Pharmacognosy of Brazilian Ginseng ( Pfaffia paniculata)

[ Objective ] This study aimed to explore the pharmacognostical features of Brazilian ginseng （ Pfaffia paniculata）, anti to provide a theoretical basis ior its development and utilization. [ Method ] Morphological traits of Brazilian ginseng root were observed with traditional methods. Then, the root, stem and [e＇,ff of Brazilian ginseng were sliced, and observed under a microscope. The physical and chemical properties of root extract were detected. [ Result] Brazilian ginseng root is elongated and cylindrical, with obvious longitudinal ridges and sparse root marks, some irregularly shaped lenticels on the sm＇face. The cork layer of crosssection has five or more rows of cork cells. The abnormal vascular bundles are arranged in two to three rings. There are two to three central vascular bundles. The wood fibers it, powder are long, with one bifurcate end. The vessels have bordered pits. The sand crystals are scattered or in the parenchyma surrounding the fibers. The mucilage cells are oval and widely exist. Physical and chemical experiments showed that the rool of Brazilian ginseng eantains sterols or trilerpenes and saponins. [ Conclusion] The results will provide a theoretical basis for the pharmacological identificatian of Brazilian ginseng.

Key Techniques and Application Progress of Molecular Pharmacognosy

At the boundary between pharmacognosy and molecular biology,molecular pharmacognosy has developed as a new borderline discipline.This paper reviews the methods,application,and prospect of molecular pharmacognosy.DNA marker is one of genetic markers and some molecular marker methods which have been successfully used for genetic diversity identification and new medicinal resources development.Recombinant DNA technology provides a powerful tool that enables scientists to engineer DNA sequences.Gene chip technique could be used in determination of gene expression profiles,analyses of polymorphisms,construction of genomic library,analysis of mapping,and sequencing by hybridization.Using the methods and theory of molecular biology and pharmacognosy,molecular pharmacognosy represents an extremely prospective branch of pharmacognosy and focuses on the study of systemic growth of medicinal plants,identification and evaluation of germplasm resources,plant metabolomics and production of active compounds.Furthermore,the great breakthrough of molecular pharmacognosy could be anticipated on DNA fingerprint analysis,cultivar improvement,DNA identification,and a global DNA barcoding system in the future.

Idiosyncratic Drug-Induced Liver Injury Linked to Polygonum multiflorum:A Case Study by Pharmacognosy

The use of Chinese medicinal herbs（CMH）continues to expand rapidly across the world with a deep belief that herbs are safe because they are＂natural＂.（1）However,a survey of the literature indicates that CMH related hepatotoxicity is increasing and has been a worldwide problem.（2,3）Polygonum multiflorum Thunb.（P.multiflorum）,officially listed in the Pharmacopoeia of the People＇s Republic of China.

Molecular pharmacognosy

This article analyzes the background and significance of molecular pharmacognosy,including the molecular identification of medicinal raw materials,phylogenetic evolution of medicinal plants and animals,evaluation and preservation of germplasm resources for medicinal plants and animals,etiology of endangerment and protection of endangered medicinal plants and animals,biosynthesis and bioregulation of active components in medicinal plants,and characteristics and the molecular bases of top-geoherbs.

HUANG Lu-qi (黄璐琦)——A Famous Specialist in Molecular Pharmacognosy

Prof.HUANG Lu-qi was born in Wuyuan county,Jiangxi Province in March,1968. He graduated from Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine in 1989, and obtained his Ph.D.in pharmacognosy from the Peking University Health Science Center in 1995.Prof.

Wrightia tinctoria R.Br.-a review on its ethnobotany,pharmacognosy and pharmacological profile

