Xylocarpus Moluccensis Research Articles

Two tetrahydroxyterpenoids and a flavonoid from Xylocarpus moluccensis M.Roem. and their α-glucosidase inhibitory and antioxidant capacity

Context: Scientific verification of the anti-hyperglycemic potential of Kayu sarampa (Xylocarpus moluccensis), which is popularly used for diabetic medication in North Sulawesi, Indonesia, is strongly important to conduct to avoid inappropriate medication that might cause worse conditions. Aims: To investigate the anti-hyperglycemic potential of X. moluccensis stem bark ethyl acetate extract and isolated compounds through the α-glucosidase enzyme inhibitory and antioxidant capacity determination. Methods: The active compound was isolated from ethyl acetate extract of X. moluccensis stem bark. The structures of those compounds were elucidated by infrared spectroscopy, liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry, and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopies. To discover the anti-hyperglycemic potency, α-glucosidase enzyme inhibition assay, antioxidant assay (DPPH and FRAP), and in silico study were performed. Results: Three isolated compounds were obtained and characterized as two tetrahydroxyterpenoids compounds, namely xyloccensin E (1) and ruageanin D (2), and one flavonoid compound, namely 3,5,7,3ʹ,4ʹ-pentahidroxyflavan (catechin) (3). Compounds 1 and 3 inhibited the α-glucosidase enzyme with IC50 values of 118.60 and 55.19 µg/mL, respectively, with a competitive inhibition mechanism. This is also in line with in silico findings, and both compounds showed good binding affinity of α-glucosidase protein, which indicated their anti-hyperglycemic activity potential by inhibiting α-glucosidase enzyme. Moreover, compounds 1 and 3 showed antioxidant capacity through the DPPH method with an IC50 value of 54.69 and 2.87 µg/mL. In addition, 100 µg/mL of compounds 1 and 3 also exhibited antioxidant capacity through the FRAP method with values of 66.35 and 213.82 µmol Fe2+/g, respectively. Conclusions: The X. moluccensis stem bark ethyl acetate extract, and isolated compounds exhibit α-glucosidase enzyme inhibitory activity and antioxidant capacity, which confirms its potency as an alternative medication for hyperglycemia issues.

Analysis of Mangrove Vegetation in Lohgung Village, Brondong Sub-District, Lamongan Regency

Mangroves are vegetation that grows in muddy areas in tidal areas, coastal areas , and river estuaries. Mangrove forests have an ecological function as providing food for marine biota, preventing tidal waves and tsunamis, preventing sea water intrusion, preventing coastal erosion and absorbing waste. This research aims to determine the species and Importance Value Index in the mangrove area of Lohgung Village, Brondong District, Lamongan Regency, which included Relative Density (KR), Relative Frequency (FR), and Relative Dominance (DR). This research was carried out in Lohgung Village, Brondong District, Lamongan Regency from May to June 2023. The method used in sampling used a combination of the line method (line transect) and the plot line method (quadrant transect). The results showed that the types of vegetation found in Lohgung Village, Brondong District, Lamongan Regency consisted of 8 species from 5 different families, namely Sonneratia alba, Rhizophora apiculata, Rhizophora mucronata, Bruguiera gymnorrhiza, Ceriops tagal, Lumnitzera racemosa, Excoecaria agallocha L., and Xylocarpus moluccensis. The results of calculating the values of Density (K), Relative Density (KR), Frequency (F), Relative Frequency (FR), Dominance (D), Relative Dominance (DR), and Importance Value Index (IVI) in all categories, trees, saplings and seedlings showed that the highest value that dominated was Rhizophora mucronata with an IVI value of 102.08%, 68.73% for saplings and 75.40% for seedlings.

