The present study investigated the potential therapeutic potential of Ficus carica polysaccharides(FCPS)in type 2 diabetic mellitus(T2DM)mice,focusing on elucidating the underlying molecular mechanisms.Network pharmac...The present study investigated the potential therapeutic potential of Ficus carica polysaccharides(FCPS)in type 2 diabetic mellitus(T2DM)mice,focusing on elucidating the underlying molecular mechanisms.Network pharmacology analysis identified 37 shared targets between FCPS and T2DM,including perixisome proliferator activated receptor alpha(PPARα),highlighting the significance of PPAR signaling pathways in FCPS-mediated T2DM treatment.The results demonstrated that FCPS treatment significantly reduced markers of glucose and lipid metabolism(fasting blood glucose(FBG),nonestesterified fatty acid(NEFA),triglyceride(TG),total cholesterol(TC),low density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C)),inflammatory cytokines(tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),interleukin-6(IL-6),interleukin-1beta(IL-1β),monocyte chemoattractant protein-1(MCP-1)),and liver damage(glutamic pyruvic transaminase(GPT)and glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase(GOT))in T2DM mice.Additionally,FCPS ameliorated hepatic lipid droplet accumulation,fatty degeneration,and hepatocyte structural abnormalities.Western blot analysis confirmed FCPS-induced upregulation of key proteins in the IRS-1/AKT/PPARαsignaling pathway,(insulin receptor substrate 1(IRS-1),phosphatidyqinositol-3 kinase(PI3K),phospho-protein kinase B(p-AKT),glucose transporter 2(GLUT2),phospho-glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta(p-GSK-3β),phospho-adenosine 5′-monophosphate-activated protein kinase alpha(p-AMPKα),peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1 alpha(PGC-1α),PPARα,peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma(PPARγ))and downregulation of GSK-3β,sterol regulatory element binding protein 1c(SREBP-1c),fatty acid synthase(FAS),and 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase(HMGCR).16S r RNA sequencing results revealed FCPS's ability to modulate gut microbiota dysbiosis in T2DM mice by promoting beneficial bacteria(e.g.,Lactobacillus_reuteri,Candidatus_Saccharimonas)and suppressing opportunistic pathogens(e.g.,Proteobacteria,Gammaproteobacteria,Escherichia-Shigella).These findings collectively suggest that FCPS has a marked effectiveness in improving glucose and lipid metabolism,decreasing inflammatory responses,as well as modulating the gut microbiota in T2DM mice via the gut-hepatic axis,demonstrating its potential as a functional food for diabetes prevention and management.展开更多
Exploring the formation and changes in tree microclimates can help improve the quality of urban green spaces.Temperature is an important indicator of microcli-mate,and tree temperature categories can be divided into a...Exploring the formation and changes in tree microclimates can help improve the quality of urban green spaces.Temperature is an important indicator of microcli-mate,and tree temperature categories can be divided into ambient temperature and tree surface temperature(T_(ts)),from which the mean radiation temperature(T_(mrt))and thermal comfort values are derived.In this study,the summer micro-climate of Ficus altissima in southern subtropical China was determined,focusing on soil(T_(s)),air(T_(a)),globe(T_(g)),and T_(ts).T_(mrt)and four commonly used thermal comfort indicators,i.e.,predicted mean vote(PMV),physiologically equivalent temperature(PET),standard effective temperature(SET^(*)),and universal thermal climate index(UTCI),were also cal-culated.The results showed that:(1)T_(mrt)can be used to explain both the cooling effect and to predict thermal com-fort in the shade;(2)the PET indicator is more advantageous for analyzing thermal comfort in the microclimate of Ficus altissima;(3)T_(s)is not a suitable important indicator for pre-dicting ambient temperatures and thermal comfort;and(4)the site-specific sampling method of the crowns or trunks can be used to accurately explain changes in the whole-plant thermal environment and thermal comfort,respectively.展开更多
Objective:To explore the impact of Ficus carica fruit aqueous extract on fertility parameters in streptozotocin(STZ)-induced male rats.Methods:Twenty-four male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four different grou...Objective:To explore the impact of Ficus carica fruit aqueous extract on fertility parameters in streptozotocin(STZ)-induced male rats.Methods:Twenty-four male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four different groups.All groups except a normal control group were induced with 50 mg/kg of streptozotocin(STZ)intravenously to induce diabetes.A positive control group was treated with an antidiabetic drug,metformin(500 mg/kg)whereas a negative control group remained untreated throughout the experiment.Meanwhile,another diabetic rat group received treatment with 400 mg/kg of aqueous Ficus carica fruit extract.Rats in the treatment group were administered Ficus carica fruit aqueous extract daily through forcefeeding via oral gavage for a 21-day period.Assessments included the sperm quality(count,motility and morphology),histology of the testes,serum testosterone and fasting blood glucose(FBG)level.Results:The FBG level of the Ficus carica-treated rats exhibited a significant decrease compared to the negative control group(P<0.05).Sperm quality analysis also indicated that the aqueous Ficus carica extract had significant positive effects on sperm count and motility(P<0.05).The histology of the testes in Ficus caricatreated rats revealed an improved cell arrangement in the germinal cell layer.Furthermore,serum testosterone level showed an increment in the Ficus carica treatment group in comparison to the negative control group.Conclusions:Our findings provide compelling evidence for the profertility and anti-hyperglycemic properties of aqueous Ficus carica fruit extract in diabetic-induced male rats.展开更多
Ficus religiosa L.(F.religiosa)or sacred fig is a large perennial tree belonging to the family Moraceae or mulberry family.Though the tree has pan-tropical distribution but originally it is indigenous to the Indian su...Ficus religiosa L.(F.religiosa)or sacred fig is a large perennial tree belonging to the family Moraceae or mulberry family.Though the tree has pan-tropical distribution but originally it is indigenous to the Indian subcontinent and Indochina region.Popularly the tree is named"Pepal or bodhi tree".Traditionally,it is practiced for the treatment of asthma,nose bleeding,heart disorders,diabetes,wound healing,ear problems,constipation,hyperlipidemia,gonorrhea,ulcers and infectious disorders.Chemical analysis demonstrated the presence of numerous bioactives including tannins,phenols,saponins,sugars,alkaloids,methionine,terpenoids,flavonoids,glycosides,proteins,separated amino acids,essential and volatile oils and steroids etc.,which are probably responsible for its diverse pharmacological actions.The present work is an attempt to compile up-to-date comprehensive information on F.religiosa that covers its taxonomy,ethnomedicinal importance,phytochemistry,pharmacological attributes and clinical trials.Keeping in mind the various health attributes of F.religiosa,future research can be aimed at in-depth elucidation of the structure-function relationship and multifactorial signalings pathways.展开更多
