Euphorbia Helioscopia and Other Dark Fantasy

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Since banana fiber is sensitive to water due to presence of polar group, banana composite undergoes delamination and deterioration under humid condition. Alkali treated banana fiber along with coagulum content has improved overall mechanical properties and reduction in water absorption. This study presents the possibility of utilization of renewable materials for environmental friendly composite development as well as to find out alternative feedstock for petroleum products.

Developed Euphorbia latex modified banana polyester composites can have potential utility in hardboard, partition panel, plywood and automotive etc. Production cost analysis of Euphorbia lathyris. The purpose of this study is to estimate costs of production for Euphorbia lathyris hereafter referred to as Euphorbia in commercial-scale quantities. Selection of five US locations for analysis was based on assumed climatic and cultivation requirements. The five areas are: Cost estimates are tailored to reflect each region's requirements and capabilities.

Fixed costs include land, management, and transportation of the plant material to a conversion facility. Estimated Euphorbia crop production costs are competitive with those of corn. This disparity is accounted for largely by differences in productivity and irrigation requirements. Evolutionary bursts in Euphorbia Euphorbiaceae are linked with photosynthetic pathway. The mid-Cenozoic decline of atmospheric CO2 levels that promoted global climate change was critical to shaping contemporary arid ecosystems.

Within angiosperms, two CO2 -concentrating mechanisms CCMs -crassulacean acid metabolism CAM and C4 -evolved from the C3 photosynthetic pathway, enabling more efficient whole-plant function in such environments. Many angiosperm clades with CCMs are thought to have diversified rapidly due to Miocene aridification, but links between this climate change, CCM evolution, and increased net diversification rates r remain to be further understood.

We used ancestral state reconstructions with a dated molecular phylogeny to reveal that CCMs independently evolved times in Euphorbia , principally from the Miocene onwards. Analyses assessing among-lineage variation in r identified eight Euphorbia subclades with significantly increased r, six of which have a close temporal relationship with a lineage-corresponding CCM origin.

Our trait-dependent diversification analysis indicated that r of Euphorbia CCM lineages is approximately threefold greater than C3 lineages. Overall, these results suggest that CCM evolution in Euphorbia was likely an adaptive strategy that enabled the occupation of increased arid niche space accompanying Miocene expansion of arid ecosystems. These opportunities evidently facilitated recent, replicated bursts of diversification in Euphorbia. Triterpenoid biosynthesis in Euphorbia lathyris latex.

The structures of those tetracyclic triterpenols in Euphorbia lathyris latex which had not previously been known were elucidated. Many times dependent incubations were done, investigating the stability of the whole latex system and the re-suspended pellet systems. The effects of centrifugation on the biosynthesis were examined.

The partitioning of the triterpenoid pool as a function of when the compounds were made was examined. A number of incubations were performed in the hopes of observing some interconversion of the individual triterpenols. The effect of several inhibitors on the biosynthesis of the triterpenoids was examined. Flavonoid profile and antioxidant activities of methanolic extract of Hyparrhenia hirta L.

In this study, we report isolation of flavonoids, viz. The total phenolic content of H. The antioxidant activity was assayed through the antioxidant capacity by phosphomolybdenum assay, the reducing power assay and the radical scavenging activity using 2,2-diphenylpicrylhydrazyl method. The extract showed dose dependant activity in all the three assays. Study on accumulation ability of two lichen species Hypogymnia physodes and Usnea hirta at iron-steel factory site, Turkey. The use of biological responses to contaminant exposure by lichen species has become a useful tool in environmental quality evaluation and risk assesment.

The analytical results were compared statistically by using SPSS. Compared with the two lichen species, H. These criteria attested the best suitability for H. Identification and characterization of Euphorbia nivulia latex proteins. The protein profile of latex of Euphorbia nivulia Buch. Three new proteins viz. Peptide mass fingerprint analysis revealed peptides of these proteins match with Tubulin alpha-1 chain of Eleusine indica, Maturase K of Banksia quercifolia and hypothetical protein of Zea mays respectively.

Tryptic digestion profile of Nivulian-I, II and III, infer the exclusive nature of latex origin proteins and may be new and are additive molecules in the dictionaries of phytoproteins or botany. Energy potential of leafy spurge Euphorbia esula. Leafy spurge Euphorbia esula is a noxious, perennial weed that infests pastures, range land and waste areas in the northern Great Plains.

The objective of this study was to determine the productive potential of this species when grown under optimum agronomic conditions. Plants were fertilized and irrigated. Oil, hydrocarbon, total protein, and dry-weight production were measured on 3 harvest dates. Calorimetric analyses were performed to determine the potential of leafy spurge as a fuel crop. The hydrocarbon content of 12 strains of leafy spurge was determined to measure genetic variability for this trait.

Oil and hydrocarbon production averaged 6. Maximum production of plant biomass, protein, and hydrocarbon was obtained from a mid-July harvest. Oil content increased later in the growing season. Leafy spurge hay can produce 4 times more energy per year than wheat straw; therefore, the immediate potential of leafy spurge whole-plant biomass as a locally grown fuel crop for home-heating purposes is suggested. Structure and enzyme expression in photosynthetic organs of the atypical C4 grass Arundinella hirta.

