Loranthaceae Research Articles

Rank of the Subfamilies Loranthoideae and Viscoideae

The family Loranthaceae has been divided into the subfamilies Loranthoideae and Viscoideae (Engler, 1888-89 ; Danser, 1929, 1933a, b). These two subfamilies show great dissimilarity in their morphological as well as their embryological characters.In the Loranthoideae flowers may be unisexual or bisexual, but a calyculus is invariably present. The ovary may contain a lobed or unlobed mamelon, or the mamelon may be extremely reduced or absent. A collenchymatous pad or tube is invariably present in the ovary. The embryo sac is of the Polygonum type. Many embryo sacs may develop simultaneously in the same ovary and their tips grow up into the style and in some cases reach the stigma. The lower end of the sac sometimes produces a caecum. The endosperm is a composite structure formed by the fusion of all the endosperms developing in the same ovary. The first division of the zygote is always vertical and is followed by transverse divisions resulting in a long biseriate proembryo. The fruit shows 4 distinct layers and the viscid layer is situated outside the vascular bundles of the corolla.In the Viscoideae, flowers are unisexual and the calyculus is absent except in Viscum orientate and V. articulation. The central ovarian papilla has 2 or more archesporial cells, each of which divides to form two dyad cells. Of these the upper dyad cell is the larger and functions, while the lower soon degenerates. Thus the development conforms to Allium type. A peculiar feature is that after the 4-nucleate stage there is a slow but steady curvature of the embryo sac, which causes its lower end to bend out of the papilla and proceed upwards into the carpellary tissue. The egg apparatus differentiates from the quartet in the originally lower pole, which is later situated at a higher level than the upper. Generally only one embryo sac develops which is said to show inverted polarity. The endosperm is derived from the primary endosperm nucleus of a single embryo sac. The first division of the zygote is transverse except in Korthalsella. The embryo lacks a suspensor. The viscous part of the fruit is situated within the vascular bundles of the perigone.Thus, the Loranthoideae and the Viscoideae show important differences in floral structure, mode of development of the embryo sac, endosperm and embryo, and in the location of the viscid zone of the fruit. These differences adequately warrant the raising of the two subfamilies to the rank of fatnilies. As proposed by Miers (see Danser, 1929), the name Loranthaceae may be retained for the Loranthoideae, and the Viscoideae may be designated Viscaceae.

Diversity in pollen grain characteristics and its importance in distinguishing Loranthaceae Juss. species grown in Saudi Arabia

Members of the Loranthaceae family are considered parasitic, and mistletoe negatively affects the growth and productivity of host trees. Loranthaceae has several complicated taxonomic issues. Six species of Loranthaceae grow naturally in Saudi Arabia, but these species have not been well studied. The aim of this work was to evaluate the importance of morpho-palynological characters as a taxonomic tool in the identification of Loranthaceae species growing in Saudi Arabia. The discriminatory power of these characteristics was evaluated using different statistical analysis methods. The descriptive characteristics of pollen polar and equatorial views and colpus type are useful for describing the species, and the presence of three colpus patterns was detected among the study samples: syn-(3)-, demisyn-(3)-, and zono-(3)-colpate. The quantitative characteristics, specifically, the equatorial diameter and P/E ratio, are the most useful and can be used to classify species within clusters based on their affiliation with genera, species, and subtribes Emelianthinae and Tapinanthinae. This study confirmed that pollen grain characteristics can be used as a taxonomical tool to identify Loranthaceae species. This information will aid in determining parasitic species that infect trees and could be useful for strengthening efforts in weed management.

