This work is an account of the investigations into the chemistry of two Cedrelopsis species from the Ptaeroxylaceae, Cedrelopsis grevei and Cedrelopsis microfoliata and a species from the Mesembryanthemaceae, Khadia alticola, as well as investigations into the synthesis of hydroxylated and prenylated chalcones. Cedrelopsis grevei, commonly called Katrafay, is amongst the many medicinal plants of Madagascar, being used to relieve muscle fatigue when the bark is soaked in hot water. Previous investigations of the wood and stem bark of this plant, have yielded chromones and coumarins and a recent investigation of the stem bark of a specimen collected in the north of Madagascar has yielded two novel limonoids of unusual structure, cedmilinol and cedmiline. The fruit and seed of Cedrelopsis grevei have not been studied previously and a phytochemical investigation of these plant parts was undertaken in this work. The dichloromethane extract of the fruit and seeds yielded, after column chromatography, a dihydrochalcone, uvangoletin, a flavanone, 5,7dimethoxypinocembrin, two simple chalcones, cardamonin and flavokawin Band three prenylated chalcones, 2’-methoxyhelikrausichalcone, cedreprenone and cedrediprenone. Three of these compounds, 2’-methoxyhelikrausichalcone, cedreprenone and cedrediprenone have not been isolated previously. Cedrelopsis microfoliata is another medicinal plant used in Madagascar. The leaves of this plant are used to prepare a decoction for woman to drink after childbirth. This is the first phytochemical investigation of Cedrelopsis microfoliata. The hexane extract of the dried stem bark yielded three compounds after column chromatography, a chalcone, microfolian and two flavanones, microfolione and (+)-agrandol. The dicholoromethane extract of this compound yielded four compounds after column chromatography, three coumarins, cedrecoumarin A, obliquin and microfolicoumarin and a sesquiterpenoid, sesquichamaenol. Four of the compounds isolated from Cedrelopsis microfoliata, microfolidione, microfolione, (+)-agrandol and microfolicoumarin have not been isolated previously. Khadia alticola is one of the species added to "Khadi", a Tswana/South Sotho name for beer brewed traditionally using the fleshy roots of a variety of taxa. Khadia is also reported to be used medicinally by the Manyika people of the Umtali district of Zimbabwe. The phytochemical investigation of the roots of Khadia alticola, which have not been studied previously, was undertaken to determine whether mesembrine type alkaloids were present in this species and thus contributing to the "potency" of the beer brewed traditionally. No mesembrine alkaloids were isolated in this work, however, a common sterol, sitosterol was isolated from the acidic chloroform fraction of the roots of this species and a flavonoid, 3,4',5,7-tetrahydroxyflavan was isolated from the basic chloroform fraction. Two chalcones, 3’,5’-dihydroxychalcone and 2’-hydroxychalcone were synthesised using the Claisen condensation. An isoprenylated acetophenone intermediate and an isoprenylated chalcone were also synthesised. / Thesis (Ph.D.)-University of Natal, Durban, 2001.

A study has been made of three organic complexing reagents , namely dithizone, oxine and cupferron with a view to developing suitable methods for the separation and concentration of Zn, Co, Ni, Pb, Cu, Mn, Ti , V and Mo prior to the spectrometric determination of their concentrations. In particular the influence of pH on the chloroform extraction of ditihizonates, oxinates and cupferrates from aqueous tartrate and citrate solutions and the separation of iron by oxine extraction has been investigated. The development of a method for the chemical concentration and spectrcgraphic determination of Zn, Co, Ni, Pb, Ti, V and Mo is described and the possibility of determining Nn and Cu flame photometrically as part of the analysis scheme is demonstrated. A specially designed slide rule for the calculation of spectrographic results is described. A direct reading spectrometric method for the determination of Zn, Pb and Cu in plant material is presented. The analysis of plant ash for zinc using the 2138 . 6A spectrum line has been studied and a simple, rapid analysis method is described.

