Euphorbia

Euphorbia hirta linn., is a species of Euphorbiaceae family. They are known as asthma plant, barokhervi. The plant E. hirta is famous for its medicinal importance among the tribal population. It is a common practice to use the whole to heal wounds. Several pharmacological properties including antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, antidibetic, antispasmodic, antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, anticonvulsant, nootropic, antifertility and aphrodisiac properties have already been reported for this plant. The aim of present work was to evaluate the wound healing property in diabetic animals by oral and topical administration of ethanolic extract of E. hirta whole plant. The ethanolic extract of E. hirta was subjected to determine the total phenolic content and total flavonoid content using galic acid and quercetin, respectively as standard. A single injection of alloxan monohydrate (120 mg/kg, i.p.) prepared in normal saline was administered to produce diabetes in rats, after overnight fasti...

Larvicidal activity of ethyl acetate, butanol, and petroleum ether extracts of five species of Euphorbiaceae plants, Jatropha curcas, Pedilanthus tithymaloides, Phyllanthus amarus, Euphorbia hirta, and Euphorbia tirucalli, were tested against the early fourth instar larvae of Aedes aegypti L. and Culex quinquefasciatus (Say). The larval mortality was observed after 24 h of exposure. All extracts showed low larvicidal effects; however, the highest larval mortality was found in petroleum ether extract. The LC50 value of petroleum ether extracts of J. curcas, P. tithymaloides, P. amarus, E. hirta, and E. tirucalli were 8.79, 55.26, 90.92, 272.36, and 4.25 ppm, respectively, against A. aegypti and 11.34, 76.61, 113.40, 424.94, and 5.52 ppm, respectively, against C quinquefasciatus. Of the various ratios tested, the petroleum ether extracts of J. curcas and E. tirucalli were observed to be more efficient than the other plant extracts. It is, therefore, suggested that E. tirucalli can be applied as an ideal potential larvicide against A. aegypti and C. quinquefasciatus. This is an ideal ecofriendly approach for the control of the dengue vector, A. aegypti, and the lymphatic filariasis vector, C. quinquefasciatus.

A broad review of the history, discovery, characteristics, distribution, habitats and relationships of the shrubby Euphorbia mlanjeana is provided. On Mt. Mulanje (Malawi) where it was hitherto listed as endemic to mountain and country, E. mlanjeana occurs in four populations occupying similar habitats and sharing similar habitat conditions on granitic rocks: two foothill populations (The Crater and Ruo Gorge), one along the upper Likhubula/Lichenya path, and the highest-lying one on the Lichenya plateau. The trunk height and the length of the branches decreases with increasing altitude, which is related to the increasingly unfavourable climatic conditions. Recent molecular data (Bruyns et al., 2011) show E. mlanjeana to be closest to two other shrubby species (E. knuthii and E. waterbergensis) which are all three placed amongst arborescent species, suggesting that the shrubby habit may have evolved from arborescent ancestors. In addition, three localities in northeastern Mozambique recently discovered by P. V. Bruyns are reported, so that E. mlanjeana is no longer an endemic of Mt. Mulanje and can be enlisted for the Flora of Mozambique.

Pot experiment was conducted in winter (2010/2011), at the experimental farm of the College of Agricultural Studies, Sudan University of Science and Technology, to investigate the allelopathic effect of Euphorbia hirta and Vesicular Arbuscular Mycorrhiza (VAM) on growth of eggplant. 10kg of oven sterilized soil mixture (2:1 silt loam and sand, respectively) were packed in 25×25cm pots. Euphorbia hirta powder at 0.04, 0.08 and 0.12% and 0.2% of VAM w/w of soil were thoroughly mixed, in addition to control with soil mixture only. 1-month old
eggplant seedlings were transplanted in each pot. 0.7 g urea was added with the irrigation water twice at three weeks interval from transplanting. Irrigation and pest control were done when required. Evaluated growth parameters were plant height, branches and leaves/plant, shoot and root fresh and dry weight, days to 50% flowering as well as percentage of mycorrihza on root hairs. The experimental units were in completely randomized design with four replications. Addition of E.hirta (0.04%) or VAM increased all plant growth parameters. The highest values, however, were obtained with addition of 0.04% euphorbia with VAM (0.2%). Days to 50% flowering were reduced at the higher euphorbia concentrations (above0.08%). The lower euphorbia
concentration (0.04%) increased VAM growth. It could be concluded that E. hirta at low concentrations with mycorrhiza had synergistic effect on growth of eggplant, whereas, high concentrations had antagonistic effects on both eggplant growth and VAM activity. So addition of E. hirta at low concentrations (0.04% as powder) in combination with VAM inoculation could be recommended for good growth of eggplant.

