Leaf impressions recovered from the Middle Siwalik sediments of the Sarkaghat area, Mandi District, Himachal Pradesh, India, have led to the identification of two new fossil species: Canarium siwalica sp. nov. (family Burseraceae) and Lagerstroemia himachalensis sp. nov. (family Lythraceae). Canarium siwalica is characterised by an asymmetrical, elliptic leaf shape, obtuse base, entire margin, craspedodromous to eucamptodromous venation, and the presence of intersecondary veins. In contrast, Lagerstroemia himachalensis exhibits a symmetrical, narrowly elliptic form, obtuse base, entire margin, and a sparse occurrence of intersecondary veins. The nearest living relatives of these fossils are currently found in the tropical moist deciduous to evergreen forests of northeast India, suggesting that similar tropical, moist forest conditions prevailed in the region during the late Miocene. This is in contrast to the present–day vegetation, which is dominated by mixed deciduous forests under a tropical climate with lower precipitation. Fossil records of the genera Lagerstroemia and Canarium indicate their widespread presence from the Eocene to the Miocene, with the oldest Indian record of Canarium dating back to the Late Cretaceous of central India supporting its Gondwanan origin.

Plant diversity and its utilisation by local communities are increasingly threatened by demographic pressures, climate variability, and land-use change. Canarium schweinfurthii Engl. (African elemi), a multipurpose tropical tree of the family Burseraceae, is culturally and economically significant in West Africa, yet remains under-documented in terms of human use across ecological gradients. This study investigated the influence of altitude on the utilisation of C. schweinfurthii in Plateau State, Nigeria. Three Local Government Areas representing distinct altitudinal zones, namely Jos East (high), Kanke (mid) and Shendam (low) were surveyed using 150 structured questionnaires administered, to purposively selected households engaged in farming, trade and medicinal plant practices. Data collected covered plant parts used, purposes, frequency of use and perceived availability. Findings revealed marked spatial differences: mid-altitude communities exhibited the highest and most diversified utilisation, including food, fuelwood, timber and medicinal applications. High-altitude respondents emphasised medicinal and oil uses, while low-altitude communities demonstrated limited engagement,reflecting both ecological scarcity and reduced cultural familiarity. Statistical modelling (GLM) confirmed altitude as a significant predictorof utilisation (χ² = 75.43, df = 2, p < 0.001). The study underscores the interplay of ecological availability and traditional knowledge in shaping resource use. These results provide a baseline for conservation planning, sustainable harvesting and integrating C. schweinfurthii into agroforestry and biodiversity restoration initiatives.

Neuronutritional enhancement of antioxidant defense system through Nrf2/HO1/NQO1 axis in fibromyalgia.

Commiphora leptophloeos leaf and bark extracts modulate OxInflammation through TLR4/ NF-κB/ Nrf2 pathways.

Abstract Native fruit and multipurpose trees are integral parts of traditional agroforestry systems worldwide. Across the Pacific region, local island communities have selected and cultivated such trees since pre-historic times. Political ambitions attempt to promote local and traditional products which preserve such agroforestry systems. Canarium harveyi in the pantropical Burseraceae family is called a “lesser known Oceanic food plant”. It is endemic to the south-western part of the Pacific region, where it has had cultural significance as a multipurpose tree since pre-historic times. It is an important food source with edible seeds possessing a high oil content, and it provides timber for canoes and building, however it is hardly known beyond its restricted area of distribution and use. This review gathers available scientific literature and provides an overview of the current status of knowledge about C. harveyi. Four varieties have been described. It is a medium-sized forest tree with a dense canopy, normally growing up to 15–20 m. It can often be found planted near villages or in secondary forests. Its conservation status is unknown. Human selection pressure worked towards bigger fruits and trees with fruit shells which are easier to crack open. As a result, large-fruited individuals can be found in gardens and near villages. Despite its local importance as a food source and multipurpose tree, C. harveyi has never been commercialised. Little research has been conducted so far concerning its commercial value, market suitability, and other trade characteristics. Available gene bank accessions of C. harveyi are very rare. No breeding and crop improvement work are taking place, anywhere in the world. Research into floral biology, reproductive and seed biology, true-to-type propagation, harvest techniques, post-harvest treatment including storage and packaging are suggested as part of a future possible commercialisation of the species.

