Lythraceae Research Articles

Lawsone quantification in Lawsonia inermis L. by HPLC-MS: How does the temperature and pluviometry affect lawsone concentration?

Lawsonia inermis L, commonly known as Henna belongs to the family Lythraceae. It is cultivated in tropical, sub-tropical and warm temperate areas in particular to North Africa and Asia. It’s a plant with a wide spectrum of biological activities; it’s widely used in Moroccan traditions especially for cosmetic purpose in all special occasions such as weddings, birth or circumcisions. This usage is related to its brown dark colour and the main compound responsible of this coloration is lawsone a naphtoquinone.Generally, the humidity and temperature as well as the nature of the soil influence the accumulation of secondary metabolites in a plant. In this work, it was demonstrated for the first time that a small change in temperature alone induces a large change in the concentration of lawsone in henna in geographically very close regions.This study aimed to evaluate the concentration of Lawsone in planted Henna (Lawsonia inermis L) from four different cities in the South Eastern Morocco, namely Tazzarine, Foum Zguid, Zaroga and Errachidia. Quantitative analysis by High Performance Liquid Chromatography-Electrosray Ionisation-Qtrap-Mass Spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-Qtrap-MS) showed that Foum Zguid is characterized by the highest level of Lawsone (0.6 %). Errachidia has the lowest amount of Lawsone. After statistical analysis, important correlation between temperature and lawsone concentration was demonstrated. In particular 2 locations showed a very high pourcentage of lawsone; Foum Zguid and Zagora that were more in the south. In the opposite, there was no significant correlation with the precipitation. Samples with humid climate and high pluviometry showed lower content of Lawsone.The analysis method was validated and principal component analysis on quantitative data was performed, correlation between, temperature, pluviometry and Lawsone content was established.

Morpho-anatomical Studies of Woodfordia fruiticosa (L.)Kurz

The present investigation deals with the study of morpho-anatomical studies in node and leaf of Woodfordia fruiticosa (L.)Kurz belongs to family Lythraceae. The plant is widely used as medicinal purpose. The node has unilacunar one traced; anatomically the leaf shows several variations. The mesophyll cells are arranged loosely. The epidermis of leaf is covered with unicellular simple trichomes. The leaves are dorsiventral and hypostomatic stomata are more on lower surface of leaf. The mucilage cells are commonly occurs. The vascular bundle is bicollateral, solitary and arc shaped, parenchymatous cortex is present. These anatomical characters are useful for segregation of taxa that’s why the anatomical studies of Woodfordia were undertaken.

Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Activity of Pomegranate Peel Extracts Obtained by Sequential Extraction Method

Punica granatum L. (Pomegranate) is a plant belongs to Lythraceae family. The objective of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of petroleum ether, chloroform , acetone, ethyl acetate and ethanol extracts from the peel fruit of Punica granatum against standard microorganism. This plant has been used as a traditional treatment for several diseases such as microbial infections. Extracts were evaluated for their effectiveness against four bacterial strains including both Gram-positive (Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram-negative (Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) bacteria as well as fungal species (Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger) using disc diffusion method. The ethyl acetate, acetone and petroleum ether extracts showed higher antibacterial activity than the chloroform and ethanol extracts with inhibition zone ranged between (7-16 mm). The petroleum ether and chloroform extracts showed the higher antifungal activity compared with the other extracts, the diameter inhibition zone ranged between (11-16 mm). The antioxidant potential of peel extracts was determined on the basis of their scavenging activity of the stable 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) free radical and 2,2'azino-bis(ethyl benzthiazoline -6-sulfonic acid (ABTS+). All extracts showed high antioxidant activity . The highest result of antioxidant activity by DPPH scavenging assay was in acetone extract (89.40%), but high result by ABTS in ethanol extract (72.07%).
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Polyphenols composition from leaves of Cuphea spp. and inhibitor potential, in vitro, of angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE)

