The present study aimed at exploring the therapeutic potential of standard extract of Bombax ceiba L.leaves(BCE) in type 2 diabetic mellitus(T2DM).Oral administration of BCE at doses of 70,140,and 280 mg·kg^(-1),...The present study aimed at exploring the therapeutic potential of standard extract of Bombax ceiba L.leaves(BCE) in type 2 diabetic mellitus(T2DM).Oral administration of BCE at doses of 70,140,and 280 mg·kg^(-1),to the normal rats and the high-fat-diet-and streptozotocin-induced T2 DM rats were carried out.Effects of BCE on blood glucose,body weight,and a range of serum biochemical parameters were tested,and histopathological observation of pancreatic tissues was also performed.HPLC-ESI-Q/TOF-MS/MS analysis indicated that the chemical composition of BCE mainly contained mangiferin,isoorientin,vitexin,isomangiferin,isovitexin,quercetin hexoside,2'-trans-O-cumaroyl mangiferin,and nigricanside.BCE caused a significant decrease in the concentrations of fasting blood glucose,glycosylated hemoglobin,total cholesterol,triglyceride,low density lipoprotein-cholesterol,serum insulin,and malondialdehyde,and increases in oral glucose tolerance,high density lipoprotein-cholesterol,and superoxide dismutase in the T2 DM model rats.Moreover,considerable pancreatic β-cells protection effect and stimulation of insulin secretion from the remaining pancreatic β-cells could be observed after BCE treatment.The results indicated that BCE exhibited an excellent hypoglycemic activity,and alleviated dyslipidemia which is associated with T2 DM.Antioxidant activity and protecting pancreatic β-cells are the possible mechanisms involved in anti-diabetic activity of BCE.展开更多
The present study was designed to explore the mechanism by which ethanol extract of Bombax ceiba leaves(BCE) and its main constituent mangiferin(MGF) affect diabetic nephropathy by combating oxidative stress. Oral adm...The present study was designed to explore the mechanism by which ethanol extract of Bombax ceiba leaves(BCE) and its main constituent mangiferin(MGF) affect diabetic nephropathy by combating oxidative stress. Oral administration of BCE and MGF to normal and streptozotocin(STZ)-induced diabetic mice were carried out. Fasting blood glucose, 24-h urinary albumin, serum creatinine, and blood urea nitrogen were tested, histopathology, and immunohistochemical analysis of kidney tissues were performed. Moreover, mesangial cells were treated with BCE and MGF for 48 h with or without 25 mmol·L^(-1) of glucose. Immunofluorescence, Western blot and apoptosis analyses were used to investigate their regulation of oxidative stress and mitochondrial function. BCE and MGF ameliorated biochemical parameters and restored STZ-induced renal injury in the model mice. In vitro study showed that high glucose stimulation increased oxidative stress and cell apoptosis in mesangial cells. BCE and MGF limited mitochondrial membrane potential(Δψm) collapse by inhibiting Nox4, mitochondrially bound hexokinase II dissociation, and subsequent ROS production, which effectively reduced oxidative stress, cleaved caspase-3 expression and cell apoptosis. Our work indicated that BCE and MGF had protective effects on diabetic caused kidney injury and prevented oxidative stress in mesangial cells by regulation of hexokinase II binding and Nox4 oxidase signaling.展开更多
Ceiba species have high ornamental value and are widely cultivated in tropical regions.However,genetic background of cultivated Ceiba plants remains unclear.To understand the genetic relatedness of cultivated Ceiba pl...Ceiba species have high ornamental value and are widely cultivated in tropical regions.However,genetic background of cultivated Ceiba plants remains unclear.To understand the genetic relatedness of cultivated Ceiba plants and genetic basis of key horticultural traits,here we explored the genetic relatedness of 153 accessions of Ceiba plants cultivated in Southern China and identified SNPs associated with five horticultural traits,based on 11704 SNPs derived from double-digest restriction-site associated DNA sequencing(ddRAD-seq).Clustering analysis revealed that these accessions were composed of three groups:C.speciosa group,C.insignis group,and hybrid group.The GWAS identified two,four,two,three,and four SNPs related to petal color,petal striation number,flowering time,trunk shape,and prickles on the trunk and branches,respectively.One to two candidate genes were found near the SNPs strongly associated with these traits.This study revealed the genetic relatedness in the Ceiba plants cultivated in Southern China and presented the first GWAS analysis for five horticultural traits for them,laying a foundation for phenotype-related marker selection and molecular breeding.展开更多
Anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of the aqueous extract of the stem bark of Ceiba pentandra Gaertn (Bombacaceae) were recorded in rat and mice. Inflammation was induced by carrageenan and cotton pellet. The pai...Anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of the aqueous extract of the stem bark of Ceiba pentandra Gaertn (Bombacaceae) were recorded in rat and mice. Inflammation was induced by carrageenan and cotton pellet. The pain was studied using analgesymeter, Koster and hot plate Methods. Aqueous extract (400 and 800 mg/kg) of Ceiba pentandra presents a significant anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity. Flavono?ds present in the extract seem to be responsible for the activity.展开更多
Objective:To evaluate the immunomodulatory and anticancer activity of the methanolic extract of Bombax ceiba leaves in vitro and in vivo.Methods:The antioxidant property of methanolic extract of Bombax ceiba leaves wa...Objective:To evaluate the immunomodulatory and anticancer activity of the methanolic extract of Bombax ceiba leaves in vitro and in vivo.Methods:The antioxidant property of methanolic extract of Bombax ceiba leaves was determined by measuring hydrogen peroxide scavenging and DPPH scavenging activity.The effect on cellular immunity in vivo was determined by measuring neutrophil adhesion,carbon clearance,sheep red blood cell induced DTH response and cyclophosphamide-induced myelosuppression.In vitro anticancer activity was evaluated on human leukaemia cell line(HL-60)by MTT assay,caspase-3 activity,and cell cycle study.Results:The methanolic extract of Bombax ceiba leaves showed antioxidant activity and significantly increased neutrophil adhesion,carbon clearance from blood,DTH response and cyclophosphamideinduced myelosuppression.The MTT assay showed a significant increase in the death of HL-60 cell line.A rise in caspase-3 activity and sub-G1 population in the presence of methanolic extract of Bombax ceiba leaves was observed.Conclusions:The methanolic extract of leaves of Bombax ceiba L possesses anticancer activity,immunomodulatory activity,and antioxidant properties,proving its therapeutic usefulness in the treatment of immuno-compromised diseases and cancers.展开更多
The tropical forest kapok tree occurs widely in urban environments, dispersing thousands of floss during the fruiting season. However, its seedlings are rarely seen around human settlements, raising questions on what ...The tropical forest kapok tree occurs widely in urban environments, dispersing thousands of floss during the fruiting season. However, its seedlings are rarely seen around human settlements, raising questions on what factorsmight be limiting its recruitment. We examined the pattern of floss release, seed fall post-dispersal and influences of watering frequency on germination ofCeiba pentandraseeds. Evening,overall, was associated with a significantlyhigher rate and quantity of floss release (p= 0.0001) than were mid-day and morning, correlating well with the speed of wind across the day (rh = 0.666,p= 0.001). Mean dispersal quantity differed significantly between the individual sampled trees, in which the highest dispersal was recorded from trees located in relatively open areas and the lowest was recorded in closed stand trees. Seed fall was higher within100 mdistances than seed fall farther away from dispersing trees, depending on the microsites and weather conditions. Germination started on day 5 onwards and only 15.67% of sown seeds germinated. Watering frequency strongly influenced seed germination while local human activities determined fate of dispersed seeds. We conclude that recruitment ofC. pentandraspecies in the study area may have been limited by environmental and human factors operating at various local and spatial scales.展开更多
Use of different solvent systems for extraction of plant materials may cause variation in their bioactivities. The present study was conducted to evaluate the presence of different phytoconstituents and to compare in ...Use of different solvent systems for extraction of plant materials may cause variation in their bioactivities. The present study was conducted to evaluate the presence of different phytoconstituents and to compare in vitro bioactivities of petroleum ether, dichloromethane (DCM) and methanol extracts of Bombax ceiba (B. ceiba) roots available in Bangladesh. Preliminary phytochemical screening was conducted using specific standard procedure. Antioxidant activity of the extracts was evaluated using DPPH radical scavenging assay. Determination of total phenolic and flavonoid content was also carried out. Antibacterial and cytotoxic activities were investigated using disc diffusion method and brine shrimp lethality bioassay, respectively. All the experiments were carried out from February 2016 to September 2016. Phytochemical evaluation revealed the presence of