7 /
Ss -

~~ COMPOSITAE &
* NEWSLETIER

Number 35 1 September 2000

Scientific Editor: Berti. NORDENSTAM

Technical Editor: GuUNNEL WiréNtus NOHLIN

Published and distributed by The Swedish Museum of Natural History,
Department of Phanerogamic Botany,

P.O. Box 50007, SE-104 05 Stockholm, Sweden

(Director: Professor Berti. NORDENSTAM) ISSN 0284-8422

ConrTENTS

J. J. CANTERO, L. PeTRYNA & C. Nunez: The family Asteraceae in central ‘2
Argentina 1

M. Rar & D. Acuarya: Search for fungitoxic potential in essential oils of
Asteraceous plants 18

M. S. AyopeLe: A survey of the natural populations of Vernonia species

in Nigeria 24
A. K. Panpey, S. M. JHA & Min Ras DuaKAL: Seed coat, pericarp and

pseudopericarp in Caesulia axillaris Roxs. (Asteraceae) 37

A. Granpa Paucar: Diplostephium tovari CUATRECASAS, anew synonym for S
Parastrephia lucida (MEYEN) CABRERA (Compositae-Astereae) 44

M. Rar: Antimycotic and anticancerous efficiency of naturally occurring .
sesquiterpenes in Asteraceae: A review 48—"

Comp. Newsl. 35, 2000 1

The family Asteraceae in central Argentina

JUAN José CANTERO*, LetiziA PeTRYNA & CESAR NUNEZ
Universidad Nacional de Rio Cuarto
Facultad de Agronomia y Veterinaria
Agencia Postal N°3, Rio Cuarto, Argentina
* Author for correspondence; e-mail: jcantero@ayy.unrc.edu.ar

Abstract

A survey of the family Asteraceae in central Argentina is presented. The paper includes
distributional information and uses of 92 genera and 179 species. Baccharis is the
dominant genus represented by 16 species.

Introduction

Argentina is the second-largest country in South America, with a surface of 2,778,853
km? and with 10,400 species of vascular plants. The family Asteraceae is well
represented in Argentina, with 1,400 species and over 200 genera (CABRERA 1978).
Central Argentina encompasses a great diversity of ecosystems occupying different
landscapes, like mountains and wetlands (Fig.1). These are vulnerable habitats and
are all subjected to change by grazing. Grazing by livestock is the anthropogenic
impact with the most widespread ecological influence. Another large proportion of
these extremely complex natural systems has been destroyed by agriculture during
the last 100 years generating a strong fragmentation of habitats and causing a
considerable biodiversity loss. Natural reserves, where ploughing is not feasible and
whose original (climax) vegetation remains, are the mountain landscape (Sierras de
Cordoba) and the depression of southern Cérdoba province (salt marshes). Prior to
defining any management strategies or using models to predict the consequences of
the habitat loss and fragmentation for these ecosystems, it is necessary to know the
species composition and diversity, and their variation in space and time. Ecological
studies in central Argentina have been the subject of other publications (CANTERO &
LEON 1996, 1999, Cantero et al. 1998 a-b, 1999), but a record of Asteraceae, the
largest family of vascular plants in this region, is still missing. This paper enumerates
the species of Asteraceae found in central Argentina landscapes during the last 20
years.

i]

Comp. Newsl. 35, 2000

Study Area and Methods

Field studies were carried out in central Argentina (33°S — 35°S ; 62°W — 65° 20’W,
Fig.1) during 20 years (1979-1999). The majority of landscapes, along a very sharp
altitudinal gradient, from 250 m eastern, up to 1800 m western, were selected. Speci-
mens of all Asteraceae occurring in this region were carefully collected. Abundance,
distribution, and 1200 vegetation relevés already done in the same study area as well
as some different vegetational systems, were evaluated (CANTERO & Branco 1986,
CanTEro et al. 1998 a-b, 1999). The phytosociological relevés, which were performed
in an 1 m? sampling area, were based on BRAUN-BLANQUET (1979). In order to express
the relative abundance of the different species of Asteraceae the following scale was
selected:

l= very scarce, 2= scarce, 3= fairly abundant, 4= abundant, 5= very common.

The habitat of species studied, is indicated (Fig.1) according to the following code:
I= mountains; [I= dry plains; [I= wet plains; [V= wetlands; V= sandy plains.

Each species is attributed the value indicating its relative abundance followed by the
Roman numeral pointing out the habitat (Fig.1) where the species occurs. All species
are documented with vouchers in the Herbarium of the National University of Rio
Cuarto (RIOC). Their pharmaceutical uses were in many instances recorded with

local people. Generic delimitation is based on CaBreRA (1961), and species were
identified according to CABRERA (1963,1971,1974 and 1978).

Systematic Enumeration
1. Acanthospermum australe (LoEFL.) KUNTZE , Rev. Gen. Pl. 1: 303. 1891.
(RIOC 652), Fl & Fr: Mar/Apr. 2. I-II-III. Medicine. Weed.

2. Acanthospermum hispidum DC., Prodr. 5: 522. 1836.
(RIOC 2352), Fl & Fr: Dec/Jan. 2. I. Medicine, Weed.

3. | Achyrocline alata (KuntH) DC., Prodr. 6: 221. 1837.
(RIOC 639), Fl & Fr: Mar/Apr. 1. I. Medicine.

4. Achyrocline flaccida (WeE1nM.) DC., Prodr. 6: 220. 1837.
(RIOC 1890), Fl & Fr: Feb/Mar.1. I. Medicine.

5. Achyrocline satureioides (Lam.) DC., Prodr. 6: 220. 1837.
(RIOC 4658), Fl & Fr: Mar/Apr. 4. I-II-II. Medicine.

Comp. Newsl. 35, 2000

12.

13:

14.

1S:

16.

Wi

18.

19:

20.

Achyrocline venosa Russy, Mem. Torrey Bot. Club 3 (3): 57. 1893.
(RIOC 1274), Fl & Fr: Apr/May. 2. I. Medicine.

Ambrosia tenuifolia SPpRENG., Syst. Veg. 3: 851. 1826.
(RIOC 3780), Fl & Fr Apr/May. 5. I-II-II-IV-V-VI. Medicine, Weed.

Anthemis cotula L., Sp. Pl. 2: 894. 1753.
(RIOC 476), Fl & Fr: Dec/Jan. 4. III-IV- VI. Medicine, Weed.

Arctium minus (HILL) BERNH., Syst. Verz. Pfl. Erfurt. 154. 1800.
(RIOC 1577), Fl & Fr: Feb/Mar.4. I-II-III. Weed, Medicine.

Artemisia annua L., Sp. Pl. 2: 847. 1753.
(RIOC 595), Fl & Fr: Mar/Apr.3. I-VI. Weed.

Artemisia verlotiorum Lamotte, Mem. Asoc. Franc. Cong. Clerm. Ferr.:
511. 1876.
(RIOC 3791), Fl & Fr. Apr/May. 3. I-VI. Weed.

Aster squamatus (SPRENG.) HIERON., Bot. Jahrb. 29: 19. 1901.
(RIOC 3669), Fl & Fr: Mar/Apr. 5. I-I0-VI. Weed.

Austroliabum candidum (Grises.) H. Ros. & BRETTELL,
Phytologia 28 (1): 48. 1974.
(RIOC 530), Fl & Fr: Jun/Feb. 2. I. Ornamental.

Baccharis artemisioides Hoox. & Arn., J. Bot. 3: 41. 1841.
(RIOC 681), Fl & Fr: Feb/Mar. 5. I. Weed, Toxic.

Baccharis articulata (LaM .) Pers., Syn. Pl. 2: 425. 1807.
(RIOC 1801), Fl & Fr: Dec/Jan. 5. If. Medicine, Weed.

Baccharis cordobensis HERRING, Jahrb. Hamburg.
Wissensch. Anst. 31: 132. 1914.
(RIOC 2389), Fl & Fr: Dec/Jan . 3. I-III.

Baccharis coridifolia DC., Prodr. 5: 422. 1836.
(RIOC 634), Fl & Fr: Mar/Apr. I-III. Weed, Medicine, Toxic.

Baccharis crispa SprENG., Syst. Veget. 3: 466. 1826.
(RIOC 284), Fl & Fr: Apr/Mar. 3. III-IV. Medicine.

Baccharis darwinii Hoox. & Arn., Hooker’s J. Bot. 3: 39. 1841.
(RIOC 1565), Fl & Fr: Mar/Apr.4. TI.

Baccharis flabellata Hoox. & Arn., Hooker’s J. Bot. 3: 28. 1841.
(RIOC 685), Fl & Fr: Mar/Apr.4. I.

He)

30.

a

32:

a3:

34.

aD,

Comp. Newsl. 35, 2000

Baccharis genistifolia DC., Prodr. 5: 423. 1836.
(RIOC 1004), Fl & Fr: Mar/Apr. 3. II.

Baccharis gilliesii A. GRAY, Proc. Amer. Acad.. Arts and Scienc. 5: 123. 1862.
(RIOC 411), Fl & Fr: Oct/ Nov. 4. TII-IV. Weed.

Baccharis juncea (LExM.) Desr., Cat. Hort. Paris, ed. 3: 163. 1829.
(RIOC 3631), Fl & Fr: Mar/Apr. 5. II-VI. Weed.

Baccharis melanopotamica Spec., Anal. Soc. Cient. Argent. 48: 189. 1899.
(RIOC 1581), Fl & Fr: Feb/Mar. 4. IV.

Baccharis pingraea DC., Prodr. 5: 420. 1836.
(RIOC 1285), Fl & Fr: May/Jun. 5. II-III-VI. Medicine, Weed.

Baccharis rufescens SprENG., Syst. Veget. 3: 464. 1826.
(RIOC 1943), Fl & Fr: May/Jun. 4. I.

Baccharis salicifolia (Ruiz. & Pav.) Pers., Syn. Pl. 2: 425. 1807.
(RIOC 3782), Fl & Fr: May/Jun. 5. I-I[I-IV-VI. Medicine.

Baccharis stenophylla Ariza, Bol. Soc. Acad. Nac. Cienc. Cérdoba:
ZAI 1973.
(RIOC 1595), Fl & Fr: Feb/Mar. 5. I-III.

Baccharis ulicina Hoox. & Arn., Hooker’s J. Bot. 3: 38. 1841.
(RIOC 1043), Fl & Fr: Apr/May.S. I-II-II-IV. Weed.

Berroa gnaphalioides (Less.) BEAUVERD, Bull. Soc. Bot. Genéve,
DEUSeE S271 OS:
(RIOC 2307), Fl & Fr: Feb/Mar. 2.VI. Weed.

Bidens laevis (L.) B. S. P., Prelim. Cat. N. Y.: 29. 1888.
(RIOC 3509), Fl & Fr: Mar/Apr.4. III. Weed.

Bidens pilosa L., Sp. Pl., 2: 832. 1753.
(RIOC 1097), Fl & Fr: Mar/Apr. 5. III. Weed, Medicine.

Bidens subalternans DC., Prodr. 5: 600. 1836.
(RIOC 1904), Fl & Fr: Apr/May. 5. III. Weed, Medicine.

Bidens triplinervia H.B.K., Nov. Gen. Sp. Pl. 4: 182. 1820.
(RIOC 4018), Fl & Fr: Apr/May. 5.1. Weed.

Carduus acanthoides L., Sp. Pl. 2: 821. 1753.
(RIOC 3118), Fl & Fr: Nov/Dec. 5. III. Weed.

Comp. Newsl. 35, 2000

36.

ot

38.

39

40.

41.

42.

43.

44.

45.

46.

47.

48.

49.

50.

SE

Carduus thoermeri WEIM., Bull. Soc. Naturalistes Moscou 10 (7): 69. 1837.
(RIOC 1680), Jun/Jul. 5. III. Weed.

Centaurea calcitrapa L., Sp. Pl. 2: 917. 1753.
(RIOC 1203), Fl & Fr: Dec/Jan. 3. III. Medicine, Weed.

Centaurea diffusa Lam., Encycl. 1: 675. 1783.
(RIOC 1125), Fl & Fr: Dec/Jan.5. I-IIJ-IV. Weed, Medicine.

Centaurea solstitialis L., Sp. Pl. 2: 917. 1753.
(RIOC 1755), Fl & Fr: Dec/Jan. 5. III. Weed.

Chaptalia integerrima (VELL.) BurKArT, Darwiniana 6 (4): 576. 1944.
(RIOC 1171), Fl & Fr: Dec/Jan.3. I.

Chaptalia nutans (L.) HEmsv., Linnaea 41: 582. 1877.
(RIOC 305), Fl & Fr: Sep/ Oct.4. III. Medicine.

Chaptalia sinuata (Less.) BAKER, in Martius, Fl. Bras. 6 (3): 378. 1884.
(RIOC 1177), Fl & Fr: Dec/Jan. 2. I. Medicine.

Chevreulia acuminata Less., Linnaea 5: 261. 1830.
(RIOC 1312), Fl & Fr: Jun/Jul.5. I.

Chevreulia sarmentosa (PERS.) BLAKE, Proc. Biol. Soc. Wash. 38: 85. 1925.
(RIOC 1700), Fl & Fr: Nov. Dec. 4. I. Weed.

Chrysanthellum tuberculatum (Hook. & ARN.) CABRERA, Bol. Soc. Argent.
Bot. 15: 117. 1863.
(RIOC 1856), Fl & Fr: Feb/Mar. 3. I-III.

Chrysanthemum parthenium (L.) Brrn., Syst. Verz. Pfl. Erfurt.: 145. 1800.
(RIOC 1954), Fl & Fr: May/Jun. 3. I. Weed.

Cichorium intybus L., Sp. Pl. 2: 813. 1753.
(RIOC 1256), Fl & Fr: Feb/Mar. 4.III Medicine, Weed.

Cirsium vulgare (Savi) TEN., Fl. Napol. 5: 209. 1835-36.
(RIOC 988), Fl & Fr: Feb/Mar. 5. III-IV. Weed.

Conyza bonariensis (L.) CRoNQuIsT, Bull. Torrey Bot. Club 70: 632. 1943.
(RIOC 387), Fl & Fr: Nov/Dec.5.IJ-III-IV. Medicine, Weed.

Conyza chilensis SpRENG., Novi Proventus: 14. 1819.
(RIOC 1217), Fl & Fr: Dec/Jan.4. I. Weed.

Conyza floribunda H.B.K., Nov. Gen. Sp. Pl. 4: 73. 1820.
(RIOC 1024), Mar/Apr. 4. III. Weed.

32:

33.

54.

33:

56.

Sip

58.

59:

60.

61.

62.