Chemical Constituents of Loranthaceae (Mistletoes): A Review

This article review is designed to bring some updates on the phytochemistry of the Loranthaceae family in order to throw more light on future research priorities. Loranthaceae family is the leading pantropical semi parasitic shrubs generally termed mistletoe. They consist of about 75 genera and 1000 species growing in many countries of Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, South America and New Zealand with diverse widespread uses in adornment, food and medication. The literatures for this review was collected from various online databases: Google Scholar, PubMed, Research gate, Science Direct, Scopus and web of Science for nine genera namely, Globimetula, Scurrula, Dendrophtoe, Loranthus, Phragmanthera, Tapinanthus, Taxillus, Tripodanthus and Viscum based on the type of phytochemicals, popularity and environmental setting. Chemical studies of the Loranthaceae species have produced a number of important phytochemicals belonging to different classes. The recent investigations led to the discovery of several secondary metabolites such as alkaloids, flavonoids, phenolic compounds, lignan and neolignans and triterpenes. Hence this review represents a comprehensive assessment of the phytochemical studies carried out on Loranthaceae plants and could be a source of therapeutically beneficial products.

Comparison of Antioxidant Activity of Mistletoe Mango Leaves Extract (Dendrophtoe pentandra (L.) Miq) Using Ethanol Solution and Methanol Solution Based on DPPH Method

Indonesians have been utilising plants as traditional raw materials, especially herbal plants, since the time of the struggle until the current independence. Mistletoe mango which belongs to the Loranthaceae family, leaves of mistletoe mango is considered a medicinal plant. Phytochemical analysis shows that these plants contain a number of secondary metabolites, such as flavonoids, saponins, tannins, alkaloids, glycosides, and inulin. Antioxidants are compounds that can prevent oxidation reactions by binding free radicals and highly reactive molecules. The DPPH method is a simple, easy, rapid and sensitive antioxidant activity test method that uses only a small sample. The aim was to determine the comparison of the antioxidant activity of mistletoe mango leaves extract (Dendrophthoe pentandra (L) Miq) with ethanol and methanol solvents, as well as analyzing the 50% inhibitin of DPPH. The results showed that the antioxidant activity of mistletoe mango leaves extract using ethanol solvent was 15,286 ppm, while using methanol solvent was 93,456 ppm. It was concluded that antioxidant activity showed a very strong category and there was a significant difference.

Host Preference, Salt Balance and Molecular Characteristics of African Mistletoes in Selected Areas of Sokoto State, Nigeria

Mistletoes are hemi parasitic plants that are widely distributed and parasitize host trees globally. The aim of this study was to identify African mistletoes using DNA markers, determine their host preferences and salt balance in selected communities of Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria. A total of 8communities were surveyed and the number of mistletoes on the host trees were counted and recorded. In addition, host characteristics such as canopy spread, tree height, water holding capacity and mistletoe-host nutrients (N+, K+, Ca2+ and P+ concentrations) equilibrium was determined. Molecular identification of collected mistletoe samples was done using DNA Barcoding with Rbcl targeted specific primers and sequence analysis using DNA Subway database. The results revealed that Acacia nilotica tree was highly infested by the mistletoe. Host canopy spread, basal area and height had no influence over mistletoe infestation. The concentration of N+, K+, Ca2+, Mg2+ and P+ were found to be higher in the mistletoes compared to the host trees. Molecular identification of the collected mistletoes revealed close relationship with Moquiniella rubra, belonging to the family Loranthaceae. It can be concluded from the result that the mistletoes in the study areas are Moquiniella rubra and depend solely on the host trees for their nutrients requirement and survival.

Mealybugs (Hemiptera, Coccomorpha, Pseudococcidae) on parasitic plants (Loranthaceae) in Indonesia with description of a new species and a new country record.

Parasitic plants have been known to be attacked by insect pests since ancient times. However, little is known about the mealybug (Hemiptera, Coccomorpha, Pseudococcidae) fauna associated with them. A series of surveys of mealybugs found on Loranthaceae, a semi-parasitic plant family, was conducted in several places in Bengkulu Province, southern Sumatra, Indonesia. In the study, 55 mealybug specimens were collected, consisting of eight species belonging to five genera, namely Chorizococcus McKenzie (1 species), Dysmicoccus Ferris (2 species), Ferrisia Fullaway (1 species), Planococcus Ferris (3 species) and Pseudococcus Westwood (1 species). Chorizococcusozeri Zarkani & Kaydan, sp. nov. is new to science, whilst Planococcusbagmaticus Williams represents the first record in Indonesia. In addition, the mealybugs Dysmicoccuslepelleyi (Betrem), Dysmicoccuszeynepae Zarkani & Kaydan, Ferrisiadasylirii (Cockerell), Planococcuslilacinus (Cockerell) and Pseudococcusjackbeardsleyi Gimpel & Miller are newly recorded from plants of the family Loranthaceae. Figures and illustrations of mealybug species with a taxonomic key to Asian Chorizococcus and a new country record based on morphological characters are also updated.

