The Asteraceae is characterized by structurally diverse sesquiterpene lactones and furanosesquiterpenes. In this review the tribal, subtribal and generic distribution of sesquiterpene lactones is examined and the compounds’ utility as taxonomic characters discussed. Sesquiterpene lactones fulfill the major requirements for good analytic and synthetic characters. Studies of infraspecific sesquiterpene lactone variation indicate that different elements within complex taxa are often defined by distinct chemistries, termed chemotypes. Chemotypes have been identified within many of the thoroughly investigated taxa:Ambrosia camphorata, A. chamissonis, A. confertiflora, theA. cumanensis-A. psilostachya-A. artemisiifolia complex,A. dumosa, Artemisia tridentata, Gaillardia pulchella andMelampodium leucanthum. Such an analytic usage is mostly restricted to the infraspecific level. Synthetic usage at the interspecific level and above profits from the application of a biogenetically based methodology for sorting out the complex molecules’ carbon-skeletal and substitutional features into unit characters. Cladistics or Hennigian phylogenetic systematics provides a useful framework for such an analysis. Preliminary surveys indicate that sesquiterpene lactones are especially good characters for differentiating subtribes within several major tribes: the Vernonieae, Heliantheae and Mutisieae. As yet, too few data are available for other tribes to discern such patterns. Species surveys inVernonia, Ambrosia, Iva, Parthenium,Tetragonotheca andArtemisia demonstrate that sesquiterpene lactones are useful in discerning infrageneric groups. The biogenetic cladistic analysis of the interspecific sesquiterpene lactone variation inIva shows the efficacy of this analytical methodology. At present, such biogenetically based approaches are impeded by limited biosynthetic evidence and the erratic distribution of sesquiterpene lactones within the family. Instances of apparent displacement of sesquiterpene lactones by other terpenoids (i.e. sesquiterpene furans, alcohols and acids, diterpenes, diterpene acids, etc.) at various taxonomic levels suggest that ultimately sesquiterpene lactones must be interpreted as taxonomic characters in the context of the family’s total terpene chemistry. All taxa from which sesquiterpene lactones have been reported are listed together with the compound names, major structural features and the literature cited. A less-complete listing is provided for taxa producing furanosesquiterpenes. Structures for all reported compounds are included. Two appendices listing alphabetically taxa and compounds and relevant text page numbers permit cross-indexing of plants and compounds.

Sesquiterpene lactones as taxonomic characters in the asteraceae

Daphnia are already an established model species in toxicology. This freshwater crustacean is used commonly for environmental monitoring of pollutants around the globe and plays an important role in establishing regulatory criteria by government agencies (e.g., US EPA, Environment Canada organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, Environment Agency of Japan). Consequently, daphniids represent 8% of all experimental data for aquatic animals within the toxicological databases (Denslow et al., 2007). As such, their incorporation within the new field of toxicological genomics is limited only by the advancement of genomic resources. Because the development of these technologies requires the input and feedback of a large research community that extends far beyond the boundaries of any one discipline, the Daphnia Genomics Consortium (DGC) was formed in 2001 to: (i) provide the organizational framework to coordinate efforts at developing the Daphnia genomic toolbox; (ii) facilitate collaborative research and (iii) develop bioinformatics strategies for organizing the rapidly growing database. This chapter reviews the progress in establishing Daphnia as model species for genomic studies, with emphasis on toxicological applications. As the goals of the DGC are defined largely by extending the boundaries of current biological research in light of genomic information, this chapter first reviews Daphnia's unique biological attributes that make it ideal for such an expansion of research efforts. These attributes include a long tradition of ecological, evolutionary and toxicological study, culminating in the benefits provided by emerging genomic tools.

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Daphnia as an emerging model for toxicological genomics

