Traditional Medicine Resources Research Articles

Integrating Traditional Medicine into the Healthcare System in Ethiopia: Promoting Research and Avoiding Misappropriation

Traditional medicine is a form of medicine that has been widely used in Ethiopia for thousands of years. However, it is still practiced in the absence of formal healthcare. The current approach to the protection of traditional medicinal resources in Ethiopia is based on multiple fragmented legislations and neglects one of these problems. The main objective of this paper is to discuss the need for integrating traditional medicine into national healthcare system and protecting of traditional medicinal resources in Euthopia. This normative legal research employs statutory approach. It is found that Ethiopia has put in place a legal framework for the protection of its traditional medicinal resources, but the role of traditional medicine in healthcare is not clearly defined. Many medicinal plants are, consequently, at risk of extinction and biopiracy. Ay policy option that seeks to protect traditional medicinal resources must have in mind these three problems together, i.e loss of traditional knowledge, loss of medicinal plants, and potential misappropriation. Integrating traditional medicine into the modern health care system requires careful consideration of conservation, protection, and development of traditional practices.

Characteristics and comparative study of medicinal materials between China and India based on data mining from literatures

Ethnopharmacological relevanceChina and India have unique traditional medicine systems with vast territory and rich medical resources. Traditional medicines in China include traditional Chinese medicine, Tibetan medicine, Mongolian medicine, Uyghur medicine, Dai medicine, etc. In the third national survey of Chinese medicine resources, 12694 medicinal materials were identified. Traditional medicines in India include Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha, Homoeopathy, etc. There are 7263 medicinal materials in India. Aim of the studyTo reveal the characteristics of medicinal materials between China and India respectively, and to compare the similarities and differences in terms of properties, tastes, medicinal parts and therapeutic uses and to promote the exchange of traditional medicine between China and India and the international trade of traditional medicine industry. MethodsThe information of medicinal materials between China and India was extracted from The Chinese Traditional Medicine Resource Records and Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China, as well as from 71 Indian herbal monographs. The information of each medicinal material, such as types, families, genera, properties, distribution, medicinal parts, efficacy, therapeutic uses, dosage form and dosage, was recorded in Excel for statistical analysis and visual comparison. ResultsA total of 12694 medicinal materials in China and 5362 medicinal materials in India were identified. The medicinal materials were mostly distributed in Southwest China and northern India. Plants were the main sources of medicinal materials. The common medicinal parts in China were whole medicinal materials, roots and rhizomes, and India used more renewable fruits, seeds and leaves. They are commonly used in the treatment of digestive system diseases. There were 1048 medicinal materials used by both China and India, which were distributed in 188 families and 685 genera. The Chinese and Indian pharmacopoeias had a total of 80 species of medicinal materials used by both China and India. ConclusionsThe characteristics of medicinal materials between China and India were somewhat different, which was conducive to provide a reference basis for traditional medicine in China or India to increase the medicinal parts and indications when using a certain medicinal material, as well as to expand the source of medicine and introduce new resources. However, there were certain similarities and shared medicinal materials, which can tap the potential of bilateral trade of medicinal materials between China and India, so as to promote the medical cultural exchange and economic and trade cooperation between the two countries.

Protection and sustainable utilization of traditional medicinal biogenetic resources

Protection and sustainable utilization of traditional medicinal biogenetic resources

Molecular phylogenetics of the Ophiocordyceps sinensis-species complex lineage (Ascomycota, Hypocreales), with the discovery of new species and predictions of species distribution

