Analysis on genetic, chemical and pharmacological diversity of medicinal plants, towards sustainable uses of traditional medicines

Eleutheroside B contained in rhizome of Eleutherococcus senticosus and root bark of Acanthopanax gracilistylus showed protective effect against neuritic atrophy in vitro and amelioration of the impaired object identification memory in vivo, suggesting that both herbal drugs would be expected for the application in dementia remedy. Among Acorus species whose rhizomes showed neurite outgrowth activity, some genotype of A. gramineus with low amount ofβ-asarone, a carcinogenic compound, were found. Based on genetic and chemical evidences, the botanical sources of white and red peony roots from China were demonstrated to be the southern and northern strains of Paeonia lactiflora, respectively, and several horticultural varieties were selected as alternative medicinal resources. Above results will contribute to sustainable uses of such medicinal resources.