Evaluation of In-vitro anti-inflammatory and antibacterial potential of methanolic leaf extracts of Elytranthe parasitica (L.) Danser (Loranthaceae) – A Hemiparasitic Angiosperm

Elytranthe parasitica (L.) Danser is a hemiparasitic angiosperm shrub commonly called Macrosolen parasiticus and it is a member of the family Loranthaceae. The members of Loranthaceae are utilized globally in conventional medicine to cure a variety of ailments. The current study aimed to assess the qualitative screening of Elytranthe parasitica for its secondary metabolites and also In-vitro evaluation of anti-inflammatory and antibacterial potential. The fresh leaf samples were collected and extracted with the help of a soxhlet extractor. The in-vitro anti-inflammatory potential was determined by protein denaturation assay and HRBC membrane stabilization assay, and evaluation of antibacterial properties by agar well diffusion assay. The results of the qualitative evaluation of phytoconstituents revealed a wide range of secondary metabolites. The methanolic leaf extracts of Elytranthe parasitic exhibited significant protein denaturation activity of (82.46 ± 1.37)% at 250 µg ml-1 concentration and showed significant membrane stabilization activity (65.57±2.60)% at 500 µg ml-1 concentration. It also shows good membrane stabilizations activity shows considerable antibacterial activity with the maximum inhibition zone against Xanthomonas campestris (18.16±0.44 mm) followed by Escherichia coli (15.33±0.88 mm), Staphylococcus aureus (11.16±0.44), and Salmonella typhi (10.66±0.66 mm) at higher concentrations. To conclude, it was found that Elytranthe parasitica (L.) Danser has a variety of secondary metabolites that have potent anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties based on the experiments carried out.

Pharmacological activities of parasitic plants of Loranthaceae – A review

Medicinal plants are the part of human Society to combat many disorders. The plant derived drugs and other herbal therapeutics are widely used against several malfunctions. Other than medicinal herbs, mistletoe–hemi parasitic plants are also used to treat many diseases. Usually, mistletoe family is recognized based on their host plants. Loranthaceae, the largest family in the order Santalales with 76 genera and more than 1,100 species. Most of the Loranthaceae family members are aerial parasites. Family comprises of 10 genera and 60 species which are found in India. It has been scientifically established that every part of these plants has medicinal properties (flower, stem, leaf, fruits, seed and whole plants). Only a few species are having potential traditional medicinal values and extensively used in several medicinal systems. Dendrophthoe falcata holds the major part in this taxon. This species shows traditional medicinal values in Indian Ayurvedic system of medicine and other systems of natural medicine widely. There are many biologically active components present in the parasitic plants, flavonoid, quercetin, kaempferol, rutin, tannins, β- sitosterol, stigmasterol, β- amyrin and oleanolic acid. Dendrophthoe falcata was rich in flavonoids and quercetin and the major components are reportedly present in the leaves. Quercitrin (quercetin 3-0-α- rhamnoside) has been separately isolated as a major component from the ethanolic extract of Dendrophthoe falcata leaves and this quercitrin phytochemical is highly responsible for antioxidative potency. Nanoparticles phytosynthesized from these plants are also studied for their pharmacological activities. It has been revealed that the medicinal properties of mistletoes based on host plants are scanty.

