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Introduction: The chemical classification of Cannabis is typically confined to the cannabinoid content, whilst Cannabis encompasses diverse chemical classes that vary in abundance among all its varieties. Hence, neglecting other chemical classes within Cannabis strains results in a restricted and biased comprehension of elements that may contribute to chemical intricacy and the resultant medicinal qualities of the plant. Objectives: Thus, herein, we report a computational metabolomics study to elucidate the Cannabis metabolic map beyond the cannabinoids. Methods: Mass spectrometry-based computational tools were used to mine and evaluate the methanolic leaf and flower extracts of two Cannabis cultivars: Amnesia haze (AMNH) and Royal dutch cheese (RDC). Results: The results revealed the presence of different chemical compound classes including cannabinoids, but extending it to flavonoids and phospholipids at varying distributions across the cultivar plant tissues, where the phenylpropnoid superclass was more abundant in the leaves than in the flowers. Therefore, the two cultivars were differentiated based on the overall chemical content of their plant tissues where AMNH was observed to be more dominant in the flavonoid content while RDC was more dominant in the lipid-like molecules. Additionally, in silico molecular docking studies in combination with biological assay studies indicated the potentially differing anti-cancer properties of the two cultivars resulting from the elucidated chemical profiles. Conclusion: These findings highlight distinctive chemical profiles beyond cannabinoids in Cannabis strains. This novel mapping of the metabolomic landscape of Cannabis provides actionable insights into plant biochemistry and justifies selecting certain varieties for medicinal use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Syzygium aromaticum has been used for over a century because it has biological qualities for several health-related problems, and the crude essential oils are known to contain several components that could be responsible for synergistic or antagonistic potentials in relation to their biological uses. The study was designed to compare the biological activities of the crude essential oil from the bud of Syzygium aromaticum and fractions obtained from column chromatography. Materials and methods: The essential oil was extracted by hydrodistillation, and two prominent fractions, C1 and C2, were obtained from the column chromatography separation of the crude essential oil. The quantitative phytochemical analysis was done by standard methods, the antioxidant activity was determined by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2′-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) scavenging assays. The antifungal activities were assessed by the agar diffusion method, while the anti-inflammatory activity was done using a lipoxygenase inhibitory assay. The major component observed in the crude and fractions was determined by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis. Results: The phytochemical analysis showed that phenolic acid, tannin, saponin, flavonoids, alkaloids, cardiac glycosides, and terpenoids were present in variable quantities in all of the fractions and crude essential oil. The half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) value for DPPH scavenging activity ranged from 226.1 to 301.2 µg/mL while that of ABTS scavenging activity ranged from 211.0 to 316.0 µg/mL. The lowest value of IC50 for both DPPH and ABTS was observed in fraction C1. The crude essential oil with a minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) value of 8.00 mg/mL was the most efficient against Candida albicans, Aspergillus penicillum, and Aspergillus niger. The anti-inflammatory assay showed C1 to have the lowest value of IC50 for the lipoxygenase assay. The major component observed in the crude essential oil as well as fraction C1 was eugenol, while fraction C2 had β-caryophyllene as the major component. Conclusions: The result showed that all fractions as well as the crude essential oil exhibited antioxidant, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory activities, and the crude essential oil was synergic only with respect to its antifungal activity, while fraction C1 was more efficient as an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Terminalia chebula, commonly known as black myrobalan, ink tree and Chebulic myrobalan is a deciduous tree belonging to the family Combretaceae. It is native to the tropical region with the highest occurrence in the South East Asian regions. The plant exhibits a wide spectrum of biological activity due to its phytochemicals such as polyphenols, flavonoids, terpenes, anthocyanins and glycosides. The fruit of T. chebula has been used in several traditional medicinal practices such as Ayurveda, Unani and Siddha for the treatment of different diseases