Crotalaria burhia Buch. -Ham.: a comprehensive review of its botany, traditional uses, phytochemistry, and pharmacology.

Crotalaria burhia (Family: Fabaceae) is an important medicinal plant widely distributed in arid parts of the world, including Pakistan, India, and Afghanistan. This plant has enormous ethnobotanical values and is used to treat various common ailments such as swelling, infections, cancer, hydrophobia, pain and skin diseases. Moreover, it is also utilised as food for goats, to make sheds for animals and as a suitable soil binder. This review article is an attempt to analyse critically and to provide updated and categorised information about C. burhia including comprehensive knowledge of the botanical description, traditional/folklore uses, phytochemistry, pharmacological/biological potential, and to facilitate scientific basis for future work. The phytochemical studies (qualitative and quantitative) on C. burhia have indicated the presence of important phytochemical classes, namely alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, saponins, phenolics, tannins, steroids, and terpenoids. Pharmacological studies such as anti-inflammatory/analgesic, antioxidant, anti-microbial, anti-tumour, anti-nociceptive, enzyme inhibition, and termiticidal activities were reported from different parts of this plant. Most of the bioassays from this plant have been done on the crude extract. Minimal information about the phytochemicals (responsible for biological activities), except a few compounds has been reported. The potential chemical compounds may need to be purified and tested for the biological potential from isolated compounds in future.

From dusk till dawn: cell cycle progression in the red seaweed Gracilariopsis chorda (Rhodophyta).

The conserved eukaryotic functions of cell cycle genes have primarily been studied using animal/plant models and unicellular algae. Cell cycle progression and its regulatory components in red (Rhodophyta) seaweeds are poorly understood. We analyzed diurnal gene expression data to investigate the cell cycle in the red seaweed Gracilariopsis chorda. We identified cell cycle progression and transitions in G. chorda which are induced by interactions of key regulators such as E2F/DP, RBR, cyclin-dependent kinases, and cyclins from dusk to dawn. However, several typical CDK inhibitor proteins are absent in red seaweeds. Interestingly, the G1-S transition in G. chorda is controlled by delayed transcription of GINS subunit 3. We propose that the delayed S phase entry in this seaweed may have evolved to minimize DNA damage (e.g., due to UV radiation) during replication. Our results provide important insights into cell cycle-associated physiology and its molecular mechanisms in red seaweeds.

A systematic review of the botany, traditional use, phytochemistry, analytical methods, pharmacological effects and pharmacokinetics of NOTOPTERYGII RHIZOMA ET RADIX.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: NOTOPTERYGII RHIZOMA ET RADIX (NRR), a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), has been utilized in China for millennia. Thriving in high-altitude regions with cold climates, wild NRR has been heavily exploited for its significant economic worth, particularly in the medical sector. THE AIM OF THE REVIEW: This paper presents a comprehensive review of the botany, traditional uses, phytochemistry, analytical methods, quality control, processing methods, pharmacological effects, and pharmacokinetics of NRR. These findings offer valuable insights for future research endeavors and establish a solid groundwork for the judicious clinical utilization of NRR. MATERIALS AND METHOD: The related information for NRR comes from scientific databases (such as Baidu Scholar, CNKI, Google Scholar, PubMed, Science Direct, Web of Science, SciFinder Scholar, Chinese Herb Classics, Chinese Pharmacopoeia, PhD and MSC Dissertations, etc.). RESULTS: Currently, components isolated from NRR are identified as coumarins, volatile oils, organic acids, flavonoids, glycosides, polyacetylenes, and trace elements. Most compounds are analyzed using HPLC and GC techniques. NRR exhibits a broad spectrum of pharmacological effects, such as anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antipyretic, antitumor, antiviral, antibacterial, immunosuppressive activities, as well as promoting blood circulation, removing blood stasis, providing neuroprotection, and liver protection. CONCLUSION: The research on NRR in phytochemistry and pharmacology has made great progress, and some traditional uses have been proven by modern pharmacology. However, because the complex chemical composition of NRR has not been effectively related to its pharmacological action, its mechanism of action has not been clearly expounded. In this review, the processing methods of NRR are summarized, and the exploration of further strengthening the processing mechanism of NRR is put forward, which provides some theoretical help for the clinical application of NRR. Furthermore, the complex chemical composition of NRR makes quality control difficult, so we must study its quality control thoroughly. In order to better develop and utilize NRR, we should establish a reasonable, reliable, and accurate quality control standard, and focus on the relationship between its active components and pharmacodynamic indicators and the study of its mechanism of pharmacological effects.

