Smilax Species Research Articles

A revision of the myrmecophilous genus Smilax Laporte (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Staphylininae).

The neotropical myrmecophilous genus Smilax is revised and a new species, Smilax deneinephyto Chatzimanolis is described from southern Brazil. Lectotypes are designated for Smilax cyanea Wasmann and Staphylinus pilosus Fabricius. Smilax cyanea is shown to be a junior synonym of Smilax pilosa. A key and illustration of morphological features are provided for the identification of taxa. The types of the two species of Smilax were not available for study even though they are deposited in public museums.

A new species of Smilax (Smilacaceae) from southern islands of Kagoshima prefecture, Japan

Smilax Linnaeus (1753: 1028) is the only genus of Smilacaceae, comprising ca. 210 species, which are lianas, shrubs, and herbs (Cameron & Fu, 2006; Qi et al. 2013a). The genus shows a near-cosmopolitan distribution (Qi et al. 2013a). In the large genus, Smilax sect. Heterosmilax (Kunth 1850: 270) Judd (1998: 158), formerly treated as an independent genus Heterosmilax Kunth in Smilacaceae, has 12 species and is distributed only in Asian and Malesian regions (Judd 1998, Qi et al. 2013b). All species of the section have slender stem without pricks, cordate leaves, and tendrils in bronze color. Especially, flowers with connate perigone are one of the most important characteristics to distinguish the section from the other sections (Koyama 1984, Qi et al. 2013a).

Axillary bud and pericycle involved in the thickening process of the rhizophore nodes in Smilax species.

The species of the genus Smilax, popularly known as sarsaparilla, are widely used in folk medicine due to the antirheumatic properties of its underground structures. Smilax fluminensis and S. syphilitica occur in forested areas and form thickened stems called rhizophores from which adventitious roots grow. To provide information for more accurate identification of the commercialised product and for elucidating the process of stem thickening, a morphology and anatomy study of the underground organs of the two species was conducted. The adventitious roots differ in colour and diameter depending on the stage of development. They are white and have a larger diameter in the early stages of development, but as they grow, the adventitious roots become brown and have a smaller diameter due to the disintegration of the epidermis and virtually the entire cortex. In brown roots, the covering function is then performed by the lignified endodermis and the remaining walls of the cells from the last parenchyma cortical layer. These results are similar to those found in studies of other Smilax and suggest that the anatomy of the roots can be useful for identifying fraud in commercialised materials. The thickening process of the nodal regions of the rhizophores in both species involves the activity of axillary buds and pericyclic layers.

Antihyperlipidemic and antihyperglycemic effects of the Brazilian salsaparrilhas Smilax brasiliensis Spreng. (Smilacaceae) and Herreria salsaparrilha Mart. (Agavaceae) in mice treated with a high-refined-carbohydrate containing diet

Roots of Smilax species (Smilacaceae), named as salsaparrilha, have been used for centuries in Asia and Americas as depurative (=for “cleaning blood”), diuretic and sudorific. In southeast of Brazil, roots of Herreria salsaparrilha Mart. (Agavaceae) are also named as salsaparrilha and are used for the same purpose. In this study, we have evaluated the antihyperlipidemic and antihyperglycemic effects of extracts from roots of Smilax brasiliensis and H. salsaparrilha in mice fed with high-refined carbohydrate diet (HC). The chemical composition of the products was determined by LC-DAD and LC–MS. Groups of mice that received the HC diet showed an increase in plasma concentrations of glucose, triglycerides and total cholesterol, compared to control group, without treatment (p<0.05). Triglycerides were reduced significantly (p<0.05) in HC diet group that received 100 and 200mg/kg BW/day of both salsaparrilha extracts. Glucose and total cholesterol levels were reduced significantly (p<0.05) in the groups that received the higher doses (200mg/kg BW/day) of both extracts of salsaparrilha. Extracts of S. brasiliensis, at this dose also showed a higher reduction in triglycerides levels (p<0.001) and promoted a significant reduction in the adipocyte area (p<0.05). Both extracts showed the presence of saponins in LC analysis but S. brasiliensis has a higher concentration of phenolics, mainly chlorogenic acid. The presence of steroidal saponins might be responsible for the reduction of the cholesterol levels, while phenolics in S. brasiliensis by the metabolism of triglycerides and better fat distribution. The result is according with the traditional use of these plants and shown their potential for use as functional foods.

