Pharmacognostic characterization of Dicleptera chinensis by scanning electron microscopy, light microscopy, and analytical techniques.

Dicleptera chinensis J. (Acanthaceae) has been employed in traditional medicinal systems for treating various ailments. It has been used as an anti-inflammatory, wound healing, diuretic, and detoxifying agent in different regions of the world. This study determines several pharmacognostic standards, which are useful to ensure safety, efficacy, and purity of D. chinensis. Different parts of the plant were examined through a scanning electron microscope and light microscope, and cross-section images revealed several useful botanical features of the plant. The color, size, odor, shape, and surface characteristics of plant parts were also examined macroscopically. Pharmacognostic standardization parameters including ash values, loss on drying, swelling index, hemolytic index, and foaming index were determined in accordance with WHO guidelines. Heavy metal analysis was executed through atomic absorption spectrophotometer which depicted the presence of heavy metals and trace elements within the acceptable range. Qualitative phytochemical tests for alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, glycosides, tannins, carbohydrates, lipids, protein, and so forth of plant extract were also performed, which showed the valuable amount of these phytochemicals useful for medicinal purposes. Preliminary phytochemical tests provide an indication for major phytoconstituents classes present in the plant. These quantitative and qualitative microscopic features are helpful in establishing the pharmacopeia standards of plant. Assessment of various pharmacognostic features such as morphology of various plant parts explained along with physicochemical and phytochemical analysis could be very helpful for future research. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: Pharmacognostic standardization is employed as reported evidence for correct identification of D. chinensis. Structures identified by scanning electron microscopy and light microscopy serve as diagnostic features of plant. Important secondary metabolites present in the plant suggest the need for further exploration through advanced metabolomics and other analytical techniques.

[De Gustibus Non Est Disputandum : On the Epistemological Status of Taste Perception in Galen's Specific Pharmacology]. / Über Geschmack lässt sich nicht streiten? : Zum epistemologischen Status der Geschmackswahrnehmung in der speziellen Pharmakologie Galens.

This article examines the role of taste perception in Galen's research on simple drugs in relation to the acquisition of knowledge. To this end, 1.) I make it plausible through an examination of sources that the sometimes increased, more detailed and divergent indications of taste compared to his predecessors, especially Dioscorides and Sextius Niger, are based on Galen's own research, 2.) reconstruct Galen's research practice and 3.) examine the presentation of his results in linguistic and logical terms and explain the differences to traditional pharmacology. I argue that a) gustatory perception has a special significance in Galen's work that goes far beyond its traditional descriptive function and b) that, starting from the realisation that taste and drug action are interrelated, he assigns to taste qualities an indicator function for a much more fundamental principle that causes drug action and thus c) has prepared the ground for a pharmacognosy that also classifies according to taste principles, which was to reach its climax much later. With a view to a practice of gustatory testing of herbal drugs that is still practised today in pharmacy, which, like any other natural science discipline, has otherwise largely lost the sensory reference to its subject matter, the article would therefore like to provide an encouragement to study the "history of pharmaceutical-medical tasting".

Farmacia y Plantas medicinales en la literatura: caso de García Márquez / Pharmacy and Medicinal plants in the literature: case of García Márquez

Se trata de un trabajo bibliográfico que pretende obtener una “Mirada Farmacéutica” de la obra de García Márquez. En el mismo se relacionan plantas medicinales o derivados, algunos medicamentos y aspectos farmacéuticos, con las referencias literarias que aparecen en una muestra representativa de las novelas del autor, entre las que se incluyen Cien años de soledad y Amor en los Tiempos del cólera.Estas novelas trascurren en lugares imaginarios o reales de Colombia en los siglos XIX y primera mitad del XX. De forma mayoritaria se han encontrado remedios vegetales y en menor medida de origen químico y animal. Para cada uno de ellos se han realizado observaciones e interpretaciones medicamentosas, sociales e históricas, que ponen en valor la farmacia y las plantas medicinales, que el autor ha usado como recursos para construir las novelas, con independencia de que tengan una base científica o no. Para ello se acompañan con las literarias textuales. Como conclusión, destacamos la forma magistral con la que García usa estos recursos y recomendamos sus lecturas o relecturas, teniendo en cuenta también al mismo tiempo se puede hacer desde un punto de vista farmacéutico. (AU)

