Discovery of the photosynthetic relatives of the "Maltese mushroom" Cynomorium. (1/4)

BACKGROUND: Although recent molecular phylogenetic studies have identified the photosynthetic relatives of several enigmatic holoparasitic angiosperms, uncertainty remains for the last parasitic plant order, Balanophorales, often considered to include two families, Balanophoraceae and Cynomoriaceae. The nonphotosynthetic (holoparasitic) flowering plant Cynomorium coccineum has long been known to the Muslim world as "tarthuth" and to Europeans as the "Maltese mushroom"; C. songaricum is known in Chinese medicine as "suo yang." Interest in these plants is increasing and they are being extensively collected from wild populations for use in herbal medicines. RESULTS: Here we report molecular phylogenetic analyses of nuclear ribosomal DNA and mitochondrial matR sequence data that strongly support the independent origin of Balanophoraceae and Cynomoriaceae. Analyses of single gene and combined gene data sets place Cynomorium in Saxifragales, possibly near Crassulaceae (stonecrop family). Balanophoraceae appear related to Santalales (sandalwood order), a position previously suggested from morphological characters that are often assumed to be convergent. CONCLUSION: Our work shows that Cynomorium and Balanophoraceae are not closely related as indicated in all past and present classifications. Thus, morphological features, such as inflorescences bearing numerous highly reduced flowers, are convergent and were attained independently by these two holoparasite lineages. Given the widespread harvest of wild Cynomorium species for herbal medicines, we here raise conservation concerns and suggest that further molecular phylogenetic work is needed to identify its photosynthetic relatives. These relatives, which will be easier to cultivate, should then be examined for phytochemical activity purported to be present in the more sensitive Cynomorium.  (+info)

Therapeutic effects of radix dipsaci, pyrola herb, and Cynomorium songaricum on bone metabolism of ovariectomized rats. (2/4)

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Evaluation of antioxidant potential of "maltese mushroom" (Cynomorium coccineum) by means of multiple chemical and biological assays. (3/4)

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A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study of Cappra(R) for the treatment of mild or mild to moderate erectile dysfunction in Thai male. (4/4)

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is one of the major health concerns affects the quality of life among Thai male. The treatment of ED by the first-line drugs is limited to a certain group of patients due to their side effects and costs. Alternative medicine can be beneficial for the treatment of ED. This is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of Cappra((R)), a traditional herbal medicine which was used in Thailand for decades, for the treatment of mild and mild to moderate ED in Thai patients. A total of 63 patients with mild or mild to moderate ED were randomized to receive Cappra((R)) or placebo for two weeks in the first period, followed by one week washout period. The patients were switched to the alternative treatment in the second period. The efficacy was assessed by the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) questionnaire and adverse events. Sixty one patients completed the study. There was an improvement of IIEF score for all domains in Cappra((R)) group compared with placebo group. The mean change of IIEF score from baseline for erectile function domain of Cappra((R)) was significantly higher than placebo (4.87 vs 3.44, p = 0.032). The most common adverse events were dizziness (13.3% Cappra((R)), 9.6% placebo), face numbness (1.6% Cappra((R)), 0% placebo), and tachycardia (1.6% Cappra((R)), 0% placebo). The results from this study demonstrated that Cappra((R)) is effective and well-tolerated and can be used as alternative therapy for mild and mild to moderate ED.  (+info)