and ailments including chronic diarrhoea, gastroenteritis, constipation, asthma, ulcer, haemorrhoids, cold and cough. The plant has been well reported in the current literature to possess anti-oxidant, anti-bacterial, anti-arthritic, anti-cancerous, anti-diabetic, anti-viral, anti-bacterial, hypo-cholesterolemic, anti-plasmodial, antinociceptive, antiulcerogenic and anti-spermatogenic properties. However, comprehensive reviews on the broad spectrum of bioactivity of this plant are limited in literature. Therefore, this review was designed to critically analyse and summarise the current ethno-medicinal and pharmacological evidence on T. chebula. Owing to its bioactivity, T. chebula possesses great potential to include in modern drug discovery. However, further pre-clinical and clinical studies are warranted for its prospective pharmaceutical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Caralluma umbellata Haw. is a rare and endemic xerophyte with astonishing therapeutic properties. It is used as an appetite suppressant and in weight loss management program. The natural population of this plant is decreasing due to overharvesting from the forests as an ethnomedicine. Therefore, an effective in vitro propagation system was developed using 6-(3-hydroxybenzylamino) purine (Meta-Topolin; mT) for rapid clonal production of C. umbellata planting material. The highest shoot induction frequency (93.0%) and multiple shoot regeneration (6.0 shoots/nodal explants) was achieved on Murashige and Skoog's (MS) medium fortified with 2.0 mg L−1 of mT in 4 weeks. The synergistic impact of 1.0 mg L−1mT and 0.25 mg L−1 NAA (α-Naphthalene acetic acid) was evident in shoot proliferation (43.6 shoots per nodal explant with 6.2 cm length after 3rd subculture) as compared to 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) and NAA combinations. The structural traits concerning optimized plant growth regulators (PGRs) were enumerated from the in vitro raised shootlets. Microscopic results revealed that mT and NAA combination promoted the structural developments in shoot systems with well-developed cuticle, epidermis, and the presence of a large area of ground and vascular tissues. Whereas, the shoots developed on BAP and NAA had poorly developed tissue systems with thin cuticle, underdeveloped epidermis, reduced cortex, xylem, and phloem tissues. The shoots derived from mT and NAA supplemented medium exhibited 100% rooting averaging with 4.0 roots per shoot and 2.7 cm in length on half-strength MS medium containing 1.0 mg L−1 indole-3-butyric acid (IBA). In contrast, BAP and NAA-derived shoots exhibited 75% rooting with 3 roots per shoot averaging 1.9 cm in length on 1.0 mg L−1 IBA. The plantlets were hardened and acclimatized well in greenhouse and shade-net. The plantlets derived from mT and NAA presented a significant increase in survival rate (94%) after transplantation in the field as compared to BAP and NAA-derived plantlets (81%). The presence of mT in the medium reduced structural abnormalities and mortality that may better serve the purpose of germplasm conservation, large-scale production, and the sustainable utilization of C. umbellata as a medicinal plant. Key message: An improved shoot proliferation with well-developed tissue systems could be obtained in Caralluma umbellata by selecting 6-(3-hydroxybenzylamino) purine as a growth regulator, which reduced in vitro induced abnormalities and improved the survival of plantlets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of metal complexes has significantly advanced in the treatment of a variety of diseases. The complexes of iron, copper, cobalt, gold, titanium, ruthenium, gallium or platinum atoms have shown various medicinal activities such as anticancer, antimicrobial, antibacterial, antioxidant, antifungal and antiviral etc. However, many existing metal complexes have serious drawbacks such as lipophilicity, low water-solubility and toxicity etc. Currently, these therapeutic agents are usually solubilized using increase concentrations of surfactants and co-solvents, which often lead to unfavourable effects. Recently, researchers have been focusing on investigating the use of nanotechnology as an option to overcome these side effects. Nanoparticles (NPs) and nano medicines require less amount of drug dose which help in reducing the load of metal in the body. The NPs are reported to be less harmful when used for gene and medication delivery. Literature survey shows that nano formulation of drugs improves their characteristics and synergistic functionality. Several classes of nanocarrier systems are broadly demonstrated for packaging and administration of the novel and established drug. These nanocomposites are also been demonstrated to have a numerous other benefit, including decreased tumour growth, decreased systemic toxicity and increased therapeutic efficacy. This review paper has summarized recent developments in the field of nanotechnology