Increasing concern over the amount of insecticide residues in food has encouraged research for ecologically sound strategies to effectively manage stored-product insect pests and protect living organisms and the envir...Increasing concern over the amount of insecticide residues in food has encouraged research for ecologically sound strategies to effectively manage stored-product insect pests and protect living organisms and the environment. Botanicals were evaluated as potential alternatives to control maize weevil, Sitophilus zeamais Motschulsky, in stored sorghum, Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench. Beetles and moths of stored grain at farm and consumer levels damage 5 - 35% worldwide and >40% in tropical countries. Maize weevil is the most damaging storage insect of sorghum grain. Management of storage insects relies on insecticides that leave residues in food and the environment. Treatments were powders of neem bark, Azadirachta indica;mesquite pods, Prosopis glandulosa;milkweed leaves, Asclepias speciosa;and a check (no botanical powder). Eight newly emerged maize weevils were provided 5 g of Malisor-84 grain treated with three doses of each plant powder. Every 2 days, data were recorded on the number of adults killed by each treatment. Percentage killed was calculated by dose per treatment and compared with the check. Grain loss was calculated based on initial and final weights. LD50 was determined by probit analysis, and associations between variables were assessed by simple linear correlation. Powder of mesquite and milkweed at 0.2 g were more effective than neem or the check in killing S. zeamais (>90%) and reducing grain damage (34 - 35.2%) and weight loss (0.8%). Milkweed at 0.1 g and neem at 0.2 g killed 78.1% of weevils. Neem at 0.05 g was slow acting, resulting in 62.5% dead and more grain damage (59.5%) and weight loss (3.6%). Botanicals at low doses (LD50 = 0.2 - 0.4 g) showed efficacy in controlling maize weevils and are recommended alternatives to guarantee quantity and quality of stored cereal grains.展开更多
BACKGROUND Dietary supplement(DS)usage among United States adults has significantly increased.Patients with steatotic liver disease(SLD)may have unique moti-vations to take DS in light of their liver condition and co-...BACKGROUND Dietary supplement(DS)usage among United States adults has significantly increased.Patients with steatotic liver disease(SLD)may have unique moti-vations to take DS in light of their liver condition and co-morbidities.AIM To characterize DS use in SLD patients and explore motivations for their use.METHODS Adults≥18 years old with complete transient elastography and dietary data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey between January 2017 and March 2020 were studied.SLD was defined using consensus criteria,combining clinical indicators with elastography thresholds.The DS Questionnaire(DSQ)was used to record participants’use of DSQ.Sample weights were applied to estimate national prevalence.RESULTS Of 2413 participants with SLD,1058 reported using DS,for an estimated prevalence of 44.8%[standard error(SE)2.4]with an average of 2.6(SE 0.2)DS per person.Among SLD participants taking DSQ,53.2%(SE 3.3)reported using non-vitamin/non-mineral ones,with an average of 1.8(SE 0.1)such supplements per person.DS users were more likely to be female,have higher levels of education,and have greater food security(P<0.02 for all).The most common motivations for using DS were to follow doctor’s advice(36.7%,SE 1.8),to improve overall health(22.1%,SE 2.0),and to maintain health(19.2%,SE 1.9).CONCLUSION Nearly half of individuals with SLD report taking DS.This study underscores the pressing need to deepen our understanding of DS use/motivations to develop tailored patient counseling strategies.展开更多
Background Heat stress has severe negative consequences on performance and health of pigs,leading to significant economic losses.The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of supplemental vitamin E and...Background Heat stress has severe negative consequences on performance and health of pigs,leading to significant economic losses.The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of supplemental vitamin E and a botanical extract in feed or drinking water on growth performance,intestinal health,and oxidative and immune status in grow-ing pigs housed under heat stress conditions.Methods Duplicate experiments were conducted,each using 64 crossbred pigs with an initial body weight of 50.7±3.8 and 43.9±3.6 kg and age of 13-week and 12-week,respectively.Pigs(n=128)were housed individually and assigned within weight blocks and sex to a 2×4 factorial arrangement consisting of 2 environments(thermo-neutral(21.2℃)or heat-stressed(30.9℃))and 4 supplementation treatments(control diet;control+100 IU/L of D-α-tocopherol in water;control+200 IU/kg of DL-α-tocopheryl-acetate in feed;or control+400 mg/kg of a botanical extract in feed).Results Heat stress for 28 d reduced(P≤0.001)final body weight,average daily gain,and average daily feed intake(-7.4 kg,-26.7%,and-25.4%,respectively)but no effects of supplementation were detected(P>0.05).Serum vitamin E increased(P<0.001)with vitamin E supplementation in water and in feed(1.64 vs.3.59 and 1.64 vs.3.24),but not for the botanical extract(1.64 vs.1.67 mg/kg)and was greater when supplemented in water vs.feed(P=0.002).Liver vitamin E increased(P<0.001)with vitamin E supplementations in water(3.9 vs.31.8)and feed(3.9 vs.18.0),but not with the botanical extract(3.9 vs.4.9 mg/kg).Serum malondialdehyde was reduced with heat stress on d 2,but increased on d 28(interaction,P<0.001),and was greater(P<0.05)for antioxidant supplementation compared to control.Cellular proliferation was reduced(P=0.037)in the jejunum under heat stress,but increased in the ileum when vitamin E was supplemented in feed and water under heat stress(interaction,P=0.04).Tumor necrosis factor-αin jejunum and ileum mucosa decreased by heat stress(P<0.05)and was reduced by vitamin E sup-plementations under heat stress(interaction,P<0.001).Conclusions The addition of the antioxidants in feed or in drinking water did not alleviate the negative impact of heat stress on feed intake and growth rate of growing pigs.展开更多
The article is devoted to the study of bioecological features of Ipomoea nil in the conditions of the Tashkent Botanical Garden. Seeds were sown 8 - 10 cm deep in the first decade of April. Seed germination averaged 8...The article is devoted to the study of bioecological features of Ipomoea nil in the conditions of the Tashkent Botanical Garden. Seeds were sown 8 - 10 cm deep in the first decade of April. Seed germination averaged 85% - 90%. The beginning of vegetation and leaf regrowth in Tashkent is observed in the second decade of April. The flowering phase was observed in the first decade of August and fruiting was noted in the first decade of September. Biometric indicators of the plant during the generative phase were revealed as follows: plant height 2.95 ± 0.22 m, generative shoot length 2.62 ± 0.24 m, number of leaves 46.5 ± 3.59 pcs., leaf length 10.11 ± 0.49 cm, root length 19.85 ± 0.88 cm, number of flowers 42.8 ± 2.37 pcs., flower diameter 4.82 ± 0.28 cm. Potential seed productivity (PSP) of the plant was noted 13.5 ± 0.5 pcs., real seed productivity (RSP) was 10.8 ± 0.44 pcs. And in turn, the seed productivity coefficient (SPC) amounted to 80.0% ± 1.31%. The primary results prove, according to the success of Ipomoea nil introduction, the noted indicators in Tashkent conditions.展开更多