Mangrove condition at a marine conservation area at Moramo Bay, Sulawesi, Indonesia

Abstract. Oetama D, Hakim L, Lelono TD, Musa M. 2023. Mangrove condition at a marine conservation area at Moramo Bay, Sulawesi, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 24: 6536-6544. The mangrove ecosystem is one ecosystem that supports biodiversity at the Marine Conservation Area (MCA) in Moramo Bay, Southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia. The area of the mangrove ecosystem in Moramo Bay is approximately 1,933.09 hectares, with an MCA of 1,281.46 hectares. This ecosystem plays an important role in protecting the coastline from erosion due to the seawater filtration process in the bay. This study aims to provide information regarding the status of mangrove ecosystem in the MCA, including species, density, basal area, dominance, and canopy cover percentage, which was used to state the standard criteria for mangrove ecosystem damage. The methods involved a 10×10 m² transect and hemispherical photography using a fisheye lens with a 180° field of view. Seven species of mangrove were found in Moramo Bay MCA, including Bruguiera gymnorrhiza (L.) Lam. (dominating with a basal area value of 136,963.66), followed by Sonneratia alba Sm. (153,111.90), Rhizophora mucronata Lam. (113,708.04), Rhizophora stylosa Griffith (28,869.95), Xylocarpus moluccensis (Lam.) M.Roem. (9,326.59), Avicennia marina (Forssk.) Vierh. (3,419.46), and Rhizophora apiculata Blume with a basal area value of 1,690.11. The density of mangrove vegetation was in the criteria of rare to dense, with approximately 800-4,200 individuals per hectare. Furthermore, the mangrove ecosystem in the MCA was found to be damaged up to good condition, with canopy cover percentage values of 45.85%-98.88%. The condition of the mangrove ecosystem in Moramo Bay MCA preserves a basic deliberation for the Indonesian government for adaptive and sustainable management of conservation areas. Protection, preservation, and utilization of mangrove ecosystems should be maximized in all coastal areas to improve the quality of biodiversity.

Diversity, distribution and conservation status of mangrove species in Pulias Bay, Indonesia

As an ecosystem, the mangrove ecosystem serves various purposes. The objectives of this study are to (1) identify the community structure of the important value index; and (2) evaluate the importance of the mangrove species diversity index in Pulias Bay in Ogodeide District, Tolitoli Regency. The study was conducted in 2021 using a quantitative descriptive methodology and survey method. The number of discovered species will be used to establish the species composition. The structure of the mangrove communities is being evaluated by calculating the relative density (RD) and frequency (FR). The data is tabulated to calculate the Important Value Index (IVI) value according to the Shannon-Wiener formula. There were 18 different species of mangroves discovered, including Rhizophora apiculata, Rh. mucronata, Rh. stylosa, Bruguiera parviflora, B. gymnorrhiza, Ceriops tagal, C. decandra, Sonneratia alba, S. caseolaris, S. ovata, Avicennia lanata, Xylocarpus moluccensis, Acrostichum aureum, Nypa fruticans, and Pemphis acidula. The Rhizophoraceae family predominated at each observation station, according to the findings of the vegetation analysis. Meanwhile the most rarely found species of mangrove were Acrostichum aureum, Sonneratia casiolaris, and Xylocarpus moluccensis, each with two specimens. The community structure reveals that X. moluccensis has the lowest IVI value of 12.7%, while Rhizophora mucronata has an IVI value of 101.3%. The mangrove Diversity Index (H') has a value of 2.48 and meets the standards for moderate diversity. Physical and chemical parameter measurements often indicate that the four stations or sites where the data was collected have similar conditions. Interestingly, we also found Avicennia lanata, a mangrove species that falls under the Vulnerable category. The collected information can be used to manage the mangrove forest in Pulias Bay in the Ogodeide Sub-District of the Tolitoli Regency and serve as a database for efforts to conserve mangroves and mitigate the effects of global warming.

Changes in Salinity, Mangrove Community Ecology, and Organic Blue Carbon Stock in Response to Cyclones at Indian Sundarbans.

