Astragalusliuaiminii, a new species of Astragalus (Fabaceae) from Xinjiang, China.

A new species, Astragalusliuaiminii Z. Z. Yang & Q. R. Liu (Fabaceae), is described and illustrated from Xinjiang Province, China. The new species is close to A.wenquanensis S. B. Ho, but differs from the latter by leaves having a single leaflet (vs. 3-5 leaflets), and inflorescences with 1-2 flowers (vs. inflorescences with 5-7 flowers). It is also similar to A.monophyllus Maxim in leaf shape, but differs by its calyx expanding to become saccate and totally enveloping the pod (vs. calyx tubular, and ruptured by pod after flowering).

A new combination and synonym in Bupleurum (Apiaceae, Apioideae), based on morphological, molecular and cytological evidence.

Specimen examinations and field observations revealed that Bupleurumsmithiivar.parvifolium was distinctly different from B.smithiivar.smithii in umbel, leaf, and fruit morphology, but was very similar to B.commelynoideumvar.flaviflorum. Based on these morphological evidences, the present study re-examined the taxonomic status of these taxa through morphological, cytological, and phylogenetic analyses. The results showed distinguishable features in the width of middle leaves and bracteoles of B.smithiivar.parvifolium compared to B.smithiivar.smithii. Morphological variation between B.smithiivar.parvifolium and B.commelynoideumvar.flaviflorum was continuous and overlapping. Notably, the chromosome number of B.smithiivar.parvifolium was 2n = 14 (x = 7), consistent with B.commelynoideumvar.flaviflorum, whereas B.smithiivar.smithii was 2n = 64 (x = 8). Additionally, phylogenetic analyses revealed B.commelynoideumvar.flaviflorum nested within B.smithiivar.parvifolium, and that both were distant from the B.smithiivar.smithii and B.commelynoideumvar.commelynoideum. Based on the evidence above, the differences between B.smithiivar.parvifolium and B.smithiivar.smithii extend beyond the level of intraspecific variation, and B.commelynoideumvar.flaviflorum is considered to be identical with B.smithiivar.parvifolium. Hence. A new combination and status, B.parvifolium (Shan & Y.Li) Q.R.Liu & L.H.Wang, comb. et stat. nov., is proposed. Furthermore, B.commelynoideumvar.flaviflorum should be treated as a synonym of B.parvifolium.

The identity of Bupleurumjeholense (Apiaceae).

Bupleurumjeholense Nakai (Apioideae, Apiaceae), originally found in the Wuling Mountain of China, was initially described as a species but later treated as a variety of B.sibiricum Vest ex Spreng. However, researchers have recently found that it is more closely related to B.chinense DC. In this study, we conducted morphological and phylogenetic analyses as well as chromosome counting to determine the taxonomic status of B.sibiricumvar.jeholense (Nakai) Chu. Our results showed that B.sibiricumvar.jeholense and B.chinense share common features (i.e., bracteoles 5 and stem solid) that distinguish both from B.sibiricumvar.sibiricum. The chromosome number of B.sibiricumvar.jeholense was found to be the same as in B.chinense (i.e., 2n = 12), whereas the chromosome number of B.sibiricumvar.sibiricum was 64. A phylogenetic tree based on complete chloroplast genome data revealed a close relationship between B.sibiricumvar.jeholense and B.chinense. Finally, B.sibiricumvar.jeholense and B.chinense were mainly found to differ in plant height, number of stems, and middle stem leaves. Based on this evidence, we propose a new combination: Bupleurumchinensevar.jeholense (Nakai) Q.R.Liu & L.H.Wang.

Phylogeny, biogeography, and character evolution of Anaphalis (Gnaphalieae, Asteraceae).