63.

64.

65.

66.

Comp. Newsl. 35, 2000

Conyza monorchis (GrisEB.) CABRERA, Manual Flora Buenos Aires:
480. 1953.
(RIOC 2177), Fl & Fr: Dec/Jan. 3. V.

Conyza sophiaefolia H.B.K., Nov. Gen. Sp. 4: 72, Tab. 326. 1820.
(RIOC 536), Fl & Fr: Jan/Feb.3. I.

Cosmos bipinnatus Cav., Icon. 1:10.t. 14. 1791.
(RIOC 754), Fl & Fr: Apr/May. 4. I-II. Ornamental.

Cosmos sulphureus Cav., Icon.1:56.t.79.1791.
(RIOC 2027), Fl & Fr: Apr/Mar. 2.111. Ornamental.

Cotula australis (SpRENG.) Hook. fil., Fl. Nov. Zel.: 128. 1853.
(RIOC 1301), Fl & Fr: Aug/Sep. 5. I-III. Weed.

Cotula coronopifolia L., Sp. Pl. 2: 892. 1753.
(RIOC 1483), Fl & Fr: Oct/Nov. 1-1.

Crepis setosa Hatter f., Arch. Bot. (RoEMER) 1 (2): 1. 1797.
(RIOC 4132), Fl & Fr: Nov/Dec. 2.III. Weed.

Cyclolepis genistoides D. Don, Philos. Mag. 11: 392. 1832.
(RIOC 2032), Fl & Fr: Sep/Oct. 5. V-VI. Medicine.

Cynara cardunculus L., Sp. Pl. 2: 827. 1753.
(RIOC 1543), Fl & Fr: Dec/Jan. 4. IV. Weed.

Eclipta prostrata (L.) L., Mantissa Pl. Alt.: 286. 1771.
(RIOC 1664), Fl & Fr: Mar/Apr. 3. VI.

Erechthites hieracifolia (L.) Rar. var. cacalioides (FisH.) GRISEB.,
FI. Brit. W. Ind.: 381. 1861.
(RIOC 1888), Fl & Fr: Mar/Apr. 1. I. Weed.

Eupatorium argentinum Ariza, Darwiniana 22 (4): 551.1980.
(RIOC 1922), Fl & Fr: May/Jun. 2. I.

Eupatorium arnottii BAKEr, in Martts, FI. Bras. 6 (2): 323. 1876.
(RIOC 614), Fl & Fr: Mar/Apr. 3.I1-IV.

Eupatorium arnottianum GriseB., Pl. Lorentz.: 119. 1874.
(RIOC 1253), Fl & Fr: Mar/Apr.3.I-I-I1.

Eupatorium artemisiifolium Grises., Symb. Fl. Argent.: 171. 1879.
(RIOC 981), Fl & Fr: Feb/Mar. 4. III. Medicine.

Comp. Newsl. 35, 2000

67.

68.

69.

70.

ke

WZ:

13:

74.

TS.

76.

ik

78.

wo:

80.

81.

Eupatorium buniifolium Hook. & Arn., Comp. Bot. Mag. 1: 240. 1836.
(RIOC 1265), Fl & Fr: Apr/May. 4. I-III. Medicine, Weed.

Eupatorium ceratophyllum Hook. & Arn., Comp. Bot. Mag. 1: 240. 1836.
(RIOC 1978), Fl & Fr: Feb/Mar. 2. VI. Medicine.

Eupatorium clematideum Grises., Symb. Fl. Argent.. 172. 1879.
(RIOC 710), Fl & Fr: Mar/Apr.4. I. Weed.

Eupatorium inulaefolium Kuntu, in H.B.K., Nov. Gen. Sp. Pl. 4: 109. 1820.
(RIOC 1252), Fl & Fr: Mar/Apr. 3. TI. Medicine.

Eupatorium macrocephalum Less., Linnaea 5: 136. 1830.
(RIOC 2357), Fl & Fr: Dec/Jan. 4. I. Weed, Medicine.

Eupatorium subhastatum Hook. & ArNn., Comp. Bot. Mag. 1: 239. 1836.
(RIOC 680), Mar/Apr. 3. I-II-II. Medicine.

Eupatorium viscidum Hook. & ArNn., Comp. Bot. Mag. 1: 241. 1836.
(RIOC 2092), Fl & Fr: Feb/Mar. 2. I.

Facelis retusa (LAM.) Scu. Br., Linnaea 34: 532. 1866.
(RIOC 1377), Fl & Fr. Oct/Nov.5S. [-II-III. Weed.

Flaveria bidentis (L.) Kuntze, Rev. Gen. Pl. 3 (2): 148. 1898.
(RIOC 3781), Fl & Fr: Apr/May. 4. II-VI. Medicine, Weed.

Flaveria haumanii Dmwirri & OrriLA, Tratado de Morfologia y sistematica
Vegetal, Apéndice: 466. 1985.
(RIOC 2018), Fl & Fr: Mar/Apr. 1. II-VI. Medicine.

Flourensia campestris Grises., Abh. Ges. Wiss. Gottingen 19: 184. 1874.
(RIOC 969), Fl & Fr: Dec/Jan. 4. I. Medicine.

Flourensia oolepis BLAKE, Contrib. Nat. Herb. Vol. 20, Part. 10: 406.1921.
(RIOC 1811), Fl & Fr: Dec/Jan. 1. I. Medicine.

Gaillardia megapotamica (SPRENG.) BAKER, Fl. Brasil. 6 (3): 276. 1884.
(RIOC 4089), Fl & Fr: Oct/Nov. 4. II-III. Medicine.

Galinsoga parviflora Cav., Icon. Pl. 3: 41. 1794.
(RIOC 451), Fl & Fr: Nov/Dec. 5. III. Weed.

Gamochaeta americana (MiL.) WeEpp., Chlor. Andina 1: 151. 1856.
(RIOC 412), Fl & Fr: Nov/Dec. 4.III. Weed.

82.

83.

84.

85.

86.

87.

88.

89.

90.

i

92.

S35.

94.

05.

96.

Comp. Newsl. 35, 2000

Gamochaeta filaginea (DC.) CABRERA, Bol. Soc. Argent. Bot. 9: 371. 1961.
(RIOC 4562), Fl & Fr: Nov/Dec. 5. III-IV. Weed.

Gamochaeta simplicicaulis (SpRENG.) CABRERA, Bol. Soc. Argent. Bot.
9: 379. 1961.
(RIOC 481), Fl & Fr: Dec/Nov. 3. III.

Gamochaeta spicata (LAM.) CABRERA, Bol. Soc. Argent. Bot. 9: 380. 1961.
(RIOC 1184), Dec/Jan . 5. III. Weed, Medicine.

Gamochaeta subfalcata (CABRERA) CABRERA, Bol. Soc. Argent. Bot.
9: 383. 1961.
(RIOC 1354), Fl & Fr: Sep/Oct. 2. TI.

Gnaphalium gaudichaudianum DC., Prodr. 6: 226. 1837.
(RIOC 4604), Fl & Fr: Feb/Mar. 5. I-III. Weed, Medicine.

Gnaphalium leucopeplum Casrera, Bol. Soc. Argent. Bot. 9: 383. 1961.
(RIOC 1173), Fl & Fr: Feb/Mar. 3. I. Medicine.

Grindelia discoidea Hook. & ArN., Comp. Bot. Mag. 2: 45. 1836.
(RIOC 3453), Fl & Fr: Mar/Apr. 3.1. Medicine.

Grindelia pulchella Dunai, Mem. Mus. Hist. Nat. Paris, 5: 51. 1819.
(RIOC 1909), Fl & Fr: May/Jun. 5. I-IV-V. Medicine.

Grindelia tehuelches (SpeG.) CABRERA, Not. Mus. La Plata, 9: 243. 1944.
(RIOC 1783), Fl & Fr: Nov/Dec. 2. I.

Helianthus annuus L. ssp. annuus L., Sp. Pl. 2: 904, 1753.
(RIOC 1673), Fl & Fr: May/Jan. 4. III. Weed.

Helianthus petiolaris Nurt., J. Acad. Nat. Sci. Philafd. 2: 115. 1821.
(RIOC 1677), Fl & Fr: May/Jun.2. III. Weed.

Heterosperma ovatifolia Cav., Descr. Pl.: 204. 1802.
(RIOC 623), Fl & Fr: Mar/Apr: 4. I-III.

Heterothalamus alienus (SpreNG.) Kuntze, Rev. Gen. III, 2: 158. 1891.
(RIOC 1773), Fl & Fr: Nov/Dec.5. I. Medicine.

Heterotheca latifolia BucKL., Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Philad. 13: 459. 1862.
(RIOC 1896), Fl & Fr: Apr/May. 5. IV. Weed.

Hieracium cordobense Steumer, Bot. Jahrb. 77 (1): 139. 1956.
(RIOC 1171), Fl & Fr: Dec/Jan. 2. I.

Comp. Newsl. 35, 2000

OFF

98.

oo:

100.

101.

102.

103.

104.

105.

106.

LOT.

108.

109.

110.

Hieracium palezieuxii Zann, Pflanzenreich 4 (280): 1085. 1922.
(RIOC 1553), Fl & Fr: Dec/Jan.4. I.

Holocheilus hieracioides (D. Don) CABRERA, Rev. Mus. La Plata 11, Secc.
Bot.50:7.1968.
(RIOC 2065), Fl & Fr: Nov/Dec. 5. V.

Hyalis argentea Hoox. & Arn., in W.J. HooKER, Comp. Bot. Mag.,
1: 108. 1835.
(RIOC 933) Fl & Fr: Dec/Jan. 5. Weed.

Hyaloseris cinerea (GrisEB.) GRISEB. var. tomentella GriseB., Symb. FI.
Argent.: 213.1879.
(RIOC 5202), Fl & Fr: Mar/Apr. 3. I.

Hymenoxys anthemoides (Juss.) Cass., Dict. Scien. Nat. 55: 278. 1828.
(RIOC 2944), Fl & Fr: Dec/Jan. 4. [V-VI. Medicine.

Hymenoxys cabrerae Parker, Leafl. West. Bot. 9: 206. 1962.
(RIOC 1471), Fl & Fr: Oct/Nov. 2.V.

Hypochoeris caespitosa CABRERA, Rev. Mus. La Plata n.s. Bot. 4: 393. 1941.
(RIOC 2424), Fl & Fr: Dec/Jan.4. I.

Hypochoeris chillensis (H.B.K.) Hteron., Bot. Jahrb. 28: 658. 1901.
(RIOC 2689), Fl & Fr: Dec/Jan. I-III. 5.Weed.

Hypochoeris microcephala (Scu. Br.) CABRERA, Not. Mus. La Plata
2: 200. 1937.
(RIOC 881), Fl & Fr: Dec/Jan. 5. V. Medicine.

Hypochoeris pampasica CABRERA, Rev. Mus. La Plata n.s. Bot. 4: 395,
fig. 129. 1941.
(RIOC 4092), Fl & Fr: Oct/Nov. 3. IV.

Hypochoeris radicata L., Sp. Pl. 2: 811. 1753.
(RIOC 4613), Fl & Fr: Feb/Mar. 4. III. Weed.

Hysterionica jasionoides WiLp., Mag. Ges. Naturf. Freunde, Berlin
1: 140. 1807.
(RIOC 366), Fl & Fr: Oct/Nov. 5. III-IV.

Jungia polita Grises., Symb. Fl. Argent.: 215. 1879.
(RIOC 2085), Fl & Fr: Feb/Mar. 2.1. Medicine.

Lactuca serriola L., Cent. Pl. 2: 29. 1756.
(RIOC 1095), Fl & Fr: Dec/Jan. 5. III. Weed.

10 Comp. Newsl. 35, 2000

111. Lapsana communis L., Sp. Pl. 2: 811. 1753.
(RIOC 4130), Fl & Fr: Nov/Dec. 3. II. Weed.

112. Leontodon taraxacoides (ViLv.) Mérat, Ann. Sci. Nat. (Paris) 1,
22: 108. 1831.
(RIOC 613), Fl & Fr: Mar/Apr. 3. I.

113. Lucilia acutifolia (Por.) Cass., Dict. Sci. Nat. 27: 264. 1823.
(RIOC 4265), Fl & Fr: Nov/Dec. 4. J-II.

114. Matricaria recutita L., Sp. Pl. 2: 891, 894. 1753.
(RIOC 3138), Fl & Fr: Nov/Dec. 3. V. Weed, Medicine.

115. Microgynella trifurcata Less., Syn. Gen. Compos.: 190. 1832.
(RIOC 1299), Fl & Fr: Jun/Jul.3. I-IL.

116. Mikania cordifolia (L. fil.) WiLLb., Sp. Pl. 3: 1746. 1803.
(RIOC 600), Fl & Fr: Mar/Apr. 4. Il.

117. Mikania periplocifolia Hoox. & ARN., Comp. Bot. Mag. 1: 243. 1836.
(RIOC 2091), Fl & Fr: Feb/Mar. 3. II. Weed, Medicine.

118. Mikania urticifolia Hook. & ArN., Comp. Bot. Mag. 1: 244. 1836.
(RIOC 1094), Fl & Fr: Feb/Mar. 4. HI.

119. Noticastrum argenteum CaprerA, Bol. Soc. Argent. Bot. 15 (4): 326,
fig.4 H-K. 1974.
(RIOC 1935), Fl & Fr: May/Jun. 4. I.

120. Noticastrum diffusum (Pers.) CABRERA, FI. Ilustr. Entre Rios 6:243.
Fig. 132. 1974.
(RIOC 740), Fl & Fr: Mar/Apr. 4.101.

121. Noticastrum gnaphalioides (BAKER) CuaTRECASAS, Phytologia 25: 250.1973.
(RIOC 531), Fl & Fr: Jan/Feb. 4. I.

122. Noticastrum sericeum (Less.) Less. ex PHIL., Linnaea 33: 130. 1864-65.
(RIOC 1550), Fl & Fr: Dec/Jan. 4. I.

123. Onopordon acanthium L., Sp. Pl. 2: 827. 1753.
(RIOC 1139), Fl & Fr: Dec/Jan.2. I. Weed.

124. Ophryosporus axilliflorus (GriseB.) HiERON., Bot. Jahrb. Syst. 22: 706. 1897.
(RIOC 1260), Fl & Fr: Apr/May.4. I. Medicine.

Comp. Newsl. 35, 2000

125.

126.

127:

128.

129:

130.

jee

132.

133.

134.

135.

136.

TST:

138.

139.

Parthenium hysterophorus L., Sp. Pl. 2: 988. 1753.
(RIOC 3784), Fl & Fr: Apr/May.4. II-III. Medicine, Weed.

