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  1. Fulltext Thyroid-Modulating Activities of Olive and Its Polyphenols: A Systematic Review
    Pang KL, Lumintang JN, Chin KY
    Nutrients, 2021 Feb 06;13(2).
    PMID: 33561976 DOI: 10.3390/nu13020529
    Olive oil, which is commonly used in the Mediterranean diet, is known for its health benefits related to the reduction of the risks of cancer, coronary heart disease, hypertension, and neurodegenerative disease. These unique properties are attributed to the phytochemicals with potent antioxidant activities in olive oil. Olive leaf also harbours similar bioactive compounds. Several studies have reported the effects of olive phenolics, olive oil, and leaf extract in the modulation of thyroid activities. A systematic review of the literature was conducted to identify relevant studies on the effects of olive derivatives on thyroid function. A comprehensive search was conducted in October 2020 using the PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. Cellular, animal, and human studies reporting the effects of olive derivatives, including olive phenolics, olive oil, and leaf extracts on thyroid function were considered. The literature search found 445 articles on this topic, but only nine articles were included based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. All included articles were animal studies involving the administration of olive oil, olive leaf extract, or olive pomace residues orally. These olive derivatives were consistently demonstrated to have thyroid-stimulating activities in euthyroid or hypothyroid animals, but their mechanisms of action are unknown. Despite the positive results, validation of the beneficial health effects of olive derivatives in the human population is lacking. In conclusion, olive derivatives, especially olive oil and leaf extract, could stimulate thyroid function. Olive pomace residue is not suitable for pharmaceutical or health supplementation purposes. Therapeutic applications of olive oil and leaf extract, especially in individuals with hypothyroidism, require further validation through human studies.
    Matched MeSH terms: Plant Leaves/chemistry*
  2. Thrombocyte counts in mice after the administration of papaya leaf suspension
    Sathasivam K, Ramanathan S, Mansor SM, Haris MR, Wernsdorfer WH
    Wien Klin Wochenschr, 2009 Oct;121 Suppl 3:19-22.
    PMID: 19915811 DOI: 10.1007/s00508-009-1229-0
    Following up a popular use of crude leaf preparations from Carica papaya for the treatment of dengue infections, a suspension of powdered Carica papaya leaves in palm oil has been investigated for its effect on thrombocyte counts in mice, administering by gavage 15 mg of powdered leaves per kg body weight to 5 mice. Equal numbers of animals received corresponding volumes of either palm oil alone or physiological saline solution. Thrombocyte counts before and at 1, 2, 4, 8, 10, 12, 24, 48 and 72 hours after dosing revealed significantly higher mean counts at 1, 2, 4, 8, 10 and 12 after dosing with the C. papaya leaf formulation as compared to the mean count at hour 0. There was only a non-significant rise of thrombocyte counts in the group having received saline solution, possibly the expression of a normal circadian rhythm in mice. The group having received palm oil only showed a protracted increase of platelet counts that was significant at hours 8 and 48 and obviously the result of a hitherto unknown stimulation of thrombocyte release. The results call for a dose-response investigation and for extending the studies to the isolation and identification of the C. papaya substances responsible for the release and/or production of thrombocytes.
    Matched MeSH terms: Plant Leaves/chemistry*
  3. Fulltext Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calometric (DSC) analysis of pineapple leaf fibre (PALF) reinforced high impact polystyrene (HIPS) composites
    Siregar, Januar Parlaungan, Mohd. Sapuan Salit, Mohd. Zaki Ab. Rahman, Khairul Zaman Hj. Mohd. Dahlan
    Pertanika Journal of Science & Technology, 2011;19(1):161-170.
    MyJurnal
    This paper studied the thermal behaviour of pineapple leaf fibre (PALF) reinforced high impact polystyrene (HIPS) composite. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetric (DSC) analysis were used to measure the thermal characteristic of HIPS/PALF composites. In particular, the TGA analysis was utilized to measure the degradation and decomposition of materials in neat polystyrene, pineapple fibre, and the composites. The measurements were carried out in the temperature of 25°C – 800°C, at a heating rate of 20°C min-1 and the nitrogen gas flow was 50 mL min-1. The temperature of the DSC analysis was programmed to be between 25°C – 300°C. The results from TGA analysis show that the addition of pineapple fibre has improved the thermal stability of the composites as compared to neat HIPS. In addition, the effects of compatibilising agent and surface modification of PALF with alkali treated were also determined and compared.
