The aim of the current study is to review the medicinal properties of the plants found in Brunei Darussalam namely Litsea elliptica, Dillenia suffruticosa, Dillenia excelsa, Aidia racemosa, Vitex pinnata and Senna ala...The aim of the current study is to review the medicinal properties of the plants found in Brunei Darussalam namely Litsea elliptica, Dillenia suffruticosa, Dillenia excelsa, Aidia racemosa, Vitex pinnata and Senna alata. The known phytochemical constituents of these plants and their ability to bring about a range of biological activities are included in this review. These plants have been used traditionally for a multitude of diseases and illnesses. There is a lot of untapped potential in these medicinal plants which could cure multiple diseases.展开更多
African teak(Milicia excelsa(Welw.)C.C.Berg)is an endangered multi-use species.Understanding the impact of climate change on the distribution of this species may improve the ability to anticipate or recognize its decl...African teak(Milicia excelsa(Welw.)C.C.Berg)is an endangered multi-use species.Understanding the impact of climate change on the distribution of this species may improve the ability to anticipate or recognize its decline or expansion and to take appropriate conservation measures if necessary.Ecological niche modeling was projected in geographical space to study the current and future distribution of M.excelsa in Bénin.MaxEnt was used to estimate the potential geographic distribution of the species under two Representative Concentration Pathways(RCP).Miroc 5 summaries and two RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5 scenarios were used as predictor variables for projections of the geographic potential of this species.The performance of the model was assessed by the area under the curve(AUC),true skill statistics(TSS)and partial receiver operating characteristics(Partial ROC).From the results,M.excelsa was more a secondary species in the Guinean climatic zone and part of the Sudanian-Guinean and Sudanian climatic zone.The projections show a signifi cant decrease in suitable habitats for the species from the two RCP scenarios.Only a part of the Guinean climatic zone remained suitable and few protected areas will conserve in situ M.excelsa.For the sustainable conservation of M.excelsa,it is essential to strengthen the protection of sacred forests located in the Guinean climatic zone.展开更多
This article presents the overall morphological structure of the Brazil nut tree(Bertholletia excelsa)fruit pericarp,from macro to nano scale.The acquired knowledge would be used for the development of new application...This article presents the overall morphological structure of the Brazil nut tree(Bertholletia excelsa)fruit pericarp,from macro to nano scale.The acquired knowledge would be used for the development of new applications,like using the materials as fillers for biocomposites,or as a hierarchical architecture model for biomimetics.This research was performed using stereo and light microscopy and conventional and force field emission scanning electron microscopy.The pericarp presents three layers:the exocarp,a dark gray,brittle and fragile outer layer;the mesocarp,a beige,dry,rigid,impermeable and fibrous intermediate layer;and the endocarp,an inner layer with similar characteristic as the exocarp,but formed next to the seeds.Morphologically,the exocarp and the endocarp presented minor regions of sclereids,fibers and vascular cell bundles,inside major regions of parenchyma cells.The mesocarp presents a structure of fiber cells regions alternating with sclereids and vascular cells regions,arranged in a composite like arrangement,with the fibers cells bundles acting as randomly oriented disperse phases in a sclereid cells matrix.This arrangement was associated with the mesocarp relative superior proprieties,indicating a great material for using as fillers for biocomposites or in biomimetics applications.展开更多
New curative and preventative approaches with high therapeutic efficacy and minimal side effects are needed for many forms of cancer.Therefore,the current study aimed to assess the cytotoxic and antioxidant capacity o...New curative and preventative approaches with high therapeutic efficacy and minimal side effects are needed for many forms of cancer.Therefore,the current study aimed to assess the cytotoxic and antioxidant capacity of Smilax excelsa and Aegopodium podagraria,which are consumed on a daily diet in the Black Sea region of Turkiye,as well as their phytochemical composition to pinpoint the compounds responsible for these activities.The effects of the treatments on human prostate(PC3),colorectal(HCT116),and lung(A549)carcinoma cell survival and free radical scavenging potentials were investigated.Total phenolic and flavonoid contents and significant phenolic compounds were detected and quantified by HPLC.The extracts reduced cell viability in all cancer cells in a dose-dependent manner,while the most potent cytotoxic effects were noted on PC3 cells.S.excelsa inhibited cell growth on PC3 cells at both lower and higher concentrations(50-1000μg/mL)compared with the control(p<0.05).S.excelsa methanol extract exhibited the strongest ABTS and DPPH free radical scavenging capacities,with the IC50 values of 17.16 and 45.81μg/mL,respectively.The highest amounts of total phenolics and flavonoids,as well as chlorogenic acid and caffeic acid,were also observed in S.excelsa methanol extract.Our results suggest that S.excelsa and A.podagraria,along with the isolated compounds,may contribute to the treatment of prostate cancer.To the best of our knowledge,this is the first study analyzing the impacts of these plants on PC3,HCT116,and A549 cells.展开更多