alkaloids, terpenoids, carbohydrates, tannins, flavonoids, saponins and steroids. The methanol extract showed the highest DPPH radical scavenging activity and had the highest phenolic (187.42 ± 3.77 mg/g, GAE) and flavonoid content (74.67 ± 4 mg/g, QE) followed by the DCM and petroleum ether extracts. The extracts showed positive correlation between DPPH radical scavenging activity with the phenolic and flavonoid content. All the extracts showed mild to moderate in vitro antibacterial activity with zone of inhibition ranging from 7 mm to 13 mm. In brine shrimp lethality bioassay, the observed LC50 values for petroleum ether, DCM and methanol extracts were 70.72 μg/ml, 37.72 μg/ml and 22.58 μg/ml, respectively which revealed strong cytotoxic potential of the extracts compared to the positive control. The results indicated that B. ceiba roots could be a very potent source of natural radical scavenger and cytotoxic agent.展开更多
This study aimed to determine the level of use of fermented kapok seed to substitute 100% soybean meal in native laying hen rations without adverse effect on laying hen production. Two hundred and forty laying hens ag...This study aimed to determine the level of use of fermented kapok seed to substitute 100% soybean meal in native laying hen rations without adverse effect on laying hen production. Two hundred and forty laying hens aged 20 weeks were used in this experiment. The completely randomized design was assigned with six treatments to replace 0, 20%, 40%, 60%, 80% and 100% of soybean meal with fermented kapok seed with four replications. The variables measured were feed intake, feed conversion and income over feed cost （gross profit）, as well as variables related to egg production （hen day production and egg weight）, thickness of eggshell and yolk color index for quality of eggs. Data were analyzed statistically using analysis of variance （ANOVA）, and if the result shows a marked influence, it will be followed by Duncans test （DMRT）. The results showed that the performance of laying hen had not been affected significantly by substituting soybean meal with fermented kapok seed. Feed intake, feed conversion and egg production is not influenced either. In summary, the use of fermented kapok seed to substitute soybean meal in the ration can be up to 100% in the diet of laying chicken.展开更多
Subsequent studies have demonstrated the reversed activity of the aqueous extract of Ceiba pentandra on the deformity of sickled red blood cells in hypoxia conditions. The observation which related to an in vitro stud...Subsequent studies have demonstrated the reversed activity of the aqueous extract of Ceiba pentandra on the deformity of sickled red blood cells in hypoxia conditions. The observation which related to an in vitro study had given rise to hopes as to the management of sickle cell disease (SCD) by the use of this plant species. In this paper, the authors aimed to investigate the effect of the aqueous extract of C. pentandra on the production of fetal hemoglobin in SCD patients. The work carried out hemoglobin electrophoresis, for a period of six months, on blood samples from SCD patients who voluntarily undergone routine treatment, based on the medicinal recipe prepared from the bark of the trunk and branches of C. pentandra, in a hospital center of herbal medicines located in Kinshasa. The medicinal recipe called BEAT-SS is a patented product of the hospital center named Centre de Phytothérapie Moderne NIECA. Blood samples from patients under treatment were taken to evaluate the behavior of different forms of hemoglobin (hemoglobin S, hemoglobin F and hemoglobin A2). Agarose gel electrophoresis with integrated reading was used for the separation of the different forms of hemoglobin, as well as their dosage on each sample of sickle blood. A reduction in the proportion of hemoglobin S and an increase in the proportion of fetal hemoglobin were found in all sickle cell patients during the treatment period. This observation could affirm that the management of sickle cell patients using the recipe prepared from the aqueous extract of C. pentandra could increase the level of fetal hemoglobin in these patients.展开更多
