Natural Plant Resources Research Articles

A study on vertical greening practice emphasizing ecological benefits in Xiamen City of China

Through the practice of vertical greening, which is an important method for modern city greening, a city’s natural geographic conditions and rich plant resources can be efficiently utilized. Using vertical greening to shape the characteristics of a city is a promising method for sustainable development. Integration of vertical greening with urban characteristics offers huge ecological and cultural benefits. Vertical greening was adopted in China much later than other developed cities in the world and is still in the exploratory stage in most of the cities. As one of the pioneer cities to carry out vertical greening in China, Xiamen has managed to project it as one of the city highlights. In this study, we analyzed the problems that Xiamen City faced during its development and the important role vertical greening has played in the urban landscape. In addition, humanistic and ecological benefits of vertical greening are illustrated through an experimental study.

Biosynthesis and biotechnological production of anti-cancer drug Camptothecin

Camptothecin (CPT) is a kind of modified monoterpene indole alkaloid firstly identified from woody plant Camptotheca acuminata, and its semisynthetic CPT analogs irinothecan and topothecan are clinically used for the treatment of various cancers throughout the world. However, the extraction of CPT from limited natural CPT-producing plant resources couldn’t meet the rapidly increasing market need. The development of plant metabolic engineering provides one alternative way to increase CPT yield by genetic manipulation, which relies on in-depth understanding of the CPT biosynthesis pathway. Several attempts have been also made to obtain CPT by biotechnological approaches such as cell suspensions, endophytic fungi, hairy roots, elicitation as well as metabolic engineering in the past decade. Here, recent advances in knowledge of biosynthesis of CPT, gene isolation, molecular regulation, production improvement and biotechnological methods are summarized and future perspectives are also discussed in this review.

The reinforcing potentials of <i>Velvet tamarind</i> seed shell as filler in natural rubber compounds

This work focused on the development of a reinforcing filler from renewable natural plant resources as part of the ongoing search for environmental friendly fillers that will substitute synthetic reinforcing fillers such as carbon black and silica in rubber manufacturing. The cure characteristics, physico-mechanical and equilibrium swelling properties of natural rubber, Standard Nigerian Rubber (SNR10) vulcanizates separately filled with commercial grade carbon black (CB), N330 and pulverized natural plant material, Velvet tamarind (VT), seed shell were investigated. The results of the analyses showed that the scorch and cure times decreased while the maximum torques increased with increasing filler loading for both filled-SNR10 vulcanizates. The tensile strengths of both VT-filled and CB (N330) filled-SNR10 vulcanizates increased to 30 phr and 40 phr respectively and decreased with increasing filler loading. The modulus at 100% strain, specific gravity, abrasion resistance and hardness increased while elongation at break, equilibrium swelling and rebound resilience decreased with increasing filler loading for both filled-SNR10 vulcanizates. The results showed that Velvet tamarind seed shell manifested a reinforcing effect on the SNR10 compounds but lower than that of CB (N330) filler.Keywords: Natural rubber, fillers, reinforcement and vulcanizate properties.

English

  The present investigation aimed to document medicinal uses of plants utilized by local communities of Soon Valley, Khushab District, Punjab, Pakistan. The purpose of this study was to collect information about the interaction of various communities of the area with plant wealth. The study presents data on 15 species belonging to 10 families. It was found out that local communities of the area have a rich tradition of using natural plant resources for their common day ailments and also to get many other value added products. People believe that these plants based medicines are easily available, inexpensive and have no side effects. It was found that common disorders such as fever, cold, cough and diarrhea could be treated with simple herbal teas and herbal powders by using a single herb or mixture. The reason for using medicinal plants by the local people of the area was that they are simple living, poor and cannot afford expensive synthetic drugs, and their knowledge about medicinal plants has been passed on from their ancestor’s for generations. It was concluded that local authorities and other funding agencies should promote the cultivation and conservation of such natural resources of medicinal plants by involving the local communities of the area. It is also suggested that plants based industries and markets should be promoted in the area to alleviate the poverty problems of local communities and to improve their lives and economy. Most of the plants that have ethnobotanical uses have been categorized into rare and endangered. This lack of effort to sustain the resources may result in their depletion from natural habitats. There is a great need to create awareness among the indigenous communities about endangering of medicinal plants. It is believed that the present status of the economically and medicinally important plants of the study area needs to be determined in order to develop plans for their protection. For sustainable and long term conservation of natural resources of the area, there is a need to actively involve the quiescence of local people in evaluation, planning, implementation and monitoring processes as they are the best judges of the area.   Key words: Ethno-medicinal, survey, Soon Valley, Khushab, Punjab, Pakistan.

