In vitro screening of traditionally used medicinal plants in China against Enteroviruses

AIM： To search for new antiviral agents from traditional Chinese medicine, specifically anti-enterovirosuses agents. METHODS： The aqueous extracts （AE） of more than 100 traditionally used medicinal plants in China were evaluated for their in vitro anti-Coxsackie virus B3 activities with a MTT-based colorimetric assay. RESULTS： The test for AE of 16 plants exhibited anti- Coxsackie virus B3 activities at different magnitudes of potency. They can inhibit three steps （inactivation, adsorption and replication） during the infection. Among the 16 plants, Sargentodoxa cuneata （Oliv.） Rehd. et Wils., Sophora tonkinensis Gapnep., Paeonia veitchii Lynch, Spatholobus suberectus Dunn. and Cyrtorniurn fortunei J, sm. also have activity against other enterovirus, including Coxsackie virus 135, Polio virus I, Echo virus 9 and Echo virus 29. Cell cytotoxic assay demonstrated that all tested AE had CC50 values higher than their EC50 values. CONCLUSION： The sixteen traditionally used medicinal plants in China possessed antMral activity, and some of them merit further investigations.

Medicinal plants with hepatoprotective activity in Iranian folk medicine

There are a number of medicinal combinations in the Iranian traditional medicine which are commonly used as tonic for liver.In this review,we have introduced some medicinal plants that are used mainly for the treatment of liver disorders in Iranian folk medicine,with focus on their hepatoprotective effects particularly against CCI_4 agent.In this study,online databases including Web of Science.PubMed.Scopus,and Science Direct were searched for papers published from January 1970 to December 2013.Search terms consisted of medicinal plants,traditional medicine,folk medicine,hepatoprotective.Iran,liver,therapeutic uses,compounds,antioxidant.CCI_4.anti-inflammatory,and antihepatotoxic,hepatitis,alone or in combination.Allium hirtifolium Boiss..Apium graveolens L..Cynara scolyinus.Berberis vulgaris L..,Calendula officinalis,Nigella sativa L..Taraxacum officinale.Tragopogon porrifolius.Prangos ferulacea L..Allium sativum,Marribium vulgare,Ammi majus L..Citrullus lanatus Thunb.Agrimonia eupatoria L.and Primus armeniaca L.are some of the medicinal plants that have been used for the treatment of liver disorders in Iranian folk medicine.Out of several leads obtained from plants containing potential hepatoprotective agents,silymarin,P-sitosterol,betalain,neoandrographolide.phyllanthin.andrographolide.curcumin.picroside.hypophyllanlhin.kutkoside,and glycyrrhizin have been demonstrated to have potent hepatoprotective properties.Despite encouraging data on possibility of new discoveries in the near future,the evidence on treating viral hepatitis or other chronic liver diseases by herbal medications is not adequate.

Assessment of Diversity, Distribution, Conservation Status and Preparation of Management Plan for Medicinal Plants in the Catchment Area of Parbati Hydroelectric Project Stage-Ⅲ in Northwestern Himalaya

The developmental activities, particularly the construction of hydroelectric projects are causing a great loss of biodiversity in the Indian Himalayan Region. The Himaehal Pradesh, a part of IHR is well known for the development of hydroelectric projects. The Parbati H.E. Project is amongst the major projects of the State. The different stages of the project are all causing loss of biodiversity of the area. Stage Ⅲ of the Parbati H.E. Project is a run of the river scheme on the Sainj River downstream of Power House of Parbati H.E. Project Stage Ⅱ. The project shall utilize regulated discharge of Parbati H.E. Project Stage Ⅱ and inflow of River Sainj for power generation, and has been contemplated as a peaking station operating in tandem with Stage Ⅱ. The present study has been undertaken to see the impact of hydroelectric project on the biodiversity, particularly on medicinal plants. A total of 104 species of medicinal plants, belonging to different life forms, i.e., trees （23 spp.）, shrubs （22 spp.）, herbs （57 spp.） and ferns （2 spp.） were recorded. The species have been analyzed and studied for their distribution, classification, altitudinal zones, part （s） used, indigenous uses, nativity, endemism and rarity.Different parts of these species, such as whole plants, roots （including rhizomes and tubers）, leaves, flowers, fruits, seeds, stems, barks, spikes, nuts and insect galls are used by the inhabitants for curing various diseases and ailments. 3o species are native to the Himalayan region, 9 species native to the Himalayan region and adjacent countries also and 65 species are non-natives. 9 species are near endemics. Considering the whole Himalaya as a biogeographie unit （sensu lato）, the near endemics are endemic to the Himalaya. Among these species, Zanthoxylum armature is categorized as Endangered and Valeriana wallichii as Vulnerable. Hedychium spicatum, Rhus javanica, Berberis lycium, Thalictrum foliolossum, Salvia lanata, Rubia cordifolia and Bergenia ligulata may be considered as threatened species due to their over exploitation for trade. 90 species are propagated by seeds, 8 species by seeds and rhizomes/roots/tubers, 4 species by seeds and cuttings, and 2 species by sori. A management plan for the cultivation and conservation of the medicinal plants in the dam submergence area, and the commercially viable medicinal plants with high value in the catchment area is suggested.

Ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants traded in herbal markets of Kahramanmaras¸

Most people in the world still use medicinal plants to treat and prevent disease.In Anatolia,studies have shown that people have used plants for centuries to treat many diseases.Herbal markets play an important role in the supply of medicinal plants and the transmission of cultural heritage.In this study,we investigated the traditional uses of medicinal plants traded in Kahramanmaras¸herbal markets.We also analyzed the threats that may arise from the use of medicinal plants and the measures that can be taken to protect these plants.For these purposes,ethnomedicinal data were collected using semistructured and open-ended questionnaires of herbalists and local people.Ethnobotanical indices(e.g.,Relative Frequency of Citation,Use Value,Relative Importance,and Informant Consensus Factor)were used to quantify the use and cultural importance of medicinal plants sold at Kahramanmaras¸herbal markets.We identified 62 taxa(11 imported)of plants that are used in traditional folk medicines.The top three plant taxa sold per year by herbalists at Kahramanmaras¸herbal markets are Licorice(Glycyrrhiza glabra;140 kg),Thyme(Thymus sp.;109 kg),and Carob(Ceratonia siliqua;106.5 kg).The plant parts and mode of utilization used most are leaves(28 reports)and infusion(36 reports),respectively.The highest ICF value was detected for endocrine system ailments(0.78),and the next highest two values were lymphatic system(0.75)and respiratory system ailments(0.72).We determined that Urtica dioica,G.glabra,Thymus sp.,Mentha x piperita have widely traditional uses,with high ethnobotanical index values and use reports.In addition,according to IUCN criteria,26 of 62 taxa identified in the research are under threat to various degrees on a global scale.

Erratum to “Census Ethnobotanical Study of Some Plants Used in Traditional Medicine in the City of Meknes” [American Journal of Plant Sciences 5 (2014) 2480-2496]

An ethnobotanical survey was conducted in the city of Meknès over a period of two years, from 2009 to 2011 with 1000 people (615 women, 385 men). Through the questionnaire, schedules were established to collect information on the use of therapeutic medicinal plants by the local population. This research has focused primarily on the general population, herbalists and healers. The present investigation has enumerated 194 species distributed in 165 genera and 72 families. The most represented families are Lamiaceae (18%), the Aseraceae, (17%), the Apiaceae (14%) and the Fabaceae (10%). The results of the survey show that 54% of individuals use both herbal medicine and modern medicine, 26% of individuals use herbs and 20% use modern medicine. We are interested in the use of plants in different ages and sexes. We report that 31% of the population is aged between 51 and 60 years, 29% between 41 and 50 years, 23% between 31 and 40 years, 10% between 21 and 30 years, 3% less than 20 years and 4 % > 60 years. We note the predominance of women over men. Women use up to 61% against 39% of men. The analysis of our results shows that herbal medicine takes a place in the self-medication of the population studied. However, we emphasize an important point: Ignorance of toxic plants, in fact, only 19% of the target population recognizes these plants.

ANTI-TRYPANOSOMA CRUZI ACTIVITY OF 20 MEDICINAL PLANTS USED IN NORTH EAST MEXICO

Chagas disease is caused by the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi.This disease is also known as American trypanosomiasis and approximately 7-8 million people are currently infected(WHO,2014.Nifurtimox has been used for over 40 years to treat Chagas disease,however,this drug is only effective during the acute phase of infection,and certain protozoan strains have developed resistance

Census Ethnobotanical Study of Some Plants Used in Traditional Medicine in the City of Meknes