    Matched MeSH terms: Plant Leaves
  4. Fulltext Thermodynamic stability, in-vitro permeability, and in-silico molecular modeling of the optimal Elaeis guineensis leaves extract water-in-oil nanoemulsion
    Romes NB, Abdul Wahab R, Abdul Hamid M, Oyewusi HA, Huda N, Kobun R
    Sci Rep, 2021 10 21;11(1):20851.
    PMID: 34675286 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-00409-0
    Nanoemulsion is a delivery system used to enhance bioavailability of plant-based compounds across the stratum corneum. Elaeis guineensis leaves are rich source of polyphenolic antioxidants, viz. gallic acid and catechin. The optimal E. guineensis leaves extract water-in-oil nanoemulsion was stable against coalescence, but it was under significant influence of Ostwald ripening over 90 days at 25 °C. The in-vitro permeability revealed a controlled and sustained release of the total phenolic compounds (TPC) of EgLE with a cumulative amount of 1935.0 ± 45.7 µgcm-2 after 8 h. The steady-state flux and permeation coefficient values were 241.9 ± 5.7 µgcm-2 h-1 and 1.15 ± 0.03 cm.h-1, respectively. The kinetic release mechanism for TPC of EgLE was best described by the Korsmeyer-Peppas model due to the highest linearity of R2 = 0.9961, indicating super case II transport mechanism. The in-silico molecular modelling predicted that the aquaporin-3 protein in the stratum corneum bonded preferably to catechin over gallic acid through hydrogen bonds due to the lowest binding energies of - 57.514 kcal/mol and - 8.553 kcal/mol, respectively. Thus, the in-silico study further verified that catechin could improve skin hydration. Therefore, the optimal nanoemulsion could be used topically as moisturizer to enhance skin hydration based on the in-silico prediction.
    Matched MeSH terms: Plant Leaves/chemistry*
  5. Therapeutic promises of ginkgolide A: A literature-based review
    Sarkar C, Quispe C, Jamaddar S, Hossain R, Ray P, Mondal M, et al.
    Biomed Pharmacother, 2020 Dec;132:110908.
    PMID: 33254431 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2020.110908
    Ginkgolide A is a highly active platelet activating factor antagonist cage molecule which was isolated from the leaves of the Ginkgo biloba L. It is known for its inflammatory and immunological potentials. This review aims to sketch a current scenario on its therapeutic activities on the basis of scientific reports in the databases. A total 30 articles included in this review suggests that ginkgolide A has many important biological activities, including anti-inflammatory, anticancer, anxiolytic-like, anti-atherosclerosis and anti-atherombosis, neuro- and hepatoprotective effects. There is a lack of its toxicological (e.g. toxicity, cytotoxicity, genotoxicity and mutagenitcity) profile. In conclusion, ginkgolide A may be one of the potential therapeutic lead compounds, especially for the treatment of cardiovascular, hepatological, and neurological diseases and disorders. More studies are necessary on this hopeful therapeutic agent.
    Matched MeSH terms: Plant Leaves
  6. Therapeutic potential of Moringa oleifera extracts against acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity in rats
    Sharifudin SA, Fakurazi S, Hidayat MT, Hairuszah I, Moklas MA, Arulselvan P
    Pharm Biol, 2013 Mar;51(3):279-88.
    PMID: 23043505 DOI: 10.3109/13880209.2012.720993
    Moringa oleifera Lam. (Moringaceae) is a rich source of essential minerals and antioxidants; it has been used in human and animal nutrition. The leaves and flowers are being used by the population with great dietary importance.
    Matched MeSH terms: Plant Leaves/chemistry*
  7. Fulltext The use of Piper sarmentosum leaves aqueous extract (Kadukmy™) as antihypertensive agent in spontaneous hypertensive rats
    Mohd Zainudin M, Zakaria Z, Megat Mohd Nordin NA
    BMC Complement Altern Med, 2015 Mar 10;15:54.
    PMID: 25887182 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-015-0565-z
    BACKGROUND: The National Health and Morbidity Survey in 2011 estimated that 35.1% (5.7 million) of Malaysian adults aged 18 and older suffer from hypertension. Hypertension is still treated by conventional medicine despite its exact aetiology being unknown. Studies showed that oxidative stress and low availability of nitric oxide (NO) causes an increase in vascular wall tension and increase blood pressure. Piper sarmentosum (PS) a traditional Malay herbal plant is well known for its high antioxidant content. Antioxidant is useful in improving cardiovascular diseases particularly hypertension. Thus, it is beneficial to determine the effect of PS leaves aqueous extract (Kadukmy™) on the blood pressure, NO level, oxidative stress markers and serum cholesterol level of the Spontaneous Hypertensive Rats (SHR).

