NABILAH BINTI YUSOF D20091034854

NORIZA BINTI ISHAK D20091034845

NUR ILIYANA BINTI SHAFEAI D20091034868

NURUL AIN BINTI ABDUL HAMIDD20091034867

MUNIRAH BINTI SAFIEE D20091034844

Number of genera and Number of genera and speciesspecies

Comprise : 37 genera and 1050 speciesComprise : 37 genera and 1050 species In tropical America : 19 genera, 270 In tropical America : 19 genera, 270

speciesspecies The largest genera : The largest genera : FicusFicus 759 species 759 species

in the worldwide and in the worldwide and Dorstenia Dorstenia 150 150 species in the worldwidespecies in the worldwide

Another large genus Another large genus Artocarpus Artocarpus more more than 50 species in Asean- Australian than 50 species in Asean- Australian region region

Features of the familyFeatures of the family Habit : trees, shrubs, subshrubs, less often herbs, Habit : trees, shrubs, subshrubs, less often herbs,

the trees and shrub terrestrial, brunch sometimes the trees and shrub terrestrial, brunch sometimes abscising, sometime are armed with thorns or abscising, sometime are armed with thorns or prickleprickle

Latex : milky, sometimes watery, often turning to Latex : milky, sometimes watery, often turning to brownish when exposed to airbrownish when exposed to air

Stipules : often conspicuous ( to 10 cm long in Stipules : often conspicuous ( to 10 cm long in some some FicusFicus ), the bases often encircling ), the bases often encircling stems,leaving circular scars, caducous, persistentsstems,leaving circular scars, caducous, persistents

Leaves : alternate,rarely opposite, blade margin Leaves : alternate,rarely opposite, blade margin usually entire, venation usually pinnateusually entire, venation usually pinnate

Inflorescences : usually axillary, often in pairs, Inflorescences : usually axillary, often in pairs, unisexual and bisexual, spikes, cup-shapedunisexual and bisexual, spikes, cup-shaped

Features of the familyFeatures of the family

Flowers : actinomorphic, unisexualFlowers : actinomorphic, unisexual Fruits : achenes, drupes, enclosed Fruits : achenes, drupes, enclosed

in enlarged, fleshy receptacle, often in enlarged, fleshy receptacle, often many – seeded fleshy structuremany – seeded fleshy structure

Seed : large or small, endosperm Seed : large or small, endosperm absent in large seed or present when absent in large seed or present when seed smallseed small

NATURAL HISTORYNATURAL HISTORY HemiepiphyticHemiepiphytic sp. of sp. of ficusficus start their life on the main start their life on the main

branches or stems of treesbranches or stems of trees Next, additional aerial roots are produced. Some grow Next, additional aerial roots are produced. Some grow

down to the forest floor and others embrace the down to the forest floor and others embrace the branches or trunk of the host tree for supportbranches or trunk of the host tree for support

The network of the aerial root inhibit the water and The network of the aerial root inhibit the water and nutrients to the host tree, eventually, the host tree nutrients to the host tree, eventually, the host tree dieddied

In the beginning, the pollination occur by air current.In the beginning, the pollination occur by air current. Then, pollination carried out by pollinators such as fig Then, pollination carried out by pollinators such as fig

wasps ( Agaonidae ). wasps ( Agaonidae ). This wasps lay eggs in the ovaries of flowers. While This wasps lay eggs in the ovaries of flowers. While

they are laying eggs, pollen is deposited on the they are laying eggs, pollen is deposited on the stigmas.stigmas.

Then, this wasps die inside the fig, and the Then, this wasps die inside the fig, and the developing larvae consumed the seed tissue developing larvae consumed the seed tissue of the short-styled flowers, which develop of the short-styled flowers, which develop into gall fruit.into gall fruit.

The seed and larvae matured at the same The seed and larvae matured at the same time.time.

The male wasp with well-developed mouth The male wasp with well-developed mouth parts leave the gall fruits first followed by parts leave the gall fruits first followed by female waspfemale wasp

After the pollinators have left, the wall of After the pollinators have left, the wall of the syconium becomes softer, loses latex, the syconium becomes softer, loses latex, and may change color, thus becoming and may change color, thus becoming attractive to animal dispersers attractive to animal dispersers

Species in MalaysiaSpecies in Malaysia

JackfruitJackfruit

BreadfruitBreadfruit

CempedakCempedak

Mas cotekMas cotek

AraAra

AraAra beringinberingin

AraAra lempunglempung

AraAra nasinasi

Jack fruitJack fruit((Artocarpus heterophyllusArtocarpus heterophyllus ) )

