Species Of Dorstenia Research Articles

Short Communication: Note on the genus Dorstenia Plum. ex L. (Moraceae) in Java (Indonesia) and noteworthy information on the identity of D. bahiensis through ITS sequence

Abstract. Irsyam ASD, Hariri MR, Peniwidiyanti, Irwanto RR. 2021. Short Communication: Note on the genus Dorstenia Plum. ex L. (Moraceae) in Java (Indonesia) and noteworthy information on the identity of D. bahiensis through ITS sequence. Biodiversitas 22: 3358-3363. Dorstenia Plum. ex L. grouped within tribe Dorstenieae in the Moraceae. The genus comprises 105 species that are distributed in the African, Asian, and Neotropical regions. Previous studies showed that Java Island has only one species of Dorstenia, namely D. contrajerva L. This exotic species was introduced a long time ago and naturalized in Java. The field survey was carried out in Banten, Jakarta, West Java, and East Java. Herbarium study was also carried out in Herbarium Bogoriense and Herbarium Bandungense. There are two additional species from Java, D. bahiensis Klotzsch ex Fisch. and C.A. Mey. and D. foetida (Forssk.) Schweinf. Dorstenia bahiensis originated from Eastern Brazil and was found naturalized in Mekarwangi Village, Lembang, Bandung Barat regency, Indonesia. Dorstenia foetida is native to Africa and is only found as a popular cultivated plant. A molecular approach was carried out to provide the right identity of D. bahiensis because it has been mistakenly labeled as D. elata by a Javanese horticulturist. The internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequence separated and distinguished both D. bahiensis and D. elata into different clades, which makes the popular name for D. elata actually D. bahiensis. Based on this study, there are three species of exotic Dorstenia in Java. The descriptions, photographs, and further discussions are provided.

<p><strong><em>Dorstenia arachniformis</em></strong><strong> (Moraceae), a new species from <em>Combretum</em> wooded grasslands in Makueni County, Kenya</strong></p>

A new species of Dorstenia (Moraceae), D. arachniformis, is described from the Combretum wooded grassland vegetation relicts in south-eastern Kenya. The species is distinguished from the closely related D. goetzei by features of the receptacle and appendages. An assessment of the conservation status of the new species is provided.

Metabolites isolated from the rhizomes of Dorstenia contrajerva with anti-leishmanial activity

Two new 2-benzylbenzofurans, dorsjervin A (1) and dorsjervin B (2), were isolated together with other nine known compounds (3–11) from Dorstenia contrajerva. Structure elucidation of both compounds was done through UV, IR, 1D- and 2D-NMR experiments, and mass spectrometry. All of the isolated compounds were evaluated for an in vitro anti-leishmanial activity; compounds 7 and 8 were active, with IC50’s 4.9 and 2.9μM, respectively. This is the first report on prenylated flavonoids (1, 2, and 7) isolated from a species of Dorstenia in the Americas.

Dorstenia (Moraceae) da região da Serra da Mantiqueira, Brasil

A Serra da Mantiqueira é uma formação montanhosa que ocupa importante área do Sudeste brasileiro. Entre as famílias ricas em espécies na composição da flora da Mantiqueira está Moraceae, sendo que Dorstenia se destaca como o segundo gênero mais representativo em número de espécies, depois de Ficus. Neste trabalho são apresentadas descrições, observações sobre fenologia e distribuição geográfica, comentários e ilustrações das espécies nativas de Dorstenia (Moraceae). Após o levantamento bibliográfico e análise do material coletado e de herbário foi possível reconhecer 14 espécies nativas, sendo, duas novas espécies que foram descritas durante a realização deste estudo.

The contribution of cytogenetics and flow cytometry for understanding the karyotype evolution in three Dorstenia (Linnaeus, 1753) species (Moraceae).

Chromosome morphometry and nuclear DNA content are useful data for cytotaxonomy and for understanding the evolutionary history of different taxa. However, the chromosome number is the only karyotype aspect reported for the species of Dorstenia so far. In this study, the nuclear genome size of Dorstenia arifolia (Lamarck, 1786), Dorstenia bonijesu (Carauta & C. Valente, 1983) and Dorstenia elata (Hooker, 1840) was evaluated and their karyotype morphometry accomplished, with the aim of verifying the potential of those parameters to understand evolutionary issues. Mean nuclear 2C value ranged from 2C = 3.49 picograms (pg) for Dorstenia elata to 2C = 5.47 pg for Dorstenia arifolia, a variation of ± 1.98 pg. Even though showing a marked difference in 2C value, the three species exhibited the same 2n = 32. Corroborating the flow cytometry data, differences in chromosome morphology were found among the karyotypes of the species investigated. Based on this and the only phylogeny proposed for Dorstenia thus far, structural rearrangements are related to the karyotype variations among the three species. Besides, the karyological analysis suggests a polyploid origin of the Dorstenia species studied here.

