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Scott Adkins - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Genome characterization of Brugmansia latent virus, a novel tobamovirus.
Archives of Virology, 2020Co-Authors: Alison S. Scott-brown, Tom D'elia, Dion S. Devey, Joe Funderburk, Scott AdkinsAbstract:A novel tobamovirus, Brugmansia latent virus (BrLV), was discovered during a study of Brugmansia (Brugmansia spp.) in the living collections held at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Here, we report the complete genome sequence of BrLV, which is 6,397 nucleotides long and contains the four open reading frames (RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, methyltransferase/helicase, movement, and coat proteins) typical of tobamoviruses. The complete genome sequence of BrLV shares 69.7% nucleotide sequence identity with Brugmansia mild mottle virus (BrMMV) and 66.7 to 68.7% identity with other tobamoviruses naturally infecting members of the Solanaceae plant family. Phylogenetic analysis of the complete genome nucleotide sequence and the deduced amino acid sequences of the four tobamovirus proteins place BrLV in a subcluster with BrMMV within the Solanaceae-infecting tobamovirus subgroup as a new species.
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in vitro shoot growth of Brugmansia candida pers
Physiology and Molecular Biology of Plants, 2012Co-Authors: Randall P. Niedz, Scott Adkins, Scott E. Hyndman, Terence J. Evens, D O ChellemiAbstract:The objective of this study was to improve the growth of in vitro shoot cultures of Brugmansia × candida ‘Creamsickle’. Several mineral nutrient experiments were conducted to determine the effect of NH 4 + , NO 3 − , K+, FeSO4/EDTA, ZnSO4, MnSO4, and CuSO4 on quality, leaf width and length, size and weight of shoot mass, and shoot number. The experiment to determine the levels of NH 4 + , NO 3 − , and K+, was conducted as a 2-component NH 4 + : K+ mixture crossed by [NO 3 − ] and resulted in an experimental design free of ion confounding and capable of separating the effects of proportion and concentration. The results of the NH 4 + -K+-NO 3 − experiment revealed a region in the design space where growth was significantly improved; the region generally had lower total nitrogen and lower NH 4 + :K+ ratios than MS medium. The experiments to determine the appropriate levels of Fe, Zn, Mn, and Cu were conducted at six log levels ranging from 0 to 1 mM. Of the four metal salts tested, MnSO4 had the least effect on in vitro shoot growth and its concentration was reduced from 0.1 mM (MS level) to 0.001 mM. CuSO4 had large effects on in vitro shoot growth and was increased from 0.0001 mM to 0.001 mM. A 2-level factorial of NH 4 + -K+-NO 3 − , FeSO4/EDTA, and ZnSO4 was conducted and several formulations identified for their improvements of quality and growth. In addition to the changes to MnSO4 and CuSO4, these formulations were characterized by lower levels of NH 4 + , K+, NO 3 − and Zn, and higher levels of FeSO4/EDTA. Overall, several nutrient formulations were identified as superior to MS medium for growth of in vitro shoot cultures of B. ‘Creamsickle’.
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In vitro shoot growth of Brugmansia × candida Pers.
Physiology and Molecular Biology of Plants, 2011Co-Authors: Randall P. Niedz, Scott Adkins, Scott E. Hyndman, Terence J. Evens, D O ChellemiAbstract:The objective of this study was to improve the growth of in vitro shoot cultures of Brugmansia × candida ‘Creamsickle’. Several mineral nutrient experiments were conducted to determine the effect of NH 4 + , NO 3 − , K+, FeSO4/EDTA, ZnSO4, MnSO4, and CuSO4 on quality, leaf width and length, size and weight of shoot mass, and shoot number. The experiment to determine the levels of NH 4 + , NO 3 − , and K+, was conducted as a 2-component NH 4 + : K+ mixture crossed by [NO 3 − ] and resulted in an experimental design free of ion confounding and capable of separating the effects of proportion and concentration. The results of the NH 4 + -K+-NO 3 − experiment revealed a region in the design space where growth was significantly improved; the region generally had lower total nitrogen and lower NH 4 + :K+ ratios than MS medium. The experiments to determine the appropriate levels of Fe, Zn, Mn, and Cu were conducted at six log levels ranging from 0 to 1 mM. Of the four metal salts tested, MnSO4 had the least effect on in vitro shoot growth and its concentration was reduced from 0.1 mM (MS level) to 0.001 mM. CuSO4 had large effects on in vitro shoot growth and was increased from 0.0001 mM to 0.001 mM. A 2-level factorial of NH 4 + -K+-NO 3 − , FeSO4/EDTA, and ZnSO4 was conducted and several formulations identified for their improvements of quality and growth. In addition to the changes to MnSO4 and CuSO4, these formulations were characterized by lower levels of NH 4 + , K+, NO 3 − and Zn, and higher levels of FeSO4/EDTA. Overall, several nutrient formulations were identified as superior to MS medium for growth of in vitro shoot cultures of B. ‘Creamsickle’.
