Smilax Zeylanica Research Articles

Impact of alkali treatment with varying soaking times on the physico-chemical, tensile, and morphological properties of Smilax zeylanica plant fibers

Impact of alkali treatment with varying soaking times on the physico-chemical, tensile, and morphological properties of Smilax zeylanica plant fibers

Karyomorphological studies in three species of Smilax L. found in Assam

The present cytological investigation was carried out on the karyomorphology of three species, Smilax zeylanica L., S. ovalifolia Roxb. ex D. Don and S. arisanensis Hayata. The results showed that the somatic number of S. zeylanica is 2n = 30 and the somatic number of other two species, S. ovalifolia were 2n = 32 and S. arisanensis 2n = 36, respectively. It is reported for the first time. The information on karyophology may be very useful for the genetic improvement of Smilax.

Benzoic acid, 4-hydroxy-, methyl ester from Smilax zeylanica Linn emerges as a potent inhibitor of CD27/CD70 signaling pathway

Smilax zeylanica Linn is explored as a natural solution to inhibit the CD27/CD70 interaction crucial in T and B cell responses. This plant-based approach offers a cost-effective and promising drug candidate for overcoming challenges associated with anti-CD27 antibodies. The plants were macerated in an ethanol solution, and the cytotoxicity of crude extracts was determined using the MTT assay on Vero cell lines. Preliminary antiviral activity against the lentivirus plasmid was analyzed using plaque reduction assays for both ethanol and methanol fractions of the ethanol extract. Additionally, the methanol fraction underwent phytochemical analysis via GC-MS. Molecular docking with the CD27 receptor was carried out using Autodock Vina, followed by a 100 ns Molecular dynamics simulation with Gromacs. The expression of CD27 in MCF-7 was assessed by flow cytometry using the compound benzoic acid, 4-hydroxy-, methyl ester. On Vero cell lines, the ethanol extract was nontoxic. Furthermore, at 100 µg/ml, the ethanol extract and its methanol fraction showed percentage inhibitions of 64% and 66% in the plaque reduction assay. In addition, 22 chemicals were identified by GC-MS analysis of the ethanol extract’s methanol fraction. Molecular Docking benzoic acid, 4-hydroxy-methyl ester of methanol fraction revealed the highest binding affinity with CD27. Molecular dynamics simulations of benzoic acid, 4-hydroxy-, methyl ester showed structure stability for a duration of 100 nanoseconds, Moreover, at a dosage of 50 µg/ml, benzoic acid, 4-hydroxy-, methyl ester was found to reduce CD27 expression in MCF-7 cells by 73.65% using flow cytometry. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma

In Vitro Shoot Regeneration From Nodal and Shoot Tip Explants of a Threatened Medicinal Plant - Smilax Zeylanica L.

An efficient protocol for in vitro clonal propagation of Smilax zeylanica was developed using nodal and shoot tip segments from field grown plants. Nodal explants performed better than shoot tip explants when two distinct explants were tested for shoot proliferation. The best results for shoot proliferation were achieved with MS medium supplemented with BAP and Kn alone or in combination with NAA and IBA at various concentrations. On MS medium containing 4.0 μM BAP, the greatest number of shoots were produced. In vitro proliferating shoots were transplanted to full strength MS medium fortified with IBA and NAA separately at varying concentrations (1.0 - 6.0 μM) in order to induce adventitious roots. The medium containing 2.0 μM IBA showed the best rooting reactions. Plantlets having well developed root system were transferred to soil and successfully acclimatized with 80% survival rate under ex vitro condition. J. Bio-Sci. 30(1): 69-78, 2022 (June)

Exploring the anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial potential of smilax zeylanica extract through in vivo and in vitro analysis

Exploring the anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial potential of smilax zeylanica extract through in vivo and in vitro analysis

Diet and Nurturing Behavior of Asian Elephant (Elephas maximus Linn.) in Some Selected Habitat of Northern Odisha, India

