Panax,a genus of the Araliaceae family,is an important herbal group in traditional Chinese medicine(TCM).Nine species and three varieties are included in the genus of Panax,in which nearly all species have been used f...Panax,a genus of the Araliaceae family,is an important herbal group in traditional Chinese medicine(TCM).Nine species and three varieties are included in the genus of Panax,in which nearly all species have been used for medicinal purposes.Among them,Panax notoginseng(Burk)F.H.Chen,Panax ginseng C.A.Meyer and Panax quinquefolius L.are the most representative and valuable herbs world-wide,with a long history of cultivation.As the main bioactive chemical constituents,saponins with different aglycones are the major components in various Panax spp.,and their pharmacological activities are mainly reflected in the effects on blood system,cardio-and cerebro-vascular systems,nervous system,metabolism,and immune regulation.Researchers of Kunming Institute of Botany(KIB),Chinese Academy of Sciences(CAS),have put many efforts into conducting the investigations on Panax species.Herein,we reviewed the research progress on Panax spp.in KIB,CAS,over the past few decades,from the aspects of history and origin,phytochemistry and pharmacological activities.展开更多
The development of new taxonomical theories and approaches, particularly molecular phylogenetics, has led to the expansion of traditional morphology-based taxonomy into the concept of "integrative taxonomy."...The development of new taxonomical theories and approaches, particularly molecular phylogenetics, has led to the expansion of traditional morphology-based taxonomy into the concept of "integrative taxonomy." Taxonomic knowledge has assumed greater significance in recent years, particularly because of growing concerns over the looming biodiversity crisis. Since its establishment in 1938, the Kunming Institute of Botany(KIB), which is located in Yunnan province in Southwest China, has focused attention on the taxonomy and conservation of the flora of China. For the forthcoming 80 th anniversary of KIB, we review the achievements of researchers at KIB and their associates with respect to the taxonomy of land plants, fungi, and lichen. Major taxonomic advances are summarized for families of Calymperaceae,Cryphaeaceae, Lembophyllaceae, Neckeraceae, Polytrichaceae and Pottiaceae of mosses, Pteridaceae and Polypodiaceae of ferns, Taxaceae and Cycadaceae of gymnosperms, Asteraceae, Begoniaceae, Ericaceae,Euphorbiaceae, Gesneriaceae, Lamiaceae, Orchidaceae, Orobanchaceae, Poaceae, Theaceae and Urticaceae of angiosperms, Agaricaceae, Amanitaceae, Boletaceae, Cantharellaceae, Physalacriaceae Russulaceae, Suillaceae and Tuberaceae of fungi, and Ophioparmaceae and Parmeliaceae of lichens. Regarding the future development of taxonomy at KIB, we recommend that taxonomists continue to explore the biodiversity of China, integrate new theories and technologies with traditional taxonomic approaches,and engage in creative monographic work, with support from institutions, funding agencies, and the public.展开更多
The scientific discipline of ethnobotany-the study of human interactions with plants e has applications in many fields of current global concern,including food security,climate change,biodiversity conservation and hum...The scientific discipline of ethnobotany-the study of human interactions with plants e has applications in many fields of current global concern,including food security,climate change,biodiversity conservation and human health.Ethnobotanical studies can provide insights into the ways that societies interact locally with their environmental resources.Ethnobotanical studies have the potential to bring together and integrate local and scientific knowledge to advance the cause of achieving biocultural conservation(Gaoue et al.,2017;Prance,2007).This Special Issue of Plant Diversity contains recent ethnobotanical studies that aim to contribute to determining the most useful ways ethnobotany can be used to confront human problems in the future.Specifically,this issue shows ways in which ethnobotany can contribute to the conservation of biodiversity,especially with regards to documentation and maintenance of indigenous and local knowledge of plants.The research in this issue also describes innovative practices communities have adopted to maintain their plant resources。展开更多
Euclea undulata(E. undulata) is traditionally used for the treatment of body pains, chest complaints, cough, diabetes, diarrhoea, headaches, heart diseases and toothaches in southern Africa. This study was aimed at re...Euclea undulata(E. undulata) is traditionally used for the treatment of body pains, chest complaints, cough, diabetes, diarrhoea, headaches, heart diseases and toothaches in southern Africa. This study was aimed at reviewing the botany, ethnopharmacology and biological activities of E. undulata in southern Africa. Results presented in this study are based on review of literature using search engines such as Science Direct, Springerlink,Scopus, Pub Med, Web of Science, Bio Med Central and Google Scholar. Herbal medicine is prepared from the decoctions of the roots, bark and leaves, and extracts of these plant parts have demonstrated anticholinesterase, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antimycobacterial, antiplasmodial, antioxidant and hypoglycaemic activities. Multiple classes of phytochemical compounds such alkaloids, diterpenes, fatty acids, flavonoids, glycosides, naphthoquinones, phenolics, phytosterols, reducing sugars, saponins and tannins have been isolated from the species. E. undulata has a lot of potential as herbal medicine in tropical Africa, and advanced research is required aimed at correlating its medicinal uses with the phytochemistry and pharmacological properties.展开更多
Prof.Zhou Jun,Academician of Chinese Academy of Sciences(1999),is a phytochemist and medicinal chemist of China.He is one of the pioneers of Kunming Institute of Botany,CAS and a major founder of the State Key Laborat...Prof.Zhou Jun,Academician of Chinese Academy of Sciences(1999),is a phytochemist and medicinal chemist of China.He is one of the pioneers of Kunming Institute of Botany,CAS and a major founder of the State Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Plant Resources in West China.The chemical compositions of some TCM from genus of Dioscorea,Aconitum,Panax,Paris,Cynanchum,Gastrodia,Dendrobium etc.and family Asclepiadaceae,Caryophyllaceae,Hypoxidaceae etc.have been explored by Prof.Zhou's team as steroids,triterpenoids,alkaloids,cyclic peptides and phenols etc.,which revealed the main active composition of those TCM such as Panax notoginseng,Paris yunnanensis and Gastrodia elata.展开更多
Ethnobotanical study of plants revealed that the local community of Ghalegy,District Swat,invariably uses 126 species of 59 families for various purposes.Based on their traditional local uses,fifty-seven species (45.2...Ethnobotanical study of plants revealed that the local community of Ghalegy,District Swat,invariably uses 126 species of 59 families for various purposes.Based on their traditional local uses,fifty-seven species (45.2%) were classified as medicinal,forty-seven as fire wood (37.3%),forty-five as forage (35.7%),twenty-eight as honey bee species (22.2%),twenty-seven as vegetable species (21.4%),25 as edible fruits (14 wild and 11cultivated),thirteen as timber wood (10.3%),twelve as ornamental (9.5%),eleven as furniture wood,ten as shelter and thatch makers (7.9%),ten as fencing (7.9%),five as poisonous (4%),four as religious/superstitious species,three species used in making hand sticks and wooden tools (2.4%),three as utensil cleaner species (2.4%),three as evil repellent and one as fish poisoning species.The area is in plant resources and traditional knowledge but it needs ecological management for its sustainability.展开更多