The roots and rhizomes of Anemopsis Californica (Nutt.) Hook and Arn. (family Saururaceae) have been used by the early Spanish Americans and Indians to treat a variety of ailments. The plant is commonly known as Yerba del Mansa, Yerba Mansa, or Manza. We decided to investigate the essential oil of Anemopsis Californica in greater detail. The results of our investigation to date are included and described in this thesis.

Research was conducted in Sri Lanka to study the effects of growth stage, chopping length and additives on ensiling characteristics of Guinea-'A' (Panicum maximum - Ecotype-'A') and NB-21 (Pennisetum purpureum Schumac x Pennisetum americanum). The forages were harvested 1, 2 and 3 wk after growth, chopped and ensiled in small laboratory silos (3 liter cardboard cylinders double lined with polyethylene bags) alone or with additions of cassava tuber meal, coconut oil meal and formic acid. Cutting grass at 1 wk increased (P<.05) acetic and lactic acid of silage, compared to 3 wk. Addition of cassava tuber meal and coconut oil meal increased (P<.05) lactic acid and decreased (P<.05) pH and acetic acid of silage, compared with the control. The effects were greater for cassava tuber meal. In a second study 3-wk growth of Guinea-'A' grass was hand chopped to 1.5, 7.5 and 15 cm, and ensiled in small laboratory silos. Lactic and acetic acid of silage increased (P<.01), whereas dry matter loss and pH decreased (P<.05) with fineness of chop. In a third study, 2 and 3 wk growths of Guinea-'A' were harvested and ensiled in 210 liter metal drums, double lined with polyethylene bags, chopped or unchopped. Cutting grass at 2 wk decreased (P<.05) pH and increased (P<.01) lactic acid, compared to 3 wk. Chopping decreased (P<.05) the pH and increased (P<.05) lactic acid and acetic acid of silage. Experiments were also conducted to study the digestibility and palatability by sheep of Guinea-'A' silage prepared in the third study. Apparent digestibility of dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) were higher (P<.01) for 2 wk compared to 3-wk growth. Chopping the grass before ensiling increased (P<.01) the apparent digestibility of DM, CP, NDF, ADF and hemicellulose. No significant differences were observed for DM intake by sheep due to the growth stage, but chopping increased (P<.01) DM intake by 17%. Lengthening the cutting interval of Guinea-'A' and NB-21 resulted in linear increases (P<.01) in DM yield. / Ph. D.

Thesis (MTech (Horticulture))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2018. / Drosanthemum micans and Drosanthemum hallii are endangered succulent shrubs of horticultural and medicinal value. They are restricted to the Succulent Karroo, which is one of the world’s biodiversity hotspots. The species risk extinction from illegal over-harvesting for water-wise gardens, erosion by occasional flush floods from ephemeral rivers, competition from alien invasive species, overgrazing and clearing of land for agriculture and human settlement. Although seeds and cuttings may be used in propagating these species, they often require seasonal collection and planting and cuttings struggle to establish, hence the need for in-vitro propagation as an alternative solution. Thus, the main objective of the study was to develop a method for rapid in-vitro shoot and root multiplication and acclimatization of D. micans and D. hallii. To initiate shoot formation, disinfected leaf and stem nodal explants were cultured in Murashige and Skoog (1962) media supplemented with different rates (0, 10, 20 or 30μM) of 2-isopentyladenine, 6-Benzyladenine and kinetin for D. hallii or 2-isopentyladenine, 6-Benzyladenine and Thiadiazuron for D. micans. Shoots from explants were rooted in varying rates (0, 10, 20 or 30μM) of IAA for root initiation. Three media, which were used in previous studies, were tested for acclimatization of rooted explants in i) vermiculite, ii) sand (50%): vermiculite (50%) or iii) sand (75%): perlite (25%). For quantitative evaluation of plant stress, chlorophyll fluorescence index (Fv/Fm) was measured as a proxy for plant stressf stress. It emerged that stem nodal explants of D. hallii tend to produce multiple shoots whilst leaf explants tended to produce callus when cultured in full-strength Murashige and Skoog (1962). Shoot multiplication was optimal in both D. hallii and D. micans at 10 μM of kinetin. Root formation in both D. hallii and D. micans only occurred when shoots were transferred to a full-strength Murashige and Skoog (1962) media without any phytohormones added. The intensity of tissue browning increased at higher levels of cytokinins, suggesting an interaction of plant growth regulators with exudates from explants. Different acclimatization media tested showed no significant differences in the level of stress (Fv/Fm). It is recommended that Murashige and Skoog (1962) media with10 μM kinetin be used for shoot development and multiplication, followed by transfer of the shoots to fresh full-strength Murashige and Skoog (1962) media without hormones for root development. Acclimatization of the rooted explants was possible in one of the following media: i) vermiculite, ii) sand (50%): vermiculite (50%) or iii) sand (75%): perlite (25%) and in a misted greenhouse (ca. 60% RH), with gradual weekly reductions in humidity by 10% over 2 weeks.

