed extracts against oxidative stress induced by copper sulfate, using both in vitro and in vivo approaches. Phytochemical analyses revealed the presence of phenolic compounds and flavonoids in the extracts. High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) coupled with Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry/Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS/MS) identified significant components such as phytol, alpha-tocopherol, vitexin, and rutin, with the EE being particularly rich in phytol and vitexin. Antioxidant assays-measuring the total antioxidant capacity (TAC), reducing power, DPPH radical scavenging, and copper and iron chelation-confirmed their potent antioxidant capabilities. Both extracts were non-cytotoxic and provided protection against CuSO4-induced oxidative stress in the 3T3 cell line. Additionally, the use of Tenebrio molitor as an invertebrate model underscored the extracts' antioxidant and protective potentials, especially that of the EE. In conclusion, this study highlights the significant antioxidant and protective properties of Chañar seed extracts, particularly the ethanolic extract, in both in vitro and in vivo models.

Assessing the impact of chañar and green tea extracts on pectin active packaging for extended food preservation

Pre-Hispanic use of edible Geoffroea decorticans fruits in central Argentina - first approximations based on an integrated morphoanatomical and archaeobotanical approach

Chañar (Geoffroea decorticans (Gill., ex Hook. & Arn.) Burkart) has been highly significant for indigenous people in the Atacama Desert for over 3,000years. Through evolutionary processes, the G. decorticans mitogenome likely underwent changes facilitating its adaptation to the extreme conditions of the Atacama Desert. Here, we compare the mitochondrial genome of G. decorticans with those of other Papilionoideae family species. The complete mitogenome of G. decorticans was sequenced and assembled, making it the first in the genus Geoffroea. The mitogenome contained 383,963 base pairs, consisting of 33 protein coding genes, 21 transfer RNA genes, and 3 ribosomal RNA genes. The Chañar mitogenome is relatively compact, and has two intact genes (sdh4 and nad1) which were not observed in most other species. Additionally, Chañar possessed the highest amount of mitochondrial DNA of plastid origin among angiosperm species. The phylogenetic analysis of the mitogenomes of Chañar and 12 other taxa displayed a high level of consistency in taxonomic classification, when compared to those of the plastid genome. Atp8 was subjected to positive selection, while the ccmFc and rps1 were subjected to neutral selection. This study provides valuable information regarding its ability to survive the extreme environmental conditions of the Atacama Desert.

The persistence of subtropical seasonally dry forests urgently requires the implementation of ex situ conservation and restoration programs. We studied variation in seed traits and dormancy of six native species growing in seasonally dry Chaco forests of Argentina. We documented high intra- and interspecific variability in seed traits and dormancy. Fresh seeds of Geoffroea decorticans and Parasenegalia visco (Fabaceae) were water-permeable and nondormant (ND), while those of Parkinsonia praecox and Vachellia aroma (Fabaceae) were water-impermeable and had physical dormancy (PY). Seeds of Schnopsis lorentzii (Anacardiaceae) and Sarcomphalus mistol (Rhamnaceae) were water-permeable and had physiological dormancy (PD). Mechanical and chemical scarification were the most effective methods to break PY, and dry storage for 3 months was effective in breaking PD. Seeds of large-seeded species were ND or had PD, and those of small-seeded species had PY. Species inhabiting moist habitats had ND seeds, whereas those from seasonally dry habitats had seeds with PY or PD. These results suggest that seed traits and dormancy are species-specific and that intraspecific variation in seed traits is likely associated with high phenotypic plasticity of species in response to local environmental heterogeneity. These findings should be considered at the time of implementation of conservation techniques and for seed sourcing decisions for restoration.