Kingdom : plantaeKingdom : plantae Division : magnoliophytaDivision : magnoliophyta Class : mangnoliopsidaClass : mangnoliopsida Order : rosalesOrder : rosales Family : moraceaeFamily : moraceae Tribe : artocarpeaeTribe : artocarpeae Genus : artocarpusGenus : artocarpus Species : A. heterophyllusSpecies : A. heterophyllus Origin : rainforest of Western GhatsOrigin : rainforest of Western Ghats Cultivated : India,Burma,Ceylon,Southern China,Malaysia, Cultivated : India,Burma,Ceylon,Southern China,Malaysia,

East india East india Height : 30 to 70 feet (9 to 21m)Height : 30 to 70 feet (9 to 21m) EvergreenEvergreen All part are sticky, white latexAll part are sticky, white latex Monoecious: male flowers borne in oblong cluster 5- 10 cm. Monoecious: male flowers borne in oblong cluster 5- 10 cm.

female cluster are elliptic or roundedfemale cluster are elliptic or rounded Fruit weight : up to 76 poundsFruit weight : up to 76 pounds

FruitsFruits

Thick and quite pricklyThick and quite prickly Borne on short lateral branches Borne on short lateral branches

along a main trunk along a main trunk Oval to oblong shape Oval to oblong shape The green rind is made up of The green rind is made up of

hexagonal fleshy spineshexagonal fleshy spines The flesh are starchy and fibrousThe flesh are starchy and fibrous Source of dietary fibreSource of dietary fibre

Resin Resin

When the jackfruit is opened, one When the jackfruit is opened, one finds the round fruits contained in finds the round fruits contained in ‘pockets’ in a fibrous interior‘pockets’ in a fibrous interior

The main difficulty in extracting the The main difficulty in extracting the individual fruit is sticky white latex individual fruit is sticky white latex produced by the fruitproduced by the fruit

This latex is identical to the white This latex is identical to the white wood glue one find in hardware storewood glue one find in hardware store

CempedakCempedak( ( Artocarpus champeden )Artocarpus champeden )

Kingdom : plantaeKingdom : plantae Division : magnoliophytaDivision : magnoliophyta Class : mangnoliopsidaClass : mangnoliopsida Order : rosalesOrder : rosales Family : moraceaeFamily : moraceae Tribe : artocarpeaeTribe : artocarpeae Genus : artocarpusGenus : artocarpus Species : A. champedenSpecies : A. champeden OriginOrigin : South East Asia, occuring from West : South East Asia, occuring from West

Malaysia to west irian on the island of New Guinea Malaysia to west irian on the island of New Guinea EvergreenEvergreen Bear fruit once or twice a yearBear fruit once or twice a year

fruitsfruits

Sausage shape Sausage shape length : 20 -50 cmlength : 20 -50 cm The flesh surrounding the large seeds are The flesh surrounding the large seeds are

yellow, orange or green in coloryellow, orange or green in color the sweet, juicy pulp surround the seed in a the sweet, juicy pulp surround the seed in a

thick layer between the husk and an thick layer between the husk and an inedible coreinedible core

Skin : thin and leathery, pattern with Skin : thin and leathery, pattern with hexagon that either flat or raised hexagon that either flat or raised protuberances protuberances

BREADFRUITBREADFRUIT ( (ArtocarpusArtocarpus altilisaltilis ) )

Kingdom : plantae Kingdom : plantae Plants Subkingdom : Tracheobionta – Vascular plantsPlants Subkingdom : Tracheobionta – Vascular plants Superdivision : Spermatophyta – Seed plantsSuperdivision : Spermatophyta – Seed plants Division Division MagnoliophytaMagnoliophyta – Flowering plants – Flowering plants Class : Magnoliopsida– DicotyledonsClass : Magnoliopsida– Dicotyledons Subclass : HamamelididaeSubclass : Hamamelididae Order : Urticales Order : Urticales Family : Moraceae – Mulberry familyFamily : Moraceae – Mulberry family Genus : Genus : ArtocarpusArtocarpus J.R. Forst. & G. Forst. – breadfruit J.R. Forst. & G. Forst. – breadfruit Species : Species : ArtocarpusArtocarpus altilisaltilis (Parkinson) Fosberg – breadfruit (Parkinson) Fosberg – breadfruit