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widespread occurrence and low genetic diversity of colombian datura virus in Brugmansia suggest an anthropogenic role in virus selection and spread
Plant Disease, 2011Co-Authors: D O Chellemi, Craig Webster, Carlye A Baker, Mani Annamalai, Diann Achor, Scott AdkinsAbstract:Chellemi, D. O., Webster, C. G., Baker, C. A., Annamalai, M., Achor, D., and Adkins, S. 2011. Widespread occurrence and low genetic diversity of Colombian datura virus in Brugmansia suggest an anthropogenic role in virus selection and spread. Plant Dis. 95:755-761. Brugmansia (Brugmansia spp.) is a perennial shrub in the Solanaceae, originating from South America, that is a popular landscape plant in the tropics and subtropics and container plant in temperate regions. Virus-like symptoms including mosaic, rugosity, and faint chlorotic spots were first observed on leaves of Brugmansia plants in a south Florida nursery in November 2003. Colombian datura virus (CDV) was identified in these initial plants and subsequent Brugmansia and Datura metel (a Brugmansia relative also grown as an ornamental) plants obtained from Florida, Connecticut, Wisconsin, and California. Overall, 77.5% of Brugmansia and two of four D. metel plants tested were infected with CDV. Partial NIb/CP sequences of 28 Brugmansia CDV isolates from this study were compared with all 16 CDV isolates in GenBank and found to share high levels of nucleotide and amino acid identity, with negative selection estimated to be occurring. A single Brugmansia plant was also infected with a recently described tobamovirus. The low genetic diversity of CDV observed, along with negative selection pressure on NIb/CP, suggests a recent ancestry (<400 years) of the worldwide population of CDV, coinciding with anthropogenic collection and dissemination of Brugmansia plants from their center of origin. Brugmansia (Brugmansia spp.), also known as Angel’s trumpet, is a solanaceous ornamental that produces large, fragrant, and attractive flowers. Seven wild Brugmansia species can be differentiated (3,32), all native to either the lowland tropical or Andes mountain regions of South America. Additionally, several multiplespecies hybrids exist in the wild without intentional anthropogenic pollination, including B. × candida (B. aurea × B. versicolor) (28). In its native habitat, Brugmansia are semi-woody perennial trees or shrubs distinguishable from members of the closely related genus Datura by growth pattern, and fruit and seed morphology. All Brugmansia species contain high concentrations of alkaloids including atropine, hyoscyamine, and hyoscine (7), and it is for this reason that it has been cultivated, traded, and used for centuries by native South Americans for ceremonial and cultural purposes (7,29). In the more temperate climates of North America, Europe, and Asia, Brugmansia species have become widely popular (following their introduction during colonial times) among botanists, gardeners, and plant collectors as large container specimens due to the vast array of flower shapes, colors, and scents (Fig. 1). Brugmansia is highly valued by amateur and commercial plant breeders because of the ease of hybridization between different species, and the simplicity with which it can be vegetatively propagated and disseminated as cuttings. Well over 200 Brugmansia cultivars, including many multiple-species hybrids, have been registered by several organizations (e.g., 1; http://www.Brugmansia.us/), and plants are commonly traded or sold among Brugmansia enthusiasts around the world.
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Widespread Occurrence and Low Genetic Diversity of Colombian datura virus in Brugmansia Suggest an Anthropogenic Role in Virus Selection and Spread.
