Passiflora Suberosa Research Articles

Passiflora suberosa (Passifloraceae): from Lower Gangetic plain of West Bengal, Eastern India

Passiflora suberosa L. (Passifloraceae) has been documented from the lower region of the Gangetic plain in eastern India’s West Bengal. This account offers an intricate portrayal encompassing comprehensive description, nomenclature, vivid colour photographs, illustrative depictions, insight into phenology, and an extensive overview of its distribution.

Assessment of natural radionuclides in some prominent South African medicinal plants

The activities of radionuclides in some medicinal plants in South Africa were determined using gamma-ray spectrometry to assess the radiological health hazards and excess lifetime cancer risks associated with their use. The activity of 238U(eU), 232Th(eTh), and 40K ranged from 20 to 57 Bq kg−1, 15–48 Bq kg−1, and 110–570 Bq kg−1, with the highest of 238U (38–57) Bq kg−1, and 232Th (32–48) Bq kg−1 recorded for the Gunnera perpensa and 40K (390–570) Bq kg−1 for the Passiflora suberosa. The estimated annual committed effective dose (0.009–0.017) mSv y−1 and lifetime cancer risk (0.285–0.536) × 10−4 values are well within worldwide recommended limits of 0.3 mSv y−1 and 2.9 × 10−4 set by the United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effect of Atomic Radiations for radiological risks.

The Potency of Honey Bee Forage on Beekeeping of Apis cerana F. in Wanagama Education Forest, Gunungkidul, Yogyakarta

Apis cerana became a common species for beekeeping activities in Indonesia. The sustainability of beekeeping activities depended on the availability of feeds in forests with various plant species, which served as honey bee forage. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the forage plant diversity for A. cerana beekeeping in Wanagama Education Forest, Gunungkidul, from November 2018 to April 2019. Data collection was done through the inventory of trees and understorey plant species around the apiary locations to measure their abundance, flowering conditions, and the number of honey bees on the flower. The analysis indicated that 20 species (10 families) of trees and 60 species (19 families) of understorey plants had potential forage. The observation revealed that honey bees collected nectar and pollen from seven species of trees and 12 species of understorey plants. The highest visitation intensity was in the morning from two trees (Acacia mangium and Eucalyptus grandis) and three understoreys (Oxalis barrelieri, Passiflora suberosa, and Zea mays). Information on potential plant species for honey bee forage could improve beekeeping development in Wanagama Education Forest.

Antimicrobial resistance and genetic relationships of enterococci from siblings and non-siblings Heliconius erato phyllis caterpillars.

BackgroundStudies evaluating bacteria in insects can provide information about host–microorganism–environment interactions. The gut microbial community has a profound effect on different physiological functions of insects. Enterococcus spp. are part of the gut community in humans and other animals, as well as in insects. The presence and antimicrobial resistance profile of enterococci are well studied in different animals; however, data for Heliconius erato phyllis (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae) do not yet exist. Therefore, the aims of this study were to evaluate the distribution of enterococcal species, their antimicrobial resistance profile and virulence genes, and the genetic relationships between enterococci isolated from fecal samples from sibling and non-sibling H. erato phyllis caterpillars collected from different sites in South Brazil.MethodsThree H. erato phyllis females were captured (two from a forest fragment and one from an urban area), and kept individually in open-air insectaries. Eggs were collected and caterpillars (siblings and non-siblings) were fed daily with Passiflora suberosa leaves. Fecal samples (n = 12) were collected from fifth-instar caterpillars, inoculated in selective medium, and 15 bacterial colonies were randomly selected from each sample. Enterococci were identified by PCR and MALDI-TOF, analyzed by disk diffusion antimicrobial susceptibility tests, and screened for resistance and virulence genes by PCR. The genetic relationships between the strains were determined using pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE).ResultsA total of 178 enterococci strains were identified: E. casseliflavus (74.15%; n = 132), E. mundtii (21.34%; n = 38), E. faecalis (1.12%; n = 2) and Enterococcus sp. (3.37%; n = 6). High rates of resistance to rifampicin (56%) and erythromycin (31%) were observed; 120 (67.41%) of the isolates showed resistance to at least one antibiotic and six (3.37%) were multidrug-resistant.None of the erythromycin-resistant strains was positive for the erm(B) and msrC genes. The virulence genes esp, ace, and gelE were observed in 35%, 7%, and 1% of the strains, respectively. PFGE separated the enterococci into 22 patterns, four being composed of strains from sibling caterpillars.ConclusionEnterococcus casseliflavus was the dominant species in fecal samples of fifth-instar caterpillars. Resistant enterococci strains may be related to environmental pollution or the resistome. The PFGE analysis showed genetic relationships between some strains, suggesting that the enterococci isolated from fecal samples of the sibling caterpillars might have come from common sources, e.g., via diet (herbivory) and/or vertical transmission (through the egg surface). Further studies will be conducted to better understand the role of Enterococcus in the microbial community of the gastrointestinal tract of these insects, and the mechanisms involved in acquisition and maintenance of enterococci.