In its leaf blade, Arundinella hirta has unusual Kranz cells that lie distant from the veins distinctive cells; DCs , in addition to the usual Kranz units composed of concentric layers of mesophyll cells MCs and bundle sheath cells BSCs; usual Kranz cells surrounding the veins. We examined whether chlorophyllous organs other than leaf blades--namely, the leaf sheath, stem, scale leaf, and constituents of the spike--also have this unique anatomy and the C4 pattern of expression of photosynthetic enzymes. The stem, rachilla, and pedicel had C4-type anatomy with frequent occurrence of DCs, as in the leaf blade.

The leaf sheath, glume, and scale leaf had a modified C4 anatomy with MCs more than two cells distant from the Kranz cells; DCs were relatively rare. An immunocytochemical study of C3 and C4 enzymes revealed that all the organs exhibited essentially the same C4 pattern of expression as in the leaf blade. In the leaf sheath, the distant MCs also expressed Rubisco. In Arundinella hirta , it seems that the ratio of MC to Kranz cell volumes, and the distance from the Kranz cells, but not from the veins, affects the cellular expression of photosynthetic enzymes.

We suggest that the main role of DCs is to keep a constant quantitative balance between the MCs and Kranz cells, which is a prerequisite for effective C4 pathway operation. The structures of triterpenols, not previously been known, from Euphorbia lathyris latex are reported. A method for quantifying very small amounts of these compounds was developed.

Concerning the biochemistry of the latex, no exogenous cofactors were required for the biosynthesis and the addition of compounds such as NADPAH and ATP do not stimulate the biosynthesis. The addition of DTE or a similar anti-oxidant was found to help reduce the oxidation of the latex, thus increasing the length of time that the latex remains active. The requirement of a divalent cation and the preference for Mn in the pellet was observed. Mevinolin was found to inhibit the biosynthesis of the triterpenoids from acetate, but not mevalonate. Fenpropimorph was found to have little or no effect on the biosynthesis.

It was also observed that the cyclopropyl containing triterpenols, cycloartenol and methylenecycloartenol were inhibited much more strongly than those containing an double bond, lanosterol and methylenelanosterol. The evidence indicates, but does not definetely prove, that lanosterol and methylenelanosterol are not made from cycloartenol and methylenecycloartenol via a ring-opening enzyme such as cycloeucalenol-obtusifoliol isomerase. Bioactive compounds extracted from natural sources can benefit human health. The aim of this work was to determine total phenolic content and antioxidant activity in extracts of Euphorbia tirucalli L.

Identification of phenolic compounds was performed using high-performance liquid chromatography HPLC , and antimicrobial activities were verified by agar dilution methods and MIC values. Total phenolic content ranged from 7. Extracts from dry plants showed higher antioxidant activities than those from fresh ones.

Antioxidant activity measured by the ABTS method yielded values higher than The extracts proved effective inhibitory potential for Staphylococcus epidermidis and Staphylococcus aureus. These results showed that extracts of Euphorbia tirucalli L. These can be attributed to the high concentration of ferulic acid. Two new flavonol glycosides from Gymnema sylvestre and Euphorbia ebracteolata. Their structures were determined on the basis of chemical and spectroscopic methods. Oxidation and cyclization of casbene in the biosynthesis of Euphorbia factors from mature seeds of Euphorbia lathyris L.

The seed oil of Euphorbia lathyris L. They are the current industrial source of ingenol mebutate, which is approved for the treatment of actinic keratosis, a precancerous skin condition. Here, we report an alcohol dehydrogenase-mediated cyclization step in the biosynthetic pathway of Euphorbia factors, illustrating the origin of the intramolecular carbon—carbon bonds present in lathyrane and ingenane diterpenoids. This unconventional cyclization describes the ring closure of the macrocyclic diterpene casbene.

Through transcriptomic analysis of E. When coupled with these Pcatalyzed monooxygenations, E. The discovery of this nonconventional cyclization may provide the key link to complete elucidation of the biosynthetic pathways of ingenol mebutate and other bioactive macrocyclic diterpenoids. Spatial variation in pollinator gall failure within figs of the gynodioecious Ficus hirta.

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Figs, the inflorescences of Ficus species Moraceae , contain numerous uni-ovulate flowers. Male trees of gynodioecious Ficus have figs that support development of pollinator fig wasp offspring Agaonidae and rarely produce seeds. Pollinator larvae develop inside galled ovules that expand rapidly after eggs are laid to fill the available space. Galls that fail to support successful larval development can be abundant and failures may influence oviposition behavior and modify realized offspring sex ratios.

We examined pollinator reproductive success in figs of the Asian Ficus hirta where we had allowed entry by either one or two foundresses and prevented attack by parasitoids. At the developmental stage when adult offspring were about to emerge from their galls, we recorded where in the figs their galls were located, the distributions of sons and daughters in the galls and whether galls that developed closest to the periphery of the figs were more likely to fail.

Foundress number had an effect on gall location, but not total offspring numbers.

No spatial variation in the distribution of male and female adult offspring was detected. More peripheral galls were more likely to fail in figs entered by two foundresses. Gall location in gynodioecious figs is determined largely by the extent to which their basal pedicels expand after galling. Competition for nutrients between galls, with those developing shorter pedicels being at a disadvantage, may explain the results. If pedicel length is related to timing of oviposition, then pollinator eggs laid later are less likely to survive.

Aqueous ethanol extracts of powdered twigs of Euphorbia esula afforded 16 new diterpenoids, named euphorbesulins A-P. These euphorbesulins included presegetane , jatrophane , paraliane 15 , and isopimarane 16 diterpenoids as well as six known analogues. Compounds represent a rare type of presegetane diterpenoid. Their structures were determined by analysis of the spectroscopic data, and the absolute configuration of 1 was established by X-ray crystallography.