Fire is a natural disturbance in the Brazilian Cerrado that modulates the vegetation structure. Protium heptaphyllum, a woody species of the family Burseraceae, is common in this biome. The resin produced in secretory canals immersed in the phloem of the stem and leaves of this species plays important ecological and industrial roles. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of fire on the development of resin canals in the leaves and stem of P. heptaphyllum and on the chemical profile of substances produced in the leaves. Young plants were subjected to controlled fire experiments. Leaf and stem portions were analyzed using light microscopy; the chemical compounds in the leaves were identified through gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. The percentage area occupied by secretory canals in the leaf midrib was higher in fire-treated plants than in control plants. Similarly, the density of secretory canals and their lumen area were higher in young stems (primary growth) of fire-treated plants. By contrast, although the canal density in the secondary phloem was lower in older stem portions (secondary growth) in fire-treated plants, their lumens were larger, resulting in similar data regarding the total lumen area of the secretory canals in fire-treated and control plants. The main chemical compounds identified in the leaves were vitamin E, sitosterol, α-amyrin, squalene, and β-amyrin. Three compounds showed significant increases in fire-treated plants, with vitamin E being the only one reduced by fire. Our findings reveal the plasticity of the secretory system and of the biochemical properties of the leaves of P. heptaphyllum in response to fire. These results are important when considering the current increase in fires caused by climate change and human activity in different ecosystems around the world.

Forests play a crucial role in environmental, economic, and social sustainability by storing carbon and mitigating climate change. This study aimed to assess the vegetation composition, diversity, and carbon storage in Gunung Leuser National Park, Bukit Lawang, North Sumatra. Fieldwork, conducted using purposive and nested sampling methods, recorded 11 families and 14 plant species with 27 individuals at the tree growth level, and 11 families and 16 plant species with 30 individuals at the pole growth level. The Burseraceae family dominated tree-level composition (29%), while the Phyllanthaceae family dominated pole-level composition (28%). The highest Important Value Index (IVI) was Santiria rubiginosa (36.09%) for trees and Gironniera nervosa (55.46%) for poles. The Shannon-Wiener Diversity Index (H’) was 2.45 for trees and 2.53 for poles, with evenness values (E) of 0.93 and 0.91, respectively. The total biomass was 120.240 tons/ha, with stored carbon amounting to 55.310 tons C/ha. To better estimate carbon storage potential, further research should cover larger areas and include biomass components like litter and dead wood.

Since ancient times, people have treated themselves with the plants they had at their disposal. Commiphora africana (A. Rich) Engel., known as "African myrrh," is a medicinal plant belonging to the Burseraceae family, widely used in traditional Malian medicine. The objective of this study is to conduct an ethnobotanical survey, perform phytochemical screening of the plant powder, and determine the mineral content. A questionnaire was used to collect information from respondents regarding knowledge about the plant and the recommended preparation methods. The plant material consisted of root bark and leaves. These plant parts were harvested in November 2018 in Ségué, Bankass prefecture in the Mopti region of Mali. The extracts were prepared by aqueous decoction using reflux heating. The phytochemical families of the different extracts were identified using test tube reactions. Mineral elements were determined by Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS). During the ethnobotanical Survey, the recorded ailment included headaches, evil spirits and Children nighttime fear. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of various secondary metabolites, such as flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, free quinones, terpenoids, sterols, triterpenes, anthraquinones, and reducing sugars. Furthermore, the studied plant parts (leaves and roots) showed varied concentrations of minerals, including Na (1.14; 1.55 mg/L), K (28.12; 22.88 mg/L), Mg (12.79; 11.35 mg/L), Ca (62.96; 38.93 mg/L), Fe (0.57; 2.23 mg/L), Pb (1.48; 1.21 mg/mL). Some elements were present in trace amounts: Zn (-1.29; 0.38 mg/mL) and Cu (0.28; 0.08 mg/mL).