Climate change-induced frequent cyclones are pumping saline seawater into the Sundarbans. Fani, Amphan, Bulbul, and Yaas were the major cyclones that hit the region during 2019-2021. This study represents the changes in the soil parameters, mangrove biodiversity and zonation due to the cyclone surges in the Indian Sundarbans between 2017 and 2021. Increasing tidal water salinity (parts per thousand) trends in both pre-monsoon (21 to 33) and post-monsoon (14 to 19) seasons have been observed between 2017 and 2021. A 46% reduction in the soil organic blue carbon pool is observed due to a 31% increase in soil salinity. Soil organic blue carbon has been calculated by both wet digestion and the elemental analyzer method, which are linearly correlated with each other. A reduction in the available nitrogen (30%) and available phosphorous (33%) in the mangrove soil has also been observed. Salinity-sensitive mangroves, such as Xylocarpus granatum, Xylocarpus moluccensis, Rhizophora mucronata, Bruguiera gymnorrhiza, and Bruguiera cylindrica, have seen local extinction in the sampled population. An increasing trend in relative density of salinity resilient, Avicennia marina, Suaeda maritima, Aegiceras corniculatum and a decreasing trend of true mangrove (Ceriops decandra) has been observed, in response to salinity rise in surface water as well as soil. As is evident from Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (HCA) and the Abundance/Frequency ratio (A/F), the mangrove zonation observed in response to tidal gradient has also changed, becoming more homogeneous with a dominance of A. marina. These findings indicate that cyclone, climate change-induced sea level rise can adversely impact Sustainable Development Goal 13 (climate action), by decreasing organic soil blue carbon sink and Sustainable Development Goal 14 (life below water), by local extinction of salinity sensitive mangroves.

Terpenoid phytocompounds from mangrove plant Xylocarpus moluccensis as possible inhibitors against SARS-CoV-2: In silico strategy

COVID-19 shook the world during the pandemic, where the climax it reached was vaccine manufacturing at an unfathomable pace. Alternative promising solutions to prevent infection from SARS-CoV-2 and its variants will remain crucial in the years to come. Due to its key role in viral replication, the major protease (Mpro) enzyme of SARS-CoV-2 can be an attractive therapeutic target. In the present work, natural terpenoids from mangrove medicinal plant Xylocarpus moluccensis (Lam.) M. Roem. were screened using computational methods for inhibition of Mpro protein. Out of sixty-seven terpenoids, Angolensic acid methyl ester, Moluccensin V, Thaixylomolin F, Godavarin J, and Xylomexicanolide A were shortlisted based on their docking scores and interaction affinities (− 13.502 to − 15.52 kcal/mol). The efficacy was validated by the 100 ns molecular dynamics study. Lead terpenoids were within the acceptable range of RMSD and RMSF with a mean value of 2.5 Å and 1.5 Å, respectively indicating that they bound tightly within Mpro and there was minimal fluctuation and stability of Mpro upon binding of these terpenoids. The utmost favorable binding strengths as calculated by MM-GBSA, were of Angolensic acid methyl ester and Moluccensin V with binding free energies (ΔGbind) of − 39.084, and − 43.160 kcal/mol, respectively. The terpenoids showed no violations in terms of Drug Likeliness and ADMET predictions. Overall, the findings indicate that Angolensic acid methyl ester and Moluccensin V are effective terpenoids having strong binding interaction with Mpro protein, which must be tested in vitro as an effective anti-SARS-CoV-2 drug.

Xylomolins O-X: New limonoids from the Thai mangrove Xylocarpus moluccensis

Ten new limonoids, named xylomolins O-X, were isolated from seeds of the mangrove Xylocarpus moluccensis, collected in the mangrove swamp of Trang Province, Thailand. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of comprehensive spectroscopic data analysis. The absolute configurations of five compounds (1, 3, 8–10) were unequivocally determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses, conducted with Cu Kα radiation. Xylomolins OU (1–7) are structurally intriguing mexicanolides, and xylomolin V (8) is a derivative of azadirone. Xylomolin W (9) is the first phragmalin 1,8,9-orthoester with report on X-ray crystallography from the genus Xylocarpus. In addition, xylomolin X (10) is the fifth member of the khayalactone class of limonoids with a hexahydro-2H-2,5-propanocyclopenta[b]furan motif. Compounds 1–10 inhibited NO production in LPS-activated RAW 264.7 macrophages in the range of 10.45–95.47% at the concentration of 100.0 μM. Xylomolin X (10) and xylomolin V (8), exhibited the most potent activity with IC50 values of 9.90 ± 1.84 μM and 14.66 ± 2.33 μM, respectively.

