Search Results (276)

Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni, a semi-perennial herb from the Asteraceae family, is native to the Paraguay–Brazil border region. The growing industrial interest in this species is due to its natural sweetening properties, such as steviol and its derivatives, which offer sweetness without adding calories. Morphological traits are crucial for assessing genetic variability and ensuring distinctness, homogeneity, and stability (DHS) for cultivar protection. This study characterized 19 elite Stevia genotypes from Embrapa Cerrados’ Active Germplasm Bank (BAG) using 21 morphological descriptors from Brazil’s Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and Supply (MAPA). Genetic distances were calculated using the simple coincidence index complement method, and clustering was performed via the Unweighted Pair-Group Method with Arithmetic Mean (UPGMA). The results showed that 17 of the 21 descriptors (>80%) effectively differentiated the genotypes, revealing significant genetic variability. Dendrogram analysis identified at least four major similarity groups, highlighting the potential of these genotypes for Stevia breeding programs. These findings underscore the suitability of these elite genotypes for developing superior varieties adapted to Cerrado conditions, supporting future cultivation and genetic improvement efforts. Full article

Islands subjected to anthropogenic disturbance are highly susceptible to alien plant invasions. However, the alien floral diversity of China’s islands has been insufficiently studied, hindering its control. Weizhou Island (northern South China Sea) has experienced long-term human exploitation. We inventorized its alien, naturalized, and invasive vascular plants (based on herbarium specimen data for 2018–2024 and surveys of 112 plots); analyzed species composition, origins, life forms, and habitats; and conducted an invasive species risk assessment. This identified 203 aliens, including infraspecific and hybrid taxa, 129 (63.5%) naturalized and 71 (55.0% of the naturalized species) invasive. The aliens were dominated by the Fabaceae, Asteraceae, and Euphorbiaceae, particularly genera such as Euphorbia, Senna, and Portulaca, originating primarily in North America, Oceania, and Africa. Perennial herbs were the most common lifeform, followed by annual herbs and shrubs. Invasion hotspots were primarily abandoned farmland, roadsides, and agricultural lands. Using the Analytic Hierarchy Process, we classified the 71 invasive species as representing high-risk, moderate-risk, and low-risk (20, 16, and 35 species, respectively). Bidens pilosa, Ageratum conyzoides, Opuntia dillenii, and Leucaena leucocephala pose severe threats to the island ecosystem. This first complete inventory of the alien flora on Weizhou Island offers critical insight into the management of invasive alien plants in island ecosystems. Full article

Bupleurum scorzonerifolium Willd. is a perennial herbaceous plant of the genus Bupleurum in the Apiaceae family. Also known as red Bupleurum, it is mainly distributed in Northeast China, North China and other regions and is a commonly used medicinal plant. It is difficult for the wild plant resources of Bupleurum scorzonerifolium Willd. to meet the market demand. In artificial cultivation, there are problems such as a low yield per plant, low quality, weakened stress resistance and variety degradation. The contents of bioactive components and metabolites in traditional Chinese medicinal materials vary significantly across different growth years. The growth duration directly impacts their quality and clinical efficacy. Therefore, determining the optimal growth period is one of the crucial factors in ensuring the quality of traditional Chinese medicinal materials. In this study, Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) and High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) were comprehensively applied to analyze the metabolically differential substances in different parts of Bupleurum scorzonerifolium Willd. By comparing the compositions and content differences of chemical components in different growth years and different parts, the chemical components with significant differences were accurately screened out. In order to further explore the dynamic change characteristics and internal laws of metabolites, a metabolic network was constructed for a visual analysis and, finally, to see the optimal growth years of Bupleurum scorzonerifolium Willd. This result showed that with the accumulation of the growth cycle, the height, root width, fresh mass and saikosaponins content of Bupleurum scorzonerifolium Willd. increased year by year. Except for sodium and calcium elements in the main shoot, the other elements were significantly reduced. In addition, 59 primary metabolites were identified by GC-MS, with the accumulation of the growth cycle, the contents of organic acids, sugars, alcohols and amino acids gradually decreased, while the contents of alkyl, glycosides and other substances gradually increased. There were 53 positive correlations and 18 negative correlations in the triennial Bupleurum scorzonerifolium Willd. grid, all of which were positively correlated with saikosaponins. Therefore, the triennial Bupleurum scorzonerifolium Willd. was considered to be the suitable growth year. It not only provided a new idea and method for the quality evaluation of Bupleurum scorzonerifolium Willd., but also provided a scientific basis for the quality control of Chinese herbs. Full article