The HAP clade, mainly including Helichrysum Mill, Anaphalis DC., and Pseudognaphalium Kirp., is a major component of tribe Gnaphalieae (Asteraceae). In this clade, Anaphalis represents the largest genus of Asian Gnaphalieae. The intergeneric relationships among Anaphalis and its related genera and the infrageneric taxonomy of this genus are complex and remain controversial. However, there are few studies that have focused on these issues. Herein, based on the current most comprehensive sampling of the HAP clade, especially Anaphalis, we conducted phylogenetic analyses using chloroplast (cp) genome and nuclear ribosomal DNA (nrDNA) to evaluate the relationships within HAP clade, test the monophyly of Anaphalis, and examine the infrageneric taxonomy of this genus. Meanwhile, the morphological characters were verified to determine the circumscription and infrageneric taxonomy system of Anaphalis. Additionally, the biogeographical history, diversification processes, and evolution of crucial morphological characters were estimated and inferred. Our phylogenetic analyses suggested that Anaphalis is polyphyletic because it nested with Helichrysum and Pseudognaphalium. Two and four main clades of Anaphalis were identified in cp genome and nrDNA trees, respectively. Compared with nrDNA trees, the cp genome trees were more effective for phylogenetic resolution. After comprehensively analyzing morphological and phylogenetic evidence, it was concluded that the achene surface ornamentation and leaf base showed less homoplasy and supported the two Anaphalis lineages that were inferred from cp genome. Our biogeographical analyses based on cp genome indicated that HAP clade underwent rapid diversification from late Miocene to Pliocene. The two Anaphalis lineages appeared to have originated in Africa, then spread to Western and Southern Asia, and subsequently moved into Southwestern China forming a diversity center. The dispersal patterns of the two Anaphalis lineages were different. One dispersed around the world, except in Africa and South America. The other one dispersed to Eastern and Southeastern Asia from the ancestral origin region.

Parallel evolution, atavism, and extensive introgression explain the radiation of Epimedium sect. Diphyllon (Berberidaceae) in southern East Asia.

East Asia is the richest region of plant biodiversity in the northern temperate zone, and its radiation provides key insights for understanding rapid speciation, including evolutionary patterns and processes. However, it is challenging to investigate the recent evolutionary radiation among plants because of the lack of genetic divergence, phenotypic convergence, and interspecific gene flow. Epimedium sect. Diphyllon is a rarely studied plant lineage endemic to East Asia, especially highly diversified in its southern part. In this study, we report a robust phylogenomic analysis based on genotyping-by-sequencing data of this lineage. The results revealed a clear biogeographic pattern for Epimedium sect. Diphyllon with recognition into two major clades corresponding to the Sino-Himalayan and Sino-Japanese subkingdoms of East Asian Flora and rapid diversification of the extant species dated to the Pleistocene. Evolutionary radiation of Epimedium sect. Diphyllon is characterized by recent and predominant parallel evolution and atavism between the two subkingdom regions, with extensive reticulating hybridization within each region during the course of diversification in southern East Asia. A parallel-atavism-introgression hypothesis is referred to in explaining the radiation of plant diversity in southern East Asia, which represents a potential model for the rapid diversification of plants under global climate cooling in the late Tertiary. Our study advances our understanding of the evolutionary processes of plant radiation in East Asia as well as in other biodiversity hotspot regions.

Phylogeny of Trigonotis in China-with a special reference to its nutlet morphology and plastid genome.

