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Hong K, Radian Y, Manda T, Xu H, Luo Y. The Development of Plant Genome Sequencing Technology and Its Conservation and Application in Endangered Gymnosperms. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 12:4006. [PMID: 38068641 PMCID: PMC10708082 DOI: 10.3390/plants12234006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 10/16/2024]
Abstract
Genome sequencing is widely recognized as a fundamental pillar in genetic research and legal studies of biological phenomena, providing essential insights for genetic investigations and legal analyses of biological events. The field of genome sequencing has experienced significant progress due to rapid improvements in scientific and technological developments. These advancements encompass not only significant improvements in the speed and quality of sequencing but also provide an unparalleled opportunity to explore the subtle complexities of genomes, particularly in the context of rare species. Such a wide range of possibilities has successfully supported the validation of plant gene functions and the refinement of precision breeding methodologies. This expanded scope now includes a comprehensive exploration of the current state and conservation efforts of gymnosperm gene sequencing, offering invaluable insights into their genomic landscapes. This comprehensive review elucidates the trajectory of development and the diverse applications of genome sequencing. It encompasses various domains, including crop breeding, responses to abiotic stress, species evolutionary dynamics, biodiversity, and the unique challenges faced in the conservation and utilization of gymnosperms. It highlights both ongoing challenges and the unveiling of forthcoming developmental trajectories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaiyue Hong
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Regional Modern Agriculture and Environmental Protection, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Eco-Agricultural Biotechnology around Hongze Lake, Huaiyin Normal University, Huai’an 223300, China;
- School of Life Sciences, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China; (Y.R.); (T.M.)
| | - Yasmina Radian
- School of Life Sciences, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China; (Y.R.); (T.M.)
| | - Teja Manda
- School of Life Sciences, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China; (Y.R.); (T.M.)
| | - Haibin Xu
- School of Life Sciences, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China; (Y.R.); (T.M.)
| | - Yuming Luo
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Regional Modern Agriculture and Environmental Protection, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Eco-Agricultural Biotechnology around Hongze Lake, Huaiyin Normal University, Huai’an 223300, China;
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Minami M, Tanaka R, Mori T, Fujii T, Tsuchida T, Shibata T. Population genetic structure of wild Angelica acutiloba, A. acutiloba var. iwatensis, and their hybrids by atpF-atpA intergenic spacer in chloroplast DNA and genome-wide SNP analysis using MIG-seq. J Nat Med 2023; 77:1009-1021. [PMID: 37581741 DOI: 10.1007/s11418-023-01742-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2023]
Abstract
Sampling surveys of Angelica acutiloba and A. acutiloba var. iwatensis, which are medicinal plants endemic to Japan, were conducted in the Chubu region in the central area of the main island of Japan. A. acutiloba grows in riverbeds in mountainous areas, while A. acutiloba. var. iwatensis grows on slopes near mountain ridges at 1000 m above sea level or on constantly collapsing rocky slopes and bare fields on developed land along asphalt roads in valleys of mountainous areas. Specimens of two wild Angelica species collected in this region were examined for maternal lineage by DNA polymorphism analysis of the atpF-atpA region for chloroplast DNA using direct sequencing and genomic component analysis by genome-wide SNP using MIG-seq. In this study area, while all A. acutiloba populations were monophyletic in both maternal and ancestral lineages, A. acutiloba var. iwatensis were genetically heterogeneous due to being composed of three maternal and three ancestral lineages to various degrees. In addition, a natural hybrid population with maternal lineage presumed to be A. acutiloba and paternal lineage A. acutiloba var. iwatensis was also found. In the present study, we report that the combined method of atpF-atpA and MIG-seq analyses is a useful tool for determining the population genetic structure of two wild Angelica species and for identifying hybrids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Motoyasu Minami
- College of Bioscience & Biotechnology, Chubu University, 1200 Matsumoto-cho, Kasugai, Aichi, 487-8501, Japan.
