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• The Zulus engage in complementary and alternative medicine through a traditional healing system known as izangoma. • The first review of the antidiabetic medicinal plants commonly used by the Zulus of Kwazulu-Natal province of South Africa. • The list includes local and botanical names, the parts commonly used, isolated bioactive principles and their reported mechanisms of action. • 38 plants covering 20 families were identified with Asteraceae accounting for 34.2% and the leaves was the most used plant part (50 %). • 29 have been scientifically validated while nine lack scientific verification. Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. Its conventional management involves diet modification, exercise, and majorly the use of synthetic drugs, which may be ineffective, have adverse effects, and of relatively expensive costs. To mitigate the downsides of the available treatments, alternative therapies from medicinal plants are commonly sought by different ethnic groups including the Zulus. This paper appraised the antidiabetic plants used by the Zulus, their local and botanical names, the parts commonly used, isolated bioactive principles and their reported mechanisms of action. 38 plants covering 20 families were identified with Asteraceae accounting for 31.57 % and the leaves was the most used plant part (50 %). Out of the 38 plants identified, 28 have been scientifically validated using in vitro/in vivo models but identifying the plant with the most potent hypoglycemic activity remains challenging due to variations in biological activities. Important antidiabetic agents such as quercetin, squalene, kaempferol, isomukaadial acetate, phytol, sitosterol, apigenin, catechin and their derivates have been isolated and characterized from the verified plants though, more scientific exploration is required to develop these principles into valuable antidiabetic medications with establish mechanism of action. Scientists therefore needs to beam their searchlight and dedicate resources to the rich botanicals of the Zulu land with the view to providing indigenous solutions that can be incorporated into modern medicine for diabetes management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon dots (CDs), which belong to the class of zero‐dimensional carbon‐based nanomaterials, have garnered significant interest owing to their wide array of applications spanning from the electronics industry to the healthcare sector. This work employs a facile, inexpensive approach to synthesize green luminescent carbon dots (J‐10) from a potential medicinal plant named Justicia Wynaadensis by the one‐step hydrothermal method. A nanocomposite (JT‐10) of the CDs is prepared by adding TiO2 nanoparticles derived from green synthesis of Lavandula leaves. The J‐10 and JT‐10 are further characterized by X‐ray Diffraction spectroscopy (XRD), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Raman analysis X‐ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), and Fourier transform infrared techniques (FTIR), UV–vis spectroscopy, Photoluminescence (PL), and Fluorescence or PL lifetime analysis. The average size of synthesized CDs is 1.85 nm and exhibits an excitation‐dependent fluorescence nature at 320 nm. PL lifetime analysis of J‐10 and JT‐10 is calculated to be 5.80 and 2.84 ns respectively. Offering these unique optical properties and biocompatibility, the synthesised material is suitable for investigating their binding affinity and interaction mechanisms with DNA. The use of JT‐10 in DNA binding studies contributes to the development of sustainable and efficient nanomaterials for applications in biosensors, drug delivery, and gene therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Cnidoscolus (Euphorbiaceae) contains some species with socioeconomic and cultural relevance in the Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico. There is little published information on the traditional knowledge of this genus, and the recent movements of younger people to more populated cities and towns risks this knowledge being forgotten. To preserve this knowledge, we wanted to answer the questions: what are the species or varieties of the plant with the generic name chaya that the contemporary Maya population uses in the Yucatan Peninsula, and in which agroecosystems are these species or varieties found? Nine local communities were selected for interviews in which the general population and healers shared their knowledge about the uses and management of Cnidoscolus spp. Through these interviews, we identified eight species or cultivars used by these communities: six cultivars of C. aconitifolius ( chay , makat chay , chay sin espinas, ch'inch'in chay , tsaj , and tsaj / hoja de papaya), C. multilobus ( tsaj ), and C. souzae ( tsaj ). Within homegardens chay , makat chay and chay sin espinas are utilized for their feeding, medicinal and fodder value; while ch'inch'in chay and tsaj are utilized for their feeding, medicinal, and living-fence potential. In paddocks, ch'inch'in chay and tsaj are utilized as livestock feed. Tsaj is used for handcrafts, and tsaj / hoja de papaya possesses spiritual-religious attributes. The feeding, medicinal, fodder, living-fence, spiritual-religious, and handcraft potential of species and cultivars of Cnidoscolus reflect their biocultural importance for Maya inhabiting the peninsula of Yucatan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, the supercritical CO2 extraction method has gained attention due to its use of environmentally friendly, non-toxic solvents, ability to operate at lower temperatures that do not cause the degradation of bioactive compounds, and capacity for rapid extraction. This method is particularly notable for isolating bioactive compounds from plants. The extracts obtained have shown superior properties due to their activity against diseases such as cancer, which is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. The aim of this study is to provide an in-depth understanding of the supercritical CO2 extraction method, as well as to discuss its advantages and disadvantages. Furthermore, the study includes specific data on various plant materials, detailing the following parameters: plant name and region, bioactive compounds or compound classes, extraction temperature (°C), pressure (bar), time (minutes), co-solvent used, and flow rate. Additionally, this study covers extensive research on the isolation of bioactive compounds and the efficacy of the obtained extracts against cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Old Uyghur language emerged as a result of translating religious texts. Additionally, there are also written works and fragments that are categorized as non-religious. The collection of texts and fragments includes letters, legal documents, celebration records, calendars, and medical texts. Medical texts are based on ancient medical traditions from different cultures, such as folk medicine, Assyrian, Indian, and Chinese. These texts include the names of plants, animals, minerals, drugs, diseases, treatments, and medical interventions. The earliest research on Old Uyghur medical texts involved the editing of texts. Subsequent to this, there were studies focused on lexicon, encompassing plant names, drug compositions, and related subjects. Furthermore, studies in the field of medical history were conducted to examine the development of these texts in Central Asian Turkish medicine. It is worth noting that Old Uyghur medical texts