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Abstract: Pulp and paper wood feedstocks have been previously implicated as a source of chemicals with the ability to interact with or disrupt key neuroendocrine endpoints important in the control of reproduction. We tested nine Canadian conifers commonly used in pulp and paper production as well as 16 phytochemicals that have been observed in various pulp and paper mill effluent streams for their ability to interact in vitro with the enzymes monoamine oxidase (MAO), glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD), and GABA-transaminase (GABA-T), and bind to the benzodiazepine-binding site of the GABA(A) receptor (GABA(A)-BZD). These neuroendocrine endpoints are also important targets for treatment of neurological disorders such as anxiety, epilepsy, or depression. MAO and GAD were inhibited by various conifer extracts of different polarities, including major feedstocks such as balsam fir, black spruce, and white spruce. MAO was selectively stimulated or inhibited by many of the tested phytochemicals, with inhibition observed by a group of phenylpropenes (e.g. isoeugenol and vanillin). Selective GAD inhibition was also observed, with all of the resin acids tested being inhibitory. GABA(A)-BZD ligand displacement was also observed. We compiled a table identifying which of these phytochemicals have been described in each of the species tested here. Given the diversity of conifer species and plant chemicals with these specific neuroactivities, it is reasonable to propose that MAO and GAD inhibition reported in effluents is phytochemical in origin. We propose disruption of these neuroendocrine endpoints as a possible mechanism of reproductive inhibition, and also identify an avenue for potential research and sourcing of conifer-derived neuroactive natural products. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Atmospheric chemical composition affects foliar chemical composition, which in turn influences the dynamics of both herbivory and decomposition in ecosystems. We assessed the independent and interactive effects of CO2 and O3 fumigation on foliar chemistry of quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides) and paper birch (Betula papyrifera) at a Free-Air CO2 Enrichment (FACE) facility in northern Wisconsin. Leaf samples were collected at five time periods during a single growing season, and analyzed for nitrogen, starch and condensed tannin concentrations, nitrogen resorption efficiencies (NREs), and C:N ratios. Enriched CO2 reduced foliar nitrogen concentrations in aspen and birch; O3 only marginally reduced nitrogen concentrations. NREs were unaffected by pollution treatment in aspen, declined with O3 exposure in birch, and thisdecline was ameliorated by enriched CO2. C:N ratios of abscised leaves increased in response to enriched CO2 in both tree species. O3 did not significantly alter C:N ratios in aspen, although values tended to be higher in +CO2+O3 leaves. For birch, O3 decreased C:N ratios underambient CO2 and increased C:N ratios under elevated CO2. Thus, under the combined pollutants, the C:N ratios of both aspen and birch leaves were elevated above the averaged responses to the individual and independent trace gas treatments. Starch concentrations were largely unresponsive to CO2 and O3treatments in aspen, but increased in response to elevated CO2 in birch. Levels of condensed tannins were negligibly affected by CO2 and O3 treatments in aspen, but increased in response to enriched CO2 in birch. Results from this work suggest that changes in foliar chemical composition elicited by enriched CO2 are likely to impact herbivory and decomposition [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spectroscopy has recently emerged as an effective method to accurately characterize leaf biochemistry in living tissue through the application of chemometric approaches to foliar optical data, but this approach has not been widely used for plant secondary metabolites. Here, we examine the ability of reflectance spectroscopy to quantify specific phenolic compounds in trembling aspen ( Populus tremuloides) and paper birch ( Betula papyrifera) that play influential roles in ecosystem functioning related to trophic-level interactions and nutrient cycling., Spectral measurements on live aspen and birch leaves were collected, after which concentrations of condensed tannins (aspen and birch) and salicinoids (aspen only) were determined using standard analytical approaches in the laboratory. Predictive models were then constructed using jackknifed, partial least squares regression ( PLSR). Model performance was evaluated using coefficient of determination ( R2), root-mean-square error ( RMSE) and the per cent RMSE of the data range (% RMSE)., Condensed tannins of aspen and birch were well predicted from both combined ( R2 = 0·86, RMSE = 2·4, % RMSE = 7%)- and individual-species models (aspen: R2 = 0·86, RMSE = 2·4, % RMSE = 6%; birch: R2 = 0·81, RMSE = 1·9, % RMSE = 10%). Aspen total salicinoids were