Podophyllum peltutum is called the Mandrake by those of classical leanings, or May-apple by those whose interest centers on its sweet, yellow fruit. The European mandrake (Mandragora: Solanaceae) has for centuries been held of value for certain delicate mythical propertieP and for very real toxic and narcotic potency. In the New World, the common name was applied to an entirely different herb in a different family (Berberidaceae). Modern interest in Podophyllum has taken a new trend. This stems directly or indirectly from a publication of Ka~lan ,2~ in which he revealed that podophyllin is strikingly effective in reducing venereal warts, condylomata acuminata, with 25 per cent podophyllin in oil, This simple and effective therapy met with enthusiastic acceptance in both hemispheres, judging from the literature that followed its introd~ct ion.~~ by sectioning biopsy material, showed that podophyllin attacks mitoses in both the condylomata and in normal skin. They were not prepared to say that this destruction of dividing cells is the mechanism of the cure, inasmuch as there is, in addition, a widespread degeneration of a nonspecific Common warts did not yield to 25 per cent podophyllin in oil, but 20 per cent podophyllin in 95 per cent alcohol destroyed 15 of a hundred verrucae vulgares.a6 B. J. Sullivan and Wechsler% found that plant mitoses also could be blocked, using a saturated aqueous podophyllin. Within the meristem of Allium cepa, prometaphases accumulated in the absence of a spindle to complete the division. The chromosomes shortened slightly, but remained attached a t the centromere. The picture is like that of a colchicine block, substantiating the similarity reported by King and Maurice Sullivan. Father T. D. Sullivan37 found a saturated solution of podophyllin useful for blocking mitoses in petunia leaves. With the addition of 0.05 per cent chloral hydrate, further shortening of the chromosomes could be obtained. In the meantime, successes with condyloma therapy inspired intensive work with malignant tumors in at least three separate laboratories. At the National Cancer Institute, Dr. Shear’s chemotherapy group obtained striking pictures of blocked mitoses peppering whole areas of tumor.27 The subsequent necrosis eliminated most of the tumor, but viable cells usually remained. Karyokinesis in normal mouse skin and intestine was also blocked by p0dophyllin.2~ In the chick, the cerebellum was damaged.28 Dr. Morris Belkin;? a t the Medical College of South Carolina, was able King and Maurice

The Action of Podophyllin and its Fractions on Marine Eggs

PODOPHYLLUM consists of the dried rhizome and roots of Podophyllum peltatum Linnee, the May apple or mandrake, a perennial plant of northern and middle United States. 1 The extract and active principle of podophyllum is a complex mixture of resinous substances known as podophyllin, resina podophylli or resin of podophyllum 2 ; it is an amorphous powder varying from light brown to greenish yellow and turning darker when exposed to temperatures exceeding 25 C. or when exposed to light. Resin of podophyllum is soluble in normal solutions of potassium and sodium hydroxide. In alcohol it forms a slightly opalescent and faintly acid solution. Undiluted resin of podophyllum is irritating to mucous membrane, especially that of the eye, where it may produce extensive damage. 3 In the past resin of podophyllum was frequently prescribed, as it is an ingredient of the erstwhile popular and official vegetable cathartic pill the formula for which

Effects of resin of podophyllum on normal skin, condylomata acuminata and verrucae vulgares.

The inheritance of seed colour was investigated in the progenies of crosses between seven yellow seeded forms and a brown seeded one of turnip rape (Brassica campestris L.). Seed colour differences were found to be determined in each case by one or two genes with epistatic effect. Moreover, independent inheritance of hilum colour was observed. Seed colour was predominantly but not completely determined by the maternal parent. In total, two genes for seed colour with epistatic (Br1br1; Br6br6) and four with hypostatic effect (Br3br3; Br4br4; Br5br5; Br7br7) as well as one gene for hilum colour (Br8br8) were distinguished. Two alleles for yellow seed colour (br11and br12) were present in the locus Br1br1, whereas in the locus Br6br6 one allele was found for yellow seed colour (br61) and another for light hilum colour (br62). The possibilities of multiple allelism are discussed.

Inheritance of seed colour in turnip rape (Brassica campestris L.).

Chemistry of the Cotton Plant, with Special Reference to Upland Cotton

Biochemistry of May Apple Root (Podophyllum Peltatum) I

Shortly after the outbreak of the recent great war many products which previously could be obtained from European countries were no longer available, and as a result importers were obliged to seek other sources of supply. One of the products thus affected was mustard seed. It was soon apparent that much of the seed offered for entry as mustard was quite different not only in quality but also in general appearance and condimental character from that which had usually been imported. Some of the shipments, for example, of Chinese mustard (Brassica júncea (L.) Cosson), while not so satisfactory as the mustards formerly recognized, consisted of seeds with condimental and medicinal qualities which made them useful as substitutes. Others, consisting of Japanese mustard (41) (Brassica cernua Thunb.), proved to be very valuable material. It is probably grown under more favorable climatic conditions and is evidently collected more carefully than the Chinese seed. Seeds from some other Brassica species which possessed no medicinal or satisfactory condimental value, however, were imported (J, p. 46c; 45; 46; 48)y and among these was the one to which this article has reference. The seed was first called to the attention of the authors because it had been imported in large quantities as rape seed and subsequently was introduced into interstate trade as mustard seed. Its appearance was rather bright, though not shiny, and resembled in a way yellow or white mustard (Sinapis alba L.) (31, p. 379)On account, however, of its peculiar earthy flavor and lack of the pungency characteristic of mustard, it did not meet with the unqualified approval of the trade.

Arno Viehoever

Papers

Chemistry of the Cotton Plant, with Special Reference to Upland Cotton

Biochemistry of May Apple Root (Podophyllum Peltatum) I

Studies in mustard seeds and substitutes: I. Chinese colza (Brassica campestris chinoleifera Viehoever)☆

A saponin from agave lechuguilla torrey

Daphnia—the Biological Reagent*