BreadfruitBreadfruit ( (ArtocarpusArtocarpus altilisaltilis ) )

fast growingfast growing reaching 85 ft (26 m) in heightreaching 85 ft (26 m) in height often buttressed at the baseoften buttressed at the base The leaves, evergreen or deciduous depending on climatic The leaves, evergreen or deciduous depending on climatic

conditions, on conditions, on thick, yellow petioles to 1 1/2 in (3.8 cm) long, are ovate, 9 to 36 thick, yellow petioles to 1 1/2 in (3.8 cm) long, are ovate, 9 to 36 inin(22.8-90 cm) long, 8 to 20 in (20-50 cm) wide, entire at the base, (22.8-90 cm) long, 8 to 20 in (20-50 cm) wide, entire at the base, thenthenmore or less deeply cut into 5 to 11 pointed lobesmore or less deeply cut into 5 to 11 pointed lobes

Some fruits may have a harsh, sandpaper-like rind. Generally the Some fruits may have a harsh, sandpaper-like rind. Generally the rind is green at rind is green at first, turning yellowish-green, yellow or yellow-brown when ripe, first, turning yellowish-green, yellow or yellow-brown when ripe, though one variety isthough one variety islavenderlavender

In the green stage, the fruit is hard and the interior is white, In the green stage, the fruit is hard and the interior is white, starchy and somewhatstarchy and somewhat fibrousfibrous

BreadfruitBreadfruit ( (ArtocarpusArtocarpus altilisaltilis ) )

When fully ripe, the fruit is somewhat soft, the interior is When fully ripe, the fruit is somewhat soft, the interior is cream colored or yellow andcream colored or yellow and pasty, also sweetly fragrantpasty, also sweetly fragrant

The seeds are irregularly oval, rounded at one end, pointed at The seeds are irregularly oval, rounded at one end, pointed at the other, about 3/4 inthe other, about 3/4 in(2 cm) long, dull-brown with darker stripes(2 cm) long, dull-brown with darker stripes

In the center of seedless fruits there is a cylindrical or oblong In the center of seedless fruits there is a cylindrical or oblong core, in some types covered with hairs bearing flat, brown, core, in some types covered with hairs bearing flat, brown, abortive seeds about 1/8 in (3 mm) longabortive seeds about 1/8 in (3 mm) long

The fruit stalk (pedicel) varies from 1 to 5 in (2.5-12.5 cm) longThe fruit stalk (pedicel) varies from 1 to 5 in (2.5-12.5 cm) long

ClimateClimate : : The breadfruit is ultra-tropicalThe breadfruit is ultra-tropical it requires a temperature range of 60° to 100°F (15.56°-it requires a temperature range of 60° to 100°F (15.56°-

37.78°C)37.78°C)

BreadfruitBreadfruit ( (ArtocarpusArtocarpus altilisaltilis ) )

OriginOrigin ::

The breadfruit is believed to be native to a vast area extending The breadfruit is believed to be native to a vast area extending from New Guineafrom New Guinea through the Indo-Malayan Archipelago to Western Micronesiathrough the Indo-Malayan Archipelago to Western Micronesia

It is said to have been widely spread in the Pacific area by It is said to have been widely spread in the Pacific area by migrating Polynesians, and Hawaiians believed that it was brought migrating Polynesians, and Hawaiians believed that it was brought from the Samoan island of Upalu to Oahu in the 12th Century A.Dfrom the Samoan island of Upalu to Oahu in the 12th Century A.D

It is said to have been first seen by Europeans in the Marquesas in It is said to have been first seen by Europeans in the Marquesas in 1595, then in Tahiti in 16061595, then in Tahiti in 1606

At the beginning of the 18th Century, the early English explorers At the beginning of the 18th Century, the early English explorers were loud in its praises, and its fame, together with several were loud in its praises, and its fame, together with several periods of famine in Jamaica between 1780 and 1786, inspired periods of famine in Jamaica between 1780 and 1786, inspired plantation owners in the British West Indies to petition King plantation owners in the British West Indies to petition King George III to import seedless breadfruit trees to provide food for George III to import seedless breadfruit trees to provide food for their slavestheir slaves

BreadfruitBreadfruit ( (ArtocarpusArtocarpus altilisaltilis ) )

SoilSoil :: breadfruit tree must have deep, fertile, well-drained breadfruit tree must have deep, fertile, well-drained

soilsoil But some of the best authorities on South Pacific But some of the best authorities on South Pacific

plants point out that the seedless breadfruit does well plants point out that the seedless breadfruit does well on sandy coral soilson sandy coral soils

ToxicityToxicity

Most varieties of breadfruit are purgative if eaten rawMost varieties of breadfruit are purgative if eaten raw

Some varieties are boiled twice and the water thrown Some varieties are boiled twice and the water thrown away, to avoid unpleasant effects, while there are a away, to avoid unpleasant effects, while there are a few named cultivars that can be safely eaten without few named cultivars that can be safely eaten without cookingcooking

