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.

A Medicinal and Edible Plant Crocus sativus L.and Its Therapeutic Effects on Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases

This paper introduces the biological characteristics,medicinal value,chemical component,and pharmacological effects of Crocus sativus L.,and explores its therapeutic effects on cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases such as angina pectoris and coronary heart disease.

Evaluation of Medicinal Plant Extracts for Rice Blast Disease Control

The potential of medicinal plant extracts to control rice blast fungus Magnaporthe oryzae was investigated. We screened 48 extracts prepared from 8 medicinal plant species and identified 20 extracts with ≥ 10% inhibitory activity against M. oryzae. Among them, ethanol extract of Paris polyphylla, ethyl acetate extract of Phellodendron chinense, and n-butanol extract of Menispermum dauricum plants exhibited 100%, 70% and 50% inhibition of M.

Endemic medicinal plant distribution correlated with stable climate,precipitation,and cultural diversity

Medicinal plants provide crucial ecosystem services,especially in developing countries such as China,which harbors diverse endemic medicinal plant species with substantial cultural and economic value.Accordingly,understanding the patterns and drivers of medicinal plant distribution is critical.However,few studies have investigated the patterns and drivers of endemic medicinal plants distribution in China.Here,we linked endemic medicinal plants distribution with possible explanatory variables,i.e.,paleoclimate change,contemporary climate,altitudinal range and ethnic minority human population size at the prefecture city level in China.Our results show that endemic medicinal plants are concentrated in southern China,especially in southwestern China.Notably,both endemic medicinal plant species richness and the ratio of endemic medicinal plant species richness are negatively associated with glacialinterglacial anomaly in temperature,and positively associated with contemporary precipitation and altitudinal range.In addition,we found that endemic medicinal plant species richness is positively associated with ethnic minority population sizes as well as its ratio to the overall population size.These findings suggest that the distribution of endemic medicinal plants is determined by multiple drivers.Furthermore,our findings stress that dramatic future climate changes and massive anthropogenic activities in southern China pose great challenges to the conservation of China's endemic medicinal plants.

Anti-Mycobacterial Activity of Medicinal Plant Extracts Used in the Treatment of Tuberculosis by Traditional Medicine Practitioners in Uganda

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a public health challenge and one of the leading causes of death worldwide. TB is preventable and curable. However, treatment of tuberculosis has continued to be difficult as a result of rapid increase of multidrug and extensively drug resistant strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Medicinal plants have for centuries been traditionally used in treatment of tuberculosis and similar ailments. They possess antimicrobial properties which render them a new hope as a source of novel bioactive leads in the development of antimycobacterial agents. In this study, 2 plant species commonly used traditionally in Uganda for treatment of tuberculosis, Zanthoxylum leprieurii and Rubia cordifolia were screened for in vitro antimycobacterial activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains;pan sensitive MTB H37Rv, Rifampicin resistant TMC 331 strain and two wild strains (one rifampicin resistant and another one rifampicin susceptible). Antimycobacterial activity of aqueous, ethanolic and methanolic plant extracts was determined using Resazurin Microtiter Assay (REMA). Both plant extracts exhibited significant in vitro antimycobacterial activity against all strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of methanolic crude extracts of both plants ranged from 23.4 μg/mL to 187.5 μg/mL. Comparatively, methanol extracts of both plants possessed superior antimycobacterial activity against all Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains. Our findings indicated that both plants exhibited activity against susceptible and resistant strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. While antimycobacterial activity of Z. leprieurii confirms results from previous studies, activity of the extracts of R. cordifolia is reported for the first time in East Africa. Further studies aimed at determining the effects of combination of these plant extracts and standard anti-TB drugs should be carried out.