Euphorbia is among the largest genera of angiosperms, with about 2000 species that are renowned for their remarkably diverse growth forms. To clarify phylogenetic relationships in the genus, we used maximum likelihood, Bayesian, and parsimony analyses of DNA sequence data from 10 markers representing all three plant genomes, averaging more than 16 kbp for each accession. Taxon sampling included 176 representatives from Euphorbioideae (including 161 of Euphorbia). Analyses of these data robustly resolve a backbone topology of four major, subgeneric clades—Esula, Rhizanthium, Euphorbia, and Chamaesyce—that are successively sister lineages. Ancestral state reconstructions of six reproductive and growth form characters indicate that the earliest Euphorbia species were likely woody, non-succulent plants with helically arranged leaves and 5-glanded cyathia in terminal inflorescences. The highly modified growth forms and reproductive features in Euphorbia have independent origins within the subgeneric clades. Examples of extreme parallelism in trait evolution include at least 14 origins of xeromorphic growth forms and at least 13 origins of seed caruncles. The evolution of growth form and inflorescence position are significantly correlated, and a pathway of evolutionary transitions is supported that has implications for the evolution of Euphorbia xerophytes of large stature. Such xerophytes total more than 400 species and are dominants of vegetation types throughout much of arid Africa and Madagascar.► Four major clades of Euphorbia were robustly resolved as successive sister groups. ► Modified growth forms, especially xerophytes, have multiple origins within each of the four major clades. ► Reproductive traits also have a dynamic evolutionary history within Euphorbia. ► The evolution of growth form and inflorescence position are significantly correlated. ► A pathway of transitions for those correlated traits has implications for the evolution of large Euphorbia xerophytes.

Plant latex is a complex environment. Occurring in hundreds of plant species and contained in a tube system called
laticifers, latex is a milky sap with a diverse composition that includes alkaloids, terpenoid compounds, other secondary
metabolites and a number of enzymes. These substances are collectively believed to provide an important contribution to
plant defence mechanisms by repelling and killing phytopathogens, and sealing wounded areas. This review provides insights of what is currently known about the biochemistry and molecular biology of plant latex, as studied in various model systems, above all the economically important rubber tree, Hevea brasiliensis. Selecting the Mediterranean shrub Euphorbia characias as a complementary experimental model, we have recently begun to disclose the properties of several components of the enzymatic machinery present in its latex. Although the scheme of multi-enzymatic interactions taking place in the
E. characias latex depicted to date is certainly incomplete, the emerging scenario suggests that the role played by latex in plants might be significantly less passive than previously believed.

The identity and the taxonomic treatment of the species belonging to Euphorbia subg. Chamaesyce occurring on the Maltese Islands were not adequately studied both in historical and recent literature. Apart from the native sand dune species Euphor-bia peplis, all records have been previously attributed to the cosmopolitan weedy species E. maculata and E. chamaesyce. This work provides the first taxonomic synopsis based on the examination of 53 specimens collected from Malta and Gozo between 2014 and 2017. The study ascertained the occurrence of six species, of which E. serpens, E. prostrata and E. hyper-icifolia are first reported from the Maltese Islands. Discussion on the taxonomy, origin, ecology and invasiveness of these species is provided, together with photos and an identification key. Moreover, taxonomic studies on E. exigua s. l., belonging to subg. Esula, sect. Exiguae, have been carried out on Maltese material and discussed. E. exigua var. pycnophylla, originally described as endemic of the Maltese Archipelago and recorded afterwards on the Sicilian island of Lampedusa, bears no significant morphological trait which allows to clearly distinguish it from the nominal variety. No differences in fruit and seed morphology resulted when the two varieties were compared and the slight differences present in the habit of the plant and the arrangement of leaves has been judged to be of ecotypic origin, hence justifying the lumping of this variety into the single and variable taxon E. exigua.

An antigenic glycosylated cysteine protease has been purified from the latex of Euphorbia nivulia Buch.-Ham. It exhibits remarkable protease activity in the presence of metal ions, oxidizing agents, organic solvents, and detergents. This enzyme showed potential role in leather processing industry due to its dehairing activity for animal hide without hydrolyzing fibrous proteins, producing, by this way, a better quality product. The enzyme can also be used for silver recovering from X-ray plates. In addition, the stability (temperature and surfactants) and hydrolysis of blood stain data also revealed its application in detergent industries. Agriculturally, this protease finds application in biocontrol process against the infectious management of root knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita. Biologically, it shows noticeable wound healing, haemostatic and antibacterial activity.