Rooting of cuttings of Passiflora suberosa, a medicinal passion fruit species: characterization and modulation by external biochemical factors

Passiflora suberosa L. (Passifloraceae) can be found throughout the Americas, and has several medicinal properties, including antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-hemolytic, hypolipidemic, and hypoglycemic activities. Germination rates of P. suberosa are low, even with dormancy breaking treatments, posing an obstacle for its multiplication. Vegetative propagation is a valuable approach to produce clones of elite individuals with important pharmacological characteristics, affording fast genetic improvement of biomass source for both phytomedicine manufacturing and bioactive compound isolation. Understanding the rooting process of this species is an important step to exploit its full potential in a sustainable way. We investigated adventitious rooting (AR) in absence or presence of exogenous auxin in P. suberosa cuttings, using a non-aerated hydroponic system. Changes in concentration of flavonoids, phenolics, hexoses, starch, and auxin, as well as peroxidase activity, were monitored along AR. Cuttings showed spontaneous rooting, although the application of exogenous indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) yielded higher number of shorter roots. Biochemical parameters, mainly concentration of carbohydrates and total phenolics, as well as peroxidase activity, varied along the course of the experiments. Based on these results, attempts were made to up- or down-modulate rooting responses by applying putative regulators to the growth solution at different time points. It was possible to block the positive effect of auxin on root development, with only minor positive impacts on the modulated control devoid of auxin. Overall analyses suggested that the rooting system proved effective and specific peroxidase activity showed partial correlation with AR, being able to suffer modulation by culture solution factors.

Vegetative and reproductive performance of species of the genus Passiflora

As passion fruit gains market share, it becomes important to evaluate the agronomic and phenological traits of cultivated and wild genotypes for genetic improvement and understand the influence of time of cultivation on plant behavior. This study aimed to investigate agronomic and phenological parameters of Passiflora suberosa, P. alata, P. maliformis, P. quadrangularis, P. foetida, P. mucronata, P. cincinnata and hybrids BRS Rubi do Cerrado, BRS Gigante Amarelo, and BRS Pérola do Cerrado. Key traits for genetic improvement were also assessed. Two experiments were carried out for 12 months, the first starting in December 2015 and the second in May 2016. Plots were organized in a randomized block design, and analyses were performed monthly. The following vegetative characteristics were evaluated: length and diameter of orthotropic and plagiotropic branches, internode length, leaf length and width of orthotropic and plagiotropic branches, and number of plagiotropic branches. Flowering and fruiting were dichotomized as presence or absence. Ten microsatellite markers were used to estimate genetic diversity. The wild species P. suberosa differed markedly from cultivated genotypes and had the lowest values for all vegetative parameters. The hybrid BRS Gigante Amarelo differed from other plants in orthotropic branch diameter. In Experiment II, plants differed in plagiotropic branch diameter and leaf length of plagiotropic branches. Most plants had similar cumulative growth curves as well as flowering and fruiting patterns. Clustering of genotypes based on microsatellite data revealed similarities in growth parameters, flowering time, and fruiting time. Some genotypes showed similar phenological patterns and are potential candidates for developing novel hybrids, and some wild species may find application as resistant and tolerant rootstocks.

