Vitex Mollis Research Articles

Caprylic Acid From Vitex mollis Pulp Alters Colletotrichum gloeosporioides Plasma Membrane and Reduces Anthracnose Development on Papaya Fruit

ABSTRACTSynthetic fungicides are used to control anthracnose caused by Colletotrichum gloeosporioides; however, their frequent application increases the risk of pathogen resistance, environmental damage, and health concerns. It has been reported that caprylic acid (CA) inhibits the in vitro development of C. gloeosporioides; however, its antifungal mechanism and in vivo antifungal potential are still unknown. Therefore, the present work aims to analyse the effect of a CA‐enriched sub‐fraction (CAES) extracted from Vitex mollis fruit on the fungal microstructure by confocal fluorescence microscopy and morphometric analysis. Moreover, the effect of CAES on anthracnose development and quality parameters in papaya fruit was evaluated. The confocal microscopy images confirmed that CAES damaged the cell wall of conidia, given their decreased width. The increased fluorescence intensity in the CAES and CA‐treated mycelium suggested they were attached to the plasma membrane. These treatments produced structural alterations of the vacuoles and septa in mycelium, while in the fungicide thiabendazole (TBZ) treatment, apoptotic bodies appeared. CAES at 1.0 g L−1 had the best effect against anthracnose incidence and severity in papaya fruit, whereas TBZ was only effective on anthracnose severity. None of the applied treatments affected the fruit quality parameters. Therefore, CAES may be develop as an effective option to suppress anthracnose on papaya fruit.

Caprylic acid in Vitex mollis fruit and its inhibitory activity against a thiabendazole‐resistant Colletotrichum gloeosporioides strain

Colletotrichum gloeosporioides causes anthracnose in a large number of crops. Synthetic fungicides are employed to prevent this disease, even though their effectiveness and safety is questionable. Thus, effective and innocuous antifungal compounds are proposed as natural alternatives against anthracnose. The hexane fraction of Vitex mollis pulp (HF-VM) reduces anthracnose incidence in papaya fruit; however, the active compounds and antifungal mechanism of HF-VM are unknown. The aims of this study were to characterize the activity of HF-VM sub-fractions (sHF1 -sHF7 ) against a thiabendazole-resistant Colletotrichum gloeosporioides strain, identify the chemical components and investigate the mechanism of the most active sub-fraction. The sHF3 showed the highest inhibitory activity against Colletotrichum gloeosporioides with a minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 0.5mg mL-1 , whereas thiabendazole (TBZ) had a MIC value higher than 2mg mL-1 . The gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis showed that the compounds in sHF3 were methyl 4-decenoate, caprylic acid, and 24-methylencycloartanol. These compounds are rarely found in fruits and are reported for the first time on Vitex species. The purified 24-methylencycloartanol was inactive (MIC > 0.5mg mL-1 ). In contrast, the commercial standard of caprylic acid presented an elevated activity (MIC=0.125 mg mL-1 ), indicating that this compound is the main one responsible for the antifungal properties of sHF3 . Furthermore, the sHF3 inhibited the spore germination and induced membrane disruption in both the spore and mycelium of Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. Vitex mollis fruit is a novel source of antifungal caprylic acid that could be employed as a marker to prepare standardized extracts with antifungal properties. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

Effect on Human Vascular Endothelial Cells of Au Nanoparticles Synthesized from Vitex mollis.

A green method for synthesizing gold nanoparticles is proposed using hydroethanolic extract of Vitex mollis fruit (Vm extract) as a reducer and stabilizer. The formation of gold nanoparticles synthesized with Vm extract (AuVmNPs) was monitored by measuring the ultraviolet–visible spectra. The morphology and crystalline phase were determined using scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. Synthesized nanoparticles were generally spherical, and the size distribution obtained by transmission electron microscopy shows two populations with mean sizes of 12.5 and 22.5 nm. Cell viability assay using MTT and cellular apoptosis studies using annexin V on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and the human mammary epithelial cell line (MCF10A) indicate that AuVmNPs have low toxicity. Cell migration tests indicate that AuVmNPs significantly inhibit HUVEC cell migration in a dose-dependent manner. The evaluation of the localization of AuVmNPs in HUVECs using confocal laser scanning microscopy indicates that nanoparticles penetrate cells and are found in the cytosol without preferential distribution and without entering the nucleus. The inhibitory effect on cellular migration and low toxicity suggest AuVmNPs as appropriate candidates in future studies of antiangiogenic activity.