Hypoglycemic effect of Gynostemma pentaphyllum saponins by enhancing the Nrf2 signaling pathway in STZ-inducing diabetic rats.

Gynostemma pentaphyllum (GP) is a natural plant resources for diabetes therapy, however, there is little research on the mechanisms of GP. The present study was undertaken to characterize if G. pentaphyllum saponins (GPs) is the principal active compound of GP responsible for anti-diabetes, and to examine the relativity between blood glucose modulate and antioxidation. The GPs-treated streptozotocin diabetic rats had a more effective hypoglycemic status than those of diabetic control rats, which also ameliorate dyslipidemia. GPs has increased SOD and GSH-px activities, and the spleen and thymus indexes in diabetic rats. The insulin levels in the GPs-treated groups were significantly higher than diabetic control group. Our finding provides a new insight into the application of GPs for the treatment of oxidative stress related diseases.

국내 식물자원 및 약용식물 추출물이 벼 유묘 생장에 미치는 영향

국내 식물자원 및 약용식물 추출물이 벼 유묘 생장에 미치는 영향

The National Plant Diagnostic Network: Partnering to Protect Plant Systems.

The National Plant Diagnostic Network (NPDN) has developed into a critical component of the plant biosecurity infrastructure of the United States. The vision set forth in 2002 for a distributed but coordinated system of plant diagnostic laboratories at land grant universities and state departments of agriculture has been realized. NPDN, in concept and in practice, has become a model for cooperation among the public and private entities necessary to protect our natural and agricultural plant resources. Aggregated into five regional networks, NPDN laboratories upload diagnostic data records into a National Data Repository at Purdue University. By facilitating early detection and providing triage and surge support during plant disease outbreaks and arthropod pest infestations, NPDN has become an important partner among federal, state, and local plant protection agencies and with the industries that support plant protection.

The Microbial Rosetta Stone Central Agricultural Database: An Information Resource on High-Consequence Plant Pathogens.

Microbial pathogens of humans, animals, and plants can serve as potential agents of biowarfare, bioterrorism, and biocrime. Previously, the Microbial Rosetta Stone (MRS) Central database, an easily accessible informational resource tool, was developed to assist law enforcement personnel in the event of a disease investigation by providing key information on pathogens of concern. Although the database already contained information on a few high-profile plant pathogens, the coverage was insufficient considering the large number of plant pathogens that pose a threat, not only to agricultural production but also to natural plant resources such as forests and rangelands. In this project, 100 plant pathogens of high consequence were selected for study, existing literature on these agents was reviewed, and both the sources and key pathogen information provided therein were curated in the new Agricultural Database (AgDB), an accessory to the existing MRS Central Database. Chosen for inclusion in the MRS Central AgDB were plant pathogens having significant potential for damage to U.S. agricultural and natural ecosystems. The selection process included review of several previously developed plant-pathogen threat lists and recommendations from experts within the U.S. plant biosecurity community. Pathogen information was collected by searching a number of relevant literature databases, sites on the World Wide Web, and other resources. For inclusion in the MRS, the information was curated into categories: pathogen taxonomy, nomenclature synonyms, disease symptoms and geographic distribution, plant hosts, insect vectors, detection and diagnostic methods, laboratory and field protocols, sample collection, and epidemiology. The resulting AgDB enhances the MRS Central Database by summarizing and linking key information on high-threat plant diseases and their causal agents to relevant scientific literature and internet resources. The AgDB contains critical, key information on high-consequence plant pathogens, curated in a format that is readily accessible and easily searched. The resource enhances the existing MRS Central Database and provides law enforcement, forensic, and investigative personnel with an additional tool with which to respond to microbial emergencies, particularly those affecting the agricultural and environmental sectors.