Diterpenoid 7 showed low nanomolar antimalarial activity, while the remaining compounds showed only moderate or no antimalarial activity. Isolation and biological evaluation of jatrophane diterpenoids from Euphorbia dendroides. From the Montenegrin spurge Euphorbia dendroides, seven new diterpenoids [jatrophanes and a tigliane 7 ] were isolated and their structures elucidated by spectroscopic techniques.

The biological activity of the new compounds was studied against four human cancer cell lines. The most effective jatrophane-type compound 2 and its structurally closely related derivative 1 were evaluated for their interactions with paclitaxel and doxorubicin using a multi-drug-resistant cancer cell line. Both compounds exerted a strong reversal potential resulting from inhibition of P-glycoprotein transport.

Identification, transmission and genomic characterization of a new member of the family Caulimoviridae causing a flower distortion disease of Rudbeckia hirta. A disease of Rudbeckia hirta Black-eyed Susan , characterized by severe flower deformation, was observed in Minnesota during A previously undescribed virus, named Rudbeckia flower distortion virus RuFDV , was determined to be the causal agent of the disease.

Symptoms induced by RuFDV i Crassulacean acid metabolism-cycling in Euphorbia milii. With the aim of contributing to our knowledge of the evolution of CAM in this genus, this study examined the possible occurrence of CAM in Euphorbia milii, a species with leaf succulence and drought tolerance suggestive of this carbon fixation pathway. Leaf anatomy consisted of a palisade parenchyma, a spongy parenchyma and a bundle sheath with chloroplasts, which indicates the possible functioning of C2 photosynthesis. No evidence of nocturnal CO2 fixation was found in plants of E.

Evidence was found for the operation of weak CAM in E. Euphorbia milii can be considered as a CAM-cycling species. The significance of the operation of CAM-cycling in E. The possible occurrence of C2 photosynthesis merits research. Cycloartanes from Euphorbia aellenii Rech.

The structures of the isolated compounds were elucidated by spectroscopic methods and their activities evaluated by proliferation assay on human peripheral blood lymphocytes PBLs. Comparing the results suggested that anti-proliferation effect of these compounds on PBLs might be due to the presence of free 3-OH group while masking the free OH groups by acetylation, could induce proliferation activity. The purpose of SRI's study was to estimate the costs of producing Euphorbia in commercial quantities in five regions of the United States, which include both irrigated and nonirrigated areas.

The study assumed that a uniform crop yield could be achieved in the five regions by varying the quantities of production inputs. Therefore, the production costs estimates, which are based on fourth quarter dollars, include both fixed and variable costs for each region. Doane's Machinery Custom Rates for were used to estimate all variable costs except materials, which were estimated separately. The rates reported are the most recent rates the panel members had either paid, charged, or known for certain a second party had paid or charged.

Custom rates for any particular operation include equipment operating costs fuel, lubrication, and repairs , equipment ownership costs depreciation, taxes, interest , as well as a labor charge for the operator. Custom rates are regionally specific and thereby assist the accuracy of this analysis. When appropriate, fixed costs were regionally specific. Changes in total production costs over future time periods were not addressed. The total estimated production costs of Euphorbia in each region were compared with production costs for corn and alfalfa in the same regions.

Finally, the effects on yield and costs of changes in the production inputs were estimated. South African savanna grasslands are often characterised by indigestible tufted grass species whereas lawn grasses are far more desirable in terms of herbivore sustenance. We conducted a series of common garden experiments to test the effect of nutrients on interspecific competition between a typical lawn-forming grass species Cynodon dactylon and a species that is frequently found outside grazing lawns Hyparrhenia hirta , and tested for the effect of herbivore disturbance in the form of trampling and clipping.

We also performed a vegetation and herbivore survey to apply experimentally derived insights to field observations. Our results showed that interspecific competition was not affected by soil nutrient concentrations. Results from the field survey were in line with these findings, describing a correlation between herbivore pressure and C.

We conclude that herbivore disturbance, and not soil nutrients, provide C. This provides evidence for the importance of concentrated, high herbivore densities for the creation and maintenance of grazing lawns. FAAS was used for the analysis of trace metals in fresh and dry plant parts of Cymbopogon validus and Hyparrhenia hirta species with the aim of determining the trace metals concentrations in selected traditional plants consumed in Eastern Cape, South Africa. Abundance of metal concentrations follows the order: The concentrations of trace metals in both plant parts were below the permissible limits PL set by WHO.

It is suggested that pharmacovigilance be carried out periodically to improve the quality, safety, and efficiency of various herbal products. Wuzhimaotao the dry root of Ficus hirta is used as both medicine and food ingredient by the locals in areas around Nanling Mountains of China. Due to its very similar external morphologies with Duanchangcao the root of Gelsemium elegans , which contains gelsemine that is extremely neurotoxic and the associated growth of these two plants, incidents of food poisoning and even death frequently occur, resulting from the misuse of Duanchangcao as Wuzhimaotao.

The aim of this study is to develop a fast, even, on-spot approach to identification of Wuzhimaotao. This technique showed a high specificity and sensitivity to amplify the genomic DNA of F. Comparison of the oxygen exchange between photosynthetic cell suspensions and detached leaves of Euphorbia characias L. Young and mature leaves, dividing and nondividing cell suspensions were characterized in short-term experiments.