Forensic species identification: practical guide for animal and plant DNA analysis.

The importance of non-human DNA in the forensic field has increased greatly in recent years, together with the type of applications. The molecular species identification of animal and botanical material may be crucial both for wildlife trafficking and crime scene investigation. However, especially for forensic botany, several challenges slow down the implementation of the discipline in the routine.Although the importance of molecular analysis of animal origin samples is widely recognized and the same value is acknowledged to the botanical counterpart, the latter does not find the same degree of application.The availability of molecular methods, especially useful in cases where the material is fragmented, scarce or spoiled preventing the morphological identification, is not well known. This work is intended to reaffirm the relevance of non-human forensic genetics (NHFG), highlighting differences, benefits and pitfalls of the current most common molecular analysis workflow for animal and botanical samples, giving a practical guide. A flowchart describing the analysis paths, divided in three major working areas (inspection and sampling, molecular analysis, data processing and interpretation), is provided. More real casework examples of the utility of non-human evidence in forensic investigations should be shared by the scientific community, especially for plants. Moreover, concrete efforts to encourage initiatives in order to promote quality and standardization in the NHFG field are also needed.

Traditional uses, botany, phytochemistry, pharmacology and applications of Labisia pumila: A comprehensive review.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Labisia pumila (Blume) Fern.-Vill, also known as Kacip Fatimah, is a traditional medicinal herb common throughout Southeast Asia. It is primarily used to facilitate childbirth and postpartum recovery in women. Additionally, it can also be used to treat dysentery, rheumatism, gonorrhea, and as an anti-flatulent. AIM OF THIS REVIEW: This article aims to provide a comprehensive review of the traditional uses, botany, cultivation, phytochemistry, pharmacological effects, practical applications, and potential uses of L. pumila (LP). Furthermore, we also explore the safety of this plant and its potential prospects for application. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The keywords "Labisia pumila," "Kacip Fatimah," and "Marantodes pumilum" were used to collect relevant information through electronic searches (including Elsevier, PubMed, Google Scholar, Baidu Scholar, CNKI, ScienceDirect, and Web of Science). RESULTS: This review summarizes 102 chemical components from different parts of the plant, including flavonoids, phenolic acids, saponins, and other chemical components. In addition, we also address the associated cultivation conditions, traditional uses, pharmacological effects and toxicity. A large number of reports indicate that LP has various pharmacological effects such as antioxidant, phytoestrogenic, antiinflammtory, antimicrobial, anti-osteoporosis and anti-obesity properties. These results provide valuable references for future research on LP. In addition, LP is also a potential medicinal and edible plant, and is currently sold on the market as a dietary supplement. CONCLUSIONS: LP is a renowned traditional ethnic medicine with numerous pharmacological activities attributed to its bioactive components. Therefore, isolation and identification of the chemical components in LP can be a focus of our future research. Current studies have focused only on the effects of LP on estrogen deficiency-related diseases in women and bone diseases. There is no scientific evidence for other traditional uses. Therefore, it is important to further explore its pharmacological activities and fill the research gaps related to other traditional uses. Furthermore, research on its safety should be expanded to prepare clinical applications.

The first intron of ARF7 is required for expression in root tips.

