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Background/Aim. Plant essential oils (EOs) can have a significant antibacterial effect especially through additive or synergistic action as antibiotic adjuvants. We investi-gated the composition and activity of EOs of two species of genus Salvia (S) from Greece with the aim to deter-mine their antimicrobial activity as well as the activity in combination with selected antibiotics. Methods. The aerial parts of wild-growing S. fruticosa and S. ringens were subjected to a steam distillation and the obtained EOs were analyzed by gas chromatography and gas chroma-tography/mass spectrometry. The broth-microdilution method was used in order to determine the minimum in-hibitory concentrations (MICs) of EOs on seven strains of bacteria and one yeast. Antimicrobial activity of the combination of EO and antibiotics was investigated by checkerboard method and estimated by calculating frac-tional inhibitory concentration (FIC) of each component and fractional inhibitory concentration index (FICI). Re-sults. Dominant component of S. fruticosa EO was trans-thujone (54.2%) and for S. ringens EO it was α-pinene (28.1%). The MICs of EOs of both species were in the range from 200 μg/mL to > 500 μg/mL. The strongest antimicrobial effect was achieved against Bacillus subtilis and Candida albicans. According to FICI values, EO of S. fruticosa had additive effect with ciprofloxacin against most of bacterial strains but not with amikacin. Conclu-sion. The essential oils of S. ringens and S. fruticosa showed modest antimicrobial activity. However, the es-sential oil of S. fruticosa showed a promising additive ef-fect in combination with ciprofloxacin. Uvod/Cilj. Etarska ulja različitih biljaka mogu imati značajna antibakterijska svojstva, posebno kao adjuvanti antibiotika sa kojima ostvaruju aditivno ili sinergistično dejstvo. Ispitivali smo sastav i aktivnost etarskih ulja dve vrste roda Salvia (S) iz Grčke sa ciljem da odredimo njihovu antimkrobnu aktivnost, kao i dejstvo u kombi-naciji sa odabranim antibioticima. Metode. Nadzemni delovi samoniklih S. fruticosa i S. ringens su destilovani vodenom parom i dobijena etarska ulja su analizirana gasnom hromatografijom i gasnom hromatografijom sa masenom spektrometrijom. Radi određivanja minimalnih inhibitornih koncentracija (MICs) etarskog ulja na sedam sojeva bakterija i na jednoj patogenoj gljivici korišćena je mikrodiluciona metoda. Antimikrobna aktivnost kombi-nacije etarskog ulja i antibiotika ispitana je checkerboard metodom i procenjena je na osnovu frakcione inhibi-torne koncentracije (FIC) svake komponente i indeksa frakcione inhibitorne koncentracije (FICI). Resultati. Dominantna komponenta etarskog ulja S. fruticosa je bio trans-tujon (54,2%), a etarskog ulja S. ringens α-pinen (28,1%). MICs etarskog ulja obe vrste su bile u opsegu od 200 μg/mL do > 500 μg/mL. Najsnažnija anti-mikrobna aktivnost ostvarena je protiv Bacillus subtilis i Candida albicans. Na osnovu FICI vrednosti, etarsko ulje S. fruticosa je sa ciprofloksacinom, ali ne i sa amikacinom imalo aditivni efekat protiv većine bakterijskih sojeva. Zaključak. Etarska ulja S. ringens i S. fruticosa su pokazala skromnu antimikrobnu aktivnost, ali je etarsko ulje S. fru-ticosa u kombinaciji sa ciprofloksacinom ispoljilo značajan aditivni efekat.

