Urena Lobata Research Articles

Charpy impact test of epoxy composites reinforced with untreated and mercerized mallow fibers

The mallow fiber (Urena lobata, linn) is demonstrating a great potential as reinforcement in polymer matrix composites. The difficulty in the use of the mallow, as in other natural lignocellulosic fibers (NLFs), is its hydrophilic compatibility with polymeric matrices that are typically hydrophobic. In order to improve the adhesion between the fiber surface and polymeric matrices, mallow fibers were subjected to mercerization treatment. In this work composites were produced with epoxy matrix reinforced with 30vol% of mallow fibers, both untreated and mercerized. By means of XRD analysis it was verified the variation of crystallinity in fibers treated with different NaOH solutions as well as immersion times and agitation. After this XRD preliminary analysis, a treatment of 5% NaOH solution for 24h without agitation was selected. The objective was to compare the Charpy impact energy of composites specimens produced with untreated mallow fibers and treated for the higher crystallinity obtained after the selected mercerization. For the analysis of impact energy the Tukey test was applied from which it could be assured, with a confidence level of 95%, that the epoxy specimens reinforced with 30vol% of untreated mallow fibers, had the best performance.

Antidiabetic Effect of Urena lobata: Preliminary Study on Hexane, Ethanolic, and Aqueous Leaf Extracts

Chronic hyperglycemia is one of the signs of human type-2 diabetes mellitus due to insulin resistance and depletion. This study aimed to evaluate hexane, ethanolic, and aqueous leaf extracts of Urena lobata as antihyperglycemic agent. Design of this study was a post-test only control group using 25 male Sprague-Dawley rats divided into 5 groups. High fructose diet (HFD) ad libitum and single dose of intraperitoneal streptozocin (STZ) (25 mg/kgBW) were administered to induce diabetes in rats. Three groups of the diabetic rats orally received 500 mg/kgBW of only a type of leaf extract of U. lobata for 4 weeks. Insulin serum levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. Size, shape, and density of the islet cells were observed by light microscope. Blood glucose level and the area under curve (AUC) of serial oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) were measured. The U. lobata leaf extracts of three types of solvent all increased serum insulin level and improved β cells condition, also decreased the AUC of the OGTT series in diabetic rats. Values were compared with untreated diabetic rats (p<0,05). The aqueous leaf extract of U. lobata was the best in increasing insulin serum level, recovering islet cells condition, and correcting blood glucose level. The hexane extract showed poor results when compared to the other soluble agents.

Megastigmane glycosides from Urena lobata

Five new megastigmane glycosides, urenalobasides A–E (1–5), together with 11 known ones (6–16) were isolated from Urena lobata. Their structures were determined by extensive spectroscopic and spectrometric data (1D and 2D NMR, IR, and HRESIMS) and calculated electronic circular dichroism method. Compounds 1 and 2 are two unusual megastigmanes structurally containing a 6/5 fused ring system. Compound 3 exhibits inhibition of nitric oxide production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophage cells with IC50 value of 53.7 ± 1.0 μM (positive control, dexamethasone, IC50 = 16.6 ± 0.8 μM).

Palyno-taxonomic study of some members of Malvaceae in Purba Medinipur, West Bengal, India.

The Malvaceae is a large family of about 243 genera and 4225 species with medicinal and gardening importance. Palynological observations were carried out of 9 species collected from different localities of Purba Medinipur District during the period of February 2016 to December 2017. The present study reveals the pollen morphological characteristics, especially pollen shape classes like Oblate (1 species), Oblate-spheroidal (4 species), Sub-prolate (1 species) and Per-oblate (3 species) with diameter ranges between 35 µm (Urena lobata L.) to 115 µm (Malvaviscus arboreus Cav.). Pollen morphology is one of the most significant tool for the taxonomic study as well as systematics of plant taxa.

Identification of indicator species at abandoned red mud dumps in comparison to residential and forest sites, accredited to soil properties

