High Mobility Group Box 1 (HMGB1), a non-histone chromatin protein, is a key inflammatory cytokine. Direct HMGB1 inhibitors have gained attention for their therapeutic potential in age-related diseases by blocking the pro-inflammatory activity of extracellular HMGB1, but remain limited. Here, an immobilized HMGB1 was synthesized in one step using an oriented immobilization approach and applied to efficiently acquire direct HMGB1 inhibitors from a highly complex matrix. The oriented immobilization method employed a Ni2 +-modified metal-organic framework combined with cell lysate containing engineered His-tagged HMGB1, bypassing the need for pre-purified proteins. The resulting immobilized HMGB1 demonstrated high protein loading capacity (110.2mg/g) while retaining its cytokine activity. The immobilized HMGB1 was employed to rapidly identify its direct inhibitors from the Taxus wallichiana var. mairei twig. The application of this immobilized HMGB1 enabled efficient capture of 11 HMGB1 ligands from this plant. Among the 11 ligands, seven compounds were structurally characterized by HPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS. Among these compounds, sciadopitysin was selected due to its higher HMGB1 inhibitory activity and predicted binding affinity to HMGB1. Through fluorescence quenching and surface plasmon resonance analyses, sciadopitysin was experimentally validated, where the surface plasmon resonance data demonstrated direct binding to HMGB1 with a dissociation constant (Kd) of 2.77 × 10-4M, and the observed intrinsic fluorescence quenching provided additional evidence of the ligand-protein interaction. Furthermore, validation in RAW264.7 macrophages demonstrated its dose-dependent suppression of HMGB1-stimulated inflammation (IC50 = 27.25 ± 3.31 µM). Collectively, a highly efficient ligand fishing strategy for identifying direct HMGB1 inhibitors was established. Moreover, our findings illustrated the correlation between Taxus wallichiana var. mairei and HMGB1 inhibition.

Taxus, a relic plant genus from the Tertiary period, contains taxane compounds that are crucial in anti-cancer drug development and have significant medicinal and ecological value. Evaluation of the potential distribution range and shifts for this genus considering global climate change is vital for conserving wild resources, supporting artificial propagation, and ensuring sustainable development. We analyzed the potential geographic distribution patterns and key environmental factors affecting four Taxus species (Taxus cuspidata, Taxus wallichiana var. mairei, Taxus wallichiana, and Taxus wallichiana var. chinensis) under current climate conditions and four shared socioeconomic pathways (SSP126, SSP245, SSP370, and SSP585) across three future periods (2050s, 2070s, and 2090s) using the regularization multiplier and feature combination parameters of the MaxEnt model. We also explored their responses to climate change over time. The area under the curve of models built using the ENMeval package exceeded 0.9, demonstrating high accuracy. Environmental analysis indicated that the coldest monthly minimum temperature was the main environmental factor influencing the species distribution, except in Taxus cuspidata, for which the human footprint was the primary factor. Currently, the habitats of the four Taxus species exhibit spatial variation, with Taxus wallichiana var. chinensis having the largest suitable area in China, covering approximately 200.89 × 104 km2, accounting for 21.17% of China's land area. Habitat trends varied under future climate scenarios, with the suitable area expanding for Taxus wallichiana and Taxus wallichiana var. chinensis, and showing expansion and contraction for Taxus wallichiana var. mairei and Taxus cuspidata. The distribution centroids were predicted to shift to higher latitudes over time, with Taxus wallichiana var. chinensis showing particularly clear migration trends. These results offer a vital reference for developing conservation strategies and introduction and cultivation initiatives for these Taxus species.

Medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) are a critical livelihood resource for rural communities in Nepal, yet most species continue to be harvested unsustainably from the wild and traded in raw form with limited local value addition. To support ecological conservation and promote commercial cultivation, this study assesses land suitability for MAP cultivation along the proposed China Nepal Railway corridor, covering Kathmandu, Nuwakot and Rasuwa districts. A multi criteria evaluation framework integrating land use, accessibility, land system, protected area boundaries and elevation was implemented using the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) and GIS based weighted overlay modeling. Four high value species Gaultheria fragrantissima, Paris polyphylla, Taxus wallichiana, and Rhododendron anthopogon were further examined by overlaying their ecological elevation ranges. Results indicate 31,056.50 ha of high suitability land and 36,811.30 ha of moderately suitable land across the corridor, with Nuwakot contributing the largest share. Species-wise suitability reveal distinct cultivation clusters aligned with district-level ecological gradients. The study provides region specific zoning and identifies intact habitats that could be designated as priority zones to promote commercial MAP cultivation, reduce pressure on wild harvesting, and guide future investment and policy planning under Nepal’s “Make in Nepal” initiative.

Mountain ecosystems are essential for understanding species distribution and adaptation. Anthropogenic pressure and global change threaten high-altitude medicinal plants. This study evaluates the ecology and biogeography of the endemic Trillium govanianum (Melanthiaceae), focusing on its response to disturbance gradients, spatial distribution, and community structure in the Kashmir Himalayas. Field surveys across 18 sites recorded 113 plant species associated with T. govanianum populations, predominantly herbs (82.3%), perennials (80.5%), and hemicryptophytes (52.2%), with microphyllous leaf forms (59.3%). Species richness was highest in the Asteraceae, Polygonaceae, and Lamiaceae families. Digital elevation model (DEM) analysis revealed that 50% of T. govanianum populations were found between 2800 and 3050m, primarily on north-facing slopes. Floristic dissimilarity between temperate and subalpine communities was significant, with a dissimilarity of 77.8% (PERMANOVA: F = 9.146, p < 0.0001; NMDS stress = 0.093), demonstrating clear ecological segregation. Indicator species analysis identified 56 taxa with strong zonal fidelity, with T. govanianum as a typical subalpine indicator species. Co-occurrence analysis indicated positive relationships with Rumex nepalensis, Taxus wallichiana, and Geum elatum, and negative relationships with Morina longifolia and Micromeria biflora, suggesting both facilitative and competitive interactions. Canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) identified nomadic settlements (10.7%, p = 0.018) and non-timber forest product extraction (10.6%, p = 0.022) as significant threats, explaining 57.6% of the variation in species composition among sites. These threats reduce the abundance of T. govanianum and disrupt its population distribution. The findings emphasize the need for conservation strategies, monitoring, habitat protection, and sustainable livelihood interventions.

Taxus wallichiana Zucc.: traditional uses, conservation, phytochemistry, and preclinical research

ABSTRACTThis study investigates the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using Taxus wallichiana Zucc. and evaluates their pharmacological potential. Taxus wallichiana, a medicinal plant rich in bioactive compounds, was utilized to synthesize AgNPs in an eco‐friendly manner, leveraging phytochemicals as reducing and stabilizing agents. Characterization techniques, including UV–Vis spectroscopy confirmed the peak at approximately 430 nm, reaching its maximum at 0.72 with significant surface plasmon resonance peaks. Moreover, SEM identified successful synthesis of stable spherical and oval shapes, with AgNPs ranging in size from 10 to 20 nm, and FTIR exhibited distinct functional groups with peaks at 3649.39, 3622.62, and 3500.05 cm−1 as O—H and —CH stretching. Similarly, C≡C stretching was observed at 2300.98 cm−1, while the peak at 1570.97 cm−1 was associated with the aromatic ring. Comparative analyses of the plant extract and its nanoparticles revealed enhanced anti‐cancer (cytotoxicity up to 85.45%), anti‐inflammatory (reduction up to 0.268 at 120 min), and analgesic (latency ranged from 9.4 to 10.1 s) activities for the AgNPs. Cytotoxicity assays demonstrated that the nanoparticles exhibited superior efficacy against U87 glioblastoma cells compared to the crude extract. Additionally, the study confirmed the safety of both the extract and nanoparticles through acute toxicity tests. While no significant analgesic effects were observed through the Hot plate method, the nanoparticles showed pronounced anti‐inflammatory properties. This research highlights the therapeutic potential of Taxus wallichiana‐derived AgNPs and underscores the role of nanotechnology in advancing plant‐based medicine.

