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Uptake of cadmium by the invasive perennial weeds Ranunculus repens and Geranium robertianum under laboratory conditions.

The objective of this study was to compare the accumulation and partitioning of cadmium (Cd) in a fibrous versus a tap root weed, Ranunculus repens and Geranium robertianum respectively. To meet this objective, we compared the accumulation by and the partitioning of Cd in R repens versus G. robertianum grown in soils spiked with 0.015 grams of Cd for a period of three weeks. The rate of Cd uptake was also compared by following the fate of 109Cd within the root, stem and leaf of the two weeds. Prior to Cd exposure, leaf and stem of control R. repens contained significantly greater amounts of Cd as compared to G. robertianum, whereas Cd concentrations in roots of the control plants for the two species were not significantly different (p > 0.05, student's t-test). Post Cd exposure the two species contained similar amounts of Cd in leaf and stem, however, roots of R. repens contained almost two-fold the amounts of Cd as compared to G. robertianum. Comparison of k (h(-1), rate of 109Cd uptake) for stem, leaf and root of the two species indicated that G. robertianum accumulated 109Cd over the first 24-48 h at a faster rate as compared to R. repens. For both species and all three organs, maximum accumulation of 109Cd occurred within the first 24-48 h. Our findings indicate that the fate of Cd within these two species is quite different with the fibrous root of R. repens serving to accumulate and store Cd whereas in G. robertianum, Cd is rapidly taken up and tends to be accumulated within its leaf.

Cadmium↗

Sex allocation of females and hermaphrodites in the gynodioecious Geranium sylvaticum.

Seed production and patterns of sex allocation were studied in female and hermaphroditic plants in two gynodioecious populations of Geranium sylvaticum (Geraniaceae). Females produced more flower buds and seeds than hermaphrodites in one of the two study populations. The other female traits measured (pistil biomass, seed number per fruit, individual seed mass) did not differ between the gender morphs. The relative seed fitness of hermaphrodites differed between the study populations, with hermaphrodites gaining less of their fitness through female function in the population with a high frequency of females. However, the amount and size of pollen produced by hermaphrodites did not differ between populations. The number of flower buds was positively correlated with seed production in females, whereas in hermaphrodites a positive correlation between number of buds and seed production was found in only one of the two study populations. These results suggest that fitness gain through female function is labile in hermaphrodites of this species, and is probably affected by environmental factors such as the sex ratio of the population.

Flowers↗

Preferences of pollinators and herbivores in gynodioecious Geranium sylvaticum.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: For the maintenance of gynodioecy (i.e. the coexistence of female and hermaphroditic plants), females need to compensate for the lack of pollen production through higher seed production or better progeny quality compared to hermaphrodites. In Geranium sylvaticum, females produce more seeds per flower than hermaphrodites. This difference in seed production might be modified by biological interactions with pollinators and herbivores that may favour one sex and thus affect the maintenance of gynodioecy. METHODS: Sexual dimorphism in flower size and flowering phenology, and in attractiveness to pollinators, pre-dispersal seed predators and floral herbivores were examined in natural populations of G. sylvaticum. KEY RESULTS: Pollinators preferred hermaphrodites 25 % more often than females in two of the three study populations, and floral herbivores attacked hermaphrodites 15 % more often than females in two of the six study populations. These preferences might be explained by the larger flower size of hermaphrodites. In contrast, seed predators did not prefer either sex. CONCLUSIONS: The data suggest that pollinator preference does not benefit females, whereas the higher floral herbivory of hermaphrodites might enhance the maintenance of females in G. sylvaticum. Thus, although the data support the view that ecological factors may contribute to the maintenance of gynodioecy, they also suggest that these contributions may vary across populations and that they may function in opposite directions.

Adaptation, Physiological↗

Inhibitory effects of pasuchaca (Geranium dielsiaum) extract on alpha-glucosidase in mouse.

The methanolic extract of pasuchaca (Geranium dielsiaum) (PsEx) was found to suppress blood glucose elevation after oral administration of sucrose, maltose, and starch, but not after oral administration of glucose, in the mouse. In vitro examination of the inhibitory effect of PsEx on maltase activity revealed that PsEx strongly inhibited mouse small intestine maltase activity. Taken together, these results suggest that the inhibitory effect of PsEx on alpha-glucosidase activity might contribute to delay in carbohydrate digestion and subsequent lowering of the blood glucose level, thereby leading to prevention and cure of diabetes.

Animals↗

Influenza virus variants with reduced susceptibility to inhibition by a polyphenol extract from Geranium sanguineum L.