It is a bibliographic work that aims to obtain a “Pharmaceutical Look” at the work of García Márquez. It relates medicinal or associated plants, some medicinal and pharmaceutical aspects, with literary works that appear in a representative sample of the author’s novels, including One Hundred Years of Solitude and Love in the Times of Cholera.These novels take place in imaginary or real places in Colombia in the 19th century and the first half of the 20th. Plant remedies and to a lesser extent chemical and animal remedies have been found. For each of them, observations and interpretations medical, social and histórical, have been made that value the pharmacy and medicinal plants, which the author has used as resources to build the novels, regardless of whether they have a scientific basis or not. For this they are accompanied by textual literary texts. In conclusion, we highlight the masterful way in which García uses these resources and we recommend their reading or re-reading, also taking into account that at the same time it can be done from a pharmaceutical point of view. (AU)

Physalis alkekengi L. var. franchetii (Mast.) Makino: A review of the pharmacognosy, chemical constituents, pharmacological effects, quality control, and applications.

BACKGROUND: Physalis alkekengi L. var. franchetii (Mast.) Makino (PAF) (Chinese name Jin-Deng-Long) from the Solanaceae family is a traditional Chinese medicine with various pharmacological effects, such as removing heat, detoxification, improving throat conditions, removing phlegm, and ameliorating diuresis. PURPOSE: This paper reviews the existing literature and patents and puts forward some suggestions for future PAF research. METHODS: Using the PubMed, Google Scholar, Web of Science, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure databases, we performed comprehensive search of literature and patents published before April 2022 on PAF and its active ingredients. RESULTS: We comprehensively reviewed the research progress of PAF from aspects of the traditional application, botany, chemical composition, pharmacological effects, and toxicology, and first discussed quality control and modern applications, which have not been explored in previous reviews. Thereafter, we reviewed the limitations of pharmacological mechanism and quality control studies and proposed appropriate solutions, which is of great practical significance to subsequent studies. CONCLUSION: In this review, we present a comprehensive overview on PAF, and put forward new insights on studies regarding quality control, material basis, and mechanisms in classical prescription, providing theoretical guidance for the clinical application and development of Chinese medicine.

Pharmacognostic standardization of Rhododendron afghanicum through scanning electron microscopy and analytical techniques.

The aim of this study was to assess and compare the pharmacognostic and microscopic features of the selected parts of Rhododendron afghanicum Aitch. & Hemsl. It is a perennial and shrub. Anatomy of stem and leaves depicted dicot structure. It will provide knowledge about standardization, authentication, and adulteration with its co-species. The macroscopic examination reveals that fresh leaves are green, pleasant odor with a bitter taste. The leaf is oblong-elliptic in shape and sub-acute at apex; rounded at the base with entire margin. Stem is irregular and the outer surface is light brown, rough with fissures and ridges. Microscopic examination indicated the presence of xylem, phloem, peltate trichome, epidermal cells, collenchymas cells, paracytic stomata, and reticulate vessels. Stem microscopy reveals epidermis, hypodermis, cortex, sclerenchymatous sheath, phloem, xylem, and pith. It will be helpful in identification and quality control. Micro-morphological features were observed through SEM. EDX spectroscopy were carried out and revealed the presence of calcium, silicon, and potassium. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of tannins, saponins, phenols, protein, flavonoids, glycosides, and alkaloids. Ethyl acetate for leaf and stem demonstrate the highest extractive values (18% and 13%), respectively. XRD peaks appeared at 30.21, 28.73, 205.73, 200.73, 380.07, 390.24, 490.11, and 450.33ο . This will be helpful to identify the ownership of herbal drugs by the diffraction peaks through crystal structures and atomic spacing. These parameters are crucial for drug identification, standardization, authentication, and drug designing. These studies also provided knowledge regarding therapeutic and nutraceutical importance of this plant. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: The current pharmacognostic studies carried out on Rhododendron afghanicum can serve as a basis for compiling keys for finding the taxonomic identification and authentication of the said species by morphological, anatomical, and physicochemical features.