Perezia multiflora (Humps. & Bonpv.) Less., Linnaea 5: 19. 1830.
(RIOC 2636), Fl & Fr: Dec/Jan. 1.1. Medicine.

Picrosia longifolia D. Don, Trans. Linn. Soc. London 16: 184. 1830.
(RIOC 1145), Fl & Fr: Dec/Jan. 4. II-III. Weed, Medicine.

Plagiocheilus tanacetoides HAENKE ex DC., Prodr. 6: 142. 1838.
(RIOC 2252), Fl & Fr: Dec/Jan. 1.1.

Pluchea microcephala Goprrey, Elisha Mitchell Sci. Soc. 68: 270. 1952.
(RIOC 1945), Fl & Fr: May/Jun. 1.1.

Pluchea sagittalis (LAM.) CABRERA, Bol. Soc. Argent. Bot. 3 (1): 36. 1949.
(RIOC 4250), Fl & Fr: Apr/May. 3. I-II. Weed, Medicine.

Podocoma hirsuta (Hook. & ARN.) BAKER, in Martius, Fl. Brasil.,
6(3): 15. 1882.
(RIOC 1045), Fl & Fr: Apr/May. 3. I-III.

Porophyllum linifolium (Arp.) DC., Prodr. 5: 649. 1836.
(RIOC 782), Fl & Fr: Apr/May. 3. I. Medicine.

Porophyllum ruderale (Jacg.) Cass., Dict. Scien. Nat. 43: 56. 1826.
(RIOC 4236), Fl & Fr: Apr/May. 2. I. Medicine.

Proustia cuneifolia D. Don, Trans. Linn. Soc. London 16:202.1830.
(RIOC 1653), Fl & Fr: Mar/Apr. 3.1. Medicine.

Psila spartioides (Hook. & ARN.) CABRERA, Bol. Soc. Argent. Bot.
5221421955.
(RIOC 1034), Fl & Fr: Mar/Apr. 3. IV-VI.

Psila tenella (Hook. & ARN.) CABRERA, Bol. Soc. Argent. Bot. 5: 210. 1955.

(RIOC 1469), Fl & Fr: Oct/Nov. 4. VI.

Pterocaulon alopecuroides (LaM.) DC., Prodr. 5: 454. 1836.
(RIOC 697), Fl & Fr: Mar/Apr. 3. I. Medicine.

Pterocaulon cordobense Kuntze, Rev. Gen. Pl. 3 (2): 169. 1898.
(RIOC 585), Fl & Fr: Feb/Mar. 4. I. Medicine, Weed.

Pterocaulon virgatum (L.) DC., Prodr. 5: 454, 1836.
(RIOC 1507), Fl & Fr: Feb/Mar. 2.1. Medicine.

Comp. Newsl. 35, 2000

140. Schkuhria pinnata (LaM.) Kuntze, Rev. Gen. Pl. 3 (2): 170. 1898.
(RIOC 552), Feb/Mar. 5. III. Medicine, Weed.

141. Senecio bonariensis Hoox. & ARN., Hooker’s J. Bot. 3: 340. 1841.
(RIOC 1391), Fl & Fr: Oct/Nov. 4. If. Weed, Ornamental.

142. Senecio ceratophylloides Grises., Symbolae: 206, 1879.
(RIOC 1953), Fl & Fr: May/Jun. 5.[1-IV.

143. Senecio montevidensis (SPRENG.) BAKER, in Martius, FI. Bras.
6 (3): 307. 1884.
(RIOC 1797), Fl & Fr: Nov/Dec.3. I-IL.

144. Senecio pampeanus CasRERA, Rev. Mus. La Plata, Secc. Bot.
4: 303. 1941.
(RIOC 389), Fl & Fr: Nov/Dec. 5. I-III-IV. Weed.

145. Senecio pinnatus Poret vat. pinnatus Poet, Encycl. Meth.
Suppl. 5: 131. 1817.
(RIOC 1486), Oct/Nov. 4. V-VI. Medicine.

146. Senecio subulatus Don ex Hook. & Arn. var. erectus Hook. & ARN.,
J. Bot. 3: 330. 1841.
(RIOC 268), Fl & Fr: Aug/Oct. 3. IV.

147. Senecio viravira Hieron., Bol. Acad. Nac. Ci. 4: 354. 1882.
(RIOC 1667), Fl & Fr. Sep/Oct. 3. I-V.

148. Siegesbeckia jorullensis H.B.K., Nov. Gen. Sp. Pl. 4: 284. 1820.
(RIOC 679), Fl. & Fr. Nov/Dec. 1. I.

149. Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn., Fruct. Sem. Pl. 2: 378. 1791.
(RIOC 1537), Fl & Fr: Nov/Dec. 3. III. Medicine, Weed.

150. Simsia dombeyana DC., Prodr. 5: 578. 1836.
(RIOC 5131), Fl & Fr: Oct/Nov. 3. III-IV.

151. Solidago chilensis Meyen, Reise, 1: 311. 1834.
(RIOC 3234), Fl & Fr: Apr/May. 5. I-III. Weed, Medicine.

152. Soliva anthemifolia (Juss.) R. Br. ex Less., Syn. Gen. Compos.: 268. 1832.
(RIOC 1127), Fl & Fr: Dec/Jan. 2. I.

153. Soliva sessilis Ruiz & PAvon, Fl. Peruv. Prodr. 113, tab. 24. 1794.
(RIOC 3035), Fl & Fr: Sep/Oct. 3.III. Weed.

154. Sonchus asper (L.) Hi, Herb. Brit. 1: 47. 1769.
(RIOC 1170), Fl & Fr: Dec/Jan .5. I-III. Weed.

Comp. Newsl. 35, 2000 13

155%

156.

157.

158.

so:

160.

161.

162.

163.

164.

165.

166.

167.

168.

169.

Sonchus oleraceus L., Sp. Pl. 2: 794. 1753.
(RIOC 1753), Fl & Fr: Dec/Jan.5. II. Weed.

Spilanthes decumbens (SmitH) Moore, Proceed. Amer. Acad. Arts and Scien.
42: 549. 1907.
(RIOC 1618), Fl & Fr: Feb/Mar.3. I-IV. Medicine.

Stevia achalensis HiEron., Bot. Jahrb. Syst. 22: 712. 1897.
(RIOC 682), Fl & Fr: Mar/Apr. 3. I.

Stevia saturetifolia (LaM.) ScHuLTz-Brontinus, Linnaea 25: 291. 1853.
(RIOC 4516), Fl & Fr: Nov/Dec. 4. I-II-II.

Tagetes argentina CaBrerA, Not. Mus. La Plata, Bot. 2(16):187. 1937.
(RIOC 2995), Fl & Fr: Dec/Jan. 3. I. Medicine.

Tagetes filifolia Lac., Gen. Sp. Nov.: 28.1816.
(RIOC 733), Fl & Fr: Mar/Apr. 4. I. Medicine.

Tagetes minuta L., Sp. Pl. 2: 887. 1753.
(RIOC 1258), Fl & Fr: Apr/May. 5. I-II-II. Medicine, Weed.

Taraxacum officinale WEBER, in WIGGERS, Prim. Fl. Holsat.: 56. 1780.
(RIOC 1098), Fl & Fr: Apr/May. 5. III. Medicine, Weed.

Tessaria absinthioides (Hook. & ARN.) DC., Prodr. 5: 457. 1836.
(RIOC 3226), Fl & Fr: Mar/Apr. 4. II-VI. Medicine.

Tessaria dodoneaefolia (Hook. & ARN.) CABRERA, Lilloa 4: 184. 1939.
(RIOC 2000), Fl & Fr: Feb/Mar. 3. VI. Medicine.

Thelesperma megapotamicum (SprENG.) KUNTZE, Rev. Gen. PI.
3 (2): 182. 1898.
(RIOC 420), Fl & Fr: Nov/Dec. 5. I-IV. Medicine.

Tragopogon dubius Scor., Fl. Carniol. Ed. 2,2: 95. 1772.
(RIOC 391), Fl & Fr: Nov/Dec. 3. III.

Trichocline plicata Hoox. & ArN., in Hooker, Comp. Bot. Mag. 1: 103. 1835.
(RIOC 2580), Fl & Fr: Dec/Jan.2.I. Medicine.

Trichocline reptans (WeDD.) Ros., Proc. Amer. Acad. Arts 49: 515. 1913.
(RIOC 2445), Fl & Fr: Dec/Jan. 3. I. Medicine.

Trixis antimenorrhoea (SCHRANK) KUNTZE, Rev. Gen. Pl. 3 (2): 182. 1898.
(RIOC 2381), Fl & Fr: Dec/Jan. 5. I. Medicine.

14 Comp. Newsl. 35, 2000

170. Verbesina encelioides (Cav.) Bent. & Hook., ex Gray, Bot. Calif.
1: 350. 1876.
(RIOC 4755), Fl & Fr: Apr/Mar. 4. I-III.Weed, Medicine.

171. Vernonia mollisima Hoox. & ArN., Comp. Bot. Mag. 1: 237. 1836.
(RIOC 454), Fl & Fr: Nov/Dec.5S. I-IV. Medicine.

172. Vernonia nudiflora Less., Linnaea 4: 258. 1829.
(RIOC 1202), Fl & Fr: Dec/Jan. 5. I- I. Medicine.

173. Wedelia glauca (Ort.) HOFMANN ex Hicken, Apuntes de Historia Nacional
2: 254. 1910.
(RIOC 553), Fl & Fr: Feb/Mar.5. III. Weed, Medicine.

174. Xanthium ambrosioides Hoox. & Arn., Hooker’s J. Bot. 3: 310. 1841.
(RIOC 1824), Fl & Fr: Dec/Jan. 2. I. Weed.

175. Xanthium cavanillesii ScHouw , Ann. Sci. Nat. Ser. 3, Bot. 12: 357. 1849.
(RIOC 4758), Apr/Mar. 4. I-II-III. Weed, Medicine.

176. Xanthium spinosum L., Sp. Pl. 2: 987. 1753.
(RIOC 4754), Fl & Fr. Apr/Mar. 5. I-II-III-IV. Weed, Medicine.

177. Zexmenia aspilioides (Gris.) HAssL., Fedde’s Repert. 14:158. 1915.
(RIOC 1547), Fl & Fr: Dec/Jan. 3. I.

178. Zexmenia buphtalmiflora (Lorentz) Ariza, Bol. Soc. Arg. Bot.
20(2-4). 1982.
(RIOC 3738), Fl & Fr: Apr/Mar. 4. I-IV.

179. Zinnia peruviana (L.) L., Syst. Nat. ed. 10, 2: 1221. 1759.
(RIOC 484), Fl & Fr: Dec/Jan. 5. I-ITJ-IV. Medicine.

Discussion and Conclusions

Asteraceae in central Argentina are distributed in all habitats, such as mountains between
800 and 1800 m, plains, wetlands and sand dunes. Baccharis is the largest genus with
16 species. Some genera are typically found in mountains, e.g. Trichocline,
Microgynella, Trixis, Austroliabum, while others are present only in saltmarshes, viz.
Cyclolepis and Holocheilus. Genera like Hyalis and Thelesperma are common in sand
dunes. The family is important as some species are weeds in different crops (Sonchus
oleraceus, Conyza bonariensis), grasslands (Heterotheca latifolia, Carduus acantho-
ides, Cirsium vulgare, Taraxacum officinale) and pastures (Senecio pampeanus) or

Comp. Newsl. 35, 2000 15

toxic for domestic animals (Baccharis coridifolia, Wedelia glauca). Others species are
frequently used in medicine (Trixis antimenorrhoea, Porophyllum linifolium, Jungia
polita) or for essential oils extraction (Flourensia campestris, Tagetes minuta). Some
species are visited by bees for nectar and pollen (Hypochoeris radicata, Cichorium
intybus, Picris echioides, Carduus acanthoides, Ambrosia tenuifolia, Helianthus
annuus).

Acknowledgements

The authors are grateful to MARILEN Norigca and Nora VirGwni for providing laboratory
facilities.

16

0 50
en TIT
lcm = 32 Km

Fig. 1.- Study area. Landscape
Units of Central Argentina.

f Sa Hefer

Comp. Newsl. 35, 2000

| © MOUNTAINS
11 MMMM DRY PLAINS

1118 -~WET PLAINS
Ivi__] WETLANDS

Vv |__| SANDY PLAINS

BUENOS AIRES

° © 100 om

Tem = 32 km

Comp. Newsl. 35, 2000 17

References

Braun-BLANQUET, J. 1969. Fitosociologia. Ed. Blume, Madrid.

Casrera, A. L. 1961. Compuestas Argentinas. Clave para la determinacién de los
géneros. Revista Mus. Argent. Ci. Nat. Bernardino Rivadavia 2, 5: 291-362.

Casrera, A. L. 1963. Compositae. Flora de la Provincia de Buenos Aires. Coleccion
Cientifica del INTA. Parte VI. Argentina.

Casrera, A. L. 1971. Compositae, in: M.N. Correa, Flora Patagonica. Coleccion
Cientifica del INTA. Parte VII. Argentina.

Casrera, A. L. 1974. Compositae, in: A. BurKArt, Flora de la Provincia de Entre
Rios. Coleccién Cientifica del INTA. Parte VIII. Argentina.

Caprera, A. L. 1978. Compositae. Flora de la Provincia de Jujuy. Coleccién Cientifica
del INTA. Parte X. Argentina.

CanTERO, J. J. & C. A. Bianco 1986. Las plantas vasculares del suroeste de la pro-
vincia Cérdoba, II. Catalogo preliminar de las especies. Revista Univ. Rio
Cuarto 6: 5-52.

CanTERO, J. J. & R. J. C. LEON 1996. Comparison of vegetation classifications from
Argentine saltmarsh landscapes. Abstracta Botanica 20 (2): 69-83.

CanTERO, J. J. & R. J. C. LEon 1999. The vegetation of saltmarshes in central Argen-
tina. Beitr. Biol. Pflanzen 71-2:1-40.

CanTERO, J. J., CANTERO, A. & J. M. CisNEros1998a. Habitat structure and vegeta-
tion relationships in central Argentina saltmarsh landscapes. Plant Ecology 137:
79-100.

CanTERO, J. J., CISNEROS, J. M., ZoBEL, M. & A. Cantero 1998b. Environmental
relationships of vegetation patterns in salt marshes of central Argentina.
Folia Geobotanica 33: 133-145.

CANTERO, J. J., PARTEL, M. & M. Zopet 1999. Is species richness dependent on the
neighbourhood? An analysis of the community patterns in mountain grasslands
of central Argentina. Oikos 87(2): 346-355.

