Applicability of Euphorbia milii var splendens latex in the control of Biomphalaria tenagophila

The present work aimed to evaluate in vitro the molluscicidal activity and latex toxicity of Euphorbia milii var. splendens (Bojer ex Hook) Ursch & Leandri for the control of mollusks of the species Biomphalaria tenagophila. Specimens of E. milii var. splendens cultivated in the rural region of Pindamonhangaba were selected, from which latex was obtained by the transverse incision of the aerial parts. For the molluscicide test, adult mollusks of the species B. tenagophila were separated into groups of 10 and submitted to latex immersion at concentrations of 2.5 ppm, 1.25 ppm, 0.625 ppm, and 0.3125 ppm for 24 hours. In parallel, the toxicity of latex at a concentration of 0.3125 ppm was determined by testing with Artemia salina (mortality assessment) and using the Allium cepa test (determination of growth inhibition, amount, and weight of roots). It was observed an important molluscicidal activity of E. milii var. splendens latex at the various concentrations evaluated. In addition, it was also possible to observe moderate toxicity against A. salina nauplii and in the toxicity test with A. cepa. This demonstrates the potential of using latex from E. milii var. splendens to control populations of B. tenagophila species, not only for the observed molluscicidal activity but also for the moderate mortality of A. salina nauplii, whereas in the A. cepa test no change was observed in the parameters evaluated in relation to the control group, demonstrating safety for use in the environment.

Cytotoxic and antiviral potentials of Euphorbia milii var. splendens leaf against Peste des petits ruminant virus

Purpose: To determine the cytotoxic and antiviral potentials of Euphorbia milii var. splendens leaf against Peste des petits ruminants virus (PPRV). Methods: The methanol extract, as well as n- hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, and n- butanol fractions of E. milii leaves were screened for cytotoxic and antiviral activities against PPRV using Vero cell line and 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Results: Non-cytotoxic concentrations with cell survival rate (CSP) greater than 50 % were considered virucidal. Methanol extract and fractions produced significant (p < 0.05) effects at all test concentrations against PPRV. The 50 % cytotoxic concentration (CC50) calculated was ≤ 25 µg/mL for extract and fractions. In antiviral assay, ethyl acetate, n-hexane, and n-butanol fractions at all test concentrations ranging from 1.56 - 800 µg/mL were non-virucidal; even at their non-cytotoxic concentrations these fractions did not show antiviral activities. However, the methanol extract and its chloroform fractions showed significant (p < 0.05) virucidal potential. Conclusion: The results suggest that further isolation of antiviral constituents from the fractions may open new horizons for the development of new antiviral agents.

Novelties in Malagasy Euphorbia (Euphorbiaceae)

In this paper we clarify the identity and natural distribution of Euphorbia milii by defining an epitype for it, and elevate to specific rank infraspecific names published under E. milii and provide detailed synonymy for taxa reinstated at the specific rank such as Euphorbia splendens, Euphorbia bevilaniensis, Euphorbia hislopii. We publish novelties such as E. cylindroclada, Euphorbia imperatae (including Euphorbia milii forma lutea), Euphorbia pachyspina, Euphorbia tananarivae, and Euphorbia werneri.We also investigate the taxonomy and nomenclature of other Malagasy succulent Euphorbia and identify new synonyms for Euphorbia beharensis, Euphorbia berevoensis, Euphorbia delphinensis, Euphorbia mangokyensis, Euphorbia paulianii, and Euphorbia bosseri. We publish at a new rank E. begardii (basionym E. primulifolia var. begardii), E. crassicaulis (basionym E. francoisii var. crassicaulis, with a new synonym E. decaryi var. crassicaulis), and Euphorbia hardyi (basionym E. platyclada var. hardyi). We also clarify the typification of E. isalensis. lectotypify Euphorbia leandriana and, clarify its circumscription, with E. horombensis as a new synonym of this name.