    METHODS: Rats were devided into five groups consisting of three treatment groups and two control groups. Baseline blood investigations were done before and following commencement of treatment. Spontaneous hypertensive rats were treated for 28 consecutive days and the blood pressure was measured weekly.

    RESULTS: Kadukmy™ administration showed a significant reduction in systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and mean arterial pressure (MAP) (P 

    Matched MeSH terms: Plant Leaves
  8. The taxonomic significance of leaf micromorphology in the genus melastoma l. (melastomataceae)
    Noorma Wati Haron, Nordiyanah Anuar, Rubashiny Veeramohan
    Sains Malaysiana, 2015;44:643-650.
    A comparative leaf micromorphological study of Melastoma malabathricum, M. malabathricum var. alba and M.
    sanguineum (Melastomataceae) was carried out by scanning electron microscope. Characters such as epidermal cell
    shape, trichomes and stomatal type and distribution were observed. Non-glandular trichomes are present in all species
    examined. The stomata are all of paracytic type and dispersed randomly over the whole abaxial surface. The patterns of
    surface sculpturing and outer stomatal rim are unique in all the species examined. Leaf micromorphology has significant
    taxonomic value in the genus Melastoma and the present study has added some new taxonomic information for the genus
    Melastoma.
    Matched MeSH terms: Plant Leaves
  9. The screening of extracts from Goniothalamus scortechinii, Aralidium pinnatifidum and Andrographis paniculata for anti-malarial activity using the lactate dehydrogenase assay
    Siti Najila MJ, Noor Rain A, Mohamad Kamel AG, Syed Zahir SI, Khozirah S, Lokman Hakim S, et al.
    J Ethnopharmacol, 2002 Oct;82(2-3):239-42.
    PMID: 12242001
    Goniothalamus scortechinii, Andrographis paniculata and Aralidium pinnatifidum were selected for the study based on their ethnomedicinal values. They were screened for anti-malarial activity towards Plasmodium falciparum in vitro using the lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assay. The crude extract of G. scortechinii exhibited the most potent schizonticidal activity compared to the other extracts. It is effective against both the chloroquine resistant isolate, Gombak A and the sensitive strain, D10 of Plasmodium falciparum. Furthermore a better IC(50) value was obtained against the resistant strain, (9 microg/ml) compared to the sensitive strain, 40 microg/ml. When the crude extract was fractionated into 3 fractions, the chloroform fraction yielded the best activity, exhibiting equipotency against both strains of parasite used; IC(50) of 23.53 microg/ml against Gombak A and 21.06 microg/ml against D10.
    Matched MeSH terms: Plant Leaves
  10. The process-based stand growth model Formix 3-Q applied in a GIS environment for growth and yield analysis in a tropical rain forest
    Ditzer T, Glauner R, Förster M, Köhler P, Huth A
    Tree Physiol, 2000 Mar;20(5_6):367-381.
    PMID: 12651452
    Managing tropical rain forests is difficult because few long-term field data on forest growth and the impact of harvesting disturbance are available. Growth models may provide a valuable tool for managers of tropical forests, particularly if applied to the extended forest areas of up to 100,000 ha that typically constitute the so-called forest management units (FMUs). We used a stand growth model in a geographic information system (GIS) environment to simulate tropical rain forest growth at the FMU level. We applied the process-based rain forest growth model Formix 3-Q to the 55,000 ha Deramakot Forest Reserve (DFR) in Sabah, Malaysia. The FMU was considered to be composed of single and independent small-scale stands differing in site conditions and forest structure. Field data, which were analyzed with a GIS, comprised a terrestrial forest inventory, site and soil analyses (water, nutrients, slope), the interpretation of aerial photographs of the present vegetation and topographic maps. Different stand types were determined based on a classification of site quality (three classes), slopes (four classes), and present forest structure (four strata). The effects of site quality on tree allometry (height-diameter curve, biomass allometry, leaf area) and growth (increment size) are incorporated into Formix 3-Q. We derived allometric relations and growth factors for different site conditions from the field data. Climax forest structure at the stand level was shown to depend strongly on site conditions. Simulated successional pattern and climax structure were compared with field observations. Based on the current management plan for the DFR, harvesting scenarios were simulated for stands on different sites. The effects of harvesting guidelines on forest structure and the implications for sustainable forest management at Deramakot were analyzed. Based on the stand types and GIS analysis, we also simulated undisturbed regeneration of the logged-over forest in the DFR at the FMU level. The simulations predict slow recovery rates, and regeneration times far exceeding 100 years.