better predicted than individual salicinoids (total: R2 = 0·76, RMSE = 2·4, % RMSE = 8%; salicortin: R2 = 0·57, RMSE = 1·9, % RMSE = 11%; tremulacin: R2 = 0·72, RMSE = 1·1, % RMSE = 11%), and spectra collected from dry leaves produced better models for both aspen tannins ( R2 = 0·92, RMSE = 1·7, % RMSE = 5%) and salicinoids ( R2 = 0·84, RMSE = 1·4, % RMSE = 5%) compared with spectra from fresh leaves. The decline in prediction performance from total to individual salicinoids and from dry to fresh measurements was marginal, however, given the increase in detailed salicinoid information acquired and the time saved by avoiding drying and grinding leaf samples., Reflectance spectroscopy can successfully characterize specific secondary metabolites in living plant tissue and provide detailed information on individual compounds within a constituent group. The ability to simultaneously measure multiple plant traits is a powerful attribute of reflectance spectroscopy because of its potential for in situ- in vivo field deployment using portable spectrometers. The suite of traits currently estimable, however, needs to expand to include specific secondary metabolites that play influential roles in ecosystem functioning if we are to advance the integration of chemical, landscape and ecosystem ecology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gleditsia caspica Desf. (Caesalpinaceae) is traditionally used to treat diverse diseases. This research paper aims to investigate anti-proliferative properties and phytochemical compounds of methanolic extract from the pods of G. caspica. MTT test was used to measure in vitro anti-proliferative effect of the soxhlet-extracted methanolic extract of G.caspica pods with the concentration ranging from 25-1000 μg/ml against A549 cell line. The extract was applied to SPE, HPLC preparative system, and spectral analysis (1HNMR, 13CNMR, and UV) for fractionation, purification, and identification of phytoconstituents, respectively. The results indicated that the extract prevented proliferation of A549 cell line dependent on time and concentration. After 48 h and 72 h, there was a significant decrease in cell viability initiated from 100 and 500 (μg/ml) concentrations in comparison to untreated control. Phytochemical assessment of the extract resulted in two alkaloids, locustoside A and saikachinoside A, and four flavonoids quercetin-3,7-diglucoside, luteolin-4',7–diglucoside, quercetin-3-glucoside, and quercetin. This experiment was an activity-guided phytochemical study. In prior studies, quercetin and quercetin-3-β-D-glucoside showed in vitro inhibitory effect on proliferation of A549 cell line. However, the cytotoxic properties of the other identified compounds have not been reported. Cytotoxic properties of G.caspica was previously attributed to saponins, while isolated flavonoids and alkaloids could be responsible for the extract’s cytotoxic effects. This paper first explored cytotoxic activity of methanolic extract from the pods of G.caspica on A549 cell line and identified flavonoids and alkaloids of this plant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Noise pollution is the major drawback of Internal Combustion engines. Automotive engineers and researchers have been working consistently on reducing automotive noise as well as pollution. While designing the mufflers, care must be taken not only for noise reduction but also for back pressure, space constraints, cost incurred, etc. Various methods to design and analyze the mufflers have been devised by researchers across the globe. In this paper an attempt has is made to present a Tuning of muffler for Low and broadband noise. Geometrical parameters influencing design of Helmholtz Muffler has been carried out in this Study. For Broadband noise, impact of Porosity and wool packing material has been chosen as a design parameter. Results observed that for exhaust system with two muffler components we have dedicated Helmholtz chamber, while for exhaust system with single muffler component, internal of muffler to have both broadband and Helmholtz integrated. Reactive mufflers like Two pass mufflers and Three pass mufflers can be taken as an initial reference to have acoustic tuning for both Helmholtz and broadband noise tuning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parthenium hysterophorus L. is a family member of Asteraceae and is a notorious weed with a few different names as congress weed, carrot weed (Gajarghas), and wild feverfew. It poses significant threats to human health, agriculture, and biodiversity in regions like Australia and India. This harmful plant is associated with a range of health issues including mutagenicity, skin rashes, Diarrhea, allergy-related respiratory issues, dermatitis through contact, and skin allergies, as well as animal and human dehydration. Efforts to manage Parthenium weed have often been ineffective due to its rapid re-infestation. Despite its acknowledged toxicity, Parthenium is still used in traditional medicine for treating