Toxicity is the totality of adverse effects, which can be functional and morphological lesions in a living organism, caused by a substance introduced in relatively high single doses or in small, repeated doses. The ai...Toxicity is the totality of adverse effects, which can be functional and morphological lesions in a living organism, caused by a substance introduced in relatively high single doses or in small, repeated doses. The aim of this study was to assess the OECD-recommended acute oral toxicity and anti-inflammatory activity of ethanolic extract of Ficus umbellata leaves. Animals were given a single oral dose of 1000, 3000 and 5000 mg/Kg body weight (BW) of the extract. For the anti-inflammatory activity test, rats were given the ethanolic extract of F. umbellata leaves at doses of 100, 300 and 500 mg/Kg or aspirin® at a concentration of 100 mg/Kg PC orally, one hour before injection of 0.05 ml of 1% formalin under the plantar fascia of the rat’s right hind paw. Paw volume measurements were taken one, two and three hours after formalin injection, using an electronic caliper. After 14 days of observation, no deaths were observed in treated rats. The LD50 of ethanolic extract of Ficus umbellata leaf powder is greater than 5000 mg/Kg body weight. This extract has no significant effects on hematological parameters and on the main markers of nephrotoxicity and hepatotoxicity for a single dose of less than 5000 mg/Kg PC. It reduces formalin-induced edema. Evaluation of the percentage inhibition showed that the extract had greater anti-inflammatory activity at 3 hours after the start of the experiment. However, better inhibition of inflammatory oedema of the paw of rats treated with 500 mg/Kg was observed at 5 hours after the start of the experiment, with a percentage inhibition of 69.23 ± 1.02, compared with the reference group treated with aspirin® 100 mg/Kg, which showed an inhibition of 63.50 ± 0.98. These results show that F. umbellata leaves possess anti-inflammatory activity, which would justify their use in traditional African medicine to prevent or treat inflammation.展开更多
Ficus hispida L. (Moraceae) is a remarkable species in the ecosystem of tropical rainforests in Xishuangbanna, China. The figs and fig_pollination wasps (Chalcidoidae: Agaonidae) are highly co_evolved mutualists tha...Ficus hispida L. (Moraceae) is a remarkable species in the ecosystem of tropical rainforests in Xishuangbanna, China. The figs and fig_pollination wasps (Chalcidoidae: Agaonidae) are highly co_evolved mutualists that depend completely on each other for propagating descendants. Pollination of all fig species is done by fig wasps; their unique symbiotic associates, the fig wasps, cannot develop in anywhere except in the fig syconia. The present paper reports on the biology and flowering phenology of F. hispida , as well as the propagation character and pollination behavior of the fig wasps (Ceratosolen solmsi marchali Mayr) based on our observations in the rainforests of Xishuangbanna, southern Yunnan of China. F. hispida is a dioecious tree that annually blossoms and bears fruits 6-8 times, with four to five fruit_bearing peaks. The male trees produce pollen and provide fig wasps with reproductive havens, while the female trees produce fig seeds after pollination by the female wasps. Pollen of F. hispida cannot escape from the dehiscent anthers until they are disturbed by fig wasps. The female wasps open the anthers and collect pollen with their antennal scrapes, mandibles and legs, and then carry pollen to the female receptive syconia where fertilization takes place. Meanwhile, some of the female wasps lay eggs in the male receptive syconia. It takes about 3-67 min to search for the receptive syconia for pollination, and 15-23 h to enter the female receptive syconia. The number of female wasps entering a syconium has close relation with the impregnation and seed_bearing rate of female flowers, as well as the oviposition and reproduction rate of the fig wasps themselves. F. hispida is endowed with a relatively high level of seed bearing (54.1%-82.5%, average 73.8 %). The wasp oviposition rate on the male flowers is between 72.3% and 93.8% with a mean of 84.4%.展开更多
In this study, Ficus carica L. ‘Masui Dauphine＇ was used as the experi- mental material to investigate the effects of explant type, basal medium, hormone types and concentrations on in vitro rapid propagation of‘Ma...In this study, Ficus carica L. ‘Masui Dauphine＇ was used as the experi- mental material to investigate the effects of explant type, basal medium, hormone types and concentrations on in vitro rapid propagation of‘Masui Dauphine＇. Accord- ing to the results, the most suitable explants for in vitro rapid propagation of ‘Masui Dauphine＇ were axillary buds and the best medium was modified MS ＋ 1.0 mg/L 6-BA ＋ 0. 05 mg/L NAA ＋ 1.0 mg/L GA3 ＋ 20 mg/L sucrose ＋ 7 mg/L agar, pH 5.8. This study provided scientific basis for barge-scale cultivation of‘Masui Dauphine ＇.展开更多
[Objective] This study was to determine the response of Ficus microcarpa L. foliage to polyethylene glycol （PEG） simulated water stress using chlorophyll fluo- rescence imaging technique. [Method] The responses of d...[Objective] This study was to determine the response of Ficus microcarpa L. foliage to polyethylene glycol （PEG） simulated water stress using chlorophyll fluo- rescence imaging technique. [Method] The responses of detached leaves from Ficus microcarpa, Ficus benjamina and Nerium oleander to PEG-6000 simulated water stress were detected, and the chlorophyll fluorescence imaging technique was used to detect and analyze the stress at different spots of a single leaf simultaneously. [Result] The responses of Ficus microcarpa, Ficus benjamina and Nerium oleander to dehydration showed that： ~1~） the maximal photochemical efficiency （Fv/Fm） and non- photo-chemical quenching （NPQ） values were small in the reaction center among different detected spots of leaves, and there were great differences between relative electron transport rate （ETR）, photochemical quenching （qP） and quantum efficiency of PSII photochemistry （（φPSII）; （2） the differences of these parameters were more ob- vious among different spots of water-stressed leaves; （3） the discrete degrees of the species with strong resitances decreased significantly. [Conclusion] This study lays the foundation for the further research on the response of plants to drought stress using chlorophyll fluorescence imaging technique.展开更多