Ultrafiltration LC-ESI-MSn screening of MMP-2 inhibitors from selected Chinese medicinal herbs Smilax glabra Roxb., Smilax china L. and Saposhnikovia divaricata (Turcz.) Schischk as potential functional food ingredients

In vitro Matrix metalloproteases-2 (MMP-2) inhibition assay and ultrafiltration liquid chromatography coupled to electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (ultrafiltration LC-ESI-MSn) were combined to screen MMP-2 inhibitors from three Chinese medicinal herbs, Smilax glabra Roxb., Smilax china L. and Saposhnikovia divaricata (Turcz.) Schischk as potential functional food ingredients. Results showed that extracts of two Smilax species and the three major components resveratrol, engelitin and asibinn, and extract of S. divaricata and its major component 4′-O-β-D-glucosyl-5-O-methylvisamminol and three other chromones were strong MMP-2 inhibitors. Resveratrol and 4′-O-β-D-glucosyl-5-O-methylvisamminol had the highest binding affinity to MMP-2 and were the main contributors to the MMP-2 activity of Smilax and Saposhnikovia extracts, respectively. The present results further suggest that ultrafiltration LC-ESI-MSn is a valid, selective and effective method, and can be used to screen MMP-2 inhibitors from other plants such as grapes that contain resveratrol as functional foods and nutraceuticals.

Of the importance of a leaf: the ethnobotany of sarma in Turkey and the Balkans.

BackgroundSarma - cooked leaves rolled around a filling made from rice and/or minced meat, possibly vegetables and seasoning plants – represents one of the most widespread feasting dishes of the Middle Eastern and South-Eastern European cuisines. Although cabbage and grape vine sarma is well-known worldwide, the use of alternative plant leaves remains largely unexplored. The aim of this research was to document all of the botanical taxa whose leaves are used for preparing sarma in the folk cuisines of Turkey and the Balkans.MethodsField studies were conducted during broader ethnobotanical surveys, as well as during ad-hoc investigations between the years 2011 and 2014 that included diverse rural communities in Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Kosovo, Albania, Macedonia, Bulgaria, Romania, and Turkey. Primary ethnobotanical and folkloric literatures in each country were also considered.ResultsEighty-seven botanical taxa, mainly wild, belonging to 50 genera and 27 families, were found to represent the bio-cultural heritage of sarma in Turkey and the Balkans. The greatest plant biodiversity in sarma was found in Turkey and, to less extent, in Bulgaria and Romania.The most commonly used leaves for preparing sarma were those of cabbage (both fresh and lacto-fermented), grape vine, beet, dock, sorrel, horseradish, lime tree, bean, and spinach. In a few cases, the leaves of endemic species (Centaurea haradjianii, Rumex gracilescens, and R. olympicus in Turkey) were recorded.Other uncommon sarma preparations were based on lightly toxic taxa, such as potato leaves in NE Albania, leaves of Arum, Convolvulus, and Smilax species in Turkey, of Phytolacca americana in Macedonia, and of Tussilago farfara in diverse countries. Moreover, the use of leaves of the introduced species Reynoutria japonica in Romania, Colocasia esculenta in Turkey, and Phytolacca americana in Macedonia shows the dynamic nature of folk cuisines.ConclusionThe rich ethnobotanical diversity of sarma confirms the urgent need to record folk culinary plant knowledge. The results presented here can be implemented into initiatives aimed at re-evaluating folk cuisines and niche food markets based on local neglected ingredients, and possibly also to foster trajectories of the avant-garde cuisines inspired by ethnobotanical knowledge.

Smilax (Smilacaceae) from the Miocene of western Eurasia with Caribbean biogeographic affinities.

• Recent molecular studies provide a phylogenetic framework and some dated nodes for the monocot genus Smilax. The Caribbean Havanensis group of Smilax is part of a well-supported "New World clade" with a few disjunct taxa in the Old World. Although the fossil record of the genus is rich, it has been difficult to assign fossil taxa to extant groups based on their preserved morphological characters.• Leaf fossils from Europe and Asia Minor were studied comparatively and put into a phylogenetic and biogeographic context using a molecular phylogeny of the genus.• Fossils from the early Miocene of Anatolia represent a new species of Smilax with systematic affinities with the Havanensis group. The leaf type encountered in the fossil species is exclusively found in species of the Havanensis group among all modern Smilax. Scattered fossils of this type from the Miocene of Greece and Austria, previously referred to Quercus (Fagaceae), Ilex (Aquifoliaceae), and Mahonia (Berberidaceae) also belong to the new species.• The new Smilax provides first fossil evidence of the Havanensis group and proves that this group had a western Eurasian distribution during the Miocene. The age of the fossils is in good agreement with the (molecular-based) purported split between the Havanensis and Hispida groups within Smilax. The Miocene Smilax provides evidence that all four subclades within the "New World clade" had a disjunct intercontinental distribution during parts of the Neogene involving trans-Atlantic crossings (via floating islands or the North Atlantic land bridge) and the Beringia land bridge.