ABSTRACT Paleoparasitological and archaeobotanical studies provide useful information to reconstruct past scenarios where humans and animals inhabited. However, multi-proxy studies including these research lines are scarce. Here we applied paleoparasitological and archaeobotanical techniques to study a carnivore coprolite and a dung ball from Pueblo Viejo de Tucute archaeological site, in the Argentine Puna. Among parasites, Physaloptera sp., acantocephalan, and ascaridid-like eggs were identified, which shed light on potential parasitic infections and their possible implications for human health. Regarding the botanical evidence, morphotypes related to wild – Prosopis sp. and Geoffroea decorticans – and cultivated plants -Solanum tuberosum and Zea mays- were identified. In addition, pollen grains corresponding to the Amaranthaceae-Chenopodiaceae complex, the families Asteraceae, Myrtaceae and Poaceae, and the genera Taraxacum, Atriplex and Nototriche were found. Also, six diatom genera: Denticula, Pinnularia, Encyonema, Cocconeis, Surirella and Rhoicosphenia were identified. These botanical results suggest that the animals were living with humans or wandering around the settlements, which reinforce the hypothesis of possible zoonotic infections. This is the first ancient dung ball analyzed for this kind of study, proving to be a valuable source of information. Altogether, the results provide novel data to reconstruct paleoecological conditions of the region, which complement the available archaeological information.

The stem bark of Geoffroea decorticans(Gill.ex Hook. etArn.) Burk. was used medicinally to cure several skin affections; however, phytochemical and biological antecedents were not found. Analyses of purified methanolic extract from G. decorticansbark (PFGB), realized by silylation derivatization for GC/MS, C18-CC and HPLC followed by two-dimensional TLC and UV-Vis spectroscopy, allowed to characterize nine phenolic compounds, among these, two methoxy flavonoids. Antibacterial assays of PFGB showed the highest activity (MICs= 125 μg/mL) against Staphylococcus aureus(25923) and Enterococcus faecalis(29212) ATCC strains. Moreover, PFGB showed the highest intracellular antioxidant activity at low concentration (5 μg/mL), evaluated by using the fluorescent DA-H2DCF probe on lymphocyte culture; cytotoxic effects on lymphocytes activated or not by LPS were not observed, through Trypan Blue Exclusion and MTT colorimetric assays.The results obtained from the ethnomedicinal approach of this work contribute to the scientific validation of the vulnerary medicinal use of G. decorticans.

The Humid Chaco Ecoregion of Formosa Province is characterized by a variety of native plant species with long flowering periods, some of which are used by bees for honey production. The objective of this work is to characterize the honeys by botanical and geographical origin through the palynological analysis of samples collected in 14 apiaries. Ninety six honey samples were obtained during three beekeeping periods from 2009 to 2012. The conventional methodology was used, taking into account the acetolysis technique. The pollen spectrum of the honeys allowed us to recognize 126 pollen types, belonging to 57 families of Angiosperms and comprising 65% of the floristic survey. Monofloral honeys were obtained in spring with dominant pollen of Eugenia uniflora (dominant pollen range: 45% - 85%), Neltuma sp. (45% - 61%), Geoffroea decorticans (52%) and Sarcomphalus mistol (47%). At the end of spring and beginning of summer, monofloral honeys were identified with the dominant pollen of Copernicia alba (50% - 98%), while at the end of summer with the pollen of Schinopsis balansae (45% - 68%) and Tessaria integrifolia (52%). The botanical families most represented in the honeys were: Anacardiaceae, Arecaceae, Myrtaceae, and Rhamnaceae. The pollen spectrum of Formosa honeys showed the diversity and floristic richness that characterizes the vegetation of the native forest and wetland areas.

Chloroplast genome structure and phylogeny of Geoffroea decorticans, a native tree from Atacama Desert

New polysaccharides are being intensely studied as sources of edible materials, with potential application in food packaging systems, eco-materials and the pharmaceutical industry. This investigation aimed to develop biopolymer films based on the polysaccharides obtained from chañar (CH) fruit (Geoffrea decorticans). The resulting polysaccharides, from hydrothermal extraction (CHT) and acid extraction (CHA) were hydrodynamically characterized, with density, viscosity, and diffusion coefficient measurements to obtain their properties in an aqueous solution (intrinsic viscosity, shape factor, partial specific volume, hydration value, molecular weight, and hydrodynamic radius). The polysaccharides films (CHTF and CHAF) were characterized with SEM/EDX, DSC, TGA-DTG, FTIR, DRX, mechanical tests, water vapor permeation, colorimetry, antioxidant capacity, and biodegradability, to determine potential applications based on these properties. The results indicated that the extraction method affects the hydrodynamic properties of the obtained polysaccharide. They differ in molecular weight, and RH of CHT was greater than CHA. Both gums were quasi-spherical, and the νa/b value of CHT was more than CHA. The films properties did not present significant differences in most cases. SEM micrographs illustrate that CHAF presents a much rougher surface. The results of the mechanical analysis show that CHTF has better mechanical properties, it has higher elongation at break and tensile strength, with a Young Modulus of 2.8 MPa. Thermal analysis indicates good thermal stability of the films until about 150 °C. The degradation study shows that CH films are biodegradable in a 35 day range. The study of this properties is critical to demonstrate the functionality of biopolymers and their application. The obtained results represent an advantage and evidence that chañar is an interesting source for extract polysaccharides with film forming properties.