Plant community structure studies on derelict sites are providing significant insights into vegetation dynamics to ensure the success of future revegetation projects in such areas. Therefore, the present study was conducted to evaluate the changes in soil physico-chemical and biological properties at abandoned red mud dumps (RMD) compared to residential (RS) and forest (FS) sites, coupled with their consequent impacts on the plant community structure. An attempt was also made to identify the indicator species that thrive only under unfavourable red mud conditions. Soil at RMD showed relatively high bulk density, alkalinity, salinity and exchangeable sodium percentage along with poor nutrient status and low microbial activity. Though toxic metals (Cd, Cr and Pb) were higher at RMD, their phytoavailabilities were lower compared to FS site. Number of herb-, shrub- and woody species at RMD were although low, but a significant number of species were acclimatized to the unfavourable soil conditions. Shrub species were maximally affected at RMD, followed by woody- and herbaceous species. Important value index of sensitive species was low while that of tolerant species was higher, and was accredited to altered soil properties. Presence of invasive species such as Acacia nilotica, Caesalpinia bonduc, Stylosanthes scabra and Urena lobata at only RMD may be used as an indication for high toxic metal contamination along with high alkalinity, salinity and poor nutrient contents. Principal component and canonical correspondence analyses revealed that woody and herbaceous species were mainly affected by soil alkalinity, salinity, exchangeable cations, bulk density, porosity, moisture content and phytoavailable metals. Shrub species were primarily influenced by soil organic carbon, nitrogen, available phosphorus, bulk density, porosity, moisture content, soil biological parameters, total (Fe, Mg, Cd, Cr and Pb) and phytoavailable metals. Domination of herbaceous species in the plant community indicated their tendency towards a definite selection strategy in response to altered soil properties. The identified tolerant herbaceous species may be suitable candidates for future red mud reclamation strategies.

Melissopalynological analysis of selected samples from Kannur and Wayanad districts of Kerala, India

Background and Aim: In the present study 5 samples of honey namely sample (S1) - Cheru Then from Wayanad,sample (S2) - Van Then from Kannur, sample (S3) - Rubber honey from Kunduchira, Thalassery, Kannur, sample(S4) - Tea honey from Chirakara, Thalassery, Kannur and sample (S5) - Dabur honey from market were procuredfrom Kannur and Wayanad districts, Kerala for pollen analysis. Methodology: The microscopic analyses of thesamples were made by following the standard procedures. The microphotographs were also taken. Results: A total of36 pollen types belonging to 21 families were identified and enumerated. Samples S3 and S4 showed the maximumand minimum number of pollen taxa respectively. Unidentified pollen types were found in samples S3 and S4 asminor type and secondary type. The percentage frequency of the sample is greatest in sample S1 and S3 with 58%and 53% respectively and least frequency below 1% is found in S2 and S4. Of the five samples analysed, one sampleS2 showed unifloral with Cocos nucifera as predominant pollen and the remaining sample S1, S3 and S4 wereconsidered multifloral. The sample S5 showed complete absence of the pollen grains. The frequently occurring pollentypes are Cocos nucifera, Syzygium Type I, Syzygium cumini, Pennisetum polystachyon and Urena lobata. Thedominant families include Arecaceae, Asteraceae, Caesalpiniaceae, Elaeocarpaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Loranthaceae,Malvaceae, Mimosaceae, Myrtaceae, Passifloraceae, Poaceae, Sapindaceae and Verbenaceae. Majority of the samplesshowed dominance of tree species which is mostly preferred by bees for nectar and pollen sources for honeyproduction. Conclusion: Pollen analysis in honey samples lead to the identification of vegetation in the area which isimportant for the survival of bee colonies and in turn helps in conserving the biodiversity of the area.

Effect of growth factors on the production of biomass of the hairy root of Urena lobata

Urena lobata, one of the traditional medicine, is used to treat inflammation, arthritis or improve lipid profiles in liver and blood. There also has been a lot of studies in the world about its potential biological activities. Interestingly, root extract usually has higher biological activities than the whole plant or other parts. Therefore, applying several modern biotechnology techniques could help to initially obtain this potential resource. In this research, we demonstrated the application of some growth factors which can increase the biomass of hairy root such as: inoculum density, light condition, medium and proportion of marco-nutrient. The results showed that when hairy roots were cultured at the inoculum density of 10 g/L FW, under illumination at 3000 lux, WPM medium supplemented 4 % sucrose were more suitable for the growth of hairy root. At the same time, when all these factors were put fogther the haing root grouthr was improved. The fresh weight (FW) and dry weight (DW) increased 2.01-fold and 1.94-fold, respectively.

Pharmacognostic Evaluation, Phytochemical Screening and Antimicrobial Study of Leaves Extracts of Urena lobata Linn.