Objective:To investigate anticancer activity of different fractions of Tephrosia purpurea[TP] （Sharapunkha,Fabaceae） and Ficus religiosa[FR]（Peepal,Moraceae）.Methods:The fractions of TP and FR were prepared and te...Objective:To investigate anticancer activity of different fractions of Tephrosia purpurea[TP] （Sharapunkha,Fabaceae） and Ficus religiosa[FR]（Peepal,Moraceae）.Methods:The fractions of TP and FR were prepared and tested for in vitro anticancer activity using human MCF 7 cell line by trypan blue exclusion method.Results:The result showed that among all these fractions of TPI.TPIII.FRI and FRIII showed better anticancer activity compared to other fractions.The IC<sub>50</sub> value for TPI（152.4μM）,TPIII（158.71μM）.FRI（160.3μM） and for FRIII（222.7μM） was observed.Conclusions:The present study shows anticancer potential of TP and FR fractions in MCF 7 cell line.展开更多
Objective:To investigate the gastroprotective activity of hydroalcoholic extract leaves of Ficus religiosa(F.religiosa) in different experimental models of gastric ulcer in rats.Methods:The hydroalcoholic extract leav...Objective:To investigate the gastroprotective activity of hydroalcoholic extract leaves of Ficus religiosa(F.religiosa) in different experimental models of gastric ulcer in rats.Methods:The hydroalcoholic extract leaves of F.religiosa were studied at two dose levels(250 and 500 mg/ kg,oral) in rats against absolute ethanol(0.2 mL oral),aspirin(200 mg/kg) and pyloric ligation induced gastric ulcer.Ranitidine(50 mg/kg,oral) was used as a standard drug.Mean ulcer indices and oxidative stress were measured.Phytochemical tests and acute toxicity tests were also carried out.Results:Administration of F.religiosa to rats significantly decreased the ulcer index value when compared with the control treated group.Ranitidine(50 mg/kg,oral) also produced a significant decrease the ulcer index value when compared with the control treated group.Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of tannins,sterols,saponins,flavonoids, carbohydrates and proteins.Conclusions:The results suggest that the leaves of the F.religiosa possess significant anti ulcer activity.展开更多
Dissipation mechanisms of excess photon energy under high-temperature stress were studied in a subtropical forest tree seedling, Ficus concinna. Net CO2 assimilation rate decreased to 16% of the control after 20 d hig...Dissipation mechanisms of excess photon energy under high-temperature stress were studied in a subtropical forest tree seedling, Ficus concinna. Net CO2 assimilation rate decreased to 16% of the control after 20 d high-temperature stress, and thus the absorption of photon energy exceeded the energy required for CO2 assimilation. The efficiency of excitation energy capture by open photosystem Ⅱ（PSⅡ） reaction centres （Fv＇/Fm＇） at moderate irradiance, photochemical quenching （qp）, and the quantum yield of PSII electron transport （φPSⅡ） were significantly lower after high-temperature stress. Nevertheless, non-photochemical quenching （qNP） and energy-dependent quenching （qE） were significantly higher under such conditions. The post-irradiation transient of chlorophyll （Chl） fluorescence significantly increased after the turnoff of the actinic light （AL）, and this increase was considerably higher in the 39 ℃-grown seedlings than in the 30 ~C-grown ones. The increased post-irradiation fluorescence points to enhanced cyclic electron transport around PSI under high growth temperature conditions, thus helping to dissipate excess photon energy non-radiatively.展开更多
Objective:To discuss phytopharmacological potential and anti-asthmatic activity of Ficus religiosa(F.religiosa)(L.).Methods:Fresh leaves of F.religiosa were obtained from Vastrapur Lake,Ahmedabad,and dried to obtain p...Objective:To discuss phytopharmacological potential and anti-asthmatic activity of Ficus religiosa(F.religiosa)(L.).Methods:Fresh leaves of F.religiosa were obtained from Vastrapur Lake,Ahmedabad,and dried to obtain powder.Histamine and acetylcholine were used to guinea pigs to establish bronchospasm model.In in vivo study,the aqueous extract of F.religiosa leaves (AEFR) at doses of 150 and 300 mg/ kg was administrated to guinea pigs,and the broncho-protective activity of AEFR was compared with aminophylline at 25 mg/kg.While in in vitro study,and 10 g/mL,20 g/mL,30 g/mL of AEFRL was administrated to guinea pigs,respectively, and mast cell stabilizing activity of AEFR was compared with ketotifen at 10 g/mL.Results: In the in-vivo model,pre-treatment with aminophylline(25 mg/kg,ip.) could significantly delay the onset of histamine induced pre-convulsive dyspnea,compared with vehicle control. Administration of AEFRL(150 and 300 mg/kg,ip.) also produced significant effect on latency to develop histamine & acetylcholine induced pre-convulsive dyspnea.In the mast cell stabilizing model,AEFRL at 10,20 and 30μg/mL could significantly increase the number of intact cells. Conclusions:It can be concluded that AEFRL is effective on histamine & acetylcholine induced bronchospasm in guinea pigs.In addition,AEFRL can potentiate the number of intact cells in the mast cell stabilizing model._____________________________________________________展开更多
The methanol extract of Ficus sarmentosa var. henryi （King） Corner was found to detect potent inhibitory activities against 6 crop pathogenic fungi, Fusarium graminearum, Pumpkin fusarium Wilt, Curvularia lunata （W...The methanol extract of Ficus sarmentosa var. henryi （King） Corner was found to detect potent inhibitory activities against 6 crop pathogenic fungi, Fusarium graminearum, Pumpkin fusarium Wilt, Curvularia lunata （Wakker） Boed, Septoria zeicola Stout, Botrytis cinerea, and Rhizoctonia solani. Four flavonoids were isolated from the extract of F. sarmentosa var. henryi by activity-guided fractionation and they were identified as eriodictyol （1）, homoeriodictyol （2）, dihydroquercetin （3）, and luteolin （4） by spectroscopic means and displayed excellent inhibitory activity against F. graminearum and S. zeicola. Among them, luteolin （4） showed the strongest inhibitory activity with IC50 values of 56.38 and 81.48 mg L^-1, to the fungi, respectively. The in vitro inhibitory activity of F. sarmentosa var. henryi （King） Corner was reported for the first time and the inhibitory action mechanism of luteolin （4） was worthy of further research.展开更多