Usability of planted mangroves in the coastal area of Semarang, Indonesia, as the source of secondary metabolite extracts

Abstract. Hastuti ED, Izzati M, Darmanti S. 2023. Usability of planted mangroves in the coastal area of Semarang, Indonesia, as the source of secondary metabolite extracts. Biodiversitas 24: 2409-2415. Mangrove plants are a potential source of secondary metabolites. So the secondary metabolites from mangrove plants must be assessed to promote their utilization. Considering this, the present study was carried out to analyze the alkaloid and phenol content in mangrove species in Tugu District, Semarang City, Central Java, Indonesia. Alkaloid and phenol content in five mangrove species (Avicennia marina, Bruguiera gymnorrhiza, Rhizophora mucronata, Sonneratia alba, and Xylocarpus moluccensis) were estimated using the spectrophotometry method. The study results revealed that the alkaloid content of A. marina was highest (0.23 ± 0.11%), while the highest concentration of phenol content was found in X. moluccensis (9.66 ± 1.36%). However, after including the other parameters, viz., abundance Index and accessibility Index, A. marina, was found to be a potential source of alkaloid extract, and R. mucronata was a potential source of phenol extract.

Adaptation to a new environment with pre-adaptive genomic features - Evidence from woody plants colonizing the land-sea interface.

Adaptation to new environments is a key evolutionary process which presumably involves complex genomic changes. Mangroves, a collection of approximately 80 woody plants that have independently invaded intertidal zones >20 times, are ideal for studying this process. We assembled near-chromosome-scale genomes of three Xylocarpus species as well as an outgroup species using single-molecule real-time sequencing. Phylogenomic analysis reveals two separate lineages, one with the mangrove Xylocarpus granatum and the other comprising a mangrove Xylocarpus moluccensis and a terrestrial Xylocarpus rumphii. In conjunction with previous studies, we identified several genomic features associated with mangroves: (i) signals of positive selection in genes related to salt tolerance and root development; (ii) genome-wide elevated ratios of non-synonymous to synonymous substitution relative to terrestrial relatives; and (iii) active elimination of long terminal repeats. These features are found in the terrestrial X. rumphii in addition to the two mangroves. These genomic features, not being strictly mangrove-specific, are hence considered pre-adaptive. We infer that the coastal but non-intertidal habitat of X. rumphii may have predisposed the common ancestor to invasion of true mangrove habitats. Other features including the preferential retention of duplicated genes and intolerance to pseudogenization are not found in X. rumphii and are likely true adaptive features in mangroves. In conclusion, by studying adaptive shift and partial shifts among closely related species, we set up a framework to study genomic features that are acquired at different stages of the pre-adaptation and adaptation to new environments.

In situ conservation of mangroves species in Bagan Datuk, Perak

In situ conservation is one of the methods recommended for conserving forest genetic resources. It aims to maintain and recover viable population of species in its natural habitat, to reintroduce the rare and endangered species and to recreate the habitats for plant species. Though mangrove rehabilitation programmes are widely carried out in Malaysia, the most common species planted for this purpose have always been Rhizophora apiculata (Bakau minyak) and Rhizophora mucronata (Bakau kurap). In this study, mangroves species namely Bruguiera cylindrica (Berus-berus), Ceriops tagal (Tengar), Xylocarpus granantum (Nyireh bunga), Xylocarpus moluccensis (Nyireh batu) and Sonneratia ovata (Gedabu) were planted in Bagan Datuk Mangrove Germplasm, Perak. These species were selected due to their unavailability in the study area. The main objective of this study is to rehabilitate and to introduce new species in the Bagan Datuk Mangrove Germplasm area. The initial growth and survival of saplings planted were measured and data obtained were analyzed using SPSS program. After 12 months of planting, the survival rate was 80% and Sonneratia ovata recorded the highest mean height increment.