Applied ethnobotany is a new subject in ethnobiological sciences referring to the transferring,reviving and cultivating ethnobotanical knowledge among different social groups within intra-and-inter-communities.Much re...Applied ethnobotany is a new subject in ethnobiological sciences referring to the transferring,reviving and cultivating ethnobotanical knowledge among different social groups within intra-and-inter-communities.Much research related to biodiversity in many countries is largely devoted to the gathering of more academic information,rather than to more incise studies focusing on finding answers to pressing challenges related to the use of plants by communities.China is a country possessing rich biodiversity and cultural diversity.The long history of Chinese traditional medicine,diversity of cultivated crops and utilization of wild plant species are great cultural traditions to the country.Today,many societies of the country are still intricately linked to the natural environment economically as well as societies and groups within China.However,China is facing major changes in modernization of the country’s economy,and globalization to form part of the world exchange system.Increasingly high levels of consumptions of natural plants,as well as national and international trades on plant products have resulted,space in over-harvesting of wild resources and accelerated environmental degradation.Local social structures and cultural traditions have also changed in order to cope with policy changes.In this background,over the last decade,applied ethnobotany for rural community development and conservation has been employed in different field projects and ethnic minority communities in Yunnan province of China.The applied ethnobotany has focused on work at community level to achieve sustainable use of natural resources and conservation.This presentation discusses findings and lessons learned from the projects on alternatives and innovations to shifting cultivation in Xishuangbanna,southwestern China.展开更多
Diospyros lycioides Desf.(D. lycioides) is traditionally used as herbal medicine against various human and animal ailments in tropical Africa. The present paper reviewed information on botany, medicinal uses, phytoche...Diospyros lycioides Desf.(D. lycioides) is traditionally used as herbal medicine against various human and animal ailments in tropical Africa. The present paper reviewed information on botany, medicinal uses, phytochemistry and pharmacological activities of D. lycioides. This review was compiled using scientific literature from electronic search engine such as PubMed,Scopus, ScienceDirect, Springerlink, BioMed Central, Scielo, Medline and Science domain.Additional literatures were obtained from book chapters, books, dissertations, websites and other scientific publications. D. lycioides is used as traditional medicine in 50% of the countries where the species is native in tropical Africa. This study recorded 22 medicinal uses of D.lycioides which included abdominal pains, infertility in women, sexually transmitted infections,and used as chewing sticks(or mouthwash), toothbrushes and ethnoveterinary medicine. D.lycioides extracts demonstrated anti-adhesive, anti-inflammatory, antimetastatic, antioxidant,antifungal, antiproliferative, mutagenicity and antibacterial activities. Future research should focus on the pharmacological properties, phytochemistry, clinical trials and pharmacokinetics of D. lycioides which will enhance the therapeutic potential of the species.展开更多
The community living around the Cikaniki Area of Gunung Halimun Salak National Park(CAGHSNP)uses various plants to fulfill their needs.Their habits are related to indigenous knowledge of using plants as food,medicine,...The community living around the Cikaniki Area of Gunung Halimun Salak National Park(CAGHSNP)uses various plants to fulfill their needs.Their habits are related to indigenous knowledge of using plants as food,medicine,construction,and household utilities,which dynamic societal changes have not displaced.This study aimed to inventory and update potential plants used as food,medicine,construction,and household utilities by local communities in the Cikaniki area,and measure and analyze their cultural and ethnobotanical value.This study objected to five hamlets in the Cikaniki at Malasari Village,Nanggung District,Bogor Regency,West Java,Indonesia.The quantitative analysis was calculated based on the Informant Consensus Factor,Fidelity Level,and Use Value.We analyzed the qualitative data based on the data collection through observation,interviews,and documentation from informants and respondents in five hamlets.The study recorded 199 plant species from 75 families used by the community of CA-GHSNP.The most utilized species in Cikaniki were Staurogyne elongata,Caryota mitis,Blumea balsamifera,Castanopsis argentea,Pilea melastomoides,and Piper betle.There are 72 species of plants used as food,122species for medicinal purposes,and 50 species of plants used for construction and household utilities.The potential plant species in the CA-GHSNP,their utilization categories,and recommendation for conservation strategy are discussed.展开更多
The present paper briefly introduces information about proposals received and funded, statistics and analysis of evaluation of peer review, and supporting strategies and reforms in program reviewing and administration...The present paper briefly introduces information about proposals received and funded, statistics and analysis of evaluation of peer review, and supporting strategies and reforms in program reviewing and administration in the Division of Botany at the Natural Science Foundation of China （NSFC） in 2005. A list of general programs and the abstract of key programs funded by this Division in 2005 are also provided.展开更多
Plant tissue culture represents an advanced biotechnological technique for propagating and conserving threatened plant species efficiently.This method enables the rapid production of genetically identical plants under...Plant tissue culture represents an advanced biotechnological technique for propagating and conserving threatened plant species efficiently.This method enables the rapid production of genetically identical plants under controlled sterile laboratory conditions(in vitro).Its applications span forestry,horticulture,and,crucially,plant breeding.Nanoparticles have emerged as innovative tools to address limitations in conventional plant tissue culture,offering diverse functionalities based on their unique physicochemical properties.This review focuses on the utilization of nanotechnology in enhancing various aspects of plant tissue culture.Nanoparticles,such as silver and zinc oxide,have demonstrated significant roles as antimicrobial agents and anti-browning agents.They also serve as elicitors,stimulating callus proliferation,root elongation,rapid shoot formation,and the enhanced production of bioactive compounds on a large scale.Furthermore,nanoparticles contribute to mitigating oxidative stress within cells,thereby promoting increased callus formation,elongated roots,and elevated production of secondary metabolites.Their influence extends to somaclonal variation and genetic transformation processes within plant tissue culture.These contributions collectively underscore the potential of nanoparticles to foster more efficient,sustainable,and scalable biotechnological solutions in in vitro culture.The implications extend to reducing resource dependency and mitigating environmental impacts,positioning nanotechnology as a transformative approach in sustainable plant biotechnology.展开更多