Ethnopharmacological relevanceCuphea is the largest genus of the Lythraceae family. It is popularly known as "sete-sangrias" in Brazil used in folk medicine as a diuretic, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, laxative and antihypertensive agent. The raw material of Cuphea has shown promising results in the production of fitotherapics, which are chemically characterized by quercetin core flavonoids. Aims of the studyPresent work aims to investigate the chemical composition of Cuphea calophylla, Cuphea carthagenensis, Cuphea glutinosa and Cuphea racemosa by UHPLC-MS using ESI-Q-TOF, and also to investigate the inhibition of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) in vitro. Materials and methodsLeaves extraction was conducted by an ultrasound-assisted system under the following conditions: 40% ethanol, particle size ≤180 μm, plant:solvent ratio 1:20 (w/v) for 30 min. The leaf extracts were analyzed by UHPLC-MS positive mode ionization. For the inhibition of ACE, the leaf extracts used were obtained from different Cuphea species collected from several regions of Rio Grande do Sul (Brazil). ResultsIn total 26 polyphenolic compounds were proposed, which were mostly derived from quercetin, myricetin, and kaempferol. Of these compounds, ten are described in the genus for the first time. The ACE-inhibiting activities are presented in descending order: miquelianin (32.41%), C. glutinosa 1 (31.66%), C. glutinosa 5 (26.32%) and C. carthagenensis 1 (26.12%). ConclusionThe obtained results suggest that the ACE-inhibiting potential may be increased by the interactions among the different phytoconstituents present in the crude extract. These results corroborate with the popular usage of Cuphea genus as diuretic and antihypertensive agents in folk medicine.

The complete chloroplast genome sequence of Cuphea hyssopifolia

Cuphea hyssopifolia is a small evergreen shrub of great economic and medicinal values. However, there are few studies on the ecological and genetic characteristics of this species. Chloroplast genomic analysis has been shown to resolve phylogenetic relationships. Here, we sequenced the complete chloroplast (cp) genome of C. hyssopifolia, which is the first complete cp genome reported in the genus Cuphea. The size of the whole cp genome is 158,821 bp, exhibiting the large (LSC, 89,064 bp) and small (SSC, 18,373 bp) single-copy regions and a pair of inverted repeats (IRs, 25,692 bp). The genome contained 111 unique genes, including 78 protein coding genes, 29 transfer RNAs (tRNA), and four ribosomal RNAs (rRNA). Neighbour-joining (NJ) phylogenetic analysis based on 43 genomes showed that C. hyssopifolia was closer to Heimia myrtifolia than Lagerstroemia species in the Lythraceae family.

Fertility of the male gametes of Lagerstroemia indica L. by different coloring methods

The Lagerstroemia indica L. is a representative of the family Lythraceae, is popularly known as extreme, resedá rosa or madness. It is a small tree with dense and deciduous canopy, measuring from 2 to 4m high, resistant to dry climate and environmental conditions of cities. The present work aimed to evaluate the pollen feasibility of the Lagerstroemia indica L., through the dyes of 1% Green Malignant, Lugol 2% and Alexander Reactive and 2,3,5 Triphenyl tetrazolium chloride (TTC) at the dilutions of 0.075% and 0.030%. In order to verify the pollen fertility, we used closed flowers from three populations of Lagerstroemia indica L., following the methodology of Guerra & Souza (2002), submitting the treatments. In the application of the TTC dye, anthers of fresh buds were arranged in two concentrations: 0.075% and 0.30%, being evaluated in the periods of 6:00 a.m., 12:00 a.m., 6:00 p.m. and 24:00 a.m. The use of R. dyes from Alexander, V. Malachite 1% and Lugol 2% and from TTC to determine pollen feasibility proved to be efficient in differentiating the fertile and infertile pollen from the species. In the use of TTC it is recommended to use in the 0.30% solution during 12h of fixation of the pollen granules, period in which a higher coloring average was obtained.

A review on potential therapeutic properties of Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.)

