Camellia sinensis, a natural product to support the treatment of medical and stomatological conditions / Camellia sinensis, un producto natural de apoyo al tratamiento de afecciones médicas y estomatológicas - revisión sistemática

Introduction: The tea plant, Camellia sinensis, is one of the most popular non-alcoholic beverages in the world. The main components of Camellia sinensis include amino acids, fatty acids, phenolic compounds, flavins and purine alkaloids (xanthines). For this reason, in the field of medicine, Camellia sinensis has been used as an anticancer, anxiolytic, antidiabetic, antiobesity, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antipyretic, chemopreventive, cytotoxic and apoptogenic, genoprotective, hepatoprotective, nephroprotective, hemato-protective, and in wound healing, among other uses. Objective: To carry out a systematic review of the use of C. sinensis as supportive therapy in the treatment of oral disorders. Materials and Methods: This systematic review was carried out following the PRISMA guidelines. The search was carried out in the PubMed, ScienceDirect and Google Academic databases. Articles from studies of Camellia sinensis were reviewed and those from a secondary source, such as literature review articles, were excluded Results: A total of 12 full-text articles were selected for review, in which the properties of Camellia sinensis are detailed. Conclusions: According to the bibliography reviewed, C. sinensis exhibits anticariogenic properties, applications in the treatment of dental erosion, applications in the treatment of gingivitis and bacterial plaque, and applications in the prevention of oral cancer; however, more controlled clinical trials are needed to confirm its effectiveness and safety of use.

Introducción: La planta del té es una de las bebidas no alcohólicas más populares en todo el mundo. Entre los principales componentes de Camellia sinensis tenemos los aminoácidos, ácidos grasos, compuestos fenólicos, flavinas y alcaloides de purina (xantinas). Por ello en medicina, la Camellia sinensis se ha utilizado como anticancerígeno, ansiolítico, antidiabético, antiobesidad, antiinflamatorio, analgésico, antipirético, quimiopreventivo, citotóxico y apoptógeno, genoprotector, hepatoprotector, nefroprotector, hematoprotector, cicatrizantes de heridas, entre otros. Objetivo: Realizar una revisión sistemática del uso de C. sinensis como apoyo en el tratamiento de afecciones bucales. Materiales y Métodos: Esta revisión sistemática se llevó a cabo siguiendo los lineamientos PRISMA. La búsqueda se realizó en las bases de datos PubMed, Science Direct y Google Academic. Se revisaron los artículos de estudios de Camellia sinensis y se excluyeron aquellos de fuente secundaria, como los de revisión de la literatura. Resultados: Se seleccionaron un total de 12 artículos de texto completo para la revisión. En los que se detalla las propiedades de la Camellia sinensis. Conclusión: De acuerdo a la bibliografía revisada, la C. sinensis exhibió efecto anticariogénico, aplicación en el tratamiento de la erosión dental, aplicación en el tratamiento de gingivitis y placa bacteriana, y aplicación en la prevención del cáncer bucal, sin embargo, se necesitan realizar más ensayos clínicos controlados que confirmen su efectividad y seguridad de uso.

Application of mind map combined with blended teaching in the teaching of medicinal botany / 中华医学教育探索杂志

Objective:To investigate the value of mind map combined with blended teaching in improving the teaching quality of medicinal botany. Methods:A total of 102 students studying the course of medicinal botany were enrolled as subjects. The 51 students in the class of 2020 were enrolled as control group and received conventional teaching, and the 51 students in the class of 2021 were enrolled as observation group and received mind map combined with blended teaching. The two groups were assessed in terms of examination scores, critical thinking ability scores, self-learning ability scores, and student feedback on teaching quality. SPSS 22.0 was used for the t-test and the chi-square test. Results:Compared with the control group, the observation group had significantly higher examination scores ( t=3.01 and 3.14, P=0.003 and 0.002). After practice, both groups had increases in the scores of critical thinking ability and self-learning ability, and the observation group had significantly higher scores than the control group ( t=11.22 and 2.69, P<0.001 and P=0.008). Compared with the control group, the observation group had a better student feedback on teaching quality than the control group ( t=6.79, 7.83, 7.26, 7.43, and 8.54, P=0.009, 0.005, 0.007, 0.006, and 0.003). Conclusion:The combination of mind map and blended teaching can improve the examination scores of students and their critical thinking ability and self-learning ability, and students believe that this teaching model can help to improve teaching quality.