The pulse cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp] holds a significant agricultural position in Uganda, ranking fourth among legume crops, following common beans, groundnuts, and soybeans. Known for its versatility, cowpe...The pulse cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp] holds a significant agricultural position in Uganda, ranking fourth among legume crops, following common beans, groundnuts, and soybeans. Known for its versatility, cowpeas are consumable at various developmental stages, from early seedling to maturity. However, the crop faces persistent pest challenges at each stage, leading to substantial yield losses. In Uganda, chemical insecticides are the primary pest control means, but their increased and excessive use raises environmental, health, and economic concerns. This has prompted a quest for alternative and sustainable solutions, prompting an exploration of botanical insecticides. This study, conducted at Makerere University Agricultural Research Institute (MUARIK), aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of three selected botanical insecticides versus four established chemical insecticides for managing cowpea insect pests under field conditions. The treatments included: Carbofuran, Cypermethrin 10% EC, Dimethoate, Pestwin, Pyrethrum ewc , Pyrethrum 5ew, Profenofos 40% Cypermethrin 4% EC mix, and Untreated, arranged in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The significant pests studied were aphids, thrips, pod-sucking bugs, and legume pod borer. Results indicated substantial impacts of the treatments on pest infestation, with Profenofos 40% Cypermethrin 4% EC being the most effective against most pests. The plant parameter, plant height, was significantly affected by treatments in 2016B, while the number of pods was impacted in 2017A. Pestwin, a botanical insecticide blend (containing Azadirachtin indica, Pongamia pinnata, and Ricinus communis extracts) demonstrated superior efficacy against cowpea aphids. Moreover, it positively influenced plant height, number of pods, and pod biomass, surpassing many chemical insecticides. Pestwin’s environmental friendliness positions it as a potential contributor to reducing environmental pollution, making it a promising candidate for inclusion in IPM programs. Overall, the study underscores the importance of exploring botanical alternatives to chemical insecticides for sustainable pest management in cowpea cultivation.展开更多
The destruction of forests has led to plant diversity and species being lost at an unprecedented rate and a decrease in ecosystem services. Plant conservation strategies are important to support the development of liv...The destruction of forests has led to plant diversity and species being lost at an unprecedented rate and a decrease in ecosystem services. Plant conservation strategies are important to support the development of livelihoods based on the sustainable uses of plants and promote the understanding and sharing of the benefits and functions of plants. Botanical gardens allocate most of their resources to plant conservation and the development of educational activities such as making plant species diversity known to the public. These gardens can also play an essential role in human well-being and provide in human needs. In this article, we review the history of the development of Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden and the development of other national botanical gardens in South Africa. We will discuss conservation through cultivation, discovering and documenting diversity of plants, indigenous plants, threatened plants, medicinal plants, extinctions and rediscoveries, environmental education, conservation science, citizen science, horticulture, research and creating a haven for biodiversity. Future challenges and responsibilities of botanical gardens will be discussed including in situ and ex situ cultivation, promoting awareness, creating partnerships, increasing capacity building and training activities, sharing information and making gardens sustainable.展开更多
[ Objective ] The paper was to study the effects of several botanical pesticides against two pests in tea plantation. [ Method] Using randomized block de- sign, different concentrations of botanical pesticides were sp...[ Objective ] The paper was to study the effects of several botanical pesticides against two pests in tea plantation. [ Method] Using randomized block de- sign, different concentrations of botanical pesticides were sprayed during the young larvae periods of Ectropis oblique hmpulina Wehrli and peak periods of Empoasca pirisuga, the reduction rate of population and control effects were investigated after spraying for 1,3,7 and 10 d. [ Result] 5% rotenone EC 800 times had the best control effect against E. oblique hmpulina, and 0.5% veratridine soluble liquid 800 times had the best control effect against E. pirisuga. 0. 5% veratridine soluble liquid, 0.2% celangulin EC, 0.3% matrine water agent and 7.5% rotenone EC could be selected as the pesticides for the control of E. oblique hmpulina; 0. 5% veratridine soluble liquid, 0. 2% celangulin EC, 0.3% azadirachtin EC, 0.3% matrine water agent and 7.5% rotenone EC could be selected as the pesticides for the control of E. pirisuga, of which 0. 3% azadiraehtin EC 600 times showed the best durable effect against E. pirisuga with control effect of 100% after spraying for 7 d. [ Conclusion] The results provided basis for application of botanical pesticides in pests control in tea plantation.展开更多
In order to scientifically evaluate the values of Cucurbita moschata cultivars, main botanical characters including the initial flowering date, the first fruiting node, fruit length, fruit stem length, stem diameter, ...In order to scientifically evaluate the values of Cucurbita moschata cultivars, main botanical characters including the initial flowering date, the first fruiting node, fruit length, fruit stem length, stem diameter, internode length, the transverse and longitudinal diameters of the largest leaf, single fruit weight, flesh thickness and soluble solid content of 41 cultivars were measured for conducting diversity, correlation and cluster analysis. The results revealed that the pumpkin cultivars showed large variations in fruit stem length, single fruit weight, fruit length and flesh thickness, but small variations in initial flowering date. Significant, even highly significant correlations were found among the tested traits. Cluster analysis demonstrated that the 41 old Cucurbita moschata cultivars were divided into three groups, of which multiple traits of Group 1 were better than those in the other two groups. High similarities existed in three groups and the cultivars in each group. This research provided basis for selecting excellent traits and parents for the breeding of hybrids.展开更多
The development, distribution and features of one hundred and forty botanical gardens (BGs) in China are reported and their functions on research, conservation, display and utilization of biodiversity are summarized i...The development, distribution and features of one hundred and forty botanical gardens (BGs) in China are reported and their functions on research, conservation, display and utilization of biodiversity are summarized in this paper. The contributions to the social and economic development in the early stage of Chinese BGs with the researches of economic plant (tobacco), medicinal plant (yam) and wild fruit tree resources are evaluated. The theoretical and applied achievements in recent years in seed science, plant conservation, economic plant introduction, acclimatization and breeding are also described. A general scope of living plant collections in Chinese BGs is presented and the outstanding ones, including Magnoliaceae, Zingiberaceae, Cycadaceae, medicinal plants, Actinidia and Rhododendron are particularly mentioned. With special reference to Chinese penjing art garden and silicified wood garden, the development of scientific popularization and tourism in BGs is reviewed.展开更多