18 Comp. Newsl. 35, 2000

Search for fungitoxic potential in essential oils of
Asteraceous plants

MaueEnprA Rat & DEEPAK ACHARYA
Department of Botany, Danielson College,
P. Box 41, Chhindwara- 480 001, Madhya Pradesh State, India
e-mail: mkrai@ 123india.com

Abstract

Fusarium oxysporum and Trichophyton mentagrophytes were tested for their sensitiv-
ity to essential oils of some plants of Asteraceae. In vitro effect of essential oils was
evaluated by disc diffusion method. The maximum inhibition was shown by oils of
Tagetes erecta and T. patula followed by Cyathocline purpurea, Blumea mollis and B.
balsamifera, whereas the minimum inhibition was exhibited by Ageratum conyzoides,
Dahlia pinnata, and Chrysanthemum indicum. T. mentagrophytes was found to be
more sensitive as compared to F. oxysporum.

Introduction

Many plants produce essential oils as secondary metabolites. But, their exact role in
the life processes of the plant is unknown. A review of literature reveals that a large
number of essential oils were reported to possess fungitoxic activity (BARNES 1963,
Korta & STARZYK 1963, MarRuzzeLLA 1963, Hitter 1964, BircH 1966, KorBeLy &
FLORIAN 1971, Garc 1974, Zutscui et al. 1975, OvEREEM 1976, GoutaM et al. 1980,
Jam et al. 1980, Ikram & Hag 1980, 1984, DesHmukH et al. 1986, SINGH et al. 1986,
KisHoRE & Dwrvep! 1991, Jain & AGARWAL 1992, PERRuccr et al. 1994, Raret al. 1999).
Most members of family Asteraceae are known to contain essential oils which usually
have antifungal/cytotoxic sesquiterpene lactones.

The main object of the present investigation was to evaluate essential oils extracted
from 11 plant species of family Asteraceae against two fungi, viz. Fusarium oxysporum
(opportunistic human pathogen) and Trichophyton mentagrophytes (potential human
pathogen).

Comp. Newsl. 35, 2000 19

Materials and Methods

The test plants of family Asteraceae were collected from various localities of
Chhindwara and suburbs. The voucher specimens of test plants, viz. Ageratum
conyzoides, Blumea mollis, Blumea balsamifera, Caesulia axillaris, Chrysanthemum
indicum, Cyathocline purpurea, Dahlia pinnata, Eupatorium triplinerve, Spilanthes
acmella, Tagetes erecta and Tagetes patula were deposited at the Department of Botany,
Danielson College, Chhindwara, M.P.

Extraction of Essential Oils

The plant samples were shade-dried and powdered. About 200 g of each of the dried
samples were subjected to hydrodistillation for 4 hours using a Clavenger apparatus
in order to obtain essential oils.

The Test Fungi

F. oxysporum, an opportunistic pathogen, and T: mentagrophytes, a potential human
pathogen, were selected from the locally isolated human-pathogenic fungi. The pure
cultures of both test fungi were maintained on Sabouraud Glucose Agar (SGA) at 28°
C. One-week old cultures were washed with sterile saline and the spore suspensions
were prepared by using glasswool filtration. The rate of the colony-forming units was
determined and the test inocula were adjusted to 1.5 x 10° spores per ml.

The Paper Disc Technique

Petri dishes were filled with 10 ml of SDA in aseptic conditions, and 1 ml of the spore
suspension was added per plate after the medium was solidified. Sterile discs (5 mm
diameter, Whatman filter paper no.42) were soaked in essential oils up to saturation.
These saturated discs were placed in the centre of the petri dishes, which were then
incubated at 37°C for 48 h. For each oil, triplicates were maintained. The clear inhibi-
tion zones were measured and noted.

Results and Discussion

The results of the agar diffusion tests are summarized in Table 1. The data suggest that
the maximum inhibition of Fusarium oxysporum and Trichophyton mentagrophytes
was shown by oil of flowers of Tagetes erecta and T: patula followed by Cyathocline

20 Comp. Newsl. 35, 2000

purpurea and whole plant of Tagetes erecta, Eupatorium triplinerve and Tagetes patula
(whole plant), whereas the minimum inhibition was exhibited by oil of Dahlia pinnata,
Ageratum conyzoides and Chrysanthemum indicum. Similarly, KisHore & Dwtvep1
(1991) reported that oil of T: erecta was significantly effective against Pythium
aphanidermatum. SINGH et al. (1986) found that the mycelial discs of Epidermophyton
floccosum, Microsproum canis and Trichophyton mentagrophytes were completely
killed when dipped in oil of Ageratum conyzoides. In the present investigation, however,
oil of A. conyzoides exhibited relatively low inhibitory activity which must be due to
more tolerance of test fungi to the oil of A. conyzoides. Zurscui et al. (1975) first
reported fungicidal acitivity of Caesulia axillaris. In the present studies also, oil of
C. axillaris was effective against F’ oxysporum and T: mentagrophytes. Both the test
fungi, viz., FE oxysporum and T: mentagrophytes were much sensitive to oil of
Eupatorium triplinerve, which corroborates the earlier findings with some plant
pathogenic fungi (GarG 1974, YApav & Saint 1990).

It was also observed that the sensitivity shown by 7: mentagrophytes to oil of Blumea
mollis and Eupatorium triplinerve was equal to the sensitivity exhibited by F. oxysporum
to oil of Cyathocline purpurea. Similarly, F- oxysporum was equally sensitive to oils
of Eupatorium triplinerve and whole plant of Tagetes erecta. Moreover, it was also
recorded that 77 mentagrophytes was more sensitive to the majority of the essential
oils tested in the present investigation.

It can be concluded that the essential oils of both species of Tagetes can be utilized
topically on skin infections caused by T: mentagrophytes or F: oxysporum. But prior to
this, detailed pharmacological studies are required.

Comp. Newsl. 35, 2000 2

Table 1. In vitro evaluation of essential oils of some plants of Asteraceae against
Fusarium oxysporum and Trichophyton mentagrophytes

Inhibition zone in mm

; Plant part/
Plant species Mole ol
whole plant | Fy sarium Trichophyton
oxysporum mentagrophytes
DSO ee Se
Ageratum conyzoides 10.66 (+ 0.57) | 10.00 (+ 0.5)
Blumea mollis 21.00 (+ 0.86) | 25.33 (+ 0.5)
21.33 (+ 0.74)

B. balsamifera

Caesulia axillaris

19.83 (+ 1.56)

Chrysanthemum indicum

Cyathocline purpurea

Dahlia pinnata

(_—— $f}

Eupatorium triplinerve

Spilanthes acmella

Tagetes erecta

11.00 (+ 0.68)

27.83 (+ 0.20)
18.86 (+ 0.13)
7183 COT)

|

25.53 0:58) | 27.85 @ 015)

15216: (& 1,02)

16.83 (+ 0.78)

25.00 (40.5)
16.83 (+ 0.78)

25.00 (+ 0.95)

25:53 (5,035)
18:33°(:035)
27.90 (+ 0.34)

8.66 (+ 0.28) | 6.33 (+ 0.30)

26.66 (+ 0.38)
24.33 (+ 0.29)

Tagetes patula r

28.33 (+ 0.07)
21:50) 4 0'5)

26.06 (+ 0.79) | 28.00 (+ 0.5)

Control (Miconazole)

28.45 (+ 0.25)

Note: WP - Whole Plant, Fl - Flower
The No. in parentheses are SD

30.05 (+ 0.13)

22: Comp. Newsl. 35, 2000

Acknowledgements

The authors wish to express their gratefulness to Professor BERTIL NORDENSTAM, Director,
the Swedish Museum of Natural History, Stockholm, Sweden for constant
encouragement, and to Professor S. A. Brown, Principal, Danielson College,
Chhindwara, M.P. State, India for providing laboratory facilities. Thanks are also due
to University Grants Commission, New Delhi, for financial assistance.

References

Barnes, G. L. 1963. In vitro toxicity of various fixed and essential oils of Pecan scab
fungus Fusicladium effusum. Plant. Dis. Reptr. 47: 114-117.

Bircu, A. J. 1966. Some natural antifungal agents. Chem. Industr. 1173-1176.

DESHMUKH, S. K., JAIN, P. C. & S. C. AGARWAL 1986. A note on mycotoxicity of some
essential oils. Fitoterapia LVI (4): 295-297.

Gare, S. C. 1974. Antifungal activity of some essential oils. Indian J. Pharm.
36: 46-47.

GourtaM, M. P., JAIN, P. C. & K. V. Sincu 1980. Activity of some essential oils against
dermatophytes. Indian Drugs 17: 269-270.

Hier, K. 1964. Antimicrobial substances in flowering plants - a review. Pharmazie
19: 167-188.

IkraM, M. & INAM-uL-HAQ 1980. Screening of medicinal plants for antimicrobial
activity. Fitoterapia part I, II (5): 231-235.

Ikram, M. & InaM-uL-HAQ 1984. Screening of medicinal plants for antimicrobial
activity. Fitoterapia part III, IV (1): 62-64.

JAIN, P. C., Cuaria, A. K., SHARMA, S. K. & M. M. Boxapia 1980. Study of some
essential oils for their antifungal activites. Indian Drugs 16: 122-123.

Jain, P. C. & S. C. AGARwAL 1992. Sporostatic effect of some oils against fungi causing
otomycosis. Indian J. Medical Sci. 46: 1-6.

KisHore, N. & R.S. Dwiwep1 1991. Fungitoxicity of the essential oil of Tagetes erecta
L. against Pythium aphanedermatum Firz. the damping-off pathogen. Flavour
and Fragrance Journal V 6 (4): 291-294.

KorseLy, J. & E. Futorian 1971. Effects of essential oils on Candida albicans.
Gyogyszereszet 15: 462-471.

Comp. Newsl. 35, 2000 23

Korma, J. & J. Starzyk 1963. Investigation on antibiotic properties of essential oils
of certain species of Umbelliferae. Acta Botanica Cracoviensia 6: 149-160.

MARUuZZELLA, J. C. 1963. The effect of perfume oils on the growth of phytopathogenic
fungi. Plant Dis. Rep. 47: 756-757.

OvEREEM, J. C. 1976. Preexisting antimicrobial substance in plants, their role in disease
resistance. In: Biochemistry of Host parasite relationship (FRIEND, J. & D. R.
THRELFALL, eds.), pp. 159-206. Academic Press, London.

PeRRuCCI, S., MANCIANTI, F., Cront, P. L., FLAMINI, G., MorRELLI, I. & G. MAccHIONI
1994. In vitro antifungal activity of essential oils against some isolates of
Micosporum canis and Microsporum gypsium. Planta Med. 60: 184-187.

Rat, M. K., Quresut, S. & A. K. PANDEY 1999. In vitro susceptibility of opportunistic
Fusarium spp. to essential oils. Mycoses 42 (1, 2): 97-101.

Sincu, S. P., SHUKLA, H. S., Sincu, R. S. & S. C. Triparut 1986. Antifungal properties
of essential oil of Ageratum conyzoides L. Nat. Acad. Sci. Letters 9: 97-99.

Zutscul, S. K., Josui, S. K. & M. M. Boxanpia 1975. Antimicrobial activity of some
Indian essential oils. Indian J. Pharm. 37: 129-130.

24 Comp. Newsl. 35, 2000

A survey of the natural populations of Vernonia
species in Nigeria

M. S. AYODELE
Department of Biological Sciences
University of Agriculture
P. M. B. 2240, Abeokuta, Nigeria
e-mail: segmuy @unaab.edu.ng

Abstract

A survey of the vegetation of habitats of Vernonia species in Nigeria was conducted.
One species could be found in four of the identified habitat types, while 2-8 species
could be found in the same habitat type, manifesting in their morphology the dictates
of the edaphic features, moisture status and previous land-use history of the habitat.
There are clearly more species of Vernonia present in the savanna than in the forest
zones.

Vernonia amygdalina, a widely cultivated species in the country for a number of
domestic uses, was noted to be adaptable to a mosaic of habitats. The impact of human
infrastructural development on the spread of some of the species of Vernonia in Nige-
ria is suggested.

Introduction

The centre of diversity of Vernonia SCHREBER (Vernonieae: Asteraceae) is the tropics.
The majority of its constituent taxa are located in tropical areas. The species are found
distributed over America, Africa and Southeast Asia. Tropical Africa and southern
Brazil are two main centres of distribution in the tropics (HUTCHINSON & DALZIEL 1963,
Jones 1976 and Smit 1971).

For West Africa, 60 species were described. Of these, 37 were reported in Nigeria
(HutcHInson & DawziEL 1963, Keay et al. 1964). Over three decades since their first
description by Hurcuinson & DatziEt (1963) the locations of some of the taxa described
as found in Nigeria could hardly be confirmed. Many recent reports on Vernonia in
Nigeria are mostly on works carried out using herbarium specimens (e. g., ISAWUMI
1993 & 1995).

Comp. Newsl. 35, 2000 25

Efforts are frantically still being made to increase the 15 of the 37 species that have
been physically identified at their locations in Nigeria (AYODELE 1997). One difficulty
in going about this is the obliteration of previous locations described in floras through
farming activities and construction works and similar deforestation factors.

The need for continuity in field surveys, both for materials already described and
others probably yet to be identified, cannot be over-emphasized. This would regularly
indicate the extent to which some species are threatened out of existence. For Vernonia,
it would even enhance the continuous identification exercise of unidentified materials
and of any naturally occurring hybrids between taxa already described that are existing
in the wild as suggested by Lar & LessMAN (1974) and Jones (1977).

The objective of this paper is to report the current location trends of some Vernonia
species found in Nigeria. This is with a view to giving a guide as to where these taxa
could almost always be found for collections or study. It will also highlight any observed
ecological and vegetation variability among the habitats of the species. The period
covers previous field trips made in 1988-1992 and the recent field re-visits in1993-
1998.

Materials and Methods

Habitat Survey for Species of Vernonia

Periodic field trips were made between 1993 and 1998 for specimen collections along
planned routes based on previously identified locations of Vernonia species in the
country (Fig. 1). At each location, notes were recorded detailing the nature of the
location, the habits of the plants and the general state of growth of plants in the
community. The vegetation zones covered included the mangrove and fresh water
swamp forest, the rain forest, derived savanna, Guinea savanna, Sudan and Sahel
savanna. Data on collection sites are as presented on Tables 1 & 2.

Analysis of the Characteristics of Locations

The different descriptions for each location as recorded at site were collated and analyzed
for closeness and or similarity in edaphic features, land-use history and moisture sta-
tus. This was done to obtain a minimum number of composite habitat-type groupings
(Table 2).