Different parts of Wrightia tinctoria R.Br.(Apocynaceae)(W.tinctoria),have been extensively used in Indian systems of medicine such as Ayurveda,Siddha and Unani for the treatment of jaundice,malaria,psoriasis and many other ailments.The present review has been primed to describe the existing data on the information on the traditional uses,botany,pharmacognosy,phytochemical constituents,pharmacological activities and toxicology of W.tinctoria.The information was gathered via electronic search(using Google Scholar,NOPR,Pubmed,Elsevier,Medline Plus and Web of Science)and library search for the books on traditional medicine as well as the articles published in peer-reviewed journals.The plant is rich in compounds containing alkaloids,saponins,indoxy yielding O-glycoside(s),phenolics,flavonoids,isatin tryptanthrin,anthranillate,rutin,β-isatin,tryptophan,indigotin,indirubin,wrightial and sterols.The vast number of literature found in database revealed that the extracts of different parts of W.tinctoria showed significant pharmacological actions.Clinical studies indicated a broad range of applications in the treatment of psoriasis and other skin diseases.We suggest that there is a need for further investigations to isolate active principles that confer pharmacological action.Therefore,identification of such active compound is useful for producing safer drugs in the treatments of various ailments.

Self-medication with nutritional supplements and herbal over-the-counter products

In recent years,the popularity increased for nutritional supplements and herbal products.Prescription drugs,but not herbal therapies are paid by health insurances.They are sold over-the-counter(OTC)on the patients’own expense.However,there are potential risks of self-medication,e.g.incorrect self-diagnosis,severe adverse reactions,dangerous drug interactions,risk of addiction etc.They are often used by patients at their own discretion without knowledge of and control by their physicians.Certain users are at risk of intoxication.Multiple medications taken by older patients increase the risk for adverse drug reactions,drug-drug interactions,and compliance problems for this age group(polypharmacy).Herbals should be discontinued prior to operations to avoid interactions with anesthetics or anticoagulants.Herbal preparations may also be carcinogenic or interfere with cancer treatments.Pregnant women use various OTC preparations.However,in many cases,it is unclear whether their use is safe for mother or baby.Self-medication with herbals is also largely distributed among anxious and depressive patients,and patients with other conditions and symptoms.The popularity of herbal products has also brought concerns on quality,efficacy and safety.Cases of botanical misidentification,contaminations with heavy metals,pesticides,radioactivity,organic solvents,microbials as well as adulteration with chemical drugs necessitate the establishment of international quality control standards.Hepatotoxic effects have been reported for more than 300 plant species,and some commonly used herbs have been demonstrated to interact with Western medication.Health care professionals have a critical responsibility assessing the self-care ability of their patients.Databases are available for pharmacists with information on action,side effects and toxicities as well as herbdrug interactions.There is a need for established guidelines regarding the correct use of nutritional supplements and herbal OTC preparations(phytovigilance).Physicians,pharmacists,and other health care professionals have to counsel patients and the general public on the benefits and risks associated with herbal drugs.Information centers for consumers and general practitioners are needed,and convincing evidence on safety and efficacy of herbal products has to be demonstrated in placebo-controlled,double blind and randomized clinical trials.

An update on Ayurvedic herb Convolvulus pluricaulis Choisy

Convolvulus pluricaulis Choisy(C.pluricaulis)is a perennial herb that seems like morning glory.All parts of the herb are known to possess therapeutic benefits.The plant is used locally in Indian and Chinese medicine to cure various diseases.It is used in Ayurvedic formulation for chronic cough,sleeplessness,epilepsy,hallucinations,anxiety etc.Based on the comprehensive review of plant profile,pharmacognosy,phylochemistry,pharmacological and toxicological data on the C.pluricaulis,there will be more opportunities for the future research and development on the herb C.pluricaulis.Information on the C.pluricaulis was collected via electronic search(using Pub Med,SciFinder,Google Scholar and Web of Science)and library search for articles published in peer-reviewed journals.Furthermore,information also was obtained from some local books on ethnopharmacology.This paper covers the literature,primarily pharmacological,from 1985 to the end of 2012.The C.pluricaulis is an important indigenous medicine,which has a long medicinal application for liver disease,epileptic disease,microbial disease,cytotoxic and viral diseases,central nervous system(CNS)disease in Ayurvedic medicine,traditional Chinese medicine and other indigenous medical systems.The isolated metabolites and crude extract have exhibited a wide of in vitro and in vivo pharmacological effect,including CNS depression,anxiolytic,tranquillizing,antidepressant,antistress,neurodegenerative,antiamnesic,antioxidant,hypolipidemic,immunomodulatory,analgesic,antifungal,antibacterial,antidiabetic,antiulcer,anticatatonic,and cardiovascular activity.A chemical study of this plant was then initiated,which led to the isolation of carbohydrats,proteins,alkaloids,fatty acids,steroids,coumarins.flavanoids,and glycosides as active chemicals that bring about its biological effects.A scries of pharmacognostical studies of this plant show that it is a herb,its stem and leaves are hairy,more over it has two types of stomata,anisocytic and paracytic.A herb,C.pluricaulis has emerged as a good source of the traditional medicine for the treatment of liver disease,epileptic disease,microbial disease,cytotoxic and viral diseases,and CNS disease.Pharmacological results have validated the use of this species in traditional medicine.All the parts of the herb are known to possess therapeutic benefits.Expansion of research materials would provide more opportunities for the discovery of new bioactive principles from C.pluricaulis.