Mas CotekMas Cotek(Ficus Deltoidea(Ficus Deltoidea ) )

Kingdom : PlantaeKingdom : Plantae Order : RosalesOrder : Rosales Family : MoraceaeFamily : Moraceae Tribe : Tribe : FiceaeFiceae Gaudich. Gaudich. Genus : Genus : FicusFicus Common NameCommon Name: : MistletoeMistletoe fig fig

Mas cotekMas cotek (Ficus Deltoidea(Ficus Deltoidea ) )

Evergreen shrub or small treeEvergreen shrub or small tree 5-7 m tall5-7 m tall 1-3 m wide1-3 m wide It grows only about 20 feetIt grows only about 20 feet more often found as a shrub than a treemore often found as a shrub than a tree aerial rootsaerial roots usually seen as a large cascading epiphytic shrub on large trees usually seen as a large cascading epiphytic shrub on large trees

on large treeson large trees

LeavesLeaves

Leaves broadly spoon-shapedLeaves broadly spoon-shaped 4-8 cm long4-8 cm long bright green color from abovebright green color from above rust-red to olive brown color from beneathrust-red to olive brown color from beneath

Mas cotekMas cotek (Ficus Deltoidea(Ficus Deltoidea ) )

PollinationPollination

Each species of Each species of Ficus Ficus has an associated species of agaonid has an associated species of agaonid waspwasp

FicusFicus species can only be pollinated by their associated species can only be pollinated by their associated agaonid waspsagaonid wasps

the wasps can only lay eggs within their associated the wasps can only lay eggs within their associated Ficus Ficus fruitfruit

PropagationPropagation

May propagate from seedMay propagate from seed May propagate from cuttingMay propagate from cutting Trees can begin life as epiphytes on other trees.Trees can begin life as epiphytes on other trees.

Mas cotekMas cotek (Ficus Deltoidea(Ficus Deltoidea ) )

DispersalDispersal

Pollinator waspsPollinator wasps Fruit eating birdsFruit eating birds

Distribution Distribution

native to S.E. Asia to Borneo, and the Philippinesnative to S.E. Asia to Borneo, and the Philippines tropical rainforesttropical rainforest Average temperature ranges from over 20C to 30 Average temperature ranges from over 20C to 30

CC

ECONOMIC USESECONOMIC USES Brosimum guianenseBrosimum guianense and and B.rubescensB.rubescens - provide - provide

timber for building furniture and making tools.timber for building furniture and making tools. Two species of Two species of Castilla Castilla - yield a rubber - yield a rubber Latex of the same species of Latex of the same species of NaucleopsisNaucleopsis is is

used to prepare and arrow poison that affects used to prepare and arrow poison that affects the cardiac system and not the nervous system.the cardiac system and not the nervous system.

Latex of some species of Latex of some species of FicusFicus is used to treat is used to treat intestinal worm infections.intestinal worm infections.

Latex of Latex of Maclura tinctoriaMaclura tinctoria is used to treat is used to treat toothachestoothaches

Species of Species of DorsteniaDorstenia, in particular , in particular D.cayapiaD.cayapia and and D.contrajrevaD.contrajreva have broad application. have broad application.

ECONOMIC USESECONOMIC USES A protolytics enzyme called ficin is derived from A protolytics enzyme called ficin is derived from

the latex of the latex of Ficus caricaFicus carica and and F.glabrataF.glabrata are are used in the food industry as food ingredients in used in the food industry as food ingredients in tenderizers and to produce protein tenderizers and to produce protein hydrosylates.hydrosylates.

Bark fiber of Bark fiber of PoulseniaPoulsenia are used to prepare bark are used to prepare bark cloth and some species of cloth and some species of FicusFicus are used to are used to make amate paper in Mexico.make amate paper in Mexico.

The seed of The seed of Brosimum alicastrumBrosimum alicastrum are eaten, are eaten, boiled, roasted and ground into flour to make boiled, roasted and ground into flour to make bread or tortillas.bread or tortillas.

Species of Species of FicusFicus are grown widely as are grown widely as ornamentals and houseplants. ornamentals and houseplants.