"Instrução sobre a escolha, preparação e remessa das sementes e cebolas das plantas, que se mandarem vir de África e do Brasil" / "Instruction on the selection, preparation and shipment of seeds and bulbs of plants, which are ordered to be brought from Africa and Brazil"

Resumo Manuscrito inédito, datado de 1802, que trata dos métodos a utilizar na recolha e remessa de sementes, tubérculos e bulbos das colônias da África e do Brasil para o Complexo de História Natural da Ajuda, em Portugal.

Abstract Unpublished manuscript, dated 1802, dealing with methods to be used in collecting and shipping seeds, tubers and bulbs from colonies in Africa and Brazil to the Natural History Complex of Ajuda, in Portugal.

Tributo a la vida y obra de Juan Eloy Valenzuela y Mantilla, el primer médico de Bucaramanga

En este escrito se hace breve mención a la Real Expedición Botánica de la Nueva Granada como escuela de botánica de Eloy Valenzuela, a su mentor, el protomédico gaditano José Celestino Mutis, al protagonismo de Valenzuela en los aspectos sociales de los pobladores de la Villa de Bucaramanga en el siglo XVIII. También se muestran las enfermedades más frecuentes de la época y los remedios con que eran socorridos los pacientes.

This paper does a brief mention of the Royal Botanical Expedition of New Granada as Eloy Valenzuela's school of botany. Shows José Celestino Mutis, the Spanish protomedical mentor of Valenzuela, and describes the Valenzuela's leading role in the social aspects of the inhabitants of the Villa de Bucaramanga in the 18th century. The most frequent diseases of the time and the remedies with which patients were helped are shown.

A Estação Biológica do Alto da Serra: um "tesouro da natureza", 1918-1938 / Alto da Serra Biological Station: a "treasure of nature", 1918-1938

Resumo O artigo explora aspectos da história da Estação Biológica do Alto da Serra, de 1918 a 1938, quando esteve sob a gestão do botânico Frederico Carlos Hoehne. A perspectiva da história das ciências balizou a análise, que considerou as especificidades da Estação Biológica e as distintas formas de pesquisa, circulação e interação. O estudo indica que o propósito de proteção e guarda da natureza articulou-se a um projeto de Nação e vinculou-se a um debate crescente sobre a conservação de áreas verdes. Complementarmente, a análise das práticas científicas demonstra a importância das visitas ao local, estrategicamente divulgadas por Hoehne para conferir credibilidade e angariar apoio à iniciativa.

Abstract This article explores aspects of the history of Alto da Serra Biological Station between 1918 and 1938, when it was under the management of the botanist Frederico Carlos Hoehne. Taking a history of science perspective, the analysis considers details of the biological station and the different forms of research, circulation, and interaction. The study indicates that the purpose of protecting and safeguarding nature was coordinated with a nation-building project and linked to a growing debate about the conservation of green areas. Additionally, the analysis of the scientific practices demonstrates the importance of visits to the site, which were strategically communicated by Hoehne to lend the initiative credibility and garner support.

Legados de la audacia: Caldas, Humboldt y el conocimiento sobre las quinas, 1801-1821 / Legacies of boldness: Caldas, Humboldt and knowledge about cinchonas, 1801-1821

Resumen El artículo reflexiona sobre la circulación de conocimiento en torno a las plantas de quina. Francisco José de Caldas y Alexander von Humboldt se interesaron por su taxonomía, distribución, comercio, explotación, producción y conservación. Las observaciones del primero fueron mejores, pero sus aportes fueron silenciados por el segundo y por otros actores como José Celestino Mutis. Caldas cambió desde una posición pasiva y de aceptada subalternidad, hasta una de reclamo, pero sus argumentos no tuvieron mayor difusión, en parte porque sus resultados no favorecían intereses comerciales y carecía de redes. Caldas usó dispositivos similares a los de Humboldt para apropiar y sistematizar conocimientos sobre las quinas, silenciando a varias fuentes.