In a pivotal moment for global conservation policy,UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere(MAB)Programme has endorsed the Hangzhou Strategic Action Plan(HSAP)2026–2035(UNESCO,2025),a decade-long roadmap that positions the Wo...In a pivotal moment for global conservation policy,UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere(MAB)Programme has endorsed the Hangzhou Strategic Action Plan(HSAP)2026–2035(UNESCO,2025),a decade-long roadmap that positions the World Network of Biosphere Reserves(WNBR)as central actors in delivering biodiversity,climate and sustainable-development goals(SDGs).The plan—developed and opened for global consultation in the runup to the 5th World Congress of Biosphere Reserves—articulates strategic directions,measurable action targets and practical instruments to strengthen biosphere reserves as living laboratories for people and nature(Ma,2025).展开更多
Different parts of Wrightia tinctoria R.Br.(Apocynaceae)(W.tinctoria),have been extensively used in Indian systems of medicine such as Ayurveda,Siddha and Unani for the treatment of jaundice,malaria,psoriasis and many...Different parts of Wrightia tinctoria R.Br.(Apocynaceae)(W.tinctoria),have been extensively used in Indian systems of medicine such as Ayurveda,Siddha and Unani for the treatment of jaundice,malaria,psoriasis and many other ailments.The present review has been primed to describe the existing data on the information on the traditional uses,botany,pharmacognosy,phytochemical constituents,pharmacological activities and toxicology of W.tinctoria.The information was gathered via electronic search(using Google Scholar,NOPR,Pubmed,Elsevier,Medline Plus and Web of Science)and library search for the books on traditional medicine as well as the articles published in peer-reviewed journals.The plant is rich in compounds containing alkaloids,saponins,indoxy yielding O-glycoside(s),phenolics,flavonoids,isatin tryptanthrin,anthranillate,rutin,β-isatin,tryptophan,indigotin,indirubin,wrightial and sterols.The vast number of literature found in database revealed that the extracts of different parts of W.tinctoria showed significant pharmacological actions.Clinical studies indicated a broad range of applications in the treatment of psoriasis and other skin diseases.We suggest that there is a need for further investigations to isolate active principles that confer pharmacological action.Therefore,identification of such active compound is useful for producing safer drugs in the treatments of various ailments.展开更多
The global burden of cancer,with over 19 million new cases annually,underscores the urgent need for effective therapies.Among the most promising anticancer compounds is camptothecin(CPT),a monoterpene alkaloid predomi...The global burden of cancer,with over 19 million new cases annually,underscores the urgent need for effective therapies.Among the most promising anticancer compounds is camptothecin(CPT),a monoterpene alkaloid predominantly derived from Nothapodytes species.Despite its significantpharmaceutical value,the exploitation of such Threatened Plant Species with Widespread Distribution(TPSWD),particularly driven by the global demand for natural compounds in anticancer therapies,presents a paradox in which their widespread distribution fails to ensure their secure conservation status.Furthermore,the lack of in-depth biogeographic and systematic studies complicates efforts to balance resource utilization with biodiversity preservation.The asymmetric distribution of CPT within plant taxa,along with limited knowledge of its biosynthetic pathways and the enzymes and genes involved,further hampers sustainable production.Here,we review the current knowledge on the production and protection of Nothapodytes,focusing on their plant resources,active ingredients,and natural drug derivatives.We also explore strategies for rescuing and sustainably utilizing Nothapodytes,including biotechnological advancements and integrated conservation practices.Finally,we propose future directions to address conservation challenges,ensuring a sustainable supply of CPT while safeguarding these TPSWD species.展开更多
Ascorbate(Asc),commonly known as vitamin C,is a vital molecule for plant growth,development,and stress resilience.It is also known to play a crucial role in various physiological processes,including photosynthesis,cel...Ascorbate(Asc),commonly known as vitamin C,is a vital molecule for plant growth,development,and stress resilience.It is also known to play a crucial role in various physiological processes,including photosynthesis,cell division,and differentiation.This article thoroughly explores the processes governing the metabolism of Asc in plants and its roles in physiological functions.It lays down a robust theoretical groundwork for delving into Asc production,transportation,functions,and its potential applications in stress alleviation and horticulture.Furthermore,recent studies indicate that Asc plays a role in regulating fruit development and affecting postharvest storage characteristics,thereby influencing fruit ripening and resilience to stress.Hence,there is a growing importance in studying the synthesis and utilization of Asc in plants.Although the critical role of Asc in controlling plant redox signals has been extensively studied,the precise mechanisms by which it manages cellular redox homeostasis to maintain the equilibrium between reactive oxygen scavenging and cell redox signaling remain elusive.This gap in knowledge presents fresh opportunities to explore how the production of Asc in plants is regulated and how plants react to environmental stressors.Furthermore,this article delves into the potential for a comprehensive investigation into the essential function of Asc in fruits,the development of Asc-rich fruits,and the enhancement of postharvest storage properties.展开更多