Postharvest application of partitioned plant extracts from Sinaloa, Mexico for controlling papaya pathogenic fungus Colletotrichum gloeosporioides

Anthracnose compromises papaya production and is caused by the fungus Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. New natural alternatives to synthetic fungicides are necessary to control anthracnose due to health and environmental concerns. In this regard, extracts of plants from Sinaloa, Mexico, have shown activity against molds and yeasts with medical and agricultural importance; however, their protective effect on papaya fruit infected with C. gloeosporioides is still unknown. This study aimed to assess the in vitro and in vivo antifungal activities of crude methanol extracts (ME) from nine plants from Sinaloa, Mexico, and their semi-purified fractions. In vitro assays showed that C. gloeosporioides was inhibited by 7 out the 16 extracts assessed; Psidium sartorianum (pulp), Echeveria kimnachii (leaf), and Vitex mollis (VM) (pulp) had the highest antifungal activity and the lowest toxicity against Artemia salina. When these extracts were fractionated, the activity increased. Hexane (HF-VM) and ethyl acetate (EAF-VM) fractions of V. mollis were the most effective fractions (MEF), with the lowest minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) (20 and 30 mg/mL, respectively). The in vivo results showed that HF-VM at 40 mg/mL (HF40) was the best to delay the apparition and development of anthracnose symptoms. Coumarins, alkaloids and terpenes were detected on this fraction by tube assays or thin layer chromatography (TLC). Moreover, this treatment decreased water loss and did not affect any of the quality parameters assessed. Therefore, HF40 is a natural alternative to thiabendazole (TBZ) in the protection of papaya fruit against anthracnose.

Physicochemical properties and biological activities of melanins from the black-edible fruits Vitex mollis and Randia echinocarpa

Physicochemical characterization (i.e., solubility, stability, UV–vis, IR, 1H and 13C NMR, and thermogravimetric and elemental analysis) and biological activities (antioxidant and immunomodulatory) of purified melanins from the fruit flesh of Vitex mollis (VM) and Randia echinocarpa (RE) were investigated. The melanins showed low solubility, light stability, oxidation by chemicals, metal chelation, degradation temperature at 350 °C, % nitrogen (VM 3.725 and RE 4.485), characteristic spectroscopic signals, high antioxidant activity (µmol TE/g) (ABTS, VM 1333.5 and RE 835.7; FRAP, VM 1098.41 and RE 709.64), protective effect against H2O2-stress in Saccharomyces, and an induction of splenocyte proliferation. The chemical and biological data support that melanins of VM and RE are biosynthesized from tyrosine and have potential as photoprotective agents and could be considered for the prevention/treatment of chronic degenerative diseases. The fruits of VM and RE could be used to develop high added-value products favoring their preservation and sustainable exploitation.

Melanins ofVitex mollisfruit with differences in water-solubility show high inhibition of carbohydrate digestive enzymes and antioxidant activity

Melanins of<i>Vitex mollis</i>fruit with differences in water-solubility show high inhibition of carbohydrate digestive enzymes and antioxidant activity

Anti-staphylococcal properties of four plant extracts against sensitive and multi-resistant bacterial strains isolated from cattle and rabbits