Ethnobotanical Study of Medicinal Plants Used for Treating Urinary Tract Infections in N’Djamena (Chad)

Introduction: Infection disease is a real publique health problem. The rise of resistance for modern antibiotic in infections treatment imposed us order alternatives. The study objective was to contribute in the knowledge of medicinal plants uses in urinary infections treatment in N’Djamena (Chad) in view for amelioration the traditional medicine in future. Methodology: The study was conducted in the city of N’Djamena in the Republic of Chad that interviewed 60 traditherapists on using 11 plants for urinary tract infections treatment. The methodology of this study consisted of the knowledge of medicinal plants that used by traditherapists, and the plants identification was done in the laboratory of IRED at Farcha. Results: A total of 60 traditherapists was interrogated on the plants used in the treatment of urinary tract infections among the population of N’Djamena. The majority of traditherapists interrogated in this study were male with the rate of 61.67% against female with the rate of 38.33%. The age range of traditherapists was between 20 to 80 years, 25 (41.67%) from the age range between 30 - 50 years and 35 (58.33%) in age range from 50 to 70 years. For the origin of their knowledge, the study showed that 72% of traditherapists inherited the knowledge from their family, while 15% inherited from the family and from training. The ethnic groups of the traditherapists were Sara (16%), Maraba (12%) and Massa (11%). According to the results, 18.33% were illiterates, 49% attended primary school and 33.34% the secondary school. Our study found that 11 species of plants belonging to 11 families were used in the treatment of urinary tract infection and the Ziziphus spina-christi was the most represented. According to traditherapists the Ziziphus spina-christi, Cassia obovata and Euphorbia hirta were the most frequent plants used in the urinary tract infections treatment. The parts of plants used in the treatment were leaves and bark, grained leaves and entire plants with the proportion of 50%, 16.67 and 15% respectively. Conclusion: This study revealed that the medicinal plants are variously used in the treatment of infection urinary tract in the city of N’Djamena.

A review of ethnobotanical studies reveals over 500 medicinal plants in Mindanao,Philippines

Medicinal plants have long been used to treat various diseases in both indigenous and non-indigenous populations of Mindanao,Philippines.Here,we extracted data from ethnobotanical studies to compile a comprehensive list of these medicinal plants and identify how and for what purpose they are most commonly used.We identified 530 verified medicinal plant species across 372 genera in 118 families.The two most frequently cited species were Euphorbia hirta and Psidium guajava.The most represented family was Fabaceae and the most represented genus was Ficus.A total of 28 medicinal plant species are designated as threatened at the national or global level;of these,11 are endemic to the Philippines.Medicinal plant preparations most commonly use leaves for oral administration to treat various diseases such as digestive issues,including diarrhea.This study underscores the need for further ethnobotanical investigations,particularly in areas lacking records.It also emphasizes the need for conservation of threatened and endemic medicinal plants to ensure sustainable utilization of this valuable resource.

Physiology of medicinal and aromatic plants under drought stress

Drought poses a significant challenge,restricting the productivity of medicinal and aromatic plants.The strain induced by drought can impede vital processes like respiration and photosynthesis,affecting various aspects of plants’growth and metabolism.In response to this adversity,medicinal plants employ mechanisms such as morphological and structural adjustments,modulation of drought-resistant genes,and augmented synthesis of secondary metabolites and osmotic regulatory substances to alleviate the stress.Extreme water scarcity can lead to leaf wilting and may ultimately result in plant death.The cultivation and management of medicinal plants under stress conditions often differ from those of other crops.This is because the main goal with medicinal plants is not only to increase the yield of the above-ground parts but also to enhance the production of active ingredients such as essential oils.To elucidate these mechanisms of drought resistance in medicinal and aromatic plants,the current review provides a summary of recent literature encompassing studies on the morphology,physiology,and biochemistry of medicinal and aromatic plants under drought conditions.

Vasorelaxant effects of biochemical constituents of various medicinal plants and their benefits in diab

Endothelial function plays a pivotal role in cardiovascular health,and dysfunction in this context diminishes vasorelaxation concomitant with endothelial activity.The nitric oxide-cyclic guanosine monophosphate pathway,prostacyclin-cyclic adenosine monophosphate pathway,inhibition of phosphodiesterase,and the opening of potassium channels,coupled with the reduction of calcium levels in the cell,constitute critical mechanisms governing vasorelaxation.Cardiovascular disease stands as a significant contributor to morbidity and mortality among individuals with diabetes,with adults afflicted by diabetes exhibiting a heightened cardiovascular risk compared to their non-diabetic counterparts.A plethora of medicinal plants,characterized by potent pharmacological effects and minimal side effects,holds promise in addressing these concerns.In this review,we delineate various medicinal plants and their respective biochemical constituents,showcasing concurrent vasorelaxant and anti-diabetic activities.