Auxin regulates plant growth and development through the transcription factors of the AUXIN RESPONSE FACTOR (ARF) gene family. ARF7 is one of five activators that bind DNA and elicit downstream transcriptional responses. In roots, ARF7 regulates growth, gravitropism and redundantly with ARF19, lateral root organogenesis. In this study we analyzed ARF7 cis-regulation, using different non-coding sequences of the ARF7 locus to drive GFP. We show that constructs containing the first intron led to increased signal in the root tip. Although bioinformatics analyses predicted several transcription factor binding sites in the first intron, we were unable to significantly alter expression of GFP in the root by mutating these. We instead observed the intronic sequences needed to be present within the transcribed sequences to drive expression in the root meristem. These data support a mechanism by which intron-mediated enhancement regulates the tissue specific expression of ARF7 in the root meristem.

Celosia cristata L.: A review of its traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, toxicology, and quality control, along with network pharmacological analysis of its components and targets.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Celosia cristata L. (C. cristata) is a widely used herb in China and has been used as a medicine for more than 1000 years. The herb has been clinically employed to treat various types of bleeding disorders including metrorrhagia, metrostaxis, and leukorrheal diseases, gastrointestinal infections. AIM OF THE STUDY: This review provides a comprehensive analysis of C. cristata, encompassing its botany, traditional applications, phytochemistry, pharmacology, safety, and quality control. Additionally, it delves into the prevailing challenges and limitations with contemporary research concerning C. cristata, thus furnishing valuable insights for future investigations in this domain. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Research data were gathered from authoritative sources including the Pharmacopoeia of China, the Flora of China, as well as various internet databases such as Web of Science, CAS CiFinder, PubMed, Science Direct, and CNKI, along with numerous ancient classics on Chinese herbal medicine. RESULTS: Clinical applications of C. cristata demonstrate its efficacy in treating dysfunctional uterine bleeding, vaginitis, and pelvic inflammatory disease. Presently, seventy-seven compounds have been isolated, including flavonoids, triterpenoids, steroids, organic acids, phenylpropanoids, and alkaloids, with flavonoids and triterpenoids emerging as the primary bioactive constituents. Pharmacological studies reveal its diverse biological activities, such as haemostatic, antitrichomonal, antibacterial, antiviral, analgesic, immunoregulatory, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, hepatoprotective, and antioxidant effects. Leveraging network pharmacology, researchers have embarked on preliminary inquiries into the interplay among chemical constituents, molecular targets and pathological conditions. CONCLUSIONS: C. cristata shows significant potential for use in hemostasis, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial treatments. Modern research has revealed its diverse chemical composition and pharmacological activities, making it highly valuable for further study. At the same time, it is necessary to find the characteristic components of C. cristata and establish better quality control standards to better explore its therapeutic potential.

[What Charles Darwin owed to Joseph Banks]. / Ce que Charles Darwin doit à Joseph Banks.

History has remembered Joseph Banks as the explorer-botanist of the first voyage of James Cook. Yet, shortly after his return, he got elected president of the Royal Society and, for over 40 years, he then played in Great Britain an eminent role in reorganizing natural sciences and advocating an "economic botany". He actively intervened in acclimatization and varietal selection of plants and animals in Great Britain as in the future English colonies. Thus he built an intellectual environment which will promote the emergence of Charles Darwin's thoughts.

L'histoire retient Joseph Banks comme l'explorateur-botaniste du premier voyage de James Cook. Pourtant, peu de temps après son retour, il se fait élire président de la Royal Society et joue alors, pendant plus de 40 ans, un rôle éminent en Grande-Bretagne en réorganisant les sciences naturalistes et en prônant une « botanique économique ¼ . Il intervient activement pour l'acclimatation et la sélection variétale de plantes et d'animaux en Grande-Bretagne comme dans les futures colonies anglaises. Ainsi il construit un environnement intellectuel qui favorisera l'émergence de la pensée de Charles Darwin.

Towards a species-level phylogeny for Neotropical Myrtaceae: Notes on topology and resources for future studies.