Journal Journal

Title: Title: Antibacterial and antifungal activities of the crude extract Antibacterial and antifungal activities of the crude extract

and compounds from Dorstenia turbinata (Moraceae).and compounds from Dorstenia turbinata (Moraceae). Authors: Authors:

Ngameni, B.Ngameni, B.11Kuete, V.Kuete, V.2 kuetevictor@yahoo.fr2 kuetevictor@yahoo.fr

Simo, I.K.Simo, I.K.33Mbaveng, A.T.Mbaveng, A.T.44

Awoussong, P.K.Awoussong, P.K.55Patnam, R.Patnam, R.66

Roy, R.Roy, R.66Ngadjui, B.T.Ngadjui, B.T.1,5 1,5

Source: Source: South African Journal of BotanySouth African Journal of Botany; Apr2009, Vol. 75 Issue 2, p256-261, ; Apr2009, Vol. 75 Issue 2, p256-261,

6p 6p

Abstract: The aim of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of the Abstract: The aim of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of the crude extract of the twigs of Dorstenia turbinata (DTT) as well as that of five of crude extract of the twigs of Dorstenia turbinata (DTT) as well as that of five of

the nine compounds isolated from this extract, namely 5-methoxy-3-[3-(ß-the nine compounds isolated from this extract, namely 5-methoxy-3-[3-(ß-glucopyranosyloxy)-2-hydroxy-3-methylbutyl]psoralen (1), 5-methoxy-3-(3-glucopyranosyloxy)-2-hydroxy-3-methylbutyl]psoralen (1), 5-methoxy-3-(3-

methyl-2,3-dihydroxybutyl)psoralen (2), (2′S, 3′R)-3′-hydroxymarmesin (3), 4-methyl-2,3-dihydroxybutyl)psoralen (2), (2′S, 3′R)-3′-hydroxymarmesin (3), 4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzaldehyde (4) and 4-methoxyphenol (5). Gram-positive, hydroxy-3-methoxybenzaldehyde (4) and 4-methoxyphenol (5). Gram-positive,

Gram-negative bacterial species as well as fungi were used. The agar disc Gram-negative bacterial species as well as fungi were used. The agar disc diffusion test was used to determine the sensitivity of the tested samples diffusion test was used to determine the sensitivity of the tested samples while the well micro-dilution was used to determine the minimal inhibition while the well micro-dilution was used to determine the minimal inhibition

concentrations (MIC) and the minimal microbicidal concentration (MMC) of the concentrations (MIC) and the minimal microbicidal concentration (MMC) of the active samples. The results of the disc diffusion assay showed that the crude active samples. The results of the disc diffusion assay showed that the crude extract (DTT), compounds 1 to 3 were able to prevent the growth of all the extract (DTT), compounds 1 to 3 were able to prevent the growth of all the tested pathogens at the tested concentrations. Compounds 4 and 5 showed tested pathogens at the tested concentrations. Compounds 4 and 5 showed

moderate and selective activities. The results of MIC determinations indicated moderate and selective activities. The results of MIC determinations indicated values ranging from 19.53 to 78.12 µg/ml for the DTT and from 9.76 to values ranging from 19.53 to 78.12 µg/ml for the DTT and from 9.76 to

78.12 µg/ml for compound 2. The MIC values recorded on 91% of the tested 78.12 µg/ml for compound 2. The MIC values recorded on 91% of the tested organisms for compounds 1 and 3. The lowest MIC value for the crude extract organisms for compounds 1 and 3. The lowest MIC value for the crude extract

of D. turbinata (19.53 µg/ml) was noted on Trichophyton rubrum and of D. turbinata (19.53 µg/ml) was noted on Trichophyton rubrum and Escherichia coli. The corresponding value for the tested compounds Escherichia coli. The corresponding value for the tested compounds

(9.76 µg/ml) was obtained with 2 and 3 on T. rubrum. The antimicrobial (9.76 µg/ml) was obtained with 2 and 3 on T. rubrum. The antimicrobial activity of this plant as well as that of compounds 1-2 is being reported for the activity of this plant as well as that of compounds 1-2 is being reported for the

first time. The overall results provide promising baseline information for the first time. The overall results provide promising baseline information for the potential use of the crude extracts from DTT as well as some of the isolated potential use of the crude extracts from DTT as well as some of the isolated compounds in the treatment of bacterial and fungal infections. [Copyright compounds in the treatment of bacterial and fungal infections. [Copyright

2009 Elsevier] 2009 Elsevier]

Anticonvulsant effect of Ficus religiosa: Anticonvulsant effect of Ficus religiosa: Role of serotonergic pathways.Role of serotonergic pathways. Authors: 1.Authors: 1.Singh, DamanpreetSingh, Damanpreet11 2. 2. Goel, Rajesh KumarGoel, Rajesh Kumar2 2 goekrkpup@gmail.com goekrkpup@gmail.com Source: Source: Journal of EthnopharmacologyJournal of Ethnopharmacology; Jun2009, ; Jun2009, Vol. 123 Issue 2, p330-334, Vol. 123 Issue 2, p330-334, 5p 5p

