Ipomoea Species Research Articles

Genome-wide identification, characterisation and functional evaluation of WRKY genes in the sweet potato wild ancestor Ipomoea trifida (H.B.K.) G. Don. under abiotic stresses

BackgroundWRKY DNA-binding protein (WRKY) is a large gene family involved in plant responses and adaptation to salt, drought, cold and heat stresses. Sweet potato from the genus Ipomoea is a staple food crop, but the WRKY genes in Ipomoea species remain unknown to date. Hence, we carried out a genome-wide analysis of WRKYs in Ipomoea trifida (H.B.K.) G. Don., the wild ancestor of sweet potato.ResultsA total of 83 WRKY genes encoding 96 proteins were identified in I. trifida, and their gene distribution, duplication, structure, phylogeny and expression patterns were studied. ItfWRKYs were distributed on 15 chromosomes of I. trifida. Gene duplication analysis showed that segmental duplication played an important role in the WRKY gene family expansion in I. trifida. Gene structure analysis showed that the intron-exon model of the ItfWRKY gene was highly conserved. Meanwhile, the ItfWRKYs were divided into five groups (I, IIa + IIb, IIc, IId + IIe and III) on the basis of the phylogenetic analysis on I. trifida and Arabidopsis thaliana WRKY proteins. In addition, gene expression profiles confirmed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction showed that ItfWRKYs were highly up-regulated or down-regulated under salt, drought, cold and heat stress conditions, implying that these genes play important roles in response and adaptation to abiotic stresses.ConclusionsIn summary, genome-wide identification, gene structure, phylogeny and expression analysis of WRKY gene in I. trifida provide basic information for further functional studies of ItfWRKYs and for the molecular breeding of sweet potato.

A taxonomic monograph of Ipomoea integrated across phylogenetic scales.

Taxonomic monographs have the potential to make a unique contribution to the understanding of global biodiversity. However, such studies, now rare, are often considered too daunting to undertake within a realistic time frame, especially as the world's collections have doubled in size in recent times. Here, we report a global-scale monographic study of morning glories (Ipomoea) that integrated DNA barcodes and high-throughput sequencing with the morphological study of herbarium specimens. Our approach overhauled the taxonomy of this megadiverse group, described 63 new species and uncovered significant increases in net diversification rates comparable to the most iconic evolutionary radiations in the plant kingdom. Finally, we show that more than 60 species of Ipomoea, including sweet potato, independently evolved storage roots in pre-human times, indicating that the storage root is not solely a product of human domestication but a trait that predisposed the species for cultivation. This study demonstrates how the world's natural history collections can contribute to global challenges in the Anthropocene.

Decreased Root-Knot Nematode Gall Formation in Roots of the Morning Glory Ipomoea tricolor Symbiotic with Ergot Alkaloid-Producing Fungal Periglandula Sp.

Many species of morning glories (Convolvulaceae) form symbioses with seed-transmitted Periglandula fungal endosymbionts, which produce ergot alkaloids and may contribute to defensive mutualism. Allocation of seed-borne ergot alkaloids to various tissues of several Ipomoea species has been demonstrated, including roots of I. tricolor. The goal of this study was to determine if infection of I. tricolor by the Periglandula sp. endosymbiont affects Southern root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne incognita) gall formation and host plant biomass. We hypothesized that I. tricolor plants infected by Periglandula (E+) would develop fewer nematode-induced galls compared to non-symbiotic plants (E-). E+ or E- status of plant lines was confirmed by testing methanol extracts from individual seeds for endosymbiont-produced ergot alkaloids. To test the effects of Periglandula on nematode colonization, E+ and E- I. tricolor seedlings were grown in soil infested with high densities of M. incognita nematodes (N+) or no nematodes (N-) for four weeks in the greenhouse before harvesting. After harvest, nematode colonization of roots was visualized microscopically, and total gall number and plant biomass were quantified. Four ergot alkaloids were detected in roots of E+ plants, but no alkaloids were found in E- plants. Gall formation was reduced by 50% in E+ plants compared to E- plants, independent of root biomass. Both N+ plants and E+ plants had significantly reduced biomass compared to N- and E- plants, respectively. These results demonstrate Periglandula's defensive role against biotic enemies, albeit with a potential trade-off with host plant growth.