Oxidative stress during the cryopreservation of Passiflora suberosa L. shoot tips using the V-Cryo-plate technique: determination of the critical stages of the protocol

Passiflora suberosa L. is a wild species of Passiflora, with great agronomic, ornamental and medicinal potential. In spite of this, there are few biotechnological studies aiming at its in vitro propagation and conservation. Thus, the development of cryopreservation protocols is considered of great relevance for this species. However, cryopreservation may be associated with oxidative damages, which cause injuries and may result in low recovery frequencies. The goal of this work was the establishment of a cryopreservation protocol for P. suberosa shoot tips with the V-Cryo-plate technique, evaluating the influence of the age of the explant and exposure to the vitrification solutions PVS2 and PVS3. In addition, the occurrence of oxidative stress at the different stages of the protocol was evaluated by monitoring lipid peroxidation and the activity of antioxidant enzymes. Plant recovery from cryopreserved shoot tips occurred at distinct frequencies, according to explant age and exposure to the vitrification solutions. Highest post-freezing recovery was observed in 40-day old shoot tips treated with PVS2 for 60 min (45%) or PVS3 for 45 to 90 min (50–60%). The occurrence of oxidative stress was evaluated by the quantification of lipid peroxidation through malondialdehyde detection, total protein content, and activity of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase, catalase and ascorbate peroxidase. These assays revealed that oxidative stress mainly occurred at the osmoprotection and PVS3 dehydration stages, which were considered as the most critical of the V-Cryo-plate protocol for the cryopreservation of P. suberosa shoot tips. Establishment of a cryopreservation protocol for Passiflora suberosa shoot tips with the V-Cryo-plate technique, and assessment of the oxidative stress for the determination of the critical stages of the protocol.

Acetone leaf extracts of seven invasive weeds have promising activity against eight important plant fungal pathogens

Extracts of many plant species have substantial antifungal activity, therefore the use of plant extracts with good activity against plant fungal pathogens could lead to the development of inexpensive and environmentally acceptable fungicides based on locally available natural products. Because large quantities of invasive weeds are available we decided to determine the antifungal activity of acetone extracts of seven invasive weeds (Aristolochia elegans, Chromolaena odorata, Ipomoea alba, Passiflora suberosa, Passiflora subpeltata, Solanum seaforthianum and Tecoma stans). The activity was determined against eight plant fungal pathogens viz Rhizoctonia solani, Fusarium oxysporium, Penicillium janthinellum, Penicillium expansum, Aspergillus parasiticus, Aspergillus niger, Pythium ultimum and Phytophthora nicotiana. Extracts of some invasive plant species had better activity against some fungal pathogens than some commercial fungicides. P. suberosa had promising antifungal activity with an average minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 0.09 mg/ml. Tecoma stans extracts were not as active (average MIC 0.55 mg/ml). This extract, however contained compounds that yielded clear inhibition zones in bioautography making it easy to isolate the active compound by bioassay guided fractionation.

Plasticidad fenotípica en mandíbulas de Heliconius erato (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae) inducida por diferentes plantas hospederas (Passifloraceae)

El objetivo fue analizar si el consumo de diferentes plantas influenciaba el tamaño/forma de las mandíbulas de larvas de lepidópteros oligófagas y si dicho consumo ocasionaba tasas de crecimiento diferenciadas entre el músculo aductor mandibular y las mandíbulas durante su ontogénesis. Para esto se usaron larvas de Heliconius erato criadas en cuatro plantas hospederas naturales, a las que se les tomaron medidas de longitud de cápsula cefálica, tamaño mandibular y área del músculo aductor. Para detectar eventuales diferencias de forma mandibular se empleó microscopía electrónica y morfometria geométrica, y para posibles cambios alométricos se realizaron comparaciones entre curvas de crecimiento mandíbula vs. músculo aductor de los individuos criados en las cuatro plantas hospederas. Se encontró que no existen diferencias de tamaño entre las mandíbulas ni en músculos aductores de individuos criados en las diferentes plantas pero la forma mandibular fue significativamente diferente, mostrando una relación directa con la planta hospedera usada como alimento. Generalmente, la mandíbula creció proporcionalmente más que el músculo aductor, cuyo crecimiento fue estable. El cambio más significativo fue el alargamiento de los dientes incisivos en mandíbulas de larvas criadas con Passiflora suberosa. Se sugiere que esto se debe a que las hojas de esta especie poseen mayor dureza comparadas con las otras y que el desarrollar dientes largos facilitaría su corte y consumo.