[Objective] The antifungal activity of the extracts from,Atractylodes macracephal Koidz and Pulsatilla chinensis Bunge Regel,against Botrytis cinerea and Alternaria solani were studied under the condition of laborator...[Objective] The antifungal activity of the extracts from,Atractylodes macracephal Koidz and Pulsatilla chinensis Bunge Regel,against Botrytis cinerea and Alternaria solani were studied under the condition of laboratory,in order to develop and utilize these two plants.[Method] The mycelium growth rate test was applied to measure the antifungal activities of extracts against fungi.[Result] the extracts of all the two plants showed strong antifungal activity against the target pathogenic fungi,especially the antifungal activity of the extract from Pulsatilla chinensis Bunge Regel was stronger and more stable.The inhibition rate to the mycelium growth of Botrytis cinerea was 80.25%.At the same concentration,the extract from Atractylodes macracephal Koidz showed little inhibition to Botrytis cinerea and Alternaria solani.The petrolelum ether extract of Atractylodes macracephal Koidz showed stronger antifungal activities and the EC50 was 5.31 mg/ml,and the n-butanol extract of Pulsatilla chinensis Bunge Regel showed stronger antifungal activities and the EC50 was 2.93 mg/ml.[Conclusion] The extracts from Pulsatilla chinensis Bunge Regel showed the stronger antifungal activity against Botrytis cinerea and Alternaria solani.展开更多
Apolygus lucorum（Meyer-Dür.） and Erythroneura apicalis（Nawa） are important pests that affect the quality and the yield of grapevine and cause huge economic losses. This paper focuses on the selection of effec...Apolygus lucorum（Meyer-Dür.） and Erythroneura apicalis（Nawa） are important pests that affect the quality and the yield of grapevine and cause huge economic losses. This paper focuses on the selection of effective botanical pesticides to control A. lucorum and E. apicalis. This experiment explores the effect of several botanical pesticides for A. lucorum and E. apicalis, including the 0.5% veratrine, the0.6% Oxygen·Lactone agent, the 5% natural pyrethrin, the composite neem pesticide, the rotenone and the composite nicotine. The 0.5% veratrine shows a stable control efficacy, which is higher than 60% in Chengdu, while the composite nicotine shows the highest efficacy against A. lucorum, which is above 70%. In Yinchuan,the 0.5% veratrine shows the highest efficacy, against the first generation adults and the second generation larvae of E. apicalis, while the 5% natural pyrethrin shows 100% control efficacy against E. apicalis in Nanjiang. The 0.5% veratrine and the composite neem could be used as effective pesticides to control A. lucorum and the 5% natural pyrethrin can be used to control E. apicalis. They could be widely used in the production of pollution-free grapes.展开更多
Hypericin, a secondary metabolite first reported in 1830, is a natural photosensitizing naphtodianthrone and is mainly from the natural plant sources of genus Hypericum. Hypericin exhibits a wide variety of biological...Hypericin, a secondary metabolite first reported in 1830, is a natural photosensitizing naphtodianthrone and is mainly from the natural plant sources of genus Hypericum. Hypericin exhibits a wide variety of biological and pharmacological activities, such as antiviral, antidepressant, antitumor, antimicrobial, and antioxidant activity. Hypericin can also be utilized in photodynamic diagnosis. Accumulating evidence is pointing to the effects of hypericin with potential pharmaceutical and clinical interests in the past decades. The present review gives a comprehensive outline of the chemistry, botanical occurrence and biological activities of this powerful compound.展开更多
The scientific program of the Qur’anic Botanic Garden(QBG)is concerning with agricultural,conservational,biotechnology and medicinal fields.The QBG not only focusing on the study of the plants mentioned in the Holy ...The scientific program of the Qur’anic Botanic Garden(QBG)is concerning with agricultural,conservational,biotechnology and medicinal fields.The QBG not only focusing on the study of the plants mentioned in the Holy Qur’an and Hadith,but also the endogenous plants of the Flora of Qatar and potential medicinal plants of the Arabic world.In the Hadith,the Prophet’s sayings,there are more than 20 plants mentioned in the occasions of cosmetic or medicinal uses.The garden is conserving special kinds of plants collected from different parts of the world to be restored at one place for preservation and study purposes.Both ex-situ and in-situ conservational programs are designed to collect and conserve plants inside and outside their natural habitats.The QBG plant nursery,herbarium,and seeds units are main components of the QBG that build to produce and preserve the plants at QBG.More than 59 plant spices are preserved from three different geographical zones:desert,Mediterranean and tropical zones.The Garden also is collecting and preserving those traditional entities from the entire world in order to be exhibited in the Botanic Museum of the QBG.By following the Islamic principles of conservation,the QBG highlights these conservational ethics and explains them for all people.Garden emphasizes multi-activities,campaigns,events,fairs and exhibitions for the students and public in order to encourage people to preserve the natural resources through an ordinately oriented educational program which is based on plant conservation.Another side of QBG’s conservation roles is the conservation based on community engagement and education.QBG’s education programs,horticulture and conservation programs,dissemination activities,and partnerships are fundamental in ensuring the transfer of this knowledge to the global community.展开更多
Target 8 of the Global Strategy for Plant Conservation calls for 'at least 75 per cent of threatened plant species in ex situ collections, preferably in the country of origin, and at least 20 per cent available fo...Target 8 of the Global Strategy for Plant Conservation calls for 'at least 75 per cent of threatened plant species in ex situ collections, preferably in the country of origin, and at least 20 per cent available for recovery and restoration programmes by 2020'.Botanic gardens make a significant contribution to ex situ conservation of wild species with more than a third of plant species represented in botanic gardens collections. These collections are a combination of living collection and seed banked material. Seed banking can provide an efficient form of conservation for wild plant genetic diversity.Information from Botanic Gardens Conservation International's(BGCI) databases(GardenSearch,PlantSearch, ThreatSearch and GlobalTreeSearch) has been analysed as well as survey data to report on global, regional and national seed banking trends.Information from BGCI's databases indicates that there are at least 350 seed banking botanic gardens in 74 countries. In total 56,987 taxa have been banked including more than 9000 taxa that are threatened with extinction. 6881 tree species are stored in ex situ seed bank collections. More than half(3562) of these tree species are single country endemics and represent species from more than 166 countries.This study suggests that institutions are increasingly conserving plant species via seed banking.However the majority of species in collections that have a conservation assessment are not threatened with extinction. This disjunction between species that are threatened and those conserved in seed banks needs to be addressed. Data from BGCI's databases can be used to enable prioritisation of threatened plant species for collection and conservation in seed banks. Further recommendations for botanic gardens involved in seed conservation are presented.展开更多