Ethnobotanical and Phytochemical Study of Medicinal Plants Sold in the Markets of the City of N’Djamena

The use of medicinal plants occupies an important place in traditional Chadian medicine, this study was carried out with the aim of listing the medicinal plants sold in the markets of the city of N’Djamena, and knowledge of the medicinal flora Chad, such as the leaves of Guiera senegalensis in Arabic called Khibeche, the roots of Cassia occidentalis called Am kwala-Kinkéliba in Arabic;the bark of Khaya senegalensis (Desv) A. Juss called Muraї in Arabic and the seeds of Trigonella foenum-graecum called Helbé in Arabic in order to treat the most frequently cited diseases such as malaria, the common cold, mother and newborn care, and typhoid. Ethnobotanical surveys were conducted from September to December 2022, in three markets in the city of N’Djamena, based on individual interviews using a semi-structured questionnaire, with 30 herbalists and traditional practitioners. Phytochemical screening analyses of the organs of four plants were carried out in the chemistry and biology laboratory of the Faculty of Exact and Applied Sciences (FSEA) following a standard protocol established by [1] and slightly modified by [2] [3]. The results of the surveys identified 68 species divided into fifty-five (55) genera and twenty-seven (27) families, the most represented of which were Caesalpiniaceae (10 species), Mimosaceae (5 species) and Combretaceae (4 species). The leaves were the most commonly used parts (43%), with decoction (70%) the most frequently used method of preparation. The oral route was the most popular with 73% of recipes. The phytochemical study revealed a wealth of secondary metabolites such as Trapezoidal Sterols, Alkaloids, Tannins, Flavonoids, Free Quinones, Anthocyane, Anthraquinones, Saponosides and Heterosides. These results can be considered as a source of information for scientific research in the field of phytochemistry and pharmacology.

Hypoglycaemiac Medicinal Plants Used by Diabetics at CNHU-HKM

Introduction: Diabetes is a major public health problem. Medicinal plants are frequently used either combine with industrial treatment or exclusively, in Africa and particularly in Benin. Our study aims to identify the different medicinal plants used by diabetic patients at the CNHU-HKM. Method: we carried out a descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study. It took place at the University Clinic of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Nutrition of CNHU-HKM over a of 3 months period from 20th of June to 16th of September, 2022, over diabetic followed-up. Results: One hundred and seventy-three (173) patients were gathered using an anonymous inquiry form. In the study population, the age of the patients varied between 31 and 75 years with an average age of 59 +/− 1.43 years, women represented 59% with a sex ratio (male/female) of 0.69. Sixty-five (65) or 37.6% of the population had used medicinal plants. Among given reasons for using medicinal plants were, mainly the positiveness on a third party. Data analysis outcome twenty-nine species of plants belonging to twenty (20) botanical families, the most represented being the Annonaceae and Fabaceae. The most used species are Phyllanthus amarus (hlenwé in fon), Mangifera indica (mangatin in fon), Momordica charantia (gninsikin in fon), Combretum micranthum (kinkéliba in fon), and Picralima nitida (ayorkpè in fon). Most used parts of the plants are the leaves. The recipes are prepared mainly by infusion and are administered exclusively by mouth. Most of the patients who used the hypoglycaemic medicinal plants were satisfied and no adverse effects were reported by them. Conclusion: Hypoglycaemic medicinal plants could be subjected to pharmacognosy and marketed due to their richness in active components, after further toxicological studies.

