Passifloraceae
Phylogeographic inferences concerning evolution of Brazilian Passiflora actinia and P. elegans (Passifloraceae) based on ITS (nrDNA) variation. (1/4)
BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Passiflora actinia and P. elegans, two markedly parapatric species, have their southern and northern distribution limits, respectively, in the most southern part of the Brazilian Atlantic Rain Forest. Despite the fact that they are classified in different taxonomic series, previous phylogenetic studies of this genus revealed a high genetic similarity between them. The aim of the present work was to analyse in more detail their geographical range in this region of overlap, to investigate intraspecific genetic variability and phylogeographic structure, and to search for possible hybrids. METHODS: Eighty-two localities were searched for these species, and nuclear internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequences were investigated for 32 individuals of P. actinia, 20 of P. elegans and one putative interspecific hybrid. Plastid trnL-trnF and psbA-trnH were examined for 12 plants of each species and the putative hybrid. KEY RESULTS: Both species showed a high level of intraspecific and intra-individual ITS variability. Network analysis revealed a north-south geographic gradient in their intra and interspecific relationships. Mismatch analyses suggested a recent population expansion of P. elegans. The plastid markers showed restricted variability but, together with the nuclear data, they contributed to the identification of an interspecific hybrid of intermediate morphology at the border of the distribution of these two species. Both genetic and morphological data indicate the absence of an extensive hybridization zone between these species. CONCLUSIONS: Gene flow between lineages is the possible cause for the presence of different ITS sequences within a given plant, the absence of homogenization being due to the high degree of vegetative reproduction in the two species. Differentiation of P. actinia into geographic groups and the origin of P. elegans may have been influenced by the Atlantic Forest migration towards southern Brazil. The genetic pattern of the interspecific hybrid indicates that plastid inheritance in these species is at least sometimes paternal. (+info)Plant-ants use symbiotic fungi as a food source: new insight into the nutritional ecology of ant-plant interactions. (2/4)
Usually studied as pairwise interactions, mutualisms often involve networks of interacting species. Numerous tropical arboreal ants are specialist inhabitants of myrmecophytes (plants bearing domatia, i.e. hollow structures specialized to host ants) and are thought to rely almost exclusively on resources derived from the host plant. Recent studies, following up on century-old reports, have shown that fungi of the ascomycete order Chaetothyriales live in symbiosis with plant-ants within domatia. We tested the hypothesis that ants use domatia-inhabiting fungi as food in three ant-plant symbioses: Petalomyrmex phylax/Leonardoxa africana, Tetraponera aethiops/Barteria fistulosa and Pseudomyrmex penetrator/Tachigali sp. Labelling domatia fungal patches in the field with either a fluorescent dye or (15)N showed that larvae ingested domatia fungi. Furthermore, when the natural fungal patch was replaced with a piece of a (15)N-labelled pure culture of either of two Chaetothyriales strains isolated from T. aethiops colonies, these fungi were also consumed. These two fungi often co-occur in the same ant colony. Interestingly, T. aethiops workers and larvae ingested preferentially one of the two strains. Our results add a new piece in the puzzle of the nutritional ecology of plant-ants. (+info)Understanding ontogenetic trajectories of indirect defence: ecological and anatomical constraints in the production of extrafloral nectaries. (3/4)
(+info)Antihyperglycaemic and antioxidant effects of Adenia lobata Engl. (Passifloraceae) in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. (4/4)
The antihyperglycaemic and antioxidant activities of a Ghanaian medicinal plant namely Adenia lobata Engl (Passifloraceae), used to treat diabetes mellitus in traditional medicine, was investigated. The dried stem powder of A. lobata was successively extracted by Soxhlet with petroleum ether and 70% ethanol to obtain the crude petroleum ether (PEAL: yield =1.1 w/w %) and ethanol (EEAL: yield = 5.4 w/w %) extracts. The extracts were assessed for their antihyperglycaemic and antioxidant activities. The antihyperglycaemic activity of PEAL and EEAL were determined in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats (70 mg/kg body weight). Five groups of diabetic rats were given 150, 300 and 600 mg/kg body weight of PEAL and EEAL orally once daily for 20 days. Glibenclamide (5 mg/kg body weight) was used as positive control while distilled water (5 ml) acted as the normal diabetic control. The blood glucose levels were monitored initially for 6 hours and subsequently over 24 days. Both extracts exhibited statistically significant (p< 0.001) antihyperglycaemic activity throughout the study period, with EEAL showing the greatest activity. The antioxidant properties of the petroleum ether and ethanol extracts of A. lobata (PEAL and EEAL) were evaluated using five assays; total phenolic content, total antioxidant capacity, reducing power, DPPH scavenging effect and lipid peroxidation activity. In all these assays, the antioxidant properties increased with increasing concentration of the extracts. (+info)Passifloraceae is not a medical term, but a taxonomic category in botany. It refers to the passionflower family, which includes around 50 genera and 750 species of plants. These plants are primarily found in tropical and subtropical regions of the world, particularly in the Americas.
Passifloraceae plants are known for their distinctive and often elaborate flowers, which have given rise to various common names such as passionflower, passion vine, and maypop. Some members of this family are grown for ornamental purposes, while others have economic importance due to their edible fruits or medicinal properties.
In terms of medical relevance, some species of Passifloraceae contain bioactive compounds that have been found to have potential therapeutic benefits. For example, Passiflora incarnata (commonly known as passionflower) has been used in traditional medicine for its sedative and anxiolytic effects, and recent research suggests it may be useful in treating anxiety disorders and insomnia. However, more rigorous clinical studies are needed to confirm these findings and establish safe and effective dosages.
"Passiflora" is a genus of flowering plants, commonly known as passion flowers or passion vines. While it is not a medical term itself, certain species of Passiflora are used in herbal medicine. The most common medicinal use of Passiflora is Passiflora incarnata, also known as maypop or purple passionflower. This plant is used as a natural sedative and anxiety reliever due to its calming effects on the nervous system. It contains various chemical compounds such as flavonoids, indole alkaloids, and glycosides which contribute to its medicinal properties. It's often used in teas, supplements, and tinctures for promoting relaxation, reducing insomnia, and treating symptoms of anxiety and stress.