The genus Clematis(Ranunculaceae)comprises over 300 species with remarkable morphological and ecological diversity worldwide.Despite its horticultural,medicinal,and ecological importance,a well-resolved phylogeny and ...The genus Clematis(Ranunculaceae)comprises over 300 species with remarkable morphological and ecological diversity worldwide.Despite its horticultural,medicinal,and ecological importance,a well-resolved phylogeny and coherent infrageneric classification are still lacking.Here,we reconstruct a robust phylogeny for Clematis using a phylogenomic approach and revise its infrageneric taxonomy.We incorporated 198 samples representing 151 species,two subspecies,and 12 varieties,covering all subgenera and most sections worldwide,obtained from both fresh and herbarium material.Nuclear single nucleotide polymorphisms(SNPs)and complete plastid genomes were assembled for phylogenetic analyses.We also prepared a nuclear ribosomal ITS(nrITS)dataset comprising 171 species,two subspecies,and 12 varieties(217 samples)to include as many species as possible for phylogenetic inference.Phylogenies based on plastid genomes and nrITS exhibited limited resolution and modest support,highlighting challenges in resolving certain relationships.Nuclear SNP analyses yielded a robust phylogenetic tree with 22 well-supported clades corresponding to 22 sections,with most previously recognized subgenera and sections not recovered as monophyletic.Ancestral state reconstruction of 12 key morphological characters revealed multiple independent origins of character states.This study presents the first comprehensive sectional classification for Clematis based on robust phylogenomic evidence,redefines morphological characteristics for each section,and resolves long-standing taxonomic ambiguities.Our results establish a framework for future studies on the evolution,ecology,and horticultural potential of this globally significant genus.展开更多
Biodiversity constitutes the fundamental cornerstone of ecosystem stability and resilience,furnishing indispensable services that encompass food production,the provision of clean water,climate regulation and the contr...Biodiversity constitutes the fundamental cornerstone of ecosystem stability and resilience,furnishing indispensable services that encompass food production,the provision of clean water,climate regulation and the control of disease.Nonetheless,the planet is currently experiencing an unprecedented biodiversity crisis.展开更多
The genus Boechera(Brassicaceae)serves as a model system for studying apomictic reproduction and ecological adaptations,with most species occurring in North America.The rare occurrence of Boechera species outside thei...The genus Boechera(Brassicaceae)serves as a model system for studying apomictic reproduction and ecological adaptations,with most species occurring in North America.The rare occurrence of Boechera species outside their typical range provides unique opportunities to investigate genome evolution in extralimital environments.One such species,B.calcarea,has been described from the Chandalaz Mountains in northeastern Asia(Russia).This study aimed to investigate the genome structure and evolutionary history of B.calcarea.However,our analyses reveal that the species does not belong to Boechera.Instead,an integrative approach combining cytogenetic,phylogenetic and repeatome analysis identified the species as a member of one of more ancestral clades in the tribe Arabideae.The diploid Parryodes calcarea(2n=16)exhibits Arabideae-specific chromosomal signatures,including multiple centromere repositionings.These findings clarify the misclassification of P.calcarea as Boechera,leaving Boechera falcata and Borodinia macrophylla as the only representatives of the Boechereae in the Old World.This study highlights the importance of an integrative approach in resolving taxonomic ambiguities and provides new insights into the diversification of the largest cruciferous tribe,the Arabideae.展开更多
Non-structural carbohydrates(NSCs)are critical for plant drought adaptation,but their environmental drivers under prolonged drought remains unclear.We investigated seasonal NSCs dynamics in the leaf,stem and root of P...Non-structural carbohydrates(NSCs)are critical for plant drought adaptation,but their environmental drivers under prolonged drought remains unclear.We investigated seasonal NSCs dynamics in the leaf,stem and root of Picea crass ifolia(Qinghai spruce)during the growing seasons of2021-2023 under intensifying drought at three altitudes in Qilian Mountains,Northwest China.Our results revealed synchronous seasonal patterns in soluble sugar,starch,and total non-structural carbohydrate within the same year,contrasting with marked altitudinal disparities.As drought progressed(from 2021 to 2023),soluble sugars initially increased(2022)then declined(2023),while starch showed consistent reduction(except leaves).Moreover,the altitude of peak NSCs concentrations shifted from 3200 m in 2021to 2700 m in 2023.In particular,prolonged drought alters the environmental factors affecting NSCs.NSCs demonstrated significant positive correlations with soil temperature during humid 2021,then negatively with air temperature,vapor pressure deficit,and precipitation during 2022's initial drought,whereas under 2023's persistent drought conditions,soil temperature and water content emerged as dominant drivers.Concurrently,the ratio of soluble sugar to starch transitioned from air temperature and precipitation associations(2021-2022)to soil parameter dependence in2023.These findings provide new insights into the seasonal carbon dynamics of Qinghai spruce and the environmental response mechanisms under increasing drought stress,contributing to a better understanding of tree physiological adaptations in drought stress.展开更多
Botrytis cinerea is a major necrotrophic pathogen responsible for significant crop losses worldwide.Alternative strategies to control B.cinerea are urgently needed to reduce dependence on chemical fungicides,which are...Botrytis cinerea is a major necrotrophic pathogen responsible for significant crop losses worldwide.Alternative strategies to control B.cinerea are urgently needed to reduce dependence on chemical fungicides,which are increasingly ineffective due to resistance and pose environmental risks.In this study,we identified two immunogenic epitopes derived from the B.cinerea cell death-inducing protein BcCrh1 and used them to engineer disease-resistant plants through a novel,spatially compartmentalized dual-epitope immune activation strategy.The first epitope is derived from a 35-amino acid intracellular peptide that exhibits both immunogenicity and cell death-inducing activity,which was mutated to separate these two properties.The second peptide represents an immunogenic portion of the protein that activates extracellular plant immunity.Transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses revealed that these epitopes trigger complementary defense pathways,and their co-expression integrates these responses into a robust,multilayered immunity,providing significantly enhanced protection compared with individual expression.Although constitutive expression of two epitopes conferred resistance,it also led to growth penalties.In contrast,pathogen-inducible expression of two epitopes preserved normal plant development while maintaining strong resistance to both B.cinerea and Pseudomonas syringae in Arabidopsis and tomato.This inducible strategy offers a major advantage by minimizing fitness costs while maximizing protection,highlighting the potential of spatially and temporally targeted epitope-based immune activation for durable and sustainable crop protection.展开更多
基金supported by the Major Science and Technique Programs in Yunnan Province(2016ZF001-001)the Science and Technology Planning Project of Yunnan Province(2013FC008).