During the past two decades, several human infections with avian influenza H5N1 virus have been reported. An increase in the recorded cases of human viral infections led to more public health concern, because of their potential pandemic proportions in the human's society. Moreover, an increase in the cases of drug-resistant influenza A virus has brought the urgent need for alternative anti-influenza drugs. In the present study, water extracts from eight commonly available medicinal and nutritive plants from the Apiaceae family including; Dill, Celery, Caraway, Coriander, Cumin, Fennel, Anise, and Parsley were prepared. The cytotoxicity of each of extract was individually determined in the Madin–Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells. Thereafter, these extracts were investigated for their in vitro antiviral activities against the avian influenza H5N1 virus infection. Current results revealed that water extracts of the eight plants showed antiviral inhibitory activities with percentages ranging from 0- 71%. Among the tested plants, only anise plant (Pimpeniella anisum) had significant antiviral activity against the avian influenza H5N1 virus. Thus, the mode of action of this effective anise extract was investigated against the same virus. It was found that water extract of the anise plant induced virucidal effect, as well as direct effect on replication of the avian influenza H5N1 virus. The aim of the present study was to shed light on searching for alternative therapeutic sources for future treatment of the H5N1 influenza virus infection.

Durio zibethinus, commonly known as Durian, is an exotic Southeast Asian tropical fruit. More than the pungent aroma the fruit is well-known for, it is said to be beneficial to health as it contains many antioxidants and bioactive compounds that have different potentials for positive impacts on health. However, there is scant existing literature which gives an overview on the amounts of bioactive compounds in several varieties of durian in Southeast Asia, and the relevant health benefits. This review article therefore seeks to consolidate the literature which have identified bioactive compounds and investigated antioxidant activities in durian cultivars from Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and China, and studies that have given insight on potential medicinal properties of durians. A literature review was conducted using databases Scopus and ScienceDirect and a total of 30 articles were reviewed. Total polyphenols and flavonoids were highest in the Mon Thong cultivar compared to other Thailand varieties, and ripe or overripe durians were found to contain the highest amounts of polyphenols and flavonoids. Durians were also found to contain medicinal properties, such as anti-inflammatory and antidiabetic potential, and protective effects on cardiac health. Further research on these bioactive compounds in the nutritious fruit with potential medicinal properties can contribute to the medicinal value of durians, as well as benefit the pharmaceutical industries.

Cadmium disrupts the blood-testes barrier, interferes with various antioxidant levels thus enhancing lipid peroxidation and ultimately leading to apoptosis and necrosis of testicular tissue. Moringa oleifera is a medicinal plant and a rich source of essential phytochemicals possessing antioxidant properties. The effect of aqueous leaf extract of M. oleifera on reproductive function following cadmium chloride induced oxidative stress in male Wistar rats was investigated. Forty adult male Wistar rats were assigned into five groups of eight rats each. Treatment was administered orally daily as follows: Group 1 (control): animal feed and tap water ad libitum; Group 2: 5 mg kg-1 cadmium chloride for 21 days; Group 3: 500 mg kg-1 of M. oleifera and 5 mg kg-1 of cadmium chloride for 21 days; Group 4: 5 mg kg-1 cadmium chloride for 21 days followed by 500 mg kg-1 M. oleifera for the next 35 days; Group 5: 5 mg kg-1 cadmium chloride for 21 days followed by 750 mg kg-1 M. oleifera for the next 35 days. At the end of treatment, blood was obtained by direct cardiac puncture for fertility hormone assay and testicular tissue specimens were harvested for semen analysis and determination of antioxidant levels. Results obtained indicated that rats treated with the various extracts had significantly increased superoxide dismutase, malondialdehyde and catalase levels, increased serum concentrations of testosterone, follicle stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone and increased percentage of viable and normal spermatozoa compared to control and only cadmium chloride treated rats (p < 0.05). The results obtained suggest that treatments with M. oleifera extract could ameliorate possible cellular damage caused by administration of cadmium chloride.