Ingestion of extracts prepared from various medicinal plants to induce or augment labour is common amongst Black South African women during the late stages of pregnancy. This applies particularly to the rural areas where modern health care facilities are often lacking. Many of these plants have not been investigated scientifically and one needs to substantiate claims of quality, safety and efficacy. Furthermore, it is believed that the consumption of these plant extracts can result in foetal meconium staining at delivery. An investigation into the uterotonic properties of three plants viz. Ekebergia capensis Sparrm. Clivia miniata (Lindl.) Regel. and Grewia occidentalis L. were carried out using guinea pig uterine smooth muscle in vitro. Supercritical fluid extraction was performed with water modified supercritical carbon dioxide to extract the uterotonic components. An attempt was also made to couple supercritical fluid extraction directly on-line to the bioassay so that on line screening of crude plant extracts could be performed within short periods of time. The effects of supercritical CO2 decompression on temperature and pH of the muscle bathing solution were considered since these factors affect muscle contractility. The direct effects of excess CO2 on intracellular mechanisms were eliminated by constructing a CO2 reduction interface together with passage of carbogen which aided in the rapid displacement of excess CO2, As samples of these extracts were found to induce muscle contraction, supercritical fluid fractionation (SFF) was performed by sequentially increasing the fluid density. Extracted fractions were obtained by sequentially increasing the pressure at constant temperature and modifier concentration in an attempt to identify the active fractions. Extractions were performed at 200 atm, 300 atm and 400 atm respectively. Subsequent testing of these fractions enabled the detection of active and inactive fractions as well as a fraction that had a spasmolytic effect on uterine muscle. The 400 atm extracts of E. capensis and C. miniata displayed maximum activity while only the 300 atm extract of G. occidentalis induced uterine muscle contraction. Subsequent analysis of the sequentially extracted fractions, by high performance liquid chromatography and micellar electrokinetic capillary chromatography revealed that certain compounds present in the fractions that stimulated muscle contraction, were sensitive to the extraction pressure hence making it possible to determine the compounds that were likely to be active. Column chromatography followed by various spectroscopic techniques were performed in an attempt to isolate and elucidate the structures of the compounds that were present in the plant extracts. The extract of Ekebergia capensis yielded five known compounds (B-sitosterol, oleanonic acid, 3-epioleanolic acid, 2,3,22,23-tetrahydroxy-2,6,1 0, 15,19 ,23-hexamethyl-6, 10, 14, 18- tetracosatetrene and 7-hydroxy-6-methoxy coumarin. The extract of Clivia miniata yieded linoleic acid and 5-hydroxymethyl-2-furancarboxaldehyde while the extract of Grewia occidentalis yielded 3-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-2-propenal, a novel compound 2,2' ,6,6'-tetramethoxy-4'-al-4-(w-oxo-E-propenyl)-biphenyl and oleanonic acid. The pure compounds were further evaluated pharmacologically to identify the active components and assess the physiological mode of action by the use of various receptor blockers. Oleanonic acid, 3-epioleanolic acid, linoleic acid and 5- hydroxymethyl-2-furancarboxaldehyde and 3-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-2-propenal were found to induce an agonistic muscle response. All these compounds were observed to mediate their effects through the cholinergic receptors. The results obtained in this study supports the claim of these plants possessing uterotonic properties. / Thesis (Ph.D.)-University of Natal, Durban, 1997.

