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The objective of this study was to examine the effects of dietary Boesenbergia rotunda (L.) Mansf. rhizome extract on the growth performance, intestinal histology, digestive enzymes, hematological, and biochemical indices of hybrid catfish (Clarias macrocephalus × C. gariepinus). The phytochemicals and antioxidant activity of a methanolic extract from the rhizome of B. rotunda were also evaluated. Hybrid catfish, with an average weight of 5.24 ± 0.26 g, were given diets containing B. rotunda extract at concentrations of 0 (control), 250, and 500 mg/kg for a duration of 8 weeks. Upon completion of the trial, various factors were assessed including growth performance, intestinal histology, digestive enzymes, hematology, and biochemical indices. The presence of phenolics, saponins, alkaloids, flavonoids, steroids, and tannins was identified in the extract of B. rotunda. The inclusion of B. rotunda in the diet resulted in a substantial improvement in final weight, weight gain, specific growth rate, and average daily gain (p < 0.05). The fish that were given diets containing B. rotunda showed a significant increase in the activity of digestive enzymes in their intestines (p < 0.05). Fish that were fed B. rotunda diets exhibited improved histoarchitecture of intestines (p < 0.05). The experimental fish exhibited a considerable increase in white blood cells, red blood cells, hemoglobin, and hematocrit compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Fish that were fed B. rotunda diets showed a significant increase in serum glucose levels, whereas serum cholesterol levels decreased (p < 0.05). The study found that a diet containing 250 mg of B. rotunda/kg had the potential to improve the growth performance and physiological features of hybrid catfish.

A new subspecies, Ardisia crenata Sims subsp. mukdahanensis Chatan & Promprom (Primulaceae), is described from Mukdahan Province, Thailand. This discovery was made during field studies conducted from 2021 to 2023, during which the authors collected and analysed specimens, comparing them with relevant taxonomic literature and herbarium collections. A. crenata subsp. mukdahanensis is distinct from its closest relative, A. crenata subsp. crassinervosa by a combination of morphological traits, such as moderately dense minute hairs on young shoots, abaxial side of young lamina and calyx, peduncles and pedicels; larger flowers (7.0–7.5 mm) that are pure white or pinkish; larger fruits (7–8 mm) and absence of glandular punctation in organs such as lamina, calyx, corolla, anther and fruit. This new subspecies grows in slightly dense dry evergreen forests or open areas near streams and is preliminarily assigned to the Data Deficient (DD) category according to IUCN guidelines.

The effects of dietary supplementation of spray-dried hog plum (Spondias pinnata (L.f.) Kurz) fruit powder (SPP) on growth, digestive enzyme activity, and skin mucus immune parameters of climbing perch (Anabas testudineus (Bloch, 1972)) were examined. The fish (N = 330; 2.00±0.1 g) were assigned to five groups in triplicates. They were fed different SPP levels at 0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 g/kg diet for eight weeks. Flavonoids, terpenoids, phenolic compounds, tannins, steroids, glycosides, and glycosides were detected in SPP. The SPP containing diet significantly improved growth parameters (P < 0.05) without a negative effect on the survival rate (P > 0.05). Intestinosomatic and hepatosomatic indices significantly declined in the fish fed SPP added diets (P < 0.05). There were significant elevations in digestive enzyme activities, amylase, protease, lipase, trypsin, pepsin, and esterase, in the tested fish compared to the control fish (P < 0.05). Additionally, fish fed SPP containing diets showed a significant enhancement of total protein, immunoglobulin M, lysozyme, antiprotease, alkaline phosphatase, and esterase in the skin mucus compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Significantly higher levels of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and total antioxidant capacity were detected in fish fed SPP containing diets compared to the control (P < 0.05). These findings suggest that dietary SPP supplementation can effectively enhance fish growth, digestive enzyme activities, and mucosal immune parameters in the climbing perch. The suitable level of SPP observed in this present study was 13.00 – 15.88 g/kg diet.

