Methylobacterium
Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids
Tagetes
Plant Poisoning
Antioxidative compounds from Crotalaria sessiliflora. (1/20)
Seven antioxidative compounds were isolated from the EtOAc extract of the aerial part of C. sessiliflora (Japanese name, tanukimame) by activity-guided fractionation with 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH). Among the isolated compounds, hydroxyeucomic acid showed the strongest free radical-scavenging activity, which was almost identical to that of epigallocatechin gallate, against DPPH. Orientin and isoorientin showed strong anti-peroxidative activities toward linoleic acid and protective effects against the bactericidal action of the tert-butyl peroxyl radical. Their activities were nearly equal to that of epigallocatechin gallate. (+info)Antispermatogenic and hormonal effects of Crotalaria juncea Linn. seed extracts in male mice. (2/20)
AIM: To evaluate the antifertility activity of various extracts of Crotalaria juncea seeds in male mice. METHODS: Adult male mice were gavaged the petroleum ether, benzene and ethanol extracts of C. juncea seeds, 25 mg x (100g)(-1) x day(-1) for 30 days. On day 31 the animals were sacrificed by cervical dislocation and the testes, epididymis, vas deferens, seminal vesicles, prostate gland, bulbourethral gland and levator ani were dissected out and weighed. The organs were processed for biochemical and histological examination. RESULTS: In petroleum ether, benzene and ethanol extracts treated rats, there was a decrease in the weights of testis and accessory reproductive organs. The diameters of the testis and seminiferous tubules were decreased. Spermatogonia, spermatocytes and spermatids in the testis and the sperm count in cauda epididymis were also decreased. There was a significant reduction in the protein and glycogen contents and an increase in the cholesterol content in the testis, epididymis and vas deferens. Of the 3 extracts, the ethanol extract appeared to be the most potent in antispermatogenic activity. When the ethanol extract was tested in immature male mice, there was an antiandrogenic effect as the weights of accessory organs were reduced. CONCLUSION: The various extracts of C. juncea seeds arrest spermatogenesis and are likely to have an antiandrogenic activity. (+info)Methylobacterium nodulans sp. nov., for a group of aerobic, facultatively methylotrophic, legume root-nodule-forming and nitrogen-fixing bacteria. (3/20)
Data on 72 non-pigmented bacterial strains that specifically induce nitrogen-fixing root nodules on the legume species Crotalaria glaucoides, Crotalaria perrottetii and Crotalaria podocarpa are reviewed. By SDS-PAGE analysis of total protein patterns and by 16S rRNA PCR-RFLP, these strains form a homogeneous group that is separate from other legume root-nodule-forming bacteria. The 16S rRNA gene-based phylogeny indicates that these bacteria belong to the genus Methylobacterium. They can grow on C(1) compounds such as methanol, formate and formaldehyde but not methylamine as sole carbon source, and carry an mxaF gene, encoding methanol dehydrogenase, which supports their methylotrophic metabolism. Presence of a nodA nodulation gene, and ability to nodulate plants of Crotalaria species and to fix nitrogen are features that separate the strains currently included in this group from other members of the genus Methylobacterium. The present study includes additional genotypic and phenotypic characterization of this novel Methylobacterium species, i.e. nifH gene sequence, morphology, physiology, enzymic and carbon source assimilation tests and antibiotic resistance. The name Methylobacterium nodulans sp. nov. (type strain, ORS 2060(T)=CNCM I 2342(T)=LMG 21967(T)) is proposed for this group of root-nodule-forming bacteria. (+info)Reproductive benefits derived from defensive plant alkaloid possession in an arctiid moth (Utetheisa ornatrix). (4/20)
The moth Utetheisa ornatrix (family Arctiidae) depends on pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) for defense. It sequesters the toxins as a larva from its food plants (Crotalaria species: family Fabaceae) and retains them through metamorphosis. We report here that PA-possession in the adult female U. ornatrix has a life-shortening effect, suggesting that, by putting the compounds to use, the moth may be incurring a cost. However, PA-possession also induces the female to oviposit at an accelerated rate, so that she does not, by dying earlier, incur a loss in fecundity. We argue that by "compressing" their adult existence into a shorter period, female U. ornatrix may actually accrue benefits. (+info)Role of methylotrophy during symbiosis between Methylobacterium nodulans and Crotalaria podocarpa. (5/20)