As a new source of natural fibers,the Bombax ceiba tree can provide thin,light,extremely soft and warm fiber material for the textile industry.Natural fibers are an ideal model system for studying cell growth and diff...As a new source of natural fibers,the Bombax ceiba tree can provide thin,light,extremely soft and warm fiber material for the textile industry.Natural fibers are an ideal model system for studying cell growth and differentiation,but the molecular mechanisms that regulate fiber initiation are not fully understood.In B.ceiba,we found that fiber cells differentiate from the epidermis of the inner ovary wall.Each initiated cell then divides into a cluster of fiber cells that eventually develop into mature fibers,a process very different from the classical fiber initiation process of cotton.We used high-throughput single-cell RNA sequencing(scRNA-seq)to examine the special characteristics of fiber initiation in B.ceiba.A total of 15567 high-quality cells were identified from the inner wall of the B.ceiba ovary,and 347 potential marker genes for fiber initiation cell types were identified.Two major cell types,initiated fiber cells and epidermal cells,were identified and verified by RNA in situ hybridization.A developmental trajectory analysis was used to reconstruct the process of fiber cell differentiation in B.ceiba.Comparative analysis of scRNAseq data from B.ceiba and cotton(Gossypium hirsutum)confirmed that the additional cell division process in B.ceiba is a novel species-specific mechanismfor fiber cell development.Candidate genes and key regulators that may contribute to fiber cell differentiation and division in B.ceiba were identified.This work reveals gene expression signatures during B.ceiba fiber initiation at a single-cell resolution,providing a new strategy and viewpoint for investigation of natural fiber cell differentiation and development.展开更多
Background:Ceiba pentandra is a medicinal plant used as alternative therapy to control parasitic nematodes in livestock.Objective:This study aims to investigate anti-parasitic effect of aqueous stem back extract of Ce...Background:Ceiba pentandra is a medicinal plant used as alternative therapy to control parasitic nematodes in livestock.Objective:This study aims to investigate anti-parasitic effect of aqueous stem back extract of Ceiba pentandra(L.)Gaertn through the evaluation of its anthelmintic,anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities.Methods:In vitro,the efficacy of aqueous extract(75 to 2400μg·mL−1)diluted in phosphate buffered saline(PBS)was tested against three stages of the life cycle of Haemonchus contortus through larval migration inhibition assay(LMIA),egg hatch assay(EHA),and adult worms motility inhibition assay(AMIA).In vivo,anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive properties of the aqueous extract(150 and 300 mg·kg−1)was evaluated on rodent using phlogistic and algic chemicals.Results:Significant inhibition activity(P<0.05)was obtained on EHA with the greatest inhibition of 46.63%obtained at 2400μg·mL−1.The plant treatment dramatically(P<0.05)inhibited L3 larval migration as compared to PBS.The highest inhibition rate was 53.33%at 1200μg·mL−1.Adding of polyvinylpolyrrolidone(PVPP)to the extract significantly(P<0.01)reduced at 38.6%the activity of the plant extract on larval migration compared to extract without PVPP.The Ceiba pentandra extract reduced(P<0.05)worm motility after 24 h post exposure as compared to control.In vitro,aqueous extract significantly(P<0.05)inhibited the paw inflammation induced by carragenine,with a significant(P<0.05)reduction of the number of abdominal contortions induced by acetic acid to 41.11%at 300 mg·kg−1 and the paw licking time induced by formaline in both phases to 57.22%and 63.59%at 300 mg·kg−1 likened to control.Conclusions:In vitro results suggest that,this plant possess anti-parasitic properties.Antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects of C.pentandra can contribute to its anti-parasitic property.展开更多
文摘The present study aimed at exploring the therapeutic potential of standard extract of Bombax ceiba L.leaves(BCE) in type 2 diabetic mellitus(T2DM).Oral administration of BCE at doses of 70,140,and 280 mg·kg^(-1),to the normal rats and the high-fat-diet-and streptozotocin-induced T2 DM rats were carried out.Effects of BCE on blood glucose,body weight,and a range of serum biochemical parameters were tested,and histopathological observation of pancreatic tissues was also performed.HPLC-ESI-Q/TOF-MS/MS analysis indicated that the chemical composition of BCE mainly contained mangiferin,isoorientin,vitexin,isomangiferin,isovitexin,quercetin hexoside,2'-trans-O-cumaroyl mangiferin,and nigricanside.BCE caused a significant decrease in the concentrations of fasting blood glucose,glycosylated hemoglobin,total cholesterol,triglyceride,low density lipoprotein-cholesterol,serum insulin,and malondialdehyde,and increases in oral glucose tolerance,high density lipoprotein-cholesterol,and superoxide dismutase in the T2 DM model rats.Moreover,considerable pancreatic β-cells protection effect and stimulation of insulin secretion from the remaining pancreatic β-cells could be observed after BCE treatment.The results indicated that BCE exhibited an excellent hypoglycemic activity,and alleviated dyslipidemia which is associated with T2 DM.Antioxidant activity and protecting pancreatic β-cells are the possible mechanisms involved in anti-diabetic activity of BCE.