Abstract This article examines the circulation of knowledge about Cinchona plants. Francisco José de Caldas and Alexander von Humboldt were interested in their taxonomy, distribution, trade, exploitation, production and conservation. The former's observations were better, but his contributions were silenced by Humboldt and other actors such as José Celestino Mutis. Caldas changed from a passive position of accepted subordination to one of self-advocacy, but his arguments were not widely publicized, in part because his results did not favor commercial interests and he lacked connections. Caldas used similar techniques to Humboldt to appropriate and systematize knowledge about cinchonas, silencing various sources.

speciesLink: rich data and novel tools for digital assessments of biodiversity / speciesLink: dados valiosos e ferramentas inovadoras para avaliações digitais da biodiversidade

Abstract speciesLink is a large-scale biodiversity information portal that exists thanks to a broad collaborative network of people and institutions. CRIA's involvement with the scientific community of Brazil and other countries is responsible for the significant results achieved, currently reaching more than 15 million primary biodiversity data records, 95% of which are associated with preserved specimens and about 25% with high-quality digital images. The network provides data on over 200,000 species, of which over 110,000 occur in Brazil. This article describes thematic networks within speciesLink, as well as some of the most useful tools developed. The importance and contributions of speciesLink are outlined, as are concerns about securing stable budgetary support for such biodiversity data e-infrastructures. Here we review the value of speciesLink as a major source of biodiversity information for research, education, informed decision-making, policy development, and bioeconomy.

Resumo speciesLink é um portal de informações em larga escala sobre biodiversidade, que existe graças a uma ampla rede colaborativa de pessoas e instituições. O envolvimento do CRIA com a comunidade científica do Brasil e de outros países é responsável pelos resultados expressivos alcançados, atingindo atualmente mais de 15 milhões de registros de dados primários de biodiversidade, sendo 95% associados a espécimes preservados e cerca de 25% a imagens digitais de alta qualidade. A rede fornece dados sobre mais de 200.000 espécies, das quais mais de 110.000 ocorrem no Brasil. Este artigo descreve as redes temáticas do speciesLink, bem como algumas das ferramentas mais úteis desenvolvidas. A importância e as contribuições do speciesLink são destacadas, assim como as preocupações em garantir um apoio financeiro estável para e-infraestruturas de dados sobre biodiversidade. Aqui revisamos o valor do speciesLink como uma das principais fontes de informação sobre biodiversidade para pesquisa, educação, tomada de decisão, desenvolvimento de políticas e bioeconomia.

Molecular Mechanism of Selective Binding of Pharmacodynamic Active BVOCs Substance Group with Bovine β-Lactoglobulin / 中国生物化学与分子生物学报

Headspace-solid phase microextraction/gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HS-SPME/GC-MS) were used to analyze the interaction between the β-lactoglobulin (β-LG) and the botany volatile organic compounds (BVOCs) from pomelo peel to screen out the pharmacodynamic active BVOCs substance group. The selective binding effect between β-LG and BVOCs was analyzed by quantitative recovery of BVOCs, and the binding parameters were calculated. Then, the molecular model of BVOCs binding with β-LG was established by molecular docking and spectroscopic method, and the molecular mechanism of interaction between pharmacodynamic active BVOCs and β-LG was discussed from the perspective of omics. The results showed that dipentene (Dt), linalylacetate (La) and nootkatone (Nt) of BVOCs were selected by HS-SPME/GC-MS by the interaction of β-LG and BVOCs substance group. Parameter calculation showed that β-LG had the strongest affinity with Nt, but the binding force was not strong, and the affinity for La was the weakest. The affinity of β-LG to Dt was weak, but the binding force was the strongest, with a binding rate of 54. 66%, indicating that the selective binding strength of β-LG with the pharmacodynamic active BVOCs depended on the chemical structure of BVOCs molecules. The β-LG preferred to bind to the aldehyde and ketone BVOCs molecules containing carbonyl oxygen structure. The molecular model of β-LG and BVOCs group (Dt, La, Nt) was established to evaluate the binding position of BVOCs group (Dt, La, Nt) on β-LG. The loosening, extension and conformational change of β-LG secondary structure caused by the introduction of BVOCs are the result of van der Waals force, hydro-phobicity and hydrogen bonding. This study provides a new method for screening pharmacodynamic active BVOCs from the perspective of whole substance group of BVOCs, and provides a useful reference for investigating the binding mechanism between pharmacodynamic active BVOCs and functional protein molecules from the perspective of omics.

