Taxus Wallichiana Research Articles

Endangered Taxus wallichiana var. wallichiana—Its Forest Characteristics, Population Structure, and Regeneration Status in Yunnan, Southwestern China

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.

A new bicyclo [3.3.1]nonadienemethanol-type lignan from the leaves of Taxus wallichiana Zucc.

Following an α-glucosidase inhibitory activity-guided phytochemical study, a rare new bicyclo[3.3.1]nonadienemethanol-type lignan named 9,9′-oxidolanceolatanin B (1) and four known lignans, lanceolatanin B (2), pinoresinol (3), syringaresinol (4), and medioresinol (5), were isolated from a CHCl3-soluble fraction of Taxus wallichiana Zucc. leaves. The absolute configuration of 9,9′-oxidolanceolatanin B was elucidated based on NMR spectroscopic interpretation and ECD data. All isolated compounds 1–5 showed stronger α-glucosidase inhibitory potency than the positive control, acarbose. This data could support the conceit that Taxus wallichiana leaves could be a promising source for plant-based anti-diabetic drug discovery.

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

Plant enzymes often present advantages in the synthesis of natural products with specific configurations. Farnesene is a pharmacologically active sesquiterpene with three natural Z/E configurations, among which the enzyme selectively responsible for the biosynthesis of (3Z,6E)-α-farnesene remains elusive. Herein, a sesquiterpene synthase TwSTPS1 biosynthesizing (3Z,6E)-α-farnesene as the major product was identified from Taxus wallichiana through genome mining. Utilizing molecular dynamics simulations and mutation analysis, the catalytic mechanism of TwSTPS1, especially Z/E configuration control, was explored. Moreover, the crucial residues associated with the specific catalytic activity of TwSTPS1 was elucidated through mutagenesis experiments. The findings contribute to our understanding of the Z/E configuration control by plant terpene synthases and also provide an alternative tool for manipulating (3Z,6E)-α-farnesene production using synthetic biology.

Using Historical Habitat Shifts Driven by Climate Change and Present Genetic Diversity Patterns to Predict Evolvable Potentials of Taxus wallichiana Zucc. in Future

Using Historical Habitat Shifts Driven by Climate Change and Present Genetic Diversity Patterns to Predict Evolvable Potentials of Taxus wallichiana Zucc. in Future

Investigation of Phytochemicals, Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Properties of Taxus wallichiana Found in Different Altitudes of Nepal

Indigenous people of hilly region have been using Taxus as a medicinal source for various diseases including cancer. Taxol, one of its main constituents, has been recognized and backed by scientific research; it has been used as a cancer cell suppressing biomolecule in chemo therapies. This study was carried out to collect data that would provide information on the influence of altitude on the production of metabolites and to investigate the phytochemicals, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties present in Taxus wallichiana Zucc. found in Nepal. Needles were used for phytochemical extraction by Soxhlet method where methanol was used as a solvent. Some of the primary metabolites including carbohydrate and secondary metabolites such as alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, phenols, saponins, coumarin & steroid were present. Quantitative estimation of the total flavonoid and phenol content of plant extracts were determined. TPC of the plant extract from Dolakha and Jajarkot were 68.745 ± 0.70 and 21.323 ± 1.15GAE/g in 100% concentration respectively. Similarly, TFC from Dolakha and Jajarkot were found to be 5.904 ± 0.024 and 6.275 ± 0.54 Quercetin equivalent per gram. Furthermore, their antioxidant (DPPH) and antimicrobial property was studied. The IC50 value for extract of T. wallichiana from Dolakha was 94.72 µg/mL and Jajarkot was 129 µg/mL, which was comparatively higher than the IC50 (14.54 µg/mL) of Quercetin. Additionally, the plant extract of concentrations of 700 and 950 mg/mL exhibited promising antibacterial properties in E. coli and S. aureus, except K. pneumonia. This study indicates that there is no significant role of altitude in metabolite production of T. wallichiana zucc. Nevertheless, it could be the potential drug due to considerable amounts of phenol and flavonoid contents including natural oxidant and antimicrobial properties.