| | - Ryusaku Tanaka
- College of Bioscience & Biotechnology, Chubu University, 1200 Matsumoto-cho, Kasugai, Aichi, 487-8501, Japan
| | - Takako Mori
- College of Bioscience & Biotechnology, Chubu University, 1200 Matsumoto-cho, Kasugai, Aichi, 487-8501, Japan
| | - Taichi Fujii
- College of Bioscience & Biotechnology, Chubu University, 1200 Matsumoto-cho, Kasugai, Aichi, 487-8501, Japan
| | - Takashi Tsuchida
- Central R&D Laboratory, Kobayashi Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., 1-30-3 Toyokawa, Ibaraki, Osaka, 567-0057, Japan
| | - Toshiro Shibata
- Green Innovation Co., Ltd., 2-302, 4-21-2 Matsushiro, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-0035, Japan
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Vaishnav K, Tiwari V, Durgapal A, Meena B, Rana TS. Estimation of genetic diversity and population genetic structure in Gymnema sylvestre (Retz.) R. Br. ex Schult. populations using DAMD and ISSR markers. J Genet Eng Biotechnol 2023; 21:42. [PMID: 37022506 PMCID: PMC10079795 DOI: 10.1186/s43141-023-00497-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gymnema sylvestre (Retz.) R. Br. ex Schult. is a well-known medicinal plant against diabetes in India. There is as such no organized cultivation in India, and the plant is still being collected from the wild for their therapeutic uses. It is, therefore, important to estimate the genetic diversity and population genetic structure of G. sylvestre to ascertain the genetically diverse germplasm. The present study, therefore, was undertaken to analyze the genetic variability in 118 accessions belonging to 11 wild populations of G. sylvestre using directed amplification of minisatellite-region DNA (DAMD) and inter simple sequence repeats (ISSR). RESULTS The present genetic analyses of 11 populations with 25 markers (8 DAMD and 17 ISSR) revealed significant genetic diversity (H = 0.26, I = 0.40, PPL = 80.89%) at a species level, while the average genetic diversity at the population level was low. Among the 11 populations studied, PCH and UTK populations showed maximum genetic diversity, followed by KNR and AMB, while TEL population revealed the lowest genetic diversity. AMOVA and Gst values (0.18) revealed that most of the genetic variations are found within populations and very less among populations, and higher gene flow (Nm = 2.29) was found to be responsible for the genetic homogenization of the populations. The clustering pattern resulting from the UPGMA dendrogram was in congruence with STRUCTURE and PCoA, segregating all the 11 populations into two main genetic clusters: cluster I (populations of North and Central India) and cluster II (populations of South India). The clustering patterns obtained from all three statistical methods indicate that the genetic structure in G. sylvestre populations corresponds to the geographical diversity of the populations and represents a strong genetic structure. CONCLUSION The genetically diverse populations identified during the present study could be a potential genetic resource for further prospecting and conserving this important plant resource.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kanchana Vaishnav
- Molecular Systematics Laboratory, CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute, Rana Pratap Marg, Lucknow, 226001, Uttar Pradesh, India
- Maharana Pratap Government Degree College, Nanakmatta, Udham Singh Nagar, Kumaun University, Nainital, 263001, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Vandana Tiwari
- Molecular Systematics Laboratory, CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute, Rana Pratap Marg, Lucknow, 226001, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Anjala Durgapal
- Maharana Pratap Government Degree College, Nanakmatta, Udham Singh Nagar, Kumaun University, Nainital, 263001, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Baleshwar Meena
- CSIR-Traditional Knowledge Digital Library Unit, New Delhi, 110067, India
| | - T S Rana
- Molecular Systematics Laboratory, CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute, Rana Pratap Marg, Lucknow, 226001, Uttar Pradesh, India.
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, Uttar Pradesh, India.