A polyphenol extract obtained from the Bulgarian medicinal plant Geranium sanguineum L. (PC) inhibited influenza virus reproduction in vitro, in ovo and in vivo. The inhibitory activity of the plant preparation was proved to be selective and specific. Two variants of the virus A/chicken/Germany/34, strain Rostock (H7N1) (A/Rostock) with reduced drug sensitivity were selected by following passages in chicken embryo fibroblast (CEF) cells in the presence of inhibitory concentrations of the substance and by subsequent purification of resistant plaques (A/Rostock-R). PC affected to a lesser extent the biological activity and the infectivity of the resistant variants compared to the sensitive parent. The lower susceptibility of the variants was consistently observed in contact assay, ELISA, cytopathogenic effect reduction, plaque reduction and infectious virus yield reduction assays. Virus-specific protein synthesis in CEF cells infected with the resistant variants, determined by 35S-labelling and following SDS-PAGE, was also less sensitive to inhibition with PC.

Animals↗

[Cytogenetic investigation of geranium plants in tissue culture].

Cytogenetic study of six cultivars and six selection lines of geranium (Pelargonium spp.), as well as of 100 plants regenerated from callus cultures has been performed. The majority of cultivars and lines had somatic chromosome numbers 2n = 7x = 56. Among regenerated plants of different cultivars (Rozovaja, Dushistaja, Krunk, Aist, Regar) obtained in vitro from various types of explants (internode, petiole) 61% of diploids and 39% aneuploids were revealed. Chromosome numbers in aneuploids varied from 46 to 82, among them 25.6% regenerated plants had 2n = 72; 10.2% -2n = 68; 5.1% -2n = = 64 and 12.8% -2n = 62. Addition of colhicine to nutrient medium increased the number of aneuploid plants.

Aneuploidy↗

[Chemical constituents of Geranium eristemon].

OBJECTIVE: To study the chemical constituents of Geranium eristemon. METHOD: Chromatography and spectral analysis were used to isolate the constituents and elucidate their structures. RESULT: Five compounds were isolated from acetone extract of the whole grass of G. eristemon, and identified as beta-sitosterol, protocatechuic acid, myricetin, kaempferol-7-O-alpha-L-arabifuranoside and kaempferol-3-O-alpha-L-arabifuranoside. CONCLUSION: kaempferol-7-O-alpha-L-arabifuranoside and kaempferol-3-O-alpha-L-arabifuranoside were isolated from G. genus for the first time.

Arabinose↗

Root, stem and leaf anatomy of Geranium palustre Torner Cent. (Geraniaceae).

An anatomical study on the root, stem and leaf of Geranium palustre Torner Cent. has been performed in order to continue our previous researches on this species. Technique of inclusion into paraffin and optical microscope have been used. Root, stem and leaf transverse sections were studied. They contain calcium oxalate crystals as inclusions. The root presents elements of secondary structure (suber, secondary cortex, secondary xylem and phloem). The vascular bundles in the stem can be classified as internal or external and differ in the presence or absence of an own sclerenchyma sheet depending on their age. The vascular bundles of stem are collateral. Leaf structure is bi-facial. Stem and leaf surface have no glandular hairs.

Calcium Oxalate↗

Preliminary HPLC study on some polyphenols of Geranium robertianum L. (Geraniaceae).

In order to continue our previous studies concerning Geranium robertianum L., herb Robert (Geraniaceae), we have realised a HPLC study of some polyphenols using an original method created by a group of young researchers from the University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Cluj-Napoca. We have identified and measured in the dried Geranii robertiani herba (harvested from Valea Runcului, district of Alba-Iulia) the following compounds: hyperoside (3.64 microg/100 mg), ellagic acid (7599.76 microg/100 mg), isoquercitrin (49.49 microg/100 mg), quercetrin (83.92 microg/100 mg), kaempferols (143.43 microg/100 mg), caftaric acid (166.92 microg/100 mg), rutoside (72.23 microg/100 mg). We have also analysed a hydrolysed sample of the same drug in which we have identified and measured: caffeic acid (6.62 microg/100 mg), ellagic acid (10550.65 microg/100 mg), quercetrin (203.44 microg/100 mg), kaempferols (231.80 microg/100 mg), caftaric acid (47.41 microg/100 mg). We have indirectly proved the presence of ellagic tannins (the amount of ellagic acid increases after acid hydrolise) and the existence of bi- or polycaffeoil derivatives (the caffeic acid is present only in the hydrolysed sample). The flavonoid aglycones exist in both forms: as free compounds and as part of the flavonoid molecules.