Ganoderma lucidum (Curtis) P. Karst., known as “Lingzhi” in China or “Reishi” in Japan, is a well-known medicinal mushroom and traditional Chinese medicine, which has been used for the prevention and treatment of bronchitis, allergies, hepatitis, immunological disorders and cancer. G. lucidum is rarely collected from nature and mostly cultivated on wood logs and sawdust in plastic bags or bottles to meet the demands of international markets. Diverse groups of chemical compounds with pharmacological activities, isolated from the mycelia and fruiting bodies of G. lucidum are triterpenoids, polysaccharides (β-D-glucans), proteins, amino acids, nucleosides, alkaloids, steroids, lactones, lectins, fatty acids, and enzymes. The biologically active compounds as primarily triterpenoids and polysaccharides of G. lucidum have been reported to possess hepatoprotective, antihypertensive, hypocholesterolemic, antihistaminic effects and antioxidant, antitumor, immunomodulatory, and antiangiogenic activities. Several formulations have been developed, patented and used as nutraceuticals, nutriceuticals and pharmaceuticals from G. lucidum‘s water or ethanol extracts and rarely purified active compounds. As the result of clinical trials, various products have commercially become available as syrup, injection, tablet, tincture or bolus of powdered medicine and an ingredient or additive in dark chocolate bars and organic fermented medicinal mushroom drink mixes such as green teas, coffees, and hot cacaos. This review has intended to give and discuss recent knowledge on phytochemical and pharmacological compositions, therapeutic and side effects, clinical trials, and commercial products of G. lucidum.

Genus Ocimum of Labiatae is well known in all traditional medicinal systems like Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy. The pharmaceutical activities of different species of Ocimum attributed to all plant parts. Roots are the most significant vital organ of the plant, as they absorb water and nutrients from soil and transport to aerial parts of the plants. Roots of Ocimum were found helpful with free-radical scavenging activity to improve physical and mental strength as well as to treat diabetes, malaria, and liver problems. Antibacterial activity of Ocimum roots and its main component, rosmarinic acid, is very beneficial to protect against several human pathogens, including bacteria and viruses. Being so important in every way, roots of Ocimum need healthy rhizosphere. Bacteria, fungi, nematodes, types of soil, fungicide, pesticides, salt, radioactive elements, as well as heavy metal contaminations, affect roots and overall growth of Ocimum in positive or negative ways. Each component of rhizosphere (natural, treatment or contamination) affects the roots, which highlights current ecological scenario to discover biosafe and more productive approaches. For such prestigious organ of Ocimum, development of in vitro root cultures and hairy root cultures assists to reduce the efforts and timing of the traditional cultivation process along with elimination of negative factors in rhizosphere. Different strains of Agrobacterium rhizogenes, various media compositions, as well as discrete treatments, like elicitors, on nonidentical species or cultivars of Ocimum boost the root induction, biomass, and accumulation of phytoceuticals differently. Hairy roots and in vitro roots of Ocimum accumulate higher quantity of therapeutic metabolites. These metabolites include several phenolics (like rosmarinic acid, 3-hydroxybenzoic acid, m-coumaric acid, p-coumaric acid, caffeic acid, ferulic acid, vanillic acid, chicoric acid, and lithospermic acid), triterpenes (such as betulinic acid, 3-epimaslinic acid, alphitolic acid, euscaphic acids, oleanolic acid, and ursolic acid) as well as flavonoids (flavones, flavonols, and dihydroflavonols). This review highlights pharmaceutical applications of Ocimum roots, a great deal of rhizosphere components and in vitro culturing techniques to enhance biomass as well as chief phytoceuticals.

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.

Hydrocotyl asiatica (L.) is commonly used as a medicinal herb in Ayurvedic medicine, traditional African medicine, and traditional Chinese medicine. However, little is known about is medicinal use in Nigeria. Thus, a multistage sampling technique was adopted in selecting 10 marketers and 40 herbal practitioners. Water extract of Hydrocotyle asiatica excreted anti-inflammatory and anti-filarial effect and used as memory enhancer and facilitate excellent learning ability. Questionnaires were purposively administered to key informants in the Kaduna North Local Government Area of Kaduna State, Nigeria. However, only 45 were retrieved in the end. The questionnaire focused on demographic information of respondents, ailment treated, preparation and administration protocols. Results revealed various diseases are treated with H. asiatica, which include: headache, cough scurvy and mouth sore, fibroid, menstrual pain, waist pain, back ache, weak libido, sexually transmitted infections, hypertension, amongst others. This herbaceous species can be used alone or mix with other herbs such as Pipper guineensis, Ocimum grandiflorum, Allium cepa, amongst other. Standardization of measurement in the use of H. asiatica is through the use of table and tea spoons. However, it is recommended that adequate storage facilities should be provided to check excessive dryness of the kola and pest infestation during storage. Also, the sustainability of biodiversity and biological resources of the species and other important medicinal plants should be ensured so that individual plants do not go into extinction.