fevers, headaches, wounds, diabetes, diarrhea, anemia, heart problems, and malaria. Studies have indicated that P. hysterophorus L. extract contains a diverse range of compounds including proteins, amino acids, terpenoids, quinones, alkaloids, carbohydrates, cardiac glycosides, flavonoids, phenols, and coumarins. Essential oils from this plant contain compounds such as germacrene-D, β-myrcene, and trans-β-ocimene, which are responsible for its anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, insecticidal, larvicidal, anti-microbial, hypoglycemic, and anticancer properties. This review paper's objective is to furnish a thorough summary encompassing the phytochemistry, ethnobotanical applications, toxicology, and biological activities linked with P. hysterophorus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the independent and interactive effects of elevated carbon dioxide (CO) and ozone (O) on the foliar quality of two deciduous trees species and the performance of two outbreak herbivore species. Trembling aspen ( Populus tremuloides) and paper birch ( Betula papyrifera) were grown at the Aspen FACE research site in northern Wisconsin, USA, under four combinations of ambient and elevated CO and O. We measured the effects of elevated CO and O on aspen and birch phytochemistry and on gypsy moth ( Lymantria dispar) and forest tent caterpillar ( Malacosoma disstria) performance. Elevated CO nominally affected foliar quality for both tree species. Elevated O negatively affected aspen foliar quality, but only marginally influenced birch foliar quality. Elevated CO slightly improved herbivore performance, while elevated O decreased herbivore performance, and both responses were stronger on aspen than birch. Interestingly, elevated CO largely offset decreased herbivore performance under elevated O. Nitrogen, lignin, and C:N were identified as having strong influences on herbivore performance when larvae were fed aspen, but no significant relationships were observed for insects fed birch. Our results support the notion that herbivore performance can be affected by atmospheric change through altered foliar quality, but how herbivores will respond will depend on interactions among CO, O, and tree species. An emergent finding from this study is that tree age and longevity of exposure to pollutants may influence the effects of elevated CO and O on plant-herbivore interactions, highlighting the need to continue long-term atmospheric change research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Citrus medica var. sarcodactylus (Siebold ex Hoola van Nooten) Swingle is not only a delicious fruit with rich nutrients, but also a traditional Chinese medicine with clinical values. The botanical characteristics of C. medica var. sarcodactylus (Siebold ex Hoola van Nooten) Swingle are systematically summarized and descripted in this paper. C. medica var. sarcodactylus (Siebold ex Hoola van Nooten) Swingle is used to treat many diseases in Chinese folk as a traditional medicine. Compounds (1–180) were identified from C. medica var. sarcodactylus (Siebold ex Hoola van Nooten) Swingle, including flavonoids (1–45), lignans (46–69), coumarins (70–93), volatile oils (94–163), carbohydrates (164–168), and others (169–180), and their structural characteristics are summarized and analyzed. The extracts or compounds of this plant have been reported to exert various pharmacological activities, such as anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-cancer, hypolidemic, anti-microbial, immunosuppressive, anti-depressant, anti-diabetic, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective activities, and their effective doses and experimental models are summarized and discussed in this paper. Future studies should focus on extraction technology, component analysis, molecular mechanism of C. medica var. sarcodactylus (Siebold ex Hoola van Nooten) Swingle to fill the study gap, as well as to provide an important theoretical basis and valuable references for in-depth researches and exploitations of C. medica var. sarcodactylus (Siebold ex Hoola van Nooten) Swingle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Moslae Herba (MH) can be used for both medicine and food and has a long history of medicine. MH has the effects of sweating and relieving the exterior, removing dampness and harmonizing, and is mainly used for colds caused by damp heat in summer. It is called "Xiayue Zhi Mahuang" in China. So far, 123 chemical compounds have been isolated and identified from MH, including flavonoids, terpenoids, phenolic acids, phenylpropanoids, and other chemical compounds. Its chemical components have a wide range of pharmacological activities, including antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, analgesic sedation, antipyretic, immune regulation, insecticidal, and other effects. In addition, because of its aromatic odor and health care function, MH also has development and utilization value in food, chemical, and other fields. This paper reviewed the research progress of MH in