Urena Lobata Research Articles

Development of an efficient selection procedure for high imperatorin-yielding hairy root clones of Urena lobata L. using morphological and molecular markers

Development of an efficient selection procedure for high imperatorin-yielding hairy root clones of Urena lobata L. using morphological and molecular markers

Inhibitory Potential of Pulutan (Urena lobata) Leaf Extract on Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase as Anti-inflammatory Agent: In Vitro and In Silico Approaches

Inhibitory Potential of Pulutan (Urena lobata) Leaf Extract on Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase as Anti-inflammatory Agent: In Vitro and In Silico Approaches

Inhibitory Potential of Pulutan (Urena lobata) Leaf Extract on Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase as Anti-inflammatory Agent: In Vitro and In Silico Approaches

Inhibitory Potential of Pulutan (Urena lobata) Leaf Extract on Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase as Anti-inflammatory Agent: In Vitro and In Silico Approaches

First report of Urena lobata (Malvaceae) in Texas, U.S.A.

The pantropical weed, Urena lobata L. (Malvaceae) is reported for the first time in Texas. The spread of U. lobata in the U.S.A. and the role of botanic gardens in reducing threats from invasive plants are discussed.

Co-occurrence of two invasive plants in a tropical savanna ecosystem: a top priority for management

In this study, we assessed the co-occurrence influence of Hyptis suaveolens and Urena lobata on native plant species and soil properties in a guinea savanna vegetation in Nigeria. We sampled 120 plots of 10 × 10 m2 with 30 plots each in sites invaded by H. suaveolens, U. lobata, mixed site and in sites with none of the species (control). A sparse partial least square discriminant analysis was used to assess the effect of invasive plant treatments on the plant diversity and soil properties, whereas the relationships between the soil properties, plant diversity and invasive species treatments were assessed using the canonical correspondence analysis. The indices of diversity of the control were significantly higher than all the other treatments (p < 0.001) with the mixed site having the lowest. There were significant differences in phosphorus, calcium, aluminium, soil alkalinity and diversity indices among the treatments. The results also indicated that the diversity indices and some soil properties were negatively associated with the mixed site. The negative impacts on the native diversity and change in the soil properties caused by the co-invasion of these two plants are more additive than non-additive. Therefore, priority should be placed on the management of co-invaded sites.

O uso da Malva no Brasil

The article delves into the historical trajectory of mallow (Urena lobata L.) utilization in Brazil, a plant indigenous to the national flora and a perfect analogue to jute (Corchorus olitorius L. and Corchorus capsularis L.), an exotic plant. The objective of the article is to generate insights into the process of mallow utilization aimed at fiber production for the crafting of sacks used in packaging agricultural products, as well as for other weaving purposes. To achieve this, we analyze the historical context in which the first attempts at mallow cultivation in Brazil occurred, spanning from the late 19th century to the early decades of the 20th century. Additionally, we examine the current cultivation context of this plant, particularly in the Amazon. In this region, there is primarily the collection and/or cultivation of mallow for seed production in the northeastern region of Pará, while in the neighboring state of Amazonas, cultivation is aimed at fiber production. The methodology employed was documentary research, conducted in the archives of significant agricultural research institutions in the country. The relevance of the topic lies in the fact that mallow has practically replaced jute in the Amazon, not due to disparities in the production process or the efficacy and quality of its fibers, but rather because of the abandonment of jute-related research in the region and the availability of seeds. This oversight has led to a scarcity in production and seed supply, causing riverside communities to now predominantly cultivate mallow.