Helicanthes elasticus (Desr.) Danser: Its Pharmacological Potentials and New Prospects

Helicanthes elasticus (Desr.) Danser is a member of family Loranthaceae which is found widely growing on mango trees in southern India. Alkaloids, carbohydrate, steroids, tannins, saponins, phenols, flavonoids and triterpenoids are mainly believed to be responsible for its wide therapeutic actions. It is known to possess medicinal activities such as antimicrobial activity, immunomodulatory hepatoprotective, antioxidant, anti diabetic, diuretic and natriuretic activity, cytotoxicity (anti-tumour activity), anti-asthmatic and anti-anaphylactic, anti-arthritic, anti-ulcer, anti-inflammatory, anti urolithiatic and nephroprotective activity. In this work information concerning pharmacological activities possessed by different parts of Helicanthes elasticus has been keenly observed and summarized.

Comparative in Vitro Antioxidant Activities of Methanol Extracts OF Phragmanthera incana Leaves from Guava, Cashew, Mango and Kolanut Trees

The therapeutic effects of several plants used in traditional medicine are usually attributed to their antioxidant potential. Phragmanthera incana belonging to the family Loranthaceae is a species of mistletoe commonly found in South-Western part of Nigeria and used ethno-medicinally in the management of diseases such as diabetes, hypertension and oxidative stress. This study evaluates and compare the antioxidant potential of methanol extracts of P. incana leaves hemi-parasitic on Guava, Cashew, Mango and Kolanut trees using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) and Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC). P. incana leaves from kolanut exhibited a higher DPPH scavenging activity and reduces ferric ion to ferrous ion in a concentration dependent manner when compared with other test extracts while P. incana leaves from guava demonstrated the highest TAC when compared with other test extracts. The antioxidant profile shown by DPPH scavenging activity, FRAP, and TAC of the methanol extracts of P. incana leaves from the selected host trees in a dose dependent manner indicate that the extracts are rich source of antioxidants and can possibly potentiate the antioxidant potential in vivo and could serve as sources of antioxidants for nutritional and therapeutic purposes.

Isolated Phytochemicals and Biological Activities of Dendrophthoe falcata: A Review

Dendrophthoe falcata is one of the hemiparasitic plants that belong to the mistletoe family Loranthaceae. Since ancient times, Dendrophthoe falcata extracts have been recognized for their medicinal importance and many of them have been used as traditional remedies for treatment of ailments like ulcers, impotence, asthma and wounds. As a result, the significance of this plant inspired us to conduct a literature review on the biochemical significance of its isolated phytochemicals. So, in the present review, an inclusive account of phytochemicals and biological activities of leaf, stem and fruit extracts of D. falcata are included in view of the many related recent findings.

Micromorphological characterization and electron microscopic study of parasitic species of the family Loranthaceae Juss.

The Loranthaceae Juss. family includes parasitic species that invade important trees such as fruit trees. In Saudi Arabia, Loranthaceae comprises four genera, which include six species that grow in the western, southwestern, and northern regions: Tapinanthus globifer (A.Rich.) Tiegh, Oncocalyx glabratus (Engl.) M. G. Gilbert, Loranthella deflersii (Tiegh.) S. Blanco & C. E. Wetze, Phragmanthera austroarabica A. G. Mill. & J. Nyberg, Plicosepalus curviflorus (Benth.ex Oliv.) Tiegh. and Plicosepalus acaciae (Zucc.). The species present in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have not been the subject of enough studies. This work aims to screen and evaluate the taxonomic importance of the micromorphological traits of leaves and fruits in Loranthaceae species native to Saudi Arabia (SA) using scanning electron microscope (SEM). In this study, cluster dendrogram (CD), principal component analysis (PCA) and analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used to evaluate the ability to discriminate Loranthaceae species using micromorphological characteristics. Most of the micromorphological characteristics of the leaf and fruit surfaces used reflected significant variation between the species of Loranthaceae. The type of stomata, trichome, lenticels, fine relief of the cell wall and wax form were the most taxonomically important characteristics. In addition, the cluster dendrogram of morphological characteristics showed species distribution within branches based on affiliation to subtribes Tapinanthinae and Emelianthinae. To the best of our knowledge, the fruit and leaves of the species under study have never been described using electron microscopy, and this study is considered the first of its kind. It also contributes to solving the classification problems of the family Loranthaceae in general and confirms the importance of the characteristics and methods used as tools for characterizing parasitic species that infect trees and helps to verify their identities. This will help to improve resistance efforts and put effective control plans in place.