Plants of Xhosa people in the Transkei region of Eastern Cape (South Africa) with major pharmacological and therapeutic properties

The indigenous people of Transkei, Eastern Cape, South Africa depend on the natural plant resources from their environment for medicine, food, pastoral, cultural and religious needs. This area, mainly inhabited by the Xhosa people, has remained ethnobotanically unexplored until recently. The present investigation among the herbalist, traditional doctors, herb traders, tribal priests and other knowledgeable local people recorded medicinal and other uses of 35 plant species. This firsthand information points out the importance of local flora to tribal groups and modern people of Transkei. In spite of western influence, the Xhosa people of Transkei still believe in the efficacy of herbal medicine, and prefer to use these traditional remedies currently. Key words: Indigenous medicine, medicinal plants, South Africa, Transkei, Xhosa.

TOXICITY OF EUPATORIUM CANNABINUM L. AGAINST SECOND AND FOURTH INSTAR LARVAE OF CULEX QUINQUEFASCIATUS AND AEDES AEGYPTI

The aim of the study was to demonstrate the toxicity of Eupatorium cannabinum L. against 2nd and 4th instar larvae of Culex quinquefasciatus and Aedes aegypti. For growth inhibitory activities early 2nd instar and 4th instar of Culex were taken in 500 ml capacitor glass beakers each beaker containing 25 larvae of 2nd and 4th instar separately. The beaker contains 240 ml water and 1 ml of test concentration of Eupatorium extract. Four different concentration regions from 20 to 50 ppm concentration were used. Each concentration has three replicates with one control and one untreated group. The following observations were recorded and growth inhibitory activities were photographed. Toxicity of acetone extract of Eupatorium cannabinum L. was observed against 2nd and 4th instar larvae of Aedes aegypti when four different concentrations were taken along with a control and uncontrolled group in three replicates, it was noticed that larval motility was dose dependent; as the dose concentration increases the mortality also increases. With the view to discourage further aggravation of environmental pollution through the use of synthetic insecticides, it is imperative to explore the abundant natural plant resources and replace the intrinsically hazardous chemicals through natural plant products not only to combat malaria but also precious human life from the ill effects of the synthetic chemicals.

Exploring the Nuances, Ethicality and Functionality of ‘Consent’: Prior Informed Consent as a Legal Mechanism to Protect Malaysia’s Indigenous Communities’ Rights to Genetic Resources and Associated Traditional Knowledge

Indigenous communities worldwide face a new type of capitalist accumulation by the outside world – not only are lands and livelihoods illegitimately seized, as has been the case throughout history, but today indigenous innovations and knowledge systems are commoditized and ascribed commercial value as they present a biotechnological and pharmaceutical marketplace. Researchers, corporations, and governments seek access to and ownership over native plant resources and their associated traditional knowledge, and often do so unjustly, unlawfully, and violently. Thorough and meaningful consent processes for the utilization of such knowledge are rarely undertaken by access-seekers, and when they are, they often have many problems. Governments additionally sideline and marginalize indigenous individuals from the political process that governs these resources. Methodologically, this study utilizes scholarly research to analyze current formal and informal frameworks used to protect such traditional knowledge systems, posing a comparative analysis of the international, national, and grass roots frameworks. It focuses largely on the legal concept of ‘Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC),’ its historical foundations, ethical boundaries, nuances, and the potential functionality of a mandatory FPIC policy governing indigenous biodiversity matters within Malaysian national law. The research concludes by detailing visits to and interviews with four indigenous communities in the East Malaysian state of Sarawak and in Perak, Peninsular Malaysia, sharing locals’ concerns, hopes, and methods for knowledge protection, and recommendations for indispensable legislative action to be taken by both the state and federal governments of Malaysia and other biodiversity-rich countries.