文摘Panax,a genus of the Araliaceae family,is an important herbal group in traditional Chinese medicine(TCM).Nine species and three varieties are included in the genus of Panax,in which nearly all species have been used for medicinal purposes.Among them,Panax notoginseng(Burk)F.H.Chen,Panax ginseng C.A.Meyer and Panax quinquefolius L.are the most representative and valuable herbs world-wide,with a long history of cultivation.As the main bioactive chemical constituents,saponins with different aglycones are the major components in various Panax spp.,and their pharmacological activities are mainly reflected in the effects on blood system,cardio-and cerebro-vascular systems,nervous system,metabolism,and immune regulation.Researchers of Kunming Institute of Botany(KIB),Chinese Academy of Sciences(CAS),have put many efforts into conducting the investigations on Panax species.Herein,we reviewed the research progress on Panax spp.in KIB,CAS,over the past few decades,from the aspects of history and origin,phytochemistry and pharmacological activities.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 31700182)
文摘The development of new taxonomical theories and approaches, particularly molecular phylogenetics, has led to the expansion of traditional morphology-based taxonomy into the concept of "integrative taxonomy." Taxonomic knowledge has assumed greater significance in recent years, particularly because of growing concerns over the looming biodiversity crisis. Since its establishment in 1938, the Kunming Institute of Botany(KIB), which is located in Yunnan province in Southwest China, has focused attention on the taxonomy and conservation of the flora of China. For the forthcoming 80 th anniversary of KIB, we review the achievements of researchers at KIB and their associates with respect to the taxonomy of land plants, fungi, and lichen. Major taxonomic advances are summarized for families of Calymperaceae,Cryphaeaceae, Lembophyllaceae, Neckeraceae, Polytrichaceae and Pottiaceae of mosses, Pteridaceae and Polypodiaceae of ferns, Taxaceae and Cycadaceae of gymnosperms, Asteraceae, Begoniaceae, Ericaceae,Euphorbiaceae, Gesneriaceae, Lamiaceae, Orchidaceae, Orobanchaceae, Poaceae, Theaceae and Urticaceae of angiosperms, Agaricaceae, Amanitaceae, Boletaceae, Cantharellaceae, Physalacriaceae Russulaceae, Suillaceae and Tuberaceae of fungi, and Ophioparmaceae and Parmeliaceae of lichens. Regarding the future development of taxonomy at KIB, we recommend that taxonomists continue to explore the biodiversity of China, integrate new theories and technologies with traditional taxonomic approaches,and engage in creative monographic work, with support from institutions, funding agencies, and the public.
文摘The scientific discipline of ethnobotany-the study of human interactions with plants e has applications in many fields of current global concern,including food security,climate change,biodiversity conservation and human health.Ethnobotanical studies can provide insights into the ways that societies interact locally with their environmental resources.Ethnobotanical studies have the potential to bring together and integrate local and scientific knowledge to advance the cause of achieving biocultural conservation(Gaoue et al.,2017;Prance,2007).This Special Issue of Plant Diversity contains recent ethnobotanical studies that aim to contribute to determining the most useful ways ethnobotany can be used to confront human problems in the future.Specifically,this issue shows ways in which ethnobotany can contribute to the conservation of biodiversity,especially with regards to documentation and maintenance of indigenous and local knowledge of plants.The research in this issue also describes innovative practices communities have adopted to maintain their plant resources。
基金supported by the National Research Foundation(NRF)Govan Mbeki Research and Development Centre(GMRDC),University of Fort Hare
文摘Euclea undulata(E. undulata) is traditionally used for the treatment of body pains, chest complaints, cough, diabetes, diarrhoea, headaches, heart diseases and toothaches in southern Africa. This study was aimed at reviewing the botany, ethnopharmacology and biological activities of E. undulata in southern Africa. Results presented in this study are based on review of literature using search engines such as Science Direct, Springerlink,Scopus, Pub Med, Web of Science, Bio Med Central and Google Scholar. Herbal medicine is prepared from the decoctions of the roots, bark and leaves, and extracts of these plant parts have demonstrated anticholinesterase, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antimycobacterial, antiplasmodial, antioxidant and hypoglycaemic activities. Multiple classes of phytochemical compounds such alkaloids, diterpenes, fatty acids, flavonoids, glycosides, naphthoquinones, phenolics, phytosterols, reducing sugars, saponins and tannins have been isolated from the species. E. undulata has a lot of potential as herbal medicine in tropical Africa, and advanced research is required aimed at correlating its medicinal uses with the phytochemistry and pharmacological properties.
基金the grants from National Natural and Science Foundations of China,CAS,Yunnan Provincial Science and Technology Department(2018HA001)other grants from Chinese government agencies and enterprise for the career development of Prof.