On dry weight basis, gross photosynthesis of PA suspensions was equal to that of leaves because of their similar chlorophyll content. Oxygen uptakes were analyzed in terms of mitochondrial respiration, photorespiration and light stimulation of oxygen uptake LSOU , often identified to Mehler-type reactions. In Pa and PM suspensions, mitochondrial respiration rates were higher than in leaves by a factor of 1. To evaluate the effect of Radix euphorbiae pekinensis extract on the permeability and bioavailability of paclitaxel co-administered orally.

Based on Ussing Chamber and in vivo experiment, the permeability and bioavailability of paclitaxel were evaluated after oral co-administration with radix euphorbiae pekinensis in rats. In Radix euphorbiae pekinensis co-administration group, the Papp of the mucosal-to-serosal M-S transport or serosal-to-mucosal transport S-M of paclitaxel in the jejunum or ileum segment differed significantly from those in verapamil co-administration group and blank control group P euphorbiae pekinensis group. Co-administration of Radix euphorbiae pekinensis extract can increase the bioavailability of orally administered paclitaxel.

Release of picloram from leafy spurge Euphorbia esula L. Picloram 4-amino-3,5,6-trichloropyridinecarboxylic acid exudation from leafy spurge Euphorbia esula L. With the aim of supporting the folk applications of Euphorbia fischeriana, a phytochemical study was performed, which led to the discovery of 9 compounds, including three new ones and six known ones In the cytotoxic assays on Hep-3B cell line, 2 showed stronger inhibitory effects IC 50 8.

While on A, the cytotoxic activities of 1 IC 50 In addition, both petroleum ether and dichloromethane extracts showed cytotoxic activities with different degree, while n-butanol extracts had no effect. The results clarified that the low-polarity fractions of E. Terpenoid biosynthesis in Euphorbia lathyris and Copaifera spp. Biosynthesis of triterpenoids by isolated latex of Euphorbia lathyris was investigated.

The rate of in vitro incorporation of mevalonic acid into triterpenoids was thirty times greater than acetate incorporation indicating that the rate-limiting step in the pathway occurs prior to mevalonate. HMG-CoA reductase was localized to a membrane-bound fraction of a g pellet of latex. Differences in the optimal pH for activity of HMG-CoA reductase from the latex and vegetative tissue suggest that isozymes of the enzyme may be present in the two tissue types.

Studies of the incorporation of various precursors into leaf discs and cuttings taken from Copaifera spp. Mevalonate incorporation by Copaifera langsdorfii cuttings into sesquiterpenes was a hundred-fold greater than either acetate or glucose incorporation, however, its incorporation into squalene and triterpenoids was also a hundred-fold greater than the incorporation into sesquiterpenes.

Potential impact of two Aphthona spp. Flea beetles Aphthona spp. The potential for the introduced beetles to use alternate hosts for feeding and development in North America is slight; however, it is possible. Species at highest risk are native Inventory and analysis of leafy spurge Euphorbia esula sites: Leafy spurge Euphorbia esula L. The most widespread and heaviest areas of infestation are in the northern and central Great Plains. However, quantitative information and compatible Demonstration of the economic feasibility of plant tissue culture for jojoba Simmondsia chinensis and Euphorbia spp.

The economic feasibility of plant tissue culture was demonstrated as applied to two plants: The gopher weed Euphorbia lathyris was selected as the species of Euphorbia to research due to the interest in this plant as a potential source of hydrocarbon-like compounds. High yield female selections of jojoba were chosen from native stands and were researched to determine the economic feasibility of mass producing these plants via a tissue culture micropropagation program.

The female jojoba selection was successfully mass produced through tissue culture. Since prior attempts at transfer of tissue cultured plantlets were unsuccessful, transfer research was a major part of the project and has resulted in a system for transfer of rooted jojoba plantlets to soil. Euphorbia lathyris was successfully cultured using shoot tip cultures.

Media and procedures were established for culture initiation, multiplication of shoots, callus induction and growth, and root initiation. Well-developed root systems were not attained and root initiation percentages should be increased if the system is to become commercially feasible. Short-term disruption of a leafy spurge Euphorbia esula biocontrol program following herbicide application. Integrated pest management IPM for invasive plant species is being advocated by researchers and implemented by land managers, but few studies have evaluated the success of IPM programs in natural areas.

Effects of herbicides on leafy spurge abundance and on dynamics of flea beetles Aphthona spp. We monitored leafy spurge-infested plots with established flea beetle populations that had received picloram plus 2,4-D in September or , imazapic in September , versus those with no chemical treatment. Mature stem counts did not differ significantly between treated and untreated plots in , suggesting that leafy spurge stands had recovered from herbicide treatment. Flea beetles were less abundant on plots with a history of herbicide treatment. Structural equation models indicated that in negative correlations between relative abundances of the two flea beetle species were greater on plots that had received herbicide treatments than on those that had not, but by no differences were apparent between treated and untreated plots.

These results suggest that the most effective component of IPM for leafy spurge at this site is biological control. All herbicide effects we observed were short-lived, but the increased negative correlation between flea beetle relative abundances during implies that herbicide application may have temporarily disrupted an effective biological control program at this site. These days, the desire for naturally occurring antioxidants has significantly increased, especially for use in foodstuffs, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical products, to replace synthetic antioxidants that are regularly constrained due to their carcinogenicity.