Objective:To identify alpha-glucosidase inhibitors from Ficus benghalensis and analyze gene set enrichment of regulated protein molecules.Methods:The phytoconstituents of Ficu.s benghalen.sis were queried for inhibito...Objective:To identify alpha-glucosidase inhibitors from Ficus benghalensis and analyze gene set enrichment of regulated protein molecules.Methods:The phytoconstituents of Ficu.s benghalen.sis were queried for inhibitors of alphaglucosidase,also identified as aldose reductase inhibitors.Druglikeness score,absorption,distribution,metabolism,excretion and toxicity profile,biological spectrum,and gene expression were predicated for each compound.Docking study was performed to predict the binding affinity with alpha-glucosidase and aldose reductase and compared with clinically proven molecules.Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis was performed for the regulated genes to identify the modulated pathways.Results:Apigenin,3,4’,5,7-tetrahydroxy-3’-methoxyflavone,and kaempferol were identified as inhibitors of alpha-glucosidase and aldose reductase.Kaempferol was predicted to possess the highest binding affinity with both targets.The p53 signaling pathway was predicted to modulate the majority of protein molecules in diabetes mellitus.All the alpha-glucosidase inhibitors were also predicted as membrane integrity agonist and anti-mutagenic compounds.Conclusions:The current study indicates alpha-glucosidase inhibitors from Ficus benghale,nsis can act as aldose reductase inhibitors after absorption from the intestinal tract.Furthermore,these phytoconstituents are involved in the regulation of numerous protein molecules and pathways.Hence,the anti-diabetic efficacies of these compounds are due to their action on multiple protein molecules and synergistic effects which should be confirmed by future investigations.展开更多
Fallen leaves of Ficus altissima, F. virens, F. benjamina, F. fistulosa and F. semicordata, were collected in Chiang Mai Province in northern Thailand and examined for fungi. Eighty taxa were identified, comprising 56...Fallen leaves of Ficus altissima, F. virens, F. benjamina, F. fistulosa and F. semicordata, were collected in Chiang Mai Province in northern Thailand and examined for fungi. Eighty taxa were identified, comprising 56 anamorphic taxa, 23 ascomycetes and l basidiomycete. Common fungal species occurring on five host species with high frequency of occurrence were Beltraniella nilgirica, Lasiodiplodia theobromae, Ophioceras leptosporum, Periconia byssoides and Septonema harknessi. Colletotrichum and Stachybotrys were also common genera. The leaves of different Ficus species supported diverse fungal taxa, and the fungal assemblages on the different hosts showed varying overlap. The fungal diversity of saprobes at the host species level is discussed.展开更多
Objective:To evaluate Ficus asperifolia(Moraceae)(F.asperifolia)effecting on regular estrus cycle of Wistar rats.Methods:Air-dried fruits of F.asperifolia were extracted using water.Prior to the test,vaginal smear was...Objective:To evaluate Ficus asperifolia(Moraceae)(F.asperifolia)effecting on regular estrus cycle of Wistar rats.Methods:Air-dried fruits of F.asperifolia were extracted using water.Prior to the test,vaginal smear was monitored daily for a 3-week period to select females with normal(regular)estrous cycle.Those with regular estrus cycle weighing between 150-170 g were randomized into three sets of 15 animals each.Each set was then divided into three groups:Group 1(control)was orally administered with distilled water(10 mL/kg body weight)once a day for 1 week starting from the proestrus stage.Groups 2 and 3 were respectively treated with 100and 500 mg/kg body weight of the plant aqueous extract.The two other sets of 15 animals each were similarly treated as the first set for 3 weeks and 6 weeks respectively.Estrus cycle pattern was monitored before and during plant extract application whereas lipid profile,ovary,uterus and liver growth indices were determined at the end of each treatment.Results:F.asperifolia did not disrupt(0%)the order of appearance of normal estrus cycle stages,namely,proestrus,estrus,metestrus and diestrus.Short-term treatment(1 week duration)exhibited high frequency of appearance of proestrus and estrus stages while mid-(3 weeks)and long-term(6 weeks)treatments revealed constancy in the frequency of all stages irrespective to animal groups.The plasma and organ lipid profile,as well as ovary,uterus and liver growth remained unchanged when compared to distilled water-treated animals.Following long-term administration of plant extract(6 weeks),no adverse effect was noticed.Conclusions:Our data partially support the use of F.asperifolia in common medicine.展开更多
In this research,the conditions for extraction of phenolics from leaves of Ficus virens were optimized using response surface methodology(RSM).The extraction abilities of phenolics(EAP) and flavonoids(EAF),the 2,2-dip...In this research,the conditions for extraction of phenolics from leaves of Ficus virens were optimized using response surface methodology(RSM).The extraction abilities of phenolics(EAP) and flavonoids(EAF),the 2,2-diphenyl-1-pierylhydrazyl(DPPH) free-radical scavenging potential,and the ferric reducing/antioxidant power(FRAP) were used as quality indicators.The results of single-factor experiments showed that temperature,ethanol concentration,extraction time,and the number of extraction cycles were the main influencing variables,and these provided key information for the central composite design.The results of RSM fitted well to a second degree polynomial model and more than 98% of the variability was explained.The ideal extraction conditions for EAP,EAF,DPPH free-radical scavenging potential,and FRAP were obtained.Considering the four quality indicators overall,the ideal extraction conditions were 58% ethanol at 57 °C for 37 min with three extraction cycles.At the ideal extraction conditions,the values of EAP,EAF,DPPH free-radical scavenging potential,and FRAP were 5.72%,3.09%,58.88 mg ascorbic acid equivalent(AAE)/g dry weight(DW),and 15.86 mg AAE/g DW,respectively.In addition,linear correlations were observed between EAP,EAF,and antioxidant potential.展开更多
Insecticidal activities of the petroleum ether-, chloroform-, ethyl acetate-, and water-soluble fractions of the methanolic extract ofFicus sarmentosa var. henryi were assayed against Musca domestica adults. The chlor...Insecticidal activities of the petroleum ether-, chloroform-, ethyl acetate-, and water-soluble fractions of the methanolic extract ofFicus sarmentosa var. henryi were assayed against Musca domestica adults. The chloroform- and ethyl acetate- soluble fractions were the most active with 92.6 and 88.9% mortalities （24 h after treatment） respectively. Therefore, the two fractions were combined and four compounds, isolated from the fractions by activity-guided fractionation, were elucidated as 7-hydroxycoumarin, apigenin, eriodictyol, and quercetin by spectroscopic method and displayed excellent insecticidal activities against adults of M. domestica and 4th instar larva of Aedes albopictus. Among those, 7- hydroxycoumarin showed the strongest insecticidal activities with lethal concentrations （LC50） values of 72.13 μg g^-1 sugar and 4.87 μg mL^-1 （48 h after treatment） against the test insects respectively. The cytoxicities of these compounds on BTI-Tn-5B 1-4 cell were also investigated for the insecticidal mechanism and found that quercetin represented superior inhibitory activity with MTT assay and reactive oxygen species （ROS） against BTI-Tn-5B 1-4 cell, but slightly weaker than that of the positive control （azadirachtin） and significantly greater than the negative control （DMSO only）. Meanwhile, eriodictyol demonstrated the strongest effect on the mitochondrial membrane potentials （MMP）. In conclusion, based on their comparative toxicities to commercial insecticides and their cytotoxic effects, some of the compounds from the F. sarmentosa have potential as botanical insecticides.展开更多