Taxillus chinensis (DC.) Danser: a comprehensive review on botany, traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and toxicology.

Taxillus chinensis (DC.) Danser (T. chinensis), known as "Sangjisheng" in Chinese, is a member of the family Loranthaceae, with the traditional functions of "dispelling wind dampness, strengthening bones and muscles, and preventing miscarriage". Since Eastern Han dynasty, it has been used for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, arthralgia, threatened abortion, and hypertension. Nowadays, T. chinensis is included in the 2020 Edition of the Chinese Pharmacopoeia as Taxilli Herba. The purpose of this review is to summarize the latest research on T. chinensis in recent years, and make critical comments, so as to provide reference for the clinical application and modern research of T. chinensis. In this review, we summarize the botany, traditional uses, and research advances in the phytochemistry and pharmacological effects of T. chinensis. Its toxicity has also been discussed. The published literature on current pharmacological and toxicological data has also been assessed. To date, approximately 110 compounds, including flavonoids, phenolic acids, phenylpropanoids, tannins, glycosides, amino acids, and nucleosides, have been identified in T. chinensis. Flavonoids are considered the most vital bioactive ingredients in T. chinensis. Pharmacological studies have demonstrated that T. chinensis possesses anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer, antimicrobial, antiviral, diuretic, antihypertensive, antihyperglycemic, and other properties. Currently, research on T. chinensis is in the preliminary stages, and further research is required to understand the active compounds present and mechanisms of action. We hope that this comprehensive review of T. chinensis will serve as a background for further research.

Euphol from Tapinanthus sp. Induces Apoptosis and Affects Signaling Proteins in Glioblastoma and Prostate Cancer Cells

Plants play an important role in cancer therapy. They are source of natural molecules which can induce apoptosis in cancer cells by affecting molecular mechanisms implicated in cancer progression. The MAP Kinase/ERK1/2 and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways are two classical signaling pathways implicated in cancer progression and constitute therapeutic targets against cancer. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of euphol on MAP Kinase/ERK1/2 and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways in glioblastoma and prostate cancer cells. Euphol is a tetracyclique triterpene alcohol isolated from Tapinanthus sp. which is a hemi parasitic plant belonging to Loranthaceae family. Plant powder was extracted by maceration and euphol was isolated and described using respectively column chromatography separation on silica gel and spectroscopic data. Cytotoxic effect of euphol was evaluated using XTT assay and its effect on MAP Kinase/ERK1/2 and PI3K/AKT protein expression was investigated by Western immunoblot analysis. Apotosis was analyzed by evaluating caspase-3/7 activity. Our investigations demonstrated that this compound has an important cytotoxic effect on C6 and U87 MG glioblastoma (GBM) cells and PC-3 prostate cancer cells. Furthermore, euphol-induced apoptosis revealed by elevated caspase 3/7 activity, was correlated with a significant inhibition of MAP kinase/Erk 1/2 and PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in glioblastoma U87 MG cells. The reverse effect was observed in C6 glioblastoma cells, where apoptosis was correlated with a long-lasting activation of Erk 1/2. In PC-3 cells, euphol had no or limited effect on Erk 1/2 and Akt activity. These results indicate that euphol induces cell death in glioblastoma and prostate cancer cells and regulates significantly Erk1/2 and Akt activity in glioblastoma cells.