Extract sarampa wood (Xylocarpus Moluccensis) as an eco-friendly corrosion inhibitor for mild steel in HCl 1M

Plant extracts are currently being used as eco-friendly corrosion inhibitors. In this study, the inhibitive performance of Xylocarpus Moluccensis extract (XME) was used as an eco-friendly corrosion inhibitor for the first time. The extract was studied using electrochemical measurement on mild steel in 1M HCl. Results from FIR and phytochemical confirmed that Xylocarpus Moluccensis extract contains compound hydroxyl group, phenolic, and flavonoid content which can be used as a corrosion inhibitor. The inhibition efficiency was determined using Tafel polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and showed 68% efficiency in 500 ppm. Langmuir adsorption isotherm was used to determine the adsorption mechanism of XME. Surface characterization (AFM) was also used to study the surface morphology of protective film inhibitors.

Standardized fraction of Xylocarpus moluccensis inhibits inflammation by modulating MAPK-NFκB and ROS-HIF1α-PKM2 activation.

Present study investigates the effect of Xylocarpus moluccensis (Lamk.) M. Roem fruit fraction (CDR) on endotoxemia and explores the underlying mechanisms. The effect of CDR (1-100µg/ml) was assessed on cytokines, MAPKs, ROS, and metabolic reprogramming in LPS-induced cells (J774.2 and THP-1) by the conventional methodology of ELISA, PCR, and Western blotting. The effect of CDR (1-50mg/kg, p.o.) was also evaluated in the mice model of endotoxemia and sepsis. CDR prevents LPS-induced cytokine production from murine and human whole blood and cell lines. CDR suppressed total cellular and mitochondrial superoxide generation and preserved mitochondrial function in LPS-stimulated phagocytes. Additionally, CDR abrogated LPS-induced MAPK's phosphorylation and IκBα degradation in J774.2 cells. Moreover, CDR suppressed LPS-induced glycolytic flux as indicated from PKM2, HK-2, PDK-2, and HIF-1α expression in J774.2 cells. In vivo, CDR pre-treatment inhibited pro-inflammatory cytokines release, metabolic reprogramming from oxidative phosphorylation to glycolysis in both LPS-induced endotoxemia and cecal slurry-induced sepsis mice model. Present study demonstrates the protective effect of CDR on LPS-induced inflammation and sepsis and identifies MAPK-NFκB and ROS-HIF1α-PKM2 as the putative target axis.

The Value of Mangrove Ecosystems Based on Mangrove Carbon Sequestration in West Kalimantan

Research on carbon storage is currently in the world spotlight along with the increasing greenhouse effect. Mangroves as one of the ecosystems play a role in blue carbon which can store more carbon than terrestrial forests. Mangroves absorb more carbon than any other forest ecosystem. This is because mangroves are included in wetlands that have the ability to store carbon when the land remains wet. An in-depth discussion was carried out by integrating various literatures on mangroves from 2011–2021 to enrich the information for this research. Mangrove area in West Kalimantan in the period 2011 - 2021 has an area of about 256,586.80 Ha which is dominated by species <em>Brugueira spp., Rhizophora spp., Sonneratia alba, Avicennia spp. Nypa fruticans, Excoecaria agallocha, Xylocarpus moluccensis </em>and<em> Acrostichum speciosum</em>. Human activities, abrasion and sedimentation have caused a decrease in the area of mangrove ecosystems in West Kalimantan. An increase in temperature has a global impact on life on the earth's surface and the environmental conditions of mangroves. The decrease in micropopulation and aboveground biomass causes a decrease in infauna species and biomass, affects nutrient cycles, destroys nurseries, and reduces mangrove ecosystem services. The results show that mangrove carbon storage in the period 2011 - 2021 is 628.10 tons C.ha<sup>-1 </sup>which has an economic valuation of 3,410.50 US$. Efforts to mitigate global warming and trade in mangroves can be carried out through community-based restoration, restoration of forest plantings, integrated coastal ecosystem rehabilitation, and economic approaches.