PREMISE: Increasingly complete phylogenies underpin studies in systematics, ecology, and evolution. Myrteae (Myrtaceae), with ~2700 species, is a key component of the exceptionally diverse Neotropical flora, but given its complicated taxonomy, automated assembling of molecular supermatrices from public databases often lead to unreliable topologies due to poor species identification. METHODS: Here, we build a taxonomically verified molecular supermatrix of Neotropical Myrteae by assembling 3909 published and 1004 unpublished sequences from two nuclear and seven plastid molecular markers. We infer a time-calibrated phylogenetic tree that covers 712 species of Myrteae (~28% of the total diversity in the clade) and evaluate geographic and taxonomic gaps in sampling. RESULTS: The tree inferred from the fully concatenated matrix mostly reflects the topology of the plastid data set and there is a moderate to strong incongruence between trees inferred from nuclear and plastid partitions. Large, species-rich genera are still the poorest sampled within the group. Eastern South America is the best-represented area in proportion to its species diversity, while Western Amazon, Mesoamerica, and the Caribbean are the least represented. CONCLUSIONS: We provide a time-calibrated tree that can be more reliably used to address finer-scale eco-evolutionary questions that involve this group in the Neotropics. Gaps to be filled by future studies include improving representation of taxa and areas that remain poorly sampled, investigating causes of conflict between nuclear and plastid partitions, and the role of hybridization and incomplete lineage sorting in relationships that are poorly supported.

A review of the research progress on Artemisia argyi Folium: botany, phytochemistry, pharmacological activities, and clinical application.

As a kind of well-known moxibustion material across the world, Artemisia argyi Folium (AAF) has a definite curative effect. From 1996 to now, various studies on AAF have been increasing year by year. That is why this paper is conducted because of no comprehensive summary except for an essential oil review recently published in 2023. Using "AAF" and "mugwort" as keywords, the related literature was summarized in four internationally recognized databases: PubMed, Web of Science, ACS, and ScienceDirect, mainly include four aspects such as botany, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and clinical application. Four traditional identification methods and two new ones were reported. A total of 136 compounds were identified, among which 23 new terpenoids and two new flavonoids were discovered. The pharmacological effects of AAF mainly focus on anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, antioxidant, antibacterial, and other aspects. Clinically, it is mainly used in respiratory, immune, digestive, and nervous systems in addition to gynecology. The current research mainly focuses on the composition and pharmacology of AAF. Future studies should thoroughly establish the quality criteria and pharmacokinetics of AAF. According to the different application fields, the corresponding quality standards should be formulated to ensure the efficacy of drugs in the actual treatment.

Process of mercury accumulation in urban strip river artificial wetland ecosystems: a case study of Changchun, a typical industrial city in Northeast China.

Mercury (Hg), as a global pollutant, is persistent, migratory, insidious, highly biotoxic and highly enriched, and is widely distributed in the atmosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere and lithosphere. Wetland ecosystems, as active mercury reservoirs, have become the most important sources and sinks of heavy metal mercury. Distinguished from natural wetlands, artificial wetlands located in urban sections of rivers face problems such as diverse urban pollution sources and complex spatial and temporal changes. Therefore, in this study, five intermittently distributed artificial wetlands were selected from the upstream to the downstream of the Changchun section of the Yitong River, a tributary of the Songhua River basin in the old industrial base of Northeast China. The mercury levels in the water bodies, sediments and plants of the artificial wetlands were collected and tested in four quarters from April 2023 to analyse the spatial and temporal distribution characteristics of total mercury. The results showed that the mercury levels in the water bodies, sediments and plants of the five wetlands showed a fluctuating trend with the river flow direction and had certain spatial and temporal distribution characteristics. This phenomenon was attributed to the sinking of external mercury pollution sources. In general, the wetland ecosystems showed a decreasing trend in the total Hg output of the downstream watershed. This may be due to the retention of particulate matter by aquatic plants in artificial wetlands to regular salvage of dead aquatic plants. At the same time urbanization and industrialization affect mercury levels in aquatic environments, so the risk of residential exposure needs to be looked at.