Ophiocordyceps sinensis is a famous traditional Chinese medicine adapted to the alpine environment of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and adjacent regions. Clarification of the species diversity of Ophiocordyceps sinensis and its relatives could expand the traditional medicinal resources and provide insights into the speciation and adaptation. The study is prompted by the discovery of a new species, O. megala, described here from a biodiversity hotspot in the Hengduan Mountains, China. Combined morphological, ecological, and phylogenetic evidence supports its distinctiveness from O. sinensis, O. xuefengensis, and O. macroacicularis. Additionally, based on the phylogenetic construction of Ophiocordyceps, a special clade was focused phylogenetically on the more closely related O. sinensis complex, which was defined as the O. sinensis- species complex lineage. A total of 10 species were currently confirmed in this lineage. We made a comprehensive comparison of the sexual/asexual morphological structures among this species complex, distinguishing their common and distinctive features. Furthermore, using the method of species distribution modelling, we studied the species ocurrences in relation to climatic, edaphic, and altitudinal variables for the eight species in the O. sinensis-species complex, and determined that their potential distribution could extend from the southeastern Qinghai-Tibet Plateau to the Xuefeng Mountains without isolating barrier. Thus, the biodiversity corridor hypothesis was proposed around the O. sinensis-species complex. Our study highlights the phylogeny, species diversity, and suitable distribution of the O. sinensis-species complex lineage, which should have a positive implication for the resource discovery and adaptive evolution of this unique and valuable group.

Naturalized Alien Plant as Traditional Medicine Resources: A Study from Cibodas Biosphere Reserve, West Java

Cibodas Biosphere Reserve, with Gunung Gede Pangrango National Park as the core zone area, has an enormous number of naturalized alien species spread within it. There are 88 alien plant species, and more than 50% are utilized for many purposes. This research documented the utilization of these naturalized alien plant species, particularly for traditional medicine. Data were obtained by interviewing 90 respondents in three locations around Cibodas Biosphere Reserve using questionnaire sheets. The questionnaire used the Index Cultural Significance framework to quantify the value of every species for traditional medicine. The results showed that the community used 41 naturalized alien plant species from 15 families. Asteraceae is the family with the most widely used species and has various medicinal benefits. The most frequently treated health problems are anti-inflammatory, dental and oral health, and fever. ICS value showed that the utilization rate is low, yet these plants have promising properties as sources of natural medicine. Moreover, the utilization of these alien plants can be an option in controlling these species to prevent the invasion of Gunung Gede Pangrango National Park. Keywords: alien plant species, Cibodas Biosphere Reserve, Index Cultural Significance, invasion risk, medicinal plant

Phenolic Compounds of Rumex L: Aerial Part Fractions and Essential Oil Results of In vitro Screening for Antimicrobial Activity

The aim of the present study to clarify the phytochemical constituents of Rumex plants, extraction, separation and structural identification of chemical components, provide theoretical support and scientific basis for its traditional use, further expand the application scope of traditional medicinal plant resources in Uzbekistan, and develop its potential value. Three known anthraquinone derivatives has been isolated from the chloroform fraction extract of Rumex pamiricus roots and two known compounds were separated from the ethyl acetate fraction extract of Rumex conglomeratus roots. Their structures were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic evidence and chemical methods. Qualitative analyses of major phenolics by TLC analysis were also evaluated. The ester oil from the aerial parts of Rumex confertus and Rumex pamiricus, the gasoline, chloroform, ethyl acetate and butanol extracts of Rumex pamiricus aerial part and alcohol extract of Rumex pamiricus roots were tested in vitro for antimicrobial activity.
 This study aimed to determine the in vitro antimicrobial activity of the medicinal plants traditionally used in Uzbekistan against the microbial strains associated with infectious diseases.

