Loganiaceae Research Articles

Yield, Physicochemical Properties, and Fatty Acid Profile of Vegetable Oil Extracted From Seed Coats of Strychnos pungens Soler. Fruits Collected in Chikomba, Zimbabwe

The study examined Strychnos pungens Soler. (family LOGANIACEAE) fruit as a potential source of vegetable oil. Ripe fruits collected from a forested site in Zimbabwe were processed to determine the partitioning of fresh and dry fruit biomass. The oil was extracted from the seed coat using a hand–operated screw press, and its physiological properties were analyzed. Seeds contributed the most to the fresh weight of the fruit, followed by the shell and pulp. The seed coat was a significant component of the seeds. The seed coat, but not the pulp of the fruit, was found to contain screw press‐extractable oil, the yield of which was substantial, amounting to around 39% of the dry weight of the seed coat. The oil was found to have a high free fatty acid content and a moderate iodine value (83 gI2/100 g), indicating a degree of unsaturation. Furthermore, the oil contained carotenoids and tocols, which serve as antioxidants that help to protect the oil from oxidation. The oil had a high content of monounsaturated oleic acid (78.3%), which is known for its stability and health benefits. The low levels of saturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids make it a high oleic oil. The volatile profile of the oil included compounds with pleasant fruity aromas that enhance its flavour and fragrance. The results highlighted the need for waste management strategies if S. pungens is industrialized as an oil crop. Significant waste, including shells, pulp, cake residue, and seed kernels, would need proper handling and valorisation. In summary, the research showed that S. pungens has the potential to be a valuable source of high‐quality vegetable oil with good oxidative stability and health benefits, primarily due to its high content of oleic acid and antioxidant compounds.

The antianxiety effects of koumine and gelsemine, two main active components in the traditional Chinese herbal medicine Gelsemium: A comprehensive review

AbstractThe genus Gelsemium belongs to the family Loganiaceae, one of the traditional Chinese herbs. Gelsemium is traditionally used to treat rheumatoid and neuropathic pain. Its root extracts were found to protect against anxiety, especially the alkaloids koumine and gelsemine. Indeed, koumine and gelsemine can act as positive agonists of the glycine receptor (GlyR), which reduces neuronal excitability through chloride influx and can also increase neuroactive steroid content by enhancing 3alpha‐hydroxysteroid oxidoreductase (3α‐HSOR) expression. The latter can activate the excitation‐inhibitory response via the γ‐aminobutyric acid type A receptor (GABAAR), reduce the abnormal corticotropin‐releasing hormone (CRH) increase in the hypothalamus, inhibit adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) secretion, and effectively inhibit the abnormal ACTH and corticosterone increases in the circulation. In addition, koumine and gelsemine inhibited the expression of the NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, inhibiting the release of inflammatory factors and regulating anxiety‐related neural circuits. Gelsemine also inhibited the overexpression of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and cAMP response element‐binding protein (CREB) in the hypothalamus to maintain the plasticity of brain neurons and protect neurogenesis to achieve anxiety regulation. In general, this article reviews the recent studies on Gelsemium in the anxiety field, discusses its possible antianxiety mechanism, and confirms the potential of Gelsemium as a therapeutic drug for anxiety‐related diseases.

Evaluation of Genetic Diversity in Strychnos henningsii Selected from Nine Populations in Kenya Based on RAPD Markers

Strychnos henningsii is a traditional medicinal plant distributed throughout the tropical and subtropical areas. It belongs to the family Strychnaceae but formally in the family Loganiaceae. In order to understand the genetic variation across the populations and geographical regions of this plant, RAPD markers were used to assess the genetic diversity in nine populations of this species in Kenya. Two hundred and seventy samples were randomly selected from the nine populations, each comprising thirty individuals. The genetic variation within and among populations was evaluated using RAPD Primers. RAPD markers detected an average of 38.97% polymorphism in all populations studied. The most polymorphic population revealed was Kitui with 75 (55.15 %) polymorphic loci, while Baringo was the least polymorphic population with 25 (25.74%) polymorphic loci detected. The markers also revealed twenty-five specific population loci, which could be responsible for specific population traits. A higher molecular variance was revealed among the population (54%; p<0.001) than within populations 46%; p<0.001). According to Nei’s unbiased genetic matrix, the most genetically close populations were Taita-Taveta and Kitui with the highest genetic identity of 0.955, while Ngong and Baringo populations were the most genetically distant populations with a genetic identity of 0.836. Clustering analysis grouped the nine populations into two groups. Cluster I comprised Kitui, Taveta, Karura, Marsabit, Ngong, Nyeri and Narok. Cluster II consisted of Jirore and Baringo. These results were supported by the principal Coordinate Analysis. However, the clustering analysis did not correlate to the geographical areas of plant collection. The values for genetic diversity (H) and Shannon index (I) obtained from this study ranged from 0.0867-0.1483 and 0.1289 -0.2337, respectively, indicating that a low genetic diversity exists among the S. henningsii genotypes. It is recommended that all existing populations be conserved and further studied conducted using codominance markers to provide more insight into the genetic variation that exists within and among S. henningsii genotypes

