Pumila Var Research Articles

Labisia pumila protects the bone of estrogen-deficient rat model: A histomorphometric study

Ethnopharmacological relevanceLabisia pumila var. alata (LP) is a phytoestrogenic herb with potential as an alternative to Estrogen Replacement Therapy (ERT) in the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis. LP has been reported to produce similar effects to ERT on the bone markers, but could not match ERT in terms of maintaining the bone calcium in postmenopausal osteoporosis rat model. This study aimed to examine in detail the effects of LP on the bone of postmenopausal osteoporosis rat model using bone histomorphometry. Materials and methodsThirty two female rats were randomly divided into groups of: Sham operated (Sham), ovariectomized control (OVXC), ovariectomized with Labisia pumila var. alata (LP) and ovariectomized with ERT (Premarin®) (ERT). The LP and ERT were administered through the route of oral gavage daily at the dose of 17.5mg/kg and 64.5μg/kg respectively. Following 2 months of treatment, rats were euthanized and the left femurs were dissected out and prepared for bone histomorphometry. ResultsHistomorphometric analysis revealed osteoporotic changes for the ovariectomized rats. Supplementation of LP to ovariectomized rats could prevent these osteoporotic changes, as effective as ERT. ConclusionThis confirmed that LP has potential as an alternative to ERT for prevention of postmenopausal osteoporosis.

Fig trees at the northern limit of their range: the distributions of cryptic pollinators indicate multiple glacial refugia

Climatic oscillations during the last few million years had well-documented effects on the distributions and genomes of temperate plants and animals, but much less is known of their impacts on tropical and subtropical species. In contrast to Europe and North America, ice-sheets did not cover most of China during glacial periods, and the effects of glacial cycles were less dramatic. Fig trees are a predominantly tropical group pollinated by host-specific fig wasps. We employed partial mitochondrial COI (918 bp) and nuclear ITS2 (462 bp) gene sequences to investigate the genetic structure and demographic histories of the wasps that pollinate the subtropical Ficus pumila var. pumila in Southeastern China. Deep genetic divergence in both mitochondrial (7.2-11.6%) and nuclear genes (1.6-2.9%) indicates that three pollinator species are present and that they diverged about 4.72 and 6.00 Myr bp. This predates the Quaternary ice ages, but corresponds with the formation of the Taiwan Strait and uplifting of the Wuyi-Xianxia Mountains. The three pollinators have largely allopatric distribution patterns in China and display different postglacial demographic histories. Wiebesia spp. 1 and 2 occupy, respectively, the northern and southern regions of the mainland host range. Their populations both underwent significant postglacial spatial expansions, but at different times and at different rates. Wiebesia sp. 3 is largely restricted to northern islands and shows less evidence of recent population expansion. Their mainly allopatric distributions and different demographic histories are consistent with host plant postglacial expansion from three distinct refugia and suggest one mechanism whereby fig trees gain multiple pollinators.

Labisia pumilaPrevents Complications of Osteoporosis by Increasing Bone Strength in a Rat Model of Postmenopausal Osteoporosis

Estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) is the main treatment postmenopausal osteoporosis. However, ERT causes serious side effects, such as cancers and thromboembolic problems. Labisia pumila var. alata (LPva) is a herb with potential as an alternative to ERT to prevent complications of osteoporosis, especially fragility fractures. This study was conducted to determine the effects of LPva on the biomechanical strength of femora exposed to osteoporosis due to estrogen deficiency, using the postmenopausal rat model. Thirty-two female rats were randomly divided into four groups: Sham-operated (Sham), ovariectomized control (OVXC), ovariectomized with Labisia pumila var. alata (LP), and ovariectomized with ERT (Premarin) (ERT). The LPva and ERT were administered via oral gavage daily at doses of 17.5 mg/kg and 64.5 μg/kg, respectively. Following two months of treatment, the rats were euthanized, and their right femora were prepared for bone biomechanical testing. The results showed that ovariectomy compromised the femoral strength, while LPva supplementation to the ovariectomized rats improved the femoral strength. Therefore, LPva may be as effective as ERT in preventing fractures due to estrogen-deficient osteoporosis.

