Genetic diversity among genotypes of (Aubl.) J.F. Gmel. maintained in an in vitro germplasm bank.

Unlabelled: Phytotherapeutic preparations from (Aubl.) J.F.

Jasmonates promote enhanced production of bioactive caffeoylquinic acid derivative in (L.) L. hairy roots.

Unlabelled: (L.) L. is widely used in traditional medicine for treatment of hepatitis, poisoning from snake bites and viral infections.

Geranylation of benzoic acid derivatives by enzymatic extracts from Piper crassinervium (Piperaceae).

The ability to carry out geranylations on aromatic substrates using enzymatic extracts from the leaves of Piper crassinervium (Piperaceae) was evaluated. A literature analysis pointed out its importance as a source of prenylated bioactive molecules. The screening performed on aromatic acceptors (benzoic acids, phenols and phenylpropanoids) including geranyl diphosphate as prenyl donor, showed the biotransformation of the 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid by the crude extract, and the p-hydroxybenzoic acid by both the microsomal fraction and the crude extract, after treating leaves with glucose.

In vitro activity of compounds isolated from Piper crassinervium against Trypanosoma cruzi.

This study describes the antichagasic potential of five compounds isolated from leaves of Piper crassinervium (Piperaceae). Two prenylated benzoic acid derivatives, one prenylated hydroquinone and two flavanones, were evaluated. The in vitro trypanocidal activity was determined against epimastigote forms of Trypanosoma cruzi (Y strain), the etiologic agent of Chagas disease.

Natural chromenes and chromene derivatives as potential anti-trypanosomal agents.

The aim of the study was to investigate the anti-trypanocidal activities of natural chromene and chromene derivatives. Five chromenes were isolated from Piper gaudichaudianum and P. aduncum, and a further seven derivatives were prepared using standard reduction, methylation and acetylation procedures.