Taxus Wallichiana Research Articles

Wood Utilization Pattern in Kashmir Region, Western Himalaya

Abstract The remoteness of the Qazi Nag Range in the western Himalayas has resulted in complete dependence of local people on woody plants for socioeconomic development. The present study aimed to evaluate utilization of woody plants in the Kashmir region. Information was collected through questionnaires and interviews during field surveys. A total of 40 tree species belonging to 29 genera and 18 families were recorded, being used locally as fence and fuel, hedging, thatching, roofing, construction, decoration, furniture, and agricultural tool making. The predominant plant families included Pinaceae and Moraceae, with five species each, followed by Fagaceae and Salicaceae, represented by four species each. Twenty-seven species were used as fence, 25 as fuel in the study area, and 14 species were used for agricultural tool formation, fodder, and fruit production. Nine species were used for furniture, eight tree species were recorded with medicinal values, and only four species were used in construction as structure wood. Cedrus deodara, Taxus wallichiana, Juglans regia, Pinus wallichiana, Celtis eriocarpa, and Betula utilis had multiple uses, being widely used in manufacturing furniture, decoration pieces, and tool handles; in construction; and as fuel, fence, and medicines. J. regia and C. deodara were also used to create artistic decorative masterpieces. Local inhabitants used T. wallichiana, Aesculus indica, J. regia, C. deodara, P. wallichiana, and Quercus species for cooking and heating homes during the winter season.

Characteristics of plant communities containing rare conifers in Poyang Lake Basin, China

The endangerment mechanism of rare conifer species is a very critical problem in conservation biodiversity. Thus, the studies on the protection of the rare and endangered coniferous trees have received extensive attention. The objective of this study was to understand the survival and distribution of the rare coniferous tree species in natural forests of the Poyang Lake Basin. Field investigations on plant communities were conducted in 21 plots from Oct. 2014 to Oct. 2015. These plots were distributed in the Nanling Mountains, Luoxiao Mountains, Wuyi Mountains, Huangshan Mountains, and Jiuling Mountain. The dimensions of each plot were 20 m × 20 m. Community species composition and quantitative characteristics in each plot were recorded. The importance values of trees, shrubs and herbs were computed, respectively. The community types and structural properties were analyzed. A total of 23 sets of community sampling data were obtained in details. A number of 11 species of rare conifers were found in 14 different formations. Rare conifer trees mainly occurred in the communities as co-edificatos or companion species. The formations included Form. Taxus wallichiana var. mairei, Form. Pseudotsuga sinensis, Form. Fokienia hodginsii and Form. Torreya grandis, where the dominant species was coniferous trees. In conclusion, our study provides valuable field investigation data of rare coniferous in Poyang Lake basin, which could provide insight into the protection and management of these species.

Taxus wallichiana (Himalayan Yew) for the Livelihood of Local People in Some Protected Areas of Nepal

Nepal is a small country but diverse in ethnic communities living in different parts of the country. These ethnic communities have been practicing the indigenous knowledge of plants for their livelihood. The objective of this study is to document the traditional knowledge of one of the most important medicinal plant species Taxus wallichiana Zucc. in different altitudinal gradients in Manaslu Conservation Area, Sagarmatha National Park and surrounding and Kanchenjunga Conservation Area. This study was carried out in six altitudinal gradients (2200 m asl to 3800 masl) with altitudinal steps of 400 m asl. We used direct observation method and standardized interviews to collect the data related to the use of T. wallichiana. Out of five caste groups, only four were local to the site while one cast had migrated from Terai region and had settled down recently. The four caste groups included Sherpa, Tamang, Rai and Gurung who have been using the plant products for various reasons. People used the species as timber, medicine for jaundice and cancer, fence, construction material for houses and cattle fodder. Knowledge of the use of T. wallichiana was mainly available at an altitude of 2600 m a.s.l., the species altitudinal distribution optimum. Most of the informants were related to community forests in the study areas and many also depend on plants for their livelihood. This study also helped the local people by informing them about sustainable use and conservation of this plant in the study areas.J. Nat. Hist. Mus. Vol. 28, 2014: 1-8

ISOLATION AND IDENTIFICATION OF AN ENDOPHYTIC FUNGUS PRODUCING PACLITAXEL FROM TAXUS WALLICHIANA VAR MAIREI.