De novo assembly and comprehensive analysis of the mitochondrial genome of Taxus wallichiana reveals different repeats mediate recombination to generate multiple conformations

Taxus plants are the exclusive source of paclitaxel, an anticancer drug with significant medicinal and economic value. Interspecies hybridization and gene introgression during evolution have obscured distinctions among Taxus species, complicating their phylogenetic classification. While the chloroplast genome of Taxus wallichiana, a widely distributed species in China, has been sequenced, its mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) remains uncharacterized.We sequenced and assembled the T. wallichiana mitogenome using BGI short reads and Nanopore long reads, facilitating comparisons with other gymnosperm mitogenomes. The T. wallichiana mitogenome spanning 469,949 bp, predominantly forms a circular configuration with a GC content of 50.51%, supplemented by 3 minor configurations mediated by one pair of LRs and two pairs of IntRs. It includes 32 protein-coding genes, 7 tRNA genes, and 3 rRNA genes, several of which exist in multiple copies.We detailed the mitogenome's structure, codon usage, RNA editing, and sequence migration between organelles, constructing a phylogenetic tree to elucidate evolutionary relationships. Unlike typical gymnosperm mitochondria, T. wallichiana shows no evidence of mitochondrial-plastid DNA transfer (MTPT), highlighting its unique genomic architecture. Synteny analysis indicated extensive genomic rearrangements in T. wallichiana, likely driven by recombination among abundant repetitive sequences. This study offers a high-quality T. wallichiana mitogenome, enhancing our understanding of gymnosperm mitochondrial evolution and supporting further cultivation and utilization of Taxus species.

Foraging for the future: traditional culinary uses of wild plants in the Western Himalayas–Kashmir Valley (India)

BackgroundIn the intricate tapestry of food security, wild food species stand as pillars, nourishing millions in low-income communities, and reflecting the resilience and adaptability of human societies. Their significance extends beyond mere sustenance, intertwining with cultural traditions and local knowledge systems, underscoring the importance of preserving biodiversity and traditional practices for sustainable livelihoods.MethodsThe present study, conducted between February 2022 and August 2023 along the Line of Control in India’s Kashmir Valley, employed a rigorous data collection encompassing semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions, and specific field observations facilitated through a snowball sampling technique.Results and discussionThe comprehensive inventory includes 108 edible plant and fungal species from 48 taxonomic families, with Rosaceae (N = 11) standing out. Young and soft leaves (N = 60) are an important component of various culinary preparations, with vegetables (N = 65) being the main use, followed by fruits (N = 19). This use is seasonal, with collection peaks in March–April and June–August (N = 12). The study also highlights the importance of use value (UV), with Portulaca oleracea standing out as the plant taxon (UV = 0.61), while Asyneuma thomsoni has the lowest use value (UV = 0.15). Many species such as Senecio chrysanthemoides, Asperugo procumbens, Asyneuma thomsoni, and Potentilla nepalensis were classified as new for gastronomic use. Furthermore, the study underlines the great cultural importance of mushrooms such as Morchella esculenta and Geopora arenicola in influencing social hierarchies within the community. However, the transmission of traditional knowledge across generations is declining in the region. At the same time, the conservation of endangered plant species on the IUCN Red List, such as Trillium govanianum, Taxus wallichiana, Saussurea costus, and Podophyllum hexandrum, requires immediate attention.ConclusionConservation measures should be prioritized, and proactive remedial action is needed. Further research into the nutritional value of these edible species could pave the way for their commercial cultivation, which would mean potential economic growth for local communities, make an important contribution to food security in the area under study, and contribute to scientific progress.

Functionalized nano cellulose double-template imprinted aerogel microsphere for the targeted enrichment of taxanes