"Liaisons dangereuses": The invasive red-vented bulbul (Pycnonotus cafer), a disperser of exotic plant species in New Caledonia.

The biodiversity hotspot of New Caledonia hosts high levels of endemism (74% of flora) that is threatened increasingly by climate change, habitat reduction, and invasive species. The fruit‐eating red‐vented bulbul (Pycnonotus cafer) is currently invading the main island of the archipelago, and its recent dispersal out of urbanized habitats raises questions about its potential to disperse noxious plant seeds along urban corridors and beyond. Indeed, the red‐vented bulbul is considered a vector of several introduced plant species in its alien range including Miconia calvescens, Lantana camara, and Schinus terebinthifolius. We conducted a quantitative assessment of the bulbul's fruits consumption by analyzing the gut contents of shot birds. We estimated gut passage times for four species of fruit found in gut contents (S. terebinthifolius, Myrtastrum rufopunctatum, Passiflora suberosa, and Ficus prolixa) and tested the effects of bird digestion on seed germination rates for two species. Finally, we monitored the movements of individual VHF radio‐tagged red‐vented bulbuls. All of the consumed fruit species we identified here have red fleshy diaspore, including fruit of the shrub M. rufopunctatum that occurred frequently (9.6%) in bulbul gut samples. Median gut passage times were short (15–41 min), corresponding to short‐distance seed transportation (77–92 m). The effect of gut passage was positive for the germination of the invasive S. terebinthifolius and negative for the endemic M. rufopunctatum, suggesting a potential bias in the contribution to the dispersal toward alien species. This study provides the first integrated assessment of mechanisms involved in the seed dispersal effectiveness of this high‐concern invasive bird species that is expected to face similar plant communities in most of its alien range in tropical islands. More generally, our results enhance knowledge of synergies between non‐native frugivores and plant species dispersal.

Potent antibacterial, antioxidant and toxic activities of extracts from Passiflora suberosa L. leaves.

Passiflora suberosa L. belonging to the family Passifloraceae is an important medicinal plant used in traditional medicinal system in Sri Lanka to treat diabetes, hypertension and skin diseases. We extracted P. suberosa leaves under reflux conditions using different solvents (hexane, chloroform, methanol and water), then subjected to phytochemical screening. Alkaloids, flavonoids and saponins and saponins and anthraquinones were present in hexane and chloroform extracts. Alkaloids, unsaturated sterols, triterpenes, saponins, flavonoids and tannins were observed in both methanol and aqueous extracts. Proanthocyanidins were observed only in the aqueous extract. Hence, aqueous and methanol extracts with most classes of phytochemicals present were subjected to antimicrobial, antioxidant, antihaemolytic activities and Brine shrimp lethality studies. Antibacterial activity and minimum inhibition concentrations were evaluated using three Gram-positive (Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecium) and three Gram-negative bacteria (Pseudumonas aeruginosa, Salmonella typhimuriam and Escherichia coli). The results indicated that only the methanol extract of P. suberosa exhibited antibacterial activities against all the strains of Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacterial with stronger activity against Gram-negative bacteria. DPHH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazy) scavenging assay was adopted to evaluate antioxidant properties while antihaemolytic and toxic activities were studied respectively using cow blood and Brine shrimp lethality assay. The IC50 values of the aqueous extract in both antioxidant and antihaemolytic assays were significantly lower than the standard ascorbic acid. Similar results were observed in the Brine shrimp lethality assay. In conclusion both aqueous and methanol extracts of P. suberosa leaves showed the presence of majority of phytochemicals including proanthocyanidins. Antibacterial activity was obtained only for methanol extract with better activity against Gram-negative bacteria. The aqueous extract showed better antioxidant, antihaemolytic and toxic activities than the methanol extract and their respective standards. Further investigations on the chemical composition and possible isolation of active ingredients is warranted.

Hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic activity of aqueous leaf extract of Passiflora suberosa L.

Leaves of Passiflora suberosa L. (Family: Passifloraceae; common name: wild passion fruit, devil’s pumpkin) are used in Sri Lankan traditional medicine for treating diabetes. The present study investigated the in vivo ability of P. suberosa leaves to manage blood sugar status and associated cholesterol levels. Mechanisms of action and toxicity were also determined. Phytochemical screening of aqueous extracts of P. suberosa leaves and carbohydrate content of the leaves were determined according to previously published methods. In two group of male mice (n = 9), effects on fasting and random blood glucose levels (BGLs) of different acute doses (0, 25, 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg) of the aqueous leaf extract (ALE) were evaluated at 1, 3, and 5 h post-treatment. In another set of mice, the fasting BGL was evaluated following treatment of 0 or 50 mg/kg ALE (dose prescribed in traditional medicine) for 30 consecutive days. The lipid profile, some mechanism of ALE action (diaphragm glucose uptake, glycogen content in the liver and skeletal muscles) and its toxicity (behavioural observation, food and water intake, hepatoxicity) were also assessed following 30-day treatment. However, sucrose and glucose tolerance tests and intestinal glucose uptake were conducted to determine portion of mechanisms of action following single dose of 50 mg/kg ALE. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, unsaturated sterols, triterpenes, saponins, flavonoids, tannins and proanthocyanidins. Carbohydrate content of the leaves was 12.97%. The maximum hypoglycemic effect was observed after 4 h of 50 and 100 mg/kg ALE administration. The extract decreased fasting BGL (18%) following an oral sucrose challenge and inhibited (79%) glucose absorption from the intestine. Correspondingly, the levels of glycogen in the liver (61%) and in the skeletal muscles (57%) were found be higher than that of the control group. The levels of total cholesterol (17%) and tri-glyceraldehyde levels (12%) found to be reduced in treated groups. Furthermore, no significant toxic effects were observed in treated groups. The present results suggest that the leaves of P. suberosa can be used to manage blood glucose and cholesterol levels. Isolation of active compounds are recommended for further analysis.

Identification of Passiflora spp. genotypes resistant to Cowpea aphid-borne mosaic virus and leaf anatomical response under controlled conditions

Abstract Passion fruit woodiness caused by the Cowpea aphid-borne mosaic virus (CABMV) is one of the main problems associated with the cultivation of passion fruit in Brazil. Identifying sources of resistance in Passiflora collections is the first step to develop resistant varieties. The objective of this study was to screen some Passiflora genotypes for CABMV resistance, as well as to evaluate foliar anatomical aspects associated with this viral infection. Eighty genotypes belonging to 12 Passiflora species were evaluated in a completely randomized block design with treatment in a factorial scheme (80 genotypes × 7 evaluations). Artificial inoculation with CABMV was performed twice every four days. At 55 days after inoculation (DAI), the symptoms were evaluated through a scale of scores, which was then used to estimate the severity based on the disease index (DI%). The DI values for the different genotypes were grouped using the Scott-Knott test (p ≤ .05) and multivariate analysis. The viral infections were confirmed by RT-PCR analysis. The genotypes BGP014, BGP112, BGP134, BGP143, BGP152, BGP170, BGP238, BGP077 and BGP413, belonging to the species Passiflora suberosa, P. malacophylla, P. setacea, and P. cincinnata, were considered resistant (0.00% DI). The disease caused by CABMV was more drastic in P. edulis, resulting in changes in the constitution and organization of vascular bundles of the leaf blade, with irregular arrangement of xylem and phloem elements, as well as spongy parenchyma cell hypertrophy. The wild species presented minor anatomical foliar alterations after inoculation with CABMV, particularly P. suberosa, P. setacea, and P. malacophylla, which did not present any changes after inoculation. The difference in the severity of CABMV among genotypes for resistance to the CABMV opens new perspectives for crossing these genotypes as parents in order to incorporate resistance to CABMV in passion fruit.