Nutritional composition of Phragmanthera incana (Schum) leaves selected from four host trees

Phragmanthera incana (Schum) belonging to the family Loranthaceae, is a specie of mistletoe commonly found on trees in South-western part of Nigeria. They are hemi-parasitic plants that grow on trees which have been employed ethno-medicinally to treat several disease conditions. This study therefore evaluate the dietary and nutritional composition of the plant. Fresh leaves of P. incana from four host trees; Psidium guajava (guava), Cola acuminata (kolanut), Anacardium occidentale (cashew), and Mangifera indica (mango) trees were collected from its natural habitat. Proximate and mineral analysis were carried out according to recommended methods of the Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC). Triplicate readings of data obtained were presented as mean and standard deviation. The proximate analysis of the powdered samples of P. incana leaves showed that the samples contain varying amounts of moisture, ash, crude protein, crude fat, crude fibre, carbohydrate and minerals The carbohydrates and protein contents obtained in the leaves falls within the recommendation values of Food and Nutrition Board of Institute of Medicines (IOM) at 45% to 65% of energy and 10% to 35% of energy respectively. Comparing the results obtained with permissible limits set by WHO for consumed medicinal herbs, it can be concluded that the essential metals and heavy metals present in P. incana from the four host trees were below permissible limits. P. incana leaves are rich sources of dietary elements essential for biochemical processes and body metabolism.

Gene Losses and Plastome Degradation in the Hemiparasitic Species Plicosepalus acaciae and Plicosepalus curviflorus: Comparative Analyses and Phylogenetic Relationships among Santalales Members.

The Plicosepalus genus includes hemiparasitic mistletoe and belongs to the Loranthaceae family, and it has several medicinal uses. In the present study, we sequenced the complete plastomes of two species, Plicosepalus acaciae and Plicosepalus curviflorus, and compared them with the plastomes of photosynthetic species (hemiparasites) and nonphotosynthetic species (holoparasites) in the order Santalales. The complete chloroplast genomes of P. acaciae and P. curviflorus are circular molecules with lengths of 120,181 bp and 121,086 bp, respectively, containing 106 and 108 genes and 63 protein-coding genes, including 25 tRNA and 4 rRNA genes for each species. We observed a reduction in the genome size of P. acaciae and P. curviflorus and the loss of certain genes, although this reduction was less than that in the hemiparasite and holoparasitic cp genomes of the Santalales order. Phylogenetic analysis supported the taxonomic state of P. acaciae and P. curviflorus as members of the family Loranthaceae and tribe Lorantheae; however, the taxonomic status of certain tribes of Loranthaceae must be reconsidered and the species that belong to it must be verified. Furthermore, available chloroplast genome data of parasitic plants could help to strengthen efforts in weed management and encourage biotechnology research to improve host resistance.

A De Novo Transcriptome Analysis Identifies Cold-Responsive Genes in the Seeds of Taxillus chinensis (DC.) Danser.

Taxillus chinensis (DC.) Danser, a parasitic plant of the Loranthaceae family, grows by attacking other plants. It has a long history of being used in Chinese medicine to treat multiple chronic diseases. We previously observed that T. chinensis seeds are sensitive to cold. In this study, we performed transcriptome sequencing for T. chinensis seeds treated by cold (0°C) for 0 h, 12 h, 24 h, and 36 h. TRINITY assembled 257,870 transcripts from 223,512 genes. The GC content and N50 were calculated as 42.29% and 1,368, respectively. Then, we identified 42,183 CDSs and 35,268 likely proteins in the assembled transcriptome, which contained 1,622 signal peptides and 6,795 transmembrane domains. Next, we identified 17,217 genes (FPKM > 5) and 2,333 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in T. chinensis seeds under cold stress. The MAPK pathway, as an early cold response, was significantly enriched by the DEGs in the T. chinensis seeds after 24 h of cold treatment. Known cold-responsive genes encoding abscisic acid-associated, aquaporin, C-repeat binding factor (CBF), cold-regulated protein, heat shock protein, protein kinase, ribosomal protein, transcription factor (TF), zinc finger protein, and ubiquitin were deregulated in the T. chinensis seeds under cold stress. Notably, the upregulation of CBF gene might be the consequences of the downregulation of MYB and GATA TFs. Additionally, we identified that genes encoding CDC20, YLS9, EXORDIUM, and AUX1 and wound-responsive family protein might be related to novel mechanisms of T. chinensis seeds exposed to cold. This study is first to report the differential transcriptional induction in T. chinensis seeds under cold stress. It will improve our understanding of parasitic plants in response to cold and provide a valuable resource for future studies.