The aim of this study is to investigate the biopotency of methanolic extracts of Vitex mollis, Psidium guajava, Dalbergia retusa, and Crescential alata leaves against various staphylococcal strains isolated from cattle and rabbits. Methicillin-resistant S. aureus strains were isolated from cattle, while other strains were isolated from rabbits using standard methodology. The total phytochemical phenolic and saponins contents were obtained being the main groups of the antinutritional factors. The antimicrobial activity of the extracts against the standard culture of S. aureus (control) and S. aureus isolated from cattle and rabbits were investigated comparatively relative to that of oxacillin. It was found that both the control S. aureus and the isolated S. aureus are susceptible to all the four plant extracts, and sensitive to oxacillin. Of all the S. aureus including the control, MRSA2 is the most susceptible to all the extracts at 1000 μg/mL, except that of V. mollis where it is the least susceptible. Among all the plant extracts, P. guajava is the most active against MRSA2 and SOSA2. Therefore, the isolates from cattle (MRSA1 and MRSA2) are more susceptible to all the plant extracts than the isolates from rabbits. Among all the rabbit isolates, CoNS3 is the least susceptible to the extracts. Since all the plant extracts exhibit remarkable inhibitory activities against all the S. aureus strains, they are promising towards the production of therapeutic drugs.

High prevalence of multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli isolates from children with and without diarrhoea and their susceptibility to the antibacterial activity of extracts/fractions of fruits native to Mexico.

This paper aims to evaluate the antimicrobial resistance of Esherichia coli isolates from children under 5 years old, with and without diarrhoea, who were hospital outpatients in Culiacan, Sinaloa, Mexico. It also looks at the antimicrobial activity of fruit extracts against selected multidrug-resistant (MDR) E. coli strains. A total of 205 E. coli isolates from stool samples were collected from 94 children under 5 years old who were outpatients from two hospitals in the city of Culiacan, Sinaloa, Mexico, during the autumn/winter of 2003/04; their resistance profiles to 19 commercial antimicrobials were investigated using the Kirby-Bauer method. The antibacterial activities of extracts/fractions of fruits (i.e. uvalama, Vitex mollis; ayale, Crescentia alata; and arrayan, Psidium sartorianum) were evaluated using the broth microdilution method. All E. coli isolates were susceptible to amikacin, nitrofurantoin and meropenem, and approximately 96 % were resistant to at least one antimicrobial, especially carbenicillin (93.2 %), cefuroxime sodium (53.7 %), ampicillin (40 %) and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (35.1 %). Likewise, the frequency of MDR strains (44.9 %) was high, and no significant association with diarrhoea symptoms was found. Remarkably, all fruit extracts/fractions showed antibacterial activity against some, but not all, MDR isolates. The lowest minimal inhibitory concentration values were for the hexane fraction of arrayan (0.25 mg ml-1). A high number of antimicrobial-resistant E. coli (especially to β-lactams and sulfonamides) and MDR isolates were detected in children under 5 years old, irrespective of diarrhoea symptoms; this is novel information for Culiacan, Sinaloa, Mexico. Moreover, our results showed that the studied fruit extracts/fractions are potential alternative or complementary treatments for MDR E. coli strains.

Effect of Fodder Tree Species with Condensed Tannin Contents on In vitro Methane Production.

The objective was to evaluate the effect of fodder tree species (FTS) with condensed tannin contents: Cordia elaeagnoides, Platymiscium lasiocarpum, Vitex mollis, and Haematoxylon brasiletto, on in vitro methane (CH4) production at 24 h post incubation. The analysis was performed using the in vitro gas production technique, with three levels of inclusion/species: 600, 800, and 1,000 mg and with 4 replicates/species/level of inclusion. The substrate was incubated at 39°C, and the gas and CH4 production were recorded at 4, 8, 12, and 24 h post incubation. The data collected was analyzed through Pearson correlation, polinomial regression and fixed effects models. There were negative correlations between FTS-total gas volume (r = −0.40; p<0.001); FTS-volume of CH4 produced (r = −0.40; p<0.001) and between the inclusion level-volume of CH4 produced (r = −0.20; p<0.001). As well as a positive correlation between hours post incubation-total gas volume (r = 0.42; p<0.001) and between hours post incubation-volume of CH4 produced (r = 0.48; p<0.001). The FTS: C. elaeagnoides, V. mollis, and H. brasiletto have potential, in the three inclusion levels analyzed, to reduce CH4 emission on in vitro trials (>32.7%), taking into account the total CH4 production at 24 h of the forage used as reference (Avena sativa). It’s suggested that C. elaeagnoides-according to its crude protein, neutral detergent fiber, and condensed tannins content- is the best alternative within the FTS analyzed, for feeding ruminants and for the control of CH4 emissions during the dry season.

