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With more than 300 species, the Magnoliaceae family represents a major Magnoliid lineage that is disjunctly distributed in Asia and the New World. The classification of Magnolia s.l. has been highly controversial among taxonomists, varying from one genus with several subgenera, sections, and subsections to several (up to 16) genera. We conducted a comprehensive phylogenetic study of Magnoliaceae on the basis of sequences of the complete chloroplast genomes with a broad taxon sampling of 86 species. The phylogenetic analyses strongly support 15 major clades within Magnolia s.l. due to the non‐monophyly of subgen. Magnolia, the previous subgeneric treatment that recognizes three subgenera, is not supported. Based on the phylogenetic, morphological, and geographic evidence, we recognize two subfamilies in Magnoliaceae: Liriodendroideae and Magnolioideae, each with one genus, Liriodendron and Magnolia, respectively. Magnolia is herein classified into 15 sections: sects. Magnolia, Manglietia, Michelia, Gwillimia, Gynopodium, Kmeria, Maingola, Oyama, Rytidospermum, Splendentes, Talauma, Tuliparia, Macrophylla, Tulipastrum, and Yulania. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Ethnopharmacological relevance: Magnolia officinalis Rehder and Wilson [Magnoliaceae] bark and Ziziphus spinosa (Buhge) Hu ex. Chen. [Fam. Rhamnaceae] seed have a history of use in traditional Asian medicine for mild anxiety, nervousness and sleep-related problems. Aim of the study: To identify pharmacological targets, extracts of Magnolia officinalis (ME), Ziziphus spinosa (ZE), and a proprietary fixed combination (MZE) were tested for affinity with central nervous system receptors associated with relaxation and sleep. Methods: In vitro radioligand binding and cellular functional assays were conducted on: adenosine A1, dopamine (transporter, D1, D2S, D3, D4.4 and D5), serotonin (transporter, 5-HT1A, 5-HT1B, 5-HT4e, 5-HT6 and 5-HT7) and the GABA benzodiazepine receptor. Results: Interactions were demonstrated with the adenosine A1 receptor, dopamine transporter and dopamine D5 receptor (antagonist activity), serotonin receptors (5-HT1B and 5-HT6 antagonist activity) and the GABA benzodiazepine receptor at a concentration of 100μg/ml or lower. ME had an affinity with adenosine A1 (K i of 9.2±1.1μg/ml) and potentiated the GABA activated chloride current at the benzodiazepine subunits of the GABA receptor (maximum effect at 50μg/ml). ME had a modest antagonist action with 5-HT6 and ZE with the 5-HT1B receptor. Conclusion: The interactions in the receptor binding models are consistent with the traditional anxiolytic and sleep-inducing activities of Magnolia officinalis bark and Ziziphus spinosa seed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]