Clinical and pathological comparison of Astragalus lentiginosus and Ipomoea carnea poisoning in goats

The indolizidine alkaloid swainsonine, found in some Astragalus and Oxytropis (i.e., locoweed) species, is a potent cellular glycosidase inhibitor that often poisons livestock. Other toxic genera such as some Ipomoea species also contain swainsonine as well as calystegines which are similar polyhydroxy alkaloids. The toxicity of calystegines is poorly characterized; however, they are also potent glycoside inhibitors capable of intestinal and cellular glycoside dysfunction. The objective of this study was to directly compare A. lentiginosus and I. carnea poisoning in goats to better characterize the role of the calystegines. Three groups of four goats each were treated with ground alfalfa (control), I. carnea or A. lentiginosus to obtain daily doses of 0.0, 1.5, and 1.5 mg swainsonine/kg bw per day, respectively, for 45 days. Animals were observed daily and weekly body weights, serum enzyme activities, and serum swainsonine concentrations were determined. At day 45 all animals were euthanized and necropsied. Goats treated with A. lentiginosus and I. carnea developed clinical disease characterized by mild intention tremors and proprioceptive deficits. Goats treated with A. lentiginosus developed clinical disease sooner and with greater consistency. No differences in body weight, serum swainsonine concentrations and serum enzyme activity were observed between goats treated with A. lentiginosus and I. carnea. Additionally, there were no differences in the microscopic and histochemical studies of the visceral and neurologic lesions observed between goats treated with A. lentiginosus and I. carnea. These findings suggest that I. carnea-induced clinical signs and lesions are due to swainsonine and that calystegines contribute little or nothing to toxicity in goats in the presence of swainsonine.

Density-dependent effect of allelopathy on germination and seedling emergence in two Ipomoea species

BackgroundDensity in inter and intraspecific plant-plant interactions affects the action modes of allelopathy (autotoxicity, negative and positive allelopathy). Some seeds exude compounds that inhibit the germination of others. Ipomoea murucoides and I. pauciflora are sympatric tree species that form patches at the local scale where one or the other dominates, possibly due to allelopathy in the seeds. The objective of this study was to determine the possible density-dependence of the allelopathic effect among seeds of these species through the measure of seed germination and seedling emergence.MethodsIn both species, allelopathy was measured as: a) germination in mixed sowing of both species at different proportions, b) germination in single-species trials at different densities after adding seed extracts of both species, and c) seedling emergence in seed mixtures of both species sown at different proportions beneath canopies of the two Ipomoea species.ResultsSeed germination of I. murucoides was increased by the presence of I. pauciflora and diminished at higher densities of its own seeds; however, seed germination of I. pauciflora was not affected by the presence of I. murucoides seeds. The addition of extracts (either from conspecifics or congeneric) diminished the germination of both species and at higher seed densities the germination was lower. Seedling emergence did not depend on the species under which the seeds were sown nor on the density of the seeds.ConclusionsThe germination experiments evidenced positive allelopathy and/or autotoxicity, while there was no evidence of allelopathic effects in seedling emergence. The allelopathic activity is reported in the seeds of these species for the first time.

Reversal of multidrug resistance by amphiphilic morning glory resin glycosides in bacterial pathogens and human cancer cells

Pathogens that express resistance to multiple drugs are becoming the norm, complicating treatment and increasing human morbidity. Acylsugars or resin glycosides from the morning glory family (Convolvulaceae) are amphipathic modulators of the efflux pumps responsible for the drug-resistant phenotype in prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. These inhibitory effects could be used to overcome the acquired resistance to common anticancer or antimicrobial drugs by lowering the current effective therapeutic doses, thus decreasing toxic side-effects in refractory malignancies. Active chemosensitizers identified by in vitro screening methods have demonstrated the therapeutic potential of resin glycosides for further exploration as coadjuvants to avoid drug resistance and restore the clinical utility of chemotherapy in treating infections and cancer. To date, more than 20 resin glycosides have been documented as inhibitors or modulators of efflux pumps, mainly isolated from species of the genus Ipomoea. Resin glycosides have shown the ideal structural features associated with multidrug-resistant efflux pump substrates. An overview is given to the acylsugar diversity and their amphiphilicity properties for bioactivity as leads of efflux pump inhibitors for drug development.