Keanekaragaman Herba di Kawasan Mangrove Muara Aluh-Aluh

<p><strong>Herbs are plants with moist stems that grow wild along roadsides or on the unmaintained ground. Herbs are more commonly associated with plants that are harmful to civilization, even though they have numerous uses in life, including traditional medicine, ornamental plants, and contextual instructional resources. People are unaware of herbs and plants categorized as herbs, which is one of the reasons why they are considered hazardous plants. A mangrove forest is a type of forest with a tidal environment; plants that may grow in mangrove forests are characteristic vegetation, notably salt-tolerant plants. The goal of this research was to describe the plant variety in the Muara Aluh-Aluh Mangrove Area. The data was gathered in the 500-meter-long Muara Aluh-Aluh Mangrove Area, which was divided into ten locations separated by 50 meters. A plot of 1 m x 1 m with as many as 4 pieces was made at each place using the line transect method and oriented diagonally. The quantity and varieties of herbaceous plants found in the plot were counted as samples. According to the findings of the study on herbaceous plant diversity in the Muara Aluh-Aluh Mangrove area, there are 21 different varieties of herbaceous plants with a diversity index of 2.66, putting them in the medium diversity category.</strong></p><p><em><strong>Keywords</strong> -<strong> </strong>Diversity, Herbs, Mangroves, Muara Aluh-Aluh</em></p>

Potential Therapeutic Effects of Falcaria vulgaris Bernh

Introduction: Falcaria vulgaris Bernh (FV) is a plant of the Apiaceae (Umbelliferae) family, which is known as Ghaziaghi in the Iranian Azeri language and Paghaza in the west of Iran. This plant is usually consumed in spring as a local vegetable and food. FV is recommended by traditional medicine resources for the treatment of skin diseases, gastrointestinal complaints, liver disease, blood purification, and increasing breast milk. The presence of tannins and saponins and the absence of flavonoids and terpenoids have been shown in FV. As various significant properties and special characteristics of FV have been expressed in numerous studies, this study aimed to collect documents and summarize and classify the properties of this plant through a systematic review method. Materials and Methods: We extracted 304 articles by searching electronic databases using the following keywords: “Paghazeh,” “Ghaziaghi,” “Falcaria vulgaris Bernh,” and “qazayagi.” Then, after eliminating duplicates and unrelated studies, finally, 19 studies were entered into a systematic review. Results: Significant therapeutic effects have been reported for FV through studies investigating the medicinal properties of the plant, including antioxidant, antimicrobial and antidiabetic effects, healing properties of skin and stomach ulcers, and protection of the liver and kidney. Most of these effects are related to antioxidant content and the presence of tannins and saponins in the plant. Conclusion: FV has significant effects on treatment of various diseases in animal studies and can be concluded in human clinical trials.

Acaudina molpadioides mediates lipid uptake by suppressing PCSK9 transcription and increasing LDL receptor in human liver cells.

Acaudina molpadioides has been long used as traditional medicinal resources and reported to demonstrate various important bioactivities such as anticoagulation, antithrombosis, anti-hyperglycemia and anticancer. However, its lipid lowering activity is yet to be fully explored. Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) is an enzyme that enhances the lysosomal degradation of hepatic low density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) resulting in excessive accumulation of the plasma levels of LDL-cholesterols (LDL-C) which subsequently accelerate atherosclerosis. In the present study, A. molpadioides fractions were subjected to promoter-reporter luciferase assay to determine its role as PCSK9 inhibitors. It was found both fractions (EFA and EFB) reduced the transcriptional activity of PCSK9 promoter. Among the seven 5′end deletion constructs of PCSK9 promoter, fragments D1 (−1,711/−94), D3 (−709/−94) and D4 (−440/−94), were suppressed in the presence of both fractions whereas D2 (−1,214/−94), and, D6 (−351/−94) as well as D7 (−335/−94) were inhibited only by EFA and EFB, respectively. Further transcription factor binding sites prediction using MatInspector software discovered various potential cis-regulatory elements namely, PPAR, KLFs, RBPJ-kappa and SREBP that may potentially be involved in ameliorating the transcriptional activity of PCSK9. Immunofluorescence staining was used to evaluate the effects of both fractions on LDL-C and LDLR. Results showed that levels of LDL-C uptake in EFA-treated cells were 69.1% followed by EFB at 32.6%, as compared to untreated control after 24 h treatment. The LDLR protein distribution was induced by 62.41% and 32.2%, which corresponded to an increase in LDL-C uptake in both EFA and EFB treatment, respectively. Hence, the inhibition of PCSK9 by bioactive compounds in EFA and EFB could be another promising therapeutic agent in reducing the cholesterol levels and atherosclerosis by targeting PCSK9.