In vitro COX-1 and COX-2 enzyme inhibitory activities of iridoids from Penstemon barbatus, Castilleja tenuiflora, Cresentia alata and Vitex mollis.

A group of sixteen iridoids isolated from plants used as anti-inflammatory remedies in Mexican folk medicine were evaluated for their potential to inhibit cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) enzymes. From these assays, loganic acid (10) was identified as the most promising compound with both COX-1 (36.0 ± 0.6%) and COX-2 (80.8 ± 4.0%) inhibition at 10 μM. Compound 10 shows a better inhibition against the COX-2 enzyme. Other iridoids tested in the present study showed weak or no inhibition against these enzymes. Furthermore, herein are presented key interactions of iridoid 10 with COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes through molecular docking studies. These studies suggest that 10 exhibits anti-inflammatory activity due to COX inhibition.

Antibacterial activity and qualitative phytochemical analysis of Vitex mollis fruit

The pulp of the Vitex mollis fruit is edible and traditionally used to treat diarrhoea. The antibacterial activity of this fruit is reported here for the first time. The fruit pulp was extracted with methanol (ME) and the extract was fractionated with solvents. ME and their fractions [hexanic (HF), chloroformic (CF), ethyl acetate (EAF) and aqueous (AqF)] were assayed against human pathogenic bacteria (microdilution test) and their phytochemicals determined (qualitative chemical determinations). The samples (i.e., ME, HE, CF, EAF and AqF) showed antibacterial activity; EAF was the most active, showing such activity against Shigella dysenteriae [minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC)=2 mg/ml]. Phenolics were mainly found in ME and EAF; compounds of this chemical family are well known for their antidiarrhoeal and antimicrobial activities. The reported antibacterial activity and phenolics content of V. mollis fruit could be associated with its use in the treatment of diarrhoea. Key words: Antibacterial activity, diarrhoea, phytochemical analysis, Vitex mollis

Insecticidal activity of Vitex mollis

Organic extracts from the leaves of Vitex mollis were assessed for their toxic effect on fall armyworm neonate larvae ( Spodoptera frugiperda), an important insect pest of corn. The extracts showed insecticidal and insect growth regulatory activity, being CHCl 3–MeOH (1:1) extract the most active, also found to be toxic in the Artemia salina test.

Screening of Alternanthera repens., Boerhavia coccinea., Flaveria trinervia., Tournefortia densiflora., and Vitex mollis. Extracts to Evaluate their Antibacterial Activity and Effect on Smooth Muscle. I

Organic extracts of five medicinal plants (Alternanthera repens. (L) Kuntze, Boerhavia coccinea. Mill, Flaveria trinervia. (Spreng) C. Mohr, Tournefortia densiflora. M. et G., and Vitex mollis. Kunth), widely used in traditional Mexican medicine for the treatment of diarrhea and dysentery, were evaluated for antibacterial and intestinal antispasmodic activity. The antibacterial properties were determined in vitro. by the agar dilution method against multi-resistant enteric bacteria obtained from clinical isolates of Escherichia coli. R166 and R170, Salmonella typhi. R1234 and R 1330, and Enterobacter cloacae. R819, and against ATCC strains Shigella sonnei. 11060, Escherichia coli. 25922, Proteus mirabilis. 43071, and Salmonella typhimurium. 14028. In order to evaluate the effect of the extracts on the contraction induced in vitro., preparations of intestine from guinea-pigs were used. The integral extracts of B. coccinea. and T. densiflora. were the most active species with a MIC of <2 mg/ml. The highest antispasmodic activity was obtained with V. mollis. extract, 37% motility inhibition. These findings could be useful in the search for new therapeutic agents.