Background: In many nations, medical plants are an important part of the basic healthcare systems. Plant medicinal properties are found by the biological substances present in the plant components that are used to produce medicinal remedies. Boswellia ovalifoliolata is classified under the Burseraceae family. It is extensively spread out in the Eastern Ghats of India. Traditionally, leaves of this plant have been extensively used to aliment leprosy, cancer, as an emetic, and for headaches. Aim: The current study used gas chromatography-mass-spectrometry analysis and phytochemical assessment to determine the phytochemical components of B. ovalifoliolata leaves. Methods: The shade-dried leaves were ground and extracted with ethanol using the cold maceration method; we conducted a phytochemical examination to evaluate the characteristics of secondary metabolites and used Gas Chromatography-Mass- Spectrometry (GC-MS) to find the different phytocompounds in the ethanol leaf extract. Phytochemicals were determined using molecular weights (m/z) obtained from GC-MS chromatograms. Phytocompounds were identified using NIST library databases and spectral peak interpretation. Results: The phytochemical analysis found flavonoids, steroids, tannins, phenols, and glycosides. B. ovalifoliolata leaf extract included 28 phytochemical substances by GC-MS. The ethanol extract contained three major bioactive compounds: 1,2,3-Benzenetriol (36.16%), Quinic acid (21.84%), and Lupeol (11.75%), as well as eight minor compounds: Levoglucosan (3.53%), Hexadecanoicacid, Methylester (1.59%), n-Hexadecanoicacid (3.29%), Ethylester (1.64%), and Methyl-linolenate (1.30%). Bioactive substances are detected by retention duration, peak area, molecular formula, and likelihood. Conclusion: The findings suggest that B. ovalifoliolata may possess several beneficial properties, including as anti-cancer, antiulcer, antioxidant, anti-microbial, anti-diabetic, hepatoprotective, and hypocholesterolemic activities. Major Findings: Identification of key bioactive compounds, including flavonoids, steroids, tannins, phenols, and glycosides, in the ethanol extract of Boswellia ovalifoliolata leaves. GC-MS analysis revealed volatile and semi-volatile compounds, such as essential oils and secondary metabolites, with anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties.

Garuga forrestii W. W. Sm. is a tree species of the Burseraceae family, endemic to China, found in hot/warm-dry valleys. This species plays a crucial role in maintaining biodiversity in these ecosystems. We performed de novo assembly of the Garuga forrestii mitochondrial genome using PMAT (v.1.5.4), resulting in a typical circular molecule of 606,853 bp. The genome consists of 31 tRNA genes, 3 rRNA genes, 35 protein-coding genes, and 1 pseudogene. The study also investigates RNA editing sites and evolutionary patterns. The mitochondrial genome exhibits a low proportion of repetitive sequences (3.30%), suggesting a highly conserved structure. A high copy number of the trnM-CAT gene (4 copies) is noted, which may contribute to genomic rearrangement and adaptive evolution. Among the 476 RNA editing sites, hydrophilic-hydrophobic and hydrophobic-hydrophobic editing events are most common, accounting for 77.10%. Negative selection predominates among most genes (Ka/Ks < 1), while a few genes (e.g., matR, nad3, rps1, rps12, and rps4) show signs of positive selection (Ka/Ks > 1), potentially conferring evolutionary advantages. Additionally, a significant A/T bias is observed at the third codon position. Phylogenomic analysis supports the APG IV classification, with no evidence of horizontal gene transfer. This mitochondrial genome offers valuable insights into the adaptive mechanisms and evolutionary processes of Garuga forrestii. It enhances our understanding of the species' biogeography in tropical Southeast Asia and Southwest China, providing key information on the evolutionary history of this genus.

Kundur, the Indian olibanum tree, is a member of the Burseraceae family and grows best in the dry mountainous regions of the Middle East, Northern Africa, and India. This tree has small to huge branches. The tree's oleo-gum resin is removed and stored from the incision created in its trunk. Resin makes roughly 30–60% of oleo-gum resin, with organic solvent-soluble essential oils making up the remaining 5–10%. Gum-resin extracts from Boswellia serrata have long been used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of chronic inflammatory diseases. Four primary pentacyclic triterpenic acids found in the resinous component of Boswellia serrata are β-boswellic acid, acetyl-β-boswellic acid, 11-keto-β-boswellic acid, and acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid. This oleo-gum resin is quite popular among traditional practitioners of traditional Chinese and Indian Systems of medicine because of its wide range of useful biological properties such as anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritic, anti-rheumatic, anti-diarrheal, anti-hyperlipidemic, anti-asthmatic, anti-cancer, anti-microbial, anti-fungal, anti-complementary, and analgesic activity etc.