The Asian elephant's (Elephas maximus) nurturing behavior with food fondness was deliberate in Northern land of Odisha during February 2017 to December 2019.The foremost objective of the existing survey is to document the forage plant species intake by Asian elephants. Though the respective study area harbors a noble quantity of plant types, only 146 species were identified as fodder plants which have been consumed by elephants in this survey period. The food path of elephant was identified as branch flouting, bark flaking, twig infringement, flower tugging and stem twisting and uprooting in different regions of study area throughout altered seasons. Adaptation of principally browsing strategy with that of grazing around the year was related to seasonal variation of diet plants as per the availability. This survey elucidates that total 146 species of forest plants belongs to 55 Families and 19 species of non-forest plant belongs to 8 Families. The extensive consumable plant species by elephants i.e. Aegle marmelos (Bel), Careya arbore (Kumbhi), Bauhinia racemosa, Kydia calycina, Bauhinia vahli(Siali), Helicteres isora(Orola), Madhuca indica (Mahulo), Zizyphus mauritiona (BaraKoli), Artocarpus heterophyllus (Panasa), Shorea robust(Sal),Limonia acidissima (Kendu), Smilax zeylanica (Muturi) and Diosporea species. They were affectionate fruits of Mangifera indica and Artocarpus heterophyllus in summer, bamboo during rainy and Madhuca indica during winter. Minuscular analysis of elephant’s dung showing an extraordinary variation in typical dicot- monocot proportion recommended that the food plant collection of elephant was extremely seasonal and unscrupulous.

Smilax zeylanica: A Promising Antilipidemix and Antiobesity Agent

Background: It is well established fact that obesity has now said to be a disease status.The phytochemicals have always been looked for their enormous stored potential. Similax zeylanica is a naturally occurring flavonoid known for its pharmacological potential. In this study it was aimed to determine the antiobesity and antilipidemic effect of various Similax zeylanica extract.
 Materials and Methods: The pharmacological screening of Cyclohexane extract of Smilax zeylanica (SZH), ethyl acetate extract Smilax zeylanica (SZE) and methanolic extract of Smilax zeylanica (SZM) was performed. The acute toxicity studies were performed on various animal groups. Obesity was diet induced.The plasma samples were investigated for various biochemical parameters such as glucose, lipid profile (Cholesterol, TG, HDL, LDL and VLDL), Liver function test (SGPT, SGOT).
 Results and Conclusion: The various parameters studied showed that the methanolic extracts of Similax zeylanica showed enormous antiobesity potential and concluded for the supplementation for antilipidemic effect.

Assessment of Antioxidant and Pancreatic Lipase Activity of Smilax zeylanica Roots: An in vitro Analysis

Objectives: It is well established fact that the phytochemicals with phenolic and flavonoids origin have antioxidant property. Thus in this study it was aimed to determine the in vitro antioxidant potential of various extracts of Smilax zeylanica L. stems. Methods: The Photochemical screening was done following the standard procedures. The Antioxidant activity was tested using several in vitro assays, viz., 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay. The Total phenol and flavonoid contents were determined by colorimetric method. Further porcine lipase activity was determined. Results: The phytochemical screening revealed the presence of phenols and flavonoids the extracts. The Methanolic extract showed significant antioxidant potential than other extracts in all assays. The IC50 value of cyclo hexane extract , ethyl acetate extract and methanol extract of Smilax zeylanica was 29.14 ± 0.39 μ g/mL, 78.41 ±5 .53 μg /mL and 120.30 ±3 .32 μg /mL respectively in DPPH assay. Porcine pancreatic lipase inhibition assay lshowed dose-dependent effect. The % Inhibition of cyclohexane extract (SZH) was 37.52% 54.44% and 77.07% at the highest dose 200 μg/ ml. The highest inhibition was obtained in the methanolic extract at 200 μg/ ml conc which was close to the standard orlistat i.e. 82.39 at 200 μg/ml. Conclusion: The methanolic extracts showed potential pancreatic lipase inhibition.

Antinociceptive and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Ethanolic Stem Bark Extract of Smilax zeylanica Linn. in Wistar Rats

Background: Smilax zeylanica Linn (Smilaceae) is a woody climbing shrub native to Asia's tropical and subtropical highlands. Traditionally, this plant has been widely used to cure a variety of ailments. Smilax zeylanica stem bark was extracted with ethanol to test its antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory properties.
 Objective: To study the antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities of ethanolic stem bark extract of Smilax zeylanica Linn. in Wistar rats.
 Methods: The antinociceptive activity has been assessed in mice by formalin-induced paw licking, Eddy’s hot-plate, and acetic-acid induced abdominal stretching models. Carrageenan-induced paw oedema in rats has been conducted to explore the anti-inflammatory activity. Tween 80 (10ml/kg, p.o) was given to the control group, test drug group received ethanol extract of Smilax zeylanica (EESZ) orally at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg, and standard drugs morphine (5 mg/kg, s.c), diclofenac sodium (10 mg/kg, i.p) were injected to the standard drug group.
 Results: Oral administration of ethanolic extract of Smilax zeylanica (EESZ) at test doses (200 and 400 mg/kg), produced a significant decrease of the paw licking time for 2 phases (neurogenic and inflammatory) in the formalin test, upsurge of the reaction time in Eddy’s hot plate test, and significantly decreased the abdominal stretching in the acetic acid-induced writhes test. Ethanol extract of Smilax zeylanica significantly decreased the carrageenan-induced paw oedema.
 Conclusion: The ethanol extract of Smilax zeylanica possesses antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory activity, probably involving central and peripheral pathways