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Kerry RG, Montalbo FJP, Das R, Patra S, Mahapatra GP, Maurya GK, Nayak V, Jena AB, Ukhurebor KE, Jena RC, Gouda S, Majhi S, Rout JR. An overview of remote monitoring methods in biodiversity conservation. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:80179-80221. [PMID: 36197618 PMCID: PMC9534007 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-23242-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Conservation of biodiversity is critical for the coexistence of humans and the sustenance of other living organisms within the ecosystem. Identification and prioritization of specific regions to be conserved are impossible without proper information about the sites. Advanced monitoring agencies like the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) had accredited that the sum total of species that are now threatened with extinction is higher than ever before in the past and are progressing toward extinct at an alarming rate. Besides this, the conceptualized global responses to these crises are still inadequate and entail drastic changes. Therefore, more sophisticated monitoring and conservation techniques are required which can simultaneously cover a larger surface area within a stipulated time frame and gather a large pool of data. Hence, this study is an overview of remote monitoring methods in biodiversity conservation via a survey of evidence-based reviews and related studies, wherein the description of the application of some technology for biodiversity conservation and monitoring is highlighted. Finally, the paper also describes various transformative smart technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and/or machine learning algorithms for enhanced working efficiency of currently available techniques that will aid remote monitoring methods in biodiversity conservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rout George Kerry
- Department of Biotechnology, Utkal University, Vani Vihar, Bhubaneswar, Odisha 751004 India
| | | | - Rajeswari Das
- Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, School of Agriculture, GIET University, Gunupur, Rayagada, Odisha 765022 India
| | - Sushmita Patra
- Indian Council of Agricultural Research-Directorate of Foot and Mouth Disease-International Centre for Foot and Mouth Disease, Arugul, Bhubaneswar, Odisha 752050 India
| | | | - Ganesh Kumar Maurya
- Zoology Section, Mahila MahaVidyalya, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, 221005 India
| | - Vinayak Nayak
- Indian Council of Agricultural Research-Directorate of Foot and Mouth Disease-International Centre for Foot and Mouth Disease, Arugul, Bhubaneswar, Odisha 752050 India
| | - Atala Bihari Jena
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115 USA
| | | | - Ram Chandra Jena
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utkal University, Vani Vihar, Bhubaneswar, Odisha 751004 India
| | - Sushanto Gouda
- Department of Zoology, Mizoram University, Aizawl, 796009 India
| | - Sanatan Majhi
- Department of Biotechnology, Utkal University, Vani Vihar, Bhubaneswar, Odisha 751004 India
| | - Jyoti Ranjan Rout
- School of Biological Sciences, AIPH University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha 752101 India
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Assessment of genetic diversity and population structure of the endemic Hertia cheirifolia (L.) Kuntze based on ISSR and SRAP molecular markers. Biologia (Bratisl) 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s11756-022-01166-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Flihi J, Rhimi A, Yangui I, Messaoud C, Ben ElHadj Ali I. Genetic diversity and population structure of Tunisian wild Kermes oak (Quercus coccifera L.): Assessment by ISSR molecular markers and implication for conservation. Mol Biol Rep 2022; 49:6215-6224. [PMID: 35526250 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-022-07417-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Revised: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Tunisia, Kermes oak (Quercus coccifera L.) populations are severely destroyed due to deforestation. Nowadays, no preservation programs are attempted, yet, to conserve and promote the potential value of this resource. In this work, we assessed the genetic diversity of seven natural Tunisian populations of Q. coccifera from different bioclimates using Inter-Simple Sequence Repeats molecular markers. The distribution of the genetic diversity of Q. coccifera constitutes the pioneer step in the process of the conservation of the species. METHODS AND RESULTS Nine selected ISSR markers were analyzed to characterize the genetic profiles of 70 different genotypes. The ISSR primers produced 64 loci ranging from 6 (UBC809 and UBC810) to 9 (UBC873) with an average of 7.11 at the species level. The average percentage of the polymorphic loci varied from 64.06% (Tabarka) to 76.56% (El Haouaria). The analyzed genotypes (70 individuals) revealed a high level of genetic diversity at species level (Na = 1.697; Ne = 1.517; He = 0.289; I = 0.418). The major proportion of the variation was attributable to