Plant Disease, 2011Co-Authors: D O Chellemi, Craig Webster, Carlye A Baker, Mani Annamalai, Diann Achor, Scott AdkinsAbstract:Chellemi, D. O., Webster, C. G., Baker, C. A., Annamalai, M., Achor, D., and Adkins, S. 2011. Widespread occurrence and low genetic diversity of Colombian datura virus in Brugmansia suggest an anthropogenic role in virus selection and spread. Plant Dis. 95:755-761. Brugmansia (Brugmansia spp.) is a perennial shrub in the Solanaceae, originating from South America, that is a popular landscape plant in the tropics and subtropics and container plant in temperate regions. Virus-like symptoms including mosaic, rugosity, and faint chlorotic spots were first observed on leaves of Brugmansia plants in a south Florida nursery in November 2003. Colombian datura virus (CDV) was identified in these initial plants and subsequent Brugmansia and Datura metel (a Brugmansia relative also grown as an ornamental) plants obtained from Florida, Connecticut, Wisconsin, and California. Overall, 77.5% of Brugmansia and two of four D. metel plants tested were infected with CDV. Partial NIb/CP sequences of 28 Brugmansia CDV isolates from this study were compared with all 16 CDV isolates in GenBank and found to share high levels of nucleotide and amino acid identity, with negative selection estimated to be occurring. A single Brugmansia plant was also infected with a recently described tobamovirus. The low genetic diversity of CDV observed, along with negative selection pressure on NIb/CP, suggests a recent ancestry (
J W Roenhorst - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Tomato apical stunt viroid in the Netherlands: most prevalent pospiviroid in ornamentals and first outbreak in tomatoes
European Journal of Plant Pathology, 2012Co-Authors: J. Th. J. Verhoeven, M Botermans, E. T. M. Meekes, J W RoenhorstAbstract:In the Netherlands a survey for pospiviroids was performed in ornamental plants from 2006 up to 2011. Tomato apical stunt viroid (TASVd) was the most frequently found pospiviroid, causing infections in Brugmansia sp., Cestrum sp., Lycianthes rantonnetii , Solanum jasminoides and Streptosolen jamesonii . In addition, five other pospiviroids were detected. In 2011 TASVd also was found in tomato plants in a single greenhouse. The genotype of this isolate was identical to the TASVd genotype found most frequently in ornamentals. This indicates that an ornamental species has been the source of inoculum for the tomato crop.
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epidemiological evidence that vegetatively propagated solanaceous plant species act as sources of potato spindle tuber viroid inoculum for tomato
Plant Pathology, 2010Co-Authors: Th J J Verhoeven, C C C Jansen, M Botermans, J W RoenhorstAbstract:In autumn 2006 in the Netherlands, Potato spindle tuber viroid (PSTVd) infections were detected in 42·3 and 71·9% of professionally grown lots of Brugmansia spp. and Solanum jasminoides respectively. The infected lots contained 73 985 and 431 374 plants, respectively, demonstrating the presence of many potential viroid sources for tomato (Solanum lycopersicum). PSTVd was identified in cultivars of Brugmansia x candida, B. x flava, B. sanguinea, B. suaveolens and unspecified Brugmansia species/cultivars. Most infected lots of Brugmansia spp. originated from a single Dutch nursery; most infected lots of S. jasminoides originated abroad. Sequence analysis revealed that the PSTVd genomes from Brugmansia spp. contained an average of 360 nt, whereas all genomes from S. jasminoides except one consisted of 357 nt. Furthermore, the collective PSTVd genotypes showed polymorphism at four or more positions, except for two cases in which genotypes from Brugmansia spp. and S. jasminoides were identical. Phylogenetic studies showed that PSTVd genotypes from Brugmansia spp. and S. jasminoides grouped apart from each other and from PSTVd isolates from potato (Solanum tuberosum) and Physalis peruviana. The PSTVd genotypes from tomato did not form a separate cluster, but were dispersed over clusters of vegetatively or partly vegetatively propagated plant species, i.e. potato, P. peruviana and S. jasminoides. Moreover, mechanical inoculation of the predominant PSTVd genotypes from S. jasminoides to tomato was successful. These results provide evidence that vegetatively propagated, solanaceous plant species have been sources of infection for tomato crops in the past.