Urenalobatais a plant (Malvaceae family) found abundantly in tropical and sub-tropical regions. Traditionally plant is used in febrifuge, rheumatism, wound and as antiseptic. To evaluate the scientific basis for the use of the plant, the antimicrobial activities of extracts of the leaves were evaluated against some common Gram negative and Gram positive bacteria. Pulverized Urenalobataleaves were investigated for physical constant (LOD, ash value, fluorescence analysis). The fresh leaf of Urenalobatawas studied for microscopical characterization which shows upper and lower epidermis, palisade cells, spongy parenchyma in lamina while collenchyma and vascular bundles were observed in midrib. The antimicrobial activity of the ethanolic and aqueous extracts were evaluated by determination of the diameter of zone of inhibition against both Gram negative and Gram positive bacteria using agar well diffusion and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). Phytochemical studies revealed the presence of alkaloids, glycosides, steroids, flavonoids, tannins and both the extracts were active against Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria, of which Aqueous extract shows significant results.

Growth performance of cucumber (<i>Cucumis sativus</i> L.) in spent engine oil contaminated soil amended with compost of <i>Urena lobata</i> L.

Studies to investigate the growth performance of Cucumis sativus L. (variety Nandini 731 F1) in spent engine oil contaminated soil amended with compost of Urena lobata was investigated at the University of Port Harcourt Ecological Centre. The soil samples were polluted at four different concentrations, namely, 2%, 3%, 4% and5% with spent engine oil and amended with decomposed Urena lobata at the rate of 0.25kg per 3kg of soil alongside a control (0%). The growth parameters examined were: plant height, number of leaves, leaf area, stem girth and sprouting percentage. The study showed that the control treated with compost gave the highest values for plant height 23.73cm, number of leaves 16.33, leaf area 84.73cm 2 and stem girth 2,2cm while the 5% contamination recorded the lowest values for plant height 1.83cm, number of leaves 1.33, leaf area 2.19cm 2 and stem girth 0.1cm. The number of leaves significantly (P<0.05) decreased with increase in the concentrations of spent engine oil from 2% to 5%. The 0% + compost treatment recorded the highest number of leaves while the number of leaves for 0% alone was comparable to 2%, 3% treatments but higher than 5% treatments. The growth parameters decreased with increase in the levels of contamination, however the application of Urena lobata significantly increased the plant height, number of leaves, leaf area and stem girth at P< 0.05. This study suggests that compost of Urena lobata is an effective organic supplement for remediation of spent engine oil contaminated soil where Cucumis sativus is cultivated.

Notes on powdery mildews (Erysiphales) in Thailand IV. Erysiphe species on Malvaceae, Menispermaceae, Moraceae, Nyctaginaceae, Polygonaceae, Solanaceae and Urticaceae

This report provides morphological descriptions of powdery mildews found on Malvaceae, Menispermaceae, Moraceae, Nyctaginaceae, Polygonaceae, Solanaceae and Urticaceae and five specimens are identified with ITS rDNA sequences. These include a new species on Boehmeria siamensis (Urticaceae); Pseudoidium schmiedeknechtii on Schoutenia glomerata, Hibiscus floccosus and Urena lobata; Erysiphe kydiae-calycinae on Kydia calycina; E. pseudolonicerae on Cyclea barbata; E. nyctaginacearum on Mirabilis jalapa; E. polygoni on Antigonon leptopus, Muehlenbeckia platyclada and Polygonum odoratum; Pseudoidium cf. neolycopersici on Physalis sp. and Erysiphe species on Ficus subincisa new for Thailand were described. Based on our finding, we make new taxonomic conclusions for E. nyctaginacearum, it is a new combination of Ps. nyctaginacearum found on M. jalapa and Ps. antigononis is a new synonym of E. polygoni found on A. leptopus.

A revision on Urena lobata L.

The medicinal plant, Urena lobata L. (Malvaceae) is commonly known as aramina fibre, caesarweed or congo jute is widely distributed in Bangladesh. The ethnopharmacological usages of the parts of this plant are antique for the treatment of various diseases. In the recent years, a number of scientific evidences have been seen on its isolated phytochemicals and biological activities. This review offers a current scenario of the U. lobata, emphasized on the phyto-pharmacological findings. A search was made in the electronic databases such as PubMed, Science Direct and Google scholar for the published articles till January 31, 2017. To date, several important flavonoids, glycosides and terpenoids have been isolated from this plant. U. lobata possesses promising biological activities, including antioxidant, inflammatory, antimicrobial, anticancer, anti-diarrheal, anti-diabetic, anti-hyperlipidemic, neuropharmacological etc. U. lobata may be one of the good sources of therapeutic phytochemicals.