An ethnobotanical study of wild edible plants in Bulgaria

Background: This study focuses on the wild vascular plants traditionally used for human consumption in Bulgaria and its aim is to present data about the richness and diversity of plants used as a nutrition source, about folk botanical knowledge and to give an impression about their contemporary state and development in relation to natural plant resources and traditional food culture. The study covers the period from the end of 19t h to the middle of the 20t h century. Material and Methods: The study gathered data from more than 30 ethnobotanical and ethnographical sources which provide information for the end of 19t h to the middle of the 20th century, in addition to field data collected through semi-structured interviews. Results: A total of 88 wild plant species, 25 families and 52 genera were identified as edible plants. Prevailing are representatives of Rosaceae, Amaranthaceae, Amaryllidaceae, Brassicaceae, Compositae and Polygonaceae. The largest numbers of species are from Allium, Rumex and Chenopodium. Similar in number are the species which are used as leaves (43) and fruits (38), followed by young shoots (9), seeds (7), roots (4), bulbs (4) and inflorescences (2). The largest group is from plants whose aboveground parts are gathered mainly during the spring and used as vegetables. Important species are Urtica dioica, Rumex acetosa, Rumexpatientia, Chenopodium album, Atriplex prostrata and Amaranthus retroflexus. The fruits are mostly gathered from Rosaceae, Adoxaceae, Ericaceae and Vitaceae shrubs and trees. The study determined eight major food groups: fresh greens and fruits, stuffed pies, stewed and boiled greens, boiled cereals, sweets (boiled fruit products), dried fruits, snacks and lacto-fermented products. The predominant taste is salty-sour-spicy. Some of wild foods are also used for medicinal purposes and included in preventing or healing diets. Conclusions: Today's traditional diet is very different from the past. Bulgaria provides a good opportunity for ethnobotanical research into wild edible plants as there is much ethnographic data available, including food culture and botanical observations, as well as the possibility of field study in rural areas where wild food plants are traditionally used on a daily basis.

Effects of plant polysaccharide compound agents on winter wheat photosynthetic characteristics and grain filling processes

Chlorophyll content,nitrate reductase activity,photosynthetic characteristics and grain-filling processes of winter wheat were investigated in a field experiment for the effects and mechanisms of three plant polysaccharide compound agents [P1(plant polysaccharide extracted from natural plant and marine biological resources),P2(plant polysaccharide/5-aminolevulinic acid) and P3(plant polysaccharide/5-aminolevulinic acid/dimethylpiperidinium chloride)].The effects of agents on the growth and grain yield of winter wheat after foliage spraying at early flowering stage were determined.The results indicated that the agents increased SPAD values in flag and top second leaves.It delayed the decrease of chlorophyll content as plants development.Net photosynthetic rates of flag leaves increased by 8.7%~17.4%.Increases in SPAD and photosynthetic rate under P1 and P2 treatments were larger than those under P3 treatment.Furthermore,nitrate reductase activities increased under P1 and P2 treatments and water use efficiency(WUE) of flag leaves increased in excess of 10%.Under the compound agent treatments,the period until maximum grain-filling rate shortened by 1.3~4.2 d.Mean grain-filling rates increased by over 6% under P1 and P2 treatments.While no obvious change was noted in mean grain-filling rate under P3 treatment,grain-filling duration lengthened by 1.0 d.Whereas there was no significant change in spike number,grain number per spike and kilo-grain weight improved.Grain yield of winter wheat treated with compound agents increased by over 8% compared to the control treatment.Chlorophyll content increase,leaf senescence delay,and enhanced photosynthetic capacity and grain-filling processes improved winter wheat yield under polysaccharide compound agent treatments.

Environment Pressure and Countermeasures of the Development of the Natural Medicine Source Plants

due to the disordering and robbing exploration, the development of natural medicinal plant resources is facing severe habitat and social environment pressure that may touch the law in the process of getting raw materials from plants. Based on the above problems, to develop and enhance the distribution census about the new medicinal plant resources is a good way to cope with the resource shortages. In addition, for the validated medicinal plants, the scaled and standardized production is also an effective mean. Moreover, we should also have the whole dynamic management about the standardized production. That is to say, we should choose the excellent genetic resources, consider the regional characteristics, complete the gardens environment evaluation, grasp the best harvest time and strengthen the detection of the pesticide residues and heavy metal.