Plant diversity is currently being lost at an unprecedented rate, resulting in an associated decrease in ecosystem services. About a third of the world＇s vascular plant species face the threat of extinction due to a ...Plant diversity is currently being lost at an unprecedented rate, resulting in an associated decrease in ecosystem services. About a third of the world＇s vascular plant species face the threat of extinction due to a variety of devastating activities, including, over-harvesting and over exploitation, destructive agricul- tural and forestry practices, urbanization, environmental pollution, land-use changes, exotic invasive species, global climate change, and more. We therefore need to increase our efforts to develop integrative conservation approaches for plant species conservation. Botanical gardens devote their resources to the study and conservation of plants, as well as making the world＇s plant species diversity known to the public. These gardens also play a central role in meeting human needs and providing well-being. In this minireview, a framework for the integrated missions of botanical gardens, including scientific research, inJex situ conservation, plant resource utilization, and citizen science are cataloged. By reviewing the history of the development of Kunming Botanical Garden, we illustrate successful species conservation approaches （among others, projects involving Camellia, Rhododendron, Magnolia, Begonia, Alliurn, Ne- penthes, medicinal plants, ornamental plants, and Plant Species with Extreme Small Populations）, as well as citizen science, and scientific research at Kunming Botanical Garden over the past 80 years. We emphasize that Kunming Botanical Garden focuses largely on the ex situ conservation of plants from Southwest China, especially those endangered, endemic, and economically important plant species native to the Yunnan Plateau and the southern Hengduan Mountains. We also discuss the future chal- lenges and responsibilities of botanical gardens in a changing world, including： the negative effects of outbreeding and/or inbreeding depression; promoting awareness, study, and conservation of plant species diversity; accelerating global access to information about plant diversity; increasing capacity building and training activities. We hope this minireview can promote understanding of the role of botanical gardens.展开更多
Impacts of global climate change, habitat loss, and other environmental changes on the world's biota and peoples continue to increase, especially on islands and in high elevation areas. Just as floristic diversity...Impacts of global climate change, habitat loss, and other environmental changes on the world's biota and peoples continue to increase, especially on islands and in high elevation areas. Just as floristic diversity is affected by environmental change, so too are cultural and linguistic diversity. Of the approximately 7000 extant languages in the world, fully 50% are considered to be at risk of extinction, which is considerably higher than most estimates of extinction risks to plants and animals. To maintain the integrity of plant life, it is not enough for botanic gardens to consider solely the effects of environmental change on plants within the context of major conservation strategies such as the Global Strategy for Plant Conservation and the Convention on Biological Diversity. Rather, botanic gardens should actively engage in understanding and communicating the broader impacts of environmental change to biological and cultural diversity.展开更多
[ Objective] The optimum extraction technology of antifungal ingredients from eight medicinal plants such as coptis root and clove, etc. and their antifungal effects on two species of plant pathogens were studied. [ M...[ Objective] The optimum extraction technology of antifungal ingredients from eight medicinal plants such as coptis root and clove, etc. and their antifungal effects on two species of plant pathogens were studied. [ Method] The effective ingredients of medicinal plants were extracted by water, ethanol and acetone. The minimum inhibitory concentration （MIC） and antifungal rate of extracts from medicinal plants were determined using plate diluting method. [Resets] The optimum medicinal plants and the extraction methods inhibited two plant pathogens were as follows： clove extracted by ethanol and acetone, and cinnamon extracted by ethanol could be adopted to inhibit Fusarium oxysporum Schl., MIC at that mo- ment reached 4 mg/ml. Clove extracted by ethanol and acetone, and cinnamon extracted by ethanol could be adopted to inhibit the pathogen of Cistanche deserticola, MIC at that moment reached 4 mg/ml. [ Conclusion] The antifungal effects of ethanol and acetone extracts on tested patho- gens were obviously superior than that of aqueous extracts.展开更多
The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in excess deaths worldwide.Conventional antiviral medicines have been used to relieve the symptoms,with limited therapeutic effect.In contrast,Lianhua Qingwen Capsule is reported to ...The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in excess deaths worldwide.Conventional antiviral medicines have been used to relieve the symptoms,with limited therapeutic effect.In contrast,Lianhua Qingwen Capsule is reported to exert remarkable anti-COVID-19 effect.The current review aims to:1)uncover the main pharmacological actions of Lianhua Qingwen Capsule for managing COVID-19;2)verify the bioactive ingredients and pharmacological actions of Lianhua Qingwen Capsule by network analysis;3)investigate the compatibility effect of major botanical drug pairs in Lianhua Qingwen Capsule;and 4)clarify the clinical evidence and safety of the combined therapy of Lianhua Qingwen Capsule and conventional drugs.Numerous bioactive ingredients in Lianhu Qingwen,such as quercetin,naringenin,β-sitosterol,luteolin,and stigmasterol,were identified to target host cytokines,and to regulate the immune defence in response to COVID-19.Genes including androgen receptor(AR),myeloperoxidase(MPO),epidermal growth factor receptor(EGFR),insulin(INS),and aryl hydrocarbon receptor(AHR)were found to be significantly involved in the pharmacological actions of Lianhua Qingwen Capsule against COVID-19.Four botanical drug pairs in Lianhua Qingwen Capsule were shown to have synergistic effect for the treatment of COVID-19.Clinical studies demonstrated the medicinal effect of the combined use of Lianhua Qingwen Capsule and conventional drugs against COVID-19.In conclusion,the four main pharmacological mechanisms of Lianhua Qingwen Capsule for managing COVID-19 are revealed.Therapeutic effect has been noted against COVID-19 in Lianhua Qingwen Capsule.展开更多
Objective: Bergenia ciliata(Haw.) Sternb. is used in the Indian traditional system of medicine to treat various ailments including rheumatism and to heal wounds. The objective of the present study was to perform a pre...Objective: Bergenia ciliata(Haw.) Sternb. is used in the Indian traditional system of medicine to treat various ailments including rheumatism and to heal wounds. The objective of the present study was to perform a preclinical characterization of the B. ciliata-based botanical extract IIIM-160.Methods: ⅢM-160 was chemically standardized and analyzed for heavy metal content, aflatoxins,pesticides and microbial load. The in vitro and in vivo efficacies were determined in suitable models of inflammation, arthritis and nociception. An acute oral toxicity study was performed in Swiss albino mice.A suitable oral formulation was developed and characterized.Results: Bergenin was found to be the major component(9.1% w/w) of ⅢM-160. The botanical lead displayed inhibition of lipopolysaccharide-induced production of proinflammatory cytokines in THP-1 cells, with selectivity toward interleukin-6(IL-6) and had an excellent safety-window. It showed anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritic and antinociceptive activity in animal models and was not toxic at oral doses up to 2 g/kg in Swiss-albino mice. The gastroretentive, sustained-release capsule formulation showed sustained-release of the bergenin over the period of 24 h, resulting in improved plasma-exposure of bergenin in Sprague–Dawley rats.Conclusion: The dual-activity of IL-6 inhibition and antinociception marks the suitability of ⅢM-160 for treating rheumatoid arthritis. This study will serve as the benchmark for further research on this botanical formulation.展开更多