have largely been published and analyzed for lexical and medical history up to this day. This article presents four previously unpublished fragments on Old Uyghur medicine. The fragments, known as Mainz 353 (T II D 177-1), U 116 (T II K x 12), U 238 (T II D 177; Glas: T II D 177 g), and U 239 (T II D 177; Glas: T II D 177 X), are now part of the Berlin Turfan Collection. This paper presents the transcription, transliteration, Turkish translation, explanations, and dictionary of the aforementioned fragments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Covering 1965 to February 2024 Plants are prolific peptide chemists and are known to make thousands of different peptidic molecules. These peptides vary dramatically in their size, chemistry, and bioactivity. Despite their differences, all plant peptides to date are biosynthesized as ribosomally synthesized and post-translationally modified peptides (RiPPs). Decades of research in plant RiPP biosynthesis have extended the definition and scope of RiPPs from microbial sources, establishing paradigms and discovering new families of biosynthetic enzymes. The discovery and elucidation of plant peptide pathways is challenging due to repurposing and evolution of housekeeping genes as both precursor peptides and biosynthetic enzymes and due to the low rates of gene clustering in plants. In this review, we highlight the chemistry, biosynthesis, and function of the known RiPP classes from plants and recommend a nomenclature for the recent addition of BURP-domain-derived RiPPs termed burpitides. Burpitides are an emerging family of cyclic plant RiPPs characterized by macrocyclic crosslinks between tyrosine or tryptophan side chains and other amino acid side chains or their peptide backbone that are formed by copper-dependent BURP-domain-containing proteins termed burpitide cyclases. Finally, we review the discovery of plant RiPPs through bioactivity-guided, structure-guided, and gene-guided approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The nomenclatural status and typification of the names Arthrocaulon macrostachyum, Salicornia fruticosa, S. fruticosa var. deflexa, S. fruticosa var. glaucescens, S. fruticosa var. intermedia, S. fruticosa var. humilis, S. fruticosa var. pachystachya, S. fruticulosa, S. glauca, S. lignosa, S. macrostachya var. virescens, S. macrostachya var. glaucescens, S. perennis, S. radicans, S. radicans var. caespitosa, S. sarmentosa, S. sempervirens, and S. virginica, as well as an unnamed β-variety of S. fruticosa proposed by A. Bertoloni, are investigated. Concerning A. macrostachyum, we document that the type indicated in literature (G00177362) is not a holotype, and that lectotypification is necessary. A specimen from G (G00687638) is here designated as a lectotype. On the level of variety, Arthrocnemum fruticosum var. macrostachyum is an earlier legitimate name for Salicornia fruticosa var. pachystachya. Furthermore, Piirainen et al. are incorrect when citing Forsskål's "Salicornia" from Alexandria as "S. virginica Forssk."; it is not a new name and should be cited as S. virginica auct. non L., as published in Forsskål's Flora Aegyptiaco-Arabica. Like with numerous other parallel cases in Flora Aegyptiaco-Arabica, Forsskål's designation of "Salicornia virginica" for an Arabian plant is to be considered a misapplication of the earlier Linnaean name for an American plant. Arthrocnemum glaucum (a nomen illegitimum of Ungern-Sternberg), was listed as type species of Arthrocnemum by the Names in Current Use project; the basionym, Salicornia glauca Delile, is here lectotypified and identified as Arthrocaulon meridionale, published by Ramirez et al. Updated synonymies of Arthrocaulon macrostachyum, A. meridionale, Salicornia fruticosa, and S. perennis are proposed. Salicornia sempervirens is an invalid name according to Art. 36.1a of ICN. No original material was found for S. radicans var. caespitosa. This paper also refer to lecto- or neotypifications on specimens deposited at BM, G, LINN-HS, LY, MPU, NAP, and PAL, and their current taxonomic positions are suggested in a taxonomic part of the paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Alcohol-related disorders rank seventh among risk factors for morbidity and mortality globally, posing a significant public health burden. In Africa, including Uganda, there is limited availability and utilization of pharmacotherapies to treat alcohol-related disorders. This study documented medicinal plant species, plant parts used, and the methods of preparation and administration utilized by Traditional Medicine Practitioners (TMPs) in treating alcohol-related disorders in southwestern Uganda. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional ethnopharmacological survey was conducted among TMPs within Bushenyi District, southwestern Uganda. Data was collected with key informant interviews using semi-structured questionnaires. The TMPs identified medicinal plants by local names. Plant specimens were collected and deposited at the Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Mbarara University for identification and voucher numbers allocated. The plant scientific names and species were identified based on the International Plant Names Index. Plant species, family, life form, number of mentions, method of collection, preparation and administration were analyzed using descriptive statistics in Microsoft Excel. The survey data were utilized to compute Frequency of Citation, Relative Frequency of Citation, and Informant Consensus Factor. Results: We enrolled 50 traditional medicine practitioners aged between 34 and 98 years, with a mean age of 67. Approximately two-thirds were female (66%, 33/50), and mean experience in traditional healing was 31 years. The total number of plants identified were 25 belonging to 20 families. The most prevalent plant life form was herbs (36%) while grasses (4%), were the least. Leaves (48%) were the most utilized plant parts with the least utilized being the barks. The most prevalent method, adopted by approximately one-third of the TMPs, involved drying the plant material in the sun. The Informant Consensus Factor was 0.67. Conclusion: The study shows that the traditional medicine practitioners in Bushenyi district use a wide diversity of plants species to treat alcohol related disorders. The relatively high Informant Consensus Factor suggests a significant level of agreement among TMPs regarding the use of the identified plants. We recommend further investigations into phytochemistry, safety, efficacy, and mechanisms of action of the identified plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Systematic attribution of the wood samples collected in 1830 by Pyotr Kostromitinov, the Manager of Fort Ross, a Russian settlement on the Pacific coast of northern California, has been carried out. As some wood samples belong to the taxa that had not been described at the time of their collection, their labels provide interesting evidence for the first steps of botanical exploration of an exotic flora by the Russian colonists who were not professional naturalists. Particularly, Garrya has been recognized by them as Viburnum, Lyonothamnus as Arbutus, and Torreya as Taxus. In contrast, different species of Ceanothus have been referred not only to this genus, but also to Rhamnus and Laurus. The meanings of some Russian vernacular plant names mentioned in the published historical documents have been clarified. For instance, lavr (laurel) was used not only for California laurel Umbellularia californica, but also for some Ceanothus species (probably C. velutinus). The reference of the vernacular name chaga to Sequoia sempervirens has been confirmed. Unlike most early wood collections, Pyotr Kostromitinov’s samples are made of thin stems and branches with no conspicuous surfaces showing their wood appearance. Such pieces are hardly suitable for demonstration of aesthetic or technical properties of timber. Pyotr Kostromitinov’s samples likely represent one of the earliest cases of collecting wood as objects of particular interest for botany and, more generally, for natural history. It was an important novelty for the 1830s, as the botanical exploration of woods did not have any sufficient conceptual background in those times. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Discussing homology relationships among secretory structures remains a relatively underexplored area in botanical research. These structures are widely dispersed within Malpighiales, one of the largest orders of eudicots. Within Malpighiales, both extranuptial and nuptial nectaries are present, and they do not seem homoplastic or share evolutionary connections. Particularly in Malpighiaceae, extensive research has focused on the ecological interactions mediated by glands. Botanists largely agree that elaiophores in sepals of Neotropical Malpighiaceae have evolved from extrafloral nectaries on leaves. However, the evolutionary origin of elaiophores has yet to be thoroughly examined, particularly in comparison to outgroups. This study provides empirical evidence on the ontogeny of elaiophores and investigates their evolutionary origins and homology relationships across different lineages of Malpighiales using comparative anatomy. Our findings suggest that elaiophores are likely homologous to extranuptial nectaries found in sepals of other Malpighiales lineages, originating from nectaries on leaves. This discussion is a starting point for future studies exploring the evolution of nectaries found in flowers, whether extranuptial or nuptial, and their potential origins from nectaries in vegetative organs such as leaves. Understanding these relationships could shed light on the selective pressures influencing floral morphologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The proposal by Wan & al. intended to maintain maximal nomenclatural stability by proposing to conserve Selaginella (Selaginellaceae) with a conserved type, regardless of how and when Selaginella is to be split into several or more genera, as has already been done in some recent studies. Valdespino & al. do not seem to have understood the nomenclatural benefit of the Wan & al. proposal and mix up this proposal with the classification by Zhou & Zhang. In addition, their rebuttal paper appears to contain a number of issues. We respectably urge the Nomenclature Committee and the botanical community to reject their rebuttal and make a decision that will benefit long‐term nomenclatural stability in Selaginellaceae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A response is provided to the Rapporteurs' comments on Proposal 193 to amend the Shenzhen Code. If adopted, Prop. 193 would amend Div. III, Prov. 5 of the Code so as to require a simple majority to approve—as opposed to the current 60% majority to reject (and thus 40% + 1 vote to approve)—General Committee recommendations on conservation, protection, or rejection of names, suppression of works, and binding decisions. We regard the requirement of a simple majority in the affirmative to approve recommendations of the General Committee to be the fairest and most easily understood procedure available. It is also one that is consistent with the compromise worked out and published in 2016 by the Special Committee on By‐laws that reported to the Nomenclature Section at Shenzhen and would restore the procedure used at all nomenclature sections prior to the Nomenclature Section at Vienna in 2005. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Moringa plant with the scientific name Moringa oleifera L. has important medicinal chemical compounds including flavonoids, which have antioxidant and anticancer properties. In this research, the properties of metal nanoparticles such as Iron, Copper, Zinc and Silver biosynthesized from the aqueous extract of M. oleifera plant have been studied, and then the antioxidant and antibacterial properties of the aqueous extract obtained from the aerial parts of this plant and the nanoparticles have been studied. The resulting metal was treated. The size and structure of metal nanoparticles obtained from Moringa plant aqueous extract were confirmed by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD), respectively. The amount of antioxidant activity was measured using the DPPH method and the antibacterial properties of Moringa plant aqueous extract and metal nanoparticles obtained from it were measured with the help of disk diffusion and MIC method on two types of bacteria E. coli and S. aureus. The highest amount of antioxidant activity (89.23%) was related to copper nanoparticles at a concentration of 500 μg/ml. As well as E. coli bacteria were more sensitive than S. aureus to the same concentrations of the used treatments and had bigger inhibition zone. Additionally, the diameter of the inhibition zone (in millimeters) was also dependent on the concentration and grew with increasing concentration. The use of copper nanoparticles (especially in higher concentrations) has more antibacterial properties. In terms of survival rate and growth of cultured bacteria using the MIC method, the IC50 of E. coli bacteria compared to S. aureus bacteria in equal concentrations to the applied treatments was low, and the results demonstrated the high sensitivity of E. coli bacteria strain to S. aureus bacteria. According to the obtained results, a significant difference was observed between the aqueous extract obtained from the M. oleifera plant and the metal nanoparticles biosynthesized from it in terms of antioxidant and anticancer activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Galphimia spp. is a plant employed in traditional medicine in Mexico because of its anxiolytic and sedative effects. Viruses have been associated with different alterations in plants, although asymptomatic agents (i.e., cryptic viruses) are also known. High-throughput sequencing (HTS) allows for the detection of pathogenic and non-pathogenic viral agents in plants, including potential novel viruses. The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of viral agents in two populations of Galphimia spp. by HTS. Sequencing was conducted on an Illumina NextSeq 550 platform, and a putative novel virus was identified. Two contigs showed homology to partitiviruses, and these encoded the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase and coat protein. These proteins showed the highest identities with orthologs in the recently discovered Vitis cryptic virus. A phylogenetic analysis of both RNAs showed that the new virus clusters into the monophyletic genus Deltapartitivirus along with other plant-infecting viruses. The result of the HTS analysis was validated by conventional RT-PCR and Sanger sequencing. A novel virus was discovered in a symptomless Galphimia spp. plant and tentatively named the Galphimia cryptic virus (GCV). This is the first virus discovered in medicinal plants in Mexico. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In plants, epigenetic stress memory has so far been found to be largely transient. Here, we wanted to assess the heritability of heat stress-induced epigenetic and transcriptomic changes following woodland strawberry (Fragaria vesca) reproduction. Strawberry is an ideal model to study epigenetic inheritance because it presents two modes of reproduction: sexual (self-pollinated plants) and asexual (clonally propagated plants named daughter plants). Taking advantage of this model, we investigated whether heat stress-induced DNA methylation changes can be transmitted via asexual reproduction. Results: Our genome-wide study provides evidence for stress memory acquisition and maintenance in F. vesca. We found that specific DNA methylation marks or epimutations are stably transmitted over at least three asexual generations. Some of the epimutations were associated with transcriptional changes after heat stress. Conclusion: Our findings show that the strawberry methylome and transcriptome respond with a high level of flexibility to heat stress. Notably, independent plants acquired the same epimutations and those were inherited by their asexual progenies. Overall, the asexual progenies can retain some information in the genome of past stresses encountered by their progenitors. This molecular memory, also documented at the transcriptional level, might be involved in functional plasticity and stress adaptation. Finally, these findings may contribute to novel breeding approaches for climate-ready plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The taxonomic history, nomenclature and application of the oldest species names available for the common hybrids between Pilosella caespitosa and P. lactucella are reviewed. Elias Fries created a nomenclatural and bibliographical collision when he replaced a printed label of his exsiccata Herbarium normale with its second version, distributed at a later date, in which the protologue of Hieracium suecicum had appeared. In this protologue, the new species name was validly published with a mere reference to the original description of H. auricula var. majus, thus being based on the type of the latter. In a later fascicle of the same exsiccata, Fries excluded this synonym and distributed a different morphotype of H. suecicum, which caused taxonomic confusion and re-description of the same taxon under the name H. fennicum. The surviving original material of H. auricula var. majus is rejected, and its neotype is designated, making H. suecicum the correct name for the hybrids strictly intermediate between P. lactucella and P. caespitosa. Such hybrids constitute the most common hybridogenous taxon of Pilosella in Scandinavia, Finland and neighbouring Russia, with many synonyms described from this area and partly typified here. Another hybridogenous taxon of the same origin, more similar to P. lactucella and previously known as P. cochlearis, is correctly named P. stipitiflora comb. nov. The nomenclatural value and bibliographic complexity of exsiccata, a commonly underestimated kind of grey literature in taxonomic botany, are further highlighted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polyphenols are ubiquitous plant metabolites that demonstrate biological activities essential to plant–environment interactions. They are of interest to plant food consumers, as well as to the food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industry. The class of the plant metabolites comprises both widespread (chlorogenic acids, luteolin, quercetin) and unique compounds of diverse chemical structures but of the common biosynthetic origin. Polyphenols next to sesquiterpenoids are regarded as the major class of the Inuleae-Inulinae metabolites responsible for the pharmacological activity of medicinal plants from the subtribe (Blumea spp., Dittrichia spp., Inula spp., Pulicaria spp. and others). Recent decades have brought a rapid development of molecular and analytical techniques which resulted in better understanding of the taxonomic relationships within the Inuleae tribe and in a plethora of data concerning the chemical constituents of the Inuleae-Inulinae. The current taxonomical classification has introduced changes in the well-established botanical names and rearranged the genera based on molecular plant genetic studies. The newly created chemical data together with the earlier phytochemical studies may provide some complementary information on biochemical relationships within the subtribe. Moreover, they may at least partly explain pharmacological activities of the plant preparations traditionally used in therapy. The current review aimed to systematize the knowledge on the polyphenols of the Inulae-Inulinae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The reconstruction of the evolutionary history of organisms has been greatly influenced by the advent of molecular techniques, leading to a significant increase in studies utilizing genomic data from different species. However, the lack of standardization in gene nomenclature poses a challenge in database searches and evolutionary analyses, impacting the accuracy of results obtained. Results: To address this issue, a Python class for standardizing gene nomenclatures, SynGenes, has been developed. It automatically recognizes and converts different nomenclature variations into a standardized form, facilitating comprehensive and accurate searches. Additionally, SynGenes offers a web form for individual searches using different names associated with the same gene. The SynGenes database contains a total of 545 gene name variations for mitochondrial and 2485 for chloroplasts genes, providing a valuable resource for researchers. Conclusions: The SynGenes platform offers a solution for standardizing gene nomenclatures of mitochondrial and chloroplast genes and providing a standardized search solution for specific markers in GenBank. Evaluation of SynGenes effectiveness through research conducted on GenBank and PubMedCentral demonstrated its ability to yield a greater number of outcomes compared to conventional searches, ensuring more comprehensive and accurate results. This tool is crucial for accurate database searches, and consequently, evolutionary analyses, addressing the challenges posed by non-standardized gene nomenclature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To support the work of the Global Conservation Consortium for Erica and update the Erica checklist in the World Flora Online (WFO), we have curated the taxonomic backbone in the WFO by expanding it to include updated nomenclatural information from the International Plant Name Index, missing names present in the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP), the Botanical Database of Southern Africa (BODATSA), and from the "International register of heather names" database, a data source not readily available online. The result is the most robust database of Erica names to date, including 851 species, 111 subspecies, 244 varieties, and 2787 synonyms, which is a reliable reference for initiatives such as the Erica identification aid, conservation prioritisation, and gap analyses. We disambiguate common orthographic variants within the database and present an overview of these. We also comment on the correct orthography of E. heleophila Guthrie & Bolus and E. michellensis Dulfer and the validity of E. tegetiformis E.G.H.Oliv. are discussed, and the use of E. adunca Benth. for a South African species rather than E. triceps Link, which is here regarded as insufficiently known and of uncertain application, is clarified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mediterranean landscapes