Evaluación de una clave taxonómica, para la identificación de los géneros de helechos (Monilophyta), en Guatemala / Evaluation of a taxonomic key, for the identification of fern genera (Monilophyta), in Guatemala

El desarrollo de las tecnologías de la información y la comunicación han llevado a un cambio en la manera en que se realizan las actividades de diferentes disciplinas, incluso de las más tradicionalistas, como la taxonomía botánica. Se documentó la revisión y validación colaborativa de la primera versión de una clave dicotómica para la identificación taxonómica de los géneros de helechos en Guatemala. Con este esfuerzo, se fundamentó la elaboración de una clave mejorada, su segunda versión, la cual se espera sea accesible para usuarios entrenados en morfología botánica, pero no especializados en la taxonomía específica de los helechos. La segunda versión supera las dificultades que fueron analizadas sobre la primera, y agrega contenido útil para la identificación más precisa de los géneros. Se presentan, además, los siguientes documentos suplementarios en versión electrónica: la versión más actualizada de la clave dicotómica, una lista anotada de la taxonomía supra específica de helechos en Guatemala y una lista de algunos sinónimos taxonómicos de los nombres científicos actuales, respecto a los utilizados en la Flora Mesoamericana. Esta experiencia representa un avance en la transformación de la botánica taxonómica, ya que trasciende de ser una disciplina practicada por pocos, donde prevalece sobre todo el criterio de una autoridad casi incuestionable, a una práctica colaborativa, donde el conocimiento se difunde desde la formulación y revisión de los instrumentos taxonómicos. Se espera que todos estos documentos puedan continuar siendo actualizados de manera dinámica, como un avance de la aplicación de las nuevas tecnologías a la taxonomía botánica.

The procedures of several scientific disciplines are changing with the spreading of new information and communication technologies, even the most traditional, like botanical taxonomy. Here we document the review and validation, by collaborative efforts, on the first version of the taxonomic key for the identification of the fern genera in Guatemala. An upgraded version was composed which is easier to follow and more precise. It is intended to be accessible for a wide range of interested people, more than just the fern specialists. Along with this paper, electronic supplementary documents are published too, including the most recent version of the key, an annotated list of taxonomic categories of ferns of Guatemala in the supra-specific levels, and some lists of taxonomic synonymy of the currently valid names, with reference to the old names used in Flora Mesoamericana. With this experience a new milestone has been reached by the national taxonomy, getting over the old paradigm in which taxonomy was an exclusive practice, endeavored by few authorities, to become a more inclusive discipline, embracing the development and revision of its instruments. In the future, we hope to maintain updated all these documents in a more dynamic way, applying new technologies to the taxonomic botany practices.

Review of studies on Bulbine natalensis Baker (Asphodelaceae): Ethnobotanical uses, biological and chemical properties

Bulbine natalensis Baker is a native succulent herb that belongs to the family Asphodelaceae, and is regarded asprecious, highly valued, and extensively used throughout the continent for medicinal purposes and in treating maleimpotency due to the aphrodisiac and invigorating effect. This study reviews the status of B. natalensis ethnobotanicaluses, biological and chemical properties. This review was conducted from April 2019 to February 2020 by applyingthe mixed-method review approach, and in the framework of a complete description of B. natalensis species, dataon morphology, distribution, and economic importance were discussed. Pharmacological screening reported thatB. natalensis possesses anti-inflammatory and broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties. The bulbous plant vapourcontains substances such as tannins, anthraquinones, cardiac glycosides, saponins, and alkaloids. Scientific evaluationsfrom various researchers have substantiated the use of B. natalensis in the enhancement of male sexual disorders, cureof wounds, rashes, itches, ringworm, diabetes, rheumatism, cracked lips and herpes, diarrhea, and paroxysms amongother diseases.

Effect of light and sucrose on photoautotrophic and photomixotrophic micropropagation of Physalis angulata / Efeito da luz e sacarose na micropropagação fotoautotrófica e fotomixotrófica de Physalis angulata

The biotechnological interest in genus Physalis has increased in the last decades, however, there are still few micropropagation studies of this genus. The objective of this study was to evaluate P. angulata photoautotrophic and photomixotrophic micropropagation with gas exchange under seven light spectra and five concentrations of sucrose. Lighting were yellow, blue, white, red, green, red + blue LEDs and natural light filtered by mesh. Sucrose concentrations were 0, 7.5, 15, 22.5 and 30 g.L-1. Phytotechnical, anatomical features and photopigment contents were evaluated through stem and root segment length, leaf number, leaf area, chlorophyll a and b contents, carotenoids, adaxial epidermis, palisadic and spongy parenchyma and abaxial epidermis. The data were compared by Scott-Knott's mean test and principal components analysis using the R software. Comparing the variables within lighting types, it was observed that only the screen treatment, screen-filtered natural illumination, obtained assessment in all variables. Comparing the levels of sucrose, it was observed that the treatment 15 g.L-1 sucrose obtained the highest number of averages with maximum evaluation. It was concluded that the natural light filtered by screen with 50% of shading allowed the photoautotrophic micropropagation of P. angulata. Better development results were observed in photomixotrophic micropropagation with 15 g.L-1 of sucrose.