The study in hand aimed to appraise the antioxidant effect of two Euphorbia dendroides extracts using reducing power, anti-peroxidation, and DPPH 1,1 Diphenyl 2 Pycril Hydrazil scavenging essays, in addition to the anticancer activity against two tumor cell lines, namely C6 rat brain tumor cells, and Hela human uterus carcinoma cell lines. The results indicated that the ethyl acetate extract exhibited antiradical activity of The ethyl acetate extract exhibits better reducing capacity and lipid peroxidation inhibitory activity compared to n -butanol extract but less than all tested standards.

The two extracts exhibited moderate anticancer abilities and behaved somewhat as average antioxidant agents. Based on the total phenolics and flavonoids contents, as well as HPLC results, it could be concluded that antiproliferative and antioxidant activities depend upon the content of different phenolics and flavonoids.

The efficacy of Euphorbia prostrata in early grades of symptomatic hemorrhoids--a pilot study. The medical treatment for hemorrhoids has undergone significant changes on introduction of new pharmaceutical agents in the last decade. Euphorbia Prostrata is a new molecule used for grade I and II hemorrhoids. Beneficial effects of the Euphorbia prostrata in hemorrhoids have multiple mechanisms that are due to its active constituents flavonoids, tannins and phenolic acid.

This pilot study was performed to assess the effectiveness of this molecule in early grades of symptomatic hemorrhoids. In the present retrospective study, the effect of Euphorbia prostrata on patients with hemorrhoids was observed over a follow up period of 12 weeks. In all, patients were studied. This included 63 males and 57 females. Patients with grade 1 and 2 were prescribed with one tablet of Euphorbia prostrata Tab Sitcom, Panacea Biotec, India to be consumed on empty stomach every morning for two weeks.

Follow-up was carried out at 2, 4 and 12 weeks after commencement of treatment. The primary end point of the study was control of bleeding and secondary end points were regression of hemorrhoid mass, pruritus and discomfort in the anus. None of the patient had reported any adversity with consumption of the drug. At the follow-up after 3 months of treatment, no patient reported with symptomatic recurrence.

This pilot study shows that Euphorbia prostrata can be used as an effective and well-tolerated pharmaceutical agent in the treatment of early grades of hemorrhoids. Long-term follow-up and randomized control trials by comparing with other established formulations is necessary to justify reliance on this. The 13C 12C isotope ratios and the leaf anatomy of 18 species and varieties of Euphorbia native to the Hawaian Islands indicated that all possess C4 photosynthesis. These species range from small prostrate coastal strand shrubs to shrubs and trees in rainforest and bog habitats.

The results show that C4 photosynthesis occurs in plants from a much wider range of habitats and life-forms than has been previously reported. Antioxidant and selective anticancer activities of two Euphorbia species in human acute myeloid leukemia. In this study, two Euphorbia species i. Cytotoxicity of plant methanol and chloroform fractions was examined towards human acute myeloid leukemia THP1 and human colon epithelial Caco2 cancer cell lines, as well as CD 14 and IEC-6 normal cells by targeting various modulators of apoptosis or inflammation.

Both Euphorbia species appeared to be rich in phenolic compounds and terpenoids, Moreover, E. The results indicate that the three fractions induce apoptosis in THP1 cell line after 6h of exposure. Furthermore, apoptosis caused by apolar fraction was related to a caspase-dependent process, whereas other death pathways seemed to be involved with the polar fractions. An enhanced production of reactive oxygen species was detected upon cell treatment with plant extracts.

Euphorbia terracina and E. Moreover, these fractions displayed a very high ferric reducing power. These findings confirm the strong antioxidant capacity of Euphorbia plants and suggest a targeted anti-cancer effect with a potent anti-proliferative property of E. Euphorbia hainanensis is an endangered species endemic to the tropical Hainan Island in southern China and of historical importance for Chinese medicine.

It is currently the only unplaced species of the genus Euphorbia Euphorbiaceae due to its isolated island distribution and debated placement by a previous molecular phylogenetic study. All gene regions highly supported that E. Crossadenia subgenus Chamaesyce from Brazil with an estimated divergence time of 9.

In addition, our karyological results suggested a close affinity between E. Based on its isolated biogeographical, karyological, and phenotypical position, we propose a new section E. Laticifers are specialized plant cells capable of indefinite elongation that ramify extensively and are responsible for latex biosynthesis and accumulation. However, the mechanisms underlying laticifer cell differentiation, growth and production of latex remain largely unknown. The recessive lol2 mutant carries increased biosynthesis of the plant hormone jasmonoyl-isoleucine JA-Ile and therefore establishes a genetic link between jasmonic acid JA signaling and latex production in laticifers.

Instead, heightened production of latex in lol5 plants obeys to enhanced proliferation of laticifer cells. Phylogenetic analysis of laticifer-expressed genes in E. Moreover, we identified that the hormone JA functions not as a morphogen for laticifer differentiation but as a trigger for the fill out of laticifers with latex and the associated triterpenoids. The identification of LOL loci represents a further step towards the understanding of mechanisms controlling latex production in laticifer cells.

Temporal dynamics of leafy spurge Euphorbia esula and two species of flea beetle Aphthona spp. Aphthona lacertosa and Aphthona nigriscutis have been released at more than points in the 18,ha South Unit of the park beginning in ; most releases have occurred since We established permanent vegetation plots throughout the infested area of the park and determined stem counts and biomass of leafy spurge and abundance of the two flea beetle species at these plots each year from to Both biomass and stem counts declined over the 3 years of the study.

Both species of flea beetle are well established within the park and have expanded into areas where they were not released. Using structural equation models, only A. Previous year's stem counts had the greatest influence on change in stem counts over each 2-year time step examined with structural equation models.