Usando direitos para aprofundar a democracia

In this text we will describe the historical path of use, in Brazil, of mallow (Urena lobata L.), a plant found in the national flora that is the perfect counterpart to jute (Corchorus olitorius L. and Corchorus capsularis L.), an exotic plant. The objective of this article is to produce knowledge about the process of using mallow to produce fibers intended for making bags for packaging agricultural products, as well as for other uses in weaving. To do this, we analyzed the historical context in which the first attempts to cultivate mallow took place in Brazil, which took place between the end of the 19th century and the first decades of the 20th century. We also analyze the current context of cultivation of this plant, carried out in the Amazon. In this region, there is, fundamentally, the collection and/or cultivation of mallow for seed production in the northeast of Pará and, in the neighboring state of Amazonas, cultivation takes place for the production of fibers. The methodology used was documentary research, carried out in the archives of important agricultural research institutions in the country. The relevance of the topic lies in the fact that mallow practically replaced jute in the Amazon, not because there were differences in the production process or in the efficiency and quality of its fibers, but rather because of the abandonment of research linked to jute in the region and seed availability. This omission led to a reduction in the production and supply of seeds, causing riverside dwellers to now almost exclusively cultivate mallow.

Genetic matching and the identification of a promising biocontrol agent validates a decision to survey natural enemies of Urena lobata in Malaysia

Urena lobata is a major introduced pasture weed in Vanuatu where a biocontrol program to mitigate its impacts commenced in 2018. There was considerable uncertainty regarding the native range of U. lobata, although published literature, coupled with very simple climate matching suggested that Southeast Asia should be the most promising region in which to survey for natural enemies. We, therefore, conducted surveys for candidate biocontrol agents in Malaysia and conducted genetic matching to compare plants growing in Vanuatu, Malaysia, and other regions in the invaded and purportedly native range of U. lobata. Surveys in Malaysia prioritized a tingid bug Haedus vicarius as a promising candidate agent for the biocontrol of U. lobata and subsequent host specificity testing confirmed it is sufficiently host specific to be released in Vanuatu. Genetic matching indicated that plants growing in Malaysia are a good match to plants present in Vanuatu, validating our selection of survey sites.

Screening and Chromatographic identification of the phytochemicals in the Powdered leaves of <i>Urena lobata</i> L. (Malvaceae)

Urena lobata is a widely distributed tropical and subtropical weed with varying pharmacological activities, ascribed to the presence of bioactive principles in the plant. This study aimed to identify phytochemicals in the powdered leaves of Urena lobata using two chromatographic techniques. Phytochemical screening was evaluated for the powdered leaves using standard methods, Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) and High Pressure Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) were utilized to determined the phytochemicals in the methanolic extract of the leaves. Results obtained indicate that alkaloids, cyanogenic glycosides, flavonoids, saponins, steroids, tannins and terpenoids were detected in the methanolic extract of the leaves. The GC-MS analysis showed the presence of 4-(3-dimethylaminopropoxy)benzaldehyde, pyridine, 9-octadecenamide, 2-amino-5-chlorophenyl phosphonic acid, 2-propenenitrile, 2,1-benzisoxazole-4-carboxlic acid, 1,2,4-triazin-5(2H)-one, pyridine-3-carboxamide, 2-pyrazoline, 4-aminobenzoic acid, 3-nitrophthalhydrazide, 2,4 (1H, 5H)-imidazoldione and bromophos-ethyl, semicarbazide. While the HPLC analysis for selected alkaloids detected imidazole and pyrazoline alkaloidal moieties from the extract. Owing to the results obtained in this study, it can be concluded that phytochemicals of important pharmacological potentials were detected in the methanolic extract of Urena lobata leaves.