Understanding past changes in surface vegetation cover is crucial for clarifying spatiotemporal patterns of vegetation,temperature,and humidity variations across Central Asia.In this study,we developed a tree-ring wid...Understanding past changes in surface vegetation cover is crucial for clarifying spatiotemporal patterns of vegetation,temperature,and humidity variations across Central Asia.In this study,we developed a tree-ring width index chronology for Juniperus excelsa in the western Alborz Mountains of Iran and examined its correlation with the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index(NDVI).Using this relationship,we reconstructed NDVI variations in this region since 1943.Our results indicate that both the tree-ring width index and NDVI from April to August exhibit strong correlations with precipitation from the previous December to the current May,as well as with the May Palmer Drought Severity Index(PDSI).The tree-ring width index is significantly and positively correlated with NDVI from April to August(R_(adj)^(2)=0.562,F=26.616,p<0.001),confirming its effectiveness in representing NDVI fluctuations during this period.The reconstructed NDVI series reveals more pronounced vegetation cover fluctuations since the 1990s compared to the 1940s-1980s.Notably,periods of low vegetation cover occurred in the late 20 th to early 21 st century,whereas high vegetation cover was observed in the early 2020s.Since 1943,key periods of relatively low vegetation cover include 1946-1955,1959-1973,1986-1989,1997-2002,and 2008-2015.The notably low vegetation cover from 1997 to 2002 coincides with a severe and persistent drought that has affected Central and South Asia since the 1940s.Our findings suggest that vegetation growth in the study area reflects both local climate variations and broader regional or global climate changes.By extending short-term NDVI records obtained via remote sensing,this study provides a long-term perspective on vegetation dynamics,enhancing our understanding of historical vegetation dynamics in Iran and their response to climate fluctuations.展开更多
Juniperus species （juniper） are resistant to drought and have medicinal properties. In order to investigatethe condition of juniper reproduction and prevent a decline in its area, largely caused by problems in natur...Juniperus species （juniper） are resistant to drought and have medicinal properties. In order to investigatethe condition of juniper reproduction and prevent a decline in its area, largely caused by problems in natural regeneration, the asexual reproduction of juniper has received special attention besides its sexual propagation. Among the six species of juniper in Iran, the most abundant are Juniperus polycarpos and J. excelsa. Juniperus polycarpos is ambi-sexual and J. excelsa unisexual. We show that collecting seeds in September provided for better germination than in November. In sexual propagation 82.0% and in asexual （graft） 47.6% success were achieved. Compared to a mixture of water, lime and hormones, a natural treatment of only water had better results. Diurnal change of temperature increased germination of juniper seeds over a constant temperature. Aphyllous stem cuttings from mature and old trees are less successful in rooting than leafy cuttings of juniper saplings. A treatment with Aaterra significantly reduced the percentage of rooted cuttings and total root length. Aliette, Fongarid, Octave, Benomyl, Delsene M and Maneb fungicides significantly increased the percentage of rooted cuttings but did not affect total root length. Autumn explants formed more calli than spring explants. Successful multiplication was achieved by treating buds with a mixture of 0.7% polyvinyl pyrrolidone （PVP） and 2% sucrose and cultured in a basal MS or WRC medium, with a maximum number of new buds. In consideration of extracted material of juniper species in remedy of infectious, fungus, contagious diseases as well as for drought resistance and longevity of this species in severe arid environmental conditions and various industrial applications, reproduction and seed production by micro propagation and biotechnology are necessary.展开更多
基金Supported by Universiti Brunei Darussalam and the Brunei Research Council(Grant No.JPKE/UBD/BRC6)
文摘The aim of the current study is to review the medicinal properties of the plants found in Brunei Darussalam namely Litsea elliptica, Dillenia suffruticosa, Dillenia excelsa, Aidia racemosa, Vitex pinnata and Senna alata. The known phytochemical constituents of these plants and their ability to bring about a range of biological activities are included in this review. These plants have been used traditionally for a multitude of diseases and illnesses. There is a lot of untapped potential in these medicinal plants which could cure multiple diseases.