26 Comp. News!l. 35, 2000

Referral Identification and Storage of Specimens

Specimens collected were identified by reference to the Flora of West Tropical Africa,
2™ ed. by HutcHinson & Datziet (1963). Reference was also made to the Herbarium
specimens at the Department of Botany and the Natural History Museum of Obafemi
Awolowo University respectively. Further confirmation, where necessary, was made
at the Herbarium in the Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria (FRIN), Ibadan, Nige-
ria.

Prepared herbarium specimens of collections made during the previous trips were
deposited in the Herbarium of the Department of Botany, Obafemi Awolowo Univer-
sity. The recent collections are being prepared as part of the premier collections for the
Natural History Museum Herbarium of the University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ni-
geria.

Results and Discussion

Fifty-two accessions were collected from various wild plant communities. These are
listed with the descriptions of their locations on Table 1. A habitat-type grouping is
contained in Table 2. This reflects the land-use status and type of vegetation of the
locations of the species of Vernonia. Species growing in the same type of habitat but at
different geographical locations in the country, are brought together (Fig. 1 &
Table 2).

Mainly the moisture status, edaphic features and the previous land management his-
tory of a location governed similarities and or differences among habitats groups. It
was observed that a species could be found to be established in between 1-4 types of
ecological habitats. Conversely, 2-8 species of different growth habits may be found
colonizing the same habitat (Table 2).

These observations suggest that certain adaptive modifications must have occurred in
the species of Vernonia in response to their habitats. This partly explains the basis of
the wide ecological versatility observed among the members of the genus. Asteraceae
(Compositae) are generally considered versatile with regard to their ecological attributes
(Hipayat 1999).

Vegetation of Locations of the Arborescent Species of Vernonia

Vernonia conferta, an arboreous species, was usually found as scattered individuals or
at most in clumps of about 4 plants along the fringes of natural rain-forest vegetation

Comp. Newsl. 35, 2000 27

or in the borders of established plantations of Teak or Gmelina trees, a heavily closed
plant community.

Occasionally, seedlings of V. conferta may be found on disturbed patches of the forest
zones, especially the roadsides of newly constructed roads or resurfaced previously
abandoned roads. Vernonia colorata, another arboreous species, was consistently found
in the derived savanna areas of the rainforest zone. The plants were usually isolated in
a location vegetated with other small trees and shrubs, where there may not be more
than 2-3 plants of V. colorata in the whole community.

Vegetation of Locations of the Shrubby Forms of Vernonia

The shrubby forms spanned through the Guinea savanna and the derived savanna
(Fig. 1), the only exceptions being V. biafrae and V. amygdalina. Vernonia biafrae is
reported common as an undergrowth in the rainforest (OLORODE 1984). The only ac-
cession of this species in the current collection (Table 1) was obtained among narrow-
stemmed and tall-growing ornamental hedge plants in Ile-Ife, a rainforest area. Vernonia
amygdalina was present in a mosaic of habitats. This is not unconnected with the fact
that this species is widely cultivated for a number of uses and hence could be found
available in most homesteads, irrespective of the general vegetation pattern of the
area. Those plants of V. amydalina used as hedges around homestead are regularly
topped and with usually manifest shrubby traits. Whereas those plants in distant farm-
lands where they are not readily reached, develop into very tall plants with larger girth
sometimes as in V. conferta, if not larger.

Vernonia stenostegia, an erect woody shrub, had a narrower ecological amplitude than
its other two morphological associates - V. tenoreana and V. kotschyana. Large
populations of V. stenostegia were only found in the Guinea savanna, while the other
two could also be found further into the rainforest zones; especially in the derived
savanna of the rainforest area where they persist in fairly dense population of up to
15-25 plants per clump. However, the three species were successfully raised in the
rainforest experimental garden.

Vegetation of Locations of the Herbaceous Forms of Vernonia

The majority of the herbaceous forms collected in this study were found in the Guinea
savanna areas of the drier northern states of the country. Three of the herbs namely
V. ambigua, V. perrottetii and V. nestor were found to be restricted in distribution, to
their habitats in this part of the country. As at the first specimen collections, there had

28 Comp. Newsl. 35, 2000

been no report of any studies on these materials that have restricted ecological distri-
bution.

There is a morphological disparity between V. perottetii plants growing in locations
with deeper soil depth as in river valleys and those on shallow soil pockets on rocky
surfaces. Such differences include more stem branches, more leaves and longer needle-
like leaves in the former location. This observation ordinarily suggests a preference
for a mesic habitat by the species. However, it was extremely difficult to raise plants of
V, perrottetii in the rainforest zone experimental garden. The few plants cultured for
those studies on V. perrottetii were obtained under a rigorous monitoring of the quantity
of water supplied to the plants daily as excess water usually resulted in plant rot and
death.

Vernonia galamensis, one of the herbs, was observed to be acommon colonizer of the
savanna and derived savanna vegetation of the humid zones. In fact AkoBUNDU &
AGYAKWA (1987) listed and reported this species as one of the West African weeds.
The species displays a more luxurious growth in the rainforest than in the savanna.
The leaf and seed-sizes of the plants also vary between the two zones (AYODELE 2000).

Vernonia cinerea, a herbaceous species, is commonly restricted to and found in open
communities of the rain forest area. The usual habitat includes lawns, roadsides,
unkempt building surroundings and tree/building shades. The plants found growing in
the shade are usually taller with relatively bigger stems and more stem branches than
those in the open air are.

The observation by Jones (1977) on the preponderance of Vernonia species in the
savanna and derived savanna is further corroborated in this study. There are clearly
more of the species collected in the savanna and derived savanna than in the forest
zones.

Some morphological attributes manifested in species of Vernonia were to an appreciable
extent influenced by the habitat in which they were growing. This was to the extent
that species cohabitant irrespective of their growth forms shared some similar leaf and
stem features such as broader and glabrous leaves in humid zones. This was especially
where such features are contributive to the strategy of survival in that environment, for
example narrower leaves and small seed-size in water stress habitats (AYODELE 2000).

Impact of Infrastructural Development on the Spread of Vernonia Species

One of the factors rapidly influencing the spread of Vernonia species is the continuous
alteration in ecological habitats through increased incidence of mechanized agriculture,

Comp. Newsl. 35, 2000 29

road constructions and other deforestation projects nation-wide. This makes rather
uncertain a repeat collection of materials from locations earlier described in flora texts
and other journal articles.

On the other hand, the activities of constructional works, especially road construction
projects, is contributive to the spread of some species. For instance newly constructed
roads that are adjacent to former routes and sites of some herbaceous species (e.g.
V. migeodi) have witnessed the preponderance of such species developing along the
sides of the newly constructed roads in the last three years. Weedy colonizers like
V. cinerea and V. galamensis have had their populations increased in habitats with
much human interference.

A deforestation activity associated with the recent sporadic harvesting of Teak trees
from most of the forest plantations has resulted in the reduction of the population of
V. conferta commonly found around such plantations. Annual bush clearing for farming
purposes was found to have eliminated some known clumps of V. conferta in the
rainforest area.

30 Comp. Newsl. 35, 2000

Figure Legend:
Vegetation Description Species of
8 P Vernonia

|
Moisture-loving plants and trees growing on

Peer one ip 1Ooded land, some in salt (sea) water; very | None
| et Raa heavy rainfall (over 2000 mm p .a.)
Mixture of tall trees and small trees and 1.248
B | Rain Forest undergrowth (shrubs and herbs); heavy 9 10 & 7

rainfall (1500-2000 mm p .a.)

Scattered trees and patches of woodland with | 2, 3, 4, 5,
C| Guinea Savanna | tall grasses, moderate rainfall (1000-1500 6.9) Ti12,
mm p. a). 13, 14 &15

Open rolling grasslands, cooler than areas

D) Plateau Grassland | surrounding because of altitude; rainfall ps oe :
moderate, 7 months dry season
ee a
Pier ees Thorny bushes and scattered trees with low 6, 7.414,
| grass; hot all year (6-8 months dry season) & 14
Thorny bushes and scattered trees with patchy Stas
F Sahel Savanna grass; long hot dry season; very little rainfall peut

(< 500 mm p. a.)

31

Comp. Newsl. 35, 2000

OF NIGER

REPUBLIC

<2

(0) 50 {O0K/m

k/m50

Fig. 1. Map of Nigeria showing vegetation of locations of some species of Vernonia.

(Key to species numerals: see Table 1).

Comp. Newsl. 35, 2000

BUUPARS BOUINH/eole neojye[d Ul UOUTUIOS

Aj[e19uas ‘soon Jo]]e) JO sopeys Jopun soumnowios syue[d
apIspeol ‘sso1Jjo puryoqg soysng Apoom ‘AoT[ea Apoom
Ayoos Apues ut joyd Moyes ‘drysumo} sor ‘peor niny/sor
pvol eSuRMYV/SOF ‘SOsTUIOId 2 Prod WOA/SOL ‘PROI TWID
[fos weo] Apues WiIM purysseis euURARS BOUIND

pue UONRIOS9A JSOIOJ JUING poyeAT[Noun ‘sued opispeol
‘punoduroo jooyps jo;d pouopuege ‘peo omy/euodn[oO
‘diysumo} 2 peo noqgsy/uroyy ‘drysumo} OsoulogsO
‘peol NWOSPO/eEpy ‘Peo. opq/OqsosQC ‘peol OMY/OPA
SQnIYs pure Sddqj [CUS Po1o}}eVOs UT

YIMOIZIOpUN Yory) YM MOT} puepwuey uodo ‘pueyqniys
VUURARS POALIOP {POI ULIO]]/OSOWIOGSGH ‘aseyIIA ofory
[ros Awieoy 0} snuiny Spur] wey

uodo ut sdoio Joyo Suowe pue pouopurge sowmnNouwos
s}0]d Wey JURISIP ‘SUONedIeUOp pur] IOJ ospoy peojsouoy
3 JO[d payeanjno ‘soto pue sose][IA Ul sowOY punoly
[IOS A][OAeIS ONTIO}e] YIM SpIspeols uo

SSUI[P9OS “IOPIOG DAIOSAI JSOIOJ ‘YIMOISIOpUN osusp pue
S90) [Je YIM SAoT]VA Arepuodds ‘peol UIUDgG/UBMGC ‘peor
dJ[/esa]] ‘peol ony y/esol] JJO ‘peo esol-ursq/esol-owo

U0LIO] JO UO IADsaq

ysty wo

O81I-09 qnays Apoom joo1q
‘ZIVE % “HOLNH

(ddVLS) DIdajsouajs “A

ysry wo

S8I-18 qnays Apoom 49914
‘AITO Duvasoual “A

Ysty Wl C—p 90) [RUS 01g
aAVAd

‘(ATIIM) 21040109 ‘A
UOT}L}OBOA POG

-INjsIpun UI W QT 0} dn soon
]jewis/qniys Apoom 39014
‘Taq vuyopscup A

ysty
W QI[—-S 901) Apoom 9o1q

“HLNAG Dj4afuod DIUOUIaA

syiqey
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9L0
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ISO 8 870
‘E70 ‘10 ‘OF0 ‘9€0 BS

£80 % CLO PSU

6L0
8 yS0 ‘60 “PEO Psu

8L0 LSO ‘SEO esul

“SON UOISSIIIW sus

SUO}RIOT 9Y} JO SUOILIDsap pue VIUOULIA JO SAIDadSs JO SUOISSIDIV *T FIG,

33

Comp. Newsl. 35, 2000

Sopeys SuIpjIng/sen pur sontunuTUIOS

uodo Aj[e1ouess — suopies yeyuoweUso ‘sjurjd opispeol
‘suMme] Apoom ‘sose][IA puke SUMO} JSOMYINOS JOYIO

SOU! 2 SUMP] BINYOoQY “LISY JO AjISIOATIUL) ‘URPEg]
sostuoid WACAOUV ‘drysumo} AjtD-urusg ‘sdrysumo}
2 peos oqsosCQ/apq ‘peo oinyy/ey] ‘sosruoid VO
s[los (oyajey) AdAeyO AT[SAvIS SOUINOWIOS pue

Apues Ayjaaevss yim sjojd Apaom ‘sjueyd opis peod ‘1fnjO
-I]] 8Z “Uy ‘peor opucyesel-njad] ‘peos vyjQ/ody-asely
‘peo ryonyejadyo ‘peor eqqey/onwig¢ ‘peol efnqy/s[ed]
‘peOl UOJ[/OMG ‘PeOI TUUBOP]/OMOC “peo OS/OMO
sjueyd snosigiy{ JO Sspoy [eyUoWeUIO UTYIM ‘sroyrenb

JIS (DVO) Alss9AtUN, OMO[OMY TUIAFeGO ‘6 PEOY

jros Apues Ay9041/A][OAvIS

YIM Opispeol pouopuege pur opis [ty uodo

‘pur[qniys euueaes uodo ‘peo ueyoueyjeyy/asor ‘doy [[TY
UOISHJJIpoy oAepy-UOF_ ‘1SoI9 [TY sypeysoye A esol-uLg
sjuvjd Apoom

Aq poi9A09 10]d pouopuege {{Ios wreo] Apues ym Aay[ea
apispeos ‘drysumo} ouvy ‘sostwoid Q gy puke O.LY oury
‘sastuioid AyIsIoAtuy O1oARg ‘peol tyoneg/sor Wy CO]

UOTVBIO] JO UONAIAISIGg

Yysty WO YE [-OE qIEY IeIY

ysty Wd CZ [—Ch q1oy 1991

ysiy Wo O8I-—OE

xoinyyns Apoom poyoueiq
Jopugys 1991 ‘WAAOH ‘O
XO "MTAM DUi1aqgn]s ‘A

ysry uo
06-LE qniys Apoom 901g
‘dig “HOS Dupcyasjoy “A

syiqey
Mois wz suIeU sa1ded¢

VLO 8 CS

0 ‘ZE0

0c0

Soon [ejUsUIeUIO Ja][e} Aq posned apeys ‘[Ios
ureo] Apues uo sjojd Apoom popeys Apied 2p uedo Apied
‘sastuoid asnopy IsanyH saLaysty JO JOoYydS oye’T iurey

[los Apues jo dep MoOTjeys TIM

ska]ea AYOOI ‘suLey pouopuege ‘s}ojd Apoom ‘drysumo}
sor ‘a8eI[IA ISed-oges ‘peol WO A/SOL ‘peos PSULMYY/SOL
SonTUNUTUOD UddoO UT Ss[Ios WeO]-Apues

UO ‘SULIe] pouopuege ‘skaTJeA euURARS ApooM ‘sopIsy[tYy
AyoOs uo ‘sestusaid niny — soipmsg s13a}eNS JO syNINsUy
‘pare JUDUATNOS WO A ‘aSeIIIA ISed-oqes ‘peol WOA/sor
‘PROJ BMPILSEN/SOP ‘peol PSUBMYV/SOL ‘drysuMo} sor

Comp. Newsl. 35, 2000

[Ios ureo] Apues uo sjoyd wey

Apoom ‘sjuejd optspeor ‘peor Wo A/sor ‘asey[IA Ised-oges
sjios Apues uo Ayjensn euueaers Ul sostutoid

Apoom pure spueyuisey pouopuege ‘sjurjd opispeor
BUURARS ‘peol eqgoseMmyYoy ‘Sostusoid eVyIYS-TYd VN
‘eLIeZ ININSUT YOIeosay JoyIeo’] ‘peo eJJO/UNIN]]

‘peol Iysry/Neqg3] ‘spueypuLrey 2p drysumo} Osoulogso

uoyeI07T Jo uondidseq

34

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‘dIG ‘HOS vaindind ‘A L8Q esu

Ysty WO CO-GE QIoY 91g
AUOOW ‘§ 40jSau “A 990 esul

YysTy Wd OO-OE QI9Y 1991 980

‘dIQ'HOS 1a1011ad ‘A 2 O80 ‘S90 ‘E90 PSU
Yysty Wd OO-CT roy 101g
‘YAdd

2% AHOSLOY VNsiquy “A L9OQ esul

ysty Wo CZ{-CZ qioy 190Iq
[‘Ssa] CATIIM)
psopfionvd=] “Ssa] LLO 8 SLO
(‘SSV-) SisuauDjDs “A | “090 “6S0 ‘8S0 ‘ZrO PSU
syiqey
yyao1s 2 aureu seeds ON Oey.