    Matched MeSH terms: Plant Leaves
  11. The phytochemical and anti-inflammatory studies of Dillenia suffruticosa leaves
    Abubakar S, Al-Mansoub MA, Murugaiyah V, Chan KL
    Phytother Res, 2019 Mar;33(3):660-675.
    PMID: 30653753 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.6255
    The Dillenia suffruticosa leaves (Dilleniaceae), a folk medicine recommended in Southeast Asia for treating inflammation, were phytochemically studied for the first time and assessed for suppression of λ-carrageenan-induced paw oedema in rats. The crude methanolic extract orally administered at 5,000 mg/kg, displayed no toxicity and at 250 to 1,000 mg/kg significantly suppressed the paw oedema. Two-isolated triterpenoids, betulinic acid (1) and koetjapic acid (2) orally administered at 50 mg/kg, significantly reduced the paw oedema, (p 
    Matched MeSH terms: Plant Leaves/chemistry
  12. The oil palm metallothionein promoter contains a novel AGTTAGG motif conferring its fruit-specific expression and is inducible by abiotic factors
    Omidvar V, Abdullah SN, Izadfard A, Ho CL, Mahmood M
    Planta, 2010 Sep;232(4):925-36.
    PMID: 20635097 DOI: 10.1007/s00425-010-1220-z
    The 1,053-bp promoter of the oil palm metallothionein gene (so-called MSP1) and its 5' deletions were fused to the GUS reporter gene, and analysed in transiently transformed oil palm tissues. The full length promoter showed sevenfold higher activity in the mesocarp than in leaves and 1.5-fold more activity than the CaMV35S promoter in the mesocarp. The 1,053-bp region containing the 5' untranslated region (UTR) gave the highest activity in the mesocarp, while the 148-bp region was required for minimal promoter activity. Two positive regulatory regions were identified at nucleotides (nt) -953 to -619 and -420 to -256 regions. Fine-tune deletion of the -619 to -420 nt region led to the identification of a 21-bp negative regulatory sequence in the -598 to -577 nt region, which is involved in mesocarp-specific expression. Gel mobility shift assay revealed a strong interaction of the leaf nuclear extract with the 21-bp region. An AGTTAGG core-sequence within this region was identified as a novel negative regulatory element controlling fruit-specificity of the MSP1 promoter. Abscisic acid (ABA) and copper (Cu(2+)) induced the activity of the promoter and its 5' deletions more effectively than methyl jasmonate (MeJa) and ethylene. In the mesocarp, the full length promoter showed stronger inducibility in response to ABA and Cu(2+) than its 5' deletions, while in leaves, the -420 nt fragment was the most inducible by ABA and Cu(2+). These results suggest that the MSP1 promoter and its regulatory regions are potentially useful for engineering fruit-specific and inducible gene expression in oil palm.
    Matched MeSH terms: Plant Leaves/drug effects; Plant Leaves/genetics; Plant Leaves/metabolism
  13. Fulltext The molecular basis of quantitative variation in foliar secondary metabolites in Eucalyptus globulus
    Külheim C, Yeoh SH, Wallis IR, Laffan S, Moran GF, Foley WJ
    New Phytol, 2011 Sep;191(4):1041-1053.
    PMID: 21609332 DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-8137.2011.03769.x
    Eucalyptus is characterized by high foliar concentrations of plant secondary metabolites with marked qualitative and quantitative variation within a single species. Secondary metabolites in eucalypts are important mediators of a diverse community of herbivores. We used a candidate gene approach to investigate genetic associations between 195 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from 24 candidate genes and 33 traits related to secondary metabolites in the Tasmanian Blue Gum (Eucalyptus globulus). We discovered 37 significant associations (false discovery rate (FDR) Q < 0.05) across 11 candidate genes and 19 traits. The effects of SNPs on phenotypic variation were within the expected range (0.018 < r(2) < 0.061) for forest trees. Whereas most marker effects were nonadditive, two alleles from two consecutive genes in the methylerythritol phosphate pathway (MEP) showed additive effects. This study successfully links allelic variants to ecologically important phenotypes which can have a large impact on the entire community. It is one of very few studies to identify the genetic variants of a foundation tree that influences ecosystem function.