O interesse biotecnológico em Physalis aumentou nas últimas décadas, porém, ainda existem poucos trabalhos de micropropagação desse gênero. Objetivou-se avaliar sua micropropagação fotoautotrófica e fotomixotrófica com troca gasosa sob sete tipos de iluminação e cinco concentrações de sacarose. Foram utilizados LEDs amarelo, azul, branco, vermelho, verde, vermelho + azul e luz natural filtrada por malha. As concentrações de sacarose foram 0, 7,5, 15, 22,5 e 30 g.L-1. Características fitotécnicas, anatômicas e teor de fotopigmentos foram avaliados através de comprimento de segmento de caule e raíz, número de folhas, área foliar, teores de clorofilas a e b, carotenoides, epiderme adaxial, parênquimas paliçádico e esponjoso e epiderme abaxial. Os dados foram comparados por teste de média Scott-Knott e análise de componentes principais utilizando-se o software R. Comparando-se as variáveis dentro de tipos de iluminação, observou-se que apenas o tratamento screen, iluminação natural filtrada por malha, obteve avaliação máxima em todas as variáveis. Comparando-se os níveis de sucrose, observou-se que o tratamento 15 g.L-1 sacarose obteve o maior número de médias com avaliação máxima. Concluiu-se que a luz natural filtrada por tela com 50% de sombreamento permitiu a micropropagação fotoautotrófica de P. angulata. Observou-se melhores resultados de desenvolvimento na micropropagação fotomixotrófica com 15 g.L-1 de sacarose.

Rubus chingii Hu: an overview of botany, traditional uses, phytochemistry, and pharmacology / 中国天然药物

Rubus chingii Hu, a member of the rosaceae family, is extensively distributed in China and Japan. Its unripe fruits (Fupenzi in Chinese) have a long history of use as an herbal tonic in traditional Chinese medicine for treating various diseases commonly associated with kidney deficiency, and they are still in use today. Phytochemical investigations on the fruits and leaves of R. chingii indicate the presence of terpenoids, flavonoids, steroids, alkaloids, phenylpropanoids, phenolics, and organic acids. Extracts or active substances from this plant are reported to have various pharmacological properties, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, antifungal, antithrombotic, antiosteoporotic, hypoglycemic, and central nervous system-regulating effects. This review provides up-to-date information on the botanical characterizations, traditional usages, chemical constituents, pharmacological activities, toxicity, and quality control of R. chingii. Possible directions for future research are also briefly proposed. This review aims to supply fundamental data for the further study of R. chingii and contribute to the development of its clinical use.

A new species of Coccoloba P. Browne (Polygonaceae) from the Brazilian Amazon with exceptionally large leaves

We describe and illustrate a new species of Coccoloba (Polygonaceae), named Coccoloba gigantifolia, from the Brazilian Amazon. It resembles Coccoloba mollis Casar, but differs from the latter species by its much larger leaves in the fertile branches. The species has only been recorded in the Madeira River basin, in the states of Amazonas and Rondônia, in the central and southwestern Brazilian Amazon. The description was based on herbarium material, cultivated plants, and individual trees in their natural habitat. We provide illustrations, photographs, and an identification key with morphological characteristics that distinguish the new taxon from the other two related taxa of the Coccoloba sect. Paniculatae, as well as comments on the geographic distribution and conservation status of the species. (AU)

Orthomene (Menispermaceae) in the Brazilian Amazon / Orthomene (Menispermaceae) na Amazônia brasileira

Orthomene comprises four species distributed from Central to South America, of which three occur in phytogeographic domains of Brazil. In Brazil, Amazonia is the main center of diversity for the genus. This work is a taxonomic treatment of Orthomene in Brazil and involved analyzing field collections (between January 2017 and July 2018), types and botanical specimens from 32 national and foreign herbaria. The three species in the study area are Orthomene hirsuta,Orthomene prancei and Orthomene schomburgkii. The latter is the most common and widely distributed species of the genus in the country. An identification key, descriptions, illustrations, distribution data, and additional comments for each species are provided. (AU)

