Structural elucidation of novel pro-inflammatory polysaccharides from Daphne mezereum L.

Daphne mezereum L., an important medicinal plant in Scandinavian folk medicine, was used to treat ailments such as diarrhea, swelling and stomach pain. A range of natural compounds have been isolated, but little attention has been given to the polysaccharides in this plant.

Complex interactions of cellular players in chronic Graft-versus-Host Disease.

Chronic Graft-versus-Host Disease is a life-threatening inflammatory condition that affects many patients after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Although we have made substantial progress in understanding disease pathogenesis and the role of specific immune cell subsets, treatment options are still limited. To date, we lack a global understanding of the interplay between the different cellular players involved, in the affected tissues and at different stages of disease development and progression.

Phytochemical characterization and anti-inflammatory activity of a water extract of Gentiana purpurea roots.

Ethnopharmacological Relevance: Gentiana purpurea was one of the most important medicinal plants in Norway during the 18th and 19th centuries, and the roots were used against different types of gastrointestinal and airway diseases.

Aim Of The Study: To explore the content of bioactive compounds in a water extract from the roots, a preparation commonly used in traditional medicine in Norway, to assess the anti-inflammatory potential, and furthermore to quantify the major bitter compounds in both roots and leaves.

Materials And Methods: G.

The discovery of novel immunomodulatory medicinal plants by combination of historical text reviews and immunological screening assays.

Ethnopharmacological Relevance: With the advent of immunotherapies against cancers, autoimmune diseases and infections, there is a steady demand for novel medicines. New sources for discovery of potentially novel immunomodulatory compounds are therefore needed. Nature contains a large and diverse reservoir of novel compounds that can be exploited for their potential as new drugs, and exploring the pharmaceutical potential of medicinal plants used in traditional medicine is highly relevant.