Uso tópico da própolis verde para a cicatrização de feridas: revisão sistemática da literatura / Topical use of green propolis for wound healing: a systematic review of the literature / Uso tópico del propóleo verde para la cicatrización de heridas: revisión sistemática de la literatura

Objetivo:identificar sistematicamente a efetividade do uso tópico da própolis verde no processo de cicatrização de feridas cirúrgicas. Método: revisão sistemática da literatura que considerou as publicações disponíveis nas bases de dados National Library of Medicine (PubMed/Medline), Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature(LILACS), The Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) e Web of Science. O risco de viés dos estudos foi analisado por meio da ferramenta Systematic Review Centre for Laboratory animal Experimentation(SYRCLE). Resultados: os quatro estudos analisados utilizaram a própolis verde para a cicatrização de lesões confeccionadas cirurgicamente. Todos os estudos selecionados foram de metodologia experimental, realizados com animais. Dois estudos (50%) utilizaram o extrato etanólico de própolis verde (nas concentrações de 2,4% e 20%) e os outros dois estudos (50%) usaram o extrato hidroalcóolico de própolis verde a 5%. Conclusão: os resultados evidenciaram que o uso tópico dos produtos formulados à base de própolis verde promoveu a cicatrização de lesões de pele, uma vez que favoreceu a angiogênese, a proliferação de fibroblastos e, consequentemente, a síntese e deposição de colágeno, bem como demonstrou atividade antimicrobiana e não apresentou toxicidade tissular, fatores esses que são considerados importantes para o processo de reparação tecidual.

Objective:To systematically identify the effectiveness of the topical use of green propolis in the healing process of surgical wounds. Methods: Systematic review of the literature that considered the publications available in the databases: National Library of Medicine (PubMed/MEDLINE), Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature (LILACS), The Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), and Web of Science. The risk of bias of the studies was analyzed using the Systematic Review Centre for Laboratory animal Experimentation (SYRCLE) tool. Results: The four studies analyzed used green propolis for the healing of surgically made lesions. All the selected studies were of experimental methodology, performed with animals. Two studies (50%) used the ethanolic extract of green propolis (at concentrations of 2.4% and 20%) and the other two studies (50%) used the hydroalcoholic extract of green propolis at 5.0%. Conclusion: The results showed that the topical use of formulated products based on green propolis promoted the healing of skin lesions, since it favored angiogenesis, the proliferation of fibroblasts and, consequently, the synthesis and deposition of collagen, as well as showed antimicrobial activity and showed.

Objetivo:identificar sistemáticamente la efectividad del uso tópico del propóleo verde en el proceso de cicatrización de heridas quirúrgicas. Método: Revisión Sistemática de la Literatura que consideró las publicaciones disponibles en las bases de datos PubMed/Medline, LILACS (BVS), The Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) y Web of Science. El riesgo del sesgo de los estudios fue analizado por medio de la herramienta Systematic Review Centre for Laboratory animal Experimentation (SYRCLE). Resultados: los cuatro estudios analizados utilizaron el propóleo verde para la cicatrización de lesiones confeccionadas quirúrgicamente. Todos los estudios seleccionados fueron de metodología experimental, realizados con animales. Dos estudios (50 %) utilizaron el extracto etanólico de propóleo verde (en concentraciones de 2,4 % y 20 %) y los otros dos estudios (50 %) usaron el extracto hidroalcohólico de propóleo verde al 5 %. Conclusión: Los resultados evidenciaron que el uso tópico de los productos formulados a base de propóleo verde promovió la cicatrización de lesiones de piel, debido a que favoreció la angiogénesis, la proliferación de fibroblastos y, en consecuencia la síntesis y deposición de colágeno, así como también demostró actividad antimicrobiana y no presentó toxicidad tisular, factores estos que son considerados importantes para el proceso de reparación de tejidos.

A scientific pharmacognosy on Gaucher's disease: an in silico analysis.