have co-evolved with people: they often require human management to sustain biodiversity and local communities have developed detailed ecological knowledge about their surrounding ecosystems. We document plant names used by Tašlḥit speakers in the High Atlas Mountains of southern Morocco and explore how they encode local ecological knowledge of landscape and biodiversity as well as social histories. We conducted two complementary field studies in the communes of Imgdal and Ukaymdn, documenting plant names along with local definitions and perceptions of place, vegetation, and habitat and perceived trends of change in the local botanical environment through structured and semi-structured interviews. In Imgdal we used herbarium prompts, whilst in Ukaymdn we focussed on local definitions of ethnoecological categories. We analyse the diversity and multiplicity of life form and descriptive terms as well as plant names and compare these to scientific taxonomy. We conclude that current social and environmental change, especially climate change, could present a threat to the High Atlas biocultural diversity and local knowledge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Raimonds Cinovskis (1930–1998) devoted his entire life to plants, especially to the research of dendroflora in Latvia, as well as in the Baltic states in general, and he also participated in botanical expeditions in several places in Asia. He introduced many new names of plant taxa, described new taxa, and made new name combinations. Although the plant names he created are widely used by Latvian botanists and can also be found in the seed exchange catalogues issued by local botanic gardens, these names have never been (with some exceptions) evaluated before. This paper summarises all of the names of plant taxa introduced by R. Cinovskis. It was established that R. Cinovskis introduced more than 200 new names of plant taxa or new name combinations for plants belonging to 11 plant families — Betulaceae, Caprifoliaceae, Cupressaceae, Grossulariaceae, Juglandaceae, Pinaceae, Ranunculaceae, Rosaceae, Salicaceae, Sapindaceae, and Ulmaceae. The majority of the names of plant taxa were for plants of the rose family (Rosaceae). Critically evaluating the compliance of the names introduced by R. Cinovskis with the International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants, it was concluded that the majority of the names were published illegitimately. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Michael Francis Moloney (Micheál Proinnsias Ó Máoldhomhnaigh) (1888–1934) qualified as a physician and established his practice in Dungarvan, County Waterford, where he also served as Coroner. In 1919, his book Luibh-sheanchus, maille le gearr-chunntas ar shaothar lucht leighis i n-Éirinn: Irish ethno-botany and the evolution of medicine in Ireland was published in Dublin. Luibh-sheanchus is notable being one of the earliest books to employ the term 'ethnobotany'. It contained more than 950 Irish vernacular names for plants, representing about 525 different species of flowering plants, ferns and marine algae. For about one third of the species Moloney also provided brief notes about folk uses, mainly in treating illnesses but also for dyeing and in food. Moloney's sources are discussed but few can be fully elucidated as he made no direct acknowledgements but the Irish names probably were mainly those in use in the Gaeltacht na nDéise, an Irish-speaking area in County Waterford. Published during a period of violence and turmoil in Ireland, the author, who was bilingual in Irish and English, supported the Irish Republican cause and was locally noteworthy for being arrested and imprisoned in November 1920 in the aftermath of 'Bloody Sunday' when British troops shot and killed twelve people in Dublin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alexander A. Tatarinow (1817?–1886) made an extensive collection of vascular plants and insects in North China and Mongolia while serving as a physician in the 12th Russian Orthodox Ecclesiastical Mission in Beijing during 1841–1850. Tatarinow's plant collection included about 800 species and became the basis for 70 new species, of which 12 were named after him. The collection was split into three large sets, each labelled in its own way and handled in different times by different people at different institutions, thus obscuring its correct attribution; notable misinterpretations include its misattributions to A. von Bunge and P.E. Kirilov who were attached to the 11th Mission and collected plants near Beijing during 1830–1840. In this study, the history of these three sets and their parts is uncovered, and label samples are provided and commented to allow unambiguous recognition of the sets for correct lectotypification of plant species names based on the material collected by the 11th and 12th Missions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores the relationship between migratory monarch butterflies and native vegetation in San Luis Potosi, Mexico. The study was conducted in a protected natural area, and the researchers observed the interactions between the butterflies and flowering plants. They found that the number of interactions varied throughout the season, with the highest diversity occurring in September. The researchers identified the plant species visited by the butterflies, which mainly belonged to the Asteraceae, Verbenaceae, and Fabaceae families. The study suggests the need for further research to understand this relationship and establish conservation strategies. The article also emphasizes the importance of protecting monarch butterflies and their overwintering sites in San Luis Potosí, Mexico, and proposes the creation of reserves and community-based research strategies. The text highlights the monarch butterfly's role as an indicator species and suggests using native plants in conservation efforts. The article provides contact information for the corresponding author and publication details. [Extracted from the article]

As part of an ongoing taxonomic study of the genus Deyeuxia, typifications for 12 names belonging to subtribe Agrostidinae from South America are presented here. A neotype for Bromidium rigescens var. brevifolium is herein designated. Eleven names belonging to the genera Agrostis, Calamagrostis, and Deyeuxia are lectotypified. Epitypes for Calamagrostis heterophylla var. robustior and Deyeuxia velutina are designated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article provides an overview of urban botany and its significance in understanding urban spaces. It explains that urban botany extends beyond the scientific field and encompasses cultural and ecological aspects. The concept of forensic ecologies is introduced, which combines forensic architecture with indicator species to reconstruct past environments. The article emphasizes the importance of rare plants in marginalized urban areas for socio-ecological challenges to capitalist urbanization. It also highlights the role of urban botany in uncovering overlooked dimensions of urban ecology and connecting with global history. The text includes references to various sources, including books and articles, that discuss the history and presence of plant life in specific urban areas. An illustration from Richard Deakin's book, published in 1855, is included to visually represent the flora found in ruins. [Extracted from the article]