基金supported by the Preponderant Discipline Construction Project for Traditional Chinese Medicines of Jiangsu Province
文摘The present study was designed to explore the mechanism by which ethanol extract of Bombax ceiba leaves(BCE) and its main constituent mangiferin(MGF) affect diabetic nephropathy by combating oxidative stress. Oral administration of BCE and MGF to normal and streptozotocin(STZ)-induced diabetic mice were carried out. Fasting blood glucose, 24-h urinary albumin, serum creatinine, and blood urea nitrogen were tested, histopathology, and immunohistochemical analysis of kidney tissues were performed. Moreover, mesangial cells were treated with BCE and MGF for 48 h with or without 25 mmol·L^(-1) of glucose. Immunofluorescence, Western blot and apoptosis analyses were used to investigate their regulation of oxidative stress and mitochondrial function. BCE and MGF ameliorated biochemical parameters and restored STZ-induced renal injury in the model mice. In vitro study showed that high glucose stimulation increased oxidative stress and cell apoptosis in mesangial cells. BCE and MGF limited mitochondrial membrane potential(Δψm) collapse by inhibiting Nox4, mitochondrially bound hexokinase II dissociation, and subsequent ROS production, which effectively reduced oxidative stress, cleaved caspase-3 expression and cell apoptosis. Our work indicated that BCE and MGF had protective effects on diabetic caused kidney injury and prevented oxidative stress in mesangial cells by regulation of hexokinase II binding and Nox4 oxidase signaling.
基金supported by the Guangzhou Landscaping Company(Grant No.2018–69).
文摘Ceiba species have high ornamental value and are widely cultivated in tropical regions.However,genetic background of cultivated Ceiba plants remains unclear.To understand the genetic relatedness of cultivated Ceiba plants and genetic basis of key horticultural traits,here we explored the genetic relatedness of 153 accessions of Ceiba plants cultivated in Southern China and identified SNPs associated with five horticultural traits,based on 11704 SNPs derived from double-digest restriction-site associated DNA sequencing(ddRAD-seq).Clustering analysis revealed that these accessions were composed of three groups:C.speciosa group,C.insignis group,and hybrid group.The GWAS identified two,four,two,three,and four SNPs related to petal color,petal striation number,flowering time,trunk shape,and prickles on the trunk and branches,respectively.One to two candidate genes were found near the SNPs strongly associated with these traits.This study revealed the genetic relatedness in the Ceiba plants cultivated in Southern China and presented the first GWAS analysis for five horticultural traits for them,laying a foundation for phenotype-related marker selection and molecular breeding.
文摘Anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of the aqueous extract of the stem bark of Ceiba pentandra Gaertn (Bombacaceae) were recorded in rat and mice. Inflammation was induced by carrageenan and cotton pellet. The pain was studied using analgesymeter, Koster and hot plate Methods. Aqueous extract (400 and 800 mg/kg) of Ceiba pentandra presents a significant anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity. Flavono?ds present in the extract seem to be responsible for the activity.
文摘Objective:To evaluate the immunomodulatory and anticancer activity of the methanolic extract of Bombax ceiba leaves in vitro and in vivo.Methods:The antioxidant property of methanolic extract of Bombax ceiba leaves was determined by measuring hydrogen peroxide scavenging and DPPH scavenging activity.The effect on cellular immunity in vivo was determined by measuring neutrophil adhesion,carbon clearance,sheep red blood cell induced DTH response and cyclophosphamide-induced myelosuppression.In vitro anticancer activity was evaluated on human leukaemia cell line(HL-60)by MTT assay,caspase-3 activity,and cell cycle study.Results:The methanolic extract of Bombax ceiba leaves showed antioxidant activity and significantly increased neutrophil adhesion,carbon clearance from blood,DTH response and cyclophosphamideinduced myelosuppression.The MTT assay showed a significant increase in the death of HL-60 cell line.A rise in caspase-3 activity and sub-G1 population in the presence of methanolic extract of Bombax ceiba leaves was observed.Conclusions:The methanolic extract of leaves of Bombax ceiba L possesses anticancer activity,immunomodulatory activity,and antioxidant properties,proving its therapeutic usefulness in the treatment of immuno-compromised diseases and cancers.
