Morus Rubra Research Articles

Red mulberry fruit aqueous extract and silk proteins accelerate acute ethanol metabolism and promote the anti‑oxidant enzyme systems in rats.

Red mulberry (Morusalba) fruit is rich in anthocyanins, and mulberry leaves are used by silk worms to make silk protein. We determined that the water and ethanol extract of mulberry fruit and silk amino acids accelerated ethanol degradation and suppressed temporal cognitive dysfunction in acute alcohol administered rats. The mechanism was explored in rats with acute oral administration of silk protein and mulberry fruit extracts. Rats were given 0.3g of dextrin (control) and water extract (WMB) and ethanol extract of mulberry (EMB), silk protein hydrolysates (SKA), and a commercial product (positive‑control) based on body weight. After 30min, rats were administered 3g ethanol/kg body weight and serum ethanol and acetaldehyde levels were measured. After 3h movements were measured with a video tracking system and at 5h cognitive function was measured by Ymaze test. WMB contain much higher rutin, luteolin and quercetins than EMB. In SKA rats, serum alcohol concentrations slowly increased until 60min, but were markedly elevated until 120min. However, WMB rats exhibited rapidly increased serum alcohol levels until 60min and showed the lowest peak of serum alcohol levels, indicating the highest degradation of alcohol. The patterns of serum acetaldehyde levels were similar to those of serum ethanol levels but WMB was more effective for reducing serum acetaldehyde levels than serum ethanol levels. WMB was most effective for increasing mRNA expression of alcohol dehydrogenase and acetaldehyde dehydrogenase. WMB and SKA decreased lipid peroxides by increasing activities of SOD and GSH‑Px in the liver and they also reduced pro‑inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor‑α and interleukin‑6. WMB and SKA exerted better anti‑oxidant effects than the positive‑control. WMB containing higher flavonoids reduced pro‑inflammatory cytokines better than SKA. In conclusions, both WMB and SKA might reduce acute alcohol‑induced hangover and liver and brain damage by lowering serum alcohol and acetaldehyde levels.

BERRIES SUPPLEMENTATION MODULATES BODY WEIGHT AND METABOLIC DETERIORATIONS IN OBESE RATS

Objective: The aim of the present work is to investigate the potential of purple (Morus rubra [MR]) and white (Morus alba [MA]) berry supplementation to modulate body weight (BW) and metabolic deteriorations in obese Wistar male rats.Methods: Seventy rats weighing 150.00±10 g (mean±standard deviation) were used; the rats were randomly divided into seven groups of 10 rats each. Obesity was induced by feeding animals high-fat diet (HFD), for 6 consecutive weeks then treated with the purple (MR) and white (MA) berry ethanol extracts for 6 weeks in a dose 300 mg/Kg BW. BW gain, food intake fecal fat content, food consumptions were determined. The fats and organs such as liver, kidney, and heart were also weighed. Lipid profiles included triglyceride, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, as well as liverenzymes; alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase, γ-glutamyltransferase (γ-GGT), and leptin were also determined.Results: Treatment of obese rats with white and purple berries showed significant reduction in BW reached to 23.68% with MR and 21.19% with MA berries compared to Orlistat (31.16%). Liver weight, visceral fat, and liver enzyme activities were also markedly ameliorated. In addition, lipid profile biomarkers were improved on treated obese rats with both Morus species. In addition, increase in fecal fat (250.73% and 256.25%, for MR and MA, respectively) was noticed while blood glucose, insulin, leptin levels, and pancreatic lipase activity was improved. In addition, supplementing obese rats with both Morus species extract significantly increase food intake reached 33.33% and 36.66%, for MR and MA, respectively.Conclusion: The ameliorating effect of both Morus extracts may be attributed to polyphenolic rich compounds which have antioxidant properties, suppressed lipid synthesis in hepatic tissue and inhibited pancreatic lipase activity which consequently recommended using as a promising anti-obesity agents.