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In the context of global change, understanding the knowledge and values given to plants is crucial for choosing relevant approaches towards a more sustainable future. Children are central holders of ethnobotanical knowledge, yet they are still under-considered in ethnobotany. Our study explored the medicinal knowledge of children of the Baka, forager-horticulturalists from Cameroon. We assessed the diversity of medicinal plants they know, the different ailments treated, and whether they could name complete herbal recipes. Using a mixed-methods approach, we combined ex situ interviews (freelisting and knowledge surveys) with in situ methods (walk-in-the-woods trips with voucher collection) with 106 children from 5 to 16 years old. They listed 128 local names of medicinal plants, which we linked to 126 different plant species. While the ex situ and in situ methods had some overlap in the diversity of medicinal plants reported, they also revealed substantial knowledge unique to each method. Our insights provide further evidence of children's considerable ethnobotanical knowledge and the extent to which different field methods can retrieve such knowledge. We discuss the methodological tools to be developed with and for children to put childhood at the center stage of ethnobotanical approaches for the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Salvador herbarium (seventeenth to eighteenth century) is one of the oldest pre-Linnaean herbaria in Spain. Currently preserved in the Botanical Institute of Barcelona, it was reviewed by Pourret during the eighteenth century, who added the Linnaean name of the species to the labels and proposed many new names. Our study has allowed us to enlist all taxa proposed by Pourret (a total of 335); however, only 12 were validly published (some by other authors), and two of them are lectotypified here. We have also classified the rest of names into three categories: 35 that were included in publications by other authors but are not validly published names; 160 that were published by other authors; and 128 that we have not been able to find in any publication, and they should be considered as merely Pourret's proposals without any validity. These results reflect the situation of plant taxonomy in the late eighteenth century; in Pourret's time the number of published taxa was very low while taxonomical studies done by other contemporary authors were rarely available. Thus, Pourret was not able to assign already published taxa to all specimens and, therefore, he was forced to do new proposals that were mostly incorrectly published. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Foodborne pathogens can cause gastrointestinal infections in consumers and in some cases can even lead to outbreaks. In the last decade, it has been observed that some zoonotic pathogenic bacteria can use plants as secondary hosts. Contamination with foodborne bacteria becomes relevant in foods that are regularly eaten raw, such as lettuce, cilantro, fenugreek, rocket leaves, basil, and so forth, and some fruits such as tomatoes, melons, and green peppers; because the elimination of these pathogenic bacteria is difficult to achieve with conventional sanitization processes. Contamination of produce can occur throughout the entire production chain. In farmlands, pathogenic bacteria can contaminate the seed, mainly when contaminated water is used for irrigation. Later, bacteria can reach other plant tissues such as the stems, leaves, and fruits. Another form of contamination is when the produce is in contact with feces from domestic, production, or wild animals. Additionally, poor handling practices during harvest, packaging, distribution, and sale can contaminate produce. Studies have shown that foodborne pathogens can adhere to produce, sometimes forming a biofilm, and can also be internalized into the plant or fruit, which protects them from sanitation processes. For this reason, in this text we address three biocontrol strategies such as bacteria, lytic bacteriophages, and some fungi, as an alternative approach for the control of both foodborne and plant pathogens. Additionally, the use of these biological agents can represent an advantage for the development of the plant, making them a good strategy to favor yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research delves into the intricate world of botanical nomenclature within Tamil culture, shedding light on the linguistic transparency and cultural significance embedded within plant names. Through an analysis of five diverse plant species, including vēlipparutti (Pergularia daemia), pīḷai (Aerva lanata), tumpai ceṭi (Leucas aspera), āṭātōṭai (Justicia adhatoda), and the toṭṭāṟ curuṅki (Mimosa pudica), this study explores the factors contributing to the naming of plants and the transparency of these names in the Tamil language. Each plant's name reflects not only its physical attributes but also its cultural context, highlighting the rich tapestry of traditions and observations woven into Tamil botanical terminology. The transparency of plant names in Tamil is a remarkable feature that facilitates communication and understanding among speakers. These names often provide vivid descriptions of the plants, allowing individuals to easily identify and recognize them in their natural environment. Through linguistic analysis and cultural interpretation, this research provides valuable insights into the intricate relationship between language, culture, and nature in the Tamil-speaking regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A synoptic compendium of the legumes of the Mimosoideae clade in northeastern Mexico is presented for the first time, including changes in their botanical nomenclature and retypification of genera. Furthermore, based on new information recently published, the taxonomic limits of several new genera segregated from Acacia (Acaciella, Mariosousa, Senegalia, and Vachellia) and Prosopis (Neltuma and Strombocarpa) are clarified and included. Based on field work, collection of botanical samples over the past 30 years, and reviewing botanical materials in national and international herbaria, we have completed the diversity of legumes of the Mimosoideae clade of northeastern Mexico. Three tribes (Acacieae, Ingeae, and Mimosaeae), 22 genera, 92 species, and 19 infraspecific categories were recorded. Only the genus Painteria is endemic to Mexico. Eighty-eight species are native to Mexico, and four are exotic: Acacia salicina, Neptunia prostrata, Neltuma chilensis and Albizia lebbeck. Twenty-eight species are endemic to Mexico, nine species are endemic to northeastern Mexico, and four species are endemic to only one state in Mexico. The 22 registered genera represent 44% and 65% of the generic flora of the Mimosoideae clade for Mexico and the planet, respectively, while the 92 species registered represent 3% and 18% of the species of the clade Mimosoideae for the planet and Mexico, respectively. According to the new nomenclature of legumes, the number of genera in the Mimosoideae clade in northern Mexico has increased from 19 to 24. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on a model of low-dose influenza A virus (IAV) infection in wild-type (WT) mice, examining factors such as weight retention, survival rates, and viral load in lung homogenates. It mentions the results show significant differences in viral load and protein content in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) between naïve mice and those infected with IAV, highlighting the impact of the infection on various physiological parameters.

