Lac Tree Research Articles

Morpho-Physicochemical Studies Of Kusum (Schleichera Oleosa (Lour.) Oken): A Potential Multipurpose Tree Species

Kusum (Schleichera oleosa (Lour.) Oken) belongs to Sapindaceae family, is an underutilised multipurpose tree species. Kusum is also known as a lac tree through its cultivation for lac which gives livelihood security to lakhs of farmers. Botanically, kusum fruits are single-seeded and sometimes two-seeded berry, succulent yellow aril, dry indehiscent, apex pointed, hard-crustaceous, smooth, or slightly spiny. Pulp of kusum has a potential source of antioxidant properties. The present investigation was carried out to estimate physical and chemical properties of kusum at the laboratory of department of Fruit Science, Faculty of Horticulture, at Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Mohanpur, Nadia, West Bengal during 2021-22. A set of 30 fruits with 10 fruits per replication were taken for this experiment. It was observed that average fruit weight (7.41g), fruit length (2.5cm), diameter (2.19cm), fruit volume (7ml), fruit pulp weight (2.93g), seed weight (1.35g), and peel weight (2.71g), seed length (1.69cm), diameter (1.38cm) and edible fruit percentage was 39.54%. The results showed that it contains an average of 20.07 °Brix total soluble solids, 0.33% titrable acidity, 14.28% total sugar, 8% reducing sugar, 5.96 non-reducing sugar, 142.5 mg/100g of pulp ascorbic acid and total carotenoid 1.35 mg/100g pulp. The result shows that kusum fruit is a promising food source with nutritional value. This fruit could fulfil the dietary needs of persons living in rural areas.

Effect of different growing media on seed germination and growth of Indian lac tree (Schleichera oleosa) in nursery conditions

Effect of different growing media on seed germination and growth of Indian lac tree (Schleichera oleosa) in nursery conditions

Antibacterial activity test of mixture seed extracts of Moringa oleifera Lamk and Schleichera oleosa L. against Staphylococcus epidermidis and Shigella dysenteriae

Moringa (M. oleifera Lamk.) is known to have antibacterial ability, because the seeds contain tannin, flavonoids, alkaloids, and saponins. Kesambi or Malay lac tree (S. oleosa L.) has been used to fight skin inflammation, ulcers, itching, acne and skin infections. Its seeds contain oil, which is very good for the skin. The ability of a mixture of the seed of moringa and kesambi has not been widely reported. This study aims to determine the inhibitory power resulting from a mixture seed extracts of Moringa and kesambi against S. epidermidis and S. dysenteriae. The method used is experimental using CDR (Completely Randomized Design) with 5 treatments and 3 replicates which are P1 = 10 g Moringa + 0 g Kesambi, P2 = 2.5 g Moringa + 7.5 g Kesambi, P3 = 5 g Moringa + 5 g Kesambi, P4 = 7.5 g Moringa + 2.5 g Kesambi, P5 = 0 g Moringa + 10 g Kesambi. One way Anova and Tukey test were performed for statistical justification. The inhibitory test of the mixture seeds extract of moringa and kesambi showed that there was antibacterial activity against S. epidermidis and S. dysenteriae. The mixed extract showed the maximum effect on Gram (+) S. epidermidis, namely P3 with inhibitory power of 25.33±0.76 mm. While on the Gram (-) bacteria, S. Dysenteriae, the P4 had the highest inhibition (9.17±1.15 mm). The mixture of Moringa seed extract and kesambi seed has a higher effect on gram positive bacteria.

Antidiabetic Potential and HPTLC Fingerprinting of Schleichera oleosa (Lour) Oken