Effect of presowing treatments and growth regulators on the propagation of Strychnos potatorum L.F. – cleaning nut tree.

Strychnos potatorum L.F. (family Loganiaceae) is a medium-sized tree, which have high demand in traditional medicine to cure the variety of diseases such as jaundice, bronchitis, diabetes, and their coagulant effect is frequently utilized to clean dirty water. Seed exhibits physiological and morphological dormancy. In order to break their seed dormancy, various pre-sowing treatments were performed. The seeds were subjected to nine treatments which includes GA3 (100 ppm, 500 ppm, 1000 ppm, 1200 ppm, 1500 ppm), H2SO4 (5, 10 min) and cold stratification in three replications. Various parameters like germination and survival percentage, germination energy, germination period, root length, shoot length, number of leaves, collar diameter, dry weight of shoot and root, shoot: root for seedlings were studied. Highest germination percentage, germination energy, germination period, shoot length, root length, number of leaves, collar diameter were observed in the seeds of Strychnos potatorum when the seeds are treated with GA3 of 1000 ppm for 24 h while dry weight of shoot and root and shoot: root ratio was maximum with GA3 of 1200 ppm for 24 hrs treatment.

Karyomorphological Analysis in Strychnos dalzellii C. B. Cl. and Strychnos minor Dennst. - The Indigenous Climbers of India

Karyomorphological characterizations are important for accounting floristic geography, origin, evolution, speciation and helps in the documentation of these species genetically. In the present study, a detailed karyotype analysis has been developed for Strychnos dalzellii C. B. Cl. and Strychnos minor Dennst. - the two prosperously growing, ethnomedicinally well-known climbers of the family Loganiaceae. The chromosome number of S. dalzellii and S. minor was found to be 2n=38 and 2n=40 and the karyotypic formula is A12 + B16 + C10 = 2n = 38 and A6+ B14 + C20 = 2n= 40 is respectively. On the basis of position of centromere, the formula can be written as, m34 + sm3 + st1 = 2n= 38 and m38+ sm2 = 2n=40 for Strychnos dalzellii C. B. Cl. and Strychnos minor Dennst. respectively. This pool of genetic variation needs to be measured and recorded to increase the awareness of the importance in adopting conservation and sustainable utilization.

Excretion, Metabolism, and Tissue Distribution of Gelsemium elegans (Gardn. & Champ.) Benth in Pigs.

Gelsemium elegans (Gardn. & Champ.) Benth is a toxic flowering plant in the family Loganiaceae used to treat skin diseases, neuralgia and acute pain. The high toxicity of G. elegans restricts its development and clinical applications, but in veterinary applications, G. elegans has been fed to pigs as a feed additive without poisoning. However, until now, the in vivo processes of the multiple components of G. elegans have not been studied. This study investigates the excretion, metabolism and tissue distribution of the multiple components of G. elegans after feeding it to pigs in medicated feed. Pigs were fed 2% G. elegans powder in feed for 45 days. The plasma, urine, bile, feces and tissues (heart, liver, lung, spleen, brain, spinal cord, adrenal gland, testis, thigh muscle, abdominal muscle and back muscle) were collected 6 h after the last feeding and analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Five natural products in plasma, twelve natural products and five metabolites in urine, and three natural products in feces were characterized, suggesting that multiple components from G. elegans were excreted in the urine. However, ten natural products and four metabolites were detected in bile samples, which suggested that G. elegans is involved in enterohepatic circulation in pigs. A total of seven of these metabolites were characterized, and four metabolites were glucuronidated metabolites. Ten natural products and six metabolites were detected in the tissues, which indicates that G. elegans is widely distributed in tissues and can cross the blood-brain barrier. Among the characterized compounds, a highly toxic gelsedine-type alkaloid from G. elegans was the main compound detected in all biological samples. This is the first study of the excretion, metabolism and tissue distribution of multiple components from G. elegans in pigs. These data can provide an important reference to explain the efficacy and toxicity of G. elegans. Additionally, the results of the tissue distribution of G. elegans are of great value for further residue depletion studies and safety evaluations of products of animals fed G. elegans.