Origins, Divergence, and Contrasting Invasion History of the Sweet Potato Weevil Pests Cylas formicarius (Coleoptera: Brentidae) and Euscepes batatae (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) in the Asia-Pacific.

Cylas formicarius F. and Euscepes batatae Waterhouse are the most damaging sweet potato insect pests globally. Both weevils are thought to have invaded the Pacific alongside the movement of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam. Convolvulaceae), with C. formicarius having originated in India and E. batatae in Central or South America. Here we compare the genetic relationships between populations of the pests, primarily in the Asia-Pacific, to understand better their contemporary population structure and their historical movement relative to that of sweet potato. Cylas formicarius has divergent mitochondrial lineages that indicate a more complex biogeographic and invasive history than is presently assumed for this insect, suggesting it was widespread across the Asia-Pacific before the arrival of sweet potato. Cylas formicarius must have originally fed on Ipomoea species other than I. batatas but the identity of these species is presently unknown. Cylas formicarius was formerly designated as three species or subspecies and the genetic data presented here suggests that these designations should be reinvestigated. Euscepes batatae has very low genetic diversity which is consistent with its historical association with sweet potato and a recent introduction to the Asia-Pacific from the Americas. The distribution of E. batatae may be narrower than that of C. formicarius in the Asia-Pacific because it has relied relatively more on human-assisted movement. Consequently, E. batatae may become more widespread in the future. Investigating the invasion history of both species will help to understand the probability and nature of future invasions.

The nesting habits and flower relationships of the bee Melitoma ameghinoi (Holmberg) (Hymenoptera, Apidae), with notes on its taxonomy and distribution

ABSTRACTThe nesting behaviour of Melitoma ameghinoi was studied in the province of Chaco, Argentina. Contrary to other Melitoma species, which are known to nest on banks or other vertical or sloping surfaces, the nests were found on horizontal ground, in extremely hard clay soil. The nests were shallow, with three to four vertical cells. The short turrets pointed upwards for a short stretch and then were strongly curved, with the entrance directed towards the soil surface. The floral relationships of this species were studied by pollen analysis of faeces from cells, a pollen mass, scopal loads of specimens, and direct observation of floral visits. Pollen counts and field observations indicate that M. ameghinoi collects pollen exclusively from Ipomoea species. A compilation of pollen sources for species of Melitoma is presented. All known species, including M. ameghinoi, fall in the category of narrowly oligolectic. A discussion of the taxonomic relationships of the species is presented, and a lectotype is designated.

Biodiversity of Convolvulaceous species that contain ergot alkaloids, indole diterpene alkaloids, and swainsonine

Convolvulaceous species have been reported to contain several bioactive principles thought to be toxic to livestock including the calystegines, swainsonine, ergot alkaloids, and indole diterpene alkaloids. Swainsonine, ergot alkaloids, and indole diterpene alkaloids are produced by seed transmitted fungal symbionts associated with their respective plant host, while the calystegines are produced by the plant. To date, Ipomoea asarifolia and Ipomoea muelleri represent the only Ipomoea species and members of the Convolvulaceae known to contain indole diterpene alkaloids, however several other Convolvulaceous species are reported to contain ergot alkaloids. To further explore the biodiversity of species that may contain indole diterpenes, we analyzed several Convolvulaceous species (n = 30) for indole diterpene alkaloids, representing four genera, Argyreia, Ipomoea, Stictocardia, and Turbina, that had been previously reported to contain ergot alkaloids. These species were also verified to contain ergot alkaloids and subsequently analyzed for swainsonine. Ergot alkaloids were detected in 18 species representing all four genera screened, indole diterpenes were detected in two Argyreia species and eight Ipomoea species of the 18 that contained ergot alkaloids, and swainsonine was detected in two Ipomoea species. The data suggest a strong association exists between the relationship of the Periglandula species associated with each host and the occurrence of the ergot alkaloids and/or the indole diterpenes reported here. Likewise there appears to be an association between the occurrence of the respective bioactive principle and the genetic relatedness of the respective host plant species.

