Vitaceae Research Articles

Study of red vine phenotypic plasticity across central-southern Italy sites: an integrated analysis of the transcriptome and weather indices through WGCNA

The grapevine (Vitis spp., family Vitaceae) is characterized by marked phenotypic plasticity. Its ability to withstand specific environmental conditions depends on the activation of highly coordinated responses resulting from interactions among genotypes (G) and environmental factors (E). In this study, the transcriptomes of commercially ripe berries of the Cabernet Sauvignon and Aglianico genotypes grown in open fields at three different sites in central-southern Italy (Campania, Molise and Sicily) were analyzed with RNA sequencing. These transcriptomic data were integrated with a comprehensive set of weather course indices through weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA). A total of 11,887 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were retrieved, most of which were associated with the Aglianico genotype. The plants from the Sicilian site presented the greatest number of DEGs for both genotypes. Most of the weather course data (daily maximum air temperature, relative humidity, air pressure, dew point, and hours of sun radiation) were significantly correlated with the “lightcyan1” module, confirming WGCNA as a powerful method for identifying genes of high biological interest. Within this module, the gene encoding the ACA10 cation transporter was highly expressed in plants of both genotypes from Campania, where the lowest anthocyanin content was recorded. The transcriptome was also correlated with quality traits, such as total soluble solids and polyphenol content. This approach could lead to the identification of a transcriptomic profile that may specifically identify a genotype and its growing site and to the discovery of hub genes that might function as markers of wine quality.

IDENTIFIKASI DAN KARAKTERISTIK MORFOLOGI POLEN PAKAN KUPU-KUPU (IMAGO) DI JALUR WISATA GOA SAMPE MARTA KABUPATEN KUTAI KARTANEGARA KALIMANTAN TIMUR

ampe Marta Cave Tourism is located in Kutai National Park, Kutai Kartanegara Regency, East Kalimantan, and is one of the natural tourism areas with high biodiversity. The tourist route in this area offers natural beauty and a habitat that supports the lives of various butterfly species. This study aims to identify plants that are food sources (nectar) and non-nectar, types of butterflies, and the characteristics of pollen from each food plant. This study uses the transect method, namely taking samples of flowers and butterflies along the route, and the acetolysis method to see the morphological characteristics of pollen. The results of the study showed that there were 19 species from 11 families of nectar-eating plants identified as being utilized by butterflies (imago) as a source of nectar, where Ageratum conyzoides (Asteraceae), Asystasia gangetica (Family Acanthaceae), Leea indica (Family Vitaceae) were the dominant species that were often visited. In contrast, non-nectar feed such as minerals, rotten fruit, and animal feces, where out of 14 butterfly species identified, 11 dominant species sucked minerals on the banks of rivers or mud puddles, two species visited rotten fruit, and one species was seen in animal feces. Nectar feed has the characteristics of large and round-elongated pollen, which is more efficient for sticking to the insect's body. In contrast, the round-elongated oblate shape in Oxalis barrelieri shows strategic differences in the transfer of varying pollen norms, such as echinate and scabrate. The results of this study can be a reference for butterfly researchers to provide an overview of the diversity of nectar-producing plant feed along with its morphological characteristics and non-nectar feed utilized by butterflies on the Sampe Marta Cave tourist route

First Report of a Phytoplasma Strain in the Elm Yellows Group (16SrV) associated with Virginia Creeper in Maryland, USA.

Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia [L.] Planch.) is a deciduous flowering vine in the Vitaceae family. Native to eastern North America, it is often used ornamentally as a climbing vine or as ground cover due to its rapid growth and foliage color in the fall. In July of 2022, along exterior walls of a private property in Lanham, MD, two Virginia creeper (VC) vines were observed displaying symptoms of yellow mottling and premature reddening of leaves. To investigate the cause of these symptoms, two symptomatic leaf samples and one asymptomatic leaf samples from a third vine in the same vicinity were collected for further analysis. A Qiagen DNeasy Plant Mini Kit was used to extract total DNA from leaf tissues according to the manufacturer's instructions. A phytoplasma-specific real-time PCR (Hodgetts et al. 2009) was used to test the DNA extracts, which detected the presence of phytoplasmas in the two DNA samples derived from symptomatic vines. The near full-length of the 16S ribosomal RNA gene was then amplified by seminested PCR from these samples with primers P1/16S-SR followed by P1A/16S-SR (Deng, and Hiruki 1991; Lee et al. 2004) and Sanger sequenced using primers P1A and 16S-SR. Analysis of the obtained 16S rDNA sequences revealed no variation between the two plant samples, and one sequence was deposited in GenBank representing the phytoplasma strain named VC-MD1 (GenBank PP746981). A BLASTn search of the 16S rRNA gene sequence in the NCBI nucleotide database, showed 99.93% sequence identity with the phytoplasma strain AldY-WA1 (GenBank MZ557341) from red alder in Washington, a phytoplasma associated with VC plants in southern Florida (GenBank AF305198) (Harrison et al. 2001), and other strains detected in grapevines in Europe described as "flavescence dorée" phytoplasma (GenBank AF176319) (Davis, and Dally 2001). The virtual restriction fragment length polymorphism pattern derived from iPhyClassifier (Zhao et al. 2009), indicated that VC-MD1 is indeed a member of the 16SrV-C phytoplasma subgroup. To confirm the identification, the partial spc operon and the partial tuf gene were amplified as previously described (Lee et al. 2010; Makarova et al. 2012). Specifically, the spc operon region was amplified using a nested PCR approach with primer set L15F1A-a/MapR1 followed by L15F1A-b/MapR1A-b. Sequence data obtained from the two loci were deposited to GenBank with accession numbers PP746982 (spc) and PP746983 (tuf). BLAST searches querying the nucleotide sequences of the spc operon and tuf gene showed 95.39% and 99.05% identity, respectively, to the corresponding loci of 'Candidatus Phytoplasma rubi' strain RS (GenBank CP114006) and hemp dogbane yellows phytoplasma strain HD1 (GenBank FR686506). Phylogenetic analysis based on secY and tuf gene sequences suggest that the VC-MD1 strain is evolutionary closest to 16SrV-C phytoplasma strains detected in various hosts in the United States, including HD1 and AldY-WA1. These North American strains cluster together on a distinct branch within the elm yellows group phytoplasmas. For the State of Maryland, this detection represents the first report of a phytoplasma strain member of the16SrV-C subgroup infecting VC plants. A phytoplasma of the same subgroup was previously detected in Florida in asymptomatic VC vines (Harrison et al. 2001). The 16S rRNA gene sequences of the two VC phytoplasma strains are nearly identical, differing by just a single nucleotide. The disease transmission vectors of the VC-MD1 strain and the prevalence of the disease in the region remains undetermined.

Antibacterial Activity of Cissus quadrangularis (Veldt Grape) Against Porphyromonas gingivalis, a Keystone Pathogen in Periodontal Disease: An In Vitro Study.

Porphyromonas gingivalis, a keystone pathogen and one of the primary pathogens responsible for periodontitis, leads to a chronic inflammatory condition that destroys the periodontal tissues and ultimately results in tooth loss. While conventional non-surgical therapy combined with antibiotics and local drug delivery systems are commonly used to treat periodontitis, certain medicinal herbs have also demonstrated efficacy in its prevention. Cissus quadrangularis L. (CQ), a perennial plant from the Vitaceae family, is widely recognized and used as a medicinal herb in many tropical countries, predominantly in India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Java, West Africa, and the Philippines. The aim of the study was to determine the antibacterial activity of CQ against the periodontal keystone pathogen P. gingivalis. Aqueous and ethanolic extracts of CQ were prepared using a Soxhlet extractor. The antibacterial effectiveness of these extracts against the periodontal pathogen P. gingivalis was evaluated at different concentrations, and the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined using broth microdilution. The ethanolic extract of CQ mixed with 10% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) showed higher inhibition compared to the aqueous extract of CQ against P. gingivalis. Our study revealed the potent inhibitory effects of CQ against P. gingivalis. Both aqueous and ethanolic extracts displayed MIC values of 500 µg/mL. Notably, the ethanolic extract of CQ, dissolved in 10% DMSO, demonstrated superior efficacy with a lower IC50 value of 194.36 µg/mL. These findings indicate promising potential for CQ in the management of periodontal disease.