Ficus (Moraceae) is a well-known group with specific pollination mutualisms, and hybridization is considered to be rare. Here, we report the presence of interspecific hybrids between Ficus pumila L. and F. thunbergii ...Ficus (Moraceae) is a well-known group with specific pollination mutualisms, and hybridization is considered to be rare. Here, we report the presence of interspecific hybrids between Ficus pumila L. and F. thunbergii Maxim. on Okinoshima, a small island offshore of Shikoku, western Japan. AFLP (amplified fragment length polymorphism of genomic DNA) data suggested that more than one-fourth of individuals of morphological F. pumila were assigned as intermediate genotypes, suggesting hybrids. The hybridization between the two species was introgressive and unidirectional from F. thunbergii to F. pumila. The findings of this study, combined with other previous reports, suggest that the breakdown of mutualistic systems can occur in isolated populations such as those on islands.展开更多
基金supported by the Open Project Fund of Key Laboratory of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region(2021D04019)the Natural Science Foundation of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region(2024D01C57)+1 种基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China(32460188)the Key Research and Development Program in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region to Weilan Wang(2024B02025 and 2024B02025-2)。
文摘The present study investigated the potential therapeutic potential of Ficus carica polysaccharides(FCPS)in type 2 diabetic mellitus(T2DM)mice,focusing on elucidating the underlying molecular mechanisms.Network pharmacology analysis identified 37 shared targets between FCPS and T2DM,including perixisome proliferator activated receptor alpha(PPARα),highlighting the significance of PPAR signaling pathways in FCPS-mediated T2DM treatment.The results demonstrated that FCPS treatment significantly reduced markers of glucose and lipid metabolism(fasting blood glucose(FBG),nonestesterified fatty acid(NEFA),triglyceride(TG),total cholesterol(TC),low density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C)),inflammatory cytokines(tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),interleukin-6(IL-6),interleukin-1beta(IL-1β),monocyte chemoattractant protein-1(MCP-1)),and liver damage(glutamic pyruvic transaminase(GPT)and glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase(GOT))in T2DM mice.Additionally,FCPS ameliorated hepatic lipid droplet accumulation,fatty degeneration,and hepatocyte structural abnormalities.Western blot analysis confirmed FCPS-induced upregulation of key proteins in the IRS-1/AKT/PPARαsignaling pathway,(insulin receptor substrate 1(IRS-1),phosphatidyqinositol-3 kinase(PI3K),phospho-protein kinase B(p-AKT),glucose transporter 2(GLUT2),phospho-glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta(p-GSK-3β),phospho-adenosine 5′-monophosphate-activated protein kinase alpha(p-AMPKα),peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1 alpha(PGC-1α),PPARα,peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma(PPARγ))and downregulation of GSK-3β,sterol regulatory element binding protein 1c(SREBP-1c),fatty acid synthase(FAS),and 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase(HMGCR).16S r RNA sequencing results revealed FCPS's ability to modulate gut microbiota dysbiosis in T2DM mice by promoting beneficial bacteria(e.g.,Lactobacillus_reuteri,Candidatus_Saccharimonas)and suppressing opportunistic pathogens(e.g.,Proteobacteria,Gammaproteobacteria,Escherichia-Shigella).These findings collectively suggest that FCPS has a marked effectiveness in improving glucose and lipid metabolism,decreasing inflammatory responses,as well as modulating the gut microbiota in T2DM mice via the gut-hepatic axis,demonstrating its potential as a functional food for diabetes prevention and management.
文摘Exploring the formation and changes in tree microclimates can help improve the quality of urban green spaces.Temperature is an important indicator of microcli-mate,and tree temperature categories can be divided into ambient temperature and tree surface temperature(T_(ts)),from which the mean radiation temperature(T_(mrt))and thermal comfort values are derived.In this study,the summer micro-climate of Ficus altissima in southern subtropical China was determined,focusing on soil(T_(s)),air(T_(a)),globe(T_(g)),and T_(ts).T_(mrt)and four commonly used thermal comfort indicators,i.e.,predicted mean vote(PMV),physiologically equivalent temperature(PET),standard effective temperature(SET^(*)),and universal thermal climate index(UTCI),were also cal-culated.The results showed that:(1)T_(mrt)can be used to explain both the cooling effect and to predict thermal com-fort in the shade;(2)the PET indicator is more advantageous for analyzing thermal comfort in the microclimate of Ficus altissima;(3)T_(s)is not a suitable important indicator for pre-dicting ambient temperatures and thermal comfort;and(4)the site-specific sampling method of the crowns or trunks can be used to accurately explain changes in the whole-plant thermal environment and thermal comfort,respectively.
文摘Objective:To explore the impact of Ficus carica fruit aqueous extract on fertility parameters in streptozotocin(STZ)-induced male rats.Methods:Twenty-four male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four different groups.All groups except a normal control group were induced with 50 mg/kg of streptozotocin(STZ)intravenously to induce diabetes.A positive control group was treated with an antidiabetic drug,metformin(500 mg/kg)whereas a negative control group remained untreated throughout the experiment.Meanwhile,another diabetic rat group received treatment with 400 mg/kg of aqueous Ficus carica fruit extract.Rats in the treatment group were administered Ficus carica fruit aqueous extract daily through forcefeeding via oral gavage for a 21-day period.Assessments included the sperm quality(count,motility and morphology),histology of the testes,serum testosterone and fasting blood glucose(FBG)level.Results:The FBG level of the Ficus carica-treated rats exhibited a significant decrease compared to the negative control group(P<0.05).Sperm quality analysis also indicated that the aqueous Ficus carica extract had significant positive effects on sperm count and motility(P<0.05).The histology of the testes in Ficus caricatreated rats revealed an improved cell arrangement in the germinal cell layer.Furthermore,serum testosterone level showed an increment in the Ficus carica treatment group in comparison to the negative control group.Conclusions:Our findings provide compelling evidence for the profertility and anti-hyperglycemic properties of aqueous Ficus carica fruit extract in diabetic-induced male rats.