Societal Impact Statement Primary occurrence data (‘what, where, when’) enable study of species distribution and diversity, facilitating reactions to societal challenges from food security to climate change mitigation. Scientific names integrate information and are made concrete through reference to a type specimen. Research and conservation planning requires timely open access to this data. Around 2000 vascular plant species are described each year, and many are narrowly endemic and face conservation threats. Twenty‐four percent of those published between 2012 and 2021 is available openly, and only 12% of taxa is represented by digitised type material served from within their native range. We make several recommendations to increase open access to this vital information to support prompt conservation action and future research. Summary We review access to literature and type specimens, key resources for taxonomic research. Takeup of open access (OA) publishing in plant naming is analysed using the International Plant Names Index (IPNI) data (2012–2021), and online availability of specimens analysed using the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF). Integration of the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP) taxonomy and distributional data is used to examine regional variation. We found that 23% of vascular plant names are published OA, and 41% are digitally undiscoverable: contained in bibliographic works without a Digital Object Identifier (DOI) or with an unresolvable DOI. The most common OA publishing model used is ‘gold’. We also found that 30% of taxa are represented by a digitised type specimen mobilised from within the continent of their natural range and only 12% from the (more precise) country. We recommend clear article processing charge (APC) waivers for authors from low and middle income countries to better enable ‘gold’ OA and promotion of deposition repositories to better enable ‘green’ OA. Nomenclators should clearly indicate the OA status of literature and mobilise type citation data as material citations to aggregators like GBIF. Names registration systems should promote the capture of code‐recommended elements such as catalogue numbers for type specimens. Digital mobilisation of specimen metadata and images from collections based in low‐ and middle‐income countries must be accelerated to help increase in country taxonomic capacity to document and conserve plant diversity.

The pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) attracts attention in studies for its nutritional and medicinal properties. However, a recurring issue in the literature arises due to the multidisciplinary nature of these studies, leading to a mistaken repetition of basic botanical terms. The problem stems from the misapplication of the term "aril" to the pomegranate seed, despite the fruit being exariled, signifying the absence of an aril. This confusion may be attributed to the sarcotesta's appearance, resembling a complete aril, coupled with a lack of awareness in fields such as medicine, pharmacy, and cosmetics. This study specifically examines the Kingdom-variety pomegranate, due its economic importance in the fruit market. The fruits were evaluated at different developmental stages—initial, intermediate, and commercial. Magnification photography techniques were used to study the development state of the pomegranate fruits. The physiological studies confirm that the pomegranate seed constitutes the complete grain, with the juicy, sweet part surrounding it identified as the testa, not an aril. The findings underscore a persistent error in the existing literature, emphasizing the necessity for dissemination and education in future studies. A thorough grasp of pomegranate anatomy and precise use of terminology are indispensable for ensuring accuracy and rigor in scientific communication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Butterflies are charismatic insects and have been well studied, particularly in Europe. They are disproportionately used in generating and testing hypotheses; on everything from general evolutionary processes, such as speciation or host association dynamics; to conservation‐related studies, such as climate change or habitat loss. Accurate lists of the larval foodplants for European butterflies are not readily available. Mistakes are propagated and information cannot be checked for accuracy. The level of evidence is unknown, and how usage varies between countries is poorly understood. The study consulted 1119 references to produce 19,488 records of larval foodplants for European butterflies. This resulted in 5589 larval host plant records for 464 European butterfly species, with multiple references, enabling information to be checked. Information was unavailable for 59 species. The level of evidence for each relationship shows the current state of knowledge. Significant issues were identified for 3.9% of records extracted from references due to mistakes, ambiguous or unknown plant names, distribution issues, resulting in information being lost. Plants with questionable distributions suggest either mis‐identification or species that have been split. Little is known about plant usage in Eastern Europe. The larval foodplants of many monophagous and Satyrinae butterflies are poorly studied. Only 63% of threatened 2010 Red Listed butterflies have reliable host plant records. The study has provided ecologists with a valuable resource, of a more accurate checklist of the larval foodplants for each European country. Why plant usage varies over a butterfly's distribution opens up some interesting research questions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Tumor Combination Guide was created at the request of the U. S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) by a Working Group of biopharmaceutical experts from international societies of toxicologic pathology, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and members of the Standard for Exchange of Nonclinical Data (SEND) initiative, to assist pharmacology/toxicology reviewers and biostatisticians in statistical analysis of nonclinical tumor data. The guide will also be useful to study and