Diversity of wetland plants used traditionally in China: a literature review

Effects of biodiversity on functional stability of freshwater wetlands: a systematic review

Freshwater wetlands are the wetland ecosystems surrounded by freshwater, which are at the interface of terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems, and are rich in ecological composition and function. Biodiversity in freshwater wetlands plays a key role in maintaining the stability of their habitat functions. Due to anthropogenic interference and global change, the biodiversity of freshwater wetlands decreases, which in turn destroys the habitat function of freshwater wetlands and leads to serious degradation of wetlands. An in-depth understanding of the effects of biodiversity on the stability of habitat function and its regulation in freshwater wetlands is crucial for wetland conservation. Therefore, this paper reviews the environmental drivers of habitat function stability in freshwater wetlands, explores the effects of plant diversity and microbial diversity on habitat function stability, reveals the impacts and mechanisms of habitat changes on biodiversity, and further proposes an outlook for freshwater wetland research. This paper provides an important reference for freshwater wetland conservation and its habitat function enhancement.

New seco-anthraquinone glucoside from the roots of Rumex crispus

A new seco-anthraquinone, crispuside A (1), and three new 3,4-dihydronaphthalen-1(2H)-ones, napthalenones A-C (2-4), were isolated from the roots of Rumex crispus L., along with 10 known anthraquinones (6-14) and naphthalenone (5). Their structures were fully determined by extensive spectroscopic analyses, including ECD, and X-ray crystallography in case of compound 5, whose absolute configuration was determined for the first time. The isolates 1, 6-14 were evaluated for their anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal activity against three skin fungi, e.g., Epidermophyton floccosum, Trichophyton rubrum, and Microsporum gypseum. Most of the isolates showed weak anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory activity. Only compound 9 exhibited obvious anti-fungal activity against E. floccosum (MIC₅₀ = 2.467 ± 0.03 μM) and M. gypseum (MIC₅₀ = 4.673 ± 0.077 μM), while the MIC₅₀ values of the positive control terbinafine were 1.287 ± 0.012 and 0.077 ± 0.00258 μM, respectively. The results indicated that simple emodin type anthraquinone is more potential against skin fungi than its oxyglucosyl, C-glucosyl and glycosylated seco analogues.

Assessment of composition and spatial dynamics of weed communities in agroecosystem under varying edaphic factors

Weeds are important components of the agroecosystems due to their role as primary producers within the farming systems, yet they are considered as major constraints to crop production. A phytosociological study was conducted to assess the composition and spatial distribution of existing weed species under the influence of various edaphic factors in the 15 wheat fields. Quadrat method was applied and different phytosociological attributes including abundance, density, and frequency were estimated by randomly laying down 10 square-shaped quadrats of size 1m² in each wheat field. A total of 34 weed species belonging to 17 families and 30 genera were explored from 150 quadrats. Fabaceae and Asteraceae were ubiquitous plant families. Various edaphic factors such as; soil texture, electrical conductivity, soil pH, total dissolved solids, nitrogen, calcium carbonate, organic matter, NaCl, calcium, phosphorous, potassium, sodium, and zinc were determined. Pearson’s correlation was employed to correlate weeds and the potential edaphic variables. The results depicted that most of these weed pairs’ associations correlated positively. Simultaneously, the abundant weed species including Trifolium repens, Coronopus didymus, and Urtica dioica showed a positive correlation with most of the investigated ecological variables.