Paclitaxel, a diterpenoid isolated from the bark of Taxus wallichiana var. chinensis (Pilger) Florin, is currently showing significant therapeutic effects against a variety of cancers. Baccatin III (Bac) and 10-Deacetylbaccatin III (10-DAB) are in great demand as important precursors for the synthesis of paclitaxel. This work aims to develop a simple, rapid and highly selective, safe, and non-polluting molecularly imprinted material for 10-DAB and Bac enrichment. In this study, we innovatively prepared molecularly imprinted materials with nanocellulose aerogel microspheres and 2-vinylpyridine (2-VP) as a bifunctional monomer, and 10-DAB and Bac as bis-template molecules. In particular, functionalized nanocellulose dual-template molecularly imprinted aerogel microsphere (FNCAG-DMIM) were successfully synthesized by the bifunctional introduction of functional nanocellulose aerogel microsphere (FNCAG) modified with Polyethyleneimine (PEI) as a carrier and functional monomer, which provided a large number of recognition sites for bimodal molecules. FNCAG-DMIM showed high specificity for 10-DAB and Bac specific assays. Under the optimal experimental conditions, the adsorption capacities of FNCAG-DMIM for 10-DAB and Bac reached 52.27 mg g−1 and 53.81 mg g−1, respectively. In addition, it showed good reliability and practicality in the determination of real samples. The present study extends the research on the synthesis of natural functional monomers by molecularly imprinted materials and opens up new horizons for the targeted isolation of plant compounds by dual-template molecularly imprinted materials.

Effects of Different Doses of sUV-B Exposure on Taxane Compounds' Metabolism in Taxus wallichiana var. Mairei.

UV-B is an important environmental factor that differentially affects plant growth and secondary metabolites. The effects of supplemental ultraviolet-B (sUV-B) exposure (T1, 1.40 kJ·m-2·day-1; T2, 2.81 kJ·m-2·day-1; and T3, 5.62 kJ·m-2·day-1) on the growth biomass, physiological characteristics, and secondary metabolites were studied. Our results indicated that leaf thickness was significantly (p < 0.05) reduced under T3 relative to the control (natural light exposure, CK); The contents of 6-BA and IAA were significantly reduced (p < 0.05); and the contents of ABA, 10-deacetylbaccatin III, and baccatin III were significantly (p < 0.05) increased under T1 and T2. The paclitaxel content was the highest (0.036 ± 0.0018 mg·g-1) under T3. The cephalomannine content was significantly increased under T1. Hmgr gene expression was upregulated under T1 and T3. The gene expressions of Bapt and Dbtnbt were significantly (p < 0.05) upregulated under sUV-B exposure, and the gene expressions of CoA, Ts, and Dbat were significantly (p < 0.05) downregulated. A correlation analysis showed that the 6-BA content had a significantly (p < 0.05) positive correlation with Dbat gene expression. The IAA content had a significantly (p < 0.05) positive correlation with the gene expression of Hmgr, CoA, Ts, and Dbtnbt. The ABA content had a significantly (p < 0.05) positive correlation with Bapt gene expression. Dbat gene expression had a significantly (p < 0.05) positive correlation with the 10-deacetylbaccatin content. Hmgr gene expression was positively correlated with the contents of baccatin III and cephalomannine. Bapt gene expression had a significantly (p < 0.01) positive correlation with the paclitaxel content. A factor analysis showed that the accumulation of paclitaxel content was promoted under T2, which was helpful in clarifying the accumulation of taxane compounds after sUV-B exposure.

Vulnerability assessment of Taxus wallichiana in the Indian Himalayan Region to future climate change using species niche models and global climate models under future climate scenarios

Vulnerability assessment of Taxus wallichiana in the Indian Himalayan Region to future climate change using species niche models and global climate models under future climate scenarios

Quantitative assessment of paclitaxel in Taxus wallichiana zucc. bark using HPTLC densitometry: Insights for germplasm selection and toxicological studies

Taxus wallichiana Zucc. [Synonym: Taxus baccata subsp. Wallichiana (Zucc.) Pilg.] or Himalayan Yew belonging to the evergreen gymnosperm family Taxaceae, grows in temperate regions and has been used in traditional medicines to treat cancer, bronchial disorders, colds, cough, etc. The plant is known to contain paclitaxel (PTX), a key bioactive component with anticancer properties. High-performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) was used in the present study to estimate paclitaxel from the bark of T. wallichiana obtained from 15 different geographical locations in the eastern and western Himalayas of India. HPTLC method was determined to be a reliable and efficient technique for the quantification of paclitaxel, offering rapid outcomes.The bark materials of T. wallichiana chemotype obtained from Sikkim (Samanden) contained the highest concentration of paclitaxel, followed by West Bengal (Sandakphu), Arunachal Pradesh (Dibang Valley), and respectively. The present study also examined the cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of the aqueous bark extract of the TW1 chemotype at various doses on the meristematic cells derived from the roots of Allium cepa L.. The bark extracts demonstrate considerable cytotoxic and mitotic properties. This study could be useful to the pharmaceutical industry for selecting elite (high paclitaxel-producing) chemotypes of T. wallichiana. The toxicological evaluation of the T. wallichiana chemotypes (using Allium cepa test) could also help to determine the genotoxic properties of the bark extract.