Proteomics and Proteogenomics Analysis of Sweetpotato ( Ipomoea batatas) Leaf and Root.

Two complementary protein extraction methodologies coupled with an automated proteomic platform were employed to analyze tissue-specific proteomes and characterize biological and metabolic processes in sweetpotato. A total of 74 255 peptides corresponding to 4321 nonredundant proteins were successfully identified. Data were compared to predicted protein accessions for Ipomoea species and mapped on the sweetpotato transcriptome and haplotype-resolved genome. The two methodologies exhibited differences in the number and class of the unique proteins extracted. Overall, 39 916 peptides mapped to 3143 unique proteins in leaves, and 34 339 peptides mapped to 2928 unique proteins in roots. Primary metabolism and protein translation processes were enriched in leaves, whereas genetic pathways associated with protein folding, transport, sorting, as well as pathways in the primary carbohydrate metabolism were enriched in storage roots. A proteogenomics analysis successfully mapped 90.4% of the total uniquely identified peptides against the sweetpotato transcriptome and genome, predicted 741 new protein-coding genes, and specified 2056 loci where gene annotations can be further improved. The proteogenomics results provide evidence for the translation of new open reading frames (ORFs), alternative ORFs, exon extensions, and intronic ORF sequences. Data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD012999.

A systematic comparison of eight new plastome sequences from Ipomoea L

BackgroundIpomoea is the largest genus in the family Convolvulaceae. The species in this genus have been widely used in many fields, such as agriculture, nutrition, and medicine. With the development of next-generation sequencing, more than 50 chloroplast genomes of Ipomoea species have been sequenced. However, the repeats and divergence regions in Ipomoea have not been well investigated. In the present study, we sequenced and assembled eight chloroplast genomes from sweet potato’s close wild relatives. By combining these with 32 published chloroplast genomes, we conducted a detailed comparative analysis of a broad range of Ipomoea species.MethodsEight chloroplast genomes were assembled using short DNA sequences generated by next-generation sequencing technology. By combining these chloroplast genomes with 32 other published Ipomoea chloroplast genomes downloaded from GenBank and the Oxford Research Archive, we conducted a comparative analysis of the repeat sequences and divergence regions across the Ipomoea genus. In addition, separate analyses of the Batatas group and Quamoclit group were also performed.ResultsThe eight newly sequenced chloroplast genomes ranged from 161,225 to 161,721 bp in length and displayed the typical circular quadripartite structure, consisting of a pair of inverted repeat (IR) regions (30,798–30,910 bp each) separated by a large single copy (LSC) region (87,575–88,004 bp) and a small single copy (SSC) region (12,018–12,051 bp). The average guanine-cytosine (GC) content was approximately 40.5% in the IR region, 36.1% in the LSC region, 32.2% in the SSC regions, and 37.5% in complete sequence for all the generated plastomes. The eight chloroplast genome sequences from this study included 80 protein-coding genes, four rRNAs (rrn23, rrn16, rrn5, and rrn4.5), and 37 tRNAs. The boundaries of single copy regions and IR regions were highly conserved in the eight chloroplast genomes. In Ipomoea, 57–89 pairs of repetitive sequences and 39–64 simple sequence repeats were found. By conducting a sliding window analysis, we found six relatively high variable regions (ndhA intron, ndhH-ndhF, ndhF-rpl32, rpl32-trnL, rps16-trnQ, and ndhF) in the Ipomoea genus, eight (trnG, rpl32-trnL, ndhA intron, ndhF-rpl32, ndhH-ndhF, ccsA-ndhD, trnG-trnR, and pasA-ycf3) in the Batatas group, and eight (ndhA intron, petN-psbM, rpl32-trnL, trnG-trnR, trnK-rps16, ndhC-trnV, rps16-trnQ, and trnG) in the Quamoclit group. Our maximum-likelihood tree based on whole chloroplast genomes confirmed the phylogenetic topology reported in previous studies.ConclusionsThe chloroplast genome sequence and structure were highly conserved in the eight newly-sequenced Ipomoea species. Our comparative analysis included a broad range of Ipomoea chloroplast genomes, providing valuable information for Ipomoea species identification and enhancing the understanding of Ipomoea genetic resources.