From ancient times, studies on herbal medicine and pharmacognosy have increased gradually worldwide, due to the increased side effects, adverse drug reactions, and charge lines of modern medicines. Plants are well known for their medicinal effects and nutritional values. They contain bioactive compounds which display a wide spectrum of therapeutic effects. Gaucher's disease (GD) is a rare autosomal recessively inherited metabolic disorder caused due to the defect in Glucosylceramidase beta gene coding for the enzyme acid-ß-glucosidase in humans. We revealed the profound binding efficiency of five selected bioactive compounds from different plants against the main enzyme acid-ß-glucosidase responsible for GD through molecular docking. An in silico approach along with the ADMET profiles of phytocompounds was done using the Schrodinger software. The preventive measure of GD leads to side effects, inaccessible and unaffordable which put forth the emergence of phytocompounds which have fewer toxic effects, and one such compound is ß-D-Glucopyranose with the best docking score (-10.28 kcal/mol) and an excellent binding affinity than other ligands, which could be further analyzed for stability using molecular dynamics study and in vitro. Being a dietary supplement, these compounds could be prepared in any form of formulation as a drug.

Phytochemical and pharmacognostic studies of Buddleja asiatica leaves.

Buddleja asiatica commonly known as "Booi" is a large deciduous shrub belongs to family Scrophulariaceae, traditionally used as antipyretic, analgesic, hypotensive, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antifungal agent recorded from essential oil obtained from leaves. The literature revealed that the plant has been widely used for many other purposes. The said plant has been analyzed through pharmacognostic techniques such as morphological, microscopic, and physio-chemical evaluations to keep the originality of the plant and to avoid adulteration. Morphologically, the plant is evergreen shrub, while organoleptic studies showed that the leaf has glabrous upper surface and tomentose lower surface, with slightly bitter taste and aromatic odor. Anatomically, the leaf showed typical dicot histological differentiation with hypostomatic nature having highest frequency (90%) of actinocytic stomata. The average stomatal number and stomatal index were 336 ± 39.5 and 30.01 ± 2.34, respectively. The palisade cell ratio, vein termination, and vein islet number were 9.2 ± 0.72, 10.2 ± 3.1, and 10.3 ± 3.3, respectively. Various tissue fragments have been observed during powdered drug analysis of the leaf. Preliminary phytochemical screening confirmed the presence of proteins, phenols, alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids, tannins, and glycosides. Fluorescence analysis in ordinary day light and under UV light along with extractive values was also analyzed. The above-mentioned studies that have been reported, for the first time, for the said plant may be significant to establish the pharmacognostic and phytochemical standards of the said species.

Chrysopogon zizanioides-a review on its pharmacognosy, chemical composition and pharmacological activities.

Vetiver is a traditional plant with versatile applications in medicine, aroma, commerce, environmental-protection, and agriculture. This review was designed to compile all the latest information on phytochemistry, pharmacology, and traditional uses of C. zizanioides. All the information related to this plant was gathered from several authentic sites, using keywords like Chrysopogon zizanioides, Vetiveria zizanioides, Khus, and Khas-Khas. The included resources were journaled articles, book chapters, books, Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeias, and Ayurvedic Formulary of India, from science direct, PubMed, research gate etc. All the necessary, relevant, authentic, and updated information were tried to inculcate in the manuscript. The literature was collected via online sites like Pub med, Scopus, and Science direct as well. During compilation, it observed that many traditional utilities of vetiver got their authentication when tested using different disease-based pharmacological models taking various extracts of roots, leaves, and root oil as test samples. However, systematic studies for isolation of active constituents and establishing their mechanism of action are still required to be validated. On the other hand, the development of novel and robust techniques needed for oil extraction can further enhance the exploration of biological utilities faster. Moreover, the cultivators and harvesters must address carefully to prevent the linked drawback of soil erosion.