The stem bark of Geoffroea decorticans (Gill.ex Hook. et Arn.) Burk. (Fabaceae) was used medicinally to cure several skin affections; however, previous phytochemical and biological antecedents that supported its vulnerary property were not found yet. A purified methanolic fraction from G. decorticans bark (PFGB), was derivatized by silylation for GC/MS analysis, and complementary analyses by two-dimensional TLC and UV-Vis spectroscopy against detected standards compounds. Nine phenolic compounds were characterized as gallic acid, quercetin, kaempferol, apigenin, protocatechuic acid, taxifolin, 4-Hydroxybenzoic acid; among these two methoxy-flavonoids. PFGB showed significant antibacterial activity (MICs= 125 μg/mL) against Staphylococcus aureus (25923) and Enterococcus faecalis (29212) ATCC strains. Cytotoxic effects on human lymphocytes activated or not by LPS were not observed up to 100 μg/mL, by MTT colorimetric assay. The resultsobtained through the ethnopharmacological approach of this work contribute to the scientific validation of the vulnerary medicinal use of G. decorticans.

In the northeastern Patagonian region, soils show marked heterogeneity, mainly due to their texture. It is also observed strong degradation processes in this region. The objective was to estimate survival rate of native species in ecological rehabilitation trials in degraded areas, on soils of different textures, and evaluate recruitment around surviving transplanted individuals at each site. Studies were performed in three sites that had a similar land use history, in loamy, sandy loam and sandy soils. At each site, three 100 m2 plots, excluded from cattle grazing were installed. Individuals of woody (Condalia microphylla, Geoffroea decorticans, Prosopis flexuosa y Schinus johnstonii) and herbaceous (Nassella longiglumis, Nassella tenuis, Pappophorum caespitosum and Piptochaetium napostaense), native species were transplanted. Recruitment was estimated in 50x50 cm plots, leaving the surviving transplanted individual in the center. Survival rate and recruitment were estimated four years after transplantation. Recruitment was categorized into forage and non-forage woody plants and annual or perennial, forage, and non-forage herbaceous plants. Soil texture seems did not influence in survival of herbaceous transplanted species, but it did in a woody plant (S. johnstonii), that was significantly higher in sandy loam soils. Richness of recruited woody and herbaceous species was similar between sites, except for annual non-forage herbaceous plants, being richer in loam and sandy loam sites. Transplanted woody species recruitment was not detected, but recruitment of other native woody species was recorded, and the recruitment of perennial herbaceous species was only of the transplanted species. Recruitment density did not show correspondence with soil texture, except for forage and non-forage annual herbaceous species, that was higher at the loam and sandy loam sites, respectively. Most of the selected species presented survival rates that make them suitable for ecological rehabilitation projects. Seed supply of each site would have a preponderant importance to recruitment recovery.

The story of the life and botanical contributions of Juan Ignacio Molina (1740-1829), “the first Chilean scientist”, are briefly outlined. The generic name Lucuma is considered to be validly published by Molina in 1782, and the identities of the five species of the genus, L. bifera, L. turbinata, L. valparadisaea, L. keule, and L. spinosa, are discussed. Four species names are neotypified with material from Chile and the nomenclatural implications are discussed. Lucuma bifera, with L. turbinata in synonymy, becomes the name for the commonly cultivated Andean fruit tree in Sapotaceae currently called Pouteria lucuma. Gayella valparadisaea, with Lucuma valparadisaea in synonymy, becomes the name for the endemic Chilean tree in Sapotaceae currently called Pouteria splendens. Gomortega keule, with Lucuma keule in synonymy, remains the name for this endemic Chilean fruit tree in the monotypic family Gomortegaceae. Geoffroea decorticans, with Lucuma spinosa in synonymy, remains the name for this South American tree or shrub with edible fruits in Fabaceae.