Transition of survival strategies under global climate shifts in the grape family.

Faced with environmental changes, plants may either move to track their ancestral niches or evolve to adapt to new niches. Vitaceae, the grape family, has evolved diverse adaptive traits facilitating a global expansion in wide-ranging habitats, making it ideal for investigating transition between move and evolve strategies and exploring the underlying mechanisms. Here we inferred the patterns of biogeographic diversification and trait evolution in Vitaceae based on a robust phylogeny with dense sampling including 495 species (~52% of Vitaceae species). Vitaceae probably originated from Asia-the diversity centre of extant genera and the major source of dispersals. Boundaries of the Eocene, Oligocene and Miocene were identified as turning points in shifting strategies. A significant decrease in move strategy was identified during the Oligocene, followed by increases in move and evolve. After the Miocene, evolve began to dominate, during which increased niche opportunities and key trait innovations played important roles.

Invitro antioxidant and antidiabetic assay of Methanol stem extract and synthesized Silver nanoparticles of CissusquadrangularisL.stem

Cissus quadrangularis is a succulent plant belonging to the family Vitaceae and is native to tropical regions like Asia, Africa, and the Arabian Peninsula. It has been in use in almost all the traditional systems of medicine, especially in Ayurveda. The Cissusquadrangularis stem-mediated silver nanoparticles are also being studied for their potential pharmaceutical benefits. The secondary metabolites in both the methanol stem extract and synthesized silver nanoparticles contribute to the antioxidant and antidiabetic properties of the plant. The present study provided a comparative quantitative analysis of alkaloid, tannin, and phenolic content of the methanol stem extract and synthesized silver nanoparticles. Furthermore, the free-radical scavenging and blood sugar-lowering effects were evaluated employing standard protocols. The results revealed the total alkaloid and phenolic content was higher in the synthesized AgNPs and tannin content was higher in the methanolic stem extract. The glucose utilization was found to be more efficient in the Cissusquadrangularis stem-mediated AgNPs, whereas the methanol extract was shown to have more antiradical properties.

Cenozoic seeds of Vitaceae reveal a deep history of extinction and dispersal in the Neotropics.

The remarkably diverse plant communities of the Neotropics are the result of diversification driven by multiple biotic (for example, speciation, extinction and dispersal) and abiotic (for example, climatic and tectonic) processes. However, in the absence of a well-preserved, thoroughly sampled and critically assessed fossil record, the associated processes of dispersal and extinction are poorly understood. We report an exceptional case study documenting patterns of extinction in the grape family (Vitaceae Juss.) on the basis of fossil seeds discovered in four Neotropical palaeofloras dated between 60 and 19 Ma. These include a new species that provides the earliest evidence of Vitaceae in the Western Hemisphere. Eight additional species reveal the former presence of major clades of the family that are currently absent from the Neotropics and elucidate previously unknown dispersal events. Our results indicate that regional extinction and dispersal have substantially impacted the evolutionary history of Vitaceae in the Neotropics. They also suggest that while the Neotropics have been dynamic centres of diversification through the Cenozoic, extant Neotropical botanical diversity has also been shaped by extensive extinction over the past 66 million years.

Derivatisation mechanistic-guided identification of phytoconstituents of different extracts of Cissus quadrangularis by TLC and standardization by HPTLC