Wood-plastic composites utilizing wood flours derived from fast-growing trees common to the Midwest

There are several non-utilized or under-utilized hardwood trees common to the Midwestern states. Wood flour (WF) derived from fast-growing Midwest trees (Osage orange, black locust, and red mulberry) were evaluated as a source of bio-based fiber reinforcement. Wood-plastic composites (WPCs) of high-density polyethylene (HDPE), 25 wt.% of WF, and either 0% or 5% by weight of maleated polyethylene (MAPE) were produced via twin screw compounding and injection molding. Specimen bars were evaluated for their mechanical and flexural properties. Composite blends that employed the coupling agent MAPE were superior to composites without MAPE or neat HDPE in terms of their mechanical and flexural properties. The Osage orange WPC composed of juvenile WF had mechanical and flexural properties that were the same as the WPC composed of mature WF. The WPC composed of WF from Midwestern trees were comparable with the WPC composed of pine WF in terms of their mechanical and flexural properties. Soaking the bars of the various WPC blends in distilled water for 28 days altered their weights, mechanical properties, and color. Thermal properties of neat HDPE and WPCs were evaluated using differential scanning colorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis.

Determination of irritant threshold concentrations of multiple tree, grass, weed and mould allergens for intradermal testing of horses residing in the southern USA.

Appropriate allergen threshold concentrations (TCs) for intradermal testing (IDT) have not been established in horses for many pollen and mould allergens. To determine the TCs in non-allergic horses and describe the frequency of late phase reactions for 26 allergens, including trees, grasses, weeds and moulds in horses residing in the southern Unites States. Twenty four clinically normal horses in the southern United States. Threshold concentrations for different allergens were determined using IDT subjective measurements at 30 minutes. Delayed reactions were evaluated at 4 and 24 h. Threshold concentrations (all PNU/mL) were established for eight tree allergens (black willow 1,000, box elder 1,000, live oak 1,000, pecan 2,000, white ash 4,000, red oak 4,000, red mulberry 2,000 and green ash 2,000); two grass allergens (Johnson grass 250 PNU/mL and Kentucky blue grass 500 PNU/mL); two weeds (carelessweed 1,000 PNU/mL, great ragweed 500 PNU/mL) and one mould (Curvularia 8,000 PNU/mL). The TC was not determined due to excessive reactivity at the lowest concentration tested (1,000 PNU/mL) for bahia and perennial rye grass. Eleven other allergens did not meet the criteria to establish a TC when evaluated at 30 min due to lack of positive reactions. Multiple allergens caused positive reactions in ≥10% of horses at 4 h. Reactions at 24 h were rare with the exception of one horse. This study identified intradermal TC for multiple pollen and mould allergens in horses. These values may prove useful for optimizing allergen concentrations for IDT of allergic horses.

PHYTOCHEMICAL ANALYSIS, ASSESSMENT OF ANTIPROLIFERATIVE AND FREE RADICAL SCAVENGING ACTIVITY OF MORUS ALBA AND MORUS RUBRA FRUITS