Keragaman dan Produktivitas Hijauan Pakan Indigenous pada Berbagai Tingkat Kerapatan Vegetasi di Pegunungan Kapur Gombong Selatan

Research aims to conduct diversity and productivity of indigenous forage in different levels vegetation density in Gombong-Selatan karst mountain. We used survey method to explain the research by sampled three location of vegetation density, they are moderate, high, and very high. In each location vegetation density we take five parts by using random sampling. Then, a descriptive technique is used to analyzed the indigenous forage diversity data result whereas variance analysis is used to analyzed the productivity. The results shows the highest diversity of indigenous forage in Gombong-Selatan karst mountain is in moderate vegetation density area where has 36 species, high vegetation density has 20 species, and the highest vegetation density has 16 species. Eragrotis amabillis , Oplismenus burmannii , Centrosema pubescens , Ageratum conyzoides and Urena lobata are the dominant indegenous forage species in Gombong-Selatan karst mountain. The variances result shows that indigenous forage productivity in Gombong Selatan karst mountain is influenced by vegetation density. We found that lowest productivity is in high vegetation density.

Espaçamento para produção de sementes de Malva (Urena lobata L.) em terra firme na região de Manaus-AM

Malva (Urena lobata L.) is the most important crop for production of natural fibers in the state of Amazonas. However, commercial seed production has so far been based on extractive collection systems in areas where the species spontaneously grows in northeastern Para municipalities. Therefore, the objective of this work is to contribute to the definition of technical recommendations for the development of seed production systems, by evaluating the effect of different spacing on plant growth and seed productivity. The work was conducted at the experimental farm of the Federal University of Amazonas, in Manaus, with propagation material from the municipality of Capitao Poco - PA. The experiment had a randomized block design with three treatments: (T1) 1.0 x 1.0 m; (T2) 1.5 x 0.5 m (T3) 1.0 x 0.5 m, with 8 repetitions of five plants. The following characteristics were evaluated: plant height (cm), stem diameter (cm), number of branches, flowers and fruits (green and ripe), seed/plant weight (g) and dry weight of plants (g). The data were submitted to analysis of variance by F test and pairwise comparisons of means through the Tukey test. There were significant differences between treatments for the variables: number of flowers, plant dry weight, number of green fruits, number of ripe fruits, and the dry weight of the seeds. The T2, with a sowing density of 1.33 plants/m2 and average productivity of 60 g of seeds per plant, is the most recommended for the production of Malva seed in the Manaus region.

Enemigos naturales de Stenoma cecropia (Lepidoptera: Elachistidae) en palma de aceite, en el suroccidente de Colombia

Stenoma cecropia infesta las nuevas siembras del híbrido interespecífico (Elaeis oleifera x E. guineensis) de palma de aceite en la zona de Tumaco (Nariño). Sus infestaciones afectan grandes extensiones de palma y causan defoliaciones de importancia económica. Por tal motivo, el objetivo de este trabajo fue determinar los factores bióticos y abióticos que afectan las poblaciones de la plaga a través de muestreos secuenciales quincenales, siguiendo un sistema móvil de desplazamiento 2 x 2, que consistió en realizar un muestreo cada dos palmas y cada dos líneas, en una hectárea de palma de aceite, contabilizando el número de individuos vivos y muertos de S. cecropia presentes en la hoja 17 y 25 de cada palma evaluada. Los resultados indican que S. cecropia es atacada por una diversidad de depredadores, parasitoides y entomopatógenos. Entre los primeros se encuentran las arañas (Araneae), chinches (Reduviidae), avispas (Vespidae) y hormigas (Formicidae), destacándose el género Crematogaster. Se encontró que Brachymeria sp. y Rhysipolis sp., fueron los parasitoides más frecuentes. Estas especies requieren del néctar de plantas como: Melanthera aspera, Solanum quitoense, Emilia sonchifolia, Lantana camara, Cassia reticulata, Stachytarpheta cayennensis y Urena lobata, para su alimentación. También se colectaron larvas de S. cecropia infectadas por el hongo Isaria sp. Al estimar el efecto de estos controladores biológicos sobre las poblaciones de S. cecropia, se encontró que la depredación de la hormiga Crematogaster sp., sobre larvas de S. cecropia fue de 42,0 %. El parasitismo causado por Brachymeria sp., a las pupas fue de 16,8 %, la mortalidad causada por Rhysipolis sp., sobre el estado larval fue de 3,5 % y el efecto de Isaria sp., fue de 1,5 %. Se concluye que estos controladores biológicos son importantes en la regulación de las poblaciones de S. cecropia en el cultivo de la palma de aceite en Colombia.

EXPLORING THE PHARMACOGNOSTIC CHARACTERISTICS AND ANTIMICROBIAL POTENTIAL OF LEAVES OF URENA LOBATA LINN.