Red sage (Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge) is a perennial herb containing various bioactive compounds that promote human health. In this study, single-factor experiments were first conducted, followed by the optimization of extraction conditions to maximize the saponin content from red sage root extracts. In the single-factor experiments, the highest saponin content (47.5 ± 0.88 mg/g) was obtained using 80% ethanol, a solvent-to-material ratio of 40:1 (mL/g), an extraction period of 3 h, and an extraction temperature of 60 °C. Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was performed to optimize the extraction parameters with a material-to-solvent ratio of 41.31:1 (mL/g), an extraction temperature of 58.08 °C, and an extraction time of 3.16 h. Under these optimized conditions, the experimental saponin content reached 47.71 ± 0.15 mg/g. Additionally, crude extract of red sage exhibited antioxidant activity against 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals with an IC₅₀ value of 16.24 µg/mL. This extract also demonstrated anticancer against 61.79 ± 3.57% HepG2 cancer cells at a concentration of 100 µg/mL. Full article

Aegopodium podagraria (A. podagraria) L. is a perennial herb valued for its medicinal properties but exhibits poor germination and inconsistent growth under conventional cultivation. To overcome these limitations and enhance its functional potential, this study investigated the effects of various LED light spectra on the plant’s physiological and antioxidant responses under controlled indoor conditions. Six light treatments were applied, consisting of different red (R) and blue (B) light ratios (R100, R80:B20, R60:B40, R40:B60, and B100), along with a white-light control. Red-dominant treatments, particularly R80:B20, not only improved germination traits but also significantly promoted shoot growth and biomass accumulation. In contrast, higher proportions of blue light generally inhibited germination performance and reduced growth-related parameters compared to the white-light control. Antioxidant activity was also modulated by light quality: R80:B20 induced the highest levels of total phenolics, ferric reducing antioxidant power, and vitamin C, whereas R40:B60 maximized flavonoid content and DPPH radical scavenging activity. These results suggest that optimizing the red-to-blue light ratio can effectively enhance both the cultivation performance and biofunctional quality of A. podagraria in controlled environments. Full article

Peucedanum ostruthium (L.) W.D.J. Koch (Apiaceae) is a perennial herb native to alpine regions that is renowned in traditional medicine. This study provided a pharmacognostic evaluation, comparing the EOs obtained from its rhizomes and leaves (REO and LEO, respectively). A micromorphological analysis, which was carried out using fluorescence and scanning electron microscopy, revealed terpenoid-rich secretory ducts in both organs. The EOs were extracted by hydrodistillation and characterized by gas chromatography, coupled with flame ionization detection and mass spectrometry (GC-FID and GC-MS), revealing distinct chemical profiles. REO was dominated by monoterpenes (80.08%), especially D-limonene (29.13%), sabinene (19.77%), and α-phellandrene (12.02%), while LEO was sesquiterpene-rich (81.15%), with β-caryophyllene (21.78%), β-selinene (14.09%), and germacrene D (10.43%) as the major compounds. The in vitro assays demonstrated that both EOs exhibit significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, with LEO consistently outperforming REO across all tests. However, neither EO showed antimicrobial effects against common bacterial or fungal strains. This may have been due to the absence of polar antimicrobial constituents, such as coumarins, which are poorly recovered by hydrodistillation. To fully exploit the therapeutic potential of P. ostruthium, especially its antimicrobial properties, future studies should aim to develop integrated formulations combining volatile and non-volatile fractions, preserving the complete plant complex and broadening bioactivity. Full article