Objective: Mulberry is a nontoxic commonly eaten plant, belongs to the Morus and used in folk medicine in the remedy of dysentery, antiphlogistic, diuretic, expectorant, and antidiabetic. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the antiproliferative and radical scavenging activity of the total alcoholic and successive fractions thereof of Morus alba and Morus rubra fruits. In addition, the chemical composition of the bioactive fractions of each species was investigated.Methods: The antiproliferative potential of 8 extracts on 4 human cancer cell lines, hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2), Caucasian breast adenocarcinoma (MCF7), prostate (PC3), and colon carcinoma (HCT116) in addition to one normal cell line namely human normal immortalized skin fibroblast cells (BJ1) were carried out. Cell viability was determined using MTT assay. The potency was compared with the reference drug doxorubicin. These extracts were also assayed for 1,1-diphenyl-2-hydrazyl free radical scavenging activities. After saponification of the n-hexane fraction, unsaponifiable matter and fatty acid methyl esters were analyzed by gas liquid chromatography (GLC). The chemical composition of the bioactive fractions was investigated using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) analysis.Results: All the extracts showed significant free radical scavenging activity dose-dependently. The n-hexane and dichloromethane (DCM) fractions of M. rubra exhibited potent cytotoxic activity on almost cancer cell lines. In the same pattern, ethyl acetate (EtOAc) of M. rubra has moderate cytotoxic activity against all cell lines except HepG2. DCM fraction of M. alba possessed both radical scavenging and high potential antiproliferated activities against HCT116 and MCF7 with inhibitory concentration of 43.9 and 32.3 μg/ml, respectively, while it showed no cytotoxic effect on BJ1. GLC analysis showed the major hydrocarbons in M. alba and M. rubra were heptacosane and docosane, respectively. Sterols were similar in both species but with different ratios and cholesterol was the major one. Palmitic and margaric were the major saturated fatty acid while arachidonic was the major unsaturated fatty acid in both species. GC/MS analysis showed the main compound in DCM fraction of each Morus species was palmitic acid. Furthermore, 1,11-bis-(methoxycarbonyl-ethenyl)-10,2-dihydroxy-cycloeicosane and linolelaidic acid, methyl ester were the main compounds in the EtOAc fraction of each Morus species. Whereas, the main compounds in alcoholic extract of M. alba and M. rubra were methyl-14-methyl-pentadecanoate and 1,2-O-isopropylyidene-4-nonene-1,2,3-triol, respectively.Conclusions: The results observed remarkable biological activity of the successive fractions of M. rubra more than those of M. alba and confirmed its importance as a natural bioactive source. Morus species are good candidates to be promising as possible sources for future antitumor and antioxidants in food and pharmaceutical formulations. The strong activity partly explains the potential effects of Morus species for the treatment of cancer and degenerative diseases caused by free radicals.

Morus rubra Extract Induces G1 Cell Cycle Arrest and Apoptosis in Human Lung and Prostate Cancer Cells

Abstract: Objective: Cancer is one of the most deadly types of disease and evasion from apoptosis and unstoppable cell proliferation are accepted as its distinctive features. Many studies have evaluated the cytotoxic effect of different Morus species but, there is no study about cytotoxic effect of Morus rubra. In this study we aimed to evaluate phenolic composition, antioxidant properties and cytotoxic effect of acidified dimethyl sulfoxide extract of M. rubra (AMRE). Method: Antioxidant properties, phenolic composition and cytotoxic effect of AMRE were determined using spectrophotometric methods, HPLC, and MTT assay, respectively. Then, mechanisms of cytotoxic effect of AMRE on human prostate (PC-3) and lung (A549) cancer cells were examined in regard to cell cycle, apoptosis and mitochondrial membrane potential using flow cytometric methods. Results: Total phenolic content and reducing power values were 11.9 mg gallic acid equivalents and 42.9 mg trolox equivalents per g sample, respectively. Ascorbic and gallic acid were detected in AMRE as major antioxidant compounds. We determined that AMRE increased cell cycle arrest at G1 phase and exhibited apoptotic features via decreasing mitochondrial membrane potential in both prostate and lung cancer cells. Conclusion: These findings demonstrate that M. rubra extract can affect the behavior of human prostate and lung cancer cells in vitro conditions, and this effect now needs to be investigated in vivo. Key words: Apoptosis, Cell Cycle, Cytotoxicity, Lung Neoplasms, Morus rubra, Prostate Neoplasms.

Effects of Cornus mas L. and Morus rubra L. extracts on penicillin-induced epileptiform activity: an electrophysiological and biochemical study.