Ágnes Farkas - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Worldwide poisoning potential of Brugmansia and Datura
Forensic Toxicology, 2020Co-Authors: András Kerchner, Ágnes FarkasAbstract:Purpose The toxicological significance of human exposures to angel's trumpet plants ( Brugmansia and Datura species) in their native American and non-native regions (Asia, Africa, and Europe) was highlighted, and the poisoning potential of various plant parts was discussed. Methods Nearly 2500 cases of human plant exposures, reported to the Hungarian Toxicological Information Service between 2005 and 2017, were analyzed and compared to data of other toxicology centers in America, Asia and Europe, focusing on exposures to tropane alkaloid-containing plants. Results In America, Brugmansia and Datura were not among the 15 most common plant ingestions, but were responsible for 20% of the fatal outcomes in a 26-year period. In Asia, the anticholinergic toxidrome, related to Brugmansia and Datura , was among the most frequent plant-related intoxications, which included accidental ingestion, improper use of herbal medicines and plant abuse. In Europe, Brugmansia and Datura were among the top four plant taxa causing intoxications with major outcomes, being the leading plants ingested for their hallucinogenic properties, and accounted for 60% of abuse cases in Hungary in a 13-year period. Use of Brugmansia and Datura for criminal purposes has been reported from America, Asia and Europe. The concentrations of tropane alkaloids vary with the species, seasons and plant parts. Ingestion of the seeds and flowers has the highest toxicological significance, but exposure to the leaves and floral nectar can also cause intoxication. Conclusions Angel’s trumpets have high toxicological significance both in their native and non-native regions, mainly due to their hallucinogenic property and accidental ingestion.
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Worldwide poisoning potential of Brugmansia and Datura
Forensic Toxicology, 2019Co-Authors: András Kerchner, Ágnes FarkasAbstract:The toxicological significance of human exposures to angel's trumpet plants (Brugmansia and Datura species) in their native American and non-native regions (Asia, Africa, and Europe) was highlighted, and the poisoning potential of various plant parts was discussed. Nearly 2500 cases of human plant exposures, reported to the Hungarian Toxicological Information Service between 2005 and 2017, were analyzed and compared to data of other toxicology centers in America, Asia and Europe, focusing on exposures to tropane alkaloid-containing plants. In America, Brugmansia and Datura were not among the 15 most common plant ingestions, but were responsible for 20% of the fatal outcomes in a 26-year period. In Asia, the anticholinergic toxidrome, related to Brugmansia and Datura, was among the most frequent plant-related intoxications, which included accidental ingestion, improper use of herbal medicines and plant abuse. In Europe, Brugmansia and Datura were among the top four plant taxa causing intoxications with major outcomes, being the leading plants ingested for their hallucinogenic properties, and accounted for 60% of abuse cases in Hungary in a 13-year period. Use of Brugmansia and Datura for criminal purposes has been reported from America, Asia and Europe. The concentrations of tropane alkaloids vary with the species, seasons and plant parts. Ingestion of the seeds and flowers has the highest toxicological significance, but exposure to the leaves and floral nectar can also cause intoxication. Angel’s trumpets have high toxicological significance both in their native and non-native regions, mainly due to their hallucinogenic property and accidental ingestion.
D O Chellemi - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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In vitro shoot growth of Brugmansia × candida Pers.
Physiology and Molecular Biology of Plants, 2011Co-Authors: Randall P. Niedz, Scott Adkins, Scott E. Hyndman, Terence J. Evens, D O ChellemiAbstract:The objective of this study was to improve the growth of in vitro shoot cultures of Brugmansia × candida ‘Creamsickle’. Several mineral nutrient experiments were conducted to determine the effect of NH 4 + , NO 3 − , K+, FeSO4/EDTA, ZnSO4, MnSO4, and CuSO4 on quality, leaf width and length, size and weight of shoot mass, and shoot number. The experiment to determine the levels of NH 4 + , NO 3 − , and K+, was conducted as a 2-component NH 4 + : K+ mixture crossed by [NO 3 − ] and resulted in an experimental design free of ion confounding and capable of separating the effects of proportion and concentration. The results of the NH 4 + -K+-NO 3 − experiment revealed a region in the design space where growth was significantly improved; the region generally had lower total nitrogen and lower NH 4 + :K+ ratios than MS medium. The experiments to determine the appropriate levels of Fe, Zn, Mn, and Cu were conducted at six log levels ranging from 0 to 1 mM. Of the four metal salts tested, MnSO4 had the least effect on in vitro shoot growth and its concentration was reduced from 0.1 mM (MS level) to 0.001 mM. CuSO4 had large effects on in vitro shoot growth and was increased from 0.0001 mM to 0.001 mM. A 2-level factorial of NH 4 + -K+-NO 3 − , FeSO4/EDTA, and ZnSO4 was conducted and several formulations identified for their improvements of quality and growth. In addition to the changes to MnSO4 and CuSO4, these formulations were characterized by lower levels of NH 4 + , K+, NO 3 − and Zn, and higher levels of FeSO4/EDTA. Overall, several nutrient formulations were identified as superior to MS medium for growth of in vitro shoot cultures of B. ‘Creamsickle’.