Small non-coding microRNAs (miRNAs) play crucial roles in the degradation of the messenger RNAs (mRNAs) that are involved in various biological processes post-transcriptionally and translationally. Many plants, especially Musa spp. (plantains and bananas), which are important perennial herbs of the family Musaceae, experience significant yield loss due to abiotic stressors, yet only a few miRNAs involved in this response have been identified. This study employed in silico analyses of transcriptome shotgun assembly (TSA) and expressed sequence tag (EST) sequences to identify Musa miRNAs and their target genes. Leaf and root tissues from three Musa genomic groups (AAA, AAB, and ABB) under drought stress were analyzed using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) to validate the expression of miRNAs. A total of 17 potential conserved miRNAs from 11 families were identified, with the minimal folding free energies (-kcal/mol) of precursors ranging from −136.00 to −55.70, as observed through RNA folding analysis. Six miRNAs (miR530-5p, miR528-5p, miR482a, miR397a, miR160h, and miR399a) showed distinct tissue-specific expression patterns in the roots and leaves across the three groups. A total of 59 target regulatory transcription factors and enzymes involved in stress response, growth, and metabolism were predicted. Of these, 11 targets were validated for miR530-5p, miR528-5p, miR482a, and miR397a, using qRT-PCR. These four stress-responsive miRNAs exhibited an inverse expression relationship with their target genes across two different tissues in Musa groups. This research provides insights into miRNA-mediated drought stress responsiveness in Musa spp., potentially benefiting future studies on gene regulation under drought stress. Full article

Argentina anserina (Rosaceae), a perennial herb, forms enlarged tuberous roots (commonly referred to as “ginseng fruit”) exclusively in the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau, making it a unique medicinal and edible plant resource in this region. The upper reaches of the Dadu River and Minjiang River are one of its primary production areas in China. This study employs an ensemble model to simulate the potential distribution of A. anserina in this region, predicting the impacts of future climate change on its distribution, ecological niche, and centroid migration patterns. Additionally, a cultivation productivity evaluation model integrating ecological suitability and nutritional components was developed to delineate potential cultivation areas. Results indicate that high-suitability habitats span 0.37 × 10⁴ km² (7.39% of the total suitable area), exhibiting a patchy and fragmented distribution in Aba County, Rangtang County, Jiuzhi County, and Banma County. Core cultivation areas cover 3.78 × 10⁴ km², distributed across Aba County, Rangtang County, Jiuzhi County, Seda County, Banma County, Hongyuan County, and Markam City. Under future climate scenarios, the suitable distribution area of A. anserina will gradually decline with rising temperatures, migrating to higher-latitude northern regions, accompanied by increased niche migration. By the 2090s under the SSP5-8.5 scenario, the centroid demonstrates the largest migration amplitude, with high-suitability habitats showing a “collapsing” polarization pattern and near-complete niche separation from the previous period, indicating significant changes. Collectively, these results provide a theoretical basis for the sustainable utilization of A. anserina in the upper Dadu River and Minjiang River basin. Full article

Cimicifuga heracleifolia is a perennial herb that belongs to the Ranunculaceae family. Its dried rhizomes are a source of Cimicifugae Rhizoma, a traditional Chinese medicine used for detoxification, the treatment of febrile diseases, and the prevention of pathogenic invasion. In the present study, a phytochemical investigation of the rhizomes of C. heracleifolia resulted in the isolation of three indole alkaloids (1–3) and seven phenolic amides (4–10), including three new compounds, 6-methoxy-3-(3-methyl-1-oxo-2-butenyl) 1H indole (1), (3R)-1-(β-d-glucopyranosyl)-3-hydroxy-3-(3-methylbutyl)-2-oxindole (3), and N-acetyldopamine-3-O-β-d-allopyranoside (4). Their structures were elucidated using extensive physicochemical and spectroscopic analyses. All the isolated compounds were evaluated for their inhibitory activity against soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH). The results showed that cimicifugamide A (6) exhibited the most potent inhibitory activity, with an IC₅₀ value of 8.74 μM, followed by cimicifugamide (7), demethoxycimicifugamide (8), and N-trans-feruloyl tyramine (10), with IC₅₀ values ranging from 15.63 to 20.58 μM. Kinetic analysis revealed that compound 6 inhibited sEH through a non-competitive mechanism. Full article