Traditionally, Morus rubra L. (Moraceae) (red mulberry) and Cornus mas L. (Cornacea) (cornelian cherry) fruits are eaten fresh and are also used in marmalades, juices, jam, natural dyes in Turkey and are believed to have beneficial effects in case of multiple health issues such as antipyretic, diarrhea and intestinal parasites. However, the effects of M. rubra and C. mas on epilepsy has not been known. This study evaluates the effects of M. rubra and C. mas extracts on penicillin-induced epileptiform activity. Sixty Wistar rats randomly divided into ten groups (n=6): control, sham, penicillin, penicillin+M. rubra extract (2.5, 5, 10, 20 mg/kg) and penicillin+C. mas extract (2.5, 5, 10 mg/kg). Epileptiform activity was induced by using penicillin (500 IU, i.c.) and electrocorticogram records (150 min) were obtained. Also, biochemical analysis in blood samples were evaluated. According to the electrocorticogram analysis, the effective dose was detected as 10 mg/kg for both C. mas and M. rubra. This dose decreased the spike frequencies of convulsions while amplitude wasn't changed by both substances. In erythrocyte studies, there were significant differences regarding nitric oxide in the control, sham and penicillin groups. There were significant differences regarding malondialdehyde in all groups. In the plasma, there were significant differences among groups regarding xanthine oxidase in the penicillin‑C. mas and penicillin‑M. rubra groups. There were differences regarding malondialdehyde in the penicillin-C. mas and M. rubra-C. mas groups. Both extracts reduced the frequency of epileptiform activity. After administration of the extracts malondialdehyde levels decreased also in both erythrocytes and plasma.

Removing Chinese Privet (Ligustrum sinense Lour.) and Establishing Native Plants in a Flooded Riparian Corridor in North-Central Texas, USA

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the allelopathic effects of Chinese privet (Ligustrum sinense Lour.) extract on native seeds and cuttings and to assess the survivability of native plants in a flooded riparian corridor. Field sites occupied the Trinity River floodplain in southeast Dallas County, Texas. Eight native species were evaluated. They were soapberry, red mulberry, persimmon, elderberry, beautyberry, coralberry, mustang grape, and heartleaf peppervine. From this study, we concluded that: Truncating privet at ground level and applying equal parts of glyphosate and water to the stump effectively kills the plant; Once removed, privet does not curtail establishment of native plants; A 60-day (d) flood killed most plants, with red mulberry being the most resilient; A 1% leaf and berry extract from privet significantly reduced soapberry seed germination; and A 1% extract from various parts of privet did not significantly affect root growth from cuttings.

Morus Rubra Extract Induces Cell Cycle Arrest and Apoptosis in Human Colon Cancer Cells Through Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress and Telomerase

ABSTRACTMany studies have reported cytotoxic effects of different Morus species, but there have been only limited studies on the cytotoxic effect of Morus rubra. The aims of this study were to evaluate the cytotoxic effect of dimethyl sulfoxide extract of M. rubra and to investigate, for the first time, its probable cytotoxic activity in human colon cancer (WiDr) cells, together with the mechanism involved. The cytotoxic activity of extract was determined using MTT assay. The mechanism involved in the cytotoxic effect of extract was then evaluated in terms of apoptosis, and the cell cycle using flow cytometry, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) was investigated using the fluorometric method, and expression levels of telomerase and C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP) were investigated using reverse-transcription PCR (RT-PCR). M. rubra extract exhibited moderate selective cytotoxicity on colon cancer cells compared with fibroblast cells. Extract induced cell cycle arrest at the G1 phase and apoptosis via reduced MMP in WiDr cells. Additionally, M. rubra extract significantly repressed telomerase and induced CHOP expressions in WiDr cells. Our results demonstrate that targeting telomerase and endoplasmic reticulum stress represents a promising strategy in colon cancer therapy, and M. rubra may have considerable potential for development as a novel natural product-based anticancer agent.

Immature mulberry fruits richness of promising constituents in contrast with mature ones: A comparative study among three Tunisian species

Mulberry is one of the most consumed fruit for its special taste, and its nutritional and medicinal properties. The present study aims to track for the first time the chemical changes occurring in three Tunisian Mulberry species: Morus alba L., Morus nigra L. and Morus rubra L. fruits according to four classified maturity stages. Nutritional composition showed that mulberries content varied from species to the other and from a stage to another. Protein increases during maturation while Ash decrease with surprisingly the highest amounts in Morus rubra L. Fatty acid composition proved richness of polyunsaturated fatty acids, with a light decrease from immature stages to mature ones. Mulberries volatile components showed a heterogeneous composition such as mineral composition with a decrease during maturation of calcium, iron, magnesium and manganese amounts). Also, polyphenols and flavonoids content became lower, reducing antioxidant potential with maturation while anthocyanins content became higher. Results proved that mulberry powdered fruits, specially Morus rubra L. have high nutritional potential and suggest immature stages valorization for human beings.