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widespread occurrence and low genetic diversity of colombian datura virus in Brugmansia suggest an anthropogenic role in virus selection and spread
Plant Disease, 2011Co-Authors: D O Chellemi, Craig Webster, Carlye A Baker, Mani Annamalai, Diann Achor, Scott AdkinsAbstract:Chellemi, D. O., Webster, C. G., Baker, C. A., Annamalai, M., Achor, D., and Adkins, S. 2011. Widespread occurrence and low genetic diversity of Colombian datura virus in Brugmansia suggest an anthropogenic role in virus selection and spread. Plant Dis. 95:755-761. Brugmansia (Brugmansia spp.) is a perennial shrub in the Solanaceae, originating from South America, that is a popular landscape plant in the tropics and subtropics and container plant in temperate regions. Virus-like symptoms including mosaic, rugosity, and faint chlorotic spots were first observed on leaves of Brugmansia plants in a south Florida nursery in November 2003. Colombian datura virus (CDV) was identified in these initial plants and subsequent Brugmansia and Datura metel (a Brugmansia relative also grown as an ornamental) plants obtained from Florida, Connecticut, Wisconsin, and California. Overall, 77.5% of Brugmansia and two of four D. metel plants tested were infected with CDV. Partial NIb/CP sequences of 28 Brugmansia CDV isolates from this study were compared with all 16 CDV isolates in GenBank and found to share high levels of nucleotide and amino acid identity, with negative selection estimated to be occurring. A single Brugmansia plant was also infected with a recently described tobamovirus. The low genetic diversity of CDV observed, along with negative selection pressure on NIb/CP, suggests a recent ancestry (<400 years) of the worldwide population of CDV, coinciding with anthropogenic collection and dissemination of Brugmansia plants from their center of origin. Brugmansia (Brugmansia spp.), also known as Angel’s trumpet, is a solanaceous ornamental that produces large, fragrant, and attractive flowers. Seven wild Brugmansia species can be differentiated (3,32), all native to either the lowland tropical or Andes mountain regions of South America. Additionally, several multiplespecies hybrids exist in the wild without intentional anthropogenic pollination, including B. × candida (B. aurea × B. versicolor) (28). In its native habitat, Brugmansia are semi-woody perennial trees or shrubs distinguishable from members of the closely related genus Datura by growth pattern, and fruit and seed morphology. All Brugmansia species contain high concentrations of alkaloids including atropine, hyoscyamine, and hyoscine (7), and it is for this reason that it has been cultivated, traded, and used for centuries by native South Americans for ceremonial and cultural purposes (7,29). In the more temperate climates of North America, Europe, and Asia, Brugmansia species have become widely popular (following their introduction during colonial times) among botanists, gardeners, and plant collectors as large container specimens due to the vast array of flower shapes, colors, and scents (Fig. 1). Brugmansia is highly valued by amateur and commercial plant breeders because of the ease of hybridization between different species, and the simplicity with which it can be vegetatively propagated and disseminated as cuttings. Well over 200 Brugmansia cultivars, including many multiple-species hybrids, have been registered by several organizations (e.g., 1; http://www.Brugmansia.us/), and plants are commonly traded or sold among Brugmansia enthusiasts around the world.
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Widespread Occurrence and Low Genetic Diversity of Colombian datura virus in Brugmansia Suggest an Anthropogenic Role in Virus Selection and Spread.
