Marcelo Monge

A metabolomic protocol for plant systematics by matrix-assisted laser-desorption/ionization time-of flight mass spectrometry

Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) has been widely used for the identification and classification of microorganisms based on their proteomic fingerprints. However, the use of MALDI-TOF MS in plant research has been very limited. In the present study, a first protocol is proposed for metabolic fingerprinting by MALDI-TOF MS using three different MALDI matrices with subsequent multivariate data analysis by in-house algorithms implemented in the R environment for the taxonomic classification of plants from different genera, families and orders. By merging the data acquired with different matrices, different ionization modes and using careful algorithms and parameter selection, we demonstrate that a close taxonomic classification can be achieved based on plant metabolic fingerprints, with 92% similarity to the taxonomic classifications found in literature. The present work therefore highlights the great potential of applying MALDI-TOF MS for the taxonomic classification of plants and, furthermore, provides a preliminary foundation for future research.

The Lychnophora granmogolensis (Asteraceae—Vernonieae) Species Complex: Two New Species and Comments on the Identity of Lychnophora granmogolensis

Abstract Lychnophora rupestris and Lychnophora nanuzae are two new endemic species from quartzitic, rocky-field vegetation in Brazil. These new species are described and illustrated, and their affinities discussed. They are similar to L. granmogolensis, suggesting the definition of a species complex. The L. granmogolensis species complex can be recognized by imbricate leaves, ericoid, revolute margins, pungent apex with mucron, 1–3 flowers per capitulum, and outer pappus series free or partially fused. Lychnophora granmogolensis is a poorly known species from the Diamantina plateau in northern Minas Gerais State, and Chapada Diamantina (Bahia) in the Espinhaço Mountain Range. To clarify the application of the name L. granmogolensis, that species is also described and illustrated, and affinities are discussed.

Nomenclatural Novelties in Tessaria (Asteraceae, Inuleae): A New Species from the Andes and Uncovering the Identity of T. boliviensis

Abstract During the study of Brazilian genera of the Inuleae-Plucheinae (Asteraceae), we have encountered a specimen representing an undescribed species, here described as Tessaria andina. The new species is characterized by having puberulous, tomentose, lanate, or glabrescent indumentum on its branches, a tomentose abaxial leaf surface, leaves with an apically serrate margin, corymbiform inflorescences, a cream to yellowish involucre, erect inner involucral bracts, and the corolla of male flowers with short-stalked glands and trichomes. So far, only one collection of this new species has been made, and that was more than forty years ago. The new species is described, illustrated, and its affinities are discussed. Furthermore, during this investigation we found out that the name Tessaria boliviensis is a nomen nudum, applied to material here shown to belong to Tessaria fastigiata. An identification key to the species of Tessaria is also presented.

Five new species of Vernonieae (Asteraceae) from Espírito Santo, Brazil

Espírito Santo is a hotspot of diversity in the Atlantic Forest in Brazil, where five new species of Vernonieae from the genera Cololobus, Lepidaploa, Lessingianthus, Piptocarpha, and Vernonanthura were found, and four of them occur in the municipality of Santa Teresa. These discoveries show that current knowledge on biodiversity in Espírito Santo is incipient, even in sites with decades of biological inventories, such as Santa Teresa. Here, all five species are described with comments about distribution, conservations status, phenology and taxonomic affinities. We also provide illustrations and a distribution map of the new species. According to the criteria of IUCN red list, Cololobus argenteus and Vernonanthura spathulata must be included in endangered (EN) category.

Chemistry and medicinal uses of the subfamily Barnadesioideae (Asteraceae)

The subfamily Barnadesioideae (Asteraceae) constitutes a group of spiny plants that are entirely restricted to South America and currently encompasses 92 species distributed in nine genera. Barnadesioideae is particularly interesting because this subfamily constitutes the sister group of all other Asteraceae, and provides insights into the early evolution of Asteraceae. The present work summarizes the current knowledge of the chemistry and medicinal uses of Barnadesioideae. The up-to-date phytochemical profile of Barnadesioideae is composed of phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and triterpenoids, representing 39 different compounds described in 45 species of the subfamily. The presumable absence of sesquiterpene lactones—the typical Asteraceae taxonomical markers—in members of Barnadesioideae is also discussed. A few members of the genera Barnadesia, Dasyphyllum, and more frequently, Chuquiraga, are reported in the traditional medicine of Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru, where they are known for their antitussive, expectorant, anti-inflammatory, and many other properties. Chuquiraga jussieui, Chuquiraga spinosa, and Chuquiraga weberbaueri are species frequently sold in medicinal plant markets of Ecuador and Peru, where they are commonly recommended for the relief of genitourinary and reproductive disorders in women and men. Some phytopharmaceuticals containing C. spinosa are also marketed in Europe and North America. Further phytochemical studies on the members of Barnadesioideae would be of great interest for the chemotaxonomy of the family Asteraceae. Moreover, profiling the phytochemical composition of those medically important Barnadesioideae would support their uses in traditional medicine.