ABSTRACT Zingiber baumii Chatan & Promprom, a new species from the Zingiberaceae family, is described from Sakon Nakhon Province in northeastern Thailand. This species was identified during field expeditions conducted between 2018 and 2024 in Phu Pha Yol National Park. The morphological characteristics of Z. baumii, such as red or pinkish‐red leaf sheaths, leaf blades (1.5−) 2.0–3.0 cm wide, pink petioles, and bright yellow corolla with a red patch, distinguish it from closely related species such as Z. isanense Triboun & K. Larsen. Zingiber baumii grows in slightly shaded dry dipterocarp forests at elevations of 300–380 m. The preliminary conservation assessment indicates that this species should be classified as Endangered (EN) according to IUCN criteria due to its limited distribution and small population size. Detailed morphological comparisons with related species are provided, along with illustrations and habitat descriptions.

Abstract Alocasia sakonakhonensis Chatan & Promprom (Araceae), a new species from northeastern Thailand, is described and illustrated. It is clearly different from other previously known species by leaves, spathe, ovary, sterile interstice, synandria, and appendix. Color illustrations, and a distribution map are provided, as well as comparative morphological characters about its similar species. The preliminary conservation status assessment of the new species was presented.

Zingiber baumii Chatan & Promprom, a new species from the Zingiberaceae family, is described from Sakon Nakhon Province in northeastern Thailand. This species was identified during field expeditions conducted between 2018 and 2024 in Phu Pha Yol National Park. The morphological characteristics of Z. baumii , such as red or pinkish-red leaf sheaths, leaf blades (1.5-) 2.0-3.0 cm wide, pink petioles, and bright yellow corolla with a red patch, distinguish it from closely related species such as Z. isanense Triboun & K. Larsen. Zingiber baumii grows in slightly shaded dry dipterocarp forests at elevations of 300-380 m. The preliminary conservation assessment indicates that this species should be classified as Endangered (EN) according to IUCN criteria due to its limited distribution and small population size. Detailed morphological comparisons with related species are provided, along with illustrations and habitat descriptions., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflicts of interest., (© 2024 The Author(s). Ecology and Evolution published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

A new subspecies, ArdisiacrenataSimssubsp.mukdahanensis Chatan & Promprom (Primulaceae), is described from Mukdahan Province, Thailand. This discovery was made during field studies conducted from 2021 to 2023, during which the authors collected and analysed specimens, comparing them with relevant taxonomic literature and herbarium collections. A.crenatasubsp.mukdahanensis is distinct from its closest relative, A.crenatasubsp.crassinervosa by a combination of morphological traits, such as moderately dense minute hairs on young shoots, abaxial side of young lamina and calyx, peduncles and pedicels; larger flowers (7.0-7.5 mm) that are pure white or pinkish; larger fruits (7-8 mm) and absence of glandular punctation in organs such as lamina, calyx, corolla, anther and fruit. This new subspecies grows in slightly dense dry evergreen forests or open areas near streams and is preliminarily assigned to the Data Deficient (DD) category according to IUCN guidelines., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Wilawan Promprom, Phukphon Munglue, Wannachai Chatan.)

Alocasia sakonakhonensis Chatan & Promprom (Araceae), a new species from northeastern Thailand, is described and illustrated. It is clearly different from other previously known species by leaves, spathe, ovary, sterile interstice, synandria, and appendix. Color illustrations, and a distribution map are provided, as well as comparative morphological characters about its similar species. The preliminary conservation status assessment of the new species was presented., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflicts of interest., (© 2024 The Author(s). Ecology and Evolution published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

This report summarizes work investigating the effects of some medicinal plants on uterine contraction. As there is a clinical need to find better drugs to help control uterine activity, and novel compounds are sought, the mechanisms whereby the medicinal plants exert their effects, as well as their major compounds, are discussed. By identifying the plants, major constituents and mechanisms, this review also illustrates the potential for development of new drugs, so that better ways to treat uterine disorders will be available to women worldwide.