Nature’s Pharmacy under Siege: Investigating Antibiotic Resistance Pattern in Endophytic Bacteria of Medicinal Plants

Antibiotic resistance poses a significant global health threat, necessitating a thorough understanding of its prevalence in various ecological contexts. Medicinal plants, renowned for their therapeutic properties, host endophytic bacteria that produce bioactive compounds. Understanding antibiotic resistance dynamics in these bacteria is vital for human health and antibiotic efficacy preservation. In this study, we investigated antibiotic resistance profiles in endophytic bacteria from five medicinal plants: Thankuni, Neem, Aparajita, Joba, and Snake plant. We isolated and characterized 113 endophytic bacteria, with varying resistance patterns observed against multiple antibiotics. Notably, 53 strains were multidrug-resistant (MDR), with 14 exhibiting extensive drug resistance (XDR). Thankuni-associated bacteria displayed 44% MDR and 11% XDR, while Neem-associated bacteria showed higher resistance (60% MDR, 13% XDR). Aparajita-associated bacteria had lower resistance (22% MDR, 6% XDR), whereas Joba-associated bacteria exhibited substantial resistance (54% MDR, 14% XDR). Snake plant-associated bacteria showed 7% MDR and 4% XDR. Genus-specific distribution revealed Bacillus (47%), Staphylococcus (21%), and Klebsiella (11%) as major contributors to MDR. Our findings highlight diverse drug resistance patterns among plant-associated bacteria and underscore the complexity of antibiotic resistance dynamics in diverse plant environments. Identification of XDR strains emphasizes the severity of the antibiotic resistance problem, warranting further investigation into contributing factors.

Combination Activity of Standard Antituberculosis Drugs and Extracts of Medicinal Plants Commonly Used in Traditional Treatment of Tuberculosis in Uganda

Introduction: Resistance to antituberculosis drugs and adverse drug reactions remain the leading causes of tuberculosis therapeutic failure globally. Despite the increasing acceptance of medicinal plant use in combination with conventional antituberculosis drugs in treatment of tuberculosis (TB) in Uganda, there is paucity of knowledge on their combination effect. Aim: This research aimed to determine combination activity of standard antituberculosis drugs with extracts of Zanthoxylum leprieurii Guill. & Perr. and Rubia cordifolia L., the two common antituberculosis medicinal plants in Uganda, against pansensitive (H37Rv) and multi-drug resistant (MDR) Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains. Materials and Methods: Two reference MTB strains (H37Rv and MDR strain) were inoculated on Middlebrook 7H11 medium containing a combination of standard antituberculosis drugs and methanol extracts of Z. leprieurii and R. cordifolia at varying concentrations. The number of colonies on the plates was observed and counted weekly for up to 8 weeks. In vitro combination activity was determined using proportion method. Mean percentage inhibition was calculated for the reduction of number of colonies on drug-extract combination medium in relation to drug-extract-free control medium. Results: Drug-extract combinations showed good combination activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains when compared with individual standard anti-TB drugs. This was more exhibited against MDR strain. There was however a reduction in percentage inhibition when extracts were combined with ethambutol and streptomycin against H37Rv strain. Conclusions: Zanthoxylum leprieurii and Rubia cordifolia in combination with standard anti-TB drugs exhibited increased in vitro activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis, especially MDR-TB strain. This justifies the local use of these plants in traditional treatment of tuberculosis especially in resistant cases in Uganda.

Ethnobotanical inventory and medicinal uses of some important woody plant species of Kotli,Azad Kashmir,Pakistan

Objective:To document ethnobotanical informations of useful woody plant species in the region of Kotli,Azad Kashmir.Methods:An ethnobotanical survey was conducted in Kotli.Data were collected by interview and semi structured questionnaire from selected local informants and traditional practitioners as well as by field assessment.Results:The present study documented the etnobotanical uses of 33 woody plant species.Most of the species have been used for dual purpose.Only 5 species are used for one purpose.Study revealed all species have medicinal value,among which 21 were used as fuel wood species,16 as fodder species,4 as timber wood species,12 as edible fruit species,6 as fence or hedge plant,7 as ornamental species and 12 species had other uses.Conclusions:Medicinal plants are still widely used for health care by locals of Kotli.Some species of woodlands seem to be vulnerable to overcollection and deforestation.As the young generation is diverted toward allelopathic medicines,ethnobotanical knowledges of important medicinal plants are restricted to the old people only.It is suggested to close the forest of district Kotli for next two to three decades for the conservation of plant biodiversity.