Guggulipid, an oleo-gum resin extracted from the bark of Commiphora wightii of the Burseraceae family, holds a significant place in Ayurvedic medicine due to its historical use in treating various disorders, including inflammation, gout, rheumatism, obesity, and lipid metabolism imbalances. This comprehensive review aims to elucidate the molecular targets of guggulipids and explore their cellular responses. Furthermore, it summarizes the findings from in-vitro, in-vivo, and clinical investigations related to arthritis and various inflammatory conditions. A comprehensive survey encompassing in-vitro, in-vivo, and clinical studies has been conducted to explore the therapeutic capacity of guggulipid in the management of rheumatoid arthritis. Various molecular pathways, such as cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), PI3-kinase/AKT, JAK/STAT, nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and NFκB signaling pathways, have been targeted to assess the antiarthritic and anti-inflammatory effects of this compound. The research findings reveal that guggulipid demonstrates notable antiarthritic and anti-inflammatory effects by targeting key molecular pathways involved in inflammatory responses. These pathways include COX-2, VEGF, PI3-kinase/AKT, JAK/STAT, iNOS, and NFκB signaling pathways. in-vitro, in-vivo, and clinical studies collectively support the therapeutic potential of guggulipid in managing rheumatoid arthritis and related inflammatory conditions. This review provides a deeper understanding of the therapeutic mechanisms and potential of guggulipid in the management of rheumatoid arthritis. The collective evidence strongly supports the promising role of guggulipid as a therapeutic agent, encouraging further research and development in guggulipid-based treatments for these conditions.

Boswellia serrata (Sallaki) is one of the most popular herbs, belonging to the family Burseraceae, whose dietary and therapeutic potential has been practiced since ancient days mainly for the treatment of arthritis and other inflammatory disorders. The therapeutic activity of oleo gum resin is typically due to the presence of active constituents such as 11-keto-β-boswellic acid and 3-o-acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid. The main objective of the present research work was to formulate and evaluate the Boswellia capsule. The plant B. serrata is the best traditional medicine for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis without causing any side-effects when compared to synthetic drugs (NSAIDs). The herbal capsules were formulated and evaluated. The prepared formulation was subjected to evaluations like physical appearance, pH, dissolution, disintegration and phytochemical screening.

Boswellia dalzielii (B. dalzielii) Hutch is a tree plant of the Burseraceae family found in Savannah woodlands. The decoction of stem bark has been reported to be useful in treating gastrointestinal diseases, rheumatism, septic sores, and sexual ailments. Additionally, it has demonstrated antifungal, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. The research was undertaken to evaluate the trace element contents and nutritional contents of the stem bark of B. dalzielii using standard methods of the Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC). The elemental analysis showed the presence of: Zn (5.82±0.021 mg/kg), Cu (4.22±0.017 mg/kg), Mn (31.24±0.114 mg/kg), and Fe (9.12±0.318 mg/kg), Se (3.13m±0.223 g/kg) Cr (0.0026±0.211 mg/kg), Co (0.00 mg/kg), Mo (0.0016±0.001 mg/kg), Cd (0.0037±0.117 mg/kg), Ni (0.0016±0.324 mg/kg), and I (4.15±0.214 mg/kg). While the proximate analysis revealed the presence of the following: ash content (5.97±0.315%), moisture (6.22±0.115%), protein (18.52±0.018%), fiber 16.2±0.215%), crude fat (6.02±0.002%), and carbohydrate (31.73±0.224%). Trace elements have well-characterized physiological functions within the body. They regulate biological processes, thereby stabilizing the structures of cells when they are supplied at the normal level, but their deficiency leads to different kinds of diseases. The study suggests that the trace elements present in the bark sample of B. dalzielii may be of value and may have prognostic significance in the early diagnosis and therapy evaluation of some diseases, especially various types of cancer, as well as in anti-diabetic agents. The results of the proximate analysis depict the potentiality of the plant as a good source of nutraceuticals.

Medicinal plants have served as a cornerstone of traditional medicine, providing a vast array of bioactive compounds for therapeutic development. Among these, Canarium resiniferum, a lesser-known species of the Burseraceae family, has recently gained attention for its diverse pharmacological properties. This review focuses on the anxiolytic, antidepressant, and antioxidant activities of methanol extracts from Canariumresiniferum leaves. The phytochemical constituents underlying these bioactivities, including flavonoids, phenolics, and alkaloids, are explored in detail. Experimental findings demonstrate the plant’s significant potential in modulating key central nervous system pathways and combating oxidative stress. Challenges such as standardization, isolation of active compounds, and clinical validation are discussed alongside future research directions. This review highlights Canarium resiniferum as a promising source of natural therapeutics for addressing mental health disorders and oxidative stress-related conditions.

