Showing papers on "Holothuria published in 2008"

Antifungal activity of aqueous and methanolic extracts from the Mediterranean sea cucumber, Holothuria polii

Abstract: Crude extracts and semi-purified fractions (F5, F6) from the Mediterranean sea cucumber, Holothuria polii , collected from the bay of Tabarka (Tunisia coast) were evaluated for their antifungal activity against filamentous fungi and yeast. The activity was determined in vitro, using the well diffusion test in the casitone agar medium. Both the aqueous and the methanolic extracts were found to produce, in a concentration-related manner (600–1500 μg/well) a significant antifungal activity. The semi-purified fractions (F5, F6) of both extracts exhibited also a significant antifungal activity in a concentration-related manner (150–300 μg/well). The strains of Aspergillus fumigatus were more susceptible to these extracts and derived fractions, while those of Trichophyton rubrum were found to be less susceptible. No activity was observed against strains of Candida albicans . These findings suggest that the polar active fractions (F5, F6) obtained from aqueous and methanolic extracts could contain a new antifungal compound(s). The purification and the determination of chemical structure of compound(s) of these active fractions are under investigation.

Observations of two Holothuria species (H. theeli and H. portovallartensis) from the Galapagos

Abstract: Following the FAO workshop in the Galapagos Islands, we and some other participants observed several sea cucmbers with similar characteristics as Holothuria leucospilota. Following up on discussions within the PEET (Partnerships for Enhancing Expertise in Taxonomy) list, we hope that these observations will provide some interesting information on these little known species. Unfortunately, we were not allowed to take any samples or dissect specimens. We compared our observations with those of Hickman’s (1998) on Galapagos echinoderms.

First record of asexual reproduction of Holothuria (Mertensiothuria) hilla in a fringing reef at Reunion Island, western Indian Ocean

Abstract: Around 10 species of holothurians are known to be naturally fissiparous, and several belong to the genus Holothuria (H. atra, H. leucospilota, H. edulis and H. parvula). This note reports on the observation of asexual reproduction in Holothuria hilla at Reunion. Evidence of natural fissiparity had been previously observed in this species in June 2001, with an anterior specimen regenerating the posterior end (weight 22 g) and a posterior one regenerating with an anterior end (weight 32 g). Only one specimen of the species was observed at this date.

Chemical constituents from sea cucumber Holothuria nobilis

Abstract: OBJECTIVE To study the chemical constituents of sea cucumber Holothuria hilla L.. METHODS Compounds were isolated from the sea cucumber by multi-chromatography on Si gel, ODS Rp C-18 gel, DA101 resin, Sephadex LH-20 and HPLC. The structures were elucidated according to their spectral data and chemical character. RESULTS Four compounds were isolated from the sea cucumber, and were identified as: holothuria A (I), thymine (II), uracil (III), cholesterol (IV). CONCLUSION Compounds I IV are obtained from this kind of sea cucumber for the first time.