The objective of this study was to isolate endophytic fungi producing paclitaxel from yew for the purpose of paclitaxel manufacture. Surface sterilized bark of Taxus wallichiana var. mairei was used as source material and potato dextrose agar culture medium was used in isolation of endophytic fungi. Fungal cultures were extracted with a mixture of chloroform / methanol (1:1, v/v) and the paclitaxel in the extracts was determined and authenticated with LC-MS. An endophytic fungus that produced paclitaxel was identified by ITS rDNA and 26S D1/D2 rDNA sequencing. The results showed that a total of 435 endophytic fungal strains were isolated from T. wallichiana var. mairei and purified. Only one of these strains produced paclitaxel and it belongs to Fusarium. The paclitaxel productivity in whole PDB culture and that in spent culture medium from this strain is 0.0153 mg/L and 0.0119 mg/L respectively. The paclitaxel content in dry mycelium is 0.27 mg/kg. This isolated endophytic fungus produced paclitaxel at a considerable level and shows potentiality as a producing strain for paclitaxel manufacture after strain improvement.

On the present status of distribution and threats of high value medicinal plants in the higher altitude forests of the Indian eastern Himalaya

The eastern Himalaya region is a rich repository of medicinal plants. Excessive collection and unsustainable harvesting of medicinal plants from the wild are leading to a depletion of populations and threatening species in the region. A study was conducted to explore the diversity, distribution and population status of selected medicinal plants species in the higher altitudes of Arunachal Pradesh, India through extensive field surveys and consultations with the local communities. Out of about 75 medicinal plants recorded, 41 rare and commercially important medicinal plants were observed in the sub-temperate to alpine forest within an altitudinal range of 1500–4500 m. Taxonomically these species fall under 25 families of higher plants, of which 31 are dicots, seven are monocots and three gymnosperms. Many threatened species like Taxus wallichiana , Coptis teeta , Panax pseudoginseng , Panax sikkimensis were recorded in specific localities. The western part of the state exhibits maximum species diversity. Out of the various threats observed, improper harvesting, habitat loss and trade are found to be more destructive to the population. Intensive efforts from both in situ and ex situ conservation practices are necessary for sustainable management and conservation of these species.

Studies on conservation and domestication of endangered and threatened medicinal plant species in India - A review

The studies were undertaken under the aegis of the National Medicinal Plants Board (NMPB), New Delhi during 2002 - 2013, comprising in-situ and ex-situ conservation projects implemented through different State Forest Departments. Besides, R&D projects carried out by the ICAR, ICFRE, CSIR, DBT, SAUs have been taken. The contribution of NMPB in conservation and cultivation of endangered and threatened medicinal plant species in India is highlighted. There are several factors which are responsible for endangering these species in their natural habitat such as habitat loss due to diversion of forest land, biotic and abiotic interference in forest areas, unsustainable harvesting of medicinal and aromatic plants. The NMPB has supported several projects for conservation and cultivation of endangered and threatened medicinal plant species, viz.Commiphora wightii (A.) Bhandari,Saraca asoca (Roxb.) de Wilde, Swertia chirayita (Roxb. ex Fleming), Aconitum heterophyllum Wall. ex Royle., Aquilaria malaccensis Lamk., Gloriosasuperba L.Nardostachys grandiflora DC., Picrorhizakurroa Royle ex Benth., Podophyllumhexandrum Royle, Pterocarpus marsupium Roxb., Pterocarpus santalinus L. f., Taxus wallichiana Zucc., Dashmool species etc in different states of the country. The NMPB has funded the establishment of 66 Medicinal Plant Conservation Areas (MPCAs) and 368 herbal gardens in different states. To encourage conservation, domestication and R&D activities, all the stakeholders need to be sensitized as to the cause of loss of species and the ways to address the problem. Make it more informative and attractive.

Plant Diversity Along an Altitudinal Gradient in Kalatop Beat of Kalatop Khajjiar Wildlife Sanctuary of District Chamba, Himachal Pradesh