Potential efficacy and mechanism of medicinal plants on chronic kidney disease-associated vascular calcification:a review

Vascular calcification is a crucial risk factor that affects the incidence and mortality of cardiovascular disease in chronic kidney disease patients.Modern medicine relies on calcium-phosphorus binding agents,calcium mimetics,active vitamin D,and hemodialysis to prevent and treat vascular calcification,however,their efficacy is unsatisfactory and adverse reactions often occur.Medical plant therapy can act as an integrative regulator in patients with chronic kidney disease-associated vascular calcification,which can significantly improve patients’symptoms,but its specific mechanism has not been fully elucidated yet.In this paper,we reviewed the domestic and international theoretical studies on the pathogenesis mechanism of chronic kidney disease-associated vascular calcification in recent years,summarized eight active ingredients of medicinal plants as well as four compound formulas for improving chronic kidney disease-associated vascular calcification,and explored the mechanism of action of herbal medicine,which will provide a new strategy for promoting the prevention and treatment of vascular calcification.

In silico prospective analysis of the medicinal plants activity on the CagA oncoprotein from Helicobacter pylori

BACKGROUND Colonization with Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori)has a strong correlation with gastric cancer,and the virulence factor CagA is implicated in carcinogenesis.Studies have been conducted using medicinal plants with the aim of eliminating the pathogen;however,the possibility of blocking H.pylori-induced cell differentiation to prevent the onset and/or progression of tumors has not been addressed.This type of study is expensive and time-consuming,requiring in vitro and/or in vivo tests,which can be solved using bioinformatics.Therefore,prospective computational analyses were conducted to assess the feasibility of interaction between phenolic compounds from medicinal plants and the CagA oncoprotein.AIM To perform a computational prospecting of the interactions between phenolic compounds from medicinal plants and the CagA oncoprotein of H.pylori.METHODS In this in silico study,the structures of the phenolic compounds(ligands)kaempferol,myricetin,quercetin,ponciretin(flavonoids),and chlorogenic acid(phenolic acid)were selected from the PubChem database.These phenolic compounds were chosen based on previous studies that suggested medicinal plants as non-drug treatments to eliminate H.pylori infection.The three-dimensional structure model of the CagA oncoprotein of H.pylori(receptor)was obtained through molecular modeling using computational tools from the I-Tasser platform,employing the threading methodology.The primary sequence of CagA was sourced from GenBank(BAK52797.1).A screening was conducted to identify binding sites in the structure of the CagA oncoprotein that could potentially interact with the ligands,utilizing the GRaSP online platform.Both the ligands and receptor were prepared for molecular docking using AutoDock Tools 4(ADT)software,and the simulations were carried out using a combination of ADT and AutoDock Vina v.1.2.0 software.Two sets of simulations were performed:One involving the central region of CagA with phenolic compounds,and another involving the carboxy-terminus region of CagA with phenolic compounds.The receptor-ligand complexes were then analyzed using PyMol and BIOVIA Discovery Studio software.RESULTS The structure model obtained for the CagA oncoprotein exhibited high quality(C-score=0.09)and was validated using parameters from the MolProbity platform.The GRaSP online platform identified 24 residues(phenylalanine and leucine)as potential binding sites on the CagA oncoprotein.Molecular docking simulations were conducted with the three-dimensional model of the CagA oncoprotein.No complexes were observed in the simulations between the carboxy-terminus region of CagA and the phenolic compounds;however,all phenolic compounds interacted with the central region of the oncoprotein.Phenolic compounds and CagA exhibited significant affinity energy(-7.9 to-9.1 kcal/mol):CagA/kaempferol formed 28 chemical bonds,CagA/myricetin formed 18 chemical bonds,CagA/quercetin formed 16 chemical bonds,CagA/ponciretin formed 13 chemical bonds,and CagA/chlorogenic acid formed 17 chemical bonds.Although none of the phenolic compounds directly bound to the amino acid residues of the K-Xn-R-X-R membrane binding motif,all of them bound to residues,mostly positively or negatively charged,located near this region.CONCLUSION In silico,the tested phenolic compounds formed stable complexes with CagA.Therefore,they could be tested in vitro and/or in vivo to validate the findings,and to assess interference in CagA/cellular target interactions and in the oncogenic differentiation of gastric cells.