Perfis fitoquímicos, microbiológicos, citotóxicos e antiinflamatórios do extrato alcoólico de folhas de atemoia (annona squamosa, l. X annona cherimola) / Phytochemical, microbiological, cytotoxic and anti-inflammatory profiles of the alcoholic extract of atemoy leaves (annona squamosa, l. X annona cheremola) / Perfiles fitoquímico, microbiológico, citotóxico y antiinflamatorio del extracto alcohólico de hojas de atemoy (annona squamosa, l. X annona cheremola)

Introdução: Os extratos alcoólicos de plantas com potencial medicinal possuem compostos com alto potencial antiinflamatório e aplicação terapêutica. Dentre as espécies vegetais de interesse destacamos a atemoia, um hibrido de Annona cherimola, Mill e Annonas quamosa, L. Objetivo: Caracterizar o extrato alcoólico bruto de folhas da atemoia em ensaios fitoquímicos, microbiológicos, citotóxicos e no modelo de peritonite. Método: O extrato de folhas de atemoia foi obtido por percolação, com o uso de 20g de folhas secas e trituradas com 100 ml de álcool de cereais. Na padronização dos extratos foram utilizadas análises de idenficação de componentes químicos, os taninos, flavonoides, saponinas e alcaloides, por meio de difrentes reações químicas e os antioxidantes foram analisados pela atividade do DPPH. Diferentes cepas bacterianas foram avaliadas quanto a sensililidade ao extrato em várias concentrações. A citotoxicidade das diferentes concentrações do extrato também foi analisada por hemólise e pelo teste da membrana corioalantide (CAM). Ainda, a capacidade anti-inflamatória do extrato a 4% foi avaliada na peritonite induzida por endotoxina em ratas. Resultados: As análises fitoquímicas indicaram a presença de alcaloides, taninos e flavonoides e ausência de saponinas além da alta capacidade antioxidante. Na concentração de 100% o extrato inibiu a proliferação de bactérias Gram-positivas e Gram-negativas. Os testes de hemólise e CAM mostraram ausência de citotoxicidade na concentração de 4% e elevada citotoxicidade a partir de 10%. No modelo de peritonite, a administração do extrato na concentração de 4% inibiu a migração de neutrófilos para a cavidade peritoneal. Conclusão: O extrato alcoólico das folhas da atemoia mostra importante perfil anti-inflamatório e antioxidante o que estimula estudos futuros para sua aplicação farmacológica. (AU)

Introduction: The alcohol extracts of plants with medicinal potential have compounds with high anti-inflammatory potential and therapeutic application. Among the plant species of interest, we highlight athemoia, a hybrid of Annona cherimola, Mill and Annonas quamosa, L. Objective: To characterize the raw alcoholic extract of athemoious leaves in phytochemical, microbiological, cytotoxic tests and in the peritonitis model. Method: The extract of atemoia leaves was obtained by percolation, with the use of 20g of dried leaves and crushed with 100 ml of cereal alcohol. In the standardization of the extracts were used idenfication analyses of chemical components, tannins, flavonoids, saponins and alkaloids, by means of diffractive chemical reactions and antioxidants were analyzed by DPPH activity. Different bacterial strains were evaluated regarding the sensitivity to the extract in different concentrations. Cytotoxicity of the different concentrations of the extract were also analyzed by hemolysis and by the corioalantide membrane (CAM) test and the anti-inflammatory capacity of the 4% extract was evaluated in endotoxin-induced peritonitis in rats. Results: Phytochemical analysis indicated the presence of alkaloids, tannins and flavonoids and absence of saponins and high antioxidant capacity. At 100% concentration the extract inhibited the proliferation of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. Hemolysis and CAM tests showed no cytotoxicity at 4% concentration and high cytotoxicity at 10% level. In the peritonitis model, administration of the extract at the 4% concentration inhibited the migration of neutrophils to the peritoneal cavity. Conclusion: The alcoholic extract of the leaves of athemoia shows an important anti-inflammatory and antioxidant profile which stimulates future studies for its pharmacological application.(AU)