The genus Trigonotis comprises nearly 60 species mainly distributed in East and Southeast Asia. China has the largest number of Trigonotis species in the world, with a total of 44 species, of which 38 are endemic. Nutlet morphology is useful for the taxonomic delimitation of Trigonotis. However, there are still controversial circumscriptions of nutlet shape in some species. In previous studies, interspecies phylogenetic relationships were inferred using few DNA markers and very few taxa, which possibly led to erroneous or incomplete conclusions. In this study, the nutlet morphology of 39 Trigonotis taxa and the characteristics of 34 complete chloroplast genomes (29 taxa) were investigated and analyzed. Then, the phylogenetic relationships were discussed within this genus based on complete chloroplast genomes. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first comprehensive analysis of nutlet morphology and complete chloroplast genome of Trigonotis. Based on nutlet morphology, Trigonotis can be divided into two groups: Group 1, hemispherical or oblique tetrahedron with carpopodiums, and Group 2, inverted tetrahedron without carpopodiums. The chloroplast genome of Trigonotis exhibited a typical quadripartite structure, including 84-86 protein-coding, 37 transfer RNA, and 8 ribosomal RNA genes, with a total length of 147,247-148,986 bp. Genes in the junctions were well conserved in Trigonotis, similar to those in other Boraginaceae s.str. species. Furthermore, Trigonotis chloroplast genomes showed relatively high diversity, with more conserved genic regions than intergenic regions; in addition, we detected 14 hot spots (Pi > 0.005) in non-coding regions. Phylogenetic analyses based on chloroplast genome data identified highly resolved relationships between Trigonotis species. Specifically, Trigonotis was divided into two clades with strong support: one clade included species with hemispherical or oblique tetrahedron nutlets with carpopodiums and bracts, whereas the other clade included species with inverted tetrahedron nutlets without carpopodiums or bracts. Our results may inform future taxonomic, phylogenetic, and evolutionary studies on Boraginaceae.

A new species of Argyreia (Convolvulaceae) from Yunnan, China.

Argyreiasubrotunda, a new species from Yunnan Province, China, is described and illustrated. The new species resembles A.fulvocymosa and A.wallichii, but differs from these in the flowers with an entire or shallowly lobed corolla, as well as smaller elliptic bracts, lax flat-topped cymes and shorter corolla tubes. An updated key to the species of Argyreia from Yunnan province is also provided.

A new combination in Pseudolappula (Boraginaceae, Rochelieae) based on morphological, molecular and palynological evidence.

Lappulasinaica was recently transferred to the monotypic genus Pseudolappula based on phylogenetic studies, while the related species, L.occultata, has remained in the genus Lappula. In this study, morphological, molecular, and palynological evidence supports that L.occultata should be transferred to the genus Pseudolappula. Both L.occultata and P.sinaica share a combination of nutlets features that distinguish them from Lappula: a longer adaxial keel and a linear attachment scar. Phylogenetic analysis based on ITS and trnL-F strongly supports L.occultata as the sister taxon of P.sinaica. In addition, pollen grains of these two species are 3-syncolporate with 3 alternating pseudocolpi, which is significantly different from the grains of Lappula taxa. Based on the above evidence, the new combination Pseudolappulaoccultata is proposed.

Onosma fuyunensis (Boraginaceae), a new species from Xinjiang, China.

Onosma fuyunensis, a new species of Boraginaceae from northern Xinjiang, China, is described and illustrated here. Onosma fuyunensis is similar to O. simplicissima and O. gmelinii; it differs in having a particularly bristly indumentum, unbranched stems, white and yellow corollas, anthers united only at base, and nutlets with a stipitate cicatrix. An updated key to the species of Onosma from Xinjiang and Altai Mountains is also provided.

Spiradicliskarstana (Rubiaceae), a new species from Yunnan, China.

Spiradicliskarstana, a new species of Spiradiclis (Rubiaceae) collected from Yunnan, China, is described for the first time. It is morphologically close to S.jingxiensis, but differs from the latter mainly by its inflorescences with 5-9 flowers, its 1.5-2.4 mm long peduncles, its stipules shorter than 1 mm and the 5-12 pairs of secondary veins. The conservation status is assessed as "Vulnerable" (VU) according to the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria.

Toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids provide a warning sign to overuse of the ethnomedicine Arnebia benthamii.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: From early times man has used medicinal plants for the treatment of various ailments and basic health care needs. The use of herbal medicines has increased day by day and with this, so do reports of adverse events, poisoning, and suspected toxicity. Similarly, the indigenous communities of Neelum Valley in Azad Kashmir commonly use Arnebia benthamii (Wall. ex G.Don) I.M.Johnst. for medicinal purposes to treat various human aliments. Besides their medicinal uses, it also contains hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs). AIM OF THE STUDY: This explorative study underscores two major aspects about this herbal medicine. Firstly we aimed to document the traditional therapeutic uses of Arnebia benthamii in Neelum Valley, Azad Kashmir. Secondly, to determine the presence or absence of hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids and if they are within the suggested limit for the use of herbs in excess. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Interviews, group discussions, and inquiries were carried out from July to September 2016 with local indigenous and elder people. In the laboratory, the plant was investigated for pyrrolizidine alkaloids by using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). RESULTS: A total of 30 respondents were interviewed. They explained the preferred preparation, parts used, and treatment indications. Treatment of fever along with kidney and liver problems are the three principle uses. Among the different parts of Arnebia benthamii, 43% respondents preferred aerial parts for the herbal formulation, followed by whole plants, and leaves. Decoction was the major mode of preparation and all herbal preparations were administrated orally. This study reports, for the first time according to our literature review, a study of Arnebia benthamii with regard to PA determination. By using column Zorbax SB-Aq and acetonitrile-water gradient as the mobile phase, HPLC results showed that the aerial parts of the plant were PA positive, and (1) Europine, Heliotrine (2), Lycopsamine (3), and Echimidine (4) were identified. CONCLUSIONS: This study has revealed two new findings of significance to herbal medicine producers, practitioners, and consumers of Arnebia benthamii First, local knowledge regarding the medicinal uses of Arnebia benthamii were documented in five sites of Neelum Valley, Azad Kashmir. The use of this plant by a large part of the population in the study area shows the importance for their therapeutic benefits. Unfortunately, the second finding of this study shows that Arnebia benthamii contains hepatotoxic PAs. Hence, we advised to the government regulatory authorities and non-governmental organizations that use of this plant as herbal medicine should be excluded before more accurate quality control tests.

Ethnopharmacological documentation of medicinal plants used for hypertension among the local communities of DIR Lower, Pakistan.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Local communities of the Dir Lower district in Northwest Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan rely on botanical anti-hypertensive preparations. Insights into the traditional uses of local flora can direct investigation into phytochemical screening. AIM OF THE STUDY: This ethnobotanical study aims to identify plant species and recipes used by the local people for the treatment of hypertension in the district of Dir Lower. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Inquiries and interviews were carried out from November 2012 to December 2013 from local herbalist and indigenous communities including village elders. RESULTS: A total of 46 plant species (43 genera and 29 botanical families) used by local people of study area to treat hypertension. Family Lamiaceae dominated with the highest percentage 15.21% (7 species). With respect to growth form, herbs constituted (63.05%), shrubs (30.43%) and trees (6.52%). Leaves (37.25%) were the most frequently used part in herbal preparations. The major mode of preparation was decoction (46.66%) and almost all recipes were orally administered. Use values (UV) revealed that the most preferred species for the treatment of hypertension by the indigenous community are Paeonia emodi Wall. ex Royle., followed by Sarcococca saligna (D. Don) Muell. Arg., Fumaria indica (Hausskn.) Pugsley and Teucrium stocksianum Boiss. Amongst the 46 medicinal plants, antihypertensive activity of 16 plants included Artemisia vulgiris L., Artemisia annua L., Sisymbrium brassiciforme C. A. Mey., T. stocksianum Boiss, Cichorium intybus L., Rosa brunonii Lindl., Chenopodium botrys L., Olea ferruginea Royle, Cotoneaster acuminatus Lindl, S. saligna (D. Don) Muell. Arg., Viola canescens Wall. ex Roxb, P. emodi Wall. ex Royle, Asparagus gracilis Royle, Maytenus royleanus (Wall. ex Lawson), Allium jacquemontii Kunth and Onosma hispidum Wall has not been reported previously in the scientific literature. CONCLUSIONS: Dir lower is a rich and biodiverse area of medicinal plant. The large number of plant species used for hypertension in this area shows the importance of herbal medicine in the primary health care of this remote area. In future studies, the plant should be further screened for phytochemical and new medicinal properties.

Chemical composition and insecticidal activity of the essential oil of Artemisia eriopoda against maize weevil, Sitophilus zeamais.

In our screening program for new agrochemicals from local wild plants, Artemisia eriopoda was found to possess insecticidal activities against the maize weevil, Sitophilus zeamais. The essential oil of the aerial parts of A. eriopoda was obtained by hydrodistillation and investigated by GC and GC-MS. The main components of the essential oil are germacrene D (21.6%) and eucalyptol (14.2%). The essential oil possesses fumigant toxicity against S. zeamais adults with a LC50 value of 11.5 mg/L air and also shows contact toxicity against S. zeamais adults with a LD50 value of 24.8 microg/adult, respectively.

Chemical composition and insecticidal activity of the essential oil of Amethystea caerulea L.

The essential oil of the aerial parts of Amethystea caerulea L. was obtained from steam distillation and investigated by GC and GC-MS. The main components of the essential oil were morrilol (25.1%), 4-vinylguaiacol (14.3%) and acetoanisole (14.3%), followed by linalool (6.6%), eugenol (5.8%) and α-caryophyllene (5.2%). The essential oil showed pronounced contact toxicity against Drosophila melanogaster L. and maize weevil, Sitophilus zeamais (Motsch.), with LD(50) values of 5.18 and 50.45 µg per adult, respectively. The essential oil also possessed strong fumigant toxicity against the maize weevils with an LC(50) value of 25.39 µg mL(-1).

Flavans from Iris tenuifolia and their effects on ß-amyloid aggregation and neural stem cells proliferation in vitro.

Two new flavans (1, 2) and a new flavanone (3), together with three known compounds (4-6), were isolated from the roots of Iris tenuifolia. Their structures were elucidated by means of spectroscopic methods including 1D and 2D NMR techniques and mass spectrometry. Compounds 1, 4, and 6 were further confirmed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Biological evaluation showed that compounds 1 and 4 were positive in inhibiting ß-amyloid (Aß) aggregation and promoting neural stem cells (NSCs) proliferation, respectively.

Insecticidal activity and chemical composition of the essential oils of Artemisia lavandulaefolia and Artemisia sieversiana from China.

In our screening program for new agrochemicals from local wild plants, Artemisia lavandulaefolia and A. sieversiana were found to possess insecticidal activity against the maize weevil Sitophilus zeamais. The essential oils of the aerial parts of the two plants were obtained by hydrodistillation and analyzed by GC and GC/MS. The main components of A. lavandulaefolia oil were caryophyllene (15.5%), beta-thujone (13.8%), eucalyptol (13.1%), and beta-farnesene (12.3%), and the principal compounds identified in A. sieversiana oil were eucalyptol (9.2%), geranyl butyrate (9.2%), borneol (7.9%), and camphor (7.9%). The essential oils of A. lavandulaefolia and A. sieversiana possessed fumigant toxicity against S. zeamais adults with LC(50) values of 11.2 and 15.0 mg/l air, respectively. Both essential oils also showed contact toxicity against S. zeamais adults with LD(50) values of 55.2 and 112.7 microg/adult, respectively.

Chemical composition and insecticidal activity against Sitophilus zeamais of the essential oils of Artemisia capillaris and Artemisia mongolica.

In our screening program for new agrochemicals from local wild plants, Artemisia capillaris and A. mongolica were found to possess insecticidal activity against the maize weevil, Sitophilus zeamais. The essential oils of aerial parts of the two plants were obtained by hydrodistillation and were investigated by GC and GC-MS. The main components of A. capillaris essential oil were 1,8-cineole (13.75%), germacrene D (10.41%), and camphor (8.57%). The main constituents of A. mongolica essential oil were alpha-pinene (12.68%), germacrene D (8.36%), and gamma-terpinene (8.17%). Essential oils of A. capillaris and A. mongolica possess fumigant toxicity against S. zeamais adults with LC50 values of 5.31 and 7.35 mg/L respectively. The essential oils also show contact toxicity against S. zeamais adults with LD50 values of 105.95 and 87.92 microg/adult, respectively.