Preparation and characterization of handsheet using cellulose based Agri-weed: A sustainable utilization of Urena Lobata fiber

The increasing depletion of reserves of natural resources has led to a growing worldwide focus on the exploitation of available waste in new domains. The presence of weedy plants is pervasive on a global scale and has detrimental effects on several aspects of the environment, agriculture, and people's health. Therefore, repurposing these Agri-weed plants for beneficial purposes would be a significant achievement. Furthermore, since raw materials constitute a substantial portion of manufacturing costs, using weeds as a feasible substitute for raw materials might potentially provide considerable advantages for manufacturers. In this study, an endeavor has been made to the utilization of agricultural waste “Urena Lobata”, for the purpose of paper production. In the interim, the utilization of Urena Lobata as an alternative and sustainable raw material for pulp and paper industry could potentially offer a beneficial approach to mitigation of deforestation. The effective production of handsheets with weights of 70 g/m2 and 80 g/m2 was achieved using Urena Lobata fiber, Bleached Urena Lobata Fiber, and hardwood kraft pulp. Mechanical characteristics of handsheet's were comprehensively examined by the bursting index, tensile strength, tear index, brightness percentage and scanning electron microscope for handsheet's morphology. The results show that the handsheets produced by Urena Lobata fiber exhibit a much lower brightness percentage, high tensile strength and bursting index. Alongside, handsheets by bleached Urena Lobata fiber indicate higher brightness percentage, satisfactory values for tensile strength, bursting index, and tear index. The prepared materials are suitable for a broad spectrum of prospective applications, encompassing newsprint, tissue paper, filtration paper as well as high-quality writing and printing paper.

Evaluation of the durability of cementicious composites reinforced with natural vegetable fibers from the Amazon

The study of the use of plant fibers as reinforcement for cementitious composites has become increasingly common in recent years, thanks to the advancement of technologies and the demand for innovative and sustainable materials. In the Amazon, this resource is widely found and used for different applications, and the present work is interested in evaluating the use of these fibers as structural reinforcement of cement slabs. The mechanical and durability properties of cementitious composites reinforced with a content of 5% vegetable fibers from jute (Corchorus capsularis) and mallow (Urena lobata L.) were investigated. The objective was to evaluate the quality and performance of these fibers as reinforcement of cementitious plates for a possible use of these composites in Civil Construction. Spreading and thermogravimetry tests were carried out on the matrix and tensile tests in flexion at 4 points on the composites. The results obtained indicated that the fibers provided an increase in the flexural strength and toughness of the composites, as well as the use of metakaolinite as a pozzolanic material, contributed to increasing the durability of these composites, indicating a great possibility of using them in structural and semi-structural applications.

Soil seed bank dynamics of two invasive alien plants in Nigeria: implications for ecosystem restoration.

The assessment of seed banks could provide useful hints towards ensuring restoration planning and invasive species management. In this study, the impacts of two invaders such as Hyptis suaveolens and Urena lobata on the soil seed banks were investigated. We also assessed the seed characteristics of the invaders at the invaded sites. This was achieved using 10 sites each for H. suaveolens- and U. lobata-invaded habitats and -non-invaded habitats making a total of 30 sites. We collected 200 soil samples from each habitat type. A seedling emergence method was used to determine the seed bank recruitment of both invasive plants. The diversity indices of the above-ground vegetation of sites invaded by the two plants were significantly lower than those of the non-invaded sites. Only two plant species emerged from the seed banks of H. suaveolens and five plants from those of U. lobata when compared with non-invaded sites where 53 species emerged. A larger portion of the seeds was located in the soil's lower layer at all the sites invaded by H. suaveolens while those of U. lobata and non-invaded sites were found in the upper layers and there are significant associations between the habitats. The lower soil layers of the two species have the highest percentage of viable seeds. These results help us to understand more about the invasiveness of both species as related to their impacts on the seed banks and native vegetation. It also indicates that the native species that emerged from the invaded seed banks could be used for the restoration of the invaded habitats.

