Dimethylsulphoniopropionate (DMSP) and related compounds in higher plants.
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Dimethylsulphoniopropionate (DMSP) is produced in high concentrations in many marine algae, but in higher plants only in a few salt marsh grasses of the genus Spartina, in sugar canes (Saccharum spp.), and in the Pacific strand plant Wollastonia biflora (L.) DC. The high concentrations found in higher plants (up to 250 micromol g(-1) dry weight) suggest an important role, but though many functions have been suggested (including methylating agent, detoxification of excess sulphur, salt tolerance, and herbivore deterrent), its actual functions remain unclear. The fact that the ability to produce DMSP in high concentrations is found in species that have no taxonomic or ecological relationship suggests that the compound evolved independently and serves different functions in different plants. This is supported by observations that DMSP in W. biflora behaves differently from that in Spartina species. While DMSP concentrations in W. biflora have been found to increase with increasing salinity, suggesting a role in osmotic control, such a relationship has not been found for DMSP in Spartina species. Recent observations on tissue culture showed that, while undifferentiated tissue of W. biflora produced DMSP, such material of Spartina alterniflora Loisel. did not. Ongoing studies with tissue culture of both species have opened up new avenues of research on DMSP in higher plants, ultimately to elucidate the functions of this enigmatic compound. (+info)
Acute and subacute toxicity of the hydroalcoholic extract from Wedelia paludosa (Acmela brasiliensis) (Asteraceae) in mice.
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PURPOSE: The present study was carried out to evaluated acute and subacute toxicity of a hydroalcoholic extract from aerial parts of Wedelia paludosa (Asteraceae). METHODS: Toxicity of W. paludosa was evaluated in Swiss mice after ingestions of the extract during one day (acute model) and during 15 days (subacute model). RESULTS: The results showed that the LD50 of the extract is higher than 4000 mg/kg and the subacute treatment did not shows any change in corporal weight and hematological parameters. However, a change in liver weight but not in hepatic enzymes was observed. This suggests that the liver function is not altered by Wedelia paludosa in this study. Some changes in the creatinine content were observed, but could not be related with the extract dose. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that the plant seems to be destituted of toxic effects in mice. (+info)
Compounds from Wedelia chinensis synergistically suppress androgen activity and growth in prostate cancer cells.
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Chronic inflammation can augment tumor development in various types of cancers, including prostate cancer (PCa). Reduction of inflammation is therefore an important anticancer therapeutic opportunity. Here, we report four anti-proliferative phytocompounds in Wedelia chinensis, an oriental herbal medicine, identified through their ability to modulate the androgen receptor (AR) activation of transcription from prostate-specific antigen promoter in PCa cells. The 50% inhibition concentration values of indole-3-carboxylaldehyde, wedelolactone, luteolin and apigenin, were 34.9, 0.2, 2.4 and 9.8 muM, respectively. A formula that combined the phytocompounds in the same proportions as in the herbal extract decreased the dosage of each compound required to achieve maximal AR inhibition. In correlation with the AR suppression effect, these active compounds specifically inhibited the growth of AR-dependent PCa cells and as a combination formula they also synergistically suppressed growth in AR-dependent PCa cells. Our study has identified synergistic effects of active compounds in W. chinensis and demonstrated their potential in PCa prevention and therapy. The paradigm of multiple activities and synergism is a useful framework to investigate the therapeutic effects of whole extracts from assorted medicinal plant species. (+info)
Herbal extract of Wedelia chinensis attenuates androgen receptor activity and orthotopic growth of prostate cancer in nude mice.
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Acclimation of photosystem II to high temperature in two Wedelia species from different geographical origins: implications for biological invasions upon global warming.
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Antioxidant activity of essential oils from Wedelia chinensis (Osbeck) in vitro and in vivo lung cancer bearing C57BL/6 mice.
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AIM: The present investigation was to evaluate the effects of essential oils of Wedelia chinensis (Osbeck) on free radicals and in vivo antioxidant properties. METHODS: Essential oils were extracted using hydro-distillation and compound analysis was performed by GC-MS analysis. Screening for inhibitory activity was conducted by DPPH and OH-scavenging assays. In addition an in vivo study was carried out in cell line implanted cancer bearing mice with assessment of levels of catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, lipid peroxidation, nitric oxide and reduced glutathione. Finally, lungs were dissected out for histopathology study of metastasis. RESULTS: GC-MS analysis revealed the presence of carvocrol and trans-caryophyllene as the major compounds with 96% comparison with the Wilily and NBS libraries. The essential oil exhibited significant inhibition in DPPH free radical formation. Whereas reducing power and hydroxyl radical scavenging activity are dose dependent. When compared with the standard, it was found that the essential oil has more or less equal activity in scavenging free radicals produced. In the animal studies, the level of antioxidant enzymes catalase, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase, as well as glutathione, were found to be increased in treated groups whereas lipid peroxidation and nitric oxide were reduced. Histopathology report also shows that the essential oil has a significant combating effect against cancer development. CONCLUSION: In all the in vitro assays, a significant correlation existed between the concentrations of the essential oil and percentage inhibition of free radicals. The in vivo studies also has shown a very good antioxidant property for the essential oil during cancer development. From, these results the essential oil can be recommended for treating disease related to free radicals and to prevent cancer development. (+info)