Genetic Diversity, Chemical Constituents, and Bioactivities of <i>Maerua siamensis</i> from Thailand
Natthawadi Wongthet,
Markus Bacher,
Mara Krenn,
Apichart Jai-aree,
Thomas Rosenau,
Patsakorn Tiwutanon,
Nopparat Anantaprayoon,
Srunya Vajrodaya,
Lothar Brecker,
Johann Schinnerl,
Ekaphan Kraichak
Affiliations
Natthawadi Wongthet
Department of Botany, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
Markus Bacher
Department of Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry of Renewable Resources, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences (BOKU), A-3430 Tulln, Austria
Mara Krenn
Department of Botany and Biodiversity Research, University of Vienna, Rennweg 14, A-1030 Vienna, Austria
Apichart Jai-aree
Department of Human and Community Resource Development, Faculty of Education and Development Sciences, Kamphaeng Saen Campus, Kasetsart University, Nakhon Pathom 73140, Thailand
Thomas Rosenau
Department of Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry of Renewable Resources, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences (BOKU), A-3430 Tulln, Austria
Patsakorn Tiwutanon
Department of Botany, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
Nopparat Anantaprayoon
Department of Botany, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
Srunya Vajrodaya
Department of Botany, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
Lothar Brecker
Department of Organic Chemistry, University of Vienna, Währinger Strasse 38, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
Johann Schinnerl
Department of Botany and Biodiversity Research, University of Vienna, Rennweg 14, A-1030 Vienna, Austria
Ekaphan Kraichak
Department of Botany, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
The genus Maerua (Capparaceae) comprises 85 woody species distributed across the paleotropics, with some species used in traditional medicine. This study investigated the phylogenetic placement, genetic diversity, and phytochemical composition of Maerua siamensis, a species native to Indochina. Phylogenetic analyses using matK and rbcL markers confirmed the monophyly of the M. siamensis specimens collected from Thailand. Population genetic analyses revealed low genetic diversity across the sampled populations, suggesting purifying selection or recent demographic events. Phytochemical investigations of the leaf extracts led to the isolation and identification of 12 compounds, including two novel structures: maeruamide and maeruaoside. The isolated compounds encompass simple phenolics, l-proline-derived betaines, and flavonoid glycosides. Bioactivity assays revealed moderate antioxidant activity of the crude extract (EC50 = 106 μg mL−1), but no significant insecticidal or nematocidal effects were observed. This study provides new insights into the genetic diversity, phytochemistry, and potential bioactivities of M. siamensis, contributing to our understanding of this understudied species and its ethnomedicinal applications.
