Quality Evaluation of Lonicerae Flos Produced in Southwest China Based on HPLC Analysis and Antioxidant Activity.

, the main source of traditional Chinese medicine Lonicerae Flos, is extensively cultivated in Southwest China. However, the quality of produced in this region significantly varies due to its wide distribution and various cultivation breeds. Herein, 50 Lonicerae Flos samples derived from different breeds of cultivated in Southwest China were collected for quality evaluation.

Multi-Omics Analysis Reveals the Resistance Mechanism and the Pathogens Causing Root Rot of .

is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb used for more than 2,000 years. Root rot in can cause brown discoloration (necrosis) in the fibrous roots and rhizomes, leading to plants wilting and dying. However, little information exists about the resistance mechanism and the potential pathogens of the root rot of plants.

Genetic analysis of Curcuma species from Asia based on intron regions of genes encoding diketide-CoA synthase and curcumin synthase.

Intron length polymorphism (ILP) markers in genes encoding diketide-CoA synthase (DCS) and curcumin synthase (CURS) showed high identification rates in 13 Curcuma species from Asia. However, the sequences of the intron regions have not yet been analyzed. To elucidate the sequence differences in intron regions of the DCS and CURS genes and to search for specific sequences suitable for the identification of Curcuma species, a large number of sequences were determined through subcloning coupled with sequencing analysis of six Curcuma plant specimens belonging to five species that showed distinct ILP patterns.

Discrimination of Curcuma species from Asia using intron length polymorphism markers in genes encoding diketide-CoA synthase and curcumin synthase.

Recently, Curcuma rhizome-related foods with claimed health benefits have been used worldwide; however, correct identification and quality assessment have not been conducted. Due to the wide distribution and morphological similarities of Curcuma species, the classification of some species is debated and nomenclature is inconsistent among countries. In this study, to elucidate specific molecular markers of medicinally used Curcuma species in Asia, and to solve the confusion on the reported botanical origin of crude drugs, molecular analysis based on the intron length polymorphism (ILP) in genes encoding diketide-CoA synthase and curcumin synthase and the trnK intron sequences was performed using 59 plant specimens and 42 crude drug samples from 13 Curcuma species, obtained from Asian countries.

Genetic identification of medicinally used Salacia species by nrDNA ITS sequences and a PCR-RFLP assay for authentication of Salacia-related health foods.

Ethnopharmacological Relevance: The roots and stems of several Salacia species have been used as traditional medicines, especially in Ayurvedic medical system for the treatment of diabetes, rheumatism, gonorrhea, amenorrhea, skin diseases, etc. Due to reported evidence supporting Salacia's beneficial effects in early-stage diabetes and other lifestyle-related diseases, Salacia-based dietary supplements and health foods have been gaining popularity in Japan and other countries in recent years. However, due to the morphological similarities between Salacia plants, particularly in the medicinally used parts (roots and stems), the authentication of the botanical identities of Salacia-derived products is challenging.