文摘The tropical forest kapok tree occurs widely in urban environments, dispersing thousands of floss during the fruiting season. However, its seedlings are rarely seen around human settlements, raising questions on what factorsmight be limiting its recruitment. We examined the pattern of floss release, seed fall post-dispersal and influences of watering frequency on germination ofCeiba pentandraseeds. Evening,overall, was associated with a significantlyhigher rate and quantity of floss release (p= 0.0001) than were mid-day and morning, correlating well with the speed of wind across the day (rh = 0.666,p= 0.001). Mean dispersal quantity differed significantly between the individual sampled trees, in which the highest dispersal was recorded from trees located in relatively open areas and the lowest was recorded in closed stand trees. Seed fall was higher within100 mdistances than seed fall farther away from dispersing trees, depending on the microsites and weather conditions. Germination started on day 5 onwards and only 15.67% of sown seeds germinated. Watering frequency strongly influenced seed germination while local human activities determined fate of dispersed seeds. We conclude that recruitment ofC. pentandraspecies in the study area may have been limited by environmental and human factors operating at various local and spatial scales.
文摘Use of different solvent systems for extraction of plant materials may cause variation in their bioactivities. The present study was conducted to evaluate the presence of different phytoconstituents and to compare in vitro bioactivities of petroleum ether, dichloromethane (DCM) and methanol extracts of Bombax ceiba (B. ceiba) roots available in Bangladesh. Preliminary phytochemical screening was conducted using specific standard procedure. Antioxidant activity of the extracts was evaluated using DPPH radical scavenging assay. Determination of total phenolic and flavonoid content was also carried out. Antibacterial and cytotoxic activities were investigated using disc diffusion method and brine shrimp lethality bioassay, respectively. All the experiments were carried out from February 2016 to September 2016. Phytochemical evaluation revealed the presence of alkaloids, terpenoids, carbohydrates, tannins, flavonoids, saponins and steroids. The methanol extract showed the highest DPPH radical scavenging activity and had the highest phenolic (187.42 ± 3.77 mg/g, GAE) and flavonoid content (74.67 ± 4 mg/g, QE) followed by the DCM and petroleum ether extracts. The extracts showed positive correlation between DPPH radical scavenging activity with the phenolic and flavonoid content. All the extracts showed mild to moderate in vitro antibacterial activity with zone of inhibition ranging from 7 mm to 13 mm. In brine shrimp lethality bioassay, the observed LC50 values for petroleum ether, DCM and methanol extracts were 70.72 μg/ml, 37.72 μg/ml and 22.58 μg/ml, respectively which revealed strong cytotoxic potential of the extracts compared to the positive control. The results indicated that B. ceiba roots could be a very potent source of natural radical scavenger and cytotoxic agent.
文摘This study aimed to determine the level of use of fermented kapok seed to substitute 100% soybean meal in native laying hen rations without adverse effect on laying hen production. Two hundred and forty laying hens aged 20 weeks were used in this experiment. The completely randomized design was assigned with six treatments to replace 0, 20%, 40%, 60%, 80% and 100% of soybean meal with fermented kapok seed with four replications. The variables measured were feed intake, feed conversion and income over feed cost （gross profit）, as well as variables related to egg production （hen day production and egg weight）, thickness of eggshell and yolk color index for quality of eggs. Data were analyzed statistically using analysis of variance （ANOVA）, and if the result shows a marked influence, it will be followed by Duncans test （DMRT）. The results showed that the performance of laying hen had not been affected significantly by substituting soybean meal with fermented kapok seed. Feed intake, feed conversion and egg production is not influenced either. In summary, the use of fermented kapok seed to substitute soybean meal in the ration can be up to 100% in the diet of laying chicken.