Plant diversity study conducted at an altitudinal gradient varying from 1800-2400m above msl in Kalatop beat of the Sanctuary revealed that the total number of plant species was 142 belonging to 71 families and 127 genera. The dominant families were Asteraceae, Rosaceae, Fabaceae, Ranunculaceae and Polygonaceae. The number of trees species was 7, 9 and 12 with the dominance of Cedrus deodara at 1800-2000m, 2000-2200m and 2200-2400m elevation ranges respectively. The number of shrub species was 26, 27 and 24 with the dominance of Berberis lycium, Sarcococca saligna and Sarcococca saligna at 1800-2000m, 2000-2200m and 2200-2400m elevations respectively. The number of herb species was 59, 74 and 75 with the dominance of Bergenia ciliata, Pilea scripta and Valeriana jatamansii at 1800-2000m, 2000-2200m and 2200-2400m elevation ranges respectively. The distribution pattern of most of the plant species was contiguous in all altitudes. Index of diversity for herb species in these elevations ranges was 3.750, 3.674 and 3.472. Out of 63 medicinal plant species recorded from the area, 4 species viz; Podophyllum hexandrum, Taxus wallichiana, Polygonatum verticillatum and Zanthoxylum armatum fall in the threatened category. The better conservation of natural resources can be done through promotion of community based conservation, ex-situ conservation through tissue culture, developing cultivation technologies and nurseries of medicinal plants and conducting of regular training on the procedure of medicinal plants collection and processing among the end users.

Induction, Growth and Paclitaxel Content of Needle-and Petiole-Derived Calli in Himalayan Yew (Taxus Wallichiana Zucc.) Under Light-Emitting Diodes

Abstract To achieve a better understanding of accumulation of paclitaxel and related taxanes in Himalayan yew (Taxus wallichiana Zucc.) callus mass, induction and growth of calli from needles and petioles under light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and production of paclitaxel and baccatin were investigated. Calli were induced from needles and petioles on Gamborg's B5 medium supplemented with 1 mg·l-1 kinetin and 4 mg·l-1 2,4-D under different com-binations of blue and red LEDs. Calli were further cultured in that medium under the same lighting conditions. Callus induction from needles and petioles and growth was better under blue LEDs than under red LEDs and fluorescent light. The combinations of blue and red LEDs produced variable results. The paclitaxel content of these calli was quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography. The paclitaxel content of calli derived from needles was 0.00628% and the 10-DAB (10-Deacetylbaccatin III) content was 0.00366%. The paclitaxel content of calli derived from petioles was 0.00412%, and no 10-DAB was detected.

Isolation and cytotoxicity evaluation of taxanes from the barks of Taxus wallichiana var. mairei.

Fifteen taxanes (1-15) including a new taxane glucoside, 7β,9α,10β-triacetoxy-13α-hydroxy-5α-O-(β-d-glucopyranosyl)taxa-4(20),11-diene (1), were isolated from the barks of Taxus wallichiana var. mairei. Compounds 1-15 representing three sub-types of 6/8/6-taxane were evaluated in vitro for anti-proliferative activity against a panel of parental and drug-resistant cancer cells. Potent compounds were found while several exhibited selective cytotoxicity. Especially, 3, 8, and 10 showed selective inhibition to breast carcinoma cell line MCF-7, while 13 selectively inhibited taxol resistant human ovarian carcinoma cell line A2780/TAX (IC50=0.19μM), being more potent than the clinical drugs taxol (IC50=4.4μM) and docetaxol (IC50=0.42μM), and less cytotoxic to mouse embryonic fibroblast cell line NIH-3T3, a cell line close to normal cell line. The possible P-glycoprotein evasion mechanism of 13 against A2780/TAX and the preliminary structure-activity relationships (SARs) of this group of compounds were also discussed.

Development of microsatellite loci for Taxus wallichiana var. wallichiana (Taxaceae) and cross-amplification in Taxaceae.

Nine polymorphic microsatellite loci were isolated and characterized in Taxus wallichiana var. wallichiana, an endangered species in China. The number of alleles per locus ranged from 2 to 20. Observed and expected heterozygosities varied from 0.0260 to 0.5325 and 0.3603 to 0.9231, respectively. Positive cross-amplification of the 9 loci was observed in 2 other varieties of T. wallichiana and 4 other Taxaceae species. These loci will be of value for studying population genetic structures and for genetic resource conservation in T. wallichiana and other Taxus species.

Neuropharmacological activities of Taxus wallichiana bark in Swiss albino mice.