Phylogenetic conservatism and coordination in traits of Chinese woody endemic flora.

Range-limited endemic species, often labeled as endangered due to their low adaptability to climate change, exhibit unclear evolutionary mechanisms influencing their distribution. This study explores the relationship between leaf length, maximum height, and seed diameter and their linkage to phylogeny and climate in the macroecology of 1,370 woody endemics. Using Bayesian analytical method that allows partitioning phylogenetic and environmental variances and covariance, we revealed moderate to high phylogenetic signals in these traits, indicating evolutionary constraints potentially impacting climate change adaptability. The study uncovered a phylogenetically conserved coordination between height and leaf length which showed to be independent of macroecological patterns of temperature and precipitation. These findings emphasize the role of phylogenetic ancestry in shaping the distribution of woody endemics, highlighting the need for prioritized in-situ conservation and providing insights for ex situ conservation strategies.

Alien flora are accumulating steadily in China over the last 80 years.

New alien species are increasingly introduced and established outside their native range. The knowledge of the spatiotemporal dynamics of their accumulation and the factors determining their residence time in the introduced range is critical for proactive management, especially in emerging economies. Based on a comprehensive time series dataset of 721 alien angiosperms in China, we show that new alien flora has been accumulating steadily in China, particularly in the coastal regions, for the last 80 years without saturation. The ability to occupy a large number of habitats facilitates the early introduction of alien flora, whereas a large naturalized range, greater number of uses, and multiple introduction pathways directly contribute to their naturalization and invasion. The temporal pattern is predicted to remain consistent in the foreseeable future. We propose upgrading the country's biosecurity infrastructure based on a standardized risk assessment framework to safeguard the country from ongoing and future invasions.

Indigenous knowledge and nutritional and morphological characterization of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moecnh) varieties in Western Ethiopia.

Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moecnh) is a versatile crop that is widely grown in western Ethiopia, despite that it is less researched. This study, therefore, investigates the traditional knowledge, nutritional, and morphological characteristics of two commonly grown okra varieties (Kenketse and Sharma) in west Ethiopia. A semi-structured questionnaire, checklist, and observations were used to collect primary data from households, key informants, and farms. In addition, proximate composition parameters like moisture content, total ash, crude fat, crude protein, crude fiber, utilizable carbohydrates, and gross energy fruits were measured through laboratory analysis. Fruit morphological traits, including fruit dimensions such as length and width, were determined using a digital Vernier caliper. For data analysis, SPSS software was used. The results revealed that the entire plant is used for both food and ethnomedicinal purposes. Curing ailments such as stomach pain, constipation, wound/cut, heart discomfort, back pain, malaria, diarrhea, and amoebae were among the medical benefits of okra. The proximate composition (%) on a dry matter basis of okra fruits differed significantly (p < .05) by cultivar type and drying method. Moisture (3.69%-5.24%), total ash (6.60%-8.01%), crude fat (4.87%-8.58%), crude protein (4.06%-5.23%), crude fiber (12.85%-15.26%), utilizable carbohydrate (56.42%-67.63%), and gross energy contents (326-341 kcal) were the ranges of the various proximate and energy levels. Morphological characteristics of fruit and leaf length, width, and length-to-width ratio varied with cultivar type, where Sharma had more than double the length of Kenketse (70.1 vs. 187.1 mm). Despite being an undervalued native vegetable crop in Ethiopia, the study's findings show that okra is a multipurpose vegetable for promoting human health and ensuring food and nutritional security. Therefore, stepping up its production, marketing, and consumption could help alleviate the food shortage and improve human nutrition and health in the study areas.

Distribution, characterization and chemical management of noxious shrub weed (Dichapetalum stuhlmannii Engl) in cashew in southeastern Tanzania.