文摘African teak(Milicia excelsa(Welw.)C.C.Berg)is an endangered multi-use species.Understanding the impact of climate change on the distribution of this species may improve the ability to anticipate or recognize its decline or expansion and to take appropriate conservation measures if necessary.Ecological niche modeling was projected in geographical space to study the current and future distribution of M.excelsa in Bénin.MaxEnt was used to estimate the potential geographic distribution of the species under two Representative Concentration Pathways(RCP).Miroc 5 summaries and two RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5 scenarios were used as predictor variables for projections of the geographic potential of this species.The performance of the model was assessed by the area under the curve(AUC),true skill statistics(TSS)and partial receiver operating characteristics(Partial ROC).From the results,M.excelsa was more a secondary species in the Guinean climatic zone and part of the Sudanian-Guinean and Sudanian climatic zone.The projections show a signifi cant decrease in suitable habitats for the species from the two RCP scenarios.Only a part of the Guinean climatic zone remained suitable and few protected areas will conserve in situ M.excelsa.For the sustainable conservation of M.excelsa,it is essential to strengthen the protection of sacred forests located in the Guinean climatic zone.
文摘This article presents the overall morphological structure of the Brazil nut tree(Bertholletia excelsa)fruit pericarp,from macro to nano scale.The acquired knowledge would be used for the development of new applications,like using the materials as fillers for biocomposites,or as a hierarchical architecture model for biomimetics.This research was performed using stereo and light microscopy and conventional and force field emission scanning electron microscopy.The pericarp presents three layers:the exocarp,a dark gray,brittle and fragile outer layer;the mesocarp,a beige,dry,rigid,impermeable and fibrous intermediate layer;and the endocarp,an inner layer with similar characteristic as the exocarp,but formed next to the seeds.Morphologically,the exocarp and the endocarp presented minor regions of sclereids,fibers and vascular cell bundles,inside major regions of parenchyma cells.The mesocarp presents a structure of fiber cells regions alternating with sclereids and vascular cells regions,arranged in a composite like arrangement,with the fibers cells bundles acting as randomly oriented disperse phases in a sclereid cells matrix.This arrangement was associated with the mesocarp relative superior proprieties,indicating a great material for using as fillers for biocomposites or in biomimetics applications.
文摘New curative and preventative approaches with high therapeutic efficacy and minimal side effects are needed for many forms of cancer.Therefore,the current study aimed to assess the cytotoxic and antioxidant capacity of Smilax excelsa and Aegopodium podagraria,which are consumed on a daily diet in the Black Sea region of Turkiye,as well as their phytochemical composition to pinpoint the compounds responsible for these activities.The effects of the treatments on human prostate(PC3),colorectal(HCT116),and lung(A549)carcinoma cell survival and free radical scavenging potentials were investigated.Total phenolic and flavonoid contents and significant phenolic compounds were detected and quantified by HPLC.The extracts reduced cell viability in all cancer cells in a dose-dependent manner,while the most potent cytotoxic effects were noted on PC3 cells.S.excelsa inhibited cell growth on PC3 cells at both lower and higher concentrations(50-1000μg/mL)compared with the control(p<0.05).S.excelsa methanol extract exhibited the strongest ABTS and DPPH free radical scavenging capacities,with the IC50 values of 17.16 and 45.81μg/mL,respectively.The highest amounts of total phenolics and flavonoids,as well as chlorogenic acid and caffeic acid,were also observed in S.excelsa methanol extract.Our results suggest that S.excelsa and A.podagraria,along with the isolated compounds,may contribute to the treatment of prostate cancer.To the best of our knowledge,this is the first study analyzing the impacts of these plants on PC3,HCT116,and A549 cells.