Temporal dynamics of leafy spurge Euphorbia esula and two species of flea beetles Aphthona spp. The goal of this study was to evaluate the biological control program of leafy spurge Euphorbia esula in a large natural area, Theodore Roosevelt National Park, western North Dakota, USA. Genetic characterization of a red color morph of Euphorbia esula subsp. A magnetically recoverable catalyst for one-pot reductive amination of aldehydes at room temperature. We describe a method for supporting palladium nanoparticles on magnetic nanoparticles using Euphorbia stracheyi Boiss root extract as the natural source of reducing and stabilizing agent.

The progress of the reaction was monitored using UV-visible spectroscopy. The nanocatalyst was applied as an efficient, magnetically recoverable, highly reusable and heterogeneous catalyst for one-pot reductive amination of aldehydes at room temperature. The nanocatalyst was easily recovered by applying an external magnet and reused several times without considerable loss of activity.

Anthocyanin inhibits propidium iodide DNA fluorescence in Euphorbia pulcherrima: By it was recognized that secondary metabolites may affect DNA staining, thereby causing inaccuracy. Here experiments are reported with poinsettia Euphorbia pulcherrima with green leaves and red bracts rich in phenolics. Tissue was chopped, or two tissues co-chopped, in Galbraith buffer alone or with six concentrations of cyanidinrutinoside a cyanidinrhamnoglucoside contributing to red coloration in poinsettia.

These largely disappeared when pea leaflets were co-chopped with poinsettia tissue as an internal standard. Chopping pea or poinsettia tissue in buffer with microm cyanidinrutinoside showed that the effects of natural inhibitors in red bracts of poinsettia on PI staining were largely reproduced in a dose-dependent way by this anthocyanin. Given their near-ubiquitous distribution, many suspected roles and known affects on DNA staining, anthocyanins are a potent, potential cause of significant error variation in genome size estimations for many plant tissues and taxa.

This has important implications of wide practical and theoretical significance. When choosing genome size calibration standards it seems prudent to select materials producing little or no anthocyanin. Reviewing the literature identifies clear examples in which claims of intraspecific variation in genome size are probably artefacts caused by natural variation in anthocyanin levels or correlated with environmental factors known to induce.

The herbaceous perennial weed Euphorbia esula Euphorbiaceae reproduces by vegetative and sexual means; characteristics that are key to its persistence and survival. In this study, we examined environmental effects on dormancy and flowering under controlled conditions to further validate field obse Lipid metabolites with free-radical scavenging activity from Euphorbia helioscopia L. The methanolic extract of the plant Euphorbia helioscopia L. From the aerial parts of Euphorbia helioscopia L. Euphorbiaceae , a complex mixture of seven cerebrosides together with glucoclionasterol, a digalactosyldiacylglycerol and a diacylmonogalactosylglycerol were identified.

The structures were established on the basis of spectroscopic data and chemical reactions. Comparative ecomorphology of the cyathial nectaries in eight European Euphorbia species. The morphology and histology of the cyathial nectary were studied in 8 European leafy spurge Euphorbia species, revealing that certain histological traits of the glands are in close correlation to each species' habitat, underlining the importance of morphological evidences in determining relevant ecological tolerance spectra of plants.

The structure of the cyathial glands was studied in longitudinal sections with light microscopy, and histological parameters were measured and statistically analyzed by appropriate softwares. The nectaries consist of a cuticle-covered epidermis, formed by palisade cells, under which the glandular tissue and parenchyma are composed of isodiametric and anisodiametric cells in all species. Thickness of cuticle, position of nectary stomata and number of rows comprising the glandular tissue vary to a great extent in plants living in xeric, humid or mesic habitats.

Although all the studied anatomical features of the nectaries were expected to be in correspondence with the characteristics of habitat types, we have only found the number of glandular cell rows to be in strong correlation with the Ellenberg's ecological indicator values on soil moisture, which varied with species. The recorded anatomical differences among the studied Euphorbia taxa emphasize the ecological significance of glandular tissue in plant adaptation, which can also be relevant for systematic purposes. Structure and immunocytochemical localization of photosynthetic enzymes in the lamina joint and sheath pulvinus of the C4 grass Arundinella hirta.

The C 4 grass Arundinella hirta exhibits a unique C 4 anatomy, with isolated Kranz cells distinctive cells and C 4 -type expression of photosynthetic enzymes in the leaf sheath and stem as well as in the leaf blade. The border zones between these organs are pale green. Those between the leaf blade and sheath and between the sheath and stem are called the lamina joint and sheath pulvinus, respectively, and are involved in gravity sensing. We investigated the structure and localization of C 3 and C 4 photosynthetic enzymes in these tissues.

In both zones the epidermis lacked stomata. The inner tissue was composed of parenchyma cells and vascular bundles. The parenchyma cells were densely packed with small intercellular spaces and contained granal chloroplasts with large starch grains. No C 4 -type cellular differentiation was recognized. Immunogold electron microscopy revealed PEPC in the cytosol and both PPDK and rubisco in the chloroplasts of parenchyma cells, suggesting the occurrence of C 3 and C 4 enzymes within a single type of chlorenchyma cell.

These data indicate that the lamina joint and pulvinus have unique expression patterns of C 3 and C 4 enzymes, unlike those in C 4 -type anatomy. Heavy metal interaction for Andropogon scoparius and Rudbeckia hirta grown on soil from urban and rural sites with heavy metals additions. Little bluestem Andropogon scoparius and black-eyed Susan Rudbeckia hirta were grown in two soils with all combinations of Cd, Zn, Pb, and Cu at two levels each for 12 weeks.