Pharmacognostical,phytochemical and pharmacological evaluation for the antipyretic effect of the seeds of Saraca asoca Roxb.

Objective:To conduct a systemic evaluation of the medicinal value of seeds which include macroscopic and microscopic characterization,physiochomical evaluation,preliminary phylochemical screening and experimental antipyretic activity.Methods:Saraca asoca seed was studied for pharmacognostical,phytochemical and other recommended methods for standardizations.Also,the acetone extract of the seeds was evaluated for acute toxicity study and antipyretic activity using Brewer's yeast induced pyrexia in Wislar rats at oral doses of 300 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg.Results:After phytochemical screening,the acetone extract showed the presence of saponin,tannins and flavonoids which inhibit pyrexia.The therapeutic efficacy achieved at both the dose levels of the research drug and standard drug aspirin(100 mg/kg)showed significant(P<0.01)antipyretic activity when compared to the control group.The highly significant antipyretic effect exhibited at the dose of 500 mg/kg was also found to be sustainable in nature.Conclusions:The antipyretic effect of the acetone extract showed significant results in rats at the dose of 500 mg/kg after following the standard pharmacognostical and phylochemieal met hods.

Gems from traditional north-African medicine: medicinal and aromatic plants from Sudan

Sudanese folk medicine represents a unique blend of indigenous cultures with Islamic,Arabic and African traditions.In addition,Sudan encompasses different terrains and climatic zones,ranging from desert and semi-desert in the north to equatorial with a short rainy season(semi-aridand semi-humid)in the centre to equatorial with a long rainy season(arid-humid and equatorial-humid)in the south.This variation contributes to the immense diversity of vegetation in the region.The flora of Sudan consists of 3137 species of flowering plants belonging to 170 families and 1280 genera.It is estimated that 15%of these plants are endemic to Sudan.The intersection of diverse cultures and the unique geography holds great potential for Sudanese herbal medicine.Medicinal and aromatic plants and their derivatives represent an integral part of life in Sudan.Indigenous remedies are the only form of therapy available to the majority of poor people.It has been estimated that only 11%of the population has access to formal health care.Therefore,research on the desired pharmacological effects and possible unwanted side effects or toxicity is required to improve efficacy and safety of Sudanese herbal medicine.In the future,it would be preferable to promote the use of traditional herbal remedies by conversion of raw plant material into more sophisticated products instead of completely replacing the traditional remedies with synthetic products from industrialized countries.The present review gives an overview of traditional Sudanese medicinal and aromatic herbs and their habitats,traditional uses,and phytochemical constituents.

Growth inhibition of human acute lymphoblastic CCRF-CEM leukemia cells by medicinal plants of the West-Canadian Gwich’in Native Americans

The Gwich’in,which belong to the Athapaskan language group of Native Americans live in the borderland between Alaska and Canada.We analyzed 29 medicinal plants of this tribe for their growth inhibitory activity against CCRF-CEM T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia(T-ALL)cells.The anti-leukemic activity of these plants has not been investigated as yet.Considering the poor cure rates of some ALL forms,there might be a great potential for medicinal plants as resource for natural products to treat T-ALL.We found that the hexane extracts of three plants revealed considerable growth inhibition on CCRF-CEM cells.The 50%inhibition concentrations(IC50)were 6.63±0.03μg/ml for Cladina mitis,8.65±0.38μg/ml for Picea mariana(needles),and 9.67±1.36μg/ml for Artemisia frigida.Further investigations are required to isolate the active constituents of these plants.