AIM To evaluate the efficacy and safety of HL tablet extracted from magnolia officinalis for treating patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD).METHODS Seventy-four patients with NAFLD diagnosed by ultraso...AIM To evaluate the efficacy and safety of HL tablet extracted from magnolia officinalis for treating patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD).METHODS Seventy-four patients with NAFLD diagnosed by ultrasonography were randomly assigned to 3 groups given high dose(400 mg) HL tablet, low dose(133.4 mg) HL tablet and placebo, respectively, daily for 12 wk. The primary endpoint was post-treatment change of hepatic fat content(HFC) measured by magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Secondary endpoints included changes of serum aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase(ALT), cholesterol, triglyceride, free fatty acid, homeostasis model assessment-estimated insulin resistance, and body mass index(BMI).RESULTS The mean HFC of the high dose HL group, but not of the low dose group, declined significantly after 12 wk of treatment(high dose vs placebo, P = 0.033; low dose vs placebo, P = 0.386). The mean changes of HFC from baseline at week 12 were-1.7% ± 3.1% in the high dose group(P = 0.018),-1.21% ± 4.97% in the low dose group(P = 0.254) and 0.61% ± 3.87% in the placebo group(relative changes compared to baseline, high dose were:-12.1% ± 23.5%, low dose:-3.2% ± 32.0%, and placebo: 7.6% ± 44.0%). Serum ALT levels also tended to decrease in the groups receiving HL tablet while other factors were unaffected. There were no moderate or severe treatment-related safety issues during the study.CONCLUSION HL tablet is effective in reducing HFC without any negative lipid profiles, BMI changes and adverse effects.展开更多
文摘Increasing concern over the amount of insecticide residues in food has encouraged research for ecologically sound strategies to effectively manage stored-product insect pests and protect living organisms and the environment. Botanicals were evaluated as potential alternatives to control maize weevil, Sitophilus zeamais Motschulsky, in stored sorghum, Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench. Beetles and moths of stored grain at farm and consumer levels damage 5 - 35% worldwide and >40% in tropical countries. Maize weevil is the most damaging storage insect of sorghum grain. Management of storage insects relies on insecticides that leave residues in food and the environment. Treatments were powders of neem bark, Azadirachta indica;mesquite pods, Prosopis glandulosa;milkweed leaves, Asclepias speciosa;and a check (no botanical powder). Eight newly emerged maize weevils were provided 5 g of Malisor-84 grain treated with three doses of each plant powder. Every 2 days, data were recorded on the number of adults killed by each treatment. Percentage killed was calculated by dose per treatment and compared with the check. Grain loss was calculated based on initial and final weights. LD50 was determined by probit analysis, and associations between variables were assessed by simple linear correlation. Powder of mesquite and milkweed at 0.2 g were more effective than neem or the check in killing S. zeamais (>90%) and reducing grain damage (34 - 35.2%) and weight loss (0.8%). Milkweed at 0.1 g and neem at 0.2 g killed 78.1% of weevils. Neem at 0.05 g was slow acting, resulting in 62.5% dead and more grain damage (59.5%) and weight loss (3.6%). Botanicals at low doses (LD50 = 0.2 - 0.4 g) showed efficacy in controlling maize weevils and are recommended alternatives to guarantee quantity and quality of stored cereal grains.
基金Supported by The National Institutes of Health,No.K24AG080021,No.R01AG059183,and No.P30DK026743.
文摘BACKGROUND Dietary supplement(DS)usage among United States adults has significantly increased.Patients with steatotic liver disease(SLD)may have unique moti-vations to take DS in light of their liver condition and co-morbidities.AIM To characterize DS use in SLD patients and explore motivations for their use.METHODS Adults≥18 years old with complete transient elastography and dietary data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey between January 2017 and March 2020 were studied.SLD was defined using consensus criteria,combining clinical indicators with elastography thresholds.The DS Questionnaire(DSQ)was used to record participants’use of DSQ.Sample weights were applied to estimate national prevalence.RESULTS Of 2413 participants with SLD,1058 reported using DS,for an estimated prevalence of 44.8%[standard error(SE)2.4]with an average of 2.6(SE 0.2)DS per person.Among SLD participants taking DSQ,53.2%(SE 3.3)reported using non-vitamin/non-mineral ones,with an average of 1.8(SE 0.1)such supplements per person.DS users were more likely to be female,have higher levels of education,and have greater food security(P<0.02 for all).The most common motivations for using DS were to follow doctor’s advice(36.7%,SE 1.8),to improve overall health(22.1%,SE 2.0),and to maintain health(19.2%,SE 1.9).CONCLUSION Nearly half of individuals with SLD report taking DS.This study underscores the pressing need to deepen our understanding of DS use/motivations to develop tailored patient counseling strategies.
基金YVSG was funded by a doctoral scholarship provided by the Peruvian National Fund,for Scientific,Technological,and Technological Innovation Development(FONDECYT)the funding branch of the National Council for Science,Technological,and Technological Innovation Development(CONCYTEC),Peru(grant contract No 233-2015-FONDECYT).
文摘Background Heat stress has severe negative consequences on performance and health of pigs,leading to significant economic losses.The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of supplemental vitamin E and a botanical extract in feed or drinking water on growth performance,intestinal health,and oxidative and immune status in grow-ing pigs housed under heat stress conditions.Methods Duplicate experiments were conducted,each using 64 crossbred pigs with an initial body weight of 50.7±3.8 and 43.9±3.6 kg and age of 13-week and 12-week,respectively.Pigs(n=128)were housed individually and assigned within weight blocks and sex to a 2×4 factorial arrangement consisting of 2 environments(thermo-neutral(21.2℃)or heat-stressed(30.9℃))and 4 supplementation treatments(control diet;control+100 IU/L of D-α-tocopherol in water;control+200 IU/kg of DL-α-tocopheryl-acetate in feed;or control+400 mg/kg of a botanical extract in feed).Results Heat stress for 28 d reduced(P≤0.001)final body weight,average daily gain,and average daily feed intake(-7.4 kg,-26.7%,and-25.4%,respectively)but no effects of supplementation were detected(P>0.05).Serum vitamin E increased(P<0.001)with vitamin E supplementation in water and in feed(1.64 vs.3.59 and 1.64 vs.3.24),but not for the botanical extract(1.64 vs.1.67 mg/kg)and was greater when supplemented in water vs.feed(P=0.002).Liver vitamin E increased(P<0.001)with vitamin E supplementations in water(3.9 vs.31.8)and feed(3.9 vs.18.0),but not with the botanical extract(3.9 vs.4.9 mg/kg).Serum malondialdehyde was reduced with heat stress on d 2,but increased on d 28(interaction,P<0.001),and was greater(P<0.05)for antioxidant supplementation compared to control.Cellular proliferation was reduced(P=0.037)in the jejunum under heat stress,but increased in the ileum when vitamin E was supplemented in feed and water under heat stress(interaction,P=0.04).Tumor necrosis factor-αin jejunum and ileum mucosa decreased by heat stress(P<0.05)and was reduced by vitamin E sup-plementations under heat stress(interaction,P<0.001).Conclusions The addition of the antioxidants in feed or in drinking water did not alleviate the negative impact of heat stress on feed intake and growth rate of growing pigs.
文摘The article is devoted to the study of bioecological features of Ipomoea nil in the conditions of the Tashkent Botanical Garden. Seeds were sown 8 - 10 cm deep in the first decade of April. Seed germination averaged 85% - 90%. The beginning of vegetation and leaf regrowth in Tashkent is observed in the second decade of April. The flowering phase was observed in the first decade of August and fruiting was noted in the first decade of September. Biometric indicators of the plant during the generative phase were revealed as follows: plant height 2.95 ± 0.22 m, generative shoot length 2.62 ± 0.24 m, number of leaves 46.5 ± 3.59 pcs., leaf length 10.11 ± 0.49 cm, root length 19.85 ± 0.88 cm, number of flowers 42.8 ± 2.37 pcs., flower diameter 4.82 ± 0.28 cm. Potential seed productivity (PSP) of the plant was noted 13.5 ± 0.5 pcs., real seed productivity (RSP) was 10.8 ± 0.44 pcs. And in turn, the seed productivity coefficient (SPC) amounted to 80.0% ± 1.31%. The primary results prove, according to the success of Ipomoea nil introduction, the noted indicators in Tashkent conditions.