Herbal medicine has gained significant global importance, not only as a form of medicine but also as an economic factor. Although the utilization of herbal medicines has witnessed a surge, questions persist about their consistency, safety, and efficacy in different regions. Boswellic acid (BA) represents one of the active constituents extracted from the Boswellia serrata plant, which belongs to the Burseraceae family. The oleoresin gum derived from this plant is known by various names, including Salai guggul, Indian olibanum or Indian frankincense. The active constituents exhibit diverse biological activities, including antidiuretic, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and antitumor properties. This review aims to provide updated information about Boswellia serrata, its traditional medicinal uses preliminary phytochemical investigation, and pharmacological effects.

Cancer is a very important disease that has existed for a very long time in the history of humanity and poses a great threat to humanity today. Today, cancer remains a global health problem. The scientific world has introduced many innovative treatment approaches, but due to the complexity of cancer cells and their resistance to treatment, significant progress has been made in the fight against cancer, but a definitive cure has not yet been found. Boswellia serrata has been used in many parts of the world for a variety of ailments from ancient times to the present day, comes from the Burseraceae family and is commonly known as white gum. B. serrata is a resin tree with very small and few leaves, as it is a plant species that grows as a small tree or shrub 4-6 meters high in the desert. In this study, B.serrata resin was obtained commercially in Gaziantep province and obtained by extraction in methanol and hexane solvents. The cytotoxic activity of B. serrata resin extract was determined by MTT Assay (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide). Apoptotic/necrotic activity was determined by double staining (Hoechst 33342 and propidium iodide). Human breast cancer (MCF7) and human liver cancer (HepG2) cell lines were used in these experiments.

In recent years, illegal felling of and damage to the incense tree Aquilaria sinensis (Lour.) Spreng. have been reported in Hong Kong. Their native populations are under increasingly severe threat. Therefore, the development of a standard and efficient method to classify and document wounds on vulnerable trees is urgently needed for conservation purposes. In this study, photogrammetry was used to document wounds in A. sinensis through 3D modeling. A total of 752 wound records from 484 individual A. sinensis trees from Hong Kong were included to establish a new wound classification system. Our major findings include a novel standardized procedure for photogrammetric documentation and a wound classification system. The results of this study will facilitate A. sinensis conservation, by enhancing wound documentation and information transfer to law enforcement and education.

Kenari (Canarium indicum L) belongs to the Burseraceae family and is one of the endemic fruits in Indonesia, especially Maluku. Walnuts have a tough shell that encloses the flesh, to get the flesh without damaging it careful effort is needed. This study investigated the strength of walnut shells through mechanical testing to determine the amount of impact force needed to break the walnut shell. The mechanical test carried out is a compression test and impact test. The values of these tests assist in determining, measuring, and analyzing the minimum and maximum force loads required to crack a walnut shell. Tests were carried out on walnut shells from 6 different villages on Ambon Island and Saparua Island. The impact test where the highest impact absorption energy value was found in walnut shells from Booi Village, namely 23.18 J/mm2, and the lowest in walnut shells from Morela Village, 22.40 J/mm2. In the compression test where the lowest value was found in walnut shells from Morela village with a value of 3.61 MPa while the highest value was found in walnut shells from Booi village, namely 5.24 MPa. Whereas the minimum compressive force is 16.22 kgf/mm2 and the maximum compressive force is 17.61 kgf/mm2.

Olibanum, a golden oleo-gum resin from species in the Boswellia genus (Burseraceae family), is a famous traditional herbal medicine widely used around the world. Previous phytochemical studies mainly focused on the non-polar fractions of olibanum. In this study, nine novel diterpenoids, boswellianols A-I (1-9), and three known compounds were isolated from the polar methanolic fraction of the oleo-gum resin of Boswellia carterii. Their structures were determined through comprehensive spectroscopic analysis as well as experimental and calculated electronic circular dichroism (ECD) data comparison. Compound 1 is a novel diterpenoid possessing an undescribed prenylmaaliane-type skeleton with a 6/6/3 tricyclic system. Compounds 2-4 were unusual prenylaromadendrane-type diterpenoids, and compounds 5-9 were new highly oxidized cembrane-type diterpenoids. Compounds 1 and 5 showed significant transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) inhibitory activity via inhibiting the TGF-β-induced phosphorylation of Smad3 and the expression of fibronectin and N-cadherin (the biomarker of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition) in a dose-dependent manner in LX-2 human hepatic stellate cells, indicating that compounds 1 and 5 should be potential anti-fibrosis agents. These findings give a new insight into the chemical constituents of the polar fraction of olibanum and their inhibitory activities on the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway.