Camellia
Camellia sinensis
Tea
Catechin
Plant Extracts
Saponins
Calendula
Size-class differences in genetic structure and individual distribution of Camellia japonica L. in a Japanese old-growth evergreen forest. (1/55)
Size-class differences in genetic structure and individual spatial distribution were investigated for Camellia japonica within a 1-ha plot in a Japanese old-growth evergreen forest using microsatellite markers. Three size-classes were considered containing plants that were: 30-32.5 cm tall, 103.8 cm-200 cm tall and those that had a diameter at breast height > or =5 cm, designated JV1, JV2, and ADL, respectively. Each size-class contained 174 individuals. Morisita's index of dispersion indicated clumping of individuals was present within all size-classes, with JV2 displaying the highest level. The clumped distribution of JV1 individuals may be a result of limited seed dispersal, while that of JV2 may be attributed to heterogenieties of favourable microsites, such as canopy gaps. There were no significant differences in allele frequencies among size-classes. There were, however, some differences in spatial genetic structure among them. Moran's I spatial autocorrelation analysis revealed clear spatial genetic structure in class JV1 probably due to limited seed dispersal. In class JV2, genetic structure was not observed. Overlapping seed shadows, probably in canopy gaps, may lead to blurred genetic structure in JV2. (+info)Anti-Trypanosoma cruzi activity of green tea (Camellia sinensis) catechins. (2/55)
The trypanocidal action of green tea catechins against two different developmental stages of Trypanosoma cruzi is reported for the first time. This activity was assayed with the nonproliferative bloodstream trypomastigote and with the intracellular replicative amastigote parasite forms. An ethyl acetate fraction from Camellia sinensis green tea leaves, which contains most of the polyphenolic compounds and the maximal trypanocidal activity, was obtained by fractionation of the aqueous extract with organic solvents. The active compounds present in this extract were further purified by LH-20 column chromatography and were identified by high-performance liquid chromatography analysis with a photo diode array detector and gas chromatography coupled to mass spectroscopy. The following flavan-3-ols derivatives, known as catechins, were identified: catechin, epicatechin, gallocatechin, epigallocatechin, catechin gallate, epicatechin gallate, gallocatechin gallate, and epigallocatechin gallate. The purified compounds lysed more than 50% of the parasites present in the blood of infected BALB/c mice at concentrations as low as 0.12 to 85 pM. The most active compounds were gallocatechin gallate and epigallocatechin gallate, with minimal bactericidal concentrations that inhibited 50% of isolates tested of 0.12 and 0.53 pM, respectively. The number of amastigotes in infected Vero cells decreased by 50% in the presence of each of these compounds at 100 nM. The effects of the catechins on the recombinant T. cruzi arginine kinase, a key enzyme in the energy metabolism of the parasite, were assayed. The activity of this enzyme was inhibited by about 50% by nanomolar concentrations of catechin gallate or gallocatechin gallate, whereas the other members of the group were less effective. On the basis of these results, we suggest that these compounds could be used to sterilize blood and, eventually, as therapeutic agents for Chagas' disease. (+info)3-epicabraleahydroxylactone and other triterpenoids from camellia oil and their inhibitory effects on Epstein-Barr virus activation. (3/55)
The structure of a triterpenoid isolated from the nonsaponifiable lipid (NSL) of the seed oil of the camellia (Camellia japonica L.; Theaceae) was established to be (20S)-3beta-hydroxy-25,26,27-trisnordammaran-24,20-olide (1; 3-epicabraleahydroxylactone) on the basis of spectroscopic and chemical methods. Six other triterpenoids isolated from the NSL were identified as 3-epicabraleadiol (2), ocotillol II (3), ocotillol I (4), dammarenediol II (5), (20R)-taraxastane-3beta,20-diol (6), and lupane-3beta,20-diol (7). Upon evaluation of the seven triterpenoids (1-7) with respect to their inhibitory effects on the induction of Epstein-Barr virus early antigen (EBV-EA) by 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) in Raji cells, three compounds (5-7) showed potent inhibitory effects against EBV-EA induction (IC(50) values of 277-420 mol ratio/32 pmol TPA). (+info)Effect of camellia oil on the permeation of flurbiprofen and diclofenac sodium through rat and pig skin. (4/55)
The effect of camellia oil on the permeation of flurbiprofen (FP) and diclofenac sodium (DFS), used as model drugs, through rat and pig skin was examined. Two different types of camellia oil were used: one of them was purified by distillation and the other was purified by filtration without heating. The distilled camellia oil (DCO) and the filtered camellia oil (FCO) were applied to the skin as a pretreatment. Permeation of FP through the skins pretreated with FCO and DCO was enhanced, while that of DFS was suppressed. The effects of FCO were greater than those of DCO as far as enhancement and suppression were concerned. The effect of FCO on FP permeation could be due to oleic acid, one of the major components of FCO. On the other hand, FCO and oleic acid had opposite effects on the penetration of DFS. This result suggests that other active components which suppress the permeation of DFS may be present in FCO. Since the penetration-suppressing agents will be useful for skin care products, studies of such agents will be important in the future. (+info)Kitasatospora viridis sp. nov., a novel actinomycete from soil. (5/55)
The taxonomic position of a rhizosphere isolate, strain 52108a(T), was determined using a polyphasic approach. The strain was found to have chemical and morphological properties consistent with its assignment to the genus Kitasatospora. An almost complete 16S rRNA gene sequence determined for the strain was aligned with corresponding sequences of representatives of the genus Kitasatospora and related taxa using three tree-making algorithms. The organism formed a distinct phyletic line within the Kitasatospora clade and was most closely related to Kitasatospora arboriphila (98.9 %), Kitasatospora kifunensis (99.0 %), Kitasatospora paracochleata (98.4 %) and Kitasatospora terrestris (98.2 %), but was readily distinguished from representatives of these species using a combination of phenotypic properties. The combined genotypic and phenotypic data show that the strain should be classified in the genus Kitasatospora as a novel species. The name proposed is Kitasatospora viridis sp. nov., with the type strain 52108a(T) (=AS 4.1878(T)=DSM 44826(T)). (+info)(+)-Catechin, an ingredient of green tea, protects murine microglia from oxidative stress-induced DNA damage and cell cycle arrest. (6/55)
Extracts of Chinese herbs have been demonstrated to inhibit oxidative stress in vitro. In this study, we investigated the mechanism of (+)-catechin, isolated from green tea, which preserved murine microglia N9 cells from an oxidative agent tert-butylhydroperoxide (tBHP)-induced cell death. (+)-Catechin augmented the cell survival ratio after exposure to tBHP. Protective action of this drug was more efficacious than that of N-acetylcysteine, which is a putative antioxidant. DNA damage, detected by the Comet assay, was diminished with treatment of the drug. Results of flow cytometric analysis showed that the amount of intracellular *OH was decreased, and the cell cycle arrest was reversed by down-regulation of p53 phosphorylation after treatment with (+)-catechin. The reduced p53 activity followed the impairment of NF-kappaB translocation to the nuclear region. Then the phosphorylation of extracellular signal regulated protein kinase, a cell survival facilitative signal, was upregulated at the later stage. Taken together, (+)-catechin inhibited tBHP-induced translocation of NF-kappaB to improve cellular survival. (+info)Bioactive saponins and glycosides. XXIII. Triterpene saponins with gastroprotective effect from the seeds of Camellia sinensis--theasaponins E3, E4, E5, E6, and E7. (7/55)
The saponin fraction from the seeds of the tea plant [Camellia sinensis (L.) O. KUNTZE (Theaceae)] was found to exhibit potent protective effects on ethanol- and indomethacin-induced gastric mucosal lesions in rats. Five new triterpene saponins, theasaponins E3 (1), E4 (2), E5 (3), E6 (4), and E7 (5), were isolated together with 11 known saponins from the saponin fraction. The chemical structures of 1-5 were elucidated on the basis of chemical and physicochemical evidence. Among the isolated saponins, theasaponins E1 (6), E2 (7), and E5 (3) and assamsaponin C (10) showed an inhibitory effect on ethanol-induced gastric mucosal lesions at a dose of 5.0 mg/kg, p.o. and their activities were stronger than that of omeplazole. With regard to the structure-activity relationships of theasaponins, the following structural requirements for a protective effect on ethanol-induced gastric lesions were suggested; 1) the 21- and/or 22-acyl groups are essential for the activity, 2) acetylation of the 16-hydroxyl group reduce the activity. (+info)Stereoselective oxidation at C-4 of flavans by the endophytic fungus Diaporthe sp. isolated from a tea plant. (8/55)
The microbial transformation of five flavans (1-5) by endophytic fungi isolated from the tea plant Camellia sinensis was investigated. It was found that the endophytic filamentous fungus Diaporthe sp. oxidized stereoselectively at C-4 position of (+)-catechin (1) and (-)-epicatechin (2) to give the correspondent 3,4-cis-dihydroxyflavan derivatives (6, 10), respectively. (-)-Epicatechin 3-O-gallate (3) and (-)-epigallocatechin 3-O-gallate (4) were also oxidized by the fungus into 3,4-dihydroxyflavan derivatives (10, 12) via (-)-epicatechin (2) and (-)-epigallocatechin (11), respectively. Meanwhile, (-)-gallocatechin 3-O-gallate (5), (-)-catechin (ent-1) and (+)-epicatechin (ent-2), which possess a 2S-phenyl substitution, resisted the biotransformation. (+info)"Camellia" is a botanical term that refers to a genus of evergreen shrubs and trees in the family Theaceae. There are over 250 species of Camellias, which are native to Asia, primarily China and Japan. Many Camellia species are cultivated for their attractive flowers, and some are used for their oil-rich seeds.