Gelsemium elegans Benth: Chemical Components, Pharmacological Effects, and Toxicity Mechanisms.

Gelsemium elegans Benth (GEB), also known as heartbreak grass, is a highly poisonous plant belonging to the family Loganiaceae and genus Gelsemium that has broad application prospects in medicine. This article reviews its chemical components, pharmacological effects, toxicity mechanisms, and research progress in clinical applications in recent years. Indole alkaloids are the main active components of GEB and have a variety of pharmacological and biological functions. They have anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and immunomodulation properties, with the therapeutic dose being close to the toxic dose. Application of small-dose indole alkaloids fails to work effectively, while high-dose usage is prone to poisoning, aggravating the patient’s conditions. Special caution is needed, especially to observe the changes in the disease condition of the patients in clinical practice. In-depth research on the chemical components and mechanisms of GEB is essential to the development of promising lead compounds and lays the foundation for extensive clinical application and safe usage of GEB in the future.

Gas chromatography\u2013mass spectrometry (GC\u2013MS) analysis of ethyl acetate root bark extract of Strychnos innocua (Delile)

BackgroundMajority of phytochemicals have been known to bear valuable therapeutic activities such as insecticidal, antibacterial, antifungal, anticonstipative, spasmolytic, antiplasmodial and antioxidant activities. Strychnos innocua is straight-stemmed tree belonging to the family Loganiaceae and can grow up to 18 m tall. The plant is used for various pharmacological purposes. The aim of this study was to determine the chemical composition of the ethyl acetate extract of root bark of S. innocua using GC–MS analysis. The root bark was collected, air-dried and then crushed to powder. Standard extraction method (maceration) was used to obtain the ethyl acetate extract. The GC–MS was carried out on the extract using GC 7890B, MSD 5977A, Agilent Tech.ResultsThirty-seven compounds were identified among which dibutyl benzene-1,2-dicarboxylate showed the highest peak area (31.03%) and monomethyl pimelate showed the lowest peak area (0.39%). The major compounds identified were cyclooctane (methoxymethoxy), 2,4-dimethylheptanedioic acid dimethyl ester, azelaic acid, 1,2-benzenedicarboxylic acid, bis(2-methylpropyl) ester, dibutyl benzene-1,2-dicarboxylate, butyl 8-methylnonyl benzene-1,2-dicarboxylate, 9,15-octadecadienoic acid, methyl ester, cis-vaccenic acid, linoleic acid ethyl ester and ethyl oleate.ConclusionsIn conclusion, these phytoconstituents might be responsible for the medicinal efficacy of the root bark of S. innocua and can be used as a source therapeutic drug.

Integration of Metabolomics and Transcriptomicsto Comprehensively Evaluate the Metabolic Effects of Gelsemium elegans on Pigs

Simply SummarySome natural phytogenic feed additives, which contain several active compounds, have been shown to be effective alternatives to traditional antibiotics. Gelsemium elegans (G. elegans) has been used as a traditional Chinese herbal medicine for many years, and it has an obvious growth-promoting effect on animals such as pigs. To our knowledge, the internal mechanism of the influence of G. elegans on the animal body is still unclear. Here, the plasma metabolomics and liver transcriptional profile of crude extract of G. elegans in pigs were reported for the first time and the metabolic consequences of feeding piglets G. elegans for 45 days were evaluated. The results showed that the addition of 2% G. elegans powder to feed is nontoxic to pigs. In addition, G. elegans could be used as a phytogenic feed additive, which could improve the immune function of piglets, and the latent mechanism of G. elegans may be related to various signaling pathways, including the MAPK signaling pathway and PPAR signaling pathway. Collectively, results of the current provide a clearer understanding of the molecular mechanism of the pharmacological effects of G. elegans, which is of great significance for a safer and more rational application of this phytogenic feed additives.Some naturalphytogenic feed additives, which contain several active compounds, have been shown to be effective alternatives to traditional antibiotics. Gelsemium elegans (G. elegans) is a whole grass in the family Loganiaceae. It is a known toxic plant widely distributed in China and has been used as a traditional Chinese herbal medicine for many years to treat neuropathic pain, rheumatoid pain, inflammation, skin ulcers, and cancer. However, G. elegans not only is nontoxic to animals such as pigs and sheep but also has an obvious growth-promoting effect. To our knowledge, the internal mechanism of the influence of G. elegans on the animal body is still unclear. The goal of this work is to evaluate the metabolic consequences of feeding piglets G. elegans for 45 days based on the combination of transcriptomics and metabolomics. According to growth measurement and evaluation, compared with piglets fed a complete diet, adding 20 g/kg G. elegans powder to the basal diet of piglets significantly reduced the feed conversion ratio. Results of the liver transcriptome suggest that glycine and cysteine-related regulatory pathways, including the MAPK signaling pathway and the mTOR signaling pathway, were extensively altered in G. elegans-induced piglets. Plasma metabolomics identified 21 and 18 differential metabolites (p < 0.05) in the plasma of piglets in the positive and negative ion modes, respectively, between G. elegans exposure and complete diet groups. The concentrations of glycine and its derivatives and N-acetylcysteine were higher in the G. elegans exposure group than in the complete diet group.This study demonstrated that G. elegans could be an alternative to antibiotics that improves the immune function of piglets, and the latent mechanism of G. elegans may be related to various signaling pathways, including the MAPK signaling pathway and the PPAR signaling pathway.

