DOCSLIB.ORG

Pharmacology and Phytochemistry of Isoflavonoids from Iris Species

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Pharmacology and Phytochemistry of Isoflavonoids from Iris Species Journal of Pharmacology & Clinical Research ISSN: 2473-5574 Review Article J of Pharmacol & Clin Res - Volume 3 Issue 2 July 2017 Copyright © All rights are reserved by Afroze Alam DOI: 10.19080/JPCR.2017.03.555609 Pharmacology and Phytochemistry of Isoflavonoids from Iris Species Disha Choudhary and Afroze Alam*1,2,3 1Institute of Pharmacy, Shri Jagdish Prasad Jhabarmal Tibrewala University, India 2Narayan Institute of Pharmacy, India 3School of Pharmacy, Shoolini University, India Submission: June 16, 2016; Published: July 13, 2017 *Corresponding author: Afroze Alam, Narayan Institute of Pharmacy, Jamuhar, Sasaram (Rohtas)-821305(Bihar)-India, Tel: ; Fax: ; Email: ; Abstract Iris is the largest and most complicated genus of family Iridaceae. Irises are mainly used as the ornamental plants, due to their colorful iris species species of iris have resulted in the isolation of flowers, or in the perfume industry, due to their violet like fragrance, but lot of were also used in many part of the worldsiris as medicinal plants for healing of a wide spectrum of diseases. The phytochemical investigations of various variety of secondary metabolites. Approximately more than two hundred compounds have been reported from the genus which includes flavonoids, isoflavonoids and their glycosides, benzoquinones triterpenoids and stilbenes glycosides. This genus is rich in isoflavonoidsIris which have a wide range of biological activity including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and cancer chemo preventive properties. Nowadays phytochemical and pharmacological investigations bring new knowledge about chemical compounds in roots, leaves and flowers of the species, about their chemical content and possible pharmacological and medicinal usage. This review brings suchtogether as cancer, results cardiovascular of the iris research disorder, in last and few osteoporosisor decades, putting against together the bacterial the information and viral about infections. the isolation of isoflavones and their associated pharmacological activities. The reviews also signify the direct benefits of consumption of isoflavone rich-diet and reduction of various diseases Keywords: Cancer; Glycoside; Isoflavone; Iris species; Osteoporosis; Phytochemical investigation Introduction General Introduction R1 O isolated from various species of Iris. The recognition of ‘clover Isoflavones are the most well-known of the phytoestrogens disease’ in Australian sheep in the 1940s led to the investigation Trifolium subterraneum of estrogenic activity of isoflavones [1]).The sheep whose diet L., Fabaceae) suffered from a reproductive disorder that reduced was predominately subterranean clover ( the lambing rates and involved abnormal lactation, changes OH O in the sex organs, permanent infertility, prolapsed uterus and R2 Figure 1: Common structure of Isoflavones. maternal dystocia [2] Isoflavones constitute the largest group Table 1: Different Substitutions of natural isoflavone. of natural isoflavonoids with large number of new structures of traditional medicine has promoted the increasing interest in Isoflavones R R reported in every year. The occurrence of isoflavonoids in plants 1 2 the search for biologically active constituents from both legume Daidzein H OH and non-legume sources specially Iridaceae Genistein OH OH found in the family Iridaceae, in particular Iris species have a [3]. Isoflavones Biochanin A OH OCH3 Formononetin H OCH 1). 