Analisis Kandungan Karbon pada Vegetasi Mangrove di Desa Lembar Kabupaten Lombok Barat

The mangrove ecosystem is one of the vegetation that has a role as carbon mitigation in coastal areas, especially in port activity areas that can produce large amounts of carbon, such as in Lembar Harbor, Lembar Village, West Lombok Regency. The purpose of this study was to analyze the carbon content in the root and leaf tissue contained in each type of mangrove in the Lembar Harbor Area, Lembar Village, West Lombok Regency. This type of research is descriptive quantitative, with purposive random sampling method, which starts with taking root and leaf samples on each different mangrove species, and testing is carried out based on the Walkley & Black method to obtain tissue carbon content. Based on the results of the study, found 8 (eight) families consisting of 11 species, including: Avicennia lanata, Avicennia marina, Lumnitzera racemosa, Bruguiera gymnorrhiza, Rhizophora stylosa, Ceriops decandra, Scyphiphora hydrophyllaceae, Excoecaria agallocha, Thespesia populnea, Xylocensis, and Ipome pescaprae. The condition of the environmental parameters of the mangrove ecosystem in Lembar Village is still in good condition, in accordance with the quality standards of water health quality, Decree of the State Minister of the Environment Number 51 of 2004 concerning sea water quality standards for biota. The average organic carbon content of root tissue was 43.47 ± 3.10 %C and leaves was 43.87 ± 3.66 %C. The highest organic carbon content in root tissue was found in Xylocarpus moluccensis (47.46 %C), and the lowest was in Ipomea pescaprae (41.49 %C), while the highest organic carbon content in leaf tissue was in Bruguiera gymnorrhiza (50.60 %C), and the lowest was Avicennia lanata (38.99 %C). Based on Tukey's further test that the value of organic content stored in the root and leaf tissue of mangroves was not significantly different (> 0.05) with a statistical test value of 0.76.

Pesticidal Activity of Sundarban Mangrove Plant Extracts against Sitophilus Pests and Identification of Active Constituents Using LC-MS.

Plants act as a rich source of novel natural pesticides. In the backdrop of the recent revival of interest in developing plant-based insecticides, this study was carried out to investigate the pesticidal activity of Sundarban mangrove plants. A total of nine different plant parts from five plants, namely, Aegiceras corniculatum, Excoecaria agallocha, Heritiera fomes, Xylocarpus moluccensis, and Xylocarpus granatum, were extracted with methanol and tested for insecticidal activity against two common stored product pests Sitophilus oryzae and Sitophilus zeamais using direct contact feeding deterrent wafer disc method. Three bark extracts from A. corniculatum, E. agallocha, and H. fomes showed potent and statistically significant insecticidal activity against both S. oryzae and S. zeamais pests (80–100% mortality). All the active bark extracts were further fractionated using C-18 solid-phase extraction (SPE) columns and tested for their insecticidal activity against S. oryzae pest to identify the active fraction. Only the SPE4 fraction (100% MeOH) from all the three active plants showed the activity against S. oryzae pest with a lethal concentration 50% (LC50) value of 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 mg/disc for A. corniculatum, E. agallocha, and H. fomes, respectively. The active fraction of A. corniculatum was further profiled for identification of active compounds using LC-ESI-MS and identified (along with some unknown peaks) two previously reported compounds at m/z 625.17630 (isorhamnetin 3-O-rutinoside) and 422.25346 (paspaline) as major constituents. Insecticidal activities of these plants are reported in this study for the first time and would be useful in promoting research aiming for the development of new biopesticides from mangrove plants.