Lectotipificaciones y novedad taxonómica en Spigelia (Loganiaceae) para la flora del Cono Sur

In the framework of the taxonomic treatment of the family Loganiaceae for the Argentinean Flora, it was necessary to lectotypify 12 names described for the genus Spigelia. On the other hand, Spigelia beccabungoides, cited as endemic to the Flora of Paraguay is synonymized under Justicia comata (Acanthaceae).

Characterization of gelsevirine metabolites in rat liver S9 by accurate mass measurements using high-performance liquid chromatography/quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry.

Gelsemium elegans Benth. belongs to the family Loganiaceae and is widely distributed in northern America, east Asia, and southeast Asia. It has attracted wide attention for its diverse biological effects and complex architectures. Gelsevirine is one of the major components in G. elegans. Compared with other alkaloids from G. elegans, gelsevirine exhibits equally potent anxiolytic effects but with less toxicity. However, the metabolism of gelsevirine has not been clearly elucidated. The metabolism of gelsevirine was investigated using liver S9 fractions derived from rat liver homogenates by centrifugation at 9000 g. A rapid and accurate high-performance liquid chromatography/quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (HPLC/QqTOF-MS) method was applied to characterize the gelsevirine metabolites. We discovered a total number of four metabolites of gelsevirine. The metabolic pathways of gelsevirine consisted of hydrogenation, N-demethylenation and oxidation in rat liver S9. This is the first study on the metabolism of gelsevirine. We proposed possible metabolic pathways of gelsevirine. These findings may warrant future studies of the in vivo metabolism of gelsemine in animals.

Report on Antidiabetic, Diuretic and Analgesic Activities of Methanolic Extract of Leaves of Strychnos colubrina L.an Endangered Medicinal Plant

Strychnos colubrina L. belongs to family Loganiaceae was known as snake wood tree.The methanolic extracts from Strychnos colubrina L. leave collected from different provinces in Penchalakona of Nellore district were prepared by decoction and maceration with methanol and evaluated for their antidiabetic, diuretic and analgesic activities. Methanolic extracts from Strychnos colubrina L. leaves (SCM) were evaluated for anti diabetic effect in Streptozocin (STZ) induced diabetes in rats. The blood sugar levels were analysed as indices of diabetes. 200 mg/kg b.w. of the extract showed a greater reduction in blood glucose level which was comparable to glibenclamide. To find out diuretic efficacy, SCM of leaves were administered to experimental rats orally at doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg and compared with Furosemide (20 mg/kg,o.p) as the standard. The rats treated with SCM of leaves in a dose of 200 mg/kg shown near similar urine output and electrolytes excretion when compared to the respective control. The analgesic activity of SCM of leaves is estimated using tail flick in mice. Results demonstrated that SCM of leaves exhibited a potent dose-dependent analgesic activity in all tested models for analgesia. This report could be used for medicinal and pharmaceutical exploration in the future.

Explaining Ovule Sterility inRauvolfiaL. (Apocynaceae)

Premise of research. Approximately 5% of Gentianales are estimated to be dioecious—mainly the members of Rubiaceae, Gentianaceae, and Loganiaceae. In Apocynaceae, there exists a report of cryptic d...