ABSTRACT There are many ancient and famous trees in Fuding City. Studying resource composition, geographical distribution characteristics, and the relationships among ancient and famous trees is of great significance for their protection. ArcGIS, nuclear density analysis, and standard deviation ellipse were used to understand the distribution characteristics of these trees. The regression relationships of tree height, chest circumference, average crown width, elevation and slope were simulated using a geographically weighted regression model (GWR). The relationship between these factors and the age and distribution of ancient trees was explored. The dominant species include Liquidambar formosana, Ficus microcarpa, Distylium racemosum, Cinnamomum camphora, Taxus wallichiana, and Cryptomeria japonica. The height of the ancient trees mainly ranges between 10 and 20 m, with the majority having a chest circumference above 80 cm, and crown width is less than 10 m. Approximately 94.71% of the ancient trees exhibit standard growth patterns. According to nuclear density analysis, standard deviation ellipse analysis and geographic-weighted regression, the spatial distribution is related to altitude and topography. Tree height, average crown amplitude and slope are positively correlated with tree age. The outcomes of this study can serve as a valuable reference for the investigation of long-lived ancient trees.

Medicinal plants host a variety of endophytic fungi, which produce numerous secondary metabolites with diverse biological activities. The present study identified ten natural compounds isolated from the endophytic fungal strain Alternaria semiverrucosa, derived from Taxus wallichiana var. mairei. The cytotoxicity of all isolated compounds was evaluated against six tumor cell lines. Dihydroalterperylenol (compound 1) exhibited the highest cytotoxicity against HeLa cells (IC50=6.43±3.0 µM). Cells were treated with 0.1% DMSO and 6.0 µmol/l for 24 h, after which total RNA was extracted for transcriptome library construction and sequencing analysis. Transcriptome analysis identified 140 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), including 99 upregulated and 41 downregulated genes. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis revealed significant enrichment of these DEGs in the TGFβ signaling pathway and Hippo signaling pathway. Gene ontology analysis indicated that the DEGs were predominantly involved in the regulation of cell proliferation. Notably, reverse transcription‑quantitative PCR validation confirmed the upregulation of three genes (TGIF2, ID1 and BMP2) which was consistent with the transcriptome sequencing results. Additionally, molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations were employed to explore the molecular mechanisms underlying the antitumor activity of compound 1. The results suggest that compound 1 exerts its anticancer effects in cervical cancer by regulating the expression of genes TGIF2, ID1 and BMP2.

Two new diastereoisomeric tetrahydrofuranoid-lignans (1 and 2) were purified from Taxus wallichiana (Taxaceae) roots. Their respective structures were subsequently determined through spectroscopic analysis, together with GIAO NMR chemical shift calculation and DP4+ probability method to assign the relative configurations. A respective assignment of 7 R,8R,7′R,8′R and 7 R,8R,7′S,8′R was given for their absolute configurations, based on a comparative analysis between measured and calculated ECD data. Compounds 1 and 2 were examined for their α-glucosidase inhibitory effect, and their corresponding IC50 values were 57.2 and 185.6 μM, respectively, indicating greater potency than acarbose the positive control with IC50 = 214.5 μM.

The evolutionary history of gymnosperms suggests that most species struggle in wet environments. However, baldcypress (Taxodium distichum var. distichum) thrives in wetlands, making it a prime candidate for studying flood tolerance in gymnosperms. Our study aimed to explore the genetic basis of this flood tolerance. We accomplished the first chromosome-level genome assembly of baldcypress. Using Oryza sativa, Arabidopsis thaliana, baldcypress, and Taxus wallichiana, we compared gene expression, regulatory elements, and gene expansions between flood-tolerant and flood-intolerant plants. The baldcypress genome spans c. 7.82 Gb, containing 44 010 protein-coding genes. We identified 409 commonly upregulated and 668 commonly downregulated orthogroups, representing conserved flood-stress responses. Additionally, 352 orthogroups contained more upregulated genes in tolerant plants. Baldcypress appears to employ different evolutionary strategies than rice to withstand flooding. Both strategies involve the evolution of ERF-VII transcriptional activation and antioxidant pathways. However, each species expanded distinct nodes within these pathways. Additionally, the evolution of spliceosome genes in baldcypress and energy-producing genes in rice further reflects their differing evolutionary strategies. This study underscores the diversity and commonality of mechanisms underlying plant flood responses and tolerance, providing theoretical guidance for research on the genetic improvement of plant flooding tolerance.