Effects of selected medicinal plants on human low-density lipoprotein oxidation, 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals and human platelet aggregation

The effects of the methanol extracts of 20 selected medicinal plants on free radical scavenging capacity, human low-density lipoprotein (LDL) peroxidation and platelet aggregation were investigated. The antioxidant activity was evaluated using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging capacity and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) assay with LDL as the oxidation substrate. The antiplatelet activity in human whole blood was investigated using an electrical impedance method. The total phenolic contents (TPC) of the extracts were determined by the Folin-Ciocalteau method. Among the extracts, Phyllanthus amarus and Labisia pumila var. alata possessed potent radical scavenging activity with IC50 values of 3.4 and 5.7 µg/ml, respectively. The extracts ofZingiber officinale, Curcuma xanthorrhiza and Curcuma domestica showed strong inhibition of LDL peroxidation with IC50 values ranging from 0.1 to 0.9 µg/ml. The extract of Z. officinalewas the most effective sample against platelet aggregation caused by arachidonic acid (AA) and adenosine diphosphate (ADP) with IC50 values of 10.9 and 7.7 µg/ml, respectively. The Pearson correlation analysis indicated that the TPC of the extracts showed significant positive correlations with DPPH scavenging activity (r = 0.846) and LDL antioxidant activity (r= 0.639) and moderate positive correlations with antiplatelet activities (AA-induced, r = 0.51; ADP-induced, r = 0.40; collagen-induced, r = 0.44). The antioxidant and antiplatelet activities of the plant extracts could partly be due to their TPC. Key words: Medicinal plants, LDL antioxidant activity, antiplatelet activity, DPPH scavenging capacity, total phenolic contents.

Antioxidant Activity of Hydroalcoholic Extract of Labisa Pumila var. Alata, an Indigenous Plant of Malaysia

This study was carried out to investigate the antioxidant potential of crude extracts of Labisa pumila var. Alata, a small herbaceous under shrub widely available in Malaysia. In this study, antioxidant activity was evaluated by diphenyl picryl hydrazine (DPPH) free radical assay and FRAP assay methods. In the DPPH free radical assay, different concentrations of the extract (5, 10, 25, 50 and 75 μg/ml in ethanol) were prepared and mixed with DPPH ethanol solution. After incubation, a photometric assay was performed and values were plotted. The IC50 values were calculated by a linear regression of plots and compared with IC50 of ascorbic acid as the standard antioxidant. In the FRAP assay, different concentrations of extract (20, 40, 60, 80 and 100 μg/ml) were prepared and the reducing power was estimated by a photometric assay and values were plotted. The EC50 values were calculated by a linear regression of plots and compared with the EC50 of ascorbic acid as a standard reducing agent. The study revealed that the crude extract possesses antioxidant activity.

Labisia pumila extract down-regulates hydroxysteroid (11-beta) dehydrogenase 1 expression and corticosterone levels in ovariectomized rats

We evaluated the effects of a standardized Labisia pumila var. alata (LPva) extract on body weight change, hydroxysteroid (11-beta) dehydrogenase 1 (HSD11B1) expressions and corticosterone (CORT) level in ovariectomized (OVX) rats. The decoction of LPva has been used for generations among Malay women in Malaysia to maintain a healthy reproductive system.Thirty-six Sprague-Dawley OVX rats were treated orally with LPva extract (10, 20 or 50 mg/kg/day) or estrogen replacement (ERT) for 30 days. Sham operated rats were used as controls. Compared to untreated OVX rats, LPva-treated rats showed less weight gain and had significantly down-regulated HSD11B1 mRNA in liver tissues. HSD11B1 mRNA in adipose tissues increased by 55% (p < 0.05) in OVX rats but normalized in rats treated with LPva. Similarly, there was significant down-regulation (p < 0.05) of protein levels of HSD11B1 in both liver and adipose tissue of LPva and ERT groups, and CORT levels were significantly reduced in both groups of rats. This is the first study ever conducted to evaluate the beneficial effects of LPva in relation to weight gain caused by estrogen insufficiency. Results implied that the bioactive components in LPva extract affect not only HSD11B1 expressions in both adipose and liver tissues but also decrease circulating CORT. The extract should be explored for its potential use as a natural remedy for weight management.