Introduction: Schleichera oleosa (Lour) Oken., also known as Lac tree, is a traditional plant used to treat different ailments since ancient time. The folkloric use of this plant as hypoglycemics is still un-revealed scientifically. So, the present study includes the in-vivo evaluation of hypoglycemic activity with HPTLC fingerprinting, qualitative and quantitative phytochemical screening of the extracts of the plant. Methods: Ethanolic extract of the plant (SOE) was subjected for phytochemical screening and HPTLC finger printing (using CAMAG LINOMAT 5 instrument). For the evaluation of hypoglycemic activity Streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic rats were treated with glibenclamide (0.5mg/kg body weight) and ethanolic extract (100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg body weight) of the plant. Acute and chronic studies were performed for the evaluation of blood glucose levels. Results: The presence of alkaloids, tannins, phenolics and flavonoids were confirmed in the preliminary phytochemical screening. Quantitative screening of total tannins (6.15±4.20), total flavonoids (25.13±3.21) and total phenolic compounds (48.09±2.58) were reported. HPTLC fingerprinting analysis of SOE affirmed the presence of quercetin. Conclusion: The positive outcome was observed in the results of hypoglycemic activity, as all the treatments significantly decreased blood glucose level. During the study, SOE and glibenclamide maintained the body weight of the rats while diabetic control reduced the body weight by 11.33%. In support of its traditional use Schleichera oleosa (Lour) Oken. was proved to be a potent antidiabetic herbal plant.

Biochars Improve Nutrient Phyto-Availability of Hawai’i’s Highly Weathered Soils

Highly weathered soils in Hawai’i are low in fertility, negatively affecting plant growth. The potential of biochar for improving soil nutrient availability to crops is promising, and prompts this study. Two biochars at 2% (w/w) made of lac tree (Schleichera oleosa (Lour.) Oken) wood and mixed wood (scrapped wood and tree trimmings) with and without vermicompost or thermocompost at 2% (w/w) were added to an Ultisol (Ustic Kanhaplohumult, Leilehua series) and an Oxisol (Rhodic haplustox, Wahiawa series) of Hawai’i. In each soil two additional treatments—lime + compost and un-amended soil—served as the control. Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa cv. Bonsai) was used as the test plant in two greenhouse plantings, which had a factorial completely randomized design with three replicates per treatment. The results indicated that soil acidity, nutrient in the soils, plant growth and nutrient uptake were improved by the amendments compared to the control. The combined additions of biochar and compost significantly increased pH and EC; reduced exchangeable Al; reduced Mn and Fe in the Oxisol; increased P, K, and Ca content of the soils; and increased Ca, Mg and Fe uptake. Exchangeable aluminum in the Ultisol decreased from 2.5 cmol+/kg to nil; Mehlich-3 extractable P, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, and Mn in the Ultisol increased by 1478%, 2257%, 1457%, 258%, 125% and 72%, respectively compared to the un-amended soil, while the same nutrients increased or decreased in the Oxisol by 180%, 59%, 308%, −14%, and −36%, respectively. Shoot and total cabbage fresh and dry matters increased by 94%, 96%, 107%, and 112%, respectively, as compared to the lime plus compost treatment. Cabbage growth in the Ultisol amended with the lac tree wood biochar and vermicompost was almost twice over the lime and vermicompost treatment. Essential nutrients in the plant tissues, except for N and K, were sufficient for the cabbage growth, suggesting increases in nutrients and reduced soil acidity by the additions of biochar combined with compost were the probable cause. It is recommended that locally produced biochars and composts be used to improve plant nutrient availability in the highly weathered soils.

Characterization of Biochars and Their Use as an Amendment to Acid Soils

Biochar, because of its porous nature, calcium carbonate (CaCO3) equivalent, surface functional groups, and other properties, could serve as an acid soil amendment. To investigate the liming potential of biochars, laboratory characterization and greenhouse and field experiments were conducted in Hawaii and West Java, Indonesia, respectively. Six wood-derived biochars were characterized and amended to a Hawaiian acid soil (pH 4.6, exchangeable aluminum [Al] 1.8 cmolc kg) at 2% and 4% alone or in combination with 2 cmolc kg of lime and then planted with Desmodium intortum (a forage legume sensitive to Al) twice in a greenhouse trial. To the Indonesian acid soils (pH 3.9–4.0, exchangeable Al 8–14 cmolc kg), a rice husk and a lac tree biochars at 4% and 8% alone or in combination with lime at 4 and 8 cmolc kg and compost at 0.1 and 0.2% were applied and then planted with soybean (Glycine max) cv. Anjasmoro twice in field trials. Biochar effects on soil properties and plant growth were measured. The results indicated that the six biochars varied in pH, ash content, CaCO3 equivalent, total basic cations, cation exchange capacity, and other properties (pore size, surface functional groups). Soil pH was increased, soil exchangeable Al was reduced, and plant nutrients were enriched to different degrees upon additions of biochars. Total dry weights of Desmodium were increased 2- to 4-fold over the control or lime treatment upon applications of biochar. Similar effects on soils and soybean were obtained for the Indonesian field trials. It was concluded that CaCO3 equivalent and total basic cations were among the most important properties of biochar responsible for improving acid soil productivity and plant growth.