    Matched MeSH terms: Plant Leaves/metabolism; Plant Leaves/chemistry*
  14. Fulltext The inhibitory effect of grasshopper’s Cyperus (Cyperus iria L.) on the seedling growth of five Malaysian rice varieties
    Ismail, B.S., Mohammed Abu Bakar Siddique
    Trop Life Sci Res, 2011;22(1):-.
    MyJurnal
    Experiments were carried out in the laboratory and greenhouse to determine the growth inhibitory effects of Grassohopper’s cyperus (Cyperus iria L.) on the seedlings of 5 Malaysian rice varieties namely MR211, MRQ74, MR220, MR84 and MR232. Three concentrations of the aqueous extract of the weed (12.5, 25.0 and 50.0 g/l) and weed debris (5, 10 and 20 g dry debris/1000 g soil) were used to test the allelopathic effect of
    C. iria on the growth of the rice plants. The weed leaf, stem and root extracts reduced the growth of the rice seedlings and showed selective activity in the varieties. The C. iria leaf and stem extracts showed comparatively higher growth inhibitory effects than those from the root. The weed extract caused more reduction in the root length of the rice plant compared to the shoot length. Among the rice varieties tested, MR232 was found to be more susceptible to the weed inhibitory effect. The leaf extract of C. iria at full strength caused root and shoot reduction of MR232 by 88.1% and 73.1% respectively (compared to the control). In most cases the fresh weight of the rice seedlings were more affected than the plant height. Weed debris caused significant reduction of leaf chlorophyll content in all the rice varieties tested with the exception of MR211. The chlorophyll content of MR232 was greatly affected by the weed debris which caused reduction of 36.4% compared to the control. The inhibitory effects of weed extracts and debris on rice growth
    parameters were found to be concentration dependent.
    Matched MeSH terms: Plant Leaves
  15. The influences of temperature and naloxone on the antinociceptive activity of Corchorus olitorius L. in mice
    Zakaria ZA, Safarul M, Valsala R, Sulaiman MR, Fatimah CA, Somchit MN, et al.
    Naunyn Schmiedebergs Arch Pharmacol, 2005 Jul;372(1):55-62.
    PMID: 16133487
    A series of preliminary studies was carried out to evaluate the antinociceptive (pain relief) activity of the aqueous extract of Corchorus olitorius L. leaves (COAE) and to determine the influence of temperature and opioid receptors on COAE activity using the abdominal constriction and hot plate tests in mice. COAE, at concentrations of 10, 25, 50, 75, and 100%, showed both peripheral and central antinociception that are non-concentration- and concentration-dependent respectively. The peripheral activity was clearly observed at a concentration of 25% and diminished at a concentration of 100%, while the central activity was observed at all the concentrations of COAE used. Furthermore, the insignificant results obtained indicated that this peripheral activity (at concentrations of 25 and 50%) was comparable to that of morphine (0.8 mg/kg). Pre-heating COAE at a temperature of 80 degrees C and 100 degrees C, or 60 degrees C and 80 degrees C was found to enhance its peripheral and central antinociception respectively. Pre-treatment with naloxone (10 mg/kg), a general opioid receptor antagonist, for 5 min, followed by COAE, was found to completely block its peripheral, but not central, antinociceptive activity. Based on this observation, we conclude that the antinociceptive activity exhibited by C. olitorius is enhanced by the increase in temperature and may be mediated peripherally, but not centrally, at least in part, via an opioid receptor.
    Matched MeSH terms: Plant Leaves/chemistry
  16. Fulltext The influence of soil water status on the physiology of Oryza sativa var. MR220
    Nashriyah Mat, Shamsiah Abdul Rahman, Ismail Che Haron, Mazleha Maskin, Mohd. Razi Ismail
    Journal of Nuclear and Related Technologies, 2008;2008(1):21-31.