Labisia pumila var. alata reduces bacterial load by inducing uroepithelial cell apoptosis

Labisia pumila var. alata (LPva) is a traditional medicinal herb used by Malaysian women to treat many ailments of the genitourinary tract. Its phytoestrogenic properties suggest potential to prevent recurrent urinary tract infection (UTI) in women post menopause. The aim of this study was therefore to investigate the mechanisms of action of LPva in an in vitro model of UTI. Bladder epithelial cell lines T24 and 5637 and uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) strain CFT073 were used to model uroepithelial infection. The ability of LPva to induce programmed cell death was tested using the Annexin-V-FLUOS and TUNEL assays. Expression of caveolin-1, β1 integrin and antimicrobial peptides HBD-2 and LL-37 in response to LPva treatment and/or infection, was assessed using RT real-time PCR. Effects on protein expression were confirmed by Western blot analysis. Sensitivity and yeast agglutination assays were employed to determine if LPva had antimicrobial activities and/or interacted with type 1 fimbriae, respectively. Finally, bacterial adherence and invasion to cells treated with LPva was examined. LPva induced uroepithelial apoptosis which was coupled with upregulated expression of caveolin-1 and downregulation of β1 integrin. LPva did not exhibit direct antimicrobial properties and did not influence antimicrobial peptide levels in cells. Additionally, LPva did not interact with type 1 fimbriae and did not affect adherence in comparison to non-treated control cells. However, LPva significantly reduced the number of intracellular UPEC in bladder epithelial cells. Our findings suggest that LPva has beneficial applications against UPEC infection due to its ability to induce programmed cell death and reduce bacterial invasion of the uroepithelium.

Inhibition of chemiluminescence and chemotactic activity of phagocytes in vitro by the extracts of selected medicinal plants

The methanol extracts of 20 selected medicinal plants were investigated for their effects on the respiratory burst of human whole blood, isolated human polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) and isolated mice macrophages using a luminol/lucigenin-based chemiluminescence assay. We also tested the effect of the extracts on chemotactic migration of PMNs using the Boyden chamber technique. The extracts of Curcuma domestica L., Phyllanthus amarus Schum & Thonn and C. xanthorrhiza Roxb. were the samples producing the strongest oxidative burst of PMNs with luminol-based chemiluminescence, with IC(50) values ranging from 0.5 to 0.7 μg/ml. For macrophage cells, the extracts which showed strong suppressive activity for luminol-based chemiluminescence were C. xanthorrhiza and Garcinia mangostana L. Among the extracts studied, C. mangga Valton & Vazsjip, Piper nigrum L. and Labisia pumila var. alata showed strong inhibitory activity on lucigenin-amplified oxidative burst of PMNs, with IC(50) values ranging from 0.9 to 1.5 μg/ml. The extracts of Zingiber officinale Rosc., Alpinia galangal (L.) Willd and Averrhoa bilimbi Linn showed strong inhibition on the chemotaxic migration of cells, with IC(50) values comparable to that of ibuprofen (1.5 μg/ml). The results suggest that some of these plants were able to modulate the innate immune response of phagocytes at different steps, emphasizing their potential as a source of new immunomodulatory agents.

The effects of Labisia pumila var. alata on bone markers and bone calcium in a rat model of post-menopausal osteoporosis