A Field Survey of Promising Mulberry (Morus spp.) Genotypes from Turkey

In this study the mulberry population in the Mediterranean and Eastern Anatolia Turkey was examined with regard to fruit properties. The research material consisted of uncultivated mulberry (Morus spp.) trees. Thirty five mulberry genotypes for table, 6 genotypes for fruit juice, 11 genotypes for syrup (pekmez) and 9 genotypes for drying, were selected, 32 of which belonged to Morus alba, 12 to Morus rubra and 8 genotypes to Morus nigra. Continued and more detailed selection studies with this population of genotypes are necessary to provide material that is suitable for future breeding efforts. It may also be possible to select some of this native material that has sufficient commercial value to justify its release to growers.

Neuroameliorative effects of berry extracts in Alzheimer induced rats

This study was designed to evaluate the neuro-ameliorative effect of red (Morus rubra) and white berry (Morus alba) extracts against Alzheimers disease (AD) in male rats. AlCl3 was administered orally to male albino rats (100 mg/kg/day for 6 weeks) while, berry extracts (300 mg/kg/day for six weeks) was administered orally post AlCl3 administration. The data showed markedly elevation in lipid peroxide, apoptotic marker enzyme (caspase-8) and calmodulin (CaM) levels while, reduced glutathione (GSH) level and antioxidant enzyme; paraoxanase-1 (PON1) were reduced in AD rats when compared with normal control one. The treatment of rats with AlCl3 induced AD was associated with increase in the 8- OHdG/2-dG ratio and decreased the expression of DHCR24 and FKBP1B genes. However, the treatment of AD-induced rats with red and white berry extracts exhibited low 8-OHdG/ 2-dG ratio and increase the expression of the DHCR24 and FKBP1B genes. The results suggested the attenuated role of berry extracts which could be attributed to the inhibition of reactive oxygen species (ROS), increase in the antioxidant enzymes activity as well as inhibition in the occurrence of apoptotic related enzymes such as caspases-8.

Germination of seeds of New World Urostigma (Ficus) and of Morus rubra L. (Moraceae)

The New World strangler figs of the subgenus Urostigma and possibly most of the epiphytes, stranglers and banyans of the subgenera Urostiga and Ficus in the Old World bave viscid achenes. When these achenes are ingested by birds and bats they are voided without offering any apparent change in viability or in the vise id coat. Digestion of the viscid coat by soil bacteria prior to germination explains why Urostigma seeds in the New World always germinate where there is soil and organic matter as well as humidity (floor of the forest, soil-containing cracks or cavities in tree trunks and rocks). Urostigm a and mulberry ( Morus rubra ) seeds planted experimentally in sterilized soil failed to germinate, but responded favorably when inoculated with untreated soil.

A novel method for natural dyeing of cotton fabrics with anthocyanin pigments from Morus rubra fruits

A novel pathway to improve the substantivity of anthocyanin pigments from Morus rubra fruits onto cotton fabrics is proposed by preparing and applying an anionic agent (sodium, 4-(4,6-dichloro-1,3,5-triazinylamino)-benzenesulfonate) to fabrics. Successful modification of cotton fabrics with few negative effects was carried out and evidenced by the results of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, tensile strength and the whiteness index. The optimum amount of anionic agent was identified to be about 70 mg/g under the following conditions: 20% (owf) anionic agents, 1:20 material-to-liquor ratio, 100 g/L sodium sulfate, 30℃ for 60 min and pH 11.0. A temperature of 40℃ and a time of 60 min were found to be the optimal conditions for cotton fabrics dyeing with anthocyanin pigments. Dyed cotton fabrics had a shade of brilliance and saturation red with acceptable fastnesses for potential commercial applications. The influences of pH and temperature on the stabilities of the extracts were also investigated.