Antioxidant and Cytotoxic Activities of Passiflora suberosa L. Leaf Extracts

In the Ayruvedic herbal system in Sri Lanka, Passiflora suberosa is used to treat many diseases including diabetes. The present study was conducted to evaluate in vitro antioxidant potential and cytotoxic activities of methanol and water extracts, obtained from P. suberosa leaves. P. suberosa leaves were powdered and extracted with methanol and water to obtain the crude extracts. Antioxidant capacity of different concentrations of aqueous and methanol extracts were determined by their ability to scavenge free radical using 1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazil (DPPH) and by antihaemolytic activity. Similar concentrations were further tested for cytotoxicity using brine shrimps cytotoxicity assay. IC50 values were calculated to evaluate both antioxidant properties and toxicity of plant extracts. According to DPPH assay, IC50 values of both aqueous and methanol leaf extracts were 74.33 μg/ml and 418.67 μg/ml respectively. The IC50 value of the aqueous extract of P. suberosa leaf was significantly less than that of the standard ascorbic acid, which was found to be 166.17 μg/ml. Whereas IC50 values of antihaemolytic activity were 80.08 μg/ml and 610.25μg/ml in aqueous and methanol leaf extracts respectively. Results from brine shrimp cytotoxicity assay, showed that IC50 values for aqueous and methanol extracts of P. suberosa leaves were 60.26 μg/ml and 309.02 μg/ml respectively. The aqueous extract of P. suberosa leaves exhibited better antioxidant activity and cytotoxic activity than the methanol extract. Hence, present findings suggest that extracts of P. suberosa leaves possess applicable natural antioxidant and cytotoxic potential. Further, P. suberosa leaves possess better antioxidant activity than ascorbic acid, which is a well-established antioxidant. Hence, extracts from P. suberosa leaves can be considered as potential antioxidant and cytotoxic agents as well as imminent candidate for cancer therapy. Keywords: Passiflora suberosa, Antioxidant, Cytotoxic, IC50 values

Phytochemical Screening and Antimicrobial Activity of Extracts from Passiflora suberosa L. Leaves

Plants are the basis of traditional medicine system and have been the source of many of novel drug components. Passiflora suberosa is used in Sri Lankan Ayurvedic system to treat many diseases including diabetes. The objective of the present study was to evaluate phytochemical constituent of different extracts and antimicrobial effect of methanol and aqueous extracts of leaves of P. suberosa. Aqueous, methanol, chloroform and hexane extracts of leaves of P. suberosa obtained under reflux conditions were subjected for phytochemical screening according to previously established methods. Aqueous and methanol extracts of P. suberosa leaves possessed more phytochemicals, thus those extracts were subjected for antimicrobial study which was obtained using minimum inhibition assay as determined by agar well diffusion method. Both methanol and aqueous extracts ranging from 6 μg/ml - 800 μg/ml were tested against both gram positive (Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecium) and gram negative bacteria (Pseudumonas aeruginosa, Salmonella typhimuriam and Escherichia cloi) while Gentamicin was used as the standarded drug. The phytochemical screening revealed the presence of saponins and anthraquinones in the chloroform extract, alkaloids, saponins, and flavonoids in the hexane extract and alkaloids, unsaturated sterols, triterpenes, saponins, flavonoids and tannins in both methanol and aqueous extracts. Proanthocyanidin, which is a potent free radical scavenger, was observed only in the aqueous extract. Further, only methanol extract was found to possess moderate activity against all the tested bacterial strains. Highest concentration (800 μg/ml) of methanol extract showed widest zone of inhibition (7 mm), indicating moderate activity against tested bacterial strains. In contrast, the aqueous extract showed poor activity against tested bacterial strains. In conclusion, results revealed the presence of bioactive natural compounds in aqueous and mehtanolic extracts that may be used in the development of pharmaceutical products. Similarly, preliminary studies on antimicrobial activity exhibited antimicrobial potential of methanol extract, which could be used as future antimicrobial sources for natural therapies, food industry. Keywords: Passiflora suberosa, Phytochemical, Antimicrobial activity, Agar well diffusion