SEED GERMINATION RESPONSE TO PRETREATMENTS AND STORAGE BEHAVIOUR IN SCHLEICHERA OLEOSA (LOUR.) OKEN—INDIAN LAC TREE

ABSTRACT Schleichera oleosa or the Indian lac tree is one of the major lac host tree in India. Its fruits are edible and seed kernels yield an oil which has many industrial uses. due to its importance the forest departments and the lac cultivators are promoting the plantation of the species, but its typical germination and storage behaviour may pose some problems in its propagation. The study deals with understanding germination and storage behaviour as well as devising suitable pretreatments to enhance the germination of seeds. The seeds at the time of maturation and fall had low germination capacity (15%) which increased to 74% upon dry storage at ambient temperature for two months due to after-ripening. Mechanical scarification (removal of seed coat) proved to be best pretreatment resulting in highest (92%) and fastest germination as against 60% in untreated seeds. seeds tolerated desiccation to 7.2% moisture content and chilling (+50c) maintaining 72% viability after six months in storage. Seeds exhibited orthodox storage physiology. The results contribute to knowledge about germination and storage behaviour of the species and can be utilized for propagation and conservation of the species.

ChemInform Abstract: Synthesis of 3- and 4-(ω-Phenylalkyl)catechols, the Sap Exuded from a Burmese Lac Tree, Melanorrhoea Usitate.

The presence of 3- and 4-(ω-phenylalkyl)catechols in Burmese lac has been confirmed by their synthesis. 3-(ω-Phenylalkyl)veratroles were synthesized by alkylation of ω-phenylalkyl bromide with aryl lithium derived from veratrole. 4-(ω-Phenylalkyl)veratroles were similarly obtained from ω-phenylalkyl bromide and 4-bromoveratrole. Demethylation of 3- and 4-(ω-phenylalkyl)veratroles with boron tribromide gave the corresponding catechols in good yields.

Preparation and in vitro antioxidant activity of lacquer polysaccharides with low molecular weights and their sulfated derivatives

Lacquer polysaccharide (LP) from the sap of the lac tree ( Rhus vernicifera) was degraded by hydrochloric acid. The molecular weights ( M w ) of hydrolysis products of lacquer polysaccharide (LPD) decreased with the increase of the reaction temperature. Sulfated derivatives (LPDSs) of LPDs were prepared by the reaction of LPDs with sulfur trioxide–pyridine complex (SO 3·Py) in DMSO. The structures of polysaccharides were analyzed by GPC, FT-IR and 1H NMR spectroscopy. Reducing power, superoxide radical scavenging ability and metal chelating capacity were used for the evaluation of all polysaccharides in vitro. Results indicated that LPDS with moderate M w and DS expressed good antioxidant capacity.

Preparation of lacquer polysaccharide sulfates and their antioxidant activity in vitro

Lacquer polysaccharide (LP) was isolated and purified from the sap of the lac tree ( Rhus vernicifera). Five sulfated lacquer polysaccharide (LPS), with various molecular weights ( M w) and degrees of sulfation (DS) were prepared by the reaction of LP with sulfur trioxide–pyridine complex (SO 3·Py) in DMSO. The structure of LPS was analyzed by GPC, UV–vis, FT-IR and 13C NMR spectroscopy; the M w of LPS was in the range of 0.78–1.58 × 10 4, DS varied from 0.22 to 0.58, and unsaturated bond presence was observed by FT-IR. Antioxidant assays showed that LPS antioxidant activities were related to M w, DS and unsaturated bond presence. One LPS, with moderate M w and DS, showed the best antioxidant capacities, its reducing capacity was 0.61 at 500 μg/mL, scavenging ability for superoxide and hydroxyl radical were 56.4% at 500 μg/mL, 55.6% at 1000 μg/mL, respectively. The data obtained in in vitro models establish the antioxidant potential of LPS for application in pharmaceuticals. The LPS may be a promising antioxidant in vitro.