The importance of Ulu Sat Forest Reserve to socio-economic activity of local community

Kelantan state has rich natural landscapes and interesting geological features, which has excellent potential to be developed. Ulu Sat Forest Reserve is one of the important forest reserves that available in Kelantan. It functions as a water catchment area make it very significant to the local community nearby. The study’s aim is to explore the significance of Ulu Sat Forest Reserve to socio-economic of local community. The qualitative approach was executed via focus group discussion and in-depth interview technique with the leader and local communities. This study has found out that Ulu Sat Forest Reserve has played a significant role in the local community livelihood in the context of income resources, traditional medicine resources, water resources, and a preferable recreational place for family. Besides that, this article also discussed a brief background of the local community living near the Ulu Sat Forest Reserve. Discussion on the local community’s demographic is essential to understand their socio-economic activities related to Ulu Sat Forest Reserve. This study indicates that the local community is still dependent on the forest reserve ecosystem and services in their livelihood. The disturbance of the Ulu Sat Forest Reserve ecosystem will cause an indirect negative impact on the tranquillity of the local community.

Association of functional dyspepsia with selected dermatology complaints and sleep disturbances based on traditional Persian medicine

Background: Functional dyspepsia (FD) is a common disorder of the upper gastrointestinal tract. Several documents in conventional medicine claim an association between FD, sleep disturbance, and some dermatological conditions, but there is still debate about these relationships. This study aimed to measure the association between FD and some skin problems and sleep indices based on the attitudes of traditional Persian medicine. Methods: This study was carried out on patients with the diagnosis of FD and healthy people. The study populationconsisted of patients who referred to the gastroenterology clinic of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences (Shiraz, Iran) from July to December 2019. To diagnose dyspepsia, we used Rome III criteria. Skin problems and sleep indices were evaluated using a validated researcher-made questionnaire. P-values of ≤0.05 were considered significant. Results: Overall, 160 patients (46 men and 116 women) with FD and 155 healthy individuals (36 men and 119 women) were enrolled in the study. There were significant differences between patients and healthy individuals in terms of dryness of skin (P = 0.001), oily hair, deep sleep, long sleep, insomnia, difficulty sleeping, and nightmares (p≤0.001). On the other hand, there were no significant differences between the groups in intermittent sleeping (P = 0.116) and periorbital edema after sleeping (P = 0.195). Conclusions: According to the results of this study, it seems that there is a positive relationship between FD and some dermatological and sleeping indices based on traditional Persian medicine resources.

Effects of rhizome of Atractylodes koreana (Nakai) Kitam on intestinal flora and metabolites in rats with rheumatoid arthritis