Identification of β-secretase inhibitors in various plant resources

The number of patients of dementia is increasing and has been considered as the serious social problem. In the treatment of dementia, especially in Alzheimer's disease (AD), the acetylcholinesterase inhibitor has been utilized as a first medicine. The inhibitors increases the availability of acetylcholine in central synapse, however the inhibitors cannot reverse the progression nor cure completely. In these circumstances, we focused on the β -secretase inhibitors, which deeply related to the β-amyloid peptide which form senile plaques which said to destroy nerve cells in brain. Thus the longstanding consumption of β -secretase inhibitors in natural plant resources might block the pathogenesis and/or progression of AD. The high sensitive and accurate detection of β -secretase inhibitor has been developed and utilized to screen spices and crude drugs used in the traditional oriental medicines. Among them, then extracts of several spices showed inhibitory activities and their active principle were determined as terpenes and an amine. The strategy for the investigations and the activities of β -secretase inhibitors will be presented in detail.

Efficient protocols for in vitro axillary bud proliferation and somatic embryogenesis of the medicinal plant Anemopsis californica

Anemopsis californica, commonly known as yerba mansa, is an important medicinal plant that has traditionally been used to treat a variety of digestive, respiratory and skin ailments, and has been reported to possess anticancer properties. The increase in demand for this medicinal plant puts wild populations at risk due to over-harvesting; therefore, the development of alternatives such as in vitro propagation may help reduce this pressure on natural plant resources. The aim of this work was to develop protocols for the in vitropropagation of A. californica through axillary bud proliferation and somatic embryogenesis. Shoot bud multiplication was achieved using nodal explants from axenic seedlings, reaching the highest multiplication rate (on average 15 shoots per explant) when the culture medium was supplemented with 4 mg/L kinetin. Propagated shoots produced roots in medium containing 1 mg/L indole-3-butyric acid. Best induction of somatic embryogenesis (on average 19.75 embryos per explant) was obtained from leaf explants cultured on medium supplemented with 4 mg/L naphthalene acetic acid. These protocols may be used either for the commercial mass propagation of the species, studies on the production of secondary metabolites or as a basis for the development of genetic improvement strategies. Key words: Multiple shoot proliferation, regeneration of embryos, plant growth regulators,yerba mansa.

The Traditional Use of Plants for Handicrafts in Southeastern Europe

Traditional handicrafts based on plant materials are components of folk culture throughout the world. Also known as craftworks, or simply crafts, these products are designed for particular purposes, and are hand-made or manufactured with the help of simple tools and often incorporate aesthetic or ornamental properties. Many of these items have notable cultural and/or religious significance. Most traditional handicrafts are connected with major household or community activities, such as food preparation, or are components of apparel, furniture, or houses. The plants employed in making these handicrafts are usually local and well known, and have historically served as major resources contributing to people’s comfort and living standards (Lewington and Roddick 1990; Balick and Cox 1996; Thomas et al. 2008). Some recent studies have focused on the contemporary economic importance of plant-based handicrafts (Ahmad and Javed 2007; Motti et al. 2009). The study region of the Balkans is characterized by abundant folk botanical knowledge. The identification of a large number of plant species and knowledge of their morphological and phenological characteristics and ecological requirements have been necessary prerequisites for their use in the manufacture of objects. Local knowledge accumulated over centuries is validated by modern scientific research, and many locally utilized materials have been applied to new and contemporary production activities, including cooperage and the manufacture of fabrics and ropes (Francis et al. 1992; Ribereau-Gayon 1994). The contemporary application of traditional knowledge and practice and their significance as a component of national, regional and world culture underline the importance of scientific examination and interpretation as an important step to their documentation for future generations. This study focuses on the most common plant-based traditional handicrafts in several Balkan countries (Bulgaria, Romania, Serbia and Turkey) in order to document the rich diversity of plants used, the associated folk botanical knowledge, and contemporary knowledge and use of plants in study area in relation to available natural plant resources and local traditions. An earlier study of traditional crafts in several Balkan countries (Dogan et al. 2008) highlighted the necessity for more detailed and extended research on the subject, which is the aim of the research we present here. Most currently available information on these topics has been derived from ethnographic and anthropological studies (see Borza 1968; Vakarelski 1977; Stoica et al. 2001). Botanical and ethnobotanical research, although not as common, also provide important data on contemporary plant-based handicrafts (Stojanov and Kitanov 1960; Stranski 1963; Borza 1968; Ketenoglu et al. 2003; Dogan