peer review pathologists in interpreting the tumor data. This guide provides a higher-level hierarchy of tumor types or categories correlating the tumor names from the International Harmonization of Nomenclature and Diagnostic Criteria (INHAND) publications with those available in the NEOPLASM controlled terminology (CT) code list in SEND. The version of CT used in a study should be referenced in the nonclinical study data reviewer's guide (SDRG) (section 3.1) of electronic submissions to the FDA. The tumor combination guide instructions and examples are in a tabular format to make informed decisions for combining tumor data for statistical analysis. The strategy for combining tumor types for statistical analysis is based on scientific criteria gleaned from the current scientific literature; as SEND and INHAND terminology and information evolve, this guide will be updated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cultivated plant species have been classified scientifically and named using binomial nomenclature. However, the current level of understanding by primary school teachers on classification and binomial nomenclature of cultivated plants as well as the extents of inclusion of the plants in the school's curriculum have not yet been explored. Objective: The objective of this study was to assess how well primary school teachers understand the classification and binomial nomenclature of cultivated plants, as well as how many of these kinds of plants are available in Nekemte marketing segments and included in the curriculum of primary schools. Materials and Methods: To gather data concerning teachers' knowledge on classification, binomial nomenclature, and species lists, an exploratory sequential descriptive type design was implemented. A total of 44 teachers from 11 primary schools who were selected at random using the lottery method were participants in the study. Three market segments, few gardens, volumes of Flora books and primary school textbooks were also purposely referred to as data sources. The design followed was exploratory sequential descriptive type in which qualitative data were collected first followed by gathering quantitative data. Results: The total species reviewed from Flora, market survey, previous and pilot student textbooks were 112, 99, 50 and 43 respectively. The 99 surveyed plant species were identified under 79 genera, 36 families, 26 orders and two classes. Comparison of mean differences obtained from analysis of variance were found significance at F 0.05 (2, 15) and P = 0.029 as well as at F 0.05 (3, 172) and P = 6.4 x 10-24 for the measured variables. Conclusion: The study indicated that the sampled participants' knowledge gaps were wide. Only one out of four of them had the necessary knowledge on the topic. Statistical tests proved this finding to be significant at α = 0.05. The results imply that actions need to be taken right away by curriculum developers, policy makers, teacher educators and other concerned bodies to reduce the indicated wide knowledge gap. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The collection of synonymous plant names added to Dioscorides’ De materia medica between the 2nd and the 5th centuries CE contains many glosses in different languages. Among them are seven plant names attributed to the Syrians. The main aim of the paper is to re-examine whether they are of Aramaic origin. Consideration is also given to the possible occurrence of these plant names in other Greek sources and to the botanical identification of individual names. As a result, the paper shows that five plant names can be treated as Aramaic: ἁρμαλά ‘rue (Ruta graveolens L.)’ (Jewish Aramaic ḥrmltʾ ‘wild rue’, Mandaic harmal ‘rue’, Arabic ḥarmal ‘wild rue’), βησσασά ‘rue (Ruta graveolens L.)’ (Jewish Aramaic baššāš, baššāšā ‘wild rue’; Syriac baššāšā, bšwšʾ ‘id.’), λαλλαβιάρια ‘white bryony (Bryonia dioica Jacq.)’ (Syriac ʾālepšrā ‘white bryony’), λοῦφαν ‘a kind of arum (especially Arum maculatum L. and Arum palaestinum Boiss.)’ (Aramaic *lûpā ‘Solomon’s lily’, reconstructed on the basis of the Mishnaic Hebrew lôp or lûp ‘id.’; cf. Syriac lāwpā [or lūpā?] ‘perh. pellitory, parietary; dragon arum; peeled barley’; Arabic lūf ‘sponge gourd; dragon arum’), and σασά ‘white lily (Lilium candidum L.)’ (Jewish Aramaic sôsaʾn, šwšnh ‘lily’, Syriac swsn ‘id.’). The etymology of the Syrian glosses ἀδοριού ‘sea carrot (Daucus carota var. drepanensis [Arcang.] Heywood) or sekakul (Malabaila secacul [Mill.] Boiss.)’ and μεούδα ‘sea beet (Beta vulgaris var. maritima [L.] Arcang.)’ is unknown. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This scientific note discusses the first recorded presence of the European firebug, Pyrrhocoris apterus, in California, USA. The note describes the identification of a specimen in California and mentions previous photographic records of the species in the state. It also provides information on the distinguishing characteristics of P. apterus and its reported host plants. The note concludes by mentioning additional observations of the species in Ecuador, Mexico, and New York, although further confirmation is needed. This document is a list of references cited in a scientific article about the firebug species Pyrrhocoris apterus, providing a comprehensive list of sources for further research on the topic. [Extracted from the article]

The botanical publications of Boris S. Kharitontsev, who has worked on the flora and vegetation of Tobolsk District (Tyumen Region, south-western Siberia, Russia) for 30 years, make a typical case of grey literature in taxonomic botany. Kharitontsev has described about 400 local "new species" from a single district in this floristically poor territory. Although the taxonomic results of this work are not credible, this vast nomenclatural output requires attention and urges for comprehensive indexing due to requirements of the botanical nomenclature (principles of priority and homonymy). A new species name, Taraxacum stepanekii Sennikov, is proposed for Taraxacum roseolum Kirschner & Štěpánek from Kyrgyzstan, which is an illegitimate later homonym of Taraxacum roseolum Charit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]