Pharmacognostic studies of the leaves and stem of Careya arborea Roxb.

Objective:To study detailed pharmacognostic profile of leaves and stem of Careya arborea(C. arborea) Roxb.(Lecthyidaceae),an important medicinal plant in the Indian system of medicine. Methods:Leaf and stem samples of C.arborea were studied by macroscopical,microscopical, physicochemical,phytochemical,fluorescence analysis of powder of the plant and other methods for standardization recommended by WHO.Results:Maeroscopieally,the leaves are simple, broadly obovate in shape,acuminate apex with crenate,dentate margin,petioles(0.1-1.8 cm) long. Microscopically,the leaf showed the presence of median large size vascular bundle covered with fibrous bundle sheath,arrangement of xylem in cup shape and presence of cortical vascular bundle, patches of sclerenchyma,phloem fibers in groups and brown pigment containing cells in stem are some of the diagnostic features noted from anatomical study.Powder microscopy of leaf revealed the presence of parenchyma cells,xylem with pitted vessels and epidermis with anisocylic slomata.The investigations also included leaf surface data;quantitative leaf microscopy and fluorescence analysis. Physiochemical parameters such as loss on drying,swelling index,extractive values and ash values were also determined and results showed that total ash of the stem bark was about two times higher than leaf and water soluble extractive value of leaf and stem bark was two limes higher than alcohol soluble extractive value.Preliminaiy phytochemical screening showed the presence of triterpenoids, saponins,tannins and flavonoids.Conclusions:The results of the study can serve as a valuable source of information and provide suitable standards for identification of this plant material in future investigations and applications.

Pharmacognostic standardization of stems of Thespesia lampas(Cav.)Dalz & Gibs

Objective:To establish the standardization parameters for complete pharmacoguoslic evaluation of stems of Tlespesia lampas(T.lampas)(Cav.) Dalz & Gibs(Malvaceae),an important planl in the Indian system of medicine.Methods:Morphological,microscopical,physico-chemical evaluations,florescence analysis of T.lampas stems were investigated and preliminary phytochemical analysis,GO-MS analysis and HPTLC fingerprinting were carried out for qualitative phytochemical evaluation of various extracts of stems of T.lampas.Results:Chemomieroscopy revealed the presence of lignin.starch grains and calcium oxalate crystals.Physicochemical evaluation used to detennine numerical slandards showed a result with total ash(9.03± 0.05)%w/w,acid insoluble ash(1.50±0.01)%w/w,water soluble ash(2.51±0.02)%w/w,sulphated ash(7.50+0.01)%w/w,ethanol soluble extractive(0.24±0.02)%w/w,water soluble extractive(0.08 ±0.01)<7,w/w,moisture content(6.03±0.05)%w/w and total crude fibre content of stem powder(47.36±0.32)%w/w.Behavior characteristics of the stem powder showed presence of steroids, starch,alkaloid,flavonoids and proteins.Preliminary phytochemical analysis revealed presence of glycosides,phenolic compounds,tannins,steroids,saponins,flavonoids,carbohydrates and proteins.GC-MS analysis showed the presence of fatty acids such as dodecanoic acid, lelraclecanoic acid,n-hexadecanoic acid,9-lelradecenal and HPTLC fingerprinting revealed the presence of β-sitosterol and quercetin in stems of T.lampas.Conclusions:The pharmacognostic standardization of T.lampas is useful towards establishing standards for quality, purity and sample identification.

In Vitro Antioxidant and Cytotoxic Activities of 18 Plants from the Erkowit Region,Eastern Sudan

We investigated the antioxidant potential and cytotoxicity towards human CCRF-CEM leukemia cells of 57 extracts obtained from 18 plants collected in the Erkowit region,eastern Sudan.The antioxidant activity was determined by measuring the radical scavenging effects against 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl(DPPH)and N,N-dimethyl-p-phenylendi-amine(DMPD),metal-chelation capacity,ferric-reducing(FRAP)and phosphomolibdenum-reducing antioxidant power(PRAP)methods using ELISA microtiter assays.Total phenol and flavonoid amounts of the extracts were determined spectrophotometrically.Cytotoxicity towards CCRF-CEM cells was evaluated by the resazurin reduction assay.Geranium favosum followed by Kalanchoe glaucescens,Malva parviflora,Aizoon canariense,and Coleus barbatus,respectively,possessed the highest antioxidant activity among the studied plants.Chrozophora oblongifolia and K.glaucescens exerted considerable cytotoxicity against CCRF-CEM leukemia cells.These plants may serve as source for the further development of natural antioxidant and antitumor agents.