Although herbal drugs are known to elicit their response quite slowly but they are now overtaking allopathic medicine owing t o its high cost, side effects, drug resistance and development of tolerance. This article spots some light on an obscured herbal dr ug named Urena lobata Linn (Malvaceae) for its antimicrobial activity and also provides some pharmacognostic studies of the drug.

THE ANTIBACTERIAL EFFECT OF URENA LOBATA L. FROMV GUANGXI ON MICE WITH STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS PNEUMONIA.

Background:Alcohol extract from the root of Urena lobata L. (ULL) had broad spectrum antimicrobial activity. Studies in vitro have sho that ULL aqueous extract has antibacterial effect on S. aureusis, and the combination therapy of the ULL aqueous extract with cefazolin sodium showed additive effect.Materials and Methods:The mice underwent nasal inhalation with S. aureus, a subset of mice were intra-gastric gavage with ULL and/or intravenous injection cefazolin sodium twice daily. After being exposed to S. aureus for 5 days, 10 days and 14 days respectively, the white blood cells count (WBC), neutrophils absolute value (NEU) and the neutrophil percentage (NEU%) in peripheral blood, as well as the levels of serum immunoglobulin (Ig) G and IgM were determined using commercial kits. The colony count of S. aureus, the levels of interleukin (IL) -6 and IL-10 of mice lung tissue were detected, and the pathological changes of lung tissue were examined using H & E staining.Results:ULL significantly protected against S. aureus pneumonia, as evidenced by the remarkable decrease in the rate of S. aureus colony count/lung weight, WBC, NEU and NEU% in peripheral blood, as well as the attenuation of lung histopathological damage. Additionally, ULL+cefazolin could have markedly reduced the rate of S. aureus colony count/lung weight when compared with cefazolin. Furthermore, ULL and ULL+cefazolin both could significantly decrease the serum levels of IgG and IgM, and the levels of IL-6, IL-10 in mice lung tissue.Conclusion:This study first demonstrated that ULL may have potential use as a therapeutic agent for S. aureus pneumonia, and the roles of IgG, IgM, IL-6 and IL-10 in ULL protection against S. aureus pneumonia remain to be further studied.

Almost Forgotten Resources – Biomechanical Properties of Traditionally Used Bast Fibers from Northern Angola

The wide use of natural fibers has a long-standing history in Africa. In northern Angola, three native fiber plant species, namely Urena lobata, Triumfetta cordifolia, and Dombeya burgessiae, were investigated with regard to their potential usage in modern applications, such as green composites. Bast fibers of the three species were analyzed morphologically, chemically, and mechanically to determine properties such as fiber density, cellulose content, Young's modulus, tensile strength, and breaking strain. In comparison to other natural fibers, all three species were characterized by high Young's moduli up to 60 GPa and tensile strengths up to 950 MPa, yet retting is crucial to unfold the maximum strength of the fibers. Extending the retting time revealed higher values but probably negatively influences economic efficiency. The results demonstrated that the analyzed plants deliver strong and resistant fibers; based on their biomechanical performance, they are alternatives to commercially used natural fibers, such as jute (Corchorus spp.). However, as with other natural fibers, there was high variation in the mechanical properties in the studied species.

Isolation and Characterization of Flavonoids in Urena lobata Leaves

Aim : Urena lobata L. a member of Malvaceae family, is widely used as famine food in Africa. It is also used in traditional medicine system to cure gonorrhea, fever, wounds, toothache & rheumatism. The plant has already been tested for its antioxidant activity. The work was extended to investigate and identify the flavonoid glycosides present in the plant. Methodology: Urena lobata leaves were dried, powdered and extracted with petroleum ether followed by methanol. The methanolic extract, after processing through different solvents, was used to obtain the Chemically active constituents .Column Chromatography and Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) were used to isolate four compounds which were, in turn, subjected to spectroscopic analysis. Results: The spectroscopic studies indicated that the four isolated compounds are (1) Quercetin, (2) Kaempferol, (3) Quercetin 3-0-rutinoside and (4) Kaempferol 3-0- β glucopyranoside. Conclusion: The presence of flavonoids in the plant makes it an important ingredient of the traditional medicinal system. Since flavonoids are associated with antioxidant activity, their presence in the plant makes it an important food material.

Anxiolytic Antidepressant and Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Ethanolic Extract of Urena Lobata Leaf

Anxiolytic Antidepressant and Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Ethanolic Extract of Urena Lobata Leaf

Phytochemical Constituents of the Urena lobata Fruit

Phytochemical Constituents of the Urena lobata Fruit