Some rare leguminous plants of the genus Crotalaria are specifically nodulated by the methylotrophic bacterium Methylobacterium nodulans. In this study, the expression and role of bacterial methylotrophy were investigated during symbiosis between M. nodulans, strain ORS 2060T, and its host legume, Crotalaria podocarpa. Using lacZ fusion to the mxaF gene, we showed that the methylotroph genes are expressed in the root nodules, suggesting methylotrophic activity during symbiosis. In addition, loss of the bacterial methylotrophic function significantly affected plant development. Indeed, inoculation of M. nodulans nonmethylotroph mutants in C. podocarpa decreased the total root nodule number per plant up to 60%, decreased the whole-plant nitrogen fixation capacity up to 42%, and reduced the total dry plant biomass up to 46% compared with the wild-type strain. In contrast, inoculation of the legume C. podocarpa with nonmethylotrophic mutants complemented with functional mxa genes restored the symbiotic wild phenotype. These results demonstrate the key role of methylotrophy during symbiosis between M. nodulans and C. podocarpa. (+info)Characteristics of cadmium accumulation and tolerance in novel Cd-accumulating crops, Avena strigosa and Crotalaria juncea. (6/20)
Characteristics of accumulation and tolerance of cadmium (Cd) in green manure crops were investigated to identify Cd-accumulating crops and to clarify the mechanisms involved in Cd accumulation and tolerance. Seedlings of eight crop species were treated with Cd (1 mg l(-1) or 5 mg l(-1)) in the growing medium for 4 d. Cd concentration in leaves of Avena strigosa Schreb. cv. New-oat, Crotalaria juncea L. and Tagetes erecta L. cv. African-tall was greater than values used to define Cd-hyperaccumulation (>100 mg Cd kg(-1) DW). However, in leaves of T. erecta, lipid peroxidation level increased significantly, and the activities of superoxide dismutase, ascorbate peroxidase, glutathione reductase, and catalase were depressed by both Cd treatments. By contrast, A. strigosa and C. juncea exhibited high Cd tolerance. Avena strigosa leaves showed higher activities of antioxidative enzymes such as superoxide dismutase and ascorbate peroxidase than those of other species tested. Crotalaria juncea showed higher amounts of total soluble phenolics which, in leaves, were doubled by 5 mg l(-1) Cd treatment. When two Cd-tolerant accumulators (A. strigosa and C. juncea) and the non-accumulator (C. spectabilis) were treated with lower Cd concentrations for 4 weeks, A. strigosa and C. juncea exhibited superior Cd accumulation in the shoots with greater biomass production compared with C. spectabilis. These results indicate that A. strigosa and C. juncea possess the greater potential for Cd accumulation and tolerance than common crops. (+info)A case report of hepatic veno-occlusive disease after ingesting dainties. (7/20)
Hepatic veno-occlusive disease (HVOD) is rarely encountered and easily misjudged as Budd-Chiari syndrome. It is often related to stem cell transplantation in recent years. We report a case of HVOD that is related to ingestion of some palatable local dishes. The diagnosis was confirmed by liver biopsy pathology with specific observation of inflammatory changes and fibrosis of venules intima, dilated sinusoids and central veins. Chronic diarrhea is unique for this case as a result of ingesting harmful stuffs. This case demonstrated that supervision and instruction of food recipe and traditional medicine are crucial, and prompt diagnosis, supportive care and specific treatment are essential to decreasing the morbidity and mortality of HVOD. (+info)Endothelium-dependent vasodilatory and hypotensive effects of Crotalaria sessiliflora L. in rats. (8/20)
The aim of the present study was to investigate the vasoactive effect of Crotalaria sessiliflora L. extract (CSE) on rats and its mechanism when combining in vivo and in vitro approaches. CSE (0.5-5 mg/ml) induced concentration-dependent relaxation on endothelium-intact thoracic aortic rings precontracted with phenylephrine (PE, 10(-5) M). This effect disappeared with the removal of functional endothelium. Pretreatment of the aortic strips with either N(G)-nitro-L-arginine (L-NNA, 10(-5) M) or methylene blue (10(-5) M) significantly reduced the relaxation induced by CSE. The endothelium-dependent relaxation caused by CSE was associated with production of cGMP. CSE (5 mg/ml) increased the production of cGMP in endothelium-intact aortic rings and this effect was significantly attenuated by L-NNA (10(-5) M) and methylene blue (10(-5) M). Relaxation in response to CSE in strips precontracted with PGF2alpha (3x10(-5) M) was eliminated by removing extracellular Ca2+ and significantly reduced by pretreatment with ruthenium red (10(-5) M). In in vivo tests, injection of 40 mg/kg of CSE induced an increase in plasma NO production, and this effect was blocked by L-NNA. Furthermore, CSE produced dose-dependent and transient decrease in blood pressure in normotensive rats and this effect was blocked by atropine as well as L-NNA. These findings suggest that CSE induces endothelium-dependent relaxation via NO/cGMP signaling by promoting extracellular Ca2+ influx and the release of Ca2+ from intracellular stores of endothelium, probably due to endothelial muscarinic receptor activation. (+info)'Crotalaria' is a genus of flowering plants in the family Fabaceae, also known as the pea or legume family. These plants are commonly known as rattleboxes due to the seeds that rattle inside their swollen, inflated pods. The plants are native to tropical and warm temperate regions around the world and contain several species that can be found in various environments such as grasslands, savannas, and disturbed areas.
While 'Crotalaria' itself is not a medical term, some species of this plant genus have been reported to contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs), which can be toxic to humans and animals if ingested. These toxins can cause liver damage and other health issues in severe cases. However, it's important to note that not all Crotalaria species produce PAs, and the toxicity levels may vary depending on the specific species and individual sensitivity.
In summary, 'Crotalaria' is a genus of flowering plants with some species containing potentially toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids. While it is not a medical term itself, it has implications for human and animal health due to the presence of these toxins in certain species.
Methylobacterium is a genus of Gram-negative, aerobic, facultatively methylotrophic bacteria that are commonly found in various environments such as water, soil, and the phyllosphere of plants. These bacteria have the ability to utilize reduced one-carbon compounds, such as methanol and methane, as their source of carbon and energy. They are known for their pink pigmentation due to the production of flexirubin-type pigments. Methylobacterium species have been studied for their potential applications in bioremediation, plant growth promotion, and biofuel production.
Pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) are a group of naturally occurring chemical compounds found in various plants, particularly in the families Boraginaceae, Asteraceae, and Fabaceae. These compounds have a pyrrolizidine ring structure and can be toxic or carcinogenic to humans and animals. They can contaminate food and feed sources, leading to poisoning and health issues. Chronic exposure to PAs has been linked to liver damage, veno-occlusive disease, and cancer. It is important to avoid consumption of plants containing high levels of PAs and to monitor food and feed sources for PA contamination.
"Tagetes" is a term that refers to a genus of plants commonly known as marigolds. While "Tagetes" itself is not a medical term, some species of these plants have been used in traditional medicine for various purposes. However, it's important to note that the use of Tagetes in this context is not widely accepted or studied in modern evidence-based medicine. Always consult with a healthcare professional before using any plant or herbal remedy for medicinal purposes.
Plant poisoning is a form of poisoning that occurs when someone ingests, inhales, or comes into contact with any part of a plant that contains toxic substances. These toxins can cause a range of symptoms, depending on the type and amount of plant consumed or exposed to, as well as the individual's age, health status, and sensitivity to the toxin.
Symptoms of plant poisoning may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, difficulty breathing, skin rashes, seizures, or in severe cases, even death. Some common plants that can cause poisoning include poison ivy, poison oak, foxglove, oleander, and hemlock, among many others.
If you suspect plant poisoning, it is important to seek medical attention immediately and bring a sample of the plant or information about its identity if possible. This will help healthcare providers diagnose and treat the poisoning more effectively.
Aerial parts of plants refer to the above-ground portions of a plant, including leaves, stems, flowers, and fruits. These parts are often used in medicine, either in their entirety or as isolated extracts, to take advantage of their medicinal properties. The specific components of aerial parts that are used in medicine can vary depending on the plant species and the desired therapeutic effects. For example, the leaves of some plants may contain active compounds that have anti-inflammatory or analgesic properties, while the flowers of others may be rich in antioxidants or compounds with sedative effects. In general, aerial parts of plants are used in herbal medicine to treat a wide range of conditions, including respiratory, digestive, and nervous system disorders, as well as skin conditions and infections.