35

Comp. Newsl. 35, 2000

[los Apues
pure -A][oAvIs ‘-AYOOI ‘sopIsperoy

pue peajsowoy pue[moy ‘s}o[d wey
poyeantno ‘Ayrunuru09 juejd usdO
pueluniey/1o[¢

Apoom ‘jSolojurel pue[MoT

({ 2198 Ul se) AquInu jellies [eIeds

drysuoyepay jeyiquy/satadg patos °7 aIquy

36 Comp. Newsl. 35, 2000

References

AKosunpbuwU, I. O. & C. W. AGyakwa 1987. A handbook of West African weeds. Interna-
tional Institute of Tropical Agriculture, Ibadan, Nigeria. 521 pp.

AyopeLe, M. S. 1997. Studies on the reproductive biology of Vernonia SCHREB.
(Asteraceae). IV. Seasonal flowering sequence among plant forms of Vernonia
in Nigeria. Comp. Newsl. 30: 5-14.

AyopbELE, M. S. 2000. Agro-Botany of Vernonia galamensis (Cass.) Less. An unex-
ploited oil-seed plant in Nigeria. (In press).

Hmayat, S. 1999. A study of Vernonia coerulea Koster in Sumba Island, Indonesia.
Comp. Newsl. 33: 33-45.

Hurcuinson, J.& J. M. Davziev 1963. Flora of West Tropical Africa. 2nd ed., revised
by FN. Hepper, Vol. 2: 271-183. Crown Agents, London.

Isawumi, M. A. 1993. New combinations in Baccharoides MoENCcH (Vernonieae;
Compositae) in West Africa. Feddes Repertorium 104: 309-326.

IsawumI, M. A. 1995. Notes on Vernonia (Vernonieae: Compositae) in West Africa.
In: Hinp, D. J. N., JEFFREY, C. & G. V. Pope (eds.) Advances in Compositae
systematics: 51-106. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Jones, S. B. Jr. 1976. Cytogenetics and affinities of Vernonia (Compositae) from the
Mexican Highlands and eastern North America. Evolution 30: 455-462.

Jones, S. B. Jr. 1977. Vernonieae - Systematic review. Jn: HEywoop, V. H., HARBORNE,
J.B. & B. L. Turner (eds.), The Biology and Chemistry of the Compositae |:
503-521. Academic Press, London & New York.

Keay, R. W. J., ONocumE, C. F. A. & D. P. STANFIELD 1964. Nigerian Trees, Vol. II:
419-430. Fed. Dept. of Forest Res. Ibadan, Nigeria.

Lat, W. Y. & K. J. Lessman 1974. Combining ability for eight characters of a four-
parent Diallele cross in Vernonia anthelmintica (L.) WILLD. Crop Science
14: 569-571.

Ovorope, O. 1984. Taxonomy of West African Flowering Plants. Longman Group
Ltd., London & New York. 158 pp.

Smit, C. E. Jr. 1971. Observation on Stengeloid species of Vernonia. Agric.
Handbook No. 396. Agric. Res. Ser. U. S. D. A. U.S. Govt. Print Off. Washing-
ton, D.C.

Comp. Newsl. 35, 2000 37)

Seed coat, pericarp and pseudopericarp in
Caesulia axillaris Roxs. (Asteraceae)

A. K. Panpey, S. M. Joa & Min Ray DHAKAL*
University Department of Botany
TM Bhagalpur Univesity
Bhagalpur, 812 007 India

*Department of Botany,
Tribhuvan University
Biratnagar, Nepal

Abstract

Developmental anatomy of seed coat and pericarp has been studied in Caesulia axillaris
Roxs., a species earlier included in the tribe Inuleae (s.s.) of the family Asteraceae but
now left with tribal position unassigned within the subfamily Asteroideae. Integument
is 6-8 layers thick at organized female gametophyte stage but is represented by a
single layer in the seed coat. A single layer of endosperm persists in mature seeds.
Pericarp is represented by a single layer of cells. The involucral cup forms a peculiar
structure (designated here as pseudopericarp) surrounding the pericarp in the cypsela.
Taxonomic significance of the achene anatomy in assigning a tribal position to the
genus is discussed.

Introduction

Caesulia axillaris Roxs. is included in the tribe Inuleae (s.1.) of the family Asteraceae
(MasBERLEY 1987). In recent classifications of the family most of the genera from this
old tribe have been separated into three independent tribes viz., Inuleae, Plucheeae
and Gnaphalieae (ANDERBERG 1989). Caesulia, however, finds no place in the
classification of the subfamily Asteroideae sensu stricto and is described separately
with its tribal position unassigned (BREMER 1994). This makes it an interesting taxon
for further studies on different aspects in order to assign it to any of the above or a new
tribe.

Caesulia is a monotypic genus distributed in India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Myanmar,
and Pakistan (Rao et al. 1988). Some account of embryological features of Caesulia
axillaris is found in DESHPANDE (1960, 1962). However, no study has been made yet

38 Comp. Newsl. 35, 2000

on its achene anatomy and seed structures, both of which are significant taxonomic
characters (CorNER 1976, PANDEY & SINGH 1980). In the course of embryological
study of the tribe Inuleae (s.1.), we observed a peculiar structure surrounding the pericarp.
Development of this structure, designated here as pseudopericarp, is described in this
paper together with developmental anatomy of seed coat and pericarp.

Materials and Methods

Materials for the present study were collected locally and the voucher specimens are
deposited in the Bhagalpur University Herbarium (BHAG). The flower buds at various
stages of development were fixed in formaline-acetic-alcohol and stored in 70 % ethanol.
Customary methods of dehydration and embedding in paraffin wax were followed
(FEDDER & O’ BRIEN 1968). Serial sections, cut at 8-12 jum thickness, were stained with
Heidenhains-Haematoxylene as well as safranin—fast green combinations. Mature seed
coats, dissected out from the mature achenes, were studied for thickening pattern.

Observations

Gynoecium is bicarpellary, syncarpous, unilocular having a single anatropous ovule.
At organized female gametophyte stage the integument is 6-8 layers thick at the level
of the embryosac. The innermost layer of the integument differentiates into the
endothelium (Fig. 1 A, B). The endothelium is distinguishable as early as the megaspore
mother cell stage. With the development of the embryosac endothelium also grows by
anticlinal divisions. Occasionally some cells at the chalazal end undergo periclinal
divisions as well.

After fertilization, the cells of integument surrounding the endothelium enlarge and
show depletion of their cytoplasmic contents. These cells disorganize by the time
embryo reaches globular stage. In mature seeds the outer epidermis of the ovule alone
forms the seed coat (Fig. 1 F). The endothelium is reduced to a noncellular pellicle.
Endosperm development is ab initio Cellular type. Consumption of endosperm cells
begins by the time embryo reaches heart-shaped stage. In mature seeds almost all the
endosperm is consumed leaving behind the outermost layer (Fig. 1 E, F). Outer and
inner walls of endosperm cells are considerable thickened.

At the 2-nucleate embryosac stage ovary is pentagonal in transverse section. The ovary
wall at this stage is 7-9 cell layers thick. By the time embryosac reaches maturity
inner layers of the ovary wall disintegrate and only 4—6 layers are left (Fig. 1 B). In
mature cypselas only the outer epidermis of the pericarp persists (Fig. 1 F).

Comp. News!l. 35, 2000 39

Along with the developing cypsela the involucral cup also undergoes characteristic
differentiation. During early stages it is distinguishable into two zones. The inner
zone is composed of richly protoplasmic glandular tissue in which series of resin
ducts are being initiated, whereas the outer zone is made up of thin walled parenchyma
(Fig. 1 C, D). The two epidermal layers are also conspicuous at this stage, the outer
consisting of bulliform cells and the inner of radially elongated profibrous cells. As
development proceeds the ducts also become wider gradually and a resinous exudate
starts collecting in their cavities (Fig. 1 F). By the time the ovule inside is fertilized,
development of involucral cup has proceeded considerably. Along with post fertilization
development in the ovary it advances further with more of the exudate collecting in
the ducts and further sclerification of the inner epidermis. By the time cypsela attains
maturity the portion of the involucral cup becomes black owing to the hardening of
the exudates inside the ducts. At this stage the involucral cup forms an effective hard
cover around the cypsela (Fig. 1 E), appearing like the true pericarp in all expression,
hence, designated here as the ’pseudopericarp’. The pericarp lies closely pressed to
the pseudopericarp to the extent that it may at times be overlooked. The fruits are deep
violet in colour and are included in laterally compressed bracts.

Discussion

Pericarp and seed coat anatomy has been found to be of significance for taxonomic
characterization of Asteraceae at tribal and subtribal levels (PANDEY & SINGH 1980,
1983, PANDEY & Amita SINGH 1994). Present work was undertaken to see if these
features could help to ascertain a position to Caesulia axillaris within the subfamily
Asteroideae. ANDERBERG (1991 a, b, c) excluded Caesulia from all the three tribes
Inuleae (s.s.), Plucheeae (s.s.) and Gnaphalieae (s.s.) noting that this genus is similar
to many Heliantheae. However, a comparison of the pericarp and seed coat structures
reveals that these structures in Caesulia are different from those observed in Heliantheae.

In Caesulia the pericarp and the seed coat each is represented by a single layer derived
from the epidermis of the ovary wall and the integument respectively. In Heliantheae,
on the other hand, the pericarp structure is more complicated usually consisting of
four or five distinct zones including the phytomelanin and the fibrous zones (PANDEY
& Jua 1993, PANDEY & Amita SincH 1994). According to PANDEY & AmITA SINGH
(1994) all taxa of Heliantheae contain phytomelanin. Caesulia axillaris does not posses
this character. It also differs from Heliantheae members in alternate leaves and absence
of apical appendages in anther.

Only a few reports are available on the seed coat and pericarp anatomy of the members
of Inuleae (s.1.). PULLAIAH (1979) amd PaANbey (unpublished data) observed that the

40 Comp. Newsl. 35, 2000

seed coat in mature seeds of Inuleae (s.1.) consists of the epidermis, hypodermis and
one or two crushed layers of the integument. In Blumea malabarica the epidermal
cells of the seed coat show fibrous thickenings and the ovary wall at mature embryo
stage is differentiated into six zones of cells. In Blumea membranacea and Laggera
pterodonta almost all layers of the ovary wall but the epidermis and the hypodermis
degenerate. In Pluchea tomentosa the pericarp consists of three layers of elongated
cells while seed coat is represented by four to five layers of cells (LALITHA RAM 1986).
These observations show that Caesulia differs also from the Inuleae (s.1.) members in
the details of the seed coat and pericarp, although not to such an extent as it differs
from the members of Heliantheae.

A peculiar feature observed in the present study is the development of the
pseudopericarp. The involucral cup forms an effective hard cover around the cypsela
and appears like the true pericarp. The pericarp lies closely pressed against the
pseudopericarp. Presence of pseudopericarp is a specific feature which is not reported
in other Inuleae and may form a characteristic point for the separation of this monotypic
genus from other Inuleae (s.1.). Presence of structures resembling the presently described
pseudopericarp is observed in some Asteraceae, viz. Acanthospermum hispidum and
Melampodium divaricatum, both members of the tribe Heliantheae.

Figure legend:

Fig. 1: Caesulia axillaris. Seed coat and pericarp.

A. T. S. of ovary and ovule at organized female gametophyte stage.

B. T. S. part of ovary wall and integument at organized female gametophyte stage.
C, D. T. S. part of pseudopericarp.

E. T. S. mature cypsela.

F. T. S. part of mature cypsela, note well developed pseudopericarp. be=bulliform
cells, emb= embryo, end= endosperm, int=integument, ow= ovary wall, pc= pericarp,
ppc= pseudopericarp, rd= resin duct, sc= seed coat.

Comp. Newsl. 35, 2000 4]

pc sc end

Fig 1.

42 Comp. Newsl. 35, 2000

References

ANDERBERG, A. A. 1989. Phylogeny and reclassification of the tribe Inuleae (Asteraceae).
Can. J. Bot. 67: 2277-2296.

ANDERBERG, A. A. 1991 a. Taxonomy and phylogeny of the Inuleae (Asteraceae).
Plant Syst. Evol.176: 75-123.

ANDERBERG A. A. 1991 b. Taxonomy and phylogeny of the Plucheeae (Asteraceae).
Plant Syst. Evol.176: 145-177.

ANDERBERG, A. A. 1991 c. Taxonomy and phylogeny of the Gnaphalieae (Asteraceae).
Opera Botanica 104: 1-195.

Bremer, K. 1994. Asteraceae: Cladistics and Classification. Timber Press. Portland,
Oregon.
Corner, E. J. H. 1976. The seeds of dicotyledons. Cambridge.

DesHPANDE, P. K. 1960. Morphology of the endosperm in Caesulia axillaris. Curr.
Sci. 29: 56-57.