Introducción: Los extractos alcohólicos de plantas con potencial medicinal presentan compuestos con alto potencial antiinflamatorio y aplicación terapéutica. Entre las especies vegetales de interés destacamos la atemoya, un híbrido de Annona cherimola, Mill y Annonas quamosa L. Objetivo: Caracterizar el extracto alcohólico crudo de hojas de atemoya en ensayos modelo fitoquímicos, microbiológicos, citotóxicos y de peritonitis. Método: El extracto de hojas de atemoya se obtuvo por percolación, utilizando 20g de hojas secas y trituradas con 100 ml de alcohol de grano. En la estandarización de los extractos se utilizaron análisis para identificar componentes químicos, taninos, flavonoides, saponinas y alcaloides, a través de diferentes reacciones químicas y los antioxidantes fueron analizados por la actividad de DPPH. Se evaluó la sensibilidad al extracto de diferentes cepas bacterianas a diferentes concentraciones. También se analizó la citotoxicidad de las diferentes concentraciones del extracto por hemólisis y por el test de membrana de corioalantida (CAM) y se evaluó la capacidad antiinflamatoria del extracto al 4% en peritonitis inducida por endotoxinas en ratas. Resultados: Los análisis fitoquímicos indicaron la presencia de alcaloides, taninos y flavonoides y la ausencia de saponinas y alta capacidad antioxidante. A una concentración del 100%, el extracto inhibió la proliferación de bacterias Gram-positivas y Gram-negativas. Las pruebas de hemólisis y CAM no mostraron citotoxicidad a una concentración del 4% y alta citotoxicidad a partir del 10%. En el modelo de peritonitis, la administración del extracto a una concentración del 4% inhibió la migración de neutrófilos a la cavidad peritoneal. Conclusión: El extracto alcohólico de hojas de atemoya muestra un importante perfil antiinflamatorio y antioxidante, lo que estimula futuros estudios para su aplicación farmacológica.(AU)

Farmacia y Plantas medicinales en la literatura: caso de García Márquez / Pharmacy and Medicinal plants in the literature: case of García Márquez

Se trata de un trabajo bibliográfico que pretende obtener una “Mirada Farmacéutica” de la obra de García Márquez. En el mismo se relacionan plantas medicinales o derivados, algunos medicamentos y aspectos farmacéuticos, con las referencias literarias que aparecen en una muestra representativa de las novelas del autor, entre las que se incluyen Cien años de soledad y Amor en los Tiempos del cólera. Estas novelas trascurren en lugares imaginarios o reales de Colombia en los siglos XIX y primera mitad del XX. De forma mayoritaria se han encontrado remedios vegetales y en menor medida de origen químico y animal. Para cada uno de ellos se han realizado observaciones e interpretaciones medicamentosas, sociales e históricas, que ponen en valor la farmacia y las plantas medicinales, que el autor ha usado como recursos para construir las novelas, con independencia de que tengan una base científica o no. Para ello se acompañan con las literarias textuales. Como conclusión, destacamos la forma magistral con la que García usa estos recursos y recomendamos sus lecturas o relecturas, teniendo en cuenta también al mismo tiempo se puede hacer desde un punto de vista farmacéutico.(AU)

It is a bibliographic work that aims to obtain a “Pharmaceutical Look” at the work of García Márquez. It relates medicinal or associated plants, some medicinal and pharmaceutical aspects, with literary works that appear in a representative sample of the author’s novels, including One Hundred Years of Solitude and Love in the Times of Cholera.These novels take place in imaginary or real places in Colombia in the 19th century and the first half of the 20th. Plant remedies and to a lesser extent chemical and animal remedies have been found. For each of them, observations and interpretations medical, social and histórical, have been made that value the pharmacy and medicinal plants, which the author has used as resources to build the novels, regardless of whether they have a scientific basis or not. For this they are accompanied by textual literary texts. In conclusion, we highlight the masterful way in which García uses these resources and we recommend their reading or re-reading, also taking into account that at the same time it can be done from a pharmaceutical point of view.(AU)

[Pueraria lobate advances in molecular pharmacognosy].

Molecular pharmacognosy is a science of classification and identification, cultivation and protection, and production of active ingredients of graduated drugs at the molecular level. The proposal of molecular pharmacognosy allows the research of crude drugs to advance from the microscopic level to the genetic level. Pueraria lobata root, as a medicinal and edible plant, has high application value and economic value. There are many varieties that are easy to cause confusion, and it is not easy to distinguish and identify according to traditional identification methods. Moreover, the research of P. lobate root at the genetic level is still relatively shallow. the study received extensive attention of scholars. This article reviews recent research on molecular identification of P. lobate, transcriptome sequencing, cloning and synthesis of functional genes of P. lobate root in recent years in order to provide references for further promoting the development and utilization of P. lobate root and its active ingredients.