Antioxidants↗

Polyphenolic compounds from Geranium pratense and their free radical scavenging activities.

Two new polyphenolic compounds, myricetin 3-O-(2"-O-galloyl)-beta-D-glucopyranoside and (-)-6-chloroepicatechin, were isolated from the aerial parts of Geranium pratense subsp. finitimum (Woronow) Knuth, along with three known polyphenolic compounds [quercetin 3-O-(2"-O-galloyl)-beta-D-glucopyranoside, quercetin 3-O-(2"-O-galloyl)-beta-D-galactopyranoside, methyl gallate] and tryptophan. Quercetin 3-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside, quercetin 3-O-beta-D-galactopyranoside, quercetin 3-O-(2"-O-galloyl)-beta-D-glucopyranoside and quercetin 3-O-(2"-O-galloyl)-beta-D-galactopyranoside were found to be effective against free radical induced impairment of endothelium-dependent relaxation in isolated rat aorta.

Animals↗

Purification and characterization of a cationic isoperoxidase from scented-geranium.

A strongly cationic isoperoxidase named PC3 was purified to homogeneity from scented-geranium (Pelargonium graveolens) callus by using DEAE-Sephacel chromatography, CM-cellulose chromatography and Sephacryl S-200 gel filtration, respectively. The enzyme was a glycoprotein with M(r) of ca. 58 kDa estimated by SDS-PAGE and Sephadex G-150 gel filtration. The pI value of the enzyme was 9.1. Kinetic studies revealed that PC3 had a very low K(m) value for scopoletin of 0.01 mM and could use ascorbate as a substrate. Interestingly, PC3 could not oxidize ferulic acid as a substrate. Chemical modification of the enzyme showed that PC3 was rapidly inactivated by His, Cys, Trp and Lys-specific reagents. The second order rate constants and reaction orders with respect to these inactivations were determined. Notably, ca. 4-7-fold activity boosting of PC3 occurred by adenine and imidazole when anilino substrates, such as o-dianisidine and o-phenylenediamine were oxidized, whereas this activity boosting did not occur when several phenolic substrates were used.

Chromatography, Gel↗

In vitro anti-influenza virus activity of a plant preparation from Geranium sanguineum L.

A polyphenolic complex (PC), isolated from the Bulgarian medicinal plant Geranium sanguineum L., was shown to have selective anti-influenza activity in vitro. Expression of HA on the surface of cells infected with A/chicken/Rostock/34, virus-induced cytopathic effect, infectious virus yield and plaque formation were all reduced at non-toxic concentrations of PC. Synthesis of virus proteins was also selectively inhibited. High concentrations of PC (> 200 microg/ml) exhibited a strong virucidal effect. Although the action was directed against an early stage of infection (within 3 h of infection), the process directly affected was not identified. The selectivity of antiviral action was confirmed by the variation in sensitivity of different influenza viruses to PC and the selection of variants with reduced drug sensitivity.

Animals↗

Antiherpes virus activity of extracts from the medicinal plant Geranium sanguineum L.

The herpes virus inhibitory effect of five extracts from the Bulgarian medicinal plant Geranium sanguineum L. (Geraniaceae) was investigated. The water extract (WE) from the aerial roots of the plant was the least toxic for cell cultures and inhibited significantly the replication of herpes simplex virus type 1 and type 2 (EC50 = 3.6-6.2 microg/ml) as shown by the reduction of virus induced cytopathogenic effect (CPE) and the protection of cells in MTT assay. The inhibition was dose-related, strain-specific and depended on virus inoculum. In higher concentrations (MIC90 = 120 microg/ml) the preparation exhibited strong extracellular virus inactivating activity. The presence of WE throughout the whole replicative cycle was necessary for the full expression of the antiviral effect. In a preliminary experiment in albino guinea pigs the extract delayed the development of herpetic vesicles following primary infection with HSV-1, strain Kupka. Phytochemical investigation of the plant preparation revealed the presence of flavonoids, catechins, a polyphenolic acid and condensed tannins. The inhibitory effect of the extract on herpes simplex virus replication is related to the rich content of polyphenol compounds.

Animals↗

Geranins A and B, new antiprotozoal A-type proanthocyanidins from Geranium niveum.