IntroductionIn southern China, four species of the Taxus genus are distributed, and identifying their suitable habitats plays an important role in species conservation.MethodsThis study used the MaxEnt model to simulate and predict the potential suitable habitat distribution for these four species. The prediction model utilized 257 occurrence points from the four yew species, along with historical climate and topographic data, and incorporated the distribution of nature reserves in China. The model’s accuracy was validated using the Area Under the Receiver Operating Characteristic Curve (AUC) to compare the effect of different function models on prediction accuracy.ResultsThe results showed that the AUC values for all four yew species exceeded 0.9, indicating a high level of reliability in the model predictions. The high-suitability area for Taxus wallichiana var. chinensis is 13,943.62 km2, with nature reserves covering 7.49% of this area; Taxus wallichiana var. mairei has a high-suitability area of 11,950.97 km2, with a coverage rate of 2.44%; Taxus wallichiana has a high-suitability area of 9,784.43 km2, with a coverage rate of 10.52%; and Taxus yunnanensis has a high-suitability area of 7,226.57 km2, with a coverage rate of 6.47%. The high-suitability areas for T. wallichiana var. chinensis are concentrated in the Qinling, Wuyi, and Hengduan mountain ranges, while T. wallichiana var. mairei has a broader distribution, primarily in the Wuyi, Qinling, Hengduan, and southeastern Himalayas. The distributions of T. wallichiana and T. yunnanensis are concentrated in the Hengduan Mountains and southeastern Himalayas.DiscussionThe study suggests expanding the network of protected areas, constructing ecological corridors, and introducing cultivation efforts to enhance population stability within high-suitability zones. For T. wallichiana var. mairei and T. wallichiana var. chinensis, it is recommended to attempt more reintroduction efforts, while for T. wallichiana and T. yunnanensis, habitat protection should be prioritized. The establishment of additional natural protected areas and the construction of ecological corridors linking these protected areas are important ways to strengthen the conservation of yew species.

Background: Plant species and their traditional knowledge play a vital role in sustaining the livelihoods, culture and health of communities in Nepal. Although several ethnobotanical studies have been conducted across the country, systematic documentation at the local level and active conservation initiatives remain limited, particularly in rapidly urbanizing regions. Methods: This study was conducted in Mahankal Rural Municipality of Lalitpur District, central Nepal to document local ethnobotanical knowledge and practices under various aspects. Field work was carried out during June-July 2024 using purposive sampling of 56 respondents representing diverse genders, age groups and ethnic communities. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions and participatory field walks with key informants including traditional healers and elderly knowledge holders. Results: A total of 98 plant species belonging to 54 families were recorded of which 58 species were medicinal, 19 used as fodder, 15 for cultural/religious purposes and 14 used in food items. Those medicinal species were used in treating 41 various ailments with leaves and whole plants as the most commonly used parts. Similarly, oral administration was the predominant mode of application and juice was the common form medicinal products administered to the body. Informant Consensus Factor (ICF) and Relative Frequency of Citation (RFC) analyses revealed strong agreement for treatments of neoplasms (ICF=0.95), poisoning (ICF=0.92) and reproductive disorders (ICF=0.89). This highlights the reliability and cultural significance of certain species such as Zanthoxylum armatum, Ageratina adenophora and Mentha spicata. Statistical analysis demonstrated that education level (χ²=18.42, p&lt;0.01) and ethnicity (χ²=24.67, p&lt;0.001) significantly influenced knowledge distribution with Tamang communities showing distinctly higher familiarity with medicinal applications compared to Brahmin and Chhetri groups. Ethnicity also significantly affected treatment preferences for gastrointestinal and respiratory ailments (p&lt;0.05). Younger generations (&lt;40 years) exhibited markedly reduced knowledge of traditional practices compared to elders (&gt;60 years) (H=32.15, p&lt;0.001). Conclusions: The study highlights both the richness of ethnobotanical species and vulnerability of traditional knowledge and its transfer to future generations. Priority conservation attention is required for overexploited species including Zanthoxylum armatum, Taxus wallichiana, Swertia chirayita and Valeriana jatamansi, which face habitat loss and unsustainable harvesting pressure in the study area. Keywords: Ailments, Ethnomedicine, Indigenous knowledge, Informant consensus factor (ICF), Local healers, Non-timber forest products (NTFPs), Relative frequency of citation (RFC), Traditional practices