文摘Prof.Zhou Jun,Academician of Chinese Academy of Sciences(1999),is a phytochemist and medicinal chemist of China.He is one of the pioneers of Kunming Institute of Botany,CAS and a major founder of the State Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Plant Resources in West China.The chemical compositions of some TCM from genus of Dioscorea,Aconitum,Panax,Paris,Cynanchum,Gastrodia,Dendrobium etc.and family Asclepiadaceae,Caryophyllaceae,Hypoxidaceae etc.have been explored by Prof.Zhou's team as steroids,triterpenoids,alkaloids,cyclic peptides and phenols etc.,which revealed the main active composition of those TCM such as Panax notoginseng,Paris yunnanensis and Gastrodia elata.
文摘Ethnobotanical study of plants revealed that the local community of Ghalegy,District Swat,invariably uses 126 species of 59 families for various purposes.Based on their traditional local uses,fifty-seven species (45.2%) were classified as medicinal,forty-seven as fire wood (37.3%),forty-five as forage (35.7%),twenty-eight as honey bee species (22.2%),twenty-seven as vegetable species (21.4%),25 as edible fruits (14 wild and 11cultivated),thirteen as timber wood (10.3%),twelve as ornamental (9.5%),eleven as furniture wood,ten as shelter and thatch makers (7.9%),ten as fencing (7.9%),five as poisonous (4%),four as religious/superstitious species,three species used in making hand sticks and wooden tools (2.4%),three as utensil cleaner species (2.4%),three as evil repellent and one as fish poisoning species.The area is in plant resources and traditional knowledge but it needs ecological management for its sustainability.
文摘Applied ethnobotany is a new subject in ethnobiological sciences referring to the transferring,reviving and cultivating ethnobotanical knowledge among different social groups within intra-and-inter-communities.Much research related to biodiversity in many countries is largely devoted to the gathering of more academic information,rather than to more incise studies focusing on finding answers to pressing challenges related to the use of plants by communities.China is a country possessing rich biodiversity and cultural diversity.The long history of Chinese traditional medicine,diversity of cultivated crops and utilization of wild plant species are great cultural traditions to the country.Today,many societies of the country are still intricately linked to the natural environment economically as well as societies and groups within China.However,China is facing major changes in modernization of the country’s economy,and globalization to form part of the world exchange system.Increasingly high levels of consumptions of natural plants,as well as national and international trades on plant products have resulted,space in over-harvesting of wild resources and accelerated environmental degradation.Local social structures and cultural traditions have also changed in order to cope with policy changes.In this background,over the last decade,applied ethnobotany for rural community development and conservation has been employed in different field projects and ethnic minority communities in Yunnan province of China.The applied ethnobotany has focused on work at community level to achieve sustainable use of natural resources and conservation.This presentation discusses findings and lessons learned from the projects on alternatives and innovations to shifting cultivation in Xishuangbanna,southwestern China.
基金supported by Govan Mbeki Research and Development Centre(CMRDC grant number C169)University of Fort Hare and the National Research Foundation(NRF grant number T398)
文摘Diospyros lycioides Desf.(D. lycioides) is traditionally used as herbal medicine against various human and animal ailments in tropical Africa. The present paper reviewed information on botany, medicinal uses, phytochemistry and pharmacological activities of D. lycioides. This review was compiled using scientific literature from electronic search engine such as PubMed,Scopus, ScienceDirect, Springerlink, BioMed Central, Scielo, Medline and Science domain.Additional literatures were obtained from book chapters, books, dissertations, websites and other scientific publications. D. lycioides is used as traditional medicine in 50% of the countries where the species is native in tropical Africa. This study recorded 22 medicinal uses of D.lycioides which included abdominal pains, infertility in women, sexually transmitted infections,and used as chewing sticks(or mouthwash), toothbrushes and ethnoveterinary medicine. D.lycioides extracts demonstrated anti-adhesive, anti-inflammatory, antimetastatic, antioxidant,antifungal, antiproliferative, mutagenicity and antibacterial activities. Future research should focus on the pharmacological properties, phytochemistry, clinical trials and pharmacokinetics of D. lycioides which will enhance the therapeutic potential of the species.
文摘The community living around the Cikaniki Area of Gunung Halimun Salak National Park(CAGHSNP)uses various plants to fulfill their needs.Their habits are related to indigenous knowledge of using plants as food,medicine,construction,and household utilities,which dynamic societal changes have not displaced.This study aimed to inventory and update potential plants used as food,medicine,construction,and household utilities by local communities in the Cikaniki area,and measure and analyze their cultural and ethnobotanical value.This study objected to five hamlets in the Cikaniki at Malasari Village,Nanggung District,Bogor Regency,West Java,Indonesia.The quantitative analysis was calculated based on the Informant Consensus Factor,Fidelity Level,and Use Value.We analyzed the qualitative data based on the data collection through observation,interviews,and documentation from informants and respondents in five hamlets.The study recorded 199 plant species from 75 families used by the community of CA-GHSNP.The most utilized species in Cikaniki were Staurogyne elongata,Caryota mitis,Blumea balsamifera,Castanopsis argentea,Pilea melastomoides,and Piper betle.There are 72 species of plants used as food,122species for medicinal purposes,and 50 species of plants used for construction and household utilities.The potential plant species in the CA-GHSNP,their utilization categories,and recommendation for conservation strategy are discussed.
文摘The present paper briefly introduces information about proposals received and funded, statistics and analysis of evaluation of peer review, and supporting strategies and reforms in program reviewing and administration in the Division of Botany at the Natural Science Foundation of China （NSFC） in 2005. A list of general programs and the abstract of key programs funded by this Division in 2005 are also provided.
基金The corresponding author is also deeply grateful to Ministry of Minority Affairs,Government of India,for providing financial assistance(MANF-JAM-99722)during his research work.