<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:HyphenationZone>21</w:HyphenationZone> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument></xml><![endif]-->A new species and new records of Dorstenia (Moraceae, Dorstenieae) from Rwanda, East Africa<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="156"> </w:LatentStyles></xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]><style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Normale Tabelle"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;

The new species Dorstenia marijanmatokii from Rwanda is described. It differs from Dorstenia nyungwensis in the discoid and entirely purple receptacle with shorter primary appendages and more numerous and irregular secondary appendages, and the densely tomentose lower leaf surface with purple venation. First records of Dorstenia brownii and D. psilurus from Rwanda and a key to the species of Dorstenia for Rwanda are provided.

Anti-inflammatory and anticholinesterase activity of six flavonoids isolated from Polygonum and Dorstenia species.

This study was aimed at investigating the anti-inflammatory and anticholinesterase activity of six naturally occurring flavonoids: (-) pinostrobin (1), 2',4'-dihydroxy-3',6'-dimethoxychalcone (2), 6-8-diprenyleriodictyol (3), isobavachalcone (4), 4-hydroxylonchocarpin (5) and 6-prenylapigenin (6). These compounds were isolated from Dorstenia and Polygonum species used traditionally to treat pain. The anti-inflammatory activity was determined by using the Griess assay and the 15-lipoxygenase inhibitory activity was determined with the ferrous oxidation-xylenol orange assay. Acetylcholinesterase inhibition was determined by the Ellman's method. At the lowest concentration tested (3.12µg/ml), compounds 2, 3 and 4 had significant NO inhibitory activity with 90.71, 84.65 and 79.57% inhibition respectively compared to the positive control quercetin (67.93%). At this concentration there was no significant cytotoxicity against macrophages with 91.67, 72.86 and 70.86% cell viability respectively, compared to 73.1% for quercetin. Compound 4 had the most potent lipoxygenase inhibitory activity (IC50 of 25.92µg/ml). With the exception of (-) pinostrobin (1), all the flavonoids had selective anticholinesterase activity with IC50 values ranging between 5.93 and 8.76µg/ml compared to the IC50 4.94µg/ml of eserine the positive control. These results indicate that the studied flavonoids especially isobavachalcone are potential anti-inflammatory natural products that may have the potential to be developed as therapeutic agents against inflammatory conditions and even Alzheimer's disease.

Dorstenialuamensis (Moraceae), a new species from eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.

A new species of Dorstenia L. (Moraceae), Dorstenia luamensis M.E.Leal, is described from the Luama Wildlife Reserve, west of Lake Tanganyika and north of the town of Kalemie in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This species is endemic to the region and differs from any of the other species by its fernlike lithophytic habit and lack of latex. A description and illustration of this species is presented here. Dorstenia luamensis M.E.Leal inhabits moist and shady vertical rock faces close to small waterfalls in the forest; the species is distributed in small populations within the type locality, and merits the conservation status of endangered (EN).

<i>Dorstenia christenhuszii</i> (Moraceae), a new species from the Taita Hills, Kenya

At the Mbololo locality of the endemic African violet (Streptocarpus teitensis, Gesneriaceae) in the Taita Hills, Kenya, a new species of Dorstenia (Moraceae) was discovered. It is described here and illustrated with photographs.

Antimicrobial action mechanism of flavonoids from Dorstenia species

Naturally occurring flavonoids have been reported to possess antimicrobial activity against a wide range of pathogens. However, the antimicrobial action mechanism of these compounds has not yet been elucidated. This study investigated the mechanism underlying the antibacterial activity of four flavonoids: 6,8-diprenyleriodictyol (1), isobavachalcone (2), 6-prenylapigenin (3) and 4-hydroxylonchocarpin (4). In addition, the toxicity of these compounds was evaluated. Determination of the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) was performed by microbroth dilution method. Radiolabeled thymidine, uridine, and methionine were used to evaluate the effect of the compounds on the biosynthesis of DNA, RNA, and proteins while the sensitive cyanine dye DiS-C3-(5) (3,3'-dipropylthiadicarbocyanine iodide) was used for the effect on membrane potential. Bactericidal/bacteriolysis activities were performed by time-kill kinetic method. In the toxicity study, the numbers of survivors was recorded after injection of compounds into the hemolymph of silkworm larvae. Compounds showed significant antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus including methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) strains with MICs values ranged between 0.5-128 μg/mL. Depolarization of membrane and inhibition of DNA, RNA, and proteins synthesis were observed in S. aureus when treated with those flavonoids. At 5-fold minimum inhibitory concentration, compounds reduced rapidly the bacterial cell density and caused lysis of S. aureus. Compounds 1, 2, and 4 did not show obvious toxic effects in silkworm larvae up to 625 μg/g of body weight. Flavonoids from Dorstenia species, 6,8-diprenyleriodictyol, isobavachalcone, and 4-hydroxylonchocarpin are bactericidal compounds. They cause damage of cell membrane, leading to the inhibition of macromolecular synthesis. Taking into account the in vivo safety and their significant antimicrobial potency, these flavonoids are promising leads for further drug development.