文摘The pulse cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp] holds a significant agricultural position in Uganda, ranking fourth among legume crops, following common beans, groundnuts, and soybeans. Known for its versatility, cowpeas are consumable at various developmental stages, from early seedling to maturity. However, the crop faces persistent pest challenges at each stage, leading to substantial yield losses. In Uganda, chemical insecticides are the primary pest control means, but their increased and excessive use raises environmental, health, and economic concerns. This has prompted a quest for alternative and sustainable solutions, prompting an exploration of botanical insecticides. This study, conducted at Makerere University Agricultural Research Institute (MUARIK), aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of three selected botanical insecticides versus four established chemical insecticides for managing cowpea insect pests under field conditions. The treatments included: Carbofuran, Cypermethrin 10% EC, Dimethoate, Pestwin, Pyrethrum ewc , Pyrethrum 5ew, Profenofos 40% Cypermethrin 4% EC mix, and Untreated, arranged in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The significant pests studied were aphids, thrips, pod-sucking bugs, and legume pod borer. Results indicated substantial impacts of the treatments on pest infestation, with Profenofos 40% Cypermethrin 4% EC being the most effective against most pests. The plant parameter, plant height, was significantly affected by treatments in 2016B, while the number of pods was impacted in 2017A. Pestwin, a botanical insecticide blend (containing Azadirachtin indica, Pongamia pinnata, and Ricinus communis extracts) demonstrated superior efficacy against cowpea aphids. Moreover, it positively influenced plant height, number of pods, and pod biomass, surpassing many chemical insecticides. Pestwin’s environmental friendliness positions it as a potential contributor to reducing environmental pollution, making it a promising candidate for inclusion in IPM programs. Overall, the study underscores the importance of exploring botanical alternatives to chemical insecticides for sustainable pest management in cowpea cultivation.
文摘The destruction of forests has led to plant diversity and species being lost at an unprecedented rate and a decrease in ecosystem services. Plant conservation strategies are important to support the development of livelihoods based on the sustainable uses of plants and promote the understanding and sharing of the benefits and functions of plants. Botanical gardens allocate most of their resources to plant conservation and the development of educational activities such as making plant species diversity known to the public. These gardens can also play an essential role in human well-being and provide in human needs. In this article, we review the history of the development of Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden and the development of other national botanical gardens in South Africa. We will discuss conservation through cultivation, discovering and documenting diversity of plants, indigenous plants, threatened plants, medicinal plants, extinctions and rediscoveries, environmental education, conservation science, citizen science, horticulture, research and creating a haven for biodiversity. Future challenges and responsibilities of botanical gardens will be discussed including in situ and ex situ cultivation, promoting awareness, creating partnerships, increasing capacity building and training activities, sharing information and making gardens sustainable.
基金Supported by Key Agricultural Scientific and Technological Project of Henan Province(102102110119)~~
文摘[ Objective ] The paper was to study the effects of several botanical pesticides against two pests in tea plantation. [ Method] Using randomized block de- sign, different concentrations of botanical pesticides were sprayed during the young larvae periods of Ectropis oblique hmpulina Wehrli and peak periods of Empoasca pirisuga, the reduction rate of population and control effects were investigated after spraying for 1,3,7 and 10 d. [ Result] 5% rotenone EC 800 times had the best control effect against E. oblique hmpulina, and 0.5% veratridine soluble liquid 800 times had the best control effect against E. pirisuga. 0. 5% veratridine soluble liquid, 0.2% celangulin EC, 0.3% matrine water agent and 7.5% rotenone EC could be selected as the pesticides for the control of E. oblique hmpulina; 0. 5% veratridine soluble liquid, 0. 2% celangulin EC, 0.3% azadirachtin EC, 0.3% matrine water agent and 7.5% rotenone EC could be selected as the pesticides for the control of E. pirisuga, of which 0. 3% azadiraehtin EC 600 times showed the best durable effect against E. pirisuga with control effect of 100% after spraying for 7 d. [ Conclusion] The results provided basis for application of botanical pesticides in pests control in tea plantation.
基金Supported by Special Fund for Agro-scientific Research in the Public Interest from the Ministry of Agriculture of China(201303112)the 12th National Five-year Plan for Science and Technology Program of Rural Areas(2012BAD02B03-17)~~
文摘In order to scientifically evaluate the values of Cucurbita moschata cultivars, main botanical characters including the initial flowering date, the first fruiting node, fruit length, fruit stem length, stem diameter, internode length, the transverse and longitudinal diameters of the largest leaf, single fruit weight, flesh thickness and soluble solid content of 41 cultivars were measured for conducting diversity, correlation and cluster analysis. The results revealed that the pumpkin cultivars showed large variations in fruit stem length, single fruit weight, fruit length and flesh thickness, but small variations in initial flowering date. Significant, even highly significant correlations were found among the tested traits. Cluster analysis demonstrated that the 41 old Cucurbita moschata cultivars were divided into three groups, of which multiple traits of Group 1 were better than those in the other two groups. High similarities existed in three groups and the cultivars in each group. This research provided basis for selecting excellent traits and parents for the breeding of hybrids.
文摘The development, distribution and features of one hundred and forty botanical gardens (BGs) in China are reported and their functions on research, conservation, display and utilization of biodiversity are summarized in this paper. The contributions to the social and economic development in the early stage of Chinese BGs with the researches of economic plant (tobacco), medicinal plant (yam) and wild fruit tree resources are evaluated. The theoretical and applied achievements in recent years in seed science, plant conservation, economic plant introduction, acclimatization and breeding are also described. A general scope of living plant collections in Chinese BGs is presented and the outstanding ones, including Magnoliaceae, Zingiberaceae, Cycadaceae, medicinal plants, Actinidia and Rhododendron are particularly mentioned. With special reference to Chinese penjing art garden and silicified wood garden, the development of scientific popularization and tourism in BGs is reviewed.
基金Supported by Talent Introduction Grantin Anhui Science and Technology University(ZRC2007102)Outstanding Young Talets Project of Anhui Provincal Universities(2009SQRZ11)~~
文摘[Objective] The antifungal activity of the extracts from,Atractylodes macracephal Koidz and Pulsatilla chinensis Bunge Regel,against Botrytis cinerea and Alternaria solani were studied under the condition of laboratory,in order to develop and utilize these two plants.[Method] The mycelium growth rate test was applied to measure the antifungal activities of extracts against fungi.[Result] the extracts of all the two plants showed strong antifungal activity against the target pathogenic fungi,especially the antifungal activity of the extract from Pulsatilla chinensis Bunge Regel was stronger and more stable.The inhibition rate to the mycelium growth of Botrytis cinerea was 80.25%.At the same concentration,the extract from Atractylodes macracephal Koidz showed little inhibition to Botrytis cinerea and Alternaria solani.The petrolelum ether extract of Atractylodes macracephal Koidz showed stronger antifungal activities and the EC50 was 5.31 mg/ml,and the n-butanol extract of Pulsatilla chinensis Bunge Regel showed stronger antifungal activities and the EC50 was 2.93 mg/ml.[Conclusion] The extracts from Pulsatilla chinensis Bunge Regel showed the stronger antifungal activity against Botrytis cinerea and Alternaria solani.