Anti-inflammatory Potency of Pulutan (Urena lobata) Leaf extract and its Fractions by Protein Denaturation Inhibition Assay

Pulutan (Urena lobata) is a herb which is traditionally used to treat certain diseases and early studies have shown its effectiveness. However, anti-inflammatory activity of herb has not been explored well. The study aim to determine the anti-inflammatory potency of Urena lobata leaf extract and its fraction by the inhibition of protein denaturation. Methanol solvent is used to extract U. lobata leaf by digeration methods therefore concentrated extract was fractionated using n-hexane (Fraction A), ethyl acetate (Fraction B), n-butanol (Fraction C) and aqueous solvent (Fraction D) respectively. The anti-inflammatory potency of medicinal plants was studied by inhibition of protein denaturation and measured using a spectrophotometer at 660 nm wavelength. Half-maximal inhibitory concentrations (IC50) were evaluated for at least five different dose (n = 3) and Ibuprofen as a reference drug. Fraction C is greater to suppress protein denaturation (IC50 = 208,75μg/mL) than fraction A (IC50 = 430,20μg/mL), fraction B (IC50 = 491,69μg/mL) and methanolic extract (IC50 = 338,80μg/mL). However, the inhibitory activity of the fraction and extract on protein denaturation was lower than ibuprofen (IC50 = 79,08 μg/mL). Both of extract and fraction U. lobata leaf have potency to inhibit inflammation but the activity more weak than Ibuprofen as the reference drug.

Ethnobotanical Review of Selected Medicinal Plants in Guam for the Treatment of Urinary Tract Ailments and Their Pharmacological Properties

The Chamorro healers of Guam have more than a thousand years of history of using herbs and medicinal plants for the treatment of common ailments. The objective of this study is to review the bioactive compounds and pharmacological properties of medicinal plants which are used for urinary tract health by local healers. Literature searches were performed using Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, PubMed, and SpringerLink, by using several keywords, including “medicinal plants in Guam”, “traditional uses”, “bioactive compounds”, “pharmacological properties”, and “urinary tract infections”. This review highlights the traditional uses, bioactive compounds, and pharmacological properties of five medicinal plant species, namely Euphorbia hirta, Phyllanthus amarus, Premna serratifolia, Psidium guajava, and Urena lobata. Phenolics, alkaloids, terpenoids, essential oils, and polypeptides are the leading secondary metabolites reported in different plant extracts, which have been found to have significant antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, and anticancer properties. The therapeutic claims made about medicinal plants in Guam are well supported by the literature, having similar applications and pharmacological properties in other regions of the world. These medicinal plants have a lot of unexplored potential that might be utilized to develop more potent drugs for the treatment of infectious diseases, as well as food and herbal supplements.

A sustainable approach to utilize an agro-based weedy plant “Urena lobata” in blend yarn manufacturing in short-staple ring spinning

A sustainable approach to utilize an agro-based weedy plant “Urena lobata” in blend yarn manufacturing in short-staple ring spinning

Extraction and evaluation of α-glucosidase inhibitory activity of polysaccharide from Urena lobata L. roots

Polysaccharides are compounds found in the roots of Urena lobata L. Polysaccharides are of interest due to many valuable biological activities such as immunomodulatory, anti-cancer, diabetes treatment, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. In this research, polysaccharides extracted from Urena lobata L. roots were analyzed by GC-MS (Gas Chromatography Mass Spectometry) and GPC (Gel Permeation Chromatography). The results show that the polysaccharide from Urena lobata L. natural roots is a heteropolysaccharide. This polysaccharide has two peaks with the weighted average molecular weights (Mw) as 1.823 x 107 g/mol and 1.139 x 105 g/mol. The monosaccharide composition of this polysaccharide includes rhamnose, arabinose, xyloza, mannose, glucose and galactose with the composition ratios of 13.927, 16.579, 3.174, 5.442, 27.659 and 33.219% respectively. In addition, when investigating the α-glucosidase inhibitory activity of polysaccharide from three types of Urena lobata L. roots cultured under different conditions: natural, in vitro and aeroponics, the results showed that the activity of in vitro hairy root polysaccharide was the best. This shows the potential for the development of biologically active polysaccharide sources by in vitro hairy root culture of Urena lobata L.