    MyJurnal
    A study to determine the influence of soil water status on the physiology of rice plant Oryza sativa var. MR220 after panicle initiation stage was carried out at Ladang Merdeka Mulong Lating in the Kemubu Agricultural Development Authority (KADA) area, Kelantan. Five water management treatments imposed on direct seeded rice were; T1. Continuous flooding, T2. Early flooding up to panicle initiation stage followed by saturated (F55-saturated), T3. Early flooding for the first month followed by saturated (F-30 saturated), T4. Continuous saturated, and T5. Continuous field capacity condition throughout the growth stage. The treatments were arranged in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with four replicates. In-situ stomatal conductance measurement was carried out at 68 DAS (days after seeding) and the elemental analysis of soil and plant samples was carried out using the Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis (INAA). Results from this study showed significant differences between treatments for soil moisture content and plant moisture content, but no significance different in leaf stomatal conductance. Rice plant moisture, soil moisture and leaf stomatal conductance showed no interaction. Early flooding up to panicle initiation stage followed by saturated (T2: F55-saturated) resulted in higher plant moisture content. Soil plant transfer coefficient was highest in continuous saturated (T4) for nitrogen, early flooding for the first month followed by saturated (T3: F-30 saturated) for potassium, continuous field capacity condition throughout the growth stage (T5) for magnesium, and continuous flooding (T1) for sodium.
    Matched MeSH terms: Plant Leaves
  17. The influence of hydrogen peroxide on the growth, development and quality of wax apple (Syzygium samarangense, [Blume] Merrill & L.M. Perry var. jambu madu) fruits
    Khandaker MM, Boyce AN, Osman N
    Plant Physiol Biochem, 2012 Apr;53:101-10.
    PMID: 22349652 DOI: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2012.01.016
    The present study represents the first report of the effect of hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) on the growth, development and quality of the wax apple fruit, a widely cultivated fruit tree in South East Asia. The wax apple trees were spray treated with 0, 5, 20 and 50 mM H(2)O(2) under field conditions. Photosynthetic rates, stomatal conductance, transpiration, chlorophyll and dry matter content of the leaves and total soluble solids and total sugar content of the fruits of wax apple (Syzygium samarangense, var. jambu madu) were significantly increased after treatment with 5 mM H(2)O(2). The application of 20 mM H(2)O(2) significantly reduced bud drop and enhanced fruit growth, resulting in larger fruit size, increased fruit set, fruit number, fruit biomass and yield compared to the control. In addition, the endogenous level of H(2)O(2) in wax apple leaves increased significantly with H(2)O(2) treatments. With regard to fruit quality, 20 mM H(2)O(2) treatment increased the K(+), anthocyanin and carotene contents of the fruits by 65%, 67%, and 41%, respectively. In addition, higher flavonoid, phenol and soluble protein content, sucrose phosphate synthase (SPS), phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL) and antioxidant activities were recorded in the treated fruits. There was a positive correlation between peel colour (hue) and TSS, between net photosynthesis and SPS activity and between phenol and flavonoid content with antioxidant activity in H(2)O(2)-treated fruits. It is concluded that spraying with 5 and 20 mM H(2)O(2) once a week produced better fruit growth, maximising the yield and quality of wax apple fruits under field conditions.
    Matched MeSH terms: Plant Leaves/drug effects; Plant Leaves/metabolism
  18. Fulltext The global biogeography of tree leaf form and habit
    Ma H, Crowther TW, Mo L, Maynard DS, Renner SS, van den Hoogen J, et al.
    Nat Plants, 2023 Nov;9(11):1795-1809.
    PMID: 37872262 DOI: 10.1038/s41477-023-01543-5
    Understanding what controls global leaf type variation in trees is crucial for comprehending their role in terrestrial ecosystems, including carbon, water and nutrient dynamics. Yet our understanding of the factors influencing forest leaf types remains incomplete, leaving us uncertain about the global proportions of needle-leaved, broadleaved, evergreen and deciduous trees. To address these gaps, we conducted a global, ground-sourced assessment of forest leaf-type variation by integrating forest inventory data with comprehensive leaf form (broadleaf vs needle-leaf) and habit (evergreen vs deciduous) records. We found that global variation in leaf habit is primarily driven by isothermality and soil characteristics, while leaf form is predominantly driven by temperature. Given these relationships, we estimate that 38% of global tree individuals are needle-leaved evergreen, 29% are broadleaved evergreen, 27% are broadleaved deciduous and 5% are needle-leaved deciduous. The aboveground biomass distribution among these tree types is approximately 21% (126.4 Gt), 54% (335.7 Gt), 22% (136.2 Gt) and 3% (18.7 Gt), respectively. We further project that, depending on future emissions pathways, 17-34% of forested areas will experience climate conditions by the end of the century that currently support a different forest type, highlighting the intensification of climatic stress on existing forests. By quantifying the distribution of tree leaf types and their corresponding biomass, and identifying regions where climate change will exert greatest pressure on current leaf types, our results can help improve predictions of future terrestrial ecosystem functioning and carbon cycling.