The current study provides insightful information on the ecosystem services and anthropogenic disturbances that affect the endangered Taxus wallichiana forest.T. wallichiana has enormous ecological and societal significance, as evidenced by a diverse range of ecosystem services and products in the Kashmir western Himalayan region.The demographic features of participants and ecological services of the T. wallichiana were documented during group discussions and personal interviews.The interviews included 106 informants, of whom 19 were women and 87 were men.The majority of informants (82.07%) were male due to restrictions on women's interactions with strangers in the study area.Based on visual assessment at each sampling site, anthropogenic disturbance levels were assessed on a four-point scale (1 = low, 2 = moderate, and 3 = high).The bark is used as a substitute for tea during the winter to feel warm.Tea from Taxus bark is also believed to increase vitality and cure other healthrelated problems.The bark is also considered an anti-cancerous agent among the locals.The highest value of daily fuel wood consumption per capita was 5.25 kg at Kala Ban, whereas the lowest value of daily fuel wood consumption per capita was 1.36 kg at Japsar.Rural communities mostly rely on T. wallichiana wood as a source of fuelwood for cooking and heating their homes because upper temperate zones are dominated by mostly coniferous trees like T. wallichiana forests and other tree species

Taxus wallichiana is an important species for paclitaxel production. Previous genome versions for Taxus spp. have been limited by extensive gaps, hindering the complete annotation and mining of paclitaxel (known as Taxol commercially) synthesis pathway-related genes. Here, we present the first phased high-quality reference genome of T. wallichiana, which significantly improves assembly quality and corrects large-scale assembly errors present in previous versions. The 2 haplotypes are 9.87 Gb and 9.98 Gb in length, respectively, and all 24 chromosomes were assembled with telomeres at both ends. Based on this high-quality genome (TWv1), we inferred that the candidate sex chromosome of T. wallichiana is chr12, and its sex determination system may follow a ZW model. Particularly, we identified and experimentally validated a batch of 2-oxoglutarate/Fe(II)-dependent dioxygenases (ODDs), which may be key C4β-C20 epoxidases in the paclitaxel synthesis pathway. This study not only provides a valuable data resource for gene mining in the biosynthetic pathways of secondary metabolites, such as paclitaxel, but also offers the highest-quality reference genome of gymnosperms to date for the identification of sex chromosomes, facilitating comparative genomic studies among gymnosperms.