Orthomene possui quatro espécies, distribuídas desde a América Central até a América do Sul, sendo que três ocorrem nos domínios fitogeográficos brasileiros. No Brasil, a Amazônia brasileira é considerada o principal centro de diversidade do gênero. O tratamento taxonômico envolveu a análise de material coletado (entre janeiro de 2017 e julho de 2018), tipos e amostras dos espécimes de Orthomene depositados em 32 herbários nacionais e estrangeiros. O gênero está representado na área de estudo por três espécies: Orthomene hirsuta,Orthomene prancei e Orthomene schomburgkii, sendo esta última a mais comum e amplamente distribuída nas regiões brasileiras de sua ocorrência. São apresentadas uma chave de identificação, descrições e ilustrações das espécies, bem como dados adicionais sobre distribuição geográfica e comentários sobre as mesmas.(AU)

Joaquim Monteiro Caminhoá: um médico ilustrado do Império do Brasil, 1858-1896 / Joaquim Monteiro Caminhoá: an exemplary doctor of the Brazilian Imperial period, 1858-1896

Resumo O personagem Joaquim Monteiro Caminhoá foi um dos mais importantes homens de ciência que atuaram no Império do Brasil, tendo inclusive uma carreira consolidada e reconhecida internacionalmente. Sua trajetória histórica, contudo, ainda não foi devidamente estudada, existindo lacunas que estimulam reflexões. Este artigo resulta de uma pesquisa cujo objetivo é examinar as produções científicas elaboradas pelo estudioso e analisá-las com a atenção voltada para o contexto social mais amplo em que foram concebidas. As suas produções são testemunhos importantes de comprovação da existência de produção científica no Império do Brasil na segunda metade do século XIX e revelam a riqueza do pensamento ilustrado brasileiro.

Abstract Joaquim Monteiro Caminhoá was one of the most important men of science during the Brazilian Imperial period, with an established career and international recognition. But his historical trajectory has not been properly studied, and it features gaps which can lead to reflections. This article is the result of research examining the scientific production compiled by this scholar and analyzing it with attention to the broader social context in which it was conceived. Caminhoá's production is important proof that scientific production was present in the Brazilian Imperial period during the second half of the nineteenth century, and reveals the richness of thought of this Brazilian scholar.

Determination of Place of Residence Using the Gene Information of Plants Carried by the Human Body / 法医学杂志

Objective To identify the plant species using the DNA sequence of plant pollen from lung tissues of a unidentified body, infer the possible long-term places of residence of the deceased according to the distribution area of the pollen in the lung tissues, therefore narrow the scope of criminal investigation and provide clues for case solving. Methods Lung tissues were extracted from the deceased, total DNA was extracted by the mCTAB method. Gene fragments of the two plant DNA barcodes, matK and rbcL, were acquired using specific primers for amplification, then sequenced. The DNA sequences of target gene fragments were acquired through bioinformatics analysis. The sequences were combined with reference sequence data. Phylogenetic analysis was made to identify the species that the DNA sequences belonged to. The places where the deceased could have lived for a long time were inferred, according to the distribution information of plant species. Results Gene fragments of 32 plant species which belonged to 31 genera of 27 families were in the lung tissues of the deceased. Among them, plants of 9 genera that had certain indicative function were mainly endemic plants from Hainan, Guangdong, Guangxi and Yunnan. These results showed that the deceased may have stayed in these areas for a long time before death. After further investigation, the victim was confirmed to have come from a county in southern Guangxi, which was in accordance with the research results. Conclusion The method of using gene information of plants from lung tissues of human bodies to infer places of residence can assist inference of the places where the deceased could have lived for a long time. The present study may also provide new ideas for locating sources of the corpses in cases with unidentified victims.

Microcos paniculata: a review on its botany, traditional uses, phytochemistry and pharmacology / 中国天然药物

The shrub Microcos paniulata (MPL; Tiliaceae), distributed in south China, south and southeast Asia, yields a phytomedicine used to treat heat stroke, fever, dyspepsia, diarrhea, insect bites and jaundice. Phytochemical investigations on different parts of MPL indicate the presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, triterpenoids and organic acids. The MPL leaves, fruits, barks and roots extracts showed antidiarrheal, antimicrobial and insecticidal, anti-inflammation, hepatoprotective, cardiovascular protective, blood lipids reducing, analgesic, jaundice-relieving and antipyretic activities, etc. The review aims to summary the traditional uses, botany, phytochemistry, pharmacological bioactivity, quality control, toxicology and potential mechanisms of MPL. Additionally, this review will highlight the existing research gaps in knowledge and provide a foundation for further investigations on this plant.