基金National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.42171162National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.42101158+1 种基金Young Elite Scientists Sponsorship Program by CAST,No.2022QNRC001NSFC-INSF Joint Research Project,No.42261144670。
文摘Understanding past changes in surface vegetation cover is crucial for clarifying spatiotemporal patterns of vegetation,temperature,and humidity variations across Central Asia.In this study,we developed a tree-ring width index chronology for Juniperus excelsa in the western Alborz Mountains of Iran and examined its correlation with the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index(NDVI).Using this relationship,we reconstructed NDVI variations in this region since 1943.Our results indicate that both the tree-ring width index and NDVI from April to August exhibit strong correlations with precipitation from the previous December to the current May,as well as with the May Palmer Drought Severity Index(PDSI).The tree-ring width index is significantly and positively correlated with NDVI from April to August(R_(adj)^(2)=0.562,F=26.616,p<0.001),confirming its effectiveness in representing NDVI fluctuations during this period.The reconstructed NDVI series reveals more pronounced vegetation cover fluctuations since the 1990s compared to the 1940s-1980s.Notably,periods of low vegetation cover occurred in the late 20 th to early 21 st century,whereas high vegetation cover was observed in the early 2020s.Since 1943,key periods of relatively low vegetation cover include 1946-1955,1959-1973,1986-1989,1997-2002,and 2008-2015.The notably low vegetation cover from 1997 to 2002 coincides with a severe and persistent drought that has affected Central and South Asia since the 1940s.Our findings suggest that vegetation growth in the study area reflects both local climate variations and broader regional or global climate changes.By extending short-term NDVI records obtained via remote sensing,this study provides a long-term perspective on vegetation dynamics,enhancing our understanding of historical vegetation dynamics in Iran and their response to climate fluctuations.
文摘Juniperus species （juniper） are resistant to drought and have medicinal properties. In order to investigatethe condition of juniper reproduction and prevent a decline in its area, largely caused by problems in natural regeneration, the asexual reproduction of juniper has received special attention besides its sexual propagation. Among the six species of juniper in Iran, the most abundant are Juniperus polycarpos and J. excelsa. Juniperus polycarpos is ambi-sexual and J. excelsa unisexual. We show that collecting seeds in September provided for better germination than in November. In sexual propagation 82.0% and in asexual （graft） 47.6% success were achieved. Compared to a mixture of water, lime and hormones, a natural treatment of only water had better results. Diurnal change of temperature increased germination of juniper seeds over a constant temperature. Aphyllous stem cuttings from mature and old trees are less successful in rooting than leafy cuttings of juniper saplings. A treatment with Aaterra significantly reduced the percentage of rooted cuttings and total root length. Aliette, Fongarid, Octave, Benomyl, Delsene M and Maneb fungicides significantly increased the percentage of rooted cuttings but did not affect total root length. Autumn explants formed more calli than spring explants. Successful multiplication was achieved by treating buds with a mixture of 0.7% polyvinyl pyrrolidone （PVP） and 2% sucrose and cultured in a basal MS or WRC medium, with a maximum number of new buds. In consideration of extracted material of juniper species in remedy of infectious, fungus, contagious diseases as well as for drought resistance and longevity of this species in severe arid environmental conditions and various industrial applications, reproduction and seed production by micro propagation and biotechnology are necessary.