\\

Abstract: Ethnopharmacological relevance: Ficus religiosa (Abstract: Ethnopharmacological relevance: Ficus religiosa (MoraceaeMoraceae) is ) is reported to have numerous therapeutic utility in folk medicine. Among reported to have numerous therapeutic utility in folk medicine. Among

different biological activities on central nervous system, it has been reported different biological activities on central nervous system, it has been reported to be used in ethnomedical treatment of epilepsy, which led us to further to be used in ethnomedical treatment of epilepsy, which led us to further

explore its anticonvulsant activity in various animal models of epilepsy. Aim of explore its anticonvulsant activity in various animal models of epilepsy. Aim of the study: To investigate anticonvulsant activity of methanolic extract of figs the study: To investigate anticonvulsant activity of methanolic extract of figs

of Ficus religiosa in animal models and to determine its possible of Ficus religiosa in animal models and to determine its possible anticonvulsant mechanism. Materials and methods: Anticonvulsant activity of anticonvulsant mechanism. Materials and methods: Anticonvulsant activity of

figs extract (25, 50 and 100mg/kg, i.p.) was studied in seizures induced by figs extract (25, 50 and 100mg/kg, i.p.) was studied in seizures induced by maximum electroshock (MES), picrotoxin and pentylenetetrazol (PTZ). maximum electroshock (MES), picrotoxin and pentylenetetrazol (PTZ).

Cyproheptadine, a nonselective (5HT_1/2) serotonin antagonist Cyproheptadine, a nonselective (5HT_1/2) serotonin antagonist (4mg/kg, i.p.) was used to study the reversal of protective effect of extract in (4mg/kg, i.p.) was used to study the reversal of protective effect of extract in the above mentioned models. Acute toxicity, neurotoxicity and potentiation of the above mentioned models. Acute toxicity, neurotoxicity and potentiation of

pentobarbitone induced sleep by extract was also studied. Results: Extract pentobarbitone induced sleep by extract was also studied. Results: Extract showed no toxicity, potentiated pentobarbitone induced sleep and inhibited showed no toxicity, potentiated pentobarbitone induced sleep and inhibited

seizures induced by MES and picrotoxin in a dose dependent manner. seizures induced by MES and picrotoxin in a dose dependent manner. Anticonvulsant effect of extract was comparable to clinically used antiepileptic Anticonvulsant effect of extract was comparable to clinically used antiepileptic

drugs (phenytoin and diazepam). However, PTZ induced seizures were not drugs (phenytoin and diazepam). However, PTZ induced seizures were not inhibited. Animals pretreated with cyproheptadine showed inhibition of the inhibited. Animals pretreated with cyproheptadine showed inhibition of the anticonvulsant effect of extract. Conclusions: These findings suggested that anticonvulsant effect of extract. Conclusions: These findings suggested that the methanolic extract of figs of Ficus religiosa had anticonvulsant activity the methanolic extract of figs of Ficus religiosa had anticonvulsant activity

against MES and picrotoxin induced convulsions, with no neurotoxic effect, in a against MES and picrotoxin induced convulsions, with no neurotoxic effect, in a dose dependent manner. Inhibition of the anticonvulsant effect of extract by dose dependent manner. Inhibition of the anticonvulsant effect of extract by cyproheptadine substantiates the involvement of serotonergic pathways for cyproheptadine substantiates the involvement of serotonergic pathways for

the anticonvulsant activity of extract. [Copyright 2009 Elsevier]the anticonvulsant activity of extract. [Copyright 2009 Elsevier]

Title: Title: Antimicrobial activity of the crude extract, fractions and compounds Antimicrobial activity of the crude extract, fractions and compounds

from stem bark of Ficus ovata (Moraceae).from stem bark of Ficus ovata (Moraceae). Authors: Authors:

Kuete, VictorKuete, Victor1 kuetevictor@yahoo.fr1 kuetevictor@yahoo.frNana, FrédéricNana, Frédéric22

Ngameni, BathélémyNgameni, Bathélémy3 bath_ngameni@yahoo.fr3 bath_ngameni@yahoo.frMbaveng, Armelle TsafackMbaveng, Armelle Tsafack44

Keumedjio, FélixKeumedjio, Félix22Ngadjui, Bonaventure TchaleuNgadjui, Bonaventure Tchaleu2,3 2,3

Source: Source: Journal of EthnopharmacologyJournal of Ethnopharmacology; Jul2009, Vol. 124 Issue 3, p556-561, 6p ; Jul2009, Vol. 124 Issue 3, p556-561, 6p