3 characteristic 5, 6, 7-trioxygenation pattern [4] (Figure 1) (Table J of Pharmacol & Clin Res 3(2): JPCR.MS.ID. 555609 (2017) 001 Journal of Pharmacology & Clinical Research Occurrence these molecules mainly isolated from Iris species Most members of the Fabaceae [12], which are species reportedOCH 3to be a rich source of isoflavones.H family contain significant HO O has found that the highest levels of genistein and daidzein HO O quantities of isoflavones. Analysis of levels in various in psoralea (Psoralea corylifolia). Various legumes including OCH3 soybean (Glycine max L.), green bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), OH O H3CO OCH3 alfalfa sprout (Medicago sativa L.), mung bean sprout (Vigna OH OCH3 OH O radiata Vigna unguiculata Pueraria Irigenin lobata L.), and red clover blossom and red clover sprout Tectorigenin L.), cowpea ( L.), kudzu root ( H (Trifolium pratense L.) have been studied for their estrogenic OH H HO HO O O O O HO OH OH OCH3 activity [5]. Highly processed foods made from legumes, such as H3CO H3CO OH O tofu, retain most of their isoflavone content, with the exception OCH3 biochanin A), alfalfa OH O of fermented miso, which has increased levels.Other dietary OCH3 OH (formononetin), and peanut (genistein 7-Glycoside Iridin sources of isoflavones include chick pea ( Iristectoriginin-B found in the Iridaceae family (Iris species).In plant tissue; they H ) [6]. Isoflavones are also most often occur as glycosides or their respective malonates or HO O OCH3 acetyl conjugates, rendering them even more water-soluble [7]. H3CO and disease states led to the investigation of a series of bioactive OH O Epidemiological studies indicating associations between diet OH plant compounds, called phytochemicals. Some of these non- Iristectoriginin-B Figure 2: Structure of Isoflavone from different Iris species. nutrient plant chemicals, such as phytoestrogens were shown to structurally and functionally similar to human estrogen. There Pharmacology of Isoflavones confer significant long-term health benefits. Phytoestrogens are Antioxidant and Antimicrobial (Antibacterial and Antifungal) Activity of isoflavones: Rigano Det al. are two types of phytoestrogens, the lignans and the isoflavones. genistein Soybeans are especially rich in isoflavones. They contain the glycosides genistin and daidzin. We herein report the use of this Iris pseudopumila. isoflavones and daidzein and their respective β- [13] explained theantioxidant activity of isoflavonoids Iris Chromatographic separation of a methanolic extract from and flavonoids from rhizomes of species. Iris pseudopumila aglycone (Isoflavone) as a versatile molecule isolated from Phytochemistry of Isoflavones rhizomes led to the isolation of two new natural compounds, irilone and isoscutellarein, along with determined on the basis of spectroscopic evidence. Isolated one of the most distinctive chemical features of the genus Iris 9 isoflavonoids and 4 flavonoids. Their structures were The presence of isoflavones in rhizomes or aerial parts is [8]. using the luminol-dependent chemiluminescence assay, irigenin and its 7-glucoside iridin in orris root, of Iris florentina. compounds were evaluated for their antioxidant activity One of the earliest reports on this genus was of the isoflavones with quercetin as a positive control. Irilone and kaempferol Their chemical structures were determined by Baker [9]. The rarely observed outside Iris. Within Iris showed significant antioxidant activity [13]. Rigano Det al. isoflavone irigenin has a unique substitution pattern, which is and cytotoxicity of different extracts from Iris pseudopumila accompanied by one or more related structures but particularly [14] explained comparative free radical scavenging potential , irigenin is frequently Tineo I. tectorum Maxim. Some flowers and rhizomes. in vitro antioxidant by tectorigenin, first obtained from Iris and cytotoxic activities of different extracts from Iris pseudopumila thirty other isoflavones have been described variously from The aim of this study was to evaluate the from Iris japonica Thunb (aerial parts), I. nigricans Dinsm. Tineo rhizomes species. A