Manganese (Mn) is an important trace element present in human body, which acts as an enzyme co-factor or activator in various metabolic reactions. While essential in trace amounts, excess levels of Mn in human brain can produce neurotoxicity, including idiopathic Parkinson's disease (PD)-like extrapyramidal manganism symptoms. This study aimed to investigate the protective role of polyphenolic extract of Euphorbia supina (PPEES) on Mn-induced neurotoxicity and the underlying mechanism in human neuroblastoma SKNMC cells and Sprague-Dawley (SD) male rat brain. PPEES possessed significant amount of total phenolic and flavonoid contents. PPEES also showed significant antioxidant activity in 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging and reducing power capacity (RPC) assays. Our results showed that Mn treatment significantly reduced cell viability and increased lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) level, which was attenuated by PPEES pretreatment at 100 and 200 µg/mL. Additionall...

A broad review of the history, discovery, characteristics, distribution, habitats and relationships of the shrubby Euphorbia mlanjeana is provided. On Mt. Mulanje (Malawi) where it was hitherto listed as endemic to mountain and country, E. mlanjeana occurs in four populations occupying similar habitats and sharing similar habitat conditions on granitic rocks: two foothill populations (The Crater and Ruo Gorge), one along the upper Likhubula/Lichenya path, and the highest-lying one on the Lichenya plateau. The trunk height and the length of the branches decreases with increasing altitude, which is related to the increasingly unfavourable climatic conditions. Recent molecular data (Bruyns et al., 2011) show E. mlanjeana to be closest to two other shrubby species (E. knuthii and E. waterbergensis) which are all three placed amongst arborescent species, suggesting that the shrubby habit may have evolved from arborescent ancestors. In addition, three localities in northeastern Mozambique recently discovered by P. V. Bruyns are reported, so that E. mlanjeana is no longer an endemic of Mt. Mulanje and can be enlisted for the Flora of Mozambique.

The potential genotoxic effects of methanolic extracts of Euphorbia hirta which is commonly used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of diseased conditions including asthma, coughs, diarrhea and dysentery was investigated using Allium cepa assay. The extracts of 125, 250, 500 and 1,000 mu g/mL were tested on root meristems of A. cepa. Ethylmethanesulfonate was used as positive control and distilled water was used as negative control. The result showed that mitotic index decreased as the concentrations of E. hirta extract increased. A dose-dependent increase of chromosome aberrations was also observed. Abnormalities scored were stickiness, c-mitosis, bridges and vagrant chromosomes. Micronucleated cells were also observed at interphase. Result of this study confirmed that the methanol extracts of E. hirta exerted significant genotoxic and mitodepressive effects at 1,000 mu g/mL.

Euphorbia neriifolia L. is a spiny herb native to Southeast Asia and currently cultivated in southern Taiwan. From the ethanolic extract of E. neriifolia leaves, 23 compounds were isolated, including 22 triterpenoids and one flavonoid glycoside. The anti-human coronavirus (HCoV) activity of the separated triterpenoids was studied revealing the structure-activity relationship (SAR) of these isolates. 3beta-Friedelanol exhibited more potent anti-viral activity than the positive control, actinomycin D, which implies the importance of the friedelane skeleton as a potential scaffold for developing new anti-HCoV-229E drugs.

A four-day static renewal acute toxicity test was performed to determine the LC50 value of aqueous extract of Euphorbia tirucalli latex for the freshwater fish, Heteropneustes fossilis. The LC50 values, their upper and lower confidence limits and slope functions were calculated. The LC50 values for aqueous extract of E. tirucalli latex at various exposure periods are 3.450 μl/L for 24 h, 2.516 μl/L for 48 h, 1.623 μl/L for 72 h and 1.315 μl/L for 96 h. The toxicity of aqueous extract of E. tirucalli latex exhibits a positive correlation between fish mortality and exposure periods. It is concluded that latex of E. tirucalli has higher piscicidal activity as compared with other synthetic pesticides, organophosphates and pyrethroids for the fish H. fossilis. Hence, adequate precautions must be exercised when E. tirucalli latex is being used near fish-inhabiting water reservoirs.

Chronic stress is known to result in impairment of learning and memory and precipitate several affective disorders including depression and anxiety. Drugs of natural origin are known to possess several effects on the central nervous system and are emerging as promising alternative therapies. In this context, the hydroalcoholic extract of Euphorbia hirta (Eh) was evaluated for anxiolytic property in chronically stressed rats subjected to elevated plus maze (EPM) and open field test (OFT). Eh treatment (200 mg/kg, p.o.; seven days) showed marked anti-anxiety activity in chronic immobilization stress. In contrast, the forced swim stress-induced anxiety was only partially decreased by Eh. Co-treatment of rats with flumazenil (0.5 mg/kg, i.p.), bicuculline (1 mg/kg, i.p.) or picrotoxin (1 mg/kg, i.p.) resulted in a significant reduction of anxiolytic effect of Eh indicating that its actions are mediated through GABAA receptor-benzodiazepine receptor-Cl− channel complex. Thus, our studies indicate that Eh is a potential anxiolytic drug, which might be beneficial in the treatment of stress-induced anxiety disorders.