botany, traditional uses, phytochemistry, and pharmacology and provided a possible direction for further research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bai Hua Qian Hu (Qianhu; Peucedanum praeruptorum Dunn) is a classical medicinal plant traditionally prescribed for respiratory ailments, including cough, pulmonary hypertension, and asthma. In this review, we summarize the research progress of the toxicology, pharmacokinetics, pharmacology, phytochemistry, botany, quality control, and traditional uses of P. praeruptorum in order to support future investigations into the scientific and therapeutic promise of this important medicinal plant. Information pertaining to P. praeruptorum was collected from scientific databases (ScienceDirect, Springer, SciFinder, PubMed, Baidu Scholar, Google Scholar, Web of Science), as well as toxicology papers from local conferences, M. Sc. and Ph.D. theses and dissertations, local magazines, classic texts on Chinese botanical drugs, and peer-reviewed journals. The Plant List (www.theplantlist.org) was utilized to verify the taxonomy of P. praeruptorum. P. praeruptorumwas found to containmore than 119 distinct phytochemicals, including simple coumarins, pyranocoumarins, furanocoumarins, flavonoids, ketones, organic acids, and sterols, among others (e.g., praeruptorins A and B). Both crude plant extracts and purified metabolites of P. praeruptorum have been reported as treatments for hypertension, osteoporosis, Huntington's disease, and cancer. In addition, extracts of P. praeruptorum are reported to exhibit diverse pharmacological activities, including osteogenic, anti-osteoclastogenic, antidepressant, neuroprotective, antitumor, and anti-inflammatory effects. Research into the pharmacology and phytochemistry of P. praeruptorum partially support both traditional uses and extraction methods. However, further research is required to elucidate the relationships between these metabolites, their molecular mechanisms, their structure-function roles, and their antagonistic and synergistic effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plants from the Sceletium genus (Aizoaceae) have been traditionally used for millennia by the Khoe and Khoen people in southern Africa, as an appetite suppressant as well as a mood elevator. In more recent times, this mood-elevating activity has been commercialised in the South African natural products industry for the treatment of anxiety and depression, with several products available both locally and abroad. Research on this species has seen rapid growth with advancements in analytical and pharmacological tools, in an effort to understand the composition and biological activity. The Web of Science (WoS) database was searched for articles related to 'Sceletium' and 'Mesembrine'. These data were additionally analysed by bibliometric software (VOSviewer) to generate term maps and author associations. The thematic areas with the most citations were South African Traditional Medicine for mental health (110) and anxiolytic agents (75). Pioneer studies in the genus focused on chemical structural isolation, purification, and characterisation and techniques such as thin layer chromatography, liquid chromatography (HPLC, UPLC, and more recently, LC-MS), gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) to study mesembrine alkaloids. Different laboratories have used a diverse range of extraction and preanalytical methods that became routinely favoured in the analysis of the main metabolites (mesembrine, mesembranol, mesembranone, and Sceletium A4) in their respective experimental settings. In contrast with previous reviews, this paper identified gaps in the research field, being a lack of toxicology assays, a deficit of clinical assessments, too few bioavailability studies, and little to no investigation into the minor alkaloid groups found in Sceletium. Future studies are likely to see innovations in analytical techniques like leaf spray mass spectrometry and direct analysis in real-time ionisation coupled with high-resolution time-of-flight mass spectrometry (DART-HR-TOF-MS) for rapid alkaloid identification and quality control purposes. While S. tortuosum has been the primary focus, studying other Sceletium species may aid in establishing chemotaxonomic relationships and addressing challenges with species misidentification. This research can benefit the nutraceutical industry and conservation efforts for the entire genus. At present, little to no pharmacological information is available in terms of the molecular physiological effects of mesembrine alkaloids in medical clinical settings. Research in these fields is expected to increase due to the growing interest in S. tortuosum as a herbal supplement and the potential development of mesembrine alkaloids into pharmaceutical drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cichorium glandulosum Boiss. et Huet is a genus of chicory in the family of Asteraceae, and it is a "medicine food homology" herbal medicine, which has the effect of detoxifying