Studies on Vegetative and Reproductive Ecology of Paris polyphylla Smith: A Vulnerable Medicinal Plant

Paris polyphylla Smith is an important medicinal plant that is considered vulnerable in many parts of the world. The species exhibits poor adaptability to changed environment and susceptible to climatic conditions for reproductive vigor. During the present study the species was studied in four different natural niches as well as synthetic habitats to check the adaptability to artificial conditions, its morphological and physiological characters and its interaction in its community so that conservation strategies could be worked out. The present study indicates that P. polyphylla exhibits healthy growth as well as reproduction in undisturbed area with canopy covers over 80%. The plant grows in well-drained rich humus soil and grows well with certain key associated species such as Quercus species, Taxus baccata, Aconitum species, Eupatorium adenophorum, Smilax species etc. Many plants were non-flowering and more than 60% were found non-flowering in its habitat during its flowering season in any particular year. There are clear morphological changes as the flowers stages from pre-fertilization to post-fertilization. Arrangement of anthers in two whorls shows a distinct and unique floral display. Light is an important factor during seed setting and less than 50% shade lowers the seed productivity very significantly. Predators such as slugs and snails are found on the plant. Urgent conservation and new innovative ways are necessary to propagate this economically important plant to ensure its continuity.

Of the China Root: A Case Study of the Early Modern Circulation of Materia Medica

The early modern rise of syphilis provoked similar anxieties to those that more recently accompanied the global spread of HIV/AIDS. It also stimulated global demand for remedies. I discuss one of the most popular, known as ‘China root’ and usually identified with various species of Smilax. The drug and instructions for its use were spread westward from China by traders of all nationalities from 1535 onwards. Demand became global before being largely replaced in Europe by supplies of various American Smilax species, known collectively as ‘Sarsaparilla’. I examine the economic, political and cultural dynamics of this process and draw from them some conclusions about the early modern drugs trade and its effects on medical thought.

Use of Anatomical, Chemical, and Molecular Genetic Characteristics in the Quality Control of Medicinal Species: A Case Study of Sarsaparilla (Smilax spp.)

Species of the genus Smilax, popularly known as sarsaparilla, are used in folk medicine as a tonic, an anti-rheumatic, and an anti-syphilis treatment, and are sold in Brazilian drugstores without any quality control regarding their origin and efficacy. The origin of the material is mainly based on wild extraction. Quality control of herbal drugs should include a more reliable identification of the source involving characterization and definition of their anatomical and chemical characteristics. The current study aimed to verify whether the combined use of anatomical, chemical, and molecular genetic characteristics might be useful in the quality control of medicinal plants, specifically the sarsaparilla sold in compounding drugstores in the state of Sao Paulo, Brazil. Root samples were subjected to conventional light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. To determine the chemical profile, thin-layer chromatography (TLC) was applied to ethanol extracts of the roots. The chemical profile of the chemical material sold in stores was compared with the previously determined profiles of medicinal Smilax species (S. goyazana, S. rufescens, S. brasiliensis, S. campestris, S. cissoides, S. fluminensis, S. oblongifolia, and S. polyantha). Although there was considerable similarity between the anatomical structure of the commercial sarsaparilla and the structure reported in the literature for the Smilax species, there were differences in the phloem organization and in the presence of a series of idioblasts containing raphides, phenolic idioblasts, and metaxylem in the center of the plant structure. TLC analysis of the commercial ethanol extracts revealed spots with colors ranging from yellow to green. In addition, the same spots showed components with the same retention factor (Rf), indicating chemical similarity between the different samples. However, the distribution pattern of the spots, as well as the Rf of the commercial samples, differed from those obtained for the eight species of Smilax, which were very similar to each other. Comparing the groups examined in the present study with regard to microsatellite markers and DNA barcoding revealed that commercial sarsaparilla is genetically different from the eight species of Smilax known for their medicinal properties in Brazilian ethnobotanical surveys. This seriously calls into question their effectiveness. This case study of sarsaparilla demonstrates the utility of anatomical, chemical, and molecular genetic characteristics in the quality control of medicinal plants.

