International Collation of Traditional and Folk Medicine

Park

Natural Product Research

et al. 2015

Two new phenolic compounds, 4-O-glucopyranosyl-5-O-caffeoylshikimic acid (1) and 2,3-digalloyl oregonin (2), were isolated along with eight known phenolic compounds (3–10) from an 80% acetone extract of Alnus sibirica leaves. The chemical structures of these compounds were elucidated using 1D/2D nuclear magnetic resonance and high resolution-MS. The anti-oxidative activities of these compounds were determined by assaying their 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical and nitroblue tetrazolium superoxide anion scavenging activity. All of the isolated phenolic compounds (1–10) exhibited potent anti-oxidative activities. In particular, 2 and 4, which are diarylheptanoids, and 10 which is ellagitannin exhibited excellent anti-oxidative activities with almost the same potency as that of the positive controls L-ascorbic acid and allopurinol.

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Two new phenolic compounds from the leaves of Alnus sibirica Fisch. ex Turcz.

Park

Natural Product Research

et al. 2015

“…The root of Bupleurum falcatum L. (Apiaceae) has long been considered one of the most important traditional herbal medicines in Asian countries (Guo et al 1997;Testai et al 2005;Kiyohara et al 2006). B. falcatum is useful pharmacologically due to its anti-inflammatory, antihepatotoxic and antiseptic activities, which have been attributed to saponins and sapogenins (Chang and Hsu 1991;Kato et al 1994;Hsu et al 2000;Leung et al 2005).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Gene regulation patterns in triterpene biosynthetic pathway driven by overexpression of squalene synthase and methyl jasmonate elicitation in Bupleurum falcatum

Cho

Park

et al. 2010

Planta

The root of Bupleurum falcatum L. (Apiaceae) has long been one of the most important traditional herbal medicines in Asian countries. A group of triterpene saponins (saikosaponins) are the major constituents of this plant. Squalene synthase (SS) may play a regulatory role in directing triterpene intermediates and sterol pathways. Here, we investigated the regulatory role of the squalene synthase (BfSS1) gene in the biosynthesis of phytosterol and triterpene in B. falcatum. BfSS1 mRNA accumulated ubiquitously in plant organs and markedly increased in roots after treatment with methyl jasmonate (MeJA), ABA and ethephon. Transgenic B. falcatum constructs overexpressing BfSS1 in the sense and antisense orientations were assembled using the Agrobacterium-mediated method. Transgenic roots overexpressing BfSS1 in the sense orientation resulted in enhanced production of both phytosterol and saikosaponins. Overexpression of the BfSS1 gene in the sense orientation increased the mRNA accumulation of downstream genes such as squalene epoxidase and cycloartenol synthase but unexpectedly decreased the mRNA levels of β-amyrin synthase (β-AS), a triterpene synthase mRNA. MeJA treatment of wild-type roots strongly stimulated β-AS mRNA accumulation and saikosaponin production but suppressed phytosterol production. MeJA treatment of transgenic roots overexpressing BfSS1 in the sense orientation failed to stimulate β-AS mRNA accumulation but still enhanced saikosaponin and phytosterol production. These results indicate that overexpression of BfSS1 in B. falcatum regulates more powerfully the downstream genes than elicitor (MeJA) treatment in triterpene and phytosterol biosynthesis.

The Scientific World Journal

“…Similarly, in central and south America, it is popular as a homemade cold remedy to ease lung congestion, inflammation, and sore throat while it is trusted as an alternative medical treatment source for leukemia in Hong Kong and Korea. Japan has targeted MP for arresting diabetes and malignant lymphatic tumours [ 111 ]. In addition, modern research has revealed a broad spectrum of medicinal applications for the herb ( Table 5 ).…”

Section: Phytobioactivitymentioning

confidence: 99%

Ornamental Exterior versus Therapeutic Interior of Madagascar Periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus): The Two Faces of a Versatile Herb

Nejat

Valdiani

Cahill

et al. 2015

Catharanthus roseus (L.) known as Madagascar periwinkle (MP) is a legendary medicinal plant mostly because of possessing two invaluable antitumor terpenoid indole alkaloids (TIAs), vincristine and vinblastine. The plant has also high aesthetic value as an evergreen ornamental that yields prolific blooms of splendid colors. The plant possesses yet another unique characteristic as an amiable experimental host for the maintenance of the smallest bacteria found on earth, the phytoplasmas and spiroplasmas, and serves as a model for their study. Botanical information with respect to synonyms, vernacular names, cultivars, floral morphology, and reproduction adds to understanding of the plant while the geography and ecology of periwinkle illustrate the organism's ubiquity. Good agronomic practices ensure generous propagation of healthy plants that serve as a source of bioactive compounds and multitudinous horticultural applications. The correlation between genetic diversity, variants, and TIA production exists. MP is afflicted with a whole range of diseases that have to be properly managed. The ethnobotanical significance of MP is exemplified by its international usage as a traditional remedy for abundant ailments and not only for cancer. TIAs are present only in micro quantities in the plant and are highly poisonous per se rendering a challenge for researchers to increase yield and reduce toxicity.