BackgroundCissus quadrangularis is an indigenous medicinal herb which belongs to the family Vitaceae & commonly found in tropical and subtropical xeric wood. This plant is prescribed in the ancient Ayurvedic literature as a general tonic with excellent bone fracture healing properties. Different analytical approaches must be used to characterise the extracts to ascertain the therapeutic efficacy of different solvent-based plant extracts. AimDifferent extracts of Cissus quadrangularis (CQ) were screened by TLC, antioxidant activity and HPTLC. MethodsIn the present study, the preliminary phytoconstituents’ analysis of sequential extracts of CQ; Petroleum ether extract (PECQ), Chloroform extract (ChCQ), Ethanol extract (EtCQ) and Water extract (WCQ) has been done by thin-layer chromatography (TLC). Additionally, the usage of derivative reagents and the reaction mechanism between derivative reagents and phytoconstituents were used to confirm the kind of phytoconstituents. The extracts were also evaluated by antioxidant activity that was accessed by the DPPH assay. The extract with the highest antioxidant activity was standardised by HPTLC. ResultsTerpenoids, flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, coumarin, steroidal (phytoestrogen) and other phenolic/polyphenolic phytoconstituents were found to be present in extracts of Cissus quadrangularis. EtCQ showed the highest radical scavenging activity with an IC50 of 31.71±0.30 µg/ml which was significantly higher than PECQ, ChCQ and WCQ extract with an IC50 of 84.82±0.35 µg/ml, 79.16±0.35 µg/ml and 215.06±0.25 µg/ml respectively. EtCQ was standardized by HPTLC to quantify the marker constituent. ConclusionThis publication is the first to describe the in-depth analysis of Cissus quadrangularis extracts using thin-layer chromatography, as well as potential detection pathways using different reagents. TLC profiling also justifies the antioxidant behaviour of different extracts.

Isolation, Characterization and Antibacterial Activity Study of Bioactive Compounds from Leaves of Cyphostemma cyphopetalum

Background:: Cyphostemma cyphopetalum is a herbaceous climber species within the Vitaceae family, found in various tropical and subtropical regions of Africa. It has a history of traditional use in Ethiopia for treating various health issues in humans and livestock, includ-ing snake bites, rabies, and eczema. Despite its reported ethnomedicinal uses, there is a lack of sufficient scientific literature regarding the isolation and characterization of its bioactive chem-ical compounds. Objective:: The objective of this work was to isolate bioactive compounds from the leaves of Cyphostemma cyphopetalum, characterize their chemical structures using FTIR and NMR spec-troscopy, and evaluate their antimicrobial activities. Methods:: Isolation was done using column chromatographic separation techniques. Spectro-scopic techniques, including Fourier transform infrared and nuclear magnetic resonance, were used for functional group identification and structural elucidation. Moreover, the paper disc dif-fusion bioassay method was used to evaluate the antibacterial activity of the isolated bioactive compounds. Results:: Three fractions were successfully isolated using chloroform with dichloromethane and chloroform with ethyl acetate as eluting solvents and silica gel as a stationary phase. After care-ful interpretation of the experimental results and comparison with the literature, the isolated fractions were constituted mainly by stigmasterol (fraction 1), β-sitosterol (fraction 2), and trans-resveratrol (fraction 3). The antibacterial activities of each isolated fraction were tested against Ralstonia solanacearum, a gram-negative bacterium, and Staphylococcus aureus, a gram-positive bacterial pathogen.Comparatively, the highest mean inhibitory value of 10.03 ± 0.13 mm was exhibited by fraction 2, which was followed by 6.25±0.05 mm inhibition activity recorded for fraction 1 against R. solanacearum, while fraction 3 did not exhibit any bacterial activity against both the strains. Conclusion:: We have successfully isolated and characterized three compounds (1-3) from leaves of C. cyphopetalum and evaluated their antibacterial activity. A maximum mean inhibi-tory value of 10.03 ± 0.13 mm was exhibited by compound 2 against R. solanacearum.