Ethnopharmacological relevanceAtractylodis rhizoma in Chinese Pharmacopoeia are Atractylodes lancea (Thunb.) DC and Atractylodes chinensis (DC.) Koidz. Atractylodes koreana (Nakai) Kitam has not been included in Chinese Pharmacopoeia, however, in the ‘dictionary of traditional Chinese medicine’, Atractylodes koreana (Nakai) Kitam is often used as Atractylodis rhizoma in the north of China. According to ‘Chinese traditional medicine resources’, Atractylodes koreana (Nakai) Kitam has the function of drying dampness and strengthening the spleen, dispelling wind and eliminating dampness. Aim of this studyThe study was to explore the effect and mechanism of Atractylodes koreana (Nakai) Kitam on rheumatoid arthritis(RA) through intestinal flora and its metabolites(short chain fatty acids). Materials and methods36 male SD rats were randomly divided into 6 groups. The Freund's complete adjuvant method was used to reproduce RA model. The contents of inflammatory factors in the plasma of rats were monitored by ELISA method. The pathological changes of synovium were observed. 16SrDNA high-throughput sequence method was used to study the composition and structure of intestinal microflora in each group of rats. Gas Chromatography and Mass Spectrum(GC-MS) method was used to determine the content of short chain fatty acids(SCFAs) in colon of rats of each group. ResultsAfter oral administration of Atractylodes koreana (Nakai) Kitam, the synovial infiltration and vascular proliferation in RA rats were alleviated, the level of TNF - α, IL-1, IL-1 β, IL-2, IL-6, hs-CRP in the plasma of RA rats were declined. RA could cause the disturbance of intestinal flora and SCFAs, Atractylodes koreana (Nakai) Kitam could regulate 8 genera of intestinal flora and improve the disorder of SCFAs. ConclusionsAtractylodes koreana (Nakai) Kitam has a therapeutic effect on RA, the therapeutic mechanism may be related to down-regulating inflammatory factors and improving the imbalance of intestinal flora and SCFAs.

Analysis of Chemical Components in the Roots of Eight Intersubgeneric Hybrids of Paeonia.

Paeonia cultivars are famous ornamental plants, and some of them are also traditional Chinese medicinal resources. Intersubgeneric hybrids of Paeonia (IHPs) are formed by the hybridization of herbaceous peony (Paeonia lactiflora) and tree peony (Paeonia×suffruticosa or lutea hybrid tree peony). The phenotypic characteristics of IHPs are similar to those of herbaceous peony, and their root systems are large and vigorous. However, their medicinal value has not been reported yet. In this study, the roots of eight IHP samples were analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (HPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS). A total of 18 compounds were identified, including phenols, paeonols, monoterpene glycosides, and tannins. The contents of monoterpene glycosides and tannins in IHPs were higher than herbaceous peony and tree peony, exceeding 44.76 mg/g DW and 11.50 mg/g DW, respectively. Three IHPs, 'Prairie Charm', 'Garden Treasure', and 'Yellow Emperor', with more types and a higher content of medicinal compounds, were screened out by cluster analysis. These IHPs have considerable potential for the development of medicinal resources.

A Mini-review on Medicinal Plants Used for the Treatment of Jaundice in the Canon of Medicine

Context: Jaundice is a common gastrointestinal system disorder globally. Considering the potential of herbal remedies in traditional medical systems, this study was performed to explore medicinal plants used for the treatment of jaundice in the Canon of medicine. Evidence Acquisition: This narrative review was done on one of the most important textbooks in traditional Persian medicine. Different keywords, like Yárághān and Zárdī, were searched in the book, and a list of plants used was prepared. We searched for recent literature to find any supportive evidence to find the established mechanism of action, as well. Results: At the end of the study, 32 plants were found in the Canon of medicine, which most of them had at least one experimental or clinical study clarifying their mechanism of action to treat jaundice or decrease bilirubin. Conclusions: There are potential remedies in traditional Persian medicine resources, which may be useful in future trials to treat jaundice.

Microscopic Features, Antioxidant and Antibacterial Capacities of Plants of the Congolese Cosmetopoeia, Raw Materials of Cosmeceuticals

Cosmeceuticals are the fastest growing products in the cosmetics field and represent a hybrid between cosmetics and drugs. The main benefits reported for cosmeceutical herbal extracts, used in skin care, include antioxidant and antimicrobial activities and the tyrosinase inhibiting effect. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant and antibacterial activities of extracts from Chromolaena odorata, Mitracarpus villosus, Senna alata, Tetradenia riparia, Cannabis sativa and Pterocarpus soyauxii used traditionally in the management of skin and skin annexes pathologies; additionally to determine their microscopical characteristics and their chromatographic fingerprints. Microscopic analyses showed the specific botanical microscopic characters for each plant that constitute the database useful for the identification and authentication of these botanicals. To the best of our knowledge, our work is the first to describe the microscopic histological characters of studied plants except for Cannabis sativa. The results of the TLC chromatographic analysis revealed the richness in phenolic compounds, terpenes in all extracts and Pterocarpus soyauxii contained coumarins. All extracts displayed high ABTS and DPPH radical-scavenging activities connected with their IC50 values at the concentration range of 1 - 125 μg/mL with Cannabis sativa and Pterocarpus soyauxii as the most active. All plant extracts exhibited antibacterial activity on Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus to varying degrees. Cannabis sativa exhibited strong effect on Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Chromolaena odorata and Tetradenia riparia showed a marked effect on Escherichia coli. Although certain crude extracts from studied botanicals have been shown to be inactive, fractionation studies are needed to determine the active fractions. Obtained biological activities could be related to phytochemicals present in the organic extracts like phenolic compounds and terpenoids. The antioxidant and antibacterial activities of the studied species may have potential therapeutic interest and could justify their use in traditional medicine and local cosmeceutical resources, but further studies are needed, especially in vivo studies, to demonstrate the benefit of these extracts on skin and skin appendages care.

New insights into Paeoniaceae used as medicinal plants in China

Paeoniaceae is an abundant germplasm resource with significant medicinal values in China, the principal medicinal components of which include paeoniflorin and paeonol. These compounds are typically obtained from air-dried root samples, which the use of freeze-drying as an alternative method has not been tested. Additionally, the presence of these two compounds in various wild Paeoniaceae species has not been previously explored, nor have the differences between various plant organs been fully evaluated. Here, freeze-drying and air-drying methods were compared to assess the changes in paeoniflorin and paeonol in root samples using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometer. The contents of these compounds in the roots, leaves, stems, and petals were then tested in freeze-dried materials. We also quantitatively detected the paeoniflorin and paeonol contents in the roots of 14 species collected from 20 natural habitats. Results indicated that the paeoniflorin content decreased under air-drying in comparison to freeze-drying, while the opposite trend was observed for paeonol. Our findings also demonstrated that the root xylem of species in Section Moutan, particularly Paeonia ostii, contains considerable paeonol and paeoniflorin and should thus be fully utilized as a medicinal resource. Furthermore, paeonol was mainly detected in the roots, while paeoniflorin was widely distributed in different organs; the highest content was in the leaf at the budding stage, suggesting that the leaves should be developed as a new paeoniflorin resource. Paeoniflorin contents were also found to be higher at earlier development stages. Based on the standards of the Chinese Pharmacopoeia, five species of Section Moutan and six species of Section Paeonia could be used as potential traditional Chinese medicinal resources. These findings of this study enhance our understanding of these two medicinal compounds and provide a foundation for the further development and utilization of Paeoniaceae as medicinal plant resources.

Current Status and Problem-Solving Strategies for Ginseng Industry.

Ginseng is a plant in the family Araliaceae and the genus Panax with the formal name of Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer and the treasure of traditional herbal medicine resources as the "king of herbs". Ginseng has been traditionally used for over 2,000 years in Asian countries, especially in China and Republic of Korea. During the ginseng industry chain, the cultivation in farmland and seed breeding are important for sustainable development of ginseng resources. Active components in ginseng including ginsenosides, polysaccharides, phenolic compound and their therapeutic benefits for multiple diseases are being studied. This paper aimed to review current research status and problem-solving strategies for each step of ginseng industry, including ginseng growing cultivation and seed resources, basic and clinical studies as well as comparison of ginseng industry between China and Republic of Korea, hoping to provide a reference for research direction and future development of ginseng industry.