UHPLC, ATR-FTIR analysis of Nymphoides indica rhizome extract and determination of antioxidant & antibiofilm potential

The aim of the study was to perform comprehensive phytochemical analysis, UHPLC, ATR-FTIR profiling and evaluation of various biological activities of N. Indica rhizome. The phytochemical analysis indicated presence of alkaloids, saponins, and triterpenes. In the antioxidant assay, the methanolic (IC50 40.3±0.04) and chloroform fractions (IC50 40.05±0.21) showed highest DPPH inhition. Like wise, methanolic fraction showed highest FRAP value (756.2±0.06) followed by chloroform (225.0±0.04) and ethyl acetate fractions (193.0±0.21). In the antimicrobial assays, chloroform (MIC < 0.156 mg/ml) and methanol fractions (MIC 0.625 mg/ml) fractions showed significant inhibition of Klebsiella pneumoniae. Also a significant antibiofilm of biofilm formation was recorded by chloroform (IC50 1.73 mg/ml) and ethyl acetate fractions (IC50 1.76 mg/ml). It was concluded that the N. Indica rhizome posess antioxidant, antimicrobial and antibiofilm potential, that may be attributed to high flavonoid contents.

Mammalian Arginase Inhibitory Activity of Methanolic Extracts and Isolated Compounds from Cyperus Species

Polyphenolic enriched extracts from two species of Cyperus, Cyperus glomeratus and Cyperus thunbergii, possess mammalian arginase inhibitory capacities, with the percentage inhibition ranging from 80% to 95% at 100 µg/mL and 40% to 64% at 10 µg/mL. Phytochemical investigation of these species led to the isolation and identification of two new natural stilbene oligomers named thunbergin A-B (1–2), together with three other stilbenes, trans-resveratrol (3), trans-scirpusin A (4), trans-cyperusphenol A (6), and two flavonoids, aureusidin (5) and luteolin (7), which were isolated for the first time from C.thunbergii and C. glomeratus. Structures were established on the basis of the spectroscopic data from MS and NMR experiments. The arginase inhibitory activity of compounds 1–7 was evaluated through an in vitro arginase inhibitory assay using purified liver bovine arginase. As a result, five compounds (1, 4–7) showed significant inhibition of arginase, with IC₅₀ values between 17.6 and 60.6 µM, in the range of those of the natural arginase inhibitor piceatannol (12.6 µM). In addition, methanolic extract from Cyperus thunbergii exhibited an endothelium and NO-dependent vasorelaxant effect on thoracic aortic rings from rats and improved endothelial dysfunction in an adjuvant-induced arthritis rat model.

Performance of sludge drying reed beds for the leachate purification: Effects of sludge loading frequencies and plant species

Sludge drying reed beds (SDRBs), as a natural biological technology, have positive effects on surplus sludge treatment. However, few studies focus on the sludge leachate purification in the SDRBs regarding the wetland plant species and sludge loading rates. In this study, four SDRBs planted with two wetland plant species (Phragmites australis, Typha angustifolia) were investigated for leachate purification under six sludge loading volumes and feeding frequencies (9L/3d, 6L/3d, 4L/d, 3L/d, 2.5L/d, and 2L/d). Results showed that the lowest Escherichia coli content of 630 number/mL was determined in the P. australis SDRBs, with 86.2-92.8% lower than those in the T. angustifolia controls. However, similar removal efficiencies of chemical oxygen demand (COD), total nitrogen (TN), ammonium (NH₄⁺), total phosphorus (TP), and heavy metals were obtained in the SDRBs with both plant species. Moreover, the optimum sludge loading volume and feeding frequency of 3L/d was determined in the P. australis system, with pollutants (COD, TN, NH₄⁺, and TP) mass removal efficiencies in the leachate being over 94.9%. In addition, the principal component analysis indicated that water loss and oxidation-reduction potential had positive influences on pollutant removal in the planted SDRBs. Overall, the best leachate removal efficiency was obtained in the P. australis SDRBs under the sludge loading volume and feeding frequency of 3L/d.

Richness of non-timber forest products in Himalayan communities-diversity, distribution, use pattern and conservation status

BACKGROUND

Non-timber forest products (NTFPs) are important resources for sustenance of rural communities; a systematic planning to manage diverse NTFPs may immensely contribute to food and livelihood security of forest dwellers. Considering this, the present study has been undertaken in the Himachal Pradesh state in north India. It aims to provide detailed information on diversity, distribution, use pattern, and conservation status of selected NTFPs that have market potential, and suggest a possible way for their sustained management and possible role in livelihood upgradation of dependent communities.