Plant Disease, 2011Co-Authors: D O Chellemi, Craig Webster, Carlye A Baker, Mani Annamalai, Diann Achor, Scott AdkinsAbstract:Chellemi, D. O., Webster, C. G., Baker, C. A., Annamalai, M., Achor, D., and Adkins, S. 2011. Widespread occurrence and low genetic diversity of Colombian datura virus in Brugmansia suggest an anthropogenic role in virus selection and spread. Plant Dis. 95:755-761. Brugmansia (Brugmansia spp.) is a perennial shrub in the Solanaceae, originating from South America, that is a popular landscape plant in the tropics and subtropics and container plant in temperate regions. Virus-like symptoms including mosaic, rugosity, and faint chlorotic spots were first observed on leaves of Brugmansia plants in a south Florida nursery in November 2003. Colombian datura virus (CDV) was identified in these initial plants and subsequent Brugmansia and Datura metel (a Brugmansia relative also grown as an ornamental) plants obtained from Florida, Connecticut, Wisconsin, and California. Overall, 77.5% of Brugmansia and two of four D. metel plants tested were infected with CDV. Partial NIb/CP sequences of 28 Brugmansia CDV isolates from this study were compared with all 16 CDV isolates in GenBank and found to share high levels of nucleotide and amino acid identity, with negative selection estimated to be occurring. A single Brugmansia plant was also infected with a recently described tobamovirus. The low genetic diversity of CDV observed, along with negative selection pressure on NIb/CP, suggests a recent ancestry (
Vincenzo De Feo - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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In Vitro Binding Receptors Study by Valeriana adscendens, Iresine herbstii and Brugmansia arborea Extracts
Medicinal Chemistry, 2007Co-Authors: Anna Capasso, Vincenzo De FeoAbstract:In this work we examined the affinity and the selectivity of V. adscendens, Iresine herbstii Hook. (Amaranthaceae) and Brugmansia arborea (L.) Lagerheim (Solanaceae) towards 5-HT(1A), 5-HT(2A), 5-HT(2C) serotononergic, D(1) and D(2) dopaminergic, alpha (1) and alpha (2) adrenergic receptors by radioligand assays. The results show weak affinity to 5-HT(1A) only for the aqueous extract of V. adscendens and no affinity for 5-HT(2A), 5-HT(2C) serotononergic receptors, alpha (1) and alpha(2) adrenergic receptors and D(2) receptors. As it regards D(1) receptors, only for the methanolic extract the IC(50) value was determinable. The data obtained for I. herbstii extracts have shown a low affinity for the 5-HT(1A) receptor (22.44%) and no affinity for 5-HT(2A) receptor. Otherwise these extracts showed affinity for 5-HT(2C) receptor but only for the methanolic extract the IC(50) value (inhibitory concentration 50%) was: 34.8 microg/ml. The B. arborea aqueous extract displayed weak affinity for all receptors tested, the highest levels of inhibition at the maximum concentration tested (125 microg/ml) were 38% for the 5-HT(1A), 16% for the 5-HT(2A) and 39% for the 5-HT(2C) receptor. The results of our experiments indicate that V. adscendens, Iresine herbstii and Brugmansia arborea were able to interact with the central 5-HT receptors thus confirming their ritual use.