The complete chloroplast genome sequence of Ampelopsis delavayana Planchon. ex Franch 1886 (Vitaceae)

Ampelopsis delavayana Planchon. ex Franch 1886 is a plant with significant pharmacological effects and ornamental importance. This research unveiled the complete chloroplast (cp) genome sequence of A. delavayana. The study highlights that the cp genome of A. delavayana possesses a distinct tetrameric structure spanning 162,497 base pairs, comprising a small single-copy (SSC) region of 18,902 base pairs, a large single-copy (LSC) region of 90,441 base pairs, and two inverted-repeat regions (IRs), each 26,577 base pairs in length. The GC content of the SSC, LSC, and IR regions of the genome was 31.80%, 35.16%, and 42.82%, respectively, culminating in an overall GC content of 37.27%. The genome comprised 130 genes, which included eight rRNAs, 36 tRNAs, and 86 protein-coding genes. Through phylogenetic analysis utilizing the maximum-likelihood method, it was established that A. delavayana was closely related to Ampelopsis glandulosa var. brevipedunculata, positioning it as a sister species. This report not only provides a scientific reference for understanding the phylogeny of the family Vitaceae but also enriches our genetic information of Ampelopsis.

Morphological studies on leaf epidermis in six species of Nekemias Raf. (Vitaceae) from China

Nekemias Raf. (Vitaceae) is a re-defined genus isolated from the traditional Ampelopsis in the grape family of Vitaceae, including eight species mainly distributed in eastern Asia, and one in North America. In this study, the leaf epidermis of 28 samples representing six species of Nekemias and one species from the related genus of Ampelopsis are investigated using light microscopy. The results show that the shapes of leaf epidermal cells are polygonal or irregular. The variations of anticlinal walls are found commonly among species of Nekemia, especially within N. cantoniensis and N. grossedentata, which is probably associated with their habitats. Irregular stomata are found on the abaxial surface. The epidermal hair styles are multicellular, single-row on both sides and common in N. cantoniensis, N. grossedentata, and N. rubifolia, not in N. chaffanjonii and N. hypoglauca. Our results highlight that the variation of leaf epidermis in Nekemias are possibly related to the environment and habitats.

A Summary of the Pharmacological Activity, Phytochemistry and Pharmacognosy of Parthenocissus quinquefolia (L.): Review Article

Historically, medicinal herbs have been utilized as an important origin of chemicals with particular therapeutic potentials, and they continue to be a great place to find new medication candidates. Parthenocissus quinquefolia L. is a member of the grape-growing family Vitaceae. It is indigenous to Central and North America. It is widely dispersed in Iraqi gardens and plant houses from north to south. Traditionally, it has many uses, like relieving constipation, treating jaundice, expectorant, emetic, and others. At the same time, its proven activities include antioxidant activity, antimicrobial, anti-diabetic, thrombin inhibitor effect, and medicine for treating eyelid eczema. Parthenocissus quinquefolia contains valuable phytochemicals like alkaloids, saponins, steroids, terpenoids, polyphenolic compounds (flavonoids, phenolic acids, and tannins), anthraquinones, cardiac glycosides, coumarins, and reducing sugars that make it responsible for its critical pharmacological effects. The current review discussed the pharmacognosy, phytochemistry, and pharmacological activity of Parthenocissus quinquefolia (L.).

Next-generation sequencing-based detection reveals Erysiphe necator-associated virus 1 in okra plants

Erysiphe necator is a devastating fungal phytopathogen that has caused powdery mildew on several genera within the Vitaceae family worldwide. In the current investigation, next-generation sequencing of RNA extracted from the okra crop, besides the bioinformatics analysis, was operated to examine the virome associated with the okra crop. Although E. necator fungus was not identified in the okra tissues, the mycovirus-related sequence of Erysiphe necator-associated virus 1 was detected. This mycovirus sequence showed a high similarity ranging between 80.38-93.48% and 100% coverage with the four distinct global isolates of the Erysiphe necator-associated virus 1. This genomic data postulates comprehension of the existence of the mycoviruses in plant hosts without their primary host, the fungus. To our knowledge, this is the first identification of Erysiphe necator-associated virus 1 in Iraq

The Cissus quadrangularis genome reveals its adaptive features in an arid habitat.