METHODOLOGY

An inventory of NTFP species was prepared by collecting secondary information from published scientific studies in journals, books, and other periodicals as well as species being traded as per Forest department records. Search on various online databases were also used (Scopus, Google Scholar, PubMed, ISI Web of Science) using specific search terms such as "non-timber forest products," "NTFPs," "medicinal plants," "wild edible plants," and "Himachal Pradesh," "Western Himalaya," and "Northwest Himalaya." A list of potential NTFPs was prepared having market value. To evaluate the relative usefulness of different species, a quantitative valuation was also used by calculating various indices, such as use value (UV), relative frequency of citation (RFC), relative importance index (RI), cultural importance index (CI), and cultural value (CV).

RESULTS

A total of 811 species have been screened that has significant potential for the State, and categorized in 18 groups as per their use. The family use value was highest for Asteraceae (FUV = 76.75). Among plant parts used, whole plants, roots (including rhizomes and tubers), leaves, flowers, fruits, seeds, stems, and barks were used by the forest dwellers. Maximum NTFPs were collected from the warm temperate zone, followed by the temperate, sub-alpine, sub-tropical, and alpine zones. Sixty-one percent of species had medicinal importance, followed by species used for food and fodder purposes. Although species richness of medicinal plants decreased with altitude, however, most plants extracted from high altitudes were high-value species fetching better income. As many as 125 NTFPs were identified under the diverse level of threats according to IUCN criteria and as per the local stakeholders' perceptions.

CONCLUSION

High dependence on NTFPs by poor and marginal communities for domestic needs as well as market demand of selected species leads to create excessive pressure on them. Unfortunately, the state agencies are not having any robust conservation plan for NTFPs. For long-term management of NTFPs sector, a species-specific conservation strategy, proper harvesting protocol, cultivation practices, the supply of quality planting material, product development and diversification, value chain development, and ensured market is greatly desired. This will not only lead to conserving NTFPs resources in their natural habitats but also lead a sustainable livelihood generation for forest dwellers.

Halophytic Grasses, a New Source of Nutraceuticals? A Review on Their Secondary Metabolites and Biological Activities

The Poaceae family, known as grasses, is distributed worldwide and is considered the most important group of monocotyledonous crops. Salt stress is multifactorial, therefore to survive, halophytes evolved a variety of adaptations, which include the biosynthesis of different primary and secondary metabolites. This trait enhances the accumulation of important families of compounds crucial to the prevention of a variety of chronic diseases. Besides, if proven edible, these species could cope with the increased soil salinity responsible for the decline of arable land due to their high nutritional/nutraceutical value. Herein, the phytochemical investigations performed in halophytes from the Poaceae family as well as their biological properties were explored. Among the 65 genera and 148 species of known halophytic grasses, only 14% of the taxa were studied phytochemically and 10% were subjected to biological evaluation. Notably, in the studied species, a variety of compound families, as well as bioactivities, were demonstrated, highlighting the potential of halophytic grasses.

The use of medicinal plants by pregnant women in Africa: A systematic review

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Medicinal plant (MP) use during pregnancy is common in Africa and may have profound effects on both the mother and the developing foetus. A lack of overview complicates monitoring and regulating the use of MPs during pregnancy.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This systematic review analyses prevalence of use of MPs during pregnancy, regional distribution, types and prevalence, MP properties, potential health risks, and consensus of MPs use, and suggests relevant measures to mitigate negative effects on pregnancy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A search was undertaken using a range of scientific databases (Medline, Embase, African Journals OnLine, Google Scholar and Biological Abstracts), non-governmental organisations, various African universities and regulatory websites for original published and unpublished studies that assess and indicate the prevalence of use of MPs during pregnancy in Africa. Additional articles were located by exploring pertinent bibliographies, and contacting experts.