基金Supported by the Special Program for the Construction of Modern Agricultural Industrial Technological System(CARS-30-bc)~~
文摘Apolygus lucorum（Meyer-Dür.） and Erythroneura apicalis（Nawa） are important pests that affect the quality and the yield of grapevine and cause huge economic losses. This paper focuses on the selection of effective botanical pesticides to control A. lucorum and E. apicalis. This experiment explores the effect of several botanical pesticides for A. lucorum and E. apicalis, including the 0.5% veratrine, the0.6% Oxygen·Lactone agent, the 5% natural pyrethrin, the composite neem pesticide, the rotenone and the composite nicotine. The 0.5% veratrine shows a stable control efficacy, which is higher than 60% in Chengdu, while the composite nicotine shows the highest efficacy against A. lucorum, which is above 70%. In Yinchuan,the 0.5% veratrine shows the highest efficacy, against the first generation adults and the second generation larvae of E. apicalis, while the 5% natural pyrethrin shows 100% control efficacy against E. apicalis in Nanjiang. The 0.5% veratrine and the composite neem could be used as effective pesticides to control A. lucorum and the 5% natural pyrethrin can be used to control E. apicalis. They could be widely used in the production of pollution-free grapes.
基金Key National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.81130069)Selected Program of Personnel Department for Oversea Scholar(2009-2011)+1 种基金the Chinese National S&T Special Project on Major New Drug Innovation(Grant No.2011ZX09307-002-01)the Key Technologies of the Quality Standards and the Safety of Health Food,"863 Program"(Grant No.2010AA023006)
文摘Hypericin, a secondary metabolite first reported in 1830, is a natural photosensitizing naphtodianthrone and is mainly from the natural plant sources of genus Hypericum. Hypericin exhibits a wide variety of biological and pharmacological activities, such as antiviral, antidepressant, antitumor, antimicrobial, and antioxidant activity. Hypericin can also be utilized in photodynamic diagnosis. Accumulating evidence is pointing to the effects of hypericin with potential pharmaceutical and clinical interests in the past decades. The present review gives a comprehensive outline of the chemistry, botanical occurrence and biological activities of this powerful compound.
文摘The scientific program of the Qur’anic Botanic Garden(QBG)is concerning with agricultural,conservational,biotechnology and medicinal fields.The QBG not only focusing on the study of the plants mentioned in the Holy Qur’an and Hadith,but also the endogenous plants of the Flora of Qatar and potential medicinal plants of the Arabic world.In the Hadith,the Prophet’s sayings,there are more than 20 plants mentioned in the occasions of cosmetic or medicinal uses.The garden is conserving special kinds of plants collected from different parts of the world to be restored at one place for preservation and study purposes.Both ex-situ and in-situ conservational programs are designed to collect and conserve plants inside and outside their natural habitats.The QBG plant nursery,herbarium,and seeds units are main components of the QBG that build to produce and preserve the plants at QBG.More than 59 plant spices are preserved from three different geographical zones:desert,Mediterranean and tropical zones.The Garden also is collecting and preserving those traditional entities from the entire world in order to be exhibited in the Botanic Museum of the QBG.By following the Islamic principles of conservation,the QBG highlights these conservational ethics and explains them for all people.Garden emphasizes multi-activities,campaigns,events,fairs and exhibitions for the students and public in order to encourage people to preserve the natural resources through an ordinately oriented educational program which is based on plant conservation.Another side of QBG’s conservation roles is the conservation based on community engagement and education.QBG’s education programs,horticulture and conservation programs,dissemination activities,and partnerships are fundamental in ensuring the transfer of this knowledge to the global community.
文摘Target 8 of the Global Strategy for Plant Conservation calls for 'at least 75 per cent of threatened plant species in ex situ collections, preferably in the country of origin, and at least 20 per cent available for recovery and restoration programmes by 2020'.Botanic gardens make a significant contribution to ex situ conservation of wild species with more than a third of plant species represented in botanic gardens collections. These collections are a combination of living collection and seed banked material. Seed banking can provide an efficient form of conservation for wild plant genetic diversity.Information from Botanic Gardens Conservation International's(BGCI) databases(GardenSearch,PlantSearch, ThreatSearch and GlobalTreeSearch) has been analysed as well as survey data to report on global, regional and national seed banking trends.Information from BGCI's databases indicates that there are at least 350 seed banking botanic gardens in 74 countries. In total 56,987 taxa have been banked including more than 9000 taxa that are threatened with extinction. 6881 tree species are stored in ex situ seed bank collections. More than half(3562) of these tree species are single country endemics and represent species from more than 166 countries.This study suggests that institutions are increasingly conserving plant species via seed banking.However the majority of species in collections that have a conservation assessment are not threatened with extinction. This disjunction between species that are threatened and those conserved in seed banks needs to be addressed. Data from BGCI's databases can be used to enable prioritisation of threatened plant species for collection and conservation in seed banks. Further recommendations for botanic gardens involved in seed conservation are presented.
基金Support for this study was provided by grants from the NSFCYunnan joint fund to support key projects(Grant no.U1602264)the Young Academic and Technical Leader Raising Foundation of Yunnan Province(2015HB091)to G.Chenthe Ministry of Science and Technology of China granted funding for a National Key Programme of China:Survey and Germplasm Conservation of PSESP in Southwest China(2017FY100100)to W.B.Sun
文摘Plant diversity is currently being lost at an unprecedented rate, resulting in an associated decrease in ecosystem services. About a third of the world＇s vascular plant species face the threat of extinction due to a variety of devastating activities, including, over-harvesting and over exploitation, destructive agricul- tural and forestry practices, urbanization, environmental pollution, land-use changes, exotic invasive species, global climate change, and more. We therefore need to increase our efforts to develop integrative conservation approaches for plant species conservation. Botanical gardens devote their resources to the study and conservation of plants, as well as making the world＇s plant species diversity known to the public. These gardens also play a central role in meeting human needs and providing well-being. In this minireview, a framework for the integrated missions of botanical gardens, including scientific research, inJex situ conservation, plant resource utilization, and citizen science are cataloged. By reviewing the history of the development of Kunming Botanical Garden, we illustrate successful species conservation approaches （among others, projects involving Camellia, Rhododendron, Magnolia, Begonia, Alliurn, Ne- penthes, medicinal plants, ornamental plants, and Plant Species with Extreme Small Populations）, as well as citizen science, and scientific research at Kunming Botanical Garden over the past 80 years. We emphasize that Kunming Botanical Garden focuses largely on the ex situ conservation of plants from Southwest China, especially those endangered, endemic, and economically important plant species native to the Yunnan Plateau and the southern Hengduan Mountains. We also discuss the future chal- lenges and responsibilities of botanical gardens in a changing world, including： the negative effects of outbreeding and/or inbreeding depression; promoting awareness, study, and conservation of plant species diversity; accelerating global access to information about plant diversity; increasing capacity building and training activities. We hope this minireview can promote understanding of the role of botanical gardens.