Review Article on Traditional out look of Smilax zeylanica

Since time immemorial plants have been used for various needs such as food, fodder, construction, dyes and medicine. Smilax zeylanica L., belonging to the monocotyledon family Smilacaceae, is a dioecious climbing shrub with woody stem. The plant is used as a substitute for Sarsaparilla. In this review, we present updated information on the ethnobotanical uses, phytochemistry and pharmacological activities shown by S. zeylanica by referring standard flora, journal articles and various search engines. Whole plant or certain parts of the plant (leaf, root, rhizome, fruit and stem) are used ethnobotanically in several countries for several purposes such as fodder, vegetable and in the treatment of diseases like skin diseases, piles, dysentery, venereal diseases, rheumatism, toothache, arthritis, and urinary complaints. The plant is reported to contain many chemicals and diosgenin, smilagenin, β-sitosterol, hydroxytyrosol, squalene and sarsapogenin are few among the important phytochemicals. A number of bioactivities such as antimicrobial, cytotoxic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antidepressant, antioxidant, antidiabetic and anticonvulsant activities have been shown by the plant. Overall, it can be concluded that S. zeylanica is a plant which is extensively utilized ethnobotanically for various therapeutic applications and is shown to exhibit a range of bioactivities, the results of which justifies the ethnobotanical uses of the plant. Further, S. zeylanica can be screened for developing bioactive phytochemicals which can be used as lifesaving drugs.

Study of Mechanical Properties of Alkali Treated SZF/SF/VE Hybrid Composites under Wet Condition

Mechanical properties of vinyl ester hybrid composites reinforced with alkali treated Smilax zeylanica and sisal fibers were studied at wet condition in the present communication. Hybrid composites were fabricated by using a simple hand lay up technique based on three different fiber loading of 25, 35, and 45 wt.% with alkali treated fibers. Hybrid composite specimens were then subjected to the water absorption test to observe the behaviours of composite specimens at wet condition under mechanical loads such as tensile, flexural and impact. Water absorption test was carried out in two ways at distilled water environment at room temperature. First way test was conducted for 10 days to observe the percentage of water particle absorption of hybrid composites. Second way test was performed for 5 days to determine the mechanical properties of hybrid composites at wet condition to observe its durability when they are used in outdoor applications. Mechanical properties of hybrid composite specimens at wet conditions were compared with the dry composite specimens. Experimental results showed that the percentage of the water particle absorption in the alkali treated hybrid fiber composites is lower as compared to the untreated hybrid fiber composites. Mechanical properties of alkali treated hybrid fiber composites at wet condition are slightly reduced as compared to the treated hybrid fiber composite at dry condition. As a result, it is observed that the resistance for the penetration of the water particles is higher for the alkali treated smilax zeylanica and sisal fibers reinforced vinyl ester hybrid composites. The fracture surfaces of the hybrid composite specimens were examined by scanning electron microscope to understand the effects of water absorption on the mechanical properties.

Evaluation of medicinal potential and antibacterial activity of selected plants against Streptococcus mutans