RESULTS

A total of 3659 MP-use studies were found, but only 303 articles received full-text assessment for eligibility and finally only 50 scientific papers were eligible for the systematic review. The prevalence of MP use by pregnant women varied widely from 2% to 100%. Twenty-eight studies (56%) specified one or more plant species used as MP during pregnancy. The major reasons for MP use were relief of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy (NVP), stimulation of labour, and facilitation of childbirth. The most commonly cited MP species were Zingiber officinale Roscoe, Allium sativum L. and Cucurbita pepo L. and these were used for relief of NVP, motion sickness and as a nutritional supplement. Route of administration was most commonly oral, and few adverse effects were reported.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of MPs among pregnant women in Africa is prevalent, and the most commonly used plant species are not known to have harmful foetal effects during pregnancy. However, many of the MP species are poorly studied and teratogenic effects cannot be ruled out. Collaboration between healthcare providers and traditional practitioners to inform about the safe use of MPs may promote safer pregnancies and better health for mothers and infants.

A billion cups: The diversity, traditional uses, safety issues and potential of Chinese herbal teas

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Herbal teas have long been consumed by Chinese people for preventive and/or therapeutic healthcare. Although herbal teas are widely consumed by many cultural groups in different regions of China, no thorough review has been undertaken to assess the diversity of the country's herbal tea usage. This literature review, complemented by a quantitative survey in an important tea market in Kunming, begins to fill this knowledge gap.

AIMS OF THE STUDY

The study aims to summarize the current knowledge of plant species used as herbal teas by different cultural groups in different regions of China, with a focus on the teas' perceived traditional healthcare functions, related phytochemical/pharmaceutical research, and safety issues.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study involved a comprehensive literature review and a market survey. The literature review was based on published ethnobotanical studies of herbal teas in China. We searched the Web of Science™, ELSEVIER, the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) and the China Science and Technology Journal Database to locate relevant studies (including journal articles, Masters/PhD dissertations and books) that were published before March 2017. A species list was compiled based on the review and supplemented with information retrieved from the Scifinder database (https://scifinder.cas.org) and the Chinese Pharmacopoeia (2010). A Use Value Index was employed for ranking the most cited species. Based on the 29 most cited species, we discussed the current research status in relation to healthcare benefits and safety concerns of herbal teas in China. To better understand the current status of the herbal tea market in China, we also surveyed 136 tea vendors at the Xiongda Tea Market in Kunming. Information gathered from the survey included the species sold, the sale prices and the form of the herbal tea product.

RESULTS

The literature identified 759 plant species used as herbal tea in China and the market survey identified an additional 23 species. Most of the species used were from the Leguminosae, Compositae and Lamiaceae families. Twenty two provinces and fourteen ethnic minority groups have records on the consumption of herbal teas. Southern China uses up to 82% of the total species, and 211 out of 759 species are used by minority groups. Thirty categories of traditional healthcare functions are linked with herbal teas, with clearing away heat, relieving toxicity and suppressing cough being the most important functions. There is phytochemical/pharmaceutical evidence to support the claimed healthcare benefits of some Chinese herbal teas. Although Chinese herbal teas are generally safe to consume, overdoses of some herbal teas and some unapproved mixtures of species may cause health risks. Based on our market survey, the prices of most herbal teas range between 100 and 200 RMB (US$15-30) per kg.

CONCLUSIONS

A rich array of herbal tea species with various traditional healthcare functions have long been used in China, and as such there is a huge market potential for Chinese herbal teas. More pharmaceutical/phytochemical research is needed to assess a wide range of perceived healthcare benefits of Chinese herbal teas. Our research highlights the need to study herbal teas through an ethnopharmacological perspective and by employing a holistic approach, which requires greater consideration of traditional knowledge in the pharmacological research design. Product safety and sustainability issues should also be considered, so the traditional applications of herbal teas can be transformed to efficient health boosting functional products.