A novel plant toxin, persin, with in vivo activity in the mammary gland, induces Bim-dependent apoptosis in human breast cancer cells.

Phytochemicals have provided an abundant and effective source of therapeutics for the treatment of cancer. Here we describe the characterization of a novel plant toxin, persin, with in vivo activity in the mammary gland and a p53-, estrogen receptor-, and Bcl-2-independent mode of action. Persin was previously identified from avocado leaves as the toxic principle responsible for mammary gland-specific necrosis and apoptosis in lactating livestock.

Isolation and identification of the toxic peptides from Lophyrotoma zonalis (Pergidae) sawfly larvae.

The broad-leaved paper bark tree Melaleuca quinquenervia (Cav) (Myrtaceae) was introduced into Florida (USA) early in this century it has proliferated to such an extent that urgent measures are now required to control it. The sawfly Lophyrotoma zonalis (Pergidae) has been introduced as a possible biological control agent due to its ability to defoliate M. quinquenervia.

Unique toxic peptides isolated from sawfly larvae in three continents.

D-Amino acid containing peptides have been found to be responsible for sawfly larvae poisoning in many parts of the world. These compounds, unique in the animal kingdom, were isolated from three different species of sawfly indigenous to Australia, Denmark and South America. The octapeptide, lophyrotomin, is the major toxin in the Australian and Danish species and is present in small amounts in the South American sawfly.

Structural investigation of resin glycosides from Ipomoea lonchophylla.

A fraction from Ipomoea lonchophylla, which was toxic to mice, contained an inseparable mixture of resin glycosides with differing numbers of C5 ester groups on the hexasaccharide chain. After alkaline hydrolysis of the esters, the structure of the major component (1) was elucidated using high-field NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, chemical studies, and comparison with known resin glycosides. Compound 1 was identified as 3,11-dihydroxytetradecanoic acid 11-O-beta-quinovopyranosyl-(1-->2)-beta-glucopyranosyl-(1-->3)- [alpha-rhamnopyranosyl- (1-->4)]-quinovopyranosyl-(1-->2)-beta-glucopyranosyl-(1-->2)-beta -fucopyranoside.

Isolation and characterisation of urushiol components from the Australian native cashew (Semecarpus australiensis).

Native cashew (Semecarpus australiensis) is a well-known food source for aboriginal people of northeastern Queensland and the Northern Territory. It is also well known that contact with the seeds at a certain stage of growth can cause sever dermatitis in susceptible individuals. To prepare the fruits for eating, they are commonly treated by leaching for 2-7 days with water followed by heating in bark, and this treatment apparently produces an edible cashew nut.