文摘Subsequent studies have demonstrated the reversed activity of the aqueous extract of Ceiba pentandra on the deformity of sickled red blood cells in hypoxia conditions. The observation which related to an in vitro study had given rise to hopes as to the management of sickle cell disease (SCD) by the use of this plant species. In this paper, the authors aimed to investigate the effect of the aqueous extract of C. pentandra on the production of fetal hemoglobin in SCD patients. The work carried out hemoglobin electrophoresis, for a period of six months, on blood samples from SCD patients who voluntarily undergone routine treatment, based on the medicinal recipe prepared from the bark of the trunk and branches of C. pentandra, in a hospital center of herbal medicines located in Kinshasa. The medicinal recipe called BEAT-SS is a patented product of the hospital center named Centre de Phytothérapie Moderne NIECA. Blood samples from patients under treatment were taken to evaluate the behavior of different forms of hemoglobin (hemoglobin S, hemoglobin F and hemoglobin A2). Agarose gel electrophoresis with integrated reading was used for the separation of the different forms of hemoglobin, as well as their dosage on each sample of sickle blood. A reduction in the proportion of hemoglobin S and an increase in the proportion of fetal hemoglobin were found in all sickle cell patients during the treatment period. This observation could affirm that the management of sickle cell patients using the recipe prepared from the aqueous extract of C. pentandra could increase the level of fetal hemoglobin in these patients.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(31960437).
文摘As a new source of natural fibers,the Bombax ceiba tree can provide thin,light,extremely soft and warm fiber material for the textile industry.Natural fibers are an ideal model system for studying cell growth and differentiation,but the molecular mechanisms that regulate fiber initiation are not fully understood.In B.ceiba,we found that fiber cells differentiate from the epidermis of the inner ovary wall.Each initiated cell then divides into a cluster of fiber cells that eventually develop into mature fibers,a process very different from the classical fiber initiation process of cotton.We used high-throughput single-cell RNA sequencing(scRNA-seq)to examine the special characteristics of fiber initiation in B.ceiba.A total of 15567 high-quality cells were identified from the inner wall of the B.ceiba ovary,and 347 potential marker genes for fiber initiation cell types were identified.Two major cell types,initiated fiber cells and epidermal cells,were identified and verified by RNA in situ hybridization.A developmental trajectory analysis was used to reconstruct the process of fiber cell differentiation in B.ceiba.Comparative analysis of scRNAseq data from B.ceiba and cotton(Gossypium hirsutum)confirmed that the additional cell division process in B.ceiba is a novel species-specific mechanismfor fiber cell development.Candidate genes and key regulators that may contribute to fiber cell differentiation and division in B.ceiba were identified.This work reveals gene expression signatures during B.ceiba fiber initiation at a single-cell resolution,providing a new strategy and viewpoint for investigation of natural fiber cell differentiation and development.
文摘Background:Ceiba pentandra is a medicinal plant used as alternative therapy to control parasitic nematodes in livestock.Objective:This study aims to investigate anti-parasitic effect of aqueous stem back extract of Ceiba pentandra(L.)Gaertn through the evaluation of its anthelmintic,anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities.Methods:In vitro,the efficacy of aqueous extract(75 to 2400μg·mL−1)diluted in phosphate buffered saline(PBS)was tested against three stages of the life cycle of Haemonchus contortus through larval migration inhibition assay(LMIA),egg hatch assay(EHA),and adult worms motility inhibition assay(AMIA).In vivo,anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive properties of the aqueous extract(150 and 300 mg·kg−1)was evaluated on rodent using phlogistic and algic chemicals.Results:Significant inhibition activity(P<0.05)was obtained on EHA with the greatest inhibition of 46.63%obtained at 2400μg·mL−1.The plant treatment dramatically(P<0.05)inhibited L3 larval migration as compared to PBS.The highest inhibition rate was 53.33%at 1200μg·mL−1.Adding of polyvinylpolyrrolidone(PVPP)to the extract significantly(P<0.01)reduced at 38.6%the activity of the plant extract on larval migration compared to extract without PVPP.The Ceiba pentandra extract reduced(P<0.05)worm motility after 24 h post exposure as compared to control.In vitro,aqueous extract significantly(P<0.05)inhibited the paw inflammation induced by carragenine,with a significant(P<0.05)reduction of the number of abdominal contortions induced by acetic acid to 41.11%at 300 mg·kg−1 and the paw licking time induced by formaline in both phases to 57.22%and 63.59%at 300 mg·kg−1 likened to control.Conclusions:In vitro results suggest that,this plant possess anti-parasitic properties.Antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects of C.pentandra can contribute to its anti-parasitic property.