A novel challenge of nondestructive analysis on OGATA Koan's sealed medicine by muonic X-ray analysis.

OGATA Koan (1810-63) was a physician and the director of Tekijuku, and he contributed to Western medicine in the late Edo period. Osaka University preserves two of his medicine chests. One of the chests, which was used in his last years (the second chest) contained 22 glass bottles and 6 wooden cylinders. These bottles and cylinders contained formulated medicines; however, about half cannot be opened because of the long-term storage. It is necessary to comprehend the physical property of both the containers and their contents for investigation of this adequate preservation method; however, destructive analysis is not allowed. To analyze the medicines sealed in the glass bottles, we focused on muonic X-ray analysis, which has high transmittance. First, we certified the analytical methods using a historical medicinal specimen preserved in Osaka University. Thereafter, we applied the method on the bottles stored in the second chest. X-ray fluorescence identified the glass of those bottles to be lead potash glass. Among these bottles, we chose the bottle with the label "," which contains white powdered medication, for muonic X-ray analysis. We identified the contents of the medication in the glass to be Hg2Cl2. Through this study, we first applied muonic X-ray analysis on the medical inheritances and succeeded to detect the elements contained both in the container and in the contents of the sealed bottle. This would be a new method for nondestructive analysis of such cultural properties.

Gmelina arborea- an indigenous timber species of India with high medicinal value: A review on its pharmacology, pharmacognosy and phytochemistry.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Gmelina arborea Roxb.ex Smith, a fast-growing deciduous tree belongs to the family Lamiaceae, and is an important plantation species in many tropical areas around the world. The species is naturally distributed in semi-deciduous forests in tropical/subtropical regions of South East Asia. The tree is also an important medicinal plant in the Indian Systems of Medicine. The whole plant is used in medicine. It is astringent, bitter, digestive, cardiotonic, diuretic, laxative and pulmonary and nervine tonic. It improves digestion, memory, helps overcome giddiness and is useful in burning sensation, fever, thirst, emaciation, heart diseases, nervous disorders and piles. The roots are acrid, bitter-sweet in taste, stomachic, tonic, laxative, galactagogue and antihelmintic. The flowers are sweet, refrigerant, bitter, astringent and acrid, and are used in treating leprosy and skin diseases. The fruits are acrid, sour, sweet, refrigerant, bitter, astringent, aphrodisiac, trichogenous, alterant and tonic. Fruits are edible and also used for promoting hair growth and in treating anaemia, leprosy, ulcers, constipation, leucorrhoea and colitis. The leaves are a good fodder also. The major bioactive compounds extracted from different parts of G. arborea are arboreal, verbascoside, tyrosol, iridoids, phenylpropanoid glycoside, premnazole, martynoside, iridoid glycosides, balanophonin, gmelinol, isoarboreol apigenin, umbelliferone etc. AIM OF THE REVIEW: This review provides an insight into the medicinal aspects of G. arborea. It provides the latest information on phytochemistry, pharmacological activities and traditional uses of G.arborea. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Information on G. arborea was gathered from various sources like textbooks, literature, databases such as PubMed, Science Direct, Wiley, Springer, Taylor and Francis, Scopus, Inflibnet, Sci-Finder and Google Scholar. RESULTS: Sixty-nine phytochemicals which include lignans, acylated iridoid glycosides, acylated rhamnopyranoses, flavonoids, flavones, flavone glycosides have been isolated. Many of them have been characterized for their pharmacological activity. Several researchers have identified bioactive phytochemicals like luteolin, iridoid alkaloids from the leaves, hentriacontanol and lignans such as arboreol, isoarboreol, arborone, gmelanone, gummadiol from the heartwood, flavon glycosides in roots. The extracts are reported to have wound-healing and antidiarrheal properties. Various studies demonstrated that G.arborea and its constituents possess several pharmacological activities like anti-oxidant, anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, antiulcer, analgesic, anti-nociceptive, anticancer and wound healing activities. CONCLUSION: G. arborea is a valuable medicinal plant used traditionally in the Indian Systems of Medicine (ISM - Ayurveda and Unani) to treat a wide variety of ailments. These phytochemicals are highly bioactive and exhibit various pharmacological activities. However, pharmacological activities of many compounds which have been identified, are yet to be understood.