Utilization of mangrove plants as a source of Malaria medicine in North Maluku Province, Indonesia

Abstract. Tamalene MN, Sen UK, Bhakat RK, Vianti E, Bahtiar, Suparman. 2021. Utilization of mangrove plant species as medicine against malaria in North Maluku Province, Indonesia. Asian J Ethnobiol 4: 86-92. Local communities have still used plants as a source of medicine since immemorial time. Most local communities mix the plants to treat various diseases, including malaria. Almost half of 250 million of Indonesia’s population lives in malaria-endemic areas, and about 15 million people look for clinical malaria treatment every year. This research aims to survey mangrove plants as a source of Malaria medicine utilized by six ethnic groups of North Maluku Province, Indonesia. Data were collected from 98 informants on the local names of the used species, the parts, and the "modes of preparation.” The Fidelity Level serves to find out various outcomes. Six mangrove plant species, Lumnitzera littorea, Rhizophora mucronata, Scyphiphora hydrophyllacea, Sonneratia alba, Xylocarpus granatum, and Xylocarpus moluccensis, are used as malaria medicine. The traditional treatment that used mangrove rinds, barks, fruits, and flowers was a popular method practiced in the community social life. The mangrove plants have cultural, ecological, and economic values; Authors suggest that further investigations be undertaken on the pharmacological properties and level of toxicity of potion made using mangrove plant species. This will lead to stating scientific information related to the safety of consuming traditional medicines.

Carbon Stock of Different Parts of Major Plant Species of Three Ecological Zones of Bangladesh Sundarbans

The biomass and carbon sequestration by different parts namely leaf, stem and roots of major dominant plant species of different quadrats established in three ecological zones of Bangladesh Sundarban Mangrove Forests (SMF) were determined. A visit was done during 28 March to 1 April 2016 covering the oligohaline, mesohaline and polyhaline zones of SMF. Plant parts (stem, branch and leaf) of major plant species were collected from 16 quadrats of different locations. The major plant species were selected on the basis of abundance (number). Aboveground biomass (AGB) was estimated as the product of tree volume and wood density. Below ground biomass (BGB) were estimated from the 20% of above ground stem biomass. Carbon stock and CO2 sequestration were estimated from the dry weight of AGB and BGB. A total of 20 species in 16 different quadrats in three ecological zones and overall SMF was recorded. Among 20 species 10 dominant tree species were considered on the basis of abundance (number) for the estimation of AGB, BGB and CO2 sequestration. Species wise mean AGB (ton/ha) of 10 dominant mangrove trees are in order Heritiera fomes (186.423) > Excoecaria agallocha (28.752) > Avicennia officinalis (24.082) > Ceriops decandra (5.021) > Cynometra ramiflora (1.403) > Tamarix dioica (0.592) > Xylocarpus moluccensis (0.500) > Bruguiera gymnorrhiza (0.307) > Aegiceras corniculata (0.241) > Aglaia cuculata (0.038).Species wise mean BGB (ton/ha) of 10 dominant mangrove trees are in order H. fomes (34.99) > E. agallocha (4.94) > A. officinalis (4.79) > C. decandra (0.704) > X. moluccensis (0.47) > C. ramiflora (0.15) > B. gymnorrhiza (0.018) > A. corniculata (0.015) > T. dioica (0.008) >A. cuculata (0.004). The total CO2 sequestered (above ground and below ground) in overall SMF (considered land area 4143 km2) was 192.869 megaton.
 Bangladesh J. Bot. 50(2): 373-385, 2021 (June)

Short Communication: Ethnobotanical and ecological studies of medicinal plants in a mangrove forest in Mempawah District, West Kalimantan, Indonesia