Article Details: Received: 2020-06-15 | Accepted: 2020-09-28 | Available online: 2021-03-31 https://doi.org/10.15414/afz.2021.24.01.9-15 The aim of the study is to screen the bioactive compounds (saponin, tannin, phenolic compounds, terpenoid & steroid) present in selected ethnomedicinal plants, Terminalia bellirica (fruits), Smilax zeylanica (leaves) and Dioscorea oppositifolia (fruits) from Odisha state, India. The single formulation was prepared using the selected plants parts in the ratio 1 : 6 : 3 respectively for quantitative analysis of tannin & total phenol, antioxidant activity and analysis of MIC (Minimum Inhibitory Concentration) against Streptococcus mutans causing bacteria of tooth decay. Results revealed that selected plant parts are rich source of bioactive compounds like tannin, phenolic compounds and saponin. The quantitative analysis of secondary metabolites showed highest concentration of tannin. It was noted that antioxidant activity is highest in methanol extract as compared to aqueous and acetone. MIC analysis also revealed that formulated powder had excellent antibacterial activity against S. mutans and it was observed the lowest values (450 µg ml-1) showed aqueous & methanol followed by acetone. The herbal formulation might be used to formulate new herbal products against tooth decay in near future. Keywords: antibacterial activity, antioxidant activity, ethnomedicinal plants, secondary metabolites, tooth decay References ANDERSON, T. (2004). Dental treatment in medieval England. British Dental Journal, 197(7), 419–425. DESHMUKH, M.A. and THENG, M.A. (2018). Phytochemical screening, quantitative analysis of primary secondary metabolites of Acacia aeabica bark. International Journal of Current Pharmaceutical Research, 10(2), 35–37. DHANYA, S.V.S., et al. (2018). Preliminary phytochemical activity of Smilax zeylanica L. (Smilaceaceae). 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Antioxidant and Anti-proliferative Activities of Smilax Zeylanica Root and Rhizome Extract against Liver Carcinoma Cells

ABSTRACT The antioxidant, cytotoxic, and anti-cancer potential of aqueous root and rhizome extract (ARRE) of Smilax zeylanica was investigated against human liver carcinoma cells. The phytochemical composition was evaluated by standard methods, and confirmed by thin-layer chromatography. Free radical scavenging activity was determined by DPPH assay, cytotoxic activity by brine shrimp lethality assay, and anti-cancer potential was investigated using liver carcinoma HepG2 cells. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of saponins, flavonoids, proanthocyanins, tannins, and polyphenols. The total phenolic and flavonoid content varied from 0.28 to 5.26 mg gallic acid equivalent 100 mg−1 and 0.25–50.26 quercetin equivalent 100 mg−1, respectively. There was a linear relationship between the free radical scavenging activity and phytochemical concentrations with an IC50 value of 108 ± 1.2 µg mL−1 compared to the standard (IC50: 2.59 ± 0.02 µg mL−1). The brine shrimp lethality assay showed strong cell killing ability (IC50: 84 ± 0.7 µg mL−1) and the extract induced apoptosis of HepG2 cells (77 ± 1.52%) at 300 µg mL−1, comparable to the positive control (camptothecin).

Potential Phytochemicals of Smilax zeylanicafor Treatment of Brain Disorders

Neurological disorders are described as conditions characterized by the systematic death of neurons. Conventional and newer molecules have been studied, but they only provide symptomatic benefits and come with a slew of adverse effects. The current vision will be the development of more convincing molecules that will interrupt the progression of such disorders. There are many synthetic drugs available, but they may cause a variety of other health problems. As a result, natural molecules derived from plants and other materials are being found to supplement existing medications. The WHO recommends that people increase their consumption of foods, herbs, and fibers as a way to lower their risk of neurodegenerative diseases. Chemically synthesized molecules can be replaced by phytochemicals from medicinal plants, which are a healthier and safer substitute. Smilax zeylanica contains polyphenols, flavonoids, phenolic compounds, tannins, alkaloids, and phenylpropanoids glucosides, according to phytochemical reports. The current article examines the effectiveness of Smilax zeylanica, a plant that could have therapeutic value for a variety of neurological disorders such as Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, Huntington's disease, convulsions, schizophrenia, and stroke

An evidence based efficacy and safety assessment of the ethnobiologicals against poisonous and non-poisonous bites used by the tribals of three westernmost districts of West Bengal, India: Anti-phospholipase A2 and genotoxic effects.