Background:Gynura species have been used traditionally to treat various ailments, such as fever, pain, and to control blood glucose level. This systematic review critically discusses studies regarding Gynura species that exhibited antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, thus providing perspectives and instructions for future research of the plants as a potential source of new dietary supplements or medicinal agents.Methods: A literature search from internet databases of PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct, e-theses Online Service, and ProQuest was carried out using a combination of keywords such as “Gynura,” “antioxidant,” “anti-inflammatory,” or other related words. Research articles were included in this study if they were experimental (in vitro and in vivo) or clinical studies on the antioxidant or anti-inflammatory effects of Gynura species and if they were articles published in English.Results: Altogether, 27 studies on antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of Gynura species were selected. The antioxidant effects of Gynura species were manifested by inhibition of reactive oxygen species production and lipid peroxidation, modulation of glutathione-related parameters, and enzymatic antioxidant production or activities. The anti-inflammatory effects of Gynura species were through the modulation of inflammatory cytokine production, inhibition of prostaglandin E2 and nitric oxide production, cellular inflammatory-related parameters, and inflammation in animal models. The potential anti-inflammatory signaling pathways modulated by Gynura species are glycogen synthase kinase-3, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2, PPARγ, MAPK, NF-κB, and PI3K/Akt. However, most reports on antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of the plants were on crude extracts, and the chemical constituents contributing to bioactivities were not clearly understood. There is a variation in quality of studies in terms of design, conduct, and interpretation, and in-depth studies on the underlying mechanisms involved in antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of the plants are in demand. Moreover, there is limited clinical study on antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of Gynura species.Conclusion: This review highlighted antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of genus Gynura and supported their traditional uses to treat oxidative stress and inflammatory-related diseases. This review is expected to catalyze further studies on genus Gynura. However, extensive preclinical data need to be generated from toxicity and pharmacokinetic studies before clinical studies can be pursued for their development into clinical medicines to treat oxidative stress and inflammatory conditions.

Mitracarpus hirtus (L.) DC. (Family: Rubiaceae) is a tropical annual herb commonly found in America and Mexico. In the present study, the methanol, ethyl acetate, dichloromethane and aqueous extracts of the plant were tested for total phenolic (TPC) and flavonoid content (TFC) and antioxidant activities were evaluated using a battery of assays including 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), cupric reducing antioxidant capacity, total antioxidant capacity (TAC) (phosphomolybdenum) and metal chelating. Enzyme inhibitory effects were investigated using acetylcholinesterase (AChE), tyrosinase, α-amylase and α-glucosidase as target enzymes. The phytochemical profile was obtained using liquid chromatography-diode array detection-electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (LC-DAD-ESI-MSn), liquid chromatography-atmospheric pressure chemical ionization-mass spectrometry (LC-APCI-MSn) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) experiments. Results showed that the dichloromethane and ethyl acetate extracts yielded the highest TPC (29.10 ± 0.07 mg gallic acid equivalent/g) and TFC (38.14 ± 0.91 mg rutin equivalent/g), respectively. Aqueous extract showed weak activity against tested enzymes but demonstrated the strongest ABTS scavenging activity (59.39 ± 1.19 mg trolox equivalent/g) and is the strongest Fe3+ reducer (59.42 ± 0.59 mg trolox equivalent/g). Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of phenolics, pyrrolizidine alkaloids and triterpene acid. This is the first report gathering scientific data on antioxidant, enzyme inhibitory activities and phytochemical composition of M. hirtus and the obtained results can be used as starting point for further investigation on this traditional medicinal herb.