Smilax silverstonei, una Nueva Especie de Smilacaceae del Suroccidente de Colombia

A new species of Smilax L. (Smilacaceae) in southwestern Colombia (Cauca, Nariño, Valle del Cauca) is illustrated and described from Valle del Cauca, Nariño, and Cauca. Smilax silverstonei Botina differs from all other known Neotropical species of Smilax by the hispid trichomes present on the stems and branches.

The sarsaparilla market in the state of São Paulo (Brazil) and the challenges of cultivation

This study aimed to present information about the sarsaparilla sold in establishments in the state of São Paulo, Brazil, assess the genetic diversity of Smilax brasiliensis Spreng., Smilacaceae, and examine the growing conditions and productivity of five species of Smilax. The amount of sarsaparilla sold per month at most pharmacies was 0.4kg on average. Herbal stores and markets sold averages of 9kg and 8kg per month, respectively. The weight of the underground biomass of S. fluminensis (188.3g) is significantly higher than those of other species (28.3–79.6g). The study demonstrated that high genetic diversity among the Smilax brasiliensis plants belonging to the CPQBA germplasm bank, which was confirmed by the results of the genotyping study that used a SSR marker on S. brasiliensis. The high consumption of sarsaparilla and the low yield of young plants cultivated from seeds with high genetic variability reinforce the need for further studies on the production of Smilax species.

Aerial stem and leaf morphoanatomy of some species of Smilax

This study aimed to describe the morphoanatomy of the aerial vegetative organs of seven Smilax species, used in Brazilian folk medicine. Samples of leaves and stems were fixed with FAA 50, embedded in historesin, sectioned on a rotary microtome, stained and mounted in synthetic resin. Cuticle ornamentation was analyzed with standard scanning electron microscopy. In the frontal view, the walls of the adaxial epidermis are straight in S. brasiliensis, S. cissoides, S. goyazana and sinuous in the other species. The walls of the epidermis on the abaxial surface are straight in S. brasiliensis, S. goyazana, S. rufescens, sinuous in S. campestris, S. fluminensis, S. oblongifolia, and wavy in S. cissoides. The stomata are paracytic in S. brasiliensis, S. goyazana, S. oblongifolia, and S. rufescens, anomocytic in S. cissoides, S. campestris; anisocytic and paracytic in S. fluminensis. The midrib has three vascular bundles that are individually wrapped by lignified cells in S. brasiliensis, S. cissoides, and S. fluminensis. In the other, the three vascular bundles are surrounded by a single lignified sheath. In the stems the vascular cylinder is surrounded by a sclerenchymatous ring with the exception of Smilax fluminensis, which has a starch sheath and internal layers of thin-walled cells.

Synopsis of the Woody Species of Smilax in the Eastern United States North of Peninsular Florida

Abstract The nine woody species of Smilax (S. auriculata, S. bona-nox, S. glauca, S. laurifolia, S. pumila, S. rotundifolia, S. smallii, S. tamnoides, and S. walteri) of the eastern United States north of peninsular Florida are described through the use of charts. The habitat, range, common names, and synonyms for each are listed. A key to the nine species is provided.

Key to Nine Common Smilax Species of Florida

Identifying species found in Smilax the genus can be difficult because species resemble one another closely. One must be careful to use detailed descriptions in order to correctly identify a specimen. Smilax species are important because they can provide shelter and food for wildlife and have provided humans with medicine, food, and dyes. Twelve Smilax species are found in Florida. This 8-page fact sheet covers the nine more common species that one may encounter in the state. Written by Lynn Proenza and Michael Andreu and published by the UF Department of School of Forest Resources and Conservation, January 2013.&#x0D; http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fr375

Phylogeography of North American herbaceous Smilax (Smilacaceae): Combined AFLP and cpDNA data support a northern refugium in the Driftless Area

The genetic structure of North American herbaceous Smilax, a clade of closely related understory herbs that has a wide and disjunct distribution, was investigated to test the hypothesis of whether a northern refugium in the upper Midwest may have existed for these plants during the last glaciation. We analyzed 33 populations sampled from California and throughout the eastern United States using AFLP and chloroplast DNA sequence data. Individuals of S. jamesii from northern California formed a clade sister to the eastern North American species, and they likely diverged from each other during the Pleistocene. Among the eastern species, two lineages were found on opposite sides of the Appalachian Mountains. The populations near the "Driftless Area" contained most of the chlorotypes found in the Midwest, including a unique one endemic to this area, and the AFLP data indicated that one population from this area has the highest frequency-down-weighted-marker value. This study, and others that have focused on mammals, amphibians, and woody plants, provides further evidence for the debate over whether the upper Midwest's "Driftless Area" may have hosted a biologically diverse northern glacial refugium. Herbaceous species of Smilax from eastern North American exhibit an Appalachian discontinuity. They appear to have persisted in multiple refugia both east and west of the Appalachians, with several populations persisting in situ through the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM). We suggest that they experienced localized expansion after the LGM, possibly followed by subsequent contact between the Midwest and the East Coastal lineages.