文摘Ficus religiosa L.(F.religiosa)or sacred fig is a large perennial tree belonging to the family Moraceae or mulberry family.Though the tree has pan-tropical distribution but originally it is indigenous to the Indian subcontinent and Indochina region.Popularly the tree is named"Pepal or bodhi tree".Traditionally,it is practiced for the treatment of asthma,nose bleeding,heart disorders,diabetes,wound healing,ear problems,constipation,hyperlipidemia,gonorrhea,ulcers and infectious disorders.Chemical analysis demonstrated the presence of numerous bioactives including tannins,phenols,saponins,sugars,alkaloids,methionine,terpenoids,flavonoids,glycosides,proteins,separated amino acids,essential and volatile oils and steroids etc.,which are probably responsible for its diverse pharmacological actions.The present work is an attempt to compile up-to-date comprehensive information on F.religiosa that covers its taxonomy,ethnomedicinal importance,phytochemistry,pharmacological attributes and clinical trials.Keeping in mind the various health attributes of F.religiosa,future research can be aimed at in-depth elucidation of the structure-function relationship and multifactorial signalings pathways.
文摘Toxicity is the totality of adverse effects, which can be functional and morphological lesions in a living organism, caused by a substance introduced in relatively high single doses or in small, repeated doses. The aim of this study was to assess the OECD-recommended acute oral toxicity and anti-inflammatory activity of ethanolic extract of Ficus umbellata leaves. Animals were given a single oral dose of 1000, 3000 and 5000 mg/Kg body weight (BW) of the extract. For the anti-inflammatory activity test, rats were given the ethanolic extract of F. umbellata leaves at doses of 100, 300 and 500 mg/Kg or aspirin® at a concentration of 100 mg/Kg PC orally, one hour before injection of 0.05 ml of 1% formalin under the plantar fascia of the rat’s right hind paw. Paw volume measurements were taken one, two and three hours after formalin injection, using an electronic caliper. After 14 days of observation, no deaths were observed in treated rats. The LD50 of ethanolic extract of Ficus umbellata leaf powder is greater than 5000 mg/Kg body weight. This extract has no significant effects on hematological parameters and on the main markers of nephrotoxicity and hepatotoxicity for a single dose of less than 5000 mg/Kg PC. It reduces formalin-induced edema. Evaluation of the percentage inhibition showed that the extract had greater anti-inflammatory activity at 3 hours after the start of the experiment. However, better inhibition of inflammatory oedema of the paw of rats treated with 500 mg/Kg was observed at 5 hours after the start of the experiment, with a percentage inhibition of 69.23 ± 1.02, compared with the reference group treated with aspirin® 100 mg/Kg, which showed an inhibition of 63.50 ± 0.98. These results show that F. umbellata leaves possess anti-inflammatory activity, which would justify their use in traditional African medicine to prevent or treat inflammation.
文摘Ficus hispida L. (Moraceae) is a remarkable species in the ecosystem of tropical rainforests in Xishuangbanna, China. The figs and fig_pollination wasps (Chalcidoidae: Agaonidae) are highly co_evolved mutualists that depend completely on each other for propagating descendants. Pollination of all fig species is done by fig wasps; their unique symbiotic associates, the fig wasps, cannot develop in anywhere except in the fig syconia. The present paper reports on the biology and flowering phenology of F. hispida , as well as the propagation character and pollination behavior of the fig wasps (Ceratosolen solmsi marchali Mayr) based on our observations in the rainforests of Xishuangbanna, southern Yunnan of China. F. hispida is a dioecious tree that annually blossoms and bears fruits 6-8 times, with four to five fruit_bearing peaks. The male trees produce pollen and provide fig wasps with reproductive havens, while the female trees produce fig seeds after pollination by the female wasps. Pollen of F. hispida cannot escape from the dehiscent anthers until they are disturbed by fig wasps. The female wasps open the anthers and collect pollen with their antennal scrapes, mandibles and legs, and then carry pollen to the female receptive syconia where fertilization takes place. Meanwhile, some of the female wasps lay eggs in the male receptive syconia. It takes about 3-67 min to search for the receptive syconia for pollination, and 15-23 h to enter the female receptive syconia. The number of female wasps entering a syconium has close relation with the impregnation and seed_bearing rate of female flowers, as well as the oviposition and reproduction rate of the fig wasps themselves. F. hispida is endowed with a relatively high level of seed bearing (54.1%-82.5%, average 73.8 %). The wasp oviposition rate on the male flowers is between 72.3% and 93.8% with a mean of 84.4%.
文摘In this study, Ficus carica L. ‘Masui Dauphine＇ was used as the experi- mental material to investigate the effects of explant type, basal medium, hormone types and concentrations on in vitro rapid propagation of‘Masui Dauphine＇. Accord- ing to the results, the most suitable explants for in vitro rapid propagation of ‘Masui Dauphine＇ were axillary buds and the best medium was modified MS ＋ 1.0 mg/L 6-BA ＋ 0. 05 mg/L NAA ＋ 1.0 mg/L GA3 ＋ 20 mg/L sucrose ＋ 7 mg/L agar, pH 5.8. This study provided scientific basis for barge-scale cultivation of‘Masui Dauphine ＇.
基金Supported by the Major Program for the West Action Projects of the Knowledge Innovation Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences(KZCX2-XB2-08)the Science-Technology Foundation of Zealquest(ZQFD200705)~~
文摘[Objective] This study was to determine the response of Ficus microcarpa L. foliage to polyethylene glycol （PEG） simulated water stress using chlorophyll fluo- rescence imaging technique. [Method] The responses of detached leaves from Ficus microcarpa, Ficus benjamina and Nerium oleander to PEG-6000 simulated water stress were detected, and the chlorophyll fluorescence imaging technique was used to detect and analyze the stress at different spots of a single leaf simultaneously. [Result] The responses of Ficus microcarpa, Ficus benjamina and Nerium oleander to dehydration showed that： ~1~） the maximal photochemical efficiency （Fv/Fm） and non- photo-chemical quenching （NPQ） values were small in the reaction center among different detected spots of leaves, and there were great differences between relative electron transport rate （ETR）, photochemical quenching （qP） and quantum efficiency of PSII photochemistry （（φPSII）; （2） the differences of these parameters were more ob- vious among different spots of water-stressed leaves; （3） the discrete degrees of the species with strong resitances decreased significantly. [Conclusion] This study lays the foundation for the further research on the response of plants to drought stress using chlorophyll fluorescence imaging technique.