Comparative karyotype analysis among six species of Ipomoea based on two newly identified repetitive sequences.

Sweet potato is one of the most important crops worldwide; however, basic research in this crop is limited. In this study, we aimed to construct a detailed karyotype of six species of Ipomoea (hexaploid Ipomoea batatas and five related species, namely, one tetraploid, I. tabascana and four diploids, I. splendor-sylvae, I. trifida, I. tenuissima, and I. × leucantha) and understand the relationship among these species. Two satellite repeats (viz., Itf_1 and Itf_2) were identified from the diploid I. trifida genome sequence using RepeatExplorer on Galaxy. Together with the ribosomal DNA (rDNA), although without distinguishable chromosomes, a detailed karyotype was constructed for the six species. Our results showed a similar karyotype between I. tenuissima and I. × leucantha, indicating their close relationship. The signal distribution pattern of Itf_1, 45S rDNA combination, detected only in I. trifida, I. tabascana, and I. batatas, implied their close relationships. The chromosomes carrying 5S rDNA could be conserved among the six species as they always carried the Itf_2 signals, which generated a similar signal distribution pattern. The results enabled a detailed comparative cytogenetic analysis, providing valuable information to understand the relationship among these species and help assemble the genome sequence of the six species of Ipomoea.

Change in nuclear DNA content and pollen size with polyploidisation in the sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas, Convolvulaceae) complex.

Genome size evolution and its relationship with pollen grain size has been investigated in sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas), an economically important crop which is closely related to diploid and tetraploid species, assessing the nuclear DNA content of 22 accessions from five Ipomoea species, ten sweet potato varieties and two outgroup taxa. Nuclear DNA amounts were determined using flow cytometry. Pollen grains were studied using scanning and transmission electron microscopy. 2C DNA content of hexaploid I.batatas ranged between 3.12-3.29pg; the mean monoploid genome size being 0.539pg (527Mbp), similar to the related diploid accessions. In tetraploid species I.trifida and I.tabascana, 2C DNA content was, respectively, 2.07 and 2.03pg. In the diploid species closely related to sweet potato e.g. I.×leucantha, I.tiliacea, I.trifida and I.triloba, 2C DNA content was 1.01-1.12pg. However, two diploid outgroup species, I.setosa and I.purpurea, were clearly different from the other diploid species, with 2C of 1.47-1.49pg; they also have larger chromosomes. The I.batatas genome presents 60.0% AT bases. DNA content and ploidy level were positively correlated within this complex. In I.batatas and the more closely related species I.trifida, the genome size and ploidy levels were correlated with pollen size. Our results allow us to propose alternative or complementary hypotheses to that currently proposed for the formation of hexaploid Ipomoea batatas.

The complete chloroplast genome of a wild sweet potato, Ipomoea trifida (Kunth) G. Don

Ipomoea trifida is a herbaceous plant of the family Convolvulaceae that is mainly distributed around the Caribbean Sea. In this study, we reported and analyzed the complete chloroplast genome of I. trifida. It was 161,133 bp in length containing a pair of 27,297 bp inverted repeat regions (IRs) separated by one large and one small single copy region (SSC and LSC) of 88,107 bp and 18,432 bp, respectively. The phylogenetic tree shows that I. trifida forms a clade with the species of I. batatas, and sister to other Ipomoea species.