and nanofabrication of metals, and their compounds for effective medicinal and environmental applications. The literature was reviewed and collected from leading indexing databases of last 10 years to find how the nanofabrication of metals improves the efficacy. The review paper may help the researchers to come up with effective and non-hazardous solutions in the field of medicinal and environmental chemistry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: We revise and update the records of strict and near-endemic species of the Bali Ngemba Forest Reserve, the largest known surviving patch (c. 8 km2 in area) of submontane or cloud forest in the Bamenda Highlands, Cameroon which have lost >96 % of their original forest due to human activities. Nine strict endemics, and 11 near endemics are now documented, a drop from the number recorded after the first survey in 2004, since when five of the provisionally named species have been validly published. We test the hypothesis that a further one of the provisionally named putative Bali Ngemba new species, Vepris sp. A, an 8 – 20 m tall tree from cloud forest in the 1310 – 1700 m altitudinal band, is indeed new to science. We compare it morphologically with other multicarpellate, apocarpous, trifoliolate Cameroon tree species formerly placed in the genus Oricia Pierre until they were subsumed into Vepris by Mziray (1992). These are V. trifoliolata (Engl.) Mziray and V. gabonensis (Pierre) Mziray. We conclude that Vepris sp. A is a new undescribed species here named as Vepris onanae. The new species is illustrated, mapped and its conservation status assessed as Critically Endangered using the 2012 IUCN standard due to severe fragmentation and the threats of habitat clearance from agricultural pressures at its three locations all of which remain formally unprotected. Vepris onanae appears unique among the Guineo-Congolian African oricioid species of Vepris in that it occurs in cloud forest, the other species, apart from V. renieri (G.C.C.Gilbert) Mziray of the Albertine Rift, occurring in lowland forest. It also differs in the very broad, (7.8 –) 11.3 – 18 cm wide leaflets of the flowering stems which have a 6 – 18 (– 30) mm long, narrowly triangular acumen (vs leaflets <12 cm wide, acumen absent or short) and in having both subsessile and pedicellate (pedicels 0.25 – 0.3 mm long and 1 (– 2) mm long) male flowers (vs male flower pedicels all sessile, or all c. 3 mm long). We report for the first time on stage-dependent leaf heteromorphy in Vepris and characterise a level of sexual dimorphism more advanced than usual in the genus. We highlight the importance of protecting Bali Ngemba and other forest patches in the Bamenda Highlands if species such as Vepris onanae are not soon to become extinct. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores how two very different "heritage" gardens on the Caribbean island of St. Vincent hold a mirror to the rich and complex socio-cultural and botanical history of the wider Caribbean region, reflecting the different approaches to the historic cultivation and exploitation of indigenous and imported plant resources for culinary and medicinal ends. We start with a consideration of a small-scale gardening project in the village of Greiggs undertaken by John Nero, a Garifuna ("Black Carib"). This venture acts as a focus of a local community heritage and educational initiative, and attempts to reflect an emic view on the authenticity of Garifuna culinary and medicinal plant use. The second case, the botanical garden in Kingstown (one of the oldest botanical gardens in the New World and associated with the Scottish botanist Dr. Alexander Anderson d.1811) offers a distinct contrast, and is considered as a modernist, colonialist, and etic project, reflecting the botanical heritage of the Caribbean in the context of a global imperialist crossroads, and as a tool for a formalized scientific research. The two gardens differ in terms of scale, history, and cultural background but both are intimately connected to the themes of migration, colonization, resistance, and post-colonial socio-economic development seen through an ethnobotanical lens on this small and under-researched Caribbean island. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The problem of resistance to antiparasitic drugs, associated with their side effects, suggest exploring other alternatives, including medicinal plants. Dracocephalumkotschyi (D.kotschyi), for example, from Lamiaceae family, is a plant widely used in Iran and in many countries, and to which interesting pharmacological properties have been attributed. This study aimed to investigate in vitro and in vivo anti-Toxoplasma activities of D.kotschyi extract in experimental models of acute toxoplasmosis. Methods: Anti-Toxoplasma activity of the extracts in vitro was performed on Vero Cell, using the MTT test. Vero cell were infected with (3 × 105 tachyzoites/well) following treatment with Dichloromethane (F1), dichloromethane: methanol (F2), methanol (F3), methanol: water (F4), and deionized water (F5) extracts of D.kotschyi, and pyrimethamine and sulfadiazine (positive control). MTT (3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) was used to measure cell viability. Effects of extracts on tachyzoites viability were evaluated by trypan blue exclusion method, followed by light microscopy. For in vivo test, 18 groups of 8–10-week-old Inbred Balb/c mice weighing 18–20 g, were intraperitoneally infected with 2 × 103 tachyzoites and then treated with sterile PBS (negative control), pyrimethamine (25 mg/kg) and sulfadiazine (500 mg/kg) as positive controls, and F1 to F5 extracts (at doses 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg). Results: The 50% Inhibitory Concentration of F1 extract, F2 extract, Sulfadiazine (Positive control) and Pyrimethamine (Positive control) were 8.77 µg, 7.1 µg 391.18 µg, and 84.20 µg, respectively, while the selectivity indices were 15.667, 30.197, 1.552 and 4.064, respectively. In vivo anti-Toxoplasma activity test showed that Methanol: water (F-4) 50 extract was more active than the positive control. Conclusions: Indeed, the extract allowed a survival rate of 10% of the mice, compared to 0% for all the other groups. D.kotschyi has the potential to be valorized in the management of toxoplasmosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: We revise and update the records of strict and near-endemic species of Mt Kupe, Cameroon respectively from 31 strict endemics in 2004, to 25 today, and with near-endemic species 30, unchanged in number but with turnover. The changes result from new collections, discoveries and taxonomic changes in the last 16 years. While 15 of the provisionally named putative endemic species have now been formally published, a further 18 have not. The majority of the 30 near-endemic species (18) are shared with the adjacent Bakossi Mts, far exceeding the numbers shared with the more distant Mt Etinde-Mt Cameroon, Rumpi Hills and Ebo forest areas (sharing three near-endemic species each with Mt Kupe). We test the hypothesis that a further one of the provisionally named putative Mt Kupe species, Vepris sp. 1 from submontane forest near the summit, is indeed new to science. We compare it morphologically with the two other bicarpellate high altitude Cameroon Highland tree species V. montisbambutensis Onana and V. bali Cheek, concluding that it is a new undescribed species here named as Vepris zapfackii. The new species is illustrated and its conservation status assessed as Critically Endangered using the 2012 IUCN standard, due to habitat clearance from agricultural pressures at its sole location which is unprotected. Vepris zapfackii and V. bali appear unique in African trifoliolate species of the genus in having opposite leaves. Vepris zapfackii differs in having hairy petiolules and midribs and petiolules with the blade decurrent distally, narrowing towards a winged-canaliculate base (vs glabrous and petiolule long, terete), and sparsely golden hairy pistillodes and a glabrous calyx (vs densely black hairy pistillodes, and sepals hairy). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural arylnaphthalene lactones are representative lignans that are found in various dietary and medicinal plants. Their unique structural features and significant pharmacological activity have attracted considerable attention from both synthetic and medicinal chemists. Owing to their unique structural features such as relative rigid tetracyclic skeleton, structural diversity of more than five substituents, and no chiral center, arylnaphthalene lactones are recognized as a valuable scaffold for drug discovery, in addition to their significant pharmacological activities. This review covers the structures and isolation of all naturally occurring arylnaphthalene lactone congeners reported. Based on the aryl substituents, they were categorized as Type I and Type II and further classified according to the oxidation state of the ring and glycosylation level. Special attention has been paid to natural arylnaphthalene lactones owing to their broad spectrum of biological activities such as cytotoxic, antiplatelet, antiviral, anti-HIV, antifungal, neuroprotective, and anti-inflammatory properties. All the products were reorganized based on their biological activities, and selected data are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In an attempt to enrich the fruiting bodies with Lithium (Li), this study cultivated mushrooms using growing sets that were fortified with Li2O at 1.0, 5.0, 10, 50, 100 and 500 mg·kg−1 dw. Compost fortification up to 100 mg·kg−1 dw induced a dose-dependent increase in Li accumulation with resulting median mushroom concentrations of 2.0, 8.6, 16, 29 and 38 mg·kg−1 dw, respectively, relative to the unfortified control at 0.087 mg·kg−1 dw. The dose dependency appears to level off as Li2O addition approaches 100 