Botany, Phytochemistry, Pharmacology and Toxicity of Strychnos nux-vomica L.: A Review.

Strychnos nux-vomica L. belongs to the genus Strychnos of the family Loganiaceae and grows in Sri Lanka, India and Australia. The traditional medicinal component is its seed, called Nux vomica. This study provides a relevant and comprehensive review of S. nux-vomica L., including its botany, ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, pharmacology and toxicology, thus providing a foundation for future studies. Up to the present day, over 84 compounds, including alkaloids, iridoid glycosides, flavonoid glycosides, triterpenoids, steroids and organic acids, among others, have been isolated and identified from S. nux-vomica. These compounds possess an array of biological activities, including effects on the nervous system, analgesic and anti-inflammatory actions, antitumor effects, inhibition of the growth of pathogenic microorganisms and regulation of immune function. Furthermore, toxicity and detoxification methods are preliminarily discussed toward the end of this review. In further research on S. nux-vomica, bioactivity-guided isolation strategies should be emphasized. Its antitumor effects should be investigated further and in vivo animal experiments should be performed alongside in vitro testing. The pharmacological activity and toxicology of strychnine [Formula: see text]-oxide and brucine [Formula: see text]-oxide should be studied to explore the detoxification mechanism associated with processing more deeply.

English

Strychnos spinosa Lam. belongs to the family Loganiaceae.&nbsp; It is a small tree.&nbsp; The morphological and anatomical features of the leaves, stem, flower and fruit were studied. S. spinosa has a cylindrical stem with a pair of spines at irregular spaces. The leaves are opposite, decussate, petiolate with palmate venation. The petals are greenish in colour, tubular with five lobes. There are numerous white hair-like appendages at the neck of the corolla tube. The androecium is epipetalous and attached close to the bottom of the corolla tube. The flower is a cyme, occurring in threes, with the middle one being the oldest. The fruit is a berry with very hard pericarp. It turns from light green when unripe to bright yellow when ripe. The anatomy of the leaf revealed presence of rosette crystals and intraxylary phloem which is more pronounced in the mid rib and petiole. &ldquo;Kranz&rdquo; structure was observed in the transverse section of the leaf. Anisocytic stomata are numerous in the abaxial (lower) epidemis but absent in the adaxial epidemis. The anatomy of the stem showed the presence of crystals in the cortex. Both solitary and multiple vessels are found in the transverse section.&nbsp; In the tangential longitudinal section, most of the rays were four to seven cells wide, but a few were uniseriate, biseriate and triseriate. Most of the pollen grains were triangular in the polar view but a few were quadrangular. Those that were triangular exhibited tricolporate aperture while those that were quadrangular had tetracolporate aperture. The sculpturing was perforate and were not very compact. &nbsp; Key words: Strychnos spinosa, rosette crystals, intraxylary phloem, pollen dimorphism, heterogenous, rays.

&lt;I&gt;In-vitro&lt;/I&gt; Antiurolithiatic Activity of &lt;I&gt;Strychnos potatorum&lt;/I&gt; L.F.

With the passage of time, many problems associated with frequent use of synthetic drugs become prominent, like severe side effects and resistance of microbes against these drugs. On the other side, these drugs are expensive and a large population cannot afford these drugs. In recent times, research on medicinal plants has been intensified all over the world. Kidney stone formation (Urolithiasis) is a complex process that includes many chemical events such as super saturation, nucleation, growth, aggregation and retention of urinary stone constituents within the renal tubules. The currently employed medical management of urinary calculi includes lithotripsy and surgical procedures are expensive and complete recurrence is rare. In this respect, it was noted that there was little attempts reported on in vitro crystallization, growth and dissolution studies of Strychnos potatorum L.f. Strychnos potatorum L.f. is a dry deciduous tree and coming under the family Loganiaceae. Mainly four parts of the plant were taken for the study, leaf, stem, bark and seed. The four parts were extracted with petroleum ether, chloroform, methanol and water in the increasing order of polarity. The treatment of urolithiasis is mainly considered with the dissolution of existing stones and preventing recurrence of stones. The per cent inhibition of turbidity increased with concentration of extract and methanol extract of seed showed maximum dissolution of calcium oxalate stones in vitro.