individual differences within populations (76.07%). Analysis of molecular variance revealed also significant differentiation among all populations (ΦST = 0.245) and among populations within bioclimates (ΦSC = 0.233), even at a low scale space. The UPGMA and the PCoA analyses showed that most populations clustered independently to bioclimate or geographical distance indicating that genetic differentiation mainly occurs at local space scale due to genetic drift. CONCLUSIONS The in-situ conservation of the species should be maintained on natural populations as a forest genetic resources. Moreover, ex-situ conservation should involve the selection of genotypes with extensive collection of seeds and cuttings from different populations of the target area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jihène Flihi
- Laboratory of Nanobiotechnology and Valorisation of Medicinal Phytoresources, Department of Biology, National Institute of Applied Sciences and Technology, Carthage University, Tunis Cedex, B.P. 676, 1080, Tunis Cedex, Tunisia
| | - Awatef Rhimi
- Laboratory of Nanobiotechnology and Valorisation of Medicinal Phytoresources, Department of Biology, National Institute of Applied Sciences and Technology, Carthage University, Tunis Cedex, B.P. 676, 1080, Tunis Cedex, Tunisia
- Laboratory of Plant Biotechnology, National Gene Bank of Tunisia (NGBT), Boulevard of Leader Yasser Arafat, ZI Charguia 1, 1080, Tunis Cedex, Tunisia
| | - Islem Yangui
- Laboratory of Nanobiotechnology and Valorisation of Medicinal Phytoresources, Department of Biology, National Institute of Applied Sciences and Technology, Carthage University, Tunis Cedex, B.P. 676, 1080, Tunis Cedex, Tunisia
| | - Chokri Messaoud
- Laboratory of Nanobiotechnology and Valorisation of Medicinal Phytoresources, Department of Biology, National Institute of Applied Sciences and Technology, Carthage University, Tunis Cedex, B.P. 676, 1080, Tunis Cedex, Tunisia
| | - Imen Ben ElHadj Ali
- Laboratory of Nanobiotechnology and Valorisation of Medicinal Phytoresources, Department of Biology, National Institute of Applied Sciences and Technology, Carthage University, Tunis Cedex, B.P. 676, 1080, Tunis Cedex, Tunisia.
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Parab AR, Lynn CB, Subramaniam S. Assessment of genetic stability on in vitro and ex vitro plants of Ficus carica var. black jack using ISSR and DAMD markers. Mol Biol Rep 2021; 48:7223-7231. [PMID: 34586562 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-021-06714-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Clonal propagation is one of the attributes of plant tissue culture. Therefore, analysis of genetic stability among the in vitro cultured plants is a crucial step. It helps to signify the clonal propagation of the micropropagated plants. Regenerated Ficus carica var. Black Jack plantlets were established using woody plant medium supplemented with 20 μM 6-Benzylaminopurine and 8 μM Indole-3-acetic acid under different light treatments such as normal fluorescent white light (60 μmol m-2 s-1), and four different LED spectra, white (400-700 nm), blue (440 nm), red (660 nm) and blue + red (440 nm + 660 nm). Genetic stability analysis was performed on the in vitro and ex vitro plants of Ficus carica var. Black Jack. METHODS AND RESULTS Ten primers of each, ISSR and DAMD molecular markers, were used to assess the genetic stability of the eight samples of Ficus carica var. Black Jack. ISSR markers showed 97.87% of monomorphism whereas DAMD markers showed 100% monomorphism. Polymorphism of 2.13% was observed for the UBC840 ISSR-DNA primer which was negated under the genetic similarity index analysis for the eight samples. The findings of this study revealed that ISSR and DAMD markers are efficient in determining the polymorphism and monomorphism percentage among the in vitro and ex vitro samples of Ficus carica var. Black Jack. CONCLUSION Monomorphism of 100% obtained using DAMD markers and more than 95% of monomorphism obtained using ISSR markers indicate that the regenerated plants are significantly genetically stable. These molecular markers can be used to test the genetic stability of in vitro regenerated plants. It is recommended that genetic stability analysis should be performed for long-term maintenance of such micropropagated plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ankita Rajendra Parab
- School of Biological Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), 11800, Georgetown, Penang, Malaysia
| | - Chew Bee Lynn
- School of Biological Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), 11800, Georgetown, Penang, Malaysia
| | - Sreeramanan Subramaniam
- School of Biological Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), 11800, Georgetown, Penang, Malaysia. .,Chemical Centre Biology (CCB), Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), 11900, Bayan Lepas, Penang, Malaysia. .,School of Chemical Engineering Technology, Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UNIMAP), 02600, Arau, Perlis, Malaysia. .,National Poison Centre, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), 11800, Georgetown, Penang, Malaysia.