mg·kg−1, suggesting that there is a limit to the ability of the species to accumulate/tolerate Li. Mushrooms did not grow at the 500 mg·kg−1 dw fortification level. At the highest viable level of fortification (100 mg·kg−1 dw), the fruiting bodies were around 440-fold richer in Li content than the control mushrooms. Additionally, the fortification at all levels up to 100 mg·kg−1 dw showed very low, if any, effect on the co-accumulation of the other, studied trace mineral constituents, with concentrations occurring at the lower range of those reported for commercial A. bisporus mushrooms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mongolian nomadic people possess traditional knowledge of wild plants that grow in their areas of habitation. Many of these are forage plants in nature and are consumed by livestock. However, these plants are known to have medicinal and/or toxic properties. To establish a scientific understanding of the plants, and in turn, offer sound knowledge on their applications and effective use, it is essential to collect data pertaining to the chemical constituents of each plant. Therefore, the first objective of this study was to identify and determine the structural constituents of the forage plants that were available to our research group. Furthermore, in an attempt to demonstrate the biological activities of the isolated chemical compounds, we focused on solving some of the social issues affecting Mongolian communities, including protozoan diseases affecting livestock, vectors of infectious diseases, and the general health of humans and their livestock. The results of the chemical constituents derived from Mongolian medicinal plants and their biological activities that were studied in the recent decade are also described herein. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Titanium dioxide nanoparticles exhibit good anticancer and antibacterial activities. They are known to be environmentally friendly, stable, less toxic, and have excellent biocompatibility nature. Due to these properties, they are well suited for biological applications particularly in biomedical applications such as drug delivery and cancer therapy. In this research article, three medicinal herbs namely, Plectranthus amboinicus (Karpooravalli), Phyllanthus niruri (Keezhanelli), and Euphorbia hirta (Amman Pacharisi), were used to modify the surface of the TiO2 nanoparticles. The synthesized nanoparticles were subjected to various characterization techniques. The samples are then subjected to MTT assay to determine cell viability. KB oral cancer cells are used for the determination of the anticancer nature of the pure and bio modified nanoparticles. It is observed that Plectranthus amboinicus–Phyllanthus niruri modified TiO2 nanoparticles exhibit excellent anticancer activities among other bio modified and pure samples. The samples are then examined for antibacterial activities against three Gram-negative bacterial strains namely, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and two Gram-positive bacterial strains namely, Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus mutans, respectively. Among the modified and pure samples, Plectranthus amboinicus showed good antibacterial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. In the Flow cytometry analysis, the generation of p53 protein expression from Plectranthus amboinicus–Phyllanthus niruri modified TiO2 nano herbal particles shows the anti-cancerous nature of the sample. Then to determine the toxic nature of the Plectranthus amboinicus–Phyllanthus niruri modified TiO2 nano herbal particles against normal cells, the NPs were subjected to MTT assay against normal L929 cells, and it was found to be safer and less toxic towards the normal cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: More people—in both developing and developed countries—now use, and are favourably disposed to, traditional medicine. Musa paradisiaca (plantain) is used extensively in traditional medicine across continents. In this review, we investigated the scientific justification of this extensive usage. Main body: Generally, several studies validate usage in infectious diseases, but limited antiviral and in vivo reports exist. The mechanistic elicitation of antimicrobial activity has similarly not been ascertained. Contrarily, data abound from rigorous studies on physiological conditions. Activity across categories is tied to the potent phytosterols duo of stigmasterol and β-sitosterol; and the triterpenes viz. cycloeucalenone, 24-methylene-cycloartanol, and 31-norcyclolaudenone; present in plantain. Toxicity studies, while finite, suggest general safety and tolerance. Conclusions: Findings in the studies reviewed projects plantain as a veritable source for drug bioprospecting that will be of benefit to scientific research and pharmaceutical industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review summarizes selected scientific evidence on