Pomegranate (Punica granatum L. formerly in Punicaceae family) considered to be super food worldwide, belongs to the family Lythraceae. It is primarily cultivated in the Middle East, north and tropical Africa, the Indian subcontinent, Asia and Latin America. The medicinal potential of pomegranate is extensively mentioned in the ancient literature and also used in different system of medicines for a variety of ailments. The chemical constituents of pomegranate have increased the research concern of this fruit in the current years. It includes a variety of bioactive compounds such as quercetin, ellagic acid, punicalagin, pedunculagin, tannic acid, anthocyanins, rutin, catechin and polyphenols. These components of pomegranate possess antioxidant, neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, anti-angiogenic, anticancerous, anti-mutagenic, cytoprotective, cardiovascular protective, anti-diabetic, anti-ulcerogenic, hepatoprotective, antibacterial and antifungal potentials. It can enhance the male fertility and also protect from the UV induced skin damage. Furthermore, it also illustrate the inhibitory effects on vital metabolic enzymes, stimulate cell differentiation and toxicological properties. The pomegranate also impedes with numerous signalling pathways, which include Bax, Bcl-X, Bad, ERK1/2, JNK, PI3K/AKT, mTOR, PI3K, MAPK and P38. The present review will extensively discuss the above properties of pomegranate and its extracts, supporting the rich nutritive and healthy advantages of the fruit belonging to the monogeneric family.

Antimicrobial Activity of Sonneratia ovata Backer

Sonneratia, a genus of mangroves from family Lythraceae, is reported for number of high biological activity including antimicrobial. Sonneratia ovata Backer is one of the species which traditionally used by Indonesian people for the treatment of some diseases. In this research, the investigation about biological activity of S. ovata Backer as anti-microbial has been performed. The methanol extract of S. ovata Backer is highly potential as antimicrobial against gram positive bacteria, S. aureus, with IC50 value of 7.7 μg/ml which is higher than of Ampicillin as positive control with IC50 value of 37.8 μg/ml. Furthermore, stigmasterol one of the major compound of S. ovata Backer has been isolated from the methanol extract of the stem bark of S. ovata Backer. Therefore, S. ovata Backer is proven to have high activity as antimicrobial, and highly potential to be a new source of antimicrobial agent.

Antibacterial and anti-ulcerogenic effects of Punicagranatum peel extract against ethanol-induced acute gastric lesion in rats

Background and objectives: Punicagranatum (pomegranate) is a fruit-bearing deciduous shrub or small tree from the family Lythraceae. It has been cultivated since ancient times throughout the Mediterranean region. Different parts of it have been used for research, such as fruits, peels, and juice. This study aimed to investigate the antibacterial and anti-ulcer effect of Punicagranatum peel extract and to screen the expression of transforming growth factor β1 (TGF β1) in rat’s blood serum after stomach ulcer was induced by ethanol. Methods: Twenty four rats were divided randomly into 4 groups; GroupI(ulcer positive group) rats were (experimental) orally administered 5 ml/kg sterilized distilled water (the vehicle). Group II (ulcer negative group) rats were orally administered 5 ml/kg of 20 mg/kg esomeprazole. Groups III and groups IV were orally administered 5 ml/kg of 250 and 500 mg/kg of Punicagranatum plant extract, respectively. Results: Data showed an antibacterial activity of Punicagranatum peel extract against gram positive and gram negative bacteria and the best antibiotic in which both bacteria were sensitive to was norfloxacin(10 µg). Treatment with Punicagranatum peel extract and esomeprazole had protective effects on stomach gastric mucosa, which indicate an anti-ulcer effect confirmed by the high levels of TGFβ1 in serum. Conclusion: We conclude that Punicagranatum peel extract exhibit antibacterial effect and possess a protective role against ethanol induced gastric ulcer in rats.

Molecular Characterization of Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) Genotypes with SSR Markers

Pomegranate is known to be a fruit grown in tropical and subtropical climate zone belonging to Lythraceae family. Within the scope of the study, 10 kind of pomegranates and a pomegranate from a small private garden have been used for molecular analyzes from the Western Mediterranean Agricultural Research Institute in the Antalya Region. To accomplish this objective, samples of genotypes were taken under appropriate conditions and molecular analyzes were performed. As a result of analysis with SSR markers, pomegranate assortment has emerged as two main groups and 65% of the similarity has been detected between the groups as per the UPGMA method. The first main group consisted of 4 sub-groups. In the first sub-group Hicaz, in the second subgroup Asi, Batem Onur, Ernar, Batem Hicaz, the third sub-group Beynarı and the fourth sub-group Batem Esin, Batem Yılmaz and Ekşilik took place. The second main group is divided into 2 sub-groups. In the first sub-group Katırbaşı and in the second sub-group Fellahyemez took place. Polymorphisms that distinguish Batem Onur and Ernar from each other could not be produced hence these two assortments were grouped together. Hicaz, Beynar, Ekşilik, Katırbaşı and Fellahyemez types formed a subgroup alone. In the study, a close correlation between Aşınar and Batem Onur-Ernar, Batem Esin and Batem Yılmaz has been observed. SSR findings of pomegranate species, creating a step in the selection of the next breeding parents in determining the span of pomegranate genotypes for comparison of the genetic collection can be used in the characterization.