recent review described several new structures (rhizomes) and I. kashmiriana Baker(rhizomes flowers and . The radical scavenging activity was ) [10]. Finally, assessed by means of DPPH assay. The antioxidant activity was the Leguminosae and at least a dozen other dicotyledonous lipid peroxidation of liposomes. Methanolic and chloroform it should be emphasized that isoflavones, while occurring in assessed by means of two tests: bleaching of β-carotene and families, are relatively rare in the monocotyledons. There are pseudopumila of 101 and 83 µg mL , respectively. Iridaceae, in Festuca L.(Gramineae) 50 extracts from the flowers of I. showed−1 a significant and Hemerocallis L Hemerocallidaceae only two reports outside the antiradical effect with IC 50 of 18 µg mL ) and . (now ) [11] (Figure 2). As regards to lipid peroxidation, the best activity was showed−1 chloroform extract of rhizomes (IC50 33 µg mL ). The cytotoxic The unique structural pattern associated with the isoflavones by methanolic extract of flowers (IC −1 prompted us to undertake the phytochemical investigation of activity was carried out using the Sulforhodamine B (SRB) How to cite this article: Disha C, Afroze A. Pharmacology and Phytochemistry of Isoflavonoids from Iris Species. J of Pharmacol & Clin Res. 2017; 3(2): 002 555609. DOI: 10.19080/JPCR.2017.03.555609. Journal of Pharmacology & Clinical Research assay. The chloroform extract from rhizomes demonstrated a 50value of 0.12 mg/ good cytotoxic activity against amelanotic melanoma cancer ml followed by the aqueous extract with an IC of 57 µg mL . The results obtained 50 ml. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of isoflavone, support the ethno medical claims for the−1 plant. Al-Khateebet al may be responsible for antimicrobial and antioxidant activities cell line (C32) with an IC flavonoids, terpenoids, saponins, alkaloids and tannins which Iris In Vitro antimicrobial activity of Iris nigricance methanolic extract containingphenolic
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Liliaceae S.L. (Lily Family)
    Liliaceae s.l. (Lily family) Photo: Ben Legler Photo: Hannah Marx Photo: Hannah Marx Lilium columbianum Xerophyllum tenax Trillium ovatum Liliaceae s.l. (Lily family) Photo: Yaowu Yuan Fritillaria lanceolata Ref.1 Textbook DVD KRR&DLN Erythronium americanum Allium vineale Liliaceae s.l. (Lily family) Herbs; Ref.2 Stems often modified as underground rhizomes, corms, or bulbs; Flowers actinomorphic; 3 sepals and 3 petals or 6 tepals, 6 stamens, 3 carpels, ovary superior (or inferior). Tulipa gesneriana Liliaceae s.l. (Lily family) “Liliaceae” s.l. (sensu lato: “in the broad sense”) - Lily family; 288 genera/4950 species, including Lilium, Allium, Trillium, Tulipa; This family is treated in a very broad sense in this class, as in the Flora of the Pacific Northwest. The “Liliaceae” s.l. taught in this class is not monophyletic. It is apparent now that the family should be treated in a narrower sense and some of the members should form their own families. Judd et al. recognize 15+ families: Agavaceae, Alliaceae, Amarylidaceae, Asparagaceae, Asphodelaceae, Colchicaceae, Dracaenaceae (Nolinaceae), Hyacinthaceae, Liliaceae, Melanthiaceae, Ruscaceae, Smilacaceae, Themidaceae, Trilliaceae, Uvulariaceae and more!!! (see web reading “Consider the Lilies”) Iridaceae (Iris family) Photo: Hannah Marx Photo: Hannah Marx Iris pseudacorus Iridaceae (Iris family) Photo: Yaowu Yuan Photo: Yaowu Yuan Sisyrinchium douglasii Sisyrinchium sp. Iridaceae (Iris family) Iridaceae - 78 genera/1750 species, Including Iris, Gladiolus, Sisyrinchium. Herbs, aquatic or terrestrial; Underground stems as rhizomes, bulbs, or corms; Leaves alternate, 2-ranked and equitant Ref.3 (oriented edgewise to the stem; Gladiolus italicus Flowers actinomorphic or zygomorphic; 3 sepals and 3 petals or 6 tepals; Stamens 3; Ovary of 3 fused carpels, inferior.
