ABSTRACT
A number of species of the genus Phyllanthus (Euphorbiaceae) have been tested for their efficacy as antivirals, partly on the basis of references to traditional usage for the treatment of diseases possibly having a viral origin. There are also many references to indigenous uses and to laboratory assays for other biological activities in this large genus (550+ species). These citations have been arranged by subgenus, section, subsection and species and have been published in three previous papers. This paper summarizes selected clustering of usage and effect by subgeneric taxa. Consideration of the data from ethnobotany, in vitro assays and clinical trials supported the presence of some type of biological activity(s) particularly within the subgenus Phyllanthus. Although the herbaceous species of subgenus Phyllanthus have been extensively used to treat jaundice, and have generally inhibited hepadnavirus DNAp, effects on chronic infection with hepatitis B virus (HBV) or related viruses have generally been negative. Alternative explanations for the wide usage have been little explored. Other medical categories suggested possible leads for research, or possibly, herbal or galenic remedies with bona fide effects. In most cases, the data remain suggestive but not conclusive.
Subject(s)
Antiviral Agents/pharmacology , Plants, Medicinal/chemistry , Animals , Antiviral Agents/chemistry , Antiviral Agents/isolation & purification , HumansABSTRACT
References to either indigenous uses or the results of controlled assays are numerous for species of Phyllanthus (Euphorbiaceae). These citations have been arranged by subgenus, section, subsection and species and will be published in four papers, including (in Part IV) analysis, discussion and conclusions concerning apparent clustering of some uses or effects within taxa. This paper (Part III) covers the subgenera Eriococcus, Conami, Gomphidium, Botryanthus, Xylophylla and Phyllanthodendron, and also includes a list of the species cited in this three-part series.
Subject(s)
Plants, Medicinal , Biological Assay , Medicine, Traditional , Plants, Medicinal/classificationABSTRACT
References to either indigenous uses or the results of controlled assays are numerous for species of Phyllanthus (Euphorbiaceae). These citations have been arranged by subgenus, section, subsection and species and will be published in four parts, including (Part IV) analysis, discussion and conclusions concerning apparent clustering of some uses or effects within taxa. This paper (Part II) covers the subgenus Phyllanthus.
Subject(s)
Medicine, Traditional , Plants, Medicinal , HumansABSTRACT
References to either indigenous uses or the results of controlled assays are numerous for species of Phyllanthus (Euphorbiaceae). These citations have been arranged by subgenus, section, subsection and species and will be published as three separate papers, followed by a paper discussing the apparent clustering of some uses or effects within taxa. This paper, the first of the series, covers the subgenera Isocladus, Kirganelia, Cicca and Emblica.
Subject(s)
Plants, Medicinal , Humans , Medicine, Traditional , Plants, Medicinal/analysis , Plants, Medicinal/classificationABSTRACT
Feces from three racial categories of cattle being raised together in degraded, desertic-thorn forest environment in northwestern Mexico were compared for plant epidermal cell content. There were statistically significant group differences for approximately one-third of the plant material found in the feces. The proportional fecal differences between racial categories were similar to those found previously for B-system blood types. The feces of Bos taurus-like cattle contained a greater variety of plants than did those of B indicus-like animals. The findings have implications for studies of behavioral evolution, the effects of cattle on ecology, and cattle husbandry.
