An updated review of genus Cistus L. since 2014: traditional uses,phytochemistry, and pharmacological properties

Phytochemistry Reviews - Genus Cistus L. (Cistaceae) occurs mainly in the Mediterranean region. Many plants of this genus have been used in different folk medicines since ancient times, mainly...     

A comprehensive review on distribution,paharmacological uses and biological activities of Argyrolobium roseum (Cambess.) Jaub. & Spach

Argyrolobium roseum (Leguminoseae/Fabaceae) widely distributed in central Asia also common in Pakistan which has been used as a traditional medicine for many diseases. This paper provides a comprehensive review and updated information available in the literature, regarding the phytochemical investigation and biological activities to highlight the detailed, up to date study of Argyrolobium roseum. Literature surveys have been conducted to explore the ethnobotanical, floral, and biological study of the selected plant for further findings. Literature review confirmed that, Argyrolobium roseum contains several phytochemicals, physicochemical and pharmacological activities, such as anti-bacterial, antioxidant, anti-fungal, allelopathic, anti-diabetic, enzymatic, cytotoxic, hepatotoxic and Immuno-modulatory activities. Based on previous literature, we concludes that these pharmacological and biological studies are still not enough to explore the medical and ethnobotanical value. Hence, further detailed explorations are required to study bioactive compounds and to discover medicinal value and its phytotherapeutic potential.     

A review of the ethnomedicinal uses,phytochemistry and pharmacology of the <Emphasis Type="Italic">Pleiocarpa</Emphasis> genus

Pleiocarpa genus is a flowering plant from the Apocynaceae family which are rich sources of phytochemicals and have been reported to be useful in the treatment of gastrointestinal ailments, fever, malaria, pain, diabetes and cancer. The aim of this review is to present the past and current ethnomedicinal uses, phytochemistry and the pharmacology of Pleiocarpa genus which are underexploited as revealed through this review in order to enhance its potential source of phytochemical leads in medicine. Some pharmacological activities of these plants based on their acclaimed ethnomedicinal uses have been investigated by various researchers. The chemical profile of the genus is limited to alkaloids and triterpenoids, where indole alkaloids may be considered as important taxonomical markers.     

Pollen development of Rheum nobile Hook.f. & Thomson (Polygonaceae), with reference to its sterility induced by bract removal

The Himalayan alpine herb, Rheum nobile , terminates in a stout conical compound raceme concealed by large translucent bracts. It bears many fruits even under hostile conditions such as low temperature or persistent cloudy weather. To clarify the role of the bracts, the structure and the development of the pollen grains were examined after removing the bracts to expose the flowers to the open air for 9 days. Half of the individuals with bracts removed showed 0 to 1 % of pollen stainability and the pollen grains were variable in shape and size. It was also observed that the bracts of Rheum nobile increased the temperature of inflorescence by about 10deg;C above ambient daytime temperatures. These results suggest that one of the causes for the inhibition of pollen development was low temperature. The remainder, however, indicated high stainability of 70–100%. It is suggested that the extreme difference of pollen stainability between two groups of Rheum nobile exposed to the surroundings may be related to the stage of microsporogenesis. Bracts of Rheum nobile might play an important role in normal reproduction under low temperature at high altitudes.     

Selective light transmittance of translucent bracts in the Himalayan giant glasshouse plant Rheum nobile Hook. f. & Thomson (Polygonaceae)

Translucent bract transmittance of ultraviolet (UV) to infrared (IR) radiation (between 320 and 800 nm) and leaf anatomy were examined in a glasshouse plant, Rheum nobile Hook. f. & Thomson (Polygonaceae) to assess the function of avoiding injury by UV radiation while keeping the inflorescence warm by photosynthetically active (PA) and IR radiation. Although the translucent bracts and rosulate leaves transmitted little UV radiation, the former always transmit more PA and IR radiation. Additionally, the bracts transmit much more scattered solar radiation than direct radiation. The bracts are also anatomically different from the rosulate leaves. They have two or three layers of mesophyll cells with neither palisade nor spongy parenchymatous cells; in addition, the uppermost layer of mesophyll and the epidermis stain easily, and both are thought to play a role in attenuating UV radiation. The leaf epidermis of many land plants has UV absorbing pigments such as flavonoids, which absorb almost all UV radiation. Thus the role of the bracts of R. nobile is to protect the reproductive organs by absorbing UV radiation and to keep them warm by transmitting PA and IR radiation. The bracts are believed to have adapted function and form to the environment, in particular, to the weather conditions of the eastern Himalaya.     