    [Show full text]
  • Summary of Offerings in the PBS Bulb Exchange, Dec 2012- Nov 2019
    Summary of offerings in the PBS Bulb Exchange, Dec 2012- Nov 2019 3841 Number of items in BX 301 thru BX 463 1815 Number of unique text strings used as taxa 990 Taxa offered as bulbs 1056 Taxa offered as seeds 308 Number of genera This does not include the SXs. Top 20 Most Oft Listed: BULBS Times listed SEEDS Times listed Oxalis obtusa 53 Zephyranthes primulina 20 Oxalis flava 36 Rhodophiala bifida 14 Oxalis hirta 25 Habranthus tubispathus 13 Oxalis bowiei 22 Moraea villosa 13 Ferraria crispa 20 Veltheimia bracteata 13 Oxalis sp. 20 Clivia miniata 12 Oxalis purpurea 18 Zephyranthes drummondii 12 Lachenalia mutabilis 17 Zephyranthes reginae 11 Moraea sp. 17 Amaryllis belladonna 10 Amaryllis belladonna 14 Calochortus venustus 10 Oxalis luteola 14 Zephyranthes fosteri 10 Albuca sp. 13 Calochortus luteus 9 Moraea villosa 13 Crinum bulbispermum 9 Oxalis caprina 13 Habranthus robustus 9 Oxalis imbricata 12 Haemanthus albiflos 9 Oxalis namaquana 12 Nerine bowdenii 9 Oxalis engleriana 11 Cyclamen graecum 8 Oxalis melanosticta 'Ken Aslet'11 Fritillaria affinis 8 Moraea ciliata 10 Habranthus brachyandrus 8 Oxalis commutata 10 Zephyranthes 'Pink Beauty' 8 Summary of offerings in the PBS Bulb Exchange, Dec 2012- Nov 2019 Most taxa specify to species level. 34 taxa were listed as Genus sp. for bulbs 23 taxa were listed as Genus sp. for seeds 141 taxa were listed with quoted 'Variety' Top 20 Most often listed Genera BULBS SEEDS Genus N items BXs Genus N items BXs Oxalis 450 64 Zephyranthes 202 35 Lachenalia 125 47 Calochortus 94 15 Moraea 99 31 Moraea
    [Show full text]
  • The Taxonomic Status of Gladiolus Illyricus (Iridaceae) in Britain
    The Taxonomic Status of Gladiolus illyricus (Iridaceae) in Britain Aeron Buchanan Supervisor: Fred Rumsey, Natural History Museum, London A thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science of Imperial College, London Abstract First noticed officially in Britain in 1855, Gladiolus illyricus (Koch) presents an interesting taxonomic and biogeographical challenge: whether or not this isolated northern population should be recognized as a separate sub-species. Fundamental conservation issues rest on the outcome. Here, the investigation into the relationship of the G. illyricus plants of the New Forest, Hampshire, to Gladiolus species across Europe, northern Africa and the middle east is initiated. Two chloroplast regions, one in trnL–trnF and the other across psbA–trnH have been sequenced for 42 speci- mens of G. illyricus, G. communis, G. italicus, G. atroviolaceus, G. triphyllos and G. anatolicus. Phylogenetic and biogeographical treatments support the notion of an east–west genetic gradation along the Mediterranean. Iberia particularly appears as a zone of high hybridization potential and the source of the New Forest population. Alignment with sequences obtained from GenBank give strong support to the classic taxonomy of Gladiolus being monophyletic in its sub-family, Ixioideae. Comments on these chloroplast regions for barcoding are also given. In conclusion, the genetic localization of Britain’s G. illyricus population as an extremity haplotype suggests that it could well deserve sub-species status. Contents 1 Introduction 2 2 Background 4 3 Materials and Methods 8 4 Results and Discussion 15 5 Conclusions 26 Appendices 28 References 56 1. Introduction G. illyricus in Britain Figure 1: G.
    [Show full text]
  • Weed Risk Assessment for Iris Pseudacorus L. (Iridaceae)
    Weed Risk Assessment for Iris United States pseudacorus L. (Iridaceae) – Yellow Department of flag iris Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service September 24, 2013 Version 1 Left: Iris pseudacorus flower. Right: A colony of Iris pseudacorus (source: Bugwood, 2013). Agency Contact: Plant Epidemiology and Risk Analysis Laboratory Center for Plant Health Science and Technology Plant Protection and Quarantine Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service United States Department of Agriculture 1730 Varsity Drive, Suite 300 Raleigh, NC 27606 Weed Risk Assessment for Iris pseudacorus Introduction Plant Protection and Quarantine (PPQ) regulates noxious weeds under the authority of the Plant Protection Act (7 U.S.C. § 7701-7786, 2000) and the Federal Seed Act (7 U.S.C. § 1581-1610, 1939). A noxious weed is defined as “any plant or plant product that can directly or indirectly injure or cause damage to crops (including nursery stock or plant products), livestock, poultry, or other interests of agriculture, irrigation, navigation, the natural resources of the United States, the public health, or the environment” (7 U.S.C. § 7701-7786, 2000). We use weed risk assessment (WRA)— specifically, the PPQ WRA model (Koop et al., 2012)—to evaluate the risk potential of plants, including those newly detected in the United States, those proposed for import, and those emerging as weeds elsewhere in the world. Because the PPQ WRA model is geographically and climatically neutral, it can be used to evaluate the baseline invasive/weed potential of any plant species for the entire United States or for any area within it. As part of this analysis, we use a stochastic simulation to evaluate how much the uncertainty associated with the analysis affects the model outcomes.