Three new species of Lythraceae and one new species of Stemonaceae described from Indochina

Formal description of some new taxa from Indochina include in Lythraceae a new species of Lagerstroemia, L. poilanei W.J.de Wilde & Duyfjes with two varieties, var. poilanei andvar. grandis W.J.de Wilde & Duyfjes, two new species of Rotala, R. saxatilis W.J.de Wilde & Duyfjes and R. protracta W.J.de Wilde & Duyfjes and a new variety of Rotala indica, Rotala indica (Willd.) Koehne var. minima W.J.de Wilde & Duyfjes. In Stemonaceae a new species, Stemona hirtella W.J.de Wilde & Duyfjes, is described.

The complete chloroplast genome sequence of Pemphis acidula (Lythraceae)

Pemphis acidula is a rare shrub in China and valued for its hard wood, bonsai production, and scientific research. Growing on beaches and in mangrove habitats, P. acidula populations are threatened by the rapid coastal reclamation and pollution around the world. In this study, we assembled and characterized the complete chloroplast genome of P. acidula as a resource for future genetic studies. Its chloroplast genome was 160,054 bp in size, with a large single-copy (LSC) region of 89,785 bp, a small single-copy (SSC) region of 18,883 bp, separated by two inverted repeat (IR) regions of 25,693 bp each. A total of 132 genes were predicted. Phylogenetic analysis showed a close relationship between P. acidula and Punica granatum, both are members of the family Lythraceae.

The complete chloroplast genome sequence of pomegranate ‘Bhagwa’

Pomegranate (Punica granatum), as one of the most important fruit trees, is widely cultivated in the tropical and subtropical of the world. In our present study, we assembled a complete chloroplast genome of an important pomegranate cultivar ‘Bhagwa’ using whole genome sequencing data previously reported. The complete cp genome is 158,641 bp in length. A total of 112 unique genes were annotated, including 78 protein-coding genes, 30 tRNA genes, and four rRNA genes. Phylogenetic analysis based on complete cp genomes of Myrtales supported that P. granatum belongs to the Lythraceae family.

Preliminary Phytochemical Analysis and Isolation and Identification of active principle components of petroleum ether extract from leaves of Lawsoniainermis L.

Background: Lawsoniainermis L belongs to the Lythraceae family, generally known as Henna, cultivated for its leaves although stem, bark, roots, flowers and seeds. They were used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments as rheumatoid arthritis, headache, ulcers, diarrhea, leprosy, fever, leucorrhoea, diabetes, cardiac disease. They were used for dye making. Aim: The present study focus on preliminary phytochemical analysis and determination of bioactive components from the leaf of Lawsoniainermis L. Methods: Preliminary phytochemical analysis and identification of active components by GC/MS were done. Result: The preliminary phytochemical analysis reveals that the aqueous and petroleum ether extracts from leaf of Lawsonia inermis Lconsists of alkaloids, anthraquinones, flavonoids, phenols, reducing sugars, saponins, steroids, tannins, and terpenoids.GC/MS analysis reveals that petroleum ether extracts consists of phthalic anhydride, 4-methylformanilide, acetamide, N-(2-methylphenyl)-, 3-hydroxycarbofuran, 2-hydroxy-1,4-naphthalenedione, dodecyl acrylate,3,7,11,15-tetramethyl-2-hexadecen-1-ol, trans-geranylgeraniol, n-hexadecanoic acids, 9,12,15-octadecatrienoic acids, (Z,Z,Z)-octadecanoic acids, phytol, acetate, cis-13-eicosenoic acid, cyclohexadecane-1,2-diethyl-, 4,8,12,16-tetramethylheptadecan-4-olide, eicosane, tetratriacontane, supraene, 1,6,10,14-hexadecatetraen-3-ol, 3,7,11,15-tetramethyl-, (E,E)-, stigmastan-3,5-diene, triacontane, and vitamin E. Conclusion: This study shows that Lawsoniainermis L. leaves contain bioactive phytochemicals that may serve as a biocompatible and eco-safe agent in formulation of drugs, natural dyes in colouration of textile materials and other purpose.