A method for dyeing cotton fabric with anthocyanin dyes extracted from mulberry (Morus rubra) fruits

For the first time, the natural anthocyanin dyes (mainly consisting of cyanidine 3‐glycoside) extracted from mulberry (Morus rubra) fruits has been successfully used to dye cotton fabric, with a dyeing property performance good enough for potential commercial applications. In this study, succinic acid was firstly incorporated into cotton fabrics by esterification to the hydroxyl groups of cellulose, forming an anionic site for the dyes. The performance of the modified material was characterised by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and tensile strength. Results showed that the tensile strength of cotton fabrics was mostly retained after modification. The anthocyanin extracts from mulberry fruits were used to study the dyeability of the control and modified cotton fabrics. Red and deep purple (aubergine) are two main shades of cotton fabrics dyed with mulberry fruit extracts. Most importantly, aubergine shade is rare in cotton fabrics dyed with natural dyes. Modification with succinic acid clearly increased the colour strength of the dyed cotton fabric. The colour strength of dyed cotton fabric was improved from 2.7 to 5.3 in the case of dyeing without mordants, and from 3.2 to 6.9 in the case of dyeing with tin mordanting. Meanwhile, the colour fastness was improved by 0.5–2 grades with increasing succinic acid concentration in the finish solution. The colour fastness to perspiration, crocking, light, and washing of fabric dyed with simultaneous tin mordanting and modified with 30 g l−1 of succinic acid was found to be acceptable, with a grey scale grade of at least 3. As for home laundering, neutral soapy solution was more acceptable than alkaline soapy solution.

Avaliação da atividade moluscicida de extratos vegetais sobre Achatina fulica Bowdich (Mollusca, Achatinidae)

RESUMO: Achatina fulica Bowdich (Achatinidae) é um gastrópode terrestre pulmonado e tornou-se praga de pequenos cultivos de subsistência, sendo considerado uma ameaça à agricultura sustentável em alguns países, demandando altos custos em tentativas de controle, as quais, em sua maioria, resultaram em fracasso; ainda, pode atuar como hospedeiro intermediário de nematódeos. Nesse contexto, a procura por substâncias facilmente biodegradáveis tem aumentado o interesse pelo uso de moluscicidas de origem vegetal. Assim, o estudo teve como objetivo verificar a ação de extratos aquosos de folhas de Bacharis dracunculifolia DC., Morus rubra L., Cyperus rotundus L. e Euphorbia heterophylla L. e gemas florais de Sygygium aromaticum (L.) Merr. & Perry como possíveis moluscicidas. Destas, S. aromaticum e E. heterophylla foram ativas como moluscicidas, e C. rotundus não exibiu atividade moluscicida sobre esse gastrópode. Independentemente da espécie vegetal testada, nenhuma demonstrou atividade ovicida. Os resultados do presente estudo indicam que os extratos aquosos de folhas de E. heterophylla e de gemas florais de S. aromaticum podem se constituir em uma estratégia viável de controle alternativo de moluscos terrestres.

Some physico-chemical characteristics of mulberry (Morus alba, Morus laevigata, Morus nigra) species grown in western Turkey

Fruit colour of mulberry may be white, purple (Morus alba), black (Morus nigra) or red (Morus laevigata and Morus rubra) when they are ripe. Recently, black coloured mulberry species received a great importance due to higher contents of phenolic compounds and having a unique delicious refreshing taste. Dark coloured mulberries have been used as a folk remedy to treat many diseases such as hypertension, arthritis and anemia, diabetes and cancer. In this study, physico-chemical properties (fruit weight, fruit diameter, fruit length, stalk length, fruit juice colour, total soluble solid contents, pH, titratable acidity, antioxidant activitiy, total phenolic and total flavonoid contents) of white, purple (both Morus alba L.), dark red (Morus laevigata Wall.) and bright black (Morus nigra L.) mulberry fruits grown in the West Mediterranean Region of Turkey were investigated. While the largest fruits were noted in dark red mulberry plants, the smallest one was the white mulberry fruit. The highest total soluble solid contents (TSS) were obtained in fruits of black mulberry (20.10%), while it was lowest in dark red coloured mulberry (9.23%). The total acidity contents of mulberry species was between 0.12 (white mulberry) and 1.73% (black mulberry). The highest total phenolic contents and antioxidant activity were found both in black mulberry (270 mg of gallic acid equivalent (GAE) 100 g-1 fresh weight; 6.79 mg fresh weight) and in dark red mulberry (265.5 mg GAE 100 g-1 fw; 6.64 mg fresh weight). The highest amount of total flavonoid was also observed in black mulberry fruits (mg catechin equivalent 100 g-1 fresh weight). The results showed that black mulberry species had higher bioactive contents compared to other mulberry species.