Cissus quadrangularis is a tetraploid species belonging to the Vitaceae family and is known for the Crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM) pathway in the succulent stem, while the leaves perform C3 photosynthesis. Here, we report a high-quality genome of C. quadrangularis comprising a total size of 679.2Mb which was phased into two subgenomes. Genome annotation identified 51 857 protein-coding genes, while approximately 47.75% of the genome was composed of repetitive sequences. Gene expression ratios of two subgenomes demonstrated that the sub-A genome as the dominant subgenome played a vital role during the drought tolerance. Genome divergence analysis suggests that the tetraploidization event occurred around 8.9million years ago. Transcriptome data revealed that pathways related to cutin, suberine, and wax metabolism were enriched in the stem during drought treatment, suggesting that these genes contributed to the drought adaption. Additionally, a subset of CAM-related genes displayed diurnal expression patterns in the succulent stems but not in leaves, indicating that stem-biased expression of existing genes contributed to the CAM evolution. Our findings provide insights into the mechanisms of drought adaptation and photosynthesis transition in plants.

Analyzing the Antihyperglycemic Effect of Cissus quadrangularis and Bacopa monnieri on 3T3-L1 Cell Lines.

Background Cissus quadrangularisis a perennial shrub of the grape family. Other names for it include devil's backbone, veldgrape, and pirandai (Tamil).Bacopa monnieri, a perennial plant, is native to wetlands in eastern and southern India. The 3T3-L1 cell line, which was created from 3T3 cells, was used in the scientific study. The current study's purpose is to evaluate the antihyperglycemic benefits ofB. monnieriandC. quadrangularis, which will be added to the current arsenal of efficient herbal hypoglycemic medications. Aim To analyze and compare the anti-hyperglycaemic effects of the two plant extracts,C. quadrangularisandB. monnieriusing a 3T3-L1 cell line. Materials and methods C. quadrangularisseeds were gathered, and extraction was conducted. TheB. monnieriplant was harvested, and a rotary evaporator was used to extract the flower. Adipocyte cells were obtained from NCCS, Pune. A CO2 incubator was used to incubate the cells. The MTT assay and gene expression analysis were done on the cell line samples. Results The antihyperglycemic effects of C. quadrangularis IRS mRNA levels of 0.7 and AKT mRNA levels of 0.7 are compared to B. monnieri IRS1 mRNA levels of 0.6 and AKT mRNA levels of 0.6 to build better diabetic treatments. The antihyperglycemic benefits of C. quadrangularis levels of IRS mRNA and AKT mRNA are compared to the influence of B. monnieri IRS1 mRNA and AKT mRNA on the development of better diabetic drugs. Conclusion Comparing the effects ofC. quadrangularisandB. monnierion the 3T3 cell line by gene expression of IRS mRNA and AKT mRNA suggests that the particular AKT downregulation shows that insulin suppresses gluconeogenesis andC. quadrangularisinhibits hyperglycemia in 3T3-L1 cells, while research on in vitro rats suggests thatB. monnierimay minimize the signs and symptoms of diabetes via enhancing IRS1/AKT signaling.

Taxonomy and phylogeny of three rust fungi parasitic on Vitaceae in Korea, with Neophysopella viticola sp. nov. on Vitis vinifera

Rust fungi are important pathogens of trees, ornamental plants, and food crops. Field research targeting rust diseases across Korea uncovered three distinct species of Neophysopella,affecting different members of the family Vitaceae. In our examination of both wild and cultivated grapevine (Vitis) species, including V. amurensis, V. coignetiae, and V. vinifera, we found N. meliosmaemyrianthae as well as a previously undescribed rust species, which we describe here as N. viticola sp.nov. Neophysopella ampelopsidis, which was previously identified as a rust pathogen of Vitis spp., has been observed to specifically infect Ampelopsis brevipedunculata. Through molecular sequenceanalysis of the ITS, LSU rDNA, and cox3 mtDNA regions, we determined the phylogenetic placements of these three species. Our morphological studies revealed the distinguishing features of N. viticola, particularly its unique teliospore layer and urediniospore dimensions. The emergence of N. viticola oneconomically valuable grapevines raises concerns about potential agricultural losses, highlighting the urgency for developing specialized management approaches in viticulture.