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Rather ZA, Ahmad R, Dar AR, Dar TUH, Khuroo AA. Predicting shifts in distribution range and niche breadth of plant species in contrasting arid environments under climate change. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2021; 193:427. [PMID: 34143311 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-021-09160-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Arid environments face extreme risk from contemporary climate change; therefore, predicting the shifts in species distribution range and niche breadth in these environments assumes urgent research priority. Here we report the potential distribution and predict future distribution range of two model plant species typically representing contrasting environments across Asia and Africa: hot-arid Ephedra foliata and cold-arid E. gerardiana. We adopted a comparative modelling approach and used occurrence points from extensive field surveys, supplemented with herbaria records and publicly available distribution data. Our study reveals that currently an area of 8.797334 × 106 km2 (8.8%) is potentially suitable for E. foliata and nearly half 4.759326 × 106 km2 (4.8%) for E. gerardiana. Under future climate change scenarios, distribution range of E. foliata is predicted to expand but contract in E. gerardiana. Similarly, E. foliata showed broader niche breadth which is predicted to increase under B1 (0.097-0.125) and B2 (0.878-0.930) climatic change scenarios. In contrast, E. gerardiana had narrower niche breadth and expected to further decrease under B1 (0.081-0.078) and B2 (0.878-0.854). The most influential bioclimatic variable governing the potential distribution and niche breadth of E. foliata was the precipitation of warmest quarter, whereas that of E. gerardiana was temperature seasonality. The results from our study can help in developing potential indicator plant species for assessment and monitoring of distribution range shifts in response to changing climate in the arid environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zubair Ahmad Rather
- Centre for Biodiversity and Taxonomy, Department of Botany, University of Kashmir, Srinagar, 190006, India.
| | - Rameez Ahmad
- Centre for Biodiversity and Taxonomy, Department of Botany, University of Kashmir, Srinagar, 190006, India
| | - Abdul Rashid Dar
- Department of Botany, Govt, Degree College (Boys), Kupwara, Jammu and Kashmir, India
| | | | - Anzar Ahmad Khuroo
- Centre for Biodiversity and Taxonomy, Department of Botany, University of Kashmir, Srinagar, 190006, India
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Jones NS, Comparin JH. Interpol review of controlled substances 2016-2019. Forensic Sci Int Synerg 2020; 2:608-669. [PMID: 33385148 PMCID: PMC7770462 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsisyn.2020.01.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2020] [Accepted: 01/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
This review paper covers the forensic-relevant literature in controlled substances from 2016 to 2019 as a part of the 19th Interpol International Forensic Science Managers Symposium. The review papers are also available at the Interpol website at: https://www.interpol.int/content/download/14458/file/Interpol%20Review%20Papers%202019.pdf.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole S. Jones
- RTI International, Applied Justice Research Division, Center for Forensic Sciences, 3040 E. Cornwallis Road, Research Triangle Park, NC, 22709-2194, USA
| | - Jeffrey H. Comparin
- United States Drug Enforcement Administration, Special Testing and Research Laboratory, USA
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A Review on Worldwide Ephedra History and Story: From Fossils to Natural Products Mass Spectroscopy Characterization and Biopharmacotherapy Potential. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2020; 2020:1540638. [PMID: 32419789 PMCID: PMC7210547 DOI: 10.1155/2020/1540638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2020] [Revised: 04/08/2020] [Accepted: 04/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Growing worldwide, the genus Ephedra (family Ephedraceae) had a medicinal, ecological, and economic value. The extraordinary morphological diversity suggests that Ephedra was survivor of an ancient group, and its antiquity is also supported by fossil data. It has recently been suggested that Ephedra appeared 8–32 million years ago, and a few megafossils document its presence in the Early Cretaceous. Recently, the high analytical power provided by the new mass spectrometry (MS) instruments is making the characterization of Ephedra metabolites more feasible, such as ephedrine series. In this regard, the chemical compounds isolated from crude extracts, fractions, and few isolated compounds of Ephedra species were characterized by MS-based techniques (LC-MS, LC-ESI-MS, HPLC-PDA-ESI/MS, LC-DAD-ESI/MSn, LC/Orbitrap MS, etc.). Moreover, we carry out an exhaustive review of the scientific literature on biomedicine and pharmacotherapy (anticancer, antiproliferative, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, antihyperlipidemic, antiarthritic, and anti-influenza activities; proapoptotic and cytotoxic potential; and so on). Equally, antimicrobial and antioxidant activities were discussed. This review is focused on all these topics, along with current studies published in the last 5 years (2015–2019) providing in-depth information for readers.
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