Aims:The bark of Taxus wallichiana is widely used for preparing a decoction and consumed as a tea by several tribal communities of the Indian subcontinent. The sedative, motor coordination, anxiolytic, and antidepressant effects of the hydroalcoholic extract of T. wallichiana bark and its ethylacetate fraction were evaluated in mice models of behavior analysis.Materials and Methods:The effects were evaluated on diazepam-induced sleeping time, elevated plus maze and light and dark box, and on the forced swimming test. General locomotor activity and motor coordination effects were evaluated in the actophotmeter and rota-rod tests respectively.Statistical Analysis:Results are expressed as mean ± standard error of the mean. Statistical analysis was performed using ANOVA, followed by post-hoc Dunnett's test. *P < 0.05, **P < 0.01, ***P < 0.001 were considered as significant.Results:Both the hydroalcoholic extract and ethylacetate fraction showed a marked decrease in latency of sleep onset, prolonged the diazepam-induced sleeping time, decreased spontaneous locomotor activity; whereas ethylacetate fraction produced anxiolytic and antidepressant activity.Conclusions:Both hydroalcoholic extract and its ethylacetate fraction of the bark of T. wallichiana have bioactive principles, which induce neuropharmacological changes.

Ethnobotanical survey of some threatened medicinal plants of Kashmir Himalaya, India

An ethnobotanical study was conducted from March, 2011 to October, 2012 to enumerate the diversity of traditionally used threatened medicinal plants in biodiversity rich temperate Himalayan ranges of Bandipora district, Kashmir, India. Ethnomedicinal data was gathered using semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions and walk-in-the-woods with local knowledgeable elders, tribals (Gujjars and Bakkerwals) and Bhoeris (traditional practitioners). Results revealed that 23 threatened plant species belonging to 22 genera and 15 different families were traditionally used for curing various health disorders. Taxus wallichiana was a lone gymnosperm while all others were angiosperms. Majority of the species were perennial herbs but reports of biennial herbs and perennial trees were not uncommon. The highest number of medicinal plants were recorded in two families viz. Asteraceae (4 species, 17.39%) and Liliaceae (3 species, 13.04%). The shrinking population of these plants on account of very high demand for medicinal purposes is a matter of great concern as these plants are the backbone of our traditional medicinal system with a large population still depending on traditional medicine. Therefore, the need to conserve these plants is of utmost importance because if necessary conservation measures are not taken at the earliest, the day will not be far away when these God gifted resources will completely deplete from their natural habitats. Key words: Threatened plants, ethnobotany, Bandipora, tribals, Kashmir Himalaya.

Isolation and identification of a 10-deacetyl baccatin-III-producing endophyte from Taxus wallichiana.

Endophytic fungi of inner root bark of Taxus wallichiana var. mairei were investigated in order to find endophytes producing 10-DABIII (10-deacetyl baccatin III). Purified colonies were cultured in potato dextrose broth (PDB), and then the organic extracts from fungi were analyzed with HPLC, LC-MS, and (1)H NMR. Of 102 fungal endophytes isolated from the inner root bark, only one strain named IRB54 can yield 10-DABIII but no taxol and baccatin III. In PDB culture medium, its productivity was 187.564 ug/l. Based on its morphological characteristics and molecular data, the IRB54 strain was identified as Trichoderma sp. The isolation of the fungus IRB54 yielding 10-DABIII will provide an alternative resource to manufacture taxol/taxotere via semi-synthesis and some useful clues for improving the understanding of taxane synthesis evolution.

Seasonal effects on the 10-deacetylbaccatin III and 19-hydroxybaccatin III contents of the needles of Taxus wallichiana Zucc. in Lam Dong province

Seasonal effects on the 10-deacetylbaccatin III and 19-hydroxybaccatin III contents of the needles of Taxus wallichiana Zucc. in Lam Dong province

Community Involvement and Conservation ofTaxus baccatain Pangi Valley, Himachal Pradesh

Taxus baccata L. is a rare and endangered species in India. It is a medium-sized (10–20 m tall) evergreen tree. It produces the anti-cancer drug Taxol (paclitaxel). Taxol is also used for treating bronchitis, asthma, epilepsy, snake bites, scorpion stings, internal injuries, lung diseases, and diabetes. The main reasons for the decline of Himalayan yew are deforestation, browsing by herbivores, and commercialization of plants for extracting the drug. We concentrated our study in Pangi Valley (Chamba district, Himachal Pradesh). We worked with the local community to develop a strategy for conservation and sustainable use of Taxus baccata. We collected twigs of Taxus from the forest of Tandah (alt. 3900 m) of Pangi Valley, Chamba district. We rooted the twigs without any chemical treatments with the assistance of the local inhabitants near Purthi Village. We proved Taxus baccata could be propagated and grown in a nursery in Pangi Valley. Taxus cultivation can create income for local communities. We suggested Pangi Valley in Himachal Pradesh, India, as an Important Plant Area (IPA). We also felt participation of the government is a prime need for constant income through medicinal plants cultivation using ethnobotanical knowledge.