To explore the ethnobiological wisdom of the tribals of three western districts of West Bengal, India against poisonous and non-poisonous bites and stings, a quantitative approach was adopted. These age-old yet unexplored knowledge can be utilized in finding lead-molecules against poisonous and non-poisonous animal-bites. Further, an evidence-based approach is needed to assess the venom-neutralization ability of plants by experimental studies. During 2008-2009 and 2012-2017, 11 ethnomedicinal surveys were carried out to explore the use of medicinal flora and fauna via conducting open semi-structured interviews with 47 traditional healers (THs) or informants. The retrieved dataset was statistically evaluated using seven quantitative-indexes: use-value (UV), informants'-consensus-factor (ICF), fidelity-level (FL), relative-importance (RI), cultural importance-index (CI), index of agreement on remedies (IAR) and cultural agreement-index (CAI). Anti-phospholipaseA2 (PLA2) properties of selected plant extracts were also examined. In addition, the cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of the water extract of the plants showing high FL as well as significant PLA2 inhibitory potential were investigated using Allium cepa root tip assay. A total of 41 traditional-formulations (TFs) containing 40 plant species (of 39 genera from 28 families) and 3 animal species were prescribed by the THs. Fabaceae exhibited most number of medicinal plants. Piper nigrum (1.78) and Apis cerana indica and Crossopriza lyoni (both 0.21) exhibited the highest UV among the plants and the animals respectively. Stinging of centipede and dog/cat/hyena bite displayed highest ICF (1.00 each). Among the plants, the maximum RI (0.91) and CI (4.98) values were observed for Aristolochia indica. IAR (1.00) was recorded maximum for Achyranthes aspera, Gloriosa superba, Lycopodium cernuum, Smilax zeylanica and Streblus asper. Maximum CAI value was noted for Piper nigrum (5.5096). Among the animals, Apis cerana indica (0.31) and Crossopriza lyoni (1.52) displayed the highest RI and CI values respectively. Crossopriza lyoni (0.99) and Apis cerana indica (1.3871) exhibited maximum IAR and CAI values respectively. Plants showing higher FL exhibited higher anti-PLA2 activity via selective inhibition of human-group PLA2. In addition, Allium cepa root tip assay has indicated the safety and/or toxicity of the plant parts prescribed by the THs. Root water extracts of Aristolochia indica and Gloriosa superba exhibited significant genotoxicity and cytotoxicity. Three western districts of West Bengal is the natural abode for many tribal and non-tribal communities. A noteworthy correlation was established between the plants used against poisonous-bites and their anti-PLA2 activity. A few plant parts used by the THs also exhibited high toxicity. Such alternative medical practices serve as the only option in these underprivileged and backward areas during medical-exigencies.

Indian medicinal plant extracts to control multidrug-resistant S. aureus, including in biofilms

The objective of this study is to evaluate the in vitro antibacterial effectiveness of select Indian medicinal plants against multidrug-resistant (MDR) and biofilm-forming Staphylococcus. Twenty Indian medicinal plants used traditionally were preselected for testing against 17 different clinical strains (originating from animal or hospital patients), resistant to five classes of antibiotics, and one biofilm-forming Staphylococcus. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC50) and biofilm inhibitory concentration (BIC50) were determined. Plants with anti-staphylococcal activity not reported before include Cinnamomum glaucescens, Smilax zeylanica, Syzygium praecox, Trema orientalis, Bischofia javanica, Elaeocarpus serratus, Acacia pennata, Holigarna caustica, Murraya paniculata, and Pterygota alata. They can be used to control the formation of S. aureus biofilms, or to discover active molecules that may lead to novel drugs. In addition to the aforementioned plants, Beilschmiedia roxburghiana and Mikania micrantha also deserve further study regarding their mechanism of action, as they inhibit the growth of S. aureus resistant to all five groups of antibiotics tested. The active compounds from the aforementioned plants have potential in the fight against multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus infections.

An Approach to Evaluate Anti-arthritic and Thrombolytic Activity of Different parts of Solanum torvum Sw. (Solanaceae) and Smilax zeylanica L. (Liliaceae)

Phytochemical screening of chloroform and methanolic extracts of different parts of Solanum torvum and Smilax zeylanica was done. In vitro thrombolytic and anti-arthritic activities were assessed using the clot lysis method and egg albumin denaturation technique respectively. Between the chloroform and methanolic extracts, Chloroform extracts of both plants showed higher clot lysis activities (at 100 ppm solution). On the other hand, extracts of both plants performed better in terms of anti-arthritic activities (at 500 ppm solution). In the case of thrombolytic activity, between the plant extracts, the performance of S. torvum is higher compared to S. zeylanica plant. Among chloroform extracts of different plant parts, stem of S. torvum and root of S. zeylanica showed the highest, 35.44±1.89 % and 33.63±0.83 % activities respectively. Whereas, among the methanolic extracts of the plants, the root extracts of both plants showed the highest activities, 31.96±2.86 % for S. torvum and 32.01±1.46 % for S. zeylanica. In the case of anti-arthritic activity, the performance of S. zeylanica plant extracts is higher compared to that of S. torvum. Methanolic extract of leaf of S. zeylanica samples showed the best protein denaturation activity (52.38±2.12 %) followed by the Methanolic extract of stem sample of S. torvum (44.29±2.14 %).