Biotechnological Approach of Threatened Species Strychnos Nux-vomica L. to Standardized Nursery Techniques

Strychnos nux-vomica belonging to family Loganiaceae. Carbohydrate, protein, oil, steroid, alkaloid, resin, strychnine and brucine were detected in phytochemical screening. It is anticipated that lipid peroxidation may provide scientific rationale for the use of S. nux-vomica as an antidiabetic plant. There is a need to develop bio-technological approach for raising nursery plants of S. nux-vomica as per International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) criteria. Different concentration of growth hormones to break seed dormancy, four pre treatments, different size of polythene bags, root trainer, and impact of potting mixture on the growth were adopted to determine the best treatments. The results indicated that the seed dormancy was broken when seeds were treated with 40 ppm concentration of GA3 or 100 ppm concentration of IBA hormones and soaking with warm water, the best size of polythene bag was used as medium size of polythene (25x11 cm), the best size of root trainer was used as medium cup root trainer (187 cm 3 ), and the best potting mixture was found to be farm yard manure (FYM) with soil and sand in ratio of 1:1:1. Statistical analysis was also adopted to determine of significance levels.

New nor-ursane type triterpenoids from Gelsemium elegans

Five new nor-ursane type triterpenoids, gelse-norursane A–E, together with twenty known compounds, were isolated from the whole plant of Gelsemium elegans. The structures of new compounds were established as (2R,3R,7R,17S,19R)-2,3,7,19-tetrahydroxy-6-oxo-24-norurs-4(23),12-dien-28-oic acid (1), (2R,3R,7R,17S)-2,3,7-trihydroxy-6-oxo-24-norurs-4(23), 12-dien-28-oic acid (2), (2R,3R,7R,17S)-2,3,4-trihydroxy-23-norurs-20(30),12-dien-28-oic acid (3), (2R,3R,30R)-2,3-dihydroxy-24-norurs-4(23),12-dien-30-oic acid (4), and (2R,3R,30R)-2, 3-dihydroxy-24-norurs-4,12-dien-30-oic acid (5), using spectroscopic analysis, including HRESIMS, 1D and 2D NMR. The absolute configurations of 1 and 4 were established through comparison of experimental and calculated ECD spectra. The gelse-norursane A–E are isolated as the 24-nor-ursane type triterpenoids from the family Loganiaceae for the first time. The cytotoxicities of the selected compounds against a panel of four human cancer HL60, Hela, Hep-G2, and Smmc 7221 cell lines were evaluated using the MTT assay in vitro.

Phytochemical study, cytotoxic, analgesic, antipyretic and anti-inflammatory activities of Strychnos nux-vomica

The strychnine tree (Strychnos nux-vomica L.) (S. nux-vomica) belonging to family Loganiaceae has been a very promising medication for certain disorders. Different chromatographic methods were used to isolate the phenolic compounds from the aqueous methanolic extract of the S. nux-vomica leaves. Their identification was achieved through spectroscopic techniques. Cytotoxicity, analgesic, antipyretic and anti-inflammatory activities of S. nux-vomica leaves extract were evaluated. Five phenolic compounds were isolated and identified; Kaempferol-7 glucoside 1, 7-Hydroxy coumarin 2, Quercetin-3-rhamnoside 3, Kaempferol 3-rutinoside 4, and Rutin 5. Furthermore, the cytotoxic activity of the extract was evaluated against different cancer cell lines. The extract showed potential cytotoxic activity against human epidermoid larynx carcinoma cells (Hep-2) and against breast carcinoma cell line (MCF-7). Colon carcinoma cells (HCT) were the least one affected by the extract. In addition, the extract exhibited promising analgesic, antipyretic as well as anti-inflammatory activities. It is concluded that, leaves extract of S. nux vomica possess potent cytotoxic, analgesic, antipyretic and anti-inflammatory activities. These activities could be due to the presence of phenolic compounds revealed by our phytochemical investigations.

&lt;i&gt;Adelphacme&lt;/i&gt; (Loganiaceae), a new genus from south-western Australia

The new genus Adelphacme (Loganiaceae) is here described. Adelphacme is placed in Loganieae and is distinguished from all other genera in Loganiaceae by the following unique combination of characters: stipules reduced to a persistent, membranous, interfoliar sheath; 5-merous calyx, corolla and androecium; calyx with indistinct tube; corolla glabrous or papillose with valvate aestivation; ovary semi-inferior and capsule two-horned (mitre-shaped) with styles persistent and apically united. The new combination Adelphacme minima (B.J.Conn) K.L.Gibbons, B.J.Conn &amp; M.J.Henwood is here made. A key to the seven genera of Loganieae, recognised here, is provided. The key is modified to include all Australian genera of the family Loganiaceae.