Postmenopausal osteoporosis is mainly treated with estrogen replacement therapy (ERT). However, ERT causes side effects, mainly breast cancer, uterine cancer and thromboembolic problems. Labisia pumila var. arata (LPva), a herb with phytoestrogenic effects has the potential to be used as an alternative agent to ERT. This study was conducted to determine the effects of LPva on bone biochemical markers and bone calcium content in ovariectomised rats. Thirty two Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups, with 8 rats in each group. The first group was sham operated (Sham), the second group was ovariectomised (OVX), the third (LPva) and fourth group (ERT) were also ovariectomised and given LPva 17.5 mg/kg and Premarin(®) 64.5 μg/kg, respectively. Blood samples were taken before and after treatment to measure osteocalcin and C-terminal telopeptide of type 1 collagen levels using ELISA while the fifth lumbar bone samples were taken to measure bone calcium content using the Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). The osteocalcin levels were significantly higher in both the LPva and ERT groups compared to the OVX group. The CTX levels were significantly lower in both the LPva and ERT groups compared to the OVX group. However, only the ERT group had significantly higher bone calcium level compared to the OVX group. The supplementation of 17.5 mg/kg of LPva to ovariectomised rats for 8 weeks was able to prevent the changes in bone biochemical markers but failed to prevent the bone calcium loss induced by ovariectomy.

Apple (Malus pumila var. domestica) phenology is advancing due to rising air temperature in northern Japan

AbstractRecent studies show advancing onset of plant growing season in many regions for the last several decades. With the well‐established dependence of plant phenology on temperature, these trends are interpreted as an indication of global warming. For several decades, however, other determinants of plant phenology, e.g. varieties and trends in managed systems, may have changed and confounded the phenological trends. In this study, we tested if long‐term changes in phenology of apple (Malus pumila var. domestica) are attributable to long‐term changes in temperature by comparing the phenological response to long‐term trend in air temperature, which is of our interest, with that to year‐to‐year fluctuation in air temperature, which should represent the real effect of temperature on phenology. We collected records of air temperature and phenological events (budding and flowering) in apple from 1977 to 2004 at six locations in Japan. Linear trends in flowering showed advancing rate in the range from 0.21 to 0.35 day yr−1, statistically significant at three locations (P&lt;0.05). We also found a warming trend in mean air temperature throughout March and April, with which flowering was closely correlated, in the range from 0.047 to 0.077 °C yr−1, statistically significant at five locations (P&lt;0.05). We separated the temperature time‐series into two components: a long‐term trend and a year‐to‐year fluctuation, by fitting smoothing spline to the trend and taking the residuals as the anomaly. We then fit a multiple regression model of phenological response to air temperature with separate coefficients for long‐term trend and anomaly. Flowering date responded to the long‐term trend at −3.8 day °C−1 and to the anomaly at −4.6 day °C−1. The temperature coefficients were not statistically different from each other or among locations, suggesting that the advance of apple phenology has predominantly been caused by the temperature increase across the locations studied. The same result was also observed with budding.

Beneficial metabolic effects of the Malaysian herb Labisia pumila var. alata in a rat model of polycystic ovary syndrome

Aim of the study New options are needed to prevent and treat metabolic disorders associated with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Labisia pumila var. alata (LPva)—a Malaysian herb thought to have phytoestrogenic effects—has shown promise in reducing body weight gain in ovariectomized rats. In this study, we investigated the effect of LPva on body composition and metabolic features in female rats treated continuously with dihydrotestosterone, starting before puberty, to induce PCOS. Material and methods At 9 weeks of age, the PCOS rats were randomly subdivided into two groups; PCOS LPva and PCOS control. PCOS LPva rats received a daily oral dose of LPva (50 mg/kg body weight), dissolved in 1 ml of deionised water, for 4–5 weeks. PCOS controls received 1 ml of deionised water on the same schedule. Results LPva increased uterine weight (27%) and insulin sensitivity (36%) measured by euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamp. Plasma resistin levels were increased and lipid profile was improved in LPva rats. In adipose tissue, LPva decreased leptin mRNA expression but did not affect expression of resistin and adiponectin. No effects on body composition, adipocyte size, or plasma leptin levels were observed. Conclusion LPva increases uterine weight, indicating estrogenic effects, and improves insulin sensitivity and lipid profile in PCOS rats without affecting body composition.