phytochemistry and pharmacological properties of Ammodaucus leucotrichus. Information was gathered via the Internet (using Scopus, PubMed, Google Scholar, Elsevier, Springer, Science Direct, Researchgate and Web of Science) as well as from libraries and local books. Ammodaucus leucotrichus (A. leucotrichus), belongs to the family Apiaceae, has been reported to possess a wide range of traditional medicinal uses including in diarrhea, cough, pulmonary diseases, anorexia, allergy, tachycardia, helminthiasis, stomach pain, gastralgias, otitis, indigestion, cold, fever, anorexia and cardiac diseases. Phytochemical investigations revealed that this plant possesses many bioactive chemical constituents including monoterpenes and their derivatives, sesquiterpenes and their derivatives, tannins, anthracenes compounds, sterols, triterpenes, reducing compounds, alkaloids, phenol acids, saponins, flavonoids and coumarins. The most important pharmacological activities are antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, anticholinesterase and cytotoxicity activities. Ammodaucus leucotrichus has potential for the treatment of a wide range of diseases and has been well studied for its phytochemical properties. However, further scientific studies are needed to explore mechanisms of actions, adverse effects of the extracts, toxicity and the therapeutic effect of major secondary metabolites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Medicinal and aromatic plants are natural raw materials. Since ancient times these herbal materials are being commonly used as herbal drugs, food products, and cosmetics. The phytomolecules isolated from the medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) are in high demand specifically in drug industries. However, these phytomolecules have certain limitations of low absorption, high toxicity, and other side effects, bioavailability and efficacy. These limitations may be overcome by using nanotechnological tools. The plant extract or essential oil of MAPs are also useful in the synthesis of nanoparticles. In future this combinatorial application of MAPs and nanotechnology would be advantageous in the healthcare area. Methods: Literature search was performed using databases like Pubmed, Scopus and Google Scholar with the keywords "nanoparticles," "phytomolecules," "medicinal and aromatic plants" and "green synthesis of nanoparticles" in the text. Result: Phytomolecules of medicinal and aromatic plants like curcumin, camptothecin, thymol, and eugenol have certain limitations of bioavailability, efficacy, and solubility. It limits its biological activity and therefore application in the biomedical area. The increment in the biological activity and sustained delivery was observed after the encapsulation of these potent phytomolecules encapsulated in the nanocarriers. Besides, MAPs and/or their molecules/oils mediate the synthesis of metal nanocarriers with less toxicity. Conclusion: This review highlights the impact of the combination of the MAPs with the nanotechnology along with the challenges. It would be an effective technique for the efficient delivery of different phytomolecules and also in the synthesis of novel nano-materials, which escalates the opportunity of exploration of potential molecules of MAPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1-(Acyl /aroyl)-3-(substituted)thioureas are privileged architectures that have received remarkable attention of researchers in view of their variable topological aspects, binding modes and broad spectrum promising pharmacological properties. Reactivity of acyl thiourea derivatives has presented various organic transformations into other demanding scaffolds and this is an attractive strategy for synthetic chemists to access heterocyclic cores. Multiple binding sites make them flexible ligands for complexation with transition metals thus occupying a distinct position in coordination chemistry. 1-(Acyl /aroyl)-3-(substituted)thioureas have also emerged as attractive candidates in various fields such as ion sensors, corrosion inhibitors, molecular electronics, in metal extraction and in pharmaceuticals. The medicinal chemistry of this organo-sulfur framework and the derived metal complexes has witnessed fantastic progress in the current era. In continuation of our efforts to compile data on the structural aspects and numerous applications of 1-(acyl /aroyl)-3-(substituted)thiourea analogs, continuous advances have prompted us to present an overview of the last 2 years literature on this exciting family of compounds through this review article. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to investigate the lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) concentrations in the soil and plants (medicinal and fodder) grown in chromite mining-affected areas, Northern Pakistan. Soil and plant samples were collected and analyzed for Pb and Cd concentrations using atomic absorption spectrometer. Soil pollution load indices (PLIs) were greater than 2 for both Cd and Pb, indicating high level of contamination in the study area. Furthermore, Cd concentrations in the soil surrounding the mining sites exceeded the maximum allowable limit (MAL) (0.6 mg kg), while the concentrations of Pb were lower than the MAL (350 mg kg) set by State Environmental Protection Administration (SEPA) for agriculture soil. The concentrations of Cd and Pb were significantly higher ( P < 0.001) in the soil of the mining-contaminated sites as compared to the reference site, which can be attributed to the dispersion of toxic heavy metals, present in the bed rocks and waste of the mines. The concentrations of Pb and Cd in majority of medicinal and fodder plant species grown in surrounding areas of mines were higher than their MALs set by World Health Organization/Food Agriculture Organization (WHO/FAO) for herbal (10 and 0.3 mg kg, respectively) and edible (0.3 and 0.2 mg kg, respectively) plants. The high concentrations of Cd and Pb may cause contamination of the food chain and health risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Edible and medicinal macrofungi used in human diet represent not only important sources of nutritive elements but toxic substances as well (heavy metals and radionuclides). Radioactivity levels of four radionuclides (K, Cs, Ra, Ra) were determined in the basidiomata (fruiting bodies of a Basidiomycetes) of six lignicolous ( Fomitopsis pinicola, Ganoderma applanatum, Hericium clathroides, Megacollybia platyphylla, Pluteus cervinus, Trametes gibbosa) and three mycorrhizal ( Boletus luridus, Boletus sp. 1, Boletus sp. 2) species as well as their soil (wood) substrates by gamma spectrometry (high-resolution high-purity germanium (HPGe) detector). The aim was to investigate their ability for radionuclide absorption according to transfer factors (from soil and wood), to predict potential bioindicator species as well as species with potential risk for human use. Samples were taken during years 2011 and 2012, at two sites in forest ecosystem of Tara Mountain (Serbia). Observed concentration ranges per dry weight were as follows: 29-3,020 Bq/kg (K), 21.9-735 Bq/kg (Cs), 3-39 Bq/kg (Ra), and 2.0-18 Bq/kg (Ra). Obtained results indicate that the type of basidiome (fleshy/tough), most likely due to a different metabolic rate, has a very important role in radionuclide accumulation. The highest activity concentrations of all analyzed radionuclides were found in species with fleshy basidiomata- P. cervinus, H. clathroides, M. platyphylla, and Boletus species. A species-specific influence on radionuclide uptake was more prominent comparing to habitat differences and the role of fungal trophic mode. No significant variations were observed regarding radionuclide activity among the same fungal species from different sampling sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Securinega virosa (Roxb ex. Willd) Baill. is a plant which is commonly used in African traditional medicine in management of mental illness. Previous study showed that the crude methanolic root bark extract of the plant possesses antipsychotic activity. In this study, the antipsychotic potential of the residual aqueous fraction of the plant was evaluated using two experimental models, apomorphine induced stereotypic climbing behaviour and swim induced grooming, all in mice. The effect of the fraction on haloperidol-induced catalepsy was also evaluated. The fraction significantly reduced the mean climbing score at the highest dose tested (500 mg/kg). In the swim-induced grooming test, the fraction significantly and dose-dependently (125-500 mg/kg) decreased the mean number and mean duration of swim-induced grooming activity in mice. Similarly, the standard haloperidol (1 mg/kg) significantly ( p < 0.001) decreased the mean grooming episodes and duration. However, the fraction did not significantly potentiate haloperidol-induced catalepsy. These results suggest that the residual aqueous fraction of methanol root bark extract of Securinega virosa contains biological active principle with antipsychotic potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Taxus wallichiana Zucc. (Himalayan yew) represents one of the most threatened medicinal tree species of the Himalayan region. Heavy exploitation of its bark and leaves for taxol® has resulted in decline in its population. Generating quantitative information on Himalayan yew has therefore been stressed. The present paper provides information on the population and bark removal of Himalayan yew from one of the interior areas of Himalaya. Total count and quadrat method were deployed to generate quantitative information on its population while bark removal was estimated based on depth and extent of bark removed. After analyzing the existing information and the results of the study, a rapid vulnerability assessment (RVA) of the species was carried out. Taxus reported a density of 72 individuals/ha