Bioassay-guided fractionation of the antiprotozoal extract of Geranium niveum led to the isolation of two new A-type proanthocyanidins, epi-afzelechin-(4beta-->8, 2beta-->O-->7)-afzelechin (1) and epi-catechin-(4beta-->8, 2beta-->O-->7)-afzelechin (2). Compounds 1 and 2 were given the trivial names of geranins A and B, respectively. In addition, five known compounds, mahuannin B (3), reynoutrin (4), hyperin (5), methyl gallate (6), and 3-beta-caffeoyl-12-oleanen-28-oic acid (7), were obtained. The structures of the new proanthocyanidins were elucidated by spectroscopic and chemical methods as well as CD measurements. Compounds 1, 2, and 4-7 were tested against axenically grown trophozoites of Giardia lamblia and Entamoeba histolytica.

Animals↗

Geranins C and D, additional new antiprotozoal A-type proanthocyanidins from Geranium niveum.

Two new additional A-type proanthocyanidins have been isolated from Geranium niveum. Their structures were determined by spectroscopic, chemical and chiroptical methods as epi-afzelechin-(4beta-->8,2beta-->O-->7)-gallocatechin (1) and epi-afzelechin-(4beta-->8,2beta-->O-->7)-afzelechin-(4beta-->8,2beta-->O-->7)-afzelechin (2). Proanthocyanidins 1 and 2 were given the trivial names of geranins C and D, respectively. Compound 2 showed moderate antiprotozoal activity against Entamoeba histolytica and Giardia lamblia, whereas 1 exhibited weak activity toward E. histolytica.

Animals↗

Purification and characterization of an anionic isoperoxidase from scented-geranium callus.

Secretory anionic isoperoxidase (EC 1.11.1.7), named PA1, was 68-fold purified from scented-geranium (Pelargonium graveolense) callus by using ion exchange chromatography and gel filtration. Isoperoxidase PA1 was a glycoprotein with an isoelectric point (pI) of 4.0. The molecular weight of PA1 was approximately 42.5 and 44 kDa, estimated by SDS-PAGE and Sephadex G-150 gel filtration, respectively. The optimum pH of the enzyme was 5.0 for guaiacol and H2O2, and the Km values for guaiacol and H2O2 were 1.96 and 8.5mM, respectively. Substrate studies in terms of optimum pHs and Km values with various synthetic and naturally occurring phenolic compounds were performed. In comparison with cationic isoperoxidase, PC3, which has been already characterized, anionic isoperoxidase PA1 had much lower Km values for synthetic phenolic compounds and much higher Km values for naturally occurring phenolic compounds than PC3. Moreover, anionic isoperoxidase PA1 could utilize ferulic acid as a substrate very well, while cationic isoperoxidase PC3 could not utilize ferulic acid as a substrate.

Chromatography, Gel↗

Sulfur Dioxide Flux into Leaves of Geranium carolinianum L. : Evidence for a Nonstomatal or Residual Resistance.

The concurrent exchange of SO(2) and H(2)O vapor between the atmosphere and foliage of Geranium carolinianum was investigated using a whole-plant gas exchange chamber. Total leaf flux of SO(2) was partitioned into leaf surface and internal fractions. The emission rate of SO(2)-induced H(2)S was measured to develop a net leaf budget for atmospherically derived sulfur. Stomatal resistance to SO(2) flux was estimated by two techniques: (a) R(s) (SO(2)') from SO(2) data using analog modeling techniques and (b) R(s) (SO(2) ) from analogy to H(2)O (i.e. 1.89 R(s) (H(2)o)).The emission of H(2)S was positively correlated with the rate of SO(2) flux into the leaf interior. An accounting of the simultaneous, bidirectional flux of gaseous sulfur compounds during pollutant exposure showed that sulfur accumulation in the leaf interior of G. carolinianum was 7 to 15% lower than that estimated solely from mass-balance calculations of SO(2) flux data (i.e. ignoring H(2)S emissions).The esimate of stomatal resistance to pollutant flux from the SO(2) data (R(s) (SO(2)')) was consistently less than the simultaneous estimate derived from analogy to H(2)O vapor (R(s) (SO(2) )). The resultant of R(s) (SO(2)') - R(s) (SO(2) ), which was always negative, is indicative of a residual resistance to SO(2) flux into the leaf interior. On a comparative basis, SO(2) molecules experienced less pathway resistance to diffusion than effluxing H(2)O molecules. It is proposed that the SO(2):H(2)O path length ratio is less than unity, as a consequence of the pollutant's high water solubility and unique chemical reactivity in solution. Thus, the diffusive paths for H(2)O and SO(2) in G. carolinianum are not completely synonymous.

Journal Article↗