文摘Plant tissue culture represents an advanced biotechnological technique for propagating and conserving threatened plant species efficiently.This method enables the rapid production of genetically identical plants under controlled sterile laboratory conditions(in vitro).Its applications span forestry,horticulture,and,crucially,plant breeding.Nanoparticles have emerged as innovative tools to address limitations in conventional plant tissue culture,offering diverse functionalities based on their unique physicochemical properties.This review focuses on the utilization of nanotechnology in enhancing various aspects of plant tissue culture.Nanoparticles,such as silver and zinc oxide,have demonstrated significant roles as antimicrobial agents and anti-browning agents.They also serve as elicitors,stimulating callus proliferation,root elongation,rapid shoot formation,and the enhanced production of bioactive compounds on a large scale.Furthermore,nanoparticles contribute to mitigating oxidative stress within cells,thereby promoting increased callus formation,elongated roots,and elevated production of secondary metabolites.Their influence extends to somaclonal variation and genetic transformation processes within plant tissue culture.These contributions collectively underscore the potential of nanoparticles to foster more efficient,sustainable,and scalable biotechnological solutions in in vitro culture.The implications extend to reducing resource dependency and mitigating environmental impacts,positioning nanotechnology as a transformative approach in sustainable plant biotechnology.
基金supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China,China(2022YFE0209400).
文摘In a pivotal moment for global conservation policy,UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere(MAB)Programme has endorsed the Hangzhou Strategic Action Plan(HSAP)2026–2035(UNESCO,2025),a decade-long roadmap that positions the World Network of Biosphere Reserves(WNBR)as central actors in delivering biodiversity,climate and sustainable-development goals(SDGs).The plan—developed and opened for global consultation in the runup to the 5th World Congress of Biosphere Reserves—articulates strategic directions,measurable action targets and practical instruments to strengthen biosphere reserves as living laboratories for people and nature(Ma,2025).
文摘Different parts of Wrightia tinctoria R.Br.(Apocynaceae)(W.tinctoria),have been extensively used in Indian systems of medicine such as Ayurveda,Siddha and Unani for the treatment of jaundice,malaria,psoriasis and many other ailments.The present review has been primed to describe the existing data on the information on the traditional uses,botany,pharmacognosy,phytochemical constituents,pharmacological activities and toxicology of W.tinctoria.The information was gathered via electronic search(using Google Scholar,NOPR,Pubmed,Elsevier,Medline Plus and Web of Science)and library search for the books on traditional medicine as well as the articles published in peer-reviewed journals.The plant is rich in compounds containing alkaloids,saponins,indoxy yielding O-glycoside(s),phenolics,flavonoids,isatin tryptanthrin,anthranillate,rutin,β-isatin,tryptophan,indigotin,indirubin,wrightial and sterols.The vast number of literature found in database revealed that the extracts of different parts of W.tinctoria showed significant pharmacological actions.Clinical studies indicated a broad range of applications in the treatment of psoriasis and other skin diseases.We suggest that there is a need for further investigations to isolate active principles that confer pharmacological action.Therefore,identification of such active compound is useful for producing safer drugs in the treatments of various ailments.
基金supported by the National Key R&D Program of China(2024YFF1306700)the Key Project of Basic Research of Yunnan Province,China(202301AS070001)the Regional Innovative Development Joint Fund of NSFC(U23A20149).
文摘The global burden of cancer,with over 19 million new cases annually,underscores the urgent need for effective therapies.Among the most promising anticancer compounds is camptothecin(CPT),a monoterpene alkaloid predominantly derived from Nothapodytes species.Despite its significantpharmaceutical value,the exploitation of such Threatened Plant Species with Widespread Distribution(TPSWD),particularly driven by the global demand for natural compounds in anticancer therapies,presents a paradox in which their widespread distribution fails to ensure their secure conservation status.Furthermore,the lack of in-depth biogeographic and systematic studies complicates efforts to balance resource utilization with biodiversity preservation.The asymmetric distribution of CPT within plant taxa,along with limited knowledge of its biosynthetic pathways and the enzymes and genes involved,further hampers sustainable production.Here,we review the current knowledge on the production and protection of Nothapodytes,focusing on their plant resources,active ingredients,and natural drug derivatives.We also explore strategies for rescuing and sustainably utilizing Nothapodytes,including biotechnological advancements and integrated conservation practices.Finally,we propose future directions to address conservation challenges,ensuring a sustainable supply of CPT while safeguarding these TPSWD species.
基金supported by the Lendület/Momentum Programme of the Hungarian Academy of Sciencesthe National Research, Development, and Innovation Office, Hungary (Grant Nos. LP2024/21 and K146791)+2 种基金Bayers fellowship program MEDHA and Department of Botany, University of Calicutthe financial assistance provided in the form of Junior Research Fellowship from the University Grants Commission (UGC), Indiathe financial assistance provided by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research(CSIR), India
文摘Ascorbate(Asc),commonly known as vitamin C,is a vital molecule for plant growth,development,and stress resilience.It is also known to play a crucial role in various physiological processes,including photosynthesis,cell division,and differentiation.This article thoroughly explores the processes governing the metabolism of Asc in plants and its roles in physiological functions.It lays down a robust theoretical groundwork for delving into Asc production,transportation,functions,and its potential applications in stress alleviation and horticulture.Furthermore,recent studies indicate that Asc plays a role in regulating fruit development and affecting postharvest storage characteristics,thereby influencing fruit ripening and resilience to stress.Hence,there is a growing importance in studying the synthesis and utilization of Asc in plants.Although the critical role of Asc in controlling plant redox signals has been extensively studied,the precise mechanisms by which it manages cellular redox homeostasis to maintain the equilibrium between reactive oxygen scavenging and cell redox signaling remain elusive.This gap in knowledge presents fresh opportunities to explore how the production of Asc in plants is regulated and how plants react to environmental stressors.Furthermore,this article delves into the potential for a comprehensive investigation into the essential function of Asc in fruits,the development of Asc-rich fruits,and the enhancement of postharvest storage properties.
基金funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(grant no.31670207).