Chemical modification and antitumour activity of Chinese lacquer polysaccharide from lac tree Rhus vernicifera

Lacquer polysaccharide from Rhus vernicifera was separated into two fractions with high and low molecular weights, LPH and LPL. LPL was degraded using dilute sulphuric acid. Besides molecular weight, products had only a little change in their contents of α- l-rhamnopyranose, α- l-arabinofuranose and α- d-galactopyranose. The side chains of LPH and LPL were partially removed with NaIO 4 oxidation. The structures of all polysaccharides were investigated by GPC, FT-IR, 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy. S-180 ascites tumour in mice was used to assay the antitumour activity of lacquer polysaccharide and its derivatives using two doses (150 and 300 mg/kg/d). The antitumour activity was related to M w and the branching structure of polysaccharide. Natural polysaccharides had significant activity, and LPL had the highest activity, its inhibitory rate by intraperitoneal injection for 7 d using a 150 mg/kg/d dose reached 63.5%. Decrease of M w and removal of side chains led to reduction or loss of antitumour activity. Experimental results also showed that the low dose group had higher activity, and the bloody ascites was prevented by the polysaccharide groups.

Sulfation of Chinese lacquer polysaccharides in different solvents

A branched ionic polysaccharide isolated from the sap of the Chinese lac tree ( Rhus vernicifera) was chemically modified by sulfation using sulfur trioxide–pyridine (SO 3·Py) complex as a reagent. Effects of molar ratio of SO 3·Py complex to sugar unit, reaction time and reaction temperature on degree of sulfation (DS) and molecular weights of products were studied. Solvent was another important factor affecting sulfation reaction. In different solvents, when the other conditions remained constant, DS and molecular weights were in the following order: DMSO>DMF>FA (formamide) and DMSO<DMF<FA, respectively. The results depended on the nucleophilicity of the solvents used. The structures of sulfated polysaccharides were investigated by GPC, UV–Vis, FT-IR and FT-Raman spectroscopy. The results indicated that unsaturated bonds and anhydrogalactose residues were formed in lacquer polysaccharides due to the strong dehydration of SO 3·Py complex. Based on these, we deduced that degradation of polysaccharide in the sulfation reaction process involved both dehydrolysis and hydrolytic degradation.

Chemical modification, characterization and bioactivity of Chinese lacquer polysaccharides from lac tree Rhus vernicifera against leukopenia induced by cyclophosphamide

Lacquer polysaccharide (LP) was isolated from the sap of lac tree ( Rhus vernicifera). Its derivatives, carboxymethyl LP, sulfated LP and debranching LP were prepared. Their structure was analyzed by GPC, FT-IR and NMR spectroscopy. The sugar components of carboxymethyl and sulfated LPs hardly changed, but the molecular weight of the former decreased. The side chains of LPs were partially removed using sodium periodate in mild conditions and the pyranose ring β-configuration of products obtained was not changed. Bioactivity of natural and modified LPs against leukopenia induced by cyclophosphamide (CP) was investigated in mice. LP exhibited a significant bioactivity ( P<0.05) compared to positive control group (CP). The bioactivity could increase slightly with the increasing of the contents of carboxymethyl groups. However, with the removal of the side chains and the incorporation of sulfate groups, the bioactivity gradually decreased. These showed that the bioactivity of lacquer polysaccharides against leukopenia induced by CP was strongly dependent on the types of ionic groups of the polysaccharides and concerned with the side chains with 4- O-methyl-β-glucuronic acid in the terminal.