    [Show full text]
  • Content and Composition of Isoflavonoids in Mature Or Immature
    394 Journal of Health Science, 47(4) 394–406 (2001) Content and Composition of tivities1) and reported to be protective against can- cer, cardiovascular diseases and osteoporosis.3–9) Isoflavonoids in Mature or Much research has been reported about the content Immature Beans and Bean of isoflavonoids in soybeans and soybean-derived processed foods.10–23) In contrast, there are few re- Sprouts Consumed in Japan ports about the isoflavonoid content in beans other than soybeans.11,12,18,23) Yumiko Nakamura,* Akiko Kaihara, Japanese people are reported to ingest Kimihiko Yoshii, Yukari Tsumura, isoflavonoids mainly through the consumption of Susumu Ishimitsu, and Yasuhide Tonogai soybeans and its derived processed foods.20) Re- cently, we estimated that the Japanese daily intake Division of Food Chemistry, National Institute of Health Sci- of isoflavonoids from soybeans and soybean-based ences, Osaka Branch, 1–1–43 Hoenzaka, Chuo-ku, Osaka 540– processed foods is 27.80 mg per day (daidzein 0006, Japan (Received January 9, 2001; Accepted April 6, 2001) 12.02 mg, glycitein 2.30 mg and genistein 13.48 mg).24) However, isoflavonoid intake from the The content of 9 types of isoflavonoids (daidzein, consumption of immature beans, sprouts and beans glycitein, genistein, formononetin, biochanin A, other than soybeans has not been elucidated. Here coumestrol, daidzin, glycitin and genistin) in 34 do- we have measured the content of isoflavonoids in mestic or imported raw beans including soybeans, 7 mature and immature beans and bean sprouts con- immature beans and 5 bean sprouts consumed in Ja- sumed in Japan, and have compared the content and pan were systematically analyzed.
    [Show full text]
  • AGS Seed List No 69 2020
    Seed list No 69 2020-21 Garden Collected Seed 1001 Abelia floribunda 1057 Agrostemma githago 1002 Abies koreana 1058 Albuca canadensis (L.
    [Show full text]
  • Analysis of Bovine Serum Albumin Ligands from Puerariae Flos Using Ultrafiltration Combined with HPLC-MS
    Hindawi Publishing Corporation Journal of Chemistry Volume 2015, Article ID 648361, 6 pages http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2015/648361 Research Article Analysis of Bovine Serum Albumin Ligands from Puerariae flos Using Ultrafiltration Combined with HPLC-MS Ping Tang,1,2 Shihui Si,1 and Liangliang Liu3 1 College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410083, China 2School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hubei Polytechnic University, Hubei Key Laboratory of Mine Environmental Pollution Control and Remediation, Huangshi, Hubei 435003, China 3Institute of Bast Fiber Crops, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changsha 410205, China Correspondence should be addressed to Liangliang Liu; [email protected] Received 24 September 2015; Revised 26 November 2015; Accepted 30 November 2015 Academic Editor: Eulogio J. Llorent-Martinez Copyright © 2015 Ping Tang et al. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Rapid screening techniques for identification of active compounds from natural products are important not only for clarification of the therapeutic material basis, but also for supplying suitable chemical markers for quality control. In the present study, ultrafiltration combined with high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS) was developed and conducted to screen and identify bovine serum albumin (BSA) bound ligands from Puerariae flos. Fundamental parameters affecting the screening like incubation time, BSA concentration, pH, and temperature were studied and optimized. Under the optimum conditions, nine active compounds were identified by UV and MS data. The results indicated that this method was able to screen and identify BSA bound ligands form natural products without the need of preparative isolation techniques.
