Reproductive studies on ipecac (Cephaelis ipecacuanha (Brot.) A. Rich; Rubiaceae): meiotic behavior and pollen viability. (1/3)
Reproductive studies were carried out on Brazilian accessions of ipecac, Cephaelis ipecacuanha. Meiotic behavior was studied using the squashing technique. Irregular chromosome segregation in meiosis I and II, many sets of chromosomes in telophase II, micronuclei, incorrect cytoplasm division, incomplete cytokinesis and anomalous post-meiotic products, mainly polyads, were observed. The mean meiotic index was lower than 72%. Pollen viability was analyzed using Alexander solution, and the percentages ranged between brevistylous and longistylous floral morphs (85.3 to 93.1%), and among different localities (82.5 to 92.6%) analyzed. The size of pollen ranged between viable and sterile, and empty and shrunken sterile. In its natural habitat, this species is known to propagate by vegetative multiplication, but sexual reproduction seems to be as important as the vegetative propagation to this species. (+info)The new beta-D-glucosidase in terpenoid-isoquinoline alkaloid biosynthesis in Psychotria ipecacuanha. (2/3)
(+info)Three new O-methyltransferases are sufficient for all O-methylation reactions of ipecac alkaloid biosynthesis in root culture of Psychotria ipecacuanha. (3/3)
(+info)"Cephaelis" is a genus of plants in the family Rubiaceae, which includes several species that are native to tropical regions of the Americas. One well-known species in this genus is Cephaelis ipecacuanha, also known as ipecacuanha or ipecac. The roots and rhizomes of this plant contain alkaloids such as emetine and cephaeline, which have been used historically as an expectorant and emetic to induce vomiting in cases of poisoning. However, due to potential serious side effects, the use of ipecac syrup is no longer recommended for treating poisonings or encouraging vomiting.
It's important to note that medical professionals should be consulted for advice on treating medical conditions, and self-treatment with substances like ipecac can be dangerous.