In vitro organogenesis and efficient plant regeneration from root explants of Passiflora suberosa L. (Passifloraceae)

The neotropical genus Passiflora (Passifloraceae) contains over 500 species of plants, including the commercially important passion fruit. Most of the literature on tissue culture of this genus is devoted to passion fruit or closely related species belonging to subgenus Passiflora. Nevertheless, some species belonging to subgenus Decaloba might also be commercially important, such as Passiflora suberosa, which has recognized medicinal importance. This report describes a highly efficient method for in vitro plant regeneration of P. suberosa obtained via organogenesis, using root segments as explants. The highest number of regenerated plants per explant was obtained using Murashige and Skoog basal medium supplemented with 9 μM 6-benzyladenine. There was a clear effect of the combination of different concentrations of 6-benzyladenine and 1-naphthaleneacetic acid on the in vitro morphogenetic responses of P. suberosa root explants. These different responses were characterized using light and electron microscopy. These results should be useful for the rapid micropropagation of P. suberosa and, above all, for the implementation of biotechnological methodologies in Passiflora species belonging to subgenus Decaloba.

Reproductive biology and pollen–pistil interactions in Passiflora species with ornamental potential

The objective of this work was to study the reproductive systems, pollen viability, and pollen–pistil interactions in 11 species of Passiflora. The reproductive systems were evaluated by the pollen/ovule ratio (P/O) and field pollination. Pollen viability was estimated by in-vitro germination of pollen grains and the colourimetric method with 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) and the pollen–pistil interactions through aniline blue fluorescence. According to the P/O ratio, Passiflora suberosa, Passiflora morifolia, Passiflora capsularis, and Passiflora tenuifila were classified as obligatory autogamous, Passiflora foetida was classified as facultative autogamous, and the other species as facultative allogamous. Controlled pollination under field conditions identified six self-incompatible (Passiflora edulis f. flavicarpa, Passiflora gibertii, Passiflora muchronata, Passiflora galbana, Passiflora racemosa, and Passiflora edmundoi) and five self-compatible (P. tenuifila, P. morifolia, P. capsularis, P. foetida, and P. suberosa) species. Interspecific hybridisations were successful for some combinations, and the fruits obtained produced fertile seeds. Regarding pollen viability, there were different responses among species. P. capsularis showed the highest in-vitro germination (80.1%) and stained pollen grains (96.2%). In self-incompatible species, the pollen–pistil interactions showed pollen tube inhibition due to the irregular deposition of callose, while, in self-compatible species, regular deposits of callose were observed. The results obtained from studies of the reproductive biology can aid in planning crosses and establishment of Passiflora breeding programs using compatible genotypes with expressive ornamental potential.

Effects of Aqueous Leaf Extract of Passiflora suberosa L. on Blood Glucose Levels of Male Mice

Extracts of the genes Passiflora has been shown to compromises a therapeutic value to control glycemia and lipid levels. Raw leaves of Passiflora suberosa L. (Family: Passifloraceae) is used as a traditional remedy to manage diabetes. Yet, its ethnomedical usage is not scientifically proven. The present study was conducted to examine the hypoglyceamic effect of the aqueous leaf extract (ALE) of P. suberosa, using normoglycemic male mice. ALE was prepared and mice (n=9/group), were treated with 25, 50, 100, 200 mg/kg ALE and distilled water (DW; control). Fasting and random blood glucose levels were determined at 1st, 3rd and 5th h post-treatment. Acute administration of 50 mg/kg of ALE significantly (p<0.01) reduced fasting blood glucose levels (BGL) by 10%, 20% and 24% respectively at 1st, 3rd and 5th h post treatment. Similarly, 100 mg/kg of ALE significantly (p<0.01) reduced fasting BGL at 3rd (24%) and 5th (29%) h post treatment. However, it did not change the random BGL in non-fasted mice. To evaluate the chronic effect of ALE, 18 mice (n=9) were treated orally either with 50 mg/kg of ALE or DW for 30 consecutive days and on day 31, fasting BGL was measured after 1,3 and 5 hrs. A significant reduction in fasting BGL was observed, at 1st (17%), 3rd (18%) and 5th (27%) h respectively. The same dose showed a significant (p<0.01) improvement in sucrose tolerance test (18%) after 5 hours. However, ALE did not show a significant improvement in glucose tolerance test following an oral glucose challenge. The findings from this study provide evidences for ethnomedical usage of P. suberosa as an anti-diabetic agent in the traditional Sri Lankan medicinal system. Keywords: Passiflora suberosa, Aqueous leaf extract, Hypoglycemia, Blood glucose level