Distribution, Biology and Ecology of Parthenium hysterophorus L. (Congress Grass) an invasive species in the North-Western Indian Himalaya (Himachal Pradesh)

Parthenium hysterophorus L. is a native plant of sub-tropical America and it is rapidly invading in the North-Western Indian Himalaya (Himachal Pradesh), from last two decades onwards. Here, it invaded up-to 2000 m altitude from mean sea level and drastically effecting native plant resources in the invaded habitats. The density and dominance of the P. hsterophorus has been higher in the summer and was nearly absent during the winter season in the NW Himalaya. The average height of the plants of P. hysterophorus was recorded up-to 2.09 ± 0.27 m and its root system deep up-to 17.32 ± 4.03 cm below the ground level. It produced an enormous number of seeds which will help in its invasion in to various habitats. It was measured that one single plant of Parthenium produced more than 7397 ± 81.42 seeds during one season. The seeds were lighter in weight and were 2.31 ± 0.02 mm in length and 1.03 ± 0.01 mm in width. In the NW Himalaya P. hysterophorus completed its two life cycles in one year, that is, from March to June and from July to November. Key words: Invasive species, North-Western Himalaya, Parthenium hysterophorus

Assessment of biodiversity based on morphological characteristics and RAPD markers among genotypes of wild rose species

Conservation and utilization of the native plant resources is essential for long term sustainability of biodiversity. Wild native resources are adapted to specific and diverse environmental conditions and therefore, these adaptive features can be introduced into modern cultivars either through conventional breeding or advanced molecular genetic techniques. Understanding the genetic make up of the wildly growing plant species and of target desirable genes is a prerequisite for this purpose. Five wild rose ( Rosa L.) genotypes were collected from different locations in northern hilly areas of Pakistan for this study. Different morphological characteristics and PCR based random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) technique was used to find out the diversity and relationship among the genotypes. On morphological basis, Rosa webbiana collected from Muree and Nathia gali showed maximum (83%) similarity, whereas on DNA pattern basis, Rosa brunonii collected from Bansra gali and Sunny bank showed maximum (72%) similarity, while R. webbiana showed maximum diversity among all the species.

Exotic weevil invasion increases floral herbivore community density, function, and impact on a native plant

Consumer communities are being re‐arranged through unprecedented rates of human‐mediated invasions and extinctions. Such changes in consumer diversity potentially alter community function and impact on resource populations. Although insect herbivore invasions are increasingly common, the influence of such species additions on native resident herbivore guilds, along with their individual and combined effects on native plant resources, are rarely investigated. Here, we used site‐to‐site and plant‐to‐plant variation in herbivore composition to examine how the addition of an invasive exotic weevil, Rhinocyllus conicus, combines with a guild of native floral herbivores (tephritid flies, pyralid moths) to influence two key components of herbivore community function – aggregate herbivore densities and cumulative levels of seed destruction – on a native thistle, Cirsium canescens. Invasion of a site by R. conicus more than doubled aggregate herbivore density, resulting in increased levels of seed destruction and a halving of seed production by the native thistle. Further, herbivore function was significantly higher on individual plants attacked by R. conicus, compared to plants attacked only by native herbivores. Insect densities and levels of seed destruction on plants attacked by multiple herbivore taxa never exceeded those observed for plants attacked by R. conicus alone, suggesting that increases in herbivore community function with invasion resulted from the inclusion of a functionally dominant insect rather than any complementarity effects. Some evidence for interference between insects emerged, with a trend towards reduced moth and weevil densities in two and three taxon mixtures compared with plants attacked by each taxon alone. However, density compensation was limited so that, overall, the addition of a novel herbivore to the floral guild was associated with a significant increase in herbivore community function and impact on seed production. The results suggest that invasion of a functionally dominant herbivore into an unsaturated recipient community can augment function within a resource guild.