PRELIMINARY PHYTOCHEMICAL AND PHYSICOCHEMICAL INVESTIGATION OF WOODFORDIA FRUTICOSA (LINN) KURZ ROOT

Introduction: The objective is to investigate the preliminary phytochemical and physicochemical properties of Woodfordia fruticosa Kurz roots. W. fruticosa, commonly called as Dhavi, is a large beautiful tree, about 10 ft long, belongs to the family Lythraceae. These studies were performed because, before any experimental and clinical trial, phytoconstituents present in the plant should be known. Material and Methods: The root of W. Fruticosa contains protein, fixed oil, glycoside, carbohydrate, terpenoid, steroid, tannin, and saponin. The physiochemical analysis of W. fruticosaroot was also performed which includes ash value, loss on drying and extractive value determination. Result and Discussion: Total ash value, acid-insoluble ash, and water-soluble ash value were 6.5 % w/w, 2 % w/w, and 0.5 % w/w. Loss on drying was 4.4 % w/w, and extractive value was 3.4 % w/v in water and 6.4 % w/v in ethanol. Conclusion: This study revealed that these parameters will be useful in the identification and quality control of the genuine plant material or crude drug.

First reported chloroplast genome sequence of Punica granatum (cultivar Helow) from Jabal Al-Akhdar, Oman: phylogenetic comparative assortment with Lagerstroemia.

Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) is one of the oldest known edible fruits. It has grown in popularity and is a profitable fruit crop due to its attractive features including a bright red appearance and its biological activities. Scientific exploration of the genetics and evolution of these beneficial traits has been hampered by limited genomic information. In this study, we sequenced the complete chloroplast (cp) genome of the native P. granatum (cultivar Helow) cultivated in the mountains of Jabal Al-Akhdar, Oman. The results revealed a P. granatum cp genome length of 158,630bp, characterized by a relatively conserved structure containing 2 inverted repeat regions of 25,466bp, an 18,686bp small single copy regions, and an 89,015bp large single copy region. The 86 protein-coding genes included 37 transfer RNA genes and 8 ribosomal RNA genes. Comparison of the P. granatum whole cp genome with seven Lagerstroemia species revealed an overall high degree of sequence similarity with divergence among intergenic spacers. The location, distribution, and divergence of repeat sequences and shared genes of the Punica and Lagerstroemia species were highly similar. Analyses of nucleotide substitution, insertion/deletions, and highly variable regions in these cp genomes identified potential plastid markers for taxonomic and phylogenetic studies in Myrtales. A phylogenetic study of the cp genomes and 76 shared coding regions generated similar cladograms. The complete cp genome of P. granatum will aid in taxonomical studies of the family Lythraceae.

Metabolic profiling and correlation analysis for the determination of killer compounds of proliferating and clonogenic HRT-18 colon cancer cells from Lafoensia pacari

Ethnopharmacological relevanceLafoensia pacari A. St.-Hil., belonging to the family Lythraceae and popularly known as ‘dedaleira’ and ‘mangava-brava,’ is a native tree of the Brazilian Cerrado, and its barks have been traditionally used as a tonic to treat inflammatory conditions, particularly related to gastric ulcers, wounds or fevers and various types of cancer. Aim of the studyWe have previously demonstrated the apoptogenic effects of the methanolic extract of L. pacari using various cancer cell lines. In the present study, this extract has been partitioned into fractions to identify the components that might be responsible for the apoptogenic effects using HRT-18 cells, which have been previously demonstrated to be sensitive to this extract. Materials and methodsA standard methanolic extract was prepared and fractionated by centrifugal partition chromatography. The fractions were submitted to cytotoxicity and clonogenic assays to monitor the effects in parallel with LC-DAD-MS and statistical analyses to suggest the potential bioactive compounds. ResultsBesides ellagic acid, the primary constituent of the plant and also the biomarker of the species, punicalin, pedunculagin and punicalagin isomers, catechin and ellagic acid derivatives were putatively identified. ConclusionsThe barks of L. pacari are rich in ellagic acid and various hydrolysable tannins, some of which were reported for the first time in this species, such as punicalagin and ellagitannins. This mixture of substances had the ability to kill proliferating cells and abrogate the growth of clonogenic cells in a similar manner shown by the methanolic extract of our previous study. The collective data reported herein suggest that the biological activities of the L. pacari barks used by population to treat cancer conditions are due to the apoptogenic effects promoted by a mixed content of ellagitannins.