文摘Impacts of global climate change, habitat loss, and other environmental changes on the world's biota and peoples continue to increase, especially on islands and in high elevation areas. Just as floristic diversity is affected by environmental change, so too are cultural and linguistic diversity. Of the approximately 7000 extant languages in the world, fully 50% are considered to be at risk of extinction, which is considerably higher than most estimates of extinction risks to plants and animals. To maintain the integrity of plant life, it is not enough for botanic gardens to consider solely the effects of environmental change on plants within the context of major conservation strategies such as the Global Strategy for Plant Conservation and the Convention on Biological Diversity. Rather, botanic gardens should actively engage in understanding and communicating the broader impacts of environmental change to biological and cultural diversity.
基金Supported by Shanxi Science and Technology Department Project(041020)~~
文摘[ Objective] The optimum extraction technology of antifungal ingredients from eight medicinal plants such as coptis root and clove, etc. and their antifungal effects on two species of plant pathogens were studied. [ Method] The effective ingredients of medicinal plants were extracted by water, ethanol and acetone. The minimum inhibitory concentration （MIC） and antifungal rate of extracts from medicinal plants were determined using plate diluting method. [Resets] The optimum medicinal plants and the extraction methods inhibited two plant pathogens were as follows： clove extracted by ethanol and acetone, and cinnamon extracted by ethanol could be adopted to inhibit Fusarium oxysporum Schl., MIC at that mo- ment reached 4 mg/ml. Clove extracted by ethanol and acetone, and cinnamon extracted by ethanol could be adopted to inhibit the pathogen of Cistanche deserticola, MIC at that moment reached 4 mg/ml. [ Conclusion] The antifungal effects of ethanol and acetone extracts on tested patho- gens were obviously superior than that of aqueous extracts.
基金Hong Kong Development Fund(Nos.19SB2/002A,19B2/001A_R1,and 19B1_1/002A_R2)Wong’s donation(No.20006276)a donation from the Gaia Family Trust of New Zealand(No.200007008).
文摘The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in excess deaths worldwide.Conventional antiviral medicines have been used to relieve the symptoms,with limited therapeutic effect.In contrast,Lianhua Qingwen Capsule is reported to exert remarkable anti-COVID-19 effect.The current review aims to:1)uncover the main pharmacological actions of Lianhua Qingwen Capsule for managing COVID-19;2)verify the bioactive ingredients and pharmacological actions of Lianhua Qingwen Capsule by network analysis;3)investigate the compatibility effect of major botanical drug pairs in Lianhua Qingwen Capsule;and 4)clarify the clinical evidence and safety of the combined therapy of Lianhua Qingwen Capsule and conventional drugs.Numerous bioactive ingredients in Lianhu Qingwen,such as quercetin,naringenin,β-sitosterol,luteolin,and stigmasterol,were identified to target host cytokines,and to regulate the immune defence in response to COVID-19.Genes including androgen receptor(AR),myeloperoxidase(MPO),epidermal growth factor receptor(EGFR),insulin(INS),and aryl hydrocarbon receptor(AHR)were found to be significantly involved in the pharmacological actions of Lianhua Qingwen Capsule against COVID-19.Four botanical drug pairs in Lianhua Qingwen Capsule were shown to have synergistic effect for the treatment of COVID-19.Clinical studies demonstrated the medicinal effect of the combined use of Lianhua Qingwen Capsule and conventional drugs against COVID-19.In conclusion,the four main pharmacological mechanisms of Lianhua Qingwen Capsule for managing COVID-19 are revealed.Therapeutic effect has been noted against COVID-19 in Lianhua Qingwen Capsule.
基金financially supported by CSIR 12th Five Year Plan project BSC-0205CSIR-Phytopharmaceutical Mission Project HCP010+1 种基金CSIR-YSA (Young Scientist Award,P90807) Research Grantthe fellowship from Department of Biotechnology,India (GAP-2158).IIIM publication number: ⅢM/2222/2018
文摘Objective: Bergenia ciliata(Haw.) Sternb. is used in the Indian traditional system of medicine to treat various ailments including rheumatism and to heal wounds. The objective of the present study was to perform a preclinical characterization of the B. ciliata-based botanical extract IIIM-160.Methods: ⅢM-160 was chemically standardized and analyzed for heavy metal content, aflatoxins,pesticides and microbial load. The in vitro and in vivo efficacies were determined in suitable models of inflammation, arthritis and nociception. An acute oral toxicity study was performed in Swiss albino mice.A suitable oral formulation was developed and characterized.Results: Bergenin was found to be the major component(9.1% w/w) of ⅢM-160. The botanical lead displayed inhibition of lipopolysaccharide-induced production of proinflammatory cytokines in THP-1 cells, with selectivity toward interleukin-6(IL-6) and had an excellent safety-window. It showed anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritic and antinociceptive activity in animal models and was not toxic at oral doses up to 2 g/kg in Swiss-albino mice. The gastroretentive, sustained-release capsule formulation showed sustained-release of the bergenin over the period of 24 h, resulting in improved plasma-exposure of bergenin in Sprague–Dawley rats.Conclusion: The dual-activity of IL-6 inhibition and antinociception marks the suitability of ⅢM-160 for treating rheumatoid arthritis. This study will serve as the benchmark for further research on this botanical formulation.
文摘AIM To evaluate the efficacy and safety of HL tablet extracted from magnolia officinalis for treating patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD).METHODS Seventy-four patients with NAFLD diagnosed by ultrasonography were randomly assigned to 3 groups given high dose(400 mg) HL tablet, low dose(133.4 mg) HL tablet and placebo, respectively, daily for 12 wk. The primary endpoint was post-treatment change of hepatic fat content(HFC) measured by magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Secondary endpoints included changes of serum aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase(ALT), cholesterol, triglyceride, free fatty acid, homeostasis model assessment-estimated insulin resistance, and body mass index(BMI).RESULTS The mean HFC of the high dose HL group, but not of the low dose group, declined significantly after 12 wk of treatment(high dose vs placebo, P = 0.033; low dose vs placebo, P = 0.386). The mean changes of HFC from baseline at week 12 were-1.7% ± 3.1% in the high dose group(P = 0.018),-1.21% ± 4.97% in the low dose group(P = 0.254) and 0.61% ± 3.87% in the placebo group(relative changes compared to baseline, high dose were:-12.1% ± 23.5%, low dose:-3.2% ± 32.0%, and placebo: 7.6% ± 44.0%). Serum ALT levels also tended to decrease in the groups receiving HL tablet while other factors were unaffected. There were no moderate or severe treatment-related safety issues during the study.CONCLUSION HL tablet is effective in reducing HFC without any negative lipid profiles, BMI changes and adverse effects.