Abstract: Aim of the study: This study was designed to investigate the Abstract: Aim of the study: This study was designed to investigate the antimicrobial activities of the methanol extracts from the stem bark of Ficus antimicrobial activities of the methanol extracts from the stem bark of Ficus ovata (FOB), fractions (FOB1–6) and compounds isolated following bio-guided ovata (FOB), fractions (FOB1–6) and compounds isolated following bio-guided fractionation [3-friedelanone (1), taraxeryl acetate (2), betulinic acid (3), fractionation [3-friedelanone (1), taraxeryl acetate (2), betulinic acid (3), oleanoïc acid (4), 2-hydroxyisoprunetin (5), 6,7-(2-isopropenyl furo)-5,2,4-oleanoïc acid (4), 2-hydroxyisoprunetin (5), 6,7-(2-isopropenyl furo)-5,2,4-trihydroxyisoflavone (6), Cajanin (7) and protocatechuic acid (8)]. Materials trihydroxyisoflavone (6), Cajanin (7) and protocatechuic acid (8)]. Materials and Methods: The micro-dilution method was used for the determination of the and Methods: The micro-dilution method was used for the determination of the minimal inhibition concentration (MIC) and the minimal microbicidal minimal inhibition concentration (MIC) and the minimal microbicidal concentration (MMC) against fungi (two species), Gram-positive (three concentration (MMC) against fungi (two species), Gram-positive (three species) and Gram-negative bacteria (five species). Results: The results of the species) and Gram-negative bacteria (five species). Results: The results of the MIC determinations indicated that the crude extract (FOB), fractions FOB2 and MIC determinations indicated that the crude extract (FOB), fractions FOB2 and FOB4 as well as compound 5 were active on the entire studied organisms. FOB4 as well as compound 5 were active on the entire studied organisms. Other samples showed selective activity, fractions FOB1, FOB3 and FOB5 Other samples showed selective activity, fractions FOB1, FOB3 and FOB5 being active against 50% of the tested microbial species while FOB6 was being active against 50% of the tested microbial species while FOB6 was active on 40%. Compounds 8, 6, 2 and 7 prevented the growth of 80%, 70%, active on 40%. Compounds 8, 6, 2 and 7 prevented the growth of 80%, 70%, 50% and 20% of the organisms respectively. The lowest MIC value (156g/ml) 50% and 20% of the organisms respectively. The lowest MIC value (156g/ml) observed with the crude extract was recorded on Streptococcus faecalis, observed with the crude extract was recorded on Streptococcus faecalis, Candida albicans and Microsporum audouinii. The corresponding value for Candida albicans and Microsporum audouinii. The corresponding value for fractions (39μg/ml) was noted with FOB4 against Staphylococcus aureus, while fractions (39μg/ml) was noted with FOB4 against Staphylococcus aureus, while that of the tested compounds (10μg/ml) was observed with compound 8 on that of the tested compounds (10μg/ml) was observed with compound 8 on Microsporum audouinii. The results of the MMC determination suggested that Microsporum audouinii. The results of the MMC determination suggested that the cidal effect of most of the tested samples on the studied microorganisms the cidal effect of most of the tested samples on the studied microorganisms could be expected. Conclusions: The overall results provided evidence that the could be expected. Conclusions: The overall results provided evidence that the studied plant extract, as well as some of the isolated compounds might be studied plant extract, as well as some of the isolated compounds might be

potential sources of new antimicrobial drug. [Copyright 2009 Elsevier]potential sources of new antimicrobial drug. [Copyright 2009 Elsevier]

Title: Title: Growth promoting potential of Ficus bengalensis root Growth promoting potential of Ficus bengalensis root

extracts in immature female rats.extracts in immature female rats. Authors: Authors:

Nidhiya, I. S. R.Nidhiya, I. S. R.11Pai, K. S. R.Pai, K. S. R.1 ksr.pai@manipal.edu1 ksr.pai@manipal.edu

Rao, C. MallikarjunaRao, C. Mallikarjuna1 1 Source: Source:

Pharmaceutical BiologyPharmaceutical Biology; Apr2009, Vol. 47 Issue 4, p268-273, 6p; Apr2009, Vol. 47 Issue 4, p268-273, 6p