Germplasm Resources and Quality Research of Three Species of Chrysanthemums in Bozhou

[Objective]The paper was to preliminarily study the pharmacognosy of three species of chrysanthemums cultivated in Bozhou,and to compare their similarities and differences.[Method]Organs of three species of chrysanthemum samples were dissected and made into integral slices,and surface morphology of each part was observed microscopically.Powder slices were developed in the same way and observed under a microscope.According to thin layer chromatography(TLC)test(Part I,Appendix VIB,2005 edition),2μL of sample solutions and reference solutions were absorbed respectively,and dripped on the same piece of silica gel G thin layer plate.With petroleum ether-acetone(2∶1)as the developing solvent,samples were developed and then dried.Slices were sprayed with chromogenic agent 2%aluminum trichloride,and examined under UV light at the wavelength of 365 nm.Whether fluorescent spots of the same color were displayed in the position corresponding to the chromatogram of reference solutions were observed.[Result]Non-glandular hairs were found in bract microstructures of three species of chrysanthemums.There were many T-shaped hairs and few multicellular sessile non-glandular hairs.The epidermal cell walls of bracts were parallel straight,and some were rectangular;stomas could be seen everywhere.Only Dendranthema morifolium(Ramat.)Tzvel.‘Boju’cv.nov.and Dendranthema morifolium(Ramat.)Tzvel.‘Da maya’cv.nov.displayed fluorescent spots of the same color in the position corresponding to the chromatogram of reference sample acacetin in TLC test,and the spots of D.morifolium(Ramat.)Tzvel.‘Da maya’cv.nov.were light in color;there were no spots observed in Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat.[Conclusion]The external characters,internal forms and internal components of D.morifolium(Ramat.)Tzvel.‘Boju’cv.nov.,D.morifolium(Ramat.)Tzvel.‘Da maya’cv.nov.and C.morifolium Ramat are all related to germplasm resources of chrysanthemum species.The contents of acacetin,one of the components of D.morifolium(Ramat.)Tzvel.‘Boju’cv.nov.and D.morifolium(Ramat.)Tzvel.‘Da maya’cv.nov.,remain to be further studied.

Study on the Microscopic Identification of Chenopodium album L.

[Objectives]This study was conducted to identify the microscopic characteristics of Chenopodium album L.[Methods]The microscopic identification method was adopted.[Results]The xylem vessels and fiber bundles of the roots are arranged into 3-4 intermittent ring belts in a concave-convex pattern,alternately with the parenchymal cell ring belts;and the xylem rays vary in width.The cross section of the stems is polygonal;there are parenchyma cells at the corners of the cortex;there are many vascular bundles of varying sizes;and calcium oxalate clusters are common in the medulla and cortex.There are 2 to 4 vascular bundles in the main leaf vein,peltate;and fiber bundles exist below the phloem.The powder is characterized by numerous clusters of calcium oxalate,which are uniform in size,sharp at edges and corners.[Conclusions]This study can provide reference for the identification and quality standard of the crude drug.

Pharmacognostic Study on Adenanthera pavonina Linn.var.microsperma

[Objectives]To study the pharmacognosy of the stems and leaves of Adenanthera pavonina Linn.var.microsperma and to provide reference materials for clinical application and further development and utilization.[Methods]The stems and leaves were sliced by paraffin section method,and the tissue structure and microscopic characteristics were observed by routine microscopic technique.[Results]It was found that the epidermal cell wall was red with unicellular non-glandular hairs,the phloem fiber bundles were arranged in rings,and the xylem vessels were large and few,arranged in the shape of"V".The non-glandular hairs in the cross section of leaves were mostly unicellular,and the palisade tissues were in 2-3 rows.Most of the vessels in the powder were with marginal pores and crystal sheath fibers,and there were a lot of non-glandular hairs in single cells.[Conclusions]The above characteristics can be used as the main basis for the identification of Adenanthera pavonina Linn.var.microsperma.