Growth and Development of Ipomoea Weeds

ABSTRACT: Weeds reduce the productive potential of crops. Plants of the Ipomoea genus, besides competing for water, light, space and nutrients, create problems in crop harvests due to their volatile stems. The objective of this work was to evaluate the growth and development of five Ipomoea species. For such, Ipomoea grandifolia, Ipomoea hederifolia, Ipomoea nil, Ipomoea purpurea and Ipomoea quamoclit plants were analyzed during the summer and winter season. Five destructive and periodic growth evaluations were carried out for each study, where leaf number, leaves, stems, roots and the total biomass were analyzed. Phenological stages of the plant development were also evaluated for emergence, flowering and maturation sub-periods by degree-days, totalizing five treatments, conducted in a completely randomized design with four replicates. The phenology averages were analyzed according to the Hess scale, and the growth data through nonlinear regressions. I. quamoclit and I. grandifolia obtained the highest number of leaves in the summer and the winter, respectively. I. nil obtained greater accumulation of leaf and stem dry biomass in both seasons. I. grandifolia obtained greater root development in both periods. I. quamoclit presented reduced cycle times when compared to the other species, especially I. hederifolia and I. grandifolia, which presented larger cycles. Based on the results, I. grandifolia probably shows greater interference with agricultural crops due to high root growth, high leaf production and longer cycle. Shorter-cycle species, such as I. quamoclit, when present, should require shorter residual control periods.

Development of Cercospora leaf spot on Ipomoea weed species for biological control

Morning glories (Ipomoea spp.) are important weeds in non-burning sugarcane farming in Brazil, and their chemical control has low efficacy due to the straw mulching. The purpose of this work was to determine the effect of epidemiological parameters on the development of Cercospora leaf spot (Cercospora aff. canescens Ellis & G. Martin) on four Ipomoea weed species, as well as on the host range. The results demonstrated that the use of a suspension of 2 × 107 conidia ml−1 on specific host phenological stages (3–5 leaves, open flowers, and with fruit), with a minimum of a 24 h dew period, induces plant defoliation and a higher disease incidence on Ipomoea nil L. (Roth). However, the same disease incidence and defoliation on I. grandifolia (Dammer) O’Donell, I. quamoclit L., and I. hederifolia L. were not achieved. The pathogen was specific to these four Ipomoea species among 18 plant species. These results represent an important step in the development of a mycoherbicide to control morning glories.

BEE FLORAL CALENDAR OF CULTIVATED AND WILD PLANTS AVAILABLE IN DIFFERENT AGROECOSYTEMS OF CHITWAN, NEPAL

Beekeeping is one of the promising enterprises for economically poor farmers in Nepal but beekeeping farmers lack flora calendar for pollination, bee foraging, and honey production. Therefore, a study was conducted visiting farmers’ fields every 15-20 days during 2012-2013 to monitor the common plant species visited by bees, which were considered as bee forage plants categorized as major, and minor sources of pollen and/or nectar. Relevant information was also gathered through key informant interviews and group discussions. During the study period a total of 252 plant species were recorded and their floral calendar prepared. In the study area. The main species identified were: rice, Oryza sativa L.; maize, Zea mays L.; buckwheat, Fagopyrum esculentum Moench.; rapeseed, Brassica campestris L.; sesame, Sesamum orientale L.; litchi, Litchi chinensis Sonner; and cucurbits (bottle gourd, Lagenaria siceraria (Molina) Standl; sponge gourd, Luffa cylindrica (L.) Roem.; bitter gourd, Momordica charantia L.), Leucas (gumpate), Leucas lanata Benth.; Butternut (chiuri), Bassia butyracea Roxb.; Pogostemon (rudilo), Pogostemon glaber Benth.; guava, Pisum sativum L; Sisoo, Dalbergia sissoo Roxb.; Throughwort (Banmara), Eupatorium sp.; silk tree (Padke), Albizia julibrissin Durazz ; Terminalia (Saj) Terminalia bellirica (Geartn.) Roxb. and Murraya (kadipatta) Murraya koenigii (L.) Spreng. Species of Brassica, Pogestemon, Bassia, Citrus, and Artemisia, Pisum, Ipomoea and Eupatorium species were some of the important plants which bloomed during winter. And, Lagerstroemia sp., Impatiens sp, Sesamum indicum L., Zea mays L., Albizia sp. and many cucurbits bloomed during rainy season. Fagopyrum esculentum Moench, Brassica campestral L, Lagerstroemia indica L, Bombax ceiba L, Albizia julibrissin Durazz., Eugenia formosa Wall., Shorea robusta, Guartn. Upatorium grandulosum, Pogostemon glaber Benth. Terminalia alata Heyne ex.Roth, Murraya koenigii (L.) Spreng Sesamum orientale L. Dalbergia sissoo Roxb. were the major bee flora both rich in nectar and pollen.