Here we report the comprehensive characterization of the secondary metabolites from the leaves of Colebrookea oppositifolia Smith, a species used as medicinal plant in the traditional medicine of Nepal. Phytochemical screening of bioactives was performed using an integrated LC-MSn and high resolution MS (Mass Spectrometry) approach. Forty-three compounds were tentatively identified, mainly aglyconic and glycosilated flavonoids and phenolic acids, as well as other bioactives such as coumarins and terpenes were detected. Furthermore, the NF-&kappa, B and AP-1 inhibitory activity of C. oppositifolia extract were evaluated, as well as its cytotoxicity against THP-1 cells, in order to assess the potential use of this herb as a source of anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic compounds. The results so far obtained indicate that C. oppositifolia leaves extract could significantly reduce the viability of THP-1 cells (IC50 = 6.2 &plusmn, 1.2 &micro, g/mL), as well as the activation of both NF-&kappa, B and AP-1 at the concentration of 2 &mu, g/mL. Our results indicate that Nepalese C. oppositifolia is a valuable source of anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic compounds. The phytochemical composition reported here can partially justify the traditional uses of C. oppositifolia in Nepal, especially in the treatment of inflammatory diseases, although further research will be needed to assess the full potential of this species.

The Economic Botany Data Collection Standard (EBDCS) is a widely used standard among ethnobotanists. However, this standard classifies ethnomedicinal uses into categories based on local peoples&rsquo, perception. It is difficult to apply in pharmacological research. The International Classification of Primary Care (ICPC), now updated to ICPC-2, is more related to medical terms, but is rarely used among ethnobotanists. This study aims to apply the ICPC-2 to classify metadata of the ethnomedicinal uses of Zingiberaceae plants in Thailand, in order to identify important medicinal taxa for future research. Data on the ethnomedicinal uses of Thai gingers were collected from 62 theses, journal articles, scientific reports and a book, published between 1990 and 2019. Scientific plant names were updated using The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP) website. Informant Consensus Factor (ICF) was used to identify the medicinal issues commonly treated with gingers, and the Cultural Importance Index (CI) was used to identify species that might have pharmacological potential. We found records of 76 ginger species with ethnomedicinal uses, and together they had 771 use reports. The gingers were commonly used for treatments related to digestive system conditions, particularly abdominal pain and flatulence. Gingers remain exceedingly important in Thai ethnomedicine, with a high number of useful species. They are used to treat a variety of health conditions, but most commonly such ones that are related to the digestive system. Apart from the popular studied ginger, Curcuma longa, we identified a number of other useful gingers in Thailand.

3rd International Symposium on Phytochemicals in Medicine and Food (ISPMF) -- AUG 25-30, 2018 -- Kunming, PEOPLES R CHINA, WOS: 000470673800005, PubMed: 30040448, Onion, (Allium cepa L.), is one of the most consumed and grown vegetable crops in the world. Onion bulb, with its characteristic flavor, is the third most essential horticultural spice with a substantial commercial value. Apart from its culinary virtues, A. cepa is also used traditionally for its medicinal virtues in a plethora of indigenous cultures. Several publications have been produced in an endeavor to validate such traditional claims. Nonetheless, there is still a dearth of up-to-date, detailed compilation, and critical analysis of the traditional and ethnopharmacological propensities of A. cepa. The present review, therefore, aims to systematically review published literature on the traditional uses, pharmacological properties, and phytochemical composition of A. cepa. A. cepa was found to possess a panoply of bioactive compounds and numerous pharmacological properties, including antimicrobial, antioxidant, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, hypolipidemic, anti-hypertensive, and immunoprotective effects. Although a large number of in vitro and in vivo studies have been conducted, several limitations and research gaps have been identified which need to be addressed in future studies., Phytochem Soc Europe, Int Soc Chinese Med, Physiol Soc Japan, Phytochem Soc Asia, DBT, GOIDepartment of Biotechnology (DBT) India [BT/BI/25/012/2012]; DST-FISTDepartment of Science & Technology (India) [SR/FST/LSI-639/2015(C)]; UGC-SAPUniversity Grants Commission, India [F.5-1/2018/DRS-II(SAP-II)]; DST-PURSE [SR/PURSE Phase 2/38(G)], The authors KRRR and SKP sincerely acknowledge the computational and bioinformatics facility provided by the Alagappa University Bioinformatics Infrastructure Facility (funded by DBT, GOI; File No. BT/BI/25/012/2012, BIF). The authors also thankfully acknowledge DST-FIST (Grant No. SR/FST/LSI-639/2015(C)), UGC-SAP (Grant No. F.5-1/2018/DRS-II(SAP-II)) and DST-PURSE (Grant No. SR/PURSE Phase 2/38(G)) for providing instrumentation facilities.