The most well-known species is Camellia sinensis, which is the source of tea leaves used to make black, green, and oolong teas. The caffeine content in these teas comes from xanthines found in the leaves of this plant.
Camellias are not typically associated with medical definitions or uses, but some research suggests that compounds found in Camellia sinensis may have potential health benefits, such as reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer. However, more research is needed to confirm these findings and establish safe and effective dosages.
'Camellia sinensis' is the scientific name for the plant that is used to produce tea. It is an evergreen shrub native to East Asia, particularly China and India, and has been cultivated for thousands of years for its leaves, which are used to make various types of tea, including black, green, oolong, and white teas.
The leaves of 'Camellia sinensis' contain a number of bioactive compounds, including caffeine, theophylline, and theobromine, as well as polyphenols such as flavonoids and catechins, which are believed to have various health benefits. The processing method used on the leaves determines the type of tea produced and its color, flavor, and chemical composition.
I'm sorry for any confusion, but "Tea" is not a medical term. It generally refers to a hot beverage made by infusing the leaves of the tea plant (Camellia sinensis) in hot water. There are various types of tea including black, green, white, oolong, and herbal teas, but these are not medical terms. If you have any medical concerns or questions, I'd be happy to try to help if I can, but it would be helpful if you could provide more context or clarify what you're asking about.
A catechin is a type of plant phenol and antioxidant found in various foods and beverages, such as tea, cocoa, and certain fruits and vegetables. Chemically, catechins are flavan-3-ols, which are a subclass of flavonoids. They have several potential health benefits, including reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer, and neurodegenerative disorders.
Catechins are known to have anti-inflammatory, antimutagenic, and antidiabetic properties. They can also help improve oral health by inhibiting the growth of harmful bacteria in the mouth. The most well-known catechin is epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which is found in high concentrations in green tea and has been extensively studied for its potential health benefits.
In summary, a catechin is a type of antioxidant compound found in various plant-based foods and beverages that may have several health benefits, including reducing the risk of chronic diseases and improving oral health.
A plant extract is a preparation containing chemical constituents that have been extracted from a plant using a solvent. The resulting extract may contain a single compound or a mixture of several compounds, depending on the extraction process and the specific plant material used. These extracts are often used in various industries including pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, cosmetics, and food and beverage, due to their potential therapeutic or beneficial properties. The composition of plant extracts can vary widely, and it is important to ensure their quality, safety, and efficacy before use in any application.
Saponins are a type of naturally occurring chemical compound found in various plants, including soapwords, ginseng, and many others. They are known for their foaming properties, similar to that of soap, which gives them their name "saponin" derived from the Latin word "sapo" meaning soap.
Medically, saponins have been studied for their potential health benefits, including their ability to lower cholesterol levels, reduce inflammation, and boost the immune system. However, they can also have toxic effects in high concentrations, causing gastrointestinal disturbances and potentially damaging red blood cells.
Saponins are typically found in the cell walls of plants and can be extracted through various methods for use in pharmaceuticals, food additives, and cosmetics.
Polyphenols are a type of phytochemical, which are naturally occurring compounds found in plant-based foods. They contain multiple phenol units and can be classified into several subgroups, including flavonoids, stilbenes, tannins, and lignans. These compounds have been studied for their potential health benefits due to their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immune-modulating properties. They are found in a wide variety of foods such as fruits, vegetables, tea, wine, chocolate, and cereals.
Calendula, also known as pot marigold (Calendula officinalis), is a plant that is part of the Asteraceae/Compositae family. It is often used in herbal medicine and has been utilized for various medicinal purposes due to its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties. Calendula extracts or ointments are sometimes applied topically to help heal wounds, burns, rashes, and other skin irritations. However, it's essential to consult a healthcare professional before using calendula for medicinal purposes, as it may interact with certain medications or have adverse effects in some individuals.
Triterpenes are a type of natural compound that are composed of six isoprene units and have the molecular formula C30H48. They are synthesized through the mevalonate pathway in plants, fungi, and some insects, and can be found in a wide variety of natural sources, including fruits, vegetables, and medicinal plants.
Triterpenes have diverse structures and biological activities, including anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and cytotoxic effects. Some triterpenes are also used in traditional medicine, such as glycyrrhizin from licorice root and betulinic acid from the bark of birch trees.
Triterpenes can be further classified into various subgroups based on their carbon skeletons, including squalene, lanostane, dammarane, and ursane derivatives. Some triterpenes are also modified through various biochemical reactions to form saponins, steroids, and other compounds with important biological activities.