Antitoxin activity of plants used in Mexican traditional medicine against scorpion poisoning

Scorpions, especially in urban areas of tropical and subtropical regions, present a common risk of poisoning. In Mexico, scorpion envenomation is considered a public health problem. Despite the frequency of scorpion sting cases, there are to date no uniform criteria for their treatment. In Mexican traditional medicine, different plant species have been widely used as a remedy for treating scorpion poisoning. The aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of Bouvardia ternifolia, Aristolochia elegans and Vitex mollis extracts on Centruroides limpidus limpidus venom lethality in mice, and to determine their antagonist activity on guinea pig ileum. The hexane and methanol extract from B. ternifolia modified the LD50 of C. limpidus limpidus venom from 0.750 +/- 0.08 to 1.64 +/- 0.19 and 1.16 +/- 0.14 mg/kg, respectively. The extracts of A. elegans produced lower antitoxic activity, while extracts of V. mollis did not show any protection. On in vitro test, addition of B. ternifolia and A. elegans extracts strongly inhibited, in a concentration-dependent manner, the ileum contractions induced by venom. In general, the results demonstrated the effectiveness of these two plant species in modifying the lethality of C. limpidus limpidus venom in mice.

Partial physicochemical and nutritional characterization of the fruit of Vitex mollis (Verbenaceae)

The uvalama fruit ( Vitex mollis), collected in Sinaloa, Mexico, shows homogenous dimensions and color of both green and ripe fruits. The ripe fruit has a pH of 4.86 and its values of the proximate composition are in the range of other fruits. The edible part of the fruit has a high level of soluble dietary fiber (8 g/100 g d.w.) and it is a high source of chromium (0.61 mg/100 g d.w.). The phytic acid (8.5 g/100 g d.w.) and tannin (0.12 g/100 g d.w.) levels may be considered safe for human consumption. In this study, it was found that the uvalama seed has high contents of insoluble dietary fiber (82.3 g/100 g d.w.) and is a high source of copper (1.1 mg/100 g d.w.), chromium (0.7 mg/100 g d.w.) and zinc (3.8 mg/100 g d.w.). However, it shows levels of phytic acid (9.3 g/100 g d.w.) and nickel (9.1 mg/100 g d.w.) that could limit its use. Some of the nutrients in the edible part of the uvalama fruit could be a beneficial addition to the Mexican diet.

Screening of Mexican Medicinal Plants for Antiprotozoal Activity – Part II

The activity of the crude extracts from eight medicinal plants used in Mexico to treat gastrointestinal infections were assayed against Entamoeba histolytica and Giardia lamblia axenic trophozoites. Alternanthera repens, Boerhavia coccinea, Flaveria trinervia, Leucaena esculenta, Tournefortia densiflora and Vitex mollis were found to have antiprotozoal activity, with extracts of Tournefortia densiflora being the most potent against both tested organisms.

HABITOS ALIMENTARIOS DEL PECARI DE COLLAR {PECAR! TAJACU) EN UN BOSQUE TROPICAL CADUCIFOLIO DE JALISCO, MEXICO

Se determinaron los constituyentes principales y su variación en el Tiempo, de la dieta del pacari do collar [Pacari tajacu) en e! bosque tropical caducifolio de la Estación de Biología "Chamela", Jalisco, durante el período do mayo do 1992 a mayo de 1993. Para conocer la dieta de esta especie se analizaron los excrementos, clasificando los restos encontrados en: raíces, hojas-ramas, frutos y desconocido. Del análisis de 162 excretas se encontró que las componentes más abundantes fueron las raíces (47.9%) y las hojas-ramas (41.2%), luego los frutos (10.6%), el componente "desconocido" se encontró en menos del 1%, Los frutos más consumidos fueron; Opuntia excelsa, Ficus spp., Brosimum alicastrum, Sideroxylon capiri, Spondias purpurea, Vítex mollis y una leguminosa no identificada. A diferencia de otros sitios, en el área de estudio el pacari prácticamente no consume artrópodos. La proporción de cada componente en la dieta del pacari y su variación a lo largo del año, está relacionado con la variación estacional en la disponibilidad de los recursos vegetales en este bosque tropical. Consume un mayor porcentaje de hojas-ramas en la época húmeda y un mayor porcentaje de raíces durante la época seca. Los resultados de la dieta encontrados concuerdan con los obtenidos en otros bosques tropicales secos, excepto por los frutos los cuales se encontraron en menor proporción. Es recomendable evaluar el papel de esta especie como agente dispersor y depredador de algunas semillas de árboles y cactáceas.