DESHPANDE, P. K. 1962. Contribution to the embryology of Caesulia axillaris.
J. Indian Bot. Soc. 41: 540-549.

Fepper, N. & T. P. O’Brizn 1968. Plant microtechnique: Some principles and new
methods. Amer. J. Bot. 55: 123-142.

LauitHaA Ram 1986. Embryology of Pluchea tomentosa DC. J. Indian Bot. Soc.
65: 47-52.

MasseERLEY, D. J. 1987. The Plant Book. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge.

Panpey, A. K. & A. Jua 1993. Seed coat and pericarp anatomy in some Heliantheae
(Asteraceae). J. Jap. Bot. 68 (3): 170-173.

Panpey, A. K. & Amita SinGH 1994. Development and structure of seed and fruit in
Eupatorieae and Heliantheae (Compositae). Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci., India
64B: 115-126.

Panpey, A. K. & R. P. Sincu 1980. Development and structure of seeds and fruits in
tribe Vernonieae - Some Vernonia and Elephantopus species. Flora 169: 443—
452.

Panpey, A. K. & R. P. SincH 1983. Development and structure of seeds and fruits in
Compositae tribe Eupatorieae. J. Indian Bot. Soc. 62: 276-281.

Comp. Newsl. 35, 2000 43

Puivaian, T. 1979. Studies in the embryology of Compositae IV. The tribe Inuleae.
Amer. J. Bot. 66: 1119-1127.

Rao, R. R., Cooupuery, H. J., Hagra, P. K., Kumar, S., Pant, P. C., NarrHant, B. D.,
UnrvaL, B. P., Maruur, R. & S. D. Mamean 1988. Flora Indicae enumeratio
- Asteraceae. Botanical Survey of India, Calcutta.

44 Comp. News]. 35, 2000

Diplostephium tovarit CUATRECASAS,
a new synonym for
Parastrephia lucida (MEYEN) CABRERA
(Compositae-Astereae)

ARTURO GRANDA PAUCAR
Herbario MOL - Dpto. Biologia,
Universidad Nacional Agraria La Molina,
Apartado 456, Lima, Peru

Abstract

The identity of Diplostephium tovari CUATRECASAS, a supposedly Peruvian endemic, is
discussed. The species is anomalous within the genus as currently circumscribed and
is clearly referable to Parastrephia Nutt. The name is to be regarded as a synonym of
Parastrephia lucida (MEYEN) CABRERA, a well-recognized South American species.

Discussion

Diplostephium H.B.K. (Astereae-Asterinae sensu BREMER 1994) is a genus of about
90 species (Grau 1977, BREMER 1994), characterized inter alia by arborescent or shrubby
habit, coriaceous or subcoriaceous leaves, radiate and heterochromous heads, and
female ray flowers with lamina distinctly exserted, i.e. surpassing the inner phyllaries,
exceptionally very short, but then the tube not capillary as in the Colombian series
Huertasina Cuatr., Anactinota Cuatr., and Saxatilia Cuatr. (CUATRECASAS 1969). The
genus has its centre of maximum diversity in the Andean region, particularly in the
paramo and the high montane moist forest.

In 1975, Cuarrecasas founded Diplostephium tovari on the basis of materials collected
by the Peruvian agrostologist O. Tovar in the puna region of Southern Peru (Depart-
ment of Ayacucho). The author placed the new entity into the series Lavandulifolium
Bake and pointed out that it could be differentiated from its allies by ’the glabrous
and glandular-glutinose branchlets, by the shiny-glutinose, glabrous and smooth adaxial
side of the leaves and by the almost glabrous involucre which phyllaries are almost
equal in length”. Moreover, Cuatrecasas stated (1975, p. 320) that ’the most outstanding
characteristic of D. tovari, unique in the series Lavandulifolium, lies in the ray flowers
which corollas are much shorter than the style, the pappus and the involucre; they are

Comp. Newsl. 35, 2000 45

tubular, only the upper part being open adaxially making like a short inrolled abaxial
lamina 0.6—1 mm long.” Curiously, until the publication of D. tovari Cuatr., the series
Lavandulifolium BLAKE comprised only plants with solitary, terminal and conspicuously
radiate capitula (BLAKE 1928, Cuatrecasas 1975). Therefore, CuaTrecasas clearly
over-expanded the generic boundaries of Diplostephium H. B. K.; he did not realize
that the disciform and homochromous nature of the heads, as well as the concurrence
of the rest of the characteristics which he had mentioned for D. tovari, not only kept
this anomalous species apart from Diplostephium H.B.K.., but they approach it closely
to Parastrephia Nutr., another constituent member of the’ Chiliotrichium Cass. Group”
(BREMER 1994), that occurs in the puna region of Bolivia and the neighboring areas of
Peru, Chile, and Argentina (NEsom 1993).

Careful examinations of the general collections of D. tovari Cuatr. at USM, including
an isotype (Tovar 6274) and an isoparatype (Tovar 6795), led me to believe that these
specimens were better placed in the genus Parastrephia Nutr. Subsequent comparisons
of the original description of CuarrEcasas’ species with the keys and descriptions
provided for Parastrephia by CABRERA (1945, 1954, 1978) and Nesom (1993), drove
me to conclude that the morphological features of the species in question were congruent
with those of Parastrephia lucida (MEYEN) CABRERA. Recently, my conclusions have
been confirmed by Dr. Guy Nesom (NEso, in litt.), who has reviewed the taxonomy
of Parastrephia Nutr. and studied the holotype of D. tovari Cuatr. He has also observed
the normal occurrence of peripheral flowers with 5-lobed corollas in P. lucida (MEYEN)
Capr., one character never seen in Diplostephium H. B. K. (NEsom 1993).

Quite clearly, Diplostephium tovari CuATRECASAS 1s synonymous with Parastrephia
lucida (MEYEN) CABRERA.

Parastrephia lucida (MEYEN) CABRERA, Not. Mus. La Plata 17:57. 1954.
Syn.: Diplostephium tovari CuaTrecasas, Phytologia 31(4): 319. 1975.
(For additional synonyms, see Nesom 1993).

Material examined

PERU. Dpto. Arequipa: Vincocaya, en el ferrocarril de Arequipa a Puno, 4300-4400
m., WEBERBAUER 1371 (MOL); Pampa de Arrieros, entre Puno y Arequipa, 4000 m,
15 Dec. 1961, Tovar 3540 (USM).

Dpto. Huancavelica, Castrovirreyna: Choclococha, 4700 m, 3 May 1958, Tovar 2864
(USM).

46 Comp. Newsl. 35, 2000

Dpto. Puno, Chucuito: entre Mazo Cruz y Pasto Grande, 4100 m, 22 Jul. 1965, Tovar
5107 (USM); entre Ilave y Mazo Cruz, 3850-3900 m, 9 Mar. 1966, Tovar 5297 (USM),
cerca de Juli, 3800 m, Jun. 1954, MonHEIN 164 (USM).

Dpto. Ayacucho, Lucanas: Pampa Galeras, entre Nazca y Lucanas, 4100 m, 23 Oct.
1969, Tovar 6274 (USM, isotype of D. tovari Cuarr.); Pampa Galeras, 4000-4100 m,
2 Dec. 1970, Tovar 6795 (USM, isoparatype of D. tovari Cuatr.); Pampa Galeras,
vallecito de Jachanga, 4000-4100 m, 3 May 1971, Tovar 6813 (USM); Pampa Gale-
ras, vallecito de Jachanga, 4100 m, 3 May 1971, Tovar 6829 (USM).

Dpto. Tacna, Tarata: ca. 10 km. S of Tarata, N and W facing slopes, 3500-4000 m, 19
Jun. 1986, WaRNocK 5070 (USM); road Candarave to Mazo Cruz near volcan Tutupaca
(184 km. W of Ilave), ca. 4300 m, 9 Oct. 1997, WEIGEND & ForTHER 97/787 (USM).

Acknowledgements

I would like to express my gratitude to Dr. Guy Nesom for corroborating my presumption
of the current status of the name Diplostephium tovari Cuatr., for sending me a copy
of his Parastrephia synopsis, and greatly for his review of the manuscript; his helpful
suggestions have improved this paper. I am also grateful to the staff of USM and
particularly the Curator Dr. Ea Carrito for allowing access to the Compositae
collections. I am deeply indebted to B. Sc. Jose ALgcriA for assisting with the final
typescript. Finally, I wish to thank my family for encouragement.

Comp. Newsl. 35, 2000 47

References

BLAKE, S. F. 1928. Review of the genus Diplostephium. Amer. J. Bot. 15(1): 43-64.
Bremer, K. 1994. Asteraceae. Cladistics and Classification. Timber Press, Oregon.

CasreRA, A. J. 1945. Sinopsis del genero Lepidophyllum (Compositae). Bol. Soc.
Argent. Bot. 1(1): 48-58.

CasreRA, A. J. 1954. Las especies del genero Nardophyllum. Notas Mus. La Plata,
Bot. 17 (83): 55-66.

Casrera, A. J. 1978. Flora de la Provincia de Jujuy. Parte X. Compositae. Coleccion
Cientifica del INTA, Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Cuatrecasas, J. 1969. Prima Flora Colombiana 3. Compositae-Astereae. Webbia
24(1): 1-335.

Cuatrecasas, J. 1975. Miscellaneous notes on neotropical flora, VII. Phytologia
31(4): 317-333.

Grau, J. 1977. Astereae-systematic review. In: Heywoon, V. H., HARBORNE, J. B. &
B. L. Turner (eds.), The Biology and Chemistry of the Compositae. Vol. 1:
539-565. Academic Press, London & New York.

Nesom, G. 1993. Synopsis of Parastrephia (Asteraceae:Astereae). Phytologia
75(5): 347-357.

48 Comp. Newsl. 35, 2000

Antimycotic and anticancerous efficiency of
naturally occurring sesquiterpenes in Asteraceae:
A review

MAHENDRA RAI
Department of Botany, Danielson College,
P. Box 41, Chhindwara- 480 001, Madhya Pradesh State, India
e-mail: mkrai@ 123india.com

Abstract

There are a number of sesquiterpene lactones reported from family Asteraceae. These
are known to possess anticancerous and antimycotic potential. Such lactone-containing
plants include Amberboa lippii, Artemisia annua, A. canariensis, A. frigida, Baileya
multiradiata, Centaurea calcitrapa, C. canariensis, C. melitensis, C. repens, C.
webbiana, Chrysanthemum sp., Elephantopus elatus, Helenium amarum, Inula
britannica var. chinensis, Picridium crystallinum, Piptocarpha chontalensis, Podanthus
mitiqui, Parthenium hysterophorus, Saussurea lappa, Solidago virgaurea, Stizolophus
balsamitus, Vernonia virgaurea, Xanthium spinosum, X. strumarium, X. indicum etc.
In vitro antimycotic activity of Parthenin, Alantolactones, and Vicolides have shown
their potential against anthropophilic and opportunistic fungal pathogens.

Introduction

The terpenoids constitute a group of compounds the majority of which occur in plants
in general and family Asteraceae in particular. Only a limited number of terpenoids
have been isolated from other source. The mono- and sesquiterpenoids which are
relatively simple are the chief consituent of the essential oils that are volatile and
obtained from the sap and tissues of certain plants. In fact, these are secondary plant
metabolites. The lactones are monocyclic sesquiterpenoids having higher boiling point.
Usually, the members of family Asteraceae are known to contain sesquiterpene lactones
which are used as taxonomic characters in the family (SEAMAN 1982). A review of
literature indicates that sesquiterpene lactones occurring in family Asteraceae are
reported to have anticancerous and antimycotic activity (BircH 1966, CHAKRABORTHY
et al. 1991, BHAkuniet al. 1969, 1971, Duar et al. 1973, 1974, Ropricugz et al. 1975,
JAIN & AGRAWAL 1976, CorDELL 1977, DHAWAN et al. 1977, 1980, Jarn et al. 1980,
SHRIVASTAVA et al. 1984, Ikram & Hag 1984, DESHMUKH et al. 1986, SINGH et al. 1986,

Comp. Newsl. 35, 2000 49

ANAISSEE et al. 1988, Rar 1988, 1995, Rar & Upapuyay 1988, 1989, Mares 1989, Mares
& FAsuLo 1990, Anaissig & RINALDI 1990, YADAV & Saini 1990, KisHorE & Dwivebi
1991, Datar 1992, Lima etal. 1992, At-asep et al. 1993, Perrucctiet al. 1994, RAHALISON
etal. 1993, 1994, ViLLaRREAL et al. 1994, Rat & VASANTH 1995, GRosVENOR et al. 1995,
ApAMS et al. 1996, BECKMAN et al. 1996, KHAN & Evans 1996, PATTNAIK et al. 1996,
Pec et al. 1996, NAKHARE & GarcG 1996, Rar et al. 1997, Rat & AcHaAryA 1999),

Cancer is still a major challenge before the scientists in general and oncologists in
particular. The problem is complicated by the fact that cancer develops over a long
latent period after exposure to mutagenic or carcinogenic factors (SHARMA 1990).
According to a recent survey, two third of the six million new cancer patients diagno-
sed every year belong to developing countries. About 75 per cent cancer related deaths
also occur in these countries. On the other hand, the mycotic infections are also
increasing in alarming rate due to decreasing immunity of hosts. The toll in terms of
suffering, disability, men-hour losses, psychological trauma and monetary expenditure
is much greater than is generally realized. The incidence of dermatophytes is largely
due to Trichophyton species followed by Microsporum and Epidermophyton. In addi-
tion to causative agents of superfical mycosis, a new group of fungi known as oppor-
tunistic pathogens is also emerging as human pathogens (Younc et al. 1973, McGinnis
1983, SHUKLA et al. 1984, AnaissiE et al. 1988, Rar 1989, Anatssie & RINALDI 1990,
Dusit & CoLey 1993, GuaRRO & GENE 1995, VuAyA & NAGARATHNAMMA 1997).

SHARMA (1990) stated that both cancer-inducing and cancer-reducing properties have
been attributed to a large number of plants in folklore and in systems of traditional
medicine all over the world. Even 3,500 years ago, plants were used as remedy of
cancer. There are more than 3000 species of higher plants which possess anticancerous
principles. Catharanthus roseus (Apocynaceae) became very popular after 1960 due
to its antitumor activity. Two famous alkaloids, viz., Vinblastin and Vincristine have
been isolated from this plant which are used in Hodgkin’s disease and acute leukemias
in children. Thereafter, a large number of plants have been screened all over the world
in search for anticancerous activity in them.