Nutritional and Medicinal Values of the Three Most Used Plants in Chad: Abelmoschus esculentus, Hibiscus sabdariffa, and Corchorus olitorius L.

This review explores the nutritional and health benefits of three vegetable plants in Chad: Abelmoschus esculentus, Hibiscus sabdariffa, and Corchorus olitorius L. These plants are widely consumed by Chadian population, but few research studies have focused on their nutritional and health benefits. The aim is to stimulate research, investment, and in-depth studies on these plants to encourage their use and transformation in Chad. Abelmoschus esculentus, Hibiscus sabdariffa, and Corchorus olitorius L. are Malvaceae species with medicinal properties and traditional use in Chad. They contain essential amino acids and have antinociceptive, anxiolytic, anti-inflammatory, and anxiolytic activities. Their extract has hypoglycemic potential as a preventative or adjunct therapy for pre-diabetes or diabetes. Hibiscus sabdariffa is rich in essential vitamins, including vitamin A, which is beneficial for eyes, anti-aging, and sight. Its vitamin C helps fight free radicals and ensures good resistance to infections. Corchorus olitorius L. has a nutritional composition ranging from 1.2 to 34.4 mg/100 g and is known for its mucilaginous seeds, young tops and leaves, and silky hair. These plants have potential medicinal applications in antidiabetic, anti-gastritis, and prebiotic fields, and play a significant role in neural development and health. Promoting their use in Chad requires conservation programs, public policies, and local population planting. Future research should focus on their nutritional and medicinal properties, targeting underutilized species to address micronutrient deficiencies. Enhancing bioconservative properties and communication of these plants’ virtues are crucial for their optimal availability and protection.

In Vitro Propagation and Artificial Seed Production of Fritillaria cirrhosa D. Don, an Endangered Medicinal Plant

Fritillaria cirrhosa D.Don(Liliaceae)is an endangered perennial bulbous plant and its dry bulb is a valuable med-icinal material with antitussive and expectorant effects.Nevertheless,lack of resources and expensive prices make it difficult to meet clinical needs.This study presents a regeneration system aimed at overcoming the challenge of inadequate supply in F.cirrhosa,focusing on:(1)callus induction,(2)bulblets and adventitious bud induction,and(3)artificial seed production.Callus development was achieved in 84.93%on Murashige and Skoog(MS)medium fortified with 1.0 mg·L^(-1) picloram.The optimal medium for callus differentiation into regenerated bulb-lets was MS medium supplemented with 1.0 mg·L^(-1)6-benzyladenine(6-BA)and 0.2 mg·L^(-1)α-naphthaleneacetic acid(NAA).Subsequently,bulblets and adventitious buds were induced from regenerated bulblet sections cul-tured on MS medium fortified with 0.3 mg·L^(-1)6-BA+1.0 mg·L^(-1)2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid(2,4-D),2.0 mg·L^(-1)6-BA+0.5 mg·L^(-1),and the induction rates were 88.17%and 84.24%,respectively.The regenerated bulblets were transplanted into a substrate of humus soil,river sand,and pearlite(1:1:1)after low-temperature treatment.The germination rate was 42.80%after culture for 30 days.Regenerated bulblets were used for encap-sulations in liquid MS medium containing 3%sucrose(w/v)+0.5 mg·L^(-1) NAA+2.0 mg·L^(-1)6-BA+3%sodium alginate(w/v)with a 10 min exposure to 2%CaCl_(2).Under non-aseptic conditions,the germination rate reached 81.67%,while the rooting rate was 20.56%after 45 days.The capsule added 1.0 g·L^(-1) carbendazim and 1.0 g·L^(-1) activated carbon was the best component of artificial seeds.This study successfully established an efficient regen-eration system for the rapid propagation of F.cirrhosa,involving in vitro bulblet regeneration and artificial seed production.This method introduces a novel approach for efficient breeding and germplasm preservation,making it suitable for large-scale industrial resource production.