Bioprospecção no cerrado: fitoquímica foliar de Justicia Nodicaulis (Nees) Leonard (Acanthaceae) ocorrente em cerrado goiano / Foliar Phytochemistry of Justicia Nodicaulis (Nees) Leonard (Acanthaceae) occurrent in cerrado from Goias

O gênero Justicia L. pode ser considerado o maior gênero de Acanthaceae, com cerca de 600 espécies. No gênero Justicia são relatados a presença de lignanas, flavanóides, terpenóides e alcaloides, que possuem grande importância na farmacologia. Neste estudo, o objetivo consistiu em observar e registrar as principais classes de metabólitos secundários das estruturas foliares da espécie Justicia nodicaulis (Nees) Leonard, ocorrente na área de Preservação Ambiental na Unidade Experimental do Centro Universitário de Anápolis ­ GO. Foram reunidas porções de folhas jovens (proporção de tamanho menor) e adultas (proporção de tamanho maior), sendo preferivelmente extraídas descensionalmente do terceiro nó, identificadas logo abaixo da extremidade da espécime, coletou-se amostras de 10 espécimes de J. nodicaulis (Nees) Leonard ao longo do córrego da área experimental do Centro Universitário de Anápolis. Materiais que foram adquiridos com o objetivo de realizar a prospecção fitoquímica e levantamento dos óleos essenciais. Para a análise qualitativa das classes de metabólicos secundários mais ocorrentes na espécie, utilizou-se metodologias descritas nas literaturas da ciência da fitoquímica. Entre os resultados, foram obtidos nas folhas novas e adultas, cumarinas, taninos, heterosídeos antraquinônicos, flavonóides, cardioativos e saponínicos. Entre o levantamento dos óleos essenciais foram obtidos 49 integrantes mais ocorrentes da literatura analisada.

The genus Justicia L. can be considered the largest genus of Acanthaceae, with about 600 species. In the Justicia genus, the presence of lignans, flavonoids, terpenoids and alkaloids are reported, which are of great importance in pharmacology. The objective of this study was to observe and record the main classes of secondary metabolites of the leaf structures of the species Justicia nodicaulis (Nees) Leonard, occurring in the area of Environmental Preservation at the University Center of Anápolis - GO. Portions of young leaves (proportion of smaller size) and adults (larger size ratio) were collected, preferably being extracted descendingly from the third node, identified just below the end of the specimen, samples were collected from 10 specimens of J. nodicaulis (Nees ) Leonard along the creek of the experimental area of the University Center of Anápolis. Materials that were purchased for the purpose of performing the phytochemical prospecting and survey of the essential oils. For the qualitative analysis of the classes of secondary metabolites most present in the species, we used methodologies described in the literature of the science of phytochemistry. Among the results, new and adult leaves, coumarins, tannins, anthraquinone heterosides, flavonoids, cardioactive and saponin were obtained. Between the survey of the essential oils, 49 members were obtained more occurring in the analyzed literature.

Botanical Knowledge in the Law Enforcement: a Preliminary Approach Towards its Potential Use in Brazilian Criminal Caseworks

ABSTRACT We surveyed Brazilian forensic institutes in order to provide a baseline for botanical knowledge used in forensic applications. Our approach provides a better understanding of the law enforcement dynamics as a whole, and establishes perspectives and guidelines for implementing this discipline in Brazil, enhancing the elucidative power of Brazilian forensic institutes.

The practice and discussion of innovative teaching in the field practice of pharmaceutical botany / 中华医学教育探索杂志

Field practice teaching is an important part in pharmaceutical botany. According to the problems in the traditional field practice, an innovative system of field practice teaching was built. A series of reform and innovation was integrating and rationally allocating the existing resources. Combining the tra-ditional cognitive practice teaching and self-study, image-text card of medicinal plant was edited to enrich the teaching content, and the diversification of evaluation methods was proposed. This method could mobi-lize the enthusiasm of the students, improve the comprehensive quality of students and obtain good teaching effect.