PHYLOGENY, BIOGEOGRAPHY AND CHARACTER EVOLUTION OF DORSTENIA (MORACEAE)

Dorstenia, the second largest genus (105 species) within the Moraceae, is the only genus in the family with woody, herbaceous and succulent species. All but one species of Dorstenia are restricted to the Neotropics or Africa, and it is the only genus in the family with an almost equal transatlantic distribution. This work presents the first molecular phylogeny and the first evolutionary study to examine origin and diversification within the genus. We inferred the phylogeny with ITS sequence data using Bayesian and maximum likelihood approaches. We tracked the evolution of distinct morphological characters and tested for correlated evolution in multiple characters. Time and place of Dorstenia’s origin were estimated to test a post-Gondwanan versus a Gondwanan origin hypothesis using fossil calibrations, Bayesian molecular dating, and maximum likelihood-based ancestral range reconstructions. Our phylogenetic analysis supports the monophyly of Dorstenia; previous subgeneric classifications are polyphyletic and must be re-evaluated. Woody habit, phanerophytic life form, macrospermy, and lack of storage organs are ancestral traits found in African Dorstenia. Evolution of woodiness and macrospermy are correlated. Dorstenia appears to have originated in Africa, radiated into the Neotropics and subsequently re-colonised Africa. Whether or not the extant distribution is the result of vicariance or dispersal is equivocal.

A new species of Dorstenia (Moraceae) from southeastern Brazil

Dorstenia stellaris is a new species from southeastern Brazil. This species is endemic to the region and differs from the others by its star shaped coenanthium and cordiform leaves. A description and illustration of this species is presented here. Dorstenia stellaris is found in moist and shady places, in small populations within the type locality, thus we recommend its inclusion in the endangered (EN) status of conservation.

THERAPEUTIC EFFECTS OF EXTRACTS OF ANNONA SENEGALENSIS AND EUCALYPTUS CAMALDULENSIS IN EXPERIMENTAL AFRICAN TRYPANOSOMIASIS.

Research in the area of natural products is an important scientific activity in Cameroon where a large variety of plants, especially, Dorstenia spp are used as anti-snakebite, anti-infection and anti-rheumatism remedies in medicinal plant therapy. The genus is recognized as a rich source of prenyl and geranyl-substituted coumarins and flavonoids [1]. There is now increasing interest in this genus. Almost 40 papers have appeared during the last decade, reporting on research results on over 25 Dorstenia species. As part of our program to study the chemical constituents of African Dorstenia species [1] we have investigated 14 species from Cameroon. More than hundred secondary metabolites, of which thirty are new derivatives, were isolated using various chromatographic techniques (VLC, CC, PTLC), and characterized using extensive spectroscopic methods. These compounds are regrouped into: triterpenoids, styrenes, coumarins and mainly flavonoids [1]. 3, 3’- bis [3, 7-Dimethyl-2, 6-octadienyl]-4, 5, 2’, 4’-tetrahydroxylchalcone, isolated from the twigs of D. prorepens, is the first example of a bis-geranylated chalcone. Eleven diprenylated flavonoids have so far been isolated from Dorstenia and all of them are reported to be isolated from the twigs of D. mannii [1]. D. psilurus provided triprenylated flavonoids with two units in ring A and one in ring B [1]. The pharmacological data of this genus is scanty. Extracts and/or compounds from the investigated species show anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anti-oxidant and antimalarial activities [2]. Inhibition of matrix-metalloproteinase-2 secretion from brain tumour cells suggests chemo-preventive properties of furanocoumarin glucoside and chalcones isolated from D. turbinata [3]. To the best of our knowledge, prenylated flavonoids have only been reported from African Dostenia species so far.