Medicinal Plant Use in Ghana: Advancement and Challenges

In Ghana, the use of medicinal plants is a known and an acceptable practice common to all the regions and ethnic groups, with about 60% to 70% of Ghanaians depending on traditional medicine for their healthcare needs. Even though medicinal plants are all over the country and are of great benefits to a lot of Ghanaians, there is little or no proper documentation on medicinal plants use in Ghana;how it all started and where it is today, as well as what is being done to promote its use and some challenges being faced with its use as a country. This paper therefore sought to assess and compile generally, Medicinal plants use in Ghana;focusing on the use of some plant medicine, development and advancement in the herbal medicine practice, as well as associated challenges. Available literature and information on medicinal plants use in Ghana were compiled by searching through electronic database such as Google Scholar, PubMed, Science direct, SciFinder and other relevant websites, as well as books and reports. A brief history, measures taken to develop and advance plant medicine use and some specific challenges facing plant medicine practice and use in the county have been discussed in detail in this write-up. This compilation is believed to bring to book the value of some medicinal plants in Ghana and the efforts being made to promote herbal drugs to complement orthodox medication.

In vitro antibacterial and antitumor activities of some medicinal plant extracts, growing in Turkey

Objective: To investigate antibacterial and antitumor activities of 51 different extracts prepared with 3 types of solvents (water, ethanol and methanol) of 16 different plant species (Ajuga reptans (A. reptans) L., Phlomis pungens (P. pungens) Willd., Marrubium astracanicum (M. astracanicum) Jacq., Nepeta nuda (N. nuda) L., Stachys annua (S. annua) L., Genista lydia (G. lydia) Boiss., Nuphar lutea (N. lutea) L., Nymphaea alba (N. alba) L., Vinca minor (V. minor) L., Stellaria media (S. media) L., Capsella bursa-pastoris (C. bursa-pastoris) L., Galium spurium (G. spurium) L., Onosma heterophyllum (O. heterophyllum) Griseb., Reseda luteola (R. luteola) L., Viburnum lantana (V. lantana) L. and Mercurialis annua (M. annua) L.) grown in Turkey was conducted. Methods: Antibacterial activity was evaluated with 10 bacteria including Streptococcus pyogenes (S. pyogenes), Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), Staphylococcus epidermidis (S. epidermidis), Escheria coli (E. coli), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa), Salmonella typhimurium (S. typhimurium), Serratia marcescens (S. marcescens), Proteus vulgaris (P. vulgaris), Enterobacter cloacae (E. cloacea), and Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumoniae) by using disc diffusion method. Antitumor activity was evaluated with Agrobacterium tumefaciens (A. tumefaciens)-induced potato disc tumor assay. Results: Best antibacterial activity was obtained with ethanolic extract of P. pungens against S. pyogenes . Ethanolic and methanolic extract of N. alba and ethanolic extract of G. lydia also showed strong antibacterial activities. Results indicated that alcoholic extracts especially ethanolic extracts exhibited strong antibacterial activity against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. Best antitumor activity was obtained with methanolic extracts of N. alba and V. lantana (100% tumor inhibition). Ethanolic extract of N. alba , alcoholic extracts of N. lutea , A. reptans and V. minor flowers, methanolic extracts of G. lydia and O. heterophyllum and ethanolic extract of V. lantana and aqueous extract of V. minor leaves exhibited strong tumor inhibitions. Conclusions: In near future works, identification of active components can be studied for plant extracts having strong bioactivity.