Spatially separated ecosystems are often linked by nutrient fluxes. Nutrient inputs may be transferred by physical vectors (i.e., wind and water) or by biotic vectors. In this study, we examine the role of green turtles (Chelonia mydas) as biotic transporters of nutrients from marine to terrestrial ecosystems, where they deposit eggs. We compare low and high nest density sites at Tortuguero, Co...

Viral neuraminidase inhibitors are widely used as synthetic anti-influenza drugs for the prevention and treatment of influenza. However, drug-resistant influenza A virus variants, including H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses (HPAIVs), have been reported. Therefore, the discovery of novel and effective antiviral agents is warranted. We screened the antiviral effects of 11 herbal tea ...

The antioxidant activity of ethanolic seed extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa l. was investigated in toxicity induced by chronic administration of sodium nitrate in wistar rats. Twenty-five adult wistar rats were randomly grouped into 5 groups of five rats in each group (n=5). Group I (normal saline); Group II (25mg/kg NaNO3); Group III (25mg/kg NaNO3 + 10mg/kg vitamin C); Group IV (25mg/kg NaNO3 +...

Scarlet rosemallow (Hibiscus coccineus Walter) is a diploid, perennial, erect, and woody shrub. The species is a desirable inclusion in home landscapes because it is a native plant with attractive flowers and unusual foliage. The objective of these experiments was to determine the number of loci, number of alleles, and gene action controlling flower color (red vs. white) in scarlet rosemallow. ...

Locally, Gomutra Silajit is known under the name “RAKTAMANDALAM”. Literally, it means ‘Blood Patch’ or ‘Blood coloured Matter’. In fact, the Ayurvedic texts refer to its colour as that of ‘Japakusuma’ – the China Rose, botanically known as Hibiscus rosasinensis Linn. (Telegu: Mandara). For this reason the local name referring to its colour as ‘Rakta’ (Blood) is apt. The above treatise also indi...

Competition among pollen grains for the chance to fertilize ovules typically involves two stages: arrival times on stigmas and/or the growth of pollen tubes through styles. In a previous study of Hibiscus moscheutos, we found that individual pollen donors often differed in pollen tube competitive ability. Here we determined whether short delays in pollen arrival time altered the average success...

Hibiscus rosasinensis L. (Malvaceae) is used in folk medicine for the treatment of pain and various inflammatory conditions such as the inflammation of oral mucosa, blenorrhoea, and asthmatic bronchitis. In the present study the methanolic extract of Hibiscus rosasinensis leaves ( 250 and 500 mg/kg body weight orally) was studied for anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities in various ...

Hibiscus hispidissimus Griff. is used in tribal medicine of Kerala, the southern most state of India, to treat liver diseases. In the present study, the effect of the ethanolic extract of Hibiscus hispidissimus whole plant on paracetamol (PCM)-induced and carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver damage in healthy Wistar albino rats was studied. The results showed that significant hepatoprotect...