heat, diuretic and swelling, and strengthening the stomach. This paper reviews the chemical composition, pharmacological effects, and practical applications of Cichorium glandulosum Boiss. et Huet and provides a comprehensive account of its role in human health and diet, pharmacological activities, and toxicity. Cichorium glandulosum Boiss. et Huet, "medicine food homology" herbal medicine, is often widely used in compound formulations with functions such as clearing the liver, promoting gallbladder, and enhancing immunity. Previous studies have found that multiple chemical components have been isolated and identified from Cichorium glandulosum Boiss. et Huet, mainly including 89 compounds such as flavonoids, terpenoids, phenolic acids, polysaccharides, and phenylpropanoids. Meanwhile, the extract has various biological activities, including hepatoprotective and hypoglycemic, regulating blood lipids, aiding digestion, anticancer, regulating intestinal microbiota and immune function, antioxidant, and has been proven in both in vivo and in vitro studies. As an important plant resource, the current research focuses on the traditional efficacy of Cichorium glandulosum Boiss. et Huet. The chemical composition of this genus of plants is complex and their pharmacological activities are diverse. Further in-depth studies on the molecular mechanisms and toxic side effects of its specific compounds in the organism are needed. Therefore, this review provides a reference for the development and utilization of Cichorium glandulosum Boiss. et Huet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Forsythiae Fructus, as a traditional Chinese medicine, has been widely used both as a single herb and in compound prescriptions in Asia, mainly due to its heat-clearing and detoxifying effects. Modern pharmacology has proved Forsythiae Fructus possesses various therapeutic effects, both in vitro and in vivo, such as anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antiviral activities. Up to now, three hundred and twenty-one compounds have been identified and sensitive analytical methods have been established for its quality control. Recently, the pharmacokinetics of Forsythiae Fructus and its bioactive compounds have been reported, providing valuable information for its clinical application. Therefore, this systematic review focused on the newest scientific reports on Forsythiae Fructus and extensively summarizes its phytochemistry, pharmacology, pharmacokinetics and standardization procedures, especially the difference between the two applied types—unripe Forsythiae Fructus and ripe Forsythiae Fructus—in the hope of providing a helpful reference and guide for its clinical applications and further studies.

Seeds' abundant biologically active compounds make them a suitable primary platform for the production of natural extracts, innovative foods, medicines, and cosmetics. High levels of industrial and agricultural residues and byproducts are generated during the processing of grapes, although some parts can also be repurposed. This paper examines the phytochemical composition, manufacturing processes, and health-improving attributes of many varieties of grape oil derived using various extraction methods. Since the results are influenced by a range of factors, they are expressed differently among studies, and the researchers employ a variety of measuring units, making it difficult to convey the results. The primary topics covered in most papers are grape seed oil's lipophilic fatty acids, tocopherols, and phytosterols. In addition, new methods for extracting grape seed oil should therefore be designed; these methods must be affordable, energy-efficient, and environmentally friendly in order to increase the oil's quality by extracting bioactive components and thereby increasing its biological activity in order to become part of the overall management of multiple diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nature has been a great source of therapeutic compounds. The use of plants and plant-derived products as medicine has been a popular tradition as the beginning of human civilization. Plants are considered as the richest source of traditional and modern medications as well as food supplements, pharmaceutical intermediates and chemical entities for synthetic drugs. Among them, Azadirachta indica is one of the most versatile, multitudinous tree having immense potentials. Since Vedic times, it has been known as the multi-directional therapeutic uses in India. It is economically cheaper and safe and its different parts such as leaves, flowers, bark, fruits, gum, seeds, oil possesses great medicinal properties. The aim of this review is to assemble all the information regarding the distribution, botanical description, commercial and medicinal values of Azadirachta indica. This paper is fully based on secondary data. Information was gathered from about 28 published articles from various online portals and these gathered information is analyzed and presented well here in this paper. Azadirachta