Antitrichomonal and antioxidant activities of Dorstenia barteri and Dorstenia convexa

Dorstenia barteri and D. convexa extracts and some isolated components of the former were investigated for effectiveness against Trichomonas gallinarum and compared with quercetin and quercitrin. The antioxidant activity of the extracts/compounds was also determined. The minimum lethal concentrations (MLCs) for the extract of D. barteri leaves and twigs at 24 h were found to be 15.625 and 15.625 microg/ml, respectively. However, the MLCs of the leaf and twig extract of D. convexa were 125 and 437.5 microg/ml, respectively. The prenylated and geranylated chalcones were as active as the prenylated flavones, 6-prenylapigenin and the diprenylated derivative 6,8-diprenyleridictyol. The order of the antitrichomonal activity of the compounds at 24 h was: quercetin (0.121 microg/ml) > quercitrin (0.244 microg/ml) > or = bartericin B (0.244 microg/ml) > bartericin A (0.73 microg/ml) > stigmasterol (0.98 microg/ml) > 6,8-diprenyleridictyol = isobavachalcone = dorsmanin F (31.25 microg/ml). D. barteri extracts, quercitrin, and bartericin A, and the prenylated flavonoids had potent antioxidant properties. The twig extract of D. barteri was more potent than the leaf extract. Moderate (EC50 >50 microg/ml) and high (EC50 <50 microg/ml) antioxidant activities were detected in the leaf and twig extracts of D. barteri and the prenylated flavonoids. Prenylated flavonoids and the isolated compounds with antioxidant properties described here may account for the anti-inflammatory action of these extracts. The antitrichomonal and antioxidant activities shown by the extracts and compounds in this study are consistent with the ethnomedicinal and local use of the Dorstenia species studied.

Simultaneous Determination of Furanocoumarins in Infusions and Decoctions from “Carapiá” (Dorstenia Species) by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography

The use of furanocoumarins, which are photosensitizing compounds, combined with exposure to UV-A radiation is a common treatment for vitiligo, psoriasis, and a number of other skin diseases. Although furanocoumarins plus UV-A treatment is highly effective, several studies have shown that exposure to high doses increases the risk to development of cutaneus carcinoma. Several Dorstenia species are used in folk medicine, mainly against skin diseases, because of the presence of biologically active compounds. We present here analysis of the chemical composition of furanocoumarins from infusion and decoction of "Carapiá" (Dorstenia species), which is used in Brazil against several diseases. We have employed high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) procedures for the quantitative determination of psoralen, bergapten, and isopimpinellin. The contents of furanocoumarins revealed an insignificant difference between infusion and decoction. Dorstenia tubicina and D. asaroides contained psoralen and bergapten only in the rhizomes, whereas D. vitifolia shows solely isopimpinellin in both rhizomes and aerial parts.

Photosensitization and mutation induced in Escherichia coli and Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains by dorstenin, a psoralen analog isolated from Dorstenia bahiensis.

Dorstenin, 5-[3-(4,5-dihydro-5,5-dimethyl-4-oxo-2-furanyl)-butoxy]-7H-furo[3, 2-g] benzopyran-7-one, is a psoralen analog recently isolated from Dorstenia species (Moraceae). In order to characterize its biological activity, its photosensitizing and mutational properties were measured in wild-type E. coli and S. cerevisiae and also in strains carrying mutations which affect DNA repair. Compared to the high activities of psoralen and bergapten, dorstenin showed lower genotoxic effect.

Recent results from natural product research at the University of Botswana

Marketed plants are very important items of trade in many parts of the world. The community uses these for a variety of purposes such as foods, cosmetics, flavors, spices, and medicines. It seems that plants that are used for medicinal purposes form the most common category. Four plants used for treatment of microbial infections, viz., Bolusanthus speciosus, Erythrina latissima, Crotalaria podocarpa, and Elephantorrhiza goetzei, were investigated, and these yielded several known and novel structures, some with appreciable antibiotic activity against the test organisms. The activity of some of the isolated plants and the parts of the plant from which these were obtained lend support to their traditional use. Bulbine abyssinica and B. capitata yielded phenylanthraquinones, some of which were shown to possess strong antiplasmodial activity. In addition, these yielded isofuranonaphthoquinones, which were also found to be weakly antiplasmodial and antioxidant. Scilla nervosa yielded several known and novel homoisoflavoinds of the 3-benzylchroman-4-ones and 3-benzylidinechroman-4-one type, as well as some stilbenoids. The homoisoflavonoids showed strong antitumor activity against various cancer cell lines. Rhus pyroides gave a novel bichalcone, which showed weak antifeedant activity, consistent with the observation by farmers that the plant was avoided by corn cricket. Results from investigated Dorstenia species originating from Cameroon, Ethiopia, and Tanzania yielded styrenes, coumarins, chalcones, and flavonoids. The chalcones and flavonoids showed various levels of prenylation or geranylation, and an observation made so far is that prenylated flavonoids are only found in Dorstenia species of African origin. The only example of a bis-geranylated chalcone is found in Dorstenia.