文摘Objective:To investigate anticancer activity of different fractions of Tephrosia purpurea[TP] （Sharapunkha,Fabaceae） and Ficus religiosa[FR]（Peepal,Moraceae）.Methods:The fractions of TP and FR were prepared and tested for in vitro anticancer activity using human MCF 7 cell line by trypan blue exclusion method.Results:The result showed that among all these fractions of TPI.TPIII.FRI and FRIII showed better anticancer activity compared to other fractions.The IC<sub>50</sub> value for TPI（152.4μM）,TPIII（158.71μM）.FRI（160.3μM） and for FRIII（222.7μM） was observed.Conclusions:The present study shows anticancer potential of TP and FR fractions in MCF 7 cell line.
文摘Objective:To investigate the gastroprotective activity of hydroalcoholic extract leaves of Ficus religiosa(F.religiosa) in different experimental models of gastric ulcer in rats.Methods:The hydroalcoholic extract leaves of F.religiosa were studied at two dose levels(250 and 500 mg/ kg,oral) in rats against absolute ethanol(0.2 mL oral),aspirin(200 mg/kg) and pyloric ligation induced gastric ulcer.Ranitidine(50 mg/kg,oral) was used as a standard drug.Mean ulcer indices and oxidative stress were measured.Phytochemical tests and acute toxicity tests were also carried out.Results:Administration of F.religiosa to rats significantly decreased the ulcer index value when compared with the control treated group.Ranitidine(50 mg/kg,oral) also produced a significant decrease the ulcer index value when compared with the control treated group.Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of tannins,sterols,saponins,flavonoids, carbohydrates and proteins.Conclusions:The results suggest that the leaves of the F.religiosa possess significant anti ulcer activity.
基金supported by the Natural Science Foundation of Zhejiang Province, China (No. Y3090276)the Major Program of Science and Technology Department of Zhejiang Province, China (No. 2007C12023)the Scientific Research Foundation for PhD of Zhejiang Forestry University, China (No. 2007FR047)
文摘Dissipation mechanisms of excess photon energy under high-temperature stress were studied in a subtropical forest tree seedling, Ficus concinna. Net CO2 assimilation rate decreased to 16% of the control after 20 d high-temperature stress, and thus the absorption of photon energy exceeded the energy required for CO2 assimilation. The efficiency of excitation energy capture by open photosystem Ⅱ（PSⅡ） reaction centres （Fv＇/Fm＇） at moderate irradiance, photochemical quenching （qp）, and the quantum yield of PSII electron transport （φPSⅡ） were significantly lower after high-temperature stress. Nevertheless, non-photochemical quenching （qNP） and energy-dependent quenching （qE） were significantly higher under such conditions. The post-irradiation transient of chlorophyll （Chl） fluorescence significantly increased after the turnoff of the actinic light （AL）, and this increase was considerably higher in the 39 ℃-grown seedlings than in the 30 ~C-grown ones. The increased post-irradiation fluorescence points to enhanced cyclic electron transport around PSI under high growth temperature conditions, thus helping to dissipate excess photon energy non-radiatively.
文摘Objective:To discuss phytopharmacological potential and anti-asthmatic activity of Ficus religiosa(F.religiosa)(L.).Methods:Fresh leaves of F.religiosa were obtained from Vastrapur Lake,Ahmedabad,and dried to obtain powder.Histamine and acetylcholine were used to guinea pigs to establish bronchospasm model.In in vivo study,the aqueous extract of F.religiosa leaves (AEFR) at doses of 150 and 300 mg/ kg was administrated to guinea pigs,and the broncho-protective activity of AEFR was compared with aminophylline at 25 mg/kg.While in in vitro study,and 10 g/mL,20 g/mL,30 g/mL of AEFRL was administrated to guinea pigs,respectively, and mast cell stabilizing activity of AEFR was compared with ketotifen at 10 g/mL.Results: In the in-vivo model,pre-treatment with aminophylline(25 mg/kg,ip.) could significantly delay the onset of histamine induced pre-convulsive dyspnea,compared with vehicle control. Administration of AEFRL(150 and 300 mg/kg,ip.) also produced significant effect on latency to develop histamine & acetylcholine induced pre-convulsive dyspnea.In the mast cell stabilizing model,AEFRL at 10,20 and 30μg/mL could significantly increase the number of intact cells. Conclusions:It can be concluded that AEFRL is effective on histamine & acetylcholine induced bronchospasm in guinea pigs.In addition,AEFRL can potentiate the number of intact cells in the mast cell stabilizing model._____________________________________________________
基金support by the National Nature Science Foundation of China(30571235).
文摘The methanol extract of Ficus sarmentosa var. henryi （King） Corner was found to detect potent inhibitory activities against 6 crop pathogenic fungi, Fusarium graminearum, Pumpkin fusarium Wilt, Curvularia lunata （Wakker） Boed, Septoria zeicola Stout, Botrytis cinerea, and Rhizoctonia solani. Four flavonoids were isolated from the extract of F. sarmentosa var. henryi by activity-guided fractionation and they were identified as eriodictyol （1）, homoeriodictyol （2）, dihydroquercetin （3）, and luteolin （4） by spectroscopic means and displayed excellent inhibitory activity against F. graminearum and S. zeicola. Among them, luteolin （4） showed the strongest inhibitory activity with IC50 values of 56.38 and 81.48 mg L^-1, to the fungi, respectively. The in vitro inhibitory activity of F. sarmentosa var. henryi （King） Corner was reported for the first time and the inhibitory action mechanism of luteolin （4） was worthy of further research.
文摘Objective:To identify alpha-glucosidase inhibitors from Ficus benghalensis and analyze gene set enrichment of regulated protein molecules.Methods:The phytoconstituents of Ficu.s benghalen.sis were queried for inhibitors of alphaglucosidase,also identified as aldose reductase inhibitors.Druglikeness score,absorption,distribution,metabolism,excretion and toxicity profile,biological spectrum,and gene expression were predicated for each compound.Docking study was performed to predict the binding affinity with alpha-glucosidase and aldose reductase and compared with clinically proven molecules.Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis was performed for the regulated genes to identify the modulated pathways.Results:Apigenin,3,4’,5,7-tetrahydroxy-3’-methoxyflavone,and kaempferol were identified as inhibitors of alpha-glucosidase and aldose reductase.Kaempferol was predicted to possess the highest binding affinity with both targets.The p53 signaling pathway was predicted to modulate the majority of protein molecules in diabetes mellitus.All the alpha-glucosidase inhibitors were also predicted as membrane integrity agonist and anti-mutagenic compounds.Conclusions:The current study indicates alpha-glucosidase inhibitors from Ficus benghale,nsis can act as aldose reductase inhibitors after absorption from the intestinal tract.Furthermore,these phytoconstituents are involved in the regulation of numerous protein molecules and pathways.Hence,the anti-diabetic efficacies of these compounds are due to their action on multiple protein molecules and synergistic effects which should be confirmed by future investigations.