indica is commonly known as ‘Neem’ which is regarded beneficial to humans and animals. Different parts of neem has been used for treating various diseases such as cancer, Dental diseases, stress, ulcers, heart diseases, malaria, skin diseases, viral diseases, AIDS, oral diseases, sexually transmitted diseases, etc. Chemically diverse and structurally complex phytochemical constituents such as azadirachtin, nimbolinin, nimbidin, gedunin, nimbidol, Quercedin, gallic acid, glycoside, amino-acid, ascorbic acid, salannin and many others are found in Azadirachta indica which show anti-diabetic, antiviral, anti-oxidant, anti-microbial, anti-parasitic, anti-malarial, anti-cancer, anti-ulcer, hepatoprotective and gastro-protective activities. Thus, more attention must be given for the production of this plant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ampelopsis grossedentata (AG) is mainly distributed in Chinese provinces and areas south of the Yangtze River Basin. It is mostly concentrated or scattered in mountainous bushes or woods with high humidity. Approximately 57 chemical components of AG have been identified, including flavonoids, phenols, steroids and terpenoids, volatile components, and other chemical components. In vitro studies have shown that the flavone of AG has therapeutic properties such as anti-bacteria, anti-inflammation, anti-oxidation, enhancing immunity, regulating glucose and lipid metabolism, being hepatoprotective, and being anti-tumor with no toxicity. Through searching and combing the related literature, this paper comprehensively and systematically summarizes the research progress of AG, including morphology, traditional and modern uses, chemical composition and structure, and pharmacological and toxicological effects, with a view to providing references for AG-related research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Agastache genus is part of the Lamiaceae family and is native to North America, while one species, Agastache rugosa (A. rugosa), is native to East Asia. A review on the phytochemistry and bioactivity of Agastache genus was last performed in 2014. Since then, a lot of progress has been made on the characterization of the phytochemical and pharmacological profiles of Agastache species. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to present a summary of the findings on the phytochemistry and biological effects of several Agastache species, including both extracts and essential oil characterization. We performed a comprehensive search using PubMed and Scopus databases, following PRISMA criteria regarding the study selection process. The available data is focused mainly on the description of the chemical composition and bioactivity of A. rugosa, with fewer reports referring to Agastache mexicana (A. mexicana) and Agastache foeniculum (A. foeniculum). Agastache species are characterized by the dominance of flavonoids and phenolic acids, as well as volatile compounds, particularly phenylpropanoids and monoterpenes. Moreover, a series of pharmacological effects, including antioxidant, cytotoxic, antimicrobial, anti-atherosclerotic, and cardioprotective properties, have been reported for species from the Agastache genus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tecomella undulata is a type of shrub in the family Bignoniaceae. It is a small tree that grows in the dry parts of India, Pakistan, and Arabia. It has a lot of commercial and medical value and can be used to make a lot of different things. In Rajasthan's desert area, the "Desert teak" or "Marwar teak" is the most important woodproducing tree species. Tecomella undulata is known in both conventional and folk systems of indigenous medicines to have important healing properties. Hepatoprotective, antibacterial, antimicrobial, antifungal, anti-termite, immunomodulatory, anticancer, cytotoxic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antiobesity activities are just a few of the plant's numerous, well-known therapeutic characteristics. The plant is the source of the ayurvedic drug rohitakarishta, which is used to treat liver, spleen, and blood disorders. This tree is in danger of going extinct because conservation efforts aren't as good as they could be and because the pharmaceutical and lumber industries want more of it. This species is now considered "threatened" in the Indian state of Rajasthan. One of the main problems with this tree is that it is susceptible to many diseases and pests. This makes it harder for it to grow and spread. Even though seeds are often used to spread it, natural plant growth isn't as common because seeds can be carried by the wind to faraway places, harsh weather can make it hard for seeds to spread, seeds can die if they are not harvested and stored properly, and there aren't as many seeds that can grow back. Because the tree grows so slowly, there are no good ways to speed up its reproduction through vegetative propagation. No one has tried to start breeding programmes to make T. undulata better. Even though there is