Germination and seedling morphology of four South American &lt;i&gt;Smilax&lt;/i&gt; (Smilacaceae).

Species of Smilax, also known as greenbrier, are widely distributed in Brazil and their commercial trades are carried out by the extractivism of native species. We the aim to provide information about the germination and development of seedlings in four Smilax species, different experiments were developed under controlled conditions. We evaluated two germination treatments: temperature (30 degrees C and 20-30 degrees C) and light (presence/ absence), and for few cases the tetrazolium treatment was applied. A different treatment response was observed among the studied species. Light had a significant influence in S. brasiliensis, with the highest germination rates at 20-30 degrees C in dark conditions. S. campestris showed significant differences among temperature treatments, but not to light; while S. cissoides showed high germination rates (66-78%), independently of treatment. However, S. polyantha had low germination rates (19-24%). After one year, the expanded leaves showed different characteristics among the studied species. Leaves of S. brasiliensis were ovate, coriaceous, three main veins and prickle-like structures only on the midrib on abaxial face. S. campestris leaves were oblong, coriaceous and prickle-like structures were located at the leaf midrib and margin. S. cissoides had ovate-elliptic, membranaceous leaves, with three main veins with prickle-like structures on the abaxial face. S. polyantha leaves showed ovate-elliptic, coriaceous leaves, with three main veins, translucent secondary veins and no prickle-like structures. A seedling identification key was elaborated based on morphological characteristics.

Stem and leaf morphoanatomy of two Atlantic Forest species of Smilax Linnaeus

In this work, we analyze the morphoanatomical characteristics of the stem and leaves of Smilax quinquenervia and Smilax subsessiliflora in order to detect aspects that can help identify these species. Specimens were collected in the municipality of Miguel Pereira, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and histological slides were prepared according to traditional techniques of plant anatomy. Some anatomic characteristics are common to both species, including raphide and prismatic crystals of calcium oxalate and the occurrence of a sclerenchymatic sheath in the vascular bundles. Other aspects have diagnostic value for the species analyzed: thorns (vascularized emergences) at the nodes, striated cuticle, and cortical vascular bundles appearing as leaf traces in the aerial stem of S. quinquenervia; cork warts in the leaf and groups of palisade cells in the mesophyll of S. quinquenervia; aculei (non-vascularized emergences) at the nodes and internodes, striated cuticle with micropapillae, and a biseriate epidermis in the aerial stem of S. subsessiliflora; presence of groups of lobate cells in the mesophyll of S. subsessiliflora. A comparative table, which points to these aspects and others referenced in the literature for the Smilax species, is provided. The anatomical studies of the two species analyzed provide the basis for their recognition.

Puccinia citricolor . [Descriptions of Fungi and Bacteria

Abstract A description is provided for P. citricolor . Information on dispersal and transmission, geographical distribution (Papua New Guinea), and host plants (an unidentified species of Smilax ) is included.

Seed germination and seedling morphology of Smilax polyantha (Smilacaceae)

Brazilians have been using the underground organs of Smilax species in alternative medicine since the 19th century because of their anti-rheumatic qualities. However, even nowadays, these species are explored only by extractivism. Studies on seed germination and development of these organs could be useful to preserve these plants. After germination, seedling development of Smilax polyantha was analyzed to understand underground stem formation. Furthermore, to analyze the ontogenesis of the underground system, seedlings aged from one to twelve months were sectioned. One of the most striking features of this species is the presence of two stem branching systems. The plumule gives rise to the first stem branching system with negative geotropism. Its first underground axillary bud sprouted into the other caulinar axis with positive geotropism. The horizontal growth and the subsequent thickening of this underground organ depended on the development of axillary buds from basal nodes of the previous branches. The cotyledonary bud did not play a role in the underground formation, as previously described in the literature for this genus, but the buds of the basal cataphylls built the second stem branching system. In this study we discuss the terminology and suggest calling this second stem branching system a rhizophore.