Green synthesis of Ag–CoFe2O4 nanocomposites by Taxus wallichiana leaf extract for adsorption of Pb+2 ions from aqueous solution

Green synthesis of Ag–CoFe2O4 nanocomposites by Taxus wallichiana leaf extract for adsorption of Pb+2 ions from aqueous solution

Production economics and marketing of Himalayan Yew in Mahankal rural municipality of Lalitpur District, Nepal

This study delves into the dynamic landscape of Himalayan yew cultivation in the Mahankal Rural Municipality of Lalitpur district, offering a comprehensive analysis of the socio-demographic factors influencing growers' practices. By examining variables such as gender, age, education, landholding, income, ethnicity, access to irrigation facilities, and marketing strategies, we present a nuanced understanding of the complexities involved. Agriculture emerges as the cornerstone of respondents' income, with Himalayan yew cultivation consistently proving to be financially lucrative, yielding revenues and gross margins that significantly bolster local farmers' economic well-being. The calculated Benefit-Cost Ratio underscores the profitability of Himalayan yew cultivation in Mahankal, advocating for its sustained expansion. Despite favorable climatic conditions, challenges persist in marketing and production domains. Limited primary marketing channels signify untapped potential, necessitating initiatives to foster growth and enhance efficiency. Technical obstacles highlight the need for innovative solutions and technical support to bolster the sustainability of Himalayan yew cultivation. In conclusion, this research underscores the promising prospects and profitability of Himalayan yew cultivation while emphasizing the imperative to address existing challenges. Strategic interventions and collaborative efforts are essential to empower local farmers and ensure the enduring success of this valuable industry. This study serves as a clarion call for concerted action to propel Himalayan yew cultivation to new heights in Mahankal and beyond.

Assessment of Shrinkage, Exploitation and Threats to Taxus wallichiana in North-western Himalayas

Assessment of Shrinkage, Exploitation and Threats to Taxus wallichiana in North-western Himalayas

Phytochemicals, and antioxidants and antibacterial activities of Taxus wallichiana Zucc. root associated endophytic fungi

Phytochemicals, and antioxidants and antibacterial activities of Taxus wallichiana Zucc. root associated endophytic fungi

In vitro Leishmanicidal evaluation and molecular docking simulations of bioactive compounds from the bark of Taxus wallichiana

Leishmaniasis is a life-threatening parasitic infection causing endemic disease in various parts of the world, wherein the parasite (Leishmania donovani) develops resistance against available drugs. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop new drugs, which is an open area of investigation for synthetic and natural products chemists. In this study, we isolated three compounds (deacetylbaccatin III, tasumatrol B, and taxawallin J) from Taxus wallichiana Zucc. Compounds were screened for antileishmanial activities, wherein Tasumatrol B exhibited good antileishmanial activity (IC50 value of 13.1 µg/mL) followed by 4-Taxawallin J and 4-deacetylbaccatin III, respectively. Considering the importance of these isolated compounds, a study was conducted to correlate the in vitro results with an in silico study. Compounds showed an intermediate type of Antileishmanial activity. Nonetheless, these compounds may open a new frontier in the design and development of drugs against Leishmaniases.

Bioreactor Systems for Plant Cell Cultivation at the Institute of Plant Physiology of the Russian Academy of Sciences: 50 Years of Technology Evolution from Laboratory to Industrial Implications.