Mushrooms have been used as traditional source of nutritional food and medicinal suppliments. P. tuber-regium has been well known edible fungi and posses bioactive mycochemicals such as flavonoids, phenols, alkaloids, glycosides, proteis, fattyacids etc. and possess good antioxidant activity. Among estimated biochemicals alkaloid was found in high quantity (28.14 ± 0.32mg/100g) and tannin in low quantity (2.74 ± 0.26mg/100g). The mushrooms extract also posses good antioxidant potentiality. Estimated freeradical scavenging cativity was 8.98±1.02%, hydroxy radical scavenging activity was 10.85±0.73% and total antioxidant capacity of the crude extract was 21.50±1.3% at 100µg/100mL concentration of extract.

Bintangur (Callophylum soulatri) is one type of Family Callophylleae which is widely found in the forests of Borneo. This research attempts to identify the traditional using of Bintangur plant as a medicinal material and get the result of phytochemical compound from Bintangur leaf extract. Identification of the use of Bintangur plants is done using semi-structured interview techniques and literature review. The phytochemical compound preliminary test is carried out qualitatively by color change detection. Bintangur leaves can eliminate the disease vertigo (dizziness) and migraine. The dominant phytochemical compounds are flavonoids, steroid, and tannin. Phytochemical compounds that also dominant are phenol hydrocarbons and saponins. The alkaloid compound is not present in Bintangur leaves. The identification of phytochemical compounds from Bintangur leaf identifies the potential utilization of phytochemical compounds for various medicinal goals. The detection of steroid compounds with high concentrations indicates that Bintangur leaf has the potential to be used as a medicinal material to relieve chronic fatigue and pain. The presence of phenol compounds such as flavonoids, phenol hydrocarbons, and tannins indicates that the Bintangur leaf has bioactivity as antioxidants, antibacterials and anticancer.

Ganoderma lucidum (Curtis) P. Karst., commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine, is characterized by strong genetic and phenotypic variability that reflects its active components. To preserve such a source of pharmacologically active metabolites, specimens must be collected from different geographic regions and their genetic integrity ensured during storage. To this aim, we tested the effect of ultra-low freezing (ULF) at -120°C on the vitality, mycelial growth rate, and fruiting ability of 3 Italian strains of G. lucidum. Results showed that all strains reacted positively to ULF, demonstrating an ability to recover after 3 months of storage without morphological or physiological changes occurring, regardless of treatment. The successful storage of G. lucidum at -120°C opens up the possibility to create a germplasm bank to collect strains of this medicinal fungus from throughout Europe, thereby contributing to the maintenance of its diversity.