In vivo antioxidant activity of Ethanolic extract from root of Smilax zeylanica on Aluminium Chloride Induced oxidative stress in Wistar rats

Objective: The objective of the present study was to investigate the Evaluation of In vivo antioxidant activity of Ethanolic extract of root of Smilax zeylanica(EESZ) on Aluminium Chloride Induced apoptosis suppressing oxidative stress in Wistar rats. Materials and Methods: The ethanolic extract from the roots of S. china by hot continuous percolation method. The rats were divided into 5 groups and each group consists of 6 animals. Rats were treated with EESC for 150 and 300 mg/ kg of body weight and piracetam, 0.5 mg/ kg of body weight for 14 successive days after inducing oxidative stress with aluminium chloride (100 mg/ kg of body weight) for 60 days. The lipid peroxidation level (TBARS) and antioxidant activities like Superoxide dismutase (SOD), Catalase (CAT) and reduced Glutathione (GSH) were estimated in rats. Results: AlCl3 induced rats showed increased the TBARS and decreased the antioxidant enzymes like Superoxide dismutase (SOD), Catalase (CAT) and reduced Glutathione (GSH) when compared with the control group. The EESZ at higher dose 300 mg/ kg of body weight animals were significantly (P < 0.001) reduced the TBARS and increased the anti oxidant enzymes Superoxide dismutase (SOD), Catalase (CAT) and reduced Glutathione (GSH) when compared with the AlCl3 treated group Conclusion: Findings of the present study revealed that Ethanolic extract from roots of Smilax zeylanica may be used as a significant source of natural antioxidant, which might be helpful in preventing the progress of various oxidative stresses. 
 Keywords: S. zeylanica, antioxidant, ethanolic extract, TBARS, rats.

The diversity of Smilax (Smilacaceae) in Besiq-Bermai and Bontang Forests, East Kalimantan, Indonesia

Abstract. Sofiah S, Sulistyaningsih LD. 2019. The diversity of Smilax (Smilacaceae) in Besiq-Bermai and Bontang Forests, East Kalimantan, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 20: 379-387. The genus Smilax has taxonomic complexity problems and spacious distribution. Taxonomic study to reveal the diversity of Smilax species had been done in some regions, such as America, China, Japan, Thailand, and Indonesia. However, there is lack of information of Smilax species diversity in Kalimantan especially in East Kalimantan which lies in Sundaland biogeographic. This study was carried out to explore and record the diversity of Smilax species including the ecological and environmental data in Besiq-Bermai and Bontang forests in East Kalimantan, Indonesia. This research conducted on February and August in 2012 and July-August 2015 using exploration methods. Purposive random sampling was used to do the botanical sampling. The principal component analysis (PCA) was performed to determine the relationships between environmental components and Smilax species occurrences. There were five species of Smilax which were housed in those forests in East Kalimantan, namely, Smilax leucophylla Blume, Smilax gigantea Merr., Smilax odoratissima Blume, Smilax zeylanica L., and Smilax modesta A.DC. Smilax leucophylla and Smilax zeylanica are the most widely used by the local people for medicine. The taxonomic description, distribution, use, and vernacular name were given. The environmental factors that contribute significantly to Smilax's growing environment are temperature and light intensity.

A Review of Common Medicinal Plants in Chin State, Myanmar

Promising sources of novel bioactive compounds include plants growing in several third-world countries where the local flora is still largely uninvestigated. A paradigmatic example is represented by medicinal plants growing in Myanmar, especially in Chin State, in northwestern Myanmar. This is one of the least developed areas of the country where the people still use natural remedies derived from a rich biodiversity. This review mainly covers the investigations done on phytochemical constituents and biological activities of 20 medicinal plants, namely Alangium chinense, Anemone obtusiloba, Anneslea fragrans, Antidesma bunius, Croton oblongifolius, Embelia tsjeriam-cottam, Ficus heterophylla, Gaultheria fragrantissima, Hydnocarpus kurzii, Leea macrophylla, Leucas cephalotes, Millingtonia hortensis, Myrica nagi, Olax scandens, Pimpinella heyneana, Pterospermum semisagittatum, Ruellia tuberosa, Smilax zeylanica, Stemona burkillii, and Tadehagi triquetrum, that have long been used in the Chin State for curing various diseases. These plants have been selected on the basis of their medicinal uses not only in Myanmar but also in the related Ayurvedic healing system. Moreover, besides their medicinal importance, most of them grow in the Chin State more abundantly than in other regions of Myanmar. Although the efficacy of some of these plants have been verified scientifically, the chemical constituents and biological activities of most of them still need to be investigated to confirm the claimed therapeutic effects.