and was present as an under canopy of Picea smithiana. Complete stripping of bark was observed in 11 % of the Taxus population which amounted to ca. 18,152.86 cm of bark removed. The age class distribution showed complete absence of seedlings and saplings. RVA scores also reported higher values (26) thereby pointing toward the high vulnerability of this species. Across its entire distributional range, Taxus population is under severe pressure. It is high time when few patches of Taxus are demarcated as Medicinal Plant Conservation Areas, and detailed studies on its autecology are initiated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Importance of sweeteners has long been recognized in Indian diets. Sweetness and flavour are very important as regards consumers' acceptability. The sugar and jaggery are the main sweetening agents which are added to beverages and foods for increasing palatability. Over the years, food habits of human beings have been greatly influenced by research and developmental activities and also due to their health consciousness. Despite witnessing pressure of industrialization, the jaggery industry has flourished in different states of the country viz; Uttar Pradesh, Tamilnadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh. The increasing trend of their production is of much significance to learn about peoples' liking towards jaggery in rural areas mainly due to it's nutritional and medicinal values. About 25-30% of sugarcane produced in the country is utilized for production of jaggery and khandsari and this industry serves as very important means of subsistence and livelihood for masses. The technology and equipment for production of quality jaggery and its value added products have been developed. Due to its nutritional and medicinal values, the jaggery has great export potential in the world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Living organisms produce a myriad of molecules to protect themselves from fungal pathogens. This review focuses on antifungal proteins from plants and mushrooms, many of which are components of the human diet or have medicinal value. Plant antifungal proteins can be classified into different groups comprising chitinases and chitinase-like proteins, chitin-binding proteins, cyclophilin-like proteins, defensins and defensin-like proteins, deoxyribonucleases, embryo-abundant protein-like proteins, glucanases, lectins, lipid transfer proteins, peroxidases, protease inhibitors, ribonucleases, ribosome-inactivating proteins, storage 2S albumins, and thaumatin-like proteins. Some of the aforementioned antifungal proteins also exhibit mitogenic activity towards spleen cells, nitric oxide inducing activity toward macrophages, antiproliferative activity toward tumor cells, antibacterial activity, and inhibitory activity toward HIV-1 reverse transcriptase. In contrast to the large diversity of plant antifungal proteins, only a small number of mushroom antifungal proteins have been reported. Mushroom antifungal proteins are distinct from their plant counterparts in N-terminal sequence. Nevertheless, some of the mushroom antifungal proteins have been shown to inhibit HIV-1 reverse transcriptase activity and tumor cell proliferation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Psidium guajava (guava) is well known tropic tree which is abundantly grown for fruit. Many countries have a long history of using guava for medicinal purposes. This plant finds applications for the treatment of diarrhea, dysentery, gastroenteritis, hypertension, diabetes, caries and pain relief and for improvement in locomotors coordination. Its leaf's extract is being used as a medicine in cough, diarrhea, and oral ulcers and in some swollen gums wound. Its fruit is rich in vitamins A, C, iron, phosphorus and calcium and minerals. It contains high content of organic and inorganic compounds like secondary metabolites e.g. antioxidants, polyphenols, antiviral compounds, anti-inflammatory compounds. The phenolic compounds in guava help to cure cancerous cells and prevent skin aging before time. The presence of terpenes, caryophyllene oxide and p-selinene produces relaxation effects. Guava leaves contain many compounds which act as fungistatic and bacteriostatic agents. Guava has a high content of important antioxidants and has radio-protective ability. Quercetin is considered as most active antioxidant in the guava leaves and is responsible for its spasmolytic activity. Its ethyl acetate extract can stop the germ infection and thymus production. Guava possesses anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, anti-plaque and anti-mutagenic activities. Guava extract shows antinociceptive activity and is also effective in liver damage inflammation and serum production. Ethanolic extract of guava can increase the sperm quality as well as quantity and can be used for the treatment of infertile males. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]