文摘The genus Clematis(Ranunculaceae)comprises over 300 species with remarkable morphological and ecological diversity worldwide.Despite its horticultural,medicinal,and ecological importance,a well-resolved phylogeny and coherent infrageneric classification are still lacking.Here,we reconstruct a robust phylogeny for Clematis using a phylogenomic approach and revise its infrageneric taxonomy.We incorporated 198 samples representing 151 species,two subspecies,and 12 varieties,covering all subgenera and most sections worldwide,obtained from both fresh and herbarium material.Nuclear single nucleotide polymorphisms(SNPs)and complete plastid genomes were assembled for phylogenetic analyses.We also prepared a nuclear ribosomal ITS(nrITS)dataset comprising 171 species,two subspecies,and 12 varieties(217 samples)to include as many species as possible for phylogenetic inference.Phylogenies based on plastid genomes and nrITS exhibited limited resolution and modest support,highlighting challenges in resolving certain relationships.Nuclear SNP analyses yielded a robust phylogenetic tree with 22 well-supported clades corresponding to 22 sections,with most previously recognized subgenera and sections not recovered as monophyletic.Ancestral state reconstruction of 12 key morphological characters revealed multiple independent origins of character states.This study presents the first comprehensive sectional classification for Clematis based on robust phylogenomic evidence,redefines morphological characteristics for each section,and resolves long-standing taxonomic ambiguities.Our results establish a framework for future studies on the evolution,ecology,and horticultural potential of this globally significant genus.
基金supported by the Guangdong Basic and Applied Basic Research Foundation-Special Program on Biodiversity(2023B0303050001).
文摘Biodiversity constitutes the fundamental cornerstone of ecosystem stability and resilience,furnishing indispensable services that encompass food production,the provision of clean water,climate regulation and the control of disease.Nonetheless,the planet is currently experiencing an unprecedented biodiversity crisis.
基金supported by the Czech Science Foundation(projects 24-11371S to TM and 23-06840S to MAL)Masaryk University Grant Agency(project MUNI/R/1268/2022 to TM)Additional support(PT)was provided as part of a long-term research project of the Czech Academy of Sciences,Institute of Botany(RVO 67985939).
文摘The genus Boechera(Brassicaceae)serves as a model system for studying apomictic reproduction and ecological adaptations,with most species occurring in North America.The rare occurrence of Boechera species outside their typical range provides unique opportunities to investigate genome evolution in extralimital environments.One such species,B.calcarea,has been described from the Chandalaz Mountains in northeastern Asia(Russia).This study aimed to investigate the genome structure and evolutionary history of B.calcarea.However,our analyses reveal that the species does not belong to Boechera.Instead,an integrative approach combining cytogenetic,phylogenetic and repeatome analysis identified the species as a member of one of more ancestral clades in the tribe Arabideae.The diploid Parryodes calcarea(2n=16)exhibits Arabideae-specific chromosomal signatures,including multiple centromere repositionings.These findings clarify the misclassification of P.calcarea as Boechera,leaving Boechera falcata and Borodinia macrophylla as the only representatives of the Boechereae in the Old World.This study highlights the importance of an integrative approach in resolving taxonomic ambiguities and provides new insights into the diversification of the largest cruciferous tribe,the Arabideae.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.42277481,42007410,32271667,42207537)。
文摘Non-structural carbohydrates(NSCs)are critical for plant drought adaptation,but their environmental drivers under prolonged drought remains unclear.We investigated seasonal NSCs dynamics in the leaf,stem and root of Picea crass ifolia(Qinghai spruce)during the growing seasons of2021-2023 under intensifying drought at three altitudes in Qilian Mountains,Northwest China.Our results revealed synchronous seasonal patterns in soluble sugar,starch,and total non-structural carbohydrate within the same year,contrasting with marked altitudinal disparities.As drought progressed(from 2021 to 2023),soluble sugars initially increased(2022)then declined(2023),while starch showed consistent reduction(except leaves).Moreover,the altitude of peak NSCs concentrations shifted from 3200 m in 2021to 2700 m in 2023.In particular,prolonged drought alters the environmental factors affecting NSCs.NSCs demonstrated significant positive correlations with soil temperature during humid 2021,then negatively with air temperature,vapor pressure deficit,and precipitation during 2022's initial drought,whereas under 2023's persistent drought conditions,soil temperature and water content emerged as dominant drivers.Concurrently,the ratio of soluble sugar to starch transitioned from air temperature and precipitation associations(2021-2022)to soil parameter dependence in2023.These findings provide new insights into the seasonal carbon dynamics of Qinghai spruce and the environmental response mechanisms under increasing drought stress,contributing to a better understanding of tree physiological adaptations in drought stress.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(grant no.32372514)the Research and Innovation Initiatives of WHPU(grant no.2024J02)+1 种基金Y.L.(202108280009)was funded by the China Scholarship Councilsupported by BARD(grant no.5261-20C)to A.S and T.M.
文摘Botrytis cinerea is a major necrotrophic pathogen responsible for significant crop losses worldwide.Alternative strategies to control B.cinerea are urgently needed to reduce dependence on chemical fungicides,which are increasingly ineffective due to resistance and pose environmental risks.In this study,we identified two immunogenic epitopes derived from the B.cinerea cell death-inducing protein BcCrh1 and used them to engineer disease-resistant plants through a novel,spatially compartmentalized dual-epitope immune activation strategy.The first epitope is derived from a 35-amino acid intracellular peptide that exhibits both immunogenicity and cell death-inducing activity,which was mutated to separate these two properties.The second peptide represents an immunogenic portion of the protein that activates extracellular plant immunity.Transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses revealed that these epitopes trigger complementary defense pathways,and their co-expression integrates these responses into a robust,multilayered immunity,providing significantly enhanced protection compared with individual expression.Although constitutive expression of two epitopes conferred resistance,it also led to growth penalties.In contrast,pathogen-inducible expression of two epitopes preserved normal plant development while maintaining strong resistance to both B.cinerea and Pseudomonas syringae in Arabidopsis and tomato.This inducible strategy offers a major advantage by minimizing fitness costs while maximizing protection,highlighting the potential of spatially and temporally targeted epitope-based immune activation for durable and sustainable crop protection.