Preliminari Eksperimen dalam Penginduksian Akar Stek Tumbuhan Tetrastigma papillosum Inang Rhizanthes deceptor

Tetrastigma is a genus in the Vitaceae family which is characterized by the presence of tendrils. This plant has a liana habit, which requires tall plants as support in its life. Induction of host roots, Tetrastigma papillosum, in this study, used Naphthalene Acetic Acid (NAA), which is a class of auxin that functions to induce cell expansion and initiation of rooting. This research was conducted using a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with 5 treatments and 5 replications. Several NAA concentrations as treatments consist of A (0 ppm), B (2.5 ppm), C (5 ppm), D (7.5 ppm), and E (10 ppm). Root induction of Tetrastigma papillosum can be initiated with NAA at small concentrations because endogenous auxin induces roots more quickly.

Test The Toxicity of The Ethanol Extract of Lacum Leaves (Cayratia trifolia L.) Using The Brine Shrimp Lethality Test (BSLT) Method

People use the lacum plant (Cayratia trifolia L.), an herbaceous plant from the Vitaceae family that grows wild, as a traditional medicine. Lacum leaves have special things inside them called secondary metabolites like flavonoids, alkaloids, phenols, steroids, terpenoids, and tannins. Toxicity tests must be carried out because flavonoids, alkaloids and steroids have harmful effects on test animals at certain concentrations. A substance or natural ingredient that will be used as a medicine is tested to determine its level of toxicity. The purpose of this study was to determine the total levels of toxic compounds and the level of toxicity in the ethanol extract of lacum leaves (Cayratia trifolia L.) Brine Shrimp Lethality Test (BSLT). This research uses Artemia salina leach larvae as test subjects. This research also used an experimental approach arranged in a completely randomized design (CRD) consisting of 7 treatments and 4 replications. The percentage of larval death was used in probit analysis to identify the toxic effects of the extract and calculate the LC50 value. Based on the research results, it shows that there are total levels of toxic compounds in the ethanol extract of lacum leaves (Cayratia trifolia L.), namely flavonoids, alkaloids and steroids with an LC50 value of 105.08 ppm which places it in the moderately toxic category and is thought to have anticancer properties.

Nutraceutical Potential of Grape (Vitis vinifera L.) Seed Oil in Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, Obesity and Metabolic Alterations

Vitis vinifera L. (grapevine) is a perennial plant of the Vitaceae family that is widely used to produce grapes and wines. Grape seed oil is rich in fatty acids such as linoleic acid (65–75%), vitamin E (50 mg), and phytosterols in addition to phenolic compounds, such as catechins (414 mg), epicatechins (130.4 mg), and gallic acid (77 µg), shows promise as a nutritional compound and is outstanding as a therapeutic substance with active properties for health, detected mainly by in vitro studies, as well as some in vivo studies. The benefits of consuming this oil include modulating the expression of antioxidant enzymes, anti-atherosclerotic and anti-inflammatory effects, and protection against oxidative cell damage and some types of cancer. However, experimental findings confirm that therapeutic functions remain scarce; thus, more studies are needed to determine the mechanisms of action involved in the indicated therapeutic qualities.

Phytochemical Constituents of Cissus oliveri growing in Pwani Region, Tanzania

Cissus oliveri (Engl.) Gilg ex Engl. is among the plant species of the family Vitaceae widely used in traditional medicine for management of different ailments. This study aimed at assessing the phytochemicals of C. oliveri parts in order to provide scientific validation for its use as a therapeutic agent. Qualitative analysis of water and ethanolic extracts was conducted by using standard methods and the results revealed that all the parts possess alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols and tannins. Similarly, glycosides and saponins were only present in leaf and root. Quantitative analysis performed by gravimetric and spectrophotometric methods showed that all parts contain alkaloids, phenol, and tannins in large quantities. The largest amount was found in leaf for alkaloids (6.47 ± 0.41 mg/g DW) and phenols (4.85 ± 0.90 mg/g DW) compared to stem and root. Alkaloid content was higher in root than in stem (P < 0.01), whereas phenol content was the same in root and stem (p > 0.05). Further, there was no significant difference in tannins content among all the plant parts assessed. The presence and quantities of active phytochemicals in C. oliveri call for further investigations on the bioactivities of the extracts and isolated chemical constituents for potential pharmacological applications.