Evidence chain-based causality identification in herb-induced liver injury： exemplification of a well-known liver-restorative herb Polygonum multiflorum

Herbal medicines have recently been recognized as the second most common cause of drug-induced liver injury （DILI） in the United States. However, reliable methods to identify the DILl causality of some herbs, such as Heshouwu （dried root ofPolygonum multiflorum）, remain lacking. In this study, a total of 12 307 inpatients with liver dysfunction and 147 literature-reported cases of Heshouwu DILI were screened. A general algorithm indicated that only 22.5% （9/40） and 30.6% （45/147） of all hospitalization and literature case reports, respectively, demonstrate the high probability of DILI causality of Heshouwu. By contrast, 95% （19/20） of all cases prospectively investigated by pharmacognosy, phytochemistry, and metabolomic tests exhibited highly probable causality, including a patient who was previously incorrectly attributed and a case that was excluded from Heshouwu causality by pharmacognostic evidence. Toxin （heavy metals, pesticides, and mycotoxins） contamination was also excluded from Heshouwu DILI causality. The objectivity of these screening methods for Heshouwu DILI diagnosis addresses safety concerns regarding stilbene-containing herbal medicines and dietary supplements.

Combined application of extended depth of field imaging, image stitching and polarized microscopy techniques in identification of Spatholobus suberectus

Objective:As traditional techniques for microscopic identification of Chinese medicines currently lack objective and high-quality reference images,here we developed a systemic procedure to be used in microscopic identification of Chinese medicines,which would lead to more objective,effective and accurate identification process.Methods:Spatholobi Caulis(Jixueteng in Chinese)was used as the specimen in the development of such procedure.Jixueteng samples were microscopically examined in bright-and dark-field microscopy.Microscopic images were obtained by regular,EDF,and image stitching techniques.Results:The microscopic images of the characteristics in pulverized Jixueteng were captured,thanks to EDF imaging and image stitching techniques which allowed the detailed and full sighting of each characteristic to be obtained simultaneously.Different layers in anatomical transverse section,including cork,phelloderm,cortex,phloem,cambium,xylem and pith,were distinctively observed.Moreover,by comparing images of bright-and dark-field microscopy,birefringent and non-birefringent components could readily be distinguished.Conclusion:With application of the developed procedure,high-definition,panoramic and microscopic images were acquired,which could be used as the reference images for microscopic identification of Chinese medicines.

Artemisia kruhsiana leaf extract induces autophagic cell death in human prostate cancer cells

Some species of Artemisia have been reported to induce apoptosis and autophagy,but little is known of the apoptotic and autophagic effects of the stems and leaves of Artemisia kruhsiana Bess.(AkB).This study was conducted to investigate the antioxidant and anti-autophagic effects of the methanol extracts of the stems(EAkBs)and leaves(EAkBl)of AkB on human prostate cancer PC-3 cells.The antioxidant effects of EAkBs and EAkBl were measured using in vitro total flavonoid and total phenolic assays and a free radical scavenging assay.The effects of EAkBl on cell viability,apoptosis,autophagy,intracellular reactive oxygen species(ROS)generation and protein expression levels were also investigated.EAkBl was found to induce apoptosis,autophagy,and intracellular ROS generation in PC-3 cells.In terms of protein levels,EAkBl reduced phospho(p)-protein kinase B(AKT)/AKT,p-mammalian target of rapamycin(mTOR)/mTOR,B-cell lymphoma 2(Bcl-2)/Bcl-2-associated X protein(Bax)ratios,and the activations of beclin 1/β-actin and microtubule-associated protein 1A/1B-light chain 3(LC3)Ⅱ/LC3Ⅰratios in PC-3 cells.The results of this study indicate EAkBl has antioxidant and anticancer effects on prostate cancer cells,and that these effects are associated with suppressions of p-AKT,p-mTOR,Bcl-2,and Bax,and the activations of beclin 1 and LC3.Our results indicate EAkBl has potential as a treatment for prostate cancer.