The growth promoting potential of alcohol and aqueous extracts of The growth promoting potential of alcohol and aqueous extracts of young prop roots of Ficus bengalensis Linn. (young prop roots of Ficus bengalensis Linn. (MoraceaeMoraceae), a medicinal ), a medicinal

plant widely used among the tribes of the western zone of plant widely used among the tribes of the western zone of Maharashtra state, India to increase height, was studied. Its growth Maharashtra state, India to increase height, was studied. Its growth promoting effect was evaluated in one-month-old immature female promoting effect was evaluated in one-month-old immature female

rats. Extracts were administered to young rats for 30 days. rats. Extracts were administered to young rats for 30 days. Significant ( p < 0.05) increase in body weight was observed in Significant ( p < 0.05) increase in body weight was observed in

alcohol and aqueous extract treated immature female rats. Animals alcohol and aqueous extract treated immature female rats. Animals treated with alcohol extract showed statistically significant difference treated with alcohol extract showed statistically significant difference ( p < 0.05) in parameters such as mean food consumption, total body ( p < 0.05) in parameters such as mean food consumption, total body

length and increase in alkaline phosphatase levels, a biochemical length and increase in alkaline phosphatase levels, a biochemical marker for bone formation. Significant results were not observed in marker for bone formation. Significant results were not observed in other parameters such as feed efficiency, tail length, relative organ other parameters such as feed efficiency, tail length, relative organ

weight, bone density, tibial epiphyseal cartilage width and bone weight, bone density, tibial epiphyseal cartilage width and bone hydroxy proline levels. The results obtained establish the efficacy of hydroxy proline levels. The results obtained establish the efficacy of the plant material as well as importance of chronic studies to justify the plant material as well as importance of chronic studies to justify

the use of this plant in growth promotion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]the use of this plant in growth promotion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Title: Title: Optimization of a multitarget preservation technique for Optimization of a multitarget preservation technique for

jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus L.) bulbs.jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus L.) bulbs. Authors: Authors:

Saxena, AlokSaxena, Alok aloksaxena156@gmail.com aloksaxena156@gmail.comBawa, A.S.Bawa, A.S.11Raju, P.S.Raju, P.S.1 1 Source: Source:

Journal of Food EngineeringJournal of Food Engineering; Mar2009, Vol. 91 Issue 1, p18-28, 11p ; Mar2009, Vol. 91 Issue 1, p18-28, 11p

Abstract: Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus L.) bulbs in pitted and Abstract: Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus L.) bulbs in pitted and pre-cut form were subjected to a multitarget preservation technique pre-cut form were subjected to a multitarget preservation technique involving water activity (a _w) regulation, acidification, involving water activity (a _w) regulation, acidification, and in-pack pasteurization as the hurdles. The osmotic dewatering and in-pack pasteurization as the hurdles. The osmotic dewatering process was optimized using response surface methodology with process was optimized using response surface methodology with osmotic concentration, temperature, and duration of immersion as osmotic concentration, temperature, and duration of immersion as the process variables. Optimized conditions were found to be the process variables. Optimized conditions were found to be 65.9°Brix, 68.5°C temperature, and 180.6 minutes of immersion 65.9°Brix, 68.5°C temperature, and 180.6 minutes of immersion respectively for maximizing water loss, and overall acceptability respectively for maximizing water loss, and overall acceptability while minimizing solid gain. Microstructural observations highlighted while minimizing solid gain. Microstructural observations highlighted the maintenance of tissue integrity under the optimized process the maintenance of tissue integrity under the optimized process conditions. Total carotenoids retention in the product was found to be conditions. Total carotenoids retention in the product was found to be 64.2%, 46.2% and 35.7% under 6°C, ambient (22–32°C) and 37°C 64.2%, 46.2% and 35.7% under 6°C, ambient (22–32°C) and 37°C temperature conditions respectively during storage. The overall shelf-temperature conditions respectively during storage. The overall shelf-life of multitarget preserved high moisture jackfruit bulbs was found life of multitarget preserved high moisture jackfruit bulbs was found to be 8, 6 and 4 months under the respective storage temperatures to be 8, 6 and 4 months under the respective storage temperatures

of 6°C, ambient, and 37°C. [Copyright 2009 Elsevier]of 6°C, ambient, and 37°C. [Copyright 2009 Elsevier]

conclusionconclusion

plant usually woody, less often herbaceousplant usually woody, less often herbaceous Milky latex presentMilky latex present Stipules present, often conspicuous and / or Stipules present, often conspicuous and / or

fully encircling the twigfully encircling the twig Leaves alternate, rarely opposite, simpleLeaves alternate, rarely opposite, simple Flowers unisexual, perianth uniseriate or Flowers unisexual, perianth uniseriate or

absent, stamen one to four, gynoecium with absent, stamen one to four, gynoecium with one locule, placentation apical, the ovule one locule, placentation apical, the ovule oneone

Fruits often enclosed by accrescent fleshy Fruits often enclosed by accrescent fleshy perianth or receptacle perianth or receptacle