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Affinity of Iresine herbstii and Brugmansia arborea extracts on different cerebral receptors
Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2006Co-Authors: Cristina Nencini, Anna Capasso, Vincenzo De Feo, Federica Cavallo, Giancarlo Bruni, Laura De Martino, Giorgio Giorgi, Lucia MicheliAbstract:Abstract Iresine herbstii Hook. (Amaranthaceae) and Brugmansia arborea (L.) Lagerheim (Solanaceae) are used in the northern Peruvian Andes for magic-therapeutical purposes. The traditional healers use Iresine herbstii with the ritual aim to expel bad spirits from the body. Furthermore, Iresine herbstii was used in association with other plants, such as Trichocereus pachanoi Britt. et Rose, for divination, to diagnose diseases, and to take possession of another identity. Also, species of Brugmansia have been reported to be used during ritual practices for magical and curative purposes. Given the above evidence, the aim of the present study is to evaluate if the central effects of Iresine herbstii and Brugmansia arborea could be associated with interaction with SNC receptors. Two Iresine herbstii extracts (methanolic and aqueous) and one Brugmansia arborea aqueous extract were tested for in vitro affinity on 5-HT 1A , 5-HT 2A , 5-HT 2C , D1, D2, α 1 , and α 2 receptors by radioligand binding assays. The biological materials for binding assay (cerebral cortex) were taken from male Sprague–Dawley rats. The extracts affinity for receptors is definite as inhibition percentage of radioligand/receptor binding and measured as the radioactivity of remaining complex radioligand/receptor. The data obtained for Iresine extracts have shown a low affinity for the 5-HT 1A receptor and no affinity for 5-HT 2A receptor. Otherwise the methanolic extract showed affinity for 5-HT 2C receptor (IC 50 : 34.78 μg/ml) and for D1 receptor (IC 50 : 19.63 μg/ml), instead the Iresine aqueous extract displayed a lower affinity for D1 (48.3% at the maximum concentration tested) and a higher value of affinity for D2 receptors (IC 50 : 32.08 μg/ml). The Brugmansia aqueous extract displayed affinity for D1 receptors (IC 50 : 17.68 μg/ml), D2 receptors (IC 50 : 15.95 μg/ml) and weak affinity for the serotoninergic receptors. None of the three extracts showed relevant affinity to the α 1 , and α 2 receptors. The results of our experiments indicate that Iresine herbstii methanolic extract was able to interact with the central 5-HT 2C and D1 receptors and Iresine herbstii aqueous extract showed affinity for D2 receptors, thus confirming their ritual use. Instead Brugmansia arborea was able to interact only with the central dopamine receptors tested. Parallel studies are currently in progress for evaluating the extracts affinity and active components towards these and other receptor types (GABAergic).
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The Ritual Use of Brugmansia Species in Traditional Andean Medicine in Northern Peru
Economic Botany, 2004Co-Authors: Vincenzo De FeoAbstract:This paper reports the use of Brugmansia species (Solanaceae) in traditional practices of shamans (curanderos) of Northern Peruvian Andes. The field study permitted the classification of a number of species and/or their hybrids used for both curative and psychotropic activities. There is evidence of a folk systematics in this genus that constitutes a very important phenomenon for its therapeutic-divinatory, phytotherapeutical, and ritual (in initiation and black magic rites) uses.
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Alkaloids from Brugmansia arborea (L.) Lagerhein reduce morphine withdrawal in vitro
Phytotherapy Research, 2003Co-Authors: Anna Capasso, Vincenzo De FeoAbstract:Traditional medicine is a primary source for the study of medicinal plants. In some countries, knowledge about the therapeutic use of medicinal plants is very deep and very often 'magical' plants also are used to diagnose and treat illnesses. The study of these plants can help in the research of metabolites active on the central and peripheral nervous system. Brugmansia arborea (L.) Lagerheim (Solanaceae) is used in the northern Peruvian Andes for magic-therapeutic purposes and the present study examined the effect of three pure tropane alkaloids from Brugmansia arborea (L.) Lagerhein (Solanaceae) on morphine withdrawal in vitro. All the tropane alkaloids isolated from Brugmansia arborea (L.) (10(-7), 5 x 10(-7), 10(-6) m) significantly and in a concentration dependent manner reduced morphine withdrawal. The results of the present study suggest that these alkaloids may be a potential anti-additive agent.
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Central Nervous System Pharmacological Effects of Plants from Northern Peruvian Andes: Valeriana adscendens, Iresine herbstii and Brugmansia arborea
Pharmaceutical Biology, 2002Co-Authors: Anna Capasso, Vincenzo De FeoAbstract:Traditional medicine is a primary source for the study of medicinal plants. In some countries, knowledge about the therapeutic use of medicinal plants is very deep and very often “magical” plants also are used to diagnose and treat illnesses. The study of these plants can help in the research of metabolites active on the central nervous system. Valeriana adscendens Trel. (Valerianaceae), Iresine herbstii Hook. (Amaranthaceae) and Brugmansia arborea (L.) Lagerheim (Solanaceae) are used in the northern Peruvian Andes for magic-therapeutic purposes. The traditional healers use V. adscendens and I. herbstii with the ritual aim to expel bad spirits from the body. Furthermore, I. herbstii was used in association with other plants, such as Trichocereus pachanoi Britt. et Rose, for divination, to diagnose diseases, and to take possession of another identity. Also, species of Brugmansia have been reported to be used during ritual practices for magical and curative purposes. Since there are no data in the literatur...
