The traditional Chinese medicine Cordyceps sinensis and its effects on apoptotic homeostasis.

Cordyceps sinensis is a medicinal fungus of Traditional Chinese Medicine. While there are a wide range of reported uses of Cordyceps sinensis in the literature, the reports that extracts of this fungus may alter apoptotic homeostasis are most intriguing. However, there are significant challenges regarding research surrounding Cordyceps sinensis, such as the difficulty identifying the various species of Cordyceps and the many conflicting reports of pharmacological function in the literature. In this review we outline what is known about the ability of Cordyceps sinensis to alter apoptotic homeostasis, attempt to reconcile the differences in reported function, identify the challenges surrounding future Cordyceps sinensis research, and delineate options for overcoming these critical hurdles.

Bioprospecting Rumphius's Ambonese Herbal: Volume I.

Collaborating with traditional healers remains a valid method for the identification of potential lead compounds for novel pharmaceuticals. However, the knowledge of these traditional healers is rapidly being lost. Historic herbal texts provide a unique window to identify plants whose specific uses are no longer known. We have identified nine plants in the 17th century Ambonese Herbal: Volume I which were documented as having medicinal properties but which have not been examined in the current literature. We demonstrate that by evaluating plant and herb efficacy reports from historic texts, in the context of comprehensive modern databases such as NAPRALERT, we can ultimately identify candidate specimens deserving further pharmacological study.