Plant biodiversity has long been used by people for different purposes. In this sense, ethnobotany studies the practices related to plants carried out by different social groups, analyzing people-plant interactions. Among this biodiversity, Morinda citrifolia L. stands out, generally native to the tropical region, and popularly known as noni. This fruit has broad medicinal potential due to its antioxidant, dyslipidemic, hypotensive, healing, and antimicrobial properties, among others. Therefore, the objective of this research was to identify the prevalence of the use of Morinda citrifolia, in addition to demonstrating works with plant-related intoxications. Therefore, a systematic literature review was performed based on a search in the Scielo database, using the descriptor "Morinda citrifolia", finding a total of 17 studies published from 2016 to 2021. After reading the title and abstract, 12 articles were selected for having greater relevance and affinity with the topic under study. The inclusion criteria used were productions in the public domain that dealt with the proposed theme, works written in several languages ​​, and productions available in full, thus excluding documents that did not meet the aforementioned criteria. Literature analysis allowed us to identify the main uses of noni in the ethnobotanical aspect and its properties. La biodiversidade vegetal ha sido utilizada durante mucho tempo por los pueblos para diferentes propósitos. En este sentido, la etnobotánica estudia las práticasrelacionadas con las plantas que llevan a cabo los diferentes grupos sociales, analizando asi las internacciones planta-persona. Entre esta biodiversidade se destaca Morinda citrifolia L. , generalmente originaria de la región tropical, y popularmente conocida como noni. Esta fruta tiene um amplio potencial medicinal debido a sus propiedades antioxidantes, dislipidêmicas, hipotensivas, cicatrizantes y antimicrobianas, entre otras. Por tanto, el objetivo de esta investigación fue identificar la prevalência del uso de Morinda citrifolia, además de demostrar trabajos com intoxicaciones relacionadas com plantas. Por ello, se realizó uma revisión bibliográfica sistemática a partir de uma búsqueda em la base de dados Scielo, utilizando el descriptor “Morinda citrifolia”, encontrándose un total de 17 estudios publicados entre 2016 y 2021 y tras la lectura del título y resumen se seleccionaron 12 artículos por tener mayor relevancia y afinidad com el tema em estúdio. Los critérios de inclusión utilizados fueron producciones de dominio público que abordaran la temática propuesta, obras escritas em varios idiomas y producciones disponibles em su totalidade, excluyendo asi los documentos que no cumplieran com los criterios antes mencionados. El análisis de la literatura permitió identificar los principales usos del noni en el aspecto etnobotánico y sus propriedades. A biodiversidade vegetal tem sido há muito tempo usada pelos povos para diversas finalidades. Nesse sentido, a etnobotânica estuda as práticas relacionadas a plantas realizadas por diversos grupos sociais, analisando assim as interações pessoas-plantas. Dentre essa biodiversidade, destaca-se a Morinda citrifolia L., geralmente nativa de região tropical, e popularmente conhecida como noni. Essa fruta possui amplo potencial medicinal devido suas propriedades antioxidante, dislipidêmico, hipotensor, cicatrizante, antimicrobiano, dentre outros. Diante disso, o objetivo dessa pesquisa foi identificar a prevalência do uso Morinda citrifolia além de demonstrar trabalhos com intoxicações relacionados a planta. Para tanto, foi realizada uma revisão sistemática da literatura a partir de uma busca na base de dados Scielo, utilizando o descritor “Morinda citrifolia”, foi encontrando um total de 17 estudos publicados no período de 2016 a 2021 e após a leitura do título e resumo foram selecionados 12 artigos por apresentarem maior relevância e afinidade com o tema em estudo. Os critérios de inclusão utilizados foram produções de domínio público que tratassem do tema proposto, trabalhos escritos em diversas línguas e produções disponíveis na íntegra, excluindo-se assim os documentos que não atendiam os critérios supracitados. A análise da literatura permitiu identificar os principais usos do noni no aspecto etnobotânico e suas propriedades.

Summary: An ethno-medicinal survey was conducted in District Swabi, Pakistan. Data were collected through field assessment as well as from traditional healers and local inhabitants by conducting personal interviews and questionnaires. Information about 63 medicinal plants belonging to 36 families was recorded. Some plants including Foeniculum vulgare Mill. (Apiaceae), Curcuma longa L. (Zingiberaceae), Cuscuta reflexa L. (Cuscutaceae), Fagonia arabica L. (Zygophyllaceae), Lepidium sativum L. (Apiaceae), Mirabilis jalapa L. (Nyctaginaceae), Ricinus communis L. (Euphorbiaceae), Tamarix aphylla L. (Tamaricaceae), Tribulus terrestris L. (Zygophyllaceae) and Zingiber officinale L. (Zingiberaceae) were found to be of great pharmacological interest for novel compounds and substitute for the antibiotics. Industrial relevance: Medicinal plants are still widely used for the treatment of different ailments in the area of Swabi, therefore survey of medicinal flora should be carried out to explore and bring up-to-date the catalogue of existing natural plant resources of the area especially in agricultural country like Pakistan. Small scale government processing units of agroforestry should be implemented to reduce the overuse and motivate the cultivation of valuable medicinal plants. Majority of the people use various formulations of medicinal plants for different ailments treatment. The phytochemicals greatly varied in medicinal plants and cause a marvelous effect on human illnesses. The objective of the present study was to document the information of folk medicines, its identification, collection of samples, study of its chemical constituents and uses by the local people of District Swabi, Pakistan.