Abstract. Arbiastutie Y, Diba F, Masriani. 2021. Short Communication: Ethnobotanical and ecological studies of medicinal plants in a mangrove forest in Mempawah District, West Kalimantan, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 22: 3164-3170. The mangrove forest Polaria Tanjung Pagar in Mendalok Village, Mempawah District, West Kalimantan, Indonesia, is a mangrove forest maintained by the local community. Currently, this mangrove forest has become one of the tourist attractions, not only visited by local and national, but also foreign tourists. This study aims to identify plants in Polaria Tanjung Pagar mangrove forest Kalimantan with the potential for medicinal uses. The research used a survey method in the mangrove forest by conducting an inventory of the medicinal plants found in the mangrove forest. Observations were made using a transect line with the total area understudy of 0.012 ha and sampling intensity of 0.4%. The investigation was based on cross-checking the traditional use of medicinal plants by the surrounding communities and the scientific literature. The results showed 13 types of medicinal plants (including tree and understorey plants) from 6 different families, i.e., Acrostichum aureum, Aegiceras corniculatum, Avicennia marina, Avicennia alba, Bruguiera parviflora, Bruguiera gymnorrhiza, Bruguiera cylindrica, Ceriops decandra, Rhizophora apiculata, Rhizophora stylosa, Rhizophora mucronata, Xylocarpus moluccensis, and Sonneratia caseolaris. The community structure of the mangrove forest had moderate diversity for tree species and low diversity for understorey plant species, with an H' valued at 2.39 and 0.25, respectively.

Xylocarpus Moluccensis Induces Cytotoxicity in Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma HepG2 Cell Line via Activation of the Extrinsic Pathway.

Liver cancer is one of the most common causes of cancer death, with reduced survival rates. The development of new chemotherapeutic agents is essential to find effective cytotoxic drugs that give minimum side effects to the surrounding healthy tissues. The main objective of the present study was to evaluate the cytotoxic effects and mechanism of cell death induced by the crude and diethyl ether extract of Xylocarpus mouccensis on the human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line. The cytotoxicity activity was measured using the MTS assay. The mode of cell death determined by the apoptosis study, DNA fragmentation analysis done by using the TUNEL system. The pathway study or mechanism of apoptosis observed by study caspases 8, 9, 3/7 Glo-caspases method. In this study, the methanol extracts prepared from leaf Xylocarpus mouccensis leaf produced cytotoxicity effect with IC50 (72hr) < 30µg/ml. The IC50 value at 72 hours exerted by diethyl ether extract of Xylocarpus moluccensis leaf was 0.22 µg/ml, which was more cytotoxic than to that of crude methanol extract. The results obtained by the colorimetric TUNEL system suggest that methanol crude extract of Xylocarpus moluccensis (leaf), diethyl ether extract of Xylocarpus moluccensis (leaf) and methanol extract of Xylocarpus granatum (bark) induced DNA fragmentation in the HepG2 cell line. Besides, the caspase-Glo assay demonstrated that diethyl ether leaf extract of Xylocarpus moluccensis triggered apoptotic cell death via activation of caspases -8, and -3/7 However, no visible activation was noticed for caspase -9. Furthermore, TLC indicates the presence of potential metabolites in an extract of Xylocarpus moluccensis. Thus, the present study suggests the remarkable potential of active metabolites in the extract of Xylocarpus moluccensis as a future therapeutic agent for the treatment of cancer.<br />.

Krishnolides E–K: New limonoids from the Krishna mangrove Xylocarpus moluccensis

Seven new limonoids, named krishnolides E–K (1–7), including three khayanolides, two mexicanolides, a derivative of trangmolin A, and an andirobin, were isolated from seeds of the Indian Krishna mangrove, Xylocarpus moluccensis. The structures of these limonoids were established by HRESIMS, extensive NMR investigations, and X-ray crystallography. Most notably, the absolute configurations of 1, 5, 6, and 7 were unequivocally determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses (Cu Kα). Krishnolide F (2) exhibited significant agonistic effects on human pregnane-X-receptor (hPXR) at the concentration of 10.0 μM. Molecular docking revealed that 2 could bind a helix near the region of the Helix 12 of hPXR. Polar contribution could be electrostatic effects from the formation of two stable protein-ligand hydrogen bonds between Gln285/1-OH and His407/1-OH, respectively. This is the first report of agonistic effects of a khayanolide-type limonoid on hPXR.