An ethnobotanical survey was conducted in the city of Meknès over a period of two years, from 2009 to 2011 with 1000 people (615 women, 385 men). Through the questionnaire, schedules were established to collect information on the use of therapeutic medicinal plants by the local population. This research has focused primarily on the general population, herbalists and healers. The present investigation has enumerated 194 species distributed in 165 genera and 72 families. The most represented families are Lamiaceae (18%), the Aseraceae, (17%), the Apiaceae (14%) and the Fabaceae (10%). The results of the survey show that 54% of individuals use both herbal medicine and modern medicine, 26% of individuals use herbs and 20% use modern medicine. We are interested in the use of plants in different ages and sexes. We report that 31% of the population is aged between 51 and 60 years, 29% between 41 and 50 years, 23% between 31 and 40 years, 10% between 21 and 30 years, 3% less than 20 years and 4 % > 60 years. We note the predominance of women over men. Women use up to 61% against 39% of men. The analysis of our results shows that herbal medicine takes a place in the self-medication of the population studied. However, we emphasize an important point: Ignorance of toxic plants, in fact, only 19% of the target population recognizes these plants.

Analysis of wild medicinal vascular plant resources and diversity in Dabie Mountains, Anhui Province

Dabie Mountains are located at the junction of Anhui,Henan and Hubei provinces in the East of China.With its varied altitude,climate,and soil texture,Dabie Mountains are extremely rich in wild plant resources.The 12th Traditional Chinese Medicine(TCM)Resources Scientific Expedition Team of Shenyang Pharmaceutical University conducted a study on wild vascular plants resources,especially medicinal vascular plants,through field investigation,literature review and specimen identification.There were 472 species of vascular plants belonging to 347 genera and 125 families collected during July 2018 in this area,of which 424 species were medicinal vascular plants,accounting for 89.83%of the total.From the perspective of medicinal parts,most of the medicinal plants there have values in their roots and rhizomes,as well as the whole plants.The efficacy and characteristics of these pharmaceutical dimensions were also summarized and analyzed in detail.Besides,among the wild vascular plants collected,the most dominant families with the biggest numbers of species are Compositae,Lamiaceae,Liliaceae,Rosaceae,Leguminosae,Ranunculaceae,Saxifragaceae and Polygonaceae,and the dominant genus are Viola and Sedum.In terms of life form,perennial herbs are dominant,accounting for 55.72%of the total species,followed by some annual(or biennial)herbs,shrubs and lianas.Finally,recommendations are put forward for strengthening the protection and utilization of wild medicinal plant resources in Dabie Mountains.

Analysis of plant resources and diversity in Shennongjia Area of Hubei Province,China

Shennongjia Area is located in northwest of Hubei Province with Shennongding,the highest peak(3105.4 m above sea level)in central China.The unique geographical location and complex terrain of this region make it rich in plant resources.After field investigation,th literature review,and specimen identification,the 7 Shenyang Pharmaceutical University Chinese Medicine Resources Scientific Expedition Team studied the plant resources and diversity of Shennongjia Area.454 species of vascular plants belonging to 106 families and 275 genera were collected from July to August in 2013.The dominant families are Lamiaceae,Ranunculaceae,Rosaceae,and Asteraceae,with 20,21,37 and 48 species respectively.At the genus level,Rubus is the dominant one with 11 species.3 species of national first-class protective plants,13 species of“Huan yang yao”and 36 species of“Qi yao”were collected.In all,our research has updated the plant recources and diversity in Shennongjia Area.Furthermore,by putting forward practical and meaningful suggestions on strengthening the protection and utilization of plant resources in Shennongjia Area,our research will help to protect the diverse ecosystem there.

Analysis of plant resources and diversity in the southeast area of Taihang Mountains

Taihang Mountains are situated between Shanxi Province and the North China Plain,spanning Beijing,Hebei,Shanxi,and Henan provinces and cities.The mountains extend from northeast to southwest for over 400 km,naturally deviding the second step from the third one in China.The southeastern area of Taihang Mountains specifically refers to Changzhi City and Jincheng Administrative Region of Shanxi Province.Given Shanxi Province’s robust development plans for the southeast area of Taihang Mountains,the medicinal plant resources in this area will be affected.Therefore,it is imperative and urgent to conduct a comprehensive investigation and study on the medicinal plant resources in the southeast area of Taihang Mountains.By means of field investigation,literature review,and specimen identification,the plant resources and diversity of two counties in the southeast of Taihang Mountains were evaluated.The findings revealed 234 plants species across 172 genera in 70 families,primarily comprising angiosperms.The families with more species included Compositae,Leguminosae,Rosaceae,Labiatae,Ranunculaceae.Among the genera,those with more species were Cynanchum,Selaginella,Clematis,Thalictrum,and Rhamnus.A total of 114 medicinal plants were identified,constituting 48.72%of the total.Regarding medicinal parts,the concentration is in roots and rhizomes,followed by whole plants and fruits.On the basis of investigation and study,some suggestions on the development,utilization,and protection of medicinal plant resources in southeast Taihang Mountains were made.These suggestions provide valuable insights for the study on medicinal plant resources and vegetation in the southeast of Taihang Mountains,serving as a scientific basis for the protection and sustainable utilization of wild medicinal plant resources.