The sesquiterpenoids constitute the higher boiling fraction of essential oils. The structure
of sesquiterpenoid is built of three isoprene units. Lactone is amonocyclic 10-membered
ring compound and contains the basic skeleton in germacranolides. Monocyclic
sesquiterpenoids consist of Bisabolane, Elemane, Humulane and Germacrane. These
are also referred to as macrocyclic sesquiterpenoids, and are characterized by the
presence of medium rings.

50 Comp. Newsl. 35, 2000

There are three types of sesquiterpene lactones based on chemical structures as given
below:

(1) those having conjugated cyclopentanone
(ii) those with a conjugated side-chain ester
(iii) | a—methylene — y—lactone

There are many problems in structural elucidation of sesquiterpene lactones. The basic
problem is to identify the functional group which is responsible for cytotoxicity. Various
phytochemical and pharmacological studies suggest that a—methylene—y—lactone plays
a key role in cytotoxicity. In addition, the cytotoxic activity enhances owing to presence
of some extra o—B—unsaturated functions. All the sesquiterpene lactones exhibiting
in vivo anticancerous activity have common features by which they can be differentiated
easily from other sesquiterpene lactones.

In India, many researchers have screened medicinal plants and special reference should
be made to scientists of Centre of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, Lucknow, India
(Duar et al. 1974, BHAKunr et al. 1969, 1971, DHAWAN et al. 1977, 1980). The
anticancerous activity of Indian medicinal plants was assessed in cancer chemotherapy
centre screening labs., National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA. Out of
35,000 species of medicinal plants screened only a few have been identified to possess
antitumor activity.

Antimicrobial Sesquiterpene Phytolactones

Cytotoxic Nature of Sesquiterpenes

There are more than 150 novel cytotoxic antitumor compounds which have been isolated
and characterized. Recently, research has been focused on search for selective cytotoxic
antitumor agents for the treatment of slow-growing cancers. The plants of family
Asteraceae have shown remarkable anticancerous activity in comparison to plants of
other families. A number of cytotoxic sesquiterpene lactones (germacranolides,
guainolides, pseudoguainolides and elemanolide are especially active) have been
isolated and characterized in the recent past from the plants which showed remarkable
anticancerous activity (Tablel). In fact, sesquiterpenes are known to display
multifunctional role, such as, antitumor, cytotoxic, antimicrobial activities (HALL et al.
1980). Helenalin, a sesquiterpene lactone and bruceantin related quassinoids have
attracted the oncologist due to their cytotoxic nature. Helenalin has potential as an
antitumor lead compound isolated from Arnica montana. KurcuaN et al. (1973)
demonstrated that chloroform extracts of Liatris chapmanii showed significant
inhibitory activity in vitro against cells derived from human carcinoma of the

Comp. Newsl. 35, 2000 51

nasopharynx (KB). Further, they isolated and determined structure of the active
constituent, liatrin. The later possesses a germacranolide cis,cis-diene structure which
exhibited a remarkable antileukemic activity.

Goren et al. (1996) isolated sesquiterpene lactones as the principal secondary meta-
bolites in species of Tanacetum. VILLARREAL et al. (1994) evaluated 12 pure compounds
originally obtained through a systematic chemotaxonomical study with Mexican plants
(Viguiera hypargyrea, V. quinqueradiata and V. latibracteata, Roldana sessilifolia,
Senecio andrieuxii, Verbesina perimenoides and V. pedunculosa of the Asteraceae).
They found that 5 sesquiterpene lactones out of 12 exhibited a significant cytotoxicity.
Further, active principles like, eudesmanolides, germacranolides, and a sesquiterpene
ester were isolated from Tanacetum praeteritum subsp. praeteritum. GorEN et al. (1996)
found cytotoxicity of sesquiterpene against human lung carcinoma GLC4 and COLO
320 cell line. These sesquiterpene compounds included 1a -6a-dihydroxyisocostic
acid methyl ester, 1-a-hydroxy-1-deoxoaglanine, douglanin, santamarin, reynosin, 1-
epi-tatridin B, ludovicin A, armexin, armefolin, armexifolin, and 3 o.-hydroxyreynosin,
tatridin A and tamirin. Tamarin was found to be the most toxic with an IC50 comparable
to the reference anticancer drug cisplatin whereas douglanin exhibited the lowest
cytotoxicity. Data revealed that compounds that showed high toxicity against GLC4
also showed high toxicity to COLO 320. Although all tested sesquiterpene lactones of
Tanacetum praeteritum subsp. praeteritum were shown to be cytotoxic, only the
eudesmanolides (ludovicin A, armefolin, and armexifolin) as well as germacranolide
(tamarin) from 7. chiliophyllum var. heimerlei showed moderate antibacterial activity.

Doar (1992) isolated, purified and elucidated the sesquiterpene lactones of Xanthium
spinosum, X. indicum, X. canadense, Saussurea lappa, and Solidago virgaurea
(Table 2).

Antimycotic Potential

Many antimycotic agents were introduced into medical treatment during the recent
years. Most of these active agents are only useful for local treatment because of their
toxic nature. They are broad spectrum antibiotics which are effective in the treatment
of fungal infections. Increasingly, allergic reactions of the skin are observed today.
The reason is high rate of sensitization power of these antifungal agents. Moreover,
these antifungal agents are costly and exhibit side-effects. Thus, it is the need of the
hour to search for phytolactones that are antifungal.

The dermatophytes and other fungal pathogens have been found to be sensitive to
sesquiterpene lactones (MaGBout et al. 1977, Lima et al. 1992, Marss et al. 1993,

52 Comp. Newsl. 35, 2000

Maatoog et al. 1996). Most of the terpenoids lower as well as higher members exhibit
antimicrobial activity. MaGBout et al. (1977) reported antimycotic activity of Vernolepin
and Vernodalin isolated from Vernonia amygdalina Dev. They found that Aspergillus
niger and Candida albicans were sensitive to both the pigments. VILLARREAL et al.
(1994) stated that only one sesquiterpene lactone, viz., taraxasterol showed antimycotic
activity against Candida albicans. Maatoog & HOFFMANN (1996) reported fungistatic
activity of partheniol and guayulone (a new dinorsesquiterpenoid diketone), two
pigments isolated from Parthenium argentatum x P. tomentosa (guayule hybrid).
Artemisinin, a sesquiterpene isolated from Artemisia annua (sweet wormwood) was
found to be strongly antifungal. Two new flavones, 4',6,7-trihydroxy-3',5'-dimethoxy-
flavone and 5',5-dihydroxy-3',4',8-trimethoxyflavone were isolated from Artemisia
giraldii and their structures were identified by spectroscopic methods. These two new
flavones also showed antimycotic activity against Aspergillus flavus and Trichoderma
viride (ZHENG et al. 1996). Sesquiterpene lactones isolated from various plants have
shown their potential against the infections caused by various fungi in general, and
dermatophytes in particular as is obvious from Table 4.

Mechanism of Action

The actual mechanism of action of unsaturated sesquiterpene lactones is not yet clearly
known. But, there are reports which indirectly suggest its action as an auxin inhibitor.
CavALLiTo & HASKELL (1945) suggested that the action of lactones is due to their specific
reactivity with sulphydryl (-SH) group. Later, the study was supported by many work-
ers (THIMANN & BonnER 1949, Hatt et al. 1980). It is assumed that the inhibitory
action of unsaturated lactones should be prevented by BAL (2, 3-dimercaptaol-
propanol) or cysteine, a compound known to protect -SH group from inactivating the
substances.

Mares (1987) also worked on mode of action of Protoanemonin, a sesquiterpene
lactone of family Ranunculaceae. She reported that Rhodotorula was the most sensitive
yeast and Epidermophyton floccosum was the most sensitive dermatophyte. The va-
riation in sensitivity may be due to varying permeability of the mycelial and spore
walls of different fungi tested. However, it is known that the ability of unsaturated y-
lactones to act as inhibitory substances against several microorganisms is owing to the
ability of the molecule to penetrate the microbial cell.

According to HALL etal. (1980), the mechanism of action of anticancerous sesquiterpene
lactones like Protoanemonin is based on the capacity of these substances to react with
-SH groups by a Michael type of addition. Mares (1987) stated that the moiety of the

Comp. Newsl. 35, 2000 53

molecules containing Protoanemonin, Coumarin and its derivatives may react with
sulphydryl groups.

There are many key regulators, e.g., DNA polymerase, phosphofructokinase, and
microtubular proteins of mitotic apparatus containing exposed -SH groups which could
be susceptible to interaction with the type of substance. Mares assumed that inhibitory
activity of Protoanemonin on growth is due to inactivation of sulphydry] containing
enzymes necessary for cellular replications. The lack of inhibition of yeast’s growth if
L-cysteine was added to the culture medium is evidence for this hypothesis. In fact, L-
cysteine could remain bound to the antibiotic, thus, preventing the binding, and the
inhibition of several metabolic enzymes.

Protoanemonin induced the ultrastructural modifications in Microsporum cookei which
may be attributed to an interaction of molecule with thiolic groups. Further, it was
assumed that the alterations in shape and polarity of the hyphae must be due to effect
of Protoanemonin on the -SH groups of the cytoplasmic microtubules. Mares & FasuLo
(1990) clearly stated that the characteristic wave-like appearance of mycelium and the
aberrant apical tips of the hyphae could be effectively the result of an interaction of the
phytolactone with the -SH groups which are very abundant in both structural and
associated proteins of microtubules. The antifungal drugs like Griseofulvin and
Coumarin produce similar antimicrotubular activity (WEBER et al. 1976, Dustin 1978,
VALLA 1979, and WELKER 1982). However, before reaching to final conclusion a
thorough study of sesquiterpene lactones is required.

Key Areas for Research

(i) Thorough search for anticancerous and antimycotic activity of plants of family
Asteraceae.

(ii) | Evaluation of antimicrobial activity of sesquiterpene lactones.

(iii) | Detailed pharmacokinetic and pharmacological studies of the phytolactones.

(iv) | The mechanism of absorption, metabolism and excretion in body to be investigated.
(v) Clinical pharmacology of the drug is to be worked out in detail.

(vi) Toxicity, side-effects, drug interaction, etc. are the other important areas of research.

54 Comp. Newsl. 35, 2000

Acknowledgements

The author wishes to express his gratitude towards Dr. V.K. Saxena, Professor of
Chemistry, Dr. H.S. Gour University, Sagar; and to Professor R.C. Rasak, Professor,
Bio-Science Department, Rani Durgavati University, Jabalpur, M.P., India. Thanks
are also due to Professor S. A. Brown, Principal, Danielson College, Chhindwara,
M_P.,, India for constant encouragement and help in various ways.

Comp. Newsl. 35, 2000

Table 1. Sesquiterpenes showing antitumor potential

Plant Chemical

Germacranolides

Elephantopus elatus Elephantin, Elephantopin

: Molephantin, Phantomolin,
E. mollis at
Molephantinin
Onopordon acanthium Onopordopicrin
Vernonia amygdalin Vernomygdin

Eupacumin, Eupacunoxin, Eupatocunin,
Eupatocunoxin, Eupacunolin

E. cuneifolium

E. formosanum Eupatolide, Eupaformonin

E. hyssopifolium Eupahyssopin

E. semiserratum Eupaserrin, Deacetyleupaserrin

alg

Liatris chapmannii

gain

pine Ovatifolin, Erioflorin acetate,
Podanthus ovatifolius ‘ ;
Erioflorin methacrylate
Ursinia anthemoides Ursiniolide A+B
Cnicus benedictus Cnicin

Tithonia tagitiflora Tagitinin F

56

Comp. Newsl. 35, 2000

Guainolides and Pseudoguainolides

Gaillardia pulchella Gaillardin

Eupatorium rotundifolium

Ambrosia ambrosioides
Cynara scolymus
Zaluzania robinsonii
Balduina angustifolia

Helenium autumnale var.
montanum

H. microcephalum

Cynara scolymus and
Grossheimia macrocephala
Baileya multiradiata

Elemanolides

Vernonia hymenolepis

Vernonia amygdalina

Related compounds

Arnica montana

Eremanthus elaeagnus

Note: Adopted from SticHER 1977

Euparotin, Euparotin acetate,
Eupachlorin, Eupachlorin acetate,
Eupatoroxin, Eupatundin, 10-

Epieupatoroxin, Eupachloroxin

Helalin, Autumnolide

Microlenin, Microhelenin-A

Grosheimin

Multiradiatin, Pleniradin, Radiatin,
Fastiglin C, Fastigilin A, Baileyin

Vernolepin, Vernomenin
Vernodalin

Arnicolide A
Eremantholide A

Comp. Newsl. 35, 2000 57

Table 2. Sesquiterpene lactones occurring in species of Xanthium

Species Sesquiterpene lactones
Xanthium canadense Xanthanodiene, Xanthanene
X. indicum 8-epixanthatin, 5-B-epoxide, 2-epixanthumin
X. occidentale Xanthumin

X. orientale Zepixanthanol
X. pungens Pentacyclic lactone, 2-dimeric sesquiterpene
lactone

X. riparium Xanthatin, Xanthinine
X. spinosum Xanthatin
Xanthatin, 3, 9, dihydroxy Xanthatin,

X. strumarium Xanthinin, Xanthanol, Xanthumin,

Isoxanthanol

Table 3. Sesquiterpene lactones in different species of Parthenium

Sesquiterpene lactones

Chrysartemin-A

Coronophilin
P. hysterophorus Parthenin, Hysterin
P. tomentosum Stramonin
|
P. alpinum Tetraneurin-A, B
P. lozanianum Tetraneurin-A, B |
P. fructicosum Tetraneurin-D, E

Tetraneurin-D, E, Conchosin-A, B

Artecanin, Epicanin

58

Comp. Newsl. 35, 2000

Table 4. Antimycotic potential of some sesquiterpene lactones

Sesquiterpene lactone Fungal pathogen

Species

Artemisia giraldii

\Ghamonnite retuculata

Inula racemosa

Parthenium hysterophorus

Vicoa indica

Vernonia amygdalina

Flavones

Herniarin

Alantolactone
Isoalantolactone

Vernolepin and
Vernodalin

Aspergillus flavus
Trichoderma viride

Fusarium solani
Rhizoctonia sp.
Paecilomyces lilacinus
Trichophyton mentagrophytes
Microsporum canis

Microsporum gypseum

Aspergillus niger
Candida albicans

Comp. Newsl. 35, 2000 59

Table 5. In vitro sensitivity of Trichophyton mentagrophytes to different
extraxts of Parthenium hysterophorus

(mm)

10
09

Note: * = diameter of filter paper disc.

Adopted from Rar & Upapuyay (1989).

60 Comp. Newsl. 35, 2000

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