Weeds are among the limiting factors that influence low production of economically important crops including cashew (Anacardium occidental L.). Shrub weeds attribute to inter-competition for resources, hinder harvesting and ultimately reduce cashew yields in Tanzania. The current study determined the distribution, characteristics and chemical control option of Dichapetalum Engl in Lindi and Mtwara regions, Southeastern Tanzania. The distribution study involved a survey for weed presence along the areas of Lindi and Mtwara regions. The characterization included distilling, and assessing the growth and development properties of shrub weed. Chemical herbicides; glyphosate 480g. ai/l, 2, 4 D - Dichlorirophenoxyacetic 720g. ai/l, triclopyr 160g a.i./l and 1:1 mixture of glyphosate 480g a.i./l plus triclopyr 160g a.i./L at 15, 20 and 25 mls of formulated product/L of water per 4 m2 were tested on tender, mature and blooming growth stages of D. Stuhlmannii and three spraying frequencies. Findings revealed that the D.stuhlmannii, is a widely distributed shrub weed in Lindi and Mtwara regions. The weed was characterized with three main growth stages of seedling, mature and blooming with a long tap root and evergreen throughout the wet and dry seasons. The tested herbicides revealed the potential suppression of D. Stuhlmannii growth. Glyphosate and a mixture of glyphosate + triclopyr at 15 ml/L outperformed triclopyr and 2, 4 D across all the growth stages. Double spraying of glyphosate and its mixture bettered frequencies of triclopyr and 2, 4 D. The delayed regrowth of suppressed shrub weed took 90-120 days after application of herbicides. The current study recommends for single or double applications of glyphosate herbicides at 15 ml/L or 10,700 ml/ha on tender or mature D. Stuhlmannii in cashew farms. Further studies on the economic feasibility and effect on the microbiota of applied fungicides are required.

Achyranthes bidentata Blume (Amaranthaceae): a review of its botany, traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and toxicology.

OBJECTIVES: Achyranthes bidentata Blume (A. bidentata) is a plant of Amaranthaceae family, and its root is the main medicinal part, named "Huai-Niu-Xi." It is used to expel blood stasis through menstruation, tonify liver and kidney, strengthen muscles and bones, and induce diuresis. This review aimed to provide a systematic summary of botany, traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and toxicology of A. bidentata. METHODS: The present review covers the literature survey. The data have been collected from various journals, books, and some of the electronic search via Internet-based information such as Web of Science, PubMed, Google Scholar, Google patents, CNKI, SpringerLink, online electronic journals, and ScienceDirect. KEY FINDINGS: So far, more than 270 metabolites have been isolated from A. bidentata, including terpenoids, steroids, alkaloids, flavonoids, and so on. Among them, terpenoids and steroids are the main metabolites. The extract and metabolites exert multiple pharmacological activities such as alleviating osteoarthritis effect, antiosteoporosis activity, neuroprotective effect, antidiabetic activity-associated complications, immunoregulatory activity, and so on. SUMMARY: Some traditional uses of A. bidentata need further in-depth studies to confirm. Similarly, the separation and screening of active compounds, as well as the corresponding molecular mechanisms of action of compounds, are also needed to be studied.

Finding the origin of domestication of cupuaçu requires more than genomics

Colli-Silva et al.1 recently proposed that cupuaçu (Theobroma grandiflorum) was domesticated in northwestern Amazonia as a selection from its sister species, cupuí (T. subincanum). This proposal ignores long-term research in taxonomy, botany, biogeography, and genetics about Theobroma, including cupuaçu. Our review of the research that was ignored and of Colli-Silva et al.'s results demonstrates that cupuaçu is a valid species, as they now agree2, but cupuí may be paraphyletic, the distribution of wild cupuaçu was not included in their samples so the origin of domestication continues unknown, precolonial archaeology lacks remains that can be attributed to either species, historical linguistics indicates that the term cupuaçu references the species' wild distribution and is a recent introduction in northwestern Amazonia, history suggests that cupuaçu started to be domesticated during the last 100-200 years, and the genomics results are not about the domestication of cupuaçu because it is a valid species and its wild distribution was not sampled.

Why are plants named after witches and devils in north-western Europe?