Analysis of plant resources and diversity in Balluk Mountain, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region

Balluk Mountain is located between the Tianshan Mountains and the Altai Mountains in Xinjiang Province.Influenced by the humid air and diverse landforms of Lake Alacuri,the unique climate of Mount Baluk nourishes excellent pastures and supports numerous wildlife,making it rich in plant resources.The 9th Shenyang Pharmaceutical University Chinese Medicine Resources Scientific Expedition Team conducted field investigations,literature reviews,and specimen identification to study the plant resources and diversity of Balluk Mountain in Xinjiang Province.A total of 235 species of medicinal plants belonging to 59 families and 159 genera were collected during the period from July to August 2015 in this area.The dominant families observed were Asteraceae,Caryophyllaceae,Lamiaceae,Ranunculaceae,Rosaceae and Umbelliferae,with 35,11,14,12,27,and 13 species respectively.These families account for over 47.4%of the total species collected,though comprising only 10.2%of the total number of families.At the genus level,Artemisia was found to be the most dominant genus with eight species,contributing to 0.63%of the total genera,while representing 3.4%of the total species abundance.Overall,this study provides an updated analysis of the plant resources and diversity in Balluk Mountain.Several species have been identified to possess significant medicinal properties and hold potential for various research fields,including natural product chemistry and drug development.The study also offers practical and meaningful suggestions for strengthening the protection and utilization of plant resources in the area.By implementing these suggestions,we can better preserve the plant diversity in Balluk Mountain and ensure the sustainable use of these valuable resources.

Analysis of vascular plant resources and diversity in Fanjing Mountain,Guizhou Province

Fanjing Mountain Nature Reserve is located at the junction of Jiangkou,Yinjiang and Songtao counties in the Tongren region of Guizhou Province.Because of the topography and humid climate of the central subtropical monsoonal mountains,the plant species in this area are rich and diverse.The vascular plant resources and diversity of Fanjing Mountain Nature Reserve in Guizhou Province were studied through field survey,literature review and specimen identification.The results show that there are 284 species of vascular plants in the region,belonging to 205 genera in 93 families,mainly angiosperms.Liliaceae,Asteraceae,Polygonaceae,Leguminosae,Ranunculaceae and Polygonum have the most species,followed by Sedum,Dioscorea,Actinidia Lindl and Thalictrum.In terms of life types,perennial herbs are the most dominant,accounting for 68.47%of the total number of species,and annual(or biennial)herbs,shrubs and vine types also present.There are 222 species identified as medicinal vascular plants,accounting for 78.2%of the total number of species.The medicinal parts are primarily found in the whole herb category,followed by the root and rhizome category.

Phytochemical and pharmacological potentials of Pedalium murex Linn and its traditional medicinal uses

The aim of this study is to assess the pharmacological and phytochemical aspects of the Pedalium murex(Linn)(P.murex)and its traditional medicinal uses of different parts of the plant.Flavonoids,phenolic compounds,glycosides,carbohydrates,reducing sugars,phytosterols,tannins,triterpenoids,alkaloids,xanthoproteins,aromatic oil,stable oil,saponins and resins are the main phytochemical groups that have been found in different chemical extracts of P.murex.Pharmacological activities of P.murex have proven its importance for medicinal uses.This review will be helpful to create interest to use P.murex for developing new formulation in therapeutic medicines.

Research Progress on Medicinal Active Components of Endophytes in Plants

Endophytes are a type of microorganisms which live in plant tissues and have no obvious disease symptoms to plants,mainly including fungi,bacteria and actinomycetes.Endophytes can produce the same or similar active substances as host plants,so they have become a hot spot in the research of natural medicinal active products in recent years.Endophytes provide abundant resources for searching medicinal active substances because of their abundant species and huge reserves.In this paper,the species,structural characteristics,separation methods and pharmacological studies of active products of endophytic fungi were reviewed,in order to provide theoretical reference for the research of medicinal active components of endophytic fungi.