Laurel,Laurus nobilis L.: a review of its botany,traditional uses,phytochemistry and pharmacology

Phytochemistry Reviews - Laurus nobilis L. (Lauraceae), commonly known as laurel, is an evergreen and edible tree that possess biological properties positively correlated with human health. It is a...     

Genus <Emphasis Type="Italic">Retama</Emphasis>: a review on traditional uses,phytochemistry, and pharmacological activities

Plants of the genus Retama (Fabaceae) are used in traditional medicine of the Mediterranean Basin as an emetic, purgative, and vermifuge. Certain Retama species are also employed to treat a multitude of disorders, including diabetes, hepatitis, jaundice, sore throat, skin diseases, joint pain, rheumatism, fever, and inflammation. This review deals with updated information on the distribution, botanical characteristics, ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, pharmacological activities, and toxicity of the Retama species in order to support their therapeutic potential and to provide an input for future research prospects. The Retama species are mainly employed as ethnomedicinal remedies in Mediterranean countries, including Algeria, Egypt, Italy, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, and Spain. Previous phytochemical studies show a complex composition, rich in carbohydrates (galactomannans), polyols (pinitol), fatty acids, phenolic compounds (genistein, daidzein) and alkaloids (retamine, lupanine). The pharmacological activity of their various extracts has been widely studied, revealing, among others, the anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-diabetic effects of these species. The potential toxicity of these medicinal plants has also been discussed. Although recent experimental evidence confirms the pharmacological interest of this genus, further studies are necessary.     

Observations on Hookeriales,I. The taxonomic status of African species of Sauloma (Hook. f. & Wils.) Mitt. (Hookeriales)

African members of the moss genus Sauloma (Hook. f. & Wils.) Mitt are evaluated. Sauloma tisserantii P. Varde from Oubangui, Sauloma humblotii (Ren. & Card.) Card. (= Lepidopilum humblotii Ren. & Card.) from the Comoros and S. africana Dix. & Thér. from Central Africa are all conspecific with Leucomium strumosum (Hornsch.) Mitt. (Hookeriales, Leucomiaceae), the first two names being synonymized with the latter for the first time. S. julacea C. Müll. in Par. nom. nud. correctly belongs within Meiothecium (Sematophyllaceae) and S. chloroclada C. Müll. in Broth. nom. nud. is Meiothecium chlorocladum (Broth.) Broth. Accordingly, the genus Sauloma has to be excluded from the bryoflora of mainland Africa and adjacent islands.     

Secondary metabolites from Scutellaria albida L. ssp. velenovskyi (Rech. f.) Greuter & Burdet

Fourteen compounds (Fig.1) were isolated from the aerial parts of Scutellaria albida L. ssp. velenovskyi (Rech. f.) Greuter & Burdet, including four iridoids (1–4) catalpol, macfadienoside, mussaenosidic acid, albidoside; four flavonoids (5–8) hispidulin 7-Ο-β-D-glucuronide, scutellarin, xanthomicrol, eriodictyol; four phenylethanoid glycosides (9–12) verbascoside, leucosceptoside A, martynoside, 2-(3-hydroxy-4-methoxy-phenyl)-ethyl-1-Ο-β-D-glucopyranoside; the sugar ester 6′-β-D-glucopyranosyl-E-p-coumarate (13), as well as the acetogenic glucoside (Z)-3-hexenyl-1-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-β-D-glucopyranoside (14). The structures of the isolates were established by means of NMR and HRMS spectral analyses. This is the first phytochemical study on S. velenovskyi and the first report of an acetogenic glycoside in the genus Scutellaria L. A chemical review on the isolated secondary metabolites in this study has been carried out. The chemotaxonomic value of the isolates is also discussed. Based on the literature data, the analysis revealed that the chemical profile of S. velenovskyi is close to that of the taxa belonging to the S. albida group.     