Angelica keiskei (Miq.) Koidz. (Umbelliferae) has traditionally been used to treat dysuria, dyschezia, and dysgalactia as well as to restore vitality. Recently, the aerial parts of A. keiskei have been consumed as a health food. Various flavonoids, coumarins, phenolics, acetylenes, sesquiterpene, diterpene, and triterpenes were identified as the constituents of A. keiskei. The crude extracts and pure constituents were proven to inhibit tumor growth and ameliorate inflammation, obesity, diabetics, hypertension, and ulcer. The extract also showed anti-thrombotic, anti-oxidative, anti-hyperlipidemic, anti-viral, and anti-bacterial activities. This valuable herb needs to be further studied and developed not only to treat these human diseases but also to improve human health. Currently A. keiskei is commercialized as a health food and additives in health drinks. This article presents a comprehensive review of A. keiskei and its potential place in the improvement of human health.

Phyllanthus orbicularis (Phyllanthaceae) is an endemic evergreen tropical plant of Cuba that grows in the western part of the island and is used in traditional medicine as an infusion. The aqueous extract of this plant presents a wide range of pharmacological activitiessuch as antimutagenic, antioxidant and antiviral effects. Given the many beneficial effects and the great interest in the development of new pharmacological products from natural sources, the aim of this work was to investigate the phytochemistry of this species and to elucidate the structure of the main bioactive principles. Besides the presence of several known polyphenols, the major constituent was hitherto not described. The chemical structure of this compound, here named Fideloside, was elucidated by means of HR-ESIMS/MSn, 1D/2D NMR, FT-IR, and ECD as (2R,3R)-(&minus, )-3&rsquo, 4&prime, 5,7-tetrahydroxydihydroflavonol-8-C-&beta, D-glucopyranoside. The compound, as well as the plant aqueous preparations, showed promising bioactive properties, i.e., anti-inflammatory capacity in human explanted monocytes, corroborating future pharmacological use for this new natural C-glycosyl flavanonol.

Dioscorea bulbifera bulbils are used in the treatment of Piles, dysentery, syphilis, ulcers, cough, leprosy, diabetes, asthma, and cancer. It is a raw material for contraceptives, and it is one of the most consumed yam species especially in West Africa. Unfortunately, this plant is at the verge of extinction because of increased harvest for medicinal purpose. This review aims at providing up-to-date information about its photochemistry, clinical benefits, conservation status and best possible way on how this plant can be conserved for future use. Literature database search was employed, and the findings indicate that much as Dioscorea bulbifera is of diverse clinical and ethnomedicinal benefits, it’s vulnerable to extinction. In order to conserve Dioscorea bulbifera, there is a need to enlighten the local inhabitants on its clinical and commercial importance and uses. Also for the sustainable growth of the plant, the government and Non-governmental agencies have to distribute Dioscorea bulbils to the farmers for planting and also encourage its planting back into the wild. In addition, micropropagation of the D. bulbifera will be the perfect tool for re-establishing the plant in the natural habitat with more advantages of improving growth conditions of the plants.

During the time of the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, it has been crucial to search for novel antiviral drugs from plants and well as other natural sources as alternatives for prophylaxis. This work reviews the antiviral potential of plant extracts, and the results of previous research for the treatment and prophylaxis of coronavirus disease and previous kinds of representative coronaviruses group. Detailed descriptions of medicinal herbs and crops based on their origin native area, plant parts used, and their antiviral potentials have been conducted. The possible role of plant-derived natural antiviral compounds for the development of plant-based drugs against coronavirus has been described. To identify useful scientific trends, VOSviewer visualization of presented scientific data analysis was used.