COMPARATIVE PHYLOGEOGRAPHY OF CASTANEA SPECIES

The genus Castanea consists of seven species that are disjunctly distributed in Asia, Europe and North America. Phylogenetic analysis of Castanea using DNA sequence data from six variable regions of the chloroplast genome indicated migration of extant Castanea species from Asia westward to Europe and North America. Cycles of Pleistocene glaciation and environmental events like the spread of chestnut blight were major determinants of historical migration and current genetic diversity in North American Castanea species. Chloroplast and nuclear sequence information revealed two lineages within American chestnut (C. dentata), one which is closely related to Allegheny chinkapin (C. pumila var. pumila) haplotypes from the southern Appalachian region, indicative of hybridization in refuge zones. The other American chestnut lineage expanded in northerly direction following the Last Glacial Maximum, and was accompanied by a gradual loss of diversity. Ozark chinkapins (C. pumila var. ozarkensis) show high sequence homology with the most frequently occurring Allegheny chinkapin haplotype from Virginia and North Carolina. Ancestral Allegheny chinkapin haplotypes can be detected in populations along the Gulf Coast, while haplotypes in Virginia share regions of the chloroplast genome with Ozark and ancestral haplotypes, suggesting multiple colonization routes and suture zones of chloroplast lineages in the Appalachian Mountains. This knowledge will be useful for development of conservation management strategies and successful re-introduction of blight resistant American chestnut into the Appalachian mountain ecosystem.

Antioxidative properties of leaf extracts of a popular Malaysian herb, Labisia pumila

A study was undertaken to examine the presence of antioxidative activities of twovarieties of Labisia pumila; L. pumila var. Alata and L. pumila var. Pumila usingDPPH, FRAP and β-carotene bleaching methods. In addition, ascorbic acid, β-carotene, anthocyanin, total flavonoid and total phenolic content were also analyzed. In eight methods studied, six of them showed high activities of antioxidant in L. pumila var. Alata compared to that of L. pumila var. Pumila. The results obtained showed that L. pumila var. Alata contained higher antioxidative activities in all three methods applied compared to var. Pumila. In DPPH, FRAP and β-carotene bleaching methods, L. pumila var. Alata had high antioxidant activities with 299.84 μM trolox/g db, 164.16 μM trolox/g db and 89.22 %, respectively. The same pattern of antioxidant activities also can be observed in ascorbic acid, β-carotene and anthocyanin in L. pumila var. Alata compared to var. Pumila with 0.022, 3.175 and 0.328 mg/g FW, respectively. L. pumila var. Pumila had higher total flavonoid content than L. pumila var. Alata with 1.281 mg/g FW. For total phenolic content, no significant different was observed because the amount of total phenolic content ranging from 2.53 to 2.55 mg/g FW. There is a positive correlation between antioxidant capacities and individual antioxidative compounds in the following order β-carotene>flavonoid>vitamin C>total anthocyanins >phenolics. Key words: L. pumila, antioxidants, β-carotene, flavonoid, vitamin C, anthocyanin, phenolics.

The Vascular Flora of The Cucumber Creek Nature Preserve, Leflore County, Oklahoma

Abstract The Cucumber Creek Nature Preserve is located in the Ouachita Mountains of southeastern Oklahoma, a region of high plant diversity in the state. An inventory of the preserve yielded 341 taxa of vascular plants in 231 genera and 98 families. The largest families were the Asteraceae (46) and Poaceae (27). The flora consisted of 52 annuals, 1 biennial, 287 perennials, and 95 woody taxa. Sixteen exotic species were collected, representing 4.7% of the flora. Twenty-five species were present that are tracked by the Oklahoma Natural Heritage Inventory: Actaea pachypoda, Carex cephalophora, C. latebracteata, C. ouachitana, C. striatula, Castanea pumila var. ozarkensis, Chionanthus virginicus, Dirca palustris, Fraxinus quadrangulata, Galium arkansanum, Halesia tetraptera, Hamamelis vernalis, H. virginiana, Hypericum gentianoides, Ilex opaca, Iris cristata, Magnolia tripetala, Mitchella repens, Panax quinquefolius, Piptochaetium avenaceum, Polygala polygama, Ribes cynosbati, Spigelia marilandica, Stachys e...