Hyperosmolality-gated calcium-permeable cation channel protein denoted as OSCA, which are mechanosensitive pore-forming ion channels, play a pivotal role in plants’ responses to abiotic stressors. Notopterygium franchetii, an endemic perennial plant species distributed in the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau and its adjacent high-altitude regions, is likely to have undergone adaptive evolution in response to extreme abiotic stress conditions. The current study was conducted to characterize the genome-wide characteristics and phylogenetic evolution of the OSCA gene family in N. franchetii and identify its response patterns to drought and high-temperature stresses. We examined the gene family’s structural features, phylogenetic relationships, and response to abiotic stresses. The N. franchetii genome had 29 OSCA gene family members on 11 chromosomes. Subcellular localization showed they were mainly in the cell membrane, and a promoter cis-acting element study found that the OSCA gene family contained methyl jasmonate, abscisic acid, and various adversity and hormone response components. Under drought stress, most of the NofOSCAs genes showed a tendency to increase over time in the roots of N. franchetii, while in the aboveground parts, most of the NofOSCAs genes showed a tendency to increase and then decrease. The expression of different NofOSCAs genes in N. franchetii also showed alternating changes under high-temperature stress. Nine members of NofOSCAs were found to be linked to the PPI network, and these members were involved in membrane structure, transmembrane transport, and ion channel function. Our analysis of differential expression revealed that the expression of OSCA genes differed among the different N. franchetii tissues, with the roots exhibiting the highest average expression level, and many genes displayed tissue-specific high expression patterns. These results provided novel insights into the phylogenetic evolution and abiotic stress response mechanisms in the high-altitude medicinal herb N. franchetii. Full article

Neopicrorhiza scrophulariiflora (Pennell) D.Y.Hong, an endangered perennial herb, is rich in triterpenes, iridoids, and phenolic compounds, which exhibit significant pharmacological effects. However, the molecular mechanisms of triterpenoid biosynthesis in N. scrophulariiflora remain unclear. Here, transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses were performed to investigate the triterpene content in different tissues and the expression patterns of key enzyme-encoding genes related to triterpenoid biosynthesis. We functionally characterized eight upstream oxidosqualene cyclases (OSCs) involved in triterpenoid biosynthesis, among which NsOSC2 is a bifunctional enzyme capable of catalyzing the conversion of 2,3-oxidosqualene to β-amyrin and α-amyrin. Additionally, an efficient regeneration system and a stable genetic transformation system were established for N. scrophulariiflora. These findings reveal key genes in triterpenoid biosynthesis, providing a theoretical foundation for the future production of key triterpenoids in N. scrophulariiflora through synthetic biology approaches. Full article

Cardiocrinum are perennial herbaceous plants of the Liliaceae family with high ornamental, nutritional, and medicinal value. However, critical knowledge gaps remain regarding the following: (1) the fine-scale habitat preferences of Cardiocrinum; (2) the key ecological drivers influencing their growth and distribution. The MaxEnt software 3.4.1 was used to simulate the current and future suitable habitats of Cardiocrinum, evaluate the impacts of environmental changes on its distribution, and determine the distribution changes under climate change scenarios. The AUC value of the model used in the current study was >0.98, which indicates that the model had good accuracy. The results show that as a typical understory herb, precipitation in the warmest quarter (bio18) and temperature seasonality (bio04) are the main factors affecting the distribution of Cardiocrinum. In addition, Cardiocrinum giganteum and Cardiocrinum giganteum var. yunnanense are also affected by slope and human activity. Under the SSP126, SSP245, and SSP585 climate scenarios, the suitable habitat areas of Cardiocrinum cathayanum and C. giganteum showed an increasing trend. The suitable habitat area of C. giganteum var. yunnanense increased under the SSP126 climate scenario; however, it substantially declined in SSP245 and SSP585 scenarios. The distribution area of Cardiocrinum shifted to higher latitudes. The centroid of C. cathayanum shifted more than 5 degrees of latitude during SSP585 2081s, while the centroid of C. giganteum and C. giganteum var. yunnanense did not shift more than 2 degrees of latitude. In addition, the centroid longitudes of C. giganteum and C. giganteum var. yunnanense shifted westward under the three climate scenarios. There is ecological niche differentiation among C. cathayanum and others, whilst C. giganteum and C. giganteum var. yunnanense have overlapping ecological niches. In the future, we will strengthen the protection of wild Cardiocrinum resources in accordance with environmental factors and suitable habitats for Cardiocrinum. Full article