Flower beverages of native medicinal plants from Argentina (Acacia caven, Geoffroea decorticans and Larrea divaricata) as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory

Geoffroea decorticans is a xerophilous deciduous tree present in most arid forests of southern South America, which is commonly used in traditional medicine. The seeds of this tree have been previously investigated for their singular chemical composition, but their protein content has been poorly investigated. Herein, we report the isolation, purification, and characterization of a set of thermostable peptides derived from Geoffroea decorticans seeds (GdAPs) with strong antioxidant and anticoagulant activities. The most potent antioxidant peptides showed a half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 35.5 ± 0.3 µg/mL determined by 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH). They also caused a dose-dependent prolongation of the aPTT clotting time with an IC50 value of ~82 µg/mL. Interestingly, MALDI-TOF/MS analysis showed the presence of three major peptides with low molecular weights of 2257.199 Da, 2717.165 Da, and 5422.002 Da. The derived amino-acid sequence of GdAPs revealed their unique structural features, exhibiting homology with various proteins present in the genome of Arachis hypogaea. All in all, our data suggest a direct applicability of GdAPs for pharmaceutical purposes.

We present the first report of Amblycerus dispar (Sharp) attacking stored almonds [Prunus dulcis (Mill.) D. A. Webb] in Argentina. A summarized diagnosis, illustrations, and photographs of the adult and mature larva are provided to facilitate identification. We performed species distribution models for A. dispar and its main host plant Geoffroea decorticans (Gillies ex Hook. & Arn.) Burkart. We include A. dispar into a previous morphological character matrix and conduct a phylogenetic analysis to infer its phylogenetic position. The evolution of host plant associations of the genus Amblycerus is herein re-analyzed. A. dispar and its main host shows high suitability areas especially in central-west Argentina and Chile, whereas for the USA, high suitability areas were found for the south-western which include the area of almond production in this country. Although the presence of A. dispar in the USA region is very unlikely, we recommend some awareness as other bruchines are present in the area. Although A. dispar is unlikely to become an economically important risk, monitoring for early detection is recommended to avoid productivity loss, especially when the native host is nearby cultivated areas. A. dispar is hypothesized to be the sister species of A. schwarzi Kingsolver. The colonization of a Rosaceae species is a novelty for this genus, being host shifts known as an important factor affecting both natural and agricultural systems.

Chañar (Geoffroea decorticans- Fabaceae) is a tree from South America that is normally infected with galls originated by insects. One of its parasites is Allodiplosis crassa (Cecidomyiidae, Diptera) which produces globular galls with sticky prolongations. Since this plant has medicinal uses in Argentina, its infestation could alter the quality of the plant drug. The surface of insect-induced galls usually contains defensive features such as trichomes, increased hardness and an increase in the content of polyphenolic compounds. The objective of this research is to assess the structural and histochemical features of the gall and to compare the content of polyphenolic metabolites in the gall, in the healthy leaf and in lignified stems of G. decorticans. The methanolic extract from the galls showed the highest amount of polyphenolic and proanthocyanidins and the lowest amount of hydroxycinnamic derivatives and flavonoids compared to the methanolic extract of the leaves. The photographs taken from the external surface of the gall showed that some prolongations have heads. The histochemical analysis showed that the prolongations have a high amount of proanthocyanidins and flavonoids; and that the heads are reactive to Sudan III. These phytochemical and histological characteristics may have a defensive role against harmful fungi and parasites that attack the larvae of the A. crassa. The results of this study show the presence of defensive features in an insect-induced gall of a medicinal plant with potential implications in the pharmacological activity of this species. This is the first report of a histochemical and phytochemical study in G. corticans galls.

Geoffroea decorticans fruit extracts inhibit the wnt/β-catenin pathway, a therapeutic target in cancer