some research on T. undulata's cytology, function in agroforestry and silviculture, association with vesicular arbuscular mycorrhiza, and use of biotechnological tools, the number of research papers on the identification of bioactive components and confirmation of pharmacological effects has grown exponentially in recent years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Artocarpus (Moraceae) species have been widely studied for phytochemical components and pharmacological activity. This review aims to highlight key findings on the discovery, biosynthesis, and biological properties of Artocarpus metabolites. One hundred papers over the past 50 years were critically analysed. Current trends in the research of the genus are also discussed. The ethno-medicinal benefits of Artocarpus species, mainly for inflammation, malaria, diarrhoea, diabetes, and tapeworm infection, have a strong bond between traditional and modern sources. Artocarpus crude extract, especially those from the leaves, bark, stem, and fruit, contain numerous beneficial active molecules, including flavonoids, stilbenoids, aryl benzofurans, and the lectin jacalin. To understand the flavonoid and triterpenoid mechanisms as antimalarial agents, more research on Artocarpus is required. Highly collaborative programs that integrate conventional and modern techniques will be crucial for the future applications of Artocarpus as a possible source of medicinal natural products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tapinanthus bangwensis commonly known as mistletoe, is a hemi parasitic shrub of Loranthaceae, and the native range is West Tropical Africa to Chad; used in tradomedicine to remedy various ailments in Nigeria. Hence, the objective of this paper was to investigate the chemotaxonomic characteristics of Tapinanthus bangwensis (Engl. & K. Krause) Danser of Loranthaceae collected from University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria using appropriate standard methods. Results of anatomy revealed 4 to 5 rows of collenchyma at hypodermis, parenchyma domiciled in the ground tissues, vascular sclerenchyma present especially in vascular system. In the phytochemistry, alkaloids, tannins, saponins, phenolics and flavonoids were present while terpenoids absent. These information would assist for further delimitation of the species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tradescantia spathacea has been traditionally employes for treating various conditions, including coughs, fevers, wounds, inflammation, and oxidative-related diseases. This paper presents a comprehensive review of its traditional uses, alongside an examination of phytochemical and pharmacological studies aimed at validating ethnopharmacological practices. A systematic search across electronic databases using relevant keywords yielded 845 articles, of which 70 articles were reviewed. T. spathacea exhibits a broad spectrum of pharmacological activities, as evidenced by in vivo studies demonstrating hepatoprotective, anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory and anticancer effects. In vitro studies further support its medicinal properties, including antimicrobial, anti-viral, antioxidant, anti-helminthic, antimutagenic, antigenotoxic and cytotoxic activities. While these modern pharmacological properties substantiate traditional uses, further research is essential to validate them and develop safe and effective therapeutic formulations. Further investigations should focus on bioassay-guided isolation of bioactive compounds, extensive pharmacological, clinical, and toxicological studies, incorporating adequate data replication, proper standardization and control groups, and the selection of reasonable doses or concentrations of extracts and controls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Benzoin is a pathologic exudation produced by plants of the family Styrax. It is secreted by traumatic resin ducts after injury, which are derived from parenchymal cells in secondary xylem by schizolysigeny. Some 63 chemical constituents have been isolated and identified from this resin, including balsamic acid esters, lignans and terpenoids. It has a long history of applications, including as incense along with olibanum, a flavor enhancer in the food industry, materials in the daily chemistry industry as well as therapeutic uses. Up to now, high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS) have been widely used in qualitative and quantitative analysis of benzoin. Other technologies, including near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIR), proton transfer reaction time-of-flight mass spectrometry (PTR-ToF-MS) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), have also been used to distinguish different resins. Herein, this paper provides a comprehensive overview of the production process, phytochemistry, traditional uses and quality control of benzoin and looks to the future for promoting its further research and applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]