A review of the phytochemical, pharmacological, pharmacokinetic, and toxicological evaluation of Quercus Infectoria galls.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Quercus Infectoria galls (QIG) have a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine and traditional Uyghur medicine for the treatment of diarrhea, hemorrhage, skin disease, and many other human ailments. Medicinal applications of QIG have become increasingly popular in Greece, Asia Minor, Syria, and Iran. AIM OF THE REVIEW: The present paper reviewed the ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, analytical methods, biological activities, metabolism, pharmacokinetics, toxicology, and drug interactions of QIG to assess the ethnopharmacological uses, explore its therapeutic potential, and identify future opportunities for research. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Information on QIG was gathered via the Internet (using Google Scholar, Baidu Scholar, Elsevier, ACS, Pubmed, Web of Science, CNKI, and EMBASE) and libraries. Additionally, information was also obtained from local books and PhD and MS dissertations. RESULTS: QIG has played an important role in traditional Chinese medicine. The main bioactive metabolites of QIG include tannins, phenolic acids, flavonoids, triterpenoids, and steroids. Scientific studies on the QIG extract and its components have shown its wide range of pharmacological activities, such as cholinesterase- and monoamine oxidase-inhibitory, antitumor, anti-hypertension, antidiabetic, antimicrobial, insecticidal, antiparasitic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory. CONCLUSIONS: The ethnopharmacological, phytochemical, pharmacological, and analytical methods of QIG were highlighted in this review, which provides information for future studies and commercial exploration. QIG has a huge potential for pharmaceutical and nutraceutical applications. Moreover, comprehensive toxicity studies of this plant must be conducted to ensure its safety. Additional investigations are recommended to transmute the ethnopharmacological claims of this plant in folklore medicines into scientific rationale-based information. Research on pharmacokinetics studies and potential drug interactions with standard-of-care medications is still limited, which calls for additional studies particularly on humans. Further assessments and clinical trials should be performed before it can be integrated into medicinal practices.

Pueraria lobate advances in molecular pharmacognosy / 中国中药杂志

Molecular pharmacognosy is a science of classification and identification, cultivation and protection, and production of active ingredients of graduated drugs at the molecular level. The proposal of molecular pharmacognosy allows the research of crude drugs to advance from the microscopic level to the genetic level. Pueraria lobata root, as a medicinal and edible plant, has high application value and economic value. There are many varieties that are easy to cause confusion, and it is not easy to distinguish and identify according to traditional identification methods. Moreover, the research of P. lobate root at the genetic level is still relatively shallow. the study received extensive attention of scholars. This article reviews recent research on molecular identification of P. lobate, transcriptome sequencing, cloning and synthesis of functional genes of P. lobate root in recent years in order to provide references for further promoting the development and utilization of P. lobate root and its active ingredients.

Pharmacognostic standardization and DNA fingerprinting of leaves of Datura stramonium, growing naturally in Asir region of Saudi Arabia.

Evaluation of the various pharmacognostic quality parameters and DNA fingerprint of Saudi Arabian medicinal plant namely Datura stramonium growing in Asir region was the objective of the study. The pharmacognostical parameters were done in terms of macroscopic characters, microscopic details, physico-chemical evaluations, phytochemical analysis, fluorescence analysis and DNA fingerprint by using standard techniques and random polymorphic DNA primer. The detailed microscopy of the leaf revealed the presence of pre-medullary phloem, xylem, endodermis, parenchymatous pericycle, lower epidermis and calcium oxalate crystals. There are various amounts of foreign material, ash values, moisture content and extractive values, found after estimations. Preliminary phytochemical screening exhibited the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, tannins and sterols in variable amounts. Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) showed there are a prominent scorbale DNA bands. These evaluations provided referential information for correct authentication and quality standardization of the important medicinal plant material. These information will also be supportive to differentiate Datura stramonium from the closely related other species.