The cultivation of plant cells in large-scale bioreactor systems has long been considered a promising alternative for the overexploitation of wild plants as a source of bioactive phytochemicals. This idea, however, faced multiple constraints upon realization, resulting in very few examples of technologically feasible and economically effective biotechnological companies. The bioreactor cultivation of plant cells is challenging. Even well-growing and highly biosynthetically potent cell lines require a thorough optimization of cultivation parameters when upscaling the cultivation process from laboratory to industrial volumes. The optimization includes, but is not limited to, the bioreactor's shape and design, cultivation regime (batch, fed-batch, continuous, semi-continuous), aeration, homogenization, anti-foaming measures, etc., while maintaining a high biomass and metabolite production. Based on the literature data and our experience, the cell cultures often demonstrate cell line- or species-specific responses to parameter changes, with the dissolved oxygen concentration (pO2) and shear stress caused by stirring being frequent growth-limiting factors. The mass transfer coefficient also plays a vital role in upscaling the cultivation process from smaller to larger volumes. The Experimental Biotechnological Facility at the K.A. Timiryazev Institute of Plant Physiology has operated since the 1970s and currently hosts a cascade of bioreactors from the laboratory (20 L) to the pilot (75 L) and a semi-industrial volume (630 L) adapted for the cultivation of plant cells. In this review, we discuss the most appealing cases of the cell cultivation process's adaptation to bioreactor conditions featuring the cell cultures of medicinal plants Dioscorea deltoidea Wall. ex Griseb., Taxus wallichiana Zucc., Stephania glabra (Roxb.) Miers, Panax japonicus (T. Nees) C.A.Mey., Polyscias filicifolia (C. Moore ex E. Fourn.) L.H. Bailey, and P. fruticosa L. Harms. The results of cell cultivation in bioreactors of different types and designs using various cultivation regimes are covered and compared with the literature data. We also discuss the role of the critical factors affecting cell behavior in bioreactors with large volumes.

Chemical constituents of the leaves of Taxus wallichiana (Taxaceae)

AbstractFrom CHCl3‐soluble extract of the leaves of Taxus wallichiana (Taxaceae), collected in Lam Dong Province, five compounds were isolated and identified as sciadopitysin (1), ginkgetin (2), (S)‐(+)‐rhododenol (3), (+)‐erythro‐N‐benzoyl‐3‐phenylisoserine methyl ester (4), and (−)‐α‐conidendrin (5). Their chemical structures were determined by 1D and 2D NMR spectra and comparison with published data. Except for (−)‐α‐conidendrin, these remaining compounds were first reported of Taxus wallichiana. Among these compounds, ginkgetin (2), and (−)‐α‐conidendrin (5) showed significant α‐glucosidase inhibitory activity with the IC50 values of 98.5, and 172.1 µm, respectively.

From biodiversity hotspot to conservation hotspot: assessing distribution, population structure, associated flora and habitat geography of threatened Himalayan Yew in temperate forest ecosystems of Kashmir

From biodiversity hotspot to conservation hotspot: assessing distribution, population structure, associated flora and habitat geography of threatened Himalayan Yew in temperate forest ecosystems of Kashmir

Accelerated anti-oxidant enzymes and phytochemical potential of Taxus wallichiana (Himalayan yew) under moist temperate forest of Himalayan, Pakistan

Abstract Taxus wallichiana (Himalayan yew) antioxidant potential enhances the release of secondary metabolites and enzymes under stress; over the last few decades owing to changes in climatic regimes, such species are under constant threat in the moist temperate Himalayan forests. The present study aims to evaluate the effect of change in land-use pattern on the antioxidant and phytochemical potential of T. wallichiana (Himalayan yew) in the moist temperate Himalayan Forest of Galiyat-Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa-Pakistan. Three leaf samples from each location of T.W were collected from high (Ayubiya, 2,970 m.a.s.l.) undisturbed, disturbed mid (Baragali, Dongagali, Kuldana, Chegagali, 2,617, 2,375, 2,455, 2,804 m.a.s.l.) and low (Murree, 2,000 m.a.s.l.) altitudes of moist temperate forest of Galiayt-Himalayan-Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa-Pakistan, DPPH assay, total flavonoids and phenolic content, total protein and proline content, catalase, superoxide dismutase and peroxidase activities were analysed. The antioxidant activity (DPPH) response was more pronounced in low and mid altitude disturbed sites than the undisturbed site at high altitudes. Antioxidant enzymes and osmolyte content further supported the stress tolerance capacity of T. wallichiana to scavenge the ROS produced under oxidative stress conditions. In conclusion, Taxus wallichiana inhabiting in these sites could withstand long durations of drought, salinity, frost, high temperatures, and pathogenic attacks by activating the antioxidant enzymes.