This study was undertaken to redress the scant knowledge regarding the chemistry and mode of action of pregnancy-related traditional medicines, or isihlambezo (Zulu), which are used by 60 to 80% of women in South Africa. The three selected plants are among the six most frequently cited species from the approximately 90 used by traditional healers. The purpose of the study was to identify components which could cause uterine contractions, those with nutritional value for the foetus and mother, and those with any toxic effects. Plant root extracts were purified via silica gel column chromatography and bioassays were carried out on the fractions, using isolated rat uterine tissue. Purified compounds were identified via spectral techniques, and some were characterised by comparison to authentic standards using HPLC, and others by matching their GC-MS spectra to library standards. Thirty-eight compounds were identified in total, the majority of these being novel to the species concerned. Those isolated from Combretum kraussii were 1 sitosterol, 2 combretastatin, 3 3',4-tri-O-methylellagic acid, 4 combretastatin B-1, 5 combretastatin A-1, 6 3,3'-di-O-ellagic acid lactone, 7a ellagic acid lactone, 7b ellagic acid, 8 and 9 a mixture of combretastatin B-1 and A-1 glucosides, 10 and 11 partly characterised glucosides of ellagic acid. Those isolated from Gunnera perpensa were 12 3',4-tri-methylellagic acid, 13 ellagic acid lactone, 14 1,1'-biphenyl-4,4'-diacetic acid, 15 p-hydroxybenzaldehyde, 16 Z-methyl lespedezate, 17 and 18 partly characterized higher glucosides of Z-methyllespedezate. Those isolated rom Rhoicissus tridentata were 19 (-)-epigallocatechin, 20 (+)-gallocatechin, 21 procyanidin B3, 22 procyanidin B4, 23 (+)-catechin hydrate, 24 (+)-mollisacacidin, 25 (+)-epicatechin, 26 fisetinidol-(4a-8) catechin, 27 (-)-fisetinidol, 28 fisetinidol-(4b-8)catechin, 29 gallic acid, 30 epicatechin-3-0-gallate, 31 partly characterized hydrogel of glucose, 32 sitosterol, 33 sitosterolin, 34 y-sitosterol, 35 oleanolic acid, 36 lupen-3-one, 37 20-epi-y-taraxastananol and 38 triacontanol. The compounds with the greatest in vitro uteroactivity were predominantly proanthocyanidins or phenolic glucosides. It is proposed that effects of phenolic glucosides could be due to the interaction of the sugar moiety as well as the phenolic moiety with the receptor site in muscle tissue. The corresponding phenolic aglycones isolated were only moderately uterotonic, or unreactive by comparison. Non-polar compounds such as sitosterol and sitosterolin showed minimal enhancement of the uterine response at low concentrations, and inhibition at higher concentrations. Aqueous root extracts of the plants were all found to be non-toxic according to cell-viability tests using monkey vero cells and human fibroblasts. Extracts are therefore considered safe for human consumption, although it is recommended that Rhoicissus tridentata be used with caution because it showed the lowest cell viability of the three species, and uterine hyperstimulation has been attributed to this species, as well as CNS depression and respiratory arrest. Ions which could be nutritionally beneficial in pregnancy, calcium, iron, and phospate, were present in low in aqueous extracts. Levels of calcium and potassium ions were considered to be too low to directly stimulate uterine muscle. Proanthocyanidins, combretastatins, ellagic acid derivatives and phytosterols, with health-promoting properties, were also identified. / Thesis (Ph.D.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2004.