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Witches in Western Europe are associated with the use of medicinal, abortifacient, hallucinogenic, and toxic plants. Curiously, these associations are not backed up by first-hand evidence and historians are unconvinced that people convicted as witches were herbalists. Local plant names provide an untapped source for analysing witchcraft-plant relationships. AIM OF THE STUDY: We analysed vernacular plant names indicating an association with witches and devils to find out why these species and witchcraft were linked. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We constructed a database with vernacular names containing the terms witch and devil in related north-west European languages. The devil was added because of its association with witchcraft. The plant species' characteristics (e.g., medicinal use, toxicity) were assessed to determine if there were non-random associations between these traits and their names. RESULTS: We encountered 1263 unique vernacular name-taxa combinations (425 plant taxa; 97 families). Most species named after witches and/or devils were found within the Asteraceae, Ranunculaceae, and Rosaceae. For Dutch, German and English we confirmed associations between witchcraft names and toxicity. Hallucinogenic plants do not appear to be associated with witch-names. For Dutch, we found significant associations between plant names and medicinal and apotropaic uses, although we did not find any association with abortifacient qualities. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that there is a wide variety of plants associated with witches and the devil in north-western Europe. Plant names with the terms witch and devil were likely used in a pejorative manner to name toxic and weedy plants, and functioned as a warning for their harmful properties. Our study provides novel insights for research into the history of witchcraft and its associated plant species.

Sambucus williamsii Hance: A comprehensive review of traditional uses, processing specifications, botany, phytochemistry, pharmacology, toxicology, and pharmacokinetics.

OBJECTIVE: Sambucus williamsii Hance, belonging to the Sambucus L. family (Viburnaceae), possesses medicinal properties in its roots, stems, leaves, flowers, and fruits. It is recognized for its ability to facilitate bone reunion, enhance blood circulation, remove stasis, and dispel wind and dampness. This traditional Chinese medicine holds significant potential for development and practical use. Hence, this paper offers an in-depth review of S. williamsii, covering traditional uses, processing guidelines, botany, phytochemistry, pharmacology, toxicology, and pharmacokinetics, aiming to serve as a reference for its further development and utilization. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Information for this study was gathered from various books, bibliographic databases, and literature sources such as Google Scholar, Web of Science, PubMed, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, Baidu Scholar, VIP Database for Chinese Technical Periodicals, and Wanfang Data. RESULTS: Phytochemical investigations have identified approximately 238 compounds within the root bark, stem branches, leaves, and fruits of S. williamsii. These compounds encompass flavonoids, sugars, glycosides, terpenoids, phenylpropanoids, alkaloids, phenols, phenolic glycosides, and other chemical constituents, with phenylpropanoids being the most prevalent. S. williamsii exhibits a wide range of pharmacological effects, particularly in promoting osteogenesis and fracture healing. CONCLUSION: This comprehensive review delves into the traditional uses, processing guidelines, botany, phytochemistry, pharmacology, toxicology, and pharmacokinetics of S. williamsii. It provides valuable insights into this plant, which will prove beneficial for future research involving S. williamsii.

A review of "plant gold" Eucommia ulmoides Oliv.: A medicinal and food homologous plant with economic value and prospect.

Eucommia ulmoides Oliv. is an ancient and precious plant that has been used as medicine in China for more than 2000 years. Because its bark, leaves, seeds, and male flowers can be used in medicine, it plays an important role in medicine, food, chemical industry, and other fields, so it is also called "plant gold". 246 compounds have been isolated from E. ulmoides, which endow E. ulmoides with many unique pharmacological effects and make it wide to study in the fields of osteoporosis, hypertension, liver protection, and so on. Besides, E. ulmoides also has significant medicinal effects on anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, immunomodulation, and neuroprotection, and is often used in clinical compound medicines of traditional Chinese medicine. In addition to updating its ethnobotany, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and toxicology information, the economic botany of leaves, seeds, and male flowers was also introduced. It hopes hoping to fully understand this economically important Chinese medicine and provide a scientific basis for further development and utilization of E. ulmoides.