Advancement of tree species across ecotonal borders into non-forested ecosystems

Woody species are increasing in density, causing transition to more densely wooded vegetation states, and encroaching across ecotonal borders into non-forested ecosystems. We examined USDA Forest Service Forest Inventory and Analysis data to identify tree species that have expanded longitudinally in range, particularly into the central United States. We analyzed compositional differences within ecological regions (i.e., subsections) in eastern and western ranges of species using repeated measures ANOVA. We considered differences in outer ranges to indicate range expansion or contraction. We also estimated the shift in forest area and basal area relative to the center of the US and compared change in deciduous forest land cover. Out of 80 candidate species, 22 species expanded to the west, seven species expanded to the east, and five species expanded in both directions. During the survey interval, eastern tree species advanced into the predominantly non-forested ecosystems of central United States. Eastern cottonwood, eastern hophornbeam, eastern redbud, honeylocust, Osage–orange, pecan, red mulberry, and Shumard oak represent some of the species that are advancing eastern forest boundaries across forest-grassland ecotones into the central United States. Forest land has shifted towards the center of the continent, as has the center of mean tree basal area, and a simple comparison of deciduous cover change also displayed forest advancement into the central United States from eastern forests. The expanding species may spread along riparian migration corridors that provide protection from drought. Humans use the advancing tree species for windbreaks, fencerows, and ornamental landscaping, while wildlife spread fruit seeds, which results in unintentional assisted migration, or translocation, to drier sites across the region.

The changes of bioactive ingredients and antioxidant properties in various berries during jam processing

Berries are a very rich source of bioactive compounds including vitamin C, E and phenolic compounds. In this study, chemical composition and the effects of jam processing were studied in various berries including Fragaria ananassa, Rubus Fruticosus, Rubus idaeus, Morus rubra and Vaccinium corymbosum. The samples were evaluated for ellagic acid (EA) content by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), total polyphenol (TP) and total flavonoid (TF) contents as well as antioxidant activity (AA) and free radical scavenging activity (FRSA) using colorimetric methods. In fresh berries samples, the mean value concentrations of EA, TP, TF, AA and FRSA were detected 56.55 ± 47.66 µg/g, 2225.00 ± 934.00 µg/g, 4548.20 ± 1331.47 µg/g, 2.89 ± 0.94 mMol Fe+2 E/g and 45.93 ± 12.16 µg/ml respectively. After jam processing, the mean decrease percentage of EA, TP, TF, AA and FRSA in berries samples were 30.1% ± 9.1%, 37.7% ± 17.1%, 43.4% ± 17.2%, 38.8% ± 16.8% and 29.2% ± 21.6% respectively. Our findings support that berries and their jams are potentially useful sources of natural antioxidants and assessment of antioxidant compounds could be an important index for evaluation of processed fruits quality.

Determining different plant leaves’ fractal dimensions: a new approach to taxonomical study of plants

Fractal dimensions of leaves from Cercis canadensis L., Robinia pseudoacacia L., Amelanchier arborea (F.Michx.) Fernald, Prunus persica (L.) Batsch, Quercus alba L., Carpinus caroliniana Walter, Ficus carica L., Morus rubra L., Platanus orientalis L., and Ulmus rubra Muhl. were calculated. The values were then confirmed and compared by those obtained from box-counting method and the exponent values of densitydensity correlation function (first time in the literature). It is now proposed for the first time that there is a relationship between a fractal dimension of the leaf and a surface density of the image and was concluded that together with other measures, the fractal dimensions with surface density function could be used as a new approach to taxonomical study of plants. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjb.v43i3.21593 Bangladesh J. Bot. 43(3): 267-275, 2014 (December)