    Matched MeSH terms: Plant Leaves/metabolism
  19. The feeding ecology and activity budget of proboscis monkeys
    Matsuda I, Tuuga A, Higashi S
    Am J Primatol, 2009 Jun;71(6):478-92.
    PMID: 19288553 DOI: 10.1002/ajp.20677
    A group of proboscis monkeys (Nasalis larvatus) consisting of an alpha-male, six adult females, and several immatures was observed from May 2005-2006. We collected over 1,968 hr of focal data on the adult male and 1,539 hr of focal data on the six females in a forest along the Menanggul River, Sabah, Malaysia. Availability and seasonal changes in plant species consumed by the focal monkeys were determined by vegetation surveys carried out across an area of 2.15 ha along 200-500 m trails in riverine forest. A total of 188 plant species were consumed by the focal monkeys. The activity budget of members of our study group was 76.5% resting, 19.5% feeding, and 3.5% moving. Young leaves (65.9%) and fruits (25.9%) accounted for the majority of feeding time. Over 90% of fruit feeding involved the consumption of unripe fruits and in the majority of case both the fruit flesh and seeds were eaten. Although fruit eating was rare in some months, during other times of the year time fruit feeding exceeded the time devoted to young leaves. We found that monthly fruit availability was positively related to monthly fruit eating and feeding activity, and seasonal fluctuations in dietary diversity were significantly affected by fruit eating. These results suggest that fruit availability and fruit-eating behaviors are key factors that influence the activity budget of proboscis monkeys. Earlier assumptions that colobine monkeys are obligate folivores do not apply well to proboscis monkeys and certain other colobines. Our findings may help contribute to a better understanding of the dietary adaptations and feeding ecology of Asian colobines.
    Matched MeSH terms: Plant Leaves
  20. Fulltext The efficacy of Morinda citrifolia leaves extracts in diabetic wound treatment
    Xin Ying Chong, Syafiiqa Parlan, Tiu Ling Yii, Dayang Nurafiqah Awang Lokman, Clementine Jrillus, Nur Syamira Zainal Abidin, et al.
    Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2020;16(105):12-0.
    MyJurnal
    Introduction: An economical and alternative diabetic wound care product is needed to address the escalating cost of diabetic wound ulcer treatment in Indonesia. Morindac itrifolia or commonly called noni, is a medicinal plant, dietary supplement, and traditional wound care product. This leaves extract contains antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immune-stimulant, and antimicrobial properties. Trigona honey which is currently used to treat the diabetic wound at Kitamura Wound Specialist Clinic, Pontianak, Indonesia is known for its anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial and anti-proliferative properties. This study aims to compare the effectiveness of Morinda citrifolia leaves extract and Trigona honey in diabetic wound healing. Methods: A quasi-experimental study (a randomized control trial design) was conductedin the clinicon two subjects with diabetic foot ulcers (DFU). Trigona honey and Morinda citrifolia leaves extract packing was done to the ulcer of controlled subject and treatment subject respectively as a primary dressing. DFU assessment was done every 2 days using the MUNGS assessment tool and a wound closure rate for- mula. Wound C&S was analysed using a bacterial count machine. Results: Morinda citrifolia leaves extract was able to promote wound contraction, improved MUNGS score (from 9 to 8), reduced bacteria count significantly (from
    8.51 x 105 to 1.00 x 105), reduced the percentage of slough by 70% and increased granulating tissue by 60% after the first application. Whereas, Trigona honey extract showed no wound contraction but improved MUNGS score (from 11 to 7). However, bacteria count was maintained at the lowest level (1.00 x 105), reduce the percentage of slough by 10%, and only increased granulating tissues by 10% after the first application. Conclusion: Both products were able to promote diabetic wound healing but the Morinda citrifolia leaves extract was found to be more effective, thus concludes the potential use of Morinda citrifolia leaves extract in treating DFU.
    Matched MeSH terms: Plant Leaves
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