Abstract The North Eastern region of India, comprising Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, and Tripura, is a global center of medicinal plant diversity. It harbors about 7,500 flowering plant species, of which more than 1,800 are used in traditional medicine. The region’s varied topography and climate create favorable habitats for diverse medicinal flora, long utilized by indigenous communities such as the Mishmi, Monpa, Khasi, and Naga tribes to treat digestive, respiratory, febrile, and dermatological ailments. Several species of high pharmacological value originate here. Abies webbiana (Talispatra) is used for tuberculosis and hemorrhage; Coptis teeta (Mameera) aids digestion and fever reduction; and Nardostachys jatamansi (Jatamansi) provides sedative benefits. Taxus wallichiana (Himalayan Yew), a source of paclitaxel, and Paris polyphylla (Satua), with anticancer potential, are globally significant. Other important plants include Swertia chirayita (Chirata), Picrorhiza kurrooa (Kutki), and Aquilaria malaccensis (Agarwood). Ethnobotanical surveys have recorded over 500 species in local healthcare, with pharmacological validation supporting the antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and hepatoprotective properties of several taxa, including Alpinia nigra and Rheum australe. Rising global demand for herbal products underscores the economic potential of these resources but also raises conservation concerns. Unsustainable harvesting and habitat loss threaten vulnerable species like Taxus wallichiana, Coptis teeta, and Paris polyphylla. Conservation measures–protected areas, botanical gardens, seed banks, tissue culture, and sustainable harvesting–are being promoted. Community-based initiatives and cultivation under controlled conditions can further safeguard resources while enhancing rural livelihoods.The North Eastern region thus represents a vital reservoir of medicinal plant diversity with immense therapeutic and commercial significance. Integrating indigenous knowledge with modern research and strengthening conservation strategies will ensure sustainable use while contributing to biodiversity preservation and global healthcare advancement.

Taxus wallichiana Zucc. from the Taxaceae family is a woody tree species with dark green, needle-shaped leaves that grow densely along the branches. This tree thrives in temperate climates, found in areas such as the Himalayan mountain range at altitudes between 1800 to 3300 m, and in the hilly regions of Meghalaya and Manipur at around 1500 m. It is a rare and valuable timber species with high medicinal value, primarily due to the presence of taxol, a potent anticancer compound isolated from the bark of the tree. This paper presents the chemical composition of the leaves of Taxus wallichiana Zucc. to contribute data on the chemistry and pharmacological potential of Vietnamese medicinal plants. Using normal-phase silica gel column chromatography combined with preparative thin−layer chromatography, four taxanes were isolated from the CHCl3−soluble fraction of leaves of Taxus wallichiana Zucc., collected at Lam Dong province in January 2021. The isolated compounds included 10-deacetyl taxinine B (1), taxinine B (2), 2-deacetoxytaxinine J (3), and taxumairone A (4). The chemical structures of these compounds were elucidated by 1D and 2D NMR and MS spectra and comparisons to published data. Compound 4 is reported for the first time in the species Taxus wallichiana Zucc.

Crystalline defenders: Silver nanoparticles as a new front in antimicrobial warfare

Methanol extract of Taxus wallichiana exhibited the presence of important phytoconstituents such as carbohydrates, proteins, phenols, tannins, triterpenoids, terpenoids, alkaloids, glycosides, polyphenols, flavonoids, saponins, and steroids. It also exhibited in vitro cytotoxicity in case of Dalton's Lymphoma (DL) cells compared to the reference drug cisplatin, as indicated with a low IC50 value. Thus, research efforts during the present study depicted the in vitro cytotoxic potency of T. wallichiana extract against DL cell line.

Z/E configuration controlled by a Taxus sesquiterpene synthase facilitating the biosynthesis of (3Z,6E)-α-farnesene

The survival of relict Taxus wallichiana var. wallichiana (Yunnan yew) is threatened by overexploitation for its quality wood and medicinal properties, particularly for taxol extraction. Understanding the current status of its communities and populations is crucial for protecting existing natural forest resources. We established 53 vegetation plots in Yunnan, southwestern China, where T. wallichiana var. wallichiana is the primary dominant species. These plots were classified into four forest types. The forests were multi-stratified, with T. wallichiana var. wallichiana frequently dominating the subcanopy and shrub layer. Species diversity indices did not significantly differ among the four forest types. The age structure of T. wallichiana var. wallichiana exhibited a multi-modal pattern, with a maximum age of 1165 years. Growth was slow, with an average radial growth rate of 0.78 mm/year. Despite its strong sprouting ability, the species had a poor seedling/sapling bank and suffered from inadequate regeneration. Its seedlings/saplings are shade-intolerant. This study provides a scientific basis for effective conservation strategies, emphasizing the need for in situ regeneration to ensure the survival of T. wallichiana var. wallichiana and its contributions to biodiversity and ecosystem services.