Germination and establishment were completely retarded by the addition of Neither Cd nor Cu additions affected germination. A slight decrease in germination was noted for Pb additions of Cadmium at and Metal additions to the urban site soil did not reduce yields to the extent they did on the rural site soil. However, yields on the urban site soil control treatment were lower compared to those for the rural site control treatment.

DTPA extraction levels of heavy metals were not well correlated to plant concentrations for comparisons between the two soils.

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It was concluded that DTPA soil extraction may not be acceptable for metal availability comparisons among soils of differing pH. Circumstantial evidence was found for both synergistic and antagonistic effects among the heavy metals. These were of a low level and no consistent response could be determined over species or soils.

Testing for tumor promoters in Euphorbia lathyris: Analysis of possible health hazards. A sensitive test system for the detection of unknown tumor promoters is reported. A description is given of the use of the system in detecting promoter activity in Euphorbia lathyris extracts before and after treatment with organic solvents in the preparation of synthetic fuels. Using both normal and ts-virus infected cells, tumor promoter-like activities were detected and identified as ingenol esters in the active fraction of the latex of E.

These activities were shown to be inactive after extraction of potential sources of fuel. Results indicate that there should be no toxicological dangers after mechanical harvesting and drying. Biocrude crop production in arid lands.

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Published and unpublished estimates of land and water requirements and energy yield were used to prepare energy budgets for 4 potential biocrude liquid fuel crops in the SW USA: The cheapest energy was produced by C. Allelopathy of small everlasting Antennaria microphylla: Phytotoxicity to leafy spurge Euphorbia esula in tissue culture. Media and media extracts from callus cultures of small everlasting Antennaria microphylla inhibited leafy spurge Euphorbia esula L. Hydroquinone, a phytotoxic compound previously isolated from small everlasting, was also biosynthesized by callus and suspension cultures of this species.

Exogenously supplied hydroquinone 0. This report confirms the chronic involvement of hydroquinone in the allelopathic interaction between small everlasting and leafy spurge. Aerobic and anaerobic glucose metabolism of Phytomonas sp. Metabolic studies on Phytomonas sp. In stationary phase cells glucose consumption was dramatically reduced.

The rate of glucose consumption slightly increased under anaerobic conditions indicating that Phytomonas lacks a 'reverse Pasteur' effect contrary to the situation encountered in Leishmania major. Major end-products of glucose catabolism under aerobic conditions, detected by enzymatic and NMR measurements, were acetate, ethanol and carbon dioxide and under anaerobic conditions ethanol, glycerol and carbon dioxide. Smaller amounts of pyruvate, succinate, L-malate, L-lactate, phosphoenolpyruvate, alanine and aspartate were also detected.

Study on the diuretic activity of Euphorbia fusiformis Buch. The present study was undertaken to evaluate diuretic activity of Euphorbia fusiformis root powder in Wistar strain albino rats. Randomly selected animals were divided into three groups of six animals each. The diuretic activity was evaluated by determination of urine volume and urinary electrolyte concentrations.

Test drug showed significant increase in urine volume and urinary electrolyte excretion in a dose-dependant manner.

Thus, from this study, it can be concluded that roots of E. Multidrug resistant bacteria are sensitive to Euphorbia prostrata and six others Cameroonian medicinal plants extracts. Multidrug resistant MDR bacteria are responsible for therapeutic failure and there is an urgent need for novels compounds efficient on them.

Eleven methanol extracts from seven Cameroonian medicinal plants were tested for their antibacterial activity using broth micro-dilution method against 36 MDR bacterial strains including Escherichia coli, Enterobacter aerogenes, Enterobacter cloacae, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Providencia stuartii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus.

Euphorbia prostrata extract was found active against all the 36 tested bacteria including Gram-negative phenotypes over-expressing efflux pumps such as P. Other plants extract displayed selective antibacterial activity. Results obtained in this study highlight the antibacterial potential of the tested plants and the possible use of E. Preparation of activated carbon from a renewable bio-plant of Euphorbia rigida by H 2SO 4 activation and its adsorption behavior in aqueous solutions.

The use of activated carbon obtained from Euphorbia rigida for the removal of a basic textile dye, which is methylene blue, from aqueous solutions at various contact times, pHs and temperatures was investigated. The plant material was chemically modified with H 2SO 4. The surface area of chemically modified activated carbon was The surface characterization of both plant- and activated carbon was undertaken using FTIR spectroscopic technique.

The adsorption process attains equilibrium within 60 min. The experimental data indicated that the adsorption isotherms are well described by the Langmuir equilibrium isotherm equation and the calculated adsorption capacity of activated carbon was The adsorption kinetics of methylene blue obeys the pseudo-second-order kinetic model and also followed by the intraparticle diffusion model up to 60 min.

The activation energy of the system was calculated as According to these results, prepared activated carbon could be used as a low-cost adsorbent to compare with the commercial activated carbon for the removal textile dyes from textile wastewater processes. Toxicity and physiological effect of quercetin on generalist herbivore, Spodoptera litura Fab. A novel flavonoid, quercetin, was isolated from Euphorbia hirta L. Thin-layer chromatography, Column chromatography, Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Toxicity to larval of Spodoptera litura analyze pupal weight, survival rate, fec Nectar regulation in Euphorbia tithymaloides L.

Floral sexual phases can differ in nectar production and might be under selective pressure by pollinators. We studied Euphorbia tithymaloides, which has inflorescences that are initially female and then hermaphroditic. Volume and concentration of nectar were measured in both stages.