Misinterpret of a unique clinical presentation named "Soo ul qinya" in Traditional Persian medicine with "Anemia"

In Traditional Persian medicine resources, soo ul qinya is one of the liver diseases that also named as pre-dropsy. The search for articles published suggests that the Soo ul qinya disease is equivalent to the anemia without any explanation. The aim of the present article is to verify this claim. A review study was conducted at 2018 on all 906 books and among credible texts of traditional medicine that have been registered on Noor Islamic software. Also, the term anemia in reference books was investigated. Moreover, "soo ul qinya" and "anemia" keywords were used for strategic searches in PubMed, Scopus and Since Direct, web of sciences, SID and Irandoc. After critical appraisal of books and articles, the required information was collected and these materials were contrasted accurately, they were compiled in the form of an article. Soo ul qinya is a difficulty in liver function and appearing weakness in it as liver could not doing its normal function and not producing good and desirable materials for feeding the body and Anemia refers to a low level of hemoglobin in the blood, which can be caused by very low levels of red blood cells or hemoglobin deficiency in blood cells. Etiology and signs and symptoms of soo ul qinya and anemia are sometimes similar and sometimes different but full compatibility between two diseases not found. Anemia is defined as a hemoglobin deficiency that can be caused by very low levels of red blood cells or hemoglobin deficiency in blood cells. However, soo ul qinya is defined as the inability of the liver to produce blood that deserves supplying foods to the cells of the body. There is a fundamental difference between anemia and soo ul qinya in this comparison because we know that the transfer of food components like proteins, carbohydrates, fats, and micronutrients occurs by the plasma, not by hemoglobin and soo ul qinya cannot be equivalent to anemia.

High frequency plant regeneration from leaf culture of Neolamarckia cadamba.

Neolamarckia cadamba is a miracle tree species with considerable economic potential uses as a timber wood, woody forage and traditional medicine resource. The present study aimed to establish a highly efficient and robust protocol of plant regeneration for N. cadamba. Greenish callus was induced from very young leaf explants of sterile in vitro plantlets cultured on Murashige and Skoog's (MS) medium supplemented with 3 mg l-1 thidiazuron (TDZ), 0.1 mg l-1 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and 0.05 mg l-1 α-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA). The callus could differentiate into nodular embryogenic structures or adventitious shoots, and these two regeneration pathways often occurred in the same callus clumps. The micro-shoots developed roots in MS supplemented with 0.05 mg l-1 NAA and 0.05 mg l-1 indole-3-butyric acid (IBA), while the nodular embryogenic structures germinated directly and developed into plantlets on induction medium contained with 0.5 mg l-1 (or 1 mg l-1) 6-benzyladenine (6-BA) and 0.05 mg l-1 NAA. The rooted plantlets could be successfully acclimatized to a greenhouse with more than 92.0% survival. This regeneration protocol can be used in large scale cultivation needs and may be useful for future genetic modifications of N. cadamba.

New Anti-inflammatory Flavonol Glycosides from Lindera akoensis Hayata.

Inflammation is related to many diseases. Lindera akoensis Hayata was often used in folk therapy in Taiwan for inflammation. In this study, three new flavonol acyl glycosides, namely kaempferol-3-O-β-D-4′′,6′′-di-(E)-p-coumaroylglucoside (1), 3′′-(E)-p-coumaroylafzelin (2) and 4′-O- methyl-2′′,4′′-di-(E)-p-coumaroylquercitrin (3), and three components, 3β-dodecyl-4β-hydroxy- 5β-methyldihydrofuran-2-one (4), 2β-acetoxyclovan-9α-ol (5), (1α,4β,6β)-trihydroxyeudesmane (6) that were isolated from the natural product for the first time were obtained along with 25 known compounds from L. akoensis. Their structures were determined by comprehensive spectroscopic analyses (1D and 2D NMR, EI-, ESI- and HRESI-MS). The ability of 1 to decrease the LPS-stimulated production of nitrite in RAW264.7 cell was evaluated, showing an IC50 value of 36.3 ± 3.2 μM. This result supports the value of L. akoensis as a traditional medicine resource.