基金the Mushroom Research Centre, Chiang Mai,Thailand and the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 30670072)the Natural Science Foundation of Zhejiang Province of China (No. Y350568)
文摘Fallen leaves of Ficus altissima, F. virens, F. benjamina, F. fistulosa and F. semicordata, were collected in Chiang Mai Province in northern Thailand and examined for fungi. Eighty taxa were identified, comprising 56 anamorphic taxa, 23 ascomycetes and l basidiomycete. Common fungal species occurring on five host species with high frequency of occurrence were Beltraniella nilgirica, Lasiodiplodia theobromae, Ophioceras leptosporum, Periconia byssoides and Septonema harknessi. Colletotrichum and Stachybotrys were also common genera. The leaves of different Ficus species supported diverse fungal taxa, and the fungal assemblages on the different hosts showed varying overlap. The fungal diversity of saprobes at the host species level is discussed.
文摘Objective:To evaluate Ficus asperifolia(Moraceae)(F.asperifolia)effecting on regular estrus cycle of Wistar rats.Methods:Air-dried fruits of F.asperifolia were extracted using water.Prior to the test,vaginal smear was monitored daily for a 3-week period to select females with normal(regular)estrous cycle.Those with regular estrus cycle weighing between 150-170 g were randomized into three sets of 15 animals each.Each set was then divided into three groups:Group 1(control)was orally administered with distilled water(10 mL/kg body weight)once a day for 1 week starting from the proestrus stage.Groups 2 and 3 were respectively treated with 100and 500 mg/kg body weight of the plant aqueous extract.The two other sets of 15 animals each were similarly treated as the first set for 3 weeks and 6 weeks respectively.Estrus cycle pattern was monitored before and during plant extract application whereas lipid profile,ovary,uterus and liver growth indices were determined at the end of each treatment.Results:F.asperifolia did not disrupt(0%)the order of appearance of normal estrus cycle stages,namely,proestrus,estrus,metestrus and diestrus.Short-term treatment(1 week duration)exhibited high frequency of appearance of proestrus and estrus stages while mid-(3 weeks)and long-term(6 weeks)treatments revealed constancy in the frequency of all stages irrespective to animal groups.The plasma and organ lipid profile,as well as ovary,uterus and liver growth remained unchanged when compared to distilled water-treated animals.Following long-term administration of plant extract(6 weeks),no adverse effect was noticed.Conclusions:Our data partially support the use of F.asperifolia in common medicine.
基金Project supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.31070522)the Science and Technology Foundation of Fujian Province(No.2010N5013),China
文摘In this research,the conditions for extraction of phenolics from leaves of Ficus virens were optimized using response surface methodology(RSM).The extraction abilities of phenolics(EAP) and flavonoids(EAF),the 2,2-diphenyl-1-pierylhydrazyl(DPPH) free-radical scavenging potential,and the ferric reducing/antioxidant power(FRAP) were used as quality indicators.The results of single-factor experiments showed that temperature,ethanol concentration,extraction time,and the number of extraction cycles were the main influencing variables,and these provided key information for the central composite design.The results of RSM fitted well to a second degree polynomial model and more than 98% of the variability was explained.The ideal extraction conditions for EAP,EAF,DPPH free-radical scavenging potential,and FRAP were obtained.Considering the four quality indicators overall,the ideal extraction conditions were 58% ethanol at 57 °C for 37 min with three extraction cycles.At the ideal extraction conditions,the values of EAP,EAF,DPPH free-radical scavenging potential,and FRAP were 5.72%,3.09%,58.88 mg ascorbic acid equivalent(AAE)/g dry weight(DW),and 15.86 mg AAE/g DW,respectively.In addition,linear correlations were observed between EAP,EAF,and antioxidant potential.
基金support by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (30571235)
文摘Insecticidal activities of the petroleum ether-, chloroform-, ethyl acetate-, and water-soluble fractions of the methanolic extract ofFicus sarmentosa var. henryi were assayed against Musca domestica adults. The chloroform- and ethyl acetate- soluble fractions were the most active with 92.6 and 88.9% mortalities （24 h after treatment） respectively. Therefore, the two fractions were combined and four compounds, isolated from the fractions by activity-guided fractionation, were elucidated as 7-hydroxycoumarin, apigenin, eriodictyol, and quercetin by spectroscopic method and displayed excellent insecticidal activities against adults of M. domestica and 4th instar larva of Aedes albopictus. Among those, 7- hydroxycoumarin showed the strongest insecticidal activities with lethal concentrations （LC50） values of 72.13 μg g^-1 sugar and 4.87 μg mL^-1 （48 h after treatment） against the test insects respectively. The cytoxicities of these compounds on BTI-Tn-5B 1-4 cell were also investigated for the insecticidal mechanism and found that quercetin represented superior inhibitory activity with MTT assay and reactive oxygen species （ROS） against BTI-Tn-5B 1-4 cell, but slightly weaker than that of the positive control （azadirachtin） and significantly greater than the negative control （DMSO only）. Meanwhile, eriodictyol demonstrated the strongest effect on the mitochondrial membrane potentials （MMP）. In conclusion, based on their comparative toxicities to commercial insecticides and their cytotoxic effects, some of the compounds from the F. sarmentosa have potential as botanical insecticides.
文摘Ficus (Moraceae) is a well-known group with specific pollination mutualisms, and hybridization is considered to be rare. Here, we report the presence of interspecific hybrids between Ficus pumila L. and F. thunbergii Maxim. on Okinoshima, a small island offshore of Shikoku, western Japan. AFLP (amplified fragment length polymorphism of genomic DNA) data suggested that more than one-fourth of individuals of morphological F. pumila were assigned as intermediate genotypes, suggesting hybrids. The hybridization between the two species was introgressive and unidirectional from F. thunbergii to F. pumila. The findings of this study, combined with other previous reports, suggest that the breakdown of mutualistic systems can occur in isolated populations such as those on islands.