    [Show full text]
  • Iris for the Home Gardener a Rainbow of Colors in Many Shapes and Sizes Bob Lyons
    Iris for the Home Gardener A Rainbow of Colors in Many Shapes and Sizes Bob Lyons FEW PLANTS HAVE AS MUCH HISTORY and affection among gardeners than iris. In Greek mythology, Iris is the personification of the rainbow and messenger of the Gods, and indeed, Iris appear in many magical colors—a large and diverse genus. Some have large showy flowers, others more I. ‘Black Gamecock’ understated; some grow in clumps, others spread; some prefer I. ensata ‘Angelic Choir’ it dry, others are more partial to moist, even wet conditions; and some grow from bulbs, while others return each year from rhizomes just beneath the soil surface. How does one tell them apart and make the right choice for a home garden? Fortunately, horticulturists and iris enthusiasts have developed a system of organization to make sense out of the vast world of irises. Three groups that account for more than 75% of the commercial iris market today are the Bearded Iris, Siberian Iris, and Japanese Iris. Each group recognizes the best of the best with prestigious national awards, noted in the descriptions that follow. The Dykes Medal is awarded to the finest iris of any class. More iris plants are described in the “Plant Descriptions: I. ×pseudata ‘Aichi no Kagayaki’ I. ensata ‘Cascade Crest’ Perennial” section. Latin Name Common Name Mature Size Light Soil Pot Size Price Iris ‘Black Gamecock’ Louisiana Iris 2–3 .8 d 1 g $14 Late; stunning blue black, velvet-colored flowers; hummingbird haven; can grow in 4 inches of standing water; DeBaillon Medal. Iris ×pseudata ‘Aichi no Kagayaki’ Iris Hybrid 2 .
    [Show full text]
  • Changes of Phytoestrogens Daidzein, Genistein and Their Glycosides Daidzin and Genistin and Coumestrol During Processing of Soyabeans
    Czech J. Food Sci. Vol. 22, Special Issue Changes of Phytoestrogens Daidzein, Genistein and Their Glycosides Daidzin and Genistin and Coumestrol during Processing of Soyabeans J. LOJZA*, V. SCHULZOVÁ and J. HAJŠLOVÁ Department of Food Chemistry and Analysis, Institute of Chemical Technology, Prague, Czech Republic, *E-mail: [email protected] Abstract: Phytoestrogens represent biologically active compounds showing estrogenic activity similar to that of sex hormones – estrogens. Various adverse effects such as sterility, increase of females’ genitals, lost of males’ copulation activity, etc. were observed in farm animals after exposure to higher amounts of fodder containing phytoestrogens. On the other side, their presence in human diet is nowadays the object of many research stud- ies concerned with prevention of breast and prostate cancer, osteoporosis and other hormone-linked diseases by dietary intake of phytoestrogens. Soya (Glycine max) is one of the main sources of these compounds in diet. Isoflavones daidzein and genistein occurring either free or bound in glycosides are the main phytoestrogens in this food crop. Coumesterol representing coumestans is another effective phytoestrogen contained in some ed- dible plants. In the first part of our study, analytical method for determination of free and total phytoestrogens was developed and validated. Following steps are included: (i) acid hydrolysis (only for “total phytoestrogens” analysis), (ii) extraction with methanol/water mixture, (iii) SPE preconcentration; (iv) identification/quantifica- tion using HPLC/DAD/FLD. The aim of present study was to document the fate of phytoestrogens and their forms during household/industrial processing. As documented in our experiments the most dynamic changes of phytoestrogen levels occur during soyabeans sprouting.