Assessment of a Hydrocarbon Exploration Site in North Eastern State of Tripura

Recently abandoned hydrocarbon exploration sites generally support a smaller number of plants since there are few spaces for plants to grow and survive in the exploration site with all the concrete structure around and very few areas of soil to support vegetation. Metals are required by plants for their growth while a higher level can cause the plants to die. The study has been conducted to explore the concentration of metals in an abandoned hydrocarbon exploration site and their adjacent site of Tripura to determine the species diversity in the area with the metal concentration. The highest concentration of iron, chromium, and sulfur in the site were recorded in Chromolaena odorata, Urena lobata and Crotalaria pallida. All the plants collected have some levels of iron, chromium, and sulfur in their shoot as well as their roots. This study will be beneficial as the plants which have highest level of a particular metal can be used in future research to remediate the area of that metal. In this way, the cost of searching for plants to be used for phytoremediation experiment will also be reduced. The growth of plants in the abandoned hydrocarbon exploration sites will also help in reducing the contaminants of that sites.

Effectiveness of herbal plants on rumen fermentation, methane gas emissions, in vitro nutrient digestibility, and population of protozoa.

Herbal plants have the potential to reduce the population of metagonic bacteria and protozoa due to the bioactive compound contained in herbal plants. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of herbal plant supplementation on rumen fermentation characteristics, methane (CH4) gas emissions, in vitro nutrient digestibility, and protozoan populations. This study consisted of two stages. Stage I involved determining the potential of herbal plants to increase total gas production (Orskov and McDonald methods) and reduce the protozoan population (Hristov method). Three potential herbs were selected at this stage and used in Stage II as supplements in the palm kernel cake (PKC)-based diet (30% herbal plants + 70% PKC). Proximate and Van Soest analyses were used to determine the chemical composition. In vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD), organic matter (IVOMD), and rumen fermentation characteristics were determined using Theodorous method. Conway microdiffusion was used to determine ammonia concentration (NH3). Gas chromatography was used to determine the total and partial volatile fatty acid production. The results of the first stage showed that seven herbal plants (Moringa oleifera, Rhodomyrtus tomentosa, Clerodendron serratum, Curcuma longa Linn., Urena lobata, Uncaria, and Parkia timoriana) significantly differed in terms of total gas production (p < 0.05). Herbal plants can increase gas production and reduce protozoan populations. The highest total gas production was observed using P. timoriana, M. oleifera, and C. longa Linn. Moringa oleifera plants were the most effective in lowering protozoa population. In Stage 2, the supplementation of herbal plants in PKC-based-diet significantly increased IVDMD, that was ranged from 56.72% to 65.77%, IVOMD that was ranged from 52.10% to 59.54%, and NH3, that was ranged from 13.20 mM to 17.91 mM. Volatile fatty acid partial and total gas production potential and CH4 gas emissions were also significantly different from those of the control (p < 0.05). Supplementation of M. oleifera, C. longa Linn., and P. timoriana in ruminant diet effectively increased total gas production, IVDMD percentage, and IVOMD, and reduced CH4 gas emissions and protozoa populations during rumen fermentation.

Addition to Erysiphe quercicola, A Powdery Mildew Fungus on Urena lobata in South China

Leaves of Caesar weed (Urena lobata) with typical powdery mildew symptoms were collected from Baiyun Mountain Park in Guangzhou, China during winter and summer in 2020 and 2021. Based on the morphology and molecular sequence analyses of Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) and large subunit (LSU) rDNA region, the causative agent was identified as Erysiphe quercicola. A description and relevant microscopic images of the pathogen are provided. According to our knowledge, this is the first report of E. quercicola on Urena lobata and this study expands the host range of E. quercicola. Further, we provided details of life cycle and geographical distribution of the fungus.

Anti-candida activities of four bacterial endophytic extracts isolated from Urena lobata.

Anti-candida activities of four bacterial endophytic extracts isolated from Urena lobata.