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CAPES / Atualmente, a biodiversidade é considerada como potente estratégia de segurança alimentar, ecológica e econômica para humanidade. O Brasil é um dos principais centros de diversidade genética de fruteiras silvestres do mundo. Entretanto, pouco se conhece sobre a maioria destas espécies. Na região Sudoeste do Paraná essa diversidade pode ser encontrada, porém, devido a ação antrópica percebe-se nos últimos anos a fragmentação do ecossistema, ocasionando crescente erosão genética, perdendo-se genótipos de fruteiras nativas potenciais. Desse modo, a conservação dos recursos genéticos é primordial para estratégias de redução dos danos cau-sados ao meio ambiente e da falta de informações técnicas para potencializar o uso das mes-mas. Este trabalho teve por objetivo coletar informações para criação de redes de conservação on farm em quatro municípios da Fitofisionomia Floresta com Araucária. O presente trabalho foi conduzido em propriedades rurais de Dois Vizinhos, Itapejara do Oeste, Verê e São Jorge d'Oeste (PR). Foi estabelecido plano de ações junto às comunidades rurais dos referidos mu-nicípios por meio de coleta de informações com agentes considerados chaves no processo, buscando-se o maior número de agricultores familiares que possuíam em suas propriedades as fruteiras nativas pitangueira, jabuticabeira, uvaieira, cerejeira-do-mato, guabirobeira, guabiju-zeiro, sete capoteiro, goiabeira serrana, araçazeiros amarelo e vermelho. Foi aplicado questio-nário semi-estruturado, que versou questões da presença, manejo e uso de fruteiras Myrtacea-es em suas propriedades e o termo de consentimento livre esclarecido. Fez-se o levantamento do número e das fruteiras nativas presentes em cada propriedade. Foi realizada a caracteriza-ção de cada unidade familiar em termos da diversidade manejada e usada de fruteiras nativas. Realizou-se a coleta de solo em 200 propriedades com presença de pelo menos alguma frutei-ra nativa de ocorrência natural, a fim de determinar a preferência das espécies em relação as características químicas do solo. Os quatro municípios levantados apresentam fruteiras nativas em quantidade e em diversidade para criação da rede de conservação on farm, com os agricul-tores demonstrando-se compromissados e conscientes de seu papel como guardiões deste pa-trimônio da humanidade. / Currently, the biodiversity is considered as a powerful food security strategy, ecological and economical for humanity. Brazil is one of the main centers of genetic diversity of native fruit in the world. However, little is known about most of these species. In southwestern Paraná region, this diversity can be found, however, due to human action to increase genetic erosion, it is losing genotypes with potential for use. Thus, the conservation of genetic resources is essential for reduction strategies for damage caused to the environment and the lack of tech-nical information to increase the use of them. This study aimed to obtain information for cre-ating on farm net conservation in four citties this region. This study was carried out in rural properties from Dois Vizinhos, Itapejara D’Oeste, Verê and São Jorge D'Oeste citties, Paraná State, Brazil. It was action plan was established with the rural communities through gathering information with agents considered key in the process, it seeking the greatest number of farm-ers who had their properties in the native fruits as pitanga, jabuticaba, uvaia, cereja-do-mato, guabiroba, guabiju, sete capote, goiaba serrana, araça amarelo e vermelho trees. Semi-structured questionnaire was applied, which concerned issues of presence, handling and use of Myrtaceae fruit trees on their properties and informed consent term. There was a survey of the number and native fruits present in each property. The characterization of each household in terms of diversity handled and used in native fruit was performed. It was realized the soil col-lect in 200 properties with the presence of at least some native fruit tree naturally occurring, in order to determine the preference of the species for the chemical characteristics of the soil. The four citties have native fruits trees in quantity and diversity for the creation of on farm net conservation, with farmers demonstrating knowledge of their role as guardians of this heritage of humanity.