Lagerstroemia L. fossil wood from the Indus molasse sediments (possibly late Miocene) of Trans-Himalayan region and its phytogeographic and climatic significance

The collision of the Indian and Eurasian plates led to the formation of Himalaya. The uplift of Himalaya had a direct impact on the intensification of South Asian monsoon which has influenced the evolution of many Asian biotas. The plant fossil records from the Indus-Tsangpo-Yarlung Suture Zone are exceptionally significant for the reconstruction of palaeoclimate during the collision and uplift of the Himalaya. However, these records from the Himalayan region are poorly known. Here we report a fossil wood from the Trans-Himalayan region unearthed from the possibly late Miocene Indus molasse sedimentary succession (Karit Formation) of the Kargil district, Jammu and Kashmir. The anatomical features of the fossil wood such as semi-ring porosity, simple perforation plates, vestured intervessel pits, vasicentric to confluent axial parenchyma, exclusively uniseriate, homocellular rays, septate fibres and crystalliferous parenchyma strands suggest its close affinity with Lagerstroemia L. and particularly with Lagerstroemia parviflora Roxb. of the family Lythraceae. The climatic tolerance and anatomical details of the nearest living relative of the fossil indicate that during the late Miocene the climate of the Trans-Himalayan region was warmer and the area was lower in comparison to the modern day elevation of ~3559 m.

The first complete chloroplast genome of a major mangrove species Sonneratia alba Sm. and its implications on conservation efforts

Sonneratia alba Sm. is one of the most widely distributed mangrove species worldwide. In this study, the whole chloroplast genome of S. alba was assembled for the first time not only in Sonneratia, but also for a member of the mangrove plant community. The total chloroplast genome was 153,061 bp in length, with a large single copy (LSC) region of 87,226 bp and a small single copy (SSC) region of 18,033 bp, separated by two inverted repeats (IRs) regions of 23,901 bp. The overall GC content was 37.3%, and 43.1%, 35.4%, and 31.1% in the IRs, LSC, and SSC regions, respectively. It contained 106 genes, including 79 coding genes, 24 tRNA genes, and four rRNA genes. A phylogenetic analysis confirmed that S. alba was clustered with Trapa maximowiczii within the family Lythraceae.

The pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) genome provides insights into fruit quality and ovule developmental biology.

SummaryPomegranate (Punica granatum L.) has an ancient cultivation history and has become an emerging profitable fruit crop due to its attractive features such as the bright red appearance and the high abundance of medicinally valuable ellagitannin‐based compounds in its peel and aril. However, the limited genomic resources have restricted further elucidation of genetics and evolution of these interesting traits. Here, we report a 274‐Mb high‐quality draft pomegranate genome sequence, which covers approximately 81.5% of the estimated 336‐Mb genome, consists of 2177 scaffolds with an N50 size of 1.7 Mb and contains 30 903 genes. Phylogenomic analysis supported that pomegranate belongs to the Lythraceae family rather than the monogeneric Punicaceae family, and comparative analyses showed that pomegranate and Eucalyptus grandis share the paleotetraploidy event. Integrated genomic and transcriptomic analyses provided insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the biosynthesis of ellagitannin‐based compounds, the colour formation in both peels and arils during pomegranate fruit development, and the unique ovule development processes that are characteristic of pomegranate. This genome sequence provides an important resource to expand our understanding of some unique biological processes and to facilitate both comparative biology studies and crop breeding.