    [Show full text]
  • Karyological Studies on Iris Japonica Thunb. and Its Allies1) 2) by K
    180 Cytologia 10 Karyological Studies on Iris japonica Thunb. and Its Allies1) 2) By K. Yasui Tokyo Imperial University (With 8 text figures) Receic ed MTV 28, 1939 Introduction There are several karyological investigations on Iris japonica. KAZAO (1928) considered the sporophyte of this species as an auto triploid having 54 chromosomes. But SIMONET (1932, 1934) re ported I. japonica as a diploid plant with 34 chromosomes in its root-tip cells, and considered I. japonica var aphrodite as a hyper triploid and interpreted the chromosome constitution as 2n=51+3, the latter 3 chromosomes being considered as derived from 3 of 51 chromosomes in I. japonica by fragmentation which occurred att their median constrictions. The karyological investigation in I. japonica and the other 2 allied species, which were kindly put at my deposal by Dr. S. IMA MURA of Kyoto Imp. University, gave me some results different from those of the previous authors as is described below. Material and Method In the fixing of the root-tip cells both NAVASHIN's and LEWITSKY's solutions were used. When fixed in the latter, the chromosomes were found longer and slender than when fixed in the former solution, but there was no essential difference in the distribu tion of chromosomes in the equatorial plate. NEWTON'S gentian violet staining was generally adopted. Materials for the study of meiosis were fixed mostly with NAVASHIN'S fluid and stained with HEIDENHAIN'S iron-alum haematoxylin. Acetocarmine smears were also tried in the study of the pollen mother cells. Drawings were made with a camera lucida.
    [Show full text]
  • Spring Flowers of Andalucia
    Spain - Spring Flowers of Andalucia Naturetrek Tour Report 18 - 25 March 2008 Narcissus assoanus Bumblebee Orchid Ophrys bombyliflora Report and photos compiled by Paul Harmes Naturetrek Cheriton Mill Cheriton Alresford Hampshire SO24 0NG England T: +44 (0)1962 733051 F: +44 (0)1962 736426 E: [email protected] W: www.naturetrek.co.uk Tour Report Spain - Spring Flowers of Andalucia Tour Leader: Paul Harmes Participants: Alison Ball Roger Chandler Suman Geeves Rebecca Haynes John Haynes Colin Hughes Heather Stephens Paul Harris Day 1 Wednesday 19th March Weather: Warm, dry and sunny, becoming wet later. The group met with the leader Paul at Malaga airport, having arrived on various flights from the UK. We made our way from the arrivals hall to the multi-storey car park, where our minibus was waiting. Leaving the airport, we drove west and then north towards Alhaurin de la Torre, stopping in an area of open Pine forest for an early inspection of the local flora, which did not disappoint. Aristolochia baetica (a Birthwort), Teucrium fruticans (Tree Germander), Ophrys tenthredinifera (Sawfly Orchid), Ophrys ciliata (Mirror Orchid) and Phlomis purpurea were all seen. In addition, Spanish Festoon was spotted and Serin was also heard. Moving on, we stopped at the top of a hill, overlooking Malaga, for our picnic, and a Hoopoe flew over as we parked. Great Tit and Blackcap were heard and several more spikes of Ophrys ciliata were found, as well as Ononis natrix (Yellow Restharrow), Gynandriris sisyrinchium (Barbary Nut) and Vinca difformis (Perriwinkle). We continued our journey on through Alhaurin el Grande, Coin and on up to El Burgo, one of the ‘White Villages’, for which Andalucia is famous.
    [Show full text]
  • Starch Research Page URL: Last Updated: 14-April-2004 / Du Ethnobotanical Leaflets Starch Research Page
    Journal Contents Back Issues Book Reviews Research Notes Careers Meetings Botany Resources Why study starch? The long and short of it is that size, shape, and optical and chemical properties of starch are useful in the determination of taxonomic species. Starch characteristics can be used in place of, or in combination with other features of the plant to facilitate the identification of macro archaeological plant remains, or even small pieces of modern plant materials which for one reason or the other are lacking the traditional "key" taxonomic characters. As in the case of pollen and phytolith analyses, the study of fossil starch grains can help the ethnobotanist to better understand the diet of ancient human cultures. The taxonomic usefulness of starch was long ago noted by Edward Tyson Reichert (1913), whose monumental work on "The Differentiation and Specificity of Starches in Relation to Genera, Species, Etc." has today become a classic in its field. He writes: "It must have been recognized by Leeuwenhoek, and by many of the investigators of the earliest part of the last century, that starches from different sources are not morphologically identical, but if so it does not seem to have attracted any particular attention until the investigations of Fritzsche (Ann. d. Physik. u. Chernie, 1834, xxxii, 129). Fritzsche described the starches obtained from a variety of plants. He noted not only that the starches from different sources were different, but also that often the form was so characteristic as to determine the plant, or, at least, indicate the genus and family from which the specimen was obtained.
    [Show full text]