Viola yedoensis Makino (V. yedoensis), a perennial herb in the Violaceae family, is recognized for its violet flowers and has a longstanding role in ethnomedicine for treating various inflammatory diseases, such as boils, furuncles, carbuncles, and both acute and chronic hepatitis, among others. A comprehensive literature review was conducted utilizing resources including the Chinese Pharmacopoeia, Flora of China, Web of Science, PubMed, Baidu Scholar, Google Scholar, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI). This paper serves as the inaugural comprehensive review of the latest findings regarding the botany, traditional applications, phytochemistry, pharmacological properties, quality control, and prospective uses of V. yedoensis. The objective is to provide a robust foundation for future research and to suggest novel avenues for exploring its potential applications. To date, 162 chemical constituents have been isolated from V. yedoensis, with flavonoids and coumarins identified as particularly abundant. These compounds exhibit promising activities, including anti-inflammatory, anti-pyretic, anti-viral, anti-tumor, anti-lung injury, anti-liver injury, anti-bacterial, anti-coagulant, anti-complement, and anti-oxidant properties. Despite considerable advancements in fundamental research on V. yedoensis, further investigations are required to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of action and to discover additional uncharacterized compounds. This review underscores the plant’s significant development potential, highlighting the necessity for more in-depth exploration. Full article

Galium verum (Yellow Bedstraw) is a rhizomatous perennial herb belonging to the Rubiaceae family. It is native to Eurasia and Africa but has also been introduced to southern Canada and the northern U.S. Widely used in traditional medicine, G. verum has been recognized for its diuretic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, analgesic, and anticancer properties. Phytochemical studies have shown that the plant is rich in significant bioactive compounds, such as flavonoids, phenolic acids, iridoids, anthraquinones, phytosterols, coumarins, and tannins. Research suggests that G. verum exhibits strong antioxidant activity, protecting cells from oxidative stress and inflammation. Its antimicrobial potential has been demonstrated against various bacterial and fungal pathogens, supporting its traditional use in wound healing and infection treatment. Moreover, modern studies indicate its cytotoxic effects on cancer cells, suggesting potential applications in oncology. Additionally, its hepatoprotective and neuroprotective properties highlight its promise for treating metabolic and neurodegenerative disorders. Despite its well-known therapeutic potential, further studies are required to fully clarify its mechanisms of action and ensure its safety for medicinal use. Given the variety of bioactive compounds found in G. verum and their pharmacological benefits, this review emphasizes the importance of this species as a valuable medicinal plant, encouraging further scientific research for its application in pharmacology. Full article

Phacelia secunda J.F. Gmel. (Boraginaceae) is a widely distributed insect-pollinated perennial herb. In central Chile (33° S), it occurs from the sea level up to 3600 m in the Andes, exhibiting broad morphological variation. In this study, we developed and characterized novel polymorphic microsatellites for this species, using an Illimina MiSeq sequencing platform. Nineteen polymorphic loci were obtained, with alleles numbers ranging from 3 to 13 per locus (mean = 5.84). Observed (H_O) and expected heterozygosities (H_E) ranged from 0.050 to 0.900 and from 0.049 to 0.825, respectively. These markers were applied to assess the genetic diversity and population structure along an altitudinal spanning from 1600 to 3600 m. The highest elevation population exhibited significantly lower within-population genetic diversity compared to lower-elevation populations. Significant population differentiation was observed along the gradient. Gene flow estimates support a stepping-stone like mode of migration, with greater exchange between adjacent elevations. These new microsatellites provide a valuable tool for elucidating the influence of altitude on genetic diversity and structure, and for evaluating the roles of local adaptation and phenotypic plasticity in shaping population variation. Full article