Medicinal Plants Used by the Nicobarese Inhabiting Little Nicobar Island of the Andaman and Nicobar Archipelago, India.

This study is an attempt to document the medicinal plants used by the tribal community of Little Nicobar Island. Despite modern healthcare facilities, tribals often consume medicinal herbs, with traditional knowledge practitioners (TKPs) serving as local medical experts. The aim is to conduct an ethnomedicinal survey among the Nicobarese, whose medicinal practices are yet to be documented. Field research was conducted in all five villages of Little Nicobar Island, situated in the southernmost part of the Andaman and Nicobar Archipelago, during 2012-2013. Seven TKPs were interviewed using a questionnaire-guided ethnomedicinal survey protocol. The data obtained were analyzed using the informant consensus factor (ICF) and use value. Voucher specimens of all the cited plant species were deposited at the Regional Medical Research Centre (Indian Council of Medical Research), Port Blair. Uses of 34 medicinal plant species, belonging to 23 families encompassing 32 genera, were recorded during the survey. These 34 species are employed to treat a total of 16 ailments. The highest ICF (1.00) was obtained for respiratory diseases. The Euphorbiaceae family exhibited the highest number of citations, and plants with the highest use values were Glochidion calocarpum Kurz, Senna occidentalis (L.) Link, Ocimum tenuiflorum L., and Passiflora suberosa L. Of the medicinal plants reported, the most common growth form was herbs. Remedies were generally prepared using water. The medicinal plant preparations were administered topically or orally. Traditional knowledge of herbal medicines is handed down orally through generations. These plants attained a significant role under the healthcare of the Nicobarese residing in Little Nicobar Island. Efforts to ensure their documentation are necessary in order to prevent its loss, either because of natural calamities or lack of interest among younger generations in carrying out their tradition.

The adult body size variation of Dryas iulia (Lepidoptera, Nymphalidae, Heliconiinae) in different populations is more influenced by temperature variation than by host‐plant availability during the seasons

AbstractThe body size of insects is affected by environmental conditions during development and can present considerable intraspecific variations, which can be seen as an ultimate consequence/adaptation to environmental conditions. This paper evaluated whether the body size of the butterfly Dryas iulia from subtropical populations was influenced by changing climate conditions and food source availability during the seasons. The likely reasons behind body size variation were also investigated. First, field data on body size variation, host‐plant availability and climate fluctuation throughout the seasons were recorded. Then, the effects of host‐plant species and temperature on body size were analyzed by controlled experiments. Field data revealed that body size and host‐plant availability varied significantly through the seasons. Populations had the smallest body size during the spring and the biggest size during summer, whereas host‐plant availability was lower during winter and higher during spring. The controlled experiments revealed that both temperature and host‐plant had significant effect on the plasticity of body size. Larvae subjected to winter temperature treatment led to smaller butterflies when compared to immatures reared under summer temperature treatment, and larvae fed with Passiflora misera produced bigger adults when compared to larvae reared on Passiflora suberosa. The combination of data gathered in the field and in the laboratory suggests that seasonal body size variation in D. iulia is related mainly to differences in the temperatures to which larvae are subjected during development, while host‐plant shifts caused by differential availability of food through the seasons had slightly effects on the variation observed.