RESEARCH OF ANTIMICROBIAL AND RESISTANCE MODIFYING AGENTS FROM BENINESE PLANTS USED IN TRADITIONAL MEDICINE

In a world of increasing resistance to current antibiotics,search of novel therapeutic options is urgently needed.The aim of this work was to screen plant crude extracts for direct or indirect(inhibition of resistance)antimicrobial activity.Four crude extracts from 12 plants traditionally used in Benin for the treatment of infections were

SURVEY OF PLANTS USED IN TRADITIONAL MEDICINE AGAINST MALARIA IN BUKAVU AND UVIRA/DR CONGO

Malaria,for its high prevalence and morbidity,is one of the major tropical parasitic diseases,particularly in DR Congo.Its therapy not only uses modem antimalarials,for which many Resistance problems are encountered,but also medicinal plants which are promising sources for new and effective antimalarials.This study was conducted

IN VITRO AND IN VIVO EVALUATION OF THE SAFETY OF SOME BENINESE PLANTS USED IN TRADITIONAL MEDICINE

About 80%of population in developing countries use traditional remedies in their usual health care and plants used in traditional medicine are an interesting alternative to expensive and hardly available modern medicines,mainly in rural areas.Moreover,they are a promising source of new drugs structurally innovative.Therefore it is important to investigate their biological properties and we focused on5 beninese plants:Byrsocarpus coccineus Schumach.&Thonn(Connaraceae),Carpolobia lutea G.Don(Polygalaceae),

Analysis of vascular plant resources and diversity in Machin County,Qinghai Province

Machin County is situated in the Sanjiangyuan Nature Reserve in the southeastern part of Qinghai Province.Influenced by the special topography and climate of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau,Machin County has complex and diverse plant species.The vascular plant resources and diversity in Machin County were studied through field survey,literature review and specimen identification.The results show that there are 47 families and 127 genera and 256 species of vascular plants in the region,basically angiosperms,including those containing more species of the family Asteraceae,Buttercup,Genus Ginseng,Leguminosae and Rosaceae,and those containing more species of the genus Artemisia,Artemisia,Aster and Donzonia.In terms of life type,perennial herbs are the most dominant ones,accounting for 77.34%of the total number of species,followed by some annual(or biennial)herbs and shrub types.There are 191 species of medicinal vascular plants,accounting for 74.61%of the total number of species,including 48 species of Tibetan medicine.In terms of the medicinal parts of these plants,whole herb category is the most common one,followed by the root and rhizome category.Based on the investigation and research,we have proposed the conservation and utilization of plant resources in Machin County,Qinghai Province.

Action of Essential Oils Obtained from Baccharis coridifolia D.C.(Asteraceae-Astereae)on the Activity of Antibiotics

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Baccharis coridifolia essential oil on the Activity of Antibiotics. Assays were performed with ampicillin (10 μg), cephalothin (30 μg), chloramphenicol (30 μg), gentamicin (10 μg) and tetracycline (30 μg) alone and in combination with the essential oil (4% v/v) through the disk diffusion susceptibility test. The results showed the effects of essential oil on the activity of the antibiotics tested. Zones of inhibition of bacterial growth with different diameters were observed surrounding the antibiotic disks, whether or not they were impregnated with the essential oil. The occurrence of the synergistic or antagonistic effect was observed in both bacterial strains assessed—Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC-25923) and Escherichia coli (ATCC-25922). These results show that the use of products derived from plants can, in some cases, interfere with the effectiveness of antibiotics during clinical therapy.

贵州特有药用植物毕节小檗的形态变异

为探讨贵州特有药用植物毕节小檗（Berberis guizhouensis）形态多样性的变异式样及其适应机制,对其野外居群营养器官和花部形态进行研究.对毕节小檗一直空缺的花部性状进行了描述.结果表明,毕节小檗的性状在同一居群或同一性状在不同居群中都存在较丰富的变异,变异系数为0.03-0.57.从总体来看,营养器官性状的变异程度要高于花部性状.单因素方差分析表明居群间部分花部性状存在显著差异（P〈0.05）.聚类分析表明小白岩居群形成1个独立的分支,这种分化很可能是环境压力选择的结果.主成分分析表明花部性状与营养性状在维持形态结构的稳定性具有协调一致的生态适应.