Changing the main course: strong bat visitation to the ornithophilous mistletoe Psittacanthus robustus (Loranthaceae) in a Neotropical savanna

AbstractThe Neotropical genus Psittacanthus comprises mostly specialized ornithophilous mistletoes, with rare exceptions. Psittacanthus robustus is a common ornithophilous species from the South American savannas whose bright yellow flowers secrete copious diluted nectar. Due to a three‐day‐long anthesis and a short, non‐restrictive floral tube, we suggest that the species also serves as a resource for flower‐visiting bats. In a Cerrado area in central Brazil, we investigated the usage of the species by bats through systematic bat captures for pollen sampling, its nocturnal nectar secretion dynamics, mating system, and the relative dependence on diurnal and nocturnal pollinators for reproduction. Nine phyllostomid bat species visited P. robustus. Up to 50% of pollen samples from bats contained the species during peak flowering, equating or surpassing the prevalence of chiropterophilous species and representing roughly a third of the floral resources consumed by specialized nectarivores Glossophaga soricina and Anoura caudifer. Flowers actively produced nectar at night with volume and concentration values in the ideal ranges for bat consumption. Nectar is continuously secreted after sunset and accumulates in the absence of visitors. Psittacanthus robustus is self‐compatible but seeds are set mostly by diurnal visitors. Nocturnal animals had a low and secondary contribution to plant fitness. This is the second report of bat pollination for the genus Psittacanthus, and the largest assemblage of bat visitors for the family Loranthaceae. Although ornithophilous, P. robustus is an important resource for bats in the Brazilian savanna, potentially representing a mixed or early transitional state toward bat pollination.Abstract in Portuguese is available with online material.

Qualitative and Quantitative Phytochemical Analysis of Methanol Extracts of Phragmanthera incana (schum) Leaves Parasitized on South-West-Nigeria Host Trees

Phragmanthera incana (Schum), a specie of mistletoe, belonging to the family Loranthaceae, is a hemi-parasitic plant growing on trees in South-Western part of Nigeria. The phytochemical constituents of P. incana from four host trees; Psidium guajava (guava), Cola acuminata (kolanut), Anacardium occidentale (cashew) and Mangifera indica (mango) were analysed qualitatively and quantitatively following standard protocols. The Qualitative screening showed the presence of tannins, anthraquinone, flavonoids, phenols, reducing sugar, cardiac glycosides, terpernoids, saponin and steroids in all the four selected host trees. Quantitative evaluation showed a significantly high (p < 0.05) Phenol and Steroid contents in P. incana from cashew tree when compared with P. incana from guava, kolanut and mango trees. A significant increase (p < 0.05) in Saponin, Terpernoids and Cardiac glycosides was recorded in P. incana from mango tree when compared with P. incana from cashew, guava and kolanut trees while a significantly high (p < 0.05) reducing sugar was in P. incana from kolanut tree when compared with P. incana leaves from cashew, guava and mango trees. It can be concluded that the plant has immense potential to be used in the area of pharmacology and as a prospective target for drug formulation. Key Words: Phytochemicals, Phragmanthera incana, Mistletoes, Hemi-parasitic plants

The bornean mistletoes as versatile parasites-A systematic review

Natural parasites which grows on other trees also gives very effective benefits to humans. Although, the study and knowledge about the medicinal uses of mistletoes are still not in search. European mistletoes, Viscum album is most common species used in anticancer. Further, research reports 3 most precious species found in Borneo Island, namely Scurrulaferruginea, Dendrophthoecurvata and Macrosolencochinchinesis. This borneo species belongs to Loranthaceae family. The phytochemicals present in mistletoes gives ethnomedicinal uses. They are tannins, alkaloids, loranthin, gallic acid, flavonols, phenolics and terpenoids. Components which are present gives maximum therapeutic effects. Various components shows various action. The traditional and therapeutic uses of bornean mistletoes components includes Anticancer, Anti-microbial, Anti-oxidative, Anti-hypertensive, Anti-viral, Anti-hyperlipidemic, Anti-nociceptive, wound healing, and others activities.