Oxidation of 4‐methylcatechol by dioxygen studied by ESR spectroscopy. The different regioselectivity of OH− and MeO− nucleophilic attack and kinetic deuterium isotope effects

AbstractThe oxidation of 4‐methylcatechol by dioxygen and the subsequent reactions of the two nucleophiles OH− and MeO− with the oxidation products were studied by electron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopy. These reactions are models for those of skin proteins with substituted 1,2‐dihydroxybenzenes (catechols) which produce the severe allergic contact dermatitis associated with plants such as poison ivy, poison oakd and the Japanese lac tree. The rates of formation of the primary and secondary semiquinone radical anions show a large kinetic deuterium isotope effect (ca 10) at 20°C, which is ascribed to a slow deprotonation of the hydrogen bridged 4‐methylcatechol monoanion. There is a marked difference in regioselectivity for OH− and MeO− substitution of the 4‐methylcatechol monoanione; OH− reacts exclusively at the 3‐position whereas MeO− attacks at the 5‐position. This dissimilarity between two normally similar nucleophiles is also ascribed to the occurrence of hydrogen bridging between the substituting OH− at the 3‐position and the adjacent quinone oxygen at the 2‐position. The expected attack at the more electropositive 5‐position occurs with MeO− because no such hydrogen bonding can occur. Disubstitution occurs for OH− but not for MeO−, probably reflecting the greater nucleophilicity of the former.

Mini articles

It has been a long time since modern surface coatings replaced urushiol, the liquid from the urushi or Japanese lac tree (anacardiaceae), on which Japan had been traditionally dependent over centuries for the formulation of paints. Japan's surface coatings industry has grown quite steadily and its annual production reached 2.2 million metric tonnes in 1990, ranking second in the world after the USA which produced 5.4 million tonnes in the same year. Since 1990, production has been dropping, reflecting the worldwide economic downturn. Table I illustrates Japan's paints production for the period 1987–1992.

Studies on fractionation and molecular weights of Chinese lacquer polysaccharide

An ionic branched polysaccharide, isolated from the sap of the Chinese lac tree ( Rhus vernicifera), was separated into 10 fractions by isopropanol reprecipitation from an aqueous 0·1 m NaCl solution of 1 wt% polysaccharide. The molecular weights and solution properties were investigated by low angle laser light scattering, rapid static membrane osmometry and viscometry. The Mark-Houwink equations of the polysaccharide in aqueous 0·1 m NaCl at 30°C were established to be: { η} = 3·59 × 10 −2M 0·50 w and { η} = 2·15 × 10 −2M 0·59 n. The second virial coefficients A 2, unperturbed dimensions 〈h 2〉 0/M and expansion factors α η obtained suggested that the polysaccharide exists in aqueous solution as a dense random coil, in consequence of its highly branched structure. In addition, the differential molecular weight distribution curve of the polysaccharide obtained from the experimental data shows double peaks, which is in agreement with data in the literature.

ChemInform Abstract: Synthesis of Urushiols with Pentadecatrienyl Side Chain, Two Constituents of the Sap of a Lac Tree, Rhus Vernicifera.

AbstractChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.

Synthesis of Urushiols with Pentadecatrienyl Side Chain, Two Constituents of the Sap of a Lac Tree, Rhus Vernicifera

Abstract Two phenolic lipids, 3-[(8Z,11Z)-8,11,14- and 3-[(8Z,11E,13E)-8,11,13-pentadecatrienyl]catechol, which are the major constituents of the sap from a Japanese or Chinese lac tree, Rhus vernicifera, have been synthesized via the Wittig reaction of ylides derived from 3,6- and 3,5-heptadienylphosphonium salts with 3-(8-oxooctyl)catechol diacetate.

Synthesis of 3- and 4-(ω-Phenylalkyl)catechols, the Sap Exuded from a Burmese Lac Tree, Melanorrhoea Usitate

Abstract The presence of 3- and 4-(ω-phenylalkyl)catechols in Burmese lac has been confirmed by their synthesis. 3-(ω-Phenylalkyl)veratroles were synthesized by alkylation of ω-phenylalkyl bromide with aryl lithium derived from veratrole. 4-(ω-Phenylalkyl)veratroles were similarly obtained from ω-phenylalkyl bromide and 4-bromoveratrole. Demethylation of 3- and 4-(ω-phenylalkyl)veratroles with boron tribromide gave the corresponding catechols in good yields.

ChemInform Abstract: Synthesis of 3‐(ω‐Phenylalkyl)catechols, Phenolic Lipids Found in Sap of the Burmese Lac Tree, via Directed Metallation.

AbstractStarting with the diols (I), the phenyl‐substituted aldehydes (VI) are obtained.