Typification,taxonomy, and worldwide distribution of Braunia secunda (Hook.) Bruch & Schimp. (Hedwigiaceae)

Diagnosis and illustrations are given for Braunia secunda (Hook.) Bruch & Schimp., and a Humboldt and Bonpland specimen (BM) is selected as the lectotype. Also a collection by Arséne (BM) is designated as the lectotype for B. secunda var. crassiretis Thér. This variety is retained as synonym of B. secunda. The species concept of B. secunda is revised and a provisional key is provided to help in the identification of 23 species of Braunia, based on examination of herbarium specimens worldwide. About half of specimens from Mexico actually represent another species, B. andrieuxii Lorentz. All material examined from India, previously identified as B. secunda belongs to B. macropelma (Müll.Hal.) A.Jaeger, whereas collections from Africa are actually B. rupestris (Mitt.) A.Jaeger, B. entodonticarpa Müll.Hal., or B. diaphana (Müll.Hal.) A.Jaeger. These and other species should no longer be considered synonyms of B. secunda. The worldwide distribution of the species is documented for the United States, Mexico, Guatemala, Dominican Republic, Haiti, Venezuela, and Bolivia.     

An overview on traditional uses and pharmacological profile of Acorus calamus Linn. (Sweet flag) and other Acorus species

Acorus calamus (Sweet flag) has a long history of use and has numerous traditional and ethnomedicinal applications. Since ancient times, it has been used in various systems of medicines such as Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha, Chinese medicine, etc. for the treatment of various aliments like nervous disorders, appetite loss, bronchitis, chest pain, colic, cramps, diarrhea, digestive disorders, flatulence, gas, indigestion, rheumatism, sedative, cough, fever, bronchitis, inflammation, depression, tumors, hemorrhoids, skin diseases, numbness, general debility and vascular disorders. Various therapeutic potentials of this plant have been attributed to its rhizome. A number of active constituents from leaves, rhizomes and essential oils of A. calamus have been isolated and characterized. Of the constituents, alpha and beta-asarone are the predominant bioactive components. Various pharmacological activities of A. calamus rhizome such as sedative, CNS depressant, anticonvulsant, antispasmodic, cardiovascular, hypolipidemic, immunosuppressive, anti-inflammatory, cryoprotective, antioxidant, antidiarrheal, antimicrobial, anticancer and antidiabetic has been reported. Genotoxicity and mutagenecity of beta and alpha-asarone is reported, which limits their use at high dosage. Though A. calamus has been used since ancient times, many of its uses are yet to be scientifically validated. In the present review an attempt has been made to explore traditional uses and pharmacological properties of A. calamus.     

Heteroscyphus fissistipus (Hook.f. & Taylor) Schiffn. established in south-west Ireland,new to the Northern Hemisphere

Abstract

Heteroscyphus fissistipus (Hook.f. & Taylor) Schiffn. is reported from Garinish Island in south-west Ireland, new to the Northern Hemisphere. Material collected in 1999 is described and illustrated. Male and female plants are present in pure and mixed patches, and evidence for sporophyte production was observed. H. fissistipus has probably reached Ireland from introduced horticultural sources of antipodean origin.     

Tectona grandis L.f: A comprehensive review on its patents,chemical constituents,and biological activities

Tectona grandis L.f is a timber plant that is commonly referred to as teak. Its wide use as a medicine in the various indigenous systems makes it a plant of importance. A wide gamut of phytoconstituents like alkaloids, phenolic glycosides, steroids, etc. has been reported. A renewed interest in this plant has resulted in scientific investigations by various researchers towards the isolation and identification of active constituents along with scientific proof of its biological activities. The different parts of the plant have been scientifically evaluated for their antioxidant, antipyretic, analgesic, hypoglycemic, wound healing, cytotoxic, and many more biological activities. Documentation of this scientific knowledge is of importance to have consolidated precise information encompassing the various aspects of this plant, which could provide a base for future studies. This review is a compilation of the salient reports on these investigations concerning phytochemistry, the methods used to identify and quantify the constituents, the evaluation methods of the biological activity, toxicological studies, allergies and the patent/patent applications. This will further help researchers to find an area of the gap for future studies.