CAPES / Atualmente, a biodiversidade é considerada como potente estratégia de segurança alimentar, ecológica e econômica para humanidade. O Brasil é um dos principais centros de diversidade genética de fruteiras silvestres do mundo. Entretanto, pouco se conhece sobre a maioria destas espécies. Na região Sudoeste do Paraná essa diversidade pode ser encontrada, porém, devido a ação antrópica percebe-se nos últimos anos a fragmentação do ecossistema, ocasionando crescente erosão genética, perdendo-se genótipos de fruteiras nativas potenciais. Desse modo, a conservação dos recursos genéticos é primordial para estratégias de redução dos danos cau-sados ao meio ambiente e da falta de informações técnicas para potencializar o uso das mes-mas. Este trabalho teve por objetivo coletar informações para criação de redes de conservação on farm em quatro municípios da Fitofisionomia Floresta com Araucária. O presente trabalho foi conduzido em propriedades rurais de Dois Vizinhos, Itapejara do Oeste, Verê e São Jorge d'Oeste (PR). Foi estabelecido plano de ações junto às comunidades rurais dos referidos mu-nicípios por meio de coleta de informações com agentes considerados chaves no processo, buscando-se o maior número de agricultores familiares que possuíam em suas propriedades as fruteiras nativas pitangueira, jabuticabeira, uvaieira, cerejeira-do-mato, guabirobeira, guabiju-zeiro, sete capoteiro, goiabeira serrana, araçazeiros amarelo e vermelho. Foi aplicado questio-nário semi-estruturado, que versou questões da presença, manejo e uso de fruteiras Myrtacea-es em suas propriedades e o termo de consentimento livre esclarecido. Fez-se o levantamento do número e das fruteiras nativas presentes em cada propriedade. Foi realizada a caracteriza-ção de cada unidade familiar em termos da diversidade manejada e usada de fruteiras nativas. Realizou-se a coleta de solo em 200 propriedades com presença de pelo menos alguma frutei-ra nativa de ocorrência natural, a fim de determinar a preferência das espécies em relação as características químicas do solo. Os quatro municípios levantados apresentam fruteiras nativas em quantidade e em diversidade para criação da rede de conservação on farm, com os agricul-tores demonstrando-se compromissados e conscientes de seu papel como guardiões deste pa-trimônio da humanidade. / Currently, the biodiversity is considered as a powerful food security strategy, ecological and economical for humanity. Brazil is one of the main centers of genetic diversity of native fruit in the world. However, little is known about most of these species. In southwestern Paraná region, this diversity can be found, however, due to human action to increase genetic erosion, it is losing genotypes with potential for use. Thus, the conservation of genetic resources is essential for reduction strategies for damage caused to the environment and the lack of tech-nical information to increase the use of them. This study aimed to obtain information for cre-ating on farm net conservation in four citties this region. This study was carried out in rural properties from Dois Vizinhos, Itapejara D’Oeste, Verê and São Jorge D'Oeste citties, Paraná State, Brazil. It was action plan was established with the rural communities through gathering information with agents considered key in the process, it seeking the greatest number of farm-ers who had their properties in the native fruits as pitanga, jabuticaba, uvaia, cereja-do-mato, guabiroba, guabiju, sete capote, goiaba serrana, araça amarelo e vermelho trees. Semi-structured questionnaire was applied, which concerned issues of presence, handling and use of Myrtaceae fruit trees on their properties and informed consent term. There was a survey of the number and native fruits present in each property. The characterization of each household in terms of diversity handled and used in native fruit was performed. It was realized the soil col-lect in 200 properties with the presence of at least some native fruit tree naturally occurring, in order to determine the preference of the species for the chemical characteristics of the soil. The four citties have native fruits trees in quantity and diversity for the creation of on farm net conservation, with farmers demonstrating knowledge of their role as guardians of this heritage of humanity.