Effects of Labisia pumila var alata extracts and estrogen replacement therapy on body weight gain, adipokine levels and uterus weight in ovariectomized rats

Effects of Labisia pumila var alata extracts and estrogen replacement therapy on body weight gain, adipokine levels and uterus weight in ovariectomized rats

Rhizopus stolonifer에 의한 사과 무름병 발생

2006년부터 2007년까지 2년 동안 진주시 농산물도매시장에 유통, 판매중인 사과(품종: 후지)에서 이상증상이 발생하였다. 병징은 상처나 열과된 과실이 수침상으로 물러지면서 빠르게 부패하였다. 균총은 처음 흰색에서 연한 갈색으로 되며 검은색의 포자낭을 많이 형성하며 균사생육 적온은 <TEX>$25^{\circ}C$</TEX>였다. 포자낭경은 처음 흰색에서 암갈색을 나타내며, 크기는 <TEX>$950{\sim}1,900\;{\mu}m$</TEX>이고 폭은 <TEX>$12{\sim}22\;{\mu}m$</TEX>이었다. 포자낭은 처음에 흰색에서 검은색으로 되며 모양은 구형 또는 반구형으로 크기는 <TEX>$82{\sim}185\;{\mu}m$</TEX>이었다. 주축의 모양은 반구형으로 크기는 <TEX>$70{\sim}85\;{\mu}m$</TEX>이었다. 포자낭포자는 담갈색으로 단포이며 구형 또는 타원형으로 크기는 <TEX>$8{\sim}18{\times}7{\sim}8\;{\mu}m$</TEX>이었다. 이상과 같이 병원균의 균학적 특징과 병원성을 검정한 결과, 본 병해를 Rhizopus stolonifer(Ehrenb.) Vuill.에 의한 사과 무름병으로 명명할 것을 제안한다. A rhizopus soft rot caused by Rhizopus stolonifer occurred sporadically on apple fruits (Malus pumila var. dulcissima Koidz.) at a wholesale market of agricultural products in Jinju, Korea in 2006 and 2007. Infected fruits were rapidly water-soaked, softened and rotted. The symptoms were initiated mainly from wounds or cracks occurred at harvest time. Sporangiophores were <TEX>$950{\sim}1,900\;{\mu}m$</TEX> in length and <TEX>$12{\sim}22\;{\mu}m$</TEX> in width. Sporangia were globose or hemispheric and <TEX>$82{\sim}185\;{\mu}m$</TEX> in size. The color of sporangia was white and cottony at first and gradually turned to brownish black, bearing abundant spores when matured. Columella were hemispheric and <TEX>$70{\sim}85\;{\mu}m$</TEX> in size. Sporangiospores were irregular round or oval, brownish-black streaked and <TEX>$8{\sim}18{\times}7{\sim}8\;{\mu}m$</TEX> in size. Optimum temperature for mycelial growth of the fungus on PDA was <TEX>$25^{\circ}C$</TEX>. On the basis of mycological characteristics and pathogenicity to apple the causal fungus was identified as Rhizopus stolonifer (Ehrenb.) Vuill. This is the first report of Rhizopus soft rot by R. stolonifer on Fuji apple in Korea.

Effect of Water Extract of Labisia pumila Var Alata on Aorta of Ovariectomized Sprague Dawley Rats

Labisia pumila var alata, locally known Kacip Fatimah, is a traditional herb used by Malay women to induce and facilitate childbirth as well as to increase a woman's libido. This study was aimed to investigate the effect of Labisia pumila consumption on maintaining the integrity of the aortic wall in ovariectomized rats. Thirty-five adult female Sprague Dawley rats, 6 months old, were used in the experiment. Rats were divided into Normal (NOR) and ovariectomized (OVXC, KF and ERT) groups. Body weight was checked and recorded monthly. After four months, rats were sacrificed by cervical dislocation and tissue samples from the aorta were collected for histological studies. Results showed that water extract of Labisia pumila-treatment maintained the elastic lamellae architecture of the ovariectomized rat aortae in a manner comparable to that of the normal rats. Results implied a possible role for Labisia pumila in modulating postmenopausal cardiovascular risks.