Additional notes on Ipomoea (Convolvulaceae) in Bolivia

Summary109 species of Ipomoea L. are recorded from Bolivia. This total includes six new country records and two species, I. prolifera J. R. I. Wood & Scotland and I. inaccessa J. R. I. Wood & Scotland, which are described as new, while I. jujuyensis O’Donell is excluded having been included previously in error. The little-known I. subalata Hassl. is described in full and compared with I. chondrosepala Hallier f. and other species with which it has been confused. The paper is illustrated with line drawings, photographs and distribution maps of the main species discussed.

Chemical composition and biological properties of Ipomoea procumbens

Natural products have been the most valuable source of chemical compounds in the discovery of novel medicines. Secondary metabolites from terrestrial and marine organisms have found considerable use in the treatment of numerous diseases and have been considered lead molecules both in their natural form and as templates for medicinal chemistry. Brazil has an exceptionally rich biodiversity, and a valuable source of secondary metabolites that can be useful for the development of bioproducts. Ipomoea species, Convolvulaceae, are mostly found in tropical and sub-tropical regions, including South America and many are used for nutritional and medicinal purposes. Ipomoea procumbens Mart. & Choisy is endemic from South America, and this is the first study reported on the chemical composition and biological activities of this species. The present work reports the tentatively identification of natural products present in the extracts using a high performance liquid chromatography–high resolution mass spectrometry method. Additionally, the antioxidant and antifungal biological activities of the leaves, roots and steams extracts and fractions of this species were evaluated. While for the antioxidant activity the hydromethanol fractions (leaves, stem and roots) were more active, the methanol fractions of leaves and stem provided better results for the antifungal assay.

Detection of swainsonine and calystegines in Convolvulaceae species from the semiarid region of Pernambuco

ABSTRACT: Numerous plant species worldwide including some Ipomoea (Convolvulaceae) and Sida (Malvaceae) species in Brazil cause lysosomal storage disease in herbivores and are known to contain swainsonine and calystegines as the main toxic compounds. The aim of this work was to determine swainsonine and calystegines concentrations in species of Convolvulaceae from the semiarid region of Pernambuco. Seven municipalities in the Moxotó region were visited and nine species were collected and screened for the presence of swainsonine and calystegines using an HPLC-APCI-MS method. The presence and concentration of these alkaloids within the same and in different species were very variable. Seven species are newly reported here containing swainsonine and/or calystegines. Ipomoea subincana contained just swainsonine. Ipomoea megapotamica, I. rosea and Jacquemontia corymbulosa contained swainsonine and calystegines. Ipomoea sericosepala, I. brasiliana, I. nil, I. bahiensis and I. incarnata contained just calystegines. The discovery of six Ipomoea species and one Jacquemontia species containing toxic polyhydroxy alkaloids reinforces the importance of this group of poisonous plants to ruminants and horses in the semiarid region of Pernambuco. Epidemiological surveys should be conducted to investigate the occurrence of lysosomal storage disease associated to these new species.