Gymnosperms of Laos

The present review includes keys for identification and summary data on the nomenclature, morphology, ecology and distribution for all 33 species of gymnosperms hitherto recorded in the flora of Laos. They belong to 8 families and 15 genera. Important additions to these data were obtained during fieldwork in 2009–2013, when 58 localities containing 25 species from 14 genera and 8 families were explored and initially studied. Two species, Cycas laotica and Pinus cernua, are described as new species for science. Seven species, Cycas dolichophylla, C. inermis, C. macrocarpa, C. micholitzii, C. nongnoochiae, C. petraea and Taxus wallichiana, are found in Laos and represent new records for the flora of the country. Maps of the distribution and illustrations for the newly discovered gymnosperm species are provided. All observations, records and discoveries are based on reliable scientific literature and collected voucher herbarium specimens housed in main regional herbaria.

Visualizing Patterns of Genetic Landscapes and Species Distribution ofTaxus wallichiana(Taxaceae), Based on GIS and Ecological Niche Models

Abstract: The Chinese yew (Taxus wallichiana), which is widely distributed in the Himalayas and in southern China, is now on the edge of extinction. In order to understand the evolutionary processes that control the current diversity within this species at the genetic and ecological levels, its genetic patterns and range dynamics must first be identified and mapped. This knowledge can then be applied in the development of an effective conservation strategy. Based on molecular data obtained from 48 populations of T. wallichiana, we used GIS-based interpolation approach for the explicit visualization of patterns of genetic divergence and diversity, and a number of potential evolutionary hotspots have been specifically identified within the genetic landscape maps. Within the maps of genetic divergence and diversity, five areas of high inter-population genetic divergence and six areas of high intra-population genetic diversity have been highlighted in a number of separate mountain regions, and these evolution...

A study on isolating the endosymbiotic fungi from the roots of Taxus wallichiana Zucc in Lac Duong, Lam Dong province and surveying the suitable medium for the researched fungi

A study on isolating the endosymbiotic fungi from the roots of Taxus wallichiana Zucc in Lac Duong, Lam Dong province and surveying the suitable medium for the researched fungi

Ethnomedical Properties of Taxus Wallichiana Zucc. (Himalayan Yew)

Taxus wallichiana Zucc., known as Himalayan yew, belongs to the family Taxaceae. It is a medium-sized, temperate, Himalayan forest tree of medicinal importance. In India, this evergreen tree is found at altitudes between 1800 and 3300 m above mean sea level (MSL). It has been used by the native populations for treating common cold, cough, fever, and pain. Its uses are described in Ayurveda and Unani medicine. It received attention recently as its leaves and bark were found to be the prime source of taxol, a potent anticancer drug. It possesses many other biological activities also. We focus on its importance in traditional medicine for its multiple medicinal properties.

Genetic diversity, demographical history and conservation aspects of the endangered yew tree Taxus contorta (syn. Taxus fuana) in Pakistan

The western Himalayan yew (Taxus contorta Griffith, synonym Taxus fuana Nan Li & R.R. Mill), one of the highly prized tree species for its anticancer properties, is experiencing severe reduction in populations across its range in Pakistan. We examined a chloroplast DNA region (trnL-F) and ten nuclear microsatellite loci variations among seven populations to investigate the levels of genetic diversity and reconstruct the demographic history of T. contorta in Pakistan. A low haplotype diversity (H (T) = 0.182), moderate level of microsatellite diversity (H (E) = 0.541 +/- 0.034), significant population differentiation (F (ST) = 0.107) and high level of inbreeding (F (IS) = 0.219-0.418) characterized this species. Results of an approximate Bayesian computation (ABC), mismatch distribution analysis, neutrality tests and data on glacial chronologies of the western Himalaya indicated a historic demographic expansion of T. contorta populations from small ancestral populations. This expansion is estimated to have occurred at least 37.5 thousand years ago (kya) during the late Pleistocene. An unprecedented level of habitat disturbance over the last few decades, coupled with the highly variable climate may have played an important role in shaping the genetic structure of the extant T. contorta populations. We have discussed a range of sustainable management measures for the ecological restoration of remnant populations as well as for a sustainable exploitation of this plant of high economic potential.