QUANTITATIVE DETERMINATION OF FURANOCOUMARINS AND IDENTIFICATION OTHER CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS OF RHIZOMES AND LEAVES FROM DORSTENIA TUBICINA AND COMMERCIAL SAMPLES

The chemical composition of the hexane extracts from the rhizomes and leaves of Dorstenia tubicina Ruiz et Pavon (Moraceae) and four commercial samples of Dorstenia was investigated by high-resolution gas chromatography-flame ionization detector (HRGC-FID) and high-resolution gas chromatographic-mass spectrometry (HRGC-MS). This is a rapid and sensitive method for the quantification of furanocoumarins and identification isoprene derivatives (triterpenes, steroids, and vitamins) from apolar crude extracts of Dorstenia species

CHEMISTRY OF MARKETED PLANTS OF EASTERN AND SOUTHERN AFRICA

Different strategies have been developed by various research groups to determine a sound and practical basis for the selection of plants for scientific examination. Groups involved in drug discovery programs often use bioassay-guided fractionation to track, isolate and identify substances that have positive activity. Others employ ethnomedical information as leads. More recently combinatorial chemistry and high throughout robotic screening techniques have been employed mostly by the big multinational pharmaceutical companies. Each one of these approaches has it benefits and disadvantages and the selection depends upon the goals of the project and the resources available to the researchers. The selection of plant material for investigation by our research group has been guided the belief that plants that have acquired the status of marketed commodities have already been screened by traditional methods. This approach has led us to examine a number of plants and the results obtained in the course of training students has been stimulating and exciting. This paper will deal with examples of marketed plants from a number of countries in eastern, central and southern Africa. It will be selective rather than comprehensive. Reference will be made to the historically important Ethiopian anti-parasitic plant Hagenia abyssinica, and other marketed plants of current interest like Aloes, the devil's claw (Harpagophytum procumbens), Hypoxis spp. In addition results from our own laboratories will be presented Scilla nervosa (Burch) Jesssop sub-species rigidifiolia (Hyacinthaceae) is used in Zulu medicine to treat rheumatic fever and as purges for children. In Botswana the plant is alleged to enhance female fertility and to treat infections. The tubers yielded thirteen homoisoflavoniod (nine of which are new) and three-stilbene derivatives. Bulbine capitata V poellen (syn. B. Stenophylla Verdooorn) is used in Botswana as antibiotic. This plant us a rich source of furanonaphthoquinones, anthraquinones including knipholone type compounds which show interesting biological properties. We have investigated several species of Dorstenia (Moraceae): D. mannji, D. kameruniana, D. psiliris and D. poinsettifolia. They are rich sources of prenylated flavonoids, which undergo various cyclizations to yield furano-, pydrano-, and dihydropyrano derivatives. Rhamus prinoides L'Herit occurs widely in Africa and is commonly known as Gesho in Ethiopia and dogwood in southern Africa. We have reported several quinines, flavonoids and naphthalenic compounds from various parts of this plant and have established that geshoidine may be the flavoring principle of the plant responsible for the characteristic bitter tastes of the domestic beverages Tella and Tej. Further examinations of the more polar fractions of (Rhamnaceae) have yielded acylated glycosides of emodin and emodin anthrone. Rhus pyroides (Anacadiaceae) is a plant whose leaves are carefully avoided by the corn cricket. Examination of this plant has yielded novel bichalcones, which may have potential insecticidal properties. Marketed plants that are collected from the wild run a great risk of extinction. This lecture will urge the need to developed substainable use of these important plants. Key Words: Marketed plants, Hagenia abyssinica, Rosaceae, Dorstenia species, Moraceae, chemical constituents. Nig. J. Nat Prod. And Med. Vol.3 1999: 19-25

Further triterpenes, steroids and furocoumarins from brazilian medicinal plants of dorstenia genus (moraceae)

The hexane-soluble fractions from the rhizomes or from the leaves from five Dorstenia (Moraceae) species (D. bahiensis Kl., D. bryoniifolia Mart ex. Miq., D. carautae C.C.Berg, D. cayapiaa Vell. and D. heringerii Car. & Val) were analysed by HRGC-MS (high-resolution gas chromatography - mass spectrometry). Pentacyclic triterpenes, steroids and furocoumarins were identified. HRGC-MS is shown to be a valuable tool for the analysis of terpenoidal compounds from Dostenia species. These compounds may be related to the folk utilization of Dorstenia species as antiophidicals.