Evaluation of the female reproductive toxicity of aqueous extract of Labisia pumila var. alata in rats

Objective: To detect potential adverse effects of aqueous extract of Labisia pumila var. alata (LPE) or `Kacip Fatimah' on the estrous cycle, reproductive performance, post-natal growth and offspring survival of rats. Materials and Methods: Forty eight (48) female Sprague Dawley rats with consecutive 4 to 6 days estrous cycle were given distilled water (as control) or LPE at 2, 20, 200, 400 or 800 mg/kg daily by gavaging ten days prior to mating, mating (a maximum period of ten days), gestation and lactation periods of seven days. Dams and fetuses were sacrificed on day seven postnatal. Results: Labisia pumila extracts did not alter the estrous cycle and general health of all rats. All the animals proceed towards successful mating and pregnancies. There was no significant difference in the duration of pregnancy and all pregnant rats delivered normally. Statistically no test agent-related changes in the maternal body weight, number of implantations, litter size and pup body weights were observed. Other parameters measured include pup sex ratio, live birth index, pup viability index and percentage of implantation death which also showed no significant difference. Conclusion: The present findings indicate that water based extracts of Labisia pumila var. alata do not pose any significant reproductive toxicity or complication in pregnancy and delivery in rats. The extract did not significantly alter the duration of pregnancy in rats, however the duration of delivery was not evaluated in this study.

日本におけるリンゴの発育早期化にみられる温暖化の影響

Recent studies show hastening of the onset of the plant growing season and delay in the end of the growing season for the last several decades. With the well-established dependence of plant phenology on temperature, the phenological trends are interpreted as an indication of global warming. However, for several decades, other changes, e.g., those in varieties and agronomic practices, may also have contributed to the phenological trends. In this study, we analyzed the records of temperature and phenological events (budding, flowering and harvest) in the apple (Malus pumila var. domestica) from 1977 to 2004 at two locations (Kuroishi and Fukushima) in northern Japan. To each time series, we fitted a smoothing spline to obtain the long-term trend, and calculated the anomaly of deviations in yearly observations from the long-term trend. We found acceleration of budding by 0.23 d/y (Kuroishi and Fukushima), and that of flowering by 0.24 d/y (Kuroishi) and 0.27 d/y (Fukushima). The timing of budding was closely correlated with mean air temperature in March at a sensitivity of -3.9 d/°C (Kuroishi) and -4.3 d/°C (Fukushima). The temperature sensitivity showed no significant difference between the long-term trends and the anomalies. Flowering results were very close with one exception in Kuroishi: the temperature sensitivity in the long-term trend (-3.4 d/°C) was significantly less than that for the anomaly (-5.2 d/°C). The date of harvest showed no significant temporal trends or correlation with air temperature. These results indicate that the acceleration of budding in the apple can be regarded as a signal of a temperature increase, and that the acceleration of flowering may be a result of the temperature increase despite in an exceptional case.

Molecular evidence for an Asian origin and a unique westward migration of species in the genus Castanea via Europe to North America

The genus Castanea (Fagaceae) is widely distributed in the deciduous forests of the Northern Hemisphere. The striking similarity between the floras of eastern Asia and those of eastern North America and the difference in chestnut blight resistance among species has been of interest to botanists for a century. To infer the biogeographical history of the genus, the phylogeny of Castanea was estimated using DNA sequence data from different regions of the chloroplast genome. Sequencing results support the genus Castanea as a monophyletic group with Castanea crenata as basal. The three Chinese species form a strongly supported sister clade to the North American and European clade. A unique westward expansion of extant Castanea species is hypothesized with Castanea originating in eastern Asia, an initial diversification within Asia during the Eocene followed by intercontinental dispersion and divergence between the Chinese and the European/North American species during the middle Eocene and a split between the European and the North American species in the late Eocene. The differentiation within North America and China might have occurred in early or late Miocene. The North America species are supported as a clade with C. pumila var. ozarkensis, the Ozark chinkapin, as the basal lineage, sister to the group comprising C. pumila var. pumila, the Allegheny chinkapin, and Castanea dentata, the American chestnut. Morphological evolution of one nut per bur in the genus may have occurred independently on two continents.