Nectar production and the effect of extractions were determined using sets of bagged inflorescences; inflorescences in the hermaphroditic phase had higher values of nectar concentration, volume and sugar mass than inflorescences in the female phase. Nectar resorption was detected in senescent inflorescences. To test for homeostatic nectar regulation, artificial nectar was added and the response assessed after 24 h. The experiments showed that concentration and sugar mass are regulated within a narrow range, and the homeostatic points differ between the two sexual phases.

These differences in nectar can be detected by hummingbirds, which prefer the female stage. Resorption and secretion seem to be part of a homeostatic mechanism by which nectar attributes are maintained to optimise sugar recovery. Effect of drying on yield and calorific values of extractables from leafy spurge Euphorbia esula. The effect of dehydration on yield and calorific values has been investigated for oils, hydrocarbons, and poly-phenols extracted from leaves of Euphorbia esula leafy spurge. Methods of dehydration employed were with a warm oven 50 degrees C , a hot oven degrees C , at room temperature 25 degrees C , and with freeze drying.

Generally, dehydration resulted in a loss of yield for all extractives. Noteworthy exceptions were oil yields from the warm-oven or air-dried biomass which did not differ significantly from fresh tissue. NMR spectroscopy of the oil fraction suggested that dehydration did not grossly alter the composition of oils, despite differences in yield and calorific values.

Evaluation of hydrocarbon plants suitable for cultivation in Florida. Most of the hydrocarbon plants reported in the literature are not suitable for cultivation under Florida conditions. Preliminary results of field and greenhouse trials have indicated two species; Euphorbia tirucalli, which is suitable only for south Florida and Asclepias curassavica which has shown promise for the entire state. The hydrocarbon content of E. A comparison between the results of field trials with A. Because of environmental conditions in Florida, E.

It is suggested that future research on hydrocarbon plants should concentrate on selection of individuals or species with vigorous, upright growth habits, low fertilizer-irrigation requirements and high hydrocarbon contents. The effect of dehydration on yield and calorific values has been investigated for oils, hydrocarbons, and polyphenols extracted from leaves of Euphorbia esula leafy spurge.

Noteworthy exceptions were oil yields from the warm-oven- or air-dried biomass which did not differ significantly from fresh tissue. Oils from wild, micropropagated plants, calli, and suspended cells of Euphorbia characias L.

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Micropropagated Euphorbia characias plants gave higher yields of crude oil than did wild ones. Leaves of either wild and micropropagated plants contained more oil than did stems. Triterpenols, hydrocarbons, and free and esterified fatty acids are components of the crude oil produced by stems, young and mature leaves of wild and micropropagated E. With the exception of the free fatty acids fraction, all crude oil fractions were higher in micropropagated plants than in the wild ones.

However the triterpenols yields were higher in stems than in leaves, both in wild and micropropagated plants. The composition of the triterpenol fraction of the crude oil obtained from calli and suspended cells is quite different from that produced by any in vivo parent plant organ studied. Free fatty acids constitute the main fraction of the crude oil obtained from calli and suspended cells.

New cycloartane-type ester triterpenes from Euphorbia pterococca and biological evaluation. From acetonic extract of the whole plant Euphorbia pterococca Brot.

Euphorbiaceae , four new cycloartane-type ester triterpenes named cycloartenyl-2'E,4'E-decadienoate 1 , cycloartenyl-2'E,4'Z-decadienoate 2 , methylenecycloartanyl-2'E,4'Z-tetradecadienoate 3 , and oxonorcycloartanyl-2'E,4'Z-hexadecadienoate 4 were obtained along with nine known tetracyclic triterpenes In addition, the new compounds have been tested for cytotoxicity, trypanocidal effects and on enzymes involved in endocannabinoid degradation.

Comparison of supercritical fluid and Soxhlet extractions for the quantification of hydrocarbons from Euphorbia macroclada. This study compares conventional Soxhlet extraction and analytical scale supercritical fluid extraction SFE for their yields in extracting of hydrocarbons from arid-land plant Euphorbia macroclada. The validated SFE was then compared to the extraction yield of E. All of extracts were fractionated with silica-gel in a glass column to get better hydrocarbon yields. Thus, the highest hydrocarbons yield from E. Gas chromatography GC analysis was performed to determine the quantitative hydrocarbons from plant material.

The greatest quantitative hydrocarbon recovery from GC was obtained by supercritical carbon dioxide extract 0. Euphorbia rosescens is a recently described plant that is narrowly endemic to the Lake Wales Ridge. All reviewers Verified purchase only All reviewers All stars 5 star only 4 star only 3 star only 2 star only 1 star only All positive All critical All stars All formats Format: There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later. Well Worth the Read. By Athanasios on May 1, Kindle Edition Verified Purchase. I'm not one to enjoy anthologies and short story collections.

They end up leaving me wanting more out of the characters in each tale and always moving from story to story, like hobnobbing or working a room at a party. This wasn't like that. They were a peculiar mixture of characterization and intriguing plot that reminded me of my early infatuation with Stephen King when he wrote some shorts as Richard Bachman and Clive Barker's Books of Blood.

I enjoyed Jeremy Johnson's contribution to the short dark fantasy format and am looking forward to see what he may do with longer tales of my favorites in Euphorbia, Helioscopia and Other Dark Fantasy. One person found this helpful. There was a problem loading comments right now. There's a problem loading this menu right now.

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