Golden camellias or yellow camellias are species belonging to genus Camellia L., family Theaceae. Fifty two species were described in southern China and Vietnam. Active ingredients such as polysaccharides, polyphenols, saponins, and flavonoids are well known characteristics of golden camellias. Its leaves and flowers have been long traditionally used for health improvement. It was found to be able to inhibit transplanted cancer, lower blood pressure, lower blood lipid, lower cholesterol, and prevent atherosclerosis. Currently, it costs 320–700US$ per one kg of dry flowers. Such price attracts many local ethnic people to plant golden camellias for poverty reduction. This work reviews (1) species and natural distribution, (2) uses and healthcare values, (3) techniques for seedling production, planting and tending, and (4) opportunities and challenges for future development of golden camellias.

Edaravone (EDV, 3-methyl-1-phenyl-2-pyrazolin-5-one) is a neuroprotective drug that has been used to treat acute stroke caused by cerebral thrombosis and embolism. Studies showed that EDV could be used to treat diseases related to oxidizing agents; however, the activity has not been fully studied yet. In this study, the free radical scavenging activity of EDV was investigated by thermodynamic and kinetic calculations. The results showed that EDV exhibited good HOO• radical scavenging activity in an aqueous medium at pH = 7.40 (koverall(HOO) = 8.58´107 M-1 s-1) through the electron transfer mechanism of the anion state. In contrast, this activity was insignificant in non-polar environments. EDV also exhibited excellent antiradical activity against HO·, CH3O·, CH3OO·, O2·-, NO2, SO4·-, N3· and DPPH radicals in the aqueous solution. Thus, it appears to suggest that EDV is a promising radical scavenger in polar environments.

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This study mapped potential areas for planting golden camellias in Cao Bang province, North Vietnam. Natural conditions (elevation above sea level, annual precipitation, and annual air temperature), where 6 golden camellia species (Camellia impressinervis, C. kirinoi, C. megasepala, C. tuyenquangensis, C. hamyenensis, and C. tienii) naturally distribute, were used for mapping. Three map layers (topography, precipitation, and air temperature) were used. Each main condition was classified into 3 levels for planting, “not suitable”, “suitable”, and “very suitable”. The results indicated that 1,970 ha, accounting for 0.3 % of the total land area of Cao Bang province, was classified as “very suitable” for planting golden camellias. “Suitable” areas counted for 62.7 %, and “not suitable” areas accounted for 37 % of the total land area, respectively. Mapping suitable planting areas is the 1st step for the successful planting of any species. It is recommended that golden camellias should be first planted in very suitable areas, after which planting may be extended to some suitable areas.

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